Gluteal Augmentation with Silicone Implants: A New Proposal for Intramuscular Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Gluteoplasty has gained notoriety over the last decades, which has motivated the development of various surgical techniques. Nevertheless, the fear of dissection of the intramuscular plane without direct visualization may inhibit learning and development of gluteal augmentation with implants. Moreover, literature detailing the technical steps of intramuscular dissection for the construction of the implant pocket is scarce. This study presents a new approach to intramuscular dissection for gluteal augmentation with silicone implants, a variation of the conventional surgical technique. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a series of 12 female patients submitted to a variation of the intramuscular dissection technique for gluteal augmentation with silicone implants. Data from patients, implants, follow-up time, postoperative complications, and the degree of patient satisfaction were obtained. This technique follows the principle of alternating spatulas to perform the blunt dissection of the implant pocket. RESULTS: In this series, the proposed technique is controlled and safe for intramuscular dissection, which can be used for both experienced and training surgeons. This technique is based on well-known anatomical points and references. We observed that the implant was well positioned and covered, the patients were satisfied with the result, and the number of complications was low. CONCLUSIONS: This variation of the intramuscular dissection technique for gluteal augmentation with silicone implants provides an easily reproducible and safe procedure that involves well-controlled technical steps, especially during dissection of the intramuscular pocket. In this series of patients, training surgeons learned faster, results were satisfactory, and the number of complications was low. 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 .

A randomized controlled trial of an educational programme with telephone reinforcement to improve perceived health status of Brazilian burn victims at 6-month post discharge.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare health status, self-efficacy, symptoms of depression and anxiety and post-traumatic stress between two groups of burn victims receiving information on self-care through routine care or an educational programme with telephone reinforcement. BACKGROUND: Self-care post discharge is an important factor on quality of life of burn victims. Reinforcement of self-care programme via telephone follow-up might improve self-efficacy and general health perception in burn victims. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled clinical trial. METHOD: From 2011-2012, we randomized 108 burn victims either to an educational programme on self-care tailored for burn victims according to the cognitive social theory and reinforcement by telephone every 4-6 weeks for 6 months post discharge, or to the routine instructions given at discharge from the hospital. During hospitalization, at discharge, at 6 and 12 months post discharge, we collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, Burns Specific Health Scale Revised (BSHS-R), Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale (PSE), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS) and Impact of the Event Scale (IES). We analysed data using t-test, Chi-square test and linear regression models. RESULTS: Groups were similar regarding clinical and demographic characteristics, except for age. At 6-month follow-up, there were no differences between the groups on BSHS-R, PSE and HADS Depression, while the intervention group showed fewer symptoms of anxiety (HADS Anxiety) and lower IES scores than the control group. CONCLUSION: The educational programme, when compared with usual care, reduced anxiety symptoms and post-traumatic stress. Educational programmes with telephone follow-up might be a viable intervention to improve self-care for burn victims.

Is It Safe to Operate on Patients Taking Isotretinoin?

BACKGROUND: Oral isotretinoin is increasingly being used to treat acne and other dermatological conditions. The number of patients who take isotretinoin and wish or need to undergo plastic surgery may be following a similar pattern. Although skin healing is an important concern in the case of patients who use isotretinoin, it is definitely not the only relevant issue when planning surgical intervention. METHODS: Eleven important points regarding surgery safety in patients taking oral isotretinoin were defined. A literature search of the PubMed database was conducted by employing the keywords isotretinoin OR 13-cis-retinoic acid. This returned the largest possible number of studies about isotretinoin. RESULTS: Forty-seven studies matched the selection criteria. Most animal experimental models suggested that isotretinoin at doses commonly used to treat acne is not detrimental to wound healing. Human studies are controversial. However, healing of skeletal muscle could be at increased risk of necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Association between isotretinoin and problematic skin healing after surgery is being challenged. Also, recommended time between discontinuation of isotretinoin and surgery should be reviewed. While muscle flaps may be endangered in patients taking isotretinoin, healing of other tissues and systemic effects that could compromise surgery safety are rare or detectable before surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that the 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.

Intra- and inter-examiner reliability of digital images of skin donor areas in burns.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to evaluate intra- and inter-rater reliability in the analysis of digital images of donor areas for skin in burn patients using the CaPAS plugin in the ImageJ®. METHODS: Donor sites were reviewed by two independent reviewers in duplicate. The capture of images was standardized on the same device and distance (with a millimeter ruler), without a flash. The evaluators were trained to capture the images and use the plugin. RESULTS: We selected 70 images from donor areas, from men and women between 18 and 60 years old. In the analysis of intra-examiner reliability, eight of the nine variables exhibited excellent reliability (0.985-0.998) and one (entropy) exhibited good reliability (0.525). The same was true for the inter-examiner analysis: excellent reliability for eight variables (0.824-0.993) and good reliability for entropy (0.501). CONCLUSIONS: The CaPAS plugin has proven to be a reliable tool for use in research in skin donor areas in burns, as demonstrated by its excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability values. This is a pioneering study in the quantitative assessment of skin donor areas in burn patients using the CaPAS plugin.

