Vascular Augmentation in Renal Transplantation: Supercharging and Turbocharging

The most common anatomic variant seen in donor kidneys for renal transplantation is the presence of multiple renal arteries, which can cause an increased risk of complications. Accessory renal arteries should be anastomosed to the proper source arteries to improve renal perfusion via the appropriate vascular reconstruction techniques. In microsurgery, 2 kinds of vascular augmentation methods, known as ‘supercharging’ and ‘turbocharging,’ have been introduced to ensure vascular perfusion in the transferred flap. Supercharging uses a distant source of the vessels, while turbocharging uses vascular sources within the same flap territory. These technical concepts can also be applied in renal transplantation, and in this report, we describe 2 patients who underwent procedures using supercharging and turbocharging. In one case, the ipsilateral deep inferior epigastric artery was transposed to the accessory renal artery (supercharging), and in the other case, the accessory renal artery was anastomosed to the corresponding main renal artery with a vascular graft (turbocharging). The transplanted kidneys showed good perfusion and proper function. No cases of renal failure, hypertension, rejection, or urologic complications were observed. These microsurgical techniques can be safely utilized for renal transplantation with donor kidneys that have multiple arteries with a lower complication rate and better outcome.

Close-by Islanded Posterior Tibial Artery Perforator Flap: For Coverage of the Ankle Defect

PURPOSE: Soft tissue coverage of the distal leg and ankle region represents a surgical challenge. Beside various local and free flaps, the perforator flap has recently been replaced as a reconstructive choice because of its functional and aesthetic superiority. Although posterior tibial artery perforator flap (PTAPF) has been reported less often than peroneal artery perforator flap, it also provides a reliable surgical option in small to moderate sized defects especially around the medial malleolar region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven consecutive patients with soft tissue defect in the ankle and foot region were enrolled. After Doppler tracing along the posterior tibial artery, the PTAPF was elevated from the adjacent tissue. The average size of the flap was 28.08±9.31 cm² (range, 14.25 to 37.84 cm²). The elevated flap was acutely rotated or advanced. RESULTS: Six flaps survived completely but one flap showed partial necrosis because of overprediction of the perforasome. No donor site complications were observed during the follow-up period and all seven patients were satisfied with the final results. CONCLUSION: For a small to medium-sized defect in the lower leg, we conducted the close-by islanded PTAPF using a single proper adjacent perforator. Considering the weak point of the conventional propeller flap, this technique yields much better aesthetic results as a simple and reliable technique especially for defects of the medial malleolar region.

Pollicization of the Middle Finger

PURPOSE: Pollicization typically involves surgical migration of the index finger to the position of the thumb. This procedure facilitates the conversion of a useless hand into a well-functioning one in patients who are not amenable to the toe-to-hand transfer. However, middle finger pollicization has been rarely reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reconstructed a thumb by immediate pollicization of the remnants of the middle finger in two patients who sustained a tumor and a trauma, respectively. The former, after cancer ablation was performed, has not been reported literally, and the latter involved free devitalized pollicization of the middle finger using a microsurgical anastomosis. The distal third extensor communis tendon was sutured to the proximal extensor pollicis longus tendon and the distal flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus were sutured to the proximal flexor pollicis longus. The abductor pollicis brevis tendon was sutured to the distal end of the first palmar interosseous muscle. Coaptation of the third digital nerve and the superficial radial nerve branch was performed. RESULTS: Patients showed uneventful postoperative courses without complication such as infection or finger necrosis. Based on the principles of pollicization, a wide range of pinch and grasp movements was successfully restored. They were pleased with the functional and cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: Although the index finger has been the digit of choice for pollicization, we could also use the middle finger on specific occasions. This procedure provides an excellent option for the reconstruction of a mutilated thumb and could be performed advantageously in a single step.

Four Flaps Technique for Neoumbilicoplasty

The absence or disfigurement of the umbilicus is both cosmetically and psychologically distressing to patients. The goal of aesthetically pleasing umbilical reconstruction is to create a neoumbilicus with sufficient depth and good morphology, with natural-looking superior hooding and minimal scarring. Although many reports have presented techniques for creating new and attractive umbilici, we developed a technique that we term the "four flaps technique" for creating a neoumbilicus in circumstances such as the congenital absence of the umbilicus or the lack of remaining umbilical tissue following the excision of a hypertrophic or scarred umbilicus. This method uses the neighboring tissue by simply elevating four flaps and can yield sufficient depth and an aesthetically pleasing shape with appropriate superior hooding.

Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh Flaps for Reconstruction of Recurrent Trochanteric Pressure Ulcer

The reconstruction of recurrent pressure sores is challenging due to a limited set of treatment options and a high risk of flap loss. Successful treatment requires scrupulous surgical planning and a multidisciplinary approach. Although the tensor fascia lata flap is regarded as the standard treatment of choice-it provides sufficient tissue bulk for a deep trochanteric sore defect-plastic surgeons must always consider the potential of recurrence and accordingly save the second-best tissues. With the various applications of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps in the reconstructive field, we report two cases wherein an alternative technique was applied, whereby pedicled ALT fasciocutaneous island flaps were used to cover recurrent trochanteric pressure sores. The postoperative course was uneventful without any complications. The flap provided a sound aesthetic result without causing a dog-ear formation or damaging the lower-leg contour. This flap was used as an alternative to myocutaneous flaps, as it can cover a large trochanteric defect, recurrence is minimized, and the local musculature and lower-leg contour are preserved.

Glomus Tumor of the Hand

BACKGROUND: Glomus tumors were first described by Wood in 1812 as painful subcutaneous tubercles. It is an uncommon benign neoplasm involving the glomus body, an apparatus that involves in thermoregulation of cutaneous microvasculature. Glomus tumor constitutes 1%-5% of all hand tumors. It usually occurs at the subungual region and more commonly in aged women. Its classical clinical triad consists of pain, tenderness and temperature intolerance, especially cold sensitivity. This study reviews 15 cases of glomus tumor which were analyzed according to its anatomic location, surgical approach and histologic findings. METHODS: Fifteen patients with subungual glomus tumors of the hand operated on between January 2006 and March 2013, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were evaluated preoperatively with standard physical examination including ice cube test and Love's test. Diagnostic imaging consisted of ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. All procedures were performed with tourniquet control under local anesthesia. Eleven patients underwent excision using the transungual approach, 3 patients using the volar approach and 1 patient using the lateral subperiosteal approach. RESULTS: Total of 15 cases were reviewed. 11 tumors were located in the nail bed, 3 in the volar pulp and 1 in the radial aspect of the finger tip. After complete excision, patients remained asymptomatic in the immediate postoperative period. In the long term follow up, patients exhibited excellent cosmetic results with no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate diagnosis should be made by physical, radiologic and pathologic examinations. Preoperative localization and complete extirpation is essential in preventing recurrence and subsequent nail deformity.

Surgical Resection of Acquired Vulvar Lymphangioma Circumscriptum

No abstract available.

Intratendinous Ganglion of the Extensor Digitorum Tendon

Ganglion cyst is the most common benign tumor arising from the hand and wrist. Rarely, they are found within the tendon. To date, only 10 cases in English papers and 7 cases in domestic papers on ganglion cysts in extensor digitorum tendons have been reported. Due to the rarity of this entity, it is difficult to suspect intratendinous ganglion fully based on the physical examination. Accordingly, preoperative studies such as ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging are recommended when suspicious result is revealed on the physical examination. Treatment should include en bloc resection of the affected tendon to reduce recurrence. But functional loss always has to be considered. This study reports two cases of intratendinous ganglion cysts that arised from the second and fourth extensor digitorum tendon.

Diagnosing Micro Foreign Bodies with the Microscope

The microscope is a surgical instrument with wide use in plastic surgeries more often than other departments due to the high rate of microscopic surgeries. Unfortunately, because the microscope is used mainly for digital replantations and free flaps, the utilization rate is low compared to the price and usability of the microscope itself. From September 2013 to March 2014, a foreign body which was untraceable with radiology in a patient who desired surgical exploration (one case), and a foreign body which was detected but was smaller than 3 mm (two cases) were removed using the microscope. All foreign bodies, which were fish bone, thin metals, or wooden objects, matching the history of the patients, were completely removed without damage. There were no complications and patient satisfaction was high through follow-up. We have described the microscope as the last and optimal examination tool in removal of micro foreign bodies. A simple change of thought, so that the microscope can be used as a second diagnostic tool will decrease complications by foreign bodies.

A Rare Case of Multifocal Giant Gell Tumor of the Tendon Sheath Involving Both the Hand and the Foot

No abstract available.

