Effect of fever or respiratory symptoms on leaving without being seen during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea

Objective@#Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has notably altered the emergency department isolation protocol, imposing stricter requirements on probable infectious disease patients that enter the department. This has caused adverse effects, such as an increased rate of leave without being seen (LWBS). This study describes the effect of fever/respiratory symptoms as the main cause of isolation regarding LWBS after the COVID-19 pandemic. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed emergency department visits before (March to July 2019) and after (March to July 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients were grouped based on existing fever or respiratory symptoms, with the LWBS rate as the primary outcome. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors of LWBS. Logistic regression was performed using interaction terminology (fever/respiratory symptom patient [FRP] × post–COVID-19) to determine the interaction between patients with FRPs and the COVID-19 pandemic period. @*Results@#A total of 60,290 patients were included (34,492 in the pre–COVID-19, and 25,298 in the post–COVID-19 group). The proportion of FRPs decreased significantly after the pandemic (P < 0.001), while the LWBS rate in FRPs significantly increased from 2.8% to 19.2% (P < 0.001). Both FRPs (odds ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–1.84 (P < 0.001) and the COVID-19 period (odds ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval, 2.15–2.44; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased LWBS. Additionally, there was a significant interaction between the incidence of LWBS in FRPs and the COVID-19 pandemic period (P < 0.001). @*Conclusion@#The LWBS rate has increased in FRPs after the COVID-19 pandemic; additionally, the effect observed was disproportionate compared with that of nonfever/respiratory symptom patients.

Triangular Fixation Technique for Bicolumn Restoration in Treatment of Distal Humerus Intercondylar Fracture

BACKGROUND: Distal humerus intercondylar fractures are intra-articular and comminuted fractures involving soft tissue injury. As distal humerus is triangle-shaped, parallel plating coupled with articular fixation would be suitable for bicolumn restoration in treatment of distal humerus intercondylar fracture. METHODS: This study included 38 patients (15 males and 23 females) who underwent olecranon osteotomy, open reduction and internal fixation with the triangle-shaped cannulated screw and parallel locking plates (triangular fixation technique). Functional results were assessed with the visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Mayo elbow performance (MEP) scores and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaires. Anteroposterior and lateral elbow radiographs were assessed for reduction, alignment, fracture union, posttraumatic arthrosis, and heterotopic ossification, and computed tomography (CT) scans were used to obtain more accurate measurements of articular discrepancy. RESULTS: All fractures healed primarily with no loss of reduction. The mean VAS, MEP, and DASH scores of the affected elbow were not significantly different from those of the unaffected elbow (p = 0.140, p = 0.090, and p = 0.262, respectively). The mean degree of flexion was significantly lower in the affected elbow than in the unaffected elbow, but was still considered as functional (p = 0.001, > 100degrees in 33 of 38 patients). Two cases of articular step-offs (> 2 mm) were seen on follow-up CT scans, but not significantly higher in the affected elbow than in the unaffected elbow (p = 0.657). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that only Association for Osteosynthesis (AO) type C3 fractures correlated with good/excellent functional outcome (p = 0.012). Complications occurred in 12 of the 38 patients, and the overall reoperation rate for complications was 10.5% (4 of 38 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Triangular fixation technique for bicolumn restoration was an effective and reliable method in treatment of distal humerus intercondylar fracture. This technique maintained articular congruency and restored both medial and lateral columns, resulting in good elbow function.

Indirect Reduction Maneuver and Minimally Invasive Approach for Displaced Proximal Humerus Fractures in Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND: This study examined the clinical outcomes of indirect reduction maneuver and minimally invasive approach for treating displaced proximal humerus fractures in patients older than 60. METHODS: Thirty-two patients (11 male and 21 female) who had undergone treatment for displaced proximal humerus fracture were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 72.4 years (range, 60 to 92 years). All cases were followed up for at least 12 months. All patients were interviewed and evaluated on the visual analog scale, with gender-specific constant score correction for age, standardized X-rays to check the neck-shaft angle (NSA) and the presence of medial support, and bone mineral density. Statistical analysis was performed with a multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The average visual analog scale score was 2.4, and the average gender-specific constant score correction for age was 80.6 points. Final functional outcomes were 8 excellent, 15 good, 7 fair, and 2 poor. The average NSA was 122.8degrees; and the radiological results were 20 good, 11 fair, and 1 poor. There was significant difference of the gender-specific constant score for age between the group of NSA more than 110degrees and the group of NSA less than 110degrees (p = 0.00). There were 26 cases with and 6 cases without medial support, with significant difference between the gender-specific constant score correction for age of these groups (p = 0.01). Complications occurred in 4 patients (12.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The indirect reduction maneuver and minimally invasive approach were safe and reliable options for the treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures in the elderly patients. An inadequate reduction (i.e., less than 110degrees NSA) or lack of medial support (e.g., no cortical or screw support) were significant factors contributing to poor functional outcomes.

