bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autologous Fat Grafting: Evaluation of Efficacy in Pain Relief
Authors: Klomparens Kara , Simman Richard 
Published: March 2023

Introduction:
Autologous fat grafting (AFG) has been used in reconstructive plastic surgery for over a century. Although it has obvious benefits to the aesthetic appearance of many reconstructive surgeries, less appreciated advantages of fat grafting have also been shown in potential pain reduction. This can be seen across the board from head to toe with examples ranging from facial nerve injury to pedal atrophy and foot ulcers. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the efficacy of AFG for pain relief in various indications and serve as a reference for clinicians to gain insight on potentially beneficial therapies for their patients.

Methods:
A broad literature review was performed to analyze the various uses of AFG for pain management by various indications including postmastectomy pain syndrome, scar pain, neuromas, chronic wounds and many more. The PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus online databases were searched using keywords such as “autologous fat grafting,” “reconstruction,” “pain,” and “therapy.”

Results:
At this point, there is decent evidence to support AFG’s role in pain resolution in postmastectomy pain syndrome, neuropathic scar pain, and pedal injury. There is also ample low-level evidence for pain efficacy in autoimmune diseases, neuromas, vulvar lichen sclerosis, burns, and radiation-induced wounds.

Conclusions:
While there is a clear lack of higher-level evidence based studies conducted on AFG for all indications, the existing literature shows a definite trend of reconstructive efficacy and pain management that can be clearly appreciated. With the increasing popularity of this procedure for reconstruction, higher-level studies are beginning to take place pertaining to AFG’s efficacy not only in reconstruction, but pain management as well.
Humicola Trauma-related Invasive Fungal Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Gonte Madeleine R. , Ranganathan Kavitha L. , Helliwell Lydia A. 
Published: March 2023

Summary:
The majority of invasive fungal infections arise in immunocompromised patients; however, there exist many clinical interventions and physiologic phenomena in the setting of traumatic injury that induce immunosuppressant states. Enhanced clinical suspicion and early detection of invasive fungal infections has played an increasingly pertinent role in clinical management of patients admitted for traumatic injury, given its substantial morbidity and mortality rates. In this case report, we discuss a case of trauma-related invasive fungal infection by a rare humicola pathogen in a previously immunocompetent patient. We present this case in hopes of instilling a high index of clinical suspicion for trauma-related invasive fungal infections. We also discuss the role of negative pressure wound therapy and aggressive surgical management, including debridement and various levels of amputation to optimize patient outcomes. Clinical management of trauma-related IFI has adopted increasingly aggressive approaches with respect to its formidable morbidity and mortality rates. Multidisciplinary discussions and patient-centered care are essential when making surgical decisions that impact quality of life such as amputation level.
Atasoy Flap Fingertip Reconstruction: Long-term Patient-reported Outcomes in Male Laborers
Authors: Franke Jacob D. , Kraft Leighton T. , Mailey Brian A. 
Published: March 2023

Background:
Atasoy flaps (AFs) are commonly used to reconstruct digits after fingertip injuries. However, recent literature reports that some surgeons prefer skeletal shortening and closure, presumably because the procedure can be performed in the emergency department without the risk of flap-associated complications. The purpose of the present outcome study is to evaluate patient-reported, long-term satisfaction of AF reconstructions for fingertip injuries.

Methods:
Adult, male patients working in manual labor occupations who underwent AF reconstruction for fingertip injuries were identified from an institutional database. Patients were administered an injury-specific questionnaire relating to nail growth, function, aesthetics, cryalgia, and hypersensitivity. They were then administered the QuickDASH questionnaire to report standardized functional impairment and asked about their overall satisfaction with their reconstructed finger.

Results:
Twelve patients underwent AF fingertip reconstruction between 2015 and 2020. Eleven of these patients agreed to be interviewed, the majority having been treated in the emergency department setting. The overall satisfaction rate was 91% (n = 10). Common sequelae included hook nail 64% (n = 7), cold sensitivity 45% (n = 5), and hypersensitivity 27% (n = 3). There were no flap failures or tissue necrosis. One patient reported a second surgery for improvement of a hook nail deformity.

