Incidence of Hematoma Following Breast Reduction in Patients Taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor or Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor: A Retrospective Review.

Background Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) use is more common in the plastic surgery population compared to the general population. This study was designed to assess the theoretical effect of SSRIs and SNRIs on platelet function and the potential for increased bleeding risk. This study sought to establish the incidence of postoperative bleeding following routine bilateral breast reduction for patients on SSRIs or SNRIs. The outcomes of this study contribute to the discussion of whether these medications should be discontinued before elective surgery. Methodology A retrospective chart review of all patients who received bilateral breast reduction surgery over a 10-year period was performed. Patient charts were reviewed for postoperative hematoma formation as well as medications being used around the time of surgery. The rate of hematoma formation in patients actively taking SSRIs or SNRIs at the time of surgery was compared with the rest of the study population. Results A total of 1,022 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. The overall incidence of postoperative hematoma was 7.7%. Of these, 1.9% of patients had clinically significant hematomas that required operative evacuation, and the remaining were treated conservatively. The only variable associated with a significantly higher risk of hematoma formation was advanced age (p = 0.005). Conclusions There was no significant difference in hematoma incidence after breast reduction in patients taking SNRIs or SSRIs compared with the general population. This contradicts some of the previously published literature and can hopefully guide clinicians in counseling their patients preoperatively.

The Effect of Tranexamic Acid Administration During Liposuction on Bleeding Complications and Ecchymosis: A Systematic Review.

Liposuction is the most frequently performed cosmetic procedure. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has emerged as a promising blood loss reducing agent in plastic surgery, but its value in liposuction is still being studied. This systematic review investigates the safety and efficacy of TXA in reducing blood loss during liposuction procedures. A systematic review of PubMed (US National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD), MEDLINE (US National Library of Medicine), EMBASE (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), and Cochrane databases (Wiley, Hoboken, NJ) from inception to June 2023 was performed. The primary objective was to compare blood loss, hematoma rate, and ecchymosis from liposuction procedures in patients who received TXA versus those who did not. The secondary objective was to assess the incidence of TXA-related complications. A total of nine studies were included, published between 2018 and 2023 of which eight were prospective and one was retrospective. A total of 345 intervention versus 268 control arms were compared. Follow-up time ranged from 1-14 days. Mean age, and mean BMI ranged from 33 - 50 years, 23 to 30 kg/m2, respectively. Blood loss in aspirate was significantly less with TXA administration assessed by five studies (p < 0.05). Of the five studies that assessed the incidence of ecchymosis, all reported less bruising with TXA use. Among all the studies, only one found post-operative complications with five patients requiring transfusion in the control group (without TXA). The evidence provided in the literature suggests that TXA use in liposuction is safe and effective for reducing blood loss and ecchymosis with IV and local administration.

Grit and Thoracic Surgery Interest Among Medical Students.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the relationship between medical student Grit and thoracic surgery career interest. DESIGN: An online questionnaire was designed to measure self-reported ratings of Grit among medical student using the Short-Grit scale, as well as thoracic surgery career interest. SETTING: Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: From 2019 to 2021, 192/367 (52.3%) participants in their first or second year of medical school. The cohort was comprised of 109 (56.8%) females while 115 (59.9%) were <24 years of age. RESULTS: Mean Grit was high (M = 4.159 +/- 0.450) among medical students. There were 80 (41.2%) students interested in thoracic surgery. There was a significant difference in Grit between students with a career interest in thoracic surgery (4.256 +/- 0.442) and those uninterested in thoracic surgery (4.089 +/- 0.444); t(190) = 2.572, p = 0.011; Cohen's D = 0.442. Career interest in thoracic surgery was not influenced by career factor interest. CONCLUSIONS: Grittier students have a career interest in thoracic surgery. Recruitment teams in thoracic surgery residency programs with high rates of burnout and poor psychological wellbeing among trainees may take interest in these findings.

