Thomas Schoeller

Histomorphologic and Volumetric Analysis of Implanted Autologous Preadipocyte Cultures Suspended in Fibrin Glue: A Potential New Source for Tissue Augmentation

Abstract. Previous efforts to use adipocyte transplants for tissue augmentation have been limited by high and unpredictable resorption rates. Preadipocytes are precursor cells that are capable of replication and differentiation into mature adipocytes. Furthermore, they are more resilient to ischemia, making them a desirable transplant media. Utilizing fibrin glue as a transport vehicle and a prefabricated intramuscular capsule pouch as the recipient site, we have demonstrated the successful transplantation of cultured preadipocytes without the previously presented resorption sequelae. Histological analysis at 2 weeks has demonstrated establishment of vascular supply and the complete resorption of fibrin glue. Most importantly, using planimetric analysis, volume retention has been demonstrated in implanted areas up to 1 year following implantation. Finally, BrdU labeling has been utilized to demonstrate the lack of increased and uncontrolled replication rate, an index of potentially tumorigenic tissue. In conclusion, we have demonstrated a potentially new and safe source of tissue augmentation in the rat model.

The transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap for breast reconstruction: guidelines for flap and patient selection.

Background: The transverse musculocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap has received little attention in the literature as a valuable alternative source of donor tissue in the setting of breast reconstruction. The authors give an in-depth review of their experience with breast reconstruction using the TMG flap. Methods: A retrospective review of 111 patients treated with a TMG flap for breast reconstruction in an immediate or a delayed setting between August of 2002 and July of 2007 was undertaken. Of these, 26 patients underwent bilateral reconstruction and 68 underwent unilateral reconstruction, and 17 patients underwent reconstruction unilaterally with a double TMG flap. Patient age ranged between 24 and 65 years (mean, 37 years). Results: Twelve patients had to be taken back to the operating room because of flap-related problems and nine patients underwent successful revision microsurgically, resulting in three complete flap losses in a series of 111 patients with 154 transplanted TMG flaps. Partial flap loss was encountered in two patients, whereas fat tissue necrosis was managed conservatively in six patients. Donor-site morbidity was an advantage of this flap, with a concealed scar and minimal contour irregularities of the thigh, even in unilateral harvest. Complications included delayed wound healing (n = 10), hematoma (n = 5), and transient sensory deficit over the posterior thigh (n = 49). Conclusions: The TMG flap is more than an alternative to the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap in microsurgical breast reconstruction in selected patients. In certain indications, such as bilateral reconstructions, it possibly surpasses the DIEP flap because of a better concealed donor scar and easier harvest.

Successful transplantation of three tissue-engineered cell types using capsule induction technique and fibrin glue as a delivery vehicle.

Recent advances in cell biology and tissue engineering have used various delivery vehicles for transplanting varying cell cultures with limited success. These techniques are frequently complicated by tissue necrosis, infection, and resorption. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether urothelium cells, tracheal epithelial cells, and preadipocytes cultured in vitro could be successfully transplanted onto a prefabricated capsule surface by using fibrin glue as a delivery vehicle, with the ultimate goal for use in reconstruction. In the first step of the animal study, tissue specimens (bladder urothelium, tracheal epithelial cells, epididymal fat pad) were harvested for in vitro cell culturing, and a silicone block was implanted subcutaneously or within the anterior rectus sheath to induce capsule formation. After 6 to 10 days, when primary cultures were confluent, the animals were re-anesthetized, the newly formed capsule pouches were incised, and the suspensions of cultured urothelia cells (n = 40), tracheal epithelial cells (n = 32), and preadipocytes (n = 40) were implanted onto the capsule surface in two groups, one using standard culture medium as a delivery vehicle and the second using fibrin glue. Histologic sections were taken, and different histomorphologic studies were performed according to tissue type. Consistently in all animals, a highly vascularized capsule was induced by the silicon material. In all animals in which the authors used fibrin glue as a delivery vehicle, they could demonstrate a successful reimplantation of cultured urothelium cells, tracheal epithelial cells, or preadipocytes. Their animal studies showed that capsule induction in combination with fibrin glue as a delivery vehicle is a successful model for transplantation of different in vivo cultured tissue types.

