Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Aesthetic Plast Surg 2020 04 6;44(2):299-306. Epub 2019 Dec 6.

Department of Health, University of Witten-Herdecke, Witten, Germany.

Background: The deep inferior epigastric perforator flap has been shown to be a reliable option for autologous breast reconstruction. A further refinement in the transfer of lower abdominal tissue is the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap that does not require any incision of the rectus abdominis fascia or muscle and is superior regarding donor-site morbidity.

Objectives: We conducted a retrospective study to assess reliability and outcomes of autologous breast reconstruction using SIEA flaps. Read More

Pol Przegl Chir 2019 Jun;91(5):41-50

Dept. of General, Abdominal and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital at Magdeburg, Magdeburg (Germany).

Background: Plastic surgery was first introduced as a sub-specialty of general surgery in Germany in 1978. Since then, this surgical subspecialty/discipline has evolved enormous potential, e.g. Read More

Injury 2019 Dec 19;50 Suppl 5:S25-S28. Epub 2019 Oct 19.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Clemenceau Medical Center affiliated with Johns Hopkins International, Clemenceau Beirut, Lebanon.

This study evaluates the long-term results of rectus abdominis free-tissue transfer performed for lower extremity reconstruction.

Methods: Over a period of 8 years 58 were available for long term follow-up. Indications for reconstruction included acute wounds with soft tissue defects, diabetic foot ulcers, and chronic osteomyelitis. Read More

J Reconstr Microsurg 2020 Feb 23;36(2):127-135. Epub 2019 Sep 23.

Department of Hand-, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany.

Background:  In elderly patients, complex soft tissue defects are increasingly observed due to the prolonged life expectancy and accompanying comorbidities. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether free tissue transfer is safe in very old patients without additional risk and complications.

Methods:  All patients older than 65 years undergoing free tissue transfer between November 2007 and September 2016 were reviewed in a retrospective study. Read More

J Reconstr Microsurg 2019 Nov 30;35(9):705-712. Epub 2019 Jul 30.

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Linko, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Background:  Bilateral PM muscles or combination with rectus abdominis or omentum are commonly used for upper and lower sternal wound infections. Unilateral PM harvesting using endoscopic-assisted method may have a simple, safe, and reliable entire muscle harvesting with comparable result of less donor-site violation.

Methods:  A retrospective review was performed from 2003 till 2015 on 38 patients referred to a single plastic surgeon for treatment of sternal wound infection following median sternotomy for cardiovascular surgery. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2020 03;84(3):293-299

From the Department of Oncology Plastic Surgery, Hunan Province Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan.

Background: Despite improvements in the early detection of breast cancer, locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) involving the chest wall exists in developing countries. Surgical resection remains a controversial management option. This study aims to demonstrate the value of chest wall reconstructive techniques for large LABC defects and report long-term outcomes. Read More

Laryngoscope 2020 Feb 9;130(2):347-353. Epub 2019 Jul 9.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Objective: Analyze the cause and significance of a shift in the timing of free flap failures in head and neck reconstruction.

Study Design: Retrospective multi-institutional review of prospectively collected databases at tertiary care centers.

Methods: Included consecutive patients undergoing free flap reconstructions of head and neck defects between 2007 and 2017. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2019 07;83(1):63-68

Department of Dermatological Oncology, Norton Cancer Institute, Louisville, KY.

Introduction: Pyoderma gangrenosum following free tissue transfer for breast reconstruction is rare. This unusual ulcerative condition is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to inappropriate debridement and escalation of the subsequent wound through pathergy. Once diagnosed, treatment with immunosuppressive agents, including corticosteroids, results in an initial rapid response, but prolonged treatment is required. Read More

J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 2019 Apr-Jun;31(2):156-161

Department of Plastic Surgery, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Background: Free tissue transfer is a routine practice in adults with good success rates. Further advances in techniques and microsurgical skills have proved that free tissue transfer in paediatric population is feasible, reliable and safe.

