Comparison of Tumescent Anesthesia Versus Pectoral Nerve Block in Bilateral Reduction Mammaplasty.

INTRODUCTION: With an increasing focus on multimodal pain control to reduce opioid requirements, regional and local anesthesia techniques have been investigated in bilateral reduction mammaplasty with variable results. The purpose of this study is to compare tumescent anesthesia with pectoral nerve block II (PECS II) in patients undergoing bilateral reduction mammaplasty with respect to postoperative pain and nausea, opioid consumption, length of stay, and cost. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing bilateral reduction mammaplasty for macromastia between November 2020 and December 2021 was performed. Demographic information, operative and anesthesia times, antiemetic and morphine equivalent requirements, postoperative numeric pain rating scales, and time until hospital discharge were compared between groups. χ2 and Fisher exact tests examined subgroup differences in categorical variables. Two-sample t test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test evaluated differences in continuous parametric and nonparametric variables, respectively. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients underwent bilateral reduction mammaplasty by 3 surgeons, 71.7% (n = 38) with tumescent anesthesia infiltrated by the operating surgeon before the start of the procedure and 28.3% (n = 15) with bilateral PECS II blocks performed by anesthesia before the start of the procedure. There was no difference in age, body mass index, weight resected, intraoperative medication, or immediate postoperative complications. Postoperative pain scores and opioid requirements were similar between the 2 groups. Twenty-one percent (n = 8) of tumescent patients compared with 66.7% (n = 10) of block patients required 1 or more doses of postoperative antiemetics ( P = 0.002). Patients who received blocks spent longer in the postoperative recovery area (5.3 vs 7.1 hours, P < 0.01). However, this did not translate to a significant increase in overnight stays. The block group had significantly higher hospitalization cost by an average of $4000, driven by pharmacy and procedural cost ( P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of multimodal perioperative pain-controlled reduction mammaplasty patients, tumescent anesthesia was associated with decreased antiemetic requirements, less time in recovery before discharge, and lower cost compared with PECS II blocks. Therefore, tumescent anesthesia may be favored over PECS II blocks when considering multimodal pain control strategies in reduction mammaplasty patients.

The role of physical arm function and demographic disparities in breast cancer survivors' ability to return to work.

PURPOSE: Ability to return to work (RTW) is an important aspect of breast cancer that is limited for many survivors. With 90% survivorship in the USA, it is imperative that focus shifts toward the improvement of physical arm function to improve survivors' ability to RTW. This narrative review discusses the role of physical arm function and demographic disparities in breast cancer survivor RTW. METHODS: Literature on physical function, arm function, and demographic disparities following breast cancer treatment and their implications for RTW is discussed. RESULTS: The ability to RTW is a key component of recovery for breast cancer survivors, but challenges and inequalities persist. Treatment effects can induce and prolong functional disability, affecting survivors' ability to RTW. These effects may be compounded for survivors whose occupation requires physical arm function. The RTW landscape, including the occupations survivors have, the physical function required for job tasks, and availability of workplace accommodations, is also unclear. Additional demographic disparities (e.g., income, live in rural area) exist, but the extent to which these factors influence RTW is not well understood. More work is needed to understand the compounded impact of treatment effects, demographic disparities, and occupational factors on RTW. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation that includes occupational counseling and exercise is a promising approach, but widespread adoption in the US healthcare model presents an ongoing challenge. Areas for further research are highlighted. CONCLUSION: There is an incomplete understanding of the effects of treatment on physical arm function and the role of demographic disparities on breast cancer survivor RTW.

