Patient-reported and surgical outcomes of profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap breast reconstructions compared to deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) using BREAST-Q.

Background: Autologous breast reconstruction patients require thorough assessment, with the profunda femoris artery perforator (PAP) flap having become an important autologous reconstruction option alongside the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. Breast reconstruction impacts patients psychologically, physically and mentally. The BREAST-Q aids in the assessment of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Three-dimensional microscope skill acquisition: A randomised controlled study comparing two-dimensional laboratory microscope training, video gaming and virtual reality gaming.

Introduction: Fine microsurgical motor skill acquisition can be challenging. With increasing technological innovation, the methods of microsurgical skills acquisition may change. Studies show that laboratory-based microsurgical training programmes on a 2D microscope significantly improves the microsurgical skill acquisition of novices.

The impact of physical activity on patient-reported outcomes following deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction.

Introduction: Although higher preoperative physical activity levels have been shown to be beneficial to postoperative recovery at large, their effect on patient-reported outcomes after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction has yet to be investigated. This study aimed to correlate patient physical activity levels with patient-reported outcome measures.

Methods: A prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction between July 2021 and June 2022 was analysed.

One-stop autologous breast reconstruction: A safe and effective cost-saving pathway.

Introduction: Patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction usually require further operations as part of their reconstructive journey. This involves contralateral breast symmetrization and nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction. Restrained access to elective operating space led us to implement a one-stop breast reconstruction pathway.

Dual pedicle epiphyseal transfer for paediatric bony sarcoma reconstruction: Technique and review of outcomes.

Skeletal reconstruction after tumour resection in paediatric patients is challenging. The resultant reconstruction needs to meet the demands of graft incorporation as well as the potential for growth. The vascularised fibular epiphyseal transfer (VFET) offers the potential for both.

Is Routine Imaging Necessary for the Management of Pediatric Hand Fractures Postoperatively?

Background: Pediatric hand fractures heal remarkedly well, and clinically significant displacement after operative fixation is rare. Radiation exposure in medical practice is regulated by the Ionizing Radiation Medical Exposure Regulations 2017, and unnecessary radiation should be avoided. In the literature, there is paucity of information regarding the number of radiographs required in the postoperative period and guidelines are lacking.

Trainee and trainer experiences and recommendations for plastic surgery training: A qualitative pilot study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded existing training issues for plastic surgeons. The issues that exist result from a complex interplay of system, generational and individual factors, and can be hard to tease out by quantitative means. This pilot study aimed to investigate the perceptions of trainees and trainers of plastic surgical training in the UK.

Augmented Reality and Plastic Surgery Training: A Qualitative Study.

Background and objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to many challenges in face-to-face teaching and training in plastic surgery. However, it has also proved to be an incubator for many technological solutions. Augmented reality (AR) platforms may offer a safe, equitable, and efficient means to provide training in plastic surgery.

Balancing Training Opportunities and Patient Outcomes: A Single Surgeon's Experience.

Microvascular free tissue transfer is the criterion standard of reconstruction post-oncological resections of the head and neck region. We present a consultant's first 200 consecutive microvascular head and neck reconstructions in independent practice. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of all head and neck reconstructions performed in the first 3 years of practice was performed.

Locally Advanced Scalp Tumors: Clinical and Survival Outcomes of a Tertiary Unit.

Introduction: Locally advanced nonmelanoma skin cancers of the head and neck are well described in the current literature. However, data about clinical and survival outcomes are lacking. We present survival data from a tertiary head and neck cancer unit in London.

Anatomical variant of physeal blood supply to the fibula.

Vascularised epiphysial fibula bone transfers in the paediatric population provides a solution to growth suppression in extremity reconstruction. We report a case of an anatomical variant to the epiphysial blood supply that has never been reported in literature. A 6-year-old girl underwent a free vascularised fibula flap for reconstruction of her right humerous following osteosarcoma resection.

Perioral pressure ulcers in patients with COVID-19 requiring invasive mechanical ventilation.

Background: Facial pressure ulcers are a rare yet significant complication. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend that patients should be risk-assessed for pressure ulcers and measures instated to prevent such complication. In this study, we report case series of perioral pressure ulcers developed following the use of two devices to secure endotracheal tubes in COVID-19 positive patients managed in the intensive care setting.

Functional Outcomes of the Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap in Oral Cavity Reconstruction.

Background: The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap is an ideal option for reconstruction of oral cavity defects owing to its thin and pliable nature and favorable donor site. Our study presents an assessment of functional outcomes including speech and swallowing in patients with oral cavity tumors reconstructed with MSAP flaps.

Methods: Patients undergoing MSAP reconstruction for oral cavity tumors between January 2014 and January 2018 were identified from our prospective head and neck cancer database.

A structured pathway for accelerated postoperative recovery reduces hospital stay and cost of care following microvascular breast reconstruction without increased complications.

Introduction: Accelerated recovery protocols have proved effective in many surgical procedures but are infrequently applied in breast reconstruction. In this study, we evaluate the impact of a structured pathway for accelerated postoperative recovery in patients undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction at a high-volume center.

Methods: We describe our care pathway for patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction at our center.

Preoperative Perforator Mapping in SGAP Flap: Does Magnetic Resonance Imaging Make the Difference?

Background: Preoperative vascular mapping has emerged as an excellent adjunct to perforator flap surgery, improving operative time while aiding the surgeon in the selection of the ideal perforator. This study evaluated the effect of preoperative vascular mapping by magnetic resonance imaging to identify tissue for a superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap on total operative time and compared radiologic mapping by magnetic resonance imaging with Doppler ultrasonography for perforator localization. The authors also investigated whether drawing the flap according to magnetic resonance imaging perforator localization or tissue availability affected the outcome of the donor site.

Breast reconstruction with Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator free flap: 8 years of experience.

Introduction: The SGAP flap represents an alternative for autologous breast reconstruction when DIEP is not available. In this article, we report eight years of experience in breast reconstruction using SGAP free flap and discuss our results, how our procedures have evolved, the outcomes and complications rates and how to perform this procedure efficiently while managing the challenges inherent to this type of flap.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from June 2009 and June 2017.