The venerable journal Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery has been posting some of its articles on its Web site as free-text downloads — no subscription needed. It’s a nice alternative to having to wade through the Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Web site’s search pages. From the April 2011 PRS:
Patient Satisfaction in Unilateral and Bilateral Breast Reconstruction [Outcomes Article]
Patients undergoing unilateral reconstruction have the highest satisfaction with autologous reconstruction. As symmetry between reconstructed breasts is essential for patient satisfaction in bilateral reconstruction, it is important to use the same type of reconstruction, whether autologous or implant-based.
The Value Proposition: Using a Cost Improvement Map to Improve Value for Patients with Nonsyndromic, Isolated Cleft Palate
Care for patients with nonsyndromic, isolated cleft palate was mapped to three timelines based on diagnostic subtype. Patients with Robin sequence requiring early surgical intervention for airway or feeding management (n = 4) had median costs that were triple those of Robin patients managed conservatively (n = 5) ($87,841 versus $27,864, respectively) as compared with patients without Robin sequence (n = 16) ($15,698). Inpatient services accounted for 85% to 95% of all costs, which were driven by the operating room, intensive care unit, and inpatient ward. More detailed analysis of each cost driver is reported.
Impact of Complications on Patient Satisfaction in Breast Reconstruction
The development of a complication after surgery can be difficult for both patient and surgeon. With a growing body of literature evaluating patient satisfaction after breast reconstruction, few studies directly focus on the impact of surgical complications on satisfaction. This study analyzed the effect of complications on general and aesthetic satisfaction after breast reconstruction.
A Prospective Study of Preoperative Computed Tomographic Angiography for Head and Neck Reconstruction with Anterolateral Thigh Flaps
During anterolateral thigh flap harvest, inadequate perforators may necessitate modification of the flap design, exploration of the contralateral thigh, or additional flap harvest. Computed tomographic angiography may facilitate perforator mapping and optimize flap design. The authors performed this pilot study to determine the predictive power of computed tomographic angiography in anterolateral thigh flap planning and execution.
