{"title":"The impact of cosmetic tourism across one year on an NHS breast surgery unit","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.036","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.036","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This is a review of patients managed by our single-site breast surgery service for complications of cosmetic surgeries performed abroad and within the UK, across September 2022–2023.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective review of outpatient clinic and emergency theatre lists was used to identify patients; data was collected from their electronic records.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>25 patients (23 female) were identified, 20 had surgery abroad. Turkey was the most common destination that patients travelled to (n = 15), with bilateral breast augmentation being the most common procedure (n = 15). Post-operative infection and wound dehiscence (n = 10 and n = 8, respectively) were the most common complications; 72% (n = 18) of patients presented within 8 weeks of their surgery. There was incomplete recording of surgical details including precise date (recorded for 48%), clinic name (8%), and name of the surgeon (0%). 17 microbiological samples were sent, with 11 resulting in a named organism - Staphylococcus aureus was most common (n = 5). 17 (68%) cases were treated conservatively, without radiological or surgical interventions. When surgical management occurred (n = 6), it was for removal of breast implants (n = 5) or evacuation of haematoma (n = 1). The cost of managing these complications was at least £37,000.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Complications from cosmetic tourism present more commonly to the NHS than those resulting from private surgery performed in the UK. This has significant financial implications for the NHS. More accurate recording of relevant data, engagement in audits, and disseminating findings may help raise awareness of the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery performed abroad.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142549840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nail reconstruction using an osteo-onychocutaneous flap with the dorsal digital artery of the hallux as the pedicle: Techniques and anatomical insights","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.033","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.033","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nail reconstruction with preserved pulp tissue can be challenging due to the use of oversized flaps, and nail deformities often resulting from bone resorption. This study describes a novel technique using the dorsal digital artery of the hallux as a pedicle for an osteo-onychocutaneous flap. A preoperative handheld Doppler was used to identify the course of the dorsal digital artery, and intraoperatively, the flap was elevated without disturbing the plantar tissue, thereby minimizing the risk of foot complications. A prospective study was conducted on all partial toe transplantation cases between September 2020 and March 2023 to analyze the anatomical variations of the dorsal digital artery. Thirty-one patients were included in the study. The dorsal digital artery was successfully identified preoperatively and confirmed intraoperatively in all cases. It branched from the first dorsal metatarsal artery in 24 cases and the plantar digital artery in seven cases. The branching location was found to be 24.3 ± 4.5 mm proximal to the web in the former group and 3.9 ± 3.9 mm (<em>p</em> < 0.001) in the latter group. The vascular diameter at the branching site was measured to be 0.8 ± 0.2 mm, with no significant difference based on the location. Nail reconstruction procedures were successfully performed using this flap for defects in the thumb, index finger, and little finger. Stable nails were reconstructed in all cases with minimal foot complications. In conclusion, this technique offers a reliable approach to nail reconstruction, minimizing donor site morbidity and preserving natural nail morphology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142586419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The roles of extracranial intravascular lesion, vasodilation-induced neural entrapment, and arteriolysis in migraine treatment","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.032","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.032","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The few available studies of biopsies performed during migraine surgery have revealed intravascular changes of the occipital and superficial temporal arteries. It is not clear whether these abnormalities are purely of local origin or of systemic nature. This letter discusses possible associations between extracranial vascular alterations and vasodilatory neural entrapment. Exploration of spatial differences in vascular morphology of the involved arteries could provide further insights.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142586340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reduction mammaplasty relieves depression in women with macromastia: A systematic review","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>A total of 71,364 breast reductions were performed in 2022, which demonstrates a 54% increase from 2019. Women most often seek breast reduction surgery for pain, but psychological symptoms may be equally distressing, particularly those who are younger. These women may also suffer low self-esteem, inhibitions in intimacy, and reluctance to exercise, which may contribute to depressive symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023456884). Cochrane Library, Embase, and Pubmed were searched for RCTs in English irrespective of timeframe. The studies were screened using the RoB2 tool, and data was extracted using standardized tables.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The search strategy yielded 84 references, and only three were eligible for inclusion. The sample size collectively amounted to 193. The tools used to assess depressive symptoms were the Beck Depression Inventory, a modification of this tool, and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Score. All three studies showed a significant reduction in depression scores.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Breast hypertrophy may cause impairment in several key psychological domains including depression, which may be relieved with surgery. Standardized assessment tools and scoring systems may enable more comprehensive evaluation and potentially lead to guidelines defining broader criteria as indications for surgery. Further investigation into the differences between women who seek breast reduction surgery versus those who do not may provide insights into other contributing factors that may be at play. Further trials should be designed with longer durations of follow-up to investigate the long-term effects of breast reduction surgery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142565405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A breast sharing technique using the pedicled IMAP flap for delayed breast reconstruction and contralateral symmetrising mammaplasty: A case series and evolution of the surgical technique in selected patients","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.09.087","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.09.087","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The ‘breast-sharing’ procedure uses the disposable tissue as a flap to reconstruct the post-mastectomy defect. This enables simultaneous breast reconstruction and contralateral symmetrisation without additional donor site morbidity. However, controversies related to the oncological safety of this procedure have prevented its widespread uptake. We aim to present this technique based on a pedicled internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap and discuss its technical feasibility and oncological safety.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>Between April 2013 and May 2022, a series of 10 consecutive patients underwent a breast-sharing procedure using the pedicled IMAP flap for breast reconstruction. Clinical and surgical aspects of the breast-sharing procedure were analysed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In all the cases, the breast-sharing technique allowed for simultaneous breast reconstruction and contralateral breast symmetrisation. Immediate complications included two total venous congestions and one hematoma. Three flaps had distal flap congestion. One flap required debridement and local flap reconstruction. All flaps required fat grafting during the secondary procedures to improve breast symmetry. With an average follow-up of 5.6 years, there was no evidence of recurrent disease. All patients were satisfied to very satisfied with the aesthetic outcome of this reconstructive option.