Dermal substitutes: an alternative for the reconstruction of large full-thickness defects in the plantar surface

Abstract Large defects in plantar surface secondary to acral melanoma excision can be difficult to repair with local flaps, and skin grafts in weight-bearing surfaces often suffer necrosis causing prolonged disability. Acellular dermal matrices represent an easy alternative to cover deep wounds or those with bone or tendon exposure. Despite their high cost and the requirement of two surgical procedures, this alternative may offer excellent functional and aesthetic results in acral defects.

Necrose palpebral bilateral com reconstrução por matriz dérmica e enxertia cutânea / Bilateral eyelid necrosis with dermal matrix reconstruction and skin grafting

As infeções de pele e tecidos moles constituem um grupo de patologias de elevada prevalência. A fasceíte necrotizante é a infeção rápida e destrutiva do tecido subcutâneo e fáscia superficial com elevada morbimortalidade. Mais frequente na região perineal é de ocorrência rara na região periorbitária. O relato deste caso ilustra um caso de necrose palpebral bilateral após traumatismo cranioencefálico leve com escoriações. Foi realizado tratamento clínico intensivo e desbridamento cirúrgico da área afetada. Na primeira fase da reconstrução palpebral foi usada matriz de regeneração dérmica. Este substituto cutâneo inicialmente descrito para queimaduras se reveste atualmente de grande importância em cirurgia plástica visando uma melhor e mais rápida cicatrização das feridas. Posteriormente, realizou-se a autoenxertia cutânea tendo-se obtido um bom resultado estético e funcional.

Skin and soft tissue infections are a group of pathologies of high prevalence. Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapid and destructive infection of the subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia with high morbidity and mortality. It is frequent in the perineal region and of rare occurrence in the periorbital region. This report illustrates a case of bilateral eyelid necrosis after mild head trauma with abrasions. Intensive clinical treatment and surgical debridement of the affected area were performed. In the first phase of eyelid reconstruction, a dermal regeneration matrix was used. This cutaneous substitute initially described for burns is currently of great importance in plastic surgery, aiming to heal wounds better. Subsequently, cutaneous self-grafting was performed, and a good aesthetic and functional result was obtained.

Local tissue reaction and histopathological characteristics of three different bulking agents: a rabbit model

ABSTRACT Purpose: We assessed the efficacy and safety of a single injection of three bulking agents over the short- and long-term follow-ups in rabbits. Dermal and preputial matrices were compared with Deflux (DxHA) injection. Material and methods: Twenty-four rabbits were divided into three groups. Group I (n=8) underwent the injection of a lyophilized dermal matrix (LDM) beneath the seromuscular layer of the bladder wall. Rabbits in group II (n=8) were injected with lyophilized preputial matrix (LPM). Rabbits of group III (n=8) were injected with DxHA as the control group. They were followed up for 1 and 6 months after the injection. Subcutaneous injection of all bulking agents was also performed in nude mice. Biopsies were stained with LCA (leukocyte common antibody), CD68, CD31, and CD34. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and MTT assay were also performed. Results: Immunohistochemistry staining with CD68 and LCA revealed higher inflammation grade in LDM as compared with LPM and DxHA. Fibrosis grade was also higher in LDM both in short- and long-term follow-ups. However, no significant difference was detected in CD31 and CD34 staining between control and experimental groups. SEM analysis showed that the particle size of LPM was more similar to DxHA. MTT assay revealed that cell proliferation was similar in DxHA, LDM, and LPM. In-vivo assay in nude mice model showed more promising results in LPM as compared with LDM. Conclusion: The long-term results demonstrated that LPM was more similar to Deflux with the least local tissue reaction, inflammation, and fibrosis grade.

