Retrospective evaluation of factors influencing successful skin grafting for patients with skin cancer of the foot

A focused review on three-dimensional bioprinting technology for artificial organ fabrication

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology has attracted a great deal of interest because it can be easily adapted to many industries and research sectors, such as biomedical, manufacturing, education, and engineering. Specifically, 3D bioprinting has provided significant advances in the medical industry, since such technology has led to significant breakthroughs in the synthesis of biomaterials, cells, and accompanying elements to produce composite living tissues. 3D bioprinting technology could lead to the immense capability of replacing damaged or injured tissues or organs with newly dispensed cell biomaterials and functional tissues. Several types of bioprinting technology and different bio-inks can be used to replicate cells and generate supporting units as complex 3D living tissues. Bioprinting techniques have undergone great advancements in the field of regenerative medicine to provide 3D printed models for numerous artificial organs and transplantable tissues. This review paper aims to provide an overview of 3D-bioprinting technologies by elucidating the current advancements, recent progress, opportunities, and applications in this field. It highlights the most recent advancements in 3D-bioprinting technology, particularly in the area of artificial organ development and cancer research. Additionally, the paper speculates on the future progress in 3D-bioprinting as a versatile foundation for several biomedical applications.

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Reconstruction after Skin Cancer Resection

SUMMARY

A multi-disciplinary work group involving stakeholders from various backgrounds and societies was convened to develop guidelines for the management of reconstruction after skin cancer resection. The goal was to identify areas of common ground and provide evidence-based recommendations to improve patient care. Given the heterogeneity of reconstructive techniques and clinical scenarios, investigation centered around common elements in the process. In some cases, a distinction was made between treatment options in the office-based setting as opposed to those in the facility setting. A systematic literature review was performed, and an established appraisal process was used to rate the quality of relevant scientific research (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology). Final recommendations are related to concepts concerning the timing of reconstruction, management of anticoagulation, use of antibiotics, methods of pain control, and follow-up assessment. At times, there was insufficient evidence to make high-level recommendations. The literature analysis highlights the need for additional methodologically robust studies in this area, to help guide clinical practice.

A prospective, phase II study on the safety and efficacy of negative pressure closure for the stabilization of split-thickness skin graft in large or muscle-exposing defects: The NPSG study

Several studies have demonstrated the usefulness of negative pressure closure (NPC) for the stabilization of skin grafts because it provides a uniform pressure to the graft. The results of our previous retrospective study also suggested the superiority of NPC over tie-over methods for the stabilization of split-thickness skin graft (STSG) in large or muscle-exposing defects. However, the usefulness of NPC for graft stabilization is yet to be fully established. This prospective, phase II clinical study was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of NPC for the stabilization of STSG in large or muscle-exposing defects. Patients who would require STSG for reconstruction of defects in the trunk and extremities other than hands and feet measuring >10 cm in the longest diameter or with muscle exposure were enrolled. NPC was applied for skin graft stabilization. Seven patients who had received wide excision of malignant tumors and resulted in muscle-exposed skin defects were included. All patients underwent meshed STSG. The mean size of the defect was 94.5 cm² (range 63.6-164.9). The mean time from the skin graft harvesting to the NPC stabilization was 15.6 min (range 10.7-19.5). The mean survival rate of the skin graft at postoperative day 7 and 10 was 98.7% (range 97-100) and 96.5% (range 89.4-98.4), respectively. No adverse events associated with the procedure were observed. This prospective study provided further evidence of the safety and efficacy of NPC for STSG stabilization in patients with large or muscle-exposing skin defects.

Efficacy and Safety of Simultaneous Application of HIFEM and Synchronized Radiofrequency for Abdominal Fat Reduction and Muscle Toning: A Multicenter Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation Study

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency and high-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) field procedure are well-known, stand-alone, body-shaping modalities, yet their simultaneous application has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel device simultaneously delivering HIFEM and radiofrequency for subcutaneous fat reduction and muscle toning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-one subjects with an average age of 39.7 ± 11.5 years were recruited. The subjects received 3 abdominal treatments (one per week). Magnetic resonance imaging images of the treated area were evaluated at baseline and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month visits for changes in subcutaneous fat, muscle thickness, and abdominal separation (AS). Anthropometric data and digital photographs were collected. Subject satisfaction and therapy comfort were evaluated.