Effects of therapeutic ultrasound and paraffin with or without vacuum massage on biomechanical properties of grafted skin after burn: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of therapeutic ultrasound and paraffin with or without vacuum massage on the biomechanical properties of grafted skin after a burn. METHODS: A total of 44 patients with deep second- and third-degree burns, with a mean age of 35.89 (±11.53) years, who visited the Hospital Burn Unity, were included in the study. The therapeutic interventions were randomly defined by drawing lots, with a crossover design (crossover), and a minimum interval of 7 days (washout) between interventions. Skin biomechanical parameters such as distensibility (R0) and viscoelasticity (R6) were noninvasively evaluated by Cutometer before and after 0, 10, 20, and 30 min of intervention with therapeutic ultrasound and paraffin alone, as well as associated with negative pressure therapy of the skin (vacuum therapy). In this study, all groups showed increased distensibility (R0) in the period immediately after the application of the resources and a progressive reduction in the effects in the consecutive tests. Participants with skin grafts showed a decrease in viscoelasticity (R6) in all groups, except therapeutic paraffin and therapeutic ultrasound and vacuum massage. CONCLUSION: The biomechanical properties of grafted skin after a burn are altered after therapeutic intervention with ultrasound alone or associated with vacuum massage, such as intervention with paraffin associated with vacuum massage, for both parameters evaluated, skin distensibility (R0) and skin viscoelasticity (R6). However, the same did not occur for the intervention with isolated paraffin. There was no significant difference between the interventions therapeutic ultrasound and therapeutic paraffin.

Comparison Between Two Strategies of Topical Treatment in Tar Burn: A Case Report.

The management of tar burns presents a wide range of possible approaches, and several strategies can be used to reduce the damage regarding the removal of tar adhered to the patient's skin. Tar residues should preferably be emulsified with solvent solutions. Due to the low incidence of tar burns, it has not yet been possible to select the appropriate agent for the removal of the adhered tar. In this article, we reported a case of a 47-year-old man with a tar burn in his forehead region and his both upper limbs treated with two different approaches and the outcomes. In the right upper limb, the removal of tar with oil-based on essential fatty acids was attempted at the time of hospital admission, whereas in the left upper limb, he was treated with 1% silver sulfadiazine cream, sterile gauze, and bandage. On the right upper limb, the treatment was eventually performed with debridement and split-thickness skin grafting. On the left upper limb, there was complete re-epithelialization of the burns. The more conservative approach of keeping a dressing with 1% silver sulfadiazine on the tar itself, followed by removing the material in the dressing changes was considered better than the immediate removal of tar with an oily solution, especially about pain. Our impression was that the application of 1% silver sulfadiazine cream at the time of the admission, as well as in the following days, may be beneficial for the removal of the tar in close contact with the skin. Possibly, this approach leads to less trauma to the skin and, eventually, simplifies the treatment of burns by hot tar.

Burns in the domestic environment: characteristics and circumstances of accidents.

This study characterizes burn accidents in the domestic environment and identifies the circumstances of accidents affecting children, adults or elderly people who need supervision or care. Demographic data and burn characteristics of 61 domestic environment burn victims were collected. The family members of 13 children and one aged adult, who needed supervision or special care, were selected to answer a semi-structured interview. Two thematic groups were identified: social and environmental factors that might have contributed to the burn accidents and circumstances involving the accidents. Risk factors were: low socioeconomic and educational levels of mothers and those responsible for the children at the moment of the accident, small houses considering the number of occupants and unsafe kitchen equipment. Although cases of domestic violence were not identified there was neglect from caregivers. Health professionals should be attentive and investigate the circumstances of accidents involving vulnerable individuals.

