Predicting Postsurgical Complications of Peripheral Nerve Decompression: NSQIP Analysis of Frailty Measures Versus Historic Proxies.

Background: Peripheral nerve decompression (PND) is generally safe, and newer techniques allow frail patients to undergo PND at less common sites. Current literature suggests patient frailty measures may more accurately predict postsurgical complications versus other proxies, but no current literature examines frailty in PND. Methods: The authors reviewed data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for patients who underwent PND outside the most common sites from 2013 to 2019. The modified 5-Item Frailty Index (mFI-5) and modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI) scores were calculated, and complications data were gathered. Age, body mass index (BMI), major comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and frailty were compared as predictors of all-cause 30-day complications, 30-day surgical site complications, length of stay, and complication severity, using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of 1120 patients, the mean age was 51.3 (15.4) years and mean BMI was 30.6 (7.0) kg/m2. Patients were predominantly white and healthy. The complication rate was 3.4%. All-cause complications were predicted by ≥3 major comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.26, 1.36-21.32; P = .007), followed by mFI-5 score and mCCI score. Complication severity was associated with major comorbidities and mFI-5 score, while length of stay was most strongly predicted by age ≥ 65 years (OR, 95% CI: 2.17, 1.37-3.42; P = .0008) and mCCI score of 3 (OR, 95% CI: 1.77, 1.01-3.05; P = 0.041). The only risk factor for readmission was mFI-5 score of 1 (OR, 95% CI: 7.00, 1.68-47.16; P = .016). Conclusions: Frailty and risk proxies may predict postoperative complications in PND at uncommon sites. Use of frailty indices may expand the age range of patients offered PND. Further research is necessary to delineate contributing risk factors and to clarify 24-hour observation and admissions.

Examining Racial and Gender Diversity in the Plastic Surgery Pipeline: Where is the Leak?

Background: There is limited information about minority representation throughout the plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) pipeline. The aim of this study was to examine trends in representation among minorities at different stages of the PRS training pathway, starting with potential candidates in high school through practicing physicians. Methods: The PRS pipeline was defined as high school; college; medical school applicants, matriculants, and graduates; PRS residency applicants, matriculants, and active residents; and PRS practicing physicians. Racial data for each stage were obtained from the US Census and Association of American Medical Colleges. The proportion of races at each stage were divided by their US population counterpart proportions to produce representation quotients (RQs). Medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) are reported. Mann-Whitney U tests compared RQ values within identities between successive stages. Results: Black students had high representation in high school (RQ = 1.26 [IQR: 1.21-1.29]) but had significant, stepwise decreases in representation in subsequent stages. A similar trend was observed for Hispanic individuals, who had their highest representation in high school (1.43 [1.37-1.50]), followed by significant decreases in RQ at nearly every subsequent stage up to and including practicing physicians (0.30 [0.28-0.31). Asian individuals were overrepresented at every stage (high school RQ: 1.01 [1.00-1.03]; practicing physician RQ: 2.30 [2.27-2.32]). White individuals were underrepresented before residency but had an RQ that approximated 1 in subsequent stages. Conclusions: Racial minorities experienced decreases in representation at each successive stage in the PRS pipeline following high school. Ongoing diversity efforts should focus on premedical recruitment and professional support for minority students.

Frailty Indices Outperform Historic Risk Proxies as Predictors of Postabdominoplasty Complications: An Analysis of a National Database.

