A Novel Polypropylene Mesh (T-Line®) for Abdominal Wall Repair: Early Experience at Three Centers in the United States.

Mesh suture was initially developed and investigated to overcome suture pull-through in hernia repair. It has a large area compared to standard suture which distributes the load in tissue, reducing stress at the suture/tissue interface and preventing suture from cutting through tissue or the mesh. This report describes our early experience using the new T-line® mesh (Deep Blue Medical Advances, Durham, NC, USA) in patients with incisional and primary ventral hernia repairs. This is a descriptive, retrospective study in 18 patients who underwent abdominal wall repair with T-Line® mesh from November 2020 to November 2021 in three academic centers. T-Line® is a novel moderate-weight macroporous, polypropylene mesh with extensions that are 29 times the cross-sectional area of #0 polypropylene suture. They can be sewn into fascia to anchor the mesh with no need for suture tackers or other devices to fixate the mesh. The median age of the patients was 56.5 years (range 25-83) and the median BMI was 31.7 kg/m2 (range 23.6-51). Twelve patients (66.7%) had primary hernias, and 11 (61.1%) had a recurrent hernia. The median defect area was 117.5 cm2 (range 4-390) and the median mesh area was 449.5 cm2 (range 130-600). The mesh position was onlay in 16 cases (88.9%) and sublay in 2 cases (11.1%). The median operative time was 247 minutes (range 104-395). The median length of stay was six days (range 0-21) with no significant in-hospital complications. One patient had a surgical site infection (5.5%) and two patients developed seromas (11.1%). There were no early hernia recurrences with a median follow-up of 28 days (range 8-307). The T-Line® mesh was shown to be safe and effective for patients with ventral hernia in the short term.

Modeling colorectal cancer: A bio-resource of 50 patient-derived organoid lines.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. To improve outcomes for these patients, we need to develop new treatment strategies. Personalized cancer medicine, where patients are treated based on the characteristics of their own tumor, has gained significant interest for its promise to improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary side effects. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential utility of patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids (PDCOs) in a personalized cancer medicine setting. METHODS: Patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids were derived from tissue obtained from treatment-naïve patients undergoing surgical resection for the treatment of CRC. We examined the recapitulation of key histopathological, molecular, and phenotypic characteristics of the primary tumor. RESULTS: We created a bio-resource of PDCOs from primary and metastatic CRCs. Key histopathological features were retained in PDCOs when compared with the primary tumor. Additionally, a cohort of 12 PDCOs, and their corresponding primary tumors and normal sample, were characterized through whole exome sequencing and somatic variant calling. These PDCOs exhibited a high level of concordance in key driver mutations when compared with the primary tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids recapitulate characteristics of the tissue from which they are derived and are a powerful tool for cancer research. Further research will determine their utility for predicting patient outcomes in a personalized cancer medicine setting.

Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal of the Evidence Base for Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM).

OBJECTIVE: To critically appraise the body of scientific literature supporting the risks and efficacy of nasoalveolar molding (NAM), specifically in contrast to alternative methods of presurgical infant orthopedics (PSIO) or to treatment without PSIO. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Five outcome domains were considered: nasolabial aesthetics; dentoalveolar relationship; midfacial growth; cost and burden of care; and number of anesthetic events. DESIGN: MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus were queried for articles from the first description of the Grayson-Santiago NAM technique (1993) through December 13, 2021. After the application of inclusionary and exclusionary criteria, selected articles were critically appraised using a systematic framework that included risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools. RESULTS: A total of 88 studies were included. Level-I and -II evidence showed on par or better approximation and alveolar alignment achieved by NAM compared to other PSIO. Level-II and -III evidence showed improved nasolabial aesthetics compared to other PSIOs. Level-II and -III evidence supported no harm to maxillofacial skeletal growth through age 12. Sparse level-III evidence supported a reduced number of labial or nasal revisions following NAM. Level-II and -III evidence showed NAM requiring upfront cost and frequent appointments but reducing caregiver psychosocial burden and reducing long-term costs compared to select alternatives. Many studies carried a high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence supports the overall efficacy of NAM regarding short/mid-term outcomes, with a low risk of negative effects on midfacial growth or dental development. The high risk of bias discovered in many papers underscores the need for robust study design in future research.

