Adipose tissue-derived stem cells as a therapeutic strategy for enterocutaneous fistula: an experimental model study.

PURPOSE: Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is a condition in which there is an abnormal connection between the intestinal tract and the skin. It can lead to high morbidity and mortality rates despite the availability of therapeutic options. Stem cells have emerged as a potential strategy to treat ECF. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASC) on ECF in an experimental model. METHODS: ECF was induced in 21 Wistar rats, and after one month, they were divided into three groups: control group (C), culture medium without ASC group (CM), and allogeneic ASC group (ASC). After 30 days, the animals underwent macroscopic analysis of ECF diameter and histopathological analysis of inflammatory cells, tissue fibrosis, and vascular density. RESULTS: The study found a 55% decrease in the ECF diameter in the ASC group (4.5 ± 1.4 mm) compared to the control group (10.0 ± 2.1 mm, p = 0.001) and a 59.1% decrease in the CM group (11.0 ± 4.3 mm, p = 0.003). The fibrosis score in the ASC group was 20.9% lower than the control group (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in inflammation scores among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that ASC treatment can reduce ECF diameter, and reduction in tissue fibrosis may be a related mechanism. Further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms fully.

Paramedian forehead flap in the treatment of nasal, non-melanoma skin cancer: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: nose is the central point of the face and vulnerable to the occurence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), impacting on appearance. The paramedian forehead flap (PMFF) is considered the best option to treat extensive nasal defects. The objective of this study is to present the experience on PMFF for nasal reconstruction in the treatment of NMSC of a cancer referral center. METHODS: retrospective study was carried out through data from medical records of patients who underwent nasal reconstruction with PMFF due to NMSC at the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo (ICESP). RESULTS: 111 patients were identified, mostly ederly, with comorbidities and on initial tumors (T1 and T2). Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was the predominant histological type. Dorsum and tip were the most affected subunitis. In addition to skin coverage, reconstruction of the lining and structural framework was also performed in half of the cases. Second intention healing was the technique of choice in closing the donor area. Pedicle division ocurred predominantly in the second operation and the median time to complete reconstruction was 6 months. There were low complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: the PMFF is safe and effective to treat nose NMSC, even in cases of high complexity. Since the treatment time can be prolonged and impact on quality of life, it is essential to emphasize and discuss this aspect with the patients before surgery.

Treatment and Chest Reconstruction for Mediastinitis Following Sternotomy for Cardiac Surgery at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo Medical School.

This study presents the method used for chest reconstruction and treatment of mediastinitis following cardiac surgery at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo Medical School. After infection control with antibiotic therapy associated with aggressive surgical debridement and negative pressure wound therapy, chest reconstruction is performed using flaps. The advantages and disadvantages of negative pressure wound therapy are discussed, as well as options for flap-based chest reconstruction according to the characteristics of the patient and sternum. Further studies are needed to provide evidence to support the decisions when facing this great challenge.

Application of FACE-Q and NOSE in Nasal Reconstruction with Paramedian Frontal Flap after Skin Cancer Resection.

INTRODUCTION: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is responsible for high morbidity and mortality, resulting in a high cost to the health system. The nose is the leading region affected by this type of tumor and may need reconstruction by tissue transfer. The paramedian forehead flap (PFF) is one of the main options used, and the factors that influence the result should be studied. The FACE-Q questionnaire allows the assessment of appearance, quality of life, and side effects related to the procedure, whereas the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire enables the nose function evaluation. METHODS: This study evaluates nasal reconstruction with a PFF after resection of NMSC with the FACE-Q questionnaire and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation. Spearman Rank correlation coefficient tests between the questionnaire results and patients' characteristics were performed. RESULTS: The questionnaires were completely answered by 49 patients who underwent this reconstruction between 2011 and 2019 in a cancer center. The patients' evaluations demonstrate high satisfaction with appearance, quality of life, side effects, and function. Completing reconstruction under 6 months was associated with a higher quality of life among patients (P = 0.002). Reconstruction of lining or scaffold, moment of flap division, complications, and number of operations did not show an association. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the PFF is a reliable option for nasal reconstruction. Identifying the total reconstruction time as an impact factor on patients' quality of life should be considered when planning treatment.

