Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 330
Filter
Add more filters

Publication year range
1.
J Hand Surg Am ; 2024 Jul 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38970600

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To address patient health literacy, the American Medical Association and the National Institutes of Health recommend that readability of patient education materials should not exceed an eighth grade reading level. However, patient-facing materials often remain above the recommended average reading level. Current online calculators provide readability scores; however, they lack the ability to provide text-specific feedback, which may streamline the process of simplifying patient materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer (ChatGPT) 3.5 as a tool for optimizing patient-facing hand surgery education materials through reading level analysis and simplification. METHODS: The readability of 18 patient-facing hand surgery education materials was compared by a traditional online calculator for reading level and ChatGPT 3.5. The original excerpts were then entered into ChatGPT 3.5 and simplified by the artificial intelligence tool. The simplified excerpts were scored by the same calculators. RESULTS: The readability scores for the original excerpts from the online calculator and ChatGPT 3.5 were similar. The simplified excerpts' scores were lower than the originals, with a mean of 7.28, less than the maximum recommended 8. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ChatGPT 3.5 for the purpose of simplification and readability analysis of patient-facing hand surgery materials is efficient and may help facilitate the conveyance of important health information. ChatGPT 3.5 rendered readability scores comparable with traditional readability calculators, in addition to excerpt-specific feedback. It was also able to simplify materials to the recommended grade levels. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: By confirming ChatGPT3.5's ability to assess and simplify patient education materials, this study offers a practical solution for potentially improving patient comprehension, engagement, and health outcomes in clinical settings.

2.
Cleft Palate Craniofac J ; : 10556656241242699, 2024 Apr 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38629137

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The inaugural Cleft Summit aimed to unite experts and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, seeking a collective understanding of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) management. DESIGN: An interactive debate and conversation between a multidisciplinary cleft care team on VPI management. SETTING: A two-hour discussion within a four-day comprehensive cleft care workshop (CCCW). PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-two global leaders from various cleft disciplines. INTERVENTIONS: Cleft Summit that allows for meaningful interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ability to reach consensus on a unified statement for VPI management. RESULTS: Participants agreed that a patient with significant VPI and a dynamic velum should first receive a surgery that lengthens the velum to optimize patient outcome. A global, multicenter prospective study should be done to test this hypothesis. CONCLUSION: The 1st Cleft Summit successfully distilled global expertise into actionable best-practice guidelines through iterative discussions, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and paving the way for a transformative multi-center prospective study on VPI care.

3.
Cleft Palate Craniofac J ; 60(3): 344-351, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34919450

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Since COVID-19 was declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March of 2020, foundation-based cleft outreach programs to Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) were halted considering global public health challenges, scarcity of capacity and resources, and travel restrictions. This led to an increase in the backlog of untreated patients with cleft lip and/or palate, with new challenges to providing comprehensive care in those regions. Resumption of international outreach programs requires an updated course of action to incorporate necessary safety measures in the face of the ongoing pandemic. In this manuscript, the authors outline safety protocols, guidelines, and recommendations implemented in Global Smile Foundation's (GSF) most recent outreach trip to Beirut, Lebanon. METHODS: COVID-19 safety protocols for outreach cleft care and an Action Response Plan were developed by the GSF team based on the published literature and recommendations from leading international organizations. RESULTS: GSF conducted a 1-week surgical outreach program in Beirut, Lebanon, performing 13 primary cleft lip repairs, 7 cleft palate repairs, and 1 alveolar bone grafting procedure. Safety protocols were implemented at all stages of the outreach program, including patient preselection and education, hospital admission and screening, intraoperative care, and postoperative monitoring and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Organizing outreach programs in the setting of infectious diseases outbreaks should prioritize the safety and welfare of patients and team members within the program's local community. The COVID-19 protocols and guidelines described may represent a reproducible framework for planning future similar outreach initiatives in high-risk conditions.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cleft Lip , Cleft Palate , Humans , Cleft Lip/surgery , Cleft Lip/epidemiology , Cleft Palate/surgery , Cleft Palate/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics/prevention & control , World Health Organization , Global Health
4.
Cleft Palate Craniofac J ; 60(6): 724-733, 2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35167405

