Reconstruction of a temporal scalp defect without ipsilateral donor vessel possibilities using a local transposition flap and a latissimus dorsi free flap anastomosed to the contralateral side: a case report

Scalp defects necessitate diverse approaches for successful reconstruction, taking into account factors such as defect size, surrounding tissue, and recipient vessel quality. This case report presents a challenging scenario involving a temporal scalp defect where ipsilateral recipient vessels were unavailable. The defect was effectively reconstructed utilizing a transposition flap and a latissimus dorsi free flap, which was anastomosed to the contralateral recipient vessels. Our report underscores the successful reconstruction of a scalp defect in the absence of ipsilateral recipient vessels, emphasizing the importance of employing appropriate surgical interventions without necessitating vessel grafts.

Resurfacing the donor sites of reverse sural artery flaps using thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps

Background@#The reverse sural artery (RSA) flap is widely used for lower extremity reconstruction. However, patients sometimes suffer from donor site complications such as scar contracture and paresthesia, resulting in dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcomes. This study investigated the characteristics of donor site morbidity associated with RSA flaps and described our experiences of dealing with complications by performing resurfacing surgery using thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps. @*Methods@#From April 2008 to August 2018, a total of 11 patients underwent contracture release and resurfacing surgery using TDAP flaps due to donor morbidity associated with RSA flaps. All affected donor sites were covered with a skin graft, the most common of which was a meshed split-thickness skin graft (six cases). @*Results@#Eight of the 11 patients (72.7%) suffered from pain and discomfort due to scar contracture, and seven (63.6%) complained of a depression scar. The donor sites were located 6.3±4.1 cm below the knee joint, and their average size was 140.1 cm². After resurfacing using TDAP flaps, significant improvements were found in the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) scores and the active and passive ranges of motion (AROM and PROM) of the knee joint. The LEFS scores increased from 45.1 to 56.7 postoperatively (P=0.003), AROM increased from 108.2° to 118.6° (P=0.003), and PROM from 121.4° to 126.4° (P=0.021). @*Conclusions@#Planning of RSA flaps should take into account donor site morbidity. If complications occur at the donor site, resurfacing surgery using TDAP flaps achieves aesthetic and functional improvements.

Reconstruction of a Complex Scalp Defect after the Failure of Free Flaps: Changing Plans and Strategy

The ideal scalp reconstruction involves closure of the defect with similar hair-bearing local tissue in a single step. Various reconstructions can be used including primary closure, secondary healing, skin grafts, local flaps, and microvascular tissue transfer. A 53-year-old female patient suffered glioblastoma, which had recurred for the second time. The neurosurgeons performed radial debridement and an additional resection of the tumor, followed by reconstruction using a serratus anterior muscle flap with a split-thickness skin graft. Unfortunately, the flap became completely useless and a bilateral rotation flap was used to cover the defect. Two month later, seroma with infection was found due to recurrence of the tumor. Additional surgery was performed using multiple perforator based island flap. The patient was discharged two weeks after surgery without any complications, but two months later, the patient died. Radical surgical resection of tumor is the most important curative option, followed by functional and aesthetic reconstruction. We describe a patient with a highly malignant tumor that required multiple resections and subsequent reconstruction. Repeated recurrences of the tumor led to the failure of reconstruction and our strategy inevitably changed, from reconstruction to palliative treatment involving fast and stable wound closure for the patient's comfort.

Reconstruction of a Complex Scalp Defect after the Failure of Free Flaps: Changing Plans and Strategy

The ideal scalp reconstruction involves closure of the defect with similar hair-bearing local tissue in a single step. Various reconstructions can be used including primary closure, secondary healing, skin grafts, local flaps, and microvascular tissue transfer. A 53-year-old female patient suffered glioblastoma, which had recurred for the second time. The neurosurgeons performed radial debridement and an additional resection of the tumor, followed by reconstruction using a serratus anterior muscle flap with a split-thickness skin graft. Unfortunately, the flap became completely useless and a bilateral rotation flap was used to cover the defect. Two month later, seroma with infection was found due to recurrence of the tumor. Additional surgery was performed using multiple perforator based island flap. The patient was discharged two weeks after surgery without any complications, but two months later, the patient died. Radical surgical resection of tumor is the most important curative option, followed by functional and aesthetic reconstruction. We describe a patient with a highly malignant tumor that required multiple resections and subsequent reconstruction. Repeated recurrences of the tumor led to the failure of reconstruction and our strategy inevitably changed, from reconstruction to palliative treatment involving fast and stable wound closure for the patient's comfort.

Calcifications on the Entire Legs of a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient

No abstract available.

