Venous Anastomoses in Anterolateral Thigh Flaps for the Lower Extremity: Vessel Selection In Lieu of Obligatory Number.

BACKGROUND: Dual venous drainage for anterolateral thigh flaps has been proposed to protect against flap-related complications in head and neck applications. Here we report our experience with single vs dual venous anastomosis during lower extremity free-tissue transfer. METHODS: All free anterolateral thigh flaps for lower extremity reconstruction from 2011 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. An algorithm was used to determine the type and number of venous anastomoses, emphasizing patient anatomy, venous quality, and size match. Patients were divided into single- and dual-venous-anastomosis groups. Univariate analysis determined differences between the groups. A multivariable analysis identified independent risk factors. RESULTS: Fifty patients met the inclusion criteria. Patient demographics, recipient sites, wound type, and flap characteristics were similar in 1 and 2 vein groups. Average follow-up was 9.6 months. Forty-two percent underwent single venous drainage anastomoses. Mean age was 52.7 years, 78.0% were male, and 60% had defects of the foot and ankle. Increased flap area and early dangling did not increase flap demise. Thirty-three percent of single-drainage patients and 31.0% of dual-drainage patients had a complication. A body mass index of greater than 30 kg/m 2 was a predictor for both flap complication ( P = 0.025) and partial flap loss ( P = 0.031) in univariate analysis. No independent predictors were found in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The number of venous anastomoses, area, and dangling protocol did not influence outcomes while using our lower extremity vein method. Thoughtful evaluation of venous egress should outweigh the routine use of multiple veins in perforator flap reconstructions of the lower extremity.

Risk Factors for Wound Complications After Soft Tissue Sarcoma Resection.

ABSTRACT: Soft tissue sarcomas are a heterogenous group of malignant tumors that represent approximately 1% of adult malignancies. Although these tumors occur throughout the body, the majority involved the lower extremity. Management may involve amputation but more commonly often includes wide local resection by an oncologic surgeon and involvement of a plastic surgeon for reconstruction of larger and more complex defects. Postoperative wound complications are challenging for the surgeon and patient but also impact management of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. To explore risk factors for wound complications, we reviewed our single-institution experience of lower-extremity soft tissue sarcomas from April 2009 to September 2016. We identified 127 patients for retrospective review and analysis. The proportion of patients with wound complications in the cohort was 43.3%. Most notably, compared with patients without wound complications, patients with wound complications had a higher proportion of immediate reconstruction (34.5% vs 15.3%; P = 0.05) and a marginally higher proportion who received neoadjuvant radiation (30.9% vs 16.7%; P = 0.06).

Predictors of Opioid Prescription After Orthognathic Surgery in Opioid Naive Adults From a Large Database.

BACKGROUND: Orthognathic surgery often requires postoperative opioid pain management. The goal of this study was to examine opioid prescribing patterns in adults after orthognathic surgery and to analyze factors associated with high-dose postoperative opioid administration and persistent opioid use. METHODS: We included opioid naive adults in the IBM MarketScan Databases who had undergone orthognathic surgery from 2003 to 2017. Three outcomes were examined: presence of a perioperative outpatient opioid claim; total oral morphine milliequivalents (MMEs) in the perioperative period; and persistent opioid use. Univariate analysis and multiple regression were used to determine associations between the outcomes and independent variables. RESULTS: Our study yielded a cohort of 8163 opioid naive adults, 45.6% of whom had an opioid claim in the perioperative period. The average prescribed MMEs in the perioperative period was 466 MMEs total, and 66 MMEs daily. Of patients with an opioid claim, 17.9% had persistent opioid use past 90 days. The presence of a complication was a predictor of having an opioid claim (P<0.001). Increasing age (P<0.001) and days hospitalized (P < 0.001) were associated with increased opioid usage. Persistent opioid use was associated with being prescribed more than 600 MMEs in the perioperative period (P < 0.001), as well as increasing age and days hospitalized. Interestingly, patients undergoing double-jaw surgery did not have significantly more opioids prescribed than those undergoing single-jaw surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Prescription opioids are relatively uncommon after jaw surgery, although 17.9% of patients continue to use opioids beyond 3 months after surgery. Predictors of persistent opioid use in this population include the number of days hospitalized, increasing age, and increasing amount of opioid prescribed postoperatively.

