United States

Introduction: Plastic surgeons face an elevated risk of involvement in malpractice cases compared to other specialties. Fear of malpractice litigation may influence surgeon behavior and decision-making, potentially contributing to heightened healthcare costs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of malpractice litigation associated with breast implants. 

Methods: A comprehensive search involving the Westlaw Campus Research legal database was conducted to identify all cases involving malpractice complaints and breast implants. All available malpractice cases involving breast implants/prostheses from the earliest available documentation to February 1st, 2024 were retrieved and screened. Cases were included if a patient initiated a medical malpractice or negligence case after undergoing breast augmentation or reconstruction involving implants. Class action suits and cases with limited information were excluded. The extracted data from the cases included the date of the earliest available documentation, initiation location, patient gender, patient vital status, indication for implant(s), involved medical specialties, types of alleged negligence, diagnostic and postoperative complaints, autoimmune-related complaints, involvement of capsular contracture along with subsequent open/closed capsulectomy, and case outcomes. Descriptive statistics were calculated. 

Results: 650 cases were identified after the exclusion of duplicates; 128 cases met the inclusion criteria. Cases were most commonly initiated in the state of Texas (N=17, 13.3%) and New York (N=13, 10.2%) and documentation was dated 1967-2023. All of the cases involved female patients; one woman identified as transgender. Three (2.3%) patients were deceased at the time of the trial. Plastic surgeons were most commonly the defendant(s) (N=113, 88.3%). Malpractice claims were most frequently associated with the initial breast implant placement (N=89, 69.5%), rather than a breast implant removal with or without replacement (N=26, 20.3%). Negligent technique, improper informed consent, and poor postoperative management were cited as reasons for alleged malpractice in 90 (70.3%), 65 (50.8%), and 64 (50.0%) of the cases, respectively. Patients alleged that they did not receive the type of implant (saline vs. silicone) or size of implant they requested in 7 (5.5%) and 5 (3.9%) of the cases, respectively. 20 (15.6%) of the cases were ruled in favor of the plaintiff prior to appeal; 5 cases involved implant-based reconstruction, while 15 cases involved cosmetic implant-based augmentation. Eight patients claimed that their implants led to the development of cancer, autoimmune conditions, or other health conditions; only one case led to a ruling in favor of the plaintiff in 2001. 

Conclusion: 
These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive preoperative education, specifically addressing implant types, demystifying information about breast implant-associated illness, and setting realistic goals surrounding implant sizing. Surgeons should maintain heightened vigilance when patients present with abnormal postoperative changes in the breast tissue. Thorough work-up and placement of appropriate referrals should be conducted to prevent delays in potential breast cancer diagnoses. 


AMA Research Challenge 2024 

Implant Injustice: An Analysis of Breast Implant Malpractice Litigation

Congratulations to all the researchers who have qualified for the AMA Research Challenge virtual poster symposium and semifinals!

Welcome to the **largest national, multi-specialty research event** featuring research from nearly 1,000 medical students, residents, fellows, and international medical graduates across six topic areas - basic science, clinical and translational research, clinical vignettes, health systems science, medical education, and public health and health policy.

#### Access the Event
Use the buttons below or navigation menu to access the event. 

[![](https://assets.underline.io/markdown_image/1/image/d4076f2146939317a29eb9f69c53ad41.png)](https://underline.io/events/506/sessions?searchGroup=all)
[![](https://assets.underline.io/markdown_image/1/image/6bcee0b523a4874c4292ca0415d88dde.png)](https://underline.io/events/506/posters?searchGroup=all)

#### Event Details
The 2025 AMA Research Challenge includes the following symposium halls:
* **Semifinals hall:** Features research from 54 medical students, residents and international medical graduates that received top scores during first round scoring. 
* **Poster symposium hall:** Features research from nearly 1,000 medical students, residents and international medical graduates categorized by topics and subtopics.

