• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.225-231
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• 1986

Pericardial adhesions following open heart surgery pose a special problems, increasing the risk of cardiac reoperation because of the danger of damaging the heart, coronary artery and veins, or grafts and also the fibrous tissue may obliterate the pericardial space and eventually constrict the heart. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of intrapericardial urokinase and dextran 40 on the formation of pericardial adhesions in an animal model. latrogenic traumas on the pericardium were surgically induced in 30 rabbits, simulating injuries possible during actual surgery. In all rabbits, blood [1 ml] was obtained from an ear vessel and injected into the pericardium. Control group of ten rabbits did not receive any further medication, urokinase group of ten received 15, 000-20, 000 IU of urokinase, and remained ten received 1 ml of 10% dextran 40. All rabbits were sacrificed at 4 weeks. At autopsy, the development of adhesions were graded as none [Grade I], minimal [Grade II], moderate [Grade III], and severe [Grade IV]. Histological studies of the parietal pericardium and epicardium were performed. The results were as follows: 1. Group 1[Control group] showed minimal adhesion in 40%, moderate in 50%, and severe in 10% of the group. Sharp dissections were necessary in 60% of adhesions. 2. Group II [Dextran group] showed no adhesions in 20%, minimal in 60%, and moderate in 20% of the group. 3. Group III [Urokinase group] showed no adhesions in 40%, minimal in 40%, and moderate in 20% of the group. Considering in this group, the adhesion activity was significantly suppressed [60% adhesions] compared to the control group [100% adhesions] [P < 0.05]. 4. Histological findings revealed mild serosal fibrosis in none adherent group, loose fibrous connections between two layers of pericardium in minimal adhesion group, tight fibrous connections in moderate adhesion group, and marked fibrous thickening and close attachment of two surfaces were noted in severe adhesion group. These data have revealed the decreased incidence of pericardial adhesions with urokinase and dextran 40.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.80-91
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• 1996

A free rectus abdominis flap can include a variable amount of muscle length depending on recipient site requirements. There is also great flexibility in flap design in terms of size, orientation of its axis, and the level of its location over the muscle. It is safe to design the skin island across the midline. Though skin islands designed over the most inferior portion of the abdomen have not always proved reliable when based on the superior epigastric artery, free flaps based on the inferior pedicle can be successfully designed in this area. As free flap based on the inferior epigastric vessels, this flap has been useful for large head and neck defects following ablative procedures, for facial contour restoration as a buried flap, for upper extremity defects, for lower extremity defects such as coverage of grade III tibial fractures and for breast reconstruction. A free rectus abdominis muscle or myocutaneus flap was used in 8 patients. The operations were performed between Sep. of 1994 and April of 1996. The patients were tongue cancer 1 case, chronic facial palsy 1 case, unilateral breast reconstruction 1 case, upper and lower extremity injury 5 cases. The free rectus abdominis muscle flaps were 4 cases and the free myocutaneous flaps were 4 cases. There was no failure of the flap, except one partial necrosis. One case of the skin grafts on the muscle flap was regrafted. One case of reoperation due to venous thrombosis was performed. In tongue cancer patient, a orocutaneous fistula was occurred, but conservative treatment and secondandry skin graft were done. In conclusion, a free rectus abdominis flap has many advantages such as a long and constant pedicle, easy dissection, enough soft tissue available, scar on the donor site to be hiddened, no need for changing position. So we think that this flap is the most useful one for small or moderate sized defects on the various sites.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.36-42
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• 2015

Objective : Complete sellar floor reconstruction is critical to avoid postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage during transsphenoidal surgery. Recently, the pedicled nasoseptal flap has undergone many modifications and eventually proved to be valuable and efficient. However, using these nasoseptal flaps in all patients who undergo transsphenoidal surgery, including those who had none or only minor CSF leakage, appears to be overly invasive and time-consuming. Methods : Patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal tumor surgery within a 5 year-period were reviewed. Since 2009, we classified the intraoperative CSF leakage into grades from 0 to 3. Sellar floor reconstruction was tailored to each leak grade. We did not use any tissue grafts such as abdominal fat and did not include any procedures of CSF diversions such as lumbar drainage. Results : Among 200 cases in 188 patients (147 pituitary adenoma and 41 other pathologies), intraoperative CSF leakage was observed in 27.4% of 197 cases : 14.7% Grade 1, 4.6% Grade 2a, 3.0% Grade 2b, and 5.1% Grade 3. Postoperative CSF leakage was observed in none of the cases. Septal bone buttress was used for Grade 1 to 3 leakages instead of any other foreign materials. Pedicled nasoseptal flap was used for Grades 2b and 3 leakages. Unused septal bones and nasoseptal flaps were repositioned. Conclusion : Modified classification of intraoperative CSF leaks and tailored repair technique in a multilayered fashion using an en-bloc harvested septal bone and vascularized nasoseptal flaps is an effective and reliable method for the prevention of postoperative CSF leaks.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.541-545
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• 2006

