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PubMed2001

Comparison of the durability of cadaveric and autologous fascia using an in vivo model.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the durability of both autologous and cadaveric fascia using an animal model. The pubovaginal sling procedure can be performed using autologous, cadaveric, or synthetic materials. Few data are available about the strength and durability of these materials. METHODS: Rectus abdominus fascia harvested from 6 female Sprague-Dawley rats was processed by Tutogen Medical. In 20 female Sprague-Dawley rats, three different types of fascia were implanted subcutaneously into each animal: autologous rectus abdominus fascia harvested at the time of surgery; rat cadaveric fascia processed by Tutogen; and human cadaveric fascia (Tutogen). The rats were killed at 2 months (10 rats) and 4 months (10 rats) after implantation. The mechanical properties of the tissue were assessed using the trouser tear test, and the fracture toughness was calculated. RESULTS: Compared with the fracture toughness before implantation, the implanted rat autologous fascia decreased in toughness from 1763 to 1243 J/m(2) (P = 0.12), the implanted rat cadaveric fascia decreased in toughness from 1539 to 1022 J/m(2) (P = 0.02), and the implanted human cadaveric fascia decreased in toughness from 2120 to 1145 J/m(2) (P = 0.09). The fracture toughness of the implanted rat cadaveric fascia and rat autologous fascia did not differ significantly (P = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: The changes in strength or elasticity can be detected using the trouser tear test to calculate the fracture toughness. Both cadaveric and autologous fascial grafts may decrease in toughness with time. The long-term durability of the graft may only be a minor factor in determining the success of the pubovaginal sling procedure.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

An accumulation of proteoglycans in scarred fascia.

A little is known about proteoglycan (PG) changes, occuring in the course of scarring of tissues another than skin. The aim of present study was biochemical characterization of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) of normal and scarred fascia. Samples of normal fascia lata were taken at autopsy from 23 individuals and samples of scarred fascia lata were removed from 23 patients at reoperations for femoral fracture. The obtained tissues were divided into two samples: first of them was submitted to GAG isolation and the second one to PG isolation. GAGs were extracted by extensive papain digestion followed by the fractionation using cetylpyridinium chloride. In order to qualitative and quantitative characterization GAGs were submitted to electrophoresis on cellulose acetate before and after treatment with enzymes, specifically depolymerizing some kinds of GAGs. PGs were extracted using 4 M guanidine HCl followed by purification by forming complexes with Alcian blue. PGs were submitted to gel permeation chromatography on Sepharose 4B. In order to obtain core proteins PGs were depolymerized with chondroitinase ABC. The purified PGs and their core proteins were separated with sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE). It was found that total GAGs content was significantly elevated in scarred fascia. Both types of fascia contained chondroitin-, dermatan- and heparan sulphates and hyaluronic acid. Dermatan sulphates (DS) were the predominant GAGs of normal and scarred fascia. The contents of all GAG types were increased in scarred fascia. Both types of fascia contained two kinds of dermatan sulphate proteoglycans (DSPGs); first being similar to biglycan and the second one similar to decorin, as it was judged by molecular weight of their native molecules and core proteins as well as type of GAG components. Densitometric analysis showed that decorin is a predominant DSPG in both fascia types, but in scarred tissue the ratio of biglycan to decorin is considerably higher. Moreover, in scarred fascia a large chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG) was also observed. The obtained results have shown that the scar formation is accompanied by quantitative and qualitative alterations in GAGs/PGs resembling those observed in hypertrophic skin scars. The biochemical modification of the scarred fascia lata may partly explain the clinically manifested damage to biomechanical properties of this tissue.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Dimensional stability of the free fascia grafts: a human study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: In animals it has been shown that autologous free fascia grafts (fascia lata and temporal fascia) change dimensions during the vital first 5 days of healing. Poor dimensional stability of these grafts can be an important reason for failure of complete closure of tympanic membrane perforations in tympanoplasty operations, particularly in large perforations. Dimensional stability of these fascias has been studied in humans. STUDY DESIGN: Prospectively, 11 patients were studied. METHODS: Patients who were subjected to open mastoid cavity surgery were included in the study. The mastoid cavity was exteriorized, and the fascia graft was used to seal the perforation and cover a part of the bare mastoid bone in the routine way. At this stage, equally cut pieces of temporal fascia and fascia lata were laid on the remaining part of the bare mastoid bone. The mastoid cavity was then packed with Gelfoam and wound sutured. The pieces of graft material under study were removed after 5 days, leaving the graft used to seal the tympanic membrane perforation undisturbed. The harvested grafts were measured for their dimensional variations, if any. RESULTS: It was observed that free autologous temporal fascia grafts exhibited poor dimensional stability as compared with free autologous fascia lata grafts. CONCLUSION: Poor dimensional stability of free temporal fascia grafts as seen in animals was confirmed in the present human study. This poor dimensional stability of temporal fascia grafts might be contributing to failure of closure of tympanic membrane perforations in tympanoplasty.

