Anatomical comparison among the anterolateral thigh, the parascapular, and the lateral arm flaps.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the major anatomical aspects among anterolateral thigh, parascapular and lateral arm flaps. METHODS: Sixty flaps were dissected in 20 human cadavers, comparing their vascular pedicle length, flap thickness and arterial/venous pedicle diameters. RESULTS: The vascular pedicle length (from the origin of the vascular pedicle to its entry into the skin flap) of anterolateral thigh flap (13.43 ± 3.92 cm, lateral circumflex femoral artery) was longer than parascapular (9.07 ± 1.20 cm, circumflex scapular artery) and lateral arm flap (8.90 ± 1.65 cm, posterior collateral radial artery) (P < 0.001). The thickness of lateral arm flap (6.32 ± 2.33 mm) was lesser than parascapular (8.59 ± 2.93 mm) and anterolateral thigh flap (9.30 ± 3.54 mm) (P < 0.001). The arterial/venous pedicle diameters of lateral arm flap (2.37 ± 0.69 mm / 2.61 ± 0.74 mm) were lesser than parascapular (3.46 ± 0.80 mm / 4.07 ± 0.87 mm) and anterolateral thigh flap (3.26 ± 0.74 mm / 3.87 ± 0.70 mm) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The vascular pedicle length of anterolateral thigh flap was the longest and that lateral arm flap presented a pedicle with the smallest arterial and venous diameters, in addition to being the thinnest flap.

Mandibular reconstruction with a fibular osteocutaneous free flap in an 8-month-old girl with a 12-year follow-up.

The purpose of this article is to describe a case of an 8-month-old girl who was diagnosed with a melanotic neuroectodermal tumor and was submitted to a right hemimandibulectomy and immediate reconstruction with a fibular osteocutaneous free flap. At 12-year follow-up, the longest reported in a patient this young, the transferred bone had grown much like the native mandible, and the patient had adequate mandibular contour and function. No revisions were needed, although orthopedic surgery was performed to correct an ankle valgus deviation on the donor leg. It is the opinion of the authors that microsurgical mandible reconstruction in very young patients is efficient and that the surrounding structures contribute to the remodeling of the bone segment to achieve characteristics similar to those of the native mandible.

Experimental model of degloving injury in rats: effect of allopurinol and pentoxifylline in improving viability of avulsed flaps.

BACKGROUND: Degloving injuries may be a challenge when it comes to deciding the surgical approach to be used. Repositioning of the flap and suturing are faster and more straightforward, but often these procedures often lead to total or partial loss of the avulsed flap. Pharmacological agents with vascular properties that enhance the viability of the reattached flap could be beneficial to patients with degloving injuries. Experimental models with which to test this hypothesis are scarce. An experimental model reproducing a degloving injury of the hind limb of rats was developed in our department, and the effects of pentoxifylline (Ptx) and allopurinol (Alp) were assessed. METHODS: In all, 3 groups of rats were studied (25 rats each). A hind limb degloving model was used in all groups, resulting in a reverse flow flap. The flap was then repositioned and sutured. The control (Ct) group received only saline solution, the Ptx group received pentoxifylline (25 mg/kg), and the Alp group received allopurinol (45 mg/kg). The rats were observed for 7 days, after which they were killed, and the flap was removed. The total area of the avulsed flap and the necrotic area were measured. RESULTS: The median total flap area (cm) was 5.6 for the Ct group, 5.5 for the Ptx group, and 5.8 for the Alp group (P = 0.9465). Thus, the flaps were similar. The median necrotic flap area (cm) was 3.3 for the Ct group, 2.3 for the Ptx group, and 1.9 for the Alp group (P = 0.0001). There was a statistical difference between the Ct and Ptx groups and the Ct and Alp groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The areas of necrosis observed in the degloved flaps of the rats' hind limbs were smaller in the pentoxifylline and allopurinol groups. Although allopurinol seems to be more efficient, the difference was not significant.

