Tumescent anesthesia combined with skin and soft tissue expansion for the repair of 41 cases of congenital giant melanocytic nevi / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of tumescent anesthesia combined with skin and soft tissue expansion for the repair of congenital giant melanocytic nevi.Methods:From July 2015 to December 2019, 41 patients with congenital giant melanocytic nevi, including 24 males and 17 females aged 7 - 45 years, were collected from the Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University. Skin lesions ranged from 5 cm × 12 cm to 12 cm × 18 cm in size, and were located on the scalp in 13 cases, on the face in 18 cases, as well as on the trunk in 10 cases. Before surgery, the composition of tumescent solution was adjusted according to the body weight, operation duration, skin lesion area, etc., and the total dose and peak plasma concentration of lidocaine should be below 35 mg/kg and 4 mg/L respectively. All the patients received tissue expander placement and second-stage flap transfer under tumescent anesthesia.Results:During surgery, satisfactory effect of tumescent anesthesia was achieved in all the 41 patients, the pain score assessed by a numerical rating scale was 1.82 ± 0.54. In addition, the surgical field and dissection levels were clear with little bleeding and no related complications. Follow-up of 3 - 36 months showed that the skin flaps matched the surrounding skin tissues well, with relatively concealed incision lines and soft flat scars.Conclusion:For the treatment of congenital giant melanocytic nevi, tumescent anesthesia is effective and safe, which combined with skin and soft tissue expansion can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, and this strategy is worthy of clinical promotion.

Treatment of soft tissue defect by progressive stretch skin suture technique / 中华全科医师杂志

Clinical data of 14 patients with skin and soft tissue defects treated by progressive stretch skin suture (stretch suture) in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from September 2016 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 10 male and 4 female aged 13-73 years. The ankle and calf were the main defect sites with the defect area ranged from 2-3 cm×2-3 cm to 3-6 cm×5-9 cm. According to the wound skin condition, patients received progressive stretch suture 2-4 times after debridement and anti-infection treatment until the wounds were completely healed. Two patients with fractures underwent skin stretch after fracture fixation with external fixators. There were 4 patients with wound infection, including 2 cases infected with Staphylococcus aureus, 1 with Escherichia coli, and 1 with Enterobacter cloacae, all of whom received antibiotic therapy and infection was controlled and the progressive stretch suture was performed. In 3 patients with severe degloved skin injury, the infection was treated with debridement on the first day, and stretch suture was not performed until the second debridement. The soft tissue defect wound healed completely in 10-23 days, with an average of (17.2±3.8)days. None of the patients had skin necrosis during the stretch suture treatment. The postoperative follow-up time was more than 6 months and the skin softness, sensory function and blood supply of the patients were normal, and the average Vancouver Scar Scale score was 3.1, among whom 9 cases were scored as excellent (0-3 points)　and 5 as good (4-7 points). The patients were satisfied with the effect of skin stretch,the study suggests that the progressive stretch skin suture technique is simple and effective in treatment of soft tissue defect.

Clinical effects of skin soft tissue expansion in treatment of scars and nevus / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To explore the choice of skin flap design and clinical effects of skin soft tissue expansion in the treatment of body surface lesions.Methods:From January 2018 to December 2020, the Department of Plastic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University performed skin and soft tissue expansion in 148 patients with scars and nevus, including 83 males and 65 females. The age ranged from 4 to 52 years. According to the distance of the donor area, the expanded flap was divided into adjacent local flap and distal pedicled axial flap. An appropriate volume expander was embedded under the donor area flap. The expander was expanded regularly for 8-24 weeks, and the displacement of expander and other complications were avoided.Results:A total of 212 dilators were implanted in 148 patients, and the damaged area was completely repaired after 1 or 2 dilation operations. The expanded flaps were effectively used. The flap transfer was consistent with the first-stage design, with fewer auxiliary incisions, hidden and inconspicuous scars, and maximum repaired area was 22 cm×18 cm; the incidence of dilator complications (16 cases with 21 dilators) was 9.90%.Conclusions:Paying attention to the reasonable design and selection of flap in stage Ⅰ operation can make effective use of expanded flap in stage Ⅱ operation, fully repair body surface lesions, reduce auxiliary incision and achieve the best repair effect.

