Disparity Reduction in United States Breast Reconstruction: An Analysis From 2005-2017 Using 3 Nationwide Data Sets.

BACKGROUND: Following passage of the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), a steady rise in breast reconstruction rates was reported; however, a recent update is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinal trends in breast reconstruction (BR) rates in the U.S. and relevant sociodemographic factors. METHODS: Mastectomy cases with/without BR from 2005 through 2017 were abstracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, and National Cancer Database (NCDB). BR rates were examined using Poisson regression. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of NCDB data was used to identify predictors of reconstruction. Race and insurance distributions were evaluated over time. RESULTS: Of 1,554,381 mastectomy patients, 507,631 (32.7%) received BR. Annual reconstruction rates per 1000 mastectomies increased from 2005 to 2012 (NSQIP: Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) 1.077; SEER: 1.090; NCDB: 1.092) and stabilized from 2013 to 2017. NCDB data showed that patients who were younger (≤59 years), privately insured, had fewer comorbidities, and underwent contralateral prophylactic mastectomy were more likely to undergo BR (all p<0.001). Over time, the increase in BR rates was higher among Black (252.3%) and Asian (366.4%) patients than White patients (137.3%). BR rates increased more among Medicaid (418.6%) and Medicare (302.8%) patients than privately insured (125.3%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis demonstrates stabilization in immediate BR rates over the last decade; reasons behind this stabilization are likely multifactorial. Disparities based on race and insurance type have decreased, with a more equitable distribution of BR rates.

Social Determinants of Health and Patient-reported Outcomes Following Autologous Breast Reconstruction, Using Insurance as a Proxy.

BACKGROUND: Insurance type can serve as a surrogate marker for social determinants of health and can influence many aspects of the breast reconstruction experience. We aimed to examine the impact of insurance coverage on patients reported outcomes with the BREAST-Q (patient reported outcome measure for breast reconstruction patients, in patients receiving) in patients receiving deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. METHODS: We retrospectively examined patients who received DIEP flaps at our institution from 2010 to 2019. Patients were divided into categories by insurance: commercial, Medicaid, or Medicare. Demographic factors, surgical factors, and complication data were recorded. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum tests, and generalized estimating equations were performed to identify associations between insurance status and five domains of the BREAST-Q Reconstructive module. RESULTS: A total of 1,285 patients were included, of which 1,011 (78.7%) had commercial, 89 (6.9%) had Medicaid, and 185 (14.4%) had Medicare insurances. Total flap loss rates were significantly higher in the Medicare and Medicaid patients as compared to commercial patients; however, commercial patients had a higher rate of wound dehiscence as compared to Medicare patients. With all other factors controlled for, patients with Medicare had lower Physical Well-being of the Chest (PWBC) than patients with commercial insurance (ß = - 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): -5.0, -1.2, p = 0.002). There were no significant associations between insurance classification and other domains of the BREAST-Q. CONCLUSION: Patients with government-issued insurance had lower success rates of autologous breast reconstruction. Further, patients with Medicare had lower PWBC than patients with commercial insurance regardless of other factors, while other BREAST-Q metrics did not differ. Further investigation as to the causes of such variation is warranted in larger, more diverse cohorts.

Top 25 Medications the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Trainee Should Know for an Emergency Medicine Department Consult.

SUMMARY: Plastic surgery trainees are often called to render care in the emergency department (eg, for established patients, trauma, burns). Broad-based knowledge in pharmacotherapeutics during these encounters is critical. This includes an understanding of pain medications, anxiolytics, local anesthetics, antibiotics, anticoagulants, antidotes, and more to ensure optimal patient care. The purpose of this report is to describe 25 frequently used and other important medications that plastic surgery trainees should know for an adult emergency department encounter.

The evolution of pediatric soft-tissue free flap reconstruction of the lower extremity after oncologic resection: A 30 year experience.

