The Influence of Inset and Shaping of Abdominal-Based Free Flap Breast Reconstruction on Patient-Reported Aesthetic Outcome Scores-A Systematic Review.

Nowadays, multimodal cancer therapy results in very high survival rates of early-stage breast cancer and microsurgical flap-based breast reconstruction has become safe and reliable, with gradually increasing demand because of its durable and aesthetically pleasing results. This study aimed to explore the impact of different flap shaping and inset techniques on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with regard to the aesthetic result in abdominal flap-based breast reconstruction. A systematic review was performed screening Pubmed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science for original articles reporting flap inset strategies, concomitantly providing PROMs on the aesthetic result.

Methacrylated Gelatin as a Scaffold for Mechanically Isolated Stromal Vascular Fraction for Cutaneous Wound Repair.

Mechanically processed stromal vascular fraction (mSVF) is a highly interesting cell source for regenerative purposes, including wound healing, and a practical alternative to enzymatically isolated SVF. In the clinical context, SVF benefits from scaffolds that facilitate viability and other cellular properties. In the present work, the feasibility of methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), a stiffness-tunable, light-inducible hydrogel with high biocompatibility is investigated as a scaffold for SVF in an in vitro setting.

Outcome of Facial Burn Injuries Treated by a Nanofibrous Temporary Epidermal Layer.

Background: The face is commonly affected in thermal injuries, with a demand for proper recognition and the correct choice of treatment to guarantee optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes. It is highly vascularized and often heals conservatively, highlighting the particular relevance of conservative treatment modalities, many of which require daily re-applications or dressing changes, which can be painful and tedious for both the patient and the healthcare providers. Motivated by encouraging results of a novel temporary nanofibrous epidermal layer, we herein present a case series of this technology in a case series of patients suffering from facial burns and treated in our Burn Center.

Early Second Free Flap is Required in Osteoradionecrosis-related Nonunion after Primary Mandible Reconstruction.

Unlabelled: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) manifested as symptomatic nonunion between primary free flap and native mandible after primary bony reconstruction of the mandible is an entity not included in current conventional ORN staging guidelines. This article reports on and proposes early management of this debilitating condition using a chimeric scapular tip free flap (STFF).

Methods: A retrospective review was performed examining cases with bony nonunion at the junction of primary free fibula flap (FFF) and native mandible at a single center over a 10-year duration, which required a second free bone flap.

Botulinum toxin to improve facial expression in a patient with Urofacial (Ochoa) Syndrome.

The Urofacial or Ochoa Syndrome is a very rare congenital disorder that includes vesical bladder dysfunction and a peculiar inverse facial expression, which brings patients to express a sad-crying face while they intend to laugh. Up-to-date treatments have addressed only the urological side of this disease. However, also the impaired facial mimicry has a strong impact on patients' quality of life.

Predictors for limb amputation and reconstructive management in electrical injuries.

Background: Electrical injuries follow a specific pathophysiology and may progressively damage both skin and deeper tissues, frequently ending in amputations. Type and timing of soft tissue reconstruction after electrical burns is crucial for proper outcome. The aim of this study was to assess surgical management and outcome of patients with electrical injuries treated at the Zurich Burn Center over the last 15 years, with emphasis on risk factors for amputation and reconstructive strategy.

The Multiple Rib Osteomyocutaneous Split Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Calvarial Reconstruction: Indication, Operative Technique, and Review of Literature.

Major complex cranial defects may be challenging for the reconstructive microsurgeon. Affected patients often present with impaired soft tissues including dura exposure or fistulas. The lacking structural bony support may cause severe neurological issues and in select patients, there is a need for well-vascularized autologous tissue repair.

Five-Step Scapula Tip Flap Harvesting for Oromaxillofacial Defects Reconstruction.

In the last 10 years, there has been an increased focus on the scapula tip free flap for head and neck reconstructions. Its several advantages make it a versatile and reliable reconstructive option for patients with orofacial compound defects. The aim of this article is to present a systematic surgical approach for the harvesting of the scapula tip free flap.

Burn Scar Ectropion Correction: Surgical Technique for Functional Outcomes.

Background: Eyelid scarring after severe burn injury of the face is a significant complication endangering vision in addition to the burn scar sequelae. Scar contraction leads to asymmetry and malposition of the eyelid axis, resulting in corneal exposure, eyelid retraction, and incomplete eyelid closure. In consequence, dryness and irritation of the cornea can lead to keratitis, corneal opacity, and vision impairment.

Outcome Comparison of Different Reconstructive Approaches for Axillary Defects Secondary to Radical Excision of Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Background: Radical excision of debilitating hidradenitis suppurativa lesions is the only curative approach in the advanced stages of the disease. Different concepts for axillary reconstruction do exist, but data on their clinical outcome are scarce.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of two reconstructive methods (posterior arm flap vs.

Evolution of a concept with enzymatic debridement and autologous in situ cell and platelet-rich fibrin therapy (BroKerF).

Background: Deep partial-thickness burns are traditionally treated by tangential excision and split thickness skin graft (STSG) coverage. STSGs create donor site morbidity and increase the wound surface in burn patients. Herein, we present a novel concept consisting of enzymatic debridement of deep partial-thickness burns followed by co-delivery of autologous keratinocyte suspension and plated-rich fibrin (PRF) or fibrin glue.

