Same-Admission Microvascular Maxillofacial Ballistic Trauma Reconstruction Using Virtual Surgical Planning: A Case Series and Systematic Review.

Study Design: Retrospective case series; systematic review. Objective: It is unknown whether the use of virtual surgical planning (VSP) to facilitate same-admission microsurgical reconstruction of the mandible following acute maxillofacial ballistic trauma (MBT) is sufficient to achieve definitive reconstruction and functional occlusion. Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who underwent microsurgical reconstruction of the mandible using VSP after acute MBT. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases were systematically reviewed using blinded screening. Studies were evaluated via thematic analysis. Results: Five patients were treated by same-admission and microsurgical reconstruction of the mandible using VSP. We observed an average of 16.4 ± 9.1 days between initial presentation and reconstruction, an average length of stay of 51.6 ± 17.9 days, 6.2 ± 2.8 operations, and 1.6 ± 0.9 free flaps per patient. Four types and 8 total flaps were employed, most commonly the anterior lateral thigh flap (37.5%). Care yielded complete flap survival. Each patient experienced at least 1 minor complication. All patients achieved centric occlusion, oral nutrition, and an approximation of their baseline facial aesthetic. Follow up was 191.0 ± 183.9 weeks. Systematic review produced 8 articles that adhered to inclusion criteria. Consensus themes in the literature were found for clinical goal and function of VSP when practicing MBT reconstruction, yet disagreement was found surrounding optimal treatment timeline. Conclusions: Same-admission microsurgical reconstruction after MBT is safe and effective to re-establish mandibular form and function. VSP did not delay reconstruction, given the need for preparation prior to definitive reconstruction.

Incision Location Predicts 30-Day Major Adverse Events after Cosmetic Breast Augmentation: An Analysis of the Tracking Outcomes and Operations for Plastic Surgeons Database.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced understanding of early postoperative adverse events will improve patient counseling and preoperative risk modification to decrease complications in implant-based breast augmentation. This study seeks to evaluate the early major adverse events following cosmetic breast augmentation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of the Tracking Outcomes and Operations for Plastic Surgeons database was performed to identify any women undergoing augmentation mammaplasty with an implant between 2008 and 2016. RESULTS: A total of 84,296 patients were studied. Major adverse events were identified in 0.37 percent. Seroma requiring drainage was observed in 0.08 percent, hematoma requiring drainage was observed in 0.15 percent, deep wound disruption was observed in 0.09 percent, and implant loss was observed in 0.11 percent. The authors identified multiple independent predictors of major adverse events, including body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2 (relative risk, 2.05; p < 0.001), tobacco use (relative risk, 2.25; p < 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (relative risk, 1.8; p < 0.05). Use of a periareolar incision significantly increased the risk of developing an early postoperative complication (relative risk, 1.77; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate an early major adverse event rate following cosmetic breast augmentation with implants of 0.37 percent. The authors identified multiple independent predictors of major adverse events, including body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2, tobacco use, and diabetes mellitus. In addition, when controlling for other factors, periareolar incision significantly increased the risk for major adverse events, when compared to an inframammary incision. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Advanced Three-Dimensional Technologies in Craniofacial Reconstruction.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the evolution of three-dimensional computer-aided reconstruction and its current applications in craniofacial surgery. 2. Recapitulate virtual surgical planning, or computer-assisted surgical simulation, workflow in craniofacial surgery. 3. Summarize the principles of computer-aided design techniques, such as mirror-imaging and postoperative verification of results. 4. Report the capabilities of computer-aided manufacturing, such as rapid prototyping of three-dimensional models and patient-specific custom implants. 5. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using three-dimensional technology in craniofacial surgery. 6. Critique evidence on advanced three-dimensional technology in craniofacial surgery and identify opportunities for future investigation. SUMMARY: Increasingly used in craniofacial surgery, virtual surgical planning is applied to analyze and simulate surgical interventions. Computer-aided design and manufacturing generates models, cutting guides, and custom implants for use in craniofacial surgery. Three-dimensional computer-aided reconstruction may improve results, increase safety, enhance efficiency, augment surgical education, and aid surgeons' ability to execute complex craniofacial operations. Subtopics include image analysis, surgical planning, virtual simulation, custom guides, model or implant generation, and verification of results. Clinical settings for the use of modern three-dimensional technologies include acquired and congenital conditions in both the acute and the elective settings. The aim of these techniques is to achieve superior functional and aesthetic outcomes compared to conventional surgery. Surgeons should understand this evolving technology, its indications, limitations, and future direction to use it optimally for patient care. This article summarizes advanced three-dimensional techniques in craniofacial surgery with cases highlighting clinical concepts.