The impact of COVID-19 on the plastic surgery activity in a high-complexity university hospital in Brazil: the importance of reconstructive plastic surgery during the pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The Hospital das Clínicas - University of Sao Paulo Medical School (HCFMUSP) is the largest university hospital complex in Brazil. HCFMUSP has been converted into a reference center for coronavirus disease 2019. The Division of Plastic Surgery postponed non-essential surgeries and outpatient consultations, accomplishing new guidelines (ANG) of national and international organizations. Even with these challenges arising from the pandemic, alternatives were considered to maintain institutional characteristics. This study aims to analyze this new scenario and the impact on patients' assistance and Plastic Surgery residents training. METHODS: Total number of surgeries, type of procedures, and outpatient consultations in 2020, before (pre-ANG) and after (post-ANG) ANG, were compared with the same period in 2019 (2019-pre and 2020-post). RESULTS: A marked reduction in the total number of surgeries and outpatient consultations was observed in the post-ANG period. In the post-ANG period, 267 operations were performed (26.7 ± 20.3/week), while in the 2019-post period, 1036 surgeries were performed (103.6 ± 9.7/week) (p = 0.0002). Similarly, 1571 consultations were conducted in the post-ANG period (157.1 ± 93.6/week), while in the 2019-post period, 3907 were performed (390.7 ± 43.1/week) (p = 0.0003). However, in the post-ANG period, an increase in the proportion of reconstructive compared with aesthetic surgery was observed. The maintenance of highly complex procedures such as microsurgical transplants was also identified. CONCLUSIONS: The predominant profile of reconstructive surgeries at the Division of Plastic Surgery allowed the continuity of procedures at all technical complexity levels, patient care maintenance, and Plastic Surgery residents training.Level of evidence: not ratable.

Retalho fasciocutâneo medial da coxa em V-Y bilateral na reconstrução perineal por hidradenite supurativa: Relato de caso / Bilateral V-Y medial fasciocutaneous thigh flap in perineal reconstruction for hidradenitis suppurativa: Case report

Introdução: A hidradenite supurativa (HS) é uma doença inflamatória crônica que afeta preferencialmente a pele intertriginosa e está associada a numerosas comorbidades sistêmicas. A área perineal é a segunda área mais comumente afetada depois da axila. A excisão ampla é o tratamento que tem maior probabilidade de atingir melhores resultados com menor risco de recorrência. Com a excisão cirúrgica extensa, o fechamento com retalho oferece maior probabilidade de tratamento definitivo. Alguns retalhos são descritos para reconstruir defeitos da região perineal após câncer, porém poucos deles são estudados no tratamento da HS. Relato de Caso: Mulher de 43 anos, com HS perineal, submetida a ressecção das lesões e reconstrução com retalho fasciocutâneo medial da coxa em V-Y bilateral como tratamento da doença. O retalho permitiu o fechamento completo do períneo total sem complicações graves. Conclusão: Este caso mostra que é útil e prático utilizar o retalho fasciocutâneo medial da coxa em V-Y para reconstrução perineal após ressecções amplas de pele, glândulas apócrinas e folículos pilosos no tratamento da HS, oferecendo boa cobertura de pele, e tecido celular subcutâneo com suprimento vascular confiável, que evita sequelas associadas a sacrifício de músculos e alcança dimensões maiores do que outros retalhos, podendo ser considerado em casos selecionados como uma alternativa no tratamento cirúrgico da HS perineal.

