A Modified Suture Technique to Improve Scar Appearance in Wounds Under High Tension.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to introduce a modified suture technique and to compare its effects on skin scar formation with 2 traditional suture methods: simple interrupted suture (SIS) and vertical mattress suture (VMS). Three groups of healthy adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected (6 replicates in each group), and the full-thickness skin of 5 cm × 0.2 cm was cut off on the back of the rats after anesthesia. The wounds were then sutured using 1 of the 3 methods for each group: SIS, VMS, and a newly introduced modified vertical mattress suture (M-VMS) technique with the needle reinsertion at the exit point. A traction device was installed on the back of the rats to achieve high tension wounds. The tensile distance was increased by 1 mm every day for 20 days. After 20 days of healing, the hematoxylin-eosin staining method was used for observation of scar morphology. The collagen production rate was measured by Masson staining, and the type I collagen and type III collagen were detected by the immunofluorescence method. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot techniques were used to detect the expressions of transforming growth factors TGFß1, TGFß2, and TGFß3 to understand the mechanisms of scar formation. Results showed that the quantity and density of collagen fibers were both lower in the M-VMS group than in the other 2 groups. Immunofluorescence results showed that type I collagen was significantly lower, whereas type III collagen was significantly higher in the M-VMS group than in the other 2 groups. The expressions of α-smooth muscle actin and TGFß1 both were lower in the M-VMS group than in the other 2 groups. The expression of TGFß2 and TGFß3 had no obvious difference among the 3 groups. For wounds under high tension, compared with SIS and VMS methods, the M-VMS technique we proposed can reduce scar formation due to the reduction of collagen formation, myofibroblast expression, and TGFß1 expression.

Diabetic Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Accelerate Pressure Ulcer Healing by Inducing Angiogenesis and Neurogenesis.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) possess a well-characterized capacity to enhance cutaneous wound healing. However, many controversies exist regarding ASCs from diabetic patients (dASCs). No report exists on the administration of dASCs for the treatment of pressure ulcers. The aim of this study was to compare properties of dASCs and nondiabetic ASCs (nASCs). In addition, we studied if dASCs enhanced pressure ulcer healing in a rodent pressure ulcer model and investigated underlying mechanisms. We found similar expression of cell surface markers and characteristics in dASCs and nASCs, although dASCs exhibited decreased proliferation and osteogenic differentiation capacity and enhanced adipogenic differentiation capacity. dASCs had beneficial effects on chronic wound healing, though some aspects of their capacity were impaired. The ability of dASCs to promote nerve regeneration was not compromised. dASCs promoted pressure ulcer healing and improved healing by modulating inflammation, promoting angiogenesis and neuroregeneration, enhancing collagen deposition, and increasing re-epithelization. These data may provide a theoretical foundation for further clinical administration of ASCs for chronic wound healing in patients with diabetes.

The application of nutrition support in conservative treatment of chylous ascites after abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Chylous ascites is the pathologic leakage of triglycerides-rich lymphatic fluid into the peritoneal cavity. Chylous ascites is a rare complication in abdominal surgery. This study aimed to find a relatively better method for nutrition support in the treatment of chylous ascites after abdominal surgery. METHODS: This study was a retrospective study. This study retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent abdominal surgery and developed chylous ascites, from the year 2010 to 2014, at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University and the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College. Fifty-eight patients who developed chylous ascites after abdominal surgery were included in the study. The clinical effect of somatostatin was evaluated. The differences in the curative efficacy among a daily diet, a low-fat diet supplemented with medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were also analyzed in this study. RESULTS: Complete clinical success was reached earlier in patients treated with somatostatin (P<0.001). The tube removal time, the time to resumption of an oral diet, and the length of hospital stay after chylous leakage were significantly different between patients treated with and without somatostatin. The curative efficacies of the enteral nutrition (EN) + MCT plan and the TPN plan were quite similar, with no significant difference, however, were significantly different from the MCT regime, which was the worst. However, using the EN + MCT plan was more cost-effective (P=0.038). CONCLUSION: In treating chylous ascites, EN + MCT instead of TPN was the best nutrition support. Moreover, somatostatin or its analog octreotide should be used immediately. The treatment with somatostatin in combination with EN + MCT is recommended in the conservative treatment of postoperative chylous ascites.