Bilateral Orbital Reconstruction With Autologous Bone Graft After Gunshot Wound to Upper Midface.

Ballistic maxillofacial injuries are highly destructive, producing significant morbidity and mortality. Survivors' defects pose unique reconstructive challenges, such as loss of periorbital bone stock in upper midface injuries. While orbital reconstruction has transitioned from primarily autologous grafts to alloplastic implants, ballistic trauma remains a niche that warrants the use of autologous bone equally with alloplastic materials. We report a case of an upper midface gunshot wound in a 20-year-old male producing bilateral comminuted medial orbital wall fractures. Reconstruction utilized bilateral split-thickness calvarial bone grafts through preseptal transcaruncular transconjunctival incisions. This case illustrates the utility of autologous bone grafts in the setting of lost periorbital bone stock and minimizing foreign body in surgical fields at high risk of infection or complication. Further studies are necessary to refine the indications for autologous bone grafting and its benefit relative to alloplastic implants in ballistic periorbital trauma.

Radial Recurrent Artery: Autologous Patch Graft for Acute Brachial Artery Laceration.

Brachial artery injury is the most common vascular disruption in upper extremity penetrating trauma, usually treated by primary repair or saphenous vein interposition graft. We report the case of a young male who presented after assault with stab wound to the right antecubital fossa, an asymmetric vascular exam, and unknown depth contaminated wound that warranted operative exploration. We performed open exploration through a triangular flap extension of his oblique linear laceration for both exposure and flexor surface scar contracture prophylaxis. Exploration revealed brachial artery laceration with loss of approximately 30% of vessel circumference proximal to the radial and ulnar artery bifurcation. A near-complete transection of the recurrent radial artery was also present, leading to the decision to sacrifice this vessel for use as an autologous patch graft of the injured brachial artery. Distal vascular flow was re-established, and the vessel was slightly ectatic with no evidence of stenosis. Patient suffered no complications and was discharged at post-operative day four after perioperative heparin drip on anti-platelet therapy. Autologous patch grafting in the acute setting is a less-often considered surgical option that is effective for arterial bifurcation reconstruction, which may be employed through the sacrifice of injured and redundant local branch vessels. Patch grafts are commonly utilized in planned vascular surgery, such as carotid endarterectomy, but this is the first report of autologous patch graft to an acute brachial artery injury. By combining knowledge of the lateral arm flap with the plastic surgery principles of "like replaces like", this technique avoids the stenosis associated with primary repair, the multiple anastomoses necessary for interposition grafting, the need for a secondary donor site, and provides a theoretical blood-flow advantage.

Early Diagnosis and Intervention for Airway-Obstructing Neonatal Plexiform Neurofirbomatosis.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory distress is a frequent occurrence in neonates, typically caused by a variety of pulmonary conditions. Accurate diagnosis of the cause is vital to appropriately treat neonates and prevent long-term complications. Neck masses rarely cause respiratory distress in this setting but should be considered when clinical signs indicate. METHODS: The authors present the patient with a neonate born at term who developed stertor, respiratory distress requiring intubation, and repeated failure to extubate. RESULTS: Physical examination showed right-sided lower and midface enlargement with a firm mass mostly over the parotid and right neck. Both computerized and magnetic resonance tomography demonstrated a right-sided neck mass. Surgical exploration revealed extensive tumor burden emanating from the great auricular, hypoglossal, and other nerves of the neck, including invasion of the carotid sheath encasing the artery. Excisional biopsy showed plexiform neurofibroma, and pathognomonic for neurofibromatosis type 1. The decision was made to pursue medical management, as complete excision would have resulted in increased morbidity due to the involvement of multiple cranial nerves. The patient underwent microlaryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, and tracheostomy and was started on Trametinib chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Neonatal airway obstruction can rarely be caused by unanticipated mass lesion, such as plexiform neurofibroma. A high index of suspicion must be maintained for early onset mass lesions causing respiratory obstruction to inhibit early disease progression and avoid potentially fatal sequelae.

