Breast cancer-related lymphedema: A comprehensive analysis of risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a devastating condition that negatively affects the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. We sought to identify risk factors that predicted the timing and development of lymphedema. METHODS: Women with breast cancer that underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) at our institution between 2007 and 2022 were identified and sociodemographic and clinical information was extracted. We used logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for lymphedema and performed cox-regression analysis to predict the timing of lymphedema presentation after surgery. RESULTS: We identified 1,223 patients, of which 161 (13.2%) developed lymphedema within 1.8 (mean, SD = 2.5) years postoperatively. Patients with SLNB had significantly lower odds for lymphedema development (vs. ALND, OR = 0.29 [0.14-0.57]). Patients between 40 and 49 years of age, and 50-59 (vs. <40 years, OR = 2.14 [1.00-4.60]; OR = 2.42, [1.13-5.16] respectively), African American patients (vs. Caucasian, OR = 1.86 [1.12-3.09]), patients with stage II, III, and IV disease (vs. stage 0, OR = 3.75 [1.36-10.33]; OR = 6.62 [2.14-20.51]; OR = 9.36 [2.94-29.81]), and patients with Medicaid (vs. private insurance, OR = 3.56 [1.73-7.28]) had higher rates of lymphedema. Cox-regression analysis showed that African American (HR = 1.71 [1.08-2.70]), higher BMI (HR = 1.03 [1.00-1.06]), higher stage (stage II, HR = 2.22 [1.05-7.09]; stage III, HR = 5.26 [1.86-14.88]; stage IV, HR = 6.13 [2.12-17.75]), and Medicaid patients (HR = 2.15 [1.12-3.80]) had higher hazards for lymphedema. Patients with SLNB had lower hazards for lymphedema (HR = 0.43 [0.87-2.11]). CONCLUSION: Lymphedema has identifiable risk factors that can reliably be used to predict the chances of lymphedema development and enable clinicians to educate patients better and formulate treatment plans accordingly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (Retrospective study).

Predicting Reduction Mammaplasty Total Resection Weight With Machine Learning.

BACKGROUND: Machine learning (ML) is a form of artificial intelligence that has been used to create better predictive models in medicine. Using ML algorithms, we sought to create a predictive model for breast resection weight based on anthropometric measurements. METHODS: We analyzed 237 patients (474 individual breasts) who underwent reduction mammoplasty at our institution. Anthropometric variables included body surface area (BSA), body mass index, sternal notch-to-nipple (SN-N), and nipple-to-inframammary fold values. Four different ML algorithms (linear regression, ridge regression, support vector regression, and random forest regression) either including or excluding the Schnur Scale prediction for the same data were trained and tested on their ability to recognize the relationship between the anthropometric variables and total resection weights. Resection weight prediction accuracy for each model and the Schnur scale alone were evaluated based on using mean absolute error (MAE). RESULTS: In our cohort, mean age was 40.36 years. Most patients (71.61%) were African American. Mean BSA was 2.0 m 2 , mean body mass index was 33.045 kg/m 2 , mean SN-N was 35.0 cm, and mean nipple-to-inframammary fold was 16.0 cm. Mean SN-N was found to have the greatest variable importance. All 4 models made resection weight predictions with MAE lower than that of the Schnur Scale alone in both the training and testing datasets. Overall, the random forest regression model without Schnur scale weight had the lowest MAE at 186.20. CONCLUSION: Our ML resection weight prediction model represents an accurate and promising alternative to the Schnur Scale in the setting of reduction mammaplasty consultations.

Addressing the Rhino in the Room: ChatGPT Creates "Novel" Patent Ideas for Rhinoplasty.

Background: OpenAI's ChatGPT can generate novel ideas for a number of applications. The aim of this study was to prompt the chatbot to generate possible innovations in aesthetic surgery relating to rhinoplasty. Methods: ChatGPT was prompted to develop rhinoplasty patents. The resulting outputs were tabulated and categorized based on technology domain and anatomic location. A Google Patents search was conducted to find uses of the term "rhinoplasty" between 2021 and 2023. Patents not pertaining to rhinoplasty were excluded. Filed patents were compared with those generated by ChatGPT to determine predictive power. Results: A total of 40 patents resulted from ChatGPT and 42 Google Patents from 2021 to 2023 were included. Patents generated without a detailed description command were related to preoperative planning (35%), intraoperative tools (30%), functional evaluation (15%), and 3D printing and implants (10%). Patents with a detailed description command resulted in the majority being postoperative tools (40%), followed by intraoperative tools (30%), 3D printing and implants (10%), and nonsurgical (10%) categories. The anatomic locations included the airway, dorsum, septum, and nasal tip. ChatGPT's predictive power yielded 45% for the detailed prompting, which was higher than the prompt without the detail command. Conclusions: ChatGPT has reasonable potential to generate ideas for innovations in plastic surgery with the assistance of an experienced surgeon-innovator. With new artificial intelligence generations and updates, chatbots will continue to improve. Determining whether these technologies can assist in the later portions of the patent process beyond idea generation will be crucial.

