Search

OBJECTIVE To investigate the function of miR-126-3p loaded on adipose stem cell (ADSC)-derived exosomes (ADSC-Exos) in wound healing of full-thickness skin defects. METHODS ADSCs transfected with miR-126-3p mimic, miR-126-3p inhibitor or pcDNA3.1-PIK3R2, or PKH26-marked ADSC-Exos were cultured with fibroblasts or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The proliferation and migration rates of fibroblasts and angiogenesis of HUVECs were measured. Rats with full-thickness skin defects were injected with ADSC-Exos or exosomes extracted from ADSCs transfected with miR-126-3p inhibitor and the wound healing rates were measured. The wound bed, collagen deposition and angiogenesis in injured rats were assessed. RESULTS ADSC-Exos could be ingested by fibroblasts and HUVECs. Co-incubation with ADSCs or ADSC-Exos promoted the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and angiogenesis of HUVECs, which was further enhanced by miR-126-3p overexpression. Inhibition of ADSC-Exos or miR-126-3p or PIK3R2 overexpression suppressed the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and angiogenesis of HUVECs. ADSC-derived exosomal miR-126-3p increased wound healing rate, collagen deposition and newly formed vessels in injured rats. CONCLUSION ADSC-derived exosomal miR-126-3p promotes wound healing of full-thickness skin defects by targeting PIK3R2.

Pedicle coverage during free flap reconstruction of the digit commonly presents complicated issues. As the finger is a cylindrical unit with small volume, it is difficult to secure ample soft tissue for relaxed coverage of the pedicle. We have applied full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) to loosely cover the pedicle of the free flap of the fingertip and report preliminary results. Seven patients who received free toe pulp flap and FTSG for soft tissue coverage of the pedicle were analyzed. Intraoperative parameters collected were defect, flap and graft area size and donor site. Patients were observed postoperatively for up to 2 months for graft take, necrosis, digit contour, and donor site complications. The average area of the free flap was 2.39±1.03 cm2 and the average graft area was 1.37±1.06 cm2. The FTSG survived without sloughing or necrosis in six patients. Early epithelial sloughing with dermis take was noted in one patient who healed with dressings. The pedicle and graft portion showed bulging immediately after the operation but decreased to normal contour by 4 weeks. FTSG is an option that can be safely used as a method of pedicle coverage during free flap reconstruction of digits.

Full-thickness skin grafts are a commonly used reconstructive method following Mohs micrographic surgery. The literature varies on the most appropriate methods of suturing and securing grafts as well as best practices to dress the graft postoperatively. Our objective was to review various approaches to management of full-thickness skin grafts, including suturing the graft, securing the graft, and topical emollient use on the graft postoperatively. It was found that absorbable sutures, plain gut, provide preferable outcomes with full-thickness skin grafts. The tie-over bolster is the most-used method for securing skin grafts after placement, although several other methods have demonstrated efficacy, including the polyurethane foam, sandwich, and quilting suture methods. While various topical emollients are used in the immediate postoperative period, plain white petrolatum is the least likely to form allergic contact dermatitis.

Introduction: Wounds are a breakdown of tissue integrity / continuity that can lead to infection. Virgin Coconut Oil is a processed coconut product made by processing fresh coconut flesh at low temperature and has a high nutritional content. Ozone therapy is an alternative therapy that has disinfectant properties and can induce strong oxidative stress. Methods: This study was conducted on 50 Sprague-Dawley rats that had injuries. We performed full thickness wounds and administered ozonated doses of VCO to mice. We looked at shrinkage of wounds and TGF Beta levels in mice. Assessment was carried out on day 7 and day 14 to assess the wound and TGF-beta immunohistochemically. Results: There was a significant difference in the wound shrinkage variable between the negative control group and the group that received VCO offerings both on day 7 and day 14. We also found a significant difference in the TGF-beta variable between the negative control group and the group that received VCO offerings both on day 7 and day 14. Conclusion: The administration of ozonated virgin coconut oil was effective in increasing the expression of TGF-? in the full thickness defect of Sprague Dawley rats and was effective in increasing the reduction in wound size in the full thickness defect of Sprague Dawley rats.

Introduction. Skin defects—especially infected, massive full-thickness defects—can be challenging to manage. Traditionally, defects are repaired using free flaps or musculocutaneous flaps. Many side effects and complications are associated with flaps, however, such as infection, pain, donor site pain, and poor cosmesis. Objective. This case series evaluates the use of an adjustable, skin-stretching external fixation device and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to repair soft tissue defects. Materials and Methods. In this retrospective series, 7 patients with skin defects were treated with an adjustable, skin-stretching external fixation device and NPWT between January 2014 and December 2017. All patients were followed until complete healing was achieved. Each patient’s age, sex, defect size, mechanism of injury, healing time, results, and complications were recorded. Results. The average patient age was 37.43 years ± 10.47 SD (range, 26–55 years). The average skin defect area was 14.5 cm2 ± 5.26 * 23.25 ± 9.01 cm2 (range, 7–15 cm2 * 10–30 cm2), and average healing time was 3.29 months ± 1.60 (range, 1–6 months). All defects healed, and 2 patients developed ulcers. Conclusions. This series showed the adjustable, skin-stretching external fixation device and NPWT to be a simple, safe, and effective means of managing skin defects, with minimal complications.

