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Head & Neck Sep 2023Current literature on reconstruction after head and neck cancer (HNC) focusses on short-term patient-reported outcomes (PROs), while there is a need for knowledge on... (Review)
Review
Current literature on reconstruction after head and neck cancer (HNC) focusses on short-term patient-reported outcomes (PROs), while there is a need for knowledge on long-term consequences. Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched for studies on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after HNC reconstruction, using validated PROMs in at least 50 patients, and a follow-up of more than 1 year. Thirty studies were included, comprising 2358 patients with a follow-up between one and 10 years. The most used questionnaire was the UW-QoL v4. Reconstructive surgery was generally followed by diminished oral function, worsened by radiotherapy. Patients experienced anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence. However, there was a progressive decrease in pain over time with some flaps having more favorable HRQoL outcomes. Age and bony tumor involvement were not related to postoperative HRQoL. These results may lead to better patient counseling and expectation management of HNC patients.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Surgery, Plastic; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Patient Reported Outcome Measures
PubMed: 37401563
DOI: 10.1002/hed.27450 -
JPRAS Open Jun 2024Plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery (PRAS) is a significant yet often overlooked specialty in medical school curricula. The impact of social media and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery (PRAS) is a significant yet often overlooked specialty in medical school curricula. The impact of social media and unregulated information sources can distort the perceptions of medical specialties, including PRAS, leading to a decline in student interest, inappropriate referrals and strain on healthcare services. This systematic review aimed to understand the perceptions of medical students towards PRAS, identify influencing factors and explore strategies to address these influences.
METHODS
The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Four databases were searched, and the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Data from 17 relevant studies were analysed in Microsoft Excel using descriptive statistics. The risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
Medical students generally held positive perceptions about PRAS, particularly regarding career opportunities, specialised skills and the nature of the specialty. However, their awareness of the full scope of plastic surgery is limited, with a focus on cosmetic and aesthetic procedures. Social media and the internet significantly influenced the students' perceptions, whereas personal experiences had a minor impact. Education and training in plastic surgery positively affected the students' perceptions. Nevertheless, there is a need for improved representation of PRAS in medical school curricula and promotion of accurate information through reliable sources.
CONCLUSION
Students exhibited a favourable attitude towards plastic surgery, but their knowledge of the specialty can be enhanced. Strengthening PRAS teaching in medical schools and ensuring accurate information dissemination can foster a deeper understanding and interest in this field. Large-scale studies with standardised protocols should be conducted in different countries to gain comprehensive insights tailored to specific educational contexts.
PubMed: 38726047
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2024.04.003 -
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Aug 2023According to recent evidence, the use of local tranexamic acid (TXA) during plastic surgery may lessen blood loss. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
According to recent evidence, the use of local tranexamic acid (TXA) during plastic surgery may lessen blood loss.
OBJECTIVES
To comprehensively assess the use of local TXA during plastic surgery through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials addressing these issues.
METHODS
Four electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library, were searched until December 12, 2022. Following meta-analyses, the mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) for blood loss volume (BLV), ΔHct, ΔHb and operation time were calculated when appropriate.
RESULTS
Eleven randomized controlled trials were included in the qualitative synthesis, while 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, the local TXA group showed a reduction in blood loss volume of -1.05 (p < 0.00001; 95% CI, -1.72 to -0.38). However, local TXA had a limited effect on reducing ΔHct, ΔHb and operation time. A meta-analysis was not performed because of heterogeneity in other outcomes; however, except for 1 study in which no significant difference was observed on POD 1, all studies showed significantly lower rates of postoperative ecchymosis after surgery, 2 studies showed statistically significant reductions in transfusion risk or volume, and 3 studies reported significantly better surgical field quality in operations with local TXA. In the 2 included studies, the researchers concluded that local treatment does not play a role in relieving postoperative pain.
CONCLUSIONS
Local TXA is associated with less blood loss, less ecchymosis and better surgical field in plastic surgery patients.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Topics: Humans; Tranexamic Acid; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Blood Loss, Surgical; Surgery, Plastic; Ecchymosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36810834
DOI: 10.1007/s00266-023-03281-7 -
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons... Feb 2024Plastic surgery is an important specialty that involves widespread medical knowledge, some of which is taught in undergraduate curricula. The General Medical Council...
INTRODUCTION
Plastic surgery is an important specialty that involves widespread medical knowledge, some of which is taught in undergraduate curricula. The General Medical Council provides a well-defined plastic surgery curriculum for postgraduate training. However, there is no consensus on the provision for undergraduates in this specialty, potentially giving rise to a deficit in undergraduate medical education and a suboptimal basis for plastic surgery postgraduate training. Our aim was to identify the gap in undergraduate plastic surgery teaching and to understand student perceptions of the specialty as well as any trialled interventions.
