A single-use negative-pressure wound therapy device can reduce mastectomy skin flap necrosis in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction

Background@#Mastectomy flap necrosis is a common and challenging complication of direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction. The PICO single-use negative-pressure wound therapy device may reduce the complications associated with skin flap necrosis. We evaluated the relationship between PICO use and the incidence of mild, moderate, and severe skin flap necrosis in patients at high risk of necrosis. @*Methods@#Using medical records from January 2015 to March 2019, we retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent DTI breast reconstruction after oncological breast surgery at a single institution and identified those at high risk for skin flap necrosis. During this period, PICO was used selectively for patients deemed to be at particularly high risk. Patient demographics, operative characteristics, and the degree of skin flap necrosis were compared according to whether PICO was used. @*Results@#Of 117 patients (122 breasts), 45 were deemed to be at high risk of skin flap necrosis. PICO was applied to 38 of these breasts, and seven breasts received a conventional dressing. Skin flap necrosis occurred in 30 breasts (24 in the PICO group [63.2%] vs. 6 in the no-PICO group [85.7%]). Significantly fewer cases of severe skin flap necrosis were observed in the PICO group (2/38 [5.3%]) than in the no-PICO group (3/7 [42.9%]) (P=0.004). There were no significant between-group differences in outcomes measured using BREAST-Q scores. @*Conclusions@#Use of a single-use negative-pressure wound therapy device can reduce the risk of severe skin flap necrosis in patients at high risk of skin flap complications associated with DTI breast reconstruction.

Secondary Reconstruction of Frontal Sinus Fracture

Fractures of frontal sinus account for 5%–12% of all fractures of facial skeleton. Inadequately treated frontal sinus injuries may result in malposition of sinus structures, as well as subsequent distortion of the overlying soft tissue. Such inappropriate treatment can result in aesthetic complaints (contour deformity) as well as medical complications (recurrent sinusitis, mucocele or mucopyocele, osteomyelitis of the frontal bone, meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess or thrombosis of the cavernous sinus) with potentially fatal outcomes. Frontal contour deformity warrants surgical intervention. Although deformities should be corrected by the deficiency in tissue type, skin and soft tissue correction is considered better choice than bone surgery because of minimal invasiveness. Development of infection in the postoperative period requires all secondary operations to be delayed, pending the resolution of infectious symptoms. The anterior cranial fossa must be isolated from the nasal cavity to prevent infectious complications. Because most of the complications are related to infection, frontal sinus fractures require extensive surgical debridement and adequate restructuring of the anatomy. The authors suggest surgeons to be familiar with various methods of treatment available in the prevention and management of complications following frontal sinus fractures, which is helpful in making the proper decision for secondary frontal sinus fracture surgery.

The Trapezius Muscle Flap: A Viable Alternative for Posterior Scalp and Neck Reconstruction

BACKGROUND: The trapezius muscle flap is not usually the first reconstructive option for skin and soft tissue defects in the posterior neck and scalp due to surgeons' unfamiliarity with the surgical anatomy and developments in free tissue transfer techniques. The goals of this study were to describe the clinical use of trapezius flaps in posterior neck and scalp reconstruction, and to investigate the vascular anatomy of trapezius flaps in Asians in order to obtain information facilitating the safe design and elevation of flaps in which most of the muscle is preserved. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of 10 patients who underwent trapezius muscle flap for posterior neck and scalp defects. We also performed an anatomical study of 16 flaps harvested from 8 preserved Asian adult cadavers and evaluated the main landmarks relevant for trapezius muscle flap. RESULTS: In the anatomical study, the mean vertical height from the inferior angle of the scapula to the point at which the superficial cervical artery penetrated the trapezius was 4.31±2.14 cm. The mean vertical height of the trapezius muscle flap pivot point was 9.53±2.08 cm from the external occipital protuberance. Among the 10 flaps, partial necrosis on the overlaid skin graft occurred in 1 patient and postoperative seroma occurred in another patient. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular variations in the trapezius muscle flap are uncommon in Asians, but when present, such variations appear to have little impact on harvesting the flap or on its circulation. The trapezius muscle flap is a viable alternative for posterior neck and scalp reconstruction.