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Clefts of the lip are of the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies. The development and implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol among patients undergoing cleft lip repair may decrease postoperative complications, accelerate recovery, and result in earlier postoperative discharge. METHODS: A modified ERAS program was developed and applied through Global Smile Foundation outreach craniofacial programs. The main components of this protocol include: (1) preoperative patient education, (2) nutrition screening, (3) smoking cessation when applicable, (4) use of topical anesthetic adjuncts, (5) facial nerve blocks, (6) postoperative analgesia, (7) preferential use of short-acting narcotics, (8) antibiotic administration, (9) use of elbow restraints, (10) early postoperative oral feeding and hydration, and (11) discharge planning. RESULTS: Between April 2019 and March 2020, GSF operated on 126 patients with cleft lip from different age groups and 58.8% of them were less than 1 year of age. Three patients (2.4%) had delayed wound healing and one (0.8%) had postoperative bleeding. There were no cases of mortality, length of hospital stay did not exceed 1 postoperative day, and patients were able to tolerate fluids intake at discharge. CONCLUSION: The implementation of an ERAS protocol among patients undergoing cleft lip repair has shown to be highly effective in minimizing postoperative discomfort while reducing opioids use, decreasing the length of stay in hospital, and leading to early oral feeding resumption. The ERAS principles described carry increased relevance in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and opioid crisis and can be safely applied in resource-constrained settings.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cleft Lip , Humans , Cleft Lip/surgery , Pandemics , Postoperative Complications , Analgesics, Opioid , Length of Stay , Pain, Postoperative/prevention & control , Retrospective Studies
5.
Cleft Palate Craniofac J ; : 10556656231193971, 2023 Aug 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37545188

ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are the most common and debilitating work-related injuries among healthcare providers. These injuries often occur due to a lack of awareness and insufficient guidance during the early years of medical training. Recognizing the need to address this issue, the Comprehensive Cleft Care Workshop (CCCW) has taken steps to integrate an ergonomics session into its curriculum. The goal of this initiative is to enhance awareness on ergonomics, improve the integration of ergonomics into daily routine, and ultimately reduce the occurrence of MSK injuries among healthcare professionals.

6.
AJR Am J Roentgenol ; 218(5): 859-866, 2022 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34817189

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND. The frequency of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) following negative biparametric MRI (bpMRI) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) has not been well investigated in direct comparative studies. OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this study were to compare the frequency of csPCa after negative prebiopsy bpMRI and mpMRI and to evaluate factors predictive of csPCa in the two cohorts. METHODS. This retrospective study included 232 men (mean age, 64.5 years) with negative bpMRI from August 2017 to March 2020 and 193 men (mean age, 69.0 years) with negative mpMRI from January 2018 to December 2018. PI-RADS category 1 or 2 was defined as negative. The study institution offered bpMRI as a low-cost self-pay option for patients without insurer coverage of prebiospy mpMRI. Patient characteristics and subsequent biopsy results were recorded. CsPCa was defined as Gleason score of 3 + 4 or greater. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of csPCa. The AUC of PSA density (PSAD) for csPCA was computed, and the diagnostic performance of PSAD was assessed at a clinically established threshold of 0.15 ng/mL2. RESULTS. Systematic biopsy was performed after negative bpMRI for 41.4% (96/232) of patients and after negative mpMRI for 30.5% (59/193) (p = .02). Among those undergoing biopsy, csPCa was present in 15.6% (15/96) in the bpMRI cohort versus 13.6% (8/59) in the mpMRI cohort (p = .69). The NPV for csPCa was 84% (81/96) for bpMRI and 86% (51/59) for mpMRI. In multivariable analyses, independent predictors of csPCa included smaller prostate volume (OR, 0.27; p < .001) and greater PSAD (OR, 3.09; p < .001). In multivariable models, bpMRI (compared with mpMRI) was not independently predictive of csPCa (p > .05). PSAD had an AUC for csPCa of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.56-0.87) in the bpMRI cohort versus 0.68 (95% CI, 0.42-0.93) in the mpMRI cohort. For detecting csPCa, a PSAD threshold of 0.15 ng/mL2 had NPV of 90% and PPV of 28%, in the bpMRI cohort versus NPV of 92% and PPV of 44% in the mpMRI cohort. CONCLUSION. The frequencies of csPCa were not significantly different at systematic biopsy performed after negative bpMRI and mpMRI examinations. PSAD had similar diagnostic utility for csPCa in the two cohorts. CLINICAL IMPACT. Either bpMRI or mpMRI, in combination with PSAD measurement, can help avoid negative prostate biopsies.


