Effect of VEGF gene therapy and hyaluronic acid film sheath on peripheral nerve regeneration.

Functional nerve regeneration after reconstructive nerve surgery remains unsatisfying. In this study, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene therapy combined with a hyaluronic acid (HA)-enriched microenvironment in nerve regeneration was investigated. Sciatic nerve was transected, and end-to-end neurorrhaphy was performed on 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 per group): nerve coaptation without treatment (group I); nerve coaptation covered with HA film sheath (group II); nerve coaptation with intramuscular VEGF gene in plasmid injection (group III); and nerve coaptation combined with HA film sheath and intramuscular VEGF gene in plasmid injection (group IV). Contralateral sciatic nerves were used as control. VEGF expression was verified from gluteal muscle biopsies surrounding the sciatic nerve by reverse transcriptase-PCR. Electrophysiological, histopathological, and electron microscopic evaluations were performed after 4 weeks. Mean peak amplitude of groups I-IV and nonoperated sciatic nerve were 4.5 ± 0.6 mV, 6.4 ± 0.4 mV, 6.7 ± 0.5 mV, 8.5 ± 0.4 mV, and 9.8 ± 0.5 mV, respectively. Mean myelinated axonal counts of groups I-IV and nonoperated sciatic nerve were 105 ± 24, 165 ± 19, 181 ± 22, 271 ± 23, and 344 ± 17, respectively. Treatment with HA film sheath coverage combined with intramuscular VEGF gene in plasmid injection yielded statistically significant higher peak amplitudes and myelinated axonal counts (P < 0.001). In addition, significantly less scar formation with HA administration (groups II and IV; P < 0.001) was found. Thus, it was found that VEGF might crucially regulate nerve regeneration processes and that HA can reduce the scar formation. This study showed that the combination of HA film sheath and VEGF gene may synergistically promote peripheral nerve regeneration.

Calvarial reshaping using bifocal bidirectional transport distraction osteogenesis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess 3-dimensional reconstruction of cranial defects by use of bifocal bidirectional transport distraction osteogenesis (BBTDO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 8 sheep, divided into a control group (n = 3) and treatment group (n = 5). Full-thickness cranial defects (50 x 40 mm) were created on calvaria. In the control group only the skin was closed. In the treatment group BBTDO was performed. Distraction was performed with a custom-made distraction device with a transport segment of 40 x 20 mm. After a 5-day period of latency, distraction was applied to the transport segment. During the first 20 days of distraction, the transport segment was distracted 1 mm in the forward direction and 0.5 mm in the upward direction. After the next 20 days of distraction, the transport segment was distracted 1 mm forward and 0.5 downward. After a total of 40 days' distraction, a 30-day consolidation period was applied. Macroscopic, radiologic (computed tomography with volume measurements), and histologic evaluations were done. RESULTS: No major complications were seen during the whole study period. In the control group the bone defects remained unhealed at the end of the study period. The same-sized defects in the treatment group healed with a convexity like the calvaria. Preoperative and postoperative cranial volume measurements of the treatment group animals showed an increase in cranial volume (P < .05). Histologic evaluation showed inductive bone regeneration and mature bone structure development within the distraction zone. CONCLUSION: The BBTDO is an effective and safe technique for 3-dimensional closure of cranial defects.

Comparison of the effects of inhalation, epidural, spinal, and combined anesthesia techniques on rat cremaster muscle flap microcirculation.

BACKGROUND: This experimental study was designed to investigate and compare the effects of different anesthesia techniques on rat cremaster muscle flap microcirculation. METHODS: Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats (130-150 g body weight) were divided into five experimental groups containing ten animals each. Group I, group II, and group III were designated as inhalation, epidural, and spinal anesthesia groups, respectively. Group IV was designated as a combination group for inhalation and epidural anesthesia. Group V was a combination group of inhalation and spinal anesthesia. RESULTS: Group III and group V showed significant increases in the number of rolling and sticking leucocytes and in RBC volume (peripheral stasis) when compared with group I. Blood flow and velocity significantly increased without peripheral stasis in groups II and IV when compared with group I. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the numbers of rolling, sticking, and transmigrating leucocytes or in functional capillary perfusion, group IV had better flow hemodynamics in the peripheral microcirculation when compared with group I. CONCLUSIONS: The inhalation and epidural anesthesia combination was determined to be the ideal anesthesia technique for improved peripheral microcirculation. Spinal anesthesia, either separately or in combination with inhalation anesthesia, has adverse effects on microcirculation.

