A comparative analysis of free fibula flap donor leg and recipient vessel selection in composite oromandibular defect reconstructions.

Background: The free fibula flap (FFF) is acknowledged as the primary choice for reconstructing composite oromandibular defects (COMDs), yet the impact of donor leg selection remains inadequately explored. This study aims to investigate the correlation between flap failure and the choice of donor leg and recipient vessel side.

Materials And Methods: In a retrospective analysis spanning 2011 to 2020, FFFs for COMD were examined using electronic records.

Automatic segmentation of MRI in prospective breast volume evaluation: Comparison of different assessments for immediate breast reconstruction.

Background: Assessment of breast volume is essential in preoperative planning of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) surgery to achieve satisfactory cosmetic outcome. This study introduced a breast volume measurement tool that can be used to perform automatic segmentation of magnetic resonance images (MRI) and calculation of breast volume. We compared the accuracy and reliability of this measurement method with four other conventional modalities.

Risk Factors for Treatment Failure in Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Caused by Nontuberculous Mycobacteria.

Background: This study investigated the characteristics of patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and identified the risk factors for treatment failure in these patients.

Material And Methods: Data of patients with NTM SSTIs who received treatment between January 2014 and December 2019 at Taipei Veterans General Hospital were collected retrospectively. Possible risk factors were determined using univariate and multivariate analysis with logistic regression models.

The Effect of Biological Scaffold (Biodesign) in Postmastectomy Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction: A 5-Year Single-Institution Experience.

Background: Direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction is one of the immediate implant-based breast reconstruction methods. If the amount of soft tissue (eg, muscle or fascia) is insufficient to completely cover the implant, biological scaffold or acellular dermal matrix can be safely used for implant coverage. In this study, we used an acellular porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) mesh (Biodesign; Cook Medical Inc, Bloomington, IN) for DTI reconstruction to explore the impact of its use on breast reconstruction results.

Long-Term Complications and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction.

Background: The most widely used method for breast reconstruction in Taiwan is alloplastic breast reconstruction, and traditionally, it can be categorized into immediate or delayed, single-stage or 2-stage procedures. We evaluated clinical outcomes and analyzed patients' self-reported satisfaction and quality of life after alloplastic breast reconstruction based on a previous preliminary study.

Patient And Methods: The patients who underwent primary alloplastic breast reconstruction after mastectomy were recruited in 2006 to 2020 at a single institute in Taiwan.

Postoperative Sedation Duration as an Independent Risk Factor for Postoperative Pneumonia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Free Flap Reconstruction.

Objective: Patients who had reconstruction for head and neck cancer usually have long duration of postoperative sedation and intensive care. This is due to the complex nature of large-area soft tissue defect surgeries and upper respiratory tract infections associated with them. Postoperative pulmonary complications are common in these patients.

Albumin supplementation may have limited effects on prolonged hypoalbuminemia in major burn patients: An outcome and prognostic factor analysis.

Background: Burns that affect ≥20% of the total body surface area (TBSA) trigger a major inflammatory response in addition to capillary leakage and loss of serum proteins including albumin. Persistent hypoalbuminemia is therefore common in major burn patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether human albumin solutions can benefit major burn patients with persistent hypoalbuminemia.

Preoperative breast volume evaluation of one-stage immediate breast reconstruction using three-dimensional surface imaging and a printed mold.

Background: Accurate assessment of breast volume is an essential component of preoperative planning in one-stage immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) for achieving breast symmetry and a satisfactory cosmetic outcome. In this study, we compared breast volume estimation using three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the accuracy of breast volume measurements. Further, a 3D printing mold for facilitating autologous breast reconstruction intraoperatively is described.

The exposure of urologists and the treatment for male factor infertility on the Web sites of ART centers in Taiwan.

Couples with male factor disorders can have their own biologic offspring nowadays via in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection technologies. Because infertile couples commonly seek treatment options through public Web sites on the Internet, an appropriate exposure of urologic opinions on male factor infertility is important. It was therefore of interest to survey the extent of urologists' exposure on the official Web sites of the assisted reproductive technology (ART) centers.