BACKGROUND:Under the pathological conditions of urethral defect,stricture and diverticulum induce by trauma,congenital malformation,tumor and operation,autogenous tissue are used for defect repair.OBJECTIVE:To verify the feasibility of urethra constructed by tissue engineering.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING:An observational experiment was performed at Linbaixin Medical Research Center,Sun Yat-sen University,from January 2005 to January 2006.MATERIALS:Ten New Zealand rabbits weighing 3.0-3.5 kg were used to prepare acellular urethras.Twenty BALB/cA-nude mice weighing 18-20 g,4-6 weeks old,were cultured with extracellular matrix materials in vivo.METHODS:The whole urethra harvested from New Zealand rabbit prepared the extracellular matrix materials by acellular treatment.Half a glans harvested from adult New Zealand rabbit was used for smooth muscle cells proliferation by tissue explant.The corpus spongiosum smooth muscle cells were implanted in acellular matrix materials.Then,they were cultured by subcutaneous embedding in nude mice.There were two groups in the experiment:experimental and control.The complexs of corpus spongiosum smooth muscle cells implanted in acellular matrix materials were embedded in the experimental group,while the simple acellular matrix materials were embedded in the control group.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:After 1,2,4,6,8 weeks of embedment,the growth of the complexs were examined by gross,histologic and electron microscopic observation.The expression of smooth muscle cells were identified by immunohistochemistry method.RESULTS:①Under the gross observation,incisions on the back of the nude mice healed well,the diets and activities of the nude mice were normal.In the experimental group,there were thin tissue membranes on the surface of the acellular matrix materials at 1-2 weeks after the embedment.The thickness of tissue membrane increased gradually and there were small blood vessels grown at 4 weeks.The new cells were instead of acellular matrix materials at 6-8 weeks.②Under HE straining,the acellular matrix materials were absorbed.Various cells,most of them were smooth muscle cells,would be instead of the acellular matrix materials.And unequal blood vessels grown in matrix materials,most of them had the trend of blood sinus formation.These results suggested that the complexs formed the structure similar to normal urethra in the nude mice.③Under the electron microscopic observation,there were blood vessels grown in the matrix materials from 4 weeks after embedment.More smooth muscle cells,endothelial cells,and little fibroblast cells,macrophages were observed,as well as some apoptotic smooth muscle cells.④After immunohistochemical staining of ?-smooth-muscle actin antibody,the growth of smooth muscle cells could be observed.CONCLUSION:The corpus cavernosum tissue similar to normal urethra can be constructed by using tissue-engineering technique.

Objective To discuss the curative effect and specificity of interventional therapy for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower limb in burned patients.Methods The clinical data of 13 patients with lower limb DVT after burn,including 7 males and 6 females with a median age of 46.1 years (37-67 years),were retrospectively analyzed.The causes of burn included flame burn (n=9),electric injury (n=2) and hydrothermal bum (n=2).The burned area was 1％-88％ of the total body surface,with a mean of (37.08± 30.60) ％.Lower limb DVT complicated by lower limb bum was observed in 11 patients,among them bum of both lower limbs was seen in 8 patients.Lower limb DVT associated with inhalation injury was found in 5 patients.Clinically,lower limb DVT was usually detected in 13-72 days after burn,with a mean of (38.69± 16.83) days.Interventional treatment was carried out in all 13 patients,and the curative effect was assessed.Results Technical success of interventional treatment was obtained in all 13 patients.Both inferior vena cava filter placement via right internal jugular vein approach (n=3) or via unaffected-side femoral vein approach (n=10) and anticoagulant therapy were conducted.Catheter-directed thrombolysis was employed in 7 patients,intravenous thrombolysis was adopted in 4 patients,and no thrombolysis therapy was used in 2 patients.No pulmonary embolism occurred.The curative effect rate of interventional treatment was 84.6％(11/ 13).Conclusion For the treatment of lower limb DVT after burn,interventional therapy is safe and reliable,but the selection of puncture site and the use or not use of indwelling catheter for thrombolysis should be carefully taken into consideration.

