Effectiveness of 5-Fluorouracil and Hypertonic Glucose in the Prevention of Post-mastectomy Seroma in an Experimental Animal Model.

INTRODUCTION: Seroma is a frequent complication that can affect the final result of reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. METHODOLOGY: This study evaluated the effectiveness of 5-Fluorouracil and 75% hypertonic glucose in preventing seroma in a mastectomy rat model, as well as cellular and vascular events in adjacent tissues. A left mastectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed in 60 Wistar-Albino female rats. Animals randomly allocated to the control group (Group I; n = 20) were sutured right after mastectomy. The intervention groups received 1.0 mL of 75% hypertonic glucose (Group II; n = 20) or 1.0 mL of 5-Fluorouracil (Group III; n = 20) at the surgical site before suturing. The assessment of the presence of seroma was performed in all animals at 24, 48, and 72 h and on the 7th and 12th postoperative day. After the 12th day, a tissue sample was taken from the surgical site and sent for histological analysis. The occurrence of seroma was assessed using GEE. A significance level of 5% was adopted. RESULTS: Differences in seroma formation over time were observed for both Control Group I (p=0.041) and Intervention Group II (p<0.001). In Intervention Group III, there was no difference in the percentage and volume of seroma across the assessment points (p=0.627). When both the Control and Intervention Group II were compared to Intervention Group III, we found a reduction in seroma formation in the last group. The reduction in the inflammatory process was more regular to Intervention Group III. CONCLUSION: In this animal model, 5-Fluorouracil was more effective in preventing seroma formation than 75% Hypertonic Glucose. No Level Assigned This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. 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 .

Anchor-Line Abdominoplasty with Scarpa Fascia Preservation in Postbariatric Patients: A Comparative Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: The number of bariatric surgeries for the treatment of morbid obesity has increased, and there is growing demand for postbariatric abdominoplasty. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of Scarpa's fascia preservation on total drainage volume, time to drain removal, and seroma formation in anchor-line abdominoplasty. METHODS: A total of 42 postbariatric patients were randomly assigned to two groups and underwent anchor-line abdominoplasty. Scarpa's fascia was not preserved during abdominoplasty in one group (n = 21) but was preserved in the other group (n = 21). A suction drain was left in place until the drainage volume was less than 30 ml/24 h. Seroma formation was assessed by abdominal ultrasound on the twentieth postoperative day; only fluid collections greater than 30 ml were considered seromas. RESULTS: The time to drain removal was shorter, and the total drainage volume was lower in the fascial preservation group than in the fascial dissection group. However, no difference in the seroma formation rate was observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: Scarpa's fascia preservation decreased the drainage volume and the time to drain removal but not the rate of seroma formation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: 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.

New Approach for Post-bariatric Abdominoplasty with Extended Vertical Resection: A Prospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: As the number of bariatric surgeries has increased, so has the demand for post-bariatric abdominoplasty. The aim of this study was to describe a new approach to anchor-line abdominoplasty for the treatment of post-bariatric surgery patients. METHODS: This prospective, longitudinal, single-center study was conducted with 20 women, 23-47 years of age, with a body mass index < 30 kg/m2, who had undergone gastroplasty. The vertical amount of tissue to be excised was estimated preoperatively by the pinch test. The amount of tissue to be removed by transverse resection was determined intraoperatively. Patient satisfaction with the body contour result was assessed. RESULTS: Patient self-assessment showed that 85% of patients were very satisfied, 10% were satisfied, and 5% were not very satisfied with the surgical results. There were no cases of flap necrosis or surgical wound dehiscence. CONCLUSION: The described technique resulted in improved body contour, good scar quality, and a high level of patient satisfaction. 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 www.springer.com/00266 .

Seroma and quilting suture at the donor site of the TRAM flap in breast reconstruction: a prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial.

