Re-cognizing the new self: The neurocognitive plasticity of self-processing following facial transplantation.

The face is a defining feature of our individuality, crucial for our social interactions. But what happens when the face connected to the self is radically altered or replaced? We address the plasticity of self-face recognition in the context of facial transplantation. While the acquisition of a new face following facial transplantation is a medical fact, the experience of a new identity is an unexplored psychological outcome. We traced the changes in self-face recognition before and after facial transplantation to understand if and how the transplanted face gradually comes to be perceived and recognized as the recipient's own new face. Neurobehavioral evidence documents a strong representation of the pre-injury appearance pre-operatively, while following the transplantation, the recipient incorporates the new face into his self-identity. The acquisition of this new facial identity is supported by neural activity in medial frontal regions that are considered to integrate psychological and perceptual aspects of the self.

Application of Safety Protocols for International Cleft Outreach Programs During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Global Smile Foundation Precaution Guidelines and Implications.

BACKGROUND: Since COVID-19 was declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March of 2020, foundation-based cleft outreach programs to Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) were halted considering global public health challenges, scarcity of capacity and resources, and travel restrictions. This led to an increase in the backlog of untreated patients with cleft lip and/or palate, with new challenges to providing comprehensive care in those regions. Resumption of international outreach programs requires an updated course of action to incorporate necessary safety measures in the face of the ongoing pandemic. In this manuscript, the authors outline safety protocols, guidelines, and recommendations implemented in Global Smile Foundation's (GSF) most recent outreach trip to Beirut, Lebanon. METHODS: COVID-19 safety protocols for outreach cleft care and an Action Response Plan were developed by the GSF team based on the published literature and recommendations from leading international organizations. RESULTS: GSF conducted a 1-week surgical outreach program in Beirut, Lebanon, performing 13 primary cleft lip repairs, 7 cleft palate repairs, and 1 alveolar bone grafting procedure. Safety protocols were implemented at all stages of the outreach program, including patient preselection and education, hospital admission and screening, intraoperative care, and postoperative monitoring and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Organizing outreach programs in the setting of infectious diseases outbreaks should prioritize the safety and welfare of patients and team members within the program's local community. The COVID-19 protocols and guidelines described may represent a reproducible framework for planning future similar outreach initiatives in high-risk conditions.

Enhanced Recovery After Cleft Lip Repair: Protocol Development and Implementation in Outreach Settings.

INTRODUCTION: Clefts of the lip are of the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies. The development and implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol among patients undergoing cleft lip repair may decrease postoperative complications, accelerate recovery, and result in earlier postoperative discharge. METHODS: A modified ERAS program was developed and applied through Global Smile Foundation outreach craniofacial programs. The main components of this protocol include: (1) preoperative patient education, (2) nutrition screening, (3) smoking cessation when applicable, (4) use of topical anesthetic adjuncts, (5) facial nerve blocks, (6) postoperative analgesia, (7) preferential use of short-acting narcotics, (8) antibiotic administration, (9) use of elbow restraints, (10) early postoperative oral feeding and hydration, and (11) discharge planning. RESULTS: Between April 2019 and March 2020, GSF operated on 126 patients with cleft lip from different age groups and 58.8% of them were less than 1 year of age. Three patients (2.4%) had delayed wound healing and one (0.8%) had postoperative bleeding. There were no cases of mortality, length of hospital stay did not exceed 1 postoperative day, and patients were able to tolerate fluids intake at discharge. CONCLUSION: The implementation of an ERAS protocol among patients undergoing cleft lip repair has shown to be highly effective in minimizing postoperative discomfort while reducing opioids use, decreasing the length of stay in hospital, and leading to early oral feeding resumption. The ERAS principles described carry increased relevance in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and opioid crisis and can be safely applied in resource-constrained settings.