BACKGROUND: Currently, numerous techniques or medical devices that allow complete or partial restoration of the lost skin within a short time remain as subjects of development. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of using stem cells in the treatment of full-thickness skin defects, but their use remains very limited. At present, there is no consensus among researchers about the advisability of the use of stem cells in the treatment of burns as well as about the method of their introduction. AIM: This study aimed to examine the possibility of accelerating the reparative histogenesis of tissues in the zone of deep skin burns using cultures of adipogenic mesenchymal cells, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of various methods of introducing cultures of these cells into the defect zone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study was carried out on small laboratory animals (rats). After simulating a grade III burn, mesenchymal stem cells were transplanted and superficially applied to the wound surface or injected under the fascia. In the control group, no wound treatment was performed. To assess the effectiveness of the wound-healing preparations, the appearance of wounds was assessed daily, the nature of the discharge and presence and type of granulations were noted, and the timing of scab rejection and wound healing was recorded. The wound area was assessed using a planimetric method. A histological examination of wound biopsies was carried out on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of observation. RESULTS: The application of adipogenic mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated the greatest efficiency on the developed burn model. Subfascial administration was less effective, but this method achieved a significant acceleration of wound healing in comparison with the control group. An increase in the healing index by 56.6% demonstrates the highest intensity of reparative regeneration in animals applied with adipogenic mesenchymal stem cells. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results show that the application of adipogenic mesenchymal stem cells on the skin defect is more effective than subfascial administration based on the healing index. The use of adipogenic mesenchymal stem cells may substantially increase the effectiveness of the treatment of full-thickness skin defects.

We report a case of a highly premature born infant in the 24th week of gestation that suffered from an extravasation injury. A central venous catheter caused a large full-thickness defect at the chest. Coverage was necessary and provided by using a split skin graft; however, at this age dermal maturation is not completed and the skin is much thinner and less functional in terms of mechanical strength and epidermal layering. When harvesting skin, this may result in secondary defects. The authors describe the successful and novel use of a dermal substitute with a superficial silicon layer (Integra® Bilayer) to bridge the time until neonatal skin development allows safe skin harvesting. A positive side effect is that the use of this dermal substitute also improved the scar quality in the premature infant.

The objective of our study was to evaluate the wound healing effect of ethanolic extracts of pistachio (Pistacia lentiscus L.) leaves and holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) bark on full-thickness excisions (4 cm2) in Wistar rats. Forty-two rats were divided into seven equal groups that received different treatments; two groups were treated with Quercus ilex bark extract (10% and 30%), two other groups with Pistacia lentiscus leaves extract (10% and 30%), one group received Cicatryl-bio® and considered as a positive control, a group treated with pure Petroleum jelly, and the last was left as an untreated negative control. The evaluation of the excision zones was estimated by a planimetric study using an image processing software (ImageJ®) and histological examination of healed skin tissue. The results revealed that Pistacia lentiscus leaves and Quercus ilex bark promote wound healing effect because they accelerated wound contraction and reduced epithelialization period. Ointments prepared from Quercus ilex bark and Pistacia lentiscus leaves ethanolic extracts exhibited effective wound healing action in Wistar rat’s skin excisions. Both preparations showed an accelerated healing process compared to the other formulations. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study of wound healing effect of pistachio (Pistacia lentiscus) leaves and holm oak (Quercus ilex) bark.

Introduction: Full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) have long been an indispensable and frequently practiced standard procedure in plastic surgery. The defatting and thinning of the grafts with scissors or scalpel to a thickness of 0,8 – 1,2 mm is very time-consuming even for experienced surgeons in the case of large transplants. Devices for full-thickness skin graft defatting are not available on the market. For this reason, we developed a relatively simple device that enables complete and safe degreasing and thinning of the graft in the shortest possible time. Materials and Methods: The machine has a dimension of 38cm width, 24cm length, 23cm height. The cutting thickness can be set to 0.6mm, 0.8mm, and 1.0mm. The central part is a crimper run manually with a crank to guide the specimen through a cutting blade. The machine is made of stainless steel, can be completely disassembled, and is easy to sterilize. Results: With this device small and very large skin grafts up to 15 cm in width can get completely defatted within a few seconds. Discussion: The time for defatting is reduced by many times. Precious operating time is spared. It can be assumed that the healing of the graft is improved due to a more complete defatting, a much shorter manipulating time of the skin and a more even cut surface compared to the manual procedure. The risk of defects in the graft and of injury of the surgeon is minimized compared to manual preparation.

