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Pectoralis major muscle flaps are considered versatile and allow large reconstructions of anatomical defects within a single surgical procedure. Considered a "workhorse" due to these characteristics, the pectoralis major muscle is an excellent option for surgical reconstruction. Several uses of this flap are described in the literature, such as protection of the jugulocarotid system after cervical lymph node dissection, oral, cervical, breast, diaphragmatic, hypopharyngeal, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and esophageal reconstructions.

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Introdução: Defeitos na região superior do dorso geralmente são de difícil tratamento, especialmente nos casos de exposição de vértebras, meninge ou material de síntese. O fechamento primário com retalho muscular ou musculocutâneo é a melhor escolha, mas a área doadora para tratar grandes defeitos pode requerer enxertia. A preservação da artéria dorsal da escápula parece assegurar um território cutâneo maior do que o do retalho musculocutâneo do trapézio clássico baseado apenas na artéria cervical transversa. Método: Foi concebida uma ampla ilha triangular de pele sobre o músculo trapézio baseado na artéria dorsal da escápula com transferência por movimento pendular e um procedimento tipo V-Y em cinco pacientes após a extirpação de tumores malignos. Resultados: Os defeitos e as áreas doadoras foram fechados primariamente com total viabilidade dos retalhos e não foram observadas complicações além da ocorrência de seroma. Conclusão: O retalho musculocutâneo do trapézio baseado na artéria dorsal da escápula oferece segurança no tratamento de exposição óssea na região superior do dorso.

Introduction: Defects in the upper region of the back are generally difficult to treat, especially in cases of exposure of vertebrae, meninges, or synthetic material. Primary closure with a muscular or musculocutaneous flap is the best choice, but the donor area to treat large defects may require grafting. Preservation of the dorsal artery of the scapula appears to ensure a larger cutaneous territory than that of the classic trapezius musculocutaneous flap based only on the transverse cervical artery. Method: A wide triangular island of skin was designed over the trapezius muscle based on the dorsal scapular artery with pendulum transfer and a V-Y type procedure in five patients after the extirpation of malignant tumors. Results: The defects and donor areas were closed primarily with full viability of the flaps and no complications were observed other than the occurrence of seroma. Conclusion: The trapezius musculocutaneous flap based on the dorsal artery of the scapula offers safety in the treatment of bone exposure in the upper back region.

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Os tumores de parede torácicas são relativamente inusitados, representando 1 a 2% de todas as neoplasias, e cerca de 5% das neoplasias torácicas. Sarcomas são tumores raros e com apresentação heterogênea. São divididos em dois grandes grupos: tumores ósseos e de partes moles. A ocorrência na parede torácica é rara, representando 8% de todos os sarcomas. O tratamento de escolha é a ressecção com margens ampliadas e, quando ocorre a invasão de estruturas profundas, a toracectomia é indicada. A reconstrução do arcabouço ósseo é realizada com materiais de síntese, proporcionando estabilidade, e é seguida da reconstrução de partes moles com retalhos musculares, musculocutâneos ou locais ao acaso. Os tumores malignos primários da parede torácica correspondem a menos de 1% de todas as neoplasias e incluem grande variedade de lesões ósseas e de tecidos moles. Os condrossarcomas representam 20% dos tumores primários da parede torácica, sendo que 80% têm origem nas costelas e 20% no esterno.

Chest wall tumors are relatively uncommon, representing 1 to 2% of all neoplasms, and approximately 5% of thoracic neoplasms. Sarcomas are rare tumors with heterogeneous presentation. They are divided into two large groups: bone and soft tissue tumors. Occurrence in the chest wall is rare, representing 8% of all sarcomas. The treatment of choice is resection with wide margins and, when invasion of deep structures occurs, thoracotomy is indicated. The reconstruction of the bone framework is carried out with synthetic materials, providing stability, and is followed by the reconstruction of soft tissues with muscular, musculocutaneous, or random local flaps. Primary malignant tumors of the chest wall account for less than 1% of all neoplasms and include a wide variety of bone and soft tissue lesions. Chondrosarcomas represent 20% of primary tumors of the chest wall, with 80% originating in the ribs and 20% in the sternum.

