Regenerative Properties of Autologous Fat Grafting in a Complicated Radiation-Induced Wound.

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Introduction Delayed wound healing and ulceration in radiated tissue is a surgical challenge. Autologous fat grafting can reverse skin changes secondary to radiation such as fibrosis, scarring, contracture, and pain. Adipose-derived stem cells are thought to contribute to the regenerative properties of fat. Objective In this case report, the authors discuss the role of fat grafting as a means for effective wound healing in a patient with a chronic nonhealing radiation-induced skin wound. Case report The patient is a 79-year-old male with a history of medically complicated obesity who presented with a fluoroscopic radiation-induced wound that developed 11 years after non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction for which he underwent placement of 6 stents via percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography. The wound was complicated by several infections and remained refractory to multiple interventions despite topical steroid use, regular wound dressing changes, debridements, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In consideration of the patient's body mass index of greater than 50 kg/m2 and modest weight loss attempts, surgical intervention involving wide local resection and flap closure was not thought to be a solution. Fat grafting was performed 19 months after initial presentation, with near-complete healing evident 10 months after the procedure. Conclusions Chronic nonhealing wounds can

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

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