Faculty Bibliography Search Results

"Rapid effects of marine reserves via larval dispersal"

Cudney-Bueno, Richard; Lavin, Miguel F; Marinone, Silvio G; Raimondi, Peter T; SHAW, WILLIAM W
PLoS ONE 2009 ;4(1):e4140-e4140 e4140
MEDL:19129910  #380972    10.1371/journal.pone.0004140

Marine reserves have been advocated worldwide as conservation and fishery management tools. It is argued that they can protect ecosystems and also benefit fisheries via density-dependent spillover of adults and enhanced larval dispersal into fishing areas. However, while evidence has shown that marine reserves can meet conservation targets, their effects on fisheries are less understood. In particular, the basic question of if and over what temporal and spatial scales reserves can benefit fished populations via larval dispersal remains unanswered. We tested predictions of a larval transport model for a marine reserve network in the Gulf of California, Mexico, via field oceanography and repeated density counts of recently settled juvenile commercial mollusks before and after reserve establishment. We show that local retention of larvae within a reserve network can take place with enhanced, but spatially-explicit, recruitment to local fisheries. Enhancement occurred rapidly (2 yrs), with up to a three-fold increase in density of juveniles found in fished areas at the downstream edge of the reserve network, but other fishing areas within the network were unaffected. These findings were consistent with our model predictions. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of protecting larval sources and show that enhancement in recruitment can be manifested rapidly. However, benefits can be markedly variable within a local seascape. Hence, effects of marine reserve networks, positive or negative, may be overlooked when only focusing on overall responses and not considering finer spatially-explicit responses within a reserve network and its adjacent fishing grounds. Our results therefore call for future research on marine reserves that addresses this variability in order to help frame appropriate scenarios for the spatial management scales of interest..

"Complications after microvascular breast reconstruction: experience with 1195 flaps"

Mehrara, Babak J; Santoro, Timothy D; Arcilla, Eric; Watson, James P; SHAW, WILLIAM W; Da Lio, Andrew L
Plastic & reconstructive surgery 2006 Oct;118(5):1100-9; discussion 1110
MEDL:17016173  #380732    10.1097/01.prs.0000236898.87398.d6

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction is an important adjunct to breast cancer management. This study evaluated the frequency of major and minor complications in the largest reported series of consecutive mastectomy patients treated with free tissue transfer for breast reconstruction. METHODS: All patients treated with microvascular breast reconstruction at the University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center over an 11-year period were identified using a retrospective analysis. Frequency of complications was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 1195 breast reconstructions were performed in 952 patients. Transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps were used in most cases (81.8 percent), whereas the superior gluteal musculocutaneous flap (10.1 percent) and other free flaps were used in the remaining patients. The overall complication rate was 27.9 percent and consisted primarily of minor complications (21.7 percent). Major complications were noted in 7.7 percent, including six total flap losses (0.5 percent). Obesity was a major predictor of complications. Smoking was not associated with increased rates of overall or microsurgical complications. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was also an independent predictor of complications and was associated with wound-healing problems and fat necrosis. Prior abdominal surgery in transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap patients increased the risk of partial flap loss, fat necrosis, and donor-site complications. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical breast reconstruction is a safe and highly effective technique. Complications tend to be minor and do not affect postreconstruction adjuvant therapy. Obesity is a major predictor of flap and donor-site complications, and these patients should be appropriately counseled. Similarly, neoadjuvant preoperative chemotherapy and prior abdominal surgery increase the rates of minor complications..

"Surgical treatment of breast cancer in previously augmented patients"

Karanas, Yvonne L; Leong, Darren S; Da Lio, Andrew; Waldron, Kathleen; Watson, James P; Chang, Helena; SHAW, WILLIAM W
Plastic & reconstructive surgery 2003 Mar;111(3):1078-83; discussion 1084
MEDL:12621177  #380752    10.1097/01.PRS.0000046667.56931.E1

