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":"10.1177/22925503261442144","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261442144"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"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":"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":1.2,"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":"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":1.2,"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":1.2,"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}
Plastic surgeryPub Date : 2026-04-09DOI: 10.1177/22925503261436369
Alexander Platt, Merry Faye Graff, Brett Ponich, Aaron Knox
{"title":"WALANT Thumb CMC Joint Denervation Under Field Sterility: A Case Report and Description of Technique.","authors":"Alexander Platt, Merry Faye Graff, Brett Ponich, Aaron Knox","doi":"10.1177/22925503261436369","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22925503261436369","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis is a common condition that can affect a patient's ability to function normally in daily life. Surgical CMC denervation of the thumb has emerged as a less invasive option for patients who want to recover and return to activity sooner. Here, we report the use of the Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet technique for first CMC denervation under field sterility.</p>","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261436369"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13065628/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147675908","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 : 2026-04-03DOI: 10.1177/22925503261436334
Keenan S Fine, Sara Booth, Heather Larson, Karin L Zuegge, Katherine Gast
{"title":"Intraoperative Hypothermia in Plastic Surgery: Procedure-Specific Patterns and the Call for Preventive Strategies.","authors":"Keenan S Fine, Sara Booth, Heather Larson, Karin L Zuegge, Katherine Gast","doi":"10.1177/22925503261436334","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22925503261436334","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Intraoperative hypothermia is a common yet underrecognized concern in plastic surgery, contributing to increased risks of surgical site infections, coagulopathy, and delayed recovery. This study characterizes intraoperative temperature dynamics and identifies procedure-specific risks to guide warming strategies. <b>Methods:</b> We performed a retrospective review of 1923 elective plastic and reconstructive surgeries under general anesthesia at a single academic institution. Preincision and postoperative core temperatures were recorded using nasopharyngeal or esophageal monitoring. Intraoperative temperature change was defined as the difference between these measurements. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models assessed associations between procedure type and both temperature change and postoperative hypothermia (<36.0 °C), adjusting for surgery duration, inpatient status, and preincision temperature. <b>Results:</b> The mean intraoperative temperature change across all procedures was +0.16 °C. However, substantial variation existed by procedure. Free flap breast reconstruction, facial procedures, oncoplastic breast reduction, and panniculectomy were associated with temperature increases, while hand surgery showed significant decreases (<i>P</i> = .002). Preincision hypothermia was present in 36.6% of cases and postoperative hypothermia in 32.3%. On multivariable analysis, body contouring (OR = 1.84, <i>P</i> = .005) and hand procedures (OR = 3.91, <i>P</i> = .004) were significantly associated with increased odds of postoperative hypothermia, while aesthetic breast revision trended toward significance (OR = 1.84, <i>P</i> = .055). Neither surgery duration nor inpatient status predicted postoperative hypothermia. <b>Conclusions:</b> Hypothermia remains highly prevalent in plastic surgery procedures performed under general anesthesia, particularly among patients undergoing hand and body contouring procedures. High rates of preincision hypothermia further underscore the need for improved perioperative warming protocols. Multimodal warming strategies should be implemented consistently to maintain normothermia and reduce the risk of hypothermia-related complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261436334"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13048972/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147623621","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 : 2026-04-02DOI: 10.1177/22925503261429458
Nicholas S Hernandez, Taylor Waitt, Adam He, Nicholas Lombana, Nicholas Webster
{"title":"Postoperative Bladder Distension Leading to Compromised VRAM Flap Perfusion Following Abdominoperineal Reconstruction: A Two-Case Series.","authors":"Nicholas S Hernandez, Taylor Waitt, Adam He, Nicholas Lombana, Nicholas Webster","doi":"10.1177/22925503261429458","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22925503261429458","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flaps remain a reliable option for perineal reconstruction following abdominoperineal resection (APR). Despite their robust vascularity, postoperative factors can compromise flap perfusion. We present a two-case series of patients who developed flap congestion secondary to postoperative bladder distension after APR with VRAM reconstruction. In both cases, removal of the Foley catheter led to urinary retention, abdominal distension, and venous congestion of the flap. Imaging in one patient demonstrated direct pedicle compression by the distended bladder. Prompt reinsertion of the Foley catheter and decompression restored flap perfusion, with both patients ultimately achieving full healing. To our knowledge, bladder distension as a cause of VRAM flap compromise has not been previously reported. These cases highlight the importance of vigilant postoperative urinary monitoring and consideration of prolonged catheterization protocols to prevent reversible, avoidable flap congestion in perineal reconstructions using pedicled VRAM flaps.</p>","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261429458"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13048969/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147623566","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 : 2026-03-31DOI: 10.1177/22925503261436314
Kathleen Armstrong, Ayden I Scheim, Gioi Tran, Emery Potter, Adrian Edgar, Greta Bauer
{"title":"Desire for and Successful Access to Feminizing and Masculinizing Gender-Affirming Surgeries: A Cross-Sectional Canada Wide Survey.","authors":"Kathleen Armstrong, Ayden I Scheim, Gioi Tran, Emery Potter, Adrian Edgar, Greta Bauer","doi":"10.1177/22925503261436314","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22925503261436314","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> An increasing number of transgender and non-binary (TNB) individuals are presenting for gender-affirming surgery (GAS) in Canada. The purpose of this study is to understand demand and completion rates of GAS among transgender and non-binary (TNB) individuals. <b>Methods:</b> The Trans PULSE Canada cross-sectional survey recruited TNB individuals aged 14+ living in Canada in 2019. Using Trans PULSE Canada data, we analyzed desired and completed procedures according to surgery type and gender identity. <b>Results:</b> Among 2118 respondents who answered surgery questions, vaginoplasty (84% of trans women and 32% of non-binary people who were assigned male at birth) and mastectomy (98% of trans men and 63% of non-binary people who were assigned female at birth) were among the most desired procedures. There were low levels of completion across all types of surgery. The highest level of completion was 48% for mastectomy in trans men. Surgeries not consistently covered by provincial health insurance had completion levels between 0% and 5%. Those with non-binary identities had lower completion percentages across all surgery types. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study highlights significant demand for GAS among TNB individuals in Canada, with completion percentages varying based on gender identity and surgery type. The low completion percentages speak to persistent challenges despite provincial health insurance coverage for some surgeries. This emphasizes the need to address barriers to ensure equitable access to gender-affirming care. Further research is needed to understand how to mitigate these barriers effectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":20206,"journal":{"name":"Plastic surgery","volume":" ","pages":"22925503261436314"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13038491/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147609471","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}