OBJECTIVETo study the correlation between the expansion with different volume and the contents of the b-FGF and EGF in the expanded skin.

METHODSThe piglets were used in the experiment,which were divided into 7 groups including the sham, the blank control,the experimental groups with inflation of 1/2 volume, 3/4 volume, full volume, 150% volume and 200% volume. When expansion was complete, b-FGF was measured using enzyme coagulate method. EGF was measured by radioimmunoassay. The data were analyzed statistically.

RESULTSThe contents of b-FGF and EGF in the expanded skin was significantly higher than normal skin (P < 0.05). The difference in contents of b-FGF and EGF between the over-expanded skin and normal skin was more significant (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONExpansion can lead to the increase of b-FGF and EGF contents in the expanded skin.The biological effects may be relative to epidermal hyperplasia and angiogenesis of the expanded skin.

Animals ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; analysis ; metabolism ; Fibroblast Growth Factors ; analysis ; metabolism ; Models, Animal ; Radioimmunoassay ; Skin ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Swine ; Water ; administration & dosage

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the blood flow of the exceedingly expanded skin and the viability of the flap.

METHODSThe piglets were set up as the animal model. They were divided into 7 groups according to different injection volume of the tissue expander, i. e. injection to 1/2 content, 3/4 content, full content, 50% over content, 100% over content, sham-operation control and normal control. At different stages of expansion, the blood flow and the amplitude of the expanded skin were examined by laser Doppler. The survival length of the expanded flap was measured. Furthermore, statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTSAs the expansion volume increasing, the blood flow and the amplitude of the expanded skin increased, the survival length of the expanded flap increased also. In the meantime, the amplitude instability and vessel permeability increased. When the injection volume exceeded to 100%, the blood flow and the survival length of the expanded flap decreased.

CONCLUSIONSIn soft tissue and skin expansion, increasing injection volume could increase the survival length of the expanded flap, while over-expansion to 100% content may cause blood flow disturbance.

Animals ; Graft Survival ; Models, Animal ; Skin ; blood supply ; Skin Transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature ; Tissue Expansion Devices

OBJECTIVETo study the methods and points for attention of latissimus dorsi muscle flap transplantation to correct the thoracic malformation of Poland's syndrome.

METHODSFrom 1995 to 2003, 10 patients were diagnosed of Poland's syndrome with absence of pectoris major muscle in all patients. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap was exposed and transferred through a vertical lateral thoracic cut and a short cut beneath the axillary fold. Reconstruction of the anterior axillary wall is one of the major goals to be achieved in this operation.

RESULTSAll of the latissimus dorsi muscle flaps survived. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved after 1-2 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONThe latissimus dorsi muscle flap has a stable and reliable blood supply. It is an ideal muscle flap to restore the thoracic malformation of Poland's syndrome.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Muscle, Skeletal ; transplantation ; Poland Syndrome ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Thoracic Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Thoracic Wall ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome