Effectiveness of lobulated pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for repairing huge chest wall defect / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effectiveness of lobulated pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap to repair huge chest wall defect.@*METHODS@#Between June 2021 and June 2022, 14 patients with huge chest wall defects were treated with radical resection of the lesion and lobulated pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap transplantation for reconstruction of chest wall defects. The patients included 5 males and 9 females with an average age of 44.2 years (range, 32-57 years). The size of skin and soft tissue defect ranged from 20 cm×16 cm to 22 cm×22 cm. The bilateral pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps in size of 26 cm×8 cm to 35 cm×14 cm were prepaired and cut into two skin paddles with basically equal area according to the actual defect size of the chest wall. After the lobulated pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was transferred to the defect, there were two reshaping methods. The first method was that the skin paddle at the lower position and opposite side was unchanged, and the skin paddle at the effected side was rotated by 90° (7 cases). The second method was that the two skin paddles were rotated 90° respectively (7 cases). The donor site was sutured directly.@*RESULTS@#All 14 flaps survived successfully and the wound healed by first intention. The incisions at donor site healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 8.7 months). The appearance and texture of the flaps were satisfactory. Only linear scar was left at the donor site, and the appearance and activity of the abdominal wall were not affected. No local recurrence was found in all tumor patients, and distant metastasis occurred in 2 breast cancer patients (1 liver metastasis and 1 lung metastasis).@*CONCLUSION@#The lobulated pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in repair of huge chest wall defect can ensure the safety of blood supply of the flap to the greatest extent, ensure the effective and full use of the flap tissue, and reduce postoperative complications.

Versatilidad del colgajo VRAM / Versatility of the VRAM flap

Los defectos extensos de la pared abdominal y de la zona perineal derivados de las resecciones tumorales o posteriores a procesos infecciosos pueden ser resueltos de una manera rápida y sin la ayuda de técnicas microquirúrgicas mediante el colgajo VRAM, una herramienta reconstructiva importante que ha entrado en desuso, pero que sin lugar a dudas es una estrategia que proporciona seguridad para el cirujano plástico en los casos indicados. En nuestro trabajo se describe una serie de casos en los que se utilizó al colgajo VRAM para la reconstrucción de defectos en pared abdominal y la zona perineal; defectos amplios que fueron satisfactoriamente resueltos, en donde se denotan las ventajas que ofrece este colgajo para la resolución de problemas reconstructivos de las áreas anatómicas en cuestión.

Extensive defects of the abdominal wall and perineal area derived from tumor resections or after infectious processes can be resolved quickly and without the help of microsurgical techniques using the VRAM flap, an important reconstructive tool that an important reconstructive tool that that has gone into disuse, but without a doubt it is a strategy that provides security for the plastic surgeon in the indicated cases. In our work, a series of cases are described in which the VRAM flap was used for the reconstruction of defects in the abdominal wall and the perineal area; large defects that were satisfactorily resolved, where the advantages offered by this flap for the resolution of reconstructive problems of the anatomical areas in question are denoted.

Rectus abdominis muscle flap for repair of the gastrojejunal leakage after distal gastrectomy with Billroth II anastomosis for gastric cancer / Colgajo del músculo recto abdominal para reparación de la dehiscencia gastroyeyunal luego de gastrectomía distal con anastomosis Billroth II por cáncer gástrico

Anastomotic leakages at the gastrojejunostomy site are difficult to repair, due to complex gastrointestinal anatomy. This is the first study reporting clinical use of rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) flap for repair of gastrojejunostomy leakage. A patient with leakage of gastrojejunostomy after distal gastrectomy with Billrroth II anastomosis for gastric cancer underwent repair using left RAM flap, based on superior epigastric artery. Rectus abdominis muscle flap, after being harvested was then anchored to the edges of the leak of gastrojejunostomy with few interrupted 2-0 vicryl sutures. Gastrojejunostomy leak sealed in the two cases. Rectus abdominis muscle flap for closure of gastrointestinal defect is a simple, technically easy and dependable procedure, which can be performed, quickly in critically ill patients. It can be used for repair of a large gastrointestinal defect with friable edges when omentum is not available or when other conventional methods are impractical.

