Scarless Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Combined With Lipoabdominoplasty.

As the aesthetic expectations of our society are rising, the patients are increasingly inquiring about ways to reduce the postoperative scars and avoid multiple operations. Herein, we present a case of cholecystectomy combined with lipoabdominoplasty whereby gallstone disease, abdominal wall laxity and skin excess were concurrently addressed, thereby eliminating the need for trocar-incisions on the abdominal skin. We can conclude that lipoabdominoplasty with laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe combined procedure that can be performed selectively in patients with cholecystolithiasis and body contour problems leading to improved cosmetic results without the presence of unnecessary scars.

Resources on lymphedema surgery: How effective are they for patients?

Online patient education materials (PEMs) on lymphedema surgery were assessed for quality, readability, and content. A total of 37 PEMs were identified, primarily authored by academic/medical organizations. Readability scores indicated materials were difficult to read, with an average Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of 10.4. PEM Assessment Tools showed acceptable understandability (72.3%) but poor actionability (28.5%). PEMs often lacked information on surgical risks, postoperative care, and long-term follow-up. Simplifying language and adding visual aids could improve PEM effectiveness.

Utilization of patient reported outcomes measurement information system in plastic and reconstructive surgery research.

BACKGROUND: The patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) was developed by investigators funded by the National Institutes of Health as a standardized means of directly assessing the patients' perspectives across domains. PROMIS domains include physical function, pain, fatigue, emotional distress, and social health. Various studies have reported increased utilization of PROMIS in research articles in specific specialties; however, the extent to which PROMIS has been employed in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery remains unclear. The goal of the present study was to characterize the prevalence and trends of PROMIS within plastic and reconstructive surgery articles. METHODS: Literature search was conducted across multiple databases for PROMIS studies within plastic surgery literature. We identified 136 articles and the following data were extracted: author name, journal, impact factor, country of origin, year of publication, publication type, subspecialty, study size, and PROMIS measures used. RESULTS: In this study, 136 studies met the inclusion criteria. There was an overall increasing trend in the number of PROMIS studies published. The most common subspecialties that used PROMIS measures were general reconstruction (n = 24), hand (n = 9), and burn (n = 5). The most used PROMIS measures were the pain interference (n = 26), pain intensity (n = 15), and depression (n = 13). A total of 24 journals included PROMIS studies with a mean impact factor of 3.73 (SD = 3.2). The most common country of origin was the United States (n = 42). CONCLUSION: The data demonstrated an increasing use of PROMIS within plastic surgery across a wide variety of subspecialities and study designs. The characterization of these trends allows researchers and clinicians alike to gain a greater understanding of this powerful tool in measuring patient care.

Evaluating the performance of ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 on the Taiwan plastic surgery board examination.

Background: Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is a state-of-the-art large language model that has been evaluated across various medical fields, with mixed performance on licensing examinations. This study aimed to assess the performance of ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 in answering questions from the Taiwan Plastic Surgery Board Examination. Methods: The study evaluated the performance of ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 on 1375 questions from the past 8 years of the Taiwan Plastic Surgery Board Examination, including 985 single-choice and 390 multiple-choice questions. We obtained the responses between June and July 2023, launching a new chat session for each question to eliminate memory retention bias. Results: Overall, ChatGPT-4 outperformed ChatGPT-3.5, achieving a 59 % correct answer rate compared to 41 % for ChatGPT-3.5. ChatGPT-4 passed five out of eight yearly exams, whereas ChatGPT-3.5 failed all. On single-choice questions, ChatGPT-4 scored 66 % correct, compared to 48 % for ChatGPT-3.5. On multiple-choice, ChatGPT-4 achieved a 43 % correct rate, nearly double the 23 % of ChatGPT-3.5. Conclusion: As ChatGPT evolves, its performance on the Taiwan Plastic Surgery Board Examination is expected to improve further. The study suggests potential reforms, such as incorporating more problem-based scenarios, leveraging ChatGPT to refine exam questions, and integrating AI-assisted learning into candidate preparation. These advancements could enhance the assessment of candidates' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in the field of plastic surgery.

Use of Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap for Reconstruction of Soft-tissue Defect in a 2-month-old Infant with Rhabdomyosarcoma on Back.

The latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a robust option for reconstructing defects over the back, but the use of this flap in infants is not widely documented. We did this flap to cover a defect that was created after wide local excision of a rhabdomyosarcoma on the back of a 2-month-old infant. Reconstructive surgery was completed successfully, and postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Novel use of the rectus abdominus muscle flap for vaginal reconstruction in complex obstetric fistula repair: A case series.

OBJECTIVE: Globally, obstetric fistula is a tragic outcome following obstructed labour. Failure of complex repair and post-operative incontinence are common. We describe an innovative surgical technique incorporating the rectus abdominus flap at the time of fistula repair. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Malawi, Fistula Care Centre. METHODS: Patients were followed for 3 months after discharge to determine continence and healing. RESULTS: Five of six patients were continent at 3 months and one was lost to follow-up by dry at a one month post-operative phone call. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: The rectus abdominus flap may be a useful adjunct to repair of complex obstetric fistula.

Analysis of Additional Degrees in Academic Plastic Surgery Faculty.

Background: As plastic surgery continues to evolve, an increasing number of surgeons are attaining additional degrees (ADs). Prior studies illustrate this trend of increased AD attainment among plastic surgery faculty within the United States. Yet, no such study has documented AD attainment variability and influence within Canadian plastic surgery faculty. Objectives: Our objective was to investigate the relationship between AD attainment and gender, alongside research productivity, and academic rank of Canadian plastic surgery faculty members. Methods: All Canadian academic plastic surgery faculty members were identified and information regarding gender, academic rank, research productivity, timing of AD attainment was recorded. AD was defined as any degree beyond a medical degree or equivalent. Results: A total of 299 faculty members were identified. Of these, 33% (N = 99) attained an AD. A higher percentage of females (40%) obtained ADs compared to males (30%) (P = .0402). When controlling for number of years in practice, there was a significantly larger proportion of females than males with ADs as assistant and associate professor (P = .033). Faculty with ADs were associated with higher research productivity and higher academic rank than those with MDs (P < .05). ADs were commonly obtained post-residency (38%) and most common ADs were MSc (51%) and PhDs (21%). It was found that the Canadian plastic surgeons were less likely to pursue MBAs than US plastic surgeons (P = .002). Conclusion: One-third of Canadian academic plastic surgeons had ADs. Those with ADs present with higher research productivity and academic rank. When segmented by gender, there were significant differences among AD holders. The results of this study will lend support to ongoing endeavors voicing the need for gender equity in academic plastic surgery.

Historique : Tandis que la chirurgie plastique continue d'évoluer, de plus en plus de chirurgiens obtiennent des diplômes supplémentaires (DS). Des études antérieures démontrent cette tendance des professeurs en chirurgie plastique des États-Unis à obtenir des DS. Pourtant aucune étude n'a évalué la variabilité et l'influence des DS chez les professeurs de chirurgie plastique au Canada. Objectifs : Les chercheurs avaient comme objectif d'explorer la relation entre l'obtention de DS et le genre, conjointement avec la productivité de la recherche et le rang universitaire des professeurs de chirurgie plastique canadiens. Méthodologie : Les chercheurs ont répertorié tous les professeurs de chirurgie plastique canadiens et ont consigné l'information relative à leur genre, à leur rang universitaire, à la productivité de leur recherche, au moment de l'obtention des DS. Le DS était défini comme tout diplôme obtenu après un diplôme en médecin ou un diplôme équivalent. Résultats : Au total, 299 professeurs ont été répertoriés. De ce nombre, 33 % (N = 99) ont obtenu un DS. Un plus fort pourcentage de femmes (40 %) que d'hommes (30 %) (P = ,0402) a obtenu des DS. Après avoir tenu compte du nombre d'années d'exercice, une proportion beaucoup plus importante de femmes que d'hommes ayant des DS étaient professeurs adjoints et agrégés (P = 0,033). Les professeurs qui possèdent des DS étaient associés à une plus grande productivité de la recherche et à un rang universitaire plus élevé que ceux qui possédaient un diplôme en médecine (P < 0,05). Les DS étaient souvent obtenus après la résidence (38 %), et les plus courants étaient des maîtrises (51 %) et des doctorats (21 %). Il a été établi que les chirurgiens plasticiens canadiens étaient moins susceptibles de faire un MBA que les chirurgiens des États-Unis (P =0 ,002). Conclusion : Le tiers des chirurgiens plasticiens universitaires canadiens possédaient des DS. Ceux qui en détenaient présentaient une plus grande productivité en recherche et un meilleur rang universitaire. Lorsqu'ils étaient divisés par genre, les détenteurs de DS présentaient des différences importantes. Les résultats de la présente étude appuient les initiatives en cours soulignant la nécessité de respecter l'égalité des genres en chirurgie plastique universitaire.

