Effects of different scar types on flap viability in a skin flap model: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of tissues with multiple traumas, scarred pedicles, and medial scarring as a flap. METHODS: Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. The modified McFarlane flap was chosen as the flap model. In Group 1 (control), a dorsal skin flap was elevated and then sutured back into original position. In the other groups, a two-phase procedure was used. In Group 2 (pedicle incision), scar tissue was created with a skin incision at the prospective pedicle site of the flap and then sutured to its original site. In Group 3 (preconditioning), multiple full-thickness traumas were performed along the entire flap body, and in Group 4 (middle incision) scar tissue was created with a skin incision at the prospective middle region of the flap. Then, after 45 days, dorsal flaps were raised in all rats and then sutured back into position. Seven days later, flap survival was evaluated through microangiography and histological evaluation of flap segments. Histopathological examination included assessment of the number of vessels, necrosis, infiltration with polymorphonuclear leukocytes, edema, fibrosis, inflammation, increase in fibroblast activity, and neovascularization. RESULTS: The flap survival rates were 66.78% in Group 1, 68.05% in Group 2, 68.5% in Group 3, and 60.01% in Group 4. The flap survival rate was significantly lower in Group 4 (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in flap survival between Groups 1, 2, and 3. On microangiographic examination, the vascular network extended more distally and was densest around the scar line in Group 2. Vascularization was poorest in Group 4. On histological examination, the number of vessels tended to be greatest in Groups 3 and 4 but this was not significantly different between groups (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The study findings showed that it may be possible to raise a flap from a previously mutilated site secondary to scar formation and multiple full-thickness traumas along the flap body. However, distal necrosis may occur in situations when the scar is positioned in the middle region of the prospective flap.

Creation of Experimental Human Nose Model With Lyophilized and Decellularized Bovine Cartilage Xenograft.

The nose anatomy is a functional and aesthetically important organ because of its three-dimensional structure, visible location in the face region, and its connection with the respiratory tract. Aesthetic and reconstructive nasal surgery requires correction of deformations in cartilage and bone structures as well as preservation of the natural connections between all subunits. The minimal mistake made can result in functional or aesthetically bad results. In this study, the authors aimed to create an experimental nose model that help aesthetic and reconstructive nose surgery operations.