BACKGROUND: Although age, body mass index (BMI), and major comorbidities were historically used as predictors of surgical risk, recent literature supports patient frailty as a more accurate predictor. Database studies and chart reviews support the modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI) and the Modified Five-Item Frailty Index (mFI-5) as predictors of postsurgical complications in plastic surgery. The authors hypothesized that the mFI-5 and mCCI are more predictive of abdominoplasty complications than historic risk proxies. METHODS: A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was performed for abdominoplasty patients from 2013 to 2019. Demographics, comorbidities, and complications were gathered. The mFI-5 and mCCI scores were calculated per patient. Age, BMI, major comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, mFI-5 score, and mCCI score were compared as predictors of all-cause 30-day complications, 30-day surgical-site complications, length of stay, and aggregate Clavien-Dindo complication severity score. RESULTS: Of 421 patients, the strongest predictors for all-cause complications and complication severity were mCCI score greater than or equal to 3 and mFI-5 score greater than or equal to 2. The mFI-5 score was the strongest predictor of unplanned reoperation. Length of stay was best predicted by age greater than or equal to 65. The only predictor of surgical-site complications was BMI greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m 2 . Smoking was predictive of complication severity, but not any other outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The mFI-5 and mCCI are stronger outcome predictors than historically used factors, which showed little predictive value in this cohort. Although the mCCI is a stronger predictor than the mFI-5, the mFI-5 is easily calculated during an initial consultation. Surgeons can apply these tools to aid in risk stratification for abdominoplasty. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Surgery or Not? A Systematic Review of Facial Congenital Melanocytic Nevi Treatment Patterns and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Treatment management for congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) on the face (FCMN) is highly variable and requires a thorough assessment of multiple factors. To date, a systematic review of FCMN treatment is lacking. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the frequency, variety, and outcomes of treatment modalities for FCMN with different levels of complexity. METHODS: A comprehensive review of Pubmed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases from 1950 to 2022 was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Articles reporting on FCMN treatment approaches, outcomes, and associated complications were screened and data were extracted according to inclusion criteria. Data were tabulated for thematic analysis of FCMN treatment types, anatomic locations, outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: Of the 561 studies retrieved, 34 met inclusion criteria including 19 surgical treatments, 14 nonsurgical treatments, and one combined surgical and nonsurgical treatment study, totaling 356 patients. The majority of treated FCMN were small-to-medium-sized (56%). Facial CMN treated conservatively were mostly located on the cheek (27%) and/or perinasal region (21%), whereas FCMN treated with surgery were primarily located in the periorbital region (44%) and/or the cheek (17%). Across all treatment cohorts, 22% of patients experienced at least one complication, with 12% of complications experienced by patients treated by surgery. CONCLUSIONS: There is a greater need for standardized FCMN nomenclature that encompasses nevi pattern, dimensions, anatomical coverage, and quantitative measurements of treatment outcome. Future studies should focus on identifying anatomic locations of FCMN that are more prone to complications and determine which treatment approach optimizes outcomes.

Efficacy of the Modified 5-Item Frailty Index in Predicting Surgical-Site Infections in Patients Undergoing Breast Implant Augmentation: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Project-Based 5-Year Study.

Background: The ability to predict breast implant augmentation complications can significantly inform patient management. A frailty measure, such as the modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5), is becoming an increasingly established risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes. The authors hypothesized that the mFI-5 is predictive of 30-day postoperative complications in breast augmentation. Objectives: To investigate if mFI-5 can predict the likelihood and magnitude of 30-day complications resulting from breast augmentations. Methods: A retrospective review study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for patients who underwent breast implant augmentation without other concurrent procedures, from 2015 to 2019. Age, BMI, number of major comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classifications, smoking status, mFI-5 score, and modified Charlson comorbidity index score were compared as predictors of all-cause 30-day complications and 30-day surgical-site complications using regression analyses. Results: Overall, 2478 patients were analyzed, and among them, 53 patients developed complications (2.14%). mFI-5 score significantly predicted surgical-site infection (SSI) complications (odds ratio [OR] = 4.24, P = .026). Frail patients had a higher occurrence of SSIs than nonfrail patients (P = .049). Multivariable analyses showed ASA class predicted 30-day SSI complications (OR = 5.77, P = .027) and mFI-5 approached, but did not reach full significance in predicting overall 30-day complications (OR = 3.14, P = .085). Conclusions: To date, the impact of frailty on breast implant procedure outcomes has not been studied. Our analysis demonstrates that the mFI-5 is a significant predictor for SSIs in breast implant augmentation surgery and is associated with overall complications. By preoperatively identifying frail patients, the surgical team can better account for postoperative support to minimize the risk of complications.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in bullous pemphigoid patients in the absence of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) has been associated with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DDP-4i) use in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The prevalence and association of DM in BP patients independent of DPP-4i use has not been investigated by meta-analysis. To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between diabetes and bullous pemphigoid. The goal was to determine the prevalence and pooled odds ratio of BP patients with DM in the absence of DDP-4i use compared to the general population prevalence of diabetes mellitus. OVID Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies published from inception to April 2020. Case-control, case-series, cohort, and cross-sectional studies that included the association of BP and DM without DDP-4i's, in any language. PRISMA guidelines were followed for data extraction and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for risk of bias evaluation. Three reviewers independently performed data extraction. Pooled odds ratio and prevalence were calculated using the random effects model. The odds ratio and prevalence of BP patients with DM. Overall, 8 studies out of 856 identified publications through data base searches were included. The pooled prevalence of diabetes in patients with BP was 20.0% [95% CI 14%-26%; p = 0.00]. Within the comparative non-BP control population, 13% had diabetes. BP patients were more likely to have diabetes compared to a control population without BP [OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.22-3.60; p = 0.01]. This study found that twice the number of BP patients have DM (20%) compared to the general population reported as 10.5%, warranting monitoring of blood glucose levels in BP patients who may have yet undeclared or undiagnosed DM when initiating systemic steroids.