Seroma formation at the donor site of the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was evaluated in 48 patients who underwent breast reconstruction with either quilting sutures and suction drains (QS+DN group) or quilting sutures alone (QS group) or suction drains alone (DN group). Clinical and ultrasound examinations were performed to assess seroma formation in 5 regions of the abdominal wall on postoperative days 7 and 14. The incidence of seroma detected by ultrasound examination was significantly higher in the DN group (P = 0.008) than that in the other 2 groups. No difference in seroma volume (puncture) was found between the QS+DN and QS groups (P = 1.00). Seroma formation was observed in the iliac region in the DN group but not in the QS+DN and QS groups (P = 0.028). Quilting sutures at the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap donor site were efficient in reducing seroma formation.

Sexuality after breast reconstruction post mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction is a medical condition that can lead to relationship issues as well as depression and has a somatoform basis. It is estimated to affect 49 % of Brazilian women. Studies have shown that both cancer diagnosis and its surgical treatment (mastectomy) affect women psychologically and can lead to psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare sexuality in women who underwent mastectomy alone with those who underwent breast reconstruction after mastectomy. METHOD: This descriptive transversal study analyzed two groups of patients, one with 17 women after mastectomy alone and another with 19 women who underwent breast reconstruction post mastectomy. The patients ranged in age from 18 to 60 years old. The exclusion criteria were illiteracy; ongoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or psychiatric treatment; or if any surgery had been performed the previous year. All patients were from the Gynecology and Plastic Surgery Department of the Federal University of São Paulo. They voluntarily answered the FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t test and Pearson's coefficient, and the significance level used was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Data showed a lower FSFI score for the mastectomy-alone group compared to the breast reconstruction group (median = 10.15 ± 2.636 and 22.44 ± 3.055, respectively; p = 0.0057). There was no relationship established between the scores and postoperative time (post, p = 0.9382; pre, p = 0.2142) or between scores and remuneration income (post, p = 0.7699; pre, p = 0.5245), stable relationship (post, p = 0.2613; pre, p = 0.5245), and age (post, p = 0.3951; pre, p = 0.8427) for both groups. Mean age has shown no significant difference (p = 0.4740; median post = 47.71 ± 2.012; medina pre = 46.69 ± 1.809). CONCLUSION: An improvement in sexual function has been observed in patients who underwent breast reconstruction after mastectomy, probably as a result of better self-esteem as well as body image, both of which are affected by a mastectomy. The aesthetic results were evaluated using a questionnaire, and all the patients answered positively. 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 .

The impact of surgical treatment on the self-esteem of patients with breast hypertrophy, hypomastia, or breast asymmetry.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the concept of health includes not only the absence of disease but also a complete state of physical, psychological, and social well-being with increased emphasis on the importance of self-esteem. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of surgical treatment on the self-esteem of patients with breast asymmetry, breast hypertrophy, or hypomastia. METHODS: The Rosenberg Self-Esteem UNIFESP-EPM Scale was administered preoperatively and in the early and late postoperative periods to assess self-esteem. The sample comprised three groups of patients: the breast asymmetry group (n=35), the breast hypertrophy group (n=50), and the hypomastia group (n=40). RESULTS: Surgical treatment had a positive and similar impact on the self-esteem of the patients in the three study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Correction of breast asymmetry, breast hypertrophy, and hypomastia improved the patient's self-esteem. All three groups reported a similar increase in self-esteem (decrease in total scores) after breast reconstruction.

REVIEW OF ARTICULATED ELBOW ORTHOTICS FOR JOINT STIFFNESS REHABILITATION.

Joint stiffness is the most common complication in elbow injuries, presenting several etiologies and pathophysiological mechanisms that hinder treatment and prognosis. Prevention and treatment of joint contracture depend on the cause of stiffness, and early intervention should modify its outcomes. The methods used may be conservative or surgical, alone or in combination, according to each individual situation. Objective: Review articles on articulated elbow orthosis for joint stiffness rehabilitation. Methods: A literature review was conducted in journals available at the PubMed, Medline and LILACS databases, using the following Health Science Descriptors (DeCS): orthotic devices; braces; elbow; elbow joint; contracture; joint disorders. It sought to retrieve and analyze studies with the highest level of evidence that have already been conducted on articulated elbow orthosis for joint stiffness rehabilitation. Results: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, four articles were included from PubMed and none from Medline or LILACS. Of the four PubMed articles, two were systematic reviews and two were randomized clinical trials. Conclusion: Articulated elbow orthoses can benefit joint stiffness treatment, improving range of motion and pain, showing superior effect compared to non-articulated plaster orthotics. Level of Evidence III, Systematic Review of Level III Studies.

