Decellularized Whole-Organ Pre-vascularization: A Novel Approach for Organogenesis.

Whole-organ decellularization is an attractive approach for three-dimensional (3D) organ engineering. However, progress with this approach is hindered by intra-vascular blood coagulation that occurs after implantation of the re-cellularized scaffold, resulting in a short-term graft survival. In this study, we explored an alternative approach for 3D organ engineering through an axial pre-vascularization approach and examined its suitability for pancreatic islet transplantation.

Disfiguring high-flow cervicofacial arteriovenous malformations.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital vascular anomalies resulting from defects in angiogenesis. Approximately 40% of AVMs go undetected after birth and only experience the delayed clinical onset of symptoms in adulthood. AVMs are rare, representing only 1.

The challenging case of a primigravid Bedouin woman with a dormant neck nodule that grew explosively during her pregnancy.

A Desmoid tumor in the neck is a rare tumor in an even more unusual site. Our patient was an 18-year-old primigravid Bedouin woman from northwest Egypt. She presented with a dormant neck nodule that grew explosively during her first pregnancy and stopped abruptly after delivery.

Independent predisposing factors for subcutaneous and deep wound collection after total thyroidectomy, a prospective cohort study.

Background: The literature contains diverse and sometimes contradicting results about wound seroma following thyroidectomy. This is probably due to the subjective clinical estimation of seroma, or due to failure to differentiate between the occurrence of subcutaneous (SC) and deep wound collections. This work aimed at objectively investigating the factors affecting subcutaneous and deep wound seroma after thyroidectomy.

Rapid hepatic perfusion decellularization: technique and critique.

Background: Organ shortage facing the increasing success of liver transplantation has provoked research into the utilization of animal organs for clinical transplantation. The technique of whole-organ decellularization aims at the removal of the antigenic cellular content, thus evading the immune rejection cascade and the production of complex three-dimensional extracellular matrices of the entire organs with preservation of their intrinsic vascular networks rendering them transplantable. The aim of this study was the production of decellularized rabbit liver matrices by applying a simple, rapid perfusion decellularization technique and their characterization (both qualitatively and quantitatively).

Axially vascularised mandibular constructs: Is it time for a clinical trial?

Applying regenerative therapies in the field of cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction has now become a daily practice. However, regeneration of challenging or irradiated bone defects following head and neck cancer is still far beyond clinical application. As the key factor for sound regeneration is the development of an adequate vascular supply for the construct, the current modalities using extrinsic vascularization are incapable of regenerating such complex defects.

Enhancing mandibular bone regeneration and perfusion via axial vascularization of scaffolds.

Objective: Reconstruction of large and complex bone segments is a challenging problem facing maxillofacial surgery. The majority of current regenerative approaches rely on extrinsic vascularization, which is deficient after cancer ablation and irradiation. The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of intrinsic axial vascularization of synthetic bone scaffolds in the management of critical-size mandibular defects.

Lateral mass fixation in subaxial cervical spine: anatomic review.

Introduction The cervical spine is a highly mobile segment of the spinal column, liable to a variety of diseases and susceptible to trauma. It is a complex region where many vital structures lie in close proximity. Lateral mass screw fixation has become the method of choice in stabilizing subaxial cervical spine among other posterior cervical fixation techniques whenever the posterior elements are absent or compromised.

Mandibular reconstruction using an axially vascularized tissue-engineered construct.

Background: Current reconstructive techniques for continuity defects of the mandible include the use of free flaps, bone grafts, and alloplastic materials. New methods of regenerative medicine designed to restore tissues depend mainly on the so-called extrinsic neovascularization, where the neovascular bed originates from the periphery of the construct. This method is not applicable for large defects in irradiated fields.

The extended latissimus dorsi flap option in autologous breast reconstruction: A report of 14 cases and review of the literature.

Background: Autologous breast reconstruction using the extended latissimus dorsi flap has been infrequently reported. In the current study, the authors are reporting their own clinical experience with this method. A review of the literature is also discussed.

Soft tissue sarcoma of the upper extremity: a 5-year experience at two institutions emphasizing the role of soft tissue flap reconstruction.

Background: The objective of this study was to define the impact of soft tissue flap reconstruction on multimodality therapy for patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the upper extremity. Treatment standards continue to evolve for these patients, and, with multimodality therapy, most of them are candidates for limb-preserving surgery. Consequently, the role of soft tissue flap reconstruction is expanding.