INTRODUCTION: Limb salvage has become the standard of care for lower extremity tumors because of improvements in adjuvant treatments and reconstructive techniques. While there is literature assessing pediatric lower extremity free flap reconstruction in the setting of trauma, there is a paucity of literature that analyzes oncologic free flap reconstruction in this patient population. We report our long-term experience and evolution of care for lower extremity oncologic free flap reconstruction in pediatric patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series of all patients ≤18 years of age who underwent oncologic soft-tissue microvascular reconstruction of the lower extremity, from 1992 to 2021. Data were collected for patient demographics, oncologic treatment, operative details, and post-operative outcomes. Functional outcomes were assessed by weight bearing status, ambulation, and participation in activities-of-daily-living (ADLs), and musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) scores. RESULTS: Over the 30-year study period, inclusion criteria were met by 19 patients (11 males, 8 females) with a mean age of 13.8 years and a mean follow-up of 5.3 years. At last follow-up, 13 patients (68.5%) were alive. The most common pathology was osteogenic sarcoma (13 patients, 68.5%). Sites of reconstruction were the hip (n = 1), thigh (n = 5), knee (n = 4), leg (n = 7), and the foot (n = 2). The most commonly used flaps were latissimus dorsi (n = 8), gracilis (n = 4), and anterolateral thigh ± vastus (n = 4). Postoperative complications occurred in nine patients (43%). Overall flap success rate was 95%. At latest follow-up, ambulation without assistive device was obtained in 11 patients (58%), full weight bearing was achieved by 13 patients (68.5%), and ADLs could be performed independently by 13 patients (68.5%). Mean MSTS score was 23.1/30. CONCLUSION: Microvascular reconstruction for oncological lower extremity defects in the pediatric population has high limb salvage rates and good functional outcomes.

Bilateral gluteal reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps and saphenofemoral arteriovenous loops.

The use of liquid silicone injections for soft tissue augmentation harbors numerous risks and is not approved by the FDA. Still, such injections are frequently performed by unlicensed providers, often in the gluteal region, and can lead to infection, soft-tissue breakdown, scarring, and disfigurement. The purpose of this case report was to demonstrate the use of immediate, abdominally based free flaps for reconstruction in a patient with bilateral total gluteal defects and limited inflow options in the setting of remote silicone injections. The patient is a 45-year-old female who developed chronically infected injected silicone in the bilateral buttocks leading to draining abscesses and soft tissue breakdown. The patient required radical debridement and excision of the bilateral buttocks to remove all foreign material. After intermediate skin grafting of the residual wounds, the patient then was deemed a candidate for bilateral free flap reconstruction of the buttocks. On exploration of the bilateral defects, both 20 cm × 10 cm in size, the gluteal vessels were non-usable, and preoperative CTA additionally had revealed no suitable posteriorly based perforators. Therefore, bilateral arteriovenous (AV) loops, measuring 30 cm in length, were then constructed utilizing the greater saphenous veins anastomosed to the femoral arteries which were then tunneled to the defect. The soft tissue defects were concurrently reconstructed with bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps measuring 16 cm × 12 cm. The postoperative course was complicated by small seromas in each groin requiring drain placement by interventional radiology on postoperative day 16. Otherwise, the patient's buttocks healed well, and functionally, the patient had regained the ability to sit and was satisfied with the aesthetic appearance of the reconstruction as of last follow-up at 10 months. Abdominally based free flap reconstruction with AV loops, in this case, provided for successful reconstruction of otherwise challenging soft-tissue defects with limited inflow options.

The Preferred Design of the Profunda Artery Perforator Flap for Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Transverse or Diagonal?

