Scar asymmetry after abdominoplasty: the unexpected role of seroma.

Achievement of symmetry remains one of the goals of cosmetic procedures. Interestingly, scar asymmetry after abdominoplasty has been rarely considered a complication. However, this can have a significant impact on patient and surgeon satisfaction. This study identifies silent seromas as a potential cause of scar asymmetry.Among abdominoplasty procedures in a university hospital institution over a 30 months' period (October 1, 2007 to April 1, 2010), we retrospectively identified 6 patients who developed abdominal scar asymmetry only 3 months postoperatively and without any early warning complications (hematoma, seroma, or infection). Clinical examination was completed by abdominal diagnostic ultrasonography. Seroma capsulectomy under local anesthesia was performed in all cases.In all patients clinically presenting late abdominal scar asymmetry, ultrasonography confirmed the presence of an encapsulated chronic seroma. Surgical capsulectomy under local anesthesia resulted in reestablishment of former symmetry and high patient satisfaction. No complications such as wound infection, dehiscence, hematoma, or recurrence of seroma were detected after revision surgery.In our experience, fibrous capsule due to chronic seromas resulted in abdominal scar deviation and asymmetry. Surgical capsulectomy followed by wearing of compressive garments resulted to be an effective treatment with pleasant aesthetic outcome and no seroma recurrence. Silent seromas should be considered as a possible etiologic factor of scar asymmetries appearing during late follow-up after abdominoplasty.

Use Of Electrocautery For Coagulation And Wound Complications In Caesarean Sections.

To evaluate the safety of electrocautery for coagulation during Caesarean sections. A randomized, controlled, clinical pilot study was performed at a university maternity hospital. After admission for delivery and decision to perform a C-section, volunteers were randomized to either the intervention group (use of electrocautery for coagulation) or nonintervention group. The women were examined at the time of postpartum discharge (day 3), at days 7 to 10, and again at days 30 to 40 for signs of infection, hematoma, seroma, or dehiscence. Data were analyzed using an intention-to-treat analysis, and risk ratios were calculated. No significant differences were found between the two groups. Only 2.8% of patients in the intervention group developed surgical wound complications during hospitalization. However, 7 to 10 days following discharge, these rates reached 23.0% and 15.4% in the intervention and nonintervention groups, respectively (RR = 1.50, 95% CI = 0.84-2.60). Further studies should confirm whether the use of electrocautery for coagulation does not increase the risk of surgical wound complications in patients undergoing Caesarean sections.

Immediate Locally Advanced Breast Cancer and Chest Wall Reconstruction: Surgical Planning and Reconstruction Strategies with Extended V-Y Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap

Background: Surgical resection in locally advanced breast cancer produces large defects that may not be suitable for primary closure. Immediate reconstruction is controversial and presents a complicated scenario for breast surgeons and plastic surgeons. Methods: In this study, a different design was planned for the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with primary closure in V-Y for the correction of major lesions in the anterior chest wall. Twenty-five patients underwent immediate locally advanced breast cancer reconstruction with a V-Y latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. This flap was raised from adjacent tissue located on the lateral and posterior thoracic region and presented a triangular shape whose base was the lateral aspect of the mastectomy wound. The technique was indicated in patients with large thoracic wounds. Results: Mean follow-up time was 16 months. Closure was obtained in the donor and recipient sites without the use of skin grafts or other more major procedures. Complications occurred in nine patients (36 percent), including dorsal wound dehiscence in five patients and seroma in three. All cases except one were treated by a conservative approach with a good result. No total flap loss was reported. All patients achieved a satisfactory thoracic reconstruction and adequate wound care. Conclusions: The V-Y latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is a reliable technique for immediate locally advanced breast cancer reconstruction. The technique is advantageous because the V-Y design allows primary closure of the chest wound and donor defect. Success depends on patient selection, coordinated planning with the breast cancer surgeon, and careful intraoperative management. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 127: 2186, 2011.)

Fibrin sealant for mesh fixation in endoscopic inguinal hernia repair: is there enough evidence for its routine use?

Fibrin sealing has recently evolved as a new technique for mesh fixation in endoscopic inguinal hernia repair. A comprehensive Medline search was carried out evaluating fibrin sealant for mesh fixation, and finally 12 studies were included (3 randomized trials, 3 nonrandomized trials, and 6 case series). The trials were assessed for operative time, seroma formation, recovery time, recurrence rate, and acute and chronic pain.There was a trend toward decreased operative times for fibrin sealing compared with mechanical stapling; however, the results for seroma formation remained contradictory. The most important finding was the reduced postoperative pain. Recovery times were lower after fibrin sealing and the recurrence rates showed no differences.Fibrin sealing for mesh fixation in the endoscopic inguinal hernia surgery is a promising alternative to mechanical stapling, which can be safely applied. As the overall quality of published data remains poor, further well-designed studies are needed until fibrin sealing can replace mechanical stapling as a new standard for mesh fixation.

