Primary Observations on the Influence of ^(60)Co Local Irradiation on Free Skin Flaps

Objective To study the effect of postoperative radiation on free skin flaps. Methods Twenty-nine patients with free skin flaps applied to the plerosis of the postoperative defect were followed up. Twenty-eight out of 29 patients received forearm free flaps while 1 had anterolater-al femoris skin flaps in a size ranging from 14cm×6cm to 8cm×4cm. These flaps were exposed to 60Co radiation ranging 40-69 Gy. Results Observation during irradiation, no visible changes of skin flaps and oral mucous membrane were detected, when irradiation dose was within 40 Gy; some changes may be detected over 40 Gy. Observation 1 - 4 months after irradiation: pigmentations were found in areas of erosion epidermis; skin flaps got dark but without evidence of necrosis. Observation 2 years after irradiation, rib necrosis happened in 29 skin flaps. Hairs were found on 15 of 29 flaps. Sensation occurred within the margin of 1 cm. Conclusion Free skin flap can endure irradiation at the dose of 60 Gy.

Repair of necrosis and defects of penile skin with autologous free skin flap

We described a 27-year-old case of avulsion and traumatic degloving of penile with extensive penis skin necrosis. Under general anesthesia, donor skin was partially resected from lower limbs according to defect area of penile skin. Then shear the shape of graft was sheared, sutured to hostage skin defect and enswathed with tension. The postoperative appearance and function of the penis were satisfactory. It is suggest the homologous free skin flap from lower limbs is suitable for penile skin repair and beneficial to patient resulting in satisfactory erection and shape.

Non-invasive physical therapy as salvage measure for ischemic skin flap:A literature review

This review focuses on the available evidence regarding the molecular mechanisms and treatment potential of several non-surgical physical therapies for managing flap ischemia to propose a non-invasive,economical,and simple treatment to improve flap survival.A review of the literature was conducted on the topics of various non-invasive methods for the treatment of ischemic necrosis of the distal end of the flap between 1988 and 2019.A total of 52 published studies were reviewed on the applications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy,electrical stimulation therapy,heat stress pretreatment,phototherapy,and vibration therapy to manage skin flap necrosis.The underlying molecular mechanisms of these physical therapies on revitalizing the dying skin flaps were discussed and preliminary clinical uses of these therapies to salvage the necrotic skin flaps were pooled and summarized for clarifying the safety and feasibility of these methods.Various physical therapy regimens have been ushered to manage necrotic development in cutaneous flaps.With the refinement of these new technologies and enhancement of related basic science research on vascular revitalization,the prevention and treatment of flap ischemia will enter a new era.

Edaravone Enhances the Viability of Ischemia/reperfusion Flaps

The purpose of the experiment was to study the efficacy of edaravone in enhancing flap viability after ischemia/reperfusion（IR） and its mechanism. Forty-eight adult male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups： control group（n=16）, IR group（n=16）, and edaravone-treated IR group（n=16）. An island flap at left lower abdomen（6.0 cm×3.0 cm in size）, fed by the superficial epigastric artery and vein, was created in each rat of all the three groups. The arterial blood flow of flaps in IR group and edaravone-treated IR group was blocked for 10 h, and then the blood perfusion was restored. From 15 min before reperfusion, rats in the edaravone-treated IR group were intraperitoneally injected with edaravone（10 mg/kg）, once every 12 h, for 3 days. Rats in the IR group and control group were intraperitoneally injected with saline, with the same method and frequency as the rats in the edaravone-treated IR group. In IR group and edaravone-treated IR group, samples of flaps were harvested after reperfusion of the flaps for 24 h. In the control group, samples of flaps were harvested 34 h after creation of the flaps. The content of malondialdehyde（MDA） and activity of superoxide dismutase（SOD） were determined, and changes in organizational structure and infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed by hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining, apoptotic cells of vascular wall were marked by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d UTP nick-end labeling（TUNEL） assay, and the apoptotic rate of cells in vascular wall was calculated. The ultrastructural changes of vascular endothelial cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy（TEM）. Seven days after the operation, we calculated the flap viability of each group, and marked vessels of flaps by immunohistochemical staining for calculating the average number of subcutaneous vessels. The results showed that the content of MDA, the number of multicore inflammatory cells and apoptotic rate of cells in vascular wall in the edaravone-treated IR group were significantly lower than those in the IR group. The activity of SOD, flap viability and average number of subcutaneous vessels in the edaravone-treated IR group were significantly higher than those in the IR group. All the differences were statistically significant. The ultrastructure injury of vascular endothelial cells in the edaravone-treated IR group was slighter than that in IR group. It was concluded that edaravone can significantly enhance IR flap viability and protect flap vessels, which is related to scavenging oxygen free radicals, reducing the consumption of SOD, reducing the extent of lipid peroxidation and inflammation, and protecting functional structure of vessels in the early stages of reperfusion.

