• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.75-79
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• 2009

Purpose: The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous(TRAM) flap is the most commonly used autogenous tissue flap for breast reconstruction. Postoperatively, partial flap loss or fat necrosis are relatively common and it may result in a smaller breast volume with marked contour irregularities. These defects are not easy to reconstruct with local tissue rearrangement or with breast implants. The current authors present the results of 2 patients who underwent Latissimus dorsi(LD) flap reconstruction to correct partial flap or fat necrosis that developed after TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Method: Case1: A 50 - year - old woman with left breast cancer visited for breast reconstruction after radical mastectomy. Initially, breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM was performed. Postoperatively partial flap necrosis was developed. Secondary breast reconstruction using LD flap was done. Case2: A 51 - year - old woman with left breast cancer visited for breast reconstruction after radical mastectomy. Initially, breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM was performed. Postoperatively fat necrosis was developed. Secondary breast reconstruction using LD flap was done. Results: Secondary breast reconstruction using LD flap survived completely and produce successful reconstruction. There was no significant complication in both patients. Conclusion: LD flap provides sufficient, vascularized skin and soft tissue. The flap can be molded easily to replace deficient tissue in all areas of the breast. These attributes make it an ideal candidate for salvage of the partially failed TRAM flap breast reconstructio.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.105-108
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• 2009

Purpose: Epidermoid cyst may be congenital or acquired. Acquired cysts are most commonly of traumatic origin and result from an implantation or downward displacement of an epidermal fragment. Traumatic epidermoid cysts are rare tumors occurring on the nasal tip, especially resulting aesthetic procedure. So, we report a rare case of an iatrogenic epidermoid cyst in the nasal tip following rhinoplasty. Methods: A 44 - years old man had undergone rhinoplasty for several times. First time, the previous augmentation rhinoplasty and wedge osteotomy were performed nineteen months ago, lastly implant removal and unknown filler injection were performed one year ago at another local clinic. He had induration and tenderness on nasal tip and dorsum continued for 3 months. We thought that it caused by foreign body reaction with residual alloderm in nose. For removal of residual alloplastic material, open approach using transcolumellar incision was done. But, incidentally we found cystic mass on the nasal tip. Results: The findings were of an $0.8{\times}0.5{\times}0.5cm$ sized round cystic mass containing cream coloured material with a thick cheese - like consistency. The mass was completely excised and submitted for histology. This confirmed the diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst lined by keratinizing squamous epithelium. There was no induration, tenderness and sign of recurrence after excision of the mass. Conclusion: Epidermal cyst of the nasal tip region represents an unusual clinical lesion and it presents as foreign body reaction. And then, our case demonstrates that meticulous surgical approach and suture technique are the keys to prevention against iatrogenic nasal epidermoid cyst, especially in secondary rhinoplasty.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.417-421
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• 2009

Purpose: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans(DFSP) is a moderate - degree malignant tumor of soft tissue from dermis to fat layer with high recurrences(11% to 73%) due to its local infiltrative characteristic. Many debates and controversies in deciding accurate surgical margin were presented before, but references about depth of invasion and appropriate surgical excision level were not properly made out. Therefore, we tried to identify the degree of tissue invasion of DFSP. Methods: Twenty patients, including 8 patients with recurrent lesions, over last 10 years were reviewed retrospectively. Different surgical margins were applied according to the location and based on histopathologic result, we have defined as a 'deep tissue invasion' if there were infiltration of tumor cell into fascia or underlying muscle layer was present. All invaded tissue including dermis, fat, fascia and muscle were excised until no tumor cell was found during intraoperative frozen section biopsy. And comparative analysis of deep tissue invasion according to age, primary site, duration of disease and recurrence was done. Results: Thirteen patients(65%) showed deep tissue invasion and incidence was found to be increasing with age(over 30 years old). All patients with DFSP on head and neck region revealed deep tissue invasion followed by trunk(54%) and lower extremities(50%). There was no relationship between duration of disease and deep tissue invasion. Conclusions: It is clear that many cases of DFSP had a deep tissue invasion. And high prevalence of deep tissue invasion with age, primary site was intimately associated. So, underlying deep tissue must be completely examined and excised sufficiently throughout the operation for clear resection of DFSP with no recurrences, especially when age is over 30s and on head and neck region.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.238-243
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• 2013