Small free vascularized iliac crest bone grafts in reconstruction of the scaphoid bone: a retrospective study in 60 cases.

Carpal instability may result in progressive degenerative arthritis of the wrist. The surgical goal of the reconstruction of scaphoid nonunion is to achieve bone union and to restore the scaphoid. Many procedures are described to treat scaphoid nonunion for different indications. This retrospective study reports on the anatomical fundamentals, the operative procedure, and the results of 60 patients (21 with recalcitrant scaphoid nonunion that lasted longer than 4 years, 26 with an avascular pole fragment, and 13 with scaphoid nonunion after previous surgery) who were treated by a small free vascularized iliac crest bone graft. All 60 patients have routinely been followed up clinically and with magnetic resonance imaging. Union was achieved in 91.7 percent by improvement of stability and the compromised vascularity of the scaphoid. The bone flap loss rate and persisting nonunion was 8.3 percent, leading to progressive arthritis and carpal collapse. Complaints concerning discomforts caused by the scar were heard from 40.1 percent of the patients, and 31.7 percent complained of discomforts caused by the bony deformity. Bone deformations on the donor site were detected radiologically in 63.3 percent of the patients. In 31.7 percent, an impairment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was noted. Reconstruction of the scaphoid by means of implantation of a vascularized iliac bone graft proved efficient to treat avascular recalcitrant scaphoid nonunion and pseudarthrosis with avascular proximal pole fragments. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 108: 664, 2001.)

Fibrin glue as a delivery vehicle for autologous urothelial cell transplantation onto a prefabricated pouch.

PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to investigate how in vivo expanded urothelium can be transplanted onto a prefabricated capsule-pouch for urinary reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Urothelial cells from 40 rats were harvested for culture. A tissue expander was used to induce a capsule-pouch on which the cell culture were reimplanted ten days later. As delivery vehicle we compared standard culture media and fibrin glue. RESULTS The histology demonstrated viable, multilayered clusters of urothelium cells only in the group using the fibrin glue delivery vehicle. CONCLUSION We conclude that cultured urothelial cells can be successfully reimplanted onto a prefabricated capsule-pouch via fibrin glue, showing potential for urinary reconstructions.

autologous Breast Reconstruction after Breast-conserving Cancer Surgery

&NA; Breast‐conserving therapy, which aims to reduce trauma by preserving as much of a patients natural appearance as possible, does not necessarily lead to an optimal cosmesis. We hypothesized that combining plastic and oncologic surgeries would greatly reduce the physical and psychological traumas and produce an optimal cosmesis without impairing the oncologic outcome. We performed breast reconstruction on 40 cancer patients. Of those 40 patients, 15 received combined plastic and oncologic surgeries. Procedures depended on breast size: mammareduction plasty in cases with sufficient volume, and reconstruction using myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flaps for those with less volume. Cosmetic results were rated good to poor. Of the 15 primary reconstruction patients, 86.7 percent of the cases showed good results and 13.3 percent fair; in the secondary cases, 68 percent were good, 16 percent fair, and 16 percent poor. Through a follow‐up and cosmetic evaluations by both surgeons and patients, the study showed that combining aesthetic improvements and oncologic surgery does not compromise patient safety, reduces mental and physical trauma, and frequently results in superior cosmesis, thereby improving the patients overall health. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 102: 1932, 1998.)

Functional lower lip reconstruction with bilateral cheek advancement flaps: revisitation of Webster method with a minor modification in the technique.

