• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.94-100
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• 2008

In the past decade, there has been increasing breast reconstructions after mastectomy, and the abdomen has been the gold standard for donor site. TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), MSTRAM (muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator), SIEA (superficial inferior epigastric artery) flap has been widely used nowadays. Among them, DIEP free flap spares the whole rectus abdominis muscle and anterior rectus sheath resulting in decreased donor site morbidity. Between March of 2006 and February of 2008, six patients had undergone immediate breast reconstructions using DIEP free flap. The mean age of patients was 48.5 years. All patients had unilateral breast reconstructions. We dissected two perforators which were included in the unilateral pedicle. Thoracodorsal artery and its venae comitantes were chosen as recipient vessels. For venous anastomosis, we used the GEM Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler System (Synovis Micro Companies Alliance, Inc., Birmingham, Ala.) in four cases. All flaps were survived completely except one who showed fatty abdomen in old age. She showed repetitive vascular spasm intraoperatively. None of the patients had abdominal hernia, bulge or weakness. We believe that DIEP free flap provides a reliable method for autologous breast reconstruction if the patients are selected appropriately and performed by a skillful surgeon.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제33권6호
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• pp.549-558
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• 2011

The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) was initially described at the turn of the century by Tansini et al, and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap (LDMFF) was also first described for the coverage of a chronically infected scalp by Maxwell et al. As a pedicled flap, LDMF has been often used for breast reconstruction and for soft tissue replacement near the shoulder and the lower reaches of the head and neck. LDMFF is a flat and broad soft tissue flap with large-caliber thoracodorsal vessels for microvascular anastomosis. A skin paddle of the LDMFF can be more than $20{\times}40$ cm, so very large defects in the oral cavity and outer facial region can be covered by this LDMFF. Other advantages include consistent vascular anatomy, acceptable donor site morbidity and the ability to perform simultaneous flap harvest with tumor resection. For a better understanding of LDMFF as a routine reconstructive procedure in large defects of the oral cavity and facial legion, anatomical findings must be learned and memorized by young doctors during the special curriculum periods for the Korean national board of oral and maxillofacial surgery. This review article discusses the anatomical basis of LDMFF with Korean language.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제41권6호
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• pp.693-701
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• 2014

Background A thin perforator flap is one of the best methods for covering defects. This study aimed to revisit and further test the rapidly advancing field of flap thinning techniques. Methods We performed two cadaveric studies to test the known flap thinning methods, and then applied these methods to a clinical series. In the first study, five cadavers were used to observe the anatomical relation of the perforator with the subdermal plexuses and the subcutaneous fat layer by injecting a colored latex solution. The second study was done on four cadavers independently from the first study. Last, a clinical series was performed on 15 patients. Results The areolar fat lobules of 10 anterolateral thigh perforator (ALT), seven deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP), and six thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flaps were dissected to reduce the flap thickness guided by the colored vascular pattern. On average, the ALT, DIEAP, and TAP flaps were reduced to $32.76%{\pm}9.76%$, $37.01%{\pm}9.21%$, and $35.42%{\pm}9.41%$, respectively. In the second study, the areolar fat lobules were directly dissected in six ALT, six TAP, and four MSAP flaps, and an average reduction in flap thickness of $53.41%{\pm}5.64%$, $52.30%{\pm}2.88%$, and $47.87%{\pm}6.41%$, respectively, was found. In the clinical series, 13 out of the 15 cases yielded satisfactory outcomes with an average thickness reduction of $37.91%{\pm}7.15%$. Conclusions These multiple studies showed that the deep fat layer could be safely removed to obtain a thin yet viable perforator flap. This evidence suggests that the macroscopic flap thinning technique can achieve thin flaps. Surgeons should consider this technique before embracing the latest technique of supermicrosurgery.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제47권5호
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• pp.473-477
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• 2020

Superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps represent a useful option in autologous breast reconstruction. However, the short-fixed pedicle can limit flap inset options. We present a challenging flap inset successfully addressed by de-epithelialization, turnover, and counterintuitive rotation. A 47-year-old woman underwent left tertiary breast reconstruction with stacked free flaps using right deep inferior epigastric perforator and left SIEA vessels. Antegrade and retrograde anastomoses to the internal mammary (IM) vessels were preferred; additionally, the thoracodorsal vessels were unavailable due to previous latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction. Optimal shaping required repositioning of the lateral ends of the flaps superiorly, which would position the ipsilateral SIEA hemi-flap pedicle lateral to and out of reach of the IM vessels. This problem was overcome by turning the SIEA flap on its long axis, allowing the pedicle to sit medially with the lateral end of the flap positioned superiorly. The de-epithelialized SIEA flap dermis was in direct contact with the chest wall, enabling its fixation. This method of flap inset provides a valuable solution for medializing the SIEA pedicle while maintaining an aesthetically satisfactory orientation. This technique could be used in ipsilateral SIEA flap breast reconstructions that do not require a skin paddle, as with stacked flaps or following nipple-sparing mastectomy.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.57-62
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• 2005

