Surgical treatment of sacral pressure injury in ambulating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective cohort with complications analysis and elaboration of a surgical treatment protocol.

BACKGROUND: The sudden increase of intensive care unit patients during the coronavirus pandemic led to an increase in the incidence of sacral pressure lesions. Despite being ambulating patients, in many cases the lesions were deep (Grade III and IV), mainly due to the long-term intubation and being bedridden during the pandemic. Most of these wounds necessitated surgical repair. OBJECTIVES: To measure the success and the rate of complications in reconstructions of grade III and IV hospital acquired sacral pressure lesions in ambulating patients after hospitalization for COVID-19. Developing a well-established protocol for surgical treatment of hospital acquired sacral pressure lesions during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Prospective cohort involving ambulating patients with grades III and IV sacral pressure lesions developed after hospitalization for COVID-19 from May 2020 to August 2020 (4 months). All of them were submitted to reconstruction with fasciocutaneous flaps. Demographics, comorbidities, and preoperative laboratory tests were compared and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was made in order to identify risk factors for complications. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were submitted to fasciocutaneous flaps to repair sacral pressure lesions with a total complication rate of 36.0%. Hemoglobin levels lower than 9.0 mg/dl (p = 0,01), leukocyte levels higher than 11.000/mm3 (p = 0,1), and C Reactive protein levels higher than 142 mg/dl (p = 0,06) at the time of reconstruction and bilateral flaps were independent factors for complications. CONCLUSION: Specific preoperative laboratory tests and surgical techniques were associated with a statistically significant increased complication risk. It was established a protocol for surgical treatment of hospital-acquired sacral pressure lesions to diminish these risks, focusing on ambulating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Microneedling in the Treatment of Post-burn Hypertrophic Scars.

INTRODUCTION: Post-burn hypertrophic scars are an important cause of physical discomfort, limitation of movements, psychological disorders, low self-esteem and reduced quality of life. Treatment for this condition is complex and involves several options. Microneedling, also known as minimally invasive percutaneous collagen induction, is an affordable minimally invasive option that can be combined with other treatments, including ablative ones. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to present our microneedling approach for the treatment of hypertrophic scars after burns. METHOD: A prospective study of 15 patients with post-burn hypertrophic scars was conducted between October 2016 and June 2022. All patients were treated with microneedling and drug delivery of triamcinolone. Scars were evaluated using Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Burn Scar Assessment Scale (BSAS) and angle measurement for amplitude of movement evaluation of joints. RESULTS: A significant improvement in the VSS score was obtained after microneedling (8.8 ± 0.44 to 4.1 ± 0.98; p = 0.012), especially in the acute group (less than 1 year after burns): 9.3 ± 0.49 to 3.5 ± 1.36; p = 0.041. There was a significant and progressive improvement of the scars throughout the treatment sessions in all criteria evaluated and in the ranges of joint movement (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Our microneedling protocol promoted a significant improvement of post-burn scars, especially in acute hypertrophic scars, and in the amplitude of joint motion. Sequential treatments provided progressive improvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

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.

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.

Surgical treatment of sacral pressure wounds in patients with COVID-19: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID 19 pandemic has resulted in an increased number of patients requiring intubation and intensive care. This has led to an increased incidence of sacral pressure ulcers requiring surgical management. We report our experience of COVID 19 related sacral pressure ulcers requiring surgical reconstruction. METHODS: A case series study was performed with 12 patients who presented grade IV sacral pressure ulcers after hospitalization for COVID-19 in a single institution. The mean age was 49.8 years and the most frequent comorbidities were arterial hypertension, diabetes and obesity, each present in 6 patients. All of them were submitted to surgical reconstruction with fasciocutaneous flaps after improvement of their clinical status. Follow up time was of at least 30 days after reconstruction. Preoperative laboratory tests and surgical outcomes were compared to data available in the literature. RESULTS: No major dehiscence was observed and minor dehiscence happened in 2 cases (16.7%). Out of the 12 patients, 8 (66.7%) had hemoglobin levels less than 10.0 and 5 (41.7%) had albumin levels less than 3.0, though this did not lead to a higher rate of complications. CONCLUSION: This study showed that ambulating patients with grade IV pressure ulcer after COVID- 19 infection may undergo debridement, negative-pressure wound therapy and closure with local flaps with adequate results and minimal complication rate.

The Influence of the Superficial Venous System on DIEP Flap Drainage in Breast Reconstruction.

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.

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.

Access to reconstructive plastic surgery for patients undergoing bariatric surgery in the Unified Health System (SUS).

