Endometriosis de la pared abdominal en relación con cicatriz de operación cesárea: serie de casos / Abdominal wall endometriosis in relation to cesarean section scar: number of cases

RESUMEN: La endometriosis (E), se define como presencia de glándulas endometriales y estroma fuera del útero. Ocasionalmente se presenta como masa sensible en la pared abdominal (PA), en relación con una cicatriz quirúrgica (EPA). Aunque el tratamiento es quirúrgico, existe poca información respecto de la morbilidad postoperatoria (MPO) y la recurrencia de la EPA. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar MPO y recurrencia en pacientes resecadas quirúrgicamente por EPA. Serie de casos de pacientes con EPA, sometidos a cirugía de forma consecutiva, en Clínica RedSalud Mayor, entre 2011 y 2021. Las variables resultados MPO y recurrencia. Otras variables de interés fueron: tiempo quirúrgico, estancia hospitalaria y mortalidad. Las pacientes fueron seguidas de forma clínica. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, con medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Se intervinieron 14 pacientes, con una mediana de edad de 33 años. La medianas del tiempo quirúrgico y estancia hospitalaria; fueron 55 min y 2,5 días respectivamente. La MPO fue 14,2 % (2 casos). Con una mediana de seguimiento de 31 meses, no se verificó recurrencia. Aunque la EPA es poco común, estas lesiones deben sospecharse en mujeres en edad reproductiva con masa palpable en relación con una cicatriz de cirugía ginecológica u obstétrica. Los resultados obtenidos, en términos de MPO y recurrencia, fueron similares a series internacionales.

SUMMARY: Endometriosis (E) is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and endometrial stroma outside the uterus. Occasionally it presents as a sensitive mass in the abdominal wall (AW), in relation to a surgical scar (AWE). Although the treatment is surgical, there is scarce information regarding postoperative morbidity (POM) and recurrence of AWE. The aim of this study was to determine POM and recurrence in patients surgically resected by AWE. Case series of patients with AWE, consecutively submitted to surgery, at RedSalud Mayor Clinic, between 2011 and 2021. Outcome variables were POM and recurrence. Other variables of interest were surgical time, hospital stay and mortality. Patients were followed-up clinically. Descriptive statistics were used, applying central tendency and dispersion measures. 14 patients were intervened, with a median age of 33 years. Median of surgical time and hospital stay were 55 min and 2,5 days respectively. POM was 14.2 % (2 cases). With a median follow-up of 31 months no recurrence was verified. Although AWE is uncommon, these lesions should be suspected in women in fertile age with a palpable mass associated with a scar from gynecologic or obstetric surgery. The results obtained, in terms of POM and recurrence, were like international series.

Opciones e indicaciones en el manejo del istmocele / Options and indications in the management of isthmocele

INTRODUCCIÓN: El istmocele es un defecto en la cicatrización del sitio de una histerotomía, que puede cursar con sangrado posmenstrual, dolor pélvico, dismenorrea, dispareunia e infertilidad secundaria. Esta patología ha ido incrementando su prevalencia dado el aumento de la tasa de cesáreas en todo el mundo. OBJETIVO: Se realizó una revisión sobre el istmocele y su manejo, presentando sus indicaciones específicas y las complicaciones asociadas a esta patología. MÉTODO: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda en PubMed, Embase, Scopus y Google Scholar, en la que se encontraron 868 artículos, de los cuales se revisaron 30 al aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. DISCUSIÓN: El istmocele es cada vez más frecuente. Tiene una prevalencia cercana al 60% posterior a la realización de una cesárea y aumenta hasta valores del 100% con tres de ellas. Los métodos diagnósticos más utilizados son la ecografía transvaginal y la histerosonografía. Su abordaje es habitualmente quirúrgico, aunque existe la posibilidad de intentar tratamiento médico en algunos casos. CONCLUSIONES: Es necesario determinar el grosor miometrial para poder establecer un plan de manejo adecuado. Además, se ameritan estudios que realicen un seguimiento a largo plazo y que aporten mayor evidencia para la realización de cada procedimiento. Después de clasificar el tipo de defecto, el tratamiento quirúrgico del istmocele se debe ofrecer a pacientes sintomáticas y a aquellas con defectos grandes y que desean mantener la fertilidad.

INTRODUCTION: The isthmocele is a defect in the healing of the site of a hysterotomy, which can present with post-menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and secondary infertility. This pathology has been increasing its prevalence given the increase in the rate of cesarean sections worldwide. OBJECTIVE: A review will be carried out of the isthmocele and its management, presenting its specific indications and the complications associated with this pathology. METHOD: A search was carried out in databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar, finding a total of 868 articles, of which 30 of them were reviewed when applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. DISCUSSION: Isthmocele is an increasingly frequent pathology, having a prevalence of 60% after performing a cesarean section and increasing to 100% with 3 of them. There are multiple diagnostic methods, mainly transvaginal ultrasound and sono-hysterosonography. The approach to this pathology is usually surgical, although there is the possibility of trying medical treatment in some cases. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to determine the myometrial thickness in order to establish an adequate management plan. Additionally, long-term follow-up studies are warranted and provide more evidence for the performance of each procedure. After classifying the type of defect, surgical treatment of the isthmocele should be offered to symptomatic patients or those with large defects and who desire future fertility.

