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Background: Single index finger replantation is often listed as a contraindication due to its hindrance of hand function when replanted. Recent studies demonstrate comparable subjective and global functional outcomes for index flexor zone II finger replants versus revision amputations. We therefore sought to identify current opinions of plastic surgery trainees and staff treating single index finger zone II amputations including influential patient and injury characteristics. Methods: With the approval of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery, a 17-question survey was sent via email to all listed members on 3 separate occasions. Participation was voluntary and survey responses were compiled and analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results: Survey response rate was 38.5%. When asked whether the surgeon would replant a single index digit, flexor zone II, sharp amputation, 55.3% of respondents chose “yes,” while 44.7% responded “no.” Staff (51.5%) were less likely to replant a single index digit amputation. Likelihood of replant dropped substantially in crush (12.4%) and avulsion (17.1%) injury. Smoking was the most likely patient characteristic to change a surgeon’s decision (61.9%). Poor range of motion (77.5%) and patient satisfaction (72.5%) were the most frequently listed reasons not to replant. Conclusion: Among Canadian plastic surgeons, there exists disagreement in how single index flexor zone II amputations should be managed. In review of the literature, these notions and previous teaching around replants highlight many inherent surgeon biases with regard to the merit and value of single digit replantation.

Background Some women with breast implants express concern about the safety of implants, fearing the possibility of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and breast implant-related illness. Methods A qualitative analysis was performed to examine the perceived challenges, barriers, and worries experienced by these women. Convenience sampling was used to elicit responses from members of Canadian BIA-ALCL Facebook advocacy groups. Three independent coders read and reread the transcripts, using thematic analysis to identify emerging themes. Results Sixty-four women answered questions posed by the president of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons regarding concerns about their breast implants. Five themes were identified: informing, listening, acknowledging, clarifying, and moving forward. Patients desire improved communication about possible risks before implantation and as new information becomes available (informing), sincere listening to their concerns (listening), acknowledgement that these disease entities may be real and have psychosocial/physical impact on patients (acknowledging), clarification of implant-related problems and their treatment (clarifying), and improved processes for monitoring and treatment of patients with identified problems (moving forward). Consideration of these themes in the context of the five domains of trust theory (i.e., fidelity, competence, honesty, confidentiality, and global trust) suggests significant breakdown in the doctor-patient relationship for a subset of concerned women. Conclusions Concerns related to BIA-ALCL and breast implant-related illnesses have undermined some women's trust in plastic surgeons. Consideration of these five themes and their impact on the five domains of trust can guide strategies for reestablishing patients' trust in the plastic surgery community.

