Graft Edge Research Articles

Investigating the Impact of Wound Edge Approximation with Skin Grafting on Hypertrophic Scar Reduction: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

In modern burn care, the focus extends beyond mere patient survival to encompass long-term functional and cosmetic outcomes. Research suggests that the technique and manner of suturing during skin grafting play a significant role in scar formation. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of wound edge approximation with skin grafting compared to the conventional approach, where the graft edge exclusively interacts with the wound edge, in reducing hypertrophic scar development. Seventy-four burn unit patients eligible for grafting were randomly allocated into two groups: those receiving grafts with overlapping edges (Group A) and those receiving grafts with edges tailored to the burn wound (Group B). Evaluation of graft sites occurred immediately post-surgery and at 1 and 6 months post-operatively using the standardized Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) administered by trained surgeons. The findings of this study revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two examined groups regarding the average duration of hospitalization and the mean thickness of wounds (P>0.05). Similarly, the mean scores for pain, vascular index, and pigmentation index immediately post-surgery, at 1 month, and 6 months later, as well as the scar height index and flexibility immediately and at 1 month post-surgery, and the Vancouver Scar Scale index at the study's conclusion, showed no significant variation between the two groups (P>0.05). However, at the 6-month follow-up, the mean scar height score (P=0.004) in the overlapping group and the mean flexibility score (P=0.017) in the non-overlapping group were significantly lower compared to the respective alternative group. This indicates a notable improvement in scar height and wound flexibility in the overlapping group over the non-overlapping group after 6 months.

Partial Deployment to Save Space for Vessel Cannulation When Treating Complex Aortic Aneurysms with Narrow Paravisceral Lumen Is Also Feasible Using Inner-Branched Pre-Cannulated Endografts.

Introduction: The aim of this paper is to propose a sequential deployment technique for the E-nside off-the-shelf endograft that could potentially enhance target visceral vessel (TVV) cannulation and overstenting in narrow aortic anatomies. Methods: All data regarding patients consecutively treated in two aortic centers with the E-nside graft employing the partial deployment technique were included in the study cohort and analyzed. To execute the procedure with partial endograft deployment, the device should be prepared before insertion by advancing, under fluoroscopy, all four dedicated 400 cm long 0.018″ non-hydrophilic guidewires until their proximal ends reach the cranial graft's edge. Anticipating this guidewire placement prevents the inability to do so once the endograft is partially released, avoiding potentially increased friction inside the constricted pre-loaded microchannels. The endograft is then advanced and deployed in the standard fashion, stopping just after the inner branch outlets are fully expanded. Tip capture is released, and the proximal end of the device is opened. Visceral vessel bridging is completed from an upper access in the desired sequence, and the graft is fully released after revascularizing one or more arteries. Preventing the distal edge of the graft from fully expanding improves visceral vessel cannulation and bridging component advancement, especially when dealing with restricted lumina. Results: A total of 26 patients were treated during the period December 2019-March 2024 with the described approach. Procedure was performed in urgent settings in 14/26 cases. The available lumen was narrower than 24 mm at the origin of at least one target vessel in 11 out of 26 cases performed (42.3%). Technical success was obtained in 24 out of 26 cases (92.3%), with failures being due to TVVs loss. No intraoperative death or surgical conversion was recorded, and no early reintervention was needed in the perioperative period. Clinical success at 30 days was therefore 80.7%. Conclusions: The described technique could be considered effective in saving space outside of the graft, allowing for safe navigation and target vessel cannulation in narrow visceral aortas, similar to what has already been reported for outer-branched endografts.

Hybrid technique of tuck-in Tenon's patch graft and tissue adhesives and bandage contact lens (TABCL) for large corneal perforation in microbial keratitis.

We describe the hybrid technique of tuck-in Tenon's patch graft (TPG) and tissue adhesive bandaged contact lens (TABCL) for large corneal perforations (>5 mm) with intact surrounding stroma. Management of large corneal perforation is often challenging, and urgent availability of donor cornea might be difficult; Tenon patch alone does not provide tectonic support; hence, this hybrid technique can be used safely in large perforations. This involves freshening the perforation edges, creating a 3600 stromal pocket, harvesting a Tenon's graft 1 mm oversized, tucking into the pocket, and suturing. Then areas of leakage were noted, and only those areas were supplemented with minimal cyanoacrylate glue (CG) at the graft edges. This technique was used in two eyes, one with a large corneal perforation and intact surrounding stroma and the other with 4 mm corneal fistula post healed keratitis with a failed primary TPG alone, and led to epithelialization and a smooth corneal surface at 6 weeks. The advantages include autologous tissue, cost-effective, easily available, minimal post-operative inflammation, vascularization, and surface irregularity.

