Study on the Clinical Effects of Liposuction and Small Incision Gland Resection for the Treatment of Gynecomastia.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of liposuction combined with small incision gland resection for treating gynecomastia. Methods: This study included 78 male patients with gynecomastia who received treatment at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, between August 2009 and June 2020. The patients were divided into two groups: the combined group (n = 39) underwent liposuction combined with small incision gland resection, while the open group (n = 39) underwent open surgical resection alone. The two groups were compared in terms of incision length, postoperative complications, postoperative scarring, and patient satisfaction. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in appearance. However, the combined group had fewer postoperative complications, significantly better incision length, and patient satisfaction than the open group (P < .05). Conclusions: Liposuction combined with small incision gland resection is a precise, less invasive, and less complicated surgical treatment option for gynecomastia, with hidden scars and high patient satisfaction. This approach should be promoted as a preferred treatment method.

Feel the Burn: Case Report of Internal Thermal Injury from Liposculpture.

BACKGROUND Liposuction is a commonly performed aesthetic procedure. New technology is being integrated to target fine lines or creases in the skin, known as rhytides, and skin laxity that cannot be corrected with liposuction. "Liposculpture" is a new term to describe a variation of liposuction that integrates this new technology for both fat reduction and skin tightening. A new form of liposculpture known as Renuvion, which utilizes a helium-based plasma technology, is being added to improve cosmetic outcomes. In this case report, we describe a case of internal thermal injury masquerading as cellulitis from the use of this new technology. CASE REPORT A 37-year-old African-American woman with a history of anemia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and depression, with prior breast reduction and liposuction, presented to the emergency room with a 5-day history of waxing/waning fevers that began shortly after undergoing a liposculpture procedure. Imaging demonstrated subcutaneous emphysema and edema in the abdominal wall. Empiric antimicrobials were started given concern for surgical wound infection, but erythema and pain worsened despite treatment. Other infectious markers were negative including negative procalcitonin, normal white blood cell count, and no growth from wound and blood cultures, leading to consideration of a new diagnosis of thermal injury. Antibiotics were subsequently de-escalated to a combination of levofloxacin and doxycycline. She was also treated with topical silver sulfadiazine for her thermal injury. She required multiple rounds of infrared light therapy and lymphatic massage techniques with overall improvement but lasting hyperpigmentation by her 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Thermal injuries have been an extremely rare finding in patients undergoing cosmetic procedures. Treatments targeting skin laxity and rhytides may confer higher risk. It is important to note that presentations can mimic cellulitis or surgical site infection. In this case vignette, we describe a rare complication of thermal injury following a liposculpture procedure using a cold atmospheric plasma device in a previously healthy 37-year-old African-American woman.

Efficacy of Cold Tumescent for Prevention of Intraoperative Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Liposuction: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial-Half-Side Comparison.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding, a common intraoperative complication of liposuction, often causes pain and discomfort during recovery. Because of the vasoconstrictive effect of adrenaline in the tumescent solution, bleeding can be reduced; however, reports of postoperative bleeding persist. Cold temperatures also have a vasoconstrictive effect. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of cold tumescent solution in preventing and reducing intraoperative bleeding. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted between June 2018 and June 2019. The liposuction areas in each participant were divided into left and right sides; one side received operative room temperature tumescent solution (25 °C), and the other side received low-temperature tumescent solution (4 °C). The areas of ecchymosis, pain scores, and patient and surgeon satisfaction scores were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: Ten patients with 36 pairs of liposuction areas were enrolled in the study. Cold tumescent liposuction resulted in a significantly lower lipocrit than was obtained on the standard tumescent side (1.56 ± 0.69 vs 2.92 ± 0.94; P < .001). The ecchymosis area and pain score were significantly lower in the cold tumescent group on days 2, 4, 7, and 14. The satisfaction evaluation scores did not differ between patients and surgeons at 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of cold tumescent anesthesia significantly improved liposuction outcomes by reducing the intraoperative blood loss and the postoperative ecchymosis and pain, with no immediate or short-term complications in low-volume liposuction (<1000 mL) procedures. Furthermore, it generated a standard outcome and good patient satisfaction scores.

