• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.424-429
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• 2016

Background The objective of this paper was to describe a novel technique for improving the maintenance of nipple projection in primary nipple reconstruction by using acellular dermal matrix as a strut in one of three different configurations, according to the method of prior breast reconstruction. The struts were designed to best fill the different types of dead spaces in nipple reconstruction depending on the breast reconstruction method. Methods A total of 50 primary nipple reconstructions were performed between May 2012 and May 2015. The prior breast reconstruction methods were latissimus dorsi (LD) flap (28 cases), transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap (10 cases), or tissue expander/implant (12 cases). The nipple reconstruction technique involved the use of local flaps, including the C-V flap or star flap. A $1{\times}2-cm$ acellular dermal matrix was placed into the core with O-, I-, and L-shaped struts for prior LD, TRAM, and expander/implant methods, respectively. The projection of the reconstructed nipple was measured at the time of surgery and at 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively. Results The nine-month average maintenance of nipple projection was $73.0%{\pm}9.67%$ for the LD flap group using an O-strut, $72.0%{\pm}11.53%$ for the TRAM flap group using an I-strut, and $69.0%{\pm}10.82%$ for the tissue expander/implant group using an L-strut. There were no cases of infection, wound dehiscence, or flap necrosis. Conclusions The application of an acellular dermal matrix with a different kind of strut for each of 3 breast reconstruction methods is an effective addition to current techniques for improving the maintenance of long-term projection in primary nipple reconstruction.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.105-110
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• 2001

Breast reconstruction is an aesthetically critical procedure and should be peformed to match the opposite breast in shape, contour, and position. Many methods were introduced to reconstruct the breast with autogenous tissue. But, free tissue transfer for breast reconstruction has become common method. The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap technique has been a widely accepted method of breast reconstruction after mastectomy, since the first introduction of free abdominoplasty flap in 1979. In breast reconstruction with a free flap the selection of suitable recipient vessels remains one of the most critical decision for surgeon. The most common recipient site for free flap breast reconstruction is the axillar system. But, the use of the axillary system as a recipient site limits flap movement and flexibility in breast shaping. The use of internal mammary vessels as a recipient site be able to achieve ideal breast symmetry, but that technique require the rib resection. The selection of suitable recipient vessels is most important for successful free tissue transfer. We have performed breast reconstruction with TRAM flaps anastomozed to the internal mammary vessel perforator. We came to the conclusion that this vessel perforator is useful as a recipient site in cases of immediate breast reconstruction with free TRAM flap.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.643-647
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• 2006

Purpose: The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) flap has become a mainstay of breast reconstruction. The chief disadvantage of the TRAM flap is its potential to create a weakness in the abdominal wall. Nowadays true hernia is less frequent, but bulging that appears at the muscle donor site, or at the contralateral side, or at the epigastric area is still remained as a problem. To prevent this complications, we have used synthetic mesh as well as abdominal muscle plication. Now we report the result of our methods. Methods: We started to use synthetic mesh and muscle plication as supplementary reinforcement for entire abdominal wall, after TRAM flap harvesting, in an attempt to stabilize it and achieve a superior aesthetic result since 2002. We observed complications of TRAM flap donor site, and compared our results (from January, 2002 to January, 2006) with other operator's result (before 2001) at the same hospital in aspect of incidence of abdominal complications. Results: 42 consecutive patients have been performed routine reinforcement with the extended mesh technique and muscle plication from January, 2002 to January, 2006. Mean patient follow up was 25.2 months. No hernia or mesh related infection were encountered and only one patient had a mild abdominal bulging. Nevertheless the our good results, there were no significant statistical differences were observed between two groups. Conclusion: We recommend the using of synthetic mesh and muscle plication for donor site reconstruction after TRAM flap breast reconstruction to improve strength as well as aesthetic quality of the abdominal wall.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.140-146
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• 2009

