Clinical analysis of factors affecting the failure of free flaps used in head and neck reconstruction

Background@#Free tissue transfer is the preferred method of reconstructing head and neck defects, with a success rate of approximately 95%. Although flap failure is uncommon, it has a major impact on patient morbidity and diminishes quality of life, making it is important to investigate the causes of flap failure. @*Methods@#This retrospective chart review analyzed patients who underwent free tissue transfer during head and neck reconstruction at a single institution between 2016 and 2021. @*Results@#During the study period, 58 patients underwent 60 free flap procedures. Revision surgery was needed in 14 patients. Subsequent free flap surgery was performed in one patient, and three free flaps (5%) could not be salvaged. Cardiovascular disease was significantly associated with flap failure, and venous congestion (thrombosis) was the most common reason for revision surgery. @*Conclusion@#Cardiovascular disease clearly emerged as a factor related to the failure of free flap surgery, and this issue warrants particular attention in patients for whom free tissue transfer is planned.

Malignant melanoma associated with a plaque-type blue nevus of the cheek: a case report

Blue nevi, which are characterized by collections of pigment-producing melanocytes in the dermis, have a variety of clinicopathological characteristics. Plaque-type blue nevus (PTBN) is a variant of blue nevi. PTBN presents at birth or arises in early childhood, and it shows a combination of the features found in common blue nevus and cellular blue nevus. It is typically found on the dorsal surface of the hands and feet or on the head and neck, and it is usually benign and stable over time. However, reports have occasionally described malignant melanomas developing in or associated with a PTBN. Malignant blue nevi are most commonly found on the scalp. We report the case of an 88-year-old woman with a malignant melanoma associated with a PTBN of the cheek.

Case report of unusual complication following thread lifting: an obstructive stone in the parotid duct

Advances in plastic surgery have included a shift toward less invasive procedures. To improve outcomes and avoid incisional surgery, numerous noninvasive face-lifting techniques have been studied. This includes thread-lifting, a technique that promises to correct facial aging with limited scarring, rapid recovery, and minimal complications. As the population ages, an increasing number of ordinary people in South Korea are undergoing thread lifting procedures for the purpose of rejuvenation. The procedure involves insertion of a thread under the skin into the subcutaneous tissue, using a long needle as a guide. Dents or barbs prevent the thread from slipping and provide uniform aggregation of soft tissue to create a new volume contour when the thread is lifted. This procedure has gained worldwide popularity and is frequently performed. However, some minor complications have been reported. In this paper, we report an unusual complication: an obstructive stone in the parotid (Stensen) duct after a thread-lifting procedure using nonabsorbable anchoring threads.

Does reduction of the oncologic safety margin for facial basal cell carcinoma result in higher recurrence rates?

Background@#Wide surgical excision is the gold standard for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) treatment. Typically, resection requires a safety margin ≥ 4 mm. We aimed to confirm BCC excisions’ cancer recurrence rate and safety on the facial region with new safety margins. @*Methods@#We included patients with primary BCC on the facial region who underwent wide excision with 2- or 3-mm safety margins at our institution between January 2010 and December 2018. Medical records were reviewed to confirm the epidemiology and surgical information. Recurrence was confirmed by physical examination through regular 6-month follow-up. @*Results@#We included 184 out of 233 patients in this study after applying the exclusion criteria. The mean age and follow-up period were 71.2± 10.2 years and 29.3± 13.5 months, respectively. The predominantly affected area was the nose (95 cases); a V-Y advancement flap was the most commonly used surgical method. There were two cases of recurrence in the 2 mm margin group and one recurrence in the group resected with 3 mm margins. @*Conclusion@#In this large cohort study, we found 2–3 mm excision margins can yield enough safety in facial BCCs. The recurrence rates were found to be comparable with those reported after wider margins.

Does reduction of the oncologic safety margin for facial basal cell carcinoma result in higher recurrence rates?

