Organic bench model to complement the teaching and learning on basic surgical skills / Modelo de bancada orgânico para complementar o ensino-aprendizagem de habilidades cirúrgicas básicas

PURPOSE: To propose an organic bench model made with fruits/vegetables as an alternative to complement the arsenal of simulators used in the teaching and learning of basic surgical skills during medical graduation and education. METHODS: They were described the training strategies, through the use of fruits (or vegetables) to the learning of different techniques of incision, sutures, biopsies and basic principles of reconstruction. The preparation of bench model, the processes of skill acquisition, feedback and evaluation were also delineated. RESULTS: A proposal for teaching based on an organic model with training delivered in multiple sessions, with increasing levels of difficulty, and with feedback and evaluation during all the process was structured. CONCLUSION: The organic model, being simple, versatile, portable, reproducible, readily available, and having low cost, is another option to complement the existing simulators for teaching and learning of basic surgical skills.

OBJETIVO: Propor um modelo de bancada orgânico, confeccionado com legumes/frutas, como alternativa para complementar o arsenal de simuladores aplicados no ensino-aprendizagem das competências cirúrgicas básicas durante a graduação e o ensino médico. MÉTODOS: Foram descritas as estratégias de treinamento, através da utilização de frutas (ou legumes), para a aprendizagem de diferentes técnicas de incisão, suturas, biópsias e princípios básicos de reconstrução. A preparação do modelo de bancada, os processos de aquisição de habilidades e feedback e os métodos deavaliação também foram delineados. RESULTADOS: Estruturou-se uma proposta de ensino baseada em um modelo orgânico com o treinamento distribuído em várias sessões, com níveis crescentes de dificuldade e com feedback e avaliação de todo o processo. CONCLUSÃO: O modelo orgânico, por ser simples, versátil, portátil, reprodutível, disponível, de fácil aquisição e baixo custo é mais uma opção para complementar o arsenal de simuladores de ensino e aprendizagem existentes.

Healing activity of laser InGaAlP (660nm) in rats / Atividade cicatrizante do laser AlGaInP (660nm) em ratos

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect the healing activity of diode laser Indium Gallium Aluminum Phosphorus (InGaAlP) ë660nm on healing of surgical wounds in rats. METHODS: Fifty-four female Wistar rats were used, divided into three groups (n=18) and subdivided into three subgroups (n=6) to be studied in 5, 10 and 15th days after surgical procedures. The wound was induced in the dorsal-cervical using punch. The lesions were irradiated on alternate days with InGaAlP laser, the energy densities of 3J/cm² (L3) or 6J/cm² (L6). The control group received no irradiation. At 5, 10 and 15th days after surgery the animals were euthanized and the repair area was removed and histological sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and picrossírius. We evaluated macroscopic and histological lesions in the times cited, as well as morphometric analysis of angiogenesis and collagen content. RESULTS: The wound healing activity InGaAlP laser was evidenced by increased angiogenesis group L3 and L6 in relation to control group (CG) at the 5th day (p=0.0001) and decreased polymorphonuclear infiltrate and hemorrhage (p=0.045 and p=0.07 respectively) in the groups L3 and L6 in relation to control group (GC). On the 10 and 15th days was also observed in groups treated with laser L3 and L6 stimulation was pronounced fibroplasia (p=0.0003 and p=0.034 respectively) when compared with the control group (CG). CONCLUSION: The InGaAlP laser acted positively on the healing of skin wounds in rats.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a atividade cicatrizante do laser diodo Alumínio Gálio Índio Fósforo (AlGaInP), ë660nm em feridas cutâneas induzida em ratos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 54 ratos Wistar, fêmeas, divididos em três grupos (n=18) e subdivididos em três subgrupos (n=6) animais para serem estudados no 5, 10 e 15º dias após o procedimento cirúrgico. A ferida foi induzida em região dorso-cervical utilizando punch. As lesões foram irradiadas em dias alternados com laser AlGaInP, nas densidades de energia de 3J/cm² (L3) ou 6J/cm²(L6). O grupo controle não recebeu irradiação. No 5,10 e 15º dia após o procedimento cirúrgico os animais foram eutanasiados e a área de reparo foi removida e os cortes histológicos foram corados com hematoxilina-eosina e picrossírius. Foram avaliados aspectos macroscópicos e histológicos das lesões nos tempos citados, bem como análises morfométricas da angiogênese e do conteúdo de colágeno. RESULTADOS: A atividade cicatrizante do laser AlGaInP foi evidenciada pelo aumento da angiogênese do grupo L3 e L6 em relação ao grupo controle (GC) no 5º dia (p=0,0001) e diminuição do infiltrado de polimorfonucleares e hemorragia (p=0,045 e p=0,007 respectivamente) dos grupos L3 e L6 em relação ao controle. No 10 e 15ºdias observou-se também que nos grupos tratados com laser L3 e L6 houve estimulo acentuado a fibroplasia(p=0,0003 e p=0,034 respectivamente), quando comparados ao grupo controle (GC). CONCLUSÃO: O laser AlGaInP atuou de forma positiva sobre a cicatrização de feridas cutâneas em ratos.

