Pediatric Surgical Centers Research Articles

Management of thoracic empyema in children: a survey of the Australia and New Zealand Association of Paediatric Surgeons (ANZAPS).

To define the spectrum of management for thoracic empyema in children in Australia and New Zealand. Online survey of members of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Paediatric Surgeons (ANZAPS), limited to consultant/attending paediatric surgeons. A total of 54/80 (67.5%) members, from 16 paediatric surgical centres, responded. The majority (33/54, 61%) preferred chest drain with fibrinolytics, whilst 21/54 (39%) preferred video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with drain insertion. Urokinase was the most commonly used fibrinolytic (64%). There were no significant differences in management preferences between practising surgeons in Australia and New Zealand (p = 0.54), nor between consultants who had been practising a shorter (< 5years) or longer (> 20years) amount of time (p = 0.21). The practices described by the surveyed ANZAPS members were in line with the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand recommendations for the management of paediatric empyema. Across Australia and New Zealand there exists significant variation surrounding the intra- and post-intervention management of thoracic empyema in children. The surveyed paediatric surgeons demonstrated a preference for fibrinolytics over the use of VATS. All management regimens were within published local guidelines.

Initial outcomes at a nascent tertiary pediatric thyroid surgical center

ObjectivesPrevious studies on pediatric thyroid surgical complications suggest that high-volume centers achieve improved outcomes. We hypothesize that initial outcomes from a nascent pediatric surgical practice may be comparable to higher volume centers. Furthermore, we determine whether a low-volume center can safely transition to an intermediate or high-volume center. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed for all pediatric patients undergoing thyroid surgery at a single institution from 2014 to 2020. Surgeries were performed by two pediatric otolaryngologists. All patients were managed postoperatively by a multidisciplinary team of physicians that included pediatric otolaryngologists and endocrinologists. Data collection focused on patient demographics and postoperative complications, including rates of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and permanent hypoparathyroidism. ResultsFrom 2014 to 2020, a total of 31 patients underwent thyroid surgery at our pediatric thyroid surgery center, 9 of whom underwent neck dissection. The mean age of our cohort was 14.4 ± 3.9 years (range 8 months–20 years). Postoperative pathology results revealed that 15 patients (46.9%) were diagnosed with PTC, 6 (18.8%) with follicular adenoma, and 4 (15.6%) with benign thyroid tissue. One (2.0%) patient had permanent unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and one patient experienced permanent hypoparathyroidism (2.7%). ConclusionsOur initial low complication rate as a nascent pediatric thyroid surgery center suggests that favorable outcomes can be achieved at lower volume surgery centers. In order to increase patient access to high-volume pediatric thyroid surgery centers, new centers must start with lower volumes before ultimately becoming high-volume centers. Our study shows that this can be safely achieved. Level of evidenceIV.

One-year Outcomes of Congenital Duodenal Obstruction: A Population-based Study.

Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) occurs in 1.2 per 10,000 live births and is frequently associated with other anomalies, most commonly cardiac. The aim of this study was to report important outcomes to 1 year following surgical repair. This was a prospective population-based study using the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons Congenital Anomaly Surveillance System. Cases were identified at specialist pediatric surgical centres in the United Kingdom during a 12-month period starting in March 2016. Outcomes were recorded at 1 year following surgical repair. There were 100 infants with possible follow-up at 1 year and follow-up was achieved in 80 of these (80%) of whom 76 were alive at 1 year. The remainder had been discharged home, although one remained on parenteral nutrition. Five (6.1%) infants underwent repeat surgery for reasons related to CDO and overall 23 (23%) experienced at least 1 central venous catheter-related complication within 1 year. Overall mortality either before repair or within 1 year following surgical repair was 8.4% (95% CI 2.5%-14.4%), no deaths were related to CDO. One year outcomes for CDO are generally very good with poor outcomes typically related to comorbidities. These data are useful for national benchmarking and parental counselling.

Internal Mammary Artery Compression After Pectus Excavatum Repair Does Not Increase Risk of Hemorrhagic Complications in Pediatric Patients.