Background Full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) have been widely used after facial skin cancer resection, for correcting defects that are too wide to be reconstructed using a local flap or if structural deformation is expected. The preauricular, posterior auricular, supraclavicular, conchal bowl, nasolabial fold, and upper eyelid skin areas are known as the main donor sites for facial FTSG. Herein, we aimed to describe the effectiveness of using infraclavicular skin as the donor site for specific cases. Methods We performed FTSG using the infraclavicular skin as the donor site in older Asian adults following skin cancer resection. Outcomes were observed for > 6 months postoperatively. The Manchester Scar Scale was used for an objective evaluation of satisfaction following surgery and scarring. Results We analyzed the data of 17 patients. During follow-up, the donor and recipient sites of all patients healed without complications. Upon evaluation, the average Manchester Scar Scale scores for the recipient and donor sites were 7.4 points and 5.7 points, respectively. Conclusion In general, conventional donor sites, such as the preauricular, posterior auricular, and supraclavicular sites, are widely used for facial FTSG because they achieve good cosmetic results. However, the infraclavicular skin may be a useful donor for facial FTSG in cases where the duration of time spent under anesthesia must be minimized due to a patient's advanced age or underlying health conditions, or when the recipient site is relatively thick area, such as the nose, forehead, or cheek.

Introduction: Wounds fatality is possible on instances where treatment is not conducted correctly. Moreover, Aloe Vera possesses anti-microbial activities, while ozone has bactericidal and antioxidant effects. This study is, therefore, aimed at assessing the number of neutrophils and the diameter of full-thickness wounds, following the multilevel dose administration of ozonated aloe vera oil.Methods: This is an experimental study, based on a post-test only control group design, with treatment and control groups. A total of 50 Sprague Dawley rats (250 ± 50 grams) were randomly divided into 10 units, the control was administered aloe vera oil, gentamicin ointment, and the treatment with ozonated aloe vera oil at varied dose of 600, 1200, and 1800 mg/ml. Subsequently, five groups were terminated on the 3rd day, while the remaining groups were euthanized on the 7th day. The neutrophil counts were obtained after histological examination with Hematoxylin Eosin (HE) stain, while the wound diameter was measured using calipers.Results: There were significant differences between the control and treatment groups. This was evidenced in the decreased neutrophil count after administering ozonated aloe vera oil at a dose of 1800 mg/ml, compared to 1200 and 600 mg/ml, and also aloe vera oil and gentamycin ointment. Furthermore, wound diameter was substantially reduced with all ozonated treatments, than the aloe vera oil and gentamycin treatments.Conclusion: Ozonated aloe vera oil is characterized by the capacity to improve wound healing

Different treatment modalities have been applied for nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) of the head and neck area. One of the most important points after surgical treatment is the selection of appropriate reconstruction methods. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of the use of both defect size reduction with sutures and secondary healing with delayed reconstruction with full-thickness skin grafts in NMSC patients. In total, 18 (42.8%) male and 24 (57.2%) female patients with NMSC were operated. Defect size was measured both after excision and just before repair, and the approximate defect area was calculated with ImageJ software. Reconstruction was performed after 14 days in all patients in the second session, using free skin grafts. There were 18 (42.8%) male and 24 (57.2%) female patients. The mean age was 70.5 (45–82) years. The mean follow-up period was 40.3 (16–68) months. The mean defect area measured after excision was 8.44 ± 1.91 cm2. After 14 days of delay, the mean defect area was 5.51 ± 1.28 cm2 (34.8% reduction) (p

In the current study, electrospun poly(e-caprolactone)-gelatin (PCL-Gel) fibrous scaffolds containing magnesium oxide (MgO) particles and preseeded with human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) were developed to use as wound care material in skin tissue engineering applications. Electrospun fibers were fabricated using PCL-Gel (1:1 [wt/wt]) with different concentrations of MgO particles (1, 2, and 4 wt%). The fibrous scaffolds were evaluated regarding their microstructure, mechanical properties, surface wettability, and in vitro and in vivo performances. The full-thickness excisional wound model was used to evaluate the in vivo wound healing ability of the fabricated scaffolds. Our findings confirmed that the wounds covered with PCL-Gel fibrous scaffolds containing 2 wt% MgO and preseeded with hEnSCs have nearly 79% wound closure ability while sterile gauze showed 11% of wound size reduction. Our results can be employed for biomaterials aimed at the healing of full-thickness skin wounds.