Dear Program Directors: There Are Numerous Entrustable Professional Activities on a Burns Rotation!

Background: Burn care has long been an integral part of the scope of plastic surgery, but the time allocated to exposure for plastic surgery residents is under threat due to the range of sub-specialities competing for their time. As part of the Competence by Design approach to plastic surgical training, residents are provided with a list of 52 "Entrustable professional activities' (EPA's) to ensure that core skills and knowledge are acquired. Methods: This survey, distributed via email using a link to Survey MonkeyTM, sought to determine which EPA's were available for completion by plastic surgeons in training during the burn rotation at a major academic burn centre in Canada. Via investigator consensus, 26 of the 52 EPA's were included for assessment; the remaining 26 were not regarded as relevant to the burn centre rotation and therefore better acquired elsewhere. Results: Thirty two residents who underwent a burn rotation between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2021 completed the anonymous survey. Seventeen of the 26 EPA's evaluated were judged by more than 75% of respondents as being readily amenable to completion during the burn rotation. Most of these EPA's relate to the comprehensive care of patients with acute burn injuries, the management of an in-patient plastic surgery service, and associated quality improvement processes. Residents who completed rotations less than three months in duration had less opportunity to complete a further 8 EPA's in comparison to those who had longer rotations, especially with respect to the care of patients undergoing complex wound care and burn reconstruction. Conclusions: In addition to threatening seamless service delivery at burn centres, reduced resident exposure to the burn rotation may compromise the delivery of burn care in the community. The results of this survey refute any argument that the burn service is a "low yield" rotation from an EPA acquisition perspective.

Historique: Les soins aux grands brûlés font partie intégrante de la chirurgie plastique depuis longtemps, mais le temps alloué à y exposer les résidents en chirurgie plastique est menacé en raison de l'éventail de surspécialités. Dans le cadre de l'approche de compétence par conception à la formation en chirurgie plastique, les résultats reçoivent une liste de 52 « activités professionnelles confiables ¼ (APC) pour assurer qu'ils acquièrent les compétences et le savoir de base. Méthodologie : Ce sondage, distribué par courriel grâce à un lien vers la plateforme Survey MonkeyMD, visait à déterminer quelles APC étaient offertes aux chirurgiens plastiques en formation pendant leur rotation dans un grand centre universitaire pour grands brûlés du Canada. Par consensus des chercheurs, 26 des 52 APC ont été incluses dans l'évaluation. Les 26 autres n'ont pas été considérées comme pertinentes pour la rotation au centre pour grands brûlés, mais mieux à même d'être acquises ailleurs. Résultats:  Au total, 32 résidents qui ont participé à une rotation auprès des grands brûlés entre le 1er janvier 2015 et le 31 décembre 2021 ont rempli le sondage anonyme. Selon plus de 75% d'entre eux, 17 des 26 APC évaluées peuvent facilement être effectuées pendant la rotation auprès des grands brûlés. La plupart de ces APC portent sur les soins complets aux patients atteints de brûlures aiguës, la gestion d'un service de chirurgie plastique aux patients hospitalisés et les processus d'amélioration de la qualité qui s'y associent. Les résidents qui ont effectué leur rotation en moins de trois mois avaient moins l'occasion d'effectuer huit APC de plus par rapport à ceux qui avaient vécu des rotations plus longues, particulièrement à l'égard des soins des plaies complexes aux patients et de la reconstruction après leurs brûlures. Conclusions : En plus de menacer la prestation harmonieuse des services dans les centres pour grands brûlés, la moins grande exposition des résidents à la rotation des grands brûlés peut compromettre la prestation des soins aux grands brûlés dans la communauté. Les résultats de ce sondage réfutent toute prétention selon laquelle les services aux grands brûlés est une rotation « à faible rendement ¼ selon le point de vue de l'acquisition des APC.