Adverse effects of intraperitoneal onlay mesh used for incisional hernia repair

Context: In the past 50 years, the use of prosthetic mesh in surgery has dramatically¦changed the management of primary, as well as incisional hernias. Currently, there¦are a large number of different mesh brands and no consensus on the best material,¦nor the best mesh implantation technique to use. The purpose of this study is to¦illustrate the adverse effects of intraperitoneal onlay mesh used for incisional¦hernia repair encountered in patients treated at CHUV for complications after¦incisional hernia repair.¦Materials & Methods: This work is an observational retrospective study. A PubMed¦search and a systematic review of literature were performed. Thereafter, the medical¦records of 22 patients who presented with pain, abdominal discomfort, ileus, fistula,¦abscess, seroma, mesh infection or recurrent incisional hernia after a laparoscopic or¦open repair with intra-abdominal mesh were reviewed.¦Results: Twenty-two persons were reoperated for complications after incisional¦hernia repair with a prosthetic mesh. Ten were male and twelve female, with a¦median age of 58,6 years (range 24-82). Mesh placement was performed by a¦laparoscopic approach in nine patients and by open approach in thirteen others.¦Eight different mesh brands were found (Ultrapro®, Mersilene®, Parietex Composite®,¦Proceed®, DynaMesh®, Gore® DualMesh®, Permacol®, Titanium Metals UK Ltd®).¦Mean time from implantation and reoperation for complication was 34.2 months¦(range 1-147). In our sample of 22 patients, 21 (96%) presented mesh adhesion and¦15 (68%) presented hernia recurrence. Others complications like mesh shrinkage,¦mesh migration, nerve entrapment, seroma, fistula and abscess were also evaluated.¦Conclusion: The majority of articles deal with complications induced by¦intraperitoneal prosthetic mesh, but the effectiveness of mesh has been studied¦mostly on experimental models. Actually and as shown in the present study,¦intraperitoneal mesh placement was associated with severe complications witch may¦potentially be life threatening. In our opinion, intraperitoneal mesh placement should¦only be reserved in exceptional situations, when the modified Rives-Stoppa could not¦be achieved and when tissues covering the mesh are insufficient.

Open elbow arthrolysis for posttraumatic elbow stiffness.

OBJECTIVES: The elbow joint is vulnerable to stiffness, especially after trauma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of open arthrolysis for posttraumatic elbow stiffness. DESIGN: Cohort retrospective study. PATIENTS: Eighteen consecutive patients were evaluated by an independent observer at an average of 16 months (6 to 43) after open elbow arthrolysis was performed for posttraumatic stiffness. Initial traumas were: isolated fractures (11) or dislocation (1) and complex fracture-dislocations (6). Initial treatments were: nonoperative (3), radial head resection (1), and ORIF (14). Patients presented predominantly with mixed contractures (combined extrinsic and intrinsic contractures). INTERVENTION: Open elbow arthrolysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Elbow function and patient satisfaction were the principal outcome measures. At follow-up European Society for Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (SECEC) elbow scores were calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Three patients had minor postoperative complications: 1 partial wound dehiscence, 1 subcutaneous infection, and one seroma. None of these complications influenced the final result clinically. The mean total increase in range of motion was 40 degrees (13 to 112 degrees), with a mean gain in flexion of 14 degrees (0 to 45 degrees) and 26 degrees in extension (5 to 67 degrees). No patient showed signs of elbow instability. There was no radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis progression at follow-up. We did not find any correlations between the type of stiffness, the approaches used, and the results. However, patients with the greatest preoperative stiffness had significantly better improvement of mobility (P<0.001). The best results were obtained in patients who had arthrolysis done within 1 year after the initial trauma (P=0.008). The mean SECEC scores were 88 (52 to 100) for the injured elbows, and 96 (88 to 100) for the contralateral elbows. CONCLUSION: Open elbow arthrolysis for patients with posttraumatic stiffness improves joint function and provides patient satisfaction. The best results, in terms of gain of motion and patient satisfaction, were obtained in patients with severe stiffness who had operations within the first year after initial trauma.

