Direct oral anticoagulants versus aspirin for primary thromboprophylaxis in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing outpatient therapy: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis.

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are at an elevated risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is further increased for those undergoing anti-myeloma therapy. Current guidelines suggest low-dose direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as an alternative to aspirin for primary thromboprophylaxis in this population, but data comparing these two therapies are limited. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare DOACs with aspirin for primary thromboprophylaxis in individuals undergoing outpatient anti-myeloma therapy. Studies were selected when comparing DOACs versus aspirin for thrombotic and haemorrhagic outcomes. We included 10 randomised controlled trials and observational studies comprising 1026 patients with MM who received primary thromboprophylaxis with DOACs (n = 337) or aspirin (n = 689). DOAC thromboprophylaxis was associated with a significantly lower incidence of VTE compared with aspirin (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.16-0.68; p < 0.001). Major, clinically relevant non-major and minor bleeding event rates did not differ significantly between groups. Overall, our meta-analysis suggests that DOACs may be a preferable option to aspirin for the prevention of MM-related thrombosis. However, these results should be interpreted in the context of heterogeneous baseline population characteristics and potential bias from including observational studies. Further research is needed to evaluate the optimal thromboprophylaxis strategy, particularly in high-risk individuals.

TECHNIQUE OF EXPOSURE OF THE ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION OBTAINED BY THE FLEXIBLE LIVER RETRACTOR IN BARIATRIC SURGERY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL. / TÉCNICA DE EXPOSIÇÃO DA JUNÇÃO ESOFAGOGÁSTRICA OBTIDA POR MEIO DE AFASTADOR FLEXÍVEL DE FÍGADO EM CIRURGIA BARIÁTRICA: ENSAIO CLÍNICO RANDOMIZADO.

AIM: In the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass technique, classic laparoscopic surgical retractors are usually rigid, require an additional incision for its installation, or must be handled by an assistant during the surgical procedure, involving a risk of liver injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate and validate a technique of the esophagogastric junction exposure obtained by the flexible liver retractor in bariatric surgery, comparing its efficacy with the retractor classically used for this purpose. METHODS: This study was performed as a randomized, open, prospective, controlled, and comparative design in patients with medical indications of bariatric surgery. The subjects were distributed in the classic (control) and flexible (test) retractor groups. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (n=50 control group, n=50 test group) were included. No statistically significant difference was observed in the mean duration of surgery. Regarding visibility, 100% of the patients in the flexible retractor group demonstrated an optimal visibility level, although without statistical significance concerning the classic retractor group (94%). Invariably, carrying a trocar was necessary when using the classic retractor. CONCLUSIONS: The flexible liver retractor is safe, effective, ergonomic, and inexpensive. Furthermore, it presented a satisfactory aesthetic profile, and the use of specific instruments, new adaptation curve, and training for its handling were not required.

OBJETIVOS: Os afastadores clássicos de cirurgia laparoscópica são geralmente rígidos, necessitando de uma incisão adicional para sua instalação ou de um auxiliar para manuseio durante o ato cirúrgico e ainda, podem envolvem risco de injúria hepática. Avaliar e validar uma técnica de exposição da junção esofagogástrica obtida pelo afastador flexível de fígado em cirurgia bariátrica comparando sua eficácia com a de afastador classicamente utilizado para este fim. MÉTODOS: Tratou-se de um estudo prospectivo, aberto, controlado e comparativo em pacientes com indicação de cirurgia, distribuídos de forma randomizada em dois grupos: clássico (controle) e afastador flexível (teste). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 100 pacientes (n=50 grupo controle, n=50 grupo teste), sem diferença estatística na distribuição por idade e por morbidades, havendo diferença estatística somente no gênero (grupo controle obteve proporção maior de homens, p=0,020). Em relação ao tempo médio de realização das operações, não foi constatada diferença estatística. No quesito visibilidade, verificou-se que 100% dos pacientes do grupo afastador flexível obteve nível de visibilidade ótima, porém sem significância estatística com relação ao grupo clássico (94%). Invariavelmente, foi necessário um portal a mais de trocarte quando do uso do afastador clássico. CONCLUSÃO: O afastador flexível de fígado demonstrou-se seguro, eficaz, ergonômico, de baixo custo, de perfil estético satisfatório, não requerendo instrumental específico para uso ou nova curva de adaptação e aprendizado para manuseio.

