• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.126-131
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• 2011

Purpose: The subcutaneous pocket graft of the thumb tip amputation across or proximal to the lunula is chosen in case of impossible microvascular anastomosis and in patient who strongly desired to preserve the thumb tip after failed replantation. Materials and Methods: Two patients who underwent a subcutaneous pocket graft for a thumb tip reconstruction between August 2008 and November 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. They were all males with a mean age at the time of surgery of 48 years and had sustained complete thumb tip amputations across or proximal to the lunula. In one case, the microsurgical replantation was not feasible and the other one revealed arterial insufficiency at the 7th day after microsurgical replantation. Results: Authors had experienced 2 cases of flaps which survived completely. The results of sensibility was good, the range of motion at interphalangeal joint and tip to tip pinch was acceptable and color mismatch and loss of thumb finger nail was unacceptable after more than 1 year follow up with conventional successful thumb tip replantation. Conclusion: The subcutaneous pocket graft could be chosen in thumb tip amputation in case of impossible microvascular anastomosis as well as who strongly desires to preserve thumb tip after failed replantation.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.192-200
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• 2014

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction between 4-hexylresorcinol (4HR) and antibody as that affects the performance of a silk-4HR combination graft for soft tissue augmentation in an animal model. Methods: The silk graft materials consisted of four types: silk+10% tricalcium phosphate (TCP) (ST0), silk+10% TCP+1% 4HR (ST1), silk+10% TCP+3% 4HR (ST3), and silk+10% TCP+6% 4-HR (ST6). The antibody binding assay tested the 4HR effect and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) exam was done for silk grafts. The animal experiment used a subcutaneous pocket mouse model. The graft - SH0 or SH1 or SH3 or SH6 - was placed in a subcutaneous pocket. The animals were killed at one, two, and four weeks, postoperatively. The specimens were subjected to histological analysis and lysozyme assay. Results: Groups with 4HR applied showed lower antibody binding affinity to antigen compared to groups without 4HR. In the SEM examination, there was no significant difference among groups. Histological examinations revealed many foreign body giant cells in ST0 and ST1 group at four weeks postoperatively. Both ST3 and ST6 groups developed significantly lower levels of giant cell values compared to ST0 and ST1 groups (P < 0.001) at four weeks postoperatively. In the lysozyme assay, the ST1 and ST3 groups showed denser signals than the other groups. Conclusion: 4HR combined silk implants resulted in high levels of vascular and connective tissue regeneration.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.592-600
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• 2006

Purpose: Numerous materials, both autologous and nonautologous, have been used for augmentation of sunken areas, but they have their own limitations. The purpose of this study is to determine the histologic response and volume change of the xenogenic collagen-based scaffold($Terudermis^{(R)}$) to the transfer into a subcutaneous soft tissue location in vivo rabbit model. Methods: Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were used. Three $1.2{\times}1.2cm$ sized subcutaneous pockets were created on the dorsal surface of each ear. $1{\times}1cm$ sized collagen matrix($Terudermis^{(R)}$) and autologous dermal graft were implanted into each pocket. Full thickness of ear was harvested in 3 days, 1, 2, 4 weeks, 3, 6 months after implantation. Results: Histological analysis of implants demonstrated progressive neovascularization, fibroblast infilteration, neocollagen bundle synthesis and organization, and few foreign body reaction. The thickness of the collagen matrix in 3 days after the operation was 87.69% of the thickness of the collagen matrix in wet state. Then it decreased to 30.17% in 6 months after the operation. The rate of decrease was similar at all points at the same time compared with autologous dermal graft. Conclusion: Our experimental study suggests that $Terudermis^{(R)}$ could be a safe material as an implant for permanent augmentation in subcutaneous tissue. However the choice of graft for augmentation should be remained to the clinical situations.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.660-662
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• 2009

