• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.38-43
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• 2003

Purpose : Various free flaps and pedicled island flaps are effective for reconstruction of soft tissue defect developed after tumor excision. We want to know the advantage of dorsalis pedis island flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defect caused by soft tissue tumor excision. Materials and Methods : Between 1992 and 2002, we performed 4 dorsalis pedis island flap procedure for reconstruction of soft tissue defect of lower limb developed after soft tissue tumor excision. Average age was 54.7 years old $(40{\sim}68)$, and male 2 cases, female 2 cases. The kinds and number of soft tissue tumors were 2 squamous cell carcinoma and 2 malignant melanoma. The procedures that we performed were all dorsalis pedis island flap. The analysis for the result of treatment was retrospectively accessed by physical examination and questionnaire for whether the change of symptom after operation, range of adjacent joint motion. Also we reviewed associated complication after operative treatment. Results : All dorsalis pedis island flaps were alive. There is no problem for activity of daily living, no skin necrosis and no limitation of motion of adjacent joint. In 1 case of them, the patients died of distant metastasis. Conclusion: Dorsalis pedis island flap procedure as a pedicled island flap procedure is very effective and easy operative procedure for reconstruction of soft tissue defect of lower limb developed after tumor excision compared to free flap procedure because there is no need for microvascular surgery, we can obtain relatively large flap and the lesion and flap donor site locate in the same limb.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.60-63
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• 2011

Capillary malformation is common vascular malformation. In case of facial capillary malformation, patients' cosmetic and functional deficits are quite significant. The standard treatment which has been applied so far for capillary malformation is pulsed dye laser with 585nm. But in case of advanced capillary malformation, surgical interventions are inevitable. The problem of large size facial capillary malformation is how to cover the remnant defect, which occurs after resection. In this case, authors have experienced surgical treatment of large size facial capillary malformation and covered the large facial defect with free thoracodorsal artery perforator flap. The flap was thick, so facial asymmetry remained after the first surgery. But with the secondary procedure, authors have made more symmetric figures. The patient was satisfied with the result. Using free flap to replace the defect after resection due to capillary malformation is useful for these kinds of cases.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.8-13
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• 2011

Purpose: A palatal defect following maxillectomy can cause multiple problems like the rhinolalia, leakage of foods into the nasal cavity, and hypernasality. Use of a prosthetic is the preferred method for obturating a palate defect, but for rehabilitating palatal function, prosthetics have many shortcomings. In a small defect, local flap is a useful method, however, the size of flap which can be elevated is limited. In 12 cases of palatomaxillary defect, we used various microvascular free flaps in reconstructing the palate and obtained good functional results. Method: Between 1990 and 2004, 12 patients underwent free flap operation after head and neck cancer ablation, and were reviewed retrospectively. Among the 12 free flaps, 6 were latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, 3 rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, and 3 radial forearm flaps. Result: All microvascular flap surgery was successful. Mean follow up time was 8 months and after the follow up time all patients reported satisfactory speech and swallowing. Wound dehiscence was observed in 4 cases, ptosis was in 1 case and fistula was in 1 case, however, rhinolalia, leakage of food, or swallowing difficultly was not reported in the 12 cases. Conclusion: We used various microvascular flaps for palatomaxillary reconstruction. For 3-dimensional flap needs, we used the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to obtain enough volume for filling the defect. Two-dimensional flaps were designed with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, rectus abdominis flap and radial forearm flap. For cases with palatal defect only, we used the radial forearm flap. In palatomaxillary reconstruction, we can choose various free flap techniques according to the number of skin paddles and flap volume needed.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.283-288
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• 2006

Various vascularized free flaps have been used for midfacial reconstruction after ablative head and neck cancer surgery. The most common donor sites for free flap include latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, and radial forearm. Between 1994 and 2004, 14 patients underwent free flap operation after head and neck cancer ablation, and were reviewed retrospectively. Among 14 free flaps, 8 were latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, 3 rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps and 3 radial forearm flaps, respectively. The overall survival rate of the flap was 100%. Complications were wound dehiscence(5 cases) and ptosis(1 case). We designed multiple dimensionally folded free flap for midfacial reconstruction. For 3-dimensional flap needs, we used latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. 2-Dimensional flap was latissimus dorsi or rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap and 1-dimensional flap was radial forearm flap. In this study we produced an algorithm for midfacial reconstruction. Large volume with many skin paddle defects were best reconstructed with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap or rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. Radial forearm flap was used for reconstruction of small volume and little skin paddle defects.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.329-332
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• 2011

Purpose: In developed countries, vesicovaginal fistula occur from various pelvic operations including total hysterectomy, leading to urinary leakage and incontinence. Although various methods have been proposed for adequate tissue coverage in fistula repair, the surgical treatment of is not simple and still controversial. We report a case of neobladder-vaginal fistula repair using modified Martius fat pad flap. Methods: A 62-year-old female patient underwent radical cystectomy with total abdominal hysterectomy and neobladder formation due to invasive bladder tumor 5 years ago. For 3 years following the operation, urine leakage was observed. Exploration demonstrated neobladder-vaginal fistula and primary repair including fistulectomy and direct closure was performed. Urinary incontinence relapsed 2 years after primary repair, and after demonstrating the recurrence of fistula on urography, repair of recurrent fistula was performed. After dissection of vagina and neobladder and closure of fistula by urologic surgeon, fibroadipose flap was elevated, rotated and advanced through the tunnel at vaginal sidewall, and interpositioned to the fistula site between neobladder and vagina. Results: There was no acute complication after the surgery and urethral catheter was extracted on the 8th day after the operation. During six month follow-up period after the operation, there is no clinical evidence of fistula recurrence. Conclusion: From our clinical experience and literature review, we think Martius fat pad flap is a useful technique in management of neobladder-vaginal fistula, for it provides enough vascularity, major epithelization surface and better lymphatic drainage, and also prevents overlapping of vesical, vaginal suture lines at the same time.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.169-173
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• 2008

