Incidence and Risk Factors Associated with Microbial Colonization of Burn Wounds: An Observational Study.

Microbial colonization of burn wounds leads to infection, which is a major cause of morbidity/mortality, prolonged admission, and cost. This study aims to investigate the incidence of positive burn wound colonization and its associated risk factors in a provincial referral center within a single-payer system. We performed a retrospective review of all adult (≥18 years) patients admitted to a single, tertiary burn center, with a primary burn diagnosis between January 2011 and 2021.

From non-human to human primates: a translational approach to enhancing resection, safety, and indications in glioma surgery while preserving sensorimotor abilities.

Since the pivotal studies of neurophysiologists in the early 20th century, research on brain functions in non-human primates has provided valuable insights into the neural mechanisms subserving neurological function. By using data acquired on non-human primates as a reference, important progress in knowledge of the human brain and its functions has been achieved. The translational impact allowed by this scientific effort must be recognized in the implementation of the current surgical techniques particularly in support of the neurosurgical approach to brain tumors.

Measuring the Impact of Surgical and Non-surgical Facial Cosmetic Interventions Using FACE-Q Aesthetic Module Scales: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The FACE-Q Aesthetic module measures patient-important outcomes following surgical and non-surgical facial cosmetic procedures. The primary aim of this systematic review was to summarize the pre- to post-intervention mean differences of facial aesthetic interventions that evaluate outcomes using the FACE-Q Face Overall, Psychological, and Social scales. Ovid Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched on December 20, 2022 with the assistance of a health-research librarian (CRD42023404238).

A 10-year Retrospective Review of Patient-to-Patient Transmitted Pathogens in Culture-Positive Burn Wounds at a Tertiary Burn Center.

Burn wound infection can progress to sepsis and is a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms are high in burn patients; these organisms can be transmitted between patients leading to poor outcomes. To characterize patient-to-patient transmission of pathogens causing burn wound colonization at a single tertiary hospital burn center in Hamilton, Canada from 2011 to 2020.

The Impact of Surgical Wait Time and Hospital Stay on the Incidence of Burn Wound Infection and Related Complications at a Single Tertiary Hospital Centre: A 10-Year Experience.

Admitted patients with burn injuries require prompt treatment and shorter hospital stays to avoid hospital-acquired infections and associated complications. This study aimed to determine the impact of time to the first surgery, and total length of hospital stay on the incidence of BWI and associated complications in adult patients with moderate burn injuries at a single tertiary hospital burn center. A retrospective chart review identified burn patients admitted to the Burn Unit between January 2011 and January 2021.

Ethical Considerations Regarding Financial Incentives in Plastic Surgery-Related Health Research.

To recruit enough patients to achieve adequate statistical power in clinical research, investigators often rely on financial incentives. The use of these incentives, however, remains controversial as they may cause patients to overlook risks associated with research participation. This concern is amplified in the context of plastic surgery where aesthetic procedures are often more desirable and are not typically covered by public or private insurance plans.

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation and Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces Versus Standard Management in the Treatment of Limb Amputation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Painful neuromas are a common postoperative complication of limb amputation often treated with secondary reinnervation. Surgical reinnervation include Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) and Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI), and can be primary and secondary. The aim of this review is to assess the effects of primary TMR/RPNI at the time of limb amputation on the incidence and intensity of post-operative neuroma and pain.

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy Versus Traditional Dressings for Low Transverse Abdominal Incisions Healing by Primary Closure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) devices may reduce wound healing complications when applied to closed surgical incisions. The aim of this review was to assess the effects of ciNPT versus standard dressings in patients undergoing primary closure of high tension, lower transverse abdominal incisions. This review was registered a priori on PROSPERO (CRD42021252048).

Best Practices for FACE-Q Aesthetics Research: A Systematic Review of Study Methodology.

Background: The FACE-Q Aesthetics module is a validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that evaluates perspectives on facial aesthetic treatments. Improper administration and poor study methodology can compromise the validity and interpretation of this PROM.

Objectives: This systematic review sought to evaluate the administration and scoring of the FACE-Q Aesthetics scales within the literature.

Identifying Predatory Journals in Plastic Surgery: A Prospective Study.

Background: Predatory journals promise high acceptance rates and quick publication in exchange for a processing fee. As these journals aim to maximize profits, they neglect traditional mechanisms used to ensure a high-quality publication. Unsolicited email invitations are a characteristic of predatory journals that often inundate the inboxes of surgeons.

Evaluation of "Spin" in the Abstracts of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of Therapeutic Interventions Published in High-Impact Plastic Surgery Journals: A Systematic Review.

Background: "Spin" is a form of reporting bias where there is an misappropriated presentation of study results, often overstating efficacy or understating harms. Abstracts of systematic reviews in other clinical domains have been demonstrated to employ spin, which may lead to clinical recommendations that are not justified by the literature.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of spin strategies in abstracts of plastic surgery systematic reviews.

Assessing patient frailty in plastic surgery: A systematic review.

Purpose: With the increase in the aging population, the level of frailty has become an important metric for assessing preoperative patient risk. Although medical and surgical specialties continue to adopt and standardize the use of frailty instruments, few studies within the plastic surgery literature have utilized such instruments to predict poor postoperative outcomes. The purpose of this article is two-fold: (1) to provide a comprehensive review of the existing frailty instruments and (2) to summarise the existing evidence regarding the role of pre-operative frailty assessments on peri‑operative morbidity and mortality in plastic surgery.

Reporting Outcomes and Outcome Measures in Digital Replantation: A Systematic Review.

 There is a lack of consensus on what the critical outcomes in replantation are and how best to measure them. This review aims to identify all reported outcomes and respective outcome measures used in digital replantation.  Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and single-arm observational studies of adults undergoing replantation with at least one well-described outcome or outcome measure were identified.

Reporting Outcomes and Outcome Measures in Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: In the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA) literature, there is substantial heterogeneity in outcome and outcome measure reporting. This could be rectified by a standardized core outcome set (COS). This study aimed to identify a comprehensive list of outcomes and outcome measures for thumb CMC joint OA, which represents the first step in developing a COS.

Reporting Outcomes and Outcome Measures in Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: Comparison between studies assessing outcomes after surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) has proven to be difficult owing to variations in outcome reporting. This study aimed to identify outcomes and outcome measures used to evaluate postoperative results for CuTS.

Methods: We performed computerized database searches of MEDLINE and EMBASE.

Outcomes and Outcome Measures in Breast Reduction Mammaplasty: A Systematic Review.

Background: Reduction mammaplasty remains critical to the treatment of breast hypertrophy. No technique has been shown to be superior; however, comparison between studies is difficult due to variation in outcome reporting.

Objectives: The authors sought to identify a comprehensive list of outcomes and outcome measures in reduction mammaplasty.

Reporting Time Horizons in Randomized Controlled Trials in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Background: Current guidelines for randomized controlled trial reporting do not require authors to justify their choice of time horizon. This is concerning, as the time horizon when an outcome is assessed has important implications for the interpretation of study results, and resources allocated to an investigation. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the standards of time horizon reporting in the plastic surgery literature.