Subject(s)
Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Prostatic Neoplasms , Aged , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Male , Middle Aged , Prostate/pathology , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology , Retrospective Studies
7.
Environ Sci Technol ; 56(13): 9773-9783, 2022 07 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35706337

ABSTRACT

India is home to 1.3 billion people who are exposed to some of the highest levels of ambient air pollution in the world. In addition, India is one of the fastest-growing carbon-emitting countries. Here, we assess how two strategies to reuse waste-heat from coal-fired power plants and other large sources would impact PM2.5-air quality, human health, and CO2 emissions in 2015 and a future year, 2050, using varying levels of policy adoption (current regulations, proposed single-sector policies, and ambitious single-sector strategies). We find that power plant and industrial waste-heat reuse as input to district heating systems (DHSs), a novel, multisector strategy to reduce local biomass burning for heating emissions, can offset 71.3-85.2% of residential heating demand in communities near a power plant (9.3-12.4% of the nationwide heating demand) with the highest benefits observed during winter months in areas with collocated industrial activity and higher residential heating demands (e.g., New Delhi). Utilizing waste-heat to generate electricity via organic Rankine cycles (ORCs) can generate an additional 22 (11% of total coal-fired generating capacity), 41 (8%), 32 (13%), and 6 (5%) GW of electricity capacity in the 2015, 2050-current regulations, 2050-single-sector, and 2050-ambitious-single-sector scenarios, respectively. Emission estimates utilizing these strategies were input to the GEOS-Chem model, and population-weighted, simulated PM2.5 showed small improvements in the DHS (0.2-0.4%) and ORC (0.3-3.4%) scenarios, where the minimal DHS PM2.5-benefit is attributed to the small contribution of biomass burning for heating to nationwide PM2.5 emissions (much of the biomass burning activity is for cooking). The PM2.5 reductions lead to ∼130-36,000 mortalities per year avoided among the scenarios, with the largest health benefits observed in the ORC scenarios. Nationwide CO2 emissions reduced <0.04% by DHSs but showed larger reductions using ORCs (1.9-7.4%). Coal fly-ash as material exchange in cement and brick production was assessed, and capacity exists to completely reutilize unused fly-ash toward cement and brick production in each of the scenarios.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Air Pollution , Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollution/analysis , Carbon Dioxide , China , Coal , Coal Ash , Hot Temperature , Humans , Particulate Matter/analysis
8.
Radiographics ; 42(2): 417-432, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35030067

ABSTRACT

There is a wide spectrum of benign and malignant mesenchymal neoplasms of the prostate, which account for less than 1% of all prostatic tumors. These include distinctive tumors that arise from the specialized prostatic stroma and site-agnostic neoplasms such as smooth muscle tumors, fibrous or myofibroblastic neoplasms, neurogenic tumors, vascular tumors, and a plethora of sarcomas. Select tumors show classic sites of origin within the prostate. While stromal tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMPs) commonly involve the peripheral zone at the prostate base, leiomyomas typically originate from the central prostate toward the apex. Some "prostatic" neoplasms such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors, solitary fibrous tumor (SFT), paragangliomas, and neurogenic tumors arise primarily from periprostatic soft tissues. Most mesenchymal tumors of the prostate and seminal vesicles manifest as large tumors that cause nonspecific symptoms; prostate-specific antigen level is not typically elevated. Diverse mesenchymal neoplasms demonstrate characteristic histopathologic and immunocytochemical features and variable cross-sectional imaging findings. While leiomyoma and SFT typically display low signal intensity on T2-weighted images, synovial sarcomas commonly show hemorrhage. Diagnosis is difficult because of the rarity and lack of awareness of the tumors and the significant overlap in histopathologic features. Select tumors show characteristic genetic abnormalities that allow the diagnosis to be established. For example, more than 90% of SFTs are characterized by a unique NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion, and more than 95% of synovial sarcomas are associated with a distinctive SYT-SSX chimeric transcript. Accurate diagnosis is imperative for optimal management owing to markedly different tumor biology as well as attendant therapeutic and prognostic implications. While STUMPs commonly recur, sarcomas typically charter an aggressive course with poor prognosis. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2022.


Subject(s)
Prostate , Solitary Fibrous Tumors , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Male , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Prostate/diagnostic imaging , Prostate/pathology , Seminal Vesicles/diagnostic imaging , Seminal Vesicles/pathology , Solitary Fibrous Tumors/pathology
9.
Vascular ; : 17085381221140950, 2022 Nov 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36384347

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We present a case of a 59-year-old male with an actively bleeding aortoenteric fistula (AEF) that was temporized using an endovascular stent prior to staged open reconstruction. METHODS: Verbal informed consent was given by the patient's family for publication of this case report. The patient presented with pulseless electrical activity secondary to hemorrhagic shock due to a massive gastrointestinal bleed. His past surgical history included an aortobifemoral bypass (ABFB) that subsequently underwent extra-anatomic reconstruction with right axillofemoral artery bypass for right femoral infected pseudoaneurysm. Two months prior to presentation, he underwent a second revision with in-situ reconstruction for left limb graft infection. CTA now demonstrated actively bleeding AEF. He was emergently treated with endovascular stenting. Once stabilized, a two-stage revision with extra-anatomic bypass and aortic stump closure for management of his AEF was performed. RESULT: The patient was adequately stabilized using endovascular techniques followed by two-stage revision but unfortunately expired secondary to septic shock 20 days postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the utility of endovascular stent graft to successfully obtain hemodynamic stability and optimization prior to open repair of AEFs.

10.
Cleft Palate Craniofac J ; 59(8): 1086-1091, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34636659

ABSTRACT

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) aim to alleviate unmet global disease burden and promote collaboration between visiting and host countries. Well-executed emergency response protocols are foundational to providing safe and quality care in an unpredictable global setting. Global Smile Foundation (GSF) instituted a protocol in 2012 based on over three decades of cleft care experience. Here, we update this protocol and provide information on how to address special circumstances such as humanitarian crises and disease outbreaks. The GSF response protocol was developed in conjunction with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and administrators to ensure all team members are adequately prepared to respond to emergency situations in global outreach. This protocol provides information on pre-departure preparation, onsite setup, operative precautions, and post-departure debriefings. Emphasis is placed on a standardized, reproducible workflow that accounts for necessary site-specific adjustments. Strategies include emergency simulations, site-specific safety checklists, standardized operating room protocols, and well-defined individual responsibilities. The authors also provide anticipatory guidance in addressing unexpected circumstances, such as disease outbreak and natural disaster, during global outreach. In conclusion, a proactive and systematic approach to emergency response and prevention is vital to minimizing morbidity and mortality during surgical outreach initiatives. The GSF protocol represents a reproducible approach that other organizations can adopt and adapt to their unique needs.


Subject(s)
Quality of Health Care , Humans
11.
J Sci Food Agric ; 102(8): 3475-3479, 2022 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34796508

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Edible oils are important for human nutrition and health. The demand for edible oils is increasing globally and the situation warrants the identification of new natural sources of oils that have been subjected to proper quality and safety evaluation. Garcinia gummi-gutta is a widely cultivated fruit crop in Kerala, south India. The fruit rinds are the useful part, while the seeds are treated as waste material. This study evaluated the composition, physico-chemical properties, and toxicity of the seed oil with a view to considering its utility in the food sector. RESULTS: The yield of oil obtained from the seeds of Garcinia gummi-gutta through hexane extraction was 335.30 g kg-1 . The physico-chemical parameters of the oil were determined through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. The values agree well with those of conventional edible oils. Stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid, was identified as the main component (55.39%) followed by monounsaturated oleic acid (40.22%) through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Preliminary in vivo acute oral toxicity studies and acute dermal toxicity studies on female Wistar rats, and dermal irritation studies on New Zealand white male rabbits showed no morbidity, mortality, appreciable change in the bodyweight, or clinical signs of dermal responses. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the seeds of G. gummi-gutta are a rich source of edible oil. The presence of stearic acid, a stable fatty acid, as the major constituent suggests that the oil could be suitable for use in value-added food products such as chocolates. Preliminary toxicological studies also recommend the use of the oil in the food and cosmetics sectors. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.