Cholesteatoma↗
PubMed1989

Gerota versus Zuckerkandl: the renal fascia revisited.

In the medical literature, Gerota fascia is frequently used as a general term to describe both the anterior and posterior pararenal fascia. However, Zuckerkandl's name is also often used to describe either the anterior or posterior fascia. To resolve this confusion, the authors reviewed the original works by Gerota and Zuckerkandl. In 1883, Zuckerkandl described the posterior renal fascia but did not recognize the presence of the anterior renal fascia. In 1895, Gerota documented the presence of the anterior renal fascia and clearly assigned Zuckerkandl's name to the posterior renal fascia. Thus, the terms Zuckerkandl fascia and posterior renal fascia are synonymous, as are Gerota fascia and anterior renal fascia.

Eponyms↗
PubMed1997

Endoscopic plantar fascia release: a cross-sectional anatomic study.

Endoscopic plantar fascia release is a new procedure proposed to treat heel pain and plantar fasciitis. The purpose of this study was to assess the structures at risk during plantar fascia release using this method. Ten fresh-frozen cadaver feet were divided into two groups. All specimens underwent cannula placement inferior to the plantar fascia. Five-of the specimens had plantar fascia release using the endoscopic technique. Six of the specimens were then frozen and cut in transverse, sagittal, and coronal sections to visualize the relationship between the cannula and plantar fascia and surrounding structures. Gross dissection was performed on the remaining four specimens. The amount of plantar fascia released, the relationship to the nerve to abductor digiti minimi, and the fascia of the abductor hallucis muscle were assessed. The average distance from the cannula margin to the nerve to the abductor digiti minimi was 6 mm at the medial border of the plantar fascia. The average amount of plantar fascia released was 90%. Although a complete release was attempted, the fascia to the abductor hallucis was not released in any of the specimens. The nerve to the abductor digiti minimi was not damaged in any of the specimens. On coronal sections, the nerve was closer to the cannula and plantar fascia release than previously reported.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Why perirenal disease does not extend into the pelvis: the importance of closure of the cone of the renal fasciae.

OBJECTIVE: The prevailing concept is that lack of fusion of the anterior and posterior renal fasciae caudally (an open cone) allows free communication between the perirenal space and the extraperitoneal portion of the pelvis. However, perirenal disease rarely extends into the pelvis and an open cone has not been observed on CT scans. Accordingly, we determined the anatomy of the caudal extent of the cone of the renal fasciae in cadavers and on CT scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anatomic dissections of the lower portion of the retroperitoneum and the extraperitoneal portion of the pelvis were made in eight cadavers. Two cadavers were intact, two had colored latex injected into the perirenal space before dissections, and the abdomens and pelves of four were sectioned transversely in 3- to 5-cm-thick slices. The renal fasciae were traced on transparent films placed on the cross sections, and computer-generated three-dimensional representations of the tracings were made. These anatomic findings were correlated with observations made on CT scans of 59 consecutive patients with diseases involving the lower part of the retroperitoneum and the extraperitoneal portion of the pelvis (32 patients with hemorrhage, 16 with inflammatory processes, and 11 with neoplastic conditions). RESULTS: The anatomic study showed that the anterior and posterior renal fasciae merge to form a single multilaminar fascia in the iliac fossa. Anteriorly, this common fascia is loosely connected to the parietal peritoneum. Posteriorly lies the caudal continuation of the posterior pararenal compartment. This joins with the laterocaudal continuation of the central part of the retroperitoneum, which contains the iliac vessels. The distal part of the ureter lies within the caudal continuation of the single multilayered renal fascia. The CT studies done in patients showed that extension of the perirenal processes to the pelvis and vice versa was both restrained and uncommon: no direct extension of any abnormalities was observed in either direction, and laminar thickening of the fasciae was seen in one fifth of the patients. Similarly, no inferior communication of the perirenal space with the anterior or posterior pararenal spaces was seen. CONCLUSION: There is an anatomic barrier between the inferior perirenal space and the extraperitoneal pelvis formed by the fusion of the leaves of the renal fasciae into a single multilaminar fascia that acts as a barrier of disease extension. The multilaminar nature of this fascia, however, may also act as a filter, allowing some permeability between its layers. This potential interlaminar pathway is rare and is manifested as fascial thickening on CT scans. This laminar filter-barrier observation explains the lack of extension of perirenal diseases into the pelvis.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Ventral rectus fascia closure on top of mesh hernia repair in the sublay technique.