Conclusions:
Long-term outcomes of AF reconstruction for fingertip injuries demonstrate high overall satisfaction. Patients appreciated tissue salvage to preserve digit length, even in those unconcerned with aesthetics. Issues reported by patients, such as cold intolerance, hook nail, and decreased tactile sensation, are similar to other treatment options for fingertip injuries.
Breast Decisions: Recommender System for Appearance Counseling about Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Nicklaus Krista M. , Cheong Audrey , Sampathkumar Urmila , Liu Jun , Chopra Deepti , Hoffman Aubri , Merchant Fatima A. , Hanson Summer E. , Markey Mia K. , Reece Gregory P. 
Published: March 2023

Background:
Appearance counseling is an important component of the consent process for breast reconstruction. The purpose of appearance counseling is to help the patient form realistic expectations of what she might look like after breast reconstruction. In this article, we introduce a recommender system, “BreastDecisions,” for appearance counseling that suggests photographs of previous patients that are tailored to a specific patient to help her form realistic expectations of her own reconstruction.

Methods:
We present user specifications and algorithm parameters needed to incorporate the recommender system into the appearance counseling workflow. We demonstrate the system for a common counseling scenario using a knowledgebase of previous breast reconstruction patients. The medical appropriateness of the recommended photographs for use in appearance counseling was evaluated by experts using a four-point rating system.

Results:
The recommender system presents photographs that are medically appropriate for counseling a specific patient, depicts typical outcomes, and adapts to a variety of clinical workflows. For each of 33 patients taken as examples of breast reconstruction patients, we used the system to identify photographs for appearance counseling. The baseline average medical appropriateness of the recommended photographs was between mostly appropriate (some explanation needed) and medically appropriate (minimal explanation needed). We demonstrate filtering and ranking steps to reduce the number of recommended photographs and increase the average medical appropriateness.

Conclusions:
Our recommender system automatically suggests photographs of previous breast reconstruction patients for use in counseling a patient about appearance outcomes. The system is patient-specific and customizable to a particular surgeon’s practice.
Access to Breast Reconstruction in Kuwait: Assessing Surgeon-related Factors as a Barrier to Referral
Authors: Burhamah Waleed , Alshawaf Solaiman M. , Al Safi Sarah , Alabduljalail Abdullah , AlYouha Sarah 
Published: March 2023

Background:
It is not uncommon for breast cancer patients to undergo a mastectomy without receiving or being presented with the option of having a breast reconstruction. With a low rate of breast reconstruction in Kuwait, we aim to assess physician-related factors as a barrier to referral.

Methods:
This is an online questionnaire-based study to investigate the variation in the referring general surgeons’ knowledge and perception towards breast reconstructive surgery.

Results:
A total of 141 general surgeons responded to the questionnaire, and only 63 (44.7%) always discuss the available options for reconstruction with their breast cancer patients. When asked about referral to a plastic surgeon, only 49 (34.8%) responded with always, and the majority (N = 61; 43.3%) responded with sometimes. More than half (N = 73; 51.8%) believe that the general surgeon should determine patient suitability for referral to a plastic surgeon, while only 53 (37.6%) agree that breast cancer patients should always be referred to a plastic surgeon for consideration of reconstruction. The mean knowledge score was 6.6 of 8, while the mean perception score was 8.9 of 12. Responders with a higher total knowledge score were more likely to discuss with patients the availability of reconstruction.

Conclusions:
Despite the acceptable knowledge scores in our general surgeons, there is a low rate of referral for breast reconstruction in Kuwait. There is a pressing need to generate legislations and a streamlined protocol for referral that facilitate access to breast reconstructive services.
Factors Influencing Preferences for Plastic Surgery Conferences: A Conjoint Analysis
Authors: Chung William T. , Baxter Natalie B. , Chung Kevin C. 
Published: March 2023

Background:
The increase in virtual conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic provided unexpected advantages such as increased accessibility, while also creating concern about the effectiveness of online networking and career development. Given that a variety of conference attributes are impacted by changes in conference format, we sought to investigate how plastic surgeons prioritize key aspects of conference conduct.