Single Stage Augmentation Mastopexy with L-shaped Inferior Pedicle Combined with Dual Plane Implant Placement.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Escalas de avaliação de cicatrizes em pacientes vítimas de queimaduras: Revisão de literatura / Burns scars scale evaluation in patients victims of burns injury: Literature review

OBJETIVO: Analisar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre escalas subjetivas de avaliação de cicatrizes em indivíduos vítimas de queimaduras. MÉTODO: Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura no período de 2016 a 2020, nas bases de dados da PubMed, LILACS, PEDro e SCIELO, utilizando os descritores em inglês: "burn injury", "scar" e "assessment"; e em português: queimaduras, cicatriz, escalas e avaliação, combinando-os como estratégia de busca. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 382 artigos, sendo selecionados dez, destacando-se que as principais escalas utilizadas foram a Escala de Avaliação Cicatricial Paciente/Observador (POSAS) e a Escala de Cicatrização de Vancouver (VSS). Estas escalas apresentaram boa confiabilidade na sua aplicação, tendo a POSAS confiabilidade maior que a VSS, havendo correlação positiva entre os itens elasticidade, espessura, vascularização e cor, das escalas subjetivas com instrumentos objetivos de avaliação de cicatrizes. CONCLUSÕES: Neste trabalho de revisão integrativa as escalas mais utilizadas para avaliação de cicatrizes após queimadura foram POSAS e VSS. A escala POSAS foi a mais citada nos estudos analisados, destacando-se pelo maior número de itens avaliados na cicatriz, tanto pelo observador como na avaliação do paciente; valorizando sintomas como dor e coceira. Quando comparadas com avaliações realizadas com instrumentos objetivos de análise das características cicatriciais, foi encontrada uma correlação positiva, viabilizando uma utilização confiável, apesar da necessidade de escalas mais completas serem desenvolvidas. Sendo assim, de acordo com os dados coletados, estas escalas podem ser consideradas bons instrumentos para avaliação de cicatrizes causadas por queimaduras.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the evidence available in the literature on subjective scar assessment scales in burn victims. METHODS: A literature review was carried out from 2016 to 2020, in the PubMed, LILACS, PEDro and SCIELO databases, using the English keywords: "burn injury", "scar" and "assessment"; and in Portuguese: burns, scar, scales and assessment, combining them as a search strategy. RESULTS: A total of 382 articles were found, ten being selected, highlighting that the main scales used were the Patient/Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). These scales showed good reliability in their application, with POSAS being more reliable than VSS, with a positive correlation between the items elasticity, thickness, vascularization and color of the subjective scales with objective instruments for scar assessment. CONCLUSIONS: In this integrative review, the most used scales to assess scars after burns were POSAS and VSS. The POSAS scale was the most cited by the largest number of studies, if highlighted by the observer, as a patient assessment; symptoms such as pain and recovery. When the measures, with estimates, were found with the objective of analyzing the characteristics, a positive certainty, enabling a reliable use, despite the need for more complete scales to be found. Therefore, according to the functioning data, they can be improved with the functioning evaluation instruments, according to the evaluation instruments.

Effects of therapeutic ultrasound and paraffin with or without vacuum massage on biomechanical properties of grafted skin after burn: a randomized controlled trial

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of therapeutic ultrasound and paraffin with or without vacuum massage on the biomechanical properties of grafted skin after a burn. METHODS: A total of 44 patients with deep second- and third-degree burns, with a mean age of 35.89 (±11.53) years, who visited the Hospital Burn Unity, were included in the study. The therapeutic interventions were randomly defined by drawing lots, with a crossover design (crossover), and a minimum interval of 7 days (washout) between interventions. Skin biomechanical parameters such as distensibility (R0) and viscoelasticity (R6) were noninvasively evaluated by Cutometer before and after 0, 10, 20, and 30 min of intervention with therapeutic ultrasound and paraffin alone, as well as associated with negative pressure therapy of the skin (vacuum therapy). In this study, all groups showed increased distensibility (R0) in the period immediately after the application of the resources and a progressive reduction in the effects in the consecutive tests. Participants with skin grafts showed a decrease in viscoelasticity (R6) in all groups, except therapeutic paraffin and therapeutic ultrasound and vacuum massage. CONCLUSION: The biomechanical properties of grafted skin after a burn are altered after therapeutic intervention with ultrasound alone or associated with vacuum massage, such as intervention with paraffin associated with vacuum massage, for both parameters evaluated, skin distensibility (R0) and skin viscoelasticity (R6). However, the same did not occur for the intervention with isolated paraffin. There was no significant difference between the interventions therapeutic ultrasound and therapeutic paraffin.

