Giant omphalocele: A novel approach for primary repair in the neonatal period using botulinum toxin / Onfalocele gigante: Uma nova abordagem para reparo primário no período neonatal utilizando toxina botulínica

ABSTRACT Introduction: Giant omphalocele (GO) is a complex condition for which many surgical treatments have been developed; however, no consensus on its treatment has been reached. The benefits and efficacy of botulinum toxin A (BTA) in the repair of large abdominal wall defects in adults has been proven, and its reported use in children has recently grown. The goal of this study is to describe a novel technique for primary repair of GO using BTA during the neonatal period and report our initial experience. Methods: patients were followed from August 2020 to July 2022. BTA was applied to the lateral abdominal wall in the first days of life followed by surgical repair of the abdominal defect. Results: while awaiting surgery, patients had minimal manipulation, without requiring mechanical ventilation, were on full enteral feeding, and in contact with their parents. The midline was approximated without tension and without the need for additional techniques or the use of a prosthesis. Patients were discharged with repaired defects. Conclusion: this approach represents a middle ground between staged and the nonoperative delayed repairs. It does not require aggressive interventions early in life, allowing maintenance of mother-child bonding and discharge of the patient with a repaired defect without the need for additional techniques or the use of a prosthesis. We believe that this technique should be considered as a new possible asset when managing this complex condition.

RESUMO Introdução: onfalocele gigante (OG) é uma condição complexa para a qual muitas alternativas terapêuticas foram desenvolvidas; no entanto, não há consenso sobre qual o melhor tratamento. Os benefícios e eficácia da toxina botulínica A (TBA) no reparo de grandes defeitos da parede abdominal em adultos foram comprovados, e o relato de uso em crianças cresceu recentemente. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever uma nova técnica para reparo primário de OG utilizando TBA durante o período neonatal e relatar nossa experiência inicial. Métodos: os pacientes foram acompanhados de agosto de 2020 a julho de 2022. A TBA foi aplicada na parede abdominal lateral nos primeiros dias de vida, seguida de correção cirúrgica do defeito abdominal. Resultados: enquanto aguardavam a cirurgia, os pacientes tiveram mínima manipulação, sem ser exigida ventilação mecânica, permaneceram em alimentação enteral plena e mantiveram contato com os pais. A linha média foi aproximada sem tensão e sem necessidade de técnicas adicionais ou uso de prótese. Os pacientes receberam alta com o defeito reparado. Conclusão: essa abordagem representa um meio-termo entre o reparo estagiado e o tratamento não-operatório. Não requer intervenções agressivas no início da vida, permitindo a manutenção do vínculo materno-infantil e a alta do paciente com defeito reparado sem a necessidade de uso de técnicas adicionais ou prótese. Acreditamos que esta técnica deva ser considerada como um novo possível recurso no manejo desta complexa condição.

Temporary abdominal closure combined with continuous negative pressure drainage in management of patients with severe pancreatic trauma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To study the use of temporary abdominal closure combined with continuous negative pressure drainage in management of patients with severe pancreatic trauma.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 33 patients with severe pancreatic trauma treated at the 908th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA from June 2014 to June 2020. There were 28 males and 5 females, with an average age of 43.1 years. Sixteen patients were treated with temporary abdominal closure combined with continuous negative pressure drainage (the combined group), and 17 patients with direct abdominal closure and traditional drainage (the control group). The body temperature, heart rate, intra-abdominal pressure, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications were compared between groups.Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative intra-abdominal pressure between the two groups ( P>0.05). The intra-abdominal pressure on the first, second and third postoperative days in the combined group were (11.7±2.6) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kpa), (11.1±3.2) mmHg and (10.2±3.7) mmHg respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group of (18.1±5.3) mmHg, (15.6±6.2) mmHg, and (15.0±6.7) mmHg, respectively (all P<0.05). The total in-hospital and ICU stays in the combined group were (29.2±17.8) days and (7.1±3.2) days respectively, which were significantly less than those in the control group of (49.5±26.3) days and (11.8±7.6) days (both P<0.05). The decreases in body temperature and heart rate in the combined group were (-0.1±0.9)℃ and (18.2±17.2) times/min respectively, which were significantly more than those in the control group of (-1.2±0.7)℃ and (-5.9±17.2) times/min respectively (both P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complication in the combined group was 18.8% (3/16), which was significantly lower than that in the control group of 52.9% (9/17)(χ 2=4.164, P=0.041). Conclusion:Significant advantages were obtained by using temporary abdominal closure combined with continuous negative pressure drainage to treat patients with severe pancreatic trauma. There were significantly lower abdominal pressure, less abdominal complications, and shorter hospital and ICU stays. This treatment is worthy of promotion in management of patients with severe pancreatic trauma.

