Anterior Chest Wall Reconstruction After Separation of Thoraco-Omphalopagus Conjoined Twins With Cadaveric Rib Grafts and Omental Flap.

BACKGROUND: Anterior chest wall defects have a wide range of etiologies in the pediatric population, ranging from infection, tumor, and trauma to congenital diseases. The reconstructive goals include restoring skeletal stability, obliterating dead space, preserving cardiopulmonary mechanics, and protecting vital underlying mediastinal organs. Although various reconstructive methods have been described in the literature, selecting the optimal method is challenging for the growing pediatric skeleton. Here, we report a case of previously thoraco-omphalopagus twins who underwent successful separation and reconstruction and presented for definitive anterior chest wall reconstruction. METHODS: A pair of previously thoraco-omphalopagus conjoined twins underwent definitive anterior chest wall defect reconstruction using cadaveric ribs and omental flap. Twin A received 2 cadaveric ribs, whereas twin B had a much larger sternal defect that required 3 cadaveric ribs combined with an omental flap for soft tissue chest coverage. Both twins were followed up for 8 months. RESULTS: Twin A's postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged on postoperative day 6. Twin B's course was complicated, and she was discharged on supported ventilation on postoperative day 10. At 8 months postoperatively, both twins healed well, and chest radiographs confirmed the stability of the chest reconstructions. The rib grafts in the twin with a tracheostomy were not mobile, and the patient had a solid sternum with adequate pulmonary expansion. The construct initially did not facilitate pulmonary functioning, but after a healing process, it eventually allowed for the twin with the tracheostomy who required pulmonary assistance to no longer need this device. CONCLUSIONS: Cryopreserved cadaveric ribs and omental flaps offer safe and reliable reconstructive methods to successfully reconstruct congenital anterior chest wall skeletal defects in the growing pediatric population. The involvement of multidisciplinary team care is key to optimizing the outcomes.

Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Following Furlow Versus Straight Line Repair With Intravelar Veloplasty: A Single-institution Experience.

BACKGROUND: Measurements of postoperative velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) can be used to determine the efficacy of a palatoplasty operation. Hypernasality and audible nasal air emission are typical manifestations of VPD during speech. We aimed to longitudinally compare VPD outcomes in postpalatoplasty patients who underwent Furlow repair versus straight line repair with intravelar veloplasty (IVVP). Additionally, we examined the relationship between VPD outcomes and select pre-existing patient characteristics. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed to identify primary palatoplasty patients treated from April 2012 to March 2021. Variables collected included gender, syndromic status, primary language, Veau cleft type, type of speech assessment, age at time of surgery, degree of hypernasality, presence of audible nasal air emission, and overall adequacy of velopharyngeal function. Pearson χ2 test and multivariable t tests were used to analyze variables. Logistic regression was used to control for statistically significant variables. RESULTS: Of the 118 patients included, 38 received a Furlow procedure and 80 received a straight line with IVVP procedure. Audible nasal air emission was present in 57.3% of straight line with IVVP patients and 42.9% of Furlow patients, with no statistically significant difference between groups. Clinically significant hypernasality was present in 42.1% of straight line with IVVP patients and 22.9% of Furlow patients (P=0.05). Velopharyngeal function was classified as adequate in 63.5% of straight line with IVVP patients and 83.3% of Furlow patients (P=0.03). However, after stratifying by syndromic versus nonsyndromic status, there was no statistically significant difference between straight line with IVVP and Furlow patients for postoperative hypernasality and velopharyngeal function. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that there are no statistically significant differences between straight line with IVVP and Furlow palatoplasty techniques regarding speech outcomes including hypernasality, audible nasal air emission, and overall VP function. Furthermore, select patient characteristics such as gender, primary language, syndromic status, age at repair, and Veau cleft type do not significantly impact postoperative speech outcomes.

Long-Term Update: Free Fibula Flap Growth After Pediatric Mandibular Reconstruction.

A free fibular flap is commonly used in adult mandibular reconstruction; however, its use in the pediatric population is not strongly supported. The authors are reporting the long-term update of a case of a pediatric patient who underwent a mandibular reconstruction using a free fibular flap after a resection of mandibular desmoid fibromatosis. Greatest growth was objectively measured and demonstrated at the condyle using a 3-dimensional model generated from Materialise software. This is 1 case and subsequent studies should be observed to further elucidate the full growth potential of the mandible in pediatric patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction.