Pyriform Costal Cartilage Graft Improves Cleft-Side Alar Asymmetry in Secondary Cleft Rhinoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The asymmetry of a retrusive cleft-side ala positioned posterior, lateral, and inferior relative to the noncleft ala is exacerbated by ipsilateral deficiency of the pyriform aperture. We describe use of pyriform costal cartilage grafts for enhanced structural foundation and alar symmetry in secondary cleft rhinoplasty. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PATIENTS: All pyriform aperture paranasal augmentation secondary cleft rhinoplasty cases performed between May 2013 and February 2018 were included. Clinical photos were analyzed, and these results are provided in addition to a detailed description of the augmentation technique. RESULTS: Twelve total cleft patients, 10 (83.3%) unilateral cleft lip and palate, 1 (8.3%) unilateral cleft lip, and 1 cleft palate (8.3%) were included. Age averaged 18.6 ± 6.0 years with 3 (25.0%) males and 9 (75.0%) females. Costal cartilage grafting to the pyriform aperture through the gingivobuccal sulcus was used to reposition the alar base and nasal sill to a more anatomic anterior position, thereby enhancing symmetry in secondary cleft rhinoplasty. Average rib graft donor site incision was 2.5 cm. Follow-up ranged from 3.2 to 48.2 months, average 15.3 ± 14.4 months. No complications related to the pyriform cartilage graft were observed, other than one minor intraoperative breach of parietal pleura. CONCLUSIONS: We observed improvement in the anatomic contour of the cleft-side ala with costal cartilage grafting to the pyriform rim. This resulted in improved cleft-side alar form and thus overall alar symmetry. These results were obtained consistently, without significant complications. This technique is safe and provides a powerful tool to reposition the ala in secondary cleft rhinoplasty. Further studies will quantify the enhancement in nasal base symmetry.

Virtual Surgical Planning in Craniofacial Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Virtual surgical planning (VSP) is increasingly described in craniofacial surgery literature. However, the quality of the literature that has been published is unknown. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the level of evidence of published articles on VSP. METHODS: In this systematic review, PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases were queried for key terms in craniofacial VSP. Inclusion and exclusion criteria concentrated on patient-specific surgical outcomes in studies that could be rated for level of evidence. The articles were ranked according to their level of evidence, with level I being the highest level of evidence (randomized-controlled trials) and level V being the lowest (eg, case reports). RESULTS: The initial keyword search yielded 1524 articles, 273 of which were ranked and included in the systematic review. The average level of evidence for an article published was 4.1 (between level IV and level V). Level IV was the most common level of evidence (65.6%), followed by level V (24.9%), level III (7.3%), level II (2.2%), respectively. There were not any level I articles. The most common study type was case series, accounting for 68.1% of the studies, followed by case reports (23.0%), case-control studies (4.7%), cohort studies (3.3%), and randomized controlled trials (1.1%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Although the quantity of craniofacial VSP studies has proliferated, the quality of the studies has not. In order for VSP literature to feature a higher level of evidence, future studies would require more sophisticated study design, such as prospective cohort or prospective randomized control trials.

The Past Informs the Present, Academic New Media Pitfalls: A Primer for Plastic Surgeons.

Mass communication has undergone a "new media" revolution, which includes the rise of digital, online, and social media. The impact of new media on academic processes, however, has been underappreciated. The rise of Web-based virtual platforms has profoundly impacted the way plastic surgeons publish, store, exchange, and analyze scholarly biomedical information. This new media academic phenomenon refers to electronic mechanisms with the capacity to supplant traditional publication methods, which typically rely on printed documents in the physical domain. Although such tools can be efficient and user-friendly, they also make users vulnerable to exploitation. Notable examples reveal a relative lack of regulation, oversight, reliable rating scales, user authentication, and ethical accountability in the virtual space. As with any new technique, education is key and knowledge is power. In this article, online resources related to healthcare and the practice of plastic surgery are reviewed and summarized, including open access, mega-indices, whitelists, and electronic alerts. New media provides powerful knowledge-sharing tools that can help execute scholarly endeavors, communicate between professionals, and educate the public. However, it is essential for plastic surgeons to appreciate the caveats of new media academic processes to avoid unscrupulous practices of those that may seek to manipulate these Web-based systems. This article outlines the key pitfalls associated with online information streams to better inform plastic surgeons how to navigate new media-based scholarly processes.