Subject(s)
Garcinia , Animals , Fatty Acids/analysis , Female , Garcinia/chemistry , Male , Plant Oils/chemistry , Rabbits , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Seeds/chemistry
12.
Aesthet Surg J ; 42(1): NP1-NP10, 2022 01 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34515761

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The fundamental tenets of facial aesthetic surgery education have not changed in centuries. Research is beginning to demonstrate that the Neoclassical Canons and the Golden Ratio, Phi, have limited utilization in populations other than those of White European extraction. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze comparable raw data in the literature to determine (1) if there is interethnic variability in Neoclassical Canon and Phi measurements, and (2) if the measurements in these representative samples differ from the "ideal." METHODS: A PubMed/Scopus search was performed. Manuscripts with raw data and individuals aged ≥16 were included. Measurements were extracted and employed to calculate the Neoclassical Canons and Phi. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were conducted to compare mean measurements across 6 ethnic groups (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles were included. Every continent was represented except Antarctica and Australia. Men were less commonly studied than women. Participant ages ranged from 16 to 56. Averaged Canons 2, 6-8 measurements had significant interethnic differences in males, whereas Canons 5-8 had significant differences across ethnicities in females. For men, there was significant interethnic variability in measurements of Phi 2, 5, 8, 10, and 17. For women, Phi 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, and 17 varied across ethnicities. No ethnic/gender group showed consistent approximation of the "ideal" for both the Neoclassical Canons and Phi. CONCLUSIONS: Today, the utility of the Neoclassical Canons and Phi is limited. It is incumbent on our field to systematically study and define the anthropometric measures that define the "ideal."


Subject(s)
Data Analysis , Surgery, Plastic , Anthropometry , Ethnicity , Face/anatomy & histology , Female , Humans , Male
13.
Ann Intern Med ; 172(11 Suppl): S116-S122, 2020 06 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32479181

ABSTRACT

Clinical workflow is the enactment of a series of steps to perform a clinical activity. The transition from paper to electronic health records (EHRs) over the past decade has been characterized by profound challenges supporting clinical workflow, impeding frontline clinicians' ability to deliver safe, efficient, and effective care. In response, there has been substantial effort to study clinical workflow as well as workarounds-exceptions to routine workflow-in order to identify opportunities for improvement. This article describes predominant methods of studying workflow and workarounds and provides examples of the applications of these methods along with the resulting insights. Challenges to studying workflow and workarounds are described, and recommendations for how to approach such studies are given. Although there is not yet a set of standard approaches, this article helps advance workflow research that ultimately serves to inform how to coevolve the design of EHR systems and organizational decisions about processes, roles, and responsibilities in order to support clinical workflow that more consistently delivers on the potential benefits of a digitized health care system.


Subject(s)
Delivery of Health Care/standards , Electronic Health Records/organization & administration , Quality Improvement , Workflow , Humans
14.
J Arthroplasty ; 36(4): 1361-1366.e1, 2021 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33121848

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate medical and surgical complications of liver cirrhosis patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA), with attention to different etiologies of cirrhosis and their financial burden following THA. METHODS: In total, 18,321 cirrhotics and 722,757 non-cirrhotics who underwent primary elective THA between 2006 and 2013 were identified from a retrospective database review. This cohort was further subdivided into 2 major etiologies of cirrhosis (viral and alcoholic cirrhosis) and other cirrhotic etiology. Cirrhotics were compared to non-cirrhotics for hospital length of stay, 90-day mean total charges and reimbursement, hospital readmission, and major medical and arthroplasty-specific complications. RESULTS: Cirrhosis was associated with increased rates of major medical complications (4.3% vs 2.4%; odds ratio [OR] 1.20, P < .001), minor medical complications, transfusion (3.4% vs 2.1%; OR 1.16, P = .001), encephalopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and readmission (13.5% vs 8.6%; OR 1.18, P < .001) within 90 days. Cirrhosis was associated with increased rates of revision, periprosthetic joint infection, hardware failure, and dislocation within 1 year postoperatively (3.1% vs 1.6%; OR 1.37, P < .001). Cirrhosis independently increased hospital length of stay by 0.14 days (P < .001), and it independently increased 90-day charges and reimbursements by $13,791 (P < .001) and $1707 (P < .001), respectively. Viral and alcoholic cirrhotics had higher rates of 90-day and 1-year complications compared to controls-other causes only had higher rates of 90-day medical complications, encephalopathy, readmission, and 1-year revision, hardware failure, and dislocation compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Cirrhosis, especially viral and alcoholic etiologies, is associated with higher risk of early postoperative complications and healthcare utilization following elective THA.


