Prevalence Patterns of Body Contouring Procedures Among Injectable Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Users.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy has transformed weight loss in plastic surgery patients, often leading to excess skin and soft tissue amendable to body contouring procedures. OBJECTIVES: This project aims to examine the relationship between injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist use and the growing need for body contouring surgeries, focusing on trunk and extremity procedures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the PearlDiver database, examining prescription data for Ozempic, Wegovy, and liraglutide, and correlating these with body contouring procedures across 30 U.S. states from 2011-2022. Multimodal statistics were used to compare surgery rates and assess dosage and time interval patterns among GLP-1 receptor agonist users and non-users. RESULTS: Significant correlations between GLP-1 receptor agonist use (881 Ozempic, 59 Wegovy, and 4,655 liraglutide users) and increased body contouring surgeries were found. Ozempic showed weak correlations with brachioplasty (r = 0.23) and panniculectomy (r = 0.21), and Wegovy with breast procedures (r = 0.28), while liraglutide showed consistent correlations across surgeries. Time to surgery varied from 87 days (Wegovy) to 1,018 days (liraglutide), with higher surgery rates among users (p < 0.01) and dose-related differences, especially in Ozempic and Wegovy users. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a dose-dependent link between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and an increase in subsequent aesthetic body contouring surgeries, highlighting the need for surgeons to adapt to the merging of medicinal body transformation and aesthetic plastic surgery.

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

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

Association of Bariatric Surgery and Risk of Cancer in Patients With Morbid Obesity.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the rates of obesity-related cancers in patients undergoing vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), or no surgical intervention. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Obesity has been previously associated with increased rates of cancers; however, weight loss surgeries have not been explored to demonstrate their potential risk reduction impact. METHODS: Patients meeting bariatric eligibility criteria between January 2010 and December 2018 were identified. Exact 1:1:1 matching based on baseline patient demographics and comorbidities was used to create 3 groups with identical covariates: patients undergoing VSG, RYGB, and no surgery. RESULTS: A total of 28, bariatric-eligible patients equally split into patients undergoing VSG (n = 9636, 33.3%), RYGB (n = 9636, 33.3%), and those with no surgical intervention (n = 9636, 33.3%). Bariatric-eligible patients that did not undergo surgical intervention had significantly higher rates and odds of developing numerous cancer types included in our study when compared to either surgical cohorts, with any cancer type (4.61%), uterine (0.86%), colorectal (0.57%), and lung cancers (0.50%) being most common. Individuals undergoing RYGB were significantly less likely to develop colorectal cancer compared to patients without any surgical intervention [odds ratio (OR) 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30-0.75]. Additionally, those undergoing VSG were significantly less likely to develop lung cancer than the bariatric eligible no surgery cohort (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25-0.70). CONCLUSION: Postoperative rates of any cancer type, lung, ovarian, and uterine cancer were significantly lower in obese patients undergoing either vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) or RYGB compared to bariatric-eligible patients without any surgical intervention.

Pediatric Surgery Simulation-Based Training for the General Surgery Resident.

BACKGROUND: Surgical simulation-based training (SBT) can increase resident confidence and improve performance. SBT in pediatric surgery is in its infancy and often geared toward training pediatric surgery fellows. Since case volume for various pediatric surgery-specific procedures can be low based on the rarity of the pathology involved and the level of care provided by the institution, our aim was to create a pediatric surgery simulation-based curriculum for general surgery residents to address this need. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an institutional needs assessment consisting of 4 pediatric surgeons' and 28 general surgery residents' confidence in resident ability to independently perform pediatric surgery-specific tasks and procedures using a Likert-scaled survey. These included the placement of a silastic silo for gastroschisis, a percutaneous drain for perforated necrotizing enterocolitis, and completion of a laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis. Models simulating these pathologies and curriculum for performing each procedure were generated. RESULTS: We successfully created a model and SBT curriculum to teach general surgery residents how to place a silastic silo for patients with gastroschisis, a percutaneous drain for patients with perforated necrotizing enterocolitis, and how to complete a laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for patients with pyloric stenosis. These were deemed high fidelity models based on a survey of our pediatric surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: We created a pediatric surgery SBT curriculum for general surgery residents, which can be used to supplement learning of various high-acuity, low-occurrence procedures. Assessment of residents and validation of scores is underway.

