Identifying US Plastic Surgery Training Programs that Effectively Establish Gender and Ethnically Diverse Faculty.

Background: Successful strategies to improve the representation of female and ethnically underrepresented in medicine (UIM) physicians among US plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) faculty have not been adequately explored. Accordingly, we aimed to identify programs that have had success, and in parallel gather PRS program directors' and chiefs/chairs' perspectives on diversity recruitment intentionality and strategies. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the demographic composition of female and UIM faculty of PRS residency training programs. Separate lists of programs in the top quartile for female and UIM faculty representation were collated. Additionally, a 14-question survey was administered to program directors and chiefs/chairs of all 99 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited PRS residency programs. The questions comprised three domains: (1) demographic information; (2) perceptions about diversity; and (3) recruitment strategies utilized to diversify faculty. Results: Female and UIM faculty representation ranged from 0% to 63% and 0% to 50%, respectively. Survey responses were received from program directors and chiefs/chairs of 55 institutions (55% response rate). Twenty-five (43%) respondents felt their program was diverse. Fifty-one (80%) respondents felt diversity was important to the composition of PRS faculty. Active recruitment of diverse faculty and the implementation of a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee were among the most frequently cited strategies to establish a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment. Conclusions: These findings reveal that female and UIM representation among US PRS faculty remains insufficient; however, some programs have had success through deliberate and intentional implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.

Department Versus Division: An In-Depth Analysis of Units of Plastic Surgery and Other Surgical Specialties at Their Institutions.

ABSTRACT: An increasing number of plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) units have transitioned from divisions to departments in recent years. This study aimed to identify quantifiable differences that may reflect challenges and benefits associated with each type of unit. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of publicly-available data on characteristics of academic medical institutions housing PRS units, faculty size of surgical units within these institutions, and academic environments of PRS units themselves. Univariate analysis compared PRS divisions versus departments. Matched-paired testing compared PRS units versus other intra-institutional surgical departments. Compared to PRS divisions (n = 64), departments (n = 22) are at institutions with more surgical departments overall (P = 0.0071), particularly departments that are traditionally divisions within the department of surgery (ie urology). Compared to PRS divisions, PRS departments have faculty size that more closely resembles other intra-institutional surgical departments, especially for full-time surgical faculty and faculty in areas of clinical overlap with other departments like hand surgery. Plastic and reconstructive surgery departments differ from PRS divisions by certain academic measures, including offering more clinical fellowships (P = 0.005), running more basic science laboratories (P = 0.033), supporting more nonclinical research faculty (P = 0.0417), and training residents who produce more publications during residency (P = 0.002). Institutions with PRS divisions may be less favorable environments for surgical divisions to become departments, but other recently-transitioned divisions could provide blueprints for PRS to follow suit. Bolstering full-time surgical faculty numbers and faculty in areas of clinical overlap could be useful for PRS divisions seeking departmental status. Transitioning to department may yield objective academic benefits for PRS units.

Does E-learning Improve Plastic Surgery Education?: A Systematic Review of Asynchronous Resources.

PURPOSE: E-learning is rapidly growing in medical education, overcoming physical, geographic, and time-related barriers to students. This article critically evaluates the existing research on e-learning in plastic surgery. METHODS: A systematic review of e-learning in plastic surgery was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases. Studies were limited to those written in English and published after 1995 and excluded short communications, letters to the editor, and articles focused on in-person simulation. RESULTS: A total of 23 articles were identified. Represented subspecialties include breast, burns, craniofacial/pediatrics, hand, and microsurgery. Most e-learning resources target surgeons and trainees, but a small number are for patients, parents, and referring physicians. Users reported high levels of satisfaction with e-learning and significant gains in knowledge after completion, although there may be more variable satisfaction with teaching technical skills. Two studies showed no differences in knowledge gains from e-learning compared with traditional learning methods. Subgroup analysis showed greater benefit of e-learning for novice learners when evaluated. Surveys of plastic surgeons and trainees showed high interest in and growing utilization of e-learning. CONCLUSIONS: Research in plastic surgery e-learning shows high user satisfaction and overall improvements in learning outcomes with knowledge gains equivalent to traditional teaching methods and greater benefit in novice learners. Thus, e-learning can serve an important role in plastic surgery education, especially in the current state of social distancing. Future work should aim to define learner preferences and educational needs and better establish how e-learning can augment plastic surgical education, particularly among other teaching methods.

