Wound healing induced by new synthetic peptide, A7-1, in C57BL/6 mouse model.

The effects of the novel synthetic peptide, A7-1, on wound healing and skin grafts were evaluated in a C57BL/6 mouse model. Two 15-mm wide circular skin excisions were made on the backs of mice and to each excision, 100 µM A7-1 or normal saline was applied daily. The treatments were applied and sutured for skin graft analysis. Digital photos were acquired on days 4, 7, 11, and 14 and fluorescein angiography was conducted. Wound sizes were verified using stereoscopic microscopy. Histological analysis was performed via hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Western blotting was performed using vascular endothelial growth factor. Using a stereoscopic microscope, significantly faster wound healing (17.3%) and skin graft healing (16.5%) were observed in the A7-1 treatment group in comparison to that of the control. The angiogenesis was significantly faster in fluorescein angiography examination in wound healing (11%) and skin grafts (15%). However, the average completion of epithelization (overall time for wound healing), did not show any significant differences. In comparison to the control, the new protein, A7-1, led to significantly faster wound healing in the initial angiogenesis.

A Study on the Effectiveness of Helmet Therapy for Cranial Deformations According to Cranial Shape.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of helmet therapy on plagiocephaly, according to head circumference, cephalic index (CI), and skull height. Plagiocephaly is a condition in which the skull is congenitally asymmetrical or affected by acquired factors such as compression in the womb or the habit of sleeping on one side. Although there are numerous studies on the effectiveness of helmet therapy for plagiocephaly, research on its effectiveness on skull shape is lacking. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study on 400 patients who underwent helmet therapy. The infants were enrolled and the therapy was explained to the caregiver when the child had positional plagiocephaly and had a cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) exceeding 10 mm or a CVA index (CVAI) exceeding 3.5%. The CVA and CVAI changes were compared to investigate the effectiveness of helmet therapy according to head circumference, CI, and skull height. RESULTS: A significant treatment effect was observed for CI values between 90 and 103. The treatment effect was found to increase with greater skull height. However, no significant difference was observed in the effectiveness of helmet therapy according to head circumference. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings, the effectiveness of helmet therapy in children with positional plagiocephaly is greater for children with higher skulls and for those with CI values between 90 and 103; it is unrelated to head circumference. Based on these results, we can provide predictions of the effectiveness of helmet therapy to caregivers of children with positional plagiocephaly.

Treatment of Sagittal Fracture of the Zygomatic Arch Root.

A sagittal fracture at the temporal root of the zygomatic arch (ZAR) often occurs as a component of zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures. However, this area is difficult to access, and anchorage is limited due to the unstable structure around it. Therefore, a preauricular approach using single-screw fixation is proposed, and this study reports its results and usefulness. Forty-four patients with sagittal fractures of ZAR occurring with ZMC fractures were evaluated from 2012 to 2021. Open reduction and internal fixation were performed on all patients with ZMC fractures. Closed reduction using Dingman incision and external finger pressure in group A (indirect approach; 30 patients) and single-screw fixation using a preauricular approach in group B (direct approach; 14 patients) were performed to address sagittal fractures in ZAR. For single-screw fixation, the additional mean operation time was 11.34±3.25 minutes. On postoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography and plain radiographs, group B showed more accurate reduction and less deformity and trismus ( P <0.05). Moreover, a normal diet was initiated more quickly in group B than in group A ( P <0.05). Some cases in group A showed nonunion or malunion. This study revealed that a direct approach (group B) toward sagittal fractures of ZAR is recommended due to more accurate results and fewer complications than those observed with the indirect approach (group A). Moreover, the total operation time and complications may be lesser than those with the bicoronal approach.

A Comparison Study of Nipple-Areolar Complex Measurement: Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Camera Versus Photometry.

