Modeling AeroForm tissue expander for postmastectomy radiation therapy.

The AeroForm chest wall tissue expander (TE) is a silicon shell containing a metallic CO2 reservoir, placed surgically after mastectomy. The patient uses a remote control to release compressed CO2 from the reservoir to inflate the expander. AeroForm poses challenges in a radiation therapy setting: The high density of the metallic reservoir causes imaging artifacts on the planning CT, which encumber structure definition and cause misrepresentation of density information, in turn affecting dose calculation. Additionally, convolution-based dose calculation algorithms may not be well-suited to calculate dose in and around high-density materials. In this study, a model of the AeroForm TE was created in Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS). The TPS model was validated by comparing measured to calculated transmission through the AeroForm. Transmission was measured with various geometries using radiochromic film. Dose was calculated with both Varian's Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) and Acuros External Beam (AXB) algorithms. AAA and AXB were compared using dose profile and gamma analyses. While both algorithms modeled direct transmission well, AXB better modeled lateral scatter from the AeroForm TE. Clinical significance was evaluated using clinical data from four patients with AeroForm TEs. The AeroForm TPS model was applied, and RT plans were optimized using AAA, then re-calculated with AXB. Structures of clinical significance were defined and dose volume histogram analysis was performed. Compared to AXB, AAA overestimates dose in the AeroForm device. Changes in clinically significant regions were patient- and plan-specific. This study proposes a clinical procedure for modeling the AeroForm in a commercial TPS, and discusses the limitations of dose calculation in and around the device. An understanding of dose calculation accuracy in the vicinity of the AeroForm is critical for assessing individual plan quality, appropriateness of different planning techniques and dose calculation algorithms, and even the decision to use the AeroForm in a postmastectomy radiation therapy setting.

Reconstrução imediata de mama com uso de expansores permanentes / Immediate breast reconstruction using permanent expanders

Introdução: O câncer de mama tem se tornado cada vez mais prevalente e com isso maior é o número de pacientes submetidas a mastectomias. A reconstrução imediata pósmastectomia é uma alternativa importante de tratamento nas diversas etapas da reconstrução mamária. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de 34 pacientes submetidas à mastectomia ou adenomastectomia, com ou sem preservação do complexo aréolo-papilar seguida de reconstrução imediata com uso de expansor permanente. O expansor utilizado foi do tipo Becker 35, de formato anatômico, com volume variando de 365 ml a 565 ml, sendo mais utilizado o de 460 ml. Resultados: O resultado foi considerado muito satisfatório por 85% das pacientes, a taxa de complicações foi de 17,6%, sendo que duas pacientes apresentaram necrose de pele nos bordos da ferida operatória, duas pacientes apresentaram retração cicatricial na ferida operatória, uma paciente apresentou seroma e somente uma paciente teve perda do expansor por infecção tardia após início da quimioterapia. Treze pacientes realizaram radioterapia, 53% (n = 7) apresentaram radiodermite leve e 30% (n = 4) radiodermite moderada, sem outras complicações. Conclusão: A reconstrução imediata com o uso de expansores definitivos apresenta uma boa proposta de tratamento às pacientes que serão submetidas a mastectomias totais ou parciais.

Introduction: Breast cancer has become increasingly prevalent, resulting in a greater number of patients undergoing mastectomies. Post-mastectomy immediate reconstruction is an important alternative treatment in the various stages of breast reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with 34 patients who underwent mastectomy or adenomastectomy, with or without preservation of the areolapapillary complex, followed by immediate reconstruction using a permanent expander. The expander used was of the Becker type 35 and anatomically shaped, having a volume ranging from 365 to 565 ml, with the 460-ml expander being the most frequently used. Results: The results were considered "highly satisfactory" by 85% of the patients. The complication rate was 17.6%; two patients had skin necrosis on the edges of the surgical wound, two patients presented scar retraction in the surgical wound, one patient presented seroma, and only one patient had expander loss because of late infection after the start of chemotherapy. Thirteen patients underwent radiotherapy, of whom 53% (n = 7) had mild radiodermatitis and 30% (n = 4) had moderate radiodermatitis without other complications. Conclusion: Immediate reconstruction using definitive expanders presents a good treatment option for patients who will undergo total or partial mastectomy.

