Tratamento cosmético com OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®): relação entre avaliação clínica inicial, dosagem e custos / Cosmetic treatment with OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®): relationship between initial clinical assessment, dosage and costs

Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho é demonstrar como a correta avaliação clínica pode influenciar na dosagem utilizada no tratamento cosmético de onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®, Allergan, Inc, Dublin, UK) e sua consequente relação com custo e valor do tratamento a longo prazo. Método: Foram selecionados quatro pacientes para tratamento cosmético com Toxina Botulínica tipo A. Foi realizado registro fotográfico pré-procedimento, com 15 dias pós-procedimento; 3, 4, 7 e 10 meses pós-procedimento. A avaliação inicial dos pacientes, a técnica, objetivo e as dosagens utilizadas foram comentadas pelo médico que efetuou o tratamento. A avaliação e os comentários das fotos pós-procedimentos foram realizados por outro médico especialista. Resultados: Todos os pacientes tiveram as regiões frontal, glabelar e peri-orbital tratadas. As doses totais utilizadas em cada paciente foram: paciente 1: 64U; paciente 2: 69U; paciente 3: 78U e paciente 4: 81U. Conclusões: A correta avaliação clínica é fundamental para o adequado planejamento do tratamento cosmético com Botox®. Resultados duradouros, que geram alta satisfação aos pacientes, estão associados à correta escolha das doses. O custo do tratamento cosmético de Botox® deve ser avaliado de forma global e a longo prazo.

Objective: The aim of this study is to demonstrate how the correct clinical assessment can influence the dosage used in the cosmetic treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®, Allergan, Inc., Dublin, UK) and its consequent relationship to cost and value of long-term treatment. Method: Four patients were selected for cosmetic treatment with Botulinum Toxin Type A. Patients` pictures were taken pre procedure, 15 days post procedure, 3, 4, 7 and 10 months post procedure. The patient initial evaluation, technique, objective and dosages used were commented by the doctor who performed the treatment. Evaluation and comments of the pictures post procedure were performed by another medical specialist. Results: All patients had the frontal, glabellar, and periorbital areas treated. Total doses used for each patient were as follows: patient 1: 64U; patient 2: 69U; patient 3: 78U and patient 4: 81U. Conclusions: The correct clinical assessment is essential for proper planning of cosmetic treatment with Botox®. Long lasting results, with high satisfaction rates among patients, are associated with the correct choice of doses. The cost of Botox® cosmetic treatment should be evaluated comprehensively and in a long term manner.

Braquiotoracoplastia em Z no tratamento do contorno corporal após perda ponderal maciça / Z brachiothoracoplasty for body contouring after massive weight loss

INTRODUÇÃO: A braquioplastia trata as deformidades dos membros superiores. A toracoplastia lateral visa o tratamento do torso superior. As braquioplastias, toracoplastias e também as braquiotoracoplastias em Z têm sido utilizadas no Hospital Estadual de Sapopemba no tratamento das deformidades dos membros superiores e terço superior do tórax. Objetivo: Propõe-se descrever as modificações na técnica cirúrgica resultando na braquiotoracoplastia em Z e analisar a casuística e os resultados obtidos, no tratamento das deformidades da região lateral do tórax. MÉTODO: Foram submetidos à braquiotoracoplastia e toracoplastia lateral 31 pacientes. A demarcação foi feita em posição ortostática, e os membros superiores abduzidos em 90o. Iniciou-se pela demarcação da braquioplastia, em duplo fuso, prolongando-se de maneira modificada a demarcação, seguindo pela linha axilar anterior em direção ao sulco inframamário em forma de Z. RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes referiram melhora do contorno da região e não houve queixas quanto ao posicionamento da cicatriz. DISCUSSÃO: O procedimento da braquiotoracoplastia em Z atual consiste em estender a linha de incisão da face medial do braço, passando proximalmente à axila e continuando pela linha axilar média até o sulco mamário. Ocorreu a melhora do contorno da região dorsal e das dobras cutâneas da região torácica lateral. CONCLUSÃO: A braquiotoracoplastia em Z e a toracoplastia lateral têm a grande vantagem de eliminar a cicatriz circunferencial no torso superior, promovendo a melhoria do contorno dessa região por meio da ressecção cutânea tanto no sentido craniocaudal, como anteroposterior.