Reconstrução de couro cabeludo com retalho expandido / Scalp reconstruction with expanded flap

Introdução: A presença de defeitos extensos em couro cabeludo apresenta-se como um grande desafio reconstrutor para o cirurgião plástico. Estes defeitos têm vasta etiologia como: traumática, queimaduras térmicas ou elétricas, ressecções tumorais benignas e malignas ou congênitas, sequelas de tratamentos radioterápicos e infecções. Destacando-se lesões como o escalpelamento e queimaduras (térmicas ou elétricas), geram repercussões significativas como a perda de tecido grave, osteomielite crônica ou sequelas menores como uma alopecia cicatricial. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de reconstrução de couro cabeludo em fase tardia com expansor tecidual e posterior retalho de avanço, devido à alopecia cicatricial, em paciente feminina de 11 anos vítima de escaldamento por água quente em região frontotemporal direita. Métodos: Foi realizada análise retrospectiva de prontuário da paciente em questão. O presente trabalho segue os padrões do comitê de ética de Helsinque. Conclusão: A técnica de expansão tecidual de couro cabeludo por estágios e posterior confecção de retalho de avanço de escalpo demonstrou ser eficaz de restaurar a estrutura pilosa e linha da implantação capilar da paciente com mínima distorção local, restituindo a forma e a estética do couro cabeludo da paciente.

Introduction: The presence of extensive scalp defects is a major reconstructive challenge for the plastic surgeon. These defects have a vast etiology, such as traumatic, thermal or electrical burns, benign and malignant or congenital tumor resections, radiotherapy treatments sequelae, and infections. Noting that injuries such as scalping and burns (thermal or electrical), generate significant repercussions such as severe tissue loss, chronic osteomyelitis or minor sequelae such as scar alopecia. This study aims to report a case of late scalp reconstruction with a tissue expander and posterior advancement flap, due to cicatricial alopecia, in an 11-year-old female, victim of scalding by hot water in the right frontotemporal region. Methods: It was performed a retrospective analysis of the patient's medical record. The present work follows the standards of the Helsinki ethics committee. Conclusion: The scalp tissue expansion technique by stages and subsequent scalp advancement flap performing proved to be effective in restoring the patient's hair structure and hairline with minimal local distortion, restoring the scalp's shape and aesthetics of the patient.

Complications using tissue expanders in burn sequelae treatment at a reference university hospital: a retrospective study / Complicações com o uso de expansores teciduais para tratamento de sequela de queimaduras em um hospital universitário de referência: estudo retrospectivo

ABSTRACT Background: tissue expanders have high relevance in plastic surgery and among indications it is worth mentioning their use in the treatment of burn reconstruction. Although it shows good results, its use requires special care because some complications can interrupt the reconstruction process. The objective of this study was to report the experience of the Clinics Hospital (University of Sao Paulo) with the use of tissue expanders to treat burn sequelae, establishing the incidence of complications, and identifying risk factors for their occurrence. Methods: a retrospective, observational, and analytical study, evaluating the use of expanders in burns sequelae treatment from 2009 to 2018. Results: 245 expanders were placed in 84 patients, 215 were female, with a mean age of 19.96 years, being 40% in the trunk and 20% in the scalp, with a predominance of rectangular shape in 76.7% of cases. Complications were classified as major and minor.Complications occurred in 17.95% of cases, and extrusion and infection were the most common. There was a higher incidence of complications in expanders used in the upper and lower limbs as well as in those who did not undergo concomitant expansion (p <0.05), with an even higher chance of major complications in patients submitted to additional expansion. From 2009 to 2018, we observed a decrease in the incidence of complications. Conclusion: the complication rate (17.95%) is similar to other studies of the literature, there was a higher rate of complication with expanders placed in the limbs and a higher rate of major complications when additional expansion was done.

RESUMO Introdução: os expansores teciduais são de importante relevância na cirurgia plástica, e dentre suas indicações destaca-se seu uso no tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras. Ainda que apresente bons resultados, seu uso requer cuidados especiais pois a incidência de complicações não é desprezível. Objetivo: relatar a experiência do Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP com a utilização de expansores teciduais para tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras, estabelecendo a incidência de complicações e identificando possíveis fatores de risco para ocorrência das mesmas. Método: estudo retrospectivo, observacional e analítico, avaliando o uso de expansores no tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras no período de 2009 a 2018 no Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP. Resultados: no período de análise estabelecido, foram colocados 245 expansores, sendo 215 em pacientes do sexo feminino, com idade média de 19,96 anos, sendo 40% em tronco e 20% em couro cabeludo, predominando uso do retangular em 76,7% dos casos. As complicações foram divididas em maiores e menores. As complicações ocorreram em 17,95% dos casos, sendo extrusão e infecção as de maior incidência. Houve maior incidência de complicação em expansores utilizados nos membros superiores e inferiores bem como naqueles que não realizaram expansão concomitante (p<0,05), havendo ainda maior chance de complicações absolutas nos pacientes submetidos à expansão adicional. Observou-se também diminuição no número de complicações entre 2009 e 2018. Conclusão: a taxa de complicação (17,95%) é semelhante a da literatura, observando-se maior taxa de complicação nos expansores colocados em membros e maior taxa de complicações absolutas quando realizada expansão adicional.