Wound Healing Effects of Rose Placenta in a Mouse Model of Full-Thickness Wounds

BACKGROUND: Rosa damascena, a type of herb, has been used for wound healing in Eastern folk medicine. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of rose placenta from R. damascena in a full-thickness wound model in mice. METHODS: Sixty six-week-old C57BL/6N mice were used. Full-thickness wounds were made with an 8-mm diameter punch. Two wounds were made on each side of the back, and wounds were assigned randomly to the control and experimental groups. Rose placenta (250 microg) was injected in the experimental group, and normal saline was injected in the control group. Wound sizes were measured with digital photography, and specimens were harvested. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), and CD31. Vessel density was measured. Quantitative analysis using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for EGF was performed. All evaluations were performed on postoperative days 0, 2, 4, 7, and 10. Statistical analyses were performed using the paired t-test. RESULTS: On days 4, 7, and 10, the wounds treated with rose placenta were significantly smaller. On day 2, VEGF and EGF expression increased in the experimental group. On days 7 and 10, TGF-beta1 expression decreased in the experimental group. On day 10, vessel density increased in the experimental group. The increase in EGF on day 2 was confirmed with ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: Rose placenta was found to be associated with improved wound healing in a mouse full-thickness wound model via increased EGF release. Rose placenta may potentially be a novel drug candidate for enhancing wound healing.

Prevention of Implant Malposition in Inframammary Augmentation Mammaplasty

BACKGROUND: Implant malposition can produce unsatisfactory aesthetic results after breast augmentation. The goal of this article is to identify aspects of the preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative flap fixation that can prevent implant malposition. METHODS: This study examined 36 patients who underwent primary dual plane breast augmentation through an inframammary incision between September 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013. Before the surgery, preoperative evaluation and design using the Randquist formula were performed. Each patient was evaluated retrospectively for nipple position relative to the breast implant and breast contour, using standardized preoperative and postoperative photographs. The average follow-up period was 10 months. RESULTS: Seven of 72 breasts were identified as having implant malposition. These malpositions were divided into two groups. In relation to the new breast mound, six breasts had an inferiorly positioned and one breast had a superiorly positioned nipple-areolar complex. Two of these seven breasts were accompanied with an unsatisfactory breast contour. CONCLUSIONS: We identified two main causes of implant malposition after inframammary augmentation mammaplasty. One cause was an incorrect preoperatively designed nipple to inframammary fold (N-IMF) distance. The breast skin and parenchyma quality, such as an extremely tight envelope, should be considered. If an extremely tight envelope is found, the preoperatively designed new N-IMF distance should be increased. The other main cause of malposition is failure of the fascial suture from Scarpa's fascia to the perichondrium through an inframammary incision. As well, when this fixation is performed, it should be performed directly downward to the perichondrium, rather than slanted in a cranial or caudal direction.

Effects of the Diabetic Condition on Grafted Fat Survival: An Experimental Study Using Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafts have been widely used for cosmetic purposes and for soft tissue contour reconstruction. Because diabetes mellitus is one of the major chronic diseases in nearly every country, the requirement for fat grafts in diabetes patients is expected to increase continuously. However, the circulation complications of diabetes are serious and have been shown to involve microvascular problems, impairing ischemia-driven neovascularization in particular. After injection, revascularization is vital to the survival of the grafted fat. In this study, the authors attempted to determine whether the diabetic condition inhibits the survival of injected fat due to impaired neovascularization. METHODS: The rat scalp was used for testing fat graft survival. Forty-four seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to a diabetic group or a control group. 1.0 mL of processed fat was injected subcutaneously into the scalp of each rat. The effect of diabetes was evaluated by calculating the volume and the weight of the grafted fat and by histologically analyzing the fat sections. RESULTS: The surviving fat graft volume and weight were considerably smaller in the diabetic group than in the control group (P<0.05), and histological evaluations showed less vascularity, and more cysts, vacuoles, and fibrosis in the diabetic group (P<0.05). Cellular integrity and inflammation were not considerably different in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: As the final outcome, we found that the presence of diabetes might impair the survival and the quality of fat grafts, as evidenced by lower fat graft weights and volumes and poor histologic graft quality.

