Perforating patterns of cutaneous perforator vessels in anterolateral thigh flaps for head and neck reconstruction and clinical outcomes

Background@#Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps are versatile soft tissue flaps that have become the standard soft-tissue flaps used for head and neck reconstruction. They provide a long vascular pedicle, constant vessel diameter, abundant soft tissue coverage, and minimal donor site morbidity. The ALT flap was initially designed on the basis of a septocutaneous (SC) perforator. However, more recent research has shown that a substantial number of ALT flaps are now based on musculocutaneous (MC) perforators, and the ratio between MC and SC perforators varies among studies. In this study, we analyzed the perforating pattern of ALT flaps along with their clinical outcomes during head and neck reconstruction in the Korean population. @*Methods@#From October 2016 to July 2020, 68 patients who had undergone an ALT flap procedure for head and neck reconstruction were enrolled retrospectively. The perforating pattern of the cutaneous perforator vessel (MC perforator/SC perforator/oblique branch), pedicle length, and flap size were analyzed intraoperatively. Patient demographics and flap necrosis rates were also calculated. @*Results@#The highest number of cutaneous perforator vessels supplying the ALT flap were the MC perforators (87%). The proportion of MC perforators was significantly higher than that of the SC perforators and oblique branches. Flap necrosis occurred in seven cases (11.86%); sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, perforator course, and history of radiotherapy did not significantly affect flap necrosis. @*Conclusion@#The ALT free flap procedure remains popular for reconstruction of the head and neck. In this study, we observed that the majority of cutaneous vessels supplying the flaps were MC perforators (87%). When using the MC perforator during flap elevation, careful dissection of the perforator is required to achieve successful ALT flaps because intramuscular dissection is difficult. Perforator pattern and history of radiotherapy did not affect flap necrosis.

Methodology in Conventional Head and Neck Reconstruction Following Robotic Cancer Surgery:A Bridgehead Robotic Head and Neck Reconstruction

Purpose@#Robotic head and neck surgery is widespread nowadays. However, in the reconstruction field, the use of robotic operations is not. This article aimed to examine methodologies for conventional head and neck reconstruction after robotic tumor surgery in an effort to obtain further options for future reconstruction manipulations. @*Materials and Methods@#A retrospective review of all patients who received head and neck robot surgery and conventional reconstructive surgery between October 2016 and September 2021. @*Results@#In total, 53 cases were performed. 67.9% of the tumors were greater than 4 cm. Regarding defect size, 47.2% of the lesions were greater than 8 cm. In terms of TNM stage, stage 3 disease was recorded in 26.4% and stage 4 in 52.8%. To make a deep and narrow field wider, we changed the patient’s posture in pre-op field, additional dissection was done. We used radial forearm flap mostly (62.2%). @*Conclusion@#Conventional head and neck reconstruction after robotic ENT cancer surgery is possible. One key step is to secure additional space in the deep and narrow space left after robotic surgery. For this, we opted for a radial forearm flap mostly. This can be performed as a bridgehead to perform robotic head and neck reconstruction.

Anterior skull base reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh free flap

Background@#Galeal or temporalis muscle flaps have been traditionally used to reconstruct skull base defects after tumor removal. Unfortunately, these flaps do not provide sufficient vascularized tissue for a dural seal in extensive defects. This study describes the successful coverage of large skull base defects using anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flaps. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included five patients who underwent skull base surgery between June 2018 and June 2021. Reconstruction was performed using an ALT free flap to cover defects that included the intracranial space and extended to the frontal sinus and cribriform plate. @*Results@#There were no major complications, such as ascending infections or cerebrospinal leakage. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed that the flaps were well-maintained in all patients. @*Conclusion@#Successful reconstruction was performed using ALT free flaps for large anterior skull base defects. In conclusion, the ALT free flap is an effective option for preventing communication between the nasal cavity and the intracranial space.

