Porocarcinoma in a palm reconstructed with a full thickness skin graft: A case report

BACKGROUND Porocarcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that originates from sweat gland tumors.It is an aggressive malignant skin cancer that is difficult to diagnose clinically owing to its rarity and similarity to squamous cell carcinoma(SCC).CASE SUMMARY This case involved a 92-year-old woman,a farmer by profession,presented with an exophytic and verrucous mass on her left palm that had formed 2 years prior and caused chronic pain and frequent bleeding.Initially,the patient was diagnosed with SCC using a punch biopsy;however,a repeat biopsy with addi-tional immunohistochemical tests was performed for porocarcinoma.Ultimately,the patient was diagnosed with porocarcinoma and reconstruction was planned using a full-thickness skin graft.After treatment,the range of motion of the palm was preserved,and the aesthetic outcome was favorable.At 6 mo of follow-up,the patient was satisfied with the outcome.CONCLUSION Porocarcinoma is commonly misdiagnosed as SCC;therefore,clinicians should consider porocarcinomas when evaluating mass-like lesions on the hands.

Oxygen Penetration Through Full-Thickness Skin by Oxygen-Releasing Sutures for Skin Graft Transplantation

The transplantation of full-thickness skin grafts(FTSGs)is important for reconstructing skin barrier and promoting wound healing.Sufficient oxygen supply is closely related to the success of skin grafting.However,full-thickness oxygen delivery is limited by the poor oxygen permeability of skin.Oxygen-releasing sutures(O_(2)sutures)were developed to facilitate oxygen penetration through full-thickness skin.The O_(2)sutures delivered 100 times more oxygen than topical gaseous oxygen therapy at a 15 mm depth in the skin model.Under extreme hypoxia(<0.5%O_(2),v/v),O_(2)sutures could also promote endothelial cell proliferation.After the transplantation of FTSGs in mice,O_(2)sutures accelerated blood re-perfusion and increased the survival area of the skin graft.It is expected that O_(2)sutures will be adopted in clinical applications to increase the success rate of full-thickness skin transplantation.

Artificial dermis combined with skin grafting for the treatment of hand skin and soft tissue defects and exposure of bone and tendon

BACKGROUND The recovery time of hand wounds is long,which can easily result in chronic and refractory wounds,making the wounds unable to be properly repaired.The treatment cycle is long,the cost is high,and it is prone to recurrence and disability.Double layer artificial dermis combined with autologous skin transplantation has been used to repair hypertrophic scars,deep burn wounds,exposed bone and tendon wounds,and post tumor wounds.AIM To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of autologous skin graft transplantation in conjunction with double-layer artificial dermis in treating finger skin wounds that are chronically refractory and soft tissue defects that expose bone and tendon.METHODS Sixty-eight chronic refractory patients with finger skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by bone and tendon exposure who were admitted from July 2021 to June 2022 were included in this study.The observation group was treated with double layer artificial dermis combined with autologous skin graft transplantation(n=49),while the control group was treated with pedicle skin flap transplantation(n=17).The treatment status of the two groups of patients was compared,including the time between surgeries and hospital stay.The survival rate of skin grafts/flaps and postoperative wound infections were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale(VSS)for scar scoring at 6 mo after surgery,as well as the sensory injury grading method and two-point resolution test to assess the recovery of skin sensation at 6 mo.The satisfaction of the two groups of patients was also compared.RESULTS Wound healing time in the observation group was significantly longer than that in the control group(P<0.05,27.92±3.25 d vs 19.68±6.91 d);there was no significant difference in the survival rate of skin grafts/flaps between the two patient groups(P>0.05,95.1±5.0 vs 96.3±5.6).The interval between two surgeries(20.0±4.3 d)and hospital stay(21.0±10.1 d)in the observation group were both significantly shorter than those in the control group(27.5±9.3 d)and(28.4±17.7 d),respectively(P<0.05).In comparison to postoperative infection(23.5%)and subcutaneous hematoma(11.8%)in the control group,these were considerably lower at(10.2%)and(6.1%)in the observation group.When comparing the two patient groups at six months post-surgery,the excellent and good rate of sensory recovery(91.8%)was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group(76.5%)(P<0.05).There was also no statistically significant difference in two point resolution(P>0.05).The VSS score in the observation group(2.91±1.36)was significantly lower than that in the control group(5.96±1.51),and group satisfaction was significantly higher(P<0.05,90.1±6.3 vs 76.3±5.2).CONCLUSION The combination of artificial dermis and autologous skin grafting for the treatment of hand tendon exposure wounds has a satisfactory therapeutic effect.It is a safe,effective,and easy to operate treatment method,which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Application of negative pressure wound therapy after skin grafting in the treatment of skin cancer:A case report

