Various Applications of Deep Temporal Fascia in Rhinoplasty

PURPOSE: In Asians, nasal dorsal and tip augmentation procedures are usually performed at the same time, and most dorsal augmentations use implants. In this study, dorsal augmentation was given by various types of grafts using deep temporal fascia (DTF) for primary rhinoplasty cases using only autologous tissues to improve the curve of hump noses and depressions. For secondary rhinoplasty cases, DTF was used to improve implant demarcation and transparency. Such effectiveness and utility of DTF is discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2009 and May 2012, we performed rhinoplasty using DTF in 175 patients, which included 78 secondary surgery patients and 128 female patients. The mean age of the patients was 31.4. DTF was utilized with various types of grafts without implants to improve the curve in dorsal augmentation of hump noses and cases that required curve betterment. DTF was used to improve implant demarcation and transparency for secondary cases. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 1.5 years. Of the 175 patients, 81% were satisfied with the natural correction achieved, whereas 19% complained of undercorrection, which was resolved with additional surgery. No specific complications such as nasal inflammation or contractures were observed. CONCLUSION: DTF can be used with various graft methods for correction of radix, dorsal, and tip irregularities. It can also be used to correct implant contour transparency in secondary rhinoplasty and thus may be considered as a useful supplementary graft material in rhinoplasty for Asians.

Cierre primario de fasciotomías con técnica con elásticos: experiencia nacional multicéntrica / Fasciotomy closure technique with vessel loops

Aim: Present and describe the progressive fasciotomy closure technique with vessel loops. Methods: Progressive and multicentric study in the period between June of 2007 and June of 2011. Results: In 2007 we initiated the complementary treatment for fasciotomy closure related to compartment syndrome or acute ischemia cases. Progressive closure with vessel loops, the shoelace technique. In 2010's preliminary report, we published a total of 56 fasciotomies closed by this technique, with an average closure time of 9.5 +/- 3.31 days. Current report is the result of a 4 years prospective study intending to prove that is possible to associate this technique to the initial management of fasciotomies closure. This final report shows a total of 122 fasciotomies cases closed in 7.9 +/- 3.31 days, without skin grafts. Conclusion: The technique is easy to learn, reproducible and not expensive. Results show that this technique is useful in reduce the time for fasciotomy closure.

Objetivos: Presentar y describir la técnica de cierre progresivo de fasciotomías con elásticos. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo multicéntrico realizado en Santiago de Chile entre junio de 2007 y junio de 2011. Resultados: En el año 2007 se inició un protocolo de manejo del cierre de las fasciotomías realizadas a pacientes portadores de síndrome compartimental o isquemia aguda de extremidades. Utilizando una técnica de entrelazado con elásticos vasculares se realizó el cierre de las fasciotomías. En el 2010 se publicó un reporte preliminar, presentando una serie de 56 fasciotomías cerradas con esta técnica, con un promedio de cierre de 9,5 +/- 3,31 días. La serie actual es el resultado de un estudio prospectivo de 4 años de duración que ha buscado demostrar que resulta posible asociar esta técnica con elásticos al manejo inicial del cierre de las fasciotomías. Nuestro reporte final muestra un total de 122 fasciotomías cerradas en un promedio de 7,9 +/- 3,31 días sin requerir de injertos de piel. Conclusiones: Presentamos una técnica quirúrgica fácil de reproducir, de bajo costo y con buenos resultados. El uso de elásticos vasculares muestra beneficios en el tiempo de cierre de las fasciotomías.