Anterolateral thigh free flaps and radial forearm free flaps in head and neck reconstruction: A 20-year analysis from a single institution

Background@#Reconstruction after removal of a malignant tumor in the head and neck region is crucial for restoring tissue integrity, function, and aesthetics. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent intraoral reconstruction surgery using radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) and anterolateral thigh free flaps (ALT) at a single institution to provide more information supporting the choice of a reconstruction method after removal of head and neck cancer. @*Methods@#The charts of 708 patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction between 1998 and 2018 at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ age, sex, and history of radiation therapy, diabetes mellitus, and smoking were retrieved. The primary cancer site, types of defects, and complications were investigated. @*Results@#Overall, 473 and 95 patients underwent reconstruction surgery with RFFF and ALT, respectively. RFFF was more often used in patients with cancers of the pharynx, larynx, esophagus, or tonsil, while ALT was more frequently used in patients with cancers of the mouth floor with tonsil or tongue involvement. The proportion of patients undergoing ALT increased gradually. Flap failure and donor site morbidities did not show significant differences between the two groups. @*Conclusions@#RFFF and ALT flaps resulted in similar outcomes in terms of flap survival and donor site morbidity. ALT can be an option for head and neck reconstruction surgery in patients with large and complex defects or for young patients who want to hide their donor site scars.

Staged reconstruction of a chronically infected large skull defect using free tissue transfer and a patient-specific polyetheretherketone implant

Reconstructions of extensive composite scalp and cranial defects are challenging due to high incidence of postoperative infection and reconstruction failure. In such cases, cranial reconstruction and vascularized soft tissue coverage are required. However, optimal reconstruction timing and material for cranioplasty are not yet determined. Herein, we present a large skull defect with a chronically infected wound that was not improved by repeated debridement and antibiotic treatment for 3 months. It was successfully treated with anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap transfer for wound salvage and delayed cranioplasty with a patient-specific polyetheretherketone implant. To reduce infection risk, we performed the cranioplasty 1 year after the infection had resolved. In the meantime, depression of ALT flap at the skull defect site was observed, and the midline shift to the contralateral side was reported in a brain computed tomography (CT) scan, but no evidence of neurologic deterioration was found. After the surgery, sufficient cerebral expansion without noticeable dead-space was confirmed in a follow-up CT scan, and there was no complication over the 1-year follow-up period.

Analysis of factors involved in brain-death donor processing for face transplantation in Korea: How much time is available from brain death to transplantation?

BACKGROUND: Face transplantation has naturally evolved from reconstructive procedures. However, few institutions perform face transplantations, because it is time-consuming and it is necessary to justify non-vital organ transplantation. We investigated the process of organ donation from brain-dead patients and the possibility of incorporating face transplantation into the donation process. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 1,074 brain-dead patients from January 2015 to December 2016 in Korea. We analyzed the time intervals from admission to brain death decisions (first, second, and final), the causes of brain death, and the state of the transplanted organs. RESULTS: The patient base (n=1,074) was composed of 747 males and 327 females. The average period between admission to the first brain death decision was 8.5 days (±15.3). The average time intervals between the first brain death decision and medical confirmation using electroencephalography and between the first brain death decision and the final determination of brain death were 16 hours 58 minutes (±14 hours 50 minutes) and 22 hours 57 minutes (±16 hours 16 minutes), respectively. The most common cause of brain death was cerebral hemorrhage/stroke (42.3%), followed by hypoxia (30.1%), and head trauma (25.2%). CONCLUSIONS: When face transplantation is performed, the transplantation team has 22 hours 57 minutes on average to prepare after the first brain death decision. The cause of brain death was head trauma in approximately one-fourth of cases. Although head trauma does not always imply facial trauma, surgeons should be aware that the facial tissue may be compromised in such cases.

Extended temporalis flap for skull base reconstruction

Traditionally, a galeal flap has been used for skull base reconstruction. In addition to the galeal flap, several other flaps, such as the temporalis muscle flap or the free vascularized flap, can be options for skull base reconstruction, and each option has advantages and disadvantages. Certain cases, however, can be challengeable in the application of these flaps. We successfully managed to cover a skull base defect using an extended temporalis flap. Herein, we present the case and introduce this novel method.

