[Three-dimensional orthotopic tissue reconstruction with a free, prefabricated high-density porous polyethylene implant flap].

Background: We investigated the appropriateness of the implant to be used in free-tissue transfers in a rabbit model in which a full-thickness skin graft was wrapped around a prefabricated high-density porous polyethylene implant.

Methods: In ten New Zealand white rabbits, high-density porous polyethylene implants (Medpor), 10x15x3 mm in size, were bilaterally placed and anchored underneath the superficial inferior epigastric artery and vein pedicle under anesthesia. The flaps were prefabricated through vascular induction. Eight weeks later, the flaps were wrapped by a full-thickness postauricular skin graft, following orthotopic transplantation. Two weeks after grafting, full-thickness biopsy samples were obtained from the distal one-third of the implants and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome for histologic examination.

Results: Graft compliance was observed in all the implants. Histologic sections showed rich fibro-neovascular tissue, neovascularization, and development of connective tissue cells. There were very few polymorphonuclear cells. No signs of inflammation were observed.

Conclusion: Prefabrication of the high-density porous polyethylene implant under the superficial inferior epigastric artery and vein results in sufficient conditions for its use in free transfers.