Purpose: There are many methods for the reconstruction of the facial defect after an excision of a skin cancer; such as skin graft, local flap, free flap, etc... Skin graft has its' limitations; it could remain in different color with in regards of the recipient to donor, with an unfavorable scar. Free flap can lead to big donor site morbidity with long operation time and uncontrolled scar as a disadvantage factor. Compared to the prior, local flap offers several merits; sufficient blood supply, good tissue quality and short operation time. We revised 'V-Y-S flap' for the facial defect, which proved to have favorable outcomes. Methods: Total 7 V-Y-S flaps were performed to patients with skin cancers(six squamous cell carcinoma and one basal cell carcinoma). Two of these flaps were combined with composite grafts, one with full thickness skin graft. Six patients were female and one male. The average diameter of defects after excision was 2.3 cm. The follow-up period was 18 months maximally. Results: We treated seven facial skin cancers with 'V-Y-S flap'. There were no flap necrosis, cancer recurrence and scar contracture as a result. Furthermore, this method also offers a favorable central scar line that is parallel to the nasolabial fold and the nasojugal groove, especially in the nasolabial area and superomedial side of the cheek. With this method, we could cover a maximum diameter of 4cm facial defect. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is suggested that V-Y-S flap is a useful method to cover facial defects after the excision of a skin cancer.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.308-315
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• 2004

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of promoted skin wound healing in skin defects with primary cultured oral mucosal keratinocytes. Materials and methods: Thirty adult female nude mice weighing $20{\pm}2g$ were used for the experiment. Primary cultured and suspended oral mucosal keratinocytes, labeled with BrdU, were scattered onto $1.5cm{\times}1.5cm$ sized full thickness skin defects in the experimental group(N=15), and no grafts were placed the control group(N=15). They were sacrificed at 3 days, 1 week and 2 weeks after the treatment respectively. Histological examination of each wounds were performed to review the healing progress on measuring the length from the wound margin to regenerating epithelial front. The role of keratinocytes were assessed by double immunohistochemical staining with Anti-BrdU and Anti-cytokeratin AE1/3. Results: In the experimental group the wound was completely covered with regenerating epithelia in 2 weeks, but partially regenerated in the control group. The immunohistochemical studies unexpectedly reveal that most of regenerating epithelial cells were induced from marginal epithelium of the margin, not from the scattered keratinocytes. Conclusion: We could successfully confirm that graft of primary cultured oral mucosal keratinocytes promotes the regeneration of skin defects.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.326-329
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• 2002

Adequate alveolar bone height and width are required for the successful placement of dental implants. Conventional therapeutic regimens for alveolar atrophy are bone grafts or augmentation using allografts and membrane (GBR). Conventional graft techniques have some limitations and complications such as infection, soft tissue problem and high resorption rate. Recently, distraction osteogenesis of alveolar bone is considered as a new alternative for ridge augmentation. Distraction osteogenesis was originally defined and popularized by Ilizarov for lengthening of long bone. Some clinicians have tried to apply distraction osteogenesis in treatment of maxillofacial discrepancies. It was also used to augment alveolar bone. Cologne study group successfully applied the technique for augmentation of alveolar bone and designed several miniplate-distractor systems fabricated by Martin Medizintechnik GmbH in Germany. Vertical distraction of alveolar bone was successfully completed in 104 patients with miniplate-distractor systems. The mean distance of distraction was 10.2mm (range: 6-15 mm) and the mean length of segment was 45 mm (range: 6-127 mm). 162 dental implants in 54 patients were placed immediately or 4 weeks later after removal of the distractor. The results of our study show that vertical distraction of alveolar bone is an effective and reliable technique to restore alveolar atrophy and alveolar vertical defect caused by trauma or tumor.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.37
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• pp.20.1-20.7
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• 2015

