Repositório RCAAP

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INTRODUCTION: Fetal calf serum (FCS) is commonly used as a supplement in the culture medium for fibroblast cells. This supplementation is far from ideal as sample quality varies from batch to batch and the composition of FCS is not completely known. In addition, FCS may be contaminated with viruses and/or prions and may also cause adverse immunologic responses in humans. Due to these facts, a worldwide effort is being made to find alternatives for xenobiotic elements in cell cultures. Human serum could be a safer alternative, especially for clinical application. METHODS: We investigated human serum as a substitute for FCS in human fibroblast culture. Fresh human serum was obtained from 10 healthy volunteers. Fibroblasts were cultivated in multiwell plates containing either Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) plus 10% FCS (D10) or DMEM plus 10% human serum (D10H). Cell counts were obtained between 24 and 264 hours of cultivation; results were expressed as the mean number of cells ± standard error of the mean to create cell proliferation curves. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in fibroblast proliferation between the two groups. Human serum supported human fibroblast growth and proliferation, suggesting that it may be a potential substitute for FCS in human cell culture. Cells cultivated with human serum presented a different morphology, appearing smaller and more rounded as compared to cells cultivated in D10. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that human serum can be substituted for FCS in human fibroblasts culture and that fibroblasts cultivated in the presence of human serum have a morphology that is similar to in vivo fibroblasts.

INTRODUCTION: In the present study, the stability and biocompatibility of a 30% polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) filling material implanted in the masseter muscle of rats were investigated according to the cytologic characteristics presented in the graft versus host reaction. METHODS: The study included 20 rats, which were divided into 4 groups: groups I, II, III, and IV corresponded to animals evaluated 7, 14, 45, and 60 days after surgery, respectively. The implant was placed in the right masseter muscle at the level of the mandibular angle. RESULTS: After 7 days, lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrates, a fibrous capsule, a large number of neutrophils, macrophages, and exudate were observed. The second group (14 days) showed granulation tissue composed of a lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate, newly formed vessels, and a fibrous capsule. However, the second group also exhibited regeneration of the muscle fibers, and a decreased number of neutrophils and exudate. After 45 and 60 days, the inflammatory infiltrate decreased in intensity compared to the first 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory reaction caused by PMMA is transient and does not compromise the function and the shape of the masseter muscle tissue, suggesting that PMMA is biocompatible.

BACKGROUND: Microcirculation dysfunction, as a consequence of localized vascular insufficiency, is considered to be one of the dominant causes of surgical flap necrosis. Several vasoactive drugs have been tested for the pharmacological treatment of tissue ischemia, with varying degrees of success. This study aimed to assess the impact of buflomedil and sildenafil on the viability of random skin flaps in rats. METHODS: Caudally pedicled skin flaps (10 x 3 cm) were created on the backs of rats. The animals were randomly assigned, in groups of 10, to three treatment groups: one group served as the vehicle control group, one group received buflomedil (10 mg/kg/d, orally), and a third group received the same dosage of sildenafil. Following seven days of dosing, the animals were sacrificed, and the viable flap area was determined. RESULTS: The average viable flap area for each group was: 16.2 ± 3.56 cm² (control group), 17.69 ± 2.54 cm² (buflomedil group), and 18.28 ± 3.74 cm² (sildenafil group). Data analysis by the Kruskal-Wallis test failed to show a statistically significant difference between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Neither buflomedil nor sildenafil showed a reduction in the necrotic area of random skin flaps in rats.

BACKGROUND: The differences between fetal and adult scars suggest the possibility of manipulating skin scarring outcomes. This study aimed to assess whether the use of adult stem cells from adipose tissue is beneficial to skin healing. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled study for which 18 patients were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The adult stem cells used were autologous and were extracted from infraumbilical adipose tissue prior to abdominoplasty. These cells were implanted into the surgical wound dermis in the suprapubic region before skin synthesis. The results were assessed blindly based on the Draaijers scale by three physicians and by the patients themselves in a self-assessment. Photometric assessment by digital photography was also performed. RESULTS: Among the 18 operated patients, considering the surgical result, 17 (94.4%) had excellent or good results and one (5.5%) had wound dehiscence, which was considered a bad result. Considering skin healing in the searched area, there was no statistically significant difference in the photometric evaluation; in both the self-assessment by the patients and the physicians' assessment, the results were significantly in favor of intervention with stem cells (P = 0.12 and P = 0.003, respectively). Consideration of all assessments (physicians, patients and photometric) found a statistically significant difference in favor of the implantation of adult stem cells from adipose tissue (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Skin healing results after implantation of adult stem cells derived from adipose tissue were satisfactory.