Exploring Complication Rates: A Comparative Study of Breast Reduction and Combined Breast Reduction with Abdominoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Despite a trend towards combining abdominoplasty with breast reduction surgery, so called "mommy makeovers", the safety of this combined approach has been the subject of debate, with previous research yielding conflicting results. We evaluated the risk for complications and revision associated with adding abdominoplasty to bilateral breast reduction surgery. METHODS: We conducted a 10-year single-center retrospective chart review of bilateral breast reduction patients in Nova Scotia. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare the risk for complication and revision in patients with bilateral breast reduction to those with a concomitant abdominoplasty. RESULTS: Of the 1871 patients initially screened, 738 were included. 44 underwent a concomitant abdominoplasty procedure. Compared to the breast reduction alone group, patients with concomitant abdominoplasty were significantly older (47.5±9.9 vs. 42.8±13.2, p=0.004), had a higher BMI (28.1±4.4 vs. 25.8±3.1, p<0.001), and experienced longer operating room times (226±6 vs. 115±3 mins, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, concomitant abdominoplasty did not increase the risk for breast-related (OR: 0.86 95%CI 0.43-1.7, p=0.668) or total complications (OR: 1.63, 95%CI 0.83-3.19, p=0.154). However, there was a trend towards an increased risk of breast revision (OR: 2.684, 95%CI 0.95-7.6, p=0.062) and a significantly increased risk of total revision (OR: 6.624, 95%CI 2.7-16.1, p<0.001). Moreover, patients with concomitant abdominoplasty experienced more follow-up visits (median: 4 vs. 3 visits, p=0.042). CONCLUSION: In our single-center retrospective analysis, combining abdominoplasty with bilateral breast reduction did not increase the risk for breast, or total complications; however, it did increase the risk for total revisions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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.

Anatomy, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes for the medial arm flap: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The medial arm flap (MAF) has been used as a pedicle flap and free flap to reconstruct various deformities, including those of the head and neck, axilla, elbow, chest, and hand. This study reviews the anatomy of the flap, the technique of flap harvest, its clinical applications, and a systematic review of the current published literature. METHODS: An online systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and The Cochrane Library from inception to September 30, 2023, was completed. Studies that investigate the anatomy, technique or clinical outcomes of medial arm flaps were included. Clinical data extracted includes patient, defect, flap characteristics, complications, and take-back procedures. Anatomic data extracted includes anatomical variations, and vascular characteristics and patterns. RESULTS: Between 1980 and 2023, 50 papers were published outlining the medial arm flap. Anatomic studies detail the anatomy of 384 medial arms, and outcomes are reported for 283 MAFs (75 free flaps and 208 pedicle flaps). The superior ulnar collateral artery is most commonly cited as the dominant arterial supply to the middle third of the medial arm. The majority of patients required reconstruction post-burn (39.2%), trauma (17.7%), and tumor excision (12.4%). MAFs were mostly used to reconstruct defects of the head and neck (41.7%), the hand and wrist (21.9%), and the elbow (16.3%). Eleven flaps (4.1%) suffered partial flap failure, and two flaps (0.7%) suffered total flap failure. CONCLUSION: This manuscript demonstrates that the MAF is a reliable and underutilized flap option with a well-hidden donor scar and a low complication rate.

Pain and Functional Outcomes following Targeted Muscle Reinnervation: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that by 2050, a total of 3.6 million patients will be living with an amputation in the United States. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the effect of targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) on pain and physical functioning in amputees. METHODS: A literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE up to November 28, 2021. Clinical studies assessing the outcomes of TMR (pain, prosthesis control, life quality, limb function, and disability) were included. RESULTS: Thirty-nine articles were included. The total number of patients who underwent TMR was 449, and 716 were controls. Mean follow-up was 25 months. A total of 309 (66%) lower-limb and 159 (34%) upper-limb amputations took place in the TMR group, the most common being below-knee amputations (39%). The control group included a total of 557 (84%) lower-limb and 108 (16%) upper-limb amputations; the greatest proportion being below-knee amputations in this group as well (54%). Trauma was the most common indication for amputation. Phantom limb pain scores were lower by 10.2 points for intensity ( P = 0.01), 4.67 points for behavior ( P = 0.01), and 8.9 points for interference ( P = 0.09). Similarly, residual limb pain measures were lower for cases for intensity, behavior, and interference, but they failed to reach significance. Neuroma symptoms occurred less frequently, and functional and prosthesis control outcomes improved following TMR. CONCLUSION: The literature evidence suggests that TMR is a promising therapy for improving pain, prosthesis use, and functional outcomes after limb amputation.

