Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks Versus Local Infiltration Anesthesia on Postanesthesia Care Unit Pain Control in Patients Undergoing Abdominoplasty.

GOALS/PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to compare ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks to local infiltration anesthesia with or without blind rectus sheath blocks in patients who underwent abdominoplasty at an outpatient surgery center. METHODS/TECHNIQUE: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent outpatient abdominoplasty performed by the senior surgeon (J.T.L.). Group 1 received local infiltration anesthesia with or without blind rectus sheath blocks between April 2009 and December 2013. Group 2 received surgeon-led, intraoperative, ultrasound-guided, 4-quadrant TAP blocks between January 2014 and December 2021. Outcomes measured were opioid utilization (morphine milligram equivalents), pain level at discharge, and time spent in postanesthesia care unit (PACU). RESULTS: Sixty patients in each of the 2 study groups met the study criteria for a total of 120 patients. The study groups were similar except for a lower average age in group 1. Patients who received TAP blocks (group 2) had significantly lower morphine milligram equivalent requirements in the PACU (3.07 vs 8.93, P = 0.0001) and required a shorter stay in PACU (95.4 vs 117.18 minutes, P = 0.0001). There were no significant differences in pain level at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeon-led, intraoperative, ultrasound-guided, 4-quadrant TAP blocks statistically significantly reduced opioid utilization in PACU by 65.6% and average patient time in the PACU by 18.5% (21.8 minutes).

Local Infiltration Anesthesia Versus Ultrasound-Guided Pectoralis (PEC1) + Serratus Anterior Plane (SAP) Blocks on Postanesthetic Care Unit Pain Control in Patients Undergoing Primary Submuscular Augmentation Mammoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided regional field blocks are not widely used in outpatient plastic surgeries. The efficacy of truncal blocks (PEC1 + SAP) has not been established in plastic surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes of these newer anesthetic techniques compared with traditional blind local anesthetic infiltration in patients undergoing breast augmentation. METHODS: This retrospective institutional review board-approved cohort study compared the outcomes of the different practices of 2 plastic surgeons at the same accredited outpatient surgery center between 2018 and 2022. Group 1 received an intraoperative blind local infiltration anesthetic. Group 2 underwent surgeon-led, intraoperative, ultrasound-guided PEC1 (Pectoralis 1) + SAP (serratus anterior plane) blocks. Patients who underwent any procedure other than primary submuscular augmentation mammoplasty were excluded from the study. The outcomes measured included operative time, opioid utilization in morphine milligram equivalents (MME), pain level at discharge, and time spent in the post anesthetic care unit (PACU). RESULTS: Sixty patients met the inclusion criteria for each group for a total of 120 patients. The study groups were similar to each other. Patients receiving PEC1 + SAP blocks (group 2) had significantly lower average MME requirements in the PACU (3.04 MME vs 4.52 MME, P = 0.041) and required a shorter average PACU stay (70.13 minutes vs 80.38 minutes, P = 0.008). There were no significant differences in the pain level at discharge, operative time, or implant size between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeon-led, intraoperative, ultrasound-guided PEC1 + SAP blocks significantly decreased opioid utilization in the PACU by 33% and patient time in the PACU by 13%, while achieving similar patient pain scores and operating times.

The Use of Mean Gray Value (MGV) as a Guide to Tension-Reducing Strategies in Body Contouring Surgery Reduces Wound-Related Morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Currently there are no known structural parameters of the integument that can be measured noninvasively which are used in the planning of body contouring surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to see if mean gray value (MGV), when taken into account preoperatively, can reduce wound-related morbidity. METHODS: This project was a prospective cohort study. Ultrasound imaging of the subcutaneous tissue was performed prospectively on patients undergoing body contouring surgery to quantify the superficial fascial system so that average MGV could be calculated over the proposed surgical sites. Patients with average to poor MGV (≤0.127) were identified preoperatively for tension-reducing procedures. Wound complication rates were compared with rates in a retrospective cohort which did not undergo preoperative imaging. RESULTS: There were 115 patients in each of the 2 cohorts. There were 3 exclusions due to loss of ultrasound images, leaving 112 patients available for analysis in the prospective cohort. The cohorts were similar except for a higher incidence of patients with diabetes in the retrospective group (1 vs 9, P = 0.026). The wound complication rate was significantly reduced in the prospective group (5/112, 4.4%) when compared with the retrospective group (20/115, 17%, P = 0.0062). The revision and infection rates were also significantly reduced in the prospective group (1/112, 0.9%; 3/112, 2.6%) when compared with the retrospective group (8/115, 7%, P = 0.019; 10/115 8.6%, P = 0.051). CONCLUSIONS: MGV is a unique, patient- and area-specific structural parameter of the integument, and its measurement may be useful in reducing wound-related morbidity in body contouring surgery.

