The therapeutic effect of expanded scalp flaps pedicled with the superficial temporal vessel for the reconstruction of the large facial skin scar

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of expanded scalp flaps pedicled with superficial temporal vessel in the repair of facial skin scars.Methods From May 2017 to October 2018,4 patients with facial skin scars were treated with expanded scalp flaps pedicled with superficial temporal vessels and laser hair removal.All patients were followed up for at least 6 to 12 months.Results The flaps of all 4 patients survived well,and the color,texture and thickness of the flaps matched well with the surrounding skin tissue.Conclusion Expanded scalp flaps pedicled with superficial temporal vessel is a good option for repairing facial skin scars,which is worthy of clinical application.

Role of adipose-derived stromal cells in pedicle skin flap survival in experimental animal models

The use of skin flaps in reconstructive surgery is the first-line surgical treatment for the reconstruction of skin defects and is essentially considered the starting point of plastic surgery. Despite their excellent usability, their application includes general surgical risks or possible complications, the primary and most common is necrosis of the flap. To improve flap survival, researchers have used different methods, including the use of adiposederived stem cells, with significant positive results. In our research we will report the use of adipose-derived stem cells in pedicle skin flap survival based on current literature on various experimental models in animals.

New advances in the mesenchymal stem cells therapy against skin flaps necrosis

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs), multipotential cells that reside within the bone marrow, can be induced to differentiate into various cells, such as osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, vascular endothelial progenitor cells, and other cell types. MSCs are being widely studied as potential cell therapy agents due to their angiogenic properties, which have been well established by in vitro and in vivo researches. Within this context, MSCs therapy appears to hold substantial promise, particularly in the treatment of conditions involving skin grafts, pedicle flaps, as well as free flaps described in literatures. The purpose of this review is to report the new advances and mechanisms underlying MSCs therapy against skin flaps necrosis.

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.

Improvement of Atrophic Acne Scar and Skin Complexity by Combination of Aqueous Human Placenta Extract and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Mesotherapy

Atrophic scars, a permanent complication of severe acne, have negative effect on psychology in adolescent. The treatment of atrophic scar is depended on types of scar and it is difficult to improve by a single treatment. Mesenchymal stem cell is a scientific approval for surgery scar treatment and wound healing. We present a case report of female presented with atrophic acne scar distributed on both cheeks. The case aims to prove that the combination of MSCs and aqueous human placenta extract (RGF&#174) contained bioactive therapeutic molecules obviously promoted the improvement of skin scar to reach the optimal outcomes. We first found that MSCs-contained human placenta extract solution combination subcision improves the atrophic acne scar and skin complexity by enhancement of skin cell regeneration.

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.

Effective Treatment of Atrophic and Icepick Acne Scars Using Deep Non-Ablative Radiofrequency and Multisource Fractional RF Skin Resurfacing

Background and Objectives: Effective treatment for atrophic (depressed) and icepick acne scars requires treatment of both epidermis—for roughness, texture and hyperpigmentation, and the dermis—for collagen remodeling. All first generation radiofrequency systems allow nonablative RF treatment while a few others allow simple bipolar Fractional RF skin resurfacing. The FDA cleared multisource radiofrequency therapy system (EndyMed PRO, EndyMed Ltd., Cesarea, Israel) allows, for the first time, phase controlled multisource RF for both deep (up to 11 mm) non ablative RF and fractional RF skin resurfacing on the same treatment device. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Ten subjects with atrophic acne scars were enrolled in the study. Patients were photographed using standardized methods. In each treatment session, each patient received a full face 3DEEP non ablative skin tightening treatment followed by a Fractional skin resurfacing treatment. The treatment sessions were repeated once a month to a total of up to 4 treatments. Results: All subjects experienced mild-moderate edema and erythema as an immediate response to treatment. Edema resolved after up to three hours post treatment and erythema lasted up to 2 days. Micro ablative crusts were formed 1 - 2 days post treatments and lasted up to 5 days on facial areas. Patients' photographs—before each treatment session and 1 and 3 months after the last session—were graded according to the accepted Cosmetic Improvement Scale. All patients obtained significant skin improvement. Seventy percent of patients had 50% - 75% improvement one month after the third treatment session while the other thirty percent experienced a 25% - 50%. Discussion and Conclusions: The presented results describe for the first time a new treatment system (EndyMed PROTM) that allows both deep non ablative RF delivery and Fractional skin resurfacing on the same treatment platform. This work shows the synergy of combining these two applications for the improvement of acne scars, as well as for some secondary possible pigmentation and vascular improvement.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for skin flap blood flow disorder: a case report

