Establishing an equipoise: Does the use of acellular dermal matrices in pre-pectoral implant-based breast reconstruction improve outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in the United Kingdom. Surgical management commonly comprises mastectomy and reconstruction, of which implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is the most prevalent. Acellular dermal matrices (ADM) are widely used in pre-pectoral IBBR; however, there is limited high-quality evidence supporting their efficacy. This study aimed to establish an equipoise via an expert consensus survey. METHODS: An online survey was designed with a steering group of experts. Questions covered participant information, opinions regarding surgical outcomes with ADM use in pre-pectoral IBBR and opinions regarding the available scientific evidence on the topic. The survey was advertised via national and international professional organisations. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-two participants from the UK, Italy and Australia completed the survey. Key findings of this study included disagreement among participants regarding the surgical outcomes associated with ADM use. Participants who believed that ADM reduced the risk of short-term complications and implant failure/explantation comprised a minority (21.9%). Participants who felt that ADM use improved cosmetic outcomes and reduced long-term complications were a relative majority at 43.8% and 40.6%, respectively. Furthermore, 56.3% of the participants felt that there was scarce scientific evidence on the topic. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights from international surgeons, establishing a lack of consensus on surgical outcomes, efficacy and evidence-base supporting the use of ADMs in pre-pectoral IBBR. Given this clinical equipoise, alongside the growing burden of breast cancer associated morbidity and need for reconstruction, the implications of this study are that large-scale, prospective, randomised-controlled data are needed to establish whether ADM use in pre-pectoral breast reconstruction improves the outcomes.

Does the use of Acellular Dermal Matrices (ADM) in women undergoing pre-pectoral implant-based breast reconstruction increase operative success versus non-use of ADM in the same setting? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in the UK. Reconstruction - of which implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is the most common - forms a core part of surgical management of breast cancer. More recently, pre-pectoral IBBR has become common as technology and operative techniques have evolved. Many surgeons use acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in reconstruction however there is little evidence in literature that this improves surgical outcomes. This review will assess available evidence for surgical outcomes for breast reconstructions using ADM versus non-use of ADM. METHODS: A database search was performed of Ovid Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2012-2022). Studies were screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Risk of Bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale and ROBIS tools. Analysis and meta-analysis were performed. RESULTS: This review included 22 studies (3822 breast reconstructions). No significant difference between overall complications and failure rates between ADM and non-ADM use was demonstrated. Capsular contracture, wound dehiscence and implant rippling had significant differences however these results demonstrated high heterogeneity thus wider generalisation may be inaccurate. Patient quality of life scores were not recorded consistently or comparably between papers. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests a lack of significant differences in most complications between ADM use and non-use for pre-pectoral IBBR. If no increase in complications exists between groups, this has significant implications for surgical and legislative decision-making. There is, however, inadequate evidence available on the topic and further research is required.

A systematic review of generative adversarial networks (GANs) in plastic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Generative adversarial networks (GANs) are a form of deep learning architecture based on the zero-sum game theory, which uses real data to generate realistic fake data. GANs use two opposing neural networks working: a generator and a discriminator. They represent a powerful tool for generating realistic synthetic patient data sets and can potentially revolutionize research. This systematic literature review evaluated the scale and scope of GANs within plastic surgery, constructing a framework for its use and evaluation within subspecialties. METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, a systematic review was performed for applications of GANs in plastic surgery from 2014 to 2022. Three independent reviewers screened from databases: PubMed, Embase, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Google Scholar. RESULTS: A total of 70 studies were captured by the search, of which seven studies met our criteria. The most common subspecialty was craniofacial (n = 4). Proposed uses of GANs included facial recognition, burn estimation, scar prediction, and post-breast cancer reconstruction anomaly scoring. GANs were conditional, trained on data sets averaging 54,652 ± 112,180 samples, with some sourced publicly and others being primary. CONCLUSION: GANs hold promise for advancing plastic surgery, backed by diverse applications in the literature. Studies should follow a standardized reporting structure for consistency and transparency, as outlined, especially regarding the data sets used to ensure appropriate representation from an ethnic and cultural diversity perspective. Although GANs require specialist computational expertise to create, surgeons need to understand their development by leveraging the full potential of GANs within the emerging field of computational plastic surgery and beyond.

