Versatilidad del colgajo VRAM / Versatility of the VRAM flap

Los defectos extensos de la pared abdominal y de la zona perineal derivados de las resecciones tumorales o posteriores a procesos infecciosos pueden ser resueltos de una manera rápida y sin la ayuda de técnicas microquirúrgicas mediante el colgajo VRAM, una herramienta reconstructiva importante que ha entrado en desuso, pero que sin lugar a dudas es una estrategia que proporciona seguridad para el cirujano plástico en los casos indicados. En nuestro trabajo se describe una serie de casos en los que se utilizó al colgajo VRAM para la reconstrucción de defectos en pared abdominal y la zona perineal; defectos amplios que fueron satisfactoriamente resueltos, en donde se denotan las ventajas que ofrece este colgajo para la resolución de problemas reconstructivos de las áreas anatómicas en cuestión.

Extensive defects of the abdominal wall and perineal area derived from tumor resections or after infectious processes can be resolved quickly and without the help of microsurgical techniques using the VRAM flap, an important reconstructive tool that an important reconstructive tool that that has gone into disuse, but without a doubt it is a strategy that provides security for the plastic surgeon in the indicated cases. In our work, a series of cases are described in which the VRAM flap was used for the reconstruction of defects in the abdominal wall and the perineal area; large defects that were satisfactorily resolved, where the advantages offered by this flap for the resolution of reconstructive problems of the anatomical areas in question are denoted.

Postoperative Abdominal Bulge and Hernia Rates in Patients Undergoing Abdominally Based Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Bulge and hernia may occur after abdominally based breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to provide an estimate of the effects that the type of flap used for breast reconstruction (ie, transverse rectus abdominis muscle [TRAM] vs muscle-sparing [MS]-2 TRAM vs DIEP) has on the postoperative development of both abdominal bulge and abdominal hernia, taking into consideration the method of donor site closure (ie, with mesh vs without mesh), based on the available literature. Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. From these, 9 studies were comparative and suitable for meta-analysis. The results showed that, for unilateral breast reconstructions, there was no statistically significant difference in hernia/bulge rates in the following techniques: MS-2 TRAM flap without mesh, MS-2 TRAM flap with mesh, and DIEP flap without mesh, and they showed significantly lower hernia/bulge rates compared with TRAM flap without mesh, and TRAM flap with mesh, whereas for bilateral reconstructions, there was no statistically significant difference in hernia/bulge rates in the following techniques: MS-2 TRAM flaps with mesh and DIEP flaps without mesh, and they showed significantly lower hernia/bulge rates compared with TRAM flaps without mesh, TRAM flaps with mesh, and MS-2 TRAM flaps without mesh.

Transpelvic Oblique Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap With Preservation of the Rectus Sheath.

BACKGROUND: Perineal reconstructive surgery is an effective procedure to decrease the morbidity associated with extensive abdominoperineal resection in the treatment of advanced low rectal and anal malignancies. Rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps are often utilized in perineal reconstruction with excellent results. However, the main disadvantages are donor-site morbidity and the need for an open procedure after laparoscopic resection, requiring larger incisions with a resultant increase in postoperative pain. Herein, we describe a modified oblique rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap technique that allows sparing of the rectus sheath and the linea alba. TECHNIQUE: We followed the 3 stages regularly described for the procedure: 1) abdominoperineal resection with simultaneous abdominal and perineal team approach, and removal of the specimen through the perineal wound; 2) right oblique rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap with inferior epigastric pedicle, and release of the rectus muscle from its aponeurotic sheath through the skin paddle incision and transposition of the oblique rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap through an incision in the transversalis fascia; and 3) perineal reconstruction by sutures of the skin paddle to the perineal wound skin edges. RESULTS: Release of the rectus muscle within its sheath through the incision in the skin paddle turned out to be a simple surgical procedure, without the need of specialized surgical instruments or additional incisions. There were no complications during the postoperative recovery. Our patient was pain-free 1 month after the surgery, with a well-healed flap and abdominal scar. CONCLUSION: Performance of an oblique rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap that is specifically fitted for the perineal defect after abdominoperineal resection, with muscle dissection performed through the skin paddle incision and transposition into the pelvis through the transversalis fascia, offers good functional outcome while minimizing damage to the abdominal wall.

