BackgroundMedical tourism is a rapidly expanding multi-billion-dollar industry. Reduced costs, all-inclusive vacation packages that include cosmetic surgery, globalization, and affordable flight expenses have encouraged patients to seek aesthetic procedures in different countries. Cosmetic medical tourism is associated with high complication rates, such as severe infections, wound dehiscence, pain or discomfort, aesthetic dissatisfaction, and even death.Patients and MethodsA twelve-year survey of medical records was conducted using ADAMS healthcare database software. Data regarding patient demographics, the country of the original procedure, the operation type, complications, and subsequent treatment were recorded.ResultsFifty-six patients have been admitted to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The youngest patient was 18, and the oldest was 65, with an average age of 37.46. The majority were females (n = 51, 91.07%). The most common procedure was liposuction (n = 40), followed by abdominoplasty (38). Only eleven patients had a single procedure while travelling; on average, they had 2.34 procedures in a single trip. Patients presented with an average POD of 30.9. The most common complaint was dehiscence at the surgical site. Eleven patients required re-operation. The average hospitalization length in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department was 4.4 days.ConclusionsMedical tourism has a positive impact on patients and caregivers alike. However, the combination of multiple procedures in a short time, relatively short follow-up, different microbial environments, and more led to substantial complications, which had a devastating effect on many patients.Level of Evidence IIIThis journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Background: Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) is the most common method of reconstruction for breast cancer. Bacterial infection is a well-known risk with reported rates ranging from 1% to 43%. The most common pathogens of breast implant infection described in the literature are Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and coagulase-negative staphylococci. However, the prevalence of other pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity profile differs profoundly in different parts of the world.Objectives: To review the current literature and protocols with respect to our region and to determine a more accurate antibiotic protocol aimed at our specific local pathogens.Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all cases of clinically infected implant-based breast reconstruction in our institution from June 2013 to June 2019, as well as review of microbiologic data from around the world based on current literature.Results: A total of 28 patients representing 28 clinically infected implant-based breast reconstruction were identified during the studied period. Thirteen patients (46.4%) had a positive bacterial culture growth, with P. aeruginosa being the most common microorganism identified (46.1%). Review of international microbiological data demonstrated significant variation at different places and time periods.Conclusions: Microbiological data in cases of infected breast reconstructions should be collected and analyzed in every medical center and updated every few years due to the variations observed. These data will help to adjust the optimal empirical antibiotic regimens given to patients presenting with infections after breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Burns represent a major problem when addressing pediatric trauma. Worldwide, 1% of all children will suffer a burn. It is among the 10 leading causes of hospitalization among children, and causes a significant burden, both physical, mental, and economical.METHODS: Retrospective search for all patients' admission up to the age of 16 between the years 2013-2018 was done. Families were contacted and were asked for details not reported in the patients' chart (e.g., number of children at home).RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-six patients under the age of 16 were admitted to the hospital. Scald was the most prominent cause of burn (85%), followed by fire (9%), contact (5%) and chemical (1%). Specific etiology varied with prominence of water in the younger groups (30-45%) and direct fire in the older group (32%). The older group needed more surgeries to achieve healing. Most of our patients (56%) were injured during the supervision of at least one parent. Adjusted to demographics, families with 3 children and above were overrepresented in our cohort (P<0.001).CONCLUSIONS: One should consider the role of preventive medicine and public education, beginning by identifying populations at risk. Our study found that minorities, in families of 3 children or more, are more susceptible to burns. Most of the injuries are due to lack of adequate supervision and are usually scald burns. Holydays represent a time of peril for the children. We think that it is due to less strict supervision and increase in the household activity.

The management of partial mastectomy defects often requires rearrangement of local breast tissue or distant flaps to prevent a poor cosmetic result following radiation therapy. These partial breast reconstruction techniques have become a useful addition to breast conservation therapy and have been referred to as the oncoplastic approach. The oncoplastic reduction techniques are useful for women with large breasts requiring large resections or tumor resection in unfavorable locations. When poor cosmetic results are anticipated in women with smaller breasts, flap reconstructions are more often required to fill the defect. While outcomes are largely favorable, it is important to minimize complications to allow timely initiation of adjuvant therapies.