Sublay prosthetic herniorrhaphy has become a widely accepted procedure for incisional hernias. To evaluate the effect of fascia closure on top of mesh repair on infection, and the recurrence rate, the authors reviewed their data regarding herniorrhaphy in the sublay technique. This study was a retrospective analysis of 175 consecutive patients who underwent hernia repair by implantation of prostheses by means of the Stoppa-Rives technique from December of 1994 to December of 2001. All 175 patients had the mesh implanted in the subfascial plane, 130 received a light-weight or heavy-weight polypropylene mesh (Vypro or Prolene) (74 percent), eight had a polyester mesh (Mersilene) (5 percent), and 37 had an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch (Gore-Tex) (21 percent). After sublay mesh positioning, the mesh could not be covered by the fascia in 50 cases; in 31 of these cases, a second mesh was placed into the fascial defect. To evaluate the influence of the fascia closing procedure on top of the sublay mesh, three groups were differentiated: initial fascia closure (n = 125), no fascia closure and concomitant mesh interposition (n = 31), and no fascia closure without mesh interposition (n = 19). After a mean follow-up of 20 months, 11 deep prosthetic infections (8 percent) and 15 hernia recurrences (9 percent) were observed. There was an increased risk of mesh infection when the fascia could not be closed, but there was no influence of fascia closure on hernia recurrence. When the fascia was left open, the placement of a second mesh inlay technique reduced mesh infection. The authors' data give evidence that closing the ventral fascia after mesh repair in the sublay position is beneficial. When the edges of the hernia defect could not be approximated, the suturing of a second mesh into the fascia defect was a useful tool for reducing the prosthetic infection rate; however, no significant influence on hernia recurrence was observed.

Digestive System Surgical Procedures↗
PubMed2002

Dimensional stability of the free fascia grafts: an animal experiment.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: It appears that autologous free fascia grafts (fascia lata and temporal fascia) change their dimensions during the vital first 5 days of healing. Poor dimensional stability of these grafts can be an important reason for failure of complete closure of tympanic membrane perforations in tympanoplasty operations. There has been no study regarding this dimensional instability. STUDY DESIGN: Prospectively dimensional instability of the free fascia grafts studied in 14 mongrel dogs. METHODS: Fourteen healthy Mongrel dogs were operated on twice. During the first surgery, fascia lata and temporal fascia grafts of measured dimensions (length, breadth, and thickness) were implanted in the subcutaneous pockets on the thoraco-abdominal wall of the same dog (autograft). Five dogs were operated on again after 2 days, and 7 dogs were operated on again after 5 days to harvest the implanted grafts. The dimensions of the harvested grafts were noted. Changes with respect to their implant dimensions after 2 days and after 5 days were calculated. RESULTS: It was found that free fascia lata exhibits significantly superior dimensional stability when compared with free temporal fascia during the early healing phase, before graft integration has occurred. Shrinking and thickening of temporal fascia are greater and are also most unpredictable. CONCLUSIONS: Poor dimensional stability of temporal fascia may compromise a well-sealed perforation at the time of surgery, and it may reopen by the 5th day. This must be one of the causes of failure of tympanoplasty, which needs to be studied further.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Identification of the fascia propria by magnetic resonance imaging and its relevance to preoperative assessment of rectal cancer.

UNLABELLED: If rectal cancer does not penetrate the fascia propria of the rectum and the rectum is removed with the fascial envelope intact (extrafascial excision), then local recurrence of the cancer will be minimal. Modern imaging techniques have identified a fascial plane surrounding the rectum and mesorectum, and it has been suggested that this is the fascia propria. The aim of this study was to identify whether this plane is the rectal fascia propria and whether tumor invasion through this fascia can be identified preoperatively. METHODS: Two separate experiments were performed: 1) pelvic magnetic resonance imaging was performed before and after dissection and marking of the plane of extrafascial dissection of the rectum of a cadaver; and 2) magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 43 rectal cancer patients preoperatively. Two radiologists independently reported the depth of tumor invasion in relation to the fascia propria. The tumors were resected by extrafascial excision, and a pathologist independently reported the relation of the tumor to the fascia propria. RESULTS: The marker inserted in the extrafascial plane showed that the plane visualized on pelvic magnetic resonance imaging was the fascia propria dissected in extrafascial excision of the rectum. The magnetic resonance imaging detected tumor penetration through the fascia propria with a sensitivity of 67 percent, a specificity of 100 percent, and an accuracy of 95 percent. CONCLUSION: The surgical fascia propria can be identified on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in patients with rectal cancer. Tumor invasion through this fascia can be detected on magnetic resonance imaging. This method of assessment offers a new way to select those patients who require preoperative radiotherapy.