A female patient at the age of 17 received dilator implant on the right part of her face to prepare skin flap for her facial scar.The skin flap was in good conditions before scar cutting,but showed poor blood circulation after being transferred.Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was given at 0.2 MPa(2ATA) in double pure oxygen cabins for 90 min every day for 10 d.The skin flap showed in sound viability and sound blood circulation after the treatment.Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used to treat blood circulation disorder in transferred skin flap.

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.

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 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.

Pre-expanded Muscle-sparing Latissimus Dorsi Flaps for Reconstruction of Severe Scar Contractures on the Anterior Chest

Objective To investigate the utility of pre-expanded muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flaps in the reconstruction of deformities secondary to severe scar contractures on the anterior chest.Methods The function of the latissimus dorsi was preserved with blood supply from the main or lateral branch of the thoracodorsal artery.The entire treatment period was divided into two stages,during which segmental latissimus dorsi flaps were pre-expanded in stage I and anterior chest scar deformities were reconstructed in stage II.During stage I,the musculocutaneous perforators arising from the lateral branch of the thoracodorsal artery were determined by ultrasound preoperatively;the flap design included the anterior segment of the latissimus dorsi supplied by the musculocutaneous perforators from the lateral branch;and a tissue expander was placed following flap dissection and then infused with saline intermittently for 4–6 months.In stage II,the chest scars were excised,and breast tissues were repositioned;the continuity of the medial branch of the thoracodorsal nerve to the muscle was preserved when reconstruction was performed using the segmental latissimus dorsi flaps supplied by the main or lateral branch of the thoracodorsal artery.Results From October 2010 to October 2019,21 patients(on 24 sides)underwent reconstructive procedures for extensive scar contractures on the anterior chest.All flaps survived,and their donor sites were sutured directly.During a follow-up of 3 months to 8 years,the flaps became soft and exhibited color similar to that of the adjacent tissues.The limited neck and shoulder movements improved,and postoperatively,all female patients were satisfied with the shape of their breasts.Additionally,neither apparent weakening on the adduction,internal rotation,or extension strength of the shoulder joint on the affected side nor marked depression deformity in the back was observed.Conclusion Pre-expanded muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flaps with blood supply from the main or lateral branch of the thoracodorsal artery proved to be a desirable option for the reconstruction of extensive scar contractures on the anterior chest.

Abdominal and pelvic adhesions: Possible role of leiomyomas and skin scar anomaly in profiling high risk patients

Background and aims: Adhesions can cause important morbidity including abdominal and pelvic pain, intestinal obstructions, and infertility. When adhesions are formed, there is no efficient method, nowadays, to resolve them, thus the reduction of their prevalence relies on the prevention. Profiling high risk patients for abdominal and pelvic adhesions (APA) is an important step to this prevention. The risk factors of adhesions in our institution, the association between APA, leiomyomas and skin scar anomaly (SSA) were investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1st to June 30th 2013 including patients who underwent laparotomy or laparoscopy. Patients’ characteristics, presence of a SSA and leiomyomas, as related to adhesions, were analyzed. Student’s t, Pearson’s Khi-square, Fisher’s Exact, Mann-Whitney tests and logistic regression were used. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The frequency of adhesions was 41.74%. Patients had a mean age of 32.69 ± 8.94 years. Those with a previous abdominal surgery (PAS), SSA and leiomyomas had respectively 12 times [OR: 11.98, CI95 (4.63 - 30.97)], 3 times [OR: 2.79, CI95 (1.16 - 6.71) and 2.5 times [(OR: 2.49, CI95 (1.07 - 5.78)] more adhesions. In logistic regression, a PAS and leiomyomas remained associated significantly to adhesions with p = 0.000 and p = 0.037 respectively. Conclusion: In peritoneal adhesions, leiomyomas and SSA are other factors that may allow a cautious selection of high risk patients who must benefit from particular attention during surgery. Further well designed studies are necessary to investigate the accurate clinical relation among those three conditions.