Quality Assurance Standards for Outreach Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Repair Programs in Low-Resource Settings.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive cleft care is a multidisciplinary team endeavor. While untreated craniofacial conditions have multiple undue repercussions, cleft care in outreach settings can be fraught with significant perioperative morbidity risks. AIM: Propose updated quality assurance standards addressing logistic and operational considerations essential for the delivery of safe and effective cleft lip and /or palate (CL/P) care in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) settings. METHODS: Based on American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) quality standards, published literature, published protocols by Global Smile Foundation (GSF), and the senior author's three-decade experience, updated standards for outreach cleft care were synthesized. RESULTS: Ten axes for safe, effective, and sustainable cleft lip and palate care delivery in underserved settings were generated: 1) site assessment, 2) establishment of community partnerships, 3) team composition and credentialing, 4) team training and mission preparation, 5) implementation of quality assurance guidelines, operative safety checklists, and emergency response protocols, 6) immediate and long-term postoperative care, 7) medical record keeping, 8) outcomes evaluation, 9) education, and 10) capacity building and sustainability. Subsequent analysis further characterized essential components of each of those ten axes to delineate experience derived and evidence-based recommendations. DISCUSSION: Quality assurance guidelines are essential for the safe delivery of comprehensive cleft care to patients with CL/P in any setting. Properly designed surgical outreach programs relying on honest community partnerships can be effectively used as vehicles for local capacity building and the establishment of sustainable cleft care ecosystems.

The Beirut Port Explosion Injuries and Lessons Learned: Results of the Beirut Blast Assessment for Surgical Services (BASS) Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: This multicenter study aims to describe the injury patterns, emergency management and outcomes of the blast victims, recognize the gaps in hospital disaster preparedness, and identify lessons to be learned. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: On August 4th, 2020, the city of Beirut, Lebanon suffered the largest urban explosion since Hiroshima and Nagasaki, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. METHODS: All injured patients admitted to four of the largest Beirut hospitals within 72 hours of the blast, including those who died on arrival or in the emergency department (ED), were included. Medical records were systematically reviewed for: patient demographics and comorbidities; injury severity and characteristics; prehospital, ED, operative, and inpatient interventions; and outcomes at hospital discharge. Lessons learned are also shared. RESULTS: An estimated total of 1818 patients were included, of which 30 died on arrival or in the ED and 315 were admitted to the hospital. Among admitted patients, the mean age was 44.7 years (range: 1 week-93 years), 44.4% were female, and the median injury severity score (ISS) was 10 (5, 17). ISS was inversely related to the distance from the blast epicenter (r = --0.18, P = 0.035). Most injuries involved the upper extremities (53.7%), face (42.2%), and head (40.3%). Mildly injured (ISS <9) patients overwhelmed the ED in the first 2 hours; from hour 2 to hour 8 post-injury, the number of moderately, severely, and profoundly injured patients increased by 127%, 25% and 17%, respectively. A total of 475 operative procedures were performed in 239 patients, most commonly soft tissue debridement or repair (119 patients, 49.8%), limb fracture fixation (107, 44.8%), and tendon repair (56, 23.4%). A total of 11 patients (3.5%) died during the hospitalization, 56 (17.8%) developed at least 1 complication, and 51 (16.2%) were discharged with documented long-term disability. Main lessons learned included: the importance of having key hospital functions (eg, laboratory, operating room) underground; the nonadaptability of electronic medical records to disasters; the ED overwhelming with mild injuries, delay in arrival of the severely injured; and the need for realistic disaster drills. CONCLUSIONS: We, therefore, describe the injury patterns, emergency flow and trauma outcome of patients injured in the Beirut port explosion. The clinical and system-level lessons learned can help prepare for the next disaster.

Dangle Protocols in Lower Extremity Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Dangling protocols are known to vary by surgeon and center, and their specific regimen is often largely based on single surgeon or institutional experience. A systematic review was conducted to derive evidence-based recommendations for dangling protocols according to patient-specific and flap-specific considerations. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Embase-OVID and Cochrane-CENTRAL. Study design, patient and flap characteristics, protocol details, dangling-related complications, and flap success rate were recorded. Studies were graded using the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence Scale. Data heterogeneity precluded quantitative analysis. RESULTS: Eleven articles were included (level of evidence (range):IIb-IV; N (range):8-150; age (range):6-89). Dangling initiation, time, and frequency varied considerably. Flap success rate ranged from 94 to 100%. Active smoking, diabetes, and hypertension are associated with characteristic physiologic changes that require vigilance and potential protocol modification. Early dangling appears to be safe across a variety of free flap locations, sizes, and indications. Axial fasciocutaneous flaps may tolerate more aggressive protocols than muscular flaps. While flaps with single venous anastomosis tolerate dangling, double venous or flow-through anastomoses may provide additional benefit. Major limitations included small sample sizes, uncontrolled study designs, and heterogeneous patient selection, dangling practices, monitoring methods, and outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Significant heterogeneity persists in postoperative dangling protocols after lower extremity microvascular reconstruction. Patient comorbidities and flap characteristics appear to affect tolerance to dangling. We propose two different standardized pathways based on risk factors. Clinical vigilance should be exercised in tailoring lower extremity protocols to patients' individual characteristics and postoperative course.