Thalidomide decreases the plasma levels of IL-1 and TNF following burn injury: is it a new drug for modulation of systemic inflammatory response.

TNF and IL-1, which are produced from phagocytic cells, can produce a significant systemic inflammatory response independently by inducing systemic leukocyte and endothelial cell activation. These cytokines play a pivotal role in development of systemic inflammatory response after severe burn. Thalidomide has been shown to decrease the secretion of TNF from phagocytic cells, therefore suppression of TNF and IL-1 production from activated phagocytic cells might be a successful treatment modality for prevention of systemic inflammatory response following severe burn. To address this issue, we aimed to show whether thalidomide treatment decreased or suppressed plasma levels of TNF and IL-1 following burn in rats. Following the injury, 36 rats were randomly separated into two experimental groups at the third and seventh days. Rats in the experimental group had oral thalidomide (10mg/kg day) treatment for three and seven consecutive days whereas animals in control groups had no treatment. Thalidomide treatment decreased TNF and IL-1 significantly in both experimental groups at both the points (P<0.05). Although in this study we just showed inhibitory effect of thalidomide on plasma the level of TNF and IL-1, we speculate that thalidomide may have modulatory effect on the systemic inflammatory response after burn by decreasing plasma levels of TNF and IL-1.

Aesthetic and functional restoration using dorsal saddle shaped Medpor implant in secondary rhinoplasty.

Functional disorders due to alar valve collapse and cosmetic unsatisfactory results can be seen after rhinoplasty operation in some patients. Because of overresection of the upper and lower lateral cartilages, nasal lateral walls may collapse during inspiration pressing against the septum and obstructing airway. On the other hand, overresection may result in several cosmetic deformities. Fourteen patients presenting with nasal deformation and functional insufficiency, were treated using thin sheet porous polyethylene (Medpor). Cottle sign was positive in all patients. On examination, collapse during inspiration, depression at the supratip area, and asymmetry were common findings. Saddle shaped implants, 1.2 x 40 mm in dimension, were introduced into pouches prepared via bilateral rim incision. After suturing incisions, bandage and cast were applied. In the mean 14-month follow-up period, 1 implant malposition was seen in a patient because of larger planning the pocket that was corrected by a subsequent shaving of the implant. Asymmetries of the noses were totally corrected. No exposition was found. Alar collapse and respiration impairment had disappeared in all patients. Although, autologous tissue is known as the best material, Medpor can be used safely regarding its low complication rate because of its porotic architecture and low morbidity in donors. Medpor implant provides functional improvement by its strength body. Its smooth surface helps to correct the asymmetry by filling the defects. Using a saddle shape enabled us to treat different components of the postrhinoplasty deformity with a single implant.

The crooked nose: the use of medial iliac crest bone graft as a supporting framework.

The crooked nose is one that the vertical axis of the nose inclines from the midline. As a rule, a major septal deformity almost always accompanies to impairing breathing and aesthetic appearance. To achieve total straightening of the crooked nose, the septum must become the target of the treatment. To prevent redeviation, we used rigid bone grafts instead of flexible and relatively weak cartilage to maintain the support of the corrected deformity. Between February 2005 and July 2007, 9 patients (all male) with crooked noses underwent corrective surgery. The mean age of the patients was 21 years (range, 19-23 years). The source of the bone graft was medial side of iliac crest in all patients. The mean follow-up was 18 months, ranging from 10 to 26 months. All patients had both functional and cosmetic problems. Mean operation time was 4 hours. Airway patency was improved in all cases. The grafts did not shift in any case and did not develop unsightly irregularities over time. Absorption of the grafts was not seen in the follow-up. There were no cases of extrusion or infection. No donor site complication occurred. None of the patient required secondary surgery. A residual deviation can be obvious despite all attempts, which has no deleterious effect on patient satisfaction. This article introduces a novel technique for the correction of the crooked nose.

