Skin grafting with fibrin glue in burns

Summary In an attempt to obtain better function and appearance minimize blood loss and increase graft survival with minimal postoperative care, deep burns are treated by applying the fibrin glue to difficult recipient sites. A two-component fibrin sealant is used, fibrinogen made from pooled human plasma and bovine thrombin (Tissucol, Immuno AG, Vienna, Austria). The fibrin sealant is described as well as the technique used to seal the skin grafts in 15 patients (18 procedures). Indications for graft sealing are limited to grafts over areas subject to movement (joints, face, neck, hands) and to non-meshed grafts for cosmetic reasons. This clinical experience demonstrates several advantages of sealing skin grafts on burn wounds: hemostasis, early adherence and wound healing are improved; better cosmetic results are obtained with sheet grafts on the face and neck; operating time is reduced; no special dressings are required; physiotherapy starts after 24 h; the period of rehabilitation is reduced as well as the incidence of secondary procedures.     

Nipple-areolar reconstruction: a different approach to skin graft fixation and dressing.

Nipple-areolar reconstruction (NAR) is now an integral component of any type of breast reconstruction. This study presents a simple and reliable skin graft fixation and dressing technique used on 278 NARs in 221 patients from 1996 to 2000. Nipples and areolas were reconstructed with a modified skate flap and a full-thickness skin graft, respectively. Skin grafts were sutured and stented using Steri-Strips. A Tielle hydropolymer dressing with a central fenestration was used to cover the whole nipple-areolar complex. The nipple is dressed further with gauze and Microfoam tape. All nipples demonstrated 100% survival. There was one partial skin graft loss and 5% of the grafts had mild epidermolysis with eventual full reepithelialization. This dressing regime is simple and reliable in ensuring optimal skin graft take and nipple viability. It provides compression of the graft to prevent shearing and fluid accumulation, excellent absorbing capacity, a moist environment to promote wound healing, and maximal patient comfort.     

Fibrin sealant improves graft adherence in a porcine full-thickness burn wound model

IntroductionAutograft take and rapid wound closure is essential for the survival of severely burned patients. Loss of skin grafts typically occurs during the first few days after coverage, mainly due to shear forces and inadequate contact with the wound bed. Slow-clotting fibrin sealant, applied with a spray-on device, has been shown to improve healing of skin grafts in large wounds. However, its use in burn wounds has not been studied so far.Study aimTo evaluate the effectiveness of sprayed fibrin sealant in excised and grafted full-thickness burns.Material and methodsTen female Yorkshire pigs (30–45 kg) received a full-thickness contact burn of approximately 15% total body surface area. The burns were excised to the level of the muscular fascia after 24 h and covered with meshed skin autograft (mesh ratio 1:3). Wounds were randomized to either fibrin sealant (n = 20) or standard skin staples (n = 16) for graft fixation. Fibrin sealant was used as a slow-clotting spray (4 IU thrombin/ml). Outcome measurements included clinical scoring at days 2, 5, 9 and 14 postoperatively, planimetric analysis of wound closure, and histological examination of epidermal and dermal thickness 14 days after autografting.ResultsIn the fibrin sealant group, graft adherence scores were significantly increased (p < 0.02) and graft dislocation scores significantly decreased (p < 0.01) at days 2 and 5 postoperatively, when compared to controls. Planimetric analysis of remaining open mesh interstices showed acceleration of wound closure in the fibrin sealant group but did not reach statistical significance (day 14 p = 0.04 at significance level p < 0.025). Wound contraction, occurrence of hematoma, and dermal as well as epidermal thickness were not different between the groups at 14 days postoperatively.ConclusionThe results indicate that the use of slow-clotting fibrin sealant spray for autograft fixation is advantageous over skin staples. Easy handling and reduced graft dislocation at early time points are key qualities of this method.     