INTRODUCTION: obesity is one of the most common diseases worldwide, and the most effective treatment to it is the bariatric surgery. One of the negative impacts of this procedure is the body dysmorphia caused by overhanging skin. In Brazil, the national health system - Sistema Único de Sáude (SUS) - provide body contouring surgery to treat post-bariatric patients, since 2007. This article aims to describe the Brazilian public health approach to post bariatric patients and perform an analyze in the Brazilian health care database. METHODS: in Brazilian Health System database, a search for the post-bariatric procedures performed between 2007 to 2021 was done. The variables analyzed were geographic location, year, mean days of hospitalization, death, and mortality rate. Also, we evaluated the number of bariatric procedures done in the same period. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student-t and the chi-square tests and p-value <0.5 was considered significant. RESULTS: a total of 12,717 plastic surgery procedures in post bariatric patients were done, with a national prevalence of 13.8%. Dermolipectomy was the most performed procedure, with 6,719. The years of 2020 and 2021 suffered a decreased of 64.3% and 70.9% in the number of surgeries (p<0,001). Bariatric Procedures had a high rate and a higher percentage of growth comparing to post bariatric surgery (p<0,001), totalizing 93,589 surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Brazil had a significant number of body contouring surgery, however with a low prevalence. Dermoliepctomy was the most common procedure performed. We could notice a significant impact of COVID pandemic in those procedures .

Minced skin grafts for chronic wounds compared to conventional mesh grafts.

Background and Aims: Skin grafting is the single most effective method to close a chronic wound. The current standard of care is to use meshed split thickness skin grafts. This entails the use of surgical instruments that need to be autoclaved and to have a power source, which usually requires an OR facility. The minced skin technique uses single use, presterilized instruments and the procedure can be done under local anesthesia, by a wound care practitioner, in a wound clinic, a physician's office or even at the bedside. The current study was designed to determine if the results from micrografting were non inferior to conventional mesh grafting. Methods: In a prospective non inferiority study, 26 chronic ulcers were treated with micrografting (MSG) and 24 with conventional mesh grafts 1:3 (control group-CG) in a total of 21 patients, 10 male and 11 female. The donor site areas in the MSG group were predetermined to 2.5 × 5 cm and the mesh grafts expansion was set at 1:3. Results: In the first weeks postoperatively, micrograft healing initially lagged behind the conventional mesh grafts but at 60 days after grafting, all MSG wounds were healed. The MSG wounds had better pigmentation, less itching, and less scarring. The micrografting procedure was easy to learn and expeditious to perform. The MSG mean expansion was 9.1 compared to three times (CG). Conclusion: The MSG procedure is not inferior to conventional mesh grafting, requires smaller donor sites, and can be done with single use instruments, under local anesthesia, with early discharge.

Effect of Photobiomodulation With Different Wavelengths on Radiodermatitis Treatment.

Approximately 80% of patients submitted to radiotherapy develop radiodermatitis. Photobiomodulation based on light-emitted diode (LED) is one of the therapeutic strategies for treating inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the photobiomodulation with two wavelengths, in an acute radiodermatitis animal model. Methods: Twenty rats were submitted to one radiotherapy session. After 15 days, the rats that developed radiodermatitis were divided into control groups, LED-630 nm, LED-850 nm, and LED-630 + 850 nm. The treatment regimen was one session lasting 10 minutes on alternate days for 21 days. We analyzed macroscopy aspects (RTOG scale), vascular density, dermal appendages, VEGF-a, TNF-alpha, MMP-9, and MMP-9 genic expression level. Results: All LED groups revealed a two-point reduction on the radiodermatitis severity grade compared with the baseline classification. Dermal appendage and vascular analysis showed a higher counting in all LED groups compared to control. This study showed dermal appendages twice in the 630/850 nm group compared with the control group. The 630/850 nm group showed six times more arterioles than the control group. Regarding genic expression, this study showed a 10-fold decrease between LED-630 nm versus LED-630 + 850 nm (P = 0.02) interleukin-10 expression and a 12-fold decrease between control versus LED-630 nm (P = 0.006) and LED-850 nm (P = 0.002) in TNF-alpha. Conclusion: LED (630 nm, 850 nm, and 630 nm + 850 nm) showed benefit in the treatment of radiodermatitis, and the association of the 630 nm + 850 nm and 630 nm parameters demonstrated the best macroscopic and microscopic results.

Volumetric Comparison Between CT Scans and Smartphone-Based Photogrammetry in Patients Undergoing Chin Augmentation With Autologous Fat Graft.