Perceptions, awareness and influences of medical students towards plastic surgery: A systematic review.

Introduction: Plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery (PRAS) is a significant yet often overlooked specialty in medical school curricula. The impact of social media and unregulated information sources can distort the perceptions of medical specialties, including PRAS, leading to a decline in student interest, inappropriate referrals and strain on healthcare services. This systematic review aimed to understand the perceptions of medical students towards PRAS, identify influencing factors and explore strategies to address these influences. Methods: The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Four databases were searched, and the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Data from 17 relevant studies were analysed in Microsoft Excel using descriptive statistics. The risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Medical students generally held positive perceptions about PRAS, particularly regarding career opportunities, specialised skills and the nature of the specialty. However, their awareness of the full scope of plastic surgery is limited, with a focus on cosmetic and aesthetic procedures. Social media and the internet significantly influenced the students' perceptions, whereas personal experiences had a minor impact. Education and training in plastic surgery positively affected the students' perceptions. Nevertheless, there is a need for improved representation of PRAS in medical school curricula and promotion of accurate information through reliable sources. Conclusion: Students exhibited a favourable attitude towards plastic surgery, but their knowledge of the specialty can be enhanced. Strengthening PRAS teaching in medical schools and ensuring accurate information dissemination can foster a deeper understanding and interest in this field. Large-scale studies with standardised protocols should be conducted in different countries to gain comprehensive insights tailored to specific educational contexts.

Unveiling the language of scars: A patient-centric themed framework for comprehensive scar morphology.

BACKGROUND: Scarring, a pervasive issue spanning across medical disciplines, lacks a comprehensive terminology for effective communication, patient engagement, and outcome assessment. Existing scar classification systems are constrained by specific pathologies, physician-centric features, and inadequately account for emerging technologies. This study refrains from proposing yet another classification system and instead revisits the foundational language of scar morphology through a theme analysis of primary patient complaints. METHOD: Data encompassing five years of a high-volume scar practice was analysed. Primary complaints were aggregated into collective descriptors and further organized into theme domains. The resulting hierarchical map of presenting complaints revealed five key domains: Loss of Function, Contour, Texture, Vector, and Colour Presenting complaints were codified into 42 items, which were then categorised into 14 collective descriptor terms. The latter were in turn organised into five overarching themes. RESULT: Loss of Function, accounting for 10% of primary concerns, signifies reduced function attributed solely to the scar. Contour, encompassing 41% of concerns, pertains to scar height, shape, and depth. Texture, representing 12% of concerns, denotes tactile variations such as hardness, roughness, and moisture. Vector, comprising 13% of concerns, refers to scar tissue tension and associated distortions. Colour, the concern in 24% of cases, encompasses variations in pigmentation, vascularity, and exogenous pigments. DISCUSSION: Standardized terminology enhances patient care, communication, and research. This study underscores the fundamental question of "what bothers the patient," reviving a patient-centred approach to scar management. By prioritizing themes based on patient complaints, this study innovatively integrates function, aesthetics, and patient experience. In conclusion, this study pioneers a paradigm shift in scar management by presenting a patient-driven theme framework that offers a common language for healthcare professionals and patients. Embracing this language harmonizes scar treatment, fosters innovation, and transforms scars from silent reminders into stories of resilience and healing.

Facial Beauty and the Correlation of Associated Attributes: An Empirical Aesthetic Database Study.