A Separate Approach and Cephalo-Diaphyseal Plate Fixation for the Comminuted Metadiaphyseal Fractures of the Proximal Humerus

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes for the comminuted metadiaphyseal fractures of the proximal humerus treated with a separate minimally invasive approach deltopectoral approach for fracture fragment reduction and deltoid splitting approach for cephalo-diaphyseal plate fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients (6 men and 12 women), who underwent surgery between March 2007 and February 2011, were included. A deltopectoral approach was used to expose and reduce the fracture fragments and an additional deltoid splitting approach was used to expose the humeral head. A locking plate was inserted under the muscle window and a cephalo-diaphyseal fixation was performed. All patients were examined and interviewed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Constant score and standardized X-rays to check the time to fracture healing, neck-shaft angle (NSA). RESULTS: All fractures were united, and mean healing time was 20 weeks. The average VAS score was 3.5 points (range, 0-5) and the average Constant score was 66.5 points (range, 30-90). Final functional outcomes were four cases of excellent, six cases of good, six cases of fair and two cases of poor. The average NSA was 127.5degrees (range, 100-140). CONCLUSION: A separate approach and cephalo-diaphyseal plate fixation in operative treatment of the metadiaphyseal fractures of the proximal humerus is an effective, reliable treatment option that could reduce the fracture fragments accurately, with less dissection of the soft tissue and lower the complications. A further study including many cases and longer follow-up will be needed to improve the quality of the study.

Extensor Tendon Transfer for Chronic Rupture of Finger Extensors

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of extensor tendon transfer that involves increased tensioning for delayed repair of ruptured finger extensor tendons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients (11 women and 7 men) with old ruptures of one or more finger extensors underwent tendon transfers was evaluated. Instead of the standard tensioning, the tensioning was performed with the thumb or finger in full extension and the wrist in the neutral position during the tendon transfers. RESULTS: The mean overall range of motion of the fingers improved from 115degrees preoperatively to 160degrees postoperatively. The mean extension lag improved from 47degrees preoperatively to 11degrees postoperatively. The mean fingertip to palm distance was 0.2 cm preoperatively to 0.6 cm postoperatively. The mean finger grip strength was 35 g preoperatively to 27 g postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Extensor tendon transfer with increased tensioning is a reliable alternative for the reconstruction of chronic ruptures of finger extensor mechanism.

Brachial Plexus Injury as a Complication of Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Shoulder arthroscopy is widely used through the development of arthroscopic technique and equipment but some complications have been reported that are related to the complexity of technique and the long duration time of operation. Brachial plexus injury, as a complication of arthroscopic Bankart repair, is rare, but remains a serious sequelae. We performed the neurorrhaphy and neurolysis of brachial plexus and showed relatively good functional outcome after 2 years.

Distally based Ulnar Artery Flap for Reconstruction of Hands

PURPOSE: We reconstructed the skin defect of hands exposing tendons and/or bone with distally based ulnar artery flap and report our cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2005 and September 2007, 6 cases of skin defect were reconstructed with distally based ulnar artery flap. Defect site were 5 cases of hand dorsal side and 1 case of hand volar side. The average defect size was 3x3 cm2. There were 4 men and 2 women and mean age was 55.5 years. We evaluated the viability of flap, postoperaive complication, healing time, patient's satisfaction. RESULTS: There was no flap failure in 6 cases. But 1 case with recurrent discharge was healed with several times adequate debridement and delayed suture. 1 case with flap edema which might be due to venous congestion was healed with hand elevation and use of low molecular weight heparin. Mean time to heal the skin defect was 4 weeks. No infection and recurrence was found in follow up period. Cosmetic results as judged by patients were that 3 cases are good and 3 cases are fair. CONCLUSION: Distally based ulnar artery flap is good treatment method among the numerous methods in the cases of skin defect, with soft tissue exposed, which is not covered with debridment and skin graft. Distally based ulnar artery flap is useful method for the skin defect of hands because it is simple procedure, has constant blood supply and relatively good cosmetic effect.