Intra- and inter-examiner reliability of digital images of skin donor areas in burns

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to evaluate intra- and inter-rater reliability in the analysis of digital images of donor areas for skin in burn patients using the CaPAS plugin in the ImageJ®. METHODS: Donor sites were reviewed by two independent reviewers in duplicate. The capture of images was standardized on the same device and distance (with a millimeter ruler), without a flash. The evaluators were trained to capture the images and use the plugin. RESULTS: We selected 70 images from donor areas, from men and women between 18 and 60 years old. In the analysis of intra-examiner reliability, eight of the nine variables exhibited excellent reliability (0.985-0.998) and one (entropy) exhibited good reliability (0.525). The same was true for the inter-examiner analysis: excellent reliability for eight variables (0.824-0.993) and good reliability for entropy (0.501). CONCLUSIONS: The CaPAS plugin has proven to be a reliable tool for use in research in skin donor areas in burns, as demonstrated by its excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability values. This is a pioneering study in the quantitative assessment of skin donor areas in burn patients using the CaPAS plugin.

Morphometric and Functional Analysis of Axonal Regeneration after End-to-end and End-to-side Neurorrhaphy in Rats.

BACKGROUND: End-to-side neurorrhaphy is controversial in the literature and has sparked debate over its degree of recovery. In this study, nerve regeneration was assessed in rats after end-to-side neurorrhaphy by morphometric analysis, electromyography, electron microscopy, and retrograde horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and Fluoro-Gold (FG; Fluorochrome Inc., Denver, Colo.) transport and then compared to end-to-end neurorrhaphy and sham operation. METHODS: Thirty-seven animals were operated on and divided randomly into 4 groups: group 1, sham; group 2, end-to-end neurorrhaphy; group 3, end-to-side neurorrhaphy with an epineural window; and group 4, end-to-side neurorrhaphy without an epineural window. Three months after surgery, HRP was injected into the peroneal muscles. After 48 hours, nerve segments and lumbar spine segments were collected. Electromyography data were compared between groups, and FG uptake was compared in 20 other animals. Analysis of variance with Tukey-Kramer correction was used for group comparison. RESULTS: The fiber count after end-to-end neurorrhaphy was higher than after end-to-side neurorrhaphy with an epineural window (q = 5.243 and P < 0.01) or without an epineural window (q = 4.951 and P < 0.01). HRP labeling showed a difference between group 2 and end-to-side neurorrhaphy with an epineural window (q = 5.291 and P < 0.01) and without an epineural window (q = 5.617 and P < 0.01). There was also a difference in mean area labeled with FG. Furthermore, the amplitudes of the action potentials were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: There was nerve regeneration in all groups studied. However, the end-to-end neurorrhaphy group had better reinnervation than the end-to-side neurorrhaphy groups.

Covid-19 e cirurgia plástica: relato de caso de tratamento de ferida complexa / Covid-19 and Plastic Surgery: a case report of complex wound treatment

Introdução: A pandemia decorrente da Covid-19 modificou de forma significativa a rotina e o trabalho das especialidades médicas. Relatamos o caso de um paciente tratado pela cirurgia plástica que contraiu o vírus Sars- CoV-2. Relato de caso: Homem de 66 anos, com ferida complexa em tornozelo, foi tratado com desbridamento cirúrgico e terapia por pressão negativa, sendo posteriormente submetido à cobertura cutânea da ferida com enxerto de pele parcial. No pós-operatório imediato, iniciou quadro de tosse seca, sendo que nesse mesmo dia havia sido confirmado um exame positivo do novo coronavírus em outro paciente que estava no mesmo quarto. Diante disso, solicitamos testagem com PCR que também resultou positiva para presença de Sars-CoV-2. O paciente evoluiu bem, com alta hospitalar no 5º dia de pós-operatório, após a retirada do curativo de Brown, e com retorno após o período de isolamento preconizado (14 dias). Discussão: O manejo de pacientes que necessitam de procedimentos cirúrgicos em meio a uma pandemia viral deve considerar a adoção de medidas preventivas que reduzam a possibilidade de transmissão do vírus. Como exemplo, citamos a redução do tempo de internação hospitalar, o uso de terapias que aceleram o processo terapêutico, o isolamento do paciente em casos confirmados e o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual. Conclusão: Apesar da infecção deste paciente pelo Sars-CoV-2, enfatizamos que a equipe de cirurgia plástica deve atuar de maneira precoce durante o processo de tratamento. Tais ações reduzem a possibilidade de disseminação do novo coronavírus para outros pacientes e para equipe de saúde.

