Adverse events associated with anastomotic coupling devices in microvascular reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: In light of the recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Class 2 safety recall notice for anastomotic coupling devices, it is important to understand related adverse events. The aim of this study was to characterize adverse events in anastomotic coupling devices for microvascular reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis using the 2011 to 2021 US FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. All reports of adverse events involving anastomotic coupling devices were retrieved from the MAUDE database. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze categorized events. RESULTS: There were a total of 293 documented adverse events related to anastomotic coupling devices. These adverse events resulted in 91 (31.1 %) patient injuries and 239 (81.6 %) device malfunctions. The most frequent patient problems were thrombosis/hematoma (n = 38; 41.8 %), unspecified injury (n = 31; 34.1 %), and failure to anastomose (n = 13; 14.3 %). Free flap necrosis was reported in 42 % of thrombosis/hematoma cases (n = 16). The most common malfunctions were devices operating differently than expected (n = 74; 31.0 %), connection problems (n = 41; 17.2 %), and twisted/bent material (n = 19; 7.9 %). There was no significant trend in the number of adverse events over the study period (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adverse events from anastomotic coupling devices represent an important and modifiable factor in free tissue failure. Adverse events are predominately related to devices operating differently than expected and may result in vascular compromise of the free flap. Reconstructive surgeons should be cognizant of defective anastomotic coupling devices and be prepared to utilize traditional hand-sewn anastomosis.

Survival Outcomes of Advanced Thyroid Cancer Enriched in Brain Metastases Following Treatment With Small Molecule Inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE: Small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) are targeted therapies increasingly used in advanced thyroid carcinomas. This study aimed to evaluate the survival outcomes of thyroid cancer on SMI treatment, including in patients with brain metastases. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with thyroid carcinomas who received at least one SMI between 2008 and 2022 at a tertiary level, academic institution. SMI included lenvatinib, sorafenib, dabrafenib-trametinib, selpercatinib, and cabozantinib. Patients were grouped by the presence of brain metastasis. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests modeled the overall survival (OS), defined from detection of first metastasis. RESULTS: In total, 116 patients (49.1% female, median age 61.1 years [IQR, 51.1-71.0]) were included. Thyroid cancer subtypes were: 57 (49.6%) papillary, 23 (19.8%) anaplastic, 23 (19.8%) medullary, and 13 (11.2%) follicular. There were 18 (15.5%) patients with brain metastases, and 98 (84.5%) with visceral metastases. Age, sex, thyroid subtype, SMI, and time to recurrence were not different between cohorts. OS was shorter in the brain metastasis cohort (31.7 vs 42.2 months, P =.44) and was not different after excluding anaplastic thyroid cancer (29.1 vs 62.3 months, P =.21). In the case of papillary thyroid cancer, patients with brain metastases trended toward worse OS (22.0 vs 59.9 months, P =.13). Nonanaplastic histology, total thyroidectomy (OR, 40.0; P <.001), number of unique therapies (OR, 10.9; P =.047), and mutation-directed therapy (OR, 24.7; P =.003) were associated with improved OS. CONCLUSION: This single-institutional analysis reports survival outcomes of 116 patients with advanced thyroid cancer on targeted therapies, including 18 patients with brain metastases. Mutation-directed therapy for BRAFV600E mutations, RET mutations, RET fusions, and NTRK fusions had superior survival.

Olfactory dysfunction incidence and resolution amongst 608 patients with COVID-19 infection.

PURPOSE: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a common presenting sign of coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection and remains persistent in up to 7 % of patients one year after diagnosis. However, demographic, socioeconomic, and medical risk factors for persistent OD are not well understood. This study aims to determine risk factors for development and persistence of OD amongst patients with COVID-19 infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, observational questionnaire study was performed at a tertiary-level, academic center. Patients with history of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis were sent an online questionnaire. Patients' self-reported survey responses for OD and resolution were assessed for associations with demographic variables, socioeconomic factors, and clinical data. RESULTS: In total, 608 of 26,094 patients (77.6 % women, mean age 42.7 ± 17.4 years, range 9 months-92 years) completed the survey. OD was reported by 220 (36.2 %) patients, and 139 (63.2 %) patients achieved resolution. Patients with OD were more likely to have other sinonasal and flu-like symptoms, and had a hospitalization rate of 2.7 %. There were no significant differences in age, gender, occupational or residential factors, or medical comorbidities incidence of OD development. Women reported higher rates of persistent OD (88.9 % vs 77.0 %, p = 0.045). The OD recovery rates amongst active and resolved COVID-19 infections was 27.0 % and 70.0 %, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a low hospitalization rate amongst patients reporting OD. One-third of patients with COVID-19 self-reported OD, and two-thirds of patients achieve OD resolution. Survey respondents with active COVID-19 infection and female gender were more likely to report persistent OD.

