• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.99-105
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• 1996

The reconstruction of esophageal defect after ablative surgery have more difficult than other digestive tract tumor because the restoration of anatomical and physiologic function is difficult, the risk of tumor invasion into the adjacent tissue is large. The reconstruction of cervical esophus was depended on the degree of resection of the esophagus, various reconstruction method was developed to minimize functional deficiency and deformity of cervical region. Recently, the free jejunal transfer or free radial forearm flap was commonly utilized for esophageal reconstruction due to development of technique of the microvascular anastomosis. After the esophageal reconstruction used by free jejunal transfer was reported by Seidenberg in 1951, jejunum is most commonly used for reconstruction of esophgus. Becaue of, it have been tubed anatomical similarity with muscular layer, relative small risk of complication, possible of oral intake within 10 days after operation, and early rehabilitaion. Authors have been treated esophageal defect with free jejunal transfer in 7 patients after resection of lesion in 6 eshageal cancer and 1 esophageal stricture from December 1994 to January 1996. We were transferred jejunum used by intercostal artery as recipient artery in 3 cases, it was satisfied with results. If intercostal artery was utilized as recipient artery for free jejunal transfer, we believe that any site of intrathoracic or intraabdominal esophageal defect is possible to recontruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.122-128
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• 2019

Background The masseter nerve is a useful donor nerve for reconstruction in patients with established facial palsy, with numerous advantages including low morbidity, a strong motor impulse, high reliability, and fast reinnervation. In this study, we assessed the results of masseter nerve-innervated free gracilis muscle transfer in established facial palsy patients. Methods Ten patients with facial palsy who received treatment from January 2015 to January 2017 were enrolled in this study. Three patients received masseter nerve-only free gracilis transfer, and seven received double-innervated free gracilis transfer (masseter nerve and a cross-face nerve graft). Patients were evaluated using the Facial Assessment by Computer Evaluation software (FACEgram) to quantify oral commissure excursion and symmetry at rest and when smiling after muscle transfer. Results The mean time between surgery and initial movement was roughly 167.7 days. A statistically significant increase in excursion at rest and when smiling was seen after muscle transfer. There was a significant increase in the distance of oral commissure excursion at rest and when smiling. A statistically significant increase was observed in symmetry when smiling. Terzis' functional and aesthetic grading scores showed significant improvements postoperatively. Conclusions Masseter nerve innervation is a good option with many uses in in established facial palsy patients. For some conditions, it is the first-line treatment. Free gracilis muscle transfer using the masseter nerve has excellent results with good symmetry and an effective degree of recovery.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.124-130
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• 2001

Both of latissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis muscles are workhorse for various reconstructive surgeries. These muscle flaps have been used widely for soft tissue coverage, tissue augmentation, and functional muscle transfer. However, the traditional method for muscle harvest requires a long incision that often results in an unsightly scar and becomes the main concern of the patient. The purpose of this study is to introduce our clinical experience of endoscopic harvest of latissimus dorsi muscle and rectus abdominis muscle, and to make comparison with traditional harvest of these two muscle flaps. Of the 13 rectus abdominis muscles free flaps, 6 muscles were harvested traditionally and 7 muscles were harvested with endoscopic assistance. Of the 21 latissimus dorsi muscle free flaps, 12 muscles were harvested traditionally and 9 muscles were harvested with endoscopic assistence. Follow up period was between 6 months and 24 months. The patients age ranged from 7 to 70 years old. The result revealed no statistically significant differences in the amount of intraoperative bleeding, incidence of postoperative hematoma and seroma, and the incidence of donor-site wound infection. However, patients feel less pain and start earlier and better movement after the operation with endoscopically assisted harvest. This technique is easy to learn, is safe, and can reduce substantially the donor site morbidity comparing traditional harvesting technique.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.409-418
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• 1998

The socket preservation technique is very effective in preventing alveolar ridge collapse after tooth extraction. Many technigues have been proposed for the primary closure of the flap and we tested a new graft design, "wing graft", which is a modification of free connective tissue graft in this case report. With this technique, primary closure was achieved without shallowing the vestibule. Additionally some vertical ridge augmentation effect could be observed and therefore good esthetic and functional results were obtained from this technique even in the case where severe bone loss and gingival recession was present. Finally we observed good healing appearance in the donor site after 2weeks. The results from this report suggest that this "wing graft" can be used successfully as an adjunctive procedure with socket preservation technique.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.652-655
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• 2022