Las dehiscencias anastomóticas en el sitio de gastroyeyunostomía son difíciles de reparar, debido a la compleja anatomía gastrointestinal. Este es el primer estudio que comunica el uso clínico del colgajo del músculo recto abdominal (MRA) para la reparación de la dehiscencia de gastroyeyunostomía. A un paciente con dehiscencia de gastroyeyunostomía, luego de una gastrectomía distal con anastomosis Billrroth II para cáncer gástrico, se le realizó una reparación utilizando colgajo izquierdo del MRA, basado en la arteria epigástrica superior. El colgajo del músculo recto abdominal, después de ser extraído, se fijó a los bordes de la dehiscencia de la gastroyeyunostomía con pocas suturas de vicryl 2-0 interrumpidas. La dehiscencia de la gastroyeyunostomía fue sellada. El colgajo del músculo reto abdominal para el cierre del defecto gastrointestinal es un procedimiento simple, técnicamente fácil y confiable, que puede realizarse rápidamente en pacientes críticamente enfermos. Se puede utilizar para la reparación de un gran defecto gastrointestinal con bordes friables cuando el omento no está disponible o cuando otros métodos convencionales no son prácticos.

Reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo musculocutáneo de recto abdominal con isla transversa de piel (TRAM): experiencia de 12 años en Hospital El Pino / Breast reconstruction with musculocutaneous flap of abdominal rectus with transverse skin island (TRAM): 12 years of experience at Hospital El Pino

Objetivos: Analizar los resultados de reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo musculocutáneo de recto abdominal con isla transversa de piel (TRAM) en el Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital El Pino. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes sometidas a mastectomía por cáncer de mama y posterior reconstrucción con colgajo TRAM pediculado en los últimos 12 años (2005-2017). Resultados: Se realizaron 12 reconstrucciones mamarias, 6 fueron con colgajo TRAM pediculado. La mayoría de las pacientes recibieron tratamiento adyuvante con radioterapia (1 caso), quimioterapia (1 caso), quimioterapia + radioterapia (2 casos). El tiempo transcurrido entre la mastectomía y reconstrucción mamaria fue en promedio de 2,5 años. Se produjeron 4 complicaciones (66,7%) que necesitaron reintervención: hematoma posoperatorio precoz, infección y necrosis grasas de colgajo, dehiscencia de sutura abdominal, necrosis grasa + fibrosis de colgajo TRAM. La evaluación de los resultados fue subjetiva obteniéndose muy buenos resultados en el 66,7% de los casos. No hubo complicaciones en sitio donante. Discusión: El colgajo TRAM pediculado es el tejido autólogo más utilizado en reconstrucción mamaria. Su tasa de complicación es de 26% muy por debajo a lo obtenido en nuestra experiencia. Las principales complicaciones son fibrosis y necrosis grasa de colgajo, pérdida de colgajo, seroma e infección siendo la necrosis grasa la más frecuente en nuestra serie. El uso de colgajo TRAM otorga mayor satisfacción con apariencia, tamaño y sensación del seno. Debido a los resultados obtenidos creemos que el colgajo TRAM pediculado es una excelente alternativa de reconstrucción mamaria en nuestro hospital.

Objectives: To analyze the results of breast reconstruction with musculocutaneous flap of the rectus abdominis with transverse skin island (TRAM) in the Service of Surgery of El Pino Hospital. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer and subsequent reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap in the last 12 years (2005-2017). Results: 12 mammary reconstructions were performed, 6 were with pedicled TRAM flap. The majority of patients received adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy (1 case), chemotherapy (1 case), chemotherapy + radiotherapy (2 cases). The time elapsed between the mastectomy and breast reconstruction was on average 2.5 years. There were 4 complications (66.7%) that required reintervention: early postoperative hematoma, infection and flap fat necrosis, abdominal suture dehiscence, fat necrosis + TRAM flap fibrosis. The evaluation of the results was subjective, obtaining very good results in 66.7% of the cases. There were no complications in the donor site. Discussion: The pedicled TRAM flap is the most used autologous tissue in breast reconstruction. Its complication rate is 26%, much lower than that obtained in our experience. The main complications are fibrosis and flap fat necrosis, flap loss, seroma and infection, with fat necrosis being the most frequent in our series. The use of TRAM flap gives greater satisfaction with appearance, size and sensation of the breast. Due to the results obtained, we believe that the pedicled TRAM flap is an excellent alternative for breast reconstruction in our hospital.