Enxerto de Gordura Prévio e Transplante pela Técnica FUE em Cicatrizes do Couro Cabeludo: Atualização / Previous fat grafting and hair transplantation using the FUE technique on scalp scars: Update

Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura narrativa, sobre a associação de enxerto de gordura e transplante de cabelos com a técnica FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) em cicatrizes do couro cabeludo. Os dados foram coletados a partir de estudos encontrados nas bases Medline, Lilacs e IBECS. Foram citados registros bibliográficos de vários autores que pesquisaram as células mesenquimais do tecido gorduroso, com descrição das técnicas utilizadas. A conclusão foi de que a técnica de transplante capilar em duas etapas, com transplante prévio de gordura é eficaz, segundo os artigos revisados.

We developed a narrative literature review on the association of fat grafting and hair transplantation using the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique in scalp scars. Data were collected from studies found in Medline, Lilacs, and IBECS databases. Bibliographical records of several authors who researched mesenchymal cells in adipose tissue were cited, describing the techniques used. The conclusion was that the two-stage hair transplantation technique, with previous fat transplantation, is effective, according to the reviewed articles.

Narrativas no corpo: cicatrizes e tatuagens na experiência de adoecimento crônico, raro e complexo / Narratives in the body: scars and tattoos from chronic, rare, and complex illnesses / Narraciones en el cuerpo: cicatrices y tatuajes viviendo con enfermedades crónicas, raras y complejas

Este ensaio explora as tatuagens e cicatrizes que se articulam às narrativas sobre viver e conviver com as condições de adoecimento crônico, raro e complexo. Entendemos essas marcas como expressões públicas de um testemunho daqueles afetados pela deficiência e fragilidade da vida, seja como experiência pessoal ou no papel de cuidadores. O corpo como testemunho e suporte performático é explorado na sua dimensão estética e política, na expressão de conteúdos simbólicos que ganham visibilidade na afirmação de identidades e pautas negligenciadas de um público que reivindica reconhecimento e valorização de suas vidas.

This essay explores the tattoos and scars that convey narratives on experiencing and living with chronic, rare, and complex illnesses. We view such marks as public expressions, when individuals bear witness to lives traversed by disability and frailty, whether as their own personal experience or in the role of caregivers. The body as witness and performative support is explored here in its aesthetic and political dimensions, in the expression of symbolic contents that gain visibility in the affirmation of neglected identities and agendas by persons who claim the recognition and valorization of their lives.

Este trabajo investiga los tatuajes y cicatrices que se relacionan con narraciones sobre vivir y convivir con enfermedades crónicas, raras y complejas. Entendemos estas marcas como expresiones públicas de un testigo por parte de quienes se ven atravesados por la deficiencia y fragilidad de la vida, sea como experiencia personal o en el papel de cuidadores. El cuerpo como testigo y soporte performativo es explorado en su dimensión estética y política, como expresión de contenidos simbólicos que ganan visibilidad en la afirmación de identidades y pautas olvidadas de forma negligente, por parte de un público que reivindica reconocimiento y la puesta en valor de sus vidas.

Release of gastrocnemius aponeurosis and suture of the Achilles tendon end scar tissue managing the chronic Achilles tendon rupture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical effect of scar tissue suture at the broken end of Achilles tendon after gastrocnemius aponeurosis release in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon rupture.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 17 patients with old achilles tendon rupture treated from January 2017 to December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, including 15 males and 2 females, aged 26 to 53 years with an average of (35.2±11.6) years old, and the time from injury to operation was 37 to 92 days with an average of (49.3±13.3) days. Myerson's classification included 6 cases of typeⅡ and 11 cases of typeⅢ. The defect of the broken end of Achilles tendon was 2 to 5 cm with an average of(4.1±1.5) cm after partial scar tissue was removed. All patients were treated with gastrocnemius aponeurosis, appropriate excision of scar tissue at the broken end of Achilles tendon and direct suture. The continuity and healing of Achilles tendon were evaluated by color Doppler ultrasound 3 months after operation. The ankle plantar flexor strength was measured by ankle plantar flexor strength tester before operation and 1 year after operation. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot score (AOFAS) and Achilles tendon rupture score were used before operation and 1 year after operation Achilles tendon total fracture score (ATRS) was used to evaluate the clinical rehabilitation of Achilles tendon rupture.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 12 to 18 months with an average of(13.6±1.8) months. The surgical incision healed in stageⅠ. Color Doppler ultrasound showed good continuity of Achilles tendon, local Achilles tendon slightly thickened and irregular fiber direction. The ankle plantar flexor force (92.2±3.9) N at 1 year after operation was significantly higher than that before operation (29.5±4.2) N (P<0.05);One year after operation, the AOFAS(91.20±3.30) was significantly higher than that before operation (42.20±4.40)(P<0.05);the ATRS (90.70±3.00) was significantly higher than that before operation(40.00±2.90)(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The gastrocnemius aponeurosis release combined with scar suture of Achilles tendon end is an effective technique for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon rupture, avoid injury to hallux flexor longus or flexor digitorum longus, with the plantar flexor muscle strength of the ankle was recovered well, is an effective method to treat chronic Achilles tendon rupture.