Patients with advanced malignant tumors, including both jaws, is a challenging task for a head and neck surgeon. Current treatment landscape demonstrates good functional, anatomical, and aesthetic results in patients who could previously receive only palliative care. The extensive tissue defects resulting from oncological resections in the head and neck region require immediate reconstruction due to the exposure of vital structures and their contact with the external environment. A patient was operated using a three-team multidisciplinary approach involving simultaneous work of three specialized teams of maxillofacial and reconstructive microsurgeons, as well as an implantologist and a prosthodontist. This approach allowed simultaneous tumor resection with subsequent reconstruction of the intraoperative defect involving bilateral harvesting of two revascularized free fibular osteomusculocutaneous flaps with dental implantation and simultaneous rehabilitation of dentition with crowns.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.629-636
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• 2009

Purposes: Wide scars occurring on the lower face and neck are a source of both functional and esthetic problems. Consequently, we can use skin grafts, pedicled flaps, free flaps, and tissue expansion for the reconstruction of this area. Compared with other reconstruction techniques, tissue expansion is advantageous in that it enables the maintenance of a color and texture similar to that of the adjacent tissue. However, the conventional method of tissue expansion has been reported to lead to an unnatural cervicomental angle and to the deformity of adjacent structures. We have therefore made efforts to prevent these problems through the use of several operative procedures. Methods: Forty-one patients with lower facial and cervical scars underwent tissue expansion. The tissue expansion was performed using a rectangular-shaped Nagosil$^{(R)}$ tissue expansion device. On insertion of the tissue expander, the intermediate area of superficial fat layer was dissected and then the tissue expander was inserted to make a flap that was as thin as possible. In advancement of the flap, a capsule-formed by the tissue expander-was used for the interrupted fixed suture of the flap to the fascia of the platysma muscle of the neck. This procedure was performed multiple times and also performed between the flap and the periosteum of the mandible, such that the tension was removed during the suture of the flap margin. Finally, the patients were fitted with a Jobst$^{(R)}$ facial garment in order to stabilize the operation site at least twelve months. Results: The most prevalent location of the scar was the cheek (15 cases), followed by the chin in 14 cases and the neck in 12 cases. The mean size of scar was $55.7{\pm}39.4cm^2$. Conclusions: Using our procedures, we have experienced no significant deformities and have also achieved a more natural cervicomental angle in the patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.587-592
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• 2007

Purpose: In case of postburn flexion contracture of the fingers, skin graft, geometrical relaxation techniques, local flap, and free flap have been used. Among these procedures, full-thickness skin grafts from the inguinal area are widely used to reconstruct a postburn flexion contracture in the fingers. But there are many esthetic and functional problems in this procedure. Especially, hyperpigmentation of the skin-grafted fingers poses a troublesome problem, particularly in the patients who have dark colored skin. To solve the problem, we have used pulp graft which was harvested from the lateral aspect of great toe. In the present study, we report pulp graft, with which we have obtained a good result in the treatment of postburn flexion contracture of the fingers. Methods: Between September of 2004 and August of 2006, great toe pulp graft was performed to 20 sites of 15 patients. After release of the postburn flexion contracture using Z-plasty, the composite tissue (pulp) harvested from the lateral aspect of great toe was grafted on the raw surface. Moisture dressing with ointment and foam dressing material was performed. Stratum corneum of the graft got stripped off in two to four weeks after pulp graft. The color of the pulp graft was slightly reddish, then it became similar to the adjacent tissue. Results: There was complete take in all the patients who were treated with pulp graft. Great toe pulp graft provided similar color and texture to the adjacent skin, high rate of graft take, and left only a minimal scar at donor site. Conclusion: Thick keratin layer and inelastic nature of the pulp make this type of the graft much easier and simpler, and ensure a better take. Pulp graft is useful method for the reconstruction of the postburn flexion contracture in fingers.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.265-271
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• 2016

