Long-term results of unilateral cleft lip repair with multiple infantile hemangiomas including one involving the cleft side of the upper lip

Infantile hemangiomas have a growth phase and an involution phase. For this reason, serial observation has generally been recommended as the treatment for uncomplicated infantile hemangiomas. Recently, however, individualized approaches have been emphasized. Although cleft lip and infantile hemangioma are common congenital diseases, infantile hemangiomas on the cleft side (i.e., in the operative field of the cleft lip) are extremely rare, and no clear guidelines have been established for their treatment. We experienced a case in which a patient with a cleft lip had an infantile hemangioma on the cleft side. In accordance with general treatment guidelines, cleft repair was performed 3 months after birth. The Millard rotation-advancement technique, which involves the use of a lower small triangular flap, was used for the repair. No intraoperative complications, such as massive bleeding, or postoperative complications were noted. The patient has received regular follow-up for the past 18 years, and other than a reddish scar on the lower lip, he currently has no related issues. Therefore, this case demonstrates that cleft lip repair performed according to cleft lip treatment guidelines produces good outcomes, even in cases involving a hemangioma on the cleft side.

Quantitative Assessment of Orbital Volume and Intraocular Pressure after Two-Wall Decompression in Thyroid Ophthalmopathy

BACKGROUND: Surgical outcomes after orbital wall decompression have focused on the degree of exophthalmos and intraocular pressure. The aim of this research was to evaluate intraorbital volume using computed tomography (CT) images following two-wall decompression using a combined subcilliary and endoscopic approaches. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for all patients who had undergone the two-wall decompression method. The pre/postoperative CT images were used to evaluate changes in intraocular volume. Intraocular pressure was evaluated using applanation tonometry. Surgical details are discussed within the body of text. RESULTS: Two-wall decompression thru the medial wall and floor was associated with an average intraorbital volume change of 7.3 cm3, with maximal accommodation up to 13 cm3. Changes in intraocular pressures were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Two-wall decompression was effective in accommodation of up to 13 cm3 of soft tissue herniation. There was no statistically significant association between changes in volume to pressure.

Expression of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor during Osteogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), an incretin hormone well known for its glucose-lowering effect, was recently reported to exert an anabolic effect on bone. Although the exact mechanism is not known, it likely involves the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), which is expressed in some osteoblastic cell lines. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have mesenchymal stem cell-specific characteristics, including osteoblastic differentiation potential. We evaluated the expression of GLP-1R during osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs. METHODS: ADSCs were isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue obtained from three male donors during plastic surgery and were subjected to osteogenic induction. Mineralization was assessed by Alizarin Red staining on day 21. Expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), and GLP-1R was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction in triplicate for each patient on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Target mRNA expression levels were normalized to that of beta-actin. RESULTS: ADSCs were fibroblast-like in morphology, adhered to plastic, and had multipotent differentiation potential, as assessed using specific antigen markers. The osteogenic markers ALP and OC were notably upregulated at 21 days. Osteogenic differentiation resulted in a time-dependent increase in the expression of GLP-1R (P=0.013). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated upregulation of GLP-1R gene expression during osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs. This finding suggests that GLP-1 may induce osteogenic differentiation in bone tissue.

Lower Lip Reconstruction after Wide Excision of a Malignancy with Barrel-Shaped Excision or the Webster Modification of the Bernard Operation

