Two Decades of Insights into Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Hand Infections.

Background: The objective of our study is to describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of a large cohort with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) hand infection.

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of all adults (≥18 years) managed at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) for NTM hand infection between 1998 and 2018.

Results: Our cohort included 81 patients.

Animal models in lymph node transfer surgery: A systematic review.

Background And Aim: Lymph node transfer surgery (LNTS) is indicated in secondary lymphedema (LE) patients who do not respond to conservative therapy. Animal models are the spearhead of LE research and were used to pioneer most of the surgical interventions currently in practice. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to explore animal models dedicated to LNTS to compare different species, techniques, and outcomes.

Simulation in Hand Surgery: A Literature Review.

Background: Due to duty hour regulations, patient safety and inadequate operative time simulation have become a necessary part of surgical education and training in residency. Currently, there is no formal adoption of simulators for the use of surgical education or assessment in hand surgery. This literature review analyzes that the simulation techniques established thus far in hand surgery.

Single versus two-stage phalloplasty for transgender female-to-male patients: a systematic review of the literature.

Phalloplasty is the main treatment for gender dysphoria disorder. It is difficult to ascertain if staging of phalloplasty influences the rate of complications. We aim to describe and compare the rates of complication between single versus two-stage phalloplasty for transgender female-to-male patients.

Surgical techniques of phalloplasty in transgender patients: a systematic review.

Gender confirmation surgery has a crucial role among transgender individuals. Phalloplasty is a procedure that uses flaps for phallic shaft creation. Flaps can be classified in free flaps or pedicle flaps and can be obtained from different donor sites such as forearm, thigh, abdomen, groin, and leg, and upper back.

Amelanotic melanoma of the head and neck: analysis of tumor characteristics from the National Cancer Database.

Background: Amelanotic melanoma is an extremely rare subtype of cutaneous melanoma. The tumor characteristics are still not well understood, especially for those located in the head and neck.

Methods: Tumor characteristics of patients diagnosed with amelanotic melanoma of the head and neck (AMHN) from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2015, were analyzed by querying the National Cancer Database.

Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis for Lower Extremity Lymphedema: A Systematic Review.

 Lymphedema is an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial spaces resulting from impairment in the lymphatic circulation that can impair quality of life and cause considerable morbidity. Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) has an overall incidence rate of 20%. Conservative therapies are the first step in treatment of LEL; however, they do not provide a cure because they fail to address the underlying physiologic dysfunction of the lymphatic system.

Analysis of Melanoma in African American Patients in the United States.

Background/aim: To characterize the demographics, tumor staging and treatment of African American (AA) patients diagnosed with melanoma in the United States.

Patients And Methods: The National Cancer Database was used to extrapolate data from patients with melanoma between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2015. The patients were then further divided based on ethnicity (AAs vs.

Outcomes of laparoscopic and open CAPD catheter placement: A single-center experience.

Background: Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) catheter placement is typically a straightforward surgical procedure performed on chronically ill patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Post-operative outcomes and reoperative rates vary greatly in the medical literature. We report our experience using both minimally invasive and open techniques in placing CAPD catheters and offer our surgical outcomes.

Low-cost materials yield high resolution assessment of anatomic knowledge in surgical residents.

Introduction: Knowledge of anatomy is essential for surgeons. We sought to determine whether it is possible to effectively assess and differentiate the anatomic knowledge of general surgery residents, using pieces of fabric and yarn.

Methods: Postgraduate years 2, 3, and 4 general surgery residents were assessed during a simulation-based assessment known as the Surgical X-Games.

Validation of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma's emergency general surgery breast infection grading system.

Background: The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) developed emergency general surgery (EGS) grading systems for multiple diseases to standardize classification of disease severity. The grading system for breast infections has not been validated. We aimed to validate the AAST breast infection grading system.