• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.761-768
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• 2015

Background Surgical scars on the palmar surface of the hand may lead to functional and also aesthetic and psychological consequences. The objective of this study was to introduce a new incision technique for periarterial sympathectomy of the hand and to compare the results of the new two-step incision technique with those of a Koman incision by using an objective questionnaire. Methods A total of 40 patients (17 men and 23 women) with intractable Raynaud's disease or syndrome underwent surgery in our hospital, conducted by a single surgeon, between January 2008 and January 2013. Patients who had undergone extended sympathectomy or vessel graft were excluded. Clinical evaluation of postoperative scars was performed in both groups one year after surgery using the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and the Wake Forest University rating scale. Results The total patient score was 8.59 (range, 6-15) in the two-step incision group and 9.62 (range, 7-18) in the Koman incision group. A significant difference was found between the groups in the total PS score (P-value=0.034) but not in the total observer score. Our analysis found no significant difference in preoperative and postoperative Wake Forest University rating scale scores between the two-step and Koman incision groups. The time required for recovery prior to returning to work after surgery was shorter in the two-step incision group, with a mean of 29.48 days in the two-step incision group and 34.15 days in the Koman incision group (P=0.03). Conclusions Compared to the Koman incision, the new two-step incision technique provides better aesthetic results, similar symptom improvement, and a reduction in the recovery time required before returning to work. Furthermore, this incision allows the surgeon to access a wide surgical field and a sufficient exposure of anatomical structures.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.254-261
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• 2000

Since callus distraction technique was applied clinically for the correction of dentofacial deformity to the patients with hemifacial dysplasia by McCarthy in 1992, many surgeons have tried to apply this method to the maxillofacial region. But this technique has some drawbacks. One of the disadvantages of this technique is extensive scar formation in the facial area, which is a sequelae of extraoral approach for supraperiosteal dissection of the periosteum overlying the mandible. Recently, we have made an effort to perform this technique through intraoral approaches to prevent scar formation on the submandibular area and modified the design of the osteotomy, that is step osteotomy technique, to increase the raw bone surface on both osteotomized segments. The rationale for the application of this step osteotomy technique is to increase the amount of regenerated bone and the length of distraction, to avoid damage of inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle, and to increase initial stability of the splitted segments. Step osteotomy procedure can be done with fine micro-osteotomy saw through subperiosteal tunneling. Extraoral pins should be inserted before making the osteotomy. Since 1994 we have applied this technique at 8 sites In 5 patients with mandibular deficiencies: 2 cases of hemifacial microsomia, 1 case of developmental facial asymmetry and 2 cases of mandibular bony defect. Mandibular elongation have been achieved from 12 to 20mm in length. 1 out of 8 site, we experienced non-union in the case of mandibular body defect. Some skeletal relapse and growth retardation phenomenon have been observed in some cases with the longest follow-up of 48 months.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2012

More than ten years have passed since the sentinel node (SN) concept for gastric cancer surgery was first discussed. Less invasive modified surgical approaches based on the SN concept have already been put into practice for malignant melanoma and breast cancer, however the SN concept is not yet placed in a standard position in gastric cancer surgery even after two multi-institutional prospective clinical trials, the Japan Clinical Oncology Group trial (JCOG0302) and the Japanese Society for Sentinel Node Navigation Surgery (SNNS) trial. What is the problem in the clinical application of the SN concept to gastric cancer surgery? There is no doubt that we need reliable indicator(s) to determine with certainty the absence of metastasis in the lymph nodes in order to avoid unnecessary lymphadenectomy. There are several matters of debate in performing the actual procedure, such as the type of tracer, the site of injection, how to detect and harvest, how to detect metastases of SNs, and learning period. These issues have to be addressed further to establish the most suitable procedure. Novel technologies such as indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging and one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) may overcome the current difficulties. Once we know what the problems are and how to tackle them, we can pursue the goal.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.296-303
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• 2022

