Extracellular matrix remodeling derangement in ex-obese patients.

A known consequence of the large weight loss after bariatric surgery is the appearance of large skinfolds, particularly in the abdomen region of the patients. The balance between the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and their proteolysis, mainly by fibrinolytic systems and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), may be disturbed in these patients. The causes underlying the deregulation of ECM remodeling that occurs in these patients are not, however, clear. We investigated molecular mechanisms responsible for this dysfunction of ECM remodeling process, comparing it to normal skin. Collagen types, MMP2 and MMP9 expression and activity, interleukins 1ß (IL1ß) and 6 (IL6), and transcription coactivator PGC-1ß expression were analyzed in 16 patients. Ex-obese patients presented increased expression of collagen types III and IV mRNA, increased expression of MMP2, decreased expression and activity of MMP9, and increased expression of PGC-1ß in the skin. Inflammation markers IL1ß and IL6 mRNA were not different. We have demonstrated that obese patients with extensive weight loss after bariatric surgery have increased expression of PGC-1ß in the skin, which can result in a decreased expression and activity of MMP9 and increased collagen types III and IV deposition. These molecular changes may contribute for the formation of saggy skinfolds observed in these patients and impair wound healing.

Lymph fasciocutaneous lateral thoracic artery flap: anatomical study and clinical use.

BACKGROUND: The lateral thoracic flap was first studied in the mid-1970s but its use has been limited because of pedicle anatomical variations. However, after the development of lymph node transfer surgery, the axilla/upper lateral thorax presented as a promising donor area. Through a detailed anatomical study, the lateral thoracic flap was evaluated regarding its vascularization and composition. Later, it was used for pedicle and free flap reconstructions. METHODS: A total of 40 flaps were dissected in fresh cadavers and the characteristics of the lateral thoracic pedicle and its relationship to the upper lateral thoracic axillary lymph nodes (LTLN) were analyzed. We performed six pedicle flap reconstructions around the shoulder area and a free lymph node transfer for lower limb lymphedema. RESULTS: In the cadaveric dissections, the lateral thoracic pedicle branched off the axillary vessels and was found to be a primary level I axillary lymph node irrigator before reaching the skin. The cutaneous portion of the artery was present in 87.5% of the dissections. Arterial caliber was an average of 1.3 and venous, 2.6 mm. Five to seven lymph nodes were isolated with each pedicle and a lymph fasciocutaneous flap could be designed. In seven clinical cases, all of the flaps survived. Functioning lymph nodes were visualized on lymphoscintigraphy after their transfer to the ankle. Donor area had an inconspicuous evolution. CONCLUSION: Lateral thoracic flap is a feasible flap with low donor area morbidity in a concealed region that can be harvested with upper LTLN for transplantation.

Monsplasty for women after massive weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Ptosis with excess skin in the pubic area is a very common deformity in patients after massive weight loss. This deformity requires adequate surgical treatment whether combined with abdominoplasty or not. The enlarged pubogenital area may lead to psychosocial distress and impaired quality of life. METHODS: A series of 23 women with a mean age of 39.5 years who previously underwent bariatric surgeries and later presented with pubogenital ptosis underwent monsplasty. The preoperative surgical markings and the surgical technique presented are easily reproducible. In this prospective study, the surgical outcomes were assessed by questionnaires applied to the patients, who scored the following parameters: movement dynamics, aesthetic appearance, sexual performance, improved hygiene, and use of clothing items. RESULTS: Four of the parameters assessed (movement dynamics, aesthetic appearance, hygiene, and use of clothing items) showed clear improvement, with scores ranging from good to very good. A small percentage of the patients (13%) reported fair improvement in sexual performance. CONCLUSION: The findings showed monsplasty to be a simple and reproducible technique with favorable outcomes and low morbidity rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors at www.springer.com/00266.

