Association of High Body Mass Index With Postoperative Complications After Chest Masculinization Surgery.

PURPOSE: Body mass index (BMI) requirements for transgender and nonbinary patients undergoing chest masculinization surgery (CMS) are not standardized and based on small sample sizes. This is the largest and first national retrospective study to determine the association between BMI and postoperative complications. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2012-2020 was queried for CMS patients. The primary outcome was incidence of at least one complication within 30 days. Secondary outcomes were incidence of major and minor complications. Body mass index (in kilograms per square meter) was categorized as category 0 (<30), 1 (30-34.9), 2 (35-39.9), 3 (40-44.9), 4 (45-49.9), and 5 (≥50). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between BMI and outcomes. RESULTS: Of 2317 patients, median BMI was 27.4 kg/m 2 (interquartile range, 23.4-32.2 kg/m 2 ). Body mass index range was 15.6 to 64.9 kg/m 2 . While increasing BMI was significantly associated with greater odds of at least one complication, no patients experienced severe morbidity, regardless of BMI. Patients with BMI ≥50 kg/m 2 had an adjusted odds ratio [aOR, 95% confidence interval (CI)] of 3.63 (1.02-12.85) and 36.62 (2.96->100) greater odds of at least one complication and urinary tract infection compared with nonobese patients, respectively. Patients with BMI ≥35 kg/m 2 had an adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 5.06 (1.5-17.04) and 5.13 (1.89-13.95) greater odds of readmission and surgical site infection compared with nonobese patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Chest masculinization surgery in higher BMI patients is associated with greater odds of unplanned readmission. Given the low risk for severe complications in higher BMI individuals, we recommend re-evaluation of BMI cutoffs for CMS patients.

Breast Surgery in Adolescents: Cisgender Breast Reduction Versus Transgender and Nonbinary Chest Masculinization.

PURPOSE: Both breast reduction surgery (BRS) in adolescent girls and chest masculinization surgery (CMS) transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) individuals improve physical discomfort and psychological well-being. Nonetheless, CMS in adolescents is highly contested due to concerns regarding safety and capacity for consent. Here, we compare both procedures to quantify trends in incidence, minimum age, and surgical outcomes. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried from 2018 to 2021 for cisgender and TGNB adolescents 18 years or younger who underwent BRS or CMS. Our primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine if CMS was associated with postoperative complications. RESULTS: Of 2504 adolescents, the majority (n = 2186 [87.3%]) were cisgender female patients who underwent BRS, compared with TGNB adolescents (n = 318 [12.7%]) who underwent CMS. BRS patients were younger at time of surgery (mean [SD] 16.7 [1.2], 17.5 [0.9]; P < 0.001). The minimum age for BRS was consistently 2 to 3 years younger than that for CMS (12.1 to 12.6 years vs 14.0 to 15.1 years). A comparable frequency of BRS and CMS patients developed 1 or more complications within 30 days of surgery (n = 98 [4.5%], n = 13 [4.1%]; P = 0.775). CONCLUSION: Cisgender female adolescents undergo breast surgery at a 7-fold rate compared with TGNB adolescents and do so at significantly younger ages. Given the favorable effects of BRS and CMS on psychosocial well-being and their comparable surgical risk of complications, our data help recontextualize the concerns surrounding adolescent CMS.

The Role of the Fascia-Only Anterolateral Thigh Flap in Extremity Reconstruction: The Fascia-Only Anterolateral Thigh Flap.