Pediatric Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Frontal Sinus: A Case Report.

An 11-year-old male presented with right proptosis, bulbar conjunctivitis, and diplopia. Computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhancing mass involving the superio-medial orbit, ethmoids, frontal sinus, and anterior cranial fossa with skull base destruction. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was diagnosed via CT-guided biopsy. As a component of multidisciplinary care, the patient underwent frontal sinus cranialization, with orbital and skull base reconstruction. Trauma reconstructive principles guided recreation of orbital, frontal sinus, and anterior skull base anatomy. This rare primary location is undescribed in the pediatric literature.

Passot-Type Immediate Breast Reconstruction Obviates the Use of Aceullular Dermal Matrix in Grades 2 and 3 Ptosis.

PURPOSE: Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are commonly used for immediate breast reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM). Regnault grades 2 and 3 ptotic breasts feature significant mastectomy flap redundancy that may be incorporated into the reconstruction. This allows surgeons to use patients' de-epithelialized inferior dermal pedicle instead of ADM. METHODS: All consecutive SSM patients with Regnault grade 2 or 3 ptosis who underwent Passot-type immediate breast reconstruction (IBBR) with tissue expanders (TEs) and de-epithelialized inferior dermal pedicle without an ADM were included. Patient data from the electronic medical record, clinical photographs, and a comparative cost analysis of ADM versus additional operative time are provided. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients with an average age of 52.7 years, weight 210.5 lb, and body mass index of 35.1 kg/m were treated (34 bilateral, 4 unilateral; 72 reconstructed breasts). Average mastectomy specimens weighed 962.8 g. Tissue expanders were filled to 265.0 mL (41.6% capacity) intraoperatively, and final implant volume averaged 710.9 ± 118.5 mL after an average of 628.6 ± 74.1-mL expansion. Operative times for Passot-type IBBR was 124.3 ± 37.7 versus 92.5 ± 27.9 minutes (P = 0.0001) for submuscular TE placement with ADM. The operative technique is described in detail. There were 8 TE explantations (21.1%) included: intractable infection (10.5%; n = 4), symptomatic capsular contracture (7.9%; n = 3), and spontaneous TE deflation (2.6%; n = 1). All but 3 patients (92.1%) successfully completed Passot reconstruction, with 2 patients declining salvage latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction and 1 patient lost to follow-up. Total cost savings in this case series was $89,724 ($2361 ± $3529/case). CONCLUSIONS: Additional prospective comparison studies are needed to determine whether Passot-type IBBR results in higher complication rates than conventional IBBR with ADM in this challenging patient population. Passot-type IBR after SSM is safe, demonstrates acceptable rates of successful breast reconstruction, confers cost savings by obviating the use of ADM, and provides favorable aesthetic results.

Vertical Inset of the Latissimus Dorsi Flap Improves Reconstruction Aesthetics by Reducing Scar Burden in the "Social Breast".

PURPOSE: The skin paddle of the latissimus dorsi flap is typically inset horizontally (HILD) in breast reconstruction. We describe our experience with the vertical inset of the latissimus dorsi (VILD) and its aesthetic benefit. METHODS: We performed a case-control study comparing the most recent cases of both VILD and HILD. Scar, as seen on anterior-posterior photographs, was digitally measured and compared from 3 clinically relevant areas: (1) all visible scarring ("mirror view"), (2) scarring above the nipple ("self-view"), and (3) scarring above or medial to the nipple ("social view"). Demographics and outcomes were statistically compared. EXPERIENCE/RESULTS: Fifty of the most recent patients receiving HILD or VILD were selected for each group. Average patient age was 55.6 and 51.6 years (P = 0.32), and average follow-up was 531.6 and 606.7 days (P = 0.20), respectively. The VILD scar-length ratios were decreased by 17% in the mirror view (P ≤ 0.01), 37% in the self-view (P ≤ 0.01), and 37% in the social view (P ≤ 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding smoking (P = 0.75), diabetes (P = 0.70), body mass index (P = 0.74), seroma (P = 0.46), infection (P = 1.0), or flap necrosis (P = 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: The VILD is safe and reliable. Measurements from anterior-posterior photographs illustrate statistically significant decreases in overall scar burden (mirror view) and statistically significant reductions in the highly visible self-view and social view. Our study is the first to quantify a reduction in scar burden by using VILD technique.