**Here’s how to participate:**
* **View posters and presentations** on a variety of topics and specialties
* **Score posters in the semifinals** to help decide the top five finalists (AMA member exclusive opportunity)
* **Connect with presenters** and provide feedback to help advance their research
* **New this year: Watch live poster presentations** by topic area and engage directly with researchers

At the conclusion of this event, the AMA announced the top five finalists who advanced to the AMA Research Challenge final round, presented their research to an elite panel of judges, and competed to win a $10,000 grand prize presented by Laurel Road.

**Addison Shenk, a fourth-year medical student from Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, was the winner of the 2025 AMA Research Challenge and was awarded the grand prize of $10,000, presented by Laurel Road.**

#### A message from Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, AMA President
<div style="position: relative; width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden;">
  <iframe 
    src="https://underline.io/embed/136894-ama-video?t=0"
    title="AMA Welcome Video"
    allowfullscreen
    style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0;">
  </iframe>
</div>


#### Recognized Institutions
In 2025, 1,400 abstracts were submitted across six topic areas representing 174 medical schools and more than 150 residency and health care institutions. [See if your institution is represented this year!](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eFrTqCmCeobx9pr5drJK2hllvsIpFNOY/view?usp=drive_link)

#### Grand Prize Sponsor
AMA would like to thank Laurel Road, a brand of KeyBank, for sponsoring a $10,000 grand prize for the winner of the AMA Research Challenge. Laurel Road and KeyBank are not involved in winner selection process. The winner will be announced during the AMA Research Challenge final round. Payment of the grand prize will be directly from Laurel Road/KeyBank. See the [AMA Research Challenge Official Rules for terms and conditions](https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/research-challenge-official-rules.pdf).

[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/611e331d4a0eba0920f240cfc04b4d77.png)](https://www.laurelroad.com/)

#### Code of Conduct
<html>
AMA has a code of conduct for its meetings – we ask all attendees to adhere to this code to participate in this year’s meeting. Please read and <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/about/code-conduct" target="_blank">learn more here</a> about your conduct requirements.
<br><br>
	</html>
	

#### Semifinals Judges

You need to log in with the email address you registered with. Access credentials have been sent to your email. 

Please be sure to check your spam and other email folders if you do not see an email confirmation right away.

Need help? Contact us at <support@underline.io>.

Please log in to explore this event.

If you have used the AMA Research Challenge platform previously, please click the ‘Log-in’ button below. If you do not remember your password, please click “forgot password” and follow prompts to reset your password. After resetting your password, please refresh your webpage to access the platform. 

Register to explore research in a variety of topics. AMA members get exclusive access to score posters in the semifinals. 

**Please use [this link here](https://www.ama-assn.org/member-benefits/events/ama-research-challenge) to register for free. **

Registration Is Required

AMA Research Challenge 2025 

Join the AMA Research Challenge poster symposium and semifinals to explore top research posters and score posters in the semifinals (an AMA member exclusive opportunity).

poster

Welcome to the **largest national, multi-specialty research** event featuring research from more than 750 medical students, residents, fellows, and international medical graduates.

Use the buttons below or navigation menu to access the event.
<br><br><br>

[![](https://assets.underline.io/markdown_image/1/image/20e1e77aa954efeac7a15d84c85eb383.jpg)](https://underline.io/events/468/sessions?searchGroup=all)
<br>
[![](https://assets.underline.io/markdown_image/1/image/068522d81aca0b68a369787c7dfccd1b.jpg)](https://underline.io/events/468/posters?searchGroup=all)
<br>
[![](https://assets.underline.io/markdown_image/1/image/d3971ece79d5e5575b178bdc2c8bbfae.jpg)](https://underline.io/events/468/help-desk)
<br><br>

#### Event Details

The 2024 American Medical Association Research Challenge includes a poster symposium hall and a semifinals hall with the top scored research. **Log in at any time throughout the event to:**

