A Cadaveric Anatomical and Histological Study of Recipient Intercostal Nerve Selection for Sensory Reinnervation in Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) has grown in popularity due to improved aesthetic and long-term patient reported outcomes, but data regarding sensory reinnervation of autologous flaps remain limited. Traditionally, the lateral cutaneous branch of the fourth intercostal nerve has been used for flap neurotization, but the use of the anterior cutaneous branch of the intercostal nerves (ACB) offer a more optimal location to the microsurgical field when using internal mammary vessels for the microanastomosis. This study aimed to evaluate the optimum ACB recipient site level for sensory nerve coaptation in ABR. METHODS: Twelve hemi-chests were dissected from six fresh cadaveric females. Costal cartilages were removed and the anterior cutaneous intercostal nerve (ACB) and the lateral (subcutaneous) division of the anterior cutaneous branch (LACB) of the intercostal nerve were exposed. Anatomical measurements were recorded, and nerve samples were evaluated histologically with carbonic anhydrase staining to differentiate sensory fascicles. Assessment of fascicular diameter, axonal counts, and fascicular area were compared. RESULTS: A total of 75 nerve specimens were assessed. The ACB was identified at all levels (100%) and the subcutaneous LACB was noted consistently in the second to fourth rib space (96% cadavers), with a median length of 43, 37.5, and 37 mm, respectively. Across all rib spaces, the fascicular and axonal counts were comparable between the LACB and ACB. Nerves in the second intercostal space had a significantly larger mean fascicular area mean (112,816 ± 157,120 µm2) compared with that in the fourth (mean 26,474 ± 38,626 µm2), p = 0.03. Axonal count of sensory fascicles was the highest in the second intercostal nerves (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study provides anatomical and histological basis to determine the optimum recipient site choice for sensory coaptation in microsurgical breast reconstruction. This would aid in operative decision-making regarding the ideal recipient anterior cutaneous intercostal nerve branches for recipient site coaptation in ABR.

Complications after thigh sarcoma resection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Standard treatment for extremity sarcoma is limb-sparing surgery often with radiation, but complications occur frequently. We sought to determine factors predictive of wound complications after thigh sarcoma resection and reconstruction while analyzing trends over time. METHODS: We reviewed all thigh defects requiring plastic surgeon reconstruction following sarcoma resection at our institution from 1997 to 2014. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative characteristics, multi-modality therapies, and complications were analyzed. Wound complications were: infection, dehiscence, seroma, hematoma, or partial/total flap loss. RESULTS: There were 159 thigh reconstructions followed for 30 months on average. Eighty-seven percent of patients underwent radiation and 42% had chemotherapy. Almost half (49.1%) had a complication. The most common wound complication was surgical site infection (23.3%) followed by dehiscence (19.5%), and seroma (10.7%). Less common were partial (2.5%) or total flap loss (0.6%). Reoperation was required in 21 patients (13.2%). Tobacco use, older patient age, cardiac disease, and higher body mass index were independently associated with wound complications. Complications trended towards decreasing over time, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco use, cardiac disease, and higher body mass index, but not the timing of reconstruction, appear to increase the risk of wound complications after thigh soft tissue sarcomas resection and plastic surgery reconstruction.

Extremity free fillet flap for reconstruction of massive oncologic resection-Surgical technique and outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to present our experience using free fillet flaps to reconstruct massive oncologic defects of the upper and lower extremity. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to include patients who underwent oncologic resection followed by reconstruction using free fillet flaps from July 2001 to October 2018. Patient demographics, clinical and surgical characteristics, and postoperative complications were reviewed. RESULTS: In total, 12 patients were identified and included in this study. Mean age was 48.9 years old. Five patients had extended forequarter amputations and seven patients had external hemipelvectomies, all for locally advanced tumors. Mean tumor size was 15 ± SD 6.4 cm, and negative tumor margins were achieved in all the patients. Mean flap size was 1028 ± SD 869 cm2 . The mean follow-up was 13 months. There were no partial or total flap losses in the postoperative period. Two patients had flap-related postoperative complications, including flap bleeding and wound dehiscence. Median survival was 18 months. CONCLUSION: The free fillet flap is a safe, reliable, and valuable approach for reconstructing oncological defects. It offers the advantage of avoiding donor site morbidity, while providing extensive soft-tissue coverage as a one-step solution for massive oncologic defects.

