Reconstrução de couro cabeludo com retalho expandido / Scalp reconstruction with expanded flap

Introdução: A presença de defeitos extensos em couro cabeludo apresenta-se como um grande desafio reconstrutor para o cirurgião plástico. Estes defeitos têm vasta etiologia como: traumática, queimaduras térmicas ou elétricas, ressecções tumorais benignas e malignas ou congênitas, sequelas de tratamentos radioterápicos e infecções. Destacando-se lesões como o escalpelamento e queimaduras (térmicas ou elétricas), geram repercussões significativas como a perda de tecido grave, osteomielite crônica ou sequelas menores como uma alopecia cicatricial. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de reconstrução de couro cabeludo em fase tardia com expansor tecidual e posterior retalho de avanço, devido à alopecia cicatricial, em paciente feminina de 11 anos vítima de escaldamento por água quente em região frontotemporal direita. Métodos: Foi realizada análise retrospectiva de prontuário da paciente em questão. O presente trabalho segue os padrões do comitê de ética de Helsinque. Conclusão: A técnica de expansão tecidual de couro cabeludo por estágios e posterior confecção de retalho de avanço de escalpo demonstrou ser eficaz de restaurar a estrutura pilosa e linha da implantação capilar da paciente com mínima distorção local, restituindo a forma e a estética do couro cabeludo da paciente.

Introduction: The presence of extensive scalp defects is a major reconstructive challenge for the plastic surgeon. These defects have a vast etiology, such as traumatic, thermal or electrical burns, benign and malignant or congenital tumor resections, radiotherapy treatments sequelae, and infections. Noting that injuries such as scalping and burns (thermal or electrical), generate significant repercussions such as severe tissue loss, chronic osteomyelitis or minor sequelae such as scar alopecia. This study aims to report a case of late scalp reconstruction with a tissue expander and posterior advancement flap, due to cicatricial alopecia, in an 11-year-old female, victim of scalding by hot water in the right frontotemporal region. Methods: It was performed a retrospective analysis of the patient's medical record. The present work follows the standards of the Helsinki ethics committee. Conclusion: The scalp tissue expansion technique by stages and subsequent scalp advancement flap performing proved to be effective in restoring the patient's hair structure and hairline with minimal local distortion, restoring the scalp's shape and aesthetics of the patient.

Complications using tissue expanders in burn sequelae treatment at a reference university hospital: a retrospective study / Complicações com o uso de expansores teciduais para tratamento de sequela de queimaduras em um hospital universitário de referência: estudo retrospectivo

ABSTRACT Background: tissue expanders have high relevance in plastic surgery and among indications it is worth mentioning their use in the treatment of burn reconstruction. Although it shows good results, its use requires special care because some complications can interrupt the reconstruction process. The objective of this study was to report the experience of the Clinics Hospital (University of Sao Paulo) with the use of tissue expanders to treat burn sequelae, establishing the incidence of complications, and identifying risk factors for their occurrence. Methods: a retrospective, observational, and analytical study, evaluating the use of expanders in burns sequelae treatment from 2009 to 2018. Results: 245 expanders were placed in 84 patients, 215 were female, with a mean age of 19.96 years, being 40% in the trunk and 20% in the scalp, with a predominance of rectangular shape in 76.7% of cases. Complications were classified as major and minor.Complications occurred in 17.95% of cases, and extrusion and infection were the most common. There was a higher incidence of complications in expanders used in the upper and lower limbs as well as in those who did not undergo concomitant expansion (p <0.05), with an even higher chance of major complications in patients submitted to additional expansion. From 2009 to 2018, we observed a decrease in the incidence of complications. Conclusion: the complication rate (17.95%) is similar to other studies of the literature, there was a higher rate of complication with expanders placed in the limbs and a higher rate of major complications when additional expansion was done.

RESUMO Introdução: os expansores teciduais são de importante relevância na cirurgia plástica, e dentre suas indicações destaca-se seu uso no tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras. Ainda que apresente bons resultados, seu uso requer cuidados especiais pois a incidência de complicações não é desprezível. Objetivo: relatar a experiência do Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP com a utilização de expansores teciduais para tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras, estabelecendo a incidência de complicações e identificando possíveis fatores de risco para ocorrência das mesmas. Método: estudo retrospectivo, observacional e analítico, avaliando o uso de expansores no tratamento de sequelas de queimaduras no período de 2009 a 2018 no Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP. Resultados: no período de análise estabelecido, foram colocados 245 expansores, sendo 215 em pacientes do sexo feminino, com idade média de 19,96 anos, sendo 40% em tronco e 20% em couro cabeludo, predominando uso do retangular em 76,7% dos casos. As complicações foram divididas em maiores e menores. As complicações ocorreram em 17,95% dos casos, sendo extrusão e infecção as de maior incidência. Houve maior incidência de complicação em expansores utilizados nos membros superiores e inferiores bem como naqueles que não realizaram expansão concomitante (p<0,05), havendo ainda maior chance de complicações absolutas nos pacientes submetidos à expansão adicional. Observou-se também diminuição no número de complicações entre 2009 e 2018. Conclusão: a taxa de complicação (17,95%) é semelhante a da literatura, observando-se maior taxa de complicação nos expansores colocados em membros e maior taxa de complicações absolutas quando realizada expansão adicional.

