Abstract Objective: This study aims to report the use of the unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap for the treatment of the sternal wound dehiscence. Methods: A retrospective study including patients who underwent unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap was performed for the treatment of sternotomy dehiscence due to coronary artery bypass, valve replacement, congenital heart disease correction and mediastinitis, between 1997 and 2016. Data from the epidemiological profile of patients, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications and mortality rate were obtained. Results: During this period, 11 patients had their dehiscence of sternotomy treated by unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap. The patients had a mean age of 54.7 years, the mean hospital stay after flap reconstruction was 17.9 days (from 7 to 52 days). In two patients, it was necessary to harvest a flap from the rectus abdominis fascia, in association with the pectoralis major muscle flap, to facilitate the closure of the distal wound. In the postoperative period, seroma discharge from the surgical wound was observed in six patients, five reported intense pain (temporary), three had partial cutaneous dehiscence, and two presented granuloma of the incision. Conclusion: The complex wound from sternotomy dehiscences presents itself as a challenge to surgical teams. Treatment should include debridement of necrotic tissue and preferably coverage with well-vascularized tissue. We propose that the unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap is an interesting and low morbidity option for the reconstruction of sternal wound dehiscences, with proper sternum stability and satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução a partir da década de 1980, o uso da lipoenxertia autóloga tem crescido na cirurgia plástica. Recentemente, esse procedimento passou a ser utilizado como tratamento de queloides e cicatrizes hipertróficas, principalmente em decorrência da falta de resultados satisfatórios com outras técnicas. No entanto, até o momento, faltam evidências científicas mais consistentes que recomendem seu uso. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão do estado atual da lipoenxertia autóloga no tratamento de queloides e cicatrizes hipertróficas, os benefícios e as evidências científicas presentes na literatura. Método foi realizada uma revisão na base de dados Pubmed com os descritores “fat grafting and scar”, “fat grafting and keloid scar” e “fat grafting and hypertrofic scar”. Os critérios de inclusão foram artigos escritos em inglês e publicados nos últimos 10 anos, resultando em 15 estudos. Resultados os artigos indicam que a lipoenxertia autóloga realizada em locais com cicatrizes patológicas leva a uma diminuição da fibrose e da dor, à maior amplitude de movimentos em áreas de retração cicatricial, ao aumento de sua maleabilidade, resultando na melhor qualidade das cicatrizes. Conclusão até o momento, as evidências sugerem que a lipoenxertia autóloga para o tratamento das queloides e cicatrizes hipertróficas está associada à uma melhor qualidade das cicatrizes, levando a benefícios estéticos e funcionais. Contudo, esta revisão possui limitações e os acha dos devem ser analisados com ressalvas, já que a maioria provem de estudos com baixos níveis de evidência.

SUMMARY Introduction Since the 1980s, the use of autologous fat grafting has been growing in plastic surgery. Recently, this procedure has come to be used as a treatment for keloids and hypertrophic scars mainly due to the lack of satisfactory results with other techniques. So far, however, it lacks more consistent scientific evidence to recommend its use. The aim of this study was to review the current state of autologous fat grafting for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars, their benefits and scientific evidences in the literature. Method A review in the Pubmed database was performed using the keywords “fat grafting and scar”, “fat grafting and keloid scar” and “fat grafting and hypertrophic scar.” Inclusion criteria were articles written in English and published in the last 10 years, resulting in 15 studies. Results These articles indicate that autologous fat grafting carried out at sites with pathological scars leads to a reduction of the fibrosis and pain, an increased range of movement in areas of scar contraction, an increase in their flexibility, resulting in a better quality of scars. Conclusion So far, evidences suggest that autologous fat grafting for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars is associated with a better quality of scars, leading to esthetic and functional benefits. However, this review has limitations and these findings should be treated with reservations, since they mostly came from studies with low levels of evidence.