Decompressive fasciotomy in testicular torsion of the spermatic cord in rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of decompression fasciotomy on testes undergoing torsion of the spermatic cord. METHODS: Spermatic cord torsion was induced in 40 Wistar testes for six and 12 hours. At the time of distortion, decompression fasciotomy was performed on half of the animals. After 42 days, the testicles were examined both macroscopically and microscopically. A non-parametric Mann- Whitney U- test was used for statistical analysis. The results were considered significant at p≤0.05. RESULTS: Testicular weight; volume and degree of histological alterations were evaluated. When the groups without and with fasciotomy were compared, a 12-hour torsion subgroup in the fasciotomy group was noted to present larger volume, heavier weight and superior histological classification when compared with the 12-hour subgroup in the without fasciotomy group. No differences between the two groups after six hours of torsion were found. No significant changes were noticed in the contralateral testis. CONCLUSIONS: Testicular fasciotomy (decompression) benefited the macroscopic and histological aspects of the testicles undergoing cord torsion for a 12-hour period. These results demonstrate the role played by compartment syndrome in the pathophysiology of spermatic cord torsion and the need for decompression.

Composite 3 layers tympanoplasty - promising and reliable technique for management of dry central tympanic membrane perforation

Numerous graft materials and methods of placement have been described to reconstruct the tympanic membrane. Cartilage was shown both experimentally and clinically to be well tolerated by the middle ear and has long-term survival. A twelve-year-old female presented with history of recurrent episodes of right ear pain and discharge. She experienced slight hearing impairment in the right ear. On examination, she was found to have perforation in antero-inferior quadrant of tympanic membrane of the right ear which was operated successfully with a new technique utilizing a composite 3 layers graft [Perichondrium-Cartilage-Perichondrium] via transcanal approach.

Use of the pectoralis major fasciocutaneous flap in the treatment of post sternotomy dehiscence: a new approach / Utilização do retalho fasciocutâneo do músculo peitoral maior na deiscência de esternotomia: uma nova abordagem

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new surgical technique for the treatment dehiscence after median thoracotomy transsternal using fasciocutaneous flap composed of the pectoralis major fascia. METHODS: Between January 2009 and December 2010, from 1,573 patients submitted to coronary artery bypass graft, 21 developed wound dehiscence after sternotomy and were treated with bilateral pectoralis major muscle fasciocutaneous flap, including partial portion of the rectus abdominis fascia. Patients were followed for a minimum of 90 days postoperatively. RESULTS: All patients had favorable outcome following 90 days, not having any partial or total dehiscence. There were no cases of postoperative infection. CONCLUSION: The procedure was rapid and effective. Compared with techniques using muscle, myocutaneous or greater omentum flaps, this surgery was less aggressive and maintained the integrity of tissue region. The authors considered that this technique should be used as the first option, leaving the flaps to more complex cases of relapse.

OBJETIVO: Descrever uma nova técnica cirúrgica para a reparação das deiscências pós-toracotomia mediana transesternal com o uso de retalho composto fasciocutâneo da fáscia do músculo peitoral maior. MÉTODOS: Entre janeiro de 2009 e dezembro de 2010, de um total de 1.573 cirurgias de revascularização do miocárdio, 21 pacientes que apresentaram deiscência da esternotomia foram submetidos à correção com retalho fasciocutâneo bilateral do músculo peitoral maior, incluindo parcialmente a fáscia do músculo reto abdominal. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por um mínimo de 90 dias de período pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes apresentaram evolução favorável no seguimento de 90 dias, não ocorrendo nenhuma parcial ou total da deiscência. Não houve nenhum caso de infecção pós-operatória. CONCLUSÃO: Este procedimento mostrou ser rápido e efetivo. Comparando com o uso de retalhos musculares, musculocutâneos ou de omento, foi uma cirurgia menos agressiva e que manteve a integridade dos tecidos da região. Considerou-se que essa técnica deveria ser utilizada como primeira opção, deixando os retalhos mais complexos para os casos de recidivas.

