Collagen I and III in women with diastasis recti

OBJECTIVES: Interest in elucidating the etiology of hernias has encouraged countless studies of musculoaponeurotic structures in individuals with and without hernias. Studies of hernia patients have firmly demonstrated a correlation between hernias and collagen alterations in their fascia. Diastasis recti is an increased width of the abdominal midline that is exclusively composed of interlacing aponeurotic expansions of the anterolateral abdominal muscles. The condition is common among women undergoing abdominoplasty, and many factors, not only mechanical, play a role. The goal of this study is to evaluate and compare collagen type I and III levels in the midline fascia of women with and without diastasis recti to report their possible influence on this condition. METHODS: This is a case-control study nested within a surgical cohort of 18 women with diastasis recti and 18 women without the condition (cases and controls, respectively). Fascia from the midline of the abdominal wall was collected and analyzed through immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibodies to collagen type I and III. RESULTS: Both type I and type III collagen were less abundant in women with diastasis recti than in those without the condition, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Low collagen type I and type III levels in the midline of the abdominal wall may play a key role in the development of diastasis recti.

Adipocyte morphometric evaluation and angiogenesis in the omentum transposed to the breast: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the probable mechanism of the volume increase of laparoscopically harvested omentum flaps used to treat breast deformities. METHODS: A histological analysis of omentum samples was performed to study the volume increase of laparoscopically harvested omentum flaps. Samples were harvested immediately after the transposition of the omentum from the abdominal cavity to the breast region and during the second surgical procedure for breast symmetrization of eight patients submitted to the transposition of the omentum flap. Changes in the morphometric measurements of the adipocytes (perimeter, diameter, and area), microvascular density (as measured by the CD31 endothelial marker), and immunohistochemical expression of VEGF were documented. RESULTS: The increases in adipocyte size and microvascular density were statistically significant (P < 0.012). The expression levels of VEGF were lower in the second set of samples when compared to the first set, but the differences were not statistically significant (P < 0.093). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate an increase in cellular volume as measured by adipocyte perimeter, diameter, and area. Moreover, the increase in the number of vessels in the second set of samples suggests that neoangiogenesis was stimulated by the initial increase in VEGF expression levels observed in the first set of samples. The increase in VEGF expression in the flap may have been caused by adipocyte hypertrophy resulting from neoangiogenesis.

Laparoscopic treatment of Poland's syndrome using the omentum flap technique

OBJECTIVE: For patients with Poland's syndrome, a transverse skin fold in the anterior axillary pillar, infra-clavicular depression and an anomalous breast contour are the most uncomfortable disfigurements. This study aims to demonstrate that superior aesthetic results can be achieved by using a laparoscopically harvested omentum flap to treat this condition. METHODS: From a prospectively maintained clinical database of patients undergoing a laparoscopic omentum flap procedure for breast reconstruction, all of the patients with Poland's syndrome were identified and their outcomes were studied. RESULTS: Thirteen consecutive patients with Poland's syndrome were treated and evaluated regarding breast contour, reconstruction of the anterior axillary pillar and filling of the infra-clavicular depression. Implants were employed beneath the flap in 76 percent of cases to improve symmetry. In 23 percent of cases, a contra-lateral mastopexy was performed, and in 15 percent of cases, a breast implant was used. The consistency of the flap is similar to natural breast tissue and only a small incision in the breast fold is needed. The majority of patients (85 percent) were female, with a mean age of 26 (18-53). The flap is extremely malleable, adapts to irregular surfaces, and has a long vascular pedicle. Additionally, its removal does not leave a scar at the donor site as the removal of muscular flaps does. For example, the removal of the latissimus dorsi flap causes a deformity in the dorsal contour. The mean operative time was 201 minutes (80-350) and the mean hospital stay was 2.3 days (1-5). CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of these patients revealed that the omentum flap technique provided superior amelioration of the deformities caused by Poland's syndrome when compared with other reconstructive options.

Diagnóstico das assimetrias mamárias / Breast asymmetry diagnose

É difícil encontrar a perfeita simetria no corpo humano e pequenas assimetrias dão a cada pessoa um ar de individualidade. São freqüentes as pacientes que não têm consciência de suas assimetrias e só as percebem quando estas lhes são mostradas. Para o cirurgião, porém, reconhecê-las é um detalhe fundamental no alcance de um bom resultado cirúrgico. As assimetrias mamárias, de etiologia variada, devem ser tratadas com atenção. Para identificá-las é necessário um olhar conjunto de toda a caixa torácica. O exame físico deve incluir, além das mamas, todo o tórax, tanto anterior quanto posterior. Deve-se a tentar para alterações de ombros, omoplatas, coluna vertebral, entre outra. A posição ortostática fletida em 45 graus complementa o exame, tornando mais fácil a percepção da projeção mamária. O registro fotográfico deve incluir as incidências de frente (sem e com a correçã das alterações posturais), perfil, oblíquas direita e esquerda, com flexão do tronco em 45 graus, frente com os braços elevados e costas. Ao identificar, adequadamente, as assimetrias da mama, o diagnóstico das alterações apresentadas pela paciente será mais adequado e completo, podendo evitar que queixas simples se transformem em um pesadelo pós-operatório, quando as deformidades pré-existentes podem ser mais evidenciadas e então facilmente percebidas.

It's too hard found perfect simetry in human body and little asymmetries give to each person some individuality. Patients that have n conscience of their asymetries are frequently and just identify theis deformities when someone shows it to them. To surgeon recognise this deformities is fundamental to have a good surgical final result. Breast asymetries, with numerous etiologies, must be treated with attention. To identify them its necessary observe all thorax. The physical exam must include not only the breasts but anterior and posterior chesttoo. Special attention to shoulders, spinal cord and other structurs are important. Orthostatic position with the thorax in 45º complets the exam, and keeps easyer the perception of the breast projection. The photographs must include the pacient in front view - with and without postural correction- right and left side and oblicuous, flex thorax forward 45 degrees, front view with upper arms and back view. Whem breast asymmetry are correctly identify, the diagnose of deformities of the patient will be more complete and correct, and troubles in the post operatory period when deformities that exists before surgery could be more evidentited must not occur.

Reconstrução de umbigo após ressecção de foco de endometriose / Umbilicus reconstruction after endometriosis scar

Várias técnicas têm sido utilizadas para reconstruir a cicatriz umbilical, mas nenhuma tem mostrado ser a ideal para todos os casos. Os autores apresen- tam um caso de reconstrução imediata de umbigo, utilizando uma técnica de simples execução, realizada após ressecção de foco de endometriose.

Various techniques have been used to reconstruct umbilical scar, however none have appeared to be the ideal for all cases. The authors present a case of imediat reconstruction of umbilicus making use of an simple technique wich was done after resection if umbilical endometriosis.