Comparative cohort analysis of pressure ulcer/injury in intensive care unit patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 has emerged as a global pandemic leading to an increase in hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions worldwide. Due to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), many patients require prone positioning, which is associated with increased pressure ulcer/injury (PU/PI) incidence. COVID-19 pathophysiology may favor the occurrence of PU/PI due to hypoxemia, inflammatory status, and vasculopathy. This study aimed to compare the incidence of PU/PI in ICU patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university hospital in Brazil. Data from the medical charts of every adult patient admitted to ICU from March to July 2019 and the same period in 2020 were collected. The group from 2019 included 408 patients admitted due to multiple causes, and the group from 2020 included 229 patients admitted due to COVID-19 infection. The incidence of PU/PI was significantly higher in patients admitted in 2020 compared to 2019 (62,5 vs. 33,8%, respectively). Also, PU/PI location and severity have been different between groups, with the patients with COVID-19 (2020 group) more exposed to stage 3, 4, and non-stageable lesions, as well as more PU/PI on face skin and other less common locations. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a higher PU/PI incidence. ICU patients were older during the pandemic, had higher body mass index and comorbidities, and needed more invasive medical devices and pronation. The occurrence of PU/PI was also associated with prolonged hospitalization and mortality.

Sensibility of the ear after otoplasty.

Changes in skin sensibility occur in various postoperative plastic surgeries, especially when they involve major skin and subcutaneous dissection. There were no studies so far that objectively compared changes of ear sensibility. This prospective study was conducted to compare ear sensibility before and after otoplasty. Patients with prominent ears (n = 15) underwent bilateral otoplasty. Ear tactile sensibility was tested preoperatively and 6 and 12 months after surgery by Pressure Specified Sensory Device, an apparatus that quantifies cutaneous pressure sensation (g/mm(2)). Comparison between preoperative and 6-months postoperative results indicated an increment on mean skin pressure thresholds; however, mean thresholds between pre- and 12 months postoperative period were similar. Vibratory and hot/cold sensibility did not present any difference during this period. This is the first comparative assessment of ear tactile sensibility using quantitative methods. After otoplasty, initially there was reduction in an ear tactile sensibility, followed by a return to levels similar to preoperative sensibility.

Muscle transplants for facial reanimation: rationale and results of insertion technique using the palmaris longus tendon.

Thirty-one patients with unilateral long-standing facial palsy underwent 1-stage reanimation with free gracilis muscle transplant innervated by the masseteric branch of the trigeminal nerve. They were divided into 2 nonrandomized groups according to insertion technique: group I (9 patients), interrupted suture between the free flap and the orbicularis oris of the upper and lower lip on the paralyzed side; group II (22 patients), palmaris longus tendon graft placed between the gracilis free flap and the orbicularis oris of the upper and lower lip on the nonparalyzed side. Qualitative evaluation of the smile demonstrated better results in patients from group II. Comparing the position of the Cupid's bow at rest, pre- and postoperatively in each patient, we observed significant improvement of facial symmetry in both groups. During smile, however, there was a significantly higher rate of centralization of the Cupid's bow in patients submitted to reanimation with the use of the palmaris longus tendon (group II).

The role of micro-anchor devices in medial canthopexy.

Telecanthus, the lateral displacement of the medial canthus, can be a congenital deformity or can occur after facial trauma or tumor resection. Treatment of telecanthus remains a challenge for plastic surgeons. For proper correction, it is necessary to shift the medial canthus medially, fixing its tendon to the bone. The ideal technique would allow easy, safe, and stable fixation of the tendon, permit a unilateral approach with minimal incisions, and be cost-effective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and results (immediate and long-term) of medial telecanthus repair using ipsilateral titanium microanchor fixation. Nine patients, 7 with unilateral telecanthus and 2 with bilateral telecanthus, underwent ipsilateral canthopexy involving a microanchor device. Anthropometric measurements of the orbital regions were taken before, immediately after, and at 1 year after surgery. Data for the affected sides were compared with those for the unaffected sides, and the evolution of those values was assessed throughout the 1-year follow-up period. For all patients, the final values were lower than those initially obtained. At 1 year after surgery, the intercanthal distance was reduced to age-adjusted normal values in all cases. On the operated side, stable improvement was observed in terms of the distance from the medial canthus to the midline, although some degree of recurrence was noted in most of the patients. The use of a microanchor system for medial canthopexy can be considered an easily performed and effective option for treating canthal dystopia, especially when an ipsilateral approach is preferred.

A New Pedicled Internal Mammary Osteomyocutaneous Chimeric Flap (PIMOC) for Salvage Head and Neck Reconstruction: Anatomic Study and Clinical Application.

