Is Transposed Skin Transformed in Major Head and Neck Mucosal Reconstruction?

Abstract

We used histological and histochemical methods to investigate the possible changes with time in skin transposed into the oropharynx and oral cavity of patients whose surgical wounds were reconstructed with the classic pectoralis major flap. We found histological evidence that skin morphology was maintained (keratinization with reduced, but the desquamating layer, hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands were identifiable), and noted an intense inflammatory reaction in the dermis. Histochemical studies confirmed the progressive flattening of the basal interdigitations between the epithelium and dermis, and the gradual reconstruction of the basement membrane. Although skin-mucosa continuity developed fairly quickly without scar reactions, the two epithelia maintained their original patterns of keratin production, i.e., their textural peculiarities. We propose an original method for the transposition of muscular flaps implanted with autologous culture of keratinocytes, an approach developed in an attempt to ensure more satisfactory rehabilitation of the removed mucosal structures.