Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2025.10.015
Milomir Ninkovic , John M. Felder III , Zvezdana Milačak , Marina Ninkovic , Emmanuel Nageeb
Thumb opposition is an essential component of human hand function, and loss of the thenar musculature creates substantial disability of the hand. Additionally, first web space contracture as a result of trauma is a substantial limitation in reconstruction of thumb opposition. Reconstruction of thenar function is most commonly performed via opponensplasty tendon transfers. Although beneficial, tendon transfers require cortical retraining and fall short of native function. These may be the only option in the case of median nerve palsy. However, at times, thenar function is lost owing to thenar muscle injury with preserved median nerve function. Common examples include palmar soft tissue trauma and compartment syndrome. In such cases, intuitive thumb opposition can be restored with free functional muscle transfer innervated by the thenar motor branch of the median nerve. In addition, first web space release can be achieved in the same procedure. Here, we have demonstrate the benefits of this procedure versus opponensplasty, review long-term outcomes of successful cases including videographic documentation of function, and provide expert guidance to surgeons considering performing this procedure.
{"title":"Free functional gracilis muscle opponensplasty for thenar reconstruction: Indications, technique, and long-term outcomes","authors":"Milomir Ninkovic , John M. Felder III , Zvezdana Milačak , Marina Ninkovic , Emmanuel Nageeb","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2025.10.015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2025.10.015","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thumb opposition is an essential component of human hand function, and loss of the thenar musculature creates substantial disability of the hand. Additionally, first web space contracture as a result of trauma is a substantial limitation in reconstruction of thumb opposition. Reconstruction of thenar function is most commonly performed via opponensplasty tendon transfers. Although beneficial, tendon transfers require cortical retraining and fall short of native function. These may be the only option in the case of median nerve palsy. However, at times, thenar function is lost owing to thenar muscle injury with preserved median nerve function. Common examples include palmar soft tissue trauma and compartment syndrome. In such cases, intuitive thumb opposition can be restored with free functional muscle transfer innervated by the thenar motor branch of the median nerve. In addition, first web space release can be achieved in the same procedure. Here, we have demonstrate the benefits of this procedure versus opponensplasty, review long-term outcomes of successful cases including videographic documentation of function, and provide expert guidance to surgeons considering performing this procedure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":"113 ","pages":"Pages 737-742"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145575186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2025.10.054
Lin-Gwei Wei, Kate Beecher, Kuo-Wang Tsai, Joshua Wang
{"title":"Correspondence on: Preoperative use of serotonergic antidepressants is associated with increased rates of complications and surgical revision in autologous breast reconstruction","authors":"Lin-Gwei Wei, Kate Beecher, Kuo-Wang Tsai, Joshua Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2025.10.054","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2025.10.054","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":"113 ","pages":"Pages 766-769"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145679828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2025.11.034
Vaibhav Sahni
{"title":"Comment on: “Impact of Limited Access to Plastic Surgery Journals on Clinical and Research Output in Low- and Middle-Income Countries”","authors":"Vaibhav Sahni","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2025.11.034","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2025.11.034","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":"113 ","pages":"Page 736"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145835845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2025.12.028
Matthew Q. Dao, Jacquelyn M. Roth, Bernice Z. Yu, Keisha E. Montalmant, Parul Rai, Arjun Nanda, Jasmin Wilson, Peter W. Henderson
{"title":"Response to Correspondence on “Preoperative use of serotonergic antidepressants is associated with increased rates of complications and surgical revision in autologous breast reconstruction”","authors":"Matthew Q. Dao, Jacquelyn M. Roth, Bernice Z. Yu, Keisha E. Montalmant, Parul Rai, Arjun Nanda, Jasmin Wilson, Peter W. Henderson","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2025.12.028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2025.12.028","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":"113 ","pages":"Pages 770-771"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145947180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2025.08.009
Alexandra Sutcliffe, Tamara Mertz, Aidan Rose, Daniel B. Saleh
{"title":"Letter Re: Single modality indocyanine green is feasible for sentinel node detection in head and neck cutaneous melanoma: A prospective cohort study","authors":"Alexandra Sutcliffe, Tamara Mertz, Aidan Rose, Daniel B. Saleh","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2025.08.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2025.08.009","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":"113 ","pages":"Pages 762-763"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145002356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.029
Jason C.C. Kwok , Petko Shtarbanov , Mary Dowchan-Kowalska , Nianhe Luo , Thierry Schweizer , Pennylouise Hever , Stephen Hamilton , Shadi Ghali , Dariush Nikkhah
Background
The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap remains the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction. Traditional harvest techniques often require a large fascial incision that increases donor-site morbidity. Minimally-invasive approaches, such as robotic-assisted incisions, reduce this impact but introduce a steep learning curve and higher intra-operative costs. We aimed to detail our early experience in hand-performed minimal fascial incision (MFI) DIEP flap.