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.

Bipedicled Mini V-Y Advancement Flap for Skin Defect of the Face

In young patients, even small circular facial defects after the excision of benign skin tumors present a reconstructive challenge. The usefulness of a V-Y advancement flap for reconstructing such defects is well documented. We refined this technique as a mini V-Y advancement flap consisting of two subcutaneous pedicles that vascularize the skin island via subdermal plexus lateral bridges. This technique was used for 21 middle-aged or younger patients with a small benign skin lesion. None of them experienced any postoperative complications. Aesthetically excellent results were found in all patients. This small advancement flap could be attempted as an alternative to fusiform excision of small skin lesions, particularly in younger patients.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy of Ischemic Cranial Skin Flap: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical procedure and therapeutic modality that utilizes 100% oxygen. HBOT has been used various medical conditions such as progressive necrotizing fasciitis, peripheral arterial insufficiency, and diabetic wounds of the lower extremities. The case report reported here describes the usage of HBOT as an adjunctive “rescue” measure to salvage a patient’s cranioplasty scalp flap after flap ischemia was noted 2 days post-operatively. Patient is a 54 year-old caucasian female who presented to our facility with symptoms of a left MCA infarct. CT and MRI of her brain revealed a left MCA infarct with hemorrhagic stroke with significant cerebral edema, and midline shift. She was taken to the operating room for a left decompressive hemi-craniectomy. She had cranioplasty utilizing native bone flap delayed fashion. She had wound infection after cranioplasty which required removal of native bone. After appropriate treatment for infection, she had cranioplasty utilizing prosthetic Biomet implant. Post-cranioplasty, patient developed ischemic cranial flap. This was recognized within 48 hrs and HBOT was implemented. She has a successful rescue of the ischemic cranial flap after she received 14 consecutive treatments over two weeks. In our knowledge, this is the first successful treatment of HBOT reported after prosthetic cranioplasty for scalp flap ischemia.

Nursing care of vascular crisis in a child with neck skin contracture and skin flap transplantation after burn:A case report

In this report,we aimed to summarize the nursing points of fasciocutaneous flap transplantation due to scar contracture caused by a large area of head and face scald.A 4-year-old girl suffered from wound bleeding,respiratory tract edema,and vascular crisis and was transferred to the intensive care unit after flap transplantation.The child’s scar recovered well before she was discharged,and the follow-up results were satisfactory.After recovery,she had fewer complications under careful and scientific nursing care.The nursing points were to provide a stable treatment environment through regular wound observation and strict aseptic operation;ensure the nutrition of the child;give the child personalized sedative and analgesic care;and perform anticoagulation,antispasm,and dressing change and provide warmth for vascular crisis.Dressing changes by plastic surgery specialists combined with sedation and analgesia can alleviate children’s pain,enable them to better cooperate with surgical site observation and dressing care,increase the survival rate of the skin in the surgical area,and help improve the prognosis of the child.

