• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.45 no.4
• /
• pp.298-303
• /
• 2018

Flap thinning is a procedure for making a thick flap thinner. This procedure does more than simply fill in the defected area, and it is better for reconstructing the area both functionally and aesthetically. However, because flap thinning is a rather blind procedure, it may have harmful effects on flap vascularity. Therefore, the vasculature of a flap must be understood before performing flap thinning. This paper analyzes the basic anatomy underlying flap thinning based on the previous anatomic study that categorized flaps into 6 types by their vascular structures. This paper also reviews specific studies of frequently practiced flap procedures (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, thoracodorsal artery perforator flap, and anterolateral thigh flap) and presents important precautions for flap thinning procedures. Finally, this paper briefly examines the axiality of the subdermal plexus, which needs to be taken into account when performing flap thinning.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.49 no.1
• /
• pp.61-69
• /
• 2022

Background Single free flaps are a commonly used reconstructive method for multiple soft tissue defects in digits. We analyzed the flap size, division timing, and degree of necrosis in cases with various types of flap division. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of the medical charts of patients who had undergone single free flap reconstruction for multiple soft tissue defects across their digits from 2011 to 2020. The flap types included were the lateral arm free flap, venous forearm free flap, thenar free flap, hypothenar free flap, anterolateral thigh free flap, medial plantar free flap, and second toe pulp free flap. Flap size, anastomosed vessels, division timing, and occurrence of flap necrosis were retrospectively investigated and then analyzed using the t-test. Results In total, 75 patients were included in the analysis. The success rate of the free flaps was 97.3%. All flaps were successfully divided after at least 17 days, with a mean of 47.17 days (range, 17-243 days) for large flaps and 42.81 days (range, 20-130 days) for the medium and small flaps (P=0.596). The mean area of flap necrosis was 2.38% in the large flaps and 2.58% in the medium and small flaps (P=0.935). Severe necrosis of the divided flap developed in two patients who had undergone flap division at week 6 and week 34. Conclusions In cases where blood flow to the flap has been stable for more than 3 weeks, flap division can be safely attempted regardless of the flap size.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.13-20
• /
• 2009

Background In contrast to defects of the mandible and mouth floor region, in the defect of maxilla, the availability of firmly attached oral and nasal mucosal linings is needed. In addition to it, in consider of operation field, operating convenience, and esthetics, reconstruction using prelaminated flap is strongly recommended. Therefore we consider the prelaminated flap through the cases that is reconstructed using prelaminated forearm flap and prelaminated scapular flap. Patients and Methods From 2001 to 2008, in OMFS SNUDH, there were 6 cases that had reconstruction using prelaminated forearm free flap and other 3 cases that had reconstruction using prelaminated scapular flap of maxilla. The average age of patients that were reconstructed using prelaminated forearm free flap was 47.5 years, the average prelaminated period (after $1^{st}$ operation ${\sim}$ until $2^{nd}$ operation) was 51.8 days and the average follow-up period after $2^{nd}$ operation was 35.3 months. As well, the average age of patients that were reconstructed using prelaminated scapular free flap was 37 years, the average prelaminated period (after $1^{st}$ operation ${\sim}$ until $2^{nd}$ operation) was 57 days and the average follow-up period after $2^{nd}$ operation was 42.3 months. Results Except 1 case that were reconstructed using prelaminated scapular flap, we could get firmly attached oral and nasal stable skin(mucosal like) lining, more adequate thickness flap than any other flap and improved esthetic and functional results in the other 8 cases that were reconstructed using prelaminated flap. The complications of the prelaminated forearm flap cases were inconvenient swallowing, sputum, limitation of mouth opening and difficult mastication. It came from flap shrinkage of the flap in some aspect, as well as other combined operations such as mass resection or RND. The difficult point of the reconstruction of prelaminated scapular flap was the possibility of vascular damage at preparation of flap in $2^{nd}$ surgery. The damage could cause the failure of the prelaminated scapular flap. And the skin-lining of the prelaminated flap had limitations, so it is needed to study about the cultured oral epithelium-lining flap instead of the skin-lining flap. Conclusion We considered about advantages, complications and notable things of prelaminated flap through maxillary reconstruction cases using prelaminated forearm flap and prelaminated scapular flap so far. Furthermore, we should go on studying for functional reconstruction of prelaminated fasciomucosal flap using cultured oral epithelium.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.435-440
• /
• 2005

