Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND:An untoward outcome following breast reconstruction is diminished or complete loss of sensation. As the reconstructive paradigm continues to evolve, sensory restoration following reconstruction remains a research focus. Despite the multitude of published outcomes, there is marked heterogeneity across studies, thus confounding published outcomes. This study critically appraises the literature to summarize outcomes and establish a framework to guide clinical practice and future research. METHODS:A literature review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in an effort to perform a meta-analysis. The Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov online databases were queried to capture all publications between 1990 and 2017 that investigated postreconstruction breast sensation. The primary outcome of interest was breast sensation following both implant-based and autologous reconstruction with or without neurotization. Secondary outcomes of interest included time to sensory testing and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS:Overall, 503 titles were screened, from which 37 articles were ultimately included for analysis, accounting for 1299 patients. There was major methodologic variability and inconsistent measurable outcomes across studies. It can be deduced that postoperative sensation returns spontaneously and unpredictably, neurotization enhances the magnitude and rapidity of sensory restoration when compared to nonneurotized reconstruction, and a sensate reconstruction improves patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSIONS:Significant study design discrepancies exist, making it difficult to combine data and assess results. To effectively study breast sensation and the impact of neurotization, future investigation will depend on standardizing the way in which breast sensation is measured.

The landscape of gender dysphoria has changed dramatically in recent years secondary to increased societal acceptance, legislative changes, and medical providers' increased awareness of the associated psychosocial burden associated with the diagnosis. National and global advocacy efforts, in conjunction with expanded third-party insurance coverage, have resulted in new health care opportunities for patients suffering from gender dysphoria. Delivering quality, streamlined health care to these patients requires a complex multidisciplinary approach, involving multiple medical and mental health disciplines, including plastic surgeons. To accommodate the expanding demand for gender-affirmation surgery, academic medical centers specializing in these procedures are gradually emerging. Advancing surgical techniques in the setting of rising patient demand encourage plastic surgeons to increasingly provide high-quality health care to this diverse patient population in an effort to optimize psychosocial functioning and minimize the burden of gender dysphoria. Although the current literature is replete with the evolving surgical and technical approaches to gender-affirming surgery, there remain critical gaps in the plastic surgery literature describing the delivery of comprehensive care to these patients. To address these gaps, the authors establish a framework that plastic surgeons can use to guide their management of patients with gender dysphoria to optimize surgical and psychosocial outcomes. First, the authors describe a timeline of events that have shaped present-day transgender medicine and characterize the current role of the plastic surgeon in the management of gender dysphoria. Subsequently, the authors discuss psychosocial and ethical considerations surrounding gender dysphoria. Finally, the authors discuss the future scope of transgender medicine.

BACKGROUND:Mesh infection after abdominal hernia repair is a devastating complication that affects general and plastic surgeons alike. The purpose of this study was 3-fold: (1) to determine current evidence for treatment of infected abdominal wall mesh via systematic review of literature, (2) to analyze our single-institution experience with treatment of infected mesh patients, and (3) to establish a framework for how to approach this complex clinical problem. METHODS:Literature search was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines, followed by single-institution retrospective analysis of infected mesh patients. RESULTS:A total of 3565 abstracts and 92 full-text articles were reviewed. For qualitative and quantitative assessment, articles were subdivided on the basis of treatment approach: "conservative management," "excision of mesh with primary closure," "single-stage reconstruction," "immediate staged repair," and "repair in contaminated field." Evidence for each treatment approach is presented. At our institution, most patients (40/43) were treated by excision of infected mesh and single-stage reconstruction with biologic mesh. When the mesh was placed in a retrorectus or underlay fashion, 21.4% rate of hernia recurrence was achieved. Bridged repairs were highly prone to recurrence (88.9%; P = 0.001), but the bridging biologic mesh seemed to maintain domain and potentially contribute to a more effective repair in the future. Of the patients who underwent additional ("secondary") repairs after recurrence, 75% were eventually able to achieve "hernia-free" state. CONCLUSIONS:This study reviews the literature and our single-institution experience regarding treatment of infected abdominal wall mesh. Framework is developed for how to approach this complex clinical problem.