BACKGROUND: Free flap selection in extremity reconstruction can be challenging. The ideal flap has to be thin and pliable to achieve optimal contour and function. We explore the role of the fascia-only anterolateral thigh (fALT) flap in extremity reconstruction. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of our experience using fALT-free flap for extremity reconstruction over a 2-year period. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, flap characteristics, complications- and follow-up were recorded. Descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 34 (28-52) years. One fALT flap was used for upper extremity reconstruction, while 11 flaps were used for lower extremity reconstruction (4 for lower third of the leg, 4 for dorsum of foot, and 3 for heel). The median (IQR) flap surface area was 90 (63-120) cm2 and time from injury to reconstruction was 10 (6-16) days. The postoperative course was uneventful for all flaps except for 1 flap failure and 1 delayed healing. The median (IQR) follow-up was 2 (1-4) months. In all cases, durable soft tissue reconstruction was achieved with no need for revisions. CONCLUSIONS: The fALT-free flap can be successfully used in extremity reconstruction. The ALT fascia has robust perfusion that allows for the harvest of a large flap that can be surfaced with a split thickness skin graft. Its thin pliable tissue provides excellent contour for the hand, distal leg, and foot that does not require future thinning, optimizing the cosmetic and functional result.

Complications Following Tissue Expander-Based Reconstruction in Pediatric Burn Injuries: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tissue expansion has been widely used to reconstruct soft tissue defects following burn injuries in pediatric patients, allowing for satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes. Factors impacting the success of tissue expander (TE)-based reconstruction in these patients are poorly understood. Herein, we aim to determine the risk factors for postoperative complications following TE-based reconstruction in pediatric burn patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent TE placement for burn reconstruction from 2006 to 2019 was performed. Primary outcomes were major complications (TE explantation, extrusion, replacement, flap necrosis, unplanned reoperation, readmission) and wound complications (surgical site infection and wound dehiscence). Descriptive statistics were calculated. The association between primary outcomes, patient demographics, burn characteristics, and TE characteristics was assessed using the chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Of 28 patients included in the study, the median [interquartile range (IQR)] age was 6.5 (3.3-11.8) years, with a follow-up of 12 (7-32) months. The majority were males [n = 20 (71%)], Black patients [n = 11 (39%)], and experienced burns due to flames [n = 78 (29%)]. Eleven (39%) patients experienced major complications, most commonly TE premature explantation [n = 6 (21%)]. Patients who experienced major complications, compared to those who did not, had a significantly greater median (IQR) % total body surface area (TBSA) [38 (27-52), 10 (5-19), P = 0.002] and number of TEs inserted [2 (2-3), 1 (1-2), P = 0.01]. Ten (36%) patients experienced wound complications, most commonly surgical site infection following TE placement [n = 6 (21%)]. Patients who experienced wound complications, compared to those who did not, had a significantly greater median (IQR) %TBSA [35 (18-45), 19 (13-24), P = 0.02]. CONCLUSION: Pediatric burn injuries involving greater than 30% TBSA and necessitating an increasing number of TEs were associated with worse postoperative complications following TE-based reconstruction.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Its Association With Orbital Fracture Characteristics and Repair.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common in up to 50% of patients with facial fractures. Orbital fractures account for 25% of all facial fractures. The authors sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors for TBI in patients undergoing orbital fracture repair (OFR) and assess the impact of TBI on surgical timing. A retrospective review of trauma patients who underwent OFR at a single trauma center from 2015 to 2020 was conducted. Excluded were patients <18 years old and those with unreported GCS on presentation. TBI was defined as GCS <15 or any neurological symptom on presentation. TBI was categorized into mild (GCS=14-15), moderate (GCS=9-13), and severe TBI (GCS=3-8). Our primary and secondary outcomes were the prevalence of TBI on presentation and duration from injury to surgery, respectively. Of the 200 patients analyzed, 99 (49.5%) had concomitant TBI on presentation. The most common neurological symptom on presentation was loss of consciousness [n=80 (40%)]. Patients with TBI were significantly more likely to have an orbital roof [n=11 (11.1%), n=4 (4.0%), P=0.048] and lateral wall fractures [n=25 (25.3%), n=14 (13.9%), P=0.031] compared with patients without TBI. Patients with severe TBI were more likely to have delayed OFR-a significantly greater proportion of patients who had severe TBI had OFR after 60 days of injury compared with those without TBI or with mild TBI [5 (39%), 12 (12%), 4 (5%), P=0.032]. Craniofacial surgeons must suspect and screen for TBI in patients presenting with facial trauma, especially those with orbital roof and lateral wall fractures.

Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients With Frontal Sinus Fractures.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an insult to the brain from an external mechanical force that may lead to short or long-term impairment. Traumatic brain injury has been reported in up to 83% of craniofacial fractures involving the frontal sinus. However, the risk factors for TBI at presentation and persistent neurological sequelae in patients with frontal sinus fractures remain largely unstudied. The authors aim to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with TBI on presentation and neurological sequelae in these patients. The authors retrospectively reviewed patients who presented with traumatic frontal sinus fractures in 2019. The authors' primary outcome was the prevalence of concomitant TBI on presentation, which authors defined as any patient with neurological symptoms/signs on presentation and/or patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale <15 with no acute drug or alcohol intoxication or history of dementia or other neurocognitive disorder. The authors' secondary outcome was the incidence of neurological sequelae after 1 month of injury. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed. A total of 56 patients with frontal sinus fractures were included. Their median (interquartile range) age was 47 (31-59) years, and the median (interquartile range) follow-up was 7.3 (1.3-76.5) weeks. The majority were males [n = 48 (85.7%)] and non-Hispanic whites [n = 35 (62.5%)]. Fall was the most common mechanism of injury [n = 15 (26.8%)]. Of the 56 patients, 46 (82.1%) had concomitant TBI on presentation. All patients who had combined anterior and posterior table frontal sinus fractures [n = 37 (66.1%)] had TBI on presentation. These patients had 13 times the odds of concomitant TBI on presentation [adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 12.7 (2.3-69.0)] as compared with patients with isolated anterior or posterior table fractures. Of 34 patients who were followed up more than 1 month after injury, 24 patients (70.6%) had persistent neurological sequelae, most commonly headache [n = 16 (28.6%)]. Patients who had concomitant orbital roof fractures had 32 times the odds of neurological sequelae after 1 month of injury [adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 32 (2.4->100)]. Emergency physicians and referring providers should maintain a high degree of suspicion of TBI in patients with frontal sinus fractures. Head computed tomography at presentation and close neurological follow-up are recommended for patients with frontal sinus fracture with combined anterior and posterior table fractures, as well as those with concomitant orbital roof fractures.

The Association Between Craniofacial Fracture Patterns and Traumatic Optic Neuropathy.

Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is a rare but potentially devastating complication of craniofacial trauma. Approximately half of patients with TON sustain permanent vision loss. In this study, we sought to identify the most common fracture patterns associated with TON. We performed a retrospective review of craniomaxillofacial CT scans of trauma patients who presented to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center from 2015 to 2017. Included were adult patients who had orbital fractures with or without other facial fractures. Patients diagnosed with TON by a formal ophthalmologic examination were analyzed. Craniofacial fracture patterns were identified. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify craniofacial fracture patterns most commonly associated with TON. A total of 574 patients with orbital fractures who met inclusion criteria [15 (2.6%)] were diagnosed with TON. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] age was 44 (28-59) years. Patients with optic canal fractures and sphenoid sinus fractures had greater odds of TON compared with patients who did not have these fracture types [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 95% confidence interval (CI) 31.8 (2.6->100), 8.1 (2.7-24.4), respectively]. Patients who sustain optic canal and sphenoid sinus fractures in the setting of blunt facial trauma are at increased odds of having a TON. Surgeons and other physicians involved in the care of these patients should be aware of this association.

Orbital Fracture Characteristics and Outcomes in Baltimore.

