ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Autologous tissue has become the gold standard in breast reconstruction. The use of a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has the advantages of giving a natural appearance to the reconstructed breast and being associated with lower morbidity at the donor site when compared with the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. Venous complications such as venous thrombosis and insufficiency remain the main causes of flap loss and surgical revisions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of superficial venous drainage of the DIEP flap and the addition of a second venous anastomosis have on flap survival. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study collected from a prospective database maintained by our institution. Data was obtained from the medical records of female patients who underwent mastectomy and breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap between March 2010 and March 2017. We evaluated 137 DIEP patients with unilateral breast reconstructions. In 64 (46.7%) the deep venous system was chosen and 73 (53.3%) had an additional superficial vein anastomosed. RESULTS: Out of the 137 patients evaluated, there were 16 (11.67%) cases of revision, 14 (10.21%) were due to venous thrombosis. Twelve cases (8.75%) of flap loss were reported. Reoperation rate was lower in the dual venous drainage group when compared with the single venous drainage group (p = 0.005), as was the rate of flap loss (p = 0.006) and reoperation due to venous thrombosis (p = 0.002). Out of the 125 DIEP flaps, fat necrosis was clinically identified in 7 (5.1%) cases, and the rate was lower in the dual venous drainage system group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Dual venous drainage of a DIEP flap appears to reduce the rates of venous thrombosis, reoperation, total flap loss, and fat necrosis.
ABSTRACT
Full-thickness scalp defects exposing the skull can be challenging for plastic surgeons. Scalp skin has low elasticity, so a large flap is necessary to cover even a small defect. This article presents 9 cases in which 3 rhomboid flaps were used for the c1osure of scalp defects. One patient experienced flap necrosis and required reoperation. Two other patients had minor complications treated with dressing. The method presented here in allows the harvest of 3 small flaps that collectively cover the defect as well as the primary closure of the donor area. This technique does not require the creation of a large fiap or skin graft from the donor. Thus, the technique described here in is suitable for medium-thickness scalp defects and is a good alternative to large rotation fiaps and skin grafts.
Defeitos no couro cabeludo podem ser um desafio para os cirurgiões plásticos quando afetam sua espessura total e deixam o crânio exposto. O couro cabeludo tem pouca elasticidade,assim um grande retalho é necessário para cobrir um defeito pequeno. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar 9 casos em que 3 retalhos romboides foram utilizados para o fechamento de defeitos no couro cabeludo. Um paciente apresentou necrose do retalho e foi necessária reoperação. Dois outros pacientes tiveram complicações menores, que foram tratadas com curativos. O método apresentado permite a confecção de 3 pequenos retalhos que em conjunto cobrem o defeito, e as áreas doadoras são fechadas primariamente. Com a utilização da técnica descrita, a confecção de um retalho grande e a enxertia de pele da área doadora não são necessárias. Neste artigo é descrita uma técnica para fechamento de defeitos de tamanho moderado no couro cabeludo, que é uma boa alternativa a grandes retalhos de rotação ou enxerto de pele.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Scalp/surgery , Scalp/injuries , Surgical Flaps , Surgical Procedures, Operative , Skin Transplantation/methods , Methods , Patients , MethodsABSTRACT
INTRODUÇÃO: A monitorização do retalho livre após a cirurgia é de vital importância, especialmente nas primeiras horas de pós-operatório, pois o momento de reabordagem pode ser o definidor entre o salvamento ou a perda do retalho. Até o momento, não existe trabalho na literatura estudando a decisão de abordagem do retalho baseada em medidas objetivas ou a comparação da glicemia entre retalhos que evoluíram bem com os que sofreram sofrimento vascular. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a validade da medida da glicemia capilar do retalho como método de monitorização de retalhos microcirúrgicos comparando com a avaliação clínica. MÉTODO: Foram estudados prospectivamente 16 pacientes portadores de retalhos livres, realizados de maio de 2012 a julho de 2012. A glicemia capilar foi avaliada por equipe formada por profissionais não envolvidos com a cirurgia realizada. A avaliação clínica do retalho foi realizada no pós-operatório imediato, na chegada à UTI, a cada 3 horas e sempre que necessário. RESULTADOS: Dos 16 pacientes, 5 (31,3%) apresentaram complicações nas primeiras 24 horas. Todas as complicações observadas foram trombose venosa. Foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante na glicemia capilar de portadores de retalhos que apresentaram trombose venosa em comparação àqueles que não tiveram a complicação, nas medidas realizadas 6 horas, 9 horas e 12 horas após a operação (P < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: A medida da glicemia capilar não foi superior à avaliação clínica por profissional experiente na detecção de trombose venosa de retalhos livres.
BACKGROUND: Monitoring of free flaps after surgery is vitally important, especially in the first few hours because the timing of reoperation can determine flap salvage or loss. To date, no study has examined the decision to reoperate on a flap based on the objective measure of glycemia or a comparison between flaps that showed good outcomes and those that showed vascular damage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of blood glucose measurements within the flap as a method for monitoring free flaps and to compare the efficacy of this method with that of clinical assessments. METHODS: The study was prospective, included 16 patients with free flaps, and was conducted from May 2012 to July 2012. A team of professionals not involved in the surgery evaluated capillary glycemia. Flaps were clinically evaluated during the immediate postoperative period, on ICU admission, at every 3 hours, and as needed. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, 5 (31.3%) had venous thrombosis in the first 24 hours. Statistically significant differences were noted in capillary glycemia in patients with or without venous thrombosis in measurements obtained 6, 9, and 12 hours after surgery (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of capillary glycemia was not superior to clinical evaluation by an experienced professional for the detection of venous thrombosis within free flaps.