Reconstruction of the skullcap with PMMA prototyped implant after decompressive craniectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Decompressive craniectomy is indicated for the treatment of intracranial hypertension in cases of serious traumatic brain injury. This surgery results in a bizarre appearance, as if "part of the head" had been. After regression of cerebral edema and when the patient is in good clinical condition, the reconstruction of the skull is indicated. Reconstruction of the skull can be performed with autologous bone or with alloplastic materials. This study sought to present the experience of the author with skull reconstructions using custom PMMA prostheses. METHODS: In between 2014 and 2015, fourteen patients with previous (longer than 6 months) decompressive craniectomies were selected after Neurosurgery medical clearance and underwent skull reconstruction with customized PMMA prototyped prostheses. Signs and symptoms of syndrome of the trephined, computed tomography, and aesthetic appearance of the patients were analyzed preoperatively and at 6 months after reconstruction. RESULTS: All patients presented with improved symptomatology, aesthetic improvement and expansion of the brain after surgery. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the skull with customized prototyped PMMA prostheses improved the signs and symptoms and the aesthetic appearance in all 14 patients of this series. The use of prototypes to customize cranial prostheses facilitates the operative technique and enables patients to develop a nearly normal cranial contour.INTRODUCTION: Decompressive craniectomy is indicated for the treatment of intracranial hypertension in cases of serious traumatic brain injury. This surgery results in a bizarre appearance, as if "part of the head" had been. After regression of cerebral edema and when the patient is in good clinical condition, the reconstruction of the skull is indicated. Reconstruction of the skull can be performed with autologous bone or with alloplastic materials. This study sought to present the experience of the author with skull reconstructions using custom PMMA prostheses. METHODS: In between 2014 and 2015, fourteen patients with previous (longer than 6 months) decompressive craniectomies were selected after Neurosurgery medical clearance and underwent skull reconstruction with customized PMMA prototyped prostheses. Signs and symptoms of syndrome of the trephined, computed tomography, and aesthetic appearance of the patients were analyzed preoperatively and at 6 months after reconstruction. RESULTS: All patients presented with improved symptomatology, aesthetic improvement and expansion of the brain after surgery. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the skull with customized prototyped PMMA prostheses improved the signs and symptoms and the aesthetic appearance in all 14 patients of this series. The use of prototypes to customize cranial prostheses facilitates the operative technique and enables patients to develop a nearly normal cranial contour

Neoomphaloplasty with cutaneous graft

INTRODUCTION: The umbilical scar is due to the fall of the umbilical stump that occurs a few days after birth. Its presence, shape, and location on the abdominal wall provide the individual with an aesthetic and sensual connotation. METHODS: A primary prospective interventional study. The sample was of convenience, from February 2006 to June 2016, and included patients of both sexes attending the outpatient clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Pernambuco (HC-UFPE), a private clinic . The inclusion criteria were patients with abdominoplasty indications presenting with compromised circulation to the skin of the umbilical and periumbilical region caused by hernia defects in this area. The study followed the criteria of Helsinki and the patients signed an Informed Consent Form. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients underwent surgery and good integration of the grafted skin was observed. This resulted in an umbilical scar with a natural appearance and without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Neoomphaloplasty with a cutaneous graft is easy to perform and, in the long term, has shown to provide good aesthetic results, especially in thick abdominal flaps, thus proving to be an additional technical option for neoomphaloplasty procedures

Comparison of surgical techniques for prominent ear correction: Mustardé versus Converse

Introduction: prominent ears, popularly called "flappy ears," represent the most common congenital deformity of the external ear, affecting approximately 5% of the population. Methods: Primary, prospective and intervention study comparing the results of patients undergoing the surgical procedure to correct prominent ears using the Converse and the Mustardé techniques, performed at the Plastic Surgery Service of the Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Pernambuco (HC) -UFPE). Results: Twenty patients were evaluated, 10 with the Converse technique, and 10 with the Mustardé technique, from June 2016 to December 2017. Both groups showed a decrease in auricular mastoid distances at the end of the observation period, ranging from 6.67 to 14.6 mm, depending on the surgical technique and the evaluation point, but without statistical significance. Regarding the average auricular mastoid distances at the end of the observation period, a difference of a maximum of 6.3 mm was observed between the evaluated groups, but without statistical significance. Regarding the symmetry of the ears within the same group, the maximum mean level of asymmetry in the Mustardé and Converse groups was 0.9 mm and 0.5 mm, respectively. However, the percentage of loss of correction of the measures obtained surgically during the observation period in both groups ranged between 15 and 19%, without statistical significance. Regarding complications, there was 1 (10%) case of hematoma in the Mustardé group. Conclusion: Converse and Mustardé techniques did not show statistical differences in the results

Mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flap: case series

Introduction: Mandibular reconstruction is a complex procedure aimed at correcting defects of the lower third of the face and achieving functional rehabilitation, including chewing and oral competence. Fibula free flap is the first choice for the reconstruction of segment defects of the adjacent mandible and soft tissue. Methods: A retrospective clinical study was conducted from January 2005 to July 2017, analyzing the medical records of patients undergoing microsurgical reconstructions after resection of head and neck neoplasms at the plastic surgery service of the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Pernambuco (HC-UFPE). Results: This study included six patients, of which three were men (50%), aged between 12 and 48 years and with a mean age of 24 years. In 83% of the cases, reconstructions were performed with osteomyocutaneous fibula free flaps (in one case, there was no need for skin island flap). We observed an adequate coverage of the large defects analyzed, with good functional and aesthetic appearance in all cases. Immediate reconstruction was performed in 83% of cases. The fibula and receptive area were prototyped in two cases. Conclusion: Fibula free flaps are a great alternative for head and neck reconstruction. Our initial experience and literature show satisfactory results, partially restoring the shape and function of the affected areas

Cranioplasties: surgical reconstruction strategies

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of the skull bones can prove challenging. There are three indications for carrying out cranioplasty: (1) recovery of protection against trauma, (2) recovery of the cranial contour, and (3) treatment of the syndrome of the trephined. The objective of this report is to present the experience of the author with cranioplasties, and discuss surgical reconstruction strategies. METHODS: This report presents a retrospective analysis of 16 consecutive cases of cranial reconstruction, which were operated in 2013 and 2014 in the public health service (INTO - RJ) and in the private practice. RESULTS: From January 2013 to January 2014, 16 patients underwent surgery. Thirteen were men. Their age ranged from 10 to 72 years. Twelve patients underwent reconstruction with a parietal graft, two with custom prosthesis, one with fracture reduction and fixation, and one with reconstruction of soft parts . Most of the defects were located in the fronto-orbital region. The customized prostheses were used in defects of 192 cm2 and 22.5 cm2. Complications occurred in five patients: lesion of the sagittal sinus, irregularity in the contour, seroma, failure in graft integration, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, and extrusion of the prosthesis. All the complications were resolved without impairment to the reconstruction. The follow-up time ranged from 10 to 22 months. All the patients were pleased with the reconstructions, and improvement of the neurological functions was reported. CONCLUSION: Cranioplasty is a primarily restorative surgical procedure that is used to restore the protective function of the skull and to treat the syndrome of the trephined. The autologous parietal graft is the surgeons' first choice. The prosthesis is indicated when there is a major defect or when the harvesting of a parietal graft is not possible

Reconstruction following partial and total sacrectomy defects: An analysis of outcomes and complications

Reconstruction of sacrectomy defects following ablative surgery remains a challenge, with high complication rates in the reported literature. The size of the defect is the primary consideration for flap choice; however, the cause of intra-abdominal and flap complications remains unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate our results for sacrectomy flap reconstruction in order to determine predictive or protecting factors for complications. A 13-year retrospective review was performed of all patients who had reconstruction for partial and total sacrectomy defects at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, USA. Demographics, flap choice, and complications were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was used to determine factors causing flap and intra-abdominal complications. Fifty-four patients underwent reconstruction. Partial sacrectomy was performed in 38 (70.4%) patients, while total sacrectomy was performed in 16 (29.6%) patients. The average wound defect volume was 2136 cm3 (range 196–13,980 cm3). Flaps used included gluteal (n = 15; 27.8%), rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) (n = 37; 68.5%), and combined gluteal/RAM (n = 2; 3.7%). Obesity was significantly associated with intra-abdominal complications (p < 0.05) while preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy were not. Flap and wound healing complications were not significantly associated with any factors. Gluteal advancement and vertical RAM or transverse RAM flaps are both reliable options for reconstruction of sacrectomy defects. The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for reconstructing the posterior abdominal wall provides a barrier between the intra-abdominal contents and flap, preventing bowel adhesions/obstruction and fistulas as well as prevents sacroperineal hernia