Background: The pursuit of understanding facial beauty has been the subject of scientific interest since time immemorial. How beauty is associated with other perceived attributes that affect human interaction remains elusive. This article aims to explore how facial attractiveness correlates with health, happiness, femininity, and perceived age. We review the existing literature and report an empirical study using expert raters. Methods: A peer-reviewed database of 2870 aesthetic female faces with a global ethnic distribution was created. Twenty-one raters were asked to score frontal images on the attributes of health, happiness, femininity, perceived age, and attractiveness, on a Likert scale of 0-100. Results: Pearson correlation coefficients ("r") were calculated to correlate attributes, with multiple regression analyses and P values calculated. Strong positive correlation was found between attractiveness and health (r = 0.61, P < 0.05), attractiveness and femininity (r = 0.7, P < 0.05), and health and femininity (r = 0.57, P < 0.05); medium positive correlation between health and happiness (r = 0.31, P < 0.05); and small positive correlation between happiness and femininity (r = 0.21, P < 0.05). A neutral relationship was observed between perceived age and happiness (0.01, P = 0.75), and medium negative correlation between perceived age and attractiveness (-0.32, P < 0.05), health (-0.36, P < 0.05), and femininity (-0.31, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study illustrates a positive correlation between the positive attributes of health, happiness, femininity and attractiveness, with a negative correlation of all characteristics with increasing perceived age. This provides insight into the complexity of human interaction and provides a holistic view of attraction as being a gateway to the reflexive perception of other attributes. The implications encourage an aesthetic focus on facial reconstruction.

Esthetic Clinic Management Software-Can we improve patient safety?

AIM: To evaluate the features of esthetic-specific Clinic Management Softwares (CMS) and scrutinize these against the General Medical Council (GMC) and Joint Commission (JC) guidance, an indicative CMS framework with GMC and JC compliant features is developed, to improve patient outcomes, service quality, and work toward a centralized database for complications to enable research analysis. METHODS: A systematic search was performed to evaluate the CMS on the market tailored to esthetic clinics. An analysis was made of the GMC guidance for record keeping and the JC standards for Patient Safety Systems. The CMS features were each scrutinized against the GMC and JC guidance including complication capturing. RESULTS: Eighteen esthetic-specific CMS were identified and analyzed. None of the included CMSs were 100% compliant with both GMC and JC guidance. In 2022, the mean monthly cost of the basic packages for each of the CMS was £106.4, with a standard deviation of £83.3. The main users of the CMSs were doctors and nurses. CONCLUSION: CMS are a potentially powerful tool to form a centralized database that will allow for increased transparency on the number of procedures performed as well as complications.

TikTok in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review of Its Uses.

TikTok (San Jose, CA) is a popular and rapidly growing social media platform. With beauty and skincare among the top 5 most popular categories, TikTok represents an important platform for plastic surgery education and communication. However, given the vast array of content shared daily, regulating content for veracity is challenging. It may also be an important and potentially overlooked avenue for the dissemination of inaccurate information pertaining to plastic surgery. This systematic review evaluates TikTok's impact on plastic surgery. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Guidelines, a systematic literature review was performed of the use of TikTok within the plastic surgery field. The following databases were queried: PubMed (National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD), EMBASE (Elsevier; Amsterdam, the Netherlands), and PsychInfo (American Psychological Association; Washington, DC). The search captured 31 studies of which 7 were included in the final analysis. The studies examined the following areas: gender-affirming surgery (n = 1), breast reconstruction (n = 1), aesthetic surgical procedures (n = 1), plastic surgeon profiles (n = 1), and profiles of videos relating to plastic surgery hashtags (n = 3). The videos' quality was assessed using the DISCERN scale. Physician videos scored notably higher than nonphysician videos. The mean DISCERN score across all the videos (n = 386) was 1.91 (range: 1.44-3.00), indicating poor quality. TikTok is a popular medium for sharing plastic surgery content. The existing literature has demonstrated overall poor-quality information on plastic surgery, and further study is needed to evaluate its impact in terms of perceptions of the specialty and healthcare behaviors. Future work should focus on promoting accurate, high-quality videos, potentially including a peer-review function for healthcare content. This can leverage TikTok's potential for disseminating content while upholding patient safety.

