Contribution of Perforator Flaps in the Flap Selection for Head and Neck Reconstruction / 대한두경부종양학회지

In head and neck reconstruction, microsurgeons are faced with various demands, such as thin resurfacing, or three-dimensional reconstruction, and therefore, conventional flap as well as perforator flaps are all useful for the functional and aesthetic reconstruction successfully.Among perforator flaps, the pros and cons of anterolateral thigh perforator flap(ALTp) and thoracodorsal perforator flap(TAp) is compared and selected depending on the surgeon's preference, recipient site condition or patient status. Both flaps can be elevated in a chimeric pattern by combining different aspects of tissue components. Customized or tailored reconstruction as well as 3 dimensional reconstructions are all available with perforator flaps and it is useful in head and neck reconstruction.The most outstanding update in head and neck reconstruction is the perforator based island flap (PBIF) compared to conventional flaps. The conventional local flap has evolved on behalf of the perforator concept and its design becomes more flexible and freestyle with less limitations. Actually, random pattern flap is now a misnomer and most conventional local flaps turn into PBIFs.Finally we can say all conventional donor site becomes universal, depending on the surgeons' preference or idea. Moreover, there is no more “flap of choice” and postoperative results are quite variable by surgeons' ability. Operative procedures and plans are very flexible to freestyle flap. With all these advantages, surgeons should be armed with both conventional and perforator concepts for solving any defects or problems.

Usefulness of Centor Score to Diagnosis of Group a Streptococcal Pharyngitis and Decision Making of Antibiotics Use / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#This study aims to verify the usefulness of Centor scores to diagnose the Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis.SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The subjects of this study were 379 patients who had been examined by the rapid antigen detection test (RADT) for Group A Streptococcus. We analyzed their medical records and laboratory test results retrospectively and compared the results of Centor symptom scores with those of RADT. Then we analyzed the association of RADT, the Centor score and the laboratory test results statistically.@*RESULTS@#There were no correlation between the RADT results and fever, cough, tonsillar enlargement, nasal symptoms, myalgia or chilling (p>0.05). In the RADT positive group, there were more patients with tonsillar exudate, neck lymph node enlargement, tenderness and pharyngeal abscess formation significantly (p<0.05). The Centor score and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in the RADT positive group (p<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The results of this study suggest that Centor symptom scores can be used to determine which antibiotics to use. The Centor score system can help reduce medical costs and detect the problematic Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis.

Usefulness of Centor Score to Diagnosis of Group a Streptococcal Pharyngitis and Decision Making of Antibiotics Use / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to verify the usefulness of Centor scores to diagnose the Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The subjects of this study were 379 patients who had been examined by the rapid antigen detection test (RADT) for Group A Streptococcus. We analyzed their medical records and laboratory test results retrospectively and compared the results of Centor symptom scores with those of RADT. Then we analyzed the association of RADT, the Centor score and the laboratory test results statistically. RESULTS: There were no correlation between the RADT results and fever, cough, tonsillar enlargement, nasal symptoms, myalgia or chilling (p>0.05). In the RADT positive group, there were more patients with tonsillar exudate, neck lymph node enlargement, tenderness and pharyngeal abscess formation significantly (p<0.05). The Centor score and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in the RADT positive group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that Centor symptom scores can be used to determine which antibiotics to use. The Centor score system can help reduce medical costs and detect the problematic Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis.

Absorption Study of Genistein Using Solid Lipid Microparticles and Nanoparticles: Control of Oral Bioavailability by Particle Sizes