Fracture characteristics and postoperative outcomes of patients presenting with orbital fractures in Baltimore remain poorly investigated. The purpose of our study was to determine the fracture patterns, etiologies, and postoperative outcomes of patients treated for orbital fractures at 2 level I trauma centers in Baltimore. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent orbital fracture repair at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center and the Johns Hopkins Hospital from January 2015 to December 2019. Of 374 patients, 179 (47.9%) had orbital fractures due to violent trauma, 252 (67.4%) had moderate to near-total orbital fractures, 345 (92.2%) had orbital floor involvement, and 338 (90.4%) had concomitant neurological symptoms/signs. Almost half of the patients had at least one postoperative ocular symptom/sign [n = 163/333 (48.9%)]. Patients who had orbital fractures due to violent trauma were more likely to develop postoperative ocular symptoms/signs compared with those who had orbital fractures due to nonviolent trauma [n = 88/154 (57.1%), n = 75/179 (41.9%); P = 0.006]. After controlling for factors pertaining to injury severity, there was no significant difference in patient throughput or incidence of any postoperative ocular symptom/sign after repair between the two centers. Timely management of patients with orbital fractures due to violent trauma is crucial to mitigate the risk of postoperative ocular symptoms/signs.

Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Following Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis.

The authors present a rare case of anaplastic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) occurring after Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis. A 16-month-old male presented with a rapidly enlarging left lower jaw mass after removal of mandibular distractors placed shortly after birth for Pierre Robin Sequence and severe obstructive sleep apnea. Incisional biopsy of the mass revealed ARMS with anaplastic features. Although ARMS is an extremely rare entity, craniofacial surgeons should have a low threshold for seeking further diagnostic modalities of a growing mass postmandibular distraction.

Facial Feminization: Middle Third of the Face.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) as applied to the midfacial region targets modifications to the nasal and malar esthetic complexes. Although a global assessment is paramount in achieving desired functional results, most patients benefit from malar feminization in the form of bony and soft tissue augmentation, and nasal feminization in the form of reductive rhinoplasty. For patients with signs of aging, additional interventions in the form of rhytidectomy are powerful adjuncts to feminization. As with FFS techniques directed toward the upper and lower thirds, the overarching goal is to obtain complementary outcomes that enhance facial harmony and beauty.

Predictors of Unplanned Reoperation after Gender-affirming Mastectomy: An Analysis of the NSQIP Database.

Background: Gender-affirming mastectomy (GAM) is a gender-affirmation surgery designed to remove or reduce breast tissue, with or without nipple reconstruction. GAM is the most commonly performed gender-affirmation surgery and risk factors associated with unplanned return to the operating room and reoperation continue to be investigated. This is the largest study of transgender and nonbinary patients undergoing GAM to determine predictors of unplanned reoperation. Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients undergoing GAM from 2012 to 2020. The primary outcome was the incidence of unplanned reoperation within 30 days postoperatively. The secondary outcome was the indication for unplanned reoperation within this period. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine significant predictors of reoperation after GAM. Results: A total of 2316 patients underwent GAM, of whom 2.2% (n = 51) underwent unplanned reoperation of the chest. The most common indication for unplanned reoperation was hematoma (n = 41, 71.9%) followed by abscess (n = 5, 8.8%). Significant predictors of reoperation were corticosteroid use [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.07 (1.07-23.89)] and diabetes [aOR (CI) 10.98 (3.0-40.33)]. Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity [aOR (CI) 3.19 (1.22-8.33)] and corticosteroid use [aOR (CI) 6.81 (1.45-31.98)] were significant predictors of unplanned reoperation for hematoma evacuation after GAM. Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus and corticosteroid use were associated with unplanned reoperation after GAM. Ethnic correlations remain to be better elucidated as well as the effect of intersectionality. These findings can be used to guide patient selection and surgical decision-making.

