Research progress of allogeneic abdominal wall transplantation / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the research progress of surgical technique and immunosuppressive regimen of abdominal wall vascularized composite allograft transplantation in animals and clinical practice.@*METHODS@#The literature on abdominal wall transplantation at home and abroad in recent years was extensively reviewed and analyzed.@*RESULTS@#This review includes animal and clinical studies. In animal studies, partial or total full-thickness abdominal wall transplantation models have been successfully established by researchers. Also, the use of thoracolumbar nerves has been described as an important method for functional reconstruction and prevention of long-term muscle atrophy in allogeneic abdominal wall transplantation. In clinical studies, researchers have utilized four revascularization techniques to perform abdominal wall transplantation, which has a high survival rate and a low incidence of complications.@*CONCLUSION@#Abdominal wall allotransplantation is a critical reconstructive option for the difficulty closure of complex abdominal wall defects. Realizing the recanalization of the nerve in transplanted abdominal wall to the recipient is very important for the functional recovery of the allograft. The developments of similar research are beneficial for the progress of abdominal wall allotransplantation.

Diagnostic criteria and research progress on Banff classification of allograft pathology in composite tissue allotransplantation / 器官移植

Composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) is a novel transplantation discipline to treat functional tissue or limb defects. Since a majority of CTA grafts were vascularized grafts, it is also known as vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). The grafts of CTA/VCA consist of two or more types of allogeneic skin, subcutaneous tissue, bone, muscle, nerve and vessel, etc. Most of CTA/VCA grafts contain skin tissues, which possess the highest antigenicity. Acute rejection after transplantation is the primary obstacle leading to CTA/VCA graft failure and primary graft dysfunction. Hence, histopathological characteristics of skin rejection in CTA/VCA grafts have become the primary hotspot. In this article, pathological features of CTA/VCA rejection, Banff classification in 2007 and related research progress were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of rejection and other complications of CTA/VCA.

Anesthetic management of the first forearm transplantation in Korea / 대한마취과학회지

Vascularized composite allotransplantation for the forearm is a complex surgical procedure, requiring multidisciplinary collaboration. It is important to provide optimal blood flow to the grafts, effective immunosuppression, and early rehabilitation for graft survival and good functional outcomes. As ischemia-reperfusion injury and substantial but unquantifiable blood loss are inevitable in this type of surgery, anesthetic management should focus on providing adequate hemodynamic management with proper monitoring, and anesthetic and analgesic strategies to prevent vasoconstriction in the graft. In this paper, we describe the anesthetic management of the first forearm transplantation performed in Korea.

Vascularized Free Lymph Node Flap Transfer in Advanced Lymphedema Patient after Axillary Lymph Node Dissection / 한국유방암학회지

Lymphedema is a condition characterized by tissue swelling caused by localized fluid retention. Advanced lymphedema is characterized by irreversible skin fibrosis (stage IIIb) and nonpitting edema, with leather-like skin, skin crypts, and ulcers with or without involvement of the toes (stage IVa and IVb, respectively). Recently, surgical treatment of advanced lymphedema has been a challenging reconstructive modality. Microvascular techniques such as lymphaticovenous anastomosis and vascularized lymph node flap transfer are effective for early stage lymphedema. In this study, we performed a two-stage operation in an advanced lymphedema patient. First, a debulking procedure was performed using liposuction. A vascularized free lymph node flap transfer was then conducted 10 weeks after the first operation. In this case, good results were obtained, with reduced circumferences in various parts of the upper extremity noted immediately postoperation.

Risk Acceptance and Expectations of Scalp Allotransplantation

BACKGROUND: In scalp allotransplantation, the scalp from a brain-dead donor, including hair, is transferred to a recipient with scalp defects. Opinions differ on the appropriateness of scalp allotransplantation. In order to maintain graft function and cosmetic outcomes, scalp transplantation recipients would need to receive lifelong immunosuppression treatments. The risks of this immunosuppression have to be balanced against the fact that receiving a scalp allotransplant does not extend lifespan or restore a physical function. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate risk acceptance and expectations regarding scalp allotransplantation in different populations. METHODS: A questionnaire survey study was conducted. A total of 300 subjects participated; survey was conducted amongst the general public (n=100), kidney transplantation recipients (n=50), a group of patient who required scalp reconstruction due to tumor or trauma (n=50), and physicians (n=100). The survey was modified by using the Korean version of the Louisville instrument for transplantation questionnaire. RESULTS: Risk acceptance and expectations for scalp transplantation varied widely across the groups. Kidney transplantation recipients revealed the highest risk acceptance and expectations, whereas the physicians were most resistant to the risks of scalp transplantation. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that, in specific groups, scalp allotransplantation and the need for immunosuppression carries an acceptable risk despite the lack of lifeextending benefits. Our results suggest that scalp allotransplantation can be an acceptable alternative to existing scalp reconstruction surgeries in patients with pre-existing need for immunosuppression.

