Changes in Korean National Healthcare Insurance Policy and Breast Cancer Surgery Trend in Korea

Background@#Since April 2015, the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) has reimbursed breast cancer patients, approximately 50% of the cost of the breast reconstruction (BR) procedure. We aimed to investigate NHI reimbursement policy influence on the rate of immediate BR (IBR) following total mastectomy (TM). @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed breast cancer data between April 2011 and June 2016. We divided patients who underwent IBR following TM for primary breast cancer into “uninsured” and “insured” groups using their NHI statuses at the time of surgery. Univariate analyses determined the insurance influence on the decision to undergo IBR. @*Results@#Of 2,897 breast cancer patients, fewer uninsured patients (n = 625) underwent IBR compared with those insured (n = 325) (30.0% vs. 39.8%, P < 0.001). Uninsured patients were younger than those insured (median age [range], 43 [38–48] vs. 45 [40–50] years; P < 0.001).Pathologic breast cancer stage did not differ between the groups (P = 0.383). More insured patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.011), adjuvant radiotherapy (P < 0.001), and IBR with tissue expander insertion (P = 0.005) compared with those uninsured. @*Conclusion@#IBR rate in patients undergoing TM increased after NHI reimbursement.

Changes in Korean National Healthcare Insurance Policy and Breast Cancer Surgery Trend in Korea

Background@#Since April 2015, the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) has reimbursed breast cancer patients, approximately 50% of the cost of the breast reconstruction (BR) procedure. We aimed to investigate NHI reimbursement policy influence on the rate of immediate BR (IBR) following total mastectomy (TM). @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed breast cancer data between April 2011 and June 2016. We divided patients who underwent IBR following TM for primary breast cancer into “uninsured” and “insured” groups using their NHI statuses at the time of surgery. Univariate analyses determined the insurance influence on the decision to undergo IBR. @*Results@#Of 2,897 breast cancer patients, fewer uninsured patients (n = 625) underwent IBR compared with those insured (n = 325) (30.0% vs. 39.8%, P < 0.001). Uninsured patients were younger than those insured (median age [range], 43 [38–48] vs. 45 [40–50] years; P < 0.001).Pathologic breast cancer stage did not differ between the groups (P = 0.383). More insured patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.011), adjuvant radiotherapy (P < 0.001), and IBR with tissue expander insertion (P = 0.005) compared with those uninsured. @*Conclusion@#IBR rate in patients undergoing TM increased after NHI reimbursement.

Salvage of late flap compromise in deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps: To revise or not to revise

Although the success rate of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps has increased, late flap failures still occur and have a low salvage rate. The present article describes a case of salvage of a case of late flap failure using the pedicle vein as a vein graft source. A 50-year-old woman underwent a bilateral DIEP free flap procedure. On postoperative day 6, she experienced flap compromise and underwent emergency flap revision. In the flap revision, flap venous drainage and the superficial inferior epigastric vein were completely obstructed. A Fogarty catheter was used to remove a thrombus from the completely obstructed pedicle vein, and this pedicle vein was used as a graft source and was ligated in retrograde fashion to the flap vein stump. After injection of urokinase into the arterial branch, venous flow to the flap was restored. At a 6-month follow-up visit in the outpatient clinic, only partial fat necrosis at the flap was noted. By dissecting various perforators in the initial operation, decisions regarding immediate revision can be made with more confidence. Additionally, the combined procedures performed in this case may be helpful even for practitioners treating cases of late flap compromise.

A method to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage: Reinforcing acellular dermal matrix

In neurosurgical cases, problems related to wound healing can vary from simple wound dehiscence to multilayer defects. This study demonstrates an effective method to prevent persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage using reinforcing acellular dermal matrix in neurosurgical patients with wound dehiscence. A 52-year-old woman was admitted for management of recurrent glioblastoma. After tumor removal surgery, the patient experienced sustained CSF leakage from the wound despite reparative attempts. The plastic surgery team performed wound repair procedure after remnant tumor removal by the neurosurgery team. Acellular dermal matrix was applied over the mesh plate to prevent CSF leakage and the postoperative status of the patient was evaluated. No sign of CSF leakage was found in the immediate postoperative period. After 3 years, there were no complications including CSF leakage, wound dehiscence, and infection. We hereby propose this method as a feasible therapeutic alternative for preventing CSF leakage in patients experiencing wound problem after neurosurgical procedures.

Extra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumor in the Donor Site of an Extended Latissimus Dorsi Flap

No abstract available.

