Use of banked tissue in plastic surgery

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Banked human tissues, including bone allografts and amnion, are increasingly utilized in India for reconstructive surgery.
• Bone allografts present an alternative to autografts, while lyophilized, irradiated human amnion serves as a readily available biological dressing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of lyophilized, irradiated human bone allografts and amnion in various reconstructive surgical procedures.
• To assess outcomes in patients undergoing rhinoplasty, facial augmentation, and treatment of burns, non-healing wounds, and pressure sores.

Main Methods:

• Bone allografts (rib and iliac crest cortico-cancellous) were used in facial reconstructive cases, including rhinoplasty and chin augmentation.
• Lyophilized, irradiated human amnion was applied as a temporary biological dressing to 24 burn patients, 8 with bedsores, and 6 with non-healing ulcers.

Main Results:

• Rib bone grafts showed variable outcomes, with resorption in one rhinoplasty case and infection in another, but successful incorporation in a mandibular augmentation.
• Iliac crest grafts were successful in augmentation rhinoplasty and chin augmentation.
• Human amnion provided good biological cover, pain relief, and was easy to handle, leading to reduced exudate, healthy granulation, and enhanced epithelization in treated wounds.

Conclusions:

• Human bone allografts can be effective in specific reconstructive applications, though outcomes may vary.
• Lyophilized, irradiated human amnion is a valuable temporary biological dressing for managing burns, bedsores, and non-healing ulcers, promoting wound healing.
• The study highlights the potential of banked human tissues in addressing reconstructive surgical needs and wound management challenges.