360-degree evaluations of plastic surgery resident accreditation council for graduate medical education competencies: experience using a short form.

Background: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has asked training programs to develop methods to evaluate resident performance, using competencies essential for outcomes.

Methods: A two-page form was completed by 12 surgeons and 28 nurses and clinical staff directly involved in plastic surgery patient care (n = 40), evaluating University of Kentucky plastic surgery residents at each level of training (n = 6). There were eight groups of health care professionals among the 40.

Role of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in free flap salvage.

The use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) in microvascular surgery has been previously reported, but no consensus exists regarding its indications, dose, efficacy, or safety. The records of all patients undergoing free tissue transfer at one institution between 2000 and 2005 were reviewed. Patients requiring reexploration for pedicle thrombosis were identified.

Breast reduction as an alternative treatment option for early breast cancer in women with macromastia.

Macromastia has been considered a relative contraindication to breast conservation therapy because of difficulties with postoperative radiation therapy and cosmesis. This study evaluates the feasibility of the inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty as a component of breast conservation therapy for patients with early breast cancer. A retrospective review identified 6 patients with macromastia receiving oncologic treatment of breast cancer and simultaneous breast reduction.

Modern surgical treatment of complex facial fractures: a 6-year review.

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with refined titanium plates and screws have revolutionized the surgical treatment of complex facial fractures, but its outcome remains relatively unknown. The purpose of this study is to review the results of modern surgical treatment of complex facial fractures involving at least two of the three zones of the face. From 1996 to 2002, 54 consecutive patients (41 males, 13 females; age 5-74 years) with complex facial fractures were treated by the plastic surgery service in our institution.

Microvascular free flap reconstruction in pediatric lower extremity trauma: a 10-year review.

Background: Limb-threatening wounds of the adult distal lower extremity pose a challenge to the microvascular surgeon and are the subject of a sizable body of literature. The microsurgical management of these injuries in the pediatric population has some unique features but has not previously been the subject of a separate study.

Methods: A review was performed of all pediatric patients (<18 years of age) who received lower extremity free flaps for trauma at the University of Kentucky Medical Center between 1992 and 2002.