• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제38권5호
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• pp.715-717
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• 2011

Purpose: In cases of breast reconstruction with a free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap after skin-sparing mastectomy with nipple-areolar complex (NAC) removal, the flat contour of the flap's skin paddle can easily look unnatural and dissatisfying. Reconstructed NAC on the flap surface lacks the elevated contour that the normal areola possesses, resulting in an unnatural final result. Therefore, we would like to introduce a novel method to improve this problem and report the satisfactory results we obtained. Methods: Operations were conducted on 19 patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with a free TRAM flap and skin-sparing mastectomy from January 2009 to January 2010, with a mean follow-up of nine months. While the TRAM free flap was being inset, a purse-string suture was carried out on the dermal layer of skin flap to create a slight protrusion with Gore-$Tex^{(R)}$ sutures. Results: The elevated mound surrounding the NAC was well maintained for an average follow-up period of nine months. Nipple projection was also well maintained. There was no complaint about breast contour or nipple height reduction. In addition, there was no reported incidence of other complications. Conclusion: The purse-string suture technique presents a more natural breast silhouette around the NAC and helps to maintain nipple projection. Furthermore, it does not require any supplementary incisions or complicated skills. There has been no report of additional complications using this technique.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제49권3호
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• pp.324-331
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• 2022

Prior abdominal liposuction can be viewed as a relative or absolute contraindication to abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction given concerns for damaged perforators and scarring complicating intraoperative dissection. This systematic review aims to explore the outcomes of abdominally based breast reconstruction in patients with a history of abdominal liposuction. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-guided literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from the earliest available date through June 2020. Deep inferior epigastric perforator, muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM), superficial inferior epigastric artery, and pedicled TRAM flaps were included for evaluation. Complications included total or partial flap loss, fat necrosis, seroma, delayed wound healing, and donor site complications. After inclusion criteria were applied, 336 non-duplicate articles were screened, yielding 11 for final review, representing 55 flaps in 43 patients. There was no instance of total flap loss, eight (14.5%) flaps developed partial loss or fat necrosis, three (5.4%) flaps had delayed wound healing, and two (4.6%) patients had donor site complications. Most authors (8/11) utilized some type of preoperative imaging. Doppler ultrasonography was the most used modality, and these patients had the lowest rate of partial flap loss or flap fat necrosis (8%), followed by those without any preoperative imaging (10%). In conclusion, this review supports that patients undergoing abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction with a history of abdominal liposuction are not at an increased risk of flap or donor site complications. Although preoperative imaging was common, it did not reliably decrease complications. Further prospective studies are needed to address the role of imaging in improving outcomes.

• 대한두경부종양학회지
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• 제6권2호
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• pp.79-84
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• 1990