Safety of Tumescent Liposuction Under Local Anesthesia in 9,002 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction has become one of the most popular aesthetic procedures today. Among the different anesthesia methods, tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) has been shown to be the safest. Liposuction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under minimal oral sedation and without the need for any intravenous (IV) fluid administration. OBJECTIVE: To record complications in a larger series of patients undergoing liposuction in TLA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2003 and 2020, 9,002 consecutive patients underwent liposuction in TLA with the same team of surgeons. The occurrence of complications was recorded in detail. RESULTS: There were neither fatal complications nor damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, abdominal organs, nor permanent lymphedema. A total of 19 of the following side effects, mainly minor, required closer follow-up or intervention: allergic drug reaction to doxycycline (0.06%), seroma (0.04%), large hematoma (0.03%), erysipelas (0.02%), transient acrocyanosis (0.02%), deep vein thrombosis (0.01%), skin necrosis (0.01%), and generalized edema (0.01%). CONCLUSION: Liposuction in TLA is a reliable and safe procedure if it is performed by an experienced surgeon and the guidelines of care are strictly followed.

High Volume Liposuction in Tumescence Anesthesia in Lipedema Patients: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lipedema is a chronic, progressive disease that occurs almost exclusively in women and leads to pathological, painful fat growths at the extremities. Only symptomatic therapy can be offered since the etiology of the disease has not yet been clarified. Liposuction in tumescent anesthesia has established itself as a surgical treatment method of choice. The complication rate associated with the procedure and the pharmacological course and safety of treatment in patients with lipedema has not yet been sufficiently studied. The aim of the study was to broaden the evidence on the safety of ambulatory high-volume liposuction in tumescent anesthesia in lipedema patients. Influencing factors of patients (weight, fat content, comorbidities) or the process technique (drug administration, volume of aspirates) should be investigated on the safety and risks of tumescent anesthesia. This was a retrospective data analysis in which data from 27 patients (40 liposuction procedures) treated at the Sandhofer and Barsch lipedema center between 2016 and 2018 were evaluated. The liposuctions were carried out in tumescent anesthesia and using a Power-Assisted Liposuction system. Clinical examinations and regular blood samples were carried out before the procedure, intra- and postoperatively. The procedures lasted an average of 118 minutes and an average of 6111 ml of aspirate was removed. For tumescent anesthesia, patients were given an average lidocaine dose of 34.23 mg/kg body weight and an epinephrine dose of 0.11 mg/kg body weight. No relevant complications associated with drug side effects, hypovolemia or hypervolemia or blood loss were detected. Liposuction under high volume tumescent anesthesia for the treatment of lipedema patients is, even for major intervention, a safe procedure. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(3):326-334. doi:10.36849/JDD.5828.

Evaluation of Long-Term Outcome and Patient Satisfaction Results After Tumescent Liposuction.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures around the world. Tumescent liposuction using local anesthesia has been shown to be the safest technique. Few long-term studies of results and satisfaction have been published on tumescent liposuction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term results and patient satisfaction of tumescent liposuction in a single-center institution. METHODS: Patients (n = 600) who had tumescent liposuction performed in our practice from 2002 to 2014 were contacted through letter, email, or phone to complete a questionnaire survey and in-office follow-up visit regarding their past liposuction procedures. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (n = 32) completed the patient questionnaire survey and followed up in the office. Surgeon and blinded evaluators saw significant differences in both the neck volume (surgeon evaluator: 2.42 vs. 0.71, p < .01; blinded evaluator: 2.8-1, p = .02) and Investigator Assessment Skin Laxity scales (blinded evaluator: 1.14 vs. 0.77, p < .01 for laxity and 1.33 vs. 0.75, p < .01 for firmness; surgeon evaluator: 1.17 vs. 0.83, p = .01 for laxity and 1.31 vs. 0.83; p < .01 for firmness). The mean follow-up period was 8.9 years overall and 9.9 years for the neck. Overall, 85.7% of the patients would recommend liposuction to their friends and family members. CONCLUSION: Tumescent liposuction is a safe procedure with long-lasting results and high patient satisfaction.

Microsurgical lymphatic vascular grafting and secondary liposuction: Results of combination treatment in secondary lymphedema.