Using Radiographic Domain for Evaluating Indications in Abdominal Wall Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no description of abdominal domain changes in small bowel transplantation population or consensus of criteria regarding which patients are at high risk for immediate postoperative abdominal wall complications or would benefit from abdominal wall vascularized composite allotransplantation. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 14 adult patients receiving intestinal or multivisceral transplantation. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans were reviewed, and multiple variables were collected regarding abdominal domain and volume and analyzed comparing postoperative changes and abdominal wall complications. RESULTS: Patients after intestinal or multivisceral transplantation had a mean reduction in overall intraperitoneal volume in the immediate postoperative period from 9031 cm3 to 7846 cm3 (P = 0.314). This intraperitoneal volume was further reduced to an average of 6261 cm3 upon radiographic evaluation greater than 1 year postoperatively (P = 0.024). Patients with preexisting abdominal wound (P = 0.002), radiation, or presence of ostomy (P = 0.047) were significantly associated with postoperative abdominal wall complications. No preoperative radiographic findings had a significant association with postoperative abdominal wall complications. CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography imaging demonstrates that intestinal and multivisceral transplant patients have significant reduction in intraperitoneal volume and domain after transplantation in the acute and delayed postoperative setting. Preoperative radiographic abdominal domain was not able to predict patients with postoperative abdominal wall complications. Patients with abdominal wounds, ostomies, and preoperative radiation therapy were associated with acute postoperative abdominal complications and may be considered for need of reconstructive techniques including abdominal wall transplantation.

An Assessment of Patient Satisfaction and Decisional Regret in Patients Undergoing Staged Free-Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: In the setting of radiation therapy or significant medical comorbidities, free-flap breast reconstruction may be intentionally delayed or staged with tissue expander placement ("delayed-immediate" approach). The effect of a staged approach on patient satisfaction and decisional regret remains unclear. METHODS: All patients undergoing free-flap breast reconstruction (n = 334) between 2014 and 2019 were identified. Complication rates, patient satisfaction using the BREAST-Q, and decisional regret using the Decision Regret Scale were compared between patients undergoing immediate, delayed, and staged approaches. RESULTS: Overall, 100 patients completed the BREAST-Q and Decision Regret Scale. BREAST-Q scores for psychosocial well-being (P = 0.19), sexual well-being (P = 0.26), satisfaction with breast (P = 0.28), physical well-being (chest, P = 0.49), and physical well-being (abdomen, P = 0.42) did not significantly vary between patients undergoing delayed, staged, or immediate reconstruction. Overall, patients experienced low regret after reconstruction (mean score, 11.5 ± 17.1), and there was no significant difference in regret scores by reconstruction timing (P = 0.09). Compared with normative BREAST-Q data, unlike immediate and delayed approaches, staged reconstruction was associated with lower sexual well-being (P = 0.006). Furthermore, a significantly higher infection rate was seen among staged patients (immediate 0%, delayed 5%, staged 20%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Staged free-flap breast reconstruction confers similar long-term satisfaction and decisional regret as immediate and delayed reconstruction but may be associated with worsened sexual well-being, when compared with normative data, and an increased risk of surgical site infection. When counseling patients regarding the timing of reconstruction, it is important to weigh these risks in the context of equivalent long-term satisfaction and decisional regret between immediate, delayed, and staged approaches.

Microsurgery Fellowship Website and Social Media Presence: Are Programs Optimizing Recruitment Strategy?