Realce tardío con gadolinio en resonancia magnética cardiaca de 3 T para la evaluación de la anatomía venosa coronaria: factibilidad y hallazgos / Tridimensional late gadolinium enhancement at 3 T cardiac magnetic resonance for the evaluation of coronary venous anatomy: feasibility and findings

Objetivo:El conocimiento de la anatomía venosa coronaria (AVC) tiene importancia crítica para planificar y realizar procedimientos electrofisiológicos como la terapia de resincronización cardiaca (TRC), la terapia de ablación del ventrículo izquierdo y la aurícula derecha y el mapeo de arritmias por catéter. El objetivo es evaluar la viabilidad y las aplicaciones de la resonancia magnética (RM) cardiaca realizada en 3T para la representación no invasiva de la AVC empleando una secuencia tridimensional de realce tardío con gadolinio (RTG-3D). Metodología:Se evaluaron 138 pacientes consecutivos que se sometieron a RM cardiaca 3 T mediante una secuencia RTG-3D durante un año, entre 2016 y 2017. Se identificaron diferentes estructuras venosas coronarias, así como su relación con la fibrosis miocárdica, y otras variables clínicas relevantes. La evaluación de la calidad se realizó mediante tres grupos (óptimos, buenos, malos) de acuerdo con la evaluación visual de cada estudio individual. Se realizaron pruebas de asociación (Chi-cuadrado y Kruskall-Wallis). Resultados:El estudio incluyó 62 mujeres y 76 hombres con una edad promedio de 48 (29-61) años. La secuencia RTG-3D arrojó una calidad diagnóstica (óptima-buena) para la evaluación del AVC en el 76 % de los pacientes (p < 0,001). Se identificaron las siguientes estructuras (pacientes, %): vena interventricular anterior: 110 (79,7 %), gran vena cardiaca: 109 (79 %), vena interventricular posterior: 106 (76,8 %), vena marginal: 53 pacientes (38,4 %) y vena posterolateral: 74 (53,6 %). Se identificó fibrosis miocárdica en 42 pacientes y se registró afectación fibrótica epicárdica de al menos un trayecto en una de las venas coronarias en el 12 % de los pacientes de este subgrupo. Los periodos de adquisición más cortos (p < 0,02) y la realización del estudio bajo anestesia general (p < 0,03) dieron como resultado una calidad del estudio significativamente mejor. Conclusiones:La evaluación no invasiva de la AVC es factible con la secuencia RTG-3D obtenida en 3T RM cardiaca. Este enfoque puede ofrecer una valiosa herramienta clínica para la planificación de procedimientos electrofisiológicos.

Objetivo:El conocimiento de la anatomía venosa coronaria (AVC) tiene importancia crítica para planificar y realizar procedimientos electrofisiológicos como la terapia de resincronización cardiaca (TRC), la terapia de ablación del ventrículo izquierdo y la aurícula derecha y el mapeo de arritmias por catéter. El objetivo es evaluar la viabilidad y las aplicaciones de la resonancia magnética (RM) cardiaca realizada en 3T para la representación no invasiva de la AVC empleando una secuencia tridimensional de realce tardío con gadolinio (RTG-3D). Metodología:Se evaluaron 138 pacientes consecutivos que se sometieron a RM cardiaca 3 T mediante una secuencia RTG-3D durante un año, entre 2016 y 2017. Se identificaron diferentes estructuras venosas coronarias, así como su relación con la fibrosis miocárdica, y otras variables clínicas relevantes. La evaluación de la calidad se realizó mediante tres grupos (óptimos, buenos, malos) de acuerdo con la evaluación visual de cada estudio individual. Se realizaron pruebas de asociación (Chi-cuadrado y Kruskall-Wallis). Resultados:El estudio incluyó 62 mujeres y 76 hombres con una edad promedio de 48 (29-61) años. La secuencia RTG-3D arrojó una calidad diagnóstica (óptima-buena) para la evaluación del AVC en el 76 % de los pacientes (p < 0,001). Se identificaron las siguientes estructuras (pacientes, %): vena interventricular anterior: 110 (79,7 %), gran vena cardiaca: 109 (79 %), vena interventricular posterior: 106 (76,8 %), vena marginal: 53 pacientes (38,4 %) y vena posterolateral: 74 (53,6 %).

