Lymphovenous Coupler-Assisted Bypass for Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction
Conclusion The CAB technique is a viable, effective technical alternative to the standard LVB technique. This comparative study of techniques in prophylactic LVB suggests that CABs maintain long-term patency, possibly due to the ease of anastomosing several lymphatics to single large caliber veins while reducing the technical demands of the procedure. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery)
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - February 15, 2024 Category: Surgery Authors: Spoer, Daisy L. Berger, Lauren E. Towfighi, Parhom N. Deldar, Romina Gupta, Nisha Huffman, Samuel S. Sharif-Askary, Banafsheh Fan, Kenneth L. Parikh, Rajiv P. Tom, Laura K. Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Identifying Functional Lymph Nodes in Lower Extremity Lymphedema Patients: The Role of High-frequency Ultrasound
Conclusion The use of ultrasound in nodal evaluation was proven effective in different pathologic conditions and demonstrated the best prediction for functionality of the lymph node based on the new evaluation criteria. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery)
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - February 15, 2024 Category: Surgery Authors: Alshomer, Feras Jeong, Hyung Hwa Pak, Changsik John Suh, Hyunsuk Peter Hong, Joon Pio Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Split Anterolateral Thigh Flap: A New Classification of Anatomical Variants and a Surgical Planning Algorithm
Conclusion A new classification of the common anterolateral thigh flap anatomical variants was proposed and a comprehensive algorithm of split flap strategy was developed along with the innovative “fabricate” concept. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery)
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - February 13, 2024 Category: Surgery Authors: Shih, Hsiang-Shun Chiu, Ting-Han Jeng, Seng-Feng Chen, Jill Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Innovative Clinical Scenario Simulator for Step-by-Step Microsurgical Training
Conclusion Compared with a traditional training program, this step-by-step microsurgical curriculum based on our clinical scenario simulator results in significant improvement in acquisition of microsurgical skills. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery)
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - February 12, 2024 Category: Surgery Authors: Cui, Lei Han, Yan Liu, Xin Jiao, Bao L. Su, Hong G. Chai, Mi Chen, Miao Shu, Jun Pu, Wen W. He, Le R. Han, Yu D. Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Enhanced Free Flap Monitoring through Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Devices
J Reconstr Microsurg DOI: 10.1055/a-2238-7706 Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Full text (Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery)
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - February 9, 2024 Category: Surgery Authors: Grant, Michael P. Lamaris, Gregory A. Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research

Assessment of Microsurgery Simulation Course Access in Plastic Surgery Training Programs
Conclusion Only half of the plastic surgery trainees have access to microsurgical skills and flap dissection courses. The majority of residency and fellowship PDs feel that training courses are valuable. Expanding access to these courses could provide a significant benefit to microsurgical education in plastic surgery training. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery)
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - February 2, 2024 Category: Surgery Authors: Elver, Ashlie A. Egan, Katie G. Phillips, Brett T. Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

