Impact of High-Fidelity Microvascular Surgery Simulation on Resident Training.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgery requires a high level of skill achieved only through repeated practice. With duty-hour restrictions and supervision requirements, trainees require more opportunities for practice outside the operating room. Studies show simulation training improves knowledge and skills. While numerous microvascular simulation models exist, virtually all lack the combination of human tissue and pulsatile flow. METHODS: The authors utilized a novel simulation platform incorporating cryopreserved human vein and a pulsatile flow circuit for microsurgery training at two academic centers. Subjects performed a standardized simulated microvascular anastomosis and repeated this task at subsequent training sessions. Each session was evaluated using pre- and postsimulation surveys, standardized assessment forms, and the time required to complete each anastomosis. Outcomes of interest include change in self-reported confidence scores, skill assessment scores, and time to complete the task. RESULTS: In total, 36 simulation sessions were recorded including 21 first attempts and 15 second attempts. Pre- and postsimulation survey data across multiple attempts demonstrated a statistically significant increase in self-reported confidence scores. Time to complete the simulation and skill assessment scores improved with multiple attempts; however, these findings were not statistically significant. Subjects unanimously reported on postsimulation surveys that the simulation was beneficial in improving their skills and confidence. CONCLUSION: The combination of human tissue and pulsatile flow results in a simulation experience that approaches the level of realism achieved with live animal models. This allows plastic surgery residents to improve microsurgical skills and increase confidence without the need for expensive animal laboratories or any undue risk to patients.

Comparison of Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography-Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) and Conventional Planar Lymphoscintigraphy for Sentinel Node Localization in Patients with Cutaneous Malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Accurate preoperative lymphoscintigraphy is vital to performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for cutaneous malignancies. Potential advantages of single-photon emission computed tomography with integrated computed tomography (SPECT/CT) include the ability to readily identify aberrant drainage patterns as well as provide the surgeon with three-dimensional anatomic landmarks not seen on conventional planar lymphoscintigraphy (PLS). METHODS: Patients with cutaneous malignancies who underwent SLNB with preoperative imaging using both SPECT/CT and PLS from 2011 to 2014 were identified. RESULTS: Both SPECT/CT and PLS were obtained in 351 patients (median age, 69 years; range, 5-94 years) with cutaneous malignancies (melanoma = 300, Merkel cell carcinoma = 33, squamous cell carcinoma = 8, other = 10) after intradermal injection of 99mtechnetium sulfur colloid (median dose 300 µCi). A mean of 4.3 hot spots were identified on SPECT/CT compared to 3.0 on PLS (p < 0.001). One hundred fifty-three patients (43.6 %) had identical findings between SPECT/CT and PLS, while 172 (49 %) had additional hot spots identified on SPECT/CT compared to only 24 (6.8 %) additional on PLS. SPECT/CT demonstrated additional nodal basins in 103 patients (29.4 %), compared to only 11 patients (3.1 %) with additional basins on PLS. CONCLUSIONS: SPECT/CT is a useful adjunct that can help with sentinel node localization in challenging cases. It identified additional hot spots not seen on PLS in almost 50 % of patients. Because PLS identified hot spots not seen on SPECT/CT in 6.8 % of patients, we recommend using both modalities jointly. Long-term follow-up will be required to validate the clinical significance of the additional hot spots identified by SPECT/CT.

Is a Wider Margin (2 cm vs. 1 cm) for a 1.01-2.0 mm Melanoma Necessary?

BACKGROUND: The current NCCN recommendation for resection margins in patients with melanomas between 1.01 and 2 mm deep is a 1-2 cm radial margin. We sought to determine whether margin width had an impact on local recurrence (LR), disease-specific survival (DSS), and type of wound closure. METHODS: Melanomas measuring 1.01-2.0 mm were evaluated at a single institution between 2008 and 2013. All patients had a 1 or 2 cm margin. RESULTS: We identified 965 patients who had a 1 cm (n = 302, 31.3 %) or 2 cm margin (n = 663, 68.7 %). Median age was 64 years, and 592 (61.3 %) were male; 32.5 and 48.7 % of head and neck and extremity patients had a 1 cm margin versus 18.9 % of trunk patients (p < 0.001). LR was 2.0 and  2.1 % for a 1 and 2 cm margin, respectively (p = not significant). Five-year DSS was 87 % for a 1 cm margin and 85 % for a 2 cm margin (p = not significant). Breslow thickness, melanoma on the head and neck, lymphovascular invasion, and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) status significantly predicted LR on univariate analysis; however, only location and SLNB status were associated with LR on multivariate analysis. Margin width was not significant for LR or DSS. Wider margins were associated with more frequent graft or flap use only on the head and neck (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that selectively using a narrower margin of 1 cm did not increase the risk of LR or decrease DSS. Avoiding a 2 cm margin may decrease the need for graft/flap use on the head and neck.