Reconstruction of the Achilles tendon and overlying skin defect: 3 case reports.

Although various reconstruction surgery techniques are available to repair posterior heel defects, the compound defects reconstruction is an ongoing surgical challenge. Complex, free tissue flaps are often clinically used in this repair operation but the techniques have some disadvantages, including intraoperative tedious dissections, vascular anastomosis, and postoperative thrombogenesis. Here, we present a single-stage procedure for Achilles tendon and its overlying skin defects repair with a complex posterior tibial artery perforator-based tissue flap on 3 patients. This method can repair the Achilles tendon and the soft tissue defects simultaneously in a relatively short operative time. The prognosis of the 3 operative patients described here was great for participating in exercise and daily work unassisted 18 to 26 months after operation. Clinical results indicate that our operative method can be effective in repair of Achilles tendon and its overlying skin defects without major complications.

[The research of fibroblasts from human hypertrophic scar showing a mesenchymal stem cell phenotype and multilineage differentiation potentialities].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the CD phenotypic, protein expression and pluripotent differentiation of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts cultured in vitro, so as to study the mechanisms of scar formation. METHODS: Fibroblasts were isolated and cultured from human hypertrophic scar of 3 cases. The cells morphology was observed by inverted microscope, and the growing state of the third passage was detected by the cell counting meter of Vi-CELL. The cell surface markers CD105, CD14, CD73, CD34, CD44, CD45 and CD90 were identified by flow cytometry. The expression of CK19, Oct-4, Nanog and vimentin was detected by immunocytochemistry, and the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin(alpha-SMA) was tested by immunofluorescence. The differentiated potential of fibroblasts of the third passage into adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages was assayed. RESULTS: The primary passage fibroblasts showed the shape of spindle shaped or irregular polygon with a radiated or circinate of growing arrangement. The growth curve showed the cells growth was slow on the first and second day, and quick during the third to fifth day, which reached platform stage on the sixth or seventh day. The fibroblasts highly expressed mesenchymal stem cell surface markers-CD73, CD105, CD44, CD90, but not expressed hematopoietic stem cell surface markers-CD14, CD34, CD45 by flow cytometry. And positive expression of vimentin, Oct-4 and negative expression of CK19 were detected by Immunocytochemistry. Positive expression of alpha-SMA was also detected by immunofluorescence. Multidirectional differentiation induction indicated that the third passage cells could differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages. CONCLUSIONS: Human hypertrophic scar-derived fibroblasts show the biologic characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells, which may play an important role in wound healing and hypertrophic scar formation.