Background Reconstruction of orofacial soft tissue defects is often challenging due to functional and aesthetic demands. Despite advances in orofacial soft tissue defect reconstruction using free flaps, locoregional flaps still remain an important option, especially in health resource-depleted environments. This retrospective study highlights our experiences in oral and maxillofacial soft tissue reconstruction using locoregional flaps. Methods A twenty-three years retrospective analysis of all patients managed in our department was undertaken. Information was sourced from patients' case notes and operating theater records. Data was analyzed using SPSS ver. 16 (SPSS Inc.) and Microsoft Excel 2007 (Microsoft). Results A total of 77 patients underwent orofacial soft tissue defect reconstruction within the years reviewed. Males accounted for 55 (71.4%) cases and trauma was the main etiological factor in 45 (58.4%) of the patients treated. When sites of defect were considered, the lip, 27 (32.1%), was the most frequent site followed by the nose, 17 (20.2%). Forehead flap, 51 (59.3%), was the most commonly used flap. Complications noted were tumor recurrences at the recipient bed in 3 (3.9%) cases, tumor occurrence at the donor site in 1 (1.3%) case and postoperative infection in 11 (14.3%) cases. Conclusions Locoregional flaps still have an important role in the rehabilitation of patients with orofacial soft tissue defects. They remain a vital tool in the armamentarium of the reconstructive surgeon, especially in health resource-depleted environments where advanced reconstructive techniques may not be feasible.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.41
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• pp.30.1-30.8
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• 2019

Background: Advancements in the field of microvascular surgery and the widespread adoption of microvascular surgical techniques have made the use of osteocutaneous fibula free flaps the standard of care in the surgical management of segmental mandibular defects. Although the literature possesses abundant evidence to support the effectiveness of fibula free flaps as a reconstructive method, there are relatively few studies reporting on outcomes as objectively measured by videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS). The purpose of this study is to explore the potential correlation between early postoperative VFSS and the long-term swallowing outcomes in patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flaps. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 36 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with osteocutaneous fibular free flaps between 2009 and 2012. Demographics, clinical variables, VFSS data, and diet information were retrieved. Penetration and aspiration findings on VFSS, long-term oral feeding ability, and the need for gastrostomy tube were statistical endpoints correlated with postoperative clinical outcomes. Results: Thirty-six patients were reviewed (15 females and 21 males) with a mean age of 54 years (7-81). Seventeen cases were treated for malignancy. The size of the bony defect ranged from 3 to 15 cm (mean = 9 cm). The cutaneous paddle, a surrogate for soft tissue defect, ranged from 10 to 125 ㎠ (mean = 52 ㎠). A gastrostomy tube was present in patients preoperatively (n = 8), and postoperatively (n = 14). Seventeen patients had neoadjuvant exposure to radiation. Postoperative VFSS showed penetration in 13 cases (36%) and aspiration in seven (19%). Overall, 29 patients (80.6%) achieved unrestricted diet, and this was statistically correlated with age (p = 0.037), radiation therapy (p = 0.002), and preoperative gastrostomy tube (p = 0.03). The presence of penetration or aspiration on VFSS was a strong predictor for long-term unrestricted oral diet (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Early postoperative VFSS is an excellent predictor for long-term swallowing outcomes in patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction with osteocutaneous fibula free flaps.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.337-342
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• 2012

The osseous or osteocutaneous free fibula flap has become the gold standard for most mandibular reconstructions because of its favorable osseous characteristics. However, disadvantages, such as the time-consuming reconstructive step, difficulty in performing the osteotomies to precisely recreate the shape of the missing segment of mandible and poor bone-to-bone contact play a role in making the surgeons look for alternative flaps. With the advent of computerized design software, which accurately plans complex 3-dimensional reconstructions, has become a process that is more efficient and precise. However, the ability to transfer the computerized plan into the surgical field with stereolithographic models and guides has been a significant development in advancing reconstruction in the maxillofacial regions. The ability to "pre-plan" the case, mirror and superimpose natural structures into diseased and deformed areas, as well as the ability to reproduce these plans with good surgical precision has decreased overall operative time, and has helped facilitate functional and esthetic reconstruction. We describe a complex case treated with this technique, showing the power and elegance of computer assisted maxillofacial reconstruction from the University of Michigan, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.