Comparison of the Complications in Vertical Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap with Non-Reconstructed Cases after Pelvic Exenteration

Jeon, Heechang,Yoon, Eul Sik,You, Hi-Jin,Kim, Hyon-Surk,Lee, Byung-Il,Park, Seung Ha Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surge 2014 Archives of Plastic Surgery Vol.41 No.6

Background Perineal reconstruction following pelvic exenteration is a challenging area in plastic surgery. Its advantages include preventing complications by obliterating the pelvic dead space and minimizing the scar by using the previous abdominal incision and a vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (VRAM) flap. However, only a few studies have compared the complications and the outcomes following pelvic exenteration between cases with and without a VRAM flap. In this study, we aimed to compare the complications and the outcomes following pelvic exenteration with or without VRAM flap coverage. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the cases of nine patients for whom transpelvic VRAM flaps were created following pelvic exenteration due to pelvic malignancy. The complications and outcomes in these patients were compared with those of another nine patients who did not undergo such reconstruction. Results Flap reconstruction was successful in eight cases, with minor complications such as wound infection and dehiscence. In all cases in the reconstructed group (n=9), structural integrity was maintained and major complications including bowel obstruction and infection were prevented by obliterating the pelvic dead space. In contrast, in the control group (n=9), peritonitis and bowel obstruction occurred in 1 case (11%). Conclusions Despite the possibility of flap failure and minor complications, a VRAM flap can result in adequate perineal reconstruction to prevent major complications of pelvic exenteration.

Nipple-Areola Complex Necrosis after Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with Immediate Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Cho, Jin-Woo,Yoon, Eul-Sik,You, Hi-Jin,Kim, Hyon-Surk,Lee, Byung-Il,Park, Seung-Ha Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surge 2015 Archives of Plastic Surgery Vol.42 No.5

Background Autologous or implant-based breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy is increasingly preferred worldwide as a breast cancer treatment option. However, postoperative nipple-areola complex (NAC) necrosis is the most significant complication of nipple-sparing mastectomy. The purpose of our study was to identify the risk factors for NAC necrosis, and to describe the use of our skin-banking technique as a solution. Methods We reviewed cases of immediate autologous breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy at our institution between June 2005 and January 2014. The patients' data were reviewed and the risk of NAC necrosis was analyzed based on correlations between patient variables and NAC necrosis. Moreover, data pertaining to five high-risk patients who underwent the donor skin-banking procedure were included in the analysis. Results Eighty-five patients underwent immediate autologous breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy during the study period. Partial or total NAC necrosis occurred in 36 patients (43.4%). Univariate analysis and binary regression modeling found that body mass index, smoking history, radiation therapy, and mastectomy volume were significantly associated with NAC necrosis. Of the 36 cases of NAC necrosis, 31 were resolved with dressing changes, debridement, or skin grafting. The other five high-risk patients underwent our prophylactic skin-banking technique during breast reconstruction surgery. Conclusions NAC necrosis is common in patients with multiple risk factors. The use of the skin-banking technique in immediate autologous breast reconstruction is an attractive option for high-risk patients. Banked skin can be used in such cases without requiring additional donor tissue, with good results in terms of aesthetic and reconstructive outcomes.

경피적 동맥확장술을 이용한 당뇨족 허혈의 치료

김홍렬,한승규,나승운,김현석,김우경,Kim, Hong-Ryul,Han, Seung-Kyu,Rha, Seung-Woon,Kim, Hyon-Surk,Kim, Woo-Kyung 대한성형외과학회 2010 Archives of Plastic Surgery Vol.37 No.2

Purpose: In treating diabetic foot ulcers, satisfactory vascularity is an essential prerequisite. To improve vascularity, a bypass graft has long been carried out. Recently, however, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has also been tried since the PTA is less invasive than the bypass graft. However, publication demonstrating the improvement of vascularity after the PTA are lacking. Therefore, this study was designed to show usefulness of the PTA in treating vasculopathy of diabetic foot. Materials: and Methods This study included 30 feet of 24 ischemic diabetic foot patients. Inclusion criteria were diabetes (duration > 5 years) and a significant lower extremity ischemia, as determined by a transcutaneous oxygen pressure ($TcpO_2$) < 30 mmHg. The PTA was carried out in 61 arteries. PTA procedure was considered successful, when residual stenosis was less than 30%. The procedure was considered failed when residual stenosis was more than 50%. Residual stenosis between 30% and 50% was considered acceptable. For evaluation of PTA effect, foot $TcpO_2$ and infrared thermography were measured before and 7th day after PTA. Results: Immediately after PTA performed in 61 arteries, 58 and 3 arteries were evaluated as being successful and acceptable, respectively. Before PTA, average foot $TcpO_2$ was $12.6{\pm}8.8$ mmHg and its value was increased to $44.2{\pm}23.9$ on 7th day after PTA (p<0.01). Average skin temperature was $31.8{\pm}1.2^{\circ}C$ before PTA and it was increased to $33.5{\pm}1.1^{\circ}C$ on 7th day after PTA (p<0.01). Conclusion: PTA procedure increases tissue oxygenation of ischemic diabetic feet which do not have wound healing potential due to low tissue oxygenation, to the level of possible wound healing. In addition, PTA increases skin temperature of ischemic diabetic feet which can imply an improvement of peripheral circulation.

Stabilizing Morbidity and Predicting the Aesthetic Results of Radial Forearm Free Flap Donor Sites

Yun, Tae Kyoung,Yoon, Eul Sik,Ahn, Duck Sun,Park, Seung Ha,Lee, Byung Il,Kim, Hyon Surk,You, Hi Jin Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surge 2015 Archives of Plastic Surgery Vol.42 No.6

Background The radial forearm flap is a versatile, widely used flap. However, the possibility of donor site complications has led to concern over its use. Some surgeons prefer using other flaps whose donor sites can be closed primarily with less morbidity, including avoiding unpleasant scarring. However, in our experience, donor site stability of the radial forearm flap can be reliably achieved by using well-implemented specific procedures. Here, we present a collection of donor site cases of the radial forearm flap and investigate factors that affect the aesthetic results as the basis for a reference for selecting a radial forearm flap. Methods In this retrospective study, we reviewed 171 cases in which a radial forearm flap was used for free tissue transfer after resecting head and neck cancer. We focused on donor site morbidity rates. Each operation involved a detailed procedure designed to minimize donor site morbidity. Moreover, statistical investigations were conducted for 22 cases to determine factors affecting the scar appearance. Results Only one case developed total skin graft necrosis as a major complication. Scar-related aesthetic results were acceptable, and the body-mass index, body weight, diabetes, and cardiac problems were significant factors related to the appearance of scars. Conclusions Performing the radial forearm flap using a well-implemented detailed technique helps achieve acceptable donor site morbidity results. The aesthetic results were more promising for patients without excess body weight, diabetes, or cardiac problems. Therefore, anxiety about donor site morbidity should not be a reason to avoid selecting the radial forearm flap in suitable patients.