Preoperative Botulinum Toxin for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction in Massive Hernia Defects-A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of massive incisional hernias (IHs) poses a significant challenge with high rates of recurrence. Preoperative chemodenervation using botulinum toxin (BTX) injections in the abdominal wall is a technique that has been used to facilitate primary fascial closure. However, there is limited data directly comparing primary fascial closure rates and postoperative outcomes after hernia repair between patients who do and do not receive preoperative BTX injections. The objective of our study was to compare the outcomes of patients who did and did not receive BTX injections before abdominal wall reconstruction. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study including adult patients from 2019 to 2021 who underwent IH repair with and without preoperative BTX injections. Propensity score matching was performed based on body mass index, age, and intraoperative defect size. Demographic and clinical data were recorded and compared. The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent IH repair with preoperative BTX injections. Twenty patients who underwent IH repair without preoperative BTX injections were selected to comprise a 1:1 propensity-matched control cohort. The average defect size was 663.9 cm2 in the BTX group and 640.7 cm2 in the non-BTX group (P = 0.816). There was no difference in average age (58.6 vs 59.2 years, P = 0.911) and body mass index (33.0 vs 33.2 kg/m2, P = 0.911). However, there was a greater proportion of male patients in the BTX group (85% vs 55%, P = 0.082).Primary fascial closure was achieved in 95% of BTX patients and 90% of non-BTX patients (P = 1.0). Significantly fewer patients in the BTX group required component separation techniques to achieve primary fascial closure (65% vs 95%, P = 0.044). There was no significant difference in any postoperative surgical and medical outcomes. Hernia recurrence was 10% in the BTX group and 20% in non-BTX group (P = 0.661). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we observed a lower rate of component separations to achieve primary fascial closure among patients with massive hernia defects who received preoperative BTX injections. These results suggest that preoperative BTX injections may "downstage" the complexity of hernia repair with abdominal wall reconstruction in patients with massive hernia defects and reduce the need for component separation.

Integration and Implementation of Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Prospective, Observational Clinical Quality Improvement Study.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) represents a critical barrier to their widespread use and poses challenges to workflow and patient satisfaction. The authors sought to implement PRO surveys into surgical practice and identify principles for successful and broader implementation. METHODS: Outpatient surgical encounters from 2016 through 2019 related to hernia, breast surgery, or postbariatric body contouring were assessed with the Abdominal Hernia-Q, BREAST-Q, or BODY-Q surveys, respectively. Outcomes were implementation rates per quarter and time to optimal implementation (≥80%). Successful implementation principles were identified during the first implemented PRO instrument and applied to subsequent ones. Logistic regression models were used to estimate increase in rate of implementation per quarter by instrument controlling for clinic volume. Risk-adjusted generalized linear models determined predicted mean differences in total clinic time and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 1206 encounters were identified. The overall survey implementation rate increased from 15% in the first quarter to 90% in the last quarter ( P < 0.01). Abdominal Hernia-Q optimal implementation was reached by 15 months. Principles for successful implementation of PROs were workflow optimization, appropriate patient selection, staff engagement, and electronic survey integration. Consistent application of these principles optimized time to optimal implementation for BREAST-Q [9 months; 18.1% increase in implementation per quarter (95% CI, 1.5 to 37.5); P < 0.01] and BODY-Q [3 months; 56.3% increase in implementation per quarter (95% CI, 26.8 to 92.6); P = 0.03]. Neither patient clinic time ( P = 0.16) nor patient satisfaction differed during the implementation of PROs process ( P = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Prospective implementation of PROs can be achieved in surgical practice without an adverse effect on patient satisfaction or workflow. The proposed principles of implementation may be used to optimize efficiency for implementation of PROs.

Prospective Assessment of the Abdominal Hernia-Q (AHQ)-Patient Burden, Reliability, and Longitudinal Assessment of Quality of Life in Hernia Repair.

