[Consensus of the Deutsche Gesellschaft der Plastischen, Rekonstruktiven und Ästhetischen Chirurgen (DGPRÄC) on Autologous Fat Grafting]. / Konsensus der Deutschen Gesellschaft der Plastischen, Rekonstruktiven und Ästhetischen Chirurgen (DGPRÄC) zur Eigenfett-Transplantation.

On occasion of the Munich Plastic Symposium in Munich the board of the Deutsche Gesellschaft der Plastischen, Rekonstruktiven und Ästhetischen Chirurgen (DGPRÄC) together with a group of experts who were also involved in the preparation of the recently published S2K guideline "Autologous Fat Grafting", prepared a consensus statement from a plastic-surgical point of view so to evaluate current spects and taking into account the current legal framework: 1. Autologous Fat Grafting is a long established treatment in plastic surgery and does not differ from other tissue grafts. 2. Mechanical processing of autologous fat does not provide any substantial change tot he tissue. 3. If other treatment methods to enrich progenitor cells of autolous fat i. e. by an enzymatic process have evidence that autologous adipose tissue or cells were substantially changed, classification as a drug could come in question under current german law (application of AMG/ATMP).

[Current Perceptions of Lipofilling on the Basis of the New Guideline on "Autologous Fat Grafting"]. / Aktuelle Erkenntnisse zur Eigenfett Transplantation anhand der neuen Leitlinie "Autologe Fetttransplantation".

Introduction: Autologous fat transfer has recently become an increasingly popular surgical procedure and comprises harvesting, processing and transplantation of adipose tissue, as well as professional follow-up care. This method, as a surgical procedure, can be utilised for trauma-, disease- or age-related soft tissue volume deficits and soft tissue augmentation. As usage is increasing, but the variables of fat harvest, specific indications and fashion of fat transfer are poorly defined, there is a great demand for development of a guideline in the field of reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Methods: All relevant points were discussed within the scope of a consensus conference including a nominal group process of all societies involved in the procedure and ratified with a strong consensus (>95%). Literature from the standard medical databases over the last 10 years was retrieved, studied and specific guidelines were concluded. Results: Consensus was achieved among all professionals involved on the following points: 1. definition 2. indication/contraindication, 3. preoperative measures 4. donor sites 5. techniques of processing 6. transplantation 7. follow-up care 8. storage 9. efficacy 10. documentation 11. evaluation of patient safety. Conclusion: Definite indications and professional expertise are paramount for autologous fat tissue transfer. Successful transfers are based on the use of correct methods as well as specific instruments and materials. Autologous adipose tissue transplantation is considered to be a safe procedure in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, due to the low rate of postoperative complications and sequelae.

[Is there a need for intrapectoral injection in autologous fat transplantation to the breast? - An MRI volumetric study]. / Ist eine intramuskuläre Injektion bei autologer Fetttransplantation zur Mamma sinnvoll ? - Eine MRT-volumetrische Studie.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous fat transplantation to the female breast is becoming generally accepted as a standard procedure in plastic surgery. Periglandular planes and also intrapectoral planes are used, based on the idea of having a highly vascularised matrix. To assess this surgical technique a reproducible and exact tool for volume analysis is necessary. METHODS: The volume of pectoral muscles and breast tissue including periglandular fat was analysed by MRI volumetry before and 6 months after autologous fat transplantation in 10 patients. The volume of the glandular tissue itself was also analysed to evaluate the effect of volume up-, and down-turns between the 6 months. RESULTS: A comparison of the volumes calculated with MRI volumetry preoperatively and postoperatively revealed a mean volume persistence of 64% (± 13%) within the pectoral muscle and of 81% (± 8%) within the periglandular fat. Glandular volume had a mean alternation of 7% (± 4%). In relation to the region of interest for breast volumetry the glandular tissue represented 15% (± 5%) preoperatively und 13% (± 4%) postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In autologous fat transplantation to the breast the periglandular plane is superior to the intramuscular plane in terms of volume persistence. As bolus injections of fat tissue must be strictly avoided, the pectoral muscles offer an additional receptor tissue for fat transplantation, and might be especially needed in smaller breasts to achieve the desired volume augmentation. The alternation of glandular tissue within the 2 points of time was low and in relation to the whole region of interest for breast volumetry rather inconsequential. Nevertheless consideration and subtraction of the glandular volume in mamma volumetry optimises the exactness of the volumetry.