Public Perception of Ideal Areola Proportions.

BACKGROUND: In breast reconstruction, mastopexy, and breast reduction procedures, surgeons make decisions about the resulting areola size, and this significantly impacts the overall aesthetic result. Despite the importance of these decisions, little is known about the general population's preferences for areola size. The objective of this study was to survey the global population to better understand the public's perceptions of ideal areola dimensions. METHODS: A survey was developed with 9 different composite diagrams of a female torso (every combination of 3 breast widths and 3 waist widths). In each composite diagram, 6 different areola sizes were shown (areola-to-breast diameter ranging from 1:12 to 6:12). The survey was distributed via the Amazon Mechanical Turk digital platform, and respondents' demographics (sex, age, race/ethnicity, country, and state if located in the United States) and preferences for the most aesthetically pleasing size in each composite diagram were recorded. RESULTS: Among 2259 participants, with 1283 male (56.8%) and 976 female (43.2%), most participants were between 25 and 34 years old (1012, 44.8%), were from the United States (1669, 73.9%), and identified as White (1430, 63.3%). With 9 breast width and waist width combinations, the respondents were most likely to prefer the 2:12 (32.9%) areola-to-breast ratio ( P < 0.0001). The second most commonly preferred ratio was 3:12 (30.6%) ( P < 0.0001). Gender subgroup analysis showed that women preferred middle-range ratios, such as 2:12, 3:12, and 4:12 ( P < 0.0001). Meanwhile, men were more likely to prefer extreme ratios of 1:12 or 6:12 ( P < 0.0001). Across almost all races/ethnicities, 2:12 was significantly the most popular, except among American Indian/Alaskan Native and Middle Eastern where 3:12 was the most preferred ( P < 0.0001). Within the top 6 countries (United States, India, Brazil, Italy, Canada, United Kingdom), the United States, India, and Italy preferred 2:12, and Brazil, Canada, and the United Kingdom preferred 3:12 ( P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first objective data on public impressions of the ideal areola proportions and can serve as a guide for surgical decision making in breast reconstruction and reshaping procedures.

Periumbilical Anatomy of Scarpa's Fascia: Rationale Behind a "Modified Scarpa's" Abdominal Closure Technique.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative observation of Scarpa's fascia (SF) has suggested attenuation in the periumbilical region. This study's purpose was to objectively evaluate SF anatomy in the periumbilical region and assess clinical outcomes of a novel, modified SF closure technique of transverse abdominal wall incisions that only reapproximates SF where it is definitively present. METHODS: Women were identified who had undergone abdominal magnetic resonance (MR) angiography before their abdominal-based autologous breast reconstruction that used the modified SF closure technique. Statistical analysis of SF presentation on the MR images was performed. Intraoperative measurements from dissected panniculectomy specimens were used to validate MR analysis. Donor site complications were recorded in patients undergoing modified SF closure. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included in the retrospective MR imaging analysis; this revealed an average attenuation of SF of 4.7 cm (SEM = 0.25 cm), 4.5 cm (SEM = 0.23 cm), 4.6 cm (SEM = 0.23 cm), and 4.2 cm (SEM = 0.22 cm) to the left of, right of, cranial to, and caudal to the umbilicus, respectively. The mean surface area of radiologic SF absence was 56.3 cm 2 (SEM = 3.57 cm 2 ). There was a significant difference in SF presentation based on patient age ( P = 0.013) and body mass index ( P = 0.005). Five of the 66 patients (7.6%) experienced abdominal closure site complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study objectively confirms that there is attenuation of SF in the periumbilical region, describes a novel SF closure technique, and provides evidence to support its adoption when closing transverse abdominal wall incisions.

