Early Distraction for Mild to Moderate Unilateral Craniofacial Microsomia: Long-Term Follow-Up, Outcomes, and Recommendations

Background: There is controversy regarding the treatment of young patients with unilateral craniofacial microsomia and moderate dysmorphism. The relative indication for mandibular distraction in such patients poses several questions: Is it deleterious in the context of craniofacial growth and appearance? This study was designed to address these questions. Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing mandibular distraction by a single surgeon between 1989 and 2010 was conducted. Patients with "moderate" unilateral craniofacial microsomia (as defined by Pruzansky type I or IIa mandibles) and follow-up until craniofacial skeletal maturity were included for analysis. Patients were divided into two cohorts: satisfactory and unsatisfactory results based on photographic aesthetic evaluation by independent blinded observers at the initial presentation and at the age of skeletal maturity. Clinical variables were analyzed to detect predictors for satisfactory distraction. Results: Nineteen patients were included for analysis. The average age at distraction was 68.2 months and the average age at follow-up was 19.55 years. Thirteen patients (68.4 percent) had Pruzansky type IIA and six patients (31.6 percent) had Pruzansky type I mandibles. Twelve patients (63.2 percent) had satisfactory outcomes, whereas seven patients (36.8 percent) had unsatisfactory outcomes. Comparing the two cohorts, patients with satisfactory outcomes had distraction at an earlier age (56.4 months versus 89.8 months; p = 0.07) and a greater percentage overcorrection from craniofacial midline (41.7 percent versus 1.8 percent; p = 0.003). Conclusion: Mandibular distraction is successful in patients with mild to moderate dysmorphism, provided that there is a comprehensive clinical program emphasizing adequate mandibular bone stock, proper vector selection, planned overcorrection, and comprehensive orthodontic management. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Postoperative expansion is not a primary cause of infection in immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expanders

Perioperative infection is the most common and dreaded complication associated with tissue expander (TE) breast reconstruction. Historically, the expansion period was thought to be the time of greatest hazard to the implant. However, recent institutional observations suggest infectious complications occur prior to expansion. This investigation, therefore, was conducted to determine the timing of infectious complications associated with two-stage TE breast reconstructions. Following IRB approval, a retrospective review of all consecutive two-stage immediate TE breast reconstructions at a single institution from November 2007 to November 2011 was conducted. Reconstructions were then divided into two cohorts: those suffering infectious complications and those that did not. Infectious complications including minor cellulitis, major cellulitis, abscess drainage, and explantation were identified. Various operative and patient variables were evaluated in comparison. Eight hundred ninety immediate two-stage TE breast reconstructions met inclusion criteria. Patients suffering infection were older (55.4 years versus 49.3 years; p < 0.001), and more likely to have therapeutic mastectomy (94% versus 61%; p < 0.0001), the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM; 72.5% versus 54.9%; p = 0.001), and greater initial TE fill (448.6 mL versus 404.7 mL; p = 0.0078). The average time to developing of infectious symptoms was 29.6 days (range 9-142 days), with 94.6% (n = 87) of infections prior to the start of expansion. Perioperative infections in immediate two-stage TE to implant breast reconstructions are significant and occur mostly prior to the start of expansion. Thus, challenging the conventional wisdom that instrumentation during expander filling as the primary cause of implant infections. Possible etiologic factors include greater age, therapeutic mastectomy versus prophylactic mastectomy, larger initial TE fill, and the use of ADM.SCOPUS: ar.jFLWINinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Added Qualifications in Microsurgery: Consideration for Subspecialty Certification in Microvascular Surgery in Europe

Background While implementation of subspecializations may increase expertise in a certain area of treatment, there also exist downsides. Aim of this study was, across several disciplines, to find out if the technique of microsurgery warrants the introduction of a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in microsurgery. Methods An anonymous, web-based survey was administered to directors of microsurgical departments in Europe (n = 205). Respondents were asked, among other questions, whether they had completed a 12-month microvascular surgery fellowship and whether they believed a CAQ in microvascular surgery should be instituted. Results The response rate was 57%, and 33% of the respondents had completed a 12-month microvascular surgery fellowship. A total of 61% of all surgeons supported a CAQ in microsurgery. Answers ranged from 47% of support to 100% of support, depending on the countries surveyed. Discussion This is one of the few reports to evaluate the potential role of subspecialty certification of microvascular surgery across several European countries. The data demonstrate that the majority of directors of microsurgical departments support such a certificate. There was significantly greater support for a CAQ in microsurgery among those who have completed a formal microvascular surgery fellowship themselves. Conclusion This study supports the notion that further discussion and consideration of subspecialty certification in microvascular surgery appears necessary. There are multiple concerns surrounding this issue. Similar to the evolution of hand surgery certification, an exploratory committee of executive members of the respective medical boards and official societies may be warranted.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Predictive Factors for Preoperative Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Placement: Novel Screening Tools for Head and Neck Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment of head and neck cancer has varying impact on postoperative recovery and return of swallowing function. The authors aim to establish screening tools to assist in preoperatively determining the need for gastrostomy tube placement. METHODS: The authors prospectively assessed all patients undergoing complex head and neck reconstructive surgery during a 1-year study period. Only patients tolerating an oral diet, without preoperative gastrostomies, were enrolled for study. Eight parameters were assessed including: body mass index (BMI), prealbumin, albumin, smoking history, comorbidities [including coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes mellitus (DM)], age, use of microvascular reconstruction, and type of defect. Two specific screening tools were assessed. In the first, a multivariate logistic regression model was employed to determine factor(s) that predict postoperative gastrostomy tube. In a second screening tool, the 8 parameters were scored between 0 to 1 points. The total score obtained for each patient was correlated with postoperative gastrostomy placement. RESULTS: Out of the 60 study patients enrolled in the study, 24 patients (40%) received a postoperative gastrostomy. In the logistic regression model, albumin level was the only factor that was significantly associated with need for postoperative gastrostomy (P \u3c 0.0023). A score of 4 or greater was determined to have a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 61% for postoperative gastrostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a score of 4 or more with this screening scoring system or those patients with an albumin leve