Assessing acellular scaffold viability with T2-weighted relaxation time value imaging: imaging variables and early clinical associations at 6 months following patellofemoral cartilage repair

ObjectiveThis study aims to describe novel MRI imaging characteristics using T2-weighted relaxation time values (T2RVs) for evaluating acellular graft status following cartilage repair, addressing the limitations identified in current imaging techniques. Materials and MethodsNine patients (11 lesions) underwent cartilage repair procedures for patellofemoral cartilage lesions. Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) for pain and Tegner scores for function were the primary clinical outcomes measures, with clinical failure defined as nil improvement of either score at follow-up. Radiological outcomes were MRI variables centered around evaluating two main domains – Graft Viability and Integration, with individual imaging characteristics being identified based on these two domains. ResultsAt six postoperative months, clinical success was observed in 89% (8) of the patients. On average, VAS decreased by 2.6 and Tegner improved by 1.9 points respectively, with just one patient experiencing no pain relief or functional improvement at follow-up. To evaluate the viability and integration of the implanted grafts, several pertinent MR variables were utilized, namely T2RV distribution and range, graft surface, matrix and edge characteristics, as well as subchondral bone characteristics. The singular graft failure identified on MRI displayed unique characteristics not identified on the other grafts - that of heterogeneously high T2RV signals within the graft with a discontinuous matrix. ConclusionsT2RV imaging offers a non-invasive method for evaluating cartilage graft viability and integration, potentially improving postoperative monitoring and patient outcomes. Despite promising results, limitations such as sample size and lack of long-term follow-up data need to be addressed in future studies.

Double-Bubble Technique Assisted by Holding Forceps: A Modified Technique in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty for Vitrectomized Eyes With Scleral Fixated Intraocular Lens.

Several techniques have been developed for graft unfolding approaches in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). However, despite these techniques, graft deployment and configuration in eyes with deep anterior chambers remain challenging in some cases. Therefore, in this study, we described a modified technique for DMEK, known as the "double-bubble technique assisted by holding forceps." This was a retrospective interventional case series. Patients who underwent DMEK between August 2022 and July 2023, including cases with a history of vitrectomy and scleral fixation of intraocular lens, were enrolled in this study. Two experienced surgeons performed DMEK. In brief, after graft insertion into the anterior chamber, the first bubble with a small volume of air was injected above the graft to open the tight roll, and the graft edge was held using a 25-gauge graft manipulator. The second bubble was injected underneath the graft for fixation, while the graft edge was grasped using forceps during gas injection. The graft was released from the forceps. Best spectacle corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, and incidence of postoperative complications were measured before and after DMEK. Eleven eyes of 11 patients were included in this study (mean follow-up period, 4.5 ± 4.4 months). Best spectacle corrected visual acuity and central corneal thickness significantly improved postoperatively ( P < 0.001). Rebubbling was required in 2 eyes; no other postoperative complications or primary graft failure were observed. The present technique enables safe and feasible DMEK surgery in vitrectomized eyes with scleral fixated IOLs and in those with a deep anterior chamber.

Size Comparison of the Cadaveric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Midsubstance Cross-Sectional Area and the Cross-Sectional Area of Semitendinosus Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Autografts in Surgery.

