Evolving Trends in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Is the Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap Taking Over?

BACKGROUND: Enthusiasm for the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap for autologous breast reconstruction has grown in recent years. However, this flap is not performed at all centers or by all plastic surgeons for breast reconstruction, and it is unclear whether practice patterns have measurably changed. This study aimed to (1) evaluate changing trends in breast flap use in the United States in recent years and (2) identify how these trends have affected charges and costs associated with autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: Patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction [latissimus dorsi (LD), pedicled transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous (pTRAM), free TRAM (fTRAM), and DIEP] were identified using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2009-2011). A total of 19,182 hospital discharges were reviewed. Patient demographics, hospital teaching center status, payer status, length of stay, total charges, and total costs per discharge were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using linear regression, t test, and analysis of variance models. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2011, the total number of discharges did not change significantly. Patient age distribution was similar for all flap groups. For individual flaps, there was a significant increase in DIEP flaps (P = 0.03), with a decreasing trend for other abdominal-based flaps. The patients receiving DIEP flap breast reconstruction were covered by private insurance at a higher rate than all other flap procedures (P = 0.03), whereas other potential cost determinants did not differ significantly between the groups. The mean charge per flap was $40,704 for LD, $51,933 for pTRAM, $69,909 for fTRAM, and $82,320 for DIEP. The mean cost per flap was $12,017 for LD, $15,538 for pTRAM, $20,756 for fTRAM, and $23,616 for DIEP. CONCLUSIONS: Between 2009 and 2011, the total amount of autologous breast reconstruction discharges was relatively stable, but the number of DIEP flaps increased significantly. Review of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample data shows that, compared with LD, pTRAM, and fTRAM flaps, the DIEP flap is associated with higher charges and costs.

Sexual and Overall Quality of Life Improvements After Surgical Correction of "Buried Penis".

BACKGROUND: "Buried penis" is an increasing burden in our population with many possible etiologies. Although surgical correction of buried penis can be rewarding and successful for the surgeon, the psychological and functional impact of buried penis on the patient is less understood. METHODS: The study's aim was to evaluate the sexual satisfaction and overall quality of life before and after buried penis surgery in a single-surgeon's patient population using a validated questionnaire (Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire short-form). RESULTS: Using Likert scales generated from the questionnaire and 1-tailed paired t test analysis, we found that there was significantly improved sexual function after correction of a buried penis. Variables individually showed that there was significant improvement with sexual pleasure, urinating, and with genital hygiene postoperatively. There were no significant differences concerning frequency of pain with orgasms. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical correction of buried penis significantly improves the functional, sexual, and psychological aspects of patient's lives.

Sternal talon offers a solution for secondary sternum osteosynthesis in patients with nonunion.

BACKGROUND: Median sternotomy may be associated with postoperative complications such as nonunion after conventional metal wire closure. The Sternal Talon device (KLS Martin, Jacksonville, FL) has recently been introduced as an alternative for osteosynthesis after median sternotomy and may also be beneficial for patients with persistent sternal nonunion. METHODS: A consecutive series of 24 patients underwent Sternal Talon repair for sternal nonunion or acute mediastinitis, or both, after sternal wire closure. Patient data--including demographics, surgical history, and indication for operation, as well as outcomes--were obtained and analyzed by retrospective chart review. RESULTS: The average patient age was 61.3 years and 23 patients were men (95.8%). The most common median sternotomy procedure was coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 19 patients (79.2%). Secondary closure using the Sternal Talon was indicated for sternal nonunion or infection, or both, in all patients. Eight patients underwent simultaneous muscle flap procedures during the placement of the Sternal Talon (33.3%). Sternal union was eventually achieved in 23 of 24 patients (95.8%). Subsequent reoperation was required in 4 patients (16.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The data presented suggest that the osteosynthesis using the Sternal Talon device is a safe and effective modality for treating symptomatic sternal nonunion or acute dehiscence associated with infection (mediastinitis.).

A detailed evaluation of the anatomical variations of the profunda artery perforator flap using computed tomographic angiograms.

BACKGROUND: The profunda artery perforator flap is a new option for breast reconstruction in appropriate patients. While the basic anatomy is known, detailed profunda perforator anatomy has never fully been described and we present new data that will aid dissection. METHODS: Fifty consecutive lower extremity computed tomography angiogram scans (100 legs) were retrospectively analyzed to acquire profunda artery perforator measurements. Patient medical records were then examined to ascertain patient information. Data were then analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and bivariate linear regressions with repeated measures. RESULTS: Bilateral thighs from 50 consecutive angiograms were included for a total of 100 thighs. Females comprised 30 (60 percent) of the patients and the cohort average age was 59.1 years old. All thighs had at least two perforators, with 85 percent having three or more. On average, perforators were located 6.2 cm below the gluteal crease, and were evenly distributed between the medial and lateral halves of the thigh. The average perforator diameter at origin off profunda was 2.7 mm. There was significantly greater diameter in vessels in the lateral thigh (p<0.001), in patients with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (p<0.05), and in patients with decreased age (p<0.05). Males were more likely to have perforators that shared a common trunk off the profunda artery (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: At least two profunda perforators exist in each thigh with an average diameter suitable for microvascular transfer, although larger perforators are observed laterally and in younger patients with higher BMI.

