Outcomes Associated with Multiple Free Tissue Transfers Performed in a Single Day

Background: Although microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) remains technically challenging, surgeons may need to perform >1 MFTT operations in a given day. Objective: To compare MFTT outcomes in cases where surgeons completed one versus two flaps per day by measuring flap viability and complication rates. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of MFTT cases from January 2011 to February 2022 with >30-day follow-up. Outcomes, including flap survival and operating room takeback, were compared using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Of 1096 patients meeting inclusion criteria (1105 flaps), there was a male predominance (n = 721, 66%). Mean age was 63.0 ± 14.4 years. Complications requiring takeback were identified in 108 flaps (9.8%) and were greatest for double flaps in the same patient (SP) (27.8%, p = 0.06). Flap failure occurred in 23 (2.1%) cases and was also greatest for double flaps in the SP (16.7%, p = 0.001). Takeback (p = 0.06) and failure (p = 0.70) rates were not different between days with one versus two unique patient flaps. Conclusions: Among patients undergoing MFTT, those treated on days in which surgeons perform two unique cases compared with single cases will demonstrate no difference in outcomes, as measured by flap survival and takeback, whereas patients with defects requiring multiple flaps will experience greater takeback and failure rates.

Amplifying patient voices amid pandemic: Perspectives on tracheostomy care, communication, and connection

OBJECTIVE

To investigate perspectives of patients, family members, caregivers (PFC), and healthcare professionals (HCP) on tracheostomy care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

The cross-sectional survey investigating barriers and facilitators to tracheostomy care was collaboratively developed by patients, family members, nurses, speech-language pathologists, respiratory care practitioners, physicians, and surgeons. The survey was distributed to the Global Tracheostomy Collaborative's learning community, and responses were analyzed.

RESULTS

Survey respondents (n = 191) from 17 countries included individuals with a tracheostomy (85 [45 %]), families/caregivers (43 [22 %]), and diverse HCP (63 [33.0 %]). Overall, 94 % of respondents reported concern that patients with tracheostomy were at increased risk of critical illness from SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19; 93 % reported fear or anxiety. With respect to prioritization of care, 38 % of PFC versus 16 % of HCP reported concern that patients with tracheostomies might not be valued or prioritized (p = 0.002). Respondents also differed in fear of contracting COVID-19 (69 % PFC vs. 49 % HCP group, p = 0.009); concern for hospitalization (55.5 % PFC vs. 27 % HCP, p < 0.001); access to medical personnel (34 % PFC vs. 14 % HCP, p = 0.005); and concern about canceled appointments (62 % PFC vs. 41 % HCP, p = 0.01). Respondents from both groups reported severe stress and fatigue, sleep deprivation, lack of breaks, and lack of support (70 % PFC vs. 65 % HCP, p = 0.54). Virtual telecare seldom met perceived needs.

CONCLUSION

PFC with a tracheostomy perceived most risks more acutely than HCP in this global sample. Broad stakeholder engagement is necessary to achieve creative, patient-driven solutions to maintain connection, communication, and access for patients with a tracheostomy.

Tracheostomy care and communication during COVID-19: Global interprofessional perspectives

Objective

Investigate healthcare providers, caregivers, and patient perspectives on tracheostomy care barriers during COVID-19.

Study design

Cross-sectional anonymous survey

Setting

Global Tracheostomy Collaborative Learning Community

Methods

A 17-item questionnaire was electronically distributed, assessing demographic and occupational data; challenges in ten domains of tracheostomy care; and perceptions regarding knowledge and preparedness for navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Respondents (n = 115) were from 20 countries, consisting of patients/caregivers (10.4%) and healthcare professionals (87.0%), including primarily otolaryngologists (20.9%), nurses (24.3%), speech-language pathologists (18.3%), respiratory therapists (11.3%), and other physicians (12.2%). The most common tracheostomy care problem was inability to communicate (33.9%), followed by mucus plugging and wound care. Need for information on how to manage cuffs and initiate speech trials was rated highly by most respondents, along with other technical and knowledge areas. Access to care and disposable supplies were also prominent concerns, reflecting competition between community needs for routine tracheostomy supplies and shortages in intensive care units. Integrated teamwork was reported in 40 to 67% of respondents, depending on geography. Forty percent of respondents reported concern regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), and 70% emphasized proper PPE use.