INTRODUCTION: Brachioplasty treats deformities of the upper limbs. Lateral thoracoplasty treats the upper torso. Brachioplasties, thoracoplasties, and brachiothoracoplasties have been performed with Z-plasty for deformities of the upper limbs and upper third of the chest, in the Sapopemba State Hospital. Objective: We describe modifications of surgical technique for the performance of Z brachiothoracoplasty, and evaluate the results of treatment of deformities of the lateral chest. METHOD: Thirty-one Patients underwent brachiothoracoplasty and lateral thoracoplasty. The demarcation was made with the patient upright, and the upper limbs abducted at 90º. Marking for brachioplasty was performed using a double-ellipse, to lengthen the modified demarcation along the anterior axillary line toward the inframammary crease in a Z shape. RESULTS: All patients reported an improvement in the contour of the region, and there were no complaints regarding the positioning of the scar. DISCUSSION: Z brachiothoracoplasty consists of extending the incision line on the medial aspect of the arm, passing proximally to the axilla, and continuing through the midaxillary line to the inframammary crease. There was an improvement in the contour of the dorsal region and the skin folds of the lateral thoracic region. CONCLUSION: Z brachiothoracoplasty and lateral thoracoplasty have the great advantage of eliminating a circumferential scar on the upper torso, thereby improving the contour of the region through skin resection in both the craniocaudal and anteroposterior directions.

The liposuction-induced effects on adiponectin and selected cytokines are not affected by exercise training in women.

It has been suggested that the abrupt liposuction-induced decrease in adipose tissue could affect adipokine secretion pattern. We hypothesized that exercise training could positively impact adipokine metabolism following liposuction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of liposuction on inflammation-related adipokines in women who were either exercise-trained or remained sedentary after surgery. Thirty-six healthy normal-weight women underwent an abdominal liposuction and two months after surgery were randomly allocated into two groups: trained (TR, n = 18, four-month exercise program) and nontrained (NT, n = 18). Inflammation-related adipokine serum levels (TNF- α , IL-6, IL-10, and adiponectin) and abdominal and thigh subcutaneous adipose tissue (scAT) mRNA levels were assessed before (PRE) and six months after surgery (POST6). TNF- α , IL-6, and IL-10 serum levels were unchanged in both groups. In contrast, TNF- α , IL-6, and IL-10 mRNA levels in scAT were increased, whereas adiponectin scAT mRNA and serum levels were decreased at POST6 (P < 0.05, main effect for time). No changes were observed in mRNA levels of MCP-1, CD14, and CD68 in any of the groups. In conclusion, liposuction downregulates adiponectin scAT gene expression and serum levels and upregulates scAT gene expression of inflammation-related genes six months after surgery in normal-weight women, irrespective of exercise training.

Alternative surgical treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos using autogenic cartilage grafts and canthopexy.

PURPOSE: This study aims to analyze the use of autogenic auricular cartilage grafts as weight for the upper eyelid in conjunction with lateral canthopexy for patients with mild paralytic lagophthalmos. This procedure was also accompanied by elevation of the lower eyelid using the cartilage graft for moderate cases. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study including case series of 30 patients with paralytic lagophthalmos from 1997 to 2010. For mild cases, cartilage from the auricular scapha was placed in pretarsal space of the upper eyelid and cartilage from the concha was inserted in preaponeurotic space and then sutured to the levator aponeurosis in conjunction with lateral canthopexy. For moderate cases, lower eyelid was also elevated by suturing cartilage graft to tarsum and resting it by the inferior orbital rim. RESULTS: All patients had some degree of keratopathy before the intervention. After treatment, they presented with evident clinical improvement, reduction of eye symptoms, and resolution of keratopathy. During the mean postoperative follow-up of 37.3 months, none of the patients presented with cartilage graft exposition, reabsorption, visibility, infection, or warping. Complete eye closure was achieved in 24 (80%) patients, whereas the remaining 6 (20%) patients had residual asymptomatic lagophthalmos. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention using autogenic auricular cartilage grafts explained in this study was only effective for the treatment of mild and moderate cases of paralytic lagophthalmos. This outpatient surgery is associated with low morbidity and achievement of functional and aesthetic improvement.

