• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.447-453
• /
• 2005

The coverage of soft tissue defects around the knee joint or upper one third of lower leg presents a difficult challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. Various reconstructive choices are available depending on the location, size and depth of the defect. The authors present their clinical application of a medial sural artery perforator island flap as a useful alternative method for upper one third of lower leg and knee reconstruction. From 2002 to 2004, we operated total 4 patients (total 4 flaps) using the medial sural artey perforator island flap for coverage of the defect on upper one third of lower leg and knee, of 4 patients, 3 patients was men and one was woman. Average patient age was 54.6 years. The largest flap obtained was 10x8cm2. Postoperative follow up of the patients ranged from two to 33 months. In two cases, defects was located on upper one third of lower leg and in other two cases, defects were on the knee. All four cases had bone exposure open wound. In angiography, 2 cases had injured in the anterior tibial artery, 1 case had injured in the posterior tibial artery. There were no diabetes or other vascular disease. All 4 flaps were survived completely, without minor complications such as venous congestion and hematoma. Donor morbidity was restricted substantially to the donor linear scar. There were no functional impairment. As the main advantages of the medial sural perforator island flap, it ensures constant location and reliable blood supply without sacrificing any main source artery or damaging underlying muscle. This procedure is valuable extension of local flap for defect coverage with minimal functional deficit donor site and good aesthetic result on the defect. We consider it as one of the useful methods of the upper one third of lower leg and knee reconstruction.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.76-81
• /
• 2014

Purpose: Anteromedial surface of the leg is susceptible to trauma, which frequently induces soft tissue defect. When the size of a soft tissue defect is small to moderate, a local muscle flap is an easy and reliable alternative to a free flap. The authors performed medial hemisoleus flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects on the anteromedial surface of legs. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and effectiveness of the medial hemisoleus flap. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients underwent the medial hemisoleus flap for reconstruction of a soft tissue defect on the anteromedial surface of the leg from February 2009 to December 2013. There were eight males and four females with a mean age of 47.8 years (15 to 69 years). The mean size of defects was $4.7{\times}4.2cm$ ($2{\times}2$ to $9{\times}6cm$). Flap survival and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results: Mean follow-up period was 39.6 months (7 to 64 months) and all flaps survived. There were two cases of negligible necrosis of distal margin of the flap, which were healed after debridement. All patients were capable of full weight bearing ambulation at the last follow-up. Conclusion: The medial hemisoleus flap is a simple, reliable procedure for treatment of a small to moderate sized soft tissue defect on the anteromedial surface of the leg.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.7-11
• /
• 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
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.212-216
• /
• 2011

Purpose: Ameloblastomas are rare benign tumors of odontogenic origin, and compose about 1% of all oral and maxillomandibular cysts and tumors. Because this neoplasm has a high rate of local recurrence, segmental mandibulectomy with a 1~2 cm safety margin and immediate microsurgical reconstruction is an accepted treatment modality. The authors experienced four mandibular reconstruction cases that underwent secondary dental implantation. Here, the authors describe these cases and their long-term results. Methods: Four patients with ameloblastoma of the mandible underwent segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction with a free fibula osseous flap from January 1999 to May 2005, followed by secondary dental implantation. Recurrence, bony union, implant osseointegration, and functional and aesthetic results were evaluated by radiologic imaging, by physical examination, and by using photographs. Results: All free flaps survived with no evidence of flap loss. To date, no recurrence has been noted clinically or radiologically. Imaging after mandibular reconstruction with a free fibular flap revealed satisfactory bony unions and mandibular contours. The patients achieved good aesthetic and functional results after the secondary implantation. Conclusion: Mandibular reconstruction using a fibular osseous flap and secondary dental implantation can produce good functional and aesthetic results after segmental mandibulectomy for ameloblastoma.

• 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.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.42 no.1
• /
• pp.13-19
• /
• 2016

Objectives: As the craniofacial and neck regions are prime areas of injury in bear attacks, the careful management of soft and hard tissue injuries and selection of reconstructive options is of the utmost importance. This study will review the incidence and patterns of bear mauling in eastern India reported to our department and the various modalities used for their treatment over a period of 7 years. It also documents the risks of infection in bear mauling cases and the complications that have occurred. Materials and Methods: Twenty cases were treated over the study period. Cases were evaluated for soft and hard tissue injuries including tissue loss and corresponding management in the craniofacial region. Cases were also evaluated for other associated injuries, organ damage and related complications. Results: Various modalities of treatment were used for the management of victims, ranging from simple primary repairs to free tissue transfers. Simple primary repairs were done in 75% of cases, while the management of the injured victims required reconstruction by local, regional or distant flaps in 25%. Free tissue transfers were performed in 15% of cases, and no cases of wound infection were detected in the course of treatment. Conclusion: Knowledge of various reconstructive techniques is essential for managing maxillofacial injuries in bear mauling cases. Modern reconstructive procedures like free tissue transfer are reliable options for reconstruction with minimal co-morbidity and dramatic improvement in treatment outcomes.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.847-849
• /
• 2010

