Impact of testicular sperm extraction and testicular sperm aspiration on gonadal function in an experimental rat model

ABSTRACT Purpose To assess the impact of sperm retrieval on the gonadal function of rats with impaired spermatogenesis by comparing testicular sperm extraction (TESE) to aspiration (TESA). The efficacy of these procedures to sperm obtainment was also compared. Materials and Methods A pilot study showed impaired spermatogenesis, but normal testosterone (T) production after a bilateral orchidopexy applied to 26 rats, which were randomly assigned into four groups: TESE (n=7), TESA (n=7), SHAM (n=6) and Control (n=6). The T levels were measured through comparative analysis after the orchidopexy. Results There was no statistical difference in the animal's baseline T levels after orchidopexy in comparison to the controls: the TESE and TESA groups, 6.66±4.67ng/mL; the SHAM group (orchidopexy only), 4.99±1.96ng/mL; and the Control, 4.75±1.45ng/mL, p=0.27. Accordingly, no difference was found in the postoperative T levels: TESE, 5.35±4.65ng/mL; TESA, 3.96±0.80ng/mL; SHAM, 3.70±1.27ng/mL; p=0.4. The number of sperm cells found through TESE (41.0±7.0) was significantly larger than that found through TESA (21.3±8.1, p=0.001). Moreover, higher tissue weight was found through TESE (0.09±0.02g versus 0.04±0.04g, p=0.04). Conclusions The testicular sperm capture performed in rats through extraction or aspiration, after orchidopexy, did not significantly decrease the T levels. The amount of sperm found through testicular sperm extraction was higher than that through testicular sperm aspiration.

Reconstrução torácica com retalhos do músculo reto abdominal e grande dorsal: relato de casos / Chest wall reconstruction using abdominal rectus and latissimus dorsi muscle flaps: case report

INTRODUÇÃO: A reconstrução da parede torácica ainda permanece como um dos grandes desafios da cirurgia plástica reparadora. O presente estudo tem como objetivo apresentar o relato de pacientes submetidos à reconstrução de parede torácica com a utilização de retalhos miocutâneos, após ressecções de parede por tumores/osteomielite. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos quatro pacientes, três deles portadores de osteomielite e o último apresentando-se com sarcoma, todas as afecções acometendo a parede torácica. Foram submetidos à ressecção de parede e reconstrução com retalhos miocutâneos do grande dorsal (dois casos) e reto abdominal (dois casos). RESULTADOS: Os retalhos utilizados foram suficientes para cobertura cutâneo-muscular e mantiveram boa vitalidade. Em apenas um caso, houve sofrimento parcial do retalho. Não houve recidiva precoce da doença. A estabilidade da caixa torácica foi preservada. CONCLUSÕES: A utilização dos retalhos citados no reparo dos defeitos torácicos mostrou-se satisfatória na intenção de prover revestimento cutâneo e músculo bem vascularizado, este fundamental no combate aos quadros infecciosos locais.

INTRODUCTION: Chest wall reconstruction remains one of the great plastic surgery repair challenges. The present work aims to report on cases of chest wall reconstruction using myocutaneous flaps after wall resection due to tumor/osteomyelitis. METHODS: Four patients were included, among which three presented with osteomyelitis and the other presented with sarcoma; both of these conditions affected the chest wall. Each patient underwent wall resection and reconstruction using myocutaneous flaps from the latissimus dorsi (two cases) and abdominal rectus (two cases). RESULTS: The flaps used were sufficient for skin-muscle covering and maintained good vitality. Partial flap injury occurred in one case. Chest cavity stability was preserved. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the above flaps to repair chest defects was satisfactory with the aim of covering the skin and providing well-vascularized muscles, the latter of which was fundamental to preventing local infection.

Modelo prático para treinamento em tenorrafias / Pratical model for tenorrhaphy training

The training of residents in surgical specialties is a challenge, since psychomotor skills are eventually acquired and developed in vivo inthe very first attempt. The simulation techniques through practical models allows the resident's prior training, so that motor skills can be enhanced and evaluated in vivo before surgery. In the context of Plastic Surgery, the repair of tendons, especially flexors, presents technical difficulties during the first attempts of the resident. Objective: The proposed model is designed for practicing tenorraphies, designed to be easy reproducibility and low cost. Methods: We used a simulator using fixed mount, PVC pipe, pig tendons of legs and elastic envisioned to mimic the natural tension exists in the flexor tendons. Results: The model was satisfactory in the intention of allowing the simulation of tenorraphies, due to the similarities between human and pig tendons, and conferred by the elastic tension. Conclusions: The model provided adequate training of motor skills in tendo sutures. This is an interesting option to be used in the early learning curve...

O treinamento dos residentes de especialidades cirúrgicas representa um desafio, uma vez que as habilidades psicomotoras são, eventualmente, adquiridas e desenvolvidas in vivo já nas primeiras tentativas. A simulação das técnicas com o uso de modelos práticos permite o treinamento prévio do residente, de forma que as habilidades motoras possam ser incrementadas e avaliadas antes da cirurgia in vivo. No âmbito da Cirurgia Plástica, o reparo de tendões, em especial dos flexores, apresenta dificuldades técnicas durante as primeiras tentativas do residente. Objetivo: O modelo proposto foi idealizado para a prática de tenorrafias, idealizado para ser de fácil reprodutividade e baixo custo. Método: Foi utilizado um simulador de tenorrafias utilizando suporte fixo, tubos de PVC, tendões de patas de suínos e elásticos idealizados para imitar a tensão natural existente nos tendões flexores. Resultados: O modelo utilizado mostrou-se satisfatório na intenção de permitir a simulação de tenorradias, devido às semelhanças entre tendões humanos e suínos, além da tensão conferida pelos elásticos. Conclusões: O modelo proporcionou adequado treinamento de habilidades motoras nas suturas tendinosas . Trata-se de uma opção interessante a ser utilizada no início da curva de aprendizado...