Gender-Affirming Surgery in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: Fewer than one-fifth of all studies on gender-affirming care originate from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This is the first systematic review to examine surgical demographics and outcomes following gender-affirming surgery (GAS) in LMICs. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, five databases were systematically searched for original studies and case series on GAS within LMIC settings. Excluded reports included animal studies, non-English language studies, secondary studies including reviews, individual case reports and conference abstracts. Results: This review includes 34 studies involving n = 5064 TGNB individuals. Most studies (22, 64.7%) were from upper-middle-income countries, followed by lower-middle-income countries (12, 35.3%). A total of 31 studies (91.2%) reported on post-operative outcomes. Of n = 5013 patients who underwent GAS, 71.5% (n = 3584) underwent masculinizing and 29.5% (n = 1480) underwent feminizing procedures. The predominant procedures were metoidioplasty (n = 2270/3584, 63.3%) and vaginoplasty (n = 1103/1480, 74.5%). Mean follow-up was 47.7 months. In patients who underwent metoidioplasty, 6.8% (n = 155) of patients experienced a complication and 6.3% (n = 144) underwent revision surgery. In patients who underwent vaginoplasty, 11.5% (n = 127) of patients experienced a complication and 8.5% (n = 94) underwent revision surgery. Of the studies (25/34, 73.5%) that reported on quality of life and post-operative satisfaction, the majority showed marked improvements in psychosocial and functional outcomes. Notably, no post-surgical regret was reported among the surveyed patients. Conclusions: Existing literature on GAS in LMICs remains scarce and is concentrated in select institutions that drive specific procedures. Our review highlights the low reported volumes of GAS, variability in surgical outcomes and quality of life.

The Impact of Surgical Timing in Orbital Fracture Repair: A New Paradigm.

PURPOSE: For decades, there has been an ongoing debate about the ideal timing of orbital fracture repair (OFR) in adults. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent OFR at two centers (2015-2019). Excluded were patients <18 years old and those with follow-up <2 weeks. Our primary outcome was the incidence/persistence of postoperative enophthalmos/diplopia at least 2 weeks following OFR. The association between surgical timing and postoperative ocular complications was assessed in patients with extraocular muscle (EOM) entrapment, enophthalmos and/or diplopia, and different fracture sizes. RESULTS: Of n=253 patients, n=13 (5.1%) had preoperative EOM entrapment. Of these, patients who had OFR within 2 days of injury were less likely to develop postoperative diplopia compared with patients who had OFR within 8-14 days (n=1/8 [12.5%], n=3/3 [100%]; P=0.018). Patients who had OFR for near-total defects within 1 week of injury were significantly less likely to have postoperative enophthalmos (n=0 [0.0%]) compared with those who had surgery after 2 weeks (n=2 [33.3%] after 15 to 28 days, n=8 [34.8%] after 28 days from injury, P<0.001). Patients who had delayed OFR for large fractures smaller than near-total defects, preoperative persistent diplopia, or enophthalmos were not at significantly greater likelihood of postoperative ocular complications compared with those who had early OFR. CONCLUSION: We recommend OFR within 2 days of injury for EOM entrapment and 1 week for near-total defects. Surgical delay up to at least 4 weeks is possible in case of less severe fractures, preoperative persistent diplopia, or enophthalmos.

An Introduction to The Orbital Buttresses.

Facial buttresses are supportive bony structures of the facial skeleton that form a thick, strong, and protective framework for the face. Surgical fixation may be required to restore morphology and function when damage to these buttresses occurs. We sought to determine if, similar to buttresses of the facial skeleton, buttresses of the internal orbit exist. Hence, we analyzed 10 human cadaver skulls imaged by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Image processing and thickness/heat mapping were performed using Avizo and ImageJ softwares. After identifying the orbital buttresses, we reviewed CT scans of patients who had orbital fractures across three years to determine the frequency of fracture of the orbital buttresses. We identified 5 buttresses of the internal orbit: superomedial fronto-ethmoidal strut with the deep orbital buttress, inferomedial strut with the posterior ledge, inferior orbital fissure, sphenoid-frontal superolateral strut, and the sphenoid lip. The average threshold orbital buttress thickness was 1.36 (0.25) mm. A total of 1186 orbits of 593 individuals were analyzed for orbital buttress involvement. Orbital buttresses were spared in 770 (65%) orbits. The inferomedial strut with the posterior ledge was the most commonly fractured buttress in 14.4% of orbits (n=171), followed by the sphenoid strut and lip (66 [5.6%]). To our knowledge, this is the first description of the buttresses of the internal orbit. Orbital reconstruction for fracture repair or oncologic purposes requires the support of orbital buttresses. Understanding the anatomy of orbital buttresses is crucial for successful surgical planning, proper implant positioning, and restoration of function and appearance.

