Dermal Matrix Graft Effects on Facial Growth in a Veau-Wardill-Kilner Palatoplasty Model: An Experimental Study in Rats.

The primary goal of palatoplasty is the restoration of normal speech, that can be aimed by, among many procedures, lengthening the palate through the pushback technique; one of its complications is abnormal maxillary growth. The main factor affecting facial growth in CLP patients is believed by many to be the palatoplasty-due to the large scar retraction resulting from some surgical techniques. The non-crosslinked two-layer bioabsorbable collagen matrix Mucograft™ (Geistlich Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland) is a potential tool to aid in wound closure in a second-intention healing situation.The objective of this work was to test the use of an acellular dermal matrix (Mucograft®) in an experimental model of Veau-Wardill-Kilner palatoplasty, as a tool to reduce scar retraction of the denuded palatine mucosa.Twenty-four 3-week-old male Wistar rats were used. The animals were randomly divided into two groups. In the control group, an excision was made with bone exposure in the palate, simulating the defect left in the Veau-Wardill-Kilner palatoplasty. In the intervention group, the same procedure was performed, and the area of denuded palatine bone was treated with a bioabsorbable collagen matrix (Mucograft®). For data collection, 9 weeks after surgery (12 weeks of life), the animals were euthanized by excessive anesthetic dosage. Maxillary growth, macroscopic appearance of the scar, pain, and bleeding were evaluated.There were significant statistical differences between the groups for palate length growth (7.6 mm + -0.38 mm vs 5.5 mm + -0.36 mm, P = .009) and for palate width growth (1.47 mm + -0.8 mm vs -0.09 mm + -0.55 mm, P = .001), favoring dermal matrix group compared to controls. Whereas for pain and bleeding, there were no differences between the groups.The use of dermal matrix in rats with an area of bone denudation on the palate increases maxillary length and width growth patterns. Besides, it does not increase pain, bleeding, or post-operative complications.

Zones for Fat Grafting in Hybrid Breast Augmentation: Standardization for Planning of Fat Grafting Based on Breast Cleavage Units.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting is a procedure indicated for breast augmentation to improve coverage of silicone implants and redesign breast shape. Different techniques are based on parameters that have not been systematically standardized. The authors present a method using breast zone standardization based on breast anatomy to achieve an anatomical composite breast. METHODS: The authors performed this zone standardization in 76 breasts (38 patients) undergoing primary/secondary augmentation. The area between the implant and the clavicle and parasternal area was marked to receive fat grafting and divided into three zones. A mathematical formula [ volume of autologous fat graft = (π × r 2 × p)/4.8] was used to estimate the fat graft volume according to implant volume in the respective zones. RESULTS: Implant volumes ranged from 205 to 375 cc (mean, 265 cc), and patients received an average fat graft volume of 105.3 cc per breast (range, 36 to 135 cc); the average fat volume in zones I/II and III was 78.28 cc (range, 0 to 100 cc) and 27.03 cc (range, 15 to 60 cc), respectively. Three minor complications were observed (5.2 percent) during a mean follow-up of 12.8 months. A high correlation was observed between the fat grafting performed in the cohort and predictions obtained from the formula ( p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing risky cleavage breast zones between the implant pocket and the upper and medial quadrants remains essential to attain satisfactory outcomes. Although experience and proper judgment are still important in the fat grafting technique, the data presented here offer plastic surgeons an additional standardized framework to help deliver predictable hybrid breast augmentation. . CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Reconstrução do antebraço com matriz dérmica acelular após excisão de neurofibroma plexiforme gigante: relato de casos / Forearm reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix after giant plexiform neurofibroma excision: case reports

Introdução: O neurinoma plexiforme gigante é um neuroectoderma e uma doença hereditária. É um tumor cutâneo incomum associado à NF1, caracterizado como um tumor benigno da bainha do nervo periférico envolvendo múltiplos fascículos nervosos. Os objetivos da reconstrução da cobertura do antebraço são proteger as estruturas que vão até o punho e a mão e evitar cicatrizes que levem à perda de movimento. Tanto o antebraço quanto a mão desempenham papéis funcionais e sociais. O manejo bem-sucedido de feridas complexas é necessário para a reabilitação funcional geral desses pacientes. Relato do Caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 31 anos, apresentou-se na divisão de cirurgia plástica com neurofibroma plexiforme gigante no antebraço direito. Após ressecção cuidadosa, todos os tendões anteriores do antebraço foram expostos. O defeito foi coberto com Pelnac T enxertável (espessura de 3mm e tamanho 12 X 24cm2), fixados com pontos monocryl 4-0. Após 10 dias, a matriz dérmica acelular foi removida e um enxerto de malha de pele de espessura parcial foi colocado. No dia 7, a matriz dérmica acelular apresentou bons sinais de ingestão. No dia 17, observamos uma sobrevida do enxerto de 95%. No seguimento de 3 meses, a reconstrução estava estável, sem defeitos de contorno, a mão apresentava amplitude de movimento completa e o paciente não apresentava problemas nas atividades diárias. Conclusões: A matriz dérmica acelular parece ser uma opção útil na cobertura de defeitos complexos no antebraço, permitindo menor morbidade e rápida recuperação funcional.

