Background:Absence of almost the entire reticular dermal layer is inherent to the use of autologous split-thickness skin grafting(STSG)to close full-thickness wounds,often resulting in hypertrophic scars and contractu...Background:Absence of almost the entire reticular dermal layer is inherent to the use of autologous split-thickness skin grafting(STSG)to close full-thickness wounds,often resulting in hypertrophic scars and contractures.Many dermal substitutes have been developed,but unfortunately most have varying results in terms of cosmetic and/or functional improvement as well as patient satisfac-tion,in addition to high costs.Bilayered skin reconstruction using the human-derived glycerolized acellular dermis(Glyaderm■)has been reported to result in significantly improved scar quality using a two-step procedure.Unlike the necessary two-step procedure for most commercially available dermal substitutes,in this study we aimed to investigate the use of Glyaderm■in a more cost-effective single-stage engrafting.This is a method which,if autografts are available,is preferred by the majority of surgeons given the reduction in costs,hospitalization time and infection rate.Methods:A prospective,randomized,controlled,intra-individual,single-blinded study was per-formed,investigating the simultaneous application of Glyaderm■and STSG vs.STSG alone in full-thickness burns or comparable deep skin defects.During the acute phase,bacterial load,graft take and time to wound closure were assessed and were the primary outcomes.Aesthetic and functional results(secondary outcomes)were evaluated at 3,6,9 and 12 months follow-up using subjective and objective scar measurement tools.Biopsies for histological analysis were taken at 3 and 12 months.Results:A total of 66 patients representing 82 wound comparisons were included.Graft take(>95%),pain management and healing time were comparable in both groups.At 1 year follow-up,the overall Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale assessed by the patient was significantly in favour of sites where Glyaderm■was used.Not infrequently,patients attributed this difference to improved skin sensation.Histological analysis showed the presence of a well-formed neodermis,with donor elastin present for up to 12 months.Conclusions:A single-stage bilayered reconstruction with Glyaderm■and STSG results in optimal graft take without loss of Glyaderm■nor the overlaying autografts due to infection.The presence of elastin in the neodermis was demonstrated during long-term follow-up in all but one patient,which is a crucial factor contributing to the significantly improved overall scar quality as evaluated by the blinded patients.展开更多
The aim of this review is to extrapolate evidence regarding the use of vascularized nerve grafts(VNGs)in peripheral nerve reconstruction and summarize available data on their indications,if any,and clinical applicatio...The aim of this review is to extrapolate evidence regarding the use of vascularized nerve grafts(VNGs)in peripheral nerve reconstruction and summarize available data on their indications,if any,and clinical applications.A review of the literature via the PubMed database was performed with analysis of ninety-five articles on the experimental and clinical studies of VNGs.Eight relevant questions were selected to be answered about VNGs.VNGs allow faster nerve regeneration and convey a functional advantage under certain clinical conditions such as large nerves,proximal lesions,and nonvascularized recipient beds.Several donor sites are available which have been being divided by body region in this manuscript.VNGs perform better than non-VNGs and provide an advantage in selected cases.However,limited availability and donor site morbidity still limit their application.We foresee a wider application of vascularized nerve allografts to overcome these problems.展开更多
基金The Ethical Review Committee of Ghent University Hos-pital approved this prospective study(Belgian registration number B670201733327)The trial was registered on cli nicaltrials.gov and received the following registration code:NCT01033604.
文摘Background:Absence of almost the entire reticular dermal layer is inherent to the use of autologous split-thickness skin grafting(STSG)to close full-thickness wounds,often resulting in hypertrophic scars and contractures.Many dermal substitutes have been developed,but unfortunately most have varying results in terms of cosmetic and/or functional improvement as well as patient satisfac-tion,in addition to high costs.Bilayered skin reconstruction using the human-derived glycerolized acellular dermis(Glyaderm■)has been reported to result in significantly improved scar quality using a two-step procedure.Unlike the necessary two-step procedure for most commercially available dermal substitutes,in this study we aimed to investigate the use of Glyaderm■in a more cost-effective single-stage engrafting.This is a method which,if autografts are available,is preferred by the majority of surgeons given the reduction in costs,hospitalization time and infection rate.Methods:A prospective,randomized,controlled,intra-individual,single-blinded study was per-formed,investigating the simultaneous application of Glyaderm■and STSG vs.STSG alone in full-thickness burns or comparable deep skin defects.During the acute phase,bacterial load,graft take and time to wound closure were assessed and were the primary outcomes.Aesthetic and functional results(secondary outcomes)were evaluated at 3,6,9 and 12 months follow-up using subjective and objective scar measurement tools.Biopsies for histological analysis were taken at 3 and 12 months.Results:A total of 66 patients representing 82 wound comparisons were included.Graft take(>95%),pain management and healing time were comparable in both groups.At 1 year follow-up,the overall Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale assessed by the patient was significantly in favour of sites where Glyaderm■was used.Not infrequently,patients attributed this difference to improved skin sensation.Histological analysis showed the presence of a well-formed neodermis,with donor elastin present for up to 12 months.Conclusions:A single-stage bilayered reconstruction with Glyaderm■and STSG results in optimal graft take without loss of Glyaderm■nor the overlaying autografts due to infection.The presence of elastin in the neodermis was demonstrated during long-term follow-up in all but one patient,which is a crucial factor contributing to the significantly improved overall scar quality as evaluated by the blinded patients.
文摘The aim of this review is to extrapolate evidence regarding the use of vascularized nerve grafts(VNGs)in peripheral nerve reconstruction and summarize available data on their indications,if any,and clinical applications.A review of the literature via the PubMed database was performed with analysis of ninety-five articles on the experimental and clinical studies of VNGs.Eight relevant questions were selected to be answered about VNGs.VNGs allow faster nerve regeneration and convey a functional advantage under certain clinical conditions such as large nerves,proximal lesions,and nonvascularized recipient beds.Several donor sites are available which have been being divided by body region in this manuscript.VNGs perform better than non-VNGs and provide an advantage in selected cases.However,limited availability and donor site morbidity still limit their application.We foresee a wider application of vascularized nerve allografts to overcome these problems.