Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Ann Plast Surg 2022 Jun 11. Epub 2022 Jun 11.

Division of Surgery and Critical Care, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, United Kingdom.

Background: The mainstay of treatment for venous ulceration is conservative wound management and lifelong compression therapy. For patients with recalcitrant ulcers, free flap reconstruction has been proposed as a treatment option to reconstruct the diseased soft tissues as well as the underlying insufficient venous system. This review systematically evaluates the outcomes of free flap reconstruction for chronic venous ulcers in the lower limb. Read More

Oper Orthop Traumatol 2022 May 29. Epub 2022 May 29.

Klinik für Unfall‑, Hand‑, Plastische- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland.

Objective: Soft tissue reconstruction of complex defects of the lower abdomen, groin, the perineum and the hip region present a reconstructive challenge. Besides free tissue transfer, pedicled flaps may also be utilized. Harvest of the vertical rectus abdominis flap causes a functional deficit by weakening the abdominal wall. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2022 Apr 22;10(4):e4274. Epub 2022 Apr 22.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.

The reconstruction of distal extremity wounds poses a unique surgical challenge. In free tissue transfer, a thin, pliable skin flap is the ideal. Obese patients have a paucity of thin skin donor sites. Read More

J Pers Med 2022 Mar 16;12(3). Epub 2022 Mar 16.

Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery and Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany.

Background: Vascular patency is the key element for high flap survival rates. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the blood flow characteristics of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (ms-TRAM) flaps for autologous breast reconstruction.

Methods: This prospective clinical study combined Transit-Time Flowmetry and microvascular Indocyanine Green Angiography for the measurement of blood flow volume, vascular resistance, and intrinsic transit time. Read More

J Wound Care 2021 Dec;30(12):1002-1004

Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Unit, Giovanni XXIII Pediatric Hospital, Bari, Italy.

Aims: Local device infection is a serious complication, especially in neonates. Complete device removal is the gold standard treatment for cardiac device infection; however, in selected cases alternative strategies could be adopted. We describe a case of a 14-day-old neonate, weighing 2. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2021 11;87(5):542-546

From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA.

Background: Reinforcement of the abdominal wall with synthetic mesh in autologous breast reconstruction using abdominal free tissue transfer decreases the risk of bulging and herniation. However, the impact of the plane of mesh placement on donor site complications has not yet been investigated.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 312 patients who had undergone autologous breast reconstruction with muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flaps or deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps as well as polypropylene mesh implantation at the donor site. Read More

Urology 2022 01 6;159:214-221. Epub 2021 Oct 6.

Department of Urology, Grossman School of Medicine at New York University Langone Health, New York, NY. Electronic address:

Objective: To describe the technique, feasibility and short-term outcomes of buccal mucosa grafts in robotic lower urinary tract reconstruction.

Methods: We reviewed 9 patients who underwent single-port robotic posterior urethroplasty with buccal mucosa graft from May-December 2019. Variables included patient demographics, diagnosis/etiology, and intraoperative parameters. Read More

J Craniofac Surg 2022 May 6;33(3):867-869. Epub 2021 Oct 6.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.

Abstract: Complex oromandibular defects are usually too extensive or complex to be reconstructed with a single free flap. In this situation, dual free flaps can provide an adequate amount of tissues and a three-dimensional structure for large composite defects.In our institution, a total of 6 patients underwent immediate dual free-flap reconstruction between December 2013 and February 2020. Read More

Gland Surg 2021 Aug;10(8):2577-2584

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.

Breast reconstruction using a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap is a well-established surgical procedure. Although studies suggest that transplanting this flap using a delayed method reduces the risk of partial flap necrosis, challenges persist. Hence, we present three cases of breast reconstruction using a pedicled TRAM flap with both delaying and supercharging. Read More

J Biomech 2021 09 9;126:110620. Epub 2021 Jul 9.

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wyoming. Electronic address:

Trunk exoskeletons are wearable devices that support humans during physically demanding tasks by reducing biomechanical loads on the back. While most trunk exoskeletons are rigid devices, more lightweight soft exoskeletons (exosuits) have recently been developed. One such exosuit is the HeroWear Apex, which achieved promising results in the developers' own work but has not been independently evaluated. Read More

Arthroscopy 2021 07;37(7):2391-2392

Marina del Rey, California.

Pubalgia means pubic pain. This is different from core muscle injury (implying muscular pathology) or inguinal disruption (different anatomic region). Athletic pubalgia includes a myriad of pathologic conditions involving the pubic symphysis, adductors, rectus abdominis, posterior inguinal wall, and/or related nerves. Read More

World Neurosurg 2021 08 30;152:e62-e70. 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, China. Electronic address:

Objective: Surgical treatment of advanced intracranial 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 intracranial and extracranial communicating tumors from 2013 to 2019 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2022 Jan 21;131(1):94-100. 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

Microsurgery 2021 May 25;41(4):370-375. Epub 2020 Dec 25.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Center Hospital of National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Reconstruction of a complex knee defect is challenging, especially when complicated with osteomyelitis. Complex knee defect requires multi-component three-dimensional reconstruction using a chimeric flap. Although anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is the most workhorse chimeric flap, another chimeric flap is required when ALT flap is not available. 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