METHODS
A prospectively registered systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The MEDLINE, Embase™, PubMed and Google Scholar™ databases were searched for literature relating to undergraduate exposure to plastic surgery and relevant teaching interventions. Ten studies were included in this review, categorised into three main themes: exposure during medical school, determining factors and perceptions for pursuing a plastic surgery career, and teaching interventions.
RESULTS
Surveys assessing medical student perceptions indicate a significant deficit in exposure to plastic surgery in the undergraduate curriculum. Medical students' interest in the specialty is affected by multiple factors, including the amount of surgical exposure in medical school. Interventions to address the deficit mostly involve one-day courses.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the literature is currently limited, studies are needed to effectively assess the outcomes of plastic surgery teaching methods in undergraduate training. Moreover, there is a need for consensus around the provision of undergraduate teaching in plastic surgery. This should be reflected in the latest undergraduate curricula in medical education.
PubMed: 38362746
DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2023.0099 -
Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery :... Feb 2024There are varying reports about United Kingdom medical students' exposure and teaching methods regarding plastic and reconstructive surgery. To date, no systematic... (Review)
Review
There are varying reports about United Kingdom medical students' exposure and teaching methods regarding plastic and reconstructive surgery. To date, no systematic review has been done looking at this topic. Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Medline) were searched from January 1, 2011 to July 20, 2023 for studies that assessed United Kingdom medical students' exposure to plastic surgery and suggested recommendations to improve teaching. Three authors performed data extraction and screening, as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Fifteen studies were included. Medical students' average current exposure to plastic surgery was 29.44%, but this was highly variable across the studies. The most common method of currently teaching plastic surgery was through lectures (34% of studies), and the most common suggested method of teaching was through courses (40% of studies). Many of the studies (12/15) were deemed as being at high risk of bias. More recent studies need to be performed to assess current levels of teaching of plastic surgery in the United Kingdom medical school curriculum. Greater exposure to plastic surgery through lectures and integrated clinical placements is needed to ensure equitable access for all medical students to plastic surgery as a profession.
PubMed: 38450015
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779480 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Jun 2017Use of indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence as a dye to assess tissue vascularization is now well standardized. The aim of this literature review was to... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Use of indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence as a dye to assess tissue vascularization is now well standardized. The aim of this literature review was to review and resume the most recent recommendations for ICG use in its plastic surgery applications.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed using Medline, EMBASE, and PubMed databases to obtain the latest recommendations for ICG in plastic surgery. Inclusion criteria were all articles written in English language that evaluated pre-, intra-, or postoperative ICG applications in surgical procedures usually performed by plastic surgeons. Case reports, reviews, meta-analyses, and experimental studies on animals or cadavers were excluded after title and abstract screening.
RESULTS
Of the 1389 article titles retrieved, 41 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria. ICG applications in plastic surgery were ICG lymphangiography used in sentinel lymph node mapping for breast cancer and melanoma and in microsurgery for the staging and treatment of secondary chronic lymphedema. The latest updates of ICG angiography in assessing free flaps, pedicled flaps, or large skin paddles were also retrieved.
CONCLUSIONS
Large prospective studies suggest that ICG lymphography could be used as a single tracer to reliably perform sentinel lymph node biopsy. In the case of cutaneous melanoma, ICG lymphography increases node detection sensitivity and accuracy in conjunction with lymphoscintigraphy. In chronic lymphedema, it is useful for pre- and postoperative staging and intraoperative anatomical location of lymphatic pathways when lymphovenous bypass is indicated. ICG angiography is used intraoperatively to assess free flap anastomosis and design skin paddles and postoperatively to monitor buried flaps. In pedicled perforator flaps or for large skin paddles, intraoperative ICG angiography is strongly correlated with postoperative outcomes.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
3.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Chronic Disease; Coloring Agents; Female; Fluorescein Angiography; Humans; Indocyanine Green; Lymphedema; Lymphography; Melanoma; Microsurgery; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Skin Neoplasms; Surgical Flaps; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 28292569
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2017.01.020 -
Cureus Jul 2023Thromboembolism is a feared complication in plastic surgery and is linked to higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive research, there is a lack of... (Review)
Review
Thromboembolism is a feared complication in plastic surgery and is linked to higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive research, there is a lack of consistency between recommendations and clinical protocols to be implemented pre and post-surgery to reduce the incidence of thromboembolism. A systematic literature review was conducted using Pubmed and Scopus databases to determine the risk factors, screening methods, and existing treatment models for thromboembolism prevention. Articles in non-English languages were excluded. Analysis indicated that predominant risk factors include age (>35), elevated body mass index, coagulation disorders, smoking, estrogen therapies, genetic predisposition, vascular endothelium damage, stasis, and use of general anesthesia in patients with a history of cancer. Implementation of a proper prophylactic protocol is dependent on understanding the interplay between the aforementioned risk factors and the utilization of well-defined, evidence-based guidelines, such as the 2005 Caprini Risk Assessment Model and ultrasound surveillance. The literature review revealed that mechanical prophylaxis is the primary prevention method, followed by thromboprophylaxis for patients with higher Caprini scores. Plastic surgeons often underestimate the present risk stratification tools available for the prophylactic intervention of thromboembolism due to the fear of bleeding or hematoma complications postoperatively. In summary, this literature review emphasizes the importance of plastic surgeons selecting protocols that is inclusive of the patient's risk profile to yield a reduced risk of thromboembolism.