Effects of expanded frontal-parietal pedicled flap in reconstructing cervical scar contracture deformity in children after burns / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To explore the effects of expanded frontal-parietal pedicled flap in reconstructing cervical scar contracture deformity in children after burns. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2015 to December 2020, 18 male children with cervical scar contracture deformity after burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Zhengzhou First People's Hospital, aged 4 to 12 years, including 10 cases with degree Ⅱ cervical scar contracture deformity and 8 cases with degree Ⅲ scar contracture deformity, and were all reconstructed with expanded frontal-parietal pedicled flap. The surgery was performed in 3 stages. In the first stage, a cylindrical skin and soft tissue expander (hereinafter referred to as expander) with rated capacity of 300 to 500 mL was placed in the frontal-parietal region. The expansion time was 4 to 6 months with the total normal saline injection volume being 2.1 to 3.0 times of the rated capacity of expander. In the second stage, expander removal, scar excision, contracture release, and flap transfer were performed, with the flap areas of 18 cm×9 cm to 23 cm×13 cm and the secondary wound areas of 16 cm×8 cm to 21 cm×11 cm after scar excision and contracture release. After 3 to 4 weeks, in the third stage, the flap pedicle was cut off and restored. The rated volume of placed expander, total normal saline injection volume, type of vascular pedicle of flap, survival of flap and reconstruction of scar after the second stage surgery were recorded. The neck range of motion and cervico-mental angle were measured before surgery and one-year after surgery. The appearance of neck, occurrence of common complications in the donor and recipient sites of children, and satisfaction of children's families for treatment effects were followed up. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test. Results: All the patients successfully completed the three stages of operation. The rated volume of implanted expander was 300 mL in 6 children, 400 mL in 9 children, and 500 mL in 3 children, with the volume of normal saline injection being 630 to 1 500 mL. The type of vascular pedicle of flap was double pedicle in 13 cases and was single pedicle in 5 cases. All the flaps in 17 children survived well, and the secondary wounds after neck scar excision and contracture release were all reconstructed in one procedure. In one case, the distal blood supply of the single pedicled flap was poor after the second stage surgery, with necrosis of about 2.5 cm in length. The distal necrotic tissue was removed on 10 days after the operation, and the wound was completely closed after the flap was repositioned. In the follow-up of 6 months to 3 years post operation, the cervical scar contracture deformity in 18 children was corrected without recurrence. The flap was not bloated, the texture was soft, and the appearances of chin and neck were good. The range of motion of cervical pre-buckling, extension, left flexion, and right flexion, and cervico-mental angle in one year after operation were improved compared with those before operation (with t values of 43.10, 22.64, 27.96, 20.59, and 88.42, respectively, P<0.01). The incision in the frontal donor site was located in the hairline, the scar was slight and concealed. No complication such as cranial depression was observed in expander placement site, and the children's families were satisfied with the result of reconstruction. Conclusions: Application of expanded frontal-parietal pedicled flap in reconstructing the cervical scar contracture deformity in children after burns can obviously improve the appearance and function of neck, with unlikely recurrence of postoperative scar contractures, thus it is an ideal method of reconstruction.

Research advances on application of botulinum toxin type A in scar prevention and treatment / 中华烧伤杂志

The wound healing time, tension of wound edge, proliferation of fibroblast, and extracellular matrix deposition are the important factors of scar formation, and botulinum toxin type A can regulate the above. Prevention and treatment of scar with botulinum toxin type A is one of the hot topics of clinical research in recent years. This paper briefly reviews researches by scholars at home and abroad on the mechanism, clinical application, complications, and adverse effects of botulinum toxin type A in scar prevention and treatment.

Clinical effects of free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap combined with artificial dermis and split-thickness skin graft in the treatment of degloving injury in lower extremity / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To observe the clinical effects of free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap combined with artificial dermis and split-thickness skin graft in the treatment of degloving injury in lower limbs. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From December 2017 to December 2020, 8 patients with large skin and soft tissue defect caused by degloving injury in lower extremity were admitted to Ningbo No.6 Hospital, including 5 males and 3 females, aged from 39 to 75 years, with wound area of 25 cm×12 cm-61 cm×34 cm. The free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap with latissimus dorsi muscle in the width of 12-15 cm and flap area of 20 cm×8 cm-32 cm×8 cm was used to repair the skin and soft tissue defect of bone/tendon exposure site or functional area. The other defect was repaired with bilayer artificial dermis, and the flap donor site was sutured directly. After the artificial dermis was completely vascularized, the split-thickness skin graft from thigh was excised and extended at a ratio of 1∶2 to 1∶4 and then transplanted to repair the residual wound, and the donor site of skin graft was treated by dressing change. The survival of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, artificial dermis, and split-thickness skin graft after operation was observed, the interval time between artificial dermis transplantation and split-thickness skin graft transplantation was recorded, and the healing of donor site was observed. The appearance and function of operative area were followed up. At the last outpatient follow-up, the sensory recovery of flap was evaluated by British Medical Research Council evaluation criteria, the flap function was evaluated by the comprehensive evaluation standard of flap in Operative Hand Surgery, the scar of lower limb skin graft area and thigh skin donor area was evaluated by Vancouver scar scale, and the patient's satisfaction with the curative effects was asked. Results: The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap survived in 6 patients, while the distal tip of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was partially necrotic in 2 patient and was repaired by skin grafting after resection at split-thickness skin grafting. The artificial dermis survived in all 8 patients after transplantation. The split-thickness skin graft survived in 7 patients, while partial necrosis of the split-thickness skin graft occurred in one patient and was repaired by skin grafting again. The interval time between artificial dermis transplantation and split-thickness skin graft transplantation was 15-26 (20±5) d. The donor site of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap healed with linear scar after operation, and the thigh skin graft donor site healed with scar after operation. The patients were followed up for 6-18 (12.5±2.3) months. The color and elasticity of the flap were similar to those of the surrounding skin tissue, and the lower limb joint activity returned to normal. There was no increase in linear scar at the back donor site or obvious hypertrophic scar at the thigh donor site. At the last outpatient follow-up, the sensation of the flap recovered to grade S2 or S3; 3 cases were excellent, 4 cases were good, and 1 case was fair in flap function; the Vancouver scar scale score of lower limb skin graft area was 4-7 (5.2±0.9), and the Vancouver scar scale score of thigh skin donor area was 1-5 (3.4±0.8). The patients were fairly satisfied with the curative effects. Conclusions: In repairing the large skin and soft tissue defect from degloving injury in lower extremity, to cover the exposed bone/tendon or functional area with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and the residual wound with artificial dermis and extended split-thickness skin graft is accompanied by harvest of small autologous flap and skin graft, good recovery effect of functional area after surgery, and good quality of healing in skin grafted area.