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Introducción: El colgajo infrahioideo (CI) es una alternativa reconstructiva para defectos en cavidad oral, orofaringe e hipofaringe. Se trata de un colgajo musculocutáneo pediculado e inervado que suele ser bien tolerado en el postoperatorio. Caso Clínico: Se describe la técnica quirúrgica del CI en relación al caso de un paciente de 58 años con carcinoma escamoso de lengua izquierda, a quien se le realiza resección amplia de dicho tumor. Se reconstruye mediante CI, lográndose cobertura exitosa con buena evolución postoperatoria. Discusión: Los colgajos regionales y pediculados son un eslabón fundamental en el abanico de opciones reconstructivas frente a un paciente con cáncer oral. El CI es una opción adecuada para defectos medianos con excelentes resultados estéticos y funcionales. Conclusión: El CI constituye una opción reconstructiva sencilla y ampliamente disponible. Requiere de una adecuada planificación preoperatoria con una buena selección de los pacientes para obtener resultados satisfactorios.

Introduction: The infrahyoid flap (IF) is an alternative for reconstruction in defects of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and hypopharynx. It is a pedicled and innervated musculocutaneous flap that is usually well tolerated by patients. Clinical Case: We describe the surgical technique of IF with the description of the case of a 58-year-old patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the left tongue. He underwent wide resection and then reconstruction. We performed an IF achieving successful coverage with adequate postoperative course. Discussion: Regional and pedicled flaps are important reconstructive options for patients with oral cancer. The IF is a suitable option for medium defects with excellent aesthetic and functional results. Conclusion: IF is a simple and widely available reconstructive option. It requires adequate preoperative planning with a good selection of patients to obtain satisfactory results.

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Introdução: O retalho transverso do músculo reto abdominal (TRAM) é um método de reconstrução mamária com bons resultados estéticos e dispensa o uso de próteses de silicone para melhor contorno corporal. Foi originalmente descrito por Holmstrom em 1979, como uma elipse de pele e gordura com base em um músculo isolado no seu pedículo vascular. A reconstrução sistematizada do defeito da parede instalado após a transposição do retalho com o uso de tela de polipropileno foi descrita em estudo prévio por Cunha. O artigo tem como objetivo avaliar as alterações na parede abdominal, após a sistematização da colocação da tela de polipropileno durante a cirurgia de reconstrução com TRAM. Método: É um trabalho de coorte retrospectivo que avalia as possíveis alterações da parede abdominal de pacientes submetidos ao retalho TRAM com tomografia computadorizada de abdome pré e pós-operatórias. Resultados: Foi evidenciada uma redução do tamanho da cavidade abdominal de, em média, 14,5% e 14,2% na espessura da parede abdominal submetidas ao TRAM. A maior redução da espessura da parede abdominal foi de um paciente submetido ao retalho bipediculado, com 50,7%. As complicações apresentadas foram hérnia umbilical, seroma tardio, fibrose peritela e granuloma de fio. Conclusão: Nesse estudo, a tomografia após a cirurgia demonstrou a redução no volume da cavidade abdominal e espessura da parede abdominal, o que não influenciou estatisticamente no aparecimento de hérnia abdominal, abaulamentos, extrusão da malha ou outras deformidades.

Introduction: The transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap (TRAM) is a method of breast reconstruction with good aesthetic results and does not require the use of silicone implants for better body contouring. It was originally described by Holmstrom in 1979 as an ellipse of skin and fat based on an isolated muscle on its vascular pedicle. The systematic reconstruction of the wall defect installed after flap transposition using polypropylene mesh was described in a previous study by Cunha. The article aims to evaluate changes in the abdominal wall, after the systematization of polypropylene mesh placement during TRAM reconstruction surgery. Method: This is a retrospective cohort study that evaluates possible changes in the abdominal wall of patients undergoing the TRAM flap with preand postoperative abdominal computed tomography. Results: A reduction in the size of the abdominal cavity of, on average, 14.5% and 14.2% in the thickness of the abdominal wall subjected to TRAM was evidenced. The greatest reduction in abdominal wall thickness was in a patient who underwent a bipedicled flap, with 50.7%. The complications presented were umbilical hernia, late seroma, perithellal fibrosis, and thread granuloma. Conclusion: In this study, tomography after surgery demonstrated a reduction in the volume of the abdominal cavity and thickness of the abdominal wall, which did not statistically influence the appearance of abdominal hernia, bulging, mesh extrusion, or other deformities.