Prevention for Collapse Using Aqua Splint(R) in Zygoma Arch Fractures

PURPOSE: The zygomatic arch is a key element which composes the facial contour. In many cases of zygomatic arch fracture, it is difficult to fix rigidly the fractured segments. If reduced bone segments were not fixed rigidly, they are proven to be displaced by mastication or unintentional external forces. So, unfixed zygomatic arch fracture after reduction may require a external device of prevention of collapse. We introduce a new protector which stabilizing the fractured segments to prevent for collapse of the reduced zygomatic arch fracture. METHODS: After reduction of zygomatic arch with blind approach(Gillies', Dingman or Keen's approach), bone segments was pulled with percutaneous traction suture in medial aspect of zygomatic arch. Then, the suture was fixed with Aqua splint(R), externally. And intraoperative and postoperative X-ray was done. The splint was removed on 14 days after the operation. RESULTS: 5 patients were treated with this method. 4 patients of total patients had no collapse in zygomatic arch. There was minimal collapse in one patient. Postoperative complications such as facial nerve injury, mouth opening difficulty, contour deformity, infection, scar were not observed. CONCLUSION: In comparison with other techniques, this technique has several advantages which are simple and easy method, short operation time, no scar, less soft tissue injury, and facilitated removal of splint. Therefore, Aqua splint(R) would be a good alternative to prevent for collapse in unstable zygomatic arch fractures

Sural Artery Flap for Skin Defect of Lower Legs

PURPOSE: We reconstructed the skin defect of lower legs exposing muscles, tendons and bone with fasciocutaneous sural artery flap and report our cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2005 and September 2006, 8 cases of skin defect were reconstructed with fasciocutaneous sural artery flap. Defect site were 4 case of ankle and foot and 4 cases of lower leg. The average defect size was 4x4 cm2. There were 5 men and 3 women and mean age was 52.2 years. We evaluated the viability of flap, postoperative complication, healing time, patient's satisfaction. RESULTS: There was no flap failure in 8 cases. But recurrent discharge in 2 cases was healed through several times adequate debridement and delayed suture without complication. Flap edema may be due to venous congestion was healed through leg elevation and use of low molecular weight heparin. Mean time to heal the skin defect was 4 weeks. No infection and recurrence in follow up period. Cosmetic results as judged by patients were that 5 cases are good and 3 cases are fair. CONCLUSION: Sural artery flap is good treatment method among the numerous methods in the cases of skin defect, with soft tissue exposed, which is not covered with debridment and skin graft. Sural artery flap is useful method for the skin defect of lower legs because it is simple procedure, has constant blood supply and relatively good cosmetic effect.

A Case Report: Surgical Treatment of Pachydermodactyly

Pachydermodactyly is a rare distinct form of fibromatosis characterized by acquired, asymptomatic dense fibrosis and fibroblastic proliferation around one or more proximal interphalangeal joints. Intralesional triamcinolone injection may be helpful in improving the clinical appearance. A 20-year-old unemployed female patient gave a four years history of progressive swelling of the fingers affecting predominantly the proximal interphalangeal joints of index fingers of left hand and index, middle fingers of right hand. There was no pain and tenderness. Physical examination, complete blood count, antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor were unremarkable and radiograph of both hands showed soft tissue swelling only without bony abnormality. We excised the redundant soft tissue from the both sides of proximal interphalangeal joint with longitudinal elliptical fashion. After operation, the fingers of the patient showed marked improvement cosmetically. There were no motor or sensory changes. Pachydermodactyly was first reported in 1996 in Korea. Histologic features include an increased dermal accumulation of collagen and occasionally an increased number of fibroblast. We report for one patient with pachydermodactyly treated with longitudinal elliptical excision and obtained an improvement of clinical appearance.