Development of a Risk Prediction Model for Complications Following Forehead Flaps for Nasal and Periorbital Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Forehead flaps are a workhorse for nasal reconstruction, but complications occur in up to 30% of patients and risk factors are not well characterized. This study aimed to identify risk factors for complications, and provide clinicians a method to stratify patient risk to facilitate shared decision-making. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent forehead flaps between 2007 and 2020. Demographic and treatment characteristics were abstracted, in addition to clinical outcomes data. Multivariable regression was conducted, with step-wise variable elimination to determine inclusion in the final model. From the final regression, a risk-stratification scheme was developed. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-seven patients underwent forehead flap reconstruction, with a mean age of 68.5 years. Mean follow-up time was 42 months. There were 50 (25.4%) patients who developed a complication, including impaired nasal function (18.8%), flap congestion (5.1%), infection (2.5%), poor donor site healing (2.5%) wound dehiscence (2.0%), and flap congestion (1.5%). On univariate analysis, female sex, immunosuppression, prior radiotherapy, and larger resection area were associated with complications ( P <0.05). On multivariable analysis, female sex [odds ratio (OR): 3.89, P <0.001], hypoalbuminemia (OR: 3.70, P =0.01), and prior wide local excision (OR: 3.62, P =0.04) were predictors of complications. A clinical calculator was developed incorporating these risk factors, with a C-statistic of 0.85, indicating strong predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: We conducted the most comprehensive review of risk factors for the development of complications after forehead flap reconstruction. From this analysis, a novel, implementable, risk-stratification scheme was developed to equip surgeons with the ability to provide individualized risk assessment to patients and address preoperative comorbidities to optimize outcomes.

Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism Based on Caprini Score in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps are commonly used for autologous breast reconstruction, but reported rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are up to 6.8%. This study aimed to determine the incidence of VTE based on preoperative Caprini score following DIEP breast reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent DIEP flaps for breast reconstruction between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020 at a tertiary-level, academic institution. Demographics, operative characteristics, and VTE events were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the area under the curve (AUC) of the Caprini score for VTE. Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed risk factors associated with VTE. RESULTS: This study included 524 patients (mean age 51.2 ± 9.6 years). There were 123 (23.5%) patients with the Caprini score of 0 to 4, 366 (69.8%) with scores 5 to 6, 27 (5.2%) with scores 7 to 8, and 8 (1.5%) patients with scores >8. Postoperative VTE occurred in 11 (2.1%) patients, at a median time of 9 days (range 1-30) after surgery. VTE incidence by the Caprini score was 1.9% for scores 3 to 4, 0.8% for scores 5 to 6, 3.3% for scores 7 to 8, and 13% for scores >8. The Caprini score achieved an AUC of 0.70. A Caprini score >8 was significantly predictive of VTE on multivariable analysis relative to scores 5 to 6 (odds ratio = 43.41, 95% confidence interval = 7.46-252.76, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing DIEP breast reconstruction, VTE incidence was highest (13%) in Caprini scores greater than eight despite chemoprophylaxis. Future studies are needed to assess the role of extended chemoprophylaxis in patients with high Caprini scores.

Utility of the finance-electronic medical record digital dashboard in pediatric otolaryngology.