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Introdução: Em 1977, a partir dos estudos anatômicos de McCraw et al., passou-se a utilizar o músculo peitoral maior como retalho miocutâneo em ilha. O presente artigo descreve um caso de reconstrução de um defeito da parede anterior do hemitórax direito através do retalho miocutâneo peitoral maior em ilha ipsilateral. Relato do Caso: A.E.S., de 66 anos, sexo masculino foi submetido a ressecção ampla de um carcinoma basocelular infiltrativo recidivante de 13,0 x 8,0cm da região paraesternal direita. O retalho miocutâneo foi transposto através de tunelização subcutânea e as cicatrizes posicionadas em forma de mamaplastia em T invertido. Conclusão: A presente tática cirúrgica é de fácil execução para cirurgiões habituados com reconstrução mamária, apresenta tempo cirúrgico curto e resultado estético-funcional satisfatório.

Introduction: In 1977, based on anatomical studies by McCraw et al., the pectoralis major muscle began to be used as an island myocutaneous flap. The present article describes a case of reconstruction of a defect in the anterior wall of the right hemithorax using the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in an ipsilateral island. Case Report: AES, 66 years old, male, underwent wide resection of a recurrent infiltrative basal cell carcinoma measuring 13.0 x 8.0 cm in the right parasternal region. The myocutaneous flap was transposed through subcutaneous tunneling and the scars were positioned in the shape of an inverted T mammoplasty. Conclusion: This surgical tactic is easy to perform for surgeons accustomed to breast reconstruction, has a short surgical time, and has satisfactory aesthetic-functional results.

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Enterocutaneous fistulas can present with significant morbidity and mortality for affected patients, as the abnormal connection can result in exorbitant loss of enteral fluids, electrolyte disturbances, and sepsis, among other complications. We present a patient with a chronic complex enterocutaneous fistula who underwent several surgeries, resulting in a considerable amount of bowel resection. Based on history and findings of high output fistula with diverting transverse colostomy, the fistula was closed with a left rectus myocutaneous pedicle flap to avoid entering the abdominal cavity and prevent the possibility of short bowel syndrome. This case contributes to the growing body of literature supporting the use of rectus myocutaneous flaps for the closure of intractable complex enterocutaneous fistulas in patients unable to undergo resection of the affected bowel.

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Infantile cavernous hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor in childhood. Cavernous hemangiomas have a tendency of slow enlargement with subsequent complications such as ulceration and bleeding. We report a case of a large cavernous hemangioma affecting the median upper lip in an 11-year-old girl. The lesion was growing and painful on pressure. The patient felt stigmatized. Treatment was wished for by patient and parents. After careful examination including Doppler ultrasound, we suggested a combined approach. In the first step the lesion was coagulated with an intralesional neodymium-YAG laser using a blunt tip. In the second step, immediately after the action of the laser, the lesion was removed completely by surgery. Defect closure was realized with bilateral tissue-expanding vermillion myocutaneous flaps. The patient was followed-up to 5 months. Disfigurement and functional impairment were eliminated. The result was satisfying for both patient and parents. Vascular lesions of the upper lip-particularly when close to Cupid's bow-can become disfiguring and cause functional impairment. We propose a combined approach with intralesional neodymium-YAG laser photocoagulation to avoid bleeding and to shrink the lesion before complete surgical removal. For defect closure, bilateral tissue-expanding vermillion myocutaneous flaps (Goldstein technique modified by Sawada) were used.

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El Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans es un tumor cutáneo fibrohistiocítico, extremadamente raro y representa menos del 1% de los tumores mamarios. Se caracteriza por un lento crecimiento, pero con comportamiento infiltrante con altas tasas de recidiva local. Se puede sospechar clínicamente, la confirmación es histopatológica y se debe complementar con inmunohistoquímica. El tratamiento de elección es quirúrgico. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 23 años con Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans de mama derecha, sometida a tumorectomía y reconstrucción inmediata de colgajo de dorsal ancho. La paciente tuvo evolución satisfactoria, sin evidencia de enfermedad.

