Condutas em lipoaspiraçã o entre cirurgiões brasileiros / Liposuction Practices among Brazilian Surgeons

Introdução: Desde a década de 1980, com Illouz, a lipoaspiração ganhou popularidade e representa hoje um dos procedimentos mais realizados no mundo. Algumas de suas complicações são graves e potencialmente letais. Não existe, contudo, uma uniformidade em sua prática ou no seu ensino. A avaliação das técnicas empregadas por cirurgiões plásticos pode ser o início de uma padronização. Métodos: Foi aplicado um questionário sobre lipoaspiração no 52º Congresso Brasileiro de Cirurgia Plástica para cirurgiões plásticos de diferentes faixas etárias e regiões do Brasil, presentes no evento. Resultados: Foram contabilizados 243 questionários preenchidos (n = 243). O número médio de incisões foi de 9 (2 - 16). Duzentos e quarenta e um cirurgiões (99%) realizam incisões na linha mediana/ paramediana anteriormente e 236 (97%) incisam na linha mediana/paramediana na região posterior. Aproximadamente metade dos questionados utilizam a anestesia geral. Duzentos e nove cirurgiões (86%) posicionam o paciente em decúbito ventral durante o procedimento. A lipoaspiração superficial é realizada por 146 (60%) entrevistados, sendo que 22 (9%) fazem a aspiração apenas desta camada adiposa. Oitenta e cinco (35%) participantes relatam controlar a pressão do aparelho durante o procedimento. Conclusão: A lipoaspiração realizada no Brasil apresenta grande variação técnica. Essa constatação nos faz refletir sobre a necessidade de uma uniformização de sua prática e ensino a fim de aumentar o controle e a segurança do procedimento.

Introduction: Since the 1980s, with Illouz, liposuction has gained popularity and represents one of the most commonly performed procedures in the world today. Some of the complications are serious and potentially lethal. Nevertheless, uniformity in its practice or the manner in which it is taught does not exist. Evaluating techniques employed by plastic surgeons may be the start toward standardization. Methods: A questionnaire on liposuction was given to plastic surgeons of different age groups and from regions of Brazil who were present at the 52nd Brazilian Conference for Plastic Surgery. Results: Two hundred forty-three questionnaires were filled out (n = 243). The average number of incisions was 9 (2­16). Two hundred fortyone surgeons (99%) made incisions along the anterior median/ paramedian line, and 236 (97%) made incisions on the posterior median/paramedian line. Approximately half of those surveyed utilized general anesthesia. Two hundred nine surgeons (86%) placed the patient in the prone position during the procedure. One hundred forty-six (60%) interviewees performed superficial liposuction, with 22 (9%) performing liposuction only on this adipose layer. Eighty-five (35%) participants reported controlling the apparatus's pressure during the procedure. Conclusion: Liposuction procedures performed in Brazil have significant technical variations. This finding encourages us to reflect on the need to standardize liposuction practice and the manner in which it is taught so as to increase control over the procedure and its safety.

Treatment of feet deformities in epidermolysis bullosa.

BACKGROUND: Inherited epidermolysis bullosa is a rare disease characterised by mechanical fragility of the skin when under insignificant stress. The main consequences of epidermolysis bullosa, mainly the dystrophic type, despite pseudosyndactyly, are joint contractures and deformities in hands and feet. In this study, we describe our experience treating patients suffering from epidermolysis bullosa, as far as feet deformities are concerned. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients presenting feet deformities related to epidermolysis bullosa. Extension contractures of the toes, equinus and cavus deformities were treated with soft tissues surgery. RESULTS: Thirteen surgical procedures were done in six patients with feet deformities caused by epidermolysis bullosa. Of the feet operated 85.7 % extension contracture of the toes was asymptomatic at follow-up. However, 42.9 % developed hammertoe deformities. There were no recurrence or complications for other deformities. Subjectively, all patients declared themselves very satisfied with the results. CONCLUSION: Foot deformities must be treated as early as possible, due to progressive disability for walking and pain symptoms. We considered that, despite long term complications, treatment was adequate and we recommend it. Level of Evidence Level IV.