BACKGROUND: In breast surgery, achieving esthetic outcomes with symmetry is crucial. The nipple-areolar complex (NAC) plays a significant role in breast characteristic measurement. Various technologies have advanced measurement techniques, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology using three-dimensional scanning has been introduced in engineering. Increasing effort has been exerted to integrate such technologies into the medical field. This study focused on measuring NAC using a LiDAR camera, comparing it with traditional methods, and aimed to establish the clinical utility of LiDAR for obtaining favorable esthetic results. METHODS: A total of 44 patients, who underwent breast reconstruction surgery, and 65 NACs were enrolled. Measurements were taken (areolar width [AW], nipple width [NW] and nipple projection [NP]) using traditional methods (ruler and photometry) and LiDAR camera. To assess correlations and explore clinical implications, patient demographics and measurement values were collected. RESULTS: NAC measurements using a periscope and LiDAR methods were compared and correlated. LiDAR measurement accuracy was found to be high, with values above 95% for AW, NW and NP. Significant positive correlations were observed between measurements obtained through both methods for all parameters. When comparing body mass index, breast volume with AW and NW with NP, significant correlations were observed. These findings demonstrate the reliability and utility of LiDAR-based measurements in NAC profile assessment and provide valuable insights into the relationship between patient demographics and NAC parameters. CONCLUSIONS: LiDAR-based measurements are effective and can replace classical methods in NAC anthropometry, contributing to consistent and favorable esthetic outcomes in breast surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors https://www.springer.com/00266 .

Anatomical View of Thoracodorsal Artery Variants Using Computed Tomography Angiography.

BACKGROUND: The latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle has a dominant pedicle with one thoracodorsal artery and receives sufficient blood by segmental circulation through several perforators. Thus, it is widely used in various reconstructive surgeries. We are reporting on the patterns of the thoracodorsal artery analyzed by chest computed tomography (CT) angiography. METHODS: We analyzed the preoperative chest CT angiography results of 350 patients scheduled to undergo LD flap breast reconstruction following complete mastectomy for breast cancer between October 2011 and October 2020. RESULTS: A total of 700 blood vessels were classified according to the Kyungpook National University Plastic Surgery-Thoracodorsal Artery (KNUPS-TDA) classification: 388 (185 right and 203 left), 126 (64 right and 62 left), 91 (49 right and 42 left), 57 (27 right and 30 left), and 38 (25 right and 13 left) vessels were classified as type I, type II, type III, type IV, and type V, respectively. Among 350 patients, 205 patients showed matching types for left and right vessels, whereas 145 patients showed mismatching types. For 205 patients with matching types, the distribution by type was 134, 30, 30, 7, and 4 patients with type I, type II, type III, type IV, and type V, respectively. For 145 patients with mismatching types, the distribution by different combinations was 48, 25, 28, 19, 2, 9, 7, 3, 1, and 3 patients with type I + type II, type I + type III, type I + type IV, type I + type V, type II + type III, type II + type IV, type II + type V, type III + type IV, type III + type V, and type IV + type V, respectively. CONCLUSION: While there is some diversity in the vascular anatomical structures of the LD flap, the dominant vessel can be found in a similar location in almost all cases and no flap had absence of a dominant vessel. Therefore, in surgical procedures using the thoracodorsal artery as the pedicle, preoperative radiological confirmation is not absolutely necessary; however, due to variants, performing the surgery with an understanding of this aspect should lead to good outcomes.

Robot-Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Flap Harvest for Partial Breast Reconstruction: Comparison With Endoscopic and Conventional Approaches.

BACKGROUND: Latissimus dorsi muscle flaps are widely utilized in breast reconstruction. Several methods have been introduced. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to compare the outcomes of robot-assisted breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap following partial mastectomy with the outcomes of conventional and endoscopic-assisted techniques. METHODS: In this prospective single-institution study, Korean females diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent partial mastectomy and breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap from March 2020 to December 2021 were included. The outcomes of surgery and patient satisfaction utilizing the conventional, endoscopic-assisted, and robot-assisted techniques were compared. RESULTS: In total, 57 patients were included in this study, among whom 20 underwent conventional reconstruction, and 17 and 20 patients underwent endoscopic and robotic surgery, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the 3 methods in postoperative opioid analgesic dosage (P = .459), hospitalization period (P = .225), or the average total amount of donor site drainage during hospitalization (P = .175). With regard to patient satisfaction after surgery, especially regarding the donor site scar, the conventional method showed a significantly lower score than the other 2 techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap after partial mastectomy showed higher patient satisfaction than that for the conventional open method. Because robotic surgery is more convenient than the endoscopic technique, it is potentially a good alternative to conventional open or endoscopic surgery.