Rectus abdominis muscle flap for repair of the gastrojejunal leakage afterdistal gastrectomy with Billroth II anastomosis for gastric cancer.

Anastomotic leakages at the gastrojejunostomy site are difficult to repair, due to complex gastrointestinal anatomy. This is the first study reporting clinical use of rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) flap for repair of gastrojejunostomy leakage. A patient with leakage of gastrojejunostomy after distal gastrectomy with Billrroth II anastomosis for gastric cancer underwent repair using left RAM flap, based on superior epigastric artery. Rectus abdominis muscle flap, after being harvested was then anchored to the edges of the leak of gastrojejunostomy with few interrupted 2-0 vicryl sutures. Gastrojejunostomy leak sealed in the two cases. Rectus abdominis muscle flap for closure of gastrointestinal defect is a simple, technically easy and dependable procedure, which can be performed, quickly in critically ill patients. It can be used for repair of a large gastrointestinal defect with friable edges when omentum is not available or when other conventional methods are impractical.

Rectus abdominis muscle flap for repair of the gastrojejunal leakage after distal gastrectomy with Billroth II anastomosis for gastric cancer / Colgajo del músculo recto abdominal para reparación de la dehiscencia gastroyeyunal luego de gastrectomía distal con anastomosis Billroth II por cáncer gástrico

Anastomotic leakages at the gastrojejunostomy site are difficult to repair, due to complex gastrointestinal anatomy. This is the first study reporting clinical use of rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) flap for repair of gastrojejunostomy leakage. A patient with leakage of gastrojejunostomy after distal gastrectomy with Billrroth II anastomosis for gastric cancer underwent repair using left RAM flap, based on superior epigastric artery. Rectus abdominis muscle flap, after being harvested was then anchored to the edges of the leak of gastrojejunostomy with few interrupted 2-0 vicryl sutures. Gastrojejunostomy leak sealed in the two cases. Rectus abdominis muscle flap for closure of gastrointestinal defect is a simple, technically easy and dependable procedure, which can be performed, quickly in critically ill patients. It can be used for repair of a large gastrointestinal defect with friable edges when omentum is not available or when other conventional methods are impractical.

Las dehiscencias anastomóticas en el sitio de gastroyeyunostomía son difíciles de reparar, debido a la compleja anatomía gastrointestinal. Este es el primer estudio que comunica el uso clínico del colgajo del músculo recto abdominal (MRA) para la reparación de la dehiscencia de gastroyeyunostomía. A un paciente con dehiscencia de gastroyeyunostomía, luego de una gastrectomía distal con anastomosis Billrroth II para cáncer gástrico, se le realizó una reparación utilizando colgajo izquierdo del MRA, basado en la arteria epigástrica superior. El colgajo del músculo recto abdominal, después de ser extraído, se fijó a los bordes de la dehiscencia de la gastroyeyunostomía con pocas suturas de vicryl 2-0 interrumpidas. La dehiscencia de la gastroyeyunostomía fue sellada. El colgajo del músculo reto abdominal para el cierre del defecto gastrointestinal es un procedimiento simple, técnicamente fácil y confiable, que puede realizarse rápidamente en pacientes críticamente enfermos. Se puede utilizar para la reparación de un gran defecto gastrointestinal con bordes friables cuando el omento no está disponible o cuando otros métodos convencionales no son prácticos.

Reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo musculocutáneo de recto abdominal con isla transversa de piel (TRAM): experiencia de 12 años en Hospital El Pino / Breast reconstruction with musculocutaneous flap of abdominal rectus with transverse skin island (TRAM): 12 years of experience at Hospital El Pino