The purpose of this study was to compare the cadaveric midsubstance cross-sectional anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) area and the cross-sectional semitendinosus (ST) double-bundle ACL autograft area in surgery. Thirty-nine nonpaired formalin-fixed cadaveric knees and 39 subjects undergoing ST double-bundle ACL reconstruction were included in this study. After soft tissue resection, cadaveric knees were flexed at 90 degrees, and the tangential line of the femoral posterior condyles was marked and sliced on the ACL midsubstance. The cross-sectional ACL area was measured using Image J software. In the patients undergoing ACL surgery, the harvested ST was cut and divided into anteromedial (AM) bundle and posterolateral (PL) bundle. Each graft edge diameter was measured by a sizing tube, and the cross-sectional graft area was calculated: (AM diameter/2)2 × 3.14 + (PL diameter/2)2 × 3.14. Statistical analysis was performed for the comparison of the cross-sectional area between the cadaveric ACL midsubstance and the ST double-bundle ACL autografts. The cadaveric midsubstance cross-sectional ACL area was 49.0 ± 16.3 mm2. The cross-sectional ST double-bundle autografts area was 52.8 ± 7.6 mm2. The ST double-bundle autograft area showed no significant difference when compared with the midsubstance cross-sectional ACL area. ST double-bundle autografts were shown to be capable of reproducing the midsubstance cross-sectional ACL area.

Penerapan Teknik Partisi Langkah Kuda Papan Catur pada Pelabelan Super (a,d)-P_2 (▷) ̇ H-Antimagic Total Covering Sebarang Dua Graf dan Aplikasinya

Let be a finite collection of simple, nontrivial and undirected graphs. A graph is as antimagic total covering if there is bijectif function for every subgraph in which isomorfic to and the total weight, form arithmetic sequence , in which a,b are integers and n is a number of graph cover of which the result of total comb product operation. A antimagic total covering is as "super" if smallest label is used for vertex labelling. The way for labelling a graph this time, using a knight move partition techniques application. The graph use total comb product operation . Take a copy of and a number of , then put the copy of -sequence in graph vertex to -sequence vertex of and put the copy of -sequence in graft edge to -sequence edge of is definition of total comb product. In this article, will be investigated about Knight Move Partition Techniques Application in Labelling Super Antimagic Total Covering for Any Two Graphs and Its Application (in Constructing Ciphertext).

V06-09 DORSAL ONLAY LINGUAL MUCOSA GRAFT URETHROPLASTY FOR FEMALE URETHRAL STRICTURE

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022V06-09 DORSAL ONLAY LINGUAL MUCOSA GRAFT URETHROPLASTY FOR FEMALE URETHRAL STRICTURE Claire Richard, Benoit Peyronnet, Alice Drain, Juliette Hascoet, Nirit Rosenblum, Rachael Sussman, Lucas Freton, Lee C. Zhao, Victor W. Nitti, and Benjamin Brucker Claire RichardClaire Richard More articles by this author , Benoit PeyronnetBenoit Peyronnet More articles by this author , Alice DrainAlice Drain More articles by this author , Juliette HascoetJuliette Hascoet More articles by this author , Nirit RosenblumNirit Rosenblum More articles by this author , Rachael SussmanRachael Sussman More articles by this author , Lucas FretonLucas Freton More articles by this author , Lee C. ZhaoLee C. Zhao More articles by this author , Victor W. NittiVictor W. Nitti More articles by this author , and Benjamin BruckerBenjamin Brucker More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002586.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The most widely accepted definition of female urethral stricture (FUS) is a symptomatic, anatomical narrowing of the urethra based on a failure of catheterization, urethral calibration, visual inspection, endoscopy or radiography. Thus it is a rare condition, its diagnostic and treatment are challenging for the reconstructive urologist. METHODS: We present the case of a 47 year-old female, with a urethral stricture due to vulvar lichen sclerosus inducing incomplete bladder emptying and recurrent urinary tract infections. We decided to use lingual mucosa because the buccal mucosa was also affected by the lichen. The aim of this video was to describe the procedure of dorsal onlay lingual mucosa graft urethroplasty. RESULTS: The operating time was 70 minutes. The procedure began with the injection of adrenaline and xylocaine serum. An inverted U incision was performed anterior to the urethra. Dissection was carried out in the plane developed between the underlying urethra and overlying clitoral cavernous tissue. A dorsal urethrotomy was performed at a 12 o’ clock position until healthy proximal urethra was reached. The lingual mucosa graft was harvested after having identified the Wharton’s duct orifices. The graft edges were incised using a scalpel and the graft was removed using sharp scissors. The graft was maturated by removing the fat and muscular tissue of its non-mucosal side. The graft was sutured to the margins of the urethral plate. The distal part of the graft was quilted to the above periurethral flap in order to recreate the ventral aspect of the urethral meatus. A 18FR silicone catheter was placed carefully at the end of the procedure. No peri operative complication occurred. The patient was discharged two days after surgery and did not have recurrence of stricture after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal onlay lingual mucosa graft urethroplasty is a feasible option for female urethral stricture with satisfactory postoperative outcomes. Source of Funding: No © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e567 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Claire Richard More articles by this author Benoit Peyronnet More articles by this author Alice Drain More articles by this author Juliette Hascoet More articles by this author Nirit Rosenblum More articles by this author Rachael Sussman More articles by this author Lucas Freton More articles by this author Lee C. Zhao More articles by this author Victor W. Nitti More articles by this author Benjamin Brucker More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Surgical Repair of Two Kinds of Type A Aortic Dissection After Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