BACKGROUND Skin cancer is a common malignant tumor in dermatology.A large area must be excised to ensure a negative incisal margin on huge frontotemporal skin cancer,and it is difficult to treat the wound.In the past,treatment with skin grafting and pressure dressing was easy to cause complications such as wound infections,subcutaneous effusion,skin necrosis,and contracture.Negative pressure wound therapy(NPWT)has been applied to treat huge frontotemporal skin cancer.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we report the case of a 92-year-old woman with huge frontotemporal skin cancer.The patient presented to the surgery department complaining of ruptured bleeding and pain in a right frontal mass.The tumor was pathologically diagnosed as highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.The patient underwent skin cancer surgery and skin grafting,after which NPWT was used.She did not experience a relapse during the three-year follow-up period.CONCLUSION NPWT is of great clinical value in the postoperative treatment of skin cancer.It is not only inexpensive but also can effectively reduce the risk of surgical effusion,infection,and flap necrosis.

A Novel Composite Skin Graft Technique with Fat Derivatives

Skin grafting,although a relatively classic and well-known technique,still has multiple disadvantages such as secondary contracture of the skin graft,sunken depression,poor elasticity,and color mismatch.Adding adipose tissues significantly improved the graft appearance compared to traditional skin grafting methods.Herein,we report two cases of modified skin graft procedures,both showing positive outcomes.In case 1,a mechanically processed fat-derived product was injected into the lower half of the skin graft area.In case 2,left upper eyelid blepharoplasty was performed,and the orbital fat strip was transferred and placed under the recipient area on the right side.Hair growth was observed only in case 1,whereas the extent of sunken depression was significantly reduced in both cases.Compared to traditional skin grafting methods,adding fat components to the skin graft recipient area improved the appearance and blood supply,together with enhancing the regenerative rate.

Reconstruction of massive skin avulsion of the scrota and penis by combined application of dermal regeneration template(Pelnac) and split-thickness skin graft with vacuum-assisted closure: A case report

BACKGROUND Although skin avulsions to male external genitalia are rare, they can be both physically and psychologically traumatic. Thus, the necessity for judicious management poses significant challenges to surgeons in order to avoid potential permanent disabilities. We report a case of massive penoscrotal skin avulsion and a composite graft was creatively applied to cover the defect which achieved good results. We believe that this case is of great reference value for fellow surgeons.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old male presented with massive traumatic avulsion of the penile and scrotal skin following mishandling of an electric drill. The avulsed skin was missing. The patient was diagnosed with massive skin avulsion of external genitalia. Following initial complete debridement of devitalized or infected tissues, Pelnac dermal substitute was secured to the defect with the assistance of negative-pressure wound closure. In the final step, the silicone layer of Pelnac was removed and a split-thickness skin graft was applied. The defect had healed at the two-month follow-up. The patient now has normal erections and satisfactory sexual function.CONCLUSION Our experience with this wound repair demonstrated that the combination of a dermal regeneration template and a split-thickness skin graft with vacuumassisted closure is a safe, well-tolerated and efficient solution for the reconstruction of massive penoscrotal skin defects.

