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We describe the different categories of systems and systems thinking, and illustrate why almost all clinical interactions constitute simultaneously complex and complicated systems, so-called "wicked systems". We also discuss why they are not amenable to quantitative analysis. With the use of comparisons and illustrations we show some of the problems that reductionist metrics create, and support concerns regarding quantitative fallacy. The systematic correlation of data in medicine was one of the earliest achievements of the discipline. Recently, however, the overwhelming bias towards an evidence base, which relies almost entirely on randomised controlled trials, has created a reductionist view that often excludes important aspects of medicine and, in particular, surgery. We must now move away from thinking that is controlled by the "tyranny of metrics" to embrace complex-systems thinking, and work across disciplines. We outline the arguments for this and give clinical examples from oral and maxillofacial surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the surgical management of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) we aim to resect the tumour with clear margins in all planes. The aim of this study was to identify and compare overall survival in a group of 591 patients who had resections, and to relate this to the clearance of margins at the tumour bed. We used life tables to calculate survival at one, two, three, five, and 10 years after diagnosis by margin (clear = 5 mm or more; close = 2–5 mm; and involved = less than 2 mm). Kaplan–Meier curves were produced for the margins alone, which were defined as clear in 480 patients (81%), close in 63 (11%), and involved in 48 (8%). Five-year survival was 81%, 75%, and 54% for clear, close, and involved margins, respectively, which highlights the importance of clear margins for survival. There is a significant prognostic implication associated with close, and particularly with involved, margins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Serum testosterone levels are known to have diurnal variation and to decrease by up to 2% per year after the age of 40. They can also be affected by stress and aggressive behaviour as well as various medical conditions. Although studies have investigated the role of mood and stress, none has specifically evaluated the effect of operative procedures on surgeons testosterone levels, particularly those in our own specialty, one that has historically been associated with perceived ‘high testosterone’ levels. We devised a suppositional study, particularly pertinent for publication at the beginning of April. This was a prospective randomised study of five male consultant maxillofacial surgeons (including two with male pattern baldness) and assayed serum testosterone levels at rest, during, and after a series of major ablative and reconstructive procedures. The resting testosterone levels were found to be similar in all surgeons (220±120.9mcg/ml). During major head and neck procedures, a statistically significant increase in serum testosterone was found (up to a maximum concentration of 1062.50mcg/ml). Multivariate analysis revealed that the likely predictors of increasing serum testosterone were: size and extent of tumour and complexity, and type of microvascular reconstruction (all P <0.001). The long-term effects of chronically raised serum testosterone warrant further investigation but recent evidence has found that it may be cerebro-protective against conditions including Alzheimer''s syndrome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Radial forearm free flaps (RFFFs) are safe, but critical ischaemia of the hand has been described and is catastrophic. Every effort should therefore be made to improve the safety margin even further. Colour flow duplex ultrasound (US) is a simple, non-invasive and effective assessment tool. We compared it with Allen''s test to identify serious vascular anomalies. We studied 121 patients who were listed to have a RFFF harvested, all of whom had both duplex US assessment and Allen''s testing of the selected arm. The significance of differences in proportions was assessed using McNemar''s test. Five of the 121 patients had an alternative flap selected as a consequence of the duplex assessment. A single flap failed. There were no ischaemic vascular complications that affected the hand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Extraction of mandibular third molars is one of the most common procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and it is normal practice to extract both teeth at one visit under general anaesthesia. However, when both teeth are extracted under local anaesthesia, bilateral inferior alveolar and lingual nerve blocks are required, which is a subject of debate among clinicians. Much of the controversy surrounds the safety and efficacy of bilateral anaesthesia even though many surgeons use local anaesthetic solutions for perioperative and postoperative pain relief after day case general anaesthesia with no reports of unwanted effects. The evidence presented in this review explores published research for and against the use of unilateral and bilateral inferior alveolar and lingual nerve blocks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]