The incidence of breast cancer is increasing each year. Concomitantly, cosmetic breast augmentation has become the second most often performed cosmetic surgical procedure. As the augmented patient population ages, an increasing number of breast cancer cases among previously augmented women can be anticipated. The surgical treatment of these patients is controversial, with several questions remaining unanswered. Is breast conservation therapy feasible in this patient population and can these patients retain their implants? A retrospective review of all breast cancer patients with a history of previous augmentation mammaplasty who were treated at the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center between 1991 and 2001 was performed. During the study period, 58 patients were treated. Thirty patients (52 percent) were treated with a modified radical mastectomy with implant removal. Twenty-eight patients (48 percent) underwent breast conservation therapy, which consisted of lumpectomy, axillary lymph node dissection, and radiotherapy. Twenty-two of the patients who underwent breast conservation therapy initially retained their implants. Eleven of those 22 patients (50 percent) ultimately required completion mastectomies with implant removal because of implant complications (two patients), local recurrences (five patients), or the inability to obtain negative margins (four patients). Nine additional patients experienced complications resulting from their implants, including contracture, erosion, pain, and rupture. The data illustrate that breast conservation therapy with maintenance of the implant is not ideal for the majority of augmented patients. Breast conservation therapy with explantation and mastopexy might be appropriate for rare patients with large volumes of native breast tissue. Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction might be a more suitable choice for these patients..

"Free TRAM flap breast reconstruction after abdominal liposuction" [Case Report]

Karanas, Yvonne L; Santoro, Timothy D; Da Lio, Andrew L; SHAW, WILLIAM W
Plastic & reconstructive surgery 2003 Dec;112(7):1851-1854
MEDL:14663229  #380652    10.1097/01.PRS.0000091170.35655.03

"Alternative venous outflow vessels in microvascular breast reconstruction"

Mehrara, Babak J; Santoro, Timothy; Smith, Andrew; Arcilla, Eric A; Watson, James P; SHAW, WILLIAM W; Da Lio, Andrew L
Plastic & reconstructive surgery 2003 Aug;112(2):448-455
MEDL:12900602  #380702    10.1097/01.PRS.0000070487.94201.30

The lack of adequate recipient vessels often complicates microvascular breast reconstruction in patients who have previously undergone mastectomy and irradiation. In addition, significant size mismatch, particularly in the outflow veins, is an important contributor to vessel thrombosis and flap failure. The purpose of this study was to review the authors' experience with alternative venous outflow vessels for microvascular breast reconstruction. In a retrospective analysis of 1278 microvascular breast reconstructions performed over a 10-year period, the authors identified all patients in whom the external jugular or cephalic veins were used as the outflow vessels. Patient demographics, flap choice, the reasons for the use of alternative venous drainage vessels, and the incidence of microsurgical complications were analyzed. The external jugular was used in 23 flaps performed in procedures with 22 patients. The superior gluteal and transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps were used in the majority of the cases in which the external jugular vein was used (72 percent gluteal, 20 percent TRAM flap). The need for alternative venous outflow vessels was usually due to a significant vessel size mismatch between the superior gluteal and internal mammary veins (74 percent). For three of the external jugular vein flaps (13 percent), the vein was used for salvage after the primary draining vein thrombosed, and two of three flaps in these cases were eventually salvaged. In three patients, the external jugular vein thrombosed, resulting in two flap losses, while the third was salvaged using the cephalic vein. A total of two flaps were lost in the external jugular vein group. The cephalic vein was used in 11 flaps (TRAM, 64.3 percent; superior gluteal, 35.7 percent) performed in 11 patients. In five patients (54.5 percent), the cephalic vein was used to salvage a flap after the primary draining vein thrombosed; the procedure was successful in four cases. In three patients, the cephalic vein thrombosed, resulting in two flap losses. One patient suffered a thrombosis after the cephalic vein was used to salvage a flap in which the external jugular vein was initially used, leading to flap loss, while a second patient experienced cephalic vein thrombosis on postoperative day 7 while carrying a heavy package. There was only one minor complication attributable to the harvest of the external jugular or cephalic vein (small neck hematoma that was aspirated), and the resultant scars were excellent. The external jugular and cephalic veins are important ancillary veins available for microvascular breast reconstruction. The dissection of these vessels is straightforward, and their use is well tolerated and highly successful..