Can SARS-CoV-2 induce hematologic malignancies in predisposed individuals? A case series and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may present with extrapulmonary manifestations, including hematologic changes. Previous studies suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) can interact with the renin-angiotensin system, ultimately causing increased production of angiotensin II. By reporting the cases of previously healthy young adults diagnosed with a hematologic malignancy after experiencing COVID-19, we raise the hypothesis that the SARS-Cov-2 infection could act as a trigger for leukemogenesis in predisposed individuals. METHODS: This was a case series performed through extraction of relevant clinical information from the medical records of three patients admitted to our Hematology unit between August 2020 and September 2020. MAIN RESULTS: Considering the relatively rapid development of cytopenias following recovery from COVID-19, it cannot be ruled out that SARS-Cov-2 played a role in leukemogenesis in those patients. Based on previous in vitro studies, the renin-angiotensin system imbalance induced by SARS-CoV-2 could potentially promote in vivo leukemogenesis through several mechanisms. CONCLUSION: Despite the advances in pathophysiological and clinical characterization of COVID-19, the consequences of the pandemic to the incidence of hematologic diseases are still to be elucidated. In this context, future dissection of the status of the local bone marrow renin-angiotensin system in leukemogenesis is a clinically relevant basic research area.

Can SARS-CoV-2 induce hematologic malignancies in predisposed individuals? A case series and review of the literature

Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may present with extrapulmonary manifestations, including hematologic changes. Previous studies suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) can interact with the renin-angiotensin system, ultimately causing increased production of angiotensin II. By reporting the cases of previously healthy young adults diagnosed with a hematologic malignancy after experiencing COVID-19, we raise the hypothesis that the SARS-Cov-2 infection could act as a trigger for leukemogenesis in predisposed individuals. Methods This was a case series performed through extraction of relevant clinical information from the medical records of three patients admitted to our Hematology unit between August 2020 and September 2020. Main Results Considering the relatively rapid development of cytopenias following recovery from COVID-19, it cannot be ruled out that SARS-Cov-2 played a role in leukemogenesis in those patients. Based on previous in vitro studies, the renin-angiotensin system imbalance induced by SARS-CoV-2 could potentially promote in vivo leukemogenesis through several mechanisms. Conclusion Despite the advances in pathophysiological and clinical characterization of COVID-19, the consequences of the pandemic to the incidence of hematologic diseases are still to be elucidated. In this context, future dissection of the status of the local bone marrow renin-angiotensin system in leukemogenesis is a clinically relevant basic research area.

A Randomized Comparison Study of Lyophilized Nile Tilapia Skin and Silver-Impregnated Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose for the Treatment of Superficial Partial-Thickness Burns.

Glycerolized Nile tilapia skin (NTS) showed promising results when used for burn treatment in phases II and III randomized controlled trials. This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of lyophilized NTS (LNTS) as a temporary skin substitute for superficial partial-thickness burns by comparing it with silver-impregnated sodium carboxymethylcellulose dressing. This was a randomized, prospective, open-label, and controlled pilot study conducted in Fortaleza, Brazil, from April 2019 to December 2019. The 24 participants had ≥18 and ≤70 years of age and superficial partial-thickness burns affecting up to 10% of TBSA. Primary outcomes were the number of dressings performed and pain intensity, assessed via the Visual Analogue Scale and the Electronic von Frey. Secondary outcomes were the level of pain-related anxiety, assessed via the Burns Specific Pain Anxiety Scale, and analgesic consumption. In the test group, the number of dressings and the patient-reported pain after dressing-related procedures were lower. Analgesic intake, pain-related anxiety, and both patient-reported and objectively measured pain before dressing-related procedures were similar for the treatment groups. No adverse effects were detected. LNTS shares the same characteristics of an "'ideal'" wound dressing demonstrated by glycerolized NTS in previous studies. Also, it demonstrated noninferiority for burn management when compared with silver-impregnated sodium carboxymethylcellulose dressing. The safety and efficacy of LNTS demonstrated in this pilot study may allow the development of larger phases II and III RCTs in a near future.