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that preferentially affects the intertriginous skin and is associated with numerous systemic comorbidities. The perineal area is the second most commonly affected area after the armpit. Wide excision is the treatment most likely to achieve better results with a lower risk of recurrence. With extensive surgical excision, flap closure offers a greater likelihood of definitive treatment. Some flaps have been described to reconstruct defects in the perineal region after cancer, but few have been studied in treating HS. Case Report: A 43-year-old woman with perineal HS underwent resection of the lesions and reconstruction with a bilateral V-Y medial thigh fasciocutaneous flap to treat the disease. The flap allowed complete closure of the total perineum without serious complications. Conclusion: This case shows that it is useful and practical to use the V-Y medial thigh fasciocutaneous flap for perineal reconstruction after wide resections of skin, apocrine glands, and hair follicles in the treatment of HS, offering good skin coverage and subcutaneous cellular tissue with supply reliable vascular flap, which avoids sequelae associated with muscle sacrifice and reaches larger dimensions than other flaps, and can be considered in selected cases as an alternative in the surgical treatment of perineal HS.

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells as a therapeutic strategy for enterocutaneous fistula: an experimental model study

Purpose: Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is a condition in which there is an abnormal connection between the intestinal tract and the skin. It can lead to high morbidity and mortality rates despite the availability of therapeutic options. Stem cells have emerged as a potential strategy to treat ECF. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASC) on ECF in an experimental model. Methods: ECF was induced in 21 Wistar rats, and after one month, they were divided into three groups: control group (C), culture medium without ASC group (CM), and allogeneic ASC group (ASC). After 30 days, the animals underwent macroscopic analysis of ECF diameter and histopathological analysis of inflammatory cells, tissue fibrosis, and vascular density. Results: The study found a 55% decrease in the ECF diameter in the ASC group (4.5 ± 1.4 mm) compared to the control group (10.0 ± 2.1 mm, p = 0.001) and a 59.1% decrease in the CM group (11.0 ± 4.3 mm, p = 0.003). The fibrosis score in the ASC group was 20.9% lower than the control group (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in inflammation scores among the three groups. Conclusions: This study suggests that ASC treatment can reduce ECF diameter, and reduction in tissue fibrosis may be a related mechanism. Further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms fully.

Retalho plantar medial para reconstrução de defeitos em calcanhar após ressecção de melanoma lentiginoso acral: Uma série de 7 casos / Medial plantar flap for reconstruction of heel defects after resection of acral lentiginous melanoma: A series of seven cases

Introdução: A reconstrução da região plantar ainda é um dos grandes desafios da cirurgia plástica reconstrutiva. Os tecidos dessa região apresentam características únicas e que são essenciais para a manutenção da funcionalidade do membro. De toda a região plantar, a região do calcanhar é a área de maior sustentação do peso e submetida ao maior impacto. O retalho fasciocutâneo plantar medial é uma das opções reconstrutivas, pois representa tecido semelhante e mantém a sensibilidade para a área receptora. Método: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo através da coleta de dados de prontuário de pacientes que realizaram reconstruções da região do calcanhar com retalho plantar medial, no período de julho de 2013 a setembro de 2019. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética para Análise de Projetos de Pesquisa do HCFMUSP (Número CAAE: 56849422.0.0000.0068). Resultados: A reconstrução de calcanhar após ressecção de melanoma lentiginoso acral foi realizada em 7 pacientes. Complicações cirúrgicas foram observadas em 3 pacientes, sendo que todos eles tinham idade acima de 50 anos e/ou alguma comorbidade associada. Houve 57,1% de complicações, sendo 37,5% relacionadas ao retalho e 12,5% relacionadas à área doadora. Ocorreram 3 necroses totais de retalho (42,9%) e 1 perda total de enxerto na área doadora (14,3%). Conclusão: O retalho plantar medial se apresenta como uma boa alternativa para a realização de reconstruções oncológicas de defeitos na região plantar do pé. Contudo, deve-se ponderar a escolha do paciente ideal e lembrar que a dissecção do seu pedículo vascular não é de fácil execução.