Methods: This study is conducted to compare anastomosis duration, total general anaesthesia duration, hospital stay and outcomes of flaps (survival, partial loss, complete loss, complications) in paediatric group (age <15 years) and adult group (15-70 years age). Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2019 May 26;33(2):125-131. Epub 2019 Apr 26.

Department of Otolaryngology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.

The main goal of head and neck reconstruction is the restoration of form and function. Oncologic surgery makes this process more complex, as the preplanned defect can be very different from its intraoperative counterpart. This emphasizes the role of preoperative planning and a diverse reconstructive "tool box" that can accommodate a variety of complicated defects. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2019 05;82(5S Suppl 4):S320-S324

From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA.

Introduction: Enhanced recovery after surgery pathways designed to optimize postoperative care have become increasingly popular across multiple surgical specialties with proven benefits. In this retrospective cohort study, we present a comparative evaluation of the impact of protocol-based postoperative care on free autologous breast reconstruction patients.

Methods: With institutional review board approval, we performed a chart review of patients who underwent breast reconstruction with free autologous tissue transfer by a single surgeon from 2006 to 2017. Read More

Cureus 2019 Jan 28;11(1):e3969. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Plastic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, USA.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is limb threatening and difficult to treat. Although a two-stage re-implantation is accepted as the standard of care for PJI, extensive debridement, numerous surgeries, or liquifactive necrosis from the infection can result in a tissue defect. With a large tissue defect, soft tissue coverage is required to protect the prosthesis, fill any dead space, and obtain a satisfactory wound closure. Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2019 Feb 8;33(1):17-23. Epub 2019 Mar 8.

Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, traumatic injuries of the upper extremity increased exponentially. As a result, surgeons began to reevaluate amputation as the standard of care. Following the Second World War, local and regional pedicled flaps became common forms of traumatic upper extremity reconstruction. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2019 Apr 11;72(4):555-564. Epub 2019 Jan 11.

Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Hand and Plastic Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Ludwig-Guttmann-Strasse 13, 67071 Heidelberg, Germany. Electronic address:

Background: Though technically feasible, free tissue transfer carries the risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. To minimize the operative treatment time and complication rates, we choose the rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) flap.

Methods: Between 2012 and 2017, 34 patients (mean age: 74±7 years, range: 65-89 years) with comorbidities underwent defect reconstruction with a free RAM flap. Read More

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2019 Feb 16;29(2):285-293. Epub 2019 Jan 16.

Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), 1068 Cresthaven Road Suite 500, Memphis, TN, 38119, USA.

While free tissue transfer has long been established as a reliable microsurgical technique in the adult population, its application in pediatric reconstruction is a relatively recent phenomenon. Despite initial concerns regarding minute vessel diameters, increased propensity for vasospasm, and limited tissue availability, pediatric free tissue transfer is now a widely used technique that has demonstrated an acceptable level of donor and recipient site morbidity in children. Five flaps commonly used in the reconstruction of lower extremity trauma are discussed in this paper: the latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, anterolateral thigh, gracilis, and the subscapular and parascapular flaps. Read More

Arch Plast Surg 2018 Sep 15;45(5):441-448. Epub 2018 Sep 15.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.

Background: Previously, surveys have been used to investigate breast reconstruction statistics. Since 2015, breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy has been covered by the National Health Insurance Service in Korea, and data from breast reconstruction patients are now available from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). We investigated statistics in breast reconstruction in Korea through statistics provided by the HIRA Big Data Hub. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2018 09 28;71(9):1301-1309. Epub 2018 Jun 28.

Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.

Background: Abdominal-based free flap has increasingly become the gold standard for breast reconstruction, however long-term evidence of the aesthetic outcome and quality of life is lacking. The present study aims to gain an overview of patients with abdominal-based free flap breast reconstructions in a long-term perspective.

Methods: Seventy-five patients who received abdominal-based free flap breast reconstructions between 2000-2007 in Uppsala, Sweden were invited back for photographs, 3D imaging and questionnaires. Read More

Ann Chir Plast Esthet 2019 Feb 3;64(1):120-123. Epub 2018 Jul 3.