Purpose: Traditional radical surgery for vulvar cancer produces severe skin and soft tissue defects in the vulvar and vaginal area. Vulvoperineal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flaps have limitations in advancement and tension at the wound margin and vaginal orifice area, causing wound disruption or vaginal wall exposure. Therefore, we designed the "Butterfly flap" using a vulvoperineal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap and an inguinal rotational skin flap for 3-dimensional reconstruction of vagina and vulvar area. Methods: A 27 year-old female was diagnosed with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. Radical vulvectomy and full-thickness-skin-graft was performed. We designed a vulvoperineal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap as the greater wing and inguinal rotational skin as the lesser wing. After flap elevation, the inguinal flap was rotated $180^{\circ}$ to reconstruct the labia major and vaginal orifice. The perineum was reconstructed using V-Y advancement flaps. Results: The flap survived completely, without any complications. After 6 months, the patient was able to perform normal sexual activities and after 18 months, the patient was able to give birth to normal child by caesarean section. Conclusion: The traditional vulvoperineal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap is thin, reliable, easily elevated and matches local skin quality. However, the vaginal wall becomes exposed due to limited advancement and tension of the flap. The "Butterfly flap" using a vulvoperineal V-Y advancement fasciocutaneous flap and an inguinal rotational skin flap is useful for the release of vaginal orifice contracture, reconstruction of the labia major, and 3-dimensional reconstruction of vagina and vulvar area.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.421-426
• /
• 2010

Purpose: Patients with serious burns are prone to chondritis due to lack of soft tissue in the auricle, which can cause severe defects in the auricular morphology. In addition, skin damage occurs frequently in the vicinity of post-burn wounds, presenting difficulties in reconstruction surgery. An auricular reconstruction has functional and cosmetic significance. The aim of this study is to develop appropriate reconstruction methods for auricular defects. Methods: Thirty seven patients, who were treated for auricular defects from 2005 to 2009, were enrolled in this study. A local flap, multiple regional flaps and cartilage framework with or without a temporal fascial flap were applied in reconstruction surgery according to the location of the auricular defect. Results: The age of the subjects ranged from 11 to 56. Some subjects had defects that cover more than half of the helical rim with most exhibiting post-burn scars in the vicinity, for whom a multiple regional flap was used. A single use of a tubed flap was sufficient for subjects with defects that covered less than half of the helical rim. A regional flap was also used for reconstruction in subjects with defects covering both the helical rim and antehelix. Conclusion: Achieving satisfactory results from the skin flaps and skin grafts for post-burn auricular defects in both functional and cosmetic aspects is a difficult task. Therefore, selecting an appropriate surgical method through proper diagnosis of the auricular defect and the state of the available skin in the vicinity is essential.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.81-87
• /
• 2010

In surgical treatment of the malignant melanoma, radical resection and a sentinel lymph node biopsy are essential procedures to eradicate the tumor and to minimize the risk of local recurrence. For the reconstruction of skin defect after tumor resection, a skin graft has been generally performed procedure. However, if tendon or bone is exposed after tumor resection, simple skin graft is not enough for the coverage of the defect and additional procedure is mandatory. In this study, we reviewed the clinical results of 16 patients, who had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma of the limb and underwent surgical resection and reconstruction of the defect with various methods. The sentinel lymph node dissection was performed in all patients combined with radical excision of the tumor. In 11 cases of positive sentinel lymph nodes, further elective lymph node dissections were performed. The mean tumor invasion depth was 4.54 mm (2~10 mm), and AJCC stage II was most common (9 cases). The pedicled flaps were performed in 10 cases for the reconstruction of defects. All flaps were successfully survived without significant complications until the last follow up. In conclusion, a pedicled flap coverage is very useful reconstruction strategy for the soft tissue defects after radical resection of malignant melanoma.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.49 no.5
• /
• pp.617-632
• /
• 2022

Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) and voice prosthesis insertion following laryngectomy may fail to form an adequate seal. When spontaneous closure of the fistula tract does not occur after conservative measures, surgical closure is required. The purpose of this study was to summarize the available evidence on surgical methods for TEP site closure. A comprehensive search across PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane was performed to identify studies describing surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications for TEP closure. We evaluated the rate of unsuccessful TEP closure after surgical management. A meta-analysis with a random-effect method was performed. Thirty-four studies reporting on 144 patients satisfied inclusion criteria. The overall incidence of an unsuccessful TEP surgical closure was 6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1-13%). Subgroup analysis showed an unsuccessful TEP closure rate for silicone button of 8% (95% CI < 1-43%), 7% (95% CI < 1-34%) for dermal graft interposition, < 1% (95% CI < 1-37%) for radial forearm free flap, < 1% (95% CI < 1-52%) for ligation of the fistula, 17% (95% CI < 1-64%) for interposition of a deltopectoral flap, 9% (95% CI < 1-28%) for primary closure, and 2% (95% CI < 1-20%) for interposition of a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap. Critical assessment of the reconstructive modality should take into consideration previous history of surgery or radiotherapy. Nonirradiated fields and small defects may benefit from fistula excision and tracheal and esophageal multilayer closure. In cases of previous radiotherapy, local flaps or free tissue transfer yield high successful TEP closure rates. Depending on the defect size, sternocleidomastoid muscle flap or fasciocutaneous free flaps are optimal alternatives.