Incidence, Characteristics, and Outcomes of Robin Sequence: A Population-Based Analysis in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: While the literature is replete of clinical studies reporting on the Robin sequence (RS), population-based analyses are scarce with significant variability within the literature in terms of reported incidence, demographic parameters, and outcomes. The authors have conducted a 20-year population-based analysis to guide clinical practice. METHODS: A birth cohort was created from the available datasets in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Kids' Inpatient Database (HCUP-KID; 2000-2019). Robin sequence patients were identified and further stratified by syndromic status. Incidence, demographic parameters, and outcomes including mortality and tracheostomy rates were computed. A subset analysis comparing the isolated and syndromic cohorts was conducted. Data was analyzed through a χ 2 or t test. RESULTS: The incidence of RS was 5.15:10,000 (95% CI: 4.99-5.31) from a birth cohort of 7.5 million. Overall, 63.3% of the cohort was isolated RS and 36.7% had syndromic RS. Robin sequence patients had a significantly higher rate of cardiac (25.9%) and neurological (8.6%) anomalies compared with the general birth cohort and were most commonly managed in urban teaching hospitals ( P <0.0001). The pooled mortality and tracheostomy rates were 6.6% and 3.6%, respectively. Syndromic status was associated with a longer length of hospital stay (27.8 versus 13.6 d), tracheostomy rate (6.2% versus 2.1%), and mortality (14.1% versus 2.2%) compared with isolated RS ( P <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The true incidence of RS is likely higher than previously reported estimates. Isolated RS patients have a low associated mortality and tracheostomy rate and are typically managed in urban teaching hospitals. Syndromic status confers a higher mortality rate, tracheostomy rate, and length of stay compared with nonsyndromic counterparts.

Utility and Comparative Performance of Current Artificial Intelligence Large Language Models as Postoperative Medical Support Chatbots in Aesthetic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Large language models (LLMs) have revolutionized the way plastic surgeons and their patients can access and leverage artificial intelligence (AI). OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to compare the performance of 2 current publicly available and patient-accessible LLMs in the potential application of AI as postoperative medical support chatbots in an aesthetic surgeon's practice. METHODS: Twenty-two simulated postoperative patient presentations following aesthetic breast plastic surgery were devised and expert-validated. Complications varied in their latency within the postoperative period, as well as urgency of required medical attention. In response to each patient-reported presentation, Open AI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard, in their unmodified and freely available versions, were objectively assessed for their comparative accuracy in generating an appropriate differential diagnosis, most-likely diagnosis, suggested medical disposition, treatments or interventions to begin from home, and/or red flag signs/symptoms indicating deterioration. RESULTS: ChatGPT cumulatively and significantly outperformed Bard across all objective assessment metrics examined (66% vs 55%, respectively; P < .05). Accuracy in generating an appropriate differential diagnosis was 61% for ChatGPT vs 57% for Bard (P = .45). ChatGPT asked an average of 9.2 questions on history vs Bard's 6.8 questions (P < .001), with accuracies of 91% vs 68% reporting the most-likely diagnosis, respectively (P < .01). Appropriate medical dispositions were suggested with accuracies of 50% by ChatGPT vs 41% by Bard (P = .40); appropriate home interventions/treatments with accuracies of 59% vs 55% (P = .94), and red flag signs/symptoms with accuracies of 79% vs 54% (P < .01), respectively. Detailed and comparative performance breakdowns according to complication latency and urgency are presented. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT represents the superior LLM for the potential application of AI technology in postoperative medical support chatbots. Imperfect performance and limitations discussed may guide the necessary refinement to facilitate adoption.

Patient-Specific Implants and Fat Grafting for Contour Deformities Post Craniosynostosis Reconstruction: A Therapeutic Approach.