Skin-only avulsion is a particular type of avulsion surgery. In this type of injury, tendons, bones, and joints maintain their integrity. In this report, we aimed to report the promising results of replantation in seven fingers with total skin-only avulsions. From 2007 to 2015, 6 patients with a mean age of 34.6 (20–52) who underwent replantation surgery for total skin-only avulsion injuries distal to metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint were evaluated according to the injury type, etiology, level of repair, and the repaired structures. Seven fingers of 6 patients were evaluated. The mean repaired artery and vein number were 1.5 (1–2) and 3.8 (3–5), respectively. The mean percentage of partial necrosis in the three fingers and an amputated finger was 25.70%. Three fingers survived completely, whereas three developed partial necrosis which were managed by debridement and full thickness skin grafting. Mean static and dynamic two-point discriminations were 6 mm and 3.83 mm, respectively. The mean ROM degree of PIP/IP joints and DIP joints was 74.1 (60–85) and 56.6 (40–70) degrees, respectively. The mean follow-up was 28.3 months (24–36). Skin-only avulsions are a particular type of avulsion injury and very challenging to treat. In order to avoid from the partial necrosis due to the vascular deprivation of perforating branches of the proper digital artery, we recommend repairing both arteries in this type of avulsion. Skin-only replantation results can be successful when several technical details are observed. Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

Burns and chronic wounds are especially challenging wounds to heal. In efforts to heal these wounds, physicians often use autologous skin grafts to help restore mechanical and barrier functionality to the wound area. These grafts are, by nature, limited in availability. In an effort to provide an alternative, we have developed an electrospun wound dressing designed to incorporate into the wound with the option to deliver a cellular payload. Here, a blend of poly(glycolic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) was electrospun as part of a custom fabrication method that incorporated 3D printed poly(vinyl alcohol) sacrificial elements. This preparation is unique compared to traditional electrospinning as sacrificial elements provide an internal void space for an injectable payload to be delivered to the wound site. When the construct was tested in vivo (full thickness excisional skin wounds), wound closure was slightly delayed by the presence of the scaffold in both normal and challenged wounds. Quality of healing was improved in normal wounds as measured by histomorphometrics when treated with the construct and exhibited increased neovascularization. Our results demonstrate that the extracellular matrix-like scaffold developed in this study is beneficial to healing of full thickness skin defects and may benefit challenged wounds.

The specialized structure of the upper eyelid ensures complete closure of the eye and eyeball sealing. An upper eyelid injury can cause various symptoms associated with eyeball trauma, not just scar formation or eyelid deformity. In this report, we describe a case of lagophthalmos observed after wound repair in a patient with a crushing injury caused by a grinder. Several surgical techniques are used to treat lagophthalmos or scar contracture. In most cases, a releasing procedure is performed after 6 months of initial repair. However, if the patient has severe symptoms that are not relieved by conservative care, early revision is inevitable. We describe a case of early lagophthalmos successfully resolved with pentagonal wedge resection, fat redistribution, and full-thickness skin grafting. After the revisional surgery, we observed that the patient regained the ability to completely close the injured eyelid, with restoration of function and favorable cosmetic outcomes. Pentagonal wedge resection to release a retracted structure, fat redistribution to prevent readhesion, and full-thickness skin grafting for enough amount of skin to regain upper eyelid function is useful for scar release and lagophthalmos following crushing injuries of the upper eyelid.

To compare morbidity and aesthetic outcomes of full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) and split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) in the reconstruction of the forearm free flap donor site.Case series, retrospective chart review.Institutional microvascular database.Subjects who underwent forearm free flaps and FTSGs for donor site reconstruction from April 2016 to November 2017 were included. FTSGs were obtained from the donor forearm with a proximal S-shaped incision, thereby avoiding additional wound creation. Morbidity outcomes were compared to 68 consecutive patients with STSG reconstruction from January 2009 to May 2010. Complications, including tendon exposure, subjective functional impairment, complete graft loss, partial graft loss, infection, paresthesias, and hematoma/seroma, were evaluated, as were aesthetic outcomes.Sixty-eight patients underwent FTSG reconstruction. No significant differences between FTSGs and STSGs were demonstrated in terms of graft loss ≥40% (4% vs 4%,Our results advocate for the consideration of FTSGs in the reconstruction of the forearm free flap donor site given superior aesthetic results without additional donor site morbidity or additional wound creation when compared to STSGs.

PURPOSE To describe the late results of the placement of skin graft over conjunctiva-Muller muscle complex in 3 patients with ablepharon-macrostomia syndrome (AMS) and to review the procedures used to manage the upper eyelids in AMS. METHODS The authors searched the Pubmed database for all articles that used the term "ablepharon-macrostomia syndrome" in any field. Data collection included description of eyelid changes, age at surgery, status of the cornea before surgery, type of eyelid repair, and final outcome. Two previously reported siblings were reevaluated 10 and 15 years after a single reconstructive operation. A new case from Peru is also described. RESULTS Only 15 patients with AMS have been described in 12 articles. In 60% of the cases, the lids were described as absent. The surgical modalities employed to reconstruct the upper eyelids were quite variable, including local flaps, lid sharing procedures, and even a masquerade flap. At long-term follow-up, all 3 cases who underwent upper eyelid lengthening with full thickness skin grafts placed over Muller muscle had clear corneas with a small amount of lagophthalmos. CONCLUSIONS The lids in AMS are not absent and should not be managed with complex reconstructive techniques. Full thickness skin grafts placed over the inner aspect of the palpebral conjunctiva allow permanent eye protection.The upper eyelids in ablepharon-macrostomia syndrome can be permanently lengthened with full thickness skin grafts over Muller muscle.