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited arrhythmia characterized by syncope and sudden death occurring during exercise or acute emotion. CPVT is caused by abnormal intracellular Ca(2+) handling resulting from mutations in the RyR2 or CASQ2 genes. Because CASQ2 and RyR2 are involved in different aspects of the excitation-contraction coupling process, we hypothesized that these mutations are associated with different functional and intracellular Ca(²+) abnormalities. To test the hypothesis we generated induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM) from CPVT1 and CPVT2 patients carrying the RyR2(R420Q) and CASQ2(D307H) mutations, respectively, and investigated in CPVT1 and CPVT2 iPSC-CM (compared to control): (i) The ultrastructural features; (ii) the effects of isoproterenol, caffeine and ryanodine on the [Ca(2+) ]i transient characteristics. Our major findings were: (i) Ultrastructurally, CASQ2 and RyR2 mutated cardiomyocytes were less developed than control cardiomyocytes. (ii) While in control iPSC-CM isoproterenol caused positive inotropic and lusitropic effects, in the mutated cardiomyocytes isoproterenol was either ineffective, caused arrhythmias, or markedly increased diastolic [Ca(2+) ]i . Importantly, positive inotropic and lusitropic effects were not induced in mutated cardiomyocytes. (iii) The effects of caffeine and ryanodine in mutated cardiomyocytes differed from control cardiomyocytes. Our results show that iPSC-CM are useful for investigating the similarities/differences in the pathophysiological consequences of RyR2 versus CASQ2 mutations underlying CPVT1 and CPVT2 syndromes.

The purpose of this article is to evaluate a new method of DIEP flap neurotization using a reliably located recipient nerve. We hypothesize that neurotization by this method (with either nerve conduit or direct nerve coaptation) will have a positive effect on sensory recovery.Fifty-seven deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps were performed on 35 patients. Neurotizations were performed to the third anterior intercostal nerve by directly coapting the flap donor nerve or coapting with a nerve conduit. Nine nonneurotized DIEP flaps served as controls and received no attempted neurotization. All patients were tested for breast sensibility in 9 areas of the flap skin-island and adjacent postmastectomy skin. Testing occurred at an average of 111 weeks (23-309) postoperatively.At a mean of 111 weeks after breast reconstruction, neurotization of the DIEP flap resulted in recovery of sensibility that was statistically significantly better (lower threshold) in the flap skin (P < 0.01) and statistically significantly better than in the native mastectomy skin into which the DIEP flap was inserted (P < 0.01). Sensibility recovered in DIEP flaps neurotized using the nerve conduit was significantly better (lower threshold) than that in the corresponding areas of the DIEP flaps neurotized by direct coaptation (P < 0.01).DIEP flap neurotization using the third anterior intercostal nerve is an effective technique to provide a significant increase in sensory recovery for breast reconstruction patients, while adding minimal surgical time. Additionally, the use of a nerve conduit produces increased sensory recovery when compared direct coaptation.

Background: The purpose of this article is to evaluate a new method of DIEP flap neurotization using a reliably located recipient nerve. We hypothesize that neurotization by this method (with either nerve conduit or direct nerve coaptation) will have a positive effect on sensory recovery.Methods: Fifty-seven deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps were performed on 35 patients. Neurotizations were performed to the third anterior intercostal nerve by directly coapting the flap donor nerve or coapting with a nerve conduit. Nine nonneurotized DIEP flaps served as controls and received no attempted neurotization. All patients were tested for breast sensibility in 9 areas of the flap skin-island and adjacent postmastectomy skin. Testing occurred at an average of 111 weeks (23-309) postoperatively.Results: At a mean of 111 weeks after breast reconstruction, neurotization of the DIEP flap resulted in recovery of sensibility that was statistically significantly better (lower threshold) in the flap skin (P < 0.01) and statistically significantly better than in the native mastectomy skin into which the DIEP flap was inserted (P < 0.01). Sensibility recovered in DIEP flaps neurotized using the nerve conduit was significantly better (lower threshold) than that in the corresponding areas of the DIEP flaps neurotized by direct coaptation (P < 0.01).Conclusion: DIEP flap neurotization using the third anterior intercostal nerve is an effective technique to provide a significant increase in sensory recovery for breast reconstruction patients, while adding minimal surgical time. Additionally, the use of a nerve conduit produces increased sensory recovery when compared direct coaptation.

The mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated under extreme conditions of strong T cell activation, which induces the rapid death of activated lymphocytes. The objective of this study was to investigate these mechanisms in the absence of additional polyclonal activation. In co-cultures of peripheral mononuclear blood cells with human MSCs (hereafter referred to as hMSCs), we observed a striking decrease in the level of CD8 expression on CD8+ cells, together with decreased expression of CD28 and CD44, and impaired production of IFN-gamma and Granzyme B. This effect was specific to hMSCs, because it was not observed with several other cell lines. Downregulation of CD8 expression required CD14+ monocytes to be in direct contact with the CD8+ cells, whereas the effects of hMSCs on the CD14+ cells were essentially mediated by soluble factors. The CD14+ monocytes exhibited a tolerogenic pattern when co-cultured with hMSCs, with a clear decrease in CD80 and CD86 co-stimulatory molecules, and an increase in the inhibitory receptors ILT-3 and ILT-4. CD8+ cells that were preconditioned by MSCs had similar effects on monocytes and were able to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation. Injection of hMSCs in humanized NSG mice showed similar trends, in particular decreased levels of CD44 and CD28 in human immune cells. Our study demonstrates a new immunomodulation mechanism of action of hMSCs through the modulation of CD8+ cells towards a non-cytotoxic and/or suppressive phenotype. This mechanism of action has to be taken into account in clinical trials, where it should be beneficial in grafts and autoimmune diseases, but potentially detrimental in malignant diseases.

Congenital absence of the vagina is a relatively rare condition most commonly associated with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. Historically, several reconstructive techniques have been described to provide for functional vaginal reconstruction on these patients, both operative and nonoperative. Although there are many advantages and disadvantages of the various procedures, one experience with the use of split thickness skin grafts to reconstruct the vagina has produced acceptable functional results with limited donor site morbidity. Careful planning and timing of this form of reconstruction can produce predictable results in patients who are nearing sexual maturity.

In this study, partial breast reconstruction was undertaken after breast conservation therapy using mini abdominal free flaps on both an immediate and delayed basis.Patient demographics, oncologic status, reconstructive data, and complications were collected from medical records.Twelve patients (age range 39-60) were included in this study with a mean follow-up time of 5 years. Ten mini superficial inferior epigastric artery flaps and 2 mini deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps were used (7 immediate and 5 delayed reconstructions). No flap lost, 1 minor abdominal wound dehiscence, and no local or distant recurrences were noted. Good to excellent results were reported by 91% of the women.In properly selected patients with high motivation toward breast conservation, tailored abdominal mini-free flaps can safely and satisfactorily be implemented for the reconstruction of partial mastectomy defects. Patients should be comprehensively educated on the potential future implications of using the abdominal donor site for partial breast reconstruction.

