Alternative technique for the treatment of osteonecrosis in breasts: description and results

Introduction: This work describes and presents the results of an alternative technique for treating steatonecrosis by liposuction using a specific cannula, with good physical and imaging results. Steatonecrosis is a complication that frequently occurs during mammary surgeries, especially during mammary reconstructions and in conservative surgery or TRAM. Steatonecrosis is characterized initially by hardening of the tissue that may develop into nodules of different sizes in any mammary region with oily cysts and fibrosis; consequently, steatonecrosis is a constant concern for patients, oncologists, breast cancer specialists, and plastic surgeons due to the possibility of tumor recurrence. Method: A retrospective review of the medical records of the patients undergoing procedures related to the breast, either reconstructive or aesthetic, was performed. Patients who developed steatonecrosis and were treated by liposuction, similar to the bone drilling technique performed by orthopedic surgeons for the treatment of bone necrosis, were included in the study. Results: Eight patients from the study period reviewed were selected. The mean age was 56 years. Most of the patients showed deformity in the affected breast, with oily cysts, reported in 5 patients (62.5%), being the most common deformity. Breast cancer history was reported for 75% of the patients. Conclusion: The individualization of the patient is the key to successful treatment of steatonecrosis and an essential tool to satisfy the expectations and desires of the patient after this complication. Each technique has its indications, advantages and limitations, which should be thoroughly discussed with the patient to obtain the best possible result

Triangular flap for nipple reconstruction

Introduction: Despite the many published techniques, there are difficulties in satisfactorily achieving a nipple areola complex (NAC) with long-lasting results. The objective is to demonstrate results using the triangular cutaneous flap technique in nipple reconstructions and compare it with previously published techniques. Methods: A prospective study of nipple reconstruction using the triangular cutaneous flap technique from January 1, 2015, to March 1, 2016. Surgical technique: Marking of an equilateral triangle; decortication of the three points of the triangle that are united in the form of an envelope, with the central area adhered to the neo-breast; total skin grafting for construction of the areola. The patients were evaluated and results classified as fully satisfactory, satisfactory, partially satisfactory, or unsatisfactory. Primary type of breast reconstruction, postoperative or neoadjuvant chemo- or radiotherapy complications, comorbidities, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Statistical evaluation was performed using Fisher's exact test, chi-square test, and post hoc analysis (significance p < 0.05). Results: Thirty-one patients underwent nipple reconstruction using the triangular cutaneous flap technique, 17 unilateral and 14 bilateral, totaling 45 reconstructions. Mean age was 50 years, mean body mass index was 24.95 kg/m2, and mean follow-up period was 14 months. Rated: demographic data, complications of patients versus the type of primary breast reconstruction and completion of chemo- and/or radiotherapy, types of breast reconstruction performed, evaluation of the nipples versus reconstruction, evaluation of the nipple reconstruction technique versus satisfaction of evaluators, and nipple complications versus reconstruction technique. Conclusion: The original triangular cutaneous flap technique presents the advantages of easy execution and safety in reconstruction of the NAC

Surgical treatment of complications resulting from adjuvant radiotherapy: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among malignancies affecting women. Treatment options range from surgical treatment, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. The immediate breast reconstruction helps to benefit the psychosocial aspects of patients, however, depend on the technique used a number of complications can appear, especially after adjuvant radiotherapy. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 65-year-old woman, underwent quadrantectomy and radiotherapy in 1988. In 2010, the patient presented an injury on the scar and she was referred to mastectomy with reconstruction of retail large dorsal and adjuvant radiotherapy. Upon examination, we observed flap necrosis with infection on the axillary region, lymphedema, radiodermatitis, fibroses and joint limitation. In 2014, the patient sought our service to perform a new restorative approach. A bipedicled transverse abdominal flap was decided to be adequate to her case. After surgery, the patient reported mild pain in the upper pole that managed with debridement and dressing. Seven months after surgery there was a complete healing of the flap and patient was satisfied with the surgery. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of surgical techniques associated with the correct scaling of steps are essential for surgical success and management of complications that may appear in breast reconstruction of patients undergoing radiotherapy

Alar cartilage flap for projection of the nasal tip

Introduction: The nasal tip is a frequent object of study by surgeons, since it is a common reason for pre- and postoperative complaints. Thus, the tip should be thoroughly evaluated to determine the best technique to be used. The objective is to demonstrate an original alar cartilage flap technique for projection of the nasal tip, performed alone or in combination with other procedures for the same purpose. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 22 patients submitted to open rhinoplasty with use of the alar flap to project the nasal tip. Results: A total of 22 open rhinoplasties were performed on primary bulbous, fatty, and under-projected tips. Among the patients in the study, 90% were black and 2% were white; 72.7% reported a high degree of satisfaction with the operation, 18.1% considered the result very good, and 9.2% considered the result acceptable. There were no complications/reoperations. Conclusion: The alar cartilage flap for projection of the nasal tip is simple to perform and can be considered an excellent supplemental method for use in treatment of the black nose

