• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.20-27
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• 1998

Among many kinds of introduced free flaps, scapular freeflap is one of the most popularly using modalities in fasciocutaneous defect coverage with minimal donor defect and easier procedure and constant vascular patterns of the donor. Many surgeons who had experience of this flap pointed out deficit of the reliable sensation of the transplanted flap is the main shortcoming of the scapular free flap. If we can subjugate that point, scapular free flap is the most excellent procedure in such a cases as heel pad reconstruction and hand reconstruction which are relatively important to have skin with protective sensation. Author performed anatomical literature review, 10 cadaveric dissections and 12 clinical dissections. In surgical anatomical aspect, the upper six dorsal rami of the thoracic nerves have medial branches which pierce Longissimus thoracis and Multifidus muscle with small cutaneous twigs which pierce Latissimus dorsi and Trapezius muscle. Among that cutaneous twigs, several twigs distribute to the skin of the back from midline to lateral aspect which territory is identical to scapular free flap. We analysed clinical experiences of that sensory bearing scapular free flap surgical anatomy and one year follow-up studies with several results. 1) Two to three cutaneous twigs which pierced from the Trapezius muscle over the scapular free flap region. 2) Each twigs has two to four nerve fascicles with small artery. 3) The nerve distributed to the ordinary scapular free flap and large enough size and pedicle length to neurorrhapy with various recipient site nerves. 4) The inconvenience of this procedure is the vascular pedicle and nerve pedicle have opposite directions, vascular pedicle of that comes from lateral direction from subscapular vessels, but nerve pedicle comes from medial direction from trapezius muscle. Author can found constant cutaneous nerve branches which come from piercing the Trapezius. This nerves are helpful for protective sensation in transplanted scapular free flap. We can't had enough follow-up and evaluation of the nerve function of this procedure, we need continuous research works to application of this procedure. The in conveniences come from directional differences of pedicle can solve with longer harvest neural pedicle and change direction of the neural pedicle.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.119-120
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• 2023

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.238-242
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• 2017

The most common anatomic variant seen in donor kidneys for renal transplantation is the presence of multiple renal arteries, which can cause an increased risk of complications. Accessory renal arteries should be anastomosed to the proper source arteries to improve renal perfusion via the appropriate vascular reconstruction techniques. In microsurgery, 2 kinds of vascular augmentation methods, known as 'supercharging' and 'turbocharging,' have been introduced to ensure vascular perfusion in the transferred flap. Supercharging uses a distant source of the vessels, while turbocharging uses vascular sources within the same flap territory. These technical concepts can also be applied in renal transplantation, and in this report, we describe 2 patients who underwent procedures using supercharging and turbocharging. In one case, the ipsilateral deep inferior epigastric artery was transposed to the accessory renal artery (supercharging), and in the other case, the accessory renal artery was anastomosed to the corresponding main renal artery with a vascular graft (turbocharging). The transplanted kidneys showed good perfusion and proper function. No cases of renal failure, hypertension, rejection, or urologic complications were observed. These microsurgical techniques can be safely utilized for renal transplantation with donor kidneys that have multiple arteries with a lower complication rate and better outcome.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.115-119
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• 1999

In breast reconstruction with a free flap following mastectomy, the recipient vessels most widely used are in the axillary system, which limits flap movement and flexibility in breast shaping. In addition, scarring and fibrosis can make dissection of the vessels difficult. We have performed 43 breast reconstructions using a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) flap. In 10 cases out of 20 delayed reconstruction, we anastomosed to the internal mammary vessels rather than subscapular system. There has been no flap failure. The surgical techniques, advantages and limitations of the internal mammary system are presented. The internal mammary vessel are compared with the axillary vessels as a recipient vascular system.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.290-294
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• 2023

Generally, patients with severe burst fractures, instability, or neurological deficits require surgical treatment. In most cases, circumferential reconstruction is performed. Surgical methods for three-column reconstruction include anterior, lateral, and posterior approaches. In cases involving an anterior or lateral approach, collaboration with general or thoracic surgeons may be necessary because the adjacent anatomical structures are unfamiliar to spinal surgeons. Risks include vascular or lumbar plexus injuries and cage displacement, and in most cases, additional posterior fusion surgery is required. However, the posterior approach is the most common and anatomically familiar approach for surgeons performing spinal surgery. We present a case in which three-column reconstruction was performed using only the posterior approach to treat a patient with a severe lumbar burst fracture.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.120-128
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• 1991

Reconstruction of the pharynx and cervical esophagus presents a tremendous surgical challenge to the Head and Neck Surgeon. Because life expectancy of patients with advanced carcinoma of the hypopharynx, and cervical esophagus is limited, treatment must be aimed at palliation. A variety of techiques have been proposed over the years with none proving entirely satisfactory. These techiques include prosthesis; skin graft; cervical flaps; tubed cutaneous and myocutaneous chest flaps; visceral reconstruction with stomach, colon. and jejunum; and jejunal free autografts. Many factors dictate the best method of reconstruction in any given clinical situation. The goal of the surgery is a one-stage reconstruction of swallowing function with minimal morbidity to allow as short a hospital stay as posible. Nine patients underwent the free jejunal autograft reconstruction of the pharyngoesophagus after the ablative surgery for the advanced hypopharyngeal cancer. Postoperative complications included one perioperative death, two abdominal wound dehiscences, two neck hematomas, one carotid rupture, one funtional dysphagia, one late strictures. There were no graft failure, no immediate stenosis and no fistula. An oral diet was started between days 8 and 16, with an average of 9 days and median of 8 days. Patients left the hospital between days 9 and days 38, with an average of 23.4 days and median of 23 days. This method of reconstruction is advocated as reliable palliative procedure with short-term follow-up. In conclusion, we at Korea Cancer Center Hospital are of the opinion that the free jejunal autograft offers an excellent, safe and relative easy method of the pharyngeal and cervical esophageal reconstruction with significant advantages over other techiques.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.395-403
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• 2021

