Introduction: The purpose of this study is to produce a bibliometric review of the 30 most cited articles related to 6 major domains of body contouring-abdominoplasty, thighplasty, brachioplasty, gluteoplasty, body lift, and liposuction-for resident and fellow education. Methods: The authors utilized the Web of Science Citation Index to identify the 30 most cited articles related to surgery for body contouring published from 1975 to 2020. Articles were classified according to their level of evidence, type of study, and country of publication. Results: A total of 336 articles were reviewed to compile our list. The mean number of citations across the articles was 114.7 ± SD 86.1. The highest prevalence of the papers was published between 2000 and 2009 (n = 15, 50%). The country with the highest number of contributions was the United States (n = 22, 73%). Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery served as the main journal of publication for these papers (n = 22, 73.3%). The majority of articles were designated for clinical-type studies (n = 26, 86.7%). No basic science or prevalence study design papers were listed. In terms of level of evidence (LoE), most papers were assigned IV (n = 11, 36.7%) and III (n = 7, 23.3%). Conclusions: Our study reveals that the most cited papers in body contouring are of LoE III and IV. Although the LoE of plastic surgery research, in general, has improved, in the past decade, a call for higher quality papers remains. Overall, this analysis provides an easy, electronic starting point for residents and fellows interested in understanding the field's evolution.
Introduction: Failure of alloplastic breast reconstruction is an uncommon occurrence that may result in abandonment of reconstructive efforts or salvage with conversion to autologous reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that predict failure of alloplastic breast reconstruction and conversion to autologous reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who underwent mastectomy and immediate alloplastic breast reconstruction between 2008 and 2019. Inclusion criteria included patients 18 years or older who underwent initial alloplastic reconstruction with a minimum of 3-year follow-up. Data collected included age, body mass index, cancer type, surgical characteristics, neo/adjuvant treatment details, and complications. Results were analyzed using Fischer's exact test, t-test, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 234 patients met inclusion criteria. Of those, 23 (9.8%) required conversion from alloplastic to autologous reconstruction. Converted patients had a mean age of 50.1 ± 8.5. The time from initial alloplastic reconstruction to conversion was 30.7 months. The most common reasons for conversion included soft tissue deficiency (48%), infection (30%), and capsular contracture (22%). Patients were converted to deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP; 52%), latissimus dorsi flap with implant (26%), and DIEP with implant (22%). Multivariate logistic regression modeling identified radiation (OR 8.4 [CI = 1.7-40.1]) and periprosthetic infection (OR 14.6 [CI = 3.4-63.8]) as predictors for conversion. Conclusions: Among patients undergoing mastectomy with immediate alloplastic breast reconstruction, those treated with radiation have 8.4 greater odds of conversion and those with a periprosthetic infection have 14.6 greater odds for conversion to an autologous reconstruction.
Background: Various flap monitoring techniques have been used in the early detection of anastomotic thrombus; however, the use of automatic and continuous monitoring methods is presently uncommon. The purpose of this study was to investigate trends in interstitial fluid glucose concentration (IFG) in flap monitoring by measuring IFG automatically and continuously. Methods: Nine patients underwent unilateral breast reconstruction using a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap with vascular anastomosis. Two IFG measuring devices were attached to each patient. One device was attached to the flap (flap IFG) and the other to the healthy breast (control IFG). In each case, flap IFG, control IFG, and IFG ratio (flap IFG/control IFG) were recorded in the initial 72 h post-surgery (first half) and also in the subsequent 72 h (second half). In all of the cases, the mean values recorded in the first half and those in the second half were compared. Results: All flaps survived. The flap IFG didn't fall below 40 mg/dL in the first half. The minimum flap IFG and IFG ratio were 42 mg/dL and 0.55 in the first half. The flap IFG was significantly higher in the first half than in the second half in all cases, and the IFG ratio was similar in 8 cases. Furthermore, mean flap IFG and mean IFG ratio in all cases in the first half were significantly higher than in the second half. Conclusions: IFG measurements may complement conventional flap monitoring, particularly in the early postoperative period.
Background: The objective of this work is to: (i) evaluate the postoperative outcomes after lower extremity nerve transfer (LENT) in patients with peroneal nerve palsy, and (ii) evaluate the patient and surgical factors that best predict successful restoration of ankle dorsiflexion following nerve transfer. Methods: A retrospective cohort of prospectively collected data included all patients who underwent LENT (2010-2018). Two independent reviewers performed data collection. Primary outcome measures were: (i) clinically with British Medical Research Council (MRC) strength assessments, and (ii) electrodiagnostically with nascent motor unit potentials. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics. Results: Nine patients (56% male, mean age 38.3, range 18-57 years) underwent LENT surgery a mean of 4.3 months following injury (range 2.2-6.4 months). Mean follow-up was 15.6 months (range 9.1-28.2 months). Postoperatively, ankle dorsiflexion (P = .015) and ankle eversion (P = .041) increased significantly. After surgery, 44% achieved MRC 4, 33% obtained MRC 1 motor recovery, and 22% sustained MRC 0. A shorter time to surgery was associated with significantly better outcomes (P = .049). Conclusions: It appears that there is a bimodal distribution between responders and nonresponders to LENT for foot drop. Further research is required to elucidate patient and surgical factors that prognosticate success.