Hemifacial Transplantation Model in Rats

BACKGROUND: To refine facial transplantation techniques and achieve sound results, it is essential to develop a suitable animal model. Rat is a small animal and has many advantages over other animals that have been used as transplantation models. The purpose of this study was to describe a rat hemifacial transplantation model and to verify its convenience and reproducibility. METHODS: Animals used in this study were Lewis rats (recipients) and Lewis-Brown Norway rats (donors). Nine transplantations were performed, requiring 18 animals. The hemifacial flap that included the ipsilateral ear was harvested based on the unilateral common carotid artery and external jugular vein and was transferred as a single unit. Cyclosporine A therapy was initiated 24 hours after transplantation and lasted for 2 weeks. Signs of rejection responses were evaluated daily. RESULTS: The mean transplantation time was 1 hour 20 minutes. The anatomy of common carotid artery and external jugular vein was consistent, and the vessel size was appropriate for anastomosis. Six of nine allografts remained good viable without vascular problems at the conclusion of study (postoperative 2 weeks). CONCLUSION: The rat hemifacial transplantation model is suitable as a standard transplantation training model.

Hemifacial Transplantation Model in Rats

BACKGROUND: To refine facial transplantation techniques and achieve sound results, it is essential to develop a suitable animal model. Rat is a small animal and has many advantages over other animals that have been used as transplantation models. The purpose of this study was to describe a rat hemifacial transplantation model and to verify its convenience and reproducibility. METHODS: Animals used in this study were Lewis rats (recipients) and Lewis-Brown Norway rats (donors). Nine transplantations were performed, requiring 18 animals. The hemifacial flap that included the ipsilateral ear was harvested based on the unilateral common carotid artery and external jugular vein and was transferred as a single unit. Cyclosporine A therapy was initiated 24 hours after transplantation and lasted for 2 weeks. Signs of rejection responses were evaluated daily. RESULTS: The mean transplantation time was 1 hour 20 minutes. The anatomy of common carotid artery and external jugular vein was consistent, and the vessel size was appropriate for anastomosis. Six of nine allografts remained good viable without vascular problems at the conclusion of study (postoperative 2 weeks). CONCLUSION: The rat hemifacial transplantation model is suitable as a standard transplantation training model.

Entrenamiento microquirúrgico básico para realizar un modelo animal de alotrasplante compuesto vascularizado / Basic microsurgical training for a vascularized composite allotransplantation animal model

Introduction: rat hind limb transplantation is a complex animal model of vascularized composite allo-transplantation (VCA). A basic microsurgical training is required prior to the implementation of this model. Aim: to propose a training program for the acquisition of basic skills to perform a microsurgical VCA model. Animals and Methods: the training program was conducted in two stages. First, at the dry lab, basic suturing skills with 9-0 to 11-0 nylon sutures were practiced, reproduced from surgical videos performed by experts. In a second stage, at the wet lab using 13 Lewis rats, 6 hind limb microsurgical dissections were performed and the important steps for transplantation were identified: 10 end to end femoral artery anastomoses with 10-0 nylon interrupted suture; 10 end to end femoral vein anastomoses with 10-0 nylon suture; 3 femoral vein interposition in the femoral artery; 6 end to end sciatic nerve neurorrhaphy; 4 femur osteosynthesis with 21g needle and wire cerclage. Anastomotic patency rate and anastomotic surgical time were recorded. Results: arterial and venous patency rate was 100 and 90 percent respectively. Surgical time decreased from 49 to 24 minutes on arterial anastomoses and from 55 to 25 minutes on venous anastomoses after completion of the training program. When a vein interposition was performed, an immediate patency rate of 100 percent was obtained. Conclusion: a successful staged training model of basic microsurgical skills was performed, in order to perform a VCA model.

Introducción: el trasplante de extremidad posterior de la rata es un modelo microquirúrgico de alotras-plante compuesto vascularizado (ACV), que requiere para su implementación de un entrenamiento microquirúrgico básico sistematizado. Objetivo: comunicar un modelo de entrenamiento microquirúrgico básico para adquirir las habilidades y destrezas que permitan realizar un modelo microquirúrgico de ACV Animales y Métodos: el entrenamiento se realizó en 2 etapas: la primera, en laboratorio en seco. A partir de vídeos de microcirugía, se practicó las destrezas para maniobrar suturas de nylon de 9-0 a 11-0. En la segunda etapa in vivo con animales, (13 ratas Lewis), se realizaron: 6 disecciones microquirúrgicas de extremidad posterior para reconocimiento de estructuras anatómicas; 10 anastomosis término-terminal (T-T) de arteria femoral con sutura interrumpida 10-0; 10 anastomosis T-T de vena femoral; 3 interposiciones de vena femoral en arteria femoral; 6 neurorrafias T-T de nervio ciático; 4 fijaciones óseas de fémur con aguja 21 g y cerclaje con alambre. Se evaluó la permeabilidad de las anastomosis y los tiempos quirúrgicos. Resultados: anastomosis arteriales: la permeabilidad inmediata fue de un 100 por ciento. Los tiempos de anastomosis disminuyeron de 49 a 24 min con el entrenamiento. Anastomosis venosas: la permeabilidad inmediata fue de un 90 por ciento. Los tiempos de anastomosis disminuyeron paulatinamente de 55 a 25 min. Interposiciones venosas: se logró una permeabilidad de 100 por ciento. Conclusión: una estrategia de entrenamiento por etapas, es una forma factible de entrenamiento en microcirugía. Este entrenamiento permite obtener una aceptable permeabilidad anastomótica, paso crítico para realizar modelos de ACV.