Risk Factors Associated With the Progression From Acute to Chronic Neuropathic Pain After Burn-Related Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Pain, unrelated to the initial thermal trauma itself, can result after burn injury and prolong the recovery/rehabilitation phase of the patient's care. This pain, after discharge from the burn unit, may be acute and self-limiting or chronic and contribute to long-term patient morbidity. The purposes of this study were to compare burn patients who had, after discharge from the burn unit, only acute pain with burn patients who developed chronic, neuropathic pain (CNP) and to determine risks factors for progression from acute to chronic pain in the setting of a burn center. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective chart review of patients admitted to the adult burn center was performed from January 1, 2014, to January 1, 2019. Patients included were older than 15 years, sustained a burn injury, and admitted to the burn unit. Chronic pain was defined as pain lasting greater than 6 months after discharge from the burn unit. Pain descriptors included shooting, stabbing, sharp, burning, tingling, numbness, throbbing, pruritus, intermittent, and/or continuous dysesthetic sensations after the burn. Patients were excluded if they had preexisting neuropathic pain due to an underlying medical illness or previous surgery. RESULTS: During a 5-year period, of the 1880 admissions to the burn unit, 143 burn patients developed post-initial-onset pain as a direct result of their burn. Of the 143 patients with acute pain, pain resolved in 30 patients, whereas pain progressed to CNP in 113 patients (79%). Patient follow-up was a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 26.5 (10-45) months. Patients whose pain progressed to CNP had significantly greater percent total body surface area burns (median [IQR], 6 [3-25] vs 3 [1-10]; P = 0.032), had more full-thickness burns (66/113 [58%] vs 8/30 [27%] patients, P = 0.004), had surgery (85/113 [75%] vs 16/30 [53%] patients, P = 0.042), had more surgical procedures (median [IQR], 2 [1-6] vs 1 [0-3], P = 0.002), and developed more complications (32/113 [28%] vs 2/30 [7%] patients, P = 0.014) compared with those with acute neuropathic pain, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Burn patients who progressed from having acute to CNP had significantly greater percent total body surface area burns, had more full-thickness burns, had surgery, had more surgical procedures, and developed more complications compared with burn patients with only acute pain.

Are You on the Right Platform? A Conjoint Analysis of Social Media Preferences in Aesthetic Surgery Patients.

BACKGROUND: Social media has become an indispensable tool for patients to learn about aesthetic surgery. Currently, procedure-specific patient preferences for social media platforms and content are unknown. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to evaluate social media preferences of patients seeking aesthetic surgery. METHODS: We utilized a choice-based conjoint analysis survey to analyze the preferences of patients seeking 3 common aesthetic procedures: breast augmentation (BA), facial rejuvenation (FR), and combined breast/abdominal surgery (BAB). Participants were asked to choose among social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Tumblr, YouTube), information extent (basic, moderate, comprehensive), delivery mechanism (prerecorded video, live video, photographs, text description), messenger (surgeon, nurse/clinic staff, patient), and option for interactivity (yes/no). The survey was administered using an Internet crowdsourcing service (Amazon Mechanical Turk). RESULTS: A total of 647 participants were recruited: 201 in BA, 255 in FR, and 191 in BAB. Among attributes surveyed, participants in all 3 groups (BA, FR, BAB) valued social media platform as the most important (30.9%, 33.1%, 31.4%), followed by information extent (23.1%, 22.9%, 21.6%), delivery mechanism (18.9%, 17.4%, 18%), messenger (16%, 17%, 17.2%), and interactivity (11.1%, 9.8%, 11.8%). Within these attributes, Facebook ranked as the preferred platform, with comprehensive information extent, live video as the delivery mechanism, and surgeon as the messenger as most preferred. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of social media platform is the most important factor for patients, and they indicated a preference for comprehensive information delivered by the surgeon via live video on Facebook. Our study elucidates social media usage in common aesthetic populations, which can help improve aesthetic patient outreach.

STARplasty for Reconstruction of the Burned Axilla.

BACKGROUND: Postburn axillary contractures are common and significantly impact quality of life. Simple release combined with split thickness skin grafting necessitates a donor site, requires immobilization, and may result in poor functional outcome. Common methods of adjacent tissue rearrangement are not well designed to treat broad linear contractures. Flaps from the back, flank, or arm can be used, but may come with significant donor site morbidity. We demonstrate the use of the STARplasty, a novel adjacent tissue rearrangement initially developed to treat neosyndactyly, as a useful reconstructive option for the release of Kurtzman type 1 posterior or anterior axillary contractures. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify patients who underwent STARplasties for treatment of type 1 axillary burn contractures. All reconstructions were performed by a single surgeon at a single ABA burn center (April 2011 to December 2015). A version of the surgical STARplasty technique previously described for treatment of neosyndactyly was modified for use in the axilla. Patient and injury demographics, as well as complications and outcome, were collected. RESULTS: Twelve patients with upper extremity burns underwent 16 primary STARplasties for treatment of axillary contractures. Three patients underwent simultaneous bilateral procedures. The majority (15/16) of the primary procedures were used to address contractures of the anterior axillary fold. Mean patient age was 51 (R 38-63) and average burn size was 35% (R 18-80). Average time from initial injury to primary reconstruction was 11.1 months (R 3-54). One patient required revision for persistent contracture and another experienced wound dehiscence that ultimately required split-thickness skin grafting. No other significant complications were noted, and all remaining patients had closed wounds and full range of motion by 30 days postprocedure. CONCLUSIONS: Axillary contractures remain common despite improvements in physical/occupational therapy. While common techniques, such as z-plasty, continue to be helpful for the surgical release of narrow contractures with bilateral laxity, axillary contractures are typically broad based and often contain only unilateral unburned tissue. Based on our experience, the axillary STARplasty represents a safe and efficacious technique to be considered in the case of broad-based contractures involving either the anterior or posterior axillary fold.

Procedural Portfolio Planning in Plastic Surgery, Part 1: Strategic Changes in Clinical Practice to Increase Physician Revenue, Improve Operative Throughput, and Maintain Patient Satisfaction.

PURPOSE: Portfolio planning in health care represents the strategic prioritization of services that permits an organization to better achieve its goals of margin and mission. Because of recent volatility in the economy, declining reimbursement, and rising costs of providing care, such strategic planning has become increasingly important if physicians want to remain leaders in health care. This project assesses the financial impact of procedural portfolio planning on an academic plastic surgery practice from the physician's perspective. METHODS: We tracked the top 50 procedures, defined as total charges per CPT code, that were performed in our baseline year, for 6 providers in a stable plastic surgery practice. At the end of the first year, we implemented 3 types of strategic changes: growth of areas with high contribution margin (laser resurfacing of burn scars), curtailment of high-risk procedures with negative contribution margin (panniculectomy in smokers), and improved efficiency of mission-critical services with high resource consumption (free-flap breast reconstruction). During the 2-year study period, we had no turnover in faculty, did not pursue any formal marketing, did not change our surgical fees or billing system, provided care independent of payer mix, and maintained our commitment to indigent care. Outcome measures included procedural charges and revenue, collection rates, work relative value units, operating room times, idle times (room time less case time), receipts/minute in operating room, uncompensated charity care, and patient satisfaction (Press-Gainey scores). Before the study period, annual incremental growth in our practice was 1% to 2%, in terms of charges and receipts. RESULTS: After implementation of the portfolio planning project, the financial position of our division improved significantly, with patient satisfaction rates increasing from 85.5% to 94.1% and charity care remaining constant at US $400,000 per year. Encounters, work relative value units, charges, and receipts all increased by 16% to 27%, with receipts/minute increasing from US $5.60 per minute to US $7.28 per minute. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, highest margin cases did not correspond with highest volume or highest revenue cases; portfolio analysis helped us to align these parameters, without sacrificing patient satisfaction or commitment to indigent care. The highest receipt/minute procedure was laser ablation of vascular lesions (US $23.87), whereas one of the lowest receipt/minute cases was muscle free flap (US $3.07). CONCLUSIONS: Procedural portfolio analysis is a powerful tool that can guide strategy and positively impact the financial position and clinical value of the services provided by an academic plastic surgery practice. Identifying high margin procedures allows the surgeon to focus marketing efforts, target areas of future growth, and optimize the blend of margin and mission.

Procedural Portfolio Planning in Plastic Surgery, Part 2: Collaboration Between Surgeons and Hospital Administrators to Develop a Funds Flow Model for Procedures Performed at an Academic Medical Center.