Autologous cartilage grafts enhanced by a novel transplant medium using fibrin sealant and fibroblast growth factor

OBJECTIVE: To introduce and assess a system for the delivery of fibroblast growth factor to autologous cartilage grafts using fibrin sealant and analyze whether this "enhancement" results in reduced rates of cartilage resorption and greater preservation of normal architectural features compared with "unenhanced" cartilage grafts. METHODS: Auricular cartilage segments measuring 1 cm(2) were harvested from 12 New Zealand white rabbits, morselized, and implanted into the subcutaneous dorsum of the upper back for 3 months. The conditions included (1) cartilage alone; (2) cartilage + fibrin sealant; (3/4) cartilage + acidic or basic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF or bFGF); and (5/6) cartilage + fibrin sealant + aFGF or bFGF. Subsequent to graft harvest, gross and microscopic assessments were performed to assess size, structural integrity, and architectural features, with comparisons performed between each of the conditions. RESULTS: The mean areas of the harvested cartilage grafts treated with fibrin sealant + aFGF or bFGF were 1.23 cm(2) and 1.19 cm(2), respectively, while the corresponding value for the untreated (ie, cartilage alone) specimens was 1.03 cm(2). The percentage of decrease in size was 45% for the untreated specimens and 0% for the specimens treated with fibrin sealant + aFGF or fibrin sealant + bFGF. Cartilage treated with fibrin sealant + bFGF had the greatest quantity of elastin fibers of the 6 conditions. Cartilage grafts treated with fibrin sealant alone demonstrated the most intense ground substance staining on a computerized measure of pixel intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated significant improvements in graft quality using fibroblast growth factor and fibrin sealant or even fibrin sealant alone. These findings may justify changes in how cartilage grafts are prepared and delivered for facial augmentation procedures to reduce graft resorption and maintain the structural integrity of the cartilage. Further trials will be performed to elucidate the optimal growth factor concentrations for maximum structural and architectural benefits.     

Hemostatic effectiveness of fibrin glue derived from single-donor fresh frozen plasma

Fibrin glue derived from pooled human blood is an effective sealant for high-porosity vascular grafts and a valuable topical hemostatic agent in heparinized patients. Use of this agent in the United States is prohibited because of potential transmission of hepatitis B, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and other serologically transmitted illnesses. We have developed a cryoprecipitation technique that allows preparation of fibrin glue from single-donor fresh frozen plasma. Use of this agent presumably entails no greater risk of disease transmission than intravenous administration of single-unit fresh frozen plasma. This report describes our early clinical experience with this material. Fibrin glue was used as a sealant for porous woven Dacron tubular prostheses and cardiovascular patches in 19 patients. The fibrin glue sealant has also been employed to control bleeding from needle holes and small anastomotic tears in 22 patients. No patient in this series had a bleeding complication from a suture line or graft treated with fibrin glue. This experience indicates that like fibrin glue from pooled blood, fibrin glue from single-donor plasma is effective as a graft sealant and topical hemostatic agent. Preparation of fibrin glue from single-donor plasma is simple and economical, and may provide cardiothoracic surgeons in the United States with a widely available, valuable hemostatic adjunct.     

Palmare Verbrennung der Hand

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of conservative and operative treatment for burn injuries in the palmar region of the hand. METHODS AND CLINICAL MATERIAL: One hundred ten patients from the severe burn center in Ludwigshafen, Germany were evaluated a mean of 28 months postoperatively. Sixty-one had been treated with split-thickness skin grafts (43 sheet and 18 mesh grafts). In addition to subjective evaluation (including pain assessment and aesthetic outcome rating by visual analog scale), objective outcome analysis included clinical tests, measurement of active range of motion and grip strength, and sensibility testing with the two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests. RESULTS: Of the patients, 90% were satisfied with the results, showing excellent pain relief with an average score under 13 on the visual analog scale. Aesthetic outcome was rated good with sheet grafts; in appearance, mesh grafts tended to be rated average or insufficient. Functional outcome tests demonstrated a significant correlation between depth of injury and range of motion. Grip strength analysis revealed superior results with sheet grafts. Sensibility in the injured areas was lower than on the contralateral hands. The Semmes-Weinstein test average was 3.4 degrees at the burned area vs 3.0 degrees in healthy hands, underscoring lower sensibility after burns. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of burned palms leads to good subjective and objective results, if specialized burn units are involved. Overall sheet transplantation seems to be the better choice for surgical reconstruction of the palmar burned hand.     