Aesthetically Ideal Breasts Created With Artificial Intelligence: Validating the Literature, Racial Differences, and Deep Fakes.

Background: A female's breasts are integrally tied to her identity and sense of femininity. Despite extensive study of breast aesthetics, there is no discrete formula for the "ideal breast" to guide the aesthetic surgeon. Racial and cultural differences heavily influence preferences in breast morphology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous in modern culture and may aid in further understanding ideal breast aesthetics. Objectives: This study analyzed AI-generated images of aesthetically ideal breasts, evaluated for morphologic differences based on race, and compared findings to the literature. Methods: An openly accessible AI image-generator platform was used to generate images of aesthetically ideal Caucasian, African American, and Asian breasts in 3-quarter profile and frontal views using simple text prompts. Breast measurements were obtained and compared between each racial cohort and to that of previously described ideal breast parameters. Results: Twenty-five images were analyzed per racial cohort, per pose (150 total). Caucasian breasts were observed to fit nicely into previously described ideal breast templates. However, upper-to-lower pole ratios, nipple angles, upper pole slope contours, nipple-areolar complex positions, and areolar size were observed to have statistically significant differences between racial cohorts. Conclusions: Defining the aesthetically ideal breast remains a complex and multifaceted challenge, requiring consideration of racial and cultural differences. The AI-generated breasts in this study were found to have significant differences between racial groups, support several previously described breast ideals, and provide insight into current and future ethical issues related to AI in aesthetic surgery.

Injectable Weight Loss Medications in Plastic Surgery: What We Know, Perioperative Considerations, and Recommendations for the Future.

Obesity is a major epidemic plaguing American society. Injectable subcutaneous medications initially designed for use in type 2 diabetes management, such as semaglutide and other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, are rapidly gaining popularity for their effects on weight. These drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, and Mounjaro) are ubiquitous on social media and are promoted by celebrities across all demographics. "Ozempic face" and "Ozempic butt" are now mainstream concepts highlighting the morphologic changes that occur with these medications. There is a paucity of literature available on the impact of these medications for plastic surgeons and their patients. As use becomes widespread, it is important for plastic surgeons to understand their indications, contraindications, appropriate perioperative management, and impact on plastic surgery procedures.

Nationwide Bibliometric Analysis of Integrated Plastic Surgery Program Directors.

Studies have linked bibliometric indices with the academic level of plastic surgeons, but this relationship has not been explored with residency program directors (PDs). As teachers of the next generation, PDs' academic performance is an important component of residency program success. We sought to identify distinguishing characteristics of integrated plastic surgery programs, focusing on their PD bibliometric indices. Methods: We identified plastic surgery programs based on 2021 Doximity reputation and research output rankings, respectively, and then divided them into four quartiles (Q1-Q4). PD academic history and bibliometric indices (h-index, the number of publications, and citations) were collected through Doximity profiles and program websites: PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Results: Eighty-four programs were identified. There was a significant positive relationship between h-index, the number of publications, and type of research with reputation ranking (P < 0.05). After adjusting for years of experience post-training, h-index (OR = 1.24; P < 0.001) and the number of publications (OR = 1.05, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with reputation ranking. There was a statistically significant relationship between PD research fellowship completion and research output ranking (P < 0.01). After adjusting for years of experience post-training, h-index (OR = 1.05; P = 0.047) and the number of publications (OR = 1.01; P = 0.04) were significantly associated with research output ranking. Conclusion: Higher ranked programs tend to have PDs who have a strong record of scholarly activity, as evidenced by certain bibliometric indices.

