Evidence-Based Performance Measures for Reconstruction after Skin Cancer Resection: A Multidisciplinary Performance Measure Set.

BACKGROUND: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons commissioned the multidisciplinary Performance Measure Development Work Group on Reconstruction after Skin Cancer Resection to identify and draft quality measures for the care of patients undergoing skin cancer reconstruction. Included stakeholders were the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the American College of Mohs Surgery, the American Society for Mohs Surgery, and a patient representative. METHODS: Two outcome measures and five process measures were identified. The outcome measures included the following: (1) patient satisfaction with information provided by their surgeon before their facial procedure, and (2) postprocedural urgent care or emergency room use. The process measures focus on antibiotic stewardship, anticoagulation continuation and/or coordination of care, opioid avoidance, and verification of clear margins. RESULTS: All measures in this report were approved by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Quality and Performance Measures Work Group and Executive Committee, and the stakeholder societies. CONCLUSION: The work group recommends the use of these measures for quality initiatives, Continuing Medical Education, Continuous Certification, Qualified Clinical Data Registry reporting, and national quality reporting programs.

The I-STOP Program and Narcotic Prescriptions Following Facial Reconstructive Plastic Surgeries.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effect of e-prescribing requirements on narcotic dispersion in New York State. Slicer Dicer was used to identify patient records based on CPT codes. METHODS: We investigated the influence of New York State e-prescribing requirements on narcotic dispersion following five common facial plastics procedures. Slicer Dicer was used to identify patient records based on CPT codes.We then looked at narcotic prescription rates following those surgeries between March 2014 and March 2018 at an academic institution. RESULTS: Overall, between March 2014 and March 2018, 76.1% of the sample received a narcotic prescription following a facial reconstructive plastic surgery. Patients who underwent rhinoplasty were most likely to receive a prescription for postoperative narcotics. The implementation of ISTOP, CPT code, use of non-narcotic adjuvant, and insurance type were each significantly associated with prescription of postoperative narcotics. Surgery time and age in years were significantly associated with prescription of postoperative narcotics. Ultimately, when controlling for the aforementioned clinical and sociodemographic variables included in the study, those who underwent surgery after the implementation of ISTOP were 42.8% less likely to receive a prescription for postoperative narcotics, aOR = 0.572, 95% CI 0.356, 0.919, p = 0.021. CONCLUSIONS: New York State's ISTOP program has succeeded in reducing the number of postoperative narcotic prescriptions following facial plastic reconstructive surgeries at this academic institution. However, opioid medications can still be utilized for postoperative analgesia when clinically appropriate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:1208-1213, 2024.

Evaluation of Mobile and Digital Single-Lens Reflex Photography for Facial Surgical Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: High-quality perioperative photography is imperative to good surgical planning in facial reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. We explore the utility of an add-on smartphone telephoto lens to avoid the distortions noted in prior studies using smartphone cameras. METHODS: Standard perioperative photographs of the same subject were taken with three distinct cameras using a dual-ring light setup. The three camera setups iPhone 11 alone, iPhone 11 with the 58 Moment telephoto lens attachment, and a D3300 Nikon DSLR APS-C sensor camera with a 60 mm NIKKOR F2.8G ED macro lens were compared using a 47-question online survey consisting of demographic and image-specific questions sent to plastic surgeons. RESULTS: Forty-nine facial plastic surgeons completed the survey. The iPhone 11 alone was identified as having the lowest quality for central/peripheral distortion (83%), columella/caudal septum/alar anatomy (58.3%), and skin quality (38.3%). With the addition of the telephoto lens, the ability to assess all categories was significantly improved. 53.1% (n = 26) of respondents found the iPhone 11 + 58 mm telephoto lens setup to be the most useful for perioperative surgical planning. CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone photography with the addition of a telephoto lens can offer a comparable option to the DSLR with regard to photo quality and detail. SUMMARY: A telephoto add-on lens is an effective solution to overcome the central distortion seen in images taken by the iPhone for perioperative photography. This photo quality was found to be comparable to that of traditional DSLR cameras in our survey study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2590-2596, 2023.

Facial Trauma During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on the regional trends in facial trauma at a tertiary care, level 1 trauma center in Central New York. Methods: The study sample was derived from the population of patients who presented with facial trauma to the emergency department at the Downtown and/or Community Campuses of SUNY Upstate University Hospital between March 1, 2020, and May 15, 2020, and compared to two historical controls in 2018 and 2019. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were calculated for study variables in each cohort. Poisson regression was used to compare incident rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals with significance set at P < .05. Results: Sixty five patients presented during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 83 presented in 2019 and 95 in 2018. For the study period, the most common mechanism was assault in 47.7%. IRR was significantly lower than in 2018 (IRR = 1.46, P = .018), but not significantly different from 2019 (IRR = 1.28, P = .14). During lockdown, IRR was significantly decreased compared to 2019 (IRR = 1.84, P = .0029) and 2018 (IRR = 2.16, P < .001). Conclusions: The volume of facial trauma seen in Central New York appears undeterred in the absence of "shelter in place" orders. Analysis of pandemic and regional trauma variations can offer valuable insight for improved resource allocation to better prepare for potentially high-risk procedures.

