• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.265-275
• /
• 2013

The anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) is a versatile fasciocutaneous or myocutaneous flap, which can be harvested incorporating several skin islands and muscle components. The perforator of the ALTF is usually derived from the descending or transverse branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and these vessels are based mainly on musculocutaneous perforators traversing the vastus lateralis muscle, and also based on the septocutaneous vessels running in between the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscle. Despite its usefulness for the oral cavity reconstruction, anatomic variations of these nutrient vessels, such as three main branches of ALTF and its relations with sartorius, vastus lateralis, tensor fasciae latae and rectus femoris muscle, have been reconstructive surgeons to be hesitated for the selection of ALTF. For the better understanding of ALTF as a routine reconstructive procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery, various anatomical findings must be learned and memorized by young doctors in the course of the special curriculum periods for the Korean national board of oral and maxillofacial surgery. This review article will discuss the vascular anatomy and relavant anatomical variations of ALTF with Korean language.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.16-22
• /
• 2009

The purpose of this study was to present the clinical result of anterolateral thigh free flap for pretibial soft tissue lesion after chronic tibia osteomyelitis. From December 2006 to September 2008, Five patients were included in our study. 4 of 5 were superficial or localized types of chronic tibia osteomyelitis, based on the classification of Cierny and Mader. Average age at the surgery was 45 years, three were males and two were females. All had a history of chronic tibia osteomyelitis and subsequent pretbial soft tissue lesions coming from previous operations or pus drainage. Pretibial soft tissue defects included small ulcers, fibrotic, bruisable soft tissue and small bony exposures, but not large-sized bony exposures nor active pus discharge. After complete debridement of large sized pretibial soft tissue lesions and decortication of anterior tibial cortical dead bone, anterolateral thigh free flap was applied to cover remained large pretibial soft tissue defect and to prevent the recurrence of infection. All flaps survived and provided satisfactory coverage of soft tissue defect on pretibial region for 16 months' mean follow up period. No patients has had recurrence of osteomyelitis. Anterolateral thigh free flap could be recommend for large sized pretibial soft tissue defect of supreficial or localized types of chronic tibia osteomyelitis after through debridement.

• Archives of Hand and Microsurgery
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.281-289
• /
• 2018

Purpose: Preoperative surgical planning utilizing computed tomography angiography (CTA) has now become a routine in many practices. We analyzed the course of the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) and its perforators (DIEP) that would either facilitate or hinder flap dissection based on CTA to aid surgical planning. Methods: The 115 consecutive patients who underwent abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction were enrolled in this prospective study. DIEA/P courses were categorized mainly according to their intramuscular courses and their incidences were investigated. Results: A total of 425 perforators were identified preoperatively on the CTA, with an average number of 3.7 distinctly visualized in the entire flap territory. Eighty-nine perforators (20.9%) had a favorable (less than 1 cm intramuscular course) pattern, namely long submuscular (34.8% of the patients), long subfascial (15.6%), and total circummuscular (13.9%). Overall 56.5% of the patients had at least one favorable DIEA/P. On the other hand, absence of DIEA and absence of adequate (>1 mm) DIEP was reported in 3 and 8 hemiabdomen. Conclusion: Preoperative CTA evaluation of DIEA/P can be used to identify favorable as well as unfavorable courses for dissection to aid surgical planning.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.146-156
• /
• 1998

Microvascular surgery has been widely used clinically for over 30 years. Although many types of free skin and myocutaneous flap are being used at present, surgeons are still looking for new flaps to suit the specific requirements of different recipient sites, to reduce the deformity at the donor site, to ease the management of the flap and to increase the success rate of those operations. The lateral thigh free flap was designed and reported simultaneously with the medial thigh free flap by Baek in 1983. The flap, based on the third perforator of the profunda femoris artery. is designed on the posterolateral aspect of the distal thigh. Clinically, the vascular variations and the locations of perforators of this system can be determined preoperatively with simple angiograms and Dopper audiometry. The lateral thigh free flap is suitable for reconstruction of defects in an oral floor with tongue and esophageal deficits, scalp defects with dural defects, and large full thickness defects of the lip. The advantages of this flap are safe elevation, a long vascular pedicles with a large lumen, skin that is generally thin, and good pliability. Furthermore, the skin territory is very wide and long. The donor site is hidden and therefore more acceptable to the patient. The disadvantage of this flap is that the anatomy of the pedicle vessels has irregular derivation from the main vessel. We had reconstructed lateral thigh free flap to the nine patients from January, 1997 to July, 1998 and got satisfactory results. In this paper we illustrate the arterial anatomy of the thigh and usefulness of this flap for the reconstruction of the head and neck.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.38 no.6
• /
• pp.894-898
• /
• 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
• /
• v.47 no.5
• /
• pp.428-434
• /
• 2020

