Plastic surgeryPub Date : 2026-05-05DOI: 10.1177/22925503261446316
Frances Scheepers, Bhairvi T Mathur, Sheryl Palm, Travis Gordon, Rebecca Courtemanche, Stephanie Cooper, Sophia Shayan, Ye Shen, Jugpal S Arneja
{"title":"Predictors of Poor Speech Outcomes Following Primary Palatoplasty for Patients with Cleft Palate: Do Social Determinants of Health Impact Velopharyngeal Insufficiency?","authors":"Frances Scheepers, Bhairvi T Mathur, Sheryl Palm, Travis Gordon, Rebecca Courtemanche, Stephanie Cooper, Sophia Shayan, Ye Shen, Jugpal S Arneja","doi":"10.1177/22925503261446316","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/22925503261446316","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is an unfavorable outcome of primary palatoplasty. Clinical and surgical risk factors for VPI are well described, yet the impact of social determinants of health (SDoH) on VPI is less understood. This study aimed to estimate the effect of income, ethnicity, and geographical location on VPI.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Non-syndromic patients who had primary palatoplasty at British Columbia Children's Hospital between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, including income, ethnicity, and distance to hospital were collected, as well as primary palatoplasty details, VPI diagnosis, and any secondary speech surgery. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations with VPI.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 209 patients were included: 30% (<i>n</i> = 63) developed VPI. Complete cleft palate was a significant predictor of VPI (odds ratio (OR) 4.35, <i>P</i> ≤ .001). Indigenous identity, sex assigned at birth, average income, and distance to the hospital were not predictors of VPI. For those with complete cleft palate, there was a 24% greater likelihood of developing VPI for every month older the patient was at the time of initial palate repair (OR 1.27, <i>P</i> = .018).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Cleft palate severity and age at primary palatoplasty for patients with complete cleft palate had the largest effect on VPI. SDoH factors (income and geographical location) were not associated with VPI; however, there was a trend between Indigenous identity and the development of VPI. The effect of Indigenous identity was limited by incomplete data and may be an area of future research. These findings are reassuring for a multidisciplinary clinic with dedicated social work support in a public healthcare system.</p>","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261446316"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13144287/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147841579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plastic surgeryPub Date : 2026-05-04DOI: 10.1177/22925503261446318
Brooke Streeter, Michael Bezuhly
{"title":"The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Cleft Care: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Brooke Streeter, Michael Bezuhly","doi":"10.1177/22925503261446318","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/22925503261446318","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used to support the diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical conditions. This scoping review examined AI applications in cleft lip and palate care, focusing on diagnosis/detection, surgical planning, and patient education. <b>Methods:</b> PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched. Results were uploaded to the Covidence systematic review software. Studies were included in the analysis if they described the use of AI in the context of cleft lip and palate diagnosis and detection, surgical planning, or patient education. <b>Results:</b> A total of 17 papers were identified. The use of AI in the context of cleft lip and palate surgery was recorded and collated. AI was found to enhance diagnostic accuracy and speed through deep learning-based image classification and cephalometric landmark detection, particularly using convolutional neural networks. In surgical planning, AI models enabled automated presurgical plate design, severity grading, and postoperative outcome evaluation following orthognathic surgery. For patient education, large language models like ChatGPT show promise in improving the readability and clarity of materials, although challenges remain in maintaining medical accuracy and ensuring actionability. <b>Conclusion:</b> While AI applications in cleft lip and palate care are promising across diagnostic, surgical, and educational domains, translation into routine clinical practice is hindered by limited validation, small homogeneous datasets, and inconsistent methodologies. Future research should focus on clinical integration, standardized evaluation, equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize the potential of AI in cleft lip and palate care.</p>","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261446318"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139309/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147841647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plastic surgeryPub Date : 2026-04-28DOI: 10.1177/2292550326140493
Sue Rim Baek, Rebecca Courtemanche, Matthew Boroditsky, Jugpal Arneja