Lipoenxertia em reconstruções mamárias com expansor e implantes / Fat grafting in breast reconstructions with expanders and implants

A lipoenxertia autóloga foi inicialmente descrita há mais de 100 anos por Neuber objetivando correção de defeitos faciais. Ao mesmo tempo, Czerney descreveu a utilização de lipoma nas costas para recriar uma mama pós-mastectomias. A técnica foi popularizada por Coleman, que descreveu o uso de lipoaspiração e purificação de adipócitos para injeção na face como preenchimento de tecido mole. Bircoll e Novack (1987 apud Costantini et al.4) expandiram então esta aplicação para as mamas. Em 1990 houve um crescimento no uso da lipoenxertia, após o trabalho de Coleman, que confirmou que o tecido adiposo poderia ser transferido satisfatoriamente com a formalização de um protocolo restrito para preparação e injeção de gordura. A técnica de Coleman é de longe a mais comumente usada. O tecido adiposo é infiltrado com uma solução tumescente e, em seguida, manualmente aspirada. O lipoaspirado é subsequentemente centrifugado para isolar o tecido adiposo da fração oleosa e aquosa e finalmente injetado. A transferência de gordura de uma área em excesso, como o abdômen ou as coxas para reconstrução ou melhorar a forma e o volume da mama, não é uma ideia nova. Seguindo o trabalho de Illouz sobre a lipoaspiração, que levou ao seu uso generalizado em todo o mundo. As imagens mamográficas após lipoenxertia são variadas, a absorção de gordura e sua evolução à necrose gordurosa variam de cistos lipídicos a achados suspeitos de malignidade, como microcalcificações agrupadas, áreas espiculadas de opacidade aumentada e massas focais.

Autologous fat grafting was first described more than 100 years ago by Neuber to correct facial defects. At the same time, Czerney described the use of a lipoma on the back to recreate a post-mastectomy breast. The technique was popularized by Coleman, who described the use of liposuction and adipocyte purification for injecting into the face as a soft tissue filling. Then, Bircoll and Novack (1987 apud Costantini et al.4) extended this use to breasts. In 1990, there was a growth in the use of fat grafting after Coleman's technique. This confirmed that adipose tissue could be satisfactorily transferred with the formalization of a restricted protocol for fat injection preparation. Coleman's technique is by far the most commonly used. The adipose tissue is infiltrated with a tumescent solution and then manually aspirated. The liposuction material is subsequently centrifuged to isolate the adipose tissue from the oily and aqueous fraction and was then injected. Transferring fat from an excess area such as the abdomen or thighs to reconstruct or improve the shape and volume of the breast is not a new idea. Later, a study by Illouz on liposuction promoted the widespread use of the technique worldwide. Postoperative mammographic images to control fat absorption and necrosis vary. These can present as lipid cysts, suspected malignant findings such as grouped microcalcifications, spiculated areas of increased opacity, and focal masses.

Application of disposable cervical dilator in painless induced abortion of unmarried pregnancy / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the application effect of disposable cervical dilatation stick in painless induced abortion of unmarried pregnancy.Methods From June 2017 to August 2017,66 unmarried pregnant women [aged (23.13 ±3.12) years old and 6-12 weeks pregnant ] who volunteered underwent painless induced abortion in the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital ) were selected,and randomly divided into observation group (32 cases) and control group (34 cases) according to the digit-al table method.The observation group was preoperatively treated with a one-time cervical dilator,and the control group was operated with painless induced abortion routine.Both two groups were given intravenous anesthesia and health education before and after surgery.The effect of cervical dilatation and incidence of induced abortion syndrome were observed and compared between the two groups.Results In the observation group,cervical dilatation showed significant effect in 18 cases and effective in 8 cases,with an effective rate of 81.3%.While in the control group , cervical dilatation showed significant effect in 2 cases and effective in 10 cases,with an effective rate of 54.5%.The difference of effective rate between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z＝-4.552,P＝0.000).The inci-dence rate of induced abortion syndrome in the observation group was 3.12%, which was significantly lower than 23.53%in the control group (χ2 ＝4.24,P＝0.040).Conclusion The use of disposable cervical dilator in painless induced abortion of unmarried pregnancy can effectively dilate the cervix and reduce the incidence of induced abortion syndrome.