Background@#Wide surgical excision is the gold standard for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) treatment. Typically, resection requires a safety margin ≥ 4 mm. We aimed to confirm BCC excisions’ cancer recurrence rate and safety on the facial region with new safety margins. @*Methods@#We included patients with primary BCC on the facial region who underwent wide excision with 2- or 3-mm safety margins at our institution between January 2010 and December 2018. Medical records were reviewed to confirm the epidemiology and surgical information. Recurrence was confirmed by physical examination through regular 6-month follow-up. @*Results@#We included 184 out of 233 patients in this study after applying the exclusion criteria. The mean age and follow-up period were 71.2± 10.2 years and 29.3± 13.5 months, respectively. The predominantly affected area was the nose (95 cases); a V-Y advancement flap was the most commonly used surgical method. There were two cases of recurrence in the 2 mm margin group and one recurrence in the group resected with 3 mm margins. @*Conclusion@#In this large cohort study, we found 2–3 mm excision margins can yield enough safety in facial BCCs. The recurrence rates were found to be comparable with those reported after wider margins.

Epidemiologic study of hand and upper extremity injuries by power tools

BACKGROUND: Hand injuries caused by chain saws, electric saws, and hand grinders range from simple lacerations to tendon injuries, fractures, and even amputations. This study aimed to understand the distribution of various types of hand and upper extremity injuries caused by power tools, in order to help prevent them, by investigating the incidence and cause of power tool injuries treated over a 4-year period at a single institution in Korea. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who visited a single institution for power tool-induced injuries from 2011 to 2014. The distribution of sex, age, injured body part, type of injury, and mechanism of injury sustained by patients who received hand and upper extremity injuries from using an engine saw, electric saw, or hand grinder was evaluated. RESULTS: Among 594 subjects who were injured by power tools, 261 cases were hand and upper extremity injuries. The average age was 53.2 years. Tendon injury was the most common type of injury. An electric saw was the most common type of power tool used. More injuries occurred in non-occupational settings than in occupational settings. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, power tool-induced hand and upper extremity injuries were mostly caused by direct contact with electric saw blades. More injuries occurred due to non-occupational use of these tools, but the ratios of amputations and structural injuries were similar in the non-occupational and occupational groups.

Fasciotomy in compartment syndrome from snakebite

BACKGROUND: Local symptoms and signs of snake envenomation mimic the clinical features of compartment syndrome. It is important to measure the intracompartmental pressure to diagnose compartment syndrome. In this study, we present our experiences of confirming compartment syndrome and performing fasciotomy in snakebite patients based on high intracompartmental pressure findings. METHODS: The medical records of patients who visited the trauma center of Wonju Severance Christian Hospital from January 2010 to December 2015 for the management of venomous snakebite were retrospectively reviewed. Starting in 2014, fasciotomy was performed in patients with an intracompartmental pressure of more than 40 mmHg in addition to the clinical symptoms of compartment syndrome. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients with snakebite came to the hospital within 48 hours for treatment. Most patients (110 patients) were bitten at the upper extremities (69.6%). Since 2014, 33 out of 59 patients were suspected to have compartment syndrome, and their intracompartmental pressures were measured. Seventeen of those patients had a high intracompartmental pressure (average, 49.6 mmHg; range, 37–88 mmHg), and fasciotomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, as many as 10.8% of all cases were in need of fasciotomy when compartment syndrome was diagnosed by measuring the intracompartmental pressure. Previously, it was reported that fasciotomy was not required in many cases of compartment syndrome originating from snakebite. However, some patients may develop very severe compartment syndrome, requiring fasciotomy.

Dear members of the Korean Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association

No abstract available.

Reconstruction of cutaneous defects of the nasal tip and alar by two different methods

BACKGROUND: The alar and nasal tip are important subunits of the nose. Determining the optimal procedure for reconstructing a cutaneous defect in a nasal subunit depends on several factors including size, location, and involvement of deep underlying structures. We treated cutaneous defects after tumor ablation in the alar and nasal tip with a local flap, using an S-shaped design and a modified V-Y advancement flap with a croissant shape. METHODS: We analyzed 36 patients with skin tumors who underwent flap coverage after tumor ablation. Rotation flaps were used in 26 cases and croissant-shaped V-Y advancement flaps were used in 10 cases. The primary cause of the defects was skin cancer, except for one benign tumor. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 71 years. The size of the defects ranged from 0.49 cm² to 3.5 cm². No recurrence of skin cancer was noted and all flaps lasted until the end of follow-up. Partial desquamation of the epidermis was noted in one case. The postoperative appearance for most patients was excellent, objectively and subjectively. CONCLUSION: For cutaneous defects of up to about 4.0 cm² of the alar and nasal tip, local flaps using our methods offered a good cosmetic and therapeutic result. The main advantage of our flaps is the minimal dissection required compared to bilobed and other local flap methods. We believe our flaps are a suitable option for alar and nasal tip reconstruction.