Background Three-dimensional (3D) model printing improves visualization of anatomical structures in space compared to two-dimensional (2D) data and creates an exact model of the surgical site that can be used for reference during surgery. There is limited evidence on the effects of using 3D models in microsurgical reconstruction on improving clinical outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing reconstructive breast microsurgery procedures from 2017 to 2019 who received computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans only or with 3D models for preoperative surgical planning were performed. Preoperative decision-making to undergo a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) versus muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flap, as well as whether the decision changed during flap harvest and postoperative complications were tracked based on the preoperative imaging used. In addition, we describe three example cases showing direct application of 3D mold as an accurate model to guide intraoperative dissection in complex microsurgical reconstruction. Results Fifty-eight abdominal-based breast free-flaps performed using conventional CTA were compared with a matched cohort of 58 breast free-flaps performed with 3D model print. There was no flap loss in either group. There was a significant reduction in flap harvest time with use of 3D model (CTA vs. 3D, 117.7±14.2 minutes vs. 109.8±11.6 minutes; P=0.001). In addition, there was no change in preoperative decision on type of flap harvested in all cases in 3D print group (0%), compared with 24.1% change in conventional CTA group. Conclusions Use of 3D print model improves accuracy of preoperative planning and reduces flap harvest time with similar postoperative complications in complex microsurgical reconstruction.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.33 no.5
• /
• pp.375-384
• /
• 2011

Purpose: The advent of microsurgical technique and instruments, particularly in the field of perforator flap and supermicrosurgery, which have expanded the scope of microsurgery. However, supermicroanastomosis without any compression, tension, or distortions must be achieved to reach successful outcomes. Small-caliber vessels, such as those with an internal diameter less than 0.2 mm, are susceptible to inadvertent twisting of the anastomosis. In this study, using the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA)-based flap model in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, we evaluated the acceptable limits of twisting effects on supermicroanastomotic sites. Methods: A total of 20 supermicroanastomoses were performed using the SIEA-based flap model in 10 male SD rats, 10-weeks-of-age, weighing 300~350 g. Rats were divided into five groups of two with four flaps as follows: 1) sham, 2) control group with end to end SIEA arterial supermicroanastomosis, 3) experimental I (EA1) with $90^{\circ}$ twisting, 4) experimental II (EA2) with $180^{\circ}$ twisting, and 5) experimental III (EA3) with $270^{\circ}$ twisting of the supermicroanastomosis. Each SIEA was anastomosed using six 11-0 $Ethilon^{(R)}$ (Ethicon Inc. Co., NJ, USA) stitches except in the sham group where the SIEA was only clamped with Supermicro vascular $clamps^{(R)}$ (S&T, Neuhausen, Switzerland) for 20 minutes. Results: The anastomosed arterial patency showed no remarkable changes according to doppler waveforms measured with a Smardop 45 Doppler System (Hadeco Inc., Kawasaki, Japan). The pulsatility index (PI) was increased at postoperative day 10 in the EA2 and EA3 groups, and the resistance index (RI) showed no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative values at 10 days. Histologic specimens from the EA3 group showed increased tunica media necrosis, convolution of the internal elastic lamina, densely packed platelets, fibrin, and erythrocytes. Flap viability and anastomosed vessel patency were not significantly affected by the degree of arterial twisting in this study, other than in the EA3 group where minor effects on arterial patency of the microanastomoses were encountered. Conclusion: It appears that minor twisting on small caliber arteries, used in supermicroanastomoses, can be tolerated. However, twisting should be avoided as much as possible, and more than $180^{\circ}$ twisting must be prevented in clinical practice.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.33 no.6
• /
• pp.695-699
• /
• 2006

