• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.24-34
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• 1996

There are many kinds of free flaps for management of extensive soft tissue defect of extremities in orthopaedic field. Free vascularized scapular flap is one of the most useful and relatively easy to application. This flap has been utilize clinically from early eighties by many microsurgical pioneers. Authors performed 102 cases of this flap from 1984 to 1995. We have to consider about the surgical anatomy of the flap, technique of the donor harvesting procedures, vascular varieties and anatomical abnormalities and success rate and the weak points of the procedure. This flap nourished by cutaneous branches from circumflex scapular vessels emerges from the lateral aspect of the subscapular artery 2.5-5cm from its lateral origin passing through the triangular space(bounded by subscapularis, teres minor, teres major, long head of triceps). The terminal cutaneous branch runs posteriorly around the lateral border of the scapular and divided into two major branches, those transeverse horizontally and obliquely to the fascial plane of overlying skin of the scapular body. We can utilize these arteries for scapular and parascapular flap. The vascular pedicle ranged from 5 to 10 cm long depends on the dissection, usually two venae comitantes accompanied circumflex scapular artery and its major branches. The diameter of the circumflex scapular artery is more than 1mm in adult, rare vascular variation. Surgical techniques : The scapular flap can be dissected conveniently with prone or lateral decubitus position, prone position is more easier in my experience. There are two kinds of surgical approaches, most of the surgeon prefer elevation of the flap from its outer border towards its base which known easier and quicker, but I prefer elevation of the flap from its outer border because of the lowering the possibilities of damage to vasculature in the flap itself which runs just underneath the subcutaneous tissue of the flap and provide more quicker elevation of the flap with blunt finger dissection after secure pedicle dissection and confirmed the course from the base of the pedicle. There are minimal donor site morbidity with direct skin closure if the flap size is not so larger than 10cm width. This flap has versatility in the design of the flap shape and size, if we need more longer and larger one, we can use parascapular flap or both. Even more, the flap can be used with latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap and serratus anterior flap which have common vascular pedicle from subscapular artery, some instance can combined with osteocutaneous flap if we include the lateral border of the scapular bone or parts of the ribs with serratus anterior. The most important shortcoming of the scapular free flap is non sensating, there are no reasonable sensory nerves to the flap to anastomose with recipient site nerve. Results : Among our 102 cases, overall success rate was 89%, most of the causes of the failure was recipient site vascular problems such as damaged recipient arterial conditions, and there were two cases of vascular anomalies in our series. Patients ages from 3 years old to 62 years old. Six cases of combined flap with latissimus dorsi, 4 cases of osteocutaneous flap for bone reconstruction, 62 parascapular flap was performed - we prefer parascapular flap to scapular. Statistical analysis of the size of the flap has less meaningful because of the flap has great versatility in size. In the length of the pedicle depends on the recipient site condition, we can adjust the pedicle length. The longest vascular pedicle was 14 cm in length from the axillary artery to the enter point cutaneous tissue. In conclusion, scapular free flap is one of the most useful modalities to manage the large intractable soft tissue defect. It has almost constant vascular pedicle with rare anatomical variation, easy to dissect great versatility in size and shape, low donor morbidity, thin and hairless skin.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.473-477
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• 2020

Superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps represent a useful option in autologous breast reconstruction. However, the short-fixed pedicle can limit flap inset options. We present a challenging flap inset successfully addressed by de-epithelialization, turnover, and counterintuitive rotation. A 47-year-old woman underwent left tertiary breast reconstruction with stacked free flaps using right deep inferior epigastric perforator and left SIEA vessels. Antegrade and retrograde anastomoses to the internal mammary (IM) vessels were preferred; additionally, the thoracodorsal vessels were unavailable due to previous latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction. Optimal shaping required repositioning of the lateral ends of the flaps superiorly, which would position the ipsilateral SIEA hemi-flap pedicle lateral to and out of reach of the IM vessels. This problem was overcome by turning the SIEA flap on its long axis, allowing the pedicle to sit medially with the lateral end of the flap positioned superiorly. The de-epithelialized SIEA flap dermis was in direct contact with the chest wall, enabling its fixation. This method of flap inset provides a valuable solution for medializing the SIEA pedicle while maintaining an aesthetically satisfactory orientation. This technique could be used in ipsilateral SIEA flap breast reconstructions that do not require a skin paddle, as with stacked flaps or following nipple-sparing mastectomy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.489-496
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• 2012

