- Interest in Robotics Outpaces Access: Results from A Survey of Practicing Plastic Surgeons. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jul 06. [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.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- Enhancing Microvascular Anastomosis Using an Axial-View Microscope. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jul 01. [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.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- Beyond BMI: Using Abdominal Wall Thickness to Guide Patient Selection for DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jul 01. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal wall thickness 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.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- 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 Jun 29. [Online ahead of print]JR
- The impact of body mass index (BMI) extremes on the outcomes after head and neck cancer (HNC) reconstruction remains uncertain. Herein, we investigate the influence of low and high BMI on the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of oncologic head and neck microvascular reconstruction.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- 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
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- 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.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- 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.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- "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.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- 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.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- 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.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- 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.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- 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.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- 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.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- 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.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)
- Flow, Resistance, and Turbulence: Elucidating the Hemodynamics of Free Flaps. [Journal Article]J Reconstr Microsurg. 2026 Jun 05. [Online ahead of print]JR
- CONCLUSIONS: Free flap perfusion reflects a dynamic interplay among flow, resistance, and turbulence. PI and HD provide markers of resistance and waveform complexity. Venous caliber, not arterial, correlates with favorable hemodynamic profiles. Flap spectral signatures may enable functional characterization beyond anatomic descriptors.
- Publisher Full Text (DOI)