Study on Different Types of Skin Flap Transplantation to Repair Forefoot Damaged Injury

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of different types of skin flap transplantation in repairing forefoot lesion.Methods From January 2016 to June 2019,62 patients with forefoot damage were selected and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.All the selected patients received skin flap transplantation and repair,of which 26 patients received free myocutaneous flap transplantation and repair,and were treated as group A.The other 36 patients underwent retrograde foot flap transplantation and repair.They were taken as group B,and the clinical treatment methods and curative effects were summarized.Results Among the 26 patients in group A,the skin flaps of 21 patients survived completely,while those of the other 5 patients showed partial necrosis at the edge of the skin flaps.They were treated with free skin grafting and healed after regular dressing change.All the skin flaps survived.Follow-up for at least 6 months showed that 11 patients had mild claudication and skin flap sensation was slightly poor.Among the 36 patients in group B,only 2 cases suffered from distal partial necrosis after the operation,which was caused by large tension after dorsum pedis flap transplantation.After systematic treatment and regular dressing change by doctors,the flaps of 2 patients healed.In addition,venous reflux disorder occurred in 3 patients with medial saphenous nerve nutrient vessel flap of the foot,which was related to swelling factors.The flaps of other patients survived,healed well and did not show infection symptoms.Conclusion According to the actual condition of patients with forefoot damage,the flap repair method is formulated,which has good short-term and long-term therapeutic effects and plays an important role in repairing forefoot damage.

The improvement of living quality for the patient with carcinoma of esophagus: Reconstruction for the defect of pharynx and cervical esophagus with inferior antebrachial skin flap on the basis of retaining the laryngeal function

Objective To investigate the effect of reconstruction for inferior pharyngeal and cervical esophagus defect with inferior antebrachial skin flaps on the living quality of patients after surgery. Method Perform radical operation of the tumor, but retain larynx and trachea. Free antebrchial skin flaps were used to reconstruct the defect of inferior pharynx and cervical esophagus. Roll the skin flap to form a skin tube, and then carry out anastomosis with floor of mouth and cervical esophagus. Result The laryngeal function was retained after surgery. And permanent orifice of trachea was unnecessary. The effect was satisfying. The vocalization wasn’t affected and food-intake through oral was normal in the 2 patients followed up. Conclusion It is a feasible way to reconstruct the inferior pharynx and cervical esophagus defect caused by radical operation of the tumor at pharynx and cervical esophagus. It can improve the living quality of patients effectively.

Facial Reconstruction with Combined Facial,Neck and Occipital Skin Flap Transplantation

To treat large facial defect (more than 6 cm×4 cm in diameter ) or a wound with bone exposure to atmosphere by less traumatic, easier healing reconstruction method, a pedicle flap including facial, neck, posterior auricle and occipital skin flap was designed and transferred, one by one, to repair facial defect as well as other flap donor sites, but occipital skin flap was only used to cover posterior auricle area. After 2-3 years follow up, well healed skin flaps with good color, elasticity and sensation were observed in all 16 patients. It is concluded that this method is effective and practical.

The First Case of Free Radial Forearm Skin Flap:A 40-Year Follow-Up Study

Background The radial forearm skin flap(RFSF)was first introduced by the Chinese scholar Guofan Yang and has since been used for nearly 40 years.The many advantages of RFSF have been investigated in this study.Case presentation In this case,a female patient underwent RFSF surgery in 1979.In 2016 and 2018,two interviews were held to evaluate her subjective postoperative experience.In addition,overall donor site evaluation was conducted based on general health checkups and tests;tests for appearance,tactile sensitivity,muscle strength,and motor function;and CTA.Results The flap survived well,and the donor site recovered without hand necrosis in the 1970s.In 2018,the patient was in good health condition and expressed her satisfaction with the surgery.The patient did not suffer from any postoperative complications such as diminished sensation of the donor site or donor site dysfunction;in the evaluation of hand and finger function,there was no point where functional reduction of the donor site was noted.CTA revealed compensatory blood supply with enlargement in the diameter of the ulnar and interosseous artery.Conclusion After a nearly 40-year follow-up,the patient who underwent the first free radial forearm flap transplantation expressed satisfaction with the operative outcomes.The examination showed good results at the recipient site with little donor site deformities and good compensatory blood supply.

