Objective To investigate the expression of c-kit in human intermediate-spl it-thickness skin grafts and normal skin, and to recognize the role of c-kit in hyperpigmented process of the skin grafts. Methods The hyperpigmented intermediate-spl it-thickness skin grafts of 16 patients’ face and cervicum 1 year after operation was harvested and the normal skins around the recipient site and the donor site were used as controls. Envision immunohistochemical technique was usedto detect the expression and distribution of c-kit in the skin grafts and in the normal control skins, respectively. Medical image quantitative analysis system was used to quantitate the positive expression index (PI). Results The expression of c-kit was located in endochylema and cytolemma of melanocytes and keratinocytes in the basilar part of epidermis. The positive expression of c-kit was obvious in the intermediate-spl it-thickness skin grafts and blown zone was observed in the basilar part of epidermis; and was not obvious and local in normal control skins. The PI of c-kit in the intermediate-spl it-thickness skin grafts (131 216 ± 19 130) was significantly higher than that in the normal skin around the recipient site (92 958 ± 16 208) and in the normal skin around the donor site (91 306 ± 8 135); showing statistically significant difference (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The expression of c-kit in intermediate-spl it-thickness skin grafts increases remarkably compared with that in normal control skin. c-kit may play an important adjusting role in the process of hyperpigmentation of skin grafts．
Objective To introduce experiences in the application of island myocutaneous flap for refractory wound in cervicothoracic region. Methods From August 1994 to December 2004, 98 cases of refractory wound in cervicothoracic region were treated; there 42 males and 56 females, aging 2168 years.The course of disease was 3 hours to 13 months. The locations were anterior pectorial region(29 cases), cervical part (28 cases), nuchal region (18 cases), subaxillary and axillary region (15 cases), and thoracic wall (8 cases). The defect area ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 20 cm×15 cm. According to location, peculiarity and etiological factor of wound, various island myocutaneous flaps were selected: 28 pectoralis major island myocutaneous flaps,34 latissimus dorsi island myocutaneous flaps, 19 trapizius island myocutaneousflaps and 17 rectus abdominis island myocutaneous flap. The sizes of the dissected flap ranged from 8 cm×6 cm to 35 cm×15 cm. Results Of 98 patients, the woundhealed by first intention and the flap survived completely in 92 and the flap necrosed partially in 6. The good function and cosmetic results were obtained without severe complication. Eightythree cases were followed up from 2 weeks to 5 years. The flap obtained satisfactory appearance, good function and cosmetic results. Conclusion Repairing refractory wound in cerviconuchal region may selectpectoralis major island myocutaneous flap, latissimus dorsi island myocutaneousflap, and trapizius island myocutaneous flap; repairing refractory wound on thoracic region may select latissimus dorsi island myocutaneous flap and rectus abdominis island myocutaneous flap. According to specific condition of wound, using suitable island myocutaneous flap for refractory wound in cervicothoracic region may obtain satisfactory functional and cosmetic results.
To introduce the experience and comprehend of appl ication of many kinds of skin flaps in repair of heel skin and soft tissue defect. Methods From August 1993 to April 2007, 242 cases of skin and soft tissue defect on heel were treated. There were 157 males and 85 females aged 27-76 years. There were 35 cases of unstable scar, 46 cases ofchronic ulcer, 57 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 72 cases of mal ignant melanoma and 32 cases of injury. The defect area ranged from 2 cm × 2 cm to 8 cm × 14 cm, wound was with low-grade infection in 51 cases. The course of disease was 1 hour to 5 years. The lateral calcaneal flaps (34 cases), the dorsum pedis flaps (15 cases), the medial plantar artery island flaps (108 cases), the sural neurovascular flaps (36 cases), the saphenous neurocutaneous vascular flaps (26 cases) and free (myocutaneous) skin flaps (23 cases) were used to repair heel wounded surface according to specific location of heel wounded surface, range of skin and soft tissue defect. The size of the (myocutaneous) skin flap was 3.0 cm × 2.5 cm to 15.0 cm × 9.0 cm. The donor area was directly sutured or covered with skin grafts. Results In 242 cases, 235 cases achieved heal ing by first intention, 5 cases had partial necrosis of flaps, 2 cases had mild infection. The donor area healed by first intention. A total of 217 patients were followed up for 1 month to 60 months. The color of flaps were normal and the texture of flaps were softer than that of normal heel tissue; the flaps were wearable, the shape of flaps were satisfactory. The patients can walk after 6 months of operation, andthe gait was normal. In 118 cancer patients, no local tumor recurrence occurred, and distant metastatic lesions were observe in 22 mal ignant melanoma patients. In 32 cases of mal ignant melanoma followed up 60 months, no distant metastatic lesions were found. Conclusion In base of following the primary disease treatment, heel function reconstruction and contour structural feature remodel ing, we adopted some kind of island or free (myocutaneous) skin flap can be used to repair heel wound. The ideal effect in heel function reconstruction and contour structural feature remodel ing were obtained.
