A Two-Year Retrospective Analysis of the Clinical Outcomes of Immediate Submuscular Breast Reconstructions With Native® Acellular Dermal Matrix.

BACKGROUND: Implant-based submuscular breast reconstruction (SBR) can be performed with the aid of acellular dermal matrices (ADM) for implant coverage on their inferolateral pole, aiming at providing a biological interface for hiding the implant and therefore reducing the risk of complications. The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term post-operative outcomes obtained using the SBR-specific Native® ADM (DECO med s.r.l., Marcon, Venice, Italy). METHODS: All cases of Native®-assisted immediate SBR performed at our institution between October 2016 and March 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Demographic and surgical data were collected, and post-operative outcomes, including minor and major complications, were evaluated. Particular attention was paid to complications emerging before and after patient discharge. Dependence analyses were performed to uncover statistically significant relationships between risk factors and reconstructive outcomes. RESULTS: Data on 100 patients were collected, for a total of 128 breasts. The mean age of the cohort was 49.5 years, the mean BMI was 23.4 kg/m2, and the mean follow-up was 24 months. Out of this, 14.1% of patients received pre-operative radiotherapy, while 16.4% underwent post-mastectomy radiotherapy. Breasts appeared to develop short-term minor complications more likely during hospitalisation (11.7% vs. 7.8%), while short-term major complications occurred more often after discharge (7.8% vs. 15.6%). The most frequent long-term complications were capsular contracture and contour defects (both 9.4%). Risk factors that showed a statistically significant relationship with complications were pre- and post-mastectomy radiotherapy and post-operative chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The retrospective analysis showed results in line with clinical outcomes reported in the literature for the same reconstructive technique. The use of Native® ADM in SBR is safe and effective in the long term.

Comparison of Outcomes in Immediate Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: Acellular Dermal Matrix versus Inferior Dermal Flap.

Background Implant-based breast reconstruction has evolved tremendously in the last decades, mainly due to the development of new products and techniques that make the procedure safer and more reliable. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes in immediate one-stage breast reconstruction between acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and inferior dermal flap (IDF). Methods We conducted a retrospective comparative study of patients submitted to immediate breast reconstructions with an anatomical implant and ADM or IDF in a single center between 2016 and 2018. Outcomes evaluated included major complications, early complications, reinterventions, readmissions, and reconstruction failure. Simple descriptive statistics and univariate analysis were performed. Results A total of 118 breast reconstructions (85 patients) were included in the analysis. Patients in the IDF group had a higher body mass index (median = 27.0) than patients in the ADM group (median = 24). There were no statistically significant differences among both groups regarding immediate major complication, early complications, readmissions, and reinterventions. Conclusion There are no significant differences in complications between the ADM and IDF approach to immediate implant breast reconstruction. In patients with higher body mass index and large, ptotic breasts, we recommend an immediate implant reconstruction with IDF.

Impact of Body Mass Index, Age and Tobacco Use on the Outcomes of Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Implants and Acellular Dermal Matrix.

Background This study aimed to analyze the effect of body mass index (BMI), age, and tobacco use on alloplastic breast reconstruction. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of patients who submitted to immediate breast reconstructions with an anatomical implant and acellular dermal matrix in a single center between 2016 and 2018. Outcomes evaluated included immediate complications, early complications, reinterventions, readmissions, and reconstruction failure. Patients were divided into two groups concerning each potential risk factor (BMI < or ≥25; age < or ≥ 50 years; and smokers vs nonsmokers). Simple descriptive statistics and univariate analysis were performed. Results A total of 101 breast reconstructions (73 patients) were included in the analysis. The mean BMI was 24, and the mean age was 44.5 years old. Smokers accounted for 14 breast reconstructions (13.9%). The rate of early infections, mastectomy flap necrosis, and implant removal was significantly higher in overweight patients. The total volume of breast drainage was higher in the age ≥ 50 years group. Smoking did not alter the outcomes. Conclusions A BMI ≥ 25 is a risk factor for early infections and reconstructive failure. Age ≥ 50 years is associated with a higher volume of breast drainage but does not seem to impact the success of the reconstruction. Smoking does not appear to affect the outcomes significantly in this type of reconstruction. Surgeons should consider delaying the reconstruction or using autologous tissue when patients are overweight.

