• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.220-229
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• 2008

Purpose: The present study was aimed to examine the effect of acellular dermal matrix ($AlloDerm^{(R)}$) grafted to the experimental tissue defect on tissue regeneration. Materials and Methods: Male albino rabbits were used. Soft tissue defects were prepared in the external abdominal oblique muscle. The animals were then divided into 3 groups by the graft material used: no graft, autogenous dermis graft, and $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ graft. The healing sites were histologically examined at weeks 4 and 8 after the graft. In another series, critical sized defects with 8-mm diameter were prepared in the right and left iliac bones. The animals were then divided into 5 groups: no graft, grafted with autogenous iliac bone, $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ graft, $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ graft impregnated with rhBMP-2, and $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ graft with rhTGF-${\beta}1$. The healing sites of bone defect were investigated with radiologic densitometry and histological evaluation at weeks 4 and 8 after the graft. Results: In the soft tissue defect, normal healing was seen in the group of no graft. Inflammatory cells and foreign body reactions were observed in the group of autogenous dermis graft, and the migration of fibroblasts and the formation of vessels into the collagen fibers were observed in the group of $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ graft. In the bone defect, the site of bone defect was healed by fibrous tissues in the group of no graft. The marked radiopacity and good regeneration were seen in the group of autogenous bone graft. There remained the traces of $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ with no satisfactory results in the group of $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ graft. In the groups of the $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ graft with rhBMP-2 or rhTGF-${\beta}1$, there were numerous osteoblasts in the boundary of the adjacent bone which was closely approximated to the $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ with regeneration features. However, the fibrous capsule also remained as in the group of $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ graft, which separated the $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ and the adjacent bone. Conclusions: These results suggest that $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ can be useful to substitute the autogenous dermis in the soft tissue defect. However, it may not be useful as a bone graft material or a carrier, since the bone defect was not completely healed by the bony tissue, regardless of the presence of osteogenic factors like rhBMP-2 or rhTGF-${\beta}1$.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제38권5호
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• pp.559-566
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• 2011

Purpose: The use of tissue expander/implant in breast reconstruction using tissue expander-implant is one of the most common surgical procedures. The use of AlloDerm as a sling to reestablish the lower pole of the pectoralis major muscle results a decrease in morbidity compared with more invasive procedures. However the use of AlloDerm is more expensive than other options. We decided to compare AlloDerm with Permacol, which has been safely used in human body reconstruction and is less costly than AlloDerm. Methods: After mastectomy, the inferolateral origin of the pectoralis major muscle was elevated. Either AlloDerm or Permacol was sutured to the chest wall at the level of the previously marked inframammary fold. The lower border of the pectoralis major muscle and the upper portion of the crescent-shaped piece of either AlloDerm or Permacol was sutured together using a tension free technique, and a tissue expander was subsequently inserted into the subpectoral-subAlloDerm (or Permacol) dual pocket. Results: AlloDerm was used in twenty-one patients (28 breasts) and Permacol was used in six patients (11 breasts) for tissue expander-implant breast reconstruction. During the mean follow-up period of 17 months (8~25 months). Two infections (7%) occurred in AlloDerm cases and four infections (36%) occurred in Permacol cases. Conclusion: This study is the first comparison of tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction using AlloDerm and Permacol. The use of Permacol resulted in more postoperative infection compared with the use of AlloDerm. This report is still limited with the small number of cases studied.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.1-10
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• 2008