Well-vascularized composite tissue offers improved outcomes for complex head and neck reconstruction. Patients with vessel-depleted necks and failed reconstructions require alternative reconstructive options. We describe a pedicled internal mammary artery osteomyocutaneous chimeric flap (PIMOC) for salvage head and neck reconstruction. Bilateral dissections of 35 fresh cadavers were performed to study individual tissue components and vascular pedicles to develop the PIMOC technique. The flap was then utilized in a series of patients with vessel-depleted neck anatomy. The PIMOC was dissected bilaterally in all cadavers and there were no statistical differences in vascular pedicle caliber or length with regards to laterality or gender. Five patients subsequently underwent this procedure. The flaps included a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous component and a 6th or 7th rib with adjacent muscle and skin to restore bone defects, internal lining, and external coverage. All donor sites were closed primarily. There were no flap losses and all patients gained improvements in facial contour, speech and swallow. Although technically complex, the PIMOC is reproducible and provides a safe and reliable option for salvage head and neck reconstruction. The harvest of the 6th or 7th rib and rectus abdominis muscle renders an acceptable donor site.

Massive localized lymphedema (MLL) in bariatric candidates.

BACKGROUND: Mild lymphedema of lower limbs and eventually abdomen is not exceedingly rare in morbid obesity. However, few large symptomatic masses have been reported. In a consecutive series of patients, all requiring resection of the lesion before bariatric treatment, clinical features and surgical findings are described, aiming to clarify the nature of this intricate problem. METHODS: Subjects (n=4, 50% females, age 34.0+/-13.7 years (19-53), BMI 56.4+/-10.5 kg/m(2) (44.1-73.1) displayed lesions on the anteromedial aspect of the thigh (n=3) and hypogastrium (n=1). All reported episodes of intertrigo of local skin-folds in the preceding years, managed by local care and antibiotics. The mass was described as a serious nuisance, impairing walking, dressing and personal hygiene. RESULTS: The mass was surgically removed without requirement for blood transfusion except in the case of one huge mass. Complications were relatively minor and consisted of partial skin dehiscence and lymph leakage for 2-3 weeks. Histologically, a complex pattern was observed including skin hypertrophy, edema, fibrosis, foci of microabscesses and dilated blood vessels, along with the pathognomonic lymphangiectasia. On follow-up to 6 months, improvement or restoration of the ability to walk occurred, with no additional skin infection and no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Surgical treatment was effective. 2) Functional rehabilitation was achieved. 3) No recurrence was observed within the follow-up period.

The problem of subepidermal blisters in neoformed integuments.

The present paper is a review of articles on the onset of subepidermal blisters in neoformed integuments. Considering the discrepancy between the literature data and our clinical experience concerning spontaneous onset of subepidermal blisters in neoformed integuments, we decided to conduct an extensive review of the literature. The main finding arising from it was the lack of characterization of the neoformed integument where the blisters were formed. These were normally referred to only by clinical descriptions such as "spontaneously healed burn", "grafted site", "donor site", "epidermal graft". Anatomical and clinical pathology aspects such as the formation mechanism of these integuments and the respective tissues that comprise them were not considered. We concluded that by adopting more precise criteria to classify neoformed integuments we would realize that split thickness grafts are not susceptible to blister formation.

Evaluation of cutaneous sensibility of the internal pudendal artery perforator (IPAP) flap after perineal reconstructions.

BACKGROUND: In oncological perineal reconstructions, the internal pudendal artery perforator (IPAP) flap is our flap of choice, supplied by perforator vessels from the internal pudendal artery and innervated by branches from the pudendal nerve and the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. Data related to the evaluation of its cutaneous sensibility are scarce, discrepant, and subject to methodological criticism. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the cutaneous sensibility of the IPAP flap 12 months after perineal reconstruction and compare it with the preoperative cutaneous sensibility of the gluteal fold (flap donor area). METHODS: A prospective study of 25 patients undergoing abdominoperineal excision of rectum (APER) and reconstruction with bilateral VY advancement IPAP flap was conducted. The tactile, pain, thermal, and vibration sensibilities were analyzed in four areas of the gluteal fold preoperatively and in the four corresponding areas of the flap 12 months after surgery. Tactile sensibility was assessed using the Pressure Specified Sensory Device™ (PSSD™), which measures the pressure applied to the skin. The other types of sensibility were analyzed using a needle for pain, hot/cold contact for thermal, and a tuning fork for vibration sensibility. RESULTS: A comparison between tactile sensibility thresholds on the gluteal fold preoperatively and on the flap 12 months after surgery showed no statistically significant difference, with p values>0.05 in all four areas evaluated. All patients had preserved pain, thermal, and vibration sensibility in all four areas, postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In oncological perineal reconstructions after APER, it is expected that the cutaneous sensibility on the IPAP flap be maintained.