Herida toracoabdominal izquierda como causa de hernia diafragmática. Presentación de tres casos / Left thoraco-abdominal wound as a cause of diaphragmatic hernia. Presentation of three cases

RESUMEN Las lesiones por arma blanca en la región toracoabdominal tienen la posibilidad potencial de dañar dos cavidades anatómicas: tórax y abdomen, con la subsiguiente lesión del músculo diafragma y la producción de una hernia de contenido visceral, asociada o no a lesión visceral. En caso de que esta entidad clínica sea pasada por alto, existe una alta probabilidad de complicaciones que ponen en riesgo la vida; por tanto, realizar un manejo adecuado constituye un reto para el cirujano general, que precisa de un alto índice de sospecha para formular el diagnóstico. Se presentan tres casos de víctimas de agresión con arma perforo-cortante en región toracoabdominal izquierda, atendidos en instalaciones donde se disponía de limitados recursos diagnósticos. Se exponen datos clínicos, pruebas de apoyo al diagnóstico, procedimiento quirúrgico, curso posoperatorio y evolución. El abordaje quirúrgico abdominal es la regla de oro para reparar el diafragma lesionado, y la pleurostomía mínima es eficaz cuando existe compromiso torácico.

ABSTRACT Injuries caused by white arms in the thoraco-abdominal region have the potential to damage both anatomical cavities: thorax and abdomen, with the subsequent injury of the diaphragm muscle and the production of a visceral hernia, associated or not with visceral injury. In case this clinical entity is overlooked, there is a high probability of life-threatening complications; therefore, adequate management is a challenge for the general surgeon, who needs a high index of suspicion to formulate the diagnosis. Three cases of victims of assault with a perforating-cutting weapon in the left thoraco-abdominal region are presented, attended in facilities where limited diagnostic resources were available. Clinical data, diagnostic support tests, surgical procedure, postoperative course and progress are explained. The abdominal surgical approach is the gold rule for repairing the injured diaphragm, and the minimal thoracostomy is effective when there is thoracic involvement.

Management of an Open Abdomen Considering Trauma and Abdominal Sepsis: A Single-Center Experience

PURPOSE: To describe the experience of patients over a 7-year period who have had open abdomen (OA) surgery, at a tertiary university hospital.METHODS: The medical records of 59 patients, who were managed with OA after a laparotomy between March 2009 and December 2015, were reviewed retrospectively. The data collected included demographics, indication for OA, abdominal closure methods, abdominal closure rate, the intensive care unit stay duration, mechanical ventilation duration, hospital stay duration, and complications.RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (37 males, 78.7%) with a mean age of 52.2 ± 16.7 years were reviewed in the study. The indications for OA were traumatic intra-abdominal bleeding in 23 patients (48.9%), non-traumatic bowel perforation in 10 (21.3%), non-traumatic bleeding in 7 (14.9%), and bowel infarction in 6 (12.8%). The abdominal wall was closed in 38 patients (80.9%). Primary closures and fascial closure using an artificial mesh were performed on 21 (44.7%) and 12 patients (25.5%), respectively. The median number of dressing changes was 0 (interquartile range 0 – 1). The median duration of the intensive care unit and hospital stays were 12.0 and 32.0 days, respectively. The median interval to abdominal closure was 4 days (interquartile range 2 – 10.3 days). Twenty-seven patients developed complications, including uncontrolled sepsis (21.3%), entero-atmospheric fistula (19.1%), ventral hernia (8.5%), bleeding (4.3%), and lateralization (4.3%). The mortality rate was 44.7% with sepsis being the main cause of death (61.9%).CONCLUSION: Traumatic intra-abdominal bleeding was a common indication for OA. Primary closure was performed in most patients, and frequent complications resulted in poor patient outcomes.

Cierre por segunda intención de abdomen abierto en un paciente masculino de 27 años de edad: reporte de caso / A 27 year-old men with an open abdominal wound healing by second intention: case report

Resumen Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 27 años de edad, con abdomen abierto, diagnóstico de sepsis abdominal severa y falla multiorgánica asociada a una pancreatitis aguda recurrente. Con presencia de dolor abdominal agudo, distensión abdominal, obesidad, taquipnea, xantomas en piel, signos de secuestro de líquidos. Triglicéridos 3450 mg/dL, amilasa 1212 U/L. Tomografía abdominal mostró proceso inflamatorio pancreático con índice de severidad estadio E (4 puntos), necrosis y derrames laminares en páncreas. Se realizó manejo en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Adulto. Se realizó laparotomía exploratoria y descomprensión abdominal por síndrome compartimental con el fin de efectuar lavado peritoneal terapéutico y necrosectomía. Se colocó bolsa de Bogotá durante el manejo. Por aplicación de criterios, se inició cierre por segunda intención con utilización del método de curación avanzada con productos de alta tecnología, un tratamiento complejo que mostró un resultado favorable en la recuperación del paciente.

Abstract A 27-year-old male is presented with a complex open abdominal wound, diagnosis of severe abdominal sepsis and multisystem organ failure associated to recurrent acute pancreatitis. Other signs and symptoms were acute abdominal pain and distension, obesity, tachypnea, xanthomas and signs of fluid sequestration. Triglycerides 3450mg / dL, amylase 1212 U / L were some lab results. Abdominal tomography showed a pancreatic inflammatory process with severity index E (4 points), necrosis and laminar effusions in the pancreas. Management in the Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was necessary. Exploratory laparotomy and abdominal decompression were performed due to compartment syndrome, in order to do therapeutic peritoneal lavage and necrosectomy . A Bogota bag was installed during management. Using criteria, the surgical wound closure was initiated by secondary intention using advanced wound care treatment. It showed favorable results in patient recovery.

Comparison of Different Dosages of Rocuronium on Abdominal Wound Closure / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To evaluate the effects of different dosages of rocuronium on abdominal wound closure under general anesthesia.Methods Ninety ASA class I or II patients scheduled for elective abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were randomized into three groups with 30 cases each.Each group received rocuronium 1 time of ED95 (0.3 mg/kg),0.5 time of ED95 (0.15 mg/kg),0.2 time of ED95 (0.06 mg/kg) respectively when closing the abdominal wall.TOF recovered to 25%, 75%, 90%, time of eye-opening on command, time of head-lift for more than 5 seconds,extubation time, the rate of upper airways obstruction after extubation and the satisfaction score for the muscle relaxation to general surgeons were recorded.Results TOF values had no significantly different among the three groups before abdominal wound closure (P＞0.05).Compared with group A and group B,time of TOF in group C was significangtly increased after administration of rocuronium (P＜0.05) . Time of TOF recovery to 25%, 75%, 90%in group C were significangtly decreased (P＜0.01).Compared with group A and group B, time of eye-opening on command ,head-lift for more than 5 seconds and extubation time were significantly shorter in group C.There were 8,4,0 patients undwent upper airways obstruction among each group respectively after extubation (P＜0.05).The satisfaction score for muscle relaxation among three groups had no significant difference.Conclusion An additional administration of 0.2 time of ED95 (0.06 mg/kg) rocuronium before abdominal wound closure in abdominal surgery can achieve satisfactory muscle relaxation for surgeons.

Successful treatment of a bowel fistula in the open abdomen by perforator flaps and an aponeurosis plug

In this report, we present a case of successful treatment of a bowel fistula in the open abdomen by perforator flaps and an aponeurosis plug. A 70-year-old man underwent total gastrectomy and developed anastomotic leakage and dehiscence of the abdominal wound a week later. He was dependent upon extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, continuous hemodiafiltration, and a respirator. Bowel fluids contaminated the open abdomen. Two months after the gastric operation, a plastic surgery team, in consultation with general surgeons, performed perforator flaps on both sides and constructed, as it were, a bridge of skin sealing the orifice of the fistula. The aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle was elevated with the flap to be used as a plug. The perforators of the flaps were identified on preoperative and intraoperative ultrasonography. This modality allowed us to locate the perforators precisely and to evaluate the perforators by assessing their diameters and performing a waveform analysis. The contamination decreased dramatically afterwards. The bare areas were gradually covered by skin grafts. The fistula was closed completely 18 days after the perforator flap. An ultrasoundguided perforator flap with an aponeurosis plug can be an option for patients suffering from an open abdomen with a bowel fistula.

