Reconstruction of Acquired Defects of the External Genitalia: A 24-Patient, Single-Institution Experience.

PURPOSE: Patients undergoing resection of the external genitalia are often faced with significant deformity and decreased quality of life. Plastic surgeons are tasked with the challenge of reconstructing these defects to minimize morbidity and increase patients' quality of life. The authors have set out to investigate the efficacy of local fasciocutaneous and pedicled perforator flaps in external genital reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients undergoing reconstruction of acquired defects of the external genitalia from 2017 to 2021. In total, 24 patients met inclusion criteria for the study. Patients were allocated into 2 cohorts: patients with defects reconstructed using local fasciocutaneous flaps (FF) versus patients with defects reconstructed using pedicled islandized perforator flaps (PF). Comorbid conditions, ablative procedures, operative times, flap size, and complications were compared across all groups. Fisher exact test was used to analyze differences in comorbidities, while independent t tests were used to analyze age, body mass index, operative time, and flap size. Significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients included in the study, 6 underwent reconstruction with islandized PFs (either profunda artery perforator or anterolateral thigh), and 18 underwent reconstruction with FFs. The most common indication for reconstruction was vulvectomy for vulvar cancer, followed by radical debridement for infection, and lastly penectomy for penile cancer. The PF cohort had a significantly higher percentage of previously irradiated patients (50% vs 11.1%, P = 0.019). Although mean flap size was larger in the PF cohort, this difference did not reach statistical significance (176 vs 143.4 cm2, P = 0.5). Perforator flaps had significantly longer operative times when compared with FFs (237.33 vs 128.99 minutes, P = 0.003). Average length of stay was 6.88 days in FF and 5.33 days in PF (P = 0.624). Complication profile including flap necrosis, wound healing delays, and infection were similar between groups despite a significantly higher rate of prior radiation in the PF cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that PFs such as profunda artery perforator and anterolateral thigh flaps are associated with longer operative times but may offer a suitable option for reconstruction of acquired defects of the external genital compared with local FFs, especially in the setting of prior radiation.

Same-Day Mastectomy and Immediate Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction: A 12-Year National Database Analysis and Early Postoperative Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease of 2019 and rising health care costs have incentivized shorter hospital stays after mastectomies with immediate prosthetic reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes following same-day and non-same-day mastectomy with immediate prosthetic reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2007 to 2019 was performed. Patients who underwent mastectomies and immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders or implants were selected and grouped based on length of stay. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression were performed to compare 30-day postoperative outcomes between length-of-stay groups. RESULTS: A total of 45,451 patients were included: 1508 had same-day surgery (SDS) and 43,942 were admitted for 1 or more night (non-SDS). There was no significant difference in overall 30-day postoperative complications between SDS and non-SDS following immediate prosthetic reconstruction. SDS was not a predictor of complications (OR, 1.1; P = 0.346), whereas tissue expander reconstruction decreased odds of morbidity compared with direct-to-implant reconstruction (OR, 0.77; P < 0.001). Among patients who had SDS, smoking was significantly associated with early complications on multivariate analysis (OR, 1.85; P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an up-to-date assessment of the safety of mastectomies with immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction that captures recent advancements. Postoperative complication rates are similar between same-day discharge and at least 1-night stay, suggesting that same-day procedures may be safe for appropriately selected patients. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Reconstructive complications and early toxicity in breast cancer patients treated with proton-based postmastectomy radiation therapy.

Background: Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) decreases the risk of locoregional recurrence and increases overall survival rates in patients with high-risk node positive breast cancer. While the number of breast cancer patients treated with proton-based PMRT has increased in recent years, there is limited data on the use of proton therapy in the postmastectomy with reconstruction setting. In this study, we compared acute toxicities and reconstructive complications in patients treated with proton-based and photon-based PMRT. Methods: A retrospective review of our institutional database was performed to identify breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy with implant or autologous reconstruction followed by PMRT from 2015 to 2020. Baseline clinical, disease, and treatment related factors were compared between the photon-based and proton-based PMRT groups. Early toxicity outcomes and reconstructive complications following PMRT were graded by the treating physician. Results: A total of 11 patients treated with proton-based PMRT and 26 patients treated with photon-based PMRT were included with a median follow-up of 7.4 months (range, 0.7-33 months). Six patients (55%) in the proton group had a history of breast cancer (3 ipsilateral and 3 contralateral) and received previous RT 38 months ago (median, range 7-85). There was no significant difference in mean PMRT (p = 0.064) and boost dose (p = 0.608) between the two groups. Grade 2 skin toxicity was the most common acute toxicity in both groups (55% and 73% in the proton and photon group, respectively) (p = 0.077). Three patients (27%) in the proton group developed grade 3 skin toxicity. No Grade 4 acute toxicity was reported in either group. Reconstructive complications occurred in 4 patients (36%) in the proton group and 8 patients (31%) in photon group (p = 0.946). Conclusions: Acute skin toxicity remains the most frequent adverse event in both proton- and photon-based PMRT. In our study, reconstructive complications were not significantly higher in patients treated with proton- versus photon-based PMRT. Longer follow-up is warranted to assess late toxicities.