Cadaver↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mechanical and biochemical analyses of tibial compartment fascia in chronic compartment syndrome.

Increases in compartment pressure associated with chronic compartment syndrome (CCS) may be due to changes in the mechanical properties and/or thickness of fascia (4,22). To explore this possibility, we compared the mechanical and biochemical characteristics (stiffness, thickness, time-dependent response, collagen content, and collagen crosslinking) of fascia from patients with symptomatic anterior compartment syndrome to fascia from adjacent collateral compartments. We tested 43 specimens harvested from 20 individuals during surgical fasciectomy. Properties of normal (lateral)-compartment (NC) and pathological (anterior)-compartment (PC) fascia were mechanically tested in the axial and transverse directions forming four groups. An external control group (EX) of six specimens of anterior and lateral-compartment fascia harvested from amputated legs was also included in the study. PC fascia was found to be thicker and structurally stiffer (elastic modulus times thickness) in the axial direction than was NC fascia (p < or = 0.05). No significant differences were found between NC and PC time-dependent response, although significant differences between percent relaxation in the pooled axial and transverse direction specimens were observed. No differences were found in the collagen content, as measured by hydroxyproline (Hyp) concentration, between NC and PC fascia. PC fascia was found to have less collagen crosslinking by hydroxylyslpyridinoline (HP) concentration. In conclusion, although this study does not elucidate etiological factors in CCS, the changes found in PC fascia suggest that fascial mechanical properties contribute to the pathology.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2007

[Meaning of stylopharyngeal fascia in intraoral block techniques].

BACKGROUND: The almost unknown stylopharyngeal fascia may be one of the reasons for unsuccessful therapy of the trigeminal neuralgia by a transoral block of the superior ganglion of the sympathetic trunk. We investigated the anatomy of the fascia to show the efficiency of the block for this therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 103 halves of human heads were investigated. The stylopharyngeal fascia was dissected by a lateral approach. We classified three groups. Group A was formed by fascias without perforation, group B by perforated fascias and group C by all halves without a developed fascia. RESULTS: We found a fully developed fascia in 86 cases. 13 halves had perforated fascias; in 4 cases the fascia was not developed. CONCLUSION: The stylopharyngeal fascia may inhibit the distribution of opoids into the infratemporal fossa associated with a consecutive block of the mandibular nerve and lower the rate of pain relief.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Robotic radical prostatectomy with preservation of the prostatic fascia: a feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a feasibility study of our ability to preserve the prostatic fascia in men undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy. The prostate is covered anterolaterally by prostatic fascia, also called lateral pelvic fascia or the parietal layer of endopelvic fascia. The prostatic fascia is rich in vessels, nerves, and smooth muscle. We hypothesized that preservation of this fascial layer may result in improved postoperative potency. METHODS: The technique was first attempted in 15 men undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy, in which accidental entry to the prostatic tissue is not critical. Thereafter, it was performed in 6 impotent men undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy. The fascia was excised and stained for prostate-specific antigen and neural and muscle tissue. The technique was then performed in 35 potent men (Sexual Health Inventory for Men score greater than 21) undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy. Postoperative potency was evaluated with a self-administered questionnaire (Sexual Health Inventory for Men). RESULTS: Under the magnification of the da Vinci robotic system, and also shown histologically, the prostatic fascia is a multifascial layer of fibrovascular tissue, covering the anterolateral aspect of the prostate. It stains positive for smooth muscle and nerves, but negative for prostate-specific antigen. The amount of neural tissue in the fascia is variable, but never exceeds that in the neurovascular bundle. At 12 months of follow-up, 34 (97%) of 35 men undergoing fascia-preserving robotic radical prostatectomy had erections strong enough for vaginal penetration, and 30 (86%) had normal erections (Sexual Health Inventory for Men greater than 21). CONCLUSIONS: Preservation of the prostatic fascia is safe and feasible, without compromising the surgical margins, and allows enhanced preservation of neural tissue during robotic prostatectomy with an apparent improvement in potency.

