Dr. Pop Ioan Constantin

Dr. Dr. Pop Ioan Constantin

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MMMaximilian Vlad Muntean
Maximilian Vlad Muntean
DCDr. Pop Ioan Constantin
Dr. Pop Ioan Constantin
RIRadu Alexandru Ilies
Radu Alexandru Ilies
APAnnika Pelleter
Annika Pelleter
IVIoan Catalin Vlad
Ioan Catalin Vlad
PCPatriciu Achimas Cadariu
Patriciu Achimas Cadariu
Background/Objectives: Hybrid breast reconstruction (HBR), combining implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) with autologous fat grafting (FG), has emerged as a promising solution to improve aesthetic outcomes and reduce complications, especially in irradiated patients. This study aims to systematically review current evidence on the outcomes of HBR with a focus on complication rates and aesthetic satisfaction. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in March 2023 using PubMed and Embase databases. Studies were selected based on predefined PICOS criteria, including adult female patients undergoing IBR with FG. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Data on patient demographics, surgical techniques, fat grafting timing, complications, and aesthetic outcomes were extracted and analysed. Results: A total of 730 patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 20.23 months. The overall complication rate was 9%, with fat necrosis being the most common (2.7%). Capsular contracture occurred in 4.5% of cases. Immediate fat grafting during implant placement showed the lowest complication rate (8%) compared to delayed or staged procedures. Aesthetic satisfaction was high, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 in five studies. Fat grafting improved skin quality and contour, especially in irradiated patients, and enabled the use of smaller implants. No oncological recurrences were reported. Conclusions: HBR is associated with high aesthetic satisfaction and a low rate of complications. Immediate fat grafting during IBR appears to be the safest and most effective approach. These findings support the wider adoption of HBR, though further high-quality studies are needed to validate long-term safety and outcomes.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DCDr. Pop Ioan Constantin
Dr. Pop Ioan Constantin
RIRadu Alexandru Ilies
Radu Alexandru Ilies
CBCorina Baican
Corina Baican
SSStefan Strilciuc
Stefan Strilciuc
VMVALENTIN MUNTEAN
VALENTIN MUNTEAN
MMMaximilian Vlad Muntean
Maximilian Vlad Muntean
Background/Objectives: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, autoimmune skin condition characterized by painful, rapidly progressing ulcers, often associated with autoimmune dysregulation. Managing PG following breast surgery presents unique challenges due to its pathergy phenomenon, which complicates surgical interventions. This article outlines the case of PG in a 48-year-old female post-breast surgery and reviews management strategies through a systematic analysis of the literature. Methods: A systematic literature review from 2018 to 2023 identified 24 relevant articles on PG management post-breast surgery. The studies were analyzed to compare the efficacy and complications of conservative versus combined (conservative and surgical) treatment strategies. Results: Results indicate that while conservative management, primarily with corticosteroids, remains preferred, combined strategies, including systemic therapies, vacuum-assisted closure, and surgery, offer significant benefits in select cases. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a personalized, multifaceted treatment plan is crucial for managing PG effectively, emphasizing the need for early detection, meticulous planning, and comprehensive care to optimize patient outcomes.

16 October 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DNDelia Nicoară
Delia Nicoară
DCDr. Pop Ioan Constantin
Dr. Pop Ioan Constantin
MMMaximilian Vlad Muntean
Maximilian Vlad Muntean
RIRadu Alexandru Ilies
Radu Alexandru Ilies
RNRobert Eduard Nan
Robert Eduard Nan
PCPatriciu Achimas Cadariu
Patriciu Achimas Cadariu
Background/Objectives: Representing the most common malignancy worldwide, skin cancer requires timely detection to improve prognosis. Both educational level of the patients and health literacy are important variables in terms of prevention and diagnosis in early stages of the disease, but data from Central and Eastern Europe are limited. Methods: We realized a prospective observational study that included 76 patients who were diagnosed with skin cancer and treated at the “Prof. Dr. I. Chiricuță” Institute of Oncology in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Demographic, clinical, histopathological, and psychosocial data were collected in a standardized form. The primary aim was the measurement of diagnostic delay, defined as the interval since symptom onset until diagnosis. Secondary variables included education level, place of residence, participation in awareness campaigns and understanding capacity. Statistical analyses were applied. Results: The mean age in the cohort was 58.3 years; 52.6% were male and 84.2% were urban residents. The most frequent histological type was melanoma (47.4%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (36.8%), and squamous cell carcinoma (10.5%). The median delay in diagnostic was equal to 3 weeks. Education level was significantly related to earlier presentation (Kruskal–Wallis, p = 0.043), with shorter delays noticed in patients with university or postgraduate degrees (compared to those with secondary education). However, there were no significant differences between patients with rural and urban provenience (p = 0.483). Patients’ capacity of understanding showed no correlation with diagnostic delay, but their prior participation in awareness campaigns was strongly associated with higher comprehension (p < 0.001). Also, skin self-examination did not significantly impact time to diagnosis (p = 0.86). Conclusions: Higher levels of education and patients’ exposure to awareness campaigns might represent predictors of shorter diagnostic delay, highlighting the impact of public health initiatives and targeted educational strategies to improve early detection of skin cancers in Romania. However, the findings must be interpreted in light of the study’s limitations, namely the relatively small sample size and single-center design.