Técnica de exposição da junção esofagogástrica obtida por meio de afastador flexível de fígado em cirurgia bariátrica: ensaio clínico randomizado / Technique of exposure of the esophagogastric junction obtained by the flexible liver retractor in bariatric surgery: a randomized controlled trial

RESUMO - RACIONAL: Os afastadores clássicos de cirurgia laparoscópica são geralmente rígidos, necessitando de uma incisão adicional para sua instalação ou de um auxiliar para manuseio durante o ato cirúrgico e ainda, podem envolvem risco de injúria hepática. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar e validar uma técnica de exposição da junção esofagogástrica obtida pelo afastador flexível de fígado em cirurgia bariátrica comparando sua eficácia com a de afastador classicamente utilizado para este fim. MÉTODOS: Tratou-se de um estudo prospectivo, aberto, controlado e comparativo em pacientes com indicação de cirurgia, distribuídos de forma randomizada em dois grupos: clássico (controle) e afastador flexível (teste). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 100 pacientes (n=50 grupo controle, n=50 grupo teste), sem diferença estatística na distribuição por idade e por morbidades, havendo diferença estatística somente no gênero (grupo controle obteve proporção maior de homens, p=0,020). Em relação ao tempo médio de realização das operações, não foi constatada diferença estatística. No quesito visibilidade, verificou-se que 100% dos pacientes do grupo afastador flexível obteve nível de visibilidade ótima, porém sem significância estatística com relação ao grupo clássico (94%). Invariavelmente, foi necessário um portal a mais de trocarte quando do uso do afastador clássico. CONCLUSÃO: O afastador flexível de fígado demonstrou-se seguro, eficaz, ergonômico, de baixo custo, de perfil estético satisfatório, não requerendo instrumental específico para uso ou nova curva de adaptação e aprendizado para manuseio.

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: In the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass technique, classic laparoscopic surgical retractors are usually rigid, require an additional incision for its installation, or must be handled by an assistant during the surgical procedure, involving a risk of liver injury. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and validate a technique of the esophagogastric junction exposure obtained by the flexible liver retractor in bariatric surgery, comparing its efficacy with the retractor classically used for this purpose. Methods: This study was performed as a randomized, open, prospective, controlled, and comparative design in patients with medical indications of bariatric surgery. The subjects were distributed in the classic (control) and flexible (test) retractor groups. Results: A total of 100 patients (n=50 control group, n=50 test group) were included. No statistically significant difference was observed in the mean duration of surgery. Regarding visibility, 100% of the patients in the flexible retractor group demonstrated an optimal visibility level, although without statistical significance concerning the classic retractor group (94%). Invariably, carrying a trocar was necessary when using the classic retractor. Conclusions: The flexible liver retractor is safe, effective, ergonomic, and inexpensive. Furthermore, it presented a satisfactory aesthetic profile, and the use of specific instruments, new adaptation curve, and training for its handling were not required.

Lyophilised tilapia skin as a xenograft for superficial partial thickness burns: a novel preparation and storage technique.

Despite a considerable decrease in its incidence worldwide, burns remain the fourth most common type of trauma. The majority of burns are small, with 75% of injuries treated on an outpatient basis. Tilapia skin, as a biological material, has been suggested as an option for the management of burn wounds. After good results were obtained with the use of a glycerolised version of tilapia skin in burned children and adults, it was hypothesised that similar outcomes could be achieved with the use of a lyophilised version of tilapia skin. We report the case of a 33-year-old female patient with scalds to the upper abdomen, and both breasts, arms and forearms. Involvement of 10% of total body surface area with superficial partial thickness burns was calculated. The good adherence of tilapia skin to the wound bed, a 10-day period for complete re-epithelialisation of the wounds and the absence of side effects suggested that the lyophilised version of tilapia skin is effective for burn treatment. Compared with glycerolisation, lyophilisation is thought to permit extended storage of sterile tissue and decreased costs related to distribution and transport, but further studies are needed to confirm this.