Introduction: Resurfacing the sole is still one of the great challenges of reconstructive plastic surgery. The tissues on the sole of the foot have unique characteristics essential for maintaining the limbs functionality. The heel has the most significant weight support and is subjected to the entire soles greatest impact. The medial plantar artery flap is one of the reconstructive options, as it represents similar tissue and maintains sensitivity to the recipient area. Methods: A retrospective study was performed by collecting data from medical records of patients who underwent reconstructions of the heel with a medial plantar artery flap from July 2013 to September 2019. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee for Analysis of Research Projects of HCFMUSP (CAAE number: 56849422.0.0000.0068). Results: Heel reconstruction was performed in 7 patients after acral lentiginous melanoma excision. Surgical complications were observed in 3 patients, all of whom were aged over 50 years or have associated comorbidity. There were 57.1% of complications, 37.5% related to the flap, and 12.5% related to the donor area. There were three total flap necroses (42.9%) and one total graft loss in the donor area (14.3%). Conclusion: The medial plantar flap presents itself as a good alternative for performing oncological reconstructions of defects in the plantar region of the foot. However, the choice of the ideal patient should be considered and we must remember that the dissection of its vascular pedicle is not easily executed.

Retalho supraclavicular para reconstrução oncológica em cabeça e pescoço: Uma série de 62 casos / Supraclavicular flap for head and neck oncological reconstruction: A series of 62 cases

Introdução: A reconstrução oncológica de defeitos extensos em cabeça e pescoço impõe ao cirurgião plástico a difícil decisão entre o uso de retalhos livres e retalhos pediculados. O retalho supraclavicular é um dos principais exemplos de retalho pediculado, sendo versátil, com espessura delgada e cor semelhante à região a ser reconstruída. Método: Um estudo retrospectivo foi realizado através da coleta de dados de prontuário de pacientes internados no Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, entre dezembro de 2010 e março de 2020. Resultados: Dentre os 62 pacientes reconstruídos com retalho supraclavicular, 37 eram do sexo masculino e 25 do sexo feminino. Cinquenta e oito pacientes (93,5%) possuíam alguma comorbidade associada. Ao todo, 27 complicações relacionadas ao retalho (43,5%) foram registradas, sendo 5 necroses totais (8%). Conclusão: O retalho supraclavicular possui importante papel nas reconstruções oncológicas de cabeça e pescoço e deve ser considerado como opção em pacientes maus candidatos a retalhos microcirúrgicos.

Introduction: The oncological reconstruction of extensive defects in the head and neck requires the plastic surgeon to make a difficult decision between the use of free flaps and pedicled flaps. The supraclavicular flap is one of the main examples of a pedicled flap, being versatile, with a thin thickness and similar color to the region to be reconstructed. Method: A retrospective study was carried out by collecting data from medical records of patients admitted to the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo between December 2010 and March 2020. Results: Among the 62 patients reconstructed with a supraclavicular flap, 37 were male and 25 female. Fifty-eight patients (93.5%) had some associated comorbidity. In total, 27 complications related to the flap (43.5%) were recorded, 5 of which were total necrosis (8%). Conclusion: The supraclavicular flap plays an important role in head and neck oncological reconstructions and should be considered as an option in patients who are poor candidates for microsurgical flaps.

Paramedian forehead flap in the treatment of nasal, non-melanoma skin cancer: a cross-sectional study / Retalho frontal paramediano no tratamento do câncer de pele não-melanoma de nariz: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Introduction: nose is the central point of the face and vulnerable to the occurence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), impacting on appearance. The paramedian forehead flap (PMFF) is considered the best option to treat extensive nasal defects. The objective of this study is to present the experience on PMFF for nasal reconstruction in the treatment of NMSC of a cancer referral center. Methods: retrospective study was carried out through data from medical records of patients who underwent nasal reconstruction with PMFF due to NMSC at the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo (ICESP). Results: 111 patients were identified, mostly ederly, with comorbidities and on initial tumors (T1 and T2). Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was the predominant histological type. Dorsum and tip were the most affected subunitis. In addition to skin coverage, reconstruction of the lining and structural framework was also performed in half of the cases. Second intention healing was the technique of choice in closing the donor area. Pedicle division ocurred predominantly in the second operation and the median time to complete reconstruction was 6 months. There were low complication rates. Conclusions: the PMFF is safe and effective to treat nose NMSC, even in cases of high complexity. Since the treatment time can be prolonged and impact on quality of life, it is essential to emphasize and discuss this aspect with the patients before surgery.