Serially expanded flap use to treat large hairless scalp lesions

Hairless scalp areas can occur due to trauma, tumors, or congenital disease. This aesthetically unpleasing condition can lead to psychosocial distress, and thin skin flaps may be prone to scarring. Treating the hairless scalp by simple excision is challenging because of skin tension. Tissue expanders are a good option for hairless scalp resurfacing. However, a single expansion may be inadequate to cover the entire defect. This report describes good results obtained using a serial resurfacing method involving re-expansion of the flap with a tissue expander to treat two patients with large lesions: one due to aplasia cutis congenital and another who underwent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberance resection. The results suggest that scalp resurfacing by serial tissue expansion using a tissue expander can be used for extensive lesions.

Oral propranolol therapy in 23 infants with infantile hemangioma

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common vascular tumor in pediatric patients, and is commonly treated with propranolol. We describe our experiences with dosage, response to treatment, and side effects in 23 IH patients treated with propranolol. METHODS: For this nonrandomized comparative cohort study, the authors enrolled 23 patients treated with propranolol. Photographs were taken before propranolol administration and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment. Treatment responses were objectively analyzed with a computer program. RESULTS: There were three male and 20 female patients. Common tumor locations were the head and neck (13 cases, 56.5%), trunk (four cases, 17.4%), extremities (three cases, 13.0%), and combined locations (three cases, 13.0%). The response to propranolol was significantly lower in patients with two or more lesions than in patients with a single lesion in terms of both color fading (P < 0.001) and size reduction (P < 0.001). In male patients (42.2±3.9), the change in a-values, indicating coloration, was higher than in female patients (19.8 ±13.8)(P < 0.001). In patients who started treatment before 6 months after birth, the size reduction was greater than in their counterparts (62.3%; range, 3.0%–93.0% vs. 15.8%; range, 1.0%–79.0%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Propranolol is an efficacious treatment with a good safety profile. In patients with a single lesion, the response to treatment was better in terms of color fading and size reduction. Furthermore, male patients responded better to propranolol treatment in terms of color fading than female patients, and starting treatment before 6 months after birth was more advantageous for size reduction.

Treatment of fibrous dysplasia of the zygomaticomaxillary complex with radical resection and three-dimensional reconstruction with autologous calvarial bone graft

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare, benign bone disease with abnormal bone maturation and fibroblastic proliferation. Optimal treatment of zone 1 craniofacial FD is radical resection and reconstruction. To achieve of structural, aesthetic, and functional goals, we use three-dimensionally designed calvarial bone graft for reconstruction of zygomatic defect after radical resection of FD. The authors used a rapid-prototyping model for simulation surgery for radical resection and immediate reconstruction. Donor site was selected from parietal bone reflect shape, contour, and size of defect. Then radical resection of lesion and immediate reconstruction was performed as planned. Outcomes were assessed using clinical photographs and computed tomography scans. Successful reconstruction after radical resection was achieved by three-dimensional calvarial bone graft without complications. After a 12-month follow-up, sufficient bone thickness and symmetric soft tissue contour was well-maintained. By considering three-dimensional configuration of zygomaticomaxillary complex, the authors achieved satisfactory structural, aesthetic and functional outcomes without complications.

Incorporating a continuous suction system as a preventive measure against fistula-related complications in head and neck reconstructive surgery

BACKGROUND: Although previous studies have focused on determining prognostic and causative variables associated with fistula-related complications after head and neck reconstructive surgery, only a few studies have addressed preventive measures. Noting that pooled saliva complicates wound healing and precipitates fistula-related complications, we devised a continuous suction system to remove saliva during early postoperative recovery. METHODS: A continuous suction system was implemented in 20 patients after head and neck reconstructive surgery between January 2012 and October 2017. This group was compared to a control group of 16 patients at the same institution. The system was placed orally when the lesion was on the anterior side of the retromolar trigone area, and when glossectomy or resection of the mouth floor was performed. When the orohypopharynx and/or larynx were eradicated, the irrigation system was placed in the pharyngeal area. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 9.2±2.4 months. The Hemovac system was applied for an average of 7.5 days. On average, 6.5 days were needed for the net drain output to fall below 10 mL. Complications were analyzed according to their causes and rates. A fistula occurred in two cases in the suction group. Compared to the control group, a significant difference was noted in the surgical site infection rate (P < 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical observations showed reduced saliva pooling and a reduction in the infection rate. This resulted in improved wound healing through the application of a continuous suction system.