Avaliação do uso de expansor de tecido em um serviço universitário / Evaluation of the use of tissue expander in a university service

Introdução: Expansão tecidual é um método de reconstrução importante para a cobertura de defeitos como queimaduras e nevos gigantes ou na reconstrução mamária. Esse artigo tem como objetivo relatar a experiência do Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR) com o uso de expansores. Métodos: Esse é um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo e analítico dos pacientes que foram submetidos à expansão tecidual para cirurgia reconstrutora no Hospital de Clínicas da UFPR, entre o período de janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2016. Resultados: Foram analisados 61 pacientes e 80 cirurgias, incluindo os procedimentos de reexpansão. A idade variou entre 2 a 73 anos (média 31). A grande maioria dos pacientes pertenceu ao sexo feminino (83,6%), na faixa etária acima de 40 anos, sendo submetidos ao tratamento para reconstrução mamária após mastectomia radical (36%). As complicações observadas nesses pacientes foram: sinais de infecção (14,7%), deiscência da sutura (3,2%), seroma (3,2%), defeito no expansor (3,2%), exposição do expansor (3,2%), necrose (1,6%) e sinais de hipoperfusão (1,6%). Pacientes submetidos à reconstrução mamária tiveram o maior número de complicações (40,1%). A reexpansão foi necessária em 37,7% dos pacientes. Conclusão: A técnica de expansão de pele é indicada para o tratamento de diversas patologias. O procedimento de expansão tecidual apresenta taxas de complicações altas e o conhecimento do perfil do paciente, dos principais tipos de complicações e dos fatores associados a essas complicações podem auxiliar na sua prevenção.

Introduction: Tissue expansion is an important reconstruction method to solve defects such as burns and giant nevi or breast reconstruction. This article aims to report the experience of the Plastic Surgery Service of the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) with the use of expanders. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study of patients who underwent tissue expansion for reconstructive surgery at the Hospital de Clínicas da UFPR, from January 2010 to December 2016. Results: 61 patients and 80 surgeries were analyzed, including re-expansion procedures. Age ranged from 2 to 73 years (mean 31). The majority of patients were female (83.6%), aged over 40 years, undergoing breast reconstruction treatment after radical mastectomy (36%). The complications observed in these patients were: signs of infection (14.7%), suture dehiscence (3.2%), seroma (3.2%), defect in the expander (3.2%), exposure of the expander (3, 2%), necrosis (1.6%) and signs of hypoperfusion (1.6%). Patients undergoing breast reconstruction had the highest number of complications (40.1%). Reexpansion was necessary for 37.7% of patients. Conclusion: The skin expansion technique is indicated for several pathologies' treatment. The tissue expansion procedure has high complication rates. Knowing the patient's profile, the main types of complications, and the factors associated with these complications can help prevent them.

Lipoenxertia em reconstruções mamárias com expansor e implantes / Fat grafting in breast reconstructions with expanders and implants

A lipoenxertia autóloga foi inicialmente descrita há mais de 100 anos por Neuber objetivando correção de defeitos faciais. Ao mesmo tempo, Czerney descreveu a utilização de lipoma nas costas para recriar uma mama pós-mastectomias. A técnica foi popularizada por Coleman, que descreveu o uso de lipoaspiração e purificação de adipócitos para injeção na face como preenchimento de tecido mole. Bircoll e Novack (1987 apud Costantini et al.4) expandiram então esta aplicação para as mamas. Em 1990 houve um crescimento no uso da lipoenxertia, após o trabalho de Coleman, que confirmou que o tecido adiposo poderia ser transferido satisfatoriamente com a formalização de um protocolo restrito para preparação e injeção de gordura. A técnica de Coleman é de longe a mais comumente usada. O tecido adiposo é infiltrado com uma solução tumescente e, em seguida, manualmente aspirada. O lipoaspirado é subsequentemente centrifugado para isolar o tecido adiposo da fração oleosa e aquosa e finalmente injetado. A transferência de gordura de uma área em excesso, como o abdômen ou as coxas para reconstrução ou melhorar a forma e o volume da mama, não é uma ideia nova. Seguindo o trabalho de Illouz sobre a lipoaspiração, que levou ao seu uso generalizado em todo o mundo. As imagens mamográficas após lipoenxertia são variadas, a absorção de gordura e sua evolução à necrose gordurosa variam de cistos lipídicos a achados suspeitos de malignidade, como microcalcificações agrupadas, áreas espiculadas de opacidade aumentada e massas focais.