Clinical effects of free transplantation of expanded thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps in reconstructing cervical cicatrix contracture deformity after burns / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of free transplantation of expanded thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps in reconstructing cervical cicatrix contracture deformity after burns. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From May 2018 to April 2021, 11 patients with cervical cicatrix contracture deformity after burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, including 3 males and 8 females, aged 5 to 46 years, with a course of cervical cicatrix contracture deformity of 5 months to 8 years. The degree of cervical cicatrix contracture deformity was degree Ⅰ in one patient, degree Ⅱ in nine patients, and degree Ⅲ in one patient. In the first stage, according to the sizes of neck scars, one rectangular skin and soft tissue expander (hereinafter referred to as expander) with rated capacity of 200 to 600 mL was placed in the back. The expansion time was 4 to 12 months with the total normal saline injection volume being 3.0 to 3.5 times of the rated capacity of expander. In the second stage, free expanded thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps with areas of 10 cm×7 cm to 24 cm×13 cm were cut out to repair the wounds with areas of 9 cm×6 cm to 23 cm×12 cm which was formed after cervical cicatectomy. The main trunk of thoracodorsal artery and vein were selected for end-to-end anastomosis with facial artery and vein, and the donor sites were directly closed. The survival of flaps and healing of flap donor sites were observed on the 14th day post surgery. The appearances and cicatrix contracture deformity of the flaps, recovery of cervical function, and scar hyperplasia of donor sites were followed up. Results: On the 14th day post surgery, the flaps of ten patients survived, while ecchymosis and epidermal necrosis occurred in the center of flap of one patient and healed 2 weeks after dressing change. On the 14th day post surgery, the flap donor sites of 11 patients all healed well. During the follow-up of 6-12 months post surgery, the flaps of ten patients were similar to the skin around the recipient site in texture and color, while the flap of one patient was slightly swollen. All of the 11 patients had good recovery of cervical function and no obvious scar hyperplasia nor contracture in the flaps or at the donor sites. Conclusions: Application of expanded thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps can restore the appearance and function of the neck, and cause little damage to the donor site in reconstructing the cervical cicatrix contracture deformity after burns, which is worthy of clinical reference and application.

Clinical effects of free transplantation of expanded ilioinguinal flaps in the reconstruction of severe scar contracture deformity after extensive burns / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of free transplantation of expanded ilioinguinal flaps in the reconstruction of severe scar contracture after extensive burns. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From August 2017 to October 2021, 7 patients with severe scar contracture deformity caused by extensive burns were hospitalized in Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University & Wuhan Third Hospital, including 5 males and 2 females, aged 26-65 years, with scar area of 20 cm×4 cm-34 cm×14 cm. In the first stage, the rectangular skin and soft tissue expander (hereinafter referred to as the expander) with rated capacity of 500-600 mL were embedded above the inguinal ligament, and then normal saline was injected after stitch removal for expansion to meet the needs of repair surgery. In the second stage, the scar was removed by surgical excision to correct the deformity and release the adhesion and contracture; after the removal of the expanders, the expanded ilioinguinal free flaps were harvested. When a larger flap was needed, the paraumbilical perforator flap was harvested at the same time, and the flaps were transplanted to the secondary wound after scar resection. The number of embedded expanders, the total amount of injected normal saline, the expansion time, the complications of skin and soft tissue expansion, the number, area, thickness, and anastomotic vascular pedicles of the expanded ilioinguinal flaps being resected, the type of flaps used, the repair method of flap donor sites, and the survival of flaps after operation were observed and recorded. The long-term repair effect and donor site condition were followed up. At the last follow-up, the patients' satisfaction with the curative effect of each surgical site was investigated according to the grade 5 score of Likert scale. Results: A total of 10 expanders were embedded in 7 patients, of which 4 patients had 1 each and 3 patients had 2 each. The total volume of normal saline injected was 800-1 800 (1 342±385) mL, and the expansion time was 4-24 (11±5) months. One patient had the expander exposed due to infection after the expander being inserted, while the other patients had no complications of skin and soft tissue expansion. Totally 10 expanded ilioinguinal flaps with the area of 22 cm×6 cm-36 cm×16 cm ((326±132) cm2) and the thickness of 0.6-1.1 (0.77±0.16) cm were harvested. Among the 10 expanded ilioinguinal flaps, 5 were pedicled with the superficial circumflex iliac artery, 3 with the superficial abdominal artery with relatively large caliber, 1 with the common trunk of the superficial circumflex iliac artery and the superficial abdominal artery, and 1 flap was anastomosed with the superficial circumflex iliac artery and bridged the superficial abdominal artery for intra-arterial supercharge. Unilateral expanded ilioinguinal flap combined with ipsilateral paraumbilical perforator flap were harvested in 4 cases, bilateral expanded ilioinguinal flaps were harvested in 1 case, and unilateral expanded ilioinguinal flap was harvested in 2 cases. Except for 1 case being transplanted with autologous split-thickness scalp to repair the flap donor site after combined resection of bilateral expanded ilioinguinal flaps, the donor sites of the other patients were sutured directly. All the flaps survived after operation without tip necrosis or wound residue. Follow-up for 3-30 (15±10) months showed that the flap was soft and not bloated, the function and appearance of the recipient area were significantly improved compared with those before operation, and the appearance of the donor sites was good. At the last follow-up, the patients' satisfaction with the treatment effect of the surgical site scored 4-5 (4.5±0.4). Conclusions: The expanded ilioinguinal flap can be obtained in a large area. It has the advantages of rich blood supply, less damage to the donor site, concealed location, and being convenient to be resected and transplanted in combination with the paraumbilical perforator flap. It is suitable for the clinical reconstruction and treatment of severe scar contracture deformity after extensive burns.

