Caratteristiche istologiche ed immunoistochimiche della cicatrizzazione mucoso-cutanea nella riparazione chirurgica delle vads.

As a preliminary of the study of the possibility of upper aerodigestive tract reconstruction using "myomucosal" flaps derived by the classical pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, the evaluation of histologic and immunohistochemical modifications of epidermidis implanted in oral cavity and oropharynx has been conducted in 10 patients. The patients were operated for cancer of oral cavity and oropharynx and then reconstructed using the pectoralis major flap and biopsies from the mucosal-cutaneous junction were taken at different times from operation. Histologically, epidermidis preserved its morphology (a keratinized layer thinner but still present at 24 months by the operation, all the cutaneous annexes). A progressive modification of basal characteristics at the cutaneous side and rapid repair of the basal membrane were observed both histologically and immunohistochemically. In addition, a rich inflammatory infiltrate was present in the derma of the cutaneous area. Histochemistry demonstrated that mucosa and skin keep their own cytokeratin production although they repair in the absence of a fibrotic scar.