The reconstruction of deep soft tissue defects of lower extremities combined with bone exposure has been difficult problems. When it is impossible to raise local skin flap, we have been usually used the gastrocnemius musculocutaneous flap, cross leg flap or free flaps. However, In musculocutaneous flap, aesthetical appearance of the calf is not appropriate because of too bulky flap. Although the success rate of the free flap has improved, still failure of flap occurs in cases of the chronic ischemic state. As the concepts of perforator flap has recently developed and widely used due to its thin flap thickness. Between January 2002 to December 2004, we treated 7 patients with soft tissue defect in leg with chronic ischemic limbs with perforator island flap. Preoperative angiography were done in all case and we used 2 medial sural perforator flaps, 1 anterior tibial artery perforator flap, 1 posterior tibial artery perforator flap, 3 anterolateral thigh perforator flap. Partial necrosis of flap was seen in one patient but no further surgical procedure was required for wound healed spontaneously. Perforator island flaps are thin, reduce donor site morbidity, conceal donor site with primary closure and it is useful for resurfacing soft tissue defect of lower extremities.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.240-252
• /
• 2022

Rather than just another "review," this is intended to be an "overview" of the entire subject of the medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap as has been presented in the reconstructive literature from its inception in 2001 until the present, with any exceptions not purposefully overlooked. Unfortunately, the pertinent anatomy of the MSAP flap is always anomalous like most other perforator flaps, and perhaps even more variable. No schematic exists to facilitate the identification of a dominant musculocutaneous perforator about which to design the flap, so some adjunctive technology may be highly valuable for this task. However, if a relatively thin free flap is desirable for a small or moderate sized defect that requires a long pedicle with larger caliber vessels, the MSAP flap deserves consideration. Indeed, for many, this has replaced the radial forearm flap such as for partial tongue reconstruction. Most consider the donor site deformity, even if only a conspicuous scar on the calf, to be a contraindication. Yet certainly if used as a local flap for the knee, popliteal fossa, or proximal leg, or as a free flap for the ipsilateral lower extremity where a significant recipient site deformity already exists, can anyone really object that this is not a legitimate indication? As with any perforator flap, advantages and disadvantages exist, which must be carefully perused before a decision to use the MSAP flap is made. Perhaps not a "workhorse" flap for general use throughout the body, the MSAP flap in general may often be a valuable alternative.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.365-371
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Good color match holds a key position in facial reconstruction for good aesthetic result. To correct the wide facial soft tissue defect were usually used the tissue expanded cheek flap, deltopectoral flap or radial forearm free flap. This study is aimed to analyse the color difference after flap surgery by using chromameter. Method: From August 1995 to December 2006, 30 patients underwent flap operations were chosen randomly and evaluated color differences between flap site and adjacent skin. Reconstructive procedures included tissue expanded cheek flap(n = 10), deltopectoral flap(n = 10), and radial forearm free flap(n = 10). The measured sites were flap center within a radius of 1 ㎝ and four points of adjacent skin along the flap margin. The color was quantified in a three dimensional coordinate system $L^*$ (brightness), $a^*$ (redness), $b^*$ (yellowness). Results: There was no significant color difference between the pedicled flaps(tissue expanded cheek flap and deltopectoral flap) and adjacent skin area. On the other hand, color values of the radial forearm free flap were statistically different from those of adjacent skin area. Total color difference(${\Delta}E$) of tissue expanded cheek flap and deltopectoral flap were $7.45{\pm}5.78$ versus $9.41{\pm}7.09$, and that of radial forearm free flap was $11.74{\pm}3.85$. They suggest that pedicled flaps have a potential of better color match than radial forearm free flap. Conclusion: Thus, better esthetic result and satisfaction is more likely to be expected in pedicled flaps as long as it could be applied comparing radial forearm free flap.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.6
• /
• pp.720-726
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Fasciocutaneous flap with random pattern flap has limitation in mobility and length - width ratio. This characteristic is more pronounced in lower extremity which has relatively poor vascularity. Perforator based flap in lower extremity reconstruction has various advantages as a axial flap, allowing abundant blood supply and widening of mobility range. So if it is not a case of wide defect, free flap can be replaced by perforator based flap. Methods: From April 2007 to March 2009, 18 cases of perforator flap were performed. 8 had defect in upper 1/3 of calf, 6 in middle 1/3, and 4 in lower 1/3. In 10 cases island flap were used, 3 case had transposition flap, 2 cases used advancement flap, 2 case had propeller flap and 1 case had rotation flap. Results: 17 cases survived without flap necrosis. Partial flap necrosis occurred in 1 case, so secondary split thickness skin graft was done. Chronic wound with pseudomonas infection occurred in 1 case, but it was completely cured with conservative treatment. Conclusion: Perforator based flap is useful in lower extremity reconstruction because of relative freedom in changing the size and thickness of the flap depending on the recipient site, good mobility, and abundant vascularity. And donor site morbidity can be minimized. Lower extremity reconstruction using perforator based flap is a good method because it can minimize the complication and obtain effective result.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.56-60
• /
• 2010