Subject(s)
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip , Aged , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/adverse effects , Humans , Length of Stay , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Liver Cirrhosis/epidemiology , Medicare , Patient Readmission , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , United States/epidemiology
15.
J Craniofac Surg ; 32(4): e398-e401, 2021 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33710044

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Migraine headache is a common, debilitating condition responsible for astronomical societal burden. The chronicity of migraine headaches necessitates the use of many healthcare services. Preventative treatment remains the desirable option for this patient population. Pharmacologic advances have led to the development of erenumab, a monoclonal antibody calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist that directly interferes with the known biochemical pathway of migraine initiation. Alternatively, surgical decompression of migraine trigger sites is a historically effective preventative option for certain patients experiencing migraine headaches. As new treatments emerge, the large economic burden of migraine headaches requires cost evaluation against already available preventative modalities. METHODS: Studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of both erenumab and surgical trigger site deactivation were found using EMBASE and MedLine. Relevant economic data was extracted from this literature and the cost of treatment with erenumab was compared with surgical decompression. RESULTS: The market price of erenumab is $6900/yr. Speculative models predicted a direct annual healthcare cost ranging from $11,404 to $12,988 for patients experiencing episodic migraine. For chronic migraine patients, this range extended to $25,604. Annual indirect costs ranged from $7601 to $19,377. Prospective and model-based studies evaluating surgical trigger site deactivation reported an average 1 time surgical cost between $6956 and $10,303. In episodic migraine, subsequent annual healthcare costs were $900. CONCLUSIONS: Erenumab has potential to be a revolutionary noninvasive preventative treatment for migraine headache. With that said, the cost-conscious option for patients receiving more than 1 year of treatment remains surgical trigger site deactivation.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Migraine Disorders , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Humans , Migraine Disorders/drug therapy , Prospective Studies
16.
J Craniofac Surg ; 32(5): e435-e437, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33208701

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: Fibrous dysplasia is a benign overgrowth of metaplastic fibrous material resulting in disorganized deposition of bony matrix. Surgical intervention is the primary treatment modality. Here the authors present the case of a 36-year-old male with extensive and severe fibrous dysplasia of the calvarium, orbit, sphenoid, and facial bones causing significant facial distortion and impingement of his optic nerve. Combined operative treatment with craniofacial plastic surgery and neurosurgery was performed. Repair consisted of extensive intra- and extracranial resection and contouring of involved bones followed by reconstruction of the superior orbital rims, forehead, orbital roof, and calvarium with custom polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implant. The authors discuss the advantages of using computer assisted design/modeling, intraoperative neuronavigation, and custom prosthetic cranioplasty for surgical treatment of extensive fibrous dysplasia; a review of the current surgical literature is provided.


Subject(s)
Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia , Dental Implants , Fibrous Dysplasia, Polyostotic , Adult , Facial Bones/diagnostic imaging , Facial Bones/surgery , Fibrous Dysplasia, Polyostotic/diagnostic imaging , Fibrous Dysplasia, Polyostotic/surgery , Humans , Male , Optic Nerve , Skull
17.
Cleft Palate Craniofac J ; 58(11): 1341-1347, 2021 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33648383

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: At the declaration of the global pandemic on March 11, 2020, many hospitals and institutions developed a tiered framework for the stratification and prioritization of elective surgery. Cleft lip and palate repair was classified as low acuity, and nasoalveolar molding (NAM) clinics were closed. Anticipating the consequences of delayed cleft care and the additional burden this would cause families, we reassessed our risk-stratification and perioperative algorithms. We hypothesized we could safely optimize nasolabial repair without burdening our care systems and without increasing COVID-19-related morbidity/mortality. METHODS: Our multidisciplinary cleft team reevaluated patient selection to maximize surgical impact. Perioperative protocols were adjusted, and COVID-19 preoperative testing was utilized before nasolabial repair and prior to suture removal under anesthesia. RESULTS: Early in the pandemic, unilateral cleft repair was prioritized and successfully completed on 9 patients. There were no complications related to COVID-19. Nasoalveolar molding clinic was reopened after total patient volume was significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: We offer an approach for surgical management of nasolabial clefts during a global pandemic. Although guidelines have suggested postponing all cleft care, we found that at our dedicated pediatric hospital with low burden of COVID-19 and adequate resources, we could follow a strategy to safely resume cleft care while decreasing burden on our patients' families and care delivery systems.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cleft Lip , Cleft Palate , Child , Cleft Lip/epidemiology , Cleft Lip/surgery , Cleft Palate/epidemiology , Cleft Palate/surgery , Humans , Nose , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2
18.
Cleft Palate Craniofac J ; 58(5): 647-652, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32914647

