• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제48권5호
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• pp.473-482
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• 2021

Background The increasing number of bilateral breast cancer patients has been accompanied by a growing need for bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. However, little research has investigated the complications and aesthetic outcomes related to bilateral reconstruction. Therefore, we analyzed retrospective data comparing the outcomes of bilateral reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps or implants. Methods This study included 52 patients (24 DIEP group and 28 implant group) who underwent bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction between 2010 and 2020. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and complications were recorded. The difference between the left and right position of the nipple-areolar complex with respect to the sternal notch point at the clavicle was measured, and breast symmetry was evaluated. Results The average weight of breasts reconstructed with DIEP flaps (417.43±152.50 g) was higher than that of breasts with implants. The hospitalization period and operation time were significantly longer in the DIEP group. Early complications were significantly more common in the implant group (36.53%) than in the DIEP group. The angles between the nipples and the horizontal line were 1.09°±0.71° and 1.75°±1.45° in the DIEP and implant groups, respectively. Conclusions Although the surgical burden is lower, breast reconstruction using implants requires greater attention with respect to implant positioning, asymmetry, and complications than DIEP flap reconstruction. DIEP flap reconstruction has a prolonged operation time and a high risk of flap failure, but yields excellent cosmetic results and does not require intensive follow-up. Patients should be consulted to determine the most suitable option for them.

• 대한두개안면성형외과학회지
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.37-43
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• 2019

Background: Tongue reconstruction is challenging with the unique function and anatomy. Goals for reconstruction differ depending on the extent of reconstruction. Thin and pliable flaps are useful for tongue tip reconstruction, for appearance and mobility. This study reports lateral arm free flap (LAFF) as a safe and optimal option for hemi-tongue reconstruction, especially for tongue tip after hemiglossectomy. Methods: Thirteen LAFFs were performed for hemi-tongue reconstruction after hemiglossectomy from 1995 to 2018. Of the 13 patients, seven were male and six were female, age varying from 24 to 64 years. Results: All flaps healed uneventfully without complications. Donor sites were closed primarily. The recipient vessels for microvascular anastomosis were mainly superior thyroidal artery, external jugular vein. All patients returned to normal diet, with no complaints regarding reconstructed tongue and donor site. Conclusion: The LAFF is hairless, thin (especially with lateral epicondyle approach), and potentially sensate. They are advantageous features for tongue tip and hemi-tongue reconstruction. Donor site sacrifices the inessential posterior radial collateral artery, and the scar is hidden under short sleeve shirts. We believe that LAFF can be considered as the first choice flap for hemitongue reconstruction, over radial forearm free flaps.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제46권1호
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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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• 제50권3호
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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.

• 대한두개안면성형외과학회지
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.105-110
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• 2023

Background: Conventional radial forearm free flaps (RFFFs) are known to be safe, but can result in donor site complications. Based on our experiences with suprafascial and subfascial RFFFs, we evaluated the safety of flap survival and surgical outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective study of head and neck reconstructions using RFFFs from 2006 to 2021. Thirty-two patients underwent procedures using either subfascial (group A) or suprafascial (group B) dissection for flap elevation. Data were collected on patient characteristics, flap size, and donor and recipient complications, and the two groups were compared. Results: Thirteen of the 32 patients were in group A and 19 were in group B. Group A included 10 men and three women, with a mean age of 56.15 years, and group B included 16 men and three women, with a mean age of 59.11 years. The mean defect areas were 42.83 cm² and 33.32 cm², and the mean flap sizes were 50.96 cm² and 44.54 cm² in groups A and B, respectively. There were 13 donor site complications: eight (61.5%) in group A and five (26.3%) in group B. Flexor tendon exposure occurred in three patients in group A and in none in group B. All flaps survived completely. A recipient site complication occurred in two patients (15.4%) in group A and three patients (15.8%) in group B. Conclusions: Complications and flap survival were similar between the two groups. However, tendon exposure at the donor site was less prevalent in the suprafascial group, and the treatment period was shorter. Based on our data, suprafascial RFFF is a reliable and safe procedure for reconstruction of the head and neck.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.50-55
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• 2015