Background In recent years thread lift has become widespread; however, existing methods need to improve their long-term outcome, which requires considering topographic anatomy of face and neck, especially the ligamentous apparatus. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of an innovative method of one-time three-step thread facelift, which provides an additional support to the ligamentous structures of the upper, middle, and lower thirds of the face and neck. Methods The study included 357 patients aged 32 to 67 years with various morphotypes of aging. The original method of thread lift was applied, and its effectiveness was followed up for to 2 years. The Wrinkle Severity Rating Score (WSRS) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores were used for assessment by investigators, independent observers, and patients. Statistical significance was determined using paired t-test and chi-square test. Results The mean WSRS score was 3.88 ± 0.88 before the thread lift, 1.93 ± 0.81 one month after the procedure, and 2.36 ± 0.85 after 2 years of follow-up. The mean GAIS was 4.80 ± 0.04 one month after thread lift, and 4.01 ± 0.04 after 2 years, while in the patients' assessment Global Satisfaction Scale was 4.86 ± 0.02 and 4.10 ± 0.02, respectively. There were no clinically significant complications throughout the observation period. Conclusion The new method of one-time three-step thread fixation of the soft tissues of the face and neck demonstrated a high degree of satisfaction by both experts and patients after 2 years of follow-up. It showed high efficacy and safety, including in the group of patients with pronounced age-related changes of the skin of face and neck.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.262-265
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• 2024

The pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) technique is yet to be standardized. One of the most difficult passages in PD is the mobilization of the second, third, and fourth parts of the duodenum. This maneuver is classically performed from the supramesocolic space after the division of the gastrocolic ligament, but traction on the transverse mesocolon and the superior mesenteric pedicle can cause bleeding from the venous and arterial branches of the pancreatic head and uncinate process. We hereby describe a technique to access and mobilize the distal duodenum and proximal jejunum (D2 to J1) through the duodenal window and the Treitz's foramen, performing an almost complete Kocher's maneuver before opening the gastrocolic ligament and mobilizing the hepatic flexure. The anatomical basis and the surgical technique of the duodenal-window-first PD are discussed. The duodenal-window-first approach is a standardizable step of PD that allows an easy and safe mobilization of D2 to J1. This technique has been applied to 15 cases of PD, both open and robotic, with no specific morbidity. Therefore, we propose the adoption of the duodenal-window-first technique as a routine standardized step of PD.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.424-430
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• 2015

Background Reconstruction of combined orbital floor and medial wall fractures with a comminuted inferomedial strut (IMS) is challenging and requires careful practice. We present our surgical strategy and postoperative outcomes. Methods We divided 74 patients who underwent the reconstruction of the orbital floor and medial wall concomitantly into a comminuted IMS group (41 patients) and non-comminuted IMS group (33 patients). In the comminuted IMS group, we first reconstructed the floor stably and then the medial wall by using separate implant pieces. In the non-comminuted IMS group, we reconstructed the floor and the medial wall with a single large implant. Results In the follow-up of 6 to 65 months, most patients with diplopia improved in the first-week except one, who eventually improved at 1 year. All patients with an EOM limitation improved during the first month of follow-up. Enophthalmos (displacement, 2 mm) was observed in two patients. The orbit volume measured on the CT scans was statistically significantly restored in both groups. No complications related to the surgery were observed. Conclusions We recommend the reconstruction of orbit walls in the comminuted IMS group by using the following surgical strategy: usage of multiple pieces of rigid implants instead of one large implant, sequential repair first of the floor and then of the medial wall, and a focus on the reconstruction of key areas. Our strategy of step-by-step reconstruction has the benefits of easy repair, less surgical trauma, and minimal stress to the surgeon.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.575-580
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• 2001

Purpose : In general, pineal region tumors are managed by using microsurgical approach or stereoctactic biopsy. However, in selected cases endoscopic approach to pineal lesions might prove to be as effective as microsurgery and less invasive. We report an alternative surgical strategy for managing certain patients with pineal neoplasms that allows treatment of the symptomatic hydrocephalus as well as tumor biopsy under direct vision in the same sitting. Materials and Methods : Twenty-two patients with pineal region tumors with associated hydrocephalus were treated in one session by endoscopic third ventriculostomy and endoscopic tumor biopsy at our institution from October 1996 to January 2000. All patients were retrospectively evaluated. Results : There was no operative mortality. There was one cause of significant bleeding during biopsy, but was controlled endoscopically, and the patient recovered completely without neurologic deficit resulting from intra-operative bleeding. The symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure(ICP) have resolved in all patients, and the need for a shunt is completely eliminated. Histological diagnosis was achieved in 21 of the 22 patients by this procedure. A biopsy was not obtained in one patient. Although this pineal region tumor was seen endoscopically, this could not be biopsied because of technical difficulties in working around an enlarged massa intermedia. The lesions included fourteen germinomas, three mixed germ cell tumors, and one each of the followings: pineocytoma, pineoblastoma, pineocytoma/pineoblastoma(intermediate type), meningioma, and low grade glioma. Five of the 22 patients subsequently underwent formal microsurgical tumor removal. Additional chemotherapy or radiotherapy could then be initiated according to the histological diagnosis. Conclusion : We consider that endoscopy affords a minimally invasive way of reaching three objectives by one-step surgery in the management of pineal region tumors with associated hydrocephalus : 1) cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) sample for analysis of tumour markers and cytology, 2) treatment of hydrocephalus by third ventriculostomy, and 3) several biopsy specimens can be obtained identifying tumors which will require further open surgery or adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy. However, complications and morbidities should be emphasized so as to be avoided with further technical experience.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.151-157
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• 2024

