• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.446-449
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• 2008

Purpose: Pilonidal sinus is a frequent disease that occurs mostly in hairy young men, defined as chronic inflammation and infection of the postsacral sinuses. Wide excision of the affected area is the treatment of choice. Many techniques have been described to cover the defect. However none appears to be the ideal procedure to prevent infection, recurrence, and delayed wound healing. We present the results of an alternative technique that we performed by using partial deepithelized gluteal transposition flap for reconstruction of the defect following wide excision. Methods: From October 2004 to September 2007, we performed the partial deepithelized gluteal transposition flap method on 6 patients. We modified the transposition flap techniques by deepithelialising the medial parts of the flap and burying them under the opposing edge of the flap. The results were compared with previous studies and evaluated regarding duration of surgery, size of defect, hospitalization periods, and complications. Results: All the flaps were healed well with no partial or complete loss of the flap. Hospitalization and immobilization periods were acceptably shortened. Recurrence was not seen. The aesthetic outcome was also satisfactory and all patients were satisfied with the results. Conclusion: The main advantage of our techniques is using healthy tissues to obliterate the dead space, to provide an extra-cushion, and to prevent deep dehiscence. We believe that the partial deepithelized gluteal transposition flap is a good alternative method for treatment of pilonidal sinus.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.15 no.3
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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 Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.152-156
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• 2005

Purpose: We reconstructed the thumb with groin flap combined with secondary heterodigital neurovascular island flap and report our 6 cases. Materials and Methods: Between March 2003 and August 2004, 6 degloving thumbs or amputation of thumbs were reconstructed with groin flap combined with secondary heterodigital neurovascular island flap. There ware 4 men and 2 women, and mean age was 42.2 years. The following parameters were evaluated. Results: Recipient thumb was no limitation of apposition. but flexion contracture of interphalangeal joint was about 10 degree in two cases. Average grip power were 80% and average pinch power were 70% that of the normal thumb. The two point discrimination was average 10.5 mm and double sensibility in 2 cases. 2 patients have cold intolerance. Neuroma formation was not made. Cosmetic results as judged by patients were that 4 cases are good and 2 cases are fair. Conclusion: If massive skin defect after degloving thumb or amputation of thumb are present, we consider the numerous methods for reconstruction of thumb. This surgical procedure is good methods because of it's pliability, sensation, satisfactory functional results but major disadvantage are the staged operation and cosmetic effect of the absence of thumb nail.

• Medical Lasers
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2019

Background and Objectives Skin and soft tissue defects can be treated according to a range of strategies, such as local flap, skin graft, biological dressing, or free flap. On the other hand, free tissue transfer usually leaves a distinct scar with an inconsistency of color or hypertrophy. This problem is highlighted if the defect is located on the face, which could have devastating effects on a patient's psychosocial health. Materials and Methods The authors used an erbium : yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser to resurface the free flap skin and match the color with the surrounding facial skin. This study evaluated the effectiveness of laser skin resurfacing on the harmonious color matching of transferred flap. Patients who had undergone laser resurfacing on facial flap skin between January 2014 and December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. An ablative 2,940-nm fractional Er:YAG laser treatment was delivered to the entire flap skin at 21 J/cm² with the treatment end-point of pinpoint bleeding. Several months later, the clinical photographs were analyzed. The L^*a^*b^* color co-ordinates of both the flap and surrounding normal skin were measured using Adobe Photoshop. The L^*a^*b^* color difference (ΔE) for the scar and normal surrounding skin were calculated using the following equation: ${\Delta}E=\sqrt{({\Delta}L)^2+({\Delta}a)^2+({\Delta}b)^2}$ Results All five patients were satisfied with the more natural appearance of the flaps. The ΔE values decreased significantly from the pre-treatment mean value of 19.64 to the post-treatment mean value of 11.39 (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p = 0.043). Conclusion Ablative laser resurfacing can improve the aesthetic outcome of free tissue transfer on the face.

• Journal of International Society for Simulation Surgery
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.90-93
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• 2015

The fibula free flap has now become the most reliable and frequently used option for mandible reconstruction. Recently, three dimensional images and printing technologies are applied to mandibular reconstruction. We introduce our recent experience of mandibular reconstruction using three dimensionally planned fibula free flap in a patient with gunshot injury. The defect was virtually reconstructed with three-dimensional image. Because bone fragments are dislocated from original position, relocation was necessary. Fragments are virtually relocated to original position using mirror image of unaffected right side of the mandible. A medical rapid prototyping (MRP) model and cutting guide was made with 3D printer. Titanium reconstruction plate was adapted to the MRP model manually. 7 cm-sized fibula bone flap was designed on left lower leg. After dissection, proximal and distal margin of fibula flap was osteotomized by using three dimensional cutting guide. Segmentation was also done as planned. The fibula bone flap was attached to the inner side of the prebent reconstruction plate and fixed with screws. Postoperative evaluation was done by comparison between preoperative planning and surgical outcome. Although dislocated condyle is still not in ideal position, we can see that reconstruction was done as planned.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.453-460
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• 2015

