Skin field cancerisation: A systematic review of the literature regarding its treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Skin neoplasms are the most frequent malignant lesions, increasing patient's morbidity when associated with skin field cancerisation. There is a need to understand the current therapies, both clinical and surgical. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guideline, registered in PROSPERO: CRD42018114826, including studies from 2012 to 2019. RESULTS: Seven hundred and eighty-two studies were found, of which 21 were included. Of these, 8 primary studies were randomised controlled trials: fractional CO2 laser-assisted photodynamic therapy (PDT) vs. PDT (no significance), daylight PDT vs. PDT (no significance, daylight PDT had less adverse effects), trichloroacetic acid peel vs. 5-aminolaevulinic acid PDT (clinical improvement of aminolaevulinic acid PDT), 5-Fluorouracil 0.5%/Salicylic Acid 10% vs. vehicle (clinical improvement of 5-Fluorouracil 0.5%/Salicylic Acid 10%), photolyase vs. sun filters (no significance), sunscreens vs. sunscreens plus DNA repair enzymes (DNA Repair Enzymes was more effective in reducing field cancerisation). Only one systematic review was included in which there was effectiveness of daylight PDT in the treatment of actinic keratoses. The other 12 included studies had a lower level of evidence including surgical studies. CONCLUSION: Clinical studies are more relevant in the treatment of the field cancerisation. There is a lack of surgical studies.

Direct variable cost of the topical treatment of stages III and IV pressure injuries incurred in a public university hospital.

AIM: to estimate the direct variable costs of the topical treatment of stages III and IV pressure injuries of hospitalized patients in a public university hospital, and assess the correlation between these costs and hospitalization time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients of both sexes who had been admitted to the São Paulo Hospital, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, from 2011 to 2012, with pressure injuries in the sacral, ischial or trochanteric region were included. The patients had a total of 57 pressure injuries in the selected regions, and the lesions were monitored daily until patient release, transfer or death. The quantities and types of materials, as well as the amount of professional labor time spent on each procedure and each patient were recorded. The unit costs of the materials and the hourly costs of the professional labor were obtained from the hospital's purchasing and human resources departments, respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficient and the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: The mean topical treatment costs for stages III and IV PIs were significantly different (US$ 854.82 versus US$ 1785.35; p = 0.004). The mean topical treatment cost of stages III and IV pressure injuries per patient was US$ 1426.37. The mean daily topical treatment cost per patient was US$ 40.83. There was a significant correlation between hospitalization time and the total costs of labor and materials (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between hospitalization time periods for stages III and IV pressure injuries (40.80 days and 45.01 days, respectively; p = 0.834). CONCLUSION: The mean direct variable cost of the topical treatment for stages III and IV pressure injuries per patient in this public university hospital was US$ 1426.37.

Sexual Function and Depression Outcomes Among Breast Hypertrophy Patients Undergoing Reduction Mammaplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The breasts are important symbols of femininity and sensuality. Alterations such as breast hypertrophy can affect several aspects of women's quality of life. Breast hypertrophy is a prevalent health condition, which is treated by reduction mammaplasty. The aim of the present study was to assess sexual function and depression outcomes among breast hypertrophy patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty. METHODS: Sixty breast hypertrophy patients were randomly allocated to a control group (CG) (n = 30) or a breast reduction group (BRG) (n = 30). The patients in the CG were assessed at the first appointment as well as 3 and 6 months later. The patients in the BRG were assessed preoperatively as well as 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Validated instruments, the Female Sexual Function Index and the Beck Depression Inventory, were used to assess sexual function and depression among the subjects. The results of these assessments were compared within and between groups. RESULTS: Twenty-seven and 29 patients in the CG and the BRG, respectively, completed the 6-month follow-up period. At baseline, the groups did not differ significantly with regard to the main demographic data. In the initial assessment, the groups did not differ significantly with regard to Female Sexual Function Index or Beck Depression Inventory scores. Compared with the CG, the BRG reported better sexual function 3 (P = 0.015) and 6 (P = 0.009) months postoperatively. Regarding depression scores, the reduction mammaplasty group had better results 6 months postoperatively (P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Reduction mammaplasty positively affected sexual function and depression levels in breast hypertrophy patients.