BACKGROUND: The time and cost of data collection via chart review of the electronic medical record (EMR) is a research barrier. This study describes the development of a digital dashboard conjoining EMR and finance data and its application in a pediatric otolaryngology practice. METHODS: The dashboard creates a common language crosswalk between surgeries via the EMR, financial data, and national Vizient database. First, all Otolaryngology procedures billed via ICD-10 or CPT codes were categorized into Procedure Groups, which constitute the common language that links all data sources. The joined dataset was inputted into a Tableau workbook supporting dynamic filtering and custom real-time analysis. RESULTS: The dashboard includes 84 Procedure Groups within Otolaryngology. Examples for pediatrics include Sistrunk procedure and supraglottoplasty. User-friendly dynamic filtering by Procedure Group, surgery date range, age, insurance, hospital, surgeon, and discharge status were developed. Outcomes include length of stay, telephone callbacks, postoperative hemorrhage, reoperations, return to Emergency Department, readmissions, and mortality. National comparisons can be analyzed via embedded Vizient data. The usability of the dashboard was tested by evaluating pediatric tonsillectomy outcomes, which revealed a significantly higher rate of postoperative hemorrhages and reoperations during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: The hybrid finance/EMR dashboard creates a crosswalk between data sources and shows utility for use in evaluating patient outcomes via real-time data analysis and dynamic filtering. This innovative dashboard expedites data extraction, promoting efficient implementation of quality improvement initiatives and surgical outcomes research.

Impact of body mass index in patulous Eustachian tube: Does rapid weight loss influence symptom improvement?

OBJECTIVES: Weight loss has been proposed as risk factor for patulous Eustachian tube (PET), however, it has not been well-characterized how this subpopulation responds to standard treatments. This study aimed to evaluate PET symptom improvement in the setting of and absence of rapid weight loss. METHODS: This retrospective case series included patients diagnosed with PET at an academic institution. Demographic characteristics, medical comorbidities, presenting symptoms, treatment, and outcomes of symptom improvement were reviewed. Univariate analysis modeled the likelihood of symptom improvement between rapid weight loss and non-rapid weight loss patients. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients (median age 55 years, 61 % female) were included. At diagnosis, 7 (5.6 %) patients were underweight, 40 (32.3 %) were normal weight, 32 (25.8 %) were overweight, and 45 (36/3 %) were obese. There were 39 (31.5 %) patients who had history of weight loss prior to presentation; of these, 22 (17.7 %) noted rapid weight loss and 17 (13.7 %) had non-rapid weight loss. There were 62 (50.0 %) patients who were recommended conservative treatment, and 62 (50.0 %) who underwent medical and/or surgical treatment. Symptom resolution was achieved in 49 (39.5 %) patients. On univariate analysis, patients with rapid weight loss were significantly more likely to experience improvement (p = 0.006) than non-rapid weight loss. Rapid weight loss patients had a four-fold increased likelihood of symptom improvement compared to non-rapid weight loss patients (OR = 4.8, p = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: While rapid weight loss and bariatric surgery are reported risk factors for the development of PET, our findings suggest that patients with rapid weight loss are significantly more likely to achieve symptom improvement than non-rapid weight loss.

Breast Implant-Related Outcomes After Cardiothoracic Surgeries and Electrophysiologic Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes related to preexisting breast implants after cardiothoracic procedures are poorly characterized. This study evaluated complications after minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), median sternotomy (MS), and electrophysiologic procedures (EP) in patients with preexisting breast implants. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with prior breast implants who underwent MICS, MS, or EP from 1994 to 2019 was performed. Demographic, treatment, and outcome characteristics were recorded. χ 2 Test and analysis of variance were used to perform statistical comparisons. RESULTS: In total, 78 patients (37 MICS, 21 MS, and 20 EP) were identified. Mean breast implant age was 13.3, 11.7, and 10.2 years, respectively ( P = 0.235). Intraoperative plastic surgeon involvement was present in 26 (70.3%) MICS cases, compared with 2 (9.5%) MS and 0% EP ( P < 0.001). Intraoperative rupture occurred in 5 (13.5%) MICS cases and no MS or EP cases ( P < 0.001). Postoperative implant complications occurred in 6 (16.2%) MICS, 8 (38.1%) MS, and 5 (25.0%) EP ( P = 0.350) cases, with median time to complication of 5.9, 5.4, and 38.9 months, respectively ( P = 0.596). Revision surgery was performed in 5 (13.5%) MICS, 7 (33.3%) MS, and 5 (25.0%) EP ( P = 0.246) cases. On multivariate analysis, lack of intraoperative plastic surgeon involvement ( P = 0.034) and breast implant age ( P = 0.001) were significant predictors of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term complication rates are highest among patients with breast implants undergoing MS. Plastic surgeon involvement was significantly associated with fewer postoperative complications. Our results support a multidisciplinary approach to managing breast implants during cardiothoracic procedures.