Microsurgery Competency During Plastic Surgery Residency: An Objective Skills Assessment of an Integrated Residency Training Program.

Objective: Microsurgical education is an integral aspect of plastic surgery training. Like most traditional surgical education models, microsurgical skills are taught on an apprenticeship model. This study aims at evaluating microsurgery skill acquisition within an integrated plastic surgery residency using electromagnetic hand-motion analysis and a global rating scale. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of an integrated plastic surgery residency program. Participants performed microsurgical arterial anastomoses on cryopreserved rat aortas. Hand-motion analysis was recorded using a trakSTAR hand-motion tracker. Total time to complete the task, number of hand movements, and path length (mm) were recorded. Participant videos were graded using a subjective global rating scale (scored 0-100). Results: The data demonstrated construct validity, as hand-motion analysis outcome measures statistically varied according to the level of skill. Mean global rating scale scores increased with level of experience but lacked statistical significance. Conclusions: These data suggest that the objective assessment of hand motion is a valid tool for the evaluation of microsurgical skill. It is more accurate and reflective of the level of skill than a global rating scale. Identifying the predictive validity of hand-motion analysis will be a useful tool to establish clinical safe training and practice thresholds, and the application of both assessment tools simultaneously can yield better evaluation.

What Is It? A Rare Presentation of a Meningioma.

Introduction: Primary extracranial meningiomas are rare manifestations of a central nervous system tumor. This article presents a case study of a soft-tissue primary extracranial tumor in the temporal region that was initially diagnosed as melanoma at an outside institution and whose definitive diagnosis proved difficult prior to successful excision. Methods: Temporal muscle biopsy, ultrasound-guided biopsy, and computed tomography were conducted at an outside institution prior to the patient's presentation to our care. Upon presenting to our institution a positron emission tomographic scan was then conducted prior to excision. After excision, the mass was sent to pathology and further immunohistochemistry was conducted. To ensure the mass was completely excised, magnetic resonance imaging was performed after its removal. Results: A 3 × 3-cm mass was excised in its entirety from the patient's temporal region and sent to pathology for immunohistochemistry and mutation testing. It proved to have the most common mutation for a primary extracranial meningioma, a neurofibromatosis type 2 frameshift. Conclusion: The presentation of a primary extracranial meningioma in the temporal region is a rare finding. Because of its slow-growing nature and generally asymptomatic presentation, it can be misdiagnosed. Utilization of radiological imaging is essential both pre- and postoperatively in order for its identification and complete excision.

Change in Body Mass Index After Breast Reconstruction and Associated Complications.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence and prevalence of breast cancer continue to rise. Therapies may contribute to patient weight gain. Obesity, a major predictor of surgical complications, may affect reconstructive outcome. The goal of this study was to quantify weight gain/change after the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in women choosing reconstruction after mastectomy. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients undergoing mastectomy with reconstruction at a dedicated Cancer Center from 1996 to 2011 was conducted. Patient demographics, body mass index (BMI), and surgical complications were reported. Patients were stratified as normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m(2)) and overweight/obese (BMI >25 kg/m(2)). Body mass index at the time of mastectomy was compared with BMI postreconstruction. RESULTS: A total of 443 patients had mastectomy and reconstruction. Forty-nine percent of patients were classified as normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m(2)) at the time of mastectomy and 51% as overweight/obese (body mass index > 25 kg/m(2)). Mean body mass index at the time of mastectomy was 26.1 kg/m(2) (4.9 SD) and 26.4 kg/m(2) (5.1 SD) at the final follow-up. Median follow-up time was 2.7 years (range <1 to 15 years). There was no statistically significant change in BMI before and after cancer treatment (P > .05). However, overweight/obese patients with complications were more likely to require an unanticipated return to the operating room (P = .0124). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the stress of breast cancer diagnosis, surgical treatment, and reconstruction, we find that patients' weight does not change significantly over time. Overweight and obese patients are not always at higher risk for surgical complications but may have more severe complications when they do occur.