Cosmetic outcomes of cesarean section scar; subcuticular suture versus intradermal buried suture

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare cosmetic outcomes and overall satisfaction rate of cesarean section scar between conventional subcuticular suture and intradermal buried vertical mattress. METHODS: Patients were enrolled to the study by chart review. A scar assessment was obtained retrospectively through a telephone survey. The patient component of the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) was utilized along with the overall satisfaction of the patient regarding their cesarean section scar and their willingness to choose the same skin closure technique when anticipating their next cesarean section. RESULTS: A total of 303 cases of cesarean section was recruited, 102 finished telephone surveys were calculated for the analyses. Subcuticular suture was regarded as control group (n=52) and intradermal buried suture as test group (n=50). The PSAS score of the test group (mean, 21.8) was lower than that of the control group (mean, 28), with a statistical significance (P=0.02). Overall satisfaction rate did not differ between the two groups. Two parameters of the PSAS score and the level of overall satisfaction showed significant correlation (Pearson's r, −0.63; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: We suggested the use of intradermal buried vertical mattress as a cosmetically superior skin closure method for application in cesarean sections over subcuticular stitch.

Deep-Plane Lipoabdominoplasty in East Asians

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to develop a new surgical technique by combining traditional abdominoplasty with liposuction. This combination of operations permits simpler and more accurate management of various abdominal deformities. In lipoabdominoplasty, the combination of techniques is of paramount concern. Herein, we introduce a new combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty using deep-plane flap sliding to maximize the benefits of both techniques. METHODS: Deep-plane lipoabdominoplasty was performed in 143 patients between January 2007 and May 2014. We applied extensive liposuction on the entire abdomen followed by a sliding flap through the deep plane after repairing the diastasis recti. The abdominal wound closure was completed with repair of Scarpa's fascia. RESULTS: The average amount of liposuction aspirate was 1,400 mL (700-3,100 mL), and the size of the average excised skin ellipse was 21.78×12.81 cm (from 15×10 to 25×15 cm). There were no major complications such as deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. We encountered 22 cases of minor complications: one wound infection, one case of skin necrosis, two cases of undercorrection, nine hypertrophic scars, and nine seromas. These complications were solved by conservative management or simple revision. CONCLUSIONS: The use of deep-plane lipoabdominoplasty can correct abdominal deformities more effectively and with fewer complications than traditional abdominoplasty.

Deep-Plane Lipoabdominoplasty in East Asians

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to develop a new surgical technique by combining traditional abdominoplasty with liposuction. This combination of operations permits simpler and more accurate management of various abdominal deformities. In lipoabdominoplasty, the combination of techniques is of paramount concern. Herein, we introduce a new combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty using deep-plane flap sliding to maximize the benefits of both techniques. METHODS: Deep-plane lipoabdominoplasty was performed in 143 patients between January 2007 and May 2014. We applied extensive liposuction on the entire abdomen followed by a sliding flap through the deep plane after repairing the diastasis recti. The abdominal wound closure was completed with repair of Scarpa's fascia. RESULTS: The average amount of liposuction aspirate was 1,400 mL (700-3,100 mL), and the size of the average excised skin ellipse was 21.78×12.81 cm (from 15×10 to 25×15 cm). There were no major complications such as deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. We encountered 22 cases of minor complications: one wound infection, one case of skin necrosis, two cases of undercorrection, nine hypertrophic scars, and nine seromas. These complications were solved by conservative management or simple revision. CONCLUSIONS: The use of deep-plane lipoabdominoplasty can correct abdominal deformities more effectively and with fewer complications than traditional abdominoplasty.

