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Biomedical subjects

Hung-Chi Chen

Publications and source records attributed to Hung-Chi Chen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Microvascular free tissue transfer in patients with hematological disorders.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical procedures performed in patients with hematological disorders can pose significant challenges. The literature is lacking in reports that specifically address the safety, reliability, and management techniques related to performing microvascular surgery in this group of patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients with hematological disorders who received free flaps from 1995 to 2004 was performed. All patients had a hematologic work-up that confirmed the stability of the underlying disease. There were three male and three female patients with an average age of 27.6 years (range,12 to 63 years). Patients had leukemia (n = 2), hereditary spherocytosis, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and hemophilia (n = 2). Their defects were in the areas of the nasocolumella/upper lip, palate, palate and midface, and lower extremities. RESULTS: All patients received free flaps and all but one had an uneventful postoperative course. That patient, with hemophilia, 1 day after factor replacement was halted, had bleeding that required surgical re-exploration along with aggressive hematologic management. All flaps survived without vascular compromise. No wound infections were observed. All donor sites healed without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Essential ingredients in the treatment plan of patients with hematologic disorders undergoing free flaps include familiarity with the preoperative medical condition and potential postoperative complications, close monitoring of the patients and their medical condition before and after surgery, meticulous surgical technique, and close cooperation with the hematologists and infectious disease specialists. By following this regimen, patients with hematologic disorders and an otherwise stable medical history can undergo free tissue transfer safely and effectively with reliable outcomes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Periodic alterations of jejunal mucosa morphology following free microvascular transfer for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Free jejunal flap reconstruction is the treatment of choice for patients after pharyngoesophagectomy. It remains unclear as to how the transplanted jejunal mucosal damage proceeds after the warm ischaemia. The current study aims to assess the relationship between the duration of ischaemia and the damage of jejunal mucosa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From May 2002 to February 2003, 15 free jejunal flaps in 15 patients were transplanted to the cervical area for the reconstruction after pharyngoesophagectomy. Biopsy specimens were taken from the monitor loop at the time of pedicle ligation, 10 min after reperfusion, every day for 10 days, 14th day, 28th day, and 40th day after operation. Mucosal injury was assessed based on an accepted three-point scale which evaluates oedema, inflammation, mucosal necrosis or exfoliation, shortening of villi, and increase of goblet cells. FINDINGS: All 15 jejunal flaps survived. The mean ischaemia time was 68.7+/-5.2 min (range: 37-116). Serious injury to the mucosa was observed at 10 min after reperfusion, and gradually recovered until the 8th day, when it became normal in all flaps. The degree of damage was not found to be correlated with the length of ischaemia (less than 116 min). Severe ischaemia/reperfusion-induced mucosal damage occurs immediately following reperfusion and gradually recovers with time. The severity of the damage is not related linearly to the ischaemia time within 2h. The mucosa recovers gradually from the 8th day and returns to normal at the 28th day.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Voice reconstruction using the free ileocolon flap versus the pneumatic artificial larynx: a comparison of patients' preference and experience following laryngectomy.

This study compares the psychological adjustment and voice function of patients undergoing voice rehabilitation using the free ileocolon flap for creation of a voice tube shunt and patients undergoing voice rehabilitation using the pneumatic artificial larynx. Twelve laryngectomy patients were included; six underwent free ileocolon transfer following a period of pneumatic artificial larynx use. Mean duration after laryngectomy was 5.2 years. Mean follow-up was 210 days. A chart review, questionnaires and a prospective evaluation were performed. Voice tube shunt patients had better speech function and higher self-esteem. People's discrimination and appearance when speaking were important in the patients' choice of method for rehabilitation. There was a high preference for choosing the voice tube shunt and a higher motivation and willingness to use that voice mechanism in the voice tube shunt group. Patients who undergo free flap reconstruction of voice have better speech function and self-esteem than patients who continue to use the external pneumatic device. Psychological assessments are important for surgical patients in order to evaluate a critical aspect of our perceived success - the patients' perception.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

Corrosive injury of oral cavity--a rare presentation.