Objetivos: Analizar los resultados de reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo musculocutáneo de recto abdominal con isla transversa de piel (TRAM) en el Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital El Pino. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes sometidas a mastectomía por cáncer de mama y posterior reconstrucción con colgajo TRAM pediculado en los últimos 12 años (2005-2017). Resultados: Se realizaron 12 reconstrucciones mamarias, 6 fueron con colgajo TRAM pediculado. La mayoría de las pacientes recibieron tratamiento adyuvante con radioterapia (1 caso), quimioterapia (1 caso), quimioterapia + radioterapia (2 casos). El tiempo transcurrido entre la mastectomía y reconstrucción mamaria fue en promedio de 2,5 años. Se produjeron 4 complicaciones (66,7%) que necesitaron reintervención: hematoma posoperatorio precoz, infección y necrosis grasas de colgajo, dehiscencia de sutura abdominal, necrosis grasa + fibrosis de colgajo TRAM. La evaluación de los resultados fue subjetiva obteniéndose muy buenos resultados en el 66,7% de los casos. No hubo complicaciones en sitio donante. Discusión: El colgajo TRAM pediculado es el tejido autólogo más utilizado en reconstrucción mamaria. Su tasa de complicación es de 26% muy por debajo a lo obtenido en nuestra experiencia. Las principales complicaciones son fibrosis y necrosis grasa de colgajo, pérdida de colgajo, seroma e infección siendo la necrosis grasa la más frecuente en nuestra serie. El uso de colgajo TRAM otorga mayor satisfacción con apariencia, tamaño y sensación del seno. Debido a los resultados obtenidos creemos que el colgajo TRAM pediculado es una excelente alternativa de reconstrucción mamaria en nuestro hospital.

Objectives: To analyze the results of breast reconstruction with musculocutaneous flap of the rectus abdominis with transverse skin island (TRAM) in the Service of Surgery of El Pino Hospital. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer and subsequent reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap in the last 12 years (2005-2017). Results: 12 mammary reconstructions were performed, 6 were with pedicled TRAM flap. The majority of patients received adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy (1 case), chemotherapy (1 case), chemotherapy + radiotherapy (2 cases). The time elapsed between the mastectomy and breast reconstruction was on average 2.5 years. There were 4 complications (66.7%) that required reintervention: early postoperative hematoma, infection and flap fat necrosis, abdominal suture dehiscence, fat necrosis + TRAM flap fibrosis. The evaluation of the results was subjective, obtaining very good results in 66.7% of the cases. There were no complications in the donor site. Discussion: The pedicled TRAM flap is the most used autologous tissue in breast reconstruction. Its complication rate is 26%, much lower than that obtained in our experience. The main complications are fibrosis and flap fat necrosis, flap loss, seroma and infection, with fat necrosis being the most frequent in our series. The use of TRAM flap gives greater satisfaction with appearance, size and sensation of the breast. Due to the results obtained, we believe that the pedicled TRAM flap is an excellent alternative for breast reconstruction in our hospital.

Reconstrucción perineal con colgajo miocutáneo vertical de recto anterior del abdomen luego de amputación abdomino perineal extraelevador. Una alternativa factible para el cirujano colorrectal / Perineal reconstruction with vertical myocutaneous flap of the anterior rectus abdominis after extra-elevating perineal abdominal amputation. A feasible alternative for the colorectal surgeon

Las complicaciones perienales luego de la amputación abdominoperineal son frecuentes y clínicamente relevantes en términos de estadía hospitalaria, costos, calidad de vida y los resultados oncológicos. La utilización creciente de radioterapia pre operatoria y la incorporación gradual a la técnica extra-elevador, ha llevado a un aumento en la morbilidad perineal. Es por elloque la búsqueda de una técnica confiable y con buenos resultados para el cierre perineal se hace necesaria. Se han publicado muchas series que describen diferentes técnicas de cierre del defecto perineal, pero faltan estudios clínicos de alta calidad que indiquen cuál es la mejor opción. Cuando la proctectomía resulta en un amplio defecto perineal, el colgajo vertical del recto del abdomen parece ser la mejor opción. Presentamos dos casos de tumores anorectales localmente avanzados en los que se realizó una amputación abdominoperineal extraelevador con posterior reconstrucción perineal con colgajo de recto anterior y, a su vez, describimos la técnica quirúrgica. (AU)

Perineal complications after abdominoperineal amputation are frequent and clinically relevant in terms of hospital stay, costs, quality of life and oncological results. The growing utilization of pre-operative radiotherapy and the gradual incorporation to the extra-elevator technique, has leaded to an increase in perineal morbidity. That is why the search for a reliable technique with good postoerative outcomes for the perineal closure is necessary. Many series describing different closure techniques of the perineal defect have been published, but high quality clinical studies have to indicate which the best option is. When the proctectomy results in a wide perineal defect, the vertical rectus abdominis flap seems to be the best option. We presented two cases of locally advanced anorectal tumors in which an extraelevatory abdominoperineal amputation was carried out with posterior perineal reconstruction with vertical rectus abdomins flap and we described the surgical technique. (AU)

Use of Nonvascularized Abdominal Rectus Fascia After Liver, Small Bowel, and Multiorgan Transplantation: Long-Term Follow-up of a Single-Center Series.