Autologous fat grafting was first described more than 100 years ago by Neuber to correct facial defects. At the same time, Czerney described the use of a lipoma on the back to recreate a post-mastectomy breast. The technique was popularized by Coleman, who described the use of liposuction and adipocyte purification for injecting into the face as a soft tissue filling. Then, Bircoll and Novack (1987 apud Costantini et al.4) extended this use to breasts. In 1990, there was a growth in the use of fat grafting after Coleman's technique. This confirmed that adipose tissue could be satisfactorily transferred with the formalization of a restricted protocol for fat injection preparation. Coleman's technique is by far the most commonly used. The adipose tissue is infiltrated with a tumescent solution and then manually aspirated. The liposuction material is subsequently centrifuged to isolate the adipose tissue from the oily and aqueous fraction and was then injected. Transferring fat from an excess area such as the abdomen or thighs to reconstruct or improve the shape and volume of the breast is not a new idea. Later, a study by Illouz on liposuction promoted the widespread use of the technique worldwide. Postoperative mammographic images to control fat absorption and necrosis vary. These can present as lipid cysts, suspected malignant findings such as grouped microcalcifications, spiculated areas of increased opacity, and focal masses.

Tissue expansion as an aesthetic alternative for facial resurfacing: a single centre series of 92 patients

Background: The visibility, vulnerability and social stigmata of facial scars whether by burn, nevi or trauma can be compelling for the patient as well as challenging for the surgeon. Restoration to normal form and aesthetics require tissue replacement which has good colour and texture match and produce minimal visible scarring.  Although many other options are available for a given defect, tissue expansion offers the best alternative which meets almost all the criteria of an ideal procedure.Methods: Among 92 patients with deformities over various facial subunits were operated and expanders 50 ml to 300 ml inserted subcutaneously adjacent to the scar. Prior planning, accurate measurement and choice of ideal expander is extremely important. A precise and practical method of calculation for determination of amount and duration of expander was used. Any secondary deformity to adjoining vital structures was avoided.Results: Results were meticulously and critically analyzed. Different shapes, dimensions and volume of expanders were used depending on the anatomical site which was to be expanded. A total of 118 expanders were inserted in 92 patients. The average volume of tissue expanders used was 170.33 ml. Majority of the expanders used had volume of 200 ml (62.71%). Post-expansion volume was 240.67 ml and the over expansion done was 41.3% over the pre-expansion volume of 170.33 ml. Surgical outcome and cosmesis was assessed by the patient’s perspective and was considered fair by 57.61% patients.Conclusions: The study underlines the clinical application, reasons for overexpansion as well as shortcomings and complications of tissue expansion.

Manejo de la cresta maxilar atrófica con la técnica de Ridge Split / Management of the Athrofic Maxilar Crest with the Ridge Split Technique

Resumen 14. Introducción: la atrofia ósea del reborde maxilar siempre es una limitante para instalar implantes dentales. El procedimiento de Ridge Split demuestra ser una técnica exitosa para realizar el manejo de los defectos horizontales, aumentando las dimensiones del reborde atrófico para instalar de forma inmediata implantes dentales. Objetivo: describir el uso clínico de la técnica de Ridge Split como tratamiento del aumento óseo en sentido horizontal del maxilar atrófico. Presentación del caso: se presentó el caso de una paciente femenina de 61 años de edad, edéntula parcial, que busca recuperar sus dientes superiores. Al examen clínico presenta solo dos dientes y al examen radiográfico-tomográfico se observó reabsorción ósea severa y neumatización de los senos maxilares. Se planifica instalar dos implantes para realizar una sobre dentadura, utilizando la técnica de Ridge Split e instalación inmediata de los implantes. Cinco meses posteriores, se realiza un control tomográfico evidenciando aumento horizontal del reborde alveolar y se rehabilita con una sobredentadura, con lo que se logró la conformidad estética y funcional de la paciente. Conclusión: el caso presentado revela que esta técnica incrementa el reborde oseo en sentido horizontal y permite instalar en forma simultánea los implantes. Es un tratamiento predecible, seguro y cómodo, y acorta el tiempo de tratamiento, por lo que es una alternativa viable para el manejo de los defectos óseos alveolares.