Background: The objectives of the present study were to investigate the reliability and outcomes of computer-assisted techniques in mandibular reconstruction with a fibula flap and verify whether the surgical navigation system was feasible in mandible reconstructive surgery. Methods: Eight cases were enrolled in the computer assisted surgery (CAS) group and 14 cases in the traditional group. The shaping and fixation of the fibula grafts were guided by computer assisted techniques, which could be monitored with the BrainLAB surgical navigation system. The variation of mandible configuration was evaluated by CT measurement in the Mimics software, including the variation of length, width, height and gonial angle of the mandible. The 3D facial soft tissue alteration was also analyzed in 3D chromatogram by Geomagic software. Results: All 22 fibula flaps survived. The mandibular configurations and facial contours had a better clinic result in the CAS group. The length, width, height and gonial angle of the reconstructive mandible were more similar to the original one. The Wilcoxon rank sum test analysis suggested significant differences in the measurements. The chromatographic analysis also visually showed superiority over the traditional group. Conclusions: The computer assisted surgical navigation method used in mandibular reconstruction is feasible and precise for clinical application. The contour of the reconstructed mandible and facial symmetry are improved with computer techniques.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.337-343
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• 2014

Background The reconstruction of large skin and soft tissue defects on the lower extremities is challenging. The skin graft is a simple and frequently used method for covering a skin defect. However, poor skin quality and architecture are well-known problems that lead to scar contracture. The collagen-elastin matrix, Matriderm, has been used to improve the quality of skin grafts; however, no statistical and objective review of the results has been reported. Methods Thirty-four patients (23 male and 11 female) who previously received a skin graft and simultaneous application of Matriderm between January 2010 and June 2012 were included in this study. The quality of the skin graft was evaluated using Cutometer, occasionally accompanied by pathologic findings. Results All 34 patients showed good skin quality compared to a traditional skin graft and were satisfied with their results. The statistical data for the measurement of the mechanical properties of the skin were similar to those for normal skin. In addition, there was no change in the engraftment rate. Conclusions The biggest problem of a traditional skin graft is scar contracture. However, the dermal matrix presents an improvement in skin quality with elastin and collagen. Therefore, a skin graft along with a simultaneous application of Matriderm is safe and effective and leads to a significantly better outcome from the perspective of skin elasticity.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.174-179
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• 2015

Background: The endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) method has been used in coronary artery bypass surgery in many countries. We started using the EVH method recently, and investigated the results during the early learning period. Methods: Between March 2012 and June 2014, 75 patients (31 patients in the EVH method group, and 44 patients in the open method group) who underwent isolated first-time coronary artery bypass grafting using vein grafts were retrospectively analyzed with respect to the early outcomes including graft patency and risk factors for leg wound complications. For assessing the patency of vein graft, we performed coronary computed tomography angiography during the immediate postoperative period and 6 months later. Results: Mean harvesting time of endoscopic method was about 15 minutes. Patency rate during the immediate operative period and the 6-month patency rate were similar between the two groups (postoperative period: EVH 100% vs. open method 94.4%, p=0.493; at 6 months: EVH 93.3% vs. open method 90.9%, p=0.791). Leg wound complications occurred more frequently in the open method group (EVH 3.2% vs. open method 13.6%, p=0.127). According to the analysis, age was an independent risk factor for leg wound complications. Conclusion: EVH is a feasible method even for beginners and can be performed satisfactorily during their learning period.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.40-45
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• 2015

Background The eyelid and canthal areas are common locations for cutaneous tumors. The medial canthus includes, among many other apparatuses, the canthal tendon and lacrimal canaliculi, and its characteristic thin and supple skin is hard to mimic and restore using tissue from other regions. Accordingly, reconstruction of the canthal area can prove challenging for surgeons. Although various methods, such as skin grafts and local flaps from adjacent regions, have been utilized for reconstructive purposes, they present known disadvantages. However, we were able to successfully reconstruct both lateral and medial canthal area defects by using orbicularis oculi myocutaneous island flaps. Methods Our study included seven patients who underwent medial or lateral canthal region reconstruction, using orbicularis oculi myocutaneous island flaps, between 2011 and 2014, following either cutaneous tumor excision or traumatic avulsion injury. Results Five patients had basal cell carcinoma, one had squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid, and one had sustained a traumatic avulsion injury of the eyelid and canthal area. Entire flap loss was not observed in any patient, but one-a heavy smoker-showed partial flap loss, which healed with secondary intention and yielded acceptable results. Donor site morbidity was not observed, and all patients were satisfied with their surgical outcomes. Conclusions The canthal regions can be successfully reconstructed with orbicularis oculi myocutaneous island flaps. These flaps offer several key advantages, including similarity in texture, color, and thickness to the recipient site and a negligible incidence of donor site morbidity.