Open abdomen management: single institution experience / Abdômen aberto: experiência em uma única instituição

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of abdominal wall integrity of both techniques. METHODS: a retrospective study was carried out at the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, identifying the patients undergoing temporary abdominal closure (TAC) from January 2005 to December 2011. Data were collected through the review of clinical charts. Inclusion criteria were indication of TAC and survival to definitive abdominal closure. In the post-operative period only a group of three surgeons followed all patients and performed the reoperations. RESULTS: Twenty eightpatients were included. The difference in primary closure rates and mean time for fascial closure did not reach statistical significance (p=0.98 and p=0.23, respectively). CONCLUSION: VAC and Bogota Bag do not differ significantly regarding the outcome of abdominal wall integrity, due to the monitoring of a specific team and the adoption of progressive closure.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o resultado da integridade da parede abdominal após utilização do fechamento assistido a vácuo e da bolsa de Bogotá. MÉTODOS: um estudo retrospectivo foi realizado no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), identificando os pacientes submetidos à técnica de fechamento abdominal temporário (FAT) entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2011. Os dados foram coletados por meio de revisão de prontuários. Os critérios de inclusão foram indicação de FAT e sobrevivência até o fechamento definitivo da parede abdominal. No período pós-operatório, apenas um grupo de três cirurgiões, seguiu todos os pacientes e realizou as reoperações. Além disso, independente da técnica de FAT utilizada, foi aplicada a tática de fechamento fascial progressivo durante as reoperações. RESULTADOS: Vinte e oito pacientes foram incluídos. Não houve diferença estatística nas taxas de fechamento primário e tempo médio de fechamento fascial. CONCLUSÃO: O fechamento assistido a vácuo e a bolsa de Bogotá não diferem significativamente em relação ao resultado da integridade da parede abdominal após as reoperações. Isso se deve ao acompanhamento de uma equipe específica e a adoção de técnica de fechamento fascial progressivo.

Closure of large wounds using rubber bands in rabbits / Fechamento de grandes feridas com fita elástica de borracha em coelhos

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effectiveness of the rubber elastic band in the treatment of large wounds of the body wall of rabbits by means of traction of its edges. METHODS: we studied 30 New Zealand rabbits, divided into three groups (n=10): Group 1- healing by secondary intention; Group 2- removal and eutopic repositioning of skin as full thickness skin graft; Group 3- Approximation of wound edges with elastic rubber band. In all animals, we removed a segment of the back skin and subcutaneous tissue down to the fascia, in accordance with an acrylic mold of 8cm long by 12cm wide. All animals were observed for 21 days. RESULTS: two animals of groups 1 and 2 had wound abscess. In Group 2, there was partial or total graft loss in 90% of animals. The complete closure of the wounds was observed in four animals of Group 1, six of Group 2 and eight of Group 3. There was no difference between the scar resistance values of groups 2 and 3, which were higher than those in Group 1. The scars of the three groups were characterized by the presence of mature connective tissue mixed with blood vessels and inflammatory infiltration, predominantly polymorphonuclear. CONCLUSION: the tensile strength of the wound edges with rubber elastic band is as efficient as the skin graft to treat rabbits' large body wounds.

OBJETIVOS: Verificar a eficácia da fita elástica de borracha no tratamento de grandes feridas de parede corpórea de coelhos por meio da tração de suas bordas. MÉTODOS: foram estudados 30 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia, distribuídos em três grupos (n=10): Grupo 1. Cicatrização por segunda intenção. Grupo 2. Retirada e reposicionamento eutópico da pele como enxerto de pele total. Grupo 3. Aproximação das bordas da ferida com fita elástica de borracha. Em todos os animais, foi retirado segmento de pele e tecido subcutâneo até a fáscia musculoaponeurótica do dorso, de acordo com um molde de acrílico, com 12cm de comprimento por 8cm de largura. Todos os animais foram acompanhados durante 21 dias. RESULTADOS: dois animais dos grupos 1 e 2 apresentaram abscesso na ferida. No Grupo 2, houve perda parcial ou total do enxerto em 90% dos animais. O fechamento completo das feridas foi observado em quatro animais do Grupo 1, seis do Grupo 2 e oito do Grupo 3. Não houve diferença entre os valores de resistência cicatricial dos grupos 2 e 3, que foram maiores do que os do Grupo 1. As cicatrizes dos três grupos caracterizaram-se pela presença de tecido conjuntivo maduro entremeado por vasos sanguíneos e infiltrado inflamatório, predominantemente polimorfonuclear. CONCLUSÃO: a tração das bordas da ferida com fita elástica de borracha constitui método tão eficaz quanto o enxerto de pele para tratar grandes feridas de parede corpórea de coelhos.

