Publications by authors named "Samuel Huffman"

Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) remains a complex complication following gender-affirming vaginoplasty. This review aims to evaluate RVF repair techniques and outcomes following vaginoplasty. A systematic review was performed per PRISMA guidelines.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study aimed to evaluate how clinically significant weight loss (CSWL) affects postoperative complications after abdominal wall reconstruction using the component separation technique (CST).
  • A review of 180 patients undergoing ventral hernia repair showed that 22.2% achieved CSWL, with this group having a higher body mass index (BMI) and obesity rates compared to those who didn't.
  • Results indicated that complications such as surgical site issues and readmissions were similar in both CSWL and non-CSWL groups, suggesting that higher BMI at the time of surgery is a more critical factor for complications than previous weight loss.
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Background: The surgical decision for limb-salvage with free tissue transfer (FTT), partial foot amputation (PFA), or below-knee amputation (BKA) for complex lower extremity (LE) wounds hinges on several factors, including patient choice and baseline function. However, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) on LE function, pain, and QoL for chronic LE wound interventions are limited. Thus, the study aim was to compare PROMs in patients who underwent FTT, PFA, or BKA for chronic LE wounds.

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The 5-factor modified Frailty Index (mFI-5) is a risk-stratification tool utilized to predict complications and mortality following major lower extremity (LE) amputation. However, its prognostic value for long-term mortality is unknown. The study aim was to assess whether a high mFI-5 score relates to long-term mortality following major LE amputation for chronic wounds.

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Background: Reconstructive surgery has experienced a paradigm shift in favor of free flaps. Yet local flaps may be of particular use in foot and ankle reconstruction among comorbid patient populations. Thus, the authors sought to better characterize long-term outcomes in this setting.

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Introduction: Reconstruction following pilonidal cyst resection must balance risk of recurrence, healing time, and resumption of functional routine. Propeller flaps provide a reliable and effective reconstructive option. This study highlights our experience with propeller flap reconstruction following pilonidal cyst resection and demonstrates the efficacy of same-day discharge.

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Background: Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are frequently employed in immediate prosthesis-based breast reconstruction (iPBR) to provide structural support. Despite differences in ADM derivatives, few studies directly compare their outcomes in the setting of iPBR. We sought to conduct a large head-to-head study comparing 3 ADMs used across our institution.

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Background: Propeller perforator flaps (PPFs) have increased in popularity due to the freedom in design and ability to cover a variety of defects without sacrificing the major vessels. Present reports of PPFs for upper limb reconstruction have not provided guidance for hand reconstruction, specifically. This study aims to review the current literature and evaluate techniques for use of PPFs in hand reconstruction.

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 Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders. However, no studies examine how psychiatric disorders influence surgical and financial outcomes. This study aimed to assess impact of a psychiatric diagnosis on patients treated for HS.

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Background: Autologous breast reconstruction confers favorable patient reports of satisfaction and quality of life compared with implant-based reconstruction over a lifetime. The latissimus dorsi with immediate fat transfer (LIFT) is an alternative approach to abdominally based free flaps (Ab-FF), which expands fully autologous reconstruction to nonmicrosurgeons. This study compared the 2 procedures concerning their clinical and patient-reported outcomes 1 year postoperatively.

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Background: NF is a life-threatening soft tissue infection that most commonly occurs in the lower extremity. While presenting symptoms such as erythema, severe pain, sepsis, and wound crepitation are well documented, diagnosis of NF of the breast often is obscured by a low clinical index of suspicion due to its relative rarity as well as by the breast parenchyma that physically separates the underlying fascia and overlying skin. Several risk factors have previously been identified, such as underlying infection, diabetes, advanced age, and immunosuppression.

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Background: Some surgeons use body mass index criteria within the patient selection processes before vaginoplasty, thereby limiting access to select obese patients. We sought to better characterize the effect of obesity on postoperative outcomes across multiple vaginoplasty techniques.

Methods: A single-center retrospective review of all transfeminine patients undergoing primary vaginoplasty procedures from December 2018 to July 2022 was conducted.

