• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.393-396
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Low - molecular - weight dextran is one of the most frequently used antithrombotic agents in microvascular surgery, but there is controversy if it has the real benefit in the clinical aspects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect associated with postoperative use of low - molecular - weight dextran in breast reconstruction by free TRAM flap patients. Methods: From January 2002 to October 2008, we reconstructed 88 cases of postmastectomy deformity using the free TRAM flap. The 88 cases were divided into two groups : a group with no use of dextran(66 patients, control group, Group A) and a postoperative low - molecular weight dextran loaded group(22 patients, Group B). We assessed number of flap survival, rate of complication like hematoma or seroma, total amount of drainage from operative wound, duration of drainage, and amount of transfusion in each group. Results: There was no total flap loss and every flap was survived. Total amount of drainage for post - operative 5 days were 857 ml in group A and 1101 ml in group B. Drain was kept for average of 7.3 days in group A and 8.7 days in group B. Packed red cell transfusions were made in average of 3.3 units for group A and 3.0 units for group B. Group B showed significantly higher values in former 2 comparative parameters than group A. Conclusion: There was no definitive advantage of anticoagulants in elective free - flap surgery in terms of success rate. However, groups with using anticoagulants had the increased bleeding tendency in immediate postoperative period. The routine use of anticoagulants in elective free - flap surgery should be reconsidered with postoperatively less bleeding and early recovery.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.397-405
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Soft tissue defect of anterior chest wall is caused by trauma, infection, tumors and irradiation. To reconstruct damaged anterior chest wall does require to consider the patient's body condition, the cause, the location, the depth and the size of deletion, the circulation of surrounding tissue and minimization of functional and cosmetic disability. In this report, we suggest the algorithm of configuration for reconstruction methods. Methods: A retrospective study of 20 patients who underwent anterior chest wall reconstruction with pedicled musculocutaneous flap and fasciocutaneous flap was conducted. We collected the information of the patient's body condition, the cause, the size, the depth and the location of deletion, implemented flap and complication. We observed and evaluated flap compatibility, functional and cosmetic results. Patients completed survey about the extent to their satisfaction. Result: Follow up period after surgery was from 6 to 26 months, survival of flap were confirmed in all of patients' case. Two cases of local necrosis, one case of wound disruption were reported, but all these were cured by the debridement and primary closure. One hematoma and one seroma formation were observed in donor site. Longer surgery time, more bleeding amount and more transfusion volume were reported in the group of musculocutenous flap. Conclusion: Long term follow up result showed the successful reconstruction in all patients without recurrence and with minimal donor site morbidity. In addition, the patients' satisfaction for cosmetic and functional results were scaled relatively higher. This confirmed the importance of reconstruction algorithm for the chest wall reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.319-323
• /
• 2017

Background Free-flap surgery and skin grafting can be used to reconstruct large facial defects that may result after skin cancer removal by Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). However, these two methods may produce low postsurgical patient satisfaction with aesthetics, and free-flap surgery may produce an undue burden for the majority of skin cancer patients, who are of advanced age. Hence, the authors examined outcomes of large facial defect reconstruction using multiple flaps. Methods Among patients undergoing MMS for skin cancer at Pusan National University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2015, we evaluated 7 patients (2 males, 5 females; average age, 73.14 years) treated for large facial defects from basal cell carcinoma. Based on operative and follow-up records, we investigated the number and type of flaps used, postsurgical complications, and patients' post-surgical satisfaction. Results Two and 3 types of flaps were used for 5 and 2 patients, respectively. Most frequently used were nasolabial flaps (7 times in 6 patients) and forehead flaps (once in each of 4 patients). The average follow-up period was 14 months, with no complications-including necrosis, hematoma, or wound dehiscence-observed. Post-surgical satisfaction averaged 4.4 out of a maximum of 5 points. Conclusions Reconstruction using two or more flaps for large facial defects after skin cancer removal using MMS produced satisfactory outcomes while preventing aesthetic problems. Practitioners should consider using multiple flaps when choosing a reconstruction method for large facial defects following skin cancer removal.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.14-17
• /
• 2013

