• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.337-340
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• 2021

Full-thickness nasal tip reconstruction is a challenging process that requires provision of ample skin and soft tissue, and intricate cartilage structure that maintains its architecture in the long term. In this report, we describe reconstruction of a full-thickness nasal tip and ala defect using a posterior auricular artery perforator based chondrocutaneous free flap. The flap consisted of two lay ers of skin covering conchal cartilage, and was based on a perforating branch of the posterior auricular artery. A superficial vein was secured at the posterior margin. The donor perforator was anastomosed to a perforating branch of the lateral nasal artery. The superficial vein was connected to a superficial vein of the surrounding soft tissue. The donor healed well after primary closure. The flap survived without complications, and the contour of the nasal rim was sustained at follow-up 6 months later. As opposed to combined composite reconstructions using a free cartilage graft together with a small free flap or pedicled nasolabial flap, the posterior auricular artery perforator free flap encompasses all required tissue types, and is similar in contour to the alar area. This flap is a useful option in single-stage reconstruction of nasal composite defects.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.53-57
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• 2010

Purpose: The radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap is currently considered as the ideal free flap for reconstruction of mucosal and soft tissue defects of the palate. But the availability of stably attached oral and nasal mucosal lining is needed. In addition to this, for better operation field, operating convenience and esthetics, we planned a prelaminated radial forearm free flap. Methods: A 64-year-old male patient was admitted due to a $4{\times}4.5cm$ full through defect in the middle of the hard palate caused by peripheral T cell lymphoma with actinomycosis. In the first stage, the radial forearm flap was elevated, tailored to fit the hard palate defect, and then it positioned up-side down with split thickness skin graft. Two weeks later, the prelaminated radial forearm free flap was re-elevated and transferred to the palatal defect. One side covered with grafted skin was used to line the nasal cavity, and the other side (the cutaneous portion of the radial forearm flap) was used to line the oral cavity. Results: The prelamination procedure was relatively easy and useful. The skin graft was well taken to the flap. After 2nd stage operation, the flap survived uneventfully. There was no prolapse of the inset flap into the oral cavity and the cutaneous portion of the flap was mucosalized. The procedure was very successful and the patient can enjoy normal rigid diet and speech. Conclusion: The use of prelaminated radial forearm free flap for hard palate reconstruction is an excellent method to restore oral function. Based upon the result of this case, microvascular free flap transfer with prelaminated procedure is a valid alternative to the prosthetic obturator for palatal defect that provides an improved quality of life. It should be considered as an integral component of head and neck cancer therapy and rehabilitation.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.64-70
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• 2022

Background: Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps are versatile soft tissue flaps that have become the standard soft-tissue flaps used for head and neck reconstruction. They provide a long vascular pedicle, constant vessel diameter, abundant soft tissue coverage, and minimal donor site morbidity. The ALT flap was initially designed on the basis of a septocutaneous (SC) perforator. However, more recent research has shown that a substantial number of ALT flaps are now based on musculocutaneous (MC) perforators, and the ratio between MC and SC perforators varies among studies. In this study, we analyzed the perforating pattern of ALT flaps along with their clinical outcomes during head and neck reconstruction in the Korean population. Methods: From October 2016 to July 2020, 68 patients who had undergone an ALT flap procedure for head and neck reconstruction were enrolled retrospectively. The perforating pattern of the cutaneous perforator vessel (MC perforator/SC perforator/oblique branch), pedicle length, and flap size were analyzed intraoperatively. Patient demographics and flap necrosis rates were also calculated. Results: The highest number of cutaneous perforator vessels supplying the ALT flap were the MC perforators (87%). The proportion of MC perforators was significantly higher than that of the SC perforators and oblique branches. Flap necrosis occurred in seven cases (11.86%); sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, perforator course, and history of radiotherapy did not significantly affect flap necrosis. Conclusion: The ALT free flap procedure remains popular for reconstruction of the head and neck. In this study, we observed that the majority of cutaneous vessels supplying the flaps were MC perforators (87%). When using the MC perforator during flap elevation, careful dissection of the perforator is required to achieve successful ALT flaps because intramuscular dissection is difficult. Perforator pattern and history of radiotherapy did not affect flap necrosis.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.200-204
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• 2018

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare, benign bone disease with abnormal bone maturation and fibroblastic proliferation. Optimal treatment of zone 1 craniofacial FD is radical resection and reconstruction. To achieve of structural, aesthetic, and functional goals, we use three-dimensionally designed calvarial bone graft for reconstruction of zygomatic defect after radical resection of FD. The authors used a rapid-prototyping model for simulation surgery for radical resection and immediate reconstruction. Donor site was selected from parietal bone reflect shape, contour, and size of defect. Then radical resection of lesion and immediate reconstruction was performed as planned. Outcomes were assessed using clinical photographs and computed tomography scans. Successful reconstruction after radical resection was achieved by three-dimensional calvarial bone graft without complications. After a 12-month follow-up, sufficient bone thickness and symmetric soft tissue contour was well-maintained. By considering three-dimensional configuration of zygomaticomaxillary complex, the authors achieved satisfactory structural, aesthetic and functional outcomes without complications.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.71-78
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• 2007