Comparison between surgical sutures and Prineo® in terms of esthetic result and scar formation

INTRODUCTION: Wound healing is a well-organized, directed process of tissue repair. The process can be expedited using topical glues and adhesives, which offer a non-invasive, easily removable alternative to suturing. Furthermore, such products have good tensile strength and involve lower application time. In particular, the Prineo® adhesive is applied to a polyester mesh that covers the wound. METHOD: We carried out a retrospective, cross-sectional study, with subsequent statistical analysis , involving 101 surgical procedures in which wound closure was performed using either nylon sutures or Prineo®. All the procedures were performed between 2012 and 2014. RESULTS: Six patients had contact dermatitis after Prineo® was used, with statistical significance (p = 0.042). Furthermore, Prineo® decreased the rate of scar enlargement (p < 0.05) . There was no statistical difference between the Prineo® and suture groups in terms of scar quality (p = 0.068); in both groups, the scar result was mostly excellent (87 %) to good (27%). CONCLUSION: Patients whose wounds were closed using Prineo® a system involving octyl-2-cyanoacrylate and an associated polyester mesh displayed lower rates of scar enlargement, which depended on whether the thickness of the dermis was satisfactory. However, the same patients had higher rates of contact dermatitis than those whose wounds were closed using surgical sutures. Both groups showed excellent to good scar quality, with no significant difference in terms of esthetic scar results

Assessment of immediate symmetrization in breast reconstruction

INTRODUCTION: The surgical treatment of breast cancer frequently results in mutilation. Breast reconstruction in mastectomized women aims to create a new esthetically acceptable breast symmetrical to the contralateral breast. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of symmetrization of the contralateral breast simultaneously with breast reconstruction, discuss possible complications, and perform a brief review of the literature. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Plastic Surgery of Hospital Daher from October 2013 to February 2015. Breast reconstruction outcomes immediately after mastectomy for breast cancer were assessed, and all patients undergoing symmetrization of the contralateral breast in the same surgical stage using the same surgical technique were selected for inclusion and statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study comprised 42 patients within the established criteria, totaling 21 reconstructions with simultaneous symmetrization (Group 1) and 21 symmetrization procedures in two stages (Group 2). The mean age was 53.86 years in Group 1 and 52.62 years in the control group. The groups were comparable in all variables. Data regarding postoperative complications were analyzed. Some of the studied patients did not complete all stages of reconstruction. The group that underwent immediate symmetrization attained more symmetry. The patients aged 45 years and with lower body mass index attained more symmetry in Group 1. CONCLUSION: The implementation of symmetrization procedures at the same stage of unilateral breast reconstruction is associated with low complication rates and revision surgeries. In selected cases, immediate symmetrization may be preferable to the procedure in another surgical stage

Breast reconstruction with creation of upper retropectoral and lower mixed subcutaneous cavities and use of flaps

Introduction: A total of 57,960 new cases of breast cancer were expected in Brazil in 2016 according to data from the National Cancer Institute, corresponding to 25% of cancers in the country (excluding non-melanoma skin tumors). This study aims at presenting a surgical approach for immediate breast reconstructions with upper retropectoral and lower mixed subcutaneous cavities. Methods: The authors performed breast reconstruction using flaps of the pectoral muscle and inferior cutaneous pedicle associated with insertion of silicone breast implants. The medical records of patients operated between 2012 and 2016 at the Plastic Surgery Service of the senior author's private clinic at Daher Hospital and Armed Forces Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The results were satisfactory, with low complication rates and high patient and author satisfaction. Thirty-six patients, with a mean age of 59 years, underwent breast reconstruction using the described technique. The complications were nipple-areola complex necrosis, dehiscence, seroma, hematoma, liponecrosis, implant displacement, and deep venous thrombosis. No patient needed salvage surgery or had recurrence of mammary neoplasia during the study period. Conclusion: The present technique preserves the skin located at the lower portion of the breast, with a low risk of dehiscence or extrusion of the implant in this region, providing a double protection of the implant, with the pectoralis major muscle in the upper two thirds and the cutaneous-dermis-fat flap in the lower third, characterizing a "dual-plane" positioning