Harry S. Nayar

The scope of plastic surgery according to 2434 allopathic medical students in the United States.

Background: The general public and physicians often equate plastic surgery with cosmetic surgery. The authors investigate whether this perception is present in U.S. medical students. Methods: A national survey of first- and second-year allopathic medical students was conducted. Students were asked to determine whether 46 specific procedures are performed by plastic surgeons: 12 aesthetic and 34 reconstructive procedures, which were further separated into three subgroups (general reconstruction and breast, craniofacial, and hand and lower extremity). Results: Of the questionnaires sent out, 2434 from 44 medical schools were returned completed (23 percent response rate); 90.7 percent of aesthetic, 66.0 percent of general reconstruction and breast, 51.0 percent of craniofacial, and 33.4 percent of hand and lower extremity procedures were correctly identified. There was no relationship with self-reported interest in plastic surgery (1 = not at all interested to 10 = extremely interested) and the number of correctly identified aesthetic procedures. However, there was a nonlinear relationship with correctly identified reconstructive procedures; compared to those with an interest level of 1 to 5, those who chose 10 scored on average 6.5 points higher (14.2 versus 20.7) (p < 0.01). An anticipated career in surgery was associated with more correctly identified procedures across all sections but neither year (first versus second) nor region (Northeast, South, Central, West) with any section. Conclusions: U.S. medical students are unaware of the true scope of plastic surgery. Early exposure to basic aspects of plastic surgery could serve as a means of increasing interest and knowledge in the field and help educate future generations of referring physicians.

Improving speech outcomes after failed palate repair: evaluating the safety and efficacy of conversion Furlow palatoplasty.

BackgroundVelopharyngeal insufficiency occurs in a nontrivial number of cases following cleft palate repair. We hypothesize that a conversion Furlow palatoplasty allows for long-term correction of VPI resulting from a failed primary palate repair, obviating the need for pharyngoplasty and its attendant comorbidities. MethodsA retrospective review of patients undergoing a conversion Furlow palatoplasty between 2003 and 2010 was performed. Patients were grouped according to the type of preceding palatal repair. Velopharyngeal insufficiency was assessed using Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Scale (PWSS). Scores were recorded and compared preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 sequential visits. ResultsSixty-two patients met inclusion criteria and were grouped by preceding repair (straight-line repair (n = 37), straight-line repair with subsequent oronasal fistula (n = 14), or pharyngeal flap (n = 11). Median PWSS scores at individual visits were as follows: preoperative = 11, first postoperative = 3 (mean, 114.0 ± 6.7 days), second postoperative = 1 (mean, 529.0 ± 29.1 days), and most recent postoperative = 3 (mean, 1368.6 ± 76.9 days). There was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative PWSS scores in the entire cohort (P < 0.001) with overall improvement, and post hoc analysis showed improvement between each postoperative visit (P < 0.05) with the exception of the second to the most recent visit. There were no differences between postoperative PWSS scores in the operative subgroupings (P > 0.05). Eight patients failed to improve and showed no differences in PWSS scores over time (P > 0.05). Patients with a PWSS score of 7 or greater (n = 8) at the first postoperative visit (0–6 months) displayed improvement at the most recent visit (P< 0.05). ConclusionsConversion Furlow palatoplasty is an effective means for salvaging speech. Future studies should elucidate which factors predict the success of this technique following failed palate repair.

The influence of preexisting lower extremity edema and venous stasis disease on body contouring outcomes.

BackgroundWhile a cause and effect relationship is traditionally thought to exist between thigh surgery and postoperative lymphedema, the link between obesity-related lymphatic and/or venous disease and post–body contouring lower extremity edema has not been investigated. We hypothesize that patients who experience prolonged lower extremity edema following thigh surgery are predisposed to developing this complication due to unrecognized preoperative lymphovascular disease. MethodsFifty-five patients who had undergone body contouring surgery were identified from our prospective registry. Twenty-eight patients completed the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), a validated outcome measure of venous disease. Three time points were assessed: pre–weight loss (T1), post–weight loss but pre–body contouring (T2), and post–body contouring (T3). Based on T3 VCSS, patients were divided into 2 groups—a T3 VCSS ⩽3 (group 1; N = 13) and a T3 VCSS ≥4 (group 2; N = 15). ResultsVCSS for group 1 at T1, T2, and T3 were 3.31 ± 0.55, 1.85 ± 0.27, and 1.54 ± 0.35 (mean ± SEM), respectively, versus 6.3 ± 1.10, 4.33 ± 0.8, and 6.8 ± 0.63 for group 2 (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, and P < 0.0001). Pain scores at T1 was 0.46 ± 0.21 for group 1 versus 1.1 ± 0.24 for group 2 (P < 0.05). Edema scores for group 1 at T1, T2, and T3 were 0.69 ± 0.29, 0.08 ± 0.08, and 0.15 ± 0.10 versus 1.87 ± 0.35, 1.13 ± 0.31, and 2.13 ± 0.24 for group 2 (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, and P < 0.0001, respectively). ConclusionsUsing VCSS, post-bariatric patients with prolonged lower extremity edema experienced clinically identifiable signs of disease prior to weight loss and body contouring surgery. Thus, careful preoperative evaluation may help identify at-risk patients and aid in managing postoperative expectations.