BACKGROUND: The possible participation of keratinocytes in wound remodeling has been widely studied. This study investigated the impact of keratinocytes in wound contraction. METHODS: Murine type I collagen gels populated by human fibroblasts and seeded with human keratinocytes on the surface to form a dermo-epidermal equivalent were used as the study group. Collagen gels populated by only fibroblasts were used as the control group. The criteria for the preparation and storage of gels were similar for both groups. RESULTS: An evident and statistically significant increase in gel contraction was observed in samples populated by keratinocytes compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that keratinocytes not only modulate fibroblast proliferation but also play an active role in wound contraction per se. Further research on the mechanisms involved in the communication pathways between cells and between cells and the matrix shall be assessed from the perspective of keratinocyte participation in wound healing and pathologic scarring.

BACKGROUND: The shortage of tissue for large defect reconstruction is a challenge for the plastic surgeon. Tissue expansion emerged in this context, and in the last 30 years has become one of the most widely used modalities in reconstructive surgery. Tissue expansion is a very versatile technique that can be performed in patients of all ages for the correction of different pathologies. The most common indications are burn sequelae and giant congenital nevus. The present study describes the indications and use of tissue expanders at the Hospital de Clínicas of Universidade Federal do Paraná. METHODS: Patients who underwent tissue expansion for reconstructive surgery between January 2005 and December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients (70.8% female and 29.2% male) were analyzed. Ages ranged from 3 to 46 years old (average, 17.1 years). The most common indication for tissue expansion was the treatment of burn sequelae (62.5%), mainly in the head and neck. Alopecia was the second most prevalent indication (29.2%), followed by scar retraction in the neck (20.8%). Other indications were giant congenital melanocytic nevus (16.7%), Poland's syndrome (8.3%), abdominal scar (8.3%), and amastia (4.2%). Complications developed in 11 patients, and the highest incidence of complications, reported in 8 (72.7%) patients, was among those with burn sequelae as the primary pathology. The complications were infection, rupture, extrusion, wound dehiscence, and displacement of the expander. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue expansion is indicated for the treatment of several diseases among which burn sequelae is one of the most common indications.

