• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
• /
• v.35 no.8
• /
• pp.883-888
• /
• 2011

Laparoscopic surgery is being used in various surgical fields because it minimizes scarring. Laparoscopic operations require practical hand skills, so surgeons train on animals and via surgery training tool sets. However, these tool sets do not give the surgeon the sensation of touching real organs. A recently developed laparoscope simulator has a high friction force along the translational axis and a high gravity force along the pitch axis, and therefore it does not permit the operator to control his or her hands delecately. In the paper, the friction force along the axes is auumed to depend on the veolcity, and the gravity force on the angle and distance. We develop a compensation model that combines the gravity and friction force models.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.169-173
• /
• 2008

Purpose: Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus is a chronic inflammatory disease that mostly affects young people, which warrants surgical intervention. Although many surgical methods have been suggested, an optimal surgical method remains controversial because of high recurrence rates and postoperative complications. The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of wide excision and coverage with fasciocutaneous advancement flap for the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus, and to assess the usefulness of this method Methods: From May 1995 to October 2006, the authors treated 19 patients with the use of coverage with fasciocutaneous flap after wide excision. The results were evaluated regarding recurrence rates, complications, and the change in sensitivity of the gluteal region after surgery. The follow-up period was 7 to 142 months (mean, 76 months). All patients were male. Results: Postoperative complications were wound infection at the suction drain insertion site and skin necrosis around the suture margin in one case, respectively. During the follow up period, only one recurrence (5.3%) was seen in fifth postoperative month, which was successfully treated by the same operative procedure. There was no other complications such as seroma, hematoma, wound dehiscence and flap loss. Extensive scarring and anatomic distortion did not occur in the reconstructed area. In addition, sensitivity of the gluteal region did not diminish. The aesthetic results were satisfactory for all patients as well. Conclusion: The authors advocate that fasciocutaneous flap closure be a good alternative method to cover defects after the excision of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.42 no.6
• /
• pp.769-775
• /
• 2015

Background The radial forearm flap is a versatile, widely used flap. However, the possibility of donor site complications has led to concern over its use. Some surgeons prefer using other flaps whose donor sites can be closed primarily with less morbidity, including avoiding unpleasant scarring. However, in our experience, donor site stability of the radial forearm flap can be reliably achieved by using well-implemented specific procedures. Here, we present a collection of donor site cases of the radial forearm flap and investigate factors that affect the aesthetic results as the basis for a reference for selecting a radial forearm flap. Methods In this retrospective study, we reviewed 171 cases in which a radial forearm flap was used for free tissue transfer after resecting head and neck cancer. We focused on donor site morbidity rates. Each operation involved a detailed procedure designed to minimize donor site morbidity. Moreover, statistical investigations were conducted for 22 cases to determine factors affecting the scar appearance. Results Only one case developed total skin graft necrosis as a major complication. Scar-related aesthetic results were acceptable, and the body-mass index, body weight, diabetes, and cardiac problems were significant factors related to the appearance of scars. Conclusions Performing the radial forearm flap using a well-implemented detailed technique helps achieve acceptable donor site morbidity results. The aesthetic results were more promising for patients without excess body weight, diabetes, or cardiac problems. Therefore, anxiety about donor site morbidity should not be a reason to avoid selecting the radial forearm flap in suitable patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.1
• /
• pp.46-51
• /
• 2010

Purpose: The loss of web space is caused by congenital syndactyly or acquired burn injury, trauma or surgery. Numerous surgical procedures have been described for restoration of the web space. Local flaps are usually preferred because of the easiness to perform and tolerable postoperative outcome. Among the various local flaps, the authors introduce V-M plasty for correction of web space contracture and syndactyly. Method: From March 2007 to Jun 2008, 4 patients underwent V-M plasty for correction of web space contracture and syndactyly. V-M plasty consists of 3 distinct triangular flaps. One triangular flap is designed next to the web region on the dorsal site of the hand, whereas the remaining 2 triangular flaps are placed on the volar site. The dorsal triangular flap is then placed between the volar adjacent triangular flaps. At the end of the operation, the involved fingers or toes are positioned in abduction to avoid kinking of the triangular flaps. Result: All the patients gained web functions with good esthetic appearance without any recurrence or complications. Mean follow-up was 8 months. Conclusion: V-M plasty is a safe, easy and rapid procedure to design and apply by using local tissues without the needs for a skin graft or risk of linear scarring and recurrence. The authors advise this versatile technique both in primary and recurrent cases of web space contracture and syndactyly.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.379-386
• /
• 2014

Background Vulvar defects result chiefly from oncologic resection of vulvar tumors. Reconstruction of vulvar defects restores form and function for the purpose of coitus, micturition, and defecation. Many surgical options exist for vulvar reconstruction. The purpose of this article is to present our experience with vulvar reconstruction. Methods From 2007 to 2013, 43 women presented to us with vulvar defects for reconstruction. Their mean age at the time of reconstruction was 61.1 years. The most common cause of vulvar defect was from resection of vulvar carcinoma and extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva. Method s of reconstruction ranged from primary closure to skin grafting to the use of pedicled flaps. Results The main complications were that of long term hypertrophic and/or unaesthetic scarring of the donor site in 4 patients. Twenty-two patients (51%) were able to resume sexual intercourse. There were no complications of flap loss, wound dehiscence, and urethral stenosis. Conclusions We present a subunit algorithmic approach to vulvar reconstruction based on defect location within the vulva, dimension of the defect, and patient age and comorbidity. The gracilis and gluteal fold flaps are particularly versatile and aesthetically suited for reconstruction of a variety of vulvar defects. From an aesthetic viewpoint the gluteal fold flap was superior because of the well-concealed donor scar. We advocate the routine use of these 2 flaps for vulvar reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.347-353
• /
• 2020