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the user burden, reliability, and longitudinal validity of the AHQ, a novel VH patient-reported outcomes measure (PROM). BACKGROUND: We developed and psychometrically validated the AHQ as the first VH-specific, stakeholder-informed PROM. Yet, there remains a need to assess the AHQ's clinical applicability and further validate its psychometric properties. METHODS: To assess patient burden, pre- and postoperative patients were timed while completing the corresponding AHQ form. To measure test-retest reliability, a subset of patients completed the AHQ within a week of initial completion, and consecutive responses were correlated. Lastly, patients undergoing VH repair were prospectively administered the pre- and postoperative AHQ forms, the Hernia-Related Quality of Life Survey and the Short Form-12 both preoperatively and at postoperative intervals, up to over a year after surgery. Quality-of-Life scores were correlated from the 3 PROMs and effect sizes were compared using analysis of normal variance. RESULTS: Median response times for the pre- and postoperative AHQ were 1.1 and 2.7 minutes, respectively. The AHQ demonstrates high test-retest reliability coefficients for pre- and postoperative instruments ( r = 0.91, 0.89). The AHQ appropriately and proportionally measures expected changes following surgery and significantly correlates with all times points of theHernia-Related Quality of Life Survey and Short Form-12 MS and 4/5 (80%) SF12-PS. CONCLUSION: The AHQ is a patient-informed, psychometrically-validated, clinical instrument for measuring, quantifying, and tracking PROMs in VH patients. The AHQ exhibits low response burden, excellent reliability, and effectively measures hernia-specific changes in quality-of-Life following ventral hernia repair.

Primary Pancreatic Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background: Primary pancreatic signet ring cell carcinoma (PPSRCC) is a rare (<1%) poorly reported histopathological variant of pancreatic cancer with ill-defined treatment guidelines. Herein, we describe a case of nonmetastatic PPSRCC in a 45-year-old female. Presentation: A 45-year-old female presented with 3 weeks of abdominal pain radiating to her back. Other pertinent positives included a 20-pound (9.1-kilogram) weight loss and jaundice, with a known 30-pack-year smoking history. CT scan revealed a 4.6 × 3.6 cm hypoattenuating mass in the head of the pancreas (HOP) with dilatation of the common bile duct. Total bilirubin at presentation was elevated, and a biliary stent was placed endoscopically. Subsequent endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a periampullary ulcerated mass involving the HOP and second portion of the duodenum, with pathology revealing poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with mucinous background and focal signet ring cells. A classic pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) was performed. Final pathology revealed a poorly differentiated (G3) pT3/pN2/pM0 PPSRCC with 11 of 16 positive specimen lymph nodes. The tumor had evidence of both KRAS and TP53 mutations and expressed an MUC1+/MUC2-/MUC5AC+ immunophenotype. Medical oncology recommended a 6-month course of adjuvant modified-dose FOLFIRINOX therapy. Conclusion: This report highlights the need for further research into the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal signet ring cell carcinoma to identify and study therapeutic targets that can eventually be translated to PPSRCC treatment. Given the paucity of PPSRCC, adjuvant therapy candidates follow the current literature on more common pancreatic cancer subtypes to guide treatment.

Contemporary treatment of keloids: A 10-year institutional experience with medical management, surgical excision, and radiation therapy.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluate a single center's, decade-long experience utilizing 3 approaches to keloid treatment: corticosteroid medical management (MM), surgical excision (SE), and surgical excision + radiation therapy (SE + RT). STUDY DESIGN: Patients undergoing keloid treatment were identified (2008-2017). Outcomes were symptomatology/cosmesis for MM, and recurrence and complications for SE and SE + RT. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with recurrence and complications. RESULTS: 284 keloids (95 MM, 94 SE, 95 S E + RT) corresponded to patients with a median age of 39.1 (IQR: 26.1-53), 68.1% Black, and followed-up for 15.4 months (IQR: 5.6-30.7). For MM, 84.6% and 72.5% reported improvement in cosmesis and symptoms, respectively. SE and SE + RT recurrence were 37.2 and 37.9%, respectively. In adjusted analyses, higher radiation doses were associated with decreased recurrence whereas male gender (OR 3.3) and postoperative steroids (OR 9.5) were associated with increased recurrence (p < 0.01). There were more complications in the SE + RT group. CONCLUSIONS: MM resulted in at least some improvement. Recurrence rates after SE and SE + RT were similar. Female sex is protective, race does not affect outcomes.