Reconstruction of Unexpected Huge Chest Wall Defect after Recurrent Breast Cancer Excision Using a TRAM Flap Combined with Partial Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap

No abstract available.

Modified Direct W-incision with Silicone Sheet to Minimize Operation Scar in Reconstruction of Mild to Moderate Symptomatic Medial Orbital Wall Fracture

BACKGROUND: For reconstruction of the mild to moderate medial orbital wall fractures, various surgical approaches have been used. Prior existing W-shaped incision was a direct local approach through a 3 cm incision on the superior medial orbital area with a titanium mesh implant. In this study, the authors modified W-shaped incision and reconstructed the defect with silastic sheet to improve the result and the postoperative scar. METHODS: This study included 20 patients who had mild to moderate size of medial wall defect and therefore relatively suitable for reconstruction with silastic sheets from July, 2009 to December, 2011. A modified W-shaped skin incision approximately 1.2 to 1.5 cm in length was made along the superior medial orbital rim from approximately 1 cm medial to the medial canthus to the lower border of the medial eyebrow. The angles of the limbs of the W ranged from 150 to 160 degrees. RESULTS: By using soft flexible silastic sheet, the authors reduced the incision from 3 to 1.5 cm, and by widening the angle of the W limbs, scars were more effectively hided in the relaxed skin tension line. Scar assessment was done with modified patient and observer scar assessment scale and mean score from patients was 2.08 and mean score from observers was 2.12. CONCLUSION: Although this method will not be suitable for every case, it can be a consistent method to obtain the surgical goal in treatment of mild to moderate blowout fractures of the medial orbital wall.

Bony Deformity after Augmentation Rhinoplasty with Silicone Implant

Silicone implants for augmentation rhinoplasty have been used by many surgeons over the past few decades. However, no clinical evaluation of the nasal bones beneath the silicone implant has been conducted to date. Between 2010 and 2012, we reviewed patients' facial computed tomography scans and finally selected 13 patients according to the exclusion criteria. To evaluate the extent of bone resorption, we measured the angle (theta) of the deformed portion. And we measured the thickness of nasal bones to evaluate the bony resorption.A total of 13 patients had some evidence of bone resorption or bony deformity on their computed tomography. An evaluation of the CT scan of the nasal bones showed deformity of the bones underneath the implant. The bones had lost the dome shaped convexity and showed flat configuration under the implant. The values of the angle (theta) ranged from 45to 75 degrees (mean 58.1 degree). The thickness of nasal bone showed statistically significant results at the tip of bony vault. This study has demonstrated of bone deformation beneath the silicone implants in humans.

Fixation of Nasal Bone Fracture with Carved Merocel(R)

PURPOSE: In most cases of nasal bone fracture, closed reduction with internal or external splint fixation approach is selected. However, because of indiscriminate insertion of the internal splint without considering of anatomical difference or deformity, insufficient fixation happens frequently that need additional fixation. Therefore, we suggest a new method for providing adequate support in reduced nasal bone by carving Merocel(R) that is fixed for the anatomical structure. METHODS: Closed reduction and internal fixation with carved Merocel(R) was performed in 15 nasal bone fracture patients from March, 2010 to July, 2010. Each patient was evaluated by physical examination, facial photographic check, simple X-ray, and computerized tomography. On the first day post-operation, location of packing and amount of reduction were checked by follow up X-ray and computerized tomography. In addition, patients' symptoms were evaluated. During the 3-month post-op follow up at out-patient clinic, operator, 2 doctors in training and one assistant performed the objective evaluations by physical examination on nasal dorsal hump, nasal deviation, nasal depression, nasal breath difficulty, and nasal airway obstruction. A survey of subjective patients' satisfaction in 4-stages was also performed. RESULTS: The results of follow-up computerized tomography of the 15 patients revealed that 11 patients had good reduced state. Three patients with combined maxillary frontal process fracture had over reductions. A survey performed on the first day post-operation showed that 14 of 15 patients answered that their current symptoms were more than tolerable. At the 3-month follow-up physical exam, one case had a dorsal hump. However, there were no nasal deviations, nasal depressions, nasal breath difficulties, or nasal airway obstructions. Twelve of the 15 patients answered more than moderate on the 3-month survey. CONCLUSION: Intranasal packing after carving the Merocel(R) considering anatomical structure is a new effective method to promote proper-reduction, maintain stability, and minimize patients' symptoms by addition of a simple procedure.

Comparison of Silver-containing Hydrofiber Dressing and Hydrophobic Dressing for Effects on MRSA-infected Full Thickness Skin Defect in the Rat

PURPOSE: Aquacel Ag(R) is a hydrofiber wound dressing integrated with ionic silver. Sorbact(R) is a hydrophobic-coated dressing that uses the hydrophobic interaction with microbes. In this study, we compared the wound healing effects and the antibacterial effects of Medifoam(R), Betadine soaked, Aquacel Ag(R) and Sorbact(R) dressings against MRSA-infected wounds. METHODS: Eighty rats were divided into four groups: Medifoam(R); Betadine soaked; Aquacel Ag(R); and Sorbact(R). A 1.5 x 1.5 cm square full-thickness wound was made on the dorsum of each rat and infected with MRSA. Twenty-four hours thereafter, each dressing was applied to the wound and changed every other day. One, 3, 7, 11 and 15 days after the wound infection, swab culture grade, wound bed appearance score, and wound defect size change were evaluated, and 7 and 15 days after, histologic evaluation was compared between the groups. RESULTS: The bacteria load of wounds in the Sorbact(R) group decreased earlier than in the other groups. The wound bed appearance score of the Sorbact(R) group also increased quicker, compared with the other groups. However, the size of wounds of the Aquacel Ag(R) group decreased more rapidly, compared with other groups. From the histologic point of view, there was no significant difference between Betadine soaked, Aquacel Ag(R) and Sorbact(R) groups. CONCLUSION: The hydrophobic dressing using Sorbact(R) showed a more rapid reduction in the MRSA load and an elevation in the wound bed appearance score, but a slower decrease in wound size change due to detachment of wound bed tissue when the dressing was eliminated in the low exudate wound. The silver-containing hydrofiber dressing using Aquacel Ag(R) was more effective in ultimate wound size reduction, but some debris was trapped in the wound tissue and induced foreign body reaction in the high exudate wound. Thus, ongoing selection process of treatment based on the evaluation of the infectious wound state will be very important.

The Effect of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Acellular Human Dermal Grafts in Rats

PURPOSE: Acellular human dermis is very useful implant for use in plastic and reconstructive surgery. However, the volume of acellular human dermis graft is known to decrease for a long time. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a polypeptide that enhances the collagen synthesis and angiogenesis. In the current study we examined whether bFGF could improve the survival of acellular human dermis(SureDerm(R)) by increasing angiogenesis of the graft. METHODS: Forty rats were divided into two groups (control and bFGF). A 2-mm thick piece of SureDerm(R) was cut into smaller pieces that were 15x5mm in size. Two subcutaneous pockets were made on the back of each rat. Grafts sprayed with bFGF were implanted in the bFGF group and injected with bFGF after transplantation every 3 days for 2 weeks. In the control group, the grafts were treated with phosphate-buffered saline(PBS) instead of bFGF. Four days, and 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the implantation, the grafts were harvested and gross and histologic examinations were performed. Inflammation grade, graft thickness, neocollagen density, and neocapillary count were measured. RESULTS: The bFGF group displayed more rapid accumulation of inflammatory cells with a higher density of neocapillaries, and increased active collagen synthesis. After 12 weeks, the thickness of the grafts in the control and bFGF groups was 75.15+/-4.80% and 81.79+/-5.72%, respectively, in comparison to the thickness before transplantation. There was a statistically significant difference between both groups(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: bFGF was effective in reducing the absorption of acellular human dermal grafts by increasing angiogenesis and accelerating engraftment. In conclusion, bFGF may be a good tool for use in acellular human dermal graft transplantation for reconstructive surgery involving soft-tissue defects.