Successful management of absent sternum in an infant using porcine acellular dermal matrix

Congenital absent sternum is a rare birth defect that requires early intervention for optimal long-term outcomes. Descriptions of the repair of absent sternum are limited to case reports, and no preferred method for management has been described. Herein, we describe the use of porcine acellular dermal matrix to reconstruct the sternum of an infant with sternal infection following attempted repair using synthetic mesh. The patient was a full-term male with trisomy 21, agenesis of corpus callosum, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, right-sided aortic arch, and congenital absence of sternum with no sternal bars. Following removal of the infected synthetic mesh, negative pressure wound therapy with instillation was used to manage the open wound and provide direct antibiotic therapy. When blood C-reactive protein levels declined to ≤2 mg/L, the sternum was reconstructed using porcine acellular dermal matrix. At 21 months postoperative, the patient demonstrated no respiratory issues. Physical examination and computed tomography imaging identified good approximation of the clavicular heads and sternal cleft and forward curvature of the ribs. This case illustrates the benefits of negative pressure wound therapy and acellular dermal matrix for the reconstruction of absent sternum in the context of infected sternal surgical site previously repaired with synthetic mesh.

The Goldilocks technique: An alternative method to construct a breast mound after prosthetic breast reconstruction failure

The Goldilocks technique for breast reconstruction utilizes redundant mastectomy flap tissue to construct a breast mound. This technique is suitable for women who decline, or are poor candidates for, traditional postmastectomy reconstruction. Moreover, this technique can be applied in secondary operations after the failure of initial reconstruction efforts. A 74-year-old patient underwent the Goldilocks procedure after reconstruction failure with an implant and acellular dermal matrix. At her 6-month follow-up, the cosmetic outcome of the procedure was satisfactory, and no complications were noted. Therefore, the Goldilocks procedure is a safe alternative to reconstruct breast mounds following reconstruction failure, especially in obese patients.

A comparative study between sterile freeze-dried and sterile pre-hydrated acellular dermal matrix in tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND: In implant-based breast reconstruction, acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is essential for supporting the inferolateral pole. Recent studies have compared non-sterilized freeze-dried ADM and sterilized pre-hydrated ADM, but have not assessed whether differences were attributable to factors related to sterile processing or packaging. This study was conducted to compare the clinical outcomes of breast reconstruction using two types of sterile-processed ADMs. METHODS: Through a retrospective chart review, we analyzed 77 consecutive patients (85 breasts) who underwent tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction with either freeze-dried ADM (35 breasts) or pre-hydrated ADM (50 breasts) from March 2016 to February 2018. Demographic variables, postoperative outcomes, and operative parameters were compared between freeze-dried and pre-hydrated ADM. Biopsy specimens were obtained for histologic analysis. RESULTS: We obtained results after adjusting for variables found to be significant in univariate analyses. The total complication rate for freeze-dried and pre-hydrated ADMs was 25.7% and 22.0%, respectively. Skin necrosis was significantly more frequent in the freeze-dried group than in the pre-hydrated group (8.6% vs. 4.0%, P=0.038). All other complications and operative parameters showed no significant differences. In the histologic analysis, collagen density, inflammation, and vascularity were higher in the pre-hydrated ADM group (P=0.042, P=0.006, P=0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There are limited data comparing the outcomes of tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction using two types of sterile-processed ADMs. In this study, we found that using pre-hydrated ADM resulted in less skin necrosis and better integration into host tissue. Pre-hydrated ADM may therefore be preferable to freeze-dried ADM in terms of convenience and safety.

Acellular dermal matrix (Insuregraf) in the prevention of Frey’s syndrome and surgical site depression after parotidectomy

BACKGROUND: Parotidectomy is the treatment of choice in many parotid tumors. Due to the extensive nature of the procedure, unfavorable complications such as gustatory sweating, surgical site depression are common. Various techniques using fascia, muscle or AlloDerm have been developed but debate still remains regarding its availability and affordability. We applied a newly developed acellular dermal matrix (Insuregraf) to the parotidectomy field to act as a physical barrier and to provide adequate filling effect for prevention of functional and aesthetic complications. METHODS: From March 2010 to March 2017, 30 patients with parotid tumors underwent superficial parotidectomy. Twenty patients underwent only superficial parotidectomy. Ten patients had Insuregraf applied to the surgical site after superficial parotidectomy. We evaluated the incidence of Frey’s syndrome, surgical site depression, and patient satisfaction rate in both groups. RESULTS: The incidence of Frey’s syndrome was lower in the Insuregraf group (0 vs. 2). Surgical site depression was also lower in the Insuregraf group (2 vs. 20). Satisfaction score for facial contour in Insuregraf group was 9.2 out of 10, which was comparable to 6.2 out of 10 in the control group. CONCLUSION: Application of Insuregraf after superficial parotidectomy is an effective surgical procedure to prevent complications such as Frey’s syndrome and surgical site depression. This technique is affordable and safe with no immune reactions. Above all this surgical method should be considered as an option for patients who are concerned about the contour of the face after surgery.