Surgical treatment of lymphedema with liposuction typically requires subsequent compression therapy. Here we describe an approach where secondary arm lymphedemas are initially treated by autologous lymphatic grafting to bypass the axilla and restore lymphatic flow. In the presence of excess adipose tissue, liposuction is then performed in a second procedure. To assess outcomes, the authors evaluated 28 consecutive adult patients who had undergone secondary liposuction following lymphatic grafting. Arm volumes were measured prior to lymphatic grafting and after the secondary liposuction. The necessity for additional treatment by compression garment and manual lymphatic drainage was assessed prior to lymphatic grafting and after the secondary liposuction following the direct postoperative regimen. The mean arm volumes were reduced significantly (p<0.001) from a mean of 3417± 171 (SEM) cm3 prior to lymphatic grafting to 3020±125 cm3 after reconstruction of the lymphatic vascular system and finally to 2516±104 cm3 after the secondary liposuction (SLS). All 28 adult patients underwent continuous compression and manual lymph-drainage (MLD) prior to the reconstructive surgery. All 28 patients were evaluated regarding necessity of any additional therapy more than 6 months after SLS with a median follow up period of 37 months (range, 7-160 months). 18 of 28 patients did not require any supportive therapy beyond 6 months after SLS to maintain the results. Three patients continued to utilize manual lymphatic drainage, 4 used a combination of MLD and compression therapy and 3 used elastic compression therapy (one patient only while at work). These results indicate that microsurgical restoration of lymphatic outflow followed by SLS eliminates the need for additional treatment in more than two thirds of patients.

Water-jet-assisted liposuction for the treatment of lipedema: Standardized treatment protocol and results of 63 patients.

BACKGROUND: Lipedema is a condition of painful increase in subcutaneous fat affecting almost exclusively women. Several studies have examined the effectiveness of liposuction in the treatment of lipedema, but none has focused on water-jet-assisted liposuction technique. METHODS: A standardized treatment protocol for liposuction in lipedema, which was established over the course of 15 years, is presented. Patients received questionnaires preoperatively and after operative treatment assessing characteristics and symptom severity on visual analog scales in a prospective manner. RESULTS: Pre- and postoperative questionnaires were available for 63 patients. Median age was 35 years and mean (body mass index) BMI 28.4 ± 0.6, all patients had stages I or II lipedema diagnosed by two separate specialists. After a mean follow-up of 22 months after operative treatment, all assessed symptom had decreased significantly in severity. All patients wore compression garments and/or received manual lymphatic drainage preoperatively; this could be reduced to only 44% of patients needing any conservative treatment postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Liposuction in water-jet-assisted technique using the presented treatment protocol is an efficient method of operative treatment of early-stage lipedema patients leading to a marked decrease in symptom severity and need for conservative treatment.

Surgical treatment of Milroy disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Milroy disease is a form of congenital primary lymphedema affecting the lower limbs. When conservative management is ineffective, surgical treatment becomes necessary. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) associated with extensive therapeutic lipectomy in the treatment of these patients. METHODS: In China Medical University Hospital, four patients have been diagnosed with Milroy disease and treated over an 8 year-period time. All patients presented with hereditary bilateral legs swelling since birth. All patients were treated with VLNT from the gastroepiploic region bilaterally associated with extensive therapeutic lipectomy. RESULTS: All procedures have been executed bilaterally and have been successful, without complications. The average follow-up of the patients was 20.2 ± 2.8 months. The limbs treated presented an average circumference reduction of a 4.0 ± 2.1 cm and patients did not experience cellulitis during follow-up. Patients expressed satisfaction with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: VLNT together with therapeutic lipectomy proved to be a reliable technique in moderate cases of Milroy disease, providing an alternative path for lymph drainage, and reducing the lymph load and the excess of subcutaneous adipose tissues, thus improving patients' quality of life.

Prevention of Progression of Lipedema With Liposuction Using Tumescent Local Anesthesia: Results of an International Consensus Conference.

