Browsing by Author "Cuadra, Alvaro"

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    Evaluation of Research Opportunities and Limitations for Plastic Surgery Residents An International Survey
    (2021) Navia, Alfonso; Berner, Juan Enrique; Ramirez, Joaquin; Will, Patrick; Tejos, Rodrigo; Dagnino, Bruno; Searle, Susana; Cuadra, Alvaro
    Background Conducting research during specialty training provides an opportunity to develop critical thinking and leadership skills along with a better understanding of the scientific literature. However, trainees often find it difficult to undertake research, in the context of labor-intensive surgical training. The aim of this study is to evaluate the research output and limitations of plastic surgery residents in different countries. Methods An international cross-sectional study involving plastic surgery trainees and recent postgraduates from Brazil, Chile, Germany, and the United Kingdom was conducted. A survey inquiring into academic productivity, limitations to conducting research, and working-hours patterns was distributed among eligible participants. Results From September to December 2019, 106 surveys were retrieved. Most respondents declared having participated in at least 1 project that resulted in a presentation or publication during their training (90.6% in national presentations, 68% international presentations, 67% in national publications, and 66% international publications). Having completed a previous research fellowship was associated with a statistically higher academic output (P < 0.05). Seventy-nine percent of respondents felt that their participation in research activities would have been greater if limiting factors had been addressed, including lack of time (72.5%) and insufficient supervision and mentoring (55%). Conclusions Optimizing plastic surgery trainees' participation in scientific research is beneficial both for residents and their mentors. Research fellowships can provide an opportunity for academically oriented trainees to further develop their research skills. Protected time and adequate mentoring can help not only to increase residents' research output, but also to recruit the next generation of academic plastic surgeons.
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    From presentation to publication: an 11-year comparison of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery research among Chilean plastic surgeons
    (2021) Tejos, Rodrigo; Navia, Alfonso; Berner, Juan Enrique; Searle, Susana; Yanez, Gonzalo; Dagnino, Bruno; Guerra, Claudio; Cuadra, Alvaro
    Background The transition from a presentation in a scientific conference to publication in an academic journal should be the ideal journey for a research project. This phenomenon is summarized in a conversion rate, which has been previously reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and conversion rate of Chilean authors' aesthetic and reconstructive research projects in a nationwide study. Methods Conference abstracts from the two official Chilean plastic surgery meetings released between 2008 and 2018 were analyzed. A bibliographic search of all published articles involving each Chilean plastic surgeon followed. This information was cross-referenced to obtain the conversion rates and time to publication for transferred studies. Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney test were used to establish statistical associations. Results Four hundred sixty-eight abstracts were included, and 227 articles were found in our bibliographic search. Of these, 82 were considered to qualify as transferred studies. Aesthetic surgery publications had a higher proportion of prospective design than reconstructive articles (34.6% vs 20.1% (p= 0.02)). Median time to publication was 15 months, with a longer delay for reconstructive articles (19.5 vs 13 (p= 0.035)). The 2008-2016 conversion rate index was 19.2%, which was significantly higher for aesthetic surgery studies (36.4% vs 11.9% (p< 0.001)). Conclusions Despite a smaller proportion of plastic surgery research being focused on aesthetic topics in our sample, they accounted for higher quality study design, shorter time to publication, and higher overall chances of publication following presentations in local meetings. Level of evidence: Not ratable.
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    Functional results of burned hands treated with Integra (R)
    (ELSEVIER SCI LTD, 2012) Cuadra, Alvaro; Correa, Gerardo; Roa, Ricardo; Luis Pineros, Jose; Norambuena, Hernan; Searle, Susana; Las Heras, Rocio; Calderon, Wilfredo
    Introduction: Dermal substitutes, such as Integra (R) introduced as a new alternative to our surgical arsenal and its use in burn treatment, in both acute and chronic phases, have gained great importance.
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    Optimizing the Chicken Wing Anatomy: Nomenclature Review and Description for Microsurgery and Supermicrosurgery Training
    (2020) Navia, Alfonso ; Tejos, Rodrigo ; Yañez, Ricardo ; Cuadra, Alvaro ; Dagnino, Bruno
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    Validation of a synthetic simulation model of endoscopic rectus sheath plication
    (2024) Rojas, Maria Fernanda; Torres, Javier; Figueroa, Ursula; Varas, Julian; Achurra, Pablo; Navia, Alfonso; Cuadra, Alvaro; Searle, Susana
    Purpose Literature reviews outline minimally invasive approaches for abdominal diastasis in patients without skin excess. However, few surgeons are trained in endoscopic rectus sheath plication, and no simulated training programs exist for this method. This study aimed to develop and validate a synthetic simulation model for the training of skills in this approach under the Messick validity framework. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the participants' previous level of laparoscopic/endoscopic skills by a questionnaire. Participants performed an endoscopic plication on the model and their performance was evaluated by one blinded observer using the global rating scale OSATS and a procedure specific checklist (PSC) scale. A 5-level Likert survey was applied to 5 experts and 4 plastic surgeons to assess Face and Content validity. Results Fifteen non-experts and 5 experts in abdominal wall endoscopic surgery were recruited. A median OSATS score [25 (range 24-25) vs 14 (range 5-22); p < 0.05 of maximum 25 points] and a median PSC score [11 (range 10-11) vs 8 (range 3-10); p < 0.05 of maximum 11 points] was significantly higher for experts compared with nonexperts. All experts agreed or strongly agreed that the model simulates a real scenario of endoscopic plication of the rectus sheath. Conclusion Our simulation model met all validation criteria outlined in the Messick framework, demonstrating its ability to differentiate between experts and non-experts based on their baseline endoscopic surgical skills. This model stands as a valuable tool for evaluating skills in endoscopic rectus sheath plication.