Use of autologous fibrin glue (platelet-poor plasma) in abdominal dermolipectomies.

BACKGROUND: Autologous plasma is endowed with properties that speed up healing, hemostasis, and adhesiveness, in addition to growth factors. Through an established protocol, it was possible to isolate thrombin, as well as the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) fractions. The purpose of this study was to analyze autologous use of thrombin and PPP to foster adhesion between an abdominal dermoadipose flap and the aponeurotic surface in abdominal dermolipectomies. METHODS: The data from 40 patients who underwent abdominal dermolipectomies were analyzed, with 20 patients using thrombin and autologous PPP (Plasma group) and 20 patients with no intervention (Control group). An attempt was made to assess adhesive power by quantifying the serohematic liquid volume gauged during the postoperative days (POD), and also noting the incidence of seroma. Other variables such as age and body mass index (BMI) were also analyzed. RESULTS: The reduction in the aspiration drain debit was statistically relevant only on the first POD in the Plasma group. There was no reduction in the incidence of seroma in these patients. Similarly, age and BMI did not influence these outcomes. CONCLUSION: The PPP fostered adhesion between the abdominal dermoadipose flap and the aponeurotic surface only on the first POD and had no influence whatsoever on the incidence of seroma. There are few reports on the use of PPP for plastic surgery, particularly the autologous type, opening up possibilities for further research projects to expand its use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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.

Protocol for obtaining platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-poor plasma (PPP), and thrombin for autologous use.

BACKGROUND: Plasma has been widely studied and used in many different situations to speed up healing with better tissue adherence and hemostasis. Research projects are now attempting to isolate platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP), making better use of their properties, particularly during operations and for wounds that are slow to heal. In view of the wide diversity of industrial machines and extraction protocols, together with the variety of industrially produced biologic glues, this article suggests an option for obtaining PRP, PPP, and human thrombin for autologous use. METHODS: A way of obtaining PRP, PPP, and thrombin is reproduced through a protocol defined and established by the authors. Autologous thrombin and plasma were obtained through the collection and successive centrifugation of ten whole blood samples, until the desired hemocomponents were isolated, followed by quantitative and qualitative analyses of the elements obtained. RESULTS: The mean platelet concentration obtained was 6.03 × 10(8) platelets/ml, with a mean thrombin concentration of 33.54 nM, both values compatible with reports in the literature when different protocols are applied. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol described is a good option for the preparation and application of PRP, PPP, and autologous thrombin, particularly as they can be obtained simultaneously, eliminating the possibilities of viral contamination and allergic reactions. Moreover, the cost of this procedure is low, it is easy to perform, and replicable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article.

Dermolipectomy of the pubic area associated with abdominoplasty.

Aesthetic alterations of the pubic area, whether constitutional or the result of excessive weight, if not treated, may become more evident after an abdominoplasty. The authors recommend a simple and effective technique to be performed simultaneously with abdominoplasty that leads to satisfactory results and does not interfere with the lymphatic drainage of the area.