Exclusive tongue tip reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects using the underrated lateral arm free flap with bilobed design

BACKGROUND: Tongue reconstruction is challenging with the unique function and anatomy. Goals for reconstruction differ depending on the extent of reconstruction. Thin and pliable flaps are useful for tongue tip reconstruction, for appearance and mobility. This study reports lateral arm free flap (LAFF) as a safe and optimal option for hemi-tongue reconstruction, especially for tongue tip after hemiglossectomy. METHODS: Thirteen LAFFs were performed for hemi-tongue reconstruction after hemiglossectomy from 1995 to 2018. Of the 13 patients, seven were male and six were female, age varying from 24 to 64 years. RESULTS: All flaps healed uneventfully without complications. Donor sites were closed primarily. The recipient vessels for microvascular anastomosis were mainly superior thyroidal artery, external jugular vein. All patients returned to normal diet, with no complaints regarding reconstructed tongue and donor site. CONCLUSION: The LAFF is hairless, thin (especially with lateral epicondyle approach), and potentially sensate. They are advantageous features for tongue tip and hemi-tongue reconstruction. Donor site sacrifices the inessential posterior radial collateral artery, and the scar is hidden under short sleeve shirts. We believe that LAFF can be considered as the first choice flap for hemitongue reconstruction, over radial forearm free flaps.

Surgical Management of Localized Scleroderma

BACKGROUND: Localized scleroderma is characterized by a thickening of the skin from excessive collagen deposits. It is not a fatal disease, but quality of life can be adversely affected due to changes in skin appearance, joint contractures, and, rarely, serious deformities of the face and extremities. We present six cases of localized scleroderma in face from our surgical practice. METHODS: We reviewed six localized scleroderma cases that were initially treated with medication and then received follow-up surgery between April 2003 and February 2015. Six patients had facial lesions. These cases presented with linear dermal sclerosis on the forehead, oval subcutaneous and dermal depression in the cheek. RESULTS: En coup de sabre (n=4), and oval-shaped lesion of the face (n=2) were successfully treated. Surgical methods included resection with or without Z-plasty (n=3), fat graft (n=1), dermofat graft (n=1), and adipofascial free flap (n=1). Deformities of the affected parts were surgically corrected without reoccurrence. CONCLUSION: We retrospectively reviewed six cases of localized scleroderma that were successfully treated with surgery. And we propose an algorithm for selecting the best surgical approach for individual localized scleroderma cases. Although our cases were limited in number and long-term follow-up will be necessary, we suggest that surgical management should be considered as an option for treating scleroderma patients.

Absorbable Plate-Related Infection after Facial Bone Fracture Reduction

Absorbable plates are used widely for fixation of facial bone fractures. Compared to conventional titanium plating systems, absorbable plates have many favorable traits. They are not palpable after plate absorption, which obviates the need for plate removal. Absorbable plate-related infections are relatively uncommon at less than 5% of patients undergoing fixation of facial bone fractures. The plates are made from a mixture of poly-L-lactic acid and poly-DL-lactic acid or poly-DL-lactic acid and polyglycolic acid, and the ratio of these biodegradable polymers is used to control the longevity of the plates. Degradation rate of absorbable plate is closely related to the chance of infection. Low degradation is associated with increased accumulation of plate debris, which in turn can increase the chance of infection. Predisposing factors for absorbable plate-related infection include the presence of maxillary sinusitis, plate proximity to incision site, and use of tobacco and significant amount of alcohol. Using short screws in fixating maxillary fracture accompanied maxillary sinusitis will increase the rate of infection. Avoiding fixating plates near the incision site will also minimize infection. Close observation until complete absorption of the plate is crucial, especially those who are smokers or heavy alcoholics. The management of plate infection is varied depending on the clinical situation. Severe infections require plate removal. Wound culture and radiologic exam are essential in treatment planning.

Early Intervention for Low-Temperature Burns: Comparison between Early and Late Hospital Visit Patients

BACKGROUND: Various focal heating devices are popular in Korea under the cultural influence of the traditional ondol under-floor method of home heating. These devices can cause severe burn-like injuries resulting from device malfunction or extended with low heat contact. In addition to injuries under these high heat contact, burns can be occurred by low heat exposure with prolonged periods despite the devices are properly functioning. In order to develop strategies to reduce the duration of periods of illness due to low-temperature burns, we analyzed and compared treatment methods and therapeutic periods for this type of injury. METHODS: This retrospective study included 43 patients burned under low heat conditions. Patients were divided into an operative group and a conservative group. The patients in the operative group underwent at least one surgical excision, and were further subdivided into early and late visit groups. The conservative group was treated only with dressings. We compared the treatment periods between the operative group and the conservative group, and also compared the preparation periods and treatment periods between the two operative groups. RESULTS: The average treatment period was significantly shorter in the operative group (P=0.02). In the early visit operative group, both wound preparation and treatment were briefer than in the late visit group. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that early proper burn care and early surgical intervention, including appropriate excision, are feasible ways to reduce the treatment period of low-temperature burn patients.