Conclusion

While safety concerns, centering on personal protective equipment and pandemic resources are prominent concerns in COVID-19 tracheostomy care, patient-centered concerns must also be prioritized. Communication and speech, adequate supplies, and care standards are critical considerations in tracheostomy. Stakeholders in tracheostomy care can partner to identify creative solutions for delays in restoring communication, supply disruptions, and reduced access to tracheostomy care in both inpatient and community settings.

Surgeon Perspectives on Benefits and Downsides of Overlapping Surgery: In-depth, Qualitative Interviews

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to characterize surgeon perspectives regarding the benefits and downsides of conducting overlapping surgery.

BACKGROUND

Although surgeons are key stakeholders in current discussions surrounding overlapping surgery, little has been published regarding their opinions on the practice. Further characterization of surgeon perspectives is needed to guide future studies and policy development regarding overlapping surgery.

METHODS

Study information was sent to all members of 3 professional surgical societies. Interested individuals were eligible to participate if they identified as attending surgeons in an academic setting who work with trainees. Purposive selection was used to diversify surgeons interviewed across multiple dimensions, including subspecialty and opinion regarding appropriateness of overlapping surgery. In-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with participants regarding their opinions on overlapping surgery.

RESULTS

The 51 surgeons interviewed identified a wide array of potential benefits and disadvantages of overlapping surgery, some of which have not previously been measured, including downsides to surgeon wellness and patient experience, less surgeon control over procedures, and difficulty in scheduling cases. Interviewees often disagreed as to whether overlapping surgery negatively or positively affects each dimension discussed, particularly regarding the impact on resident training.

CONCLUSIONS

The utilization of the novel perspectives presented here will allow for targeted assessment of physician perspectives in future quantitative studies and increase the likelihood that variables measured encompass the range of factors that surgeons find meaningful and relevant. Priority areas of future research should include examining effects of overlapping surgery on surgical training and surgeon wellness.

Not without my attending: a survey of patient and family member attitudes and perceptions about concurrent and overlapping surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Recent media coverage of overlapping surgery has led to several studies investigating public perception of concurrent and overlapping surgery, both of which involve a single attending surgeon working on two separate cases in two separate operating rooms. In concurrent surgery, the critical periods of the surgeries overlap, while in overlapping surgery they do not. The literature revealed a general lack of knowledge about these practices and strong disapproval of their use by the public.

PURPOSE

To determine the comfort level of spine surgery patients and their family members toward concurrent and overlapping surgery.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This cross-sectional survey study was performed at an urban, adult academic spine surgery clinic.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Patients and their companions who were waiting to be seen at their initial clinic visit or follow-up visit were approached to participate in the study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The survey queried respondents' baseline knowledge of and comfort level with concurrent and overlapping surgery, in addition to comfort level with different levels of surgical trainees on a 5-point Likert scale.

METHODS

A five-section, 36-item questionnaire was administered by a research assistant to respondents over a 3-month period spanning June 2019 - August 2019. A research assistant described the terms overlapping surgery and concurrent surgery to participants of the survey using diagrams and a preformulated script after self-reported knowledge questions. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test for categorical variables, and Kendall's tau-c rank correlation coefficient with ordinal independent variables for correlations.

RESULTS

Knowledge about concurrent and overlapping surgery was low in our study population (8.22% and 6.16%, respectively). Over half of respondents reported that they felt comfortable with overlapping surgery (58.22%). Most respondents reported that they would like their surgeon to disclose the participation of surgical trainees (residents and fellows) in their surgery (98%). In addition, the 4th and 5th years of surgical training were associated with a significant increase in patient comfort with surgical trainee participation. There was no difference in response distribution between patients versus nonpatients.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge about concurrent and overlapping surgery remains poor in our study population. Lack of general knowledge about overlapping surgery can be a serious impediment to obtaining informed consent, and further study is required to determine the best methods to raising patient awareness.

Oral Intubation Attempts in Patients With a Laryngectomy: A Significant Safety Threat

It is impossible to secure the airway of a patient with "neck-only" breathing transorally or transnasally. Surgical removal of the larynx (laryngectomy) or tracheal rerouting (tracheoesophageal diversion or laryngotracheal separation) creates anatomic discontinuity. Misguided attempts at oral intubation of neck breathers may cause hypoxic brain injury or death. We present national data from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the American Head and Neck Society, and the United Kingdom's National Reporting and Learning Service. Over half of US otolaryngologist respondents reported instances of attempted oral intubations among patients with laryngectomy, with a mortality rate of 26%. UK audits similarly revealed numerous resuscitation efforts where misunderstanding of neck breather status led to harm or death. Such data underscore the critical importance of staff education, patient engagement, effective signage, and systems-based best practices to reliably clarify neck breather status and provide necessary resources for safe patient airway management.