Cochlear implants improve the quality of life of patients with bilateral severe sensorineural hearing loss. Normally, patients with cochlear implants can continue to use the devices for years without any complications. However, equipment failure or infection at the implant site could develop in some patients, and this might often necessitate implant replacement. Although cochlear implant replacement surgery itself is not a major risk in most cases, extensive tissue resection will be required in cases involving infection, and the insertion site of the temporal bone implant will need to be changed. We encountered a case of skin necrosis at the temporal bone implant site caused by constant external irritation from the temple of an eyeglass frame. The patient underwent cochlear implant replacement surgery involving full-thickness skin grafting from the abdomen. Thereafter, the patient’s condition improved. Full-thickness skin grafting can be useful in cases of extensive skin defects encountered during cochlear implant replacement.

Insufficient oxygen supply represents a relevant issue in several fields of human physiology and medicine. It has been suggested that the implantation of photosynthetic cells can provide oxygen to tissues in the absence of a vascular supply. This approach has been demonstrated to be successful in several in vitro and in vivo models; however, no data is available about their safety in human patients. Here, an early phase-1 clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03960164, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03960164) is presented to evaluate the safety and feasibility of implanting photosynthetic scaffolds for dermal regeneration in eight patients with full-thickness skin wounds. Overall, this trial shows that the presence of the photosynthetic microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in the implanted scaffolds did not trigger any deleterious local or systemic immune responses in a 90 days follow-up, allowing full tissue regeneration in humans. The results presented here represent the first attempt to treat patients with photosynthetic cells, supporting the translation of photosynthetic therapies into clinics.Clinical Trial Registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03960164, identifier: NCT03960164.

New autologous skin regeneration technology yielded full‐thickness skin as evidenced by clinical observation and skin biopsy 5 months after surgery, providing relief for debilitating split‐thickness skin graft contracture in a pediatric burn case., New autologous skin regeneration technology yielded full‐thickness skin as evidenced by clinical observation and skin biopsy 5 months after surgery, providing relief for debilitating split‐thickness skin graft contracture in pediatric burn case.

Objective To evaluate the effects of azelnidipine-carboxyl methyl cellulose (AZL-CMC) gel and carboxyl methyl cellulose 2% gel (CMC) on the healing of full-thickness skin wounds of diabetic rats. Methods Fifteen Sprague Dawley male rats were studied. The rats were divided into three groups: AZL-CMC gel-treated, CMC 2% gel-treated, and control group. Wounds were assessed by wound area measurement every 3 days and histopathology samples were collected at 4, 7 and 12 days post wounding to evaluate the healing process using stereological study. Mann-Whitney U-test repeated measurement and non-parametric one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the data using SPSS, version 18. Results Numerical density of the fibroblasts of the AZL-CMC gel treated group was 59.17±2.69 (×104/mm3) and higher than the control 22.64±1.34 (×104/mm3) and CMC 2%-treated groups 40.80±5.27 (×104/mm3), respectively, P

Resumen Introducción No existe un algoritmo de manejo estándar de la recurrencia de la Enfermedad de Dupuytren; el injerto de piel de espesor total posterior a dermofasciectomía ofrece una opción viable para el manejo. El objetivo del estudio fue describir el tamaño del injerto, movilidad articular, satisfacción con la apariencia y funcionalidad, así como complicaciones en pacientes con recurrencia de Enfermedad de Dupuytren, tratados con injerto de piel de espesor total posterior a dermofasciectomía. Material y Métodos Se realizó un estudio de cohorte en pacientes con recurrencia de Enfermedad de Dupuytren tratados con injerto de espesor total de piel posterior a la dermofasciectomía. Se incluyeron 22 dedos de 19 pacientes con edad promedio de 64,7 años. Las principales variables registradas fueron: grados de flexión pre y postquirúrgica en la articulación MF e IFP, tamaño del injerto, tiempo de seguimiento postquirúrgico, satisfacción de los resultados con la apariencia del injerto y funcionalidad en la vida diaria, así como las complicaciones. Resultados El tamaño promedio del injerto fue de 3,3 × 1,7cm y la duración del seguimiento de 24,7 meses en promedio. En el postquirúrgico, se alcanzó extensión completa de la MF; encontraste con 55,7° de flexión en el pre quirúrgico. La articulación IFP presentó, en promedio, flexión de 64,2° (pre-quirúrgico) y en el postquirúrgico, se logró flexión y extensión completa en 8 dedos; déficit de extensión de 25° en 6 y contractura de 78,7°, en promedio, en 8 dedos. Diez de 19 pacientes, dijeron estar muy satisfechos con la apariencia del injerto y funcionalidad. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron alteraciones sensitivas. Conclusión Se demostraron buenos resultados en los grados de movilidad y satisfacción respecto a la apariencia y funcionalidad; no existen reportes previos con la descripción del tamaño del injerto utilizado. En nuestra experiencia, la colocación de injerto es una opción terapéutica adecuada.