FLOX (5-fluorouracil + leucovorin + oxaliplatin) chemotherapy for colorectal cancer leads to long-term orofacial neurotoxicity: a STROBE-guided longitudinal prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is widely treated by chemotherapy based on an intensely neurotoxic drug: oxaliplatin (OXL). We objective to evaluate prospectively the orofacial neurotoxicity during FLOX (fluorouracil + leucovorin + OXL) chemotherapy. METHODS: So, 46 patients with CRC were prospectively evaluated during FLOX chemotherapy by 3 cycles (C) of 6 weeks (W) each. We weekly applied the orofacial section of the Acute and Chronic Neuropathy Questionnaire of Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events of the National Cancer Institute of the United States of America (Oxaliplatin-specific neurotoxicity scale). Patients were asked the following concerning the severity (scores 0-5) of orofacial symptoms: jaw pain, eyelids drooping, throat discomfort, ear pain, tingling in mouth, difficulty with speech, burning or discomfort of the eyes, loss of any vision, feeling shock/pain down back and problems breathing. We summed the scores (0-50) and evaluated the clinicopathological data. Friedman/Dunn, Chi square and multinomial regression logistic tests were used (SPSS 20.0, p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant increase in sum of orofacial neurotoxicity from baseline to C1.W3, C2.W1 and C3.W5 (p < 0.001) due increase in scores of jaw pain (p < 0.001), eyelids drooping (p = 0.034), throat discomfort (p < 0.001), ear pain (p = 0.034), tingling in mouth (p = 0.015), burning/discomfort of your eyes (p < 0.001), loss of any vision (p < 0.001), feeling shock/pain down back (p < 0.001), problems with breathing (p = 0.045), but not difficulty with speech (p = 0.087). Women (p = 0.021) and young patients (p = 0.027) had significant higher prevalence of orofacial neurotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: FLOX-related orofacial neurotoxicity begins acutely and remains long term with increased incidence in women and younger patients.

Tratamento de queimaduras de segundo grau profundo em abdômen, coxas e genitália: uso da pele de tilápia como um xenoenxerto / Treatment of deep second-degree burns on the abdomen, thighs, and genitalia: use of tilapia skin as a xenograft

A pele de tilápia possui microbiota não infecciosa e estrutura morfológica semelhante à pele humana. Estudos clínicos fase II, ainda não publicados, mostraram resultados promissores na sua utilização para tratamento de queimaduras. Nos protocolos destes estudos, pacientes com lesões em áreas de dobras de pele, como genitais e região inguinal, foram excluídos, pois achava-se que o biomaterial não aderiria apropriadamente, resultando em um grau de cicatrização inferior. Relato de caso de paciente do sexo feminino, 18 anos, sem comorbidades, com queimaduras de segundo grau profundo em abdômen, região inguinal, parte da genitália e metade superior de ambas as coxas, envolvendo 13,5% da área total da superfície corporal. A pele de tilápia foi aplicada nas lesões levando a uma reepitelização completa com 16 dias de tratamento. Não foram observados efeitos colaterais. A pele de tilápia traz, portanto, a promessa de um produto inovador, de fácil aplicação e alta disponibilidade, que pode se tornar a primeira pele animal nacionalmente estudada e registrada pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, para uso no tratamento de queimaduras. Este relato de caso contribui para reduzir as limitações em relação às áreas anatômicas apropriadas para a aplicação da pele de tilápia, uma vez que, mesmo com a necessidade de reposição de pele, foram obtidos bons resultados com aplicação na genitália e região inguinal.

Tilapia skin has a non-infectious microbiota and a morphological structure similar to human skin. Phase II clinical studies, not yet published, have shown promising results in their use for the treatment of burns. In the protocols of these studies, patients with lesions in areas of skin folds, such as genitals and inguinal regions, were excluded, as it was thought that the biomaterial would not adhere properly, resulting in a lower degree of healing. Case report of a female patient, 18 years old, without comorbidities, with deep second-degree burns in the abdomen, inguinal region, part of the genitalia and upper half of both thighs, involving 13.5% of the total body surface area. Tilapia skin was applied to the lesions leading to a complete re-epithelialization with 16 days of treatment. No side effects were observed. Tilapia skin, therefore, brings the promise of an innovative product, easy to apply, and highly available, which can become the first animal skin nationally studied and registered by the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, for use in the treatment of burns. This case report contributes to reduce the limitations concerning the anatomical areas appropriate for the application of tilapia skin, since, even with the need for skin replacement, good results were obtained with application to the genitalia and inguinal region.

