• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.239-253
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• 2021

Purpose: The single-flap approach (SFA) is a minimally invasive technique with limited mucoperiosteal flap elevation to gain access to the buccal/palatal aspects, thus limiting post-surgical complications. The purpose of the present study was to gain insights into the impact of the SFA over the double-flap approach (DFA) on periodontal flap treatment outcomes and patient compliance in terms of discomfort and time taken for surgical procedures. Methods: Twenty patients with persistent probing pocket depths of ≥5 mm were scheduled for the SFA (test site) and for the DFA (control site). All the clinical periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Radiographic bone level (cone-beam computed tomography) was evaluated at baseline and 6 months. Patients' postoperative pain perception and wound healing were also assessed. Results: The SFA showed a significant reduction in periodontal pocket depth, gain in clinical attachment level (CAL), and gain in bone level when compared with the DFA. The SFA substantially improved wound healing and induced less postoperative pain than the DFA. Conclusions: The SFA resulted in substantial improvement in the composite outcome measures, as shown by a reduction in pocket depth with minimal gingival recession, gain in CAL, early wound healing, less postoperative discomfort, and better patient-centered outcomes.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.163-168
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• 2007

Purpose: The flap delay is a widely used technique to increase the flap survival. Dexamethasone is a well-known drug to have a positive impact on the flap survival. The objective of this study is to investigate the dual synergic effect of epinephrine as a chemical delay agent plus dexamethasone on the TRAM flap survival in rat model. Methods: Forty Sparague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups evenly and a right inferior epigastic vessel pedicled TRAM flap, sized $5.0{\times}3.0cm$, was elevated on each upper abdomen. In the control group(N=10), 2 ml saline was injected on transverse abdominis muscle for a week before the flap elevation. In surgical delay group(N=10) all superior pedicles and left inferior pedicle were ligated a week before the flap elevation. In epinephrine group (N=10), 1 : 50000 epinephrine mixed saline was injected to transverse abdominis muscle every day for a week before flap elevation. In epinephrine plus dexamethasone group (N=10), the same procedure as that of epinephrine group was conducted for a week and 2.5 ml/kg dexamethasone was injected transverse abdominis muscle 2 hours before the flap elevation. On the seventh day after flap elevation, the survival area of flaps were measured and the vessel numbers in upper dermis of flap were counted through histologic slides. Results: The results were as follows: the mean percentage of the flap survival area of surgical delay group ($60.5{\pm}2.44%$), epinephrine group ($75{\pm}4.43%$), and epinephrine plus dexamethasone group ($87{\pm}1.94%$) were higher than that of the control group ($35{\pm}6.06%$) significantly(p<0.05). In case of the vessel number though histologic slides, epinephrine group ($79.3{\pm}5.57$) and epinephrine plus dexamethasone group ($96.3{\pm}14.05$) were higher than that of the control group ($44.8{\pm}8.82$) significantly(p<0.05), but the surgical delay group ($54{\pm}4.23$) showed no significant difference (p>0.05) compared to that of the control group. Conclusion: The results indicated that epinephrine plus dexamethasone injection before the flap elevation could be used to increase the TRAM flap survival area in rat model.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.748-753
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• 2013

Background Nasal reconstruction is one of the most difficult challenges for the head and neck surgeon, especially in the case of complex full thickness defects following malignant skin tumor resection. Full-thickness defects require demanding multi-step reconstruction. Methods Seven patients underwent surgical reconstruction of full-thickness nasal defects with a bi-pedicled forehead flap shaped appropriately to the defect. Patients were aged between 58 and 86 years, with a mean age of 63.4 years. All of the tumors were excised using traditional surgery, and in 4 of the patients, reconstruction was performed simultaneously following negativity of fresh frozen sections of the margins under general anesthesia. Results Nasal reconstruction was well accepted by all of the patients suffering non-melanoma skin tumors with acceptable cosmetic outcomes. The heart-shaped forehead flap was harvested in cases of subtotal involvement of the nasal pyramid, while smaller defects were reconstructed with a wing-shaped flap. No cartilaginous or osseous support was necessary. Conclusions This bi-pedicled forehead flap was a valid, versatile, and easy-to-implement alternative to microsurgery or multi-step reconstruction. The flap is the best indication for full-thickness nasal defects but can also be indicated for other complex facial defects in the orbital (exenteratio orbitae), zygomatic, and cheek area, for which the availability of a flap equipped with two thick and hairless lobes can be a valuable resource.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.318-323
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• 2019