Innovative Technique Avoiding Bleeding After Reperfusion in Living Donor Liver Transplant Using a Modified Right Lobe Graft

BackgroundLiving donor liver transplant (LDLT) is a valuable therapeutic option for overcoming the deceased donor shortage. Modified right lobe graft (MRLG) keeps the middle hepatic vein (MHV) trunk with the remnant liver to improve donor safety. Hemostasis in the MHV tributary reconstruction can be tricky; surgical stitches and energy coagulation are ineffective. Fibrin glues are excellent vascular sealants but are poor in maintaining hemostasis in an active hemorrhage or preventing resection surface-related complications after liver resection. We propose applying fibrin sealant during back table graft preparation to seal the hepatic edge and MHV reconstruction to avoid bleeding after graft revascularization.MethodsOur retrospective cohort study included all adult patients undergoing LDLT between August 2017 and December 2021. During the back table procedure, we performed the reconstruction of the inferior right hepatic vein and/or MHV tributaries from segment 5 (V5) and segment 8 (V8) using a vein harvested from a nonrelated deceased donor. Before initiating the hepatic graft implantation, we applied fibrin sealant in the resected parenchyma, especially in the V5 and V8 anastomosis, to seal the hepatic edge and hepatic vein reconstruction.ResultsNo bleeding was identified in the hepatic edge, and blood product transfusion was unnecessary for any recipients after reperfusion.ConclusionIn LDLT using MRLG with MHV reconstruction, the fibrin sealant, when applied on the raw hepatic surface, and vascular reconstruction during back table graft preparation avoided bleeding after graft revascularization.     

Reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy for carcinoma

During the last 5 years, 80 patients underwent reconstruction of the breast as a primary or secondary procedure after mastectomy for carcinoma. Breast mounds were reconstructed with the silicone breast implant. A Silastic implant corrected the infraclavicular axillary deformity after radical mastectomy. The nipple-areolar complex was created either with a nipple-areolar graft from the contralateral breast or with a labial free graft in a bilateral breast reconstruction. If the contralateral breast was large or ptotic, reduction mammoplasty or mastopexy was performed. Subcutaneous mastectomy or total mastectomy of the other breast with insertion of the silicone breast implant was the method of choice for a group of high-risk patients.     

Central renal stab wounds: treatment with augmented fibrin sealant in a porcine model

PURPOSE: We determined whether fibrin sealant augmented by an absorbable bolster could salvage kidneys with major, centrally located stab wounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A grade 4 renal injury was created in 16 commercial swine via a 1.5 cm sagittal, centrally located, through-and-through right renal laceration. Animals were randomized to 1 of 4 treatment arms, including control groups that received conventional renal capsule suture repair with an absorbable gelatin sponge bolster (3 in group 1) or a microfibrillar collagen sheet (3 in group 2) and experimental groups that received sutureless treatment entailing fibrin sealant instillation into the knife tract augmented by an external gelatin sponge (5 in group 3) or an external microfibrillar collagen sheet (5 in group 4). Arterial occlusion was not performed. Blood loss and time to hemostasis were recorded. Abdominal computerized tomography was performed at 1 week and necropsy was done at 6 weeks. RESULTS: Renal reconstruction with fibrin sealant resulted in significantly lower blood loss (62 vs 155 ml, p <0.05) and time to hemostasis (3.5 vs 6.5 minutes, p <0.05) than in the conventional suture groups. There was no radiographic or gross evidence of significant postoperative bleeding, urinoma formation or abnormal tissue healing in the recovery period. Gelatin sponge and collagen sheet demonstrated similar hemostatic efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: In this porcine renal trauma model fibrin sealant augmented by absorbable gelatin sponge or a microfibrillar collagen sheet effectively promoted hemostasis and renal salvage. Because of its safety, ease of use and efficiency, fibrin sealant appears to be an appropriate adjunct for managing challenging renal injuries.     