Análise comparativa da evolução e das complicações pós-operatórias nas cirurgias plásticas do contorno corporal em pacientes idosos e jovens com perda ponderal maciça / Comparative analysis of the evolution and postoperative complications of body contouring plastic surgeries after massive weight loss in young and elderly patients

INTRODUÇÃO: Os procedimentos aplicados a pacientes ex-obesos idosos após terapêuticas bariátricas estão em ascensão. Dados fidedignos quanto à evolução e às complicações nesse grupo populacional ainda são escassos na literatura. O objetivo do presente estudo é analisar a evolução e as complicações em abdominoplastias realizadas em pacientes com idade mais avançada após perda ponderal maciça, e compará-las às de pacientes mais jovens. MÉTODO: Foram analisados, retrospectivamente, pacientes com perda ponderal maciça submetidos a cirurgia para contorno da região abdominal, entre julho de 2005 e julho de 2011, no Hospital Estadual Sapopemba (HESAP). Como critério para divisão dos grupos, a fim de analisar o período pós-operatório e as complicações das abdominoplastias realizadas após perda ponderal maciça, foi estabelecida idade > 60 anos. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 264 pacientes, 19 deles com idade entre 60 anos e 75 anos (grupo I) e 245 entre 22 anos e 59 anos (grupo J). O grupo I apresentou 10,5% de complicações maiores (P > 0,999) e 41,1% de complicações menores (P = 0,280), enquanto o grupo J obteve 10,6% de complicações maiores (P > 0,999) e 30,2% de complicações menores (P = 0,280). CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes com > 60 anos de idade não apresentaram maior número de complicações que o grupo mais jovem.

BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of procedures are being used to treat elderly ex-obese patients after bariatric therapies. However, reliable data regarding the evolution and complications of this population are scarce in the literature. In this study, we aimed to analyze the evolution and complications of abdominoplasty performed in patients with advanced age after massive weight loss and compare them to the corresponding data from younger patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who experienced massive weight loss and underwent surgery for abdominal contouring between July 2005 and July 2011 in the State Hospital Sapopemba (HESAP). An age of ≥ 60 years was used as a criterion for advanced age, in order to divide patients into groups to analyze the postoperative period and complications of abdominoplasty performed after massive weight loss. RESULTS: We analyzed 264 patients, 19 of whom were 60-75 years of age (Group I) and 245 of whom were 22-59 years of age (Group J). Group I had a major complication rate of 10.5% (P > 0.999) and a minor complication rate of 41.1% (P = 0.280), whereas Group J had a major complication rate of 10.6% (P > 0.999) and a minor complication rate of 30.2% (P = 0.280). CONCLUSIONS: Patients ≥ 60 years of age do not have a higher rate of complications than younger patients after abdominoplasty.

Mastopexia após perda ponderal maciça: suspensão dérmica, remodelação do parênquima e aumento com tecido autógeno / Mastopexy after massive weigh loss: dermal suspension, parenchymal reshaping, and augmentation with autologus tissue", "_e": "n