Costs Versus Complications: Public Perspectives on International Cosmetic Surgery Tourism.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of potential complications and motivations among patients willing to travel internationally for cosmetic surgery and to gain insight into public perceptions of cosmetic surgery tourism by surveying a large, cross-sectional sample of the general public. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed through Amazon Mechanical Turk regarding cosmetic surgery tourism in adults 18 years and older and currently residing in the United States (US). Results: A total of 484 responses were analyzed. Of those, 45.2% of participants would consider having plastic surgery. Among these participants, 67.1% would consider traveling outside of the US to receive cosmetic surgery. Participants who reported Hispanic or Latino ethnicity had increased odds of considering surgery abroad (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1-8.7, P = .030). Participants reported that the top advantages of traveling outside of the US for surgery were the price of surgery internationally, a shorter waiting list for surgery, and privacy during recovery. The top disadvantages were the risk of complications, lack of follow-up or continuity care after surgery, and distance from home. Although the risk of complications was acknowledged as the top disadvantage, the perceived safety of receiving plastic surgery abroad was not related to willingness to consider having surgery abroad (P = .268). Conclusion: These findings support the need for continued awareness of patients considering international travel for cosmetic surgery and increased education of the general public regarding the safety of cosmetic surgery tourism and the importance of selecting board-certified plastic surgeons and accredited facilities.

Introduction: La présente étude visait à comprendre les perceptions des complications potentielles et les motivations chez les patients désireux de se rendre à l'étranger pour subir des chirurgies esthétiques et à connaître les perceptions du public à l'égard du tourisme esthétique au moyen d'un sondage auprès d'un vaste échantillon représentatif du grand public. Méthodologie: Les chercheurs ont procédé à un sondage transversal par l'entremise de la plateforme Amazon Mechanical Turk au sujet du tourisme esthétique chez des adultes de 18 ans et plus qui habitent actuellement aux États-Unis. Résultats: Les chercheurs ont analysé 484 réponses. Au total, 45,2% des participants envisageraient la chirurgie plastique et, de cette proportion, 67,1% envisageraient de sortir des États-Unis pour ce faire. Les participants qui se disaient Hispaniques ou Latinos étaient plus susceptibles d'envisager de se rendre à l'étranger (rapport de cotes 3,1, IC à 95%, 1,1 à 8,7, P = 0030). Les participants indiquaient que le tourisme esthétique hors des États-Unis avait comme principaux avantages le prix des opérations, une liste d'attente plus courte et le respect de la vie privée pendant la convalescence. Le risque de complications, l'absence de suivi ou de continuité des soins après l'opération et la distance de la maison en étaient les principaux désavantages. Même si le risque de complications était reconnu comme le principal désavantage, la perception de sécurité liée à la chirurgie esthétique à l'étranger n'était pas associée à la volonté d'envisager une opération à l'étranger (P = 0268). Conclusion: Ces observations appuient la nécessité de sensibiliser constamment les patients qui envisagent le tourisme esthétique et de mieux informer le grand public de la sécurité du tourisme esthétique et de l'importance de privilégier des plasticiens agréés par l'Ordre et des établissements agréés.

The Burden of Plastic Surgery Related Disease in Canada: A Perspective Based on the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study.

Purpose: Identifying the burden of disease related to plastic and reconstructive surgery in Canada will provide timely population-based data, inform policy, and generate support for research funding. Methods and Patients: Data on the burden of disease (ie, prevalence, incidence, mortality, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life years [DALYs]), were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 results tool for all available and relevant plastic surgery diseases. The economic burden of disease in Canadian dollars was calculated based on prior studies. Data are presented as either rates (per 100 000) or counts with the associated uncertainty interval. Results: In 2019, plastic surgery related conditions in Canada had an overall age-standardized DALY rate of 556 per 100 000 [463-664]. Of these conditions, breast cancer was responsible for approximately 50% of the overall burden of disease, with an age-standardized DALY rate of 268 per 100 000 [244-294] followed by squamous cell carcinoma (66 per 100 000 [45-94]) and thermal burns (61 per 100 000 [46-82]). Age-standardized incidence rates were highest for cellulitis (2654 per 100 000 [2502-2812]). Breast cancer had the highest age-standardized cost of care of all plastic surgery related diseases, at $5.1 billion, approximately half of the total age-standardized cost of $10.6 billion for included plastic surgery diseases. Conclusion: Plastic and reconstructive surgery related diseases, particularly breast cancer, thermal burns, and malignant melanoma, are responsible for a high burden of disease and significant cost to the Canadian healthcare system. These results will help guide national healthcare policy and should provide support to directing funding and research efforts toward impactful diseases facing the Canadian healthcare system.