Effects of Lidocaine, Bupivacaine, and Ropivacaine on Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Substance P Levels in the Incised Rat Skin.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of 2% lidocaine, 0.5% bupivacaine, and 0.75% ropivacaine on the release of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in skin wounds. DESIGN: A primary, experimental, analytical, prospective, self-controlled, blinded study. SETTING: The study is set in a university research center. INTERVENTIONS: Twenty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: lidocaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine, and the control. After general anesthesia, a local anesthetic or 0.9% saline (control) was injected subdermally along a 2-cm line on the dorsal midline of each rat; 30 minutes later, an incision (nociceptive stimulus) was made along this line. The animals were euthanized, and skin samples were collected from the center of the incision line and sent for CGRP and SP quantification. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quantification of CGRP and SP by Western blotting. RESULTS: Substance P levels were similar in the lidocaine and ropivacaine groups but were significantly lower than those of the control group (P = .002); no significant difference in SP levels was found between the bupivacaine and control groups. Procalcitonin gene-related peptide levels were significantly lower in the experimental groups than those in control subjects (P = .009), with no significant differences among the experimental groups. No significant differences in CGRP levels were found among all groups. Lidocaine and ropivacaine inhibited SP release. All 3 local anesthetics inhibited the release of procalcitonin gene-related peptide, but not the release of CGRP in rat skin. CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine and ropivacaine may inhibit neurogenic inflammation by biochemical pathways activated by SP, whereas bupivacaine seems to have no influence on this process.

Effect of High- and Low-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Angiogenesis and Myofibroblast Proliferation in Acute Excisional Wounds in Rat Skin.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of high- (HF) and low-frequency (LF) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on angiogenesis and myofibroblast proliferation in acute excisional wounds in rat skin. DESIGN: This was an experimental controlled and randomized study. PARTICIPANTS: An excisional wound was made on the back of 90 adult male EPM1-Wistar rats using an 8-mm punch. INTERVENTIONS: The animals were randomly assigned to the HF group (80 Hz), LF group (5 Hz), or control group. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (pulse duration, 200 microseconds; current amplitude, 15 mA) was delivered (session length, 60 minutes) on 3 consecutive days. MEAN OUTCOME MEASURE: Immunohistochemistry was performed on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14 for counting blood vessels and myofibroblasts. MEAN OUTCOME RESULTS: The LF group had significantly more blood vessels than the HF group on day 3 (P = .004). The HF group had significantly less blood vessels than did the control group on days 7 (P = .002) and 14 (P = .034) and less myofibroblasts than did both the LF and control groups on day 3 (P = .004) and less than did the control group on day 7 (P = .001). CONCLUSION: There seems to be a benefit to the use of LF transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the healing of acute excisional wounds, but further studies are warranted.

Does ear keloid formation depend on the type of earrings or piercing jewellery?

The ear is one of the most common sites of keloid formation, usually associated with the wearing of earrings. However, although this is a small perforating lesion that is equal on both sides, keloids are bigger and more prevalent on the posterior surface. In this study, 141 keloids were evaluated, most of which were located on the posterior surface of the earlobe and caused by the piercing of the ear. Most of the earrings and piercing jewellery used had metallic backs. The more frequent occurrence of earlobe keloids on the posterior surface of the ear therefore may be associated with the exacerbation of local neurogenic inflammation caused by the metallic backs.

Sensitivity of the Nipple-Areola Complex and Sexual Function Following Reduction Mammaplasty.

BACKGROUND: The sensitivity of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) is very relevant to female sexuality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate NAC sensitivity and sexual function after breast reduction, and to assess whether altered NAC sensitivity is related to sexual dysfunction. METHODS: The study included 80 patients, who were allocated to a control group with eutrophic breasts (CG, n = 20), a hypertrophy group without surgery (HG, n = 20), or a mammaplasty group (MG, n = 40). The MG was assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The HG and CG were evaluated once. NAC sensitivity was assessed for touch, temperature, vibration, and pressure in four areola quadrants and the nipple. Sexual function was assessed with the Brazilian version of the Female Sexual Function Index, which has six domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) and a total score that indicates the presence or absence of sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: Compared to the CG, the MG had worse sensitivity to temperature and pressure in the nipple and areola medial quadrants postoperatively (P < 0.01). Compared to their preoperative assessment, the MG had reduced temperature and pressure sensitivity in the nipple and areola medial quadrants postoperatively (P < 0.05). Compared to the CG and HG, patients in the MG had higher postoperative scores of excitation (P = 0.0001), lubrication (P = 0.0004), orgasm (P < 0.0001), and satisfaction (P < 0.0001). There was an association between sexual dysfunction and low NAC sensitivity to temperature and vibration (P ≤ 0.041) in the MG's preoperative and postoperative scores, and to touch, temperature, and pressure across all three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Breast reduction with a superomedial pedicle reduced NAC sensitivity but did not interfere with sexual function.