A rigidez articular é a principal complicação do cotovelo, afetando o tratamento e o prognóstico. O manejo da contratura articular se baseia na sua etiologia, e a intervenção precoce deve modificar o desfecho dessa complicação. Objetivo: Revisar artigos sobre órtese articulada de cotovelo para reabilitação de rigidez articular. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica em periódicos disponíveis do PubMed, Medline e LILACS, utilizando os Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS): aparelhos ortopédicos; braquetes; cotovelo; articulação do cotovelo; contratura; e transtornos da articulação. A intenção foi estabelecer e conhecer estudos de alto poder de evidência já realizados, que tenham tido como referência a temática de órteses articuladas de cotovelo para reabilitação de rigidez articular. Resultados: Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, revisaram-se artigos indexados no PubMed, Medline e LILACS, encontrando-se quatro artigos pelo PubMed e nenhum pelo Medline ou LILACS. Dos quatro artigos, dois eram revisões sistemáticas e dois eram ensaios clínicos randomizados. Conclusão: Órteses articuladas de cotovelo podem ser benéficas no tratamento de rigidez articular, sendo sugerido que melhoram amplitude de movimentos (ADM) e dor, inclusive com efeito superior em relação às órteses não articuladas gessadas. Nível de Evidência III, Revisão Sistemática de Estudos de Nível III.

Effect of low level laser therapy (830 nm) with different therapy regimes on the process of tissue repair in partial lesion calcaneous tendon.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Calcaneous tendon is one of the most damaged tendons, and its healing may last from weeks to months to be completed. In the search after speeding tendon repair, low intensity laser therapy has shown favorable effect. To assess the effect of low intensity laser therapy on the process of tissue repair in calcaneous tendon after undergoing a partial lesion. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimentally controlled randomized single blind study. Sixty male rats were used randomly and were assigned to five groups containing 12 animals each one; 42 out of 60 underwent lesion caused by dropping a 186 g weight over their Achilles tendon from a 20 cm height. In Group 1 (standard control), animals did not suffer the lesion nor underwent laser therapy; in Group 2 (control), animals suffered the lesion but did not undergo laser therapy; in Groups 3, 4, and 5, animals suffered lesion and underwent laser therapy for 3, 5, and 7 days, respectively. Animals which suffered lesion were sacrificed on the 8th day after the lesion and assessed by polarization microscopy to analyze the degree of collagen fibers organization. RESULTS: Both experimental and standard control Groups presented significant values when compared with the control Groups, and there was no significant difference when Groups 1 and 4 were compared; the same occurred between Groups 3 and 5. CONCLUSION: Low intensity laser therapy was effective in the improvement of collagen fibers organization of the calcaneous tendon after undergoing a partial lesion.

Quality of life in the surgical treatment of gynecomastia.

BACKGROUND: Gynecomastia has an incidence of up to 60% of adolescents, causing pain and self-image disorders for the patient, leading to emotional and physical problems that can be reversed with treatment. This prospective case control study assessed the surgical treatment of gynecomastia and its impact on quality of life. METHODS: Thirty-three patients aged 18-50 years and with 2-21 years of gynecomastia progression were included in the study. Adenectomy was performed. Preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, patients completed the Brazilian version of the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) quality of life questionnaire. RESULTS: There was improvement in the SF-36 domains of General Health, Functional Capacity, Social Aspects, Vitality, and Mental Health. CONCLUSION: The Short-Form 36 questionnaire demonstrated that surgical treatment of gynecomastia afforded positive changes in quality of life.

