The use of retrievable IVCFs, when necessary, produced predictable protection against PE and DVT complications. Despite the opportunity for removal, most patients, in fact, did not have their filters removed, even when posthospital care could be tracked. The practices of the surgeon, the transfer to extended-care facilities, near or far, and the reluctance to remove long-standing IVCFs contributed to the high-retention rate.

Background It is well established that abdominoplasty confers a uniquely high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) complications. However, chemoprophylaxis is not routinely utilized due to the risk of bleeding complications. Fondaparinux, a factor Xa inhibitor FDA approved in 2001 for postoperative VTE prophylaxis, has emerged as a safe option for preventing VTE complications after high-risk surgeries. Objectives The goal of this study was to examine the effectiveness and safety of fondaparinux for VTE chemoprophylaxis in patients undergoing abdominoplasty. Methods This is a single-center retrospective chart review from January 2008 to December 2014 of 492 patients who underwent abdominoplasty with or without an additional body procedure. Prior to 2011, no VTE chemoprophylaxis was utilized (n = 233). In 2011, the routine employment of postoperative chemoprophylaxis with fondaparinux was implemented (n = 259). Patient demographics and 2005 Caprini scores were evaluated. Primary outcomes included postoperative VTE and bleeding complications. Results There were no statistical differences in patient demographics or median Caprini score. The treatment group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the rate of VTE compared with the nontreatment group (0% vs 2.1%, respectively, P = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of hematoma requiring reoperation between the nontreatment and treatment groups (1.7% vs 2.3%, P = 0.76) or blood loss requiring transfusion (0% vs 0.8%, P = 0.5). Conclusions Fondaparinux for VTE chemoprophylaxis after abdominoplasty is efficacious in decreasing the risk of VTE in this susceptible patient population without increasing the risk of postoperative bleeding complications. Level of Evidence: 3

The use of only local anesthesia in combination with oral sedation safely permits the performance of rhytidectomy with similar incidence of rhytidectomy-related complications without the risk related to general anesthesia.

Decreases in mortality and LOS during the study periods were likely not related to resident work hour restriction but rather to overall improvement in outcomes seen at Level II (no residents) and Level I (residents) TCs. Resident work hour restrictions had no discernible effect on patient care (noninferiority).