Kap Sung Oh

Risk factors for donor-site seroma formation after immediate breast reconstruction with the extended latissimus dorsi flap: a statistical analysis of 120 consecutive cases.

AbstractThe extended latissimus dorsi flap has been widely used for breast reconstruction. However, seroma at the donor site is a common complication and makes it difficult for reconstructive surgeons to choose it as a primary option. We analyzed the association between seroma and reconstructions with extended latissimus dorsi flaps. A series of 120 consecutive cases were included in this study. The average body mass index (BMI) was 22.1 kg/m2, and the mean ratio of the flap weight to the extirpated breast weight was equivalent to 101.6%. The mean age of patients was 40.3 years. Donor-site seroma was reported in 69.2% (83 cases) of the total patients. With respect to BMI, flap weight, and age, the incidence and duration of donor-site seroma showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Both the incidence and duration of seroma were significantly higher and longer in patients who had high BMI (>23 kg/m2), large flap (>450 g) for reconstructions, or advanced age (>45 y). In these cases, greater attention and additional adjunctive procedures would be needed to prevent seroma.

Comparison of morbidity of donor site following pedicled muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap versus extended latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction

UNLABELLED The pedicled, descending-branch muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi (MSLD) flap has been widely used for breast reconstruction following total mastectomy. However, the superiority of the MSLD flap compared to the extended latissimus dorsi (ELD) flap has not yet been described. This study compares morbidities following pedicled MSLD flap and ELD flap breast reconstruction. A total of 36 women with pedicled MSLD flaps were compared with 37 women with ELD flap breast reconstruction. The medical records were reviewed for complications and demographic data. The authors compared morbidity including donor-site seroma, limitation of shoulder movement and aesthetic contour of the donor site following MSLD flap and ELD flap breast reconstruction. The authors compared the identified parameters and set the level of significance at the 0.05 alpha level. The demographic data of the two groups were not significantly different statistically. Donor-site seroma occurred in two MSLD patients (5.6%) and in 23 ELD patients (62.2%) (p = 0.0001). Limitation of shoulder movement occurred in nine MSLD patients (25%) and in 28 ELD patients (75.7%) (p = 0.0001). Back asymmetry occurred less frequently in the MSLD group (p = 0.0297). The pedicled, descending-branch MSLD flap, with its low complication rate and associated with minimal functional and aesthetic deficits of the donor site, can be a good option for breast reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, III.

Radiofrequency Volumetric Reduction for Masseteric Hypertrophy

Masseteric hypertrophy occurs frequently among Asians, including Koreans, because of racial characteristics and dietary habits. It is thought to be an unpleasant feature, especially because of its strong and masculine impression. Recently, the authors developed a method for the volumetric reduction of hypertrophied masseter muscles using radiofrequency energy to correct the squared facial appearance caused by the hypertrophy. This study was performed to investigate the effects of radiofrequency applied to reduce hypertrophied masseter muscles of patients who sought an aesthetic alternative for a slim, smooth, and feminine-looking lower facial contour. A total of 340 patients were treated. The patients usually recognized the volume change 3 to 6 weeks after treatment, and an objective volume reduction was observed within 3 months of the operation. The range of the reduction in the masseter thickness, as measured by ultrasonic examination at a 6-month postoperative follow-up visit, was 10% to 60% (mean, 27%). Most of the patients could eat a nearly normal diet after 4 weeks and were satisfied with the improved aesthetic contour lines of their lower face. Radiofrequency-induced coagulation tissue necrosis of the masseter did not cause any infections or limitations of mouth opening, and the clinical improvement was well maintained after the treatment.

Assessment of Blood Loss and Need for Transfusion During Bimaxillary Surgery With or Without Maxillary Setback

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to compare the blood loss, transfusion needs, and operation times in subjects who underwent bimaxillary surgery with versus without maxillary setback. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review was completed in all patients who underwent bimaxillary surgery from March 2009 to August 2010. The inclusion criterion was the availability of a complete chart record. Patients were divided into 1 of 2 groups based on maxillary setback procedure. The predictive variable was the treatment group. The primary outcome variable was blood loss as measured by the change in hemoglobin. The secondary outcome variables were operation time and transfusion need. The other study variables were a patients characteristics (ie, age and gender). Mann-Whitney test was performed to compare unpaired samples. Student t test was performed to compare operation time. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the adjusted relation among the study variables. RESULTS There were 82 patients (17 male and 65 female; mean age, 28.0 ± 4.9 yr; age range, 18 to 35 yr) who underwent bimaxillary surgery in this study. The mean hemoglobin decreases were 1.72 g/dL (standard deviation, 0.67 g/dL) in the nonsetback group and 2.37 g/dL (standard deviation, 0.76 g/dL) in the setback group. The average operation times were 158.24 ± 30.36 minutes (range, 127.88 to 188.6 min) in the nonsetback group and 194.35 ± 29.20 minutes (range, 165.15 to 223.55 min) in the setback group. Transfusion was not performed in any patient. After adjusting for potential factors, the multiple regression model showed that the treatment group was associated with blood loss (P < .0001) and operation time (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that intraoperative bleeding and operation time increased significantly in patients undergoing mandibular ramus osteotomy and Le Fort I osteotomy with maxillary setback. However, transfusion generally is not required during 2-jaw surgery, regardless of maxillary setback.

