IntroductionThe subject of the experiment was bacterial nanocellulose, a natural polymer produced by bacteria – Gluconacetobacter xylinus. Following a specific modification process a cartilage-like material for restoration of damaged tissues may be produced. The obtained implants with excellent biocompatibility, mouldability, biophysical and chemical properties perfectly fit the needs of reconstructive surgery. The goal of the experiment was to develop and analyze cellulosic guidance channels in vivo for the reconstruction of damaged peripheral nerves.Material and methodsThe experiments were conducted on Wistar rats, femoral nerve. Cellulose was produced according to a self-patented method. In the experimental group tubulization was applied, whereas in the control traditional end-to-end connection was used. Observation time was 30, 60, 90, and 180 days. Results evaluation included histological analysis and postoperative observation of motor recovery.ResultsThe overgrowth of connective tissue and disorganisation of neural structures was evident in 86.67% of control specimens, while for cellulosic group it was only 35% (p = 0.0022). Tubulization prevented the excessive proliferation of connective tissue and isolated from penetration with scar tissue. Autocannibalism, being probably an evidence of neurotrophic factors amassment, was observed in cellulosic group but not in the control one. Motor recovery did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Biocompatibility of implants was affirmed by very small level of tissue response and susceptibility to vascularisation.ConclusionsCellulosic neurotubes effectively prevent the formation of neuromas. They are of very good biocompatibility and allow the accumulation of neurotrophic factors inside, thus facilitating the process of nerve regeneration.

Background: Dermoid cysts are benign congenital lesions occurring in about 80% in the ovaries and testicles and only in about 1.6-7% are they found in the head and neck region, mainly in the midline of the body.Case report: A rare case of congenital dermoid cyst in the central compartment of the neck is presented. It was diagnosed when the patient was 10 years old; later at age 22 the patient was re-diagnosed and qualified for surgical treatment. The paper outlines the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed. It demonstrates the value of appropriate tests and exclusion of other possible diseases.Conclusions: Dermoid cysts are a rare disorder affecting mainly the ovaries and testicles which require detailed diagnostics as a part of differential diagnosis. In most cases, they do not cause severe symptoms and often require only simple surgical treatment.

Treating oncologic patients remains a challenge for surgeons aiming to provide patients with safe margins of resection while maintaining the highest possible quality of life. The latter, in the case of malignancies, requires using sophisticated methods of reconstruction. Thus, we present a case of a 75-year-old patient treated in our department with a rare neoplasm in the region of the temporomandibular joint—a myxofibrosarcoma that was mimicking an inflammatory lesion. The patient underwent two surgeries—firstly alloplasty of the TMJ due to the suspicion of an inflammatory lesion, lately extended to the resection of glenoid fossa and subtemporal fossa contents when the mandible was reconstructed using UHMW-PE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). The patient was also referred for adjuvant radiotherapy and has remained disease-free for over 96 months with very good aesthetics and function of the mandible. The presented case highlights not only the need for increased oncologic awareness but also the possible use of UHMW-PE as a reconstruction material in the broad resection of the maxillofacial region.

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