Background Reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects after resection of oropharyngeal cancer is a significant challenge. The purpose of this study is to introduce reconstruction using a combination of a buccinator myomucosal flap and a buccal fat pad flap after cancer excision and to discuss the associated anatomy, surgical procedure, and clinical applications. Methods In our study, a combination of a buccinator myomucosal flap with a buccal fat pad flap was utilized for reconstruction after resection of oropharyngeal cancer, performed between 2013 and 2015. After oropharyngectomy, the defect with exposed vital structures was noted. A buccinator myomucosal flap was designed and elevated after an assessment of the flap pedicle. Without requiring an additional procedure, a buccal fat pad flap was easily harvested in the same field and gently pulled to obtain sufficient volume. The flaps were rotated and covered the defect. In addition, using cadaver dissections, we investigated the feasibility of transposing the flaps into the lateral oropharyngeal defect. Results The reconstruction was performed in patients with squamous cell carcinoma. The largest tumor size was $5cm{\times}2cm(length{\times}width)$. All donor sites were closed primarily. The flaps were completely epithelialized after four weeks, and the patients were followed up for at least six months. There were no flap failures or postoperative wound complications. All patients were without dietary restrictions, and no patient had problems related to mouth opening, swallowing, or speech. Conclusions A buccinator myomucosal flap with a buccal fat pad flap is a reliable and valuable option in the reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects after cancer resection for maintaining functionality.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.521-526
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• 2008

Purpose: Most burn scar contractures are curable with skin grafts, but free flaps may be needed in some cases. Due to the adjacent tissue scarring, local flap is rarely used, and thus we may consider free flap which gives us more options than local flap. However, inappropriate performance of free flap may lead to unsatisfactory results despite technical complexity and enormous amount of effort. The author will discuss the points we should consider when using free flaps in treating burn scar contractures Methods: We surveyed patients who underwent free flaps to correct burn scar contractures from 2000 to 2007. We divided patients into two groups. The first group was those in which free flaps were inevitable due to exposure of deep structures such as bones and tendons. The second group was those in which free flap was used to minimize scar contracture and to achieve aesthetic result. Results: We performed 44 free flap on 42 patients. All of the flaps were taken well except one case of partial necrosis and wound dehiscence. Forearm free flap was the most common with 21 cases. Most of the cases(28 cases) in which free flaps were inevitable were on the wrist and lower limbs. These were cases of soft tissue defect due to wide and extensive burns. Free flaps were done in 16 cases to minimize scar contracture and to obtain aesthetic outcome, recipient sites were mostly face and upper extremities. Conclusion: When using free flaps for correction of burn scar contractures, proper release and full resurfacing of the contracture should be carried out in advance. If inadequate free flap is performed, secondary correction is more challenging than in skin grafts. In order to optimize the result of reconstruction, flap thickness, size and scar of the recipient site should be considered, then we can achieve natural shape, and minimize additional correction.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.44-48
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• 2000

The advent of free bone flaps has made successful replacement of extensive areas of bone loss in the upper and lower extremities. The microvascular free bone flaps have faster healing without bony absorption or atrophy and can heal in the hostile environment of scarred bed or infection. Since the fibula free flap introduced by Taylor and colleague in 1975, it has been used extensively for skeletal reconstruction of extremities. In 1988, the folded vascularized fibula free flap was first described as a technique to reconstruct significant long bone defect of upper and lower extremities. During the same time, the fibular free flap has evolved to become most preferred choice of mandibular reconstruction. Up to present day, few reports have been made on the fibular free flap used for reconstruction of injured hand containing metacarpal bone and soft tissue defect. We present here our new and unique experiences with vascularized fibular osteocutaneous free flap as useful and satisfactory one for reconstruction of hand with composite defects.

• Korean Journal of Cleft Lip And Palate
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.65-72
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• 2009

Quadrilateral flap technique for primary cheiloplasty in patients with cleft lip was initially developed by Hagedorn in 1884. After Le Mesurier presented this procedure in 1940's, many surgeons adopted this technique for clinical advantage of reconstruction of Cupid's bow and lesser amount of tissue discarding than straight line technique. However, owing to its drawbacks such as sacrifice of Cupid's bow and prominent scar on philtral ridge, other techniques like Tennison's triangular flap and Millard's rotation-advancement flap have gradually taken its place. Nevertheless, some clinicians like Dr. Wang has modified this quadrilateral flap technique for better clinical outcomes. In this report we present 3 cases of unilateral complete cleft lip patients who underwent primary cheiloplasty with favorable outcomes based on Dr. Wang's modified quadrilateral flap technique.

• Journal of the Korean Burn Society
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.74-76
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• 2021

Postburn scar contracture of sole can cause musculoskeletal deformity, restricted range of motion, and decreased quality of life. It is very important to exhibit similar characteristics of the sole when reconstructing the sole because it has to resist shearing force and weight bearing. In this case, we performed medialis pedis free flap for the postburn scar contracture of the sole and the flap survived without complication. The patient satisfied with functional and aesthetic outcomes. Medialis pedis free flap, which is harvested adjacent to the sole, can show similar characteristic of the sole and maintain adequate contour. Moreover, this flap can be harvested without sacrifice of major vessel or nerve. Due to these advantages, medialis pedis free flap can be an ideal option for the reconstruction of the sole.