Methods
A retrospective review was conducted of DIEP flaps for breast reconstruction performed from June 2024 to December 2024 at a single centre in London, United Kingdom. Patients were grouped by incision types: standard (>6 cm) or MFI (≤6 cm). Baseline characteristics, preoperative imaging results, and postoperative outcomes were recorded for comparison.
Results
The final cohort included 33 flaps (15 MFI and 18 standard incisions). The median length of stay was significantly lower in the MFI group [4 days (IQR 4–5)] vs. [5 days (IQR 4–6.25)], (p=0.036). The median number of perforators on a single row was significantly lower in the MFI group [1(IQR 1–2)] vs. [2(IQR 2–3)], (p=0.049). Mesh use was significantly higher in the standard incision group (p=0.001). There was no significant difference in operative time (p=0.128). The average MFI rectus sheath incision length was 4.59 cm. No donor-site complications occurred in either group.
Conclusions
A hand-performed MFI DIEP flap reduced hospital stay and mesh use, and was not significantly different in terms of operative time or complication rate to a standard DIEP flap. A scoring system was proposed to optimise patient selection for MFI. The hand-performed technique represents a key step in the surgical learning curve towards laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Further multi-centre prospective studies should be carried out to minimise performance bias and test the proposed framework.
{"title":"Hand-performed minimal fascial incision DIEP flap breast reconstruction: A scoring system and early single-centre experience","authors":"Jason C.C. Kwok , Petko Shtarbanov , Mary Dowchan-Kowalska , Nianhe Luo , Thierry Schweizer , Pennylouise Hever , Stephen Hamilton , Shadi Ghali , Dariush Nikkhah","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.029","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.029","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap remains the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction. Traditional harvest techniques often require a large fascial incision that increases donor-site morbidity. Minimally-invasive approaches, such as robotic-assisted incisions, reduce this impact but introduce a steep learning curve and higher intra-operative costs. We aimed to detail our early experience in hand-performed minimal fascial incision (MFI) DIEP flap.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective review was conducted of DIEP flaps for breast reconstruction performed from June 2024 to December 2024 at a single centre in London, United Kingdom. Patients were grouped by incision types: standard (>6 cm) or MFI (≤6 cm). Baseline characteristics, preoperative imaging results, and postoperative outcomes were recorded for comparison.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The final cohort included 33 flaps (15 MFI and 18 standard incisions). The median length of stay was significantly lower in the MFI group [4 days (IQR 4–5)] vs. [5 days (IQR 4–6.25)], (p=0.036). The median number of perforators on a single row was significantly lower in the MFI group [1(IQR 1–2)] vs. [2(IQR 2–3)], (p=0.049). Mesh use was significantly higher in the standard incision group (p=0.001). There was no significant difference in operative time (p=0.128). The average MFI rectus sheath incision length was 4.59 cm. No donor-site complications occurred in either group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>A hand-performed MFI DIEP flap reduced hospital stay and mesh use, and was not significantly different in terms of operative time or complication rate to a standard DIEP flap. A scoring system was proposed to optimise patient selection for MFI. The hand-performed technique represents a key step in the surgical learning curve towards laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Further multi-centre prospective studies should be carried out to minimise performance bias and test the proposed framework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":"114 ","pages":"Pages 236-243"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146184020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.031
Bayad Jaza Mahmood
Background
Alar base reduction in rhinoplasty is technically demanding, especially across diverse ethnic anatomies. Traditional ruler-based measurements often fail to accommodate intraoperative variations.