Biomaterial Scaffolds for Improving Vascularization During Skin Flap Regeneration

Over the past few decades,biomaterials have made rapid advances in tissue engineering.In particular,there have been several studies on vascularization during skin flap regeneration for plastic surgery.From the perspective of function,the biomaterials used to improve the vascularization of skin flaps are primarily classified into two types:(1)electrospun nanofibrous membranes as porous scaffolds,and(2)hydrogels as cell or cytokine carriers.Based on their source,various natural,synthetic,and semi-synthetic biomaterials have been developed with respective characteristics.For the ischemic environment of the flap tissue,the therapeutic effect of the combination of biomaterials was better than that of drugs,cytokines,and cells alone.Biomaterials could improve cell migration,prolong the efficacy of cytokines,and provide an advantageous survival environment to transplanted cells.

Application of free vein skin flap on the anterior aspect of wrist in the case of finger injury with vessel and skin defect

Objective To introduce an effective reconstruction method for the finger injured with vessel and skin defect. Methods Free skin flap with skin vein was transplanted on the site of tissue defect, connecting by anastomosis the vein with artery or vein of the finger. Results Seven cases were treated with this method,among which 5 cases have sikin defect on the palm aspect of fingers, the rest have skin defect on the dorsal aspect skin of finger. All fingers survived with good shape and function. Conclusion This is a simple and effective method of finger reconstruction for the patients with defect of vessels and skin. 6 refs.

Repair of facial skin defect with a skin flap of SMAS pedicle

To report a method of repair facial skin defects with a skin flap of SMAS pedicle.Methods According to the size of defect of skin,design a skin flap with SMAS pedicle for repair of defect.Results The method has been successfully applied for skin defects of eyelid and lip in 14 cases with satisfied results.The area of the largest flap was 5 cm×3 cm.Conclusion Repairing facial defects such as eyelid skin defect or lip skin defect with skin flap of SMAS pedicle is a very good method.The flap has a good blood supporting and satisfactory color and flexibility.5 refs,6 figs.

Eyelid reconstruction methods:A 10-year review

In ophthalmological practice,eyelid reconstruction is often needed because of the presence of defects that arise after the excision of a tumor or after injuries.Various methods for reconstructing these defects have been previously described.However,it is important to understand the basic principles underlying these techniques and their advantages and disadvantages to ensure the choice of the optimal technique in a particular case.We have analyzed the recent literature on new methods or modifications of existing ones to provide a brief overview of the reconstructive methods of the century for comparison.We searched PubMed and CyberLeninka for articles on restoring eyelid defects reported in the literature over the past 10 years.Most techniques can be considered modified classical reconstruction methods.Postoperative complications included aesthetic defects,such as scarring of the upper or lower eyelid,trichiasis,entropion,and lagophthalmos.Surgeons continue to search for the best methods for complex reconstructive surgery to achieve good cosmetic and aesthetic outcomes.

Total lower lid reconstruction: clinical outcomes of utilizing three-layer flap and graft in one session

AIM:To report the clinical outcomes of utilizing a three-layer flap and graft in reconstruction of the lower lid in one session.METHODS:Seventeen patients with total or near total lower eyelid defect were included.The defects were reconstructed in three layers.Posterior lamella was reconstructed by using tarsoconjunctival free graft from the ipsilateral upper lid and periosteal flap from lateral orbital rim.Mobilization of residual orbicularis muscle provided a rich blood supply;and the anterior lamella was reconstructed by skin flap prepared from upper lid blepharoplasty as a one-pedicular or bipedicular bucket handle flap.RESULTS:The cause of lower eyelid defect was basal cell carcinoma in 15 patients and trauma in two of them.No intraoperative and postoperative complication occurred.Patients were followed from 10 to 15mo postoperatively.Cosmetic results were favorable in all patients and we had acceptable functional results.Thickness of the reconstructed tissue was a concern in early postoperative period.CONCLUSION:Three-layer lower lid reconstruction in one session is an effective technique for total lower lid reconstruction with minimal complications and acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes and can be considered as a safe alternative for the preexisting techniques.