Mutirões de cirurgia plástica do Instituto Ivo Pitanguy: Fernando de Noronha Plastic surgery task force of Ivo Pitanguy Institute: Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha é um arquipélago formado por 21 ilhas, ocupando uma área de 26 km². Na área da Saúde, o arquipélago possui o Hospital São Lucas, um Posto de Saúde vinculado ao Programa de Saúde da Família e um SAMU. A I Semana da Cirurgia Plástica do Instituto Ivo Pitanguy em Fernando de Noronha representou a expansão do trabalho feito na 38ª Enfermaria da Santa Casa da Misericórdia para lugares carentes da especialidade. A II Semana foi a continuidade natural deste projeto. O objetivo foi oferecer à população atendimento em cirurgia plástica com consultas, cirurgias e palestra, com o foco na prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer de pele, visto que a população local apresenta grande risco para esta doença. A equipe da primeira Missão contou com a participação de dois instrutores e seis residentes do Instituto Ivo Pitanguy, além de uma dermatologista convidada. Já na segunda Missão, houve a participação de um instrutor do Hospital Oswaldo Cruz (SUS-PE). Todos os casos foram documentados e fotografados. Somando-se a primeira e a segunda Missão, foram realizados 280 atendimentos, sendo 93 consultas sem indicação de tratamento cirúrgico e 187 pacientes operados. Do ponto de vista de Saúde Pública, a I e a II Semana da Cirurgia Plástica do Instituto Ivo Pitanguy representaram uma economia significativa para o Estado de Pernambuco. Além disso, este projeto trouxe uma inestimável experiência de vida a todos aqueles que formaram estas equipes. A possibilidade de ajudar à população com as nossas habilidades e conhecimentos só nos orgulha e enaltece ainda mais a tradição de nossa escola.Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago formed by 21 islands and has an area of 26 square km². The main island contains the public hospital São Lucas, a Health Care Center and a SAMU (Mobile Emergency Care Service). The I Week of Plastic Surgery of the Ivo Pitanguy Institute expanded the work performed at the 38th Infirmary of the Holy House of Rio de Janeiro to areas with lack of Plastic Surgery Services. The second mission was the natural continuation of the project. The objective of the project was to offer specialized care in Plastic Surgery with consultation, surgeries, and an educative class, focused in the prevention, diagnostic and treatment of skin cancer to the population, due to its susceptibility to the disease. The first team had two instructors, six residents of the Ivo Pitanguy Institute and a dermatologist. The second mission had an instructor from other service (Oswaldo Cruz Hospital), from the State of Pernambuco. All cases were logged and photographed. The two missions performed 280 consultations, being 93 without the need of surgery and 187 surgeries. The Missions enabled a significant economy to the State of Pernambuco. Beyond it, the missions brought a great life experience for those who performed then. The possibility to help people with our skills and knowledge make us very proud and ennoble the tradition of our school

Single site and conventional totally extraperitoneal techniques for uncomplicated inguinal hernia repair: A comparative study

Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility of endoscopic extraperitoneal single site (EESS) inguinal hernia repair and compare it outcomes with the conventional totally extraperitoneal (TEP) technique. Background : TEP inguinal hernia repair is a widely accepted alternative to conventional open technique with several perioperative advantages. Transumbilical laparoendoscopic singlesite surgery (LESS) is an emerging approach and has been reported for a number of surgical procedures with superior aesthetic results but other advantages need to be proven. Patients and Methods : Thirty-eight uncomplicated inguinal hernias were repaired by EESS approach between January 2010 and January 2011. All procedures were performed through a 25 cm infraumbilical incision using the Alexis wound retractor attached to a surgical glove and three trocars. Body mass index, age, operative time, blood loss, complications, conversion rate, analgesia requirement, hospital stay, return to normal activities and patient satisfaction with aesthetic results were analysed and compared with the last 38 matched-pair group of patients who underwent a conventional TEP inguinal hernia repair by the same surgeon. Results: All procedures were performed successfully with no conversion. In both unilateral and bilateral EESS inguinal repairs, the mean operative time was longer than conventional TEP (55± 20 vs. 40± 15 min, P = 0.049 and 70± 15 vs. 55± 10 min, P = 0.014). Aesthetic result was superior in the EESS group (2.88± 0.43 vs. 2.79± 0.51, P = 0.042). There was no difference between the two approaches regarding blood loss, complications, hospital stay, time until returns to normal activities and analgesic requirement. Conclusion: EESS inguinal hernia repair is safe and effective, with superior cosmetic results in the treatment of uncomplicated inguinal hernias. Other advantages of this new technique still need to be proven