During a full-thickness skin graft procedure, the thickness of the harvested donor skin is adjusted based on the location of the recipient site and the judgment of the surgeon. Conventionally, the thickness of the harvested skin is roughly adjusted using surgical instruments such as scalpels and scissors. However, this method is not only time-consuming, but also requires effort to obtain both the desired thickness of the harvested skin and a smooth surface of that skin. Moreover, there is a possibility of skin perforation. Hence, the authors devised a method of adjusting harvested skin thickness using the Versajet Hydrosurgery System. The Versajet device is a handheld hydrosurgical tool that delivers a high-speed jet stream of saline solution, which enables the precise debridement of tissue. This method makes it easier and faster for the surgeon to obtain the desired thickness of harvested skin. In addition, by obtaining a smooth surface and an even thickness of harvested donor skin, this technique may lead to improved graft viability.

Background Degloving injuries of the limb are severe and frequently underrated. Few researches are available comparing the results of reattachment of the degloved skin grafts with the vacuum sealing drainage technique and the traditional compression dressing method. In this study, we aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of these two approaches. Methods Eighty-three consecutive patients were treated for degloving injury of the limb. Based on the treatment approach, the patients were divided into vacuum sealing drainage group (VSD group, n = 55) and traditional compression dressing group (TCD group, n = 28). After reattachment, the degloved skin was secured with stitches and compressed with VSD or TCD. The outcomes were mainly assessed based on the percentage of skin graft take. Result In VSD group, there were excellent results in 18, fair in 9 and poor in 28, respectively; In TCD group, there were excellent results in 11, fair in 10 and poor in 7, respectively. Statistically, no significant difference was found between two groups in terms of the category of excellent results. However, significant higher incidence of poor results with necrotic areas exceeding 50% was observed in the VSD group than that in the TCD group. In addition, although the duration of hospitalization in the VSD group was shorter than that in the TCD group, the medical supply costs and total costs were much higher than that of the TCD group. Conclusion VSD and TCD are equally effective in the management of degloving injuries of the limb; however, VSD technique may potentially have a higher risk of poor results with increased hospital charges. The traditional approach still has its merits in clinical practice, especially in rural hospitals when VSD is not available or unaffordable.

Amaç: Bu makalede MatriDerm®’in farklı etiyojilere sahip çeşitli anatomikbölgelerdeki defektlerin onarımında başarılı bir şekilde kullanılabildiğininortaya koyulması amaçlanmıştır.Gereç ve Yöntemler: Pubmed’de anahtar kelimeler tarandı ve son on yılda MatriDerm® ve kısmıkalınlıkta deri grefti kullanılarak tek seanste onarılan defektlerinbildirildiği raporlar çalışmaya dahil edildi. Etiyolojik faktör ve anatomikbölge bilgisi olmayan vakalar ve yazı dili İngilizce olmayan makalelerçalışmaya dahil edilmedi. 24 ayrı çalışmadaki toplam 299 vakanın verilerideğerlendirildi.Bulgular: Matridermin büyük oranda travma (n:68, % 22,7), yanık (n:63, % 21),diyabetik ayak (n:62, % 20,7) ve flep donör alanlarında (n:50, % 16,7)kullanılmaktadır. Çoğunlukla alt ekstremite (n:58, % 52,8) ve üst ekstremite(n:118, % 39,5)deki defektlerin onarımında kullanılmaktadır. Sonuç: Matriderm ve kısmi kalınlıkta deri grefti akut yanık, travma ve konjenitalanomalilerde; kontraktür açılmasına,tümör eksizyonuna, nekrotizan fasit gibi enfeksiyonlara sekonder yaralarda; kronik ülserler ve diyabetik ayak yaralarında; vücudun her bölgesindeki tam kat deridefekleri için güvenle kullanılabilir., Aim: Pointing out that MatriDerm® can be applied todefects with wide range of etiologic factors at various anatomical regions isaimed.Material and Methods: Keywords were searched at Pubmed and articles thatreport defects which were repaired at a single stage using MatriDerm® and splitthickness skin graft are included. Cases that do not have etiologic factor andanatomical region information and articles whose main texts language are notEnglish are excluded. Total of 299 cases from 24 reports are considered.Findings: It is seen that MatriDerm® is applied mostly for trauma (n:68, 22.7 %),burn (n:63, 21 %), diabetic foot (n:62, 20.7 %) and flap donor area (n:50, 16 %). It is used mainly for defects at lower extremity (n:58, 52.8 %) and upper extremity (n:118, 39.5 %).Conclusion: MatriDerm® with split thickness skin graft can beapplied to trauma, burn, , diabetic foot wounds, chronic ulsers, defects secondary to necrotising fasciitis and scar contracture release, tumor excision and congenitalanomaly surgeries for reparing full thickness skin defects at any region of thebody