Riesgo de lesiones quirúrgicas en la fasciotomía plantar percutánea: estudio anatómico en cadáveres frescos / Risk of surgical lesions in percutaneous plantar fasciotomy: anatomical study in fresh cadavers

Introducción: La fascitis plantar es una patología frecuente, cuyo tratamiento es conservador, aunque en los casos sin respuesta se realiza cirugía. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el riesgo de lesionar los elementos nobles en la cirugía percutánea y establecer una zona de seguridad. Materiales y métodos: En 11 piezas cadavéricas frescas, se realizó la fasciotomía percutánea según la técnica de De Prado y se evaluó la relación con los elementos nobles, la lesión o no de estos y la distancia entre la sección del bisturí y las estructuras vasculonerviosas. Resultados: No se evidenciaron daños en los nervios y vasos del retropié. El promedio de distancia entre el corte y el nervio plantar lateral fue de 16 mm, y entre el corte y el nervio digiti quinti, de 10,7 mm. No hubo lesiones vasculares. Conclusiones: Este estudio demuestra el bajo riesgo de lesión neurovascular durante la práctica de la fasciotomía plantar percutánea cuando se trabaja en contacto con el calcáneo.

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a common condition. In cases of non-response to conservative treatment, surgery is performed. The aim of the study was to determine the risk of injury to noble structures in percutaneous surgery, and to define a safety zone. Methods: In 11 fresh cadavers, percutaneous fasciotomy was performed according to the De Prado technique, and later evaluated with regards to injury to noble structures, and distance between the knife and neurovascular structures. Results: There was no evidence of any damage to hind-foot nerves and vessels. The average distance between the incision and the lateral plantaris nerve was 16 mm, and between the incision and the digiti Quinti nerve 10.7 mm. There were no vascular lesions. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the low risk of neurovascular injury during the practice of percutaneous plantar fasciotomy, when working in contact with the calcaneus.

Anatomia aplicada do ramo temporal do nervo facial: estudo do risco potencial de lesão durante a cirurgia do rejuvenescimento facial / Applied anatomy of the branch of the facial nerve: study of the potential risk of injury during facial rejuvenation surgery

Introdução: O ramo temporal do nervo facial é um dos nervos mais comumente lesados, devido à pouca tela subcutânea que o protege a partir da sua saída da glândula parótida. Método: Vinte e cinco hemifaces de cadáveres foram dissecadas e analisadas as relações entre o ramo temporal e glândula parótida, arco zigomático, SMAS, artéria temporal superficial e músculo frontal. Resultados: Doze ramos temporais dissecados perderam a proteção da glândula parótida a uma distância de 1,7 cm anterior ao trago. O cruzamentodo arco zigomático por dois ramos temporais foi o mais frequente. A passagem pelo arco zigomático ocorreu entre 3,2 e 3,9 cm posteriores à borda lateral da órbita. O curso do ramo temporal junto às faces profundas do SMAS e da fáscia temporoparietal, e acima da lâmina superficial da fáscia temporal profunda foi constante. O ramo frontal da artéria temporal superficial foi superior e sua trajetória paralela ao ramo temporal em 92% das dissecções. Conclusão: O ramo temporal do nervo facial segue um plano constante ao longo da face profunda da fáscia temporoparietal e está muito superficial quando cruza o arco zigomático.

Background: The temporal branch of the facial nerve is one of the nerves more commonly injured due to the scarce subcutaneous tissue that protects it from its exit at the parotid gland. Method: Twenty five cadaveric hemifaces were dissected allowing a analysis of the temporal branch and: parotid gland, zygomatic arch, SMAS, superficial temporal artery and frontal muscle. Results: Twelve temporal branches exposed at a distance 1.7cm anterior to the trago. Two temporal branches crossing the zygomatic arc was the most frequent finding. This passage occurred between 3.2 to 3.9 cm posterior to the lateral border of the orbit. The trajectory of the temporal branch near the deep side of the SMAS and temporofacial fascia and above the superficial layer of the deep temporal fascia was constant. The frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery was superior and parallel to the nerve trajectory in 92% of the dissections Conclusion: The temporal branch follow a constant plane along the under surface of the temporoparietal fascia and is quite superficial as it cross the zygomatic arch.

