OBJECTIVETo investigate the possibility and efficacy of allograft transplantation in treating patient with huge tissue defect after radical giant malignant melanoma resection.

METHODSA male person received blood type matching was chosen as donor. Immediately after the donor's brain death, allograft was excised with the depth to the layer intervenient between periosteum and epicranial fascia in calvaria, the superficial layer of deep temporal fascia in both sides of temporal regions, close to zygomatic bones and mandibles including masseter and auricles upon in face, and cervical soft tissues including sternocleidomastoid muscles, cervical and external jugular vessels of both sides were excised simultaneously. After being perfused with 4 degrees C UW solution through both common carotid arteries, the homograft was sheared and radiated with X-ray before being preserved in UW solution for further use. During the operation, both sides of external auditory meatus were anastomosed with ears firstly, and vessels were anastomosed end-to-end sequently, at last, the border of skin flap was sutured intermittently. Combined use of MMF, FK506, Prednisone and Zenopax was performed as post-operation immunosuppressive treatment. Clinical observations were made on the signs and symptoms of graft survival or rejection as well as blood FK506 concentrations and immunological indexes were tested in laboratory. Biopsies of graft were also made at 1 h, 4 h, 8 h, 7 d, 14 d and 30 d after operation.

RESULTSThe circulation of the graft was satisfactory, and the temperature and color of skin were normal. Primary healing of suture and hair growth about 0.8 cm in a month were observed. Skin Biopsies of every time had no found of hyperacute or acute rejection. The concentration of FK506 was maintained 20 mg/ml 1 month after the operation.

CONCLUSIONAllograft transplantation with compound tissue of head skin flap and ears is a kind of effective and safe treatment in repairing huge tissue defect. Good tissue matching and combined use of currently available immunosuppressants can prevent hyperacute and acute rejection efficiently.