Large-scale finger injury can be successfully replanted by skin flap surgery. (Photo/Huang Zhiwen) Dr. Lin Zongzhi from the Department of Orthopaedics, St. Martin's Hospital said that in the past, the common treatment for this kind of skin defect was only to remove the injured part, and the patient would lose precious fingers. Now, with the development of medicine, fingers can be "planted" back by skin flap surgery in a way similar to planting fruits.
The patient surnamed Chen was operated with abdominal flap. First, lift the skin and vascular tissue of the abdomen and fix the seriously damaged part in the abdomen. Then the raised skin is covered on the injured finger, and the blood circulation of the abdominal skin is used to supply nutrition, so that the soft tissue of the injured finger can be quickly repaired and regenerated.
A 40-year-old patient surnamed Chen has recovered from her nails more than a month after surgery. (Photo courtesy/St. Martin's Hospital) After waiting for about 4 to 6 weeks, the two were cut and separated, and new skin was transplanted to the missing finger to rebuild the missing finger muscles and skin. Because the growth plate of the nail bed is retained, the affected part can regrow nails, and after a period of rest, the appearance of fingers can be the same as before, and normal functions can be restored.
The doctor stressed that this method has a high success rate. As long as it does not damage the patient's bones, skin flap surgery is a good treatment method in orthopedics and plastic surgery. After the stitches are removed, the injured part can often recover, which can quickly restore the complete appearance and function of the hand and reduce the lifelong regret caused by work or accidental injury.
Dr. Lin Zongzhi said that skin flap surgery is widely used in clinic, and extensive burns and scalds are a good treatment. (Photo courtesy of St. Martin's Hospital) Precautions after skin grafting:
1. It is forbidden to supercool the air conditioner, because supercooling will cause vasoconstriction and hinder blood circulation.
2. Smoking and secondhand smoke, because it is easy to cause vasoconstriction, leading to surgical failure. Therefore, smoking is absolutely forbidden, and patients should avoid smoking, alcohol, tea, cola, spicy food for more than 1 month.
3. Use a baking lamp to keep the temperature of the surrounding environment. Don't adjust the baking lamp by yourself, so as to avoid burns caused by low height.
4. Don't hold back the pain of the wound, notify the nursing staff and give painkillers as needed.
5. Medical staff will closely observe the color, temperature and microvascular congestion of the skin graft recipient area. Avoid oppression, collision and rubbing wounds.
6. Postoperative observation is generally required 1 week. Patients should avoid getting out of bed to move their affected limbs, and don't get out of bed without the doctor's permission.
7. Daily intake of high protein such as fish, meat, eggs, milk, beans and high vitamin C such as hydrophobic vegetables and fruits.