Introduction: Giant plexiform neurinoma is a neuroectoderm and inherited disease. It is an uncommon skin tumor associated with NF1, characterized as a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor surrounding multiple nervous fascicles. The goals of forearm coverage reconstruction are to protect the structures running to the wrist and hand and prevent scarring that leads to movement loss. Both forearm and hand play functional and social roles. Successful management of complex wounds is necessary for the overall functional rehabilitation of these patients. Case Report: A 31-year-old woman presented at the plastic surgery division with a giant plexiform neurofibroma in the right forearm. After careful resection, all anterior forearm tendons were exposed. The defect was covered with graftable Pelnac T (thickness of 3mm and sizing 12 X 24cm2), fixed with 4-0 monocryl sutures. After 10 days, the acellular dermal matrix silicone layer was removed, and a split-thickness skin meshed graft was placed. On day 7, the acellular dermal matrix showed good signs of intake. On day 17, we observed a 95% graft survival. At the 3-month follow-up, reconstruction was stable without contouring defects, the hand had full range of motion, and the patient had no problems in daily activities. Conclusions: Acellular dermal matrix appears to be a useful option in covering complex defects in the forearm, allowing for less morbidity and rapid functional recovery.

Nanofat injector: dispositivo descartável de baixo custo para padronização e otimização do tempo de enxertia / Nanofat injector: a low-cost disposable device for standardization and optimization of grafting time

Introdução: O enxerto de gordura nano melhora a qualidade da pele nos danos secundários ao envelhecimento e nas sequelas cicatriciais. Apresentamos resultados iniciais do enxerto de gordura nano com o uso de um dispositivo descartável de baixo custo propondo uma padronização da sua utilização conforme a área a ser tratada. Métodos: Foi realizada uma coorte prospectiva de julho de 2019 a março de 2020. O critério de inclusão foi pacientes que realizaram enxerto de gordura nano para tratamento da pele. Já o critério de exclusão foi a realização prévia de algum tratamento invasivo da pele. Foram analisadas 20 pacientes consecutivas que preencheram os pré-requisitos. Os resultados foram avaliados no 6º mês de pós-operatório. As pacientes responderam um questionário, classificando de 1 - muito ruim a 10 - excelente, as alterações na qualidade da pele. Resultados: As vinte pacientes acompanhadas não apresentaram nenhuma complicação pós-operatória. O edema após aplicação reduziu entre três e sete dias. Não houve hematoma nem infecção. As pacientes que realizaram somente enxerto de gordura nano, sem outra cirurgia associada, conseguiram voltar às suas atividades após 24 horas. Os escores relatados pelas pacientes com 6 meses foram entre 7 e 10, com média de 8. Conclusão: A utilização do sistema Smartneedle™ para a enxertia de gordura nano apresenta resultados na satisfação das pacientes semelhante aos outros métodos de aplicação e permite uma distribuição uniforme e padronizada do enxerto conforme a região anatômica, além de otimizar o tempo cirúrgico.

Introduction: Nanofat graft improves skin quality in damage secondary to aging and scar sequelae. We present the initial results of the nanofat graft using a low-cost disposable device, proposing a standardization of its use according to the area to be treated. Methods: A prospective cohort was conducted from July 2019 to March 2020. The inclusion criterion was patients who underwent nanofat grafting for skin treatment. The exclusion criterion was the previous performance of some invasive treatment of the skin. Twenty consecutive patients who met the prerequisites were analyzed. The results were evaluated in the 6th postoperative month. The patients answered a questionnaire, classifying from 1 - very bad to 10 - excellent, changes in skin quality. Results: The twenty patients followed did not present any postoperative complications. Edema after the application was reduced between three and seven days. There was no hematoma or infection. Patients who underwent only nanofat grafting without another associated surgery could return to their activities after 24 hours. The scores reported by patients at 6 months were between 7 and 10, with a mean of 8. Conclusion: The use of the Smartneedle™ system for nanofat grafting presents patient satisfaction similar to other application methods and allows a uniform and standardized distribution of the graft according to the anatomical region and optimizing surgical time

Breast Implants Follow-up: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study on Patients Submitted to MRI Breast Examinations.