The nasolabial flap has been used for reconstruction of moderate size intraoral defects. The nasolabial fold area provides an ample supply of tissue with a good color and texture match. The nasolabial flap classified advancement flap, inferiorly-based flap, superiorly-based flap. The flap is based inferiorly, so that it can easily be rotated to the intraoral defects. The nasolabial flap is chosen for the repair of various intraoral defects because of its simple elevation, proximity to the defect and its rich subcutaneous blood supply of a island flap. The subjects were 6 patients with nasolabial flap, who had reconstruction of moderate size intraoral defects. We have found the inferiorly-based nasolabial flap with a subcutaneous pedicle useful in the primary repair of surgical defects of the buccal mucosa, edentulous mandibular ridge, maxillary alveolus area and soft palate in these patients. There was no complication except one case. Intraoral hair growth was a minor problem of this patient. We thought that the inferiorly-based nasolabial flap is a useful technique for reconstruction of various intraoral defects.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.11-14
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• 2023

The primary treatment of oral cavity cancer is still surgery. By discussing the surgical treatment of oral cavity cancer, the basic concept of head and neck surgery could be thoroughly reviewed. The oral cavity is defined as the hard palate and the anterior 2/3 of the tongue. With appropriate reconstruction, most defects can be repaired without a significant change in quality of life, unlike in the oropharynx or hypopharynx, where aspiration problems frequently occur. The selection of a surgical approach that can provide an appropriate field of view to obtain a resection margin of 5 mm or more has become the core of head and neck surgery. The role of prophylactic neck dissection is also well established in oral cavity cancer patients. Mandibulotomy for access to the oral cavity or mandibulectomy due to cancer invasion requires bony surgical techniques, and reconstruction also requires bone tissue reconstruction techniques as well as soft tissue. Therefore, oral cancer surgery is the most important primary area where all techniques of head and neck surgery are mobilized.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.103-110
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• 2016

Fractures of frontal sinus account for 5%-12% of all fractures of facial skeleton. Inadequately treated frontal sinus injuries may result in malposition of sinus structures, as well as subsequent distortion of the overlying soft tissue. Such inappropriate treatment can result in aesthetic complaints (contour deformity) as well as medical complications (recurrent sinusitis, mucocele or mucopyocele, osteomyelitis of the frontal bone, meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess or thrombosis of the cavernous sinus) with potentially fatal outcomes. Frontal contour deformity warrants surgical intervention. Although deformities should be corrected by the deficiency in tissue type, skin and soft tissue correction is considered better choice than bone surgery because of minimal invasiveness. Development of infection in the postoperative period requires all secondary operations to be delayed, pending the resolution of infectious symptoms. The anterior cranial fossa must be isolated from the nasal cavity to prevent infectious complications. Because most of the complications are related to infection, frontal sinus fractures require extensive surgical debridement and adequate restructuring of the anatomy. The authors suggest surgeons to be familiar with various methods of treatment available in the prevention and management of complications following frontal sinus fractures, which is helpful in making the proper decision for secondary frontal sinus fracture surgery.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.381-384
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• 2005

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare malignancy of head and neck region. When rhabdomyosarcoma occurs in maxillary area, total maxillectomy is necessary. Total maxillectomy causes defects of orbital floor, palate, gingiva, and alveolar bone, causing severe facial deformity and functional impairment. Immediate maxillary reconstruction has to cover both bone and soft tissue to minimize cosmetic and functional problems. The fibular osteocutaneous free flap can provide paranasal, gingiva, oral mucosal lining and foundation for dental prosthesis, thus ensuring good cosmetic results and mastication, phonation function. We have experienced a reconstruction case of a 19-year-old man with rhabdomyosarcoma of the left maxillary sinus. The patient underwent total maxillectomy and neck dissection. We designed a fibular free flap that had a vascularized bone segment and a double skin paddle. Surgical outcomes were excellent in cosmetic and functional aspects.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.75-81
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• 2014

Background: The fibular free flap has been used as the standard methods of segmental mandibular reconstruction. The objective of mandibular reconstruction not only includes restored continuity of the mandible but also the recovery of optimal function. This paper emphasizes the advantage of the fibular free flap reconstruction over that of locking mandibular reconstruction plate fixation. Methods: The hospital charts of all patients (n=20) who had a mandibular reconstruction between 1994 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Eight patients had plateonly fixation of the mandible, and the remaining 12 had vascularized fibular free flap reconstruction. Complications and outcomes were reviewed and compared between the 2 groups via statistical analysis. Results: Overall complication rates were significantly lower in the fibular flap group (8.3%) than in the plate fixation group (87.5%; p =0.001). Most (7/8) patients in the plate fixation group had experienced plate-related late complications, including plate fracture or exposure. In the fibular flap group, no complications were observed, except for a single case of donor-site wound dehiscence (1/12). Conclusion: The fibular free flap provides a more stable support and additional soft tissue support for the plate, thereby minimizing the risk of plate-related complications. Fibular free flap is the most reliable option for mandibular reconstruction, and we believe that the flap should be performed primarily whenever possible.

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