Reverse Dorsalis Pedis Flap Based on the Distal Communicating Artery of the Dorsalis Pedis Artery for the Reconstruction of the Forefoot Defect

A 31-year-old female patient presented with a skin and soft tissue defect measuring 8x6 cm in size with exposure of the extensor hallucis longus tendon and the first metatarsal bone after metatarsal lengthening for brachymetatarsia. The defect was covered with a distally based dorsalis pedis flap based on the distal communicating branch of the dorsalis pedis artery. Secondary defect was covered by a split thickness skin graft. There was congestion of the flap tip after the operation; however, it was resolved using medical leeches and anti-coagulants. No necrosis or infection was encountered and the contour of the flap was satisfactory. There was no donor site morbidity. Reverse dorsalis pedis flap has not been commonly used due to the anatomical variation and uncertainty, which is different from the reverse radial forearm flap. However, when faced with the challenge of a moderate soft tissue defect of the distal forefoot, we believe that the reverse dorsalis pedis flap offers a good option with various advantages.

K-Wire Breakage During Metalware Removal Due to a Defective K-Wire Shaft

No abstract available.

Unifocal Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of Frontal Bone in a Child

Lateral eyebrow mass with primary skull lesion are rare in pediatric population. Although epidermoid cyst and dermoid cyst are the most commonly encountered skull lesions in pediatric population, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is rarely reported. We report a case of LCH arising from the lateral eyebrow with osteolytic lesion involving the frontal bone. A 5-year-old boy was presented with a hard, fixed mass in his lateral eyebrow. Contrast magnetic resonance imaging revealed inhomogeneous enhancement of the mass with direct invasion of the frontal bone and adjacent dura mater. Under general anesthesia, linear incision at the lateral eyebrow region was made. Intraoperative evaluation revealed hard, fixed and well-defined soft tissue mass. The final extirpated mass was 2.5 x 2.4 cm in size, and was accompanied by a 1 x 1 cm sized defect on the frontal bone with intact dura mater. The surgical wound was closed primarily by a layer-by-layer fashion. Histologic examination was later performed for definite diagnosis. The histologic examination revealed abnormal proliferation of Langerhans cell with granuloma formation. Radionuclide bone scan and positron emission tomography was taken and revealed free of multi-organ involvement. At 3 months after surgery, natural looking contour at the lateral eyebrow region was observed with no tumor recurrence. Differential diagnosis of the hard and fixed mass at the lateral eyebrow region affecting the primary skull lesion from pediatric population includes epidermoid cyst, dermoid cyst and LCH. Generally, brief physical examination with plain X-ray view can be performed for clinical evaluation, but for a definite diagnosis, contrast MRI may be helpful.

Convenient Suture Technique for Pediatric Facial Lacerations

PURPOSE: Lacerations requiring formal wound closure compose a significant number of all childhood injuries presenting to the emergency department. The problem with conventional suture technique are that suture removal is quite cumbersome, especially in children. Unwanted soft tissue damage can result in the process of suture removal, which calls for sedation, stressful for both medical personnel and child. The purpose of this study is to introduce the convenient suture technique for pediatric facial lacerations. METHODS: Children under the age of four, presenting to the emergency department with facial lacerations were enrolled in the study. From March 2008 to June 2009, 63 patients (41 males and 22 females) with an average age of 1.4 years were treated with our convenient suture technique using utilized a loop suspended above a double, flat tie. Clean, tension free wounds were treated with our technique, wounds with significant skin defect and concomitant fractures were excluded. RESULTS: The Patients were followed-up in 1, 3 and 5 days postoperatively. On the third hospital visit, suture removal was done by simply cutting the loop suspended above the wound margin and gently pulling the thread with forceps. There were no significant differences in the rates of infection and dehiscence compared with conventional suture technique. CONCLUSION: The use of our technique was to be simple with similar operative time compared with conventional suture technique. Removal of suture materials were easy without unwanted injuries to the surrounding tissue which resulted in less discomfort for the patient and greater parental satisfaction, minimized the complications. It can be considered as a viable alternative in the repair of pediatric facial lacerations.

In-vivo Studies on Effect of Lipo-PGE1 on Neoangiogenesis of Composite Graft in a Rabbit Model