BACKGROUND: The bilobed flap is a double transposition flap. Its geometric structure enables a better distribution of tensile forces along its rotation axis, avoiding the skin distortions and redundancy generated by other flaps or primary sutures. The bilobed flap can be made with axial and random vascular patterns, depending on the anatomical region. METHODS: This study reviews 45 surgical cases, describing in detail the technique used to produce the bilobed flap. Defects were classified as small, medium, or large, and several clinical cases are presented in order to explore the versatility of this flap in various etiological diagnoses and anatomical sites. RESULTS: In 93% of the cases, the bilobed flap was used for oncologic reconstructions, and the cephalic segment was affected in 71% of cases. Postoperative complications were absent in 85% of the cases. The rates of infection, trapdoor scar, and epitheliosis and necrosis were 4.4%, 4.4%, and 11.1%, respectively. The overall complication rate was 15%. However, these complications did not compromise the clinical evolution of the cases, and the bilobed flap proved to be resolutive in various situations, providing good functional and aesthetic results. CONCLUSIONS: The bilobed flap is versatile, easy to implement, and is widely used in plastic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers are defined as lesions of ischemic etiology in the skin or soft tissue. These lesions are secondary to increased external pressure and usually occur over bony prominences. Classification of various stages of pressure ulcers is important for the development of therapeutic strategies. The fundamental surgical treatments are debridement and excision of underlying bursa and involved bone tissue, followed by tissue coverage. This study reports our experience in repairing pressure ulcers and analyzes patient characteristics, outcomes, and complications. METHODS: A total of 33 pressure ulcers were treated in 17 patients, the most prevalent of which was sacral ulcer. The development of pressure ulcers in hospitals accounted for 82% of the cases. Treatment options included debridement, primary synthesis, random skin flaps, rhomboid skin flap, myocutaneous flaps of the gluteus maximus in V-Y, classic fasciocutaneous flaps of fascia lata, fasciocutaneous flap of fascia lata in V-Y, and posterior fasciocutaneous flaps of the thigh in V-Y. RESULTS: Complications occurred in 39% of cases. Preoperative anemia was associated with complications. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure ulcers can be avoided in most cases, given sufficient knowledge of their pathogenesis and correct management of patients at risk. Multi-professional and family participation is essential for the treatment of patients with pressure ulcers since complications, recurrence, and the incidence of new ulcers are common. Complication risk factors such as anemia should be avoided in order to provide a better prognosis and proper closure of the ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Congenital or traumatic ear deformities are difficult and complex issues in plastic surgery due to the increasing number of cases and high degree of difficulty involved in surgeries to restore facial harmony. The authors assessed the techniques used in ear reconstruction, their complications, and the degree of esthetic and functional satisfaction. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed, including cases of post-traumatic ear reconstruction in which costal cartilage graft was employed; the study took place at Hospital Geral de Goiânia Dr. Alberto Rassi and a private clinic from February 2005 to March 2010. Patient satisfaction with respect to esthetic and functional aspects was recorded during postoperative visits. RESULTS: Thirty-four cases were analyzed including 14 (41.1%) women and 20 (58.9%) men (range, 13-56 years). The average time for reconstruction after trauma was 6-8 months, and the average interval between surgeries was 6 months. Five patients had complications; only 1 required re-intervention due to posterior atrial contraction. Of all patients, 30 reported being satisfied with both the esthetic and functional results; 4 were dissatisfied, and 1 of them underwent subsequent retouching. CONCLUSIONS: Ear reconstruction after trauma is a complex issue in plastic surgery; however, with the standardization and systematization of techniques and a well-established learning curve, the results are very satisfactory; facial harmony can be restored with low complication rates.

BACKGROUND: Several techniques that have been described for reconstructing the lower lip often produce microstomia, commissure distortion, functional impairment, and decreased sensitivity. A technique for preserving neuromuscular tissue during a single-stage lip reconstruction is reported in this study. This technique involves the use of the vermilion myomucosal advancement flap with or without the mentolabial skin flap. METHODS: This study analyzed 17 male patients with squamous cell carcinoma. The mean patient age was 54.8 years, and incidence of lip defects after resection ranged from 20% to 85%. RESULTS: Infection, nerve damage, or the requirement for surgical revision was not observed in any patient during the follow-up period of three months. Three patients had microstomia with slight posterior enlargement of the lip. All patients had good sensitivity and adequate sphincter continence. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the vermilion myomucosal flap with or without the mentolabial skin flap resulted in a minimal risk of microstomia or functional incompetence. This procedure is performed in a single surgical stage and has good aesthetic and functional results for reconstruction of up to 80% of the lower lip

BACKGROUND: At present, demanding workplaces in our society cause patients to search for less invasive procedures with diminished morbidity and more rapid healing to meet their cosmetic requirements. A combination of several new noninvasive procedures allows significant facial changes, achieving a youthful and healthy appearance without traditional surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the minimally invasive lift of the middle third of the face using a musculoaponeurotic suspension with periosteal fixation technique. METHODS: Fifty patients (age, 39 to 68 years; all female) who underwent an operation from December 2008 to June 2010 were enrolled in this study. The patients underwent a minimally invasive facelift technique for the middle third of the face, based on a thread lift of the temporal region and musculoaponeurotic suspension with periosteal fixation, inside the hairline. RESULTS: During the follow-up period of up to 18 months after the procedure, satisfactory results were observed. The patient satisfaction degree, especially in the first 6 months after the procedure, was extremely high (88%). CONCLUSIONS: The procedure offers good and immediate results, without incisions or a recovery period. The association of this procedure with other procedures is a good option for patients who cannot undergo or do not want to undergo traditional surgical procedures. The procedure is very different from current techniques that use threads because the suspension is musculoaponeurotic and does not invade the face. Therefore, morbidity and recovery time are decreased