Wound sepsis is one of the main causes of death in patients with severe burn and trauma. The high incidence of burn wound sepsis in children is attributed to their imperfect immune system function, poor resistance against infection, and the weakened skin barrier function after burn. The key to reduce the mortality of pediatric patients with burn wound sepsis is to enhance the understanding of its etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnostic criteria, in order to improve its early diagnosis and treatment.
Burns ; complications ; prevention & control ; therapy ; Child ; Humans ; Sepsis ; diagnosis ; etiology ; mortality ; therapy ; Skin ; microbiology ; pathology ; Survival Rate ; Wound Infection ; mortality ; prevention & control ; therapy

OBJECTIVE: To explore a method for the repairment of laryngeal fistula following electrical burn. METHOD: Sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap was applied to restore laryngeal fistula following electrical injuries. RESULT: The patient was cured with good repairment of cutaneous defect and laryngeal function following operation. CONCLUSION Application of neighboring myocutaneous flap is beneficial for the reconstruction of damaged tissue.
Adult ; Burns, Electric ; surgery ; Fistula ; etiology ; surgery ; Humans ; Larynx ; injuries ; Male ; Muscle, Skeletal ; transplantation ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Surgical Flaps

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effects of free musculo-cutaneous flap bridging with contralateral posterior tibial vessel on repair of lower extremity soft tissue defect.

METHODSFrom February 2006 to June 2013, 10 patients with soft tissue defect on lower shank and foot were included. The posterior tibial vessel on healthy lower extremity was chosen as recipient vessel and anastomosed with free latissimus dorsi musculo-cutaneous flap, or free latissimus dorsi musculo-cutaneous flap combined with thoracic-umbilical skin flap or anterolateral femoral musculo-cutaneous flap. The retrograde bridged flap was transposed to repair defect on contralateral lower shank and foot. The wound area ranged from 40 cm x 21 cm to 22 cm x 15 cm, with flap size from 48 cm x 26 cm to 25 cm x 18 cm. Meanwhile the defects on donor sites were covered with skin graft and both lower extremities were fixed with kirschner wires at middle tibia and calcaneus. The kirschner wires were removed at 4 weeks and pedicles were cut off 5-8 weeks postoperatively. Six patients received posterior tibial vessel reanastomosis at the same time of pedicle cutting.

RESULTSAll the 10 flaps survived and 3 patients received thinning of flaps due to excessive thickness. During the follow-up period of 3 months to 2 years follow up, the ambulatory function of injured legs recovered gradually with satisfactory appearance. The reanastomosed posterior tibial vessel on the healthy side was recovered.

CONCLUSIONSAppropriate bridged musculo-cutaneous flaps is suitable for extensive soft tissue defect of lower shank and foot. It is a safe and effective method for limb salvage.

Objective: To explore application effects of CT angiography (CTA) and three-dimensional reconstruction technique in repairing scar around the mouth and chin with expanded forehead axial flap. Methods: From June 2013 to October 2017, 9 patients with hyperplastic scar around the mouth and chin after deep burns on face were admitted to our unit. The sizes of scars of patients ranged from 8 cm×7 cm to 13 cm×8 cm. One cylindrical skin soft-tissue dilator with nominal volume of 400 to 500 mL was implanted in forehead area of each patient. Five to six months after the dilator was implanted, scar around the mouth and chin was resected, and the dilator was removed. The secondary wound after scar resection was repaired by expanded forehead axial flap with bilateral superficial temporal vessel pedicles. Three of the nine patients received microstomia diorthosis at the same time. Before the operation, CTA and three-dimensional reconstruction were applied to obtain three-dimensional images of superficial temporal arteries and the branches in the donor site, which could identify the travel, adjacent location, and vascular anastomosis of the above-mentioned vessels to guide flap design. The sizes of flaps of patients ranged from 25 cm×9 cm to 30 cm×8 cm. Two to three weeks after the operation, flap pedicles were cut off, restored, and trimmed. The donor site was sutured directly. Ten to twelve days after the flap repair operation, the flap site received depilation treatment with semiconductor freezing point laser once a month for 4 to 6 times. Results: Flaps of all patients survived well, with no blood circulation disorder. The flaps of three patients were slightly bulky, while they were with natural appearance after flap thinning operation in 3 months post flap repair operation. During follow-up of 6 months to 2 years after the operation, color, texture, and thickness of the flaps were close to normal skin around scars. The appearance of perioral and mental region, and opening function of mouth improved significantly, with no recurrence of scar. Frontotemporal incision was hidden, hair on head grew normally, and reconstructed hairline was natural. Conclusions Scar around the mouth and chin repaired with expanded forehead axial flap were with good appearance and function in operation area and good shape in donor site. CTA and three-dimensional reconstruction technique can provide clear three-dimensional images of superficial temporal arteries and the branches in expanded forehead axial flaps, which can provide reliable basis for preoperative designing of flap, reduce operative risk, and improve survival rate of flap, thus having clinical application value.