Consensus Statement on the Use of Botulinum Neurotoxin in the Middle East.

Background: Aesthetic minimally invasive procedures have become very popular and culturally acceptable among Middle Eastern populations. Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA) is a valuable treatment modality for many cosmetic as well as therapeutic indications. The presence of BoNTA in our toolkit has revolutionized the field of aesthetic medicine to the point where it is now one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures worldwide. This consensus considers popular on- and off-label BoNTA indications in the Middle East. Methods: A multinational group of ten key opinion leaders, experts in facial plastic surgery and dermatology, convened the Middle East Aesthetics Consensus Group and reviewed the aesthetic applications of BoNTA. Recommendations and position statements were drafted based on the integration of the panel's clinical experience with published data, targeted to the practices implemented in the Middle Eastern and the global population. Results: Guidance statements are presented covering Middle Eastern facial characteristics and beauty ideals, BoNTA characteristics, pre-operative counselling, treatment indications and anatomical considerations, off-label and special uses including high-dose recommendations, and post-treatment advice. Throughout, an evidence-based approach to selection of products and injection techniques is provided, supplemented by the experts' advice on injections dosages and placement. Conclusion: This consensus reflects the knowledge and expertise of physicians practicing in the Middle East. The panel acknowledged the use of on-label indications and variability in the toxin formulations and immunogenicity and agreed upon a wide use of "off-label" indications.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in a Facial Reconstruction Case Series Following the Implementation of an Integrated Craniofacial Multidisciplinary Team Clinic, Three-Dimensional Photography, and Computer Modeling.

Background: Facial reconstruction surgery is often a complex and staged process, leading to lengthy reconstructive journeys for patients. The integration of a clinical pathway can give patients a clearer understanding of what to expect at each stage of their reconstructive journey. Objectives: The authors demonstrate how the incorporation of multidisciplinary team clinics, three-dimensional (3D) photography, and 3D modeling into an integrated pathway can streamline the process for patients undergoing facial reconstructive surgeries and aid their understanding of their surgeries. Methods: A novel clinical pathway was developed for patients undergoing facial reconstructive surgery at a tertiary reconstructive unit in London. A case series was collated of 35 patients who had been through the integrated pathway. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed using FACE-Q scales, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, Self-Perception of Age score, and Ordinal Rank change in facial aesthetic appearance, determined subjectively and objectively. Statistical analysis was performed to calculate mean averages for each scale and PROM. Results: High patient satisfaction with overall facial appearance, aging appearance, and the decision-making process was demonstrated. The average perceived improvement in age-related facial appearance was -7.7 years postreconstruction compared with prereconstruction. The Ordinal Rank improvement on facial aesthetic appearance showed considerable improvement, both subjectively and objectively. Conclusions: The authors advocate the implementation of an integrated clinical pathway for facial reconstruction, with positive impacts observed in terms of patient satisfaction and objective assessments of facial appearance. Similar principles can be extrapolated to other aspects of reconstructive surgery.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of individual experiences post botulinum toxin injection - United Kingdom Survey.