Oncologic Safety in Autologous Fat Grafting After Breast Conservation Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting (AFG) is often used to reconstruct defects after breast conservation therapy (BCT). However, concerns exist about the possibility of AFG-related recurrence or metastasis. This study aims to evaluate the literature to evaluate oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing AFG at the time of BCT. METHODS: A systematic review of articles related to AFG based reconstruction at the time of BCT from 1970 to 2021 was performed via PubMed. Patients were grouped based on the presence or lack of AFG usage at the time of BCT, and oncologic outcomes and complications were compared. RESULTS: Of the 146 articles identified, 15 were included. Nine hundred patients underwent BCT alone and 1063 patients underwent BCT with AFG patients. Similar average follow-up time was observed between the groups, 58.7 months (BCT only) and 55.2 months (BCT with AFG). On pooled analysis, no difference was identified in local recurrence 4.8% (43 patients) of the BCT group and 3% (32 patients) in the AFG group (P = 0.8), metastasis 4.8% (43 patients) of the BCT group and 6.9% (73 patients) in the AFG group (P = 0.3), or fat necrosis (P = 0.44). Meta-analysis additionally did not identify any statistically significant odds ratios between the BCT only group and BCT with AFG group when evaluated for total recurrence, local recurrence, metastasis or fat necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results show no significant difference in cancer recurrence or metastasis in the BCT only group versus BCT and AFG, showing that fat grafting has safe outcomes.

Risk Factors Associated with Adverse Outcomes after Ablative Surgery for Lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Postmastectomy breast cancer lymphedema poses an important health threat. Historically, physical therapy was the exclusive treatment option. More recently, lymphedema surgery has revolutionized care. As a first-in-kind, multicenter report, the postmastectomy breast cancer patients' risk factors associated with postlymphedema ablative surgical outcomes were documented. METHODS: Using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database from 2010 to 2018, multivariable models identified the postmastectomy breast cancer lymphedema surgical patients' characteristics associated with major adverse outcomes and mortality. RESULTS: Of 65,543 postmastectomy breast cancer patients, 1,052 lymphedema surgical procedures were performed including 393 (37.4%) direct excisions and 659 (63.6%) liposuctions. Direct excision and liposuction surgical patients had median ages of 58 and 52 years, respectfully (p < 0.001). Although a 30-day operative mortality was rare (0.3%, all direct excisions), major adverse outcomes occurred in 154 patients (28.5% direct excision; 6.4% liposuction; p < 0.0001). Multivariable clinical outcomes model identified that patients with higher Elixhauser's score, renal disease, emergent admissions, and direct excision surgery had higher incidences of adverse outcomes (all p < 0.01). For those patients with 30-day readmissions (n = 60), they were more likely to have undergone direct excision versus liposuction (12.5 vs. 1.7%; p < 0.0001). The important risk factors predictive of future cellulitis/lymphangitis development included diabetes mellitus, Medicaid insurance, renal disease, prior cellulitis/lymphangitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic steroid use (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Lymphedema surgery carries a favorable risk profile, but better understanding the "high-risk" patients is critical. As this new era of lymphedema surgery progresses, evaluating the characteristics for adverse postoperative outcomes is an important step in our evolution of knowledge.

Can Frailty Indices Predict Surgical Risk in Open Reduction and Fixation of Facial Fractures?

PURPOSE: The present study sought to evaluate whether the mFI-5 and modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI) are stronger predictors of 30-day postoperative complications after open reduction of facial fractures compared with historic risk proxies. METHODS: A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was conducted to investigate patients who underwent open reduction facial fracture surgery between 2013 and 2018. Risk factors including age, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class were extracted for each patient. The mFI-5 score and mCCI score were calculated based on this data. Univariate logistic regressions were performed (P<0.05). RESULTS: A total of 2667 cases were included. Of these, 2131 (80%) were male. The strongest predictors for overall 30-day complications and complication severity were ASA class ≥3 (Odds Ratio [OR]=3.34), comorbidities ≥2 (OR=2.78), mCCl score ≥2 (OR=2.19), and mFI-5 ≥1 (OR=1.96). Smoking status and BMI were not strong predictors of total complications or complication severity. Age was found to be a statically significant, but low-impact, predictor of complications, and severity (OR=1.02, P<0.001). The only significant predictors of surgical site infections (SSI) were smoking status (OR=1.56) and ASA class ≥3 (OR=2.40). mFI-5 ≥1 was a significant predictor of hospital readmission. BMI was not associated with any increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: The mCCI and mFI-5 are statistically significant predictors of total complications and complication severity in open reduction of facial fracture repair, and thus provide a tool to inform decision making and improve care. Smoking status may increase risk for SSIs following facial fracture repair.