Revisiting the Relationship Between Hospital Case Volume and Outcomes in Abdominally Based Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Increased operative volume has been associated with benefits in patient outcomes for a variety of surgical procedures. In autologous abdominally based breast reconstruction, however, there are few studies assessing the association between procedure volume and patient outcomes. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the associations between abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction and patient outcomes. METHODS: The 2013-2014 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample was queried for all female patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer who underwent mastectomy and immediate abdominally based breast reconstruction (deep inferior epigastric perforator or transverse rectus abdominus muscle free flaps). Outcomes included occurrence of major or surgical site in-hospital complications, hospital cost, and length of stay (LOS). High-volume (HV) hospitals were defined as the 90th percentile of annual case volume or higher (>18 cases/y). Multivariate regressions and generalized linear modeling with gamma log-link function were performed to access the outcomes associated with HV hospitals. RESULTS: Overall, 7145 patients at 473 hospitals were studied; of these, 42.4% of patients were treated at HV hospitals. There were significant differences in unadjusted major complications (2.1% vs 4.3%; P < 0.001) and unadjusted surgical site complications (3.5% vs 6.1%; P < 0.001) between HV and non-HV hospitals. After adjustments for clinical and hospital characteristics, patients treated at HV hospitals were less likely to experience a major complication (odds ratio, 0.488; 95% confidence interval, 0.353-0.675; P < 0.001) or surgical site complication (odds ratio, 0.678; 95% confidence interval, 0.519-0.887; P = 0.005). There was no difference in inpatient cost between HV and non-HV hospitals ($26,822 vs $26,295; marginal cost, $528; P = 0.102); however, HV hospitals had a shorter LOS (4.31 vs 4.40 days; marginal LOS, -0.10 days; P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals that perform a larger volume of immediate abdominal-based breast reconstructions after mastectomy, when compared with those that perform a lower volume of these procedures, seem to have an associated lower rate of major complications and a shorter LOS. However, these same HV centers demonstrate no decrease in costs. Further research is needed to understand how these HV centers can reduce hospital costs.

A Comparison of Outcomes and Resource Utilization Between Plastic Surgeons and General Surgeons in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Because of lack of patient education on the importance of surgeon certification and barriers to access a plastic surgeon (PS), non-PSs are becoming more involved in providing implant-based breast reconstruction procedures. We aim to clarify differences in outcomes and resource utilization by surgical specialty for implant-based breast reconstruction. METHODS: Data were obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2012 to 2014. Patients undergoing immediate implant-based reconstruction or immediate/delayed tissue expander-based reconstruction were identified (Current Procedural Terminology codes 19340 and 19357, respectively). Outcomes studied were major and wound-based 30-day complications, operation time, unplanned readmission or reoperation, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: We identified 9264 patients who underwent prosthesis or tissue expander-based breast reconstruction, 8362 (90.3%) by PSs and 902 (9.7%) by general surgeons (GSs). There were significant differences in major complications between specialty (1.2% PS vs 2.8% GS; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in unplanned reoperation (5.3% PS vs 4.9% GS; P = 0.592), unplanned readmissions (4.3% PS vs 3.8% GS; P = 0.555), wound dehiscence (0.7% PS vs 0.6% GS; P = 0.602), or wound-based infection rates (2.9% PS vs 2.8% GS; P = 0.866). As it pertains to resource utilization, the GS patients had a significantly longer length of stay (1.02 ± 4.41 days PS vs 1.62 ± 4.07 days GS; P < 0.001) and operative time (164.3 ± 97.6 minutes PS vs 185.4 ± 126.5 minutes; P = 0.001) than PS patients. CONCLUSIONS: This current assessment demonstrates that patients who undergo breast implant reconstruction by a GS have significantly more major complications. It is beneficial for the health care system for PSs to be the primary providers of breast reconstruction services. Measures should be taken to ensure that PSs are available and encouraged to provide this service.