Purpose: The open abdomen is now the standard of care in various clinical situations, especially it is used to treat abdominal compartment syndrome. Many techniques have been reported for closure after an open abdomen, but most take a long time for complete definitive closure and are associated with various problems. We describe a technique using biologic mesh that can achieve early definitive closure after an open abdomen. Methods: A 45-year-old man presented to the emergency room with a painful hip and painful lower extremities after a fall from 80 feet. Radiologic examination revealed multiple fractures of the pelvis and low extremities. Abdominal compartment syndrome caused by a retroperitoneal hematoma developed during the orthopedic surgery. We performed exploration immediately and closed abdomen temporarily. A peritoneal graft of porcine dermal collagen with anterior myofascial approximation of the rectus abdominis muscles and sliding skin flap was performed three days after the previous surgery. Results: There were no complications related to the wound. The patient was transferred to the Department of Orthopedic Surgery seven days after the initial surgery. Conclusion: Early definitive closure using porcine dermal collagen is a feasible method that can reduce the length of hospitalization and the number of operations for an open abdomen.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.233-237
• /
• 2013

Delayed traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (DT-ICH) is a rare event in head trauma patients. However, it develops unexpectedly and results in very severe brain damage. Thus, close monitoring of the neurologic status is needed for every trauma patient. Sometimes, however, neurologic monitoring cannot be done because of sedation, especially in cases of abdominal surgery. In this case report, we describe the case of a 37-yr-old, male patients who had hemoperitoneum because of spleen and renal injury. At the initial operation, massive bleeding was found, so gauze-packing surgery was done first. After the first operation, we sedated the patient for about two days, after which the packed gauze was removed, and the abdominal wound was closed. Immediately after the second operation, we found pupil dilation. Emergent CT was performed. The CT revealed DT-ICH with severe brain edema and midline shifting. However, the patient condition deteriorated progressively despite emergency operation, he expired 2 days after hematoma evacuation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.131-134
• /
• 2006

The closed suction drain is commonly inserted after various surgical procedures. It has an important role to prevent possible hematoma or seroma that can cause postoperative wound problems. But there is still no consensus on managing the insertion site of suction drain after operation. Suture-tie fixation of drain to skin and classical Y shape gauze dressing is a usually accepted method, but it has many limitations. We introduce a new approach to the care for the insertion site of suction drain by using occlusive transparent film dressing, $IV3000^{(R)}$(Smith & Nephew, London, UK). By using transparent film, insertion site of drain can be easily checked without removal of dressing. Because it can reduce the tension of suture-tie fixation, it helps to prevent skin injury. Furthermore, occlusive film dressing can block air leakage from insertion site of drain, and the water-proof character of film allows patients to take a shower without dressing change. This new method is more convenient, more efficient, and less harmful to skin than classic one.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.41 no.5
• /
• pp.529-534
• /
• 2014

Background In 2012, a new anatomic breast implant of form-stable silicone gel was introduced onto the Korean market. The intended use of this implant is in the area of aesthetic breast surgery, and many reports are promising. Thus far, however, there have been no reports on the use of this implant for breast reconstruction in Korea. We used this breast implant in breast reconstruction surgery and report our early experience. Methods From November 2012 to April 2013, the Natrelle Style 410 form-stable anatomically shaped cohesive silicone gel-filled breast implant was used in 31 breasts of 30 patients for implant breast reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix. Patients were treated with skin-sparing mastectomies followed by immediate breast reconstruction. Results The mean breast resection volume was 240 mL (range, 83-540 mL). The mean size of the breast implants was 217 mL (range, 125-395 mL). Breast shape outcomes were considered acceptable. Infection and skin thinning occurred in one patient each, and hematoma and seroma did not occur. Three cases of wound dehiscence occurred, one requiring surgical intervention, while the others healed with conservative treatment in one month. Rippling did not occur. So far, complications such as capsular contracture and malrotation of breast implant have not yet arisen. Conclusions By using anatomic breast implants in breast reconstruction, we achieved satisfactory results with aesthetics better than those obtained with round breast implants. Therefore, we concluded that the anatomical implant is suitable for breast reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.40 no.5
• /
• pp.564-569
• /
• 2013