Correction of thumb deformities after burn: versatility of first dorsal metacarpal artery flap.

In the management of a debilitated burned hand due to contractures, thumb reconstruction constitutes the most crucial part for a beneficial functional outcome. Among the limited local flap alternatives for the thumb, the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap, harvested from the dorsal aspect of the index finger can provide elastic, durable and sensate coverage for soft tissue defects after contracture release. In a 3-year period, neurovascular island first dorsal metacarpal artery flap was used in 14 patients suffering thumb deformities. The time elapsed after the underlying injury until reconstruction ranged from 5 months to 17 years. Follow-up revealed that all deformities were successfully treated with satisfactory functional recovery and cosmetic results. Donor site morbidity was minimal with an acceptable scar on the dorsum of the index finger and adequate tendon gliding without producing extension deficit. Our experience with management of deformities involving the thumb and/or adjacent thenar area revealed that the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap is a reliable local neurovascular island flap option, offering acceptable functional and cosmetic outcomes in respect to sensation, elasticity, durability and skin-match.

Congenital double lip: review of 5 cases.

Congenital double lip is rare and usually involves the upper lip. Apart from a deformity that interferes with speech and mastication, operation may be indicated for cosmetic reasons. We have operated on five patients with double lip deformities for cosmetic reasons. Although a midline constriction band between two mucosal bulges is thought to be a constant feature, four of our five cases did not have a midline constriction. We used an elliptical excision of the mucosal excess in the four patients. The one with central constriction had an elliptical excision on each side, combined with a vertical midline Z-plasty to release the central constriction. Satisfactory aesthetic results were achieved in all patients.

Effects of transpositional muscle flaps transfected with vascular endothelial growth factor gene in the treatment of experimental osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Based on the angiogenetic and stimulating effects of bone healing and formation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the present study was designed to assess the efficacy of VEGF gene application in the management of experimentally induced osteomyelitis. METHODS: Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups, and osteomyelitis was induced in the left tibial bones. Group 1 (n=8) was designated as a control group, and, after the induction of osteomyelitis, no treatment was applied for a period of 4 weeks. Group 2 (n=8) received only antibiotic treatment for 4 weeks following induction of osteomyelitis. In Group 3 (n=8), proximally pedicled gastrocnemius muscle flap was transposed over the osteomyelitic region following induction of osteomyelitis and antibiotic treatment applied for a 4-week period. In Group 4 (n=8), VEGF gene-transfected gastrocnemius muscle flap was transposed over the osteomyelitic region following identical antibiotic regimen applied for a 4-week period. For each group, body temperature, white blood cell (WBC) count, and radiological and histological parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Body temperature and WBC count remained high in the control group, but returned to normal in Groups 2, 3, and 4 after the third week of treatment. Statistical analysis of the total scores of radiological and histological results revealed significant differences between Groups 1 and 3, Groups 1 and 4, Groups 2 and 3, and Groups 2 and 4 (p<0.05). Regarding radiological parameters of abscess and sequester, and histological parameter of abscess, statistically significant differences were found between Group 4 and the other groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of the VEGF gene-transfected muscle flap in the management of experimental osteomyelitis was proven by the results of the present study.

Versatility of the reverse lateral arm flap in the treatment of post-burn antecubital contractures.

If they are not managed with proper treatment and rehabilitation, full thickness burns involving the cubital fossa may result in severe contractures that may impair upper extremity functions. Later release of these contractures discloses a large soft tissue defect that should be replaced. We used reverse lateral arm flaps for coverage of the cubital fossa in 11 selected cases of antecubital contracture. Ten flaps survived totally while we experienced one distal partial necrosis, which was later treated by skin grafting. We achieved considerable functional improvements in all cases. Although fasciocutaneous flaps offer the advantage of using regional tissue in a single stage, few versatile local flaps relying on the vascular anatomy around the elbow joint are available for cubital fossa coverage. Being a rapid, easy and one-staged procedure with no necessities for sacrifice of a major artery or muscle and for a long-term immobilization of the involved joints, reverse lateral arm flaps appears to be advantageous in comparison to other options for coverage of the cubital fossa defects after the release of antecubital contractures.