Surgical site infection in immediate breast reconstruction: Does chemotherapy timing make a difference?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aim to analyze the impact of chemotherapy timing on surgical site infections (SSI) after immediate breast reconstruction (IBR). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing IBR between 2010 and 2015 was performed. Patients were divided into four groups: those with neoadjuvant chemotherapy only, adjuvant chemotherapy only, both adjuvant and neoadjuvant, and those with no chemotherapy. Outcomes of interest included SSI and timing of post-operative SSI. RESULTS: A total of 949 reconstructions were performed over the study period. Subgroup breakdown was as follows: A total of 56 (5.9%) neoadjuvant only, 173 (18.2%) adjuvant only, 18 (1.9%) both, and 702 (74.0%) none. Overall infection rates were 10.7%, 10.4%, 22.2%, and 6.1% in the four groups, respectively (P = 0.015). On multivariate analysis, no significant differences were observed when comparing presence or absence of chemotherapy in the overall reconstruction cohort or when subgrouped by reconstruction modality-autologous or alloplastic. There were no significant differences in time from neoadjuvant chemotherapy to surgery date noted between patients who developed a post-operative SSI and those who did not (4.40 ± 1.58 vs 4.72 ± 1.39 weeks; P = 0.517). CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy timing did not increase the odds of surgical site infections in patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction.

The Impact of Surgical Volume on Outcomes and Cost in Cleft Repair: A Kids' Inpatient Database Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Centralization of specialist services, including cleft service delivery, is occurring worldwide with the aim of improving the outcomes. This study examines the relationship between hospital surgical volume in cleft palate repair and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database was undertaken. Children 3 years or younger undergoing cleft palate repair in 2012 were identified. Hospital volume was categorized by cases per year as low volume (LV; 0-14), intermediate volume (IV; 15-46), or high volume (HV; 47-99); differences in complications, hospital costs, and length of stay (LOS) were determined by hospital volume. RESULTS: Data for 2389 children were retrieved: 24.9% (n = 595) were LV, 50.1% (n = 1196) were IV, and 25.0% (n = 596) were HV. High-volume centers were more frequently located in the West (71.9%) compared with LV (19.9%) or IV (24.5%) centers (P < 0.001 for hospital region). Median household income was more commonly highest quartile in HV centers compared with IV or LV centers (32.3% vs 21.7% vs 18.1%, P < 0.001). There was no difference in complications between different volume centers (P = 0.74). Compared with HV centers, there was a significant decrease in mean costs for LV centers ($9682 vs $,378, P < 0.001) but no significant difference in cost for IV centers ($9260 vs $9682, P = 0.103). Both IV and LV centers had a significantly greater LOS when compared with HV centers (1.97 vs 2.10 vs 1.74, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite improvement in LOS in HV centers, we did not find a reduction in cost in HV centers. Further research is needed with analysis of outpatient, long-term outcomes to ensure widespread cost-efficiency.