Cancer Metastases to the Hand: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic lesions to the hand or wrist are rare and can mimic inflammatory and benign processes such as gout and infections. This often leads to misdiagnosis, underreporting, and delays in treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine all known cases of metastasis to the hand or wrist available in the literature and to analyze demographic trends, metastasis characteristics, and clinical course, and provide recommendations for management. METHODS: An online systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library from inception to January 7, 2022, was completed. Studies outlining the care of a patient with acrometastases of the hand were included. Data extracted included age, sex, site of primary tumor and metastasis, presence of other metastases, time from primary diagnosis to acrometastasis diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment, and survival. RESULTS: Between 1889 and present, 871 lesions were described in 676 patients who met the inclusion criteria. There was no predilection for hand dominance or site of previous trauma. The mean age among patients was 59.5 (1.5-91) years, and male sex was more common (64.6%). The most common primary cancer source was the lung (39.2%), followed by the kidney (10.8%). The distal phalanx was the most frequently cited tumor location (33.7%). Mean survival after diagnosis of acrometastasis was 6.3 months (0.25-50) ± 11.5 months. CONCLUSION: Acrometastasis remains an uncommon presentation of metastatic disease with poor prognosis. Treatment currently focuses on pain management and optimizing functional outcomes. Our review led to the development of 7 treatment recommendations when managing these patients.

The Role of ACE-Inhibitors and ARBs in reducing hypertrophic scarring following bilateral breast reduction.

BACKGROUND: The angiotensin-renin system (ARS) has been shown to play a role in the promotion of tissue fibrosis through angiotensin II activation of the angiotensin-receptor 1 and subsequently transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF- ß1). Breast reduction surgery is known to have a potential complication of hypertrophic scarring. The primary objective of this study is to assess whether the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) by patients undergoing bilateral reduction mammoplasty is correlated with a reduction in hypertrophic scarring complications post-operatively. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who received bilateral breast reduction surgery in our province over a 10-year period was performed. Patient charts were reviewed for post-operative hypertrophic scarring as well as medications being used around the time of surgery. The rate of hypertrophic scarring within patients treated with an ACEi or ARB for existing hypertension were compared with the rest of the population. RESULTS: A total of 981 patients met the inclusion criteria of the study. The overall incidence of hypertrophic scarring was 6%. Within the population, 132 (14%) of patients had a clinical diagnosis of hypertension. Of the patients who were managed with an ACEi or ARB, one (2%) patient developed hypertrophic scarring post-operatively. This was significantly less than the total population and the remainder of the population with hypertension treated with a medication other than an ACEi or ARB. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated the impact of routine ACEi or ARB use by patients undergoing bilateral reduction mammoplasty and demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of hypertrophic scarring. This study is one of the first to investigate ACEi or ARB use in humans to reduce rates of unsightly scarring. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Outcomes of Free Muscle Flaps versus Free Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Lower Limb Reconstruction following Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Free flap reconstruction of the lower limb following trauma often suffers higher complication rates than other areas of the body. The choice of muscle or fasciocutaneous free flap is an area of active debate. METHODS: A systematic review of EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane Register from inception to April 1, 2022 was performed. Articles were assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies instrument. The primary outcome was to assess and compare the major surgical outcomes of partial or total flap failure, reoperation, and amputation rates. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included. All studies were retrospective in nature, of level three evidence, and published between 1986 and 2021. The most common muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps used were latissimus dorsi flap (38.1%) and anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap (64.8%), respectively. Meta-analysis found no significance difference in rates of total flap failure, takeback operations, or limb salvage, whereas partial flap failure rate was significantly lower for fasciocutaneous flaps. The majority of studies found no significant difference in complication rates, osteomyelitis, time to fracture union, or time to functional recovery. Most, 82.4% (14/17), of the included studies were of high methodological quality. CONCLUSION: The rate of total flap failure, reoperation, or limb salvage is not significantly different between muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps after lower limb reconstruction following trauma. Partial flap failure rates appear to be lower with fasciocutaneous free flaps. Outcomes traditionally thought to be managed better with muscle free flaps, such as osteomyelitis and rates of fracture union, were comparable.