Latissimus dorsi donor-site morbidity: the combination of quilting and fibrin sealant reduce length of drain placement and seroma rate

Seroma formation has been shown to be a multifactorial process in part due to dead space and the formation of raw surfaces, which produce large quantities of serous exudate. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of quilting/progressive tension sutures (to reduce dead space) and fibrin sealant (to seal the raw surface) in combination on the seroma rate and length of drain placement in patients undergoing latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction. A retrospective review of 43 patients undergoing latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction was performed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: quilting sutures alone versus those with quilting sutures and fibrin sealant. Data regarding age, body mass index, smoking history, timing of reconstruction, type of breast surgery, radiation history, complications, length of drain placement, use of fibrin glue, and use of quilting/progressive tension sutures were collected for each patient. Results were analyzed statistically using unpaired t tests (P < 0.05). The quilting group included 19 patients with 24 donor sites. The mean drain placement duration was 21.5 days (range, 9-69 days). One patient in 19 developed a seroma, which was treated and resolved with aspiration. The seroma rate for the quilting only group was 5%. The quilting and sealant group included 23 patients with 26 donor sites. The quilting and sealant group had a mean duration of drain placement of 13.9 days (range, 6-38 days). This was a statistically reduced length of drainage (P = 0.04) compared with quilting only. The quilting and sealant group had 1 patient in 23 develop a seroma with a rate of 4% which compared with quilting only was not statistically significant (P = 0.4). The combination of quilting sutures and fibrin sealant directed at the 2 main mechanisms of seroma formation, (dead space and serous exudate, respectively) can decrease the duration of postoperative drain placement and does maintain low seroma rates.     

Sutureless repair of a partially transected median nerve using Tisseel glue and Axoguard nerve protector: A case report

Peripheral nerve injuries in which the nerve is not completely severed often result in neuromas-in-continuity. These can cause sensory and functional deficits and must be resected and reconstructed. In defects greater than 5 mm in length, nerve graft is indicated, and suture neurorrhaphy is typically used to secure the nerve ends. However, sutures may negatively impact nerve regeneration. Fibrin glue has recently been used to mitigate the inflammatory response associated with suture neurorrhaphy. Most of the literature regarding fibrin glue covers animal models and supports its use for nerve reconstruction. Tisseel, a fibrin sealant developed as an adjunct to hemostasis, has recently shown utility in peripheral nerve repair by increasing tensile strength without additional sutures. We present the successful use of Tisseel sealant in a neuroma resection and reconstruction. In this case, a 35-year-old female presented with persistent neuropathic pain and neurologic dysfunction related to the median nerve in her hand with a history of distal forearm laceration and prior carpal tunnel release. Upon exploration, a neuroma-in-continuity involving 75% of the nerve was identified, resected, and reconstructed using processed human nerve allograft, as well as Tisseel sealant and Axoguard nerve protector to secure the repair and offload tension. At 1-year follow-up, pain was resolved, with ≤8 mm static 2-point discrimination in the median nerve distribution, and excellent improvement in hand strength compared with preoperative conditions. The outcome of this case indicates that fibrin glue may be useful to avoid excess sutures in cases of neuroma-in-continuity not involving the entire cross-section of the nerve.     

Breast Cancer After Severe Burn Injury: Coincidence or Consequence?