INTRODUCTION: Although plastic surgeons make important contributions to the clinical, educational, and research missions of academic medical centers (AMCs), determining the financial value of a plastic surgery service can be difficult, due to complex cost accounting systems. We analyzed the financial impact of plastic surgery on an AMC, by examining the contribution margins and operating income of surgical procedures. METHODS: We collaborated with hospital administrators to implement 3 types of strategic changes: (1) growth of areas with high contribution margin, (2) curtailment of high-risk procedures with negative contribution margin, (3) improved efficiency of mission-critical services with high resource consumption. Outcome measures included: facility charges, hospital collections, contribution margin, operating margin, and operating room times. We also studied the top 50 Current Procedural Terminology codes (total case number × charge/case), ranking procedures for profitability, as determined by operating margin. During the 2-year study period, we had no turnover in faculty; did not pursue any formal marketing; did not change our surgical fees, billing system, or payer mix; and maintained our commitment to indigent care. RESULTS: After rebalancing our case mix, through procedural portfolio planning, average hospital operating income/procedure increased from $-79 to $+816. Volume and diversity of cases increased, with no change in payer mix. Although charges/case decreased, both contribution margin and operating margin increased, due to improved throughput and decreased operating room times. The 5 most profitable procedures for the hospital were hernia repair, mandibular osteotomy, hand skin graft, free fibula flap, and head and neck flap, whereas the 5 least profitable were latissimus breast reconstruction, craniosynostosis repair, free-flap breast reconstruction, trunk skin graft, and cutaneous free flap. Total operating income for the hospital, from plastic surgery procedures, increased from $-115,103 to $+1,277,040, of which $350,000 (25%) was returned to the practice plan as enterprise funds to support program development. CONCLUSIONS: Through focused strategic initiatives, plastic surgeons and hospital administrators can work together to unlock the latent value of a plastic surgery service to an AMC. Specific financial benefits to the hospital include increased contribution margin and operating income, the latter of which can be reinvested in the plastic surgery service through a gain-sharing model.

Fat Grafting for Neuropathic Pain After Severe Burns.

BACKGROUND: Chronic neuropathic pain after burn injury is a significant problem that affects up to 29% of burn patients. Neuropathic burn scar pain is a challenge for plastic and burn surgeons, who have limited solutions. Fat grafting, with its mechanical and regenerative qualities, can improve neuropathic pain from various traumatic and postsurgical etiologies, but its effectiveness in neuropathic burn scar pain has yet to be demonstrated. In this study, the possible role of lipotransfer in treating neuropathic burn scar pain is explored, focusing on safety, graft take, and short-term efficacy. METHODS: We performed an institutional review board-approved, retrospective case review of 7 patients with chronic, refractory neuropathic pain, who underwent fat grafting to burn scars. These patients had failed conventional therapy, which included pharmacologic, medical, and laser treatment of the burn scars. Each patient had 2 sessions of fat grafting, spaced 2 months apart. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was used to assess pain perception, with patients answering the questionnaire before and after fat grafting, to assess subjective outcomes. RESULTS: Six of 7 patients had improvement in neuropathic pain after fat grafting, permitting reduction in their neuropharmacologic regimen. Tinel sign, present in all patients preoperatively, was absent on examination in all patients at follow-up. Three of the 5 patients who completed PROMIS questionnaires had PROMIS scores indicating improvement in pain by 1-year follow-up. One patient had similar preoperative and postoperative PROMIS scores, and 1 patient had an increase in pain at follow-up; however, he had suffered an additional burn to the same extremity. Analysis of pooled mean PROMIS scores reflects a statistically significant improvement in subjective outcomes by 1-year follow-up. Donor-site seroma in 1 patient was the only complication, with no cases of infection, wound breakdown, or graft loss. CONCLUSIONS: Adipose tissue can be safely grafted into burn scars and may improve symptoms in patients with refractory neuropathic pain after burn injury. Further translational and clinical research is necessary to elucidate mechanisms of action, indications, optimal type of transfer, and long-term effectiveness.

Plastic Surgery Residents' Understanding and Attitudes Toward Biostatistics: A National Survey.

BACKGROUND: An understanding of biostatistics is a critical skill for the practicing plastic surgeon. The purpose of the present study was to assess plastic surgery residents' attitudes and understanding of biostatistics. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of plastic surgery residents. A survey assessing resident attitudes regarding biostatistics, confidence with biostatistical concepts, and objective knowledge of biostatistics was distributed electronically to trainees in plastic surgery programs in the United States. Bivariate and regression analyses were used to identify significant associations and adjust for confounders/effect modifiers. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three residents responded to the survey (12.3% response rate). Respondents expressed positive attitudes regarding biostatistics in plastic surgery practice, but only moderate levels of confidence with various biostatistical concepts. Both attitudes and confidence were positively associated with the number of plastic surgery journals read monthly and formal coursework in biostatistics (P < 0.01). Resident attitudes were positively correlated with confidence (r = 0.33, P < 0.01). The mean percentage of correct responses on knowledge-assessments was 43.6% (20.8%). Integrated residents performed better than independent track residents (P = 0.04). Residents had difficulty with study design, the correct use of analysis of variance, regression analysis, and identifying a statistically significant result. Resident confidence was moderately correlated with performance (r = 0.31, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Plastic surgery residents place a high degree of importance on knowledge of biostatistics in the practice of plastic surgery but have only a fair understanding of core statistical concepts.

Implementation and Analysis of a Lean Six Sigma Program in Microsurgery to Improve Operative Throughput in Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Perforator flaps have become a preferred method of breast reconstruction but can consume considerable resources. We examined the impact of a Six Sigma program on microsurgical breast reconstruction at an academic medical center. METHODS: Using methods developed by Motorola and General Electric, we applied critical pathway planning, workflow analysis, lean manufacturing, continuous quality improvement, and defect reduction to microsurgical breast reconstruction. Primary goals were to decrease preoperative-to-cut time and total operative time, through reduced variability and improved efficiency. Secondary goals were to reduce length of stay, complications, and reoperation. The project was divided into 3 phases: (1) Pre-Six Sigma (24 months), (2) Six Sigma (10 months), (3) and Post-Six Sigma (24 months). These periods (baseline, intervention, control) were compared by Student t test and χ analysis. RESULTS: Over a 5-year period, 112 patients underwent 168 perforator flaps for breast reconstructions, by experienced microsurgeons. Total operative time decreased from 714 to 607 minutes (P < 0.01), across the study period, with the greatest drop occurring in unilateral cases, from 672 to 498 minutes (P < 0.01). Length of stay decreased from 6.3 to 5.2 days (P = 0.01). Overall complication rates (35.9% vs 30%, not significant) and take-back rates (20.5% vs 23.9%, not significant) remained similar over the 5-year period. Physician revenue/minute increased from US $6.28 to US $7.59, whereas hospital revenue/minute increased from US $21.84 to US $25.11. CONCLUSIONS: A Six Sigma program in microsurgical breast reconstruction was associated with better operational and financial outcomes. These incremental gains were maintained over the course of the study, suggesting that these benefits were due, in part, to process improvements. However, continued reductions in total operative time and length of stay, well after the intervention period, support the possibility that "learning curve" phenomenon may have contributed to the improvement in these outcomes.

Professionalism in plastic surgery: attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors in medical students compared to surgeons in training and practice--one, but not the same.

INTRODUCTION: Professionalism is now recognized as a core competency of surgical education and is required for certification and licensure. However, best teaching methods remain elusive, because (1) ethical standards are not absolute, and (2) learning and teaching styles vary considerably-both of which are influenced by cultural and generational forces. We sought to compare attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors in fourth year medical students, compared to surgeons in training and practice, focusing on issues related to professionalism in plastic surgery. METHODS: Fourth year medical students participating in a capstone course (n = 160), surgical residents (n = 219), and attending surgeons (n = 99) at a single institution were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding surgical professionalism. Participants (1) identified components of professionalism, (2) cited examples of unprofessional behavior, (3) ranked the egregiousness of 30 scenarios, and (4) indicated best educational practices. Cohorts were compared using t test and χ, with statistical significance assigned to P values less than 0.05. RESULTS: Compared to surgeons in training or practice, medical students were younger (27.8 vs 38.0 years, P < 0.001) and more often female (51.1% vs 36.6%, P < 0.03). Both groups cited "a body of ethics" as the defining component of professionalism. Respondents from both groups agreed that professionalism could be taught, learned, and assessed. Surgeons (94.3%) had observed unprofessional behavior, as did 88.0% of students; "poor anger management," "dishonesty," and "bullying" were the most common examples. Compared to students, however, surgeons were more likely to witness substance and physical abuse (P < 0.05). From the list of 30 scenarios, both groups picked the following as the most egregious, although in different order: working while impaired, fraudulent billing, dating a patient, lying on rounds, self-prescribing, and sexual harassment. Both students and surgeons agreed that the following scenarios were unethical: "fraudulent billing while on a mission trip" (84% vs 90%, NS), "showing inaccurate preop/postop photos" (70% vs 75%, NS), and "failing to disclose a conflict of interest" (56% vs 57%). Students and surgeons disagreed that the following scenarios were egregious: "owning biotech stock in a company whose product the surgeon uses" (33% vs 13%, P < 0.01), and "offering a breast augmentation as part of a charity raffle" (45% vs 58%, P < 0.05). Both students and surgeons agreed "advertising on a highway billboard was NOT unprofessional (87% vs 85%, NS). CONCLUSIONS: Despite differences in age and sex, medical students and surgeons have similar attitudes about professionalism in plastic surgery, but differ in their knowledge and observations. Understanding cultural and generational factors may help educators teach and model cognitive and behavioral aspects of professionalism. The fact that some clearly egregious behaviors are not viewed as unethical by individual students, trainees, and surgeons, and that such behavior continues to be observed, indicates the need to improve our efforts in promoting professionalism in plastic surgery.