Early versus delayed treatment with glatiramer acetate: Analysis of up to 27 years of continuous follow-up in a US open-label extension study.

BACKGROUND: Glatiramer acetate (GA) is US-approved for relapsing multiple sclerosis. OBJECTIVES: To describe GA long-term clinical profile. To compare effectiveness of early start (ES) versus delayed start (DS; up to 3 years) with GA. METHODS: Phase 3 trial participants entered a randomized placebo-controlled period then an open-label extension (OLE) with GA. RESULTS: Overall, 208 out of 251 (82.9%) randomized participants entered the OLE; 24 out of 101 (23.8%, ES) and 28 out of 107 (26.2%, DS) participants completed the OLE. Median GA treatment was 9.8 (0.1-26.3) years. Annualized change in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was lower with ES versus DS (p = 0.0858: full study; p = 0.002; Year 5). Participants with improved/stable EDSS was consistently higher with ES versus DS: 40.3% versus 31.6% (p = 0.1590; full study); 70.8% versus 55.6% (p = 0.015; Year 5). ES prolonged time-to-6-month confirmed disease worsening (CDW) versus DS (9.8 vs 6.7 years), time-to-12-month CDW (18.9 vs 11.6 years), and significantly reduced time-to-second-6-month CDW (p = 0.0441). No new safety concerns arose. CONCLUSION: GA long-term treatment maintained clinical benefit with a similar safety profile to phase 3 results; a key limitation was that only 25% of participants completed the OLE. Early initiation of GA had sustained benefits versus delayed treatment.

Mapping 216 Perforator Flaps Using Highly Portable Tablet-Based Color Doppler Ultrasound (PT-CDU).

BACKGROUND: The first reports of using color Doppler ultrasound for evaluation of the microvasculature were in the 1990s. Despite the early reports of its efficacy, color Doppler ultrasound did not achieve popularity nor general usage in part due to the cumbersome size, cost and poor resolution. This is the first study to demonstrate the potential utility of a new, highly portable, tablet-based color Doppler ultrasound (PT-CDU) system for imaging perforator flaps. METHODS: The deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP), lateral arm (LA), anterolateral thigh (ALT), thoracodorsal artery (TDAP), and the medial sural artery (MSAP) perforator flaps were imaged within classic topographic landmarks to visualize and measure variables related to perforator flap anatomy. The Philips Lumify L12-4 linear array probe attached to the Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablet was the system used for all examinations. RESULTS: A total of 216 flaps were scanned in 50 healthy adult volunteers: 44 DIEP, 44 LA, 40 ALT, 48 TDAP, and 40 MSAP. Precise anatomic information regarding perforator size, number, and location was obtained. Overall, the percent of flaps having at least 1 perforator within the specified topographical landmarks was 89% for the DIEP, 84.1% for the LA, 72.5% for the ALT, 50% for the TDAP, and 30% for the MSAP (p = 2.272e-09). The percent of patients having an asymmetry (right versus left) in the number of perforators was 72.7% (ALT), 65% (DIEP), 59.1% (LA), 41.7% (TDAP), and 30% (MSAP) (p = 0.0351). CONCLUSION: Portable, tablet-based color Doppler ultrasound offers high-resolution images of perforators and represents a facile technology that may be of interest to microsurgeons in the planning of perforator flaps. Variations in vascular anatomy were well-demonstrated. This surgeon-driven imaging technology may represent an excellent alternative to other imaging modalities.

Fully Digital Workflow for Fabrication of A 3D Printed Ear Stent for Auricular Keloids: A Technique Article.

Keloids are skin lesions which result from an aberration in the physiological healing process marked with overgrowth of collagen fibers. Keloid of the ear is cosmetically challenging and has an increased chance of re-growth. To minimize recurrence, pressure therapy in combination with other treatment forms has been used. Various techniques have been used to fabricate a passive or active stent. This report presents a fully digital workflow to fabricate an ear stent after intralesional excision and skin autografting of an extensive recurrence of a keloid lesion of the left ear involving the helix, antihelix, scapha, and conchal bowl.