BACKGROUND: Contour deformities after fronto-orbital advancement for craniosynostosis reconstruction are commonly encountered. There is a paucity of literature describing secondary procedures to correct such deformities with reported outcomes. An approach to defect analysis and procedure selection is lacking. The authors present our experience utilizing fat grafting (FG) and patient-specific implant (PSI) reconstruction as management strategies for this population. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent secondary onlay PSI or FG for contour deformities after primary craniosynostosis reconstruction was carried out. Patient demographics, defect analysis, surgical approach, postoperative complications, and esthetic outcomes were recorded. Data were pooled across the entire cohort and presented in a descriptive manner. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (36% syndromic and 64% isolated) were identified that either underwent PSI (n = 7) with a mean follow-up of 56.3 weeks, FG (n = 5) with a mean follow-up of 36 weeks or a combination of both (n = 2) for deformities postcraniosynostis surgery. Supraorbital retrusion and bitemporal hollowing were the most common deformities. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. All patients achieved Whitaker class I esthetic outcomes and there were no additional revisions during the defined study period. The presence of a significant structural component or large (>5 mm) depression typically necessitated a PSI. CONCLUSIONS: Contour deformities after fronto-orbital advancement reconstruction can be successfully managed using FG and PSI either as a combination procedure or in isolation. The authors have proposed anatomical criteria based on our experience to help guide procedure selection. Future prospective studies would be beneficial in providing more objective assessment criteria.

Description of a Novel Web-Based Liposuction System to Estimate Fat Volume and Distribution.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative planning for liposuction is vital to ensure safe practice and patient satisfaction. However, current standards of fat assessment before surgery are guided by subjective methods such as visual inspection, skin-pinch tests, and waist circumference measurements. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop an inexpensive software-based tool that utilizes ultrasound (US) imaging and an online platform to accurately simulate regional subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) distribution and safe volume estimation for liposuction procedures. METHODS: The authors present a web-based platform with integrated 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) simulations of SAT to support liposuction planning and execution. SAT-Map was constructed using multiple sub-applications linked with the python framework programming language (Wilmington, DE). RESULTS: The SAT-Map interface provides an intuitive and fluid means of generating patient-specific models and volumetric data. To further accommodate this, an operational manual was prepared to achieve consistent visualization and examination of estimated SAT content. The system currently supports static 2D heatmap simulation and 3D interactive virtual modelling of the SAT distribution. Supplementary clinical studies are needed to evaluate SAT-Map's clinical performance and practicality. CONCLUSIONS: SAT-Map revolutionizes the concept of preoperative planning for liposuction by developing the first combined web-based software that objectively simulates fat distribution and measures safe liposuction volume. Our software approach presents a cost-efficient, accessible, and user-friendly system offering multiple advantages over current SAT assessment modalities. The immediacy of clinically accurate 3D virtual simulation provides objective support to surgeons towards improving patient conversation, outcomes, and satisfaction in liposuction procedures.

Ultrasound Calculation of Fat Volume for Liposuction: A Clinical Software Validation.

BACKGROUND: Fat manipulation procedures such as liposuction contain a degree of subjectivity primarily guided by the surgeon's visual or tactile perception of the underlying fat. Currently, there is no cost-effective, direct method to objectively measure fat depth and volume in real time. OBJECTIVES: Utilizing innovative ultrasound-based software, the authors aimed to validate fat tissue volume and distribution measurements in the preoperative setting. METHODS: Eighteen participants were recruited to evaluate the accuracy of the new software. Recruited participants underwent ultrasound scans within the preoperative markings of the study area before surgery. Ultrasound-estimated fat profiles were generated with the in-house software and compared directly with the intraoperative aspirated fat recorded after gravity separation. RESULTS: Participants' mean age and BMI were 47.6 (11.3) years and 25.6 (2.3) kg/m2, respectively. Evaluation of trial data showed promising results following the use of a Bland Altman agreement analysis. For the 18 patients and 44 volumes estimated, 43 of 44 measurements fell within a confidence interval of 95% when compared with the clinical lipoaspirate (dry) volumes collected postsurgery. The bias was estimated at 9.15 mL with a standard deviation of 17.08 mL and 95% confidence interval between -24.34 mL and 42.63 mL. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative fat assessment measurements agreed significantly with intraoperative lipoaspirate volumes. The pilot study demonstrates, for the first time, a novel companion tool with the prospect of supporting surgeons in surgical planning, measuring, and executing the transfer of adipose tissues.