본 논문은 구강암의 근치적 절제술후 결손부위 재건을 위한 근피부판(myocutaneous flaps)이 환자의 생존율에 미치는 의의를 알아보고자 저자들의 경험을 살펴본 것이다. 1974년부터 1988년까지, 만 15년간 98명의 환자들이 구강 및 구인두 부위에 발생한 암으로 절제술을 받았다. 이 중 14명은 하악골 절제술없이 근치적 복합적 절제술(composite resection)을 받았으며, 4명은 방사선 조사후 재발한 경우로서 경부곽청술없이 광범위 단순절제술(enbloc resection)만을 시행받았다. 이들을 제외한 근피부판을 사용또는, 사용하지 않은 COMMANDO를 시행받은 84명의 나머지 환자들을 대상으로 여러가지 술식에 따른 재발율 및 생존율을 비교 분석하여보았다. 1) 술기에 있어서 국소 또는 근피부판을 사용하지않은 표준 COMMANDO술식이 24 예, 전두피부판(forehead flap)을 사용하여 재건한 경우가 12 예, 후경부피부판(Nape flap)을 사용한 경우가 19 예, 큰피부판 또는 골근피부판(osteomyocutaneous flap)을 사용한 경우가 27 예였으며 두 종류의 피부판 복원을 시행한 경우가 2 예였다. 2) 비교정(uncorrected) 2년 무병생존율은 표준 COMMANDO가 14%, 전두피부판을 이용한 COMMANDO가 17%, 후경부피부판 사용 COMMANDO가 35% 이었으며 근피부판을 이용한 COMMANDO에서도 역시 35% 이었다. 3) 병기(stage)에 따른 2년 무병생존율은 제 1병기가 100%, 제 2병기가 45%, 제 3병기가 41% 이었으며, 제 4병기에서는 18% 이었다. 4) 근피부판을 사용한 경우와 조직학적으로 이에 상응하는 제 1대조군, 즉 표준 COMMANDO를 시행했거나 국소피부판(전두피부판 빛 후경부피부판)을 사용한 COMMANDO 경우 들과 비교하였을 때 ,2년 무병생존율은 큰 차이가 없이 대조군 양쪽 모두에서 공히 40% 이었다. 5) 근피부판을 사용한 경우를 제 2대조군, 즉 국소피부판(전두피부판 및 후경부피부판) 복원만을 시행한 경우들과 비교했을 때에도 역시 차이가 없이대조군 양쪽 모두에서 27%의 2년 무병생존율을 보였다. 6) 근피부판을 사용한 경우를 제 3대조군 즉 어떠한 종류의 피부판도 사용하지않고 단순한 표준 COMMANDO만을 시행한 경우들과 비교했을 때는 큰 차이를 보였다. 즉, 근피부판을 사용하여 복원했던 경우는 50%의 2년 무병생존율을 보인데 비해, 표준 COMMANDO만을 시행했던 경우는 25%의 생존율을 보였다. 7) 국소재발율은 표준 COMMANDO에서 25%, 후경부피부판 사용 경우에서 26%, 전두 피부판 사용경우에서 33% 이었으나 근피부판을 사용한 경우는 재발율이 가장 낮아 22% 이 었다. 이러한 결과들을 병기가 진행된 예(stage III & IV)에서 본다면, 표준 COMMANDO에서 67%가 제 3, 제 4병기이었고, 후경부피부판을 사용한 경우는 79%에서 제 3, 제 4병기이었다. 전두피부판을 사용한 예에서는 100% 모두가 제 3, 제 4병기이었고, 근피부판을 사용했던 경우는 96% 에서 제 3, 제 4병기이었던 점을 고려한다면 매우 중요한 의미가 있다고 하겠다.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.26-31
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• 2016

Background The global prevalence of myelomeningocele has been reported to be 0.8-1 per 1,000 live births. Early closure of the defect is considered to be the standard of care. Various surgical methods have been reported, such as primary skin closure, local skin flaps, musculocutaneous flaps, and skin grafts. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of myelomeningocele defects and present the surgical outcomes of recent cases of myelomeningocele at our institution. Methods Patients who underwent surgical closure of myelomeningocele at our institution from January 2004 to December 2013 were included in this study. A retrospective chart review of their medical records was performed, and comorbidities, defect size, location, surgical procedures, complications, and the final results were analyzed. Results A total of 14 patients underwent surgical closure for myelomeningocele defects. Twelve cases were closed with direct skin repair, while two cases required local skin flaps to cover the skin defects. Three cases of infection occurred, requiring incision and either drainage or removal of allogenic materials. One case of partial flap necrosis occurred, requiring secondary revision using a rotational flap and a full-thickness skin graft. Despite these complications, all wounds eventually healed completely. Conclusions Most myelomeningocele defects can be managed by direct skin repair alone. In cases of large defects, in which direct repair is not possible, local flaps may be used to cover the defect. Complications such as wound dehiscence and partial flap necrosis occurred in this study; however, all such complications were successfully managed with simple ancillary procedures.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제37권5호
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• pp.565-570
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• 2010