Background In Korean women, many of whom have small to moderate-sized breasts, it is difficult to cover a partial breast defect using oncoplastic volume displacement techniques after removal of an adequate volume of tissue during oncologic surgery. In such cases, oncoplastic volume replacement techniques are more useful. Methods From January 2007 to December 2011, 104 women underwent a total of 107 breast-conserving surgeries with various kinds of oncoplastic volume replacement techniques. We used latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap for cases in which the resection mass was greater than 150 g. In case with a resection mass less than 150 g, we used regional flaps such as a lateral thoracodorsal flap, a thoracoepigastric flap, or perforator flaps such as an intercostal artery perforator (ICAP) flap or a thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap. Results The mean age was 46.1 years, and the average follow-up interval was 10.3 months. The patients underwent oncoplastic volume replacement techniques with a lateral thoracodorsal flap (n=9), thoracoepigastric flap (n=7), ICAP flap (n=25), TDAP flap (n=12), and LD flap (n=54). There was one case of congestion in an LD flap, and two cases of fat necrosis in an ICAP flap. Most of the patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results. Conclusions Oncoplastic volume replacement techniques can be reliable and useful for the correction of breast deformity after breast-conserving surgery, especially in patients with small to moderate-sized breasts.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.448-454
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• 2007

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of using the free flap in the reconstruction of maxillary defects. Methods: 27 consecutive cases of maxillary reconstruction with free flap were reviewed. All clinical data were analyzed, including ideal selection of flap, time of reconstruction, recurrence of cancer, postoperative complications, flap design, and follow-up results. The main operative functional items, including speech, oral diet, mastication, eye globe position and function, respiration, and aesthetic results were evaluated. Results: Among the 24 patients who underwent maxillary reconstruction with the free flap, 14 patients underwent immediate reconstruction after maxillary cancer ablation, and 10 patients underwent delayed reconstruction. There occurred 1 flap loss. Recurrences of the cancer after the reconstruction happened in 2 cases. Postoperative complications were 3 cases of gravitational ptosis of the flap, 2 cases of the nasal obstruction, and 1 case of fistula formation. Out of 27 free flaps, there were 15 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, 5 radial forearm, 4 rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, 1 scapular flap, 2 fibula osteocutaneous flap, respectively. Flaps were designed such as 1 lobe in 9 cases, 2 lobes in 9 cases, and 3 lobes in 5 cases. Among the 14 patients who had intraoral defect or who had palatal resection surgery, 2 patients complained the inaccuracy of the pronunciation due to the ptosis of the flap. It was corrected by the reconstruction of the maxillary buttress and hung the sling to the upper direction. All of the 14 patients were able to take unrestricted diets. In 6 patients who had reconstruction of inferior orbital wall with rib bone graft, they preserved normal vision. Aesthetically, most of the patients were satisfied with the result. Conclusion: LD free flap is suggested in uni-maxilla defect as the 1st choice, and fibular osteocutaneous flap and calvarial bone graft to cover the larger defect in bi-maxilla defect.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.82-86
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• 2008

