Three-Dimensional Printing in Breast Reconstruction: Current and Promising Applications.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is dramatically improving breast reconstruction by offering customized and precise interventions at various stages of the surgical process. In preoperative planning, 3D imaging techniques, such as computer-aided design, allow the creation of detailed breast models for surgical simulation, optimizing surgical outcomes and reducing complications. During surgery, 3D printing makes it possible to customize implants and precisely shape autologous tissue flaps with customized molds and scaffolds. This not only improves the aesthetic appearance, but also conforms to the patient's natural anatomy. In addition, 3D printed scaffolds facilitate tissue engineering, potentially favoring the development and integration of autologous adipose tissue, thus avoiding implant-related complications. Postoperatively, 3D imaging allows an accurate assessment of breast volume and symmetry, which is crucial in assessing the success of reconstruction. The technology is also a key educational tool, enhancing surgeon training through realistic anatomical models and surgical simulations. As the field evolves, the integration of 3D printing with emerging technologies such as biodegradable materials and advanced imaging promises to further refine breast reconstruction techniques and outcomes. This study aims to explore the various applications of 3D printing in breast reconstruction, addressing current challenges and future opportunities.

Venous thromboembolism after aesthetic surgeries in low-risk patients without hypercoagulability.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious but rare complication of aesthetic surgery, with an incidence of 0.017% for liposuction and 0.01%-0.02% for augmentation mammoplasty. Despite the low incidence and appropriate patient selection, we present two cases of VTE in low-risk patients without hypercoagulability undergoing aesthetic procedures. In the first case, a 45-year-old woman with a history of anemia developed bilateral pulmonary embolism after ultrasound-assisted liposuction. In the second case, a 33-year-old woman with a history of oral contraceptive use developed deep vein thrombosis in the right upper extremity after augmentation mammoplasty. The patients were treated early and fully recovered after 12 months. This report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of VTE in aesthetic surgery, even in low-risk patients.

Usefulness of Glucose Measurement To Assess Tissue Perfusion of the Nipple-Areola Complex in Conservative Mastectomy: A Prospective Cohort Study Protocol.

In recent decades, the mastectomy technique has undergone progressive adaptations in order to preserve the integrity of the breast structure and the nipple-areola complex (NAC), allowing reconstruction to be performed immediately after ablation. However, mastectomy flap necrosis or NAC has become a common complication, with an incidence between 2% and 22.3%. Blood glucose measurement to monitor microsurgical flaps has been reported as a simple method for the early detection of venous compromise. In this scenario, we propose the need to use an alternative, cost-effective method to assess the vitality of NAC in conservative oncological mastectomies. This protocol describes a prospective cohort study and was approved by the Research Protocols Ethics Committee of our institution. Patients will be included after signing informed consent. The anonymity and confidentiality of the information collected will be respected according to the Declaration of Helsinki and according to local and national guidelines. Highlights: The rate of flap necrosis or nipple-areola complex (NAC) after mastectomy with reconstruction ranges from 2% to 22.3%.Glucose measurement has been reported in microsurgical flaps.This protocol seeks to determine the use of glucose as an early predictor of NAC necrosis.Participants will be recruited from a high-volume breast pathology hospital.

Manejo conservador del neumotórax oculto en trauma

Introducción: El neumotórax oculto (NTXO) se encuentra hasta en el 15% de los traumatismos torácicos. Existen antecedentes del manejo conservador de esta patología (sólo observación), aunque su práctica continúa siendo discutida, especialmente, en traumatismos penetrantes. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir nuestra experiencia en el manejo conservador del NTXO. Materiales y Método: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo realizado durante un período de 3 años en un Hospital de Trauma nivel I. Se incluyeron pacientes con traumatismo torácico (cerrado o penetrante) con NTXO. Se dividieron en dos grupos (conservados o drenados), realizándose una comparación de su evolución. Resultados: En 3 años fueron admitidos con traumatismo torácico 679 pacientes. De 93 pacientes con NTXO, 74 (80%) fueron conservados inicialmente y 19 (20%) tratados con drenaje pleural. Dos (3%) presentaron progresión del neumotórax en el seguimiento radiológico (conservación fallida). No se registraron complicaciones relacionadas con la ausencia de drenaje pleural. Las complicaciones y estancia hospitalaria fueron menores en el grupo de manejo conservador. Conclusión: Pacientes con NTXO por traumatismo de tórax (cerrado o penetrante), sin requerimiento de ventilación asistida y hemodinámicamente estables, pueden manejarse de manera conservadora con un monitoreo cercano durante 24 horas en forma segura, con menor tasa de complicaciones y de estancia hospitalaria.

Background: Occult pneumothorax (OPTX) is found in up to 15% of chest injuries. There is a history of conservative management of this pathology (only observation), although its practice continues to be discussed, especially in penetrating trauma. The objective of this paper is to describe our experience in the conservative management of OPTX. Materials and Method: Retrospective cohort study conducted over a 3-year period at a level I Trauma Center. Patients with thoracic trauma (blunt or penetrating) with OPTX were included. They were divided into two groups (preserved or drained) comparing their evolution. Results: Over a 3-year period 679 patients were admitted with chest trauma. From 93 patients with OPTX, 74 (80%) were initially preserved and 19 (20%) drained. Two patients (3%) presented pneumothorax progression in the follow-up imaging. There were no complications related to the absence of pleural drainage. Complications and hospital stay were lower in the conservative management group. Conclusion: Patients with OPTX due to chest trauma (blunt or penetrating), without requiring assisted ventilation and hemodynamically stable, can be safely conservative managed with close monitoring for 24 hours, with a lower rate of complications and hospital stay.