Development and validation of a risk calculator for postoperative diplopia following orbital fracture repair in adults.

Postoperative diplopia is the most common complication following orbital fracture repair (OFR). Existing evidence on its risk factors is based on single-institution studies and small sample sizes. Our study is the first multi-center study to develop and validate a risk calculator for the prediction of postoperative diplopia following OFR. We reviewed trauma patients who underwent OFR at two high-volume trauma centers (2015-2019). Excluded were patients < 18 years old and those with postoperative follow-up < 2 weeks. Our primary outcome was incidence/persistence of postoperative diplopia at ≥ 2 weeks. A risk model for the prediction of postoperative diplopia was derived using a development dataset (70% of population) and validated using a validation dataset (remaining 30%). The C-statistic and Hosmer-Lemeshow tests were used to assess the risk model accuracy. A total of n = 254 adults were analyzed. The factors that predicted postoperative diplopia were: age at injury, preoperative enophthalmos, fracture size/displacement, surgical timing, globe/soft tissue repair, and medial wall involvement. Our predictive model had excellent discrimination (C-statistic = 80.4%), calibration (P = 0.2), and validation (C-statistic = 80%). Our model rules out postoperative diplopia with a 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) for a probability < 8.9%. Our predictive model rules out postoperative diplopia with an 87.9% sensitivity and a 95.8% NPV for a probability < 13.4%. We designed the first validated risk calculator that can be used as a powerful screening tool to rule out postoperative diplopia following OFR in adults.

Surgical techniques and outcomes of thyroid chondroplasty in transfeminine individuals: A systematic review.

Thyroid chondroplasty (TC) in facial gender-affirming surgery (FGAS) is aimed at modifying the thyroid cartilage to achieve a more feminine laryngeal appearance. This study evaluated open versus endoscopic techniques to TC and associated outcomes and complications. A systematic review (SR) of articles pertaining to TC was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Twelve articles representing 368 patients were included for analysis. Nine articles described open approaches, and three articles described endoscopic techniques. The rate of total complications was 4.3% (n = 12) in the open approach compared to 15% (n = 13) in the endoscopic approach. Positive esthetic results were reported in 92% of cases performed with the open approach and 90% with the endoscopic approach. In the open approach, seven (2.5%) patients requested additional removal of cartilage, and three (1.1%) requested scar revision. In the endoscopic approach, three (3.7%) patients requested additional cartilage removal. In addition, data of individuals who underwent "cervical tracheoplasty" for gender dysphoria from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was reviewed, and there was no incidence of wound or major complications among patients who underwent tracheoplasty alone. Although the advantage of the endoscopic approach is a scarless neck incision, the rate of complications is higher with the open approach. Endoscopic approaches are still not widely used, and continued investigations are warranted to improve familiarity with this approach and reduce postoperative complications.

Pediatric Orbital Fractures.

The unique anatomy and physiology of the growing craniofacial skeleton predispose children to different fracture patterns as compared to adults. Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric orbital fractures can be challenging. A thorough history and physical examination are essential for the diagnosis of pediatric orbital fractures. Physicians should be aware of symptoms and signs suggestive of trapdoor fractures with soft tissue entrapment including symptomatic diplopia with positive forced ductions, restricted ocular motility (regardless of conjunctival abnormalities), nausea/vomiting, bradycardia, vertical orbital dystopia, enophthalmos, and hypoglobus. Equivocal radiologic evidence of soft tissue entrapment should not withhold surgery. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for the accurate diagnosis and proper management of pediatric orbital fractures.