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The breast-sharing technique based on the IMAP flap combines breast reconstruction and contralateral symmetrisation with good aesthetic outcomes in selected patients. The flap has a high complication rate related to venous drainage. Flap design modification and using indocyanine green imaging may reduce venous congestion. A secondary venous micro-anastomosis at the axilla is highly recommended for persistent flap congestion. The reported incidence of contralateral breast cancer is low, and thus, the residual tissue obtained from the contralateral breast mammaplasty can be safely used for breast reconstruction.</div></div><div><h3>Level of evidence</h3><div>Level IV</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142586339","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Non-municipal water sources as a potential for surgical site infections in plastic surgery","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.029","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.029","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142515423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Modified funneling arterial microanastomosis in large vessels size mismatch","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.030","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The “Modified Funneling Method” is an easy and reliable technique to overcome vessel diameter discrepancies. By exploring new techniques of anastomosis, we can help microvascular surgeons improve microvascular outcomes and overcome vessel discrepancies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142484399","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Health symptoms and cosmetic silicone breast implants: A retrospective cohort study","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>There has been a growing concern about a possible causal relationship between silicone breast implants (SBIs) and health symptoms, referred to as breast implant illness. This study assessed the association between SBIs for cosmetic augmentation and health symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective cohort study used the data from the Dutch Breast Implant Registry and Nivel Primary Care Database. A total of 688 women with cosmetic SBIs were age-matched with 1301 women without SBIs. The occurrence of 13 health symptoms presented in general practice was assessed 1 year before implantation until 3 years after implantation. Comparisons were made regarding the number of symptoms and general practice consultations, before and after implantation and between the two groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Women with SBIs were more likely to experience three or more distinct health symptoms and a combination of multiple symptoms with multiple consultations during follow-up than women without SBIs (adjusted OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.96; adjusted OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.00, respectively). Women with SBIs also had more than twice the likelihood of manifesting these outcomes in the second year after implantation compared to the first year before implantation (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.27 to 3.57; OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.72, respectively).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Women with cosmetic SBIs had increased odds of developing health symptoms after implantation compared to those before implantation and to women without SBIs. These results suggest an association between health symptoms and cosmetic SBIs that needs further research to explore whether there is causality or residual confounding.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142565404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Patient satisfaction using wide-awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) in adults undergoing elective hand surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Wide-awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) is increasing in popularity within hand surgery. However, evidence is unclear on patient satisfaction rates when WALANT is compared against more traditional anaesthetic techniques where pneumatic tourniquets are used. The present study aimed to evaluate the satisfaction rates of patient with the WALANT technique.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A literature search was performed using the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases for observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from 2003 up to June 2023. The review was carried out among adults undergoing elective hand surgery. The mean difference in operation time and standardised mean difference (SMD) for patient satisfaction and post-operative pain (<24 h) were computed using the random effects model. The quality of studies was evaluated using RoB-2 for RCTs and risk of bias in non-randomised studies ROBINS-I for observational studies. Data were collated and a meta-analysis was performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Five RCTs and 15 observational studies were included in our analysis, comprising a total cohort of 1800 patients. Among them, 899 patients received WALANT (50.0%). Among the RCTs, patient satisfaction was found to be higher in patients receiving WALANT (SMD 1.01, 95% CI 0.11–1.92, p = 0.03, I² = 93%). Post-operative pain was found to be non-significant using WALANT (95% CI −3.72–0.03, p = 0.10, I² = 99%), as was operative time difference (95% CI −0.42–0.40, p = 0.96, I² = 0%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The use of WALANT in elective hand surgery potentially results in higher satisfaction rates compared with anaesthesia with tourniquets. Post-operative pain and operation time were also found to be non-inferior in WALANT, but more robust studies are needed to verify these findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142549838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Free fillet flap: Outcomes in emergency microsurgical reconstruction of upper and lower limb","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bjps.2024.10.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Despite its infrequency, ‘spare-part surgery’ represents a reconstructive strategy that uses segments of amputated limbs as donor tissue to preserve function in other injured anatomical regions. The purpose of this study was to review our 14-year experience in emergency microsurgical reconstruction of traumatised limbs using free fillet flaps obtained from non-salvageable amputated parts.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who underwent urgent free fillet flap transfer for upper or lower limb reconstruction between 2007 and 2021. The characteristics and levels of injury, as well as the flap designs, functional outcomes and complications were documented.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A series of eight clinical cases is presented. One osteo-tendino-cutaneous and seven fasciocutaneous flaps were filleted from non-replantable amputated limbs for free transfer. Stable coverage of the dorsal aspect of the hand and fingers was achieved in three patients, and limb shortening was avoided in five patients. An open thumb fracture with bone defect, three below-knee stumps and one trans-metatarsal level were preserved. The mean Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score for upper limb reconstructions was 16.75 points. In all the cases of lower limb reconstruction, the nerves were repaired, resulting in a protective sensitivity (S3 level) with no pressure ulcer development during the follow-up period. All patients were able to return to normal prosthetic ambulation with a mean Amputee Mobility Predictor Pro score of 45 points. Two haematomas, one surgical wound dehiscence and two immediate revisions of venous anastomoses were registered.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The microvascular filleted flap demonstrated versatility in the emergency reconstruction of complex limb injuries, providing stable coverage and optimising limb length preservation within a single major surgical procedure, while eliminating morbidity from any other uninjured donor site.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50084,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142515422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}