Refinements of Adipofascial flap for Small Defects of Fingers and Toes: Indication and Surgical Tips

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of small defects of the dorsal fingers and toes is a challenging task. Although adipofascial flap is widely used for these areas, additional refinements are warranted. In this paper, we define the appropriate defect size in the finger and toes that can be treated with the adipofascial flap, refine its surgical indications and present a few surgical tips. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with dorsal defects of the fingers and toes were treated with a random-type adipofascial turn-over flap and skin graft. If the defect area exceeded the size that could be covered by a conventional design, the flap base was designed in oblique or curvilinear fashion to lengthen the flap. For accurate defect coverage, the width of the flap base was designed in an asymmetrical shape depending on the defect configuration, varying the width from 0.3 to 1.0 cm, as opposed to the standard 0.5 to 1.0 cm width. Moreover, the lateral limit of the flap was defined as the lateral axial line. The size of the defect ranged from 3.0×1.7 cm to 1.5×1.3 cm. RESULTS: All flaps survived completely. Gliding function of the hand was well preserved and there was no evidence of tendon adhesion. CONCLUSION: The small defect in the dorsal finger and toe can be defined as less than one phalanx-length, measuring about 3.0×2.0 cm in size. If the defect exceeds this dimension, it is recommended that a different option be considered. We believe the adipofascial flap is an excellent option for treating small defects.

Primary Cutaneous Mucinous Carcinoma Treated with Narrow Surgical Margin

Primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma (PCMC) is a rare malignant tumor of eccrine origin. Clinically, the carcinoma presents as a solitary, slow growing, and painless nodule. For this reason, this tumor is often considered to be a benign mass in the preoperative setting. The lesion is, however, malignant in nature and has a tendency for local recurrence and infrequent metastasis. Wide local excision is the treatment of choice. However, few reports exist with information regarding surgical margins and clinical outcomes. Herein, we report a case of PCMC excised with a narrow surgical margin and review the relevant literature. A 49-year-old man presented with a small cutaneous nodule of the right cheek. The mass was excised without any margin, but pathologic examination revealed histology of mucinous carcinoma. Because of this, the operative site was re-excised with a 5-mm margin, and the wound was closed using a V-Y advancement flap. Systemic work-up did not reveal other potential metastatic primary, for a final diagnosis of PCMC. We report this case of PCMC, treated with relatively narrow margin in a patient with good prognostic factors.

Panfacial Bone Fracture and Medial to Lateral Approach

Panfacial bone fracture is challenging. Even experienced surgeons find restoration of original facial architecture difficult because of the severe degree of fragmentation and loss of reference segments that could guide the start of facial reconstruction. To restore the facial contour, surgeons usually follow a general sequence for panfacial bone reduction. Among the sequences, the bottom-to-top and outside-in sequence is reported to be the most widely used in recent publications. However, a single sequence cannot be applied to all cases of panfacial fractures because of the variations in panfacial bone fracture patterns. In this article, we intend to find the reference and discuss the efficacy of inside-out sequence in facial bone fracture reconstruction.

Acellular Dermal Matrix to Treat Full Thickness Skin Defects: Follow-Up Subjective and Objective Skin Quality Assessments

BACKGROUND: There are several options for replacement of the dermal layer in full-thickness skin defects. In this study, we present the surgical outcomes of reconstruction using acellular dermal substitutes by means of objective and subjective scar assessment tools. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 78 patients who had undergone autologous split-thickness skin graft with or without concomitant acellular dermal matrix (CGDerm or AlloDerm) graft. We examined graft survival rate and evaluated postoperative functional skin values. Individual comparisons were performed between the area of skin graft and the surrounding normal skin. Nine months after surgery, we compared the skin qualities of CGDerm graft group (n=25), AlloDerm graft group (n=8) with skin graft only group (n=23) each other using the objective and subjective measurements. RESULTS: The average of graft survival rate was 93% for CGDerm group, 92% for AlloDerm group and 86% for skin graft only group. Comparing CGDerm grafted skin to the surrounding normal skin, mean elasticity, hydration, and skin barrier values were 87%, 86%, and 82%, respectively. AlloDerm grafted skin values were 84%, 85%, and 84%, respectively. There were no statistical differences between the CGDerm and AlloDerm groups with regard to graft survival rate and skin functional analysis values. However, both groups showed more improvement of skin quality than skin graft only group. CONCLUSION: The new dermal substitute (CGDerm) demonstrated comparable results with regard to elasticity, humidification, and skin barrier effect when compared with conventional dermal substitute (AlloDerm).