Male-to-Female Gender-Affirming Surgery Using Nile Tilapia Fish Skin as a Biocompatible Graft.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Insufficient penile skin is common during vaginoplasty for male-to-female transition. This issue may be compensated by a scrotal skin flap, with the drawback of hair growth [1]. In recent studies, Nile tilapia skin was successfully used for the surgical management of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome [2,3] and vaginal stenosis [4,5]. This study aims to describe a novel technique for primary vaginoplasty in male-to-female gender-affirming surgery using Nile tilapia skin as a biocompatible graft to ensure adequate vaginal depth. DESIGN: Stepwise demonstration of the procedure with narrated video footage. SETTING: Transgender health clinic. INTERVENTIONS: A 29-year-old patient with gender dysphoria was referred to our office because of a desire for gender-affirming surgery. A physical examination revealed normal male genitalia with a 14-cm-long penis. Before surgery, approval from the institutional review board and written permission from the patient were obtained. After orchiectomy, penile disassembly, perineal dissection, and urethroplasty were performed, and a hollow Nile tilapia skin mold was prepared and sutured to the distal edge of the remaining penile skin. This structure was inverted, covering the newly created canal. The neocavity was then filled with a handmade inflatable vaginal mold, held in place by sutures in the labia majora. Finally, labiaplasty and clitoroplasty were conducted. After 7 days, the inflatable mold was removed, and the use of progressively larger dilators was initiated. After 3 weeks, a neovagina that was 16 cm long and able to accommodate the width of 2 fingers was detected. At that time, the Nile tilapia skin was completely reabsorbed into the neovaginal mucosa. There were no complications in the early postsurgical period. CONCLUSION: Nile tilapia skin, a safe, low-cost, and easy-to-use biocompatible material, may be an alternative option to scrotal skin grafts for neovaginal augmentation in primary vaginoplasty for male-to-female gender transition. However, further studies are needed to confirm this assertive.

Innovative Burn Treatment Using Tilapia Skin as a Xenograft: A Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial.

Skin substitutes are considered a useful alternative for occlusive dressings in the treatment of superficial burns as they reduce the frequency of dressing replacement. This phase II randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin as an occlusive xenograft dressing for the treatment of burn wounds in humans. In order to assess the use of tilapia skin, the following variables were evaluated: number of days for wound healing, the number of times the occlusive dressing was changed, use of anesthetics or analgesics, pain assessment using the Visual Analogue Scale, and evaluation of burn improvement on the day of dressing removal. In total, 62 participants completed the study. It was found that in participants treated with tilapia skin, complete reepithelialization occurred in significantly fewer days; reported pain intensity was lower (study arms B and C), the amount of anesthetics/analgesics required was lower (study arms B and C), and the necessity of dressing changes was significantly reduced in comparison with volunteers treated with silver sulfadiazine. In our study, the tilapia skin xenograft showed good efficacy as an occlusive biological dressing for burn wound treatment in humans.

Neovaginoplasty Using Nile Tilapia Fish Skin as a New Biologic Graft in Patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome is the second most common cause of primary amenorrhea, trailing only to gonadal dysgenesis. Neovaginoplasty is an appropriate treatment option for patients who have failed dilation therapy. Several biomaterials have been used in this procedure, including peritoneum, amnion, skin grafts, and myocutaneous flaps. Nile Tilapia Fish Skin has noninfectious microbiota, morphologic structure comparable to human skin, and high in vivo bioresorption. In addition, it showed good outcomes when used as a xenograft for burn treatment. Thus, we suggest it as a new biologic graft for vaginal agenesis management. In this descriptive study, neovaginoplasty using Nile Tilapia Fish Skin offered 3 patients an anatomic and functional neovagina via a simple method with potential long-term effectiveness. When postsurgical dilation was performed correctly, a vaginal length greater than 6 cm was maintained at 180 days follow-up. Histologic and immunohistochemical analyses revealed the presence of stratified squamous epithelium with high expression of cytokeratins and fibroblast growth factor, matching the characteristics of normal adult vaginal tissue. We believe that further studies will show Nile Tilapia Fish Skin to be a relevant option in the therapeutic arsenal of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

