• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.14-18
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• 2008

Purpose: Evaluation of results of free flap as a method of reconstruction in soft tissue defect after wide excision of soft tissue tumor of extremity. Materials and Methods: From 2000 through 2007, 11 patients received free flap surgery for soft tissue defect after wide excision operation for soft tissue tumor of limbs. Four cases were upper extremities and seven were lower extremities. Four subjects were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, three as malignant melanoma, two as synovial sarcoma and one as malignant fibrous histiocytoma and alveolar soft part sarcoma. Donor sites of free flap varied with anterolateral thigh flaps in six cases, latissimus dorsi flaps in four, reverse forearm flap in one. By the method of doppler ultrasound, venous circulation was evaluated for the survival of each flap on the third, fifth and seventh day respectively after the operation. Results: 10 of 11 free flaps were successfully survived. Necrosis of free flaps in 1 cases occurred in case of anterolateral thigh flap. Conclusion: Free flap can be a useful method for reconstruction of soft tissue defect after wide excision of soft tissue sarcoma of extremity.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.61-69
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• 2022

Background Single free flaps are a commonly used reconstructive method for multiple soft tissue defects in digits. We analyzed the flap size, division timing, and degree of necrosis in cases with various types of flap division. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of the medical charts of patients who had undergone single free flap reconstruction for multiple soft tissue defects across their digits from 2011 to 2020. The flap types included were the lateral arm free flap, venous forearm free flap, thenar free flap, hypothenar free flap, anterolateral thigh free flap, medial plantar free flap, and second toe pulp free flap. Flap size, anastomosed vessels, division timing, and occurrence of flap necrosis were retrospectively investigated and then analyzed using the t-test. Results In total, 75 patients were included in the analysis. The success rate of the free flaps was 97.3%. All flaps were successfully divided after at least 17 days, with a mean of 47.17 days (range, 17-243 days) for large flaps and 42.81 days (range, 20-130 days) for the medium and small flaps (P=0.596). The mean area of flap necrosis was 2.38% in the large flaps and 2.58% in the medium and small flaps (P=0.935). Severe necrosis of the divided flap developed in two patients who had undergone flap division at week 6 and week 34. Conclusions In cases where blood flow to the flap has been stable for more than 3 weeks, flap division can be safely attempted regardless of the flap size.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.48 no.8
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• pp.607-614
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• 2010

Reconstruction after ablative oral cancer surgery is challenging mission. Soft tissue and hard tissue could be resected in case of advanced oral cancer. The final goal of oral reconstruction is to gain normal swallowing, chewing and speech. Nowadays, free flap reconstruction after oral cancer resection is more popular than pedicled flap. Microsurgical reconstruction with free flap could be used effectively in complicated cases of oral cavity defect. However, complications could be happened. So not only meticulous preoperative study about the extent of defects but also the donor site dressing after surgery were performed to prevent postoperative complication. The most favorite free flap for soft tissue reconstruction is radial forearm flap. It has a lot of advantages such as pliable, hairless, reliable vessels, appropriate diameter of radial artery and diverse flap design. And the most popular free flap for jaw reconstruction is free fibular flap. In this article, we report the classification of flap for reconstruction and reveal the pits and falls of radial forearm free flap and free fibular flap.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2015

Purpose: The rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (RAM) flap has contributed to the efficient reconstruction of soft tissue defects. The flap has the advantage of easy dissection, minimal donor site morbidity, and the constant vascular anatomy with long pedicle. Authors used the free RAM flap to reconstruct multi-located soft tissue defects while still considering functionality and aesthetics. We present the long-term outcomes and versatility of free RAM flaps. Materials and Methods: From 1994 to 2004, all patients who underwent soft tissue reconstruction with free RAM flap were reviewed retrospectively. The site of the reconstruction, vessels of anastomosis, type of RAM flap, and outcomes, including flap success rate, hospital stay after flap transfer, conduction of secondary procedure, flap complications, and donor-site complications were analyzed. Results: Twenty-one patients underwent 24 free RAM flaps in site of breast, face, upper extremity and lower extremity. Mean follow-up period was 36.1 months (range, 3~156 months). The overall success rate was 92% with only a loss of 2 flaps. Minor complications related to transferred flaps were necrosis of 2 partial flaps, hematoma formation in 3 cases, and a wound infection in 1 case. Donor site morbidity was not observed. Debulking surgery was performed in 4 patients, and scar revision was performed in 3 patients. Conclusion: Free RAM flap is a workhorse flap for general soft-tissue reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity with aesthetically good results. Thus, the free RAM flaps are versatile, and sturdy for any sites of soft-tissue where reconstruction could be performed.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.80-87
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• 2000

