Simulating the IMA Recipient Site for DIEP Flap Surgery: A New Model for Dynamic Microsurgery Simulation with Real-Time Respiration and a Pilot Study.

Background:  Breast reconstruction (BR) using autologous free flaps has been shown to have numerous psychosocial and quality-of-life benefits. Unfortunately, the microsurgical learning curve is quite steep due to some unique operative challenges. Currently, there is no realistic simulation model that captures real-life respiratory excursion and the depth of internal mammary vessels within the compact recipient site.

Determining the Independent Risk Factors for Worse SCAR-Q Scores and Future Scar Revision Surgery.

Background: Scar revisions have been increasing in number. Patient-reported outcome measures are one tool to aid scar modulation decision-making. The aims of this study were to determine patient, scar, and clinical risk factors for (1) low SCAR-Q Appearance, Symptom, and Psychosocial Impact scores and how this differs for children; and (2) the potential need for future scar revision surgery to better identify such patients in a clinical setting.

Psychometric Findings for the SCAR-Q Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Based on 731 Children and Adults with Surgical, Traumatic, and Burn Scars from Four Countries.

Background: Each year, millions of individuals develop scars secondary to surgery, trauma, and/or burns. Scar-specific patient-reported outcome measures to evaluate outcomes are needed. To address the gap in available measures, the SCAR-Q was developed following international guidelines for patient-reported outcome measure development.

Timing of Presentation of Pediatric Compartment Syndrome and Its Microsurgical Implication: A Retrospective Review.

Background: Pediatric forearm compartment syndrome can lead to severe functional disability. Although it is known that earlier presentation with decompression leads to better outcomes, it is not known when presentation after injury leads to significant loss of function requiring microsurgical intervention. The authors describe the rate of microsurgical reconstruction after pediatric forearm compartment syndrome as related to timing of presentation.

A Systematic Review of Surgical Randomized Controlled Trials: Part 2. Funding Source, Conflict of Interest, and Sample Size in Plastic Surgery.

Background: The authors examined industry support, conflict of interest, and sample size in plastic surgery randomized controlled trials that compared surgical interventions. They hypothesized that industry-funded trials demonstrate statistically significant outcomes more often, and randomized controlled trials with small sample sizes report statistically significant results more frequently.

Methods: An electronic search identified randomized controlled trials published between 2000 and 2013.

A Systematic Review of Surgical Randomized Controlled Trials: Part I. Risk of Bias and Outcomes: Common Pitfalls Plastic Surgeons Can Overcome.

Background: The authors investigated the methodological validity of plastic surgery randomized controlled trials that compared surgical interventions.

Methods: An electronic search identified randomized controlled trials published between 2000 and 2013. Reviewers, independently and in duplicate, assessed manuscripts and performed data extraction.

Safety of tissue expander/implant versus autologous abdominal tissue breast reconstruction in postmastectomy breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer should be informed by evidence-based knowledge, such as complication rates. The authors compared the safety of tissue expander/implant reconstruction with that of autologous abdominal tissue reconstruction.

Methods: A systematic literature review identified peer-reviewed studies published from January of 2000 to October of 2012 that compared tissue expander/implant against autologous abdominal tissue reconstruction in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses databases.

Systematic review of economic evaluations in plastic surgery.

Background: Economic evaluations are quantitative methods comparing alternative interventions using cost data and expected outcomes. They are used to recommend/dissuade adoption of new surgical interventions and compare different clinical pathways, settings (inpatient/outpatient), or time horizons to determine which procedure may be more cost-effective. The objective of this systematic review was to describe all published English economic evaluations related to a plastic surgery domain.