Application of vacuum sealing drainage in skin graft of calf pedicle island flap donor-site

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of vacuum sealing drainage on free dermatoplasty in the donor-site of calf pedicled island flap. Method: From January 2016 to January 2018, a total of 70 patients undergoing reconstruction of skin and soft tissue defects in ankles and legs with calf pedicle island flap in Foshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital were selected into our research. Selected patients were divided into VSD group and pressure dressing group according to the order of surgery. The VSD group was treated with free skin grafting and vacuum sealing drainage after separation of donor-site flap. The pressure dressing group was treated with free skin grafting and traditional pressure dressing technology after the separation of donor-site flap. Visual acuity simulation scores (VAS) were observed and recorded on the 1st, 7th, and 14th day after surgery. The unpacking time, skin graft healing time, skin graft survival rate, infection rate and incidence of subcutaneous hematoma were compared between the two groups. Results: The VAS scores on the 7th and 14th day after surgery in the VSD group were lower than those in the pressure dressing group. The unpacking time and skin graft healing time of the VSD group were shorter than those of the pressure dressing group. The survival rate of skin graft in VSD group was higher than that in the pressure dressing group. The infection rate and the incidence of subcutaneous hematoma in the VSD group were lower than those in the pressure dressing group. Conclusion: Vacuum sealing drainage is beneficial to promote the healing of free skin grafts in the donor site of the calf pedicle island flap, relieve pain, reduce adverse reactions, safe and effective, and worthy of clinical promotion.

Subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap for repairing skin defects in the face

Objective:To investigate the effect of a subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap for the reconstruction of medium-sized skin defects in the face following skin tumor or scar excision. Methods: From August 2002 to June 2004,the subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap was designed to repair facial skin defects in 17 patients(19 flaps),and the size of the lesions ranged from 2.0 cm×1.9 cm to 5.0 cm×4.5 cm.The operation was performed under general anesthesia in 2 children,and under local anesthesia in the remaining 15 patients. Results: All flaps survived with primary healing postoperatively.With a follow-up from 1 to 22 months,neither short-term nor long-term postoperative complications such as flap necrosis,hematoma,infection,visible dog-ear and trap door deformity were found,and functionally and cosmetically satisfactory outcomes were achieved. Conclusion: This subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap provides a competitive repair alternative for the treatment of medium-sized skin defects in the face.

Expression of MMP-1 in the Scar Tissue of Skin and Oral Mucosa

[Objectives] To investigate expression of MMP-1 in the scar tissue of skin and oral mucosa,and to explore if there is the significance of MMP-1 in the scar of skin and oral mucosa.[Methods]All samples were collected from surgical postoperative soft tissue from Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Plastic Surgery in the Affiliated Qingdao Hiser Medical Center of Qingdao University Medical College,including 22 samples of dermal scar tissue,20 samples of normal skin tissue,and 13 samples of oral mucosal scar tissue,and 20 samples of normal oral mucosal tissue. HE staining was used to observe the morphology and collagen arrangement of fibroblasts in the scar tissue,the expression of MMP-1 in different tissue was observed by immunohistchemical staining. [Results] The positive expression rates of MMP-1 in skin scar tissue,oral mucousal scar tissue,normal skin tissue and normal mucosal tissue were 27. 27%,69. 23%,5. 00%,10. 00%. Comparison of positive expression of MMP-1 in skin scar tissue and oral mucosal scar tissue: the positive expression rate of MMP-1 in oral mucosal scar tissue was higher than that of MMP-1 in skin scar tissue,and the statistically significant difference was found between them( P < 0. 05).Comparison of positive expression of MMP-1 in skin scar tissue and normal skin tissue: the positive expression in skin scar tissue was higher than that in normal skin,and the statistically significant difference was found between them( P < 0. 05). Comparison of positive expression of MMP-1 in oral mucosal scar tissue and normal oral mucosal tissue: the positive expression rate of MMP-1 in oral mucosal scar tissue was higher than that in normal mucosal tissue,and the statistically significant difference was found between them( P < 0. 05). Comparison of positive expression of MMP-1 in normal oral mucosal tissue and normal skin tissue: the positive expression rate of MMP-1 in oral mucosal scar tissue was higher than that in normal mucosal tissue,and there was no statistically significant difference between them( P > 0. 05). [Conclusions] The positive expression of MMP-1 was different from that in the scar tissue of the oral mucosa,indicating that MMP-1 might be related to the severity of scar formation in different tissues.