"Improving recipient vessel exposure during microvascular breast reconstruction"

Mehrara, Babak J; Santoro, Timothy; Smith, Andrew; Watson, James P; SHAW, WILLIAM W; Da Lio, Andrew L
Annals of plastic surgery 2003 Oct;51(4):361-365
MEDL:14520062  #380742    10.1097/01.SAP.0000067725.26901.AD

Microvascular tissue transfer has become the gold standard for breast reconstruction. The primary drawback to these procedures is the technical expertise required for microsurgical anastomosis. This problem is compounded by the difficulties in the exposure of recipient vessels deep within the axilla. Previous techniques used for exposure of these vessels are difficult to setup, provide less than optimal exposure, and have been associated with brachial plexus injuries. The authors retrospectively review their experience using the pediatric OMNI retractor for exposure of recipient vessels during microvascular breast reconstruction. Patient demographics, flap choice, recipient vessels, the incidence of neuropraxia/brachial plexopathy, and microvascular complications were analyzed. Patients in whom more traditional methods of vessel exposure were used (ie, Gelpi retractors, arm positioning, fish hooks; 517 reconstructions in 392 patients) were compared with patients in whom vessel exposure was performed using the pediatric OMNI retractor (699 reconstructions in 571 patients). No differences were noted in comorbid conditions or the incidence of microvascular complications. However, the use of the pediatric OMNI was associated with a significant reduction in operative time in unilateral reconstructions (6:23 +/- 0.05 h vs 7:48 +/- 0.05 h; P <0.01) and decreased incidence of brachial plexus injury (0.17% vs 3.3%; P <0.01). The authors think the decreased neuropraxia rate is the result of better exposure afforded by the pediatric OMNI retractor, which improves exposure and eliminates the need for excessive arm abduction or awkward positioning during the dissection and anastomosis of axillary recipient vessels..

"Parasitic omphalopagus complicated by omphalocele and congenital heart disease" [Case Report]

De Ugarte, Daniel A; Boechat, M Ines; SHAW, WILLIAM W; Laks, Hillel; Williams, Holly; Atkinson, James B
Journal of pediatric surgery 2002 Sep;37(9):1357-1358
MEDL:12194133  #380712    

Conjoined twins occur in approximately one of every 50,000 to 200,000 births. Atypical or parasitic conjoined twins result from the embryonic death of one twin, which leaves behind body parts vascularized by the primary twin. Omphalopagus refers to conjoined twins joined at the level of the umbilicus. The authors report a case of atypical omphalopagus involving an acardiac, acephalic, parasitic twin and a host twin with a large omphalocele, transposition of the great arteries, and aortic coarctation. The authors briefly review reported cases of parasitic omphalopagus and emphasize the role of intensive neonatal care, preoperative planning, and staged surgical intervention in the successful management of complicated variants..

"Assessment of the patency of microvascular venous anastomosis"

Hui, Kenneth C W; Zhang, Feng; SHAW, WILLIAM W; Taylor, Andrew; Komorowska-Timek, Ewa; Lineaweaver, William C
Journal of reconstructive microsurgery 2002 Feb;18(2):111-114
MEDL:11823941  #380862    10.1055/s-2002-19890

There is an absence of data on the timing of occlusion of vessels after anastomosis, and on the possible subsequent reopening (recanalization) of these vessels. This lack of information may be an important factor in the wide discrepancies found among reported patency rates for laboratory microvascular repair. In this study, a total of 300 standard microsurgical anastomoses were performed on rat femoral veins. The patency of each anastomosis was assessed at regular intervals within a 2-week study period. These results showed that the majority of venous occlusions occurred within 1 day after repair. Recanalization of the occluded vein was first seen at day 3 postoperatively. Recanalization was observed over a 2-week postoperative period with increasing frequency. The authors conclude that the optimal time to assess the technical outcome of experimental venous patency is 1 to 2 days after the repair..

"Use of the latissimus dorsi flap for recontouring and augmentation after TRAM flap breast reconstruction"

Karanas, Yvonne L; Santoro, Timothy D; SHAW, WILLIAM W; Da Lio, Andrew L
Annals of plastic surgery 2002 Apr;48(4):343-347
MEDL:12068213  #380362    

The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is the most commonly used autogenous tissue flap for breast reconstruction. However, it may not provide sufficient volume in all patients to match the contralateral breast. Insufficient abdominal bulk or bilateral reconstructions limit the amount of tissue available for the TRAM flap. Partial flap loss from fat necrosis or radiation injury may result in contour deformities of the reconstructed breast. Additional soft-tissue augmentation and contouring may be necessary to produce adequate volume, contour, and symmetry. The authors present 7 patients who underwent latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction to correct volume and contour abnormalities that developed after TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Preservation of the serratus branch of the thoracodorsal vessels allows this flap to be used even after free TRAM flap reconstruction..