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcome of expanded frontotemporal flap pedicled with bilateral superficial temporal vessels, in repairing facial and cervical scar contracture deformity. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2017, 12 male patients with severe facial and cervical scar hyperplasia and contracture deformity, ranging from preauricular region, cheek, chin to neck, were treated in the Burn Department of the First People′s Hospital in Zhengzhou. The patients were aged at 15-58 years, with the mean age of 29.3 years. The frontotemporal scalp flaps were simultaneously expanded to prefabricate a flap pedicled with bilateral superficial temporal arteries and veins. The operations were carried out in 3 stages. Stage Ⅰ: A 400-600 ml cylindrical expander was placed in the frontal region, underneath of galea aponeurosis and frontal muscle, meanwhile, a 50-100 ml cylindrical expander was placed in the temporal region on each side, between the deep temporal fascia and temporal muscle. Stage Ⅱ: The expanded flap pedicled with bilateral superficial temporal vessels were received, to repair the secondary wound after scar resection and contracture release. The neck curve was reshaped. The donor area was directly sutured. Stage Ⅲ: The flap pedicle was repaired, and residual scar was removed. Laser hair removal was performed on the skin flaps about 3 weeks after operation. Results: Seven patients underwent simultaneously cervical and thoracic tissue expansion. The expansion time was 5-6 months (average 5.2 months). The expanded flap was 40 cm×9 cm to 45 cm×15 cm in size. All flaps survived. The venous reflux disorder after the second stage operation occurred in 1 patient. The affected area was purple and swollen. It was recovered after acupuncture and compression bandage for 1 week. Laser hair removal was performed in 8 flaps. Flap thinning was performed in 5 flaps. All 12 patients were followed up for 4 to 24 months. The flaps have good appearance, without bloating. The transferred flaps have similar color and texture with adjacent the facial skin. The cervical mobility was significantly improved. The hairline of the head was normal, and the suture scar was slight and concealed. Conclusions The expanded frontal and temporal flaps provide considerable amount of tissue with thin skin and reliable blood supply. It is an alternative method to repair facial and cervical scar contracture.

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of antibiotic bone cement in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: According to the treatment methods, 18 patients with diabetic foot ulcers (11 males and 7 females, aged 53-79 years), who were conformed to the study criteria and admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to January 2017, were enrolled in traditional group; 18 patients with diabetic foot ulcers (11 males and 7 females, aged 55-80 years), who were conformed to the study criteria and admitted to our hospital from February 2017 to February 2018, were enrolled in bone cement group. Wounds of patients in traditional group were treated with vacuum sealing drainage after conventional debridement. Wounds of patients in bone cement group were covered with antibiotic bone cement after conventional debridement. The number of patients with positive bacterial culture in wound exudate in the 2 groups on admission and 3, 6, 9, and 15 days after surgery, the length of hospital stay, the number of operation, and the wound complete healing time were retrospectively recorded. Data were processed with Fisher′s exact probability test and independent sample t test. Results: Compared with (29±10) d and (4.6±1.2) times of patients in traditional group, the length of hospital stay [(9±3) d] of patients was obviously shortened, the number of operation [(1.3±0.6) times] of patients was obviously reduced, the number of patients with positive bacterial culture in wound exudate at each time point post surgery was obviously reduced (t=8.177, 9.896, P<0.05 or P<0.01) in bone cement group. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of patients with positive bacterial culture in wound exudate on admission and wound complete healing time between patients in the 2 groups (t=0.175, P>0.05). Conclusions The antibiotic bone cement treatment of diabetic foot ulcers can reduce the number of patients with positive bacterial culture in wound exudate and the number of operation, as well as shorten the length of hospital stay.