Incisional Hernia Incidence, Repair Techniques, and Outcomes Based on 1600 Consecutive Patients Receiving Abdominally Based Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: As the number of postmastectomy patients who receive abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction (ABABR) increases, the frequency of unique paramedian incisional hernias (IHs) at the donor site is increasing as well. We assessed incidence, repair techniques, and outcomes to determine the optimal treatment for this morbid condition. METHODS: A total of 1600 consecutive patients who underwent ABABR at the University of Pennsylvania between January 1, 2009, and August 31, 2016, were retrospectively identified. Preoperative and operative information was collected for these patients. Incisional hernia incidence was determined by flap type and donor site closure technique. Repair techniques and postoperative outcomes for all patients receiving IH repair (IHR) after ABABR at our institution were also determined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The incidence of IH after ABABR in our health system was 3.6% (n = 61). Fifteen additional patients were referred from outside hospitals for a total of 76 patients who received IHR. At the time of IHR, mesh was used in 79% (n = 60) of cases (13 biologic and 47 synthetic), with synthetics having significantly lower recurrent IH incidence (10.6% vs 38.5%, P = 0.017) when compared with biologics. Mesh position did not have any statistically significant effect on outcomes; however, sublay mesh position had zero adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Mesh should be used in all cases when possible. Although retrorectus repair with mesh is optimal, this plane is often nonexistent or too scarred in after ABABR. Thus, intraperitoneal underlay mesh with primary fascial closure or primary closure with onlay mesh placement should then be considered.

Free Flap Reconstruction of Complex Oncologic Scalp Defects in the Setting of Mesh Cranioplasty: Risk Factors and Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Soft-tissue reconstruction of the scalp has traditionally been challenging in oncologic patients. Invasive tumors can compromise the calvarium, necessitating alloplastic cranioplasty. Titanium mesh is the most common alloplastic material, but concerns of compromise of soft-tissue coverage have introduced hesitancy in utilization. The authors aim to identify prognostic factors associated with free-flap failure in the context of underlying titanium mesh in scalp oncology patients. METHODS: A retrospective review (2010-2018) was conducted at a single center examining all patients following oncologic scalp resection who underwent titanium mesh cranioplasty with free-flap reconstruction following surgical excision. Patient demographics, comorbidities, ancillary oncological treatment information were collected. Operative data including flap type, post-operative complications including partial and complete flap failure were collected. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients with 18 concomitant mesh cranioplasty and free-flap reconstructions were identified. The majority of patients were male (68.8%), with an average age of 70.5 years. Free-flap reconstruction included 15 ALT flaps (83.3%), 2 latissimus flaps (11.1%), and one radial forearm flap (5.5%). There were three total flap losses in two patients. Patient demographics and comorbidities were not significant prognostic factors. Additionally, post-operative radiation therapy, ancillary chemotherapy, oncological histology, tumor recurrence, and flap type were not found to be significant. Pre-operative radiotherapy was significantly associated with flap failure (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative radiotherapy may pose a significant risk for free-flap failure in oncologic patients undergoing scalp reconstruction following mesh cranioplasty. Awareness of associated risk factors ensures better pre-operative counseling and success of these reconstructive modalities and timing of pre-adjuvant treatment.

Searching for an Alternative Method to Evaluate Surgical Knowledge: Does a Drawing and Labeling Quiz Predict In-Service Exam Performance and Enhance Learning?

BACKGROUND: The best methods to assess surgical knowledge are still debated. The authors used a non-multiple-choice test as a pre- and post-conference assessment to measure residents' knowledge gains with comparison to a standard summative assessment tool. METHODS: At one didactic conference, plastic surgery residents at a single institution were given a pre-test of drawing and labeling structures in the extensor mechanism of the finger and within the carpal tunnel. The quiz was followed by a lecture on the same material and a subsequent post-test. Scores were correlated with in-service exam performance. RESULTS: Pre-test scores (n = 13) were positively correlated with postgraduate year (PGY) until PGY-3. Performance on labeling structures was higher than performance on the respective drawing prompt. Residents' ability to label structures increased more strongly with PGY than their ability to draw structures. The post-test (n = 8) demonstrated that teaching improves performance on labeling questions (pre-test score = 62%; post-test score = 87%). Improvement was observed across all PGYs. Pretest results were positively correlated with in-service exam performance. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that a knowledge test focused on drawing and labeling structures given to surgical residents is a valid, nontraditional method for assessing resident knowledge. Such a quiz would offer programs an alternative method for regularly evaluating residents aside from in-service questions, in order to identify residents who may need targeted training for the in-service exam and to inform teaching plans.Additionally, residents could use quiz feedback to guide study efforts and prime conference-related learning.

Computed Tomography Image Analysis in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Ventral hernias are a complex and costly burden to the health care system. Although preoperative radiologic imaging is commonly performed, the plethora of anatomic features present and available in routine imaging are seldomly quantified and integrated into patient selection, preoperative risk stratification, and perioperative planning. We herein aimed to critically examine the current state of computed tomography feature application in predicting surgical outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist. PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases were reviewed under search syntax "computed tomography imaging" and "abdominal hernia" for papers published between 2000 and 2020. RESULTS: Of the initial 1922 studies, 12 papers met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most frequently used radiologic features were hernia volume (n = 9), subcutaneous fat volume (n = 5), and defect size (n = 8). Outcomes included both complications and need for surgical intervention. Median area under the curve (AUC) and odds ratio were 0.68 (±0.16) and 1.12 (±0.39), respectively. The best predictive feature was hernia neck ratio > 2.5 (AUC 0.903). CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography feature selection offers hernia surgeons an opportunity to identify, quantify, and integrate routinely available morphologic tissue features into preoperative decision-making. Despite being in its early stages, future surgeons and researchers will soon be able to integrate 3D volumetric analysis and complex machine learning and neural network models to improvement patient care.