The impact of skin grafting on the quality of life and self-esteem of patients with venous leg ulcers.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of health-related quality of life in patients with venous leg ulcers provides important information for clinical decision making, evaluation of therapeutic benefits, and prediction of survival probabilities. METHODS: Health-related quality of life and self-esteem were assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Rosenberg self-esteem (RSE) scale, respectively, in patients with venous leg ulcers treated with split-thickness skin grafts. One hundred patients with venous leg ulcers and indication for skin grafting were divided into two groups of 50 patients each: the control group (patients who received conservative treatment) and surgery group (patients who received split-thickness skin grafts). RESULTS: Patients in the surgery group reported significantly higher SF-36 scores (better health status) than controls one month after surgery, as well as 90 and 180 days postoperatively (p < 0.002). The mean total RSE score was significantly lower (indicating higher self-esteem) in the surgery group (mean RSE score, 17.54) than in the control group (mean RSE score, 24.22). CONCLUSIONS: Split-thickness skin grafting resulted in better health-related quality of life and self-esteem in patients with venous leg ulcers than did compression therapy with Unna's boot.

Perioperative corticosteroids for preventing complications following facial plastic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Early recovery is an important factor for people undergoing facial plastic surgery. However, the normal inflammatory processes that are a consequence of surgery commonly cause oedema (swelling) and ecchymosis (bruising), which are undesirable complications. Severe oedema and ecchymosis delay full recovery, and may make patients dissatisfied with procedures. Perioperative corticosteroids have been used in facial plastic surgery with the aim of preventing oedema and ecchymosis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects, including safety, of perioperative administration of corticosteroids for preventing complications following facial plastic surgery in adults. SEARCH METHODS: In January 2014, we searched the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase; EBSCO CINAHL; and Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS). There were no restrictions on the basis of date or language of publication. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs that compared the administration of perioperative systemic corticosteroids with another intervention, no intervention or placebo in facial plastic surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened the trials for inclusion in the review, appraised trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: We included 10 trials, with a total of 422 participants, that addressed two of the outcomes of interest to this review: swelling (oedema) and bruising (ecchymosis). Nine studies on rhinoplasty used a variety of different types, and doses, of corticosteroids. Overall, the results of the included studies showed that there is some evidence that perioperative administration of corticosteroids decreases formation of oedema over the first two postoperative days. Meta-analysis was only possible for two studies, with a total of 60 participants, and showed that a single perioperative dose of 10 mg dexamethasone decreased oedema formation in the first two days after surgery (SMD = -1.16, 95% CI: -1.71 to -0.61, low quality evidence). The evidence for ecchymosis was less consistent across the studies, with some contradictory results, but overall there was some evidence that perioperatively administered corticosteroids decreased ecchymosis formation over the first two days after surgery (SMD = -1.06, 95% CI:-1.47 to -0.65, two studies, 60 participants, low quality evidence ). The difference was not maintained after this initial period. One study, with 40 participants, showed that high doses of methylprednisolone (over 250 mg) decreased both ecchymosis and oedema between the first and seventh postoperative days. The only study that assessed facelift surgery identified no positive effect on oedema with preoperative administration of corticosteroids. Five trials did not report on harmful (adverse) effects; four trials reported that there were no adverse effects; and one trial reported adverse effects in two participants treated with corticosteroids as well as in four participants treated with placebo. None of the studies reported recovery time, patient satisfaction or quality of life. The studies included were all at an unclear risk of selection bias and at low risk of bias for other domains. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence for rhinoplasty that a single perioperative dose of corticosteroids decreases oedema and ecchymosis formation over the first two postoperative days, but the difference is not maintained after this period. There is also limited evidence that high doses of corticosteroids decrease both ecchymosis and oedema between the first and seventh postoperative days. The clinical significance of this decrease is unknown and there is little evidence available regarding the safety of this intervention. More studies are needed because at present the available evidence does not support the use of corticosteroids for prevention of complications following facial plastic surgery.