The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of using a multidisciplinary hand clinic on (1) hand clinic waitlists for urgent operative pathologies and (2) the volume of urgent operative referrals seen by plastic surgery.A retrospective data analysis of all new referrals to the Peter Lougheed Centre hand clinic in Calgary, Alberta, was performed. Data were collected from 6 months before and after the introduction of the multidisciplinary model (ie, between January 2017 and January 2018). Demographics for all new referrals were collected from the clinic database, including wait times, triage type, and volume of referrals triaged to each discipline.Prior to using a multidisciplinary model, 81% (n = 591) of new patient referrals were triaged directly to plastic surgery, 4% (n = 28) to physiotherapy, and 6% (n = 43) to minor surgery (N = 728). However, following the addition of physiatry to the clinic, 62% (n = 451) of new patient referrals were triaged directly to plastic surgery, 24% (n = 173) to physiatry, 2% (n = 17) to physiotherapy, and 4% (n = 31) to minor surgery (N = 730). Overall, the number of urgent operative referrals triaged to plastic surgery proportionally increased by 7%, from 67% to 74%. Mean wait times for urgent referrals to plastic surgery decreased by 1.7 ± 1.0 months (Applying a multidisciplinary model to a hand clinic can allow non-operative cases to be triaged directly to physiotherapy and physiatry, allowing plastic surgeons to manage a higher volume of urgent and operative referrals. Implementing a multidisciplinary hand clinic can, therefore, decrease waitlist volumes and shorten the time to assessment by a plastic surgeon.Level II Prognostic Study.La présente étude vise à décrire les répercussions d’une clinique multidisciplinaire de la main sur 1) la liste d’attente de pathologies devant être opérées d’urgence dans les cliniques de la main; 2) le volume de patients dirigés d’urgence vers la plasturgie.Des chercheurs ont procédé à l’analyse rétrospective des données de tous les patients dirigés vers la clinique de la main du Peter Lougheed Centre de Calgary, en Alberta. Ils ont recueilli les données entre six mois avant et six mois après l’adoption du modèle multidisciplinaire (entre janvier 2017 et 2018). Ils ont extrait tous les nouveaux patients dirigés vers le centre figurant dans la base de données de la clinique, y compris les temps d’attente, le type de triage et le volume de triage vers chaque discipline.Avant d’utiliser un modèle multidisciplinaire, 81 % (n=591) des nouveaux patients étaient triés directement vers la plasturgie, 4 % (n=28) vers la physiothérapie et 6 % (n=43), vers des interventions chirurgicales mineures (n=728). Cependant, après l’ajout de la physiatrie à la clinique, 62 % (n=451) des nouveaux patients étaient triés directement vers la plasturgie, 24 % (n=173), vers la physiatrie, 2 % (n=17), vers la physiothérapie et 4 % (n=31), vers des interventions chirurgicales mineures (n=730). Dans l’ensemble, la proportion de tris vers une opération d’urgence en plasturgie a augmenté de 7 %, passant de 67 % à 74 %. Les temps d’attente moyens des patients dirigés d’urgence vers la plasturgie ont diminué de 1,7±1,0 mois (p=0,09).Le recours à un modèle multidisciplinaire dans une clinique de la main permet de trier directement les cas n’ayant pas à être opérés vers la physiothérapie et la physiatrie. Les plasticiens peuvent ainsi prendre en charge un plus fort volume de patients qui leur ont été dirigés pour une urgence ou une opération. La création d’une clinique multidisciplinaire de la main peut donc réduire le volume de temps d’attente et l’attente avant l’évaluation par un plasticien.Étude pronostique de niveau II.

Objective To review the efficacy and safety of a single dose of intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) given preoperatively. Summary background data TXA is a synthetic antifibrinolytic that has been used in various surgical disciplines to reduce blood loss, blood transfusions, ecchymosis, and hematoma formation. However, there is no universal standard on the most effective dose and route of TXA administration, limiting its routine use in many centers. This study evaluates the current evidence for the efficacy and safety of a single preoperative dose of TXA on surgical blood loss in all surgical disciplines. Methods With the guidance of a research librarian, in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook Medline, Cochrane Central and Embase were searched in November 2018. Search terms included "Tranexamic Acid" AND "Intravenous," with studies limited to randomized controlled trails in adult humans. Two independent reviewers and an arbitrator assessed articles for inclusion. Criteria included a single preoperative bolus dose of intravenous TXA, surgical patients, and intraoperative blood loss measurement or perioperative blood loss up to 24 hours postsurgery. Quality assessment was done using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool by 2 reviewers. Statistical analysis was carried out using Cochrane Review Manager 5.3. The primary outcome was surgical blood loss. Secondary outcomes included venous thromboembolic complications, transfusion requirements, and dosing. Results A total of 1906 articles were screened, 57 met inclusion criteria. The majority of included studies were orthopedic (27), followed by obstetric and gynecological (16), oral maxillofacial and otolaryngology (10), cardiac (3), and 1 plastic surgery study focusing on acute burn reconstruction. Across all surgical specialties (n = 5698), the perioperative estimated blood loss was lower in patients receiving TXA, with a standard mean difference of -153.33 mL (95% CI = -187.79 to -118.87). Overall, surgical patients with TXA had a 72% reduced odds of transfusion (odds ratio = 0.28 [95% CI = 0.22-0.36]). The most frequently used dose of TXA was 15 mg/kg. There was no difference in the incidence of venous thromboembolic events between TXA and control groups. Conclusions While there is a growing body of evidence to support benefits of perioperative TXA use, this is the first meta-analysis to identify the efficacy and safety of a single preoperative dose of IV TXA. The potential implications for expanding the use of preoperative TXA for elective day surgery procedures is substantial. Preoperative intravenous TXA reduced perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in a variety of surgical disciplines without increasing the risk of thromboembolic events. Therefore, it should be considered for prophylactic use in surgery to reduce operative bleeding.