A Descriptive Analysis of Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program Directors in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The role sex plays in surgical leadership positions is heavily discussed in the literature; however, there is an absence of research looking at plastic surgery program director (PD) demographics and the differences between male and female PDs. METHODS: A cross sectional study of publicly available online resources of all integrated plastic surgery residency programs was performed. Demographic and academic data of integrated plastic surgery PDs was analyzed focusing on the differences in PDs based on sex. RESULTS: Eighty-two integrated plastic surgery residencies were analyzed. Fifteen PDs (18.3%) were female. Fifty-six (68%) PDs completed general surgery residencies, whereas 24 (29%) completed an integrated plastics residency. All female PDs were fellowship trained, whereas only 46 (68%) male PDs pursued additional training after residency ( P = 0.02). Research output among male PDs was greater with 49.9 publications and a higher average H-index, at 13.3, compared with women with an average of 27.5 publications ( P = 0.008) and an H-index of 8.7 ( P = 0.02). When comparing male to female PDs, there was no difference between age at PD appointment ( P = 0.15), or in the amount of time between completion of plastic surgery training to PD appointment ( P = 0.29). Male PDs were older (52.2) compared with female PDs (46.5) ( P = 0.02). Male PDs served longer terms (4.98 years) than female PDs (2.87 years) ( P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of integrated plastic surgery PDs are men with a Doctor of Medicine degree who completed a general surgery residency and a plastic surgery fellowship. Most PDs also completed fellowship in a plastic subspecialty. Male PDs had higher research output, which may be attributed to their older age on average. Although women make up only 18.3% of plastic surgery PDs, this percentage is similar to the 17.2% of active female plastic surgeons in the United States. As more women train in plastic surgery, it is possible that the percentage of women serving academic leadership roles will increase. By gaining a better understanding of the demographics and diversity in plastic surgery residency program leadership, efforts can be made to increase the representation of minority groups in academic leadership roles.

Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture of Intraoral Splints: A Potential Role in Cleft Care.

BACKGROUND: Nasoalveolar molding is a nonsurgical modality for the treatment of cleft lip and palate that uses an intraoral splint to align the palatal shelves. Repeated impressions are needed for splint modification, each carrying risk of airway obstruction. Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) has the ability to simplify the process. As a precursor to CAD/CAM splint fabrication, a proof-of-concept study was conducted to compare three-dimensional splints printed from alginate impressions versus digital scans. We hypothesized that intraoral digital scanning would compare favorably to alginate impressions for palate registration and subsequent splint manufacture, with decreased production times. METHODS: Alginate and digital impressions were taken from 25 healthy teenage volunteers. Digital impressions were performed with a commercially available intraoral scanner. Plaster casts made from alginate impressions were converted to Standard Triangle Language files. Patient-specific matched scans were evaluated for total surface area with the concordance correlation coefficient. Acrylic palatal splints were three-dimensionally printed from inverse digital molds. Subjective appliance fit was assessed using a five-point scale. RESULTS: A total of 23 participants were included. Most subjects preferred digital impression acquisition. Impression methods showed moderate agreement (concordance correlation coefficient 0.93). Subjects rated splints from digital impressions as having a more precise fit (4.4 versus 3.9). The digital approach decreased impression phase time by over 10-fold and overall production time by 28%. CONCLUSIONS: CAD/CAM has evolved extensively over the past two decades and is now commonplace in medicine. However, its utility in cleft patients has not been fully realized. This pilot study demonstrated that CAD/CAM technologies may prove useful in patients requiring intraoral splints.

Sparing a Craniotomy: The Role of Intraoperative Methylene Blue in Management of Midline Dermoid Cysts.

BACKGROUND: Midline nasal dermoid cysts are rare congenital anomalies that extend intracranially in approximately 10 percent of cases. Cysts with intracranial extension require a craniotomy to avoid long-term complications, including meningitis, abscesses, and cavernous sinus thrombosis. Current guidelines recommend preoperative imaging with either magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography to determine appropriate management. METHODS: Patients who underwent excision of a midline nasal dermoid cyst between January 1995 and September 2016 were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes. In cases with equivocal imaging findings or uncertain stalk extent during surgical dissection, methylene blue was used intraoperatively. Demographics, preoperative imaging findings, intraoperative dye findings, surgical approach, and complications were collected. RESULTS: A total of 66 midline dermoid cyst excisions were identified; 17 (25.8 percent) had intracranial extension requiring craniotomy. Preoperative imaging showed a subcutaneous cyst in 41 (62.1 percent), intraosseous tracking in three (4.5 percent), and intracranial extension in 15 (22.7 percent). Twelve patients (18.2 percent) had preoperative imaging that was inconsistent with intraoperative findings. Methylene blue was used in 17 cases and indigo carmine was used in one case. Intraoperative dye findings changed management in five cases, and in three cases a craniotomy was avoided without evidence of cyst recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: This report is the largest published series of midline dermoid cysts with intracranial extension. In almost 20 percent of cases, preoperative imaging was not consistent with intraoperative findings. Given disparate radiographic and intraoperative findings, methylene blue is a valuable tool that can facilitate appropriate, morbidity-sparing management of midline dermoid cysts. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Reformatted 3D airway imaging in patients with airway obstruction and micrognathia.