Major defects of the lower lip have been repaired in many ways. Of these, some employed flaps from the chin, cheek or upper lip. Some of these procedures employed flaps without regard for the facial grooves or landmarks. Some methods required incisions through nerves supplying the orbicularis oris and the flaps used for the lower lip reconstruction. Of the many methods of reconstruction that have been reported, we believe that the Webster technique should be considered as the first choice for lower lip defects larger than 80% of the total. Because this technique interferes minimally with the sensation of the lower lip and a satisfactory cosmetic outcome with a functional lower lip is achieved, the sensation and muscle function of the upper lip are unaffected. In addition to discussing the advantages of the Webster method, in this paper we present a minor modification in the dissection of the orbicularis oris muscle in an attempt to improve the motor innervation and to provide adequate oral competence and labial functioning in expression and speaking. Motor function and innervation of the lips after reconstruction was documented by clinical findings as well as electrophysiological methods.

New technique for scarless umbilical reinsertion in abdominoplasty procedures

The most visible scar in the conventional abdominoplasty procedure or TRAM flap donor site closure is the scar around the reinserted umbilicus. In an attempt to increase the aesthetic outcome, the authors have introduced a new technique of umbilical reconstruction and reinsertion during abdominoplasty avoiding any paraumbilical scar, which results in a more natural appearance in that area. This new technique, potential pitfalls, and long-term results are reported.

Donor-site morbidity of the transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap in autologous breast reconstruction: short-term and long-term results.

Background: The authors have used the transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap technique for autologous breast reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy since August of 2002. The donor site is closed in the manner of a medial thigh lift. The authors examined the short-term and long-term results of donor-site morbidity in their first 22 patients. Methods: Nineteen patients underwent unilateral and three patients received bilateral breast reconstruction with a transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap after skin-sparing mastectomy. Using a questionnaire, patients were asked about complaints resulting from elevation of the gracilis muscle and their satisfaction with the result, general condition, and sexuality. Cosmetic evaluations of the thigh donor site were performed independently by two plastic surgeons. Results: To evaluate short-term results, mean follow-up of the 22 patients was 10 months. All patients were satisfied with the scar in the inguinal region. Concerning thigh symmetry, 42 percent of patients showed excellent results, 40 percent had good results, and 18 percent had fair results. With regard to the scars, 24 percent of patients had excellent results, 46 percent had good results, and 30 percent had fair results. Thigh shape was evaluated as excellent by 26 percent, good by 52 percent, and fair by 22 percent. Patients who had a unilateral gracilis donor site had a difference in maximal thigh circumference of 2.368 cm. Four years postoperatively, all patients would choose this kind of operation again. Conclusions: The medial thigh region allows the removal of a moderate amount of tissue, even in thin patients, with a very inconspicuous scar. The transverse musculocutaneous gracilis flap is safe for immediate reconstruction of small and medium-sized breasts, with minimal functional donor-site morbidity. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Improved dorsal random-pattern skin flap survival in rats with a topically applied combination of nonivamide and nicoboxil

The effects of a topically applied combination of nonivamide and nicoboxil in improving skin perfusion and preventing distal flap necrosis were tested in a random-pattern dorsal skin flap model. Forty male Wistar rats were randomized into two groups (n = 20), and a standardized dorsal random-pattern skin flap was raised on each rat. Animals in the experimental group were treated with the topically applied drug combination four times per day for 6 days, whereas in the control group only a placebo ointment was applied each time. Skin flap viability was evaluated on day 7, and the extent of skin flap necrosis was compared between the two groups. The topically applied combination of nonivamide and nicoboxil resulted in a statistically significant decrease in skin flap necrosis, compared with the control group (mean percentage of skin flap necrosis in the nonivamide/nicoboxil-treated group, 22.6 +/- 6.0 percent; control group, 36.8 +/- 4.3 percent; p< 0.05). The topical combination of nonivamide and nicoboxil was effective in reducing ischemic necrosis in failing random-pattern skin flaps in this rat model. The results of this study suggest that such a topical drug application might have significant effects in the reduction of ischemic necrosis in the distal parts of skin flaps, and this treatment might also have applications as prophylactic therapy for risky skin flaps.