BACKGROUND: Because there are numerous methods for reconstruction of the lower lip, it is not easy to choose the optimal method. In choosing the surgical method for lower lip reconstruction, we obtained acceptable outcomes based on our treatment strategy, which included either a barrel-shaped excision or the Webster modification of the Bernard operation. We report on the surgical outcomes based on our treatment strategy. METHODS: This study included 26 patients who underwent lower lip reconstructive surgery from September 1996 to September 2010. The operation was done using either a barrel-shaped excision or the Webster modification, considering the location of the defect, the size of the defect, and the amount of residual tissue on the lateral side of the vermilion after excision. RESULTS: In our series, 3 patients underwent a single barrel-shaped excision, and nine patients underwent a double barrel-shaped excision. In addition, the unilateral Webster modification was performed on in 6 patients, and there were eight cases of bilateral Webster modification. All of the patients except one were satisfied with the postoperative shape of the lip. In one case both recurrence and dehiscence occurred. One patient had a good postoperative lip shape, but had difficulty wearing a denture, and also underwent commissuroplasty. Furthermore, there were two patients who complained of drooling, and 4 with paresthesia. CONCLUSIONS: A soft tissue defect resulting from wide excision of a lower lip malignancy can be successfully reconstructed using only one of two surgical methods: the barrel-shaped excision or the Webster modification of the Bernard operation.

A Skin Fixation Method for Decreasing the Influence of Wound Contraction on Wound Healing in a Rat Model

BACKGROUND: The elasticity of the back skin of the rat reduced the tension around wounds during the wound healing process in that region, and thus activates wound contraction. The authors proposed two skin fixation methods using readily available materials to decrease the influence of wound contraction on wound healing and designed an experiment to determine their effects. METHODS: The authors made 36 skin wounds on the backs of 18 rats, and they divided them into three groups. Each group was treated with three different kinds of dressing materials, each with different skin fixing characteristics. Group A was a control group. Group B and group C were dressed by the first and the second skin fixation method. We measured the areas of the wounds post-surgically and calculated the wound area reduction rates. RESULTS: The two skin fixation methods both reduced the effect of wound contraction compared to the control group. Each of the two methods had different outcomes in reducing wound contraction. CONCLUSIONS: The experiment demonstrated significant differences among the wound areas and the wound area reduction rates of the three groups as a result of differences in the degree of wound contraction. To obtain accurate results from wound healing experiments, appropriate skin fixation methods must be adopted.

Orbital Floor Reconstruction through Endoscopic Transnasal Approach Alone

PURPOSE: Many surgical methods for reconstruction of orbital floor fracture have been reported, which include subciliary approach, transconjunctival approach, transantral and transnasal endoscopic approach, etc. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a surgical technique and analyze the results of transnasal endoscopic approach with Foley catheter ballooning without implantation of artificial surgical material through subciliary approach. METHODS: Between February 2007 and November 2010, 29 orbital floor fracture patients, who had no herniated muscles through bone fragments, were treated through transnasal endoscopic approach with Foley catheter ballooning. Under the endoscopic view, the operator identified the opening of maxillary sinus. After widening of the opening using forceps, the operator reduced the fragmented bone with curved suction tip. Thereafter, 18-Fr Foley catheter was inserted. Four weeks after the operation, the catheter was removed. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 6 patients had diplopias, 4 patients had limitations of extraocular motions and 3 patients had enophthalmos. After removal of the Foley catheter 4 weeks after the operation, 2 patients had diplopias, 1 patient had a limitation of extraocular motion, 1 patient has an enophthalmos and 1 patient had numbness on the cheek. These symptoms were resolved about 6 months after the surgery. CONCLUSION: The operative technique of Foley catheter ballooning through transnasal endoscopic approach without implantation of the artificial surgical material through subciliary approach can be considered one of the appropriate techniques for orbital floor fracture.

The Result and Attentiveness of Reconstructive Surgery by Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Free Flap