Early Rehabilitation after Total Mastectomy and Immediate Reconstruction with Tissue Expander Insertion in Breast Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Case-control Study / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: To prevent surgical site complications, many plastic surgeons use the so-called “conventional protocol,” which immobilizes the shoulder and upper arm for 1 month after reconstruction. In an effort to improve the shoulder mobility of patients who received immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expander insertion (TEI), we introduced an early rehabilitation protocol with a short-term immobilization period of 2 weeks. This study aims to compare this early rehabilitation exercise program with the conventional protocol and to determine factors affecting shoulder mobility and quality of life of patients after immediate breast reconstruction. METHODS: A total of 115 patients with breast cancer who underwent reconstructive surgery were retrospectively reviewed. For patients who underwent reconstruction before January 2017, the conventional protocol was followed with immobilization of their shoulder for over 4 weeks. Patients who underwent reconstruction after January 2017 were educated to undergo a self-exercise program after a short-term immobilization period of 2 weeks. We compared shoulder mobility, pain, quality of life, and complications at postoperative 1 and 2 months between the groups. RESULTS: Patients who received early rehabilitation showed greater shoulder flexion and abduction range at postoperative 1 month than those who received the conventional protocol. This increased shoulder abduction range continued until postoperative 2 months. There were no significant surgical site problems in both groups during the 2 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: To enhance the recovery of shoulder mobility, early rehabilitation with a shorter immobilization period should be recommended to patients with breast cancer undergoing reconstruction surgery with TEI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03541161

Characteristics of adhesion areas between the tissue expander and capsule in implant-based breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND: The use of anatomic implants has improved the aesthetic results of breast surgery; however, implant malrotation is an uncommon, but serious complication of these procedures. Nevertheless, little research has explored implant adhesion. In this study, we investigated adhesion between the expander and the capsule. METHODS: Seventy-nine cases of immediate breast reconstruction via two-stage implant-based reconstruction performed between September 2016 and November 2017 were evaluated. Mentor CPX4 expanders were used in 14 breasts, and Natrelle expanders in 65. We analyzed areas of adhesion on the surfaces of the tissue expanders when they were exchanged with permanent implants. We investigated whether adhesions occurred on the cephalic, caudal, anterior, and/or posterior surfaces of the expanders. RESULTS: Total adhesion occurred in 18 cases, non-adhesion in 15 cases, and partial adhesion in 46 cases. Of the non-adhesion cases, 80% (n=12) were with Mentor CPX4 expanders, while 94.4% (n=17) of the total adhesion cases were with Natrelle expanders. Of the partial adhesion cases, 90.7% involved the anterior-cephalic surface. The type of tissue expander showed a statistically significant relationship with the number of attachments in both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses (P<0.001) and with total drainage only in the univariate analysis (P=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: We sought to identify the location(s) of adhesion after tissue expander insertion. The texture of the implant was a significant predictor of the success of adhesion, and partial adhesion was common. The anterior-cephalic surface showed the highest adhesion rate. Nevertheless, partial adhesion suffices to prevent unwanted rotation of the expander.

Atypical proliferative nodule in congenital melanocytic nevus with dural invasion: a case report

Here we report a case of a focal atypical proliferative nodule (PN) arising from a congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN). Diagnosis was challenging because it had both benign and malignant clinical features. Unusual histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and intraoperative findings of this atypical PN are discussed. A 5-year-old girl was admitted for a congenital 5× 5 cm sized scalp mass. This hemangioma-like soft mass showed biphasic characteristics such as a slow, gradual, and benign increase in size but worrisome dural invasion with cranial bone defect. We removed the scalp mass with clear resection margins. Interoperatively, we found that the cranial bone defect had already filled. Histopathologic examination showed CMN with focal atypical PN. The nodule showed sharp demarcation and cellular pleomorphism. However, in immunohistochemical study, Ki-67 proliferation index and expression levels of protein S-100 and Melan-A were very low. These were unusual findings of atypical PNs. Despite her worrisome preoperative radiologic features, she showed an indolent clinical course compatible with previously reported biologic behavior. The patient underwent follow-up inspection with magnetic resonance imaging every 6 months for up to 3 years. The nodule appeared to be stationary at the last visit.