[Effects of different ways in repairing scrotum of pigs with full-thickness burn on apoptosis and bcl-2 protein expression of spermatogenic cells].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of different ways in repairing scrotum of pigs with full-thickness burn on spermatogenesis of testis. METHODS: Twenty male Guizhou miniature pigs were divided into normal control (NC), natural-healing (NH), flap-repairing (FR), and skin-grafting (SG) groups according to the random number table, with 5 pigs in each group. Pigs in NC group were not subjected to any injury. Scrotum of pigs in the latter three groups were inflicted with full-thickness burn. Wounds in NH group healed naturally. Wounds in FR group were repaired with inguinal region flap, and those in SG group with full-thickness skin from lower abdomen. Appearance of scrotum in the latter three groups was observed right after injury, and three months post injury or surgery (PIM or PSM). Specimens of testes of pigs in the latter three groups were obtained in PIM or PSM 3 to detect apoptosis of spermatogenic cells with TUNEL, and bcl-2 protein expression with immunohistochemistry. The same indexes were observed and determined in pigs of NC group. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and LSD test. RESULTS: (1) Scrotum of pigs in NC group had skin folds with contraction function. Scrotum of pigs became hard with a leathery appearance right after burn in the other three groups. In PIM or PSM 3, wounds of pigs in NH group healed with scar, and the testes were squeezed into inguinal region. Scrotal skin of pigs in FR group was thick with testes in the scrotum, and that of pigs in SG group was thin with testes in the scrotum. (2) Spermatogenic cells in each level in NC group were arranged regularly, with few apoptotic spermatocytes and spermatoblasts. In NH, FR, and SG groups, seminiferous epithelium was thinner with most of the spermatogenic cells showing apoptosis, and they were mainly spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Apoptotic index of spermatogenic cells in NH, FR, SG, and NC groups was respectively (46.3 ± 3.3)%, (40.9 ± 3.5)%, (20.6 ± 2.3)%, (7.5 ± 1.9)%, and the difference among them was statistically significant (F = 405.65, P < 0.01). There were significant statistical differences among the former three groups (with P values below 0.01). (3) bcl-2 protein expression in NH, FR, SG, and NC groups was respectively (52 ± 5)%, (53 ± 4)%, (64 ± 5)%, (75 ± 5)%, and the difference among them was statistically significant (F = 56.63, P < 0.01). There was no significant statistical difference in bcl-2 expression between NH group and FR group (P = 0.66), and it was lower in both groups as compared with SG group (with P values below 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Either scar healing, flap transplantation, or SG in repairing scrotum with full-thickness burn in pigs inhibits spermatogenesis, but repair with SG produces less deleterious effect on the testis.

[Impact of the reconstruction of the scrotum with third-degree burns on spermatogenic function: experimental study of three different methods].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of different methods of scrotal reconstruction on the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and expression of the bcl-2 protein in patients with third-degree scrotal burns. METHODS: Forty male and 24 female 2-month-old Guizhou mini-pigs were used in this study, the former equally randomized to groups I (normal control), II (natural healing), III (skin grafting) and IV (skin flap grafting). Ten months after the establishment of the model of third-degree burns, 6 male pigs from each group were paired with the female pigs and fed for 3 weeks. Then the female pigs were fed for another 4 months, followed by observation of their reproductivity. At 12 months, the bilateral testes were taken from the male pigs for detection of the apoptosis index of spermatogenic cells by TUNEL and determination of the expression of the bcl-2 protein by immunohistochemistry. The data obtained were subjected to single factor analysis of variance. RESULTS: The apoptosis indexes of spermatogenic cells were (7.07 +/- 3.5), (40.34 +/- 4.85), (15.14 +/- 1.36) and (39.29 +/- 5.73)% in groups I , II, III and IV, respectively, significantly higher in groups II , III and IV than in I (P<0.05), with statistically significant differences between group III and groups II and IV (P<0.05) but not between II and IV (P>0.05). The expression rates of the bcl-2 protein were (75.07 +/- 3.74), (54.93 +/- 4.03), (66.85 +/- 3.06) and (53.33 +/- 5.22)% in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively, remarkably higher in I than in the other three (P<0.05), with significant differences between group III and groups II and IV (P<0.05) but not between II and IV (P>0.05). Pregnancies were found in all the female pigs of group I with 10.0 +/- 1.18 newborns and in 4 of group III with 9.92 +/- 1.31 newborns, but in none of groups II and IV, with significant differences between group I and the other three (P<0.05) as well as between group III and groups II and IV (P<0.05), but not between II and IV (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: All the three methods of reconstruction for the scrotum with third-degree burns can suppress spermatogenic function, increase the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and decrease the expression of the bcl-2 protein, among which, skin grafting least affects spermatogenic function.