Predicting postoperative complications following mastectomy in the elderly: Evidence for the 5-factor frailty index.

Understanding the risk factors that contribute to post-mastectomy complications can better inform preoperative discussions. Here, we assess the impact of the 5-Factor Frailty Index Score (mFI-5) in predicting 30-day postoperative complications in patients undergoing mastectomy. A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) data base was conducted for patients older than 65 undergoing mastectomy between 2010 and 2015. We assessed each patient's Frailty Index Score using the mFI-5. Primary outcomes included wound complications and overall complications. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were used to determine the ability of the mFI-5 to predict postoperative outcomes. A total of 13,783 patients were analyzed. The rate of wound complications was 3.0%, while the rate of overall complications was 6.0%. An mFI-5 score greater than 2 was an independent risk factor for wound complications and overall complications. Overall, patients undergoing mastectomy with an mFI-5 of 2 or greater experienced higher rates of postoperative complications. The mFI-5 is an accessible tool that can be used to risk-stratify patients undergoing mastectomy and can positively contribute to the informed consent and shared decision-making process.

Hepatic Artery Microvascular Anastomosis in Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: The operating microscope is used in many centers for microvascular hepatic arterial reconstruction in living as well as deceased donor liver transplantation in adult and pediatric recipients. To date, a systematic review of the literature examining this topic is lacking. METHODS: This systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Three different electronic databases (PubMed, Embase OVID, and Cochrane CENTRAL) were queried. RESULTS: A total of 34 studies were included. The rate of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) in noncomparative studies (28) ranged from 0% to 10%, with 8 studies reporting patient deaths resulting from HAT. Within comparative studies, the rate of HAT in patients who underwent arterial reconstruction using the operating microscope ranged from 0% to 5.3%, whereas the rate of HAT in patients who underwent arterial reconstruction using loupe magnification ranged from 0% up to 28.6%, and 2 studies reported patient deaths resulting from HAT. Two comparative studies did not find statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our comprehensive systematic review of the literature seems to suggest that overall, rates of HAT may be lower when the operating microscope is used for hepatic arterial reconstruction in liver transplantation. However, matched comparisons are lacking and surgical teams need to be mindful of the learning curve associated with the use of the operating microscope as compared with loupe magnification, as well as the logistical and time constraints associated with setup of the operating microscope.

Equity in access to facial transplantation.

We examine ethical considerations in access to facial transplantation (FT), with implications for promoting health equity. As a form of vascularised composite allotransplantation, FT is still considered innovative with a relatively low volume of procedures performed to date by a small number of active FT programmes worldwide. However, as numbers continue to increase and institutions look to establish new FT programmes, we anticipate that attention will shift from feasibility towards ensuring the benefits of FT are equitably available to those in need. This manuscript assesses barriers to care and their ethical implications across a number of considerations, with the intent of mapping various factors relating to health equity and fair access to FT. Evidence is drawn from an evolving clinical experience as well as published scholarship addressing several dimensions of access to FT. We also explore novel concerns that have yet to be mentioned in the literature.

Public Perceptions of Cross-Sex Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Cross-sex vascularized composite allotransplantation has been performed in cadaveric facial transplantation and clinical extremity transplantation. Understanding the challenge of appropriate donor-recipient matching, this study sought to characterize the public's perception of cross-sex vascularized composite allotransplantation. METHODS: Participants were surveyed in New York City. Data collected included demographics and willingness to donate vascularized composite allografts (VCAs) of various types. Similar questions were asked in the context of same-sex and cross-sex donation. RESULTS: A total of 101 participants (male: 56.4%; age ≤35 years: 62.4%) were surveyed. The majority expressed willingness to donate to recipients of a different sex (hand: 78.2%, face: 56.4%, penis or uterus: 69.3%, lower limb: 81.2%, abdominal wall: 80.2%, larynx: 81.2%, and solid organs: 85.2%). Among VCAs, willingness to donate facial allografts was significantly different in same-sex versus cross-sex contexts (64.4% vs 56.4%; P = 0.008). Participants were also significantly more likely to donate VCAs to same-sex recipients on behalf of themselves versus loved ones (P < 0.05). There was significantly lower willingness to receive cross-sex versus same-sex facial (P = 0.022) and genital allografts (P = 0.022). Education on the preservation of recipient masculinity or femininity in cross-sex facial transplantation increased participants' willingness to receive a cross-sex face transplant from 56.4% to 71.3% (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the urban public's acceptance of VCA donation or reception regardless of sex mismatch. There is increased willingness to receive a cross-sex face transplant after education, highlighting opportunities for future focused interventions to increase public awareness and ultimately the donor pool.

