Application of cultured epidermal autograft, JACE®, improves survival rate in extensive burns: A propensity score matching study using Tokyo registry data.

Cultured epidermal autograft, JACE®, was introduced into the Japanese national health insurance system in 2009 and has been used in more than 1000 cases of extensive burns. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of JACE® contributes to survival rate in extensive burns. In this study, 119 cases were selected from 3990 cases in Tokyo Burn Unit Association registry data from 2009 to 2023, excluding cases with less than 40% total body surface area, cases of deaths within 4 weeks and cases with unknown length of hospital stay. In total, 25 patients treated with JACE® were selected and matched with another 25 patients who did not receive JACE® using propensity score matching. The results showed that patients treated with JACE® had a significantly higher survival rate than did those who were not treated with JACE® at all time points between 6 and 9 weeks post-injury. In addition, there was no significant difference in length of hospital stay between the groups. These results suggest that the use of JACE® in patients with extensive burns contributes to patient survival and does not prolong hospital stay.

Effectiveness of SCAR-Q for assessment of incisional SCAR after implant-based reconstruction in breast cancer patients: Can it be a tool for incision selection?

Incisional scarring is a factor of cosmetic appearance evaluated after breast reconstruction, along with the shape, position, and size of the breast. This study aimed to examine the effect of the incision scar location on patient satisfaction after breast reconstruction. Using the Japanese version of the SCAR-Q, we assessed the scar appearance, symptoms and psychosocial effects. Plastic surgeons performed assessments using the Manchester Scar Scale. The patients were divided into two groups: those with scars on the margins of the breast (MB group) and those with scars in the breast area (IB group). The results revealed that patients in the MB group reported significantly higher satisfaction with the scar appearance and psychological impact than those in the IB group. However, assessments using the Manchester Scar Scale did not reveal any significant differences between the two groups. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of patient-reported outcomes in the evaluation of scar satisfaction after breast reconstruction. Patients tend to prefer and have higher satisfaction with scars along the breast margin, which offers valuable insights into surgical decisions. Further studies with larger and more diverse sample sizes are required for validation.

Step ladder VY advancement flap for lower eyelid reconstruction after resection eyelid malignant tumors.

BACKGROUND: In oculoplastic surgery, reconstruction of a large defect after the removal of a massive malignant lower lid tumor still represents a unique challenge. We will report on this case, including a presentation of the case using step ladder V-Y advancement flap. METHODS: During November 2018 to March 2023, five patients of lower eyelid malignant tumor had wide resection with safety margin and reconstructed using step ladder V-Y advancement flap. The flap was used step ladder V-Y advancement flap. RESULTS: No complications, including ectropion deformity, occurred. This flap does not sacrifice healthy skin as seen with the cheek rotation flap, and the area of dissection is very small and can be performed in a short time. CONCLUSIONS: Step ladder V-Y advancement flap is highly useful in cases that require a reconstruction of a large defect after the removal of a massive malignant lower lid tumor from viewpoints of operating time, ease of procedure, aesthetics, and complications.

Deep palm burn treated with enzymatic debridement followed by autologous skin cell suspension: a case study.

Despite improvements in treatment methods and outcomes, burns remain one of the principal causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Burns involving the hands are estimated to occur in >80% of people with burns. Hand burns have also been associated with long-term social, psychological and physical consequences that can impede a patient's full reintegration to the community and decrease their overall quality of life. Clinically, when the trajectory towards complete re-epithelialisation stalls in deep burn wounds of the hand, skin grafting is indicated, but cosmetic problems often remain. A recent publication highlighted common complications for burns involving the hand such as scar disturbances (26%) and scar contractures (14%). Innovative approaches with the potential to reduce the occurrence of complicating scar disturbances and contractures are sought by healthcare providers specialising in burns. This case report describes a novel approach to wound closure using a topical concentrate of proteolytic enzymes followed by the application of an autologous skin cell suspension. This combination was effective in achieving early and complete re-epithelialisation of a deep burn of the palm of a 28-year-old male patient, while potentially affording a favourable impact on hypertrophic scarring or scar contracture.

Volume Prediction of Extended Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap for Breast Reconstruction Using a Computed Tomography Volume-Rendering Technique with an X-ray Contrast Thread Marking.