PURPOSE: Anterolateral thigh(ALT) perforator free flap is commonly used because of its various benefits. The author reports important factors of preoperative and perioperative ALT perforator free flap and causes of failure. METHODS: 84 patients who were treated with ALT perforator free flap from December 2004 to 2008, and February 2010 to April 2010 were studied. 61 patients were male and 23 were female. The mean age of patients was 51.1. The main cause was neoplasm and the main reconstructive areas were head and neck area. The size of flap was various from 3 x 4 to 12 x 18cm. 6 patients received split thickness skin graft at donor site. Preoperative angiography was checked to all patients. RESULTS: Among the 84 patients, partial necrosis of flaps occurred in 4 patients because of atherosclerosis, varicose vein, or inattention of patient, etc. And total flap necrosis in 5 patients because of abnormal vessels of recipient area or delay of operation, etc. One case of serous cyst was found as the complication of donor area. Two cases of skin graft on donor site were done because of suspected muscle compartment syndrome, 4 cases of that because of large flap. Septocutaneous perforators were found in 7 cases. The author couldn't find reliable perforator in 3 cases, ipsilateral anteromedial thigh perforator and contralateral ALT perforator and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap were done instead of ALT. There was no case which needed reoperation because of the impairment of blood supply, and 3 cases were revised by leech because of the burn injury by a lamp or venous congestion. CONCLUSION: Although ALT perforator free flap is widely used with its various merits, many factors such as preoperative condition of donor or recipient area, morphology of defect and operating time need to consider to prevent flap necrosis. And operators should need careful technique because septocutaneous perforator is uncommon, and musculocutaneous perforator is common but difficult to dissect.

Considerations for Postoperative Results of Pressure Sores around Buttock Region by Musculocutaneous Flaps and Perforator Flaps

PURPOSE: Perforator flaps have been widely used for reconstruction of pressure sores because they have many benefits, especially reducing tension. Otherwise in order to prevent recurrence of a pressure sore, sufficient thickness of a flap is desirable, so a musculocutaneous flap is also useful for reconstruction of a pressure sore. Therefore, the authors considered about the postoperative results of reconstruction of pressure sores between using perforator flaps and musculocutaneous flaps. METHODS: In this study, 33 patients(46 flaps) who underwent reconstructive operation of pressure sores from January 2007 to February 2011 were reviewed. Patients operated by using perforator flaps were 18(18 flaps), and musculocutaneous flaps were 17(28 flaps). We studied postoperative complications and recurrence. RESULTS: We experienced five patients(10 flaps) with complications or recurrences who were operated using musculocutaneous flaps and one patient using a perforator flap. One case using a perforator flap stemmed from dehiscence caused by a urinary fistula occurring in two months after the surgery. Among ten cases using musculocutaneous flaps, one case was caused by total necrosis of flap, five cases by partial necrosis of flap and dehiscence, and four cases by recurrences during follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Even if more cases were required, it can be more considerable to operate using the perforator flap rather than the musculocutaneous flap to reduce the complication or recurrence of pressure sore.

A Retrospective Analysis of Six Cases of Angiosarcoma

PURPOSE: Angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignant soft tissue tumor. Due to a lack of the established optimal treatment modalities, however, an extensive resection followed by an early detection has been reported to be the best treatment of choice. We analyzed the clinical course of six patients, hence attempted to contribute to making a treatment plan for patients with angiosarcoma. METHODS: Six patients who have been surgically treated between 2005 and 2010 are included. Through a retrospective analysis of the medical records, we evaluated the pattern of disease detection, a past history, time span between the detection and the primary surgery, surgical treatment modalities, time span between the primary surgery and the recurrence/metastasis, the sites of metastasis and the secondary treatment modalities. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 70.5 years; all male; and the sites were the scalp. Four patients underwent the reconstruction using a local flap with a skin graft and two patients using a free flap. The mean period elapsed until the primary operation since the identification was 7.3 months and until a recurrence or a metastasis occurred following the primary operation was 12 months. Four patients had pulmonary metastasis. As a secondary therapy, four patients underwent the radiotherapy and one was treated with the chemotherapy. At the present, five patients died and one undergoes a monitoring of the clinical course. CONCLUSION: It would be mandatory to shorten the length of hospital stay and to return patients to their daily lives as the earliest as possible using relatively simpler surgical methods, thus attempting to give them opportunity to resume their previous normal life.

