Background: Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have become an essential material for implant-based breast reconstruction. No previous studies have evaluated the effects of sterility of ADM under conditions of radiation. This study compared sterile (irradiated) and aseptic (non-irradiated) ADMs to determine which would better endure radiotherapy. Methods: Eighteen male Balb/C mice were assigned to the control group with no irradiation (group 1) or one of two other groups with a radiation intensity of 10 Gy (group 2) or 20 Gy (group 3). Both sterile and aseptic ADMs were inserted into the back of each mouse. The residual volume of the ADM (measured using three-dimensional photography), cell incorporation, α-smooth muscle actin expression, and connective tissue growth factor expression were evaluated. The thickness and CD3 expression of the skin were measured 4 and 8 weeks after radiation. Results: In groups 2 and 3, irradiated ADMs had a significantly larger residual volume than the non-irradiated ADMs after 8 weeks (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in cell incorporation and the amount of fibrosis between irradiated and non-irradiated ADMs. The skin was significantly thicker in the non-irradiated ADMs than in the irradiated ADMs in group 3 (P<0.05). CD3 staining showed significantly fewer inflammatory cells in the skin of irradiated ADMs than in non-irradiated ADMs in all three groups after 4 and 8 weeks (P<0.05). Conclusions Under radiation exposure, irradiated ADMs were more durable, with less volume decrease and less deposition of collagen fibers and inflammatory reactions in the skin than in non-irradiated ADMs.

Breast reconstruction is achieved through surgical procedures following mastectomy after breast cancer or trauma using implants or autologous tissue to restore the breast morphology. Reconstruction can physically and emotionally restore a patient's self confidence after the loss of a breast. The method of breast reconstruction is determined by several factors, such as the patient's general medical condition, the extent of the mastectomy, and donor site suitability when opting for autologous flap transplantation. Generally, we can classify breast reconstruction procedures into two broad categories: breast implantation after tissue expansion of the skin of the chest, and flaps using autologous tissue. Of the breast reconstruction methods using autologous tissue, the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap is advantageous over the the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) pedicled flap in that it is easy to obtain the desired shape of the breast, the inframammary fold is maintained, and there is decreased donor site morbidity because the rectus abdominis muscle can be utilized sparingly. Moreover, the TRAM free flap can have an abdominoplasty effect in women who have excessive abdominal fat. However, the procedure is time consuming because microanastomosis of the pedicle and recipient vessel is necessary after flap elevation. Although there are several issues, such as the high cost of surgery, which should be resolved, breast reconstruction can provide support to many women who are emotionally and physically distressed due to breast cancer.
Abdominal Fat ; Abdominoplasty ; Breast ; Breast Implantation ; Breast Implants ; Breast Neoplasms ; Female ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Glycosaminoglycans ; Humans ; Mammaplasty ; Mastectomy ; Muscles ; Rectus Abdominis ; Skin ; Surgical Flaps ; Thorax ; Tissue Donors ; Tissue Expansion ; Transplants

Plastic surgeons who perform reconstructive surgery of facial injuries have a dual responsibility: repair of the aesthetic defect and restoration of the function. The third goal is to minimize the period of disability. although emergent situations are limited in facial injuries, I would like to emphasize the advantages of prompt definitive reconstruction of the injuries and the contribution of early operative intervention to the superior aesthetic and functional outcomes. Socioeconomic and psychological factors make it imperative that an aggressive, expedient, and wellplanned surgical program be outlined, operated, and maintained to rehabilitate the patient to return to his or her active and productive life as soon as possible while minimizing aesthetic and functional disabilities. Teaching points: the techniques of extended open reduction and immediate repair or replacement of bone and microvascular tissue transfer of bone or soft tissue have made extensive and challenging injuries manageable. The principle of immediate skeletal stabilization in anatomic position has been enhanced by the use of rigid fixation and the application of craniofacial techniques that is safer and less traumatic for facial bone exposure. In this article, I will present mandibular fracture, orbital wall fracture and maxillar fracture, which are commonly encountered facial bone injuries. We can improve both the functional and aesthetic outcomes of facial fracture treatment when we manage the patients with the current concept of craniofacial techniques based on precise anatomic knowledge.
Facial Bones* ; Facial Injuries ; Humans ; Mandibular Fractures ; Orbit ; Orbital Fractures ; Psychology