Background Pedicled flaps are useful for reconstructive surgery. Previously, we often used vascularized supraclavicular flaps, especially for head and neck reconstruction, but then shifted to using thoracic branch of the supraclavicular artery (TBSA) flaps. However, limited research exists on the anatomy of TBSA flaps and on the use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence videoangiography for supraclavicular artery flaps. We utilized ICG fluorescence videoangiography to harvest reliable flaps in reconstructive operations, and describe the results herein. Methods Data were retrospectively reviewed from six patients (five men and one woman: average age, 54 years; range, 48-60 years) for whom ICG videoangiography was performed to observe the skin perfusion of a supraclavicular flap after it was raised. Areas where the flap showed good enhancement were considered to be favorable for flap survival. The observation of ICG dye indicated good skin perfusion, which is predictive of flap survival; therefore, we trimmed any areas without dye filling and used the remaining viable part of the flap. Results The flaps ranged in size from $13{\times}5.5cm$ to $17{\times}6.5cm$. One patient received a conventional supraclavicular flap, four patients received a TBSA flap, and one patient received a flap that was considered to be intermediate between a supraclavicular flap and a TBSA flap. The flaps completely survived in all cases, and no flap necrosis was observed. Conclusions The TBSA flap is very useful in reconstructive surgery, and reliable flaps could be obtained by using ICG fluorescence videoangiography intraoperatively.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.418-424
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• 2018

Background Complication rates after flap coverage for pressure ulcers have been high historically. These patients have multiple risk factors associated with poor wound healing and complications including marginal nutritional status, prolonged immobilization, and a high comorbidities index. This study utilizes the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) to examine perioperative outcomes of flap coverage for pressure ulcers. Methods Data from the NSQIP database (2005-2015) for patient undergoing flap coverage for pressure ulcers was identified. Demographic, perioperative information, and complications were reviewed. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson chi-square were used to assess differences for continuous variables and nominal variables, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for complications. Results There were 755 cases identified: 365 (48.3%) sacral ulcers, 321 (42.5%) ischial ulcers, and 69 (9.1%) trochanteric ulcers. Most patients were older male, with some degree of dependency, neurosensory impairment, high functional comorbidities score, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or above. The sacral ulcer group had the highest incidence of septic shock and bleeding, while the trochanteric ulcer group had the highest incidence of superficial surgical site infection. There was an overall complication rate of 25% at 30-day follow-up. There was no statistical difference in overall complication among groups. Total operating time, diabetes, and non-elective case were independent risk factors for overall complications. Conclusions Despite patients with poor baseline functional status, flap coverage for pressure ulcer patients is safe with acceptable postoperative complications. This type of treatment should be considered for properly selected patients.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.296-302
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• 2021