Reconstrucción perineal con colgajo miocutáneo vertical de recto anterior del abdomen luego de amputación abdomino perineal extraelevador. Una alternativa factible para el cirujano colorrectal / Perineal reconstruction with vertical myocutaneous flap of the anterior rectus abdominis after extra-elevating perineal abdominal amputation. A feasible alternative for the colorectal surgeon

Las complicaciones perienales luego de la amputación abdominoperineal son frecuentes y clínicamente relevantes en términos de estadía hospitalaria, costos, calidad de vida y los resultados oncológicos. La utilización creciente de radioterapia pre operatoria y la incorporación gradual a la técnica extra-elevador, ha llevado a un aumento en la morbilidad perineal. Es por elloque la búsqueda de una técnica confiable y con buenos resultados para el cierre perineal se hace necesaria. Se han publicado muchas series que describen diferentes técnicas de cierre del defecto perineal, pero faltan estudios clínicos de alta calidad que indiquen cuál es la mejor opción. Cuando la proctectomía resulta en un amplio defecto perineal, el colgajo vertical del recto del abdomen parece ser la mejor opción. Presentamos dos casos de tumores anorectales localmente avanzados en los que se realizó una amputación abdominoperineal extraelevador con posterior reconstrucción perineal con colgajo de recto anterior y, a su vez, describimos la técnica quirúrgica. (AU)

Perineal complications after abdominoperineal amputation are frequent and clinically relevant in terms of hospital stay, costs, quality of life and oncological results. The growing utilization of pre-operative radiotherapy and the gradual incorporation to the extra-elevator technique, has leaded to an increase in perineal morbidity. That is why the search for a reliable technique with good postoerative outcomes for the perineal closure is necessary. Many series describing different closure techniques of the perineal defect have been published, but high quality clinical studies have to indicate which the best option is. When the proctectomy results in a wide perineal defect, the vertical rectus abdominis flap seems to be the best option. We presented two cases of locally advanced anorectal tumors in which an extraelevatory abdominoperineal amputation was carried out with posterior perineal reconstruction with vertical rectus abdomins flap and we described the surgical technique. (AU)

Mastectomía radical con reconstrucción inmediata en el Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes, período junio 2012-abril 2015 / Radical mastectomy with reconstruction immediate Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes in the period June 2012-April 2015

Introducción: La reconstrucción mamaria es parte fundamental del tratamiento de la mujer mastectomizada por cáncer de mama. Tras comprobarse que la reconstrucción no influye negativamente sobre la enfermedad neoplásica, sino que es trascendental para la rehabilitación física y psicológica de la paciente, su desarrollo se ha visto favorecido. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de tipo prospectivo, observacional, descriptivo y comparativo tipo ensayo clínico, entre los colgajos miocutáneos TRAM y dorsal ancho ampliado, en las pacientes sometidas a cirugía electiva. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 36 pacientes, dividiéndose en 2 grupos de 20 pacientes para el grupo TRAM y 16 para el grupo de dorsal ampliado, con una edad promedio de 45,45 ± 9,50 años en el TRAM y de 56,09 ± 9,07 años en el de dorsal ampliado, con un IMC que oscilaba en ambos grupos entre 25,0-29,9. Se realizó en 19 pacientes mastectomía radical modificada tipo Madden + TRAM, representando un 80%, donde se simetrizó el 15% de dicho grupo. Se realizó un Halsted + TRAM bipediculado, representando un 5%; al grupo dorsal se les realizó mastectomía radical modificada tipo Madden, simetrizándose el 31,3%. Respecto a las complicaciones, se observó en general que en las pacientes del grupo TRAM predominaron la infección de la herida operatoria y la necrosis, con un 25,0% cada una, seguidas de seroma y dehiscencia de sutura con un 10% cada una, describiéndose solo un caso de eventración, totalizando 11 pacientes, donde 3 presentaron 2 o más complicaciones de las descritas anteriormente asociadas; en el grupo de dorsal ampliado predominaron los seromas, con un 18,8%, y necrosis en un 12,5%, totalizando 4 pacientes, igualmente una con 2 complicaciones asociadas. Conclusiones: La reconstrucción mamaria posterior a la Mastectomía con sus diferentes técnicas representa un procedimiento seguro y que se debe implementar en todos los centros en que se manejen pacientes con cáncer de mama, como en nuestro servicio de Cirugía Oncológica.