Larger free flap size is associated with increased complications in lower extremity trauma reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Free flap reconstruction after lower extremity trauma remains challenging with various factors affecting overall success. Increasing defect and flap size have been demonstrated to be a surrogate for overall injury severity and correlated with complications. In addition, larger free flaps that encompass more tissue theoretically possess high metabolic demand, and may be more susceptible to ischemic insult. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to determine how flap size affects microsurgical outcomes in the setting of lower extremity trauma reconstruction. METHODS: Retrospective review of 806 lower extremity free flap reconstructions performed from 1979 to 2016 among three affiliated hospitals: a private university hospital, Veterans Health Administration Hospital (VA), and a large, public hospital serving as a level 1 trauma center for the city. Soft tissue free flaps used for below the knee reconstructions of traumatic injuries were included. A receiver operating curve (ROC) was generated and Youden index was used to determine the optimal flap size for predicting flap success. Based on this, flaps were divided into those smaller than 250 cm2 and larger than 250 cm2 . Partial flap failure, total flap failure, takebacks, and overall major complications (defined as events involving flap compromise) were compared between these two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine whether flap size independently predicts complications and flap failures, controlling for injury-related and operative factors. RESULTS: A total of 393 patients underwent lower extremity free tissue transfer. There were 229 flaps (58.2%) with size <250 cm2 and 164 flaps (41.7%) ≥ 250 cm2 . ROC analysis and Youden index calculation demonstrated 250 cm2 (AUC 0.651) to be the cutoff free flap for predicting increasing flap failure. Compared to flaps with less than 250 cm2 , larger flaps were associated with increased major complications (33.6% vs. 50.0%, p = .001), any flap failure (11.8% vs. 25.0%, p = .001) and partial flap failure (4.8% vs. 14.6%, p = .001). Logistic regression analysis controlling for age, flap type, era of reconstruction, number of venous anastomoses, presence of associated injuries, presence of a bone gap, vessel runoff, and flap size identified increasing flap size to be independently predictive of major complications (p = .05), any flap failure (p = .001), partial flap failure (p < .001), and takebacks (p = .03). Subset analysis by flap type demonstrated that when flap size exceeded 250 cm2 , use of muscle flaps was associated with significantly increased flap failure rates (p = .008) while for smaller flap size, there was no significant difference in complications between muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps. CONCLUSION: Increasing flap size is independently predictive of flap complications. In particular, a flap size cutoff value of 250 cm2 was associated with significantly increased flap failure and complications particularly among muscle-based flaps. Therefore, we suggest that fasciocutaneous flaps be utilized for injuries requiring large surface area of soft tissue reconstruction.

Educational Resources in Craniofacial Surgery: The Case for User-Friendly Digital Simulators.

INTRODUCTION: Digital simulators are potential solutions to challenges facing surgical education. The authors sought to evaluate the reach and utilization of a freely-accessible craniofacial surgery digital educational simulator. More importantly, we compare usage patterns between web-based and mobile-based platforms. METHODS: A 3-way collaboration between academic, non-profit (myFace, New York, NY), and biotechnology (Biodigital, New York, NY) stakeholders in 2015 produced the Craniofacial Interactive Virtual Assistant Pro (CIVA-Pro). CIVA-Pro is a freely-accessible craniofacial surgery digital educational simulator. In addition to the web-based platform, a mobile-based platform was launched in 2017. Usage analytics were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Since its launch, 751 registered users from 117 countries had accessed CIVA-Pro. The total number of sessions was 9531, including 7500 web and 2031 mobile sessions. The total screen time was 403.9 hours, 290.3 for the web and 113.6 for the mobile platform. Comparison of the mean monthly screen time and number of monthly sessions between platforms since 2017 demonstrated a significantly higher mean monthly screen time (60.1 ±â€Š33.2 versus 29.4 ±â€Š16.5 hours; P = 0.002) and number of sessions (110.2 ±â€Š36.1 versus 58.1 ±â€Š31.9; P < 0.0001) for the mobile-based platform. The mean screen time per session was comparable (P = 0.86). CONCLUSION: A freely available digital craniofacial surgery educational simulator designed for surgical trainees can achieve significant global reach. Significantly higher utilization of the mobile-based platform of the simulator as compared to the web-based platform reinforces the need to invest in user-friendly, easily accessible, and widely available digital educational resources by key stakeholders to ensure optimal plastic surgery trainee education.