Systemic inflammatory reaction after silicone breast implant.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation after augmentation mammaplasty with modern silicone implants is not currently recognized. In a prospective controlled study, C-reactive protein and other variables were monitored, aiming to test this hypothesis in a young cohort of patients. METHODS: Females (18-30 years old, BMI = 18.5-30 kg/m(2), N = 52) were consecutively recruited for breast implant (n = 24, Group I) and for abdominal liposuction (n = 28, Group II/Controls). Patients were interviewed at baseline and followed until 6 months after operation. Variables included demographic and clinical information, surgical outcome, inflammatory markers and autoantibodies. RESULTS: Operations were well tolerated, without surgical or infectious complications. Mean prosthesis size was 258 ± 21 ml (range = 220-280) and mean aspirate of liposuction was 1972 ± 499 ml (range = 1200-3000). Preoperative, 2-month, and 6-month C-reactive protein concentrations for breast implant patients were 1.3 ± 1.2, 4.8 ± 3.0, and 4.3 ± 6.4 mg/l and for liposuction 3.5 ± 2.7, 3.5 ± 2.1, and 2.2 ± 2.2 mg/l, respectively. Change at 2 months was significant (p = 0.001). Autoantibody investigation failed to reveal remarkable aberrations, except for anticardiolipin elevation, which was nearly symmetrical in the two groups. CONCLUSION: C-reactive protein levels increased after operation and correlated with proinflammatory and procoagulatory indices. A mild increase in anticardiolipin IgM occurred but differences between populations were lacking. Despite excellent cosmetic outcomes and lack of complications, acute phase reaction could signal ongoing immunogenicity of silicone and long-term monitoring is recommended.

Post-bariatric body contouring surgery: analysis of complications in 180 consecutive patients.

INTRODUCTION: bariatric surgery is the main treatment for cases of severe obesity and body contour surgery to correct body dysmorphia resulting from weight loss. However, these procedures are associated with a significant number of postoperative complications. OBJECTIVE: this study aims to analyze complications in post-bariatric patients undergoing body contour surgeries and correlating them with the age and BMI of these patients. METHODS: the current study is a retrospective study evaluating 180 consecutive patients undergoing body contour surgery after bariatric surgery within a period of three years (2014-2016). Data such as age, gender, Body Mass Index before bariatric and plastic surgeries, type of surgery performed and complications were collected, and correlated the age as well as the BMI of the patients in the pre-bariatric (PB) and pre-plastic (PP) periods with the complications presented. RESULTS: of the 180 patients evaluated, 91.7% were females (n = 165), and the mean age was 46.3 ± 1.7 years. The most performed surgery was abdominoplasty (48.9%), followed by mammaplasty (21.1%). Some complications occurred in 26.1% of the patients with partial dehiscence (40.4%) and seroma (14.9%) being the most frequent. Patients who presented complications had a higher mean age (50.8 years) than those who presented with no complications, and major complications accounted for 2.7% of the sample. CONCLUSIONS: a statistically significant number of surgeries progressed without complications and, when they occurred, there were minor complications in most of the sample. Complications were more frequent in older patients with some of them having a BMI over 30 Kg/m2.

Skin Changes Due to Massive Weight Loss: Histological Changes and the Causes of the Limited Results of Contouring Surgeries.

PURPOSE: Outcomes of body contouring surgeries in patients who previously had obesity are limited because of the loss of skin quality. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometric characteristics of collagen and elastic fibers of the skin in the abdominal epigastric region of patients who had massive weight loss following bariatric surgery and compared such with the skin characteristics of patients with morbid obesity. METHODS: This observational study compared skin fragments from the epigastric region of 20 patients who had massive weight loss due to bariatric surgery and 20 patients with morbid obesity. The morphometric analysis was performed on the collagen system using the Picrosirius/polarized light method and on the elastic system using the Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin method. RESULTS: Reduction of thick collagen fibers (p = 0.048), increased thin collagen fibers (p = 0.0085), and increased elastic fiber density (p < 0.001) were observed in the massive weight loss group. No differences were found between the groups regarding mean age (p = 0.917) and total amount of collagen fibers (p = 0.3619). Structural dermis alterations in the massive weight loss group demonstrated collagenous remodeling, with consequent reduction of thick, organized, structured, and directed fibers in favor of thin, misaligned, and loosely arranged fibers. Weight loss was also associated with increased skin elasticity. CONCLUSION: The morphometric changes in the collagen and elastic system scientifically explained the already established clinical perception of cutaneous alterations in patients who had massive weight loss following bariatric surgeries.

