Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

World Neurosurg 2021 Apr 30. Epub 2021 Apr 30.

Department of Neurosurgery, National Cancer Center/ National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/ Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China. Electronic address:

Object: Surgical treatment of advanced intra- and extracranial communicating skull base tumors is challenging, especially for the reconstruction of the large composite defect left by tumor resection. The aim of the study is to evaluate the utility of the free flap reconstruction of the defects resulting from radical resection of these tumors in a single institution.

Methods: The clinical data of 17 consecutive patients who underwent free flap reconstruction for defect left by salvage resection of advanced intra- and extracranial communicating tumors from 2013 to 2019 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2021 Apr 21:34894211008699. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

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

Objective: Complications associated with intracranial vault compromise can be neurologically and systemically devastating. Primary and secondary repair of these deficits require an air and watertight barrier between the intracranial and extracranial environments. This study evaluated the outcomes and utility of using intracranial free tissue transfer as both primary and salvage surgical repair of reconstruction. Read More

P R Health Sci J 2020 12;39(4):336-339

Department of Surgery, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan Puerto Rico.

Objective: Microvascular free-tissue transfer (M-FTT) is a surgical technique for traumatic injuries that allows tissue reconstruction based on donor tissue composition. The aim of this study is to describe the surgical experiences of M-FTT for reconstruction of complex soft tissue injuries in the lower extremities of a Hispanic population.

Methods: This is a descriptive study of all M-FTT procedures performed by a single plastic surgeon from 2012 to 2016 at Puerto Rico Medical Center. Read More

J Clin Med 2020 Dec 3;9(12). Epub 2020 Dec 3.

Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany.

Background: In free flap surgery, tissue is stored under hypothermic ischemia. Extracorporeal perfusion (EP) has the potential to extend storage time and the tissue's perspective of survival. In the present study, the aim is to improve a recently established, simplified extracorporeal perfusion system. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2021 03 21;74(3):641-643. Epub 2020 Nov 21.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, A60, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States. Electronic address:

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2020 Nov 16;138:110299. Epub 2020 Aug 16.

Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Israel. Electronic address:

Objectives: Reconstruction of surgical defects by free tissue transfer following resection of head and neck tumors in children are sparse. This study aims to assess the feasibility and safety of free flap reconstruction following surgical ablation of head and neck and skull base tumors in children based on our experience and the recent literature.

Methods: Data from medical files of all children and adolescents <18 years of age who underwent free flap reconstruction following resection of head and neck and skull base tumors at our tertiary center between 2000 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2020 Sep 24;8(9):e3149. Epub 2020 Sep 24.

Department of Plastic and Breast Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.

Advanced mandibular osteoradionecrosis is arguably among the most challenging cases for reconstructive head and neck surgeons. Several reconstructive methods for complex mandibular defects have been reported; however, for advanced mandibular osteoradionecrosis, a safe option that minimizes the risk of renewed fistulation and infections is needed. For this purpose, we present a new technique using a fascia-sparing vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap as protection for a vascularized free fibula graft (FFG). Read More

Ann Vasc Surg 2021 Feb 12;71:181-190. Epub 2020 Aug 12.

Tallahassee Orthopedic Center, Tallahassee, FL.

Background: The ability to salvage the mangled lower extremity is both technically challenging and time consuming. It requires the collaborative efforts among multiple surgical specialties in addition to comprehensive post-traumatic wound follow-up. Our institution has integrated a dynamic effort among these specialists in the planning and facilitating a successful limb salvage program with creation of a mangled extremity algorithm. Read More

ANZ J Surg 2020 06 20;90(6):1052-1056. Epub 2020 Jan 20.

Medical School, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Background: Rectus abdominis is a muscle that is commonly used clinically as a muscle flap, especially in reconstructive surgery. Its intramuscular innervation, however, has rarely been examined in detail or accurately mapped. The purpose of this study was to use biopsied, histological specimens complemented with a staining technique to investigate intramuscular nerve connections and distribution of the rectus abdominis. Read More

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 02 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 08;83(2):180-182

Department of Oral Surgery, Hokuto Hospital, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.

Introduction: In head and neck reconstruction, use of a free flap paired with end-to-side anastomosis to a preserved vein is generally performed. However, it is frequently difficult to select the recipient vein after a neck dissection in which there is only a ligated internal jugular vein/external jugular vein (IJV/EJV). Here, a new anastomosis technique using a ligated IJV/EJV stump is described. 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