Extended Release Liposomal Bupivacaine Injection (Exparel) for Early Postoperative Pain Control Following Palatoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) is a long-acting local anesthetic reported to decrease postoperative pain in adults. The authors demonstrate the safe use of LB in pediatric patients with improved pain control following palatoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective patient series of all single-surgeon palatoplasty patients treated at a tertiary craniofacial center from August 2014 to December 2015 were included. All patients received 1.3% LB intraoperatively as greater palatal nerve and surgical field blocks in 2-flap V-Y pushback palatoplasty. Postoperative oral intake, opioids administered, duration of hospitalization, and FLACC (face, legs, activity, cry, consolability) pain scores were measured. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (16 males and 11 females, average age of 10.8 months, weight 8.8 kg) received 2.9 ±â€Š0.9 mL (2.6 ±â€Š1.9 mg/kg) 1.3% LB. Average FLACC scores were 2.4 ±â€Š2.2/10 in the postanesthesia care unit and 3.8 ±â€Š1.8/10 while inpatients. Oral intake was first tolerated 10.3 ±â€Š11.5 hours postoperatively and tolerated 496.4 ±â€Š354.2 mL orally in the first 24 hours postoperatively. Patients received 8.5 ±â€Š8.4 mg hydrocodone equivalents (0.46 ±â€Š0.45 mg/kg per d hydrocodone equivalents) and were discharged 2.1 ±â€Š1.3 days postoperatively. Opioid-related adverse events included emesis in 7.4% and pruritis in 3.7% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The LB may be used safely in pediatric patients. Intraoperative injection of LB during palatoplasty can yield low postoperative opioid use and an early and adequate volume of oral intake over an average hospital stay. Further cost-efficacy studies of LB are needed to assess its value in pediatric plastic surgery.

Applications of Computer Technology in Complex Craniofacial Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: To demonstrate our use of advanced 3-dimensional (3D) computer technology in the analysis, virtual surgical planning (VSP), 3D modeling (3DM), and treatment of complex congenital and acquired craniofacial deformities. METHODS: We present a series of craniofacial defects treated at a tertiary craniofacial referral center utilizing state-of-the-art 3D computer technology. All patients treated at our center using computer-assisted VSP, prefabricated custom-designed 3DMs, and/or 3D printed custom implants (3DPCI) in the reconstruction of craniofacial defects were included in this analysis. RESULTS: We describe the use of 3D computer technology to precisely analyze, plan, and reconstruct 31 craniofacial deformities/syndromes caused by: Pierre-Robin (7), Treacher Collins (5), Apert's (2), Pfeiffer (2), Crouzon (1) Syndromes, craniosynostosis (6), hemifacial microsomia (2), micrognathia (2), multiple facial clefts (1), and trauma (3). In select cases where the available bone was insufficient for skeletal reconstruction, 3DPCIs were fabricated using 3D printing. We used VSP in 30, 3DMs in all 31, distraction osteogenesis in 16, and 3DPCIs in 13 cases. Utilizing these technologies, the above complex craniofacial defects were corrected without significant complications and with excellent aesthetic results. CONCLUSION: Modern 3D technology allows the surgeon to better analyze complex craniofacial deformities, precisely plan surgical correction with computer simulation of results, customize osteotomies, plan distractions, and print 3DPCI, as needed. The use of advanced 3D computer technology can be applied safely and potentially improve aesthetic and functional outcomes after complex craniofacial reconstruction. These techniques warrant further study and may be reproducible in various centers of care.

Correction of a Posttraumatic Orbital Deformity Using Three-Dimensional Modeling, Virtual Surgical Planning with Computer-Assisted Design, and Three-Dimensional Printing of Custom Implants.