Prediction of Implant Size Based on Breast Volume Using Mammography with Fully Automated Measurements and Breast MRI.

BACKGROUND: Determination of implant size is crucial for patients with breast cancer undergoing one-stage breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to predict the implant size based on the breast volume measured by mammography (MG) with a fully automated method, and by breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a semi-automated method, in breast cancer patients with direct-to-implant reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 84 patients with breast cancer who underwent direct-to-implant reconstruction after nipple-sparing or skin-sparing mastectomy and preoperative MG and MRI between April 2015 and April 2019. Breast volume was measured using (a) MG with a fully automated commercial software and (b) MRI with an in-house semi-automated software program. Multivariable regression analyses including breast volume and patient weight (P < 0.05 in univariable analysis) were conducted to predict implant size. RESULTS: MG and MRI breast volume was highly correlated with both implant size (correlation coefficient 0.862 and 0.867, respectively; P values < 0.001) and specimen weight (correlation coefficient 0.802 and 0.852, respectively; P values < 0.001). Mean absolute difference between the MR breast volume and implant size was 160 cc, which was significantly higher than that between the MG breast volume and implant size of 118 cc (P < 0.001). On multivariable analyses, only breast volume measured by both MG and MRI was significantly associated with implant size in any implant type (all P values < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Breast volume measured by MG and MRI can be used to predict appropriate implant size in breast cancer patients undergoing direct-to-implant reconstruction in an efficient and objective manner.

Useful Reduction Mammoplasty Technique in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery and Reconstruction.

Background: A combination of the reduction mammoplasty technique and breast reconstruction allows surgeons to lift ptotic breasts through local flaps and skin reduction during surgery for breast cancer. This study presents a reliable course for the combination of partial and skin or nipple-sparing mastectomy with reduction-reconstruction surgery. Methods: Fifty-seven patients underwent a partial mastectomy before reduction mammoplasty of both breasts during the same time period between 2014 and 2021 at our institution and thirteen patients underwent skin or nipple-sparing mastectomy, breast reconstruction with an extended latissimus dorsi flap or silicone implant, and aesthetic reduction mammoplasty of the contralateral breast during the same time period. Additional photos were obtained preoperatively, immediately after the operation, and at one, three, six, and twelve months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively and postoperative complications were noted. Results: Among the patients who underwent a partial mastectomy, the mean age was 45.18 ± 11.05 years, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.74 ± 3.53 kg/m2, and the mean preoperative right and left breast volumes were 663.85 (±28.12) cc and 664.34 (±37.13) cc, respectively, and the mean excised mass weight was 177.74 (±213.93) g. Among the patients who underwent a skin-sparing mastectomy, the mean age was 51.62 ± 8.96 years, the mean BMI was 26.91 ± 4.34 kg/m2, and the mean preoperative right and left breast volumes were 624.17 (±98.52) cc and 562.31 (±80.81) cc, respectively, and the mean excised mass weight was 618.05 (±338.17) g. Four patients (5.3%) in the partial mastectomy group had fat necrosis. The mean patient satisfaction score was higher postoperatively in both groups. Conclusion: Patients with breast cancer and large and/or ptotic breasts can successfully undergo reduction mammoplasty for both breasts immediately following partial mastectomy and nipple or skin-sparing mastectomy.