The Current State of Global Surgery Training in Plastic Surgery Residency.

Background: The current state of global surgery training in U.S. plastic surgery residency programs remains largely undefined. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–certified plastic surgery residency programs. Programs with global health curricula were queried regarding classification, collaboration details, regions visited, conditions/procedures encountered, costs, accreditation, and personal sentiment. Residencies without global health curricula were asked to select barriers. Results: Sixty-four of 81 residency programs returned questionnaires (response rate, 79 percent). Twenty-six programs (41 percent) reported including a formal global health curriculum; 38 did not (59 percent). When asked to classify this curriculum, most selected clinical care experience [n = 24 (92 percent)], followed by educational experience [n = 19 (73 percent)]. Personal reference was the most common means of establishing the international collaboration [n = 19 (73 percent)]. The most commonly encountered conditions were cleft lip–cleft palate [n = 26 (100 percent)], thermal injury [n = 17 (65 percent)], and posttraumatic reconstruction [n = 15 (57 percent)]. Dominant funding sources were primarily nonprofit organizations [n = 14 (53 percent)]. Although the majority of programs had not applied for residency review committee accreditation [n = 23 (88 percent)], many considered applying [n = 16 (62 percent)]. Overall, 96 percent of programs (n = 25) supported global health training in residency, choosing exposure to different health systems [n = 22 (88 percent)] and surgical education [n = 17 (68 percent)] as reasons. Programs not offering a global health experience most commonly reported lack of residency review committee/plastic surgery operative log recognition of cases performed abroad [n = 27 (71 percent)], funding for trip expenses [n = 25 (66 percent)], and salary support [n = 24 (63 percent)] as barriers. Conclusions: Residencies incorporating global health training describe the experience positively. Funding and case accreditation are the major obstacles to implementing these curricula.

Patterns of Facial Fractures and Protective Device Use in Motor Vehicle Collisions From 2007 to 2012

Importance Facial fractures after motor vehicle collisions are a significant source of facial trauma in patients seen at trauma centers. With recent changes in use of seat belts and advances in airbag technology, new patterns in the incidence of facial fractures after motor vehicle collisions have yet to be quantified. Objectives To evaluate the incidence of facial fractures and assess the influence of protective device use in motor vehicle collisions in patients treated at trauma centers in the United States. Design, Setting, and Participants Using a data set from the National Trauma Data Bank, we retrospectively assessed facial fractures in motor vehicle collisions occurring from 2007 through 2012, reported by level I, II, III, and IV trauma centers. Data analysis was performed from March 13 to September 22, 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures We characterized the data set by subsite of facial injury using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes including mandible, midface, and nasal fractures. We assessed the influence of variables such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, crash occupant (driver or passenger), use of protective device, and presence or suspicion of alcohol use. Results A total of 518 106 patients required assessment at a trauma center after a motor vehicle collision, with 56 422 (10.9%) experiencing at least 1 facial fracture. Nasal fracture was the most common facial fracture (5.6%), followed by midface (3.8%), other (3.2%), orbital (2.6%), mandible (2.2%), and panfacial fractures (0.8%). Of the subset sustaining at least 1 facial fracture, 5.8% had airbag protection only, 26.9% used a seat belt only, and 9.3% used both protective devices, while 57.6% used no protective device. Compared with no protective device, the use of an airbag alone significantly reduced the likelihood of facial fracture after a motor vehicle collision (odds ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.79-0.86); use of a seat belt alone had a greater effect (odds ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.56-0.58) and use of both devices provided the greatest odds reduction (odds ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.45-0.48). Younger age, male sex, and alcohol use significantly increased the likelihood of facial fracture. Conclusions and Relevance For patients who presented to US trauma centers after motor vehicle collisions between 2007 and 2012, airbags, seat belts, and the combination of the 2 devices incrementally reduced the likelihood of facial fractures. Level of Evidence 3.