The Relation of Grit and Surgical Specialty Interest Among Medical Students.

OBJECTIVE: The assessment of Grit among medical students applying to surgical residency programs may be useful, but the relationship between student Grit and surgical specialty interest is not clear. This study investigated whether medical student Grit differs based on interest in direct-entry surgical specialties. DESIGN: A literature search informed the development of a cross-sectional study assessing medical student ratings of the validated 6-item Short-Grit scale. Medical students also indicated their career preferences. SETTING: Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; a tertiary medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Surgical specialty interest and Grittiness were assessed among 297 (50.4%) pre-clerkship medical students in their first or second year of training. Data was collected from program applicants over 4 years. RESULTS: Medical students had high levels of Grit (M = 4.029, SD = 0.517). There was a significant difference in Grit level between medical students interested in cardiac surgery ([M = 4.197, SD = 0.471 vs M = 3.919, 0.518]; t(295) = 4.674, p < 0.001; Cohen's D = 0.556), general surgery ([M = 4.178, SD = 0.466 vs M = 3.916, 0.527]; t(295) = 4.434, p < 0.001; Cohen's D = 0.520), neurosurgery ([M = 4.238, SD = 0.457 vs M = 3.950, 0.518]; t(295) = 4.412, p < 0.001; Cohen's D = 0.575), plastic surgery ([M = 4.138, SD = 0.497 vs M = 3.967, 0.520]; t(295) = 2.747, p = 0.006; Cohen's D = 0.333), and vascular surgery (M = 4.248, SD = 0.368 vs M = 3.948, 0.541); t(295) = 4.570, p < 0.001; Cohen's D = 0.501). CONCLUSIONS: Medical students with a career interest in "poor lifestyle" surgical specialties have higher Grit than their peers. These findings may be noteworthy for surgical residency programs with high rates of attrition and burnout.

Predictive Patient Characteristics and Surgical Variables That Influence Postoperative Complications following Bilateral Reduction Mammoplasty.

Breast hypertrophy is known to be a source of both physical and psychosocial health deficits. Therefore, the ability to relieve these symptoms with surgical treatment is an important consideration for patients. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of patient body mass index (BMI) on postoperation complications. The secondary objective of this study was to assess patient demographics, surgical techniques, and patient comorbidities for their impact on specific postoperative complications. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients who received bilateral breast reduction surgery in Nova Scotia over the past 10 years was performed. A total of 1022 patients met the inclusion criteria of the study. Logistic regression modeling was performed to identify demographic factors, surgical techniques, and patient comorbidities that impact the risk of developing specific postoperative complications. Results: Our study population had a total complication incidence of 37.7%. BMI was not significantly different between patients who developed complications and those who did not. Logistic regression modeling showed a significant relationship that with each unit increase in BMI above the mean (25.9 kg/m2) the relative risk of patient-reported postoperative asymmetry increased by 6%. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that BMI has several nonsignificant relationships to postoperative complications following bilateral breast reduction. These trends do not translate to significantly increased complaints of asymmetry, scarring' or revision surgeries. This study also provides valuable information on the timeline of postoperative complications and when they can commonly be identified.

Lower Limb Salvage Using Patent-Specific 3D-Printed Titanium Cage Following Severe Left Ankle Traumatic Partial Amputation: A Pediatric Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Patients with large bony defects of the ankle who wish to avoid amputation have limited surgical intervention options for limb salvage. Each of these interventions are technically complex and present significant risk for complications. The use of a patient-specific 3D-printed titanium cage in conjunction with a tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis using a retrograde nail is another management option. This case adds to the scarce published literature on this technique. CASE PRESENTATION: This report presents the case of a 16-year-old female who suffered a traumatic partial amputation of her left distal lower extremity following an all-terrain-vehicle accident that resulted in a 10.0 × 10.0 cm skin laceration and a 5-cm subsegmental bony loss of the distal tibia. She was successfully treated using a patient-specific 3D-printed titanium truss cage in conjunction with a TTC arthrodesis using a retrograde nail. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to amputate or attempt limb salvage in a severely injured lower limb is still a topic of active debate. However, literature has shown that patients who undergo limb salvage surgery have better psychological health outcomes and equivalent functional outcomes as patients who have undergone amputation. Therefore, research on techniques that optimize and advance limb salvage surgery is needed. As the numerous potential benefits and limitations of patient-specific 3D-printed implants are assessed throughout the field of orthopedics, further research and cost-analysis will be required. Cases such as the one presented add to the limited existing literature of patient-specific 3D-printed implant for treatment of large distal lower extremity bony defects. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level V (Case Report).