Dissection Technique for Abdominoplasty With Scarpa Fascia Preservation: Comparative Study on Avulsion Technique Versus Diathermocoagulation.

BACKGROUND: Many strategies have been developed to lower the high complication rate associated with a full abdominoplasty. The dissection technique may have a role to achieve this goal. OBJECTIVES: The present study compared 2 different dissection techniques to perform a full abdominoplasty with Scarpa fascia preservation: avulsion technique and electrodissection. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study was performed in 2 health institutions from January 2005 to January 2019. A total of 251 patients were involved: 122 patients submitted to abdominoplasty employing the avulsion technique (Group A) and 129 with diathermocoagulation (coagulation mode) (Group B). The latter was further divided into group B1 (57 patients with device settings according to surgeon's preferences) and B2 (72 patients with a specific regulation aiming at minimal tissue damage). Several variables were analyzed: population characteristics, time of hospital stay, time to drain removal, total and daily drain output, emergency department visits, readmission, reoperation, and local and systemic complications. RESULTS: The general characteristics of both groups did not statistically significantly differ except for previous abdominal surgery. The diathermocoagulation group had a significantly lower length of hospital stay and time to drain removal. Moreover, these advantages were maximized when electrocautery was conducted with a specific low-voltage setting as significant differences were found. The other outcomes were identical. CONCLUSIONS: Limiting the extension of electrodissection with the avulsion technique did not present any advantage. Utilizing diathermocoagulation (coagulation mode) during a full abdominoplasty with Scarpa fascia preservation, especially when it is aimed at minimal tissue damage, reduces patients' time with drains.

Abdominoplasty with Scarpa Fascia Preservation: Randomized Controlled Trial with Assessment of Scar Quality and Cutaneous Sensibility.

BACKGROUND: Scarpa fascia preservation during abdominoplasty has been shown to reduce complications associated with the traditional technique. As an extension of a previously published randomized controlled trial, this study aims to clarify whether preservation of Scarpa fascia during abdominoplasty has an influence on scar quality or sensibility recovery. METHODS: This was a single-center clinical trial, involving 160 patients randomly assigned to one of two surgical procedures: classic full abdominoplasty (group A) and abdominoplasty with preservation of Scarpa fascia (group B). Patients were later convoked to assess scar quality and abdominal cutaneous sensibility. Scar quality was evaluated through the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Cutaneous sensibility was measured on the upper and lower abdomen, using light touch, Semmes-Weinstein testing (5.07/10-g monofilament), and a 25-gauge needle. RESULTS: A total of 99 patients (group A, 54 patients; group B, 45 patients) responded to contact, with a mean follow-up time of 44 months. Concerning scar quality, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale scores were similar between groups. On the upper abdomen, there was a statistically significant difference between groups on cutaneous sensibility, on the examination with the Semmes-Weinstein 5.07/10-g monofilament (group A, 79.6 percent; group B, 93.3 percent; p = 0.046) and pain (group A, 90.7 percent; group B, 100 percent; p = 0.044). No statistically significant differences were found between groups on the lower abdomen. A considerable proportion of patients (two-thirds) still presented sensibility alterations in the subumbilical area 3½ years after abdominoplasty. CONCLUSION: Scarpa fascia preservation during abdominoplasty does not influence scar quality, but it improves sensibility recovery in the supraumbilical area. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Abdominoplasty With Scarpa Fascia Preservation: Prospective Comparative Study of Suction Drain Number.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty is becoming increasingly more common, with seroma being the most frequent complication. Suction drains are used very often as a method to prevent seroma formation, and it has been suggested that techniques using Scarpa fascia preservation and closed-suction drains have lower seroma rates than other approaches. However few studies have addressed parameters that may affect drain efficiency. A prospective comparative study was conducted to determine if applying 2 or 3 closed-suction drains, after an abdominoplasty with Scarpa fascia preservation, has any effect on several outcomes. METHODS: This was a single-center study conducted from September 2016 to March 2019. Patients were allocated according to choice to 1 of the 2 surgeons involved in the study, each responsible for 1 group: abdominoplasty with Scarpa fascia preservation with 2 closed-suction drains placed postoperatively (group A) or with 3 closed-suction drains (group B). A comparative analysis of selected variables was done between both groups, including time to drain removal, total and daily drain output, duration of hospital stay, emergency department visit, readmission to the hospital, secondary surgical procedure, and incidence of postoperative local and systemic complications. RESULTS: A total of 73 abdominoplasties with Scarpa fascia preservation were performed in women (group A, 33 patients; group B, 40 patients). General characteristics of group A and B were similar. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in any of the determined variables, namely, main outcomes (total and daily drain output, time to drain removal) or complications (local or systemic). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that using 3 closed-suction drains postabdominoplasty with Scarpa fascia preservation has no advantages in total and daily drain output, time to drain removal, or complications when compared with the usual 2 drains approach.

