A randomized controlled trial of the embrace advanced scar therapy device to reduce incisional scar formation.

Background: Scarring represents a significant biomedical burden in clinical medicine. Mechanomodulation has been linked to scarring through inflammation, but until now a systematic approach to attenuate mechanical force and reduce scarring has not been possible.

Methods: The authors conducted a 12-month, prospective, open-label, randomized, multicenter clinical trial to evaluate abdominoplasty scar appearance following postoperative treatment with the embrace Advanced Scar Therapy device to reduce mechanical forces on healing surgical incisions.

Low fistula rate in palatal clefts closed with the Furlow technique using decellularized dermis.

Background: Despite the advances in cleft palate closure over the past 20 years, postoperative fistulas are still a significant problem. Fistula rates average 10 to 23 percent, and it has been suggested that wide clefts have a higher rate of fistula formation.

Methods: In an attempt to improve closure rates, the authors placed decellularized dermal graft within the closure of 31 consecutive palatal cleft closures using the Furlow technique, with one attending surgeon.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery approaches in the management of anal cancer.

Various reliable reconstructive options are available for treatment of perineal and perianal skin and soft tissue defects resulting from tumor ablation. Indications for TAR include the following: very low rectal cancers, in which low anterior resection or resection with coloanal anastomosis is not possible: persistent or recurrent anal cancer that has failed to respond to chemoradiation therapy; and previous rectal excision with either recurring colostomy complications or an unacceptable quality of life with a stoma. Of course, adequate surgical oncologic principles must not be compromised to enhance sphincter reconstruction.

Adult facial growth: applications to aesthetic surgery.

Background: Reshaping of the face with age is a result of volume change and loss of support. It is not well understood which tissues are involved in this process. Recent publications suggest that adult bone growth may have a significant role.