The Effect of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate in Survival of Grafted Fat Tissues

PURPOSE: Autologous fat grafting is a popular procedure for the correction of the soft tissue depression and deformity. But there are several issues required to be carefully considered in relation to this procedure, mainly about the unpredictability and the low survival rate of the grafted fat due to absorption and partial necrosis. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a lysophospholipid mediator that has been proposed to promote angiogenesis and to regulate the differentiation of adipose derived stromal cells (ASCs). In this study, we analyzed the viability of the grafted fat tissue mixed with S1P into each 12 nude mice (cann.cg-fox1nu/crlori) compared to the group of mice grafted fat tissue only. METHODS: Human aspirated fat was grafted subcutaneously into the backs of 8-week-old nude mice with or without S1P. Eight weeks later, the grafted fat was harvested and the weight and volume were checked. The fat was stained with hematoxylin-eosin and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole. RESULTS: S1P group weighed significantly more than the control group (p=0.009), and the volume from the S1P group was considerably larger than that of the control group (p=0.004) either. In histological features, the surviving layer of the S1P group was thicker than the control group and microvasculature appeared to be prominent in the S1P group, especially in the outer layers. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that S1P plays a vital role in the soft tissue augmentation, potentially providing a novel point of the control in adipose tissue for microfat graft.

Improvement in Diagnostic Accuracy of Hemangioma and Vascular Malformation through Multidisciplinary Clinic

PURPOSE: It is difficult to provide accurate diagnosis and proper treatment for vascular anomalies, because vascular anomalies have a wide spectrum of lesion with various symptoms. Furthermore, vascular anomalies often require the services of a wide range of specialists. So, many patients have been discouraged by the lack of expertise and treatment options available to them. In this study, we aimed to describe the scope of the Vascular Malformation clinic (VAM clinic), a multidisciplinary clinic for hemangioma and vascular malformation patients and investigate of diagnostic accuracy of VAM clinic. METHODS: 68 patients have included in a retrospective, medical record review study in the VAM clinic from may 2002 to august 2009. Data included the types of diagnoses of patients seen in the clinic, locations of lesions, comparison of accuracy of diagnoses at other clinic and initial diagnoses at VAM clinic and types of recommended treatments. RESULTS: Initial diagnosis at VAM clinic showed 94.2% accuracy, while diagnosis at other clinic only showed 12.5% accuracy. Head and neck is most frequently occurred lesions in patients of VAM clinic. And VAM clinic is able to provide various and proper treatments to patients. CONCLUSION: Hemangiomas and vascular malformations can present with various medical problems. VAM clinic, the multidisciplinary clinic provided accurate diagnoses and proper treatments to patients.

Correction of Gynecomastia by Subcutaneous Mastectomy through "Zigzag" Wavy-Line Periareolar Incision with Liposuction

Nowadays, several surgical options are available for correction of gynecomastia. The present authors combined subcutaneous mastectomy with liposuction and analyzed the postoperative results to find out an effective surgical method with few complications and good cosmetic result. From January, 2000 to October, 2008, 22 patients(41 breasts) underwent subcutaneous mastectomy through "Zigzag" wavy-line periareolar incision, and liposuction was done on peripheral region through the same approach site. The results were evaluated in terms of postoperative complications, character of the scar on periareolar region and subjective satisfaction of patients. Three patients(7.3%) experienced complicated with hematoma, however, all of them were healed by simple removal and compressive dressing without leaving any problem. Most of the patients were tolerable with operative scar on periareolar region, however, hypertrophic scar developed in 1 patient(2.4%) and regular follow-up with intralesional triamcinolone injection is now in progress. On the period of over 6 months, all of the patients were satisfied with postoperative contour of their breasts. By subcutaneous mastectomy with peripheral liposuction through "Zigzag" wavy-line periareolar incision for correction of gynecomastia, it was possible to excise sufficient volume of breast tissue with minimum postoperative scar and complications.