* **View posters and presentations** on a variety of topics and specialties
* **Score posters in the semifinals** to help decide the top five finalists (AMA member exclusive opportunity)
* **Connect with participants** and provide feedback to help advance their research

At the conclusion of this event, the AMA will announce the top five finalists who will advance to the AMA Research Challenge finals, present their research to an elite panel of judges, and compete to win a $10,000 grand prize presented by Laurel Road.<br><br>

### Grand Prize Sponsor

AMA would like to thank Laurel Road for sponsoring a $10,000 grand prize for the winner of the AMA Research Challenge. Laurel Road is not involved in winner selection process. The winner will be announced on February 20, 2025 during the AMA Research Challenge finals. Payment of the grand prize will be directly from Laurel Road. See the AMA Research Challenge Official Rules for terms and conditions.

[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/611e331d4a0eba0920f240cfc04b4d77.png)](https://www.laurelroad.com/)

<br><br>

You need to log in with the email address you registered with. Access credentials have been sent to your email. 

Please be sure to check your spam and other email folders if you do not see an email confirmation right away.

**There is no registration fee for this event! **

If you have used the AMA Research Challenge platform previously, please click the ‘Log-in’ button below. If you do not remember your password, please click “forgot password” and follow prompts to reset your password. After resetting your password, please refresh your webpage to access the platform.

Register to explore research in a variety of topics. AMA members get exclusive access to score posters in the semifinals. 

**Please use this link [here](https://www.ama-assn.org/member-benefits/events/ama-research-challenge) to register for free.**

Background: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are malignant tumors that originate in soft tissues, managed with surgical resection as first-line treatment. Time to intervention (TTI) is crucial to the overall survival as metastases can develop in about 50% of STS patients. In the US, the median TTI is 22 days for STS patients, with longer TTI associated with poorer outcomes.1-3 While low-income public insurance and academic centers have individually been associated with increased TTI, no studies have investigated the combined impact of these factors.2,4-5 

Methods: We performed a single academic institution retrospective chart review of patients who underwent surgical STS resection between 2013 and 2023 with Medicaid or Medicare insurance. TTI was calculated from date of diagnosis to date of surgical resection. 

Result: Data was collected from 69 patients who underwent surgical STS resection; 20 patients were diagnosed and referred from outside hospitals, and 28 patients received preoperative radiation therapy (PRT). 90% of STS patients were diagnosed by biopsy and 10% by imaging. The most common STS diagnoses included “undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma” (25%) and “myxofibrosarcoma” (20%). Of the 41 patients that underwent STS surgical resection only, 56% had high grade (grade 2 or 3) STS and had a median TTI of 40 days. Among the PRT patients, 89% had high grade STS and median TTI of 104 days. 

Conclusion: The median TTI for surgical resection of STS in Medicare and Medicaid patients at a single academic institution was higher compared to the median TTI for STS in the US.

Increased Time to Intervention for Medicaid and Medicare Patients with
Localized Soft Tissue Sarcoma at a Single Academic Institution

Optimizing the ACS NSQIP Risk Calculator in Microsurgical Free Flap Breast Reconstruction

Background: Pre-operative risk indexes such as the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) have become increasingly popular for predicting patient-specific postoperative risks in plastic surgery. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of the ACS NSQIP tool in microsurgical breast reconstruction with subsequent analysis of the most significant patient-level risk variables that drive these predictions. 

Methods: A retrospective review of 98 microvascular free flap breast reconstructions performed between 2018-2022 was completed. 94 patients were included in the analysis. Univariate analysis between complication and non-complication groups was completed to identify significant differences in predictions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves on these predictions were subsequently completed to evaluate the accuracy of ACS NSQIP. Multivariate regression analysis was performed on pre-operative patient data utilized in the NSQIP risk calculator to identify any significant relationships between predictor variables and observed adverse postoperative events.