The Association of Gut Microbiota and Treg Dysfunction in Autoimmune Diseases.

Autoimmune conditions affect 23 million Americans or 7% of the US population. There are more than 100 autoimmune disorders, affecting every major organ system in humans. This chapter aims to further explain Treg dysfunction autoimmune disorders, including monogenic primary immune deficiency such as immune dysregulation polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked inheritance (IPEX) syndrome, and polygenic autoimmune diseases with Treg dysfunction such as multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and food allergy. These conditions are associated with an abnormal small intestinal and colonic microbiome. Some disorders clearly improve with therapies aimed at microbial modification, including probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Approaches to prevent and treat these disorders will need to focus on the acquisition and maintenance of a healthy colonic microbiota, in addition to more focused approaches at immune suppression during acute disease exacerbations.

Ranking United States Plastic Surgery Residency Programs Based on Academic Achievement of Faculty Members.

INTRODUCTION: The Doximity Residency Navigator is currently the only resource that ranks plastic surgery residency programs. Given the paucity of objective program rankings, in this study, we devised a new algorithm to rank plastic surgery programs based on academic achievement of faculty members. METHODS: The Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database was used to obtain the following information on plastic surgery programs: the amount of 2017 National Institute of Health and Veterans Administration funding, lifetime and 5-year faculty h-indices, and the number of faculty on editorial boards of journals. Based on all of this information, an overall ranking of the top 25 plastic surgery programs was created. RESULTS: The top program for annual National Institutes of Health and Veteran Affairs funding was the University of Southern California (integrated and independent). The top programs for faculty lifetime h-index were the University of Michigan (integrated) and New York University (independent). The top program for faculty 5-year h-index was the University of Pennsylvania (integrated and independent). The top program for the number of faculty members who are on the editorial boards of major journals was Harvard University (integrated and independent). The top program overall was Harvard University (integrated and independent). CONCLUSION: We ranked plastic surgery residency programs based on objective data related to faculty academic achievement. Academic achievement rankings are just one of numerous other factors that medical students should synthesize when making informed decisions when applying to residency.

The Case for Onlay Biologic Mesh in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Using Progressive Tension Suture Fixation.

BACKGROUND: After many years of debate, underlay and sublay placement of mesh slowly emerged as the standard of care in abdominal wall reconstruction because of lower hernia recurrence rates. However, onlay has the advantages of being faster, less invasive, and technically easier compared with underlay and sublay. Therefore, if a similar recurrence could be achieved, then onlay should be a consideration. In this study, we present a new onlay method using multipoint progressive tension suture fixation. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction from 2012 to 2019. Inclusion criteria included onlay mesh placement and at least 1 year of follow-up. The core principles of the surgical technique are establishing myofascial continuity by component separation and reinforcing the repair with onlay mesh that is fixated with multipoint progressive tension sutures. RESULTS: The number of patients after exclusions was 59, and the average body mass index was 32.52 ± 6.44 kg/m2. More than half (62.7%) of patients had a history of hypertension, 95% had at least 1 prior abdominal/pelvic surgery, and 61% had at least 1 prior hernia repair. Postoperative complications included 20.3% of patients requiring drainage of a fluid collection in the clinic setting, and 29.3% of patients requiring return to the operating room for any reason (including superficial wound debridement). The average defect size was 231.88 ± 195.86 cm2, the mean follow-up was 3.11 ± 1.83 years, and the recurrence rate was 5.1%. CONCLUSIONS: We report a hernia recurrence rate of 5.1% in a high-risk population with complex defects at a mean of 3.1 years of follow-up using onlay mesh fixated with multipoint progressive tension sutures. This recurrence rate is similar to that reported for both underlay and sublay techniques. However, the onlay approach is technically easier, faster, and less invasive compared with underlay and sublay techniques, which may translate into wider reproducibility, lower costs, and improved patient safety.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol With Ultrasound-Guided Regional Blocks in Outpatient Plastic Surgery Patients Leads to Decreased Opioid Prescriptions and Consumption.