Mammaplasty with inferior pedicle flap after massive weight loss.

BACKGROUND: After massive weight loss, one of the stigmas that afflict women is the remaining deformity of the breasts which become flaccid and ptotic, with an absent or flat upper pole. The authors propose the use of a well-established mammaplasty technique to fill the upper pole, reshape the breast cone, and correct ptosis with nipple-areola complex (NAC) repositioning. METHODS: A total of 16 patients were analyzed; all underwent gastroplasty between 18 and 24 months prior to mammaplasty. The mean age was 41.6 years (range = 26-62) and the mean BMI previous to the mammaplasty was 29.2 kg/m(2) (range = 24.9-38.9). The technique included a dermo-lipo glandular flap pedicled on the inframammary fold (IMF) together with a superior flap containing the NAC. RESULTS: All patients who underwent surgery were satisfied with the outcomes since a more aesthetic breast shape was achieved, with projection of the upper pole and correction of ptosis. Adverse events included dehiscence at the junction point of the flaps in the inframammary fold, which resolved with secondary-intention wound healing in three patients; partial necrosis of the areola in one patient; epidermolysis in one of the NACs in one patient; and infection in one of the breasts in one patient, which resolved with proper antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: When compared to the current mammaplasty techniques performed in formerly obese patients, this is a good surgical option because it uses tissues adjacent to the breast itself and does not require silicone prosthesis for breast augmentation. The patients reported increased self-esteem and improvement in their quality of life.

Analysis of inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in patients submitted to abdominoplasty after bariatric surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the serum variations of Interleukins (Il) and CPR of abdominoplasties in post-bariatric patients and, to equate the homeostasis (HOMA) from the variations of glycemia and insulin to evolute the metabolic modifications. METHODS: Fourteen women were submitted to abdominoplasties with weight loss after a gastroplasty. Levels of IL4, IL6, IL10, CRP, glycemia and insulin were obtained during the pre-operative, trans-operative, 24 hours post, 7th and 14th postoperative days. RESULTS: The IL4 was higher at 24 hours post-surgery, and after a moderate decrease, it remained high until the 14th day. The IL6 and CRP had an expressive increase during the trans-operative period. The CRP remained high, and the IL6 decreased on the 7th and 14th days. The IL10 increased during the transoperative period, and it posteriorly decreased to lower levels in comparison to the pre-operative period. The already increased glycemia during the pre-operative period was even higher during the trans-operative and then, returned to preliminary values on the 7th and 14th days after surgery. The HOMA accompanied the insulin. CONCLUSION: The inflammatory and glycemic serum levels decrease after abdominiplasty in obese post-bariatric patients.