Biomechanical Parameters of Mesh Reinforcement and Analysis of a Novel Device for Incisional Hernia Prevention.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic mesh augmentation (PMA) is an effective technique utilized to reduce the risk of incisional hernia. This study analyzes the biomechanical characteristics of a mesh-reinforced closure and evaluates a novel prophylactic mesh implantation device (SafeClose Roller System; SRS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of eight senior-level general surgery trainees (≥4 years of training) from the University of Pennsylvania Health System participated in the study. Biomechanical strength, mesh stiffness, mesh uniformity, and time efficiency for fixation were compared among hand-sewn mesh fixation, SRS mesh fixation and a no-mesh fixation control. Porcine abdominal wall specimens served as simulated laparotomy models. RESULTS: Biomechanical load strength was significantly higher for mesh reinforced repairs (P = 0.009). The SRS resulted in a stronger biomechanical force than hand-sewn mesh (21.2 N stronger, P = 0.317), with more uniform mesh placement (P < 0.01), faster time of fixation (P < 0.001) and with less discrete hand-movements (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mesh reinforcement for incisional reinforcement has a significant impact on the strength of the closure. The utilization of a mesh-application system has the potential to amplify the advantages of mesh reinforcement by providing efficiency and consistency to fixation methods, with similar biomechanical strength to hand-sewn mesh. Additional in vivo analysis and randomized controlled trials are needed to further assess clinical efficacy.

Laparoscopy allows the harvest of the DIEP flap with shorter fascial incisions as compared to endoscopic harvest: A single surgeon retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We present a comparative series to utilize minimally invasive endoscopic, total extraperitoneal laparoscopic (TEP-lap), and transabdominal preperitoneal robotic perforator (TAP-RAP) harvest of the deep inferior epigastric (DIE) vessels for autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) to mitigate donor site morbidity. We hypothesized that TEP-lap and TAP-RAP harvests of abdominal-based free flaps are safe techniques associated with decreased fascial incision when compared with the endoscopic harvest. METHODS: We designed a retrospective cohort series of subjects with newly diagnosed breast cancer who presented for ABR using endoscopic (control), laparoscopic, or robotic assistance between September 2017 and April 2019. The primary outcome variables were flap success (i.e., absence of perioperative flap loss), fascial incision length, and intraoperative complications. Secondary variables included operating time, costs, and postoperative complications within 90 days (arterial thrombosis, venous congestion, bulge/hernia, and operative revision). Exclusion criteria included < 90 days follow-up. RESULTS: In total 94, 38, and 3 subjects underwent endoscopic, TEP-lap, and TAP-RAP flap harvests. Mean lengths of fascial incisions for the endoscopic and laparoscopic cohorts were 4.5 ±â€¯0.5 cm and 2.0 ±â€¯0.6 cm (p < 0.0001), while incision length depended on the concurrent procedure in the robotic cohort. No subjects required conversion to an open harvest. There were no bleeding complications, intra-abdominal injuries, flap losses, or abdominal bulges/hernias noted in the TEP-lap and TAP-RAP cohorts. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive DIEP flap harvest may decrease fascial injury when compared with conventional open harvest. There are significant trade-offs among harvest methods. TEP-lap harvest may better balance the trade-off related to abdominal wall morbidity.

How to Develop a Risk Prediction Smartphone App.