[An experiment study and clinical observation of the influence of free-skin-grafted scrotal avulsion injuries on spermatogenesis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of Free-skin-grafted penoscrotal avulsion injuries on spermatogenesis. METHODS: Forty-two male New Zealand albino rabbits during child-bearing period were divided into the experimental group (n = 24) and the control group (n = 18) using random digits table, and 24 female rabbits with reproductive history were used for mating experiment. The experimental group animal's scrotum skin were excised, and the split skin from abdominal region was used to repair the skin defect of scrotum. The control group did not any processing. Six rabbits were randomly chosen respectively in control group and on the 3rd and 8th weekend after the model was successfully established in experimental group. The testicular surface temperature was measured in the eighteen rabbits using the method of burying thermometer, then the testicular biopsy were performed for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. On the 8(th) weekend after the model was successfully established in experimental group, matched-pair feed was performed in the other 12 rabbits respectively in experimental group and in control group. Observation of corresponding mother rabbit fertility. Three patients of penoscrotal avulsion injuries were treated using split skin grafts, and the information of sex life and the quality of sperm were obtained by follow up. RESULTS: The testicular surface temperature was similar on the 3rd and 8th weekend after the model was successfully established in experimental group [(36.15 ± 0.24)°C, (36.77 ± 0.42)°C] with that of the control group. Testis tissue (HE) staining showed the tier of spermatogenic cells was rule arrangement and lot of mature sperms were found in the convoluted seminiferous tubules in control group. The tier of spermatogenic cells was diminished and disposed derangement, the spermatozoa were not seen on the 3(th) weekend of the experiment group. The tier of spermatogenic cells was increased and some spermatozoa were seen on the 8th weekend of the experiment group. Male and female matched-pair feed showed the experimental group conception rate 8/12, and 4.1 ± 3.2 rabbit babies were born averagely, while that of was 12/12 and 6.0 ± 1.3 in control group (P > 0.05). The skin grafts there were some contracture in early stage (1 - 2 months) when the skin grafts applied to repair the avulsing scrotum in three patients. But the skin grafts became loose with downward sagging and there were the good cosmetic result in one year, and without any contracture. The sperm quality was normal after the skin grafts applied to repair the avulsing scrotum in the late stage. CONCLUSIONS: The skin grafting is little arrest the testicle spermatogenesis in the three methods (skin flap reconstruction scrotum, testicle buried, split skin grafting) that have usually been used to repair scrotum skin lose. For a young male, the best treatment for penoscrotal avulsion injuries is free skin grafting, while skin flaps are not recommended for reconstructing the scrotum.

[Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins after burying the testis in the inguinal pocket].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins after burying the testis in the inguinal pocket, and to investigate their relationship. METHODS: We randomly divided 36 healthy male New Zealand white rabbits into an experimental group (n = 18) and a control group (n = 18). Models were established by burying testes in the inguinal pocket in the experimental group, while the controls were left untreated. At the end of the 8th week after surgery, 6 animals were randomly taken from each group for measurement of the testis surface temperature and testicular biopsy. The apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in the testis tissues was detected by TUNEL assay, and the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins determined by immunohistochemistry and imaging analysis. RESULTS: At 8 weeks after burying the testis in the inguinal pocket, the testicular surface temperature was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control ([ 38.02 +/- 0.36] degrees C vs [36.15 +/- 0.64 ] degrees C, P < 0.05), and so was the apoptosis index (AI) of spermatogenic cells ([89.69 +/- 3.76] % vs [7.73 +/- 4.95 ] %, P < 0.05). The expression of the Bax protein in the testis was significantly increased, while that of the Bcl-2 protein remarkably decreased in the experimental group as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The apoptotic cells were mostly primary spermatocytes and round spermatids. CONCLUSION: Elevated local temperature of the testis buried in the inguinal pocket increases the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and the spermatogenic cell apoptosis is highly correlated with the decreased expression of Bcl-2 and increased expression of Bax. The changes in the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were a main mechanism behind the temperature elevation-induced apoptosis of spermatogenic cells.

