Reevaluation of Recipient Vessel Selection in Breast Free Flap Reconstruction.

Background: Current consensus has established the internal mammary vessels (IMV) over the thoracodorsal vessels (TDV) as the preferred recipients for microvascular breast reconstruction due to their superior flow rates and long-established outcomes. Yet, there are occurrences where the IMVs are not reliable and may subsequently prompt intraoperative decision-making. Several options exist, including the contralateral IMVs, thoracoacromial vessels, and TDVs.

Unveiling the Need to Improve Personalized Applicant Tools: A Critical Evaluation of the Reliability of the Texas STAR database in Predicting Match Success for Plastic Surgery Applicants.

Objectives: Using Texas STAR (seeking transparency in application to residency), we aimed to 1) examine predictors of matching success in integrated plastic surgery residency programs and 2) assess the reliability of the tool.

Design, Setting, And Participants: A retrospective analysis of self-reported nationwide data of plastic surgery residency applicants between 2021 and 2023 across 146 participating medical schools were included. A comparison analysis was performed between matched and unmatched applicants using chi-squared tests, t-tests, and logistic regression models.

Chaperone Use During Plastic Surgery Physical Examinations: Nationwide Provider Practices and Impact of Level of Training.

Background: Medical chaperones often play an important role during physical examinations, providing patient comfort and serving as medicolegal witness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare practices regarding chaperone use by plastic surgery attendings and trainees.

Methods: A voluntary survey was distributed to members of the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons.

Opioid-sparing Strategies in Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Pain and discomfort are frequently experienced following mastectomy with concomitant breast implant- or tissue expander-based alloplastic breast reconstruction (AlBR). Unfortunately, postoperative opioids have decreased efficacy in AlBR, short-term complication profiles, and are fraught by long-term dependence. This systematic review aims to identify opioid-sparing pain management strategies in AlBR.