Radiofrequency Volume Reduction of Gastrocnemius Muscle Hypertrophy for Cosmetic Purposes

Muscularly prominent calves, caused mainly by hypertrophy of the gastrocnemius muscle (GCM), are prevalent among Asian women, and this condition can be a significant factor leading to psychological stress. The authors have devised a method for contouring the calf using radiofrequency (RF) applications to the GCMs to correct thick, muscular legs. This study was performed to investigate the effects of RF energy in reducing enlarged GCMs for 250 patients (249 women and 1 man) who sought aesthetic consultation for problems such as thick, muscular, asymmetric, or bowed calves. The operations were performed from June 2004 to April 2006. The patients first received a local anesthetic and sedation. After application of RF current, the prominent muscular contours improved, and the GCMs were contoured to an appropriate proportional volume. The range of the reductions in the calf circumferences at their thickest levels was 1 to 6 cm (mean, 2.5 cm) during the follow-up visits 6 months after the procedures. Most of the patients could return to their activities of daily living, except for exercise, after 1 to 7 days, and they were satisfied with the improved aesthetic contour lines of their lower legs. Clinical photography and ultrasonic examination were performed, and the leg circumferences were measured. Radiofrequency-induced coagulation tissue necrosis of the muscles caused no functional disabilities, and the clinical improvement was well maintained after the treatments for up to 17 months of follow-up evaluation.

Rib-sparing and internal mammary artery-preserving microsurgical breast reconstruction with the free DIEP flap.

Background: Using an internal mammary artery as the recipient vessel in a free flap autologous breast reconstruction is common practice, but this vessel is often sacrificed for end-to-end anastomosis and is typically assessed by removing a costal cartilage segment. The authors studied the reliability of the end-to-side arterial anastomosis using a rib-sparing approach by comparing it with end-to-end anastomosis. Methods: The authors analyzed 100 consecutive medical records of patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction with a free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap in which the internal mammary vessels were assessed using a rib-sparing technique. The study compared the complications between the two groups of end-to-side arterial anastomosis (50 cases) and end-to-end arterial anastomosis (50 cases). Results: Exposure of the internal mammary artery using a rib-sparing technique was performed successfully in all 100 flaps. The second and third intercostal spaces were used in 46 and 54 cases, respectively. The mean width of the used intercostal space was 18.3 ± 2.4 mm in the end-to-side group and 18.3 ± 2.9 mm in the end-to-end group (p = 0.923). All flaps survived without partial or total necrosis. One case of venous insufficiency that required exploration occurred in the end-to-side group; the flap was totally saved with venous revision. There was no significant statistical difference between the end-to-side and end-to-end groups in all other variables, including mean flap ischemic time (p = 0.431) and fat necrosis (p = 0.339). Conclusion: The rib-sparing and internal mammary artery–preserving free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap transfer is an efficient and safe technique for microsurgical breast reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Preoperative rib cartilage imaging in 3-dimensional chest computed tomography for auricular reconstruction for microtia.

BackgroundThere are several methods that may be used to confirm the status of rib cartilage, such as physical examinations or chest radiography, for subjects with microtia. However, these methods are limited because of clinicians’ inability to gain accurate information about the rib cartilage. We performed 3-dimensional chest computed tomography to preoperatively evaluate the accuracy of rib cartilage imaging. MethodsA total of 37 patients preparing for auricular reconstruction using a rib cartilage graft underwent preoperative 3-dimensional rib cage computed tomography (3-D rib CT). The 3-D rib CT was performed in cases of secondary revisional reconstruction, those with a history of surgery using rib cartilage, in those with a history of trauma related to the rib cage, older patients with question of calcification of rib cartilage, or those with a suspected rib cartilage anomaly on physical examination. Preoperatively, the appropriateness of using the rib cartilage were evaluated. ResultsWith the aid of the 3-D rib CT, successful autogenous auricular reconstruction was achieved in 36 patients. Framework fabrication in combination with a porous polyethylene implant and autogenous rib cartilage was performed in the remaining patient as planned preoperatively. By analyzing the 3-D rib CT image preoperatively, auricular reconstruction using a recycled rib cartilage graft with newly harvested rib cartilage was performed successfully in 13 of 14 secondary revisional cases. Based on preoperative CT images, modified surgical planning in terms of cartilage harvest and framework fabrication was needed in 8 of 11 patients who had a history of operation using rib cartilage and in 3 of 5 subjects with suspected rib cage anomalies on physical examination. Successful reconstruction was achieved using the modified surgical plan. ConclusionsA preoperative 3-D rib CT helps in surgical planning for autogenous auricular reconstruction for microtia, especially in patients with suspicious rib cartilage status.