[Repair of wounds in popliteal fossa scar with perforator flaps of gastrocnemius medial head].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of perforator flaps of medial head of gastrocnemius muscle on repairing popliteal fossa scar wounds. METHODS: Ten patients with scar in popliteal fossa hospitalized from January 2005 to January 2010 were repaired with perforator flaps of medial head of gastrocnemius muscle. The scar was resulted from burn in 8 patients, and from operation in 2. The duration of the scar was 3 months to 11 years, and area of the scar ranging from 6 cm × 3 cm to 10 cm × 6 cm. Ultrasonic Doppler was used to detect the musculocutaneous perforator vessel of the medial sural artery at the position 10 to 17 cm from the fold of the popliteal fossa and 2 to 5 cm from the posterior midline before surgery. Then flap transplantation surgery was performed. Donor site wounds with width less than 5 cm were sutured directly, and those wider than 5 cm were repaired with skin transplantation. RESULTS: All the flaps survived. Flap size ranged from 7 cm × 5 cm to 12 cm × 7 cm. All patients were followed up for 3 to 30 months, and the flaps were found to have a good appearance. Patients could walk with heavy load without lameness. The function of knee joint of the affected limb was the same as that of the opposite limb. No obvious depression was observed in donor sites. CONCLUSIONS: The perforator flaps of medial head of gastrocnemius muscle can be used to repair the popliteal fossa scar wound with satisfactory result.

[Apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and expression of HSP70 after scrotal reconstruction with skin flap].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the temperature change at the testis surface, apoptosis of spermatogenous cells and the expression of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) after scrotal reconstruction with the skin flap. METHODS: We included 36 healthy New Zealand white rabbits, 24 males and 12 females, in this study, and equally randomized the males into an experimental and a control group. The scrotal of the experimental rabbits were excised and reconstructed with the hypogastric flap, while the controls were left untreated. At the end of the 8th week after surgery, 6 animals were randomly taken from each of the two groups for measurement of the testis surface temperature and testicular biopsy. The apoptosis of spermatogenous cells in the testis tissues was detected by HE staining, and the expression of HSP70 determined by immunohistochemistry and imaging analysis. The other 6 animals exempt from testicular biopsy in each of the experimental and control groups were mated with the female rabbits, and observed for fertility. RESULTS: At the end of the 8th week after scrotal reconstruction, the testicular surface temperature was (38.1 +/- 0.6) degrees C in the experimental group, significantly higher than (36.0 +/- 0.30) degrees C before surgery (P < 0.05), and the apoptosis index (AI) of the spermatogenous cells was (71.85 +/- 2.7) %, as compared with (7.73 +/- 4.95) % in the control group (P < 0.05). The expression of HSP70 was found mainly in the spermatogenous cells of the experimental group and in the spermatoblasts of the control. A total of 6.0 +/- 1.3 baby rabbits were born in the control group, but none in the experimental group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The testicular surface temperature rises after scrotal reconstruction with the hypogastric flap, which increases the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and causes infertility. HSP70 is involved in protecting spermatogenic cells from apoptosis after scrotal reconstruction.

[Dorsal metatarsal artery distal perforator pedicle link-pattern flaps for wound repairing in the distal feet].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of repairing the wounds in the distal feet with dorsal metatarsal artery distal perforator pedicle link-pattern flaps. METHODS: Since January of 2004 to April of 2009, 30 patients with distal wounds in the feet underwent surgical wound repair using by dorsal metatarsal arteries distal perforator pedicle link-pattern flaps. Seventeen patients used the 1, 2 dorsal metatarsal artery distal perforator flaps, and 13 had the 3, 4 dorsal metatarsal artery distal perforator flaps, with the flaps measuring 4 cmx4 cm to 8 cmx7cm and the flap pedicle ranged 3-6 cm in length. The donor sites were repaired with skin grafting. RESULTS: Twenty-nine flaps survived completely and 1 flap showed partial necrosis in the distant part (2.0 cmx1.0 cm). Twenty-one patients were followed up for an average of 11 months, during which the color, texture, and contour of the flaps remained normal without ulcers in the donor sites or the flaps. CONCLUSION: The wounds in the distal feet can be repaired by dorsal metatarsal artery distal perforator pedicle link-pattern flaps, which is a simple, applicable and safe procedure.

[Applied anatomy of medial plantar artery combined flaps and repairing heel and adjacent vast soft tissue defects].

