Background Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) reconstruction can be performed in an immediate (at time of mastectomy), delayed–immediate (immediate tissue expander followed by staged DIEP), or delayed timing following mastectomy. Avoiding flap radiation is a known benefit of the delayed–immediate approach. The purpose of this study is to evaluate patients who chose DIEP flap as the reconstructive method during initial consultation and compared characteristics of surgery in relation to their final reconstructive choice. Methods Consecutive patients having breast reconstruction from 2017 to 2019 were divided into three groups: immediate DIEP after mastectomy (Group I); delayed–immediate DIEP with tissue expander first followed by DIEP (Group II); and patients who initially chose delayed–immediate DIEP but later decided on implants for the second stage of reconstruction (Group III). Exclusion criteria were patients that had delayed DIEP (no immediate reconstruction) or had initially chose implant-based reconstruction. Results The study included 59 patients. Unilateral free flaps in Group II had shorter operative times (318 minutes) compared with Group I unilateral free flaps (488 minutes) (p = 0.024). Eleven patients (30.6%) had prophylactic mastectomies in Group I compared with none in Group II (p = 0.004). Patients who had immediate tissue expansion frequently changed their mind from DIEP to implant for second stage reconstruction frequently (52.2%). Conclusion Delayed–immediate DIEP reconstruction has several advantages over immediate DIEP flap including shorter free flap operative times. Patients commonly alter their preference for second stage reconstruction. A patient-centered advantage of delayed–immediate reconstruction is prolonging the time for patients to make their choice for the final reconstruction.
Objective: The facial recess approach during translabyrinthine surgery has been used to expose the eustachian tube (ET) for packing. We sought to determine the effect of this technique on the development of postoperative nasopharyngeal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Patients: Cohorts of patients with cerebellopontine angle schwannomas who underwent a facial recess approach or no facial recess approach were matched based on tumor size. Interventions: Translabyrinthine surgery for tumor resection. Main Outcome Measures: Postoperative CSF leaks were recorded and nasopharyngeal CSF leaks were utilized as the primary outcome measure. Results: Using an exact matching protocol based on tumor size, 102 patients were included in each group (204 total, 111 female, 93 male). Overall, 9 patients (4.4%) demonstrated a postoperative nasopharyngeal CSF leak. Postoperative CSF rhinorrhea was noted in 3.9% of the group who underwent a facial recess approach for packing of the ET and 4.9% of the group who did not undergo a facial recess approach. This rate was not significantly different between groups ( p ¼ 0.99, Odds ratio: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.15-3.8). Secondary variables including age, tumor size, a diagnosis of NF2, and the packing material used were not significant predictors of nasopharyngeal CSF leaks. Conclusions: CSF rhinorrhea is infrequent after translabyrinthine surgery. The incidence of this complication is not affected by whether or not a facial recess approach is performed during surgery to pack the ET. Based on these data, use of this technique should be based on surgeon comfort and preference.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, healthcare professionals across the world have been at high risk of transmission because of their direct contact with infected patients. In October 2020, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) confirmed that 1,500 nurses had died from COVID-19 in 44 countries and estimated that healthcare worker COVID-19 fatalities worldwide could be more than 20,000. To ensure protection of healthcare personnel, properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn. In a ‘one size fits all’ world, the differences between the fit of PPE for men and women can have devastating consequences. An N95 respirator mask is a component of PPE outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for protection against COVID-19; however, N95 masks do not offer protection if they do not fit properly. Fit testing is performed to ensure an adequate seal of the mask on the wearer. A single-institution retrospective review was performed on fit testing results for male versus female wearers in an attempt to elucidate a difference in failure rates. Females failed at a significantly higher rate than their male counterparts (6.67% female, 2.72% male; p=0.001), and the reason reported was often due to being ‘small-boned’ (p<0.0001). Sex-related differences in proper PPE fit are not new; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation more acute, and sex-specific N95 mask designs must be developed quickly, as the pandemic shows little signs of abating.
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