BACKGROUND: Microsurgery fellowship applicants make decisions for future training based on information obtained from colleagues, mentors, and microsurgery fellowship program Websites (MFWs). In this study, we sought to evaluate the accessibility and quality of available information by microsurgery programs by analyzing the most commonly used web resources and social media outlets for applicants. METHODS: The San Francisco (SF) Match and American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Websites were queried in April 2020 for microsurgery fellowship programs (MFPs) participating in the SF Match. Twenty-two independent variables of information were assessed on MFWs based on previously published data. Social media presence was also assessed by querying Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for official hospital, plastic surgery residency, and microsurgery fellowship accounts. RESULTS: All 24 MFWs participating in the SF Match had a webpage. Program description, faculty listing, operative volume, and eligibility requirements were listed for all programs (100%). The majority of MFWs listed affiliated hospitals (75%), provided a link to the fellowship application (66.7%), listed interview dates (66.7%), and highlighted research interests (50%). A minority of MFWs provided information on conference schedule (37.5%), current fellow listing (25%), previous fellow listing (16.67%), and positions held by previous fellows (8.33%). No MFWs (0%) presented information on selection process, or rotation schedule.All hospitals with an MFP had a Facebook page and nearly all had Instagram (83.3%) and Twitter accounts (95.8%). Plastic surgery residency programs at the same institution of an MFP had social media presence on Facebook (38.9%), Twitter (38.9%), and Instagram (66.7%). Only three MFPs had Facebook accounts (12.5%) and none had Instagram or Twitter accounts. CONCLUSION: As the field of microsurgery continues to grow, the need for effective recruitment and training of microsurgeons continues to be essential. Overall, we conclude that both the accessibility and quality of information available to applicants are limited, which is a missed opportunity for recruitment.

Surgical Techniques for Revascularization in Abdominal Wall Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall vascularized composite allotransplantation (AW-VCA) can be considered as a technically feasible option for abdominal wall reconstruction in patients whose abdomen cannot be closed using traditional methods. However, successful initial abdominal wall revascularization in the setting of visceral organ transplantation can pose a major challenge as graft ischemia time, operating in a limited surgical field, and variable recipient and donor anatomy must be considered. Several techniques have been reported to accomplish abdominal wall revascularization. METHODS: A literature review was performed using PubMed for articles related to "abdominal wall transplantation (AWT)." The authors of this study sorted through this search for relevant publications that describe abdominal wall transplant anatomy, technical descriptions, and outcomes of various techniques. RESULTS: A total of four distinct revascularization techniques were found in the literature. Each of these techniques was described by the respective authors and reported varying patient outcomes. Levi et al published a landmark article in 2003 that described technical feasibility of AWT with anastomosis between donor external iliac and inferior epigastric vessels with recipient common iliac vessels in end-to-side fashion. Cipriani et al described a microsurgical technique with anastomosis between donor and recipient inferior epigastric vessels in an end-to-end fashion. Giele et al subsequently proposed banking the abdominal wall allograft in the forearm to reduce graft ischemia time. Recently, Erdmann et al described the utilization of an arteriovenous loop for synchronous revascularization of abdominal wall and visceral transplants for reduction of ischemia time, operative time, while eliminating the need for further operations. CONCLUSION: Vascularized composite allotransplantation continues to advance with improving immunotherapy and outcomes in solid organ transplantation. Optimizing surgical techniques remains paramount as the field continues to grow. Refinement of the presented methods will continue as additional evidence and outcomes become available in AW-VCA.

Enrichment of malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde antibody in the rheumatoid arthritis joint.

Objective: To characterize the expression of malondialdehdye-acetaldehyde (MAA) adducts and anti-MAA antibody in articular tissues and serum of patients with RA. Methods: Paired sera and SF were examined from 29 RA and 13 OA patients. Anti-MAA antibody, RF, ACPA and total immunoglobulin were quantified. SF-serum measures were compared within and between disease groups. The presence and co-localization of MAA, citrulline and select leukocyte antigens in RA and OA synovial tissues were examined using immunohistochemistry. Results: Circulating and SF anti-MAA antibody concentrations were higher in RA vs OA by 1.5- to 5-fold. IgG (P < 0.001), IgM (P = 0.006) and IgA (P = 0.036) anti-MAA antibodies were higher in paired RA SF than serum, differences not observed for total immunoglobulin, RF or ACPA. In RA synovial tissues, co-localization of MAA with citrulline and CD19+ or CD27+ B cells was demonstrated and was much higher in magnitude than MAA or citrulline co-localization with T cells, monocytes, macrophages or dendritic cells (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Anti-MAA antibodies are present in higher concentrations in the RA joint compared with sera, a finding not observed for other disease-related autoantibodies. Co-localization of MAA and citrulline with mature B cells, coupled with the local enrichment of anti-MAA immune responses, implicates MAA-adduct formation in local autoantibody production.

Ventral Hernia Reconstruction with GORE ENFORM Biomaterial.