Surgical treatment of a penoscrotal massive localized lymphedema: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Massive localized lymphedema is an aggressive type of lymphedema that causes great functional impairment for the patient, depriving from one's basic life activities. The treatment of this type of lesion is eminently surgical, requiring ablative surgery (complete surgical resection of the lesion), but the possible techniques not always provide a good functional result. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We reported a case of a penoscrotal massive lymphedema treated by our Body Contour Group/Plastic surgery department of our institute. We performed the resection of the giant penoscrotal lesion, used a posterior scrotal flap for defect's reconstruction and a split-thickness skin graft for penis' body reconstruction, closed with Z-plasty. DISCUSSION: Contrary to what the literature says, we prefer to use the split-thickness skin graft to reconstruct the penis' body in these cases, against local flaps. According to our experience with some similar cases, this technique provides a better functional result once it allows the penis to a better expansion during erection. The key maneuver to avoid contracture of the graft and retraction of the penis is to perform a broken line suture (Z-plasty) in the topography of the median raphe. CONCLUSION: In cases of penoscrotal massive lymphedema, the treatment's option with better results is the surgical one. The use of a scrotal flap associated with split-thickness skin graft for penis provides good aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Quality of life after abdominoplasty in women after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal skin overhang is not unusual after massive weight loss induced by antiobesity interventions, and poor quality of life should be feared in such circumstances, especially in women. However, long-term results of quality of life have not been often documented in this setting. With the purpose of addressing this question, a prospective study was designed. METHODS: Patients (n = 16, 100% females, age 40.1 +/- 8.0 years) submitted to standard or combined circumferential abdominoplasty were recruited for this study. All had undergone open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass between 24 and 48 months earlier with stable weight in the last 12 months. Quality of life was assessed by a trained psychologist employing of a semistructured interview, the Adaptative Operationalized Diagnostic Scale (AODS), covering affectivity/personal relations, productivity, social/cultural performance, and organic/somatic health. RESULTS: Circumferential abdominoplasty was followed by few problems (serous fluid collections in 18.8%, anemia because of blood loss in 6.3%). The best overall response to the AODS questionnaire corresponded to the social and cultural domain where 81.3% of the patients had excellent adaptation (level 1). For the other three domains, results were remarkably similar with 62.5% of the tests displaying the highest value of adaptation and rare total failures. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The current operation corresponded to the expectations of the patients with few complications and favorable body contouring result. (2) Quality of life, quantified by means of adaptation and social adjustment scores, was adequate in most circumstances. (3) Outstanding responses for social/cultural performance were registered with encouraging findings for affectivity/personal relations, productivity, and organic/somatic health as well.

Radical resection and local coverage of hidradenitis suppurativa - acne inversa: analysis of results.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the primary outcome of local complications and late recurrence in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa undergoing radical resection and specific reconstruction. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients attended by the Plastic Surgery Service of the Clinics Hospital, Medical School, USP, between 2010 and 2016. We included patients who underwent radical resection of hidradenitis suppurativa in advanced stage and reconstruction through primary closure, grafts or flaps. RESULTS: we analyzed 34 lesions in 19 patients, of which 64.5% had local complications, though with 73.5% efficient healing after 12 weeks postoperatively. We observed late recurrence in 47%, but in isolation, 22.2% of the reconstructions with locoregional flaps had recurrence after one year. CONCLUSION: extensive and radical resection of the disease associated with locoregional flap coverage (pedicled or perforating) has been shown to be the best management in terms of late results.

Massive localized lymphedema (MLL) in bariatric candidates.

BACKGROUND: Mild lymphedema of lower limbs and eventually abdomen is not exceedingly rare in morbid obesity. However, few large symptomatic masses have been reported. In a consecutive series of patients, all requiring resection of the lesion before bariatric treatment, clinical features and surgical findings are described, aiming to clarify the nature of this intricate problem. METHODS: Subjects (n=4, 50% females, age 34.0+/-13.7 years (19-53), BMI 56.4+/-10.5 kg/m(2) (44.1-73.1) displayed lesions on the anteromedial aspect of the thigh (n=3) and hypogastrium (n=1). All reported episodes of intertrigo of local skin-folds in the preceding years, managed by local care and antibiotics. The mass was described as a serious nuisance, impairing walking, dressing and personal hygiene. RESULTS: The mass was surgically removed without requirement for blood transfusion except in the case of one huge mass. Complications were relatively minor and consisted of partial skin dehiscence and lymph leakage for 2-3 weeks. Histologically, a complex pattern was observed including skin hypertrophy, edema, fibrosis, foci of microabscesses and dilated blood vessels, along with the pathognomonic lymphangiectasia. On follow-up to 6 months, improvement or restoration of the ability to walk occurred, with no additional skin infection and no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Surgical treatment was effective. 2) Functional rehabilitation was achieved. 3) No recurrence was observed within the follow-up period.

Surgical treatment of lymphedema of the penis and scrotum.