Sexuality, depression and body image after breast reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of breast reconstruction after mastectomy on sexual function, body image, and depression. METHODS: This cross-sectional, comparative, controlled study was conducted with 90 women between 18 and 65 years of age who had undergone either mastectomy alone (mastectomy group, n=30) or mastectomy combined with breast reconstruction (mastectomy-reconstruction group, n=30) at least one year prior to the study or who had no breast cancer (control group, n=30). Patients were assessed for sexual function, depression, and body image using the validated Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the Female Sexual Function Index, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination, respectively. RESULTS: The three groups were homogeneous for age, marital status, body mass index, and education level. The women in the mastectomy group reported significantly worse sexual function, greater depressive symptoms, and lower body image than those in the mastectomy-reconstruction and control groups. In the mastectomy group, the frequency of sexual dysfunction was significantly greater among patients without a marital partner and those with a higher level of education than among patients in the other two groups with the same characteristics. CONCLUSION: Patients who had undergone breast reconstruction after mastectomy reported better sexual function and body image and fewer depressive symptoms than patients who had undergone mastectomy alone. Sexual dysfunction was associated with the absence of a marital partner and a higher level of education and was more frequent in the mastectomy group.

Self-esteem and functional capacity outcomes following reduction mammaplasty.

BACKGROUND: Both physical health and psychosocial outcomes are important issues in the evaluation of medical treatment. Women with breast hypertrophy may suffer from low self-esteem and reduced functional capacity because of the size of their breasts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of reduction mammaplasty on self-esteem and functional capacity in patients with breast hypertrophy. METHODS: One hundred patients with breast hypertrophy who ranged in age from 18 to 55 years and who had undergone no previous mammary surgery were selected from the Plastic Surgery Outpatient Clinic of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP-EPM). They were randomly allocated into two groups (A and B) of 50 patients each. Patients from group A were submitted for reduction mammaplasty while those from group B were placed on the waiting list and used as a control group. At the beginning of the study, all patients were interviewed to collect clinical and demographic data and to have their self-esteem and functional capacity measured. Two Brazilian-validated versions of quality of life measurement instruments were chosen: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Rolland-Morris (to assess functional capacity). A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain intensity. Six months after the beginning of the study, these instruments were again administered to both groups. RESULTS: Forty-six out of 50 patients from each group (A and B) completed the study. The mean age of group A was 31.6 years (SD, 11 yrs), and that of group B was 32.3 years (SD, 10 yrs). The mean weight of removed breast tissue from group A patients was 1052 g (SD, 188 g). A decrease on the score of Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale of patients from group A indicated an improvement of self-esteem (P < .001). Functional capacity had improved 6 months after reduction mammaplasty (group A) as compared to the control group. Intensity of pain evaluated by the VAS in the lower back region decreased from 5.7 to 1.3. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction mammaplasty improved self-esteem and functional capacity and relieved pain in the lower back region in patients with breast hypertrophy.

Brazilian Portuguese version of the Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire / Validação da versão em português do Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire

Introduction: Scars and their associated signs and symptoms have the potential to impact many aspects of health. Given the growing number of individuals with new scars, it is essential to have reliable, sensitive, and specific assessment tools that analyze the influence that scars can have on the quality of life. The objective is translate the Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) into Portuguese, adapt it to the Brazilian cultural context, and test its reproducibility, reliability, and validity. Methods: The questionnaire was applied to 121 individuals with post-surgical scars consecutively selected at a plastic surgery clinic from January 2015 to June 2016. The PSAQ consists of 39 questions divided into five subscales: appearance, symptoms, perception, satisfaction with appearance, and symptoms. Then its reproducibility, face, content, and construct validity were analyzed. Internal consistency was tested using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and construct validation was performed by correlating the translated instrument with the QualiFibro and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) questionnaires. Results: Analysis of the internal consistency of the PSAQ subscales obtained values >0.70 in all domains, showing good internal consistency. Reproducibility was demonstrated using Pearson's correlation and the Bland-Altman method, and the outcomes showed good reproducibility. In construct validation, a significant correlation was observed in all PSAQ domains with POSAS and QualiFibro. Conclusion: The PSAQ was translated into Portuguese and adapted to Brazilian culture, reproducible and presenting face, content, and construct validity.