BACKGROUND:Clinical indications are expanding for the use of fasciocutaneous free flaps in lower extremity traumatic reconstruction. The authors assessed the impact of muscle versus fasciocutaneous free flap coverage on reconstructive and functional outcomes. METHODS:A multicenter retrospective review was conducted on all lower extremity traumatic free flaps performed at Duke University (1997 to 2013) and the University of Pennsylvania (2002 to 2013). Muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps were compared in two subgroups (acute trauma and chronic traumatic sequelae), according to limb salvage, ambulation time, and flap outcomes. RESULTS:A total of 518 lower extremity free flaps were performed for acute traumatic injuries (n = 238) or chronic traumatic sequelae (n = 280). Muscle (n = 307) and fasciocutaneous (n = 211) flaps achieved similar cumulative limb salvage rates in acute trauma (90 percent versus 94 percent; p = 0.56) and chronic trauma subgroups (90 percent versus 88 percent; p = 0.51). Additionally, flap choice did not impact functional recovery (p = 0.83 for acute trauma; p = 0.49 for chronic trauma). Flap groups did not differ in the rates of flap thrombosis, flap salvage, flap loss, or tibial nonunion requiring bone grafting. Fasciocutaneous flaps were more commonly reelevated for subsequent orthopedic procedures (p < 0.01) and required fewer secondary skin-grafting procedures (p = 0.01). Reconstructive and functional outcomes remained heavily influenced by injury severity. CONCLUSIONS:Muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps achieved comparable rates of limb salvage and functional recovery. Flap selection should be guided by defect characteristics and reconstructive needs. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Therapeutic, III.

BACKGROUND:As abdominally based free flaps for breast reconstruction continue to evolve, significant effort has been invested in minimizing donor-site morbidity. The impact on the donor site remains a prevailing principle for breast reconstruction, and thus must be adequately reflected when classifying what is left behind following flap harvest. Although successful in describing the type of flap harvested, the existing nomenclature falls short of incorporating certain critical variables, such as degree of muscular preservation, fascial involvement, mesh implantation, and segmental nerve anatomy. METHODS:In an effort to expand on Nahabedian's 2002 classification system, this descriptive study revisits and critically reviews the existing donor-site classification system following abdominally based breast reconstruction. RESULTS:The authors propose a nomenclature system that emphasizes variability in flap harvest technique, degree of muscular violation, fascial resection, mesh implantation, and degree of nerve transection. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:With this revised classification system, reconstructive surgeons can begin reporting more clinically relevant and accurate information with regard to donor-site morbidity.

Despite the growth of technically more sophisticated skin resurfacing modalities, such as those based on light, radiofrequency, and ultrasound, chemical peel procedures have risen 5 to 25 percent over the past year alone. Chemexfoliation carries historical significance and has markedly evolved since its inception in ancient times. As a result of plastic surgery and dermatologic advancements, modern-day chemexfoliation offers plastic surgeons additional safe and effective options for patients with rhytides, dyschromias, and other signs of light- and environment-induced skin damage. This review discusses the historical evolution of chemexfoliation procedures, highlights modern-day practice habits, and touches on the clinically relevant applications of chemical peels.