Reconstrucción cervico torácica y reconstrucción axilar: Relato de caso / Thoracic cervical and axilar reconstruction: Case story / Reconstrução cervical torácica e reconstrução axilar: Relato de caso

Objetivo: Detallar el tratamiento propuesto y la reproductividad de la reconstrucción en deformidad incapacitante de paciente gran quemado, que presenta compromiso de regiones: cervical, torácica, mandibular, facial y axilar; demostrando el uso de dispositivos biotecnológicos; así mismo describir el uso de colgajo dorsal ancho para reconstrucción región axilar. Método: Paciente con graves secuelas de quemadura, cérvico torácica y facial al cual se realiza reconstrucción con uso de matriz dérmica acelular bicapa y unicapa, piel heteróloga e injerto fino mallado. Dos años posteriores al primer tratamiento, se realiza reconstrucción compleja de la región axilar izquierda con colgajo dorsal ancho con isla de piel y matriz dérmica acelular unicapa mallada, más colocación de piel mallada. Resultados: Resolución de secuelas funcionales limitantes descritas, con retracción secundaria mínima. Mejora postural y funcional de áreas tratadas. Conclusiones: La matriz dérmica acelular es una herramienta útil ya que: proporciona cierre inmediato a la herida evitando pérdidas de líquidos y electrolitos,disminuye la reacción inflamatoria, permite cambios indoloros de vendajes. El beneficio que de ella se obtiene, supera notoriamente el coste del mismo. La matriz dérmica puede ser usada cuantas veces sea necesaria, sin prejuicio significativo en la morbilidad. El injerto autólogo usado, debe ser muy fino lo que ayuda a la regeneración de la piel, tanto funcionalmente como de forma cosmética. El tratamiento axilar propuesto de rotación avance de colgajo muscular con isla de piel, fue realizado de acuerdo a la clasificación de la lesión, mismo que permitió una cobertura adecuada con poca morbimortalidad.

Objective: To detail the proposed treatment and the reproduce of reconstruction in incapacitating deformity of a large burned patient, presenting regional involvement: cervical, thoracic, facial and axillary; demonstrating the use of biotechnological devices; likewise describe the use of dorsal flap for axillary region reconstruction. Methods: Patient with serious cervical and facial burn sequela, which reconstruction is performed with use of acellular bilayer and single layer dermal matrix, heterologous skin and fine mesh graft. Two years after the first treatment, a complex reconstruction of the left axillary region was performed with dorsal flap with a skin island using acellular single-layer dermal matrix, and meshed skin graft. Results: Resolution of limiting functional sequela described, with minimal secondary retraction. Postural and functional improvement of treated areas. Conclusions: The acellular dermal matrix is a useful tool: provides immediate closure of wound avoiding losses of fluids and electrolytes, decreases inflammatory reaction, allows painless changes of bandages. The benefit obtained from it greatly exceeds the cost of it. The dermal matrix can be used as many times as necessary, without significant prejudice in morbidity. The autologous graft used must be very thin which helps the regeneration of the skin, both functionally and cosmetically. The axillary treatment proposed rotation advance of muscle flap with skin island was performed according to the classification of the lesion, which allowed adequate coverage with little morbidity and mortality.