Perioperative effects of oral midazolam premedication in children undergoing skin laser treatment: a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial / Efeitos peroperatórios da premedicação oral de midazolam em crianças submetidas a tratamento de pele por laser: estudo duplo-cego randomizado e controlado

PURPOSE: To investigate and compare the efficacy of oral midazolam with two different dosages in orange juice on perioperative hemodynamics and behavioral changes in children who underwent skin laser treatment in an academic educational Hospital. METHODS: Ninety children, candidates for skin laser treatment were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups of 30 each: the placebo group received 0.1 ml/kg orange flavored juice, group 2 and 3 receiving 0.5 and 1 mg/kg of injectable midazolam mixed with an equal volume of orange juice, respectively. The main outcome measures included the mask acceptance, patients' behavioral scales and postoperative events. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in heart rate, respiratory rate, and systolic blood pressure among the three groups. However, arterial oxygen saturation was significantly reduced in those given 1 mg.kg-1 midazolam. The median scores of anxiety, separation from parent, preparing an intravenous line, acceptance of the oxygen mask, good sedation, crying reduction and consciousness level were better in midazolam group. Postoperative agitation and re-crying were also more frequent in placebo receivers. Those given 1 mg.kg-1 midazolam were significantly more optimal for sedation, crying, consciousness, preparing an intravenous line, and postoperative re-crying compared with 0.5 mg.kg-1 midazolam receivers. CONCLUSION: As a preanaesthetic medication, the 1 mg.kg-1 dose of orally given midazolam especially in a volume of orange juice and can optimize the children's behavior during skin laser treatment with no serious adverse effects, enhancing their parents' satisfactions about the sedative protocol.

OBJETIVO:Investigar e comparar a eficácia do uso oral de midazolam com duas diferentes doses de suco de laranja na hemodinâmica peropeatória e mudanças de desempenho em crianças submetidas tratamento de pele por laser em Hospital educacional e acadêmico. MÉTODOS:Noventa crianças candidatas a tratamento de pele por laser foram distribuídas aleatóriamente em três grupos de 30 cada: o grupo placebo recebeu 0.1mg/kg de suco de laranja, grupos dois e três receberam 0.5 e 1mg/kg de midazolam injetável misturado em igual volume de suco de laranja respectivamente. Os principais registros incluíam a aceitação da máscara, escalas de comportamento e eventos pós-operatórios. RESULTADOS:Não houve diferenças significantes cardíacas, respiratórias e pressão sanguinea sistólica nos três grupos. Contudo, o nível de saturação de oxigênio foi reduzido significantemente nos que receberam 1mg.kg-1 de midazolam. Os níveis médios de ansiedade, separação dos pais, preparo intravenoso, aceitação da máscara de oxigênio, boa sedação, redução do choro e nível de consciência, foram melhores no grupo midazolam. Agitação pós-operatória e retorno do chora foi mais freqüente nos que receberam placebo. Observou-se que o grupo que recebeu 1mg.kg-1 foi melhor comparado ao que recebeu 0.5mg.kg-1. CONCLUSÃO:Como medicação pré-anestésica na dose de 1mg.kg-1 de midazolam, fornecida em igual volume de suco de laranja, é satisfatória no comportamento de crianças durante tratamento de pele por laser, proporcionando satisfação dos pais.