Abdominoplasty with Scarpa fascia preservation - comparative study in a bariatric population.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty techniques using a more superficial plane of dissection with Scarpa fascia preservation have been shown to improve recovery and reduce complications in nonbariatric patients. Patients who have experienced massive weight loss frequently need body contour procedures and represent a high-risk group. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of this technique in patients with massive weight loss after bariatric surgery. SETTING: University hospital, Portugal. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study of 51 postbariatric patients who had been undergone either a classic full abdominoplasty (group A) or a similar procedure except for the preservation of Scarpa fascia below the umbilicus (group B). General characteristics of both groups were analyzed, and recorded outcomes were total and daily volume of drain output, time until drain removal, time until hospital discharge, and local and systemic complications. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding general characteristics or complications. The Scarpa fascia preservation group had a highly significant reduction of 79% on the total drain output, 7 days until drain removal, and 5 days' hospital stay. Long drainers (7 days or more with drains) were eliminated (reduction from 52% in group A to 3% in group B) and seroma had a 65% reduction. CONCLUSION: Preserving Scarpa fascia during a full abdominoplasty in postbariatric patients improves recovery by reducing total drain output and hospital stay, allowing earlier drain removal, eliminating long periods with suction drains, and reducing seroma incidence. Clear benefits for the patient were obtained.

Morphometric study (macroscopic and microscopic) of the lower abdominal wall.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty using a more superficial plane of dissection has several advantages. Previous studies described a trilaminar structure (superficial and deep fat compartments separated by the Scarpa fascia) in the lower abdominal wall. This study aimed to gain a clearer understanding of compartment dominance and changes with increasing adiposity. METHODS: The study was performed on the surgical specimens of 41 female patients submitted to a full abdominoplasty. A morphometric study was performed on 82 sides to evaluate the thickness of the fat layers at predetermined locations (point A over the external oblique muscle and point B over the rectus abdominis muscle). A histologic study was performed in 31 samples to analyze the structure of the fat compartments and Scarpa fascia. RESULTS: A trilaminar structure was always present, and the Scarpa fascia did not become vestigial with increasing adiposity. Total thickness at point B was significantly higher than that at point A; this difference was mainly attributable to the superficial compartment. The deep fat compartment was always thinner than the superficial, corresponding to 25 percent of total thickness in point A and 23 percent in point B. It was less susceptible to an increase in thickness in cases of obesity. Histologic analysis demonstrated constant morphology, with an average Scarpa fascia thickness of 0.29 mm (point A) and 0.28 mm (point B). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a trilaminar structure with superficial compartment dominance and Scarpa fascia presence irrespective of adiposity in the lower abdominal wall. The deep fat compartment has a minor contribution to the lower abdominal wall thickness.

Scarpa fascia preservation during abdominoplasty: randomized clinical study of efficacy and safety.