Implant Folding Phenomenon in Cohesive Gel; Diagnosis of Suspected Implant Rupture in MRI Finding

Since the introduction of the 4th generation silicone gel implants, number of breast augmentation using so-called 'cohesive gel' implants has increased rapidly. Still, implant rupture remains the most annoying complication of breast implant surgery. Recently, magnetic resonance image (MRI) is used as the gold standard in diagnosis of implant rupture. We experienced patients diagnosed as implant rupture with MRI finding, whose implants were found not to be ruptured, but only folded. These patients underwent breast augmentation with cohesive gel and presented to our center with complaint of breast asymmetry and texture-related discomfort. We recommended MRI imaging for diagnosis and the result of radiological diagnosis were 'rupture of implant'. After surgical exploration, we found intact implants without rupture. They were severely folded and fixed with folded form. With our experience, we conclude that cohesive gel implants, due to their more cohesive and form-stable characteristics, sometimes tend to fold and fix in stable folded form and in such cases, MRI image can be similar with the image of ruptured implant. Therefore, in diagnosis of cohesive gel rupture, surgeons should consider both radiologic finding and physical examination carefully before the decision of exploration.

The Effect of Mitomycin-C on Preventing Adhesion of Injured Flexor Tendon in Rabbit Model

PURPOSE: Adhesion after flexor tendon injury is a result of fibrosis between tendon and tendon sheath. This, finally interfere with gliding mechanism of tendon and results in functional problem of hands. Therefore, there have been many trials to reduce adhesion around the tendon. However, there is no standard procedure clinically practiced in hospitals. Mitomycin-C is an antineoplastic alkylating agent that decrease fibroblast proliferation and scar formation. It is commonly used in many surgery to reduce postoperative adhesion. This study was designed to observe the effect of Mitomycin-C on preventing adhesion in injured flexor tendon. METHODS: The deep flexor tendon of digit 2 and 4 in the left forepaw of 15 New Zealand White rabbits were subjected to partial tenotomy. In study group, injury site was exposed to a single 5-minute application of Mitomycin-C, and in control group was left untreated. Digit 2 and 4 in the right forepaw of each rabbit were considered as non-adhesion control group. After 2 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and digits were amputated for biomechanical test and histological study. RESULTS: In biomechanical study to measure yield point, mean yield point of non-adhesion control was 17.43+/-2.33 and 25.07+/-4.03 for adhesion control, which proves increase of adhesion in adhesion control group(p<0.05) in 95% confidence. In Mitomycin-C group, mean yield point was 12.71+/-4.97. Compared with adhesion control, there was decrease in adhesiveness in Mitomycin-C group(p<0.05) in 95% confidence. In histological study, the result of adhesion control revealed massive adhesions of bony structure, fibrotic tissue and tendon structure with ablation of the border. However in Mitomycin-C group, we could find increased fibrotic tissue, but adhesion is much lesser than adhesion group and borders between structures remain intact. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that Mitomycin-C can significantly reduce adhesion of injured flexor tendon in rabbit model.

Open Reduction and Non-fixation Method for the Zygoma Body Fracture

PURPOSE: Zygoma is a major portion of the midfacial skeleton, forms the malar prominence and the three adjacent bony articulations. Zygoma fracture is a very common in facial trauma. Open reduction and rigid fixation of displaced zygoma fractures are necessary to avoid immediate and delayed facial asymmetry and depression. However, it is possible to happen the complications related to the plates and screws. So, we planned to treat the 24 patients of Group II, III, IV zygoma fractures with precise reduction and non-fixation method via intraoral approach. METHODS: From August, 2006, to August, 2009, we treated 24 cases of zygoma fracture with reduction and non-fixation methods. Before the surgery, we choose the patients who could be treated with this method among the Group II, III, IV patients. RESULTS: No patients in this study had postoperative complications such as displacement of bony fragments, facial depression and asymmetry, malocclusion, hypoesthesia. Satisfactory aesthetic and functional results can be obtained. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of the zygoma fracture, it is possible to treat with precise reduction and non-fixation method. The greatest advantage is to decrease the operative time, no need to wide dissection, no complications related to the plates and screws. For the using of this method, it is necessary to choose the adequate patients through the preoperative planning.