Objective
To assess the outcomes of the balanced aesthetic yielding of alar design (BAYAD) technique, a rulerless method guided by intraoperative visual landmarks.
Methods
A prospective comparative study included 927 rhinoplasty patients who underwent alar base modification between January 2022 and January 2025. Of these, 827 were treated using the BAYAD technique and 100 with traditional ruler-based planning. Primary outcomes were operative time, complication rates, revision rates, and patient satisfaction. Subgroup analysis was performed by ethnicity. Data were analyzed using the t- and Chi-square tests, with significance at p < 0.05.
Results
The BAYAD group comprised 507 females and 320 males (mean age 32.4 ± 6.2 years), with 49.8% Middle Eastern, 34.2% Kurdish, and 16.0% Mediterranean patients. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher with BAYAD (94% vs. 85%), with 61.9% reporting excellent outcomes. Complications were fewer, including minor asymmetry (4.2% vs. 8%) and revision surgeries (3.1% vs. 7%). Operative efficiency improved, with alar base reduction averaging 5.1 ± 1.8 min compared to 12.5 ± 3.9 min, a mean saving of 7.4 min, contributing to a 7.4-min reduction in total rhinoplasty duration. No significant differences were found in gender, age, or ethnicity (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
The BAYAD technique is a reliable, efficient, and anatomy-driven alternative to ruler-based methods, achieving higher satisfaction, fewer complications, and greater adaptability across ethnic nasal types, reinforcing its role in modern rhinoplasty.
{"title":"The balanced aesthetic yielding of alar design (BAYAD) technique: A rulerless, visual landmark guided approach for alar base reduction in rhinoplasty cases","authors":"Bayad Jaza Mahmood","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.031","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.031","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Alar base reduction in rhinoplasty is technically demanding, especially across diverse ethnic anatomies. Traditional ruler-based measurements often fail to accommodate intraoperative variations.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To assess the outcomes of the balanced aesthetic yielding of alar design (<em>BAYAD</em>) technique, a rulerless method guided by intraoperative visual landmarks.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A prospective comparative study included 927 rhinoplasty patients who underwent alar base modification between January 2022 and January 2025. Of these, 827 were treated using the <em>BAYAD</em> technique and 100 with traditional ruler-based planning. Primary outcomes were operative time, complication rates, revision rates, and patient satisfaction. Subgroup analysis was performed by ethnicity. Data were analyzed using the <em>t</em>- and Chi-square tests, with significance at p < 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The <em>BAYAD</em> group comprised 507 females and 320 males (mean age 32.4 ± 6.2 years), with 49.8% Middle Eastern, 34.2% Kurdish, and 16.0% Mediterranean patients. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher with <em>BAYAD</em> (94% vs. 85%), with 61.9% reporting excellent outcomes. Complications were fewer, including minor asymmetry (4.2% vs. 8%) and revision surgeries (3.1% vs. 7%). Operative efficiency improved, with alar base reduction averaging 5.1 ± 1.8 min compared to 12.5 ± 3.9 min, a mean saving of 7.4 min, contributing to a 7.4-min reduction in total rhinoplasty duration. No significant differences were found in gender, age, or ethnicity (p > 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The <em>BAYAD</em> technique is a reliable, efficient, and anatomy-driven alternative to ruler-based methods, achieving higher satisfaction, fewer complications, and greater adaptability across ethnic nasal types, reinforcing its role in modern rhinoplasty.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":"114 ","pages":"Pages 266-272"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.033
Vasiliki Fesatidou , Abdulla Ibrahim , Kavan S Johal , Pari-Naz Mohanna
Autologous fat grafting is a well-established technique for tissue augmentation, with various methods having been reported. None of them, however, has demonstrated clear superiority. We describe a simple modification of a well-established technique using a standard liposuction cannula connected to a closed-suction drain bottle for fat harvesting. Connecting the closed-suction drain bottle to a surgical suction unit, rather than relying on its inherent vacuum, allows for continuous control of the suction pressure and reduces harvest time by preventing the loss of negative pressure when the cannula is removed. This simple adaptation is cost-effective, versatile, and is an operator-controlled method for fat harvesting utilising readily available equipment.