Purpose. Powered by big data, predictive models provide individualized risk stratification to inform clinical decision-making and mitigate long-term morbidity. We describe how to transform a large institutional dataset into a real-time, interactive clinical decision support mobile user interface for risk prediction. Methods. A clinical decision point ideal for risk stratification and modification was identified. Demographics, medical comorbidities, and operative characteristics were abstracted from the electronic medical record (EMR) using ICD-9 codes. Surgery-specific predictive models were generated using regression modeling and corroborated with internal validation. A clinical support interface was designed in partnership with an app developer, followed by subsequent beta testing and clinical implementation of the final tool. Results. Individual, specialty-specific, and preoperatively actionable models incorporating clustered procedural codes were created. Using longitudinal inpatient, outpatient, and office-based data from a large multicenter health system, all patient and operative variables were weighted according to ß-coefficients. The individual risk model parameters were incorporated into specialty-specific modules and implemented into an accessible iOS/Android compatible mobile application. Conclusions. As proof of concept, we provide a framework for developing a clinical decision support mobile user interface, through the use of clinical and administrative longitudinal data. Point-of-care applications, particularly ones designed with implementation and actionability in mind, have the potential to aid clinicians in identifying and optimizing risk factors that impact the outcome of interest's occurrence, thereby enabling clinicians to take targeted risk-reduction actions. In addition, such applications may help facilitate counseling, informed consent, and shared decision-making, leading to improved patient-centered care.

A multi-institutional analysis of sternoclavicular joint coverage following osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) osteomyelitis is a rare pathology requiring urgent intervention. Several operative approaches have been described with conflicting reports. Here, we present a multi-institutional study utilizing multiple surgical pathways for SCJ reconstruction. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify patients who underwent surgical repair for sternoclavicular osteomyelitis between 2008 and 2019. Patients were stratified according to reconstruction approach: single-stage reconstruction with advancement flap and delayed-reconstruction with flap following initial debridement. Demographics, operative approach, type of reconstruction, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were identified. Mean patient age was 56.2±13.8 years and 68.8% were male. The average body mass index (BMI) was 30.0±8.8 kg/m2. The most common infection etiologies were intravenous drug use and bacteremia (both 25%). Fourteen patients (43.8%) underwent one-stage reconstruction and 18 (56.2%) underwent delayed twostaged reconstruction. Both single and delayed-stage groups had comparable rates of reinfection (7.1% vs. 11.1%, respectively), surgical site complications (21.4% vs. 27.8%), readmissions (7.1% vs. 16.6%), and reoperations (7.1% vs. 5.6%; all P>0.05). The single-stage reconstruction group had a significantly lower BMI (26.2±5.7 kg/m2 vs. 32.9±9.1 kg/m2; P<0.05) and trended towards shorter hospital length of stay (11.3 days vs. 17.9 days; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both single and delayed-stage approaches are appropriate methods with comparable outcomes for reconstruction for SCJ osteomyelitis. When clinically indicated, a single-stage reconstruction approach may be preferable in order to avoid a second operation as associated with the delayed phase, and possibly shortening total hospital length of stay.