Background:. Traumatic upper limb amputations proximal to the carpus are devastating injuries. Existing literature on outcomes following replantation is limited. Our objective was to perform a scoping review of (1) functional outcomes; (2) return to work data; and (3) secondary surgeries required following proximal to carpus replantation. Methods:. A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. All studies reporting on functional outcomes, return to work, or secondary surgeries following replant of traumatic proximal to carpus amputation were included. Results:. Of the 753 articles, 13 studies were included, accounting for 136 major upper extremity replants (0 shoulder, 36 arm, 14 elbow, 86 forearm). Average age was 35 (24 -47) years, with average follow-up of 8 years (2 -18). Chen's Functional Criteria was the most common tool for reporting outcomes (10/13). Level of injury was related to functional outcome, with excellent to good Chen scores for replants distal to elbow, and poor Chen scores for replants at or proximal to elbow. Return to work correlated with level of replantation, with successful return for 65% of forearm, 43% of elbow, and 32% of arm replants. A mean of 2.4 secondary procedures were required. Conclusions:. This study provides insight into major upper extremity replantation, to assist in patient counseling and surgical decision making. Good functional outcomes and successful return to work are directly related to level of injury following major upper extremity replant. Patients should be counseled that more than 1 secondary procedure may be required.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background: The aim of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate a standardized perioperative enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) clinical care pathway in microsurgical abdominal-based breast reconstruction. Methods: Development of a clinical care pathway was informed by the latest ERAS guideline for breast reconstruction. Key features included shortened preoperative fasting, judicious fluids, multimodal analgesics, early oral nutrition, early Foley catheter removal, and early ambulation. There were 3 groups of women in this cohort study: (1) traditional historical control; (2) transition group with partial implementation; and (3) ERAS. Narcotic use, patient-reported pain scores, antiemetic use, time to regular diet, time to first walk, hospital length of stay, and 30-day postoperative complications were compared between the groups. Results: After implementation of the pathway, the use of parenteral narcotics was reduced by 88% (traditional, 112 mg; transition, 58 mg; ERAS, 13 mg; P < 0.0001), with no consequent increase in patient-reported pain. Patients in the ERAS cohort used less antiemetics (7.0, 5.3, 2.2 doses, P < 0.0001), returned to normal diet 19 hours earlier (46, 39, 27 hours, P < 0.0001), and walked 25 hours sooner (75, 70, 50 hours, P < 0.0001). Overall, hospital length of stay was reduced by 2 days in the ERAS cohort (6.6, 5.6, 4.8 days, P < 0.0001), without an increase in rates of major complications (9.5%, 10.1%, 8.3%, P = 0.9). Conclusions: A clinical care pathway in microsurgical breast reconstruction using the ERAS Society guideline promotes successful early recovery.

Objectives To systematically review literature pertaining to microsurgical skill assessment tools to determine those specific to, and validated for, microsurgery training. Design Multiple databases were searched with preset terms. The search dates included all years up to May 2014. The eligibility criteria included the presence of statistical comparison with a control group and the presence of a measure of validation. The articles and their references were independently reviewed by 2 assessors. Each assessment tool was evaluated for content, construct, face, and criterion validities as well observation/expectant bias and interrater/intrarater reliability. For individual studies, we screened for expectant and selection bias. Results Of the 261 articles reviewed, 10 articles and 1 abstract were included. Those excluded were predominantly assessment tools that did not evaluate microsurgical skill or articles where no assessment tool was described. The assessment tools identified in this review include a self-assessment tool where trainees rate their skill confidence from 1 to 5, stereoscopic visual acuity as a predictor for microsurgical performance, an objective motion-tracking electronic device—the Imperial College of Surgical Assessment Device, and 6 global rating scales. Content, construct, and face validities were consistently demonstrated in addition to observation/expectant bias and interrater reliability. Criterion validity was only demonstrated for half of the instruments and intrarater reliability for only 1. Conclusions Overall, 10 articles and 1 abstract described validated methods. Reliability and validity were demonstrated by 6 global rating scales (University of Western Ontario microsurgical skills acquisition, structured assessment of microsurgery skills, and video-based objective structured assessment of technical skill). Motion analysis using the Imperial College of Surgical Assessment Device is a valid objective measure of skill.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to (1) systematically review all the literature pertaining to microsurgical training models and to (2) determine which of these are specific to and validated for microsurgery training. Design PubMed, MEDLINE (OVID/EBSCO), Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched using preset terms. The last search date was in July 2012. Articles of all languages, years of publication, sample sizes, and model types pertaining to microsurgery were included. The eligibility criteria included the use of a microsurgical training model on a subject group with statistical analysis and measures of validation. Two assessors independently reviewed the articles and their references. Results Of the 238 articles reviewed, 9 articles met the criteria. Those excluded were predominantly model descriptions that had not been validated in a set of learners. The 9 models whose performances were assessed in a group of learners included an online curriculum, nonliving prosthetics and biologics, and the live rat femoral artery model. Each model was evaluated for content, construct, face, and criterion (concurrent and predictive) validity, as well as selection and observation/expectant bias. Content, construct, concurrent, and face validities were consistently demonstrated for all 9 models. Selection bias was also reliably well controlled with random allocation of participants to each study group. Observation/expectant bias was controlled in 6 of the 8 papers. Predictive validity, an arguably more difficult factor to measure, was only present in 1 article. Conclusions Despite a plethora of papers describing microsurgical learning tools, only 9 were discovered that provided validation of the proposed method of microsurgical skills acquisition. This review depicts the need for basic, yet well-designed studies that substantiate the effectiveness of microsurgical training models by using a subject group and demonstrating a statistical improvement with employment of the model. Ease of access, cost, and assessment tools used also require attention.

