• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.121-126
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• 2022

Background Although they may not replace standard training methods that use surgical microscopes, smartphones equipped with high-resolution screens and high-definition cameras are an attractive alternative for practicing microsurgical skills. They are ubiquitous, simple to operate, and inexpensive. This study compared anastomoses of chicken femoral vessels using a smartphone camera versus a standard operative microscope. Methods Forty anastomoses of non-living chicken femoral vessels were divided into four groups. A resident and an experienced microsurgeon performed anastomoses of femoral chicken vessels with 8-0 and 10-0 sutures, using a smartphone camera and a surgical microscope. The time to complete the anastomosis and the number of anastomosis errors were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results The time taken to perform an anastomosis by the experienced microsurgeon was significantly longer when using the smartphone (median: 32.5 minutes vs. 20 minutes, P<0.001). The resident completed the anastomoses with both types of equipment without a significant difference in the operative times. When using a smartphone, the operation times were not significantly different between the resident and the experienced microsurgeon (P=0.238). The resident showed non-significant differences in operation time and the number of errors when using a smartphone or an operative microscope (P=1.000 and P=0.065, respectively). Conclusions Microsurgical practice with non-living chicken femoral vessels can be performed with a smartphone, though it can take longer than with an operative microscope for experienced microsurgeons. The resident may also experience frustration and tend to make more anastomosis errors when using a smartphone versus an operative microscope.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.207-214
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• 2022

Background Fellowship training is becoming more popular in plastic surgery, with over half of residents pursuing advanced training. Here, we investigate how clinical and research fellowship training impacts career trajectory and scholastic achievement in academic plastic surgery. Methods Plastic surgery faculty members, from programs recognized by the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons, were identified using institutional Web sites. Data extracted included faculty demographics, training history, academic positions, and research productivity. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using t-tests and chi-square, respectively. Results In total, 949 faculty members were included, with 657 (69%) having completed fellowship training. Integrated program residents were more likely to complete a fellowship when compared with independent residents (p < 0.0001). Fellowship trained faculty were more likely to have graduated from a higher ranked residency program, in terms of both overall and research reputation (p = 0.005 and p = 0.016, respectively). When controlling for years in practice, there was no difference found in number of publications, Hirsch index (h-index), or National Institutes of Health funding between faculty between the two cohorts (p > 0.05). In a subanalysis comparing hand, craniofacial, microsurgery, and research fellowships, those who completed a research fellowship had higher h-indices and were more likely to reach full professor status (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Fellowship training had no effect on being promoted to Chief/Chair of departments (p = 0.16). Conclusion Fellowship training is common among academic plastic surgeons. In this study, both clinical and research fellowships were associated with various aspects of academic success. However, fellowship training alone did not affect attainment of leadership positions.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.298-311
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of periodontal granulation tissue preservation (PGTP) in access flap periodontal surgery. Methods: Twenty patients (stage III-IV periodontitis) with 42 deep periodontal pockets that did not resolve after non-surgical treatment were consecutively recruited. Access flap periodontal surgery was modified using PGTP. The clinical periodontal parameters were evaluated at 9 months. The differences in the amount of granulation tissue width (GTw) preserved were evaluated and the influence of smoking was analyzed. Results: GTw >1 mm was observed in 97.6% of interproximal defects, and the granulation tissue extended above the bone peak in 71.4% of defects. At 9 months, probing pocket depth reduction (4.33±1.43 mm) and clinical attachment gain (CAG; 4.10±1.75 mm) were statistically significant (P<0.001). The residual probing depth was 3.2±0.89 mm. When GTw extended above the interproximal bone peak (i.e., the interproximal supra-alveolar granulation tissue thickness [iSUPRA-GT] was greater than 0 mm), a significant CAG was recorded in the supra-alveolar component (1.67±1.32 mm, P<0.001). Interproximal gingival recession (iGR) was significant (P<0.05) only in smokers, with a reduction in the interdental papillary tissue height of 0.93±0.76 mm. In non-smokers, there was no increase in the iGR when the iSUPRA-GT was >0 mm. The clinical results in smokers were significantly worse. Conclusions: PGTP was used to modify access flap periodontal surgery by preserving affected tissues with the potential for recovery. The results show that preserving periodontal granulation tissue is an effective and conservative procedure in the surgical treatment of periodontal disease.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.264-273
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• 2023