Purpose: Soft tissue defect can occur on the posterior aspect of the elbow after trauma or fracture fixation. To cover the defect and maintain elbow functions, various flap surgeries including latissimus dorsi muscle flap, lateral arm flap and radial forearm flap can be performed. We present the clinical results of transposition lateral arm flap for coverage of the elbow defect and discuss the cause of posterior soft tissue necrosis after fracture fixation. Materials and Methods: Two patients who had posterior soft tissue defect of the elbow after open reduction of the fractures around the elbow were treated with transposition lateral arm flap. The mean size of skin defect was 20 $cm^2$. The flap was elevated with posterior radial collateral artery pedicle and transposed to the defect area. Donor defect was covered with split thickness skin graft. The elbow was immobilized for 1 week in extended position and active range of motion was permitted. Results: All two cases of transposition lateral arm flap survived without marginal necrosis. The average range of motion of the elbow was 10~115 degrees. Mayo elbow performance score was 72 and Korean DASH score was 23. Conclusion: When elbow fractures are fixed with three simultaneous plates and screws, skin necrosis can occur on the posterior aspect of the elbow around olecranon area. If the size of skin defect is relatively small, transposition lateral arm flap is very useful option for orthopaedic surgeons without microsurgical technique.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.20-27
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• 1998

Among many kinds of introduced free flaps, scapular freeflap is one of the most popularly using modalities in fasciocutaneous defect coverage with minimal donor defect and easier procedure and constant vascular patterns of the donor. Many surgeons who had experience of this flap pointed out deficit of the reliable sensation of the transplanted flap is the main shortcoming of the scapular free flap. If we can subjugate that point, scapular free flap is the most excellent procedure in such a cases as heel pad reconstruction and hand reconstruction which are relatively important to have skin with protective sensation. Author performed anatomical literature review, 10 cadaveric dissections and 12 clinical dissections. In surgical anatomical aspect, the upper six dorsal rami of the thoracic nerves have medial branches which pierce Longissimus thoracis and Multifidus muscle with small cutaneous twigs which pierce Latissimus dorsi and Trapezius muscle. Among that cutaneous twigs, several twigs distribute to the skin of the back from midline to lateral aspect which territory is identical to scapular free flap. We analysed clinical experiences of that sensory bearing scapular free flap surgical anatomy and one year follow-up studies with several results. 1) Two to three cutaneous twigs which pierced from the Trapezius muscle over the scapular free flap region. 2) Each twigs has two to four nerve fascicles with small artery. 3) The nerve distributed to the ordinary scapular free flap and large enough size and pedicle length to neurorrhapy with various recipient site nerves. 4) The inconvenience of this procedure is the vascular pedicle and nerve pedicle have opposite directions, vascular pedicle of that comes from lateral direction from subscapular vessels, but nerve pedicle comes from medial direction from trapezius muscle. Author can found constant cutaneous nerve branches which come from piercing the Trapezius. This nerves are helpful for protective sensation in transplanted scapular free flap. We can't had enough follow-up and evaluation of the nerve function of this procedure, we need continuous research works to application of this procedure. The in conveniences come from directional differences of pedicle can solve with longer harvest neural pedicle and change direction of the neural pedicle.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.408-415
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• 2005

Following a transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous(TRAM) flap breast reconstruction, denervated state of the flap causes the flap skin prone to thermal injury, calling for special attention. During the last 5 years, 69 breast reconstruction with 72 free TRAM flaps, were performed. Four out of thesse 69 patients sustained burn injury. Heat sources were a warm bag(n=2), heating pad(n=1) and warming light (n=1). The thermal injuries occured from 2 days to 3 months following the reconstruction. Three patients healed with conservative treatment, but one patient required debridement and skin graft. Initially 3 out of 4 patients with the burn had shown superficial 2nd degree burn with small blebs or bullae. However all 4 patients healed with scars. Mechanism of burn injuries of the denervated flap are known to be resulting from; 1) loss of behavioral protection due to denervation of flap with flap elevation and transfer, 2) loss of autonomic thermoregulatory control with heat dissipation on skin flap vasculature contributing to susceptibility of burn injury. 3) changes of immunologic and normal inflammatory response increasing thromboxane, and a fall in substance P & NGF (nerve growth factor). Including the abdominal flap donor site, sensory recovery of the reconstructed breast varies individually from 6 month even to 5 years postoperatively. During this period, wound healing is delayed, resulting in easier scarring compared to that observed in the sensate skin. Patients should be carefully informed and warned of possible burn injuries and taught to avoid exposure to heat source at least until 3 years postoperatively.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.575-583
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• 2013