Service de chirurgie plastique reconstructrice et esthétique, hôpital européen Georges-Pompidou, 20, rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France. Electronic address:

Classical bladder exstrophy (CBE), affecting 1 birth out of 30,000, is characterized by an evaginated bladder plate through a defect in the lower abdominal wall, multiple abdominal wall anomalies including a pubic bone arch dehiscence. Numerous approaches from childhood to adulthood are thus required, depending on the severity of the deformity, including the associated genital anomalies. We report the case of a 19-year-old woman with CBE with a history of three-failed primary closure. Read More

J Craniofac Surg 2018 Oct;29(7):1733-1736

Neuroplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Objective: Patients with cranioplasty in need of skull reconstruction are at increased risk of complications when presenting with abnormally thin scalps. As such, the authors sought to develop and investigate a new technique for scalp augmentation using autologous rectus fascia grafts (ARFGs) for prevention of implant extrusion and long-term scalp durability.

Methods: A retrospective review of our database, consisting of 450 consecutive cranial reconstructions from 2012 to 2017, was performed under institutional review board approval. Read More

Indian J Plast Surg 2018 Jan-Apr;51(1):24-32

Amandeep Hospital and Clinics, GT Road, Model Town, Amritsar 143001, Punjab, India.

Background: Many flaps have been described for reconstruction of lower extremity defects, including, Latissimus Dorsi, Rectus abdominis, Anterolateral thigh perforator flaps, each having advantages and disadvantages. The defect location, size and specific geometric pattern of defect influences the type of flap that can be used. In this case series, we describe the specific situations where the use of chimeric latissimus dorsi-serratus anterior (LD + SA) free flaps are of advantage in providing complete wound cover. Read More

J Surg Res 2018 08 12;228:253-262. Epub 2018 Apr 12.

Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Research in Vascular Biology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Background: Tissue necrosis caused by insufficient perfusion is a major complication in flap transfer. This study evaluated whether treatment with cilostazol or hydroalcoholic extract of seeds of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí) protects the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap against ischemic damage in hamsters. Read More

J Reconstr Microsurg 2018 Oct 18;34(8):590-600. Epub 2018 May 18.

Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.

Background:  Microvascular reconstruction of the anterior cranial fossa (ACF) creates difficult challenges. Reconstructive goals and flap selection vary based on the defect location within the ACF. This study evaluates the feasibility and reliability of free tissue transfer for salvage reconstruction of low, middle, and high ACF defects. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2018 07;81(1):68-70

From the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY.

Purpose: Free tissue transfer after lower extremity trauma is associated with notoriously high complication rates. Theoretically, the inclusion of a cutaneous paddle on muscle free flaps may improve clinical flap monitoring. The effect of skin paddle presence on muscle free flap salvage outcomes after take-back was examined. Read More

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2018 Apr;26(2):127-133

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK.

Purpose Of Review: To review recent literature on the subject of free tissue transfer options in paediatric head and neck surgery, with a particular emphasis on highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of different reconstructions in the paediatric patient.

Recent Findings: Free tissue transfer in paediatric patients is predictable and applicable for a wide range of congenital and acquired defects in the head and neck. The free fibula flap is a mainstay of mandibular reconstruction and allows excellent implant-supported prosthodontic rehabilitation and growth potential at the recipient site with little or no donor site morbidity. Read More

Aesthetic Plast Surg 2017 Dec 20;41(6):1389-1399. Epub 2017 Jun 20.

Unidad de Cirugía Plástica, Departamento de Cirugía, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santos Dumont 999, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.

Objective: To describe a new technique to achieve a fit-look in lipoabdominoplasty patients through liposculpture and rectus abdominis fat transfer (RAFT).