INTRODUCTION: Breast implants follow-up with any type of examination is often neglected; this may cause an error or delay in the diagnosis of complications prosthesis-related such as BIA-ALCL. This study aims to better understand adequate follow-up criteria. METHOD: All female patients undergoing aesthetic breast augmentation and breast MRI in its follow-up conducted from April 2006 to December 2019 were included in this study. The variables analyzed were age, breast implant surgery date, time with the implant, reason for the examination, and the final examination report. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to search for the predictors of positive findings in MRI. A Cox Regression analysis and cumulative risk curves, controlled by age, was performed to investigate the relationship between time with implants and the risk of positive findings in MRI. RESULTS: The patients submitted to MRI had complaints in 29.6% of cases, with pain being the most common, 13.9% of cases. In logistic regression analysis, time with the implant was associated with a higher risk of positive findings in univariate analysis (OR = 1.07, p = 0.036), but not in multivariate analysis. Both pain and breast form changes were independent predictors for positive findings in MRI, OR = 2.79, p = 0.04, and OR = 16.98, p < 0.001, respectively. The cumulative risk of positive findings in MRI increased considerably only after 10 years of implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Time with breast implants may be associated with a higher risk of changes in breast MRI examinations, although this relationship was not significant in multivariate logistic regression analysis. The cumulative risk for positive findings seems to increase considerably only after 10 years of implantation. This study draws attention to the paramount importance of follow-up with a clinical breast examination. Despite time with implants or patients' age, both pain and breast form changes were the most important predictors for MRI alterations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Otoplasty: Rasps or Puncture Needles? A Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Up to 25% of otoplasties can lead to complications, indicating the need for technical refinement. Stenström's anterior auricular cartilage scoring is used in combination with Mustardé's technique to treat the antihelix deformity in several series, with good results. Both can be performed with different instruments such as rasps or puncture needles. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the use of puncture needles and rasps for anterior cartilage scoring in otoplasty. The association of Stenström and Mustardé were the basic technique. Anatomical and aesthetic endpoints were assessed. We also reviewed postoperative complications. METHODS: Forty-two patients with prominent ears and no previous surgery were randomly assigned needle or rasps technique. They were operated on by the first-year plastic surgery resident in the years of 2014 and 2019. The patients were followed up and reviewed at days 2 and 15, as well as 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The endpoints were evaluated through pre- and postoperative photographs by four experienced plastic surgeons unaware of the techniques used in each case. Patient satisfaction was searched by a "yes" or "no" question. Surgical time and postoperative edema were evaluated in 20 patients (2014 group). RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of overall results, symmetry, antihelix shape or cartilage fracture. Ninety-five percent of the patients were satisfied with the outcome. The needle technique resulted in less postoperative edema and shorter surgical time. CONCLUSION: Anterior cartilage scoring used in combination with posterior mattress sutures to treat poorly formed antihelical fold has good and similar results when performed with rasps or puncture needles, even in unexperienced hands. The needle has the advantage of leading to a comparable surgical time and less postoperative edema, while not requiring any special surgical instrument. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the table of contents or the online instructions to authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Cirurgia plástica em hospital de média complexidade: coorte prospectiva com análise de custos e dos resultados do tratamento de tumores cutâneos no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) / Plastic surgery in a medium complexity hospital: prospective cohort with cost and results analysis of the treatment of skin tumors within the scope of the Unified Health System (SUS)

Introdução: O sistema único de saúde brasileiro organiza-se basicamente em unidades básicas de saúde, hospitais de média e hospitais de alta complexidade. A composição dos serviços de média complexidade é variável, podendo contar ou não com especialistas como o cirurgião plástico. O objetivo do presente trabalho é o de descrever dados do tratamento dos pacientes com tumores cutâneos atendidos por um cirurgião plástico, em um hospital de média complexidade. Métodos: Coorte prospectiva com análise de dados epidemiológicos demográficos, de custos, resultados, complicações e grau de satisfação. Resultados: No período de 9 meses foram atendidos 166 pacientes dos quais 103 foram operados. As patologias mais comuns foram: carcinomas basocelulares, tumores benignos de subcutâneo e pele, carcinoma epidermóide e melanoma, em ordem decrescente de ocorrência. A maioria das lesões foi tratada com cirurgia de exérese e sutura. Reconstruções mais complexas foram necessárias em 29 pacientes. O grau de resolução dos casos foi alto, com apenas um paciente sendo encaminhado a hospital de alta complexidade. O grau de satisfação com o tratamento também foi elevado. Contudo, o repasse financeiro estimado do SUS, no caso do tratamento dos tumores malignos, foi em torno de 25% menor do que seria na alta complexidade. Conclusão: A atuação do cirurgião plástico em hospitais de média complexidade pode impedir que doenças como o câncer de pele cheguem em estágios avançados em hospitais de alta complexidade, com alto grau de satisfação. Contudo, adaptações no repasse governamental precisariam ocorrer para viabilizar a atuação rotineira deste profissional nestas instituições.