Introdução: Cicatrizes e seus sinais e sintomas associados têm potencial para impactar vários aspectos da saúde. Dado o número crescente de indivíduos que adquirem novas cicatrizes, é importante ter ferramentas de avaliação confiáveis, sensíveis e específicas que analisem a influência que as cicatrizes podem exercer sobre a qualidade de vida. O objetivo é traduzir o Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) para a língua portuguesa, adaptá-lo ao contexto cultural brasileiro e testar sua reprodutibilidade, confiabilidade e validade. Método: O questionário foi aplicado em 121 indivíduos portadores de cicatrizes pós-cirúrgicas selecionados consecutivamente em ambulatório de cirurgia plástica no período de janeiro de 2015 a junho de 2016. O PSAQ é constituído por 39 questões divididas em cinco subescalas: aparência, sintomas, percepção, satisfação com a aparência e com os sintomas. Foram analisados a reprodutibilidade, validade de face, conteúdo e construto. A consistência interna foi testada pelo alfa de Cronbach e a validação de construto foi realizada correlacionando o instrumento traduzido com os questionários QualiFibro e Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Resultados: A análise da consistência interna das subescalas do PSAQ obteve valores maiores que 0,70 em todos os domínios, evidenciando uma boa consistência interna. A reprodutibilidade foi demonstrada através da correlação de Pearson e método de Bland-Altman, sendo observada boa reprodutibilidade. Na validação de construto observou-se correlação significativa entre todos os domínios do PSAQ com a POSAS e QualiFibro. Conclusão: O PSAQ foi traduzido para o português e adaptado à cultura brasileira, mostrando-se reprodutível e apresentando validade de face, conteúdo e construto.

Quality of life and self-esteem after breast asymmetry surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgical correction of breast asymmetry involves not only an acceptable aesthetic result but also physical, social, and psychological consequences on the patient's quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluated the impact of breast asymmetry surgical treatment on self-esteem and health-related quality of life in a group of 35 patients. METHODS: Patients completed the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), a generic health evaluation tool that covers quality of life across 8 dimensions, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, a specific tool for evaluating self-esteem. Both were applied before and at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Friedman two-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test were used to compare the differences between the scores and the different time periods. RESULTS: There was a progressive improvement in all dimensions of the SF-36 that was statistically significant for 4 dimensions and self-esteem. Statistically significant differences were found for "emotional role" and "self-esteem" at 3 months after surgery and for "pain," "vitality," and "mental health" at 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that breast asymmetry surgical treatment provides an improvement in health-related quality of life and self-esteem.

Use of the anterior rectus sheath for abdominal wall reconstruction: a study in cadavers.

Our aim was to evaluate the amount of tension present after incision and undermining of the anterior rectus sheaths and the external oblique muscles in 20 fresh adult cadavers. Resistance to traction of the anterior and posterior rectus sheaths towards the midline was measured at three stages of dissection: before any aponeurotic undermining; after incision and undermining of the anterior rectus sheaths; and after incision and undermining of the external oblique muscles associated with the previous dissection. Significance of differences was assessed using non-parametric tests. There was a significant reduction in tension in the anterior and posterior sheaths on both levels after each stage of dissection. The incision and undermining of the anterior rectus sheaths and the external oblique muscles promoted a progressive reduction in tension at the aponeurotic edges of the abdominal wall.