Immune Tolerance of Human Dental Pulp-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Mediated by CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ Regulatory T-Cells and Induced by TGF-β1 and IL-10

PURPOSE: Most studies on immune tolerance of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been performed using MSCs derived from bone marrow, cord blood, or adipose tissue. MSCs also exist in the craniofacial area, specifically in teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of immune tolerance of dental pulp-derived MSC (DP-MSC) in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We isolated DP-MSCs from human dental pulp and co-cultured them with CD4⁺ T-cells. To evaluate the role of cytokines, we blocked TGF-β and IL-10, separately and together, in co-cultured DP-MSCs and CD4⁺ T-cells. We analyzed CD25 and FoxP3 to identify regulatory T-cells (Tregs) by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and real-time PCR. We performed alloskin grafts with and without DP-MSC injection in mice. We performed mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs) to check immune tolerance. RESULTS: Co-culture of CD4⁺ T-cells with DP-MSCs increased the number of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ Tregs (p<0.01). TGF-β or/and IL-10 blocking suppressed Treg induction in co-cultured cells (p<0.05). TGF-β1 mRNA levels were higher in co-cultured DP-MSCs and in co-cultured CD4⁺ T-cells than in the respective monocultured cells. However, IL-10 mRNA levels were not different. There was no difference in alloskin graft survival rate and area between the DP-MSC injection group and the non-injection group. Nonetheless, MLR was reduced in the DP-MSC injected group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: DP-MSCs can modulate immune tolerance by increasing CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ Tregs. TGF-β1 and IL-10 are factors in the immune-tolerance mechanism. Pure DP-MSC therapy may not be an effective treatment for rejection, although it may module immune tolerance in vivo.

Performances and Limitations of the Health Community Organization Project in 148 Village, Gangbuk-gu / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the performances and limitations of health community building project of 148 village in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul on community health organization perspective. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using both a systematic review of this project and in-depth interviews with the operators who had worked for the project from January 2012 to December 2012. RESULTS: In this project, activists worked by gathering the opinions of the residents and focusing on their growth. The residents themselves established a community health care plan. Based on social determinants of health, they continued projects to solve residents' needs. A variety of programs were activated by providing a health cafe, which was an alternative public participation health promotion space that was not a clinic or a public health center. As the various entities gathered, there were difficulties related to interests and role sharing, and there were limitations such as the fact that the performance and limit of the pilot project could not be clearly predicted beforehand. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggested that new possibility of health and medical movement, approaching health issues by the way of community organization principle. Through the health community building project as community health organization perspective is expanded, health promotion effect will be created in the whole society.

Lateral Oropharyngeal Wall Coverage with Buccinator Myomucosal and Buccal Fat Pad Flaps

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects after resection of oropharyngeal cancer is a significant challenge. The purpose of this study is to introduce reconstruction using a combination of a buccinator myomucosal flap and a buccal fat pad flap after cancer excision and to discuss the associated anatomy, surgical procedure, and clinical applications. METHODS: In our study, a combination of a buccinator myomucosal flap with a buccal fat pad flap was utilized for reconstruction after resection of oropharyngeal cancer, performed between 2013 and 2015. After oropharyngectomy, the defect with exposed vital structures was noted. A buccinator myomucosal flap was designed and elevated after an assessment of the flap pedicle. Without requiring an additional procedure, a buccal fat pad flap was easily harvested in the same field and gently pulled to obtain sufficient volume. The flaps were rotated and covered the defect. In addition, using cadaver dissections, we investigated the feasibility of transposing the flaps into the lateral oropharyngeal defect. RESULTS: The reconstruction was performed in patients with squamous cell carcinoma. The largest tumor size was 5 cm x 2 cm (length x width). All donor sites were closed primarily. The flaps were completely epithelialized after four weeks, and the patients were followed up for at least six months. There were no flap failures or postoperative wound complications. All patients were without dietary restrictions, and no patient had problems related to mouth opening, swallowing, or speech. CONCLUSIONS: A buccinator myomucosal flap with a buccal fat pad flap is a reliable and valuable option in the reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects after cancer resection for maintaining functionality.