PURPOSE: Lymphedema of the penis and scrotum, regardless of its etiology, is determined by reduced lymphatic flow with subsequent enlargement of the penis and scrotum. The clinical course of this condition is characterized by extreme discomfort for patients, with limitation of local hygiene, ambulation, sexual intercourse, and voiding in the standing position. The purpose of the present study is to present the experience and results of the treatment of lymphedema of the penis and scrotum by removing affected tissues and correcting the penoscrotal region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with lymphedema of the penis and scrotum were treated with a modified Charles procedure, which consists of the excision of the affected skin followed by scrotoplasty and midline suture simulating the scrotal raphe. The penis is covered with a split-thickness skin graft by means of a zigzag suture on its ventral surface. RESULTS: Regression of symptoms and improvement of previous clinical conditions were verified in the follow-up which ranged from 6 months to 6 years. One patient who had undergone lymphadenectomy with radiation therapy due to penile cancer had recurrent scrotum lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Charles procedure for the treatment of penoscrotal lymphedema is easily reproducible and allows better local hygiene, easier ambulation, voiding in the standing position, resuming sexual intercourse, and finally, better cosmetic results in the affected area with remarkable improvement in quality of life.

Abdominoplastia circunferencial simples e composta: evolução técnica, experiência de 10 anos e análise das complicações / Simple and composite circumferential abdominoplasty: technical evolution, 10-year experience and analysis of complications

Introdução: Pacientes portadores de obesidade mórbida submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica, após perda ponderal maciça, evoluem com grandes dobras de pele em várias regiões do corpo, incluindo abdome. Nos pacientes com excessos dermogordurosos em toda circunferência abdominal e ptose da região glútea, a abdominoplastia circunferencial (simples ou composta) tem demonstrado ser uma solução cirúrgica eficaz, pois a abdominoplastia convencional ou "em âncora" traz resultados insatisfatórios naqueles pacientes com dismorfia severa. O objetivo é analisara evolução técnica da abdominoplastia circunferencial simples e composta e suas complicações. Métodos: Foram avaliados 29 pacientes, sendo 28 do sexo feminino, com média etária de 41,17 anos, submetidos à abdominoplastia circunferencial, entre 2002 e 2012. Este estudo retrospectivo, realizado através de dados colhidos dos prontuários médicos, avaliou: tempo de cirurgia, peso da peça cirúrgica ressecada, tempo de internação hospitalar, antibioticoterapia utilizada, complicações associadas e alterações ocorridas na técnica operatória neste período. Resultados: A abdominoplastia circunferencial composta foi realizada em 23 pacientes (79,3%) e a simples em seis (20,7%). O tempo cirúrgico médio foi de 346 minutos e o peso médio da peça operatória foi 4323 gramas. Três pacientes (10,3%) tiveram complicações maiores (anemia sintomática e deiscência de sutura maior) e cinco (17,2%) complicações menores (pequenas deiscências, pequeno sangramento espontâneo, seroma e cicatriz hipertrófica). Entre 2002 e 2004 ocorreram 75% das complicações. O índice de reoperação foi de 6,9%. Conclusão: Houve importante evolução técnica na realização da abdominoplastia circunferencial, sendo que a incidência de complicações e a taxa de reoperação foram similares àquelas encontradas na literatura.

Introduction: Morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery after massive weight loss evolve with large skin folds in various body regions, including the abdomen. In patients with dermofat excesses throughout the abdominal circumference and ptosis of the gluteal region, circumferential abdominoplasty (simple or composite) has been an effective surgical solution conventional or "anchor" abdominoplasty brings unsatisfactory results in those patients with severe dysmorphia. The objective is to analyze the technical evolution of simple and composite circumferential abdominoplasty and its complications. Methods: Twenty-nine patients were evaluated, 28 females, with a mean age of 41.17 years, submitted to circumferential abdominoplasty between 2002 and 2012. This retrospective study, conducted through data collected from medical records, evaluated: surgery time, the weight of the resected surgical specimen, length of hospital stays, antibiotic therapy used, associated complications, and changes in the surgical technique in this period. Results: Composite circumferential abdominoplasty was performed in 23 patients (79.3%) and the simple one in six (20.7%). The mean surgical time was 346 minutes, and the surgical specimen's mean weight was 4323 grams. Three patients (10.3%) had significant complications (symptomatic anemia and major suture dehiscence) and five (17.2%) minor complications (minor dehiscence, slight spontaneous bleeding, seroma, and hypertrophic scarring). Between 2002 and 2004, 75% of the complications occurred. The reoperation rate was 6.9%. Conclusion: There was a significant technical evolution in circumferential abdominoplasty performance, and the incidence of complications and the rate of reoperation were similar to those found in the literature.