RESUMO Introdução: o nariz é o ponto central da face e vulnerável à ocorrência de câncer de pele não-melanoma (CPNM), com impacto potencial na aparência. O retalho frontal paramediano (RFPM) é considerado a melhor opção para o tratamento de defeitos extensos no nariz. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar a experiência de um centro oncológico de referência no uso de RFPM para reconstrução nasal no tratamento do CPNM. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo foi desenvolvido através do levantamento de dados de prontuário de pacientes submetidos à reconstrução nasal com RFPM devido à CPNM no Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP). Resultados: 111 pacientes foram identificados, a maioria idosos, com comorbidades e portadores de tumores iniciais (T1 e T2). O carcinoma basocelular (CBC) foi o tipo histológico predominante. Dorso e ponta foram as subunidades mais acometidas. Além da cobertura cutânea, em metade dos casos foi realizada também a reconstrução do forro ou arcabouço do nariz. Cicatrização por segunda intenção foi a técnica de escolha no fechamento da área doadora. A liberação do pedículo foi realizada predominantemente no segundo tempo cirúrgico e o tempo para finalização do tratamento teve mediana de 6 meses. Houve baixa taxa de complicações. Conclusões: o RFPM é seguro e eficaz no tratamento do CPNM nasal, mesmo em casos de elevada complexidade. O tempo total de tratamento pode ser prolongado e impactar na qualidade de vida, sendo fundamental enfatizar e discutir este aspecto com o paciente antes da cirurgia.

Tradução, adaptação e validação linguística do FACE-Q Câncer de Cabeça e Pescoço para o português do Brasil / FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer Questionnaire for Brazilian Portuguese: Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Linguistic Validation

Introdução: As neoplasias de cabeça e pescoço costumam afetar funções fundamentais, como engolir, falar, comer e se socializar. A avaliação do seu tratamento deve, portanto, levar em consideração a opinião do médico e a perspectiva do paciente. Essa dificuldade em avaliar o sucesso do tratamento levou ao desenvolvimento do FACE-Q - Módulo de Câncer de Cabeça e Pescoço, um questionário de resultados relatados pelo paciente que mede a aparência, função facial, qualidade de vida e experiência de cuidado para neoplasias de cabeça e pescoço. O objetivo é a tradução, adaptação cultural e validação linguística do questionário FACE- Q Câncer de Cabeça e Pescoço para o português brasileiro. Métodos: A tradução, adaptação cultural e validação linguística do questionário completo ocorreram em quatro etapas, usando as diretrizes oficiais da Organização Mundial da Saúde e da Sociedade Internacional de Farmacoeconomia e Pesquisa de Resultados. Resultados: Uma versão em português brasileiro semântica, idiomática e conceitualmente equivalente foi obtida por meio de uma tradução validada linguisticamente do módulo FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer em inglês. Conclusão: A versão em português brasileiro apresenta uma versão com equivalente ao instrumento original em inglês, que pode ser utilizada como avaliação crítica de resultados relatados pelo paciente.