Inovação em cânula de lipoaspiração para coleta de enxerto de gordura para uso em reconstrução mamária / Innovation in liposuction cannula to harvest fat graft to use in breast reconstruction

Introdução: A evolução da técnica de lipoaspiração e da enxertia de gordura associada a segurança oncológica permitiram utilizar a gordura como preenchedor autólogo em pacientes com neoplasia de mama que eram submetidas a reconstrução mamária. O objetivo é apresentar uma inovação no instrumento de coleta de gordura que será utilizada como enxerto, para uso em reconstrução mamária. Métodos: Foi realizada a busca de anterioridade nos bancos de dados internacionais e nacional e a confecção de um protótipo de cânula de coleta de gordura de 35cm de comprimento, com diâmetro do tubo de 4mm, com 10 furos redondos na sua extremidade distal com 2mm de diâmetro. Foi realizado um experimento de aspiração de substância viscosa comparando o protótipo com dois modelos de cânulas com desenho padrão da indústria, de três furos tipo Mercedes e de cinco furos tipo Pitanguy. Resultados: Foram encontrados quatro patentes de alta relevância e uma patente de média relevância, que diferem do modelo de utilidade proposto quando se comparam o tipo de desenho da extremidade distal das cânulas estudadas e a função dos instrumentos identificados. Quando comparou-se a eficiência do protótipo, a cânula de cinco furos foi a mais eficiente na aspiração da substância viscosa, e não houve diferença estatística na velocidade de aspiração entre o protótipo e a cânula de três furos tipo Mercedes. Conclusão: A inovação apresentada para a coleta de enxerto de gordura para uso em reconstrução mamária apresentou a mesma eficiência que a cânula Mercedes de três furos neste modelo experimental.

Introduction: The evolution of liposuction and fat graft technique with the oncologic safety allowed to use the fat as autologous filler in patients with breast cancer and submitted to breast reconstruction. The objective is to introduce an innovation in the instrument used to harvest fat grafts for breast reconstruction. Methods: Search of anteriority and trademarks were performed at international and national databases, and a prototype was built as a fat harvest instrument with 35cm in length, 4cm in diameter, with 10 holes at the distal extremity, with 2mm diameter each. It was experimented with a harvest of a viscous substance, comparing the prototype with two regular industry cannulas types: three holes Mercedes' type and five roles Pitanguy's type. Results: Four high-relevance patents and one medium-relevance patent were found, which differ from the proposed utility model when comparing the type of design of the distal end of the studied cannulas and the function of the instruments identified. When the prototype's efficiency was compared with the other cannulas, the cannula with five holes in Pitanguy's type was the most efficient, and it was no statistical difference between the prototype and the cannula with three roles in Mercedes' type. Conclusion: The innovation presented to harvest fat graft for breast reconstruction had the same efficiency in harvesting the viscose substance as the cannula Mercedes type with three holes in this experimental model.

Review of articulated elbow orthotics for joint stiffness rehabilitation / Revisão de órteses articuladas de cotovelo para reabilitação de rigidez articular

ABSTRACT Joint stiffness is the most common complication in elbow injuries, presenting several etiologies and pathophysiological mechanisms that hinder treatment and prognosis. Prevention and treatment of joint contracture depend on the cause of stiffness, and early intervention should modify its outcomes. The methods used may be conservative or surgical, alone or in combination, according to each individual situation. Objective: Review articles on articulated elbow orthosis for joint stiffness rehabilitation. Methods: A literature review was conducted in journals available at the PubMed, Medline and LILACS databases, using the following Health Science Descriptors (DeCS): orthotic devices; braces; elbow; elbow joint; contracture; joint disorders. It sought to retrieve and analyze studies with the highest level of evidence that have already been conducted on articulated elbow orthosis for joint stiffness rehabilitation. Results: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, four articles were included from PubMed and none from Medline or LILACS. Of the four PubMed articles, two were systematic reviews and two were randomized clinical trials. Conclusion: Articulated elbow orthoses can benefit joint stiffness treatment, improving range of motion and pain, showing superior effect compared to non-articulated plaster orthotics. Level of Evidence III, Systematic Review of Level III Studies.