Application rates to surgical residency programs in Canada.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify if the previously reported declining interest in surgery amongst medical students persists, and also to provide more descriptive analysis of trends by surgical specialty and medical school. Our hypothesis is that the previously reported decreasing interest in surgery remains constant for some surgical disciplines. METHODS: The Canadian Resident Matching Service and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada provided data for this study. Several metrics of interest in surgery, including overall application trends, applications by discipline, and rankings by school of graduation were evaluated. Descriptive statistics and linear regression modeling were used. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2017 the number of non-surgical residency positions and Canadian medical graduates increased significantly. However, the number of surgical residency positions and applications to surgical programs did not change significantly. The number of rankings to orthopedic and vascular surgery decreased significantly. Likewise, applicants to general, orthopedic, plastic, otolaryngology, and vascular surgery decreased significantly. Vascular surgery saw a significant decrease in first choice rankings. Total rankings to surgical programs increased significantly at McGill, with no significant change at other Canadian institutions. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that while the number of applicants to surgical residency positions has been consistent, it is not keeping pace with the growing number of both CMGs and non-surgical residency positions. Furthermore, by using other measures of medical student interest in surgical specialties, such as the total number of rankings to a specialty through the residency matching process, the total number of applicants applying to a surgical discipline and the total number of first choice ranks that each surgical discipline received, we have demonstrated that there is a possible declining interest in some surgical discipline.

OBJECTIF: Cette étude vise à établir s'il persiste un déclin de l'intérêt pour la chirurgie parmi les étudiants en médecine, etfournir une analyse plus descriptive des tendances par spécialité chirurgicale et par faculté de médecine. Notre hypothèse est que le déclin précédemment rapporté de l'intérêt pour la chirurgie reste constant pour certaines disciplines chirurgicales. MÉTHODES: Le Service canadien de jumelage des résidents et l'Association des facultés de médecine du Canada ont fourni les données pour la présente étude. Plusieurs paramètres d'intérêt en chirurgie ont été évalués, dont les tendances globales des demandes d'admission, les demandes par discipline et les classements par faculté de diplomation. Nous avons eu recours à des statistiques descriptives et à une modélisation par régression linéaire. RÉSULTATS: Entre 2007 et 2017, le nombre de postes de résidence dans des spécialités non chirurgicales et de diplômés canadiens en médecine a augmenté de manière importante. Toutefois, le nombre de postes de résidence en chirurgie et de demandes d'admission pour ces programmes n'a pas varié de façon significative. Le nombre de classements pour la chirurgie orthopédique et vasculaire a diminué significativement. Le nombre de demandes d'admission en chirurgie générale, orthopédique, plastique, otorhinolaryngologique et vasculaire a également diminué significativement. On a aussi observé une baisse significative des classements comme premier choix pour la chirurgie vasculaire. Les classements totaux pour les programmes de chirurgie ont augmenté de manière importante à McGill, sans changement significatif dans les autres institutions canadiennes. CONCLUSIONS: Bien que le nombre de demandes d'admission à des postes de résidence en chirurgie ait été constant, les résultats de cette étude suggèrent qu'elles ne suivent pas le rythme du nombre croissant de DMC et de postes de résidence non chirurgicale. En outre, à l'aide d'autres mesures d'intérêt des étudiants pour les spécialités chirurgicales, comme le nombre total de classements pour une spécialité via le processus de jumelage des résidents, le nombre total de demandes d'admission àune discipline chirurgicale et le nombre total de classements comme premier choix pour chaque discipline chirurgicale, nous avons démontré qu'il existe un déclin possible de l'intérêt pour certaines disciplines chirurgicales.

