Parastomal Hernia Repair Using a Silo Biologic Mesh.

BACKGROUND: A parastomal hernia (PSH) is an enlargement of the stoma's original opening through the abdominal wall's musculature around a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. Its incidence can be up to 48%. The described methods for its repair have high recurrence rate.This article presents a 3-dimensional silo technique for PSH repair (PSH-R). The aims of this technique are to enhance the structural strength of the tunnel wall, to reinforce both the sidewalls and the fascia above and below the muscular opening, and to maintain a stable stoma opening. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing PSH-R with the silo technique between January 2009 and May 2018 by 2 plastic surgeons were included. The outcome parameters of interest were hernia recurrence and wound-related complications. RESULTS: This study reports 22 patients (9 male, 13 female) with a mean age of 66.7 years and an average body mass index of 29.2. The variety of ostomy types included 10 colostomies, 7 ileostomies, and 5 urostomies. Postoperatively, there were 3 surgical site infections, 1 seroma, and 2 wound healing delays. Six patients were readmitted, 3 of those because of small bowel obstruction. These 3 cases all required reoperation, in addition to 1 operative revision for stoma retraction. During our average follow-up of 19.9 months, 3 cases of PSH recurrence were diagnosed for a recurrence rate of 13.6%. CONCLUSIONS: This silo technique is associated with favorable complication and low recurrence rates compared with the available techniques in surgical literature. In our practice, it has established itself as a new and safe technique for complex or recurrent PSHs and should be considered in a surgeon's armamentarium. This technique has become our standard for treatment of recurrent PSHs.

Breast reconstruction with DIEP and SIEA flaps in patients with prior abdominal liposuction.

INTRODUCTION: Suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) has been considered a relative contraindication for autologous breast reconstruction due to reservations about size and integrity of perforator vessels. Such patients are often not considered ideal candidates for breast reconstruction utilizing deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps. The aim of this article is to describe our experience with these flaps after SAL. METHODS: Retrospectively, patient charts from 2005 to 2015 were analyzed and 9 patients (13 flaps) were identified who received breast reconstruction after prior donor-site SAL. Eight patients underwent DIEP and 1 patient an SIEA flap breast reconstruction. The patients' average age was 47.7 (ranging 33-64) years and their BMI 26.0 (ranging 21.1-36.5). Preoperative radiologic studies were obtained for all patients via either Doppler ultrasound or cross-sectional imaging to assess abdominal perforators. Abdominal SAL took place between 2 and 20 years before reconstruction. RESULTS: On average, 2.4 (ranging 1-4) perforators with a mean diameter of 0.68 mm (ranging 0.2-2.5 mm) were included per DIEP flap and anastomosed to the internal mammary arteries. Median follow-up period was 1.2 (ranging 0.5-9.6) years without any flap loss, flap necrosis, hematoma, or unplanned reoperation. One breast seroma and one fat necrosis occurred. All patients had a successful reconstruction and finished treatment at our institution. CONCLUSION: Our results show that DIEP and SIEA flaps are safe and effective options for breast reconstruction in patients with previous abdominal SAL. Extensive preoperative patient evaluation and perforator imaging is important in identifying suitable candidates within this patient population.

Evaluation of the single medial circummuscular perforator DIEP flap: Outcomes and comparison to traditional transmuscular single perforator flap.