Prepectoral breast reconstruction with complete anterior implant coverage using a single, large, square-shaped acellular dermal matrix.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have discussed various methods of prepectoral direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) prosthesis to achieve full coverage. However, methods for anterior coverage have rarely been reported. In this study, prepectoral DTI breast reconstruction with complete anterior implant coverage was performed using a square piece of ADM. This study aimed to introduce our prepectoral DTI technique and determine its functional and cosmetic outcomes as well as compare them with those of existing subpectoral DTI techniques. METHODS: This prospective comparative study focused on 29 patients (35 breasts) and 34 patients (35 breasts) who underwent breast reconstruction via subpectoral implant insertion (control group) and anterior coverage prepectoral implant insertion (anterior coverage group), respectively. Postoperative complications were noted, and breast symmetry was evaluated using the Vectra H2 three-dimensional scanner. The modified Kyungpook National University Hospital Breast-Q (KNUH Breast-Q) scale was used to assess the patient's subjective satisfaction with the reconstruction and postoperative quality of life. RESULTS: No remarkable differences in terms of complications (seroma, skin necrosis, nipple-areola complex necrosis, hematoma, capsular contracture, and infection) were noted in both groups. Compared with controls, considerably better results were observed among those in the anterior coverage group in terms of the mean drain removal period. Furthermore, those in the anterior coverage group showed greater symmetry on three-dimensional scans than the controls; however, this was not statistically significant. Subjective satisfaction and postoperative quality of life measured using the KNUH Breast-Q scale were not significantly different between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Considering its stability, faster recovery time, and cosmetic benefit, prepectoral breast reconstruction with anterior implant coverage using a single, large ADM is a good choice to perform breast reconstruction with implant insertion in patients who have undergone mastectomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Useful vertical latissimus dorsi flap for partial breast reconstruction in every tumor location.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a prospective cohort study to evaluate effective techniques for breast reconstruction after partial mastectomy due to breast cancer. Determining the method of reconstruction is often difficult as it depends on the location of the cancer and the amount of tissue excised.. Here, we present a new technique, using the vertical latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, that can be used in all partial mastectomies and can almost conceal scarring. We also compared these results to those of the mini LD flap. METHODS: We analyzed the data of a total of 50 and 47 patients, who underwent breast reconstruction with the mini LD flap and the vertical LD flap, respectively. Immediately after tumor excision, breast reconstruction was initiated. The skin flap for vertical LD was designed in a planarian shape, such that it may be hidden as much as possible and minimize bulging during closure, and the LD muscle flap was designed with a sufficient distance in the inferior direction. RESULTS: Our finding showed that the vertical LD flap group required significantly less total operation time than the mini LD flap group. While the mini-LD flap resulted in a scar that was difficult to conceal, the donor site scar of the vertical LD flap could not be seen easily, and no scar was visible on the back. CONCLUSIONS: The vertical LD flap is useful for partial breast reconstruction, in all breast regions requires a rather small volume of the flap. Moreover, recovery was relatively fast with high patient satisfaction.

Correction of Severe Secondary Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity.

BACKGROUND: The lower lateral cartilages (LLCs) are key elements for alar and tip support. Repositioning of both LLCs is an effective procedure for correcting a laterally spreading dome of LLCs and drooping nasal tip in cleft lip nasal deformity (CLND). The alar contour graft has become an essential component of rhinoplasty for correcting the concave or collapsed and retracted alar. Herein, onlay cartilage graft was combined with nasal tip plasty to correct hypoplastic cleft lateral crus or alar rim retraction, and with columella strut to obtain better aesthetic outcomes in patients with severe CLND. METHODS: Seven patients with severe secondary unilateral CLND, including hypoplastic cleft lateral crus or alar rim retraction, underwent rhinoplasty from October 2013 to April 2020. Both LLCs were isolated and repositioned approximated medially using tip suture technique combined with columella strut. A septal cartilage onlay graft was applied on the hypoplastic cleft lateral crus. Cartilage graft on the nasal tip was performed to further project and enhance the nasal tip. Photogrammetric evaluation of the operated patients and statistical analysis of the obtained data were performed. RESULTS: The average age at operation was 23.5 (range: 17-36) years. The follow-up period was 6-36 (mean, 14.3) months. All patients were enrolled by photogrammetric evaluation. Height of the medial nostril and short axis of the nostril on the cleft side were increased with a statistical significance of P < 0.05, indicating that depressed ala on the cleft side, which is a feature of CLND, was corrected similar to that of the noncleft side. CONCLUSIONS: The alar contour cartilage graft, as an effective adjunctive technique, improves the alar margin, prevents the alar rim from collapsing, and provides supports to the cleft-side alar rim. It can be a prophylactic measure to prevent postoperative retraction in patients with weakened LLCs. Lower lateral cartilage repositioning, columellar strut, and nasal tip plasty are useful for correcting severe secondary unilateral CLND.

The Effect of Orthognathic Surgery on Changes in Masticatory Muscle Volume in Patients With Facial Asymmetry.