BACKGROUND: Opioids are a mainstay of pain management. To limit the use of opioids, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols implement multimodal approaches to treat postoperative pain. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to be the first to assess the efficacy of an ERAS protocol for plastic surgery outpatients that includes ultrasound-guided, surgeon-led regional blocks. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing outpatient plastic surgery on an ERAS protocol was performed. These patients were compared to a well-matched group not on an ERAS protocol (pre-ERAS). Endpoints included the amounts of opioid, antinausea, and antispasmodic medication prescribed. ERAS patients were given a postoperative questionnaire to assess both pain levels (0-10) and opioid consumption. ERAS patients anticipated to have higher levels of pain received ultrasound-guided anesthetic blocks. RESULTS: There were 157 patients in the pre-ERAS group and 202 patients in the ERAS group. Patients in the pre-ERAS group were prescribed more opioid (332.3 vs 100.3 morphine milligram equivalents (MME)/patient; P < 0.001), antinausea (664 vs 16.3 mg of promethazine/patient; P < 0.001), and antispasmodic (401.3 vs 31.2 mg of cyclobenzaprine/patient; P < 0.001) medication. Patients on the ERAS protocol consumed an average total of 22.7 MME/patient postoperatively. Average pain scores in this group peaked at 5.32 on postoperative day 1 and then decreased significantly daily. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an ERAS protocol for plastic surgery outpatients with utilization of ultrasound-guided regional anesthetic blocks is feasible and efficacious. The ability to significantly decrease prescribed opioids in this unique patient population is noteworthy.

Alloderm and Cortiva Have Similar Perioperative Wound Complications in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Although controversial, the use of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) for abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) is increasing. There are now many different ADMs available, but there is a lack of studies directly comparing ADMs in terms of outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to compare perioperative wound complications (up to 120 d postoperatively) between patients who underwent AWR with the human noncrosslinked ADMs Alloderm or Cortiva from January 2012 to March 2020. Surgical technique uniformly consisted of open component separation, onlay implantation of ADM, and progressive tension suture fixation of ADM. RESULTS: After exclusions, 53 patients were in the Alloderm group, and 29 patients were in the Cortiva group. The overall perioperative wound complication rate between Alloderm (51.92%) and Cortiva (72.41%) was not significantly different (P = 0.09921). The average follow-up for Alloderm was 76.69 ± 29.52 d and for Cortiva was 66.93 ± 35.16 d (P = 0.2088). There were no cases that required explantation of ADM. CONCLUSIONS: Given the similar perioperative wound complication profiles, the more cost-effective ADM may be a consideration for use in AWR. The fact that there were zero instances of ADM explantation also supports the use of ADM in these high-risk cases.

Portable Color-Flow Ultrasound Facilitates Precision Flap Planning and Perforator Selection in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Precise flap planning and perforator selection are paramount for successful perforator flap surgery. Portable color-flow ultrasound (PCFU) is a convenient, low-cost, easily accessible imaging modality that is pivotal in the planning of perforator flaps where anatomic variability is the rule. METHODS: Perforator mapping was performed using an L12-4 linear-array ultrasound probe connected to an Android tablet. Images were obtained with the Lumify app (Philips Lumify, usa.philips.com). Perforator characteristics were recorded (arterial diameter, emergence points from fascia, subcutaneous course, and projection onto the skin surface) using still images and real-time videos. RESULTS: Thirty consecutive patients had 40 perforator or musculocutaneous flap reconstructions over a 2-year period. For the 15 flaps that had preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) imaging, the preoperative sonographic measurements correlated with CTA and intraoperative findings. Portable color-flow ultrasound allowed perforator flap design and selection based on the largest available perforator, the most appropriate flap thickness, and comparison of multiple donor sites including left versus right. Two deep inferior epigastric perforator patients required take-back to the operating room for debridement of devitalized nonflap tissue. The superior gluteal artery perforator flap was abandoned intraoperatively due to proximal vascular anomalies. Overall flap success rate was 98% (39/40 flaps). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience with PCFU has rapidly improved, allowing individualized perforator flap selection and design based on each patient's unique perforator anatomy, reconstructive requirements, and donor site characteristics. In our practice, PCFU has supplemented CTA and in many cases has supplanted CTA as the primary imaging modality of choice in the planning of perforator flap reconstruction.