Reconstrução de mama com expansor de Becker: uma análise de 116 casos / Breast reconstruction with Becker expanders: an analysis of 116 cases

INTRODUÇÃO: Os implantes-expansores de mama surgiram na década de 80 como uma alternativa de reconstrução de mama às técnicas pré-existentes. Foram criados com a intenção de produzir um bom resultado de forma e volume de mama após uma única operação, não necessitando ser substituído. Avaliar os resultados a longo prazo de reconstruções de mama com uso de expansores de Becker. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes submetidas à reconstrução de mama com implantes-expansores entre 2004 e 2012. RESULTADOS: Foram implantados 161 expansores. As complicações maiores (aquelas que levaram à retirada ou troca da prótese) totalizaram 22,98%. O expansor foi retirado e substituído por outro tipo de reconstrução em 21,74% dos casos. As principais razões que levaram à troca foram: contratura capsular (31,43%), vontade da paciente (31,43%); falhas no implante (20%). As opções cirúrgicas substitutivas para os expansores trocados foram prótese (91,43%), grande dorsal (5,71%) e TRAM (2,86%). Existem poucos trabalhos avaliando os expansores de Becker a longo prazo. Neste trabalho a taxa de substituição foi 28,57%. O estudo levanta questionamentos sobre o uso dessa técnica como reconstrução em tempo único. A taxa de cerca de 37% de novos procedimentos cirúrgicos para atingir o resultado ideal torna muito difícil o seu uso em detrimento do alto custo. Os expansores ainda permanecem úteis em casos de pacientes com comorbidades ou qualquer outro fator que limite a realização de outros tempos cirúrgicos. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de expansores de Becker como alternativa técnica de reconstrução de mama em tempo único é muito limitado. Sua indicação deve ser para casos selecionados.

INTRODUCTION: Breast expanders/implants were developed in the 1980s as a breast reconstruction alternative to pre-existing techniques. They were created to provide adequate shape and volume to the breast after one-stage surgery and they do not require replacement. To evaluate the long-term results of breast reconstruction performed with Becker expanders. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated patients who underwent breast reconstruction with implants/expanders between 2004 and 2012. RESULTS: A total of 161 expanders were implanted. Major complications (those that led to the removal or replacement of the prosthesis) comprised 22.98% of the enrolled subjects. The expander was removed and replaced by another type of reconstruction implant in 21.74% of the cases. The main reasons for the replacement were capsular contracture (31.43%), patients' desire (31.43%), and implant failure (20%). The surgical alternatives for the replaced expanders included prosthesis (91.43%), latissimus dorsi flap (5.71%), and TRAM flap (2.86%). Only few studies have evaluated the long-term effects of Becker expanders. In this study, the replacement rate was 28.57%. The study questions the use of Becker expanders as an adequate, one-stage reconstruction technique. In spite of a high rate of optimal outcomes in the new surgical procedures (37%), its use is limited because of the high costs. The expanders are still useful for patients with comorbidities or other factors that limit the performance of other surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: The use of Becker expanders as an alternative for one-stage breast reconstruction technique is very limited. Therefore, these devices should only be used in selected cases.