Perioperative Orbital Volume Change in Blowout Fracture Correction through Endoscopic Transnasal Approach

PURPOSE: Endoscopic transnasal correction of the blowout fractures has many advantages over other techniques. But after removal of packing material, there were some patients with recurrence of preoperative symptoms. Authors tried to make a quantitative anterograde analysis of orbital volume change over whole perioperative period which might be related with recurrence of preoperative symptoms. METHODS: 10 patients with pure medial wall fracture(Group I) and 10 patients with medial wall fracture combined with fracture of orbital floor(Group II) were selected to evaluate the final orbital volume change with 3 CT scans, preoperatively, postoperatively and 4 months after packing removal. By multiplying cross-section area of orbit in coronal view with section thickness, orbital volume were calculated. Then, mean orbital volume increment after trauma, mean orbital volume decrement after endoscopic correction and volume increment after packing removal were found out. And we tried to find correlations between type of fracture, initial correction rate and final correction rate. RESULTS: The mean orbital volume increase of the fractured orbits were 7.23% in group I and 13.69% in group II. After endoscopic surgery, mean orbital volume decrease were 11.0% in group I and 12.46% in group II. Mean volume increase after packing removal showed 3.10% in group I and 6.50% in group II. The initial correction rate(%) showed linear correlation with final correction rate(%) after packing removal. And there were negative linear correlation between increment percentage of orbital volume by fracture and final correction rate(%). CONCLUSION: Orbital volume was proved to be increasing after removal of packing or foley catheter and it was dependent upon type of fracture. Overcorrection should be done to improve the final result of orbital blowout fracture especially when severe fracture is present.

Correction of High Fold without Skin Excision

PURPOSE: Double-eyelid operation is one of the most common cosmetic operations among Korean patients. In such operations, however, the complexity of and individual differences in the patients' anatomical structures may cause various complications, such as asymmetry, retraction of the eyelid, and the occurrence of a high fold. A high fold occurs frequently, and its correction is not very simple. Many methods have been developed to correct it, and among these, the operation involving the excision of the skin between the previous double-eyelid line and the new double-eyelid line is usually selected by plastic surgeons. In many cases, however, patients have insufficient eyelid skins for this operation. In this study, the authors introduce an operation procedure for high-fold correction that does not involve skin excision METHODS: From June 2005 to June 2009, 246 cases were treated with this procedure. After the incision of the new double-eyelid line, dissection was done between the previous scar tissue and the levator aponeurosis. Then the orbital septum, orbital fat or the retro-orbicularis oculi fat was slid down and sutured with a tarsal plate. Such sutures were repeated at four to five points, including the lateral and medial limbus, to prevent the reattachment of the previous scar and to create a new double-eyelid line at the end of the orbital septum. RESULTS: Most of the high-fold patients were satisfied with the procedure described above. Their previous scar was hidden under the new double-eyelid line after the operation. In the six cases, the scar was visible in the patients who had a very high and deep inner line. As such, scar revision was undertaken three months after the operation. It is known that scar revision is also required after an operation involving skin excision in the case of a very high inner-eyelid line. CONCLUSION: This method is an appropriate procedure for high-fold correction for patients who have insufficient upper-eyelid skin.

Classification and Postoperative Results of Pure Medial and Inferior Blow-out Fractures

PURPOSE: This study presents a classification of pure medial and inferior blow-out fracture, and confirms the relationship between the types of fractures, postoperative complications and operative methods. METHODS: Sixty patients were treated by transnasal endoscopic reduction with Medpor(R) implantation through subciliary incision and foley catheter insertion into maxillary sinus was done if there was extensive orbital floor fracture. Fractures were classified by number of coronal sections from posterior margin of fossa for lacrimal sac to orbital apex in CT. Type I is defined when the medial wall fracture is over 50% and inferior wall fracture below 50%. Type II, when below 50% medial wall fracture and over 50% floor fracture were present. If there were both over 50%, it was classified as Type III and both below 50% for Type IV. Extreme fracture involving orbital buttress was Type V and postoperative findings in all patients were examined. RESULTS: Type I and V were most common and preoperative findings were more likely to present according to extent of inferior fracture. Diplopia remained in 2 cases after additional insertion of foley catheter, but enophthalmos over 2 mm were presented in 3 cases and diplopia in 3 cases were observed who were not treated with foley catheter. CONCLUSION: Postoperative complications were increased according to extent of fracture, especially buttress involvement. Additional insertion of foley catheter proved its effectiveness in decreasing postoperative complications.