Is ultracision knife safe and efficient for breast capsulectomy? A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Silicone breast implants are used to a wide extent in the field of plastic surgery. However, capsular contracture remains a considerable concern. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness and applicability of an ultracision knife for capsulectomy breast surgery. METHODS: A prospective, single-center, randomized study was performed in 2009. The inclusion criteria specified female patients 20-80 years of age with capsular contracture (Baker 3-4). Ventral capsulectomy was performed using an ultracision knife on one side and the conventional Metzenbaum-type scissors and surgical knife on the collateral side of the breast. Measurements of the resected capsular ventral fragment, operative time, remaining breast tissue, drainage time, seroma and hematoma formation, visual analog scale pain score, and sensory function of the nipple-areola complex were assessed. In addition, histologic analysis of the resected capsule was performed. RESULTS: Five patients (median age, 59.2 years) were included in this study with a mean follow-up period of 6 months. Three patients had Baker grade 3 capsular contracture, and two patients had Baker grade 4 capsular contracture. The ultracision knife was associated with a significantly lower pain score, shorter operative time, smaller drainage volume, and shorter drainage time and resulted in a larger amount of remaining breast tissue. Histologic analysis of the resected capsule showed no apoptotic cells in the study group or control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that ventral capsulectomy with Baker grade 3 or 4 contracture using the ultracision knife is feasible, safe, and more efficient than blunt dissection and monopolar cutting diathermy and has a short learning curve. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors at www.springer.com/00266 .

Is the function of the serratus anterior muscle disturbed following division during a standard thoracotomy?

In a prospective study the functional results after dissection or preservation of the serratus anterior muscle in the postero-lateral standard thoracotomy were evaluated. In 14 patients of our clinic with dissection and suture and in 14 patients with preservation of the serratus muscle the muscle function was assessed and compared preoperatively, within the first two post-operative weeks, and three months after the operation by the same physiotherapists. The two groups were blinded in regard to age, original disease, and mode of intervention. We compared the wing position of the scapula in the sitting position and the positioning of the scapula at fixation of the shoulder joint in the sitting and in the supine position. Using a four-grade function assessment scheme, both groups obtained the same functional results. There was no seroma in either group. After 2.8 (2.5 to 3.0) years all the surviving patients described symmetric functional conditions. We therefore conclude that in order to achieve a better view of the operative field the serratus muscle may be dissected close to the origin if it is then readapted.

Transvaginal specimen extraction in colorectal surgery: current state of the art.

Aim  Background The expected benefit of transvaginal specimen extraction is reduced incision-related morbidity. Objectives A systematic review of transvaginal specimen extraction in colorectal surgery was carried out to assess this expectation. Method  Search strategy The following keywords, in various combinations, were searched: NOSE (natural orifices specimen extraction), colorectal, colon surgery, transvaginal, right hemicolectomy, left hemicolectomy, low anterior resection, sigmoidectomy, ileocaecal resection, proctocolectomy, colon cancer, sigmoid diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Selection criteria Selection criteria included large bowel resection with transvaginal specimen extraction, laparoscopic approach, human studies and English language. Exclusion criteria were experimental studies and laparotomic approach or local excision. All articles published up to February 2011 were included. Results  Twenty-three articles (including a total of 130 patients) fulfilled the search criteria. The primary diagnosis was colorectal cancer in 51% (67) of patients, endometriosis in 46% (60) of patients and other conditions in the remaining patients. A concurrent gynaecological procedure was performed in 17% (22) of patients. One case of conversion to laparotomy was reported. In two patients, transvaginal extraction failed. In left- and right-sided resections, the rate of severe complications was 3.7% and 2%, respectively. Two significant complications, one of pelvic seroma and one of rectovaginal fistula, were likely to have been related to transvaginal extraction. The degree of follow up was specified in only one study. Harvested nodes and negative margins were adequate and reported in 70% of oncological cases. Conclusion  Vaginal extraction of a colorectal surgery specimen shows potential benefit, particularly when associated with a gynaecological procedure. Data from prospective randomized trials are needed to support the routine use of this technique.

Quality improvement for portal vein embolization.

Fibrin sealant is used in many areas of surgery. We present a novel aspect of flap insetting in the ischial region using fibrin spray to seal the transferred tissue. We analyzed 10 patients suffering from decubital ulcers and assessed drainage output, time of drain removal, as well as complications following fasciocutaneous flap surgery. Patients were randomized to receive sprayed fibrin glue (study group) or not (control group) before wound closure. The mean drainage time was 4 +/- 1 days in the study group and 6 +/- 1 days in the control group ( P = 0.06). The mean drainage volume was 100 +/- 20 mL in the study group and 168 +/- 30 mL in the control group ( P < 0.01). Fibrin sealant led to reduced drainage volumes and duration of drainage, indicating a beneficial effect of the application of fibrin glue in fasciocutaneous flap surgery for pressure sore coverage.