Objective: To explore effects of perforator flaps combined with muscle flaps for repairing grade Ⅳ pressure ulcers in ischial tuberosity of elderly patients. Methods: Nine elderly patients with grade Ⅳ pressure ulcers in ischial tuberosity were hospitalized in our burn ward from April 2014 to April 2017. Size of wounds ranged from 5 cm×3 cm to 12 cm×7 cm, and depth of sinus ranged from 6 to 22 cm. After admission, emergency debridement or debridement in selective time was performed. After debridement, the wounds were treated with continuous vacuum assisted closure therapy. After the treatment for 1 to 2 weeks, tissue flaps repair operations were performed. Four patients were repaired with inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps combined with long head of biceps femoris muscle flaps. Three patients were repaired with inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps combined with semimembranous muscle flaps. One patient was repaired with inferior gluteal artery perforator flap combined with gracilis muscle flap. One patient was repaired with femoral profound artery perforator flap combined with gluteus maximus muscle flap, and the distal area of femoral profound artery perforator flap of the patient which showed intraoperative cyanosis of 6 cm×4 cm was thinned to medium thickness skin to cover the muscle flap. The other eight patients showed no abnormality during operation. Size of perforator flaps ranged from 7 cm×5 cm to 14 cm×12 cm, and size of muscle flaps ranged from 11 cm×4 cm to 24 cm×6 cm. The donor sites of flaps were all sutured directly. Results: The tissue flaps and skin graft of all patients survived well after operation. During follow-up of 8 to 35 weeks, operative area of all patients showed good shape and texture, with no local diabrosis or recurrence of pressure ulcers. Conclusions The combination of perforator flaps and muscle flaps is effective in repairing and reducing recurrence of grade Ⅳ pressure ulcers in ischial tuberosity of elderly patients.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Meek skin grafting on patients with extensive deep burn at different age groups. Methods: Eighty-four patients with extensive deep burns conforming to the study criteria were hospitalized in our unit from April 2011 to April 2015. Patients were divided into children group (C, with age less than 12 years old), young and middle-aged group (YM, with age more than 18 years and less than 50 years old), and old age group (O, with age more than 55 years old) according to age, with 28 patients in each group. All patients received Meek skin grafting treatment. The use of autologous skin area, operation time, wound healing time, and hospitalization time were recorded. The survival rate of skin graft on post operation day 7, complete wound healing rate in post treatment week 2, and the mortality were calculated. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance, t test, and χ² test. Results: The use of autologous skin area of patients in group C was (5.1±1.0)% total body surface area (TBSA), significantly less than (8.3±1.0)%TBSA and (8.3±1.4)%TBSA in groups YM and O, respectively (with t values 32.900 and 52.624, respectively, P values below 0.05). The operation time, wound healing time, and hospitalization time of patients in group C were (1.368±0.562) h, (9.6±0.6) and (32±11) d, significantly shorter than those in group YM [(3.235±0.011) h, (16.9±2.6) and (48±12) d, respectively] and group O [(3.692±0.481) h, (17.3±2.6) and (46±13) d, respectively, with t values from 4.350 to 21.160, P values below 0.05]. The survival rate of skin graft of patients on post operation day 7 in group C was (92±15)%, significantly higher than (81±10)% and (72±12)% in groups YM and O, respectively (with t values 5.509 and 3.229, respectively, P values below 0.05). The above indexes in groups YM and O were similar (with t values from 0.576 to 22.958, P values above 0.05). Complete wound healing rate in post treatment week 2 and the mortality of patients in group C were similar to those in groups YM and O (with χ² values 0.365 and 0.122, respectively, P values above 0.05). Conclusions Meek skin grafting can be used in the treatment of patients with extensive deep burns at different age groups, compared with the young and middle-aged and old patients, the effect in children was better.