Fibrin Glue Acutely Blocks Distal Muscle Contraction after Confirmed Polyethylene Glycol Nerve Fusion: An Animal Study.

Background: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a synthetic, biodegradable, and hyperosmotic material promising in the treatment of acute peripheral nerve injuries. Our team set out to investigate the impact of fibrin glue upon PEG fusion in a rat model. Methods: Eighteen rats underwent sciatic nerve transection and PEG fusion. Electrophysiologic testing was performed to measure nerve function and distal muscle twitch. Fibrin glue was applied and testing repeated. Due to preliminary findings, fibrin glue was applied to an uncut nerve in five rodents and testing was conducted before and after glue application. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare median values between outcome measures. A Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine normality of data for each comparison, significance set at a P value less than 0.05. Results: PEG fusion was confirmed in 13 nerves with no significant change in amplitude (P = 0.054), latency (P = 0.114), or conduction velocity (P = 0.114). Stimulation of nerves following PEG fusion produced distal muscle contraction in 100% of nerves. Following application of fibrin glue, there was a significant reduction in latency (P = 0.023), amplitude (P < 0.001), and conduction velocity (P = 0.023). Stimulation of the nerve after application of fibrin glue did not produce distal muscle twitch. Five uncut nerves with fibrin glue application blocked distal muscle contraction following stimulation. Conclusions: Our data suggest that fibrin glue alters the nerve's function. The immediate confirmation of PEG fusion via distal muscle twitch is blocked with application fibrin glue in this experimental model. Survival and functional outcome studies are necessary to understand if this has implications on the long-term functional outcomes.

Risk Assessment of Sleep Disordered Breathing in Cleft Lip and/or Palate.

OBJECTIVE: Children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) are at increased risk for Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB), particularly Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). At our institution, routine screening for SDB is performed using the Chevrin Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). This analysis is a practice audit looking at the outcomes of screening children with CL/P. DESIGN/SETTING/PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: A single-center, retrospective analysis was done of all non-syndromic patients with CL/P over the age of 36 months over a 4-year period. Children with known OSA were eliminated from analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Univariate logistic regression was used to assess predictors for SDB (PSQ score > 8) amongst various patient, disease, and treatment characteristics. Outcomes of those screened were tracked. RESULTS: Of the 239 patients in the study cohort, 43 (18%) had positive PSQs. These subjects were more likely to have class III dental occlusion with maxillary retrusion (OR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.2-5.8, p = 0.02). There were no differences amongst age, type of cleft, Veau classification, BMI, or history of pharyngeal surgery. One third of the group did not complete recommended testing. Twenty-five subjects with positive sleep screening underwent subsequent polysomnography and 21 (84%) had OSA. CONCLUSION: Routine screening reveals a significant proportion of patients with CL/P with symptoms suggestive of OSA. While several patients did not complete confirmatory testing, those who completed a PSG had a high rate of identification of OSA. After excluding children with known OSA, patients with SDB are also likely to have class III dental occlusion and maxillary retrusion.

How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Trends in Facial Trauma?

Study Design: Retrospective cohort analysis. Objective: To examine the impact the COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying societal measures had on the incidence, characteristics, and management of maxillofacial traumatic injuries. Methods: This cohort analysis compared facial trauma injuries presenting to the highest-volume Level I Trauma Center in New Jersey, USA from January 1 to July 31 in 2020 and 2019. Differences in demographics, mechanisms, and interventions were compared between the pandemic period (March 16-July 31, 2020) and the equivalent pre-pandemic date period in 2019 using X 2, Fishers Exact, and Mann-Whitney U testing. Results: In total, 616 subjects were included. The daily incidence of facial trauma consults during the 2020 pandemic (1.81 ± 1.1) decreased compared to 2019 (2.15 ± 1.3) (p = 0.042). During the outbreak, there was an increase in the proportion of subjects with positive urine drug screens (21.5% vs. 12.2%; p = 0.011) and injuries related to domestic violence (10.2% vs. 4.5%; p = 0.023). Patients were 30% less likely to be transferred from local hospitals (RR, 0.70 [0.53-0.93]; p = 0.014). Although subjects had a 25% increased risk of presenting with injuries deemed procedural (RR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.05-1.56]; p = 0.048), a greater proportion were discharged with operative procedures scheduled as outpatients (16.0% vs. 4.9%; p = 0.005). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted both the epidemiology and management of maxillofacial traumatic injuries, perhaps secondary to modifications in personal and community behaviors or the effects on healthcare systems in our region.