Introduction: A pandemic from Covid-19 has significantly changed the routine and work of medical specialties. We report the case of a patient treated by plastic surgery who was infected by the Sars-CoV-2 virus. Case report: A 66-year-old man, with a complex wound on his ankle, was treated with surgical debridement and negative pressure wound therapy, and subsequently underwent cutaneous coverage of the wound with split thickness skin graft. In the immediate postoperative period, dry cough started, and that same day a positive examination of the new coronavirus was confirmed in another patient who was in the same infirmary. Therefore, we requested a PCR test that was also positive for the presence of Sars- CoV-2. The patient evolved well, being discharged on the 5th postoperative day, after the removal of Browns dressing, and returning after the recommended isolation period (14 days). Discussion: The management of patients with surgical procedures in the midst of a viral pandemic should consider the adoption of preventive measures that reduce the possibility of virus transmission. As an example, we mention the reduction in hospital stay, the use of therapies that speed up the therapeutic process, the isolation of the patient in confirmed cases and the use of personal protective equipment. Conclusion: Despite the infection of this patient by Sars-CoV-2, we emphasize that the plastic surgery team must act early during the treatment process. These actions include the possibility of spreading a new coronavirus to other patients and the healthcare team.

Cirurgia reparadora no contexto da Covid-19: complicações evolutivas no tratamento de ferida complexa inguinal / Reconstructive surgery in the context of Covid-19: complications in the treatment of an inguinal complex wound

Introdução: No final de 2019, o mundo viu surgir uma nova síndrome respiratória denominada Covid-19, causada por um novo tipo de coronavírus, o Sars-CoV-2. Classificada como uma pandemia, ela tem causado impactos de magnitude ainda imensuráveis. Relato de caso: Homem de 57 anos desenvolveu ferida inguinal direita, após exploração cirúrgica por infecção de prótese usada em bypass femoro-poplíteo. A equipe de cirurgia plástica optou pelo tratamento com desbridamento cirúrgico, associado com terapia por pressão negativa para preparo do leito da ferida. No pós-operatório, apresentou síndrome respiratória aguda grave e suspeita de Covid-19, com necessidade de intubação e de cuidados intensivos. Foi colhido amostra para RT-PCR do Sars-CoV-2 e associado ao tratamento as medicações cloroquina e azitromicina. Apesar do tratamento intensivo, o paciente foi a óbito. O resultado do exame RT-PCR para o novo coronavírus foi positivo, sendo liberado dois dias após a morte. Discussão: A análise deste relato permite supor que o paciente provavelmente contraiu o novo coronavírus dentro do próprio hospital, pois o mesmo encontrava-se internado pelo período dos 35 dias anteriores à evolução para insuficiência respiratória. Esse fato, juntamente com sua evolução desfavorável, corrobora a orientação de minimizar ao máximo as internações e os procedimentos cirúrgicos a fim de promover maior segurança ao paciente e à equipe de saúde. Conclusão: Pacientes internados estão susceptíveis à infecção pelo novo coronavírus e podem configurar grupo de maior de risco, uma vez que muitos deles já se encontram debilitados.

Introduction: At the end of 2019, the world saw the emergence of a new respiratory syndrome called Covid-19, caused by a new type of coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2. Classified as a pandemic, it has caused impacts of considerable magnitude. Case Report: A 57-year-old man developed a right inguinal wound after surgical exploration for infection of a prosthesis used in a femur-popliteal bypass. The Plastic Surgery team opted for treatment with surgical debridement associated with negative pressure therapy to prepare the wound bed. In the postoperative period, he had severe acute respiratory syndrome and suspected Covid-19, requiring intubation and intensive care. A sample for RT-PCR of Sars-CoV-2 was collected, and the medications chloroquine and azithromycin were associated with the treatment. Despite intensive treatment, the patient died. The result of the RT-PCR test for the new coronavirus was positive, being released two days after death. Discussion: The analysis of this report allows us to suppose that the patient probably contracted the new coronavirus at the hospital, as he was hospitalized for 35 days before the evolution of respiratory failure. This fact, together with its unfavorable evolution, corroborates the orientation of minimizing hospitalizations and surgical procedures as much as possible to promote more safety for the patient and the health team. Conclusion: Inpatients are susceptible to infection with the new coronavirus and can set up a group at higher risk since many of them are already weakened.

Update on hypertrophic scar treatment.

Scar formation is a consequence of the wound healing process that occurs when body tissues are damaged by a physical injury. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are pathological scars resulting from abnormal responses to trauma and can be itchy and painful, causing serious functional and cosmetic disability. The current review will focus on the definition of hypertrophic scars, distinguishing them from keloids and on the various methods for treating hypertrophic scarring that have been described in the literature, including treatments with clearly proven efficiency and therapies with doubtful benefits. Numerous methods have been described for the treatment of abnormal scars, but to date, the optimal treatment method has not been established. This review will explore the differences between different types of nonsurgical management of hypertrophic scars, focusing on the indications, uses, mechanisms of action, associations and efficacies of the following therapies: silicone, pressure garments, onion extract, intralesional corticoid injections and bleomycin.