Background This study evaluated the outcomes of a new modified Wies technique for patients with involutional lower eyelid entropion without horizontal eyelid laxity. Methods This case series retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with entropion who underwent surgery between January 2014 and March 2019 by the same experienced surgeon. Horizontal eyelid laxity, lower eyelid retractor function, and orbicularis muscle overriding were recorded before and after surgery. The recurrence rate and complications were also evaluated. This technique consisted of modified everting sutures combined with reattachment of the lower eyelid retractors to the inferior tarsal plate. Results This new technique was performed on 28 eyes in 25 patients (mean age, 71.0±8.0 years; range, 56-87 years). Nine patients (36%) were women and 16 (64%) were men. Lower lid entropion was present in the right eye in 14 patients (56%), the left eye in eight patients (32%), and both eyes in three patients (12%). The mean follow-up period was 27.3±12.4 months (range, 6-60 months). No intraoperative complications were observed. All patients' symptoms were alleviated. One patient (3.6%) had recurrence after 2 years (success rate, 96.4%). The remaining 27 eyes maintained a satisfactory and comfortable eyelid position. No patients had problems with scarring. Conclusions The approach described herein proved to be safe and feasible in eyes with involutional lower eyelid entropion without horizontal eyelid laxity. These advantages of this procedure include the lack of a conjunctival scar, punctal eversion, and lateral canthal angle deformation. A low recurrence rate and a long interval to recurrence were also observed.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.175-182
• /
• 2013

Purpose: Crushing injuries by car tires result from a combination of friction, shearing, and compression forces and the severity of injury is influenced by the acceleration. Because car-tire injuries of the lower leg in children are common these days but they have received little attention; thus, our purpose was to look closely into this problem. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of data from children under 15 years old age who visited an emergency department because of a car-tire-related crushing injury to the lower leg in pedestrian traffic accident from January 2008 to September 2012. The patient's age, sex, site of injury, degree of injury, associated injuries, type of surgery, and complications were reviewed. Results: There were 39 children, the mean age was 8.0 years, and 71.8% were boys. The dorsal part of the leg was involved most frequently. According to the severity classification, 15 children were grade I, 6 were grade II, and 18 were grade III. Among 24 patients, 13 were treated with skin graft and 3 were treated using a sural flap. Twelve patients developed complications, such as hypertrophic scarring, contractures, and deformities with significant bone loss. Conclusion: Various degrees of skin or soft tissue defects were caused in children by car tires. In this study, patients were often also had tendon or bone damage. Proper and timely initial treatments are needed to reduce the incidence of infection, the number of operative procedures, and the hospital stay.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.42-46
• /
• 2014

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis that can affect many organ systems. Renal manifestations include pyuria, hematuria, proteinuria, tubulointerstitial nephritis, acute renal failure, hemolytic uremic syndrome, or renal scarring. Although its precise pathogenesis remains unknown, it is considered an autoimmune disease. In the literature, it has been reported that KD may develop in conjunction with urinary tract infections. However, many of these previous studies did not use imaging methods such as renal sonograms, dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scans, and voiding urethrocystograms. We report a case of an 8-month old male infant with high grade vesicoureteral reflux, who developed incomplete KD after recurrent pyelonephritis. Acute pyelonephritis can be an early manifestation of KD. Such cases require the evaluation of urinary tract anomalies according to the guidelines for the management of urinary tract infections.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.42 no.1
• /
• pp.20-27
• /
• 2015

Background Hypertrophic scars and keloids are associated with abnormal levels of growth factors. Silicone gel sheets are effective in treating and preventing hypertrophic scars and keloids. There has been no report on the change in growth factors in the scar tissue following the use of silicone gel sheeting for scar prevention. A prospective controlled trial was performed to evaluate whether growth factors are altered by the application of a silicone gel sheet on a fresh surgical scar. Methods Four of seven enrolled patients completed the study. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were investigated immunohistochemically in biopsies taken from five scars at 4 months following surgery. Results In both the epidermis and the dermis, the expression of TGF-${\beta}1$ (P=0.042 and P=0.042) and PDGF (P=0.043 and P=0.042) was significantly lower in the case of silicone gel sheet-treated scars than in the case of untreated scars. The expression of bFGF in the dermis was significantly higher in the case of silicone gel sheet-treated scars than in the case of untreated scars (P=0.042), but in the epidermis, the expression of bFGF showed no significant difference between the groups (P=0.655). Conclusions The levels of TGF-${\beta}1$, PDGF, and bFGF are altered by the silicone gel sheet treatment, which might be one of the mechanisms of action in scar prevention.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.51-54
• /
• 2012

With the gradual increase of cases using fillers, cases of patients treated by non-medical professionals or inexperienced physicians resulting in complications are also increasing. We herein report 2 patients who experienced acute complications after receiving filler injections and were successfully treated with adipose-derived stem cell (ADSCs) therapy. Case 1 was a 23-year-old female patient who received a filler (Restylane) injection in her forehead, glabella, and nose by a non-medical professional. The day after her injection, inflammation was observed with a $3{\times}3cm$ skin necrosis. Case 2 was a 30-year-old woman who received a filler injection of hyaluronic acid gel (Juvederm) on her nasal dorsum and tip at a private clinic. She developed erythema and swelling in the filler-injected area A solution containing ADSCs harvested from each patient's abdominal subcutaneous tissue was injected into the lesion at the subcutaneous and dermis levels. The wounds healed without additional treatment. With continuous follow-up, both patients experienced only fine linear scars 6 months postoperatively. By using adipose-derived stem cells, we successfully treated the acute complications of skin necrosis after the filler injection, resulting in much less scarring, and more satisfactory results were achieved not only in wound healing, but also in esthetics.