Immediate Nipple Reconstruction in Breast Reconstruction with TRAM Free Flap

Immediate breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients is universalized and now with a wide variety of methods to choose from, we can select a breast reconstruction method according to the patient's condition. Among these methods, immediate breast reconstruction with TRAM free flap is the most commonly used. Nipple reconstruction is usually performed as a secondary procedure, reconstructed. Nipple is reconstructed with contralateral nipple composite graft or with local flap. Areola is reconstructed with skin graft and tattooing. Therefore, to reconstruct complete breast, two or more staged operations are needed and are troublesome to both the surgeon and the patient. If we could reconstruct breast mound and nipple at same time, we would reduce the operative stages and heighten the patient's satisfaction. The author performed delayed or immediate breast reconstruction with TRAM free flap and nipple reconstruction at the same time. If the TRAM flap was to situate in the whole of the breast or at the center of the breast mound, nipple was reconstructed with a local flap from the TRAM flap. If the TRAM flap was not situated in center of breast mound, nipple was reconstructed with a local flap from remnant breast skin. Immediate nipple reconstructions in breast reconstruction consisted total of 22 cases. Among these, delayed breast reconstruction were 5 cases and immediate breast reconstruction were 17 cases. According to patient's condition and mastectomy method, nipple reconstruction method was selected; nipple reconstruction with contralateral nipple composite graft(3 cases); nipple reconstruction with remnant breast skin(6 cases); nipple reconstruction from flap margin(10 cases); nipple reconstruction with prefabricated nipple on flap(3 cases). Malposition of the reconstructed nipple was the most common and serious complication(6 cases). The other complications were atrophy of the nipple(1 case), and necrosis(1 case). Reconstruction of the breast and nipple at the same time can reduce the need of a secondary operation and use remnant skin or redundant flap tissue maximally. On the other hand, it must be considered that position and shape of nipple could be deformed, because the nipple reconstruction is performed before the shape of reconstructed breast settles completely. Prudent attention is needed, because the danger of complication is higher than delayed nipple reconstruction.

Reversed Adipofascial Flap in Lower Leg: Can It Replace the Free Flap?

A soft tissue defect of the lower leg or foot presents a challenging problem. Reconstructive surgeon should be armed at all points of wound site, tendon and bone exposure, injury of major vessel and so on in the lower limb. We reconstructed the defects of lower legs and feet of 25 patients between February, 1997 and December, 2003. Applying reversed adipofascial flap with skin graft on a soft tissue defect of the lower leg or foot is challenging. We did a comparative study of 25 reversed adipofascial flaps with 51 free flaps. All 25 cases of reverse adpofascial flap reconstruction were successful except for a partial loss of skin graft in 3 occasions. The reversed adipofascial flap had a merit of a short operation time and hositalization, a high success rate and minimum complications. Besides major vessels in the lower leg are better preserved and donor morbidity is minimal. However, the flap is unmerited in reconstructing a hug hallowed defect and in the leg with poor blood circulation and once previous surgery. The operators may consider the feasible substitution of reversed adipofascial flap for free flap before applying in the lower leg.

Perineal Reconstruction with the Perineal Perforator Based Island Flap

Perineal area is composed of compact structures of urogenital organs and anus requiring a more sophisticated selection of flap and reconstruction. For achieving better outcome then conventional flap surgery, we use the perineal perforator based island flap for its reconstruction. After locating the perforator by Doppler, the flaps were designed according to the defect or expected vaginal orifice. The flaps were elevated bilaterally as island pattern. Finally defect or neovagina was reconstructed with inconspicious linear scar hidden in the inguinal crease. Five cases were performed with the perineal perforator based island flap. There were 3 cases of vulvar cancer, 1 case of transsexualism, and 1 case of ambiguous genitalia because of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Operative results were satisfactory with good contouring and less prominent donor scar, when they were compared with other flap reconstructions such as latissimus dorsi perforator flap, groin flap, gracilis myocutaneous flap etc. The perineal perforator based island flap is highly recommended with the advantages of easy flap elevation, good rotation arc, and appropriate flap thickness for contouring. Compared with other conventional flaps, it can be selected as a good option for moderate defect of perineal area.

