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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Truth-in-Advertising Laws: Are They Working? A Cross-Sectional Analysis of a "Plastic Surgeon" Patient Search Simulation.

BACKGROUND: Non-board-certified plastic surgeons performing cosmetic procedures and advertising as plastic surgeons may have an adverse effect on a patient's understanding of their practitioner's medical training and patient safety. The authors aim to assess (1) the impact of city size and locations and (2) the impact of health care transparency acts on the ratio of board-certified and non-American Board of Plastic Surgeons physicians. METHODS: The authors performed a systematic Google search for the term "plastic surgeon [city name]" to simulate a patient search of online providers. Comparisons of board certification status between the top hits for each city were made. Data gathered included city population, regional location, practice setting, and states with the passage of truth-in-advertising laws. RESULTS: One thousand six hundred seventy-seven unique practitioners were extracted. Of these, 1289 practitioners (76.9 percent) were American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified plastic surgeons. When comparing states with truth-in-advertising laws and states without such laws, the authors found no significant differences in board-certification rates among "plastic surgery" practitioners (88.9 percent versus 92.0 percent; p = 0.170). There was a significant difference between board-certified "plastic surgeons" versus out-of-scope practitioners on Google search between large, medium, and small cities (100 percent versus 92.9 percent versus 86.5; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Non-board-certified providers tend to localize to smaller cities. Truth-in-advertising laws have not yet had an impact on the way a number of non-American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified practitioners market themselves. There may be room to expand the scope of truth-in-advertising laws to the online world and to smaller cities.

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).

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.

Postoperative Prophylactic Antibiotics Reduce Surgical Site Infection Rates after Ventral Hernia Repair: A Systematic Review.

SSIs after ventral hernia repair (VHR) represent a significant complication. The impact of postoperative prophylactic antibiotics on the SSI rates after VHRs is unclear. A systematic review of PubMed and Web of Science databases from inception through March 2016 investigating the effect of postoperative prophylactic antibiotics after VHRs was performed. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented, and the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. After systematic independent assessment of 216 citations, four studies, involving 344 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Among the included studies, 164 patients received >24 hours of postoperative prophylactic antibiotics, whereas 180 patients were controls. The overall incidence of SSI among patients receiving postoperative antibiotics was 14.6 per cent (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.9 to 20.9) which compares favorably with the control group: 35.5 per cent (95% CI, 28.9 to 42.7) (odds ratio: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2 to 0.5, P < 0.01). Among patient's receiving postoperative antibiotics, the pooled average duration of postoperative antibiotic treatment was 6.2 ± 0.4 days. Based on the available evidence, the use of postoperative prophylactic antibiotics seems to be associated with lower SSI rates after VHRs. Future prospective randomized controlled trials should be conducted to further confirm the efficacy of this prophylactic intervention.

International and Geographic Trends in Gender Authorship within Plastic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Professional advancement in academic plastic surgery may depend on scholarly activity. The authors evaluate gender-based publishing characteristics in three international plastic surgery journals. METHODS: A retrospective review of all articles published in 2016 in the following journals was undertaken: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, European Journal of Plastic Surgery, Annals of Surgery, and New England Journal of Medicine. Data were collected on lead author gender (first or senior author) and differences in author gender proportions, by journal, by article topic, and by geographic location were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 2610 articles were retrieved: 34.1 percent were from plastic surgery journals, 12.8 percent were from the Annals of Surgery, and 53.1 percent were from the New England Journal of Medicine. There was a lower proportion of female lead authors among plastic surgery journals compared with the Annals of Surgery and the New England Journal of Medicine (31 percent versus 39 percent versus 39 percent; p = 0.001). There were no differences in female lead author geographic location in the Annals of Surgery or the New England Journal of Medicine; within the plastic surgery journals, there were differences (p = 0.005), including a lower proportion arising from East Asia (15 percent) and a higher proportion arising from Canada (48 percent). Within plastic surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery had the lowest proportion of female lead author (p < 0.001). The proportion of female lead author varied by article topic (p < 0.001) and was notably higher in breast (45.6 percent) and lower in head and neck/craniofacial-orientated articles (25.0 percent). CONCLUSIONS: There are gender disparities in three mainstream plastic surgery journals-Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, the European Journal of Plastic Surgery-and there are lower proportions of lead female authorship compared with the Annals of Surgery and the New England Journal of Medicine. Further research should focus on understanding any geographic disparities that may exist.

Social Media: Is the Message Reaching the Plastic Surgery Audience?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess readability of articles shared on Twitter and analyze differences between them to determine whether messages and written posts are at reading levels comprehended by the general public. METHODS: Top-rated #PlasticSurgery tweets (per Twitter algorithm) in January of 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Text from tweeted links to full, open-access, and society/institutional patient information articles were extracted. Readability was analyzed using the following established tests: Coleman-Liau, Flesch-Kincaid, FORCAST Readability Formula, Fry Graph, Gunning Fog Index, New Dale-Chall Formula, New Fog Count, Raygor Readability Estimate, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Readability Formula. Ease-of-reading was analyzed using the Flesch Reading Ease Index. RESULTS: Of 234 unique articles, there were 101 full journal (43 percent), 65 open-access journal (28 percent), and 68 patient information (29 percent) articles. When compared using the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Readability Formula, full and open-access journal articles attained similar mean reading levels of 17.7 and 17.5, respectively (p = 0.475). In contrast, patient information articles had a significantly lower mean readability level of 13.9 (p < 0.001). Plastic surgeons posted 128 articles (55 percent) and non-plastic surgeon individuals posted 106 articles (45 percent). Mean readability levels between the two were 16.2 and 16.9, respectively (p < 0.001). All tweeted articles were above the sixth-grade recommended reading level. CONCLUSIONS: Readability of #PlasticSurgery articles may not be appropriate for many American adults. Consideration should be given to improving readability of articles targeted toward the general public to optimize delivery of social media messages.

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.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Brachial Plexus Surgery: A National Database Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Brachial plexus injuries have devastating effects on upper extremity function, with significant pain, psychosocial stress, and reduced quality of life. The aim of this study is to identify socioeconomic disparities in the receipt of brachial plexus repair in the emergent versus elective setting, and in the use of supported services on discharge. METHODS: Analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample Database was performed for the years 2009-2014. Adults with brachial plexus injury with or without nerve repair were identified; patient and hospital specific factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 6,618 cases of emergent brachial plexus injury were retrieved. Six hundred sixty cases of brachial plexus repair were identified in the emergency and elective settings over the study period. Of the 6,618 injured, 153 (2.3%) underwent nerve surgery during the admission. Patients undergoing repair in the elective setting were more likely to be white males with private insurance. Patients treated in the emergency setting were more likely to be African American and in the lowest income quartile. Significant differences were also seen in supported discharge: more likely males (P < 0.001), >55 years of age (P < 0.001), white (P < 0.001), with government-based insurance (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There are significant disparities in the timing of brachial plexus surgery. These relate to timing rather than receipt of nerve repair; socioeconomically advantaged individuals with private insurance in the higher income quartiles are more likely to undergo surgery in the elective setting and have a supported discharge.

Institutional Collaboration in Plastic Surgery Research: A Solution to Resource Limitations.

BACKGROUND: The current climate of health care reform and research funding restrictions presents new challenges for academic plastic surgery. Collaboration with private enterprise has been associated with greater research productivity in the general biomedical literature. This study seeks to analyze publication trends in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) to evaluate any changes in institutional collaboration over time. METHODS: Bibliographic data were retrospectively analyzed for all original research and discussion articles published in PRS from 2012 to 2016. The institutional affiliation for each publication was characterized from its author list as solely academic, private, government, or combinations of these (defined here as "institutional collaborations"). Annual National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding data were also collected over the same period, and associations were analyzed by linear regression. RESULTS: In total, 2,595 publications were retrieved from PRS between 2012 and 2016, of which 2,027 (78.1%) originated solely from academic institutions and 411 (15.8%) from institutional collaborations. Although the proportion of academic-only publications decreased from 82% to 74%, the proportion of institutional collaborations increased from 10% to 20% (P = 0.038). Concurrently, NIH funding declined from $33.4 billion to a low of $30.7 billion, which was associated with the decreasing proportion of academic-only publications (P = 0.025) and increasing proportion of institutional collaborations (P = 0.0053). CONCLUSIONS: Traditional sources of academic research funding have been restricted during the politically and financially tumultuous recent years. With no signs of improving access to financial resources from the NIH, academic plastic surgeons may consider diversifying their institutional partnerships to continue pioneering advances in the field.

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.

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 30-Day Challenge: Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction Outcomes Reporting Reliability.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to assess reliability of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) 30-day perioperative outcomes and complications for immediate, free-tissue transfer breast reconstruction by direct comparisons with our 30-day and overall institutional data, and assessing those that occur after 30 days. METHODS: Data were retrieved for consecutive immediate, free-tissue transfer breast reconstruction patients from a single-institution database (2010-2015) and the ACS-NSQIP (2011-2014). Multiple logistic regressions were performed to compare adjusted outcomes between the 2 datasets. RESULTS: For institutional versus ACS-NSQIP outcomes, there were no significant differences in surgical-site infection (SSI; 30-day, 3.6% versus 4.1%, P = 0.818; overall, 5.3% versus 4.1%, P = 0.198), wound disruption (WD; 30-day, 1.3% versus 1.5%, P = 0.526; overall, 2.3% versus 1.5%, P = 0.560), or unplanned readmission (URA; 30-day, 2.3% versus 3.3%, P = 0.714; overall, 4.6% versus 3.3%, P = 0.061). However, the ACS-NSQIP reported a significantly higher unplanned reoperation (URO) rate (30-day, 3.6% versus 9.5%, P < 0.001; overall, 5.3% versus 9.5%, P = 0.025). Institutional complications consisted of 5.3% SSI, 2.3% WD, 5.3% URO, and 4.6% URA, of which 25.0% SSI, 28.6% WD, 12.5% URO, and 7.1% URA occurred at 30-60 days, and 6.3% SSI, 14.3% WD, 18.8% URO, and 42.9% URA occurred after 60 days. CONCLUSION: For immediate, free-tissue breast reconstruction, the ACS-NSQIP may be reliable for monitoring and comparing SSI, WD, URO, and URA rates. However, clinicians may find it useful to understand limitations of the ACS-NSQIP for complications and risk factors, as it may underreport complications occurring beyond 30 days.

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.

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.

National Mortality Rates after Outpatient Cosmetic Surgery and Low Rates of Perioperative Deep Vein Thrombosis Screening and Prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Concerns have arisen over reports of deaths occurring after certain outpatient plastic surgery procedures. Here, the authors present a national analysis, reporting on deaths occurring after outpatient cosmetic surgical procedures and venous thromboembolism screening. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities database was performed for the years 2012 to 2017. The authors retrieved data for all deaths occurring in association with cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Patient demographics, procedural data, venous thromboembolism risk factor assessment, and cause of death were analyzed. Deidentified medical records, including coroner's reports, were reviewed where available. RESULTS: Data for 42 deaths were retrieved. Of these, 90.5 percent (n=38) were female, and 61.9 percent were Caucasian (n=26). Mean age was 51.6 years, while mean body mass index was 29.5 kg/m(2). Overall, 54.8 percent of these deaths occurred after abdominoplasty: 42.9 percent in isolation, 9.5 percent in combination with breast surgery, and 2.4 percent with facial surgery. Of the causes of death, most (38.1 percent) were thromboembolic in origin. Notably, in 25 of 42 cases, venous thromboembolism risk factor assessment was incorrect or absent (59.5 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Accreditation agencies provide transparency and insight into outpatient surgical mortality on a national scale. Results suggest that adoption of venous thromboembolism screening techniques may not be universal despite an existing large body of published evidence. Optimization of thromboembolism prevention pathways remains vital, and consideration of anticoagulation in those undergoing abdominoplasty may be important in lowering outpatient mortality.

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.