{"title":"Quality of Life After Mustardé Otoplasty for Prominent Ears.","authors":"Sue Rim Baek, Rebecca Courtemanche, Matthew Boroditsky, Jugpal Arneja","doi":"10.1177/2292550326140493","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2292550326140493","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Patient-indications for pursuing otoplasty for prominent ears and post-operative satisfaction vary. This study examines patients' quality of life (QoL) following Mustardé otoplasty for prominent ears and examines associations between surgical indications and post-operative ear appearance satisfaction on QoL. <b>Methods:</b> Patients who underwent Mustardé otoplasty for prominent ears from 2009 to 2023 were invited to complete the EAR-Q scale (scores range from 0 to 100), and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) or Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI) (scores range from -100 to +100). Associations with QoL (GBI/GCBI score) and surgical indications were analyzed using linear regression. Associations between QoL (GBI/GCBI) and post-operative ear appearance satisfaction were analyzed using Spearman's correlation. <b>Results:</b> Forty-two patients completed the questionnaire (59% response rate, average age 18.9 years). Nearly all (41/42) patients reported a positive change in QoL. The median GBI and GCBI scores were 30.0 [16.7, 46.7] and 33.3 [17.7, 44.8], respectively. The median EAR-Q score was 64 (56.0-76.0). Patients whose primary indication was self-consciousness had, on average, a 13.8-point higher GBI/GCBI score than those with parent- or peer-driven indications (<i>P</i>=.04). <b>Conclusions:</b> In general, the Mustardé otoplasty was associated with an increase in patients' post-operative QoL and satisfaction with ear appearance. The greatest increases in QoL were seen when the indication for surgery was patient motivated (patient concern). These findings suggest that patient-driven motivation for surgery is associated with greater post-operative QoL improvements and may be an important consideration in surgical counselling and timing.</p>","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"2292550326140493"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13124910/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147819765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plastic surgeryPub Date : 2026-04-25DOI: 10.1177/22925503261444295
Alyssa Nguyen, Colton H Connor, Claire Fell, Quinton L Carr, Ryan A Cantrell, Alessandra Spagnolia, Christian R Laurent, Bradon J Wilhelmi
{"title":"Achieving Breast Symmetry After Postmastectomy Radiation Through Contralateral Implant Modification Using Acellular Dermal Matrix Wrapped in a Bouffant Configuration.","authors":"Alyssa Nguyen, Colton H Connor, Claire Fell, Quinton L Carr, Ryan A Cantrell, Alessandra Spagnolia, Christian R Laurent, Bradon J Wilhelmi","doi":"10.1177/22925503261444295","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/22925503261444295","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Radiation therapy complicates implant-based breast reconstruction by inducing fibrosis, vascular compromise, and capsular contracture, often resulting in significant breast asymmetry. Reoperation on irradiated implant pockets carries a high risk of wound-healing complications and implant loss, limiting reconstructive options. We present a case demonstrating a contralateral reconstructive strategy to address radiation-induced asymmetry without revising the irradiated breast. A woman with a history of bilateral mastectomy and implant-based reconstruction developed severe asymmetry following postmastectomy radiation to the left breast. Given the patient's preference for the irradiated breast position and the risks of operating on irradiated tissue, revision was performed on the nonirradiated side using a narrow, ultra-high-profile implant wrapped in acellular dermal matrix that was positioned cephalad. This approach restored symmetry when surgical intervention of the irradiated breast was not advised, and nonsurgical treatment of the contracted breast was not preferred. This technique avoids the morbidity associated with operating on irradiated tissue and represents a safe, reproducible treatment option for select patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261444295"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13110250/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plastic surgeryPub Date : 2026-04-22DOI: 10.1177/22925503261436402
Mohammed Ehmidat, Ibrahim Khalil, Raghad Abuzant, Abdulrahman Ahmed Albalasy, Jamal Ahmad, Engy Amgad Nasr Tolis, Waheed Qaisi, Abdeljalil El Hilali, Amr Elzahy, Soffar Mohammed M
{"title":"Pure Alpha Versus Mixed Adrenergic Vasopressors Perioperative Outcomes in Autologous Free Flap Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Mohammed Ehmidat, Ibrahim Khalil, Raghad Abuzant, Abdulrahman Ahmed Albalasy, Jamal Ahmad, Engy Amgad Nasr Tolis, Waheed Qaisi, Abdeljalil El Hilali, Amr Elzahy, Soffar Mohammed M","doi":"10.1177/22925503261436402","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/22925503261436402","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Autologous free-flap reconstruction has transformed reconstructive surgery, restoring form and function in complex head, neck, breast, and limb defects. Maintaining stable perfusion during surgery is essential, yet the choice of vasopressor remains controversial. Surgeons have long feared that α-adrenergic vasoconstriction might jeopardise microcirculation, despite increasing evidence to the contrary. Whether specific vasopressor classes differ in their impact on flap survival has remained uncertain. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO-registered). Eligible randomised controlled trials and observational cohort studies compared perioperative phenylephrine (pure α-agonist) with mixed α/β-agonists (norepinephrine or ephedrine) in adult free-flap surgery. Primary outcomes were flap failure and surgical revision for microvascular compromise; secondary outcomes included thrombosis. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects models. <b>Results:</b> Nine studies (two randomised controlled trials [RCTs], seven cohorts) comprising 7181 patients and 8626 flaps were included. Overall flap failure was low (3%), but norepinephrine was associated with higher failure (6%) compared to phenylephrine (2%) and ephedrine (2%). Surgical revision occurred in 12% overall, with norepinephrine again higher (15%) versus phenylephrine (2%). Thrombosis occurred in 7% overall, most frequently with norepinephrine (11%). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, though heterogeneity was high and publication bias could not be excluded. <b>Conclusions:</b> In contemporary free-flap surgery, vasopressors are not uniformly harmful - but choice may matter. Phenylephrine and ephedrine were associated with fewer surgical revisions and thrombotic events compared to norepinephrine. While absolute differences in flap failure were small, the higher complication rates with norepinephrine warrant caution, and agent selection should be individualised. Further randomised trials are needed to refine hemodynamic management strategies in microvascular reconstruction.</p>","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261436402"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13102745/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147778207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plastic surgeryPub Date : 2026-04-20DOI: 10.1177/22925503261442144
Michael Kreidstein
{"title":"On the Limits of Physician Political Advocacy.","authors":"Michael Kreidstein","doi":"10.1177/22925503261442144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/22925503261442144","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261442144"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13096061/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147778238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plastic surgeryPub Date : 2026-04-20DOI: 10.1177/22925503261440508
S K Cho, Y Dhanapala, R L Hartley, A R Harrop, Fog Fraulin, T R Cawthorn
{"title":"Early Experience With Utilizing Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) for Complex Pediatric Wound Reconstruction.","authors":"S K Cho, Y Dhanapala, R L Hartley, A R Harrop, Fog Fraulin, T R Cawthorn","doi":"10.1177/22925503261440508","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/22925503261440508","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) is a synthetic dermal regeneration template composed of a polyurethane bilayer matrix. Although the use of BTM is well established in adult burn populations, its application for complex pediatric wounds is only beginning to emerge. This case series describes our institution's early experience with BTM for managing a variety of complex pediatric wounds. <b>Method:</b> A retrospective chart review was conducted at the Alberta Children's Hospital examining children with complex wounds treated with BTM. Data collected included etiology of the wound, rationale for BTM selection, size of wound, time to wound closure or coverage with split-thickness skin graft (STSG), complications and cosmetic/functional outcomes. <b>Results:</b> Eleven children (age range: 2 weeks to 15 years) had wounds treated with BTM between December 2023 and December 2024. The etiology of the wounds varied (eg, trauma, infection, pressure, and postsurgical). Several patients had wound with complicating factors including sepsis, immunosuppression, or exposed critical structures (eg, dura and joint capsule). There was 1 treatment failure in a patient with cognitive delay who removed the BTM 1 week after application. Following BTM application, 6 patients subsequently underwent application of STSG while the other 5 patients healed spontaneously by secondary intention. Wound colonization was the most common complication (5 patients); these were all successfully managed with oral antibiotics. <b>Conclusion:</b> BTM is a useful reconstructive option for managing challenging wounds in children and can be utilized in variety of ways. Specific indications for BTM and its relative position on the reconstructive ladder are still evolving. We outline 5 key learning points that may be considered when using BTM in a pediatric population.</p>","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261440508"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13096064/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plastic surgeryPub Date : 2026-04-17DOI: 10.1177/22925503261440483
Claudy Sarpong, Joseph M Larson, Isabella Oh, Nitya Devisetti, Subhas Gupta
{"title":"Advancements in Smart Wound Dressings: Leveraging Sensor Technology for Real-Time Wound Monitoring and Management.","authors":"Claudy Sarpong, Joseph M Larson, Isabella Oh, Nitya Devisetti, Subhas Gupta","doi":"10.1177/22925503261440483","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/22925503261440483","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This review aims to evaluate smart wound dressings (SWDs) that integrate sensor technology for real-time monitoring of acute and chronic wounds, with emphasis on clinical relevance, validation status, and translational limitations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A structured literature search was performed to identify preclinical, translational, and human studies evaluating sensor-enabled wound dressings, including technologies measuring temperature, pH, moisture, and infection-associated parameters. Relevant studies were selected based on applicability to sensor-integrated wound monitoring. Key features extracted included sensing modality, validation model, regulatory context, and reported clinical applicability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sensor-enabled wound dressings demonstrate promising noninvasive approaches to wound monitoring; however, the level of clinical validation varies widely. While some systems have advanced to limited human use supported by observational data, many remain at the preclinical or early feasibility stage. Direct comparisons with established diagnostic standards and robust patient-centered outcome data are largely lacking.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>SWDs represent a rapidly evolving field with significant potential to improve wound monitoring. Current clinical adoption is constrained by limited comparative validation and regulatory pathways that do not require demonstrated efficacy. Future studies benchmarking these technologies against accepted diagnostic standards will be essential to defining their clinical role.</p>","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261440483"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13090253/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147723566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plastic surgeryPub Date : 2026-04-15DOI: 10.1177/22925503261440510