The Role of Digital Surgical Planning and Surgical Guides in the Treatment of Unilateral Condylar Hyperplasia.

Unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) results in facial asymmetry, malocclusion, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Treatment consists of both surgical and orthodontic intervention. A review was performed for 4 patients with UCH who underwent digital surgical planning (DSP)-assisted condylectomy. All patients were female, aged 14 to 35 years at the time of operation with facial asymmetry and class III malocclusion. None of the patients had prior treatment and all had perioperative orthodontic appliances to provide fixation and postoperative elastic therapy. All patients underwent DSP-guided condylectomy, and intraoperative surgical cutting guides were used for 3 of the patients. All had significant improvement in facial symmetry and occlusion. None had recurrence, and additional intervention has not been required. If UCH is recognized before marked secondary changes in the maxilla, mandible, and occlusion, future orthognathic surgery may be potentially obviated. Craniomaxillofacial surgeons should consider using DSP and surgical guides in the treatment of UCH.

The Use of Acellular Tissue Matrices in Gender-Affirming Surgery: Review of the Literature and Institutional Experience.

Wound healing complications are not uncommon after genital gender-affirming surgery and can pose significant challenges for the reconstructive surgeon. Acellular tissue matrices are products that contain extracellular matrix compounds without living cells and are used to expedite and improve wound healing. Some of these products have been described for a variety of different indications in gender-affirming surgery.  In this paper, the authors present a review of the current literature on the use of acellular tissue matrices in gender-affirming surgery as well as the authors' institutional experience in using these products.

The Utility of Telemedicine in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Provider and Patient Perspectives.

Background: The use of telemedicine has become increasingly common, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual visits can be beneficial for use in plastic surgery but are not without limitations. The purpose of this study was to better understand the utility of telemedicine in plastic surgery from both patient and provider perspectives. Methods: A survey was distributed to all patients who had a telemedicine visit at the authors' institution from April to October 2020 as well as a representative cohort of providers via the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The survey collected various demographic data and included a Likert scale questionnaire to assess the use and overall quality of telemedicine services. Data collected for the patient and provider groups were compared using t tests, chi-square tests, and Mann-Whitney (U) tests. Results: A total of 67 patients (N = 501; 13.4%) and 160 providers (N = 2701; 5.9%) responded to the survey. Patients were significantly younger than providers (45.8 ± 11.8 vs 55.0 ± 11.6 years; P < .001). Patients responded significantly more favorably than providers in the domains of telemedicine usefulness, ease of use, interaction quality, and reliability. Patients were significantly more comfortable than providers in scheduling surgery without an in-person visit. Patients also rated higher comfort levels than providers with a virtual physical examination, including examination of sensitive body parts, such as breasts and genitals. Conclusions: Plastic surgery patients are generally comfortable and satisfied with the care provided by telemedicine. Telemedicine can provide high-quality health care and can be utilized by plastic surgeons to optimize care in their practice.

Pressure injuries in COVID-19 patients: A tertiary center experience.

Pressure ulcers continue to severely impact patient outcomes and increase health care costs. We aimed to examine the incidence and risk factors related to pressure ulcers among COVID-19 patients. A retrospective was conducted between March 2020-April 2021. Baseline differences were examined using chi-square and Fischer's exact test. Logistic regression was employed to examine the association of the collected variables to development of new pressure ulcers. 4608 patients were included, of which eighty-three acquired new pressure ulcers. Risk factors were increased age, peripheral artery disease, abnormal albumin levels, but not prone position.

TMJ Ankylosis Following Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis: Management With Simultaneous Midface External Distraction and Bilateral Temporomandibular Joint Replacement.

Early mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) can decrease upper airway and feeding complications in pediatric patients with micrognathia; however, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complications like TMJ ankylosis (TMJA) may occur. TMJA can disturb pediatric patients' function and craniofacial growth, resulting in significant physical and psychosocial consequences. Additional surgical procedures may also be required, increasing the burden of care on patients and their families. CMF surgeons must discuss the potential complications of early MDO surgery with families as well as potential solutions should these problems occur. This report presents the case of a 17-year-old male with a severe craniofacial anomaly with features of Treacher-Collins syndrome (TCS) and a surgical history of tracheostomy, cleft palate repair, mandibular reconstruction with harvested costochondral grafts, and MDO with resultant bilateral TMJA and limited mouth opening. The patient Was treated with bilateral custom alloplastic TMJ replacements and simultaneous maxillary DO using a Rigid External Distraction (RED) device.

