Reviewing Outcomes and Complications with the Use of Mesh in Breast Reduction Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Reduction mammoplasty is a common reconstructive and esthetic procedure with variable long-term outcomes regarding breast shape, projection, and nipple-areolar complex. One common complaint is recurrent breast ptosis, which may be mitigated by sufficient support of the inferior pole. This review will look at the effects of mesh in mitigating postoperative ptosis following reduction mammoplasty. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed using the PubMed database. Manuscripts that provided data with respect to the effects of mesh on cosmetic outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, complications, and surveillance were utilized. RESULTS: Six studies with a total of 634 patients were included in this review. There is limited evidence to support a cosmetic benefit with the use of mesh in reduction mammoplasty patients. While subjective satisfaction was demonstrated in one paper, few others had objective measurements of the impact of mesh. Complications included infection, skin necrosis, and loss of nipple sensation. Mammography was found to not be affected by mesh placement. DISCUSSION: The use of mesh during reduction mammoplasty is a relatively modern innovation that does not appear to have a significantly different risk profile than that of traditional reduction procedures. There is limited cosmetic value based on currently available data. More objective future analysis is necessary in order to justify the use of mesh in reduction mammoplasty for its claimed cosmetic benefits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Use of human acellular dermal matrix in rhinoplasty: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

Alloplastic implants such as acellular dermal matrix (ADM) have been used for various aesthetic and reconstructive purposes since the 1990s. Rhinoplasty addresses both aesthetic and functional nasal impairments, often involving the adoption of grafting materials. Currently, autologous grafts, such as those using septal cartilage, are the gold standard. However, they pose the risk of donor site morbidity, technical challenges, and additional operative time. We review total complications, resorption/re-operation and success rates associated with the use of ADM in rhinoplasty. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Prospero, DynaMed, DARE, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases. (Registry: CRD42023428019). A total of 462 patients from 15 studies were included, the mean (range) age was 30 (12-65) years, with a female-to-male ratio of 2:1. The most common indications for ADM were for cosmetic (35%, n = 163) and functional rhinoplasty (5%, n = 24). The most common type of ADM used was Alloderm (46%, n = 211). The most common indication for ADM was dorsal nasal augmentation (68%, n = 314). Eleven patients (2%) required revision surgery. The pooled success of ADM in rhinoplasty was 96% (95% CI 94 to 99, p = 0.93; I2 = 0%). 2% of patients developed postoperative complications and no statistically significant difference was seen in complications or success rates when comparing the different types of ADM. ADM in rhinoplasty was associated with fewer complications and re-operation rates, and similar if not less resorption compared to traditional autografts. Therefore, it can be a viable alternative to current autologous grafts in rhinoplasty surgery.

The use of artificial dermal substitutes for repair of the donor site following harvesting of a radial forearm free flap: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Artificial dermal substitutes (ADMs) have been trialled to improve outcomes at the donor site following the harvesting of a radial forearm free flap (RFFF). This systematic review compares donor site aesthetic and functional outcomes, with the use of an ADM versus conventional practice. METHODS: The databases Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science (Core Collection), and Scopus were searched for retrospective, prospective, and case-control studies and randomised control trials (RCTs) involving any ADM. Studies with adult patients having undergone RFFF harvesting and donor site repair with an ADM, commenting on appropriate clinical outcomes and without high risk of bias, were included. Direction-of-effect analysis was performed on relevant groupings of studies since heterogeneity in outcome measurement precluded meta-analyses. RESULTS: Across eight non-comparative studies included, 132 patients had donor site coverage with AlloDerm™, Integra™, Matriderm™, or Rapiderm. Across 11 comparative studies included, 240 patients had donor site coverage with fish-skin matrix, AlloDerm™, amniotic membrane, MegaDerm™, Hyalomatrix, Integra™, or Matriderm™. Five out of 11 comparative studies demonstrated superior aesthetic outcomes with ADMs according to at least one aesthetic metric compared to controls, whilst 6/11 demonstrated superior functional outcomes with ADMs. No study demonstrated poorer aesthetic or functional outcomes with an ADM compared to conventional practice. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the lack of studies reporting poorer outcomes with them compared to conventional practices, and a cumulative effect direction in their favour, provide strong indications in support of the use of AlloDerm™, Integra™, or Matriderm™ grafts. Further comparative studies, including RCTs, are needed to reinforce these initial indications.