Objetivo: Detalhar o tratamento proposto e reprodutividade na reconstrução da deformidade incapacitante do grande queimado, que teve comprometimento das regiões cervical, torácica, mandibular, facial e nas axilas, demonstrando o uso de dispositivos biotecnológicos; descrever também o uso do retalho grande dorsal para reconstrução da região axilar. Método: Paciente com sequelas graves de queimadura, na região torácica e facial, reconstrução com matriz dérmica acelular de dupla camada e com uma matriz de camada simples, mais pele heteróloga e enxerto de malha fina. Dois anos após o primeiro tratamento, a reconstrução complexa da axila esquerda é realizada com retalho do grande dorsal com ilha de pele e matriz dérmica de camada simples, mais colocação de pele fina malhada. Resultados: Resolução de sequelas funcionais limitantes descritas, com mínima retração secundária. Melhoria postural e funcional das áreas tratadas. Conclusões: A matriz dérmica acelular é uma ferramenta útil, fornecendo fechamento imediato para a ferida, evitando perdas de fluidos e eletrólitos, diminuindo a reação inflamatória e permitindo trocas indolores. O benefício obtido excede em muito o seu custo. A matriz dérmica pode ser utilizada quantas vezes forem necessárias, sem prejuízo significativo na morbidade. O enxerto autólogo utilizado deve ser muito fino, o que ajuda a regeneração da pele, tanto funcional como cosmética. O tratamento axilar proposto para avanço da rotação do retalho muscular com ilha de pele foi realizado de acordo com a classificação da lesão, o que permitiu cobertura adequada, com pouca morbimortalidade.

Acellular Dermal Matrix and Split-Thickness Skin Graft Stabilized by Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Postburn Scar Contracture: A Case Report

Postburn scar contracture for ankle is commonly treated with contracture release procedure and skin graft but contracture recurrence rate is high. Contracture in grafted skin is inversely related to the graft thickness but full-thickness skin graft is limited in large defect coverage. Using ADM for ankle joint defect which was following ankle postburn scar contracture release procedure with grafting split-thickness skin may be an alternative reconstructive option. We present a 63-year-old man with postburn scar contracture and Marjolin ulcer on his left ankle. He originally had limited ankle movement function but surgical resection of skin malignancy and surrounding scar tissue released the ankle. Coverage using ADM and STSG was performed and NPWT was used for graft fixation. Ankle range of motion was satisfactory at postoperative follow-up. The ADM and STSG with NPWT could be considered an alternative reconstruction option after contracture release for ankle.

Wound healing effects of paste type acellular dermal matrix subcutaneous injection

BACKGROUND: Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) helps wound healing by stimulating angiogenesis, acting as a chemoattractant for endothelial cells, providing growth factors, and permitting a substrate for fibroblasts to attach. The current standard for using paste-type ADM (CG Paste) in wound healing is direct application over the wounds. The major concerns regarding this method are unpredictable separation from the wounds and absorption into negative-pressure wound therapy devices. This study aimed to investigate the effects of subcutaneous injection of paste-type ADM on wound healing in rats. METHODS: Full-thickness skin defects were created on the dorsal skin of rats. Eighteen rats were randomly divided into three groups and treated using different wound coverage methods: group A, with a saline dressing; group B, standard application of CG Paste; and group C, injection of CG Paste. On postoperative days 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14, the wound areas were analyzed morphologically. Histological and immunohistochemical tissue analyses were performed on postoperative days 3 and 7. RESULTS: Groups B and C had significantly less raw surface than group A on postoperative days 10 and 14. Collagen fiber deposition and microvessel density were significantly higher in group C than in groups A and B on postoperative days 3 and 7. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed comparable effectiveness between subcutaneous injection and the conventional dressing method of paste-type ADM. Moreover, the injection of CG Paste led to improved wound healing quality through the accumulation of collagen fibers and an increase in microvessel density.