Banda gástrica ajustável laparoscópica: alternativa técnica

In these paper we are presenting a technical alternative to laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. From January 1999 to April 2000, 60 patients with mean body mass index (BMI) of 40,7 kg/m2 underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. The new technique is performed in two steps. In the first step, an isolation instrument (laparoscopic finger) is inserted through the lesser sac, next to the junction of diaphragmatic crura, including the lesser omentum in order to pull the band catheter. The second step separates the lesser omentum from the right side of the stomach.There was no mortality and the morbidity was 11,6% (1 slippage of the band and 6 trocar port seroma). The new technique was performed in all patients with no conversion to open procedure. We didn't have respiratory complications. This technical alternative is safe and easily performed, helping to prevent transoperative perforations.

Tratamento cirúrgico da obesidade mórbida

OBJETIVO: Avaliar prospectivamente o tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes portadores de obesidade mórbida, realizadas no Serviço de Cirurgia Geral do HC-UFPE (SCG/HC-UFPE). MÉTODO: No período de novembro de 1997 a fevereiro de 2001 foram operados 228 pacientes oriundos do Ambulatório de Cirurgia Bariátrica do SCG/ HC-UFPE e da clínica privada dos dois primeiros autores. A idade variou de 20 a 59 anos de idade (média de 34 anos). O índice de massa corporal médio (IMC) foi de 46 Kg/m², variando entre 35 e 98 Kg/m². O sexo feminino foi predominante, constituindo 58% dos casos. RESULTADOS: A gastroplastia com bypass jejunal em Y de Roux (operação de Fobi/Capella) foi realizada em 207 pacientes (47 com colecistectomia), gastroplastia vertical (Operação de Mason) em três casos, sete casos de operações descritas por Scopinaro, cinco casos de utilização de banda gástrica por via laparoscópica, cinco casos gastroplastias verticais em Y de Roux (operação de Fobi/Capella) videolaparoscópica e um caso de " Switch duodenal". As comorbidades mais freqüentemente encontradas foram: hipertensão arterial sistêmica (68%), refluxo gastroesofágico (34%), varizes de membros inferiores (36%), artropatia degenerativa (31%), dislipidemia (21%), e diabetes (19%). A presença de colelitíase, com indicação de colecistectomia, ocorreu em 21% dos pacientes. A ferida operatória foi o principal sítio das complicações pós-operatórias: formação de seroma e infecção ocorrendo em 33% e 8,1% respectivamente. Complicações graves ocorreram em 18 pacientes (7,8%), com quatro óbitos (1,8%). O período médio de internamento foi de 4,3 dias. O acompanhamento ambulatorial demonstrou que a perda ponderal média em 12 meses atingiu 41% do peso pré-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento cirúrgico da obesidade mórbida é uma alternativa eficaz e eficiente no controle do excesso de peso.

Pectus Excavatum / Pectus Carinatum: tratamento cirúrgico

OBJETIVO: Apresentar os resultados obtidos com técnica única para tratamento do Pectus Excavatum e Pectus Carinatum. MÉTODO: De 1976 a 2000 foram operados, 183 portadores de Deformidades da Parede Torácica Anterior sendo 98 Pectus Carinatum (70 P. Carinatum Simétrico, 18 P. Carinatum Lateral a Direita e 10 P. Carinatum Lateral a esquerda), 62 Pectus Excavatum (57 P. Excavatum Simétrico, 4 P. Excavatum Lateral a Direita e um P. Excavatum Lateral a Esquerda), 17 Pectus Carinatum Superior, um Pectus Combinado, quatro Protusões Costais Inferiores e uma Depressão Costal. A indicação foi exclusivamente estética em 182 (99,4%) dos pacientes. Foi utilizada técnica única para Pectus Carinatum e Pectus Excavatum: incisão transversal inframamária; ressecção subpericondral de todas as cartilagens envolvidas na deformidade; dissecção retroesternal mínima; osteotomia esternal anterior, fixação da osteotomia esternal com fios de aço;utilização da placa retroesternal em casos selecionados de Pectus Excavatum; pregueamento dos feixes pericondriais para dar maior rigidez a parede torácica e auxílio na manutenção do esterno na sua posição; drenagem do tecido celular subcutâneo e do plano submuscular, sutura intradérmica da pele. RESULTADOS: Bom ou excelente em 175 (95,6%) dos pacientes. Complicações ocorreram em 14 (7,6%) pacientes: oito casos (4,5%) de seroma; um (0,5%)hematoma de parede; dois (1,0%) caso de dor torácica intensa no pós-operatório; um(1,0%) caso de deiscência parcial da sutura da pele e dois casos (1,0%) de cicatriz hipertrófica que foram tratados com ressecção e betaterapia. CONCLUSÃO: Pelos resultados estéticos alcançados, a esternocondroplastia apresentada está indicada para correção de Pectus Excavatum/Carinatum.