Background Scalp defects may be caused by various etiological factors, and they represent a significant surgical and aesthetic concern. Various surgical techniques can be applied for reconstructive work such as primary closure, skin grafting, pedicled or free flaps. In this article, the authors share their clinical experience with scalp operations using the technique of local flaps and discuss the application of this method from the perspective of not only the size of the defect, but also in relation to the anatomical area, quality of surrounding tissue, and patient's condition. Methods During the period from December 2007 to December 2012, 13 patients with various scalp defects, aged 11 to 86 years, underwent reconstruction with local pedicle flaps. The indications were based on the patients' condition (age, sex, quality of surrounding tissue, and comorbidities) and wound parameters. Depending on the size of the defects, they were classified into three groups as follows: large, 20 to 50 $cm^2$; very large, 50 to 100 $cm^2$; extremely large, 100 $cm^2$. The location was defined as peripheral (frontal, temporal, occipital), central, or combined (more than one area). We performed reconstruction with 11 single transposition flaps and 1 bipedicle with a skin graft on the donor area, and 2 advancement flaps in 1 patient. Results In all of the patients, complete tissue coverage was achieved. The recovery was relatively quick, without hematoma, seroma, or infections. The flaps survived entirely. Conclusions Local flaps are widely used in scalp reconstruction since they provide healthy, stable, hair-bearing tissue and require a short healing time for the patients.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.235-240
• /
• 1997

Parotid tumors constitute about 70 to 80% of all salivary tumors. Two thirds of parotid neoplasms are benign. Women are affected more often than men. Plemorphic adenoma or benign mixed tumor is the most common parotid neoplasm, accounting for 50% of all parotid tumors. The clinical presentation is a discrete, slowly enlarging mass, rarely accompanied by pain or facial paralysis. We reviewed 69 cases of the parotid tumors admitted and treated at Department of Surgery, Kosin University Hospital from Jan, 1970 to June, 1994. The results were as follows: 1) Over all sex ratio was 1 : 1.56(M : F). The sex ratio of benign and malignant tumor was 1 : 1.43(M : F) and 1 : 2.2. 2) The mean duration of symptom was 4.6 years. 3) In the peak incidence of age, Benign tumor was in 4th decade, malignant tumor was in 2nd decade. 4) The chief complaint was painless palpable mass in 65 cases(94%) and pain in 4 cases(6%). 5) The mean size of mass was 2.5cm in diameter and the ratio of lesion site was 37 : 32(Rt : Lt). 6) Superficial parotidectomy was the most common procedure(43%). 7) According to histopathologic findings of 69 cases, Benign tumor was 56 cases(81%) and malignant tumor was 13 cases (19%). In the benign cases, pleomorphic adenoma was the most common(44 cases(65%)). In the malignant, mucoepidermoid ca. was the most common(5 cases (37%)). 8) Postoperative complication occured in 9 cases(13%), facial palsy was in 7 cases, and wound hematoma was 2 cases.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.214-219
• /
• 1998

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of the low-dose(30mCi) I-131 ablation therapy for remnant thyroid tissue following total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer. Methods: Between March 1995 and December 1997, forty-eight patients were given ablative doses(30mCi) of I-131 after total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer in the presence of I-131 uptake in remnant thyroid tissue. Effective ablation of remnant thyroid tissue was determined by following I-131 whole body scan. if remnant thyroid tissue remained, we repeated the same management at 6 months interval. Results: Thirty-eight(79.1%) patients had papillary, 8(16.7%) follicular, 1(2.1%) medullary and 1(2.1%) Hurthle cell type cancer. Forty-eight patients underwent total thyroidectomy, among those central neck dissection was performed in 35 cases, and modified radical neck dissection in 14 cases. Postoperative complication developed in 8 cases, which included 4 cases of transient hypoparathyroidism, 1 case of permanent hypoparathyroidism, 2 cases of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, and 1 case of wound hematoma. There were significant remnant thyroid tissue in 46 cases(95.8%) of patients after total thyroidectomy, which could be ablated by low dose(30mCi) I-131. There were no statistical difference between operative procedures and number of treatment of I-131. Conclusions: These results suggested that repeated low-dose(30mCi) I-131 therapy would be needed, therefore, high -dose I-131 therapy could be considered as ablation therapy for the remnant thyroid tissue after total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer.