Acetylsalicylic Acid Is Not Associated With Improved Clinical Outcomes After Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Microvascular thrombosis with resultant flap loss remains a devastating complication in autologous breast reconstruction. While acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for prevention of microvascular thrombosis is commonly administered postoperatively, clinical evidence supporting this practice remains insufficient. Here, we investigate the association of postoperative ASA administration with differences in clinical outcomes following microsurgical breast reconstruction. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was queried to identify patients who had undergone microsurgical breast reconstruction. Patients were categorized based on whether they had received postoperative ASA for 30 d (Group 1) or had not received ASA (Group 2). Patient demographics, reconstructive outcomes, complications, and transfusion requirements were retrieved. RESULTS: One hundred thirty six patients with a mean age of 49.5 y and a mean body mass index of 28.5 kg/m2 who had undergone a total of 216 microsurgical breast reconstructions were included. No significant differences were noted with regard to patient demographics with the exceptions of increased rates of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and delayed reconstruction in Group 1. There were no significant differences in the rates of postoperative complications including breast hematoma, mastectomy skin flap necrosis, partial flap necrosis, seroma, and deep venous thrombosis between patients who did or did not receive ASA postoperatively. Similarly, no difference was noted regarding postoperative blood transfusion rates (Group 1: 9.9% versus Group 2: 9.1%; P = 0.78). Finally, patients in Group 1 had significantly longer hospital stays (Q1 = 4, median = 4.5, Q3 = 5). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative ASA administration is not associated with improved postoperative clinical outcomes. The use of ASA routinely after autologous breast reconstruction does not appear to be a necessity in practice.

Goals and good health: Undergraduates' goals for avoiding COVID-19.

We observed COVID-19 concern during goal pursuit data collection, where some undergraduates self-reported COVID-19 specific goals. Thus, we analyzed the individual difference in students who self-reported COVID-19 specific goals in this current exploratory study. The results revealed (N = 496) that there were no differences in those who reported COVID-19 goals with their self-reporting of the Five-Factor Model. Additionally, participant's most reported goal was to 1) not contract COVID-19, 2) be social during COVID-19, and 3) follow health and safety protocols. This study provides researchers with both qualitative and quantitative evidence about college students' concern with COVID-19.

Assessing the Desire to Change Personality across Methods.

Various methods have been used to describe individuals' desires to change their personality traits including: trait change inventories, identifying personality change goals in open-ended responses, and asking participants for goals to change personality directly. The current study is the first to assess personality change desires with multiple methods in the same sample (N = 500 undergraduates). Findings with each method were compared to meta-analyses of other studies utilizing each respective method, and methods were then compared within-person to explore how the same person might provide different information about their desire to change their personality with each method. The findings of each method replicated the results of other studies using that method very closely. Some deviations from previous the studies in the prevalence of certain goals were likely due to goals being collected during a global pandemic. The three methods did not show a high degree of convergence. Only participants desiring to increase Extraversion in one method tended to express desires to increase Extraversion in the other two methods. The methodological differences between the methods impact the conclusions that can be drawn with each.

Preoperative ß-lactam antibiotic prophylaxis is superior to bacteriostatic alternatives in immediate expander-based breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Staged implant-based breast reconstruction is the most common reconstructive modality following mastectomy. Postoperative implant infections can have a significant impact on adjuvant oncologic care and reconstructive outcome. Here, we investigate the impact of ß-lactam antibiotics (i.e., bactericidal) compared to alternative antibiotic agents on postoperative outcomes for implant-based breast reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent immediate sub-pectoral tissue expander placement with an inferior acellular dermal matrix (ADM) sling at a single institution between May 2008 and July 2018 was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and complication rates were retrieved. The impact of antibiotic regimen on postoperative outcomes, including infection rate and reconstructive failure, was investigated. RESULTS: A total of 320 patients with a mean age and BMI of 48.2 years and 25.0 kg/m2 , respectively, who underwent 542 immediate breast reconstructions were included in the study. The use of a ß-lactam antibiotic was protective against postoperative infection (odds ratio [OR] = 0.467, p = .046), infection requiring operative management (OR = 0.313, p = .022), and reconstructive failure (OR = 0.365, p = .028). Extended, that is, post-discharge, prophylaxis was not associated with any clinical benefit. CONCLUSION: The use of ß-lactam antibiotics for pre-/peri-operative prophylaxis is superior to alternative antibiotics with a bacteriostatic mechanism of action regarding rates of postoperative infection and reconstructive failure following immediate tissue expander-based breast reconstruction. Extended, that is, post-discharge, prophylaxis does not appear to be indicated, regardless of the antibiotic chosen.