Anthropometry of the breast region: how to measure?

BACKGROUND: Breast region measurements are important for research, but they may also become significant in the legal field as a quantitative tool for preoperative and postoperative evaluation. Direct anthropometric measurements can be taken in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to compare direct breast anthropometric measurements taken with a tape measure and a compass. METHODS: Forty women, aged 18-60 years, were evaluated. They had 14 anatomical landmarks marked on the breast region and arms. The union of these points formed eight linear segments and one angle for each side of the body. The volunteers were evaluated by direct anthropometry in a standardized way, using a tape measure and a compass. RESULTS: Differences were found between the tape measure and the compass measurements for all segments analyzed (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Measurements obtained by tape measure and compass are not identical. Therefore, once the measurement tool is chosen, it should be used for the pre- and postoperative measurements in a standardized way. 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 .

Impact of skin grafting of venous leg ulcers on functional status and pain.

BACKGROUND: Disability and pain were assessed in patients with venous leg ulcers treated with split-thickness skin grafts to evaluate to what extent skin grafting improves functional status in this population. METHODS: A prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter case-control study was conducted from July 2008 to December 2010 in two hospitals in Brazil. One hundred patients with venous leg ulcers were divided into two treatment groups of 50 patients each: the control group (conservative treatment) and the surgery group (skin grafting). Patients were assessed at baseline (day 0) and on days 30, 90, and 180. Disability was measured with the Disability Index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-DI). The visual analog scale (VAS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) were used to assess pain. RESULTS: Surgery group patients reported significantly lower (p = 0.0001) overall HAQ-DI scores (lower disability levels) 180 days postoperatively (HAQ-DI = 0.18) compared with baseline (HAQ-DI = 2.65); mean overall HAQ-DI scores for control patients was 1.70 on day 180, with a significant difference between groups (p = 0.0001). The surgery group showed significant improvement on all HAQ-DI categories and reported significantly lower pain intensity (VAS pain scores) on days 30, 90, and 180 compared with controls (p = 0.0001). The MPQ was used to assess the sensory, affective, evaluative, and miscellaneous dimensions of pain in the two groups; there were significant differences between groups on days 30, 90, and 180 (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with venous leg ulcers treated with split-thickness skin grafts showed improvement in functional status compared with controls.

Treatment and Prevention of Umbilical Sagging with Laser-assisted Liposuction: The New Happy Protocol.

Sagging of the periumbilical skin, also known as the "sad umbilicus," is one of the most common postoperative complications in liposuction. It is characterized by an increase in the width and decrease in the height of the umbilicus. Technological advances in power-assisted liposuction resulting in skin tightening have been central to improvements in the treatment of sagging skin. Laser-assisted liposuction is a procedure in which a laser fiber induces lipolysis and skin tightening. Laser treatment delivered using a 980-nm diode laser may result in up to 30% skin surface area contraction. The aim of this study was to describe a new technique called the "happy protocol" for the treatment and prevention of the sad umbilicus. The periumbilical region is treated using a 980-nm diode laser set to an output power of 20 W, with a total delivered energy of 5000 J. The developed technique may be applied to correct shape distortions or to create a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasant umbilicus during liposuction. A decrease in the width of the umbilicus followed by an increase in height are observed in the first postoperative days. Patients who were followed up for 7 months postoperatively showed positive aesthetic results. The final outcome was an oval-shaped umbilicus, with increased height and reduced sagging in the periumbilical region.

LED (660 nm) and laser (670 nm) use on skin flap viability: angiogenesis and mast cells on transition line.

Skin flap procedures are commonly used in plastic surgery. Failures can follow, leading to the necrosis of the flap. Therefore, many studies use LLLT to improve flap viability. Currently, the LED has been introduced as an alternative to LLLT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of LLLT and LED on the viability of random skin flaps in rats. Forty-eight rats were divided into four groups, and a random skin flap (10 × 4 cm) was performed in all animals. Group 1 was the sham group; group 2 was submitted to LLLT 660 nm, 0.14 J; group 3 with LED 630 nm, 2.49 J, and group 4 with LLLT 660 nm, with 2.49 J. Irradiation was applied after surgery and repeated on the four subsequent days. On the 7th postoperative day, the percentage of flap necrosis was calculated and skin samples were collected from the viable area and from the transition line of the flap to evaluate blood vessels and mast cells. The percentage of necrosis was significantly lower in groups 3 and 4 compared to groups 1 and 2. Concerning blood vessels and mast cell numbers, only the animals in group 3 showed significant increase compared to group 1 in the skin sample of the transition line. LED and LLLT with the same total energies were effective in increasing viability of random skin flaps. LED was more effective in increasing the number of mast cells and blood vessels in the transition line of random skin flaps.