PURPOSE: The survival of composite graft is dependent on three steps, (1) plasmatic imbibitions, (2) inosculation, and (3) neovascularization. Among the many trials to increase the survival rate of composite graft, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) has beneficial effects on the microcirculatory level with vasodilating, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and neoangiogenic properties. Lipo-PGE1 which is lipid microspheres containing PGE1 had developed to compensate the systemic and local side effects of PGE1. This study was proposed to determine whether Lipo-PGE1 administration enhanced the survival of composite graft through neovascularization quantitatively in a rabbit ear model. METHODS: Fourteen New Zealand White Rabbits each weighing 3~4 kg were divided in two groups: (1) intravenous Lipo-PGE1 injection group and (2) control group. A 2 x 1 cm sized, full-thickness rectangular composite graft was harvested in each auricle. Then, the graft was reaaproximated in situ using a 5-0 nylon suture. For the experimental group, 3 microgram/kg/day of Lipo-PGE1 (5 microgram/mL) was administered intravenously through the marginal vein of the ear for 14 days. The control group was received no pharmacologic treatment. On the 14th postoperative day, composite graft of the ear was harvested and immunochemistry staining used Monoclonal mouse anti-CD 31 antibody was performed. Neoangiogenesis was quantified by counting the vessels that showed luminal structures surrounded by the brown color-stained epithelium and counted from 10 random high-power fields (400x) by independent blinded observer. Statistical analysis (Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test for nonparametric data) was performed using SPSS v12.0, with values of p<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: The mean number of the microvessels was 15.48 +/- 8.65 in the experimental group and 9.82 +/- 7.25 in the control group (p=0.028). CONCLUSION: The use of Lipo-PGE1 facilitated the neoangiogenesis, resulted in the improvement of the survival rate of graft. On the basis of this results, we could support wider application of Lipo-PGE1 for more effective therapeutic angiogenesis and successful survival in various cases of composite graft in the human.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction with DIEP Free Flap

In the past decade, there has been increasing breast reconstructions after mastectomy, and the abdomen has been the gold standard for donor site. TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), MSTRAM (muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator), SIEA (superficial inferior epigastric artery) flap has been widely used nowadays. Among them, DIEP free flap spares the whole rectus abdominis muscle and anterior rectus sheath resulting in decreased donor site morbidity. Between March of 2006 and February of 2008, six patients had undergone immediate breast reconstructions using DIEP free flap. The mean age of patients was 48.5 years. All patients had unilateral breast reconstructions. We dissected two perforators which were included in the unilateral pedicle. Thoracodorsal artery and its venae comitantes were chosen as recipient vessels. For venous anastomosis, we used the GEM Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler System (Synovis Micro Companies Alliance, Inc., Birmingham, Ala.) in four cases. All flaps were survived completely except one who showed fatty abdomen in old age. She showed repetitive vascular spasm intraoperatively. None of the patients had abdominal hernia, bulge or weakness. We believe that DIEP free flap provides a reliable method for autologous breast reconstruction if the patients are selected appropriately and performed by a skillful surgeon.

Reliability of the Anterior Thigh Free Flap for Reconstruction of the Extremities

With the advent of microsurgery, perforator free flap is nowadays considered the first choice for reconstruction of the extensive defect of the extremities because of their moderate thickness. Among them, anterior (anterolateral and anteromedial) thigh perforator free flaps provide the first choice for reconstruction of various soft tissue defects of the extremities with many advantage such as its large, uniform thickness, long vascular pedicle with proper vessel size and minimal donor site morbidity. But, it has still some criticism of unreliable perforators which makes us very careful in elevating the flap. Between March of 2006 and February of 2007, we treated 7 patients of soft tissue defects in the hand and lower extremities with anterior thigh perforator free flap at Hallym and DongGuk University Hospital. We performed 6 anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) and 1 anteromedial thigh perforator free flap based on the innominate branch of the LCFA. While approaching for the anterolateral thigh free flap, we happen to meet the cases which we should change into the anteromedial thigh free flap uneventfully on the operating field. In contrast to the original design of anterolateral thigh free flap, we had to harvest the anteromedial thigh perforator free flap in 1 case. All the anterior thigh perforator free flaps survived completely except 1 case of partial necrosis due to venous congestion. Donor sites were closed primarily and healed uneventfully within 2 weeks. Patients were satisfied with the functionally and aesthetically acceptable results. Although doppler sonography is strongly recommended preoperatively in planning the anterior thigh perforator free flaps, we should always remember the variation in vascular anatomy and be ready to change the flap choice from the anterolateral to anteromedial intraoperatively. we provide a review of the literature and present our series of anterior thigh perforator free flaps for reconstruction of the extremities.