Ethics of Facial Transplantation: The Effect of Psychological Trauma Associated With Facial Disfigurement on Risk Acceptance and Decision Making.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines and contrasts the effect of risk disclosure on risk acceptance and perceived changes in quality of life (QoL) among individuals with and without facial disfigurement. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Psychological distress has been previously shown to alter patients' perception of certain treatments. Due to the grave risks and complications of FT, it is important to understand whether the psychological trauma associated with facial disfigurement alters their perception of FT and its associated risks. METHODS: Participants with and without facial disfigurement were recruited to complete a questionnaire about their perceived QoL, sense of identity, and willingness to proceed with FT in the context of 3 different hypothetical scenarios involving facial disfiguration. RESULTS: Four hundred nine nonfacially disfigured and 74 facially disfigured participants were included. When both healthy and facially disfigured individuals were presented with the risks and benefits of a FT, they both perceived their QoL to be as low, or significantly lower, than if they had severe facial disfigurement. Furthermore, presenting the risks of FT significantly altered the decision making and risk acceptance of healthy individuals with no facial disfigurement. However, risk disclosure did not affect the decision making among facially disfigured individuals. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that presenting the complication profile of FT decreases risk acceptance of FT in healthy individuals but has no significant effects on facially disfigured individuals. The psychological impact of facial disfigurement and its influence on accepting the significant risks of FT should be considered and warrants further investigation.

Efficacy and Complications of Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis for Airway Obstruction in the Robin Sequence Population: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is becoming the procedure of choice for patients with Robin Sequence (RS) as it offers superior long-term respiratory outcomes in avoidance of tracheostomy. Lacking, is an analysis of the short- and long-term complications. To that end, we have conducted a comprehensive review focusing on complications of MDO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of primary clinical studies reporting outcomes and complications of MDO in RS patients. Outcomes included tracheostomy avoidance and decannulation rate. Complications included dental trauma, nerve injury, surgical site infection and hardware failure. Complications were stratified according to distractor type (internal versus external) and age (>2 months versus <2months). RESULTS: A total of 49 studies yielded 1209 patients with a mean follow-up of 43.78 months. The tracheostomy avoidance rate was 94% (n = 817/870) and the mortality rate was 0.99% (n = 12/1209). The complication rate was 28.9% (n = 349/1209) with surgical site infections (10.5%) being most common. Dental and nerve injuries occurred in 7.9% and 3.2% of patients, respectively. Hardware replacement occurred in 1.2% of patients. internal distractors had higher rates of dental injury whereas external distractors had higher technical failure rates. There were no differences in complication rates ( P= 0.200), mortality ( P = 0.94) or tracheostomy avoidance ( P = 0.058) between patients >2months or <2months of age. CONCLUSION: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is highly reliable and effective with a low mortality and high tracheostomy avoidance rate. There are important complications including nerve and dental injuries which require long-term follow-up. Neonatal patients do not appear to be at higher risk of complications reinforcing the safety of MDO in this population.

Decreasing Incidence of Palatoplasty in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Cleft palate is amongst the most common birth defect across the world. Although its etiology is multifactorial, including genetic and environmental contributors, the investigators were interested in exploring whether its incidence was changing over time. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, the largest publically available healthcare database in the United States, was used to identify all primary palatoplasties performed under 2 years of age and births which occurred over a 17-year period from 1999 to 2015. The change in rate of palatoplasties and overall maternal demographics were assessed longitudinally using the chi-squared test. Significance level was set at P < 0.001. RESULTS: A total of 13,808,795 pregnancies were reviewed during the time period, from 1999 to 2015, inclusively. A total of 10,567 primary palatoplasties were performed in that period of time reflecting an overall rate of 7.7 palatoplasties per 10,000 deliveries. Palatoplasty rates decreased across the study period from 9.5 per 10,000 in 1999 to 7.1 per 10,000 died/delivered pregnancies in 2015 which corresponds to an average compounded year-to-year decrease of 1.76%, P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of primary palatoplasties, as a proxy for the rate of cleft palate prevalence, has been significantly decreasing over the last 2 decades and may represent improvements in early diagnosis in pregnancy, changing genetic or racial demographics, and/or environmental factors such as decreased maternal smoking in the US population. Future research may be directed at better understanding the definitive etiology of this decreasing prevalence of children undergoing primary cleft palate repairs in the United States.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, Psychosocial, and Utility Outcomes of Early Mandibular Distraction in Craniofacial Microsomia.