OBJECTIVE: To explore an anatomical basis and incising scope for the medial plantar artery combined flaps and its feasibility of repairing heel and adjacent vast soft tissue defects. METHODS: The origin, branches, course and distribution of the medial plantar artery were studied in 20 legs of adult cadavers. The largest area of healthy adult's medial plantar and medialis pedis scope that could be incised for the combined flap was measured. Ten cases of heel and adjacent vast soft tissue defects were repaired by the combined medial plantar and medialis pedis flaps. Age range 28-60 years old. The areas of flaps were 9 cm x 7 cm - 10 cm x 8 cm. Defects of tendo calcaneus were repaired by the tendon of abductor muscle and plantar fascia in 3 cases with skin grafts on the donor sites. RESULTS: The medial plantar artery gave off deep branch (diameter: 1.5 mm +/- 0.3 mm) and superficial branch (diameter: 1.0 mm +/- 0.2 mm). The length of media plantar artery deep branch was (8.9 +/- 0.2) cm and gave off 3-5 cutaneous branches. The largest area of combined flap was about 10.4 cm x 9.2 cm - 9.1 cm x 8.2 cm. Ten flaps survived completely. Eight flaps were followed up for 1 month to 1.5 years. The color, texture and appearance of flaps were excellent. The flaps of two-point discrimination were not different with opposite medial region. The affected limb exercised freely and had no ulceration on the flap. CONCLUSIONS: The combined flap has a reliable blood supply and it can recover good sensation after operation. It is one of ideal flaps to repair heel and adjacent vast soft tissue defects. Its disadvantage is a complicated operation.

[Repair of skin defects at forepart of feet with reverse saphenous nerve neurocutaneous flaps].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of reverse saphenous nerve neurocutaneous flaps for skin defects at forepart of feet. METHODS: From January 2004 to October 2008,15 cases of skin defects at forepart of feet were repaired with reverse saphenous nerve neurocutaneous flaps. The flap size ranged from 3.5 cm x 3.0 cm to 8 cm x 5 cm. The wounds at donor site were closed with skin graft. RESULTS: All the flaps survived completely with no ulcer at the donor site. 10 patients were followed up for 1 to approximately 9 months. The skin color and texture were satisfactory. The patients could walk very well. CONCLUSIONS: It is reliable to repair the skin defects at forepart of feet with reverse saphenous nerve neurocutaneous flaps. It is easily performed with less morbidity.

[Fibular artery perforator link-pattern flaps at lateral and posterior part of leg].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of fibular artery perforator link-pattern flaps at lateral and posterior part of legs. METHODS: From January 2007 to March 2009, 12 cases of with feet and ankle wounds were treat with fibular artery perforator link-pattern flaps at lateral and posterior part of legs. The flap size ranged from 10 cm x 10 cm to 25 cm x 13 cm. The wounds at the donor sites were closed with skin grafts. RESULTS: All the flaps survived completely. The patients were followed up for 1-12 months (median, 6 months). The color, texture and appearance of the flaps were good. CONCLUSION: The link-pattern flap has reliable blood supply and a large area for repairing defects. The sural nerve is reserved, resulting minimal morbidity to donor site.

Long-term prognosis of free skin-grafted penoscrotal avulsion injuries in two patients.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the long-term results of free skin-grafted penoscrotal avulsion injury. METHODS: Two young males with penoscrotal avulsion injuries were followed up after repair by free skin grafting. RESULTS: Good cosmetic results were attained without any contracture of the free skin grafts, and the sperm quality was normal at the late stage. CONCLUSION: For young males, the best treatment for penoscrotal avulsion injuries is free skin grafting, while skin flaps are not recommended for reconstructing the scrotum.

[Anatomic study of the medial pedis composite flaps with saphenous nerve and tendon and its application].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomy of the medial pedis composite flaps with saphenous nerve and tendon and its application in the repair of tendo calcaneus and adjacent defects. METHODS: 10 cadavers (20 sides) were observed. The origin, course, size and the distribution of the medial plantar artery were studied. 12 cases with tendo calcaneus and adjacent defects were reconstructed with the medial pedis composite flaps with saphenous nerve. Donor site defects were covered with free skin graft. RESULTS: The medial plantar artery gives off deep branch [diameter (1.5 +/- 0.3) mm] and superficial branch [diameter (1.0 +/- 0.2) mm]. In 18 sides, the deep branches give off the medial branches and lateral branches. While in 2 sides, the superficial branches give off the medial branches and lateral branches with no big branches from the deep branches. There are branches of saphenous nerve and medial dorsal cutaneous nerve in the flap. All the flaps were survived. 8 cases were followed up for one months to one years. Good color, texture and function of the flaps were achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The medial pedis composite flaps with saphenous nerve can repair tendo calcaneus and adjacent defects. It is a easy and safe procedure with reliable anatomy and good results.