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 full-thickness skin defects in a single step and can increase the healing rate while improving the quality of wound healing.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of a surgical site infection (SSI) in dermatologic surgery can be entirely based on a subjective assessment according to the 4th criterion of the most common definition of an SSI, which was established by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).OBJECTIVES: To investigate the interobserver agreement between dermatologists in their diagnosis of SSI of dermatosurgical wounds.METHODS: An international electronic photographic survey with eight photographs of wounds 1 week after full-thickness skin grafting (FTSG) was sent to dermatologists. All wounds were assessed in terms of visual criteria beforehand. Data collected from respondents included physician characteristics and experience, and SSI assessments of all wounds.RESULTS: A total of 393 dermatologists from 27 countries enrolled. Most respondents were from the United States (25%), followed by Sweden (24%) and the United Kingdom (13%). There was only a slight interobserver agreement on SSI suspicion (κ = 0·19). SSI suspicion was lower for male physicians (P = 0·03), board-certified dermatologists (P = 0·001), physicians regularly assessing surgical wounds (P = 0·03), and physicians performing FTSG (P < 0·001). Swedish physicians diagnosed more SSIs than US physicians (P = 0·002). Erythema was more common in cases with higher SSI suspicion.CONCLUSION: This study reveals a broad inter-rater variability in the diagnosis of SSI, illustrating the need for novel objective diagnostic methods that can better capture the variables that constitute an SSI. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Less)

PURPOSE: Repair of giant incisional hernia often requires complex surgery and the results of conventional methods using synthetic mesh as reinforcement are unsatisfactory, with high recurrence and complication rates. Our hypothesis was that full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) provides an alternative reinforcement material for giant incisional hernia repair and that outcome is improved. The aim of this study was to compare FTSG with conventional materials currently used as reinforcement in the repair of giant incisional hernia. METHODS: A prospective randomised controlled trial was conducted, comparing FTSG with synthetic mesh as reinforcement in the repair of giant (> 10 cm minimum width) incisional hernia. One-year follow-up included a blinded clinical examination by a surgeon and objective measurements of abdominal muscle strength using the Biodex-4 system. RESULTS: 52 patients were enrolled in the study: 24 received FTSG and 28 synthetic mesh. Four recurrences (7.7%) were found at 1-year follow-up, two in each group. There were no significant differences regarding pain, patient satisfaction or aesthetic outcome between the groups. Strength in the abdominal wall was not generally improved in the study population and there was no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: The outcome of repair of giant incisional hernia using FTSG as reinforcement is comparable with repair using synthetic mesh. This suggests that FTSG may have a future place in giant incisional hernia repair.

In this study, single factor experiments and orthogonal test were designed to fabricate a novel poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), human-like collagen (HLC) and sodium alginate (SA) composite hydrogel as w...

BACKGROUND Previous studies indicated that both Plantago major and Aloe vera have anti-inflammatory, tissue regeneration, antioxidant, and immune-stimulatory effects. It is assumed that a mixture of these two herbal medicines may provide a potent material in treatment of skin wound injuries. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effects of Plantago major and Aloe vera mixture in the process of wound healing in rat models according to stereological parameters. METHODS In an experiential study, 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats (200±20 g) were randomly assigned into three groups (n=12): The control group which received no treatment, gel base treated group, and the 5% Plantago major and 5% Aloe vera mixture gel treated group (PA group). Treatments were done every 24 hrs for 15 days. Wound closure rate, volume densities of the collagen bundles and the vessels, vessel’s length density and mean diameter, and fibroblast populations were estimated using stereological methods. RESULTS PA treated group showed faster wound closure rate in comparison with control and gel-base groups (p

Background: Acute traumatic wounds are a common and distressing event for patients presenting to plastic surgery clinics. There are no definitive conclusions regarding the benefits of collagen-based wound care products toward the application on full-thickness wounds compared to traditional ointment or gauze care. In this clinical trial, we aimed to define the potential benefits of collagen-based dressings on healing through the comparison of collagen-based composite dressings with antibiotic ointment dressings. Methods: This was a randomized two-tailed controlled clinical trial. The acute full-thickness wounds underwent wound cleansing, debridement, and were secured with different dressings in both experimental and control groups. The wounds were subsequently photographed weekly, and the wound areas were calculated using ImageJ software to evaluate wound healing rate. Results: The results demonstrate that the collagen-based triple layer composite dressings which consisted of silver sheet, collagen sponge, and foam films promoted better epithelialization and healing than antibiotic ointment treatment. Collagen supplementation improved wound healing and epithelialization by providing a dry environment during the late stage of wound healing. Conclusion: We demonstrated that the collagen-based triple layer wound dressing could potentially increase the healing rate when used for traumatic full-thickness wound care compared to the conventional antibiotic ointment dressing, providing a new prospective in the future applications of wound care.

Background: To investigate the role and difference of autologous stromal vascular fraction（SVF）cells and allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs) in full-thickness skin graft.Methods: SVF cells and ADSCs were prepared from the inguinal fat pad of the rats, and full-thickness skin on the back of the rats were transplanted in situ. then, SVF, ADSCs and PBS were injected under the graft. Gross survival, H-E staining, Masson staining, CD31 and VEGF immunofluorescence were observed on 3d, 7d and 14d respectively.Results: the survival rate of SVF group was the best, followed by ADSCs group (pConclusion: Subcutaneous injection of autologous SVF or allogeneic ADSCs cells can improve the survival rate of full-thickness skin grafts. In addition, the effect of autologous SVF cells is better than that of allogeneic ADSCs.