Mastoplastia redutora com implante submuscular para simetrização mamária em pacientes submetidas à mastectomia / Reduction mastoplasty with submuscular implants for breast symmetrization in patients undergoing mastectomy

INTRODUÇÃO: A reconstrução mamária com uso de expansores/implantes é uma das técnicas mais empregadas para tratamento das sequelas de mastectomia devido ao menor tempo cirúrgico e menor morbidade. No entanto, a manutenção da simetria com a mama contralateral a longo prazo continua a ser um grande desafio. É proposta, então, técnica de mastoplastia redutora com colocação de implante submuscular na mama contralateral de pacientes com reconstrução mamária. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídas 31 pacientes submetidas a esta técnica, cujas características principais são ressecção glandular associada à inclusão de prótese em plano subpeitoral total. Foram avaliadas as complicações e simetria de forma e volume obtida. RESULTADOS: Observou-se baixa incidência de complicações e revisões cirúrgicas, nenhum caso de perda do implante e bons resultados de simetria. CONCLUSÃO: A mastoplastia redutora com implante submuscular mostrou-se técnica segura, com bons resultados de simetria em pacientes mastectomizadas.

INTRODUCTION: Breast reconstruction with expanders/implants is one of the most common techniques used for the treatment of mastectomy-induced sequelae, due to the reduced surgical time and morbidity. However, the maintenance of long-term symmetrization in the contralateral breast remains a major challenge. The procedure of reduction mastoplasty has been developed, and is performed by positioning a submuscular implant in the contralateral breast of patients undergoing breast reconstruction. METHODS: A total of 31 patients were included in the study. Their primary characteristics were glandular resection, combined with implant insertion in the subpectoral plane. Complications, shape, symmetry, and volume were subsequently evaluated. RESULTS: A low incidence of complications and surgical revisions was observed, with no cases of implant loss. Good breast symmetry was achieved. CONCLUSION: Reduction mastoplasty with submuscular implants proved to be a safe procedure, and resulted in good breast symmetry in patients who underwent mastectomy.

Objective Comparison of Commercially Available Breast Implant Devices.

UNLABELLED: Breast implants are frequently used for both cosmetic breast augmentation and breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Three companies currently offer FDA-approved breast implants (Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra), but their product offerings-including permanent breast implants, breast tissue expanders, sizers, and post-operative warranty-can be difficult to compare because of brand names and company-specific jargon. The ability to have a brand-agnostic understanding of all available options is important for both the surgical trainee as well as the surgeon in clinical practice. After a brief review of the history of breast implant devices, this review utilizes a unique conceptual framework based on variables such as fill material, shape, relative dimensions, and surface coating to facilitate a better understanding of the similarities and differences between the different company's offerings. Specifically, we identify which types of devices are offered by all three companies, those that are offered by only one company, those that have very limited product offerings, and those combinations that are not available at all. Finally, clinical implications are drawn from this framework that can be used by both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons to counsel patients about all available options. Importantly, this project is entirely independent of any company's funding, support, or input. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: 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 www.springer.com/00266 .

Effectiveness of a load-imposing device for cyclic stretching of isolated human bronchi: a validation study.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical ventilation may induce harmful effects in the airways of critically ill patients. Nevertheless, the effects of cyclic stretching caused by repetitive inflation-deflation of the bronchial compartment have not been well characterized in humans. The objective of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of a load-imposing device for the cyclic stretching of human bronchi. METHODS: Intact bronchial segments were removed from 128 thoracic surgery patients. After preparation and equilibration in an organ bath, bronchi were stretched repetitively and cyclically with a motorized transducer. The peak force imposed on the bronchi was set to 80% of each individual maximum contraction in response to acetylcholine and the minimal force corresponded to the initial basal tone before stretching. A 1-min cycle (stretching for 15 sec, relaxing for 15 sec and resting for 30 sec) was applied over a time period ranging from 5 to 60 min. The device's performance level was assessed and the properties of the stretched bronchi were compared with those of paired, non-stretched bronchi. RESULTS: Despite the intrinsic capacities of the device, the targets of the tension adjustments remained variable for minimal tension (156-178%) while the peak force set point was unchanged (87-115%). In the stretched bronchi, a time-dependent rise in basal tone (P < .05 vs. non-stretched) was apparent after as little as 5 min of cyclic stretching. The stretch-induced rise in basal tone continued to increase (P < .01) after the stretching had ended. Only 60 min of cyclic stretching was associated with a significant (P < .05) increase in responsiveness to acetylcholine, relative to non-stretched bronchi. CONCLUSIONS: Low-frequency, low-force, cyclic loading of human bronchi is associated with elevated basal tone and acetylcholine responsiveness. The present experimental model is likely to be a useful tool for future investigations of the bronchial response to repetitive stress during mechanical ventilation.