Clinical efficacy of soft-tissue augmentation on tissue preservation at immediate implant sites: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of soft-tissue augmentation (STA) with a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) or an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on reducing tissue alterations at an immediate implant site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This trial had three groups: (i) immediate implant with SCTG (ICT group); (ii) immediate implant with ADM (IAD group); (iii) immediate implant without STA (control group). Forty-six patients were randomly assigned to each group. Implants were placed at the maxillary anterior or premolar areas and restored after the 6-month visit. Clinical outcomes, including buccal soft-tissue contour, peri-implant mucosal level, soft-tissue thickness and keratinized tissue width, were measured at baseline and at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up visits. Radiographic bone levels were measured at baseline and at 6- and 12-month follow-up visits. Patient-reported outcomes were also collected. RESULTS: STA procedures increased peri-implant mucosal thickness and maintained buccal soft-tissue contours. Compared to the control group, STA groups did not prevent peri-implant mucosal recession or interproximal bone resorption. Generally, no significant differences in clinical outcomes were detected between the ICT and IAD groups. Most patients were highly satisfied with the immediate implant procedure and outcomes without significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: STA at immediate implant sites enhanced soft-tissue thickness and maintained soft-tissue contours but did not prevent peri-implant mucosal recession or interproximal bone resorption. Long-term follow-up should be performed since these results were reported for only up to 1 year.

Red Breast Syndrome: Complete Resolution Following Replacement of Acellular Dermal Matrices With Acellular Collagen Matrices.

What is red breast syndrome (RBS)?What causes RBS?How often do patients present with RBS?What are effective treatments for RBS?

Application of Acellular Dermal Matrix in Gynaecology-A Current Review.

The aim of our study is to draw attention to the multitude of applications of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in the surgical treatment of urogynaecological disorders, such as reduction in the reproductive organs, and in reconstructive gynaecology. Despite the existence of numerous operational methods and materials, the effectiveness of transvaginal operation is still insufficient. Native tissue operations are often not durable enough, while operations with synthetic materials have numerous side effects, such as infections, hematomas, vaginal erosion, or dyspareunia. Hence, the search continues for a different material with a better efficacy and safety profile than those previously mentioned. It seems that ADM can meet these requirements and be a useful material for urogynaecological surgery. Key words related to the usage of ADM in gynaecological reconstructive surgery were used to search relevant databases (NCBI MedLine, Clinical Key, Clinicaltrials.gov). This manuscript is based on 43 literature sources, 28 (65.11%) of which were released after 2016. Older sources are cited for the purpose of presenting basic science, or other important issues related to the manuscript. ADM seems to be an ideal material for urogynaecological and reconstructive surgery. It has high durability, and thus high effectiveness. Moreover, it does not have the side effects typical for synthetic materials. There are no reports of material rejection, erosion or dyspareunia directly related to the presence of the mesh. Due to the difficulties in obtaining ADM and the need to perform additional tests, this material is not common in routine clinical practice. Therefore, the number of cases and the size of the research groups are insufficient to clearly define the potential of mesh from biological tissue. However, the results are so promising that it is worth considering a wider introduction to the use of this material. Our hope is that increasing clinicians' awareness of this topic will lead to more studies comparing methods using native tissues or synthetic materials and those using ADM.

Technical Refinements with the Use of Biologic Healing Agents.