Adverse events in facial plastic surgery: Data-driven insights into systems, standards, and self-assessment

PURPOSE

Complications in facial plastic surgery can lead to pain, suffering, and permanent harm. Yet, the etiology and outcomes of adverse events are understudied. This study aims to determine the etiology and outcomes of adverse events reported in aesthetic facial plastic surgery and identify quality improvement opportunities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey analysis was conducted using an anonymous 22-item questionnaire distributed to members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Participants were queried on demographics, practice type, and adverse events related to aesthetic facial surgeries.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-three individuals participated; nearly half of respondents (49.0%) held membership in both AAO-HNS and AAFPRS. Of these, 40.8% of respondents reported at least one adverse event within the past 12 months of practice. A total of 194 adverse events were reported, most commonly related to facelift (n = 59/194, 30.4%), rhinoplasty (n = 55/194, 28.4%), and injection procedures (n = 38/194, 19.6%), with hematoma or seroma being the most commonly described. Most adverse events were self-limited, but approximately 68% resulted in further procedures. Surgeon error or poor judgement (n = 42) and patient non-adherence (n = 18) were the most commonly ascribed reasons for adverse events; 37.1% of participants reported a change in clinical practice after the incident.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse events were not infrequent in facial plastic surgery. Understanding these adverse events can provide impetus for tracking outcomes, standardization, and engagement with lifelong learning, self-assessment, and evaluation of practice performance.

Policies Restricting Overlapping Surgeries Negatively Impact Access to Care, Clinical Efficiency and Hospital Revenue: A Forecasting Model for Surgical Scheduling

OBJECTIVE

To model the financial impact of policies governing the scheduling of overlapping surgeries, and to identify optimal solutions that maximize operating efficiency that satisfy the fiduciary duty to patients.

BACKGROUND

Hospitals depend on procedural revenue to maintain financial health as the recent pandemic has revealed. Proposed policies governing the scheduling of overlapping surgeries may dramatically impact hospital revenue. To date, the potential financial impact has not been modeled.

METHODS

A linear forecasting model based on a logic matrix decision tree enabled an analysis of surgeon productivity annualized over a fiscal year. The model applies procedural and operational variables to policy constraints limiting surgical scheduling. Model outputs included case and financial metrics modeled over 1000-surgeon-year simulations. Case metrics included annual case volume, case mix, operating room (OR) utilization, surgeon utilization, idle time and staff overtime hours. Financial outputs included annual revenue, expenses and contribution margin.

RESULTS

The model was validated against surgical data. Case and financial metrics decreased as a function of increasingly restrictive scheduling scenarios, with the greatest contribution margin loses ($1,650,000 per surgeon-year) realized with the introduction of policies mandating that a second patient could not enter the OR until the critical portion of the first surgery was completed. We identify an optimal scheduling scenario that maximizes surgeon efficiency, minimizes OR idle time and revenue loses, and satisfies ethical obligations to patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitals may expect significant financial loses with the introduction of policies restricting OR scheduling. We identify an optimal solution that maximizes efficiency while satisfying ethical duty to patients. This forecast is immediately relevant to any hospital system that depends upon procedural revenue.

Outcomes of Overlapping Surgery in Otolaryngology

Objective

To compare outcomes in otolaryngology between overlapping and nonoverlapping surgeries.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

All patients undergoing otolaryngologic procedures at Stanford University Hospital between January 2009 and June 2016 were included (n = 13,479). Cases were divided into 2 cohorts: overlapping (n = 1806, 13.4%) vs nonoverlapping (n = 11,673, 86.6%). Variables reviewed were type of operation performed, multidisciplinary team involvement, complications, reoperations, readmissions, and deaths.