BACKGROUND: Lipedema is a chronic, progressive disorder of subcutaneous adipose tissue that usually affects the lower extremities of women. Also known as "two-body syndrome," the fat accumulations in lipedema are unsightly and painful. The disorder is well-known in Europe but is largely unrecognized and underdiagnosed in the United States. OBJECTIVE: To hold the First International Consensus Conference on Lipedema with the purpose of reviewing current European guidelines and the literature regarding the long-term benefits that have been reported to occur after lymph-sparing liposuction for lipedema using tumescent local anesthesia. METHODS: International experts on liposuction for lipedema were convened as part of the First International Congress on Lipedema in Vienna, Austria, June 9 to 10, 2017. RESULTS: Multiple studies from Germany have reported long-term benefits for as long as 8 years after liposuction for lipedema using tumescent local anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Lymph-sparing liposuction using tumescent local anesthesia is currently the only effective treatment for lipedema.

Recuperação clínica e laboratorial dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia combinada de lipoaspiração corporal e lipoabdominoplastia / Clinical and laboratory recovery of patients undergoing body liposuction associated with lipoabdominoplasty

Introdução: A lipoaspiração corporal e abdominoplastia são cirurgias muitas vezes realizadas em conjunto para obter melhores resultados na modelagem corporal. Cirurgias associadas sempre aumentam a espoliação, por isto conhecer o comportamento da hemoglobina (Hb) no pós-operatório e a recuperação do paciente submetido a estas cirurgias combinadas é importante para sua segurança. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a queda da Hb e a recuperação clínica e laboratorial dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia combinada de lipoaspiração corporal e lipoabdominoplastia. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo prospectivo em pacientes submetidos à lipoaspiração corporal e lipoabdominoplastia, coletando-se hemogramas antes da indução anestésica, ao final da cirurgia, antes da alta hospitalar, após a 1ª, 2ª e 4ª semanas de pós-operatórios e também acompanhando suas evoluções clínicas. Resultados: A média da Hb ao final da cirurgia e na alta hospitalar foi de 10,4g/dl (desvio padrão (DP) 0,76) e 8,92g/dl (DP 0,86), respectivamente. A recuperação em média da Hb após 1ª, 2ª e 4ª semanas foi de 2,4% (DP 18,07), 41,6% (DP 18,4) e 74% (DP 15,2), respectivamente, em relação a redução que ocorreu entre a Hb inicial e a da alta hospitalar. Queixas de fraqueza e lipotimia foram frequentes até o segundo dia. Conclusão: A melhora clínica ocorreu até o segundo dia de pós-operatório (DPO) e a hemoglobina levou aproximadamente 1 mês para normalizar na maioria dos pacientes tratados apenas com reposição oral de ferro, sem necessidade de hemotransfusão.

Introduction: Body liposuction and abdominoplasty are surgeries often performed together to obtain superior results in body modeling. Since associated surgeries often increase spoliation, being aware of the evolution of hemoglobin (Hb) in the postoperative period and during the recovery of the patients undergoing these associated surgeries is important for their safety. This study aimed to analyze the decrease in Hb and the clinical and laboratory results throughout the recovery of patients undergoing body liposuction associated with lipoabdominoplasty. Methods: A prospective study was conducted with patients undergoing body liposuction and lipoabdominoplasty. CBCs were collected before anesthetic induction, at the end of the surgery, before hospital discharge, after the 1st, 2nd, and 4th postoperative weeks, and during their clinical follow-up period. Results: The average Hb values at the end of surgery and hospital discharge were 10.4 g/dL (standard deviation (SD) 0.76) and 8.92 g/dL (SD 0.86), respectively. The average values during the recovery of Hb after the 1st, 2nd, and 4th weeks were 2.4% (SD 18.07), 41.6% (SD 18.4), and 74% (SD 15.2), respectively. This is in relation to the reduction between the initial Hb and at hospital discharge. Complaints of weakness and lipothymia were frequent until the second day. Conclusion: Clinical improvement was observed until the second postoperative day (PO day). Hemoglobin required approximately 1 month to normalize in most patients. These patients were treated only with oral iron replacement and did not require blood transfusions.

Improved Adipocyte Viability in Autologous Fat Grafting With Ascorbic Acid-Supplemented Tumescent Solution.