A Case of Bilateral Trigger Thumbs Secondary to Aromatase Inhibitor

No abstract available.

Wire or Hook Traction for Reducing Zygomatic Fracture

BACKGROUND: Variable methods have been introduced for reduction of the zygomatic fractures. The Dingman elevator is used widely to reduce these fractures but is inappropriate in certain types of fractures which require atypical traction vectors. We introduce and examine an alternate method of reducing zygomatic fractures using wire and hook traction. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed for all zygomatic fracture patients admitted between 2008 and 2014. Medially rotated fractures were reduced by using a wire looped through an intermaxillary screw secured on the medial side of the zygoma. Laterally rotated fractures were reduced using a hook introduced through an infrazygomatic skin incision. RESULTS: No accidental bleeding or incomplete reduction was observed in any of the cases. Postoperative imaging demonstrated proper reduction immediately after the operation. Follow-up computed tomography study at 1 month after operation also demonstrated proper reduction and healthy union across the previous site of fracture. CONCLUSION: The hook and wire method allowed precise application of traction forces across zygomatic fractures. The fractured bone fragment could be pulled in the direction precisely opposite to the vector of impact at the time of trauma. Soft tissue damage due to dissection was minimized. In particular, this method was effective in reducing rotated bone fragments and can be an alternative option to using the zygoma elevator.

Expression of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2 Protein in Malignant Cutaneous Tumors

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) damages cell molecules, and modifies cell signaling. The nuclear factor E2-related factor (Nrf2) is a critical transcription regulator, which protects cells against oxidative damage. Nrf2 expression is increased in a large number of cancers. However, little information has been reported regarding the expression of Nrf2 in skin cancers. Hence, we explored the expression of Nrf2 protein in skin cancers. METHODS: The Nrf2 protein expression in 24 specimens, including 6 malignant melanomas (MM), 6 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 6 basal cell carcinomas (BCC), and 6 normal skin tissues, was evaluated by western blotting. Immunohistochemical staining was performed. The expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), the key regulator of Nrf2, was also analyzed by western blotting. RESULTS: Small interfering RNA transfection to the melanoma cell line G361 confirmed that an approximately 66 kDa band was the true Nrf2 band. The western blot revealed that the Nrf2 protein was definitely expressed in normal skin tissues, but the Nrf2 expression was decreased in MM, SCC, and BCC. Immunohistochemical examination showed that expression of Nrf2 was decreased in all skin cancer tissues compared to the normal skin tissues. Keap1 was not expressed in all malignant skin tumors and normal skin tissues by western blot. CONCLUSIONS: ROS was increased in various types of cancers which proteins were highly expressed or underexpressed. This study demonstrated that the expression of Nrf2 protein was down-regulated in human malignant skin tumors. We suggest that decreased expression of Nrf2 is related to skin cancers.

Investigation for Phlebitis Development by Peripheral Venous Catheter in Burn Patients

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to build an evidence for adjusting the guideline of our hospital for changing peripheral intravenous catheter interval from 72 hour to 96hour through the checklist based on the Hospital nursing association intravenous infusion therapy practice in burn patients who have special characteristics comparing with other patient. METHODS: From 9 July 2014 to 20 July 2014, 30 burn patients who need a peripheral intravenous catheter were enrolled. The catheter insertion site was observed 3 times a day and it was analyzed by the time passage. Phlebitis scale for Hallym medical center was used for the diagnosis of phlebitis. Phlebitis was reported from phlebitis scale grade 2. RESULTS: Peripheral catheter was removed in 10 patients (34%) for phlebitis scale grade 2. Among the patients, 8 patients had edema and 2 patients had erythema. There were only 5 patients (17%) who had maintained peripheral catheter for more than 96 hours. Most of the patients were given 5% dextrose fluid. Some patients had a high osmolar (883~1058 g) nutritional therapy during early post-burn period. CONCLUSION: In burn patient, peripheral venous catheter is usually inserted to the extremity area of which the vessel is relatively weak due to the burn wound and immobilization. And it was difficult to maintain the peripheral catheter for more than 96 hours. Because the burn patients should receive the hyperosmolar fluid and medications during the early post-burn period. Further investigation through comparing analysis should be performed for developing intravenous infusion therapy practice in burn patients

Addressing the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement in Archives of Plastic Surgery Reports

No abstract available.