The Modified Five-Item Frailty Index to Predict Hand and Wrist Surgical Repair Postoperative Outcomes: An ACS-NSQIP Analysis of 11 369 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Hand and wrist injuries can cause painful, everyday obstacles for patients. Carefully indexing preoperative patient health conditions may better inform surgical care, leading to improved postoperative outcomes. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate if the Modified-Five Item Frailty Index (mFI-5) can accurately predict postoperative complications for hand and wrist surgical repair. METHODS: A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was conducted to investigate patients who underwent hand and wrist surgical repair from January 2013 to December 2019. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical logistics, and 30-day readmission due to postoperative complications were extracted. Surgical risk proxies including the mFI-5, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status within 1 year, the Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI), comorbidities, and American Society of Anaesthesiologists Physical Status Classification (ASA class) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 11 369 patients were included. Thirty-day readmission for total postoperative complications (n = 258) was significantly associated with all surgical risk proxies. However, age, mFI-5 > 2, mCCI > 2, comorbidities > 1, and ASA class 2/3 had the highest statistical significance (P = <.001). Thirty-day readmission rates for surgical site infections (n = 118) had the highest statistical significance with age, BMI, mFI-5 > 2, and ASA class 2/3 (P = <.001). A Clavien-Dindo score > 1 (n = 224) had the highest statistical significance with age, mCCI > 2, comorbidity of 1, and an ASA class 3 (P = <.001). CONCLUSIONS: The mFI-5 may have value in predicting 30-day readmission due to postoperative complications after surgical repair of hand and wrist injuries.

Risk Factors Associated With Postmastectomy Breast Cancer Lymphedema: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is an edematous condition that afflicts the postmastectomy breast cancer population, with diminished quality of life with substantial financial costs. The factors predictive of postmastectomy lymphedema development in breast cancer patients are unknown. The objective was to evaluate the trends over time in lymphedema development and the risk factors predictive of lymphedema-related events within 2 years of mastectomy. METHODS: Using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System multicenter deidentified database from 2010 to 2016, a total of 65,543 breast cancer postmastectomy female patients (mean age, 59 ± 20 years) were identified across 177 facilities. The breast cancer patients were followed for any 2-year postmastectomy lymphedema-related events. A multivariable model identified predictors of 2-year lymphedema using eligible variables involving demographics, comorbidities, and complications. Elixhauser score was defined as a comorbidity index based on International Classification of Diseases codes used in hospital settings. RESULTS: Overall, 5.2% (n = 3409) of the breast cancer postmastectomy patients experienced a lymphedema-related event within 2 years of initial surgery. Over time, 2-year postmastectomy lymphedema rates have more than doubled from 4.62% in 2010 to 9.75% in 2016 (P < 0.001). Two-year postmastectomy lymphedema rates varied significantly by mastectomy procedure type: 5.69% of the mastectomy-only procedures, 5.96% of the mastectomies with lymph node biopsies, and 7.83% of the mastectomies with lymph node dissections (P < 0.0001). Full mastectomies had a greater 2-year lymphedema rate of 7.31% when compared with partial mastectomies with 2.79% (P < 0.0001). The top predictive risk factors for a lymphedema-related event included higher Elixhauser score, prolonged hospitalization for mastectomy, more recent mastectomy procedure, obesity, younger age, non-Asian race, Medicaid insurance, and hypertension (all P's < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although more recent postmastectomy lymphedema rates may not be as high as historical estimates, the 2-year postmastectomy lymphedema rates have more than doubled from 2010 to 2016 requiring further elucidation as well as continued focus on treatment. Furthermore, risk factors were identified that predispose postmastectomy breast cancer patients to developing lymphedema. Given these findings, perioperative screening seems warranted to proactively identify, educate, and monitor postmastectomy patients at greatest risk of future lymphedema development.

Academic medicine's glass ceiling: Author's gender in top three medical research journals impacts probability of future publication success.