We describe a case of complex, posttraumatic skull and orbital deformities that were evaluated and treated with advanced computer technology, including virtual surgical planning, three-dimensional (3D) modeling, and printed patient custom implants (PCI) fabricated by 3D printing. A 50-year-old man presented to our craniofacial referral center 1 year after failed reduction of complex left orbital, zygomatic, and frontal bone fractures due to a motorcycle collision. The patient's chief complaint was debilitating diplopia in all fields of gaze. On examination, he had left enophthalmos, left canthal displacement, lower eyelid ectropion, vertical orbital dystopia, and a laterally and inferiorly displaced, comminuted zygoma with orbital rim and frontal bone defects. The normal orbit was mirrored to precisely guide repositioning of the globe, orbital reconstruction, and cranioplasty. Preinjury appearance with normal globe position was restored with complete resolution of diplopia. Modern 3D technology allows the surgeon to better analyze complex orbital deformities and precisely plan surgical correction with the option of printing a PCI. These techniques were successfully applied to resolve a case of debilitating diplopia and aesthetic deficits after facial trauma. Further application of advanced 3D computer technology can potentially improve the results of severe orbital and craniofacial trauma reconstruction.

Extended Release Liposomal Bupivacaine Injection (Exparel) for Early Postoperative Pain Control Following Pharyngoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Liposomal bupivacaine (LB, Exparel) is a long-acting local anesthetic reported to decrease postoperative. The authors demonstrate the first safe use of LB in pediatric patients with improved pain control following pharyngoplasty. METHODS: Retrospective case-control of all the patients who underwent pharyngoplasty at a tertiary craniofacial center from March 2010 to June 2016. Treatment group (TG) administered 1.3% LB and 0.5% bupivacaine and 1:200,000 epinephrine. Control group (CG) administered 0.5% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine. Pain scores, oral intake, opioids administered, and duration of hospitalization were measured. RESULTS: Sixty patients (30 males, 30 females; average age 6.2 ±â€Š2.4 years, weight 20.9 ±â€Š6.8 kg) were evenly divided into a TG that received 3.5 ±â€Š2.1 mL (2.6 ±â€Š1.9 mg/kg) LB and 2.0 ±â€Š2.3 mL 0.5% bupivacaine and a CG that received 2.7 ±â€Š3.2 mL lidocaine. Treatment group patients had lower initial face, legs, activity, cry, consolability pain scale scores (0.1 ±â€Š0.55/10, P = 0.0049; CG 4.5 ±â€Š1.1/10, P = 0.00061) and no significant inpatient pain score difference 0 to 36 hours postoperative (P = 0.32-0.53). Oral intake was tolerated 0.21 ±â€Š0.12 days (P < 0.0001) earlier by the TG and with greater first 24-hour average volume (377.6 ±â€Š351.9 cc, P < 0.0001). Treatment group patients were discharged 1.8 ±â€Š0.87 days (P = 0.00023) earlier and required lower average opioids (15.1 ±â€Š11.2 mg hydrocodone-equivalents) than CG (27.5 ±â€Š19.1 mg hydrocodone-equivalents; P = 0.0017). CONCLUSIONS: Liposomal bupivacaine is safe in pediatric patients, associated with less opioids, increased and earlier oral intake, and shorter hospital stay.

Progressive Surgical Autonomy Observed in a Hand Surgery Resident Clinic Model.