Methods: Patients with a body mass index under 26 and of both genders scheduled for abdominoplasty or body lift were selected for this procedure. Fat was transferred directly to the rectus abdominis muscle after flap elevation during lipoabdominoplasty. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2017 Sep;140(3):604-613

Houston, Texas From the Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Background: Early detection of compromised free flap perfusion is critical. A common modality of thrombosis detection, physical examination augmented with hand-held Doppler, provides only intermittent data and is insensitive to venous compromise. Visible light spectroscopy provides continuous, noninvasive evaluation of tissue perfusion. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2017 Aug;79(2):221-225

From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.

Background: Aortic graft infection (AGI) is a rare complication following reconstructive aortic surgery, yet it represents a significant source of morbidity and mortality. There is no consensus regarding the optimal surgical management, due in part to the small cohorts of patient reports. Pedicled muscle or omental flap coverage of AGI has been shown to improve outcomes, making them a valuable consideration in the treatment algorithm. Read More

J Craniofac Surg 2017 May;28(3):659-663

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.

Reconstruction of a midfacial defect can represent a difficult challenge for the plastic surgeon. Although many midfacial deformities have traumatic or congenital origins, the vast majority of head and neck defects occur after resection of malignant head and neck neoplasms. Autogenous reconstruction is now routinely performed for larger, complex defects resulting from surgical resection or trauma. Read More

Hand (N Y) 2018 Mar 7;13(2):150-155. Epub 2017 Apr 7.

1 Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.

Background: Current management of brachial plexus injuries includes nerve grafts and nerve transfers. However, in cases of late presentation or pan plexus injuries, free functional muscle transfers are an option to restore function. The purpose of our study was to describe and evaluate the rectus abdominis motor nerves histomorphologically and functionally as a donor nerve option for free functional muscle transfer for the reconstruction of brachial plexus injuries. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017 04 21;156(4):627-635. Epub 2017 Mar 21.

3 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.

Objective To compare outcomes after microvascular reconstructions of head and neck defects between overlapping and nonoverlapping operations. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary care center. Read More

Zhonghua Zheng Xing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2017 Mar;33(2):112-5

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of one-stage thinning of latissimus dorsi muscle, rectus abdominis muscle and gracilis flap in reconstruction of the hand and foot defects.

Methods: From June 2009 to April 2015,24 free muscle flaps were thinned during transfer operation by removing their superficial muscle layers on the basis of their vessel pedicles running in the deep surface of flaps. The surface of the muscle flaps were covered by split-thickness skin grafts. Read More

Urol Int 2017 24;99(1):56-62. Epub 2017 Feb 24.

Department of Urology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan.

Introduction: The study aimed to present our experience of surgical treatment for urorectal fistulas (URF) that develop after cancer surgery.

Materials And Methods: Fourteen patients with URF who were treated at our institution from 2005 through 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these, 7 patients had previous surgical treatment of prostate cancer (PC) and the other 7 had been treated for rectal cancer (RC). Read More

J Reconstr Microsurg 2017 May 15;33(4):298-304. Epub 2017 Feb 15.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Florida.

 Autologous breast reconstruction has been noted in the literature to provide superior aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction. Additionally, free perforator flap tissue transfer has the potential for lower abdominal donor site morbidity. However, it has been noted that the percentage of women who are undergoing autologous breast reconstruction in the United States is decreasing. Read More

Aesthetic Plast Surg 2017 Feb 28;41(1):19-25. Epub 2016 Dec 28.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, South Korea.

Background: Tissue transfer, such as use of the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) or deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) free flaps, is considered a standard method. However, outcomes may vary among inset methods. Here we compared the aesthetic outcomes of breast reconstructions using vertical and horizontal flap inset methods. Read More

Radiology 2016 Nov 6;281(2):436-443. Epub 2016 May 6.

From the Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (M.R., C.E., M.C.W., A.B.) and Department of Urology (M.R., D.H., S.S., D.E.), University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland; and Laboratory for Biointerfaces, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St Gallen, Switzerland (M.R.).