Augmentation mastopexy after bariatric surgery: evaluation of patient satisfaction and surgical results.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate patient satisfaction and surgical results obtained after mastopexy with breast implant inclusion. METHODS: we conducted a prospective study of 20 consecutive female patients with a mean age of 39.9 years, submitted to augmentation mastopexy. We applied semi-directed psychological interviews pre and postoperatively. The answers to the evaluations were tabulated, categorized, and allowed patient satisfaction analysis. We evaluated surgical results through photographic analysis of three independent plastic surgeons, in the pre and postoperative periods, when scores were attributed to the following items: breasts shape, breasts volume, breasts symmetry, nipple-areolar complex position, and scar quality and extent. RESULTS: nineteen patients (95%) referred satisfaction with the surgical results attained (p<0,001). The mean sum of the scores attributed by the three surgeons to each patient varied between 4.7 and 10, with an overall mean of 7.28. The results were considered good or great for 65% of the sample and poor for 8.4%. CONCLUSION: there was a 95% satisfaction rate among patients with the results obtained through augmentation mastopexy. The photographic analysis of the results obtained a mean score of 7.28, considered as a good result, albeit the weak correlation among evaluators. OBJETIVO: avaliar a satisfação das pacientes e os resultados cirúrgicos obtidos após a mastopexia com inclusão de implantes mamários. MÉTODOS: estudo prospectivo com 20 pacientes consecutivas do sexo feminino, com média etária de 39,9 anos, que foram submetidas à mastopexia de aumento. Foram aplicadas entrevistas psicológicas semidirigidas nos períodos pré e pós-operatórios e cujas respostas foram tabuladas, divididas em categorias, e possibilitaram a avaliação da satisfação das pacientes. Foi realizada avaliação dos resultados cirúrgicos através da análise fotográfica por três cirurgiões plásticos independentes, nos períodos pré e pós-operatórios, que atribuíram notas aos seguintes itens: forma da mama, volume da mama, simetria entre as mamas, posicionamento do complexo aréolo-papilar e qualidade e extensão das cicatrizes. RESULTADOS: dezenove pacientes (95%) referiram satisfação com o resultado cirúrgico obtido (p<0,001). A média das somatórias das notas atribuídas pelos três cirurgiões, referentes a cada paciente, variou entre 4,7 e 10, sendo a média geral de 7,28. Os resultados foram considerados bons ou ótimos para 65% da amostra e pobres para 8,4%. CONCLUSÃO: houve satisfação de 95% das pacientes com os resultados obtidos pela mastopexia de aumento. A análise fotográfica dos resultados obteve nota média de 7,28, caracterizado como bom resultado, apesar da fraca concordância entre os avaliadores.

Estudo prospectivo da reposta inflamatória em pacientes submetidas à abdominoplastia pós-cirurgia bariátrica / Prospective study of inflammatory response in patients submitted to abdominoplasty after bariatric surgery

Introdução: A obesidade é uma doença inflamatória crônica associada a alterações de marcadores inflamatórios como as interleucinas e PCR. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a resposta inflamatória, através das variações das interleucinas e PCR, em pacientes submetidas à abdominoplastia. Métodos: Quatorze pacientes foram submetidas à abdominoplastia após perda ponderal alcançada por meio da cirurgia bariátrica com manutenção da perda ponderal por, ao menos, 18 meses. Os níveis de IL4, IL6, IL10 e PCR foram verificados nos tempos: pré-operatório, durante a cirurgia, 24 horas após a cirurgia, 7o dia pós-operatório e 14o dia pós-operatório. Resultados: IL4 aumentou nas 24 horas de pós-operatório e seguiu em ascensão até o 14 o dia. IL10 subiu durante a cirurgia e começou a cair nas 24 horas de pós-operatório a níveis inferiores aos iniciais. IL6 começou a subir durante a cirurgia, mais expressivamente nas 24 horas de pós-operatório, seguida de queda até o 14o dia. A PCR aumentou nas 24 horas de pós-operatório e continuou alta até o 14o dia. Conclusão: A abdominoplastia promoveu uma amenização do quadro inflamatório sistêmico crônico.