Transgender Scrotoplasty and Perineal Reconstruction With Labia Majora Flaps: Technique and Outcomes From 147 Consecutive Cases.

PURPOSE: Labia majora, the embryologic homologs of the scrotum, are ideal donor tissue for transgender scrotoplasty. The technique is detailed, and surgical outcomes are assessed for scrotoplasty using labia majora rotational advancement flaps. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of phalloplasty patients who underwent either primary or secondary labia majora flap scrotoplasty and perineal reconstruction from October 1, 2017, to December 1, 2019. Bilateral elevation and rotational flap advancement from the posterior to anterior position formed a pouch-like scrotum. Perineal reconstruction involved multilayered closure with apposition of the inner thigh skin. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 12.5 months (0.5-26 months). One hundred forty-seven scrotoplasties were performed. Of the 147 total scrotoplasty patients, 133 had labia majora flap scrotoplasty and perineal reconstruction with single-stage phalloplasty. Distal flap necrosis occurred in 6 patients (4.1%); 5 were ipsilateral to the groin dissection required for phalloplasty. Large (>1 cm diameter) perineoscrotal junction dehiscence occurred in 7 patients (4.7%). All wounds were managed conservatively except for 3 patients who developed urethrocutaneous fistulas at the perineoscrotal junction. All 3 patients required fistula repair. Two (1.4%) scrotal hematomas and 3 (2.0%) perineal hematomas were seen; all required operative intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Labia majora flap scrotoplasty via the bilateral rotational advancement technique and perineal reconstruction can be safely performed during phalloplasty. Minor wound complications are common and frequently heal with conservative management. Wounds that do not heal may be associated with urethral complications. Hematomas are rare but usually require operative intervention.

Bilaminate Synthetic Dermal Matrix versus Free Fascial Flaps: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Full-Thickness Hand Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Full-thickness injuries to the hand require durable soft tissue coverage to preserve tendon gliding and hand motion. We aim to investigate the cost effectiveness of hand resurfacing comparing free fascial flap reconstruction versus bilaminate synthetic dermal matrices. METHODS: Cost effectiveness was modeled using decision tree analysis with the rollback method. Total active range of motion was modeled as the common outcome variable based on systematic literature review. Costing was performed from a payer perspective using national Medicare reimbursements. The willingness to pay threshold was determined by average worker's compensation for hand disability. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted for range of motion outcomes and the costs using 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations. RESULTS: The average cost of free fascial flap reconstruction was $14,201.24 compared with $13,674.20 for Integra, yielding an incremental cost difference of $527.04. Incremental range of motion improvement was 18.0 degrees with free fascial flaps, yielding an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of $29.30/degree of motion. Assuming willingness to pay thresholds of $557.00/degree of motion, free-fascial flaps were highly cost effective. On probabilistic sensitivity analysis, free fascial flaps were dominant in 25.5% of simulations and cost effective in 32.1% of simulations. Thus, microsurgical reconstruction was the economically sound technique in 57.5% of scenarios. CONCLUSION: Free fascial flap reconstruction of complex hand wounds was marginally more expensive than synthetic dermal matrix and yielded incrementally better outcomes. Both dermal matrix and microsurgical techniques were cost effective in the base case and in sensitivity analysis. In choosing between dermal matrix and microsurgical reconstruction of complex hand wounds, neither technique has a clear economic advantage.

Radial Artery Occlusion in a Patient With Lupus, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, and Raynaud Phenomenon: A Multimodal Approach.

Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is a known complication of transradial catheterization for cardiac procedures. The transradial approach has decreased bleeding complications compared with the transfemoral approach, but risks provoking hand ischemia. We present a case of a 29-year-old peripartum woman with a history of lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and Raynaud phenomenon who developed RAO with hand-threatening ischemia despite therapeutic anticoagulation. Given the patient's medical history, a multimodal approach was applied including thrombectomy, arterial bypass, venous arterialization, and onobotulinum toxin A sympathectomy. The patient's ischemia improved after the procedure, and she regained normal use of the hand.

Correction of complete thoracic duct obstruction with lymphovenous bypass: A case report.