Aesthetic auricular reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage grafts in adult microtia patients

BACKGROUND Cartilage calcification is an important factor in aesthetic auricular reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage grafts in adults, a technique that involves difficult manipulation and unexpected absorption. As a result, artificial implants or prosthetics are considered for auricular reconstruction in adult patients despite the limitations of artificial material. In this article, we present our experience with auricular reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage grafts in adult microtia patients with reliable aesthetic results and minimal complications. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed for 84 microtia patients ranging in age from 21 to 56 (average: 29.9) years who underwent auricular reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage grafts from March 2001 to March 2013. To validate our acceptable reconstructive results, two independent observers performed postoperative photographic evaluation of two groups (adults and children) using non-inferiority tests in addition to patient questionnaires. RESULTS The mean operation time for rib cartilage grafts was 3 h and 53 min, and the follow-up time for all patients ranged from 6 months to 8 years. Surgery-related complications occurred in only three cases. On objective photographic evaluation, the adult group was not inferior to the child group in auricular shape, location, or symmetry. The subjective patient satisfaction evaluation reported a high satisfaction rate. CONCLUSIONS As this study shows, aesthetic auricular reconstruction using rib cartilage grafts in adult microtia patients is possible even in cases with advanced cartilage calcification. Modification of the fabricating framework, well-preserved flap vascularity, and complete understanding of physiological aspects of rib cartilage are essential for aesthetic auricular reconstruction.

Negative-pressure wound dressings to secure split-thickness skin grafts in the perineum

Several researches have shown that negative‐pressure wound dressings can secure split‐thickness skin grafts and improve graft survival. However, in anatomically difficult body regions such as the perineum it is questionable whether these dressings have similar beneficial effects. In this study, we evaluated the effects of negative‐pressure wound dressings on split‐thickness skin grafts in the perineum by comparing wound healing rate and complication rate with that of tie‐over dressings. A retrospective chart review was performed for the patients who underwent a split‐thickness skin graft to reconstruct perineal skin defects between January 2007 and December 2011. After grafting, the surgeon selected patients to receive either a negative‐pressure dressing or a tie‐over dressing. In both groups, the initial dressing was left unchanged for 5 days, then changed to conventional wet gauze dressing. Graft success was assessed 2 weeks after surgery by a single clinician. A total of 26 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 56·6 years and the mean wound size was 273·1 cm2. Among them 14 received negative‐pressure dressings and 12 received tie‐over dressings. Negative‐pressure dressing group had higher graft taken rate (P = 0·036) and took shorter time to complete healing (P = 0·01) than tie‐over dressing group. The patients with negative‐pressure dressings had a higher rate of graft success and shorter time to complete healing, which has statistical significance. Negative‐pressure wound dressing can be a good option for effective management of skin grafts in the perineum.

Secondary extremity reconstruction with free perforator flaps for aesthetic purposes

Perforator flap surgery enables surgeons to tailor flaps to individual requirements with reduced donor-site morbidity. The technique allows better aesthetic results to be achieved in various fields of microsurgical reconstruction, but reports on aesthetic resurfacing and contour restoration of extremity deformities are sparse. The authors present their experience of elective reconstructions of established deformities in the extremities for aesthetic purposes using free perforator flaps. Aesthetic results were evaluated using a questionnaire and by photographic grading. From March 2006 to June 2010, 15 free flaps were transferred in 14 patients for aesthetic purposes to restore established skin and soft-tissue deformities in the extremities. Twelve flaps were transferred to lower extremities and three to upper extremities. After recreating tissue deficiencies, flaps were precisely designed and elevated with elaborate flap insetting and thickness control. Patient-assessment questionnaires were administered after surgery, and aesthetic results were evaluated using photographs by independent observers. Photographic gradings were assessed statistically using the generalised estimating equation. Eight deep inferior epigastric artery perforator free flaps and seven thoracodorsal artery perforator free flaps were used in the 14 patients. Flap sizes ranged from 8 × 14 to 14 × 38 cm, and all flaps survived well. The patient satisfaction rate was high, and aesthetic improvements were confirmed by conducting objective photographic evaluations. Statistically significant changes were detected during the photographic evaluation (p < 0.05). Secondary reconstruction using a customised free perforator flap to achieve aesthetic improvements is a valuable option for the restoration of established skin and soft-tissue deformities in the extremities.