BACKGROUND: Frontal and glabellar muscle hyperactivity with consequent wrinkles are frequent complaints in plastic surgery. Treatment consists of impediment of related muscles; this can be achieved by application of botulinum toxin or surgery by means of classic coronal incision, endoscopic approach, transblepharoplasty access, or non-endoscopic limited approaches. This paper proposes an alternative of limited approach in which an incision is made on the central frontal scalp for treatment of the frontal and glabellar muscles. METHODS: Between March 2009 and April 2010, 20 female patients were treated using a small incision on the frontal scalp, followed by dissection of frontal and glabellar regions. Muscles and supratrochlear and supraorbital nerve branches were identified; subsequently, frontal and glabellar muscle myotomy was performed. RESULTS: All patients showed good results by frontal and glabellar muscle impediment during the evaluation period, with improvement in wrinkles and hyperactivity. Complications consisted of temporary paresthesia and pruritus in the central frontal region and scalp, in addition to recurrence of partial muscle contraction. CONCLUSIONS: The small incision approach on the central frontal scalp for treatment of frontal and glabellar muscles seems to be a good alternative to other surgical options due to its small size, inconspicuous scarring, and direct visualization of frontal and glabellar anatomic structures, allowing selective myotomy or myectomy

INTRODUCTION: It is often necessary to use inclusion materials in rhinoplasty for nose restructuring. The costal cartilage graft is one of the inclusion material options, and its use is indicated when septal cartilage is not available or is not sufficient to provide necessary remodeling of the nose. METHODS: Four patients who, for diverse reasons, had saddle nose or poor projection of the nasal dorsum underwent rhinoplasty. All received a costal cartilage graft carved in an "L" shape. The long branch of the "L" was used to reconstruct the dorsum and the short branch was used to support the new dorsum and the columella, repositioning the nasal tip. RESULTS: All patients had a good postoperative evolution and had no significant complications. There was a clear reconstruction of the dorsum and harmonization of the nasal tip. The results were as expected and were long-lasting. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a costal cartilage graft carved in a single block in rhinoplasty provides enhancement of the nasal dorsum and tip projection, promoting appropriate nasal remodeling

BACKGROUND: Many autogenous and exogenous materials have been frequently used for the production of grafts and implants in rhinoplasties. The ideal graft or implant should be biocompatible, biointegrated, non-absorbable, and easily moldable and should not cause an inflammatory response. Gore-tex, an expandable form of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been used since the 1970s for vascular graft production. Although Gore-tex is extremely versatile and has extensive uses and low complication rates, the demonstration of Gore-tex use in aesthetic surgery is very limited in medical literature. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 7 patients who received Gore-tex implants in order to fill the nasal dorsum from January 2005 to December 2007. All patients were assessed for aesthetic and functional factors and for the presence or absence of complications. RESULTS: All patients had good postoperative evolution, with great satisfaction in terms of aesthetic and functional aspects and no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Gore-tex is a satisfactory synthetic material as it is inexpensive, easily moldable, has good biocompatibility, and has shown no incidence of extrusion or infection in implants used for nasal dorsum filling in previously reported cases

BACKGROUND: During aging, the vermilion border of the upper lip wrinkles, stretches, and inverts because of the sphincteric action of the orbicularis oris muscle. Furthermore, a decrease of the nasolabial angle can be observed because of maxillary retropositioning. Most techniques for lip shortening do not affect this angle. In this study, a treatment approach is proposed that addresses all of these signs of aging. METHODS: During a 1-year period, a procedure was performed on 10 patients using the following techniques: 1. transverse incision of the skin of the nasal floor and bilateral alar margin; 2. cutaneous detachment of the entire upper lip up to the mucocutaneous transition; 3. stabilization of the nostrils with a transcolumellar nylon stitch; 4. elevation of the released skin by elliptical skin resection at the alar margin and a trapezoid segment resection at the nasal floor; 5. use of nylon and absorbable sutures to approach the dermis and close the skin, respectively. RESULTS: Adequate results were observed in 9 of the 10 patients, characterized by shortening and projection of the upper lip, vermilion eversion, reduced incidence of rhagades, and improvements of the nasolabial angle. In 1 patient with unilateral paralysis of the lip, no significant correction of the asymmetry was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed "double duck" technique proved to be simple and effective, with successful resolution of nasolabial defects and effective concealment of scars