The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap is a versatile fasciocutaneous flap, and yet is less commonly utilized than other free flaps in microvascular reconstructions of the head and neck. The aim is to conduct a high-quality Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA)- and Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2)-compliant systematic review comparing the use of the MSAP flap to other microvascular free flaps in the head and neck. Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify all original comparative studies comparing patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction with an MSAP flap to the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) or anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap from inception to February 2021. Outcome studied were the recipient-site and donor-site morbidities as well as speech and swallow function. A total of 473 articles were identified from title and abstract review. Four studies met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the RFFF and the ALT flaps, the MSAP flap had more recipient-site complications (6.0 vs 10.4%) but less donor-site complications (20.2 vs 7.8%). The MSAP flap demonstrated better overall donor-site appearance and function than the RFFF and ALT flaps (p = 0.0006) but no statistical difference in speech and swallowing function following reconstruction (p = 0.28). Although higher quality studies reviewing the use of the MSAP flap to other free flaps are needed, the MSAP flap provides a viable and effective reconstructive option and should be strongly considered for reconstruction of head and neck defects.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.479-488
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• 2022

Objective : The surgical management of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) caused by petrous apex meningioma (PAM) is still a challenge because of the lesion's deep location and the surrounding complex structures. The authors describe the intradural anterior transpetrosal approach (ATPA) and its effect on the treatment of TN secondary to PAM. Methods : A retrospective analysis of 15 patients with TN secondary to PAM who underwent surgery via the intradural ATPA was conducted. The key techniques, which included drilling off the petrosal apex (PA) and opening the upper wall of Meckel's cave (MC), are described in detail. Results : Total removal of the tumor and complete pain relief (Barrow Neurological Institute I) were achieved in all 15 patients without significant morbidity. Five patients developed new facial numbness postoperatively, which disappeared within three months after surgery. The postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed temporal lobe swelling in three patients, but no clinical symptoms. One patient had cerebrospinal fluid leakage and was managed with bed rest and temporary lumbar drainage. One patient had an intracranial infection and was treated with antibiotics. By the last follow up, no patients had pain relapse or/and tumor recurrence. It is worth noting that the vascular compression at the root of the trigeminal nerve was found in one patient during the operation. Conclusion : Our experience suggests that drilling off the PA and opening the upper wall of the MC are key elements for a good outcome of the treatment of TN secondary to PAM. The intradural ATPA has the advantages for both tumor resection and pain relief.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.4
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• pp.456-464
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• 2023

Objective : This study aims to investigate the incidence of vestibular schwannoma (VS) and demographic characteristics in Korea using population-based National Health Insurance Service data. Methods : This study analyzed Korean National Health Insurance Service data from 2005 to 2020, based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th version, Clinical Modification codes D333 and D431. Only those patients who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging and audiologic tests were considered definitive cases. Demographic variables included age, sex, treatment modality, hypertension, diabetics, dyslipidemia, smoking history, alcohol history, and income status. Results : The total number of VS patients was 5751. The average incidence rate was 0.71 per 100000 from 2005 to 2020, and the annual incidence rate increased from 0.33 in 2005 to 1.32 in 2019 but decreased to 0.80 in 2020. Incidence was highest in those aged 60-69 years (1.791) and lowest in those younger than 20 years (0.041). Incidence was higher in females, and the number of patients who received radiosurgery (46.64%) was largest compared to the wait and scan group (37.96%), microsurgery group (12.85%), or the group who received both (2.56%). Diabetes, dyslipidemia, and alcohol consumption increased the risk of VS, while cigarette smoking reduced the risk of VS. Conclusion : The incidence of VS exhibited an increasing trend from 2005 to 2019. Radiosurgery (46.64%) was the most common treatment modality. Diabetes, dyslipidemia, and alcohol consumption increased the risk of VS, while cigarette smoking reduced the risk of VS.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.35.1-35.9
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• 2022

Although the success rates of microsurgery and micro-resurgery are very high, the influence of a recurrent perforation combined with radicular cyst remains unclear. A 21-year-old white female patient had a history of root perforation in a previously treated right maxillary lateral incisor. Analysis using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed an extensive and well-defined periapical radiolucency, involving the buccal and palatal bone plate. The perforation was sealed with bioceramic material (Biodentine) in the pre-surgical phase. In the surgical phase, guided tissue regeneration (GTR) was performed by combining xenograft (lyophilized bovine bone) and autologous platelet-rich fibrin applied to the bone defect. The root-end preparation was done using an ultrasonic tip. The retrograde filling was performed using a bioceramic material (Biodentine). Histopathological analysis confirmed a radicular cyst. The patient returned to her referring practitioner to continue the restorative procedures. CBCT analysis after 1-year recall revealed another perforation in the same place as the first intervention, ultimately treated by micro-resurgery using the same protocol with GTR, and a bioceramic material (MTA Angelus). The 2-year recall showed healing and bone neoformation. In conclusion, endodontic micro-resurgery with GTR showed long-term favorable results when a radicular cyst and a recurrent perforation compromised the success.

• Archives of Hand and Microsurgery
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.63-67
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• 2019

Spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon can occur in the 3rd extensor compartment after a distal radius fracture involving Lister's tubercle, steroid injections, or rheumatoid arthritis. We report a case of spontaneous rupture of the EPL tendon in a 26-year-old male patient who played a rhythm game, which requires repetitive wrist motions to play the drums. We also provide a comprehensive literature review along with the case report. From the authors' point of view, excessive and repetitive motion of the wrist, as shown in our case, can be a potential cause of spontaneous rupture of the EPL tendon.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.578-585
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• 2023

An artificial sphincter implanted in the bulbous urethra to treat severe postprostatectomy urinary incontinence is effective, but embedding-associated complications can occur. We assessed the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of urethral graciloplasty cross-innervated by the pudendal nerve. A simulation surgery on three male fresh cadavers was performed. Both ends of the gracilis muscle were isolated only on its vascular pedicle with proximal end of the obturator nerve severed and transferred to the perineum. We examined whether the gracilis muscle could be wrapped around the bulbous urethra and whether the obturator nerve was long enough to suture with the pudendal nerve. In addition, surgery was performed on a 71-year-old male patient with severe urinary incontinence. The postoperative 12-month outcomes were assessed using a 24-hour pad test and urodynamic study. In all cadaveric simulations, the gracilis muscles could be wrapped around the bulbous urethra in a γ-loop configuration. The length of the obturator nerve was sufficient for neurorrhaphy with the pudendal nerve. In the clinical case, the postoperative course was uneventful. The mean maximum urethral closure pressure and functional profile length increased from 40.7 to 70 cm H₂O and from 40.1 to 45.3 mm, respectively. Although urinary incontinence was not completely cured, the patient was able to maintain urinary continence at night. Urethral graciloplasty cross-innervated by the pudendal nerve is effective in raising the urethral pressure and reducing urinary incontinence.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.137-146
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• 1996

There has been no general agreement about optimal time for nerve surgery in the closed brachial plexus injury(BPI). From our early experiences, we knew by chance that spontaneous recovery in BPI patients may begin even later than 8 months after injury. Authors' strategy, which was based on our early experiences, for the treatment of closed fresh injury was 'wait and see' unlit 8 months after injury. From 1985 to 1994, we observed 103 patients with BPI. All of them did not have any operation until 8 months after injury. There were 95 men and 8 women with a mean age of 29 years. Motorcycle injury(31%) and vehicle accident(28%) were main causes of injury. Whole plexus types were observed in 56 patients(54%), upper plexus types in 29(28%), lower plexus types in 3(3%), and infraclavicular types in 15(15%). Electromyography was performed in all patients. This was repeated every three months to detect the recovery. Results were evaluated by authors' criteria, in which AMA system of brachial plexus impairment was modified. Duration of follow up was average 25 months. 47 patients(46%) showed spontaneous improvement, which was initially detected at average 7.8 months(range,3 months-16 months) after trauma by electromyography. The average score of these 47 patients improved from 14.8 points to 39.8 points.31 patients(30%) had nerve surgery such as nerve graft, neurotization or neurolysis. Average duration from injury to nerve surgery, was 10 months. Among 31 patients who had nerve surgery, 16 patients improved from preoperative 21.5 points to postoperative 36.3 points in average. Because spontaneous recovery began in average 7.8 months after injury, we think that it would be better to 'wait and see' for at least one year in patients with closed BPI expecting spontaneous recovery.