Afrontamiento primario con elásticos vasculares en el manejo del cierre progresivo de fasciotomías / Vessel loops for primary closure of fasciotomies

Background: Compartment syndrome of the extremity may occur after severe trauma with vascular lesions secondary to fractures, crushes or gunshots. To prevent it a fasciotomy must be done. Aim To report the use vessel loop shoelace technique for the progressive closure of the fasciotomy. Material and methods: Descnptive study of 24 patients aged 26 +/- 9 years (21 males) that required fasciotomy to prevent compartment syndromes. The fasciotomy wound was closed progressively using vessel loops anchored to the skin with staples or sutures, which were tightened progressively, according to the evolution. Results: The studied patients required a total of 56 fasciotomies. In all patients a complete or near complete closure of the wound was achieved. The mean closure time was 9.5 +/- 3.3 days. Mean hospital stay was 12.3 +/- 4.3 days. Conclusions: Vessel loop shoelace technique is effective for fasciotomy wound closure.

Frente al cada vez más frecuente manejo del trauma vascular en extremidades, debido a lesiones de distinta etiología, ya sea por accidentes de tránsito de alta velocidad, caídas de altura, o las crecientes tasas de lesiones en la vida civil por arma blanca y por arma de fuego, es que nos vemos enfrentados a múltiples tipos de lesiones vasculares que comprometen arterias y venas, asociados a extenso compromiso de partes blandas o a reintervenciones en períodos posteriores a las 6 hrs post trauma. De este modo es que el manejo asociado de la fasciotomía como método de prevención o tratamiento del síndrome compartamental es fundamental. Se presentan un total de 24 casos en los que se efectuaron 56 fasciotomías primarias o secundarias como profilaxis o tratamiento del síndrome compartamental, en las que se utilizaron elásticos vasculares para el cierre progresivo del defecto cutáneo de las fasciotomías, para disminuir el tiempo de evolución y así evitar el uso de injertos de piel en el cierre de los defectos.

Desenluvamentos fechados: lesão de Morel-Lavallée: [revisão] / Closed degloving injuries: Morel-Lavallée lesion: [review]

Introdução: Os desenluvamentos fechados, também chamados de lesão de Morel-Lavallée(LML), são lesões incomuns, frequentemente associadas a traumatismos graves. Envolvem forças tangenciais capazes de separar a pele e o tecido subcutâneo da fáscia muscular subjacente. Objetivo: Este trabalho tem como objetivo a revisão de cinco casos de LML atendidosno Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica da Santa Casa de São Paulo. Método: Foram analisados, retrospectivamente, os prontuários de 40 casos de desenluvamentos de tronco e membros atendidos entre 2002 e 2008, dos quais cinco correspondiam a LML e 35 casos a desenluvamentos convencionais ou abertos. Resultados: A superfície corporal desenluvada média foi de 13,2 ± 1,3 %. Os membros inferiores foram locais acometidos em todos os pacientes e, em 2 casos, houve associação com lesões no tronco inferior. Em 3 dos casos, o diagnóstico não foi realizado de maneira precoce, sendo avaliados e tratados após 2 a 17 dias de internação. Em 2 pacientes, foi realizada enxertia primária e em outros 2 casos foi realizado desbridamento inicial e enxertia de pele após granulação. Conclusões: O tratamento de pacientes vítimas de LML requer uma abordagem multidisciplinar e respeito a princípios cirúrgicos básicos, como a correta determinação das áreas viáveis e o restabelecimento da cobertura cutânea. Observa-se que as lesões são agravadas pelos erros e atrasos nas condutas iniciais, com maior morbidade associada e maiores tempos de internação e reabilitação.

Introduction: The closed degloving injuries, also called Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL), are uncommon and often associated with severe trauma. They involve tangential forces able to separate the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the underlying muscle fascia. Objective: This article aims to describe five cases of MLL treated in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Santa Casa de São Paulo. Methods: Forty cases of trunk and limbs degloving injuries treated between 2002 and 2008 were retrospectively analyzed, being 35 cases of conventional or open deglovings and the remaining 5 of MLL. Results: The average degloved body surface was 13.2 ± 1.3%. The lower limbs were affected sites in all patients and in 2 cases were associated with lesions in the lower trunk. In 3 cases the diagnosis was not made early, being evaluated and treated after 2 to 17 days of hospitalization. In 2 patients the primary graft was used (with the skin of injured area), and in other 2 patients a initial debridement followed by skin grafting after granulation was used. Conclusions: The treatment of patients suffering from MLL requires a multidisciplinary approach and adherence to basic surgical principles, with accurately determination of the viable areas and the restoration of skin coverage. It is observed that the lesions are aggravated by mistakes and delays in the initial steps, associated with increased morbidity and longer hospitalization and rehabilitation times.