Effects of sildenafil on the viability of random skin flaps / Os efeitos do sildenafil na viabilidade de retalhos cutâneos randômicos

PURPOSE: To assess the viability of McFarlane skin flaps in rats with administration of sildenafil. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were distributed into two groups: Control (dorsal skin flap, subdermal application of saline solution at 0.9 percent) and Study (dorsal skin flap, subdermal application of sildenafil). Seven days after the surgery, flaps were photographed and graphically rendered. Then, they were analyzed with AutoCAD software. Three biopsies (proximal, medial and distal) of each flap were collected for histological analysis. RESULTS: Macroscopic analysis showed that animals of the study group had greater necrotic areas (p=0.003) in the dorsal skin flaps. Additionally, histological analysis of the distal third of these flaps showed a tendency to less granulated tissue formation in animals treated with sildenafil. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil subdermally was associated with lower viability of the random skin flap in rats.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a viabilidade de retalhos cutâneos de ratos à McFarlane após a administração de sildenafil. MÉTODOS: Vinte ratos Wistar foram distribuídos em dois grupos: Controle (confecção do retalho cutâneo dorsal, aplicação subdérmica de solução salina a 0,9 por cento) e Estudo (confecção do retalho cutâneo dorsal, aplicação subdérmica de sildenafil). Sete dias após a operação, os retalhos foram fotografados e representados graficamente, para serem analisados com o programa AutoCad. Três biópsias (cranial, média e caudal) foram coletadas de cada retalho, para análise histológica. RESULTADOS: A análise macroscópica evidenciou que os animais do grupo Estudo apresentaram maiores áreas de necrose (p=0,003) nos retalhos cutâneos dorsais. Além disso, a análise histológica dos terços distais dos retalhos mostrou uma tendência à formação de menos tecido de granulação nos animais que receberam o sildenafil. CONCLUSÃO: O sildenafil subdérmico esteve associado com uma pior viabilidade tecidual dos retalhos cutâneos dorsais de ratos.

Evaluation of superomedial fasciocutaneous thigh flap in replacement of scrotal and penile skin

Skin loss of perinioscrotal region may result from severe infections, avulsion trauma or crush wounds. Replacement with sensible durable cover is mandatory for functional, cosmetic and psychological reasons. Wide range of flap techniques have been reported for these purposes. To evaluate the use of superomedial fasciocutaneous thigh flap for replacement of scrotal and penile skin loss. 7 male patients aged between 25 and 69 years [mean=53.4] were included in this study. All of them presented, in the period between2007-2010, with scrotal and penile skin loss. Four of them were with Fournier's gangrene, one was with history of agriculture accident, one with crush wound, and the last one was with penile skin loss after improper use of penile clamp. Superomedial fasciocutaneous thigh flaps were planned, elevated at subfascial plane, then transferred to close the wounds. Bilateral flaps were used in five patients for total scrotal reconstruction. All patients were followed for 3-13 months. 12 flaps were used for the 7 patients with complete survival. These provided nice durable covers of the testes with good sensation. The flaps were moderately bulky in one patient. Other complications included serous fluid collection in one patient, wound dehiscence in two patients, paresthesia of the anterior aspect of thigh in 2 patients, and mild leg edema in one patient. All complications were transient and responded well to conservative treatment. Superomedial fasciocutaneous thigh flap is a good choice for scrotal and penile reconstruction that could provide a sensible, durable cover that fulfills patient satisfaction

Keystone design sliding skin flap for the management of small full thickness burns

