• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.38-44
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• 2021

Background: The free flap surgical method is useful for the reconstruction of head and neck defects. This study retrospectively analyzed the results of head and neck reconstructions using various types of free flaps over the past 30 years. Methods: Between 1989 and 2018, a total of 866 free flap procedures were performed on 859 patients with head and neck defects, including 7 double free flaps. The causes of vascular crisis and salvage rate were analyzed, and the total flap survival rate calculated among these patients. Additionally, the survival and complication rates for each flap type were compared. Results: The 866 cases included 557 radial forearm flaps, 200 anterolateral thigh flaps, 39 fibular osteocutaneous flaps, and 70 of various other flaps. The incidence of the vascular crisis was 5.1%; its most common cause was venous thrombosis (52.3%). Salvage surgery was successful in 52.3% of patients, and the total flap survival rate was 97.6%. The success rate of the radial forearm flap was higher than of the anterolateral flap (p< 0.01), and the primary sites of malignancy were the tongue, tonsils, and hypopharynx, respectively. Conclusion: The free flap technique is the most reliable method for head and neck reconstruction; however, the radial forearm free flap showed the highest success rate (98.9%). In patients with malignancy, flap failure was more common in the anterolateral thigh (5.5%) and fibular (5.1%) flaps.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.51-58
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• 2016

In this paper, we present some results on No-failure accelerated life test of aerial vehicle for reliability demonstration. The design of general accelerated life test consists of the three phases: 1) Estimating normal life test time of a single product from Weibull distribution model; 2) Determining the acceleration factor (AF) by utilizing the relation between the life of mechanical components and the applied torque; 3) Calculating the accelerated life test time, which comes from dividing the estimated normal life test time into AF. Then, we applied the calculated life test time to the real reliability test of the flap actuating system, while considering the requirement specification for mechanical components and operating environment of the actuation system. Real experimental processes and results are presented to validate the theory.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.208-213
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• 2008

Purpose: Distally based superficial sural artery island flap has some disadvantages such as postoperative flap edema, congestion, and partial necrosis of the flap margin. Venous congestion is an area of considerable concern in distally based superficial sural artery fasciocutaneous flap and is one of the main reasons for failure, particularly when a large flap is needed. However, we could decrease these disadvantages by means of venous superdrainage. Methods: From June of 2006 to June of 2007, a total of two patients with soft tissue defects of lower one third of the leg underwent venous supercharging distally based superficial sural artery island flap transfer. The distal pivot point of this flap was designed at septocutaneous perforator from the peroneal artery of the posterolateral septum, which was 5 cm above the tip of the lateral malleolus. Briefly, this technique is performed by anastomosing the proximal end of the lesser saphenous vein and collateral vein to any vein in the area of the recipient defect site. Results: No venous congestion was noted in any of the two cases. No other recipient or donor-site complications were observed, except for minor wound dehiscence in one case. In 3 to 6 months follow-up, patients had minor complaints about lack of sensation in the lateral dorsal foot. Conclusion: The peroneal artery perforator is predictable and reliable for the design of a distally based superficial sural artery island flap. Elevation of the venous supercharging flap is safe, easy, and less time consuming. In conclusion, the venous supercharging distally based superficial sural artery island flap offers an alterative to free tissue transfer for reconstruction of the lower extremity.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.63-68
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• 2013

Purpose: In case of the failed replantation, if the patients want to preserve the length of amputated stump, toe transfer is the ideal choice. However, reconstruction of these amputated stump with a free flap can be a useful method when the patients refuse sacrificing their toe. Our purpose of this study is to evaluate availability of functional results and patient satisfaction after this procedure. Materials and Methods: From March 2008 to February 2012, we reconstructed the amputated stump with free flap by patients demand. Eleven patients were included, medial plantar artery perforator flap in seven cases and great toe pulp flap in five cases. Follow-up range 12 to 24 months and we evaluate patient satisfaction by using a visual analogue scale (VAS; 1=unsatisfied, 5=excellent) and functional recovery by measuring the range of motion of remaining joint at 12 months after operation. Results: During follow-up period, all transferred free flaps survived and no major complications were noted. Range of motion of remaining joint appeared satisfactory result ($15^{\circ}$ to $100^{\circ}$). The VAS patient satisfaction score for aesthetic were five in six patients, four in four patients, and three in one patient. Conclusion: In case of the failed digital replantation, if patient refuse toe transfer, it could be useful method to reconstruction with the free flap to preserving maximal length of amputated stump.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.42
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• pp.29.1-29.7
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• 2020