Thoracic duct injury can be a devastating injury with disruption of lymphatic flow leading to potentially chylothorax and/or severe lymphedema. Standard treatment modalities include thoracic duct ligation or embolization for chylothorax, but treatment options to date are few for resultant lymphedema. In this case report, we describe lymphaticovenous bypass of the thoracic duct to the jugular venous system in a 21-year-old male with secondary lymphedema after iatrogenic thoracic duct injury. The patient experienced improvement of lymphedema symptoms including decreased weight and limb girth as well as normalization of serum markers indicating improved lymphatic delivery to the venous system. Lymphangiogram at 3 months post op demonstrated patency of the lymphaticovenous anastomoses. At 6-month follow-up, the patient had returned to his preoperative level of activity and showed continued improvement of his lymphedema symptoms. Lymphovenous bypass of the thoracic duct may be an effective technique to treat secondary lymphedema from thoracic duct obstruction, though further studies are required to determine long-term efficacy.

A BALANCED TEAM WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS: 66 YEARS OF DATA FROM THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION AND THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

Explicitly monitoring one's own actions has been noted as detrimental to the performance of fine motor skills under duress. Offensive skills rather than defensive skills are typically studied in this context. Defensive techniques typically require skills such as footwork and continuous movement, as opposed to more precise, hand-eye coordinated action. Explicit monitoring theory may be less relevant for defensive skills than offensive skills when playing under pressure. Archival data (66 years) for teams and for individual players was compiled from the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL). For basketball (n=778) and football (n=515) teams, regular season offensive and defensive statistics similarly predicted success in the postseason, which was assumed to create more pressure. For individual basketball players (n=5,132), nine indices of offensive (FG, free throw and three-point shooting, offensive win shares, points, and assists) and defensive (defensive win shares, steals, and blocks) production were compared; among these, three-point shooting percentage was least correlated from season to postseason, suggesting it is especially variable under pressure. A balanced basketball or football team that focuses on both offense and defense may be most successful.

Internal jugular vein stenosis is common in patients presenting with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.

Previous magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown abnormalities of the internal jugular veins in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), but this finding has largely been ignored. We, thus, prospectively performed diagnostic brachiocephalic venograms in all patients with diagnosed neurogenic TOS from April 2008 to December 2011 (mean age, 42.6; r, 16-68; 77.8% women and 22.2% men). Stenosis of the left internal jugular vein, left subclavian vein, right internal jugular vein, and right subclavian vein were assessed, and significant stenoses of these vessels were seen in 63.49%, 65.08%, 60.32%, and 68.25% of patients, respectively. Internal jugular vein stenosis was not present in 23.81%, present unilaterally in 28.57%, and present bilaterally in 47.62% of patients. Subclavian vein stenosis was not present in 17.46%, present unilaterally in 28.57%, and present bilaterally in 53.97% of patients. Phi coefficients of correlation were 0.067 between left internal jugular vein and left subclavian vein stenoses, 0.061 between right internal jugular vein and right subclavian vein stenoses, and 0 between any internal jugular vein and any subclavian vein stenoses, indicating there is no correlation between jugular vein stenosis and subclavian vein stenosis in these patients. We conclude that right and left internal jugular vein stenosis is common in patients with neurogenic TOS symptoms. Treatment of internal jugular vein stenosis could potentially benefit these patients, and the implications of these findings warrant further study.

What is the true incidence of anomalous bovine left common carotid artery configuration?

BACKGROUND: Earlier studies have indicated that bovine left common carotid artery configuration occurs in 10.2-22% of patients and increases the complexity of navigating endovascular devices in the aortic arch. However, we anecdotally noted a higher incidence of bovine arch among angiosuite outpatients in Los Angeles, California. Thus, we retrospectively reviewed aortic arch angiograms performed in 93 unique outpatients to determine the true incidence of this anomalous configuration. METHODS: We were able to obtain complete angiographies from clinical data on 90 patients (mean age 50 years, SD 15.23 years, range 17-88 years) from May 2006 to January 2012. Angiograms were categorized as: normal arch; bovine arch with brachiocephalic trunk; bovine arch with common trunk; or indeterminate. RESULTS: The findings indicated an overall 35.16% bovine arch incidence, of which 78.13% is bovine arch with common trunk and 21.88% is bovine arch with brachiocephalic trunk. There was a higher prevalence in the women (40%, n = 60) than men (26.67%, n = 30). Caucasians had a lower incidence of bovine arch (27.78%, n = 47) compared with other ethnicities. The prevalence of bovine arch in different ethnicity and gender groups was assessed and the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of bovine left common carotid artery is higher than previously reported and varies by gender and race. Advanced knowledge of the high prevalence of this anomaly could reduce the risks and increase the efficiency of navigating catheters through the tortuous vessels during endovascular procedures. The clinical implications of this report warrant further investigation.