Robotic Surgery and Hospital Reimbursement.

The field of plastic surgery remains at the forefront of technological and surgical innovation. However, the promising applications of robotics in plastic surgery must be thoughtfully balanced with hospital finances and reimbursements. Robotic systems have been studied extensively across multiple surgical disciplines and across diverse health care systems. The results show that there may be equal or better patient outcomes than alternatives. In an era where fiscal responsibility in health care is a top priority, thoughtful budgeting and spending must be considered and revisited frequently to attain sustainable organizational models that ensure appropriate use of robotic technology.

Robotic Plastic Surgery Education: Developing a Robotic Surgery Training Program Specific to Plastic Surgery Trainees.

Over the past two decades, the surgical community has increasingly embraced robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) due to its potential to enhance accuracy and decrease surgical morbidity. Plastic surgery as a field has been historically slow to incorporate RAS, with lack of adequate training posing as one of the most commonly cited barriers. To date, robot technology has been utilized for various reconstructive procedures including flap elevation and inset, pedicle dissection, and microvascular anastomosis. As RAS continues to integrate within plastic surgery procedures, the need for a structured RAS curriculum designed for plastic surgery trainees is rising. This article delineates the essential components of a plastic surgery-specific RAS curriculum and outlines current training models and assessment tools utilized across surgical subspecialties to date.

Robotic Nerve Surgery: Brachial Plexus.

Management of closed brachial plexus injuries has traditionally favored conservative approaches with lengthy intervals between initial injury and surgical reconstruction. The complex anatomy of this region often requires large incisions with extensive dissection. Recently, the use of robotic systems in plastic and reconstructive surgery has been increasing, and robot-assisted brachial plexus reconstruction is a novel application that is currently being explored. Current literature describing this application is primarily comprised of feasibility studies using animal and cadaver models, and literature describing use in human subjects is limited. Advantages demonstrated by these early studies include the reduction of physiologic tremor, 3D visualization of anatomical structures, and ergonomic positioning; this allows for increased surgical dexterity and the ability to perform minimally invasive microsurgical procedures within the confined anatomical spaces of the brachial plexus. Limitations revolve around inadequate instrumentation, large learning curves, and increased costs that restrict the ability to perform these complex microsurgical procedures reliably and efficiently. As companies continue to develop instrumentation specific to robot-assisted microsurgery, more extensive longitudinal studies outlining long-term costs, changes in operating time, and functional outcomes will be required before a conclusion about the utility of these systems in brachial plexus surgery can be made.

Recurrent Tibial Periostitis Due to Blunt Trauma.

Periostitis is characterized by periosteal inflammation surrounding tubular bones. The pathophysiology is now considered to be multifactorial and a spectrum of disorders, recently being redefined as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). Current treatment modalities include preventative and conservative measures, such as activity modification and footwear alterations. There is a paucity of literature for more invasive treatments, such as steroid injections. In conflict with the currently available limited literature, this study reports a case of recurrent tibial periostitis due to blunt trauma treated with steroid injections resulting in symptom resolution and no adverse events. While this case may suggest a therapeutic role for steroids in the treatment of MTSS from blunt trauma, it also highlights the need for additional studies to elucidate the safety profile and therapeutic efficacy of steroid injections.

Predictors and Consequences of Unplanned Conversion to Open During Robotic Colectomy: An ACS-NSQIP Database Analysis.

Robotic-assisted surgery has become a desired modality for performing colectomy; however, unplanned conversion to an open procedure may be associated with worse outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine predictors and consequences of unplanned conversion to open in a large, high fidelity data set. A retrospective analysis of 11 061 robotic colectomies was conducted using the American College of Surgeons - National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) 2012-2017 database. Predictors of conversion and the effect of conversion on outcomes were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression resulting in risk-adjusted odds ratios of conversion and morbidity/mortality. Overall, 10 372 (93.8%) patients underwent successful robotic colectomy, and 689 (6.2%) had an unplanned conversion. Predictors of conversion included age ≥ 65 years, male gender, obesity, functional status not independent, American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) classification IV-V, non-oncologic indication, emergency case, smoking, recent weight loss, bleeding disorder, and preoperative organ space infection. Conversion is an independent risk factor for mortality, overall morbidity, cardiac morbidity, pulmonary morbidity, renal morbidity, venous thromboembolism morbidity, wound morbidity, sepsis, bleeding, readmission, return to the operating room, and extended length of stay (LOS). Unplanned conversion to open during robotic colectomy is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality.