Are Journal Articles Accessed More Times Also Cited More?

No abstract available.

Analysis of CrossCheck Data on Two Years' Worth of Papers Submitted to Archives of Plastic Surgery

No abstract available.

Scalp Reconstruction after Resection of a Large Recurred Proliferating Trichilemmal Tumor Using an Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap

No abstract available.

Risk Factors of Treatment Failure in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients

BACKGROUND: Some diabetic feet heal without complication, but others undergo amputation due to progressive wounds. This study investigates the risk factors for amputation of diabetic feet. METHODS: A total of 55 patients who visited our institution from 2008 to 2012 were included in the study. The patients with abnormal fasting blood sugar levels, lower leg vascularity, and poor nutrition were excluded from the study group, and the wound states were unified. The patients were categorized into a treatment success group (n=47) and a treatment failure group (n=8), and their hemoglobin A1C (HgA1C), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), and serum creatinine levels were analyzed. RESULTS: The initial CRP, WBC, and serum creatinine levels in the treatment failure group were significantly higher than that of the treatment success group, and the initial HgA1C level was significantly higher in the treatment success group. The CRP and WBC levels of both groups changed significantly as time passed, but their serum creatinine levels did not. CONCLUSIONS: The initial CRP, WBC, and serum creatinine levels were considered to be risk factors for amputation. Among them, the serum creatinine level was found to be the most important predictive risk factor. Because serum creatinine represents the renal function, thorough care is needed for the feet of diabetic patients with renal impairment.

Archives of Plastic Surgery Indexed in PubMed, PubMed Central and Scopus, and on the Road to Becoming an SCI(E) Journal

No abstract available.

Donor Site Morbidity after Sural Nerve Harvesting for Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction

PURPOSE: Although the sural nerve is the most commonly used donor for autologous nerve graft, its morbidity after harvesting is sparsely investigated. The sural nerve being a sensory nerve, complications such as sensory changes in its area and neuroma can be expected. This study was designed to evaluate the donor site morbidity after sural nerve harvesting. METHODS: Among the 13 cases, who underwent sural nerve harvesting between January 2004 and August 2009, 11 patients with proper follow up were included in the study. The collected data included harvested graft length, actual length of the grafted nerve, anesthetic and paresthetic area, presence of Tinel sign and symptomatic neuroma, and scar quality. RESULTS: In 7 patients, no anesthetic area could be detected. Of the patients with a follow up period of more than 2 years, all the patients showed no anesthetic area except two cases who had a very small area of sensory deficit (225 mm2) on the lateral heel area, and large deficit (4,500 mm2) on the lateral foot aspect. The patients with a short follow up period (1~2 m) demonstrated a large anesthetic skin area (6.760 mm2, 12,500 mm2). Only one patient had a Tinel sign. This patient also showed a subcutaneous neuroma, which was visible, but did not complain of discomfort during daily activities. One patient had a hypertrophic scar in the retromalleolar area, whereas the two other scars on the calf were invisible. CONCLUSION: After a period of 2 years the size of anesthetic skin in the lateral retromalleolar area is nearly zero. It is hypothesized that the size of sensory skin deficit may be large immediately after the operation. This area decreases over time so that after 2 years the patient does not feel any discomfort from nerve harvesting.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Wound Healing In Vivo via Early Activation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

We investigated the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on wound healing using a three-dimensional (3D) collagen gel scaffold. Three circular full-thickness skin defects were created on the back of Sprague-Dawley rats. One site was covered with a 3D collagen gel containing 2 x 10(6) MSCs (MSCs+/3D collagen+). Another site was replaced with a 3D collagen gel without MSCs and the third site was left empty. The wound size was significantly reduced in the MSCs+/3D collagen+ sites. MSCs+/3D collagen+ sites exhibited the most neovascularization. FISH showed that Y-chromosome possessing cells were found within the dermis of MSCs+/3D collagen+ sites. Gelatin zymography revealed that the most intense expression of MMP-9 was detected early in the MSCs+/3D collagen+ sites. Our results indicate that MSCs upregulate the early expression of MMP-9 which induces the early mobilization of VEGF. Thus, MSCs appear to accelerate significantly wound healing via early activation of MMP-9 and VEGF.