Application of a paste-type acellular dermal matrix for coverage of chronic ulcerative wounds

BACKGROUND: Chronic wounds occur due to failure of the normal healing process, associated with a lack of deposition of cellular components and a suitable microenvironment such as the extracellular matrix (ECM). Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is viewed as an ECM substitute, and a paste-type ADM has recently been introduced. We hypothesized that CGPaste, an injectable paste-type ADM, could serve as a scaffold and promote wound healing. METHODS: We retrospectively studied seven patients in whom CGPaste was applied between 2017 and 2018, who had pressure ulcers, necrotizing fasciitis, diabetic foot ulcers, traumatic defects, and osteomyelitis. The goal of applying CGPaste was to achieve complete wound healing with re-epithelialization or growth of granulation tissue, depending upon the wound bed status. CGPaste was injected based on the wound size along with the application of a dressing. RESULTS: Four of the seven patients showed granulation tissue on their wound bed, while the other three patients had a bony wound bed. The mean wound area was 453.57 mm2 and the depth was 10.71 mm. Wound healing occurred in five of the seven patients (71.43%). The mean duration of complete healing was 2.4 weeks. Two patients showed failure due to paste absorption (29.57%); these patients had wound beds comprising bone with relatively large and deep wounds (40×30 and 30×20 mm2 in area and 15 and 10 mm in depth). CONCLUSIONS: CGPaste is an effective option for coverage of small and deep chronic wounds for which a flap operation or skin grafting is unfeasible.

Comparing osteogenic effects between concentrated growth factors and the acellular dermal matrix

Abstract Concentrated growth factor (CGF) is an autogenuous product that contains highly concentrated number of platelets and can be derived from venous blood by selective centrifugation. It has been speculated that local growth factors in human platelets (insulinlike growth factor, IGF; transforming growth factor, TGF-b; platelet derived growth factor, PDGF) would enhance healing of grafts and also counteract resorption. The osteogensis effect of CGF and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for alveolar cleft defects was evaluated in this study. Twenty alveolar cleft patients were divided randomly into two groups. One group underwent guided bone regeneration (GBR) using acellular dermal matrix film combined with alveolar bone grafting using iliac crest bone grafts (GBR group), while the other group underwent alveolar bone grafting combined with CGF (CGF group). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained at 1 week and 6 months following the procedure. Using Mimics 17.0 software, the bone resorption rate and bone density improvement rate were calculated and compared between the two groups. Although not significant between ADM and CGF in bone resorption rate, the bone density improvement in cases with CGF(61.62 ± 4.728%) was much better than in cases with ADM (27.05 ± 5.607%) (p = 0.0002). Thus, CGF could be recommended to patients with alveolar cleft as a better choice.

Xenogenic acellular dermal matrix in immediate implant-based breast reconstruction following nipple/skin-sparing mastectomy / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To explore the clinical outcomes of xenogenic acellular dermal matrix in immediate implant-based breast reconstruction following nipple/skin sparing mastectomy.Methods From January 2015 to June 2017,patients that underwent immediate implant-based breast reconstruction following nipple/skin-sparing mastectomy were retrospectively studied.Results 43 female patients with breast cancer were enrolled.A retrospective review was performed on patients that were reconstructed with either alloplastic reconstruction (group A,18 breasts) or xenogenic acellular matrix dermal (group B,25 groups).Differences in the average age,body mass index,numbers of diabetic patients,numbers of active smoker,and volume of implant between the two groups were not statistically significant (P＞0.05).All patients were followed up from 3 to 28 months,with the middle time of 18,7 months.Complications in both groups of patients were clinically recorded after operation.When comparing clinical outcomes,group A had fewer drain (523.17±62.18) ml vs (639.56±54.34)ml,and fewer days before drain removal (7.83±1.58) d vs (10.2±1.44) d.No significant difference was seen in terms of seroma,hematoma,delayed healing,infection,nipple necrosis,capsular contracture,or tumor recurrence.Conclusions The use of xenogenic acellular matrix dermal in immediate implant-based breast reconstruction following nipple/skin-sparing mastectomy is as safe and effective as alloplastic reconstruction.

