• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.813-815
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• 2015

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.240-252
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• 2022

Rather than just another "review," this is intended to be an "overview" of the entire subject of the medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap as has been presented in the reconstructive literature from its inception in 2001 until the present, with any exceptions not purposefully overlooked. Unfortunately, the pertinent anatomy of the MSAP flap is always anomalous like most other perforator flaps, and perhaps even more variable. No schematic exists to facilitate the identification of a dominant musculocutaneous perforator about which to design the flap, so some adjunctive technology may be highly valuable for this task. However, if a relatively thin free flap is desirable for a small or moderate sized defect that requires a long pedicle with larger caliber vessels, the MSAP flap deserves consideration. Indeed, for many, this has replaced the radial forearm flap such as for partial tongue reconstruction. Most consider the donor site deformity, even if only a conspicuous scar on the calf, to be a contraindication. Yet certainly if used as a local flap for the knee, popliteal fossa, or proximal leg, or as a free flap for the ipsilateral lower extremity where a significant recipient site deformity already exists, can anyone really object that this is not a legitimate indication? As with any perforator flap, advantages and disadvantages exist, which must be carefully perused before a decision to use the MSAP flap is made. Perhaps not a "workhorse" flap for general use throughout the body, the MSAP flap in general may often be a valuable alternative.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.593-598
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• 2007

Purpose: Talipes equinus deformity is defined as impossibility of heel weight-bearing and lacking of improvement of toe-tip gait despite sufficient duration of conservative treatment. The incidence of equinus deformity induces post-traumatic extensive soft tissue defect and subsequently increases it. Severe equinus deformities of the foot associated with extensive scarring of the leg and ankle were corrected using achilles Z-lengthening and free-tissue transfer. Methods: Free radial forearm flap was done in nine cases of eight patients from January 2000 to November 2006. Causes of deformity were post-traumatic contracture (one patient) and post-burn scar contracture (seven patients). Seven patients were male, one patient was female. Mean age was 32.1 (range, 10-57). Flap donors were covered with artificial dermis ($Terudermis^{(R)}$) and split thickness skin graft (five cases), and medium thickness skin graft only (four cases). Results: The size of flaps varied from $6{\times}12$ to $15{\times}12cm$ (average, $12{\times}7.8cm$). Achilles tendon was lengthened 4.2cm on average. Free radial forearm flap was satisfactory in all cases. All patients could ambulate normally after the surgery. Cases having donor coverage with $Terudermis^{(R)}$ were aesthetically better than those having skin grafts only. Conclusion: This study suggested that severe equinus deformities associated with extensive scarring of the leg and ankle can be corrected effectively free radial forearm flap and Achilles tendon lengthening.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.277-282
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• 2009

Purpose: The vegetative state is a clinical condition with complete unawareness of self and environment, but with preservation of brain - stem functions. Vegetative patients may have nosocomial infections in their wounds, like pressure sores and infected craniums after cranioplasties. Usually flap surgery is necessary for those wounds, but decision of undergoing surgery is difficult because of various adverse conditions of vegetative patients. We share our experience of several successful flap surgeries in vegetative patients, and evaluate obstacles and requirements to get satisfactory results. Methods: From December 2005 to September 2008, a total of 4 vegetative patients underwent surgeries. In 2 patients with infected artificial craniums, scalp reconstructions with free flaps were performed. In other 2 patients with huge pressure sores with sepsis, island flap coverage of wounds was done. Retrospective study was done on hospital day, vegetative period, number of surgeries done, underlying diseases, causative bacteria, and contents of informed consent. Results: Mean hospital day was 14 months and mean vegetative period was 17.5 months. Patients underwent average of 4.5 surgeries under general anesthesia. There were several underlying diseases like hypertension, DM, CHF and chronic anemia. MRSA(Methicilin - resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) was cultured from every patient's wounds. Informed consent included a warning for high mortality and a need of attentive familial cooperation. Conclusion: There are three requirements for doing flap surgeries in vegetative patients. First, to prevent aggravation of brain damage and underlying diseases by general anesthesia, multidisciplinary team approach is needed. Second, operation should be beneficial for prolonging patient's lifespan. Third, because postoperative care is very difficult and long hospitalization is needed, detailed informed consent and highly cooperative attitude of family should be confirmed before operation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.428-434
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• 2005

Extensive and complicated defects on the body call for an omnipotent tool for a perfect reconstruction. Flaps derived from the omentum has many advantages over the conventional flaps. From 1999 to 2004, Omental flaps were applied for various soft tissue reconstructions. Among total 20 total 7 cases were for immediate reconstruction, 2 cases for chronic infection, 3 cases for simultaneous reconstruction of two defects, 4 cases for functional joint reconstruction and 4 cases were for flow- through revascularization. Among these cases, 3 cases were operated with minimal incision harvest technique. There were no complete flap failures, partial necrosis of the distal parts were noted on three cases. The omental flap is indicated on a large contaminated defect reconstruction due to its large size, well-vascularized, and malleable properties. The omental flap provides several additional advantages over other flaps, which are; the availability of the one staged simultaneous reconstruction of two defects with one flap, providing gliding function for the joint motion, and a flow-through characteristics with long vascular pedicle. But there are some serious shortcomings, including a long abdominal scar and intraabdominal problems. However, these are rare and can be minimized with our minimal incision technique. Due to its unique characteristics. the omentum is one of the ideal tissues for the reconstruction of the complicated soft tissue defects due to its unique characteristics.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.134-137
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• 2007