Ten-Year Institutional Experience to Predict Risk of Calvarial Bone Flap Loss Using Long-Term Outcome Data.

BACKGROUND: Calvarial bone flap (CBF) loss is a common complication following craniotomy and subsequent skull reconstruction can be challenging. Defining predictors of CBF failure not only improves patient outcomes but reduces the need for complex reconstruction often requiring plastic surgery consultation. As CBF failure can occur many years following craniotomy, this study aimed to determine risk factors of CBF loss using long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent craniotomy with CBF reinsertion between 2003 and 2013 at a tertiary academic institution. Patients were included if demographics, comorbidities, and long-term outcomes were available. Multivariable logistic regression modeled the odds of CBF failure, defined as permanent removal for bone flap-related issues. The median follow-up was 6.9 years (interquartile range: 1.8-10.8 y). RESULTS: There were 222 patients who met inclusion criteria and underwent craniotomy with CBF reinsertion, primarily for tumor resection or intracranial pressure relief. CBF failure occurred in 76 (34.2%) patients. Up to 4 CBF reinsertions were performed in both failure and nonfailure groups. The risks of CBF loss increased with each additional CBF elevation by 17-fold ( P <0.001), male sex by 3-fold ( P =0.005), and tumor etiology by 3-fold ( P =0.033) ( C -index=0.942). CONCLUSIONS: Each CBF reinsertion dramatically increases the risk of CBF loss. This finding may optimize patient selection and surgical planning. Early multidisciplinary discussions between plastic surgeons and neurosurgeons may avoid multiple CBF elevations and prevent the adverse sequela of high-risk calvarial reconstruction efforts.

The Effect of Preoperative Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Use on Perioperative Adverse Events in Transmasculine Individuals Undergoing Masculinizing Chest Surgery for Gender Affirmation.

BACKGROUND: Many providers require cessation of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) for transgender patients prior to undergoing masculinizing chest surgery (MCS) due to concerns about increased adverse events in the presence of exogenous hormones. Evidence has suggested that continuation of GAHT for certain patients may be safe for gender-affirming procedures. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare adverse event rates for GAHT cessation vs GAHT continuation in patients undergoing MCS. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study included patients at the Cleveland Clinic and MetroHealth System who underwent MCS between 2016 and 2020. RESULTS: There were 236 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 172 (72.9%) discontinued testosterone GAHT prior to surgery and 64 (27.1%) continued the therapy. Mean [standard deviation] age at surgery was 25 [8] years, and mean BMI was 29.5 [6.6] kg/m.2 The median duration of testosterone therapy was 18 months (range, 0-300 months). There was no significant difference in tobacco use (P = 0.73), diabetes (P = 0.54), thrombophilia (P = 0.97), or history of thromboembolism (P = 0.39). Most patients underwent the double-incision free nipple graft technique (77.9%). There was no significant difference in surgical time (P = 0.12), intraoperative complications (P = 0.54), or postoperative complications (P = 0.34). The most common complication was postoperative bleeding/hematoma (7.2%). Other complications included seroma (2.1%), infection (1.3%), and nipple graft failure (0.4%). There were no thromboembolic complications. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference in the incidence of perioperative adverse events for patients who continue GAHT preoperatively vs patients who stop GAHT prior to MCS.

