Open AccessHyaluronic acid three‐dimensional scaffold for surgical revision of retracting scars: a human experimental study
Author(s) -
Faga Angela,
Nicoletti Giovanni,
Brenta Federica,
Scevola Silvia,
Abatangelo Giovanni,
Brun Paola
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international wound journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1742-481X
pISSN - 1742-4801
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-481x.2012.00981.x
Subject(s) - scars , medicine , dermis , hyaluronic acid , extracellular matrix , contracture , wound healing , immunohistochemistry , skin grafting , connective tissue , surgery , scaffold , epidermis (zoology) , dermatology , pathology , anatomy , biomedical engineering , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
An observational study was carried out at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit of the University of Pavia – Salvatore Maugeri Research and Care Institute, Pavia, Italy, to assess the clinical and histological long‐term outcomes of autologous skin grafting of fresh surgical wounds following previous repair with a hyaluronic acid three‐dimensional scaffold (Hyalomatrix®). Eleven fresh wounds from surgical release of retracted scars were enrolled in this study. A stable skin‐like tissue cover was observed in all of the treated wounds in an average 1 month's time; at the end of this study, after an average of 12 months' time, all of the reconstructed areas were pliable and stable, although an average retraction rate of 51·62% was showed. Histological observation and immunohistochemical analysis displayed integration of the graft within the surrounding tissues. A regenerated dermis with an extracellular matrix rich in type I collagen and elastic fibres and with reduced type III collagen rate was observed. The epidermis and dermoepidermal junction featured a normal appearance with well‐structured dermal papillae, too. Although the histological features would suggest regeneration of a skin‐like tissue, with a good dermis and no signs of scarring, the clinical problem of secondary contracture is still unsolved.