Critical Thinking in the Texting Age.

Objectives: Though texting has become a preferred way for clinicians to discuss patient care, surgeons report that texting detracts from trainees' education. Little research has explored how texting relates to education and more specifically to critical thinking - the problem-solving and decision-making processes central to safe patient care. As such, we aimed to identify how trainees perceived the effect of texting on critical thinking.

Comparing Provider and ChatGPT Responses to Breast Reconstruction Patient Questions in the Electronic Health Record.

Background: Patient-directed Electronic Health Record (EHR) messaging is used as an adjunct to enhance patient-physician interactions but further burdens the physician. There is a need for clear electronic patient communication in all aspects of medicine, including plastic surgery. We can potentially utilize innovative communication tools like ChatGPT.

Abdominal Mesh Use in Pedicled Rectus Abdominis Flaps for Pelvic Reconstruction.

Background: Rectus abdominis flap coverage of high-risk perineal wounds following extirpative pelvic procedures can result in improved perineal outcomes. However, rectus abdominis flap harvest has morbidity associated with the donor site, including hernia or bulge development. The risk-benefit profile of mesh use in this scenario is not well-defined in the literature.

Comparing Peer and Faculty Feedback for Asynchronous Laparoscopic Skill Acquisition.

Objective: Traditionally, expert surgeons have provided surgical trainees with feedback about their simulation performance, including for asynchronous practice. Unfortunately, innumerable time demands may limit experts' ability to provide feedback. It is unknown whether and how peer feedback is an effective mechanism to help residents acquire laparoscopic skill in an asynchronous setting.

Soft Tissue Reconstruction After Sacral Neoplasm Resection: The University of California San Francisco Experience.

Purpose: Resection of sacral neoplasms such as chordoma and chondrosarcoma with subsequent reconstruction of large soft tissue defects is a complex multidisciplinary process. Radiotherapy and prior abdominal surgery play a role in reconstructive planning; however, there is no consensus on how to maximize outcomes. In this study, we present our institution's experience with the reconstructive surgical management of this unique patient population.