In this study, the effect of particle size of genistein-loaded solid lipid particulate systems on drug dissolution behavior and oral bioavailability was investigated. Genistein-loaded solid lipid microparticles and nanoparticles were prepared with glyceryl palmitostearate. Except for the particle size, other properties of genistein-loaded solid lipid microparticles and nanoparticles such as particle composition and drug loading efficiency and amount were similarly controlled to mainly evaluate the effect of different particle sizes of the solid lipid particulate systems on drug dissolution behavior and oral bioavailability. The results showed that genistein-loaded solid lipid microparticles and nanoparticles exhibited a considerably increased drug dissolution rate compared to that of genistein bulk powder and suspension. The microparticles gradually released genistein as a function of time while the nanoparticles exhibited a biphasic drug release pattern, showing an initial burst drug release, followed by a sustained release. The oral bioavailability of genistein loaded in solid lipid microparticles and nanoparticles in rats was also significantly enhanced compared to that in bulk powders and the suspension. However, the bioavailability from the microparticles increased more than that from the nanoparticles mainly because the rapid drug dissolution rate and rapid absorption of genistein because of the large surface area of the genistein-solid lipid nanoparticles cleared the drug to a greater extent than the genistein-solid lipid microparticles did. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that controlling the particle size of solid-lipid particulate systems at a micro-scale would be a promising strategy to increase the oral bioavailability of genistein.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of preoperative ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for colorectal cancer: comparison with conventional computed tomography

BACKGROUND/AIMS: ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) has been used for preoperative staging of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET/CT for detection of lymph node or distant metastasis and its prognostic role have not been well established. We therefore evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic value of FDG-PET/CT in comparison with conventional CT for CRC. METHODS: We investigated 220 patients who underwent preoperative FDG-PET/CT and CT, followed by curative surgery for CRC. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FDG-PET/CT and CT for detection of lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis were evaluated. In addition, we assessed the findings of FDG-PET/CT and CT according to outcomes, including cancer recurrence and cancer-related death, for evaluation of prognostic value. RESULTS: For detection of lymph node metastasis, FDG-PET/CT had a sensitivity of 44%, a specificity of 84%, and an accuracy of 67%, compared with 59%, 65%, and 62%, respectively, for CT (P=0.029, P=0.000, and P=0.022). For distant metastasis, FDG-PET/CT had a sensitivity of 79%, a specificity of 94%, and an accuracy of 93%, compared with 79%, 87%, and 86%, respectively, for CT (P=1.000, P=0.004, and P=0.037). In addition, positive findings of lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis on FDG-PET/CT were associated significantly with cancer recurrence or cancer-related death (P=0.009, P=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative FDG-PET/CT had a higher specificity and accuracy compared to CT for detection of lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis of CRC. In addition, FDG-PET/CT could be a valuable prognostic tool for CRC.

Calcifications on the Entire Legs of a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient

No abstract available.

The Difference of Clinical Symptoms and Audiovestibular Function between Intrameatal and Extrameatal Acoustic Neuroma / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Various hearing tests and vestibular function tests are used to diagnose acoustic neuroma. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and the results of audiovestibular function tests between patients of intrameatal and extrameatal acoustic neuroma. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Reviewing the medical records for 64 patients with acoustic neuroma between March 2007 and February 2014, we divided the patients into two groups, intrameatal (31 patients) and extrameatal acoustic neuroma (33 patients) according to the involvement of cerebropontine angle. We compared the clinical characteristics, pure tone audiograms, speech audiometry, caloric test, and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) between the two groups. RESULTS: While hearing loss was the most frequent presenting symptom in patients with intrameatal acoustic neuroma, dizziness was the most common symptom in patients with extrameatal acoustic neuroma. Hearing thresholds measured by pure tone audiometry and speech discrimination scores were significantly worse for patients with extrameatal acoustic neuroma. Abnormal unilateral canal paresis of caloric test was significantly higher for extrameatal acoustic neuroma than for intrameatal acoustic neuroma. Most patients with acoustic neuroma showed abnormal findings in the VEMP test, but the number of patients between intrameatal and extrameatal acoustic neuroma did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Clinical symptoms and the results of audiovestibular function tests differed according to the tumor size of acoustic neuroma. Physicians should counsel patients presenting with audiovestibular symptoms of the possibility of acoustic neuroma.