Microvascular anastomosis with suture technique is a basic skill but there are several problems such as stenosis, thrombosis and long operating time. Recently plastic surgeons have developed non-suturing mechanical coupling devices for microvascular anastomosis. The authors applied non-penetrating vascular clips (VCS clips) in the field of free flap surgery of head and neck area. Between August of 2004 and January of 2005, we performed 9 free flaps (16 vessels) using small-sized VCS clips. Four stay sutures were applied first and then VCS clips were placed between sutures about 1 mm apart. Vascular pedicle of free flap included the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral vessel, thoracodorsal vessel, deep inferior epigastric vessel and cephalic vein. The recipient vessels were the superior thyroid artery, superficial temporal artery, internal jugular vein, external jugular vein, and superficial temporal vein. We performed 13 end-to-end (4 arteries and 9 veins) and 3 venous end-to-side anastomoses. No flap related complication occurred but we applied additional clips or sutures in two cases due to blood leakage after completion of anastomosis. Primary patency rates seemed to be good and more rapid anastomosis could be done than conventional suture technique. Advantages of VCS technique are high patency rate, low thrombogenecity and rapidity. Although the high cost of VCS instrument may be a problem, this clip could be applied safely in microvascular free tissue transfer.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제41권5호
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• pp.520-528
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• 2014

Background As the breast cancer incidence has increased, breast-conserving surgery has replaced total mastectomy as the predominant procedure. However, centrally located breast cancers pose significant challenges to successful breast-conserving surgeries. Therefore, we performed partial mastectomy and oncoplastic procedures on centrally located breast cancer as a means of partial breast reconstruction. The authors examined and evaluated the functional and aesthetic usefulness of this reconstruction method. Methods From January 2007 to June 2011, 35 patients with centrally located breast cancers who underwent various oncoplastic procedures based on the breast size and resection volume. The oncoplastic procedures performed included volume displacement surgical techniques such as purse-string suture, linear suture, and reduction mammaplasty. Other oncoplastic procedures included volume replacement procedures with an adipofascial, thoracoepigastric, intercostal artery perforator, thoracodorsal artery perforator, or latissimus dorsi flap. Results Mean patient age was 49 years, and mean follow-up period was 11 months. In cases of small to moderate-sized breasts and resection volumes <50 g, volume displacement procedures were performed. In cases of resection volumes >50 g, volume replacement procedures were performed. In cases of larger breasts and smaller resection volumes, glandular reshaping was performed. Finally, in cases of larger breasts and larger resection volumes, reduction mammaplasty was performed. This reconstruction method also elicits a high patient satisfaction rate with no significant complications. Conclusions In centrally located breast cancer, oncoplastic surgery considering breast size and resection volume is safe and provides appropriate aesthetic outcomes. Therefore, our method is advisable for breast cancer patients who elect to conserve their breasts and retain a natural breast shape.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.83-87
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• 2020

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is an uncommon malignancy that occurs in apocrine gland-rich areas of the body. EMPD of the axilla is rare, but a few cases have been reported. Some cases of EMPD have been reported with underlying apocrine adenocarcinoma; rarely, mammary-type ductal carcinoma can accompany EMPD. Here, we report a very rare case of EMPD with apocrine adenocarcinoma and invasive mammary-type ductal carcinoma. A 55-year-old woman was referred with a brownish pigmented plaque accompanying an area of ulceration in the left axilla. A preoperative biopsy indicated Paget disease, and an additional evaluation was performed to determine whether it was of primary or secondary origin. A wide excision was made, and the axilla was reconstructed using a thoracodorsal artery perforator flap. The biopsy showed apocrine adenocarcinoma and invasive mammary-type ductal carcinoma with pagetoid spreading. The patient had no evidence of recurrence or other postoperative complications.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제37권5호
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• pp.577-582
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• 2010

