• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.225-228
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Urethral reconstruction following failed hypospadias repair is difficult because of a severe shortage of the skin on ventral surface of the penis. We experienced a successful reconstruction of a failed hypospadias repair using the radial forearm free flap. So we present our case. Methods: A 16 - year - old boy had a proximal shaft hypospadias and had been taken a transverse preputial island flap but it completely broke down. There was no spare skin on the shaft of the penis. So we reconstructed a neo - urethra and the ventral skin of the penis with the radial forearm free flap. Results: Postoperatively he made relatively good process. The urethral catheter was maintained for 10 days and self - voiding was started. The suprapubic catheter was removed at the postoperative 30th day after control of cystitis. The postoperative appearance of the penis is acceptable and a straight erection is achieved. Conclusion: In the scarred penis with hypospadias, the radial forearm free flap transfer is a reliable reconstructive method for the neo - urethra and the ventral skin of the penis.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.62-66
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Despite the free tissue transfer using microsurgical technique being the current trend of soft tissue reconstruction of the hand, the pedicled groin flap has the advantage to provide coverage for the mangled hand without necessitating the use of a damaged arterial system and also providing the benefit of saving the arterial system for later free tissue transfer. This report presents the author's experience using pedicled groin flap in four cases of mangled hands with massive bone and soft tissue defects requiring later thumb reconstruction with the free wrap around flap. Materials and methods: The patients' age ranged from 30 to 51 years; three patients were male and one was female. The causes of mangled hand included two machinery crush injuries, one laboratory explosion and one motor vehicle accident. While evaluating the post-operative results, factors like flap survival, complications, stability in opposition, pinch power and 2 point discrimination were taken into account. Results: All massive soft tissue defects of the hands were completely covered with pedicled groin flap successfully. The reconstructed thumb using free wrap around flap did not have any limitation in opposition. There was no occurrence of post-operative infection and all the flaps survived completely. The average pinch power was 70% of the contralateral intact thumb and average 2 point discrimination was 10 mm. Conclusion: The pedicled groin flap for the reconstruction of the massive soft tissue defects of the hand with subsequent reconstruction of the thumb with a wrap around flap is a very useful procedure. The combined use of pedicled groin flap and wrap around flap allows adequate coverage of sizable soft tissue defects and functional thumb opposition in cases of reconstruction of the mangled hands.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.49 no.3
• /
• pp.448-452
• /
• 2022

Total reconstruction of the penis (TPR) represents a challenge for urologists and plastic surgeons, especially when urethral length is severely reduced. We here describe, for the first time in an oncologic scenario, a double flap phalloplasty using a pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for penile reconstruction and a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for complete neourethra and glans reconstruction following penile amputation. A 48-year-old patient came to our department following a total penectomy with inferior urethral derivation. The indication for a double flap phalloplasty was posed as only way to fully reconstruct the urethra on its length avoiding possible complications of single flap reconstruction using tube-into-tube technique. Both flaps healed uneventfully with no neourethral strictures or fistulas described. At 18 months follow-up, the patient was extremely satisfied with the aesthetic result and was able to void in standing position. We think that a double free tissue transfer for TPR should be considered, particularly when a urethral length > 14 cm needs to be reconstructed. While the pedicled ALT can be used to reconstruct a proper penile shaft with an easily concealed scar, the RFFF can provide adequate neourethra length with satisfactory sensory recovery at the neoglans.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.345-351
• /
• 2012