Evaluating the Effects of Enhanced Recovery Pathways in Craniosynostosis: National Trends in Hospitalization Charges and Length of Stay in Craniosynostosis Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways are multimodal approaches aimed at minimizing postoperative surgical stress, reducing hospitalization time, and lowering hospitalization charges. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery is broadly and increasingly implemented in hospitals across the country. Early reports have shown ERAS to reduce length of stay (LOS) after commonly performed pediatric surgeries. However, LOS and hospital charges after craniosynostosis have not been studied. We hypothesized that extended hospital LOS is correlated with increased hospitalization charges associated with open cranial vault surgery (CVS) and that over a multiyear timeframe, LOS and cost would decrease because of the increased adoption of ERAS in pediatric surgery. METHODS: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample database was analyzed from January 2007 to December 2014. All patients who were diagnosed with craniosynostosis who underwent CVS were included. Variables of interest included demographic data, hospital characteristics, hospitalization data, and total hospital charges. Univariate and generalized linear regression models were used to examine associations between selected variables and the hospitalization charges. RESULTS: There were 54,583 patients diagnosed with craniosynostosis between 2007 and 2014. Of these patients, 22,916 (41.9%) received CVS. The median total hospital charge was $66,605.77 (interquartile range, $44,095.60-$101,071.17). The median LOS was 3 days (interquartile range, 2-4 days), and there was no significant change in LOS by year (P = 0.979). However, despite a stable LOS, mean hospitalization charge increased significantly by year (P < 0.01). Regression analysis demonstrated the proportion of eligible patients who underwent CVS substantially increased over the selected timeframe (P < 0.01). Most procedures were performed in urban teaching hospitals and high-volume hospitals. There was no significant association between hospital volume and hospitalization charge (P = 0.331). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing hospital charges despite constant LOS for craniosynostosis CVS procedures was observed between 2007 and 2014. Although ERAS has reduced LOS for common pediatric surgical procedures, no decrease in LOS for CVS has been observed. The charges significantly increased over the same period including high-volume centers. Further study to safely lower LOS and hospitalization charges for this procedure may reduce the overall health care burden.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Prostate Biopsy for Detecting Cribriform Gleason Pattern 4 Carcinoma and Intraductal Carcinoma in Paired Radical Prostatectomy Specimens: Implications for Active Surveillance.

PURPOSE: Prostatic adenocarcinoma with cribriform morphology and/or intraductal carcinoma has higher recurrence and mortality rates after radiation and surgery. While the prognostic impact of these features is well studied, concordance with cribriform morphology and/or intraductal carcinoma on biopsy and prostatectomy has only recently gained attention. Our primary objective was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of biopsy to detect cribriform morphology and/or intraductal carcinoma in paired biopsy and prostatectomy specimens in a large contemporary cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent prostate biopsy or had biopsies reviewed prior to prostatectomy at a tertiary hospital between November 2017 and November 2018 were included in study. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to assess concordance with cribriform morphology and/or intraductal carcinoma on biopsy and prostatectomy. The association of biopsy diagnosed with cribriform morphology and/or intraductal carcinoma with adverse pathology was assessed by multivariable regression. RESULTS: Of the 455 men who underwent prostatectomy 216 (47.5%) had biopsy identified with cribriform morphology and/or intraductal carcinoma. For cribriform morphology and/or intraductal carcinoma the sensitivity and specificity of biopsy was 56.5% and 87.2%, respectively. In men eligible for active surveillance sensitivity was 34.1% and specificity was 88.1%. Magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsies did not improve sensitivity (53.5%). Cribriform morphology and/or intraductal carcinoma identified on prostatectomy correlated with adverse pathological findings. However, compared to cribriform morphology and/or intraductal carcinoma negative biopsies, biopsies identified with cribriform morphology and/or intraductal carcinoma were not independently associated with adverse pathology. This was likely due to biopsy low sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort biopsy was not sensitive for detecting cribriform morphology and/or intraductal carcinoma and this was not improved by magnetic resonance imaging fusion. However, specificity was high, suggesting that when present on biopsy, cribriform morphology and/or intraductal carcinoma may be considered in treatment planning algorithms.

VALUE AND PERFORMANCE OF ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATIONS: A COST-MINIMIZATION ANALYSIS.