Soft tissue defects resulting from trauma, vascular disease, burns, and postoncologic resections require reconstructive surgery for appropriate wound coverage and support. Dermal substitutes have been applied to a vast array of reconstructive settings across nearly all anatomical areas with demonstrable success. However, they require meticulous handling and operative technical expertise to optimize management of these soft tissue defects. In this review, we will address three dermal substitutes, their operative techniques, and their surgical applications.

The Use of Biologic Wound Agents in Pediatric Reconstructions.

The indications for using biologic wound agents have expanded greatly since first being employed for acute burn management. The majority of the literature details the use of said agents in the adult population; however, there is little representation regarding their uses for reconstructing defects typically observed in the pediatric population. Ironically, children, and to a lesser extent adolescents, greatly benefit from their use given the reduced skin laxity and amount of surrounding tissue available for locoregional tissue transfer when compared with adults. Herein, we detail the use of acellular and cellular biologic wound agents in the pediatric population.

Clinical and Anatomical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Repair of Large Rotator Cuff Tears with Allograft Patch Augmentation: A Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial with a Long-term Follow-up.

Background: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using human dermal matrix allograft augmentation has been widely used. We assessed the effect of acellular human dermal matrix augmentation after arthroscopic repair of large rotator cuff tears through a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with a long-term follow-up. Methods: Sixty patients with large-sized rotator cuff tears were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in the control group underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Allograft patch augmentation was additionally performed in the allograft group. All patients were subdivided into a complete coverage (CC) group or an incomplete coverage (IC) group according to footprint coverage after cuff repair. Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were assessed preoperatively and at final follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging was also performed at the same time to evaluate the anatomical results. Results: Forty-three patients were followed up for an average of 5.7 years. Clinical scores (Constant and ASES) increased significantly at the last follow-up in both groups. The increase in ASES score in the allograft group was statistically significantly greater than that in the control group. The degree of Constant score improvement did not differ significantly between the two groups. The retear rate was 9.1% in the allograft group, which was significantly lower than that in the control group (38.1%). In the control group, the CC subgroup had a statistically significantly lower retear rate (16.7%) than did the IC subgroup. There were no retear cases in the CC subgroup of the allograft group. Conclusions: Long-term follow-up of arthroscopic repair of large rotator cuff tears with allograft patch augmentation showed better clinical and anatomical results. Footprint coverage after rotator cuff repair was an important factor affecting the retear rate. If the footprint was not completely covered after rotator cuff repair, allograft patch augmentation may reduce the retear rate.

Clinical Outcomes of Acellular Dermal Matrix (SimpliDerm and AlloDerm Ready-to-Use) in Immediate Breast Reconstruction.

Background The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for post-mastectomy reconstruction is considered by many surgeons to be an accepted component of surgical technique. Early clinical experience is described for SimpliDerm® - a novel human ADM (Aziyo Biologics, Silver Spring, USA), and AlloDerm® Ready-To-Use (RTU) - an established ADM (Allergan Medical, Irvine, USA). Methods Records were retrospectively reviewed from four sites between 2016 and 2021 of patients who underwent immediate, two-stage reconstruction with either SimpliDerm (n=38) or AlloDerm RTU (n=69) after mastectomy and were followed out to exchange to permanent implant(s), tissue expander(s) explant, or death. Results Immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expanders and ADM was performed on 107 patients (181 breasts). Overall mean patient age was 51.4 ± 12.4 years, and mean BMI was 28.0 ± 5.8 kg/m2. Significantly more patients in the SimpliDerm group were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (34.2% vs. 7.2%; P<.001). Reconstructions were predominantly prepectoral (82.3%). A total of 35 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 27 (25.2%) patients, with no difference in AE type, classification, or rates between ADM groups. No AEs were considered related to either ADM. The observed AE profiles and rates are similar to those published for other ADMs in immediate breast reconstruction. Conclusions There continues to be a need for additional clinically equivalent ADMs to provide physicians with more availability and options for their practice. This retrospective, multisite study describes comparable clinical outcomes with SimpliDerm and AlloDerm RTU through a median of 133.5 days (~four months) following immediate two-stage breast reconstruction.