Correction of Syndactyly using Pentagonal Flap with Minimal Skin Graft

PURPOSE: The key of treatment in syndactyly is to separate the fused digits safely, and to create a normal web space with enough cutaneous coverage. Despite many techniques have described the correction of syndactyly, skin graft still remains the annoying one. We designed the pentagonal flap from hand dorsum to reconstruct the web space reliably and try to minimize the need for skin graft. METHODS: Between July 2003 and August 2005, six cases of syndactyly were corrected at UCLA Medical Center and Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital using dorsal pentagonal flap for web space reconstruction and straight incisions for the sides of digits to minimize the need for skin graft. The proximal edge of the pentagonal flap was designed in V shape to allow for easy closure of the donor site after advancement. The pentagonal flap was advanced volarly with the underlying dermofat tissues to form a digital web. In some cases, skin defects were unavoidable and covered with full thickness skin graft from the inguinal area. RESULTS: Syndactyly were seen in 4 cases of Apert syndrome, 1 postburn scar webbing with PIP joint contracture and 1 recurrence after the incomplete reconstruction. In all Apert syndrome, straight line incision was used along the sides of the fingers and skin graft was needed. But, in 2 cases of incomplete type, we could save the need for skin graft only for the correction of syndactyly. We could get a good looking web space without any complications such as flap or graft loss. CONCLUSION: As a modification of Sherif's V-Y dorsal metacarpal flap, we believe pentagonal flap could be one of the easiest and safest way to reconstruct the web space of syndactyly in functional and cosmetic standpoint.

Correction of Syndactyly using Pentagonal Flap with Minimal Skin Graft

PURPOSE: The key of treatment in syndactyly is to separate the fused digits safely, and to create a normal web space with enough cutaneous coverage. Despite many techniques have described the correction of syndactyly, skin graft still remains the annoying one. We designed the pentagonal flap from hand dorsum to reconstruct the web space reliably and try to minimize the need for skin graft. METHODS: Between July 2003 and August 2005, six cases of syndactyly were corrected at UCLA Medical Center and Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital using dorsal pentagonal flap for web space reconstruction and straight incisions for the sides of digits to minimize the need for skin graft. The proximal edge of the pentagonal flap was designed in V shape to allow for easy closure of the donor site after advancement. The pentagonal flap was advanced volarly with the underlying dermofat tissues to form a digital web. In some cases, skin defects were unavoidable and covered with full thickness skin graft from the inguinal area. RESULTS: Syndactyly were seen in 4 cases of Apert syndrome, 1 postburn scar webbing with PIP joint contracture and 1 recurrence after the incomplete reconstruction. In all Apert syndrome, straight line incision was used along the sides of the fingers and skin graft was needed. But, in 2 cases of incomplete type, we could save the need for skin graft only for the correction of syndactyly. We could get a good looking web space without any complications such as flap or graft loss. CONCLUSION: As a modification of Sherif's V-Y dorsal metacarpal flap, we believe pentagonal flap could be one of the easiest and safest way to reconstruct the web space of syndactyly in functional and cosmetic standpoint.

Reconstruction of Ischial Pressure Sore by Using Posterior Thigh Transposition Flap

The area overlying the ischium is a frequent site for the development and recurrence of pressure sores because they directly overlie the points of maximum pressure on the sitting surface. Furthermore, they are frequently complicated by abnormal lesional bursae, or by extension, fistula toward the perineum or peritoneal cavity. In all cases of the ischial pressure sores, total en bloc excision of the ulceration, underlying bony prominence with immediate closure, and healthy, well-vascularized soft tissue is required to obtain the satisfactory result. It is well known that the choice of the treatment of the ischial pressure sore is the gluteal or posterior thigh flap. There have been many reports on the reconstruction of the ischial pressure sores such as cases involving the fasciocutaneous flap, muscle and musculocutaneous flaps, V-Y advancement flaps, rotation flaps, and long random flaps. In spite of these varieties, the recurrence of the ischial pressure sore after treatment still remains about seventy-five percent according to Conway and Griffith.9 Consequently, any surgical plane for ischial pressure sores must provide a stable, durable soft tissue cover that can be reused in the event of recurrence. From February to December 2002, we have performed the reconstruction of the ischial pressure sores on the posterior thigh's transposition flap in order to get following advantages: simplicity of the operation, sufficiency of padding with skin flap, preservation of the adjacent normal tissues and the capability of recycling this same flap in case of recurrences. Its design is somewhat different from and more extended widely than that of the gluteal or posterior thigh flap. This flap was elevated above the deep fascia to be cutaneous with appropriate backcut incision; some perforators from the inferior gluteal artery were also preserved. We present some cases of ischial pressure sores treated with a laterally based posterior thigh transposition flap herein. Therefore, the need to perform repetitive surgery in the future must be considered so that the maximum number of reconstructive options can be preserved. Although the follow-up period has not always been satisfactory, we have not had any serious complications in these patients until recently.