Objectif: L'identification de la morbidité des maladies liées à la chirurgie plastique et reconstructrice au Canada fournira des données en temps opportun reposant sur la population, permettra de renseigner les politiques et générer un soutien pour le financement de la recherche. Méthodes et patients: Des données sur la morbidité des maladies (c.-à-d. prévalence, incidence, mortalité, années de vie perdues [YLL], années vécues avec une invalidité [YLD], et années de vie corrigées pour l'invalidité [AVCI ou DALY]) ont été extraites de l'outil de résultats sur la morbidité mondiale des maladies 2019 pour toutes les affections disponibles et pertinentes pour la chirurgie plastique. Le poids économique de la maladie en dollars canadiens (CAD) a été calculé sur la base d'études antérieures. Les données sont présentées sous forme de taux (pour 100 000) ou de nombres avec les intervalles d'incertitude (IdI) associés. Résultats: En 2019, les troubles liés à la chirurgie plastique au Canada avaient un taux d'AVCI global standardisé pour l'âge de 556 pour 100 000 (463-664). Parmi ces affections, le cancer du sein était responsable d'environ 50% du fardeau global de la maladie avec un taux d'AVCI standardisé pour l'âge de 268 pour 100 000 (244-294) suivi du cancer épidermoïde (carcinome à cellules squameuses) (66 pour 100 000 [45-94]) et des brûlures thermiques (61 pour 100 000 [46-82]). Les incidences standardisées pour l'âge étaient les plus élevées pour la cellulite (2 654 pour 100 000 [2 502-2 812]). Le cancer du sein avait le coût des traitements standardisé pour l'âge le plus élevé de toutes les maladies liées à la chirurgie plastique, avec 5,1 milliards de dollars, soit environ la moitié des dépenses totales standardisées pour l'âge de 10,6 milliards de dollars pour les maladies incluses liées à la chirurgie plastique. Conclusion: Les maladies liées à la chirurgie plastique et reconstructrive, et plus particulièrement le cancer du sein, les brûlures thermiques et le mélanome malin, sont responsables d'une importante morbidité et de coûts significatifs pour le système de santé canadien. Ces résultats aideront à guider la politique nationale de soins de santé et devraient fournir un soutien pour orienter le financement et les efforts de recherche vers des maladies ayant les plus grandes répercussions sur le système de soins de santé canadien. Mots-clés: chirurgie plastique, morbidité, années de vie corrigées pour l'invalidité, fardeau global de la maladie, coût des soins, morbidité de la maladie.

Impact of Plastic Surgery and an Enhanced Prophylaxis Protocol on Cervical Spine Surgery Infection.

Background: Reduction of surgical site infections (SSIs) is important in improving cervical spine surgery outcomes. Plastic surgery involvement and an enhanced modified prophylaxis protocol may reduce infection rates. Methods: A total of 962 cervical spine operations were conducted by a single surgeon (TFC). An enhanced modified prophylaxis protocol and plastic surgery were used in some operations. Differences in infection rates, surgical approach, previous operations, prophylaxis use, and plastic surgery involvement were compared using Fisher's exact tests and multivariate linear regression. Results: Four patients (0.42%) experienced SSIs. All 4 infections involved the standard protocol, posterior approach, and did not involve plastic surgery. The infection rate was lower in the enhanced protocol group when compared to the standard protocol (ß -0.78, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.33, P = .0008). The enhanced protocol group had an increased percentage of operations with plastic surgery (ß 0.19, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.28, P < .0001). The infection rate among the plastics group was 0.00% compared to 0.60% for the non-plastics group (P = .32). The plastics group had a lower rate of anterior approach when compared to the non-plastics group (ß -0.20, 95% CI -0.24 to -0.15, P = .049). Among the posterior approach group, procedures with plastic surgery had an infection rate of 0.00% compared to 2.53% without plastic surgery (P = .13). Conclusion: The enhanced protocol was associated with a lower SSI rate and increased plastic surgery involvement. Posterior approaches were associated with increased infection rates and the likelihood of utilizing plastic surgery. Both the enhanced protocol and plastic surgery may decrease infection.