Autologous keratinocyte culture, and combinations of scaffolds, different cell types, solutions of macromolecules, or growth factors have contributed to the resurfacing of full-thickness skin defects. Ideally, a treatment for full-thickness skin defects should not merely reestablish continuity of the surface of the skin but should restore its structure to allow skin to function as a dynamic biological factory that can participate in protein synthesis, metabolism, and cell signaling, and form an essential part of the body’s immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. This paper provides a review of clinically available autologous skin replacements, highlighting the importance of regenerating an organ that will function physiologically.

Background The repair of large-scale full-thickness skin defects represents a challenging obstacle in skin tissue engineering. To address the most important problem in skin defect repair, namely insufficient blood supply, this study aimed to find a method that could promote the formation of vascularized skin tissue. Method The phenotypes of ASCs and EPCs were identified respectively, and ASCs/EPCs were co-cultured in vitro to detect the expression of dermal and angiogenic genes. Furthermore, the co-culture system combined with dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel was used to repair the full-scale skin defects in rats. Result The co-culture of ASCs/EPCs could increase skin- and angiogenesis-related gene expression in vitro. The results of in vivo animal experiments demonstrated that the ASCs/EPCs group could significantly accelerate the repair of skin defects by promoting the regeneration of vascularized skin. Conclusion It is feasible to replace traditional single-seed cells with the ASC/EPC co-culture system for vascularized skin regeneration. This system could ultimately enable clinicians to better repair the full-thickness skin defects and avoid donor site morbidity.

Objective. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of ozonated Aloe vera oil on the wound healing response of full-thickness defect tissue in Sprague-Dawley rats, assessed by collagen thickness and the number of fibroblasts. Methods. This was an experimental research method using control groups and treatment groups with a posttest only control group design. The results showed that collagen thickness in wounds tended to increase, assessed on day 3 and day 7 using Masson’s trichrome staining and microscopic evaluation. Results. There was a significant difference in the number of fibroblasts between the two control and treatment groups on days 3 and 7 tested using one-way Kruskal–Wallis test, with a value of p = 0.001 p < 0.05 , resulting in a significant difference in wound size reduction between the groups. Further post hoc analysis using the Mann–Whitney test indicated a significant difference between the control groups and the treatment groups (P0, P1 versus P3, P4, P5, P8, P9, and P10) with a value of p = 0.009 p < 0.05 . Conclusions. Ozonated Aloe vera oil is effective in increasing the healing response of full-thickness defects, leading to the increase in the number of fibroblasts and collagen thickening that in turn accelerates wound healing in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Impaired wound healing is an immense medical challenge, and while autologous skin grafting remains the “gold-standard” therapeutic option for repairing wounds that cannot be closed by primary or secondary intention, it is limited by substantial donor site morbidity. We previously developed the alternative approach of harvesting full-thickness skin tissue in the form of “micro skin tissue columns” (MSTCs), without causing scarring or any other long-term morbidity. In this study we investigated how MSTC treatment affects the different cellular processes involved in wound healing. We found that MSTC-derived cells were able to remodel and repopulate the wound volume, and positively impact multiple aspects of the wound healing process, including accelerating re-epithelialization by providing multiple cell sources throughout the wound area, increasing collagen deposition, enhancing dermal remodeling, and attenuating the inflammatory response. These effects combined to enhance both epidermal and dermal wound healing. This MSTC treatment approach was designed for practical clinical use, could convey many benefits of autologous skin grafting, and avoids the major drawback of donor site morbidity.

Summary:. Split-thickness skin graft has been the standard in the coverage of large full-thickness skin defects. However, donor sites can be associated with significant pain and scarring. Further, the recipient sites frequently lack some basic skin functions, such as temperature regulation, uniform texture, appropriate color, normal pliability, elasticity, and lubrication. Full-thickness skin grafts, while able to more adequately recapitulate skin function, have even greater donor site requirements. Implantation of full-thickness skin micro-columns is a relatively novel concept in which the skin is harvested orthogonally rather than tangentially. These micro-columns contain elements of full-thickness skin grafts, including reticular dermal fibroblasts, hair follicles, skin adnexa, and adipose tissue—all elements that contribute to skin function. Notably, it has been shown that the diameter of the skin micro-columns determine donor site morbidity; however, in most cases, full-thickness skin micro-column harvest results in a trivial donor site far less invasive or morbid than a traditional full-thickness skin graft or split-thickness skin graft harvest. Here, we present 2 cases in which full-thickness skin micro-columns were harvested and implanted into a bilayer dermal regeneration matrix (Integra) to achieve durable single-stage skin replacement with practically no donor site morbidity.