- Insights into Cervical Phrenic Nerve Variations Based on Cadaveric Dissection and Intraoperative Electromyography. [Clinical Trial]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jul 14. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: Conventional anatomical studies may underestimate the prevalence of the PNV relative to intraoperative electrophysiological assessment. Intraoperative EMG monitoring is not required for all cervical nerve procedures; however, when feasible, particularly in procedures that may involve bilateral PNs, it can help identify and preserve functionally important branches, thereby reducing the risk of iatrogenic injury.
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- Interest in Robotics Outpaces Access: Results from a Survey of Practicing Plastic Surgeons. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jul 15. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: The present survey identified inadequate training, high costs, and limited demand as key barriers to the adoption of robotics in plastic surgery, reflecting the current lack of robotic integration into residency curricula, as well as the substantial investment and maintenance costs associated with robotic systems. Nevertheless, the strong interest in robotics highlights the need for expanded training programs, promotion of clinical benefits, and research quantifying potential downstream savings to overcome these barriers.
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- Enhancing Microvascular Anastomosis Using an Axial-View Microscope. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jul 14. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: The aMS provides direct visualization of the vascular cross-section and facilitates rapid identification of the tunica intima without prolonging other steps of microvascular anastomosis. These findings indicate that this system may enhance the operative view and reduce anastomosis time in microsurgical procedures.
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- Beyond Body Mass Index: Using Abdominal Wall Thickness to Guide Patient Selection for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jul 14. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: AWT may serve as a valuable adjunct tool in determining DIEP flap eligibility, particularly for patients with a high BMI and thin abdominal wall, or vice versa.
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- Influence of Body Mass Index on Perioperative Outcomes of Oncologic Head and Neck Free Flaps: Comprehensive Analysis Using a Prospective Institutional Database. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jul 17. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: BMI extremes relate to perioperative risk in HNC microvascular reconstruction. Underweight status is associated with higher perioperative complications across flaps, while obesity-related risk concentrates in class II/III patients undergoing thigh-based flaps. Findings support BMI-informed preoperative optimization and flap selection strategies.
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- Homocysteine Levels as a Potential Contributor to Impaired Wound Healing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jul 09. [Online ahead of print]JR
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- Infrared Temperature Monitoring in Vascularized Flaps with Simulated Arterial and Venous Thrombosis: An Animal Study. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jun 30. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: Infrared temperature monitoring demonstrated a tendency toward temperature elevation in venous congestion, while temperature changes associated with arterial ischemia appeared to develop more slowly. These findings suggest that infrared thermography may be more sensitive to venous than arterial vascular compromise in this experimental model.
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- Sequential, Noninvasive, Neurosensory Monitoring During Chemotherapy: Clinical Consequences of Identifying Neuropathy. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jun 29. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive and nonpainful neurosensory testing is feasible to do during chemotherapy IV infusion. This can identify changes in peripheral nerve function that correlate with a patient's symptoms and therefore might be used by the oncologist to alter the patient's chemotherapy dosage and limiting chemotherapy toxicity.
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- "Finger-Touch Approach" for Novice Microsurgical Assistants: A Simulation Study. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jun 05. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: FTA improves safety and psychological comfort among novice microsurgical assistants. The technique requires minimal instruction without additional equipment, making it readily implementable in training programs and clinical practices for beginners.
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- Assessing the Availability and Need for Microsurgery-Trained Reconstructive Surgeons in Sub-Saharan Africa. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jun 16. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: Addressing workforce shortages, improving microsurgery-specific training, and strengthening infrastructure are critical for expanding reconstructive microsurgical care in the COSECSA region. Given the current dearth of local training programs, international collaborations continue to play a vital role in bridging the gap in microsurgical training. However, to be effective, these partnerships should prioritize longitudinal, local engagement and capacity-building efforts to support the development of sustainable microsurgical practices in LMICs.
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- The Role of Preoperative Lower Extremity CT Angiography in Mandible Reconstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jun 16. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: Lower extremity CTA primarily serves as a preoperative decision-support tool guiding FFF selection rather than as a predictor of postoperative outcomes. CTA-based vascular assessment enables effective upstream risk stratification and supports individualized reconstructive planning in mandibular reconstruction.
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- Ultrasound Hemodynamics of SCIA-SIEA System: A Foundation for Groin Flap Planning. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jun 15. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: Distinct interindividual hemodynamic patterns of arterial perfusion in the groin region can be identified using ultrasound, and baseline reference values are established to support further validation of preoperative mapping for SCIP and SIEA flaps.
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- Intraoperative Versus Postoperative Correction of Vascular Compromise: Comparison of Flap and Patient Outcomes in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jun 09. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: Proactive intraoperative management of vascular compromise is ideal as it optimizes clinical outcomes and flap success rate. The findings from our study promote refinement of both surgical skills and decision-making among surgeons for optimal patient safety in free flap breast reconstruction.
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- Beyond the Chest X-Ray: Comparative Performance of Preoperative Tests for Phrenic Nerve Dysfunction in Brachial Plexus Injuries. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 May 29. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: Chest sonography provides the most reliable assessment of phrenic nerve function in BPI. Although CXR offers high specificity, its low sensitivity limits its use as a standalone test. A combined approach with sonography and CXR may enhance diagnostic accuracy.
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- The Unappreciated Morbidity of Brachial Plexus Injuries Following Low Energy Shoulder Trauma: Understanding Risk Factors and Natural History. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jun 06. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: BPI occurred in 1.8% of shoulder trauma cases and was most associated with fracture-dislocations. Musculocutaneous nerve injury and female sex were independently associated with a lower likelihood of recovery, whereas dislocation and fracture-dislocation patterns were associated with improved recovery compared with isolated fractures. These findings underscore the importance of early, nerve-specific evaluation and more refined prognostic stratification following shoulder trauma.
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