BACKGROUND: The extended latissimus dorsi (ELD) musculocutaneous flap is one of the surgical techniques used for breast reconstruction. Preoperative preparation to determine the exact amount of flap tissue to be harvested is important to achieve a good outcome with autologous tissue reconstruction. However, few reports exist on objective preoperative volume prediction of ELD flaps. The purpose of this study was to quantify the elevated ELD volume as a preoperative plan. METHODS: Patients who underwent immediate or delayed breast reconstruction with ELD flap after mastectomy between March 2015 and January 2022 are included. (1) The ELD flap was designed preoperatively, X-ray contrast thread was applied along the design, and CT imaging was performed in the same lateral supine position as the surgical position. 3D images were constructed, and the volume-rendering method was used to obtain the integrated volume. (2) Intraoperative ELD flap volume was calculated using the water displacement method. The correlation between (1) and (2) was examined. RESULTS: (1) The mean preoperative predicted value was 290.2 mL and (2) the mean intraoperative ELD flap volume was 298.3 mL. The correlation coefficient between the two volumes was 0.93, indicating that they were correlated. CONCLUSION: We could quantify the ELD flap volume using the volume-rendering method with X-ray contrast threads. This study could be a useful method for preoperative prediction planning of the ELD flap in breast reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Surgical treatment of tracheocutaneous fistula and tracheostomy scars using a hinged flap and local myocutaneous flap.

Tracheocutaneous fistula and tracheostomy scar are complications associated with the prolonged use of tracheostomy tubes. They have functional and cosmetic problems owing to tracheal tugging during swallowing and easily visible scars. Although many procedures exist to correct this issue, there is no consensus on the optimal surgical technique. Therefore, an ideal surgical procedure was devised. The study was performed on 12 patients between September 2016 and May 2021. All patients had persistent tracheocutaneous fistulas or hypertrophic scars on the neck after tracheostomy. All procedures were performed using a hinged flap and two myocutaneous local flaps. All patients had no complications, and their aesthetics were excellent in postoperative photographs. The scar was better on the straight scar when the flap's skin is denuded than on the VY advancement flap. It should be noted, however, that this procedure can cause the flap to become congested in a short period after head and neck surgery. This procedure is safe, reliable and simple for surgical closure. This was found to produce excellent cosmetic results with no major complications.

The incidence of intraoperatively acquired pressure injuries in the park-bench position was reduced by applying soft silicone multilayer foam dressings.

The Park-Bench Position (PBP) is associated with a high incidence rate of intraoperatively acquired pressure injuries (IAPIs). Preventive measures must be established to prevent the development of IAPIs. We investigated the risk factors for PBP by applying a soft silicone multilayered foam dressing (SMD) under core temperature management to prevent IAPIs. We conducted a prospective, single-centre, open-label observational study of patients undergoing elective neurosurgery operations using PBP in a university hospital in Japan. The incidence rate of IAPIs in this study was compared with that in our two previous studies, in which a film dressing was applied and core temperature management was not performed. IAPIs developed in 90 patients (6.7%); in the lateral thoracic region in five patients and the iliac crest region in one patient. The operative time (every 1 h: p = 0.0001, OR: odds ratio 3.62, 95% CI: confidence interval 1.73-11.42) was significantly associated with the incidence of IAPIs. In our two previous studies, the incidence rate of IAPIs was 11.0% and 24.1%, respectively, when film dressing was used. SMD may weaken the involvement of risk factors in IAPIs.

Topical application of oxygen nano-bubble water enhances the healing process of ischaemic skin wound healing in an animal model.

We investigated the usefulness of oxygen nano-bubble water as an oxygen-rich liquid for wound healing, by analysing its effect on the wound-healing process in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 36) were divided into two groups: the wound-healing model group without ischaemia (n = 18) and the ischaemic group (n = 18). In each rat, an 8 mm diameter full-thickness skin defect wound was created on the back; in rats in the ischaemic group, a bi-pedicle flap (width, 3.6 cm; length, 8.6 cm) was also created. The wounds of six rats from each group were then treated with AQUACELL soaked with oxygen nano-bubble water, and compared with those of control rats, which were treated with purified water (same as that used to make the oxygen nano-bubble water; n = 6) or physiological saline solution (n = 6). There was no significant difference in epithelialisation rate and number of days of epithelialisation among the subgroups in the wound-healing model group. In the ischaemic group, there was a significant improvement in the wound-healing rate and time of the oxygen nano-bubble water subgroup. Oxygen nano-bubble water therapy enhances the ischaemic wound-healing process.