Clinical effects of pretarsal fullness reconstruction of the lower eyelid using autologous dermis or acellular dermis / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To investigate the new metheds of recreating pretarsal fullness of the lower eyelid using autologous dermis or acellullar dermis.Methods Between September 2010 and November 2013,total 16 patients underwent the procedures of recreating of pretarsal fullness of the lower eyelid using dermis materials.A stab skin incision of approximately 4-5 mm was made at the lateral canthus and inner canthus along the subciliary crease of the lower eyelid respectively,and then the skin was undermined to create a subcutaneous tunnel between two stab incisions.The dermis roll was introduced into the undermined subcutaneous plane of the lower eyelid.The end of dermis was sutured to orbicularis oculi muscle to maintain the appropriate tension.Results 11 cases of them used autologous dermis,5 of used acellullar dermis.The patients were followed up for 3-24 months.Lower-eyelid pretarsal fullness regained abvious and natural appearance,and the patients were highly satisfied.Complications included slight sclera show,partial absorption of dermis material and slight irregular apperence.One case of dermis infection occured and dermis roll had to be removed.Conclusions Autologous dermis or acellullar dermis grafting are simple,efficient techniques for recreating of pretarsal fullness of the lower eyelid.

Mixed Tumor in Deep Lobe and Versatility of Acellular Dermal Matrix

Frey's syndrome and infra-auricular depressed deformities are the ones of the most common complications that can occur after total parotidectomy. We report 1 case of pleomorphic adenoma occurred in the deep lobe that obtained good results from using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) after total parotidectomy. A 24-year-old man visited the hospital with oval shape mass in right mandibular angle which of 4 cm in size was found in the deep lobe of right parotid gland from Magnetic resonance imaging scanning and a pleomorphic adenoma was suspected. A total parotidectomy was performed while preserving the facial nerve. The material known as ADM were placed in the depressed part from where the mass was removed, and the site was sutured. The surgery site was healed well without any complications such as Frey's syndrome or infra-auricular depressed deformities. The pathological result was confirmed as pleomorphic adenoma. In addition to these advantages, it does not have little potential of deformation by the gravity after the surgery, and there is no restraint on circulation, which makes fabrication free and each deformation into various shapes can be described as another advantage of the reconstruction using the ADM.

Mixed Tumor in Deep Lobe and Versatility of Acellular Dermal Matrix

Frey's syndrome and infra-auricular depressed deformities are the ones of the most common complications that can occur after total parotidectomy. We report 1 case of pleomorphic adenoma occurred in the deep lobe that obtained good results from using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) after total parotidectomy. A 24-year-old man visited the hospital with oval shape mass in right mandibular angle which of 4 cm in size was found in the deep lobe of right parotid gland from Magnetic resonance imaging scanning and a pleomorphic adenoma was suspected. A total parotidectomy was performed while preserving the facial nerve. The material known as ADM were placed in the depressed part from where the mass was removed, and the site was sutured. The surgery site was healed well without any complications such as Frey's syndrome or infra-auricular depressed deformities. The pathological result was confirmed as pleomorphic adenoma. In addition to these advantages, it does not have little potential of deformation by the gravity after the surgery, and there is no restraint on circulation, which makes fabrication free and each deformation into various shapes can be described as another advantage of the reconstruction using the ADM.

Comparison of the Amount of Drainage in 3 Acellular Dermal Matrices in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: Acellular dermal matrix (ADM)-assisted breast reconstruction has gained popularity because it has several advantages. Some studies have reported that the use of ADM was strongly associated with postoperative complications, especially seroma formation. We performed direct-to-implant breast reconstruction using 3 types of human allograft products (CGDerm®, AlloDerm®, and MegaDerm®). The purpose of this study was to obtain information useful for the selection of an ADM product by comparing the amount of collected serum and the maintenance period of the drain. METHODS: Seventy-three patients with breast cancer who underwent ADM-assisted implant breast reconstruction between March 2011 and January 2016 were included in this study. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on the type of ADM that was used. The demographic characteristics collected were: age, body mass index (BMI), breast reconstruction location, smoking history, axillary dissection, comorbidities (such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus [DM]), breast implant size, breast implant type, amount of ADM, the total amount of serum that was collected in the drain, and the maintenance period of the drain. RESULTS: We obtained significant results after adjusting for variables including age, BMI, DM, axillary dissection, ADM amount, and breast implant size. Compared to AlloDerm, MegaDerm showed a significantly smaller amount of total drained serum and a significantly shorter drain maintenance period. CONCLUSIONS: The use of MegaDerm led to smaller amounts of drained serum and a shorter drain maintenance period than when AlloDerm was used. In contrast, no significant differences were found between CGDerm and AlloDerm, or between CGDerm and MegaDerm.