SUMMARY Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a fibro histiocytic cutaneous tumor extremely rare that accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancers, and it is characterized by slow growing but locally invasiveness with high recurrence rates. Confirmation of the diagnosis is with histopathology with immunohistochemistry. Treatment of choice is surgical resection with latissimus dorsalis reconstruction. We present the case of a 23-year-old woman with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the right breast in whom a tumorectomy followed by latissimus dorsalis reconstruction was performed. The patient had a favorable clinical evolution remaining free of disease.

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Introduction: Fournier's gangrene is characterized by tissue necrosis, which requires treatment employing debridement and antibiotics with wounds of varying sizes. The objective is to standardize the surgical techniques of reconstructions with flaps used to treat wounds after Fournier's gangrene. Method: A study was conducted by searching the PubMed/Medline, SciELO, and LILACS databases. Results: In wounds with skin loss of 25% to 50%, a local advancement cutaneous flap or a pudendal flap from the thigh was used; in wounds, greater than 50%, a superomedial thigh flap or myocutaneous flap from the gracilis muscle was used, with the aim of to enable proper reconstruction. Conclusion: Advancement and pudendal thigh flaps were used for wounds with up to 50% loss of scrotal skin substance, while the myocutaneous gracilis flap and supero-medial flap of the thigh were indicated for wounds with more than 50% of the total scrotal surface affected, after Fournier gangrene.

Introdução: Gangrena de Fournier é caracterizada por necrose tecidual, que necessita de tratamento por meio de desbridamento e antibióticos, com feridas de dimensões variadas. O objetivo é padronizar as técnicas cirúrgicas de reconstruções com retalhos utilizadas no tratamento das feridas após gangrena de Fournier. Método: Realizou-se estudo por meio da busca nas bases de dados PubMed/Medline, SciELO e LILACS. Resultados: Nas feridas com perdas cutâneas de 25% a 50%, foram utilizados retalho cutâneo local de avanço ou retalho pudendo da coxa, nas maiores de 50% foram necessárias as confecções do retalho superomedial da coxa ou retalho miocutâneo do músculo grácil, com intuito de possibilitar a reconstrução adequada. Conclusão: Os retalhos de avanço e pudendo da coxa foram utilizados para feridas com perda de substância cutânea escrotal de até 50%, enquanto os retalhos miocutâneo de músculo grácil e superomedial da coxa foram indicados para as feridas com mais de 50% da superfície escrotal total acometida, após gangrena de Fournier.

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Injuries with exposure of soft tissue are frequent in orthopaedics. Innovative therapies using prosthesis as an auxiliary material to treat this type of injury are under development, aiming to overcome applicability and execution limitations of myocutaneous flap techniques. Figueiredo's technique uses a polypropylene prosthesis extracted from sterile saline to treat trauma at the fingertip. It is an alternative technique with a high success rate, reproducible, low cost and easy to apply. This article reports a case of foot injury with exposure of soft tissue treated with a treatment similar to Figueiredo's technique. The patient was admitted with a large and contaminated skin wound, muscle damage, tendon exposure, cuboid fracture and bone loss. Initially, debridement was performed. After 72 hours, a polypropylene prosthesis extracted from a sterile saline bottle was implanted and subsequently replaced after 60 days. After 76 days, the prosthesis was removed. There was no infection. 8 months later, there was total healing by second intention. The patient's motor and sensory functions were preserved. This case study shows that Figueiredo's technique can also be employed in more extensive injuries, representing an alternative to using myocutaneous flaps. The polypropylene prosthesis is extremely affordable, which enables resolution of cases in a greater number of services. This technique still offers the best aesthetic result and does not compromise other body regions.