Have We Achieved Optimal Skin Color Matching in Partial Facial Transplantation? A Survey Study of the General Public and Medical Professionals.

BACKGROUND: Skin color matching is an essential factor in achieving optimal aesthetic outcome in partial facial transplantation. However, there is no published literature evaluating the success of color matching to date. Furthermore, a medical professional's perception of an optimal color match may not necessarily translate to that of the general public. The purpose of our study was to evaluate skin color matching between the donor allograft and recipient native tissue in partial facial transplantations to determine the level of success perceived by the general public and medical professionals. METHODS: Published photographs of partial face transplant recipients were used to create a survey where recipient native and donor allograft skin samples were juxtaposed. Thirty-three members of the general public and 30 medical professionals were asked to rate skin color match on a scale from "excellent match" to "not a match." RESULTS: Overall, 47% of given ratings were positive, indicating an "excellent" or "good match," and 53% of ratings were negative, indicating a "poor match" or "lack of match" between the skin sample pairings shown. Of the 19 partial face transplant patients who were rated, 9 patients received >50% positive ratings, and 10 patients received <50% positive ratings. Medical professionals consistently gave more positive ratings, with statistically significant differences in 7 of the 19 rated patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that there is need for improvement in color matching in partial facial transplantation, and that the general public is more critical of skin color matching compared to medical professionals.

Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis in Pediatric Patients With Craniofacial Differences: Causes, Recurrence and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The authors present an institutional experience treating congenital and acquired temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, detailing outcomes and potential risk factors of recurrence. METHODS: Retrospective chart review identified patients with TMJ ankylosis (1976-2019). Clinical records, operative reports, and imaging studies were reviewed for demographics, surgical operations, and ankylosis including maximal interincisal opening (MIO) and re-ankylosis. RESULTS: Forty-four TMJs with bony ankylosis were identified in 28 patients (mean age at any initial mandibular surgery: 3.7; range:0-14 years). Follow-up was 13.7 ±â€Š5.9 years. Sixteen (57.1%) patients had bilateral ankylosis; 27(96.4%) had syndromes. Nine patients had congenital ankylosis, 16 had iatrogenic ankylosis (4.5 ±â€Š3.7 years from initial distraction osteogenesis or autologous mandibular reconstruction) referred from outside institutions in 6 instances, and 3 had post-infectious ankylosis. Patients having their first mandibular operation at a younger age had more frequent reoperations for recurrent TMJ ankylosis, although this did not reach statistical significance. Mean improvement in MIO was 21.4 ±â€Š7.3 mm. Ankylosis recurred in 21 (75%) patients. Five patients with congenital TMJ ankylosis required gastrostomy and remained at least partially dependent. Five patients had tracheostomy at the time of TMJ ankylosis surgery: 2 were eventually decannulated and 3 required repeat tracheostomy after ankylosis recurrence and remained tracheostomy-dependent. CONCLUSION: The clinical course of TMJ ankylosis in children affected by craniofacial differences is complex and typically involves a high rate of recurrence and multiple reoperations despite initial improvement in postoperative MIO. Younger age at initial mandibular surgery and number of operations require further investigation as potential predictors of recurrent TMJ ankylosis as well as tracheostomy and gastrostomy dependence.

Communication Efficiency in a Face Transplant Recipient: Determinants and Therapeutic Implications.