Introduction: In the United Kingdom (UK), complications that arise following the administration of Botulinum Toxin are reported to the Medicines and Health Regulatory Agency (MHRA) via the Yellow Card Reporting Scheme. Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Concerns have been raised that the MHRA is not fully capturing complications in terms of volume and impact on patients. Aim: This novel study explores the lived experiences of individuals who have experienced an adverse event following administration of Botulinum Toxin for aesthetic purposes. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, this analysis evaluates data relating to long-lasting physical, psychological, emotional, and financial sequelae of complications arising from cosmetic Botulinum Toxin injections in the UK. Methods: A mixed method, qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted to gain comprehensive insights into patients' experiences. A focus group which comprised patient representatives, psychologists, and researchers reached a consensus on a 17-question survey which was disseminated via social media channels. Deductive thematic analysis was used to analyse coded themes. Furthermore, for secondary analysis, sentiment analysis was used computationally as an innovative approach to identify and categorise free text responses associated with sentiments using natural language processing (NLP). Results: In the study, 655 responses were received, with 287 (44%) of respondents completing all questions. The mean age of respondents was 42.6 years old. 94.1% of respondents identified as female. In the sample, 79% of respondents reported an adverse event following their procedure, with the most common event being reported as 'anxiety'. Findings revealed that 69% of respondents reported long-lasting adverse effects. From the responses, 68.4% reported not having recovered physically, 63.5% of respondents stated that they had not recovered emotionally from complications, and 61.7% said that they have not recovered psychologically. In addition, 84% of respondents stated that they do not know who regulates the aesthetics industry. Furthermore, 92% of participants reported that their clinic or practitioner did not inform them about the Yellow Card Reporting Scheme. The sentiment analysis using the AFINN Lexicon yielded adjusted scores ranging from -3 to +2, with a mean value of -1.58. Conclusion: This is the largest survey in the UK completed by patients who experienced an adverse outcome following the aesthetic administration of Botulinum Toxin. Our study highlights the extent of the challenges faced by patients who experience an adverse event from physical, emotional, psychological, and financial perspectives. The lack of awareness of MHRA reporting structures and the lack of regulation within the UK's cosmetic injectables sector represent a significant public health challenge.

Prolonged operative time is a risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes in the unilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, one published study documented operative time (OT) as a predictor for postoperative outcomes in bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstructions. No literature has investigated this in unilateral DIEP flaps. We aimed to determine the relationship between unilateral OT, postoperative complications, unplanned reoperations (UR), and extended length-of-stay (eLOS). METHODS: Patients who underwent elective unilateral DIEP reconstruction from 2018 to 2023 at a tertiary centre in London, United Kingdom, were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into four groups depending on OT quartiles to define a critical cut-off period. Data on extensive covariates, including procedural complexity, was recorded and used in univariable and multivariable regression models. RESULTS: The final cohort contained 173 patients. After risk-adjustment, ≥421-minute operations led to a significantly higher overall complication rate (HR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.64, p = 0.005) relative to <421 min. Significantly higher odds of eLOS were observed in the ≥460-minute group (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.99, p = 0.03) compared to <460 min. There was no significant effect on the rate of postoperative UR across any OT group. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed OT was an independent predictor for postoperative outcomes in the DIEP flap, and demonstrated this in unilateral reconstructions. A clinical maximum threshold of 7 h was derived based on this cohort to help guide future surgical practice. Efficiency can be achieved by meticulous preoperative planning and process standardisation, multiple senior surgeons working per flap, and smooth teamwork between specialities and intraoperative staff.

Developing Consensus-Based Guidelines for Case Reporting in Aesthetic Medicine: Enhancing Transparency and Standardization.

Clinical case reporting plays a vital role in sharing detailed patient narratives, providing insights into rare conditions, innovative treatments, and unexpected outcomes. However, existing reporting guidelines in aesthetic medicine fail to capture the specific nuances of procedures and outcomes in this field. The authors' objectives were to develop comprehensive guidelines for Case REporting in Aesthetic Medicine (CREAM). The study employed a 3-phase consensus process, including a literature review, expert interviews, and a consensus meeting. A diverse group of 10 expert participants (plastic surgeons, dermatologists, noncore specialists, evidence-based medicine expert, and research scientist) in Phase I and 30 experienced aesthetic practitioners in Phase II contributed to the research. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess agreement levels among participants and explore associations and variations within the data. The participants represented various specialties, genders, LGBTQ+ identities, and ethnic backgrounds. The research resulted in the development of the CREAM guidelines, consisting of a 16-item checklist. The guidelines covered essential aspects of case reporting, such as patient and practice information, procedure details, clinical assessment and outcomes, adverse events, and ethical considerations. Statistical analysis indicated a high level of consensus among participants, as well as significant associations between checklist items. CREAM guidelines represent a step toward enhancing transparency and standardization in case reporting in aesthetic medicine. Adhering to these guidelines will allow authors to contribute to a robust evidence base, prioritize patient safety, and drive advancements aesthetic medicine.