Orbital Volume Change Resulted from Packing in Ethmoidal Sinus for Correction of Isolated Medial Orbital Fractures

PURPOSE: Endoscopic transnasal correction of the medial orbital fractures cannot be enable to confirm the reduction degree of orbital volume without imaging modalities. We have intended through this study to make a quantative analysis of preoperative orbital volume increment and the reduction degree of that after ethmoidal sinus packing by using CT scan. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 22 patients were selected to evaluate the postoperative volume reduction, who took 2 CT scans which are pre- and postoperative under the same protocol. The postoperative CT scan was carried out in about 5 days after the operation with the packing inserted into ethmoidal sinus. The length of bony defect on each section was measured by PACS program and the area of defect was calculated by summing lengths on each section multiplied by the thickness of the section. When the outline of orbit on the slice is drawn manually with a cursor, PACS program measures the area automatically. Orbital volume was calculated from the sum of the area multiplied by the section thickness. RESULTS: The mean dimension of fractured walls was 2.86 +/-0.99 cm2. The mean orbital volume of the unaffected orbits was 22.89 +/-2.15 cm3 and that of the affected orbits was 25.62 +/-2.82 cm3. The mean orbital volume increment of the affected orbits was 2.73 +/-1.13 cm3. After surgery, the mean orbital volume of the unaffected orbits was 22.46 +/-2.73 cm3 and the mean orbital volume decrease on the surgical side was 2.98 +/-1.07 cm3. The estimated correction rate was 118.30%. CONCLUSION: The orbital volume increment in fractured orbit showed linear correlation with the dimension of fractured area. The orbital volume changes after ethmoidal sinus packing also showed linear correlation with orbital volume increment in fractured orbit. This study showed the regressive linear correlation between the increment of orbital volume and the correction rate. To evaluate the maintenance of reduction state, we think that the further study should be done for comparative analysis of orbital volume change after removal of packing.

The Reconstruction of the Extensive Inferior Blow-out Fracture Through Endoscopic Transnasal and Subciliary Approaches

PURPOSE: Inferior blow-out fracture is the common facial fracture. Unsatisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes are frequent when it is treated inappropriately. If fractures are extended and reach the posterior end of orbital floor, enophthalmos frequently followed as complication. The PURPOSE of this study was to evaluate reduction technique of extensive inferior blow-out fracture with ballooning of foley catheter through endoscopic transnasal approach and implantation of Medpor(R) through subciliary approach. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 14 patients with extensive inferior blow-out fracture who underwent ballooning of foley catheter through endoscopic transnasal approach with implantation of Medpor(R) through subciliary approach. Patients were operated from May 2005 to November 2007. Data for 14 patients were acquired from patient's charts. Preoperative and postoperative data for enophthalmos, diplopia, limitation of extraocular motion were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative CT scan were also checked. The patients were followed up from 4 to 18 months. RESULTS: The enophthalmos was corrected in all patients. Among 7 patients with diplopia preoperatively, diplopia was resolved in three patients postoperatively. The diplopia persisted in four patients and two of them also had limitation of extraocular motion postoperatively. The limitation of extraocular motion occurred in seven patients preoperatively. But five patients recovered after operation immediately. These symptoms were resolved about three months after the operation. CONCLUSION: The ballooning of foley catheter through endoscopic transnasal approach with implantation of Medpor(R) through subciliary approach can be considered one of the appropriate technique for extensive inferior blow- out fracture.