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes com perda ponderal significativa podem apresentar mamas com ptose acentuada, perda de projeção do polo superior e excesso de tecido na porção toracolateral. Rubin & Khachi descreveram técnica de mastopexia com suspensão dérmica e remodelação do parênquima associada a aumento com tecido autógeno, tratando a deformidade mamária e o excesso toracolateral em um só estágio. Neste trabalho, é ilustrada essa técnica cirúrgica e demonstradas sua reprodutibilidade e suas complicações. MÉTODO: Foram operadas 14 pacientes com deformidade graus 2 e 3 pela Escala de Pittsburgh, no Hospital Estadual de Sapopemba (São Paulo, SP, Brasil), no período de dezembro de 2008 a dezembro de 2009, utilizando a técnica referida. Foram analisados os seguintes dados: tipos de deformidade das mamas, translocação do complexo areolopapilar (CAP), dimensões dos retalhos, tempo cirúrgico, tempo de permanência do dreno e incidência de complicações. RESULTADOS: A média de idade das pacientes foi de 41,21 + 7,67 anos e o índice de massa corporal médio foi de 29,30 + 2,77. O tempo de seguimento das pacientes variou de 3 meses a 18 meses, com média de 8 meses. Dentre as 14 pacientes operadas, 4 (28,6%) apresentavam deformidade grau 3 e 10 (71,4%), grau 2. A média de translocação do CAP foi de 6,38 cm. As dimensões médias do retalho foram de 25,21 cm x 6,92 cm. O tempo cirúrgico médio foi de 188,57 minutos. Os drenos permaneceram, em média, por 6,21 dias. Foram observadas as seguintes complicações: epiteliose de CAP, deiscência na junção do T, hematoma pequeno e linfedema toracolateral. CONCLUSÕES: A mastopexia com suspensão dérmica, remodelação do parênquima e aumento com tecido autólogo é uma técnica reprodutível, rápida e com baixo índice de complicações.

BACKGROUND: Patients who experience major weight loss may have pronounced breast ptosis, loss of projection of the higher pole, and excessive tissue in the lateral thorax. Rubin & Khachi described a mastopexy technique with dermal suspension and parenchymal remodeling associated with augmentation with autologous tissue. This technique treats the mammary deformity and the excessive tissue in the lateral thorax in a single surgery. In this study, we describe this surgical technique and demonstrate its reproducibility and the possible complications. METHODS: From December 2008 to December 2009, surgery was performed using the technique described above on 14 patients with grade 2 and 3 deformities according to the Pittsburgh scale. The following data were analyzed: type of breast deformity, translocation of the papillary-areolar complex (PAC), dimension of the flaps used, surgical time, permanence time of the drain, and the incidence of complications. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 41.21 ± 7.67 years and the mean body mass index was 29.30 ± 2.77. The follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 18 months, with a mean of 8 months. Among the 14 patients that underwent surgery, 4 patients (28.6%) had grade 3 deformities and 10 patients (71.4%), had grade 2 deformities. The mean translocation of the PAC was 6.38 cm, the mean dimensions of the flap were 25.21 cm × 6.92 cm, and the mean surgical time was 188.57 minutes. The drains remained for an average of 6.21 days. The following complications were observed: PAC epitheliosis, dehiscence of the T-junction, a small hematoma, and lateral thoracic lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS: Mastopexy with dermal suspension, parenchyma remodeling, and augmentation with autologous tissue is a reproducible technique that can be performed quickly and has a low complication rate.

Cirurgia da ptose palpebral: análise de dois tipos de procedimentos cirúrgicos / Surgical repair blepharoptosis: analysis of two types of surgical procedures

Introdução: A ptose palpebral ou blefaroptose caracteriza-se pela disfunção, ou inabilidade do paciente em realizar a abertura da fenda palpebral de maneira normal. Geralmente é decorrente do acometimento do músculo levantador da pálpebra, possuindo diferentes etiologias, quais sejam, congênitas ou adquiridas. Método: No período de 2005 a 2008, foram diagnosticados 16 pacientes portadores de ptose palpebral, totalizando 24 pálpebras submetidas a tratamento cirúrgico, pelo autor. Foram realizadas 18 cirurgias abordando a fáscia do músculo levantadore, em 6 casos, a ressecção do músculo levantador da pálpebra. Resultados: O grau de ptose nos casos estudados variou entre 2,0 e 7,0 mm, com média de 4,33 mm. Os resultados pós operatóriosforam avaliados por meio de exame físico e de análise fotográfica e classificados em insatisfatórios, regulares e bons, de acordo com o grau de ptose residual. A média de seguimento foi de 14,87 meses. Em 83,3% dos casos, os resultados foram considerados bons, em 12,5%, regulares e, em 4,16%, insatisfatórios. A complicação mais frequentemente observada foi a hipocorreção cirúrgica e a assimetria entre as fendas palpebrais. Encontrou-se um caso com retração cicatricial na pálpebra superior e apenas um paciente foi submetido à revisão cirúrgica após seis meses do ato operatório.