Effect of Preoperative Patient Education on Opioid Consumption and Well-Being in Breast Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative use of opioids is common in surgical practice and frequently results in troublesome opioid-related side effects that often lead to suboptimal postsurgical outcomes. As such, multiple studies have sought to identify alternatives that may reduce reliance on opioid-based perioperative pain management. Recently, it has been shown that patient education and patient involvement in care positively impact surgical outcomes. This study evaluates how patient education regarding the role of endogenous beta-endorphins in reducing pain and the opposing effect of opioid analgesics impacts opioid consumption and mood after surgery. METHODS: Patients scheduled for breast augmentation were divided into two groups, A and B. Both groups received identical multimodal anesthesia regimens; however, only patients in group B were educated on the role of endogenous beta-endorphins in pain control and mood enhancement, and how opioids block their action. RESULTS: Patients in the group receiving preoperative education on the analgesic and mood-enhancing role of endogenous beta-endorphins and how opioids block their action consumed significantly less opioids and had better postsurgical outcomes as determined by self-reported measures of pain level and mood/sense of well-being. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that opioid use was significantly reduced and patients' mood/sense of well-being was significantly enhanced when patients received preoperative education on the oppositional relationship between beta-endorphins and opioids. Such patient education may be linked to a significant reduction in opioid use and improved patient mood/sense of well-being, especially when combined with opioid-free multimodal anesthesia. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Povidone-Iodine versus antibiotic irrigation in breast implant surgery: Revival of the ideal solution.

The use of povidone-iodine alone has been advocated by several authors who continued to utilize it for pocket irrigation despite the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s prohibition of 2000. However, in 2017, the FDA removed the ban against povidone-iodine use in breast augmentation. In the practice of breast augmentation, pocket irrigation with various solutions has been advocated in preventing infection and capsular contraction. However, debate continues regarding an ideal solution that is most efficacious and carries least side effects. Many studies have shown the superiority of povidone-iodine due to its broad antimicrobial spectrum, efficacy against biofilms, lack of resistance, and safe allergenic profile. Povidone-iodine is bactericidal against many multi-drug resistant organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, and Mycobacterium. In addition, povidone-iodine also has microbicidal activity against fungi, protozoa, spores, and viruses. Despite widespread clinical use and extensive testing, there have been no reports of increased tolerance or resistance to povidone-iodine in any laboratory-derived or clinical isolates to date. Meanwhile, antibiotic resistance is a growing obstacle, and virtually all Gram-negative bacteria are now resistant to bacitracin. We are pleased with the recent change in the FDA's standing on povidone-iodine use in breast implant procedures given its superior antiseptic property, excellent safety profile, lack of resistance, accessibility, and low cost.

The First Confirmed Case of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in Hawai'i.

A 78-year-old woman within 3 years of of bilateral silicone gel breast implants for breast reconstruction due to breast cancer presented with heaviness and swelling in her right breast. Cytology of the aspirated fluid confirmed breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), and the patient underwent removal of implant and total capsulectomy. Breast implantassociated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare entity, but if diagnosed early is a curable condition. This paper presents the first confirmed case of breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma in Hawai'i.

Outcomes of robotic versus non-robotic minimally-invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: An American College of Surgeons NSQIP database analysis.

BACKGROUND: Utilization of robotic-assistance for esophagectomy is increasing. The differences in outcomes between robotic-assisted minimally-invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) and non-robotic minimally-invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for esophageal cancer are unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare 30-day postoperative outcomes between RAMIE and MIE. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the ACS-NSQIP 2016-2017 databases. Primary outcome was 30-day postoperative mortality and morbidity. RESULTS: 725 minimally-invasive cases were identified, which included 100 RAMIE and 625 MIE. RAMIE was not found to be a risk factor for postoperative mortality (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.38-6.00, p = 0.5675) or overall morbidity (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.40-1.06, p = 0.0818). No significant differences were found between groups for systemic, organ-specific, or surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was found in the incidence of 30-day postoperative outcomes between RAMIE and MIE. In comparison to MIE, RAMIE may be considered a feasible but non-superior option for treatment of esophageal cancer.