{"title":"Closed-suction fat harvest using a drain bottle: A practical modification","authors":"Vasiliki Fesatidou , Abdulla Ibrahim , Kavan S Johal , Pari-Naz Mohanna","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.033","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.033","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Autologous fat grafting is a well-established technique for tissue augmentation, with various methods having been reported. None of them, however, has demonstrated clear superiority. We describe a simple modification of a well-established technique using a standard liposuction cannula connected to a closed-suction drain bottle for fat harvesting. Connecting the closed-suction drain bottle to a surgical suction unit, rather than relying on its inherent vacuum, allows for continuous control of the suction pressure and reduces harvest time by preventing the loss of negative pressure when the cannula is removed. This simple adaptation is cost-effective, versatile, and is an operator-controlled method for fat harvesting utilising readily available equipment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":"114 ","pages":"Pages 253-255"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146184008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.027
Jina Kim, Chanwoo Park, Kyong-Je Woo, Goo-Hyun Mun
Concerns regarding donor-site healing persist in abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction. Although closed-incision negative-pressure therapy (CINPT) has demonstrated wound-related benefits, its efficacy without the use of drains remains unexplored. We evaluated the impact of CINPT compared with those of standard dressings on abdominal donor-site outcomes in drainless closure. We retrospectively reviewed patients with breast cancer who underwent abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction without donor-site drains between January 2023 and April 2025. Patients received either CINPT (using the PICO system, Smith & Nephew) or the standard dressing (using Steri-Strips, 3M). Outcomes included fluid collections requiring aspiration, overall donor-site complications, and BREAST-Q abdomen scores. A total of 172 patients were included (CINPT group: 86 and standard group: 86). There were no significant differences in the incidence of donor-site fluid accumulation (26.7% vs. 22.1%, p = 0.478) or overall complications (4.7% vs. 5.8%, p = 1.000). CINPT showed higher early scar satisfaction at 2.6 months (2.3 ± 0.9 vs. 2.1 ± 0.8, p = 0.048); whereas other BREAST-Q subscales were comparable. In drainless abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction, CINPT did not reduce fluid collections or other donor-site complications compared with standard dressings. Standard dressing may be a safe and sufficient option, whereas CINPT may offer benefits in early scar satisfaction.