Abstract:  Malignant neoplasms arising in burn scars are well known but rarely encountered. We discuss personal experience with two patients, both female, who were diagnosed with advanced breast cancer many years after severe thermal injury to their breasts. Our experience, similar to the scant previously published data, reinforces that burn scars demand a high index of suspicion for the presence of an underlying malignant neoplasm. The literature and our study suggest that breast cancer may occur after severe thermal injury. Breast lesions in this or a similar clinical scenario should be considered malignant until proven otherwise, and a tissue diagnosis must be pursued without delay.     

Saphenous vein grafts for perforator flap salvage in autologous breast reconstruction

Although the use of saphenous vein grafts in free‐flap salvage and extremity replantation is relatively common, their use in breast reconstruction is rare. These two case reports represent extreme alternatives for breast reconstruction flap salvage. In our normal daily practice, the overwhelming majority of elective breast reconstructions proceed smoothly. However, the occasional patient may require saphenous vein graft flap rescue for completion of the reconstruction. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.     

Fibrin sealant in bone transplantation: No effects on blood flow and bone formation in dogs

To study bone formation and regional blood flow following the use of fibrin sealant in autologous cancellous bone transplantation, a dog model was developed. In 18 dogs, a standardized defect in both tibiae was filled with an autologous iliac crest graft. On one side, the bone chips were mixed with fibrin sealant while the other side served as control. After 1, 2 and 3 weeks the blood flow of the transplant was calculated and the new bone formed evaluated histomorphometrically. Generally, the highest blood flow rates and most intensive new bone formation were observed at 2 weeks postoperatively. Fibrin sealant did not alter blood flow or new bone formation, but a tendency to diminished new bone formation was found in some grafts. Our study does not support the application of fibrin sealant in ordinary cancellous bone grafting.     

Fibrin sealant in bone transplantation. No effects on blood flow and bone formation in dogs

To study bone formation and regional blood flow following the use of fibrin sealant in autologous cancellous bone transplantation, a dog model was developed. In 18 dogs, a standardized defect in both tibiae was filled with an autologous iliac crest graft. On one side, the bone chips were mixed with fibrin sealant while the other side served as control. After 1, 2 and 3 weeks the blood flow of the transplant was calculated and the new bone formed evaluated histomorphometrically. Generally, the highest blood flow rates and most intensive new bone formation were observed at 2 weeks postoperatively. Fibrin sealant did not alter blood flow or new bone formation, but a tendency to diminished new bone formation was found in some grafts. Our study does not support the application of fibrin sealant in ordinary cancellous bone grafting.     

扩大背阔肌肌皮瓣乳房再造

目的 介绍单纯应用扩大背阔肌肌皮瓣进行乳房再造方法.方法 将背阔肌周围脂肪组织分为5个区,切取背阔肌及周围脂肪组织,不应用乳房假体,进行即时或后期乳房再造.结果 应用该方法再造乳房95例,其中保留乳头乳晕改良根治术后即时再造24例,保留皮肤改良根治术后即时再造36例,改良根治术后即时再造26例,后期再造9例,其中1例为改良根治术后,其他8例为改良根治术后,再造乳房均形态良好.术后6例乳头部分坏死;14例胸部皮肤表皮脱落,自行愈合;2例背部供区部分坏死;背部顽固性血清肿2例,再次手术后愈合.结论 扩大背阔肌肌皮瓣乳房再造安全有效,再造乳房形态良好,尤其适用于中、小乳房的乳房再造.     

扩大背阔肌肌皮瓣乳房再造

目的　介绍单纯应用扩大背阔肌肌皮瓣进行乳房再造方法。方法　将背阔肌周围脂肪组织分为 5个区 ,在背部设计半月形皮肤切口 ,切取背阔肌及周围脂肪组织 ,不应用乳房假体 ,进行即时或后期乳房再造。结果　应用该方法乳房再造 35例 ,再造乳房形态良好。结论　扩大背阔肌肌皮瓣乳房再造 ,安全有效 ,再造乳房形态良好 ,是乳房再造的重要进展。     

Does fibrin sealant reduce drain output and allow earlier removal of drainage catheters in women undergoing operation for breast cancer?