Purpose To determine whether magnetization transfer (MT) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may serve as a quantitative measure of the degree of fiber formation during differentiation of muscle precursor cells into engineered muscle tissue as a potential noninvasive monitoring tool in mice. Materials and Methods The study was approved by the local ethics committee (no. StV 01/2008) and the local Veterinary Office (license no. Read More

Microsurgery 2017 Jul 5;37(5):402-405. Epub 2016 Oct 5.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Background: Breast reconstruction with microvascular free tissue transfer has become a widely used method. Despite a high rate of success, a compromised flap necessitating re-exploration can occur. Here, we introduce direct thrombectomy as a flap salvage technique, and compared the results with conventional thrombectomy. Read More

Microsurgery 2017 Jul 5;37(5):377-382. Epub 2016 Oct 5.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.

Background: With complete plexus injuries or late presentation, free functional muscle transfer (FFMT) becomes the primary option of functional restoration. Our purpose is to review cases over a 10-year period of free functioning gracilis muscle transfer after brachial plexus injury to evaluate the effect of different donor nerves used to reinnervate the FFMT on functional outcome.

Methods: A retrospective study from April 2001 to January 2011 of a single surgeon's practice was undertaken. Read More

J Surg Res 2016 10 6;205(2):292-295. Epub 2016 Jul 6.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Background: Under ideal circumstances, creation of the anastomosis during free flap transfer is a routine task and can be performed under short ischemia time. However, vessels may be in suboptimal state due to atherosclerosis, radiotherapy or trauma, increasing difficulties regarding receptor vessel identification, and anastomosis which in turn may lead to lengthening of ischemia time resulting in postoperative wound problems or even flap loss. In the current pilot study, a modified heart-lung machine was assembled to achieve continuous oxygenated extracoporeal perfusion using porcine myocutaneous rectus abdominis flaps, aimed at minimizing tissue damage occurring during ischemia time. Read More

Microsurgery 2017 Jul 16;37(5):406-409. Epub 2016 Sep 16.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

Introduction: Fibrin sealants have had applications in hemostasis, cohesion, and promotion of healing in plastic surgery. In this article, we review cases where fibrin sealant was used to stabilize microvascular pedicles and compared with previous free flaps performed without fibrin sealant.

Methods: Between 2008 and 2010, 62 consecutive patients underwent free tissue transfer for reconstruction; this involved 33 latissimus dorsi perforator flaps, 14 thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps, 9 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, 3 lateral thoracic artery perforator flaps, and 3 transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, used in head and neck reconstruction, lower limb reconstructions, breast reconstructions, and facial palsy reconstruction. Read More

J Reconstr Microsurg 2017 Jan 5;33(1):32-39. Epub 2016 Sep 5.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.

 A successful free flap transfer is achieved, in part, by having a thorough understanding of vascular anatomy and blood flow dynamics. We previously reported that vascular resistance differs by type of free flap. To test the hypothesis that the difference reflects the proportion of tissue components within free flaps, we calculated blood flow and vascular resistance for free flaps in which we determined the volume of each tissue component. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2016 Mar 17;4(3):e642. Epub 2016 Mar 17.

Division of Plastic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.

Abdominal-based free flaps are commonly used for breast reconstruction, and the internal mammary or thoracodorsal vessels are typically used as recipient sites. Conversely, free tissue transfer is less commonly used for chest wall reconstruction in the setting of chest wall recurrence, in part, because of a paucity of recipient vessels. Here, we describe a case of a 68-year-old female smoker with metastatic breast cancer, who presented with a chest wall recurrence. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2016 Mar 8;4(3):e636. Epub 2016 Mar 8.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori, Japan; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; Department of Neurosurgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan; and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kariya Toyota General Hospital, Kariya, Aichi, Japan.

Background: Although we have seen tremendous advancement in microsurgery over the last 2 decades and free tissue transfer has become standard for head and neck reconstruction, surgeons still struggle to prevent postoperative complications. We examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and postoperative complications in patients undergoing rectus abdominis free flap transfer after anterolateral craniofacial resection.

Methods: This was a retrospective review of reconstructive surgery using rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap in patients with locally advanced maxillary sinus carcinoma from 2003 to 2014 (n = 35, 27 men and 8 women; average age, 60. Read More

Aesthetic Plast Surg 2016 Aug 3;40(4):519-25. Epub 2016 May 3.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 17 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.