Biologics and acellular dermal matrices in head and neck reconstruction: A comprehensive review.

Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have been studied extensively in the literature and have gained popularity for various reconstructive and aesthetic purposes. ADMs are composed of a basement membrane and acellular dermal layer of collagen and provide a platform for mucosal epithelization and neovascularization. Combining dermal collagen and essential growth factors allows ADMs to support adequate wound healing and bolster soft-tissue repairs. These dermal matrices can be derived from human cadaveric donor skin (allogenic) or mammalian donor sources (xenogeneic). These dermal substitutes provide the benefit of reducing or eliminating the need for autologous tissue grafts and subsequently minimize donor site morbidity. Many ADMs are currently available in the market, each with variations in processing, manufacturing, storage, preparation, and use. The literature validating ADMs in the head and neck for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes is evolving rapidly. This review aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the principles of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs), the different types of ADMs, and evaluate common indications, techniques, and outcomes pertaining to select anatomic sites in the head and neck reconstruction.

Evaluation and comparison number of gingival fibroblast and osteosarcoma cell (MG-63 cell line) adhesive to mocugraft, alloderm, and collagen membrane with or without advanced platelet-rich fibrin.

BACKGROUND: The tissue engineering has recently shown a significant progress in the fields of membranes and biosynthetic materials. Advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) contains functional molecules that have newly shown great interest in regenerative therapies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of A-PRF on the adhesion of gingival fibroblast cells and osteosarcoma cells to different membranes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental in vitro study, three collagen, alloderm, and mucograft membranes were studied, which were cut into four 5 mm × 5 mm pieces and placed in the bottom of a 24-well culture medium. One milliliter of A-PRF was added to two wells from each group and the other two wells remained without A-PRF. The gingival fibroblasts and osteosarcoma cells were individually added to each well. The cell adhesion was studied using an electron microscope after 24 h. The data were analyzed by independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and least significant difference test. RESULTS: In the presence of A-PRF, there was a significant higher osteoblast adhesion to collagen membrane compared to alloderm and mucograft membranes (P < 0.001). In the absence of A-PRF, adhesion of osteoblasts to collagen membrane was significantly higher than alloderm and mucograft (P = 0.019). Moreover, in the presence of A-PRF, fibroblast adhesion to collagen membrane was significantly higher than alloderm and mucograft membranes (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in the absence of A-PRF, no significant difference was found among the study groups (P = 0.830). CONCLUSION: A-PRF was effective on fibroblast adhesion to the collagen membrane, which is similar to its absence. A-PRF was also found to be very effective on the adhesion of fibroblast cells to the collagen membrane, and in its absence, even less adhesion was observed compared to the other membranes. The presence or absence of A-PRF showed no significant differences in both cells' adhesion for alloderm and mucograft membranes.