Reconstrução mamária em dois estágios com expansores de tecido e implantes de silicone / Breast reconstruction in two stages with tissue expanders and silicone breast implants

Introdução: A reconstrução mamária imediata com expansor/ implante permanece uma opção importante para mulheres submetidas à mastectomia. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar os resultados de reconstrução mamária imediata com emprego expansores e implantes em pacientes submetidas à radioterapia e não submetidas à radioterapia no pós-operatório. Métodos: Foi realizado estudo prospectivo consecutivo com 83 mulheres submetidas à reconstrução mamária imediata com expansores seguido de implantes no período de 2007 a 2012, totalizando 90 reconstruções. No primeiro tempo cirúrgico, o expansor foi colocado em uma bolsa submuscular sob os músculos peitoral maior e serrátil. No segundo tempo, o expansor foi substituído pela prótese. Dois grupos de pacientes foram comparados: (1) pacientes que receberam radioterapia no pós-operatório e (2) pacientes que não receberam radioterapia no pós-operatório. Os resultados foram avaliados em cada grupo nos dois tempos cirúrgicos. Resultados: Trinta e três pacientes receberam tratamento radioterápico (39,8%) no final da expansão. Observamos a ocorrência de 13,25% de complicações no primeiro tempo: deslocamento do expansor (4,8%), esvaziamento (2,4%), infecção (2,4%), deiscência de pele (2,4%) e extrusão (1,2%). No segundo tempo, as complicações foram 17,6%: contratura capsular (7%), extrusão (5,3%), e infecção (5,3%). Com relação aos grupos estudados no primeiro tempo, aqueles que fizeram radioterapia tiveram (18,18%) de complicações e o grupo não exposto à radioterapia apenas (10,0%). No segundo tempo, encontramos 7 (46,6%) complicações para radioterapia e apenas 3 (7,14%) para o grupo não irradiado. Conclusões: Pacientes que receberam radioterapia posteriormente à reconstrução apresentaram maiores índices de complicações.

Introduction: Immediate breast reconstruction with an expander/implant is a good option for women submitted to mastectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the results of immediate breast reconstruction with implants and expanders in patients who did or did not undergo postoperative radiotherapy. Methods: A consecutive prospective study that involved 83 women submitted to immediate breast reconstruction, was carried out by first performing breast reconstruction surgery with expanders and then with implants. The study was conducted between 2007 and 2012 and accounted for a total of 90 reconstructions. In the first surgery, an expander was placed in a submuscular bag under the pectoralis major and serratus muscles. In the second surgery, the expander was replaced by an implant. We compared the surgical outcomes of both types of surgeries (with implants and with expanders) in patients who underwent postoperative radiotherapy and those who did not. Results: After the first surgery, 33 patients (39.8%) received radiotherapy, and 13.25% experienced complications, including expander displacement (4.8%), emptying (2.4%), infection (2.4%), skin dehiscence (2.4%), and extrusion (1.2%). After the second surgery, 17.6% of the subjects experienced complications, including capsular contracture (7%), extrusion (5.3%), and infection (5.3%). With regard to the first surgery, 18.8% of the patients who underwent radiotherapy and 10.0% of those who did not, experienced complications. With regard to the second surgery, these prevalences were 46.6 % and 7.14%, respectively. Conclusion: Patients who received radiotherapy after breast reconstruction surgery experienced more complications.

