Academic plastic surgery: a study of current issues and future challenges.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the role of a full-time academic plastic surgeon, (2) to define the indicators predictive of a successful career in academic plastic surgery, and (3) to understand the current issues that will affect future trends in the practice of academic plastic surgery. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed to evaluate the role of current full-time academic plastic surgeons and to understand the current issues and future challenges facing academic plastic surgery. Each plastic surgery program director in the United States was sent the survey for distribution among all full-time academic plastic surgeons. RESULTS: Over a 6-week period, responses from 143 full-time academic plastic surgeons (approximately 31%) were returned. Fifty-three percent of respondents had been academic plastic surgeons for longer than 10 years. Seventy-three percent of respondents defined academic plastic surgeons as clinicians who are teachers and researchers. However, 53% of respondents believed that academic plastic surgeons were not required to teach or practice within university hospitals/academic centers. The 3 factors reported most frequently as indicative of a successful career in academic plastic surgery were peer recognition, personal satisfaction, and program reputation. Dedication and motivation were the personal characteristics rated most likely to contribute to academic success. Forty-four percent of respondents were unable to identify future academic plastic surgeons from plastic surgery residency applicants, and 27% were not sure. Most (93%) of the respondents believed that academic surgery as practiced today will change. CONCLUSIONS: The overall job description of a full-time academic plastic surgeon remains unchanged (teacher and researcher). Whereas peer recognition, personal satisfaction, and program reputation were most frequently cited as indicative of a successful plastic surgery career, financial success was rated the least indicative. Similarly, whereas the personal characteristics of dedication and motivation were rated most likely to contribute to academic success, economic competence was rated least likely. Although the role of academic plastic surgeons remains constant, the practice of academic plastic surgery is evolving. As a result, the future clinical milieu of academic plastic surgeons and training programs is in question.

Profiling the Association of Academic Chairmen of Plastic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify the common characteristics that may determine potential academicians and chairpersons in academic plastic surgery. The study examined the motivations behind the pursuit of an academic plastic surgery career and the forces that shape this path. METHODS: A 20-question survey was mailed to all members of the Association of Academic Chairmen of Plastic Surgery. This organization was targeted because the members are a group of successful academic plastic surgeons who can be profiled to evaluate the personal and professional characteristics that contribute to accomplishment. RESULTS: A total of 144 of 264 surveys were returned over the allotted 6-week period, for a response rate of 55 percent. The three most important motivating factors in pursuing academic plastic surgery were teaching opportunities (82 percent), influence of mentors (70 percent), and scope of clinical cases (65 percent). Eighty-two percent of respondents reported that their mentor (as a role model) had the most marked effect on their career. Despite the use of an open-ended question, most reported that "persistence and determination" and "passion for the vocation" were the most important characteristics for success in academic plastic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Perseverance and passion for plastic surgery are essential for professional advancement. These qualities are manifested early in the academic and clinical accomplishments of plastic surgery residents. The data indicate that mentors/role models have the most marked effect on a trainee's decision to pursue a career in academic plastic surgery. To interest talented plastic surgery residents in academic plastic surgery, role models must inspire them and provide mentorship.

Prosthetic vascular graft infection: a multi-center review of surgical management.

A multi-center retrospective review of major prosthetic graft infection outcomes was undertaken to determine graft preservation and limb salvage rates. The management of infected prosthetic vascular grafts continues to be controversial. The purpose of this study was to review the surgical management of major extracavitary prosthetic vascular graft infections and to correlate the outcomes on the basis of bacteriology and grade. The change in patient population seen by vascular surgeons and the recent emergence of more virulent bacterial strains should influence surgical management. Bacteriology and severity of infection based on grade must play a greater role in the selection criteria for graft salvage. Despite advancement in the understanding of these interactions and the emergence of new management algorithms, we are continuing to operate without a uniform standard in managing this difficult and rapidly evolving clinical problem.

Managing extracavitary prosthetic vascular graft infections: a pathway to success.

Prosthetic vascular graft infections portend grave consequences if not treated expediently. Despite the low incidence of infection, the potential for limb loss or death greatly magnifies this complication. The surgical management of prosthetic graft infections has evolved over the last 2 decades. With the myriad therapeutic options now available, an algorithm is necessary to provide the optimal surgical treatment of Samson groups 1 through 5 extracavitary infected vascular prostheses. An extensive review of the literature was undertaken to evaluate the most effective management schemes. The authors found that 3 factors--Samson classification, bacteriology, and patient vascular anatomy--are vital to the surgical strategy. These 3 criteria were examined, and an algorithm was developed based on successful clinical and experimental results. This review provides a step-by-step rationale for the surgical management of extracavitary prosthetic graft infections according to the most successful reported outcomes.

Reconstruction of traumatic transposition of the penis and scrotum and associated complex open abdominoperineal pelvic deformity with free innervated tensor fascia latae osteomyocutaneous flap.

Guidelines for the repair of full-thickness defects of the lower abdominal wall have been established. However, lower abdominal defects associated with traumatic bladder herniation and pubic symphyseal diastasis or bony loss have not been addressed. Poor abdominal wall contour, protuberance, and recurrent hernias are likely when there is discontinuity of the midline pelvis in association with full-thickness lower abdominal defects and visceral herniation. We devised an operation that would not only restore bony continuity by providing a vascularized bone flap but also simultaneously maintain the integrity of the attachment of the tensor fascia latae muscle to the iliac crest and reestablish musculofascial continuity.