Preoperative Evaluation of the Superficial Fascial System Can Predict Wound Complications in Body Contouring Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The demand for body contouring surgery continues to rise. The inclusion of the superficial fascial system (SFS) during closure of such procedures has been shown to improve outcomes; however, currently reported wound complication rates remain high. The authors assess whether decreased quantities of SFS are associated with wound complications in these patients. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing body contouring surgery was performed. Preoperatively, ultrasound images were obtained of the SFS. Using Cellprofiler, the mean gray values (MGVs) of the SFS were calculated to quantify this structure. Chart review was performed to identify postoperative wound complications. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were included: 30 abdominoplasties, 3 bilateral medial thigh lifts, and 3 bilateral brachioplasties. The overall wound complication rate was 22.5%. There were no significant differences in body mass index, age, smoking status, weight of resected specimen, or diabetes when comparing the complication and noncomplication groups. However, the MGV was significantly greater in the noncomplication group compared with the complication group (0.135 ± 0.008 vs 0.099 ± 0.005, respectively, P = 0.03). The average MGV for the entire cohort was 0.127. Patients with an MGV of greater than 0.127 had a wound complication rate of 0% compared with that of 39% for patients with an MGV of 0.127 or less (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Poor quantities of SFS identified by ultrasound were associated with increased wound complications in patients undergoing body contouring surgery. Furthermore, patients with better than average SFS seem to be protected from such complications.

Regional Anesthetic Blocks in Plastic Surgery Using Portable Ultrasound: A Simplified Approach.

BACKGROUND: With the introduction of latest generation ultrasound technology and its easy availability and portability, regional anesthetic blocks, which were formally in the domain of anesthesiologists, have now become available to practicing plastic surgeons. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols for other specialties such as orthopedics and colorectal surgery have incorporated regional anesthetic blocks. These regional blocks have been shown to be effective in improving the patient comfort and experience and decreasing reliance on opioid medications. METHODS: Patients scheduled for elective plastic surgery received PEC-1, serratus anterior plane, or transversus abdominis plane blocks as indicated for the proposed procedure. All blocks were performed under ultrasound guidance using the Philips Lumify system with the linear array 12-4 probe by the operating surgeon. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients received regional anesthetic blocks by the senior author. Thirty-three patients undergoing cosmetic breast augmentation or implant-based breast reconstruction received the PEC-1 and the serratus anterior plane blocks after the induction of anesthesia but before the prep and drape. Fifty patients undergoing either abdominoplasty or deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction received intraoperative transversus abdominis plane blocks. Anatomic planes were clearly visualized with this new ultrasound technology. Patients experienced good to excellent analgesia with less reliance on opioid medications and decreased need for refills. For hospitalized patients, length of stay in some cases was decreased up to 1 day, and PCA pumps were eliminated. There were no complications or adverse sequelae observed in any of these patients related to the regional blocks. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of these known regional anesthetic techniques in this single-surgeon experience seems to confirm reports of effectiveness in the anesthesia literature and may be of benefit to a wide range of plastic surgery patients.

Ultrasound and Plastic Surgery: Clinical Applications of the Newest Technology.

BACKGROUND: Color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) has not been routinely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Barriers to use have included large, cumbersome equipment, low-definition images, cost, and availability. In addition, programs in plastic surgery have not included training with ultrasound (US); thus, many current-day practitioners are unfamiliar with and reluctant to use this technology. Nevertheless, recent studies have demonstrated the utility of US in surgical planning. With the miniaturization, clearer imaging, and decreased costs of the latest US technology, previous barriers to use have largely been eliminated. METHODS: Fifty-six patients scheduled for either reconstructive or aesthetic surgery were evaluated preoperatively and/or intraoperatively by a single surgeon with the linear 12-4 probe of a Philips Lumify CDUS device (Philips, Reedsville, Penn). For patients undergoing flap reconstruction, potential donor sites were imaged in order to locate the largest perforator. For patients undergoing abdominal procedures, intraoperative visualization of the abdominal muscular layers was used for the delivery of anesthesia during transversus abdominis plane block. Lastly, the superficial fascial system (SFS) was subjectively evaluated in all preoperative patients. RESULTS: For flap reconstruction, 11 patients were preoperatively examined with CDUS in order to locate the largest perforators prior to perforator flap reconstruction. Flaps studied included the deep inferior epigastric perforator, anterolateral thigh, tensor fascia lata, thoracodorsal artery perforator, superior gluteal artery perforator, and the gracilis musculocutaneous. Color Doppler ultrasound findings were confirmed intraoperatively for all cases (100%). In 2 (18.2%) of 11 cases, CDUS identified perforators not detected by computed tomography angiography. Twenty-five patients undergoing either abdominoplasty or deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction had successful intraoperative visualization of the abdominal wall muscular layers, thus allowing administration of transversus abdominis plane blocks by the operating surgeon. Twenty patients undergoing body contouring surgery had preoperative visualization of the SFS. The SFS was found to be varied not only among different patients but also within individual patients. CONCLUSIONS: The newest, miniaturized CDUS technology has a variety of applications that may improve patient outcomes and experience in plastic surgery. Our observations require further investigation to quantify the perceived benefits of this new technology.

