ABSTRACT
Background: Telemedicine is a rising field, with continuous expansion into different realms of health care delivery. However, minimal research has been done to analyze the utilization in surgical specialties. This study aims to assess satisfaction and acceptance of postoperative telehealth care after uncomplicated general surgery cases. Methods: Patients who had undergone uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy or uncomplicated laparoscopic appendectomy were eligible to be enrolled in this study. Patients with gangrenous gallbladder, malignancy, operative complications, or appendix perforation were excluded. The experimental group underwent postoperative follow-up within a web-based platform (http://bluejeans.com), whereas the control group had an in-person clinic visit. Survey results containing satisfaction, comfort, and time usage were obtained. Likert scale 1-5 was utilized to quantify responses. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled into this prospective single intervention trial (20 experimental, 10 control). Ninety percent (n = 18) of the experimental group stated satisfaction with their visit, and 75% (n = 15) would suggest telemedicine usage to other physicians. Postoperative visit satisfaction was not statistically different between the experimental and control groups (4.2 vs. 4.5, p = 0.124). A higher percentage of the control group took >3 h for the visit than the telemedicine group (30% vs. 15%), with two individuals in the control group dedicating their full day to the visit, compared with zero individuals in the experimental group. Comfort with technology used during the visit was not statistically different between the telemedicine and in-person groups (4.35 vs. 4.5, p = 0.641). Conclusions: Telemedicine for postoperative evaluation on selective general surgery cases is feasible and provides adequate patient satisfaction and improved time utilization.
ABSTRACT
Temporoparietal fascia flaps are reported to have a 94% success rate in auricular reconstruction. Bilayer matrix (Integra™, Integra LifeSciences, Plainsboro, NJ) dermal graft alone has an average success rate of 76.6%. When combined with fibrin glue and negative pressure therapy (V.A.C.® Freedom®, KCI, San Antonio, Tex) the flaps have a success rate of up to 98% in patients with a variety of wound types and sites. Two patients are presented with failed temporoparietal fascia flaps. In addition, one also had prior failure of a split-thickness skin graft; the second also had failure of prior Integra split-thickness skin graft, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. All 3 treatment modalities of bilayer dermal graft, negative pressure therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen used simultaneously allowed both flaps to heal.