Background: Since its introduction for autologous breast reconstruction in 2010, the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has emerged as a preferred choice when an abdominal flap is suboptimal. The traditional transverse design (tPAP) was popularized, given the inconspicuous donor scar. A diagonal design (dPAP) has since evolved to address some of the shortcomings of the tPAP. The authors aimed to compare outcomes of tPAP/dPAP flaps harvested for breast reconstruction by a single surgeon. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted from 2017 to 2022 of patients undergoing tPAP versus dPAP-based breast reconstruction by a single surgeon at a tertiary cancer center. Patient variables and operative variables were assessed. Need for additional symmetrizing breast procedures were compared. Complications and BREAST-Q patient-reported outcome measures were analyzed. Results: Thirty-nine flaps were used to reconstruct 35 breasts in 24 patients. Average follow-up for the group was 1.8 years. The groups were similar with respect to demographics. The majority of dPAP flaps had two perforators, whereas most tPAP flaps had one perforator. The dPAP flaps had greater average weights, width, and overall surface area. There were no cases of partial/total flap loss. Complications and PROM results were similar between the two groups. Conclusions: The dPAP design allows for a larger skin paddle and greater tissue harvest and capture of cutaneous perforators, without increasing the risk of complications or compromising satisfaction. It should be considered as a viable option in patients unable to undergo abdominal-based reconstruction. Additional patients and multi-institutional efforts are necessary to better compare advantages of either design.

The Role of Dedicated Research Training in Promoting Academic Success in Plastic Surgery: Analysis of 949 Faculty Career Outcomes.

This study aimed to analyze the association between completion of research training and career success in American plastic surgery faculty to aid trainees in their decisions to perform research fellowships. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of attending academic plastic surgeons in the United States was conducted. Outcomes were compared between faculty who completed research training (research fellowship, PhD, or MPH) and those who did not. Outcomes included promotion to full professor and/or department chair, h-index, and attainment of National Institutes of Health funding. Outcomes were analyzed using chi-squared tests, t tests, and multivariable regressions. Results: A total of 949 plastic surgery faculty members were included, and of those, 185 (19.5%) completed dedicated research training, including 13.7% (n = 130) who completed a research fellowship. Surgeons who completed dedicated research training were significantly more likely to achieve full professorship (31.4% versus 24.1%, P = 0.01), obtain National Institutes of Health funding (18.4% versus 6.5%, P < 0.001), and have a higher mean h-index (15.6 versus 11.6, P < 0.001). Dedicated research fellowships were independently predictive of achieving full professorship (OR = 2.12, P = 0.002), increased h-index (ß = 4.86, P < 0.001), and attainment of National Institutes of Health funding (OR = 5.06, P = 0.01). Completion of dedicated research training did not predict an increased likelihood of becoming department chair. Conclusion: The performance of dedicated research training was predictive of improved markers of career success in plastic surgery and should be considered beneficial in both the short and long term.

Outcomes following Free Fibula Physeal Transfer for Pediatric Proximal Humerus Reconstruction: An International Multi-Institutional Study.

BACKGROUND: Vascularized fibula epiphyseal flap was first described in 1998 for proximal humeral reconstruction in children/infants. The authors aim to review their international, multi-institutional, long-term outcomes. METHODS: An international, multi-institutional review (2004 to 2020) was conducted of patients younger than 18 years undergoing free vascularized fibula epiphyseal transfer for proximal humeral reconstruction. Donor- and recipient-site complications, pain, and final ambulatory status were reviewed. Growth of the transferred bone was assessed under the guidance of a pediatric musculoskeletal radiologist. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included with a median age of 7 years (range, 2 to 13 years). Average follow-up was 120 ± 87.4 months. There were two flap failures (7.4%). Recipient-site complications included fracture [ n = 11 (40.7%)], avascular necrosis of the fibula head [ n = 1 (3.7%)], fibular head avulsion [ n = 1 (3.7%)], infection [ n = 1 (3.7%)], and hardware failure [ n = 1 (3.7%)]. Operative fixation was necessary in one patient with a fracture. The case of infection necessitated fibula explantation 2 years postoperatively, and ultimately, prosthetic reconstruction. Sixteen patients developed peroneal nerve palsy (59.3%): 13 of these cases resolved within 1 year (81% recovery), and three were permanent (11.1%). One patient (3.7%) complained of upper extremity pain. Longitudinal growth was confirmed in all but three cases [ n = 24 (88.9%)] at an average rate of 0.83 ± 0.25 cm/year. CONCLUSIONS: The vascularized fibula epiphysis for proximal humerus reconstruction in children preserves the potential for future growth and an articular surface for motion. Peroneal nerve palsy is common following harvest, although this is often transient. Future efforts should be geared toward reducing postoperative morbidity. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Modern Approaches to Alternative Flap-Based Breast Reconstruction: Profunda Artery Perforator Flap.