Robotic-Assisted DIEP Flap Harvest for Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Comparative Feasibility Study on a Cadaveric Model.

BACKGROUND: The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the most common perforator flap for microsurgical breast reconstruction. Contrary to the conventional open approach, robotic-assisted DIEP flap harvest intends to preserve ARS integrity, thereby reducing the morbidity. We assessed the feasibility and compared performance outcomes of a robotic, cadaveric training model for DIEP flap harvest using two approaches: transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal (TEP). METHODS: A robotics system (da Vinci Xi) was applied in conjunction with a cadaveric training model. Ports were placed in the abdominal wall to triangulate each DIEP flap. Surgical time and technical characteristics were recorded. Values were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Eight female cadavers (16 hemi-DIEP flaps) were dissected: 50% TAPP and 50% TEP approaches. Mean harvest time was 56 minutes (range: 48-74 minutes) and 65 minutes (range: 60-83 minutes) for TAPP versus TEP groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Mean pedicle dissection time was 36 minutes (range: 25-40 minutes) and 39 minutes (range: 30-42 minutes) for TAPP versus TEP groups, respectively (p > 0.05). Intra-abdominal contents were manipulated twice on average in the TAPP group versus 0 times in the TEP group (p < 0.05). One TAPP case had an injury to the bowel, and one TEP case was converted to conventional open due to pneumoperitoneum. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted DIEP flap harvest represents a technological enhancement for advanced regenerative plastic surgery. Our model demonstrated both TAPP and TEP are feasible, with TEP less invasive, preserving the posterior rectus sheath, and decreasing complication risks. However, there is a steeper and longer learning curve for TEP.

Cell-Based Therapies in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DCs) are bone marrow-derived, professional antigen-presenting cells with tolerogenic function. The ability of DCs to regulate alloantigen-specific T cell responses and to promote tolerance has aligned them ideally for a role in vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). In this study, we summarize the current evidence for DC therapies for tolerance induction to alleviate the requirement for chronic immunosuppression. METHOD: A comprehensive and structured review of manuscripts published on VCA was performed using the MEDLINE and PubMed databases. All eligible studies published from the year 2000 to 2017 were included in the final results. RESULT: Nineteen original preclinical and clinical studies that employed cell therapy for VCA were included in this review. In vivo DC therapy was found to direct the alloimmune response toward either transplant rejection or tolerance in VCA models. While injection of mature DCs rapidly increases T-cell activity in humans and promotes transplant rejection, the injection of immature DCs acts as an immunosuppressant and inhibits T-cell activity. In addition to immature DCs, mesenchymal stem cells were also found to have a positive effect on allotransplantation of solid organs and bone marrow via cytokine expression which decreases the alloreactive effector lymphocytes and increases CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3 Tregs. Despite the promising findings, the efficacy of cell-based therapies varies greatly across studies, partly due to different methods of cell isolation and purification techniques, source, route and timing of administration, and combination immunosuppressive therapy. CONCLUSION: Additional research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DC and other cell-based therapeutic measures in human allotransplant recipients. Future direction will focus on the development of novel methods to reduce immunosuppression and develop more individualized management, as well as the clinical application of basic research in the mechanisms of immunologic tolerance.

Reconstructive Microsurgery: The Future Is Today.

This reconstructive microsurgery course will run yearly and was borne and popularized from its infant meeting the year before, primarily focused on perforator flaps. It is a 2-day course updating residents/registrars to attending physicians/consultants about the most topical advancements in microvascular reconstructive surgery. The course is held at the New York University Langone Hospital in the United States.The timetable is primarily lecture based with the advantage of live-surgical procedures by world-renowned faculty. The timetable includes, but not limited to, facial/hand vascularized composite allotransplantation, upper/lower limb, breast, head and neck, transgender, and lymphedema surgery. Lectures were highly informative and there was ample time for case discussion with the appreciation that managing complex situations often requires input from other colleagues. The faculty focused on the lessons they have learned and potential pitfalls to avoid. The faculty was comprised of leading experts in reconstructive microsurgery from Europe, Korea, and throughout the United States.The primary emphasis of the course was to appreciate the global recognition in advances in microsurgery.

