Editorial

“In God we trust, everyone else must supply data.” Edwards Deming

The realm of medicine is a noble quest, where the courses of human lives can be dramatically altered. Yet, the responsibilities we bear are immense, and outcomes are notoriously unpredictable. We prescribe medications, perform injections, place catheters, alter biochemistry, and conduct surgeries, all under the significant mantle of trust placed in our professional competence, our education, and the mentors who have guided us.

However, if we look at our work and results even closer, we found out that not everything we learned in training is true and that some things are different. We must not take the knowledge we have learned as dogma; we must always have an open mind and subject everything we do to critical thinking. The dawn of the 20^th century marked the inception of evidence-based medicine in clinical settings, illustrating the critical need for high-quality evidence to inform clinical decisions. This shift significantly improved the efficacy of medical care and marked the beginnings of contemporary plastic surgery. This foundation of evidence-based practice is intertwined with the advancement of scientific research and the dissemination of knowledge through academic publications and forums.

Plastic surgery, like all fields, is evolving. Continuous education and sharing of experiences are paramount for delivering superior patient care. It is noted that the most dedicated plastic surgeons are those who continually seek knowledge, attending conferences with an eagerness to learn, irrespective of their years in practice. I urge each one of you to engage in presenting and publishing your work. This process not only deepens your understanding of your specialty but also fosters discussions with peers and ensures your practices remain cutting-edge, thus providing your patients with the highest standard of care.

A prime venue for such scholarly contributions is our very own Acta Chirurgicae Plasticae, a journal revered for its longstanding tradition in the domain of plastic surgery.

In this issue, we delve into an array of intriguing subjects. We start with an exploration into the feasibility of omitting drains in reduction mammaplasty, presenting solid data to back this novel approach. Following this, we present a comprehensive systematic review on the techniques of flap insetting in DIEP flap breast reconstructions, offering new insights into this complex procedure. Additionally, we feature a case study that provides an in-depth analysis of a partially successful attempt at forehead replantation, focusing on the unique method involving a supratrochlear vessel. We also explore advancements in nail bed reconstruction, showcasing a detailed approach to nail bed reconstruction and artificial nail replacement. Our exploration continues with the presentation of an innovative technique involving double triangular-shaped full-thickness skin grafts, aimed at improving donor site closure for rectangular or square defect repairs. Furthermore, we report on a challenging case of non-involuting congenital isolated juvenile xanthogranuloma of the sole, which required precise surgical intervention. Lastly, we shine a light on the underreported issue of vascular catheter-associated thromboembolic events in burn units, highlighting the need for increased awareness and improved management strategies in this area. This collection of articles presents a comprehensive overview of recent advancements and ongoing challenges within the field of plastic surgery. Complementing these articles are two enlightening letters to the editor. The first provides an insightful comparison of aesthetic surgery practices in the Czech Republic before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The second, from Kadhum, offers a summary of the top ten AI tools for academic surgeons, showcasing the fast-evolving landscape of this field.

I wish you a pleasant reading.

Assoc. Prof. Ondřej Měšťák, MD, PhD