Autologous free flap breast reconstruction allows for natural-appearing breasts, while avoiding the risks associated with implants, including exposure, rupture, and capsular contracture. However, this is offset by a much higher technical challenge. The abdomen remains the most common tissue source for autologous breast reconstruction. However, in patients with scant abdominal tissue, prior abdominal surgery, or a desire to avoid scarring in this region, thigh-based flaps remain a viable alternative. The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has emerged as a preferred alternative tissue source, due to excellent esthetic outcomes and low donor-site morbidity.

Breast Surgical Oncology Epidemiologic Research: A Guide and Comparison of Four National Databases.

BACKGROUND: National databases are a rich source of epidemiologic data for breast surgical oncology research. However, these databases differ in the demographic, surgical, and oncologic variables provided. This study aimed to compare the strengths and limitations of four national databases in the context of breast surgical oncology research. METHODS: The study comprised a descriptive analysis of four national databases (the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program [NSQIP], the Nationwide Inpatient Sample [NIS], the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results [SEER] program, and the National Cancer Database [NCDB]) to assess their strengths and limitations in the context of breast surgical oncology. The study assessed the data available in each database for female patients with a breast cancer diagnosis between 2007 and 2017, and compared patient age, ethnicity, and race distributions. RESULTS: Data from 3.9 million female patients were examined, with most patients being between 60 and 69 years of age, non-Hispanic, and white. Age, ethnicity, and race distributions were similar in the databases. The NSQIP includes data on operative details, comorbidities, and postoperative outcomes. The NIS provides health services and inpatient utilization information, but does not evaluate outpatient procedures. The SEER program provides population-based oncologic detail including stage, histology, and neoadjuvant/adjuvant treatment. The NCDB offers hospital-based oncologic information and the largest population in the study period, with approximately 2.5 million breast cancer patients. CONCLUSION: Epidemiologic datasets offer tremendous potential for the examination of oncologic breast surgery, with each database providing unique data useful for addressing different epidemiologic questions. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each database creates a more efficient and productive research environment.

Microvascular free tissue transfer for reconstruction of complex lower extremity trauma: Predictors of complications and flap failure.

BACKGROUND: Despite advanced wound care techniques, open fractures in the setting of lower extremity trauma remain a challenging pathology, particularly when free tissue transfer is required for coverage. We aimed to evaluate factors associated with flap failure in this setting using a large, heterogeneous patient population. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent traumatic lower extremity free flap reconstruction (2002-2019). Demographics wound/vessel injury characteristics, pre and perioperative factors, and flap outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-eight free flaps met inclusion criteria, with 23 partial (12.2%) and 13 total (6.9%) flap failures. Angiography was performed in 87 patients, with arterial injury suffered in 43.1% of those evaluated. Time to flap coverage varied within 3 days (4.5%), 10 days (17.3%), or 30 days of injury (42.7%). In all, 41 (21.8%) subjects suffered from major flap complications, including failure and takebacks. Multivariate regression demonstrated the presence of posterior tibial (PT) artery injury predictive of both flap-failure (Odds ratio [OR] = 11.4, p < .015) and major flap complications (OR = 12.1, p < .012). Immunocompromised status was also predictive of flap failure (OR = 12.6, p < .004) and major complications (OR = 11.6, p < .007), while achieving flap coverage within 30 days was protective against flap complications (OR = 0.413, p < .049). Defect size, infection, and injury location were not associated with failure. CONCLUSIONS: When examining a large, heterogeneous patient cohort, free flap outcomes in the setting of lower extremity open fractures can be influenced by multiple factors. This presence of PT artery injury, flap coverage beyond 30 days of injury, and immunocompromised status appear predictive of flap complications in this context.