Pediatric Burn Treatment Using Tilapia Skin as a Xenograft for Superficial Partial-Thickness Wounds: A Pilot Study.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Nile tilapia skin as a xenograft for the treatment of partial-thickness burn wounds in children. This is an open-label, monocentric, randomized phase II pilot study conducted in Fortaleza, Brazil. The study population consisted of 30 children between the ages of 2 and 12 years with superficial "partial-thickness" burns admitted less than 72 hours from the thermal injury. In the test group, the tilapia skin was applied. In the control group, a thin layer of silver sulfadiazine cream 1% was applied. Tilapia skin showed good adherence to the wound bed, reducing the number of dressing changes required, the amount of anesthetics used, and providing benefits for the patients and also for healthcare professionals, by reducing the overall work load. The number of days to complete burn wound healing, the total amount of analgesics required throughout the treatment, burn improvement on the day of dressing removal, and pain throughout the treatment were similar to the conventional treatment with silver sulfadiazine. Thus, tilapia skin can be considered an effective and low-cost extra resource in the therapeutic arsenal of pediatric superficial partial thickness burns.

Uso da pele de tilápia do Nilo em medicina regenerativa: Status atual e perspectivas futuras / Nile tilapia fish skin use in regenerative medicine: Current status and future perspectives

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo tem como objetivo apresentar a trajetória do desenvolvimento da pele de tilápia como curativo biológico. MÉTODO: Descrição do processo de desenvolvimento da pele de tilápia como curativo biológico, desde a concepção da ideia para utilização no tratamento de queimaduras, até as perspectivas de sua utilização como scaffold em múltiplas especialidades médicas. RESULTADOS: Com o objetivo de oferecer uma alternativa segura, eficaz e de baixo custo para o tratamento de queimaduras, pesquisadores brasileiros desenvolveram um curativo biológico derivado da pele de tilápia. CONCLUSÃO: A pele de tilápia vem demonstrando um notável potencial como curativo biológico no tratamento de queimaduras e na medicina regenerativa.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to present the development trajectory of the tilapia skin as a biological dressing. METHODS: To describe the development process of tilapia skin as biological dressing, from the conception to the burn wounds treatment to the perspectives of its use as a scaffold in multiple medical specialties. RESULTS: In order to provide a safe, effective and low-cost alternative for the treatment of burn injuries, Brazilian researchers have recently developed a biological dressing derived from tilapia skin. CONCLUSION: The tilapia skin have been demonstrating the remarkable potential as a biological dressing in burn injuries treatment and in regenerative medicine.

Neovaginoplasty for radiation-induced vaginal stenosis using Nile Tilapia Fish Skin as a biological graft.

Tilapia skin showed good results when used as a biological graft for surgical management of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome. Thus, our researchers considered the use of this biomaterial for neovaginoplasty in radiation-induced vaginal stenosis. We report the case of a 41-year-old female patient with a total occlusion of the vaginal canal after radiotherapy for vaginal cancer. McIndoe neovaginoplasty using tilapia skin as a scaffold for proliferation of new vaginal epithelium was performed. Initially, laparoscopic dissection of the rectovaginal septum and vesicovaginal space spaces was conducted. In the vaginal surgical time, a transverse transmural incision was made in the scarred vaginal reminiscent followed by blunt dissection and insertion of an acrylic mold covered with tilapia skin. Good anatomical and functional outcomes were noted. Vaginal reconstruction with tilapia skin seems to be an excellent option for patients with radiation-induced vaginal stenosis due to its wide availability, easy application and high effectiveness.

Innovative treatment using tilapia skin as a xenograft for partial thickness burns after a gunpowder explosion.

