Parisa Kamali

The Current Role of Three-Dimensional Printing in Plastic Surgery

Summary: Since the advent of three-dimensional printing in the 1980s, it has become possible to produce physical objects from digital files and create three-dimensional objects by adding one layer at a time following a predetermined pattern. Because of the continued development of inexpensive and easy-to-use three-dimensional printers and bioprinting, this technique has gained more momentum over time, especially in the field of medicine. This article reviews the current and possible future application of three-dimensional printing technology within the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Carotid artery intima-media thickness, but not coronary artery calcium, predicts coronary vascular resistance in patients evaluated for coronary artery disease.

AIMS There is growing evidence that coronary artery disease (CAD) affects not only the conduit epicardial coronary arteries, but also the microvascular coronary bed. Moreover, coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMVD) often precedes the stage of clinically overt epicardial CAD. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) and carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) measured with computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound, respectively, are among the available techniques to non-invasively assess atherosclerotic burden. An increased CAC score and C-IMT have also been associated with CMVD. It is therefore of interest to explore and compare the potential of CAC against C-IMT to predict minimal coronary vascular resistance (CVR). METHODS AND RESULTS We evaluated 120 patients (mean age 56 ± 9 years, 58 men) without a documented history of CAD in whom obstructive CAD was excluded. All patients underwent C-IMT measurements, CAC scoring, and vasodilator stress (15)O-water positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, during which the coronary flow reserve (CFR) and minimal CVR were analysed. Minimal CVR increased significantly with increasing tertiles of C-IMT (22 ± 6, 27 ± 11, and 28 ± 9 mmHg mL(-1)min(-1) g(-1), P < 0.01), whereas the CFR was comparable across all C-IMT groups (P = 0.50). Minimal CVR increased significantly with an increase in CAC score (23 ± 9, 27 ± 8, 32 ± 10, and 32 ± 7 mmHg mL(-1) min(-1) g(-1), P < 0.01), whereas the CFR did not show a significant decrease with higher CAC scores (P = 0.18). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that C-IMT (P = 0.03), but not CAC, was independently associated with minimal CVR. CONCLUSION C-IMT, but not CAC score, independently predicts minimal CVR in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and suspected of CAD.

Analyzing Regional Differences over a 15-Year Trend of One-Stage versus Two-Stage Breast Reconstruction in 941,191 Postmastectomy Patients.

BACKGROUND Implant-based reconstruction is the predominant form of breast reconstruction, with the two-stage tissue expander/implant approach being the most popular. Recently, the direct-to-implant, one-stage breast reconstruction procedure has gained momentum. In this study, national and regional trends across the United States for the two different types of implant-based reconstructions were evaluated. METHODS The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to extrapolate data on type of mastectomy, implant-based reconstructive technique (one-stage or two-stage), and sociodemographic and hospital variables. Differences were assessed using the chi-square test, impact of variables on reconstructive method was analyzed using logistic regression, and trends were analyzed using the Cochrane-Armitage test. RESULTS Between 1998 and 2012, a total of 1,444,587 patients treated for breast cancer or at increased risk of breast cancer met the defined selection criteria. Of these, 194,377 patients underwent implant-based breast reconstruction (13.6 percent one-stage and 86.4 percent two-stage). In both, there was a significant increase in procedures performed over time (p < 0.001). The highest increase in both was seen in the Northeast region of the United States, and the lowest increase was seen in the South. When stratified into regions, analysis showed differences in socioeconomic and hospital characteristics within the different regions. CONCLUSIONS There is an observed increase in the number of one-stage and two-stage breast reconstructions being performed. Sociodemographic and hospital factors of influence vary in the different regions of the United States. This study provides important information for clinicians and policy makers who seek to ensure equitable and appropriate access for patient to the different types of implant-based procedures.

Differences in the Reporting of Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities among Three Large National Databases for Breast Reconstruction

Background: Research derived from large-volume databases plays an increasing role in the development of clinical guidelines and health policy. In breast cancer research, the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, and Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases are widely used. This study aims to compare the trends in immediate breast reconstruction and identify the drawbacks and benefits of each database. Methods: Patients with invasive breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ were identified from each database (2005–2012). Trends of immediate breast reconstruction over time were evaluated. Patient demographics and comorbidities were compared. Subgroup analysis of immediate breast reconstruction use per race was conducted. Results: Within the three databases, 1.2 million patients were studied. Immediate breast reconstruction in invasive breast cancer patients increased significantly over time in all databases. A similar significant upward trend was seen in ductal carcinoma in situ patients. Significant differences in immediate breast reconstruction rates were seen among races; and the disparity differed among the three databases. Rates of comorbidities were similar among the three databases. Conclusions: There has been a significant increase in immediate breast reconstruction; however, the extent of the reporting of overall immediate breast reconstruction rates and of racial disparities differs significantly among databases. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program report similar findings, with the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database reporting results significantly lower in several categories. These findings suggest that use of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database may not be universally generalizable to the entire U.S. population.

