Use of regenerative tissue matrix as an oral layer for the closure of recalcitrant anterior palatal fistulae: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of regenerative tissue matrix (Alloderm) as an oral layer for difficult anterior palatal fistula closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors have tested the feasibility of a novel surgical technique of adding a regenerative tissue matrix (Alloderm) as an oral layer for closure of recalcitrant large anterior palatal fistulae and report the outcome of the first 12 patients in this pilot study. Patients with recurrent large fistula who otherwise would require either a local pedicled flap, free flap, or an obturator were treated with this technique and followed up for at least 6 months to monitor the progress of healing. RESULTS: Of the 12 patients, 8 patients (66.7%) had complete closure of the fistula, and 2 patients (16.7%) showed reduction in size of the fistula to the extent that symptoms were eliminated, for an overall success rate of 83.3% (10/12 patients). Premature graft loss and recurrence of the fistula were noted in 2 patients (16.7%). CONCLUSION: Alloderm provided an adequate barrier allowing healing to occur unimpeded and allowed closure of the palatal fistula. In our experience, this new technique using regenerative tissue matrix as an adjunct to the oral layer in large anterior palatal fistula has an advantage compared to other more invasive complex procedures and has been shown to provide satisfactory results.

Rhinoplasty Education Using a Standardized Patient Encounter

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive aesthetic surgery training continues to be a challenge for residency programs. Our residency program developed a rhinoplasty-based objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) based upon validated methods as part of the residency education curriculum. We report our experience with the rhinoplasty-based OSCE and offer guidance to its incorporation within residency programs. METHODS: The encounter involved resident evaluation and operative planning for a standardized patient desiring a rhinoplasty procedure. Validated OSCE methods currently used at our medical school were implemented. Residents were evaluated on appropriate history taking, physical examination, and explanation to the patient of treatment options. Examination results were evaluated using analysis of variance (statistical significance P<0.05). RESULTS: Twelve residents completed the rhinoplasty OSCE. Medical knowledge assessment showed increasing performance with clinical year, 50% versus 84% for postgraduate year 3 and 6, respectively (P<0.005). Systems-based practice scores showed that all residents incorrectly submitted forms for billing and operative scheduling. All residents confirmed that the OSCE realistically represents an actual patient encounter. All faculty confirmed the utility of evaluating resident performance during the OSCE as a useful assessment tool for determining the Next Accreditation System Milestone level. CONCLUSIONS: Aesthetic surgery training for residents will require innovative methods for education. Our examination showed a program-educational weakness in billing/coding, an area that will be improved upon by topic-specific lectures. A thoroughly developed OSCE can provide a realistic educational opportunity to improve residents' performance on the nonoperative aspects of rhinoplasty and should be considered as an adjunct to resident education.