Incidental Total Necrosis of a Successful Flap Due to a Secondary Operation after One Year

No abstract available.

Perforator Flaps after Excision of Large Epidermal Cysts in the Buttocks

BACKGROUND: Epidermal cysts are commonly occurring masses usually less than 5 cm in diameter, but in predisposed patients, epidermal cysts can grow relatively large due to chronic infection. METHODS: From June 2002 to July 2010, 17 patients received 19 regional perforator-based island flaps to cover defects due to the excision of large epidermal cysts (diameter >5 cm) in the buttocks. Eight patients had diabetes, and seven had rheumatoid arthritis. The pedicles were not fully isolated to prevent spasms or twisting. RESULTS: All the flaps survived completely, except for one case with partial necrosis of the flap, which necessitated another perforator-based island flap for coverage. There were two cases of wound dehiscence, which were re-closed after meticulous debridement. There were no recurrences of the masses during follow-up periods of 8.1 months (range, 6-12 months). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with large epidermal cysts and underlying medical disorders, regional perforator-based island flaps can be the solution to coverage of the defects after excision.

Oncological and Aesthetic Outcomes of Nipple-Areolar Complex(NAC) Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Women receiving mastectomy usually prefer a single-stage surgical procedure without the need for additional surgery. Hence, nipple sparing mastectomy was introduced, and the follow-up data on the aesthetic outcome and recurrence of breast cancer were investigated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study subjects comprised 22 patients who received nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction using the free transverse abdominal rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap between June of 2007 and June of 2012. The patients' aesthetic outcomes were measured with 2 methods for the objective result: Breast size measurements and breast volume calculation both at preoperative phase and postoperative 1 years phase. Also, the patients' satisfaction was evaluated at postoperative 1 year with the self-assessment questionnaire. Follow up check for assessing cancer recurrence was performed for an average period of postoperative 1063 days. RESULTS: First, in objective aesthetic outcome, there were no significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative results on both the breast size and the volume. Second, the patient satisfaction analysis scores were graded as very good in 15 patients (68.2%), and as good in 6 patient (27.3%). Most of the patients were very satisfied with our surgery method. Last, there was no local or distant recurrence in these 22 patients during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: In this study, the nipple-sparing mastectomy achieved satisfactory results for the breast scar and shape with a single-stage surgical procedure, and the cancer recurrence rate was not significantly different from that of the conventional mastectomy. Besides, the nipple-sparing mastectomy is more cost-effective than the conventional mastectomy since it reduces the need for additional procedures. However, we think that it is necessary to determine the long-term outcomes about the recurrence rate.

Reconstruction of a Severely Crushed Leg with Interpositional Vessel Grafts and Latissimus Dorsi Flap

We present a case of a near total amputation at the distal tibial level, in which the patient emphatically wanted to save the leg. The anterior and posterior tibial nerves were intact, indicating a high possibility of sensory recovery after revascularization. The patient had open fractures at the tibia and fibula, but no bone shortening was performed. The posterior tibial vessels were reconstructed with an interposition saphenous vein graft from the contralateral side and a usable anterior tibial artery graft from the undamaged ipsilateral distal portions. The skin and soft tissue defects were covered using a subatmospheric pressure system for demarcating the wound, and a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap for definite coverage of the wound. At 6 months after surgery, the patient was ambulatory without requiring additional procedures. Replantation without bone shortening, with use of vessel grafts and temporary coverage of the wound with subatmospheric pressure dressings before definite coverage, can shorten recovery time.

Breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap

Breast reconstruction with autologous tissue has been generally accepted as a reliable procedure, the preferred donor site being lower abdominal tissue. To sacrifice the minimal amount of muscle tissue and to reduce donor site morbidity, the concept of a perforator flap was applied to the fields of breast reconstruction, such as the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAp) flap. The DIEAp flap provides essentially the same soft tissue components as the transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap while significantly reducing harvesting of the rectus muscle from the abdominal wall, thereby minimizing donor site morbidity; which includes abdominal weakness, hernia, and postoperative pain, with decreased recovery time. However, there are some concerns about the tedious and risky dissection of intramuscular perforators, and the variable vascularity of the flap supplied by tiny perforators. According to our novel flap harvesting techniques, using bipolar electrocauterization for intramuscular dissection is useful in preventing injury to the tiny perforators. Including some fibers of rectus muscle and soft tissue without full isolation and skeletonization around the pedicles is also useful for prevention of vascular injury and intraoperative vessel spasms. Moreover, the flap must include 2 to 3 reliable perforators, regardless of lateral or medial rows, for prevention of postoperative fat necrosis. The superficial inferior epigastric vein can provide additional venous drainage. These surgical tips can aid in overcoming the pitfalls of the DIEA perforator flap in breast reconstruction. The DIEAp flap is an excellent choice for breast reconstruction. According to our experience, it has been shown to be a safe and reliable method for providing good results and patient satisfaction with minimal donor morbidity in breast reconstruction.