Objective To investigate the surgical techniques and effectiveness for reconstruction of severe full-thickness chest wall defects. Methods Between January 2006 and December 2010, 14 patients with full-thickness chest wall defects were treated, including 12 cases caused by giant chest wall mal ignant tumor excision, 1 case by thermocompression injury, and 1 case by radiation necrosis. There were 8 males and 6 females with an average age of 42 years (range，23-65 years). The size of chest wall defects ranged from 8 cm × 5 cm to 26 cm × 14 cm. All patients compl icated by rib defect (1-5 ribs), and 3 cases by sternum defect. Thoracic skeleton reconstruction was performed with Vicryl mesh or polytetrafluroethylene mesh in 10 patients. Other 4 patients did not undergo thoracic skeleton reconstruction. The bilobed skin flaps, pectoral is major myocutaneous flap, latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, and rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap were util ized for repairing soft tissue defects. The size of the dissected flaps ranged from 10 cm × 7 cm to 25 cm × 13 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly or were repaired by free skin graft. Results Poor heal ing of incision occurred in 2 cases, which was cured after debridement, myocutaneous flap transfer, and skin graft. The other wounds healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-36 months (mean, 8 months). No tumor recurrence during follow-up, except 1 patient with osteosarcoma who died of l iver matastasis at 6 months after operation. Transient sl ight paradoxical respiration occurred in 1 patient who did not undergo thoracic skeleton reconstruction at 5 days after operation. Integrity of chest wall in other patients was restored without paradoxical respiration and dyspnea. Conclusion Depending on the cause, the size, and the location of defect, single or combination flaps could be used to repair soft tissue defect, and thoracic skeleton reconstruction should be performed when defect is severe by means of syntheticmaterials.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of keystone flap in repairing skin and soft tissue defects around joint.MethodsBetween March 2013 and December 2017, 10 patients of skin and soft tissue defects around the joint were repaired with keystone flaps. There were 6 males and 4 females. The age ranged from 17 to 72 years, with an average age of 57.5 years. The skin and soft tissue defects located around the joints, including 2 cases of hip joints, 4 cases of knee joints, 3 cases of elbow joints, and 1 case of wrist joint. The cause of skin and soft tissue defects included scar contracture in 3 cases, basal cell carcinoma in 3 cases, squamous-cell carcinoma in 3 cases, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberant in 1 case. The area of defects ranged from 4 cm×3 cm to 11 cm×11 cm. The keystone flap was designed beside the wound, and the V-shaped flap was designed at the longer side of the fan-shaped flap. The area of flap ranged from 7 cm×3 cm to 35 cm×10 cm. The flap was constantly compressed by vacuum assisted closure after operation for 3-6 days.ResultsPrimary wound healing was achieved and the flaps survived. All patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 15 months). The texture and color of flap was similar to the adjacent area. The appearance and function of joint were satisfactory.ConclusionThe keystone flap is a feasible and efficient way to repair the wound around joint. Furthermore, the skin color and texture is similar to the surrounding tissue after healing.