Comparative Study of Liposomal Bupivacaine Versus Paravertebral Block for Pain Control Following Mastectomy with Immediate Tissue Expander Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Several approaches to minimize postoperative pain, nausea, and enhance recovery are available for patients undergoing mastectomy with immediate tissue expander (TE) reconstruction. We compared the effectiveness of intraoperative local infiltration of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) to preoperative paravertebral block (PVB). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent mastectomy with immediate TE reconstruction between May 2012 and October 2014 and compared patients with preoperative ultrasound-guided PVB to those with intraoperative LB infiltration. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (54.6 %) received LB and 44 received PVB. LB was associated with less opioid use in the recovery room (p < 0.001), fewer patients requiring antiemetics (p = 0.03), and lower day of surgery pain scores (p = 0.008). LB also was associated with longer time to first opioid use (p = 0.04). On multivariable analysis controlling for expander placement location, year of surgery, and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), the only variable that remained statistically significant was lower opioid use in the recovery room for patients with LB (p = 0.03) and day of surgery pain scores approached significance (p = 0.05). There was no difference in the proportion of patients discharged within 36 h of surgery between the groups. Focusing on first cases of the day (where PVBs are performed in the OR) showed average time to skin incision was 15 min shorter in the LB group (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Local infiltration of LB in patients undergoing mastectomy with immediate TE reconstruction decreases narcotic requirements in the recovery room, shortens preoperative anesthesiology time, and provides similar, if not better, perioperative pain control compared with PVB.

Maximizing the Volume of Latissimus Dorsi Flap in Autologous Breast Reconstruction with Simultaneous Multisite Fat Grafting.

BACKGROUND: The pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap serves an important function in breast reconstruction, but its utility is limited by its inability to provide sufficient breast volume. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this preliminary report was to review the techniques and outcomes of utilizing fat-grafted, volume-enhanced LD flap transfer with fat grafting recipient sites in autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of 10 patients (14 breasts) who underwent autologous breast reconstruction utilizing the LD flap transfer technique and simultaneous fat grafting between August 2012 and September 2014. Multilayer, multisite fat grafting was performed to the LD muscle, LD skin paddle, mastectomy skin flaps, and the pectoralis major and serratus muscles simultaneously with the LD flap transfer. RESULTS: Three patients underwent an immediate breast reconstruction, four underwent a delayed breast reconstruction, and four underwent a tertiary breast reconstruction following previously failed breast reconstructions (one patient underwent each of the first two procedures, one on each breast). The average age of the patients was 55 years (range, 39-76 years), the average body mass index of the patients was 29.3 (range, 19.6-39.9), and the average fat grafting volume for the patients was 176 mL (range, 50-300 mL). There was 100% flap survival and complete wound healing. No seroma or fat grafting-related complications were clinically detected. Three patients required additional fat grafting. CONCLUSIONS: The fat-grafted, volume-enhanced LD flap procedure with fat grafting recipient sites offers a simple and safe technique for autologous breast reconstruction, with low morbidity and fast recovery. It can be a useful alternative to utilizing abdomen-based flaps in autologous breast reconstruction or could be performed to salvage both implant-based and free-flap breast reconstructions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: Therapeutic.

Is the SMAS Flap Facelift Safe? A Comparison of Complications Between the Sub-SMAS Approach Versus the Subcutaneous Approach With or Without SMAS Plication in Aesthetic Rhytidectomy at an Academic Institution.

BACKGROUND: For treating the aging face, a facelift is the surgical standard. A variety of techniques have been described. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the safety of the sub-SMAS facelift compared to the subcutaneous facelift with or without SMAS plication. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients who underwent facelift surgery between 2003 and 2011. Patients included in the study were seeking elective improvement of facial appearance. All charts were reviewed to identify the presence of hematoma, seroma, deep venous thrombosis, skin loss, unfavorable scar, wound infection, or motor and sensory deficit following the operation. The primary outcome was overall complication rate. RESULTS: A total of 229 facelifts were included; 143 patients underwent a subcutaneous facelift with or without SMAS plication and 86 underwent a sub-SMAS facelift. For the subcutaneous facelifts, 88% of the patients were female with a mean age of 62 years. For the sub-SMAS dissections, 88% of the patients were female with a mean age of 59 years. The overall complication rate was 29.4% (n = 42) for patients who underwent a subcutaneous facelift compared to 24.4% (n = 21) for patients with a sub-SMAS facelift (p = 0.4123). Analysis of each individual complication failed to yield any statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, sub-SMAS facelift complication rates were not statistically different compared to those of subcutaneous facelift with or without SMAS plication. These data suggest that sub-SMAS dissection can be performed with similar safety compared to the traditional subcutaneous facelift, with the potential additional advantage of the SMAS flap elevation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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.