DIEP Donor Site Satisfaction between Patients with and without History of Pregnancy
Conclusion Free DIEP flap can be transferred safely in nulliparous patients despite a slight increase in abdominal tightness and abdominal pulling. Precise flap design and surgical approaches may help to minimize the abdominal discomfort especially on young, normal body mass index, and nonchildbearing patients. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery)
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - February 2, 2024 Category: Surgery Authors: Cheong, David Chon-Fok Wong, Allen Wei-Jiat Kao, Shu-Wei Chang, Shu-Ying Huang, Jung-Ju Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Early Predictors of Fistula Formation Following Head and Neck Reconstruction
Conclusion CRP is a valuable predictor of fistula formation following head and neck reconstruction. The course of CRP levels in patients with fistulas remains consistently elevated compared to patients without fistulas, and it is particularly useful for the exclusion diagnosis of fistula. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery)
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - January 30, 2024 Category: Surgery Authors: Atomura, Daisuke Osaki, Takeo Iwae, Shigemichi Sakakibara, Shunsuke Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Trends in Hospital Billing for Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Procedures from 2013 to 2020
Conclusions Our analysis of mastectomy and breast reconstruction procedures billed to Medicare Part B from 2013 to 2020 showed increasingly excessive procedural charges. Rises in hospital charges and CRRs may limit uninsured and underinsured patients from accessing necessary care for breast cancer management. Legislations that monitor hospital markups for PMBR procedures may be considered by policymakers. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery)
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - January 24, 2024 Category: Surgery Authors: Gong, Jung Ho Koh, Daniel J. Sobti, Nikhil Mehrzad, Raman Beqiri, Dardan Maselli, Amy Kwan, Daniel Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Comparative Study of Small Vessel (under 0.8  mm) Anastomosed Free Flap and Larger Vessel (over 0.8 mm) Anastomosed Free Flap; Does Supermicrosurgery Provide Sufficient Blood Flow to the Free Flap?
Conclusion Small vessel (<0.8 mm) free flaps showed similar flow velocity and flow volume to larger vessel (>0.8 mm) anastomosed free flaps. Blood flow to the small vessel anastomosed free flap was sufficient despite its small vessel size. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery)
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - January 9, 2024 Category: Surgery Authors: Kim, Hyung Bae Hong, Joon Pio Jp Suh, Hyunsuk Peter Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Aesthetic Evaluation and Validation: Umbilicus Reconstruction after DIEP Flap
Conclusion This study demonstrates that umbilectomy with delayed reconstruction yields a significantly higher aesthetic rating and comparable patient satisfaction when compared to re-inset of the umbilicus. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery)
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - December 20, 2023 Category: Surgery Authors: Haddock, Nicholas T. Steppe, Cyrus Teotia, Sumeet S. Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Women in Microsurgery Fellowships: Trends and Impact on Future Practice Patterns
Conclusion Women are underrepresented in the field of microsurgery to a similar extent as they are underrepresented in overall plastic surgery. While there is a small insignificant increase in the number of female microsurgery fellows every year, a significantly smaller proportion of females continue to practice microsurgery compared to males. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery)
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - December 19, 2023 Category: Surgery Authors: Campbell, Tessa J. Greige, Nicolas Yan, Yufan Lu, Yi-Hsueh Ricci, Joseph A. Weichman, Katie E. Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

From Augmented to Virtual Reality in Plastic Surgery: Blazing the Trail to a New Frontier
Conclusion The benefits of AR and VR are numerous for both patients and surgeons. VR has been shown to increase surgical precision and decrease operative time. Furthermore, it is effective for patient-specific rehearsal which uses the patient's exact anatomical data to rehearse the procedure before performing it on the actual patient. Taken together, AR/VR technology can improve patient outcomes, decrease operative times, and lower the burden of care on both patients and health care institutions. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Tabl...
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - December 18, 2023 Category: Surgery Authors: Sullivan, Janessa Skladman, Rachel Varagur, Kaamya Tenenbaum, Elijah Sacks, Jacob L. Martin, Cameron Gordon, Terry Murphy, John Moritz, William R. Sacks, Justin M. Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap: Vascular Pattern and Territory Across the Midline
Conclusions Designing a SIEA flap island across the midline is feasible when contralateral SIEA is present to augment the contralateral territory (e.g., type 1a SIEA) or in SIEA with a common/superficial external pudendal artery origin. Preoperative imaging studies are important for confirming the SIEA system. When the diameter at the origin of the SIEA flap is larger than 1.4 mm, the blood supply to the ipsilateral and contralateral sides is sufficient to enable safe flap elevation. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of conten...
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - December 18, 2023 Category: Surgery Authors: Lohasammakul, Suphalerk Tonaree, Warangkana Suppasilp, Chaiyawat Numwong, Terasut Ratanalekha, Rosarin Han, Hyun Ho Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Billing and Utilization Trends in Reconstructive Microsurgery Indicate Worsening Access to Care
Conclusion Our analysis of microsurgical procedures billed to Medicare Part B from 2013 to 2020 showed that hospital charges are increasing at a faster rate than reimbursements. This may be in part due to increasing physician expenses, cost of advanced technology in microsurgical procedures, and inadequate reimbursement rates. Regardless, these increased markups may limit patients who are economically disadvantaged from accessing care. Policy makers should consider legislation aimed at updating Medicare reimbursement rates to reflect the increasing complexity and cost associated with microsurgical procedures, as well as ...
Source: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery - December 18, 2023 Category: Surgery Authors: Koh, Daniel J. Gong, Jung Ho Sobti, Nikhil Mehrzad, Raman Beqiri, Dardan Ahn, Sophia Maselli, Amy Kwan, Daniel Tags: Original Article Source Type: research