Comparative study of polypropylene and aponeurotic slings in the treatment of female urinary incontinence

PURPOSE: Female stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the involuntary leakage of urine, is a highly prevalent social and hygiene problem, and various surgical techniques have been developed to correct it. This study used the technique of an aponeurosis sling made from the rectus abdominis muscle as a standard and compared the technique to a sling made with a polypropylene mesh, (Marlex®). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2000 to 2007, 158 women who underwent surgery for SUI with an aponeurosis sling, (average age 55 years), were used as a standard for comparison with 316 women who underwent surgery with a polypropylene sling (average age 55 years). RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 3.65 and 3.56 years for the respective groups. The aponeurosis group showed a cure of SUI in 128 (81.0 percent), improvement in 23 (14.6 percent), and failure in 7 (4.4 percent). The polypropylene group showed a cure in 281 (88.9 percent), improvement in 23 (7.3 percent), and failure in 10 (3.2 percent) (p = 0.083). Urgency was observed in 19 (12 percent) of the aponeurosis group, and 28 (8.9 percent) in the polypropylene group (p = 0.320). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the polypropylene mesh is an effective alternative to construct a sling for SUI in women. The results and rates of complication were comparable to the fascial sling from the rectus abdominis muscle aponeurosis.

Penile torsion correction by diagonal corporal plication sutures

Penile torsion is commonly encountered. It can be caused by skin and dartos adherence or Buck’s fascia attachments. The authors suggest a new surgical approach to solve both problems. If Buck’s fascia involvement is demonstrated by artificial erection then a new diagonal corporal plication suture is described to effectively solve this problem.

Clinical and quality-of-life outcomes after autologous fascial sling and tension-free vaginal tape: a prospective randomized trial

Purpose: Evaluate the impact autologous fascial sling (AFS) and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedures on quality-of-life in incontinent women. Materials and Methods: Forty-one women were randomly distributed into two groups. Group G1 (n = 21), underwent AFS and group G2 (n = 20) TVT implant. The clinical follow up was performed at 1, 6, 12 and 36 months. Results: TVT operative time was significantly shorter than AFS. Cure rates were 71 percent at 1 month, 57 percent at 6 and 12 months in G1. In G2, cure rates were 75 percent at 1 month, 70 percent at 6 months and 65 percent at 12 months; there was no significant difference between groups. As regards the satisfaction rate, there was no statistical difference between groups. Analysis of quality of life at 36 months revealed that there was no significant difference between groups. Conclusion: Similar results between AFS and TVT, except for operative time were shorter in TVT.

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.

Audiolgical results of type I tympanoplasty by underlay technique with temporalis fascia graft

To determine subjective hearing improvement experienced after closing perforation of various sizes with temporalis fascia grafts by underlay type I tympanoplasty. Prospective study. This study was conducted at the department of Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Surgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center Karachi from 01.04.2004 to 31.10.2006. 100 consecutive cases of either sex, age ranging from 18 to 40 years [mean age 31.2] of tubo-tympanic type of chronic suppurative otitis media, with dry central tympanic membrane perforation for last six weeks, having good cochlear reserve and air bone gap between 30dB to 40dB, admitted for tympanoplasty were included for this study. Patients with active ear discharge, frequently or recently discharging ear [history of ear discharge of less than 6 weeks] were excluded. Patients associated with upper respiratory tract pathologies including deviated nasal septum, sinusitis, chronic tonsillitis or pharyngitis and patients with only hearing ear were also omitted from the study. Out of the 100 patients tested, the mean air conduction threshold was 40dB preoperatively and 28dB post-operatively, while the mean bone conduction threshold remained the same pre and post-operatively i.e. 15dB. On post-operative audiometric analysis 51 ears had a post -operative air-bone gap of 10dB or less, air bone gap closed completely in 4 patients, reduced upto 15dB in 26 patients, while in the remaining 19 ears there was no improvement noted. Type-I tympanoplasty underlay technique using the temporalis fascia graft has good functional results in young patients with dry central perforation. For good hearing results, selection of cases has prime importance