A Case of Dermoid Cyst in Temporal Fossa

PURPOSE: Dermoid cysts are benign neoplasms that are derived from both ectoderm and mesoderm. Approximately 7 percent of all dermoid cysts occur in the head and neck, as most common sites are the lateral ends of the eyebrows, the midline in the nasal root and neck. Rarely they can be found in the frontal sinus, temporal bone, maxilla and the floor of the mouth. Dermoid cysts in the temporal fossa are extremely rare. We experienced a characteristic dermoid cyst that occupied the temporal fossa. METHODS: A 16-year-old man had a progressive enlarging mass on the left eyebrow. Computerized tomographic scan showed a bulging mass in the temporal fossa, and it had the density similar to that of fat. The size of the mass was 3x3x2cm, and it was composed of high density of fat with clear margin. There was no bony invasion, but the mass was fixed on bone. RESULTS: We performed the surgery through coronal incision under general anesthesia. Because the mass was closely connected with temporal fat pads, we removed this mass with some portion of temporal fat pads, avoiding damage to the facial nerve. The postoperative course was ordinary without complication. CONCLUSION: The reports about dermoid cyst on the temporal fossa is uncommon. However, if there is a mass in the temporal fossa which has the density similar to that of fat in CT scan, we should consider the possibility of dermoid cyst. We suggest that excision through coronal incision with bewaring temporal fat pad can induce good result.

A Case of Fournier Gangrene after Penile Methamphetamine Injection / 대한남성과학회지

Fournier gangrene is a fulminant infection of the genitalia, perineum, or abdominal wall. It is a life threatening progressive disease that requires aggressive surgical therapy and broad spectrum antibiotic treatment. We present one case of Fournier gangrene after penile methamphetamine injection.

Various Applications of Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Free Flap

PURPOSE: The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flap is well known as an ideal donor site for the breast reconstruction. The flap can provide huge amount of fat tissue for breast and buttock contour, while it is also very useful as a thin skin flap to reconstruct the upper and lower extremities. We used a DIEP free flap in various site reconstructions besides the breast and would like to reinsure the usefulness of this flap. METHODS: Twenty nine consecutive patients who underwent DIEP free flap surgery from 2001 January to 2007 December were reviewed. The case constituted seven male patients and twenty two female patients. There were sixteen breast reconstructions, five face reconstructions, five lower extremity reconstructions, two upper extremity reconstructions, and one buttock contour reconstruction. All clinical data were based on the patient's medical records. RESULTS: All DIEP free flaps survived without major complications. There was no hematoma, seroma, or partial necrosis. The donor sites were closed primarily with linear scar on lower abdomen. The thinnest part of flap was 0.7cm in thickness. The size of the largest flap was 38 x 13 cm. The flaps were used in various types of skin and adipose tissue, adipose tissue only, and skin only according to the requirement of recipient site. CONCLUSION: The DIEP free flap was enough to provide a thin and huge flap for both breast and extremity reconstructions. It was able to provide versatile designs with sufficient adipose tissue. So we use it for 3-dimensional face and buttock contour reconstructions. The DIEP free flap is a valuable reconstructive donor for face, upper and lower extremity in addition to breast without compromising the integrity of abdominal wall.

Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects after Snake Bites

PURPOSE: Substantial tissue necrosis after snake bites requiring coverage with flap surgery is extremely rare. In this article, we report 7 cases of soft tissue defects in the upper and the lower extremities caused by snake bites, which needed to be covered with flaps. Among the vast mass of publications on snake bites there has been no report that focuses on flap coverage of soft tissue defects due to snake bite sequelae. METHODS: Seven cases of soft tissue defects in tendon, ligament, or bone exposure after snake bites were included. All patients were males without comorbidities, the average age was 35 years. All of them required coverage with a flap. In 6 cases, the defects were localized on the upper extremity, in one case the lesion was on the lower extremity. Local flaps were used in 6 cases, one case was covered with a free flap. The surgical procedures included one kite flap, one cross finger flap and digital nerve reconstruction with a sural nerve graft, one reverse proximal phalanx island flap, one groin flap, one adipofascial flap, one neurovascular island flap, and one anterolateral thigh free flap. The average interval from injury to flap surgery was 23.7 days. RESULTS: All flaps survived without complication. All patients regained a good range of motion in the affected extremity. Donor site morbidities were not observed. The case with digital nerve reconstruction recovered a static two point discrimination of 7mm. The patient with foot reconstruction can wear normal shoes without a debulking procedure. CONCLUSION: The majority of soft tissue affection after snake bites can be treated conservatively. Some severe cases, however, may require the coverage with flap surgery after radical debridement, especially, if there is exposure of tendon, bone or neurovascular structures. There is no doubt that definite coverage should be performed as soon as possible. But we also want to point out that this principle must not lead to a premature coverage. If the surgeon is not certain that the wound is free of necrotic tissue or remnants of venom, it is better to take enough time to get a proper wound before flap surgery in order to obtain a good functional and cosmetic result.