Introduction: Head and neck neoplasms often affect fundamental functions, such as swallowing, speech, eating, and socializing. Evaluating their treatment should consider the physician's opinion and the patient's perspective. This difficulty in assessing the success of treatment led to the development of the FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer Module, a questionnaire of patient-reported outcomes that measure the appearance, facial function, quality of life, and experience of care to head and neck neoplasms. The objective is to translation, cultural adaptation, and linguistic validation of the FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer questionnaire for Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: The translation, cultural adaptation, and linguistic validation of the full questionnaire took place in four stages, using official guidelines from the World Health Organization and the International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. Results: A semantic, idiomatic, and conceptually equivalent Brazilian Portuguese version was achieved through a linguistically validated translation of the English FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer module. Conclusion: The Brazilian Portuguese version presents a version equivalent to the original English instrument, which can be used as a critical patient-reported outcome assessment.

A versatilidade e confiabilidade do retalho Keystone em reconstruções oncológicas / Versatility and reliability of the Keystone flap in oncological reconstructions

Introdução: O retalho Keystone é um retalho em ilha, de vascularização confiável e dissecção simples, descrito pela primeira vez em 2003. Apesar de suas vantagens, é ainda pouco citado na literatura especializada e longe de se tornar opção de escolha na prática clínica da cirurgia reconstrutiva. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar a experiência de um serviço oncológico de alta complexidade no uso de retalhos Keystone em reconstruções. Métodos: Um estudo retrospectivo foi desenvolvido por meio do levantamento de dados de prontuário de pacientes operados pela equipe de Cirurgia Plástica do Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, além de análise de registros fotográficos pré, intra e pós-operatórios. Resultados: Nove pacientes foram identificados, todos portadores de comorbidades e média de idade de 52,7 anos. Os defeitos cutâneos se seguiram após ressecções oncológicas, sendo cinco em extremidades inferiores, três em tronco e um em face. A média da área ressecada foi de 52,6cm2. As reconstruções foram realizadas sob abreviado tempo cirúrgico. Não houve complicações pós- operatórias ou perdas do retalho e o tempo de hospitalização médio foi de 2,2 dias. Conclusão: O retalho Keystone é uma opção tecnicamente simples e reprodutível para a cobertura de ferimentos de tamanhos diversos e em localizações variadas. Devido à sua confiabilidade, dissecção simples e rápida, abreviado tempo de internação e baixa morbidade à área doadora, deve ser considerado na reconstrução de feridas oncológicas de diversas localizações, em pacientes de todas as idades.

Introduction: The Keystone flap is an island flap with reliable vascularization and simple dissection, first described in 2003. Despite its distinct advantages, there are few scientific publications on this matter, and it is not a common option in the clinical practice of reconstructive surgery. This article aims to report the experience of a cancer referral center with Keystone flaps in oncological reconstructions. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out data from medical records of patients who performed oncological plastic reconstruction with keystone flaps, operated by the Surgery team of the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo, in addition to the analysis of pre, intra and postoperative photographic records. Results: Nine patients were identified, all with comorbidities and a mean age of 52.7. Skin defects followed after oncological resections: five in the lower extremities, three in the trunk and one in the face. The mean of the skin resected area was 52.6cm2. The reconstructions were performed under shortened surgical time. There were no postoperative complications or flap losses. The average hospital stay was 2.2 days. Conclusion: The Keystone flap is technically simple and a reproducible option for covering wounds of different sizes and locations. Due to its reliability, simple and quick dissection, shortened hospital stay and low morbidity in the donor area, it should be considered for reconstructing cancer wounds from different locations in patients of all ages.

Treatment and Chest Reconstruction for Mediastinitis Following Sternotomy for Cardiac Surgery at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo Medical School

Abstract This study presents the method used for chest reconstruction and treatment of mediastinitis following cardiac surgery at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo Medical School. After infection control with antibiotic therapy associated with aggressive surgical debridement and negative pressure wound therapy, chest reconstruction is performed using flaps. The advantages and disadvantages of negative pressure wound therapy are discussed, as well as options for flap-based chest reconstruction according to the characteristics of the patient and sternum. Further studies are needed to provide evidence to support the decisions when facing this great challenge.