The Influence of Connective Tissue Disease in Breast Reconstruction: A National Database Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with connective tissue diseases (CTD), or collagen vascular diseases, are at risk of potentially higher morbidity after surgical procedures. We aimed to investigate the complication profile in CTD versus non-CTD patients who underwent breast reconstruction on a national scale. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project NIS Database between 2010 and 2014 was conducted for patients 18 years or older admitted for immediate autologous or implant breast reconstruction. Connective tissue disease was defined as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, Raynaud phenomenon, psoriatic arthritis, or sarcoidosis. Independent t test/Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney was used to compare continuous variables and Pearson χ/Fischer exact test was used for categorical variables. Outcomes of interest were assessed using multivariable linear regressions for continuous variables and multivariable logistic regressions for categorical variables. RESULTS: There were 19,496 immediate autologous breast reconstruction patients, with 357 CTD and 19,139 non-CTD patients (2010-2014). The CTD patients had higher postoperative complication rates for infection (2.8% vs 0.8%, P < 0.001), wound dehiscence (1.4% vs 0.4%, P = 0.019), and bleeding (hemorrhage and hematoma) (6.7% vs 3.5%, P < 0.001). After multivariable analysis, CTD remained an independent risk factor for bleeding (odds ratio [OR], 1.568; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.019-2.412). There were a total of 23,048 immediate implant breast reconstruction patients, with 431 CTD and 22,617 non-CTD patients (2010-2014). The CTD patients had a higher postoperative complication rate for wound dehiscence/complication (2.3% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001). They also experienced a longer length of stay (2.31 days vs 2.07 days, P < 0.001). After multivariable analysis, CTD remained an independent risk factor for wound dehiscence (OR, 4.084; 95% CI, 2.101-7.939) and increased length of stay by 0.050 days (95% CI, -0.081 to 0.181). CONCLUSIONS: Connective tissue disease patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction had significantly higher infection, wound dehiscence, and bleeding rates, and those who underwent implant breast reconstruction had significantly higher wound dehiscence rates. Connective tissue diseases appear to be an independent risk factor for bleeding and wound dehiscence in autologous and implant breast reconstruction, respectively. This information may help clinicians be aware of this increased risk when determining patients for reconstruction.

Evaluation of Contralateral and Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy and Reconstruction Outcomes: Comparing Alloplastic and Autologous Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, there has been a 12% increase in prophylactic mastectomy (PM) per year. The aim of the study was to analyze complication rates and associated risk factors in patients undergoing PM and reconstruction. METHODS: We reviewed patients undergoing PM (contralateral and bilateral) from 2010 to 2015 at a single academic institution. Data on patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes were obtained. Postoperative complications were categorized into minor and major groups. We compared complication rates between autologous and alloplastic reconstruction. Patient characteristics were assessed using univariable and multivariable models. RESULTS: Reconstruction after PM was performed on 390 breasts over the study period: 214 underwent autologous and 176 underwent alloplastic reconstruction. When comparing autologous and alloplastic reconstruction, significant differences were seen between the number of immediate breast reconstructions (96.3% vs 48.9%, P < 0.001, respectively) and 2-stage reconstructions (0.5% vs 44.9%, P < 0.001, respectively). The overall complication rate was 15.9%: 14.6% were minor complications, and 6.9% were major. Autologous reconstruction compared with alloplastic reconstruction had a lower incidence of minor complications (11.2% vs 18.8%, P = 0.036), breast infection (1.9% vs 13.1%, P < 0.001), and breast seroma (2.3% vs 7.4%, P = 0.018), respectively. Risk factors for complications included age (≥65), obesity, American Society of Anesthesiology class (≥3), smoking, hypertension, anxiety, tissue expander (with acellular dermal matrix), and implant-only reconstructions. CONCLUSION: In our study, autologous reconstruction appeared to have a better complication profile than alloplastic reconstruction. Clinicians may potentially use this information to guide preoperative counseling of women considering PM and reconstruction.

An Algorithmic Approach to the Management of Ballistic Facial Trauma in the Civilian Population.

Annual incidence of non-fatal ballistic civilian has been increasing for the last decade. The aim of the present study was to clarify the optimal reconstructive management of civilian ballistic facial injuries. A systematic review of PubMed was performed. Articles were evaluated for defect type and site, reconstructive modality, complications, and outcomes. A total of 30 articles were included. Most common region of injury was mandibular with a 46.6% incidence rate. All-cause complication rate after reconstruction was 31.0%. About 13.3% of patients developed a postoperative infection. Gunshot wounds had overall lower complication rates as compared with shotgun wounds at 9.0% and 17.0%. By region, complications for gunshot wounds were 35% and 34% for mandible and maxilla, respectively. Immediate surgical intervention with conservative serial debridement is recommended. However, for patients with pre-existing psychiatric disorders, secondary revisions should be delayed until proper psychiatric stabilization. When there is extensive loss of soft tissue in the midface, aesthetic outcomes are achieved with a latissimus dorsi or anterolateral thigh free flap. Radial forearm flap is favored for thin lining defects. Open reduction is suggested for bony-tissue stabilization. The fibula flap is recommended for bony defects >5 cm in both midface and mandible. For bony defects, <5 cm bone grafting was preferred. Delaying bone grafting does not worsen patient outcomes. Surgical treatment of ballistic facial trauma requires thorough preparation and precise planning. An algorithm that summarizes the approach to the main decision points of surgical management and reconstruction after ballistic facial trauma has been presented in this study.