The Abdominal Hernia-Q: Development, Psychometric Evaluation, and Prospective Testing.

OBJECTIVE: Our study completes the development and estimates the psychometric properties of a novel, ventral hernia-specific patient reported outcomes (PRO) tool-the Abdominal Hernia-Q (AHQ). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: A standardized method for measuring hernia-related PRO has not been identified. There remains a need for a broadly applicable, hernia-specific tool that incorporates patient viewpoints and offers pre- and postoperative forms. METHODS: Concept elicitation interviews, focus groups, and cognitive debriefing interviews were completed to define content. The preoperative AHQ was administered to patients scheduled to have a ventral hernia repair (VHR). The postoperative AHQ was administered to patients within 24 months post-VHR. The SF-12 and HerQLes were concurrently administered. Psychometric evaluation was performed. Subsequently, the AHQ (pre: 8 items; post: 16 items) underwent prospective testing. RESULTS: Cross-sectional evaluations of patient responses to the AHQ (pre n = 104; post n = 261) demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach α pre = 0.86; post = 0.90) and moderate disattenuated correlations with the HerQLes (pre r = -0.71 and post r = -0.70) and the SF-12 domains (pre and post r ≥ 0.5 for 7 of 8 domains). Principal components analyses produced 2 factors preoperatively and 3 factors postoperatively. In prospective testing (n = 67), the AHQ scores replicated the cross-sectional psychometric results and suggested sensitivity to clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Through patient involvement and rigorous, iterative psychometric evaluation, we have produced substantial data to suggest the validity and reliability of AHQ scores in measuring hernia-specific PRO. The AHQ advances the clinical management and treatment of patients with abdominal hernias by providing a more complete understanding of patient-defined outcomes.

Retromuscular Mesh Repair Using Fibrin Glue: Early Outcomes and Cost-effectiveness of an Evolving Technique.

BACKGROUND: Retromuscular hernia repairs (RHRs) decrease hernia recurrence and surgical site infections but can cause significant pain. We aimed to determine if pain and postoperative outcomes differed when comparing suture fixation (SF) of mesh to fibrin glue fixation (FGF). METHODS: Patients undergoing RHR (n = 87) between December 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017 were retrospectively identified. Patients received SF of mesh (n = 59, 67.8%) before the senior author changing his technique to FGF (n = 28, 32.2%). These 2 cohorts were matched (age, body mass index, number of prior repairs, mesh type, defect size, and wound class). Outcomes were analyzed using a matched pairs design with multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: Two matched groups (21 FGF and 21 SF) were analyzed (45.2% female, average age 56 years, average body mass index 34.7 kg/m2, and average defect size 330 cm2). Statistical significance was observed for FGF compared with SF: length of stay (3.7 versus 7.1 days, P = 0.032), time with a drain (17.2 versus 27.5 days, P = 0.012), 30-day postoperative visits (2 versus 3, P = 0.003), pain scores (5.2 versus 3.1, P = 0.019) and activity within the first 24 hours (walking versus sitting, P = 0.002). Operative time decreased by 23.1 minutes (P = 0.352) and postoperative narcotic represcription (3 versus. 8 patients, p=0.147) also decreased. Average cost for patients receiving SF was $36,152 compared to $21,782 for FGF (P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Sutureless RHR using FGF may result in decreased pain when compared with a matched cohort receiving SF, translating to enhanced recovery time, shortened hospital stay, and decreased costs.

A Systematic Review of Sensory Outcomes of Digital Nerve Gap Reconstruction With Autograft, Allograft, and Conduit.

BACKGROUND: Direct comparison of nerve autograft, conduit, and allograft outcomes in digital nerve injuries is limited. This study aims to compare the outcomes of nerve autografts, allografts, and conduits relative to primary repair (PR) through a systematic review. METHODS: A review of literature related to digital nerve gap repairs was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE. Included articles were human clinical studies on digital nerve injuries repaired with nerve autograft, allograft, bovine collagen conduit, or PR. Patient characteristics, injury details, and complications were collected. Greater than 6-month outcomes included static 2-point discrimination, the British Medical Research Council Scale, or Semmes-Weinstein. RESULTS: Four autograft, 4 allograft, 5 conduit, and 7 PR publications were included. Allografts had the most repairs (100%) with static 2-point discrimination less than 15 mm, followed by autografts (88%), conduits (72%), and PR (63%). In British Medical Research Council Scale results, autografts (88%) and allografts (86%) were similar for patients with at least S3+ sensibility, compared to conduit (77%) and PR (39%). For Semmes-Weinstein, autografts demonstrated 93% normal sensation or diminished light touch, compared to allografts (71%), PR (70%), or conduits (46%). Conduits had the highest complication rate (10.9%), followed by autografts (5.7%), allografts (3.0%), and PRs (0.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Although a randomized clinical trial would provide strongest evidence of superiority, this review presents the highest percentage of patients with normal to near normal sensory recovery in allograft and autograft repairs with low rates of complications. Nerve conduit studies reported a higher rate of incomplete recovery of sensation and complications.