BACKGROUND: Scarpa fascia preservation has been suggested as a way of reducing complications associated with conventional abdominoplasty. A prospective randomized study was conducted to evaluate the effect on results and complications of preserving the Scarpa fascia during a full abdominoplasty. METHODS: This was a single-center study conducted from August of 2009 to February of 2011. Patients were assigned randomly to one of two procedures: classic full abdominoplasty (group A) or a similar type of abdominoplasty except for the preservation of the Scarpa fascia and the deep fat compartment in the infraumbilical area (group B). Four surgeons were involved in the study. Several variables were determined: general characteristics, time to suction drain removal, total volume of drain output, length of hospital stay, systemic complications, local complications, and aesthetic result. RESULTS: A total of 160 full abdominoplasties were performed in women (group A, 80 patients; group B, 80 patients) equally divided by the four involved surgeons. There were no statistically significant differences between groups with respect to general characteristics, complications (except for the seroma rate), and aesthetic result. The Scarpa fascia preservation group had a highly significant reduction of 65.5 percent on the total drain output, 3 days on the time to drain removal, and 86.7 percent on the seroma rate. CONCLUSION: Preservation of the Scarpa fascia during an abdominoplasty had a beneficial effect on patient recovery, as it reduced the total drain output, time to drain removal, and seroma rate without compromising the aesthetic result.

Scarpa fascia preservation during abdominoplasty: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Preservation of the Scarpa fascia has been suggested as a way of lowering complications associated with conventional abdominoplasty. Objective evidence regarding this strategy is lacking. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of preserving the Scarpa fascia in the infraumbilical area during a full abdominoplasty. METHODS: A prospective study was performed at a single center from November of 2005 to November of 2007 of the patients submitted to abdominoplasty with umbilical transposition. Two groups were identified: group A, classic full abdominoplasty; and group B, full abdominoplasty with preservation of infraumbilical Scarpa fascia. Several variables were determined: age, body mass index, previous surgical procedures, comorbid conditions, specimen weight, time to suction drain removal, total volume of drain output, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 208 full abdominoplasties were performed (group A, 143 patients; group B, 65 patients). There was no statistically significant difference between groups with respect to body mass index, previous abdominal operations, comorbid medical conditions, or weight of the surgical specimen (p > 0.05). The group with preservation of the Scarpa fascia had an average reduction of the total amount of drain output of more than 50 percent (p < 0001). This group also had an average reduction of 2.0 days until the time to drain removal (p < 0.001) and 1.9 days of the hospital stay (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Preservation of the Scarpa fascia during abdominoplasty has a beneficial effect on patient recovery, as it reduces the total drain output, time to drain removal, and length of hospital stay.

Reconstruction of middle third defects of the face with the temporal flap.

The temporal flap is of great interest in head and neck reconstruction when a skin graft or a local flap cannot be used. It has shown important results on the facial reanimation and in oncological surgery. We describe our experience with the pedicled flap in reconstruction of the middle third face defects in 8 oncologic patients. This flap allows the covering of bone and noble structures such as the periorbital, auricular, frontal, or parotid gland areas. Few major or minor complications were seen and good aesthetic results were achieved. It also can be done with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. The patient prognosis however, depends on the stage of the tumor.

Mandibular distraction in a tracheostomized patient with Pierre-Robin sequence.

The triad of glossoptosis, micrognathia, and cleft palate characterizes the Pierre Robin sequence (PRS). Complications can be severe and the clinical manifestations are very heterogeneous, but airway obstruction is almost present and may be life threatening. To avoid tracheostomy or allow for early decannulation in severely affected children, external or bioresorbable internal distraction devices can be applied to repair mandibular deficiencies. We report a case of a children submitted to bilateral mandibular distraction with external nonresorbable devices. After optimal lengthening of mandibles, laryngotracheoplasty was performed to close the tracheostomy with improvement of respiratory pattern and quality of life this child. Bioresorbable internal distraction devices offers some advantages, but complications include device failure to support resistance. Distraction osteogenesis has become a safe, less-invasive procedure with a negligible risk of infection making it effective to substitute tracheostomy as first choice in treatment of patients with Pierre Robin Sequence and life threatening airway obstruction.

Neurosensible reconstruction of the thumb in an emergency situation: review of 107 cases.

Coverage of a soft tissue defect of the thumb that cannot be replanted or without bone shortening is difficult to achieve, but it is essential to preserve key-pinch and to restore a sensible and painless pulp.We reviewed retrospectively 107 cases of thumb reconstruction in an emergency situation using the following flaps: Moberg, radial innervated cross-finger, Venkataswami-Subramanian, Foucher, Tezcan, and Littler.The choice of the flap was determined by the extension and location of the injury; Foucher flap (56 cases) was the most used one, and it proved to be the best choice as shown by the results. Nevertheless, Tezcan flap also proved to be a good alternative.