BACKGROUND: The cost-effectiveness, utility outcomes, and most optimal timing of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) in craniofacial microsomia (CFM) continue to be a topic of debate, especially in the population of patients with mild or nonsignificant functional issues. The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess the burden of mandibular asymmetry in CFM, and to accurately evaluate the impact of early MDO on patients' perceived quality of life and social acceptance, in addition to examining the cost-effectiveness of early MDO in CFM. METHODS: A validated crowdsourcing platform was utilized to recruit participants. Psychosocial acceptance and utility outcomes were assessed for patients with CFM. Participants were presented with health-state scenarios supplemented with pre- and postoperative images. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were subsequently calculated and costs were estimated based on Medicare fee schedules using the Current Procedural Terminology codes. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for early MDO were calculated and plotted against a $100,000/QALY threshold. RESULTS:: A total of 463 participants were included in the study. The mean visual analog scale score for untreated mandibular hypoplasia in CFM was 0.48 ±â€Š0.24, which improved significantly (P < 0.0001) to 0.63 ±â€Š0.20 following early MDO. Time trade-off scores for an imaginary surgery leading to perfect health with no complications were not statistically different from undergoing early MDO (P = 0.113). Early mandibular distraction decreased social distance in all 8 social situations assessed. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios varied by the duration of time between early MDO and a potential second intervention, ranging from $148,142.09 per QALY gained at an interval of 1 year to $9876.14 per QALY gained after 15 years. Using a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/QALY, early MDO in CFM becomes cost-effective when patients enjoy an improved health-state post-MDO for more than 1.48 years before a potential second intervention, if deemed necessary. CONCLUSION: Early mandibular distraction may lead to tangible positive gains in CFM patients based on utility outcome scores, psychosocial acceptance, and social distance. Therefore, although further interventions may be needed at skeletal maturity, early MDO can improve the psychological well-being of CFM patients during their crucial developmental years in a cost-effective manner. The incremental cost per QALY gained post-early MDO correlates negatively with time until a second potential surgical intervention.

Step-Specific Simulation: The Utility of 3D Printing for the Fabrication of a Low-Cost, Learning Needs-Based Rhinoplasty Simulator.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure that requires meticulous planning and precise execution. Plastic surgeons involved in teaching residents must balance a trainee's hands-on experience while ensuring appropriate execution of difficult maneuvers. Surgical simulation, a field of growing importance with the shift towards competency-based education, may aid in trainee skill development. Through the concept of deliberate practice, the authors looked to explore the utility and economics of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology to develop a step-specific rhinoplasty simulator. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to address rhinoplasty skills previously identified as "learning areas of weakness" and develop a low-cost, step-specific simulator to help rhinoplasty teaching. METHODS: A patient's facial bones, upper and lower lateral cartilages, and septum were segmented from a computed tomography scan and rendered in 3D format. This was 3D printed utilizing Ultimaker Polylactic filament with a polyvinyl acetate dissolvable support for bone, a mixture of Rigur 450 and Tango plus polyjet material for cartilage, and Smooth-On Dragon Skin for skin. RESULTS: A modular simulator was developed with 3 separate, interchangeable components with a perfect fit design. The simulator allowed for deliberate practice of the 5 rhinoplasty learning areas of weakness, with a maximal recurring cost of $75 CAD. CONCLUSIONS: Through the employment of 3D printing, a low-cost, maneuver-specific rhinoplasty simulator reinforcing deliberate practice was developed. This concept of simulation-based deliberate practice may be of increasing interest when considering the implementation of competency-based curricular standards in plastic surgery education.

Routine Postoperative Admission to the Intensive Care Unit Following Repair of Nonsyndromic Craniosynostosis: Is it Necessary?

BACKGROUND: Cranial vault surgery for craniosynostosis is generally managed postoperatively in the intensive care unit (ICU). The purpose of the present study was to examine our center's experience with the postoperative management of otherwise healthy patients with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NSC) without routine ICU admission. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients with NSC operated using a variety of vault reshaping techniques in our pediatric center between 2009 and 2017 was carried out. Patients with documented preexisting comorbidities that would have required admission to the ICU regardless of the surgical intervention were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were included in the study. Postoperatively, 100 patients (98%) were admitted as planned to a general surgical ward following observation in the recovery room. Two patients (2%) required ICU admission due to adverse intraoperative events. There were no patients who required transfer to the ICU from the recovery area or surgical ward. Within the surgical ward cohort, 6 patients (6%) had minor postoperative complications that were readily managed on the surgical floor. Postoperative anemia requiring transfusion was the most common complication. CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest that otherwise healthy patients with NSC undergoing cranial vault surgery can potentially be safely managed without routine admission to the ICU postoperatively. Key elements are proper preoperative screening, access to ICU should an adverse intraoperative event occur and necessary postoperative surgical care. The authors hope that this experience will encourage other craniofacial surgeons to reconsider the dogma of routine ICU admission for this patient population.