Treatment of Craniosynostosis: The Impact of Hospital Surgical Volume on Cost, Resource Utilization, and Outcomes.

The authors aim to quantify the impact of hospital volume of craniosynostosis surgery on inpatient complications and resource utilization using national data. Children <12 months with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis who underwent surgery in 2012 at academic hospitals in the United States were identified from the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) developed by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). Hospital craniosynostosis surgery volume was stratified into tertiles based on total annual hospital cases: low volume (LV, 1-13), intermediate volume (IV, 14-34), and high volume (HV, ≥35). Outcomes of interest include major complications, blood transfusion, charges, and length of stay (LOS). In 2012, 154 hospitals performed 1617 total craniosynostosis surgeries. Of these 580 cases (35.8%) were LV, 549 cases (33.9%) were IV, and 488 cases (30.2%) were HV. There was no difference in major complications between hospital volume tertiles (4.3% LV; 3.8% IV; 3.1% HV; P = 0.487). The highest blood transfusion rates were seen at LV hospitals (47.8% LV; 33.9% IV; 26.2%; P < 0.001). Hospital charges were lowest at HV hospitals ($55,839) compared with IV hospitals ($65,624; P < 0.001) and LV hospitals ($62,325; P = 0.005). Mean LOS was shortest at HV hospitals (2.96 days) compared with LV hospitals (3.31 days; P = 0.001); however, there was no difference when compared with IV hospitals (3.07 days; P = 0.282). Hospital case volume may be an important associative factor of blood transfusion rates, LOS, and hospital charges; however, there is no difference in complication rates. These results may be used to guide quality improvement within the surgical management of craniosynostosis.