Autologous scalp skin grafting to treat toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient with a large skin injury:A case report

BACKGROUND Toxic epidermal necrolysis(TEN)is often associated with skin wounds affecting large areas.Healing of this type of wound is difficult because of pressure,infection and other factors.It can increase the length of hospital stay and result in wound sepsis and even death.CASE SUMMARY A 49-year-old woman developed a skin lesion covering 80%of the total body surface area after using a kind of Chinese medicinal ointment on a burn wound on her back;she developed life-threatening wound sepsis and septic shock.Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii,carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacteria were cultured from wound tissue,deep venous catheter and blood samples.Imipenem cilastatin sodium,tigecycline and teicoplanin were used for anti-infection therapy.Finally,the patient was transferred to the burn department because of severe wound sepsis.In the burn intensive care unit,pain-free dressing changes and autologous scalp skin grafting were performed to heal the wound in addition to reasonable and effective antibacterial treatment according to microbial susceptibility test results.After three operations within 2 wk,the wound healed and sepsis resolved.CONCLUSION TEN patients with large areas of skin injury may develop wound infection and life-threatening wound sepsis.Autologous scalp skin grafting may be beneficial for rapid wound healing and reducing the risk of sepsis in TEN patients,and it leaves no scar at the donor site.

Skin Graft in the Surgery Department “B” of the CHU du Point “G” about 50 Cases

Aim: To analyze the practice of skin grafting in the surgery department “B” of the CHU of Point “G” in Bamako. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective and prospective study carried out between 1980 and 2014, covering all patients who underwent a skin graft and hospitalized. It covered all patients who underwent a skin transplant and were hospitalized in the department during the study period. Result: There were 50 patients including 25 women and 25 men. The mean age was 25.2 ± 19 years. The average duration of lesion evolution was 1 year. The lesions to be grafted were located in the lower limbs in 60%. The average area of substance loss was 13.2 cm2. The indication for skin graft was asked for loss of substance following scar bridles in 40%, ulcerative-necrotic wounds of infectious or traumatic origin (32%), malignant skin tumor (14%). In pathology, there were 5 cases of malignant melanoma and 2 cases of squamous cell carcinoma. Thin skin grafting was the most used technique (62%). The postoperative follow-ups were simple in 94%. There were 3 cases of graft necrosis. The average length of hospital stay was 28 days. The esthetic result was judged satisfactory in 84% of the cases (n = 42), average in 14% of the cases (n = 7) and unsatisfactory in 2% of the cases (n = 1). The sensitivity was good in 36 patients (72%), average in 12 patients (24%) and poor in 2 patients (4%). Conclusion: They mainly affect young people. The reduction of accidents on the public highway, good management of burn injuries, wounds and good hygiene of the population will considerably reduce the rate of its affections.

Correction of Scar Contracture Deformity of Dorsal Hand by Invisible Full-thickness Mesh Skin Graft

Objective To investigate the effect of invisible full-thickness mesh skin graft in the treatment of scar contracture deformity of the dorsal hand.Methods From January 2016 to February 2019,25 patients with cicatricial contracture deformity of dorsal hand admitted to our hospital underwent full thickness skin graft.During the operation,the scar healed completely and the superficial fascia remained intact.The wound surface was transplanted with invisible mesh full thickness skin graft.The survival of the skin graft and the recovery of hand function and appearance in the later period were observed after the operation.Results The skin grafts of 20 patients survived with high quality,3 cases had partial epidermis exfoliation,and 2 cases had partial epidermis scattered in blisters.After intensive dressing change,all wounds healed and no complications occurred after the operation.The hand function and appearance of the patients were obviously improved.Conclusion The application of full thickness skin graft to correct scar deformity has the advantages of good functional and appearance recovery and difficult postoperative contracture.Invisible full-thickness mesh skin graft is one of the ideal methods to correct scar contracture deformity of the dorsal hand.

Clinical Application of Direct Skin Grafting Repair in Popliteal Scar Contracture after Burn in Children

Objective To observe the clinical application of direct skin grafting in repairing popliteal scar contracture after burn in children.Methods From April 2017 to January 2019,30 children with popliteal scar contracture after burn were selected as the research objects.The scar status,knee joint function and quality of life of the patients before and after the operation were compared by direct skin grafting after medium thickness skin removal.Results 30 patients were treated with skin grafting to repair popliteal scar contracture,27 patients healed well,and the survival rate of skin grafting reached 90.00%.The scores of postoperative scar and knee joint function scale(WOMAC)were lower than those before the operation,and the scores of concise health status scale(SF-36)were higher than those before the operation,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion Scar contracture of popliteal fossa after burn in children can be repaired by direct skin grafting in the skin extraction area after medium thickness skin cutting,which can effectively improve scar condition,restore knee joint function and significantly improve quality of life.