Insights into the Pathophysiology of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids: How Do They Differ?

GENERAL PURPOSE: To provide information about the clinical presentation of hypertrophic scars and keloids based on their varied structural components. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After completing this continuing education activity, you should be able to: ABSTRACT: Hypertrophic scars and keloids are firm, raised, erythematous plaques or nodules that manifest when the cicatrix fails to properly heal. They result from pathologic wound healing and often cause pain and decreased quality of life. The appearance of such cosmetically unappealing scars affects the confidence and self-esteem of many patients. These scars can also cause dysfunction by interfering with flexion and extension across joints. Both possess some unique and distinct histochemical and physiologic characteristics that set them apart morphologically and at the molecular level. While these entities have been the focus of research for many years, differentiating between them remains challenging for clinicians.This article reviews the clinical presentation of aberrant scars and illustrates how they can be differentiated. It outlines their pathophysiology and emphasizes the unique molecular mechanisms underlying each disorder. It also examines how altered expression levels and the distribution of several factors may contribute to their unique clinical characteristics and presentation. Further research is needed to elucidate optimal treatments and preventive measures for these types of aberrant scarring.

The Montreal Augmentation Mammaplasty Operation (MAMO) Simulator: An Alternative Method to Train and Assess Competence in Breast Augmentation Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Surgical residents' exposure to aesthetic procedures remains limited in residency training. The development of the Montreal augmentation mammaplasty operation (MAMO) simulator aims to provide an adjunctive training method and assessment tool to complement the evolving competency-based surgical curriculum. OBJECTIVES: To perform face, content, and construct validations of the MAMO simulator for subpectoral breast augmentation procedures and assess the reliability of the assessment scales used. METHODS: Plastic surgery staff and residents were recruited to perform a subpectoral breast augmentation on the simulator. Video recordings of their performance were blindly evaluated using the objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) system consisting of the global rating scale (GRS), mammaplasty objective assessment tool (MOAT), and a surgery-specific Checklist score. RESULTS: Fourteen plastic surgery residents and seven expert plastic surgeons were enrolled. Experts' performance was significantly higher than residents' according to each of GRS, MOAT, and Checklist scores. Mean values of residents and experts were 23.4 (2.5) vs 36.9 (3.1) (P < 0.0001) for GRS score, 30.4 (2.2) vs 40 (3.2) (P < 0.0001) for MOAT scores, and 9.7 (1.5) vs 12 (1) (P < 0.001) for Checklist scores, respectively. Face and content validations showed excellent results among parameters evaluated, with an overall mean score of 4.8 (0.3) on 5. Cronbach's alpha was 0.96 and 0.83 for GRS and MOAT scores, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients for interrater reliability were excellent at 0.93, 0.92, and 0.89 for the GRS, MOAT, and Checklist scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study proves the construct simulator to be valid and the assessment scales to be reliable.

Effect of Erythropoietin on Transfusion Requirements for Craniosynostosis Surgery in Children.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric craniosynostosis surgery is associated with significant blood loss often requiring allogenic blood transfusion (ABT). This study explores the clinical effectiveness of preoperative erythropoietin (EPO) administration in pediatric craniosynostosis surgery in reducing transfusion requirements. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was performed for studies published in English language between 1946 and 2015. Inclusion criteria included original studies in the pediatric population (0-8 years of age) involving preoperative use of EPO in craniofacial procedures with quantitative reporting of perioperative blood transfusion. Extracted data included demographics, hematocrit, hemoglobin, estimated blood loss, number of patients transfused, and amount of ABT. RESULTS: Four studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 117 patients. Patients were divided into 2 groups: EPO versus control. No statistical differences were found in the demographics between the 2 groups. Mean preoperative hematocrit level was higher in the EPO group compared with control (43% vs 35%). The percentage of patients who required ABT and the volume of transfused blood were less in the EPO group (54% vs 98% and 84 vs 283 mL, respectively). Meta-analysis of 3 comparable studies showed a lower proportion of patients who needed blood transfusion in the EPO group. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis demonstrated that preoperative administration of EPO in pediatric craniosynostosis surgery decreased the proportion of patients requiring ABT. In addition, the volume of transfusion was reduced in patients who received EPO. Future randomized studies are needed to establish the cost-effectiveness of routine preoperative EPO administration in craniosynostosis surgery.