A Rare Case of Massive Localized Lymphedema in a Morbidly Obese Patient

No abstract available.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cryopreserved Acellular Dermal Matrix in Immediate Expander-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Comparison Study

BACKGROUND: CGCryoDerm was first introduced in 2010 and offers a different matrix preservation processes for freezing without drying preparation. From a theoretical perspective, CGCryoDerm has a more preserved dermal structure and more abundant growth factors for angiogenesis and recellularization. In the current study, the authors performed a retrospective study to evaluate freezing- and freeze-drying-processed acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to determine whether any differences were present in an early complication profile. METHODS: Patients who underwent ADM-assisted tissue expander placement for two stage breast reconstruction between January of 2013 and March of 2014 were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups based on the types of ADM-assisted expander reconstruction (CGDerm vs. CGCryoDerm). Complications were divided into four main categories and recorded as follows: seroma, hematoma, infection, and mastectomy skin flap necrosis. RESULTS: In a total of 82 consecutive patients, the CGCryoDerm group had lower rates of seroma when compared to the CGDerm group without statistical significance (3.0% vs. 10.2%, P=0.221), respectively. Other complications were similar in both groups. Reconstructions with CGCryoDerm were found to have a significantly longer period of drainage when compared to reconstructions with CGDerm (11.91 days vs. 10.41 days, P=0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary findings indicate no significant differences in early complications between implant/expander-based reconstructions using CGCryoderm and those using CGDerm.

Endoscopic Excision of Osteochondroma of the Mandibular Angle

No abstract available.

Analysis of Scientific Papers Included in the Sciences Citation Index Expanded Written by South Korean Plastic Surgeons: 2001-2010

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to analyze scientific papers published by South Korean plastic surgeons in journals included in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), and to evaluate the publication and research activities of Korean plastic surgeon. METHODS: We conducted a survey of SCIE papers in the field of plastic surgery published by South Korean authors between 2001 and 2010 using Web of Science software. We further analyzed these results according to the number of publications per year, journals, institution, and type of papers. We also compared the total number of citations to published scientific papers. We analyzed the rank of South Korea among other countries in representative journals. RESULTS: Overall, 667 papers were published by South Korean authors between 2001 and 2010. The number of publications increased dramatically from 2003 (n=31) to 2010 (n=139). Subsequently, the ten most productive Korean medical colleges were identified. All published papers received 2,311 citations and the citation to paper ratio was 3.49. The rank of Korea among other countries in terms of the number of published papers remained in the top 10 during the recent 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Publication output of Korean plastic surgeon over the last 10 years showed a remarkable growth in terms of quantity and quality. Currently, Korea is among the top six countries in representative plastic surgery journals. Korean plastic surgeons have played a central role in this progress, and it is anticipated that they will continue to do so in the future.

Case Report of Deep Vein Thrombosis after Cohesive Silicone Gel Implant Basedaugmentation Mammoplasty

PURPOSE: Augmentation mammoplasty by cohesive silicone gel implant is becoming more popular nowadays. Many types of complications have been reported, such as hematoma, seroma, infection, capsular contracture and etc. But there were no report of deep vein thrombosis(DVT) after augmentation mammoplasty in Korea. The authors experienced one case of DVT after augmentation mammoplasty using a cohesive silicone gel implant. METHODS: A 38-year-old woman with breast cancer underwent reconstruction by tissue expander and augmentation mammoplasty by cohesive silicone gel implant, and exchange of expander to cohesive silicone gel implant. The operation was finished without any complicating event. On 4th day after the operation, the patient complained of intermittent right lower leg pain. By doppler ultrasonography, the patient was diagnosed with acute venous thrombosis of the popliteal vein, posterior tibial vein and peroneal vein. RESULTS: Intravenous heparinization and oral warfarin were started immediately and elastic compression stocking was applied. Intravenous heparinization was continued until INR(blood coagulation unit) reached to target levels. The patient was discharged on 11th day of operation with oral warfarin. Other complication has not been reported after 10 weeks of operation. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of DVT after silicone implant based breast augmentation.

Usfullness of Partial Muscle Flaps and Combination Method for Coverage of Prosthetic Material in Chest Wall Reconstruction

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

Case of Surgical Treatment with Free Flap on Large Size Facial Capillary Malformation

Capillary malformation is common vascular malformation. In case of facial capillary malformation, patients' cosmetic and functional deficits are quite significant. The standard treatment which has been applied so far for capillary malformation is pulsed dye laser with 585nm. But in case of advanced capillary malformation, surgical interventions are inevitable. The problem of large size facial capillary malformation is how to cover the remnant defect, which occurs after resection. In this case, authors have experienced surgical treatment of large size facial capillary malformation and covered the large facial defect with free thoracodorsal artery perforator flap. The flap was thick, so facial asymmetry remained after the first surgery. But with the secondary procedure, authors have made more symmetric figures. The patient was satisfied with the result. Using free flap to replace the defect after resection due to capillary malformation is useful for these kinds of cases.