Introduction: Breast reconstruction is a fundamental part of the treatment of women with mastectomies. After finding that rebuilding a negative effect on the neoplastic disease, but is critical to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of the patient, its development has been favored. Selecting the right process depends on multiple factors such as patient age, stage of disease, smoking, obesity, adjuvant treatment, experience and technical capacity of the center where they will perform the reconstruction, among other. Materials and methods: A study of prospective, observational, descriptive and comparative clinical trial type was held between myocutaneous flaps extended dorsal and TRAM, in patients undergoing elective surgery. Results: A total of 36 patients were included, divided into 2 groups of 20 patients TRAM group and 16 expanded dorsal group, with a mean age of 45.45 ± 9,50 years old in the TRAM and the expanded dorsal group of 56.09 ± 9.07 years old with a BMI in both groups ranged between 25.0-29.9. They were performed in 19 patients radical modified mastectomy Madden + TRAM type representing 80%, where 15% of this group symmetrize. A Halsted + TRAM bipedicled was performed representing 5%; the dorsal group underwent modified radical mastectomy Madden 100%, symmetrize the 31.3%. Overall complications was observed in patients TRAM group predominated operative wound infection and necrosis with 25.0% each, followed by seroma and wound dehiscence with 10% each, describing only one hernia totaling 11 patients, where 3 patients had 2 or more complications associated previously described; in extended dorsal group seroma they predominated with 18.8% and 12.5% necrosis, totaling 4 patients alike with 2 associated complications. Conclusions: The post-mastectomy breast reconstruction with different techniques is a safe procedure that must be implemented in all centers where patients with breast cancer, and our service are handled Surgical Oncology.

Analysis of effect isoxsuprine hydrochloride and nicotine in the Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous flap (TRAM) in rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of isoxsuprine and nicotine on TRAM. METHODS: Forty eight 48 Wistar rats distributed into four Groups (n=12). All rats received medication managed daily for 20 days: saline solution (SA), nicotine solution (NI), isoxsuprine solution (IS) and nicotine solution (NI) + isoxsuprine solution (IS). On day 21st the rats were submitted to the caudally based, right unipedicled TRAM flap and after 48 hours, made the macroscopic evaluation of the surface of the flap, photographic documentation and collection of material for histology. Data from macroscopic evaluation were analyzed by ANOVA and microscopic evaluation by Kruskal-Wallis test, with significance level of 5%. RESULTS: In the macroscopic evaluation of isoxsuprine Group retail presented absolute numbers: final area (p=0.001*) and viable area (p=0.006*) with the highest values; necrosis (p=0.001*) had the lowest value. Microscopic examination revealed no significant findings in the study of TRAM under the action of isoxsuprine and nicotine to the percentage of necrosis in the left and right cranial and caudal regions. CONCLUSIONS: There was significant improvement in viability of TRAM using the isoxsuprine solution alone. No influence using nicotine alone and in association with isoxsuprine. .

El origen del colgajo TRAM para reconstrución mamaria posmastectomía / The origin of the TRAM flap for breast reconstruction postmastectomy

La reconstrucción mamaria contribuye a superar las consecuencias físicas y psicológicas de la mastectomía y es la última etapa del tratamiento del cáncer de mama. Su evolución ha logrado un punto alto de desarrollo y dentro de ese desenvolvimiento, el cirujano plástico Enrique Gandolfo ha tenido una participación descollante, al defi nir el empleo del abdomen inferior mediante el colgajo musculocutáneo del recto abdominal. Esa técnica fue empleada por primera vez en julio de 1980. Se hace una descripción de la evolución de la idea y de los conocimientos previos a su concreción

The mammary reconstruction to help overcome the physical and psychological consequence of mastectomy and is the last step of breast cancer treatment. Its development become to high level. The Argentine plastic surgeon Enrique Gandolfo has contributed with the defi ning the use of inferior abdomen through TRAM fl ap. This technique was fi rst used in July 1980. The authors describe the evolution of this idea

Reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo TRAM pediculado / Breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flap

The pedicle transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap (TRAM) is widely used for breast reconstruction, however is not exempt from complications. Between 2004 and 2010 the authors performed breast reconstruction after total mastectomy in 52 patients with pedicled TRAM flaps. Purpose: To describe the demography, outcomes and complications in patients operated for breast cancer and reconstructed with TRAM flap. To assess the influence of smoking, the laterality and timing of reconstruction. Material and Method: Retrospective, observational and comparative. We reviewed the medical records of 52 patients operated by the authors between 2004 and 2010. Four cases were excluded due to incomplete data. Results: In the 48 patients studied were 50 TRAM flaps. The most frequent comorbidity was smoking (27 percent). Regarding the timing of reconstruction, 74 percent (37) was performed immediately post-mastectomy and 26 percent (13) was deferred. Was used by 78 percent (39) ipsilateral TRAM, 18 percent (9) contralateral and 4 percent (2) bilateral. Only minor complications were observed and the cosmetic result evaluated by the surgeon's satisfaction was very good or excellent in 62 percent (31). Smoking, timing of reconstruction and laterality did not affect in complications or cosmetic outcome (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The pedicled TRAM flap is an excellent alternative for reconstruction in breast cancer patients. It is not exempt from complications, with a tendency to get better cosmetic results in the non-smoker group.

El colgajo de recto abdominal con isla transversal de piel infraumbilical (TRAM) pediculado es ampliamente utilizado para la reconstrucción mamaria, sin embargo, no está exento de complicaciones. Entre los años 2004 y 2010 los autores realizaron reconstrucción mamaria post-mastectomía total en 52 pacientes con colgajos TRAM pediculados. Objetivo: Describir la demografía, resultados y complicaciones de las pacientes operadas por cáncer de mama y reconstruidas con colgajo TRAM. Evaluar la influencia del tabaquismo, la lateralidad y el momento de la reconstrucción en dichos resultados. Material y Método: Diseño retrospectivo, observacional y comparativo. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de las 52 pacientes operadas por los autores entre los años 2004-2010. Se excluyeron 4 casos por datos incompletos. Resultados: En las 48 pacientes estudiadas se realizaron 50 colgajos TRAM. La comorbilidad más frecuente fue el tabaquismo (27 por ciento). La reconstrucción se realizó en un 74 por ciento (37) de manera inmediata postmastectomía y en un 26 por ciento (13) fue diferido. Se utilizó en un 78 por ciento (39) TRAM ipsilateral, 18 por ciento (9) contralateral y 4 por ciento (2) bilateral. Sólo se observaron complicaciones menores; el resultado estético evaluado por la satisfacción del cirujano fue muy bueno o excelente en un 62 por ciento (31). El tabaquismo, momento de la reconstrucción y la lateralidad no influyeron en las complicaciones ni en el resultado estético (p > 0,05). Conclusiones: El colgajo TRAM pediculado es una excelente alternativa de reconstrucción en pacientes mastectomizadas. No está exento de complicaciones, con una tendencia a obtener mejores resultados estéticos en el grupo no fumador.

Free flaps in Surgical Dermatology: comparison between fasciocutaneous and myocutaneous free flaps in facial reconstructions / Retalhos livres em dermatologia cirúrgica: comparação entre os retalhos livres fasciocutâneos e miocutâneos nas reconstruções faciais