Corrosive injury of the upper gastrointestinal tract has been frequently reported in medical literature. The ingestion of acid or alkali may be accidental or intentional. The spectrum of injury varies from involving the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum either individually or together. The oral cavity is rarely involved. The sequelae of oral cavity caustic injury that have been reported include microstomia, shallow vestibule, ankyloglossia, speech impairment, loss of teeth and impairment of facial expression. We report a case of corrosive injury of the oral cavity following accidental ingestion of caustic alkali, who presented to us with bilateral submandibular gland enlargement following the development of corrosive stricture of the submandibular ducts. The scar tissue in the anterior floor mouth was excised with the submandibular salivary glands. Concomitant release of the contracture in the gingivo-buccal sulcus was also done and the defect was covered with a radial forearm free flap. The presentation of corrosive oral injury as salivary duct obstruction and enlarged salivary glands has not been reported. Free tissue transfer for corrosive scarring in the oral cavity helps to restore pliable tissue.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Free microvascular transfer of the reverse ileo-colon flap with ileocaecal valve valvuloplasty for reconstruction of a pharyngoesophageal defect: Indication and usage of the 'funnel flap'.

The authors have designed a method of reconstruction for high pharyngeal and oesophageal defects that potentially avoids many of the disadvantages related to size mismatch at the proximal and distal end of oesophageal defects that are encountered with the use of free jejunal and colon flaps, respectively. An ileo-colon flap was used to reconstruct this type of defect where the ascending colon was anastomosed to the pharyngeal end and the ileum was anastomosed to the oesophageal end. Both sides were perfectly matched in circumference and minimal manipulation was necessary at both ends of the flap. A detailed description of the surgical technique is depicted and a case presented. While this procedure solves some of the problems encountered when dealing with this type of defect, it nevertheless does have some disadvantages and technical nuisances that are detailed and discussed in this report.

Colon↗
PubMed2006

Dysphagia [corrected] due to solitary jejunal diverticulum after free jejunal transfer for reconstruction of the cervical oesophagus.

The free jejunal flap has been widely used in clinical practice for the restoration of the cervical oesophagus, but a variety of complications still pose problems. The purpose of this report is to present a rare complication of the jejunal flap. A diverticulum of the jejunal segment, causing severe dysphagia, occurred 4 years after flap transfer in a 50-year-old man who underwent oesophageal reconstruction due to severe stricture following caustic ingestion. The patient was treated successfully by resection of the diverticulum. When examining a patient with unidentified symptoms in the neck or dysphagia after cervical oesophageal reconstruction with free jejunal transplant the possibility of small bowel diverticula should be borne in mind in order to prevent serious life-threatening complications that may arise from it.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2006

Principles for the management of toe-to-hand transfer in reexploration: toe salvage with a tubed groin flap in the last step.

Failure of the transferred toe in toe-to-hand transplantations is a catastrophe and a devastating complication for both the patient and the reconstructive surgeon, as in all microvascular tissue transfers. Management of the toe transfer in the case of reexploration is still a challenging issue, even for experienced microsurgeons. In this report, basic principles for a successful outcome are proposed, based on experience with more than 500 toe-to-hand transfers. Although the requirements for each case may vary, technical details and some basic salvage strategies receive special emphasis. When faced with a problem, the first step should be focused on perceiving the problem differently from under completely normal conditions. The problem may occur at any stage of the procedure. The basic orientations are focused on vasospasm, a thrombus inside the lumen, possible intimal damage that may be caused during the surgery or by a thrombus, or technical failures regarding anastomoses. After all possible revisional procedures have been carried out, if the proper arterial inflow and/or venous outflow are still not provided, or if the general health status of the patient is no longer suitable for additional lengthy procedures, the tubed groin flap can be used to salvage the transferred toe. Between 1996-2004, eight tubed groin flaps were used to salvage transferred toes in the last step of the revisional procedure, with satisfactory results. In conclusion, close follow-up and prompt reexploration when needed are both essential to salvaging transferred toes. Proper surgical strategies and decision-making in reexploration are highly important factors in achieving a successful outcome. In prolonged and recurrent revisional steps, the creation of a tubed flap by means of a reliable flap is an effective procedure as the last step of the salvage procedure.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Repair of buccal defects with anterolateral thigh flaps.