Serosanguinous drainage after mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection has traditionally been treated with the temporary use of closed suction drainage catheters. Use of drainage catheters is associated with wound infection, discomfort, nerve injury, and impaired arm movement. Commercially produced fibrin sealant has been proposed to reduce postoperative serosanguinous collections. We hypothesized that the intraoperative application of low-dose (2-5 cm3) fibrin sealant would reduce serosanguinous drainage and allow earlier removal of closed suction drainage catheters after operation for breast cancer. Fifty-five women with known breast cancer underwent either total mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, or isolated level I and II axillary lymph node dissection. Twenty-six patients were treated with fibrin sealant and 29 served as control subjects. The application of fibrin sealant resulted in a significant reduction in overall duration catheters were needed (7 vs 8.3 days; P = 0.05). More importantly fibrin sealant reduced the time until 24-hour drain output was less than 30 cm3 (4.9 vs 6.2 days). Additionally fibrin sealant application resulted in a 60 per cent reduction in overall drainage amount after total mastectomy and a 32 per cent reduction after modified radical mastectomy. The application of fibrin sealant after axillary lymph node dissection did not decrease overall drainage amount. In conclusion fibrin sealant reduces serosanguinous drainage after total mastectomy and modified radical mastectomy and may allow earlier removal of closed suction drainage catheters.     

Fibrin glue in coronary artery bypass grafting operations: casting out the Devil with Beelzebub?

OBJECTIVE: Fibrin sealants are frequently used in aortocoronary bypass operations. Although they are considered to be clinically safe, we performed a retrospective analysis of our data to examine the possible side effects of Tissucol fibrin sealant, namely the acute thrombosis of grafts and native coronary arteries resulting in severe myocardial damage and patient deaths. METHODS: The data of 2716 patients (2001 male, 715 female) who received an aortocoronary bypass operation from November 1995 to December 1999 were studied retrospectively. Two groups (group 1: received Tissucol, group 2: no sealant used) were compared with respect to an a priori selected set of demographic and clinical variables and with respect to their effect on the outcome using bivariate tabulation. Multiple exploratory assessments of factors possibly related to fatal outcome were done by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Nine hundred ninety patients (group 1) received Tissucol, 1726 patients (group 2) did not receive it. Mean patient age was 64+/-9.1 years. Group 1 had a higher risk of death (7.8% vs 2.8%, p<0.001). The peak values of creatine kinase >500 and creatine kinase-myocardial band >50 were higher in group 1 than in group 2, p<0.001. Adjusted odds ratios for the risk of fatal outcome were: 2.01 for the use of Tissucol, 2.71 for patient age >70 years, 2.02 for aortic cross clamp time >90 min, 3.95 for postoperative ventricular fibrillation, 6.35 for postoperative cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 4.55 for postoperative aortocoronary reoperation. CONCLUSION: In our analysis an increased risk of myocardial injury or even death was found in coronary artery bypass grafting patients when Tissucol fibrin sealant was used intraoperatively.     

Editorial Commentary: Hybrids Make for Good Cars but Probably Not Anterior Cruciate Ligament Grafts

Use of allograft/autograft hybrid hamstring anterior cruciate ligament grafts has gained popularity as a method to ensure appropriate graft diameter when autograft alone is insufficient. Several institutional series have been published with conflicting results. When there is any concern for autograft hamstring diameter, it is potentially better to consider other graft options. Patellar tendon autograft remains an excellent graft option for many patients. In patients where a soft-tissue graft is desired, including adolescents, quadriceps tendon has emerged as a promising option with excellent clinical outcomes. Even in patients in which hamstrings are used as a graft, when insufficient diameter is encountered, newer techniques, including the use of retrograde reamers, allows for creation of a bulleted graft of sufficient diameter without the need for allograft augmentation. We have completely abandoned the use of hybrid grafts in this younger population at our institution for these reasons. Because there are numerous other options available for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients where hamstring size may be a concern, this may become less of a debate over the next decade.