Malignant Fungating Wounds of the Head and Neck: Management and Antibiotic Stewardship.

OBJECTIVE: Malignant fungating wounds (MFWs) are unfortunate and underreported manifestations of some advanced head and neck cancers. The management of MFWs is complex and challenging. MFWs are often mistaken for infectious processes/abscesses and treated indiscriminately with oral or intravenous antibiotics. Our aim is to promote awareness of MFWs and provide education on their management. We summarize their cost-effective and evidence-based therapies and highlight antibiotic stewardship with respect to their management. DATA SOURCES: A literature review was performed of PubMed, Cochrane Review, SCOPUS, Embase, and Google Scholar databases regarding topical and systemic treatments for MFWs. REVIEW METHODS: Full-text articles were identified with the following terms: fungating, ulcerative, wound, tumor, malignancy, antibiotics, topical, dressings, radiotherapy, head, neck, scalp, face, lip, and ear. Treatment recommendations were extrapolated, categorically summarized, and retrospectively assigned with an evidence level based on the GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of systemic signs and symptoms of infections, MFWs should not be treated as conventional infections or abscesses, with prophylactic oral or intravenous antibiotics. Topical treatments such as ointments and wound dressings are the mainstay in terms of managing the unsightly appearance and fetid odor from these entities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: MFWs are most often not amenable to definitive/curative surgical or nonsurgical therapy, but consultation with a head and neck oncologic specialist will help to determine if the underlying malignancy requires surgery, radiation therapy, or palliative treatment.

Compartment Syndrome of the Hand Induced by Peripherally Extravasated Phenylephrine.

Background: Compartment syndrome of the hand is a rare and devastating complication of peripheral intravenous extravasation. With changes in critical care research, vasoactive medications are now more frequently administered through peripheral lines in the acute setting. Methods: We present the case of a patient diagnosed with compartment syndrome of the hand secondary to phenylephrine extravasation in the setting of hypovolemic shock. Results: The use of fasciotomy compartment release and intraoperative phentolamine resulted in significant improvement in tissue perfusion postoperatively. Conclusion: With incraesed incidence of peripherally administered vasoactive medications, the hand surgeon should be aware of potential complications and treatment of compartment syndrome with urgent fasciotomy and phentolamine administration.

Analgesic Use Following Bilateral Breast Reduction.

The opioid epidemic in the United States resulted in 42,000 deaths in 2016, 40% of which involved a prescription opioid. It is estimated that 2 million patients become opioid-dependent after elective, ambulatory surgery each year. There has been increased interest in quantifying the need for postoperative narcotic pain medications for a variety of surgical procedures. However, studies have been limited. We sought to quantify the analgesic usage after one of the most common operations performed in plastic surgery, bilateral breast reduction.In this prospective, observational study, sequential breast reduction patients were contacted by telephone on the evening of postoperative days 3 and 7. Patients were queried as to which analgesic medications were used on the day of the phone call. Data relating to dosage, frequency, and satisfaction with pain control were sought. Patients taking chronic narcotics, postoperative complications requiring surgical intervention, and those unable to be reached after multiple attempts were excluded.Complete data were obtained for 40 patients. Narcotic prescriptions were written for oxycodone, hydromorphone and tramadol, with the number prescribed ranging from 0 to 20 tablets. The median total number used was 6 tablets. Eighty percent of patients used a total of 10 tablets or less. Fifty percent of patients were using only nonnarcotic analgesia by postoperative day 3. Patient-reported satisfaction with pain control was overwhelmingly positive, with 95% being either somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with postoperative pain control. Of those taking any medication on postoperative day 3, only half were using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) as part of their pain regimen.The number of tablets prescribed after breast reduction surgery varies considerably, and there is no consensus regarding the appropriate number to prescribe. Currently, few patients use all the medication prescribed to them, indicating a high rate of overprescribing. The overwhelming majority are satisfied with their pain control. Most patients use less than 10 tablets of narcotic pain medication after surgery. Acetaminophen is widely used as an adjunct but NSAIDs remain underutilized. Based on these data, we recommend that breast reduction patient's pain is best managed with acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and expectation management.