Laparoscopically Assisted DIEP Flap Harvest Minimizes Fascial Incision in Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Total extraperitoneal laparoscopically assisted harvest of the deep inferior epigastric vessels permits a decrease in myofascial dissection in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction. The authors present a reliable technique that further decreases donor-site morbidity in autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of female subjects presenting to the senior surgeon (S.K.K.) from March of 2018 to March of 2019 for autologous breast reconstruction after a newly diagnosed breast cancer. The operative technique is summarized as follows: a supraumbilical camera port is placed at the medial edge of the rectus muscle to enter the retrorectus space; the extraperitoneal plane is developed using a balloon dissector and insufflation; two ports are placed through the linea alba below the umbilicus to introduce dissection instruments; the deep inferior epigastric vessels are dissected from the underside of the rectus muscle; muscle branches and the superior epigastric are ligated using a Ligasure; and the deep inferior epigastric pedicle is ligated and the vessels are delivered through a minimal fascial incision. The flap(s) is transferred to the chest for completion of the reconstruction. RESULTS: Thirty-three subjects totaling 57 flaps were included. All flaps were single-perforator deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps. Mean fascial incision length was 2.0 cm. Sixty percent of subjects recovered without narcotics. Mean length of stay was 2.5 days. Flap salvage occurred in one subject after venous congestion. Two pedicle transections occurred during harvest that required perforator-to-pedicle anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Total extraperitoneal laparoscopically assisted harvest of the deep inferior epigastric pedicle is a reliable method that decreases the donor-site morbidity of autologous breast reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Risk Factors for Lower Extremity Amputation Following Attempted Free Flap Limb Salvage.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic limb salvage with free flap reconstruction versus primary amputation for lower extremity (LE) injuries remains an oft debated topic. Limb salvage has well-studied benefits and advances in microsurgery have helped reduce the complication rates. A subset of patients eventually requires secondary amputation after a failed attempt at limb salvage. A better understanding of risk factors that predict subsequent amputation after failed free flap reconstruction of LE injuries may improve operative management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study (2002-2019) was conducted on all patients who underwent free flap reconstruction of the LE within 120 days of the original inciting event at a single institution. Patient and operative factors were reviewed including comorbidities, severity of the injury, flap choice, outcomes, and complications. Predictors of subsequent amputation were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients requiring free flap reconstructions for LE limb salvage met inclusion criteria. Anterolateral thigh flaps (70.5%) were performed most frequently. Secondary amputation occurred in 10 (7.8%) patients. Preoperative factors associated with eventual amputation include diabetes mellitus (p = 0.044), number of preoperative debridements (p = 0.013), evidence of any arterial injury/pathology (p = 0.008), specifically posterior tibial artery (p = < 0.0001), and degree of three-vessel runoff (p = 0.007). Operative factors associated with subsequent amputation include evidence of recipient artery injury/pathology (p = 0.008). Postoperative factors associated with secondary amputation include total flap failure (p = 0.001), partial flap failure (p = 0.002), minor complications (p = 0.037), and residual osteomyelitis (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Many factors contribute to the reconstructive surgical team's decision to proceed with limb salvage or perform primary amputation. Several variables are associated with failed limb salvage resulting in secondary amputation. Further studies are required to better guide management during the limb salvage process.

Does Pregnancy Predict Incisional Hernia Repair after Abdominally Based Autologous Breast Reconstruction? A Retrospective Review of 890 Free Flaps.