Clinical, Biomechanical, and Anatomic Investigation of Colles Fascia and Pubic Ramus Periosteum for Use During Medial Thighplasty.

INTRODUCTION: The medial thighplasty is a procedure where patients may attain superior mobility, hygiene, and cosmesis. Most surgeons use attachment of the superficial fascial system (SFS) of the thigh flap to the Colles fascia, whereas others attach the SFS to the pubic ramus periosteum. Because of a high complication profile, we aim to elucidate the clinical, biomechanical, and anatomic qualities of the Colles fascia versus the pubic ramus periosteum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a 17-year retrospective review documenting clinical complications, a biomechanical analysis of sutures placed in different tissue layers of the thigh, and a histologic analysis surrounding the ischiopubic ramus. Separate suture pull-out strength testing was conducted on cadaveric tissue using an Admet MTEST Quattro with no. 1 Vicryl suture and tissue grips at a displacement rate of 2.12 mm/s. Simultaneous displacement and force were acquired at 100 Hz and with measurements obtained at regular intervals between the pubic symphysis and the ischial tuberosity in both the Colles fascia and the deeper periosteal layers of the thigh. A histologic analysis was performed at 3 points along the ischiopubic ramus using paraffin-embedded large mount tissue sections stained with hematoxylin, eosin, and Gomori trichrome. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients underwent medial thighplasty with a 46.16% complication rate. Suture pull-out force of the suspected superficial Colles fascia sites was, on average, 72.8% less than values from the deeper periosteum tissue. Anchor points in the Colles fascia elongated 17.4% further before failure than those in the periosteum. There was noticeable variability between anchor points and across samples. The histologic sections suggest that the Colles fascia from the different regions of the ischiopubic ramus varies considerably in both continuity and collagen fiber content with no discernible pattern. The periosteal and muscular fascial layers were more continuous histologically with direct attachments into the pubis and ischium. CONCLUSIONS: Anchoring of the SFS to the periosteum did not improve our complication profile when compared with the literature. Both the biomechanical and histologic analyses demonstrate that the Colles fascia is highly variable in organizations with coincident variability in tissue strength. Our results require further study to identify the optimal surgical technique for medial thighplasty.

A Comparison of 4 Analgesic Regimens for Acute Postoperative Pain Control in Breast Augmentation Patients.

PURPOSE: Patients undergoing breast augmentation are treated with multiple combinations of medications for pain control including ketorolac, liposomal bupivacaine, bupivacaine, and intravenous and oral narcotics. There is no current consensus on the optimal combination; therefore, all are used at the discretion of the surgeon. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study. The total number of patients included was 132. Comparisons were made between 4 groups: bupivacaine only (B); bupivacaine and liposomal bupivacaine (BL); bupivacaine and liposomal bupivacaine plus intraoperative ketorolac (BLKi); and bupivacaine and liposomal bupivacaine plus postoperative ketorolac (BLKp). Average pain scores immediately postoperative and before discharge were recorded and correlated to percentage of patients who received narcotic in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Additional end points noted were side effects including nausea and time spent in PACU postoperatively. RESULTS: Those receiving intraoperative ketorolac had the lowest pain on discharge (P < 0.0001) and the lowest percentage of patients receiving narcotics (P = 0.009) out of all 4 groups. There was no significant difference between the 4 groups in terms of time spent in PACU, pain immediately after the procedure, or amount of antiemetic given. No bleeding complications were noted for those who did or did not receive ketorolac. CONCLUSIONS: When given options for pain control in breast augmentation, intraoperative ketorolac should be considered, because its inclusion was significant in decreasing use of narcotics and pain upon discharge. Addition of other costly drugs such as liposomal bupivacaine may not provide additional benefit in the immediate postoperative setting for procedures with a short recovery period such as breast augmentation.