{"title":"The impact of closed-incision negative-pressure therapy on donor-site outcomes in drainless abdominal free flap breast reconstruction","authors":"Jina Kim, Chanwoo Park, Kyong-Je Woo, Goo-Hyun Mun","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Concerns regarding donor-site healing persist in abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction. Although closed-incision negative-pressure therapy (CINPT) has demonstrated wound-related benefits, its efficacy without the use of drains remains unexplored. We evaluated the impact of CINPT compared with those of standard dressings on abdominal donor-site outcomes in drainless closure. We retrospectively reviewed patients with breast cancer who underwent abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction without donor-site drains between January 2023 and April 2025. Patients received either CINPT (using the PICO system, Smith & Nephew) or the standard dressing (using Steri-Strips, 3M). Outcomes included fluid collections requiring aspiration, overall donor-site complications, and BREAST-Q abdomen scores. A total of 172 patients were included (CINPT group: 86 and standard group: 86). There were no significant differences in the incidence of donor-site fluid accumulation (26.7% vs. 22.1%, p = 0.478) or overall complications (4.7% vs. 5.8%, p = 1.000). CINPT showed higher early scar satisfaction at 2.6 months (2.3 ± 0.9 vs. 2.1 ± 0.8, p = 0.048); whereas other BREAST-Q subscales were comparable. In drainless abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction, CINPT did not reduce fluid collections or other donor-site complications compared with standard dressings. Standard dressing may be a safe and sufficient option, whereas CINPT may offer benefits in early scar satisfaction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":"114 ","pages":"Pages 244-252"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146184012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.023
Angad S. Sidhu, Carson J. Park, Zohaib Iqbal, Steven J. Sullivan, Christopher Subi-Kasozi, George S. Corpuz, Cristiane M. Ueno
Plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) is highly competitive, and medical students benefit from early access to research, mentorship, and clinical exposure. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest source of biomedical funding in the U.S., yet its relationship to PRS resource availability across allopathic medical schools is poorly understood. This study examined whether NIH funding correlates with stronger PRS opportunities for students. A cross-sectional review of 150 U.S. allopathic medical schools was performed by assessing each school’s website for PRS resources, including residency programs, student interest groups (SIGs), mentorship, advising, shadowing, and research opportunities. Schools were categorized by AAMC region, and a total resource score was generated. NIH funding data were obtained from the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research; schools without available data (n=10) were excluded. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS v31. Across all schools, 58% had PRS residencies, 54% offered research opportunities, 48% had SIGs, and fewer than one-third offered formal mentorship or advising. Total PRS resources were strongly correlated with NIH funding (Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient ρ=0.584; p<0.001). Highly funded schools had significantly greater odds of offering PRS residencies, research opportunities, mentorship, advising, and elective rotations (all p<0.001). PRS resources vary widely across U.S. medical schools and are strongly linked to NIH funding. Amid tightening federal support, programs, particularly at lower NIH-funded schools, should explore diversification toward non-government partnerships (foundations, philanthropy, industry, and alumni) to sustain equitable PRS exposure for students.
{"title":"The impact of institutional NIH funding on allopathic medical student exposure to plastic and reconstructive surgery","authors":"Angad S. Sidhu, Carson J. Park, Zohaib Iqbal, Steven J. Sullivan, Christopher Subi-Kasozi, George S. Corpuz, Cristiane M. Ueno","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2026.01.023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) is highly competitive, and medical students benefit from early access to research, mentorship, and clinical exposure. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest source of biomedical funding in the U.S., yet its relationship to PRS resource availability across allopathic medical schools is poorly understood. This study examined whether NIH funding correlates with stronger PRS opportunities for students. A cross-sectional review of 150 U.S. allopathic medical schools was performed by assessing each school’s website for PRS resources, including residency programs, student interest groups (SIGs), mentorship, advising, shadowing, and research opportunities. Schools were categorized by AAMC region, and a total resource score was generated. NIH funding data were obtained from the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research; schools without available data (n=10) were excluded. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS v31. Across all schools, 58% had PRS residencies, 54% offered research opportunities, 48% had SIGs, and fewer than one-third offered formal mentorship or advising. Total PRS resources were strongly correlated with NIH funding (Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient ρ=0.584; p<0.001). Highly funded schools had significantly greater odds of offering PRS residencies, research opportunities, mentorship, advising, and elective rotations (all p<0.001). PRS resources vary widely across U.S. medical schools and are strongly linked to NIH funding. Amid tightening federal support, programs, particularly at lower NIH-funded schools, should explore diversification toward non-government partnerships (foundations, philanthropy, industry, and alumni) to sustain equitable PRS exposure for students.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":"114 ","pages":"Pages 85-88"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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