Abstract 20. Introduction: the bony atrophy of the maxillary ridge is always a limitation to install dental implants. The Ridge Split procedure proves to be a successful technique to perform the management of horizontal defects, increasing the dimensions of the atrophic ridge to immediately install dental implants. Aim: to describe the clinical use of the Ridge Split technique as a treatment for bone augmentation in the horizontal direction of the atrophic maxilla. Case presentation: the case of a female patient of 61 years of age, partially edentulous, who seeks to recover her upper teeth was presented. The clinical examination shows only two teeth and the radiographic-tomographic examination showed severe bone resorption and pneumatization of the maxillary sinuses. It is planned to install two implants to make an over denture, using the Ridge Split technique and immediate installation of the implants. Five months later, a tomographic control was performed evidencing a horizontal increase of the alveolar ridge and it was rehabilitated with an overdenture, with which the patient's aesthetic and functional compliance was achieved. Conclusion: the presented case reveals that this technique increases the bone ridge in horizontal direction and allows to install the implants simultaneously. It is a predictable, safe and comfortable treatment, and shortens the treatment time, making it a viable alternative for the management of alveolar bone defects.

Early experiences with robot-assisted prosthetic breast reconstruction

Robotic surgery facilitates surgical procedures by employing flexible arms with multiple degrees of freedom and providing high-quality 3-dimensional imaging. Robot-assisted nipplesparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is currently performed to avoid breast scars. Four patients with invasive ductal carcinoma underwent robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate robot-assisted expander insertion. Through a 6-cm incision along the anterior axillary line, sentinel lymph node biopsy and nipple-sparing mastectomy were performed by oncologic surgeons. The pectoralis major muscle was elevated, an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) sling was created with robotic assistance, and an expander was inserted into the subpectoral, sub-ADM pocket. No patients had major complications such as hematoma, seroma, infection, capsular contracture, or nipple-areolar necrosis. The mean operation time for expander insertion was 1 hour and 20 minutes, and it became shorter with more experience. The first patient completed 2-stage prosthetic reconstruction and was highly satisfied with the unnoticeable scar and symmetric reconstruction. We describe several cases of immediate robot-assisted prosthetic breast reconstruction. This procedure is a feasible surgical option for patients who want to conceal surgical scars.

Early Rehabilitation after Total Mastectomy and Immediate Reconstruction with Tissue Expander Insertion in Breast Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Case-control Study / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: To prevent surgical site complications, many plastic surgeons use the so-called “conventional protocol,” which immobilizes the shoulder and upper arm for 1 month after reconstruction. In an effort to improve the shoulder mobility of patients who received immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expander insertion (TEI), we introduced an early rehabilitation protocol with a short-term immobilization period of 2 weeks. This study aims to compare this early rehabilitation exercise program with the conventional protocol and to determine factors affecting shoulder mobility and quality of life of patients after immediate breast reconstruction. METHODS: A total of 115 patients with breast cancer who underwent reconstructive surgery were retrospectively reviewed. For patients who underwent reconstruction before January 2017, the conventional protocol was followed with immobilization of their shoulder for over 4 weeks. Patients who underwent reconstruction after January 2017 were educated to undergo a self-exercise program after a short-term immobilization period of 2 weeks. We compared shoulder mobility, pain, quality of life, and complications at postoperative 1 and 2 months between the groups. RESULTS: Patients who received early rehabilitation showed greater shoulder flexion and abduction range at postoperative 1 month than those who received the conventional protocol. This increased shoulder abduction range continued until postoperative 2 months. There were no significant surgical site problems in both groups during the 2 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: To enhance the recovery of shoulder mobility, early rehabilitation with a shorter immobilization period should be recommended to patients with breast cancer undergoing reconstruction surgery with TEI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03541161

Serially expanded flap use to treat large hairless scalp lesions

Hairless scalp areas can occur due to trauma, tumors, or congenital disease. This aesthetically unpleasing condition can lead to psychosocial distress, and thin skin flaps may be prone to scarring. Treating the hairless scalp by simple excision is challenging because of skin tension. Tissue expanders are a good option for hairless scalp resurfacing. However, a single expansion may be inadequate to cover the entire defect. This report describes good results obtained using a serial resurfacing method involving re-expansion of the flap with a tissue expander to treat two patients with large lesions: one due to aplasia cutis congenital and another who underwent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberance resection. The results suggest that scalp resurfacing by serial tissue expansion using a tissue expander can be used for extensive lesions.