Results: Univariate analysis revealed the ACS NSQIP calculator most accurately predicted any complication (p=0.0432) and surgical site infection (p=0.0216) of the 12 outcomes analyzed by the authors. ACS NSQIP predicted “any” complications with a diagnostic accuracy of 63.1%, sensitivity of 61.3%, and specificity of 71.0%. It also predicted surgical site infection with a diagnostic accuracy of 71.6%, sensitivity of 57.1%, and specificity of 84.9%. Subsequent multivariate linear regression analysis of significant predictions revealed that non-white individuals were 6.68 times more likely to have any complication (95% CI 1.89-23.62; p=.003) and 6.38 times more likely to have a serious complication (95% CI 1.81-22.53; p=.004).

Conclusion: The NSQIP Risk Calculator was found to be significant in predicting “any complications” and “surgical site infections'' amongst our institution’s microsurgical breast reconstruction cohort, with minorities experiencing an approximate seven-fold increase in complications. Further analysis of the patient-level risk factors that drive these predictions may optimize the accuracy of this index and provide a powerful tool in pre-operative counseling by plastic surgeons.

Optimizing the ACS NSQIP Risk Calculator in Microsurgical Free Flap Breast
Reconstruction

Background
The Goldilocks mastectomy is a breast reconstruction technique that utilizes the remaining breast tissue post-mastectomy to create a new, smaller breast mound. For this reason, the Goldilocks technique is well-suited for patients with large, ptotic breasts. This procedure is often paired with free nipple grafting (FNG), a technique in which the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is removed entirely and relocated as a skin graft. In cases where only one NAC can be preserved, the nipple can be split into halves and fashioned into two separate nipples prior to graft placement.

When FNG is employed in conjunction with Goldilocks mastectomy, it is often performed as a secondary procedure. However, the surgical risks and recovery time can be reduced when these procedures are performed concurrently. A single-stage operation can also allow for earlier radiation treatment or the avoidance of grafting on irradiated skin.

Case Presentation
Here, we present the successful application of FNG in conjunction with the Goldilocks mastectomy in a single-stage procedure. The patient was a 55-year-old female with bilateral, retropectoral breast implants who wore a DD size bra. After presentation with microcalcifications in the left breast and diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ, bilateral mastectomy was suggested. The patient requested a reconstructive procedure in which her implants could be removed while still preserving the shape and aesthetics of her breasts. Because cancer was present in the left NAC, only the right nipple could be preserved for grafting. Therefore, single-stage, bilateral Goldilocks mastectomy with nipple-splitting and subsequent FNG was suggested as a treatment option. The procedure was explained to the patient, and she was informed of the associated risks. She chose to proceed with surgery. The procedure was successfully performed using a single-stage approach. The patient did not suffer any complications and had good wound healing, which led to a pleasing cosmetic result and eliminated the need to return to the hospital for further treatment.

Discussion
The decision to perform FNG concurrently with a Goldilocks mastectomy provides several benefits. A FNG addresses the cosmetic impact of NAC removal, and the single-stage approach reduces overall recovery time, minimizes infection risk, and promotes a faster return to daily life. In this case, the patient’s desire for implant removal was accommodated while also providing total breast reconstruction in a single operation. The single-stage method helped to minimize postoperative complications and optimize the aesthetic outcome, ultimately yielding high patient satisfaction and improved quality of life.

Single-Stage Breast Reconstruction: The Application of Free Nipple Grafting in Goldilocks Mastectomy

Abstract Title 
Surgical Outcomes of Fresh Frozen Cartilage Use in Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review 

Background 
Despite high satisfaction rates, rhinoplasty has a 5-15% revision rate, which is often complicated by insufficient cartilage. This challenge can be addressed with the use of cartilage grafts, including autologous cartilage and irradiated homologous costal cartilage. Recently, fresh frozen costal cartilage (FFCC) has emerged as a promising alternative, providing reduced donor site morbidity and preserved biomechanical properties. The purpose of this review is to systematically synthesize the existing literature on FFCC for rhinoplasty, focusing on surgical outcomes to inform clinicians and guide future research. 

Methods 
A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search input, “(fresh frozen) AND (rhinoplasty)” was utilized to identify relevant articles in six electronic databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica Database, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Database searching yielded 83 records. Three independent reviewers screened and assessed identified articles based on pre-established eligibility criteria. Eligible studies reported original patient outcomes of rhinoplasty utilizing FFCC and provided sufficient data regarding outcomes. Extracted data included study design, patient demographics, technical details, and surgical outcomes. 

Results 
A total of five studies were included in the review, and collectively encompassed data for a total of 766 patients (83.9% female, 16.1% male) who underwent rhinoplasty with FFCC. This included 72 primary rhinoplasties (9.4%) and 694 revision procedures (90.6%). Across the 766 patients, there were 13 cases (1.7%) of infection, nine cases (1.2%) of warping and seven cases (0.9%) of cartilage resorption. Of studies reporting cartilage graft displacement, there was only one case (0.1%). Additionally, the reoperation rate ranged from 0.5% to 16% with an average of 2.3% (n=18) across the studies. 

Conclusion 
With comparable outcomes and low complication and reoperation rates, FFCC represents a safe and reliable alternative to autologous rib grafts for rhinoplasty. However, given the novelty of this technique, additional studies with larger patient populations and long-term follow-up are needed to validate these findings.

Surgical Outcomes of Fresh Frozen Cartilage Use in Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review​

Introduction: Interest has grown in transcutaneous osseointegrated (TOI) upper extremity prosthetics as an alternative to traditional socket prosthetics. As of 2023, no upper extremity TOI prosthetic have received FDA approval in the United States. This study examines demographics and postoperative outcomes in patients who have received upper extremity TOI prosthetics globally.
Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were queried for cases of upper limb TOI prosthetics with variations in terms for osseointegration, prosthetics, and upper extremity anatomy. Studies were included if demographic and outcome data on patients with at least one amputation and TOI prosthetic at any site of the upper limb were present. Studies that pertained only to endoprostheses or lower extremity TOI, had incomplete information on multiple patients, exclusively reported biomechanical or material data, or were in non-English languages were excluded. Site and etiology of limb loss, age, sex, history of infection at TOI site, and subsequent surgery on the site were recorded. Descriptive statistics were calculated. 
Results: The search returned 1,314 articles, of which 907 were screened after duplicate exclusion. Ultimately, 27 studies with 95 patients were analyzed. Patients were predominantly male (N=70, 73.6%) and age at prosthetic placement ranged from 10 to 68 years. The most common prosthetic sites were the thumb (N=33, 35.7%) and humerus (N=21, 22.1%). Eleven patients required secondary surgery; 10 were for hardware problems (e.g., loosening, breakage) and one was a soft tissue revision. Infections between surgery and first follow-up were reported in 11.5% of patients. Only 46.3% of studies explicitly discussed infection outcomes following TOI. 
Conclusion: TOI prosthetics have been used with some success internationally, but clinical data is limited and reports are inconsistent. Lack of approval in the U.S. has made analysis of outcomes difficult. While infection is a valid concern, implant hardware is a frequently reported cause of subsequent surgeries at TOI prosthetic sites. 


Transcutaneous Osseointegration for Upper Extremity: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Background: Peripheral nerve injuries present a major challenge due to limited functional and sensory recovery with current treatments. Human amniotic and umbilical cord membranes show promise in tissue regeneration but are limited by the quantity and variety of growth factors they release. This study evaluates the efficiency of umbilical cord and placental membranes as biological scaffolds for lysozyme delivery. The assessment includes investigating the binding capacity of double-walled microspheres (DWMS) loaded with lysozyme to the membranes and characterizing the subsequent lysozyme release kinetics.

Methods: Lysozyme, chosen for its similar properties to glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), was encapsulated in biodegradable poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)/poly lactic acid (PLA) microspheres using a water-oil-water emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The binding capacity and release kinetics of lysozyme from DWMS bound to cryopreserved and lyophilized umbilical cord and placental membranes were assessed over 1, 6, and 24 hours, using the Bicinchoninic Acid assay.

Results: Our findings demonstrated that lysozyme-loaded DWMS bound similarly to both cryopreserved and lyophilized umbilical cord membranes. However, placental membranes soaked for 1 and 24 hours exhibited significantly higher lysozyme release (p<0.05) compared to non-loaded membranes. Notably, placental membranes soaked for 24 hours released 1.57 times more lysozyme than those soaked for 1 hour at the 72-hour mark. Furthermore, lysozyme release from both cryopreserved and lyophilized umbilical cord membranes was significantly greater after 6 and 24 hours of DWMS treatment compared to placental membranes (p<0.05). Cryopreserved umbilical cord membranes specifically showed a greater release than lyophilized membranes when assessed at these time points (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Placental membranes demonstrated superior efficacy as scaffolds for lysozyme-loaded DWMS delivery, particularly with longer incubation periods. Cryopreserved umbilical cord membranes were more effective than lyophilized ones, suggesting that preservation methods impact therapeutic potential. These findings highlight a novel approach for enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration through improved drug delivery systems.


Umbilical Cord & Placental Membranes as Biological Scaffolds for Drug Delivery in Nerve Regeneration

Using Digested and Lyophilized Bone Matrices for Enhanced Retention and Sustained Release of BMP-2 for Bone Regeneration
Background
Human recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) is an FDA-approved growth factor that promotes bone formation but includes safety risks like inflammation and ectopic bone formation. Current research aims to enhance rhBMP-2 delivery strategies, as prolonged, controlled release improves bone healing and reduces side effects compared to short-term release. Currently, collagen sponges are often used for the delivery of rhBMP-2 but suffer from poor structural stability and inadequate release profiles. A previous study developed a sponge- like matrix from decellularized, demineralized, and enzymatically digested porcine bone, demonstrating biocompatibility and bone regeneration. In this study, we created a similar digested and lyophilized bone matrix (DLBM) while adding synthetic BMP2 (sBMP2) and stabilizing with glutaraldehyde (GL) crosslinking in the hopes of creating a safe and efficacious BMP2 delivery system.
Methods
The digested and lyophilized bone matrix (DLBM) was fabricated using established methods, with synthetic BMP2 peptide (sBMP2) infused and stabilized through glutaraldehyde (GL) crosslinking. This DLBM/BMP2/GL construct was compared to a DLBM/BMP2 scaffold without crosslinking. Over four weeks, we assessed in vitro degradation and BMP2 release of both constructs at various time points. The in vivo efficacy of the DLBM/BMP2/GL scaffold was evaluated using a non-healing tibial defect model in a rat model, analyzing bone growth via CT and histology after eight weeks.
Results
In vitro degradation experiments showed that the DLBM/BMP2/GL scaffold retained significantly more of its original mass (~40%) compared to the non-GL scaffold (~17%). Additionally, we found significantly higher retention of sBMP2 in the DLBM/BMP2/GL scaffold at all time points. CT analysis and histological examinations further indicated that the DLBM/BMP2/GL scaffold exhibited enhanced regenerative capability over the DLBM scaffold in vivo, demonstrating improved efficacy.

Conclusion
Our study underscores the potential of the DLBM/BMP2/GL scaffold as a promising platform for bone tissue engineering. We found that a sponge-like matrix, comprised of the digested and lyophilized bone matrix (DLBM) of pig bone, could effectively retain BMP2 peptide after chemical crosslinking using glutaraldehyde (DLBM/BMP2/GL). Further, we found a much more sustainable and controllable release profile of the BMP2 from the DLBM/BMP2/GL matrix when compared to the same BMP2-infused DLBM structure without any chemical crosslinking applied. Our in vivo evaluations demonstrate the improved biocompatibility, osteogenicity, and bone regenerative capacity of the DLBM/BMP2/GL scaffold compared to DLBM alone. Overall, our findings contribute to advancing innovative strategies for optimizing bone tissue engineering outcomes, thereby enhancing clinical efficacy and safety in bone repair and regeneration applications.

Using Digested and Lyophilized Bone Matrices for Enhanced Retention and Sustained Release of BMP-2 for Bone Regeneration

Background 
Vaginal rejuvenation refers to a variety of procedures that aim to improve genitourinary function or cosmetics. Local estrogen is the current standard of care to address complaints of vulvovaginal atrophy and vaginal laxity. However, energy-based treatments have become an emerging treatment option. Following an FDA statement in 2018 expressing concern over alleged lack of supporting evidence, laser and radiofrequency treatment of the vagina remains somewhat controversial.
Methods
The PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were queried for English-language studies published between November 2018 and June 2024 with terms associated with vaginal rejuvenation, including but not limited to, “vaginal” or “vagina” and “genitourinary syndrome of menopause” or “rejuvenation” or “vulvovaginal atrophy” or “vaginal atrophy”. Searches also included “laser” or “erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet” or “diode” or “carbon dioxide” or “CO2” or “radiofrequency” or “thermal”. 
Studies were included if they included at least one patient 18 years of age and older undergoing laser or radiofrequency therapy of the vagina for a specific vaginal or lower urinary complaint. Studies with purely cosmetic indications were excluded, as were studies with combined therapies, animal or cadaver models, or participants with active infectious or neoplastic pathology of the genitourinary system. Additionally, studies must have been available in full text and reported clinical outcome data, including standardized measures of patient reported outcomes and qualitative symptom data. Studies that did not explicitly report the presence or absence of adverse effects were excluded. 
Results
A total of 1374 studies were identified (EMBASE=792, PubMed=376, CENTRAL=206). 337 duplicates were excluded and 1059 studies were ultimately screened. 77 studies were included with a total number of 5,143 patients. 27 of these were randomized controlled trials, 40 were prospective interventional studies, and 10 were retrospective studies. A majority (79%) used laser treatment for vaginal rejuvenation. Indication for rejuvenation was stress urinary incontinence in 18 studies and genitourinary syndrome of menopause or its related symptoms in 
the remaining. 93.5% (N=72/77) of the studies reported improvements in patient-reported outcomes. Just under half (49.4%) of the studies reported at least minor or transient adverse effects of the treatment. These included vaginitis, leukorrhea, vaginal pain, dysuria, and urinary tract infection.
Conclusion 
Laser and radiofrequency treatment of the vagina has demonstrated improvement in patientreported outcomes for genitourinary symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy and urinary incontinence. Adverse effects of vaginal rejuvenation in the literature are minor, suggesting that this is a safe and effective option for patients with post-menopausal complaints requiring vaginal rejuvenation.

Vaginal Rejuvenation by Laser or Radiofrequency: A Systematic Review of the 
Literature

Background: Reduced sensation frequently occurs after reduction mammaplasty. However, the degree of sensation can vary among individuals. The aim of this study is to assess how body mass index (BMI) and weight of breast tissue excised during reduction mammaplasty affects postoperative sensation. 

Methods: Patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty with superomedial or superior pedicle and Wise pattern incisions were prospectively followed. One month after surgery, neurosensory testing was completed using a pressure-specified sensory device to record sensation on a scale from 0 to 100, where higher values indicate greater sensitivity. An average sensation score was calculated per breast from 9 breast regions. Patient demographics, BMI, and weight of breast tissue excised were recorded. Linear regression analysis was run to predict postoperative sensation from BMI, specimen weight, and ratio of BMI to specimen weight. Student t-test were used to detect differences between BMI groups (BMI <30 vs. BMI >30) and specimen weight (weight <1,000 g vs. weight >1,000 g). 

Results: Sensory testing was completed on 28 breasts in 14 patients. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that specimen weight (t=-2.59, p=0.02) was a significant predictor of postoperative sensation, but BMI was not (t=-0.32, p=0.75). The ratio of BMI to specimen weight was also a significant predictor of postoperative sensation (t=2.65, p=0.01). Our result is robust to the normal assumption. Even using nonparametric Spearman’s coefficient test, the results remain significant. The Spearman’s Correlation coefficient was -0.46 for specimen weight (p=0.01) and 0.49 for ratio of BMI to specimen weight (p=0.01). A t-test revealed a significant difference in average postoperative sensation between patients with less than 1,000 g excised (68.39 ± 15.47) and 1,000 g or more excised (53.17 ± 18.93) (p=0.03). There was no difference between average postoperative sensation in obese (64.97 ± 16.74) and non-obese patients (60.28 ± 20.07) (p=0.51). 

Conclusions: This study revealed that specimen weight was a predictor for postoperative sensation, with more tissue excised resulting in worse sensation. The ratio of BMI to specimen weight was also found to be a significant predictor, suggesting that specimen weight is predictive of sensation irrespective of BMI. These parameters can guide preoperative counseling and may suggest a benefit for nerve reinnervation in certain groups that need a larger amount of breast tissue excised during reduction. Future work will investigate how BMI and specimen weight affect long-term sensation following mammaplasty. 


Weighing In: Predicting Postoperative Sensation After Breast Reduction

INTRODUCTION: Loneliness is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and has been considered the latest global health epidemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated loneliness across all age groups, particularly older adults who are more vulnerable to the negative effects of quarantining and social distancing. This study aims to assess the relationship between loneliness, depression, and suicidality among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the All of Us (AoU) Research Program. 

METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data from the National Institutes of Health AoU Research Program, a research initiative encompassing diverse US residents. We focused on older adults aged 65 (N=17,084) who completed a COVID-19-related survey administered between May 2020 and February 2021. Participants were divided into quartiles based on their UCLA Loneliness Scale Short Form-8 scores. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed for demographic analysis, and logistic regression models were used to test associations between loneliness quartiles and both depression (via Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9] score 10) and suicidal ideation (via PHQ-9 item 9 positive response). The models were adjusted for age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, marital status, employment status, housing status, health insurance status, and social support rating.

RESULTS: Among the 17,084 older adult participants (mean [SD] age of 72.0 [5.3]), 55.0% were female, 89.8% identified as White, 2.1% identified as Hispanic, 66.9% were married, 72.0% were college graduates, 70.3% were retired, 7.8% met the criteria for moderate-severe depression, and 3.5% endorsed experiencing suicidal ideation. Individuals in the highest quartile of loneliness were more likely to be younger, female, have lower social support, and lack of marital, educational, housing, or insurance status (all ps<0.05). Compared to individuals in the 1st quartile of loneliness, those in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th (highest) quartile of loneliness had adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of 2.42 (95% confidence interval [CI]:1.57-3.77), 7.91 (95% CI: 5.29-11.82), and 39.50 (95% CI: 26.76-58.30), respectively, of meeting criteria for moderate-severe depression. Similarly, participants in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartile of loneliness had greater odds of suicidal ideation (aORs of 3.73 (95% CI: 1.64-5.52), 12.31 (95% CI: 5.69-26.59), and 65.48 (95% CI: 30.85-138.97), respectively).

CONCLUSION: 
Older adults in the highest quartile of loneliness were nearly 40 and 65-times more likely to be depressed and suicidal, respectively, during the COVID-19 pandemic. To our knowledge, this is the largest US population-level investigation of its kind, and our findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate loneliness.

Premium content

Next from AMA Research Challenge 2024

Increased Time to Intervention for Medicaid and Medicare Patients with Localized Soft Tissue Sarcoma at a Single Academic Institution

Similar lecture

Achieving Breast Symmetry in Implant Based Reconstruction following Radiation by Manipulating the Non-irradiated Breast