Uses of Smartphone Thermal Imaging in Perforator Flaps as a Versatile Intraoperative Tool: The Microsurgeon's Third Eye.

Introduction: In this study, we evaluate the versatility of smartphone thermal imaging technology as a valuable intraoperative modality in different stages of perforator flap surgery aiming to minimize the complications and achieve the best postoperative outcome. Patients and methods: Thermography was performed in 20 perforator flaps in 20 patients at different surgical stages in three different ways to identify the most dominant perforator: first, by measuring the surface temperature of the skin; second, by using the dynamic infrared thermography technique; and third, by assessing the perfusion pattern when the flap was supplied by each perforator separately. Thermography was used to help in discarding the least perfused area of the flap. After microvascular anastomosis, the flap reheating pattern was evaluated. Results: Seventeen free and three pedicled perforator flaps were included. Intraoperatively, each of the selected perforators had a corresponding hotspot. The perforator with the hottest hotpot, best rewarming, and provision of best flap perfusion on thermography was found clinically dominant. After microvascular anastomosis in free flaps, rapid rewarming was recorded in 15 cases. In two deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps, no rapid rewarming was observed. The pedicle was kinked in one case and there was a venous insufficiency in another case that required a cephalic turndown. All flaps showed good perfusion on thermography after inset. Conclusion: Smartphone thermography has proven to be a valuable, cheap, rapidly employed, and objective tool not only for the design of perforator flaps, but also for the decision making intraoperatively to achieve the best surgical outcome.

Profiling UK injectable aesthetic practitioners: A national cohort analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The United Kingdom (UK) injectables market has been growing rapidly with a lack of robust regulation and to date, no information regarding the profile of practitioners has been published. AIM: We aim to provide a descriptive and qualitative analysis of the advertised practitioners in the United Kingdom. METHODS: We performed a systematic search using the internet search engine Google to perform a qualitative descriptive analysis of aesthetic practitioners in the UK. For each contiguous country in the UK: England, Scotland, and Wales, five searches were performed. The list of practitioners was then cross-referenced with professional regulatory bodies, with extraction of registration number, date of registration and presence or absence from the Specialist Register or General Practitioner Register. RESULTS: 3000 websites were visited and evaluated. 1224 independent clinics with 4405 practitioners were identified. 738 were identified as those in business support functions and the remaining 3667 practitioners were undertaking injectable practice. The profile of professions were doctors 32%, nurses 13%, dentists 24% and dental nurses 8%. Of the 1163 doctors identified 481 were on the specialist register (41%) and 219 were on the GP register (19%). 27 specialties were represented in this cohort analysis. Plastic Surgery formed the majority of those who were on the specialist register at 37%, followed by Dermatology at 18%. CONCLUSION: This paper is the first to describe the range of practitioners, their professional backgrounds and experience who perform non-surgical aesthetic interventions. The range of backgrounds may have an impact on the potential risks to patients and will be an important consideration in proposed legislation to introduce licensing to the industry.

Three-Dimensional Photography and Computer Modeling as a Reconstructive Surgical Training Tool.