A novel method for costal cartilage framework fabrication in full expansion ear reconstruction technique without skin grafts / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#This study aimed to present our clinical experience using a novel method for autologus costal cartilage framework fabricationin fully expansion technique ear reconstruction without skin graft.@*Methods@#During Steptember 2016 to Steptember 2017, autologus costal cartilage framework with expansion technique were performed for 63 patients with microtia. Autologous costal cartilage was stacked up to form the structure and height, the natural appearance of auriculocephalic angle was achieved at the same stage, so the second-stage elevation of ear and postauricular skin graft was unnecessary. The delicate structure of the reconstructed ear and ideal bilateral symmetry were achieved by the optimized cartilage stack-up.@*Results@#Three patients out of total 63 patients had cartilage frame work exposure, and were treated with superficial temporal fascia transfer combined with skin graft. The rest 60 patients had satisfied results. Follow-up ranged from 8 months to 18 months and 12 months follow-up was on average. The novel frame work fabrication method was based on the sufficient full pre-expansion procedure. The ideal structure, bilateral symmetry, and excellent definition of the framework, as well as the natural dorsal appearance of the reconstructed auricular were achieved.@*Conclusions@#The cartilage " stack-up" method is essential for the full expansion without skin grafts ear reconstruction technique. The combination of the cartilage " stack-up" framework fabrication and full pre-expansion provide a well-defined, well-projected and bilateral symmetrical ear.

The application of skin and soft tissue dilatation in the repair of neck scar / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical outcomes of skin and soft tissue expansion in the repairment of neck scar.@*Methods@#From March 2009 to May 2018, 15 patients with postburn scar contractures on neck, were admitted to the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Karamay Central Hospital of Xinjiang. The patients include 12 males and 3 females, aged 12 to 48 years, with the mean age of 31 years. The scars were at 9 cm×6 cm-14 cm×11 cm in size. The tissue expander of 100-300 ml was placed subcutaneously, in the normal skin area on neck, on one or each side at the first stage operation. The first expander infusion was performed 10-14 days after surgery. The tissue expansion remains for 3-9 months, with an interval of 10 days of each infusion. After the tissue fully expanded, the expander was maintained for 1 month. At the second stage, the expander was removed, and the expanded flap was transferred to repair the wound.@*Results@#The expander exposure due to friction occurred in 2 patients. The final therapeutic effect was not affected, because of iodine gauze bandage. Blood supply of expanded flaps was good in other patients. The size of the expanded flaps was 12 cm×8 cm-16 cm×15 cm. All flaps survived after the second stage surgery. Patients were followed up for 0.5-5 years after surgery. The color and texture of flaps was similar to adjacent normal skin.@*Conclusions@#Skin and soft tissue expansion is a safe and effective method in repairing neck scar.

Repair face-neck scar contracture deformity with expanded frontotemporal flap / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical outcome of expanded frontotemporal flap pedicled with bilateral superficial temporal vessels, in repairing facial and cervical scar contracture deformity.@*Methods@#From January 2012 to December 2017, 12 male patients with severe facial and cervical scar hyperplasia and contracture deformity, ranging from preauricular region, cheek, chin to neck, were treated in the Burn Department of the First People′s Hospital in Zhengzhou. The patients were aged at 15-58 years, with the mean age of 29.3 years. The frontotemporal scalp flaps were simultaneously expanded to prefabricate a flap pedicled with bilateral superficial temporal arteries and veins. The operations were carried out in 3 stages. Stage Ⅰ: A 400-600 ml cylindrical expander was placed in the frontal region, underneath of galea aponeurosis and frontal muscle, meanwhile, a 50-100 ml cylindrical expander was placed in the temporal region on each side, between the deep temporal fascia and temporal muscle. Stage Ⅱ: The expanded flap pedicled with bilateral superficial temporal vessels were received, to repair the secondary wound after scar resection and contracture release. The neck curve was reshaped. The donor area was directly sutured. Stage Ⅲ: The flap pedicle was repaired, and residual scar was removed. Laser hair removal was performed on the skin flaps about 3 weeks after operation.@*Results@#Seven patients underwent simultaneously cervical and thoracic tissue expansion. The expansion time was 5-6 months (average 5.2 months). The expanded flap was 40 cm×9 cm to 45 cm×15 cm in size. All flaps survived. The venous reflux disorder after the second stage operation occurred in 1 patient. The affected area was purple and swollen. It was recovered after acupuncture and compression bandage for 1 week. Laser hair removal was performed in 8 flaps. Flap thinning was performed in 5 flaps. All 12 patients were followed up for 4 to 24 months. The flaps have good appearance, without bloating. The transferred flaps have similar color and texture with adjacent the facial skin. The cervical mobility was significantly improved. The hairline of the head was normal, and the suture scar was slight and concealed.@*Conclusions@#The expanded frontal and temporal flaps provide considerable amount of tissue with thin skin and reliable blood supply. It is an alternative method to repair facial and cervical scar contracture.