Introduction: Ventral hernia repair (VHR) is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. Degradable mesh is the recommended choice for patients presenting with high-risk co-morbidities or increased risk for infection. GORE® ENFORM BiomaterialTM is a biosynthetic degradable mesh that has recently been approved for use in ventral hernia reconstruction with no reports of its clinical outcomes. Methods: This study was a single surgeon case series. Patients were included in the study if they underwent VHR with GORE® ENFORM BiomaterialTM. The decision to use GORE® ENFORM BiomaterialTM was the senior surgeon's decision based on the patient's center for disease control classification. Patient comorbidities, hernia characteristics, postoperative hernia recurrence, and surgical site occurrences (SSOs) were collected at in-patient follow-up appointments and chart review. Patients were asked to complete preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs) using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Intensity short form 3a and the hernia-specific quality of life (HerQLes) survey. Results: A total of 15 patients were included in this study. The average length of follow-up was 315 days. Postoperatively, 26.7% of patients had an SSO with 4 surgical site infections. Two patients required an operative washout with mesh removal. One patient experienced hernia recurrence. Eight of the 15 patients completed preoperative and postoperative PROs. Conclusion: This is the first clinical study to report the outcomes of ventral hernia repair using ENFORM mesh. These results show that Enform mesh is an option to consider in complex ventral hernia reconstruction.

Introduction: La réparation d'une hernie ventrale (RHV) est l'une des opérations les plus fréquentes aux États-Unis. Le treillis dégradable est le choix recommandé pour les patients ayant des affections connexes à haut risque ou qui sont vulnérables aux infections. Le biomatériau GORE® ENFORM est un treillis biosynthétique dégradable qui a récemment été approuvé pour la reconstruction des hernies ventrales et dont les résultats cliniques n'ont fait l'objet d'aucun rapport. Méthodologie : La présente étude était constituée d'une série de cas réalisée par un seul chirurgien. Les patients étaient inclus dans l'étude s'ils avaient subi une RHV à l'aide de biomatériau GORE® ENFORM. Le chirurgien en chef prenait la décision d'utiliser ce biomatériau d'après la classification du contrôle des maladies au centre du patient. Les chercheurs ont colligé les affections connexes du patient, les caractéristiques de la hernie, les récurrences de hernie postopératoire et les occurrences au foyer de l'opération (OFO) lors des rendez-vous de suivi et de l'examen des dossiers. Les patients ont été invités à préciser leurs résultats préopératoires et postopératoires (RPP) au moyen du formulaire court 3a sur l'intensité de la douleur tiré du système d'information des mesures de résultats déclarés par le patient (PROMIS) et du sondage sur la qualité de vie propre à la hernie (HerQLes). Résultats : Au total, 15 patients ont participé à l'étude et ont été suivis pendant une durée moyenne de 315 jours. Après l'opération, 26,7% des patients ont présenté une OFO ainsi que quatre infections au foyer de l'opération. Deux patients ont eu besoin d'un lessivage opératoire et du retrait du treillis. Un patient a subi une récurrence de la hernie. Huit des 15 patients ont rempli les RDP avant et après l'opération. Conclusion : Il s'agit de la première étude clinique à déclarer les résultats cliniques de la réparation d'une hernie ventrale à l'aide du treillis ENFORM. Ces résultats démontrent que le treillis Enform peut être envisagé pour la reconstruction d'une hernie ventrale complexe.

The Use of Nitinol Staples as Reduction Aids in Fixation of Forearm Diaphyseal Fractures: Surgical Technique and Case Series.

Forearm diaphyseal fractures are common orthopedic injuries that typically require surgical intervention using various implants and approaches. Maintaining reduction while simultaneously achieving compression in radial and/or ulnar shaft fractures during compression plate application can be challenging, particularly with unstable segmental and/or transverse fracture patterns. Nitinol compression staples have become increasingly used as a reduction aid because of their ability to provide continuous compression between the staple legs at the fracture site, low profile, and ease of application. These staples have the potential to be an effective means of maintaining reduction and applying compression before definitive plate fixation for radial and ulnar shaft fractures. We present our surgical technique and an associated patient series detailing our institution's experience, highlighting favorable outcomes and potential considerations when using nitinol compression staples for forearm fracture management.