Purpose: When reconstruction for patients who have the large contralateral breast or a following large defect after mastectomy is required, conventional pedicled TRAM flap shows the unpredictable occurrence of fat necrosis and skin flap loss in a relatively high percentage due to insufficient blood supply. In an effort to obtain more stable TRAM flap blood circulation, we have performed a supercharged technique using deep inferior epigastric perforators (DIEP) with conventional pedicled TRAM flap. Methods: From September of 2006 to December of 2008, Fourteen supercharged TRAM flap were performed for breast reconstruction after modified radical mastectomy. The contralateral DIEP was anastomosed to the internal mammary vessels in contralateral pedicled TRAM flap or thoracodorsal vessels in ipsilateral pedicled TRAM flap. Nutrient vessels were selected by Multi-Detector Computed tomography (MD-CT) modalities. For the nutrient vessel, we used deep inferior epigastric vessels (DIEV) of the ipsilateral side in 8 patients, DIEV of the contralateral side in 6 patients. In addition, for the recipient vessel, we used thoracodorsal vessels in 8 patients, internal mammary vessels in 5 patients, intercostals artery perforators in 1 patient. Results: The mean age was 46.8 years and the average follow-up interval was 14 months. There were 11 immediate and 3 delayed breast reconstructions. Fat necrosis incidence rate in supercharged TRAM group was lower than in conventional TRAM flap group. There were no differences of the incidences of abdominal hernia in both groups. Conclusion: The supercharged TRAM flap produces an improvement in vascularity that permits use of all four zones of the flap. The breast reconstruction with supercharged technique is reliable and valuable methods which provide sufficient soft tissue from abdomen without significant complications.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권6호
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• pp.750-754
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• 2009

Purpose: The thoracodorsal vessels have been the standard recipient vessels for the majority of surgeons performing free abdominal flap breast reconstructions. Recently, the internal mammary vessels have been recommended as the first - choice recipient vessels for microvascular breast reconstruction. To approach the internal mammary vessel, 3rd or 4th rib cartilage excision is needed, but this method has some demerits - vessel injury, post operative pain and post operative chest hollowness. So, authors propose the approach method to the internal mammary vessel through intercostal space without rib cartilage resection. Methods: From November, 2008 to May, 2009, 13 patients underwent free abdominal flap breast reconstruction with approach to the internal mammary vessel through intercostal space without rib cartilage resection. Results: The mean patient age was 41.8 years, and the mean height was 159.3 cm. 11 patients underwent immediate breast reconstruction. Free DIEP flap reconstruction was performed in 7 patients, Free TRAM flap was performed in 5 patients, and Free SIEA flap was performed in 1 patient. Except 1 case, approach to the internal mammary vessel was took through 3rd intercostal space, and all width of intercostal space exceeded 1 cm. Conclusion: In the authors' experience, use of approach to the internal mammary vessels without rib cartilage resection method is safe and reliable to overcome demerits of rib cartilage resection method.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.228-234
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• 2011

Purpose: Reconstruction of chest wall has always been a challenging problem. Muscle flaps for chest wall reconstruction have been helpful in controling infection, filling dead space and covering the prosthetic material in this challenge. However, when we use muscle flaps, functional and cosmetic donor site morbidities could occur. The authors applied and revised various partial muscle flaps and combination use of them to cover the prosthetic material for the chest wall reconstruction and evaluated the usefulness of partial muscle flaps. Methods: This study included 7 patients who underwent chest wall reconstruction using partial muscle flap to cover prosthetic material from 2004 to 2008. The pectoralis major muscle was used in anterior 2/3 parts of it leaving lateral 1/3 parts of it. The anterior 2/3 parts of the pectoralis major muscle were used while lateral 1/3 parts were left. In case of the rectus abdominis muscle flap, we used upper half of it, or we dissected it around its origin and then advanced to cover the site. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap was elevated with lateral portion of it along the descending branch of the thoracodorsal artery. If single partial muscle flap could not cover whole prosthetic material, it would be covered with combination of various partial muscle flaps adjacent to the coverage site. Results: Flap coverage of the prosthetic material and chest wall reconstructions were successfully done. There occurred no immediate and delayed post operative complications such as surgical site infection, seroma, deformity of donor site and functional impairment. Conclusion: When we use the muscle flaps to cover prosthetic material for chest wall reconstruction, use of the partial muscle flaps could be a good way to reduce donor site morbidity. Combination of multiple partial flaps could be a valuable and good alternative way to overcome the disadvantages of partial muscle flaps such as limitation of volume and size as well as flap mobility.