Valuation of Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions in Tinnitus Patients with Normal Hearing / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to verify that one of the causes of tinnitus is the malfunction of outer hair cells and, on the basis of this, to investigate the usefulness of otoacoustic emissions by performing transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and distor-tion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Included in the study were forty-one patients who had normal hearing in the range from 0.5 to 8 kHz, and complained of unilateral tinnitus. In these patients, hearing in bilateral ears, TEOAE, DPOAE, as well as the frequency & amplitude of their tinnitus were measured. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in bilateral hearing in patients who complained of unilateral tinnitus. However, TEOAE and DPOAE showed a statistically significant difference with their p-values at 0.04 and 0.004, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that TEOAE testing and DPOAE testing provide an important clue for verifying that the loss of outer hair cells contributed to the development of symptoms suffered by tinnitus patients with normal hearing.

Correction of Caudal Septal Deviation: Septal Batten Graft with a Bioabsorbable Plate / 대한이비인후과학회지

Caudal septal deviation is difficult to correct due to elasticity of cartilage. Septal batten graft is a useful surgical technique used for correction of caudal septal deviation and the septal cartilage is used mainly for graft material. However, in some cases (i.e., revision surgery), its quality may be insufficient or inadequate to be useful. Septal batten graft with a bioabsorbable plate can be an alternative in these cases. The use of a bioabsorbable plate connected with septal cartilage would facilitate surgical correction of severe caudal septal deviation and offer mechanical stability until the manipulated cartilage heals. With a brief review of the literature, we describe our experience of treating a 29-year-old woman with severe caudal septal deviation and clinical summary of 7 patients who underwent septal batten graft using a bioabsorbable plate for caudal septal deviation.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes according to Suturing Methods in Single Port Access Laparoscopic Myomectomy

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to consider the clinical experience of surgical outcome of single port access (SPA) laparoscopic myomectomy according to suturing methods. METHODS: The authors operated with 2 suturing method in SPA laparoscopic myomectomy for 246 patients and compared the surgical outcomes. RESULTS: The some significant difference of surgical outcome according to two suturing methods was demonstrated. Operating time was 100.50 minutes (+/- 42.09 minutes) in interrupted suture method group than 121.04 minutes (+/- 61.56 minutes) in continuous interlocking suture method group (P = 0.021). Estimated blood loss was less 222.59 mL (+/- 144.94 mL) in interrupted suture group than 340.11 mL (+/- 380.62 mL) in continuous interlocking suture method group (P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: This experience suggests that interrupted suture method was effective for operating time and estimated blood loss than continuous interlocking method in SPA laparoscopic myomectomy.

Perforator Flap versus Conventional Flap

The introduction of perforator flaps represented a significant advance in microsurgical reconstruction. However, confusion has developed due to the erroneous belief that perforator flaps are different from conventional flaps. The concept of the perforator is not new, but is an idea that evolved from the conventional flap. In fact, some of the flaps used by microsurgeons were perforator flaps. The only difference is the anatomical level of the blood vessels involved; the perforator concept is focused on the distal circulation, so-called 'perforator'. Therefore, thinner sections of tissue can be taken from the conventional donor sites of myocutaneous flaps. With the use of perforators, there are no longer "flap of choice" for specific reconstructions, because conventional donor sites have become universal donor sites, enabling the harvesting of a variety of flaps. Moreover, depending on the surgeon's ability, any flap can be utilized as a perforator-based island flap whose source vessel has been completely preserved. Therefore, tissues can be efficiently customized and tailored into any configuration required for reconstruction. The application of perforator flap technique enables more precise dissection, and allows more selective harvesting of thinner flaps, which will expand options in reconstructive surgery. No doubt the technique will continue to evolve.

A Case of Malignant Biliary Stricture Mimicking Benign Stricture coincided with Clonorchis sinensis / 대한췌담도학회지

Accurate and early diagnosis of indeterminate bile duct stricture is difficult. There are numerous cases suggesting similarity between benign tumors and malignancy. Therefore, meticulous evaluation with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) is necessary. A 50 year-old male presented with painless jaundice. Abdominal CT scan showed distal biliary stricture without definite pancreatic mass. Repeated brush cytology and endobiliary biopsy during ERCP did not reveal malignancy except for eggs of Clonorchis sinensis. The patient declined surgical resection without definite evidence of malignancy. Abdominal CT scan one month later showed progressive parenchymal atrophy and pancreatic duct dilatation. The patient underwent pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Pathology revealed pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the head portion. Since accurate preoperative diagnosis of malignant biliary obstruction can be evasive, patients with biliary stricture should undergo evaluation with high index of suspicion.