Background Groin wounds occurring after vascular surgical site infection, oncologic resection, or occasionally orthopedic surgery and trauma may represent a surgical challenge. Reconstruction of these defects by the usual workhorse flaps may be contraindicated following previous surgery and in patients with lower limb lymphedema or extreme morbidity. Methods This study included 15 consecutive patients presenting with inguinal wounds after vascular or general surgery that required debridement and soft tissue coverage. All cases had absolute or relative contraindications to conventional reconstructive techniques, including a compromised deep femoral artery network, limb lymphedema, scarring of potential flap harvesting sites, or poor overall condition. Abdominal adipocutaneous excess enabled the performance of adipocutaneous advancement flaps in an abdominoplasty-like fashion. Immediate and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Results Soft tissue coverage was effective in all cases. Two patients required re-intervention due to flap-related complications (venous congestion and partial flap necrosis). All patients fully recovered over a mean±standard deviation follow-up of 2.4±1.5 years. Conclusions Abdominal flaps can be an effective and simple alternative technique for inguinal coverage with reproducible outcomes. In our experience, the main indications are a compromised deep femoral artery network and poor thigh tissue quality. Relative contraindications, such as previous open abdominal surgery, should be considered.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.114-120
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• 2021

Background The pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has become more popular for the reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in neighboring areas. Nonetheless, few studies in the literature have explored the use of this flap for trochanteric ulcer reconstruction. The aim of our study is to present the author's experience of utilizing the ALT flap, with a focus on technical elements regarding the flap design and the tunneling method to maximize the reach of the flap. Methods The medical records of patients who received pedicled ALT flaps for the reconstruction of trochanteric pressure sores were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' demographic data, operative details, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results Between October 2018 and December 2019, 10 consecutive patients (age range, 13-45 years) underwent 11 pedicled ALT myocutaneous flaps for trochanteric pressure sore reconstruction. Each flap was designed around the most distal cutaneous perforator that was included in the proximal third of the skin paddle. The flaps ranged in size from 11×6 to 14×8 cm. The ALT flap was transposed through a lateral subcutaneous tunnel in five patients, while the open tunnel technique was used in six patients. All flaps survived, and no vascular compromise was observed. Conclusions The pedicled ALT flap is a safe and reliable option for reconstructing trochanteric pressure sores. An appropriate flap design and a good choice of the tunneling method are crucial for successful flap transposition.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.702-708
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• 2014

Background Lower abdominal soft tissue transfer is the standard procedure for breast reconstruction. However, abdominal wall weakness and herniation commonly occur postoperatively at the donor site. To reduce the morbidities of the donor site, the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap was introduced, but inconsistent anatomy of the SIEA has reduced its utility. In the present study, the anatomy of the superficial inferior epigastric vessels in Korean women was determined with regards to breast reconstructive surgery. Methods The vascular anatomies of the SIEA and superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) were evaluated on 32 breast cancer patients receiving free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction after mastectomy. The existence, pulsation, location, external diameter, and depth of the SIEA and SIEV were measured at the lower abdominal incision level. Results SIEA and SIEV were present in 48/64 (75.00%) and 63/64 (98.44%) hemi-abdomens, respectively. Pulsation of the SIEA was found in 44/48 (91.67%) cases. The mean locations of SIEA and SIEV were +5.79 (${\pm}12.87$) mm, and -8.14 (${\pm}15.24$) mm from the midpoint between the anterior superior iliac spine and symphysis pubis, respectively. The mean external diameters of SIEA and SIEV were 1.20 (${\pm}0.39$) mm and 1.37 (${\pm}0.33$) mm, and they were found at a mean depth of 9.75 (${\pm}2.67$) mm and 8.33 (${\pm}2.65$) mm, respectively. Conclusions The SIEA was absent in 25% of Korean women and had a relatively small caliber. Therefore, careful preoperative assessment of the lower abdominal vasculature is required to achieve successful breast reconstruction using SIEA flaps.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.130-138
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• 1999

The lower extremity injuries are extremely increasing with the development of industrial & transportational technology. For the lower extremity injuries that result from high-energy forces, particularly those in which soft tissue and large segments of bone have been destroyed and there is some degree of vascular compromise, the problems in reconstruction are major and more complex. In such cases local muscle coverage is probably unsuccessful, because adjacent muscles are destroyed much more than one can initially expect. Reconstruction of the lower extremity has been planned by dividing the lower leg into three parts traditionally The flaps available in each of the three parts are gastrocnemius flap for proximal one third, soleus flap for middle one third and free flap transfer for lower one third. Microvascular surgery can provide the necessary soft tissue coverage from the remote donnor area by free flap transfer into the defect. Correct selection of the appropriate recipient vessels is difficult and remains the most important factor in successful free flap transfer. Vascular anastomosis to recipient vessels distal to the zone of injury has been advocated and retrograde flow flaps are well established in island flaps. Retrograde flow anastomosis could not interrupt the major blood vessels which were essential for survival of the distal limb, the compromise of fracture or wound healing might be prevented. During 5 years, from March 1993 to Feb. 1998, we have done 68 free flap transfers in 61 patients to reconstruct the lower extremity. From analysis of the cases, we concluded that for the reconstruction of the lower extremity, free flap transfer yields a more esthetic and functional results.