Clinical evaluation of root coverage using coronally positioned flap associated with acellular dermal matrix allograft in single-type recession defects. A retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective assessment of the clinical results at 6,12 and 24 months of root coverage in single gingival recessions using coronally positioned flap and acellular dermal matrix allograft. Clinical records were collected from 16 patients with single gingival recessions who visited a private practice in Periodontics in 2005 and 2006. They were treated through a coronally positioned flap and acellular dermal matrix allograft. The following periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months: Recession Depth, Recession Width, Probing Depth, Clinical Attachment Level, Keratinized Tissue Width, Plaque Index, Gingival Index and Sensitivity. The percentage of root coverage was 91.18 ± 21.26 at 6 months, 90.18 ± 22.04 at 12 months and 90.83 ± 18.41 at 24 months. Complete root coverage was 81% (13 out of 16) at 6 and 12 months. At 24 months, complete root coverage was 75% (9 out of 12). The plaque and gingival indexes did not vary significantly between baseline and measurement times. Probing depth was maintained at healthy levels during the months of follow-up. Sensitivity decreased at 12 months (4 of 16) compared to baseline (14 of 16), and was maintained at 2 years (2 of 12). This retrospective study showed that acellular dermal matrix allograft could be considered a useful alternative for the treatment of single gingival recessions, reducing the discomfort and morbidity associated with the palatal donor site.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar retrospectivamente los resultados clínicos del recubrimiento radicular en recesiones únicas mediante el uso de colgajo desplazado coronal y matriz dérmica acelular a los 6,12 y 24 meses. Se recolectaron las historias clínicas de 16 pacientes que presentaban recesiones gingivales únicas, concurrentes a un consultorio privado de Periodoncia en los años 2005 y 2006. Fueron tratados utilizando colgajo desplazado coronal y matriz dérmica acelular. Previamente se registraron los siguientes parámetros periodontales: Altura de la recesión, Ancho de la recesión, Profundidad al sondaje, Nivel Clínico de inserción, Ancho del tejido queratinizado, Indice de placa, Indice gingival y Sensibilidad. Los datos se obtuvieron nuevamente a los 6, 12 y 24 meses. El porcentaje de recubrimiento radicular obtenido a los 6 meses fue de 91,18 ± 21,26, de 90,18 ± 22,04 a los 12 meses y 90,83 ± 18,41 a los 24 meses. La cobertura radicular completa fue de 81% (13 de 16) a los 6 y 12 meses, y fue de 75% a los 24 meses (9 de 12). Los índices de placa y gingival no variaron significativamente entre el inicio y los diferentes intervalos de tiempo. La profundidad al sondaje se mantuvo en niveles compatibles con salud durante los meses de seguimiento. Se logró disminuir la sensibilidad a los 12 meses (4 de 16) respecto al inicio del tratamiento (14 de 16), manteniendo dicha proporción a los 2 años (2 de 12). El presente estudio retrospectivo mostró que el uso de la matriz dérmica acelular podría ser considerado una alternativa predecible para el tratamiento de recesiones gingivales únicas, reduciendo el disconfort y la morbilidad asociada al sitio donante palatino.

A Randomized Controlled Trial on a Minimally Invasive Microsurgical Versus Conventional Procedure for the Management of Localized Gingival Recession in Esthetic Zone using Alloderm.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical technique is a recent advancement in periodontal plastic surgery, which improves the predictability of periodontal procedures, providing better esthetic results with minimal postoperative discomfort. Alloderm is an alternate to connective tissue grafts, which has been successfully used for root coverage. The present study aims at Comparative assessment of Micro and Conventional surgical techniques for root coverage using coronally positioned flap (CPF) with Alloderm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty sites with Miller's Class I or II gingival recession defects were selected; sites were randomly divided into control and test groups. Test sites were treated with CPF and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) using Microsurgery and control sites were treated with CPF and ADM using conventional method. RESULTS: Conventional and Microsurgical procedures for root coverage showed a statistically significant difference in all clinical parameters from baseline to 3 and 6 months (P < 0.01). The microsurgical technique demonstrated a significant difference in ultrasonographic thickness of gingiva (P < 0.003) and patient satisfaction score (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Microsurgical procedure for root coverage was found to be superior to the conventional macrosurgical approach under magnification. Microsurgical sites healed faster with neovascularization demonstrated on ultrasonographic evaluation with improved gingival thickness and patient satisfaction scores.

Clinical evaluation of root coverage using coronally positioned flap associated with acellular dermal matrix allograft in single-type recession defects / Evaluación clínica del recubrimiento radicular mediante colgajo desplazado coronal asociado a injerto dérmico acelular en recesiones únicas