Application of disposable cervical dilator in painless induced abortion of unmarried pregnancy / 中国基层医药

Objective@#To investigate the application effect of disposable cervical dilatation stick in painless induced abortion of unmarried pregnancy.@*Methods@#From June 2017 to August 2017, 66 unmarried pregnant women [aged (23.13±3.12) years old and 6-12 weeks pregnant] who volunteered underwent painless induced abortion in the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital) were selected, and randomly divided into observation group (32 cases) and control group (34 cases) according to the digital table method.The observation group was preoperatively treated with a one-time cervical dilator, and the control group was operated with painless induced abortion routine.Both two groups were given intravenous anesthesia and health education before and after surgery.The effect of cervical dilatation and incidence of induced abortion syndrome were observed and compared between the two groups.@*Results@#In the observation group, cervical dilatation showed significant effect in 18 cases and effective in 8 cases, with an effective rate of 81.3%.While in the control group, cervical dilatation showed significant effect in 2 cases and effective in 10 cases, with an effective rate of 54.5%.The difference of effective rate between the two groups was statistically significant(Z=-4.552, P=0.000). The incidence rate of induced abortion syndrome in the observation group was 3.12%, which was significantly lower than 23.53% in the control group (χ2=4.24, P=0.040).@*Conclusion@#The use of disposable cervical dilator in painless induced abortion of unmarried pregnancy can effectively dilate the cervix and reduce the incidence of induced abortion syndrome.

Early experiences with robot-assisted prosthetic breast reconstruction

Robotic surgery facilitates surgical procedures by employing flexible arms with multiple degrees of freedom and providing high-quality 3-dimensional imaging. Robot-assisted nipplesparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is currently performed to avoid breast scars. Four patients with invasive ductal carcinoma underwent robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate robot-assisted expander insertion. Through a 6-cm incision along the anterior axillary line, sentinel lymph node biopsy and nipple-sparing mastectomy were performed by oncologic surgeons. The pectoralis major muscle was elevated, an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) sling was created with robotic assistance, and an expander was inserted into the subpectoral, sub-ADM pocket. No patients had major complications such as hematoma, seroma, infection, capsular contracture, or nipple-areolar necrosis. The mean operation time for expander insertion was 1 hour and 20 minutes, and it became shorter with more experience. The first patient completed 2-stage prosthetic reconstruction and was highly satisfied with the unnoticeable scar and symmetric reconstruction. We describe several cases of immediate robot-assisted prosthetic breast reconstruction. This procedure is a feasible surgical option for patients who want to conceal surgical scars.

Um infusor autônomo para um expansor de pele subcutâneo / An autonomous infuser for a subcutaneous skin expander

Introdução: A expansão da pele é um processo fisiológico definido como a capacidade de aumentar sua área superficial em resposta a uma tensão ou a uma dada deformação. Para realizar a cirurgia reconstrutiva, os expansores de pele são implantados sob a pele e periodicamente infiltrados com uma solução salina para fornecer um retalho extra de pele. Quando o volume interno prescrito do expansor é alcançado, a cirurgia reconstrutiva é realizada. Métodos: Foi desenvolvido um dispositivo semiautomático e portátil para facilitar um procedimento de expansão da pele. O dispositivo tem como objetivo simplificar o processo de infiltração, proporcionando mobilidade e independência para o paciente, e assegurando ao médico a qualidade e a precisão das infiltrações realizadas. O dispositivo também permite expansão contínua em pacientes hospitalizados. Resultados: Usando um código, o médico tem acesso ao menu do dispositivo e define a pressão máxima e/ou o valor máximo para cada expansor do paciente. O paciente pode realizar a infiltração e ter acesso ao controle da velocidade de infiltração, reverter ou parar a operação. Todos os dados são gravados em um SIM Card e incluem data, hora, volumes inicial e final, e pressão inicial e final de cada procedimento para cada expansor. Conclusões: O dispositivo automatiza e otimiza a expansão, de modo que o que o médico possa prescrever um limite para cada expansão, seja uma pressão máxima ou voluma infiltrado. Todos os dados são gravados, fornecendo um importante banco de dados sobre o comportamento de pele relacionado a gênero, raça, idade e local da expansão.

Introduction: Skin expansion is a physiological process defined as the ability of human skin to increase its superficial area in response to a stress or given deformation. In reconstructive surgery, skin expanders are implanted beneath the skin and periodically infiltrated with a saline solution to provide an extra flap of skin. When the prescribed internal volume of the expander is reached, reconstructive surgery is performed. Methods: A semiautomatic and portable device was developed and built to facilitate a skin expansion procedure. The device aims to simplify the infiltration process, providing mobility and independence to the patient and assuring the physician of the infiltration quality and precision. The device also enables continuous expansion in hospitalized patients. Results: Using a code, the doctor accesses the menu of the device and sets the maximum pressure and/or value for each expander of the patient. The patient can control the infiltration velocity and reverse or stop the operation. All data are recorded on a simcard and include date, time, initial and final volumes, and initial and final pressures of each procedure for each expander. Conclusions: The device motorizes and optimizes the expansion, allowing the doctor to prescribe a maximum infiltration pressure or volume. All data are recorded to provide an important database of skin behavior related to sex, race, age, and expansion site.