Long-Term Outcomes After External Maxillary Distraction Surgery in Patients With Down Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Down syndrome have severe facial deformities that can precipitate functional consequences and social stigmatization. Craniofacial surgical intervention can play a role in improving these symptoms and patient quality of life. The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of distraction osteogenesis and orthognathic surgical intervention in patients with Down syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Charts of 3 patients with Down syndrome who were treated with external maxillary distraction osteogenesis were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' caregivers were prospectively interviewed between 10 and 15 years after surgery to determine surgical stability, long-term function, and quality of life status. RESULTS: All patients and their caregivers reported excellent results with improvements in function and quality of life. Facial skeletal changes have been stable over time. The cephalometric analysis demonstrated significant maxillary advancement in all 3 patients and mandibular changes to correct mandibular prognathism and asymmetry in the patient who underwent finishing orthognathic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: External maxillary distraction osteogenesis and orthognathic surgery may be considered in select patients with Down syndrome as part of their multidisciplinary health care. These interventions can result in long-term improvements in patient function and quality of life.

Chondrolaryngoplasty with Endoscopic Direct Visualization of the Vocal Cords: Demonstration of Technique.

SUMMARY: Chondrolaryngoplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces a prominent thyroid cartilage. Demand for chondrolaryngoplasty has significantly increased over recent years in transgender women and nonbinary individuals and has been shown to alleviate gender dysphoria and improve quality of life. When performing chondrolaryngoplasty, surgeons must carefully balance the desire for maximal cartilage reduction with the potential for damage to surrounding structures (ie, the vocal cords) that may result because of overaggressive or imprecise resection. Our institution has adopted the technique of direct vocal cord endoscopic visualization using a flexible laryngoscope for increased safety. Briefly, surgical steps include dissection and preparation for translaryngeal needle placement, endoscopic visualization of the needle placed above the level of the vocal cords, marking of the corresponding level, and resection of the thyroid cartilage. The following article and supplemental video provide further detailed descriptions of these surgical steps as a resource for training and technique refinement.

The Burden of COVID-19 on Surgeons' Financial Relationship with the Industry.

The healthcare system has been greatly affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to compare pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 payments between industry and medical providers for all surgeons and subspecialized surgeons. Payment information was obtained from the Open Payments Program database for the 2019 and 2020 reported periods for three physician groups: all physicians, all surgeons, and each surgical subspecialty. Comparison and analysis of payment amount and type between these years was performed for each cohort. Physicians experienced a 36% decrease in industry payments with surgeons experiencing a 30.4% decrease. All surgical subspecialties, including plastic surgery (-30.5%; P < 0.01), experienced a significant decrease in industry payments except for transplant surgery, trauma surgery, and neurological surgery. Charitable contributions and compensation for services other than consulting were the only payment types that increased from 2019 to 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted industry physician payments across all medical and surgical fields with payment decreases across almost all surgical subspecialties.

Laryngochondroplasty: A Systematic Review of Safety, Satisfaction, and Surgical Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Since first performed in 1975, two main surgical techniques for laryngochondroplasty have evolved: anatomical localization and direct endoscopic visualization. The aim of this study was to evaluate which method is safest and had the highest patient-reported satisfaction rates, and to determine whether these outcomes have changed over time. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed to find and analyze all medical publications related to laryngochondroplasty. Of these studies, patients who underwent laryngochondroplasty for gender-affirmation surgery were evaluated. Surgical and patient-reported outcomes were compared between different surgical techniques and between studies before and after the year 2010. RESULTS: A total of 226 patients have been reported to have undergone laryngochondroplasty for gender-affirmation surgery. Overall transient and long-term complication rates were 14% and 0%, respectively. A 97% satisfaction rate was reported overall. Endoscopic visualization techniques were associated with lower short-term complications (OR, 21.11; 95% CI, 7.56 to 58.93); there was no difference in long-term complications (OR, 7.81; 95% CI, 0.31 to 194.37) or patient satisfaction (OR, 5.73; 95% CI, 0.32 to 101.97). Studies performed before the year 2010 had a significantly greater number of short-term complications compared to studies performed after the year 2010 (OR, 10.16; 95% CI, 3.71 to 27.82), with no difference in long-term complications (OR, 4.56; 95% CI, 0.18 to 113.25) or patient satisfaction (OR, 4.99; 95% CI, 0.59 to 42.20). CONCLUSIONS: All laryngochondroplasty techniques result in high patient satisfaction. Endoscopic visualization may help facilitate safe surgery and should be used in conjunction with anatomical familiarity. Technique choice should be dictated by the surgeon's experience and patient desires.