BackgroundRetrograde dissection is now recognized as an important complication following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The purpose of this study is to describe two different situations of TAAD after TEVAR. We will introduce the surgical methods used to repair TAAD following TEVAR at our center, and evaluate its long-term prognosis.MethodsBetween January 2010 and October 2019, 50 patients who had previously received TEVAR treatment for TBAD were admitted to our center for repair of a type A aortic dissection. According to the patients’ CT angiographies and intra-operative findings, we identified two distinct groups: a retrograde group (stent-induced new aortic injury, with retrograde extension involving the ascending aorta) and an antegrade group (entry tear located in the aortic root, ascending aorta or the aortic arch, away from the edges of the stent grafts). The options for treatment of the proximal aorta were Bentall procedure (12/50, 24.0%) and ascending aorta replacement (38/50, 76.0%). All patients underwent total arch replacement (TAR) and frozen elephant trunk (FET) implantation. Survival over the follow-up period was evaluated with the Kaplan–Meier survival curve and the log-rank test.ResultsThe median interval time from prior TEVAR to reoperation was 187 days (IQR: 30.0, 1375.0 days). 18.0% of TAAD after TEVAR did not have any obvious symptoms at the time of diagnosis, most of which were found on routine follow-up imaging. The patients in the retrograde group were younger than those in the antegrade group (44.0 ± 9.4 vs. 51.4 ± 10.5 years, P = 0.012). No significant differences in the incidence of post-operative complications or mortality were noted between the two groups. The mean follow-up time was 3 years. No late death or complications occurred after one year following surgery upon follow-up. The asymptomatic survival rate one year after surgery was 90.0%.ConclusionThe TAR and FET technique was feasible and effective for complicated TAAD after TEVAR. The surgical success rate and long-term prognosis of patients undergoing the timely operation are satisfactory.

Tuck in versus cauterisation of graft edge in pterygium management: A comparative retrospective interventional analysis.

PURPOSE:To compare and evaluate surgical outcome between tuck in and cauterisation in the management of primary pterygium.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Two groups of 56 eyes and 58 eyes with primary pterygium underwent pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft fixation by tucking in alone (Group 1) and with cauterization (Group 2), respectively. A retrospective comparative analysis was done between the two groups.RESULTS:This study included a total of 114 eyes in the final analysis. The recurrence was noted in 3 eyes in Group 1 (5.35%), whereas only 1 eye (1.72%) in Group 2. Other complications included graft edema in 25 eyes (44.64%), in Group 1 and 29 eyes (50%) in Group 2, subconjunctival hemorrhage seen in 28 eyes (50%) in Group 1 and 32 eyes (55.17%) in Group 2, graft retraction observed in 28 eyes (50%) in Group 1 and 13 eyes (22.4%) in Group 2, granuloma formation was seen only in one patient (1.72%) in Group 2, graft loss was observed in four patients (7.14%) in Group 1 and 2 patients (3.44%) in Group 2.CONCLUSION:Graft fixation in pterygium surgery using low-cost procedures with tuck in or cauterization proves to be tolerable, safe and successful method. An additional step of fixing the graft to the cut conjunctival margin using bipolar cautery proves to be safer.