Saving the zone of stasis: is glutathione effective?

One of the main subjects that burn researches are focused on is saving the zone of stasis. There are many molecules that are used for this purpose, but all have their drawbacks. Glutathione is one of the major buffer molecules of the cells and is known to increase the thermo-resistance of the cells. In this study, the effect of the systemic glutathione on the zone of stasis was evaluated. The results showed that glutathione is an effective molecule for saving the zone of stasis. It is well-known cheap, and easy to use.

Psychological evaluation of self-inflicted burn patients: suicide or parasuicide?

Self-inflicted burns have an increasing incidence all around the world. There is a high mortality and morbidity rate among these patients. We retrospectively analysed the psychiatric characteristics of self-inflicted burn patients. The results showed that these attempts are somewhat different from suicidal acts and may be defined as parasuicides. The treatment and rehabilitation strategies of so called parasuicidal burns are discussed.

An unusual burn injury caused by a car battery.

In a car battery accident, a 21-year old man sustained a band of deep burn involving the dorsoradial aspect of the wrist. He was treated by excision and grafting on the third day after injury. A metal watchstrap that the patient was wearing, with evidence of the arching phenomenon on it, short-circuited the battery of the vehicle. Although the underlying etiology that triggered the events leading to thermal injury was an electrical accident, the current did not pass through any part of the patient's body, as what happens in an electrical injury. In our current understanding, the pathophysiology of electrical injury dictates the transmission of current through living tissues, leading to a specific type of tissue damage that should be distinguishable from the type that results from a usual thermal injury, as it happened in our case.

Palmar contracture release with arterialized venous instep flap: An anatomical and clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Plantar skin has similar histologic features to the palmar area and appears to be the ideal tissue for reconstruction of the palmar region. In this study, an anatomic examination was performed to determine the superficial venous architecture of the instep area, and the use of arterialized venous instep flaps for palmar contracture release was assessed. METHODS: The anatomical study was performed on 12 fresh cadaver feet. The arterialized venous instep flap, including the skin, subcutaneous tissue and superficial venous plexus, was harvested. To determine the venous structure, dissection (n = 6) and injection-corrosion (n = 6) techniques were used. In the clinical study, nine arterialized venous instep flaps were used for palmar contracture release. All flaps were harvested above the deep fascia and included skin, subcutaneous fat, and the superficial venous plexus. At the plantar site of the flap, two or three veins, one of which was used, were dissected for a sufficient length for the arterial anastomosis. The saphenous vein was used for the venous anastomosis. RESULTS: Dissection and injection-corrosion techniques revealed that the flap had 7-12 and 4-6 veins at its plantar and superior edges, respectively, with numerous anastomoses and interconnections between the veins. The flap dimensions were between 3 × 5 cm and 4 × 6 cm. All flaps survived, with two partial flap necrosis that healed with spontaneous epithelization. No debulking procedures were undertaken and all flaps adapted well to the recipient site. CONCLUSIONS: The arterialized venous instep flap is a good alternative to reconstruct palmar contractures by adding similar tissue that is thin and pliable with minimal donor site morbidity.

Nuclear imaging of the brain in electrical burn patients.

Patients surviving high-voltage electrical injury may have early or delayed sequelae. Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) is a lipid soluble brain perfusion agent rapidly retained in the brain tissue in proportion to regional cerebral blood flow without any redistribution. The aim of this study is to point out the importance of nuclear imaging of the brain and estimate the possible sequelae due to high-voltage electric injured patients. Brain perfusion analyses may help the early detection of cerebral blood disturbances and to inform both patient and surgeons about the possible neurological complications in electric burn patients.

Proliferative "crescentic" glomerulonephritis in a burned patient.

Acute renal failure is one of the major complications of burn and it is accompanied by a high mortality rate. However, acute glomerulonephritis due to major burn have not been reported in burn literature. We report a case of crescentic glomerulonephritis which began at 27 days postburn. In this case glomerulonephritis may be due to infection probably pseudomonas or enterococus sepsis. We also felt that imipenem may be contributed the formation of glomerulonephritis.

Treatment modalities for post-burn axillary contractures and the versatility of the scapular flap.