The ideal reconstructive method for the buccal mucosa should provide durable, stable coverage and a natural contour, while simultaneously minimizing morbidity of both the defect and donor sites. Since the first report of the anterolateral thigh flap in 1984, it has become one of the most commonly used flaps for the reconstruction of various soft-tissue defects. From March 2004-April 2005, 24 free anterolateral thigh flaps were used to reconstruct buccal defects, including the retromolar trigone and as far as the oral commissure, and in some cases with extension to the neighboring palatal region and tongue. The study comprised 1 female and 23 male patients, with ages ranging from 26-63 years (mean age, 45.8 years). Two flaps required reoperation due to vascular compromise, and both were salvaged with arterial and venous anastomosis revisions, giving an overall success rate of 100%. Primary thinning of the flap was performed in 10 cases. In 2 cases, additional vastus lateralis muscle was included in the flap to fill the large defect. In 2 cases, marginal necrosis with dehiscence of the flap was observed, one of these patients having a history of atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus (marginal skin necrosis and infection of the donor area were also observed in this patient). In 2 patients, seroma collection was observed in the neck at the dissection site. Chart reviews showed that most patients had a history of betel-nut chewing (95.8%) or a combination of smoking and betel-nut chewing (79.2%). During the follow-up period of 4-12 months, a sufficient level of mouth-opening with interincisal distances of 34 mm, 44 mm, and 48 mm was achieved in all 3 cases reconstructed after release of the trismus. Although it has some variations in the vascular pedicle, irregularity in derivation from the main vessels, and minimal morbidity of the donor site, the anterolateral thigh flap, with its evident functional, structural, and cosmetic advantages, can be considered an excellent and ideal flap option, and a first choice for most buccal defects.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Guidelines for the optimization of microsurgery in atherosclerotic patients.

We review the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the issues that must be taken into consideration when performing microsurgery in atherosclerotic patients. Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease, and may affect the success of microsurgery. Atherosclerotic patients have a tendency toward thrombosis, because the nature of the arteries is changed. Such patients are usually old and have additional medical problems. To increase the success rate of microsurgery in atherosclerotic patients, special precautions should be considered. Patients must be evaluated properly for the suitability of microsurgery. The microsurgical technique requires a meticulous approach, and various technical tricks can be used to avoid thrombosis. Recipient-vessel selection, anastomotic technique, and the use of vein grafts are all important issues. Prophylactic anticoagulation is recommended in severely atherosclerotic patients. Close monitoring of the patient and flap is necessary after the operation, as with routine microvascular free-tissue transfers. We conclude that atherosclerosis is not a contraindication for microsurgery. If the microsurgeon knows how to deal with the difficulties in atherosclerotic patients, microsurgery can be performed safely.

Anticoagulants↗
PubMed2006

Deltopectoral flap revisited: role of the extended flap in reconstruction of the head and neck.

The extended deltopectoral flap is still the best choice in selected cases. During the period 1987-2004, 34 patients required reconstruction of the head and neck using this flap. Twenty-nine had had one or more failed attempts at microsurgical reconstruction after excision of cancer. Five were treated primarily. The flap was divided at least three weeks after the primary operation. All 34 survived, and there were no donor site complications. Twenty-seven patients had an uncomplicated outcome, but the remaining seven required later closure or skin grafting, usually under local anaesthesia, for complications. The extended deltopectoral flap has been used successfully to provide stable coverage of defects in the head and neck and should remain in the armamentarium of reconstructive microsurgeons.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Ulcerative keratitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical course, treatments, antibiotic sensitivities, and visual outcomes for eyes with ulcerative keratitis caused by Haemophlilus influenzae. METHODS: The medical records of 10 patients with culture-proven H. influenzae-associated corneal ulcer in a tertiary referral center in a 5-year period (1998-2003) were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The median age was 61 years (range, 2-83 years). The mean follow-up time was 9.4 months (range, 2-31 months). Risk factors such as previous surgeries (5), herpes simplex keratitis (2), leukoma adherens with calcification (1), and exposure keratitis (1) were identified in 9 patients. In vitro testing of the H. influenzae isolates showed that 6 of 10 were resistant to ampicillin; all were sensitive to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone, and cefuroxime. All cases responded well to medical antibiotic treatment. Final best spectacle-corrected visual acuity ranged from no light perception to 20/30. CONCLUSION: H. influenzae is a rare cause of corneal ulceration. Predisposing factors for infection are usually present. Accurate diagnosis and treatment may preserve ocular integrity and visual acuity.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Amniotic membrane transplantation for persistent corneal ulcers and perforations in acute fungal keratitis.

