Lymph fasciocutaneous lateral thoracic artery flap: anatomical study and clinical use.

BACKGROUND: The lateral thoracic flap was first studied in the mid-1970s but its use has been limited because of pedicle anatomical variations. However, after the development of lymph node transfer surgery, the axilla/upper lateral thorax presented as a promising donor area. Through a detailed anatomical study, the lateral thoracic flap was evaluated regarding its vascularization and composition. Later, it was used for pedicle and free flap reconstructions. METHODS: A total of 40 flaps were dissected in fresh cadavers and the characteristics of the lateral thoracic pedicle and its relationship to the upper lateral thoracic axillary lymph nodes (LTLN) were analyzed. We performed six pedicle flap reconstructions around the shoulder area and a free lymph node transfer for lower limb lymphedema. RESULTS: In the cadaveric dissections, the lateral thoracic pedicle branched off the axillary vessels and was found to be a primary level I axillary lymph node irrigator before reaching the skin. The cutaneous portion of the artery was present in 87.5% of the dissections. Arterial caliber was an average of 1.3 and venous, 2.6 mm. Five to seven lymph nodes were isolated with each pedicle and a lymph fasciocutaneous flap could be designed. In seven clinical cases, all of the flaps survived. Functioning lymph nodes were visualized on lymphoscintigraphy after their transfer to the ankle. Donor area had an inconspicuous evolution. CONCLUSION: Lateral thoracic flap is a feasible flap with low donor area morbidity in a concealed region that can be harvested with upper LTLN for transplantation.

Análise morfométrica do lábio superior e da ação do envelhecimento / Morphometric analysis of the upper lip and the action of ageing

A pleasant smile depends on harmonious relationships between the teeth, gums, and lips. The present study measured upper lip changes related to ageing using a morphometric analysis. Methods: Forty six Caucasian women at least 15 years of age were selected and divided into four groups: 15 - 30 years old, 31 - 45 years old, 46 - 60 years old, and > 60 years old. Frontal photographs with closed lips and parted lips were taken. The following measurements were performed: upper lip height, upper vermilion height in parted and closed lips positions, and exposure of the central upper incisors in the relaxed position. Results: Upper lip height increased with age. The average upper lip height in the closed lips position was 13.75 mm in the youngest age-range (15 - 30 years old). The upper lip height gradually increased with age until reaching an average of 19.24 mm was observed in the > 60 years old group. The opposite result was observed in upper vermilion height, which decreased with increasing age. The average vermilion height in the parted lips position was 7.09 mm in the youngest age-range (15-30 years old) and decreased to 4.58 mm in the oldest group (> 60 years old). Teeth exposure decreased with age. The average upper teeth exposure was 3.55 mm in the youngest group and decreased to 0.40 mm in the oldest group. Conclusion: The upper lip height increases, while the upper vermilion height and exposure of the upper teeth decrease with age...

Um sorriso considerado agradável envolve relações harmônicas entre os dentes, gengivas e lábios. O presente estudo mediu as alterações no lábio superior, relacionadas ao envelhecimento, utilizando análise morfométrica. Método: Foram selecionadas 46 mulheres caucasianas com idade mínima de 15 anos e divididas em quatro grupos: 15-30 anos, 31-45 anos, 46-60 anos e > 60 anos. Foram tiradas fotografias frontais com a boca fechada e na posição de repouso. As seguintes medidas foram realizadas: altura do lábio superior, altura do vermelhão do lábio superior nas posições repouso e fechada, e exposição dos dentes incisivos superiores centrais na posição repouso. Resultados: A altura do lábio superior aumentou com a idade. A média da altura do lábio superior com a boca fechada foi 13,75 mm na faixa etária mais nova (15-30 anos). A altura do lábio superior gradualmente aumenta com a idade até atingir uma média de 19,24 mm, observada no grupo > 60 anos. O resultado oposto foi observado na altura do vermelhão superior, que diminuiu com o aumento da idade. A altura média do vermelhão com a boca em repouso foi 7,09 mm na faixa etária mais nova (15-30 anos) e diminuiu para 4,58 mm no grupo mais velho (> 60 anos). A exposição dos dentes diminuiu com a idade. A exposição média dos dentes superiores foi de 3,55 mm no grupo mais jovem e diminuiu para 0.40 mm no grupo mais velho. Conclusão: A altura do lábio superior aumenta, enquanto a altura do vermelhão superior e a exposição dos dentes superiores diminuem com a idade...