Sensory Restoration of Abdomen after Free TRAM Flap for Breast Reconstruction

The purpose of this study is to assess abdominal sensation after free TRAM flap for breast reconstruction. 74 patients underwent breast reconstruction with free TRAM flap by authors and were followed up to check the sensation on abdomen following the surgery at the out patient clinic. They are compared with 20 female volunteer controls. Abdomens were divided into 13 zones, and assessed for superficial touch, superficial pain, temperature, two-point discrimination, and vibration. For all five sensory modalities, subjects were found to have decreased sensation in the umbilical and infraumbilical regions. This was statistically significant compared with controls. Division following pedicle dissection showed more reduction of sensation than non-dissection side. Both Inguinal areas below the donor site closure also showed markedly decreased sensation. Sensation on most area of abdomen recovered in postoperative 1 year, however, there were remained hypoesthesia in umbilical and infraumbilical area after post operative 1 year. This study clearly demonstrates that there is a significant and persistent reduction in abdominal sensibility following free TRAM flap surgery.

A case of myocardial infarction during pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회지

Recently, the incidence of hypertension (HT) and coronary artery disease is increasing because of the change of diet and life pattern. But, coronary artery disease is relatively uncommon in young women of pregnant age. The trend towards delayed marriage and child-bearing may results in an increasing number of women with coronary heart disease. Myocardial infarction complicates approximately 1 in 20,000 pregnancies. Myocardial infarction in pregnancy carries substantial maternal and fetal risks. Overall maternal mortality rate is 21% to 35% and the fetal mortality rate is 13%. Importantly, the maternal mortality rate approaches 50% when women deliver within 2 weeks of the initial MI event. We experienced a case of pregnancy with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and chronic HT. The patient had a myocardial attack at gestational age 36(+5) weeks and medical treatment was administered. Labor inuction was begun at gestational age 39+3 weeks and the patient delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery. We report this case with a brief review of the concerned literatures.

Radiofrequency Treatment of Axillary Osmidrosis

Axillary osmidrosis is caused by excessive secretion of apocrine sweat gland and can cause extreme difficulty in social activities. The surgical removal of apocrine glands has been thought as an effective method. But this classical treatment results in many complications such as scarring, hematoma, skin necrosis and these complications have not been solved yet. Recently radiofrequency surgery as a minimally invasive technique is used for the treatment of snoring, benign prostate hypertrophy, hepatoma, reduction of masseter muscle and gastrocnemius muscle. From June, 2004 to March, 2005, 10 patients with axillary osmidrosis were treated by radiofrequency thermal ablation(PMC-1000). The generator was set to level 6-8 and the duration of time was 1.0 seconds. The maximum number of treatment sessions were two. The mean postoperative follow-up period was about average 6 month ranged from 2 to 9 month. The skin necrosis was developed in 2 patients. All patients were satisfied or partially satisfied with the results. Although suitable radiofrequency power and heating duration have not been defined yet, which is mandatory in order to obtain the best results, the radiofrequecy could be a safe and effective treatment modality for axillary osmidrosis with a good clinical outcome and few complications.

Reduction of Trapdoor Type Orbital Floor Fracture with Absorbable Mesh

The orbital floor fracture of trapdoor subtype is a pure orbital fracture, linear in form and hinged medially, which allows herniation of orbital fat and ocular muscles and then entraps these contents. The goals of the reconstruction of the orbital fracture are to restore the continuity and to avoid a relapse the orbital tissue. If the reconstruction is incomplete, it may result in enophthalmos with diplopia. The indications for surgical reconstruction are the imitation of ocular muscles, the persisting diplopia, enophthalmos, large size of bony defect. There are no uniformly guidelines for the materials for orbital reconstruction. The ideal material should be biocompatible, non-carcinogenic, easily kept in position and free of any potential for disease transmission. Among the materials, the absorbable mesh is used for the orbital reconstruction recently. We used the 0.8mm thickness absorbable mesh in 11 patients with orbital floor trapdoor fracture. The displaced bony fragment was reducted and the absorbable mesh was inserted below the reducted fragment. The absorbable mesh was fixated with absorbable screw, so the mesh can support the bony fragment with cantilever effect. The results were satisfactory and no significant problem was not happened during the follow up period. Absorbable meshes are gradually resorbed and the scar that formed after resorption provides the support of the globe. Our results suggest that the orbital floor trapdoor fracture with small to moderate defects is the advisable indication of orbital reconstruction with absorbable mesh.