Comparison Between Intramedullary Nail and Percutaneous Pin Fixation in Proximal Phalanx Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous pinning has been the predominant technique for fixation of proximal phalanx fractures, but stiffness is a reported complication. The introduction of intramedullary (IM) nail fixation of proximal phalanx fractures provides a stronger biomechanical fixation for amenable fracture patterns with the added benefit of not tethering the soft tissue. The goal of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of IM nail and percutaneous pin fixation in isolated proximal phalanx fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed at our institution between the years 2018 and 2022 for patients treated for proximal phalanx fractures. Patients that underwent fixation with IM nails or percutaneous fixation for isolated extraarticular proximal phalanx fractures were included. Patients were excluded if they had concomitant hand fractures, tendon injury, or intraarticular extension. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were included in this study. Twenty-eight patients received percutaneous pin fixation, and 22 patients underwent IM nail or screw fixation. There was no significant difference in injury patterns or demographics between these two groups. Patients that underwent IM nail fixation had a significantly quicker return to active motion, shorter duration of orthosis treatment, and fewer occupational therapy visits. In addition, patients in the IM fixation group had significantly improved range of motion (ROM) at 6 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that patients receiving percutaneous pin or IM nail fixation have equivocal union and complication rates. The IM nail fixation group was able to have quicker return to mobilization, fewer required occupational therapy visits, and improved early ROM.

Advances in Soft Tissue Injuries Associated with Open Fractures.

Management of soft tissue injury is a key component in the overall treatment of upper extremity fractures. Hand surgeons must rely on their armamentarium for treating soft tissue deficits for functional outcomes. Understanding the role of fracture fixation and wound adjuncts, including negative pressure wound therapy and dermal regenerative templates, is the keys to success. In addition, detailed knowledge of local and free tissue options is essential for hand reconstruction.

Dermal Regenerative Templates in Orthopaedic Surgery.

Management of soft-tissue injuries is a critical principle in the treatment of orthopaedic trauma. Understanding the options for soft-tissue reconstruction is vital for successful patient outcomes. Application of dermal regenerative templates (DRTs) in traumatic wounds has created a new rung in the reconstructive ladder bridging the gap between skin graft and flap coverage. There are multiple DRT products with specific clinical indications and mechanisms of action. This review outlines the up-to-date specifications and uses of DRT in commonly seen orthopaedic injuries.

Closed reduction of nasoseptal fractures: key concepts for predictable results.

Nasal complex injuries are the most common facial fracture encountered in the trauma population. Multiple surgical techniques for treatment of these fractures have been described with varying results. The goal of this study was to review the efficacy of closed reduction of nasal and septal fractures using a technique based upon several key concepts. We reviewed the records of patients who had undergone isolated nasal and/or septal fractures with closed reduction at our institution between January 2013 and November 2021. Inclusion criteria consisted of preoperative CT imaging, surgical treatment within fourteen days of initial injury, and follow up of at least one year. All patients were treated under general or deep sedation. The same surgical technique was applied with closed reduction of the septum and nasal bones with internal and external postoperative splints. Of the 232 records initially reviewed, 103 met inclusion criteria. Four patients had undergone revision septorhinoplasty (3.9%). Mean (range) follow up was 2.7 (1-8.2) years. Three patients had undergone revision nasal repair due to persistent airflow obstruction with complete resolution of symptoms after revision. The other patient received multiple revisions at another institution as a result of their dissatisfaction with cosmesis without improvement. Closed reduction of nasal and septal fractures can be a highly successful procedure and yield predictable results, limiting the need for post-traumatic open septorhinoplastic surgery. Five critical concepts of nasal fracture repair can help surgeons achieve predictable functional and cosmetic results: selection, timing, anaesthesia, reduction, and support.

Predicting Final Implant Volume in Two-stage Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction.