"Alginate microbead release assay of angiogenesis"

Ko, C Y; Dixit, V; SHAW, W W; Gitnick, G
Methods in molecular medicine 2001 ;46:53-57
MEDL:21340911  #380812    10.1385/1-59259-143-4:053

Recently, the acceleration (and retardation) of blood vessel growth has been an increasingly frequent subject of study. With its potential application to a wide range of clinical disease processes, investigation certainly remains essential and promising. While in vitro investigation is traditional, well-controlled, and objective, studying angiogenesis in vivo can be quite difficult for a number of reasons. One major reason is the inherent tissue differences associated with blood vessel growth. Because all tissues are different, certain tissues tend to be inherently more vascular than others. As such, the growth (and concentration) of blood vessels occurs at different rates and proportions depending on that specific tissue. In the past several years, most in vivo angiogenesis work has been performed in the sclera as it allows for relatively easy access and the possibility of repeated observation. The sites to which investigation of angiogenesis might be applied, however, are invariably quite different and therefore additional tissues such as solid organs, fascia, muscle, and skin need to be studied as well. How can this be performed?.

"Managed care's attempts to capture aesthetic surgery"

Krieger, L M; SHAW, W W
Plastic & reconstructive surgery 2001 Jan;107(1):258-263
MEDL:11176635  #380882    

Managed care organizations recently have attempted to add aesthetic surgery to their line of available services. To better understand the challenges posed by these actions, all members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery were surveyed about managed care overtures to aesthetic plastic surgeons, their responses, and the likely responses of their patients. The goal was to examine both the supplier and consumer ends of the aesthetic surgery market to determine the likely effects of managed care's attempts to capture aesthetic surgery. A total of 632 plastic surgeons returned the surveys (response rate, 54.5 percent). Twenty-two percent reported being approached by managed care organizations about joining a panel of aesthetic surgeons. Approximately one-quarter of the plastic surgeons said they would participate in aesthetic surgery panels developed by managed care organizations. Characteristics significantly associated with willingness to participate were solo practice structure, a low percentage of practice revenues from aesthetic surgery, and a very competitive practice environment. Plastic surgeons believed that their colleagues would be even more willing to acquiesce to managed care aesthetic surgery; more than one-third said that 25 to 50 percent of their colleagues would join, and nearly one-third thought that more than half would participate. Plastic surgeons believed that many of their patients would also participate in managed care aesthetic surgery. Twenty-four percent thought that more than half of their patients would choose an aesthetic surgeon through their managed care organization if that organization developed a network for aesthetic surgery. This figure increased to almost 40 percent if the organization would deny coverage for complications resulting from nonpanel surgeons, and to 41 percent if the organization would offer price discounts. This survey shows that most plastic surgeons are against managed care aesthetic surgery. But it also shows that some plastic surgeons will participate, and that most plastic surgeons think many of their colleagues and patients will do likewise. This means that managed care organizations have the potential to make inroads in aesthetic surgery on both the supplier and consumer ends of the market. To prevent managed care from capturing aesthetic surgery, plastic surgeons must anticipate the likely business strategy of managed care. To this end, they must understand the steps involved in the creation of a new service business and offer organized countermeasures against each of them..

"Learning curve of microvascular venous anastomosis: a never ending struggle?"

Hui, K C; Zhang, F; SHAW, W W; Kryger, Z; Piccolo, N S; Harper, A; Lineaweaver, W C
Microsurgery 2000 ;20(1):22-24
MEDL:10617877  #380412    

In this study, a simple protocol based on the rat femoral venous anastomosis was established to provide a quantitative representation of the progress. The learning curve is based on the patency rate in each consecutive group of five anastomoses. Two groups of surgeons were observed. The inexperienced group encountered a tough time in the first 25 anastomoses. However, the progress was fast and is represented by the steep slope of the curve. A plateau was reached whereby the avearge patency rate matches that of the experienced group. As expected, there was no learning curve for the experienced group. Despite every effort to attempt to maintain a perfect 100% patency on this model, the best achievable patency was only 88%. The results and its implication are discussed..