The Reconstruction of the Extensive Inferior Blow-out Fracture Through Endoscopic Transnasal and Subciliary Approaches

PURPOSE: Inferior blow-out fracture is the common facial fracture. Unsatisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes are frequent when it is treated inappropriately. If fractures are extended and reach the posterior end of orbital floor, enophthalmos frequently followed as complication. The PURPOSE of this study was to evaluate reduction technique of extensive inferior blow-out fracture with ballooning of foley catheter through endoscopic transnasal approach and implantation of Medpor(R) through subciliary approach. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 14 patients with extensive inferior blow-out fracture who underwent ballooning of foley catheter through endoscopic transnasal approach with implantation of Medpor(R) through subciliary approach. Patients were operated from May 2005 to November 2007. Data for 14 patients were acquired from patient's charts. Preoperative and postoperative data for enophthalmos, diplopia, limitation of extraocular motion were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative CT scan were also checked. The patients were followed up from 4 to 18 months. RESULTS: The enophthalmos was corrected in all patients. Among 7 patients with diplopia preoperatively, diplopia was resolved in three patients postoperatively. The diplopia persisted in four patients and two of them also had limitation of extraocular motion postoperatively. The limitation of extraocular motion occurred in seven patients preoperatively. But five patients recovered after operation immediately. These symptoms were resolved about three months after the operation. CONCLUSION: The ballooning of foley catheter through endoscopic transnasal approach with implantation of Medpor(R) through subciliary approach can be considered one of the appropriate technique for extensive inferior blow- out fracture.

Deep Tissue Invasion of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberance

PURPOSE: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans(DFSP) is a moderate-degree malignant tumor of soft tissue from dermis to fat layer with high recurrences(11% to 73%) due to its local infiltrative characteristic. Many debates and controversies in deciding accurate surgical margin were presented before, but references about depth of invasion and appropriate surgical excision level were not properly made out. Therefore, we tried to identify the degree of tissue invasion of DFSP. METHODS: Twenty patients, including 8 patients with recurrent lesions, over last 10 years were reviewed retrospectively. Different surgical margins were applied according to the location and based on histopathologic result, we have defined as a 'deep tissue invasion' if there were infiltration of tumor cell into fascia or underlying muscle layer was present. All invaded tissue including dermis, fat, fascia and muscle were excised until no tumor cell was found during intraoperative frozen section biopsy. And comparative analysis of deep tissue invasion according to age, primary site, duration of disease and recurrence was done. RESULTS: Thirteen patients(65%) showed deep tissue invasion and incidence was found to be increasing with age (over 30 years old). All patients with DFSP on head and neck region revealed deep tissue invasion followed by trunk(54%) and lower extremities(50%). There was no relationship between duration of disease and deep tissue invasion. CONCLUSION: It is clear that many cases of DFSP had a deep tissue invasion. And high prevalence of deep tissue invasion with age, primary site was intimately associated. So, underlying deep tissue must be completely examined and excised sufficiently throughout the operation for clear resection of DFSP with no recurrences, especially when the age is over 30s and on head and neck region.

The Relationship between Age and Speech Improvement in the Patients Performed Pharyngeal Flap for Correction of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction

PURPOSE: The pharyngeal flap is one of the popular surgical methods to treat the problem of velopharyngeal dysfunction. This study evaluated speech outcome of patients who underwent superiorly based pharyngeal flap surgery based on timing of surgery. METHODS: A restrospective review of 50 patients who underwent pharyngeal flap surgery for velopharyngeal insufficiency from September 1996 to January 2008 was undertaken. Thirty patients with an available preoprative and postoperative speech assessments with at least 6 months of follow-up were included in this study. We checked out the significance of speech improvement after surgery analysing preoperative and postoperative scoring of speech assessment. We also investigated the direct relationship between the age at surgery and the degree of speech improvement, and the improvement score in different age groups. RESULTS: The mean score of preoperative speech was 52.6 +/- 7.4 points and postoperative speech was 58.6 +/- 6.5 points, which presented significant postoperative speech improvement with an average of 5.9 points (p<0.01). There was a significant inverse relationship between the age at operation and speech improvement degree (p<0.01, r=-0.54). Comparing the age groups, the age group of 4 to 5 years presented statistically significant speech improvement (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: we propose that all patients indicated should take pharyngeal flap irrespective of age. In this study, the younger the age at surgery, the higher degree of speech improvement, for which we suggest that surgical approach should be undertaken as early as possible, especially younger than 5 years of age.