Efficacy of intense pulsed light for the treatment of burn scar dyschromias: a pilot study to assess patient satisfaction, safety, and willingness to pay.

INTRODUCTION: No treatment algorithms exist to reliably treat burn scar dyschromias. Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been used successfully to treat hyperpigmentation disorders, but has not been studied extensively in the treatment of burn scars. The purpose of this investigation was to assess clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction with IPL for the treatment of burn scar dyschromia. METHODS: Patients with burn scar dyschromias were treated using the Lume 1 platform (Lumenis) to target pigmented lesions, using fluences between 10 and 22 joules/cm and filters ranging from 560 to 650 nm. At the conclusion of the study, providers assessed changes in burn scar dyschromia, whereas patients were queried regarding satisfaction and perceived efficacy, using a 1 to 5 Likert scale. The patients, who were not charged for the IPL treatment, were queried regarding willingness to pay. RESULTS: Twenty patients (mean age, 35.4 years; mean total body surface area, 27.6%; mean composite Fitzpatrick score, 3.9) underwent IPL treatment of burn scar dyschromias, an average of 3.2 years after injury. Mean fluence was 15.4 J/cm (range, 10-22 J/cm), and the most common filter used was 590 nm (range, 560-650 nm). Mean area treated was 90.7 cm, with a range of 4 to 448 cm. Complications included pain (4), hyperpigmentation (1), and blistering (2). Sixteen patients noted mild to moderate improvement, reporting a 4.5 for efficacy and a 4.4 for satisfaction. Regarding willingness to pay, patients would spend a mean of U.S. $7429 to completely remove their scars, but only a median of U.S. $350 to get the actual results that they received. Mean length of follow-up was 3.8 months, with a standard deviation of 2.2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Patients perceived IPL as an efficacious modality in the treatment of burn scar dyschromia, with a high level of satisfaction, despite the potential for morbidity. However, we are reluctant to recommend IPL for routine treatment of burn scar dyschromias, given only minimal improvement observed, potential for complications, and a willingness to pay that is lower than the cost of providing care.

Patient access in plastic surgery: an operational and financial analysis of service-based interventions to improve ambulatory throughput in an academic surgery practice.

INTRODUCTION: Inefficient patient throughput in a surgery practice can result in extended new patient backlogs, excessively long cycle times in the outpatient clinics, poor patient satisfaction, decreased physician productivity, and loss of potential revenue. This project assesses the efficacy of multiple throughput interventions in an academic, plastic surgery practice at a public university. METHODS: We implemented a Patient Access and Efficiency (PAcE) initiative, funded and sponsored by our health care system, to improve patient throughput in the outpatient surgery clinic. Interventions included: (1) creation of a multidisciplinary team, led by a project redesign manager, that met weekly; (2) definition of goals, metrics, and target outcomes; 3) revision of clinic templates to reflect actual demand; 4) working down patient backlog through group visits; 5) booking new patients across entire practice; 6) assigning a physician's assistant to the preoperative clinic; and 7) designating a central scheduler to coordinate flow of information. Main outcome measures included: patient satisfaction using Press-Ganey surveys; complaints reported to patient relations; time to third available appointment; size of patient backlog; monthly clinic volumes with utilization rates and supply/demand curves; "chaos" rate (cancellations plus reschedules, divided by supply, within 48 hours of booked clinic date); patient cycle times with bottleneck analysis; physician productivity measured by work Relative Value Units (wRVUs); and downstream financial effects on billing, collection, accounts receivable (A/R), and payer mix. We collected, managed, and analyzed the data prospectively, comparing the pre-PAcE period (6 months) with the PAcE period (6 months). RESULTS: The PAcE initiative resulted in multiple improvements across the entire plastic surgery practice. Patient satisfaction increased only slightly from 88.5% to 90.0%, but the quarterly number of complaints notably declined from 17 to 9. Time to third available new patient appointment dropped from 52 to 38 days, whereas the same metric for a preoperative appointment plunged from 46 to 16 days. The size of the new patient backlog fell from 169 to 110 patients, and total monthly clinic volume climbed from 574 to 766 patients. Our "chaos" rate dropped from 12.3% to 1.8%. Mean patient cycle time in the clinic decreased dramatically from 127 to 44 minutes. Mean monthly productivity for the practice increased from 2479 to 2702 RVUs. Although our collection rate did not change, days in A/R dropped from 66 to 57 days. Mean monthly charges increased from U.S. $535,213 to U.S. $583,193, and mean monthly collections improved from U.S. $181,967 to U.S. $210,987. Payer mix remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a PAcE initiative, focusing on outpatient clinic throughput, yields significant improvements in access to care, patient satisfaction as measured by complaints, physician productivity, and financial performance. An academic, university-based, plastic surgery practice can use throughput interventions to deliver timely care and to enhance financial viability.

All That You Can't Leave Behind: Professionalism as the Focus of Mentoring and Modeling.

Mentoring serves a critical and necessary role not only in the advancement of plastic surgery, but also in maintaining the health of our specialty. In addition to providing a driving force for innovation--which remains the core competency of plastic surgery--mentoring is a powerful, educational tool that helps us teach the critical skills of communication and model the tenets of professionalism. Our identity as innovators, healers, and providers of hope is dependent on conferring what it means to be a professional, from those who are just beginning their journey as surgeons, to those who are still on that odyssey.

The ACAPS and SESPRS surveys to identify the most influential innovators and innovations in plastic surgery: no line on the horizon.

INTRODUCTION: Who and what have been the most influential innovators and innovations in plastic surgery? This historical paper attempts to determine our most important contributors and contributions. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous, 7-question, web-based survey of all members of the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons (ACAPS) and the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (SESPRS). We asked respondents to list their top 5 most influential surgeons, the most important publications or bodies of work, and the most important innovations in plastic surgery, past and present. RESULTS: Of the 86 nominees from ACAPS, the 15 most influential surgeons of the past century were Tessier, Buncke, Murray, Millard, Gillies, Mathes, Jurkiewicz, Taylor, Converse, Blair, Kleinert, Edgerton, McCraw, Peacock, and Brown, in that order. The most 10 influential surgeons of the current era are Rohrich, McCarthy, Wei, Lee, Siemionow, Allen, Coleman, Guyuron, Serletti, and Nahai. Of the 112 nominees from SESPRS, the 15 most influential surgeons of the past century were Gillies, Millard, Tessier, Buncke, Murray, Jurkiewicz, Hartrampf, Mathes, Taylor, Bostwick, McCraw, Furlow, Converse, Peacock, and Blair, in that order. The 10 most influential surgeons of the current era are Rohrich, Nahai, Wei, McCarthy, Coleman, MacKinnon, McGrath, Rubin, Guyuron, and Hammond. Pooled from both lists, the 10 most influential publications or bodies of work were Hartrampf's TRAM flap, Millard's cleft lip repair, McCraw/Mathes/Nahai's myocutaneous flaps, Furlow's cleft palate repair, Tessier's cleft classification and craniofacial repairs, Ramirez's components separation, Buncke's replantation/toe-to-thumb transfer, McCarthy's mandibular distraction osteogenesis, Taylor's free flap and angiosome concepts, and Murray's kidney transplant. The top 10 innovations of the 20th century were myocutaneous flaps, microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, skin grafts, transplantation, liposuction, bioimplants, distraction osteogenesis, angiosome anatomy, and rigid fixation. The 10 most important, current innovations are hand/face transplantation, fat grafting, stem cells, neurotoxins and soft-tissue fillers, biologic scaffolds, information technology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, negative pressure wound therapy, perforator flaps, and noninvasive imaging. CONCLUSION: Plastic surgery includes a rich history of both incremental and disruptive innovation, which has endowed our discipline with a competitive advantage over other medical and surgical subspecialties. Based upon our past success in managing change, there may be no limit, or no line on the horizon, as to what is possible, provided that we pursue innovation in a systematic way that combines creativity and discipline.

Learning curves in abdominal wall reconstruction with components separation: one step closer toward improving outcomes and reducing complications.

INTRODUCTION: Learning curves are characterized by incremental improvement of a process, through repetition and reduction in variability, but can be disrupted with the emergence of new techniques and technologies. Abdominal wall reconstruction continues to evolve, with the introduction of components separation in the 1990s and biologic mesh in the 2000s. As such, attempts at innovation may impact the success of reconstructive outcomes and yield a changing set of complications. The purpose of this project was to describe the paradigm shift that has occurred in abdominal wall reconstruction during the past 10 years, focusing on the incorporation of new materials and methods. METHODS: We reviewed 150 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction of midline defects with components separation, from 2000 to 2010. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for complications. Patients were stratified into the following periods: early (2000-2003), middle (2004-2006), and late (2007-2010). RESULTS: From 2000 to 2010, we performed 150 abdominal wall reconstructions with components separation [mean age, 50.2 years; body mass index (BMI), 30.4; size of defect, 357 cm; length of stay, 9.6 days; follow-up, 4.4 years]. Primary fascial closure was performed in 120 patients. Mesh was used in 114 patients in the following locations: overlay (n = 28), inlay (n = 30), underlay (n = 54), and unknown (n = 2). Complications occurred in a bimodal distribution, highest in 2001 (introduction of biologic mesh) and 2008 (conversion from underlay to overlay location). Age, sex, history of smoking, defect size, and length of stay were not associated with incidence of complications. Unadjusted risk factors for seroma (16.8%) were elevated BMI, of previous hernia repairs, use of overlay mesh, and late portion of the learning curve, with logistic regression supporting only late portion of the learning curve [odds ratio (OR), 4.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-18.6] and BMI (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06-1.29). The only unadjusted risk factor for recurrence was location of mesh. Logistic regression, comparing underlay, inlay, and overlay mesh to no mesh, revealed that the use of underlay mesh predicted recurrence (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.04-8.64). All P values were less than 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: The overall learning curve for a specific procedure, such as abdominal wall reconstruction, can be quite volatile, especially as innovative techniques and new technologies are introduced and incorporated into the surgeon's practice. Our current practice includes primary repair myofascial flap of the components separation and the use of biologic mesh as an overlay graft, anchored to the external oblique. This process of outcome improvement is not gradual but is often punctuated by periods of failure and redemption.

To heal and restore broken bodies: a retrospective, descriptive study of the role and impact of pastoral care in the treatment of patients with burn injury.

INTRODUCTION: Despite advances in resuscitation, resurfacing, and reconstruction, recovery in burn patients often depends upon emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual healing. We characterized the spiritual needs of burn patients to help identify resources necessary to optimize recovery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients admitted to a regional, accredited burn center, in 2011. We accessed multiple clinical, financial, and administrative databases, collected demographic data, including religious affiliation, and recorded the number and type of pastoral care visits. Outcome measures included length of stay (LOS), physician and facility charges, and mortality. We compared patients who had a pastoral care visit with those who did not, as well as patients with a religious affiliation with those who had no or an unknown affiliation. RESULTS: During the study period, our burn center admitted 1338 patients, 314 of whom were visited by chaplains, for a total of 1077 encounters (3.43 visits per patient seen). Most frequent interventions were prayer, social support, and spiritual counseling. Compared to patients who had no visit, patients who saw a chaplain had a larger total body surface area burn, longer LOS, higher charges, and higher mortality (10.2% vs. 0.78%, P < 0.001). Patients who had a religious affiliation had slightly lower mortality than patients with unknown or no religious affiliation (0.87% vs. 3.19%), but this did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: In burn patients, utilization of pastoral care appears to be linked to size of burn, financial charges, and length of stay, with religious affiliation serving as a possible marker for improved survival. Plastic surgeons and burn providers should consider and address the spiritual needs of burn patients, as a component of recovery.

Acute and Reconstructive Burn Care of the Hand.

The hand is commonly affected in thermal injuries. Hand burns account for 39% of all burns and they are involved in 34% of instances when the total body surface area of a burn exceeds 15%. Inadequate or inappropriate treatment could result in significant morbidity. The ultimate integration of a burn patient into the society largely depends on the functionality of the hands. Hence, it is important to reduce complications by providing good care during the acute stage.

Surgical Management of Chronic Neuropathic Burn Pain.

Burn-related chronic neuropathic pain can contribute to a decreased quality of life. When medical and pharmacologic therapies prove ineffective, patients should undergo evaluation for surgical intervention, consisting of a detailed physical examination and elective diagnostic nerve block, to identify an anatomic cause of pain. Based on symptoms and physical examination findings, particularly Tinel's sign, treatments can vary, including a trial of laser therapies, fat grafting, or nerve surgeries (nerve decompression, neuroma excision, targeted muscle reinnervation, regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces, and vascularized denervated muscle targets). It is essential to counsel patients to establish appropriate expectations prior to treatment with a multidisciplinary team.