Background: Microvascular reconstruction is the treatment of choice after oral cancer ablation surgery. There are few published studies of free flap survival among Korean populations. This study aimed to determine the survival rate after 121 consecutive cases of maxillofacial microvascular reconstruction and to analyze the complications associated with microsurgery. Methods: This study included consecutive patients who underwent microsurgical reconstruction with free flaps, from January 2006 through September 2019, performed by a single surgeon at the oral and maxillofacial surgery department of a tertiary medical center. A total of 121 cases were reviewed retrospectively. The flap survival rate, flap type, radiotherapy history, complications, and treatment results were analyzed. Results: Four different flap types were used for microvascular reconstruction: radial forearm (n = 65), fibula (n = 34), latissimus dorsi (n = 21), and serratus anterior muscle with rib bone free flap (n = 1). Total necrosis of the flap was found in four cases (two latissimus dorsi flaps and two fibular flaps). The free flap survival rate was 97.5%. Nineteen patients received radiotherapy before surgery, and none of them experienced flap failure. The mean operation time was 334 ± 83.1 min, and the mean ischemic time was 48.9 ± 12.7 min. Conclusions: The success rate was reliable and comparable with previous studies. The success rate was not affected by radiation therapy. Free flaps can be safely used even after radiation treatment.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.115-119
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• 1999

In breast reconstruction with a free flap following mastectomy, the recipient vessels most widely used are in the axillary system, which limits flap movement and flexibility in breast shaping. In addition, scarring and fibrosis can make dissection of the vessels difficult. We have performed 43 breast reconstructions using a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) flap. In 10 cases out of 20 delayed reconstruction, we anastomosed to the internal mammary vessels rather than subscapular system. There has been no flap failure. The surgical techniques, advantages and limitations of the internal mammary system are presented. The internal mammary vessel are compared with the axillary vessels as a recipient vascular system.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.148-152
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• 2014

Background Free flap surgery for head and neck defects has gained popularity as an advanced microvascular surgical technique. The aims of this study are first, to determine whether the known risk factors such as comorbidity, tobacco use, obesity, and radiation increase the complications of a free flap transfer, and second, to identify the incidence of complications in a radial forearm free flap and an anterolateral thigh perforator flap. Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients with head and neck cancer who underwent reconstruction with free flap between May 1994 and May 2012 at our department of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Results The patients included 36 men and 6 women, with a mean age of 59.38 years. The most common primary tumor site was the tongue (38%). The most commonly used free flap was the radial forearm free flap (57%), followed by the anterolateral thigh perforator free flap (22%). There was no occurrence of free flap failure. In this study, risk factors of the patients did not increase the occurrence of complications. In addition, no statistically significant differences in complications were observed between the radial forearm free flap and anterolateral thigh perforator free flap. Conclusions We could conclude that the risk factors of the patient did not increase the complications of a free flap transfer. Therefore, the risk factors of patients are no longer a negative factor for a free flap transfer.

• 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.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.407-412
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• 1994

Congenital long-segment tracheal stenosis which involves nearly entire trachea and carina is very rare disease, but leads to life threatening obstruction in infancy and childhood. Symptoms are ranged from stridor and wheezing to severe cyanosis and respiratory failure. Routine chest X-ray is somewhat helpful to diagnose it, but definitive diagnosis can be made by bronchoscopy or tracheogram for severely narrowed tracheal lumen.Recently, we experienced a case of congenital tracheal stenois, type 1 by Cantrell classification with carinal involvement. After costal cartilage was designed as oval shaped flap and covered with pericardium, anterior and posterior augmentation was done with prepared costal cartilage.This patient died of respiratory failure at 13 days postoperatively, probably due to sustaining obstruction in association in with failure to make a sufficient widening at carinal level.Important issues in the management of congenital tracheal stenosis are rapid diagnosis, selection of appropriate surgical procedure, and detailed anesthetic schedule.In the future, more biocompatible material and more effective surgical procedures should be studied to reduce the surgical mortality and morbidity of the complicated tracheal stenosis.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.31-35
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• 2022

The soft palate of carcinoma limited to the uvular region is infrequent among oropharyngeal cancers. The oropharynx regulates swallowing and speech through dynamic motions. Failure to reconstruct after surgical resection of the oropharynx structure can lead to permanent velopharyngeal insufficiency. Therefore, suitable reconstruction is important in establishing proper functional outcomes while maintaining oncological safety. We present a case of a 66-year-old male who was diagnosed with oropharynx cancer limited in the uvula accompanied by lymph node metastasis. After surgical resection, reconstruction was performed with the united arrangement of bilateral palatal mucomuscular flap and superiorly based posterior pharyngeal flap. There was no aspiration or reflux after feeding and epithelialization completely occurred after 1 month postoperatively. We report a successful case that the reconstruction with the local flap described above could preserve proper oropharyngeal function after primary surgery in small-sized oropharyngeal cancer.