BACKGROUND: The abdominal wall may be severely compromised in the vast majority of intestinal and multiorgan transplant candidates, and sometimes as a consequence of complex liver transplantation. Multiple options have been described to overcome this problem, varying from component separation to the extreme need of performing an abdominal wall transplantation. The aim of the present paper is to report the largest and longest-term results of patients that received an abdominal rectus fascia (ARF) after liver, intestinal, or multiorgan transplantation at a single transplant center. METHODS: This is a retrospective report of a prospectively collected dataset of all the patients that received ARF during liver, isolated intestine, combined, or multiorgan transplantation at Fundación Favaloro from May 2006 to June 2016. RESULTS: A total of 19 out of 528 patients (3.5%) that underwent abdominal organ transplant received an ARF graft: 17 patients after receiving an intestine-containing graft, and 2 after liver retransplantations. Three patients required changing the ARF, 2 with a synthetic mesh and 1 with another ARF. Five patients required late reoperations: A relaparotomy was performed by transecting the ARF without encountering adhesions on the inner ARF surface. None of the 2 patients who received liver retransplantations and ARF developed acute or chronic ventral defects. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ARF is a simple and reliable surgical option to close abdominal wall defects during transplantation, the fascia adequately incorporates to the abdominal wall, allowing it to be transected and resutured in the long term and preserving the integrity of the peritoneal layer.

Revisiting the Abdominal Donor Site: Introducing a Novel Nomenclature for Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: As abdominally based free flaps for breast reconstruction continue to evolve, significant effort has been invested in minimizing donor-site morbidity. The impact on the donor site remains a prevailing principle for breast reconstruction, and thus must be adequately reflected when classifying what is left behind following flap harvest. Although successful in describing the type of flap harvested, the existing nomenclature falls short of incorporating certain critical variables, such as degree of muscular preservation, fascial involvement, mesh implantation, and segmental nerve anatomy. METHODS: In an effort to expand on Nahabedian's 2002 classification system, this descriptive study revisits and critically reviews the existing donor-site classification system following abdominally based breast reconstruction. RESULTS: The authors propose a nomenclature system that emphasizes variability in flap harvest technique, degree of muscular violation, fascial resection, mesh implantation, and degree of nerve transection. CONCLUSION: With this revised classification system, reconstructive surgeons can begin reporting more clinically relevant and accurate information with regard to donor-site morbidity.

Mastectomía radical con reconstrucción inmediata en el Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, período junio 2012-abril 2015 / Radical mastectomy with reconstruction immediate Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes in the period June 2012-April 2015

Introducción: La reconstrucción mamaria es parte fundamental del tratamiento de la mujer mastectomizada por cáncer de mama. Tras comprobarse que la reconstrucción no influye negativamente sobre la enfermedad neoplásica, sino que es trascendental para la rehabilitación física y psicológica de la paciente, su desarrollo se ha visto favorecido. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de tipo prospectivo, observacional, descriptivo y comparativo tipo ensayo clínico, entre los colgajos miocutáneos TRAM y dorsal ancho ampliado, en las pacientes sometidas a cirugía electiva. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 36 pacientes, dividiéndose en 2 grupos de 20 pacientes para el grupo TRAM y 16 para el grupo de dorsal ampliado, con una edad promedio de 45,45 ± 9,50 años en el TRAM y de 56,09 ± 9,07 años en el de dorsal ampliado, con un IMC que oscilaba en ambos grupos entre 25,0-29,9. Se realizó en 19 pacientes mastectomía radical modificada tipo Madden + TRAM, representando un 80%, donde se simetrizó el 15% de dicho grupo. Se realizó un Halsted + TRAM bipediculado, representando un 5%; al grupo dorsal se les realizó mastectomía radical modificada tipo Madden, simetrizándose el 31,3%. Respecto a las complicaciones, se observó en general que en las pacientes del grupo TRAM predominaron la infección de la herida operatoria y la necrosis, con un 25,0% cada una, seguidas de seroma y dehiscencia de sutura con un 10% cada una, describiéndose solo un caso de eventración, totalizando 11 pacientes, donde 3 presentaron 2 o más complicaciones de las descritas anteriormente asociadas; en el grupo de dorsal ampliado predominaron los seromas, con un 18,8%, y necrosis en un 12,5%, totalizando 4 pacientes, igualmente una con 2 complicaciones asociadas. Conclusiones: La reconstrucción mamaria posterior a la Mastectomía con sus diferentes técnicas representa un procedimiento seguro y que se debe implementar en todos los centros en que se manejen pacientes con cáncer de mama, como en nuestro servicio de Cirugía Oncológica.