Sometimes you can't make it on your own: the impact of a professionalism curriculum on the attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors of an academic plastic surgery practice.

INTRODUCTION: Professionalism is now recognized as a core competency for graduate medical education and maintenance of certification. However, few models exist in plastic surgery that define, teach, and assess professionalism as a competency. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a professionalism curriculum in an academic plastic surgery practice. METHODS: We created and conducted a 6-wk, 12-h course for health care professionals in plastic surgery (faculty, residents, nurses, medical students). Teaching methods included didactic lectures, journal club, small group discussions, and book review. Topics included: (1) Professionalism in Our Culture, (2) Leadership Styles, (3) Modeling Professional Behavior, (4) Leading Your Team, (5) Managing Oneself, and (6) Leading While You Work. Using Kirkpatrick methodology to assess perception of the course (level 1 data), learning of the material (level 2 data), effect on behavior (level 3 data), and impact on the organization (level 4 data), we compiled participant questionnaires, scores from pre- and post-tests, and such metrics as incidence of sentinel events (defined as infractions requiring involvement by senior administrators), number of patient complaints reported to Patient Relations, and patient satisfaction (Press Ganey surveys), for the 6 mo before and after the course. RESULTS: Thirty health care professionals participated in a 6-wk course, designed to improve professionalism in plastic surgery. Level 1 data: Although only 56.5% of respondents felt that the course was a "good use of my time," 73.9% agreed that the course "will help me become a better professional" and 82.6% "would recommend the course to others." Level 2 data: Post-test scores increased from 48% to 70% (P < 0.05), and the ability to recall all six competencies increased from 22% to 73% (P < 0.01). Level 3 data: The number of sentinel events in our division decreased from 13 to three. After the course, one resident was placed on probation and resigned, and two other employees left the division after being counseled on issues of professionalism. Interestingly, these participants did very well on the post-test but were not considered to be "team players." Level 4 data: Patient complaints decreased from 14 to eight, and patient satisfaction increased from 85.5% to 90.5%. CONCLUSIONS: A focused curriculum in professionalism may improve the knowledge of participants and overall behavior of the group, but may not affect individual attitudes. Nevertheless, efforts toward assessing, teaching, and influencing professionalism in plastic surgery are very valuable and should be pursued by educators to help satisfy Graduate Medical Education/Maintenance of Certification requirements and to improve the performance of the organization.

Elevation: developing a mentorship model to raise the next generation of plastic surgery professionals.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the components of professionalism specific to plastic surgery, we surveyed surgeons, anesthesiologists, and fourth-year medical students at a public university. We sought to define the central components of professionalism in plastic surgery, to determine the difference in perception of professionalism by plastic surgeons (PSs), compared to other practitioners (OPs), and to improve education in professionalism by obtaining data on attitudes of professionalism among practitioners. METHODS: Using SurveyMonkey, we distributed a questionnaire to members of the Departments of Surgery and Anesthesia and fourth-year medical students. The responses of PSs (n = 22) were compared to non-plastic surgeons (OPs, n = 294). RESULTS: Of the 594 participants, 316 completed the survey (response rate, 53%). Participants consisted of 211 (66.8%) medical students, 60 (19%) residents, 5 (1.6%) fellows, 28 (8.9%) attending physicians, 6 (1.9%) nonphysician providers, and 6 (1.9%) administrators. Both PS and OP listed "the development and conformance to a body of ethics" the most important component of professionalism. Most participants thought that professionalism could be taught, and assessed. Plastic surgeons listed "not enough mentors" (63.2%) as the main obstacle to teaching professionalism, whereas OP listed "not a priority in medical school curriculum" (48.2%). Both PS and OP cited substance abuse, fraud, and sexual misconduct as egregious displays of unprofessional behavior. Opinions differed between the groups, regarding aspects of professionalism pertaining to plastic surgery. When asked about "charity raffles" for cosmetic surgery, 72.2% of PS ranked this as a 4 or 5 (with 5 representing the most unprofessional behavior), compared to only 46.7% of OP who assigned this a 4 or 5. For the scenario of a PS deceiving patients, by showing them another surgeon's before and after photographs, 84.2% of PS assigned this a 4 or 5, whereas 71.0% of OP ranked this a 4 or 5. Both groups cited working while impaired with alcohol as the most egregious example of unprofessional behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The opinions of PSs mirror those of their colleagues, regarding general components of professionalism. However, PSs are more conservative and cautious than their peers, perhaps due to successful educational efforts in mentoring, training, and maintenance of certification.