INTRODUCTION: In reconstructive surgery, fat volume augmentation is often necessary for esthetic or functional reasons. As an alternative to synthetic and xenogeneic materials, autologous fat grafting (AFG) based on liposuction is gaining popularity, yet successful transplantation and long-term volume maintenance are difficult. Standard tumescent solution formulations neglect adipocyte and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell survival during extraction, as well as SVF differentiation into adipocytes thereafter, all of which are crucial for the success of AFG. Here we hypothesized that addition of ascorbic acid (AA) to the tumescent solution could prevent liposuction-induced cell damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of 0.1 mmol/L AA in tumescent solution was investigated in a previously described ex vivo model of AFG. Briefly, excision fat was infiltrated with tumescent solution, with or without AA, and incubated for 20 minutes at 37°C. Hand-assisted liposuction was then performed with a blunt cannula. Total cell viability, clonogenicity, and differentiation capacity of the SVF cells were assessed. RESULTS: With AA, 10.3% more cells and in particular 14.9% more adipocytes survived liposuction. Clonogenicity, adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation by SVF cells remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of AA successfully improved survival of adipocytes during liposuction without affecting SVF growth and differentiation. This study therefore identified a useful supplement to the tumescent solution which may lead to improving AFG success.

Evaluation of autologous adipose-derived stem cells vs. fractional carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of post acne scars: a split-face study.

BACKGROUND: Scarring is a distressing outcome of acne, as it causes cosmetic and psychological problems to the patients. Unfortunately no single treatment is satisfactory; instead, employing multiple modalities may have better outcome. Autologous adipose tissue-derived adult stem cells (AT-ASCs) and their secretory factors can stimulate collagen synthesis; angiogenesis and migration of fibroblasts thus regenerate damaged tissues. Also, conventional treatments for acne scarring, such as lasers and topical regimens, induce new collagen synthesis via activation of dermal fibroblasts or growth factors. The aim of the study was to verify the effectiveness of AT-ASCs for the treatment of acne scarring vs. the fractional carbon dioxide laser (FxCR). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Split face comparative study included 10 adult patients with post-acne scars on both sides of the face. One side received AT-ASCs single injection while the other received three sessions of FxCR. Scars were then assessed using the global scoring system Goodman and Baron, scar area percent using NIH ImageJ software and functional assessment by measuring the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration. Both sides were followed for three months. RESULTS: A significant improvement in the degree of scar severity, scar area percent, skin hydration, and TEWL after 3 months of treatment on both sides of the face with insignificant differences between both treatment modalities, provided that AT-ASCs treatment was employed once vs. three sessions of FxCR. CONCLUSION: One injection of AT-ASCs is as effective as three sessions of FxCR in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.

Treatment for lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To perform the first systematic review evaluating all established treatment modalities of head and neck lymphedema resulting from head and neck cancer therapy. Since craniofacial lymphedema treatment represents unique challenges not addressed by extremity lymphedema therapies, a systematic review and evaluation of treatment modalities specific to this area is needed to guide clinical management and further research. DATA SOURCES: Four electronic databases were searches from inception to September 2018. These included Scopus (Embase), PubMed (Medline), Clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane Databases. REVIEW METHODS: A search string was developed, and all databases queried for keywords on three subjects: head and neck cancer, lymphedema, and therapy. Results were uploaded to an EndNote database where relevant items were identified by hand-searching all titles and abstracts. Subsequently results were combined, duplicates removed, and full papers screened according to eligibility criteria. RESULTS: Of a total 492 search results, twenty-six items met eligibility criteria for this review. These included fourteen cohort studies, seven case reports, two randomized controlled trials, two systematic reviews, and one narrative review totaling 1018 study subjects. The manual lymph drainage group had the largest number of studies and participants, with fewer studies investigating selenium, liposuction, and lymphaticovenular anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Evidence for the efficacy of all types of lymphedema therapy is limited by paucity of large randomized controlled trials. While manual lymph drainage is best studied, liposuction and surgical treatments have also been effective in a small number of patients.