Purpose: This study was aimed to examine the resorption rate, the healing pattern, and the response of the surrounding tissue after the graft of the acellular dermal matrix ($AlloDerm^{(R)}$) and the autogenous dermis, and to report the clinical result of the use of $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ in order to restore the soft tissue defects. Methods: Twenty mature rabbits, weighing about 3 ㎏, were used for the experimental study. The $10\times10$ mm-size autogenous dermis and the $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ were grafted to the space between the external abdominal oblique muscle and the fascia of the rabbits. And the $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ was grafted to the pocket between the skin and the underlying perichondrium of rabbit ear. The resorption rate of the grafted sites was calculated, and the tissue specimens were histologically examined at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the graft. The five patients with the cleft-lip nasal deformity and the one patient with the saddle nose deformity, who received the $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ graft to restore the facial soft tissue defects, were reviewed for the clinical study. Results: The resorption rate at 8 weeks after the graft was 21.5% for the autogenous dermis, and 16.0% $AlloDerm^{(R)}$. In microscopic examinations, the infiltration of the inflammatory cells and the epidermal inclusion cyst were observed in the autogenous dermis graft. However, the neovascularization and the progressive growth of the new fibroblasts were shown in the $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ graft. And the six patients, who received the $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ graft, demonstrated the good stability of the grafts and improved appearance. There were no remarkable complications such as inflammation, rejection, dislocation, and severe absorption in the clinical cases. Conclusion: These results suggest that $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ can be an useful graft material for restoration of soft tissue defects because of the good stability and the tissue response without the remarkable clinical complications.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권5호
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• pp.578-582
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• 2009

Purpose: In extensive deep burn of the lower limb, due to less amount of soft tissue, bone is easily exposed. When it happens, natural healing or reconstruction with skin graft only is not easy. Local flap is difficult to success, because adjacent skins are burnt or skin grafted tissues. Muscle flap or free flap are also limited and has high failure rate due to deep tissue damage. The authors acquired good outcome by performing one - stage operation on bone exposed soft tissue defect with AlloDerm$^{(R)}$(LifeCell, USA), an acellular dermal matrix producted from cadaveric skin. Methods: We studied 14 bone exposed soft tissue defect patients from March 2002 to March 2009. Average age, sex, cause of burn, location of wound, duration of admission period, and postoperative complications were studied. We removed bony cortex with burring, until conforming pinpoint bone bleeding. Then rehydrated AlloDerm$^{(R)}$(25 / 1000 inches, meshed type) was applicated on wound, and thin split thickness(6 ~ 8 / 1000 inches) skin graft was done at the immediately same operative time. Results: Average age of patients was 53.6 years(25 years ~ 80 years, SD = 16.8), and 13 patients were male(male : female = 13 : 1). Flame burn was the largest number. (Flame burn 6, electric burn 3, contact burn 4, and scalding burn 1). Tibia(8) was the most affected site. (tibia 8, toe 4, malleolus 1, and metatarsal bone 1). Thin STSC with AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ took without additional surgery in 12 of 14 patients. Partial graft loss was shown on four cases. Two cases were small in size under $1{\times}1cm$, easily healed with simple dressing, and other two cases needed additional surgery. But in case of additional surgery, granulation tissue has easily formed, and simple patch graft on AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ was enough. Average duration of admission period of patients without additional surgery was 15 days(13 ~ 19 days). Conclusion: AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ and thin split thickness skin graft give us an advantage in short surgery time and less limitations in donor site than flap surgery. Postoperative scar is less than in conventional skin graft because of more firm restoration of dermal structure with AlloDerm$^{(R)}$. We propose that AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ and thin split thickness skin graft could be a solution to bone exposured soft tissue defects in extensive deep burned patients on lower extremities, especially when adjacent tissue cannot be used for flap due to extensive burn.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.161-166
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• 2009

Purpose: Using the implant for the breast reconstruction still remains the options, despite the breast reconstruction using autologous tissue is an ideal method. In this study, we used AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ to extend subpectoral pocket for covering implants to reduce implant related complications. Met hods : From January 2005 to June 2007, 18 breasts in 16 patients were reconstructed using implant and AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ immediately after mastectomy. Hospital records, database files, and clinical photographs were reviewed. A ten - point scale was used to evaluate the patient's satisfaction, with a range from 2(poor) to 10(excellent). Results: Mean age of the patients was 38.7 years at the time of operation. Mean weight of removed breast tissue was 287g. AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ was used to extend subpectoral coverage. Any systemic complication was not reported. Breast complication was developed in 4 cases. Implant removal or change was not experienced. Conclusion: Immediate breast reconstruction using Implant is useful methods for certain conditions, when donor tissue is insufficient and breast is non ptotic with round shape. In those cases, extension of muscle coverage using AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ could reduce complications and lead more acceptable results.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권6호
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• pp.755-760
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• 2009