Introduction: Breast reconstruction is a fundamental part of the treatment of women with mastectomies. After finding that rebuilding a negative effect on the neoplastic disease, but is critical to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of the patient, its development has been favored. Selecting the right process depends on multiple factors such as patient age, stage of disease, smoking, obesity, adjuvant treatment, experience and technical capacity of the center where they will perform the reconstruction, among other. Materials and methods: A study of prospective, observational, descriptive and comparative clinical trial type was held between myocutaneous flaps extended dorsal and TRAM, in patients undergoing elective surgery. Results: A total of 36 patients were included, divided into 2 groups of 20 patients TRAM group and 16 expanded dorsal group, with a mean age of 45.45 ± 9,50 years old in the TRAM and the expanded dorsal group of 56.09 ± 9.07 years old with a BMI in both groups ranged between 25.0-29.9. They were performed in 19 patients radical modified mastectomy Madden + TRAM type representing 80%, where 15% of this group symmetrize. A Halsted + TRAM bipedicled was performed representing 5%; the dorsal group underwent modified radical mastectomy Madden 100%, symmetrize the 31.3%. Overall complications was observed in patients TRAM group predominated operative wound infection and necrosis with 25.0% each, followed by seroma and wound dehiscence with 10% each, describing only one hernia totaling 11 patients, where 3 patients had 2 or more complications associated previously described; in extended dorsal group seroma they predominated with 18.8% and 12.5% necrosis, totaling 4 patients alike with 2 associated complications. Conclusions: The post-mastectomy breast reconstruction with different techniques is a safe procedure that must be implemented in all centers where patients with breast cancer, and our service are handled Surgical Oncology.

Contralateral Component Separation Technique for Abdominal Wall Closure in Patients Undergoing Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap Transposition for Pelvic Exenteration Reconstruction.

Pelvic floor reconstruction with pedicled vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap has been popularized in patients undergoing pelvic exenteration due to locally advanced rectal carcinoma. Abdominal wall fascial dehiscence and incisional hernia may occur as a result of large skin and fascia islands as well as muscle required to close these large defects. The purpose of this paper was to describe a novel technique, consisting of VRAM flap donor-site closure with component separation technique, performed on the contralateral side as the flap harvest, allowing for a lower tension closure between ipsilateral external oblique/internal oblique/transverse abdominis muscles complex and contralateral rectus abdominis muscle. In 10 patients undergoing this technique, no abdominal fascial dehiscence, incisional hernia, or parastomal hernia occurred during a mean follow-up of 15 months. Overall 3-year patient survival rate was 80% with abdominal hernia free-survival rate of 100%. The addition of this technique represents an advance in overall patient care to provide a more successful outcomes in this complex scenario.

Analysis of effect isoxsuprine hydrochloride and nicotine in the Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous flap (TRAM) in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of isoxsuprine and nicotine on TRAM. METHODS: Forty eight 48 Wistar rats distributed into four Groups (n=12). All rats received medication managed daily for 20 days: saline solution (SA), nicotine solution (NI), isoxsuprine solution (IS) and nicotine solution (NI) + isoxsuprine solution (IS). On day 21st the rats were submitted to the caudally based, right unipedicled TRAM flap and after 48 hours, made the macroscopic evaluation of the surface of the flap, photographic documentation and collection of material for histology. Data from macroscopic evaluation were analyzed by ANOVA and microscopic evaluation by Kruskal-Wallis test, with significance level of 5%. RESULTS: In the macroscopic evaluation of isoxsuprine Group retail presented absolute numbers: final area (p=0.001*) and viable area (p=0.006*) with the highest values; necrosis (p=0.001*) had the lowest value. Microscopic examination revealed no significant findings in the study of TRAM under the action of isoxsuprine and nicotine to the percentage of necrosis in the left and right cranial and caudal regions. CONCLUSIONS: There was significant improvement in viability of TRAM using the isoxsuprine solution alone. No influence using nicotine alone and in association with isoxsuprine.

