[Are autonomous departments better research institutions? Influence of independence on publication performance and study-types in academic Plastic Surgery].

Introduction: Despite its increasing acceptance as an autonomous specialty the field of plastic surgery remains underrepresented in terms of independent departments with a dedicated research infrastructure. The objective of this study was to analyze the current quantitative and qualitative publication performance of academic plastic surgery in Germany in order to compare independent departments and subordinate organizational structures regarding their scientific efficiency.

Material And Methods: Via a pubmed analysis the publication performance between 2014 and 2015 was analyzed.

[En Route for Objective Evaluation of Form, Volume, and Symmetry in Plastic Surgery using 3-D Intraoperative Scans].

Background: There has been ongoing development in the field of 3-dimensional (3-D) Surface Imaging by laser scanner and digital 3-D photography (Photogrammetry) in recent years. Manufacturers tend to make new 3-D cameras compact, light-weighted, mobile, and user-friendly, similar to the development on the smartphone market. Although 3D scans have been used for patient consultations and digital documentation in Plastic Surgery since the 1980, there has been no significant development lately regarding its use for objective assistance during surgery.

[Independence in Plastic Surgery - Benefit or Barrier? Analysis of the Publication Performance in Academic Plastic Surgery Depending on Varying Organisational Structures].

Introduction: Despite its recognition as an independent specialty, at German university hospitals the field of plastic surgery is still underrepresented in terms of independent departments with a dedicated research focus. The aim of this study was to analyse the publication performance within the German academic plastic surgery environment and to compare independent departments and dependent, subordinate organisational structures regarding their publication performance.

Material And Methods: Organisational structures and number of attending doctors in German university hospitals were examined via a website analysis.