Coverage of Deep Cutaneous Wounds Using Dermal Template in Combination with Negative-pressure Therapy and Subsequent Skin Graft.

BACKGROUND: We consider the use of dermal matrix associated with a skin graft to cover deep wounds in the extremities when tendon and bone are exposed. The objective of this article was to evaluate the efficacy of covering acute deep wounds through the use of a dermal regeneration template (Integra) associated with vacuum therapy and subsequent skin grafting. METHODS: Twenty patients were evaluated prospectively. All of them had acute (up to 3 weeks) deep wounds in the limbs. We consider a deep wound to be that with exposure of bone, tendon, or joint. RESULTS: The average area of integration of the dermal regeneration template was 86.5%. There was complete integration of the skin graft over the dermal matrix in 14 patients (70%), partial integration in 5 patients (25%), and total loss in 1 case (5%). The wound has completely closed in 95% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Integra dermal template associated with negative-pressure therapy and skin grafting showed an adequate rate of resolution of deep wounds with low morbidity.

Aesthetic evaluation of lipoabdominoplasty in overweight patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the aesthetic results of lipoabdominoplasty in overweight patients (body mass index, 25 to 29.9) compared with normal weight patients (body mass index, 18.5 to 24.9). METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective and comparative analysis of late follow-up results after lipoabdominoplasty performed from 2000 to 2009 in two groups of 30 patients, one with a body mass index of 25 to 29.9 and one with a body mass index of 18 to 24.9. Aesthetic results were evaluated using a scale with five objective parameters, developed in the Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo. There were seven evaluators: three plastic surgeons, three nondoctors, and the surgeon performing the procedure. RESULTS: For all evaluators, the postoperative average grade was significantly higher than before surgery for the entire group of patients (n=60) and in each subgroup. The average grades for the normal weight group were consistently significantly higher than for the overweight group, both preoperatively and postoperatively, for all evaluators. However, the mean difference between the preoperative and postoperative grades, which measures the aesthetic improvement provided by the operation, was higher in the overweight group. Postoperatively, the average grade of the surgeon was significantly higher than for all other evaluator groups. CONCLUSIONS: The normal weight group showed superior grades, both before and after lipoabdominoplasty, for all evaluators. However, the gain between preoperative and postoperative grades was higher in the overweight patient group, indicating that lipoabdominoplasty was beneficial even in these cases. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Individualised vancomycin doses for paediatric burn patients to achieve PK/PD targets.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to investigate vancomycin dose adjustment in pediatric burn patients by evaluating trough drug concentrations and the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) correlation. METHODS: Study subjects included 13 patients who were 6.0 years old, 25 kg (median). with normal renal function. These had at least a 30% total burn surface area and inhalation injury were present in 7/13 patients. The patients were investigated prospectively. Plasma monitoring and PK assessments were performed by serial blood sample collections (30 sets). Only 0.2 mL of each plasma sample was required for our plasma measurements, which were made by high performance liquid chromatography. The vancomycin PK/PD target was set at AUC0-24(ss)/MIC>400. RESULTS: Trough values less than 10 µg/mL were obtained in 16/30 sets (53%) as a consequence of increased plasma clearance and the apparent volume of distribution. The daily dose was subsequently increased from 43.4 ± 9.0mg/kg (mean ± SD) to 98.0 ± 17.9 mg/kg, p<0.05. The PK/PD target was reached for pathogens with 0.5mg/L, 1mg/L, 2mg/L and 4 mg/L MIC in 93.3% (28/30), 66.7% (20/30), 33.3% (10/30) and 3.3% (1/30) of the sets, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: To more rapidly achieve the PK/PD targets in pediatric burn patients with normal renal function, an initial dose of approximately 90-100mg/kg/day is recommended; however, this higher dosage regimen should be further evaluated in this population in terms of efficacy and toxicity as well as in terms of achieving pharmacodynamic goals.

C-reactive protein decrease after postbariatric abdominoplasty.