Temporal Trends in Gender Affirmation Surgery Among Transgender and Non-Binary Minors.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, a greater number of transgender or non-binary (TGNB) minors have been seeking gender affirmation surgery (GAS). Given the recent concerns about the potential harm of GAS in TGNB minors, we sought to determine the incidence and postoperative outcomes of GAS among TGNB minors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Pediatric database, 2018-2021, for minors aged 17 years or younger. The primary outcome was the frequency and type of GAS plotted over time. The secondary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications within 30 days following GAS. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Linear regression was performed to assess the association between the incidence of GAS and time in years. RESULTS: A total of 108 TGNB minors were identified. The mean (SD) age was 16.9 (0.8) years without significant variation over time. There was a significant increase in the number of GAS per year over four years (P<.001). Nevertheless, only two (1.9%) patients underwent GAS below the age of 15 (13.9 and 14.5 years). Chest masculinization surgery (CMS) was the predominant procedure type among TGNB minors (n=102, 94.4%). There was no incidence of major complications (mortality, bleeding, sepsis, unplanned intubation) except for unplanned reoperation for hematoma evacuation (n=3, 2.8%). The incidence of minor complications (surgical site infection, wound dehiscence) was low (n=1, 0.9%), each). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: GAS in minors, primarily in the form of CMS, has been increasing over time. CMS in minors is a safe procedure with rare complications.

Predictors of surgical site infection following reconstructive flap surgery: A multi-institutional analysis of 37,177 patients.

Purpose: Rates of surgical site infection (SSI) following reconstructive flap surgeries (RFS) vary according to flap recipient site, potentially leading to flap failure. This is the largest study to determine predictors of SSI following RFS across recipient sites. Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients undergoing any flap procedure from years 2005 to 2020. RFS involving grafts, skin flaps, or flaps with unknown recipient site were excluded. Patients were stratified according to recipient site: breast, trunk, head and neck (H&N), upper and lower extremities (UE&LE). The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI within 30 days following surgery. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine predictors of SSI following RFS. Results: 37,177 patients underwent RFS, of whom 7.5% (n = 2,776) developed SSI. A significantly greater proportion of patients who underwent LE (n = 318, 10.7%) and trunk (n = 1,091, 10.4%) reconstruction developed SSI compared to those who underwent breast (n = 1,201, 6.3%), UE (n = 32, 4.4%), and H&N (n = 100, 4.2%) reconstruction (p < .001). Longer operating times were significant predictors of SSI following RFS across all sites. The strongest predictors of SSI were presence of open wound following trunk and H&N reconstruction [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.82 (1.57-2.11) and 1.75 (1.57-1.95)], disseminated cancer following LE reconstruction [aOR (CI) 3.58 (2.324-5.53)], and history of cardiovascular accident or stroke following breast reconstruction [aOR (CI) 16.97 (2.72-105.82)]. Conclusion: Longer operating time was a significant predictor of SSI regardless of reconstruction site. Reducing operating times through proper surgical planning might help mitigate the risk of SSI following RFS. Our findings should be used to guide patient selection, counseling, and surgical planning prior to RFS.

Conflict of interest in the peer review process: A survey of peer review reports.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the extent to which peer reviewers and journals editors address study funding and authors' conflicts of interests (COI). Also, we aimed to assess the extent to which peer reviewers and journals editors reported and commented on their own or each other's COI. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic survey of original studies published in open access peer reviewed journals that publish their peer review reports. Using REDCap, we collected data in duplicate and independently from journals' websites and articles' peer review reports. RESULTS: We included a sample of original studies (N = 144) and a second one of randomized clinical trials (N = 115) RCTs. In both samples, and for the majority of studies, reviewers reported absence of COI (70% and 66%), while substantive percentages of reviewers did not report on COI (28% and 30%) and only small percentages reported any COI (2% and 4%). For both samples, none of the editors whose names were publicly posted reported on COI. The percentages of peer reviewers commenting on the study funding, authors' COI, editors' COI, or their own COI ranged between 0 and 2% in either one of the two samples. 25% and 7% of editors respectively in the two samples commented on study funding, while none commented on authors' COI, peer reviewers' COI, or their own COI. The percentages of authors commenting in their response letters on the study funding, peer reviewers' COI, editors' COI, or their own COI ranged between 0 and 3% in either one of the two samples. CONCLUSION: The percentages of peer reviewers and journals editors who addressed study funding and authors' COI and were extremely low. In addition, peer reviewers and journal editors rarely reported their own COI, or commented on their own or on each other's COI.