Safety Studies in the Field of Liposuction: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing demand for safety standards for cosmetic treatments. With regard to liposuction, interdisciplinary consensus is lacking, especially regarding treatment setting and physician specialty. OBJECTIVE: A solid, independent interpretation of scientific data on safety requires a systematic approach, which is the aim of this study. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted for safety studies about liposuction through April 2017. Fatalities and/or reported serious adverse events served as outcome measures for safety. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included. Factors that contributed to increased serious complication and mortality risk were: use of the (super)wet technique; use of systemic anesthetics, especially general anesthesia and intravenous sedation; execution by a plastic surgeon; execution in an operating room; and combination with other procedures. CONCLUSION: Liposuction using tumescent local anesthesia has been shown to be the safest method of fat removal, especially if no or only minimal systemic anesthesia is used. Performance of this technique in an office-based setting has been proven to be safe beyond doubt. When systemic anesthesia is used, an outpatient or ambulatory surgery facility seems also safe. Regardless of the physician specialty, knowledge and training on the execution of the tumescent procedure are vital to ensure optimal safety.

Complications of Cryolipolysis: Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) and Beyond.

BACKGROUND: Cryolipolysis is a fairly popular procedure performed in North America, Europe, and many other countries. Although it is considered a rather safe procedure, there are underreported side effects such as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), contour irregularities, skin and soft tissue atrophy, and asymmetries. Our knowledge regarding the prevalence and treatment of such complications is limited. OBJECTIVES: We hereby report a case series of 5 patients treated for various complications of cryolipolysis, including PAH, that persisted for more than 12 months after their last treatment. METHODS: Five patients with various complications of cryolipolysis (4 patients with PAH and 1 with atrophy and indentations) presented in our private office between 2015 and 2018. Three of the 4 patients with PAH were treated at other facilities with ultrasonic liposuction, laser lipolysis, and radiofrequency skin tightening devices respectively. The fourth patient developed PAH after liposuction at another facility. The fifth patient developed several areas of indentations and atrophy and received mesotherapy and lymphatic massages at another facility. All 5 patients were subsequently treated in our office by means of a customized approach specific to their underlying complications. RESULTS: Near-normal results were achieved in all 5 patients. None of our patients showed any recurrences of their initial complication for which they were treated. All 5 patients were extremely satisfied with their results. CONCLUSIONS: Cryolipolysis, just like any other form of lipolysis, has certain specific adverse effects associated with it, including but not limited to PAH. Complications of cryolipolysis must be individually recognized and treated accordingly.

Segurança do paciente: alterações da hemoglobina e ferro sérico após lipoaspiração e/ou abdominoplastia / Patient safety: changes in hemoglobin and serum iron after liposuction and/or abdominoplasty

Introdução: A lipoaspiração é o sendo segundo procedimento mais realizado no Brasil. Com os avanços da técnica, melhores equipamentos e aumento da segurança no ambiente cirúrgico, passaram-se a ser lipoaspiradas grandes áreas. Contudo, existe uma preocupação com a segurança do paciente. Comitês de segurança têm feito recomendações sobre a infiltração, anestesia, seleção do paciente, volume aspirado, entre outros. A Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica e o Conselho Federal de Medicina também determinaram parâmetros de volumes de segurança do aspirado e superfície corporal aspirada. Ainda assim, a literatura de apoio para as recomendações é escassa. O objetivo é avaliar as alterações dos níveis de hemoglobina, ferro sérico e proteínas totais no pré e pós-operatório mediato (7-10 dias), assim como seus reflexos nos pacientes. Métodos: Realizamos um estudo prospectivo, com pacientes submetidos à lipoaspiração isolada e associada à dermolipectomia abdominal, por indicações estéticas. Avaliamos 30 pacientes, sendo coletados dados demográficos, peso, Índice de Massa Corporal, níveis de hemoglobina, ferro sérico e proteínas totais, no pré-operatório, e entre 7 a 10 dias de pós-operatório. Resultados: A queda da hemoglobina foi entre 2-6g/dl, com média de 3,1g/dl aos 7-10 dia de PO. Tivemos como valor mínimo de hemoglobina 7,8g/dl no pós-operatório com 7-10 dias, enquanto o ferro sérico apresentou redução média de 44,87g/dl. Conclusão: A redução no nível da hemoblogina foi responsável pela sintomatolgia clinica apresentada. A reposição de ferro se mostrou necessária no pós-operatório imediato.