OBJECTIVES: Determine the relationship between quality of an accountable care organization (ACO) and its long-term reduction in healthcare costs. METHODS: We conducted a cost minimization analysis. Using Centers for Medicare and Medicaid cost and quality data, we calculated weighted composite quality scores for each ACO and organization-level cost savings. We used Markov modeling to compute the probability that an ACO transitioned between different quality levels in successive years. Considering a health-systems perspective with costs discounted at 3 percent, we conducted 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations to project long-term cost savings by quality level over a 10-year period. We compared the change in per-member expenditures of Pioneer (early-adopters) ACOs versus Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) ACOs to assess the impact of coordination of care, the main mechanism for cost savings. RESULTS: Overall, Pioneer ACOs saved USD 641.24 per beneficiary and MSSP ACOs saved USD 535.59 per beneficiary. By quality level: (a) high quality organizations saved the most money (Pioneer: USD 459; MSSP: USD 816); (b) medium quality saved some money (Pioneer: USD 222; MSSP: USD 105); and (c) low quality suffered financial losses (Pioneer: USD -40; MSSP: USD -386). CONCLUSIONS: Within the existing fee-for-service healthcare model, ACOs are a mechanism for decreasing costs by improving quality of care. Higher quality organizations incorporate greater levels of coordination of care, which is associated with greater cost savings. Pioneer ACOs have the highest level of integration of services; hence, they save the most money.

Auditory Outcomes Following Cochlear Implantation in Children with Unilateral Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE: Unilateral hearing loss (UHL) in children is associated with speech and language delays. Cochlear implantation (CI) is currently the only rehabilitative option that restores binaural hearing. This study aims to describe auditory outcomes in children who underwent CI for UHL and to determine the association between duration of hearing loss and auditory outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Three tertiary-level, academic institutions. PATIENTS: Children <18 years with UHL who underwent CI between 2018 and 2021. INTERVENTION: Cochlear implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Speech perception and Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) were assessed postimplantation. Scores >50% on speech perception and SSQ scores >8 points were considered satisfactory. Associations between duration of UHL and implantation age and outcomes were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS: Of the 38 children included, mean age at CI was 7.9 ± 3.2 years and mean UHL duration was 5.0 ± 2.8 years. Mean datalogging was 8.1 ± 3.1 hours/day. Mean auditory testing scores were SSQ, 7.9 ± 1.2; BABY BIO, 68.1 ± 30.2%; CNC, 38.4 ± 28.4%; WIPI, 52.5 ± 23.1%. Scores >50% on CNC testing were achieved by 40% of patients. SSQ scores >8 points were reported by 78% (7/9) of patients. There were no significant correlations between UHL duration and auditory outcomes. CONCLUSION: Overall, children with UHL who undergo CI can achieve satisfactory speech perception scores and SSQ scores. There were no associations between duration of hearing loss and age at implantation with auditory outcomes. Multiple variables may impact auditory outcomes, including motivation, family support, access to technology, and consistent isolated auditory training postactivation and should be taken into consideration in addition to age at implantation and duration of UHL in determination of CI candidacy.

Primary fit tracheoesophageal puncture in primary versus salvage laryngectomy: Short-term and long-term complications and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Primary fit tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) is widely preferred for individuals who have not undergone prior radiation. However, there is no consensus on the relative utility of primary-fit TEP in the setting of salvage laryngectomy. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center review was conducted of individuals undergoing laryngectomy with primary fit TEP between 2012 and 2018. Multivariable analysis was conducted to compare short-term and long-term complications, as well as speech and swallowing outcomes, of those who underwent primary versus salvage laryngectomy. RESULTS: In this study, 134 patients underwent total laryngectomy with primary fit TEP. Aside from a higher rate of peristomal dehiscence (13.1% vs. 1.4%) found in the salvage group, there was no difference in incidence of all other complications, including pharyngocutaneous fistula formation. The groups had comparable speech and swallow outcomes. CONCLUSION: Primary fit TEP is a safe and effective surgical choice for individuals undergoing salvage laryngectomy who desire a voice prosthesis.