In the hand, few vessels can be classified as 'perforators'. Even today, the debate continues on whether or not branches of the digital artery should be considered as perforators. However, 'perforator' and 'perforator flaps' have become extremely popular within the microsurgery literature, and as such, the terminology has found widespread adoption across the hand surgery field. The finger is the most important sensory organ for tactile stimulation. The glabrous skin can be distinguished between the fingertip and the proximal tissue, with the fingertip having a higher functional and, therefore, reconstructive priority. Thus, sacrifice of the proximal glabrous skin can be justified in the reconstruction of fingertip defects. In this paper, the author reviews two flaps, 'lateral digital artery perforator flap' and 'volar digital artery perforator flap', both of which uses short branches of the digital artery as a vascular pedicle and are useful in fingertip construction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제39권1호
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• pp.3-10
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• 2012

The free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps involve transferring skin and subcutaneous tissue from the lower abdominal area and have many features that make them well suited for breast reconstruction. The robust blood supply of the free flap reduces the risk of fat necrosis and also enables aggressive shaping of the flap for breast reconstruction to optimize the aesthetic outcome. In addition, the free MS-TRAM flap and DIEP flap require minimal donor-site sacrifice in most cases. With proper patient selection and safe surgical technique, the free MS-TRAM flap and DIEP flap can transfer the lower abdominal skin and subcutaneous tissue to provide an aesthetically pleasing breast reconstruction with minimal donor-site morbidity.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제48권5호
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• pp.511-517
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• 2021

The use of free flaps is an essential and reliable method of reconstruction in complex head and neck defects. Flap failure remains the most feared complication, the most common cause being pedicle thrombosis. Among other measures, thrombolysis is useful when manual thrombectomy has failed to restore flap perfusion, in the setting of late or established thrombosis, or in arterial thrombosis with distal clot propagation. We report a case of pedicle arterial thrombosis with distal clot propagation which occurred during reconstruction of a maxillectomy defect, and was successfully treated with thrombolysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. We also review the literature regarding the use of thrombolysis in free flap surgery, and propose an algorithm for the salvage of free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

• 대한두개안면성형외과학회지
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.126-129
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• 2019

Traditionally, a galeal flap has been used for skull base reconstruction. In addition to the galeal flap, several other flaps, such as the temporalis muscle flap or the free vascularized flap, can be options for skull base reconstruction, and each option has advantages and disadvantages. Certain cases, however, can be challengeable in the application of these flaps. We successfully managed to cover a skull base defect using an extended temporalis flap. Herein, we present the case and introduce this novel method.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제37권6호
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• pp.823-826
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• 2010

Purpose: Meningomyelocele is the most common type of neural tube defect disease. Early surgical treatment is recommended to prevent central nervous system infection. Several reconstruction methods were reported previously regarding surgical wound defect closure following meningomyelocele excision. In this article, we report two successful patients using the bilateral fasciocutaneous sliding V-Y advancement flap as a covering for meningomyelocele defects. Methods: Two patients with meningomyelocele were evaluated. Both patients were male and received their operations on the 1st and 4th day of life. After neurosurgeons completed their part of the operation, the V-Y advancement flap was used to close the defect. Initially a bilateral V-shape incision design was made on the skin such that the base of the V-flap measures identical to the size of the wound defect. An incision was made down to the fascia in order to allow the V-flaps to slide into the defect. Subfascial dissection was performed up to 1/3 to 1/4 the length of the V-flap from the wound while minimizing injury to the perforating vessels. Results: Both patients were treated successfully and there was no evidence of complication in 2 months follow up. Conclusion: Several reconstruction methods such as local flaps, skin graft and myocutaneous flaps were reported regarding meningomyelocele surgical wound defect closure. Bilateral fasciocutaneous sliding V-Y advancement flap is an easy method without involving the underlying muscles or a secondary skin graft in a short operation time. Therefore we recommend this treatment option for reconstruction of the wound defect following meningomyelocele excision.