In a prospective study, indices of glucose homeostasis, lipid profile, and systemic inflammation were monitored after an aesthetic abdominoplasty, aiming to scrutinize the possible metabolic benefits for abdominal fat removal. Premenopausal females with substantial weight loss (N=40) undergoing circumferential abdominoplasty (index group, n=20) or augmentation mammoplasty with mastopexy (controls, n=20) were recruited. All of them originally underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Variables included BMI, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, glucose, and HbA1c. Follow-up reached 20.3 ± 13.6 months for index cases and 29.5 ± 17.4 months for controls. The metabolic and inflammatory indices improved after the bariatric surgery. Subsequent monitoring indicated a stable body weight and biochemical profile in both groups. The exceptions were HDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein, which respectively increased and diminished after the abdominoplasty, consistent with an inflammatory and metabolic advantage for this operation. This is the first long-term study in a weight-stable population to point out such a pattern after abdominoplasty.

Correction of severe ptosis with a silicone implant suspensor: 22 years of experience.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe ptosis caused by poor or absent function of the levator muscle but with good frontalis muscle excursion usually benefit from a frontalis sling procedure. This is currently carried out using organic or inorganic material to connect the upper eyelid to the frontalis muscle. METHODS: The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively 112 patients who underwent frontalis sling procedures between 1989 and 2011 using a preformed silicone implant suspensor to correct severe ptosis. RESULTS: The results obtained using this technique were good or fair in 95.54 percent of the cases and poor in 4.46 percent of the cases. The authors discuss the results of the study and the cases in which the procedure should be indicated and highlight the advantages of the method. CONCLUSION: The availability of this low-cost sterile device, together with the fact that it is ready to use, requires less invasive surgery, saves time, and is sufficiently versatile to allow adjustments to be made at any time, makes the silicone eyelid sling an attractive choice for correcting ptosis. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

A clinical experience of the supraclavicular flap used to reconstruct head and neck defects in late-stage cancer patients.

The supraclavicular island flap has been widely used in head and neck reconstruction, providing an alternative to the traditional techniques like regional or free flaps, mainly because of its thin skin island tissue and reliable vascularity. Head and neck patients who require large reconstructions usually present poor clinical and healing conditions. An early experience using this flap for late-stage head and neck tumour treatment is reported. Forty-seven supraclavicular artery flaps were used to treat head and neck oncologic defects after cutaneous, intraoral and pharyngeal tumour resections. Dissection time, complications, donor and reconstructed area outcomes were assessed. The mean time for harvesting the flaps was 50 min by the senior author. All donor sites were closed primarily. Three cases of laryngopharyngectomy reconstruction developed a small controlled (salivary) leak that was resolved with conservative measures. Small or no strictures were detected on radiologic swallowing examinations and all patients regained normal swallowing function. Five patients developed donor site dehiscence. These wounds were treated with regular dressing until healing was complete. There were four distal flap necroses in this series. These necroses were debrided and closed primarily. The supraclavicular flap is pliable for head and neck oncologic reconstruction in late-stage patients. High-risk patients and modified radical neck dissection are not contraindications for its use. The absence of the need to isolate the pedicle offers quick and reliable harvesting. The arc of rotation on the base of the neck provides adequate length for pharyngeal, oral lining and to reconstruct the middle and superior third of the face.

The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in the treatment of axillary hidradenitis suppurativa: effect on preservation of arm abduction.

UNLABELLED: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by abscesses and scars. The axillary region is predominantly affected, leading to limited mobility of the arm due to scar retraction. This prospective study aimed to analyze the surgical treatment of severe lesions of axillary hidradenitis suppurativa by using the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap while focusing on the preservation of arm abduction. We enrolled 12 patients with severe axillary hidradenitis suppurativa who underwent bilateral surgical treatment of their lesions by radical excision, followed by immediate reconstruction with the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap. The amplitude of arm abduction was measured preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively by goniometry, and statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative mean amplitude of arm abduction were 98.7 degrees and 152.7 degrees, respectively, with a significant mean increase of 54 degrees (p<0.0001). The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap can be used as a good option for axillary reconstruction after radical excision of severe lesions of hidradenitis suppurativa, and its use would allow a significant increase in the amplitude of arm abduction. It has several other advantages when compared with other types of coverage, including its anatomical proximity to the axilla, similar thickness, and high-quality skin. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.