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective assessment of the clinical results at 6,12 and 24 months of root coverage in single gingival recessions using coronally positioned flap and acellular dermal matrix allograft. Clinical records were collected from 16 patients with single gingival recessions who visited a private practice in Periodontics in 2005 and 2006. They were treated through a coronally positioned flap and acellular dermal matrix allograft. The following periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months: Recession Depth, Recession Width, Probing Depth, Clinical Attachment Level, Keratinized Tissue Width, Plaque Index, Gingival Index and Sensitivity. The percentage of root coverage was 91.18 ± 21.26 at 6 months, 90.18 ± 22.04 at 12 months and 90.83 ± 18.41 at 24 months. Complete root coverage was 81% (13 out of 16) at 6 and 12 months. At 24 months, complete root coverage was 75% (9 out of 12). The plaque and gingival indexes did not vary significantly between baseline and measurement times. Probing depth was maintained at healthy levels during the months of follow-up. Sensitivity decreased at 12 months (4 of 16) compared to baseline (14 of 16), and was maintained at 2 years (2 of 12). This retrospective study showed that acellular dermal matrix allograft could be considered a useful alternative for the treatment of single gingival recessions, reducing the discomfort and morbidity associated with the palatal donor site.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar retrospectivamente los resultados clínicos del recubrimiento radicular en recesiones únicas mediante el uso de colgajo desplazado coronal y matriz dérmica acelular a los 6,12 y 24 meses. Se recolectaron las historias clínicas de 16 pacientes que presentaban recesiones gingivales únicas, concurrentes a un consultorio privado de Periodoncia en los años 2005 y 2006. Fueron tratados utilizando colgajo desplazado coronal y matriz dérmica acelular. Previamente se registraron los siguientes parámetros periodontales: Altura de la recesión, Ancho de la recesión, Profundidad al sondaje, Nivel Clínico de inserción, Ancho del tejido queratinizado, Indice de placa, Indice gingival y Sensibilidad. Los datos se obtuvieron nuevamente a los 6, 12 y 24 meses. El porcentaje de recubrimiento radicular obtenido a los 6 meses fue de 91,18 ± 21,26, de 90,18 ± 22,04 a los 12 meses y 90,83 ± 18,41 a los 24 meses. La cobertura radicular completa fue de 81% (13 de 16) a los 6 y 12 meses, y fue de 75% a los 24 meses (9 de 12). Los índices de placa y gingival no variaron significativamente entre el inicio y los diferentes intervalos de tiempo. La profundidad al sondaje se mantuvo en niveles compatibles con salud durante los meses de seguimiento. Se logró disminuir la sensibilidad a los 12 meses (4 de 16) respecto al inicio del tratamiento (14 de 16), manteniendo dicha proporción a los 2 años (2 de 12). El presente estudio retrospectivo mostró que el uso de la matriz dérmica acelular podría ser considerado una alternativa predecible para el tratamiento de recesiones gingivales únicas, reduciendo el disconfort y la morbilidad asociada al sitio donante palatino.

Soft Tissue Reconstruction of Parotidectomy Defect.

This article provides a review of soft tissue reconstructive options for the parotidectomy defect, including skin incision, primary closure, acellular dermis, autologous fat transfer, local and regional flaps, and free tissue transfer. The authors discuss considerations for volume enhancement, skin coverage, prevention of Frey syndrome, tumor surveillance, and potential complications.