Thoracic Duct Lymphovenous Bypass: A Preliminary Case Series, Surgical Techniques, and Expected Physiologic Outcomes.

In patients with recalcitrant mechanical thoracic duct obstruction, microsurgical lymphovenous bypass is an emerging therapeutic option. We herein discuss the preoperative workup, share our current operative technique, and evaluate preliminary outcomes with an emphasis on changes in physiology. Methods: A retrospective review of adult patients who underwent thoracic duct lymphovenous bypass by a single surgeon and interventional radiologist from 2019 to 2022 was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, perioperative data, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Results: Nine patients were included in the study. Immediate postoperative heart rate increased significantly among this heterogeneous patient population, but within 4-6 hours the change in heart rate was no longer significant. Mean arterial pressure and oxygen requirement were not significantly different before and after bypass. Conclusions: Thoracic duct lymphovenous bypass seem to be well tolerated in the short-term even in patients with cardiopulmonary comorbidities. Further data are necessary to continue to better understand the resulting physiologic changes and to optimize patient outcomes.

Reconstruction Options for Lower Extremity Traumatic Wounds.

The senior author first coined the "orthoplastic" approach to traumatic lower extremity reconstruction, by which multidisciplinary surgeons and specialists work together for optimal patient success. The goals of lower extremity salvage are to optimize limb appearance, restore unrestricted pain-free ambulation, and improve quality of life. Composite traumatic defects require an organized approach, and the reconstructive ladder is used for strategies of varying complexity for repair of soft-tissue wounds. The lower rungs of the ladder include simpler reconstructive options such as the use of skin grafts and local flaps, and the higher rungs represent complex techniques such as free tissue transfer. Although there is no notable difference between muscle and fasciocutaneous/perforator flaps in reconstructive outcomes, there has been a trend toward perforator flaps to minimize donor site morbidity.

Primary Targeted Muscle Reinnervation after Below-Knee Amputation Is Not Associated with an Increased Risk of Major or Minor Surgical Complications: A Multi-Institutional, Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Targeted muscle reinnervation has emerged as a technique to reduce neuroma and phantom limb pain after below-knee amputation; however, the incidence of postoperative complications remains unknown. This multi-institutional study assessed the risk of postoperative complications among patients who underwent targeted muscle reinnervation at the time of below-knee amputation. METHODS: Patients who underwent below-knee amputation with targeted muscle reinnervation were propensity score-matched 1:3 to patients who underwent below-knee amputation alone. Study outcomes included the incidence of major or minor complications within 60 days. Regression models were used to estimate the relative risk of major and minor complications. RESULTS: Overall, 96 patients were matched, including 31 patients who had below-knee amputation with targeted muscle reinnervation and 65 who had below-knee amputation alone. In the matched sample, a higher incidence of major complications (29 percent versus 24.6 percent), readmission (25.8 percent versus 18.5 percent), and reoperation (19.4 percent versus 10.8 percent) was seen after both procedures compared with below-knee amputation alone. Patients who underwent both procedures displayed a higher incidence of minor complications (25.8 percent versus 20.0 percent), blood transfusion (22.6 percent versus 18.5 percent), and wound healing complications (45.2 percent versus 33.8 percent) and longer operative time (mean ± SD, 188.5 ± 63.6 minutes versus 88 ± 28.2 minutes). There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of major (relative risk, 1.20; 90 percent CI, 0.68, 2.11) or minor (relative risk, 1.21; 90 percent CI, 0.61, 2.41) complications between the two cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an increased incidence of postoperative complications, undergoing below-knee amputation with targeted muscle reinnervation does not confer a statistically significant increased risk of major or minor complications. Future studies are needed to delineate patient selection criteria when assessing the suitability of targeted muscle reinnervation at the time of major limb amputation. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Plastic Surgery Program Leadership Perspectives on Doximity Residency Navigator Rankings: Do We Need a Better Guide for Prospective Applicants?