Adding collagen to adipose tissue transplant increases engraftment by promoting cell proliferation, neovascularisation and macrophage activity in a rat model.

To clarify the effect of collagen addition to transplanted adipose tissue on angiogenesis, cell proliferation and tissue remodelling process and reveal whether collagen addition contributes to improving transplanted adipose tissue engraftment in rats. Adipose tissue was harvested from the inguinal and injected into the back of the rat, in addition to collagen. Engraftment tissue was harvested, semi-quantitatively evaluated and underwent haematoxylin and eosin or Perilipin staining. Moreover, we evaluated viable adipocyte counts and neovascularisation. Macrophages were evaluated using flow cytometry, and the adiponectin or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction. By collagen addition to transplanted adipose tissue, higher engraftment rate semi-quantitatively and a greater number of new blood vessels histologically were identified. Perilipin staining revealed a higher adipocyte number. The total cell, M1 macrophage and M2 macrophage count were higher. There was increased adiponectin mRNA significantly at week 4 compared to that at week 1 after transplantation. Note that the expression levels of VEGF mRNA increased. In rats, adding collagen enhanced cell proliferation, induced M2 macrophages, which are involved in wound healing, and promoted adipocytes and neovascularisation. Therefore, collagen addition to transplanted adipose tissue could increase the engraftment rate of adipose tissue.

Negative-pressure wound therapy for donor-site closure in radial forearm free flap: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is often used for skin graft site dressing, and several studies have reported that its use improves skin graft failure in the forearm flap donor site. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of NPWT with skin graft for donor-site closure in radial forearm free flap (RFFF) reconstruction. A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted. The search terms used for PubMed were ([radial forearm]) AND ([donor]) AND ([negative pressure or vacuum]). This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews and performed in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement. Three prospective randomised controlled trials and three retrospective comparative studies were included. Compared with conventional bolster dressing, the use of NPWT dressing did not lead to significant improvements in partial skin graft loss, tendon exposure, and other complications. NPWT improved hand functionality earlier; nonetheless, the cost of the device and dressings was a disadvantage. The use of NPWT for skin graft fixation in the RFFF donor site is not generally recommended.

Long-Term Outcome of Nipple Projection Maintenance After Reconstruction with Clover Flap Technique.

BACKGROUND: Nipple reconstruction using local skin flap leaves no morbidity in the healthy nipple. However, one disadvantage of this procedure is that the projection is not often maintained. There are few reports on the rate of long-term maintenance of nipple projection. This study aimed to analyze the 5-year results of clover flap (C-F) nipple reconstruction to determine whether it can be used to maintain nipple projection for long periods and to investigate the factors involved in maintenance of nipple projection. METHODS: Patients that underwent nipple-areola reconstruction using C-F after undergoing a two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction with skin-sparing mastectomy between January 2012 and December 2019 were included. The projection of the reconstructed nipple was measured annually for 5 years postoperatively, and the nipple projection maintenance rate (%) was calculated. The influence of eight factors, namely smoking, irradiation, scarred skin, flap pedicle relative to the mastectomy scar, location of the mastectomy scar, flap suturing, and flap necrosis, on nipple height were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 275 patients were enrolled. The average maintenance rates (%) at 1-5 years after surgery were 47.1, 39.8, 36.4, 34.6, and 33.5. Creating a well-vascularized skin flap, designing the pedicle farther away from the mastectomy scar, choosing a surgical technique involving an oblique scar on the side of the nipple by wrapping the skin flaps, and including an appropriate amount of fat tissue inside the reconstructed nipple are important for nipple projection maintenance. CONCLUSION: Nipples reconstructed using the C-F technique on the artificial mound achieve excellent long-term result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which evidence-based medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes review articles, book reviews, and manuscripts that concern basic science, animal studies, cadaver studies, and experimental studies. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Efficacy of Versajet hydrosurgery system in chronic wounds: A systematic review.

Studies demonstrating the effectiveness of hydrosurgery for chronic wounds are extremely limited. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hydrosurgery compared with conventional debridement in chronic wounds, skin ulcers, and non-acute wounds. This PROSPERO-registered review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. Abstracts of all studies were screened independently by two reviewers. The bias of prospective randomised controlled studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias and RevMan 5.4 software, whereas the bias of retrospective comparative studies was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomised Studies. Two prospective randomised controlled trials, two retrospective comparative studies, and three prospective non-comparative studies were included. Hydrosurgery enabled rapid debridement. The Versajet Hydrosurgery System saved 8.87 minutes compared with the conventional methods. Similarly, the debridement quality was high with this system. The debridement number needed to achieve adequate wound beds was fewer in the hydrosurgery group than in the conventional group. These superiorities lead to subsequent success and cost-effectiveness. As there were only two prospective randomised controlled studies, and much information was missing, the risk of bias was unclear. This review confirmed that hydrosurgery is useful for the debridement of chronic wounds, considering the procedural speed and quality.