Factors influencing fellowship selection, career trajectory, and academic productivity among plastic surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Several factors influence the career trajectory of graduating plastic surgeons, and the authors' study sought to capture characteristics of plastic surgery trainees as they relate to outcomes, including fellowship selection, career choice, and academic productivity. METHODS: Anonymous online survey data were obtained from members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Correlative analysis was performed implementing the Pearson chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney test, and the Kendall tau-b correlation to determine significant correlations defined by values of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Of 4543 survey invitations sent, a total of 624 plastic surgeons (13.7 percent) completed the study. Greater numbers of publications on entering residency (p < 0.05) and on graduating from residency (p < 0.0001), stronger perceived mentorship during residency (p < 0.01), graduating from an integrated program (p < 0.01), and fellowship training (p < 0.001) were all correlated with a future career in academia. In addition, fellowship training and number of publications during and before residency were correlated with eventual academic productivity (p < 0.05). Lastly, individual tendency to prioritize economics (p < 0.01) or geographic location (p < 0.05) was associated with eventual private practice, whereas prioritization of research (p < 0.01) and culture of training institute (p < 0.001) predicted academic careers. CONCLUSIONS: Graduating plastic surgery residents from integrated programs, with greater numbers of publications, stronger mentor relationships, and fellowship training were more likely to become academic surgeons. Among this academic cohort, fellowship training and greater numbers of publications before and during residency were significantly correlated with increased academic productivity as an attending surgeon.

Tension pneumoperitoneum in a child resulting from high-frequency oscillatory ventilation: a case report and review of the literature.

An 18-month-old male infant was placed on high-frequency oscillatory ventilation for profound hypoxemia and subsequently developed tension pneumoperitoneum. He underwent a bedside exploratory laparotomy for suspected perforated viscus. No intestinal perforation was identified, and a diagnosis of tension pneumoperitoneum secondary to pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis was made. To our knowledge, this is the only report of a pediatric patient developing tension pneumoperitoneum from high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. A review of the literature examines the differential diagnosis, physiology, and treatment of tension pneumoperitoneum.

Effects of cigarette smoke on the human oral mucosal transcriptome.

Use of tobacco is responsible for approximately 30% of all cancer-related deaths in the United States, including cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract. In the current study, 40 current and 40 age- and gender-matched never smokers underwent buccal biopsies to evaluate the effects of smoking on the transcriptome. Microarray analyses were carried out using Affymetrix HGU133 Plus 2 arrays. Smoking altered the expression of numerous genes: 32 genes showed increased expression and 9 genes showed reduced expression in the oral mucosa of smokers versus never smokers. Increases were found in genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism, oxidant stress, eicosanoid synthesis, nicotine signaling, and cell adhesion. Increased numbers of Langerhans cells were found in the oral mucosa of smokers. Interestingly, smoking caused greater induction of aldo-keto reductases, enzymes linked to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced genotoxicity, in the oral mucosa of women than men. Striking similarities in expression changes were found in oral compared with the bronchial mucosa. The observed changes in gene expression were compared with known chemical signatures using the Connectivity Map database and suggested that geldanamycin, a heat shock protein 90 inhibitor, might be an antimimetic of tobacco smoke. Consistent with this prediction, geldanamycin caused dose-dependent suppression of tobacco smoke extract-mediated induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 in vitro. Collectively, these results provide new insights into the carcinogenic effects of tobacco smoke, support the potential use of oral epithelium as a surrogate tissue in future lung cancer chemoprevention trials, and illustrate the potential of computational biology to identify chemopreventive agents.

The contemporary approach to the care of Jehovah's witnesses.