Analysis of effect isoxsuprine hydrochloride and nicotine in the Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous flap (TRAM) in rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of isoxsuprine and nicotine on TRAM. METHODS: Forty eight 48 Wistar rats distributed into four Groups (n=12). All rats received medication managed daily for 20 days: saline solution (SA), nicotine solution (NI), isoxsuprine solution (IS) and nicotine solution (NI) + isoxsuprine solution (IS). On day 21st the rats were submitted to the caudally based, right unipedicled TRAM flap and after 48 hours, made the macroscopic evaluation of the surface of the flap, photographic documentation and collection of material for histology. Data from macroscopic evaluation were analyzed by ANOVA and microscopic evaluation by Kruskal-Wallis test, with significance level of 5%. RESULTS: In the macroscopic evaluation of isoxsuprine Group retail presented absolute numbers: final area (p=0.001*) and viable area (p=0.006*) with the highest values; necrosis (p=0.001*) had the lowest value. Microscopic examination revealed no significant findings in the study of TRAM under the action of isoxsuprine and nicotine to the percentage of necrosis in the left and right cranial and caudal regions. CONCLUSIONS: There was significant improvement in viability of TRAM using the isoxsuprine solution alone. No influence using nicotine alone and in association with isoxsuprine. .

Comparative analysis of the pressure profilometry of vesicocutaneous continent catheterizable conduits between patients with and without rectus abdominis neosphincter (Yachia principle).

AIMS: To assess whether crossing rectus abdominis muscle strips, as proposed by Yachia, would change urinary catheterizable conduit's pressure profilometry, in static and dynamic conditions. METHODS: Non-randomized selection of 20 continent patients that underwent Macedo's ileum-based reservoir, 10 including Yachia's technique (Study Group) and 10 without this mechanism of continence (Control Group). Demographics and cystometric data were assessed. Conduit's pressure profilometry was obtained by infusing saline through a multichannel catheter, at rest and during Valsalva maneuver. We assessed the pressure: (a) in the bladder; (b) in conduit's proximal segment; and (c) in conduit's distal segment, which is presumably the abdominal wall and crossed muscle strips site. RESULTS: Mean age at surgery was 6.1 years in the Control Group and 7.7 years in the Study Group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding maximum cystometric bladder capacity and leakage point pressure. At rest, the pressure profilometry showed similar results between groups in all segments analyzed. During Valsalva maneuver, pressure profilometry showed similar results between groups in bladder and conduit's proximal segment pressure. In this condition, conduit's distal segment pressure in the Study Group (Mean = 72.9 and Peak = 128.7 cmH2 O) was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than conduit's distal segment pressure in the Control Group (Mean = 48.3 and Peak = 65.1 cmH2 O). CONCLUSIONS: Crossing muscle strips over the conduit significantly increases the pressure in its distal segment during contraction of the rectus abdominis muscle, which can be important in moments of sudden increase in abdominal pressure in order to keep continence.

El origen del colgajo TRAM para reconstrución mamaria posmastectomía / The origin of the TRAM flap for breast reconstruction postmastectomy

La reconstrucción mamaria contribuye a superar las consecuencias físicas y psicológicas de la mastectomía y es la última etapa del tratamiento del cáncer de mama. Su evolución ha logrado un punto alto de desarrollo y dentro de ese desenvolvimiento, el cirujano plástico Enrique Gandolfo ha tenido una participación descollante, al defi nir el empleo del abdomen inferior mediante el colgajo musculocutáneo del recto abdominal. Esa técnica fue empleada por primera vez en julio de 1980. Se hace una descripción de la evolución de la idea y de los conocimientos previos a su concreción

The mammary reconstruction to help overcome the physical and psychological consequence of mastectomy and is the last step of breast cancer treatment. Its development become to high level. The Argentine plastic surgeon Enrique Gandolfo has contributed with the defi ning the use of inferior abdomen through TRAM fl ap. This technique was fi rst used in July 1980. The authors describe the evolution of this idea