Where is Archives of Plastic Surgery Now? And Where is It Heading?

No abstract available.

PREFACE - Recent Wave in the Field of Korean Plastic Surgery

No abstract available.

Eosinophilic Pleuritis due to Sparganum: A Case Report

Sparganosis is a rare parasitic disease caused by migrating plerocercoid tapeworm larva of the genus Spirometra. Infection in humans is mainly caused by the ingestion of raw or inadequately cooked flesh of infected frogs, snakes, and chickens. Here, we report a rare case of a 45-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with left lower chest pain. The chest radiograph and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed localized pleural effusion in the left lower lobe; further, peripheral blood eosinophilia and eosinophilic pleural effusion were present. Percutaneous catheter drainage was performed, which revealed long worm-shaped material that was identified as a sparganum by DNA sequencing. The patient showed clinical improvement after drainage of the sparganum. This study demonstrates the importance of considering parasitic diseases in the differential diagnosis of eosinophilic pleural effusion.

Concept of perforator flap and reconstruction using microsurgery

Free tissue transfer has revolutionized tissue reconstruction. Microvascular operation techniques using free tissue transfer make it possible to precisely restore various defects and deformities. There are various surgical flaps available for this surgery, such as muscle flaps, musculocutaneous flaps, or fasciocutaneous flaps. The development of perforator flaps enables multi-component reconstruction with reduced donor site morbidity. Successful reconstruction must be approached with the goals of not only providing stable coverage, but most importantly, of restoring function. Therefore, the selection of flaps is dependent on the recipient site characteristics and the functional and aesthetic results at both the recipient and donor sites. With the high success rate of free flaps and the popularization of the perforator flap, microvascular surgery has played a major role in various reconstructive fields.

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.

Comparative Study of Free Flap Reconstruction after Total Laryngopharyngectomy for Hypopharyngeal Cancer / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, both jejunal and fasciocutaneous free flap reconstruction are widely used after total laryngopharyngetomy for the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes between jejunal and fasciocutaneous free flap in the reconstruction of hypopharynx after total laryngopharyngectomy. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The medical records of 27 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent total laryngopharyngectomy and free flap reconstruction were reviewed retrospectively. Of 27 patients, 18 (66.7%) were reconstructed with jejunal free flap and 9 (33.3%) with fasciocutaneous free flap. We compared complications, flap success rates, functional outcomes such as swallowing, respiration and quality of life (QOL) between two reconstruction groups. The swallowing function was evaluated by Functional Outcome of Swallowing Scale (FOSS), and QOL was evaluated by EORTC QOL-C30, HN35. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients consisted of 26 males and 1 female. The mean age of 69+/-9.1. There were 4, 13, and 10 cases for T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Also, there were 8, 5, 7, and 7 for N0, N1, N2 and N3 cases. The success rate of free flap was 96.3%. The complication rate, operative time, the period of hospital stay did not differ between the two groups. The average score of FOSS was 0.92 in the jejunal group and 1.00 in the fasciocutaneous group. Quality of life was satisfactory in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both jejunal and fasciocutaneous free flap are very effective reconstructive methods after total laryngopharyngectomy for hypopharyngeal cancer. The choice of free flap can be determined based on the individual status of patient and preference of surgeon.

Microsurgery Training for the Twenty-First Century

Current educational interventions and training courses in microsurgery are often predicated on theories of skill acquisition and development that follow a 'practice makes perfect' model. Given the changing landscape of surgical training and advances in educational theories related to skill development, research is needed to assess current training tools in microsurgery education and devise alternative methods that would enhance training. Simulation is an increasingly important tool for educators because, whilst facilitating improved technical proficiency, it provides a way to reduce risks to both trainees and patients. The International Microsurgery Simulation Society has been founded in 2012 in order to consolidate the global effort in promoting excellence in microsurgical training. The society's aim to achieve standarisation of microsurgical training worldwide could be realised through the development of evidence based educational interventions and sharing best practices.

Evolution to a Renowned International Journal

No abstract available.