Voice outcomes following surgical treatment for pediatric vocal fold nodules: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to systematically review the literature to determine outcomes following surgical treatment of pediatric vocal fold nodules. METHODS: Studies with patients ≤18 years with nodules who underwent surgery were reviewed for dysphonia improvement and recurrence in PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, searched from inception to November 1, 2022 using PRISMA guidelines. Non-English studies and case reports were excluded. Two evaluators independently reviewed each abstract and article. Heterogeneity and bias across studies were evaluated and meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 655 articles; 145 underwent full-text screening and eight were selected for systematic review and meta-analysis. There were 311 children with nodules, aged 2-18 years, with male-to-female ratio of 3.6:1. There were no surgical complications. Voice therapy was inconsistently reported. Follow-up time ranged from 1 month to 10 years. One study concluded that neither surgery nor voice therapy was effective, while five studies concluded that dysphonia improved with surgery. Voice grading by GRBAS, objective voice measures, and lesion size were improved following surgery, when reported. Meta-analysis of six studies demonstrated improvement in dysphonia in 90% of children post-operatively (95% CI: 74-99%). Meta-analysis of four studies showed that recurrence occurred in 19% of children (95% CI: 13-23%). CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggests possible post-operative improvement in dysphonia for pediatric patients with vocal fold nodules; however, study measures, methods, and surgery utilized were heterogeneous and results should be interpreted cautiously. In order to better understand surgical outcomes, future studies should include standardized definition of nodules and objective measures of voice.

A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Publication Bias in the Plastic Surgery Literature.

BACKGROUND: Publication bias (PB) is the preferential publishing of studies with statistically significant results. PB can skew findings of systematic reviews (SR) and meta-analyses (MA), with potential consequences for patient care and health policy. This study aims to determine the extent by which SRs and MAs in the plastic surgery literature evaluate and report PB. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed PB reporting and analysis from plastic surgery studies published between January 1, 2015 and June 19, 2020. Full-texts of SRs and MAs were assessed by two reviewers for PB assessment methodology and analysis. Post-hoc assessment of studies that did not originally analyze PB was performed using Egger's regression, Duval and Tweedie's trim-and-fill, and Copas selection models. RESULTS: There were 549 studies evaluated, of which 531 full-texts were included. PB was discussed by 183 (34.5%) studies, and formally assessed by 97 (18.3%) studies. Among SR and MAs that formally assessed PB, PB was present in 24 (10.7%), not present in 52 (23.1%), and inconclusive in 8 (3.6%) studies; 141 (62.7%) studies did not report the results of their PB assessment. Funnel plots were the most common assessment method (n=88, 39.1%), and 60 (68.2%) studies published funnel plots. The post-hoc assessment revealed PB in 17/20 (85.0%) studies. CONCLUSION: PB is inadequately reported and analyzed amongst studies in the plastic surgery literature. Most studies that assessed PB found PB, as did post-hoc analysis of non-reporting studies. Increased assessment and reporting of PB amongst SRs and MAs would improve quality of evidence in plastic surgery.

Upper Extremity Wounds Treated with Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix versus Collagen-Chondroitin Silicone Bilayer.

Objective This study aims to compare outcomes between Novosorb Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) and Integra collagen-chondroitin silicone for upper-extremity wound reconstruction. Methods This retrospective study analyzed adult patients who underwent wound reconstruction with either BTM or Integra at our institution between 2015 and 2020. Results Forty-eight patients were included: 31 (64.6%) BTM and 17 (35.4%) Integra. Mean age was 44.0 (range: 18-68) years. Age, race, sex, smoking, comorbidities, and defect size were similar between groups. Wound etiologies included 12 (25.0%) burn, 22 (45.8%) trauma, and others. Median template size was 133 cm 2 for BTM and 104 cm 2 for Integra ( p = 0.526). Skin grafting was performed after 14 (45.2%) and 14 (82.4%) wounds treated with BTM and Integra, respectively ( p = 0.028). Template complications of infection and dehiscence were comparable. Skin-graft complications occurred in five (35.7%) and three (21.4%) wounds in BTM and Integra, respectively ( p = 0.031). Skin-graft failure rates were comparable ( p = 0.121). Mean number of secondary procedures required after template placement was higher in the Integra group (BTM, 1.0; Integra, 1.9; p = 0.090). Final healing was achieved in 17 (54.8%) BTM and 11 (64.7%) Integra wounds ( p = 0.694). Median time to healing was 4.1 months after BTM and 2.6 months after Integra placement ( p = 0.014). Conclusion Compared with Integra, BTM achieved comparable wound healing and complication rates. Fewer secondary procedures and skin grafts were observed in BTM wounds, likely as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. At our institution, 100 cm 2 of product costs $850 for BTM and $3,150 for Integra, suggesting BTM as an economical alternative to fulfill the high functional and aesthetic requirements of upper-extremity wounds.