Clinical application of expanded internal mammary artery perforator flap combined with vascular supercharge in reconstruction of faciocervical scar / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To summarize the clinical experience of expanded internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap combined with vascular supercharge in reconstruction of faciocervical scar. Methods: The retrospective observational study was conducted. From September 2012 to May 2021, 23 patients with postburn or posttraumatic faciocervical scars who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, including 18 males and 5 females, aged from 11 to 58 years, all of whom were reconstructed with expanded IMAP flaps. At the first stage, one or two skin and soft tissue expander (s) with appropriate rated capacity were implanted in the anterior chest area according to the location and size of the scars. The IMAP, thoracic branch of supraclavicular artery, and lateral thoracic artery were preserved during the operation. The skin and soft tissue expanders were inflated with normal saline after the operation. The flaps were transferred during the second stage. The dominant IMAP was determined preoperatively using color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) blood flow detector. The faciocervical scars were removed, forming wounds with areas of 9 cm×7 cm-28 cm×12 cm, and the perforators of superficial temporal artery and vein or facial artery and vein were preserved during the operation. The flaps were designed according to the area and size of the wounds after scar resection with the dominant IMAP as the pedicle. Single-pedicle IMAP flaps were used to repair small and medium-sized wounds. For larger defects, the blood perfusion areas of vessels in the anterior chest were evaluated by indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). In situations where the IMAP was insufficient to nourish the entire flap, double-pedicle flaps were designed by using the thoracic branch of supraclavicular artery or lateral thoracic artery for supercharging. Pedicled or free flap transfer was selected according to the distance between the donor areas and recipient areas. After transplantation of flaps, ICGA was conducted again to evaluate blood perfusion of the flaps. The donor sites of flaps were all closed by suturing directly. Statistics were recorded, including the number, rated capacity, normal saline injection volume, and expansion period of skin and soft tissue expanders, the location of the dominant IMAP, the total number of the flaps used, the number of flaps with different types of vascular pedicles, the flap area, the flap survival after the second stage surgery, the occurrence of common complications in the donor and recipient areas, and the condition of follow-up. Results: Totally 25 skin and soft tissue expanders were used in this group of patients, with rated capacity of 200-500 mL, normal saline injection volume of 855-2 055 mL, and expansion period of 4-16 months. The dominant IMAP was detected in the second intercostal space (20 sides) or the third intercostal space (5 sides) before surgery. A total of 25 expanded flaps were excised, including 2 pedicled IMAP flaps, 11 free IMAP flaps, 4 pedicled thoracic branch of supraclavicular artery+free IMAP flaps, and 8 free IMAP+lateral thoracic artery flaps, with flap areas of 10 cm×8 cm-30 cm×14 cm. After the second stage surgery, tip necrosis of flaps in three patients occurred, which healed after routine dressing changes; one patient developed arterial embolism and local torsion on the vascular pedicle at the anastomosis of IMAP and facial artery, and the blood supply recovered after thrombectomy and vascular re-anastomosis. Fourteen patients underwent flap thinning surgery in 1 month to 6 months after the second stage surgery. The follow-up for 4 months to 9 years showed that all patients had improved appearances of flaps and functions of face and neck and linear scar in the donor sites of flaps, and one female patient had obvious nipple displacement and bilateral breast asymmetry. Conclusions: The expanded IMAP flap is matched in color and texture with that of the face and neck, and its incision causes little damage to the chest donor sites. When combined with vascular supercharge, a double-pedicle flap can be designed flexibly to further enhance the blood supply and expand the flap incision area, which is a good choice for reconstruction of large faciocervical scar.