Drivers of Hospital Costs in the Self-Pay Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Patient: Analysis of Hospital Resource Utilization in 1890 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Rhytidectomy is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures by plastic surgeons. Increasing attention to the development of a high-value, low-cost healthcare system is a priority in the USA. This study aims to analyze specific patient and hospital factors affecting the cost of this procedure. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of self-pay patients over the age of 18 who underwent rhytidectomy using the Healthcare Utilization Cost Project National Inpatient Sample database between 2013 and 2014. Mean marginal cost increases patient characteristics, and outcomes were studied. Generalized linear modeling with gamma regression and a log-link function were performed along with estimated marginal means to provide cost estimates. RESULTS: A total of 1890 self-pay patients underwent rhytidectomy. Median cost was $11,767 with an interquartile range of $8907 [$6976-$15,883]. The largest marginal cost increases were associated with postoperative hematoma ($12,651; CI $8181-$17,120), West coast region ($7539; 95% CI $6412-$8666), and combined rhinoplasty ($7824; 95% CI $3808-$11,840). The two risk factors associated with the generation of highest marginal inpatient costs were smoking ($4147; 95% CI $2804-$5490) and diabetes mellitus ($5622; 95% CI $3233-8011). High-volume hospitals had a decreased cost of - $1331 (95% CI - $2032 to - $631). CONCLUSION: Cost variation for inpatient rhytidectomy procedures is dependent on preoperative risk factors (diabetes and smoking), postoperative complications (hematoma), and regional trends (West region). Rhytidectomy surgery is highly centralized and increasing hospital volume significantly decreases costs. Clinicians and hospitals can use this information to discuss the drivers of cost in patients undergoing rhytidectomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Outcomes of Subfascial, Suprafascial, and Super-Thin Anterolateral Thigh Flaps: Tailoring Thickness without Added Morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Subfascial anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap thickness can be problematic with regards to bulk, oral competence, shoe-fit, or as a potential source of recurrent wound breakdown. We have utilized distinct upper thigh fascial planes to fashion thin (suprafascial) or super-thin (periscarpal) ALT flaps to improve surface topography. We compared outcomes based on ALT flap thickness to determine any significant differences in extremity coverage and reconstruction. METHODS: Analysis was completed on patients who consecutively underwent ALT free tissue transfer at a single institution from May 2012 to January 2017. Patient's operative, and postoperative characteristics were evaluated. Univariate analysis determined differences among matching as well as functional outcomes. A multivariable regression identified independent risk factors associated with patient, donor site, and flap complications. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 16 (31.4%) underwent traditional subfascial ALT flaps, and 35 (68.6%) underwent suprafascial (N = 23) or super-thin (N = 12) flaps. Thin flap patients were more likely to use tobacco (42.9% versus 6.3%; p < 0.01), have fewer perforators (1.20 ± 0.41 versus 1.64 ± 0.63; p < 0.009), and shorter mean operative times (425.9 ± 87.8 versus 511.9 ± 79.9; p < 0.002), but nearly identical flap sizes (163 cm2 versus 168 cm2). There were no significant differences in flap complications (18% versus 22%) or donor-site complications (6.3% versus 5.7%) between the thick and thin cohorts, respectively (p > 0.05). In subgroup analysis, diabetes mellitus was an independent risk factor for donor site morbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23; p = 0.027) for all groups, whereas tobacco use and obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 30) failed to significantly alter outcomes independently. CONCLUSIONS: Tailoring ALT thickness can be performed safely without compromising flap outcomes or patient morbidity. Suprafascial and super-thin ALTs allowed for safe, precise solutions for tissue coverage.

Oral Contraceptive Management in Aesthetic Surgery: A Survey of Current Practice Trends.

BACKGROUND: Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are currently used by approximately 16% of all women aged 15 to 44 in the United States and have been used by 80% of all sexually active women at some point in their lives. However, no guidelines exist for discontinuation of OCP therapy before or after elective cosmetic surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to establish current practice trends regarding perioperative OCP management in aesthetic surgery. METHODS: An eight-item online survey was distributed to members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Survey results were analyzed to determine if surgeons' practice setting, years of experience, annual cosmetic volume, or types of cosmetic procedures performed affected their perioperative management of OCPs. RESULTS: A total of 220 questionnaires were collected (11.9% response rate). Only 31.8% of surgeons reported any discontinuation of OCPs pre- or postoperatively. Among physicians, 7.3% reported only preoperative discontinuation, 24.5% reported OCP discontinuation both pre- and postoperatively, and 0.0% of physicians reported discontinuation of OCPs only postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference between the percentage of surgeons in academic practice who discontinue OCPs perioperatively (P = 0.335). There was no statistical significance towards overall years in practice (P = 0.152). There were no significant differences between the three groups in the number of cosmetic procedures performed annually or percentage breakdown of procedures performed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite OCP therapy being a known risk factor for venous thromboembolic events, a majority of surgeons performing cosmetic surgery do not routinely recommend perioperative cessation.

The financial impact and drivers of hospital charges in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction: a Nationwide Inpatient Sample hospital analysis.