Background Cranial base defects are challenging to reconstruct without serious complications. Although free tissue transfer has been used widely and efficiently, it still has the limitation of requiring a long operation time along with the burden of microanastomosis and donor site morbidity. We propose using a reverse temporalis muscle flap and calvarial bone graft as an alternative option to a free flap for anterior cranial base reconstruction. Methods Between April 2009 and February 2012, cranial base reconstructions using an autologous calvarial split bone graft combined with a reverse temporalis muscle flap were performed in five patients. Medical records were retrospectively analyzed and postoperative computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography findings were examined to evaluate graft survival and flap viability. Results The mean follow-up period was 11.8 months and the mean operation time for reconstruction was $8.4{\pm}3.36$ hours. The defects involved the anterior cranial base, including the orbital roof and the frontal and ethmoidal sinus. All reconstructions were successful. Viable flap vascularity and bone survival were observed. There were no serious complications except for acceptable donor site depressions, which were easily corrected with minor procedures. Conclusions The reverse temporalis muscle flap could provide sufficient bulkiness to fill dead space and sufficient vascularity to endure infection. The calvarial bone graft provides a rigid framework, which is critical for maintaining the cranial base structure. Combined anterior cranial base reconstruction with a reverse temporalis muscle flap and calvarial bone graft could be a viable alternative to free tissue transfer.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.29-32
• /
• 2013

Purpose: Reconstruction of scalp and calvarial defects should provide both aesthetic and functional aspects. The inelastic nature of the scalp and previous surgery or radiation preclude the use of primary closure or a local flap. With development of microsurgical technique, a free tissue transfer is a good option. We use the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap for reconstruction. Materials and Methods: A review of all latissimus dorsi free flap reconstructions performed in nine patients from 2009 to 2012 was conducted. There were six males and three females, ranging in age from seven to 69 years, and nine different regions, including five temporal regions, two occipital regions, and two frontoparietal regions. The flaps ranged in size from $9.0{\times}10.0cm$ to $14.0{\times}15.0cm$. Recipient vessels available for microanastomosis were most often the superficial temporal vessels and two patients had anastomoses to the external carotid artery and internal jugular vein. Results: All flaps survived postoperatively. With a median follow-up period of 14 months, no major complications were noted. However, two patients developed minor wound dehiscence, and a hematoma was observed in one patient. Conclusion: We performed the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap reconstruction, which is one of the most popular reconstructive methods. The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap reconstruction has been proven successful in our patients with satisfactory results. During the long term follow-up period, even though depressions were observed on the defect area in some patients, they were treated successfully with cranioplasty. Therefore, we recommend the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap for reconstruction of scalp and calvarial defects.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.119-124
• /
• 2003

Introduction : The purpose is a retrospective evaluation of the clinical results of the radial forearm flap transfer for foot reconstruction. Materials and methods : We evaluated 21 cases with medical records including etiology, wound dimension, presence of infection, associated fracture, ischemic time of free flap, complication of donor and recipient site. The final results were evaluated with our clinical score (walking, shoe-in, cosmetic). Results : Defects were located on the heel (12 cases), dorsum of foot (4 cases) and sole (5 cases). Mean wound dimension was $7.56{\times}6.0cm$, and mean ischemic time of free flap was 94.5minute. There were superficial skin necrosis (1 case), recurrent ulceration (2 cases) in recipient site, and no complication in donor site but complaint about cosmetic problem (3 cases). The clinical score showed excellent in 14 cases, good in 4 cases, fair in 1 case and poor in 2 cases. Conclusion : We consider the radial forearm flap could provid the stable and durable restoration of normal foot contour without debulking in the foot reconstruction and achieved normal ambulation and cosmetic satisfaction.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.77-83
• /
• 1999

The skin on the dorsum of the foot is a source of the reliable thin and sensory cutaneous free tissue transplantation with or without tendon, bone and joint. A composite flap with attached vascularized tendon grafts for the combined loss of skin and tendon on the dorsum of the hand and foot offers an immediate one stage solution to this problem. The flap provides a very durable innervated tissue cover for the heel of the foot and the dorsum of the hand and an osteocutaneous transfer combined with the second metatarsal. The major dorsalis pedis artery is constant in size, but the first dorsal metatarsal artery is variable in size and location. The dorsal surface of the foot receives sensory innervation through the superficial peroneal nerve and the first web through the deep peroneal nerve. Authors had performed 5 dorsalis pedis free flap transplantation in the foot and hand at Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chonbuk National University Hospital from August 1993 through August 1997 and followed up for the period of between 19 and 67 months until March 1999. The results were as follows 1. 5 cases dorsalis pedis free flap transfer to the foot(4 cases) and the hand(1 case) were performed and the recipient was foot dorsum and heel 2 cases each and hand dorsum 1 case. 2 All of 5 cases(100%) were survived from free flap transfer and recipient artery was dorsalis pedis artery(2 cases), anterior tibial artery(1 case), posterior tibial artery(1 case) and ulnar artery(1 case) and recipient veins were 2 in number except in the hand. 3. Long term follow up of the exterior and maceration was good and sensory recovery was poor 4. Donor site was covered with full thickness skin graft obtained from one or both inguinal areas at postoperative 3rd week and skin graft was taken good and no morbidity was showed.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.5
• /
• pp.583-590
• /
• 2009