Assessing the augmented breast: a blinded study comparing round and anatomical form-stable implants.

BACKGROUND: Controversy persists as to whether round or anatomical form-stable breast implants provide the most aesthetically pleasing results, and there is a paucity of evidence comparing cosmetic outcomes of these two implants. A blinded study comparing aesthetic outcomes was conducted in an attempt to address this issue. OBJECTIVES: The authors compare aesthetic outcomes between round and anatomical form-stable breast implants. METHODS: Pre- and postoperative photographs of 60 consecutive patients undergoing breast augmentation (33 round, 27 anatomical) by a single surgeon were reviewed by 22 plastic surgeons. Photographs were graded on a modified Likert scale (1, poor; 4, excellent) for overall aesthetic result, upper pole contour, and natural appearance. The panel was asked to determine implant shape. RESULTS: Anatomical implants scored higher for upper pole contour: anatomical 2.80 (±0.44 - standard deviation) vs round 2.60 (±0.38). With regard to natural appearance and overall aesthetic results, anatomical implants scored higher: 2.89 (±0.42) vs 2.56 (±0.36) and 2.86 (±0.41) vs 2.72 (±0.37), respectively. None of these differences achieved statistical significance, and 62.7% of round and 49% of anatomical implants were correctly identified. There was no significant difference in the body mass index (BMI) between the 2 groups (P = .21). CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference (P > .05) in the general and specific cosmetic points between round and anatomical implants was demonstrated; many on the panel were unable to identify implant shape correctly. Both techniques seem to yield good cosmetic results. Clearly the decision on which implant to use must be made on an individual patient basis because many factors influence overall aesthetic outcome. Anatomical implants should not be assumed to produce a more natural result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Therapeutic.

Outcomes of Standardized Protocols in Supercharged Pedicled Jejunal Esophageal Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of long-segment supercharged pedicled jejunal (SPJ) interposition after implementation of a dedicated multidisciplinary pathway and technical refinements. METHODS: This study was a 6-year review of consecutive patients who underwent complex esophageal reconstruction with SPJ interposition. Clinical data were abstracted, and PRO data were collected prospectively by using the Upper Digestive Disease mobile application (UDD App). This standardized questionnaire comprised domains for mental and physical health, pain, dysphagia, reflux, hypoglycemia dumping, and gastrointestinal dumping symptoms. Operative refinements were comprehensively established by 2018. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients were included in the study, 15 of whom had a history of esophageal malignant disease and neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Most patients (18; 95%) underwent delayed reconstruction after diversion. There was no 90-day mortality or flap loss. Most patients (18; 95%) achieved an enteral diet. Seven patients (37%) experienced early complications (<90 days) requiring procedural intervention. The incidence of any medical or surgical complication was similar in the earlier (2015-2017) and late (2018-2020) cohorts, but aspiration events, surgical site infections, anastomotic leak rates, and median hospital stay (reduced from 15 days [IQR, 10-21 days] to 9 days [IQR, 9-13 days]) improved in the contemporary cohort. PRO data were collected in 14 of 15 (93%) living patients. Severe symptoms in at least 1 domain were reported by most patients (11; 79%) and improved over time. CONCLUSIONS: Dedicated care pathways allow standardization of complex procedures, and targeted modifications may optimize recovery and patient outcomes. This cohort of patients may report severe symptoms that require ongoing monitoring and intervention.

Radiation-Induced Morphea of the Breast Treated With Wide Local Excision and Abdominal Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Radiation-induced morphea (RIM) associated with breast cancer treatment is a rare and underdiagnosed skin complication of radiotherapy that can lead to severe and painful contractures, resulting in disfigurement, failure of reconstruction, and poor quality of life in patients. The condition may present on a spectrum of local or more generalized forms involving skin over the breast and anterior chest wall. This diagnosis must be differentiated from post-radiation fibrosis, infection, cancer recurrence, inflammatory breast cancer, and other inflammatory conditions as the clinical course and treatment approaches differ. Various noninvasive and topical agents have been used; however, many cases are refractory to treatment. Surgery has been less commonly described in the management of generalized RIM. This report describes a case of RIM in a patient with breast cancer who experienced simultaneous resolution of symptoms as well as successful breast reconstruction using autologous free-tissue transfer.