Background: The reconstruction of large full-thickness alar defects requires complex surgical procedures that are usually performed in two stages, with concomitant disadvantages in terms of patient trauma, surgical risk, and cost. This study presents a functional folded nasolabial island flap (FNIF) that can be used to repair large-sized full-thickness alar defects in a straightforward manner. Methods: This retrospective study included seven patients who received a FNIF for a full-thickness alar defect between January 2007 and December 2020. The FNIF is different from the conventional nasolabial flap in that it is folded and twisted to achieve nostril reconstruction with a satisfactory three-dimensional mucosal lining in a single stage. The cosmetic and functional results of FNIF were evaluated by both patients and physicians. Results: The age ranged from 51 to 82 years (mean, 65.6 years). The causes of the defects were squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and trigeminal trophic syndrome. The nostril lining did not collapse, there was no hypertrophic scarring, and air movement through the nostrils on the flap side was normal. Overall, FNIF produced excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes, with minimal patient discomfort. There were no postoperative complications. Conclusion: Compared with existing reconstruction methods for large full-thickness alar defects, FNIF can easily achieve aesthetic and functional success in a single-stage procedure. It provides satisfactory results for both the patient and the surgeon.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.38
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• pp.10.1-10.5
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• 2016

Herniation after harvesting of deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap is a known but not a common complication. It occurs about 2.8 to 9 % according to the literatures and can proceed to a more severe complication such as bowel obstruction. There are several factors that exacerbate the risk: surgical factors, operator factor, and patient factors. Surgical factors include large anatomical defect and denervation of related muscles. Operator factor stands for unpunctual suture technique. Patient factors represent obesity, diabetes, pulmonary disease, smoking habits, and so on. Thus, herniation might occur regardless of meticulous suture. Herein, we would like to report two cases of herniation after DCIA flap harvesting and repaired by Lichtenstein tension-free hernioplasty with literature review.

• Journal of International Society for Simulation Surgery
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.90-94
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• 2014

Reconstruction of the mandible after ablative oral cancer surgery requires esthetic and functional rehabilitation. Restoring facial symmetry and dentition need accurate preoperative surgical planning and meticulous surgical technique. Free fibular flap is most useful tools to reconstruct mandible because of its adequate length and height, simultaneous harvest of soft and hard tissues and placing dental implants. In this case report, recurred squamous cell carcinoma in the right mandible had been resected and free fibular flap was utilized for mandible reconstruction using 3D rapid prototype. Simulation surgery before dental implant placement has been performed for esthetic and functional prosthodontics.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.129-132
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• 2023

Scalp defects necessitate diverse approaches for successful reconstruction, taking into account factors such as defect size, surrounding tissue, and recipient vessel quality. This case report presents a challenging scenario involving a temporal scalp defect where ipsilateral recipient vessels were unavailable. The defect was effectively reconstructed utilizing a transposition flap and a latissimus dorsi free flap, which was anastomosed to the contralateral recipient vessels. Our report underscores the successful reconstruction of a scalp defect in the absence of ipsilateral recipient vessels, emphasizing the importance of employing appropriate surgical interventions without necessitating vessel grafts.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.107-110
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• 2013

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. About 74% cases of basal cell cancer occur on the head and neck. Basal cell carcinoma on the face may have a higher degree of subclinical spread than tumors arising elsewhere. And incompletely excised BCCs become more aggressive when they recur. So the surgical removal and reconstruction of BCC located on the face are important to make perfect curing and cosmetic results. Methods: A retrospective study was done with 128 patients (137 cancers) who were treated with BCC on the face since 1987 to 2011. General data of these cases such as the primary site of cancer, age and sex of the patients, operative methods, and recurrence rate were reviewed. Results: The ratio of men to women was 1:1.4. And 86.9% of the patients with BCC were older than the age of 50 years with the mean age of 65.8 years. The distribution of facial basal cell carcinoma was on the nose, eyelids, cheek, and nasolabial fold. Surgical methods for treatment were local flap, full thickness skin graft, primary closure, and split thickness skin graft. Specifically, local flap consists of V-Y advancement flap, cheek advancement flap, limberg flap, forehead flap, nasolabial flap, rotation flap, transposition flap, bilobed flap, and island flap. Six cases recurred and all of them were treated with reoperation. Conclusion: The authors reviewed facial basal cell carcinoma cases in our hospital. This study might be helpful to choose appropriate operation method to manage BCC on face in Korea.