Purpose: In the 1990s, skin island flap supplied by the vascular axis of the sensitive superficial nerves had been introduced. For example, neurocutaneous flaps supplied by the vascular axis of the sural nerve and saphenous nerve have been used. But the flap supplied by the vascular axis of superficial peroneal nerve has not been used commonly. Because there have been few anatomical reports about the superficial peroneal nerve accessory artery(SPNAA), we could not apply the neurocutaneous flap supplied by SPNAA. The aim of this study is to investigate the anatomy of SPNAA, number and location of its perforators, and septocutaneous perforators from the anterior tibial artery in anterior intermuscular septum. Methods: So, we dissected a total of eight cadavers. Measurements were made of the positions of the dissected arteries and perforators from the head of the fibula. Results: In all cadavers the superior lateral peroneal artery was originated from the anterior tibial artery and contributed SPNAA. Arising from the anterior tibial artery an average of 5.63 cm inferior to the fibular head, it varied from 10 cm to 16 cm in length. SPNAA gave off an average of 4.38 perforators to supply lateral aspect. In one case the inferior lateral peroneal artery was present and arose from the anterior tibial artery 18 cm inferior to the fibular head. There were an average of 3.38 direct septocutaneous perforators from the anterior tibial artery. Conclusion: Septocutaneous perforators from SPNAA mainly exist from proximal 1/6 to 3/5 of lower leg. In the distal 1/3 of lower leg where the accessory artery was disappeared, exist mainly direct septocutaneous perforators from the anterior tibial artery. Our results can be helpful to applications of the neurocutaneous flap using SPNAA or fasciocutaneous flap based on direct septocutaneous perforators.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.41 no.5
• /
• pp.520-528
• /
• 2014

Background As the breast cancer incidence has increased, breast-conserving surgery has replaced total mastectomy as the predominant procedure. However, centrally located breast cancers pose significant challenges to successful breast-conserving surgeries. Therefore, we performed partial mastectomy and oncoplastic procedures on centrally located breast cancer as a means of partial breast reconstruction. The authors examined and evaluated the functional and aesthetic usefulness of this reconstruction method. Methods From January 2007 to June 2011, 35 patients with centrally located breast cancers who underwent various oncoplastic procedures based on the breast size and resection volume. The oncoplastic procedures performed included volume displacement surgical techniques such as purse-string suture, linear suture, and reduction mammaplasty. Other oncoplastic procedures included volume replacement procedures with an adipofascial, thoracoepigastric, intercostal artery perforator, thoracodorsal artery perforator, or latissimus dorsi flap. Results Mean patient age was 49 years, and mean follow-up period was 11 months. In cases of small to moderate-sized breasts and resection volumes <50 g, volume displacement procedures were performed. In cases of resection volumes >50 g, volume replacement procedures were performed. In cases of larger breasts and smaller resection volumes, glandular reshaping was performed. Finally, in cases of larger breasts and larger resection volumes, reduction mammaplasty was performed. This reconstruction method also elicits a high patient satisfaction rate with no significant complications. Conclusions In centrally located breast cancer, oncoplastic surgery considering breast size and resection volume is safe and provides appropriate aesthetic outcomes. Therefore, our method is advisable for breast cancer patients who elect to conserve their breasts and retain a natural breast shape.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.47 no.2
• /
• pp.118-125
• /
• 2020

Since April 2015, post-mastectomy breast reconstruction has been covered by the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). The frequency of these procedures has increased very rapidly. We analyzed data obtained from the Big Data Hub of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) and determined annual changes in the number of breast reconstruction procedures and related trends in Korea. We evaluated the numbers of mastectomy and breast reconstruction procedures performed between April 2015 and December 2018 using data from the HIRA Big Data Hub. We determined annual changes in the numbers of total, autologous, and implant breast reconstructions after NHIS coverage commenced. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The post-mastectomy breast reconstruction rate increased from 19.4% in 2015 to 53.4% in 2018. In 2015, implant reconstruction was performed in 1,366 cases and autologous reconstruction in 905 (60.1% and 39.8%, respectively); these figures increased to 3,703 and 1,570 (70.2% and 29.7%, respectively) in 2018. Free tissue transfer and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap creation were the most common autologous reconstruction procedures. For implant-based reconstructions, the rates of directto-implant and tissue-expander breast reconstructions (first stage) were similar in 2018. This study summarizes breast reconstruction trends in Korea after NHIS coverage was expanded in 2015. A significant increase over time in the post-mastectomy breast reconstruction rate was evident, with a trend toward implant-based reconstruction. Analysis of data from the HIRA Big Data Hub can be used to predict breast reconstruction trends and convey precise information to patients and physicians.