INTRODUCTION: Successful breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps depends on optimal perforator choice. Circummuscular wraparound medial perforators allow for no rectus dissection and minimal fascial incisions, often presenting as an ideal option. The aim of our study is to evaluate outcomes of the single medial wraparound perforator flap in comparison to more traditional transmuscular single-perforator DIEP flaps. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all DIEP flaps performed by the senior author from 2011 to 2016, yielding 269 flaps on 157 patients. For this study, we included all patients who underwent reconstruction of the breast(s) and possessed circummuscular perforators arising from the DIE vessels. A control group consisted of all consecutive patients with transmuscular one-perforator DIEP flaps. Patient details and their postoperative outcomes were collected. RESULTS: In our study, eight patients (5.1%) were of the medial wraparound variety. Sixteen control patients (10.2%) with similar comorbidities had flaps that were of the more traditional single perforator transmuscular variety. There was a slight trend toward decreased operative time in the medial wraparound group, however, it was not found to be statistically significant (536 ± 81 vs. 572 ± 84 min, P = .377). Complication profiles were similar between groups (25.0 vs. 18.8%, P = .722), with no increased rates of fat necrosis in the wraparound cohort. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, using a medial wraparound perforator is a safe and reliable option when compared with a single transmuscular perforator DIEP flap. Choosing the wraparound perforator may show benefit as it eliminates muscular dissection and nerve damage, and tends to minimize fascial incision length.

Platelet-rich plasma: a biomimetic approach to enhancement of surgical wound healing.

Platelets are small anucleate cytoplasmic cell bodies released by megakaryocytes in response to various physiologic triggers. Traditionally thought to be solely involved in the mechanisms of hemostasis, platelets have gained much attention due to their involvement wound healing, immunomodulation, and antiseptic properties. As the field of surgery continues to evolve so does the need for therapies to aid in treating the increasingly complex patients seen. With over 14 million obstetric, musculoskeletal, and urological and gastrointestinal surgeries performed annually, the healing of surgical wounds continues to be of upmost importance to the surgeon and patient. Platelet-rich plasma, or platelet concentrate, has emerged as a possible adjuvant therapy to aid in the healing of surgical wounds and injuries. In this review, we will discuss the wound healing properties of platelet-rich plasma and various surgical applications.

Cross-linking of porcine acellular dermal matrices negatively affects induced neovessel formation using platelet-rich plasma in a rat model of hernia repair.

The degree of cross-linking within acellular dermal matrices (ADM) seems to correlate to neovascularization when used in ventral hernia repair (VHR). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) enhances wound healing through several mechanisms including neovascularization, but research regarding its effect on soft tissue healing in VHR is lacking. We sought to study the effect of cross-linking on PRP-induced neovascularization in a rodent model of bridging VHR. We hypothesized that ADM cross-linking would negatively affect PRP-induced neovessel formation. PRP was extracted and characterized from pooled whole blood. Porcine cross-linked (cADM) and non-cross-linked ADMs (ncADM) were implanted in a rat model of chronic VHR after treatment with saline (control) or PRP. Neovascularization of samples at 2, 4, and 6 weeks was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining of CD 31. Adhesion severity at necropsy was compared using a previously validated scale. Addition of PRP increased neovascularization in both cADM and ncADM at 2- and 4-week time points but appeared to do so in a dependent fashion, with significantly greater neovascularization in the PRP-treated ncADMs compared to cADMs. Omental adhesions were increased in all PRP-treated groups. Results indicate that, for 2-week measurements when compared with the cADM group without PRP therapy, the mean change in neovascularization due to ncADM was 3.27 (Z = 2.75, p = 0.006), PRP was 17.56 (Z = 14.77, p < 0.001), and the combined effect of ncADM and PRP was 9.41 (Z = 5.6, p < 0.001). The 4-week data indicate that the average neovascularization change due to ncADM was 0.676 (Z = 0.7, p = 0.484), PRP was 7.69 (Z = 7.95, p < 0.001), and combined effect of ncADM and PRP was 5.28 (Z = 3.86, p < 0.001). These findings validate PRP as a clinical adjunct to enhance the native tissue response to implantable biomaterials and suggest that ncADM is more amenable than cADM to induced neovascularization. PRP use could be advantageous in patients undergoing VHR where poor incorporation is anticipated and early-enhanced neovascularization is desired.

Platelet rich plasma enhances tissue incorporation of biologic mesh.