Does preoperative electrical stimulation of the skin alter the healing process?

BACKGROUND: In vitro studies have demonstrated that electrical current may affect fibroblast proliferation and synthesis of collagen fibers. In humans, the application of electrical current by positioning the positive electrode on skin wounds resulted in thinner hypertrophic scars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of preoperative electrical stimulation on cutaneous wound healing in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty rats were divided into two groups of 20 animals each. In the control group, an incision was made on the back of the animals. In the stimulation group, a preoperative electrical stimulation was applied using a rectangular pulse current at a frequency of 7.7 Hz, and intensity of 8 mA, for 30 min, with the positive electrode placed on the back of the animal, and the negative electrode placed on the abdominal wall. Following, an incision was made on their back. Biopsy was carried out on postoperative day 7 and 14, and histologic analysis was performed. RESULTS: The number of newly formed vessels, fibroblasts, and type III collagen fibers in the stimulation group on postoperative day 7 were greater than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative positive-polarity electrical stimulation positively affects angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation.

Effects of lidocaine with epinephrine or with buffer on wound healing in rat skin.

Lidocaine blocks nociceptive fibers, preventing initial wound signaling and mast cell degranulation. It is hypothesized that epinephrine and buffer affect the wound healing by potentiating lidocaine blockage. This double-blind, randomized, self-controlled study investigated this possibility using male Wistar rats, which were injected with 2 mL of different solutions into the left and right sides of the back. Then, each side was incised and sutured. Sixty rats were divided in three groups: saline solution (SS) and lidocaine; lidocaine and lidocaine with buffer; lidocaine with epinephrine and lidocaine with epinephrine and buffer. Half of each group was sacrificed 7 days after surgery and the remaining after 21 days. A sample of each wound was obtained and quantified for the level of collagen present using computer morphometry and for mast cell quantity. There were no differences between animals with regard to the collagen. However, mast cell levels in the same animal significantly differed between SS × lidocaine. Comparison of the same injected substance between animals with different healing dates showed a significant effect on collagen SS and on all mast cells, except SS. Lidocaine affected collagenization and decreased the initial quantity of mast cells at the wound site.

Two- and Three-Segment Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion: A Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The literature shows no consensus on whether two- or three-segment surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion is the best operative technique. METHODS: The present clinical trial was designed to compare the outcome of two- and three-segment osteotomy surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. Thirty-two adult patients with transverse maxillary deficiency greater than or equal to 5 mm were randomly assigned to two- and three-segment groups (n = 16). Dimensional and psychological assessments (Oral Health Impact Profile and Brazilian Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire) were carried out before surgical intervention and at one of the following time points: completion of expansion, removal of expanding device, 6 months after completion of expansion, or 10 months after completion of expansion. Dimensional assessments for asymmetric expansion of the maxilla and for changes in the area and volume of the palatine vault were performed on digital data from tomographic and laser scanning with the aid of an engineering inspection software. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in asymmetry or stability outcomes between groups. The psychological benefit provided by the three-segment technique did not spread through the domains of the quality-of-life questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings suggest that three-segment surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion outcomes do not exceed those obtained with its two-segment counterpart regarding symmetry of maxillary expansion and stability of area and volume of the palatine vault. Furthermore, psychological nuances evidenced in two- and three-segment groups with the tools used play a limited, short-lasting role, or a specific, more sensitive assessment tool needs to be developed. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Collagen changes and realignment induced by low-level laser therapy and low-intensity ultrasound in the calcaneal tendon.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The treatment of calcaneal tendon injuries requires long-term rehabilitation. Ultrasound (US) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are the most used and studied physical agents in the treatment of tendon injuries; however, only a few studies examined the effects of the combination of US and LLLT. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate which treatment (the exclusive or combined use of US and LLLT) most effectively contribute to tendon healing. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a controlled laboratory study with 50 rats whose Achilles tendon was injured by direct trauma. The rats were randomly divided into five groups and treated for 5 consecutive days, as follows: group 1 (control) received no treatment; group 2 was treated with US alone; group 3 was treated with LLLT alone; group 4 was treated first with US followed by LLLT; and group 5 was treated first with LLLT followed by US. On the sixth post-injury day, the tendons were removed and examined by polarized light microscopy. The organization of collagen fibers was assessed by birefringence measurements. Picrosirius-stained sections were examined for the presence of types I and III collagen. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher organization of collagen fibers in group 2 (US) than in the control group (P = 0.03). The amount of type I collagen found in groups 2 (US), 3 (LLLT), and 5 (LLLT + US) was significantly higher than that in the control group (P

