• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.742-747
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of mast cell and histamine as typical product of mast cell in ischemia-reperfusion injury of muscle flap using H2 receptor blocker and mast cell stabilizer. Methods: Thirty-five Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250-300 gm were divided into four groups; Group I: Control group without ischemia, Group II: Normal saline injection group with ischemia, Group III: Cimetidine injection group with ischemia, Group IV: Sodium cromoglycate injection group with ischemia. Well established single pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous(TRAM) flap was designed in all rats and were rendered ischemia by clamping the artery for 150 minutes. All injections were applied intramuscular around gluteal area 30 minutes before reperfusion. The flap survival was evaluated at 7 days after operation. Neutrophil counts and mast cell counts were evaluated 24 hours after reperfusion. Results: The difference of skin flap survival between control group and cimetidine injection group was not significant. In the normal saline injection group flap survival was markedly decreased compared to that of control group. The muscle flap survival was similar to the results of skin flap survival. The neutrophil counts were significantly decreased in control group and sodium cromoglycate injection group than normal saline injection group. The mast cell counts were significantly decreased in cimetidine injection group and control group than both normal saline injection and sodium cromoglycate injection groups. The protective effect of sodium cromoglycate was not seen in the skin flap, but the muscle flaps showed protective effects of sodium cromoglycate compared to normal saline injection group. Conclusions: It is suggests that commonly used antihistamine(H2 receptor blocker) has protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury to skin and muscle flaps by reducing neutrophil and mast cell. The mast cell stabilizer was not effective for skin flap but, possibly, for muscle flap.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.141-145
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• 2002

Rectus abdominis muscle free flap is widely used for breast reconstruction and soft tissue defect in lower leg but donor-site morbidities such as abdominal wall weakness, hernia, bulging are troublesome. Recently, to minimize donor-site morbidity, there has been a surge in interest in deep inferior epigastric perforator(DIEP) free flap preserving the anatomy of rectus abdominis muscle, fascia, and motor nerve. Between August of 1995 and September of 2002, topographic investigation of DIEP was performed during the elevation of 97 cases of TRAM free flap and 5 cases of DIEP free flap. There were 84 cases of breast reconstructions, 12 cases of lower leg reconstructions, and 6 cases of head and neck reconstruction. We could observe total 10 to 12 perforators on each rectus abdominis muscle below umbilicus. Among these, the numbers of large perforators(>1.5mm of diameter) were mean 2.1 in lateral half of rectus abdominis muscle, mean 1.2 in medial half, and mean 0.5 in linea alba and paramedian. DIEP free flap provides ample amount of well vascularized soft tissue without inclusion of any rectus abdominis muscle and fascia and minimizes donor-site morbidity. One perforator with significant flow can perfuse the whole flap. For large flap, a perforator of the medial row provides better perfusion to zone-4 than one of lateral row and, if diameter of perforator is small, $2{\sim}3$ perforators can be used. According to the condition of recipient-site, thin flap can be harvested. As DIEP free flap has many advantage, perforator topography will be useful in increasing clinical usage of DIEP free flap.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2006

Breast reconstruction provides dramatic improvement for patients with severe deformity. The reconstruction not only restores aesthetically acceptable breast for patients with mastectomy deformity but also recovers psychological trauma of 'losing feminity' after the cancer mastectomy. There are many options for breast reconstruction from simple prosthetic insertion to a flap operation using autologous abdominal tissue. The choice of operation method depends on the physical condition of the patient, smoking habits, and economic status. Among the many options, the method that uses the lower abdominal tissue is known as the TRAM (transverse rectus abdonimis myocutaneous) flap. Since the introduction of the TRAM flap in 1982 by Hartrampf, the art of breast reconstruction using lower abdominal tissue has been progressively refined to pedicle flap, muscle-sparinga TRAM flap, and recently there have been exciting and revolutionary changes associated with the adoption of the concept of perforator flap. This refined method of breast reconstruction utilizes lower abdominal tissue nourished by the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP). With the DIEP free flap, almost all of the rectus muscle and anterior rectus sheath are preserved and the donor morbidity is minimized. Different from previous flap methods using lower abdominal tissue, DIEP free flap method preserves function of the rectus muscle completely. 1) Understanding the entire progression of breast reconstruction methods using lower abdominal tissue is necessary for plastic surgeons; the understanding of each step of the exciting progression and the review of the past history of the TRAM flap may provide insight for future development.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.124-135
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• 2017