RESUMO A rigidez articular é a principal complicação do cotovelo, afetando o tratamento e o prognóstico. O manejo da contratura articular se baseia na sua etiologia, e a intervenção precoce deve modificar o desfecho dessa complicação. Objetivo: Revisar artigos sobre órtese articulada de cotovelo para reabilitação de rigidez articular. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica em periódicos disponíveis do PubMed, Medline e LILACS, utilizando os Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS): aparelhos ortopédicos; braquetes; cotovelo; articulação do cotovelo; contratura; e transtornos da articulação. A intenção foi estabelecer e conhecer estudos de alto poder de evidência já realizados, que tenham tido como referência a temática de órteses articuladas de cotovelo para reabilitação de rigidez articular. Resultados: Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, revisaram-se artigos indexados no PubMed, Medline e LILACS, encontrando-se quatro artigos pelo PubMed e nenhum pelo Medline ou LILACS. Dos quatro artigos, dois eram revisões sistemáticas e dois eram ensaios clínicos randomizados. Conclusão: Órteses articuladas de cotovelo podem ser benéficas no tratamento de rigidez articular, sendo sugerido que melhoram amplitude de movimentos (ADM) e dor, inclusive com efeito superior em relação às órteses não articuladas gessadas. Nível de Evidência III, Revisão Sistemática de Estudos de Nível III.

Postoperative intravenously administered iron sucrose versus postoperative orally administered iron to treat post-bariatric abdominoplasty anaemia (ISAPA): the study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia and iron deficiency are common complications following post-bariatric abdominoplasty. Given the low oral absorbability of iron resulting from bariatric surgery, it has been hypothesised that postoperative intravenously administered iron supplementation could be used to treat anaemia and to prevent the development of iron deficiency in these patients. METHODS/DESIGN: In this multicentre open-label randomised clinical trial, 56 adult women undergoing post-bariatric anchor-line abdominoplasty will be allocated at a ratio of 1:1 for postoperative supplementation with two intravenously administered applications of 200 mg of iron saccharate or postoperative supplementation with 100 mg of iron polymaltose complex administered orally, twice a day for 8 weeks. The primary outcome is the difference in mean haemoglobin levels between the two groups at eight postoperative weeks. Secondary outcomes evaluated at one, four and eight postoperative weeks include iron profile, reticulocyte count, overall quality of life measured using the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, fatigue measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue (FACIT-F), adverse effects and postoperative complications. DISCUSSION: This randomised clinical trial aims to evaluate the haematopoietic effectiveness of intravenously administered iron supplementation in patients undergoing post-bariatric abdominoplasty. A more effective recovery of haemoglobin levels could help improve the patients' quality of life and could provide an improved haematological status in preparation for the subsequent and frequent plastic surgeries these patients undergo. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01857011 (8 May 2013), Universal Trial Number U111-1169-6223, Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC): RBR-2JGRKQ .

Algoritmos para manejo de cicatrizes: a importância da sistematização de condutas / Algorithms for the management of scars: the importance of systematizing behaviors

■ RESUMO Introdução: As cicatrizes patológicas ocorrem a partir de hiperproliferaçãoo de fibroblastos, podendo ser classificadas em cicatrizes hipertróficas e queloides, basicamente as cicatrizes hipertróficas não crescem além dos limites da ferida original, enquanto os queloides crescem horizontalmente de forma nodular. Apesar da diversidade de instrumentos utilizados para orientar a prevenção, tratamento e seguimento de cicatrizes patológicas, existe a necessidade de instrumentos que contemplem realidades locais. O objetivo é realizar uma revisão narrativa de literatura sobre algoritmos para manejo de cicatrizes e criar um algoritmo atualizado. Métodos: Estudo descritivo de revisão narrativa de literatura, sendo realizado uma pesquisa nas bases de dados PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, MEDLINE e Cochrane, no período de novembro de 2010 até novembro de 2020, publicados nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol. Os descritores utilizados foram: "cicatrix", "keloid", "algorithms" e "wound healing". A seleção da amostra consistiu da identificação dos artigos, leitura dos títulos e resumos e seleção de estudos relacionados ao tema e, posteriormente, foi realizada a leitura na íntegra dos estudos selecionados e classificação segundo os critérios de elegibilidade. Resultados: Foram encontrados 209 artigos sendo eliminados 116 devido duplicidade resultando em 45 artigos. Foram identificados um total de 8 artigos que preencheram os critérios de inclusão e após análise e reunião de consenso foram excluídos quatro artigos devido à ausência de algoritmos com rigor científico sendo este estudo composto de quatro artigos. Conclusão: Foram encontrados quatro algoritmos na revisão de literatura que resultaram na elaboração de um algoritmo atualizado para cicatrizes.