Standardized Perioperative Protocol and Routine Ketorolac Use for Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction.

No consensus exists on ideal perioperative management or anticoagulation regimen for free flap reconstruction of the head and neck. Perceived benefits from antiplatelet therapy need to be balanced against potential complications. Ketorolac, a platelet aggregation inhibitor and a parenteral analgesic, was introduced as part of a standardized perioperative protocol at our institution. In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of implementation of this protocol as well as complications associated with the routine use of perioperative ketorolac in a diverse group of patients who underwent head and neck free flap reconstruction. Methods: A single institution retrospective review was performed, including all patients who underwent head and neck free flap reconstruction between October 2016 and November 2019. Patients were divided into two cohorts: those who received ketorolac as part of a standardized protocol, and those who did not. Results: Twenty-four consecutive patients with 24 head and neck free flaps were evaluated. Eighteen patients were in the standard protocol, and six were not. There were no microvascular thromboses, flap failures, or hematomas in either group. Intensive care unit length of stay and opiate use were significantly reduced in the standardized protocol group. Conclusions: A standardized perioperative protocol for head and neck free flap reconstruction can reduce hospital and intensive care unit length of stay. No statistically significant differences in complication rates were identified when comparing ketorolac use and perioperative regimens among patients undergoing a diverse set of microsurgical head and neck free flap reconstructions.

Chaperone Use During Plastic Surgery Physical Examinations: Nationwide Provider Practices and Impact of Level of Training.

BACKGROUND: Medical chaperones often play an important role during physical examinations, providing patient comfort and serving as medicolegal witness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare practices regarding chaperone use by plastic surgery attendings and trainees. METHODS: A voluntary survey was distributed to members of the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons. The survey included a standardized set of questions regarding physician demographics, nature of practice training, and current practices pertaining to chaperone use. Data were analyzed in a descriptive fashion. Ordinal logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of chaperone use. RESULTS: We received 167 responses, of which 107 (64.1%) were attendings and 60 (35.9%) were trainees. In total, 78.3% of the respondents were male and 21.7% were female. Routine use of chaperones was reported at 58.6%. Compared with plastic surgery trainees, attending surgeons were 12.8 times more likely to use a chaperone during sensitive examinations (P < 0.001). In addition, male respondents were 6.43 times more likely than their female counterparts to involve a chaperone during sensitive examinations (P < 0.001). Forty-eight percent of the trainees acknowledged receiving education regarding chaperone use, and this cohort was 7 times more likely to use a chaperone when compared with trainees who had not received chaperone instruction (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the wide variability of chaperone use among plastic surgery attendings and trainees. Integration and standardization of chaperone education within plastic surgery training may be an effective technique to promote this practice and lead to improved patient-provider clinical experiences.

The Expanding Use of Buccal Mucosal Grafts in Urologic Surgery.

The advent and success of buccal mucosal grafts as a substitution material in the urinary tract has changed the landscape of reconstructive urology. Due to its ease to harvest, low morbidity, and advantageous properties, there has been a growing number of applications for buccal mucosal grafts in upper and lower urinary tract reconstruction as well as genital reconstruction. In this article, we review the historical application and the evolution of buccal mucosal grafts and provide an up-to-date review on its utilization in urologic procedures.