Background: Reconstructive surgery operations are often complex, staged, and have a steep learning curve. As a vocational training requiring thorough three-dimensional (3D) understanding of reconstructive techniques, the use of 3D photography and computer modeling can accelerate this learning for surgical trainees. Objectives: The authors illustrate the benefits of introducing a streamlined reconstructive pathway that integrates 3D photography and computer modeling, to create a learning database for use by trainees and patients alike, to improve learning and comprehension. Methods: A computer database of 3D photographs and associated computer models was developed for 35 patients undergoing reconstructive facial surgery at the Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. This was used as a training and teaching tool for 20 surgical trainees, with an MCQ questionnaire assessing knowledge and a Likert scale questionnaire assessing satisfaction with the understanding of core reconstructive techniques, given before and after teaching sessions. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test for trainee knowledge and Wilcoxon rank sum test for trainee satisfaction. Results: Trainee (n = 20) knowledge showed a statistically significant improvement, P < .01, as did trainee satisfaction, P < .05, after a teaching session using 3D photography and computer models for facial reconstruction. Conclusions: Three-dimensional photography and computer modeling are useful teaching and training tools for reconstructive facial surgery. The authors advocate the implementation of an integrated pathway for patients with facial defects to include 3D photography and computer modeling wherever possible, to develop internal databases for training trainees as well as patients. This algorithm can be extrapolated to other aspects of reconstructive surgery.

WAFER trial: a study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing wide-awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) to general and regional anaesthesia with tourniquet for flexor tendon repair.

INTRODUCTION: Flexor tendons are traditionally repaired under either general anaesthesia (GA) or regional anaesthesia (RA), allowing for the use of an arm tourniquet to minimise blood loss and establish a bloodless surgical field. However, the use of tourniquets exposes the patient to certain risks, including skin, muscle and nerve injuries. A recent advancement in anaesthesia delivery involves the use of a wide-awake approach where no sedation nor tourniquets are used (wide-awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT)). WALANT uses local anaesthetic with epinephrine to provide pain relief and vasoconstriction, reducing operative bleeding. Several studies revealed potential benefits for WALANT compared with GA or RA. However, there remains a paucity of high-quality evidence to support the use of WALANT. As a result of this uncertainty, the clinical practice varies considerably. We aim to evaluate the feasibility of WALANT as an alternative to GA and RA in patients undergoing surgical repair of flexor tendon injuries. This involves addressing factors such as clinician and patient support for a trial, clinical equipoise, trial recruitment and dropout and the most relevant outcomes measures for a future definitive trial. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: WAFER is a multicentre, single-blinded, parallel group, randomised controlled trial (RCT) to assess the feasibility of WALANT versus RA and GA. The target population is patients with acute traumatic flexor tendon injuries, across 3 major hand surgery units in England involving a total of 60 participants. Outcome assessors will be blinded. The primary outcome will be the ability to recruit patients into the trial, while secondary outcomes include difference in functional outcome, patient-reported outcome measures, health-related quality of life, cost-effectiveness and complication rates. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was obtained from the London-City and East Research Ethics Committee (22/PR/1197). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication, conferences, patient information websites and social media networks. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN identifier: 15052559.

Optimal strategies for addressing developmental breast asymmetry and the significance of symmetrical treatment: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Approximately one quarter of women are affected by asymmetry as a result of abnormal breast development, which can lead to significant emotional distress. Despite this, there is currently no widely accepted approach for managing this prevalent condition. This systematic review aimed to review the available literature on the management of developmental breast asymmetry. METHODS: A comprehensive search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases was conducted for primary clinical studies reporting on the management of developmental breast asymmetry from 1962 to November 2022. The primary outcome measures were long-term aesthetic outcomes and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Eleven case series and 2 cohort studies were included, comprising a total of 1237 patients with a mean age of 26.5 years (range 14-65 years). Twelve studies (92%) addressed asymmetry through surgical means, using various augmentation and reduction procedures, whereas one study (8%) utilized external prostheses. Meta-analysis of the data was not deemed to be possible because of heterogeneity of data; a narrative synthesis of the literature was provided. CONCLUSIONS: There is no consensus on how to manage developmental breast asymmetry. Furthermore, there is a lack of consistency in the classification of patients with developmental breast asymmetry and in the reporting of outcomes, highlighting the need for a consensus. Further research outlining long-term aesthetic and patient-reported outcomes is needed to understand which procedures provide optimal outcomes. In addition, external breast prosthesis is a promising nonsurgical alternative, and further studies into its efficacy are needed.