Measurement of vancomycin hydrochloride concentration in the exudate from wounds receiving negative pressure wound therapy: a pilot study.

It has been reported that negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is effective in the treatment of contaminated wounds. We hypothesised that systemically administered antibiotics migrate to wound site effectively by NPWT, which provides the antibacterial effect. We measured and compared the concentrations of vancomycin in the exudate and blood serum. Eight patients with skin ulcers or skin defect wounds who were treated with NPWT and were administered an intravenous drip of vancomycin were enrolled in this study. The wound surfaces were muscle, muscle fascia or adipose tissue. We administered vancomycin intravenously to NPWT patients (1-3 g/day). The exudate was obtained using 500 ml V.A.C. ATS canisters without gel. Three days later, the concentrations of vancomycin were measured. The mean concentration of vancomycin in the exudate from NPWT was 67% of the serum vancomycin concentration. We found that concentrations of vancomycin in NPWT exudates are higher than the previously reported concentrations in soft tissue without NPWT. The proactive use of NPWT might be considered in cases of suspected wound contamination when a systemic antibiotic is administered.

Anatomy of the superficial layer of superficial fascia around the nipple-areola complex.

BACKGROUND: The periareolar incision is the preferred method for mammaplasty because of the minimal scarring, and suturing of the superficial fascial system (SFS) is useful for avoiding hypertrophic scarring. In this report, we describe the anatomical location of the SFS around the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) and its histological structure. METHODS: To define the location of the SFS, 20 healthy women were assessed by ultrasonography, and sections of the NAC of 10 female cadavers were examined under a light microscope. RESULTS: Ultrasonographic examination of sagittal sections of the breast revealed a hyperdense line immediately beneath the skin, which ran parallel with the skin and turned under the NAC. At the turning point, the line thickened to an average of 3.09 mm. The distance between the nipple and the thickest point of the hyperdense line was 10.14 mm on average. Histological structures of the line were collagen and elastic fibers containing smooth muscles that were connected to the dermis and adipose tissue. At the turning point, nerves, blood vessels, and mammary ducts were irregularly observed in the area of collagen and elastic fibers. These structures were intermingled, and the fiber bundle was very thick. CONCLUSIONS: The thickest area of the turning point is an area of the superficial layer of superficial fascia, which is a key structure around the NAC. The detailed anatomical data shown in our study provide good morphological landmarks for the closure of periareolar incisions. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266.

Syndactyly correction using a venous flap with the plantar cutaneous venous arch.

A combination of skin grafts and local flaps is widely used in the reconstruction of syndactyly of the toes. Covering the skin defect without skin grafts on the unilateral side of the toe is preferred, and for this purpose, a rotated flap from the plantar area is typically used. However, the flap can become ischemic or congested in some cases. To avoid this, we elevated a plantar flap with the plantar cutaneous venous arch using a triangular venous flap and covered the lateral side of the web in 7 cases of syndactyly. The dorsal flap was used to create the new web, and the opposite lateral side was reconstructed using a skin graft. The flap circulation was stable, the pedicle of the flap was narrow, and the flap relocation was simple. No flap in any patient showed any evidence of congestion or ischemia. Follow-up demonstrated that the new web was patent in all cases, with no evidence of contraction.

Removal of adhesive wound dressing and its effects on the stratum corneum of the skin: comparison of eight different adhesive wound dressings.

In recent years, adhesive wound dressings have been increasingly applied postoperatively because of their ease of use as they can be kept in place without having to cut and apply surgical tapes and they can cover a wound securely. However, if a wound dressing strongly adheres to the wound, a large amount of stratum corneum is removed from the newly formed epithelium or healthy periwound skin. Various types of adhesives are used on adhesive wound dressings and the extent of skin damage depends on how much an adhesive sticks to the wound or skin surface. We quantitatively determined and compared the amount of stratum corneum removed by eight different wound dressings including polyurethane foam using acrylic adhesive, silicone-based adhesive dressing, composite hydrocolloid and self-adhesive polyurethane foam in healthy volunteers. The results showed that wound dressings with silicone adhesive and self-adhesive polyurethane foam removed less stratum corneum, whereas composite hydrocolloid and polyurethane foam using acrylic adhesive removed more stratum corneum.

