Schaefer DJ

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has revolutionized head and neck cancer treatment by offering minimally invasive access to challenging anatomical regions. The first TORS procedure was performed in 2003, using the da Vinci Surgical System t…

[INTRODUCTION] Neurolymphatic dysfunction has been linked to cognitive decline and implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD). Despite its growing recognition,…

[BACKGROUND] Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) involves the autologous transplantation of functioning lymph nodes to a lymphedematous region. Despite various donor and recipient sites, comparative effectiveness and complication rates …

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the effects of microsurgery versus complex physical decongestive therapy in people with chronic breast cancer-related lymphoedema.…

[BACKGROUND] The excision of oropharyngeal carcinoma of more than 50% of the soft palate followed by static reconstruction may result in functional deficits, including velopharyngeal insufficiency, swallowing, and speech difficulties. We de…

At a consensus workshop, the following questions were discussed regarding the preoperative imaging of recipient vessels prior to microsurgical transplantation in the lower extremity: • Is preoperative imaging necessary for patients with cli…

Facial palsy affects millions worldwide. Botulinum toxin Type A (BoNT-A) is an established treatment for non-flaccid facial palsy, yet objective evidence remains limited. This study evaluates the effects of BoNT-A using AI-based tools and p…

[INTRODUCTION] Up to one-fifth of breast cancer survivors will develop chronic breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL). To date, complex physical decongestion therapy (CDT) is the gold standard of treatment. However, it is mainly symptomat…

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that is generally considered safe. However, the rising trend of nonspecialists performing these procedures has increased the risk of complications, including rare but serious acute bleedin…

[BACKGROUND] Breast reduction surgery has been recognized for its potential to improve quality of life in patients with macromastia or after unilateral oncological treatment. However, comparative analysis of different surgical techniques re…

[BACKGROUND] Limited data exist regarding the effect of adjuvant radiochemotherapy on free flap volume in head and neck reconstruction. However, an adequate free flap volume is an important predictor of functional and patient-reported outco…

[BACKGROUND] Recalcitrant bone nonunion and osseous defect treatment is challenging and often requires vascularized bone transfer. The medial femoral condyle flap has become an increasingly popular option for reconstruction. The study aims …

Lower extremity reconstruction with free flaps in patients with only peroneal artery runoff remains a challenge. Here, we present a novel technique for reconstruction of medial defects in the distal leg using a medial approach to the perone…

[BACKGROUND] Total or subtotal glossectomy defects cause significant functional deficits in swallowing and speech and subsequently impair patients' quality of life (QOL). Recently, the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has emerged as a …

The surgical-oncological treatment of pelvic and perineal malignancies is associated with a high complication rate and morbidity for patients. Modern multimodal treatment modalities, such as neoadjuvant radio-chemotherapy for anal or rectal…

[BACKGROUND] The European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS) comprises 40 national societies across Europe. In addition to ESPRAS, there are 8 different European Plastic Surgery societies representing Plastic …

The proportion of patients in the population beyond the 7th decade of life is increasing worldwide, especially in highly developed countries. Consequently, there is also an increasing need for complex lower extremity reconstructions after t…

The ever-expanding number of transmen as well as their surgeons share an increasing interest in the construction of a neophallus. While the indication for surgery and the positive effect of a phalloplasty on the quality of life, mental heal…

In autologous breast reconstruction, a sufficient flap volume is fundamental to restore breast shape and ensure an aesthetic outcome. After mastectomy, postoperative irradiation is regularly indicated in the oncological treatment algorithm.…

[PURPOSE] We investigated whether a one-stage combination of vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) with water jet-assisted liposuction (WAL) can be safely performed and results in improved patient outcomes such as a greater reduction in a…

[BACKGROUND] Research is an integral part of academic medicine. In plastic surgery, it sets the course for innovations in the specialty. The purpose of this study is to present the research performance of plastic surgeons in Germany for the…

 Seroma formation is the most common donor site complication following autologous breast reconstruction, along with hematoma. Seroma may lead to patient discomfort and may prolong hospital stay or delay adjuvant treatment. The aim of this s…

Modern medicine tends to provide comprehensive medical services based on disease or pathological features. As a result, the overlap between plastic surgery and other surgical departments greatly deepened. What was exclusively done by plasti…

Demand has increased for complex lower-extremity reconstruction in the steadily growing elderly patient group in many highly developed countries. Microsurgery is indispensable for soft tissue reconstruction and osseous consolidation salvagi…

Deep sternal wound infection (TSWI) is a potentially life-threatening complication that may occur after median sternotomy, contributing to prolonged hospital stay and increased health care costs. Bacterial infection is often characterized b…

Reduction mammoplasty is the gold standard procedure for symptomatic breast hypertrophy and it is also used for contralateral breast symmetrisation following breast cancer surgery. We aim at introducing a new procedure, which uses an omega …

[BACKGROUND]  Since 2015/16 the DGPRÄC collects, evaluates and publishes the research activities of academic sections, departments and clinics for plastic surgery at university hospitals in Germany, in order to raise the awareness of plasti…

[BACKGROUND]  The Executive Committee (ExCo) of the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS) organized a first ESPRAS European Leadership Forum (ELF) to facilitate international exchange and to provide a pl…