■ ABSTRACT Introduction: Pathological scars occur from the hyperproliferation of fibroblasts and can be classified into hypertrophic scars and keloids. Basically, hypertrophic scars do not grow beyond the limits of the original wound, while keloids grow horizontally in a nodular form. Despite the diversity of instruments used to guide the prevention, treatment and follow-up of pathological scars, there is a need for instruments that address local realities. The objective is to carry out a narrative review of the literature on scar management algorithms and create an updated algorithm. Methods: Descriptive study of narrative literature review, with a search in PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases, from November 2010 to November 2020, published in English, Portuguese and Spanish. The descriptors used were: "cicatrix," "keloid," "algorithms," and "wound healing." The sample selection consisted of identifying the articles, reading the titles and abstracts, and selecting studies related to the topic. Subsequently, the full reading of the selected studies and classification according to the eligibility criteria were carried out. Results: 209 articles were found, and 116 were eliminated due to duplicity, resulting in 45 articles. A total of 8 articles that met the inclusion criteria were identified. Four articles were excluded after analysis and consensus meeting due to the absence of algorithms with scientific rigor; this study is composed of four articles. Conclusion: Four algorithms were found in the literature review that resulted in the development of an updated algorithm for scars.

Quality of life after reduction mammaplasty.

Reduction mammaplasty is a common procedure in plastic surgery. Patients seek the operation for neck and lower back pain, and social and emotional problems. The evaluation of health results based on the patient's opinion has become an important and reliable method for the analysis of alterations resulting from treatment. To evaluate the impact of plastic surgery on the quality of life of patients with mammary hypertrophy we used the SF-36 standardised questionnaire in a prospective study of 44 patients preoperatively and three and six months postoperatively. There were significant improvements in seven of the eight aspects of the SF-36 (physical function, physical role, pain, energy, social function, emotional role, and mental health). Only general health was unchanged.

Fio de sutura elástico / Elastic suture thread

Introdução: O tratamento de grandes e médias feridas é um desafio para os cirurgiões quando precisam fechálas e, normalmente, são utilizadas técnicas cirúrgicas de enxertias ou retalhos, que podem deixar sequelas e até mesmo mutilações. Ao longo do tempo desenvolveu-se a técnica de "sutura elástica" que promove a cicatrização em curto espaço de tempo com sequelas menores, entretanto o procedimento tem sido realizado com material improvisado. Objetivo: Desenvolver um fio de sutura elástico cirúrgico que possa ser esterilizado e confeccionado nos moldes dos produtos médicos cirúrgicos. Métodos: Revisão das patentes existentes por meio da busca de anterioridade e comparação com o dispositivo do estudo. Pesquisa de materiais com as características necessárias como elasticidade e tensão. Teste destas características em laboratórios especializados. Resultados: O produto desenvolvido é um fio elástico com duplo agulhamento para suturas, com matéria prima de silicone que apresenta elasticidade e resistência a tensão. Conclusão: O fio de sutura elástico, com duplo agulhamento, para feridas de médio e grande porte foi desenvolvido.

Introduction: Closing large and medium wounds is challenging for surgeons and often leads to the use of graft or flap surgical techniques. These procedures can leave sequelae and even mutilations. An "elastic suture" technique was developed to promote wound healing in a short time span with minor sequelae; however, improvised materials have been used in this procedure. Objective: To develop a surgical elastic suture thread that can be manufactured and sterilized following the standards of surgical medical products. Methods: We conducted a patent search, compared the findings with the study device, and researched materials with necessary characteristics such as elasticity and tension. Testing these characteristics in specialized laboratories. Results: The developed device is a double-needled elastic suture made of silicone that presents tensile strength. Conclusion: Here, we developed a double-needled elastic suture for medium and large wounds.