Annals in Action: Plastic Surgery Insights on the Go

In this episode of Annals in Action, Brad and Ben are joined by cohost Dr. Ronnie Mubang, who recently joined the faculty at Vanderbilt Plastic Surgery after completing his plastic surgery residency there, following prior training in general surgery, acute care surgery, and burn surgery. We begin by discussing our recent editorial in the February issue inviting listeners to engage with the team and encourage everyone to share feedback, questions, or topic suggestions by emailing [email protected] (Ann Plast Surg. 2026;96(2):125-6. DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000004630). Dr. Mubang then reviews an NSQIP-based analysis examining outcomes in geriatric patients undergoing panniculectomy, which identified a significantly increased risk of pulmonary embolism in this population, although the discussion explores why these observations may not necessarily translate into major changes in operative practice (Ann Plast Surg. 2026;96(3):218-222. DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000004635). Brad highlights a retrospective study evaluating the timing and outcomes of free flap reconstruction for high-voltage electrical burns of the extremities. The discussion focuses on the complex balance between delayed reconstruction, flap survival, and limb salvage, emphasizing that while free tissue transfer may restore limb viability and function, successful flap survival does not always equate to full functional recovery (Ann Plast Surg. 2026;96(3):228-232. DOI:10.1097/SAP.0000000000004627). Also, keep a look out for a bonus episode where we review an interesting case!
Music credit: Sweet talks by Limuji from freetouse.com

In this episode, Brad reviews a systematic evaluation of local antibiotic delivery systems for infection prophylaxis in implant-based breast reconstruction, highlighting the promising reductions in surgical-site infection and implant loss achieved with biodegradable beads, PMMA antibiotic plates, and continuous postoperative irrigation—while underscoring the evidence gaps that persist due to uniformly retrospective designs (Ann Plast Surg. 2025;95(5):499–505. DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004416). Lax discusses his recent case series examining the multifaceted challenges of managing hand injuries in patients with significant psychiatric comorbidities, emphasizing the recurrent barriers to care including impaired consent capacity, altered surgical planning, high rates of self-injury, and substantial loss to follow-up that complicate outcomes and demand integrated psychiatric–surgical care pathways (Ann Plast Surg. 2025;95(5):511–515. DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004503). Ben covers an updated systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating acellular dermal matrix as an adjunct in primary and secondary palatoplasty, detailing how pooled contemporary data demonstrate a significant reduction in postoperative oronasal fistula formation when ADM is incorporated into repair, reaffirming its value as a reliable tool in reconstruction (Ann Plast Surg. 2025;95(5):516–521. DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004483).
 
Music credit: Sweet talks by Limuji from freetouse.com

In this episode, Brad breaks down a multicenter study of the Burn Model Systems National Database that investigates disparities in burn scar reconstruction utilization, demonstrating significant variation based on geography, gender, and insurance type (Ann Plast Surg. 2025;95(2):146–150, DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004360). Lax discusses a retrospective analysis exploring how diabetes and metformin use influence the development of painful neuromas following lower extremity amputation, revealing a paradoxical protective effect of diabetes on neuroma risk (Ann Plast Surg. 2025;95(2):170–177, DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004419). Ben reviews a national cohort study assessing the relative impact of body mass index and hemoglobin A1c on short-term wound complications after breast reconstruction, highlighting the surprising lack of predictive value of HbA1c compared to BMI (Ann Plast Surg. 2025;95(2):188–195, DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004369).
 Music credit: Sweet talks by Limuji from freetouse.com

In this episode, Brad explores a timely analysis comparing carpal tunnel syndrome information quality across social media platforms and large language models like ChatGPT, highlighting the superiority of AI-generated content in accuracy and reliability (Ann Plast Surg. 2025;94(5):477–483, DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004232). Lax discusses a review of the evolving landscape of vascularized composite allotransplantation of the uterus, covering key milestones, technical refinements, and ethical considerations as the field moves toward broader clinical application (Ann Plast Surg. 2025;94(5):528–533, DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004350). Ben breaks down a 100-case series of a plastic surgeon's experience with upper limb squamous cell carcinoma, emphasizing recurrence risks, clinical decision-making, and surgical management (Ann Plast Surg. 2025;94(3):296-301. DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004225).
Music credit: Sweet talks by Limuji from freetouse.com

In this episode, Brad offered a comprehensive review of the use of drains in plastic surgery, delving into their roles, advantages, and implications in various surgical contexts. Lax provided an insightful discussion on the reverse sural flaps, highlighting their techniques, applications, and significance in reconstructive procedures. Finaly, the episode features an engaging interview with Ben Savitz, a dedicated research fellow, who shared his experience and valuable perspectives in the field of plastic surgery research.
Music credit: Sweet talks by Limuji from freetouse.com