Opções terapêuticas no manejo do nevus congênito gigante, experiência do Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica e Reaparadora HC-UFPR / Therapeutic options in the management of giant congenital nevus: Experience of the Plastic and Reconstructing Service at Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná

INTRODUÇÃO: O nevus congênito gigante (NCG) possui diversas modalidades de tratamento. A abordagem cirúrgica inclui a ressecção parcial seriada ou excisão total. Objetivo: Demonstrar as principais modalidades terapêuticas utilizadas para o tratamento do NCG e avaliar a incidência da localização, idade e tamanho destas lesões no Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica e Reparadora do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo dos pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico do NCG no período de janeiro de 2004 a janeiro de 2010. Foram coletados dados como: idade, gênero, tratamento realizado, número de cirurgias realizadas, evolução e complicações. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 11 pacientes, sendo 8 mulheres e 3 homens. A média de idade foi de 12,4 anos (3 a 25 anos). O subtipo mais encontrado foi o nevus melanocítico intradérmico correspondendo a 90,9% dos casos e 9,1% com nevus melanocítico composto. Não foram identificados casos de melanoma. A localização mais comum foi a região da cabeça e pescoço. O diâmetro médio das lesões foi de 9,1 cm.As técnicas utilizadas para reconstrução foram: sutura primária, retalhos locais, enxerto de pele e uso de expansores. No seguimento, 63,6% dos pacientes apresentavam ainda nevus residual, 27,3% apresentaram ressecção completa e 9,1% perderam seguimento. CONCLUSÃO: Foi observada maior incidência de NCG na faixa etária de 3 a 25 anos, sendo a localização mais comum na face e com tamanho médio de 9,1cm. O principal tratamento instituído para os pacientes com NCG foi a ressecção parcelada, com bons resultados.

INTRODUCTION: Several modalities are available for the treatment of giant congenital nevus (GCN). The surgical approach includes partial serial resection or total excision. Objective: To demonstrate the main therapeutic modalities in the treatment of GCN and to assess the incidence of location, age, and size of this lesion at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service of the Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who had undergone surgical treatment for GCN between January 2004 and January 2010. We collected data such as age, sex, treatment performed, number of surgeries carried out, evolution, and complications. RESULTS: We evaluated 11 patients (8 female and 3 male). The average age was 12.4 years (range, 3-25 years). The GCN subtype most commonly found was intradermal melanocytic nevus, which accounted for 90.9% of cases, with melanocytic nevus accounting for the remaining 9.1%. No cases of melanoma were identified. The most common location was the head and neck. The average diameter of the lesions was 9.1 cm. The techniques used for the reconstruction included primary suture, local flaps, skin graft, and the use of expanders. In the follow-up period, 63.6% of the patients still presented a residual nevus, 27.3% underwent complete resection, and 9.1% were not monitored. CONCLUSION: A higher incidence of GCN was observed in patients aged 3-25 years. The most common location was the face, and the average size was 9.1 cm. The main treatment of patients with GCN was splitting resection, which resulted in satisfactory outcomes.

Avaliação do índice de infecção de implantes mamários utilizados na reconstrução de mama do Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo / Evaluation of the infection rate of implants used for breast reconstruction at the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo

INTRODUÇÃO: A utilização de implante mamário é a forma de reconstrução de mama mais comumente realizada. Apesar de suas vantagens, a infecção do implante, seja este expansor tecidual ou prótese mamária, pode ser um problema significativo, incluindo a necessidade de sua retirada. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o índice de infecção de implantes mamários utilizados na reconstrução de mama de pacientes operadas no Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), bem como sua correlação com aspectos clínicos, oncológicos e cirúrgicos. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 120 pacientes submetidas à reconstrução mamária com implante mamário no ICESP, no período de fevereiro de 2009 a março de 2010. RESULTADOS: O índice de infecção foi de 24,3% e esteve relacionado estatisticamente a reconstrução imediata (88,9%), diabetes mellitus (25%), IMC acima de 30 (52,8%), HAS (52,8%) e sofrimento de pele da mastectomia (27,8%). Nota-se que 44% dos implantes infectados foram retirados, sendo a maioria expansores colocados em reconstrução imediata. CONCLUSÕES: A reconstrução mamária com implante é uma forma segura e eficaz de tratamento. Deve-se, entretanto, estar atento aos subgrupos de pacientes mais propensas ao desenvolvimento de infecção, para otimizar a sua prevenção e atentar ao seu tratamento precoce.