Deep dermal burns and full thickness burns are generally managed by excision and split thickness skin grafting. The skin graft may lead to unacceptable colour changes and be aesthetically unacceptable. Also, there may be a contour defect and, furthermore, it is followed by varying degrees of contracture. The keystone design sliding flap, first described in 2003, avoids the need for grafting and is not associated with any skin graft problems. We report two cases of the use of this flap as the primary surgery in reconstruction of small full thickness burn defects

Utilização do retalho brow slide em reconstruções cutâneas / Use of the brow slide flap in cutaneous reconstructions

Objetivo: Neste trabalho, foi proposta a análise de um procedimento cirúrgico pouco conhecido para o tratamento dos tumores cutâneos. Método: Os autores descrevem sua experiência na utilização do retalho “brow slide” em reconstruções cutâneas em 47 pacientes e comparam os resultados obtidos, enfatizando a simplicidade de execução da técnica em relação a outras descritas na literatura. Assim, dentro dessa nova perspectiva, o retalho “brow slide” pode ser empregado nas reparações de face ou de outras regiões. Conclusão: Com base nos resultados obtidos, os autores advogam o uso rotineiro do retalho “brow slide” nas reparações do tecido cutâneo, por obter cicatrizes em ziguezague, quase sempre dentro das linhas naturais da pele.

Objective: This article presents a new, comprehensive and less know surgical procedure in skin tumors treatment. Methods: The authors report their experience with “brow slide” flap in cutaneous reconstructions of 47 patients. They compared obtained results, with emphasis in the ease to performed this technique in comparison to others procedures described in literature. Thus, the "brow slide” flap can be use in face and others areas that needs reconstructions. Conclusion: Based on the results, the authors recommend the routine use of this technique in the reconstructions of skin tumors. The advantages of this method include Zplasty scars almost of them located at the lines of expression and contour lines of the skin.

Capsaicin on the viability of random-pattern skin flaps in rats / Capsaicina na viabilidade de retalhos isquêmicos randômicos em ratos

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of capsaicin on the viability of ischemic random-pattern skin flaps in rats. METHODS:Forty EPM1-Wistar rats were randomized into two groups of 20 animals each, the capsaicin group and the control group. A random-pattern skin flap measuring 10 x 4cm was raised and a plastic barrier was placed between the flap and the donor site. After the surgical procedure, the control group was treated with an inert vehicle in the form of a cream applied uniformly to a rayon bandage which, in turn, was applied to the surface of the skin flap. The capsaicin group was treated in the same way, but in this case capsaicin was added to the cream. This procedure was repeated for two consecutive days. RESULTS: There was a significantly smaller amount of flap necrosis in the capsaicin group (35.07 percent) than in the control group (44.75 percent) (p=0.035). CONCLUSION:Topical administration of capsaicin improved the viability of ischemic random-pattern skin flaps in rats.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da capsaicina na viabilidade de retalhos isquêmicos randômicos em ratos. MÉTODOS: Quarenta ratos EPM1-Wistar foram distribuídos ao acaso em dois grupos de 20 animais cada, um grupo capsaicina e um grupo controle. Um retalho isquêmico randômico medindo 10 x 4cm foi elevado e uma barreira plástica foi colocada entre o retalho e a área doadora. Após o procedimento cirúrgico, o grupo controle foi tratado com um veículo inerte sob a forma creme aplicado uniformemente sobre uma atadura de rayon, que, por sua vez, foi aplicada à superfície do retalho. O grupo capsaicina foi tratado da mesma forma, porém a capsaicina foi adicionada ao creme. Este procedimento foi repetido por dois dias consecutivos. RESULTADOS: Houve uma quantidade significativamente menor da necrose do retalho no grupo capsaicina (35,07 por cento) comparado ao grupo controle (44,75 por cento) (p=0,035). CONCLUSÃO: A administração tópica da capsaicina melhorou a viabilidade de retalhos isquêmicos randômicos em ratos.

Oficina de cirurgia cutânea / Cutaneous surgery workshop

A formação profissional do médico demanda a aquisição de conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes para o bom exercício da prática profissional. O treinamento de técnicas cirúrgicas básicas, usadas na cirurgia ambulatorial, irá prepará-lo para atuar em diferentes cenários. Apresentamos proposta de ensino através de oficina de cirurgia cutânea em modelo experimental.