BACKGROUND: The abdomen is a common donor site in autologous breast reconstruction. The authors aimed to determine whether pregnancy following autologous breast reconstruction increases the risk of incisional hernia repair. METHODS: All women younger than 50 years who underwent abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction between 2005 and 2016 were identified. Patients with less than 20 months of follow-up were excluded. Demographics, operative details, outcomes, incisional hernia repair occurrence, and pregnancy history were analyzed. RESULTS: Five hundred nineteen patients underwent autologous breast reconstruction with 890 free flaps [free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous, n = 645 (72.5 percent); deep inferior epigastric perforator, n = 214 (24.0 percent); pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous, n = 18 (2.0 percent); and superficial inferior epigastric artery, n = 13 (1.5 percent)]. Average follow-up was 57.2 months (range, 9.5 to 312.8 months). Fourteen women became pregnant, with mean postpregnancy follow-up of 31.2 months (range, 5.4 to 70.8 months; pregnancies, n = 18). Age of nonpregnant patients (mean, 43.1 years; range, 20.6 to 50.0 years) was higher than that of pregnant patients (mean, 32.1 years; range, 27.1 to 37.9 years) (p < 0.0001); in univariate analysis, age was not associated with incisional hernia repair. Twelve pregnant patients (66.7 percent) underwent cesarean delivery. No statistically significant differences existed between groups regarding flap type and closure technique. Zero pregnant patients underwent incisional hernia repair, compared with a 6.1 percent incisional hernia repair rate in nonpregnant patients (p = 0.339). In multivariate analysis, prior incisional hernia, hematoma, fascial dehiscence, and reoperation predicted incisional hernia repair. CONCLUSION: The authors' results demonstrate that there may not be an increased risk of incisional hernia repair associated with pregnancy following autologous breast reconstruction despite additional weakening of the abdominal wall. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Complex Lower Extremity Reconstruction: Outcomes and Costs for Biologically Based, Local Tissue Rearrangement, and Free Flap Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Various surgical techniques exist for lower extremity reconstruction, but limited high-quality data exist to inform treatment strategies. Using multi-institutional data and rigorous matching, the authors evaluated the effectiveness and cost of three common surgical reconstructive modalities. METHODS: All adult subjects with lower extremity wounds who received bilayer wound matrix, local tissue rearrangement, or free flap reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed (from 2010 to 2017). Cohorts' comorbidities and wound characteristics were balanced. Graft success at 180 days was the primary outcome; readmissions, reoperations, and costs were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Five hundred one subjects (166 matrix, 190 rearrangement, and 145 free flap patients) were evaluated. Matched subjects (n = 312; 104/group) were analyzed. Reconstruction success at 180 days for matrix, local tissue rearrangement, and free flaps was 69.2 percent, 91.3 percent, and 93.3 percent (p < 0.001), and total costs per subject were $34,877, $35,220, and $53,492 (p < 0.001), respectively. Median length of stay was at least 2 days longer for free flaps (p < 0.0001). Readmissions and reoperations were greater for free flaps. Local tissue rearrangement, if achievable, provided success at low cost. Free flaps were effective with large, traumatic wounds but at higher costs and longer length of stay. Matrices successfully treated older, obese patients without exposed bone. CONCLUSIONS: Lower extremity reconstruction can be performed effectively using multiple modalities with varying degrees of success and costs. Local tissue rearrangement and free flaps demonstrate success rates greater than 90 percent. Bilayer wound matrix-based reconstruction effectively treats a distinct patient population. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Omental Flap Coverage for Management of Thoracic Aortic Graft Infection.

BACKGROUND: Since the first reported use of prosthetic aortic grafts, infection has remained a feared complication. Pedicled omentum is the preferred flap in managing thoracic aortic graft infection (TAGI); however the literature is sparse. The authors present their experience with TAGI managed with pedicled omental flaps. METHODS: A single-institutional review from 2007 to 2018 was performed to analyze postoperative outcomes of omental flap reconstruction, performed by 2 surgeons, after a confirmed diagnosis of TAGI. The primary outcomes of overall complication rate, 30-day mortality, and in-hospital mortality were evaluated with univariate analysis. RESULTS: Twenty patients requiring omental flap reconstruction after TAGI met inclusion criteria. The patient cohort included 14 men and 6 women with a mean age of 60.6 ± 12.9 years and a mean Charlson comorbidity index of 3.3 ± 2.1. Nine patients (45%) received omental flap reconstruction at the time of incipient TAGI surgical management by the cardiothoracic surgery team, whereas 11 patients received delayed reconstruction (mean, 6.22 days [range, 1-27]). The most common complications were graft leak (20%) and pseudoaneurysm (25%), with only 1 patient developing recurrent infection. Overall 30-day mortality was 20%. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and delayed omental flap reconstruction were associated with 30-day mortality (P = .04). Four of 11 patients (36.4%) who received delayed omental flap reconstruction died within 30 days, whereas 0 of 9 patients (0%) in the immediate omental coverage group died within 30 days (P = .043). CONCLUSIONS: High mortality rates associated with TAGI exemplify the challenges associated with this disease process and patient population. Pedicled omentum is a safe adjunct with promising results to the management of TAGI while significantly reducing the risk of reinfection.