Background Primary malignant tumors of the hand, although unusual, may present varied and often complex clinical problems. The main treatment modality of skin cancer of the hand has changed. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 43 patients who underwent surgery for malignant skin tumors of the hand during an 18-year period, from September 1994 to February 2012. The characteristics of the tumor, methods of reconstruction, and long-term results were reviewed. Results We had 43 patients with 27 melanomas, 14 squamous cell carcinomas, and 2 sarcomas. Their ages ranged from 19 to 74 years (mean, $53.4{\pm}14.5$ years), from 46 to 79 years (mean, $59.7{\pm}9.6$ years), and from 15 to 43 years (mean, $29{\pm}19.8$ years), respectively. Thirty-four cases occurred on the fingertip (16 of those cases on the thumb), 5 cases occurred on the palm, and 4 cases on the dorsum of the hand. Amputation was most frequently used in early cases, but recently, tissue-sparing excision has been performed frequently. The incidence of local recurrence was 3 cases and distant metastasis was 1 case, and the 5-year survival rate was 100%, except in 4 cases due to follow-up loss. Conclusions The principles of treatment-to be curative and to preserve function and appearance-are important points. "Preservative surgery" preserves function and cosmesis of the involved finger or hand dorsum or palm. Preservative surgery not only emphasizes less resection and surgery of a smaller scale, but also optimal reconstruction of the soft tissue defect of the digit.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.313-318
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• 2017

Background Jeju Island is geographically and socioeconomically distinct from the mainland of South Korea. Thus, the presentation and management of non-melanocytic skin cancers (NMSC) of the head and neck may differ from those in other regions of the country. We compared the clinical characteristics and treatment modalities of NMSC on Jeju Island with the findings of similar regional studies. Methods Patient data, including age, sex, diagnosis, tumor site, treatment, and recurrence, were obtained from the medical and pathology records of patients diagnosed with NMSC between January 2010 and June 2015. Results In total, 190 patients (57 men) with a mean age of 75 years (range, 42-97) were assessed. Overall, 203 NMSCs were diagnosed, including 123 basal cell carcinomas and 80 squamous cell carcinomas. The tumor sites included the nose, cheeks, periorbital area, and lips (n=55, 54, 25, and 20, respectively). We identified 92 T1-stage and 60 T2-stage tumors, and 120 cases were treated with wide surgical resection and 17 cases were treated with radiation therapy at the medical center. Of the 120 cases treated surgically, 69 required reconstructive surgery using a local skin flap, 22 required full-thickness skin grafting, and 12 underwent primary closure. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas recurred in 2 and 1 cases, respectively. Conclusions Compared to the reports from other regions, the average patient age was 10 years higher, with a marked female preponderance. While the proportion of squamous cell carcinoma was higher than in other regions, the tumor distribution and surgical management profiles were similar.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.124-130
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• 2005

In the microsurgical era, replantation with microvascular anastomosis is considered as the most superior method in aspects of texture, color, shape in case of nose amputation. There are some reported cases of replantation in nose amputation historically, but most of them are composite graft cases rather than microvascular anastomosis. Only a few cases of successful nasal replantation with microvascular anastomosis have been reported due to the reason that the size of vessels is usually very small and identifying suitable vessels for anastomosis is difficult. Microanastomosis of artery and microanastomosis of vein are ideal in replantation, but identifying suitable veins is often difficult. Without venous anastomosis, resolving the venous congestion remains to be a problem. We can carry out arteriovenous shunt if we can find two arteries in amputee. However, the smaller the size of amputee is, the more difficult it is to find two arteries. Instead of arteriovenous shunt, we can try external venous drainage(frequently swab, pin-prick, stab incision, IV or local heparin injection, dropping, apply of heparin-soaked gauze, use of medical leech). Here, we present three cases of replantation with microscopical arterial anastomosis (one angular artery, two dorsal nasal arteries) and external venous drainage (stab incision, application of medical leech and heparin-soaked gauze) even though the size of amputee may be as small as $1.5{\times}1.0cm$. In all cases, surgical outcomes were excellent in cosmetic and functional aspects. This report describes successful replantation by microvasular anastomosis in case that suitable veins are not found.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2005

Septal deviations interfere with the nasal airflow and contribute to the deformities in the external appearance of the nose. An aesthetically and functionally satisfactory correction of severe septal deformities often requires temporary intraoperative removal of the septal cartilage for appropriate remodeling. This article describes septoplasty through dorsal approach for the correction of septal deviation. From March 2001 to April 2004, the author performed septoplasty through dorsal approach for the correction of septal deviations on 45 patients, of whom 22 of whom had nasal obstruction. Open rhinoplasty was used for dorsal approach in all patients and operation was performed under the general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The follow-up period of the patients ranged from 3 to 15 months with a mean of 10 months, and postoperative results were quite satisfactory. There was neither incidences of patients' complaints, nor any complications such as hematoma, septal perforation, supratip deformity, or recurrence. And there was some improvement of nasal obstruction in 15 patients. In conclusion, Septoplasty through dorsal approach is an effective method for the correction of septal deviation and improvement of the nasal airway obstruction.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 1994