OBJECTIVE: Resident clinics (RCs) are intended to catalyze the achievement of educational milestones through progressively autonomous patient care. However, few studies quantify their effect on competency-based surgical education, and no previous publications focus on hand surgery RCs (HRCs). We demonstrate the achievement of progressive surgical autonomy in an HRC model. DESIGN: A retrospective review of all patients seen in a weekly half-day HRC from October 2010 to October 2015 was conducted. Investigators compiled data on patient demographics, provider encounters, operational statistics, operative details, and dictated surgical autonomy on an ascending 5 point scoring system. SETTING: A tertiary hand surgery referral center. RESULTS: A total of 2295 HRC patients were evaluated during the study period in 5173 clinic visits. There was an average of 22.6 patients per clinic, including 9.0 new patients with 6.5 emergency room referrals. Totally, 825 operations were performed by 39 residents. Trainee autonomy averaged 2.1/5 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.2), 3.4/5 (SD = 1.3), 2.1/5 (SD = 1.3), 3.4/5 (SD = 1.2), 3.2/5 (SD = 1.5), 3.5/5 (SD = 1.5), 4.0/5 (SD = 1.2), 4.1/5 (SD = 1.2), in postgraduate years 1 to 8, respectively. Linear mixed model analysis demonstrated training level significantly effected operative autonomy (p = 0.0001). Continuity of care was maintained in 79.3% of cases, and patients were followed an average of 3.9 clinic encounters over 12.4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Our HRC appears to enable surgical trainees to practice supervised autonomous surgical care and provide a forum in which to observe progressive operative competency achievement during hand surgery training. Future studies comparing HRC models to non-RC models will be required to further define quality-of-care delivery within RCs.

Barbed Ribbon Device for Progressive Tension Closure Reduces Seroma After Breast Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Implant-based breast reconstruction is fraught with complications related to seroma formation. Soft tissue stabilization with progressive tension closure (PTC) has been shown to decrease seroma formation after various procedures but is less suitable for mastectomy flap stabilization. We evaluate the incidence of seroma in breast reconstruction using bioabsorbable barbed ribbon devices (BRDs) as a novel approach to PTC. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients whose mastectomy flaps were stabilized with BRDs. These patients were compared with consecutive patients who underwent mastectomy and reconstruction without progressive tension flap stabilization. Patient demographics and outcomes were recorded, including comorbidities, complications, presence of seroma, and total drain days. RESULTS: In the BRD-PTC group, there were 36 breasts compared with 56 in the nonstabilized control group. There were no significant differences in rate of tobacco use, age, or body mass index. We identified 11 seromas in the control group (19.6%) and none in the intervention group (P = 0.05). In the PTC group, drains were removed an average of 5 days sooner than those in controls (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Progressive tension stabilization of mastectomy flaps with BRD significantly reduces seroma formation and the duration for which closed suction drainage is required.

Progressive Surgical Autonomy in a Plastic Surgery Resident Clinic.

BACKGROUND: Resident clinics are thought to catalyze educational milestone achievement through opportunities for progressively autonomous surgical care, but studies are lacking for general plastic surgery resident clinics (PSRCs). We demonstrate the achievement of increased surgical autonomy and continuity of care in a PSRC. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients seen in a PSRC from October 1, 2010, to October 1, 2015, was conducted. Our PSRC is supervised by faculty plastic surgery attendings, though primarily run by chief residents in an accredited independent plastic surgery training program. Surgical autonomy was scored on a 5-point scale based on dictated operative reports. Graduated chief residents were additionally surveyed by anonymous online survey. RESULTS: Thousand one hundred forty-four patients were seen in 3,390 clinic visits. Six hundred fifty-three operations were performed by 23 total residents, including 10 graduating chiefs. Senior resident autonomy averaged 3.5/5 (SD = 1.5), 3.6/5 (SD = 1.5), to 3.8/5 (SD = 1.3) in postgraduate years 6, 7, and 8, respectively. A linear mixed model analysis demonstrated that training level had a significant impact on operative autonomy when comparing postgraduate years 6 and 8 (P = 0.026). Graduated residents' survey responses (N = 10; 100% response rate) regarded PSRC as valuable for surgical experience (4.1/5), operative autonomy (4.4/5), medical knowledge development (4.7/5), and the practice of Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education core competencies (4.3/5). Preoperative or postoperative continuity of care was maintained in 93.5% of cases. CONCLUSION: The achievement of progressive surgical autonomy may be demonstrated within a PSRC model.

A case of recurrent desmoplastic malignant melanoma presenting as empyema with underlying lung mass.

Desmoplastic malignant melanoma (DMM) is an extremely rare subtype of cutaneous melanoma that has diverse clinical presentations. We describe the unique case of a 57-year-old man presenting with empyema secondary to vascular occlusion from metastatic DMM. Only two other cases of DMM presenting as a lung mass have been previously reported in the literature. This report highlights potential insidious pathology of DMM, which requires a high clinical suspicion to properly diagnose and manage.