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy in patients with obesity: a narrative review.

Background and Objective: Breast reconstruction in patients with obesity presents numerous challenges, both in terms of surgical technique and post-operative complication management. As breast reconstruction techniques continue to evolve, the armamentarium of reconstructive options for patients with obesity has vastly expanded. Options now include immediate or delayed, implant-based, autologous, or hybrid reconstruction. Determining the optimal breast reconstruction in this complex population requires nuanced and experienced decision-making. Methods: A literature search was conducted to identify studies assessing breast reconstruction considerations in patients with obesity. The search was performed on PubMed and was limited to English language studies published between 1990 and 2023. Primary studies, case reports, chart reviews, and qualitative studies were included. Additional articles were identified for inclusion based on a review of references, as well as a web-based search, to identify additional studies that were not captured with the primary search strategy. Key Content and Findings: This narrative review article summarizes the current literature available to guide surgeons in breast reconstruction in patients with obesity. Conclusions: The advancements in oncologic surgery and breast reconstruction techniques have expanded available surgical options, including immediate or delayed implant-based, autologous, or hybrid breast reconstruction. Each approach has its unique advantages, disadvantages, and surgical considerations. Despite the challenges, patients with obesity can achieve favorable aesthetic outcomes through careful assessment of comorbidities and expectation management.

Patient Experience and Clinical Outcomes after Same-day Outpatient Mastectomy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction Protocol during the Global Pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic provoked rapid changes in clinical practice to accommodate mandated restrictions within healthcare delivery. This study reviewed patient-reported experiences and clinical outcomes after implementation of a same-day discharge protocol after mastectomy with immediate alloplastic breast reconstruction compared with our historical overnight stay protocol. Methods: This is a retrospective single-institution study of consecutive patients who underwent mastectomy and immediate alloplastic reconstruction between July 2019 and November 2020. A postoperative survey was completed by patients to evaluate satisfaction with perioperative communications, recovery, and their overall experience. Results: A total of 302 patients (100% women) underwent mastectomy and immediate alloplastic reconstruction (174 pre-COVID-19, 128 during COVID-19). During COVID-19, 71% of patients were scheduled for a same-day discharge, among which 89% were successfully discharged the same day. Compared with pre-COVID-19, there were no differences in type of surgery, operative times, pain scores, 30-day readmission, or unplanned visits (all P > 0.05) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with pre-COVID-19, patients during the pandemic reported comparable satisfaction with their care experience and postoperative recovery (56% survey response rate). Patient satisfaction was also similar between those discharged the same day (n = 81) versus the next day (n = 47) during COVID-19. Conclusions: Same-day discharge is feasible, safe, and can provide similar patient-reported satisfaction and outcomes compared with traditional overnight stay. These data highlight the ability to deliver adaptable, high-quality breast cancer care, within the constraints of a global pandemic.

Human Factors Approach to Assess Physician Workload in Elective Plastic Surgery Breast Procedures.

Background: Human factors research involves the study of work system interactions, physician workload, cognitive effort, and performance. This pilot study incorporated a human factor approach and other surgery-based metrics to assess cognitive workload among plastic surgeons during elective plastic surgery breast procedures. Methods: In this prospective study of plastic surgery breast procedures over a 3-month period, surgeon and patient demographics and procedural details were collected. The lead surgeon assessed each procedure using a validated workload questionnaire (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index [NASA-TLX]) that included 6 subscales (ie, mental, physical, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration), a question on distraction, and their expectation of procedural difficulty. Results: Fifty-seven cases were included in this study. Surgical duration had a positive correlation with increased mental demand (P < .001), physical demand (P < .001), and degree of distractions (P < .001). Free flap reconstruction, breast reduction, and transgender mastectomy had the highest average mental, physical demands, and perceived effort. Bilateral cases had significantly higher workload than unilateral ones (P = .002). NASA-TLX scores between immediate and delayed reconstructions were comparable, but delayed cases had higher degree of distractions (P = .04). There was a strong correlation between degree of distractions and increased mental workload (R = 0.68; P < .001), increased physical demand (P = 0.61; P < .001), and increased temporal demand (R = 0.78; P < .001). More difficult procedures were associated with greater procedural duration than those rated as difficult as expected or less difficult than expected (P = .02). Conclusions: These preliminary data demonstrated multiple factors that may influence and govern perceived physician workload and may provide insight for targeted quality improvement to plan procedures safely and effectively.