The training of physician request knowledge, skills and attitudes for the effective exercise of professional practice. The training of basic surgical techniques, used in outpatient procedures, will prepare students to work in different scenarios. This work presents a proposal for teaching through workshops for cutaneous surgery in an experimental model.

Fechamento de laparostomia com descolamento cutâneo-adiposo: uma técnica simples e eficaz para um problema complexo / Skin-adipose tissue detachment for laparostomy closure: a simple and effective technique for a complex problem

OBJETIVO: Descrever uma técnica de fechamento de laparostomia através de descolamento cutâneo-adiposo e os resultados obtidos. MÉTODOS: Entre janeiro de 2003 a outubro de 2008 quarenta pacientes laparostomizados com silo plástico (bolsa de Bogotá) foram fechados usando-se a técnica descrita neste trabalho. Dados foram coletados dos prontuários e da busca ativa após alta hospitalar. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos pacientes eram homens (95 por cento), com trauma por arma de fogo (70 por cento). As médias de ISS e APACHE II foram de 28,78 e 20, respectivamente. Hérnia ventral ocorreu em 81,5 por cento dos pacientes, num intervalo médio de seguimento de 9,2 meses. Aproximadamente 1/3 dos pacientes apresentavam hérnias pequenas e não desejavam corrigi-las quando questionados. Somente dois pacientes estavam insatisfeitos com o procedimento em relação a atividades cotidianas e aspectos estéticos. Não houve óbitos ou fístulas intestinais em decorrência do fechamento. CONCLUSÃO: Embora não represente uma técnica de fechamento mioaponeurótico, o descolamento cutâneo-adiposo é simples, seguro e de baixo custo. É uma boa opção terapêutica para os pacientes laparostomizados, principalmente quando o fechamento da aponeurose não for possível nos primeiros 7 a 10 dias.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique of laparostomy closure through cutaneous-adipose tissues detachment and its results. METHODS: From January 2003 to october 2008 forty patients in laparostomy (Bogota bag) were engaged in surgical procedures for closing their open abdomens according to the technique described here. Data were collected from patient records and during active search. RESULTS: The majority of patients was men (95 percent) with gunshot wounds (70 percent). The average ISS and APACHE II scores were 28.78 and 20, respectively. Ventral hernias were found in 81.5 percent of patients with a mean follow-up time of 9.2 months. Approximately 1/3 of patients had small hernias and didn't want to have their hernias closed because they didn't feel any functional or anatomic impediment to support the closure at that time. Only two patients were dissatisfied in relation to daily activities and to the surgical procedure itself. There were neither deaths nor intestinal fistula with this type of closure. CONCLUSION: Although it doesn't represent a technique for fascial closure, it is simple to perform, safe, and with low cost. It is a therapeutic option for patients with open abdomen, especially if closure of the aponeurosis was not possible in the first 7 to 10 days.

Tissue expansion; in reconstructive surgery

To share the experience of tissue expansion. Descriptive. June 2005 to May 2009. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Rawalpindi. Patients of all ages and sex undergoing tissue expansion. Patients having acute injuries, burns and defects which were closed primarily. Patients undergoing primarily flap surgery. The shape and size of the tissue expander was chosen according to the deformity and expected wound geometry. All the surgeries were performed under general anaesthesia. Drains were removed after 48 - 72 hours. Slightly filled [20 - 50ml] tissue expanders were used. Tissue expansion was started after 7-12 days and were filled twice weekly. Total 19 patients [12 males and 7 females] were included in the study. The mean age in males was 32.9 years [range 13 - 44 years] and 21.1 years [range 19 - 36 years] in females. The different deformities included contractures 31.6%, Postburn scar 21.1%, hypertrophic scar 15.8% followed by congenital naevus 10.5%. The fill volume ranged from a 140 ml to 480 ml over a period of 8-13 weeks. No major complication was noted. Slight loss of distal flap occurred in 2 patients. No infection/rupture of tissue expander was seen. Tissue expansion is a safe technique for reconstruction of defects, with an obvious advantage of the availability of the adjacent skin