ABSTRACT: The masseter muscle changes remarkably with orthognathic surgery and has a marked influence on the contours of the lower face. If the postoperative volume change of masticatory muscles, including the masseter muscles, can be predicted, it will facilitate preoperative planning and outcome prediction. This study investigated the association of masticatory muscle volume according to the presence or absence of facial asymmetry, and evaluated whether the volume of masticatory muscles, including that of the masseter muscle, changes after orthognathic surgery in facial asymmetry patients.Twenty patients who underwent LeFort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal segmentation ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) with facial asymmetry between 2011 and 2017 were assigned to the asymmetric group. Additionally, 207 patients with a simple nasal fracture between 2016 and 2019 were included as the common group. Threedimensional computed tomography images were retrospectively analyzed and compared between the asymmetric group and common group.The volume of both temporal and masseter muscles differed according to facial asymmetry, with the asymmetry in the muscle volume increasing in proportion to the degree of facial asymmetry. The difference in masseter volume on the shortened and lengthened sides was significantly reduced after orthognathic surgery, but a difference of about 1 cm 3 remained. Additionally, the masticatory muscle volume on the lengthened side tended to be decreased more than that on the shortened side.Consideration of the postoperative change in the volume of the masticatory muscles may be helpful in planning orthognathic surgery in facial asymmetry patients.

Prognosis of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment to Velopharyngeal Insufficiency: Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Cleft palate is a congenital malformation that causes hypernasality and decreases the intelligibility of pronunciation and leads to velopharyngeal insufficiency. It causes difficulty in language development. Many studies and treatments have been conducted to reduce this problem, but there are limitations. In this study, the effect obtained through continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment was analyzed by statistical methods. METHODS: From May 2012 to December 2018, using patient demographics, computed tomography (CT) scan, and nasalance test was performed on 25 patient groups treated with CPAP devices for 8 weeks to confirm the effect after 6 months. RESULTS: After CPAP treatment in a total of 25 patients, 13 patients had a therapeutic effect. The average age of the patient group with treatment effect (effective group [EG]) was 51.2months, and the patient group with no treatment effect (ineffective group [iG]) was 73.6 months. ( P < 0.05). In CT data analysis, the highest palatal arch point was 6.31 mm in EG and 7.36 mm in IG, which was lower in EG ( P < 0.01), and the distance from incisive foramen to posterior pharyngeal wall was 41.39 mm in EG and 49.07 mm in IG ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Through the statistical analysis, the group of patients who were effective in treatment had a low age at the beginning of treatment, the height of highest palatal arch point was low on CT data, and the length of distance from incisive foramen to posterior pharyngeal wall was short. It will be helpful to set the CPAP treatment patient group with respect to the results and age and CT data when treating VPI patients.

Influence of Irradiation on Capsules of Silicone Implants Covered with Acellular Dermal Matrix in Mice.

BACKGROUND: In advanced breast cancer, radiotherapy is recommended as adjuvant therapy following breast reconstructive surgery. This inevitably led to growing concerns over possible complications of radiotherapy on implants. In this experimental animal study, we investigated the utility of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) wraps around implants as preventive management for radiotherapy complications. METHODS: Black mice (C57NL6; n = 32) were assigned to groups that either received radiation or did not: groups A and B underwent surgery using implants without radiotherapy; while groups C and D underwent surgery using implants with radiotherapy for one and three months, respectively. The hemispheric silicone implants with an 0.8-cm-diameter were inserted on the left back of each mouse, and implants wrapped by ADM were inserted on the right back. The Clinic 23EX LINAC model was used for irradiation at 10 Gy. The samples were evaluated by gross assessment, histological analysis, immunohistochemical analysis, and the Western blotting test. RESULTS: The H&E staining analysis showed that membrane thickness is smallest in group A, followed by groups C, D, and B. In a Masson trichrome histological analysis, collagen fibers became less dense and more widespread over time in the groups that received an ADM. Immunohistochemistry findings were similarly constant. However, the expression of TGF-ß1 was increased in the irradiated groups, whereas it was decreased in the non-irradiated groups as observed over time. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy was shown to increase risk factors for capsular contracture, including inflammatory response, pseudoepithelium, thinning of membrane, and TGF-ß1 expression over time; however, the accompanying framework using an ADM as a barrier between implant and tissue was shown to be effective in alleviating these risks. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Effect of Topical Tranexamic Acid on Seroma Formation in a Rat Mastectomy Model.