A shortened course of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is the preferred antibiotic treatment after surgery for perforated appendicitis in children.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Despite evidence supporting short course outpatient antibiotic treatment following appendectomy for perforated appendicitis, evidence of real-world implementation and consensus for antibiotic choice is lacking. We therefore aimed to compare outpatient antibiotic treatment regimens in a national cohort. METHODS: We identified children who underwent surgery for perforated appendicitis between 2010 and 2018 using the PearlDiver database and compared 45-day disease-specific readmission between children who received shortened (5-8 days) versus prolonged (10-14 day) total antibiotic courses (inpatient intravenous and/or oral) completed with outpatient Amoxicillin/Clavulanate versus Ciprofloxacin/Metronidazole, and compared antibiotic type (5-14 days) to each other. RESULTS: 4916 children were identified, 2001 (90.0%) treated with Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (5-14 days), 381 (19.0%) with shortened (5-8 days), 1464 (73.2%) with prolonged (10-14 days) courses. 222 (10.0%) were treated with Ciprofloxacin/Metronidazole, 44 (19.8%) with shortened, 174 (78.4%) with prolonged courses. Freedom from readmission was not different between prolonged and shortened course whether they received Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.54, 95%CI 0.95-2.5) or Ciprofloxacin/Metronidazole (AHR 3.49, 95%CI 0.45-27.3). Antibiotic type did not affect readmission rate (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate versus Ciprofloxacin/Metronidazole, AHR 1.21, 95%CI 0.71-2.05). CONCLUSION: Prolonged antibiotic regimens are routinely prescribed despite evidence suggesting shorter courses and antibiotic choice are not associated with greater treatment failure. As it is better tolerated, we recommend a shortened course of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate for oral management of perforated appendicitis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Materials Used in Cranial Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cranioplasty is a common neurologic procedure, with complication rates ranging from 20% to 50%. It is hypothesized that the risks of various complications are affected by which material is used for cranioplasty. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the literature comparing rates of complications after cranioplasty using different materials including autologous bone, hydroxyapatite, methyl methacrylate, demineralized bone matrix, polyetheretherketone, titanium, or composite materials. METHODS: The PubMed/MEDLINE database was searched for relevant articles published between 2010 and 2020. After screening, 35 articles were included. Outcomes included infection, wound problems, poor cosmesis, overall complications, duration of surgery, and length of stay. For each outcome, a frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted to compare materials used. RESULTS: The risk of infection was 1.62 times higher when methyl methacrylate was used compared with autologous bone (relative risk, 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-2.45). Length of stay after cranioplasty was on average 3.62 days shorter when titanium was used compared with autologous bone (95% CI, 6.26 to -0.98). The networks constructed for other outcomes showed moderate to substantial between-study heterogeneity, wide CIs, and no significant differences between materials. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of existing literature on this topic is relatively poor, almost exclusively comprising single-center retrospective studies. There is not strong enough evidence available to make comprehensive conclusions regarding the risk profiles of various cranioplasty materials across multiple outcomes. Prospective randomized trials are necessary to confirm the significant results found in this analysis and to further elucidate the differential risks of various cranioplasty materials.

Outcomes following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy versus fluoroscopic procedures in the Medicare population.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, few high-quality manuscripts have directly compared the complication profiles of percutaneous endoscopic versus fluoroscopic gastrostomy. Thus, it is our goal to compare these 2 common procedures to better understand their efficacy and complication profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patient records from Medicare parts A/B from 2007 to 2012 was used to identify percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy procedures. Patient demographics were stratified by age, sex, comorbidities, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 258,641 patients were found to have either percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy (26,477, 10.2%) or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (232,164, 89.8%). Percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy experienced greater rates for all complications queried. Multivariate analysis revealed that the percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy cohort had statistically significant increased odds for short-term complications, such as ileus (odds ratio 1.4, 95% confidence interval 1.22-1.54), mechanical (odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 2.28-2.58), wound infection (odds ratio 1.4, 95% confidence interval 1.24-1.52), persistent fistula after tube removal (odds ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.78-2.12), and other complications (odds ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 2.03-2.37), and long-term complications, including abdominal wall pain (odds ratio 1.4, 95% confidence interval 1.33-1.44), wound infection (odds ratio 1.1, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.15), and persistent fistula after tube removal (odds ratio 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.72-1.87). CONCLUSION: Gastrostomy tubes are more frequently being placed via percutaneous endoscopic and fluoroscopic methods. This study suggests that those undergoing fluoroscopic placement have higher odds of developing short- and long-term postoperative complications.

