Objective To review the appl ication of and the research progress on acellular matrix (ACM) in cartilage tissue engineering. Methods Related l iteratures both at home and abroad were retrospected and analyzed. Results Manyresearchers improved the properties of cartilage ACM scaffold through co-appl ication of solution diosmosis method, freezedrying method and physical and chemical cross-l inking method etc., and the experimental results of applying cartilage ACM scaffold for the construction of tissue engineered cartilage were closely related to the properties of ACM. Conclusion ACM has a wide appl ication prospect for the construction of tissue engineered cartilage, and further in-depth studies are needed to improve its property.
Objective To increase the success rate of vaginal reconstruction with pudendal-thigh flap, reduce the chance of hemocirculatory disorder and rel ieve the deformity of greater l ip of pudendum and vaginal orifice. Methods FromJune 1998 to May 2004, 15 patients, 2 males with transsexual ism and 13 females with vaginal absence, aged 23-31 years old (26.2 on average), received vaginal reconstruction. Arterial perforator was detected at 3 cm laterally away from the mid-point between the vaginal orifice and the anus. The flap of 12.0 cm × 5.5 cm was designed at the lateral of the greater l ip of pudendum, with the groin as the axis. After the flap was elevated beneath the deep fascia, the fascial pedicle was partially severed from lateral to medium, keeping the perforator intact into the flap. Then the flap was transferred through the tunnel to the socket. The inner layer and the orifice were formed. Results All flaps survived, and the contour of the vulva was satisfactory. Among the 15 patients, 14 patients’ incisions obtained heal ing by first intention, and only 1 male with transsexual ism was discovered to suffer from rectovaginal fistula at the remote juncture of the two flaps at 7 days after the operation. By taking out all the gauze and cleaning the feces, the fistula healed automatically. All patients were followed up for 6 months-3 years. The reconstructed vagina was about 10 cm deep and 2 fingers wide. One female’s vagina was found pilous at 20 months after the operation, and no special treatment was given. The other patients’ vaginal inner walls were smooth and complete. Two female patients had the experienceof sexual intercourse and felt satisfied after using lubricant. Conclusion The modified pudendal-thigh flap has rel iable blood supply and makes the transferring during vaginal reconstruction more convenient and the contour of the vulva more satisfactory.