Basic microsurgical training for a vascularized composite allotransplantation animal model Introduction: Rat hind limb transplantation is a complex animal model of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). A basic microsurgical training is required prior to the implementation of this model. Aim: To propose a training program for the acquisition of basic skills to perform a microsurgical VCA model. Animals and Methods: The training program was conducted in two stages. First, at the dry lab, basic suturing skills with 9-0 to 11-0 nylon sutures were practiced, reproduced from surgical videos performed by experts. In a second stage, at the wet lab using 13 Lewis rats, 6 hind limb microsurgical dissections were performed and the important steps for transplantation were identified: 10 end to end femoral artery anastomoses with 10-0 nylon interrupted suture; 10 end to end femoral vein anastomoses with 10-0 nylon suture; 3 femoral vein interposition in the femoral artery; 6 end to end sciatic nerve neurorrhaphy; 4 femur osteosynthesis with 21g needle and wire cerclage. Anastomotic patency rate and anastomotic surgical time were recorded. Results: Arterial and venous patency rate was 100 and 90% respectively. Surgical time decreased from 49 to 24 minutes on arterial anastomoses and from 55 to 25 minutes on venous anastomoses after completion

induction of tolerance in allogeneic transplant model introduction: Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) involves the transplantation of complex anatomical structures including different kinds of tissue. The aim was to study the effect of a treatment with immature dendritic cells in a model of VCA. materials and methods: The rat hind limb allotransplantation model was used. Due to the high antigenic mistmatch Brown norway rats were used as donors and Lewis rats as recipients. The bone marrow derived immature dendritic cells were cultured under GM-CSF stimuli and donor tissue. The rejection grade and the survival of the graft were assessed. Experimental groups: group I (n = 3): no treatment; Group II (n = 6): tacrolimus 10 mg/kg one day before the transplantation (day-1); Group III (n = 3): tacrolimus 10 mg/kg on day-1 and 6 mg/kg from day 0 to 14, plus intravenous saline

Reconstructive surgery of the temporomandibular jointThe diseases of the TemporoMandibular Joint (TMJ) are complex and involve different medical and dental specialties that manage patients with trauma, tumors, deformities and other conditions. The indications for surgery are the reduction and osteosynthesis of displaced condylar fractures, joint reconstruction in acquired and congenital deformities and reparative surgery of the TMJ after tumor resection. In ankylosis, resection and reconstruction using condro costal grafts or transport osteogenic distraction techniques are recommended. In progressive condylar resorption, bimaxillary advancement is preferred. In condylar hyperplasia, upper condylectomy with or without orthognatic surgery. In tumors, immediate reconstruction with free fibula flap. In fractures, reduction and osteosynthesis with plates and screws. The best results are obtained when medical and dental interdisciplinary teams are integrated for the diagnosis and long term follow up.Key words: Temporomandibular disorders, temporomandibular joint surgery, jaw deformities, temporomandibular ankylosis. ResumenLa patología de la articulación témporomandibular (ATM) es compleja y compete a diversas especialidades médicas y odontológicas involucradas en el manejo de pacientes portadores de trauma, tumores, Rev.

Soft tissue reconstruction of the sole. Retrospective analysis of 12 patients Background: An adequate reconstruction of foot soft tissue, specially in the sole, is crucial to restore functional capacity. Aim: To report the experience with reconstruction of sole soft tissues. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 12 patients aged 19 to 72 years (seven males), subjected to reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the sole. Results: The lesions were secondary to excisions of malignant melanomas in seven patients, old traumatisms in two patients, a burn lesion in one patient and a diabetic ulcer in one patient. The reconstruction techniques used were skin grafts in one patient, local fl aps in eight and free fl aps in three patients. Five patients experienced complications and one of these required a new reconstructive surgery. Functional recovery was adequate in 11 patients. Conclusions: Reconstructive surgery of the sole can achieve an adequate functional recovery in most operated patients.