[BEAULI™--a new and easy method for large-volume fat grafts]. / BEAULI™--eine neue Methode zur einfachen und zuverlässigen Fettzell-Transplantation.

After numerous experiments with free-fat transfer since 1893 , many promising methods and results of large-volume fat grafts have been published recently . A common disadvantage was the time of the procedure and a lack of proof of efficiency. In 2007 we developed the BEAULI™ method (Berlin autologous lipotransplantation), a new and reliable procedure to collect larger amounts of transplantable fatty tissue. It was evaluated in a prospective clinical study with 85 patients in 2 centres in Germany, the overall number of transplantations amounting to 216 treated breasts. Indications were general lack of breast volume, either genuine or acquired in the course of surgical procedures. The fat was harvested with the BEAULI™ method, which consists in general of the harvest of very small fat particles by means of water-assisted liposuction (Bodyjet®, Humanmed Ag, Germany) and reinjection of the fat after separation from superfluous water by means of the Lipocollector®. All procedures were performed in a standardised pattern, measurements were taken preoperatively, at day 1 postop, after 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and then to be continued yearly. An MRI of the breasts was taken preop and 6 months postoperatively, the longest follow-up is 30 months. Average operation time was 1.5 h. In every case a definite increase of volume of the fatty layer in the treated areas was observed. We saw no macroscopic oily cysts, in two cases there were 3 months after the operation some palpable subcutaneous nodules which proved to be granulomas. The volume control of 35 aesthetic patients by means of BrainLab™ Software and MRI could verify a permanent take rate of 76±11% of the grafted fat. In aesthetic patients generally 2 (80%) fat-grafting procedures with an average gain in volume of ½ bra cup size or 100-150 ml) per procedure were required. After implant removal, satisfaction was usually reached after only a single procedure, for complete reconstruction after cancer surgery 4-5 grafting sessions were necessary. An extension of the skin envelope as well as improvement of existing scars were observed.

[Current perspective and limitations of autologous fat transplantation--"consensus meeting" of the German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons at Hannover; September 2009]. / Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der autologen Fetttransplantation--"Consensus Meeting" der DGPRAC in Hannover, September 2009.

One hundred years after the first description of autologous fat transplantation, this technique is receiving renewed attention. Initially, critically reviewed by plastic surgery societies, particularly those in the United States, the transfer of autologous fat was recently addressed at the September 2009 annual meeting of the German Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons in Hannover. In this consensus meeting, the panel reviewed both the current status of autologous fat transfer as well as established data concerning this evolving practice. In Germany, autologous fat transplantation is regulated by the Law on Tissue Transfer and Processing (Gewebegesetz). In an effort to facilitate future comparisons it is mandatory to describe harvesting, processing and reinjection techniques in detail. The consensus panel concluded that fat should be harvested using low vacuum settings and then transplanted in thin layers (Evidence V). Quantification of transplanted fat can best be performed by MRI (Evidence level III). Limited clinical studies are available with only some reaching a level of evidence II. At present, risk associated with autologous fat transplantation is considered to be minor. Tumor induction by autologous fat grafting is not proven. New techniques like stem cell enriched fat grafts may offer new promise for the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

[The use of mamma MRI volumetry to evaluate the rate of fat survival after autologous lipotransfer]. / MRT-Volumetrie der Mamma zur Kontrolle der Fettresorptionsrate nach autologem Lipotransfer.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous lipotransfer is becoming more and more popular in plastic surgery. Until now the rate of fat survival was merely estimated by the surgeon and no proven data exist. To assess this surgical method a reproducible and exact tool for volume analysis is necessary. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The volume of silicone implants was calculated in six healthy patients with silicone breast augmentation using the BrainLab(c) I Plan Software. In the same technique volumetry was performed in 10 patients before and six months after autologous lipotransfer using the water-jet assisted liposuction (BEAULI) to harvest the fat tissue. RESULTS: Comparison of the implant volumes calculated with MRI volumetry with the official volumes given by the manufacturer showed a very low mean deviation of 2.1+/-1.5%. Preoperative and postoperative MRI volumetry in patients after autologous lipotransfer revealed a mean volume augmentation of 147+/-18 mL. In these patients 72+/-11% of the transplanted fat tissue persisted in the area of injection six month after surgery. CONCLUSION: MRI volumetry is a useful tool for the fast, exact and reproducible volume analysis of breast tissue. Especially after autologous lipotransfer, where MRI examinations are performed on a regular basis to exclude possible complications, the use of these data to evaluate the rate of fat tissue survival is appealing and due to the high exactness of the method also reasonable.