BACKGROUND: Dermatologic surgeons routinely harvest pedicled flaps at distance with an axial or random pattern to repair facial defects. These types of skin flaps are time-consuming and have high economic, social and personal costs. These drawbacks could be avoided with the introduction of a single-step transfer of free flaps to the recipient site, with microvascular anastomosis. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that better results are obtained with myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous free flaps and which one is more suitable in surgical dermatology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected two patients of opposite sexes and similar ages who had undergone Mohs surgery to remove recurrent malignant tumors that were located in the upper cheek bordering the zygomatic zone. The woman was treated with a fasciocutaneous radial free flap and the man with a rectus abdominis free flap. RESULTS: Both patients had excellent immediate postoperative outcomes. Complications observed in the male patient were related to a previous pulmonary alteration. The fasciocutaneous radial free flap reconstruction was easier to perform than the rectus abdominis free flap; nevertheless, the radial free flap is very thin and, although the palmaris longus tendon is used, it does not yield enough volume, requiring later use of implants. In contrast, the rectus abdominis free flap transfers a wide flap with enough fat tissue to expand in the future. As for the cosmetic results regarding the donor site, the rectus abdominis free flap produces better-looking scars, since secondary defects of the palmar surface cannot be directly closed and usually require grafting - a situation that some patients do not accept. CONCLUSIONS: In surgical dermatology, each case, once the tumor has been extirpated, requires its own reconstructive technique. The radial free flap is suitable for thin patients who are willing to cover their arm with a shirt. The rectus abdominis free flap is best suited for obese ...

FUNDAMENTOS: Os cirurgiões dermatológicos habitualmente realizam retalhos pediculados cutâneos à distância, de padrão axial ou ao acaso, para reparar os defeitos faciais. Estes tipos de retalhos cutâneos requerem muito tempo para realizar-se e têm elevadas despesas econômicas, sociais e pessoais. Com a introdução da transferência em uma única etapa de retalhos livres ao local receptor, com anastomose microvascular, estes inconvenientes poderiam ser evitados. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar que se obtêm melhores resultados com retalhos livres fasciocutâneos ou miocutâneos e qual deles é mais adequado em Dermatologia cirúrgica. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Selecionamos dois pacientes, de sexos diferentes e idades similares, que haviam sido tratados com cirurgia de Mohs, para eliminar os tumores malignos recidivantes que se localizavam na parte superior das bochechas contatando com a zona zigomática. A mulher foi tratada com um retalho livre fasciocutâneo radial e o homem com um retalho livre do músculo reto do abdômen. RESULTADOS: Ambos os pacientes tiveram excelentes períodos pós-operatórios imediatos. As complicações observadas no homem foram relacionadas a uma alteração pulmonar prévia. O retalho fasciocutâneo radial livre foi mais fácil de realizar do que o do reto do abdômen; não obstante, o retalho livre radial é muito fino e, embora lhe seja incluído tendão do palmar, não proporciona suficiente volume razão pela qual requer a introdução posterior de implantes. Em contrapartida, o retalho livre do reto do abdômen transfere um largo retalho que tem suficiente tecido grasso para poder engordar no futuro. Quanto aos resultados estéticos da zona doadora, o retalho do reto do abdômen produz melhores cicatrizes, já que os defeitos secundários da superfície palmar do antebraço não podem ser fechados diretamente e requerem habitualmente a aplicação de um enxerto; situação que alguns pacientes não aceitam. CONCLUSÕES: Como sempre em Dermatologia cirúrgica, cada ...

Nicotine on rat TRAM flap / Nicotina em retalho TRAM em ratos

PURPOSE: The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is one of the preferential techniques used in breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Nicotine has a detrimental effect on cutaneous flap survival; although there are no experimental studies proving this effect on musculocutaneous flaps. The aim of this study is to verify the effect of nicotine on the rat TRAM flap. METHODS: 30 Wistar EPM-1 rats were randomly distributed in two groups: control and experimental. The animals of the control group received saline solution injected subcutaneously, in a volume of 0.2 ml, twice a day, during 28 days in the preoperative period. The animals of the experimental group were treated with nicotine, injected subcutaneously, in a dose of 2 mg/kg twice a day, during 28 days in the preoperative period. All the animals were submitted to the caudally based, right unipedicled TRAM flap. 48 hours after the procedure, a study of the viable area of the flap was done through photographic documentation. Statistical analysis was performed with nonparametric Mann-Whitney's test. RESULTS: The experimental group had significantly greater area of necrosis when compared with the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Nicotine increased the area of necrosis of the TRAM flap, in rats.