Purpose: There are several modalities to reattach the amputated auricle. Microvascular replantation can achieve the best outcome, but technically difficult. Conventional composite graft is technically easy, but uniformly unsuccessful. Our successful experience of reattachment using postauricular subcutaneous pocket is presented. Methods: The amputated tissue was placed in its anatomical position with buried sutures. The amputated part is dermabraded to remove the epidermis and outer layer of dermis(Fig. 1, Center, left). Postauricular skin flap was then raised and the reattached dermabraded ear was buried beneath the flap(Fig. 1, Center, right). Two weeks after the original surgery, the buried ear was removed from its pocket (Fig. 1, Below, left). Results: The ear was reepithelialized spontaneously in 7 days. At 3 months, the reattached ear has satisfactory appearance without contour deformity(Fig. 1, Below, right). Conclusion: This technique provides increase in contact surface between the amputated segment and the surrounding tissues which supply blood, serum, oxygen and nutrients, maximizing the probability of "take". Minimally injured dermis can be healed from spontaneous reepithelialization and provides minimal contour deformity. We have used this non-microsurgical technique with very satisfying outcome.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.404-410
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• 2012

Background First suggested by Brent in 1979, the pocket principle is an alternative method for patients for whom a microsurgical replantation is not feasible. We report the successful results of a modified palmar pocket method in adults. Methods Between 2004 and 2008, we treated 10 patients by nonmicrosurgical replantation using palmar pocketing. All patients were adults who sustained a complete fingertip amputation from the tip to lunula in a digits. In all of these patients, the amputation occurred due to a crush or avulsion-type injury, and a microsurgical replantation was not feasible. We used the palmar pocketing method following a composite graft in these patients and prepared the pocket in the subcutaneous layer of the ipsilateral palm. Results Of a total of 10 cases, nine had complete survival of the replantation and one had 20% partial necrosis. All of the cases were managed to conserve the fingernails, which led to acceptable cosmetic results. Conclusions A composite graft and palmar pocketing in adult cases of fingertip injury constitute a simple, reliable operation for digital amputation extending from the tip to the lunula. These methods had satisfactory results.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.630-634
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• 2015

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) of the breast is a benign mesenchymal lesion with incidental histologic findings. Surgical excision is recommended as the treatment of choice for PASH, although the recurrence rates after excision range from 15% to 22%. A 46-year-old-female presented with a six-month history of bilateral breast enlargement and painful sensation mimicking inflammatory carcinoma. Imaging studies demonstrated innumerable enhancing nodules in both breasts. Due to the growth of the lesions and progressive clinical symptoms, bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy was performed. Grossly, the specimens were round and well-circumscribed, and the histologic examination revealed PASH. After mastectomy, we created a pocket with the pectoralis major muscle and a lower skin flap, which was deepithelized. Anatomical mammary implants were inserted, and the nipple areolar complex was transferred to a new position as a free graft. The aesthetic result was satisfactory after twelve months of follow-up.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.831-834
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• 2010

Purpose: Congenital absence of the vagina is a rare case. It occurs as a result of Mullerian duct aplasia or complete androgen insensitivity syndrome. The reconstructive modality includes skin graft, use of intestine and various methods of flap. We report a patient who underwent vulvoperineal fasciocutaneous flap to reconstruct congenital absence of the vagina, while the external genitalia and ovaries are normal. Methods: A 26-year-old woman presented with vaginal agenesis. Under general anesthesia, a U-shaped incision was made between the urethral meatus and the anus. The new vaginal pocket was created up to the level of the peritoneal reflection between the urinary structures and the rectum. Next, the vulvoperineal fasciocutaneous flaps were designed in a rectangular fashion. Flap elevation was begun at the lateral margin which the adductor longus fascia was incised and elevated, and the superficial perineal neurovascular pedicle was invested by the fascial layer. The medial border was then elevated. A subcutaneous tunnel was created beneath the inferior of the labia to rotate the flaps. The left vulvoperineal flap was rotated counterclockwise and the right was rotated clockwise. The neovaginal pouch was formed by approximating the medial and lateral borders. The tubed neovagina was then transposed into the cavity. Results: In 3 weeks, the vaginal canal remained supple After 6 weeks, the physical examination showed normalappearing labia majora and perineum with an adequate vaginal depth. A year after the operation, the patient had a 7 cm vagina of sufficient width with no evidence of contractures nor fibrous scar formation. The patient was sexually active without difficulty. Conclusion: Although many methods were described for reconstruction of vaginal absence, there is not a method yet to be approved as a perfect solution. We used the vulvoperineal fasciocutaneous flap to reconstruct a neovagina. This method had a following merits: a single-stage procedure, excellent flap reliability, the potential for normal function, minimal donor site morbidity and no need for subsequent dilatation, stents, or obturators. We thought that this operation has a good anatomic and functional results for reconstruction of the vagina.