Open Reduction and Non-fixation Method for the Zygoma Body Fracture

PURPOSE: Zygoma is a major portion of the midfacial skeleton, forms the malar prominence and the three adjacent bony articulations. Zygoma fracture is a very common in facial trauma. Open reduction and rigid fixation of displaced zygoma fractures are necessary to avoid immediate and delayed facial asymmetry and depression. However, it is possible to happen the complications related to the plates and screws. So, we planned to treat the 24 patients of Group II, III, IV zygoma fractures with precise reduction and non-fixation method via intraoral approach. METHODS: From August, 2006, to August, 2009, we treated 24 cases of zygoma fracture with reduction and non-fixation methods. Before the surgery, we choose the patients who could be treated with this method among the Group II, III, IV patients. RESULTS: No patients in this study had postoperative complications such as displacement of bony fragments, facial depression and asymmetry, malocclusion, hypoesthesia. Satisfactory aesthetic and functional results can be obtained. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of the zygoma fracture, it is possible to treat with precise reduction and non-fixation method. The greatest advantage is to decrease the operative time, no need to wide dissection, no complications related to the plates and screws. For the using of this method, it is necessary to choose the adequate patients through the preoperative planning.

Long-term Follow-Up of Recurred Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Scalp

PURPOSE: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant epithelial neoplasm derived from the salivary glands. In some cases, ACC may arise in other primary sites, such as skin. We report a case of adenoid cystic carcinoma arising the scalp skin of a 69-year-old woman. METHODS: A 69-year-old woman presented with a tender scalp nodule. A local wide excision was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed the adenoid cystic carcinoma with basaloid cells in a cribriform pattern. The resection margins were free of tumor. Two years later a tumor recurred in the scarred area. The lesion was removed surgically and the histopathological diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma was again established. After two years, tumor recurred again and distant metastasis of the lung was diagnosed. A surgical wide excision was done and the close regular follow-up for recurrence was done. Two years later, third recurrence of the scalp was observed. We also performed the wide local excision with tumor free margin. RESULTS: We experience the recurrent adenoid cystic carcinoma of the scalp with pulmonary metastasis. We have performed the wide local excision for three times. The patient has been followed up for 10 years with regular work-up for recurrence and metastasis CONCLUSION: primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare skin neoplasm with a high potential for recurrence after local excision. The standard treatment of ACC is wide local excision with tumor-free margins established by permanent section.

Giant Neurofibroma on Both Buttocks

PURPOSE: Neurofibromatosis(NF) is an autosomal- dominant systemic disease. Up to fifty percent of patients with NF are reported to have concomitant vascular abnormalities. In the resection of a larger NF, the risk of uncontrolled hemorrhage is much higher due to the difficulty of hemostasis of large vessels within the tumor. We ligated the base of the giant NF with a simple loop- shaped ligation before removal of the giant NF in both buttocks. And then we successfully reduced the amount of hemorrhage during the operation. METHODS: A 46-year-old female patient presented for giant masses of both gluteal area, which has been growing slowly for the last ten years. Each mass was about 30x20 cm in size. After designing the elliptical resection margin, we tightened the tumor base by using continuous loop- shaped suture ligation(weaving the thread up and down in a loop-shaped pattern, leaving a space of 2cm between each loop) with a straight needle and prolene 2-0. After skin incision, we proceeded the dissection toward the central and inferior side of the mass obliquely while we avoided breaking large vascular sinuses. We resected the tumor in a wedged-shape. Subcutaneous tissue was sutured layer by layer and skin was closed by vertical mattress and interrupted suture. The loop-shaped ligation of the base was removed and compressive dressing was done with gauzes and elastic bandages. RESULTS: Postoperative complications such as infection, hemorrhage, hematoma, and dehiscence did not occur. Perioperatively the patient was sufficiently transfused with five units of blood and two units of fresh frozen plasma. During the subsequent 1 year follow-up, the functional and cosmetic results were excellent. CONCLUSION: A continuous loop-shaped suture ligation procedure along the base of the giant NF effectively reduced the amount of hemorrhage during the operation, made dissection and ligation of vessels easily and quickly, and shorten the operating time and postoperative recovery time.