BACKGROUND: Seroma is the most common complication after mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the topical application of tranexamic acid would be useful to reduce seromas in a rat mastectomy model. METHODS: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. After mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection, 0.4 mL of normal saline was administered to group A in the dead space. In group B, 0.4 mL of a triamcinolone mixed solution was administered. In group C, 0.4 mL of a tranexamic acid (10 mg/kg) mixed solution was administered. In group D, 0.4 mL of a tranexamic acid (50 mg/kg) mixed solution was administered. Gross examination, assessment with micro-computed tomography (CT), quantitative analysis via aspiration, and histopathologic assessment were implemented 7 and 14 days postoperatively. RESULTS: No other complications such as wound infection and skin necrosis were observed. At postoperative week 1, groups B and C showed significantly lower seroma volume values on micro-CT (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively) and seroma volume values at aspiration (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) than group A. According to histopathologic analysis, inflammation was observed more frequently in groups A and D than in the other groups, and angiogenesis was more active in groups B and C than in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of tranexamic acid was as effective as topical application of triamcinolone to prevent seroma formation. The stability of tranexamic acid was confirmed when the high dose of tranexamic acid was used. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Usefulness of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Decreasing Wound Complication Rates and Seroma Formation Following Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Seroma is a common complication in prepectoral breast reconstruction. PICOTM dressing, a type of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT), was used to reduce complications postoperatively. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort study that included patients who underwent prepectoral breast reconstruction between February 2017 and July 2019. There were two groups: one that received PICOTM dressing and a control group. The frequencies of overall complications, major seromas, and reoperations were analyzed. The durations and total amounts of seromas were also analyzed. RESULT: Sixty patients were included in this study (PICOTM : 37 and non-PICOTM patients: 23). The overall incidence of complications, major seromas, and frequency of reoperations were lower in the PICO group compared to the non-PICOTM group (18.9% vs. 52.2%, p = 0.007; 16.2% vs. 43.5%, p = 0.020; 2.7% vs. 26.1%, p = 0.006, respectively). Univariate analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for complications due to the application of PICOTM dressing and showed statistically significant results for any complication. When univariate analysis was performed on risk factors for seroma, the duration of seroma showed statistical significance in association with PICOTM dressing status and mastectomy volume. The total number of patients who developed seroma was statistically correlated with age, PICOTM dressing status, and mastectomy volume. CONCLUSIONS: PICOTM dressing after prepectoral breast reconstruction could be a useful tool for reducing the frequency of complications and major seroma, as well as the duration and total incidences of seroma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Natural course of fat necrosis after breast reconstruction: a 10-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Although fat necrosis is a minor postoperative complication after breast reconstruction, occasionally it mimics to tumor recurrence in patients with breast cancer. Therefore, the surgeon should distinguish between benign fat necrosis and true local recurrence. The authors evaluated the clinical characteristics of fat necrosis after breast reconstruction and investigated the natural course of fat necrosis. METHODS: Between 2007 and 2013, a total of 362 patients underwent breast reconstruction after partial or total mastectomy for breast cancer in Kyungpook National University Hospital. Clinicopathologic characteristics and the occurrence of fat necrosis were assessed during surveillance for 10 years of mean follow-up period. RESULTS: There were 42 cases (11.6%) of fat necrosis after breast reconstruction with partial or total mastectomy which were confirmed by needle or excision biopsy. The fat necrosis was resolved after a mean period of 45.9 months (SD, ± 42.1) and 26 cases (61.9%) of fat necrosis were almost completely resolved (less than 5 mm) during 10-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Based on the natural course of fat necrosis, the fat necrosis after breast reconstruction can be only monitored, if pathologic confirmation was done. More than half of the cases will be resolved within 2-3 years.

The Usefulness of Endoscopic Harvesting of the Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Breast Reconstruction Using a Single-Port and CO2 Gas Insufflation Technique.