Catherine F Roy, Heather Baltzer, Tessa A Hadlock, Marco M Mascarella
{"title":"Canadian Facial Reanimation Services: An Exploratory National Survey.","authors":"Catherine F Roy, Heather Baltzer, Tessa A Hadlock, Marco M Mascarella","doi":"10.1177/22925503261440510","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22925503261440510","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background :</b> Canada has a strong historical legacy in facial reanimation, yet few comprehensive programs exist nationally. Facial reanimation requires specialized expertise, multidisciplinary care, and resource-intensive interventions, which naturally centralize services in high-volume centers. Conversely, timely assessment and longitudinal follow-up are essential, creating challenges in a geographically vast country with provincially siloed healthcare systems. This study aimed to characterize the availability, structure, and perceived barriers to facial reanimation care across Canadian academic centers. <b>Methods :</b> A 15-item cross-sectional survey was distributed to department heads or delegates from Canadian university-affiliated plastic surgery (N = 15) and otolaryngology departments (N = 12). The survey assessed available services, multidisciplinary resources, outcome tracking, and perceived barriers. Responses were collected anonymously using REDCap and analyzed descriptively. <b>Results :</b> Fifteen of 27 departments responded (55.6%), representing six provinces. Core interventions including static suspension, periocular procedures, and nerve transfers were widely available. Cross-facial nerve grafting (80%), regional muscle transfer (67%), and free muscle transfer (73%) were less consistently offered. Only 53% of departments performed surgical procedures for non-flaccid facial paralysis. Outcome evaluation relied primarily on clinician-graded scales and subjective patient reports, with limited use of validated patient-reported outcome measures and standardized photo/video documentation. Half of centers reported a formal multidisciplinary team, with variable access to neuromuscular retraining therapists and psychologists. Common barriers included limited awareness among referring physicians, restricted operating room time, and insufficient allied health resources. <b>Conclusion:</b> Canadian centers provide broad access to foundational facial reanimation interventions, but gaps remain in advanced procedures, multidisciplinary support, and standardized outcomes tracking. Respondents unanimously supported expanding facial reanimation services.</p>","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261440510"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13090246/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147723652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plastic surgeryPub Date : 2026-04-15DOI: 10.1177/22925503261440496
Naomi N Ghahrai, Skye T Coffey, Virginia Bailey, Praneet Paidisetty, Robert G DeVito, Christopher A Campbell
{"title":"Would AI Take a Research Year? Pilot Study Evaluating the Reliability of ChatGPT in Advising Plastic Surgery Applicants on Research Years.","authors":"Naomi N Ghahrai, Skye T Coffey, Virginia Bailey, Praneet Paidisetty, Robert G DeVito, Christopher A Campbell","doi":"10.1177/22925503261440496","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/22925503261440496","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Large language models (LLMs) such as OpenAI's GPT-4o are increasingly used to summarize information and report trends in available data for medical education. For integrated plastic surgery, the utility of LLMs to recommend taking a research year has not been established. We aim to establish the reliability of ChatGPT reproducibility of research year recommendations for medical students applying to integrated plastic surgery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>De-identified, self-reported integrated plastics applicant profiles in publicly available Google Sheets from 2022-2025 were assembled. Inputs provided to GPT-4o (three runs per profile) included Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) score, AOA designation, and research productivity. Research-year status and match outcome were withheld. The model returned a binary recommendation to pursue a research year. Reproducibility was summarized as cross-run concordance. We compared model recommendations with applicants' actual research-year decisions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 98 entries, 55 complete profiles were retained. Mean Step 2 CK was 258.3 (SD = 10.4). Applicants reported a mean 20.1 (SD = 19.9) research presentations, 3.84 (SD = 3.6) first-author publications, and 9.18 (SD = 6.4) total publications. Twenty-one eligible applicants (51.2%) reported AOA. Overall, 98.2% (54/55<b>)</b> matched. Across the three computed runs, there was a 98% concordance in recommendations. The LLM recommended a research year for 32.7% (18/55) of entries, whereas 45.5% (25/55) actually undertook one (p = 0.208). Agreement between model recommendations and applicant decisions was 41.8% (p = 0.28).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ChatGPT demonstrated internal consistency, but its recommendations could not predict which students would take a research year en route to a successful residency match.</p>","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261440496"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13083279/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147723558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}