Trans-tarsal Stair-Step Technique for Lateral Extension of the Transconjunctival Incision: A Technical Note and Case Series.

Background: The transconjunctival approach paired with lateral canthotomy is a commonly used technique for widened exposure of the orbital floor and infraorbital rim. A major drawback of this approach is the severance of lateral canthal ligament fibers, which predisposes to potential postoperative eyelid malpositioning. To avoid these suboptimal aesthetic outcomes, a modification of this approach has been proposed in which the lower eyelid is mobilized with a paracanthal, trans-tarsal stair-step incision. In this pilot study, we describe our experience with the trans-tarsal stairstep incision for lateral extension of the transconjunctival incision and report its outcomes in a Western population. Methods: All patients who underwent facial fracture operative fixation at a single institution by a single senior surgeon were included. Clinical variables were extracted. Patients were stratified by incision type. Results: Compared with patients who underwent subtarsal incision (n = 20) and transconjunctival incision with lateral canthotomy (n = 4), patients who received the trans-tarsal stair-step incision (n = 10) had no incision-related complications or requirements for revision. The most common complications found in the comparison groups were ectropion and hypertrophic or irregular scarring, and 4 patients required revision. Conclusions: Our initial experience with the transconjunctival approach with the trans-tarsal stair-step incision shows promising outcomes. Further study may promote greater utilization of this technique in Western countries.

Optimizing Surgical Outcomes and the Role of Preventive Surgery: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons are often presented with reconstructive challenges as a sequela of complications in high-risk surgical patients, ranging from exposure of hardware, lymphedema, and chronic pain after amputation. These complications can result in significant morbidity, recovery time, resource utilization, and cost. Given the prevalence of surgical complications managed by Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, developing novel preventative techniques to mitigate surgical risk is paramount. METHODS: Herein, we aim to understand efforts supporting the nascent field of Preventive Surgery, including (1) enhanced risk stratification, (2) medical optimization and prehabilitation, (3) surgical mitigation techniques, and (4) advancements in postoperative care. Through an emphasis on four surgical cohorts who may benefit from preventive surgery, two of which are at high risk of morbidity from wound-related complications (patients undergoing sternotomy and spine procedures) and two at high risk of other morbidities, including lymphedema and neuropathic pain, we aim to provide a comprehensive and improved understanding of preventive surgery. Additionally, the role of risk analysis for these procedures and the relationship between microsurgery and prophylaxis is emphasized. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive surgeons are ideally placed to lead efforts in the creation and validation of accurate risk-assessment tools and to support algorithmic approaches to surgical risk mitigation. Through a paradigm shift, including universal promotion of the concept of "Preventive Surgery," major improvements in surgical outcomes may be achieved.

Is Diabetes a Contraindication to Lower Extremity Flap Reconstruction? An Analysis of Threatened Lower Extremities in the NSQIP Database (2010-2020).

Background The impact of diabetes on complication rates following free flap (FF), pedicled flap (PF), and amputation (AMP) procedures on the lower extremity (LE) is examined. Methods Patients who underwent LE PF, FF, and AMP procedures were identified from the 2010 to 2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP®) database using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases-9/10 codes, excluding cases for non-LE pathologies. The cohort was divided into diabetics and nondiabetics. Univariate and adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Among 38,998 patients undergoing LE procedures, 58% were diabetic. Among diabetics, 95% underwent AMP, 5% underwent PF, and <1% underwent FF. Across all procedure types, noninsulin-dependent (NIDDM) and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) were associated with significantly greater all-cause complication rates compared with absence of diabetes, and IDDM was generally higher risk than NIDDM. Among diabetics, complication rates were not significantly different across procedure types (IDDM: p = 0.5969; NIDDM: p = 0.1902). On adjusted subgroup analysis by diabetic status, flap procedures were not associated with higher odds of complications compared with amputation for IDDM and NIDDM patients. Length of stay > 30 days was statistically associated with IDDM, particularly those undergoing FF (AMP: 5%, PF: 7%, FF: 14%, p = 0.0004). Conclusion Our study highlights the importance of preoperative diabetic optimization prior to LE procedures. For diabetic patients, there were few significant differences in complication rates across procedure type, suggesting that diabetic patients are not at higher risk of complications when attempting limb salvage instead of amputation.

Patient-Reported Outcomes on Subjective Nipple Sensation After Double-Incision and Periareolar Mastectomy for Chest Masculinization: Subjective Nipple Sensation After Chest Masculinization.

