Further evidence that human acellular dermal matrix decreases inflammatory markers of capsule formation in implant-based breast reconstruction.

Background: Human acellular dermal matrix (HADM; previously termed "acellular cadaveric dermis") may limit inflammatory changes believed to play a role in capsular contracture, a common complication of implant-based breast reconstruction.

Objectives: Differences between HADM and native breast capsule specimens were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis of key inflammatory markers involved in capsule formation.

Methods: Twenty consecutive patients underwent immediate, 2-stage, implant-based breast reconstruction with dual-plane HADM.

Outcomes with porcine acellular dermal matrix versus synthetic mesh and suture in complicated open ventral hernia repair.

Background: Mesh reinforcement as part of open ventral hernia repair (OVHR) has become the standard of care. However, there is no consensus on the ideal type of mesh to use. In many clinical situations, surgeons are reluctant to use synthetic mesh.

Readmission following open ventral hernia repair: incidence, indications, and predictors.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, indications, and predictive factors of hospital readmission after open ventral hernia repair.

Methods: A retrospective review of all open ventral hernia repairs at a single institution from 2000 to 2010 was performed to assess readmissions between 1 to 30, 1 to 90, and 91 to 365 days. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of 30-day readmission.

Cutaneous malignancies: melanoma and nonmelanoma types.

This article reviews melanoma and nonmelanoma cutaneous malignancies.

Acellular cadaveric dermis decreases the inflammatory response in capsule formation in reconstructive breast surgery.

Background: Acellular cadaveric dermis in implant-based breast reconstruction provides an alternative to total submuscular placement. To date, there has been no detailed in vivo human analysis of the histopathologic sequelae of acellular cadaveric dermis in implant-based breast reconstruction. Based on clinical observations, we hypothesize that acellular cadaveric dermis decreases the inflammatory response and foreign body reaction normally seen around breast implants.

Effective breast reconstruction in female veterans.

Background: Despite increasing female veteran numbers, literature regarding reconstruction after breast cancer is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine breast reconstruction referral rates and reconstruction outcomes at a tertiary Veterans Affairs hospital.

Methods: Female breast cancer patients (1997-2008) were identified.

Abdominal wall repair using human acellular dermal matrix: a follow-up study.

Background: The role of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) is unclear. The aim of this study was to review the management, complications, and long-term outcomes of AWR using ADM in a large surgical cohort.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing AWR using ADM from 2004 to 2007 was performed.

Outcome-based residency education: teaching and evaluating the core competencies in plastic surgery.

Through its oversight of residency education in the United States, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has mandated new structural changes in resident education with its newly created core competencies and an emphasis on outcomes-based education. These core competencies represent the central areas in which the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education believes a plastic surgery resident should receive adequate and appropriate education and training. In addition, as part of this outcomes-based education, residents are to be evaluated on their level of mastery in these core competencies.

Optimizing the patient for surgical treatment of the wound.

Plastic surgeons are consulted often to close wounds that fail or are difficult to heal. Optimizing the patient's medical condition before surgical closure of a wound can mean the difference between a successful outcome and an undesirable one. It is imperative that plastic surgeons have an extensive knowledge of the modifiable risk factors affecting the wound-healing process and their subsequent complications.

Optimization and validation of an ischemic wound model.

Localized tissue ischemia is a key factor in the development and poor prognosis of chronic wounds. Currently, there are no standardized animal models that provide sufficient tissue to evaluate the effect of modalities that may induce angiogenesis, and in vitro models of angiogenesis do not mimic the complexity of the ischemic wound bed. Therefore, we set out to develop a reproducible ischemic model for use in wound-healing studies.