• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제42권5호
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• pp.608-613
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• 2015

Background The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative morbidities and functional outcomes of pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap and cutaneous free flap reconstruction approaches in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed records from 99 patients who underwent hypopharyngeal reconstruction with a cutaneous free flap (n=85) or PMMC flap (n=14) between 1995 and 2013. Morbidity was classified into hospitalization, medical, or flap-related complications. Functional outcomes were classified into oral re-alimentation and decannulation time. Results The overall flap-related complication rate was higher in the PMMC flap group (n=8, 57.1%; P=0.019), but the medical morbidity rate was higher in the cutaneous free flap group (n=68, 80%; P=0.006). The rate of pneumonia was higher in the cutaneous free flap group (n=48, 56.5%; P=0.020). Pulmonary premorbidity was the variable most significantly associated with pneumonia (odds ratio=3.012, P=0.012). There was no statistically significant difference in oral re-alimentation and decannulation time between the two groups. Conclusions Although the functional superiority of free flaps has been reported in many studies, our results do not support this hypothesis. One limitation of our study is the relatively smaller flap size and fewer PMMC flap cases compared with the cutaneous free flap group. The low postoperative medical morbidity incidence rate in the PMMC flap group was clinically significant; however, the free flap group had more flap-related complications. Thus, PMMC flaps should be considered a viable option, especially for patients with pulmonary premorbidities.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제37권5호
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• pp.607-612
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• 2010

Purpose: Maxillectomy for malignant tumor resection often leads to functional and aesthetic sequalae. Reconstruction following maxillectomy has been a challenging problem in the field of head and neck cancer surgery. In this article, we described three dimensional midface reconstructions using free flaps and their functional and aesthetic outcomes. Methods: We reconstructed 35 cases of maxillectomy defects using 9 radial forearm free flaps, 7 lattisimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flaps, 6 rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flaps, 4 fibular osteocutaneous free flaps, and 9 anterolateral thigh free flaps, respectively. We classified post-maxillectomy defects by Brown's classification. 1 Articulation clarity was measured with picture consonant articulation test. Swallowing function was evaluated with the University of Washington quality-of-life Head and Neck questionnaire by 4 steps.2 Aesthetic outcomes were checked to compare preoperative with postoperative full face photographs by 5 medical doctors who did not involve in our operation. Results: The average articulation clarity was 92.4% (100-41.9%). 27 (81.9%) patients were able to eat an unrestricted diet. Aesthetic results were considered excellent in 18 patients (51.4%). Functional results were best in the group reconstructed with fibular osteocutaneous free flap. Considering the range of wide excision, aesthetic results is best in the group reconstructed with anterolateral thigh free flap. Conclusion: The free flap is a useful technique for the reconstruction of the midface leading to good results, both functionally and aesthetically. Especially, because osteocutaneous flap such as fibular osteocutaneous free flap offered bone source for osteointegrated implant, It produces the best functional results. And perforator flap like as anterolateral thigh free flap reliably provides the best aesthetic results, because it provides sufficient volume and has no postoperative volume diminution.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제34권3호
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• pp.330-335
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome and donor site morbidity of anterolateral thigh free flap(ALT) compared to Radial forearm free flap(RFFF) for the reconstruction of partial glossectomy defect. Methods: 5 ALT free flap (group I) were attempted for partial glossectomy patients. We compared patients undergone ALT flap with those(n=11) of similar size defect reconstructed with RFFF (Group II). Rating scales for articulation and swallowing function were applied and donor site morbidity have been evaluated. Results: The scales for speech function showed no difference between the two groups (average score; group I - 6.4, group II - 6.45). Swallowing function also showed no difference between the two groups(average score; Group I - 6.6, Group II - 6.27). ALT group had one patient with donor site morbidity(numbness). All of the RFFF patients(11/11) complained and suffered from hypertrophic scar, retraction, numbness or hyperpigmentation on forearm donor site. Based on our study, ALT free flap is comparable to that of RFFF in terms of functional assessment in tongue reconstruction. Conclusion: Considering the donor site morbidity, ALT flap is to be valuable to reconstruct partial glossectomy defect.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제6권1호
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• pp.87-95
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• 1997

Traumatic injury to the hand often leads to soft tissue defects with exposed tendons, bones, or joints. Though many new flap have been introduced, the choice of flap that would be best for the patient depends on such factors as the site, size, and degree of wounds. Additionally the selected surgical method should be yielded cosmetic and functional superiority by the one-staged reconstruction. In our experience, small to medium sized soft tissue defect with bone and tendon exposure of hand can be resurfaced with an arterialized venous free flap from the volar aspect of distal forearm. Wide and deep defects of the hand can be covered with a sensory cutaneous free flap such as the medial plantar free flap, dorsalis pedis free flap, and radial forearm free flap. Specialized flap such as wrap-around flap, toe-to-finger transfer, onychocutaneous free flap can be used for the recontruction of defect on the thumb and finger. Based on the above considerations and our clinical experience of 60 free flap cases of the hand, the various methods for the proper repair of soft tissue defects of the hand are described. And we obtained satisfactory functional and cosmetic results with 95% success rate of free flap.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제42권1호
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• pp.73-77
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• 2015

The latissimus dorsi flap is popular due to the versatile nature of its applications. When used as a pedicled flap it provides a robust solution when soft tissue coverage is required following breast, thoracic and head and neck surgery. Its utilization as a free flap is extensive due to the muscle's size, constant anatomy, large caliber of the pedicle and the fact it can be used for functional muscle transfers. In facial palsy it provides the surgeon with a long neurovascular pedicle that is invaluable in situations where commonly used facial vessels are not available, in congenital cases or where previous free functional muscle transfers have been attempted, or patients where a one-stage procedure is indicated and a long nerve is required to reach the contra-lateral side. Although some facial palsy surgeons use the trans-axillary approach, an operative guide of raising the flap by this method has not been provided. A clear guide of raising the flap with the patient in the supine position is described in detail and offers the benefits of reducing the risk of potential brachial plexus injury and allows two surgical teams to work synchronously to reduce operative time.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제22권2호
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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.

• Journal of International Society for Simulation Surgery
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.1-6
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• 2015

Purpose Bisphophonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is an emerging problem. Extensive osteonecrosis of the jaw needs free flap reconstruction. Free fibular flap is the most useful flap for maxilla-mandibular hard and soft tissue reconstruction. The advantages of fibular free flap are simultaneous soft and hard tissue reconstruction and placing implant in reconstructed mandible and maxilla. In this study, four consecutive BRONJ patients who underwent fibula free flap reconstruction using simulation surgery were reviewed. Materials and Methods Four BRONJ patients who underwent free fibula reconstruction between May 2006 and September 2014 were included in this study. Male to female ratio was 1:3 and average age was 67.3 years old (62-70). All patients need mandibular bone reconstruction. Three patients suffered from osteoporosis and one male patient had multiple myeloma. Postoperative flap survival, functional reconstruction, esthetic results, food taking were evaluated. Results Three osseous flaps and one osteocutaneous flap were used. All the fibular flaps were survived and patients were recovered without complications. Oro-cutaneous fistula was resolved after operation. All patients were satisfied with the esthetic results. Patients reported improved solid food intake after operation with partial denture. One fully edentulous patient had semi-fluid diet after operation. Conclusion Treatment of the BRONJ is difficult due to lack of standard protocol. Fibular free flap using simulation surgery is the workhorse flap for mandibular hard and soft tissue reconstruction, especially in stage III BRONJ patient. In this study, functional and esthetic results were successful in all patients. Normal diet was possible with partial dentures.

• Journal of International Society for Simulation Surgery
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.12-15
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• 2016

Functional and esthetic reconstruction after segmental mandibulectomy is one of the most challenging surgeries in microsurgical reconstruction field. Simulation surgery before free flap reconstruction has been performed for efficient surgery and successful results. Fibula free flap is the flap of the choice for reconstruction of the segmental mandibular defect. Straight nature of the fibula bone requires multiple segmentations to fit into mandible. 3D rapid prototype (RP) model gives a lot of information for mandibular reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to report mandibular reconstruction with free fibular flap using simulation surgery. A total of 30 consecutive patients were included for functional and esthetic evaluation. Among 30 patients, two flaps showed necrosis after radiotherapy. The other flaps were all survived and showed successful reconstruction in both function and esthetics.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.157-162
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• 2010

Purpose: Free flap reconstruction in the pediatric population is difficult. However, microsurgery has had remarkable success rates in children. The aim of study is to present our clinical experience using free flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in children and to describe long-term follow-up results. Methods: Between June 2002 and July 2010, 30 cases of pediatric reconstruction were performed with free flap. The authors analyzed several items, such as the kind of flap, associated complications, and growth problems. Results: Among the 30 cases, 21 cases were due to traffic accidents, 5 to cancer, and 4 to falls and other soft tissue defects. The lower leg and foot were the most common sites of the lesion. In the free flap operations we have done, 20 cases involved an anterolateral thigh perforator free flap, 6 a superficial circumflex iliac perforator free flap, and 4 an upper medial thigh perforator free flap. In early postoperative complications, partial necrosis was seen in 2 cases, infection in 1 case, and the hematoma in 1 case. A satisfactory success rate and functional results were achieved. Conclusion: Free flap reconstruction in children allows satisfactory function with no significant effect on growth. Free flaps are regarded as the primary choice for selective pediatric reconstructive cases.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제32권4호
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• pp.539-542
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• 2005

Reconstructions of soft tissue defect of the posterior ankle including Achilles the tendon should take into account not only coverage but functional outcome. Various methods of tendon transfer and tendon graft have been reported as a single-stage procedure. With advances and refinements in microsurgical techniques, several free composite flaps including tendon, fascia, or nerve have been used in single-stage reconstructions of large defects in this area minimizing further damage to the traumatized leg. However, when free flap is not feasible for some reasons, this cannot be accomplished successfully. Here we present a patient with Achilles tendon and circumferential large soft tissue defect. Because of circulatory compromise of the lower extremity, free flap reconstruction could not be applied. Instead, cross-leg composite flap of the dorsalis pedis flap including the extensor hallucis brevis musle and tendon, and tendon strips of the Second, third and fourth extensor digitorum logus were employed, Functional reconstruction of the tendon and resurfacing were obtained at the same time. The flap was detached 3 weeks postoperatively, and the transplanted flap has survived without any complications. By 3 months after surgery, full weight bearing, tip-toe standing and even walking without crutch assistance was possible. When functional reconstruction with the free flap is unattainable in the large defect of the posterior ankle including the Achilles tendon, cross-leg composite island flap of dorsalis pedis flap and tendon strips of the extensor digitorum longus tendon is a viable alternative.