Our findings suggest that CGF improves the viability of diced cartilage grafts, while fascia hampers it. Punching holes in the fascia does not improve diced cartilage graft viability and neither does blood glue wrapping.

ObjectivesMucosal free grafts may be successfully applied in many surgical interventions. This study aims at investigating the feasibility of palatal mucosa graft in sub-glottic field in an animal model.MethodsThis randomized prospective controlled study was conducted with an animal model. Sub-glottic inflammation was created in 15 adult rabbits in each group and sub-glottic stenosis surgery was applied thereafter. The rabbits in group 1 (control group) underwent segmental resection, partial cricoidectomy, and trachea-thyroid cartilage anastomosis; the rabbits in group 2 underwent segmental resection, cricoplasty, and crico-tracheal anastomosis using free buccal mucosa graft; and the rabbits in group 3 underwent segmental resection, cricoplasty, and crico-tracheal anastomosis using free palatal mucosa graft. Re-stenosis was evaluated after 42 days.ResultsThe percentages of stenosis were 27%±20%, 40%±20%, and 34%±23% for group 1, 2, and 3, respectively and the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.29). Intensive and tight fibrosis was observed in 2 rabbits (13%) in group 1, in 5 rabbits (33%) in group 2, and in 3 rabbits (20%) in group 3. There was not a statistically significant difference between groups (P=0.41). Excessive inflammation was observed in 3 rabbits (20%) in group 1, in 7 rabbits (47%) in group 2, and 3 rabbits (20%) in group 3. There was no a statistically significant difference between groups although inflammation rate was higher in the rabbits which underwent buccal mucosa graft (P=0.18).ConclusionThe surgical treatments applied with free mucosa graft reduced anastomosis tension through enabling anastomosis to the distal of cricoid instead of thyroid cartilage. Free palatal mucosa grafts may be used in sub-glottic field, one of the most challenging fields of trachea surgery, due to ease of application and rapid vascularization.

We offer a new approach to surgical treatment of rhinophyma. Total excision of phymatous tissue and single session replacement of epidermal-dermal components is an effective treatment for patients with severe rhinophyma, resulting in satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcome. This combined treatment modality prevents the recurrence of rhinophyma. It should be considered an appropriate alternative in cases of severe rhinophyma.

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