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Os sarcomas de partes moles são neoplasias malignas raras originadas do mesênquima, mais comumente encontradas em membros. A ressecção cirúrgica com margens livres acima de 1cm é fundamental para obter a cura do paciente. A radioterapia pode ser combinada ao tratamento em casos selecionados. A reconstrução dos membros superiores após ressecções alargadas é um desafio. O retalho miocutâneo do músculo grande dorsal (RMGD) é uma opção em casos de lesões em membros superiores, sobretudo terço proximal e médio do braço, com preservação da função do membro e fechamento primário da área de ressecção. Relatamos dois casos de ressecção e reconstrução do braço utilizando RMGD com foco na descrição da técnica cirúrgica.

Soft tissue sarcomas are rare malignant neoplasms arising from the mesenchyme, most commonly found in the limbs. Surgical resection with free margins greater than 1 cm is essential to obtain a cure for the patient. Radiation therapy can be combined with treatment in selected cases. Reconstruction of the upper limbs after extended resections is a challenge. The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) is an option in injuries to the upper limbs, especially the proximal and middle thirds of the arm, with preservation of limb function and primary closure of the resection area. We report two cases of arm resection and reconstruction using LDMF, focusing on the surgical technique description.

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RESUMEN La técnica de preservación de papilas en el tratamiento de las periodontitis ofrece ventajas en cuanto a la protección del sitio del defecto cuando en este se pretende realizar cirugía ósea aditiva. La combinación de este proceder con la regeneración tisular guiada garantiza mayor protección a la membrana colocada con este fin. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 47 años de edad, masculino, cibernético de profesión, que recibió tratamiento periodontal pero no acudió a su fase de mantenimiento y en este momento lo hace por presentar movilidad y sangrado gingival manifestado fundamentalmente al realizar los procedimientos de higiene bucal. Se le realizó un colgajo con preservación de papilas, entre los incisivos centrales superiores, colocándole un injerto de Bio-Oss y una membrana de colágeno, con lo que se obtuvo una mayor altura del hueso y una disminución de la profundidad de la bolsa.

ABSTRACT The papillae preservation technique in the treatment of periodontitis offers advantages in terms of protecting the defect site when additive bone surgery is intended to be performed on it. The combination of this procedure with guided tissue regeneration guarantees greater protection for the membrane placed for this purpose. We present a 47-year-old male patient, computer engineer as a profession, who received periodontal treatment but did not attend his maintenance phase; he does so due to mobility and gingival bleeding manifested mainly when performing oral hygiene procedures. A papilla-preserving flap was made between the upper central incisors, placing a Bio-Oss graft and a collagen membrane, which resulted in greater bone height and decreased pocket depth.

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Introducción. Los colgajos del territorio de la arteria submentoniana pueden ser utilizados como un colgajo cutáneo, musculofacial y osteocutáneo, realizando cierres primarios del defecto del sitio donante, sin generar defectos funcionales ni estéticos mayores. Métodos. Describir la experiencia de nuestro equipo quirúrgico, las complicaciones relacionadas con el uso del colgajo y los resultados oncológicos, así como los desenlaces tardíos durante el seguimiento de los pacientes incluidos en el estudio. Resultados. Se incluyeron veintiún pacientes, con una edad media de 66 años (rango 52 - 86), con patología oncológica de lengua, labio inferior, paladar blando, nariz, órbita y orofaringe. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a disección selectiva ipsilateral del cuello, tras la extracción del colgajo y en todos los casos se preservó el nervio mandibular marginal. Se registraron complicaciones como la necrosis parcial. La estancia hospitalaria media fue de 8 días.Conclusiones. El colgajo de la arteria submentoniana ha mostrado resultados favorables debido a su uso versátil, amplio arco de rotación, color y baja morbilidad del sitio donante. Se recomienda realizar estudios más robustos, que incluyan la experiencia de diversos especialistas en países que compartan las mismas limitaciones técnicas y características sociodemográficas.