Comparação entre as técnicas de shouldice e falci-lichtenstein, no tratamento das hérnias inguinais em homens

OBJETIVO: Trata-se de uma comparação, entre as técnicas Shouldice (S), um reparo em quatro camadas de sutura contínua e a de Falci-Lichtenstein (FL) que usa prótese de Polipropileno. MÉTODO: Foram operados 118 pacientes do sexo masculino, com um total de 124 hérnias, sendo que 58 pacientes foram submetidos a hernioplastia inguinal pela técnica de FL e 60 pacientes pela técnica de S. Em cada grupo foram reparadas 62 hérnias inguinais, com 85% dos pacientes acompanhados em quatro anos. A média de idade foi de 52 anos. Foram operadas 57 hérnias do tipo 3 A, 57 do tipo 3 B e 10 do tipo 4, segundo a classificação de Nyhus. Quanto ao lado houve uma predominância à direita com 65 hérnias (52,4%). A anestesia foi epidural em (89,8%) dos pacientes. RESULTADOS: O hematoma e o seroma foram as complicações mais comuns no pósoperatório, seguidos pela retenção urinária e estas complicações ocorreram mais freqüentemente na técnica de FL. Houve uma recidiva (0,8%) com a técnica de FL, em um paciente em que a tela soltou-se do ligamento inguinal. Em outro paciente apareceu uma hérnia femoral. Os pacientes operados pela técnica de S queixaramse mais de dor no pós-operatório imediato e retornaram mais tarde ao trabalho. O tempo de acompanhamento não foi o ideal, pois nos pacientes não controlados pode estar o maior índice de recidiva, quando se sabe que 40% das recidivas aparecem após cinco anos e 20% após 25 anos da operação primária. CONCLUSÕES: Os dois reparos apresentam taxas baixas de recidivas. A técnica de Shouldice é mais complexa, mas permite uma exploração segura do canal femoral, requer um conhecimento anatômico mais sólido da região e uma maior experiência com a cirurgia da hérnia inguinal. Seu custo é menor. O reparo Falci-Lichtenstein é eficaz, rápido, causa pouca dor, recuperação rápida e permite que os cirurgiões com menos experiência em cirurgia de hérnia inguinal possam realizá-la com sucesso.

Complicações pós-operatórias em pacientes submetidos à abdominoplastia isolada e combinada à outras cirurgias do abdome

OBJETIVO: A realização de abdominoplastias associadas a outras cirurgias da parede ou da cavidade abdominal, embora atrativa, é motivo de controvérsias. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o grau de morbidade e mortalidade destas associações. MÉTODO: Foram estudados retrospectivamente 75 pacientes com indicação de abdominoplastia dos quais 39 submeteram-se a abdominoplastia isoladamente (grupo 1) e 36 à associação de abdominoplastia a outras cirurgias do abdome (grupo 2), como correção de hérnias, histerectomias e colecistectomias. Foram analisados os diversos fatores capazes de interferir na evolução do paciente, como doenças pré-existentes, assim como as complicações pós-operatórias. RESULTADOS: As complicações observadas foram: seroma (grupo 1: 2.6% , grupo 2: 25%,), epidermólise (grupo 1: 12.82% , grupo 2: 5.55%), deiscência de sutura (grupo 1: 5.12% , grupo 2: 5.55%), infecção da ferida operatória (grupo 1: 0%, grupo 2: 8.33%) e hematoma (grupo 1: 0%, grupo 2: 5.55%). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois grupos no que se refere a complicações pós-operatórias, exceto quanto ao seroma (p=0,009). CONCLUSÕES: Concluímos que não houve aumento significativo da morbidade e da mortalidade dos pacientes submetidos a cirurgias combinadas quando comparados aos pacientes submetidos à abdominoplastia isoladamente.