Introduction: Eyelid ptosis or blepharoptosis is characterized by dysfunction or the patient’sinability to elevate the upper eyelid normally. It is usually due to a compromised levator muscle and has different etiologies, namely congenital or acquired. Method: From 2005 to 2008, 16 patients were diagnosed with ptosis, perfoming a total of 24 surgically treated eyelids. Eighteen surgeries were performed approaching the fascia of the eyelid levator muscle and in 6 cases through resection of the eyelid levator muscle. Results: The degree of ptosis in the cases studied ranged between 2.0 and 7.0 mm, with an average of 4.33 mm. The postoperative results were evaluated by physical examination and photographic analysis and classified as poor, fair and good, according to the degree of residual ptosis. The average follow-up was 14.87 months. In 83.3% of the cases, the results were considered good, regular in 12.5% and in 4.16% unsatisfactory. The most frequently observed complication was surgical under correction and asymmetry of the eyes. In one case we could observe of scar retraction in the upper eyelid and only one patient underwent surgical revision six months after the initial surgery.

[Body contour surgery in the massive weight loss patient: three year-experience in a secondary public hospital]. / Cirurgia do contorno corporal no paciente após perda ponderal maciça: experiência de três anos em hospital público secundário.

OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical-surgical three year-experience related to body contour surgery in the massive weight loss patient, performed by the Plastic Surgery team of the Sapopemba State Hospital. METHODS: Retrospective study performed at the Sapopemba State Hospital, linked to the 'Hospital das Clínicas' of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, from July 2005 to July 2008. A total of 98 patients was operated, whose morbid obesity had been treated by bariatric surgery, after success of the technique, or weight loss by non-surgical method. Exclusion criteria were smoking, gestational intent and weight instability. Stable weight for at least 6 months after satisfactory weight loss was required from patients. RESULTS: Of the 98 operated patients, 97% were female, with mean age of 40.5 years and the weight loss method was the surgery in 88% of cases. From 177 plastic surgeries performed, 46% were abdominoplasty, followed by mammaplasty (15%), thigh suspension (13%) and brachioplasty (12%). Mean hospital stay was of two days and the main diagnosed complications were: seroma (28%), minor necrosis/dehiscences (18%), major necrosis/dehiscences (4%), hematomas (4%), superficial thrombophlebitis from the saphena vein (2%) and deep venous thrombosis (1%). CONCLUSION: An increasing demand for surgeries to improve body contour after massive weight loss has been detected. Plastic surgeons must know the clinical peculiarities and higher risk of complications of these patients, control their expectations, analyze results and engage in a continued investigation to improve surgical techniques.

Lacrimal gland prolapse: management during aesthetic blepharoplasty: review of the literature and case reports.

Prolapse of the lacrimal gland is an acquired clinical condition caused mainly by relaxation of the local suspending ligaments. Before an aesthetic blepharoplasty, there should be a preoperative clinical suspicion of lacrimal gland pathology for patients with bulging lateral thirds of the upper eyelids. It should be borne in mind that inadvertent removal of the lacrimal gland can lead to important alterations in ocular lubrication. This report describes two clinical cases of patients with lacrimal gland prolapse associated with dermatochalasis and their treatment.