7 October 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DNDelia Nicoară
Delia Nicoară
CCCosmin Cristescu
Cosmin Cristescu
DCDr. Pop Ioan Constantin
Dr. Pop Ioan Constantin
RIRadu Alexandru Ilies
Radu Alexandru Ilies
NNNina Nicoara
Nina Nicoara
PCPatriciu Achimas Cadariu
Patriciu Achimas Cadariu
Background/Objectives: Family physicians are key stakeholders in the implementation of cancer prevention strategies, including risk factor assessment, lifestyle counseling, and early detection. Despite this, integration of personalized prevention into routine practice remains limited. This study aimed to explore family physicians’ perspectives on barriers, training needs, and collaboration opportunities in cancer prevention. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted using an exploratory sequential design. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with 12 family physicians from the North-West Region of Romania. Thematic analysis was employed to identify main challenges and opportunities. Findings informed the development of a structured online survey completed by 50 family physicians. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were applied to assess trends and subgroup differences. Results: Interviews and survey data revealed multiple barriers to cancer prevention in primary care: insufficient consultation time, limited access to diagnostic tools, administrative workload, and low patient health literacy. Physicians reported moderate familiarity with personalized prevention but expressed strong interest in further training, particularly through flexible and interactive learning formats. Collaboration with cancer centers was considered suboptimal; participants emphasized the need for streamlined referral pathways and improved communication. Conclusions: The study highlights systemic and educational gaps affecting cancer prevention efforts in family medicine. Tailored training programs, digital integration with cancer centers, and targeted policy adjustments are needed to enhance prevention capacity within primary care.

2 February 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DCDr. Pop Ioan Constantin
Dr. Pop Ioan Constantin
MMMaximilian Vlad Muntean
Maximilian Vlad Muntean
VGVlad Alexandru Gâta
Vlad Alexandru Gâta
RIRadu Alexandru Ilies
Radu Alexandru Ilies
DNDelia Nicoară
Delia Nicoară
PCPatriciu Achimas Cadariu
Patriciu Achimas Cadariu
Background/Objectives: Hybrid breast reconstruction (HBR), which combines implant-based reconstruction with autologous fat grafting (lipofilling), has emerged as a promising approach for improving both aesthetic and functional outcomes following mastectomy. This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported outcomes using the BREAST-Q questionnaire before and after lipofilling, focusing on aesthetic satisfaction, physical well-being, and quality of care. Methods: This before–after study included patients who underwent prepectoral implant-based reconstruction followed by one session of lipofilling between November 2024 and May 2025. The BREAST-Q questionnaire was administered preoperatively and at three months postoperatively. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare changes across aesthetic, functional, and care-related domains. Results: A total of 96 patients completed both pre- and postoperative questionnaires. Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.01) were observed in most aesthetic and psychosocial parameters, including satisfaction with breast appearance (Q1), psychosocial well-being (Q2), sexual well-being (Q4), and satisfaction with surgical outcomes (Q5). Physical symptoms such as discomfort (Q3) decreased significantly postoperatively. Satisfaction with medical care remained high, with minor improvements noted. No oncologic recurrences were reported. Conclusions: Hybrid breast reconstruction using fat grafting after implant placement offers significant benefits in terms of aesthetics, symptom relief, and patient satisfaction. It is a safe and effective procedure that can be widely integrated into clinical practice, provided that patient selection and technique are carefully considered.

2 February 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DCDr. Pop Ioan Constantin
Dr. Pop Ioan Constantin
MMMaximilian Vlad Muntean
Maximilian Vlad Muntean
VGVlad Alexandru Gâta
Vlad Alexandru Gâta
RIRadu Alexandru Ilies
Radu Alexandru Ilies
DNDelia Nicoară
Delia Nicoară
PCPatriciu Achimas Cadariu
Patriciu Achimas Cadariu
Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown potential in patient education and integration into clinical decision support systems. However, its performance in counseling patients on breast reconstruction currently remains underexplored. This study’s objective is to compare AI-generated answers with expert surgeon responses to common patient questions (derived from clinical scenarios) in domains like oncological justification, reconstructive options, and postoperative care. Methods: We realized an observer-blinded study using five real-world clinical scenarios in the field of oncologic and reconstructive surgery of the breast. Both ChatGPT-5 (October 2025 version) and a senior board-certified plastic surgeon responded to frequently asked questions, which were split into three domains: (1) oncological and surgical justification; (2) reconstruction options and outcomes, respectively; and (3) postoperative period. The answers were evaluated by another senior plastic surgeon using a four-grade ordinal scoring system (1 = unsatisfactory, 4 = excellent), which assessed accuracy, completeness, safety, nuance, and alignment with the current guidelines. Results: Across a total of 40 questions, the average AI response score was 3.1 ± 0.6. Domain-specific items scored lowest values for oncological justification (2.8 ± 0.7) and higher values for reconstruction options/outcomes and postoperative care (both 3.2 ± 0.4). No AI response was graded as unsatisfactory (score 1). Responses graded 4 (15%) were considered comprehensive, accurate, and patient-friendly. Conclusions: Globally, ChatGPT-5 provides satisfactory, readable, and medically accurate answers to basic patient questions on breast reconstruction, with a few limitations in nuanced oncological justification.