Separación endoscópica de componentes por abordaje subcutáneo, experiencia inicial / Endoscopic component separation by subcutaneous approach

Introducción. La separación clásica de componentes crea un colgajo compuesto, el cual se moviliza para reparar primariamente hernias ventrales sin tensión. La extensa disección requerida produce muchas complicaciones e incapacidad. El abordaje mínimamente invasivo ofrece una alternativa menos mórbida. Se describe en detalle nuestra modificación técnica de la separación de componentes con abordaje endoscópico subcutáneo y los resultados iniciales y a corto plazo de una pequeña serie de pacientes. Métodos. Se hace una descripción detallada de la técnica con énfasis en la marcación preoperatoria de la línea semilunar bajo guía ecográfica y se evalúan los resultados de su aplicación en una serie piloto de seis casos de hernias ventrales grandes, intervenidos entre octubre de 2012 y febrero de 2013. Todos los pacientes han sido evaluados clínicamente entre los cuatro y los ocho meses después de la cirugía y, mediante una tomografía computadorizada de abdomen, a los tres meses. Resultados. Un paciente presentó un gran hematoma subcutáneo. No se presentaron otras complicaciones, como infección, problemas relacionados con la malla o seromas. No ha habido recurrencias durante el seguimiento clínico. El control tomográfico a los tres meses de la cirugía demostró una pared abdominal íntegra excepto por un pequeño defecto de 1 cm, bien reforzado por la malla, en uno de los pacientes. Discusión. La modificación descrita de la separación de componentes por abordaje endoscópico subcutáneo es factible, reproducible, ergonómica y de baja morbilidad en el corto plazo. Es necesario hacer un seguimiento más largo para evaluar la tasa de recurrencia.

Traditional component separation (CS) creates a compound flap that can be advanced for tension-free closure of ventral hernias. Wound complications are common because of the extensive dissection that is necessary with the traditional approach. Endoscopic CS offers an alternative with lower morbidity. We describe our initial experience with endoscopic subcutaneous CS and early postoperative results in a pilot series of six patients with large ventral central hernias. This study shows that endoscopic subcutaneous CS is feasible, reproducible, ergonomic, and can result in minimal postoperative complications. Long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate recurrence rate outcomes.

Anastomose mecânica esofagogástrica cervical látero-lateral após esofagectomias / Mechanical cervical esophagogastric laterolateral anastomosis after esophagectomies

Dentre os desafios das esofagectomias, a fístula da anastomose cervical persiste desafiadora por suas consequências, sendo a principal, a estenose da anastomose. Os autores apresentam uma técnica de anastomose esofagogástrica cervical látero-lateral mecânica à Orringer, que reduz o índice de fístulas e de estenose.

Among the challenges of esophagectomies, the cervical anastomosis remains challenging for its consequences, the main being the anastomotic stricture. The authors present a technique for an Orringer-fashion mechanical cervical laterolateral esophagogastric anastomosis, which reduces the rate of fistula and stenosis.

Surgical risk tests related to cardiopulmonary postoperative complications: comparison between upper abdominal and thoracic surgery

PURPOSE: To investigate if tests used in the preoperative period of upper abdominal or thoracic surgeries are able to differentiate the patients that presented cardiopulmonary postoperative complications. METHODS: Seventy eight patients, 30 submitted to upper abdominal surgery and 48 to thoracic surgery were evaluated. Spirometry, respirometry, manovacuometry, six-minute walk test and stair-climbing test were performed. Complications from immediate postoperative to discharge from hospital were registered. RESULTS: The postoperative complications rate was 17% in upper abdominal surgery and 10% in thoracic surgery. In the univariate regression, the only variable that kept the correlation with postoperative complications in the upper abdominal surgery was maximal expiratory pressure. In thoracic surgery, the maximal voluntary ventilation, six-minute walk test and time in stair-climbing test presented correlation with postoperative complications. After multiple regression only stair-climbing test continued as an important risk predictor in thoracic surgery. CONCLUSION: The respiratory pressure could differentiate patients with complications in upper abdominal surgery, whereas in thoracic surgery, only spirometric values and exercise tests could differentiate them.

