• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.28-33
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• 2001

The numbers of breast cancer are increasing in Korea and the needs for breast reconstruction are also parallel with cancer frequency. The purpose of the study is to define the different state and condition between the delayed reconstruction and the immediate reconstruction of breasts and to suggest how to get more satisfactory outcome. The study included 22 patients who underwent delayed breast reconstruction using transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) free flap from December, 1990 to January, 2001. Their ages ranged from 28 years to 58 years. We have used internal mammary artery and vein as a recipient vessel in 13 patients because of fibrosis and severe scarring in the axillary region and thoracodorsal artery and vein in 9 patients. When we used internal mammary artery with recipient vessel, we would use contralateral deep inferior epigastric artery with donor vessel. We obtained satisfactory result without any flap loss, and most patients satisfied with shape and volume of reconstructed breast. We found that delayed breast reconstruction have some differences compared with immediate breast reconstruction. First, we remove fibrotic and scar tissue as much as possible to achieve satisfactory shape of breast. Second, we plan preoperative design in standing position to obtain symmetrical recreation of inframammary fold. Third, we use internal mammary vessel in many cases with recipient vessel for microvascular anastomosis. Fourth, patients with delayed breast reconstruction feel more satisfaction than patients with immediate breast reconstruction do. Finally, economic burden is much higher in the delayed case than in the immediate case because of no coverage with insurance.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.146-152
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• 2020

Background Preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the abdominal wall vessels is used when planning free flap breast reconstruction (FFBR) because it provides a surgical road map which facilitates flap harvest. However, there are few reports on the effect of abnormal findings on the operative plan. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of all FFBRs performed at a tertiary referral center over a 6-year period (November 2011 to June 2017). One consultant radiologist reported on the findings. Details on patient demographics, CTA reports, and intraoperative details were collected. Results Two hundred patients received preoperative CTAs. Fourteen percent of patients (n=28) had abnormal findings. Of these findings, 18% were vascular anomalies; 36% tumorrelated and 46% were "miscellaneous." In four patients, findings subsequently prevented surgery; they comprised a mesenteric artery aneurysm, absent deep inferior epigastric (DIE) vessels, bilateral occluded DIE arteries, and significant bone metastases. Another patient had no suitable vessels for a free flap and the surgical plan converted to a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. The remaining incidental findings had no impact on the surgical plan or appropriateness of FFBR. More than one in 10 of those with abnormal findings went on to have further imaging before their operation. Conclusions CTA in FFBR can have a wider impact than facilitating surgical planning and reducing operative times. Incidental findings can influence the surgical plan, and in some instances, avoid doomed-to-fail and unsafe surgery. It is therefore important that these scans are reported by an experienced radiologist.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.109-116
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• 2017

Background The effect of liposuction on the perforators of the lower abdominal wall has been investigated in several studies. There are controversial results in the literature that have primarily demonstrated the number and patency of the perforators. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of liposuction on the perfusion of perforator-based abdominal flaps using a combined laser-Doppler spectrophotometer (O2C, Oxygen to See, LEA Medizintechnik). Methods Nine female patients undergoing classical abdominoplasty were included in the study. Perforators and the perfusion zones of the deep inferior epigastric artery flap were marked on the patient's abdominal wall. Flap perfusion was quantitatively assessed by measuring blood flow, velocity, capillary oxygen saturation, and relative amount of hemoglobin for each zone preoperatively, after tumescent solution infiltration, following elevation of the flap on a single perforator, and after deep and superficial liposuction, respectively. Results The measurements taken after elevation of the flap were not significantly different than measurements taken after the liposuction procedures. Conclusions The liposuction procedure does not significantly alter the perfusion of perforator-based abdominal flaps in the early period. The abdominal tissue discarded in a classic abdominoplasty operation can be raised as a perforator flap and has been demonstrated to be a unique model for clinical research.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.57-62
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• 2005

Microvascular anastomosis with suture technique is a basic skill but there are several problems such as stenosis, thrombosis and long operating time. Recently plastic surgeons have developed non-suturing mechanical coupling devices for microvascular anastomosis. The authors applied non-penetrating vascular clips (VCS clips) in the field of free flap surgery of head and neck area. Between August of 2004 and January of 2005, we performed 9 free flaps (16 vessels) using small-sized VCS clips. Four stay sutures were applied first and then VCS clips were placed between sutures about 1 mm apart. Vascular pedicle of free flap included the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral vessel, thoracodorsal vessel, deep inferior epigastric vessel and cephalic vein. The recipient vessels were the superior thyroid artery, superficial temporal artery, internal jugular vein, external jugular vein, and superficial temporal vein. We performed 13 end-to-end (4 arteries and 9 veins) and 3 venous end-to-side anastomoses. No flap related complication occurred but we applied additional clips or sutures in two cases due to blood leakage after completion of anastomosis. Primary patency rates seemed to be good and more rapid anastomosis could be done than conventional suture technique. Advantages of VCS technique are high patency rate, low thrombogenecity and rapidity. Although the high cost of VCS instrument may be a problem, this clip could be applied safely in microvascular free tissue transfer.

• Archives of Hand and Microsurgery
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.281-289
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• 2018

Purpose: Preoperative surgical planning utilizing computed tomography angiography (CTA) has now become a routine in many practices. We analyzed the course of the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) and its perforators (DIEP) that would either facilitate or hinder flap dissection based on CTA to aid surgical planning. Methods: The 115 consecutive patients who underwent abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction were enrolled in this prospective study. DIEA/P courses were categorized mainly according to their intramuscular courses and their incidences were investigated. Results: A total of 425 perforators were identified preoperatively on the CTA, with an average number of 3.7 distinctly visualized in the entire flap territory. Eighty-nine perforators (20.9%) had a favorable (less than 1 cm intramuscular course) pattern, namely long submuscular (34.8% of the patients), long subfascial (15.6%), and total circummuscular (13.9%). Overall 56.5% of the patients had at least one favorable DIEA/P. On the other hand, absence of DIEA and absence of adequate (>1 mm) DIEP was reported in 3 and 8 hemiabdomen. Conclusion: Preoperative CTA evaluation of DIEA/P can be used to identify favorable as well as unfavorable courses for dissection to aid surgical planning.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.596-600
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• 2015

Background The uptake of breast reconstruction is ever increasing with procedures ranging from implant-based reconstructions to complex free tissue transfer. Little emphasis is placed on scarring when counseling patients yet they remain a significant source of morbidity and litigation. The aim of this study was to examine the scarring preferences of men and women in breast oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery. Methods Five hundred men and women were asked to fill out a four-page questionnaire in two large Irish centres. They were asked about their opinions on scarring post breast surgery and were also asked to rank the common scarring patterns in wide local excisions, oncoplastic procedures, breast reconstructions as well as donor sites. Results Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed did not feel scars were important post breast cancer surgery. 61% said that their partners' opinion of scars were important. The most preferred wide local excision scar was the lower lateral quadrant scar whilst the scars from the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap were most favoured. The superior gluteal artery perforator flap had the most preferred donor site while surprisingly, the DIEP had the least favourite donor site. Conclusions Scars are often overlooked when planning breast surgery yet the extent and position of the scar needs to be outlined to patients and it should play an important role in selecting a breast reconstruction option. This study highlights the need for further evaluation of patients' opinions regarding scar patterns.