Is it possible to use the rectus abdominis neo-sphincter as a continence mechanism for urinary catheterizable channels? A histologic and histochemical evaluation in an experimental study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in a rabbit experimental model a mechanism of continence of catheterizable urinary conduits (CUC), focusing on the behavior of intersected rectal muscle fibers in relation to the channel by histological and histochemical analysis, and secondarily to register conduit continence rates from clinical and urodynamic data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 12 rabbits were submitted to construction of a CUC from two abdominal skin flaps and divided into two groups: 8 with a urinary neo-sphincter created according to Yachia and 4 controls. We registered clinical outcome, urodynamic studies and microscopic analysis of CUC on the surface of the conduit, which was in direct contact with the mechanism of continence. We took muscle samples from the mechanisms of continence and performed histochemical evaluation by enzymatic reactions. RESULTS: Histological evaluation of the CUC showed no difference between groups. Histology and immunohistochemistry of the muscle fibers showed that areas of necrosis, cell atrophy and motor neuron injury from the first eight weeks recovered by the end of 16th week. Conduit complications occurred in 4 animals (33%). The average detrusor leakage point pressure through the conduit was 90 cm H2O versus 39 cm H2O through the urethra. CONCLUSION: The mechanism of continence did not promote ischemic stress on the conduit, was able to promote high pressure resistance and showed good recovery of intersected muscle fibers, after an initial slight atrophy, suggesting good durability of the neo-sphincter.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of surgical procedures utilizing autologous fascial and transobturator slings in patients with stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the conventional autologous fascial (AF) sling is superior or equal to the readjustable transobturator (TOT) sling in efficacy and safety in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study comprised of a sample of 463 patients from 2003 to 2009. A total of 203 women received TOT slings for urodynamically confirmed SUI, and 260 patients received AF slings. We analyzed the subjective success rate (cure and/or improvement) after 12 and 24 months of surgery as well as any immediate and late surgical complications. RESULTS: Both groups were statistically similar with regard to age, parity, body mass index, number of previous gynecological surgeries, and antiincontinence therapies. After 12 months patients with the TOT sling had a higher subjective percentage efficacy rate when compared to those with the AF sling (94% vs. 88%, p < 0.05); however, after 24 months this percentage was no longer statistically significant (88.7% vs. 84.6%, p = 0.20). The TOT sling presented fewer postoperative complication rates (14.1% vs. 25.6%, p < 0.05), similar intraoperative complication rates (1.15% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.22) and a shorter mean operative time (23 vs. 112 minutes, p < 0.05) than the AF sling. CONCLUSION: Both techniques had similar subjective efficacy rates, but the TOT sling demonstrated fewer postoperative surgical complications than the AF sling.

What is better in TRAM flap survival: LLLT single or multi-irradiation?

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used with the aim of improving vascular perfusion of the skin and musculocutaneous flaps. This study evaluated the effect of LLLT on transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap (TRAM) viability, vascular angiogenesis, and VEGF release. Eighty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups with 12 rats in each group. Group 1 received sham laser treatment; group 2, 3 J/cm(2) at 1 point; group 3, 3 J/cm(2) at 24 points; group 4, 72 J/cm(2) at 1 point; group 5, 6 J/cm(2) at 1 point; group 6, 6 J/cm(2) at 24 points; and group 7, 144 J/cm(2) at 1 point. All experimental groups underwent LLLT immediately after the TRAM operation and on the following 2 days; thus, animals underwent 3 days of treatment. The percentage of skin flap necrosis area was calculated on the fourth postoperative day using the paper template method, and two skin samples were collected using a 1-cm(2) punch to evaluate alpha smooth muscle actin (1A4) and VEGF levels in blood vessels. Significant differences were found in necrosis percentage, and higher values were seen in group 1 than in the other groups. Statistically significant differences were not found among groups 3 to 7 (p<0.292). Groups 5 and 7 showed significantly higher VEGF levels compared to other groups. Groups 3 and 5 had an increase in levels of blood vessels compared to other groups. LLLT at energy densities of 6 to 144 J/cm(2) was efficient to increase angiogenesis and VEGF levels and promote viability in TRAM flaps in rats.