Doença de Dupuytren: nossa conduta / Dupuytren’s disease: our conduct

Introdução: A doença de Dupuytren é caracterizada pela contratura em flexão progressiva dosdígitos, o que pode levar à incapacidade funcional da mão. O objetivo deste trabalho épreconizar uma técnica operatória eficaz e menos traumática para conduzir a doença. Método:Foram tratados cirurgicamente 55 pacientes em vários estágios da doença. Resultados:Em todos os casos, foram obtidos resultados satisfatórios, com bom retorno dos pacientesàs suas atividades.

Introduction: The Dupuytren’s disease is characterized by the progressive contracture inflexion of the digits, which could carry the hand to a full functional incapacity. The purposeof this study is precognize an efficient operative technique less traumatic for treating thedisease. Methods: Fifty-five patients underwent to surgery, in different levels of the disease,were analyzed. Results: In all of the cases were obtained satisfactory results, returning thepatients to their activities.

Fatores de risco que afetam as complicações da dissecação da veia safena na revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio / The risk factors affecting the complications of saphenous vein graft harvesting in aortocoronary bypass surgery

OBJETIVO: O problema da cicatrização de feridas é comumente observado após procedimentos de revascularização do miocárdio. Nosso objetivo é determinar a prevalência e os indicadores de complicação na dissecação da veia safena após procedimentos de revascularização coronária. MÉTODOS: Após revisão e aprovação pelo comitê de ética da instituição, uma revisão retrospectiva de 4029 procedimentos de revascularização foi realizada com enxerto da veia safena durante um período de seis anos. Treze fatores de risco para aqueles que desenvolveram complicações extensas nas feridas da perna foram analisados e comparados com toda a coorte de pacientes submetidos a procedimentos de revascularização semelhantes durante o mesmo período. RESULTADOS: Complicações nas feridas do membro inferior ocorreram em 68 pacientes (1,7 por cento), 43 deles precisaram de intervenção cirúrgica adicional. Foram realizados 17 desbridamentos de feridas, nove transplantes de pele, uma angioplastia, 11 fasciotomias, três procedimentos vasculares e duas transferências livre de tecidos. Das treze variáveis analisadas pela análise multivariada, sexo feminino, IMC, uso de enxerto de veia torácica interna, doença vascular periférica, o uso de balão intra-aórtico no pós-operatório e hiperlipidemia pré-existente foram identificados como indicadores independentes significativos de complicações extensas nas feridas a perna (p<0,05) CONCLUSÕES: As causas das complicações extensas nas feridas da perna após dissecação da veia safena para procedimentos de revascularização miocárdica são multifatoriais. Para minimizar essas complicações, recomendamos avaliações vasculares antes da dissecação da veia safena, atenção com a técnica cirúrgica apropriada e dissecação cuidadosa no local da incisão.

OBJECTIVE: Problem of wound healing is commonly observed after coronary artery bypass graft procedures. Our aim is to determine the prevalence and the predictors of saphenous vein harvesting complication after coronary revascularization procedures. METHODS: After institutional ethical committee review and approval, a retrospective review was undertaken of 4029 bypass procedures with saphenous vein graft performed over a period of six years is conducted. Thirteen risk factors for those who developed major leg wound complications were analyzed and compared with the entire cohort of patients, undergoing similar bypass procedures during the same period. RESULTS: Lower extremity wound complications occurred in 68 patients (1.7 percent), 43 of them required additional surgical interventions. There were 17 wound debridements, nine skin grafts, one angioplasty, 11 fasciotomies, three vascular procedures, and two free tissue transfers. Of 13 variables evaluated by multivariate analysis, female gender, BMI, use of internal thoracic artery graft, peripheral vascular disease, the use of postoperative intraaortic balloon pump and preexisting hyperlipidemia were identified as significant independent predictors of major leg wound complications (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The causes of major leg wound complications after saphenous vein harvest for coronary artery bypass graft procedures are multifactorial. To minimize these complications, we recommend vascular evaluations before saphenous vein harvest, attention to proper surgical technique, and careful harvest site section.