Tilapia skin has non-infectious microbiota, high amounts of type I collagen, and similar morphological structure to human skin, so it has been suggested as a potential xenograft for the management of burn wounds. A 23-year-old male patient, with no comorbidities, arrived at our burn treatment center after a thermal injury caused by contact with flames from a gunpowder explosion. Superficial partial thickness burns were present in his right upper limb and deep partial thickness burns were present in his left upper limb. Tilapia skin was applied to the lesions, leading to complete reepithelialization within 12 and 17 days of treatment, respectively. No dressing changes were needed and no side effects were observed. Tilapia skin carries the promise of an innovative, easy-to-apply and highly available product that can become the first nationally studied animal skin registered by the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency for use in the treatment of burns.

Tilapia fish skin as a new biologic graft for neovaginoplasty in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome: a video case report.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a McIndoe procedure technique for surgical management of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome with the use of Nile tilapia skin as a scaffold for the proliferation of new vaginal epithelium. DESIGN: Surgical video article. Local Institutional Review Board approval and written permission from the patient were obtained. There were no conflicts of interest. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): A 17-year-old woman who presented at our gynecology department with the complaint of primary amenorrhea. At physical examination, she had a phenotypically normal vulva with no vaginal canal. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis revealed normal ovaries and absence of uterus and vaginal canal. No other congenital malformations were found. Karyotype was 46,XX. INTERVENTION(S): The McIndoe procedure involved only a vaginal approach. Labia minora were separated, and a transverse midline incision of 3 cm was made. The vesicorectal space was progressively dissected. Blunt dissection was performed initially with digital separation of tissues. The neovagina was then inspected with the introduction of a vaginal speculum, allowing for review of hemostasis. Blunt dissection was continued with the aid of the speculum, to reach the appropriate vaginal dimensions. Subsequently, a vaginal acrylic mold covered with two pieces of processed and sterilized tilapia fish skin was inserted and accommodated into the newly created cavity. The external side of the tilapia skin, which maintained its grayish coloration after the removal of the scales, stayed in contact with the acrylic mold, while the white internal side of the tilapia skin, which was previously attached to the fish's muscle, stayed in contact with the walls of the neocavity. The mold was held in position by four multifilament polyglactin 1.0 sutures in the labia majora, thus preventing expulsion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Anatomic data, such as measurement of the final canal length, and histomorphologic analysis, 180 days after surgery. RESULT(S): The patient remained on bed rest for 9 days, after which the tilapia fish skin had been partially reabsorbed. After this time, the acrylic mold was removed. A larger plastic mold was then inserted and the patient was advised to wear it day and night for the first postoperative month. The vaginal mold had to be worn each night until normal sexual intercourse was possible. The final canal length 180 days after surgery was between 8 and 9 cm. For the histopathologic analysis, fragments of the lateral vaginal wall were removed 180 days after surgery and showed the presence of stratified squamous epithelium with five cell layers, ectasic blood vessels, and occasional desquamated epithelial cells. CONCLUSION(S): The procedure described offered this patient an anatomic and functional neovagina by means of a simple, safe, easy, effective, quick, and minimally invasive procedure. Limitations include the experimental nature of this study, based on a single case report with no long-term outcome results. The tilapia fish skin is a low-cost and widely available biomaterial.

Use of Tilapia Skin as a Xenograft for Pediatric Burn Treatment: A Case Report.

Burns represent the fifth most common cause of nonfatal childhood injuries in the world. The Nile tilapia skin (Oreochromis niloticus) is widely available in Brazil and demonstrated, in previous studies, noninfectious microbiota, morphological structure similar to that of human skin, and good outcomes when used as a xenograft for treatment of experimental burns in rats. A 3-year-old boy was admitted to a burn treatment center in Fortaleza, Brazil, with scalds in the left side of the face, neck, anterior thorax, abdomen, and left arm. Involvement of 18% of total body surface area with superficial partial thickness burns was calculated. After local Institutional Review Board approval and written permission from the patient's legal caregiver were obtained, application of tilapia skin as an occlusive dressing was performed. Good adherence of tilapia skin to the wound bed was detected. The patient was discharged from the hospital with a total of 10 days required for the complete re-epithelialization of his superficial partial thickness burn. No adverse effects were noted. We believe that further studies conducted by our researchers will allow this innovative, low-cost, widely available and easy to apply biomaterial to firm itself as a relevant option in the therapeutic arsenal of pediatric burns, producing significant social and financial impact for the health system.