Utilization of Rhinoplasty Worksheets among Practicing Facial Plastic Surgeons.

Rhinoplasty is the most commonly performed procedure by facial plastic surgeons, yet many consider it the most complex and variable surgery performed. Yet no standardized surgical worksheet has been established to document the maneuvers and anatomical changes made despite the known high rate of revision surgery. This study aimed to assess the utility and utilization of rhinoplasty surgical worksheets amongst facial plastic surgeons, as well as the perceptions and attitudes toward standardization of a common rhinoplasty surgical worksheet. METHOD: We distributed an online survey to all active members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, in order to assess trends in utilization of surgical worksheets and the willingness of physicians to adhere to a standardized worksheet to be included in patient's medical records. RESULTS: When surveyed, 84 of the 130 respondents reported using a surgical worksheet, with 63 of 84 mentioned using a variation of their own custom worksheets. Of the 84 surgeons, 45 used these worksheets "often" or "always" during follow-up appointments. However, 111 of the 130 reported "never" or "rarely" receiving a surgical worksheet from another provider for revision rhinoplasties. In total, 96 of the 130 respondents were "strongly in favor" or "in favor" of sharing worksheets with other providers and 87/130 were in favor of establishing a standardized rhinoplasty worksheet for all rhinoplasty patients. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of respondents reported using surgical worksheets for rhinoplasties with very few reporting ever receiving other surgeons' worksheets prior to revision rhinoplasties. Roughly three fourths of respondents were in favor of sharing worksheets along with a majority in favor of a standardized worksheet. This would represent a significant change in practice along with potentially increased collaboration between surgeons and subsequent advancement of patient care.

Recent developments in head and neck melanoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overview of recently published articles covering melanoma management of the head and neck region. RECENT FINDINGS: Melanoma management represents a rapidly evolving field. The advent of immunotherapy has led to significant changes in diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance for these patients. Invasive interventions including completion lymph node dissection have been largely replaced with increased surveillance driven by robust data showing no significant difference in overall survival. Studies have explored various treatment regimens that offer improved outcomes with the least adverse events, with a recent trend towards neoadjuvant therapy. Research has also shifted towards better understanding genetics and biomarkers that influence response to these medications. The best means to both identify and monitor these changes is being explored. As our understanding of this complex disease process continues to grow, prognosis in patients suffering with melanoma should continue to improve. SUMMARY: The expansion of immunotherapy use in melanoma management has led to significantly improved prognosis in diagnosed patients. Present research is largely focused on better understanding the ideal patient populations, dosing, and surveillance for these therapies. Data from these studies will be crucial in better staging and treating patients with melanoma.

Associations between population based voting trends during the 2016 US presidential election and adolescent vaccination rates.

BACKGROUND: Politics play a role in the dissemination of public health information, including immunization-related issues. We aim to describe relationships between HPV vaccination rates and state voting patterns during the 2016 US presidential election. METHODS: We classified each of the 50 states as either "Red" or "Blue," based on whether a higher proportion of the state's casted votes were for the Republican or Democratic nominee during the 2016 US presidential election. State-specific HPV, Tdap, and meningococcal vaccination rates were obtained from the 2016-National Immunization Survey-Teen. State socio-demographic factors and HPV vaccine legislation were obtained from the US Census Bureau and National Conference of State Legislatures. Vaccination rates and socio-demographic variables were compared using independent t-tests. Multiple linear regression compared vaccination rates between "Red" and "Blue" states, adjusting for percentage of both uninsured children and educational attainment. RESULTS: Compared to "Blue" states, "Red" states had significantly lower unadjusted HPV vaccine series initiation (56% vs 66%, p < 0.05) and completion (39% vs 50%, p < 0.05) rates; yet had similar rates of Tdap (88% vs 89%, p > 0.05) and meningococcal (79% vs 83%, p > 0.05) vaccinations. After adjusting for potential confounders, the regression-adjusted mean rate for HPV vaccine initiation and completion remained significantly lower for "Red" states compared to "Blue" states (57% vs 65%, p < 0.05, and 41% vs 48%, p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: HPV vaccination rates are associated with statewide-level voting patterns. Future interventions aimed at improving HPV vaccination rates should consider engaging local and national elected leaders to be proactive in disseminating accurate and authoritative immunization information.

Maxillofacial injuries among National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes: 2004-2014.