Purpose: Breast reconstruction with abdominal flap has many advantages. However, it might cause abdominal complications such as bulging or hernia. SIEA (Superficial inferior epigastric artery) flap is the most advanced form of abdominal flap which has no adverse effect on abdominal fascia. We report 2 cases of breast reconstruction with SIEA flap with reference review. Methods: From Jun 2006 to Jan 2009, 110 patients underwent breast reconstruction with free abdominal flap. We tried to find the SIEA in every cases and adopted SIEP flap if the diameter was larger than 1mm and it had visible pulsation. 2 patients underwent breast reconstruction with SIEA flap. After design of abdominal flap SIEA was investigated with portable Doppler. SIEA was usually found 4-5 cm lateral to the midline. Flap was elevated with SIEA and SIEV to their maximal length at hiatus. Results: There were no complications, such as infection, hematoma, and necrosis of flap. In both cases, flaps survived completely with excellent vascularity and breast reconstruction was successful. In one case, there was skin necrosis of mastectomy flap, and it was healed by conservative management. Conclusion: With the SIEA flap, donor site morbidity can be minimized along with reduction of operation time. If there is reliable SIEA, SIEA flap would be the preferred skills. However, the limitation of the SIEA flap is difficulty in identifying the SIEA. The reason for less availability of the flap in Korea might include high prevalence of the Caesarian section scar and relatively higher level of the lower margin of the flap.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.75-79
• /
• 2009

Purpose: The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous(TRAM) flap is the most commonly used autogenous tissue flap for breast reconstruction. Postoperatively, partial flap loss or fat necrosis are relatively common and it may result in a smaller breast volume with marked contour irregularities. These defects are not easy to reconstruct with local tissue rearrangement or with breast implants. The current authors present the results of 2 patients who underwent Latissimus dorsi(LD) flap reconstruction to correct partial flap or fat necrosis that developed after TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Method: Case1: A 50 - year - old woman with left breast cancer visited for breast reconstruction after radical mastectomy. Initially, breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM was performed. Postoperatively partial flap necrosis was developed. Secondary breast reconstruction using LD flap was done. Case2: A 51 - year - old woman with left breast cancer visited for breast reconstruction after radical mastectomy. Initially, breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM was performed. Postoperatively fat necrosis was developed. Secondary breast reconstruction using LD flap was done. Results: Secondary breast reconstruction using LD flap survived completely and produce successful reconstruction. There was no significant complication in both patients. Conclusion: LD flap provides sufficient, vascularized skin and soft tissue. The flap can be molded easily to replace deficient tissue in all areas of the breast. These attributes make it an ideal candidate for salvage of the partially failed TRAM flap breast reconstructio.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.157-168
• /
• 2000

Periodontal surgery can be directed to remove the irritants from the tooth surface and reduce the periodontal pocket. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical effects after between modified Widman flap and modified flap in periodontal patients. Ninety six molar area teeth of 9 patients were used. One of sextants performed a modified Widman flap, while the other side performed a modified flap. After initial periodontal therapy, the following measurements prior to surgery(baseline) were taken : pocket depth, gingival recession, clinical attachment level, tooth mobility, bleeding on probing. Also these measurements were taken at 4 weeks, 8weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery. Significant decrease of pocket depth was shown in both techniques, and the degree of decrease was significant in modified flap than modified Widman flap at 12 weeks. Significant increase of gingival recession was shown in both techniques, and the degree of increase was significant in modified Widman flap than modified flap at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Significant attachment gain was shown in both techniques, and the degree of increase was significant in modified flap than modified Widman flap at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Significant increase of tooth mobility was shown in both techniques at 4 weeks, but the decrease of tooth mobility was shown at 12 weeks. Greater decrease of bleeding on probing was shown in both techniques at 4 weeks. Modified flap was better than modified Widman flap in the decrease of gingival recession and the attachment gain. These results indicate that modified flap operation is better than modified Widman flap operation in the effect of periodontal treatment.