Background In cases of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) threatened by potential hardware exposure, flap-based reconstruction is indicated to provide durable coverage. Historically, muscle flaps were favored as they provide vascular tissue to an infected wound bed. However, data comparing the performance of muscle versus fasciocutaneous flaps are limited and reflect a lack of consensus regarding the optimal management of these wounds. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of muscle versus fasciocutaneous flaps following the salvage of compromised TKA. Methods A systematic search and meta-analysis were performed to identify patients with TKA who underwent either pedicled muscle or fasciocutaneous flap coverage of periprosthetic knee defects. Studies evaluating implant/limb salvage rates, ambulatory function, complications, and donor-site morbidity were included in the comparative analysis. Results A total of 18 articles, corresponding to 172 flaps (119 muscle flaps and 53 fasciocutaneous flaps) were reviewed. Rates of implant salvage (88.8% vs. 90.1%, P=0.05) and limb salvage (89.8% vs. 100%, P=0.14) were comparable in each cohort. While overall complication rates were similar (47.3% vs. 44%, P=0.78), the rates of persistent infection (16.4% vs. 0%, P=0.14) and recurrent infection (9.1% vs. 4%, P=0.94) tended to be higher in the muscle flap cohort. Notably, functional outcomes and ambulation rates were sparingly reported. Conclusions Rates of limb and prosthetic salvage were comparable following muscle or fasciocutaneous flap coverage of compromised TKA. The functional morbidity associated with muscle flap harvest, however, may support the use of fasciocutaneous flaps for coverage of these defects, particularly in young patients and/or high-performance athletes.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.211-220
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• 2009

Purpose: Even in a small levator resection for blepharoptosis, 10 ~ 13 mm of $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle and levator aponeurosis is resected. To solve the problem, $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle was detached from the superior tarsal border and conjunctiva, and the muscle with overlying levator aponeurosis was advanced on the upper tarsus as a composite flap. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle - levator aponeurosis complex advancement technique for the correction of blepharoptosis. Methods: Between 2003 and 2008, 107 patients(183 eyes) underwent the advancement procedure of the $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle - levator aponeurosis composite flap for blepharoptosis. The advanced composite flap was fixed 3 mm below the superior tarsal border and 2 ~ 3 mm of distal flap stump was left after trimming up to 5 mm. The results of the operations were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 35.2 years and 83 patients(145 eyes) were followed up for a mean of 16.7 months. 128 eyes (88.3%) showed a normal level of upper eyelid margin (MRD1 4.1 ~ 5.0 mm) or less than 1 mm ptosis (MRD1 3.1 ~ 4.0 mm). 10 eyes(6.9%) showed 1 ~ 2 mm ptosis (MRD1 2.1 ~ 3.0 mm). 7 eyes(4.8%) showed more than 2 mm ptosis which required secondary correction. About 80% of the 183 eyes needed no trimming of the flap stump with 5 ~ 6 mm of composite flap advancement and 20% had about 3 mm of the flap stump trimmed with 8 ~ 9 mm of composite flap advancement(shortening of the levator complex). Conclusion: $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle - levator aponeurosis complex advancement technique offers several advantages: There is no, or minimal, sacrifice of the normally functioning $M{\ddot{u}}ller^{\prime}s$ muscle; it is more physiological; it is reproducible and it is predictable - with gratifying results for blepharoptosis.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.326-328
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• 2011