OBJECTIVE: Participation in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sports increases annually, yet the risk of maxillofacial injuries among these athletes is unknown. We report the incidence and trends in maxillofacial injuries among NCAA athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of the NCAA Injury Surveillance System (ISS) representing athletes from seven men's and eight women's sports across Divisions 1, 2, and 3. Incidence of maxillofacial injuries by sport, gender, anatomic location, and injuries requiring surgery were measured. METHODS: Athlete exposure data from 2004 to 2005 through 2013 to 2014 were analyzed, along with maxillofacial injuries recorded in the NCAA-ISS. RESULTS: There were 2,017 injuries recorded, which projects to 41,204 injuries from 202,087,229 athlete events, or 2.04 injuries per 10,000 athlete events (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68 to 2.40). Women had higher injury rates, 2.06 versus 2.03 (P = 0.016 [95% CI 0.22 to 2.09]). Highest rates were noted in men's wrestling 7.02 (95% CI, 2.84 to 11.19) and men's basketball 4.80 (95% CI, 3.57 to 6.02), and were lowest in women's ice hockey 0.61 (95% CI, 0.17 to 1.06) and women's volleyball 0.43 (95% CI, 0.20 to 0.66). No gender differences in fractures or need for surgery, but men sustained more operative fractures, 27.85% versus 17.04% (P = 0.035 [95% CI, 0.79 to 20.82]). Men's football, women's ice hockey, women's volleyball, and women's gymnastics had consistently low fracture rates. CONCLUSION: Maxillofacial injuries represent approximately 3.4% of all injuries sustained by NCAA athletes. Women had a higher injury rate, whereas men had a higher rate of operative facial fractures. Awareness and improved facial protection, especially among noncontact sports, will be crucial in reducing the incidence of these injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1296-1301, 2017.

Anatomy of the upper lateral cartilage along the lateral pyriform aperture.

BACKGROUND: The upper lateral cartilages underlie the nasal bones cephalically, and articulate with the nasal septum medially. The authors studied the histologic and anatomical relationships between the lateral aspect of the upper lateral cartilages and the frontal process of the maxilla. METHODS: Six cadaver noses were dissected by open rhinoplasty to expose the upper lateral cartilages bilaterally. Subperiosteal dissection was performed over the medial maxillae and nasal bones to expose the perimeter of the pyriform aperture. Twelve sides were analyzed anatomically. Three cadavers were used to create six tissue specimens for histologic analysis, by resecting the tissue of the upper lateral cartilage-maxillary bone articulation en bloc. RESULTS: Grossly in all specimens, the upper lateral cartilage articulated with the frontal process of the maxilla laterally, lying deep to the coronal plane of the maxillary bone. In four histologic specimens, the upper lateral cartilage was found to underlie the frontal process of the maxilla laterally, displaying an overlapping relationship. In the other two histologic specimens, the upper lateral cartilage ended medial to the maxilla. In all specimens, the ends of the upper lateral cartilage and maxilla articulated by way of a pyriform ligament. CONCLUSIONS: The upper lateral cartilage articulates laterally with the frontal process of the maxilla by means of the pyriform ligament, with a variable amount of overlap between the upper lateral cartilage and maxilla. Relationships among the upper lateral cartilage, maxilla, and pyriform ligament affect the configuration of the lateral internal nasal valve area, and should be considered when planning internal nasal valve reconstruction.

Update on approaches to the craniomaxillofacial skeleton.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A myriad of surgical approaches to the craniomaxillofacial skeleton exist. Depending on the purpose of the procedure and the anatomic area to be addressed, classically used approaches include coronal approach, midfacial degloving, eyelid incisions, and other cutaneous incisions. Over the last decade, endoscopic approaches have become more popular. Whether external, transoral, or endoscopic, a detailed knowledge of the indications, anatomy, limitations, and potential complications is critical to the successful employment of these approaches. This article reviews the recent literature on classic as well as novel advancements to the craniofacial skeleton. RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple studies in the last 5 years have investigated the approaches to the craniofacial skeleton. Most of these focus on trauma. Recent advances have concentrated on external versus endoscopic approaches to the mandibular condyle, an endoscopic approach to the midface and orbit, three-dimensional imaging of the facial skeleton, and improving upon the existing classic approaches and techniques. SUMMARY: Approaches to the craniomaxillofacial skeleton continue to evolve with the refinement of classic approaches and advent of new technologies and approaches. This study reviews the recent literature and provides a comprehensive review of options for craniofacial exposure and the most up-to-date surgical options.

Tissue conservation using circular defect with dog-ear deformities excision technique.