Cirurgia do contorno corporal no paciente após perda ponderal maciça: experiência de três anos em hospital público secundário / Body contour surgery in the massive weight loss patient: three year-experience in a secondary public hospital

OBJETIVO: Apresentar a experiência clínico-cirúrgica de três anos relacionada às cirurgias de contorno corporal no paciente após perda ponderal maciça, realizadas pela equipe de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital Estadual de Sapopemba. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo realizado no Hospital Estadual de Sapopemba, vinculado ao Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, no período de julho de 2005 a julho de 2008. Foram operados 98 pacientes submetidos a tratamento de obesidade mórbida por meio de gastroplastia redutora, com sucesso para a técnica, ou emagrecimento por método não-cirúrgico. Os critérios de exclusão foram tabagismo, intenção gestacional e instabilidade ponderal, exigindo-se peso estável por pelo menos seis meses após atingido a perda ponderal satisfatória. RESULTADOS: Dos 98 pacientes operados, 97 por cento eram do sexo feminino, com idade média de 40,5 anos e o método de emagrecimento foi cirúrgico em 88 por cento deles. Das 177 cirurgias plásticas realizadas, 46 por cento foram abdominoplastias, seguidas por mastoplastias (15 por cento), suspensões de coxa (13 por cento) e braquioplastias (12 por cento). O período médio de internação foi dois dias e as principais complicações diagnosticadas foram: seroma (28 por cento), necroses/deiscências de pequeno porte (18 por cento), necroses/ deiscências de grande porte (4 por cento), hematomas (4 por cento), tromboflebite superficial de veia safena (2 por cento) e trombose venosa profunda (1 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: O desejo de cirurgias para melhora do contorno corporal após perda ponderal maciça constitui demanda crescente. Cabe ao cirurgião plástico conhecer as peculiaridades clínicas e os riscos maiores de complicações desses pacientes, ponderar suas expectativas, analisar os resultados e manter a busca constante pelo aperfeiçoamento das técnicas cirúrgicas.

OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical-surgical three year-experience related to body contour surgery in the massive weight loss patient, performed by the Plastic Surgery team of the Sapopemba State Hospital. METHODS: Retrospective study performed at the Sapopemba State Hospital, linked to the "Hospital das Clínicas" of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, from July 2005 to July 2008. A total of 98 patients was operated, whose morbid obesity had been treated by bariatric surgery, after success of the technique, or weight loss by non-surgical method. Exclusion criteria were smoking, gestational intent and weight instability. Stable weight for at least 6 months after satisfactory weight loss was required from patients. RESULTS: Of the 98 operated patients, 97 percent were female, with mean age of 40.5 years and the weight loss method was the surgery in 88 percent of cases. From 177 plastic surgeries performed, 46 percent were abdominoplasty, followed by mammaplasty (15 percent), thigh suspension (13 percent) and brachioplasty (12 percent). Mean hospital stay was of two days and the main diagnosed complications were: seroma (28 percent), minor necrosis/dehiscences (18 percent), major necrosis/dehiscences (4 percent), hematomas (4 percent), superficial thrombophlebitis from the saphena vein (2 percent) and deep venous thrombosis (1 percent). CONCLUSION: An increasing demand for surgeries to improve body contour after massive weight loss has been detected. Plastic surgeons must know the clinical peculiarities and higher risk of complications of these patients, control their expectations, analyze results and engage in a continued investigation to improve surgical techniques.

Tensor fasciae latae perforator flap: minimizing donor-site morbidity in the treatment of trochanteric pressure sores.

BACKGROUND: To report a new technique with less morbidity for coverage of trochanteric defects, an anatomical and clinical study was performed. METHODS: Twenty-four fresh cadavers were dissected. The following parameters were measured: origin, location, number, and length of the perforating vessels. In addition, a clinical study was performed on 21 patients with trochanteric pressure sores. RESULTS: The anatomical study of 24 fresh cadavers revealed the constant presence of perforator pedicles anterior to the greater trochanter, which provides an adequate arc of rotation arc for flap harvest without sacrificing the underlying muscles. The mean length of the pedicles was 9.59 +/- 2.16 cm. This flap is nourished by perforator vessels arising from the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, which arises from the deep femoral artery and runs through the intermuscular septum, tensor fasciae latae, and rectus femoralis muscles. In this study, flaps were raised based on perforators located preoperatively using a unidirectional Doppler probe. Good results were obtained with primary closure of the donor site, with only two donor-site dehiscences. CONCLUSIONS: This flap is an alternative to myocutaneous flaps, as it preserves local musculature without functional sequelae in patients who walk. It also preserves the local musculature in the event of recurrence, as is usually seen in paralytic patients with pressure sores.