BACKGROUND: High recurrence rates because of poor tissue incorporation limit the use of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) in ventral hernia repair (VHR). Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a growth factor-rich autologous blood product known to enhance tissue repair through cellular proliferation and neovascularization. We sought to study the effect of PRP on a porcine noncross-linked ADM in an in vivo model of VHR. We hypothesized that PRP would enhance ADM-tissue incorporation in a rat model of VHR. METHODS: Whole blood was extracted from Lewis rats followed by PRP isolation and characterization. Using a rat model of VHR, a noncross-linked ADM (Strattice) was implanted and activated PRP applied before closure. Rats were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 6 wk. Immunohistochemical staining of CD 31 on endothelial cells was used to quantify neovascularization. Hematoxylin eosin stained tissues were measured to quantify tissue deposition. RESULTS: Platelet concentration of PRP was standardized to 1 × 10(6) platelets/µL. Grossly, vessels were more evident in PRP-treated rats. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated neovascularization was significantly greater in the PRP-treated ADMs at all time points. This increase in neovascularization correlated with an increased thickness of tissue deposition at 4 and 6 wk. CONCLUSIONS: PRP enhanced neovascularization and incorporation in a rat model of VHR. Enhanced neovascularization was associated with earlier and greater tissue deposition on the ADM. This suggests that PRP could be used as an adjunct to VHR in clinical scenarios where poor wound healing is anticipated and enhanced neovascularization and early tissue deposition are desired.

Contralateral Autologous Augmentation in DIEP Flap Reconstruction: Employing CT Angiography & Volumetric Analysis for Preoperative Planning.

SUMMARY: Autologous reconstruction accounts for approximately 20% of all breast reconstruction. In cases of unilateral reconstruction, contralateral breast augmentation using autologous tissue can be performed to improve symmetry and is a viable option for patients interested in having more volume relative to their current size without the use of implants. CT scans have been used for preoperative planning for autologous reconstruction to evaluate available perforators. In this study, we report our experience using CT angiography for preoperative volumetric assessment for autologous contralateral breast augmentation in the setting of unilateral autologous breast reconstruction. Twelve patients underwent autologous augmentation during the study period. The average reconstruction flap weight was 561.2±253.6 grams, while the average augmentation flap weight was 218.0±133.7 grams. No patients experienced flap loss and we demonstrate that the predicted volumes for the augmented and reconstructed breasts were comparable to the actual respective flap volumes. Additionally, post-operative patient-reported outcome measures demonstrate high levels of satisfaction across multiple BREAST-Q subscales. This study demonstrates the utility of using CT angiography to estimate reconstructive volumes to help preoperative planning and achieve predictable postoperative breast volumes. It also supports that contralateral autologous augmentation is a good option for patients who would like to avoid implants and are interested in a small to moderate increase in size.

Staged breast reconstruction utilizing primary nipple repositioning surgery prior to nipple-sparing mastectomy.

Staged nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) following mastopexy or breast reduction has become increasingly utilized in patients with large or ptotic breasts. The safety and efficacy of this approach has been demonstrated in recent years. However, the optimal timing between stages has not been established. The authors provide their experience with this staged approach with emphasis on timing between stages. An institutional review board approved this retrospective study. Data of all patients at a single institution who underwent staged NSM following mastopexy or reduction mammaplasty for therapeutic or prophylactic oncologic surgical management from 2016 to 2020 were reviewed. Timing between stages as well as surgical, oncologic, aesthetic, and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated. Nineteen patients (38 breasts) underwent staged NSM following planned mastopexy/breast reduction. The mean time interval between stages was 25 weeks. No patients developed nipple areolar complex necrosis. Infection and hematoma were seen in one breast (2.6%) and seroma in two (5.3%) after NSM. Delayed wound healing was seen in eight breasts (21.1%) after first stage mastopexy/reduction and in 12 breasts (31.6%) after NSM. Skin flap necrosis was noted in two breasts (5.3%) after NSM. No patients developed oncological recurrence. Mean patient-reported post-operative satisfaction and well-being scores were 63 and 67 out of 100, respectively. The authors describe their experience with staged NSM following nipple repositioning procedures. Their results suggest that this procedure can be performed safely with cosmetically favorable results if surgeons wait an average of 25 weeks between first and second stage procedures.