Introduction: Liposuction is the second commonest procedure performed in Brazil. The scope for liposuction has broadened with advances in the technique, with better equipment, and increased safety in the surgical environment. However, there are concerns about patient safety. Safety committees have made recommendations on various aspects of the procedure including infiltration, anesthesia, patient selection, and aspirated volume. The Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery and the Federal Council of Medicine have also determined the parameters for aspiration safety volumes, and for the aspiration of body surface. However, supporting literature for the recommendations is scarce. The objective is to evaluate changes in hemoglobin, serum iron, and total protein levels in the peri-operative days (between 7 and 10 days), in addition to its impact in patients. Methods: We performed a prospective study, with patients submitted to either liposuction alone, or in conjunction with abdominal dermolipectomy for esthetic indications. We evaluated 30 patients, collecting their demographic data, weight, body mass index, hemoglobin, serum iron, and total protein levels in both, the pre-operative period, and between 7 and 10 post-operative days. Results: The fall in hemoglobin levels were between 2 and 6 g /dL, with an average of 3.1 g /dL between 7 and 10 post-operative days . A minimum hemoglobin value of 7.8 g/dL was noted between 7 and 10 days after surgery, while the mean reduction of serum iron was found to be 44.87 g/dL. Conclusion: The reduction in hemoglobin levels was responsible for the clinical symptoms. Iron supplementation was required in the immediate post-operative period.

Efectividad y seguridad de las intervenciones para el manejo del linfedema / Effectiveness and safety of interventions for the management of lymphedema

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se recibe un pedido de evaluación del tratamiento del linfedema, en relación a su posible incorporación al Programa Médico Obligatorio (PMO). El Linfedema se define como una acumulación anormal de líquido intersticial y tejido fibroadiposo que ocurre como consecuencia de lesiones, infecciones o anomalías congénitas del sistema de drenaje linfático. En los países desarrollados la mayoría de los casos corresponden a formas de Linfedema Secundario, principalmente asociadas a neoplasias o a sus tratamientos, y entre ellos el cáncer de mama es la causa más frecuente. TECNOLOGÍAS EVALUADAS: Terapia descongestiva compleja (TDC), Drenaje linfático manual, Terapia de compresión, Ejercicios de reducción linfática, "Kinesio Taping", Láser de baja intensidad, Cirugía (incluyendo procedimientos escisionales, Procedimientos de liposucción y Procedimientos de reconstrucción linfática) El comparador utilizado fue el conjunto de tecnologías destinadas al manejo de esta condición que ya se encuentran incluídas en el PMO. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de estudios secundarios (revisiones sistemáticas, guías de práctica clínica, informes de ETS). Se incluyeron Revisiones Sistemáticas cuya calidad metodológica fue valorada con la herramienta PRISMA. RESULTADOS Y COMENTARIOS: Se incluyeron 10 revisiones sistemáticas cuya calidad metodológica fue en general buena. Sin embargo los estudios primarios en los que se basaron dichas revisiones presentan en su gran mayoría importantes deficiencias metodológicas y elevado riesgo de sesgos. La evidencia en relación a las intervenciones no invasivas muestra un grado variable de efectividad de las mismas. En el caso de la terapia descongestiva compleja el cuerpo de la evidencia mostró resultados variables en los distintos estudios. La mayoría de éstos reportaron diferencias no significativas. El drenaje linfático manual combinado con diferentes intervenciones también tuvo resultados heterogéneos en distintos estudios y para diversos desenlaces clínicos. La mayoría fueron no significativos. Para los desenlaces de calidad de vida, la fisioterapia en combinación con el ejercicio tuvo um beneficio estadísticamente significativos para sus componentes físico y mental en el período post tratamiento. El ejercicio mostró beneficios estadísticamente significativos también en cuanto a la reducción de volumen del miembro afectado. En el caso de las mangas y vendajes compresivos el resultado fue no significativo desde el punto de vista estadístico en la primera fase del tratamiento, pero sí resultó efectivo en la fase de mantenimiento. En el caso de la compresión neumática intermitente, el beneficio del tratamento compresivo resultó significativo estadísticamente. La intervención denominada kinesio-taping no mostró efectividad. Los resultados del tratamiento con láser se mostraron favorables para el desenlace reducción del volumen del miembro afectado, sin consignarse la significación clínica de la intervención, y no significativos para la mejoría del dolor. Las intervenciones no invasivas mencionadas no se asociaron a efectos adversos significativos y fueron bien toleradas por los pacientes. En cuanto a las distintas intervenciones quirúrgicas, se reportaron diferentes grados de efectividad con respecto a los desenlaces analizados. Sin embargo, la heterogeneidad con respecto principalmente a las poblaciones analizadas y severidad de la enfermedad, así como las importantes limitaciones metodológicas de los estudios, dificulta la interpretación de sus resultados. Los procedimientos escisionales en los estudios relevados reportaron beneficios para reducir el volumen pero sólo se emplearon en pacientes con estadíos avanzados de la patología; lo que impide la evaluación de su efectividad o seguridad en otros grupos de pacientes. Se presentaron mayor número de complicaciones en relación a las demás estrategias quirúrgicas. La evidencia en los procedimientos de liposucción muestra que estos fueron aplicados a pacientes con estadíos avanzados de la enfermedad en quienes no se reportaron complicaciones y se halló efectividad en cuanto a la reducción de volumen del miembro afectado como en mejoría en la calidad de vida (aunque el modo de valoración de este último desenlace resultó sumamente heterogéneo). Sin embargo el tiempo de seguimiento de la mayoría de los estudios incluídos impresiona demasiado breve para valorar la efectividad del tratamiento. En cuanto a los procedimientos de reconstrucción linfática, tanto LVA como VLNT la evidencia encontrada mostró efectividad clínica para los desenlaces estudiados de manera más consistente con respecto al resto de las intervenciones; en el caso de las complicaciones, su frecuencia fue muy variable pero no se reportaron eventos adversos severos. Es probable que los resultados heterogéneos de todas las intervenciones de manera global no justifiquen un cambio de conducta terapéutica en relación a la que se realiza de manera habitual. El beneficio de las intervenciones no invasivas está fuertemente relacionado a la adherencia a largo plazo por parte de los pacientes.