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with changes in inflammatory markers such as interleukins and CRP. This study evaluates the inflammatory response, through variations in interleukins and CRP, in patients undergoing abdominoplasty. Methods: Fourteen patients underwent abdominoplasty after weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery to maintain weight loss for at least18 months. Il4, IL6, IL10 and PCR levels were verified at times: preoperative, during surgery, 24 hours after surgery, 7th postoperative day and 14th postoperative day. Results: IL4 increased in the 24 hours postoperatively and continued on the rise until the 14th day. IL10 went up during surgery and began to fall in the 24 hours postoperatively to levels lower than the initial ones. IL6 began to rise during surgery, being more expressive in the 24 hours postoperatively, followed by a fall until the 14th day. CRP increased 24 hours postoperatively and remained discharged until the 14th day. Conclusion: Abdominoplasty reduced the chronic inflammatory systemic condition.

Post-bariatric body contouring surgery: analysis of complications in 180 consecutive patients / Cirurgia de contorno corporal pós-bariátrica: análise das complicações em 180 pacientes consecutivos

ABSTRACT Introduction: bariatric surgery is the main treatment for cases of severe obesity and body contour surgery to correct body dysmorphia resulting from weight loss. However, these procedures are associated with a significant number of postoperative complications. Objective: this study aims to analyze complications in post-bariatric patients undergoing body contour surgeries and correlating them with the age and BMI of these patients. Methods: the current study is a retrospective study evaluating 180 consecutive patients undergoing body contour surgery after bariatric surgery within a period of three years (2014-2016). Data such as age, gender, Body Mass Index before bariatric and plastic surgeries, type of surgery performed and complications were collected, and correlated the age as well as the BMI of the patients in the pre-bariatric (PB) and pre-plastic (PP) periods with the complications presented. Results: of the 180 patients evaluated, 91.7% were females (n = 165), and the mean age was 46.3 ± 1.7 years. The most performed surgery was abdominoplasty (48.9%), followed by mammaplasty (21.1%). Some complications occurred in 26.1% of the patients with partial dehiscence (40.4%) and seroma (14.9%) being the most frequent. Patients who presented complications had a higher mean age (50.8 years) than those who presented with no complications, and major complications accounted for 2.7% of the sample. Conclusions: a statistically significant number of surgeries progressed without complications and, when they occurred, there were minor complications in most of the sample. Complications were more frequent in older patients with some of them having a BMI over 30 Kg/m2.

RESUMO Introdução: a cirurgia bariátrica é o principal tratamento para os casos de obesidade grave e a cirurgia de contorno corporal trata a dismorfia corporal resultante desta perda de peso. No entanto, estes procedimentos estão associados a um número significativo de complicações pós-operatórias. Objetivo: analisar as complicações maiores e menores que ocorreram nos pacientes pós-bariátricos submetidos a cirurgias reparadoras do contorno corporal e correlacioná-las com idade e IMC destes pacientes. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo que avaliou 180 pacientes consecutivos submetidos a cirurgia de contorno corporal, após cirurgia bariátrica, no período de 3 anos (2014-2016). Foram coletados dados como idade, gênero, IMC pré-bariátrica e pré-plástica, tipo de cirurgia realizada e complicações, correlacionando a idade e o IMC dos pacientes nos períodos pré-bariátrica (PB) e pré-plástica (PP) com as complicações apresentadas. Resultados: dos 180 pacientes avaliados, 91,7% eram do gênero feminino (n=165) e a idade média foi de 46,3 ± 1,7 anos. A cirurgia mais realizada foi abdominoplastia (48,9%), seguida da mamoplastia (21,1%). Complicações ocorreram em 26,1% dos pacientes, sendo deiscência parcial a principal (40,4%) seguida de seroma (14,9%). Pacientes com complicações apresentaram média etária maior (50,8 anos) que os sem complicações, sendo que as complicações maiores ocorreram em 2,7% da amostra. Conclusões: a maioria estatisticamente significante das cirurgias cursou sem complicações e, quando ocorreram, foram complicações menores na maior parte da amostra. As complicações foram mais frequentes nos pacientes de idade mais avançada, dos quais alguns com IMC maior que 30kg/m2.

