Use of Integra in the Management of Complex Hand Wounds From Cancer Resection and Nonburn Trauma.

Background: Despite extensive use of Integra in burn reconstruction, little has been published regarding its utility in complex hand wounds from nonburn trauma or cancer resection. This study aimed to review outcomes following Integra use for hand reconstruction following cancer resection or nonburn trauma with exposed bone, joints, and/or tendons.

Methods: Retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing hand reconstruction with Integra for exposed bones, joints, or tendons over a 6-year period at a single institution.

Long-Term Outcomes of Pediatric Cranial Reconstruction Using Resorbable Plating Systems for the Treatment of Craniosynostosis.

Background: Resorbable plating in cranial reconstruction for craniosynostosis has fewer reported complications than rigid hardware. Few long-term outcome studies exist for pediatric patients treated with this technology for cranial vault reconstruction.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed on pediatric patients undergoing cranial vault reconstruction for craniosynostosis by 3 surgeons over a 15-year period.

Impact of intraoperative vasopressor use in free tissue transfer for head, neck, and extremity reconstruction.

General anesthesia induces hypotension and this is commonly treated intraoperatively with administering vasopressors. Microsurgeons are hesitant to use vasopressors due to the potential risk of inducing vasoconstriction and flap necrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of intraoperative vasopressor utilization in patients undergoing free tissue transfer reconstruction and to determine its impact on patient outcomes.

The effect of reusable versus disposable draping material on infection rates in implant-based breast reconstruction: a prospective randomized trial.

Background: Clinical infection remains a significant problem in implant-based breast reconstruction and is a physical and emotional strain to the breast reconstruction patient. Bacterial strikethrough of draping and gown material is a likely source of infection. Strategies to reduce infection in implant-based breast reconstruction are essential to improve patient outcomes.

The plastic surgery match: predicting success and improving the process.

Plastic surgery continues to be a very competitive program to match into out of medical school. To analyze the match process, all applicants to our plastic surgery residency program in 2012 were surveyed. Our results showed that with matching into plastic surgery as the primary outcome measure, those who matched applied to more plastic surgery programs, received and accepted more interview invitations, were younger, were less likely to be foreign medical graduates, reported higher costs, had higher Step 1 and Step 2 scores, were more likely to be an Alpha Omega Alpha member, and conducted more research.