OBJECTIVES: Compare circular defect with dog-ear deformities excision (CDDE) technique to 3:1 fusiform excision technique when removing facial lesions to analyze which technique provides superior wound closure. METHODS: Identical 1-cm circular skin defects were created on bilateral cheek, forehead, and parietal scalp on three fresh cadavers. Similarly, using four fresh cadavers, identical 2-cm circular skin defects were created on bilateral cheek, forehead, and scalp. In both the 1-cm and 2-cm circular defects (n = 19), a 3:1 fusiform excision and closure was performed on one side of the cadaver head for control. On the opposite side, CDDE excision technique was performed. The following measurements were recorded: circumferential incision length after tissue excision, average of wound widening widths after an approximation suture was placed at the halfway point, and the final incision length after primary closure. Final incision length upon closure was divided by the original defect size to obtain a final incision length to defect ratio. A paired t-test was performed on all variables for analysis. RESULTS: When using the CDDE excision technique, there were statistically significant decreases in circumference, average wound widening, final incision length in both 1-cm and 2-cm circular defects (P < .01). The final incision length upon closure to defect ratio in CDDE excision was approximately 2.5:1, whereas 3:1 fusiform excision resulted in the final incision length to defect ratio of approximately 3.5:1. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to fusiform excision technique, CDDE excision technique appears to minimize tissue excision, decrease wound widening and the final incision length.

Reconstruction of eyelid defects.

Reconstruction of the eyelids is highly complex because of their function and critical role in appearance. Optimal restoration of their form and function depends on a firm understanding of normal eyelid position, the structural support system of the eyelids, and the forces that act to keep the eyelids in precise balance. With this knowledge, the surgeon can choose among numerous reconstructive techniques to correct a deficit, depending on its location, depth, and size, while restoring normal eyelid function and an esthetically pleasing form. This article reviews the pertinent eyelid anatomy, describes methods for analysis of eyelid position before and after surgery, and discusses the structural restoration options for commonly encountered eyelid defects.

Update on perioral cosmetic enhancement.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As our understanding of the perioral region advances and procedures available for its treatment increase, we are more able to successfully treat the aged perioral region with minimal risk. The aged perioral region has traditionally been rejuvenated by direct surgical excision, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing. Many minimally invasive techniques are now employed for this purpose, including chemodenervation, use of soft tissue fillers, and fat grafting. RECENT FINDINGS: Over the last couple of decades, rejuvenation techniques have evolved to include chemodenervation, soft tissue fillers, fat grafting, and dermabrasion. The present article will review the most recent literature regarding the use of these techniques for various perioral age-related changes, including rhytids, labiomental folds, nasolabial folds, lip-cheek grooves, and thinning lips. Often, these modalities are combined to give the most natural aesthetic result. SUMMARY: An increase in our armamentarium of techniques and general understanding of the complex perioral region allows us to treat the area quite effectively with minimal risk. Volume loss, a key component of perioral aging, is best addressed with soft tissue fillers and autologous fat. In addition, botulinum toxin helps rest some of the key muscles responsible for perioral rhytids. Facial resurfacing techniques are still crucial adjuncts in the rejuvenation of this area, and they may be the only treatment that adequately addresses multiple deeper perioral rhytids.

Nontraumatic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea as a result of pseudotumor cerebri.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that pseudotumor cerebri, also known as benign intracranial hypertension, can be an overlooked cause of spontaneous, nontraumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study presents a literature review and 2 case reports. The medical records of 2 patients who had nontraumatic CSF rhinorrhea were reviewed. RESULTS: The patients were diagnosed as having spontaneous, nontraumatic CSF rhinorrhea, believed to have been caused by pseudotumor cerebri, and were surgically treated. The patients are obese, middle-aged women. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is most often the result of trauma, but it may also occur spontaneously because of nontraumatic causes in some patients. Pseudotumor cerebri can be an overlooked cause of spontaneous, nontraumatic CSF rhinorrhea. A patient with signs and symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri should be evaluated and treated, if the condition is present, to prevent complications that include irreversible visual loss and CSF rhinorrhea.

Floating the uvula: an intraoperative method for detecting bifidity.

A bifid uvula, midline diastasis of the palatal muscles, and notching of the posterior hard palate have classically formed a triad diagnosing submucosal clefts. The uvula has thus served as a tool for clinicians to detect the earliest signs of clefting. In this case report, we discuss how mucosal lining may be held together by mucous viscosity, making it difficult to detect notching or a grossly bifid uvula. We demonstrate a simple intraoperative technique to easily overcome this force. This paper involves a case report of an 8-year-old female undergoing an adenotonsillectomy. A previously undetected bifid uvula was found only after floating the uvula in normal saline solution. This changed our surgical approach from a complete to a partial adenoidectomy. A bifid uvula may be considered the earliest form of a cleft palate, and more importantly, it has been shown in the literature to be associated with other anomalies as submucosal cleft, hyoplastic eustachian tube orifice, and absence of the salpingopharyngeal folds. The intraoperative technique of floating the uvula helps to overcome mucous viscosity and identify an otherwise missed bifid uvula.