Avaliação histológica do músculo grande dorsal submetido à expansão tecidual pós-infiltração com toxina botulínica: estudo experimental em ratas / Histological evaluation of latissimus dorsi muscle subjected to tissue expansion after infiltration with botulinum toxin: an experimental study in rats

Os autores descrevem as alterações histológicas no músculo grande dorsal submetido à expansão após relaxamento com toxina botulínica e as possíveis correlações dos achados com os benefícios práticos como, por exemplo, aumento da complacência muscular e melhor acomodação da prótese. Foi empregado o modelo experimental, com dez ratas com peso médio de 300 g, mesma faixa etária, da cepa Wistar (Rattus norvegicus) e o músculo grande dorsal. Biópsias musculares foram feitas antes e após as expansões, no músculo normal, no grupo controle (apenas com expansores) e no grupo com expansores e toxina botulínica. Expansores de 3 centímetros cúbicos eram posicionados abaixo do músculo e expandidos com 0,3 mililitros de soro fisiológico semanalmente, por 10 semanas. Os cortes histológicos foram corados segundo as técnicas de Hematoxilina-eosina, para avaliação geral, e tricrômio de Masson para avaliação do tecido conjuntivo. As fibras musculares submetidas à expansão sob a ação da toxina botulínica apresentaram focos de fibrose e proliferação de vasos sanguíneos menos intensos que no grupo sem toxina botulínica e a diminuição do número de fibras musculares e a atrofia eram menores que no grupo que não utilizou a toxina. Os achados nos permitem presumir que a expansão muscular associada ao relaxamento com toxina botulínica preserva as características da musculatura esquelética, oferecendo melhor acomodação e proteção da prótese e facilitando a dinâmica da expansão, além de diminuir a dor.

The authors describe histological changes in the latissimus dorsi muscle submitted to expansion after relaxation with botulinum toxin. The possible practical benefits include increased muscle compliance and better accommodation of a prosthesis. The experimental model involved 10 Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) of the same age, with average weight of 300 g. Muscle biopsies before and after expansion were performed in normal muscle, in a control group (with expanders alone), and in a group with expanders and botulinum toxin. Expanders measuring 3 cm3 were positioned below the muscle and expanded with 0.3 ml of saline weekly, for 10 weeks. Histological sections were stained using hematoxylin-eosin for general evaluation and Masson's trichrome for evaluation of connective tissue. The muscle fibers submitted to expansion under the action of botulinum toxin showed less fibrosis and less intense proliferation of blood vessels than in the group without botulinum toxin, and the atrophy and reduction in the number of muscle fibers were less prominent than in the group that did not receive botulinum toxin. The findings suggest that muscle expansion associated with botulinum toxin relaxation preserves skeletal muscle characteristics by providing better accommodation and protection for a prosthesis and facilitating expansion dynamics; this method may also reduce pain.

Nova proposta para utilização de Becker 35 no segundo tempo de reconstrução mamária de grandes volumes / New proposal for the use of the Becker 35 expander in second large volume breast reconstruction

Introdução: A reconstrução imediata de mama realizada com o expansor de Becker é uma técnica de reconstrução versátil e consolidada na prática médica. Apresentamos uma proposta original com o uso do expansor de Becker associado a um segundo implante mamário. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo realizado no período de janeiro de 2014 a outubro de 2016 no Hospital A.C. Camargo. A análise dos prontuários das pacientes reconstruídas com Becker 35 avaliou o índice e tipo de complicações e a associação de rádio e quimioterapia e comorbidades das pacientes com 5 casos de associação de implantes. Resultados: 193 reconstruções com Becker em 168 pacientes. Vinte cinco casos com reconstrução bilateral. Idade média de 47 anos e 33% apresentaram comorbidades. Cento e dezenove (62%) pacientes seguiram radioterapia e quimioterapia pós-operatórias. Complicações: seroma em 7 pacientes, hematoma no retalho da mastectomia em 2 pacientes, necrose parcial do retalho da mastectomia em 3 pacientes, necrose/infecção com exposição do expansor em 2 pacientes. O total de complicações foi de 9,5%. Um total de 133 (69%) pacientes foram submetidas a esta segunda etapa cirúrgica para complementação da reconstrução da mama, sendo o expansor de Becker substituído por um implante definitivo. As pacientes com uso de Becker 35 associado a outro implante não apresentaram complicações. Conclusões: A associação do implante-expansor de Becker 35 a um segundo implante mamário foi eficaz em atingir um volume maior nas reconstruções mamárias com baixo índice de complicações.