Acute high speed accidents that results in full thickness skin defect and exposure of tendon, nerve, vessel and periosteum over denuded bone demands soft tissue coverage. Exposed bone often ensues chronic infection and requires free flap transplantation which surely covers defects in one stage operation and enhances transport of oxygen-rich blood and converts a non-osteogenic or partially osteogenic site into a highly osteogenic site, but exposed bone which had performed free flap transplantation sometimes necroses and needs secondary bone procedure. Scar contracture limits joint motion should be excised and covered with normal soft tissue to restore normal range of motion. Authors have performed the large latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap in 8 cases of extensive soft tissue defect and exposed bone lesion in the leg and 1 case of the flap was failed. The secondary ilizarov bone procedure was performed in 3 of 8 cases. 2 cases of large burn scar contracture and 1 case of posttraumatic scar contracture in lower extremity were restored with the large latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap. Authors concluded that large latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap is the most acceptable microvascular procedure in large soft tissue defect combined with exposed periosteum and bone requiring secondary bone procedure and in large burn scar contracture limiting knee joint motion.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.157-162
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• 2010

Purpose: Free flap reconstruction in the pediatric population is difficult. However, microsurgery has had remarkable success rates in children. The aim of study is to present our clinical experience using free flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in children and to describe long-term follow-up results. Methods: Between June 2002 and July 2010, 30 cases of pediatric reconstruction were performed with free flap. The authors analyzed several items, such as the kind of flap, associated complications, and growth problems. Results: Among the 30 cases, 21 cases were due to traffic accidents, 5 to cancer, and 4 to falls and other soft tissue defects. The lower leg and foot were the most common sites of the lesion. In the free flap operations we have done, 20 cases involved an anterolateral thigh perforator free flap, 6 a superficial circumflex iliac perforator free flap, and 4 an upper medial thigh perforator free flap. In early postoperative complications, partial necrosis was seen in 2 cases, infection in 1 case, and the hematoma in 1 case. A satisfactory success rate and functional results were achieved. Conclusion: Free flap reconstruction in children allows satisfactory function with no significant effect on growth. Free flaps are regarded as the primary choice for selective pediatric reconstructive cases.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.89-95
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of anterolateral thigh free flap on soft tissue defect following wide excision in malignant soft tissue tumor of lower extremities. Methods: Between February 2005 to April 2010, we followed up 19 cases who were undergoing anterolateral thigh free flap because of soft tissue defect following wide excision of malignant soft tissue tumor in lower extremity, including 9 cases were heel, 5 cases in foot, 3 cases in ankle, 2 cases in knee and leg. We observed that of implanted area's color, peripheral circulation at 3, 5, 7 days after operation and evaluated operating time, amount of hemorrhage, implanted skin necrosis, additional operations, complications. And we also evaluated the oncologic results, including local recurrence, metastasis, and morbidity. Results: Average operation time of wide excision and anterolateral thigh free flap was 7 hour 28 minutes. 18(94.7%) of total 19 cases showed successful engraftment, on the other hand, failure of engraftment due to complete necrosis of flap in 1 case. In 18 cases with successful engraftment, reoperation was performed in 4 cases. Among them, removal of hematoma and engraftment of flap after bleeding control was performed in 3 cases, because of insufficient circulation due to the hematoma. In the remaining 1 case, graft necrosis due to flap infection was checked, and grafted after combination of wound debridement and conservative treatment such as antibiotics therapy, also skin graft was performed at debrided skin defect area. Skin color change was mainly due to congestion with hematoma, flap was not observed global congestion or necrosis except 4 cases which shows partial necrosis on margin that treated with conservative therapy. Conclusions: Anterolateral thigh free flap could be recommended for reconstruction of soft tissue defect following wide excision of malignant soft tissue tumor in lower extremity.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.365-371
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• 2009

