• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.237-243
• /
• 2020

Background: The scalp is an important functional and aesthetic structure that protects the cranial bone. Due to its inelastic characteristics, soft-tissue defects of the scalp make reconstruction surgery difficult. This study aims to provide an improved scalp reconstruction decision making algorithm for surgeons. Methods: This study examined patients who underwent scalp reconstruction within the last 10 years. The study evaluated several factors that surgeons use to select a given reconstruction method such as etiology, defect location, size, depth, and complications. An algorithmic approach was then suggested based on an analysis of these factors. Results: Ninety-four patients were selected in total and 98 cases, including revision surgery, were performed for scalp reconstruction. Scalp reconstruction was performed by primary closure (36.73%), skin graft (27.55%), local flap (17.34%), pedicled regional flap (15.30%), and free flap (3.06%). The ratio of primary closure to more complex procedure on loose scalps (51.11%) was significantly higher than on tight scalps (24.52%) (p=0.011). The choice of scalp reconstruction method was affected significantly by the defect size (R=0.479, p<0.001) and depth (p<0.001). There were five major complications which were three cases of flap necrosis and two cases of skin necrosis. Hematoma was the most common of the 29 minor complications reported, followed by skin necrosis. Conclusion: There are multiple factors affecting the choice of scalp reconstruction method. We suggest an algorithm based on 10 years of experience that will help surgeons establish successful surgical management for their patients.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.42
• /
• pp.39.1-39.5
• /
• 2020

Background: Head or scalp injury is a life-threatening and typically accidental human injury. Most medical departments require immediate medical treatment and proper treatment with specialized medical personnel and facilities. However, in low-resource environments, such as the rural region of West Africa, the authors have treated emergency trauma patients and provided immediate treatment despite lack of resources. Case presentation: We reviewed three cases of scalp injury patients, with representative clinical information, and used these cases to outline feedback on scalp trauma treatment based on the specialty knowledge of general and emergency surgeon. Conclusions: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are medical specialists that can immediately diagnose and treat these scalp injuries based on their medical knowledge and experience with the maxillofacial region.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.233-236
• /
• 2016

Scalp defect management is complicated secondary to reduced laxity in the scalp and forehead area. For reconstruction of larger defects with exposed bone and loss of the periosteal layer, free flap reconstruction is one option for single-stage surgery, although the procedure is lengthy and includes the possibility of flap loss. We successfully performed a single-stage reconstruction of a large scalp defect using a combination of artificial dermis, split-thickness skin graft, and full-thickness skin graft following wide excision of a cutaneous angiosarcoma, and present our method as one option for the treatment of large oncologic surgical defects in patients who are poor candidates for free flap surgery.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.129-132
• /
• 2023

Scalp defects necessitate diverse approaches for successful reconstruction, taking into account factors such as defect size, surrounding tissue, and recipient vessel quality. This case report presents a challenging scenario involving a temporal scalp defect where ipsilateral recipient vessels were unavailable. The defect was effectively reconstructed utilizing a transposition flap and a latissimus dorsi free flap, which was anastomosed to the contralateral recipient vessels. Our report underscores the successful reconstruction of a scalp defect in the absence of ipsilateral recipient vessels, emphasizing the importance of employing appropriate surgical interventions without necessitating vessel grafts.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.59-63
• /
• 2022

The latissimus dorsi flap has high vascularity and is helpful for the reconstruction of infected areas. Herein, we present a patient with recurrent infections and soft-tissue defects who underwent cranial reconstruction using a free latissimus dorsi flap. The patient had undergone craniectomy and reconstruction using alloplastic bone 18 years previously. A scalp defect accompanied by infection occurred five years ago, and patient underwent reconstruction using a free flap at another hospital; however, the problem persisted. After debridement and bone flap removal, the right latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap was elevated, and the thoracodorsal artery and vein were anastomosed end-to-end to the right superficial temporal artery and vein. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was eradicated, and the flap survived. Cranioplasty was performed eight months later, and one year follow-up proceeded without complications. Effective reconstruction and cranioplasty are possible using the free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap, even on scalp with persistent infections and soft-tissue defects.