BACKGROUND: Breast reconstruction has become more common as mastectomy has become more frequent. In Korea, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) began covering breast reconstruction in April 2015. This study aimed to investigate trends in mastectomy and breast reconstruction over the past 10 years and to evaluate the impact of NHIS coverage on breast reconstruction. METHODS: Nationwide data regarding mastectomy and breast reconstruction were collected from the Korean Breast Cancer Society registry database. Multiple variables were analyzed in the records of patients who underwent breast reconstruction from January 2005 to March 2017 at a single institution. RESULTS: At Seoul National University Hospital, the total number of reconstruction cases increased 13-fold from 2005 to 2016. The proportion of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) cases out of all cases of total mastectomy increased from 4% in 2005 to 52.0% in 2016. The proportion of delayed breast reconstruction (DBR) cases out of all cases of breast reconstruction and the overall number of DBR cases increased from 8.8% (20 cases) in 2012 to 18.3% (76 cases) in 2016. After NHIS coverage was initiated, the proportions of IBR and DBR showed statistically significant increases (P < 0.05). Among the IBR cases, the percentage of prosthesis-based reconstructions increased significantly (P < 0.05), but this trend was not found with DBR. Total mastectomy became significantly more common after the expansion of NHIS coverage (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Over the last decade, there has been an increase in mastectomy and breast reconstruction, and the pace of increase accelerated after the expansion of NHIS coverage. It is expected that breast reconstruction will be a routine option for patients with breast cancer under the NHIS.
Breast Neoplasms ; Breast* ; Female ; Humans ; Insurance ; Korea ; Mammaplasty* ; Mastectomy ; Mastectomy, Simple ; National Health Programs* ; Seoul

Breast implant insertion is one of the most commonly used methods for breast reconstruction after total mastectomy. However, infection is a common postoperative complication of implant insertion. In most cases, these infections can be managed with antibiotics and supportive therapy. However, severe septic conditions, such as toxic shock syndrome (TSS), can sometimes occur. TSS is an extremely rare but life-threatening complication, for which early diagnosis and proper management play a crucial role in determining patients’ outcome. Although only 16 cases of TSS after breast implant insertion have been reported in the literature, most of those cases involved a serious clinical course. The reason for the seriousness of the clinical course of TSS in these cases is that the initial impression and presentation of these patients are nonspecific, and patients can easily be misdiagnosed as having a simple upper respiratory infection, causing the underlying condition to be neglected. Herein, we present two patients who were diagnosed with TSS after receiving breast reconstruction surgery via a silicone implant after total mastectomy. Both patients were misdiagnosed at the initial examination since they showed no local infectious signs on the postoperative wound.

Papillary carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the thyroid gland, and it only infrequently invades the upper aerodigestive tract. When such invasion does occur, it is a source of significant morbidity as well as mortality. Although most thyroid tumors first clinically manifest as a neck mass, there have been few reports of patients whose initial compliant was a disturbance of the aerodigestive tract. The patient in our present study had no significant past medical history, and esophagoscopy and biopsy revealed papillary adenocarcinoma. We report here on a case of thyroid papillary carcinoma that was diagnosed by esophagoscopic biopsy.
Adenocarcinoma, Papillary ; Biopsy ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; Esophagoscopy ; Humans ; Neck ; Thyroid Gland

Gigantomastia is a rare condition characterized by excessive hypertrophy of the connective tissue of the breast, which can cause physical and emotional distress. Surgical intervention is crucial for improving patients’ quality of life; however, it is challenging to balance minimizing the risk of recurrence and maximizing favorable aesthetic outcomes. This study documents the successful management of three rare cases of bilateral gigantomastia resulting from benign tumors. These cases included rapidly growing bilateral diffuse tumorous pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) and bilateral juvenile giant fibroadenoma, with no long-term recurrence observed. We discuss the diagnostic challenges and management considerations for gigantomastia, with a focus on reviewing PASH and its differential diagnosis. The findings offer valuable insights into the successful management of diverse gigantomastia cases caused by benign tumors, potentially aiding clinicians in making more informed decisions regarding optimal patient care.