Purpose: In the cases of a vascular compromised condition in an injured lower extremity, soft tissue coverage with free tissue transfer presents a challenging problem to the reconstructive surgeon. For this reason, cross - leg flaps are still used in unusual circumstances. Advances in surgical technique has made the cross - leg free flap possible although it may require long operation time along with significant donor site morbidity. Therefore, a pedicled cross - leg muscle flap may be an alternative treatment modality when local flap or free flap is not possible. Methods: Twelve patients(9 males and 3 females) underwent the operation between October of 2001 and December of 2008. The patients' age ranged from 6 to 82 years. The unusual defects included the regions such as the knee, popliteal fossa, distal third of the tibia, dorsal foot, and the heel. Indications for the cross - leg gastrocnemius flap are inadequate recipient vessels for free flap(in eight cases), extensive soft tissue injuries(in three cases) and free flap failure(in one case). The muscle flap was elevated from contralateral leg and transferred to the soft tissue defect on the lower leg while both legs were immobilized with two connected external fixator systems. Delay procedure was performed 2 weeks postoperatively, and detachment was done after the establishment of the adequate circulation. The average period from the initial flap surgery to detachment was 32 days (3 to 6 weeks). Mean follow - up period was 4 years. Results: Stable coverage was achieved in all twelve patients without any flap complications. Donor site had minimal scarring without any functional and cosmetic problems. No severe complications such as deep vein thrombosis or flap necrosis were noted although mild to moderate contracture of the knee and ankle joint developed due to external fixation requiring 3 to 4 weeks of physical treatment. All patients were able to walk without crutches 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Although pedicled cross - leg flaps may not substitute free flap surgery, it may be an alternative method of treatment when free flap is not feasible. Using this modification of the gastrocnemius flap we managed to close successfully soft tissue defects in twelve patients without using free tissue transfers.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.25 no.11
• /
• pp.1225-1230
• /
• 1992

Reconstructive surgical procedures for hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal defects have still a lot of technical defficulties and varieties to be performed as a optimal treatment according to the clinical situation patient faced. We have experienced a case of successful reconstruction of cervical esophageal defect, which was resulted from graft failure of free jejunal transfer in 43 year old male with eso-phagocutaneous fistula, using free fasciocutaneous dorsalis pedis flap. This article describes the review of our case and literature relevant the reconstructive maneuvers of cervical esophageal defects.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.44-48
• /
• 2009

Purpose: The treatment of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the face remains a difficult challenge in plastic surgery. Incomplete resection resulting in uncontrolled bleeding, postoperative enlargement of the remaining malformation, and a poor functional and cosmetic result could be the problems confronted by the surgeons. Methods: A 37 year-old male with large arteriovenous malformation in face treated with preoperative superselective transarterial embolization and free flap transfer. The size of the defect was $13{\times}9cm$. Sclerotheraphy without resection were performed several times but the results were unsatisfactory. Resection was performed the next day of embolization. We were able to repair with the thoracodorsal artery perforator free flap. And facial muscle reconstruction performed by simultaneous muscle and nerve transfer. Results: During the follow-up period 8 months the patient regained an acceptable cosmetic appearance. And he has shown no reexpansion of the malformation. Conclusion: The thoracodorsal artery perforator free flap could be a good choice for the reconstruction for massive defects of the face. A huge arteriovenous malformation could be safely removed and successfully reconstructed by the complete embolization, wide excision and coverage with a well vascularized tissue.