BACKGROUND Sensory recovery of skin flaps is generally poor unless they are elevated as an innervated flap. The aim of this study was to elucidate if Schwann cell (SC)-like cells differentiated from adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) could improve the cutaneous nerve regeneration in skin flaps. METHODS Microvascular island groin flaps were elevated bilaterally in 32 Lewis rats. On the right fl...

INTRODUCTION Reconstruction of intraoral soft tissue defects is important in restoring function and esthetic. In large defects, there will be demand for regional pedicle flaps or free flaps. Hard palate separates nasal and oral cavities. Due to the small surface area between flap and remaining palate after surgical resections, optimal blood supply of the flaps for hard palate reconstructions ar...

INTRODUCTION Venous congestion is the main cause of failure in the distally based sural artery flap. Herein, we present our technique of phlebotomy to relieve flap congestion. Venous blood is intermittently drained via an exteriorized segment of the short saphenous vein until flap circulation normalizes. METHODS AND MATERIALS From 2000 to 2005, 34 distally based sural artery flaps were perfor...

Ultrasound elastography produces strain images of compliant tissues under quasi-static compression. In axial-shear strain elastography, the local axial-shear strain resulting from application of quasi-static axial compression to an inhomogeneous material is imaged. The overall hypothesis of this work is that the pattern of axial-shear strain distribution around the inclusion/background interfac...

Autogenous breast reconstruction methods offer excellent esthetic outcomes with minimal donor-site morbidity. The technique of “stacking” abdominal flaps, or using both abdominal flaps to reconstruct a single breast, has been described as a way of creating a breast of adequate volume and projection in a patient with a thin abdomen.1,2 When the abdomen is not an option, either for the sake of vo...

BACKGROUND It has been reported that systemic administration of allopurinol improves cell survival. This study was aimed to evaluate effects of allopurinol on skin flaps in dogs. METHODS Twenty dogs underwent one skin flap surgery with a 2-week interval. The first procedure was performed according to the standard protocols. The second phase was started by a 1-week pretreatment with all...

BACKGROUND The free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap has proven to be a reliable means of recreating the aesthetic breast form after mastectomy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether neurotization of the free TRAM flap improved sensation of the reconstructed breast. METHODS Twenty-seven patients undergoing 37 free TRAM flap reconstructions were randomized ...

BACKGROUND Reconstructive procedures with pedicled and free flaps are associated with a risk of ischemia. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is a hormone-like substance with known antiischemic and tissue-protective effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PGE1 on the microcirculation in random pattern skin flaps on rats. METHODS Twenty-four rats were divided into 2 groups: an interve...

BACKGROUND Reconstruction of upper extremity deformities continues to be a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. Various loco regional, distant and free flaps are available for reconstruction. However, each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Of the commonly performed local flaps, radial artery forearm flap, and the posterior interosseus artery flap stand out prominently. Rec...

The role of axial form and function during the vertebrate water to land transition is poorly understood, in part because patterns of axial movement lack morphological correlates. The few studies available from elongate, semi-aquatic vertebrates suggest that moving on land may be powered simply from modifications of generalized swimming axial motor patterns and kinematics. Lungfish are an ideal ...