INTRODUCTION: Placement of breast implants is the most commonly used form of breast reconstruction. Despite its advantages, infection of the implant, either in the tissue expander or mammary prosthesis, can be a significant problem, including the need to remove it. The objective of this work is to evaluate the infection rate of breast implants used for breast reconstruction in patients submitted to surgery at the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo (ICESP), as well as its correlation with clinical, oncological, and surgical factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study on 120 patients submitted to breast reconstruction with breast implants at the ICESP from February 2009 to March 2010. RESULTS: The infection rate (24.3%) was statistically related to immediate reconstruction (88.9%), diabetes mellitus (25%), body mass index >30 (52.8%), systemic arterial hypertension (52.8%), and skin injury due to mastectomy (27.8%). Of the infected implants, 44% were removed, most of which were expanders placed during immediate reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Breast reconstruction with implants is the safest and most effective form of treatment. However, consideration should be given to patients who are prone to the development of infection, in order to optimize its prevention and attempt to perform its treatment at an early stage.

Impact and outcome of human acellular dermal matrix size for immediate and two-stage breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Following mastectomy, patients may choose to have breast reconstruction with autologous tissue or implants. Human acellular dermal matrix has been described as a tissue supplement where the implant is covered, without requiring further muscle elevation or dissection. The authors evaluated the impact of different matrix sizes. METHODS: Fifty-two patients (average age, 48.5 years) and 88 operated breasts were evaluated. The cohort was divided into two, depending on matrix size. In group A, a small matrix with a surface area of 48 or 96 cm was used. In group B, a larger matrix with either 128 or 160 cm was used. Intraoperative fill volumes, expansion procedure, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Size difference was significant (69.2 versus 135.5 cm). The calculated mean initial filling volume-to-excised pathology tissue weight ratio and the initial filling-to-final implant volume ratio were significant. Average number of fills to reach final expansion volume was 62.3 percent, or 4.7 times lower in group B. Seven complications were reported without any statistical difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that using a larger human acellular dermal matrix in breast reconstruction offers a potential to increase the initial expander fill volume-to-breast pathology weight ratio and initial expander fill volume-to-final implant volume ratio. Larger matrices can reduce the number of subsequent expansions and may even decrease the risk of postoperative complications. This study also revealed that using a larger matrix is a safe method that does not increase complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Reconstrução mamária com implante expansor definitivo: experiência pessoal / Breast reconstruction using a definitive expander implant: an account of a personal experience

INTRODUÇÃO: Com o advento da técnica de mastectomia conservadora de pele (skin-sparing mastectomy), em que muitas vezes há impossibilidade de implante de prótese com volume final definitivo, sob risco de deiscência e extrusão posterior da mesma, surge a situação ideal para se optar pela introdução de um implante expansor definitivo. Este artigo demonstra a utilização do implante expansor definitivo, suas indicações, incisão cutânea, segurança, vantagens e complicações. MÉTODO: Trinta implantes expansores definitivos (estilo 150) foram utilizados em 27 mulheres submetidas a mastectomia, no período de março de 1998 a março de 2012. RESULTADOS: Vinte e nove reconstruções foram imediatas pós-mastectomia com economia de pele e apenas uma foi tardia pós-mastectomia tipo Halstead. Os índices de complicação encontrados foram baixos: seromas (20%), deslocamento da válvula (13,3%), dor no local da válvula (10%), contratura capsular pós-radioterapia (3,3%), infecção (3,3%) e extrusão tardia (3,3%). Não houve complicações como hematomas, necroses cutâneas e extrusões precoces, bem como necessidade de cirurgias para reposicionar o expansor. CONCLUSÕES: O baixo índice de complicações e a facilidade de realização da técnica são fatores importantes para a decisão de sua utilização, apesar do custo ainda elevado. A adequada indicação e a incisão cutânea sistematizada, combinadas a uma variedade de formatos e volumes dos expansores definitivos, permitiram resultado estético satisfatório, num único estágio cirúrgico.