Perforator flap breast reconstruction using internal mammary perforator branches as a recipient site: an anatomical and clinical analysis.

A variety of useful recipient sites exist for breast reconstruction with free flaps, and correct selection remains a significant decision for the surgeon. Among the main pedicles, the disadvantages of the internal mammary vessels are the necessity of costal cartilage resection and the impairment of future cardiac bypass. This study was designed to reduce morbidity and to seek alternative recipient vessels. In the anatomical part of the study, 32 parasternal regions from 16 fresh cadavers were used. The locations and components of internal mammary perforator branches were measured and a histomorphometric analysis was performed. In the clinical part of the study, 36 patients underwent 38 deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and two superior gluteal artery perforator flap breast reconstructions (31 immediate and four bilateral). The recipient vessels were evaluated. In the anatomical study, there were 22 perforating vessels, with 14 (63.6 percent) on the second intercostal space and 11 (50 percent) with one artery and vein. The average (+/-SD) internal and external perforator artery diameters were 598.48 +/- 176.68 microm and 848.97 +/- 276.68 microm, respectively. In the clinical study, 13 successful anastomoses (32.5 percent) were performed at the internal mammary perforator branches (second and third intercostal spaces) with 12 DIEP flaps and one superior gluteal artery perforator flap (all performed as immediate reconstructions). One case of intraoperative vein thrombosis and one case of pedicle avulsion during flap molding were observed. The anatomic and clinical studies demonstrated that the internal mammary perforator branch as a recipient site is a further refinement to free flap breast reconstruction. However, it is neither a reproducible technique nor potentially applicable in all patients. Preoperative planning between the general surgeon and the plastic surgeon is crucial to preserve the main perforator branches during mastectomy. The procedure was not demonstrable in late reconstructions. The main advantages of internal mammary perforator branches used as recipient sites are sparing of the internal mammary vessels for a possible future cardiac surgery, prevention of thoracic deformities, and reduction of the operative time by limited dissection. Despite this, limited surgical exposure, caliber incompatibility, and technical difficulties have to be considered as the main restrictions.

Importance of lateral row perforator vessels in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap harvesting.

Free flaps based on perforator vessels, and in particular the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, are currently being applied in abdominal reconstruction. However, one of the main disadvantages is the operative complexity. Through anatomical study and clinical experience with the DIEP flap in breast reconstruction, the intramuscular path of the perforator vessels was comparatively studied, to establish the main anatomical parameters that favor procedure planning. Thirty DIEP flaps from 15 fresh cadavers were used. The number, location, and intramuscular course of the perforator vessels were determined. In addition, an initial clinical study was performed in 31 patients using 35 DIEP flaps in breast reconstruction. The number, location, and the intramuscular course of the perforators were assessed. In the cadaver study, 191 perforator vessels were detected (6.4 vessels per flap). Thirty-four percent were located in the lateral row, and the rectilinear course was observed in 79.2 percent of these vessels. In the medial row, only 18.2 percent of the perforator vessels presented this configuration (p = 0.001). Thirty-one patients underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction, with 26 immediate and four bilateral reconstructions. In 22 of 35 flaps (62.9 percent), two perforators were used. In 25 flaps (71.4 percent), the lateral row perforators with a rectilinear course were observed. Mean operative time was 7 hours and 37 minutes. Two total flap losses and two partial necroses were observed. The majority of the lateral row perforators presented a rectilinear intramuscular course, which was shorter than that of the medial row perforators. This anatomical characteristic favors dissection with reduced operative time and vascular lesion morbidity, resulting in an important anatomical parameter for DIEP flap harvesting.