Purpose: The anatomical anomaly of the rectus abdominis muscle and it's fascia is very rare. No case of the absence of the linea alba below the umbilicus has yet been reported. During breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap, we experienced one case of absence of linea alba. Methods: The patient was a 38-years old female who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap after Right modified radical mastectomy in June 2010. While the TRAM flap was being elevated, bilateral twitching of the rectus abdominis muscle occurred when electrocautery was applied, and we found the absence of the linea alba below the umbilicus. Results: When the rectus abdominis muscle was exposed, the linea alba below the umbilicus was not observed, and the bilateral rectus abdominis muscle was indistinguishably fused in a gross observation. In addition, bilateral twitching of rectus abdominis muscle was simultaneously observed as one muscle unit when electrocautery was applied. As with both rectus abdominis muscles was bluntly dissected with scissors, the scanty fatty tissues were observed between the both rectus muscles, and the bilateral rectus abdominis muscle was easily separated. The flap was transposed into the corresponding defect to make breast mound. Midline fascia was fixed to the posterior rectus sheath to reconstruct smilar anatomic linea alba. Abdominal defect was reinforced by suturing between remaining anterior rectus sheath. Conclusion: As the unexpected anatomical anomaly may affect the operation outcome, surgeons should be careful when they unexpectedly encounter the anatomical anomaly during an operation. Here, we report a rare case of absence of the linea alba seen at the time of pedicled TRAM flap elevation for breast reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.228-234
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• 2011

Purpose: Reconstruction of chest wall has always been a challenging problem. Muscle flaps for chest wall reconstruction have been helpful in controling infection, filling dead space and covering the prosthetic material in this challenge. However, when we use muscle flaps, functional and cosmetic donor site morbidities could occur. The authors applied and revised various partial muscle flaps and combination use of them to cover the prosthetic material for the chest wall reconstruction and evaluated the usefulness of partial muscle flaps. Methods: This study included 7 patients who underwent chest wall reconstruction using partial muscle flap to cover prosthetic material from 2004 to 2008. The pectoralis major muscle was used in anterior 2/3 parts of it leaving lateral 1/3 parts of it. The anterior 2/3 parts of the pectoralis major muscle were used while lateral 1/3 parts were left. In case of the rectus abdominis muscle flap, we used upper half of it, or we dissected it around its origin and then advanced to cover the site. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap was elevated with lateral portion of it along the descending branch of the thoracodorsal artery. If single partial muscle flap could not cover whole prosthetic material, it would be covered with combination of various partial muscle flaps adjacent to the coverage site. Results: Flap coverage of the prosthetic material and chest wall reconstructions were successfully done. There occurred no immediate and delayed post operative complications such as surgical site infection, seroma, deformity of donor site and functional impairment. Conclusion: When we use the muscle flaps to cover prosthetic material for chest wall reconstruction, use of the partial muscle flaps could be a good way to reduce donor site morbidity. Combination of multiple partial flaps could be a valuable and good alternative way to overcome the disadvantages of partial muscle flaps such as limitation of volume and size as well as flap mobility.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.133-143
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• 2021

Background Extensive research has been conducted on islet transplantation as a possible cure for diabetes. Islet transplantation in the liver via the portal vein has shown remarkable results, but numerous other recipient sites are currently being investigated. We aimed to show the effectiveness of using a muscle flap as a recipient site for islet transplantation. Methods Islet cells were harvested from 12 isogenic Lewis rats, and then diabetes was induced in another 12 isogenic Lewis rats by streptozotocin injection. In six rats, 3,000 islets were transplanted into gastrocnemius muscle flaps, and in the other six rats, the same number of islets were transplanted into the gastrocnemius muscle. The transplanted islet cell function between the two groups was compared by means of blood glucose tests, glucose tolerance tests, immunohistochemistry, and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results In the muscle flap group, blood glucose levels significantly decreased after islet transplantation. Blood glucose levels were significantly different between the two groups at 3 weeks after transplantation. The muscle flap group showed nearly normoglycemic results upon the glucose tolerance test, whereas the muscle group was hyperglycemic. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed positive results against insulin and glucagon in biopsies of both groups, and the islet cell density was higher in the muscle flap group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results. Conclusions Our results suggest that muscle flaps are promising candidates for islet cell transplantation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.34 no.11
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• pp.848-853
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• 2001