The role of antibiotics in reduction mammaplasty.

This prospective study was conducted to assess the influence of antibiotics use on surgical site infections (SSI) rates after reduction mammaplasty. Patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty were assigned to group 1 (n = 50), which received intravenous cephalotin pre- and postoperatively, besides oral cephalexin for 6 days after discharge, or to group 2 (n = 50), which received no antibiotics. Patients were followed up weekly for 30 days, regarding to SSI, by a blinded surgeon. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions and classification of SSI were adopted. There was no statistical difference between the groups in regard to age, body mass index, duration of operation, and total resection weight. SSI rates were 2% and 14% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.03). In group 2, older patients and those with higher resection weight had significant higher SSI rates (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively). We observed that antibiotics use decreased SSI rates after reduction mammaplasty.

Electroporation of vascular endothelial growth factor gene in a unipedicle transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap reduces necrosis.

Necrosis in TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) still occurs in flap breast reconstruction. Blood flow may be improved by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an endogenous protein that stimulates neovascularization. Experimental studies of gene therapy with plasmid vector expressing human VEGF (hVEGF) presented inadequate results. Low level of gene expression could be the cause. To prove that high level of VEGF gene expression can minimize necrosis of TRAM flap, electroporation of VEGF plasmid was tested.Forty-two adult, male, Wistar-EPM rats were randomly distributed in 6 groups of 7 animals and 50 microg of vectors were injected in the intradermal layer of TRAM flap donor region, by electroporation: LacZ (beta-galactosidase gene); CG (no substance injected and flap elevated); P2G (empty gT plasmid in area 2); PV2G (gT-VEGF165 in area 2); P4G (empty gT plasmid in area 4); PV4G (gT-VEGF165 in area 4). Five days after flap elevation, the animals were euthanized and the degree of necrosis was analyzed by histology and paper template method.Dermal X-gal staining after electroporation with pSV2lacZ proved high rate of gene transfer. Mean values of necrosis by the paper template method were: CG (74.5%), P2G (62.2%), PV2G (41.1%), P4G (76.6%), and PV4G (59%). Degree of necrosis, preservation of muscle layer, and degree of infiltrates seen by histology were in accordance with mean values of necrosis.Intradermal injection of gT-VEGF165 in area 2, by electroporation, was effective in reducing unipedicle TRAM flap necrosis, in rats.

Keloid explant culture: a model for keloid fibroblasts isolation and cultivation based on the biological differences of its specific regions.

In vitro studies with keloid fibroblasts frequently present contradictory results. This may occur because keloids present distinct genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in its different regions, such as the peripheral region in relation to the central region. We suggest an explant model for keloid fibroblasts harvesting, standardising the initial processing of keloid samples to obtain fragments from different regions, considering its biological differences, for primary cell culture. The different keloid regions were delimited and fragments were obtained using a 3-mm diameter punch. To remove fragments from the periphery, the punch was placed in one longitudinal line extremity, respecting the lesion borders. For the central region, it was placed in the intersection of lines at the level of the largest longitudinal and transversal axes, the other fragments being removed centrifugally in relation to the first one. Primary fibroblast culture was carried out by explant. Flow cytometry analysis showed cell cycle differences between the groups, confirming its different origins and biological characteristics. In conclusion, our proposed model proved itself efficient for keloid fibroblast isolation from specific regions and cultivation. Its simplicity and ease of execution may turn it into an important tool for studying the characteristics of the different keloid-derived fibroblasts in culture.