Introduction: Immediate breast reconstruction performed with the Becker expander is a versatile and accepted technique. We present an original proposal for the use of the Becker expander for a second breast implant. Methods: A retrospective study was performed between January 2014 and October 2016. Medical records were used to evaluate the indications and complications, the use of radio- and chemotherapy, and comorbidities in all patients, including 5 in whom combined implantation was performed. Results: The Becker expander was used for 193 reconstructions in 168 patients, including 25 cases with bilateral reconstructions. The average patient age was 47 years, and 33% had comorbidities. Postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy were performed in 119 patients (62%). Complications included seroma in 7 patients, hematoma in the mastectomy flap in 2 patients, partial necrosis of the mastectomy flap in 3 patients, and necrosis/infection with expander exposure in 2 patients. Complications occurred in 9.5% of the cases. A total of 133 (69%) patients underwent a second surgical stage to complement breast reconstruction, with the Becker expander being replaced by a definitive implant. Patients in whom the Becker 35 expander was used in a second breast implant developed no complications. Conclusions: the use of the Becker 35 expander for a second breast implant was effective in achieving greater volume in breast reconstruction with a low rate of complications.

Full Thickness Skin Expansion ex vivo in a Newly Developed Reactor and Evaluation of Auto-Grafting Efficiency of the Expanded Skin Using Yucatan Pig Model

BACKGROUND: Skin grafts are required in numerous clinical procedures, such as reconstruction after skin removal and correction of contracture or scarring after severe skin loss caused by burns, accidents, and trauma. The current standard for skin defect replacement procedures is the use of autologous skin grafts. However, donor-site tissue availability remains a major obstacle for the successful replacement of skin defects and often limits this option. The aim of this study is to effectively expand full thickness skin to clinically useful size using an automated skin reactor and evaluate auto grafting efficiency of the expanded skin using Yucatan female pigs. METHODS: We developed an automated bioreactor system with the functions of real-time monitoring and remote-control, optimization of grip, and induction of skin porosity for effective tissue expansion. We evaluated the morphological, ultra-structural, and mechanical properties of the expanded skin before and after expansion using histology, immunohistochemistry, and tensile testing. We further carried out in vivo grafting study using Yucatan pigs to investigate the feasibility of this method in clinical application. RESULTS: The results showed an average expansion rate of 180%. The histological findings indicated that external expansion stimulated cellular activity in the isolated skin and resulted in successful grafting to the transplanted site. Specifically, hyperplasia did not appear at the auto-grafted site, and grafted skin appeared similar to normal skin. Furthermore, mechanical stimuli resulted in an increase in COL1A2 expression in a suitable environment. CONCLUSION: These findings provided insight on the potential of this expansion system in promoting dermal extracellular matrix synthesis in vitro. Conclusively, this newly developed smart skin bioreactor enabled effective skin expansion ex vivo and successful grafting in vivo in a pig model.

Expansão prévia no tratamento de dermatofibrossarcoma protuberante envolvendo o osso frontal / Preceding expansion in the treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans involving the frontal bone

Introdução: Dermatofibrossarcoma protuberante é um tumor cutâneo raro de malignidade intermediária e potencial metastático baixo, apresentando, entretanto, alta taxa de recorrência após tratamento cirúrgico. O tratamento cirúrgico clássico é a ressecção alargada com margens variadas. Métodos: Os pacientes foram submetidos à expansão prévia dos tecidos da região frontal utilizando dois expansores convencionais. Margens laterais de 3 cm de tecido de aparência normal foram tatuadas com tinta nanquim. Os expansores foram incluídos em uma cirurgia anterior, através de incisões cutâneas distantes dessas marcas, em um plano cirúrgico logo acima do periósteo, preservando a área de ressecção alargada previamente delimitada. Os tecidos laterais foram expandidos e, posteriormente, os pacientes foram submetidos à ressecção do tumor. A margem profunda incluiu da lâmina externa do osso frontal. O período médio de expansão foi de 45 dias. Resultados: Foram relatados três casos de dermatofibrossarcoma protuberante da região frontal com envolvimento da lâmina externa do osso frontal. Os retalhos expandidos fecharam facilmente os defeitos. O acompanhamento pós-operatório médio foi de 194 meses, sem nenhuma recorrência tumoral. Conclusão: A expansão tecidual prévia da região frontal no tratamento do dermatofibrossarcoma protuberante, invadindo o osso frontal, usando margens laterais de 3 cm com remoção da lâmina externa, permitiu facilmente o fechamento do defeito, em três pacientes. O tempo de acompanhamento médio de 194 meses sem nenhuma recorrência tumoral mostrou a eficiência do método.