Introduction: The Brazilian health system is organized into basic health units, medium complexity hospitals, and high complexity hospitals. The composition of medium complexity services is variable, with or without specialists such as the plastic surgeon. The objective of the present study is to analyze data on the treatment of patients with skin tumors by a plastic surgeon in a medium complexity hospital. Methods: prospective cohort with analysis of epidemiological, demographic data, costs, results, complications, and degree of satisfaction. Results: In nine months, 166 patients were treated, of whom 103 underwent surgery. The most common pathologies were: basal cell carcinomas, benign subcutaneous and cutaneous tumors, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, in decreasing order of appearance. Most of the injuries were treated with exeresis and suture surgery and in 29 patients, more complex reconstructions were required. The degree of resolution of cases was high, and only a patient was derived to a high complexity hospital. The degree of satisfaction with the treatment was also high. However, the estimated financial transfer of SUS, in the case of malignant tumors treatment, was approximately 25% less than it is in a high complexity hospital. Conclusion: The role of the plastic surgeon in medium complexity hospitals can prevent diseases such as skin cancer from reaching high complexity hospitals in advanced stages. However, there would have to be adaptations in the government transfer to enable the routine performance of this professional in these institutions.

Hybrid Breast Augmentation: A Reliable Formula for Preoperative Assessment of Fat Graft Volume Based on Implant Volume and Projection.

BACKGROUND: Autogenous fat grafting (AFG) is an established technique used as an adjunct to breast augmentation (BA) to redesign breast shape. Surgeons often use experience and intuition to estimate AFG volume, which can result in incorrect assessment of donor areas and unnecessary fat removal. OBJECTIVES: This aim of this study was to develop a method based on a mathematical formula, which utilizes implant volume and projection to predict AFG volume. METHODS: Thirty patients (60 breasts) underwent primary hybrid BA. A software package (SketchUp) was used to simulate 3-dimensional AFG and implant volumes, which in turn were used to develop an equation for estimating AFG volume according to 3 different implant projections. The results for each group were compared, via Pearson's correlation coefficient, with the results of the clinical series. RESULTS: All patients received Motiva Ergonomix SmoothSilk/SilkSurface implants, ranging in volume from 175 to 355 cc (mean, 265 cc), as well as an average AFG volume of 79.2 cc/breast (range, 50-110 cc). Twenty-nine patients (96.6%) were either very satisfied or satisfied during a mean follow-up of 18 months (range, 6-28 months). A high correlation was observed between the AFG performed in the cohort and predictions obtained from the formula (r = 0.938, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The AFG volume in hybrid BA procedures can be estimated utilizing measurements based on implant volume/projection. This low-cost method can be applied to guide surgical decision-making in patients who are candidates for BA.

Intentional injuries and patient survival of burns: a 10-year retrospective cohort in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Patients burned intentionally experience extensive injuries with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Nonetheless, there is no consensus if these patients have worse outcomes than unintentional burns considering injury severity and other preexistent comorbidities. METHODS: We conducted a ten-year retrospective review on all patients treated at the Burn Unit of Hospital de Pronto Socorro, Porto Alegre, Brazil, between 2003 and 2012. The aim was to compare survival of self-inflicted burns and burns from assaults with unintentional injuries using a Multivariable Cox Regression Analysis. RESULTS: 1734 patients were included in the study, 87.7% non-intentional, 6.6% self-inflicted and 5.8% from aggression. Intentional injuries resulted in more severe injuries and were associated with psychiatric disorders and drug abuse. After controlling for injury severity, previous clinical comorbidities and previous psychiatric disorders, only self-inflicted burns correlated significantly with a higher risk of death (HR=1.59, CI 95% 1.05-2.41, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Self-inflicted injuries were independently associated with a higher risk of death. Burns from aggression were not associated with higher mortality in this model. Prevention of these injuries must be priority and treating the main associated factors such as drug abuse and psychiatric disorders may lower its occurrence.