Purpose: Due to the closed and humid condition of the perineal area, wound problems occurring at this site are sometimes complicated, especially following postoperative radiation therapy. Moreover, the anal sphincter is a very important functional structure but reconstruction of the anal sphincter after severe trauma poses a challenging problem to plastic surgeons. In this article, we demonstrate the usefulness of the pedicled gracilis flap in the reconstruction of the perineal area. Methods: From September 2008 to November 2009, 6 patients, 4 males and 2 females, underwent surgery of the perineal area. The age of the patients ranged from 21 to 62 years (mean age was 48). The mean follow up period was 14 months. In 4 cases, the patient presented with wound problems after postoperative radiation therapy for anal cancer. In 2 cases, the patient presented with traumatic sphincter damage. Only the gracilis muscle was used in the 4 cases and a musculocutaneous flap was used in the 2 cases involving skin defects, respectively. Results: Among the 6 patients, 1 patient underwent hematoma evacuation of the donor site, and 1 patient presented with prolapse of the vaginal mucosa which recovered spontaneously. There were no report of other complications and there were no wound recurrences. Minimal incontinence was observed in all patients who underwent sphincter reconstruction, but all were satisfied with the overall results. Conclusion: The gracilis flap is useful in the reconstruction of the perineal area, such as in cases of radiotherapy induced wound problems and sphincter damage following severe trauma, due to its easy accessibility, rich vascularity, and minimal donor site morbidity.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제47권2호
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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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• 제37권5호
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• pp.712-716
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• 2010

Purpose: Extensive lumbosacral defects after removal of spinal tumors have a high risk of wound healing problems. Therefore it is an effective reconstructive strategy to provide preemptive soft tissue coverage at the time of initial spinal surgery, especially when there is an instrument exposure. For soft tissue reconstruction of a lumbosacral defect, a variation of the gluteal flap is the first-line choice. However, the musculocutaneous flap or muscle flap that is conventionally used, has many disadvantages. It damages gluteus muscle and causes functional disturbance in ambulation, has a short pedicle which limits areas of coverage, and can damage perforators, limiting further surgery that is usually necessary in spinal tumor patients. In this article, we present the superior gluteal artery perforator turn-over flap that reconstructs complex lumbosacral defects successfully, especially one that has instrument exposure, without damaging the ambulatory function of the patient. Methods: A 67 year old man presented with sacral sarcoma. Sacralectomy with L5 corpectomy was performed and resulted in a $15{\times}8\;cm$ sized complex soft tissue defect in the lumbosacral area. There was no defect in the skin. Sacral stabilization with alloplastic fibular bone graft and reconstruction plate was done and the instruments were exposed through the wound. A $18{\times}8\;cm$ sized superior gluteal artery perforator flap was designed based on the superior gluteal artery perforator and deepithelized. It was turned over 180 degrees into the lumbosacral dead space. Soft tissue from both sides of the wound was approximated over the flap and this provided in double padding over the instrument. Results: No complications such as hematoma, flap necrosis, or infection occurred. Until three months after the resection, functional disturbances in walking were not observed. The postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan shows the flap volume was well maintained over the instrument. Conclusion: This superior gluteal artery perforator turn-over flap, a modification of the conventional superior gluteal artery perforator flap, is a simple method that enabled the successful reconstruction of a lumbosacral defect with instrument exposure without affecting ambulatory function.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제38권6호
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• pp.894-898
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• 2011