Correction of Sunken and/or Multiple Folded Upper Eyelid by Refined Structural Micro-Fat Graft: Technical Pearls

Structural micro-fat graft is one of the surgical techniques for facial rejuvenation, and it is reliable for correction of sunken upper eyelids especially. However, several factors may influence surgical outcomes substancially. The author introduces the modified micro-fat graft to correct sunken eyelids and multiple eyelid folds to make better results. A series of 162 patients who underwent the refined structural micro-fat graft were included in this study. The purified fat was injected into the subcutaneous and sub-orbicularis oculi muscle layer of the upper eyelids through the 19-gauge cannula with 1 ml syringe. After the operation, all patients were followed up on 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6months, and 1 year. Clinical photographs were taken every visit and the author evaluated the volume and symmetry of the eyelids and checked the satisfaction of each patient and any complications. Among the 162 patients, 156 patients were satisfied with the upper eyelid volume after primary fat graft and other 6 patients were performed secondary fat graft. Even though the volume of the fat was sufficient, 4 patients showed palpable fat nodule during the follow-up period. Modified micro-fat graft is a simple, safe, and alternative method to correct sunken eyelids and multiple eyelid folds.

The Effects of Botulinum Toxin A on Collagen Synthesis, Expression of MMP (matrix metalloproteinases)-1,2,9 and TIMP (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase)-1 in the Keloid Fibroblasts

Keloids are characterized by excessive extracelluar matrix (ECM) deposition such as collagen, fibronectin, elastin, and proteoglycans in the dermis. Recently, the use of botulinum toxin A (BTXA) in the treatment of keloids have had good results. To investigate the therapeutic effect of BTXA on the keloids, we evaluated the mRNA expression of collagen type I, type III, MMP (matrix metalloproteinases)-1, and TIMP (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases)-1 on keloid fibroblasts (KFs, n=5) after administration of BTXA. We also evaluated the enzymatic activity of MMP-2 and 9 by using zymography with BTXA. The same process was repeated after administration of TGF-beta in addition to BTXA. Type III collagen mRNA expression was decreased significantly when BTXA was administrated on KFs regardless of the presence or absence of TGF-beta. MMP-1 mRNA expression in KFs was increased according to the BTXA concentration increment, however, not increased with TGF-beta. Moreover, MMP-2 enzymatic activity in KFs was increased when BTXA administrated regardless of the presence or absence of TGF-beta. These results suggest that the down regulation of collagen III expression, the up regulation of MMP-1, and increased MMP-2 enzymatic activity on KFs after BTXA administration are able to decrease the excess collagen deposition in keloids.

Application of Newly Developed Acellular Dermal Matrix Allograft (CG DermTM) in Breast Reconstruction with the Implant: The Prospective Study

Several freeze-dried human acellular dermal matrix have been introduced and they helped to facilitate implant based breast reconstruction by providing support to the breast lower pole, firm fixation of inframammary fold, and simple operation procedure. We evaluated clinical outcomes of recently produced human acellular dermal matrix, CG Derm(TM), prospectively. CG Derm(TM) was used in six patients and eight breasts for implant breast reconstruction. Complete blood cell count test, rountine chemisty(including ESR) test, and CRP test were performed before and after the surgery. Postoperative complication was evaluated including infection, seroma, implant malpostion, rippling deformity, and capsular contracture. Randomly selected two patients underwent breast MRI after reconstruction. Finally we examine patients' satisfaction survey and plastic surgeons' evaluation. Satisfactory breast lower pole fullness, symmetric inframammary folds and breast shapes were achieved in most patients. Overall, patients had sufficient aesthetic satisfaction and surgeon's evaluation was also good. There was no major complication except four cases of seroma which healed with conservative management. Implant breast reconstruction using CG Derm(TM) was safe and obtain good aesthetic results. But further and larger scale study should be performed to reveal out the relatively high risk of seroma.