Incidence and Time Point of Sepsis Detection as Related to Different Sepsis Definitions in Severely Burned Patients and Their Accompanying Time Course of Pro-Inflammatory Biomarkers.

Background: Diagnosis of sepsis in burn patients remains difficult for various reasons. One major problem is the definition of sepsis itself. Therefore, previous and current sepsis definitions are a matter of ongoing validation, but a well-defined consensus on which clinical and laboratory parameters to incorporate in such a definition is lacking.

The Role of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Under Hypoxia.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are multipotent mesenchymal stem cells characterized by their strong regenerative potential and low oxygen consumption. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a multifunctional chemokine-like cytokine that is involved in tissue hypoxia. MIF is not only a major immunomodulator but also is highly expressed in adipose tissue such as subcutaneous adipose tissue of chronic non-healing wounds.

Response of routine inflammatory biomarkers and novel Pancreatic Stone Protein to inhalation injury and its interference with sepsis detection in severely burned patients.

Background: Inhalation of thermal and chemical products of combustion evokes an immune response measurable at a systemic level. Inhalation injury related kinetics of currently available inflammatory biomarkers and novel Pancreatic Stone Protein (PSP) as well as their interference with septic events has not been addressed to literature yet.

Methods: Analysis of the influence of inhalation injury and ARDS on biomarker kinetics (PSP, procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive Protein (CRP), white blood cells (WBC)) in 90 patients admitted to Zurich Burn Center between May 2015 and October 2018 with burns ≥15% total body surface area (TBSA) over 14 days.

Risk Factors for Mortality and Prolonged Hospitalization in Electric Burn Injuries.

Electrical injuries are rare, but very destructive with high morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital length of stay and need for repeated procedures. The aim of study was to investigate characteristics and management of electrical injuries and predisposing factors for mortality and prolonged length of stay. Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively to identify patients admitted with electrical injuries at the Zurich Burns Center (2005-2019).

Effect of Systemic Adipose-derived Stem Cell Therapy on Functional Nerve Regeneration in a Rodent Model.

Unlabelled: Regardless of etiology, peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) result in disruption/loss of neuromuscular junctions, target muscle denervation, and poor sensorimotor outcomes with associated pain and disability. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have shown promise in neuroregeneration. However, there is a paucity of objective assessments reflective of functional neuroregeneration in experimental PNI.

Expression of Pancreatic Stone Protein is Unaffected by Trauma and Subsequent Surgery in Burn Patients.

Background: Altered levels of pro-inflammatory markers secondary to trauma or surgery present a major problem to physicians in being prone to interfere with the clinical identification of infectious events.

Methods: Patients admitted to Zurich Burn Center between May 2015 and October 2018 with burns ≥10% total body surface area (TBSA) and without infection. Longitudinal analysis of the time course of PSP and routine inflammatory biomarkers [procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells (WBC)] over two days after (a) trauma with initial debridement and (b) subsequent burn surgeries was performed.

Heterotopic Transplantation of Allogeneic Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flaps in Miniature Swine.

Background: Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation (VCA) opens new possibilities for reconstruction of complex tissue defects, including upper extremity and facial transplantation. The main challenges in VCA transplantation are the side effects of long-term immunosuppression and chronic graft rejection. Translational preclinical animal models are crucial for VCA research to improve clinical outcomes and to study underlying immunologic mechanisms.

Evaluation of Porcine Versus Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells From Three Distinct Donor Locations for Cytotherapy.

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based cytotherapies fuel the hope for reduction of chronic systemic immunosuppression in allotransplantation, and our group has previously shown this capability for both swine and human cells. MSCs harvested from distinct anatomical locations may have different behavior and lead to different outcomes in both preclinical research and human trials. To provide an effective reference for cell therapy studies, we compared human and porcine MSCs from omental fat (O-ASC), subcutaneous fat (SC-ASC) and bone marrow (BM-MSC) under rapid culture expansion with endothelial growth medium (EGM).

Pancreatic Stone Protein Predicts Sepsis in Severely Burned Patients Irrespective of Trauma Severity: A Monocentric Observational Study.

Objective: The burn victim's inherent state of hyperinflammation frequently camouflages septic events delaying the initiation of targeted intensive care therapy. Accurate biomarkers are urgently needed to support sepsis detection before patients' clinical deterioration.

Summary Of Background Data: Evidence on the usefulness of pancreatic stone protein (PSP) as a powerful diagnostic and prognostic marker in critically ill patients has recently accumulated.

Long-gap peripheral nerve repair through sustained release of a neurotrophic factor in nonhuman primates.

Severe injuries to peripheral nerves are challenging to repair. Standard-of-care treatment for nerve gaps >2 to 3 centimeters is autografting; however, autografting can result in neuroma formation, loss of sensory function at the donor site, and increased operative time. To address the need for a synthetic nerve conduit to treat large nerve gaps, we investigated a biodegradable poly(caprolactone) (PCL) conduit with embedded double-walled polymeric microspheres encapsulating glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) capable of providing a sustained release of GDNF for >50 days in a 5-centimeter nerve defect in a rhesus macaque model.

Treg-inducing microparticles promote donor-specific tolerance in experimental vascularized composite allotransplantation.

For individuals who sustain devastating composite tissue loss, vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA; e.g., hand and face transplantation) has the potential to restore appearance and function of the damaged tissues.