OBJECTIVES: ECS could have therapeutic effects on psychiatric illnesses by inducing IEGs, which in turn regulates expression of their target genes. We observed AP-1 binding activity and identified AP-1 binding proteins in NMDAR1, late response gene of IEGs, which considered as the candidate gene for schizophrenia. METHODS: By gel shift assay and supershift assay, we observed binding activities and AP-1 binding proteins in NMDAR1. Because IEGs are induced rapidly but transiently by external stimuli, there is a possibility that the expression of IEGs is negatively feedbacked by their own products via their AP-1 binding sites. For that purpose, we also observed AP-1 binding activity of c-fos and c-jun via gel shift and supershift assay. RESULTS: ECS increased AP-1 binding activities of NMDAR1 gene, contributed by c-Fos and its related proteins. Peak of the increased binding was 60 minutes in both hippocampus and cerebellum. Though expression of c-Fos and c-Jun were increased by ECS, there were no changes in AP-1 binding activities after ECS. AP-1 sites of IEGs were binded by CREB, regardless of ECS. CONCLUSION: There is a possibility that ECS induced IEG expression, and then incresed expression of NMDR1 by binding of expressed IEGs to the AP-1 site of NMDAR1. ECS did not increase AP-1 binding activities of IEGs. This suggests that the regulation of IEGs' expression can not be influenced mainly by AP-1 site.
Animals ; Binding Sites ; Brain* ; Carrier Proteins ; Cerebellum ; Electroshock* ; Hippocampus ; Rats* ; Schizophrenia ; Transcription Factor AP-1*

Skull base tumors have been determined inoperable because it is difficult to accurately diagnose the extent of the involvement and to approach and excise the tumor safely. However, recently, the advent of sophisticated diagnostic tools such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging as well as the craniofacial and neurosurgical advanced techniques enabled an accurate determination of operative plans and safe approach for tumor excision. Resection of these tumors may sometimes result in massive and complex extirpation defects that are not amenable to local tissue closure. The purpose of this study is to analyze experiences of skull base reconstruction and to evaluate long term survival rate and complications. All cranial base reconstructions performed from July 1993 to September 2000 at Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Seoul National University Hospital were observed. The medical records were reviewed and analysed to assess the location of defects, reconstruction method, existence of the dural repair, history of preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy, complications and causes of death of the expired patients. There were 12 cases in region II, 8 cases in region I and 1 case in region III according to the Irish classification of skull base. Cranioplasty was performed in 4 patients with a bone graft and microvascular free tissue transfer was selected in 17 patients to reconstruct the cranial base and/or mid-facial defects. Among them, 11 cases were reconstructed with a rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap, 2 with a latissimus dorsi muscluocutaneous free flap, 1 with a fibular osteocutaneous free flap, 2 with a scapular osteocutaneous free flap, and 1 with a forearm fasciocutaneous free flap, respectively. During over 3 years follow-up, 5 patients were expired and 8 lesions were relapsed. Infection(3 cases) and partial flap loss(2 cases) were the main complications and multiorgan failure(3 cases) by cancer metastasis and sepsis(2 cases) were causes of death. Statistically 4-years survival rate was 68%. A large complex defects were successfully reconstructed by one-stage operation and, the functional results were also satisfactory with acceptable survival rates.
Cause of Death ; Classification ; Drug Therapy ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Forearm ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Medical Records ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Plastics ; Radiotherapy ; Rectus Abdominis ; Seoul ; Skull Base* ; Skull* ; Superficial Back Muscles ; Survival Rate ; Transplants

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare locally aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma with a high incidence of local recurrence, regional lymph node metastasis, followed by distant metastasis. Because of shortage of the retrospective study, standard treatment has not been established. The purpose of this study was to present the surgical treatment and outcome of 8 patients with MCC. METHODS: We report our experiences with 8 patients who underwent treatment for MCC at our institution from 2000 through 2012. Two men and 6 women received treatment for MCC. The mean age was 76.4 years (range, 53 to 93 years). RESULTS: The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 26 months (mean, 22.9). During the follow-up period, three of 8 patients had a relapse (mean time before recurrence, 10 months; 1 month, 7 months, and 22 months). After primary surgery, 3 patients underwent radiotherapy, and 1 patient received chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: MCC is an aggressive skin cancer with a high rate of local recurrence. Complete surgical excision is the mainstay of local treatment, but adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered for better local control.
Carcinoma, Merkel Cell ; Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine ; Disease Management ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lymph Nodes ; Male ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin Neoplasms