National and Regional Differences in 32,248 Postmastectomy Autologous Breast Reconstruction Using the Updated National Inpatient Survey

Background The incidence of breast cancer (BC) cases has increased significantly. The number of breast reconstruction (BR) procedures performed has mirrored this trend. Although implant-only procedures remain the most commonly used type of immediate BR, autologous techniques involving donor sites account for approximately 20%. The aim of this study was to assess national and regional trends in different types of autologous BR. Methods Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2008 to 2012), data on BC and mastectomy rates, type of autologous BR, and sociodemographics were obtained and analyzed. Furthermore, national and regional trends over time for autologous BR were plotted and analyzed. Results A total of 427,272 patients diagnosed with BC or at increased risk of BC were included in the study. A total of 343,163 (80.3%) patients underwent mastectomy and, within this group, 148,700 (43.3%) patients underwent immediate BR. Of these, 32,249 (21.7%) patients underwent an autologous BR (not solely implant based) and 118,258 (78.3%) implant-based BR. Most autologous BRs were performed in the Southern region (37.4%). When stratified into flap types, most pedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM), free TRAM, and other flaps were performed in the Northeast region, whereas most deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps were performed in the Southern region. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant increasing trend for both LD and DIEP flaps, both nationally (P < 0.001) and regionally (P < 0.001). Pedicled TRAM and free TRAM reconstructions decreased significantly both on national and regional level. Conclusions Autologous BR demonstrated a significant positive trend over time in the Southern region (P < 0.001). The DIEP and LD flaps increased significantly over time, both nationally and regionally.

Reply: Medial Row Perforators Are Associated with Higher Rates of Fat Necrosis in Bilateral DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate perfusion-related complications in bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction based on perforator selection. Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed on all patients undergoing bilateral DIEP flap reconstruction at a single institution between 2004 and 2014. The hemiflaps were separated into three cohorts based on perforator location: lateral row only, medial row only, and medial plus lateral rows. Postoperative flap-related complications were compared and analyzed. Results: There were 728 total hemiflaps: 263 (36.1 percent) based on the lateral row, 225 (30.9 percent) based on the medial row, and 240 (33.0 percent) based on both the medial and lateral rows. The groups were well matched by perforator number and flap weight. Fat necrosis occurrence was significantly higher in flaps based solely on the medial row versus lateral row perforators (24.5 percent versus 8.2 percent; p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in fat necrosis between flaps based only on the lateral row versus flaps based on both the medial and lateral rows (8.2 percent versus 11.6 percent; p = 0.203). Generally, within the same row, increasing the number of perforators decreased the incidence of fat necrosis. Conclusions: Perforator selection is critical for minimizing perfusion-related flap complications. In bilateral DIEP flaps, lateral row–based perforators result in significantly less fat necrosis than medial row–based perforators. The authors’ data suggest that the addition of a lateral row perforator to a dominant medial row perforator may decrease the risk of fat necrosis. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Plastic Surgery Training Worldwide: Part 1. The United States and Europe

Background: Major differences exist in residency training, and the structure and quality of residency programs differ between different countries and teaching centers. It is of vital importance that a better understanding of the similarities and differences in plastic surgery training be ascertained as a means of initiating constructive discussion and commentary among training programs worldwide. In this study, the authors provide an overview of plastic surgery training in the United States and Europe. Methods: A survey was sent to select surgeons in 10 European countries that were deemed to be regular contributors to the plastic surgery literature. The questions focused on pathway to plastic surgery residency, length of training, required pretraining experience, training scheme, research opportunities, and examinations during and after plastic surgery residency. Results: Plastic surgery residency training programs in the United States differ from the various (selected) countries in Europe and are described in detail. Conclusions: Plastic surgery education is vastly different between the United States and Europe, and even within Europe, training programs remain heterogeneous. Standardization of curricula across the different countries would improve the interaction of different centers and facilitate the exchange of vital information for quality control and future improvements. The unique characteristics of the various training programs potentially provide a basis from which to learn and to gain from one another.

Oncoplastic breast surgery: Achieving oncological and aesthetic outcomes

Oncoplastic reconstruction allows more patients to become candidates for breast‐conserving surgery (BCS). Oncologic resection of a breast lesion is combined with plastic surgical techniques to improve aesthetic results. Choosing the best oncoplastic method is essential to optimize outcomes, improve cosmesis, and minimize postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to present a treatment algorithm incorporating oncoplastic techniques based on diagnosis, tumor size, tumor location, and breast size and shape.

Trends in immediate breast reconstruction and early complication rates among older women: A big data analysis

Although approximately 57% of breast cancer (BC) diagnoses are in older patients (>60 years), only 4.1‐14% receives breast reconstruction (BR). This has been attributed to physician concerns about operative complications. This paper aims to: 1) analyze the 30‐day complication rates in the older patient population undergoing immediate breast reconstruction (IBR); and 2) analyze links between complication type and category of reconstruction.

National perioperative outcomes of flap coverage for pressure ulcers from 2005 to 2015 using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

Background Complication rates after flap coverage for pressure ulcers have been high historically. These patients have multiple risk factors associated with poor wound healing and complications including marginal nutritional status, prolonged immobilization, and a high comorbidities index. This study utilizes the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) to examine perioperative outcomes of flap coverage for pressure ulcers. Methods Data from the NSQIP database (2005–2015) for patient undergoing flap coverage for pressure ulcers was identified. Demographic, perioperative information, and complications were reviewed. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson chi-square were used to assess differences for continuous variables and nominal variables, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for complications. Results There were 755 cases identified: 365 (48.3%) sacral ulcers, 321 (42.5%) ischial ulcers, and 69 (9.1%) trochanteric ulcers. Most patients were older male, with some degree of dependency, neurosensory impairment, high functional comorbidities score, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or above. The sacral ulcer group had the highest incidence of septic shock and bleeding, while the trochanteric ulcer group had the highest incidence of superficial surgical site infection. There was an overall complication rate of 25% at 30-day follow-up. There was no statistical difference in overall complication among groups. Total operating time, diabetes, and non-elective case were independent risk factors for overall complications. Conclusions Despite patients with poor baseline functional status, flap coverage for pressure ulcer patients is safe with acceptable postoperative complications. This type of treatment should be considered for properly selected patients.