Contexte: La réduction des infections du site opératoire est importante pour améliorer les résultats de la chirurgie de la colonne cervicale. L'implication de la chirurgie plastique et d'un protocole amélioré de prophylaxie modifiée peuvent réduire les taux d'infection. Méthodes: Un total de 962 opérations sur la colonne cervicale a été effectué par un seul chirurgien (TFC). Un protocole amélioré de prophylaxie modifiée et la chirurgie plastique ont été utilisés au cours de certaines interventions. Les différences dans les taux d'infection, l'abord chirurgical, les opérations précédentes, l'utilisation de la prophylaxie et l'implication de la chirurgie plastique ont été évalués au moyen de tests exacts de Fisher et d'une régression linéaire multifactorielle. Résultats: Quatre patients (0.42%) ont présenté une infection de la cicatrice opératoire (ICO). Les quatre infections impliquaient le protocole standard, l'abord postérieur et l'absence de chirurgie plastique. Le taux d'infection a été moindre dans le groupe de protocole amélioré, comparativement au protocole standard (ß −0.78, IC à 95%: −1.23 à −0.33, P = .0008). Le pourcentage d'opérations avec chirurgie plastique était augmenté dans le groupe au protocole amélioré (ß 0.19, IC à 95%: 0.10 à 0.28, P < .0001). La fréquence des infections dans le groupe de chirurgie plastique était de 0.00%, comparée à 0.60% dans le groupe sans chirurgie plastique (P = .32). Le groupe avec chirurgie plastique avait un taux d'abord antérieur inférieur comparativement au groupe sans chirurgie plastique (ß −0.20, IC à 95%: −0.24 à −0.15, P = .049). Dans le groupe avec abord postérieur, le taux d'infections était de 0.00% avec chirurgie plastique contre 2.53% sans chirurgie plastique (P = .13). Conclusion: Le protocole amélioré a été associé à un taux d'OCI inférieur et à une plus grande implication de la chirurgie plastique. Un abord postérieur a été associé à des taux augmentés d'infection et à une plus grande probabilité d'utilisation de la chirurgie plastique. Le protocole amélioré et la chirurgie plastique peuvent tous deux réduire les infections.

Assessing the Knowledge and Insight of Medical Students into the Field of Plastic Surgery: A Step Toward Creating Well-Rounded Healthcare Professionals.

Introduction Plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) is unique in its versatility; however, there seems to be a lack of familiarity with the breadth of the discipline among healthcare workers and medical students. Methods This is a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study conducted between June and July 2021, targeting medical students at Kuwait University. The questionnaire examined three domains: demographics, perception, and knowledge of the scope of PRS. Results A total of 465 medical students completed the survey, with most (N=106, 22.8%) being in their final year (seventh year). The majority (N=414, 89%) of students had no previous clinical exposure to PRS. Among the several PRS disciplines, knowledge was highest in the aesthetic discipline (4.1/5). Awareness in the hand (0.82/5) and craniofacial (0.8/5) disciplines were the lowest. Students in their clinical years had a higher overall PRS score when compared to those in their pre-clinical years (10.9 versus 9.1, p<0.0001). Participants who believed that PRS is a rewarding specialty had higher overall scores compared with those who disagreed (10.3 versus 9.5, p=0.055). Participants who believed that PRS is synonymous with cosmetic surgery had a lower overall score (9.3 versus 10.4, p=0.008). Furthermore, participants who would consider a career in PRS had a better understanding of all aspects of the specialty as evidenced by higher overall scores. Conclusion Exposure to the field of PRS improves medical students' insight into the various disciplines of PRS and ultimately influences how the field is perceived. Efforts should be made toward promoting the exposure of medical students to PRS through clinical placements and/or didactic lectures.

Aqua Breast Augmentation (ABA): Hydrodissection Breast Augmentation Technique.