Buttock Augmentation with Elastomer Implants

PURPOSE: The buttocks region has been associated with allure and sex appeal for centuries. Gluteal implants enable buttocks remodeling in a way that is not possible in other methods. One of the reasons that render gluteal implant surgeries unpopular is the fear of complications, the main problems being seroma, wound dehiscence, extrusion, and a visible or palpable implant. The authors present the XYZ technique, which provides anatomical reference points to guide the intramuscular dissection procedure in a feasible and safe way, resulting in a lower complication rate. METHODS: The XYZ procedure was done for buttock augmentation on 8 patients from December 2009 to June 2010. Patient's ages ranged from 27 to 44 with a mean age of 36. Seven patients were applied the 250cc sized Elastomer implants with one patient 290cc sized implant. Preoperative marking was done with the patients in the standing position. Bisection of the gluteus maximus muscle was done at the midpoint thickness to create a plane for implant insertion, which is called the sandwich plane. RESULTS: The 8 cases were performed safely without major complications. However one patient had minor wound dehiscence, and was managed with conservative treatment. Another patient had a discomfort on the buttocks for a long time. The patients were followed up for average 6 months. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. CONCLUSION: In performing the XYZ technique for gluteal augmentation, the surgeon must split the muscle into two equal halves with anatomical reference points to guide the muscle detachment in a symmetrical way at an adequate depth. This method provides a guideline for the surgeon in determining the ideal plane during intramuscular dissection and gives predictable results with low complication rates. Intramuscular gluteoplasty with gluteal implants offers predictable, aesthetically pleasing results without contour irregularities and only a low incidence of major complications.

Removal of Microfat Graft in Lower Eyelid with Transconjunctival Approach

PURPOSE: Microfat graft is a common procedure for correcting tear trough deformity and dark circle. Because the tissue in this area is very thin, the grafted fat, sometimes, induces palpable lumps and uneven skin contour. When it happens, the surgical removal of the grafted fat is often needed. The authors made attempt of transconjunctival approach for removal, and this made infraorbital fat repositioning possible at the same time. METHODS: 15 female patients with history of microfat graft on lower eyelid, got operation for the grafted fat removal with transconjunctival approach from April of 2009 to July of 2010. The dissection was performed in accordance with infraorbital fat repositioning surgery. Through the transconjunctival incision, knotted fat on orbital septum and orbicularis oculi muscle was removed without damage on skin. After grafted fat removal, subperiosteal space was made 1~2mm below the inferior orbital rim by elevating periosteum. With preserving orbital septum, infraorbital fat was repositioned and anchored to subperiosteal space. Finally, transconjunctival incision was closed with absorbable suture material. RESULTS: 14 patients in the study showed satisfactory results. The problems like uneven skin contour and knotted fat mass, were all solved. In only one patient, incomplete correction was observed, as bulging on her right lower eyelid still remained. One patient complained of transient numbness on lower eyelid, but there was no specific complication other than this. CONCLUSION: The authors attempted the method of transconjunctival approach to remove former grafted fat in lower eyelid and reposition infraorbital fat simultaneously. Since the study brought great results, the method would be helpful to patients and surgeons.

A Case Report of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy During Breast Augmentation

PURPOSE: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a relatively uncommon type of stress-induced cardiomyopathy characterized by transient left ventricular regional wall motion abnormalities. Emotional and physical stresses play a key role in this type of cardiomyopathy in postmenopausal women. The current hypothesis is that the syndrome represents a form of catecholamine surge due to stress or epinephrine-mediated acute myocardial stunning. METHODS: A 44-year-old woman had suffered premature ventricular contraction following a cardiogenic shock during a breast augmentation surgery under enflurane anesthesia and tumescent solution infiltration. She was treated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation at a local clinic. Then she was brought to the Emergency Department of the authors' hospital. RESULTS: The woman's echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 20~25% with associated basal hyperkinesis and left ventricular apical ballooning. The patient was admitted to the ICU and required inotropic support for two weeks. The patient's condition dramatically improved, and her ejection fraction returned to 70%. CONCLUSION: It is believed that there were multiple triggering factors of the onset of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the woman's social and family history, including infiltration of a large volume of the tumescent solution and VPCs induced by enflurane anesthesia without premedication. The importance of careful history-taking, careful pre-operative consultation on psychological suffering especially for breast surgery, premedication before surgery, patient reassurance, and post-operative psychosocial and emotional assistance was again seen in this case.