"Aesthetic surgery economics: lessons from corporate boardrooms to plastic surgery practices"

Krieger, L M; SHAW, W W
Plastic & reconstructive surgery 2000 Mar;105(3):1205-10; discussion 1211
MEDL:10724282  #380952    

Healthcare traditionally has been described as not conforming to the laws of economics. Consumers pay for aesthetic surgery directly, thus freeing it from the usual confounding factors and making it more likely to comply with the market forces explained by economics. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of classic economics to analyze, predict, and optimize the financial environment of aesthetic surgery. This article describes economic principles and how they can be applied to aesthetic surgery. Some of the basic instruments of economics include the study of supply and demand, prices, and price elasticity; capital investments; communication and cooperation; and consumer cognitive limitations. Each of these tools offers plastic surgeons the opportunity to gain improved control of their financial environment..

"Wall Street's assessment of plastic surgery--related technology: a clinical and financial analysis"

Krieger, L M; SHAW, W W
Plastic & reconstructive surgery 2000 Feb;105(2):609-616
MEDL:10697168  #380892    

Many plastic surgeons develop technologies that are manufactured by Wall Street-financed companies. Others participate in the stock market as investors. This study examines the bioengineered skin industry to determine whether it integrates clinical and financial information as Wall Street tenets would predict, and to see whether the financial performance of these companies provides any lessons for practicing plastic surgeons. In efficient markets, the assumptions on which independent financial analysts base their company sales and earnings projections are clinically reasonable, the volatility of a company's stock price does not irrationally differ from that of its industry sector, and the buy/sell recommendations of analysts are roughly congruent. For the companies in this study, these key financial parameters were compared with a benchmark index of 69 biotech companies of similar age and annual revenues (Student's t test). Five bioengineered skin companies were included in the study. Analysts estimated that each company would sell its product to between 24 and 45 percent of its target clinical population. The average stock price volatility was significantly higher for study companies than for those in the benchmark index (p < 0.05). Similarly, buy/sell recommendations of analysts for the study companies were significantly less congruent than those for the benchmark companies (p < 0.05). These results indicate clinically unrealistic projections for market penetration, significantly high price volatility, and significantly high discordance among professional analysts. In all cases, the market is inefficient-an unusual finding on Wall Street. A likely explanation for this market failure is a cycle of poor clinical correlation when assigning sales projections, which in turn leads to price volatility and discordance of buy/sell recommendations. This study's findings have implications for plastic surgeons who develop new technology or who participate in the equities markets as investors. Plastic surgeons who develop new medical devices or technology cannot universally depend on the market to drive clinically reasonable financial performance. Although inflated sales estimates have benefits in the short term, failure to meet projections exacts severe financial penalties. Plastic surgeons who invest in the stock market, because of their unique clinical experience, may sometimes be in the position to evaluate new technologies and companies better than Wall Street experts. Well-timed trades that use this expertise can result in opportunities for profit..

"Wall Street's growing influence on plastic surgery"

Krieger, L M; SHAW, W W
Plastic & reconstructive surgery 2000 Apr;105(5):1768-1773
MEDL:10809112  #380932    

The advent of managed care has unleashed market forces on the health care system. One result of these new pressures is a shift from nonprofit to Wall Street-based financing. This report quantifies these trends by comparing health organizations' financial structures in the 1980s and now. The reasons behind this shift and the function of the stock market are examined. A review of Wall Street's key financial measures confirms that health care has shifted to the stock market as its principal means of financing. The stock market works by assigning a current price to a company's stock based on estimates for future earnings. Thus, companies desire predictability in their costs, revenues, and profits. Plastic surgeons can master this system by meeting the challenges imposed by Wall Street financing. Important steps include continuously measuring costs and outcomes of procedures, demanding cost data from hospitals and payers, using these data to improve costs and outcomes, and taking advantage of the system's openness to innovation and easier access to capital. As they seek to protect their role as medical decision makers under the new free-market system, plastic surgeons can benefit from understanding the mechanisms of the stock market..