ROLE OF FIBRIN GLUE FOR BETTER SUCCESS RATE IN MYRINGOPLASTY

Objective: To see graft uptake success rate in platelet rich fibrin aided underlay myringoplasties using temporalis fascia graft compared to conventional underlay myringoplasties.&#x0D; Study Design: Double blind randomized controlled trial study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: ENT department, Pakistan Naval Ship Shifa Hospital, from Jan to Jun 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Sixty cases with dry central tympanic membrane perforations were recruited. The patients suffering from sensori-neural hearing loss and co-morbidities like diabetes were excluded. The sampling technique was probability simple random. Patients were divided into two groups by lottery method. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS. The chi square test was applied to calculate p-value.&#x0D; Results: Out of total 60 patients 38 were males and 22 were females. Study group’s (Fibrin) mean age was 31.77 ± 12.43 years and Control group’s mean age was 27.53 ± 11.41 years. All the patients in platelet rich fibrin group had successful graft uptake at 2 months follow-up. In control group with conventional technique 23 out of 30 patients had successful graft uptake and rest 7 patients had different issues leading to graft rejection.&#x0D; Conclusion: In under lay myringoplasty procedure, application of platelet rich fibrin on temporalis fascia graft edge and perforation edges has significantly improved the successful uptake rate of graft.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE GRAFT AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CONJUNCTIVAL AUTOGRAFT IN PTERYGIUM

AIM: To compare the efficiency and safety of amniotic membrane graft (AMG) as an alternative to conjunctival autografting (CAG) in pterygium surgery. METHOD: During period 2019 to 2021 in DMCH, Darbhanga. Study was conducted in which 70 patients of different age group were included. Patients were randomly selected and divided into two groups of 35 each. One group was undergo pterygium excision with AMG using fibrin glue and the other group undergo pterygium excision with CAG using fibrin glue. RESULT: Graft edema was seen more among the CAG, 3 cases (8.57%) than AMG, 2 cases (5.71%), Clinically insignificant( P value= 0.64).Graft edge recession was seen more in CAG,4 cases(11.42%) than AMG,2 cases(5.71%),clinically insignificant(P value=0.39).Recurrence rate was slightly low in AMG, 2 cases(5.71%) than AMG,3 cases(8.57%),clinically insignificant(P value=0.64). CONCLUSION: Both AMG and CAG method are equally effective treatment with comparable recurrence rate, graft edema and graft edge recession.

668 Fixation of Split-Thickness Skin Grafts with Liquid Adhesive and Fibrin Glue in Place of Staples

Abstract Introduction A critical component of split-thickness skin grafting is the fixation of the skin graft to the wound site. Graft displacement can result in graft failure, especially during the initial 48–72 hours following application. The most common method of securing grafts is with the use of staples, sometimes with the addition of fibrin glue in order to aid both graft adhesion and homeostasis. The use of staples, however, is associated with significant levels of patient discomfort, especially during staple removal. A possible alternative to staples is the use of liquid adhesives, in combination with steri-strips, to anchor the edges of skin grafts to intact skin. Certain liquid adhesives, such as gum-based resins, are cheaper to use than staples and offer the potential to secure small split-thickness skin grafts without the associated pain of staples. In this pilot study, we examined the effectiveness of using a combination of gum-based resin (Gum Mastic-Storax-Msal-Alcohol), fibrin glue, and steri-strips to secure partial-thickness grafts in 8 patients without the use of staples or sutures. Methods Patients were included in the study who required split-thickness skin grafts to treat wounds involving less than or equal to 15% total surface body area and whose wounds were not located in areas prone to graft displacement, such as the axilla and groin. For each patient, skin grafts were secured using fibrin glue (sprayed over the entire wound), and a combination of liquid adhesive and steri-strips applied around the wound perimeter. The success of each graft was determined by the percentage of graft take. Results From January 1st, 2020 to April 30th, 2020, 8 patients were identified who fit the inclusion criteria. Five of the patients received grafts to their lower extremities, two patients received grafts to their upper extremities, and one of the patients received a graft to the torso. The average wound site that was grafted was 116.7 cm2. Average graft take among the 8 patients was 96.9%, with a range of 90%-100%. No complications at the graft site were noted, such as hematomas or any other event that resulted in graft displacement or failure. Conclusions The results of the study demonstrate that a combination of liquid adhesive, fibrin glue, and steri-strips, can be used as an effective alternative to staples in small split-thickness skin grafts. The use of liquid adhesive in place of staples was advantageous because it eliminated to need for staple removal, which resulted in less discomfort for the patient and less work for the nursing staff.