Results

The total complication rate over 7.5 years studied was 3.3% (n = 450). Complication rates were lower for overlapping cases (0.77%) compared to nonoverlapping cases (3.73%) with an odds ratio of 0.2014, which was statistically significant ( P < .0001). When examined by subspecialty, the complication rate for rhinology and endoscopic skull base procedures was approximately 10 times lower when overlapping (0.30%) was compared to nonoverlapping (3.15%), with an odds ratio of 0.094 ( P = .0001). There was no difference in complication rates for other surgical subspecialties. There were no deaths associated with overlapping surgery. The rate of major complications requiring reoperation was similarly lower for overlapping procedures (0.276%) compared to nonoverlapping procedures (1.35%) with an odds ratio of 0.2023 ( P = .0004). Readmission rates were lower for overlapping cases (0.49%) when compared to nonoverlapping cases (1.09%), with an odds ratio of 0.4553 ( P = .0229).

Conclusions

Patients undergoing overlapping surgery had lower overall complication rates, lower reoperation rates, lower readmission rates, and no mortalities. The institutional experience presented provides evidence that with appropriate patient and case selection, otolaryngologists may safely perform overlapping surgery without increased risk of adverse patient outcomes.

Perceptions of overlapping surgery in neurosurgery based on practice volume: A multi-institutional survey

OBJECTIVE

Overlapping surgery, accepted by many as two distinct operations occurring at the same time but without coincident critical portions, has been said to improve patient access to surgical care. With recent controversy, some are opposed to this practice due to concerns regarding its safety. In this manuscript, we sought to investigate the perceptions of overlapping surgery among neurosurgical leadership and the association of these perceptions with neurosurgical case volume.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a self-administered survey of neurosurgery department chair and residency program directors of institutions participating in the Vizient Clinical Database/Resource (CDB/RM), an administrative database of 117 United States (US) medical centers and their 300 affiliated hospitals. We queried participants regarding yearly departmental case-volume, frequency of overlapping surgery in daily practice and the degree of overlapping they find acceptable.

RESULTS

Of the 236 surveys disseminated, a total of 70 responses were received with a response rate of 29.7.%, which is comparable to previously reported response rates among neurosurgeons and other physicians. Our respondents consisted of 43 of 165 chairs (26.1.%) and 27 of 66 program directors (40.0.%) representing 64 unique hospitals/institutions out of 216 (29.6.%). Based on the responses to question involving case volume, we divided our responders into high volume hospitals (HVH) (n = 44; > 2000 cases per year) and low volume hospitals (LVH) (N = 26). More HVH were found to have frequent occurrence of overlapping surgery (50% weekly and 20.9.% daily vs LVH's 26.9.% weekly and 3.8.% daily, p = 0.003) and considered two overlapping surgeries without overlap of critical portion as acceptable (38.6.% vs 26.9.%, p = 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

Our survey results showed that neurosurgical departments with high-volume practices were more likely to practice overlapping surgery on a regular basis and to view it as an acceptable practice. The association between overlapping surgery and the volume-outcome relationship should be further evaluated.

A Novel Approach to Septal Perforation Repair: Septal Cartilage Cells Induce Chondrogenesis of hASCs In Vitro

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of medium harvested from septal cartilage cells on chondrogenic differentiation of adipose stem cells (hASCs) and to compare/contrast its properties to those of a commonly used standard medium formulation in terms of induction and maintenance of chondrogenic hASCs. Differentiation was carried out under three different conditions: septal cartilage medium-SCM, chondrogenic differentiation medium-CM, and 50:50 mixture of CM/SCM. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) markers were determined by flow cytometry. The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects were determined by MTS and Annexin V assay, respectively. The differentiation status of the cells was confirmed by Alcian blue staining, and quantitative real-time flow cytometry showed that hASCs were positive for MSCs, negative for hematopoietic stem cells and endothelial cell surface markers. According to MTS analysis, the first condition was not toxic at any concentration tested. Annexin V assay revealed that the application of different concentrations of SCM did not result in any cell death. The Alcian blue and gene expression analyses showed that the cells in the SCM group underwent the highest cartilage cell formation. The observed increase in chondrogenesis may offer better treatment options for the cartilage defects seen in nasal septum perforation.

Overlapping Surgery: A Case Study in Operating Room Throughput and Efficiency

A keystone of operating room (OR) management is proper OR allocation to optimize access, safety, efficiency, and throughput. Access is important to surgeons, and overlapping surgery may increase patient access to surgeons with specialized skill sets and facilitate the training of medical students, residents, and fellows. Overlapping surgery is commonly performed in academic medical centers, although recent public scrutiny has raised debate about its safety, necessitating monitoring. This article introduces a system to monitor overlapping surgery, providing a surgeon-specific Key Performance Indicator, and discusses overlapping surgery as an approach toward OR management goals of efficiency and throughput.