El colgajo fasciocutáneo en cono / Use of a new cone shaped flap to cover skin defects: experience in 108 patients

Background: A new type of fasciocutaneous flap with the shape of an ice cream cone that is formed by locally rotated and V-Y advance flaps joined together, that can be used to cover complex defects, was developed. Previously, the irrigation of these flaps was ascertained in the legs of ten corpses. Aim: To report the results with the use of this type of ice cream cone shaped flap. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 108 patients aged 20 to 52 years (99 males) in whom an ice cream cone shaped flap was used. Results: The defects covered were located in the leg in 27 percent, in the ankle in 10 percent, in the sole in 9 percent, in the heel in 8 percent and in other locations in the rest of patients. Eighty flaps (74 percent) had a good evolution, 11 (10 percent) had a major dehiscence, 13 (12 percent) had a minor dehiscence and 4 flaps (4 percent) had necrosis. Conclusions: This ice cream cone shaped flap is easy to use, safe and devoid of complications in most cases.

Se presenta un colgajo no descrito previamente en la literatura internacional ni nacional. El colgajo se denomina "en cono" por la forma final que se obtiene un barquillo de helado con su bocado. Consta de 2 colgajos acoplados: uno de rotación local y otro un avance en V-Y, ambos fasciocutáneos. Para comprobar su irrigación se practicó disección anatómica de las piernas de 10 cadáveres frescos inyectando azul de metileno y bario en la arteria poplítea. El resultado demostró un rico y amplio plexo tanto infra como supra fascial que irriga muy bien la piel de ambos colgajos a nivel de 1/3 distal de la pierna. Se realizó también un análisis geométrico del avance en V-Y para demostrar como los tejidos pueden avanzar y para determinar las dimensiones que debe tener este colgajo. Se operó 108 pacientes con lesiones en diferentes partes del organismo con complicaciones de un 3,7 por ciento. Los resultados permitieron determinar que el colgajo en cono es versátil, reproducible, sencillo y seguro de realizar. Es un colgajo que servirá para que los cirujanos plásticos resuelvan complejos problemas quirúrgicos en forma muy segura y a bajo costo.

Effects of platelet-rich plasma gel on skin healing in surgical wound in horses / Efeitos do gel de plasma rico em plaquetas na cicatrização de feridas cirúrgicas na pele de cavalos

PURPOSE: To establish a low-cost method to prepare platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and evaluates the potential of platelet derived factors to enhance wound healing in the surgical wounds in equine. METHODS: To obtain a PRP gel, calcium gluconate and autologous thrombin were added to platelet-rich plasma. For the tests six saddle horses were used and two surgical incisions were made in each animal. Wounds were treated with PRP gel or untreated. Sequential wound biopsies collected at Treatment 1: at days 5 and 30 and Treatment 2: at days 15 and 45 post wounding permitted comparison of differentiation markers and wound repair. RESULTS: The optimal platelets enrichment over 4.0 time's baseline values was obtained using 300 g for 10 min on the first centrifugation and 640 g for 10 min on the second centrifugation. CONCLUSION: Wounds treated with PRP gel exhibit more rapid epithelial differentiation and enhanced organization of dermal collagen compared to controls in equine.

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer um método econômico na preparação de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) e avaliar se os fatores derivados destas plaquetas aceleram a cicatrização de feridas cirúrgicas em cavalos. MÉTODOS: Gluconato de cálcio e trombina autógena foram adicionados ao PRP para a obtenção do gel de PRP. Foram usados seis cavalos de sela, cada um dos quais sofreu duas incisões cirúrgicas. Uma destas incisões foi tratada com gel de PRP e a outra suturada de maneira tradicional (controle). A biópsia das feridas foi coletada de maneira seqüencial; Tratamento 1. nos dias 5 e 30 e Tratamento 2. nos dias 15 e 45 do período pós-operatório permitindo uma comparação na diferenciação epitelial e no reparo das feridas. RESULTADOS: O enriquecimento das plaquetas obtido através de uma primeira centrifugação usando 300 g por 10 minutos e uma segunda 640 g por 10 minutos acelerou quatro vezes a reparação tecidual em relação ao controle. CONCLUSÃO: As feridas tratadas com gel de PRP apresentaram uma mais rápida diferenciação epitelial e acelerou a organização do colágeno da derme comparado ao grupo controle em cavalos.