Electrical burn injuries can cause more damage than clinical evaluations initially suggest. The energy waves penetrate from the surface to the deepest layers of tissue, causing extensive harm at every level. The neck is a critical area, both functionally and aesthetically. We present a case involving a young male patient with a severe fourth-degree electrical burn on the neck, who underwent a single-stage debridement and reconstructive surgery. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is a versatile option for various head and neck reconstructions. However, if the donor site cannot be closed primarily and requires split-thickness skin grafting, it can result in unsightly scars and deformities. For large flap paddles, it is ideal to reconstruct the secondary defect with locoregional flaps. In this case, we successfully reconstructed the donor site's secondary defect using a contralateral internal mammary artery perforator flap, without resorting to any skin grafts. The early postoperative results demonstrated satisfactory cosmesis, patient satisfaction, and functional outcomes.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.627-634
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• 2023

In recent decades, a number of simulation models for microsurgical training have been published. The human placenta has received extensive validation in microneurosurgery and is a useful instrument to facilitate learning in microvascular repair techniques as an alternative to using live animals. This study uses a straightforward, step-by-step procedure for instructing the creation of simulators with dynamic flow to characterize the placental vascular tree and assess its relevance for plastic surgery departments. Measurements of the placental vasculature and morphological characterization of 18 placentas were made. After the model was used in a basic microsurgery training laboratory session, a survey was given to nine plastic surgery residents, two microsurgeons, and one hand surgeon. In all divisions, venous diameters were larger than arterial diameters, with minimum diameters of 0.8 and 0.6 mm, respectively. The majority of the participants considered that the model faithfully reproduces a real microsurgical scenario; the consistency of the vessels and their dissection are similar in in vivo tissue. Furthermore, all the participants considered that this model could improve their surgical technique and would propose it for microsurgical training. As some of the model's disadvantages, an abundantly thick adventitia, a thin tunica media, and higher adherence to the underlying tissue were identified. The color-perfused placenta is an excellent tool for microsurgical training in plastic surgery. It can faithfully reproduce a microsurgical scenario, offering an abundance of vasculature with varying sizes similar to tissue in vivo, enhancing technical proficiency, and lowering patient error.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.748-753
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• 2013

Background Nasal reconstruction is one of the most difficult challenges for the head and neck surgeon, especially in the case of complex full thickness defects following malignant skin tumor resection. Full-thickness defects require demanding multi-step reconstruction. Methods Seven patients underwent surgical reconstruction of full-thickness nasal defects with a bi-pedicled forehead flap shaped appropriately to the defect. Patients were aged between 58 and 86 years, with a mean age of 63.4 years. All of the tumors were excised using traditional surgery, and in 4 of the patients, reconstruction was performed simultaneously following negativity of fresh frozen sections of the margins under general anesthesia. Results Nasal reconstruction was well accepted by all of the patients suffering non-melanoma skin tumors with acceptable cosmetic outcomes. The heart-shaped forehead flap was harvested in cases of subtotal involvement of the nasal pyramid, while smaller defects were reconstructed with a wing-shaped flap. No cartilaginous or osseous support was necessary. Conclusions This bi-pedicled forehead flap was a valid, versatile, and easy-to-implement alternative to microsurgery or multi-step reconstruction. The flap is the best indication for full-thickness nasal defects but can also be indicated for other complex facial defects in the orbital (exenteratio orbitae), zygomatic, and cheek area, for which the availability of a flap equipped with two thick and hairless lobes can be a valuable resource.