INTRODUCTION: Breast augmentation is a prevalent procedure in plastic surgery. In this article we present the Aqua Breast Technique (ABA), an approach aimed at enhancing patient satisfaction and reducing downtime. This technique leverages tumescent anesthesia and a small incision in the inframammary fold, avoiding electrocautery and surgical drains, to fulfill the growing demand for painless procedures with minimal recovery periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study retrospectively analyzed 238 patients who underwent breast augmentation using the ABA technique at Instituto Rubi between 2021 and 2024. The ABA protocol involves detailed preoperative design, local anesthesia, a precise 3-centimeter incision, careful dissection, and specific postoperative care, emphasizing hydrodissection for tissue separation and the use of smooth round silicone implants through a Keller funnel. RESULTS: The application of the ABA technique to 238 patients, with a mean follow-up time 14 months. Ten patients required surgical intervention due to complications. Hematoma and infection rates were 0.42%, while capsulectomies were required in 2.1% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Aqua Breast Augmentation technique has been successfully applied as a hydrodissection-based breast augmentation technique method, with low complication rates, short downtime, and reduced postoperative pain. Level V, therapeutic study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Management of Orthodontic Therapy-Associated Gingival Overgrowth for Esthetic Consideration in Anterior Maxillary Region: A Case Report.

Gingival inflammation and fibrous type of overgrowth, or a combination of both can lead to gingival enlargement (GE), and this negatively affects mainly masticatory function and esthetics, and sometimes causes psychological issues in patients. A typical characteristic of gingival diseases is gingival overgrowth, which can be brought on by fibrous overgrowth, gingival inflammation, or a combination of the two. It is a complex ailment arising from interactions between the environment and the host or different stimuli. Patients frequently have misaligned teeth, which encourages the buildup of bacterial plaque and unintentionally fuels gingival inflammation. Fixed orthodontic equipment can rectify this misalignment but they may also promote plaque buildup and the ensuing development of GE, gingival invaginations, and generalized hyperplastic gingivitis. The attachment of application and the rise in the amount of discernible supra- and subgingival plaque cause changes in microbial growth. Moreover, the force used in the treatment tends to activate the gingival soft tissue response. Clinical consequences such as persistent infection, inflammatory hyperplasia, gingival recession, attachment loss, or gingival overgrowth may arise after the device is placed. 'Plaque-induced' and 'non-plaque-induced' gingival disorders, such as gingival overgrowth, can be distinguished; however, a more precise fundamental etiology is frequently discernible. Several hereditary, systemic, or infectious diseases do not depend on plaque induction. Accompanying plaque accumulation in certain circumstances may make the clinical appearance worse. The case described here is of a 21-year-old female patient presenting with anterior maxillary GE associated with lateral incisors with orthodontic therapy. Surgical therapy was carried out to provide an excellent esthetic outcome for the patient.

A bite of death: Anaesthetic challenges in frostbite.

BACKGROUND: Frostbite is defined as tissue damage that is sustained as a result of prolonged exposures to less than 0°C resulting in ice crystallisation, microvascular occlusion and subsequently thrombosis. CASE: A 33-year-old mountaineer with cold burn over 20% of the total body surface area with eschar formation, acute renal failure, upper limb venous thrombosis and bilateral pleural effusion. We hereby report a successful anaesthetic management of this patient undergoing debridement and escharotomy for frostbite injuries and review its perioperative concerns. CONCLUSION: Frostbite injuries pose a challenge to the anaesthetic team due to the multi-systemic nature of its involvement.

The influence of tobacco smoking on the outcomes achieved by root coverage procedures: An updated systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This updated version of a systematic review (SR) originally published in 2009 evaluated the effect of smoking on the clinical outcomes achieved with root coverage (RC) procedures in the treatment of gingival recession (GR) defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This SR includes randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, and case series with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Eligible studies involved GR defects without interproximal tissue loss submitted to RC procedures, as well as outcome measures from smokers (i.e., those smoking 10 or more cigarettes per day at baseline) and nonsmokers, recorded separately. Three electronic databases were searched up to March 31, 2024. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted thoroughly. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies reporting on 181 smokers and 162 nonsmokers, submitted to different RC procedures, were included. Half of these trials were originally included in the 2009 SR, whereas the other half (six studies) were included in this update. Nonsmokers experienced greater reductions in GR and gains in clinical attachment level compared to smokers. Pooled estimates comparing smokers and nonsmokers who received coronally advanced flap (CAF) alone and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) + CAF showed that nonsmokers achieved greater mean root coverage (MRC) in both treatments. Significant differences in MRC of 10.85% (95% CI, 1.92 to 19.77) and 22.04 (95% CI, 14.25 to 29.83), favoring nonsmokers, were identified for CAF and SCTG + CAF, respectively. Similarly, nonsmokers treated with SCTG + CAF displayed superior number of sites exhibiting complete root coverage (CRF) when compared with smokers (risk ratio, 4.12; 95% CI, 1.73 to 9.80). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking negatively impacts the outcomes of RC procedures, particularly those achieved by SCTG-based procedures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Smoking was linked to poorer RC outcomes. These outcomes highlight the critical need to integrate smoking cessation into periodontal treatment plans.