INTRODUCTION: In December 2017, Lancet called for gender inequality investigations. Holding other factors constant, trends over time for significant author (i.e., first, second, last or any of these authors) publications were examined for the three highest-impact medical research journals (i.e., New England Journal of Medicine [NEJM], Journal of the American Medical Association [JAMA], and Lancet). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using randomly sampled 2002-2019 MEDLINE original publications (n = 1,080; 20/year/journal), significant author-based and publication-based characteristics were extracted. Gender assignment used internet-based biographies, pronouns, first names, and photographs. Adjusting for author-specific characteristics and multiple publications per author, generalized estimating equations tested for first, second, and last significant author gender disparities. RESULTS: Compared to 37.23% of 2002 - 2019 U.S. medical school full-time faculty that were women, women's first author publication rates (26.82% overall, 15.83% NEJM, 29.38% Lancet, and 35.39% JAMA; all p < 0.0001) were lower. No improvements over time occurred in women first authorship rates. Women first authors had lower Web of Science citation counts and co-authors/collaborating author counts, less frequently held M.D. or multiple doctoral-level degrees, less commonly published clinical trials or cardiovascular-related projects, but more commonly were North American-based and studied North American-based patients (all p < 0.05). Women second and last authors were similarly underrepresented. Compared to men, women first authors had lower multiple publication rates in these top journals (p < 0.001). Same gender first/last authors resulted in higher multiple publication rates within these top three journals (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Since 2002, this authorship "gender disparity chasm" has been tolerated across all these top medical research journals. Despite Lancet's 2017 call to arms, furthermore, the author-based gender disparities have not changed for these top medical research journals - even in recent times. Co-author gender alignment may reduce future gender inequities, but this promising strategy requires further investigation.

A scoping literature review of post-traumatic lymphedema: Where are we now?

Post-traumatic lymphedema of the extremities is a significant source of morbidity largely unrecognized by practitioners. Given the unclear body of evidence on diagnosing and managing post-traumatic lymphedema, we performed a systematic scoping review of the literature for all reports on this topic in order to establish a benchmark for current knowledge, treatment modalities, patient outcomes, and future areas of research. After screening 733 titles and abstracts, 16 relevant articles were ultimately selected for analysis, producing 19 data entries. Study designs largely consisted of case reports and case series. The most frequently reported injuries included burns (n = 12), motor vehicle accidents (n = 7), degloving injuries (n = 6), and open tibial fractures (n = 4). A majority of patients were managed with compression therapy. Among patients pursuing surgical intervention, 15 underwent free tissue transfer and 2 underwent lymphovenous anastomoses. All patients had clinical improvement of their lymphedema.With clinical advances in our understanding of lymphedema and its medical and surgical treatments, it is critical that we identify patients in a timely manner to be able to provide them with the best medical care as well as identify areas of future research. We believe that patients with post-traumatic lymphedema are currently largely unrecognized and that collaboration as well as further research will allow for optimized outcomes in this population.

Using the Modified Frailty Index to Predict Complications in Breast Reduction: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Study of 14,160 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Breast reduction is a generally well-tolerated procedure with high patient satisfaction and low risk of surgical site infection and other complications. Although age, obesity, and comorbidities have historically been used as surgical risk proxies, recent literature suggests "frailty" measures, such as the modified 5-item Frailty Index (mFI-5), may be a superior predictor. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate if mFI-5 can predict the likelihood and magnitude of 30-day complications resulting from breast reductions. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database to assess patients who underwent breast reduction without other concurrent procedures, from 2013 to 2019. mFI-5 scores were calculated for each patient, and complication data were gathered. Age, BMI, number of major comorbidities, American Association of Anesthesiologists class, smoking status, diabetes, steroid use, and mFI-5 score were compared as predictors of all-cause 30-day complications, 30-day surgical site complications of any kind, length of stay, and aggregate Clavien-Dindo complication severity score. Univariate logistic, linear regressions, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate predictive value. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 14,160 patients were analyzed. The overall complication rate was 5.6%. The mFI-5 score significantly predicted overall 30-day complications, surgical site complications, complication severity, overnight stay, and likelihood of readmission (all P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The mFI-5 is a statistically significant predictor for adverse outcomes in breast reduction surgery. The mFI-5 is a simple and reliable tool that can be efficiently used to conduct a preoperative evaluation of patients requesting breast reductions.

Auricular reconstruction after Mohs excision utilizing combination of pre-auricular transposition and chondrocutaneous advancement flaps.

Auricular reconstruction can pose a challenge for any well-trained plastic surgeon, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic and pressure to decrease stages and office visits. The case report involves a single-stage reconstruction of the auricular upper-third in an elderly male using a unique combination of pre-auricular fasciocutaneous transposition and chondrocutaneous advancement flaps.