A Case Report of Nail Bed Reconstruction with Digital Artery Perforator (DAP) Flap and Buccal Mucosal Graft

PURPOSE: Many fingertip injuries are associated with nail injury and it is hard to repair to original shape due to its unique characteristic. Mucosal graft is used for a defect of the nail bed injury. Hereby, we introduce a DAP flap and buccal mucosal graft, with which we could reduce the defect size of the injured fingertip and donor site morbidity at the same time, without any need for harvesting additional skin from other part of hand. Also, mucosal graft makes good cosmetic and functional outcome of nail. METHODS: This method was performed in a 56-year-old man with fingertip injury on dorsal side of left thumb due to electrical saw. First, DAP flap was performed on the injured finger to reduce the size of the defect of fingertip and cover the bone exposure. Second, nail bed part of the DAP flap was de-epithelized and buccal mucosal graft was done from left side of intraoral cavity wall. RESULTS: Flap and graft survived without any necrosis but some nail bed could not be covered with flap due to insufficient flap size. All wounds healed well and did not present any severe adversary symptoms. CONCLUSION: DAP flap with mucosal graft is an effective method that we can easily apply in reconstruction of fingertip injury. We suggest that the combination of the two procedures makes good functional and cosmetic outcome compared to the usual manner, especially in cases of nail bed injury without distal phalanx bone defect.

A Case Report of an Immediate Frontal Sinus Reconstruction Using an Outer Table Calvarial Bone Graft in an En Bloc Manner

BACKGROUND: In a frontal sinus reconstruction, the literature primarily recommends a surgical approach for definite treatment with the exception of for anterior wall fractures with no dislocation. Many studies have assessed a range of methods for the reduction of frontal sinus fractures. This paper presents a case, in whom the anterior wall of the frontal sinus was reconstructed using an outer table calvarial bone graft in an en bloc manner. PATIENT AND METHODS: A 36-year-old male visited the emergency room with a heavy injury to the forehead. He was diagnosed with fractures of the anterior and posterior wall of the frontal sinus. The neurosurgeon removed the fractured area and repaired the meninges. Afterwards, cranialization was performed and the opening of the nasofrontal duct was obstructed. After fixing the removed bone to its original location, all fragments of fractured anterior wall were purged out and the anterior wall reconstructed using an en bloc calvarial bone graft. RESULTS: In the post-operative 8 months period, there were no complications, the round contour of the forehead was expressed well and the patient was satisfied with the result. CONCLUSION: There are many methods for reconstructing the anterior wall of the frontal sinus. On the other hand, in cases of large fracture sites with many fractured bone fragments, en bloc harvesting of the outer table calvarial bone could be a better choice than making use of only plates and screws because this method shows a good results in terms of aesthetics with a low complication rate.

A Case Report: Correction of Facial Asymmetry using Mandible Angle Ostectomy in Patient with Previous Mandible Fracture

PURPOSE: After surgical interventions of mandible fractures, facial asymmetry can be occurred, and it leads to serious problems for patients. This can be solved by mandible angle ostectomy. METHODS: A 19-year-old male underwent percutaneous surgical intervention for left mandibular angle and right parasymphyseal fractures 3.5 years ago. The left angle was protruded compared to the other side. Using a percutaneous approach, 4.5x1cm sized piece of mandible angle was sawed off. For the right angle, intraoral approach was performed for angle ostectomy, and the angle was sawed off by a size of 4x1cm, using a pattern based on the piece from the left side. RESULTS: After surgery, no complications such as subcondylar fractures, refractures, insufficient corrections, secondary angle formations, hematomas, and transient nerve palsies were seen, and symmetric correction of mandible angles were done. CONCLUSION: In facial asymmetries due to mandibular fractures, mandible ostectomy could be a solution. Using the bone section from the contralateral side, measurement of the amount of bone sawed off was possible, and via percutaneous approach on the previously operated site with simultaneous scar revision, and intraoral approach for the contralateral side, cosmetically satisfactory result was obtained.

