【Abstract】 Objective To explore the effect of early scrotal dermatoplasty on spermatogenic functional rehabilitation of testis in juvenile pigs with third degree burn wound of the scrotum. Methods Thirty healthy male Guizhou miniature pigs (weighing 10-15 kg, 2-month-old) were divided into 3 groups: control group (group A, n=10), natural healing group (group B, n=10), and dermatoplasty group (group C, n=10). In group A, the pig was not given any treatment; after third degree burn model of the scrotum was prepared, wounds were not treated in group B and the burn skin was excised and whole hypogastric pachydermia was used for dermatoplasty in group C. At 3 months and 1 year after model preparation, bilateral testis were collected from 5 pigs, respectively. HE staining was performed to observe the effects of different repair method on the morphology of spermatogenic cells and immunohistochemical staining was used to detect Survivin protein expression. Results All pigs survived to the end of the experiment and the wound healed successfully. Histological observation showed that spermatogenic cells had normal shape at all stages and mature sperms were seen in lumens in group A; the thickness of seminiferous epithelium was thinner, having one layer or two layers of spermatogenic cells in group B; the spermatogenic cells in group C were slightly more than that in group B with some spermatids; and in groups B and C, the spermatogenic cells at 1 year were more than that at 3 months. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the Survivin protein expression in groups B and C was less than in group A, and group B was less than group C, showing significant differences at 3 months and 1 year (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference between 3 months and 1 year in the same group (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Dermatoplasty has inhibitory effect on spermatogenic functional rehabilitation of testis. Dermatoplasty can decrease spermatogenic cells and reduce Survivin protein expression, but some spermatids still survive in seminiferous tubule.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of the improved pedicled superficial iliac circumflex artery flap for repairing serious wound of the hand and forearm. Methods Between June 2008 and June 2011, 13 cases of serious wound of the hand and forearm were treated. There were 9 males and 4 females with a mean age of 41 years (range, 23-64 years). The disease causes included twist injury by machine in 2 cases, wire rope squeezed injury in 4 cases, traffic accident injury in 3 cases, crushing injury in 2 cases, high voltage electrical injury in 1 case, and snake bites in 1 case. There were 10 cases of fresh wounds and 3 cases of infection and necrosis wounds, and all had bone and tendon exposure. The skin and soft tissue defects ranged from 7 cm × 3 cm to 22 cm × 6 cm. The pedicled iliac artery flap was used in 8 cases, and pedicled iliac artery composite flap in 5 cases. The flap size ranged from 12 cm × 4 cm to 27 cm × 8 cm, with the flap pedicle of 2-4 cm wide strip and 3-5 cm wide fascia. Results The pedicle of flap was cut at 3 weeks in 12 patients, and at 4 weeks in 1 patient who had partial avulsion and hemorrhage at 1 week after operation. All flaps survived and incisions at donors and wounds healed by first intention. Eleven patients were followed up 6-36 months (mean, 20 months). The flap color and texture were good; 3 bulky flaps were observed, and satisfactory appearance was achieved after skin flap thinning. After 6 months, the protective sensation recovered in all cases; according to the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association evaluation of upper extremity function trial standard for total active motion of the fingers, the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 1 case, and poor in 1 case. Conclusion Improved fascia pedicled superficial iliac circumflex artery skin flap can repair serious hand and forearm injury, which is easy-to-operate and less injury at donor site.
Objective To investigate the characteristics of blood supply of popliteal fossa middle artery pedicled flaps and the feasibility of reconstruction of postburn popliteal fossa contractures using the flaps in children. Methods Between January 2008 and October 2010, 6 cases of postburn popliteal fossa contractures were recontructed using popliteal fossa middle artery pedicled flaps. Of them, 2 were boys and 4 were girls, aged from 2 years and 2 months to10 years. All burns were caused by hot water. The wound ranged from 5 cm × 4 cm to 10 cm × 8 cm after scar relaxation. The size of the flap ranged from 6 cm × 4 cm to 11 cm × 9 cm. Donor sites were covered with split-thickness skin graft in 5 cases, and sutured directly in 1 case. Results All the flaps and the skingraft survived; no vascular crisis or flap necrosis occurred. All incisions at donors and wounds healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-24 months. The color, texture, and appearance of the flaps were good. Hyperplastic scar was found at incision of popliteal fossa in 1 case at 6 months after operation; the range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint was 0-175°, and no obvious change was observed at 15 months after operation. The others had no functional disturbance of the knee joints or claudication; the ROM of the knee joint was 0-180°. Conclusion The popliteal fossa middle artery pedicled flap has reliable blood supply, simple operative procedure, and good results in reconstruction of popliteal fossa contracture.