BACKGROUND: Immediate or delayed breast reconstruction with tissue expanders can be performed in one or several surgical sessions. We opted to perform breast reconstruction over several sessions. The aim of this study was to report our experiences with the breast reconstruction technique involving Becker permanent tissue expanders and complete expander coverage with a flap comprising the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, and rectus abdominis aponeurosis. METHODS: The medical records of 21 patients who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction with Becker permanent tissue expanders were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: During muscle flap preparation, the aponeurotic dissection was performed 6-8 cm below the inframammary crease, aiming at full expander coverage without tension, enabling lower suturing in the inframammary crease, and avoiding disruption of the pectoralis major attachments. Only two patients developed infection, one in the first postoperative week and the other in the third postoperative month. CONCLUSIONS: The flap comprising the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, and rectus abdominis aponeurosis is a good choice for breast reconstruction with permanent tissue expanders because it ensures adequate expander and skin-flap protection. Moreover, the technique enables tissue expansion without confining the expanders in the submuscular cavity

INTRODUCTION: Reports of infections caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria during plastic surgery have increased in recent years despite improvements in techniques of asepsis/antisepsis and antibiotic prophylaxis. Infections occurring after the insertion of breast implants are a cause of patient morbidity and a significant problem for the surgeon. METHODS: Breast implant surgery cases complicated by mycobacterial infections at the Infirmary ward 38th of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Rio de Janeiro were retrospectively reviewed. A description of the current guidelines for the prevention and treatment of mycobacteriosis is included. Laboratory confirmed and clinically suspected cases were included in this study. RESULTS: Of 483 augmentation mammaplasty cases, 3 patients developed mycobacterial infections in the last 3 years. In 2 patients, there was a suspicion of infection that was not confirmed by laboratory data. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylaxis is fundamental for reducing the incidence of mycobacteriosis during plastic surgery procedures. However, the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of mycobacterial diseases are important to minimize the morbidity of this type of infection

BACKGROUND: In lipominiabdominoplasty and mid-abdominoplasty procedures, the umbilicus is usually undermined from its aponeurotic fixation; this modifies its normal vascular pattern. In patients undergoing these procedures and candidates for a secondary classic abdominoplasty, trophic changes, including necrosis, may occur in the umbilical scar. To avoid trophic complications in the neo-umbilicus, autonomization of the umbilical scar was carried out. METHODS: Three candidates for a secondary classic abdominoplasty underwent the umbilicus autonomization process in the private clinic of the corresponding author. One incision, 1 cm from the umbilical scar, was performed from the skin to the aponeurotic plane on each side, with an interval of 15 days between the two surgical incisions. After the second incision, the patient waited for a further 15 days. Thus, the whole process took 30 days before classic abdominoplasty was performed. RESULTS: No trophic alterations or necrosis in the umbilical scar were observed in these cases. CONCLUSIONS: The aesthetic results were satisfactory, indicating the effectiveness of this method

BACKGROUND: Umbilicoplasty techniques vary greatly, in both the manner in which the incision the umbilical scar is incised, as well as the manner in which the skin of the abdominal flap is opened and repaired at the aponeurosis and/or the umbilical stump. As the postoperative appearance of the umbilical scar is aesthetically unsatisfying, the authors sought to develop a new technique aimed at providing patients with a greater degree of aesthetic and postoperative satisfaction. METHODS: The abdominoplasties included in this study were performed in 194 patients at Clínica Valle Pereira (Florianópolis, SC) between February 2009 and January 2011. All patients underwent conventional abdominoplasties and triangular umbilicoplasties with skin flaps. RESULTS: Only 8 (4.13%) patients had mild complications. There were no severe complications. Positive satisfaction was reported by patients in 188 (96.91%) cases and by surgeons in 186 (95.88%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: The technique described in this study demonstrates versatility, simplicity in application, and reproducibility, bringing greater harmony in body contouring and improved appearance of the umbilical scar, a major stigma of abdominoplasty