BACKGROUND: The most accurate methods for assessing fat grafted volume, such as computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging, use 3-dimensional (3D) evaluation of the recipient area. Currently, other measurement techniques such as photogrammetry (compilation of photos) are employed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to compare 3D images obtained by CT scan with those obtained by photogrammetry in patients undergoing autogenous fat grafting to the chin. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study was undertaken to assess patients undergoing autologous fat grafting to the chin, capturing preoperative and postoperative (6 months) images with CT scan and photogrammetry. Captured images were submitted to 3D reconstruction with Blender image software. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were submitted to surgery. Seventy-five percent were female. Median age and BMI were 26.5 years and 23.6 kg/m2, respectively. Median volume of fat grafted was 10 mL (interquartile range 8-12.25 mL). Results showed that the median preoperative volume measured by CT scan was larger than the photogrammetry measurement (12.48 mL vs 12.01 mL, respectively, P < .001). Likewise, a larger volume was measured by CT scan than by photogrammetry (15.54 mL vs 14.94 mL respectively, P < .001) 6 months postoperatively. However, there was no difference between CT scan and photogrammetry measurements of the change in volume from preoperatively to postoperatively (P = .89). CONCLUSIONS: There was no agreement between fat graft volume measurements obtained by 3D photogrammetry and CT scan techniques with regard to absolute values of fat graft volume measurements, however no difference was found between the 2 methods when comparing preoperative with postoperative fat graft volume variation.

Retrospective Evaluation of Characteristics of Patients with Burn Injuries Treated at the Largest Reference Hospital in Brazil.

Burn injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the Brazilian population. We conducted this study in a tertiary hospital in Brazil to discover the epidemiological characteristics of patients with burn injuries. We conducted a cohort review of patients admitted to the burn unit of our institute during a 5-year period. For each patient, we collected data that included age, gender, total percentage of burned body surface area, burn location, burn mode, and burn cause. We analyzed the data using the R programming language. We included a total of 496 patients in our study. The mean age of the patients was 28 ± 14.7 years. The median length of hospital stay was 2 weeks. We found a significant correlation between the total percentage of burned body surface area and the length of hospitalization (p < .001) and the length of hospitalization in the intensive care unit (p < .001). A total of 427 patients (86%) were discharged from the hospital after successful treatment. In contrast, 43 patients (8.67%) died. The mortality rate was highest in patients who had more than 70% of their total body surface area burned. The average length of hospitalization aligned with global and national statistics presented in the literature. The main causes of the burn injuries were thermal (e.g., fire, hot liquids). We found inhalation injuries present in more than one third of the patients who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit with thermal burns.

Access to reconstructive plastic surgery for patients undergoing bariatric surgery in the Unified Health System (SUS) / Acesso à cirurgia plástica reparadora para pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS)

ABSTRACT Introduction: obesity is one of the most common diseases worldwide, and the most effective treatment to it is the bariatric surgery. One of the negative impacts of this procedure is the body dysmorphia caused by overhanging skin. In Brazil, the national health system - Sistema Único de Sáude (SUS) - provide body contouring surgery to treat post-bariatric patients, since 2007. This article aims to describe the Brazilian public health approach to post bariatric patients and perform an analyze in the Brazilian health care database. Methods: in Brazilian Health System database, a search for the post-bariatric procedures performed between 2007 to 2021 was done. The variables analyzed were geographic location, year, mean days of hospitalization, death, and mortality rate. Also, we evaluated the number of bariatric procedures done in the same period. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student-t and the chi-square tests and p-value <0.5 was considered significant. Results: a total of 12,717 plastic surgery procedures in post bariatric patients were done, with a national prevalence of 13.8%. Dermolipectomy was the most performed procedure, with 6,719. The years of 2020 and 2021 suffered a decreased of 64.3% and 70.9% in the number of surgeries (p<0,001). Bariatric Procedures had a high rate and a higher percentage of growth comparing to post bariatric surgery (p<0,001), totalizing 93,589 surgeries. Conclusions: Brazil had a significant number of body contouring surgery, however with a low prevalence. Dermoliepctomy was the most common procedure performed. We could notice a significant impact of COVID pandemic in those procedures .