A Review of Techniques Used in the Management of Growing Skull Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Growing skull fractures (GSFs) are rare complications of pediatric head trauma that comprise skull fractures associated with an underlying dural tear and an intact arachnoid membrane. They are often misdiagnosed, and delay in management can lead to progression of the disease along with its neurological sequelae. Multiple clinical reports and qualitative reviews on this entity exist. To our knowledge, this represents the largest clinical review reporting on established techniques in the management of these fractures. METHODS: A literature search was performed on the databases Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and PubMed from their inception until February 2015 using the terms "Growing," "Skull," "Fracture," and their equivalent terms. Studies included were case series with 5 or more patients describing GSFs and their management. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles reporting 440 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age at trauma was 8.8 months, with the mean at presentation of 21.9 months and 57.8% of the patients being males. Most commonly, a combined dura-cranioplasty was done in 61.6% of the patients. A range of autoplastic and alloplastic materials were used in both of these techniques. Improvement from preoperative clinical status in seizures and neurological deficits was noted in 18 (12.7%) and 11 (7.05%) of the patients, respectively, following operative repair and medical management. DISCUSSION: Early recognition is crucial in the management and treatment of GSF. Children at risk for developing GSF should be monitored clinically for up to 3 months following the initial insult. The surgical treatment depends on the size of the fracture and the age of the patient. A summary of the presentation, management, associated outcomes, complications, and recommendations discussed in the literature are reported within.

Outcome Following Surgical Interventions for Micrognathia in Infants With Pierre Robin Sequence: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Tongue-lip adhesion (TLA), mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO), and subperiosteal release of the floor of the mouth (SPRFM) are the most commonly performed surgical procedures to treat severe airway obstruction in infants born with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS). OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of failure of each type of procedure, in terms of mortality and the need for tracheostomy, and to determine what proportion of infants have significant airway obstruction postoperatively as determined by polysomnography (PSG) and compare the data by procedure type. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search (1981 through June 2015) was done of the National Library of Medicine database using PubMed. Extracted data included diagnosis, type of surgery, and outcome including mortality, need for postoperative tracheostomy and details of PSG. Persistence of significant airway obstruction was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index >15 events/h on PSG. RESULTS: Both mortality rate and need for tracheostomy were low for all procedures. Many studies lacked sufficient detail to identify significant airway obstruction postoperatively. In studies with sufficient data, MDO was associated with the lowest percentage of significant airway obstruction postprocedure (3.6%) compared to 50% for infants who underwent TLA. Insufficient PSG data was available for patients who were treated with SPRFM. CONCLUSIONS: There is a paucity of objective PSG data to definitively assess postoperative airway outcomes for PRS. MDO appears to be the most effective technique based on the available PSG data. Standardized use of PSG may lead to better identification and treatment of patients at risk for suboptimal airway outcomes postoperatively.

A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Tongue Lip Adhesion in Improving Airway Obstruction in Children With Pierre Robin Sequence.

BACKGROUND: Tongue-lip adhesion (TLA) involves surgically tethering the tongue forward to the lower lip and is a technique to relieve airway obstruction caused by glossoptosis and retrognathia. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of TLA for the treatment of airway compromise in patients with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS). METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients having undergone isolated tongue lip adhesion and results that included airway outcome. Selected manuscripts were analyzed with regards to patient demographics, principle diagnosis, pre and postintervention airway status, and complications. RESULTS: Thirteen manuscripts met inclusion criteria, yielding 268 patients with PRS who underwent TLA. The mean age at the time of procedure was 30.5 days. Tongue lip adhesion proved to be successful in relieving airway obstruction caused by PRS in 81.3% (n = 218) of patients. Nonsyndromic patients benefited from a higher success rate as compared with the syndromic cohort (91.5% and 79.8% respectively, P = 0.0361). Eight patients who were initially successfully managed with TLA required a repeat procedure due to dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS: Tongue-lip adhesion is a safe and effective technique and is associated with lower morbidity and mortality as compared with mandibular distraction osteogenesis and tracheostomy and should be considered in patients with PRS who fail conservative management. The greater success and lower complication rates in nonsyndromic patients reinforce the importance of proper patient selection and consideration of other techniques such as mandibular distraction osteogenesis should be given in patients with associated syndromic diagnoses.

