Abstracts
Lymphatics (1)
Lymphatics (1)
Little is known about the morphology of precollectors, the lymphatic vessels connecting the absorbing and the collecting vessels, which are regarded as the initial drainage routes of lymph.
Described the structural features of human precollectors.
Samples of fat from around the saphenous veins were obtained from patients undergoing varicotomy, and serial sections were observed under light and transmission electron microscopy. Tridimensional reconstructions were also obtained by computer analysis.
Precollectors were characterized by an irregular and discontinuous arrangement of smooth muscle cells in their wall. This arrangement was unrelated to the site of valves. When present, muscular elements were arranged helicoidally, as shown in tridimensional reconstructions. Under transmission electron microscopy, the endothelium of precollectors was similar to that of absorbing lymphatic vessels, irrespective of the presence of smooth muscle cells, and was thin, rich in pinocytotic vesicles, supported by a discontinous basal lamina, and connected by anchoring filaments to the surrounding connective tissue. Myoendothelial contacts were frequent. Valves were similar to those of collecting vessels, except for the presence of numerous zonulae adherentes connecting the characteristic "tip cells" of the free edge.
Human thigh precollectors are characterized by the alternation of portions with a well-developed muscular coat and portions with an absorbing structure. These morphological features suggest that the precollectors contribute to fluid absorption and lymph propulsion. The frequent myoendothelial contacts suggest that smooth muscle contraction is regulated locally.
Sacchi G et al., The structure of superficial lymphatics in the human thigh: precollectors. Anat Rec, 1997 Jan, 247:1, 53-62.
Lymphatics (2)
Lymphatics (2)
Collecting lymphatics were obtained from human thigh fat for light microscopy and tridimensional reconstruction at time of operation for varicose veins.
Abundant vasa vasorum was observed around the musculature of superficial collecting lymphatics of human thigh. Within intervalvular portions of the lymphatic collectors where the muscle coat was thicker and more compact, the vasa vasorum penetrated between smooth muscle cells and was in contact with the endothelium.
In valvular portions of the collecting lymphatics where the muscle layer was thinner and more fragmented, there were fewer vasa vasorum. Tri-dimensional reconstructions of the collecting lymphatic wall showed two communicating plexi of vasa vasorum--one outside and the other inside the muscle layer. Arteries and veins of similar size did not have such an abundant vasa vasorum. The explanation for this difference may relate to the fact that a relatively low oxygen and nutrient content of lymph is insufficient to nourish the collecting lymphatic. Moreover, diffusion of nutrients from the external plexus is likely also impeded by the thickness and density of the muscle layer.
The vasa vasorum deep in the muscular layer and in the subendothelial space probably sustain adequate nutrition and oxygenation to the collecting lymphatic.
Agliano M et al. Vasa vasorum of superficial collecting lymphatics of human thigh. Lymphology, 1997 Sep, 30:3, 116-21.
Plastic Surgery (1)
Plastic Surgery (1)
Multiple body contour deformities of the trunk and thighs are commonly treated in separate stages to limit postoperative complications and disability. Recent advances in the surgical design of the medial thigh lift and the lateral thigh/buttock lift along with an understanding of the functional anatomy of the superficial "fascial" system have significantly improved results and decreased complications of trunk/thigh lifts.
Results have been consistent, and patient satisfaction has remained high.
Lockwood-T: Lower body lift with superficial fascial system suspension. Plast-Reconstr-Surg. 1993 Nov; 92(6): 1112-22; discussion 1123-5.
Plastic Surgery (2)
Plastic Surgery (2)
While excess fat deposits are the major component of body contour problems, skin laxity and skin contour irregularities-cellulite- are significant problems in many women.
Often the aesthetic contour deformity in a given patient consists of both fat and skin excess problems, requiring liposuction and lifting techniques for optimal results. In the past decade, significant progress has occurred in the understanding of aged aesthetic body deformities, allowing new body life designs based on modern surgical principles.
Lockwood T: The role of excisional lifting in body contour surgery. Clin Plast Surg, 1996 Oct, 23:4, 695-712.
Plastic Surgery (3)
Plastic Surgery (3)
The abdominal deformities remaining after massive weight loss of 30% or more body weight often are not satisfactorily corrected by standard abdominoplasty techniques. Redundant lateral flank and hip rolls may in fact be accentuated by the operation. Accordingly, a circumferential torso excision was designed and utilized for 7 patients during the past 2 years.
Employ a four blade propeller pattern of fascial plication centered on the umbilicus which tightens the abdominal fascia in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. Details of patient selection, operative technique, post-operative management and results are presented.
Complications have been minimal and satisfaction of both patients and surgeons significantly enhanced.
Carwell GR et al., Circumferential torsoplasty. Ann Plast Surg, 1997 Mar, 38:3, 213-6.
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