Hybrid Approach with Angiography and Limited Open Exposure to Treat Type Ia Endoleaks after Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Type Ia endoleaks after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) almost always mandate secondary percutaneous reinterventions. Several patients, however, will require conversion to open surgical repair with complete graft explant, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We herein present 3 cases of hybrid surgical repair for type Ia endoleaks, using a limited open exposure for proximal stent graft edge revision to achieve graft preservation and effective aneurysm sac exclusion. Angiography was used to confirm type Ia endoleak in 3 patients (2 males) who had previous EVAR between October 2017 and October 2019. Time to the endoleak after the index EVAR was immediate in 1 patient during repair of a ruptured aneurysm, 2 months in 1 patient and 2 years in 1 patient. The aorta was exposed through a limited transabdominal (n = 1) or retroperitoneal (n = 2) approach and circumferential aortic control was achieved below the renal arteries. A row of interrupted horizontal mattress sutures of 3-0 polypropylene reinforced with Teflon pledgets was placed along the aortic neck circumference. Multi-planar angiography was then repeated to verify the absence of sac filling and successful type Ia endoleak exclusion. Follow-up abdominal duplex was obtained for all 3 patients after discharge to monitor the stent graft and confirm endoleak resolution. Furthermore, there were no instances of acute renal failure. In the period of review, 77 patients underwent EVAR. In the 3 patients described, we were able to achieve complete aneurysm sac exclusion and stent graft preservation in all cases. Follow-up imaging was available on 2 patients at 4-6 weeks after surgery demonstrating sustained exclusion of the endoleak. Two patients died during follow-up: one from a myocardial infarction 7 weeks after surgery and one from metastatic lung cancer at 8 months after surgery. Follow up duplex imaging at one year on the single survivor demonstrated sac shrinkage and absence of endoleak. Type Ia endoleaks represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality after EVAR and typically require repair to avoid aneurysm rupture. Our use of limited proximal revision without explant provides an alternative approach to resolve the endoleaks while reducing the magnitude of physiological stress when compared to an open explant. It represents a feasible option for high-risk patients.

A comparison on the scar development when done through overlapping versus approximating seams techniques — A clinical trial

IntroductionSkin autografting is performed widely for deep burn wounds as an ideal coverage. Scaring at the site of grafting has been always a challenge for surgeons. Many methods have been proposed to lessen the probability of scaring, but conflicting results have been obtained. It is said that the suture type is important in the development of scaring. Seams technique has also been introduced to decrease scar after autografting. ObjectiveWe sought to compare two approximating (AP) and overlapping (OV) Seams technique to compare the development of scars. Methods and materialsPatients with deep burns of 10% to 50% TBSA who were candidates for grafting entered this double-blind randomized trial. One side of the graft was fixed with a stapler using the “approximating” technique and the other side was fixed by the “overlapping” technique with a 1–2 mm margin overlap. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) standard was used to evaluate scar formation at the graft edges at six months. Data entered SPSS 16 and analyzed. A P-value below 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. ResultsThirty-six patients entered. Two (5.6%) were females and 34 (94.4%) males. The mean age of patients was 39.14 ± 8.53 years. The mean burn surface area percentage was 15.2 ± 2.84. Vascularity Scar index had no statistically significant difference between the overlapping and approximating techniques (P = 0.564). However, pigmentation (P = 0.014), pliability (P = 0.008) and the height indices (P < 0.001) were statistically significantly better in the approximating technique. The mean of total score of Vancouver was better in the approximating technique as well (P < 0.001). ConclusionWe compared two techniques of Seams between the normal skin and the graft edge for the first time. We showed that the AP method had a better Vancouver score compared to the OV regarding pigmentation, height, and pliability indices.

Clinical effects of modified fascia flap from cutaneous branch of dorsal metacarpal artery in repairing the wound at the proximal and middle finger segments