Introduction: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare skin tumor with intermediate malignancy and low metastatic potential, but a high recurrence rate after surgical treatment. Treatment involves extended resection with variable margins. Methods: Patients were managed with preceding expansion of tissues of the forehead using two conventional expanders. The lateral margins of normal-appearing tissue 3-cm apart were tattooed with China ink. In a preceding operation, expanders were inserted through skin incisions at a distance from the marks, by undermining the surgical plane just above the periosteum, while preserving the area of wide resection previously delimited. After the lateral tissues were expanded, the patients underwent surgical resection. The deep margin included the outer table of the frontal bone. The expansion period averaged 45 days. Results: Three cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the forehead with involvement of the outer table of the frontal bone are described. The expanded flaps easily closed the defects. The average follow-up was 194 months without tumor recurrence. Conclusion: Preceding expansion of forehead tissue in the treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with invasion of frontal bone, using 3-cm lateral margins and removal of the outer table of the frontal bone, allowed easy closure of the defect in 3 different patients. Average follow-up of 194 months with no recurrence of the lesion showed the effectiveness of the method.

Avaliação volumétrica das mamas em pacientes submetidas à lipoenxertia com uso de expansão pré-operatória (BRAVA®): experiência da Santa Casa de São Paulo / Volumetric assessment of breasts in patients undergoing fat grafting with pre-operative expansion (BRAVA®): experience of Santa Casa de São Paulo

Introdução: O enxerto autólogo de tecido adiposo exibe qualidades desejáveis para utilização como material de preenchimento. Contudo, a grande barreira para o seu maior desenvolvimento foram os resultados pouco previsíveis e o alto índice de absorção da gordura enxertada ao longo do tempo. O objetivo é realizar avaliação volumétrica das mamas de pacientes submetidas à lipoenxertia com uso de expansão pré-operatória (BRAVA®). Métodos: Foram operadas 19 pacientes no período entre março de 2012 e junho de 2015 na disciplina de Cirurgia Plástica da Santa Casa de São Paulo. Os parâmetros avaliados por ressonância nuclear magnética (pré e 6 meses pós-operatório) foram: Volume Aumentado=Volume Pós-operatório - Volume Pré operatório; Percentual de Aumento=Volume Aumentado/ Volume Pré operatório x100; Percentual de Integração=Volume Aumentado/Volume Enxertado x 100. Resultados: O volume médio das mamas no pré-operatório foi de 294,73 ml e de 458,42 ml no pós-operatório. O volume médio de enxerto foi de 274,4 ml (150-350 ml). Em relação aos parâmetros avaliados, o volume médio de aumento foi de 168,42 ml (90-270 ml), o percentual médio de aumento foi de 58,98% (23-90%) e o percentual médio de integração foi de 62,36% (30-80%). Conclusão: A utilização da expansão externa (BRAVA®) na mama mostrou-se um método efetivo nas taxas de integração do enxerto de gordura, bem como no aumento global do volume mamário.

Introduction: Autologous fat graft possesses the desired qualities of a filling material. However, the largest barriers to its further development are unpredictable results and high rate of absorption of the grafted fat over time. The objective is to perform a volumetric assessment of the breasts in patients undergoing fat grafting using pre-operative external expansion (BRAVA®). Methods: Nineteen patients were operated between March 2012 and June 2015 in the Service of Plastic Surgery, Santa Casa de São Paulo. The parameters evaluated using nuclear magnetic resonance (pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively) were the following: augmented volume=postoperative volume - pre-operative volume; percentage of augmentation=augmented volume/pre-operative volume x 100; percentage of integration=augmented volume/volume grafted x 100. Results: The average volume of the breasts in the pre- and post-operative periods were 294.73 ml and 458.42 ml, respectively. The average graft volume was 274.4 ml (150-350 ml). The following parameters were assessed: average volume augmentation, 168.42 ml (90-270 ml); average percentage of augmentation, 58.98% (23-90%); and average percentage of integration, 62.36% (30-80%). Conclusion: The use of external expansion (BRAVA®) in breasts was effective in increasing the rates of integration of the fat grafts and the overall augmentation in breast volumes.

Serial Tissue Expansion at the Same Site in Pediatric Patients: Is the Subsequent Expansion Faster?

BACKGROUND: Serial tissue expansion is performed to remove giant congenital melanocytic nevi. However, there have been no studies comparing the expansion rate between the subsequent and preceding expansions. In this study, we analyzed the rate of expansion in accordance with the number of surgeries, expander location, expander size, and sex. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in pediatric patients who underwent tissue expansion for giant congenital melanocytic nevi. We tested four factors that may influence the expansion rate: The number of surgeries, expander location, expander size, and sex. The rate of expansion was calculated by dividing the ‘inflation amount’ by the ‘expander size’. RESULTS: The expansion rate, compared with the first-time group, was 1.25 times higher in the second-or-more group (P=0.04) and 1.84 times higher in the third-or-more group (P < 0.01). The expansion rate was higher at the trunk than at other sites (P < 0.01). There was a tendency of lower expansion rate for larger expanders (P=0.03). Sex did not affect the expansion rate. CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive correlation between the number of surgeries and the expansion rate, a positive correlation between the expander location and the expansion rate, and a negative correlation between the expander size and the expansion rate.