BACKGROUND: Jehovah's Witnesses are widely known for their prohibition on the acceptance of blood transfusion. Such refusal serves as a potential obstacle to optimal therapeutic intervention among critically injured Jehovah's Witnesses. As such, care of these patients requires an aggressive and multidisciplinary approach to therapy. METHODS: A review of the pertinent English language literature. RESULTS: Jehovah's Witnesses exercise the right of any adult with capacity to refuse medical treatment and often carry advance directive cards indicating their incontrovertible refusal of blood. Despite their belief regarding transfusion, Jehovah's Witnesses do not have a higher mortality rate after traumatic injury or surgery. Transfusion requirements are often overestimated. Increased morbidity and mortality is rarely observed in patients with a hemoglobin concentration >7 g/dL, and the acute hemoglobin threshold for cardiovascular collapse may be as low as 3 g/dL to 5 g/dL. There are many modalities to treat the Jehovah's Witness patient with acute blood loss. Treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin, albumin, and recombinant activated Factor VIIa have all been used with success. Autologous autotransfusion and isovolemic hemodilution can also be used to treat patients who refuse transfusion. Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers may play a future role as intravascular volume expanders in lieu of transfusion of red blood cell concentrates. CONCLUSION: There are many treatment modalities available to assist in the care of Jehovah's Witness patients, especially since their beliefs on the intricacies of the Blood Ban appear to be in flux.

Formation of a calcified "cast" in a long-term indwelling central venous catheter: a case report.

Catheter-related central venous thrombosis is a complication seen with long-term indwelling central venous catheters. The uses of total parenteral nutrition, catheter location, and duration of catheter use have been shown to increase the risk of thrombus formation. However, organized calcification of such a thrombus is a rare occurrence and, to our knowledge, has never been reported in a patient unexposed to total parenteral nutrition. We report a patient with an extensive, organized, calcified "cast" surrounding a central venous catheter used solely for chemotherapy administration.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma of the finger.

We present an unusual instance of juvenile xanthogranuloma occurring in the hand. A 23-month-old girl had a mass on the radial aspect of the right third finger at the distal interphalangeal joint that extended to the collateral ligament. The lesion was histologically diagnosed as a juvenile xanthogranuloma after resection of the mass. Juvenile xanthogranuloma is uncommon in the hand, and only three patients with this condition occurring in the digits have been reported in the English language literature. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed.

Implant reconstruction in breast cancer patients treated with radiation therapy.

BACKGROUND: Implant reconstruction in breast cancer patients treated with radiation therapy is controversial. Prior studies are limited by older prosthetic devices, reconstructive techniques, and radiation therapy protocols. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent tissue expansion and implant breast reconstruction performed by a single surgeon after mastectomy for breast cancer from 1996 to 2003. Complications and aesthetic results were compared between patients who received radiation therapy and those who did not. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients (123 breasts) who underwent mastectomy and implant breast reconstruction were included in the study. Twenty-seven patients (27 breasts) received either premastectomy or postmastectomy radiation therapy for breast cancer. All patients who received radiation therapy did so before completion of their implant reconstruction. Complications ultimately requiring prosthetic device removal or replacement, as well as total complications (those requiring prosthetic removal or replacement and those not requiring prosthetic removal or replacement), were more frequent in breasts that received radiation than breasts that did not (18.5 percent versus 4.2 percent for complications requiring prosthetic removal or replacement, p < or = 0.025, and 40.7 percent versus 16.7 percent for total complications, p < or = 0.01). Breast symmetry was significantly better in patients who did not receive radiation compared with those who did (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Implant breast reconstruction in patients who receive radiation therapy is possible but associated with more frequent complications and decreased aesthetic results. However, the present results compare favorably to those reported in prior studies. Improved results in the present study may be attributable to the use of newer prostheses, staged breast reconstruction with initial tissue expansion, total muscular coverage of the implant, and modern radiation therapy protocols.

Huntington's disease of the endocrine pancreas: insulin deficiency and diabetes mellitus due to impaired insulin gene expression.

In a transgenic mouse model of the neurodegenerative disorder Huntington's disease (HD), age-dependent neurologic defects are accompanied by progressive alterations in glucose tolerance that culminate in the development of diabetes mellitus and insulin deficiency. Pancreatic islets from HD transgenic mice express reduced levels of the pancreatic islet hormones insulin, somatostatin, and glucagon and exhibit intrinsic defects in insulin production. Intranuclear inclusions accumulate with aging in transgenic pancreatic islets, concomitant with the decline in glucose tolerance. HD transgenic mice develop an age-dependent reduction of insulin mRNA expression and diminished expression of key regulators of insulin gene transcription, including the pancreatic homeoprotein PDX-1, E2A proteins, and the coactivators CBP and p300. Disrupted expression of a subset of transcription factors in pancreatic beta cells by a polyglutamine expansion tract in the huntingtin protein selectively impairs insulin gene expression to result in insulin deficiency and diabetes. Selective dysregulation of gene expression in triplet repeat disorders provides a mechanism for pleiotropic cellular dysfunction that restricts the toxicity of ubiquitously expressed proteins to highly specialized subpopulations of cells.