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of modified fascia flap from cutaneous branch of dorsal metacarpal artery in repairing the wound at the proximal and middle finger segments. Methods: From January 2017 to September 2018, 12 patients with wounds at the proximal and middle finger segments were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, including 8 males and 4 females, aged 35-70 years. The areas of wounds ranged from 3.4 cm×2.4 cm to 6.5 cm×4.0 cm. The modified fascia flaps from cutaneous branch of dorsal metacarpal artery were resected to repair the wounds, with the size ranging from 3.5 cm×2.5 cm to 6.7 cm×4.1 cm. The flap donor sites of 5 patients were repaired with direct intermittent suture, the flap donor sites of 4 patients were repaired with full-thickness skin grafts from ipsilateral medial forearm, and the flap donor sites of 3 patients were repaired with wrist pedicled flaps. The survival of the flaps was recorded. Healing of donor site and recipient site was followed. The hand functions were evaluated with trial standard for the evaluation of the functions of the upper limbs of the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association. Results: All the flaps survived in 12 cases. During 3 to 12 months of follow-up, the flaps recovered satisfactorily in texture and shape. The donor sites of 11 patients were healed, and the skin graft edge area was partially necrotic in the other patient but healed later after dressing change. The distances of two-point discrimination of the patients ranged from 5.6 to 9.0 mm. Hand functions were evaluated as excellent in 5 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 3 cases. Conclusions: Modified fascia flap from cutaneous branch of dorsal metacarpal artery for repairing the wounds at the proximal and middle finger segments has reliable blood supply. The operation is simple and safe with short course of treatment, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

The influence of preparation and storage time on endothelial cells in Quarter-Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (Quarter-DMEK) grafts in vitro.

Quarter-Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (Quarter-DMEK) has been introduced as a modification of the standard DMEK technique to increase the pool of endothelial grafts. In this study, we evaluated in vitro changes in endothelial cell distribution, viability and morphology of Quarter-DMEK grafts when stored in organ-culture medium. Quarter-DMEK grafts were prepared from 5 corneas and stored in organ-culture medium for 4, 7 and 11days. Endothelial cell re-distribution was investigated by light microscopy, cell viability by a Calcein-AM assay, and expression of endothelial and non-endothelial markers by immunohistochemistry. Three standard DMEK-grafts were used as controls. After preparation, all Quarter-DMEK grafts showed a band with no viable endothelial cells along the radial cut graft edges [average width 190 (± 20)µm]. Endothelial cell density in the central graft area decreased by 12%, 23% and 26% after 4, 7, and 11days of storage, respectively. At the same time, empty bands along the cut edges were re-populated and some cells migrated to the stromal side of the Descemet membrane (DM). These cells showed an altered phenotype, as indicated by expression of migration marker CD73 and fibroblast marker αSMA. Majority of migration occurred within the first 4days of storage. Our data suggest that endothelial cells on Quarter-DMEK grafts re-distribute during organ-culture storage to re-populate preparation-induced empty bands and after re-distribution, cells may show further migration to the stromal DM side during storage.

Graft Edge Reflection of a Tightly Scrolled Roll Using Endoillumination as a Simple Method for Determining Graft Orientation in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.

To describe a simple finding that can be used to determine donor tissue orientation in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). This involves the appearance of a highly reflective round curved line from an overlapping graft edge within the anterior chamber using light from an endoilluminator. We here name this Kobayashi sign (K-sign). Twelve consecutive eyes from 12 patients who underwent DMEK were evaluated for the presence of a K-sign. The presence of Berrospi sign (B-sign), a double-line reflection from the peripheral curls of the Descemet membrane (DM) roll that has been reported to be useful for correct graft orientation, was also evaluated. Of 12 cases, 3 donors showed a loosely scrolled roll soon after DM donor insertion; all 3 of these showed a positive B-sign only when the endoilluminator was used. Nine donors showed a tightly scrolled DM roll without a B-sign; among these 9 donors, a K-sign was visible in 7 cases only when the endoilluminator was used. The remaining 2 cases with a tight scroll configuration showed no K-sign even with the use of endoillumination, indicating that the roll edge was located completely downward; rotation of the roll using a small jet of fluid from paracentesis revealed K-sign in these cases. This technique is useful for determining the correct orientation of a tightly scrolled DM roll, subsequently enabling rapid DMEK surgery. For loosely scrolled DM roll, endoillumination enhanced B-sing is proven useful.