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Clefts of the lip and palate are leading congenital facial anomalies. Underserved patients with these facial differences lack access to medical care, surgical expertise, prenatal care, or psychological support. Moreover, the disease results in significant economic strains on patients and their families. While surgical outreach programs have attempted to fill this void, significant challenges facing international comprehensive cleft care persist. OBJECTIVE: Propose a path toward international sustainable cleft care based on the Global Smile Foundation experience. RESULTS: International sustainable comprehensive cleft care can be achieved by regulating surgical outreach programs. Regulation of these missions would ensure standardized care and encourage stakeholders to cooperate and adequately allocate funding and resources. Capacity building can be achieved through "diagonal" cleft care delivery models, multidisciplinary workshops, fellowship programs, research and quality assurance, as well as leveraging emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality. CONCLUSION: International comprehensive cleft care requires continuous collaborative efforts between visiting and local teams as well as international and national organizations. Standardizing and regulating current practices as well as promoting capacity building initiatives can contribute to sustainable cleft care.


Subject(s)
Cleft Lip , Cleft Palate , Cleft Lip/surgery , Cleft Palate/surgery , Humans
19.
Clin Colon Rectal Surg ; 34(6): 391-399, 2021 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34853560

ABSTRACT

Anastomotic leaks after colorectal surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding the impact of anastomotic leaks and their risk factors can help the surgeon avoid any modifiable pitfalls. The diagnosis of an anastomotic leak can be elusive but can be discerned by the patient's global clinical assessment, adjunctive laboratory data and radiological assessment. The use of inflammatory markers such as C-Reactive Protein and Procalcitonin have recently gained traction as harbingers for a leak. A CT scan and/or a water soluble contrast study can further elucidate the location and severity of a leak. Further intervention is then individualized on the spectrum of simple observation with resolution or surgical intervention.

20.
Ann Plast Surg ; 84(5): 476-480, 2020 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31977530

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Today, medical education emphasizes clinical applications of anatomic knowledge. In 2014, we instituted Clinically Applied Anatomy (CAA) within first-year Human Gross Anatomy at our university. The course was designed and overseen by academic plastic surgery. We hypothesized CAA would positively impact students' understanding, performance, and interest in human anatomy. METHODS: From 2014 to 2018, 13 CAA case-based didactics were integrated into the anatomy curriculum without changing the total anatomy-related student hours; each emphasized the clinical relevance of overlooked (or memorized) anatomic detail. Clinically Applied Anatomy instructors led associated clinical cadaver dissections. Upon course completion, students from each participating class were anonymously surveyed. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-four students completed the survey (75% response). Eighty-six percent reported CAA increased mastery of human anatomy, 77% stated CAA improved examination performance, 87% agreed CAA increased interest in anatomy itself, and 96% reported CAA increased their critical thinking of how understanding anatomy affects clinical care. Nearly half (49.4%) responded that CAA increased interest in applying for a procedurally oriented residency. When considering future integration of CAA into the medical school curriculum, 9% of students wanted less CAA, 61% wanted the same, and 30% wanted more. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically Applied Anatomy significantly impacts medical students' anatomy education. Currently, 17 CAA faculty from 7 departments/divisions participate in all 26 of our school's anatomy sessions. As per our institution, we advocate this cost-effective and impactful initiative be led by academic plastic surgeons. These clinicians possess broad and specialized anatomic expertise as well as the leadership and interdisciplinary working relationships needed to enroll a multidisciplinary team of clinical educators.


Subject(s)
Anatomy , Education, Medical, Undergraduate , Students, Medical , Cadaver , Curriculum , Dissection , Humans
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL