Our Summary

This research paper is about how well negative side effects (adverse events) are reported in studies of plastic surgery. The researchers looked at 145 studies carried out between 2012 and 2016, which involved over 10,000 patients. They found that only 30% of these studies were officially recorded or registered, and only 15% clearly defined what they considered to be an adverse event. Even worse, it was unclear who was responsible for noting down these adverse events in 70% of the studies.

The researchers also found that while 72% of the studies did report some adverse events, 61% of these didn’t include any events that occurred during the actual procedure. Interestingly, studies that had financial support were over four times more likely to report adverse events than those that didn’t.

In conclusion, the researchers believe that there should be stricter rules for reporting adverse events in plastic surgery studies, as the current methods are inconsistent and not very strict. They suggest that better reporting would improve the quality of the research and help provide a balanced view of the risks and benefits of different procedures. The paper ends with some recommendations for how this could be achieved.

FAQs

  1. What was the main finding of this research regarding the reporting of adverse events in plastic surgery studies?
  2. Did the financial support for the studies have any impact on the reporting of adverse events?
  3. What recommendations did the researchers give to improve the reporting of adverse events in plastic surgery studies?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient considering reconstructive surgery is to thoroughly research the procedure and the surgeon performing it. It is important to ask about the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery, as well as what steps will be taken to minimize these risks. Additionally, patients should inquire about how adverse events are reported and monitored during and after the surgery to ensure their safety and well-being.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended reconstructive surgery include those who have experienced trauma, burns, congenital deformities, or have undergone cancer treatment. Reconstructive surgery aims to restore function and improve the appearance of body parts that have been affected by injury or disease. It can help patients regain confidence and improve their quality of life.

Timeline

Before reconstructive surgery:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, benefits, and expectations.
  2. Pre-operative appointments for medical evaluations, tests, and clearance.
  3. Preparation for surgery, including fasting and discontinuation of certain medications.
  4. Day of surgery, where the patient undergoes the procedure under anesthesia.

After reconstructive surgery:

  1. Post-operative recovery period, which may include pain, swelling, and discomfort.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  3. Physical therapy or rehabilitation, if needed, to regain function and mobility.
  4. Long-term follow-up to assess the final outcome of the surgery and address any potential complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the specific reconstructive surgery I am considering?
  2. How often do these adverse events occur in patients who undergo this type of surgery?
  3. How will you monitor and manage any potential complications during and after the surgery?
  4. Can you provide me with information about your experience and success rate with this particular type of reconstructive surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options that may be less risky?
  6. How will my overall health and any pre-existing medical conditions affect the outcome of the surgery?
  7. What should I do if I experience any unexpected symptoms or complications after the surgery?
  8. How will you ensure that my safety and well-being are a top priority throughout the entire surgical process?
  9. Can you provide me with any references or patient testimonials from individuals who have undergone similar reconstructive surgery with you?
  10. How will you address any concerns or questions I may have before, during, and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Morzycki AD, Hudson AS, Samargandi OA, Bezuhly M, Williams JG. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 Jan;143(1):199e-208e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000005101. PMID: 30286048