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.

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.

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.

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.

Paramedian forehead flap in the treatment of nasal, non-melanoma skin cancer: a cross-sectional study / Retalho frontal paramediano no tratamento do câncer de pele não-melanoma de nariz: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT 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.

RESUMO Introdução: o nariz é o ponto central da face e vulnerável à ocorrência de câncer de pele não-melanoma (CPNM), com impacto potencial na aparência. O retalho frontal paramediano (RFPM) é considerado a melhor opção para o tratamento de defeitos extensos no nariz. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar a experiência de um centro oncológico de referência no uso de RFPM para reconstrução nasal no tratamento do CPNM. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo foi desenvolvido através do levantamento de dados de prontuário de pacientes submetidos à reconstrução nasal com RFPM devido à CPNM no Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP). Resultados: 111 pacientes foram identificados, a maioria idosos, com comorbidades e portadores de tumores iniciais (T1 e T2). O carcinoma basocelular (CBC) foi o tipo histológico predominante. Dorso e ponta foram as subunidades mais acometidas. Além da cobertura cutânea, em metade dos casos foi realizada também a reconstrução do forro ou arcabouço do nariz. Cicatrização por segunda intenção foi a técnica de escolha no fechamento da área doadora. A liberação do pedículo foi realizada predominantemente no segundo tempo cirúrgico e o tempo para finalização do tratamento teve mediana de 6 meses. Houve baixa taxa de complicações. Conclusões: o RFPM é seguro e eficaz no tratamento do CPNM nasal, mesmo em casos de elevada complexidade. O tempo total de tratamento pode ser prolongado e impactar na qualidade de vida, sendo fundamental enfatizar e discutir este aspecto com o paciente antes da cirurgia.

Neoadjuvant stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) comprise a diverse group of mesenchymal malignancies that require multidisciplinary care. Although surgery remains the primary form of treatment for those with localized disease, radiation therapy (RT) is often incorporated either in the neo- or adjuvant setting. Given the development of modern RT techniques and alternative dosing schedules, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) has emerged as a promising technique. However, the current role of SABR in the treatment of STS of the extremities remains uncertain. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This was a single-center, prospective, single-arm phase II trial. Patients with localized STS who were candidates for limb-preservation surgery were included. Experimental treatment consisted of SABR with 40 Gy in 5 fractions, administered on alternate days, followed by surgery after a minimum interval of 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the rate of wound complication. Secondary outcomes included 2-year local control (LC), metastasis-free survival (MFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) rates (and other toxicities). RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled between October 2015 and November 2019 and completed the treatment protocol. The median rate of histopathologic regression was 65% (range 0-100) and 20.8% of tumors presented pathologic complete response (pCR). Wound complications were observed in 7/25 patients (28%). Three patients underwent disarticulation by vascular occlusion after plastic reconstruction and one patient was amputated by grade 3 limb dysfunction. After a median follow up of 20.7 months, the 2-year estimated risk of local recurrence, distant metastasis and cause-specific death were 0%, 44.7% and 10.6% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant SABR appears to improve the pCR for patients with eSTS, with acceptable rate of wound complications. Nevertheless, this benefit should be weighed against the risk of late of vascular toxicity with SABR regimen since, even in a short median follow-up, a higher rate of amputation than expected was observed. A larger sample size with longer follow-up is necessary to conclude the overall safety of this strategy.

Application of FACE-Q and NOSE in Nasal Reconstruction with Paramedian Frontal Flap after Skin Cancer Resection.

INTRODUCTION: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is responsible for high morbidity and mortality, resulting in a high cost to the health system. The nose is the leading region affected by this type of tumor and may need reconstruction by tissue transfer. The paramedian forehead flap (PFF) is one of the main options used, and the factors that influence the result should be studied. The FACE-Q questionnaire allows the assessment of appearance, quality of life, and side effects related to the procedure, whereas the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire enables the nose function evaluation. METHODS: This study evaluates nasal reconstruction with a PFF after resection of NMSC with the FACE-Q questionnaire and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation. Spearman Rank correlation coefficient tests between the questionnaire results and patients' characteristics were performed. RESULTS: The questionnaires were completely answered by 49 patients who underwent this reconstruction between 2011 and 2019 in a cancer center. The patients' evaluations demonstrate high satisfaction with appearance, quality of life, side effects, and function. Completing reconstruction under 6 months was associated with a higher quality of life among patients (P = 0.002). Reconstruction of lining or scaffold, moment of flap division, complications, and number of operations did not show an association. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the PFF is a reliable option for nasal reconstruction. Identifying the total reconstruction time as an impact factor on patients' quality of life should be considered when planning treatment.

Radical resection and local coverage of hidradenitis suppurativa - acne inversa: analysis of results.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the primary outcome of local complications and late recurrence in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa undergoing radical resection and specific reconstruction. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients attended by the Plastic Surgery Service of the Clinics Hospital, Medical School, USP, between 2010 and 2016. We included patients who underwent radical resection of hidradenitis suppurativa in advanced stage and reconstruction through primary closure, grafts or flaps. RESULTS: we analyzed 34 lesions in 19 patients, of which 64.5% had local complications, though with 73.5% efficient healing after 12 weeks postoperatively. We observed late recurrence in 47%, but in isolation, 22.2% of the reconstructions with locoregional flaps had recurrence after one year. CONCLUSION: extensive and radical resection of the disease associated with locoregional flap coverage (pedicled or perforating) has been shown to be the best management in terms of late results.