Efficacy of Early Application of Ablative Fractional CO2 Laser on Secondary Skin Contracture after Skin Graft

BACKGROUND: Ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser is widely used for the treatment of various scars including burn injuries. We applied ablative fractional CO2 laser on the skin graft scar of faces. METHODS: Fourteen patients between 2010 and 2013 who underwent facial skin graft were included in this study. The ablative fractional CO2 laser was applied to 7 patients in the laser therapy group. It was initiated at 5th week after the skin graft. Clinical photographs were taken, and Patient Scar Assessment Score (PAS) was obtained during every visit from a patient at the outpatient clinic and 4 weeks after the last laser treatment. In the untreated control group, clinical photographs and PAS were taken at 5th and 21st weeks after the skin graft. Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and Observer Scar Assessment score (OAS) was rated by single independent plastic surgeon with the clinical photographs. RESULTS: In the laser therapy group, VSS, PAS, and OAS improved after fractional laser treatment. In the untreated group, VSS was also improved by the natural process of scar maturation. However, the laser treated group showed significant improvement compared with the untreated group. CONCLUSIONS: The ablative fractional CO2 laser can be a viable option for the treatment of skin graft scar. Further study with sufficient patients and long term follow-up is necessary for definite conclusions.

Effectiveness of Helmet Cranial Remodeling in Older Infants with Positional Plagiocephaly

BACKGROUND: Management of positional plagiocephaly by wearing a cranial molding helmet has become a matter of growing medical interest. Some research studies reported that starting helmet therapy early (age 5 to 6 months) is important and leads to a significantly better outcome in a shorter treatment time. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cranial remodeling treatment with wearing helmet for older infants (> or =18 months). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 27 infants with positional plagiocephaly without synostosis, who were started from 2008 to 2012. Every child underwent a computerized tomography (CT) before starting helmet therapy to exclude synostosis of the cranial sutures and had CT performed once again after satisfactory completion of therapy. Anthropometric measurements were taken on using spreading calipers in every child. The treatment effect was compared using cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) and the cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI), which were obtained from diagonal measurements before and after therapy. RESULTS: The discrepancy of CVA and CVAI of all the patients significantly decreased after cranial molding helmet treatment in older infants (> or =18 months) 7.6 mm from 15.6 mm to 8 mm and 4.51% from 9.42% to 4.91%. Six patients had confirmed successful outcome, and all subjects were good compliance patients. The treatment lasted an average of 16.4 months, was well tolerated, and had no complication. Additionally, the rate of the successful treatment (final CVA < or =5 mm) significantly decreased when the wearing time per was shorter. CONCLUSION: This study showed that treatment by cranial remodeling orthosis was effective if the patient could wear the helmet longer and treatment duration was somewhat longer than in younger patients, well tolerated in older infants and had no morbidity. This therapeutic option is available and indicated in these older infants before other cranial remodeling surgery.

Effectiveness of Dual-Maneuver Using K-Wire and Dingman Elevator for the Reduction of Unstable Zygomatic Arch Fracture

BACKGROUND: The zygoma is the most prominent portion of the face. Almost all simple zygomatic arch fractures are treated in a closed fashion with a Dingman elevator. However, the open approach should be considered for unstable zygomatic arch fractures. The coronal approach for a zygomatic arch fracture has complications. In this study, we introduce our method to reduce a special type of unstable zygomatic fracture. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed zygomatic arch view and facial bone computed tomography scans of 424 patients who visited the Wonju Severance Christian Hospital from 2007 to 2010 with zygomaticomaxillary fractures, among whom 15 patients met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: We used a Dingman elevator and K-wire simultaneously to manage this type of zygomatic arch fracture. Simple medial rotation force usually collapses the posterior fractured segment, and the fracture becomes unstable. Thus, the posterior fracture segment must be concurrently elevated with a Dingman elevator through Keen's approach with rotation force applied through the K-wire. All fractures were reduced without any instability using this method. CONCLUSION: We were able to reduce unstable and difficult zygomatic arch fractures without an open incision or any external fixation device.