Background: Complex wounds of the pelvis and perineum commonly occur as a result of primary and secondary ablative procedures for colorectal and gynecologic malignancies, particularly following previous radiation therapy to these regions. In certain instances, the more traditional flaps such as the vertical rectus abdominis and gracilis flaps are either unavailable or unsuitable for the reconstruction of particular defects. The posterior thigh flap has been described previously for pelvic defects but has not become as widely accepted as other regional flaps. Methods: This study sought to retrospectively review the authors' experience with the posterior thigh flap as an alternative to these more commonly performed transfers for difficult wounds of the perineum and pelvic structures. A total of 27 posterior thigh flaps were used in 19 patients for complex perineal wound closure. Results: Successful transfer of the posterior thigh flap was noted in 26 of 27 flaps (11 unilateral and eight bilateral), with only one flap failure (3.7 percent). Primary wound healing was ultimately achieved in all patients; however, early wound-healing complications were common (53 percent). Secondary procedures were necessary in seven patients (37 percent), with only one patient requiring a secondary flap procedure. Conclusions: The authors found the posterior thigh flap to be a useful and reliable flap for coverage of complex perineal wounds. This was particularly true for those patients in whom a laparotomy was best avoided and those who have had both urinary and fecal diversion.

During the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon, 282 Israeli soldiers were evacuated to Rambam Health Care Campus. Of these, 210 were admitted for observation or treatment, and 15 of these were admitted to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Thirty-five other soldiers, hospitalized in other departments, required the care of Plastic Surgeons, either for conservative or surgical treatment. The injury profile observed was consistent with data from previous low-intensity warfare, which demonstrated that over 80% of injuries were produced by fragmentation weapons, such as artillery, mortarshells, rockets, and missiles. It differs, however, from our experience in previous wars and our expectations regarding burn wounds, both in incidence and severity, which were significantly lower as compared with the past. This article presents our management of extensive soft tissue injuries, and details 3 representative cases. It highlights the role of the Plastic Surgeon as part of the whole treatment in this type of injury and helps to predict the needs of the medical system in preparation for the future.

Several studies have shown the effectiveness of bilateral prophylactic mastectomies (BPM) at reducing the risk of developing breast cancer in women by more than 90%. A growing number of women at high risk for breast cancer are electing to undergo prophylactic mastectomy as part of a risk reduction strategy. This unique group of women frequently chooses to undergo reconstructive surgery as a part of their immediate treatment plan. Breast reconstruction after BPM has profound physiological and emotional impact on body image, sexuality, and quality of life. These factors should be taken into consideration and addressed when consulting the patient prior to BPM and reconstructive surgery. The timing of reconstructive surgery, the type of mastectomy performed, the reconstructive modalities available, and the possibility to preserve the nipple-areola complex, should all be discussed with the patient prior to surgery. In this article, we review our experience and the current existing literature on breast reconstruction for high-risk women after BPM.

At our center for breast reconstruction the vast majority of reconstructive breast surgery is performed utilizing autologous tissue. The primary recipient vessels for these free tissue transfers are the internal mammary vessels. Thus the intercostal space in which the IMN reside is readily exposed. In this study we set to analyze our preliminary data gathered during routine consecutive sampling of IMN and the oncological treatment strategy changes that resulted from our findings.

Breast augmentation is one of the leading esthetic surgeries, enjoying high satisfaction rates. Pain, nausea, and vomiting are frequent shortcomings of the immediate postoperative period. The aim of this study was to compare breast augmentation from the anesthetic point of view: general anesthesia (GA) versus monitored anesthesia care (MAC). The charts of 115 patients were reviewed in this retrospective study performed over a period of 2 years. Sixty-nine women chose to have the surgery done under MAC, and 46 under GA. Statistically significant differences were noted in both postoperative hospital stay (16.1 +/- 6.78 hours vs. 11.7 +/- 6.10 hours) and frequency of vomiting (mean, 0.5 vs. 0.22 times per patient) after GA and MAC, respectively (Mann-Whitney, P < 0.01). Postoperative pain, assessed using the visual analog scale, was significantly higher (mean visual analog scale, 5 vs. 3.27) when the prosthesis was placed in the submuscular plane compared with the subglandular plane (Mann-Whitney, P = 0.043). When offered a choice, more women preferred MAC over GA for their breast augmentation procedure. Less vomiting and shorter postoperative hospitalization were prominent in the MAC group.