Background: Bulky appearance is a major shortcoming after surface coverage using free muscle flaps. The one-stage thinning procedure at the time of transfer can improve the appearance and avoid additional debulking surgery. We present our experiences in the reconstruction of complex lower extremity defects using thinned free muscle flaps. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2016 May 25;69(5):598-603. Epub 2015 Nov 25.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany. Electronic address:

Background: Currently, autologous breast reconstruction with a free tissue transfer from the lower abdomen is considered to be a safe method that provides a stable long-term solution. The DIEP-flap and the ms-2-TRAM-flap reconstructions have helped reduce donor site morbidity. In order to assess the potential differences between these techniques, we carried out myosonographic evaluations that assessed the muscle dynamics pre- and post-operatively. Read More

J Plast Surg Hand Surg 2016 Aug 7;50(4):208-15. Epub 2016 Mar 7.

c Department of Histology and Embryology , Marmara University School of Medicine , Istanbul , Turkey.

Background Being an inevitable component of free tissue transfer, ischemia-reperfusion injury tends to contribute to flap failure. TNF-α is an important proinflammatory cytokine and a prominent mediator of the ischemia-reperfusion injury. Etanercept, a soluble TNF-α binding protein, has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in animal models of renal and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Read More

PLoS One 2016 25;11(1):e0147650. Epub 2016 Jan 25.

The Nick Davey Laboratory, Human Performance Group, Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom.

Evidence suggests that the primary motor cortex (M1) is involved in both voluntary, goal-directed movements and in postural control. Trunk muscles are involved in both tasks, however, the extent to which M1 controls these muscles in trunk flexion/extension (voluntary movement) and in rapid shoulder flexion (postural control) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate this question by examining excitability of corticospinal inputs to trunk muscles during voluntary and postural tasks. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2016 Apr 17;69(4):545-53. Epub 2015 Dec 17.

Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.

Purpose: Free flap transplantation to vascular reconstructions as arteriovenous (AV) loops has been established in centers as a feasible therapeutic option for defect reconstruction in the absence of proper recipient vessels, caused by oncologic resections, radiation, or trauma. We report our 10-year experience in free flap transplantation after vascular reconstruction with special emphasis on complication rate and postoperative mobility.

Patients And Methods: Forty-seven patients (mean age: 60 years, range: 19-86) were included. Read More

Microsurgery 2016 Nov 21;36(8):658-663. Epub 2016 Jan 21.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.

Objective: This report evaluates the behavior of anastomosed vessels and transferred flaps after anastomosed site infection in head and neck reconstruction.

Patients And Methods: Eleven free-flap cases after infection at the vascular pedicle site were included, the patency of which was observed macroscopically after re-exploration and pus drainage. Location was in the tongue (5 cases), oropharynx (3 cases), mouth floor (1 case), mandible (1 case), and hypopharynx (1 case). Read More

J Craniofac Surg 2016 Jan;27(1):242-6

*Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Mersin University Hospital, Mersin University School of Medicine, Mersin †Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery ‡Department of Biochemistry §Department of Pathology, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Inonu University School of Medicine ||Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Inonu University ¶Department of Biochemistry, Inonu University School of Medicine, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Malatya, Turkey.

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate effects of selenium and enlighten the possible mechanism of action in a rat transverse musculocutaneous flap model following ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Materials And Methods: In this study, an experimental model, which mimicked free tissue transfer, was applied. Twenty-four male Wistar Albino rats were divided into a control group (N = 12), and a selenium treated group (N = 12). Read More

J Craniofac Surg 2015 Oct;26(7):e622-4

*Department of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe †Department of Plastic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan.

The double free flap procedure is a preferred treatment for extensive composite defects of the oromandibular area. In this procedure, the choice and use of the flaps are both important. Flaps with adequate soft tissue are required to fill the extensive dead space for huge oromandibular defects. Read More