INTRODUCTION: With the impossibility of prosthetic implantation with a definitive final volume due to dehiscence and posterior extrusion risks, the development of skin-sparing mastectomy provides an ideal condition for the use of a definitive expander implant. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the use of a definitive expander implant and discuss its indications, cutaneous incision, and safety, as well as its advantages and complications. METHODS: Thirty 150 definitive expander implants were used in 27 women who underwent mastectomy between March 1998 and March 2012. RESULTS: Twenty-nine reconstructions were performed immediately after skin-sparing mastectomy and only 1 was performed after a late Halstead mastectomy. The complication rate was low, with seroma being the most frequent (20%), followed by valve dislocation (13.3%), pain in valve location (10%), post-radiotherapy capsular contracture (3.3%), infection (3.3%), and late extrusion (3.3%). No complications such as hematomas, cutaneous incision, and early extrusion were encountered, and none of the cases required surgical repositioning of the expander implant. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its high cost, the use of a definitive expander implant may be considered as a potential breast reconstruction modality because it is associated with low complication rates and is easy to use. In our study, the appropriate indications and systematized cutaneous incisions, combined with the various definitive expander implant shapes and volumes, led to the satisfactory aesthetic results of the breast reconstruction in a single surgical stage.

Cultivo de células estromales de rata. Influencia del suero fetal bovino / Stromal rat cell culture. Influence of fetal calf serum

Las células madre estromales humanas y de roedores cultivadas pueden ser inducidas a diferenciarse en neuronas, enfatizando su utilidad potencial en la terapia celular neurorrestaurativa. Los sistemas de cultivo para la expansión de estas células describen el uso de diferentes proporciones de suero fetal, lo que motivó a estudiar qué concentración de suero fetal bovino era capaz de garantizar un adecuado rendimiento celular. Las células de la médula ósea de rata se cultivaron en medio a-MEM suplementado con 10 y 20 por cientode suero fetal bovino y se subcultivaron hasta 3 veces. La viabilidad celular de los cultivos primarios y los subcultivos estuvo por encima del 98 por ciento en ambos experimentos. Los cultivos primarios demoraron 17,4 días en confluir y los subcultivos 7,7 días. La concentración de suero fetal al 20 por ciento no aumentó significativamente la velocidad de multiplicación celular; no obstante, se obtuvo un mayor número de células estromales. El sistema de expansión in vitro podría utilizarse en estudios futuros para la expansión de las células estromales humanas, lo que sienta mejores bases para su aplicación clínica

Cultured human and rodents stromal stem cells can be induced to differentiate into neurons, emphasizing its potential use in neurorestorative cell therapy. Cropping systems for the expansion of these cells describe the use of different ratios of fetal serum, which led to study what concentration of fetal calf serum was able to ensure an adequate cell yield. Cells from rat bone marrow were cultured in medium supplemented with a-MEM 10 and 20 percent fetal bovine serum and subcultured up to 3 times. Cell viability of primary cultures and subcultures was above 98 percent in both experiments. Primary cultures converge delayed in 17.4 days and 7.7 days subcultures. The concentration of 20 percent fetal calf serum did not significantly increase the speed of cell division, however, we obtained a greater number of stromal cells. The expansion in vitro system could be used in future studies for the expansion of human stromal cells, which feels better basis for clinical application

