Seok Kwun Kim

The thin latissimus dorsi perforator-based free flap for resurfacing.

The authors present their experience with “thin” latissimus dorsi perforator‐based free flaps for resurfacing defects. Perforator‐based free flaps have been used for various kinds of reconstruction by preserving important donor structures. The thin latissimus dorsi perforatorbased free flap included only the skin and superficial adipose layer to reduce its bulkiness by dissection through the superficial fascial plane. This flap was used in 12 clinical cases, without flap necrosis or other serious postoperative complications. All of the patients were examined by preoperative power Doppler ultrasound in the spectral Doppler mode to search for the most reliable perforator. This noninvasive ultrasound technique determines the exact location and course of and ensures the reliable flow of the perforators; therefore, it greatly assists microsurgeons in saving operation time and in selecting the most suitable design for perforator flap reconstruction. We used perforators that were identified several centimeters from the lateral border of the latissimus dorsi muscle. The thin flap dimensions could be safely designed for flaps measuring up to 20 cm in length and 8 cm in width for primary closure of the donor site. Generally, a long pedicle is not required for resurfacing reconstructions, where small recipient arteries in the bed are acceptable for anastomosis with pedicles. However, pedicle dissection to the proximal vessels through the latissimus dorsi muscle was required when it was necessary to match the recipient vein for anastomosis. The authors conclude that this thin latissimus dorsi perforator‐based free flap has great potential for resurfacing because of its constant thickness, easy elevation with the help of power Doppler ultrasound information, and proper flap size for moderate defects caused by scar contracture release, superficial tumor ablation, and so on. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 107: 374, 2001.)

The submuscular aponeurotic system (SMAS): a histologic and comparative anatomy evaluation.

The submuscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) has been steeped in controversy. The goal of our anatomic study was to further clarify the existence of the SMAS. With an operating microscope, we performed dissections in 10 fresh cadaver heads (20 hemiheads) exposing the SMAS through a face lift incision. Through the operating microscope we were able to identify the SMAS and its relationship to other anatomic structures. Full-thickness longitudinal sections were obtained for routine histologic studies along various surgically relevant regions of the SMAS. In addition, dissections were accomplished with the operating microscope on 12 rhesus monkey fetuses ranging in age from a few weeks to 8 months. Data obtained from the fresh cadaver microdissections, topographic histology, and comparative anatomy revealed the presence of the SMAS as a distinct fibromuscular layer composed of the platysma muscle, parotid fascia, and fibromuscular layer covering the cheek.

Long-term results in patients after rectosigmoid vaginoplasty.

Many methods are used for vaginoplasty, including the split-thickness skin graft, full-thickness skin graft, and inverted penile skin flap. However, these procedures are not entirely satisfactory in cases of reconstructed vaginal stenosis, inadequate vaginal length, or poor lubrication. The small inMany methods are used for vaginoplasty, including the split-thickness skin graft, full-thickness skin graft, and inverted penile skin flap. However, these procedures are not entirely satisfactory in cases of reconstructed vaginal stenosis, inadequate vaginal length, or poor lubrication. The small intestine, ascending colon, and sigmoid colon can be used in the intestinal flap method, and the authors modified the operation first described by Baldwin in which a loop of rectosigmoid is isolated, closed at one end, and brought down on its vascular pedicle as a neovagina and then anastomosed to the perineum. Vaginoplasty using the rectosigmoid was performed in 36 patients (28 male-to-female transsexual patients, five patients with congenital vaginal atresia, and three with cervical cancer). The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 10 years. The postoperative results were analyzed through physical examination and interview regarding the patient’s functional status and satisfaction during sexual intercourse. The mean depth and width of the vaginal cavity were 12.5 cm and 3.9 cm, respectively. Excessive mucosal discharge was seen in 8.3 percent, and malodor was found in 8.3 percent. All patients who had partners were able to have sexual intercourse; 2.8 percent of patients used lubricants and 5.6 percent used dilators before intercourse for more than a year postoperatively. During intercourse, 88.9 percent of the patients experienced orgasm. The cosmetic and functional results of rectosigmoid vaginoplasty were excellent. Thus, the advantages of rectosigmoid vaginoplasty are (1) rare contraction of the reconstructed vagina, (2) vaginal width and depth maintained without long-term vaginal stent, (3) spontaneous mucus production facilitating sexual intercourse, (4) avoidance of the malodor frequently accompanying skin graft, and (5) texture and appearance similar to that of the natural vagina. The authors concluded that rectosigmoid vaginoplasty is the best choice for transsexual patients who have previously undergone penectomy and orchiectomy, patients with unfavorable previous vaginoplasty, those with short vaginal length after cervical cancer surgery, and patients with congenital vaginal atresia.