Innovations in the Plastic Surgery Care Pathway: Using Telemedicine for Clinical Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine delivers clinical information and permits discussion between providers and patients at a distance. Postoperative visits may be a burden to patients-many of whom travel long distances and miss work opportunities. By implementing a telehealth opportunity, the authors sought to develop a process that optimizes efficiency and provides optimal patient satisfaction. METHODS: Using quality improvement methods that have been highly effective in the business sector, we developed a testable workflow for patients in the postoperative telehealth setting. Seventy-two patients were enrolled and surveyed. A preoperative survey sought to determine travel distance, comfort with technology, access to the Internet and video-enabled devices, and the patient's interest in telehealth. A postoperative survey focused on patient satisfaction with the experience. RESULTS: Using the Lean Six Sigma methodology, the authors developed a telehealth workflow to optimize clinical efficiency. Preoperative surveys revealed that the majority (73 percent) of patients preferred in-person follow-up visits in the clinic. However, the postoperative survey distributed after the telehealth encounter found that nearly 100 percent of patients were satisfied with the telehealth experience. Ninety-six percent of patients said that their questions were answered, and 97 percent of patients stated that they would use telehealth again in the future. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth encounters enable real-time clinical decision-making by providing patients and visiting nurses access to providers and decreasing patient transportation needs and wait times. Although initially hesitant to opt for a telehealth encounter in lieu of a traditional visit, the great majority of patients voiced satisfaction with the telehealth experience. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Parental satisfaction with being present in the operating room during the induction of anesthesia prior to pediatric neurosurgical intervention: a qualitative analysis.

OBJECTIVE Parental presence in the operating room during the induction of anesthesia (PPIA) has been shown to decrease parent and child anxiety and increase satisfaction with patient experience in outpatient otolaryngological procedures, such as tympanostomy tube placement. PPIA for other procedures, such as a major neurosurgical intervention, has been a practice at the authors' institutions for many years. This practice is not universally accepted across the United States, and the potential benefits for patients and families have not been formally evaluated. The aim of this study is to provide a qualitative analysis of parental and patient satisfaction with PPIA at the authors' institution. METHODS All patients younger than 18 years who underwent surgical intervention at the authors' institution between August 2013 and December 2015 were identified. All surgeries were performed by a single neurosurgeon. A random sample of 96 parents were contacted by telephone for a qualitative, semiscripted interview; 42 parents completed the interviews. The interview consisted of a validated satisfaction assessment in addition to a standardized open-ended questionnaire. Thematic analysis was performed until saturation was achieved, and responses were coded into the predominant themes. Member checking was performed, and a thick description was created. RESULTS The predominant themes identified with PPIA were 1) perception of induction as traumatizing or distressing to witness, 2) positive feelings regarding having been present, 3) satisfaction regarding the overall experience with surgery, 4) variable feelings in parents who decided not to attend induction, and 5) mixed feelings in the interactions with the care team. Parents expressed an array of positive, negative, and neutral impressions of the experience; however, overall, most experiences were positive. Most parents would choose PPIA again if their child required additional surgery. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to evaluate the benefit of PPIA for pediatric neurosurgical patients. The results show a unique insight into medical communication and patient satisfaction with high-risk surgeries. PPIA may be able to help shape an environment of trust and increase satisfaction with perioperative care.