Two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction remains the most commonly performed reconstructive modality following mastectomy. Although prior studies have explored the relationship between tissue expander (TE) features and permanent implant (PI) size in subpectoral reconstruction, no such study exists in prepectoral reconstruction. This study aims to identify pertinent TE characteristics and evaluate their correlations with PI size for prepectoral implant-based reconstruction. Methods: This study analyzed patients who underwent two-stage prepectoral tissue expansion for breast reconstruction followed by implant placement. Patient demographics and oncologic characteristics were recorded. TE and PI features were evaluated. Significant predictors for PI volume were identified using linear and multivariate regression analyses. Results: We identified 177 patients and 296 breast reconstructions that met inclusion criteria. All reconstructions were performed in the prepectoral plane with the majority using acellular dermal matrix (93.8%) and primarily silicone implants (94.3%). Mean TE size was 485.4 cm3 with mean initial fill of 245.8 cm3 and mean final fill of 454.4 cm3. Mean PI size was 502.9 cm3 with a differential fill volume (PI-TE) of 11.7 cm3. Multivariate analysis identified significant features for PI size prediction, including TE size (R2 = 0.60; P < 0.0001) and TE final fill volume (R2 = 0.57; P < 0.0001). The prediction expression for TE final fill and TE size was calculated as 26.6 + 0.38*(TE final fill) + 0.61*(TE size). Conclusions: TE size and final expansion volume were significant variables for implant size prediction. With prepectoral implant placement gaining popularity, the predictive formula may help optimize preoperative planning and decision-making in prepectoral reconstructions.

Variations in Incidence of Trigger Finger and Response to Corticosteroid Injection after Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy for Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs), such as letrozole and anastrozole, have been demonstrated to have significant musculoskeletal symptoms in patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of specific AI medications on the incidence of trigger finger and independent factors affecting treatment outcomes within this population. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed at the authors' institution between the years 2014 and 2018 in patients with the diagnosis of breast cancer. This cohort was then sorted based on receiving medication regimens, trigger finger diagnosis, steroid injections, and need for surgical release of trigger finger. RESULTS: A total of 15,144 patients were included for initial review. The overall rate of trigger finger diagnosis was 2.75% in the entire breast cancer population and 4.5% for patients receiving AI therapy. Patients taking letrozole and anastrozole had an increased odds ratio of 2.0 and 1.7, respectively, for developing trigger finger. Patients who switched between letrozole and anastrozole during treatment had a higher rate of failed steroid injection treatment (45.2% versus 23.5%; P = 0.021). Among patients receiving AI treatment diagnosed with trigger finger, diabetes and hemoglobin A1c level greater than 6.5 were associated with significantly increased rates of failed steroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving AI therapy have an increased incidence of trigger finger. The outcomes of treatment are equivalent between AI and non-AI trigger finger populations. However, steroid therapy is more likely to fail in patients who require switching of regimens because of significant musculoskeletal symptoms. Poorly controlled diabetes was also an independent factor for compromised steroid treatment of trigger finger. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Report of novel application of T-line hernia mesh in ventral hernia repair.

INTRODUCTION: Ventral hernia repair is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. Failure of hernia repairs can be attributed to sutures pulling through tissue or mesh (anchor point failure). T-Line Hernia Mesh is the first mesh designed to specifically prevent anchor point failure by distributing tension. This case study of two patients is the first clinical application of the novel T-Line Hernia Mesh. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Two separate patients presented with symptomatic ventral hernia secondary to previous laparotomy. Patient 1 is a fifty-five year-old male who underwent open ventral hernia repair with T-Line Hernia Mesh onlay placement. Patient 2 is a fifty-eight year-old female with a symptomatic ventral hernia that underwent bilateral component separation and primary hernia repair with T-Line Hernia Mesh. Both patients postoperative course was uneventful with no reported surgical site occurrences or hernia recurrence. DISCUSSION: T-Line Hernia Mesh provides a new innovative approach to hernia surgery. This provides the first clinical outcomes. No complications were observed. In addition, this manuscript also demonstrates the surgical technique for the first time. CONCLUSION: This cases and technical description provides the initial report for a new designed T-Line Hernia Mesh that could result in a paradigm shift in hernia surgery concepts.

Symptom Duration and Diabetic Control Influence Success of Steroid Injection in Trigger Finger.