Supercharged Jejunal Interposition.

Complex esophageal reconstruction represents a high risk and challenging procedure. A dedicated pathway with multispecialty teams can facilitate a systematic checklist approach to perioperative management and evaluation of long-term outcomes. Refinements in the operative technique for supercharged pedicled jejunum (SPJ) for long segment interposition in esophageal reconstruction are reviewed in this article. Medical and surgical complications among this complex niche group of patients are significant and require care in specialist centers with a focused team. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in long-segment SPJ interposition are recognized to provide additional monitoring of surgical outcomes and may help guide interventions for subsequent symptom control.

Microsurgical skills training course and impact on trainee confidence and workload.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to measure the impact of a basic microsurgery training course on trainees' confidence and workload in performing microsurgery. METHODS: A prospective study of participants in an accredited 5-day microsurgery course over a 3-month period. The confidence and workload of the participants were assessed after the first and final day. The workload was assessed using the validated NASA Task Load Index composed of 6 subscales scored on a 20-point visual analog scale (VAS). Confidence was assessed over 5 dimensions on a 5-point VAS for anastomosis performance, vessels preparation, knot tying, training effectiveness, and future practice of microsurgery. RESULTS: A total of 31 participants completed the study with 55% reporting some previous microsurgery experience. All confidence dimensions improved significantly after completing the course, regardless of prior experience (p<0.01). Those with prior experience started and finished the course at higher confidence levels in anastomosis performance and vessel preparation than the non-experienced group (p<0.05). Overall workload showed a downward trend (improvement) at the end of the course, but no significant changes in the experienced and non-experienced groups (p>0.05). Most participants scored above the 50% "sustainability threshold" for mental demand, both before (71%) and after the course (73%), however, perceived physical demand significantly reduced, p = 0.01. CONCLUSION: The microsurgery course teaches fundamental skills and principles; therefore, it has merit in those who will utilize these skills in their future practice. Although there is increased confidence in skill acquisition, the impact on perceived workload during a short 5-day basic microsurgery course did not significantly change.

Diversity Matters: A 21-Year Review of Trends in Resident Recruitment into Surgical Specialties.

Background: Diversity within the healthcare workforce is essential to improve quality of care, although evaluation of diversity within surgical training remains limited. This study analyzed diversity in recruitment of residents into surgical subspecialties at a large academic medical institution and national trends. Methods: A 21-year cross-sectional study of medical school graduates accepted into all surgical subspecialty training programs was performed. The institutional cohort was divided into two groups (1997-2006, 2007-2017). Subspecialty acceptance rates were determined between 2011 and 2018. Data on candidate demographics including gender, race, ethnicity, citizenship, and origin of medical education at a single institution and nationally were extracted. Results: Two thousand found hundred seventy-two residents were included in this study. From 1997 to 2018, female acceptances increased from 21.1% to 29.7% (p < 0.01), non-White increased from 27.9% to 31.8% (p = 0.01), and international medical graduates decreased from 28.8% to 25.5% (p = 0.02). There was no significant change in accepted Hispanic and Non-US candidates. Female subspecialty rates for subspecialties increased nationally and was comparable to our cohort, except in general surgery. Hispanic subspecialty acceptance rates were less than 10% and Black/African American acceptance rates remained less than 5% across subspecialties nationally and at our institution. Conclusion: Diversity in surgical training has modestly progressed over the last two decades, but the degree of positive change has not been universal and highlights the critical need for improvement and action. Continued institution driven and collaborative strategies are essential to promote diversity in recruitment across all surgical specialties that has implications on our future workforce and surgical leadership.

Recent Advances in Microsurgery: An Update in the Past 4 Years.

Microsurgery has broad applications in reconstructive surgery. As techniques, diagnostics, and advancing technology rapidly evolve, reconstructive microsurgeons can adapt to address new challenges and push the frontiers to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic reconstruction, and minimize donor site morbidity. This article briefly outlines some of the recent advances and innovations in microsurgery within the last 5 years in perforator flaps, breast, lymphedema surgery, extremity reconstruction, targeted muscle reinnervation, head and neck reconstruction, composite tissue allotransplantation, and robotic surgery.