Histologic analysis and long-term effect of acellular dermal matrix combined with autologous thin split-thickness skin graft

Objective To evaluate the long-term therapeutic effect and histologic result of ADM combined with autologous thin split-thickness skin graft.Methods 23 patients were treated with acellalar dermal matrix(ADM) combined with autoiogous

Investigation of Open Abdomen Visceral Skin Graft Revascularization and Separation from Peritoneal Contents

Background: Despite increasing survival following damage control laparotomy and open abdomen technique, little is known about the biology of visceral skin graft revascularization and separation from peritoneal contents. Methods: Following laparotomy for trauma, patients with visceral edema preventing fascial closure underwent Vicryl mesh closure followed by visceral split-thickness skin grafting and readmission graft excision and abdominal wall reconstruction. Utilizing laser speckle contrast imaging, immunochemical staining of histologic sections, and RT-PCR array technology, we examined the revascularization, microvascular anatomy, morphology, and change in gene expression of visceral skin grafts. Results: Ten patients ranging in age from 25 to 46 years underwent visceral grafting for cutaneous coverage of an open abdomen. Skin graft perfusion peaked at a mean of 350 PU by post-operative day 14 synchronous with closure of meshed interstices, and remained constant until excision. Time to graft excision ranged from 6 to 18 months. CD-31 immunostaining documented a significant (p = 0.04) increase in vascular surface area in excised grafts compared to control skin. Trichrome staining revealed an 8-fold increase in excised graft thickness. Mesothelial cells were identified within the dermal matrix of excised grafts. RT-PCR demonstrated significant up-regulation of genes involved in matrix structure and remodeling, cytoskeleton regulation, and WNT signaling;and down-regulation of genes involved in inflammation and matrix proteolysis in excised grafts compared to control skin. Conclusion: Our data document early visceral skin graft perfusion and a plateau in revascularization. Histology reveals a robust dermal matrix populated by fibroblasts and mesothelial cells within a complex supporting vascular network. Genetic analysis of excised grafts reveals growth factor, collagen, and matrix remodeling gene expression.

A simple alternative technique for harvesting split thickness skin grafts

AIM: To assess the use of a simple split skin graft harvesting technique, requiring only a scalpel and a swab.METHODS: During the last 8 mo, we operated on a consecutive series of 52 patients(30 males, 22 females) with a mean age of 60 years(33-80). We used the technique we present in order to cover small skin defects. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia. Thirty-seven patients underwent bedside surgery, 8 patients were operated on in the outpatient department and the remaining 7 had their graft harvested in the operating room. After antiseptic preparation of the donor site, the margins of the graft were drawn by the use of a surgical marker. A No 15 scalpel was used for the graft elevation, under constant traction with a moist swab.RESULTS: All procedures were completed successfully without immediate complications. The patients tolerated the procedure well. The mean operative time was 15 min. Twenty-four donor sites were left to heal by secondary intention, whereas 28 were sutured with interrupted 3/0 silk sutures in order to heal by primary intention. All 24 sites that were left to heal by secondary intention healed completely in approximately 14 d. For the sites that were sutured, the sutures were removed on the 10 th postoperative day. Out of the 52 operated cases, 6 patients(11%) developed complications. In 4 patients, the split thickness skin grafts were partially lost, whereas in 2 patients the grafts were completely lost. Wound dehiscence was observed in 2 patients, which were treated with local antiseptic and antibiotic therapy.CONCLUSION: The skin graft technique described is simple, costless and effective and can be performed even on an outpatient basis, without the need for special equipment.