Methods:
We sent a survey based on conjoint analysis, a statistical method for evaluating consumer preferences, to active members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Respondents were asked to choose between pairs of conference options, each with unique attributes. Their answers were used to calculate feature importance values and utility coefficients for the conference attributes. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on demographic factors.

Results:
A total of 263 respondents completed the survey. Respondents were mostly White (181 individuals [68.8%]) and men (186 [70.7%]). Nearly half (122 [46.4%]) had been practicing 20 or more years. Conference attributes with the highest feature importance values (SDs) were cost of attendance (30.4% [14.2%]) and conference format (28.8% [14.2%]). Equity initiatives (14.5% [10.1%]), reimbursement for cost (11.1% [5.7%]), and opportunities for networking (9.5% [6.0%]) had intermediate feature importance values. Environmental impact had the lowest feature importance (5.7% [3.8%]).

Conclusions:
Surgeons’ conference preferences depend highly on format and the presence of equity initiatives, both of which can be incorporated or modified in future conferences to ensure inclusive and successful events. Meanwhile, environmental impact is less important to surgeons, suggesting a pressing need to bring sustainability issues to their attention.
Management of Extruded Porous High-density Polyethylene Implant in the Internal Nasal Valve
Authors: Diaz Anise M. , Tham Tristan , Saleem Matthew I. , Ponder Brent , Georgolios Alexandros 
Published: March 2023

Summary:
Porous high-density polyethylene (PHDPE) has been used since the 1990s as an alternative to autologous grafts. Implant extrusion is a rare but well-known complication of PHDPE and other alloplastic implants. This article discusses the case of PHDPE implant extrusion in a 69-year-old man with unsuccessful previous alar batten graft placement for internal nasal valve insufficiency. We detail the surgical techniques engaged in removing the implant from the internal nasal valve, postoperative results, and care, and present a histologic study of the removed implants.
Peripherally Inserted Central Line Catheters following Hand and Wrist Infections
Authors: Park Rachel H. , Stephens Kristen L. , Forster Grace L. , Freilich Aaron M. , DeGeorge Brent R. 
Published: March 2023

Background:
Hand and wrist infections may cause varying degrees of morbidity requiring antibiotic therapy of variable duration and often operative intervention. Peripherally inserted central line catheters (PICCs) are placed when an extended course of intravenous antibiotics is anticipated. The present study aims to analyze utilization and impact of PICC placement on the management of hand, wrist, and forearm infections.

Methods:
The PearlDiver Patients Records Database was queried to identify patients who underwent treatment for infection of the hand, wrist, and forearm between 2010 and 2018. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the association of patient-related risk factors with PICC utilization, complications, readmissions, and length of stay (LOS).

Results:
A total of 24,665 patients with an upper extremity infection were included in the study. Ultimately, 416 patients required a PICC placement (1.69%). Patients with older age, male gender, certain medical comorbidities, and infection involving deeper structures were more likely to require a PICC. Ninety-day all-cause medical complication rates were significantly higher for the PICC group (19.7% versus 6.7%) compared to those without. Any hospital readmission rates were significantly higher for PICC group at 90 days (28.4% versus 6.3%) and 1 year (35.8% versus 10.9%). Readmission rates remained slightly higher at 1 year for both groups. The PICC group demonstrated significantly longer LOS by 2 days (7.72 days versus 5.14 days).

Conclusion:
While not required for the majority of hand, wrist, and forearm infections, PICC placement is associated with increased medical complications, more frequent hospital readmissions, and longer LOS.
Utilization of the Rat’s Tail as a Novel Model for Arterialized Venous Flap
Authors: Lu Johnny Chuieng-Yi , Mallarino-Restrepo Gonzalo , Camuzard Olivier , Chang Tommy Nai-Jen , Chuang David Chwei-Chin 
Published: March 2023