Aesthetic reconstruction of the scar contracture deformity in chin and neck with expanded flaps based on the "MRIS" principle / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: The surgical reconstruction strategy for scar contracture deformity in chin and neck was explored, aiming to obtain better aesthetic outcome. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From December 2017 to April 2021, 34 patients with scar contracture deformity in chin and neck after burns were hospitalized in the Department of Plastic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (the Third Military Medical University), aged 12-54 years, including 13 males and 21 females, 4 cases with chin affected only, 7 cases with neck affected only, and 23 cases with both chin and neck affected. The scar areas were 48-252 cm2. All the patients were treated by operation with expanded flaps, following the "MRIS" principle of matching of the color and thickness of the repair flaps (match), reconstructing of the aesthetic features of subunits (reconstruction), design of incision according to the plastic principle (incision), and prevention of the surgical incision scar (scar). The rectangular or kidney shaped skin and soft tissue expander (hereinafter referred to as the expander) with rated capacity of 80-400 mL was embedded in the first stage, which was routinely expanded to 3-5 times of the rated capacity of the expander. In the second stage, scar resection and expanded flap excision were performed to repair the secondary wound, and the flap donor site was sutured directly. The expansion ratio of the expander (with average value being calculated), the type of flaps used, the reconstruction of local aesthetic morphology, the appearance of postoperative incision, the survival of flap, and the situation of donor and recipient sites observed during follow-up were recorded. Results: Among the 34 patients, the average expansion ratio of the implanted expander was 3.82 times of the rated capacity of the expander. Three cases were repaired by the expanded local pedicled flap only, 19 cases by the expanded shoulder and/or chest perforator pedicled flap only, 10 cases by the expanded local pedicled flap combined with the expanded shoulder and/or chest perforator pedicled flap, and 2 cases by the expanded local pedicled flap combined with the expanded free flap of the second intercostal perforator of internal thoracic artery. After scar resection, the shapes of lower lip and chin-lip groove were reconstructed in 10 cases, chin process reconstruction and chin lengthening were performed in 16 cases, and the cervico-mental angle and mandibular margin contour were reconstructed in 28 cases. The surgical incision was concealed, most of which were located at the natural junction or turning point of the chin and neck subunits. The vertical incision of neck was Z-shaped or fishtail-shaped. All the expanded flaps in 34 patients survived after operation, of which 8 patients had minor necrosis at the edge or tip of the expanded flaps 1-3 days after operation and healed after dressing change. During the follow-up of 3-18 months, little difference in color and thickness between the expanded flap and the skin of chin and neck was observed, and the aesthetic shape of chin and neck was significantly improved, with mild scar hyperplasia of surgical incision. Conclusions: Reconstruction of scar contracture deformity in chin and neck by using expanded flaps based on the "MRIS" principle is beneficial to improve the quality of surgery and achieve better aesthetic outcome.

Research advances of music therapy and its application in the field of burn treatment / 中华烧伤杂志

Different from other trauma, the scar and pigmentation formed after healing of burn wound not only hinder beauty but also easily lead to a series of sequential psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety. Music therapy, as a supplementary treatment, is widely used in many fields including medical and health care and psychological regulation. However, affected by factors such as medical resources, the awareness and acceptance of music therapy among burn treatment workers in China are still low. Based on the clinical characteristics of burns, this paper matches the applicability of music therapy with it, summarizes the supplementary application of music therapy in the field of burn treatment, expounds this natural science with both science and aesthetics, and puts forward feasible suggestions for its future development.

Clinical Observation of Recombinant Bovine Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor as an Adjuvant Therapy for Patients with Atrophic Acne Scar / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To study the influence of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor as an adjuvant therapy on scar alleviation and inflammatory cytokines in patients with atrophic acne scar. Methods The random number table was employed to randomly assign 120 patients with atrophic acne scar into a test group and a control group.Both groups of patients were treated with CO2 lattice laser.After the operation,the control group was routinely smeared with erythromycin ointment and the test group was coated with recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor gel.The clinical efficacy,clinical indicators,scar alleviation,and inflammatory cytokine levels before and after treatment were compared,and adverse reactions were counted. Results The test group had higher total effective rate(P=0.040) and lower total incidence of adverse reactions(P=0.028) than the control group.Compared with the control group,the test group showcased short erythema duration after treatment(P=0.025),early scab forming(P=0.002),and early edema regression(P<0.001).After treatment,the proportion of grade 1 scars graded by Goodman and Baron's acne scar grading system in the test group and control group increased(P=0.001,P=0.027),and the proportion of grade 4 scars decreased(P<0.001,P=0.034).Moreover,the proportion of grade 1 scars in the test group was higher than that in the control group(P=0.031) after treatment,and the proportion of grade 4 scars presented an opposite trend(P=0.031).After treatment,the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in both groups declined(all P<0.001),and the test group had lower TNF-α and IL-1β levels than the control group(all P<0.001). Conclusion The recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor gel as an adjuvant therapy of CO2 lattice laser can effectively alleviate the atrophic acne scar,relieve local inflammatory reaction,and has good curative effect and less adverse reactions.

Inhibition of Sonic Hedgehog signaling inhibits fibrous scar formation and adversely affects functional outcome after ischemic brain injury in rats / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of inhibiting Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling on fibrous scar formation and functional outcome after ischemic brain injury.@*METHODS@#Adult SD rats were randomized into sham-operated group, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion (I/R) group, I/R with intraventricular empty adenoviral vector (rAd-NC) injection group, and I/R with adenovirus-mediated Shh knockdown (rAd-ShShh) group. After the treatments, the neurological deficits of the rats were assessed, and the protein and mRNA expressions of fibronectin (Fn), α-SMA, and Shh in the ischemic hemisphere were detected with immunofluorescence assay and qPCR; TUNEL staining was used for detecting neural cell apoptosis. In the cell experiment, primary meningeal fibroblasts isolated from neonatal SD rats were pretreated for 24 h with TGF-β1 or TGF-β1 plus cyclopamine (CYC) before oxygen-glucose deprivation for 150 min followed by reoxygenation for 72 h (OGD/R). CCK-8 assay and scratch test were performed to examine the changes in cell proliferation and migration, and immunofluorescence assay, qPCR and Western blotting were used for detecting cell transformation and the expressions of Shh, α-SMA, and Fn.@*RESULTS@#Cerebral I/R injury significantly increased the protein and mRNA expressions of Shh, α-SMA, and Fn in the ischemic hemisphere of the rats, but their expression levels were significantly lowered by intraventricular injection of rAd-Shshh (P < 0.05), which obviously increased cell apoptosis in the ischemic hemisphere (P < 0.05) and improved modified mNSS and modified Bederson scores of the rats (P < 0.05). In the cell experiment, pretreatment with TGF-β1 and TGF-β1+CYC both increased the viability of the primary meningeal fibroblasts after OGD/R. TGF-β1 significantly enhanced the migration ability and induced obvious transformation of the exposed cells (P < 0.05), but these effects were significantly attenuated by co-treatment with CYC (P < 0.05). The expressions of Shh, α-SMA and Fn in the TGF-β1 group were all significantly higher in TGF-β1-treated cells (P < 0.05) and were obviously lowered by co-treatment with CYC (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Inhibition of Shh signaling may inhibit fibrous scar formation and functional recovery in rats after ischemic brain injury.

