The use of a microporous tape for fixing skin grafts

INTRODUCTION: Fixing a skin graft is essential to its integration in the recipient bed. The literature presents several fixation techniques. However, only few reports on the use of microporous tape are available. This study aims to demonstrate and promote the use of microporous tape in fixing skin grafts. METHODS: A prospective study was performed from January 2014 to January 2016. In 40 patients, a sterilized microporous tape was used as an isolated method to fix skin grafts. RESULTS: The use of skin graft immobilization showed satisfactory results and consequently good integration. CONCLUSION: The use of a sterilized microporous tape is an excellent method for fixing skin grafts because it is easy, fast, and safe to use

McGregor flap: an alternative for lower eyelid and periorbital region reconstruction

Introduction: Lower eyelid reconstruction is a challenge for plastic surgeons. It requires knowledge of various surgical techniques and anatomy. In 1973, McGregor published the lateral periorbital zetaplasty technique, which proved to be an excellent alternative within the therapeutic reconstructive arsenal. The objective is to demonstrate the clinical applicability of the McGregor flap as an option for reconstruction of lower eyelid and periorbital region defects. Methods: In this retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study, seven patients underwent excision of cutaneous malignant tumors of the lower eyelid and adjacent regions and reconstruction using the McGregor flap between April 2010 and October 2016 at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Hospital Felício Rocho, Belo Horizonte, MG. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 38 to 79 years, with an average of 65.4 years. Five of the seven patients (71.4%) were women. At the anatomopathological examination, 85.7% of the cutaneous tumors were basal cell carcinoma, and 14.3% (n = 1) were adnexal microcystic carcinoma. Four patients underwent Mohs micrographic surgery for excision of the lesions. In one patient, the Matsuo technique was used for palpebral reconstruction of the posterior lamella. In the follow-up averaging 36.3 months, the conditions of the six patients (85.7%) progressed well without complications, with satisfactory results; one patient developed postoperative ectropion owing to the deformation of the cartilage graft of the ear used in the reconstruction. Conclusion: The McGregor flap presented adequate clinical applicability, making it an excellent alternative for reconstruction of lower eyelid defects and adjacent tissues with good aesthetic and functional results

Breast reconstruction with implant: creating a pocket with a reverse serratus anterior muscle flap

Introduction: Immediate breast reconstruction plays an important role in the treatment of breast cancer and relatively promotes patients' emotional and physical recovery. It may be difficult to cover the entire prosthesis with a muscle flap in single-stage breast reconstructions based on a permanent implant. This study aimed to present a muscle pocket for the implant using a reverse anterior serratus muscle flap associated with submuscular dissection of the pectoralis major muscle. Methods: This was a prospective study comprising 61 patients undergoing mastectomy followed by immediate reconstruction (74 reconstructions) with implant and anterior serratus muscle reverse flap associated with submuscular pectoralis dissection between January 2017 and July 2018. In this study, age, adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies, implant volume, length of hospital stay, follow-up, and complications, including functional deficit and reconstruction failure, were analyzed. Results: The technique described was used to operate 74 patients with a mean age of 49.2 years. The volume of the implant varied from 200 to 500 cc, and the mean follow-up time was 14.9 months. Complications such as hematoma, suture dehiscence, skin flap necrosis, and implant extrusion were observed in 14 patients (18.9%). Conclusion: In most cases, breast reconstruction with an anterior serratus muscle reverse flap associated with submuscular dissection of the pectoralis major muscle allows the complete muscle coverage of the implant, reduces the occurrence of major surgical complications, and has a good aesthetic result

Keratoacanthoma: morphological, clinical, and surgical aspects

Introduction: Keratoacanthoma is an epithelial neoplasm of rapid growth, more frequent in areas of sun exposure, and usually appears as a single, rounded lesion with a central depression filled with keratin. Clinical and histopathological similarities with squamous cell carcinoma often make differential diagnosis difficult. Excisional biopsy is the approach of choice, allowing diagnosis and treatment. Method: This is an observational and retrospective study, in which data of 162 patients treated at the Hospital Felício Rocho from 2005 to 2013, in Belo Horizonte, MG, were analyzed. All patients underwent surgical excision of tumors. Data on sex, age, number of lesions, location, tumor size, and preoperative diagnosis were studied. Results: Of the 162 patients, with a total of 173 lesions, only 154 (95.06%) had keratoacanthoma. There were 92 male (56.80%) and 70 female (43.20%) patients. The age of patients ranged from 11 to 96 years, with an average of 71.23 years. The lesions were located predominantly in the upper limbs (43.64%), face (28.48%), and lower limbs (17.58%). In the diagnostic hypotheses formulated by surgeons at the request of the pathology, the diagnosis was correct in 63.13%. Conclusion: Keratoacanthoma is an epithelial tumor with morphological characteristics similar to those of squamous cell carcinoma, which often complicates the diagnosis. Therefore, the complete excision of the suspicious lesions is necessary for correct diagnosis and treatment

Aggressive fibromatosis (desmoid tumor) associated with breast implant: literature review and presentation of three new cases

INTRODUCTION: Fibromatoses consists of the proliferation of fibrous tissue, in the form of bands or nodules, associated with fasciae and aponeuroses. The aggressive variety, previously denominated desmoid tumor, behaves similarly to malignant neoplasm, with local destruction of tissues, without, however, producing metastases. METHODS: A literature review was carried out from 1979 to January 2017. Data from three patients, operated between May 2010 and August 2015, were reviewed. Age, implant characteristics, route of introduction, time elapsed between implantation and fibromatosis, surgical treatment, clinical follow-up and results were observed. RESULTS: Twenty-four papers were found in the literature reporting aggressive fibromatosis of the chest wall associated with silicone breast implant. In these studies, 34 cases were reported. Three new cases of aggressive fibromatosis associated with silicone breast implant are now presented. These cases were successfully treated by extensive resection of the chest wall, including skin, musculature, ribs, endothoracic fascia, and parietal pleura. The reconstruction was successful, performed with alloplastic mesh (Prolene®) covered by muscular flap in two cases and local skin flap in one case. CONCLUSION: The association of aggressive fibromatosis and breast implant is rare. The treatment should consist of extensive surgery, removing the breast implant and the entire area of the capsule around it, part of breast, together with the underlying ribs, intercostal muscles, endothoracic fascia and parietal pleura. The reconstruction should be made with an alloplastic mesh, covered by muscular flaps or local skin flap