Both Buccal Mucosa Transposition Flap for Reconstruction of Lower Lip Near-Total Mucosal Defect

PURPOSE: Squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) of the lower lip is the most common malignant tumor comprising 90% of all lip SCC. The typical picture of SCC of the lower lip is of an ulcerated lesion with raised margins. Surgery is the treatment of choice for SCC of lower lip. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, different types of flaps are used. We used new method ? 'both buccal mucosa transposition flap' for the reconstruction of the near total mucosal defect of the lower lip. METHODS: This 67-year-old men presented with the crusted 1x1cm sized ulceration of the lower lip that was arised 30 years ago. There were no size or color change, except the bleeding and ulceration. At first, We diagnosed the SCC through the incisional biopsy. Then We performed the wide excision of the tumor and reconstruction of the lower lip. After the excision of the whole tumor, the defect was measured at 8x3.5cm. We designed the buccal mucosa transposition flap taking care to avoid the parotid duct. The flap was made in a triangular shape for the reconstruction of defected lower lip. The donor site defect can be sutured primarily. RESULTS: A patient in this study had no postoperative complications such as necrosis, dehiscence, infection of the flap or donor site. Reconstructed lower lip is relatively close to that of the natural lip; More satisfactory aesthetic and functional results can be obtained by using this technique rather than other techniques. CONCLUSION: 'Both buccal mucosa transposition flap' is reliable method for the reconstruction of the large lower lip mucosal defect. The operation is simple and performed in one stage, with no postoperative complications. This technique can offer consistently good functional and esthetic outcomes after reconstruction of lower lip mucosal defect.

The Effect of Melatonin on the Random Flap Survival in the Rat

PURPOSE: In skin flap surgery, surgeons often encounter distal ischemia of the flap. If a powerful free radical scavenger is used, it may reduce the formation of free radical and improves the survival of flap. Thus, the present study purposed to examine whether the survival of flap can be enhanced by administering melatonin, which is known to be a powerful free radical scavenger a antioxidant molecule. METHODS: We divided 40 Sprague-Dawley rats into 4 groups, 10 in each group. For the control group(n=10), we intraperitoneally injected only carrier solution once 30 minutes before the operation, and once a day for 7 days from the day of operation. Among the experimental groups, a group(n=10) was administered with dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO), in another group(n=10), melatonin was intraperitoneally injected, and in the other(n=10) melatonin was intraperitoneally injected and applied topically(2cc of 1% melatonin) to the operation site. Caudally based skin flaps measuring 3x10cm2 were elevated on the mid-dorsum of the rats. and then repositioned. On the seventh postoperative day, the survival area of the flap was measured and tissues were examined under the light microscope. RESULTS: The control group, the DMSO group, the melatonin administration group and the melatonin administration and application group showed the mean survival rates of 55.26+/-9.2%, 70.29+/-7.47%, 81.45+/-4.14% and 86.1+/-1.52%, respectively, for 30cm2 of flap. Compared to the control group, the experimental groups showed a significantly high increase in survival area at significance level of 95%. CONCLUSION: In this study, the survival rate of flap was enhanced through the administration of melatonin after flap surgery. This suggests that melatonin not only functions as a powerful free radical scavenger and oxygen radical scavenger but also stabilizes and protects cells, and by doing so, enhances the survival of moderately injured ischemic sites in the distal end of flap.