Comparison of cutaneous incisions to approach the infraorbital rim and orbital floor

Aim: The aim of this article was to retrospectively analyze and compare the esthetic outcomes achieved after the use of 20 subciliary incisions, 22 subtarsal incisions and 16 infraorbital incisions to approach the infraorbital rim and orbital floor in orbital fractures. Methods: The sample consisted of 58 patients (37 males and 21 females) with orbital trauma (floor and infraorbital rim) treated with open reduction and internal rigid fixation in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at “Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal”, Brazil, between September 1996 and August 2003. The following aspects were evaluated: (1) the average distance of the scars measured from the ciliary margin caudally, (2) the esthetic appearance of the scars, (3) chronic lid edema, (4) scleral show, (5) ectropion. Results: Subciliary incision demonstrated better surgical results when compared to the non-subciliary incisions. No statistically significant difference in chronic lid edema rates was found between the three groups of incisions (Fisher, p>0.217 in all cases). There was no statistically significant difference in ectropion, scleral show and chronic edema rates between the three groups of incisions. Conclusions: The subciliary and subtarsal incisions offer better esthetic results than the infraorbital incision.

[Skin sparing mastectomy: a revisited technique]

Skin-sparing mastectomy [SSM] is an appealing treatment option for patients with early-stage breast carcinoma. This article is a review of the literature concerning this innovative technique. Surgery consists in a total mastectomy with preservation of the cutaneous envelope of the breast. This is done by performing the smallest incision possible, e.g. periareolar incision, with ablation of the nipple-areola complex. Mastectomy is followed by immediate reconstruction with a prosthesis and/or flap. Besides complications of reconstruction, the principal postoperative concern is necrosis of the skin flap. SSM seems oncologically safe as studies didn't find any difference in terms of relapse, metastasis and survival when comparing SSM to non-SSM. Nevertheless, the use of this technique remains controversial in advanced stage breast cancer [2B and 3]. Finally, SSM is associated with improved aesthetics with a high level of surgeons' and patients' satisfaction

Lateral Calcaneal Artery Adipofascial Flap for Reconstruction of the Posterior Heel of the Foot

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue defects of the posterior heel of the foot present difficult reconstructive problems. This paper reports the authors' early experience of five patients treated with a lateral calcaneal artery adipofascial flap. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2007, five patients (3 males and 2 females) with soft-tissue defects over the posterior heel underwent a reconstruction using a lateral calcaneal artery adipofascial flap and a full-thickness skin graft. The flap sizes ranged from 3.5 x 2.5 cm to 5.5 x 4.0 cm. RESULTS: All five flaps survived completely with no subsequent breakdown of the grafted skin, even after regularly wearing normal shoes. The adipofascial flap donor sites were closed primarily in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral calcaneal artery adipofascial flaps should be included in the surgical armamentarium to cover difficult wounds of the posterior heel of the foot. These flaps do not require the sacrifice of a major artery to the leg or foot, they are relatively thin with minimal morbidity at the donor site, and leave a simple linear scar over the lateral aspect of the foot.