Introduction. Flaps from the territory of the submental artery can be used as a cutaneous, musculofacial and osteocutaneous flap, performing primary closure of the donor site defect, without generating major functional or aesthetic defects. Methods. To describe the experience of the same surgical team, the complications related to the use of the flap and the oncological results, as well as the late outcomes during the follow-up of the patients included in the study. Results. Twenty-one patients with a mean age of 66 years (range: 52-86), with oncological pathology of the tongue, lower lip, soft palate, nose, orbit, and oropharynx were included. All patients underwent ipsilateral selective neck dissection after flap removal, and in all cases the marginal mandibular nerve was preserved. Complications such as partial necrosis were recorded. The mean hospital stay was 8 days. Conclusions. The submental artery flap has shown favorable results due to its versatile use, wide arc of rotation, color, and low donor site morbidity. More robust studies are recommended, including the experience of various specialists in countries sharing the same technical limitations and sociodemographic characteristics.

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Resumen Desde la introducción del concepto de «angiosomas¼ se describieron las arterias perforantes y su potencial para el uso en colgajos. La angiotomografía es un método excelente para la valoración preoperatoria en cirugías reconstructivas y es clave en la valoración prequirúrgica. Es un estudio multidisciplinario en cuyo análisis participan el radiólogo y el cirujano plástico. Es importante incluir en el reporte radiológico el origen de la arteria, detallar su curso, cuantificar el calibre y determinar su emergencia para facilitar al cirujano la planeación prequirúrgica y la realización del procedimiento quirúrgico. Otra de las principales ventajas es que el uso de este método disminuye los tiempos quirúrgicos y las posibles complicaciones de las cirugías reconstructivas. El radiólogo debe estar familiarizado con los tipos de colgajos más comúnmente utilizados, la anatomía de las arterias y sus perforantes para guiar al cirujano en la planeación prequirúrgica y la toma de decisiones.

Abstract Since the introduction of the concept of "angiosomes", the perforating arteries and their potential for use in flaps was described. Angiotomography is an excellent imaging modality for preoperative evaluation in reconstructive surgery and is very important in presurgical assessment. This imaging technique requires a multidisciplinary approach in which the radiologist and the plastic surgeon participate. The radiological report must include the origin of the artery, detail it's course, quantify the caliber and determine the position where it emerges through the fascial plane to give the surgeon the possible information in presurgical planning and surgical procedure. The main advantage of this technique is the reduction of surgical timing and possible complications. The radiologist should be familiar with the most commonly used types of flaps, the anatomy of the arteries and their perforators to guide the plastic surgeon in presurgical planning and decision making.

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Úlceras por pressão são lesões ocasionadas na pele e tecidos subjacentes devido à força de pressão local, geralmente em pontos de proeminências ósseas. Cita-se aqui o caso de uma paciente acamada devido à lesão medular por mielomeningocele que evoluiu com úlcera em região isquiática à direita, tratada com técnica de retalhos muscular e fasciocutâneo de face posterior da coxa. Por ser lesão rotineiramente encontrada nesses pacientes portadores de limitações funcionais, é fundamental a realização de tratamentos adequados que visem a melhora clínica do paciente e minimizar índice de recidivas. Além disso, é de suma importância a implementação de novas técnicas cirúrgicas, haja vista a enorme variedade de lesões por pressão

Pressure ulcers are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues due to local pressure force, usually at points of bony prominence. We mention here the case of a bedridden patient due to a spinal cord injury caused by myelomeningocele that evolved with an ulcer in the right sciatic region, treated with the muscle flap and fasciocutaneous flap technique of the posterior thigh. As it is a lesion routinely found in these patients with functional limitations, it is essential to carry out appropriate treatments aimed at improving the patients clinical condition and minimizing the rate of recurrences. In addition, the implementation of new surgical techniques is of utmost importance, given the enormous variety of pressure injuries

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Objective To evaluate the use of external fixators in the delta-type kickstand configuration as an adjuvant method in the postoperative period of patients submitted to free flaps in the lower limbs. Methods A total of 17 external delta fixators were used in patients submitted to free flaps in the lower limbs. The surgical technique was performed in a standardized manner, with the distal pin located 6 cm proximally to the anastomosis, and the proximal pin, 6 cm distally to the anterior tuberosity of the tibia. Results The mean age of the sample was of 34.76 years (range: 15 to 66 years). In total, 11 men and 6 women were selected. The posterior tibial artery was used in 14 cases, and the anterior tibial artery, in 3 cases. The mean time of use of the external fixators was of 3.88 weeks. The rate of reoperation was of 17.64%; that of retail loss was of 11.76%; that of success rate was of 88.23%; and the rate of infection was of 5.9%. Conclusion The use of delta-type fixators as an adjunct method in the postoperative period is reliable; however, more studies are needed to evaluate its true role in the postoperative period.