ABSTRACT: We evaluated patient-reported outcomes to assess for patient and procedural factors associated with postchest masculinization subjective nipple sensation. Patients who underwent double-incision or periareolar mastectomies for chest masculinization by a single senior surgeon (2015-2019) were surveyed at 2 time points regarding postoperative nipple sensation and satisfaction, including patient-reported outcomes using BODY-Q modules (Q-Portfolio.org). Demographic, operative, and postoperative variables were obtained from medical records. Patients were stratified according to survey responses. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.Response rate was 42% for survey 1 and 22% for survey 2. Of the 151 survey 1 responders, 138 (91.4%) received double-incision mastectomies and 13 (8.6%) received periareolar mastectomies. Among Survey 1 responders, 84.6% periareolar patients and 69.6% double-incision patients reported "completely" or "a little" nipple sensation preservation, and the difference trended toward significance (P = 0.0719). There was a stepwise increase in proportion of patients reporting sensation with greater recovery time until response to survey 1. Obesity (P = 0.0080) and greater tissue removed (P = 0.0247) were significantly associated with decreased nipple sensation. Nipple satisfaction scores were significantly higher for patients reporting improved nipple sensation (P = 0.0235). Responders to survey 2 who reported greater satisfaction with nipple sensation were significantly more likely to report preserved sensitivity to light touch (P = 0.0277), pressure (P = 0.0046), and temperature (P = 0.0031). Preserved erogenous sensation was also significantly associated with greater satisfaction (P = 0.0018).In conclusion, we found that nipple sensation may be associated with postoperative nipple satisfaction. Operative techniques to optimize nipple sensation preservation may improve this population's postoperative satisfaction.

Pedicled Flaps for High-Risk Open Vascular Procedures of the Lower Extremity: An Analysis of The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Database.

BACKGROUND: Use of pedicled flaps in vascular procedures is associated with decreased infection and wound breakdown. We evaluated the risk profile and postoperative complications associated with lower extremity open vascular procedures with and without pedicled flaps. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2010-2020) was queried for Current Procedural Terminology codes representing lower extremity open vascular procedures, including trunk and lower extremity pedicled flaps. Flap patients were compared with a randomized control group without flaps (1:3 cases to controls). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: We identified 132,934 adults who underwent lower extremity open vascular procedures. Concurrent pedicled flaps were rare (0.7%), and patients undergoing bypass procedures were more likely to receive a flap than nonbypass patients (69 vs. 64%, p < 0.0001). Flap patients had greater comorbidities. On univariate analysis, flap patients were more likely to experience wound (p = 0.0026), mild systemic (p < 0.0001), severe systemic (p = 0.0452), and all-cause complications (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for factors clinically suspected to be associated with increased risk (gender, body mass index, procedure type, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, functional status, diabetes, smoking, and albumin < 3.5 mg/dL), wound (p = 0.096) and severe systemic complications (p = 0.0719) were no longer significantly associated with flap patients. CONCLUSION: Lower extremity vascular procedures are associated with a high risk of complications. Use of pedicled flaps remains uncommon and more often performed in patients with greater comorbid disease. However, after risk adjustment, use of a pedicled flap in high-risk patients may be associated with lower than expected wound and severe systemic complications.

Does Frailty Predict Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Free or Pedicled Flap Procedures for Lower Extremity Limb Salvage? An Analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database.

BACKGROUND: Older and frailer patients are increasingly undergoing free or pedicled tissue transfer for lower extremity (LE) limb salvage. This novel study examines the impact of frailty on postoperative outcomes in LE limb salvage patients undergoing free or pedicled tissue transfer. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database (2010-2020) was queried for free and pedicled tissue transfer to the LE based on Current Procedural Terminology and the International Classification of Diseases9/10 codes. Demographic and clinical variables were extracted. The five-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) was calculated using functional status, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. Patients were stratified by mFI-5 score: no frailty (0), intermediate frailty (1), and high frailty (2 + ). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: In total, 5,196 patients underwent free or pedicled tissue transfer for LE limb salvage. A majority were intermediate (n = 1,977) or high (n = 1,466) frailty. High frailty patients had greater rates of comorbidities-including those not in the mFI-5 score. Higher frailty was associated with more systemic and all-cause complications. On multivariate analysis, the mFI-5 score remained the best predictor of all-cause complications-with high frailty associated with 1.74 increased adjusted odds when compared with no frailty (95% confidence interval: 1.47-2.05). CONCLUSION: While flap type, age, and diagnosis were independent predictors of outcomes in LE flap reconstruction, frailty (mFI-5) was the strongest predictor on adjusted analysis. This study validates the mFI-5 score for preoperative risk assessment for flap procedures in LE limb salvage. These results highlight the likely importance of prehabilitation and medical optimization prior to limb salvage.