PURPOSE: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is an effective treatment for patients with micrognathia and severe recurrent airway obstruction (Denny, 2004; Denny and Amm, 2005; Denny, 2009; Cicchetti et al., 2012; Flores et al., 2014). However the efficacy of the procedure is based on selecting the appropriate patient. Presence of central apnea or airway obstruction anywhere other than the tongue base will make MDO futile. The availability of three dimensional reformatting of the airway has greatly improved the accuracy of correct patient selection, providing a powerful tool to further characterize the pathology in these patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the last thirty patients with micrognathia and severe recurrent airway obstruction seen in consult by the senior author for potential role of surgery in their management. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients met our inclusion criteria, with fourteen treated appropriately with MDO. The remaining patients had findings on the 3D airway CT scans with other anatomic causes of obstruction making them inappropriate candidates for mandibular distraction osteogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: The use of three dimensional formatting of the airway from CT scans obtained using low dose protocols has improved the accuracy of evaluation and treatment of Pierre Robin patients. Most valuable is the non-invasive identification of airway abnormalities that would make mandibular distraction osteogenesis ineffective in correcting the airway obstruction.

Complex abdominal wall reconstruction: an outcomes review.

BACKGROUND: Complex abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) remains challenging. Techniques for repair are numerous and include primary fascial approximation, separation of components (SOC), and use of various biologic and synthetic meshes. Given the vast expanse of available techniques and lack of consistent algorithms, an analysis of outcomes in AWR is presented. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of complex AWRs performed by 2 surgeons at a single institution from July 2008 to October of 2011. Outcome differences for hernia repairs specifically addressing SOC with an acellular dermis inlay (retrorectus), underlay, or overlay mesh, as well as interposition biologic mesh placement were included. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were identified. The average body mass index in this population was 35.5 kg/m. The average age was 53.7 years, with 62% females and 38% males. The overall rate of tobacco use history was 48%. Twenty-eight percent were diabetic. The overall hernia recurrence rate was 16%. Patients having SOC with inlay (retrorectus) mesh had a hernia recurrence rate of 9%. Hernia recurrence in those with SOC and biologic mesh reinforcement as an underlay or onlay was 12%; in those without mesh reinforcement, 22%; and for those with a biologic mesh interposition, 40%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this review show that hernia recurrence rates are decreased with primary fascial repair. Further reduction occurs when biologic mesh reinforcement is used. The lowest recurrence rates were seen in the group with SOC and a porcine biologic mesh inlay. Abdominal wall reconstruction is challenging and with continued outcomes review a refined algorithm can be achieved. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic: III.

Hormonal and metabolic effects of olanzapine and clozapine related to body weight in rodents.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize a model of atypical antipsychotic drug-induced obesity and evaluate its mechanism. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Chronically, olanzapine or clozapine was self-administered via cookie dough to rodents (Sprague-Dawley or Wistar rats; C57Bl/6J or A/J mice). Chronic studies measured food intake, body weight, adiponectin, active ghrelin, leptin, insulin, tissue wet weights, glucose, clinical chemistry endpoints, and brain dopaminergic D2 receptor density. Acute studies examined food intake, ghrelin, leptin, and glucose tolerance. RESULTS: Olanzapine (1 to 8 mg/kg), but not clozapine, increased body weight in female rats only. Weight changes were detectable within 2 to 3 days and were associated with hyperphagia starting approximately 24 hours after the first dose. Chronic administration (12 to 29 days) led to adiposity, hyperleptinemia, and mild insulin resistance; no lipid abnormalities or changes in D2 receptor density were observed. Topiramate, which has reversed weight gain from atypical antipsychotics in humans, attenuated weight gain in rats. Acutely, olanzapine, but not clozapine, lowered plasma glucose and leptin. Increases in glucose, insulin, and leptin following a glucose challenge were also blunted. DISCUSSION: A model of olanzapine-induced obesity was characterized which shares characteristics of patients with atypical antipsychotic drug-induced obesity; these characteristics include hyperphagia, hyperleptinemia, insulin resistance, and weight gain attenuation by topiramate. This model may be a useful and inexpensive model of uncomplicated obesity amenable to rapid screening of weight loss drugs. Olanzapine-induced weight gain may be secondary to hyperphagia associated with acute lowering of plasma glucose and leptin, as well as the inability to increase plasma glucose and leptin following a glucose challenge.