An Analysis of Specialty-Specific Microsurgical Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Look at a Single Institution and National Trends Over a Decade.

INTRODUCTION: Head and neck free flap (HNFF) reconstructions have historically utilized a multidisciplinary approach between otolaryngology head and neck surgery (OHNS) and plastic surgery (PS). However, there seems to be a trend toward both the extirpative and reconstructive portions being performed by OHNS. We aimed to elucidate the volume trend in HNFF reconstruction over the last decade. METHODS: Data were collected by 3 modalities: electronic medical record search of patients who underwent HNFF surgery at our institution (2013-2018), survey data from microsurgery fellowship programs (2007-2017), and National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) query of cases receiving designated HNFF Current Procedural Terminology codes (2011-2016). Data were analyzed with trends in HNFF reconstruction as our primary outcome. RESULTS: At our institution, HNFF reconstructions increased 4-fold (59-227). Percentage of cases by PS decreased from 18.6% to 6.0%, whereas that of OHNS increased 81.4% to 94.0% (P = 0.009). Survey data, completed by microsurgery fellowship program directors (23/81 [27.2%]), revealed the number of OHNS programs in 2007 performing 100 or more HNFF cases compared with PS was 40% (6/15) to 12.5% (1/8) (P = 0.172). By 2016, that number increased significantly for OHNS to 73.3% (11/15), whereas that of PS remained stagnant at 12.5% (1/8) (P = 0.005). According to NSQIP data, the percentage of cases performed by PS in 2011 was 52%, which was greater than OHNS's share of 43%. The other 5% was allotted to either orthopedic, oral and maxillofacial surgery, or general surgery. In 2013, those numbers reached a peak for PS at 55% and a nadir for OHNS at 36%. However, by 2016, the percentage of HNFF cases reversed. where 58% of cases were performed by OHNS and only 38% by PS. When comparing the 2011 data to the 2016 data, OHNS had a 134% increase, whereas PS had a 27% decrease (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Head and neck free flap reconstruction has grown dramatically over the last 10 years. Plastic surgeons are performing fewer cases, whereas otolaryngology head and neck surgeons perform more as indicated by institutional, microsurgery fellowship program director survey, and NSQIP data.

The Role of a Resident Aesthetic Clinic in Addressing the Trainee Autonomy Gap.

BACKGROUND: Our institution supports a chief resident aesthetic clinic with the goal of fostering autonomy and preparedness for independent practice in a safe environment. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare safety profiles and costs for common aesthetic procedures performed in our resident versus attending clinics. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all subjects presenting for aesthetic face, breast, and/or abdominal contouring surgery at our institution from 2008 to 2017. Two cohorts were identified: subjects undergoing surgery through the chief resident versus attending clinics. Aesthetic procedures queried included: (1) blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, or rhytidectomy; (2) augmentation mammaplasty, reduction mammaplasty, or mastopexy; (3) abdominoplasty; and (4) combination. Demographics, perioperative characteristics, costs, and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 262 and 238 subjects underwent aesthetic procedures in the resident and attending clinics, respectively. Subjects presenting to the residents were younger (P < 0.001), lower income (P < 0.001), and had fewer comorbidities (P < 0.001). Length of procedure differed between resident and attending cohorts at 181 and 152 minutes, respectively (P < 0.001), although hospital costs were not significantly increased. Total costs were higher in the attending cohort independent of aesthetic procedure (P < 0.001). Hospital readmissions (P < 0.05) and cosmetic revisions (P < 0.002) were more likely to occur in the attending physician cohort. Postoperative complications (P < 0.50) and reoperative rates (P < 0.39) were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The resident aesthetic clinic provides a mechanism for increased autonomy and decision-making, while maintaining patient safety in commonly performed cosmetic procedures.