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic imparted an important shift in strategies postgraduate surgical programs use to recruit, interact with, and select medical students applying through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). With this unprecedented shift toward virtual applicant selection, this study sought to explore and analyze perspectives of the first cohort of program directors (PDs) and applicants who participated in this process. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was designed using Google Forms for both PDs and applicants participating in the 2021 CaRMS surgical subspecialty selection process. Questions pertained to format and content of virtual engagement methods, the interview itself, as well as advice for future applicants. Results: Thirty-five PDs and 40 successful applicants (n = 75) participated in the study. Cost reduction was the most commonly reported benefit of online interviewing by PDs (85%), followed by efficiency (71%), enhanced resource management (49%), and ability to conduct more interviews (23%). Strong letters of reference (80%) and interview performance (74%) remained the most significant factors in virtual applicant selection. Attendance to virtual recruitment events did not increase the likelihood of offering interviews (n = 24, 69% of PDs), although the ability to perform in-person electives held tremendous value. Most applicants (90%) reported on virtual information sessions as the best method for learning about programs; work culture and environment were topics most valued as discussion points (90%). Successful applicants provided an average confidence of 76% regarding their suitability with their matched programs. Seventy-three percent of applicants (n = 29) had either a preference for virtual interviews or were equivocal, while 51.4% of PDs (n = 18) preferred interviews to be conducted virtually for future cohorts. Conclusion: Trainees are entering residency with confidence following a virtual selection process, and PDs feel confident in their selections. Although no clear consensus exists regarding preference for virtual or in-person interviews, several advantages for virtual resident selection exist. The influence of an in-person elective was found difficult to replace, regardless of interview format. The importance of applicant engagement with programs prior to interviews is highlighted and discussed with recommendations provided for best practices.
Introduction: Postburn upper extremity contractures can greatly diminish the quality of life. To successfully manage these contractures and achieve successful functional outcomes, an optimal surgical method should be planned to address all affected tissues on the extremities. Conventional soft tissue transfers after releasing the contracture, such as skin grafts or flaps, may be insufficient. In addition to capsulotomy, tendon release, and lengthening procedures, more aggressive modalities may be indicated. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients who developed wrist flexion deformities due to burn injuries and underwent proximal row carpectomy and abdominal interpolation flaps were included. Results: Between January 2019 and June 2020, 5 patients underwent surgery using this technique. All patients were male, 2 had thermal burns, 2 had electrical burns, and 1 had chemical burns. Preoperatively, all patients had severe flexion deformities ranging from 70° to 85°. There were no postoperative complications, and stable wrists with a good and functional alignment were achieved, although the preoperative and postoperative range of motion differences were limited, where a postoperative range of motions were ranging from 5 to 15 in terms of extension, 15 to 20 in terms of flexion. Preoperative QuickDash scores were between 79.5 and 95.5, postoperative scores ranged from 25 to 36.4. Conclusion Proximal row carpectomy shortens the length of the wrist, resurfaces the wrist joint, and provides a release in tendons and other soft tissues. Together with soft tissue transfer, this technique can be used for severe wrist flexion contractures.
The advent of minimal pain tumescent local anesthesia injection has improved patient safety by eliminating the need for sedation for many wide awake operations, especially in patients with significant medical comorbidities. Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for breast cancer is commonly performed under general anesthesia as it requires the dissection of the entire breast and an ipsilateral axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). General anesthesia has been shown to have a high risk in patients with severe medical comorbidities. We present a case of a 78-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with invasive ductal breast carcinoma, cardiac failure, and other metabolic abnormalities. Taking his comorbidities into account, we performed a wide awake MRM and ALND after tumescent minimal pain local anesthesia injection. The patient experienced the successful procedure safely with minimal discomfort.
Introduction: Lymphedema is a chronic and debilitating condition. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNT) for the treatment of patients suffering from lymphedema, mainly by comparing pre- and postoperative daily compression use, limb volumes, and occurrence of cellulitis. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who were treated by a single surgeon for lymphedema with LVA and/or VLNT between March 2018 and February 2020. Eighteen limbs met the inclusion criteria. The severity of lymphatic dysfunction was assessed by indocyanine green lymphangiography. Patients with patent vessels were offered LVA, whereas those without were offered VLNT. Pre- and postoperative circumferential limb measurements, use of compression garments, and postoperative complications were compared. Results: Nine limbs underwent LVA, 8 underwent VLNT, and one both. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. Postoperatively, all but 3 patients (83%) were able to cease daily compression. When considering excess limb volumes, the average reduction was 58%. This reduction was achieved despite compression weaning. Forty-four percent of patients (8) reported episodes of recurrent cellulitis preoperatively, while postoperatively, only 3 of those patients (17%) experienced cellulitis, which was statistically significant (P = .018). No surgical complications occurred. Conclusions: Patients with lymphedema can benefit from LVA and VLNT surgery. An important effect of surgery is decreased dependence on daily compression garments to maintain a stable and reasonable limb volume. The reduction of limb circumference after 1 year was similar to LVA and VLNT. Episodes of cellulitis were significantly lower after the intervention.