Acellular Dermal Matrices in Breast Reconstruction: CARE Trial 5-Year Outcomes Data for More Than 9500 Patients.

Few studies have assessed long-term complications in women undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction with use of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM). This study compared outcomes over 5 years in women undergoing breast reconstruction procedures with and without ADM. Methods: Complications data in patients enrolled in the prospective Continued Access Reconstruction/Revision Expansion trial were segregated by use of ADM versus no ADM in patients undergoing primary breast reconstruction or revision-reconstruction. Continued Access Reconstruction/Revision Expansion trial evaluated long-term safety and effectiveness of shaped, textured, silicone implants. Results: Of the 9502 women, 257 had primary (n = 160) or revision-reconstruction (n = 97) with ADMs; 9245 had primary (n = 6977) or revision-reconstruction (n = 2268) without ADMs. Capsular contracture rates in primary reconstruction were lower with ADM than without at year 5 (3.2% versus 7.4%); rates were similar at year 1 (≤2.4%). Capsular contracture rates in revision-reconstruction were lower with ADM than without at year 5 (1.4% versus 8.9%); rates were similar at year 1 (≤2.5%). Seroma rates were low and sustained for all cohorts throughout the 5 years (≤2.9%). Reoperation rates increased over time in all cohorts, with similar rates between groups (2.4%-47.3% from week 4 to year 5 across cohorts). Other trends over time included lower rates for asymmetry and implant malposition with ADM than without. Conclusion: These long-term data suggest that the use of ADM in breast reconstruction procedures may provide a benefit in reducing complications, such as capsular contracture, and may sustain low rates of seroma.

The Business of Employed Plastic Surgery: Creating Your Seat at the Table.

BACKGROUND: While the landscape of medicine changes, hospital employment continues to gain popularity in surgical specialties. The number of plastic surgeons entering an employed relationship has also grown, offering new opportunities and challenges alike. The authors studied the profitability of plastic surgery to the hospital and the necessity of the specialty to hospital administration through financial net revenue, contribution margin, and payer mix, to help plastic surgeons realize and capitalize on their importance and contribution to the hospital system. METHODS: Facility net revenue and contribution margin from Houston Methodist West Hospital were evaluated. Average net revenue and contribution margin for inpatient and outpatient cases for plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and all combined surgical specialties were studied for the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years. RESULTS: The authors demonstrated net increase per year for both outpatient and inpatient revenue in favor of plastic surgery versus orthopedics and combined surgical specialties. Plastic surgery contributed higher facility net revenue when compared to orthopedics, contributing 20 percent more per outpatient case and 86 percent more per inpatient case. A higher contribution margin for each year was realized for inpatient cases versus orthopedics and combined surgical specialties, increasing by 8 percent and 53 percent and 61 percent and 86 percent, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A surgeon's ability to present objective financial data and develop leadership roles within the hospital system can lead to a favorable outcome for both physician and hospital. An objective dialogue with hospital administration is critical and offers an avenue to negotiate the development of your practice.

Breast reconstruction in women under 30: a 10-year experience.

The number of women diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age (≤30years) continues to rise. As young women present for breast cancer management with greater frequency, an accurate characterization of the differences in cancer treatments and reconstruction techniques is imperative to optimize care. Here, we sought to identify the reconstruction trends in this population of women ≤30years at time of breast cancer diagnosis. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of women aged ≤30years who underwent breast reconstruction at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. We extracted data on the patients' diagnosis, adjuvant therapy, reconstructive choice, reason for reconstructive choice, and decision for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). Over a 10-year period, 54 patients aged ≤30years underwent 77 breast reconstructions, including 30 microsurgical autologous tissue reconstructions and 34 tissue expander-based reconstructions. Donor site limitations, including insufficient abdominal tissue, restricted the number of patients eligible for abdominal based reconstruction despite the patients' interest in the latter. The rate of CPM was 43%, which was significantly higher than the national average of 8%, further complicating the possibility of total autologous reconstruction. Because of the high rate of bilateral mastectomy and innate donor tissue limitations, young, healthy women who are otherwise ideal candidates for free tissue transfer using the abdominal donor site undergo significantly more tissue expander reconstructions than expected. Implant-based reconstruction or donor sites other than the abdomen must be considered in this unique population.