Breast reconstruction with permanent expander: a different approach / Reconstrução mamária com expansor definitivo: enfoque diferenciado

BACKGROUND: Immediate or delayed breast reconstruction with tissue expanders can be performed in one or several surgical sessions. We opted to perform breast reconstruction over several sessions. The aim of this study was to report our experiences with the breast reconstruction technique involving Becker permanent tissue expanders and complete expander coverage with a flap comprising the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, and rectus abdominis aponeurosis. METHODS: The medical records of 21 patients who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction with Becker permanent tissue expanders were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: During muscle flap preparation, the aponeurotic dissection was performed 6-8 cm below the inframammary crease, aiming at full expander coverage without tension, enabling lower suturing in the inframammary crease, and avoiding disruption of the pectoralis major attachments. Only two patients developed infection, one in the first postoperative week and the other in the third postoperative month. CONCLUSIONS: The flap comprising the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, and rectus abdominis aponeurosis is a good choice for breast reconstruction with permanent tissue expanders because it ensures adequate expander and skin-flap protection. Moreover, the technique enables tissue expansion without confining the expanders in the submuscular cavity.

INTRODUÇÃO: As reconstruções de mama imediatas ou tardias com uso de expansores podem ocorrer em um ou mais de um tempo cirúrgico. Optou-se por reconstruções em mais de um tempo cirúrgico, com expansores definitivos tipo Becker. Este estudo teve como objetivo demonstrar a utilização da técnica de reconstrução mamária com expansor definitivo tipo Becker, com retalho dos músculos peitoral maior e menor, serrátil anterior e aponeurose do músculo reto abdominal para cobertura completa do expansor. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo, por meio de análise de prontuário, incluindo 21 pacientes submetidas a reconstrução mamária com expansor permanente. RESULTADOS: Na confecção do retalho muscular, é necessária a realização de dissecção abaixo do sulco submamário definido no pré-operatório, com o propósito de cobertura total do material aloplástico usado na reconstrução, englobando a aponeurose do músculo reto abdominal, 6 cm a 8 cm abaixo do sulco submamário, evitando-se lesão de sua continuidade com o músculo peitoral maior. Neste estudo, duas pacientes apresentaram infecção, uma delas na primeira semana de pós-operatório e a outra, no terceiro mês. CONCLUSÕES: A utilização do retalho dos músculos peitoral maior e menor, serrátil anterior e bainha do músculo reto abdominal é uma boa opção nas reconstruções mamárias com utilização de expansor definitivo de tecidos, visto que promove proteção adequada ao expansor e aos retalhos cutâneos que se posicionam sobre ele. Além disso, a técnica permite expansão tecidual, sem que os expansores fiquem encarcerados ou presos à loja muscular.

Expansores cutáneos: descripción de un caso clínico en miembros inferiores / Skin expanders: description of a case in the lower limbs

El método de expansores cutáneos fue utilizado en una paciente que presentaba cicatriz deformante del miembro inferior de 17 años de evolución. La sencillez del método, la renovación de los tiempos quirúrgicos y el cumplimiento de los principios necesarios para la reconstrucción de las deformidades por pérdida de sustancia en los miembros inferiores, hacen de la expansión cutánea un método de elección para este tipo de tratamiento, sin descartar otros procedimientos utilizados anteriormente

Tissue expansion as an alternative to skin grafting for closure of skin deficits.

Recent advances in the technical aspects of tissue expanders for closure of skin deficits have led to an overall reduction in the high rate of complications typically associated with their usage. The authors provide a review of the recent refinements in the technique of the tissue expansion process. A discussion of current and future applications using this technique in the treatment of various lower extremity pathologies, including clubfoot, is presented. A case report on the use of a subcutaneous tissue expander for the treatment of a failed skin graft of the medial ankle is included.