• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.39-45
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• 2019

Background The dorsolateral branch of the posterior intercostal artery (DLBPI) can be easily found while harvesting a latissimus dorsi (LD) musculocutaneous flap for breast reconstruction. However, it remains unknown whether this branch can be used for a free flap and whether this branch alone can provide perfusion to the skin. We examined whether the DLBPI could be reliably found and whether it could provide sufficient perfusion. Methods We dissected 10 fresh cadavers and counted DLBPIs with a diameter larger than 2 mm. For each DLBPI, the following parameters were measured: distance from the lateral margin of the LD muscle, level of the intercostal space, distance from the spinal process, and distance from the inferior angle of the scapula. Results The DLBPI was easily found in all cadavers and was reliably located in the specified area. The average number of DLBPIs was 1.65. They were located between the seventh and eleventh intercostal spaces. The average length of the DLBPI between the intercostal space and the LD muscle was 4.82 cm. To assess the perfusion of the DLBPIs, a lead oxide mixture was injected through the branch and observed using X-rays, and it showed good perfusion. Conclusions The DLBPI can be used as a pedicle in free flaps for small defects. DLBPI flaps have some limitations, such as a short pedicle. However, an advantage of this branch is that it can be reliably located through simple dissection. For women, it has the advantage of concealing the donor scar underneath the bra band.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.279-287
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• 2023

Background Hypothenar free flaps (HTFFs) have been widely used for reconstructing palmar defects. Although previous anatomical and clinical studies of HTFF have been conducted, this technique still has some limitations. In this study, we describe some tips for large flap design that allows for easy harvesting of HTFFs with minimal donor site morbidity. Methods A total of 14 HTFF for hand defect reconstruction were recorded. The oblique flap was designed in the proximal HT area following relaxed skin tension line along the axis between fourth web space and 10 mm ulnar side of pisiform. A flap pedicle includes one or two perforators with ulnar digital artery and HT branch of basilic vein. In addition, innervated HTFF can be harvested with a branch of ulnar digital nerve. Electronic medical records were reviewed to obtain data on patients' information, operative details, and follow-up period. In addition, surgical outcome score was obtained from the patient, up to 10 points, at the last follow-up. Results Mean harvest time was 46 minutes, and two perforators were included in 10 cases. The mean flap area was 10.84 cm². There were no problems such as donor site depression, scar contracture, keloids, wound dehiscence, numbness or neuroma pain at donor sites, and hypersensitivity or cold intolerance at flap site, either functionally or aesthetically. Conclusion Palmar defect reconstruction is challenging for hand surgeons. However, large HTFF can be harvested without complications using the oblique axis HTFF technique. We believe our surgical tips increase utility of HTFF for palmar defect reconstruction.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.144-150
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• 2016

Objectives: We compared the transbuccal and transoral approaches in the management of mandibular angle fractures. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with mandibular angle fractures were randomly divided into two equal groups (A, transoral approach; group B, transbuccal approach) who received fracture reduction using a single 2.5 mm 4 holed miniplate with a bar using either of the two approaches. Intraoperatively, the surgical time and the ease of surgical assess for fixation were noted. Patients were followed at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively and evaluated clinically for post-surgical complications like scarring, infection, postoperative occlusal discrepancy, malunion, and non-union. Radiographically, the interpretation of fracture reduction was also performed by studying the fracture gap following reduction using orthopantomogram tracing. The data was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. A P -value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: No significant difference was seen between the two groups for variables like surgical time and ease of fixation. Radiographic interpretation of fracture reduction revealed statistical significance for group B from points B to D as compared to group A. No cases of malunion/non-union were noted. A single case of hypertrophic scar formation was noted in group B at 6 months postsurgery. Infection was noted in 2 patients in group B compared to 6 patients in group A. There was significantly more occlusal discrepancy in group A compared to group B at 1 week postoperatively, but no long standing discrepancy was noted in either group at the 6 months follow-up. Conclusion: The transbuccal approach was superior to the transoral approach with regard to radiographic reduction of the fracture gap, inconspicuous external scarring, and fewer postoperative complications. We preferred the transbuccal approach due to ease of use, minimal requirement for plate bending, and facilitation of plate placement in the neutral mid-point area of the mandible.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.653-655
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• 2007

Purpose: The umbilicus is an important aesthetic component of the abdomen. Its absence is both cosmetically and psychologically distressing to the patient. Umbilical reconstruction should always be aimed at creating an umbilicus of sufficient depth and good morphology with less scarring. The C-V flap developed for nipple reconstruction was used in an inverted fashion in case of umbilical reconstruction. The aim of this article is to report our experience of scarred umbilical reconstruction using inverted C-V flap. Methods: A 22-year-old woman presented with contracted scar tissue in the umbilical region because she had undergone surgical correction of an umbilical hernia at 5 year of age. Pedicle of the inverted C-V flap was based cephalically. For enhancing depth of the umbilicus, three anchoring sutures to linea alba were done at both lateral and caudal aspects of the umbilical tube. Primary closures were done at donor sites of the V flaps and bolster sutures were done in the caudal direction of the inverted umbilical tube. Results: The patient was satisfied with the appearance of umbilicus. Major complications such as dehiscence, infection, and delayed healing did not occur. Conclusion: The inverted C-V flap is easy and simple technique, and it can produce a satisfactory reconstruction of umbilical structure.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.118-125
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• 2009

Bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) is a challenging condition which may result from diverse etiologies including vocal fold paralysis, synkinesis, cricoarytenoid joint fixation, and interarytenoid scar. Most patients present with dyspnea and stridor, but sometimes with a breathy dysphonia. Careful history taking, laryngoscopic evaluation under general anesthesia or awaken status, laryngeal EMG, and imaging studies with CT and/or MRI are helpful for providing a precise diagnosis and planning appropriate managements. In children, congenital neurological disorder is one of the most common etiologies, and spontaneous recovery has been reported in more than 50% of cases. Therefore, observation for more than 6 months while securing the upper airway with tracheostomy if needed is a generally accepted rule before deciding any destructive procedure to be undertaken. In children with advanced posterior glottic stenosis, laryngotracheal reconstruction with rib cartilage graft should be considered. In contrast to children, BVFI most commonly occurs as sequalae of surgical complication in adults. Diverse static or dynamic procedures can be applied; posterior cordotomy, vocal fold lateralization, endoscopic or open arytenoidectomy, arytenoid abduction, and reinnervation, electrical laryngeal pacing, which need to be carefully selected according to each patient's needs and pathophysiology of BVFI.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.353-357
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• 1996

One of the most common cosmetic surgery, the blepharoplasty can be divided two method. there were incisional method and sutured method. Authors try to understand the anatomic difference between the oriental upper eyelids and apply the surgical techniques of constructing upper eyelid crease of oriental case effectively. And we discussed the postoperative complications of the blepharoplasty and proposed the solve of these problems. The sutured method of blepharoplasty was more simple technique than conventional incision method and had low occurrence of complications. Even though slight recurrence, suture method was more esthetic due to no scar formation.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.53-57
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• 1999

Pediatric laparoscopic splenectomy has been gradually accepted as the surgical management of a various splenic disorders, particularly in hematologic diseases. We report our experience with 16 patients who underwent this procedure because of hematologic disorders during the past 3 and a half years at the Department of Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital, the Catholic University Medical College. The mean age was 10 years(range 6-16 years) and the mean spleen weight was 210 gm(range 85-500 g). The indication for splenectomy were hereditary spherocytosis(6 cases), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(8 cases), autoimmune hemolytic anemia(1 case), and idiopathic splenomegaly(1 case). All splenectomies were performed safely with mean estimated blood loss of 233 ml. Mean operative time and mean postoperative hospital stay were 157 min and 4.5 days, respectively. Postoperative pain, medication was needed in 3 cases, just one injection in immediate postoperative period. Diet was started on the second or third postoperative day. In conclusion, laparoscopic splenectomy in pediatric patients is a safe procedure, offering a small of abdominal scar, much less pain, a shorter hospital stay and car the lower postoperative morbidity.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.283-288
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• 2006

There are several manners for surgical approaches to the mandibular condyle. With the retromandiular approach, the condyle and fracture are exposed directly and allow for good inspection and reduction. The retromandibular scar is very well camouflaged and practically invisible. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical results of retromandibular approach for the reduction and fixation of fractured mandibular condyles. We described postoperative complications such as temporary facial nerve weakness involving the marginal mandibular branch, mouth opening limitation and malocclusion in 13 patients with mandubular condylar fractures; 11 subcondylar fractures and 2 condylar neck fractures. The follow-up period was longer than 6 months in all patients. The retromandibular approach was successful in all subcondylar fracture cases. 2 patients with condylar neck fracture had mouth opening limitation and temporary marginal nerve palsy longer than 3 months. But there were no cases of permanent nerve injury and malocclusion. Our findings indicate that retromandibular approach is an easy and safe technique for subcondylar fracture but not for condylar neck fracture.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.58-62
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• 2012

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is most commonly diagnosed bacterial infection in febrile infants. Renal abscess is a very rare complication of UTI in children. Early diagnosis and treatment with appropriate antibiotics are important because renal scar correlates positively with the time of treatment. Renal ultrasonography and abdominal computerized tomography facilitates an earlier diagnosis and is also useful in establishing percutaneous drainage. Extended broad spectrum antibiotics therapy alone can be effective in most types of renal abscesses in infant, but some antibiotics-resistant cases need surgical drainage or nephrectomy. We report a case of a infant UTI, that progressed to renal abscess despite early antibiotic treatment and was treated with US guided percutaneous needle aspiration.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.63-66
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• 2012

Resection of the bowel is necessary for the repair of a ventral hernia after recovery from trauma in some cases. In such instances, polyester or polypropylene meshcannot be used due to the possibility of infection; we had to use biological mesh instead. We report a case in which a traumatic hernia was repaired with Permacol (Covidien, Norwalk, CT, USA). A 42-year-old male patient had been injured by a factory machine seven months prior to admission. At that time, he had abdominal wall injury and small bowel perforation. His abdominal wall had been a defect after operation. A CT scan of the abdomen showed that the left abdominal wall, which is lateral to left rectus abdominis muscle had only one muscle layer, an external oblique muscle, and that a previous abdominal incision had a defect along the entire incision. During the exploration, 10 cm of small bowel was removed due to firm adhesion to the previous surgical scar. Permacol mesh was applied and fixed with transfascial fixations and tacks by using the intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique. There were no complications after the surgery and the patient was discharged without any problems.