Reconstruction of Abdominal Wall of a Chronically Infected Postoperative Wound with a Rectus Abdominis Myofascial Splitting Flap

BACKGROUND: If a chronically infected abdominal wound develops, complications such as peritonitis and an abdominal wall defect could occur. This could prolong the patient's hospital stay and increase the possibility of re-operation or another infection as well. For this reason, a solution for infection control is necessary. In this study, surgery using a rectus abdominis muscle myofascial splitting flap was performed on an abdominal wall defect. METHODS: From 2009 to 2012, 5 patients who underwent surgery due to ovarian rupture, cesarean section, or uterine myoma were chosen. In each case, during the first week after operation, the wound showed signs of infection. Surgery was chosen because the wounds did not resolve with dressing. Debridement was performed along the previous operation wound and dissection of the skin was performed to separate the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the attenuated rectus muscle and Scarpa's fascial layers. Once the anterior rectus sheath and muscle were adequately mobilized, the fascia and muscle flap were advanced medially so that the skin defect could be covered for reconstruction. RESULTS: Upon 3-week follow-up after a rectus abdominis myofascial splitting flap operation, no major complication occurred. In addition, all of the patients showed satisfaction in terms of function and esthetics at 3 to 6 months post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Using a rectus abdominis myofascial splitting flap has many esthetic and functional benefits over previous methods of abdominal defect treatment, and notably, it enabled infection control by reconstruction using muscle.

M-plastia pós-ajustada / Post-adjusted M-plasty

M-plastia pós-ajustada pode ser usada em qualquer defeito cirúrgico passível de fechamento por aproximação direta das bordas, evitando formação de protrusões apicais. É realizada sem planejamento prévio, sendo retirado tecido somente quando houver protrusão percebida pelo cirurgião no ato cirúrgico. Possui as vantagens de poupar tecido sadio, adaptar as incisões às linhas de força, rugas e unidades de junção cosmética de cada paciente, além da possível utilização do pedículo do M como pequeno retalho de avanço. Neste trabalho, é relatado o passo a passo desse procedimento cirúrgico, evidenciando suas diferenças e vantagens quando comparado à M-plastia tradicional.

Post-adjusted M-plasty can be used in any surgical defect that can be closed by direct approximation of the borders to avoid the formation of apical protrusions. It is performedwithout prior planning; the tissue is removed only if the surgeon detects a protrusion during surgery. This method offers the advantage of sparing healthy tissue by adjusting the incisions to each patient?s skin?s tension lines, wrinkles and junctions of cosmetic units, in addition to the possible use of the ?M?s pedicle as a small advancement flap. This study describes the procedure step by step, highlighting the differences and advantages compared to traditional M-plasty.

Application of Mini-abdominoplasty after Conservative Excision of Extensive Cesarean Scar Endometriosis

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of functioning endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, and the standard treatment is extensive surgical excision. Cesarean scar endometriosis is a type of cutaneous endometriosis arising on or near a Cesarean section scar. A 44-year-old woman presented with a 9x6 cm sized dark-brown, stony-hard, irregular, lower abdominal mass of four years duration. The patient had a history of two Cesarean deliveries, 14 and 16 years ago. Suspecting endometriosis, we excised the tumor conservatively rather than extensively to prevent incisional hernia considering the benign nature of the tumor and the low possibility of recurrence because the patient's age was near menopause, along with simultaneous bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy that was performed in this case. On reconstruction, mini-abdominoplasty was adopted to avoid possible wound complications and cosmetic deformities. The patient was satisfied with the cosmetic results, and neither recurrence nor functional problems occurred during the 1-year follow-up period. Plastic surgeons should keep in mind the possibility of cutaneous endometriosis in an abdominal mass of a female of reproductive age with a previous history of pelvic or intra-abdominal surgery. An optimal result from oncological, functional, and cosmetic standpoints can be achieved with conservative excision followed by mini-abdominoplasty of extensive Cesarean scar endometriosis.