INTRODUCTION: Doximity has become integrated into the residency application process without any clear merit, comparing programs based on reputation and research. Our study aims to gather program directors' and Chiefs/Chairs' perspectives on the Doximity ranking system and to assess what a better system might entail. METHODS: A 16-question survey was sent to 177 program directors and Chief/Chairs of plastic surgery residency programs. The questions covered three categories: (1) demographic information; (2) Doximity ranking perceptions; (3) input on characteristics of a better tool. The responses were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Ninety-three questionnaires were received (53%). Twenty-nine (31%) respondents represented programs in the Northeast, 23 (25%) South, 20 (21%) Midwest, and 21 (23%) West. Seventy-three (79%) respondents were male and 16 (17%) female. 90% of respondents (n = 84) believe Doximity rankings are not accurate, all indicating their institution should be ranked higher. No significant association between program geography and ranking satisfaction was observed (p = 0.75). Only 33% (n = 31) of respondents were aware of Doximity methodology. Most respondents (95%; n = 88) do not recommend the use of Doximity to medical students. Most participants (87%; n = 81) are willing to share resident case logs to inform a future tool. "Strength of technical training/preparedness" was ranked most highly as important training program qualities. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this program leadership survey show dissatisfaction with and a lack of understanding of the Doximity system. When considering future steps, program leadership support a strength-based categorization system and sharing case logs to guide student decision-making.

Respiratory Failure in Noonan Syndrome Treated by Microsurgical Thoracic Duct-Venous Anastomosis.

Noonan syndrome is a disorder characterized by central and peripheral lymphatic conducting anomalies, leading to chylothorax, chylous ascites, and metabolic derangement. Novel imaging methods, including dynamic contrast magnetic resonance lymphangiography and intranodal lymphangiography, have allowed for increased visualization of lymphatic pathology. Severe pulmonary insufficiency and chylothoraces developed in a 61-year-old man with Noonan syndrome. Dynamic contrast magnetic resonance lymphangiography and intranodal lymphangiography demonstrated central thoracic duct (TD) occlusion. The patient's condition significantly improved after a microsurgical TD-venous anastomosis assisted by TD catheterization for imaging guidance, resulting in decompression of the lymphatic system and resolution of the pulmonary symptoms.

Treatment of Posttraumatic Tibial Diaphyseal Bone Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe evidenced-based treatment options for patients who sustained trauma and/or posttraumatic osteomyelitis of the tibia resulting in diaphyseal bone defects and to compare outcomes between patients treated with nonvascularized bone grafts (NBGs), bone transport (BT), or vascularized bone grafts (VBGs). DATA SOURCE: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of individual participant data and Cochrane guidelines were followed. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL were searched from inception to June 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Patients who were ≥18 years, had sustained trauma to the tibia resulting in fracture and/or osteomyelitis with measurable diaphyseal bone defects, and were treated by interventions such as NBGs, BT, or VBGs were eligible. Excluded studies were non-English, reviews, nonreviewed literature, cadavers, animals, unavailable full texts, nondiaphyseal defects, atrophic nonunions, malignancy, and replantations. DATA EXTRACTION: A total of 108 studies were included with 826 patients. Two reviewers systematically/independently screened titles/abstracts, followed by full texts to ensure quality, accuracy, and consensus among authors for inclusion/exclusion of studies. A third reviewer addressed disagreements if investigators were unable to reach a consensus. Studies were quality assessed using "Methodological Quality and Synthesis of Case Series and Case Reports". DATA SYNTHESIS: Analyses were performed with IBM SPSS version 25.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY) and G*Power3.1.9.2. CONCLUSIONS: NBGs may be considered first line for trauma defect sizes ≤ 10 cm or posttraumatic osteomyelitis defect sizes <5 cm. BT may be considered first line for posttraumatic osteomyelitis defect sizes <5 cm. VBGs may be considered first line for trauma and posttraumatic osteomyelitis defect sizes ≥5 cm. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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.