Healing of abdominal wall aponeurosis of rats after incision with either cold scalpel or electrocautery

PURPOSE: To compare the healing of abdominal wall aponeurosis of rats after incision with either cold scalpel or electrocautery. METHODS: Twelve male adults Wistar inbreed rats weightin 258-362g entered the experiment. They were randomly divided in two groups, control group (N= 6) and experimental group (N= 6). All animals underwent anesthesia followed abdominal wall incision with either cold scalpel (controls) or electrocautery (experimental group). The animals were killed on the 10th day and necropsied. Tissue samples containig the abdominal wall aponeurosis were sent for both histological study and hydroxyproline content assay. RESULTS: The histological study showed no significant difference between the two groups. Hydroxiproline content in experimenral group (128,56 [78,98-198,92] æg /100m) was not significantly different from control group (140,27 [116,20-166,59] mg /100ml; p = 0.53). CONCLUSION: Healing of abdominal wall after dieresis with either cold scalpel or electrocautery are equivalent and do not differ.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a cicatrização da aponeurose abdominal de ratos submetidos à dierese com o uso de eletrocautério e de bisturi de lâmina. MÉTODOS: Utilizou-se 12 ratos Wistar, machos, adultos, com peso entre 258-362g. Os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: controle (N= 6) e experimental (N= 6). Sob anestesia parenteral, realizou-se no grupo controle a abertura da aponeurose abdominal utilizando-se o bisturi de lâmina e no experimental abertura com o uso do eletrocautério. Os animais foram sacrificados no 10° PO, a aponeurose foi ressecada e enviada para estudo histológico e dosagem de hidroxiprolina. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença na avaliação histológica entre os grupos. O conteúdo de hidroxiprolina no grupo experimental (128,56 [78,98-198,92] mg /100m) não foi diferente do grupo controle (140,27 [116,20-166,59] æg /100ml; p = 0.53). CONCLUSÃO: A cicatrização da aponeurose da parede abdominal de ratos submetidos à diérese com bisturi de lâmina e eletrocautério se equivalem e não diferem entre si.

Liberacion endoscopica de la fascia plantar / Arthroscopic facial plantar release

Objetivo: Presentar nuestra experiencia con el tratamiento endoscopico de la fascitis plantar refractaria a tratamiento medico ortopedico. Metodo: Once pacientes con diagnostico de fascitis plantar tratados en forma incruenta por un periodo de 6 meses sin respuesta fueron intervenidos quirurgicamente entre abril de 2003 y agosto de 2006 con tecnica endoscopica. Diez de ellos fueron analizados en forma retrospectiva y los resultados evaluados con el Clinical Rating System para tobillo y retropie de AOFAS, el sistema otorga un maximo de 100 puntos, y los resultados son categorizados como muy bueno, bueno, regular y malo. El tiempo minimo de seguimiento fue 14 meses y el maximo 41 meses, con una media de 32,6 meses. Resultados: 8 fueron categorizados como muy buenos, 1 como bueno y 1 como regular. No se registraron complicaciones infecciosas ni hematomas. Dos pacientes refirieron sintomas neurologicos en el postoperatorio. Un caso con parestesias en la region plantar externa, el cuadro se resolvio espontaneamente a los 6 meses. El otro paciente refirio una zona de hipoestesia alrededor del portal medial, que a la fecha del ultimo control no se ha resuelto. Conclusiones: La liberacion endoscopica de la fascia plantar es una alternativa util para el tratamiento de los casos refractarios a tratamiento medico y segura en la medida que se respeten los detalles de tecnica quirurgica descriptos.