Surgical Management of Acral Lentiginous Melanoma on Extremities

The ALM(acral lentiginous melanoma) on extremities are less common and less well studied. The purpose of the study is to investigate the surgical management for 19 cases of ALM on extremities for last 10 years. When tumor depth was less than 1.5mm on thumb, the lesion was removed with distal periosteum and full skin through degloving procedure and the defect was covered with wrap around procedure. When tumor depth was more than 1.5mm, distal amputation of thumb was performed, and new thumb was reconstructed through bone graft and wrap-around procedure. The ALM on palm was treated with wide excision, and then reconstruction was performed with reversed radial island flap. Because heel was required for weight bearing, the defect of heel after wide tumor resection was reconstructed with volume rich free flap. During 3 years follow-up period, local recurrence and general metastasis was 0% respectively in cases of tumor depth below 1.5mm. In cases of tumor depth more than 1.5mm, local recurrence and general metastasis rate were 0% and 20% respectively. In terms of function, the reconstructed thumb could have ability of pinch and grasp, and the reconstructed heel could be achieved good contour and weight bearing function.

Family Physician as a Counsellor Focused on Sexual and Family Problems: Cheonan Practice-Based Research Network Study

BACKGROUND: The primary concern of a family physician is the healthcare of patients and their families, with the patient's disease itself being secondary. Family physicians should make efforts to discuss personal issues with their patients. This study examined how many patients were counseled about their private problems, especially family or sexual issues in the private clinics of Cheonan. METHODS: The subjects were the patients who visited a practice-based network from April to June in 2003. The data were collected through simple questionnaire about sociodemographic features of patients and their family and sexual problems. RESULTS: Eighty eight patients were studied for a total of 107 cases that consisted of 67 cases of family problems (62%) and 40 cases of sexual matters (38%). The common issues about family problems were `the partners' (23 cases, 21%) and `the patients` children' (29 cases, 27 %). The most frequent sexual problems were 'sexually transmitted diseases' (13 cases, 32.5%), `impotence' (7 cases, 17.5%), 'loss of libido, and unsatisfaction' (6 cases, 15.0%). Most physicians were involved in family and sexual issues with medications, and simple counseling with reassurance. Simple counseling was given for 14 cases (21.0%) for family issues and 18 cases (44.0%) for sexual issues. The patients were treated with medications in 47 cases (70.0%) for sexual and 15 cases (38.0%) for family problems. CONCLUSION: The most common issue for family problems was their partners and for sexual problems was 'sexually transmitted diseases'. Most family physicians were involved with both simple counseling and medications.

Application of ThermalCAMTM P40-Infrared Thermographic Imaging in the Monitoring of Survival of Lower Abdominal Random Flap in the Rabbit

The monitoring of viability of the flap is important in improvement of the flap survival. The flap survival depends on the vascularity of the flap, and the skin temperature is up to the vascularity. The authors applied ThermalCAMTM P40 infrared thermographic imaging system for the monitoring of the vascular supply of the flap. The various sized flaps are designed on the lower abdomen of rabbit, having expected risk rate of flap necrosis respectively. The surface temperatures on designed flap were checked with ThermalCAMTM P40 before flap elevation and after respectively. The flaps with high risk of necrosis, 1:4(width/length) designed flaps and some 1:3 flaps, showed remarkable color change in distal portion according to difference of surface temperatures. After 1 week, the flaps of lower abdomen showed different viability of flap, and the flap with remarkable color change showed partial necrosis distally. The Necrotic areas were identical with the color change area checked with ThermalCAMTM P40. This study shows that ThermalCAMTM P40 infrared thermographic imaging system has the utility in prediction on flap survival through detection of the vascularity with ease, quickness and safety for patient and flap.