an Anatomic Study and Clinical Applications of the Reversed Submental Perforator-based Island Flap

&NA; The authors present their experience with the reversed submental perforator‐based island flap for nose reconstruction and their anatomic and clinical studies. There have been several descriptions on the reversed pattern of the submental flap, but its anatomic background and clinical availability are still questionable. The submental area was analyzed by anatomic dissection on four fresh cadavers that were injected with a barium mixture. The anatomic data were accumulated with the authors’ clinical experience with eight patients treated with a submental island flap. On the basis of these studies, the location of reliable perforators was constant at the lateral and/or medial border of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, but their locations were not always symmetric on both sides in the submental territory. Unlike the comitant submental vein, another larger superficial vein has a different course before reaching the lateral border of the anterior digastric belly, and therefore, it must be included in the reversed flap. The premised anatomic results and the clinical experience prove the reliability of the reversed submental perforator‐based island flap as a versatile option in midface reconstruction, including the nose, once the dissection has been carefully done, respecting the anatomic points that can be found in this study. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 109: 2204, 2002.)

The split calvarial bone graft donor site: The effects of surgicel and hydroxyapatite impregnated with collagen

Surgicel, which is commonly used as a hemostatic agent in clinical practice, is basically composed of oxidized regenerated cellulose. Skoog followed by Thilander and Stenstrom are credited with initially describing the use of Surgicel as a subperiosteal implant that could stimulate new bone formation in the closure of secondary palatal fistulae. Encouraged by these previous studies, we decided to investigate the effect of Surgicel and a new implant material, hydroxyapatite impregnated with collagen, on the split calvarial bone graft donor site. To do this, we used adult New Zealand White rabbits as our experimental model. Our study demonstrated histological evidence of both an increased quantity and earlier bony reformation, eventually reconstituting the surgical defect in the split calvarial bone graft donor site treated with Surgicel. Additionally, we found that this alloplastic implant material has potential in the reconstruction of the donor defect in selected patients.

Laparoscopic rectosigmoid flap vaginoplasty

Abstract Various methods have been developed for vaginoplasty, of which the rectosigmoid flap has its own advantages including sufficient increase in the vaginal length and lower incidence of complications such as contracture or strain after vaginoplasty. Laparoscopic operation can greatly minimise the abdominal scar associated with laparotomy and allow cosmetically superior outcomes. Its minimally invasive procedure can also achieve rapid recovery and shorten the duration of hospital stay. Twelve patients (age range 18-40 years) had vaginoplasty using the rectosigmoid colon. We evaluated the ecological changes of the neovagina from the change of pH in the neovagina, culture of the normal flora, and vaginal wall biopsy taken 6 to 12 months postoperatively. Details of sexual activity were also examined. No patient from interviews developed vaginal narrowing as a result of the contracture that caused painful intercourse, or had smelly discharge or spontaneous bleeding from the vagina. Laparoscopic procedures may need only five-openings of 1–1.5 cm in diameter. Mean operating time was 130 minutes (IQR, 113-140) and duration of hospital stay 8.5 days (IQR, 7-11). Twelve months postoperatively the intravaginal pH was about 6. In one case, the histological test showed that the original columnar cell of the intestinal mucosa had been transformed to stratified squamous cell tissue. The key to the vaginoplasty is that it should give functional satisfaction and a minimal rate of complications. The laparoscopic rectosigmoid flap technique of vaginoplasty allowed less morbidity and excellent aesthetic and functional postoperative outcomes.