Background The aim of lower-extremity reconstruction has focused on wound coverage and functional recovery. However, there are limitations in the use of a local flap in cases of extensive defects of the lower-extremities. Therefore, free flap is a useful option in lower-extremity reconstruction. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 49 patients (52 cases) who underwent lower-extremity reconstruction at our institution during a 10-year period. In these patients, we evaluated causes and sites of defects, types of flaps, recipient vessels, types of anastomosis, survival rate, and complications. Results There were 42 men and 10 women with a mean age of 32.7 years (range, 3-72 years). The sites of defects included the dorsum of the foot (19), pretibial area (17), ankle (7), heel (5) and other sites (4). The types of free flap included latissimus dorsi muscle flap (10), scapular fascial flap (6), anterolateral thigh flap (6), and other flaps (30). There were four cases of vascular complications, out of which two flaps survived after intervention. The overall survival of the flaps was 96.2% (50/52). There were 19 cases of other complications at recipient sites such as partial graft loss (8), partial flap necrosis (6) and infection (5). However, these complications were not notable and were resolved with skin grafts. Conclusions The free flap is an effective method of lower-extremity reconstruction. Good outcomes can be achieved with complete debridement and the selection of appropriate recipient vessels and flaps according to the recipient site.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.401-407
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• 2011

Purpose: A number of flap for nipple reconstruction have been well described in the literature. However, most of these techniques do not permit the reconstruction of a projecting nipple and all are hampered to some extent by long-term loss of nipple projection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term result and clinical efficacy of nipple reconstruction using skate flap technique after breast reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out on 23 patients who underwent 25 nipple reconstructions. In those patients with greater than 10 mm nipple projection, reconstruction with skate flap and full-thickness skin graft and/or tattooing was performed. Maintenance of nipple projection was then carefully assessed over one-year follow-up. The following factors were analyzed: type of breast reconstruction, type of areola reconstruction, followup period, decrease in nipple projection, complication, and whether secondary nipple reconstruction was necessary and/or performed. Results: Breast reconstructions were performed in 17 patients with free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, 3 patients with extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap, and 3 patients with expander and implant. The mean follow-up after nipple reconstruction was 17 months. Mean loss of projection were $17.0{\pm}13.99%$, $25.0{\pm}12.70%$, $30.0{\pm}12.57%$ and $30.8{\pm}12.49%$ at 3, 6, 9 months and over one year, respectively. The greatest decrease in projection was noted in the first 3 months following surgery. Conclusion: These results indicated that nipple reconstruction with skate flap showed about 70 percent of the projection achieved over one year postoperation. Therefore, the skate flap may be a reliable method of nipple reconstruction in those patients with greater than 10 mm nipple projection.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.583-588
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• 2010

Purpose: Angiosarcoma is a tumor of mesenchymal origin with an extremely high rate of metastasis and invasiveness. This tumor is notorious for its very poor prognosis, although surgical excision followed by radiation therapy is considered to be effective by many. The authors experienced three angiosarcoma patients with their tumors removed and wounds covered with split-thickness skin grafts and/or latissimus dorsi free flaps. Methods: Three patients were admitted to our hospital showed plaques of different morphology. Based on their medical records, these patients were classified by sex, age, type of reconstruction, recurrence, and further treatment after surgical removal. Results: All patients were male, with a mean age of 72 years (range, 66 to 77 years). Split-thickness skin grafts with latissimus dorsi free flaps were performed on two cases, and of these two cases, cervical lymph node biopsy was done in one case, and radical neck dissection was done in the other. In all cases, radiation therapy was done within two weeks of tumor removal. Distant metastasis occurred without local recurrence in two of the cases. Lung was the first organ affected by metastasis. In the remaining case, the tumor recurred locally 6 times, and additional excision was necessary. All patients died due to local recurrence and lung metastasis. Conclusion: Irregular margins and high recurrence and metastasis rates cause a poor prognosis in large angiosarcoma of the scalp. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be strongly considered in large angiosarcomas.