"Combined revascularization and microvascular free tissue transfer for limb salvage: a six-year experience"

Quinones-Baldrich, W J; Kashyap, V S; Taw, M B; Markowitz, B L; Watson, J P; Reil, T D; SHAW, W W
Annals of vascular surgery 2000 Mar;14(2):99-104
MEDL:10742421  #380762    

Atherosclerotic vascular disease causing extensive tissue loss of the lower extremities often results in primary amputation. Combined revascularization and free tissue transfer has been described as a method of extending limb salvage to these patients. The durability of this combined procedure remains unknown, thus the objective of this report is to describe the immediate and long-term results in a series collected over 6 years. From 1992 to 1998, 15 patients with a mean age of 60 years underwent combined revascularization and free tissue transfer. Mean ulcer size measured 45 cm(2) for a mean duration of 7.4 months preoperatively and 12 patients had exposed bone or tendon. Vascular reconstruction included popliteal (3), tibial (6), and pedal (6) bypass with concomitant myocutaneous free flap, using mostly rectus abdominis or latissimus dorsi muscle. There were no perioperative deaths. One patient suffered a nonfatal myocardial infarction. Two patients had a postoperative wound hematoma and one required vascular graft revision. Patients were followed for 4 to 75 months (mean = 23 months). Four patients have required amputations (3 early, 1 late), three of whom had preoperative renal failure. The limb salvage rate has been 72% at 36 months,.

"Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue-derived inhibitors in cutaneous wound repair"

Soo C; SHAW WW; Zhang X; Longaker MT; Howard EW; Ting K
Plastic & reconstructive surgery 2000 Feb;105(2):638-647
MEDL:10697171  #27876    

GRANTS:DE 10598/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States;K23DE00422/DE/NIDCR NIH HHS/United States;RR00865/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States

Wound extracellular matrix is a key regulator of cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation during cutaneous repair. The amount and organization of normal wound extracellular matrix are determined by a dynamic balance among overall matrix synthesis, deposition, and degradation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are one family of structurally related enzymes that have the collective ability to degrade nearly all extracellular matrix components. The MMPs are broadly categorized into collagenases, gelatinases, stromelysins, and membrane-type MMPs by their substrate specificity. The aim of this study was to characterize the temporal changes in mRNA profiles for rat collagenase [matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1)], gelatinase A (MMP-2), matrilysin (MMP-7), gelatinase B (MMP-9), and membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP), as well as tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), TIMP-2, and TIMP-3 during the inflammatory, granulation, and early remodeling phases of excisional skin repair. Eight full-thickness skin wounds were made on the backs of each rat (7-mm2 wounds; 16 rats; n = 128 wounds). Two animals at a time were reanesthetized, and all eight wounds on each animal were excised at 12 and 24 hours and at 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 days after injury. Six wounds from each animal were excised for RNA isolation, whereas two wounds were excised for histology. Controls consisted of nonwounded skin from identical locations in four animals. Total RNA from each time point was isolated and relative mRNA quantitation performed by using reduced-cycle reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Correct polymerase chain reaction product amplification was confirmed by probing the blotted polymerase chain reaction product with a 32P-labeled oligonucleotide specific for a given MMP or TIMP. We demonstrated that the majority of MMP and TIMP mRNA induction and peak expression coincided temporally with the well-characterized inflammatory and granulation stages of repair. In conclusion, there is a distinct pattern of MMP and TIMP expression during normal excisional wound repair.

"Reoperation after esophageal replacement in childhood"

Dunn, J C; Fonkalsrud, E W; Applebaum, H; SHAW, W W; Atkinson, J B
Journal of pediatric surgery 1999 Nov;34(11):1630-1632
MEDL:10591557  #380962    