The Impact of a Rotating Elective on Medical Students' Perception of Radiation Oncology.

Background As Radiation Oncology (RO) is a field with limited exposure in undergraduate medical education curricula, the information sources used to form students' perception of the field can have a substantial impact on whether students decide to pursue experiences in RO. Furthermore, the effects of a single elective experience in RO can strongly influence career decisions as it may serve as the only experience for students to gain an understanding of RO as a specialty. This study analyzes which information sources students use and most strongly value when forming their perception of RO both before and after participating in the program, while also analyzing changes in the perception of various speciality-related factors associated with RO. Methods To address underrepresented specialties, the Pre-clerkship Residency Exploration Program (PREP) was developed to provide students exposure to RO and 13 other specialties through half-day clinical rotations, simulations, skills sessions, and panel discussions. A total of 37 participants completed both "Pre-program" and "Post-program" surveys to evaluate which information sources they use and value most when forming their perception of RO, and student perception of career factors associated with RO was assessed. Results Students reported that Pre-program information sources of RO were based on Lectures (35 students, 94.6%) and Preceptors (18 students, 48.7%). Post-program responses indicated that the greatest sources of information used were from Preceptors (36 students, 97.3%) and Residents (34 students, 91.9%), with the greatest increase being found in interactions with Residents for gaining specialty information (78% increase). Students most highly valued Preceptors, Residents, and Lectures as information sources when forming their perception of RO. Pre-program, students had the greatest positive perception of RO with respect to Income Potential (mean: 3.76/5.00 ± 0.87), Intellectual Challenge (mean: 3.90/5.00 ± 0.94), and Research Opportunities (mean: 3.86/5.00 ± 0.83) while most negatively assessing the factors of Flexibility (mean: 2.69/5.00 ± 0.93) and Level of Stress (mean: 2.93/5.00 ± 0.94). Conclusions Student perception of a medical specialty is a factor that may influence student elective choice and career decisions. Through participating in PREP, significant positive increases were found in students' perception of RO in the areas of Flexibility, Patient Population, Competitiveness of the Specialty, Quality of the Working Environment, and Levels of Stress. This study highlights which information sources students value the most when forming their perception of RO and the impact a single elective experience has on improving student perception of the field. RO-based programs and lectures can be better designed using this information to introduce students to this specialty.

The Reduction of Heterotopic Ossification Incidence After Hip Arthroscopy in Patients Treated With Selective Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitor (Celecoxib).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor, in reducing heterotopic ossification (HO) after hip arthroscopic surgery and to evaluate celecoxib's impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who received hip arthroscopy performed by the same surgeon between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016. Patients who had an allergy to sulfa drugs, had pre-existing HO or previous surgery on the operative side, or failed to complete radiographic follow-up at 6 months postoperatively were excluded. Patients in the treatment group received 400 mg of celecoxib postoperatively for 6 weeks, whereas the control group received no postoperative celecoxib. The incidence of HO was assessed using anteroposterior radiographs obtained at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Patients completed the International Hip Outcome Tool 33 survey, and the proportion of patients who met the minimal clinically important difference, substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and absolute SCB was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 559 patients were identified. After application of the exclusion criteria, 454 patients were included in the study (211 in control group and 243 in treatment group). The overall incidence of HO was 20.3% (n = 92). The treatment group had a significantly lower incidence of HO at 6 months (P = .006), 1 year (P < .001), and 2 years (P = .008) postoperatively. At 2 years postoperatively, the treatment group had a significantly higher International Hip Outcome Tool 33 score on average: 64.2 versus 57.3 (P = .023). No significant difference in the proportion of patients reaching the minimal clinically important difference, SCB, or absolute SCB was found at any of the postoperative time points. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that a prophylactic treatment regimen of 400 mg of celecoxib once daily for 6 weeks significantly reduces the incidence of HO formation after hip arthroscopic surgery; however, it did not impact clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective, comparative case-control study.

Patient survival following renal transplantation in Indigenous populations: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Inequities in health care predispose Indigenous populations to poor health outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine patient survival and other post-transplant outcomes of kidney transplantation among Indigenous patients compared with non-Indigenous populations. METHODS: A systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar was undertaken from inception to September 30, 2019, using a computerized search. Publication descriptors and methodological and statistical details were extracted. Articles were assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) scale. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included. All studies were retrospective and published between 2004 and 2018. Mean Indigenous patient age was 40 (range: 8-76), while non-Indigenous was 41 (range: 6-74). Mean sample size for Indigenous populations was 398 (range: 24-1459), while for non-Indigenous patients was 1102 (range: 53-7555). Eight studies examined indigenous populations in Australia, two in Canada, one in the United States, and one in New Zealand. All studies were considered of high methodological quality and clinically homogenous. Results indicated that patient survival, graft survival, and delayed graft function were significantly reduced among Indigenous populations compared with non-Indigenous populations. CONCLUSIONS: Post-transplant outcomes among various Indigenous populations are significantly worse compared with non-Indigenous populations. The reasons for poor outcomes are likely multifactorial. Improved standardized reporting of transplant outcomes of Indigenous patients is necessary to better inform healthcare services and improve clinical outcomes.

Medical Student Exposure to Radiation Oncology Through the Pre-clerkship Residency Exploration Program (PREP): Effect on Career Interest and Understanding of Radiation Oncology.

Medical students receive little exposure to Radiation Oncology (RO) during pre-clinical training and clerkship. Pre-clerkship Residency Exploration Program (PREP) was developed by medical students at our institution to provide students with exposure to disciplines like RO with which they may not have had previous exposure, with the goal of helping with career decision making. The purpose of this study was to review how PREP affected self-reported interest in RO. PREP is a 2-week intensive elective developed by students at Dalhousie University that provides exposure to 12 specialties, including RO. PREP includes five components: half day clinical rotations, skills sessions, simulations, specialty-specific workshops, and lunchtime panel discussions. PREP participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-participation to assess career interest and understanding of Radiation Oncology. Forty participants took part in PREP. Thirty-six responded to pre-PREP questionnaires and 37 to the post-PREP questionnaire. Participants reported increasing interest in RO (24 students, 64.8%) and an increase in the understanding of the role and responsibilities of a radiation oncologist such that they felt comfortable making a career decision about RO. In pre-PREP, five (13.8%) participants listed RO as a top 3 career choice. Post-program, this number increased to nine (25.0%) of the same surveyed participants. PREP has demonstrated early exposure to RO can increase interest in RO as a career choice. Early clinical exposure experiences like we describe here may be useful for specialties such as RO, which is having difficulty filling residency positions in Canada despite an optimistic job forecast for trainees.

The Effect of a 2-Week Pre-clerkship Residency Exploration Program on Specialty Interest and Understanding of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect the Pre-clerkship Residency Exploration Program (PREP) had on student career interest and improving understanding of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR). DESIGN: During a 2-week program, students were exposed to a PMR elective, workshop, career presentation, and panel discussion with PMR residents. Interest and understanding were assessed using pre- and postprogram questionnaires. SETTING: PREP was held at a Canadian medical school during the summer between the second and third years of undergraduate medical training. PARTICIPANTS: Second-year medical student participants (N=40) (26 women and 14 men, aged 20 to >30 y) were randomly selected from 74 applicants at a Canadian medical school. INTERVENTIONS: Of the 40 program participants, 20 participated in a PMR elective and specialty-specific workshop. The full cohort of 40 participants participated in the PMR career presentation and PMR resident panel discussion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Primary outcome measure was an increase in understanding of the PMR specialty. RESULTS: Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of physiatrists increased significantly, with larger trends in those with greater exposure time. After PREP, comfort level in common PMR procedures also significantly increased. Higher exposure time was correlated with an increased top 3 career selection. Student interest in PMR did not significantly change after the program. CONCLUSION: Although no statistically significant effects were found from the 2-week PREP in this population in terms of career choice, benefits were found in the participants comfort with PMR procedures and understanding the roles and responsibilities of physiatrists. A brief exposure as part of a 2-week summer elective is beneficial for career decision planning and may be feasible to implement in medical curricula.