BACKGROUND: In the recent trend toward less aggressive approaches to breast reconstruction, minimally invasive harvesting of the latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps has long been a desirable goal. Endoscopically-assisted LD flap harvesting was reported as a method for minimizing scar formation and reducing donor-site morbidity. This study investigates the surgical outcomes of endoscopically-assisted immediate breast reconstruction with LD muscle flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 21 patients who underwent endoscopically-assisted breast reconstruction with LD muscle flap and 20 patients who underwent breast reconstruction with conventional harvesting LD musculocutaneous flap. In patients with nonexcised skin or possible primary closure, the reconstruction was performed with endoscopically-assisted LD muscle flaps using the single-port and CO2 gas insufflation technique. The patients were classified into groups according to the location of the defect and mastectomy type. Moreover, patient satisfaction was investigated 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: In patients who underwent endoscopically-assisted breast reconstruction with LD muscle flaps, the scar of the donor-site was vertical, and the size was 4 cm to be obscured when lowering the arms. In comparison with patients who underwent breast reconstruction with conventional LD flaps, those who underwent endoscopically-assisted breast reconstruction with LD muscle flaps showed shorter hospital stay and no difference in patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Endoscopically-assisted breast reconstruction with LD flaps showed no difference in patient satisfaction with good esthetic results compared with conventional LD flaps. The endoscopic LD muscle flap harvest technique using a single-port and CO2 insufflation technique can be very useful in breast reconstruction that does not require a skin paddle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A Prospective Study of the Efficacy of Cell-Assisted Lipotransfer with Stromal Vascular Fraction to Correct Contour Deformities of the Autologous Reconstructed Breast.

BACKGROUND: Autologous lipotransfer has increasingly become popular for breast reconstruction. Moreover, owing to the emergence of information regarding the efficacy of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in terms of oncological safety and survival rate, procedures based on cell-assisted lipotransfer (CAL) have been widely employed recently. However, quantitative data of CAL with SVF are lacking. We evaluated the efficacy of CAL using SVF on survival rate in breast reconstruction. METHODS: A 12-month prospective study was conducted for 20 patients (20 breasts) requiring breast asymmetry correction due to volume deficit following autologous breast reconstruction using a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap or latissimus dorsi flap after total mastectomy. After the patients were equally divided into two groups-fat graft with SVF (Group 1, n = 10) and without SVF (Group 2, n = 10)-, the variance of breast volume was measured using three-dimensional scanning to analyze fat graft retention rate. Moreover, patient satisfaction and complications were investigated. RESULTS: Fat graft retention rate was higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 at both postoperative 6 months (73.8% vs. 62.2%; p = 0.03) and 12 months (65.4% vs. 48.4%; p = 0.03). Group 1 showed higher patient satisfaction. Regarding complications, fat necrosis occurred in 1 patient each in both groups. However, locoregional recurrence was not observed in any patient during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: CAL with SVF is effective in increasing survival rates of autologous fat grafts for correction of volume deficit after breast reconstruction. Moreover, it is associated with improved patient satisfaction in terms of the esthetic aspect. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Long-Term Outcomes of the Minimal Skin Incision Technique for Correcting Severe Microform and Minor-Form Cleft Lip With Philtrum Reconstruction Through the Intraoral Incision.

BACKGROUND: Because the traditional technique is known to cause visible scarring, it is challenging to yield optimal outcomes while treating a severe type of microform and minor-form cleft lip. The authors present a new refined technique with minimal skin incision and philtrum formation through an intraoral incision. METHODS: The surgical technique involves single Z-plasty or double or triple unilimb Z-plasty to restore an elevated cupid's bow peak and overlapping of an orbicularis oris muscle flap to create the philtrum through an intraoral incision. Cleft lip nasal deformity was corrected with reverse-U incision and V-Y plasty. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were operated between September 2008 and June 2017. Patient age at the time of surgery ranged from 3 to 12 months. The duration of follow-up ranged from 12 months to 7 years (mean, 36 months). The elevated cupid's bow was corrected by performing single Z-plasty in 6 patients, double unilimb Z-plasty in 7 patients, and triple unilimb Z-plasty in 5 patients. In all cases, the notch or elevated cupid's bow was corrected, the surgical scar was minimal, and philtrum reconstruction was satisfactory. Minor scar revision was performed in 4 patients. Cleft lip nasal deformity was corrected in fifteen patients. CONCLUSIONS: The technique adopted here causes minimal scarring, facilitates the formation of an anatomical philtrum, preserves the continuity and function of the muscle, and presents sufficient elevation of the philtral column.