Assessment of Opioid-Prescribing Practices in Breast Augmentation: Future Directions for Prescribing Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: The United States (US) is in the mid of an opioid epidemic propagated, in part, by prescription opioids. With excess overprescribing documented in a variety of surgical procedures, several societies have recommended opioid-prescribing guidelines. Considering the scope and postoperative pain associated with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures, earnest evaluation into opioid-prescribing practices for breast augmentation was conducted. METHODS: Members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery were electronically surveyed on their opioid-prescribing patterns. The survey was distributed to 1709 plastic surgeons. Descriptive statistics were collated into percentages, deviations, and morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), when appropriate. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-nine American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery members (13.4%) provided responses. A total of 91.2% of respondents prescribe opioids to patients undergoing breast augmentation. The most commonly prescribed agents included oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet, 47.0%) and hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin, 38.3%). On average, 165.3 ± 81.7 MMEs were dispensed (range, 25.0-600.0 MMEs; number tablets, 5-60). Prescribers felt that a lack of phone-in prescribing (52.4%) and the ease of preemptively prescribing opioids (52.4%) propagate opioid overprescribing. A total of 61.3% of respondents reported that they are or may be in favor of developing plastic surgery societal guidelines related to opioid prescribing. These respondents indicated support for guidelines on opioid-sparing pain management strategies (74.2%) and guidelines identifying the type (54.7%), duration of use (69.5%), and number of opioid tablets (61.7%) necessary for procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable variability exists among prescribing patterns after breast augmentation. Societal guidelines aimed at providers and patients may serve a future role in opioid prescribing.

Orbital Floor and Maxillary Reconstruction With Titanium Mesh and Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap.

A 57-year-old woman with a 15-year history of a slowly growing fibrous dysplastic maxillary bony tumor underwent total left maxillectomy with subsequent maxillary reconstruction with anterolateral thigh single perforator free flap and orbital floor reconstruction with a titanium mesh implant.

Risk Factors Associated With Major Lower Extremity Amputation After Osseous Diabetic Charcot Reconstruction.

Patients with diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) are at high risk for ulcerations and major lower extremity amputations (LEAs). Osseous reconstruction is an important component in ulcer healing and prevention; however, despite such efforts, major LEAs remain a serious postreconstruction concern. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for major LEA in patients who underwent osseous Charcot reconstruction. A retrospective review was performed on 331 patients with the diagnosis of CN in the foot and ankle treated over a 16-year period. Two hundred eighty-five patients were included after exclusion of those without diabetes. Demographic data, anatomic wound location, surgical interventions, wound healing status, and the level of eventual amputation were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression and Fisher's exact test were used for analysis. All patients had diabetes, neuropathy, or CN and required osseous reconstruction. Risk factors and their respective odds ratios (ORs) are as follows: postoperative nonunion (OR 8.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2 to 33.5, 0.0023), development of new site of CN (OR 8.2; 95% CI 1.1 to 62.9; p = .0440), peripheral arterial disease (OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.7 to 11.0; p = .0020), renal disease (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.6 to 8.8; p = .0025), postoperative delayed healing (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 6.5; p = .0371), postoperative osteomyelitis (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.0 to 5.9; p = .0473), or elevated glycated hemoglobin (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.4; p = .0053). Independent risk factors found to be statistically significant for major LEA in diabetic CN in the setting of osseous reconstruction must be mitigated for long-term prevention of major amputations.

Upper Eyelid Coloboma Repair Using Accessory Preauricular Cartilage in a Patient With Goldenhar Syndrome: Technique Revisited.

We present an unusual case of upper eyelid coloboma repair in a patient with Goldenhar syndrome. We describe the use of a modified Cutler-Beard flap with concurrent inlay graft using cartilage from a preauricular appendage. This technique provides the benefits of autologous tissue, while minimizing donor site morbidity and reducing the risk of upper eyelid retraction.

Google Glass in the Operating Room: The Plastic Surgeon's Perspective.

New technologies and innovations are common in the delivery of modern health care. Google Glass is one such device gaining increased attention in medical specialties. The authors surveyed residents and attending physicians in the Department of Plastic Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, on their experience using Google Glass in the operating room. Ease of use, quality of images, gaze disruption, and distraction during surgery were measured. Overall, subjects found the device to be comfortable and satisfying to wear and use during surgery to capture images of good quality. Despite some identified weaknesses, Google Glass is a unique technology with a promising plastic surgical application in the operating room.

Lateral Approach to the Popliteal Artery for Free Tissue Transfer to the Lower Extremity.