Perioperative steroids for minimizing edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Minimizing complications after rhinoplasty is a priority for every surgeon performing the procedure. Perioperative steroid administration has been shown to decrease postoperative edema and ecchymosis in a number of prospective randomized trials. OBJECTIVES: In an effort to further elucidate the significance of the data and develop an evidence-based algorithm for steroid administration, the authors offer a meta-analysis of the existing literature. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed. All articles were reviewed for relevant data, which were extracted, pooled, and compared. Seven prospective randomized trials investigating perioperative steroid use in rhinoplasty have been conducted and reported. Four of these studies had the same method of patient edema and ecchymosis assessment, and their data were compared. RESULTS: Based on results from the four relevant studies, perioperative steroid use significantly reduces postoperative edema and ecchymosis of the upper and lower eyelids at one day and seven days postoperatively (P < .0001). Preoperative steroid administration decreases postoperative upper and lower eyelid edema at one day preoperatively, when compared to postoperative administration (P < .05). Extended dosing is superior to one-time dosing (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative steroid use decreases postoperative edema and ecchymosis associated with rhinoplasty. Preoperative administration is superior to postoperative, and extended dosing is superior to singular. Based on these results, evidence-based guidelines for perioperative steroid administration can be given.

The Impact of Political Advocacy on the Plastic Surgeon: A Data-Driven Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite successful legislative efforts by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Plastic Surgery Political Action Committee remains underused. Participation in advocacy and financial contributions of ASPS members fall below those of similar surgical subspecialties. This study aims to perform a data-driven investigation into the impact of Plastic Surgery Political Action Committee efforts on the practicing plastic surgeon. METHODS: A retrospective review of the ASPS procedural database from 1992 to 2018 and Plastic Surgery Political Action Committee contributions from 2012 to 2018 was performed. Postmastectomy breast and congenital anomaly reconstructions were analyzed. To determine significant variations in trends, change-point analyses were conducted. Changes in surgical volume were correlated to implementation of federal legislative efforts. RESULTS: Three significant trends of increased breast reconstruction volume were detected with associations to three specific legislative changes: 1992 to 1998, which correlates with the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act; 2006 to 2009, which correlates with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of silicone breast implant use; and 2013 to 2015, which correlates with the Breast Cancer Patient Education Act. During the study period, breast reconstruction procedures increased substantially compared with all reconstructive procedures (146.6 percent versus 3.6 percent). There were no significant trends detected for birth defect reconstructions. Although contributions were relatively stagnant, resident member contributions increased after 2015, correlating with formation of the Political Action Committee's Resident's Club. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a correlation in timing between Plastic Surgery Political Action Committee legislative accomplishments and the resulting case volume increase in some areas of plastic surgery. The data highlight the importance of political advocacy and how political action committee activities can directly impact patient access to care and the practice of plastic surgery.

Efficacy of Closed Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Abdominal Donor Site After Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been used to treat acute and chronic wounds in a variety of scenarios. Specifically, in autologous breast reconstruction, studies investigating the use of closed incision NPWT (ciNPWT) in breast surgery are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the use of ciNPWT at the abdominal donor site following deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted over a 15-month period including patients who underwent abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) a control group that underwent standard abdominal donor site closure and (2) an experimental group that underwent standard abdominal donor site closure plus ciNPWT. Groups were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, perioperative variables, and abdominal donor site complications. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were identified. Of these, 18 were included in the control group and 24 in the ciNPWT group. No cases of seroma, abdominal bulge, or abdominal hernia were reported. Wound dehiscence developed in 2 patients (11.1%) in the control group and in 3 patients (12.5%) in the experimental group (P = 1.000). One patient (5.6%) in the control group had an infection of the donor site compared with none in the ciNPWT group (P = .429). Interestingly, 3 patients developed hyperpigmentation where the ciNPWT plastic drape was placed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ciNPWT on the abdominal donor site following DIEP flap breast reconstruction did not lower the incidence of wound dehiscence and wound infection. Different approaches are needed to decrease the incidence of donor site complications in abdominally based postmastectomy breast reconstruction.

Safety of Routine Pedicle Division during Delayed Breast Augmentation following Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Autologous free flap breast reconstruction is a common reconstructive procedure, with the ability to produce a natural breast shape and a long history of success. Despite its benefits, there are special situations in which patients lack sufficient donor-site tissue to achieve adequate breast size and projection. With this study, the authors describe their institutional experience of delayed implant augmentation after autologous breast reconstruction with a particular focus on pedicle division as a technique to improve aesthetic results. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients that underwent free flap autologous breast reconstruction with delayed implant augmentation was conducted over a 13-year period. Flaps were divided into a control group without pedicle division and a divided pedicle group. Groups were compared in terms of demographics, clinical and surgical characteristics, implant details, and postoperative implant and flap complications. RESULTS: No significant differences in terms of age, body mass index, comorbidities, radiation therapy, or surgical indications were noted. The most common reason for delayed implant augmentation after autologous breast reconstruction was change in breast size and breast asymmetry. In terms of implant and flap complications, we found no significant differences between the control and divided pedicle groups after delayed implant augmentation. CONCLUSIONS: From the authors' institutional experience, pedicle division in delayed breast augmentation with implants after free flap breast reconstruction can be safety performed in selected cases. This technique can be a powerful tool for plastic surgeons to improve the final aesthetic appearance of the reconstructed breast. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Amniotic fluid allograft enhances the host response to ventral hernia repair using acellular dermal matrix.

Ventral hernia repair (VHR) with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has high rates of recurrence that may be improved with allogeneic growth factor augmentation such as amniotic fluid allograft (AFA). We hypothesized that AFA would modulate the host response to improve ADM incorporation in VHR. Lewis rats underwent chronic VHR with porcine ADM alone or with AFA augmentation. Tissue harvested at 3, 14, or 28 days was assessed for region-specific cellularity, and a validated histomorphometric score was generated for tissue incorporation. Expression of pro-inflammatory (Nos1, Tnfα), anti-inflammatory (Arg1, Il-10, Mrc1) and tissue regeneration (Col1a1, Col3a1, Vegf, and alpha actinin-2) genes were quantified using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Amniotic fluid allograft treatment caused enhanced vascularization and cellularization translating to increased histomorphometric scores at 14 days, likely mediated by upregulation of pro-regeneration genes throughout the study period and molecular evidence of anti-inflammatory, M2-polarized macrophage phenotype. Collectively, this suggests AFA may have a therapeutic role as a VHR adjunct.

Safety and efficacy of suction-assisted lipectomy on irradiated skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects with standard myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous flaps often results in contour deformities due either to intrinsic characteristics of the flap or due to initial overcorrection of the defect when postoperative radiation therapy is planned. In such cases, revision with suction-assisted lipectomy is often necessary to achieve optimal cosmetic results. Since liposuction has been associated with decreased tissue perfusion, there remains significant concern that revision of irradiated flaps with liposuction places the patient at high risk for tissue necrosis and wound healing difficulty. To determine the safety of liposuction on irradiated tissue, the authors reviewed our experience of 9 patients treated for cancer with extirpation of tumor and immediate reconstruction with a free or pedicle flap. All patients required radiation therapy and ultimately underwent revision with liposuction due to contour irregularity. Flaps were treated with 60 to 64 Gy and between 30 and 300 mL of fat was removed at 6 weeks to 9 months after final dose of radiation therapy. All patients achieved improvement in contour with no significant fat or skin necrosis. We conclude that suction-assisted lipectomy of irradiated tissue is safe and effective for flap revision following conventional doses of radiation therapy.