PURPOSE: Rates of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) have increased over the last decade; it is important for surgeons and hospital systems to understand the economic drivers of increased costs in these patients. This study aims to identify factors affecting charges in those undergoing CPM and reconstruction. METHODS: Analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample was undertaken (2009-2012), identifying women aged ≥18 with unilateral breast cancer undergoing unilateral mastectomy with CPM and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) (CPM group), in addition to unilateral mastectomy and IBR alone (UM group). Generalized linear modeling with gamma regression and a log-link function provided mean marginal hospital charge (MMHC) estimates associated with the presence or absence of patient, hospital and operative characteristics, postoperative complications, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Overall, 70,695 women underwent mastectomy and reconstruction for unilateral breast cancer; 36,691 (51.9%) in the CPM group, incurring additional MMHCs of $20,775 compared to those in the UM group (p < 0.001). In the CPM group, MMHCs were reduced in those aged >60 years (p < 0.001), while African American or Hispanic origin increased MMHCs (p < 0.001). Diabetes, depression, and obesity increased MMHCs (p < 0.001). MMHCs increased with larger (p < 0.001) hospitals, Western location (p < 0.001), greater household income (p < 0.001), complications (p < 0.001), and increasing LOS (p < 0.001). MMHCs decreased in urban teaching hospitals and Midwest or Southern regions (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There are many patient and hospital factors affecting charges; this study provides surgeons and hospital systems with transparent, quantitative charge data in patients undergoing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction.

Comparison of risk factors and complications in patients by stratified mastectomy weight: An institutional review of 1041 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the specific complication rates, reconstructive differences, and delineate the pertinent independent risk factors in patients with different mastectomy weights. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients undergoing mastectomy between 2010 and 2015 was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were collected. Patients were divided into three groups: those with mastectomy weight <500, 500-1000, and >1000 g. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 704 consecutive patients and 1041 total mastectomy surgeries had complete mastectomy specimen weight data. Of these, 437 breasts were in the <500 g specimen group, 425 were included in the 500-1000 g group and 179 in the >1000g group. The rate of overall complications between the three mastectomy weight groups (<500, 500-1000, and >1000 g) was statistically significant (14.0%, 17.6%, and 25.7%; P = 0.002, respectively) and were higher with increased mastectomy weights. Notably, in patients with breast mastectomy weight >1000 g, autologous reconstruction had significantly reduced rates of overall complications (AOR = 0.512, P = 0.048). CONCLUSION: Complication rates were lower in women with larger breast weights undergoing autologous reconstruction, warranting potential use of autologous free flap breast reconstruction in women with large mastectomy specimen weights when possible.

Improving Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes in Syndromic Patients With Webbed Neck Deformity: Utilizing a Staged Endoscopic-Assisted Approach to Improve the Posterior Hairline and Decrease Scar Burden.

INTRODUCTION: Webbed neck deformity (WND) can have significant functional and psychosocial impact on the developing child. Surgical correction can be challenging depending on the extent of the deformity, and patients often also have low posterior hairlines requiring simultaneous correction. Current surgical techniques include various methods of single-stage radical excision that often result in visible scar burden and residual deformity. There is currently no general consensus of which technique provides the best outcomes. METHODS: A modified approach to WND was designed by the senior author aimed to decrease scar burden. Endoscopic-assisted fasciectomy was performed with simultaneous posterior hairline reconstruction with local tissue rearrangement camouflaged within the hair-bearing scalp. Staged surgical correction was planned rather than correction in a single operation. A retrospective review was performed to evaluate all patients who underwent this approach over a 2-year period. RESULTS: Two patients underwent the modified approach, a 17-year-old female with Noonan syndrome and a 2-year-old female with Turner syndrome. Both patients showed postoperative improvement in range of motion, contour of the jaw and neckline, and posterior hairline definition. Patients were found to have decreased scar burden compared with traditional techniques. DISCUSSION: A staged, combination approach of endoscopic-assisted fasciectomy and strategic local tissue reconstruction of the posterior hairline to correct WND achieves good functional and aesthetic results and good patient satisfaction. This modification should be considered when managing WND.

Evaluating the Impact of ACGME Resident Duty Hour Restrictions on Patient Outcomes for Bilateral Breast Reductions.

