Paul J. Therattil

Application of the h-Index in Academic Plastic Surgery.

Background The h-index is a measure designed to assess the quantity and significance of an individual’s academic contributions. The objective of this study was to determine whether the h-index of plastic surgeons correlates with academic rank and whether there is a difference based on academic rank, residency training model, sex, geographic region, faculty size, and departmental status. Methods A database of all US academic plastic surgeons was created. The rank and sex of each surgeon were obtained, as were characteristics of their plastic surgery program. The Scopus database was queried to determine each surgeon’s h-index. Results The 592 plastic surgeons in our database had a mean h-index of 8.97. The h-index increased with academic rank: 4.59 for assistant professors, 9.10 for associate professors, and 15.30 for professors. There was no significant difference in the h-index between chairpersons and chiefs. Plastic surgeons on faculty in integrated plastic surgery programs had significantly higher h-indices (9.64) than those at traditional programs (6.28). Those who were on faculty at larger programs also had higher h-indices. Male plastic surgeons had higher h-indices (9.57) than did female plastic surgeons (6.07), although this was insignificant when taking other variables into account. There was no correlation between the h-index and location or departmental status. Conclusions The h-index of plastic surgeons seems to correlate with academic rank and has potential as a tool to measure academic productivity within plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons on faculty in integrated plastic surgery programs, those at larger programs, and male plastic surgeons tend to have higher h-indices. The difference between sexes seems to be, at least in part, due to the higher number of men in high academic positions. There does not seem to be a regional difference with regard to h-indices or a difference with regard to departmental status.

Abstract: Fasciocutaneous Free Flaps in Extremity Reconstruction

reconstruction. During the operation, arterial thrombosis was observed 3 times in the microvascular anastomotic site. Intraoperative examination showed AT activity decrease (37 %) and AT transfusion was performed. Fourth arterial anastomosis was performed after AT transfusion and no further thrombosis was observed. Intraoperative bleeding volume was 1480ml and operation time was 18 hours 20 minutes.

Abstract QS14: Restoration of Flap Sensation Using Neurotized Anterolateral Thigh Flaps for Lower Extremity Reconstruction

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess clinical outcomes for utilization of vein grafts and arteriovenous loops in the context of free flap reconstruction. Free tissue transfer in complex oncological and traumatic defects may require extension of the vascular pedicle to reach recipient vessels and complete microvascular anastomosis. This can be accomplished by using vein grafts as a bridging medium. When interposition vein grafts (IVG) are needed for extension of both the arterial and venous conduit, a temporary arteriovenous fistula (AV loop) can be constructed as an intermediary step. These techniques have traditionally been regarded with increased risk of thrombosis and flap failure, but the body of clinically relevant published data lags behind.