Chest Wall Contouring of Poland's Syndrome

PURPOSE: Poland's syndrome encompasses a constellation of congenital chest wall, breast, and upper extremity deformities. We would like to present several techniques, which may be combined if necessary, used to treat the forms involving both the breast and chest wall according to the degree of deformity. METHODS: In a retrospective series of 9 patients(3 men and 6 women), we report our experience with reconstructing breast and chest contour deformities associated with Poland syndrome. We recorded their age, gender, the surgical techniques, and the grade in Poland's syndrome according to the classification of Foucras. RESULTS: The breast and chest wall deformities associated with Poland syndrome can be treated in individualized fashion according to the classification of Foucras. In case of 3 male patients with gradeI, II, the latissimus dorsi muscle pedicled flap improved the chest contour deformity. 3 female patients with grade II underwent the latissimus dorsi muscle pedicled flap with breast implant. 2 female patients with gradeIunderwent breast reconstruction with breast implant and fat injection each other. One female patient with severe chest wall deformity(grade III) underwent breast reconstruction using the free TRAM flap. All patients were satisfied with the results without specific complications. CONCLUSION: The Individualized correction for this syndrome according to the degree of patient's deformity and preference made the overall satisfaction of the patients high.

Lateral Osteotomy with Sawing Technique in Open Rhinoplasty

PURPOSE: Lateral osteotomy is an essential step in the correction of nasal bony asymmetry. Direct visualization allows accurate repositioning of the nasal bones compared to blind techniques, which require precision and manual dexterity. We propose direct visualization procedures in open corrective rhinoplasty. METHODS: The technique was used on 16 patients. All patients underwent open rhinoplasty with a columellar incision. The marginal incisions were extended on either side to allow access to the piriform aperture. A double hook was used to caudally retract the lower lateral cartilages and the fibrous connections between the upper and lower lateral cartilages were released until the piriform aperture was visualized. Through the incision, lateral osteotomy was performed using a reciprocating saw at that time with direct visualization. Additional procedures including augmentation rhinoplasty, hump resection, septoplasty and tip plasty were performed simultaneously. RESULTS: This method provided excellent exposure to the lateral nasal bones and allowed the lateral osteotomy to be carried out precisely using the reciprocating saw. CONCLUSION: This extended open rhinoplasty method is suitable for most individuals, allowing a wide surgical field.

Usefulness of Venous Graft in Hand Injury

PURPOSE: In hand injury, pedicle is usually damaged by avulsion injury or crushing injury. Because of postoperative pedicle obliteration, it is often hard to save the injured hand and fingers, even after successful replantation. The author introduces three cases of extensive hand injury, and successful results after applicatoin of multiple venous grafts to these patients. METHODS: In all cases there was no circulation in any finger. In the first case, some vessels were extracted, so venous graft was applied to two sites of severely damaged venous sites. In the second case, venous grafts were applied to all four digital arteries of all fingers except thumb which got severely crushed, and two sites of dorsal veins. In the third case, venous graft was applied to all four digital arteries of all five fingers, and two sites of dorsal veins and palmar veins each. RESULTS: In all cases, survival of hands and fingers was successful. In the second case, however, amputation in thumb and little finger at DIP joint level was inevitable, because of its severe damage, and the large dorsal defect on index finger was filled with DIEP free flap. Thumb was reconstructed with toe-to-thumb free flap, and additional debulking procedures and contracture release is furtherly needed. In the first case, additional surgery was done, as FDP tendon got re-ruptured, but in long term follow-up, satisfactory range of motion was attained. In the third case, FTSG on dorsal skin region was planned. as flap on dorsal area got partial necrosis. CONCLUSION: In hand injury, there are many structures to be repaired, but sometimes venous graft is avoided for its long operating time. Even though the length of damaged vessel is enough for anastomosis, the endothelium is often damaged(zone of injury). In extensive hand injury, successful reconstruction would be possible with active venous graft to all vessels suspicious for damage.

A Trial of Radiesse(R) for Facial Soft Tissue Augmentation

Ideal charateristics of soft tissue fillers include longevity, biocompatibility, low adverse event profile and a reasonable cost. Radiesse(R) have many advantage as the desirable properties of facial filler. Authors introduce Radiesse(R) was recently introduced as a facial filler agent. Radiesse(R) was injected to 81 male and female patients in the study, using 27G fine needle. The age range of the patients was 22 to 48 years. The injected areas were nasal root, tip, nasolabial folds and jaw. We measured patient satisfaction scale during the period of follow up 2 to 6 months. The scale of satisfaction was good to excellent in 69 cases of 81 cases and fair in 9 cases of 81 cases. Patients satisfaction was poor in only 3 cases. Patients were observed no systemic effects but minimal adverse events which are leakage, nodule and subclinical inflammation. Radiesse(R) was highly effective, long lasting material for facial soft tissue augmentation. If a precise injection technique were applied, Radiesse(R) can be a very good option for real volumetric facial soft tissue augmentation.