Fechamento de hemicorporectomia com utilização do retalho subtotal unilateral da coxa: relato de caso / Closure of hemicorporectomy using a subtotal unilateral tight flap: a case report

A hemicorporectomia ou amputação translombar foi primeiramente descrita em 1950 por Kredel como método curativo para neoplasia localmente avançada de pelve. Trata-se de um procedimento cirúrgico extenso, que quando bem indicado é capaz de prover a cura oncológica, além de possibilitar a melhora clínica e de qualidade de vida. Os autores apresentam o relato de caso de um paciente de 34 anos, com carcinoma espinocelular em úlcera de pressão crônica, acometendo períneo, glúteo e coxa posterior à direita. O paciente foi submetido à hemicorporectomia com reconstrução utilizando retalho subtotal da coxa esquerda. Observou-se boa evolução no pós-operatório e a utilização do retalho subtotal da coxa para fechamento da hemicorporectomia se mostrou como método seguro, eficiente e de técnica reprodutível.

Hemicorporectomy or translumbar amputation was first described in 1950 by Kredel to treat locally advanced pelvic neoplasia. This extensive surgical procedure can achieve oncological cure and improve clinical status and quality of life. The authors present a case report of a 34-yearold patient with squamous cell carcinoma in a chronic pressure ulcer affecting the right perineum, gluteus, and posterior thigh. The patient underwent hemicorporectomy with reconstructive surgery using a partial-thickness flap of the left thigh. The postoperative course was good, and the use of a partial-thickness flap of the thigh to close the hemicorporectomy proved to be safe, efficient, and reproducible.

Radical resection and local coverage of hidradenitis suppurativa - acne inversa: analysis of results / Tratamento cirúrgico de hidradenite supurativa - acne inversa: ressecção radical e cobertura local - análise de resultados

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the primary outcome of local complications and late recurrence in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa undergoing radical resection and specific reconstruction. Methods: we conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients attended by the Plastic Surgery Service of the Clinics Hospital, Medical School, USP, between 2010 and 2016. We included patients who underwent radical resection of hidradenitis suppurativa in advanced stage and reconstruction through primary closure, grafts or flaps. Results: we analyzed 34 lesions in 19 patients, of which 64.5% had local complications, though with 73.5% efficient healing after 12 weeks postoperatively. We observed late recurrence in 47%, but in isolation, 22.2% of the reconstructions with locoregional flaps had recurrence after one year. Conclusion: extensive and radical resection of the disease associated with locoregional flap coverage (pedicled or perforating) has been shown to be the best management in terms of late results.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o desfecho primário de complicações locais e de recidiva tardia em pacientes com diagnóstico de hidradenite supurativa submetidos à ressecção radical e reconstrução específica. Métodos: análise retrospectiva baseada nos prontuários dos pacientes atendidos pelo serviço universitário de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP, entre 2010 a 2016. Foram incluídos apenas pacientes submetidos à ressecções radicais de hidradenite supurativa em grau avançado, submetidos à reconstrução através de fechamento primário, enxertos ou retalhos. Resultados: foram analisadas 34 lesões, das quais 64,5% apresentaram complicações locais, porém com 73,5% de cicatrização eficiente após 12 semanas de pós-operatório. Recidiva tardia foi observada em 47%, porém, isoladamente, 22,2% das lesões reconstruídas com retalhos locorregionais apresentaram recidiva tardia após um ano. Conclusão: a estratégia de ressecção ampla e radical da doença associada à cobertura da ferida com retalho locorregional (pediculado ou perfurante) demonstrou ser o melhor manejo em termos de resultados tardios.

Face transplantation in rats. Reproducibility of the experimental model in Brazil.

PURPOSE: To investigate the reproducibility of the experimental model of face allotransplantation in rats in Brazil. METHODS: Eighteen rats were operated, nine-nine donors recipients. Animals underwent transplantation of the left hemiface, with periorbital and scalp. Transplants were made from donor Wistar rats to recipients Lewis rats. Flaps were based on the common carotid artery and the external jugular vein of the donor animal and the anastomosis in the recipient area was performed in common carotid artery (end-to-side) and in external jugular vein (end-to-end). RESULTS: Of the nine recipient animals operated, six survived and three progressed to death in the first days after surgery (survival rate = 67%). The mean time of the procedure was 252 minutes and the mean time of flap ischemia was 95 minutes. The five surviving animals were sacrificed at 14 days, in good general condition and without signs of tissue rejection. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental model of face allotransplantation in rats is reproducible in our midst. Duration of surgery, time of flap ischemia, animal survival rate and complications observed were similar to those described in the literature.

Face transplantation in rats. Reproducibility of the experimental model in Brazil

PURPOSE: To investigate the reproducibility of the experimental model of face allotransplantation in rats in Brazil. METHODS: Eighteen rats were operated, nine-nine donors recipients. Animals underwent transplantation of the left hemiface, with periorbital and scalp. Transplants were made from donor Wistar rats to recipients Lewis rats. Flaps were based on the common carotid artery and the external jugular vein of the donor animal and the anastomosis in the recipient area was performed in common carotid artery (end-to-side) and in external jugular vein (end-to-end). RESULTS: Of the nine recipient animals operated, six survived and three progressed to death in the first days after surgery (survival rate = 67%). The mean time of the procedure was 252 minutes and the mean time of flap ischemia was 95 minutes. The five surviving animals were sacrificed at 14 days, in good general condition and without signs of tissue rejection. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental model of face allotransplantation in rats is reproducible in our midst. Duration of surgery, time of flap ischemia, animal survival rate and complications observed were similar to those described in the literature. .

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.