Purpose: Autologous breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue is one of the best options after mastectomy. In a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) or deep inferior epigastric artery perforator(DIEP) flap, a preoperative evaluation of the precise location of perforating vessels and vascular run - off systems is required. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the usefulness of multidetector computed tomography(MDCT) in the preoperative planning of patients undergoing breast reconstruction with abdominal flap. Methods: From June 2006 to January 2008, 28 patients underwent MDCT evaluation before breast reconstruction. All subjects were females with an age range of 30 to 55 years. The CT scan was performed using a 64 - slice MDCT scanner(Brilliance 64; Philips Medical Systems, Best, Netherlands). Results: One perforator or two major perforators were marked on image in good relation with a hand - held Doppler examination and intraoperative findings. All vascular run - off systems were cleared before operation. Conclusion: Preoperative evaluation of perforator arteries with MDCT angiography is beneficial in patients undergoing breast reconstruction. This technique provides a noninvasive approach of the vascular anatomy of the entire anterior abdominal wall.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.28-35
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• 2008

Purpose: The pedicle of transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) flap and deep inferior epigastric arterial perforator flap is deep inferior epigastic artery (DIEA) and accurate anatomic knowledge about perforator of DIEA is very important for the elevation of these flap. The authors investigated a detailed vascular network of perforator of DIEA in Koreans. Methods: 24 fresh cadavers were studied. Among them, 15 were examined based on the plain X-ray examination for the distribution and location of perforator of DIEA. And 9 fresh cadavers were examined based on the 3-dimensional computed tomography(CT) study for the distance between ending point of perforator of DIEA and mother artery, the distance between most medial mother artery and midline, the distance between most lateral mother artery and midline, and the running type of perforators of DIEA. Results: Based on the plain X-ray examination, suitable(external diameter$${\geq_-}0.5mm$$) perforators of DIEA are located between the level of umbilicus and 8 cm below it. Based on the 3D-CT study, average distance between the ending point of perforator of DIEA and the mother artery is 30.26 mm on the left, 28.62 mm on the right, respectively. The average distance between most medial mother artery and midline is 17.13 mm on the left, 15.76 mm on the right, respectively. The average distance between most lateral mother artery and midline is 56.31 mm on the left, 50.90 mm on the right, respectively. The main running course of suitable perforators of DIEA is type a, which is a direct musculocutaneous perforator vessel from main vascular axis passing outward to join the subdermal plexus, directly. Conclusion: 3-dimensional computed tomography study as well as plain X-ray examination provided more accurate and detail informations about perforators of DIEA in Koreans. These informations will help us understand the detailed vascular anatomy and operation with ease and safe in the lower abdomen of Koreans.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.428-434
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• 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.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.118-130
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• 2012

Background: Women receiving mastectomy usually prefer a single-stage surgical procedure without the need for additional surgery. Hence, nipple sparing mastectomy was introduced, and the follow-up data on the aesthetic outcome and recurrence of breast cancer were investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: The study subjects comprised 22 patients who received nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction using the free transverse abdominal rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap between June of 2007 and June of 2012. The patients' aesthetic outcomes were measured with 2 methods for the objective result: Breast size measurements and breast volume calculation both at preoperative phase and postoperative 1 years phase. Also, the patients' satisfaction was evaluated at postoperative 1 year with the self-assessment questionnaire. Follow up check for assessing cancer recurrence was performed for an average period of postoperative 1063 days. Results: First, in objective aesthetic outcome, there were no significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative results on both the breast size and the volume. Second, the patient satisfaction analysis scores were graded as very good in 15 patients (68.2%), and as good in 6 patient (27.3%). Most of the patients were very satisfied with our surgery method. Last, there was no local or distant recurrence in these 22 patients during the follow-up period. Conclusion: In this study, the nipple-sparing mastectomy achieved satisfactory results for the breast scar and shape with a single-stage surgical procedure, and the cancer recurrence rate was not significantly different from that of the conventional mastectomy. Besides, the nipple-sparing mastectomy is more cost-effective than the conventional mastectomy since it reduces the need for additional procedures. However, we think that it is necessary to determine the long-term outcomes about the recurrence rate.