We present a complication of trapeziectomy with hematoma distraction arthroplasty for thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis in a 61-year-old female. Shortly after Kirschner (K)-wire removal at 5.5 weeks post-operatively, the patient noted weakness with thumb adduction. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies done at 3, 5, and 14 months post-operatively showed acute axonal ulnar neuropathy affecting the deep, distal motor branch of the left hand with subsequent partial recovery of function. We postulate that insertion of 1 of the 2 K-wires resulted in a third-degree transection injury to the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve. To our knowledge, this complication has not been previously reported. We believe it is important for surgeons performing this procedure to be aware of this potential complication as it results in a significant functional disability for the patient.

Large diaphragmatic defects present a reconstructive challenge, often necessitating the use of synthetic materials. We report our experience reconstructing large diaphragmatic defects using human acellular dermal matrix (HADM). Patients unable to undergo primary repair of diaphragmatic defects from 2009 to 2013 were reconstructed using HADM. A chart review was performed to investigate immediate and late post-operative outcomes. Construct stability was assessed with repeat imaging. In addition, a literature review was performed to identify studies in which HADM had been used for diaphragm repair. Four patients required reconstruction of large hemi-diaphragmatic defects. All patients had chest tubes placed, which remained in situ from 4 to 10 days post-operatively. Two patients also had drains in dead space surrounding HADM; these were removed between 6 and 9 days post-procedure. Length of hospital stay ranged from 8 to 65 days. Post-operative complications were seen in 2 patients: surgical site cellulitis and failure of extubation due to persistent respiratory failure. There were no adverse events related to HADM, and all patients remained disease free without evidence of repair failure on radiographic follow-up, ranging from 14 to 62 months. The literature review identified 3 studies in which all diaphragms repaired with HADM remained intact without need for explantation despite common post-operative complications including fluid collections and surgical site infections. Diaphragm reconstruction with HADM is limited to a small number of patients and modest follow-up periods; the neodiaphragms appear durable in contaminated fields, without evidence of repair failure. Our results, and previously published data, indicate HADM is a reasonable option for diaphragm repair.

Pulmonary complications are common after major head and neck oncologic surgery with microsurgical reconstruction and are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Clinical care pathways are evidence-based tools that reduce unnecessary practice variation and ultimately improve patient outcomes. In this study, the authors evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive care pathway on reducing postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital length of stay in patients undergoing major head and neck carcinoma resection with free flap reconstruction.Fifty-five consecutive patients treated according to a prescribed postoperative clinical care pathway were compared to a historical cohort of patients treated before the implementation of the pathway. The incidence of pulmonary complications, hospital length of stay, and free flap survival were compared between the control and intervention groups.Patients on the clinical care pathway had 32.5 percent fewer pulmonary complications (p0.0001) and 7.4 days' shorter hospital length of stay (p = 0.0007) than patients not on the postoperative pathway. There was no significant difference in the rate of flap reoperation.A multidisciplinary, comprehensive, clinical care pathway for patients undergoing major head and neck surgery with microsurgical reconstruction is effective in reducing postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital length of stay. The postoperative pathway is safe in this patient population and should be considered for adoption into clinical practice.Therapeutic, III.

