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Semin Plast Surg 2025; 39(04): 199
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1814110
Introduction to the Guest Editors

Chung-Kan Tsao, MD, and Huang-Kai Kao, MD

Authors

  • Larry H. Hollier Jr.

    1   Baron Hardy Chair in Plastic Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Texas, United States
    2   Plastic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
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I want to thank Dr. Chung-Kan Tsao and Dr. Huang-Kai Kao for sharing the responsibility as guest editors for this edition of Seminars in Plastic Surgery and the additional authors for their contributions to this issue on “Chang Gung Experience (Part 2) Microsurgical Head and Neck Reconstruction.”

Dr. Chung-Kan Tsao is currently a professor in the Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan. He specializes in reconstructive microsurgery, especially reconstruction of the head and neck and esophagus.

From 2003 to May 2025, he performed 2,453 free flap transplantations, including more than 2,400 cases of head and neck reconstruction, 281 cases of esophagus reconstruction, and 129 cases of synchronous esophagus and voice tube reconstruction. He has published more than 110 papers in international journals.

Dr. Tsao has been cooperating with the Department of Otolaryngology for a long time and has been more interested in improving the reconstruction after total laryngectomy. He has successfully developed a J-designed thigh flap to complete the reconstruction of the esophagus and voice tube simultaneously, helping 120 patients to restore the function of oral feeding, and also solving the problem of inability to speak and communicate after surgery. With comparable deglutition outcomes, J-flap can be utilized reliably and safely, assisting the social reintegration of these patients with their new voice.

Dr. Huang-Kai Kao is a reconstructive plastic surgeon, Deputy Director of the Medical Research Department at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. He completed his MD at Chang Gung University, Taiwan, and completed his residency at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taiwan. After residency, he pursued a research fellowship in wound treatment at Brigham and Women's Hospital in the United States.

Dr. Kao has a particular clinical interest in complex adult reconstructive procedures, including head and neck defects and chronic wounds. Dr. Kao's practice philosophy is to bring together the best team possible for complex reconstructive problems.



Publication History

Article published online:
18 December 2025

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