[Successful correction of an adherent scar on the dorsal hand with Matriderm]. / Erfolgreiche Korrektur einer adhärenten Narbe im Bereich des Handrückens mit Matriderm.

Adherent scars on the hand often lead to a major functional impairment and an aesthetic deformity. The rate of recurrence after scar correction is usually very high. A 57-year-old woman with an adherent scar on the back of her hand and major functional impairment was successfully treated with Matriderm. Using Matriderm as an additional layer between the atrophic skin and the tendons adherency of the scar could be prevented. One year after surgery the patient is free of pain. There is normal mobility between the skin and the underlying tissue. Complete wrist flexion and extension could be achieved. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case reported of using Matriderm for the correction of a scar that was caused by the paravasal injection of cytostatic drugs.

[The influence of different local anaesthetics on the viability of preadipocytes]. / Vitalitätsunterschiede von Präadipozyten unter dem Einfluss verschiedener Lokalanästhetika.

BACKGROUND: Autogenous fat transfer with lipoinjection for soft-tissue augmentation is a commonly used technique in plastic surgery. The efficiency of this technique has often been discussed and authors still describe very different results after autologous fat transplantation. The purpose of our investigations was to evaluate the effect of the various local anaesthetics, used in the region of harvesting, on the viability of preadipocytes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Preadipocytes were isolated from human subcutaneous adipose tissue samples and incubated with lidocaine, prilocaine, articaine + epinephrine, ropivacaine or our standardised tumescent solution for 30 minutes. NaCl solution (0.9 %) served as a control. Vitality was measured with FACS analysis. RESULTS: There are significant differences in the viability of the preadipocytes after incubation with the different substances. Viability ranged from > 90 % to less then 20 %. CONCLUSION: For the first time the influence of local anaesthesia on the viability of preadipocytes has been investigated. The significant differences between the substances could explain the varying results in autologous fat transplantation. Our results should help by choosing the right local anaesthesia for infiltrating the donor site.

Vertical mammaplasty: Postoperative changes, complications and patient evaluation.

The aim of the present study was to investigate postoperative changes after vertical mammaplasty. Between 2002 and 2005, 72 consecutive patients aged 15 to 69 years with an average weight of 72 kg underwent bilateral vertical mammaplasty. Forty-two patients attended the regular follow-up one week, four weeks, three months, six months and one year after the operation. Nipple diameter, notch-to-nipple distance, scar length and the number of skin folds along the vertical scar were evaluated. Complications were recorded during the entire follow-up period. A questionnaire was used to document patient satisfaction 12 months after the operation. The main changes took place during the first three months after surgery. Nipple diameter showed an average increase of 28% after surgery, and the notch-to-nipple distance increased by an average of 17% over the intraoperative value. The average increase of the scar length after one year was 22%. The rate of complications was low, and patient satisfaction was high.

Cardiac morbidity due to Chagas' disease in a rural community in Bolivia.

The prevalence of cardiac morbidity due to Chagas' disease was assessed in a rural community in Central Bolivia. Sixty-nine of 104 persons (66%) were seropositive to Trypanosoma cruzi by two serological methods. Two of 35 (6%) seronegative individuals presented with modest ECG alterations (left anterior hemiblock), but 21 of 69 (30%) seropositives showed modest and severe abnormalities (6 complete right bundle branch block, 2 polyfocal or frequent extrasystoles, 9 ischaemic ST alterations). A high percentage (56%) of domiciliary Triatoma infestans was infected with T. cruzi. There was a significant association between seropositivity and substandard housing. Priority preventive measures should thus include house improvement (to reduce bug infestation) and health education.