Inappropriate treatment of axillary burns frequently results in adduction contractures. In this clinical study we have reviewed 32 patients with different types of axillary post-burn adduction contractures. We have used a variety of surgical treatments for reconstruction of axillary contracture releasing defects such as simple grafting, Z-plasties and locally pedicled flaps. Among these alternatives, we preferred to use scapular island flap most frequently. In addition to conventional harvest of this flap, extension of its pedicle up to the subscapular ramification by passing it through the triangular space allowed its transfer even to the anterior axillary line defects in a vertical orientation without pedicle kinking. In conclusion, the island scapular flap is a good choice for reconstruction of all types of axillary contracture, releasing defects with satisfactory results in terms of function and cosmesis.

Cataract formation after a major burn due to explosion: a case report.

Cataract is a very rare complication of burn injuries in which the eye is not directly marked. A unilateral cataract presented some 85 days after a burn injury to a 21-year-old soldier. The cataract was treated surgically with excellent return of vision.

Long-term follow-up of total penile reconstruction with sensate osteocutaneous free fibula flap in 18 biological male patients.

Surgical reconstruction of the penis is challenging because of the many cosmetic and functional (e.g., sexual intercourse and voiding) requirements that must be addressed. Since the free sensate osteocutaneous fibula flap was first described for total penile reconstruction in 1993 it has been widely accepted, with its advantages and minimal shortcomings. In this article, the authors present the longest follow-up of biologically male patients with free fibular phalloplasties. Since 1994, 18 biologically male patients with total penile losses for various reasons were treated with free sensate osteocutaneous fibula flaps. All patients were included in the study. The ages of the patients ranged between 20 and 26 years (mean, 22.2 years). The average follow-up period was 5.4 years (range, 1 to 9 years). Patient satisfaction was evaluated by a questionnaire regarding both quality of orgasm and daily activities. Conventional radiographic imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and bone mineral densitometry were performed to evaluate the fate of the bony component of the flap. Also, sensibility was evaluated by bulbocavernous reflex and penile somatosensory evoked potentials testing in nine patients. Six patients married, and five of them had six children. Most patients and their partners reported pleasurable sexual intercourse and orgasm. Conventional radiographs of the fibular bone in neophalluses showed robust, calcified bone structure without any evidence of bone resorption or fracture. The magnetic resonance images showed the cortical substance and spongiosum of the bone marrow, which are characteristic signs of bone viability. After intravenous injection of gadolinium, the neophallus bone showed uptake of contrast medium. Viability of neophallus bone was shown even at 9-year follow-up (the longest follow-up in the literature). Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry measurements of the penile bone grafts showed that fibular components in the penis had bone mineral density values that were close to but lower than those of intact fibula in the same subjects. These results were considered as evidence of viability of bone grafts. Neural integrity was found between the nerves of the neophallus and the residual penile bodies by both bulbocavernous reflex and penile somatosensory evoked potentials tests. In conclusion, free sensate fibula flap phalloplasty provides the cosmetic and functional requirements that an ideal penis should have. All results put an end to the discussion that the fibular component of the neophallus could resorb. Constitution of neural integrity is important in terms of pleasurable sexual intercourse. The authors believe the free sensate osteocutaneous fibula flap should be considered as the standard in penile reconstruction.

Versatility of the medial plantar flap: our clinical experience.

The medial plantar flap presents an ideal tissue reserve, particularly for the reconstruction of the plantar and palmar areas, which require a sensate and unique form of skin. In the past 5 years, the authors performed 16 free flaps, 10 locally pedicled flaps, and five cross-leg flaps on 31 patients for the reconstruction of palmar and plantar defects. All flaps transferred to the palmar area survived, providing good color match and sufficient bulkiness. The overall results were satisfactory in terms of function and sensation, and no complications related to flap survival in the plantar area were observed. All flaps used to cover defects in the heel and ankle region adapted well to their recipient areas, and all lower extremities remained functional. Because the medial plantar flap presents glabrous, sensate skin with proper bulkiness and permits the movement of underlying structures, the authors advocate its use and view this procedure as an excellent alternative in the reconstruction of palmar and plantar weight-bearing areas.