Aesthetic Outcomes of the Adipofascial Turnover Flap for Nasal Defects.

The single-stage adipofascial turnover (AFT) flap with full-thickness skin grafting is a novel technique that has been demonstrated as a safe, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to forehead flaps for nasal tip reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to compare aesthetic outcomes of these reconstructive techniques. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent either a forehead flap or an AFT flap for nasal reconstruction between January 2016 and January 2021. Aesthetic outcomes were compared via patient surveys and photographic analysis by plastic surgeons. All photographs were standardized and masked to conceal which reconstructive technique was utilized. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and t-tests were performed to determine significance. Results: Ten forehead flaps and 22 AFT flaps were performed between January 2016 and January 2021. Seven forehead flap patients and 18 AFT flap patients participated in the aesthetic outcome survey. Seven forehead flap postoperative photographs and 20 AFT flap postoperative photographs were available for analysis. Patients who underwent forehead flap reconstruction reported higher satisfaction for color match of the reconstruction to the surrounding nasal skin (P = 0.005). Otherwise, there was no statistical significance between the two patient groups. There was no statistical difference in the photographic analysis of the two groups. Conclusion: The single-stage AFT flap with full thickness skin grafting provides similar aesthetic outcomes compared with the two-stage forehead flap when reconstructing large defects of the nasal tip, which is supported by both patient-reported outcome measures and standardized photographic analysis by a panel of plastic surgeons.

Challenges in Breast Evaluation: Breast Asymmetry, Macromastia, and the Surgically Altered Breast.

Many breast conditions that warrant referral to a plastic surgeon may first be identified in a routine gynecologic or primary care setting. These range from asymmetric anomalies and macromastia to sequelae of previous aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. The purpose of this reference article is to provide an overview of common breast deformities and discuss their unique challenges in evaluation.

Follow-up Blood Cultures in Gram-Negative Bacteremia: Are They Needed?

BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) bacteremia is typically transient and usually resolves rapidly after the initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy and source control. The optimal duration of treatment and utility of follow-up blood cultures (FUBC) have not been studied in detail. Currently, the management of gram-negative bacteremia is determined by clinical judgment. To investigate the value of repeat blood cultures, we analyzed 500 episodes of bacteremia to determine frequency of FUBC and identify risk factors for persistent bacteremia. METHODS: Of 500 episodes of bacteremia, we retrospectively analyzed 383 (77%) that had at least 1 FUBC. We sought information regarding presumed source of bacteremia, antibiotic status at the time of FUBC, antibiotic susceptibility, presence of fever, comorbidities (intravenous central lines, urinary catheters, diabetes mellitus, AIDS, end-stage renal disease, and cirrhosis), need for intensive care, and mortality. RESULTS: Antibiotic use did not affect the rate of positivity of FUBC, unless bacteria were not sensitive to empiric antibiotic. Fever on the day of FUBC was associated with higher rates of positive FUBC for gram-positive cocci (GPC) but not GNB. Mortality and care in the intensive care unit were not associated with positive FUBC. Seventeen FUBC and 5 FUBC were drawn for GNB and GPC to yield 1 positive result. CONCLUSIONS: FUBC added little value in the management of GNB bacteremia. Unrestrained use of blood cultures has serious implications for patients including increased healthcare costs, longer hospital stays, unnecessary consultations, and inappropriate use of antibiotics.