Flexor tendon repair with barbed suture: an experimental study.

Various suture materials have been used for tendon repair. Barbed suture in particular has been demonstrated to be effective for both wound closure and tendon repair. Ten fresh-frozen flexor digitorum profundus tendons of pig were transected and repaired using the two-strand modified Kirchmayr-Kessler technique. The samples were divided into two groups: 4-0 barbed absorbable polyglyconate sutures and 4-0 monofilament absorbable polyglyconate sutures. We measured tensile strength and distance that the testing system pulled the tendon using a universal testing machine. Tensile strength at which 1 and 2 mm of gapping occurred was measured visually at the repair site. Tendons repaired by barbed sutures showed greater tensile strength than monofilament sutures forming still 2-mm gap. However, statistical significance was obtained only at 1-mm gap formation. We concluded that for tendon repair, barbed sutures were superior material to monofilament sutures because of their greater tensile strength, reducing both the initial tendon load and the risk of dehiscence.

Hidrocystoma-like tumours with RET or ALK fusion: a study of four cases.

Hidrocystoma is thought to be a benign retention cyst of sweat ductal units. The lesion is usually located in the periorbital skin; however, lesions with similar histopathological features are rarely observed in extra-facial sites. Herein, we present four cases of hidrocystoma-like tumours in extra-facial skin sites that harboured a RET or ALK rearrangement. This study features a 67-year-old female with a 10 mm-sized digital tumour (Case 1), a 62-year-old male with an 8 mm-sized clavicular tumour (Case 2), a 61-year-old male with a 19 mm-sized digital tumour (Case 3), and an 11-year-old female with a 10 mm-size lower leg tumour (Case 4) as well as five control cases (Cases 5-9) of classical periorbital hidrocystoma. In Cases 1-4, multicystic tumours comprising a two-cell layer of inner cuboidal ductoglandular (p63- and SOX10+/-) and outer flat myoepithelial (p63+ and SOX10+) cells were observed. The inner ductoglandular tumour cells exhibited micropapillary projections and Roman bridging structures. No apparent atypical cells were observed. NCOA4::RET in Cases 1 and 3, CCDC6::RET in Case 2, and SLC12A2::ALK in Case 4 were revealed by next-generation sequencing or Sanger sequencing. In contrast, control cases of classical hidrocystoma (Cases 5-9) did not show intracystic proliferation, abundant cytoplasm, ALK immunoreactivity, or NCOA4::RET detection in the tumour cells. RET/ALK-rearranged hidrocystoma-like tumours are tumour entities that can be distinguished from classical hidrocystoma. This RET/ALK-rearranged neoplasm is benign and is frequently observed in the digits. Future studies will establish the concept, detailed clinicopathological characteristics, and genetic variations of hidrocystoma-like tumours.

A model for quantitative evaluation of skin damage at adhesive wound dressing removal.

The removal of adhesive wound dressings from the wound surface involves a risk of damaging the intact stratum corneum and regenerating epithelium. Pain associated with the removal of wound dressings is a major issue for patients and medical personnel. Recently, wound dressings coated with a silicone adhesive have been developed to reduce such skin damage and pain on removal and they have received good evaluation in various clinical settings. However, there is neither a standard method to quantify whether or not the integrity of the stratum corneum and regenerating epithelium is retained or if both structures are damaged by the removal of wound dressings, nor are there standardised values with which to assess skin damage. We applied six different types of adhesive wound dressing on plain copy paper printed with black ink by a laser printer, removed the dressings, examined the adhesive-coated surface of the wound dressings using a high-power videoscope, and examined the stripped areas. Wound dressings coated with a silicone adhesive showed significantly less detachment of the stratum corneum and regenerating epithelium, followed by those coated with polyurethane, hydrocolloid, and acrylic adhesives. The assessment method utilised in this study revealed distinct differences between wound dressing types, but less variation in the evaluation outcome of each type. This assessment method may be useful for the evaluation of adhesive wound dressings, particularly during product development. However, further studies will be needed to examine the effectiveness of this assessment method in the clinical setting because the adherent properties of polyurethane and hydrocolloid adhesives may be altered by the absorption of water from the skin.