Cobertura con colgajo escrotal en desforramiento peneano: a propósito de dos casos / Scrotal fasciocutaneous flap coverage in degloving lesión of penis, report of two cases

Restablecer la cobertura cutánea en lesiones de urgencia es un desafío para el cirujano, más aún si se trata del pene, ya sea por desforramiento accidental o secundario a procesos sépticos de la región perineal. Se presentan 2 casos. El primero por lesión accidental en un menor de 9 años, quien pierde la totalidad de la piel peneana. El segundo caso en un paciente de 65 años, diabético e hipertenso que presentó un episodio de fasceítis necrotizante. En ambos casos se realiza una cobertura cutánea del defecto utilizando 2 colgajos fasciocutßneos de las bolsas escrotales. En el caso del ni±o, el defecto de cobertura creado en éstas se cubre con colgajo fasciocutáneo de la cara anterior del muslo, y éste último con un injerto dermoepidérmico de la extremidad contralateral, utilizando la misma técnica descrita para el menor. La técnica utilizada cumplió plenamente con los objetivos de realizar una cobertura adecuada, semejante a la piel original, sin interferir con el desarrollo sexual normal del menor y minimizando el trauma psicológico. En el paciente adulto los resultados funcionales y estéticos son adecuados. En la literatura revisada hay muy pocos casos clínicos con utilización de ésta técnica.

To restore the cutaneous coverage in urgency injuries is a challenge for the surgeon, even more if it is a question of cutaneous coverage of the penis, by accidental degloving or secondary to septic processes of perineal región. We present two cases. The first one is a 9 years oíd minor, who lost the totality of his penis skin by accidental injury. The second case is a diabetic and hypertense, 65 years oíd patient, who had an episode of necrotizing fasciitis. In both cases the defect was covered with 2 fasciocutaneous flaps from the scrotal bags. In the child case the defect created in this area was repaired by an antero-internal thigh fasciocutaneous flap and finally the thigh defect was covered by split-skin grafts taken from the contralateral lower limb. The used technique fulfilled the objectives to make a suitable cover and similar to original skin, without interfering with the normal sexual development of the minor and to attenuate the psychological trauma. In the adult patient the functional and aesthetic results are satisfactory. In reviewed Hterature, there are just a few cases of this surgical technique.

Effect of low-dose electron radiation on rat skin wound healing

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of low-dose electron irradiation on morphological features of the wound healing process in rat skin. Surgical wounds were inflicted with a 2.3 x 1.4 cm template on 84 male rats that were assigned to 4 groups: IG1, immediately irradiated; IG2, irradiated 3 days after inflicting the wound; CG1 and CG2, control groups. Rats in IG1 and IG2 groups had their wounds exposed to 1 Gy of 6 MeV electron beam radiation, immediately after surgery and on the third postoperative day, respectively. Qualitative and histophotometric evaluations of tissue repair structures were carried out. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05) and regression analysis. The repair process was delayed since the first sacrifice time in both irradiated groups, but in IG1, wound healing was closer to that of CG1; whereas in IG2, the delay was more pronounced. Based on the histological findings, it is possible to conclude that a low-dose of electron radiation delayed tissue repair in rat skin. The delay was longer in the skin irradiated 3 days after the beginning of tissue repair. However, the low-energy electron irradiation did not prevent wound healing.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da irradiação por baixa dose de elétrons sobre características morfológicas da reparação tecidual na pele de rato. Foram realizadas feridas cirúrgicas com um gabarito de 2,3 x 1,4 cm em 84 ratos machos, divididos em 4 grupos: IG1, irradiado imediatamente; IG2, irradiado 3 dias após a produção da ferida; CG1 e CG2, grupos controles. Os ratos dos grupos IG1 e IG2 tiveram suas feridas expostas a 1 Gy de radiação por elétrons com 6 MeV, imediatamente após a cirurgia e ao terceiro dia pós-operatório, respectivamente. Procedeu-se às avaliações qualitativas e histofotométrica das estruturas de reparação tecidual. Os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA e teste Tukey (a = 0,05) e análise de regressão. O processo de reparação apresentou-se atrasado desde o primeiro tempo de sacrifício em ambos os grupos irradiados, mas para IG1, a reparação tecidual foi similar a CG1. Por outro lado, para IG2, o retardo foi mais pronunciado. Com base nas avaliações histológicas, é possível concluir que uma baixa dose de radiação por elétrons retardou a reparação na pele de rato. O atraso foi maior na pele irradiada 3 dias após o início da reparação tecidual. No entanto, esta irradiação por elétrons de baixa energia não impediu a cicatrização.