Multiple Osteomas in the Skull Vault: Case Report

PURPOSE: Osteoma is one of the common benign tumors of the skull vault and facial skeleton. Although most of the osteomas cause no symptoms, forehead osteomas may lead to facial disfigurement. Osteoma usually happens in solitary lesion and multiple osteomas which don't combine with syndrome are very rare. We report an experience of treatment of non-syndromic multiple osteomas in the skull. METHODS: A 54-year-old female patient visited due to the multiple palpable hard masses on her forehead in 2010. In 2002 of her first visit, masses started to appear on her forehead and she was diagnosed as the osteoma by excisional biopsy. She visited again because the mass size and number increased. In preoperative CT scanning, there were above 160 of osteomas, so surgery was planned. Enterogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy was conducted to rule out Gardener's syndrome, however there was no abnormality such as multiple polyposis. RESULTS: Under general anesthesia, coronal approach was conducted. There were numerous osteomas in frontal and parietal bone. The multiple osteomas were removed by burring and the patient recovered without any postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Multiple osteomas in the skull were rarely reported, although it can accompanied with Gardener's syndrome. We report a case of non-syndromic multiple osteomas in skull vault.

Multidrug-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Sepsis and Meningitis after Craniofacial Surgery: Case Report

PURPOSE: The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis has increased worldwide. There are some reports about postoperative antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae infection after craniofacial surgery, but, there is no report in Korea. We present a report on the treatment of postoperative multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (MRSP) meningitis and sepsis after craniofacial surgery based on our experience. METHODS: The patient was a 7-year-old boy with Crouzon's disease who was treated by fronto-orbital bar advancement. Intraoperatively, frontal sinus opening was seen during osteotomy which was covered with forehead galeopericranial flap. MRSP meningitis was diagnosed after the surgery, he was treated with intravenous vancomycin, meropenem, and levofloxacin. RESULTS: The patient was treated successfully after 3 weeks of intravenous antibiotics treatement. During the 8 month follow-up period, there was no neurologic sequelae. CONCLUSION: Postoperative infection after craniofacial surgery is an important phenomenon that needs immediate recognition. Prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment immediate after onset are important as countermeasures against postoperative drug-resistant bacterial infection. To prevent adverse outcome and reoperation, proper antibiotics treatment should be performed.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection after Breast Reconstruction with an Implant: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Breast implant surgery is increasing in Korea. NTM (non tuberculous mycobacteria) infection after breast implant surgery is rare, but it has been there reported in several foreign countries. However, no report has been issued on NTM infection after breast reconstruction surgery with an implant in Korea. The purpose of this article is to report a case of NTM infection after breast reconstruction surgery with an implant. METHODS: A female patient who underwent total mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and an implant exhibited signs of inflammation after the surgery. Fluid cultures taken at the time of wound exploration were initially negative, but NTM was isolated by culture 10 days later. RESULTS: The implant was removed. M. fortuitum was identified by acid-fast culture and NTM-PCR. The patient was treated with combined antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: Although it is difficult to diagnose NTM infection after breast surgery, it is important that surgeons include NTM infection in the differential diagnosis of a post mammoplasty infection after breast implant surgery.

Vaginal Reconstruction with Modified Singapore Flap in MRK Syndrome Patients

PURPOSE: Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster syndrome(MRK) is second common cause of primary amenorrhea. It is a syndrome of vaginal aplasia and Mullerian duct anomaly. Vaginal aplasia varies from agenesis of whole vagina to aplasia of upper 2/3. For reconstructing vagina, various methods are introduced. Gracilis myocutaneous flap was the first attempt in that the flap is used in vaginal reconstruction. Various flap-based vaginal reconstruction methods have been introduced. Modified Singapore flap (pedicled neurovascular pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous flap) is one of those methods that used posterior labial artery as pedicle, and pudendal nerve branch as sensory root. As its donor lies on inguinal crease that is easily hidden and there are benefits on sexual intercourse by early sensory recovery, authors think that modified Singapore flap is effective for young MRK syndrome patients. METHODS: Eight patients underwent surgery between 2008 and 2010. The flap was designed on both groin area with external pudendal artery branch as a pedicle. All flaps were fixated in pelvic cavity with absorbable suture, and additional compression on neovaginal wall was supplied by polyvinyl alcohol sponge(Merocel(R)). RESULTS: All patients were successfully reconstructed without flap related complications such as congestion or partial flap loss. The average size of the flap(each side) was 69.34cm2. Polyvinyl alcohol sponge(Merocel(R)) was inserted into neovagina for 5 days on every patient. One case of rectal laceration was occurred while making pelvic pocket by OBGY team. Other complications such as lumen narrowing, wound contracture or vaginal prolapsed were not reported during 8 months of follow up. CONCLUSION: Modified Singapore flap is a sensate fasciocutaneous flap that is thinner than other myocutaneous flap such as VRAM, and more durable over skin graft. Therefore this is a good choice for vaginal reconstruction in MRK syndrome. And known complications of Modified Singapore flap could be reduced with careful procedure and mild compression techniques.