Reconstruction of total lower eyelid defect-a case series

Background:Total lower eyelid defect after eyelid malignancy excision poses a challenge in the surgical management of total lower eyelid reconstruction.We describe a technique of reconstructing total lower eyelid defect,using a skin flap and the residual lower forniceal conjunctiva.Methods:A retrospective case series review.Five patients had undergone lower eyelid basal cell carcinoma excision.A 3-4 mm margin excision was performed and specimens were sent for paraffin section histological examination.Reconstruction was performed at the same stage,using a skin flap and the residual lower forniceal conjunctiva.A full thickness skin flap is raised from the lateral cheek,with its base at the lateral canthus.Subcutaneous tissues are not included in the skin flap.The lower forniceal conjunctiva is released from the inferior retractors and advanced superiorly to cover the inner surface of the skin flap.The skin flap is transposed to cover the lower eyelid defect and sutured to the soft tissues at the medial end of the defect.The advanced forniceal conjunctiva is sutured to the superior edge of the skin flap forming the new mucocutaneous junction of the eyelid margin.Results:There were 4 females and 1 male,with a mean age of 74 years(range,68-80 years).Histological clearance was achieved in all cases.None of the patients developed lagophthalmos,symblepharon or dry eye symptoms.None of the patients required any further revision surgery.Conclusions:Total lower eyelid defects can be reconstructed using the residual lower fornix conjunctiva and a skin flap.

Application of Frontotemporal Expanded Flap with Bilateral Superficial temporal vessels in Repair of Large Area Scar Contracture in Face and Neck

Objective To summarize the clinical experience of frontotemporal expanded flap with bilateral superficial temporal vessels in repairing large area scar contracture in face and neck.Methods 14 patients with facial and Cervical scar contracture in our hospital were taken as the research object.With bilateral superficial temporal vessels as pedicles,a 400-600 ml skin dilator was inserted into the forehead and 50-100 ml skin dilator was inserted into the two temporal parts respectively.Within 3-4 months,the water injection volume reaches 2 times of the dilator volume.After maintaining for one month,skin flap transplantation was performed.The frontal flap was reserved for hairline reconstruction,and the flap was cut to cover the area after facial and Cervical scar release to reconstruct the jaw-neck angle.The pedicle division and pedicle trimming were performed 3-4 weeks after operation.Results All the 14 patients completed the operation successfully.The flap expansion time is 5-6 months.The expanded skin flap covers an area of 26 cm×9 cm-42 cm×16 cm,and all the skin flaps survived after operation.Among them,2 patients suffered from flap congestion after flap transplantation.Follow-up for 6-12 months showed that the color and texture of the skin flap were similar to those of facial skin,with natural transition and no obvious bloating.The angle between the lower jaw and the neck is about 90.The anterior flexion,posterior extension,lateral flexion and rotation of the neck are obviously improved compared with the anterior,and the posterior extension is close to normal.Conclusion Frontotemporal expanded flap with bilateral superficial temporal vessels is suitable for patients with large-area scar contracture in face and neck that cannot be repaired after expansion of adjacent local normal tissues.

Flap transplantation for treatment of pelvic fracture and defective hip

A case of flap transplantation for treatment of pelvic fracture and defective hip in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University was collected and analyzed on the basis of diagnosis,physical examination and treatment.The patient was in serious condition with large necrotic area and prone to lead to various complications.The paper aims to share experience and provide references for similar cases amongst surgeons.

Protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline on ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat skin flap

Objective: Skin damage induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is a multifactorial process that often occurs in plastic surgery. The mechanisms of I/R injury include hypoxia, inflammation, and oxidative damage. Hydrogen gas has been reported to alleviate cerebral I/R injury by acting as a free radical scavenger. Here, we assessed the protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) on skin flap I/R injury. Methods: Abdominal skin flaps of rats were elevated and ischemia was induced for 3 h; subsequently, HRS or physiological saline was administered intraperitoneally 10 min before reperfusion. On postoperative Day 5, flap survival, blood perfusion, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and levels of cytokines were evaluated. Histological examinations were performed to assess inflammatory cell infiltration. Results: Skin flap survival and blood flow perfusion were improved by HRS relative to the controls. The production of malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of lipid peroxidation, was markedly reduced. A multiplex cytokine assay revealed that HRS reduced the elevation in the levels of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, with the exception of RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) growth factor. HRS treatment also reduced inflammatory cell infiltration induced by I/R injury. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that HRS mitigates I/R injury by decreasing inflammation and, therefore, has the potential for application as a therapy for improving skin flap survival.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning on ischemia-reperfusion inflammation and skin flap survival