Techniques for labia minora reduction: an algorithmic approach.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic reduction of the labia minora has gained popularity, and a number of different techniques have been described. Each procedure has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, no algorithm has been defined for pairing the degree of deformity with the optimal surgical procedure. METHODS: Patients were stratified into one of four groups based on labial size. The surgeon chose one of three reduction techniques based on the degree of labial hypertrophy and the patient's aesthetic preferences for labial edge color and contour. Three reduction techniques were used including the edge excision technique, the inferior wedge resection technique, and deepithelialization reduction labioplasty. The success of aesthetic reduction was evaluated, as was symptomatic relief. RESULTS: The 12 procedures performed included five deepithelialization techniques, four edge excision techniques, and three inferior wedge resection techniques. As reported, 92% of the patients were "very satisfied" with their aesthetic and functional results. The complications were minimal, with three patients experiencing minor wound healing difficulties that resolved spontaneously. One patient who underwent the edge excision technique was "not satisfied" and complained of overreduction. CONCLUSION: The authors found all three techniques for labia minora reduction to be useful in different clinical situations. A novel algorithm is described for matching the optimal surgical technique for each patient based on her degree of hypertrophy and aesthetic goals.

Incidental Findings in CT and MR Angiography for Preoperative Planning in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Autologous breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps is considered a standard of care in the treatment after mastectomy, yet vascular anatomy is highly variable and perforator selection remains challenging. The use of preoperative imaging can influence surgical planning and assist intraoperative decision-making. However, this imaging can inevitably uncover incidental findings. The purpose of this study was to analyze incidental findings, evaluate correlation with patient factors, and examine effects on overall care. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 350 consecutive patients who received magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or computed tomographic angiography (CTA) as a preoperative evaluation for deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstructions done between August 2015 and June 2019. Radiology reports were analyzed for incidental findings. Patient charts were reviewed for patient history, genetic history, cancer treatment, and type of reconstruction. RESULTS: Of the 350 patients meeting the criteria, 56.9% were noted to have incidental findings on preoperative imaging, 12.9% received additional imaging, and 4.0% underwent additional interventions. There was no difference in the percentage of patients with incidental findings between immediate and delayed reconstructions or between CTA and MRA. Five patients were found to have malignancies. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CTA and MRA is a valuable tool to optimize outcomes and efficiency in breast reconstruction with abdominal perforator flaps. However, this imaging can also be beneficial to the overall wellness of the patient. With the high prevalence of incidental findings on preoperative imaging, it is important to counsel patients and adjust surgical plans, if necessary.

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting with Plastic Surgery: A Practical Advisory to Etiology, Impact, and Treatment.

Ambulatory surgery is common in plastic surgery, where many aesthetic and reconstructive procedures can be performed in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, or office-based surgery facilities. Outpatient surgery offers advantages to both the patient and the surgeon by increasing accessibility, flexibility, and convenience; lowering cost; and maintaining high-quality care. To optimize a patient's experience and comfort, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) should be prevented. However, in those patients who develop PONV, it must be appropriately managed and treated. The incidence of PONV is variable. It is often difficult to accurately predict those patients who will develop PONV or how they will manifest symptoms. There are a variety of recommended "cocktails" for PONV prophylaxis and treatments that are potentially effective. The decision regarding the type of treatment given is often more related to provider preference and determination of side-effect profile, rather than targeted to specific patient characteristics, because of the absence of large volumes of reliable data to support specific practices over others. Fortunately, there are several tenets for the successful prevention and treatment of PONV we have extracted from the literature and summarize here. The following is a summary for the practicing plastic surgeon of the current state of the literature regarding PONV cause, risk factors, prophylaxis, and treatment that may serve as a guide for further study and practice management.