This study compares sensory recovery after total lower lip reconstruction in a wide variety of flaps including bilateral depressor anguli oris flap, submental island flap, bilateral fan flaps, radial forearm flap, and pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps in a large number of patients. Spontaneous return of flap sensation was documented by clinical testing in the majority (3%) of patients who und...

Introduction: The potential of the medial calf integument, as donor site for a free flap based on musculocutaneous branches of the medial sural artery, was first identified by Taylor and Daniel, following cadaver investigation. In 1981, Pontén described the fasciocutaneous sural flap as a reconstructive option for soft tissue loss of the lower extremity, particularly around the knee. Two years ...

UNLABELLED Based on his clinical observations the "red dot sign" and hyperemic flare, Behan has advocated the superior vascularity of the island flap design for at least 2 decades. The aim of this study was to determine whether (1) surgical islanding of a flap alters the vascularity or blood supply of the flap and (2) these changes in blood supply explain Behan's clinical observations of "red d...

BACKGROUND Free flap surgery in the pediatric population has gained widespread acceptance regarding its technical utility and reliability. Initial concerns as to the feasibility and reliability of the procedure in children were resolved over time. METHODS Thirty children (15 boys, 15 girls) were treated in Sisli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic. ...

BACKGROUND The Veterans Affairs (VA) population is considered to have generally poorer health than its non-VA counterpart. METHODS We reviewed our experience with 55 consecutive patients undergoing free tissue transfers for head and neck reconstruction at the Dallas VA Hospital between July 2000 and September 2006, with 6 months' follow-up. RESULTS The overall success rate was 93% (51 of 55...

Surgical reconstruction of maxillectomy defects has been described as an alternative to prosthetic rehabilitation to close the oral cavity. Advancements in microvascular surgical techniques require comprehensive treatment planning guidelines for functional rehabilitation. This retrospective study evaluated acquired maxillectomy defects after surgical reconstruction and/or prosthodontic rehabili...

BACKGROUND Despite the most heroic efforts, sometimes free flaps fail. Perforator free flaps are not invincible and can suffer the same fate. The real challenge is how to decide what is the next best choice for achieving the desired outcome. METHODS Over the past decade, 298 free perforator flaps were used in our institution. Total failure occurred in 16 patients, and partial failure requirin...

INTRODUCTION Malignant tumors of the parotid gland account scarcely for 5% of all head and neck tumors. Most of these neoplasms have a high tendency for recurrence, local infiltration, perineural extension, and metastasis. Although uncommon, these malignant tumors require complex surgical treatment sometimes involving a total parotidectomy including a complete facial nerve resection. Severe fun...

The distally based sural fasciocutaneous flap has become a main part of the reconstruction of the lower leg, heel and foot. However, perfusion problems and venous congestion have been reported. Over the past decade, several flap modifications have been reported to improve flap viability and to solve a myriad of reconstructive needs. The purpose of this paper is to describe our experience in har...

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the success of penile fasciocutaneous flap urethroplasty in the treatment of long segment urethral stricture. METHODS In this study, seventeen patients with long segment urethral stricture were included. In regard to the length of the narrow segment, vertical or circular penile skin fasciocutaneous flap was anastomosed on 18 F urethral catheter...