Promising results for hypospadias repair using alloderm® (Regen): A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION;: Hypospadias is a congenital disorder of urethra in which meatus is not at its correct place and occurs in 1 of 250 live male birth. Many techniques have been used for the repair of hypospadias and to decrease the incidence of fistula. Alloderm has been recently used for the repair of urologic congenital defects, and reconstructive surgeries, but not used in hypospadias in a randomized controlled trial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of Alloderm® (Regen) to reduce fistula rate in hypospadias repair. METHODS & MATERIALS: This was a randomized controlled trial. Sixty patients were divided into two groups, 30 children underwent surgery using Alloderm® (Regen) as the Alloderm group and 30 without using it as controls. In the Alloderm group, 21 underwent primary surgery (12 mid-shaft hypospadias who underwent concurrent chordee correction and urethroplasty, and 9 penoscrotal who underwent 2 stage surgery, chordee was first corrected and then 6 months later TIP was performed), and 9 underwent fistula repair due to previous surgeries. In the control group, 24 patients underwent primary surgery (15 mid-shaft, and 9 penoscrotal) and 6 fistula repair the same as the Alloderm group but without using Alloderm. RESULTS: There was no meaningful difference between the two groups regarding age (P = 0.634). There was no meaningful difference regarding the operation type between the two groups (P = 0.371). There was no meaningful difference regarding the meatal location between the two groups (P = 0.781). There were no significant post-operative complications in the both groups. No bleeding or diverticulum occurred. Recurrence of fistula occurred in one patient in the Alloderm group after fistula repair and in 2 in the control group. Overall, In the Alloderm group, 3 (2 after TIP and 1 after fistula repair) patients and in the control group 8 (6 after TIP, 2 after fistula repair) patients developed fistulas after surgery (10% vs 26.7%). There was a statistically meaningful difference regarding fistula formation between the two groups using Chi-square test (P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Alloderm® (Regen) can be used for hypospadias and fistula repair with very few complications and good results. Fistula was less probably occurred in the Alloderm group compared to the standard repair of hypospadias.

Noninvasive Optical Assessment of Implanted Tissue-Engineered Construct Success In Situ.

Quantitative diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) was developed for label-free, noninvasive, and real-time assessment of implanted tissue-engineered devices manufactured from primary human oral keratinocytes (six batches in two 5-patient cohorts). Constructs were implanted in a murine model for 1 and 3 weeks. DRS evaluated construct success in situ using optical absorption (hemoglobin concentration and oxygenation, attributed to revascularization) and optical scattering (attributed to cellular density and layer thickness). Destructive pre- and postimplantation histology distinguished experimental control from stressed constructs, whereas noninvasive preimplantation measures of keratinocyte glucose consumption and residual glucose in spent culture media did not. In constructs implanted for 1 week, DRS distinguished control due to stressed and compromised from healthy constructs. In constructs implanted for 3 weeks, DRS identified constructs with higher postimplantation success. These results suggest that quantitative DRS is a promising, clinically compatible technology for rapid, noninvasive, and localized tissue assessment to characterize tissue-engineered construct success in vivo. Impact statement Despite the recent advance in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, there is still a lack of nondestructive tools to longitudinally monitor the implanted tissue-engineered devices. In this study, we demonstrate the potential of quantitative diffuse reflectance spectroscopy as a clinically viable technique for noninvasive, label-free, and rapid characterization of graft success in situ.

Thin Split Thickness Skin Grafting on Human Acellular Dermal Matrix Scaffold for the Treatment of Deep Burn Wounds.

BACKGROUND: Use of AlloDerm™ is highly suggested for the treatment of deep burns and burn sequela reconstruction. Scar formation and contracture are recognized as long-term consequences of split-thickness skin autografting, which is applied for full-thickness burn injuries. Mature fibroblasts, in the absence of dermis, seem to secrete collagen in the reformed scar pattern. OBJECTIVE: To process AlloDerm™ from fresh allograft and use it as a dermal substitute for covering deep wounds in burn patients and evaluate its effectiveness. METHODS: In this case-series, 7 patients with deep burn wounds involving different locations on the body surface were exposed to combined AlloDerm™ (processed from fresh human allograft) with thin split thickness skin autograft on it. On the 5th post-operative day, wound dressings were changed to evaluate the graft survival with the human acellular dermal matrix scaffold. To determine the skin profiles, follow-ups continued for at least 6 months. RESULTS: The results showed excellent graft take, good elasticity, acceptable thickness, and little contracture and scarring according to fix surgeon assessment in 6 patients. Graft rejection happened only in one patient with chronic electrical injury. CONCLUSION: AlloDerm™ derived from cadaver skin and combination of it with thin split thickness skin auto grafting constitute a cost-effective and favorable option for the treatment of deep burn wounds in our center, considering the increased tendency of the population towards organ donation in the event of brain death.