Evaluation of Glandular Liposculpture as a Single Treatment for Grades I and II Gynaecomastia.

BACKGROUND: Gynaecomastia is a benign enlargement of the male breast, of which the psychological burden on the patient can be considerable, with the increased risk of disorders such as depression, anxiety, and social phobia. Minimal scarring can be achieved by liposuction alone, though it is known to have a limited effect on the dense glandular and fibroconnective tissues. We know of few studies published on "liposuction alone", so we designed this study to evaluate the outcome of combining liposuction with glandular liposculpturing through two axillary incisions as a single treatment for the management of grades I and II gynaecomastia. METHODS: We made a retrospective analysis of 18 patients with grade I or II gynaecomastia who were operated on by combined liposuction and glandular liposculpturing using a fat disruptor cannula, without glandular excision, during the period 2014-2016. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Breast Evaluation Questionnaire (BEQ), which is a 5-point Likert scale (1 = very dissatisfied; 2 = dissatisfied; 3 = neither; 4 = satisfied; 5 = very satisfied). The post-operative aesthetic appearance of the chest was evaluated by five independent observers on a scale from 1 to 5 (5 = considerable improvement). RESULTS: The patient mean (SD) overall satisfaction score was 4.7 (0.7), in which 92% of the responders were "satisfied" to "very satisfied". The mean (SD) BEQ for all questions answered increased from 2.1 (0.2) "dissatisfied" preoperatively to 4.1 (0.2) "satisfied" post-operatively. The observers' mean (SD) rate for the improvement in the shape of the front chest wall was 4.1 (0.7). No haematomas were recorded, one patient developed a wound infection, and two patients complained of remnants of tissue. The median (IQR) body mass index was 27.4 (26.7-29.4), 11 patients had gynaecomastia grade I, and 7 patients grade II. The median (IQR) volume of aspirated fat was 700 ml (650-800), operating time was 67 (65-75) minutes, 14 patients had general anaesthesia, and hospital charges were US$ 538 (481-594). CONCLUSIONS: Combined liposuction and liposculpturing using the fat disruptor cannula resulted in satisfied patients and acceptable outcomes according to the observers' ratings. It could be a useful alternative with an outcome that corresponds to that of more expensive methods. 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 .