Utilizing Free Skin Grafts in the Repair of Surgical Wounds

The use of free grafts to close defects in wounds following surgery has long been utilized in dermatology practice. However, because of the low survival of the grafts, their popularity has dwindled over recent years. The use of techniques such as attaching an “umbilical cord” from the base of the grafts to the underlying deep fascia or cartilage has markedly increased graft survival. In this paper, the scope of free grafts is presented, showing survival of even large grafts if anchored to the deep tissue with multiple “umbilical cord” attachments. The advantages of full-thickness free skin grafts include the ability to close the wound immediately following removal of the tumor, with decreased risk of infection and pain, requiring fewer dressing changes and visits. The technique of close stitching, with interrupted sutures 1 - 2 mm apart, prevents contact of the wound with oxygen from the air, resulting in increased graft survival from revascularization of the free graft. With the added use of extra-strength curcumin gel, perfect regeneration may be achieved. In addition, in most free grafts, it was observed that there was recovery of sensation due to presumed nerve regeneration.

Reconstruction of Post Burn Neck Contracture Using Full Thickness Skin Graft

Background: Neck contracture after burns is a major complication that affects function and cosmesis. The aim of covering the raw area and defects is through using good quality pliable skin. Full thickness skin graft allows a large dimension sheet of good quality skin with low donor-site morbidity. Also it provides similar skin quality to the recipient areas with much less cosmetic difference. Methods: Four men and eight women underwent neck contracture release and reconstruction from December of 2015 to August of 2016. Mean patient age was 29 years (range from 12 to 46 years). Burn scar contracture releases were performed and cervicoplasty was added for optimal neck appearance. Uniformly full thickness skin grafts were applied. Both lateral ends of these grafts (release incisions) were designed with a fishtail shape for sufficient release and to minimize linear scar band formation in the most lateral region of the neck. Results: Full thickness skin grafts as large as 24 ± 12 cm (in length) and 10 - 15 cm (in width) were used. All grafts were taken without significant complications. Range of neck motion increased, and the cervico-mental angle was regained in all patients. A highly natural neck contour was universally obtained without a secondary debulking procedure. Conclusions: Full thickness skin grafts for treatment of post burn neck contraction give good functional and cosmetic results. They give similar color match and good skin quality, also help in regaining of cervico-mental angle.

A paradigm for a skin graft substitute

Skin grafts have remained relatively unchanged since their introduction as a medical treatment for burns/wounds. This paper seeks to open an academic discussion as to whether their use-by date has now been passed. A skin graft substitute is described in a paradigm using fine leaf gelatine sheets which inherently possess several distinct advantages including, discarding the harvest of autologous tissue from patient donor sites. A clinical study will be needed to determine its suitability taken together with the understanding that experimental animal studies may not provide unequivocal answers to its in situ modus operandi.

A Prospective, Within-Patient Controlled Study to Compare the Ability of the Non Adherent Drawtex®Hydroconductive Dressing to a Transparent Polyurethane Film Dressing (Standard of Care) on the Healing of Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites

Background: Dressing of split-thickness skin graft donor sites can be traumatic for the patient. The most advanced and expensive dressings have been compared to the most basic of dressings, with little or no consensus and an unpersuasive level of evidence. We aimed to determine the efficacy of the locally manufactured non-adherent, hydroconductive Drawtex? dressing and compare it to our current standard-of-care dressing, a thin transparent polyurethane film, in the healing of split-thickness donor sites. Methods: This prospective, within-patient controlled study included 27 adult participants, each with two split-thickness skin donor sites. The 54 donor site wounds were compared with regard to time to re-epithelialisation, perceived pain and healed wound quality. Results: By day 5, complete healing of donor site wounds, defined as >90% of epithelialized surface, was significantly higher in the hydroconductive dressing group compared to the polyurethane film group (22.2% and 3.7%, respectively;p < 0.0001). The hydroconductive dressing-treated donor site wounds were significantly less painful at 24-hours, 48-hours and 7-days post-operatively, and had fewer complications and superior wound healing quality. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that the relatively cheap and readily available dressing made locally in South Africa, Drawtex? is at least as safe, and potentially superior in wound healing, when compared to our current standard-of-care dressing.