• 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.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.184-187
• /
• 2020

Scalp reconstruction is challenging because the scalp is inelastic, stiff, and has hair follicles. Tissue expansion offers aesthetically pleasing outcomes with minimal donor-site morbidity. However, in a scarred scalp, the extent of possible dissection for the expander insertion may be limited and surgeons must make use of the limited scalp tissue. We successfully reconstructed scarred scalps using rectangular expanders. This report presents two cases: a 4×3 cm chronic defect with widespread scarring and osteomyelitis and an 11×7.5 cm scar tissue following a skin graft. Tissue expanders were inserted in the subgaleal plane and were inflated by 195 mL and 400 mL over periods of 2 and 3 months, respectively. Subgaleal elevation of a fasciocutaneous flap was achieved with the expanded tissue. The defects were well covered, with good color, texture, and hair-bearing tissue. There were no complications involving the tissue expanders. Rectangular expanders yield more available tissue than round or crescent-shaped expanders. Moreover, since the base of the flap is well defined, the expander can be easily inserted in a limited space. Therefore, rectangular expanders are recommended for the reconstruction of scarred scalps.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.68-76
• /
• 2016

Background: In scalp allotransplantation, the scalp from a brain-dead donor, including hair, is transferred to a recipient with scalp defects. Opinions differ on the appropriateness of scalp allotransplantation. In order to maintain graft function and cosmetic outcomes, scalp transplantation recipients would need to receive lifelong immunosuppression treatments. The risks of this immunosuppression have to be balanced against the fact that receiving a scalp allotransplant does not extend lifespan or restore a physical function. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate risk acceptance and expectations regarding scalp allotransplantation in different populations. Methods: A questionnaire survey study was conducted. A total of 300 subjects participated; survey was conducted amongst the general public (n=100), kidney transplantation recipients (n=50), a group of patient who required scalp reconstruction due to tumor or trauma (n=50), and physicians (n=100). The survey was modified by using the Korean version of the Louisville instrument for transplantation questionnaire. Results: Risk acceptance and expectations for scalp transplantation varied widely across the groups. Kidney transplantation recipients revealed the highest risk acceptance and expectations, whereas the physicians were most resistant to the risks of scalp transplantation. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that, in specific groups, scalp allotransplantation and the need for immunosuppression carries an acceptable risk despite the lack of lifeextending benefits. Our results suggest that scalp allotransplantation can be an acceptable alternative to existing scalp reconstruction surgeries in patients with pre-existing need for immunosuppression.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.112-116
• /
• 2017

The ideal scalp reconstruction involves closure of the defect with similar hair-bearing local tissue in a single step. Various reconstructions can be used including primary closure, secondary healing, skin grafts, local flaps, and microvascular tissue transfer. A 53-year-old female patient suffered glioblastoma, which had recurred for the second time. The neuro-surgeons performed radial debridement and an additional resection of the tumor, followed by reconstruction using a serratus anterior muscle flap with a split-thickness skin graft. Unfortunately, the flap became completely useless and a bilateral rotation flap was used to cover the defect. Two month later, seroma with infection was found due to recurrence of the tumor. Additional surgery was performed using multiple perforator based island flap. The patient was discharged two weeks after surgery without any complications, but two months later, the patient died. Radical surgical resection of tumor is the most important curative option, followed by functional and aesthetic reconstruction. We describe a patient with a highly malignant tumor that required multiple resections and subsequent reconstruction. Repeated recurrences of the tumor led to the failure of reconstruction and our strategy inevitably changed, from reconstruction to palliative treatment involving fast and stable wound closure for the patient's comfort.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.40 no.5
• /
• pp.564-569
• /
• 2013

Background Scalp defects may be caused by various etiological factors, and they represent a significant surgical and aesthetic concern. Various surgical techniques can be applied for reconstructive work such as primary closure, skin grafting, pedicled or free flaps. In this article, the authors share their clinical experience with scalp operations using the technique of local flaps and discuss the application of this method from the perspective of not only the size of the defect, but also in relation to the anatomical area, quality of surrounding tissue, and patient's condition. Methods During the period from December 2007 to December 2012, 13 patients with various scalp defects, aged 11 to 86 years, underwent reconstruction with local pedicle flaps. The indications were based on the patients' condition (age, sex, quality of surrounding tissue, and comorbidities) and wound parameters. Depending on the size of the defects, they were classified into three groups as follows: large, 20 to 50 $cm^2$; very large, 50 to 100 $cm^2$; extremely large, 100 $cm^2$. The location was defined as peripheral (frontal, temporal, occipital), central, or combined (more than one area). We performed reconstruction with 11 single transposition flaps and 1 bipedicle with a skin graft on the donor area, and 2 advancement flaps in 1 patient. Results In all of the patients, complete tissue coverage was achieved. The recovery was relatively quick, without hematoma, seroma, or infections. The flaps survived entirely. Conclusions Local flaps are widely used in scalp reconstruction since they provide healthy, stable, hair-bearing tissue and require a short healing time for the patients.