Purpose: Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus is a chronic inflammatory disease that mostly affects young people, which warrants surgical intervention. Although many surgical methods have been suggested, an optimal surgical method remains controversial because of high recurrence rates and postoperative complications. The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of wide excision and coverage with fasciocutaneous advancement flap for the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus, and to assess the usefulness of this method Methods: From May 1995 to October 2006, the authors treated 19 patients with the use of coverage with fasciocutaneous flap after wide excision. The results were evaluated regarding recurrence rates, complications, and the change in sensitivity of the gluteal region after surgery. The follow-up period was 7 to 142 months (mean, 76 months). All patients were male. Results: Postoperative complications were wound infection at the suction drain insertion site and skin necrosis around the suture margin in one case, respectively. During the follow up period, only one recurrence (5.3%) was seen in fifth postoperative month, which was successfully treated by the same operative procedure. There was no other complications such as seroma, hematoma, wound dehiscence and flap loss. Extensive scarring and anatomic distortion did not occur in the reconstructed area. In addition, sensitivity of the gluteal region did not diminish. The aesthetic results were satisfactory for all patients as well. Conclusion: The authors advocate that fasciocutaneous flap closure be a good alternative method to cover defects after the excision of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.174-180
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• 2008

Purpose: While radiotherapy remains an essential part of the multidisciplinary treatment of cancers, it may cause unwanted consequences such as tissue break down and chronic non-healing wounds as a result of hypoxia, hypovascularity, and hypocellularity. The conservative treatment of osteoradionecrosis was effective only in the early stages or has a limited result. The surgical treatment of osteoradionecrosis includes various local fasciocutaneous flaps, local myocutaneous flaps and different kinds of free flaps with cancellous bone graft or alloplastic material after removal of all devitalized tissue. This study reviews recent cases of osteoradionecrosis in Severance hospital and investigates the use of various flaps for reconstruction of osteoradionecrosis. Methods: From 2000 to 2006, a total of 29 patients, nine men and twenty women with a mean age of 60.4 years were identified and included in the study. Fasciocutaneous flaps were used on 7 patients and myocutaneous flaps were used on the remaining patients. Mean follow-up period was 10.4 months. Results: In the fasciocutaneous flap group, we noted two complications including total flap failure and a partial flap necrosis. In the myocutaneous flap group, four complications were noted including a partial flap necrosis and 3 cases of wound dehiscence. Considering the complications noted in this study, the natural history of progression to flap necrosis appeared to follow the following sequence of events: marginal flap necrosis, infection, wound dehiscence, flap floating and partial flap necrosis, serially. Conclusion: Successful surgical treatment of osteoradionecrosis includes wide radical debridement and reconstruction with a well vascularized flap like myocutaneous flap or fasciocutaneous flap.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.393-396
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• 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
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.109-112
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• 2009

Purpose: Squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) of the lower lip is the most common malignant tumor comprising 90% of all lip SCC. The typical picture of SCC of the lower lip is of an ulcerated lesion with raised margins. Surgery is the treatment of choice for SCC of lower lip. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, different types of flaps are used. We used new method - 'both buccal mucosa transposition flap' for the reconstruction of the near total mucosal defect of the lower lip. Methods: This 67 - year - old men presented with the crusted $1cm{\times}1cm$ sized ulceration of the lower lip that was arised 30 years ago. There were no size and color change, except the bleeding and ulceration. At first, We diagnosed the SCC through the incisinal biopsy. Then We performed the wide excision of the tumor and reconstruction of the lower lip. After the excision of the whole tumor, the defect was measured at $8cm{\times}3.5cm$. We designed the buccal mucosa transposition flap taking care to avoid the parotid duct. The flap was made in a triangular shape for the reconstruction of defected lower lip. The donor site defect can be sutured primarily. Results: A patient in this study had no postoperative complications such as necrosis, dehiscence, infection of the flap or donor site. Reconstructed lower lip is relatively close to that of the natural lip; More satisfactory aesthetic and functional results can be obtained by using this technique rather than other techniques. Conclusion: 'Both buccal mucosa transposition flap' is reliable method for the reconstruction of the large lower lip mucosal defect. The operation is simple and performed in one stage, with no postoperative complications. This technique can offer consistently good functional and esthetic outcomes after reconstruction of lower lip mucosal defect.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.450-457
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• 2009

Purpose: The second toe PIP joint free flap is a method of reconstruction used for abnormalities of the PIP joint of the finger. We report the results of the additional tenolysis in patients with a difference between passive ROM and active ROM after second toe PIP joint free flap. Methods: From March 2001 to July 2008, tenolysis was performed in patients with a difference in their active and passive ROM after second toe PIP joint free transfer, performed on 14 fingers. We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records, noting the clinical and radiological findings. In addition, we measured the preoperative and postoperative range of motion of the PIP joint. Results: The average active ROM was $22.5^{\circ}$ at the three months after the joint transfer surgery, and was $38^{\circ}$ after additional tenolysis between five months and twelve months after the joint transfer. Conclusions: Additional tenolysis, after the second toe PIP joint free flap, might be a good option for improved results in patients with difference in active and passive ROM of a transferred PIP joint.