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Abstract Introduction A refractory cervical anastomotic fistula which postoperatively remains unhealed for more than 2 months under conservative care severely impacts the quality of life of the patient and potentially leads to anastomotic stricture after the fistula heals. It is widely accepted that, to avoid this complication, refractory cervical anastomotic fistulas should undergo more aggressive treatments. However, when and which surgical intervention should be considered is unclear. Objective This study was designed to evaluate the role of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in the management of refractory cervical anastomotic fistulas based on our experience of 6 cases and a literature review. Methods Six patients diagnosed with refractory cervical anastomotic fistula after esophagectomy treated using pectoralis major myocutaneous flap transfer were included in the study. The clinical data, surgical details, and treatment outcome were retrospectively analyzed. Results All patients survived the operations. One patient who had a circumferential anastomotic defect resulting from surgical exploration developed a mild fistula in the neo-anastomotic site in the 5th postoperative day, which healed after 7 days of conservative care. This patient developed an anastomotic stricture which was partially alleviated by an endoscopic anastomotic dilatation. All the other 5 patients had uneventful recoveries after operations and restored oral intake on the 10th-15th days after operation, and they tolerated normal diets without subsequent sequelae on follow-up. One patient developed both local and lung recurrence and died in 15 months after operation, while the other 5 patients survived with good tumor control during the follow-up of 25-53 months. Conclusion The satisfactory treatment outcome in our study demonstrates that pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction is a reliable management modality for refractory cervical anastomotic fistulas after esophagectomy, particularly for those patients who experienced persistent fistulas after conservative wound care and repeated wound closures.

Resumo Introdução Uma fístula anastomótica cervical refratária, que permanece sem cicatrização por mais de 2 meses sob cuidados conservadores, afeta gravemente a qualidade de vida do paciente e potencialmente causa estenose anastomótica após a cicatrização da fístula. É amplamente aceito que as fístulas anastomóticas cervicais refratárias devem ser submetidas a tratamentos mais agressivos. No entanto, quando e qual intervenção cirúrgica deve ser considerada ainda é incerto. Objetivo Avaliar o papel do retalho miocutâneo do peitoral maior no manejo de fístula anastomótica cervical refratárias com base em nossa experiência de 6 casos e uma revisão da literatura. Métodos Foram incluídos no estudo seis pacientes diagnosticados com fístula anastomótica cervical refratária após esofagectomia tratados com transferência de retalho miocutâneo do peitoral maior. Os dados clínicos, detalhes cirúrgicos e resultado do tratamento foram analisados retrospectivamente. Resultados Todos os pacientes sobreviveram às cirurgias. Um paciente com defeito anastomótico circunferencial, resultante da exploração cirúrgica, desenvolveu uma fístula leve no sítio neoanastomótico no 5° dia de pós-operatório, que foi resolvida após 7 dias de tratamento conservador. Esse paciente desenvolveu uma estenose anastomótica parcialmente aliviada por uma dilatação endoscópica anastomótica. Todos os outros 5 pacientes tiveram recuperações sem intercorrências após as cirurgias, restabeleceram a ingestão oral 10 ou 15 dias após a operação e toleraram dietas normais sem sequelas subsequentes no seguimento. Um paciente desenvolveu recorrência local e pulmonar e morreu 15 meses após a cirurgia, enquanto os outros 5 pacientes sobreviveram com bom controle tumoral durante o seguimento de 25 a 53 meses. Conclusão O resultado satisfatório do tratamento em nosso estudo demonstra que a reconstrução com o retalho miocutâneo do peitoral maior é uma modalidade de manejo confiável para as fístula anastomótica cervical refratárias após a esofagectomia, particularmente nos pacientes que apresentaram falha após o tratamento conservador das feridas cirúrgicas e com fechamento repetido delas.