BACKGROUND: Esophageal replacement is associated with significant morbidity that may lead to operative interventions. This study reviews the management and outcome of children who underwent reoperation after esophageal replacement. METHODS: Eighteen patients who underwent esophageal replacement from 1985 to 1997 were reviewed retrospectively. Ten patients underwent reoperation. Patient management, perioperative morbidity, and the dietary intake at follow-up were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: Of the reoperated patients, 7 had esophageal atresia, 2 had caustic ingestion, and 1 had achalasia. Nine patients received a colon interposition, and 1 received a reverse gastric tube as the initial esophageal replacement. Seven patients required revision of the anastomoses. Three patients required complex esophageal reconstruction: 1 underwent gastric transposition, 1 underwent free jejunal graft, and 1 underwent gastric transposition combined with free jejunal graft. Seven patients were eating well at follow-up. Two patients still required partial gastrostomy tube feeding. One patient died 6 months postoperatively from aspiration pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal replacement continues to be a challenging operation associated with significant complications. Most reoperative procedures were directed toward strictures and persistent fistulae. Complete graft failure can be managed by gastric transposition or free jejunal graft. Despite the perioperative morbidity, most patients have good functional outcome..

"Pricing strategy for aesthetic surgery: economic analysis of a resident clinic's change in fees"

Krieger, L M; SHAW, W W
Plastic & reconstructive surgery 1999 Feb;103(2):695-700
MEDL:9950562  #380872    

The laws of microeconomics explain how prices affect consumer purchasing decisions and thus overall revenues and profits. These principles can easily be applied to the behavior aesthetic plastic surgery patients. The UCLA Division of Plastic Surgery resident aesthetics clinic recently offered a radical price change for its services. The effects of this change on demand for services and revenue were tracked. Economic analysis was applied to see if this price change resulted in the maximization of total revenues, or if additional price changes could further optimize them. Economic analysis of pricing involves several steps. The first step is to assess demand. The number of procedures performed by a given practice at different price levels can be plotted to create a demand curve. From this curve, price sensitivities of consumers can be calculated (price elasticity of demand). This information can then be used to determine the pricing level that creates demand for the exact number of procedures that yield optimal revenues. In economic parlance, revenues are maximized by pricing services such that elasticity is equal to 1 (the point of unit elasticity). At the UCLA resident clinic, average total fees per procedure were reduced by 40 percent. This resulted in a 250-percent increase in procedures performed for representative 4-month periods before and after the price change. Net revenues increased by 52 percent. Economic analysis showed that the price elasticity of demand before the price change was 6.2. After the price change it was 1. We conclude that the magnitude of the price change resulted in a fee schedule that yielded the highest possible revenues from the resident clinic. These results show that changes in price do affect total revenue and that the nature of these effects can be understood, predicted, and maximized using the tools of microeconomics..

"The effect of increased consumer demand on fees for aesthetic surgery: an economic analysis"

Krieger, L M; SHAW, W W
Plastic & reconstructive surgery 1999 Dec;104(7):2312-2317
MEDL:11149803  #380852    

Economic theory dictates that changes in consumer demand have predictable effects on prices. Demographics represents an important component of demand for aesthetic surgery. Between the years of 1997 and 2010, the U.S. population is projected to increase by 12 percent. The population increase will be skewed such that those groups undergoing the most aesthetic surgery will see the largest increase. Accounting for the age-specific frequencies of aesthetic surgery and the population increase yields an estimate that the overall market for aesthetic surgery will increase by 19 percent. Barring unforeseen changes in general economic conditions or consumer tastes, demand should increase by an analogous amount. An economic demonstration shows the effects of increasing demand for aesthetic surgery on its fees. Between the years of 1992 and 1997, there was an increase in demand for breast augmentation as fears of associated autoimmune disorders subsided. Similarly, there was increased male acceptance of aesthetic surgery. The number of breast augmentations and procedures to treat male pattern baldness, plastic surgeons, and fees for the procedures were tracked. During the study period, the supply of surgeons and consumer demand increased for both of these procedures. Volume of breast augmentation increased by 275 percent, whereas real fees remained stable. Volume of treatment for male pattern baldness increased by 107 percent, and the fees increased by 29 percent. Ordinarily, an increase in supply leads to a decrease in prices. This did not occur during the study period. Economic analysis demonstrates that the increased supply of surgeons performing breast augmentation was offset by increased consumer demand for the procedure. For this reason, fees were not lowered. Similarly, increased demand for treatment of male pattern baldness more than offset the increased supply of surgeons performing it. The result was higher fees. Emphasis should be placed on using these economic relationships to expand the demand for aesthetic surgery..