PURPOSE: To report the therapeutic effect and complications of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in acute fungal keratitis. METHODS: Diagnosis of fungal keratitis was confirmed by cultures in 23 eyes of 23 patients. The indications to perform AMT were to promote reepithelialization in non-healing ulcers or to prevent corneal perforation. Antifungal agents were administered throughout the whole course of hospitalization. Repeated cultures were performed immediately before AMT. The main outcome measurements were epithelial healing rate, necessity of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK), and persistence of infection. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up time of 20.6 months +/- 23.22 (6-65 months) AMT was performed during the active phase of the keratitis (fungal culture was still positive) in 16 patients (69.6%), and during the inactive phase (fungal culture negative) in 7 patients (30.4%). Single-layer AMT was performed in 17 patients, and double-layer AMT was performed in 6 patients with corneal perforation and anterior chamber collapse. Complete epithelialization was observed in 12 patients (75%) in the active group and in 7 patients (100%) in the inactive group. Treatment failure requiring TPK was experienced in 4 patients (25%) in the active group. Persistent fungal keratitis was noted in 2 patients (8.7%) in that group. The final visual acuity improved in 17 cases, worsened in 2 cases, and remained unchanged in 4 cases. Twelve of the 23 eyes (52.2%) in this study preserved useful vision (20/400 and better) with or without subsequent surgeries. CONCLUSION: AMT is effective in promoting epithelialization and preventing corneal perforations in acute fungal keratitis, and there is no risk of rejection. However, the risk of persistent or recurrent infection necessitates continued antifungal treatment and patient monitoring.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

Majocchi's granuloma in a 3-year-old boy.

A 3-year-old boy presented with a 15 x 15-cm papulonodular lesion on his left shin of 8 weeks' duration. The lesion was considered a Majocchi's granuloma caused by Trichophyton tonsurans. He was treated with griseofulvin and topical clotrimazole and hydrocortisone cream and responded well after 8 weeks of treatment.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2006

Posterior tibial artery flap in poliomyelitis patients with lower extremity paralysis.

BACKGROUND: Poliomyelitis is a disease that can render affected individuals incapacitated to a variable degree. A normal lifespan is expected and therefore the patients deserve every effort at curative cancer resection and reconstruction. Those with lower extremity paralysis rely heavily on their upper limbs and torso for ambulation; therefore, their compromised limbs may be a better donor site for flaps. METHODS: All poliomyelitis patients with lower extremity paralysis over a 20-month period who underwent head and neck reconstruction were selected for a retrospective review. Perioperative complications were noted and outpatient follow-up was performed. RESULTS: Three patients underwent reconstruction of defects using the posterior tibial artery flap. Two patients required reconstruction of a buccal defect and one patient required soft palate reconstruction. All patients healed without complications and none required reexploration. At a mean follow-up of 10 months, there was no incidence of donor limb vascular compromise, cold intolerance, or long-term paresthesias. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior tibial artery free flap has been used successfully in the past; however, its popularity has been limited because of sacrifice of the posterior tibial artery. Nevertheless, in patients with lower extremity paralysis, this flap may fulfill the requirements of a thin, pliable flap with minimal hair that has a long pedicle and a reliable blood supply. Most importantly, the use of this flap obviates the need to use flaps that fulfill the same requirement, such as forearm flaps, that would be taken from patients' functioning limbs.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Muscle versus nonmuscle flaps in the reconstruction of chronic osteomyelitis defects.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of chronic osteomyelitis requires aggressive debridement followed by wound coverage and obliteration of dead space with vascularized tissue. Controversy remains as to the effectiveness of different tissue types in achieving these goals and in the eradication of disease. METHODS: Chronic osteomyelitis was induced in 26 goat tibias using Staphylococcus aureus as an infecting inoculum. In a single stage, debridement followed by reconstruction using either a muscle flap (n = 13) or a fasciocutaneous flap (n = 13) was performed. Flap donor sites were closed primarily and antibiotics were given for 5 days postoperatively. Daily clinical evaluation for 1 year was performed and monthly radiographs were obtained for 9 months and 1 year after the reconstruction. RESULTS: Twenty-five flaps survived completely, and one nonmuscle flap underwent partial flap loss following a period of venous congestion. There were no postoperative complications in the muscle flap group. Two goats (15 percent) in the nonmuscle group developed superficial wounds in the immediate postoperative period that resolved with conservative management. No limbs had recurrent osteomyelitis wounds at 1 year of clinical follow-up examination. Radiographic evidence of osteomyelitis was present in two goats (15 percent) in the muscle group and one goat (8 percent) in the nonmuscle group. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of recurrent osteomyelitis between the groups by clinical and radiographic assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this study demonstrate that vascularized tissue flaps in the form of muscle or nonmuscle flaps provide viable options for wound coverage of osteomyelitis defects following adequate surgical debridement.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Extraperitoneal approach for closure of epithelized enterocutaneous fistulas following late removal of jejunostomy tube.

Epithelized enterocutaneous fistulas will form if feeding jejunostomy tubes are kept for a lengthy period. Such fistulas may not close spontaneously, and thus surgical closure will be necessary. An intraperitoneal surgical approach is most commonly used but is often difficult and a major undertaking. A novel, simple, and safe technique to close such enterocutaneous fistulas extraperitoneally under local anesthesia is devised.

Adult↗