Fascia↗
PubMed2002

Intermediate term failure of pubovaginal slings using cadaveric fascia lata: a case series.

PURPOSE: The pubovaginal sling procedure using autologous fascia has become the gold standard for treating intrinsic sphincter deficiency and stress urinary incontinence in women. A recent modification has been the use of cadaveric fascia as the sling material. We recently reported similar results for cadaveric fascia lata in 121 women and autologous fascia lata in 46 at a mean followup of 12 months. We have now identified 8 patients who experienced intermediate term failure at 4 to 13 months using cadaveric fascia lata. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 8 of 121 patients who received a pubovaginal sling using cadaveric fascia lata between February 1997 and June 1999 and had recurrent stress incontinence after 4 to 13 months. We reviewed the type of fascia, surgical technique, preoperative and postoperative urodynamics, surgical history and medical co-morbidities. RESULTS: We identified 8 patients who underwent a pubovaginal sling using cadaveric fascia lata and had recurrent stress urinary incontinence at a mean of 6.5 months (range 4 to 13) after the procedure. Fresh frozen fascia from a local tissue bank was used and the surgical technique was identical in all cases. Postoperatively urodynamics confirmed recurrent intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Previous incontinence surgery had been done in 7 of the 8 patients. Patient co-morbidities included neurological disease, diabetes mellitus, previous pelvic irradiation and previous pelvic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a higher than expected intermediate term failure rate using fresh frozen cadaveric fascia lata. This risk must be weighed against the advantages of decreased operative time and patient morbidity. Longer followup and larger numbers are necessary to determine how much of a problem exists and what patient characteristics are relevant when selecting cadaveric grafts.

Cadaver↗
PubMed2003

Autogenous versus allograft fascia lata in frontal sling surgery --long-term results.

PURPOSE: Either autogenous or allograft fascia lata frontal sling procedures can be used for the treatment of severe ptosis. We retrospectively evaluated the late outcomes of both approaches. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent frontal sling ptosis surgery between 1978 and 2000, with a follow-up of one year or more were included in the study. Success rates and the complications of the surgery for autogenous and allograft fascia lata were recorded. The results were compared statistically. RESULTS: Surgeries were performed with 82 autogenous or 43 allograft fascia lata. At last follow-up there were 71 eyes (86.6%) with good, 8 eyes (9.7%) with moderate, 3 eyes (3.7%) with poor results after autogenous fascia lata and 35 (81.4%), 3 (7%) and 5 (11.6%) after the allograft fascia lata frontal sling procedure. There was no significant difference between the two groups. Repeat surgery was carried out on three patients after autogenous and five after allograft fascia lata surgery. Two cases of preseptal cellulitis were observed, one abscess after autogenous and one lagophthalmus after allograft fascia lata sling surgery. All patients had slight edema early after surgery which resolved in a few days. Only one patient developed a hematoma at the site of the leg incision. CONCLUSIONS: Although the long-term success rate with the autogenous fascia lata is slightly higher and this remains the first choice, allograft fascia lata is a good alternative in patients in whom fascia could not be harvested.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The relationship of the superficial and deep facial fascias: relevance to rhytidectomy and aging.

Controversy persists regarding the relationship of the superficial facial fascia (SMAS) to the mimetic muscles, deep facial fascia, and underlying facial nerve branches. Using fresh cadaver dissection, and supplemented by several hundred intraoperative dissections, we studied facial soft-tissue anatomy. The facial soft-tissue architecture can be described as being arranged in a series of concentric layers: skin, subcutaneous fat, superficial fascia, mimetic muscle, deep facial fascia (parotidomasseteric fascia), and the plane containing the facial nerve, parotid duct, and buccal fat pad. The anatomic relationships existing within the facial soft-tissue layers are (1) the superficial facial fascia invests the superficially situated mimetic muscles (platysma, orbicularis oculi, and zygomaticus major and minor); (2) the deep facial fascia represents a continuation of the deep cervical fascia cephalad into the face, the importance of which lies in the fact that the facial nerve branches within the cheek lie deep to this deep fascial layer; and (3) two types of relationships exist between the superficial and deep facial fascias: In some regions of the face, these fascial planes are separated by an areolar plane, and in other regions of the face, the superficial and deep fascia are intimately adherent to one another through a series of dense fibrous attachments. The layers of the facial soft tissue are supported in normal anatomic position by a series of retaining ligaments that run from deep, fixed facial structures to the overlying dermis. Two types of retaining ligaments are noted as defined by their origin, either from bone or from other fixed structures within the face.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aging↗
PubMed2002

Rectovaginal fascia: An important structure in pelvic visceral surgery? About its development, structure, and function.