Summary:
Arterialized tissues provide longevity and coverage of critically exposed tissue, and in pliable areas of the body, thin flaps are needed. Arterialized venous flaps provide all the aforementioned qualities, yet unpredictability in flap perfusion requires further investigation in experimental studies. Existing animal models are thicker in nature and rarely mimic commonly used venous flaps in clinical practice. A novel design of the rat’s tail provides an ideal model for arterialized venous flaps. Eleven venous flaps were harvested from the rats’ tail, all presenting with two parallel veins in configuration. Arterialization of veins using the femoral artery was done in either along-valve or against-valve fashion, with the purpose of testing the flap’s response to different clinical configurations. The vessel diameter and flap thickness were measured. Flap viability was monitored for 7 days after surgery to ensure stable flap viability. Thickness of the tail flap ranged from 1.0 to 1.2 mm, while the abdomen skin thickness ranged from 1.4 to 1.5 mm. The mean diameter of the lateral veins was 0.85 ± 0.08 mm, which was in between the average femoral artery diameter (mean 0.76 ± 0.1 mm) and the average femoral vein diameter (1.28 ± 0.2 mm). Four of the nine against-valve flaps achieved more than 50% flap survival, while all along-valve flaps achieved flap viability of more than 75%, as evident by indocyanine green imaging. This flap demonstrates similar properties to thin venous flaps used in clinical situations. Standardization of this model can push forth better understanding of the arterialization phenomenon in venous flaps for future studies.
Modified Bidirectional Adipodermal Mastopexy, Nipple-sparing Mastectomy, and Direct-to-implant Reconstruction in Patients with Significant Ptosis
Authors: Schwartz Jean-Claude D. 
Published: March 2023

Background:
Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and direct-to-implant reconstruction (DTIR) allow patients to complete their surgical care in one surgery. However, for women with significant ptosis, NSM is frequently not offered or requires multiple procedures.

Methods:
We performed a retrospective review of a single-surgeon practice from 2016 to 2021 of a single-stage, modified, bidirectional adipodermal mastopexy to facilitate NSM and DTIR in patients with breast cancer and grades 2-3 ptosis. Demographics, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. We also conducted a literature review and compared our technique to previously published approaches.

Results:
Sixty breast cancer patients (105 breasts) with grades 2-3 ptosis underwent NSM and prepectoral DTIR using this technique. The average nipple-areola complex (NAC) lift was 9cm (range, 4 -15cm), and the average preoperative nipple to inframammary fold distance was 12cm (range, 8 -17cm). Overall complications included seroma [n = 8 (8%)], T-junction dehiscence [n = 6 (6%)], mastectomy flap necrosis [n = 6 (6%)], and superficial/partial NAC necrosis [n = 2 (2%)] with no incidence of complete NAC necrosis. Comprehensive literature review confirmed that the modified, bidirectional adipodermal mastopexy has a favorable complication profile when compared with other previously described approaches despite its application to more challenging patient populations undergoing DTIR.

Conclusions:
The modified bidirectional adipodermal mastopexy safely facilitates NSM and DTIR in breast cancer patients with ptosis without requiring multiple procedures or leaving behind breast tissue and, in our hands, is the preferred approach in this difficult patient population.
How Early Can We Predict the Need for VPI Surgery?
Authors: Pitkänen Veera V. , Alaluusua Suvi A. , Geneid Ahmed , Vuola Pia M. B. , Leikola Junnu , Saarikko Anne M. 
Published: March 2023

Background:
Velopharyngeal dimensions change as a child with cleft palate (CP) grows. The aim of this study was to assess if the decision for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) surgery can be made by the age of 3 years among CP children with moderate-to-severe VPI. In addition, we sought to clarify if speech therapy before VPI surgery is beneficial for VPI speech characteristics.

Methods:
This retrospective study reviewed documentation of children with moderate-to-severe VPI at age 3 years who did not undergo VPI surgery until age 5 years. Based on the national cleft register, 959 patients with syndromic and nonsyndromic CP were treated by the craniofacial team at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland between 2000 and 2014. Eighty-six patients fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. The speech pathologist evaluated velopharyngeal function at age 3, 5, and 8 years.

Results:
Of the 86 children presenting with moderate-to-severe VPI at age 3 years, 94% still had moderate-to-severe VPI at age 5 years, even though speech therapy was offered to 77%. Of those whose velopharyngeal function improved by age 5 years, function regressed to incompetent over time. Overall, 93% underwent VPI surgery and 82% underwent VPI surgery between ages 5 and 8 years. Only 23% at age 8 years still had moderate-to-severe VPI. Speech therapy alone did not improve VPI speech characteristics.