It is difficult to obtain a satisfactory bony union of large bone defect secondary to trauma, tumor resection, congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia and bony metaplasia following infection with conventional methods. Conventional nonvascularized autologous bone graft do not provide adequate large amounts of donor bone and usually undergo necrosis or nonunion due to lack of vascular nutrition. Currently, advanced in microsurgery have made it possible to provide a continuing circulation of blood in bone grafts so as to ensure viability. With the nutrient blood supply preserved, healing of the graft to the recipient bone is facilitated without the usual replacement of the graft by creeping substitution. Thus, the grafted bone is achieved more rapid stabilization without sacrificing viability. We reviewed 11 cases of vascularized fibular grafts which were performed from December 1982 to January 1993 and the following results were obtained: 1. Large bone defects with chronic osteomyelitis secondary to trauma were could be successfully treated by the vascularized fibular transfer. 2. In our experience, the vascularized fibular transfer was thought to be one of good methods of treatment for congenital pseudathrosis of tibia. 3. Complete tumor resection was followed by a free vascularized fibular transfer, resulting in good functional improvement, without local recurrence. Long bone defect secondary to bony dysplasia was could be reconstructed by the vascularized fibular transfer. 4. The transferred vascularized fibula had been hypertrophied with bony union during follow-up period and there was no resorption of the grafted fibula.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.7-11
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• 2016

Purpose: In recent decades, amputation is still recommended for patients with extensive lower extremity wounds requiring coverage. Although the feet contribute relatively little to total body surface area, they are essential organ for ambulation, and a high mortality rate after amputation has been reported. We report on 10 challenging cases of a mangled foot which was reconstructed using an anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap, and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this technique. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 10 patients who underwent reconstructive surgery on a foot. Patients' charts were reviewed for age, sex, causes, defect size and site, flap size and type, flap type, and complications. Cases with a defect size of > $100cm^2$ were included. Results: Seven of the 10 patients were male, and overall mean age was 38.5 years (range, 22 to 61 years). Mean defect size was $179.6cm^2$ (range, 104 to $330cm^2$), and mean flap size was $193cm^2$ (range, 120 to $408cm^2$). Three cases were reconstructed with a musculocutaneous free flap and seven cases were reconstructed with a fasciocutaneous free flap. There were two occurrences of local wound complication. All ten flaps survived well, however five patients underwent a debulking procedure to reduce flap volume. Conclusion: Reconstruction of a near completely degloved soft tissue defect or a wide defect containing two or more surfaces of extremity with an ALT free flap was performed. The purpose of this case study is to report on free tissue transfer using the ALT flap for salvage of the lower extremity.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.727-732
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• 2005

The treatment of wounds of the lower extremity caused by diabetes or vascular dysfunction remains a difficult problem for the plastic surgeon. The use of negative pressure in wound healing is a relatively new method to facilitate chronic wound healing by secondary healing. The use of vacuum-assisted closure(VAC) system is purposed to reduce local edema, increase regional blood flow, enhance epithelial migration, preserve a moist wound environment, reduce bacterial colonization, promote granulation tissue formation, and mechanically enhance wound closure. The VAC also can be used as a dressing for anchoring an applied split thickness skin graft. We reviewed the data from 20 consecutive patients with non-healing wound in lower extremity at Dong-A University from March 2002 to December 2004. We used the VAC in 20 patients and compared the results with the control group. In the VAC using group, mean application duration was about 3 weeks and dressing change was done every other day. The follow-up period of patients ranged from 3 months to 30 months with a mean of 17 months. The points of comparison with control group are wound size, granulation tissue proliferation rate, operation method, preoperative time, postoperative healing time, complication, and cost. With those points, we propose to approve the efficiency of the VAC in non-healing wound. As a result, the VAC used in non-healing wound decrease wound size, accelerate granulation tissue formation, do a wound closure with less invasive operation method, make less postoperative complication, can make operation time shorter. Therefore it is cost effect. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of VAC as an adjunct in management of chronic wounds with other extrinsic factors.