Evaluation of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification system in risk assessment for plastic and reconstructive surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: The American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) classification is a ranking system that quantifies patient health before anesthesia and surgery. Some surgical disciplines apply the ASA-PS to gauge a patient's likelihood of developing postoperative complications. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the authors analyze whether ASA-PS scores can successfully predict risk for postoperative complications in plastic and reconstructive operations. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of 1801 patient procedures and selected for inclusion 1794 complex plastic and reconstructive operations that took place at 1 of several academic medical institutions between January 2008 and January 2012. ASA-PS scores, patient comorbidities, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Percentile data were treated with tests for proportions. Nonpercentile data were analyzed through comparison of means (t test). Low-risk (ASA 1-2) and high-risk (ASA 3+) groups were compared with simple odds ratios. RESULTS: For the 1430 women and 364 men in the patient cohort (average age, 49.5 years), the overall complication rate was 27.7%. When patients with complications were compared to those without, body mass index, operation time, recent major surgery, diabetes, hypertension, renal disease, cancer, and oral contraceptive use were statistically significant. After high-risk (n = 398) and low-risk (n = 1396) groups were identified, infection, delayed wound healing, deep vein thrombosis, and overall complications had significantly increased incidence in the high risk group. Notably, deep vein thrombosis displayed the highest odds ratio (4.17) and a complication rate increase from 0.93% to 3.77%. CONCLUSIONS: ASA-PS scores can be used either as substitutes for or as adjuncts to questionnaire-based risk assessment methods in plastic surgery. In addition to deducing significant findings for deep vein thrombosis incidence, ASA-PS scores hold important predictive associations for multiple non-venous thromboembolism complications, providing a broader measurement for postoperative complication risks. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Application of the Caprini risk assessment model in evaluation of non-venous thromboembolism complications in plastic and reconstructive surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: The Caprini Risk Assessment Model is used to categorize patient risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) events; its predictive associations have been repeatedly corroborated. Calculating scores involves consideration of systemic factors that may predict other postoperative complications. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates whether Caprini scores can be applied to non-VTE complications. METHODS: The authors undertook a retrospective chart review of 1598 encounters for a series of complex reconstructive and body contouring operations at an academic medical institution. Input variables included Caprini score components, patient comorbidities, and prophylactic use of antithrombotic drugs. Output variables were postoperative complications. Tests for proportions were performed on percentile data. Nonpercentile data were treated with comparison of means (t test). Odds ratios for complications were calculated for stratified risk groups and compared. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 28.03%. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) incidence was 1.50%. Differences in age, body mass index (BMI), operation time, hypertension, diabetes, renal disease, and cancer were statistically significant between patients who experienced complications and those who did not. For DVT versus DVT-free patients, differences in sex, BMI, operation time, smoking status, diabetes, hypertension, and prior DVT were significant. Caprini scores identified 628 encounters as low risk (0-4) and 970 as high risk (>5). Dehiscence, infection, necrosis, seroma, hematoma, and overall complication rate significantly increased the incidence for the high-risk group. CONCLUSIONS: Caprini scores can be used as valuable predictors for some non-VTE postoperative complications (dehiscence, infection, seroma, hematoma, and necrosis). In addition to VTE events, clinicians should pay special attention to clinical signs indicative of the complications listed above when dealing with high-risk, high-Caprini score patients.

Does rest breed rust? An examination of DNP-Rest decisions and performance in the National Basketball Association regular and post-season.

Within the National Basketball Association (NBA), players and teams maintain that having healthy players sit out some games during the regular season may help them be more productive during the post-season. This decision to not play in order to rest the player, aptly noted as a DNP-Rest decision on injury reports, is in line with team and player goals, and fits with a growing body of evidence in support of the power of rest for health and performance. However, these practices conflict with some goals of the league, which has a vested interest in having the top talent play to attract broadcasters, advertisers, live spectators, and thus, enhance viewership. The current study is among the first to test the theory that strategically resting healthy players during the regular season results in better performance, as indicated by Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and Win Shares, during the post-season. Utilizing data from the 2016-17 through the 2020-21 NBA seasons, there was not sufficient evidence to suggest that resting more games during the regular season results in better performance in the post-season. Findings from a nested case-control study of 184 players (92 cases; 92 controls) also showed no differences in the change in performance from regular to post-season between cases of players who received rest during the regular season and matched controls. Although the restorative effects of rest might be considerable in the short term, the current study provides additional evidence to suggest that the impact may not carry over into the post-season.

A Magnetized Brace Designed to Elevate the Extremity after Hand Trauma and Surgery.