Comparison of the Amount of Drainage in 3 Acellular Dermal Matrices in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: Acellular dermal matrix (ADM)-assisted breast reconstruction has gained popularity because it has several advantages. Some studies have reported that the use of ADM was strongly associated with postoperative complications, especially seroma formation. We performed direct-to-implant breast reconstruction using 3 types of human allograft products (CGDerm®, AlloDerm®, and MegaDerm®). The purpose of this study was to obtain information useful for the selection of an ADM product by comparing the amount of collected serum and the maintenance period of the drain. METHODS: Seventy-three patients with breast cancer who underwent ADM-assisted implant breast reconstruction between March 2011 and January 2016 were included in this study. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on the type of ADM that was used. The demographic characteristics collected were: age, body mass index (BMI), breast reconstruction location, smoking history, axillary dissection, comorbidities (such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus [DM]), breast implant size, breast implant type, amount of ADM, the total amount of serum that was collected in the drain, and the maintenance period of the drain. RESULTS: We obtained significant results after adjusting for variables including age, BMI, DM, axillary dissection, ADM amount, and breast implant size. Compared to AlloDerm, MegaDerm showed a significantly smaller amount of total drained serum and a significantly shorter drain maintenance period. CONCLUSIONS: The use of MegaDerm led to smaller amounts of drained serum and a shorter drain maintenance period than when AlloDerm was used. In contrast, no significant differences were found between CGDerm and AlloDerm, or between CGDerm and MegaDerm.

The Effect of Acellular Dermal Matrix in Implant-Based Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Latissimus Dorsi Flap

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture is the most frequently reported complication after implant-based breast reconstruction. This study was first undertaken to present our experience with acellular dermal matrix for prevention of capsular contracture in implant-based immediate breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap, and to assess the final aesthetic outcome. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent immediate latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction in combination with implant and acellular dermal matrix from January 2014 to December 2015. Demographics and clinical characteristics and postoperative complications, especially focused on capsular contracture, were assessed. They were also analyzed as the potential risk factors for the development of capsular contracture. The aesthetic outcome of the overall reconstruction and the final outcome of the inframammary fold were evaluated. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 30 patients (30 breasts) were reviewed. The mean Baker grades for all 29 breasts (one breast was dropped out due to implant loss), evaluated at one year after reconstruction, was 1.21±0.49 capsular contracture. None of risk factors except seroma/hematoma (P=0.033) were significantly associated with the development of capsular contracture. Overall aesthetic outcome was 8.2±1.2 and aesthetic outcome of the inframammary fold was 3.5±0.6 for physician and 3.4±0.6 for patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we have shown the ability of acellular dermal matrix to prevent capsular contracture observed in implant-based immediate breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap and its use was proven to create superior aesthetic results.

Nipple Reconstruction with a C-V Flap Overgrafted with AlloDerm®

BACKGROUND: Breast reconstruction involves several steps, culminating in the creation of the nipple-areolar complex. Numerous methods of nipple reconstruction have been attempted, and have all proven somewhat successful in providing tissue for projection. In this clinical study, we evaluated a new technique using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM; AlloDerm®) adjunct to a skin flap (C-V flap technique) in nipple reconstruction. METHODS: In 2016, 13 nipple reconstructions were performed using this technique. We designed the C-V flap in the proper position on the breast. After the skin flap was elevated, a 1.5 × 1.5-cm AlloDerm® section was grafted to the inner surface of the elevated C-V flap; the grafted area was then folded into a cylindrical shape. Nipple projection was measured with an electronic caliper at the time of surgery and at 3 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Immediately postoperatively, nipple projection ranged from 5 to 11 mm (mean, 8.1 mm). The mean maintenance of nipple projection at 3 months postoperatively was 73.14% ± 16.39% (82% and 58% in the breast implant and autologous tissue flap groups, respectively), as compared with the immediate postoperative measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated a good maintenance rate of ADM retention. Our method is easy to implement and focuses on the maximal retention of ADM to provide long-term projection of the reconstructed nipple.