Clinical effects of free hallux-nail flap combined with the second toe composite tissue flap in the reconstruction of damaged thumb after electrical burns / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of free hallux-nail flap combined with the second toe composite tissue flap in the reconstruction of damaged thumb after electrical burns. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From May 2018 to April 2021, 12 male patients with thumb destructive defects caused by electrical burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Zhengzhou First People's Hospital, aged 27 to 58 years, including 10 cases with degree Ⅲ thumb defect and 2 cases with degree Ⅳ thumb defect after thorough debridement. The thumb was reconstructed with free hallux-nail flap combined with composite tissue flap of the second phalangeal bone, joint, and tendon with skin island. The donor site of hallux-nail flap was covered with artificial dermis in the first stage and performed with continuous vacuum sealing drainage, and covered with medium-thickness skin graft from the groin site in the second stage. The donor site in the second toe was filled and fixed with iliac bone strips. The survival of reconstructed thumb was observed 1 week after the reconstruction surgery, the survival of skin graft in the donor site of hallux-nail flap was observed 2 weeks after skin grafting, and the callus formation of the reconstructed thumb phalanx and the second toe of the donor foot was observed by X-ray 6 weeks after the reconstruction surgery. During the follow-up, the shape of reconstructed thumb was observed and the sensory function was evaluated; the function of reconstructed thumb was evaluated with trial standard for the evaluation of the functions of the upper limbs of the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association; whether the interphalangeal joints of the hallux and the second toe were stiff, the scar hyperplasia of the foot donor site, and whether the walking and standing functions of the donor feet were limited were observed. Results: One week after the reconstruction surgery, all the reconstructed thumbs of the patients survived. Two weeks after skin grafting, the skin grafts in the donor site of hallux-nail flap of 11 patients survived, while the skin graft in the donor site of hallux-nail flap of 1 patient was partially necrotic, which was healed completely after 10 days' dressing change. Six weeks after the reconstruction surgery, callus formation was observed in the reconstructed thumb and the second toe of the donor foot of 10 patients, the Kirschner wires were removed; while callus formation of the reconstructed thumb was poor in 2 patients, and the Kirschner wires were removed after 2 weeks of delay. During the follow-up of 6 to 24 months, the shape of reconstructed thumb was similar to that of the healthy thumb, the discrimination distance between the two points of the reconstructed thumb was 7 to 11 mm, and the functional evaluation results were excellent in 4 cases, good in 6 cases, and fair in 2 cases. The interphalangeal joints of the hallux and the second toe of the donor foot were stiff, mild scar hyperplasia was left in the donor site of foot, and the standing and walking functions of the donor foot were not significantly limited. Conclusions: The application of free hallux-nail flap combined with the second toe composite tissue flap in the reconstruction of damaged thumb after electrical burns adopts the concept of reconstruction instead of repair to close the wound. It can restore the shape and function of the damaged thumb without causing great damage to the donor foot.

Research advances on mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives in the treatment of acne scars / 中华烧伤杂志

Acne is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that often occurs on the face, and acne scars are often secondary to the healing process of acne, which often leads to impaired appearance and psychological disorders of patients. The current treatment for acne scars is extremely difficult. With the development of regenerative medicine, stem cell transplantation has become a new treatment for acne scars. In recent years, it has been reported that stem cells and their derivatives can effectively antagonize the formation of acne scars. Therefore, this paper briefly reviews the basic and clinical researches on the treatment of acne scars with various mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives, aiming to provide theoretical basis and reference for the stem cell therapy of acne scars.

Research advances on functional training robots in burn rehabilitation / 中华烧伤杂志

Patients with deep burns are prone to suffer cicatrix hyperplasia or contracture, leading to problems including dysfunction in limbs, which impacts patients' life quality and makes it difficult for them to return to society. Thereby, the rehabilitation treatment after deep burns is particularly important. Currently, exercise therapy plays an important role in burn rehabilitation, which is mainly based on therapies such as continuous manual assistance training and manual stretching practice to provide patients with physical exercise to limbs and to correct the functional dysfunction of limbs in patients. With the continuous progress in technology, functional training robots have been developed to meet the needs. The emergence of functional training robots saves manpower and provides patients refined and standardized functional exercise treatment. From the aspects of production technology and multi-technology integration, this paper mainly introduces the recent innovation and development of functional training robots and the advantages of the application of functional training robots in the field of burn rehabilitation.