One-step approach for full-thickness skin defect reconstruction in rats using minced split-thickness skin grafts with Pelnac overlay

Background:Split-thickness skin grafting is the current gold standard for the treatment of traumatic skin loss.However,for patients with extensive burns,split-thickness skin grafting is limited by donor skin availability.Grafting split-thickness skin minced into micrografts increases the expansion ratio but may reduce wound repair quality.Dermal substitutes such as Pelnac can enhance the healing of full-thickness skin wounds,but their application currently requires two surgeries.The present study investigated whether it is possible to repair full-thickness skin defects and improve wound healing quality in a single surgery using Pelnac as an overlay of minced split-thickness skin grafts in a rat model.Methods:A full-thickness skin defect model was established using male Sprague-Dawley rats of 10 weeks old.The animals were randomly divided into control and experimental groups in which Vaseline gauze and Pelnac,respectively,were overlaid on minced split-thickness skin grafts to repair the defects.Wound healing rate and quality were compared between the two groups.For better illustration of the quality of wound healing,some results were compared with those obtained for normal skin of rats.Results:We found that using Pelnac as an overlay for minced split-thickness skin grafts accelerated wound closure and stimulated cell proliferation and tissue angiogenesis.In addition,this approach enhanced collagen synthesis and increased the formation of basement membrane and dermis as well as the expression of growth factors related to wound healing while reducing scar formation.Conclusions:Using minced split-thickness skin grafts overlaid with Pelnac enables the reconstruction of fullthickness skin defects in a single step and can increase the healing rate while improving the quality of wound healing.

Primary contraction of skin grafts:a porcine preliminary study

Aim:Skin grafting is a common clinical practice for plastic surgeons,yet primary contraction of these grafts is a neglected topic.This study was designed to investigate primary contraction and introduce the shape of skin graft as a possible factor that modifies primary contraction behavior,using porcine models.Methods:In the first series,full-thickness skin grafts(FTSGs)and split-thickness skin grafts(STSGs)were compared.In a second series,how the shape of the skin graft affected the degree of contraction was examined.Results:The mean percentage of FTSG shrinkage was 12.04%,and the median was 12.18%.The mean percentage of STSG shrinkage was 6.87%,and the median was 5%.Circle-shaped and square-shaped FTSGs showed mean/median graft shrinkage of 5.83%/6.93%and 4.15%/3.75%,respectively.In STSGs,the circle-shaped and square-shaped grafts had mean/median graft shrinkage of 1.07%/0%and 0.31%/0%,respectively.Conclusion:Our preliminary report revealed an expected greater shrinkage of FTSGs compared with STSGs.Furthermore,in a limited number of specimens,the shape of the skin graft seemed to affect the primary contraction of the STSGs.

Co-expression of sCD40LIg and CTLA4Ig mediated by adenovirus prolonged mouse skin allograft survival

Objective： To investigate the role of simultaneous blockade of CD40/CD40L and B7/CD28 pathways in the immune tolerance via co-expression of sCD40LIg and CTLA4Ig mediated by replication-defective adenovirus. Methods： Ad-sCD40LIg- IRES2-CTLA4Ig, replication-defective adenovirus co-expressing sCD40LIg and CTLA4Ig, was constructed and identified. The co-expression of sCD40LIg and CTLA4Ig was evaluated with confocal laser scanning microscope and Western blotting. Skin transplantations of C57BL/6 to BALB/c mice were performed. PBS, Ad-Shuttle-CMV and Ad-sCD40LIg-IRES2-CTLA4Ig were administered. Skin graft survival was monitored and the mRNA expression of both genes was evaluated in the skin allografts. Results： Ad-sCD40LIg-IRESE-CTLA4Ig was constructed successfully and identified. The co-expression of sCD40LIg and CTLA4Ig was identified with confocal laser scanning microscopy and Western blotting. Compared to the skin graft mean survival time （MST） of non-treated group （（5.75±0.71） d） or Ad-Shuttle-CMV-treated group （（5.50±0.53） d）, the skin graft MST was dramatically prolonged in the Ad-sCD40LIg-IRESE-CTLA4Ig-treated group （（ 16.38± 1.19） d, P〈0.001）. The mRNA expression of both genes was detected. Conclusion： Ad-sCD40LIg-IRES2-CTLA4Ig, a replication-defective adenovirus carrying genes encoding sCD40LIg and CTLA4Ig, was constructed. Simultaneous blockade of CD40/CD40L and B7/CD28 costimulatory pathway mediated by replication-defective adenovirus significantly prolonged skin allografi survival in mice.