Reconstruction of Atypical Tragus in Patients with Accessory Tragus or Macrotragus

PURPOSE: Tragus is one of the key structure of the normal shape of auricle. We experienced several cases of hypoplastic tragus with preauricular appendage. This article describes the methods of reconstruction of atypical tragus using accessory tragus or macrotragus to make better aesthetic results rather than simple excision. METHODS: From April, 2004 to March, 2009, 21 patients got operations by our method. Seven patients had bilateral deformity of tragus. Mean age was 12.7 years. For 17 cases of accessory tragus, simple excision, z-plasty and interpolation flap was performed. For 11 cases of macrotragus, debulking and z-plasty was performed. Mean follow-up period was 9.4 months. RESULTS: Reconstructed tragus looked symmetric with the opposite side in contour, size, direction and partial coverage of auditory meatus. There was no enlargement of remnant appendage for the follow up period and there was no complication such as hematoma, infection and chondritis. CONCLUSION: In cases of small and deformed tragus, preauricular tissue such as accessory tragus and macrotragus could be a good source of tragal reconstruction.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection after Body Contouring Procedure, Case Report

PURPOSE: NTM(non tuberculous mycobacteria) is rare cause of surgical site infection after plastic surgery in immunocompetent patients. There are some reports about NTM infection after body contouring procedure from Latin America. But, there is no report in Korea. The purpose of this article is to report 2 patients with soft tissue infection caused by NTM after body contouring procedure. METHODS: Two young female patients exhibited signs of inflammation and abscess after body contouring procedure. One patient underwent liposuction. The other underwent HPL(hypotonic pharmacologic lipo-dissolution) injection. RESULTS: The result of tissue cultures were positive for NTM. All patients responded to the combined therapeutic approach. CONCLUSION: The goal of this article is to raise awareness among plastic surgeons who may encounter such patients in their practice. NTM should be included in the differential diagnosis of surgical site infection after body contouring surgery.

Microsurgical Foot Reconstruction Using Endoscopically Harvested Muscle Flaps

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the foot often requires free-flap transfer. Free muscle flap transfer and skin grafts on the muscle has been an option for these defects. Here we present our experiences of foot reconstruction using an endoscopy-assisted free muscle flap harvest. METHODS: Using endoscopy-assisted free muscle flap harvests, four patients with soft tissue defects of the foot were treated with a free muscle flap and skin graft. The gracilis muscle was used for two patients and the rectus abdominis muscle for two. A single small transverse skin incision was placed on the lower abdomen for the rectus abdominis muscle. A small transverse skin incision on the proximal thigh was the only incision for harvesting the gracilis muscle flap. The small incisions were enough for the muscle flap to be pulled through. RESULTS: The flaps survived successfully in all cases. Contours were good from both functional and aesthetic aspects. No breakdowns or ulcerations of the flap developed during long-term follow-up. Resultant scars were short and relatively hidden. Functional morbidities such as abdominal bulging were not noted. CONCLUSION: Endoscopy-assisted harvest of muscle flap and transfer with skin graft is a good option for soft tissue defects of the foot. Morbidities of the donor site can be minimized with endoscopic flap harvest. This method is preferable for young patients who want a small donor site scar.

Usefulness of Full-thickness Skin Graft from Anterolateral Chest wall in the Reconstruction of Facial Defects

PURPOSE: Full thickness skin grafts are useful in the reconstruction of facial skin defects when primary closure is not feasible. Although the supraclavicular area has been considered as the choice of donor site for large facial skin defect, many patients are reluctant to get a neck scar and some patients do not have enough skin to cover the defect owing to the same insult occurred to the neck such as burn accident. We present several cases of reconstruction of facial skin defects by freehand full-thickness skin graft from anterolateral chest wall resulting aesthetically acceptable outcome with lesser donor site morbidity. METHODS: Retrospective review was performed from March, 2007 to September, 2009. 15 patients were treated by this method. Mean age was 31.5 years. The ethiology was congenital melanocytic nevus in 7 cases, capillary malformation in 5 cases and burn scar contracture in 3 cases. Mean area of lesion was measured to 67.3 cm2 preoperatively. The lesion was removed beneath the subcutaneous fatty tissue layer. The graft was not trimmed to be thin except defatting procedure. For the larger size of defect, two pieces of grafts were harvested from both anterolateral chest wall in separation and combined by suture. RESULTS: The mean follow up period was 9.7 months. All the grafts survived without any problem except small necrotic areas in 4 cases, which healed spontaneously under conventional dressings in 6 weeks postoperatively. Color match was relatively excellent. There were 2 cases of hyperpigmentation immediately, but all of them disappeared in a few months. CONCLUSION: In cases of large facial skin defects, the anterolateral chest wall may be a good alternative choice of full-thickness skin graft.