The Ethics of Stem Cell–Based Aesthetic Surgery: Attitudes and Perceptions of the Plastic Surgery Community

BACKGROUND The emerging field of stem cell-based aesthetics has raised ethical concerns related to advertising campaigns and standards for safety and efficacy. OBJECTIVES The authors sought to characterize the attitudes of plastic surgeons regarding the ethics of stem cell-based aesthetics. METHODS A cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to 4592 members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Statements addressed ethical concerns about informed consent, conflicts of interest, advertising, regulation, and stem cell tourism. An agreement score (AS) from 0 to 100 was calculated for each statement. Majority agreement was designated as ≥60 and majority disagreement as ≤40. RESULTS A total of 770 questionnaires were received (16.7%). The majority of respondents indicated that knowledge regarding the risks and benefits of stem cell procedures is insufficient to obtain valid informed consent (AS, 29) and that direct-to-consumer advertising for these technologies is inappropriate and unethical (AS, 23). Most respondents reported that patients should be actively warned against traveling abroad to receive aesthetic cell therapies (AS, 86) and that registries and evaluations of these clinics should be made publicly available (AS, 71). Even more respondents noted that financial conflicts of interest should be disclosed to patients (AS, 96) and that professional societies should participate in establishing regulatory standards (AS, 93). CONCLUSIONS The plastic surgeons surveyed in this study support a well-regulated, evidence-based approach to aesthetic procedures involving stem cells.

Treatment for Infantile Hemangiomas: Selection Criteria, Safety, and Outcomes Using Oral Propranolol During the Early Phase of Propranolol Use for Hemangiomas.

Objective:Despite the increasing popularity of propranolol for treatment of infantile hemangioma (IH), there is need for further evidence of efficacy and safety. This study is a retrospective review of one institutions experience treating IH with propranolol using a standard protocol. Methods:Between 2009 and 2014, patients with IH were evaluated for treatment with propranolol. Exclusion criteria included a history of hypoglycemia, respiratory disorders, and cardiovascular disorders. Propranolol, 2 mg/kg/d, was initiated during 48-hour inpatient stay. Weight and complications were monitored. Appearance was assessed by Visual Analog Cosmetic Scale (VACS) via serial photography. Results:Twenty-three patients were treated with propranolol. Average age at initiation of therapy was 14.9 weeks. Twenty-two lesions were on the head and neck, and 1 was on the trunk. Average treatment duration was 54.3 weeks (range 24–148 wk). Treatment was confirmed to be complete in 23 patients at the time of review (91.3%). Two patients were lost to follow-up. Posttreatment color, size, and VACS improved significantly (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between first and most recent weight. Two patients experienced hypoglycemia, 1 during a diarrheal illness and 1 during inpatient treatment initiation. Conclusion:The authors present a series of patients with IH safely treated with 2 mg/kg/d of propranolol. Using a strict protocol, few complications were observed. Patients achieved significant reduction in size and improvement of the overall appearance of IH.

The Imperative of Academia in the Globalization of Plastic Surgery.

AbstractAlthough vertical health care delivery models certainly will remain a vital component in the provision of surgery in low-and-middle-income countries, it is clear now that the sustainability of global surgery will depend on more than just surgeons operating. Instead, what is needed is a comprehensive approach, that is, a horizontal integration that develops sustainable human resources, physical infrastructure, administrative oversight, and financing mechanisms in the developing world. We propose that such a strategy for development would necessarily involve an active role by academic institutions of high-income countries.

Repair of a Complicated Calvarial Defect: Reconstruction of an Infected Wound With rhBMP-2.

BackgroundManagement of the previously infected craniofacial defect remains a significant clinical challenge, posing obstacles such as wound healing complications, lack of donor site availability, and predisposition to failure of the repair. Optimal therapy would reconstruct like with like, without donor site morbidity. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)–mediated bone regeneration with the current standard of autologous bone graft for repair of previously infected calvarial defects. MethodsNineteen adult New Zealand white rabbits underwent subtotal calvariectomy. Bone flaps were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus and replanted. After 1 week of infection, bone flaps were removed, and wounds were debrided, followed by 10 days of antibiotic treatment. After 6 weeks, animals underwent scar debridement followed by definitive reconstruction in 1 of 4 groups: empty control (n = 3), vehicle control (buffer solution on absorbable collagen sponge [ACS], n = 3), autologous bone graft (n = 3), or rhBMP-2 repair (rhBMP-2/ACS, n = 10). Animals underwent computed tomography imaging at 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively, followed by euthanization and histological analysis. Percent healing was determined by 3-dimensional analysis. A (time × group) 2-way analysis of variance was performed on healing versus treatment group and postoperative time. ResultsAt 6 weeks postoperatively, rhBMP-2/ACS and autologous bone graft resulted in 93% and 68% healing, respectively, whereas the empty and vehicle control treatment resulted in 27% and 26% healing (P < 0.001). Histologically, compared to autologous bone graft, bone in the rhBMP-2/ACS group was more cellular and more consistently continuous with wound margins. ConclusionsThe rhBMP-2 therapy is effective in achieving radiographic coverage of previously infected calvarial defects.

Discussion: The Characteristics and Short-Term Surgical Outcomes of Adolescent Gynecomastia by B.S. Choi et al.

No Level Assigned This journal requires that authorsassign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of