Evaluating Kirschner wire fixation versus titanium plating and screws for unstable phalangeal fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis of postoperative outcomes.

Background: Unstable phalangeal fractures represent a clinical challenge in hand surgery. The choice of fixation method, whether Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation or titanium plating with screws, often depends on surgeon preference due to the lack of comprehensive comparative data. This article aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of K-wire fixation versus titanium plating and screws in the treatment of unstable phalangeal fractures. Methods: This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature was done encompassing PUBMED, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library using the keywords: "K wire/ Kirschner wire", "titanium plate/ screws", "Miniplate/ screws", and "Unstable phalan∗ fracture/ hand fracture". Results: After screening 2374 articles, 6 final studies with a total of 414 patients were included. Operative time was significantly shorter with K-wire fixation compared to plating, by a mean difference of -27.03 â€‹min [95% CI -43.80, -10.26] (p â€‹= â€‹0.02). Time to radiographic union averaged 7.43 weeks with K-wires versus 8.21 weeks with titanium plates. No statistically significant differences emerged between groups for overall complications (p â€‹= â€‹0.69), infection (p â€‹= â€‹0.47), malunion (p â€‹= â€‹0.36), stiffness (p â€‹= â€‹0.11), or need for reoperation (p â€‹= â€‹0.10). Conclusion: K-wire fixation demonstrated shorter mean operating time and faster radiographic union versus plating for unstable phalangeal fractures. These findings can guide surgical decisions and emphasize the need for individualized treatment based on fracture type and patient factors.

Preventing and Managing Operating Room Fires in Plastic Surgery: A Review of Incidence, Risk Factors, and Recommendations with Case Experiences.

Fires in operating rooms are rare yet devastating incidents. There are guidelines for the prevention and management of surgical fires; however, these recommendations are based on expert opinion and case reports. Almost all surgical procedures have an oxidizer (oxygen, nitrous oxide), an ignition source (such as a laser or "Bovie"), and a fuel, which together make up the three elements of an operating room fire. Our review analyzes each fire component to decide on the most effective clinical approach for reducing the risk of fire. We investigate the incidence, risk factors, legal repercussions, preventive strategies, and the precise management of fires in the operating room, with a particular focus on plastic surgery procedures. In addition, we share insights from our own experiences and propose guidelines based on our findings to enhance safety and response measures in surgical settings. Fires most commonly occur around the head, neck, and upper chest. High-risk procedures include tonsillectomies, tracheostomies, laryngoscopies, and facial/neck surgeries. Checklists help ensure proper precautions are taken, like using moist towels and lowering oxygen concentration. If a fire erupts, prompt removal of the oxygen source and irrigation are critical. From our experience, fires spread rapidly and can cause severe burns and inhalation injuries. We share illustrative cases of surgical fires at our institution over the past decade. Our review underscores the importance of fire prevention and preparedness through safety protocols, equipment maintenance, staff training, and maintaining situational awareness. More research is needed to quantify risk factors and determine optimal management strategies when fires do occur.

Current Practices and Guidelines for Perioperative Blood Management in Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Surgery: A Comprehensive Review of Literature.

With the increase in obesity prevalence, a noticeable increase in bariatric surgeries has been reported in national and international statistics. Therefore, body contouring surgeries have increased to help individuals achieve their desired body shape. Plastic surgeons need to consider potential hematologic complications that may occur in this specific group of patients before performing body contouring surgery. This review illustrates the perioperative medical, laboratory, and management strategies needed to minimize blood loss and blood transfusion requirements during body contouring. Using Google Scholar and PubMed, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify articles discussing post-bariatric body contouring perioperative blood management strategies, including the effects of bariatric surgery on hemostasis as well as basic hematology and coagulation. In preoperative blood management, blood investigations aid in the early detection of electrolytes, protein, and vitamin deficiencies and anemia, resulting in the early correction of nutritional deficiencies. In order to reduce postoperative complications, surgical and anesthesia techniques, as well as intraoperative pharmacological therapy, play an essential role. Postoperative blood transfusion and restrictive transfusion thresholds are tailored to the patient's needs and depend on various physiological indicators, such as heart rate, blood pressure, urine output, and laboratory findings, such as acidosis and hematocrit level. Generally, post-bariatric body contouring blood management measures are still lacking, and more research is required to develop standardized guidelines for optimizing patient safety and satisfaction.Level of Evidence III 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 .

Morbidity of the Donor Site and Complication Rates of Breast Reconstruction with Autologous Abdominal Flaps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Numerous studies have evaluated the use of autologous abdominal tissue for breast reconstruction; nevertheless, complications and donor site morbidity rates vary significantly. The study aims to compare the literature regarding morbidity of the donor site and complication rates of breast reconstruction with autologous abdominal flaps. Methods: The databases of MEDLINE, EBSCO, Scopus, Wiley Library, and Web of Sciences were searched for studies that compared different flaps in terms of complications and donor site morbidity. The procedures studied included pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (pTRAM), free TRAM (fTRAM), deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP), and superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator (SIEA) flaps. A total of 34 studies were included. Of these, 28 were retrospective studies and 9 were prospective cohort studies. Results: When compared to DIEP, fTRAM flaps were found to have a decreased incidence of flap fat necrosis, hematoma, and total thrombotic events, yet a higher risk of donor site hernia/bulging. pTRAM flaps were also associated with an increased risk of hernia/bulging at the donor site, as well as wound infection, yet flap hematoma was less common. On the other hand, SIEA flaps showed the lowest risk of donor site hernia/bulging while still having a high risk of wound infection. Conclusion: fTRAM procedures comparatively had the least complications. However, regarding flap choice, patients would benefit most from a case-by-case analysis, taking into consideration individual risk factors and preferences.