The Affordable Care Act and Its Impact on Plastic and Gender-Affirmation Surgery.

SUMMARY: The Affordable Care Act's provisions have affected and will continue to affect plastic surgeons and their patients, and an understanding of its influence on the current American health care system is essential. The law's impact on pediatric plastic surgery, craniofacial surgery, and breast reconstruction is well documented. In addition, gender-affirmation surgery has seen exponential growth, largely because of expanded insurance coverage through the protections afforded to transgender individuals by the Affordable Care Act. As gender-affirming surgery continues to grow, plastic surgeons have the opportunity to adapt and diversify their practices.

Patient Race and Insurance Status Do Not Impact the Treatment of Simple Mandibular Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Health-care disparities have been reported throughout medical literature for decades. While blatant explicit bias is not prevalent, a substantial body of research has been published suggesting that systemic biases related to sex, race, income, and insurance status likely exist. To our knowledge, no study has assessed the impact of patient race and insurance status on clinical decision-making in facial fracture repair in the United States. Thus, the objective of this project was to assess if race and insurance status impacted whether patients obtained open or closed treatment of simple mandibular fractures. METHODS: Patients who had either open or closed treatment of mandibular fractures were extracted from the 2012 and 2013 National Inpatient Sample and analyzed. Patients who had a length of stay longer than 3 days or died during their inpatient stay were excluded. These exclusion criteria were used to control for patients with polytrauma as well as complicated fractures. Univariate analysis was undertaken to elucidate different variable associations with the type of reduction performed. All covariates were then entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to test the variables simultaneously. RESULTS: Patients with simple condylar, alveolar border, and closed mandibular fractures were more likely to undergo closed reduction (CR) on univariate analysis, as were patients with female gender and a fall mechanism (P value < .05). African Americans, Hispanics, and patients without insurance were more likely to undergo open reduction on univariate analysis (P value < .05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients with simple condylar, subcondylar, alveolar border, or closed mandibular fractures were more likely to undergo a CR, as were patients with female gender and a firearm or fall mechanism (P < .05). However, neither race nor insurance status demonstrated a statistically significant association with closed or open reduction. CONCLUSION: Anatomic location and mechanism of injury were the variables found to be significantly associated with patients undergoing open reduction versus CR of simple mandibular fractures-not race or insurance status.

Reap What You Sow: Which Rural Surgery Training Programs Currently Exist and Do Medical Students Know of Their Existence?

BACKGROUND: There exists an acute need to recruit and train general surgeons for rural communities. To assist medical students interested in rural surgery, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) website lists general surgery residencies, which are tailored to train the rural surgeon by providing exposure to endoscopy, gynecology, urology, orthopedics, and otolaryngology. Another available reference is the American Medical Association Fellowship and Residency Electronic Database (FREIDA). FREIDA allows programs to indicate availability of a rural training scheme. This is an effort to identify programs which demonstrate a commitment to training rural surgeons and evaluate accessibility of this information to medical students. METHODS: Each ACGME general surgery residency program in the United States and Canada received an electronic survey. They were queried on commitment to training rural surgeons and their ability to provide 3 to 12 months of subspecialty training. RESULTS: Of the 261 programs surveyed, 52 (19.9%) responses were obtained; 11 had established rural tracks and 15 were willing to customize a program. We identified 14 additional rural training programs not identified by either the ACS website or FREIDA. In total, 44 programs identified by ACS, FREIDA, and our survey indicate they can accommodate the rural surgical resident. CONCLUSIONS: For a medical student interested in rural surgery, several obstacles must be overcome to find the appropriate residency program. A complete and updated list of established tracks or customizable training schemes does not exist. Review of the ACS website and FREIDA online in addition to our survey has identified 44 of 261 (16.9%) ACGME accredited programs either with an existing rural surgical track or willing to customize their program accommodate a resident. To facilitate the recruitment of medical students into rural surgery, we support the maintenance of a complete and routinely updated list that identifies available training programs.