We longitudinally assessed speech intelligibility (percent words correct/pwc), communication efficiency (intelligible words per minute/iwpm), temporal control markers (speech and pause coefficients of variation), and formant frequencies associated with lip motion in a 41-year-old face transplant recipient. Pwc and iwpm at 13 months post-transplantation were both higher than preoperative values. Multivariate regression demonstrated that temporal markers and all formant frequencies associated with lip motion were significant predictors (P < 0.05) of communication efficiency, highlighting the interplay of these variables in generating intelligible and effective speech. These findings can guide us in developing personalized rehabilitative approaches in face transplant recipients for optimal speech outcomes.

What Is the Burden of Care of Nasoalveolar Molding?

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to evaluate nasoalveolar molding (NAM) in the context of burden of care defined as physical, psychosocial, or financial burden on caregivers. SEARCH METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 5 databases were searched from inception through December 24, 2019, for keywords and subject headings pertaining to cleft lip and/or palate and NAM. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Clinical studies on NAM with reference to physical (access to care, number of visits, distance traveled), psychosocial (caregiver perceptions, family interactions, breast milk feeding), and financial (direct and indirect costs) burden were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Study selection was performed by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: The search identified 1107 articles and 114 articles remained for qualitative synthesis. Burden of care domains were discussed but not measured in 43% of articles and only 25% assessed burden of care through a primary outcome. Of these, 20 articles reported on physical, 8 articles on psychosocial, and 12 articles on financial burden. Quality of evidence is limited by study design and risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Nasoalveolar molding has been indiscriminately associated with burden of care in the literature. Although NAM may not be the ideal treatment option for all patients and families, the physical considerations are limited when accounting for the observed psychosocial advantages. Financial burden appears to be offset, but further research is required. Teams should directly assess the impact of this early intervention on the well-being of caregivers and advance strategies that improve access to care.

A Nationwide, Systematic, and Comprehensive Assessment of Surgical Capacity in Lebanon: Results of the Surgical Capacity in Areas With Refugees (SCAR) Study.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to perform a systematic, comprehensive, and nationwide cross-sectional analysis of surgical capacity in Lebanon. BACKGROUND: Providing surgical care in refugee areas is increasingly recognized as a global health priority. The surgical capacity of Lebanon where at least 1 in 6 inhabitants is currently a refugee remains unknown. METHODS: The Surgical Capacity in Areas with Refugees cross-sectional study included 3 steps: (1) geographically mapping all hospitals providing surgical care in Lebanon, (2) systematically assessing each hospital's surgical capacity, and (3) identifying surgical care gaps/disparities. First, a list of hospitals in Lebanon and their locations was generated combining data from the Lebanese Ministry of Health and Syndicate of Hospitals. Specialty, rehabilitation, and maternity facilities were excluded. Second, the validated 5 domain Personnel, Infrastructure, Procedures, Equipment, and Supplies (PIPES) tool was administered in each hospital through a face-to-face or phone interview. Hospitals' PIPES indices were computed; data were aggregated and analyzed for geographic and private/public disparities. RESULTS: A total of 129 hospitals were geographically mapped; 20% were public. The PIPES tool was administered in all hospitals (100%). The mean PIPES index was 10.98 (Personnel = 14.91, Infrastructure = 15.36, Procedures = 37.47, Equipment = 21.63, Supplies = 24.78). The number of hospital beds, operating rooms, surgeons, and anesthesiologists per 100,000 people were 217, 8, 16, and 9, respectively. Deficiencies in infrastructure were significant, whereby 62%, 36%, 16%, and 5% of hospitals lack incinerators, pretested blood, intensive care units, and computed tomography, respectively. Continuous external electricity was lacking in 16 hospitals (12%). Compared to private hospitals, public hospitals had a lower PIPES index (10.48 vs 11.1, P = 0.022), including lower Personnel and Infrastructure scores (12.31 vs 15.57, P = 0.03; 14.04 vs 15.7, P = 0.003, respectively). Geographically, the administrative governorates with highest refugee concentrations had the lowest PIPES indices. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluating surgical capacity in Lebanon reveals significant deficiencies, most pronounced in public hospitals in which refugee care is provided and in areas with the highest refugee concentration.

