Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS
Audio Summaries

Beyond finger reconstruction; where the esthetic refinements meet microsurgery

Sep 22, 2026

The authors aimed to improve aesthetic and functional outcomes in distal digit reconstruction using a modified great toe wrap-around flap combined with iliac bone grafting. Their study, involving 103 patients, demonstrated that this technique effectively preserved toe integrity and minimized donor-site morbidity while achieving favorable sensory recovery and stable function in the reconstructed digits. Overall, the approach presents a viable microsurgical option for complex digit injuries.

Expanded prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction: Long-term outcomes of the ray method

Sep 22, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of the Ray method, an extended acellular dermal matrix (ADM) technique for prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction. Their retrospective analysis of 224 patients revealed acceptable complication rates, including low instances of wound dehiscence, seroma, and capsular contracture, indicating that the Ray method effectively provides implant coverage and structural support while maintaining stable contour restoration.

"Simultaneous bulge repair and recontouring after abdominally based breast reconstruction: A well-fixed open transversus abdominis release approach"

Sep 21, 2026

The authors aim to address the issue of abdominal bulge, a common complication following abdominally based breast reconstruction (ABBR), by presenting a new technique using an open transversus abdominis release (TAR) with well-fixed polypropylene mesh. Their study, involving 11 patients, demonstrates that this approach effectively resolves bulge symptoms without recurrence, improving both core function and aesthetic contour. The findings suggest that this technique is well-tolerated and reproducible for managing postoperative bulge anatomy.

Tattoo or reconstruction? Sixteen-year trends in post mastectomy nipple areolar complex restoration in the United States

Sep 18, 2026

The authors investigate trends in the use of nipple-areolar complex (NAC) reconstruction and tattooing following mastectomy in the United States from 2007 to 2023. They found that both surgical NAC reconstruction and tattooing have declined annually, suggesting a shift in patient preferences and surgical techniques. These trends highlight the need for updated patient counseling and surgical planning to align with evolving reconstructive goals.

Quantitative ultrasound skin thickness measurement for assessment of lower-limb lymphedema

Sep 18, 2026

The authors aimed to establish skin thickness cut-off values using high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) for assessing lower limb lymphedema. Their study found that skin thickness was significantly greater in lymphedematous limbs compared to controls, with specific cut-off values identified to aid in diagnosis. The proposed method showed promise for detecting early or subclinical lymphedema, although further validation in larger studies is needed.

Missed connections: National trends in the utilization of regenerative peripheral nerve interface surgery for major extremity amputation

Sep 16, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate national trends in the utilization of regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) surgery during major extremity amputations, given its potential to mitigate complications like phantom-limb pain and symptomatic neuromas. Their analysis of data from 2016-2022 revealed that RPNI surgery is underused, with significant disparities based on income, race, and insurance status, and it is predominantly performed in urban teaching hospitals. Despite being associated with higher costs, RPNI surgery did not affect the length of hospital stay, highlighting systemic inequities in access to this preventive surgical care.

Efficacy of octreotide in preventing lymphedema after radical, modified radical, and partial mastectomy with axillary lymphadenectomy

Sep 16, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy of octreotide in preventing lymphedema in patients who underwent axillary lymphadenectomy following breast cancer surgery. Their retrospective analysis found that patients receiving octreotide postoperatively had a significantly lower risk of developing lymphedema and required fewer interventions for lymphedema management compared to those who did not receive the drug, without an increase in adverse effects. This study suggests that octreotide may be a valuable option for lymphedema prevention in this patient population.

Patient-reported outcomes after autologous breast reconstruction: A cross-cultural analysis

Sep 16, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate how patient-reported outcomes, specifically BREAST-Q scores, differ between patients in the United States and the Netherlands following autologous breast reconstruction. Their findings revealed significant cross-national differences in Physical and Psychosocial Well-Being scores, suggesting that cultural factors may influence these outcomes, independent of complication rates. The study highlights the importance of considering cultural context when interpreting BREAST-Q scores and suggests the need for population-specific reference values for better comparability across international cohorts.

Integra versus NovoSorb BTM for periocular reconstruction following Mohs micrographic surgery: Outcomes and an updated reconstructive algorithm

Sep 9, 2026

The authors aimed to compare the outcomes of Integra® Dermal Regeneration Template and NovoSorb® Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) for periocular reconstruction following Mohs micrographic surgery. Their retrospective analysis of 128 patients revealed that BTM was associated with significantly lower rates of complications, particularly ectropion, additional surgeries, and revision surgeries compared to Integra. However, due to baseline imbalances and short follow-up, the authors suggest that these findings are preliminary and further prospective studies are needed to establish definitive recommendations for matrix selection.

Transverse cervical artery anterior perforator flap: Systematization and applications in head and neck reconstructive surgery

Sep 8, 2026

The authors aimed to confirm the anatomical consistency of the transverse cervical artery anterior perforator (TCAP) and its role in head and neck reconstructive surgery. Their study demonstrated that the TCAP reliably originates from the transverse cervical artery and provided detailed anatomical landmarks, which can be identified preoperatively using Doppler ultrasonography to enhance surgical planning.