RESULTS

The muscle mass increase peaked at 3 months, showing 26.1% thickening. The fat thickness reduction was most prominent at 3 months, showing a 30.8% reduction. The AS decreased by 18.8% at 3 months after treatment. The waist circumference reduced by 5.87 ± 3.64 cm at a 3-month follow-up. Six-month data showed maintenance of these outcomes. The treatment was considered as comfortable with high patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of magnetic resonance imaging images and waist measurements showed that the therapy combining HIFEM and radiofrequency is highly effective in reducing subcutaneous fat and muscle thickening.

Evidence-based clinical practice guideline: Reconstruction after skin cancer resection

A multi-disciplinary work group involving stakeholders from various backgrounds and societies was convened to develop guidelines for the management of reconstruction after skin cancer resection. The goal was to identify areas of common ground and provide evidence-based recommendations to improve patient care. Given the heterogeneity of reconstructive techniques and clinical scenarios, investigation centered around common elements in the process. In some cases, a distinction was made between treatment options in the office-based setting as opposed to those in the facility setting. A systematic literature review was performed, and an established appraisal process was used to rate the quality of relevant scientific research (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology). Final recommendations are related to concepts concerning the timing of reconstruction, management of anticoagulation, use of antibiotics, methods of pain control, and follow-up assessment. At times, there was insufficient evidence to make high-level recommendations. The literature analysis highlights the need for additional methodologically robust studies in this area, to help guide clinical practice.

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Reconstruction after Skin Cancer Resection

SUMMARY

A multi-disciplinary work group involving stakeholders from various backgrounds and societies was convened to develop guidelines for the management of reconstruction after skin cancer resection. The goal was to identify areas of common ground and provide evidence-based recommendations to improve patient care. Given the heterogeneity of reconstructive techniques and clinical scenarios, investigation centered around common elements in the process. In some cases, a distinction was made between treatment options in the office-based setting as opposed to those in the facility setting. A systematic literature review was performed, and an established appraisal process was used to rate the quality of relevant scientific research (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology). Final recommendations are related to concepts concerning the timing of reconstruction, management of anticoagulation, use of antibiotics, methods of pain control, and follow-up assessment. At times, there was insufficient evidence to make high-level recommendations. The literature analysis highlights the need for additional methodologically robust studies in this area, to help guide clinical practice.

Full-thickness Skin Graft Fixation Techniques: A Review of the Literature

Multiple techniques for skin graft fixation have been proposed, but the evidence underlying these techniques is unclear. This study aimed to review the literature for full-thickness graft fixation techniques. PubMed was electronically searched to identify relevant studies. The search strategy identified 91 relevant articles. These consisted of 2 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 10 observational cohort studies (8 retrospective, 2 prospective), and 79 descriptive studies (case series, case reports, or expert opinion articles). Both identified RCTs compared the tie-over dressing against a modified tie-over dressing. The tie-over dressing was also included in all identified observational studies, and comparisons were made against quilting/mattress suturing (4 studies, 181 grafts in total), simple pressure dressings (3 studies, 528 grafts), non-tie-over dressings non-specifically (1 study, 71 grafts), hydrocolloid dressings (1 study, 62 grafts), and double-tie over dressings (1 study, 43 grafts). No significant differences were found between fixation methods for graft take, haematoma rate, and infection rate. No studies have found a significant difference between tie-over dressings and alternative graft fixation technique, with the most evidence for simple pressure dressings and quilting/mattress suturing. However, the evidence base consists mostly of small, retrospective observational studies. This article describes the current evidence base and this should be considered when planning future reports in the field.