BACKGROUND: The existence, development, and function of the rectovaginal fascia has been discussed in literature. In women, a defect in the fascia leads to rectoceles and severe constipation. In pediatric textbooks for anorectal or urogenital surgery, however, it is not mentioned. Does the fascia exist in children? METHODS: The pelvises of 31 female and, as controls, 31 male fetuses (age from 9 weeks of gestation to newborn) were plastinated. Sections (transversal, sagittal, and frontal) were stained with azure II/ methylenblue/ basic fuchsin and viewed at a magnification of 6.5x to 80x. In addition, the authors investigated macroscopically and microscopically the rectovaginal fascia in 1 fetal and 1 adult cadaver. RESULTS: At the beginning of the fetal period the authors recognized the anlage of the rectovaginal fascia caudal from the rectouterine excavation. Later, a fascia of connective tissue develops. It is connected directly to areolar connective tissue at the dorsal wall of the vagina. Neurovascular bundles are situated ventrolaterally of the rectal wall. At the level of the anorectal flexure this fascia separates the rectum and the vagina. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigations indicate that the rectovaginal fascia is completely developed in newborns, through differentiation of mesenchyme, which develops into a fascia. It protects different compartments and serves as an abutment to the rectal wall. Thus, it is important for adequate bowel emptying. For the surgeon it is a leading structure for preventing nerve damage of the autonomic nerve supply of the pelvic organs. It should be known, protected, and, if necessary, reconstructed.

Embryonic and Fetal Development↗
PubMed2002

Use of freeze-dried autologous fascia to augment the vocal fold: an experimental study in dogs.

This study assessed the practicality of using autologous freeze-dried fascia to augment the vocal fold. Freeze-dried autologous fascia was injected into the vocal fold and skin of dogs in order to monitor sequential histological changes. Fascia lata was harvested from six adult dogs. After freeze-drying, minced fascia suspended in hyaluronic acid was injected subcutaneously into the abdominal wall and directly into the vocal fold. The specimens were extracted 3 weeks after injection and studied histologically. Freeze-drying destroyed all cellular components but did not affect the collagen fibers, which are the major components of fascia. There was no evidence of degeneration, necrosis or infection. Fibroblastic infiltration was seen in the fascia injected into the vocal fold, but the fascia remained as an unencapsulated mass at the site of injection. This study demonstrates that freeze-drying does not compromise the collagen in fascia and that the injection of freeze-dried collagen is well tolerated. Freeze-dried fascia is a promising new augmentation material.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Effectiveness of homologous cadaveric fascia lata and role of suture fixation to tarsus in frontalis suspension.

The results of frontalis suspension (double rhomboid technique with preserved homologous cadaver fascia) were compared in two surgical groups: 1) patients in whom the fascia was sutured to the tarsus and 2) patients in whom the fascia was not sutured to the tarsus. The study was performed to determine the optimum surgical technique and to determine whether preserved cadaver fascia is a suitable suspensory material. All data retrospectively reviewed included 1) predisposing cause of severe blepharoptosis, 2) results in the two groups of patients, suture fixation and nonsuture fixation, and 3) surgical complications. Of the 27 patients (36 eyelids), the fascia was sutured to the tarsus in 15 patients (20 eyelids) and not sutured to the tarsus in 12 patients (16 eyelids). In the suture fixation group, no undercorrections occurred, but four of 20 eyelids had lower than expected eyelid creases and six had residual dermatochalasis. Six patients had lagophthalmos with corneal exposure that required intense corneal lubrication, and three such patients required temporary tarsorrhaphy for 3 weeks. In the group without suture fixation, two patients had undercorrection (one with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid and the other with myotonic dystrophy). The mean followup period was 44 months. We conclude that preserved fascia provides excellent results with or without fixation of the fascia to the tarsus. In patients with suture fixation, the eyelid crease may form just above the point at which the fascia is sutured to tarsus and result in a low eyelid crease. Excision of excess skin should be considered at the time of frontalis suspension in selected patients in whom the fascia is fixated to the tarsus or who have preexisting dermatochalasis. Patients with suture fixation may have significant temporary postoperative lagophthalmos.

Adult↗