Surgical Treatment of Postpneumonectomy Syndrome with Tissue Expanders in Children

Postpneumonectomy syndrome (PPS) is a rare late complication of pneumonectomy. It occurs more often in children than in adults, and is characterized by respiratory failure resulting from bronchial compression caused by severe mediastinal shift. Various methods have been used to treat PPS, including aortopexy and the insertion of plastic balls, silastic implants, and saline-filled breast prostheses. We describe two cases of PPS corrected with tissue expanders after right pneumonectomy in patients with esophageal atresia.

Efficacy and safety of cervical dilatation balloon and Dinoprostone for promoting cervical ripening and induc-tion of labor / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of cervical dilatation balloon and Dinoprostone for promoting cervical ripening and induction of labor.Methods 80 maternal who were taken induction of labor were randomly divided into two groups,40 patients in each group,according to the order of admission,the study group and the control group used COOK balloon and Dinoprostone for promoting cervical ripening and induction of labor respec-tively,Bishop score before and after treatment,cervical ripening rate of maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups of maternal.Results The study group′s Bishop score was (8.96 ±0.15)points,which was significantly higher than (6.02 ±0.34)points of the control group after treatment,the difference was statistically sig-nificant(t =3.75,P 0.05).Conclusion The cervical dilatation balloon has a higher success rate for promoting cervical ripening and induction of labor which is safe and reliable that should be widely applied.

Tabbed Tissue Expanders Improve Breast Symmetry Scores in Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Achieving symmetry is a key goal in breast reconstruction. Anatomically shaped tabbed expanders are a new tool in the armamentarium of the breast reconstruction surgeon. Suture tabs allow for full control over the expander position and thus inframammary fold position, and, in theory, tabbed expanders mitigate many factors responsible for poor symmetry. The impact of a tabbed expander on breast symmetry, however, has not been formally reported. This study aims to evaluate breast symmetry following expander-implant reconstruction using tabbed and non-tabbed tissue expanders. METHODS: A chart review was performed of 188 consecutive expander-implant reconstructions that met the inclusion criteria of adequate follow-up data and postoperative photographs. Demographic, oncologic, postoperative complication, and photographic data was obtained for each patient. The photographic data was scored using a 4-point scale assessing breast symmetry by three blinded, independent reviewers. RESULTS: Of the 188 patients, 74 underwent reconstruction with tabbed expanders and 114 with non-tabbed expanders. The tabbed cohort had significantly higher symmetry scores than the non-tabbed cohort (2.82/4+/-0.86 vs. 2.55/4+/-0.92, P=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: The use of tabbed tissue expanders improves breast symmetry in tissue expander-implant-based breast reconstruction. Fixation of the expander to the chest wall allows for more precise control over its location and counteracts the day-to-day translational forces that may influence the shape and location of the expander pocket, mitigating many factors responsible for breast asymmetry.

Constructing autologous composite skin around the expander for the repair of skin defects / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The construction of tissue engineered skin needs a long time and high price, and the repair effects are poor. Moreover, the problems such as antigen elimination and disease propagation are not thoroughly solved. How to solve the tough problem of wound surface repair in patients lacking of autologous skin using current mature technology before the occurrence of ideal tissue engineered skin. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of autologous composite skin constructed around expanders on the repair of the wound surface. METHODS:A total of 10 rabbits were selected. Two globular silica gel expanders were embedded subcutaneously in the symmetrical sites on the back of rabbits. After the expanders were covered by fiber kystis, cellsuspension of primary cultured skin epithelial cells (experimental group) or physiological saline (control group) were infused into lacuna between the expander. Four weeks later, the expanders were obtained. Experimental group presented epithelization, i.e., autologous composite skin. The skin and some fiber members on the top of the expanders were resected around the encystations. The fiber kystis on the bottom and surrounding the expanders was left to form the wound surface covered by autologous composite skin. However, the wound surface was covered by non-epithelization fiber kystis in the control group. The healing of wound surface was observed until recovered. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In the experimental group, the wound surface was ruddy and pure, with less secretion;the average healing time was (14.0±0.4) days;the microscopic appearance indicated that epithelial layer was thick and regular. In the control group, there was more secretion on wound surface;the average healing time was (27.0±0.7) days;the microscopic appearance indicated that epithelial layer was thin and irregular. These results suggested that the construction of autologous composite skin around the expanders could noticeably promote the healing of wound surface.