Current Status of Face Transplantation: Where Do We Stand in Korea?

The world's first face transplantation was performed in France, in 2005. Since then, 21 cases of face transplantation have been performed. Face transplantation is one of the most prominent part of composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) along with hand transplantation. Since these fields are not deal with life-saving organs, there are many arguments about immunosuppression therapy. Recent paradigm of face transplantation shows that surgical ranges are expanded from partial face transplantation to full face transplantation. Most immunosuppression protocols are triple therapy, which consists of tacrolimus (FK-506), mycophenolate mofetil and prednisolone. Anatomical researches, immunosuppression, and immunotolerance take great parts in the researches of CTA. The medical fields directly related to face transplantation are microsurgery, immunology, and transplantation. Nowadays, each field is performed widely. Therefore people, even medical teams think face transplantation could be easily realized, sooner or later. But there are lots of things that should be prepared for not only practice and immunosuppression therapy but also for the cooperation with relevant fields. That's the reason why only 21 cases of face transplantation have been done, while more than 70 cases of hand transplantation have been done in the past years. Especially in Korea, brain death patients are not enough even for organ transplantation and furthermore there are some troubles in taking part in the society of transplantation. Face transplantation has lots of problems concerning variable medical fields, administration, society, ethics, and laws. Therefore, for the realization of face transplantation in Korea, not only medical skills but also political powers are needed.

A Case Repot of Chronic Unhealing Wound Related to Odontogenic Cutaneous Sinus Tract

PURPOSE: The odontogenic sinus and fistulous tracts is the most common draining sinus and fistulous tract of the head and neck region. These are often misdiagnoses by clinicions who are not familiar with cutaneous sinus, since most of patients do not have dental symptoms. Here we present two cases of odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract which have been diagnosed after excision of epidermal cyst. METHODS: Two patients who presented with an odontogenic sinus tract draining to the skin at our institusion during the two years were enrolled in this study. We reviewed all the medical records of the patients and literature about odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract. RESULTS: Odontogenic cutaneous sinus tracts of our cases were healed after treatment of periapical odontitis and extraction of the carious tooth. CONCLUSION: The cutaneous sinus tract of dental origin is well documented condition. But its diagnosis is not always easy unless the clinicians consider the possibility of its dental origin. An understanding of the pathogenesis of odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract will lead to early correct diagnosis and proper treatment without unnecessary surgery.

Implant Breast Reconstruction Using Porcine Dermal Matrix(Permacol(R)): A Comparative Study with Acellular Cadaveric Dermis(AlloDerm(R))

PURPOSE: The use of tissue expander/implant in breast reconstruction using tissue expander-implant is one of the most common surgical procedures. The use of AlloDerm as a sling to reestablish the lower pole of the pectoralis major muscle results a decrease in morbidity compared with more invasive procedures. However the use of AlloDerm is more expensive than other options. We decided to compare AlloDerm with Permacol, which has been safely used in human body reconstruction and is less costly than AlloDerm. METHODS: After mastectomy, the inferolateral origin of the pectoralis major muscle was elevated. Either AlloDerm or Permacol was sutured to the chest wall at the level of the previously marked inframammary fold. The lower border of the pectoralis major muscle and the upper portion of the crescent-shaped piece of either AlloDerm or Permacol was sutured together using a tension free technique, and a tissue expander was subsequently inserted into the subpectoral-subAlloDerm (or Permacol) dual pocket. RESULTS: AlloDerm was used in twenty-one patients(28 breasts) and Permacol was used in six patients(11 breasts) for tissue expander-implant breast reconstruction. During the mean follow-up period of 17 months(8~25 months). Two infections(7%) occurred in AlloDerm cases and four infections(36%) occurred in Permacol cases. CONCLUSION: This study is the first comparison of tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction using AlloDerm and Permacol. The use of Permacol resulted in more postoperative infection compared with the use of AlloDerm. This report is still limited with the small number of cases studied.