BACKGROUND: Trigger finger is one of the most common hand abnormalities, with a prevalence of 2 percent of the general population. Conservative treatment with corticosteroid injections at the A1 pulley has been shown to be a cost-effective first-line treatment. However, additional patient factors have not fully been described regarding steroid injection efficacy. The authors hypothesize that patients presenting with longer chronicity of symptoms before treatment and elevated blood glucose would have reduced success rates of steroid injection therapy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 297 patients at a single institution was performed between 2013 and 2019. Patients were included if they presented with the diagnosis of trigger finger and were treated with initial corticosteroid injection at the A1 pulley. RESULTS: Steroid injection therapy alone was successful in 65 percent of patients. Patients received on average of 1.61 steroid injections. Patients who failed treatment received an average of 1.85 injections compared to 1.49 for those who had successful corticosteroid injection therapy ( p = 0.001). Presence of ipsilateral hand disease was associated with significant increase in failure of steroid injections (43.4 percent versus 30.8 percent; p = 0.032). Diabetic patients with hemoglobin A1c levels greater than 6.5 percent had a significantly higher rate of failing steroid injection therapy (71.9 percent versus 38.1 percent; p < 0.001). Patients who presented with greater than 2.5 months of symptoms had a higher failure rate of corticosteroid therapy (40.4 percent versus 29.5 percent; p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: Patients with a coexisting diagnosis of diabetes and a hemoglobin A1c level greater than 6.5 percent, ipsilateral concomitant hand disease, or presence of symptoms for greater than 2.5 months should be counseled regarding higher risk of failure of local corticosteroid injection. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Return to Activities After Simultaneous Bilateral Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 56% of patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome present with bilateral symptoms; however, few studies have investigated bilateral simultaneous endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) and postoperative effect on return to activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the length of recovery in patients who received bilateral simultaneous ECTR, including pain medication requirements, return to activities of daily living, return to work, and return to recreational activities. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent bilateral ECTR by a single hand fellowship-trained surgeon from 2013 to 2019. Demographic, operative, and clinical outcomes were collected via chart review and a telephone interview. Student t tests and χ2 tests were conducted for analysis. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included in the study; 40 were successfully contacted for telephone interview follow-up. Patients reported an average of 2 days of use of postoperative narcotic pain medication and an average of 5, 7, and 19 days of return to activities of daily living, work, and recreational activities, respectively. Female patients reported more days of narcotic pain medications (1 day vs 3 days, P = .0483) and an average of longer return to work than men (9 days vs 5 days, P = .0477). Manual laborers reported longer return to work (9 days vs 5 days, P = .0500). Older patients (aged >65 years) reported longer return to recreational activities (39 days vs 11 days, P = .0189). CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous bilateral ECTR is a successful procedure with shorter recovery times than reported previously. Female patients, manual laborers, and older patients experience a longer recovery and should be counseled appropriately.

A Comparison of Surgical Complications in Patients Undergoing Delayed versus Staged Tissue-Expander and Free-Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing mastectomy may not be candidates for immediate free-flap breast reconstruction because of medical comorbidities or postmastectomy radiation therapy. In this setting, flap reconstruction may be intentionally delayed or staged with tissue expander placement ("delayed-immediate" reconstruction). The optimal reconstructive choice and incidence of complications for these approaches remain unclear. METHODS: The authors retrospectively identified patients who underwent delayed [n = 140 (72 percent)] or staged [n = 54 (28 percent)] abdominal free-flap breast reconstruction between 2010 and 2018 and compared the incidence of postoperative complications. RESULTS: Patients undergoing staged reconstruction had a higher overall incidence of perioperative complications, including surgical-site infection (40.7 percent versus 6.5 percent; p < 0.001), wound healing complications (29.6 percent versus 12.3 percent; p = 0.004), hematoma (11.1 percent versus 0.7 percent; p < 0.001), and return to the operating room (27.8 percent versus 4.4 percent; p < 0.0001). These complications occurred predominately during the expansion stage, resulting in an 18.5 percent (n = 10) rate of tissue expander failure. Mean time from mastectomy to flap reconstruction was 476.8 days (delayed, 536.4 days; staged, 322.4 days; p < 0.001). At the time of flap reconstruction, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the staged cohort versus the delayed cohort, including microsurgical complications (1.9 percent versus 4.3 percent; p = 0.415), total flap loss (0 percent versus 2.1 percent; p = 0.278), or fat necrosis (5.6 percent versus 5.0 percent; p = 0.875). CONCLUSIONS: The aesthetic and psychosocial benefits of staged free-flap breast reconstruction should be balanced with the increased risk of perioperative complications as compared to a delayed approach. Complications related to definitive flap reconstruction do not appear to be affected by the approach taken at the time of mastectomy. . CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.