title: Successful Treatment of Pyoderma Gangrenosum after Augmentation Mastopexy Using Vacuum Therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, severe, destructive neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by a progressive, necrotizing process after skin injury. Its cause is still unknown, and diagnosis represents a challenge when ulcers are seen after surgery. Bacterial infection is not found in the wounds. Patients exhibit "pathergy" with the appearance of new lesions after local trauma such as surgical procedures, debridements, and wound care, suggesting altered inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to review the literature and report a case of PG that was satisfactorily treated with vacuum therapy (vacuum-assisted closure [VAC]).
  
  
  METHODS
  A 19-year-old healthy patient presented with skin ulceration 4 days after augmentation mastopexy, progressing to extensive necrosis. On the eighth day, she underwent debridement and implant removal. Two days later, the necrotic process was again evident and progressed, resulting in a significant increase in wound size, with each wound reaching 20 × 25 cm. Intense and diffuse neutrophilic exudate and areas of necrosis were present. Systemic corticosteroids and VAC under general anesthesia were initiated 5 days after the second surgery. From the fourth VAC session, some adherence between the mammary gland and pectoral muscles was visible, so deep sutures avoiding the dermis were placed to direct wound closure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PG is a life-threatening complication with devastating outcomes. Early diagnosis is critical. Although some reported cases needed up to 2 years for wound closure, in this case, VAC therapy allowed the patient to be discharged after only 42 days and permitted wound closure without the need for skin grafts.
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Division, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Julio Alberto
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Soncini
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Division, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grassi Salles
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Division, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Juvenal Antonio
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Frizzo Neto
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Division, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gemperli