Application of three-dimensional printing in plastic surgery: a bibliometric analysis.

Recent years have seen the publication of numerous papers on the application of three-dimensional (3D) printing in plastic surgery. Despite this growing interest, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the field has yet to be conducted. To address this gap, we undertook a bibliometric study to map out the knowledge structure and identify research hotspots related to 3D printing in plastic surgery. We analyzed publications from 1995 to 2024, found in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), utilizing tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix". Our analysis included 1,057 documents contributed by 5,545 authors from 1,620 organizations across 71 regions, and these were published in 400 journals. We observed a steady growth in annual publications, with Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania leading in research output. Notably, Shanghai Jiao Tong University emerged as a primary research institution in this domain. The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery and Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery have made significant contributions to the field, with Thieringer, Florian M being the most prolific and frequently cited author. Key areas of focus include medical education and surgical procedures, with "3D printing", "virtual surgical planning" and "reconstructive/orthognathic surgery" highlighted as future research hotspots. Our study provides a detailed bibliometric analysis, revealing the evolution and progress of 3D printing technologies in plastic surgery. As these technologies continue to advance, their impact on clinical practice and patient lives is expected to be profound.

Joseph Pancoast (1805-1882) and His Innovations in Plastic Surgery.

Background: Joseph Pancoast (1805-1882), a prominent figure in 19th-century surgery and medical education, introduced several innovative surgical techniques during his careerPurpose: While he made significant contributions to various areas of surgery, including plastic surgery and anatomy, his techniques were particularly notable for their precision and efficacy.Results: Some of his surgical innovations are the facial grafting especially in rhinoplasty either by using a forehead graft or by using a graft from the cheeks. He introduced his own operation for Staphyloplasty by dissecting two flaps of mucous membrane having a triangular shape and contributed also in taliacotian operation, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, cheiloplastic operation in case of lip cancer, amputations at the hip-joint, ocular deformities and tongue cancer restoration. In ocular surgery he had produced a fine needle turned into a hook in order to be inserted behind the cornea to cut deeply the soft parts of the lens and withdraw any hardened nucleus.

Disparities in pathways to reduction mammaplasty: A single institution review of 425 women with macromastia.

BACKGROUND: Reduction mammaplasty improves the quality of life by providing functional and aesthetic benefits to women with macromastia. This study contributes to the existing literature on socioeconomic and clinical barriers to referral for plastic surgery procedures by focusing specifically on reduction mammaplasty. METHODS: Patients with macromastia were identified via a chart review in a single institution from 2021-2022. The treatment pathway for each patient was characterized by reception of referral, completion of plastic surgery consultation, and eventual reception of surgery. After controlling for clinical covariates, multivariate logistic regression was applied to quantify the independent impact of race, insurance, and language status on the completion of surgery (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The final patient cohort included 425 women with macromastia. Among the 151 patients who were first seen by a primary care physician, 64 (42%) completed an initial plastic surgery consultation. Among all patients, 160 (38%) eventually underwent reduction mammaplasty. Multivariate regression predictions indicated a lower likelihood of completing breast reduction surgery in patients with current smoking history (OR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.59) and higher body mass index (BMI) (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.97) (p < 0.05). Minority race and ethnicity, private insurance status, and primary language status were not significant predictors of this outcome (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the socioeconomic variables were not independent predictors of breast reduction surgery completion. However, the association of minority race and ethnicity and nonprivate insurance status with the most common reasons for breast reduction deferral suggest an indirect influence of socioeconomic status on the treatment pathway.