Circumferential abdominoplasty for sequential treatment after morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: The severely obese patient, after considerable loss of weight, has large remaining skin folds. Classic transverse abdominoplasties leave bulges in the flanks. This article presents an alternative procedure, circumferential abdominoplasty, which involves the perimeter of the abdomen. METHODS: Average age of the patients was 39.5 years, consisting of 10 females and two males. Incisions were made like those of the classic transverse abdominoplasty, but were extended dorsally without tension on the suture-line. RESULTS: Pre and postoperative aspects revealed the huge impact achieved after resection of the excess panniculus, with improvement of body contour, posture, ambulation, social and psychological integration, hygiene and sexual performance. In some patients, seromas, partial dehiscences, flap infection and atelectasis were immediate complications. Hypertrophic scars and some remaining skin folds were late complications. CONCLUSION: The major disadvantage of the circumferential abdominoplasty is the resulting scar. However, this procedure should be taken into consideration as an option to achieve a more harmonious body contour. Complications are not enough to contraindicate the surgery, because the patients preferred better social and professional integration, as well as behavioral improvement due to enhancement in their self-confidence.

Results of surgical treatment of massive localized lymphedema in severely obese patients.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the importance of treatment of deformities caused by massive localized lymphedema (MLL) in the severely obese. METHODS: in a period of seven years, nine patients with morbid obesity and a mean age of 33 years underwent surgical resection of massive localized lymphedema with primary synthesis. This is a retrospective study on the surgical technique, complication rates and improved quality of life. RESULTS: all patients reported significant improvement after surgery, with greater range of motion, ambulation with ease and more effective hygiene. Histological analysis demonstrated the existence of a chronic inflammatory process marked by lymphomonocitary infiltrate and severe tissue edema. We observed foci of necrosis, formation of microabscesses, points of suppuration and local fibrosis organization, and pachydermia. The lymphatic vessels and some blood capillaries were increased, depicting a framework of linfangiectasias. CONCLUSION: surgical treatment of MLL proved to be important for improving patients' quality of life, functionally rehabilitating them and optimizing multidisciplinary follow-up of morbid obesity, with satisfactory surgical results and acceptable complication rates, demonstrating the importance of treatment and awareness about the disease.

Analysis of inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in patients submitted to abdominoplasty after bariatric surgery

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the serum variations of Interleukins (Il) and CPR of abdominoplasties in post-bariatric patients and, to equate the homeostasis (HOMA) from the variations of glycemia and insulin to evolute the metabolic modifications. Methods: Fourteen women were submitted to abdominoplasties with weight loss after a gastroplasty. Levels of IL4, IL6, IL10, CRP, glycemia and insulin were obtained during the pre-operative, trans-operative, 24 hours post, 7th and 14th postoperative days. Results: The IL4 was higher at 24 hours post-surgery, and after a moderate decrease, it remained high until the 14th day. The IL6 and CRP had an expressive increase during the trans-operative period. The CRP remained high, and the IL6 decreased on the 7th and 14th days. The IL10 increased during the transoperative period, and it posteriorly decreased to lower levels in comparison to the pre-operative period. The already increased glycemia during the pre-operative period was even higher during the trans-operative and then, returned to preliminary values on the 7th and 14th days after surgery. The HOMA accompanied the insulin. Conclusion: The inflammatory and glycemic serum levels decrease after abdominiplasty in obese post-bariatric patients.