Background Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning （HBO） is a new method of ischemia preconditioning. In this study, we examined its effects on skin flap survival and the mechanisms involved. Methods Thirty-six rats were divided into three groups： HBO preconditioning, control, and sham groups. An extended epigastric adipocutaneous flap based on the right superficial epigastric artery and vein was raised. A 3-hour period of flap ischemia was induced by clamping the pedicle vessels with a microvascular clamp. At the end of ischemia induction, the clamp was removed and the flap was resutured. Rats in the HBO preconditioning group were treated with HBO four times before surgery. Microcirculation in the skin flap was measured on postoperative days 1, 3 and 5. The size of the flap was measured on postoperative day 5, before the animals were sacrificed. Samples of the skin flap were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The levels of tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α, interleukin （IL）-1β, and IL-6 in the flap samples were measured.

Transplantation of hypoxia preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improves survival of ultra-long random skin flap

Background Random flap is one kind of the most widely used skin flaps in reconstructive surgery; however, partial necrosis of its distal end remains a significant problem now. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hypoxia preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （HpBMSCs） transplantation on ultra-long random skin flap survival in rats. Methods Normoxic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （nBMSCs） were cultured under normoxia （20% 02） and HpBMSCs under hypoxia （1% 02） for 48 hours before transplantation. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, nBMSCs group and HpBMSCs group with each consisting of 10 rats. Survival area of ultra-long random skin flap on the dorsal of rats was measured seven days after flap surgery and cell transplantation. Cell survival in vivo, microvessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） were evaluated by histological examination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Compared with other two groups, flap survival area in HpBMSCs group was significantly larger （P 〈0.05）. Microvessel density in HpBMSCs group （36.20-.8.19） was higher than that in nBMSCs group （30.01-.5.68） and control group （17.60..4.19） （P 〈0.05）. VEGF in HpBMSCs group （（300.05-.50.41） pg/g） was higher than those in nBMSCs group （（240.55_＋33.64） pg/g） and control group （（191.65..32.58） pg/g） （P 〈0.05）. Conclusion HpBMSCs transplantation improves ultra-long random skin flap survival via promoting angiogenesis of more survival cells.

Synergistic effect of hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning and hydrogen-rich saline in ameliorating rat flap ischemia/reperfusion injury

Aim:This study was conducted to evaluate the synergistic effects of hyperbaric oxygen(HBO)preconditioning and hydrogen-rich saline(HRS)treatment on skin flap survival and apoptosis in a rat ischemia/reperfusion(IR)skin flap model.Methods:Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups:one sham surgery group(sham group)and four surgery groups(IR group,HBO group,HRS group,and HBO+HRS group).An extended epigastric adipocutaneous flap(6 cm×9 cm)was raised over the abdomen in each animal of all five groups.The last four groups underwent 6 h of IR management and were treated,respectively,with normal saline,HBO,HRS(HRS,0.8 mmol/L),or a combined approach(HBO and HRS).On the 3rd postoperative day,flap survival rate and perfusion condition,apoptotic index,caspase-3 activity,protein expression of pASK1 and Bcl-2/Bax ratio,and Bcl-2 messenger RNA(mRNA)expression were assessed.Results:Prior studies have shown the protective effects of HBO and HRS,both of which have been associated with an increase in flap survival.Compared to the IR group,the flaps in the HBO,HRS,and HBO+HRS groups showed better perfusion and a larger survival area with a low number of apoptotic cells,low caspase-3 activity and pASK1 expression,and a high Bcl-2/Bax ratio and Bcl-2 mRNA expression.Of these groups,the HBO+HRS group showed the best flap survival.Conclusion:Both HBO and HRS treatments increase the rate of flap survival,while the synergistic application of HBO and HRS showed a higher survival rate as compared to individual treatments of each.The potential regulation of apoptosis with the use of these two modalities may improve skin flap survival.