Use of Butterfly Composite Conchal Cartilage Graft with Local Posteriorly Pedicled Flap in Repair of Nasal Septum Perforations

Background : Nasal septal surgery is the most frequent cause of nasal septal perforations (NSP). Sometimes when symptomatic they need repair. There are many methods described for repair with a variable percent of success. The multiplicity of techniques and approaches reflect the difficulty of repair.Objective: To describe a new effective method to repair NSP using a butterfly composite conchal cartilage graft (BCG) with local posteriorly pedicled flap in repair of NSP.Patients and Methods: Eleven patients with NSP after nasal septum surgery were involved in this study. In all of them an ample flap, right sided, pedicled posteriorly on sphenopalatine artery was fashioned. It was rotated to cover the perforation on the right side. A composite skin choncal cartilage graft equal to NSP diameter is dissected. The cartilage graft was fashioned by splitting its edge circumferentially with a depth of 2-3 mm and was positioned with the skin island lying on the left side and the fissured graft edge embracing the perforation cartilaginous border inside its fissure. The graft and the flap were fixed in place with quilting and mattress sutures and silastic sheets on both sides. Mucosal flap was used alone in three cases with small perforations.Results: Complete closure of NSP was achieved in 10 cases (91%). Only one case the graft was rejected with partial closure of the perforation due to bad fixation and secondary infection.Conclusion: BCG was an excellent graft to repair NSP if associated with posteriorly pedicled mucosal flap supplied by the sphenopalatine artery.

Clinical application of negative-pressure wound therapy in split-thickness skin grafting at hard-to-fix sites

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of continuous negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and conventional pressure dressing at at hard-to-fix sites after split-thickness skin grafting. Methods: From September 2017 to August 2019, 129 patients who met the inclusion criteria and had spilt-thickness skin grafting at hard-to-fix sites were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University and included in this retrospective cohort study. The patients were divided into NPWT group (67 patients, 41 males and 26 females, aged (32±6) years) and conventional pressure dressing group (62 patients, 37 males and 25 females, aged (30±5) years) according to whether the hard-to-fix sites were applied with NPWT after spilt-thickness skin grafting. After debridement and spilt-thickness skin grafting at hard-to-fix sites in patients of 2 groups, the wounds of patients in conventional pressure dressing group were applied with conventional pressure bandaging after being filled with dry gauze; for the wounds of patients in NPWT group, the semi-permeable membrane was pasted and sealed for continuous negative pressure suction after filled with dry gauze and placed the drainage foam or drainage tube, with the negative pressure ranging from -16.6 to -9.9 kPa. The bandage was opened during the first dressing change on the 5th day after surgery in NPWT group and on the 7th day after surgery in conventional pressure dressing group. The skin graft surviving area and proportion, the area and proportion of hematoma, the incidence of common complications of skin graft were observed and calculated. The times of postoperative dressing change and the length of hospital stay were counted. Data were statistically analyzed with two independent sample t test, Cochran & Cox approximate t test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact probability test. Results: (1) At the first dressing change, the skin graft surviving area of patients in NPWT group was (420±94) cm(2), which was significantly larger than (322±97) cm(2) in conventional pressure dressing group (t'=12.33, P<0.01); the skin graft surviving area proportion of patients in NPWT group was (97.0±2.3)%, which was significantly higher than (74.4±4.8)% in conventional pressure dressing group (t'=50.11, P<0.01). (2) At the first dressing change, the skin hematoma area of patients in conventional pressure dressing group was (31.7±10.1) cm(2), which was significantly larger than (3.2±0.7) cm(2) in NPWT group (t'=23.04, P<0.01); the skin hematoma area proportion of patients in conventional pressure dressing group was (7.3±2.3)%, which was significantly higher than (0.7±0.3)% in NPWT group (t'=76.21, P<0.01). (3) At the first dressing change, there was 1 case of skin movement and no case of skin graft edge tear in NPWT group with an incidence of 1.5% (1/67). In the conventional pressure dressing group, there were 4 cases of skin movement and 2 cases of skin graft edge tear with an incidence of 9.7% (6/62), P<0.05. The incidence of complication of skin graft of patients in NPWT group was significantly lower than that in conventional pressure dressing group (P<0.05). (4) The times of postoperative dressing change of patients in NPWT group was significantly less than that in conventional pressure dressing group (t=7.93, P<0.01). The postoperative length of hospital stay in NPWT group was significantly less than that in conventional pressure dressing group (t=11.71, P<0.01). Conclusions: Continuous NPWT can effectively promote wound healing, improve the survival rate of skin graft, reduce the incidence of complications after skin grafting, and shorten the length of hospital stay in split-thickness skin grafting at hard-to-fix sites.