Conclusions:
Moderate-to-severe VPI did not improve from 3 to 5 years or improved but subsequently relapsed. This suggests that the decision for VPI surgery can be made for children aged 3 years with moderate-to-severe VPI.
A Novel Mouse Model for Investigating the Effects of Gender-affirming Hormone Therapy on Surgical Healing
Authors: Reiche Erik , Tan Yu , Louis Matthew R. , Keller Patrick R. , Soares Vance , Schuster Calvin R. , Lu Tingying , O’Brien Coon Devin 
Published: March 2023

Summary:
Wound healing problems are a major cause of morbidity for gender-affirming surgery (GAS) patients. Prior studies have shown sex differences in wound healing may exist. We hypothesized exogenous testosterone supplementation may impair post-GAS wound healing and developed a model to investigate this phenomenon. Mice were randomized by hormone regimen and gonadectomy (OVX). Gonadectomy or sham occurred on day 0 and mice were assigned to no testosterone (-T), mono- or bi-weekly (T/2T) testosterone groups. Dorsal splinted wounding occurred on day 14 and harvest on day 21. Serum testosterone levels were quantified with mass spectrometry. Tissue underwent analysis with planimetry, qPCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. Mean testosterone trough levels for bi-weekly regimen were higher compared to mono-weekly (397 versus 272 ng/dL; P = 0.027). At POD5, 2T injections led to 24.9% and 24.7% increases in mean wound size relative to SHAM and OVX/-T, respectively (P = 0.004; 0.001). Wounds in OVX/+2T mice demonstrated increased gene expression for inflammatory cytokines and macrophage marker F4/80 (P < 0.05). ELISA confirmed elevated wound TNFα levels (P < 0.05). Quantitative multiplex immunofluorescence with F4/80/NOS2/ARG1 showed significant increases in macrophage prevalence in OVX/+2T (P < 0.05). We developed a novel model of GAS hormonal milieu to study effects of exogenous testosterone on wound healing. Optimized twice-weekly dosing yielded serum levels comparable to clinical therapy. We showed exogenous testosterone administered to XX/OVX mice significantly impairs wound healing. A hyperinflammatory wound environment results in increased macrophage proliferation and elevated cytokines. Future efforts are directed toward mechanistic investigation and clinical validation.
Visual Preoperative Risk Depiction Tools for Shared Decision-making: A Pilot Study from the Surgeon’s Perspective
Authors: Bhat Saiuj , Wang Alice T. , Wood Fiona , Orgill Dennis P. 
Published: March 2023

Background:
Shared decision-making (SDM) and effective risk communication improve patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, and understanding of perioperative care pathways. Available risk calculators are less relevant for low-risk operations. The aim of this pilot study was to develop graphical risk visualization tools to enhance surgical SDM discussions preoperatively.

Methods:
Complications for reduction mammoplasty and skin grafting in a burns setting were sourced from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Surgical Risk Calculator, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website, peer-reviewed literature, and available clinical data. Pre- and postoperative patient satisfaction data were collected from the published literature on Breast-Q patient-reported outcomes for reduction mammoplasty. Everyday risk comparisons were collected from a general online database search. Three distinct risk depiction tools (spiral, tile, and scatter plot) were developed in the Microsoft Office Suite. Anonymous REDCap surveys were sent to healthcare practitioners for feedback.

Results:
Twenty-six survey results were collected. Twenty-four respondents (92%) agreed these graphics would be useful for SDM discussions. Nineteen respondents (73%) either agreed or strongly agreed that these graphics depicted risk in a meaningful way. Fifteen respondents (58%) indicated they would use these graphics in daily practice. The majority of respondents preferred the spiral design (58%). Areas for improvement included design simplification and written explanations to accompany graphics. Feedback from the survey was incorporated into the spiral design.

Conclusions:
Risk visualization tools meaningfully depict surgical risks to improve communication in SDM. This study proposes a tool that can be adapted for many surgical procedures.