Impact of sternal notch-to-nipple distance and resection weight asymmetry on complication rates and patient reported outcomes in reduction mammaplasty.

While there are numerous predictive models for estimating resection weight, their accuracy may not be strong. Through institutional data of patients who received reduction mammaplasty, this study demonstrates that preoperative sternal notch-to-nipple distance is not an optimal predictive factor for differences in final resection weight, complication rates, and patient reported outcomes. Our results showed that there is a weak correlation between preoperative sternal notch to nipple asymmetry and final resection weight asymmetry. Additionally, significant breast asymmetry is not tied to an increase in complication rates or poorer patient reported outcomes. There is an indication to reconsider the use of such absolute measures for determining who may benefit from reduction mammaplasty.

Sternal bone anatomy on preoperative imaging as an independent predictor of deep sternal dehiscence following median sternotomy.

Complications following median sternotomy are associated with morbidity, mortality, and major healthcare costs. With plastic surgeons being increasingly consulted to close complex sternotomy wounds, a more accurate risk stratification tool for this comorbid patient population is warranted. This study examines the association of preoperative radiologic sternal measurements and deep sternal dehiscence, comparing this with other known clinical risk factors. A decreased manubrium sternal thickness relative to body weight (<0.13 mm/kg) and an absolute inferior sternal width ≤13.8 mm had a significant association with the development of deep sternal dehiscence, even with adjustment for known clinical risk factors. With such measurements assisting in further risk stratification, the opportunity to improve risk assessment holds value for plastic and reconstructive surgeons who are consulted to close extensive sternotomy wounds.

Novel use of interosseous absorbable mattress sutures for secondary sternal fixation: A case series.

There is currently no consensus on the treatment of median sternotomy patients presenting secondarily with deep sternal wound infection or symptomatic sternal nonunion. We have developed a novel approach to sternal bone fixation when concerns for open wounds or microbial colonization preclude the use of permanent hardware placement: (1) sternal closure with absorbable interosseous monocortical horizontal mattress sutures followed by (2) multilayered soft tissue closure with pectoralis major advancement or turnover flaps. Benefits of this technique include: closure of retrosternal dead-space, tension offloading of the soft tissue closure, repair of transverse sternal fractures, and preservation of internal mammary artery (IMA) perforators for potential pectoralis turnover flaps. In our early experience, this technique has been successful at promoting functional sternal union - even in secondary closure of high-risk patients contraindicated for permanent hardware placement.

The Effect of Preoperative Diagnosis of Depression and/or Anxiety on Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Chest Wall Masculinization Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with gender dysphoria have disproportionately high rates of depression and anxiety compared to the cisgender population. Although the benefits of gender affirmation surgery have been well documented, it is unclear whether depression and anxiety affect postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PRO). OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluated the impact of preoperative anxiety or depression on clinical and PRO in patients undergoing chest masculinization surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent chest masculinization surgery within a 5-year period were reviewed. Demographics and clinical variables were abstracted from medical records. PRO of chest, nipple, and scar satisfaction were obtained postoperatively with the BODY-Q. Groups were stratified by preoperative anxiety, preoperative depression, both, or no history of mental health diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 135 patients with complete survey responses, 10.4% had anxiety, 11.9% depression, 20.7% both diagnoses, and 57.0% no diagnosis. Clinical data and outcomes were similar. Patients with preoperative depression correlated with lower satisfaction scores for scar appearance (P = .006) and were significantly more likely to report feelings of depression postoperatively (P = .04). There were no significant differences in chest or nipple satisfaction among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although anxiety and depression are prevalent in gender minorities, we found no association with postoperative clinical outcomes. Patients with preoperative depression were more likely to report lower satisfaction with scar appearance and feelings of depression postoperatively. However, there were no differences in chest or nipple satisfaction. These results highlight the importance of perioperative mental health counseling but also suggest that patients can be satisfied with their results despite a coexisting mental health diagnosis.