Can We Predict Incisional Hernia?: Development of a Surgery-specific Decision-Support Interface.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify procedure-specific risk factors independently associated with incisional hernia (IH) and demonstrate the feasibility of preoperative risk stratification through the use of an IH risk calculator app and decision-support interface. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: IH occurs after 10% to 15% of all abdominal surgeries (AS) and remains among the most challenging, seemingly unavoidable complications. However, there is a paucity of readily available, actionable tools capable of predicting IH occurrence at the point-of-care. METHODS: Patients (n = 29,739) undergoing AS from 2005 to 2016 were retrospectively identified within inpatient and ambulatory databases at our institution. Surgically treated IH, complications, and costs were assessed. Predictive models were generated using regression analysis and corroborated using a validation group. RESULTS: The incidence of operative IH was 3.8% (N = 1127) at an average follow-up of 57.9 months. All variables were weighted according to ß-coefficients generating 8 surgery-specific predictive models for IH occurrence, all of which demonstrated excellent risk discrimination (C-statistic = 0.76-0.89). IH occurred most frequently after colorectal (7.7%) and vascular (5.2%) surgery. The most common occurring risk factors that increased the likelihood of developing IH were history of AS (87.5%) and smoking history (75%). An integrated, surgeon-facing, point-of-care risk prediction instrument was created in an app for preoperative estimation of hernia after AS. CONCLUSIONS: Operative IH occurred in 3.8% of patients after nearly 5 years of follow-up in a predictable manner. Using a bioinformatics approach, risk models were transformed into 8 unique surgery-specific models. A risk calculator app was developed which stakeholders can access to identify high-risk IH patients at the point-of-care.

To Glue or Not to Glue? Analysis of Fibrin Glue for Split-thickness Skin Graft Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is a commonly used tool in the plastic surgeon's reconstructive armamentarium. Fibrin glue (FG) consists of a combination of clotting factors and thrombin whose key properties include adherence and hemostasis. This preliminary study aimed to assess clinical outcomes and cost of FG for STSG fixation in a general wound reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted in all patients undergoing STSG placement by a single surgeon (JPF) from January 2016 to March 2018. Twenty patients were identified and matched by wound location and wound size. Patients were then divided into 2 groups based on the method of STSG fixation: FG (n = 10) or suture only (SO) (n = 10). RESULTS: In patients with FG fixation, we observed trends of decreased adjusted operative times (34.9 versus 49.4 minutes, P = 0.612), a similar length of stay (2.8 versus 3.5 days, P = 0.306), and liberation from the use of negative pressure wound therapy (0 versus 10 wounds, P < 0.0001). There were no observed differences between the 2 groups in terms of graft-related complications at 180 days (1 complication FG versus 0 complications SO). Time to 100% graft take was also not different (20.2 versus 29.4 days, P = 0.405). Additionally, total direct cost ($16,542 FG versus $24,266 SO; P = 0.545) and total charges ($120,336 FG versus $183,750 SO; P = 0.496) were not statistically different between the FG and SO groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary comparative assessment, FG for STSG fixation has shown no difference in clinical outcomes to SO fixation, trends of decreased operative time, and afforded complete liberation from negative pressure wound therapy dressings.

Patient Advocacy in Plastic Surgery: An Underutilized Tool.

Healthcare advocacy is an important tool in the plastic surgeon's arsenal that stands the potential to improve both patient care and the profession. However, many physicians underestimate the importance and influence that healthcare advocacy has on the profession and feel that they lack the leverage and knowledge to advocate on behalf of themselves, their practices, their patients, and their profession, all of which are untrue. Plastic surgeons are uniquely positioned to advocate based on their clinical acumen, personal experiences with patient care, and their position in the healthcare ecosystem value chain. This article aims to equip plastic surgeons with a general framework of knowledge regarding policy and advocacy. Additionally, the article outlines and discusses recent advocacy efforts related to plastic surgery, and efforts that are on the horizon to provide some context to the relevance of advocacy related to plastic surgery. Finally, we aim to empower plastic surgeons to step into the policy advocacy arena for the betterment of our patients and the professional practice of plastic surgery.