Ran Sook Chang

BACKGROUND: Severe burn scar contracture of the extremities, especially the joint areas, causes aesthetic problems and functional limitation. Release of burn scar contractures requires complete removal of the scars and resurfacing of the resulting defects. Here, we describe thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) free flaps for reconstructing burn scar contractures. METHODS: Between August 2013 and July 2018, 25 patients with severe burn scar contractures of the extremities underwent reconstructi

Dental origins are a common cause of facial cutaneous sinus tracts. However, it can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed if not suspected by a surgeon who is not familiar with dental origins. Cutaneous odontogenic sinuses are typically nodulocystic lesions with discharge and are most frequently located on the chin or jaw. This article presents two cases of unusual cutaneous odontogenic sinus presentations, as deep dimpling at the middle of the cheek. The patients were undergone surgical excision

Nasal floor reconstruction is important in complete unilateral cleft lip repair. Our technique provides a naturally shaped, symmetrical nasal floor without conspicuous scarring.

Chronic burn scars often cause various skin malignancies at rates of up to 2%. These lesions are usually squamous cell carcinomas, but rarely, malignant melanoma is reported. We report a 67-year-old male with a malignant melanoma on a burn scar with regional metastasis. This patient presented an ulcerative lesion only in 2 weeks. After histopathological diagnosis, we performed only palliative surgery on patient's demand, and followed up the subsequent deterioration course. Our case reemphasizes

BACKGROUND: Facial rejuvenation can be achieved using a variety of techniques. Since minimally invasive procedures for face lifting have become popular because of their convenience and short operating time, numerous minimally invasive surgical procedures have been developed. In this study, a nonabsorbable polypropylene mesh is introduced as a new face lifting instrument, with the nasolabial fold as the main target area. In this paper, we report the efficacy and safety of a polypropylene mesh in

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. METHODS: A total of 488 patients who underwent breast reconstruction using a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap between March 2009 and February 2014 were retrosp

BACKGROUND: Resurfacing of facial and neck defects is challenging due to the unique skin color, texture, and thickness of the region. With the development of microsurgical reconstruction, perforator- free flaps can provide adequate soft tissue. However, despite various modifications, such flaps hardly satisfy cosmetic requirements, due to differences in color and bulkiness. We have used superthin thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAp) free flaps to overcome these limitations. METHODS: Between Ja

Cranial implant removal is recommended if implants become exposed owing to scalp necrosis after cranioplasty. However, it carries the risk of extensive bleeding, and the resultant cranial defects can cause both aesthetic and functional problems. We present a case of a scalp defect exposing a cranial prosthetic implant that was reconstructed with a local flap and salvaged using an indwelling antibiotic irrigation system. A 73-year-old man presented with scalp necrosis after undergoing cranioplast

Temporal hollowing deformity (THD) is a contour irregularity in the frontotemporal region, which results in facial asymmetry in the frontal view. Here, we present our clinical experience of correction of THD using serratus anterior (SA) muscle and fascia free flaps. Between March 2016 and December 2018, 13 patients presenting with THD were treated with SA free flap. The mean age of the patients was 47.8 years. The patients received craniectomy due to subarachnoid hemorrhage, epidural hematoma, o

We propose a hydrogel immobilized with manganese porphyrin (MnP), a biomimetic superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) to modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hypoxia that impede the repair of large bone defects. Our hydrogel synthesis involved thiolated chitosan and polyethylene glycol-maleimide conjugated with MnPs (MnP-PEG-MAL), which enabled in situ gelation via a click reaction. Through optimization, a hydrogel with mechanical properties and catalytic effects favorable for bone

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of recalcitrant pressure ulcers is very challenging because all available local tissues have been exhausted. Although occasionally suggested as reconstructive options in some reports, free flaps are still not favored for pressure ulcers because of the less available recipient vessels in buttock area and the need for position change. Here, we describe our experience with latissimus dorsi muscle-splitting free flaps harvested in prone position for recalcitrant pressure u

BACKGROUND: Epidural abscesses and subdural empyema after craniotomy are potentially lethal complications in neurosurgery. Patients with recalcitrant cranial wound infections may be difficult to manage, and dural reconstruction in these patients is challenging. METHODS: A total of 14 patients presented with recurrent intracranial infection after craniotomy. The symptoms and signs included persistent fever, despite prolonged systemic broad-spectrum antibiotic administration and repetitive debride

AIMS: Diabetic foot ulcer is a major complication of diabetes mellitus and amputation is often needed. Since mortality rate after amputation is comparatively high, saving diabetic foot is required not only for preserving function and life quality, but also for decreasing mortality rate. This study was designed to analyse experience of limb salvage in patients with diabetic foot using free flaps from the lateral thoracic region over a 10-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2018,