Hand elevation is a common recommendation for the treatment of hand injuries to combat development of painful swelling. However, noncompliance with elevation after hand procedures is common, and this is due in part to the lack of acceptable orthotics to assist in this elevation. Conventional slings are often not recommended due to potential shoulder morbidity. Additionally, the standard sling design allows for the hand to fall in a dependent position below the level of the heart. Herein described is a brace that uses magnetic technology designed to provide support for hand elevation that is intuitive to use. The simple design promotes elevation and also allows patients to easily exit the elevated position for shoulder ranging and activities of daily living with the hand as needed. Patient satisfaction data are presented. This brace may increase compliance for elevation after hand injuries and surgical procedures.

Prevention and Management of Complications of Tissue Flaps.

In this article, we discuss 4 common free flaps performed in reconstructive surgery: the anterolateral thigh flap, the radial forearm flap, the fibula flap, and the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous/deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. Donor and recipient complications for each flap type and strategies on how to prevent and manage such complications are discussed.

The Impact of Coagulopathy on Clinical Outcomes following Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.

SUMMARY: Autologous breast reconstruction has evolved considerably from pedicled muscle-based approaches to microsurgical perforator-based techniques. Patients with documented coagulopathy, however, remain a particularly challenging population. The authors present their experience in microsurgical breast reconstruction in patients with coagulopathy and discuss their treatment protocol. A prospectively maintained database was queried for patients with coagulopathy who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction between 2016 and 2019. Information regarding patient demographics, type of coagulopathy, and anticoagulation regimen were retrieved, and clinical outcomes were investigated. Nineteen patients who underwent 34 microsurgical breast reconstructions with free abdominal flaps were included in the study. The most common coagulopathy was factor V Leiden [n = 7 (38.6 percent)]. Nine patients (47.4 percent) developed thrombotic complications (the majority occurring intraoperatively); notably, arterial and venous thrombosis in four (21.1 percent) and two patients (10.5 percent), respectively. Postoperative thrombotic complications included pulmonary embolism [n = 2 (10.5 percent)] and flap congestion secondary to venous thrombosis [two flaps (5.9 percent)]. Only one flap loss was observed secondary to delayed venous thrombosis on postoperative day 6 (2.9 percent). The anticoagulation regimen in the majority of patients consisted of intraoperative intravenous administration of heparin (2000 U [bolus]) followed by a 5-day heparin infusion at 500 U/hour [n = 10 (52.6 percent)]. The high rate of thrombotic complications in patients with coagulopathy who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction is contrasted by a low flap loss rate. Although coagulopathy is a risk factor for thrombotic complications, successful microsurgical breast reconstruction is still possible in the majority of patients.

An abnormal clinical Allen's Test is not a contraindication for free radial forearm flap.

An abnormal clinical Allen's test is not a definitive exclusion criterion for free radial forearm flap use. A surgical Allen's test may be useful to determine whether flap harvest is feasible in patients with an abnormal clinical Allen's test.

Three-Dimensionally-Printed Hand Surgical Simulator for Resident Training.

Reduced work hours and funding have fueled an increase in simulation-based training for plastic and orthopedic surgery residency programs. Unfortunately, certain simulation training can fail to enhance surgical skills because of availability, cost, or low fidelity. There is a growing interest among training programs for a cost-effective surgical simulator to improve basic skills and muscle memory of residents. The authors developed a three-dimensionally-printed, malleable, and anatomically accurate hand surgery simulator from a computed tomographic scan of an adult male subject. The bone matrix was specifically designed to provide proprioceptive feedback to hone drilling skills used in fracture repair and arthrodesis. The silicone soft-tissue covering provides excellent malleability to dissect and perform fracture-reducing maneuvers. Three-dimensional printing of "fracture bridges" allows the design of on-demand polyfracture models so the trainee can practice multiple types and locations of repairs as skills progress. To summarize, the authors' hand simulator is an anatomical, low-cost, multiprocedure tool that can be used to improve the muscle memory and basic surgery skills of residents in training.

Digit Tip Injuries: Current Treatment and Future Regenerative Paradigms.

Over the past several decades there has been a profound increase in the understanding of tissue regeneration, driven largely by the observance of the tremendous regenerative capacity in lower order life forms, such as hydra and urodeles. However, it is known that humans and other mammals retain the ability to regenerate the distal phalanges of the digits after amputation. Despite the increased knowledge base on model organisms regarding regenerative paradigms, there is a lack of application of regenerative medicine techniques in clinical practice in regard to digit tip injury. Here, we review the current understanding of digit tip regeneration and discuss gaps that remain in translating regenerative medicine into clinical treatment of digit amputation.