OBJETIVOS: O retalho musculocutâneo transverso do músculo reto do abdome (TRAM) é uma das principais opções na reconstrução do relevo mamário pós-mastectomia. A nicotina tem efeito deletério na viabilidade de retalhos cutâneos; porém, não foram encontrados trabalhos experimentais comprovando este efeito em retalhos musculocutâneos. O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar o efeito da nicotina na viabilidade do retalho TRAM, em ratos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 30 ratos da linhagem Wistar EPM-1. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: controle e experimento. Os animais do grupo controle foram tratados com solução salina injetada no tecido celular subcutâneo num volume de 0,2 ml, duas vezes ao dia, durante 28 dias no período pré-operatório. Os animais do grupo experimento foram tratados com nicotina injetada no tecido celular subcutâneo em uma dose de 2mg/kg/2 vezes ao dia, durante 28 dias no período pré-operatório. Todos os animais foram submetidos ao procedimento do retalho TRAM de base caudal unilateral à direita (pedículo não dominante). 48 horas depois, foi feita a avaliação da área viável de superfície do retalho, por documentação fotográfica. Para análise dos resultados foram utilizados testes não paramétricos: Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: O grupo experimento apresentou uma área de necrose maior, quando comparado com o grupo controle (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A nicotina aumentou a área de necrose do retalho TRAM, em ratos.

Repair of duodenal fistula with rectus abdominis musculo-peritoneal (RAMP) flap.

INTRODUCTION: Large duodenal defects/fistulae are difficult to repair, due to complex duodenal anatomy. Musculo-epithelial flaps are conventionally used for reconstruction of large soft tissue defects. We report the clinical use of rectus abdominis musculo-peritoneal (RAMP) flap for repair of duodenal fistulae. METHODS: Eight patients with duodenal fistulae underwent repair using right RAMP flap, based on the position of the superior epigastric artery. Feeding jejunostomy was done routinely to start early enteral feeding. RESULTS: Duodenal fistulae healed within 3-5 days in all the cases except one, in whom bile continued to leak for 30 days. One patient died within 12 hours of second surgery. Superficial wound infection was a common (n=3) cause of morbidity. CONCLUSION: RAMP flap for closure of duodenal defect is a simple, technically easy and dependable procedure, which can be performed quickly in critically ill patients. It can be used for repair of large duodenal defects with friable edges when omentum is not available or when other conventional methods are impractical.

Reconstrucción mamaria bilateral: experiencia de los últimos 7 años / Bilateral breast reconstruction: experience of the last 7 years

Se muestra la experiencia clínica en 11 pacientes mujeres portadoras de cáncer mamario bilateral, sometidas a reconstrucción mamaria bilateral con colgajo miocutáneo de recto abdominal bilateral (TRAM), entre abril de 1995 y diciembre de 2001. Se revisaron las fichas clínicas de las pacientes y se tabularon edad, tipo histológico del cáncer, factores de riesgo y complicaciones a corto y largo plazo. Finalmente, se realizó una evaluación subjetiva por las pacientes acerca de los resultados quirúrgicos.

Vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap cover for lower abdomen, chest wall, groin and thigh defects following resection of malignant tumours.

Vertical rectus abdominis mycutaneous (VRAM) flap provides a reliable flap cover for large soft tissue defects of chest wall, torso, groin, perineum and thigh. It has been mainly used in trauma and benign conditions. Between January 1994 through January 1999, eight patients with locally advanced malignant tumors underwent radical resection and reconstruction using pedicled VRAM flap. Inferiorly based VRAM flap was used in five patients and superiorly based VRAM flap in three patients. Defect size ranged from 144 to 900 CM2. (mean 386 cm2). Average blood loss for combined resection and reconstruction was 600ml. (range 400-800 ml.) Primary closure of both donor and recipient sites achieved in all patients. There was no wound infection, flap necrosis or abdominal hernia. There patients received postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy and two patients received radiotherapy only. All the the patients are alive and free of local recurrence at mean follow up 32 months. Results of our study shows that VRAM flap is versatile and sturdy flap with a wide are of rotation and it can reach diverse anatomical sites like torso, chestwall, thigh and perineum to cover large defects following radical resection for tumors.