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) implemented duty-hour restrictions limiting residents to 80 hours per week in 2003 and further extended restrictions in 2011 to improve resident and patient well-being. Numerous studies have examined the effects of these restrictions on patient outcomes with inconclusive results. Few efforts have been made to examine the impact of this reform on the safety of common plastic surgery procedures. This study seeks to assess the influence of ACGME duty-hour restrictions on patient outcomes, using bilateral breast reduction mammoplasty as a marker for resident involvement and operative autonomy. Methods: Bilateral breast reductions performed in the 3 years before and after each reform were collected from the National Inpatient Sample database: pre-duty hours (2000-2002), duty hours (2006-2008), and extended duty hours (2012-2014). Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to investigate the association between ACGME duty hour restrictions on medical and surgical complications. Results: Overall, 19,423 bilateral breast reductions were identified. Medical and surgical complication rates in these patients increased with each successive iteration of duty hour restrictions (P < 0.001). The 2003 duty-hour restriction independently associated with increased surgical (OR = 1.51, P < 0.001) and medical complications (OR = 1.85, P < 0.001). The 2011 extended duty-hour restriction was independently associated with increased surgical complications (OR = 1.39, P < 0.001). Conclusions: ACGME duty-hour restrictions do not seem associated with better patient outcomes for bilateral breast reduction although there are multiple factors involved. These considerations and consequences should be considered in decisions that affect resident quality of life, education, and patient safety.

An Effective, Reproducible, and Cost-Effective Approach for Achieving Symmetry in Bicoronal Incisions in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Craniofacial Surgery.

SUMMARY: Bicoronal incisions are frequently used for exposure and access to the craniofacial skeleton. A zigzag design is often used to camouflage the resultant scar. Often, free-hand zigzag drawings require several correction attempts to ensure symmetry because of the need for replication of multiple limbs of the bicoronal incision that need to be similar lengths, distance, and angles from each other. The authors present a novel technique using a template that rapidly and consistently achieves symmetric zigzag bicoronal incisions. The device is a hairstyling device that is inherently geometric in its design. Retrospective results of pediatric craniofacial patients from 2010 to 2018 are presented. Patients undergoing endoscopic reconstructions and patients who had prior operations at other institutions were excluded from the study. Fifty-two patients met inclusion criteria, with age at surgery ranging from 3 to 207 months (mean, 17 months). Follow-up ranged from 1 to 66 months (mean, 26 months). Data collected included demographics, type of surgery, and operative outcomes, including incision-related complications. Using this dynamic hairstyling device in a novel application as a template results in a fast, effective, and easily reproducible symmetric bicoronal zigzag incision in all cases. This technique eliminates the need for adjusting the length and angles of bicoronal incisions, and it can be adapted across a variety of head sizes and shapes in both pediatric and adult populations.

Hospital volume is associated with cost and outcomes variation in 2,942 pelvic reconstructions.

BACKGROUND: Complex pelvic reconstruction is challenging for plastic and reconstructive surgeons following surgical resection of the lower gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract. Complication rates and hospital costs are variable and may be linked to the hospital case volume of pelvic reconstructions performed. A comprehensive examination of these factors has yet to be performed. METHODS: Data were retrieved for patients undergoing pedicled flap reconstruction after pelvic resections in the American National Inpatient Sample database between 2010 and 2014. Patients were then separated into three groups based on hospital case volume for pelvic reconstruction. Multivariate logistic regression and gamma regression with log-link function were used to analyze associations between hospital case volume, surgical outcomes, and cost. RESULTS: In total, 2,942 patients underwent pelvic flap reconstruction with surgical complications occurring in 1,466 patients (49.8%). Total median cost was $38,469.40. Pelvic reconstructions performed at high-volume hospitals were significantly associated with fewer surgical complications (low: 51.4%, medium: 52.8%, high: 34.8%; p < 0.001) and increased costs (low: $35,645.14, medium: $38,714.92, high: $44,967.29; p < 0.001). After regression adjustment, high hospital volume was the strongest independently associated factor for decreased surgical complications (Exp[ß], 0.454; 95% Confidence Interval, 0.346-0.596; p < 0.001) and increased hospital cost (Exp[ß], 1.351; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.285-1.421; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing pelvic flap reconstruction after oncologic resections experience high complication rates. High case volume hospitals were independently associated with significantly fewer surgical complications but increased hospital costs. Reconstructive surgeons may approach these challenging patients with greater awareness of these associations to improve outcomes and address cost drivers.