Background The objective of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a postoperative clinical care pathway for patients undergoing major head and neck oncologic surgery with microvascular reconstruction. Methods This is a comparative trial of a prospective treatment group managed on a postoperative clinical care pathway and a historical group managed prior to pathway implementation. Effectiveness outcomes evaluated were total hospital days, return to OR, readmission to ICU and rate of pulmonary complications. Costing perspective was from the government payer. Results 118 patients were included in the study. All outcomes demonstrated that the postoperative pathway group was both more effective and less costly, and is therefore a dominant clinical intervention. The overall mean pre- and post-pathway costs are $22,733 and $16,564 per patient, respectively. The incremental cost reduction associated with the postoperative pathway was $6,169 per patient. Conclusion Implementing the postoperative clinical care pathway in patients undergoing head and neck oncologic surgery with reconstruction resulted in improved clinical outcomes and reduced costs.

Objectives/Hypothesis Large defects secondary to oral cancer resection are reconstructed with microsurgical free flaps. Pulmonary complications in these patients are common. Postoperative mobilization is recommended to decrease respiratory complications; however, many microsurgeons are reluctant to adopt early mobilization protocols due to the perceived risk of flap compromise. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of pneumonia among patients undergoing oral cancer resection and immediate free flap reconstruction and to compare the incidence of this complication between patients mobilized early (

To summarize current Canadian practice patterns in the diagnosis of and interventions for inhalation injuries (INHI).A 10-question survey regarding the diagnosis of and interventions for INHI was sent to the medical directors of all 16 burn centres across Canada.The response rate to the survey was 50%. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy is required for the diagnosis of INHI in only four centres (50%). The departments of intensive care, plastic surgery, otolaryngology and respirology are involved in performing fibreoptic bronchoscopy in 87.5%, 37.5%, 12.5% and 12.5% of Canadian burn centres, respectively. Intubation for INHI is most often based on physical examination results (87.5%) and clinical history (75%). The most common physical features believed to be most consistent with INHI are dyspnea (87.5%) and hoarseness (87.5%). Common treatments include intubation (87.5%), routine ventilatory support (87.5%) and chest physiotherapy (75%). None of the centres used nebulized heparin. A total of five centres (62.5%) routinely changed the fluid resuscitation protocol when INHI was diagnosed. Only two centres (25%) routinely used prophylactic antibiotics for INHI.Prospective, multicentre trials are needed to generate evidence-based consensus in the areas of diagnosis, grading and treatment for INHI in Canada.Résumer les profils de pratique actuels quant au diagnostic et aux interventions relatifs aux lésions par inhalation (LINH).Les directeurs médicaux des 16 centres de brûlés du Canada ont reçu un sondage de dix questions sur le diagnostic et les interventions relatifs aux LINH.Le taux de réponse au sondage s’élevait à 50 %. La bronchoscopie par fibres optiques est obligatoire dans seulement quatre centres pour diagnostiquer les LINH (50 %). Les départements de soins intensifs, de chirurgie plastique, d’otorhinolaryngologie et de pneumologie participent à la bronchoscopie par fibres optiques dans 87,5 %, 37,5 %, 12,5 % et 12,5 % des centres de brûlés du Canada, respectivement. L’intubation découlant de LINH dépend surtout des résultats de l’examen médical (87,5 %) et des antécédents cliniques (75 %). La dyspnée (87,5 %) et la raucité (87,5 %) sont les principales caractéristiques cliniques perçues comme les plus évocatrices de LINH. Les traitements fréquents incluent l’intubation (87,5 %), le soutien ventilatoire systématique (87,5 %) et la physiothérapie pulmonaire (75 %). Aucun des centres ne faisait appel à la nébulisation d’héparine. Au total, cinq centres (62,5 %) changeaient systématiquement le protocole de réanimation liquidienne au diagnostic de LINH. Seulement deux centres (25 %) utilisaient systématiquement des antibiotiques en prophylaxie dans ce contexte.Il faudra mener des essais rétrospectifs multicentriques pour parvenir à un consensus fondé sur des données probantes au sujet du diagnostic, du classement et du traitement des LINH au Canada.