Risk Factors for Wound Complications Following Transmetatarsal Amputation in Patients With Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The goal of our study was to evaluate risk factors for wound complications in patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing transmetatarsal amputations (TMAs), given the paucity of research on this subject. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. In this retrospective analysis, all surgical cases with a primary Current Procedural Terminology code for TMA from 2009 to 2015 were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 2316 patients with diabetes mellitus who underwent TMA were identified. Overall wound complications occurred in 276 (11.9%) of patients. Univariate analysis showed that the operative time was significantly longer in patients who developed complications than those who did not (58.3 ± 39.5 versus 50.6 ± 39.4; P = 0.003). Furthermore, the rate of obesity was significantly higher among patients who developed wound complications than those who did not (47.1% versus 41.5%; P = 0.04). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a longer operative time (odds ratio = 1.02; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.04; P = 0.01) and obesity (odds ratio = 1.60; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-2.40; P = 0.03) were independent risk factors for wound complications in our cohort. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the importance of having heightened clinical vigilance in obese patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing this procedure, close postoperative follow-up, and limiting operative time when possible.

Refugee Access to Surgical Care in Lebanon: A Post Hoc Analysis of the SCAR Study.

BACKGROUND: Lebanon hosts an estimated one million Syrian refugees registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The UNHCR contracts with select Lebanese hospitals to provide affordable primary and emergency care to refugees. We aimed to assess the surgical capabilities of UNHCR-affiliated hospitals in Lebanon. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the Surgical Capacity in Areas with Refugees study were combined with hospital affiliation data obtained from the UNHCR. The Surgical Capacity in Areas with Refugees study evaluated surgical capacity in Lebanon by mapping all acute care hospitals and administering the five domain Personnel, Infrastructure, Procedures, Equipment, and Supplies (PIPES) tool to each hospital. Mean PIPES indices and mean numbers of hospital beds, surgeons, and anesthesiologists were compared between UNHCR-affiliated and nonaffiliated hospitals. Geographically, the distribution of UNHCR-affiliated hospitals was cross-referenced with refugee population distributions. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty nine hospitals were included, 35 (27.1%) of which were affiliated with the UNHCR. The PIPES tool was administered across all hospitals. Mean PIPES indices and mean number of hospital beds, general surgeons, and anesthesiologists were similar between UNHCR-affiliated and nonaffiliated hospitals. Geographical mapping of hospitals and refugee populations across Lebanon revealed a disparity in the Northeastern region of the country: that region had the highest number of refugees but lacked sufficient UNHCR coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals covered by the UNHCR performed similarly to nonaffiliated hospitals with respect to all aspects of the PIPES surgical capacity tool. However, there is a concerning geographic mismatch between UNHCR coverage and refugee density, specifically in the governorates of Akkar, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel.

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of wound complications and readmission in patients with surgically managed pressure ulcers.

The effect of diabetes on postoperative outcomes following surgical management of pressure ulcers is poorly defined despite evidence showing that patients with diabetes are at increased risk for developing pressure ulcers, as well as postoperative wound complications including delayed healing and infection. This study aimed to examine the impact of diabetes on postoperative outcomes following surgical management of pressure ulcers using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. In this retrospective analysis all CPT codes with ICD-9 diagnoses of pressure ulcers were reviewed. A total of 3,274 patients who underwent surgical management of pressure ulcers were identified, of which 1,040 (31.8%) had diabetes. Overall primary outcomes showed rates of superficial and deep incisional surgical site infection (SSI) were 2.0 and 4.2%, respectively, while the rate of wound dehiscence was 2.1%. Univariate analysis of primary outcomes stratified by diabetes status showed that patients with diabetes had significantly higher rates of superficial incisional SSI (3.9 vs. 2.3%; p = 0.01), deep incisional SSI (7.0 vs. 4.3%; p = 0.001), wound dehiscence (5.2 vs. 2.7%; p < 0.001), as well as significantly higher rates of readmission (12.8 vs. 8.9%; p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis for significant outcomes between groups on univariate analysis demonstrated that diabetes was an independent risk factor for superficial incisional SSI (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.59-4.62; p < 0.001), deep incisional SSI (OR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.26-2.70; p = 0.002), wound dehiscence (OR = 4.09; 95% CI: 2.49-6.74; p < 0.001), and readmission within 30 days (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.05-1.82; p = 0.02). These findings emphasize the importance of preoperative prevention, and vigilant postoperative wound care and monitoring in patients with diabetes to minimize morbidity and optimize outcomes. Future prospective studies are needed to establish causality between diabetes and these outcomes.