Purpose: Good color match holds a key position in facial reconstruction for good aesthetic result. To correct the wide facial soft tissue defect were usually used the tissue expanded cheek flap, deltopectoral flap or radial forearm free flap. This study is aimed to analyse the color difference after flap surgery by using chromameter. Method: From August 1995 to December 2006, 30 patients underwent flap operations were chosen randomly and evaluated color differences between flap site and adjacent skin. Reconstructive procedures included tissue expanded cheek flap(n = 10), deltopectoral flap(n = 10), and radial forearm free flap(n = 10). The measured sites were flap center within a radius of 1 ㎝ and four points of adjacent skin along the flap margin. The color was quantified in a three dimensional coordinate system $L^*$ (brightness), $a^*$ (redness), $b^*$ (yellowness). Results: There was no significant color difference between the pedicled flaps(tissue expanded cheek flap and deltopectoral flap) and adjacent skin area. On the other hand, color values of the radial forearm free flap were statistically different from those of adjacent skin area. Total color difference(${\Delta}E$) of tissue expanded cheek flap and deltopectoral flap were $7.45{\pm}5.78$ versus $9.41{\pm}7.09$, and that of radial forearm free flap was $11.74{\pm}3.85$. They suggest that pedicled flaps have a potential of better color match than radial forearm free flap. Conclusion: Thus, better esthetic result and satisfaction is more likely to be expected in pedicled flaps as long as it could be applied comparing radial forearm free flap.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.353-358
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• 2013

Background Robots have allowed head and neck surgeons to extirpate oropharyngeal tumors safely without the need for lip-split incision or mandibulotomy. Using robots in oropharyngeal reconstruction is new but essential for oropharyngeal defects that result from robotic tumor excision. We report our experience with robotic free-flap reconstruction of head and neck defects to exemplify the necessity for robotic reconstruction. Methods We investigated head and neck cancer patients who underwent ablation surgery and free-flap reconstruction by robot. Between July 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 5 cases were performed and patient demographics, location of tumor, pathologic stage, reconstruction methods, flap size, recipient vessel, necessary pedicle length, and operation time were investigated. Results Among five free-flap reconstructions, four were radial forearm free flaps and one was an anterolateral thigh free-flap. Four flaps used the superior thyroid artery and one flap used a facial artery as the recipient vessel. The average pedicle length was 8.8 cm. Flap insetting and microanastomosis were achieved using a specially manufactured robotic instrument. The total operation time was 1,041.0 minutes (range, 814 to 1,132 minutes), and complications including flap necrosis, hematoma, and wound dehiscence did not occur. Conclusions This study demonstrates the clinically applicable use of robots in oropharyngeal reconstruction, especially using a free flap. A robot can assist the operator in insetting the flap at a deep portion of the oropharynx without the need to perform a traditional mandibulotomy. Robot-assisted reconstruction may substitute for existing surgical methods and is accepted as the most up-to-date method.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.70-79
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• 1996

From January 1980 to May 1995, ninety-six patients had been treated by free-flap transfer for the soft tissue defects of the extremities. Ninety-eight cases of free-tissue transfer were reviewed to evaluate the clinical reliability in terms of survival and quality of long-time function after reconstructive surgery. Among these 98 cases(27 cases in latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, 25 in dorsalis pedis flap, 20 in forearm fasciocutaneous flap, 9 in groin flap, 7 in gracilis myocutaneous flap, 6 in 1st web space flap of foot and 4 cases in tensor fascia lata flap), 92 cases of then were survived. 7 cases were performed with vein grafts. We ananalyzed the reconstruction of the extremities on 98 cases with the soft tissue defects which had been reconstructed free-flap transfer and followed for minimum 1 year period at Korea University Hospital. 1. 92 cases(93.9%) of the total 98 cases were successful and can be obtained the excellent results in soft tissue free-flap transfer. 2. While there were no clinically significant differences in survival rate of flaps transferred from different potential flap donor sites,3 cases of 9 groin flaps were showed higher failure rate due to the complications such as arterial thrombosis, infection and anatomical variation of vessels. 3. Postoperative thrombectomy was performed in 30 cases to be occured in the arterial and venous thrombosis. The revision was failed in 2 cases due to persistent arterial thrombosis and infection, then treated with skin graft. 4. Vein graft was frequently required in severely compromised-soft tissue defects resulted from high-energy trauma. The vein graft was not stitistically significant on the frequency of flap failure rate(P<0.04). 5. Meticulous monitoring, careful planning, early revision and technical considerations will provide for a high clinical success of the free-flap transfer.