Background and Objectives: The goals of laryngeal reconstruction have been prevention of aspiration, production of a functional voice, and maintenance of an adequate airway for decannulation. It is generally believed that the reconstruction of the glottic region after vertical partial laryngectomy (VPL) can improve laryngeal function. The objective of this study is to evaluate of voice function after VPL with mucosal flap and fat graft reconstruction. Materials and Methods: From 1994 to 2006, 13 patients, who had been treated with VPL with mucosal flap and fat graft reconstruction. The voice characteristics, acoustic, aerodynamic parameter were measured in 13 patients after vertical partial laryngectomy with mucosal flap and fat graft reconstruction. Acoustic analysis was carried out using Computerized Speech Lab (CSL) and aerodynamic analysis were carried out using Aerophon II,3 months and 12 months after surgery. Results: The GRBAS scale, jitter, shimmer, NHR were improved as time goes on after surgery. But, maximum phonation time was shortened after surgery and there is no significant differences between before and after surgery in mean flow rate. Conclusion: The voice function of the mucosal flap and fat graft reconstruction after VPL were satisfactory. This can be an excellent reconstruction method after vertical partial laryngectomy.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.46-49
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• 2002

Background: Free flaps have become a very important role in the ablative head and neck surgery with functional preservation of defect sites. The forearm free flap has many advantage of lack of bulk, ease of dissection, vascularity, and malleability. Patients and Methods: A review of 51 radial forearm free flaps performed between may 1990 and feburary 2001 at the Korea University was undertaken to determine outcome. Patient age ranged 27 to 72 years (mean 56). There were 44 men and 7 women. The most prevalent neoplasm was squamous cell carcinoma. Results: The tans verse cervical artery and the external jugular vein were the most frequent receipient sites for microvascular anastomosis. Total flap loss occurred in 2 cases (4%) and other complications were seen in 42%. Fifteen patients received preoperative irradiation and the complication was higher than non-irradiation patients, but statistically not significant. Conclusion: The radial forearm free flap offers a variety of reconstructive options for head and neck. Its low flap loss and complication rates offer the best choice for reconstruction of defect of head and neck malignancy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.70-75
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• 2022

Background Fingertip injuries are very common; however, the reconstruction of volar pulp defects with nail bed defects is challenging in the absence of the amputated segment. We reconstructed fingertip amputations with nail bed defects using a new surgical approach: a subcutaneous flap and composite graft. Methods We treated 10 fingertip amputation patients without an amputated segment, with exposed distal phalangeal bone and full-thickness nail bed defects between February 2018 and December 2020. All patients underwent two-stage surgery: in the first stage, a subcutaneous flap was performed to cover the exposed distal phalanx, and in the second stage, a composite graft, consisting of nail bed, hyponychium, and volar pulp skin, was applied over the subcutaneous flap. Results All flaps survived and all composite grafts were successful. The wounds healed without any significant complications, including the donor site. The average follow-up duration was 11.2 months (range, 3-27 months). The new nail and the shape of the volar pulp were evaluated during follow-up. All patients were satisfied with their natural fingertip shapes and the new nails did not have any serious deformities. Conclusions A subcutaneous flap in combination with a composite graft fitting the shape of the defect could be another option for fingertip injuries without amputated segments.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.360-366
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• 2008

Purpose: Botulinum toxin type A(BoTA) can block the release of vasoconstriction cotransmitters as well as acetylcholine in nerve terminal. The authors observed that BoTA increases flap survival by preventing sympathetic collapse of peripheral vessels. Methods: 10 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control(n=5), and BoTA group(n=5). $3{\times}10cm$ sized random pattern cutaneous flaps were elevated on the dorsal side in both groups. In BoTA group, BoTA was injected into the flap via intradermal to subdermal route, 7 days before the flap elevation. Flap survival rates (survival area/total area) were measured 7 days after the elevation. Cutaneous blood flow was measured in proximal, middle and distal compartments of the flap using laser Doppler flowmetry initially, preoperatively, at immediate postoperation, and 7 days after flap elevation, respectively. Histological examination was performed 7 days after the flap elevation. The number and shape of the vessels were evaluated under microscope. Results: Mean flap survival was $53.18{\pm}6.58%$ in control group and $93.79{\pm}6.06%$ in BoTA group, displaying statistically significant difference(p=0.0008, p<0.05). In the control group, blood flow to the middle and distal compartments of the flap decreased significantly immediately after flap elevation. In the BoTA group, blood flow to the middle compartment did not decrease(p=0.002) and slightly decreased in the distal compartment(p=0.001). Cutaneous blood flow was significantly higher in all compartments of the flap in BoTA group than in control group, 7 days after the flap elevation. In histopathologic examination, greater number of vessels were noted in the BoTA group than in the control group. Conclusion: Botulinum toxin A can increase the survival of the random pattern cutaneous flap in rats by preventing the sympathetic collapse of peripheral vessels.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.224-226
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• 2005

In diabetic foot with arterial occlusive disease, skin defect on heel was tried to treat with free flap or local flap, but couldn't be treated well. Therefore below knee amputation was perfomed mostly. But we treated a patient of large heel defect with using of artificial bypass graft and antero-lateral thigh perforator flap.