PubMed: 37554601
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41557 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Oct 2023Plastic and reconstructive surgery is consistently one of the most competitive medical specialties in the match. The recent United States Medical Licensing Examination...
BACKGROUND
Plastic and reconstructive surgery is consistently one of the most competitive medical specialties in the match. The recent United States Medical Licensing Examination score reporting switch to pass-fail led to a change in metrics by which applicants are evaluated by plastic surgery programs. Applicant research productivity and the demand for plastic surgery mentorship will continue to rise. Given the competitive nature of the residency match and shift in metrics emphasis after the change in STEP 1 scoring, early exposure to plastic surgery and mentoring relationships are paramount to applicant success. However, most medical students are not exposed to plastic surgery until they begin clinical rotations.
METHODS
A literature review of plastic surgery mentorship programs available during preclinical years was conducted to identify preclinical mentorship opportunities in plastic surgery. Sixty-eight references were identified, but only two studies met the inclusion criteria of addressing mentorship programs in preclinical years.
RESULTS
Examination of the included studies indicated that preclinical medical students achieve self-identified goals and generate longitudinal benefits in plastic surgery by participating in early and focused mentorship programs.
CONCLUSIONS
The limited number of studies in this review highlights a lack of available, studied preclinical mentorship programs in plastic surgery and reveals a knowledge gap concerning the creation of successful preclinical mentorship programs. Early exposure to plastic surgery, combined with the development of structured preclinical mentorship programs, can potentially replicate successful outcomes seen in other surgical subspecialties' mentorship programs while addressing the lack of formalized mentorship opportunities for preclinical students in plastic surgery.
PubMed: 37817925
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005322 -
Annals of Plastic Surgery Aug 2021Multidisciplinary care has been previously shown to improve outcomes for patients and providers alike, fostering interprofessional collaboration and communication. Many...
BACKGROUND
Multidisciplinary care has been previously shown to improve outcomes for patients and providers alike, fostering interprofessional collaboration and communication. Many studies have demonstrated the beneficial health care outcomes of interdisciplinary care. However, there has been minimal focus on the cost-effectiveness of such care, particularly in the realm of plastic surgery. This is the first systematic review to examine cost savings attributable to plastic surgery involvement in multidisciplinary care.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature review of articles published on cost outcomes associated with multidisciplinary teams including a plastic surgeon was performed. Included articles reported on cost outcomes directly or indirectly attributable to a collaborative intervention. Explicitly reported cost savings were totaled on a per-patient basis. Each article was also reviewed to determine whether the authors ultimately recommended the team-based intervention described.
RESULTS
A total of 604 articles were identified in the initial query, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria. Three studies reported explicit cost savings from multidisciplinary care, with cost savings ranging from $707 to $26,098 per patient, and 5 studies reported changes in secondary factors such as complication rates and length of stay. All studies ultimately recommended multidisciplinary care, regardless of whether cost savings were achieved.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of multidisciplinary plastic surgery care examined both primary cost savings and associated quality outcomes, such as length of stay, complication rate, and resource consumption. Our findings indicate that the inclusion of plastic surgery in team-based care provides both direct and indirect cost savings to all involved parties.
Topics: Cost Savings; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Humans; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Surgery, Plastic
PubMed: 34253701
DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000002931 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Sep 2016Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome in plastic surgery. However, authors use different scales to address this subject, making it difficult to compare the...
UNLABELLED
Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome in plastic surgery. However, authors use different scales to address this subject, making it difficult to compare the outcomes. To address this discrepancy, the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and a random effect meta-analysis.
METHODS
The search was made in two electronic databases (LILACS and PUBMED) using Mesh and non-Mesh terms related to aesthetic plastic surgery and QoL. We performed qualitative and quantitative analyses of the gathered data. We calculated a random effect meta-analysis with Der Simonian and Laird as variance estimator to compare pre- and postoperative QoL standardized mean difference. To check if there is difference between aesthetic surgeries, we compared reduction mammoplasty to other aesthetic surgeries.
RESULTS
Of 1,715 identified, 20 studies were included in the qualitative analysis and 16 went through quantitative analysis. The random effect of all aesthetic surgeries shows that QoL improved after surgery. Reduction mammoplasty has improved QoL more than other procedures in social functioning and physical functioning domains.
CONCLUSIONS
Aesthetic plastic surgery increases QoL. Reduction mammoplasty seems to have better improvement compared with other aesthetic surgeries.
PubMed: 27757327
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000000833