Background: Sternal infection or dehiscence after cardiac surgery through median sternotomy is rare. If suitable treatment is not performed for the complication, however, the mortality is high. For 12 patients with sternal dehiscence or infection, we performed wide excision of the infected and necrotic tissue and covered with muscle flap(s) to obliterate the mediastinal dead space. Material and method: Sternal infection or dehiscence occurred in 13 of patients who underwent cardiac surgery One patient, who died of cerebral infarction before the sternal complication was treated, was excluded in this study. The sternal wound complication occurred in 6 of patients with valve replacement and 6 of patients with coronary bypass surgery, respectively. Since 1991, 9 patients underwent definite surgical debridement and muscle transposition as soon as fever was controlled with closed irrigation and drainage. The necrotic tissue and bone was widely excised and the sternal dead space was eradicated with the single flap or the combined flaps of right pectoralis flap(turnover flap), left pectoralis flap(turnover flap or rotation-advancement flap), and right rectus muscle flap. Result : There was no mortality in 12 patients with coverage of muscle flap(s) for sternal infection or dehiscence The mean interval between the diagnosis of sternal complication and the myoplasty was 6.6$\pm$3.9 days. In 4 patients, one pectoralis muscle flap was used, and in 8 patients both pectoralis muscle flaps were used. For each 1 patient and 2 patients in each group, right rectus muscle flap was added. For the last 3 patients, a single pectoralis flap was used to eradicate the mediastinal dead space and the longer placement of the mediastinal drain catheter was needed. One patient, who had suffered from necrosis of left pectoralis flap(rotation-advancement flap) with subsequent chest wall abscess after coverage of both pectoralis flaps, was managed with reoperation using right rectum flap. Conclusion : Sternal dehiscence or infection after cardiac operation can be readily managed with wide excision of necrotic infected tissue(including bone) and muscle flap coverage after short-term irrigation of sternal wound. The sternal(mediastinal) dead space may be completely eradicated with right pectoralis major muscle flap alone.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.583-590
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• 2009

Purpose: In the cases of a vascular compromised condition in an injured lower extremity, soft tissue coverage with free tissue transfer presents a challenging problem to the reconstructive surgeon. For this reason, cross - leg flaps are still used in unusual circumstances. Advances in surgical technique has made the cross - leg free flap possible although it may require long operation time along with significant donor site morbidity. Therefore, a pedicled cross - leg muscle flap may be an alternative treatment modality when local flap or free flap is not possible. Methods: Twelve patients(9 males and 3 females) underwent the operation between October of 2001 and December of 2008. The patients' age ranged from 6 to 82 years. The unusual defects included the regions such as the knee, popliteal fossa, distal third of the tibia, dorsal foot, and the heel. Indications for the cross - leg gastrocnemius flap are inadequate recipient vessels for free flap(in eight cases), extensive soft tissue injuries(in three cases) and free flap failure(in one case). The muscle flap was elevated from contralateral leg and transferred to the soft tissue defect on the lower leg while both legs were immobilized with two connected external fixator systems. Delay procedure was performed 2 weeks postoperatively, and detachment was done after the establishment of the adequate circulation. The average period from the initial flap surgery to detachment was 32 days (3 to 6 weeks). Mean follow - up period was 4 years. Results: Stable coverage was achieved in all twelve patients without any flap complications. Donor site had minimal scarring without any functional and cosmetic problems. No severe complications such as deep vein thrombosis or flap necrosis were noted although mild to moderate contracture of the knee and ankle joint developed due to external fixation requiring 3 to 4 weeks of physical treatment. All patients were able to walk without crutches 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Although pedicled cross - leg flaps may not substitute free flap surgery, it may be an alternative method of treatment when free flap is not feasible. Using this modification of the gastrocnemius flap we managed to close successfully soft tissue defects in twelve patients without using free tissue transfers.