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Background: While advanced age is often considered a risk factor for complications following abdominal surgery, its impact on outcomes after complex open ventral hernia repair (VHR) with component separation technique (CST) remains unclear.

Methods: A single-center retrospective review of patients who VHR with CST from November 2008 to January 2022 was performed and cohorts were stratified by presence of advanced age (≥60 years).

Results: Of 219 patients who underwent VHR with CST, 114 patients (52.

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Background: Identifying at-risk patients for complications remains challenging in patients with chronic lower extremity (LE) wounds receiving free tissue transfer (FTT) for limb salvage. The modified-5 frailty index (mFI-5) has been utilized to predict postoperative complications, yet it has not been studied in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of the mFI-5 in predicting adverse postoperative outcomes.

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Background: The role of surgical management of calciphylaxis remains understudied.

Objective: This article reports a case series and algorithmic approach to the multidisciplinary management of calciphylaxis.

Methods: A single-center retrospective review of all adult patients with calciphylaxis treated surgically between January 2010 and November 2022 was performed.

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Background:  Breast cancer-related lymphedema is the most common cause of lymphedema in the United States and occurs in up to 50% of individuals receiving axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Lymphovenous bypass (LVB) at the time of ALND may prevent lymphedema, but long-term results and anastomotic patency are unclear. This study evaluates the feasibility and outcomes of performing immediate lymphatic reconstruction via coupler-assisted bypass (CAB).

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Background:  Patients with complex lower extremity (LE) wounds and single-vessel LE runoff (1-VRO) are often considered for amputation. While more challenging, free tissue transfer (FTT) is a means for limb salvage. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of limb salvage with FTT in patients with 1-VRO.

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Despite known risks of hyperglycemia on postoperative complications, the influence of intraoperative dexamethasone on blood glucose has yet to be evaluated within the diabetic limb salvage population. This study aimed to assess the effect of intraoperative dexamethasone on postoperative blood glucose in diabetic patients undergoing atraumatic major lower extremity amputations. A single-center retrospective review of diabetic patients undergoing below-knee amputation between January 2017 and December 2022 was performed.

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Objective: As one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures, liposuction is relatively safe. Bowel injury following liposuction is a rare but devastating complication, which necessitates hospital admission and surgical intervention. The authors highlight a case report describing the presentation, diagnosis, and management of a patient with bowel injury following liposuction.

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Article Synopsis
  • In patients with chronic lower extremity wounds, this study investigates the recurrence rates of osteomyelitis between those receiving fasciocutaneous flaps and muscle flaps after free tissue transfer surgery.
  • A total of 48 patients were analyzed, with 58.3% receiving fasciocutaneous flaps and the rest muscle flaps, and common comorbid conditions included diabetes and peripheral vascular disease.
  • Findings indicated a 25% recurrence rate of osteomyelitis, but no significant differences were observed in outcomes such as flap success, limb salvage, and ambulation between the two types of flaps.
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Article Synopsis
  • * A study surveyed 54 patients (about 27% response rate) who had HS, revealing a mean financial toxicity score of 19.7, indicating low to moderate financial burden, with most costs coming from out-of-pocket expenses averaging around $2,250 over a year.
  • * Results showed that patients with private insurance faced lower financial toxicity than those on Medicaid or Medicare, and higher out-of-pocket costs were linked to increased financial strain, especially for those with more extensive disease affecting multiple body areas.
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Introduction: COVID-19 illness is associated with increased operative risks, ranging from delayed wound healing and coagulopathy to increased risk of mortality.

Objective: This article describes the authors' recent experience of the implications of COVID-19 on limb salvage procedures.

Materials And Methods: Patients who underwent LE limb salvage procedures within 30 days of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis were retrospectively reviewed.

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Background: Common mental disorders (CMD) are highly morbid conditions not routinely screened for in chronic wound care. A comorbid psychiatric condition's influence on a patient with chronic wounds' quality of life (QoL) is unknown. This study investigates the implications of CMD on QoL in patients with chronic lower extremity (LE) wounds.

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