Purpose: Breast surgeons usually insert tissue expander or implant beneath the subpectoral - subglandular dual plane in breast reconstruction. But sometimes it happens unsatisfactory lower pole fullness, asymmetric inframammary fold and breast shape because there is implant migration due to the pectoralis major muscle contraction and gravity. To solve all the problem like these, we introduce implant breast reconstruction using AlloDerm$^{(R)}$(LifeCell Corp., Branchburg, N.J.) sling. Methods: The AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ sling was used in 13 patients and 18 breasts for implant breast reconstruction. After mastectomy, costal and lower sternal insertion of pectoralis major muscle was detached. Rehydrated AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ was sutured to the chest wall and serratus anterior fascia at the level of inframammary fold downward and to lower border of the pectoralis major muscle upward like crescent shape with tension free technique after implant insertion into the subpectoral - subAlloDerm dual pocket. Results: We make satisfactory lower pole fullness, symmetric inframammary fold and breast shape. In conclusion, patients obtain relatively natural breast shape. There was no complication except one case of capsular contracture and one case of breast cellulitis. Conclusion: Implant breast reconstruction using AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ sling makes easy to get natural breast shape through satisfactory lower pole fullness, symmetric inframammary fold and implant positioning.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.289-300
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• 2007

Purpose: This study was aimed to histologically evaluate $Silicone^{(R)}$, $Gore-tex^{(R)}$, $AlloDerm^{(R)}$, and $Medpor^{(R)}$ implants for augmentation rhinoplasty after graft in the subperiosteum of mural calvarium respectively. Materials and method: Twenty four male ICR mice were used. $Silicone^{(R)}$, $Gore-tex^{(R)}$, $AlloDerm^{(R)}$, and $Medpor^{(R)}$ were grafted respectively in the subperiosteum of frontal bone. Animals were sacrificed at 1 week, 4 week and 8 week after graft. Histological observation was performed after H&E staining. Results: All groups were healed without any extrusion of implant materials and inflammatory cell infiltration. In Silicone group, $Silicone^{(R)}$ was well enclosed by thin fibrous tissue at 1 week, which became thicker and stable at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. And there was no destruction or resorption of $Silicone^{(R)}$ In Gore-tex group, there was no destruction or resorption of $Gore-tex^{(R)}$. Thin fibrous tissue and cell infiltration from peripheral tissue were observed at 1 week, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. In AlloDerm group, $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ was enclosed by fibrous tissue. Cell infiltration was observed at 1 week, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. In Medpor group, there was no inflammation, destruction or resorption of $Medpor^{(R)}$ and it was contacted directly to the bone without interposition of fibrous tissue. Porous area was filled by bone or soft tissue. Conclusion: These results suggest that $Gore-tex^{(R)}$, $AlloDerm^{(R)}$, and $Medpor^{(R)}$ graft are more stable than $Silicone^{(R)}$ graft and that $Silicone^{(R)}$, $Gore-tex^{(R)}$, $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ are appropriate for graft on nasal tip and $Medpor^{(R)}$ is appropriate for graft on nasal dorsum.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.92-100
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• 2006

Radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has been established itself as a versatile and widely used method for reconstruction of the head and neck, although it is still criticized for high mortality of donor site. Delayed wound healing, cosmetic deformity, vascular compromise and potentially reduced wrist function have many plastic surgeons hesitate to adapt it as a first choice in micro-reconstruction. To overcome these drawbacks, some techniques for donor-site repair such as V-Y advancement with full thickness skin graft (FTSG), application of artificial dermis ($Terudermis^{(R)}$) or acellular dermal matrix ($AlloDerm^{(R)}$), and double-opposing rhomboid transposition flap have been reported. Authors performed 4 cases of RFFF in old-aged patients of the head and neck cancer from April 2005 to February 2006. We compared the outcomes of donor site of RFFF which were resurfaced with split thickness skin graft (STSG) only and STSG overlying an $AlloDerm^{(R)}$. Patients were all males ranging from 59 to 74 years old (mean, 67.5). Three of them had tongue cancers, and the other showed hypopharyngeal cancer. All cases were pathologically confirmed as squamous cell carcinomas. We included the deep fascia into the flap, so called subfascially elevated RFFF in three cases, and in the other one, we dissected the RFFF suprafascially leaving the fascia intact. The donor site of the suprafascially elevated RFFF was resurfaced with STSG only. Among three of subfascially elevated RFFFs, donor-sites were covered with thin STSG only in one case, and STSG overlying $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ in two cases. All RFFFs were survived completely without any complication. The donor site of the suprafascially elevated RFFF was taken well with STSG only. But, the partial graft loss exposing brachioradialis and flexor carpi radialis muscle was unavoidable in all the subfascially elevated RFFFs irregardless of $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ application. Considering that many patients of the head and neck cancer are in old ages, we believe the RFFF is still a useful and versatile choice for resurfacing the head and neck region after cancer ablation. Its reliability and functional characteristics could override its criticism for donor site in old-aged cancer patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.26-30
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• 2010

Purpose: Common complications of immediate breast reconstruction with implant are capsular contracture, malposition of implant, hematoma and seroma. Especially, the most severe complication is implant exposure caused by inflammation or necrosis of skin flap margin of mastectomy site. This article reports the experience of cases of salvage in such an exposure of implant. Methods: From July, 2002 to Feb., 2009, sixty-five patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with implant were retrospectively analyzed. Exposure of implant was happened in 5 of 65 patients and they were treated at out patient district. Two of five patients were reconstructed with saline implnt and all of them underwent the enveloping of the implant with AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ and Serratus muscle flap. Remaning three patients were reconstructed with silicone implant and all of them underwent the enveloping of the implant with AlloDerm$^{(R)}$. Results: In the group of patients who underwent reconstruction with saline implant, implant exposure was found in one patient due to partial necrosis of the margin of skin flap and debridement and primary repair were done. In the other one patient, dressing with antibiotic ointment were done. And debridement and primary repair were proceeded. In the group of patients who underwent reconstruction with silicone implant, implant exposure was found in one patient. After removal of the implant, tissue expansion was done and a new silicone implant was inserted. Implant exposure were found in the other two patients, antibiotics ointment application and primarily repaired. Conclusion: It was the common knowledge that the exposed implant should be removed. But salvage of the exposed implants may be possible with proper treatment. Four of five patients (80%) with exposed breast implant were salvaged with conservative management.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.216-221
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• 2009

Purpose: The retention of the basement membrane complex, which was the unique feature of the acellular dermal matrix ($AlloDerm^{(R)}$), plays an important role in the normal process of wound healing. The present study was aimed to compare the healing of the acellular dermal matrix according to the graft method in the rabbit ear. Materials and methods: Six mature rabbits weighing about 3.0 kg were used, $10\;{\times}\;5\;mm$ sized subcutaneous pockets were created between the ear skin and the underlying perichondrium. In the control group, the acellular dermal matrix was grafted with the basement membrane facing toward the perichondrium. On the contrary, the acellular dermal matrix was grafted with the basement membrane facing toward the skin side in the experimental group I. In the experimental group II, the acellular dermal matrix was grafted like rolled configuration with basement membrane side in. The grafted site was picked at 3, 7, and 21 days after the graft. Serial sections were processed by H-E stain and examined under light microscopy to assess the healing patterns. Results: There was no distinct volume loss in the gross examination, but resorption was observed from the edge of the acellular dermal matrix in the histological examination. The space of resorption was replaced by the newly formed fibrous tissues and vessels. The inflammatory cells were more increased at 7 days after the graft than the early days. However, inflammation was decreased at 21 days after the graft. Regardless of the graft direction, no differences were observed between the control and the experimental group I in the healing patterns. Conclusion: These results suggest that the acellular dermal matrix can be used simply and effectively without regard to the graft direction as a substitute of autogenous material for repairing soft tissue defect.