Free tissue transfer to the proximal leg and knee requires appropriate recipient vessel selection. The popliteal vessels have historically been unpopular choices, due to their remote location often necessitating vein grafts, and need for prone positioning. In this report, we describe a lateral approach to the above-knee popliteal vessels, which was utilized for 2 cases of free tissue transfer to the lower extremity. Neither prone positioning nor vein grafts were needed. The lateral approach to the above-knee popliteal vessels and their branches is a viable option for the otherwise recipient vessel-depleted lower extremity.

Interdisciplinary treatment of post-concussion and post-traumatic headaches.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic headaches following concussion are debilitating and difficult to treat. Commonly employed initial therapeutic modalities include pharmacologic, physical, and psychological interventions. Despite these efforts, a subset of patients with chronic pain remains. Peripheral nerve surgery has never before been reported as an effective treatment for the management of post-concussion headaches. In this study, we report on our early outcomes following peripheral nerve surgery for this novel indication. METHODS: A retrospective review of 28 consecutive patients with post-concussion headaches who underwent occipital nerve surgery was performed. Preoperative and postoperative headache pain was evaluated on visual analog scale (VAS) in 24 patients with at least 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: The average VAS headache pain reduced from 6.4 preoperatively, to 1.4 (P < 0.0001). Twenty-one patients (88%) had a successful outcome of at least a 50% reduction in their VAS following peripheral nerve surgery. Additionally, twelve patients (50%) were pain free at time of final follow-up. There were no surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Early results indicate peripheral nerve surgery is a safe and effective new therapy for post-concussion headaches in the properly selected patients, whose chronic pain persists despite initial treatments by a neurologist, specialized in headache management. Future studies should focus on larger patient populations, and examine the long-term durability of outcome. In the meantime, an interdisciplinary approach involving neurologists and a peripheral nerve surgeon is suggested for the care of patients with refractory chronic post-concussion occipital neuralgia and other post-traumatic chronic headaches.

Salmonella osteomyelitis of the hand in an infant with sickle cell disease.

Salmonella osteomyelitis involving the hand is a rare, but potentially morbid, complication of sickle cell disease in children. This entity can be difficult to distinguish from the more frequent presentation of dactylitis, but accurate diagnosis is critical to direct proper treatment. We report on a 15-month-old patient with sickle cell disease who ultimately developed osteomyelitis of 1 hand after an acute vasoocclusive episode caused 4 extremity dactylitis. The case description illustrates the diagnostic and treatment challenges.

Modified fixation of acrylic cranioplasty in the setting of titanium allergy.

Cranioplasty can be performed using a number of materials ranging from autologous tissue to metallic or acrylic alloplastic implants. In this report, we present a unique case of revision cranioplasty in a patient with titanium allergy using a prefabricated, custom-made polymethylmethacrylate implant and a modified fixation technique without plates or screws.

Multidisciplinary approach to soft-tissue reconstruction of the diabetic Charcot foot.

BACKGROUND: Diabetics are prone to foot ulceration as a result of local tissue ischemia, immune impairment, and biomechanical derangement in the setting of neuropathy. Healing ulcers in the setting of Charcot neuroarthropathy is challenging, as the skeletal changes usually signify advanced disease. METHODS: Records were reviewed for all patients with the diagnosis of Charcot neuroarthropathy and ulceration treated over a 7-year period. Demographic data, anatomical wound location, therapeutic interventions, and wound healing rates were recorded. RESULTS: Three hundred fourteen wounds in 259 patients were examined. One hundred ninety-three wounds with documented follow-up data were analyzed. Fifty wounds (25.9 percent) were on the forefoot, 73 (37.8 percent) were on the midfoot, 28 (14.5 percent) were on the hindfoot, and 42 (21.8 percent) were about the ankle. Wounds were débrided surgically an average of four times. Primary closure was attempted in 29 wounds (15.0 percent). Delayed primary closure was attempted in 35 wounds (18.1 percent). Bioengineered alternative tissues were used in 61 wounds (31.6 percent). Autologous skin grafting was performed on 41 wounds (21.2 percent). Fifteen local flaps (7.8 percent) and five free flaps (2.6 percent) were performed. Forty-eight patients (31.6 percent) required a major amputation. Excluding patients who underwent major amputation, 95 wounds (65.1 percent) were healed at the time of final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of ulcers on Charcot feet required multiple débridements to achieve a clean wound. Multiple therapeutic modalities were used to achieve a 65 percent rate of healing. Despite those efforts, many patients required partial foot or major amputations, with more proximal wounds being at highest risk of the latter.