• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제37권5호
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• pp.607-612
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• 2010

Purpose: Maxillectomy for malignant tumor resection often leads to functional and aesthetic sequalae. Reconstruction following maxillectomy has been a challenging problem in the field of head and neck cancer surgery. In this article, we described three dimensional midface reconstructions using free flaps and their functional and aesthetic outcomes. Methods: We reconstructed 35 cases of maxillectomy defects using 9 radial forearm free flaps, 7 lattisimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flaps, 6 rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flaps, 4 fibular osteocutaneous free flaps, and 9 anterolateral thigh free flaps, respectively. We classified post-maxillectomy defects by Brown's classification. 1 Articulation clarity was measured with picture consonant articulation test. Swallowing function was evaluated with the University of Washington quality-of-life Head and Neck questionnaire by 4 steps.2 Aesthetic outcomes were checked to compare preoperative with postoperative full face photographs by 5 medical doctors who did not involve in our operation. Results: The average articulation clarity was 92.4% (100-41.9%). 27 (81.9%) patients were able to eat an unrestricted diet. Aesthetic results were considered excellent in 18 patients (51.4%). Functional results were best in the group reconstructed with fibular osteocutaneous free flap. Considering the range of wide excision, aesthetic results is best in the group reconstructed with anterolateral thigh free flap. Conclusion: The free flap is a useful technique for the reconstruction of the midface leading to good results, both functionally and aesthetically. Especially, because osteocutaneous flap such as fibular osteocutaneous free flap offered bone source for osteointegrated implant, It produces the best functional results. And perforator flap like as anterolateral thigh free flap reliably provides the best aesthetic results, because it provides sufficient volume and has no postoperative volume diminution.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.193-196
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• 2008

Purpose: TRAM flap reconstruction has settled down as a common method for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. There are a few surgical contraindication in TRAM flap surgery. Previous abdominal liposuction has been a relative contraindication in TRAM flap surgery. The authors present 2 patients of successful breast reconstruction using pedicled TRAM flaps, who previously underwent abdominal liposuction. Methods: Case 1: A 48-year-old woman with a right breast cancer visited for mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Her past surgical history was notable for abdominal liposuction 15 years ago. Skin sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction with a pedicled TRAM flap was performed. Case 2: A 45-year-old woman with a left breast cancer visited us for mastectomy and autologous breast reconstruction. 3 years ago, she had an abdominal liposuction and augmentation mammaplasty in other hospital. Nipple sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction was done using pedicled TRAM flap. Results: One year after the reconstruction, partial fat necrosis was developed in one case but there was no skin necrosis or donor site complication in both patients. Conclusion: As aesthetic surgery becomes more popular, increasing numbers of patients who have a prior abdominal liposuction history want for autologous tissue breast reconstruction. In these patients, TRAM flap surgery will be also used for breast reconstruction. But, the warning of fat necrosis and the use of preoperative Doppler tracing to evaluate the abdominal perforator may be beneficial to patients who had abdominal liposuction recently.

• 대한두개안면성형외과학회지
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.41-45
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• 2012

Purpose: Fibular osteocutaneous free flap is the procedure of choice for mandibular reconstruction. However, the anatomic consistency and the reliability of the skin paddle have been considered to be questionable and the utilization of the fibular osteocutaneous free flap can be challenging for the inexperienced surgeon. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) angiography can support revolutionary help with the operator design of the fibular osteocutaneous flap. The purpose of this article is to share the valuable experience of support with preoperative CT angiography. Methods: Three consecutive patients, who needed mandibular reconstruction, were treated with fibular osteocutaneous free flap. Each of the patients had undergone lower extremity CT angiography before the surgery. The CT angiographies were scrupulously investigated to calculate the locations and the tracts of the peroneal artery perforators. We compared the findings of the CT angiography with those of the real operation. Results: The information about the perforators was sufficiently matched with the findings of the operation. With the use of preoperative CT angiography, we were able to achieve confident performance during operation, shortening of operation time, and fine outcomes with a no flap failure. Conclusion: The CT angiography of lower extremity can provide reliable information of the perforators of the fibular osteocutaneous free flap.

• 대한두개안면성형외과학회지
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• 제15권3호
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• pp.133-137
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• 2014

Reconstruction of a full-thickness alar defect requires independent blood supplies to the inner and outer surfaces. Because of this, secondary operations are commonly needed for the division of skin flap from its origin. Here, we report a single-stage reconstruction of full-thickness alar defect, which was made possible by the use of a nasolabial island flap and septal mucosal hinge flap. A 49-year-old female had presented with a squamous cell carcinoma of the right ala which was invading through the mucosa. The lesion was excised with a 5-mm free margin through the full-thickness of ala. The lining and cartilage was restored using a septal mucosa hinge flap and a conchal cartilage from the ipsilateral ear. The superficial surface was covered with a nasolabial island flap based on a perforator from the angular artery. The three separate tissue layers were reconstructed as a single subunit, and no secondary operations were necessary. Single-stage reconstruction of the alar subunit was made possible by the use of a nasolabial island flap and septal mucosal hinge flap. Further studies are needed to compare long-term outcomes following single-stage and multi-stage reconstructions.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제40권1호
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• pp.44-50
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• 2013

Background The aim of this investigation was to systematically review the current literature to provide the best data for indications, outcomes, survival, and complication rates of pedicled propeller perforator flaps for upper body defects. Methods A comprehensive literature review for articles published from January 1991 to December 2011 was performed using the PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Databases. Articles without available full-text, single case reports or papers with excessive missing data were excluded. Papers reporting pedicle-perforator (propeller) flaps used for lower extremity reconstruction were excluded from meta-analysis. Results From the initial 1,736 studies our search yielded, 343 studies qualified for the second stage of selection. Of 117 full-text reports screened, 41 studies, met the definitive inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the selected 41 articles, 26 were case series, original papers or retrospective reviews and were included, whereas 15 were case report papers and therefore were excluded. Two hundred ninety-five propeller flaps were reported to have been used in a total of 283 patients. Indications include repair of trauma-induced injuries, post-trauma revision surgery, cancer resection, chronic infection, pressure sores, and chronic ulcers with a major complication rate (3.3%) comparable to that of free flaps. No specific exclusion criteria for the procedure were presented in the studies reviewed. Conclusions Pedicled propeller flaps are a versatile and safe reconstructive option that are easy and quick to raise and that provide unlimited clinical solutions because of the theoretical possibility of harvesting them based on any perforator chosen among those classified in the body.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제50권3호
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• pp.279-287
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• 2023

Background Hypothenar free flaps (HTFFs) have been widely used for reconstructing palmar defects. Although previous anatomical and clinical studies of HTFF have been conducted, this technique still has some limitations. In this study, we describe some tips for large flap design that allows for easy harvesting of HTFFs with minimal donor site morbidity. Methods A total of 14 HTFF for hand defect reconstruction were recorded. The oblique flap was designed in the proximal HT area following relaxed skin tension line along the axis between fourth web space and 10 mm ulnar side of pisiform. A flap pedicle includes one or two perforators with ulnar digital artery and HT branch of basilic vein. In addition, innervated HTFF can be harvested with a branch of ulnar digital nerve. Electronic medical records were reviewed to obtain data on patients' information, operative details, and follow-up period. In addition, surgical outcome score was obtained from the patient, up to 10 points, at the last follow-up. Results Mean harvest time was 46 minutes, and two perforators were included in 10 cases. The mean flap area was 10.84 cm². There were no problems such as donor site depression, scar contracture, keloids, wound dehiscence, numbness or neuroma pain at donor sites, and hypersensitivity or cold intolerance at flap site, either functionally or aesthetically. Conclusion Palmar defect reconstruction is challenging for hand surgeons. However, large HTFF can be harvested without complications using the oblique axis HTFF technique. We believe our surgical tips increase utility of HTFF for palmar defect reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.354-360
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• 2023

Background The Island transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is well vascularized with very reliable blood flow, because all perforators of the zone I are included when it is harvested. The number of perforators, topographic mapping, and their relationship with reconstructed outcomes were investigated. Methods Fifty patients with Island TRAM breast reconstruction from September 2021 to August 2022 were investigated. The zone I was divided into a total of eight sections. Under the loupe magnification, all perforators larger than 0.5 mm in zone I were counted with fine dissection, and photographs were taken in background of vessel loops. Complications like flap necrosis, seroma, and hematoma were also investigated. Result There are 12 ideal perforators on average in zone I such as one perforator in section I, II, IV, V, VI, VIII, and three perforators in section III and VII. However, two perforators (M6 and L6) below arcuate line were sacrificed in the time of flap harvest to prevent hernia. Island TRAM included 10 perforators on average (5 perforators in each side) above arcuate line to be transferred to the recipient site. Only minor complications were identified. Conclusion The Island TRAM flap includes 10 perforators to get the vigorous blood flow. The periumbilical to upper medial perforators become more dominant in the perfusion of the flap after deep inferior epigastric artery division. Well preserved perforators will guarantee the satisfactory breast reconstruction with the least complication.

• 대한미세수술학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한미세수술학회 1996년도 제16차 학술대회
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• pp.173.1-173.1
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• 1996

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.108-109
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• 2020

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.20-23
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• 2015

Despite increased utilization of microvascular anastomotic coupler (MAC) devices, the consequences have yet to be fully explored in terms of vascular regeneration. Removal of an exposed venous coupler is described herein, documenting normal circulatory flow through the remodeled site of application. A 25-year-old man who underwent open reduction and rigid fixation elsewhere for traumatic calcaneal fracture ultimately presented with a necrotic postoperative wound. The debrided defect was treated by free thigh perforator flap, incorporating a MAC device. Three months later, the flap remained viable, but the MAC itself was exposed. Structural integrity of the vessel and blood flow were sustained as the device was carefully removed, confirming true vascular remodeling in this example of MAC usage.