Natural sideburn reconstruction with retroauricular expanded flap with original hairline / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To introduce a reconstruction procedure of natural sideburn, with combined expanded retroauricular flap and scalp flap.@*Methods@#A retrospective study was produced in Plastic Surgery Hospital, PUMC, from January 2014 to December 2017. Twenty patients (21 sides) underwent sideburn reconstruction with combined expanded retroauricular flap and scalp flap (double pedicled flap, n=3; single pedicled flap, n=17) were included in this study. There were 12 male (12 sides) and 8 female (9 sides), with the mean age of (23.8±3.2) years. The sideburn defect was caused by burn in 19 patients, and it was resulted from hemangioma in 1 patient.@*Results@#The size of flaps ranges from 8 cm×12 cm to 10 cm×16 cm. Venous congestion at the distal end of the flap occurred in 1 patient, which was cured after dressing change, and the sideburn was not affected. The reconstructed sideburns are natural, symmetric, and without obvious scar. The follow-up time was 3-40 months. Fourteen patients were very satisfied with the reconstructed sideburn, and 6 patients were satisfied. No severe complication was observed during follow-up time.@*Conclusions@#The combined retroauricular flap and scalp flap is an alternative method for sideburn reconstruction, which provide natural hair distribution, inconspicuous scars and less complications.

Staged breast reconstruction with a subpectoral silicone implant and autologous fat grafting after tissue expansion / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical application of subpectoral silicone implant associated with autologous fat grafting after tissue expansion, for breast reconstructions.@*Methods@#From Jan 2013 to Dec 2016, a total of 15 female patients were admitted to the plastic surgery department of the First Affiliated hospital of Fujian Medical University. They were after or were prepared to unilateral modified radical mastectomy. Patients were aged 18-50 years old, with the average of 33.5 years. There were 8 cases of T1N0MO (T1micN0MO, n=1), 3 cases of T2N0MO, 1 case of T2N1MO, 1 case of T1N2MO, 1 case of T2N2MO and 1 case of T3N3MO. A tissue expander was inserted beneath the posterior pectoralis major in first surgery. The cavity stripped range is greater than the expander around 1cm. The lowest position of the expander was determined according to the IMF of the other breast. The tissue expander was gradually filled intraoperatively and postoperatively periodically, until the expander exceeds 30%-50% of the volume of the other breast. Three months later, as the soft tissue over the breast area has stretched enough, the expander was removed in a second operation and a permanent implant was inserted. Meanwhile, the autologous fat particles, harvested from thigh or abdomen, was centrifuged at 800×g for 3 minutes. Then it was injected into the subcutaneous and posterior pectoralis major space. And the other breast may be adjusted if necessary for symmetry.@*Results@#Fifteen patients was included in this study (immediately tissue expander implanted, n=8; delayed tissue expander implanted, n=7). All the expanders are round in shape. The interval between the two operations was 6-12 months, with an average of 7.4 months. The total salt-water solution injected was 310-450 ml per patient, with an average of 365 ml. The volume of breast implants was 180-280 ml. The injection volume of autologous fat was 65-230 ml, 122.7 ml on average. All incisions healed well. The follow-up period was 1-3 years, with an average of 2 years. The reconstructed breasts were in a natural shape, with a slight drop and bilateral symmetry. According to Harris breast shape evaluation criteria, all reconstructed breasts were graded as excellent.@*Conclusions@#The permanent implant associated with autologous fat grafting after tissue expansion is alternative for breast reconstruction.