BACKGROUND:With the evolving plastic surgery training paradigm, there is an increasing emphasis on aesthetic surgery education during residency. In an effort to improve aesthetic education and to encourage preparation for independent practice, our institution has supported a resident-run aesthetic clinic for over two decades. OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:To provide insight into the educational benefits of a resident-run cosmetic clinic through longitudinal resident follow up and institutional experiential review. METHODS:A retrospective review was conducted to identify all clinic-based aesthetic operations performed between 2009 and 2016. To capture residents' perspectives on the cosmetic resident clinic, questionnaires were distributed to the cohort. Primary outcome measures included: volume and types of cases performed, impact of clinic experience on training, confidence level performing cosmetic procedures, and satisfaction with chief clinic. Unpaired t tests were calculated to compare case volume/type with level of confidence and degree of preparedness to perform cosmetic procedures independently. RESULTS:Overall, 264 operations performed by 18 graduated chief residents were reviewed. Surveys were distributed to 28 chief residents (71.4% completion rate). Performing twenty or more clinic-based procedures was associated with higher levels of preparedness to perform cosmetic procedures independently (P = 0.037). Residents reported the highest confidence when performing cosmetic breast procedures when compared to face/neck (P = 0.005), body/trunk procedures (P = 0.39), and noninvasive facial procedures (P = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS:The continued growth of aesthetic surgery highlights the need for comprehensive training and preparation for the new generation of plastic surgeons. Performing cosmetic procedures in clinic is a valuable adjunct to the traditional educational curriculum and increases preparedness and confidence for independent practice.

BACKGROUND:Ventral hernia represents a surgical challenge plagued by high morbidity and recurrence rates. Primary closure of challenging hernias is often prohibited by severe lateral retraction and tension of the abdominal wall musculature. Botulinum toxin injections have recently been identified as a potential pre-operative means to counteract abdominal wall tension, reduce hernia size, and facilitate fascial closure during hernia repair. This systematic review and meta-analysis reviews outcomes associated with botulinum toxin injections in the setting of ventral hernia, and demonstrates an opportunity to leverage this mainstream aesthetic product for use in abdominal wall reconstruction. METHODS:A literature review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using MeSH terms 'ventral hernia', 'herniorrhaphy', 'hernia repair', and 'botulinum toxins'. Relevant studies reporting pre- and postinjection data were included. Outcomes of interest included changes in hernia defect width and lateral abdominal muscle length, recurrence, complications, and patient follow-up. Qualitative findings were also considered to help demonstrate valuable themes across the literature. RESULTS:Of 133 results, 12 were included for qualitative review and three for quantitative analysis. Meta-analysis revealed significant hernia width reduction (mean = 5.79 cm; n = 29; p < 0.001) and lateral abdominal wall muscular lengthening (mean = 3.33 cm; n = 44; p < 0.001) following botulinum injections. Mean length of follow-up was 24.7 months (range = 9-49). CONCLUSIONS:Botulinum toxin injections offer tremendous potential in ventral hernia management by reducing hernia width and lengthening abdominal wall muscles prior to repair. Although further studies are needed, there is a significant opportunity to bridge the knowledge gap in preoperative practice measures for ventral hernia risk reduction.

BACKGROUND:Academic research productivity is limited by strenuous resident and faculty schedules but nevertheless is imperative to the growth and success of our discipline. The authors report institutional experience with their clinical research fellowship model, providing two positions per year. METHODS:A critical analysis of research productivity was performed for all trainees, faculty, and research fellows from 2000 to 2015. Academic productivity was determined by the number of peer-reviewed publications, podium presentations, and h-index. Academic fate of previous research fellows was also noted. During the 16-year timeframe, 484 articles were published in print. Notably, 92 articles were published from 2000 to 2007 and 392 articles were published from 2008 to 2015 (p = 0.0066), demonstrating linear growth after instituting the research fellowship. In addition, 33 articles were published from 2002 to 2004 before leadership change, 47 from 2005 to 2007 after leadership change but before fellowship, and 58 from 2008 to 2010 in the first few years of the fellowship (p = 0.0204). RESULTS:Overall, 39.9 percent of publications appeared in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, with a total of 77 different peer-reviewed journal inclusions. American Association of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons podium presentations totaled 143 between 2005 and 2015. Of the eight previous fellows who applied into integrated and independent programs, 100 percent have matched. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Incorporation of a formalized research fellowship into a plastic surgery program can drastically increase clinical research contribution in a reproducible fashion.