RESUMO Introdução: obesidade é uma das doenças mais comuns do mundo e a cirurgia bariátrica é o tratamento mais eficaz até o momento. Um dos impactos negativos do procedimento é o dismorfismo corporal causado pelo excesso cutâneo. No Brasil, o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) promove cirurgia de contorno corporal para tratar pacientes com perda ponderal maciça desde 2007. Este artigo tem como objetivo descrever a abordagem do SUS para pacientes pós-bariátricos através de análise do banco de dados do próprio sistema. Métodos: foi realizada pesquisa no banco de dados do SUS para procedimentos em pós-bariátricos entre 2007 e 2021. As variáveis analisadas foram localização geográfica, ano, tempo médio de internação, morte e taxa de mortalidade. Também analisamos o número de procedimentos bariátricos realizados no mesmo período. Análise estatística foi realizada utilizando os testes t de Student e do Qui-Quadrado, considerando valor p<0,5 como significante. Resultados: um total de 12.717 procedimentos de cirurgia plástica foram realizados em pacientes pós-bariátricos, com prevalência nacional de 13,8%. Dermolipectomia foi o procedimento mais realizado, com um total de 6.719. Nos anos de 2020 e 2021 houve um decréscimo de 64,3 e 70,9% no total de cirurgias, respectivamente (p<0,001). Procedimentos bariátricos tiveram maior número total e taxa de crescimento maiores do que cirurgia pós-bariátricas (p<0,001), totalizando 93.589 cirurgias. Conclusões: houve um número significativo de cirurgias de contorno corporal no Brasil, embora com baixa prevalência. Dermolipectomia foi o procedimento mais realizado. Notamos impacto significativo da pandemia Sars-CoV-2 no total de procedimentos realizados.

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

ABSTRACT 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.

A modified hydrogel production protocol to decrease cellular content.

PURPOSE: To analyze the cytotoxicity and cell in porcine-derived decellularized skin matrix. METHODS: We analyzed the effect of multiple decellularization processes by histological analysis, DNA quantification, and flow cytometry. Subsequently, we analyzed the most appropriate hydrogel concentration to minimize cytotoxicity on fibroblast culture and to maximize cell proliferation. RESULTS: After the fourth decellularization, the DNA quantification showed the lowest DNA concentration (< 50 ng/mg). Histological analysis showed no cell components in the hydrogel. Moreover, hematoxylin and eosin showed a heterogeneous structure of collagen fibers. The best hydrogel concentration ranged from 3 to 25%, and there was no significant difference between the 24 hours and seven days. CONCLUSIONS: The process of hydrogel production was effective for removing cells and DNA elements. The best hydrogel concentration ranged from 3 to 25%.

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.

REVERSE SURAL FLAP FOR LOWER LIMB RECONSTRUCTION.

Introduction: Reconstruction of distal wounds in lower extremities can be challenging due to the lack of tissue to perform local flaps. Fasciocutaneous and muscular flaps are some options for coverage, such as the reverse-flow fasciocutaneous sural flap. Objective: To present an 18-month experience on ankle, calcaneus, and foot reconstruction using the reverse-flow sural flap, performed by the Complex Wounds Group of the Plastic Surgery Department of the University of São Paulo Medical School. Methods: An observational, retrospective and descriptive study was performed through data survey on medical records of all patients treated between November 2018 and June 2020. Results: Nine reverse-flow fasciocutaneous sural flaps were performed. All patients were men. The mean age was 38 years old. Five patients had acute wounds for traffic collision, one electrical trauma and three chronic post-traumatic injuries. The ankle was the most common injury site (6), followed by foot (2) and calcaneus (1). Four patients had complications, three of which were partial necrosis and one distal epitheliosis. No case of total necrosis was recorded. The average hospital stay was 30.1 days. Conclusion: The reverse-flow fasciocutaneous sural flap proved to be a viable, reproducible, and reliable option for distal lower limb reconstruction. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Introdução: Reconstrução de lesões distais de extremidades inferiores podem ser desafiadoras devido à limitação de tecido para retalhos locais. Retalhos fasciocutâneos e musculares são opções, como o retalho fasciocutâneo sural reverso. Objetivo: Apresentar a experiência de 18 meses do Grupo de Feridas Complexas do Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo no uso do retalho sural reverso para reconstruções de defeitos em tornozelo, calcâneo e pé. Métodos: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo e descritivo, com dados de prontuário de todos os casos operados no serviço entre novembro de 2018 e junho de 2020. Resultados: Foram realizados nove retalhos fasciocutâneos sural reverso. Todos os pacientes eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 38 anos. Cinco foram vítimas de acidente automobilístico, um de trauma elétrico e três apresentavam sequelas pós-traumáticas. Seis lesões localizadas em tornozelo, dois em pé e um em calcâneo. Quatro pacientes apresentaram complicações, sendo três necroses parciais e uma epiteliólise distal. Não houve perda total de retalho. O tempo médio de hospitalização foi de 30,1 dias. Conclusão: O retalho fasciocutâneo sural reverso mostrou-se uma opção viável, reprodutível e segura para reconstrução de lesões complexas em terço distal de perna e pé. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

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.