[Effect of scrotal reconstruction with flap on rabbit generation function].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the apoptosis and the express of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in spermatogenic cells, and study generation function of the rabbit after scrotal reconstruction with flaps. METHODS: The 48 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups as experimental group (the scrotum reconstructed with flaps, n = 48), the control group (the sham operated group, n = 24) and the blank group (n = 18). The apoptosis and the expression of PCNA in the spermatogenic cells were detected with TUNEL and the immunohistochemistry from the 3rd to the 8th week after operation. 8 weeks later, 12 animals in each group were fed respectively with one female rabbit to observe the procreation. RESULTS: The apoptotic index of the spermatogenic cells in blank group was 7.73 +/- 4.95. 3 weeks after operation, the apoptotic index of spermatogenic cells was 22.59 +/- 3.04 in the experimental group, and 21.13 +/- 1.68 in control group, showing no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). 8 weeks after operation, the apoptotic index of spermatogenic cells was 71.85 +/- 2.69 in the experimental group, and 13.64 +/- 2.09 in control group, show a significant difference between them (P < 0.05). The apoptotic index in experimental group increased gradually from the 3rd to 8th week after scrotal reconstruction , which was markedly higher than that in the blank group (P < 0.05). The apoptotic index in control group was higher than that in the blank group at the 3rd week (P < 0.05), but not at the 8th week (P > 0.05). The proliferation index of spermatogenic cells was 9.32 +/- 9.30 and 12.52 +/- 3.87 in experimental group at the 3rd and 4th week, respectively, which was significantly lower than that in blank group (43.07 +/- 2.25) and control group (45.69 +/- 4.98) at the 3rd week (P < 0.05). The proliferation index of spermatogenic cells was 46.98 +/- 18.92 and 49.53 +/- 9.79 in experimental group at the 7th and 8th week, respectively, 39.90 +/- 5.10 in control group at the 8th week, showing no difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The proliferation index of spermatogenic cells in control group at the 3rd and 8th week was not different from that in the blank group (P > 0.05). The female pairing rabbits in the blank and control group were all pregnant, and the average childbirths were 6.0 +/- 1.28 and 5.92 +/- 1.31 respectively, with no difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). All the female pairing rabbits in the experimental group were not pregnant, showing a significant difference from those in the blank and control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The rabbit generation functional disturbance after scrotal reconstruction with flaps is due to the excessive apoptosis of spermatogenic cell. The spermatogenic cell proliferation is affected only in the early postoperative period, but can recover later.

[An experimental study of the effect of burying testis in thigh pocket on spermatogenesis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of burying testis in thigh pocket on spermatogenesis. METHODS: Guizhou miniature male pigs at child-bearing period were randomly divided to receive operation of scrotum incision and dissection with the testis burying in thigh pocket (experimental group) or without (control group). 3 months later, testis biopsy was performed on 2 pigs from each group for pathological examination. Then every male pig from both experimental (n = 6) and control group (n = 6) got a mating partner and lived together for 3 months. The fertility of the male pigs was observed. 6 months after operation, testis biopsy was performed again on all the animals from both the groups. RESULTS: Both at 3 months and 6 months after operation, the pathological examination showed the spermatogenic cells of all stage in contorted seminiferous tubules markedly decreased with no mature sperm in experimental group, while normal spermatogenic cells with mature sperm in control group. After the male pigs lived with mating partners for 3 months, no female pigs staying with the experimental group became pregnant, but the male pigs in control group had a normal fertility. CONCLUSIONS: Burying testis in thigh pocket impedes spermatogenesis in the miniature male pig. So burying testis in thigh pocket is not recommended for patients with scrotum skin defect who wish to remain fertile.