Purpose: Coverage of full-thickness large flank defect is a challenging procedure for plastic surgeons. Some authors have reported external oblique turnover muscle flap with skin grafting, inferiorly based rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, and two independent pedicled perforator flaps for flank reconstruction. But these flaps can cover only certain portions of the flank and may not be helpful for larger or more lateral defects. We report a case of large flank defect after resection of extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma which is successfully reconstructed with reverse latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. Methods: A 24-year-old male patient had $13.0{\times}7.0{\times}14.0$ cm sized Ewing's sarcoma on his right flank area. Department of chest surgery and general surgery operation team resected the mass with 5.0 cm safety margin. Tenth, eleventh and twelfth ribs, latissimus dorsi muscle, internal and external oblique muscles and peritoneum were partially resected. The peritoneal defect was repaired with double layer of Prolene mesh by general surgeons. $24{\times}25$ cm sized soft tissue defect was noted and the authors designed reverse latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap with $21{\times}10$ cm sized skin island on right back area. To achieve sufficient arc of rotation, the cephalic border of the origin of latissimus dorsi muscle was divided, and during this procedure, ninth intercostal vessels were also divided. The thoracodorsal vessels were ligated for 15 minutes before divided to validate sufficient vascular supply of the flap by intercostal arteries. Results: Mild congestion was found on distal portion of the skin island on the next day of operation but improved in two days with conservative management. Stitches were removed in postoperative 3 weeks. The flap was totally viable. Conclusion: The authors reconstructed large soft tissue defect on right flank area successfully with reverse latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap even though ninth intercostal vessel that partially nourishes the flap was divided. The reverse latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap can be used for coverage of large soft tissue defects on flank area as well as lower back area.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제37권6호
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• pp.736-741
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• 2010

Purpose: Radical surgical extirpation in advanced breast cancer patients produces extensive loss of skin with large defects requiring plastic surgical procedures for the closure. Many reconstructive methods exist, the choice of which depends upon the characteristic of the wound, extent of resection and patient comorbidities. For adequate coverage of the large skin defects following resection of advanced breast cancer, current authors have performed a thoracoabdominal flap. Methods: From August 2008 to June 2009, 4 cases of thoraco-abdominal flap were performed for chest wall reconstruction after mastectomy of advanced breast cancer. Flap dissection was entirely performed in a subfascial plane and the flap involving the external oblique abdominal muscle. The flap was rotated clockwise in left chest wall defects and counterclockwise in right chest defects and the donor site was closed directly. Results: Their mean age, 55.7 years and the average follow-up interval was 9 months. Patients' oncologic status ranged from stage IIIc to stage IV, it was classified according to the TNM staging system. Flap dimensions ranged between $15{\times}15$ and $25{\times}25\;cm$. One flap sustained a partial loss at the distal margin and revision with pectoralis major musculocutaneous island flap. Conclusion: Large chest wall reconstructions are usually required after radical excision of advanced cancer stages patients with poor general conditions. Thoracoabdominal flap is a simple, quick single-stage procedure, and offer to patient fast recovery, low complication rate, enabling further concomitant adjuvant therapy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권5호
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• pp.559-564
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• 2009

Purpose: Surgical reconstruction of an ischial soft tissue defect presents a challenging problem owing to a high rate of recurrence, especially paraplegic patients. Although various muscle, musculocutaneous and fasciocuta - neous flaps have been used in the reconstruction of ischial soft tissue defect, it is still debated which type of flaps are the best. We had performed a relatively durable adductor magnus perforator island flap based on the perforators originated from the first medial branch of the profunda femoris artery for coverage of ischial soft tissue defect where was not a region universally reconstructed by perforator flap. Methods: From August 2005 until January 2008, the adductor magnus perforator island flap had been used for resurfacing of the ischial soft tissue defects in a series of 6 patients (4 male and 2 female). Ages ranged from 26 to 67 years (mean, 47.5 years), and follow - up period from 13 to 26 months (mean, 16.7 months). Causes were 4 pressure ulcers, 1 cellulitis and 1 suppurative keratinous cyst. Results: The sizes of these flaps ranged from 12 to 18 cm in length and 7 to 9 cm in width. The flaps survived in all patients. Marginal loss over the distal area of the flap by infection was noted in one patient, which was treated successfully with a subsequent split - thickness skin graft. Average thickness of the flap was 0.94 cm, which was more thicker than other perforator flaps. Long term follow - up showed a good flap durability. Conclusion: In planning a reconstructive option of ischial soft tissue defect, the adductor magnus perforator island flap is a relatively large cutaneous flap with a durable thickness. With proper patient selection, careful vascular dissection and postoperative management, we recommend this flap is a good and suitable option for coverage of the ischial soft tissue defect.