A Review of Tissue Expansion-Assisted Techniques of Cleft Palate Repair.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this report was to examine current knowledge of use of tissue expansion techniques to assist cleft palate repair and to review and contrast various techniques reported. METHODS: Two separate literature searches were conducted in the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Medline and Embase databases, from database inception until December 2014 for use of mucoperiosteal expansion (MPE) and distraction osteogenesis (DO) in cleft palate repair. RESULTS: Six articles, reporting a total of 51 patients of palatal MPE, were identified for discussion and analysis. Three different MPE techniques in primary cleft palate repair were described: intraoperative rapid expansion, tumescent injections, and a 2-stage repair with an osmotic expander. Average fistula rate was 26.19%. The search for use of DO on palatal clefts revealed 6 animal models, a finite element analysis study, and 1 case report. Moreover, 2 patients were reported of the use of DO to assist in secondary palatal fistula closure. No fistula rate could be calculated due to the heterogeneity of the data. CONCLUSIONS: The experience with MPE in assisting cleft palate repair remains limited. Among expansion techniques, the use of osmotic expanders was associated with the highest rates of postoperative fistulae. The literature provides little evidence supporting the efficacy of MPE expansion in cleft palate repair. The majority of studies utilizing DO to assist primary cleft palate repair are in animal models with the exception of isolated case reports in human subjects. Although limited, the results demonstrate promise and the need for further research in this domain.

A comparison and cost analysis of cranioplasty techniques: autologous bone versus custom computer-generated implants.

BACKGROUND: Cranioplasty can be performed either with gold-standard, autologous bone grafts and osteotomies or alloplastic materials in skeletally mature patients. Recently, custom computer-generated implants (CCGIs) have gained popularity with surgeons because of potential advantages, which include preoperatively planned contour, obviated donor-site morbidity, and operative time savings. A remaining concern is the cost of CCGI production. The purpose of the present study was to objectively compare the operative time and relative cost of cranioplasties performed with autologous versus CCGI techniques at our center. METHODS: A review of all autologous and CCGI cranioplasties performed at our institution over the last 7 years was performed. The following operative variables and associated costs were tabulated: length of operating room, length of ward/intensive care unit (ICU) stay, hardware/implants utilized, and need for transfusion. RESULTS: Total average cost did not differ statistically between the autologous group (n = 15; $25,797.43) and the CCGI cohort (n = 12; $28,560.58). Operative time (P = 0.004), need for ICU admission (P < 0.001), and number of complications (P = 0.008) were all statistically significantly less in the CCGI group. The length of hospital stay and number of cases needing transfusion were fewer in the CCGI group but did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study demonstrated no significant increase in overall treatment cost associated with the use of the CCGI cranioplasty technique. In addition, the latter was associated with a statistically significant decrease in operative time and need for ICU admission when compared with those patients who underwent autologous bone cranioplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, therapeutic.

The Development of Assessment Tools for Plastic Surgery Competencies.

BACKGROUND: Objective tools to assess procedural skills in plastic surgery residency training are currently lacking. There is an increasing need to address this deficit in order to meet today's training standards in North America. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this pilot study was to establish a methodology for determining the essential procedural steps for two plastic surgery procedures to assist resident training and assessment. METHODS: Following a literature review and needs assessment of resident training, the authors purposefully selected two procedures lacking robust assessment metrics (breast augmentation and facelift) and used a consensus process to complete a list of procedural steps for each. Using an online survey, plastic surgery Program Directors, Division Chiefs, and the Royal College Specialty Training Committee members in Canada were asked to indicate whether each step was considered essential or non-essential when assessing competence among graduating plastic surgery trainees. The Delphi methodology was used to obtain consensus among the panel. Panelist reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: A total of 17 steps for breast augmentation and 24 steps for facelift were deemed essential by consensus (Cronbach's alpha 0.87 and 0.85, respectively). CONCLUSION: Using the aforementioned technique, the essential procedural steps for two plastic surgery procedures were determined. Further work is required to develop assessment instruments based on these steps and to gather validity evidence in support of their use in surgical education.