Application of disposable cervical dilator in painless induced abortion of unmarried pregnancy / 中国基层医药

Objective@#To investigate the application effect of disposable cervical dilatation stick in painless induced abortion of unmarried pregnancy.@*Methods@#From June 2017 to August 2017, 66 unmarried pregnant women [aged (23.13±3.12) years old and 6-12 weeks pregnant] who volunteered underwent painless induced abortion in the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital) were selected, and randomly divided into observation group (32 cases) and control group (34 cases) according to the digital table method.The observation group was preoperatively treated with a one-time cervical dilator, and the control group was operated with painless induced abortion routine.Both two groups were given intravenous anesthesia and health education before and after surgery.The effect of cervical dilatation and incidence of induced abortion syndrome were observed and compared between the two groups.@*Results@#In the observation group, cervical dilatation showed significant effect in 18 cases and effective in 8 cases, with an effective rate of 81.3%.While in the control group, cervical dilatation showed significant effect in 2 cases and effective in 10 cases, with an effective rate of 54.5%.The difference of effective rate between the two groups was statistically significant(Z=-4.552, P=0.000). The incidence rate of induced abortion syndrome in the observation group was 3.12%, which was significantly lower than 23.53% in the control group (χ2=4.24, P=0.040).@*Conclusion@#The use of disposable cervical dilator in painless induced abortion of unmarried pregnancy can effectively dilate the cervix and reduce the incidence of induced abortion syndrome.

Clinical effects of expanded super-thin perforator flaps in the shoulder, neck, and chest in reconstruction of extensive burn scars in the face / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical effects and key techniques of expanded super-thin perforator flaps in the shoulder, neck, and chest in reconstruction of extensive burn scars in the face.@*Methods@#From January 2008 to November 2018, 22 patients with extensive burn scars in the face were admitted to the Department of Plastic Surgery of Dongguan Kanghua Hospital and the Department of Plastic Surgery of Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, with 3 males and 19 females, aged from 4 to 48 years. There were 16 cases of type Ⅱ and 6 cases of type Ⅲ in facial scars. Before the first stage of expansion surgery, Doppler blood flow survey meter or multi-slice CT was used to locate the perforator vessels. One to four expanders with rated capacity ranged from 100 to 600 mL were placed in the patients. We gave 20% to 30% of the rated capacity of expander intro-operation and common injection with 10% to 15% of the rated capacity of expander per week post-operation until the volume reached 1.5 to 2.5 times of the rated capacity of expander during the past 3 to 4 months. At the second stage of surgery, the perforators were located again before surgery with the same method. The size of defects after the excision of facial scars ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 18 cm×16 cm. With perforators used as nutrient vessels, narrow pedicle flaps or random flaps ranging from 6 cm×6 cm to 22 cm×18 cm were elevated as rotating or advancing to reconstruct the defects. The donor sites were sutured directly. Some of the flaps needed stage Ⅲ operation for cutting the pedicle. The survival of flaps, post-operation complications, and follow-up were assessed.@*Results@#All flaps of 22 patients survived. All the donor sites were closed simultaneously. One patient underwent an additional surgery for 5 cm×4 cm necrosis on distal part of flap caused by subcutaneous hematoma. Two patients with epidermis blister on the flaps were healed by themselves after dressing change. Due to rapid expansion, blood capillary proliferation appeared on the central part of the flap in 3 cases, after slowing down the expansion speed properly, which had no impact on flap transfer. No ischemia or venous congestion phenomenon were observed in the other flaps. During follow-up of 5 to 48 months, the flaps of patients showed no significant bloated appearance, with good complexion and texture, and even could reproduce facial fine-grained expressions naturally.@*Conclusions@#For the reconstruction of extensive burn scars in the face, expanded super-thin perforator flaps can not only acquire large and thin flaps with high matching degree surface skin defect, but also reproduce facial fine-grained expressions. It is a simple and safe method which conforms to the facial aesthetic standard.

The oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery: alternative vascular pedicle for pedicled anterolateral thigh flaps / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the feasibility and technical points of soft tissue defect reconstruction using the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap based on perforating vessels from the lateral circumflex femoral artery oblique branch.@*Methods@#Between November 2009 and April 2019, 27 pedicled anterolateral thigh flaps were performed to repair the wound of trunk and lower extremity, based on perforating vessels from the lateral circumflex femoral artery oblique branch. 16 flaps were proximally based and 11 were distally based.@*Results@#The proximally based flap ranged from 15 cm×8 cm to 32 cm×12 cm. The mean length of the pedicle was 8.2 cm. The distally based flap ranged from 9 cm×7 cm to 24 cm×8 cm. The mean length of the pedicle was 18.6 cm. All flaps survived after surgery. Venous congestion occurred in one flap and relieved in five days.@*Conclusions@#With oblique branch as the pedicle, the vascular dissection was easy and donor site morbidity was minimized while harvesting the proximally based anterolateral thigh flaps; long pedicle could be obtained, and the reconstructive sphere was extended when using the distally based anterolateral thigh flaps.