Effectiveness of Helmet Cranial Remodeling in Older Infants with Positional Plagiocephaly

BACKGROUND: Management of positional plagiocephaly by wearing a cranial molding helmet has become a matter of growing medical interest. Some research studies reported that starting helmet therapy early (age 5 to 6 months) is important and leads to a significantly better outcome in a shorter treatment time. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cranial remodeling treatment with wearing helmet for older infants (> or =18 months). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 27 infants with positional plagiocephaly without synostosis, who were started from 2008 to 2012. Every child underwent a computerized tomography (CT) before starting helmet therapy to exclude synostosis of the cranial sutures and had CT performed once again after satisfactory completion of therapy. Anthropometric measurements were taken on using spreading calipers in every child. The treatment effect was compared using cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) and the cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI), which were obtained from diagonal measurements before and after therapy. RESULTS: The discrepancy of CVA and CVAI of all the patients significantly decreased after cranial molding helmet treatment in older infants (> or =18 months) 7.6 mm from 15.6 mm to 8 mm and 4.51% from 9.42% to 4.91%. Six patients had confirmed successful outcome, and all subjects were good compliance patients. The treatment lasted an average of 16.4 months, was well tolerated, and had no complication. Additionally, the rate of the successful treatment (final CVA < or =5 mm) significantly decreased when the wearing time per was shorter. CONCLUSION: This study showed that treatment by cranial remodeling orthosis was effective if the patient could wear the helmet longer and treatment duration was somewhat longer than in younger patients, well tolerated in older infants and had no morbidity. This therapeutic option is available and indicated in these older infants before other cranial remodeling surgery.

Effectiveness of Dual-Maneuver Using K-Wire and Dingman Elevator for the Reduction of Unstable Zygomatic Arch Fracture

BACKGROUND: The zygoma is the most prominent portion of the face. Almost all simple zygomatic arch fractures are treated in a closed fashion with a Dingman elevator. However, the open approach should be considered for unstable zygomatic arch fractures. The coronal approach for a zygomatic arch fracture has complications. In this study, we introduce our method to reduce a special type of unstable zygomatic fracture. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed zygomatic arch view and facial bone computed tomography scans of 424 patients who visited the Wonju Severance Christian Hospital from 2007 to 2010 with zygomaticomaxillary fractures, among whom 15 patients met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: We used a Dingman elevator and K-wire simultaneously to manage this type of zygomatic arch fracture. Simple medial rotation force usually collapses the posterior fractured segment, and the fracture becomes unstable. Thus, the posterior fracture segment must be concurrently elevated with a Dingman elevator through Keen's approach with rotation force applied through the K-wire. All fractures were reduced without any instability using this method. CONCLUSION: We were able to reduce unstable and difficult zygomatic arch fractures without an open incision or any external fixation device.

Long-term Follow-up of Reconstruction of the Hand with a Temporoparietal Fascial Free Flap

PURPOSE: Soft tissue defect of the hand, which cannot be covered with skin graft or local flap, is usually reconstructed using a free flap. Temporoparietal fascial free flap is one of the best alternatives for functional reconstruction of the hand with exposed tendons, bones, and joints. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have experienced four cases of reconstruction using a temporoparietal fascial flap with a skin graft and followed up for 20 years. We conducted a retrospective review of the patients' clinical charts and photos. RESULTS: At the time of initial injury, the average age of patients was 50.3 (39~62) years. The radial artery was used for reconstruction of the dorsal side of the hand, whereas the ulnar artery was used for that of the volar side of the wrist. Short term complication such as skin graft loss and donor site alopecia occurred. However, during the long term follow-up period, no change of flap volume was noted, and full range of motion in the adjacent joint was maintained. In addition, hyperpigmentation of the grafted skin on the flap disappeared gradually. CONCLUSION: Selection of the optimal flap is important for reconstruction of the hand without functional limitation. We obtained satisfactory soft tissue coverage and functional outcomes using a temporoparietal fascial free flap and followed up for 20 years.

Proximal-type Epithelioid Sarcoma Arising in the Inguinal Area

No abstract available.