Objectives: Minimal invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) described by Nuss is the most popular correction nowadays of this deformity. During the introduction of the bars, they can hurt or compress the internal mammary arteries (IMA). The aim of this study was to observe the prevalence of IMA compression in children after MIRPE. Also, we examined if IMA obstruction increases the risk of complications at bar removal, and if these vascular changes are reversible.Materials and Methods: All patients operated on pectus excavatum in our tertiary pediatric surgical center between 2013 and 2019 were involved in the study. Data of age, sex, number of bars and characteristics of the deformity were examined. IMA flow was checked by Doppler ultrasound (DUS) after MIRPE and after bar removal, too.Results: Among 41 patients with mean age of 15.2 years there were 18 asymmetrical deformities, 23 sternal rotations. Mean pectus index was 4.01. After the Nuss procedure 7(9%) stenoses and 10(12%) occlusions of IMA were found on DUS. After bar removal 3 of 4 stenoses have resolved, but all examined occlusions (3/3) persisted. There were no complications during bar removals.Conclusion: IMA compression after MIRPE in children is uncommon, and is not influenced by severity of deformity. Obstruction of these vessels does not increase the risk of hemorrhagic complications at bar removal. Data of larger cohort are needed to determine reversibility of these changes.

Measurement of Body Temperature in Postsurgical Children: Comparisons of Infrared Nonskin Contact Digital Thermometer, Skin Contact Digital Thermometer, and Mercury in Glass Thermometer.

Context:Postoperative fever is known to occur after all surgical procedures irrespective of the type of anesthesia. Thermometry devices that work without touching or disturbing the child seem to be appreciated more than the conventional skin contact thermometers. However, whether this technology is reliable to be adapted for routine pediatric surgical care is debatable.Aims:The aim of this study was to study the accuracy of infrared nonskin contact digital thermometer (IRT) compared to the skin contact digital thermometer (DT) and mercury in glass thermometer (MT).Settings and Design:A prospective cross-sectional study was done in postoperative patients at a pediatric surgical center over a period of 3 months.Subjects and Methods:The forehead temperature was recorded with IRT. This was followed by recording the temperature in one armpit by DT and the other armpit by MT. Readings were promptly documented.Statistical Analysis Used:A sample t-test was done which gave the P value and mean. Linear regression analysis was carried out to find correlation coefficients. Bland–Altman test was used to access the concordance between all readings.Results:We found a strong correlation between temperature readings taken by DT (mean = −0.03, r = 0.07, slope = −0.04) and IRT (mean = 0.89, r = 0.091, slope = −0.14). However, on comparison of results with the MT, there are wider limits of agreement with the IRT (−0.31–2.09) in comparison to DT (−0.66–0.59).Conclusion:Skin contact digital thermometer are more accurate and suitable for checking body temperature as compared to infrared nonskin contact digital thermometer in postoperative pediatric patients.

Appendicitis in Children in a Large Italian COVID-19 Pandemic Area.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically changed the routine activities of pediatric surgical centers, and it determined the reduction of admissions in the pediatric emergency departments (PED). We reviewed the records of patients affected by acute appendicitis (AA) during the COVID-19 pandemic period in a large Italian COVID-19 pandemic area.Methods: Data regarding demographics, age, macroscopic and microscopic findings, and time between symptom onset and PED admission of patients affected by confirmed AA in the period between March and April 2020 were considered. The data were compared with those obtained during the same period of 2019, 2018, and 2017 in the included centers. Data were quoted as median (range) or absolute number. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to compare groups. A p ≤ 0.05 was regarded as significant. Since only anonymous data have been used and the data storage meets current data protection regulations, ethical committee approval was not required for this study.Results: Eighty-six patients underwent surgical appendectomy for AA between February 20th, 2020 and April 20th, 2020; 32.5% were complicated appendicitis and 67.5% were uncomplicated. Fifty-three patients were males and 33 were females. Patients' age ranged from 3 to 17 years and the median age was 10 years. The median time between the onset of symptoms and the admission in PED was 1.85 days. The average time between the symptom onset and PED admission was 1.8 days.Conclusions: Although fear from the COVID-19 pandemic determined a delayed diagnosis of serious pediatric diseases, the increasing prevalence and severity of AA were not demonstrated in the most COVID-19-affected areas of Italy.

Emergency scrotal exploration in children: Is it time for a change in mindset in the UK?

Acute scrotal pain is a common problem in children. Amongst the various causes, only testicular torsion (TT) needs urgent, and arguably any, surgical intervention. However TT accounts for only approximately 25% of cases. The diagnosis of TT is currently based mainly on history and clinical examination in the UK. We sought to find the incidence of finding TT during emergency scrotal exploration in four paediatric surgical centres in the UK. We also assessed the preoperative utilisation of clinical risk scores and Doppler ultrasound (DUS) to aid in the diagnosis. A retrospective review of 50 consecutive scrotal explorations done for acute scrotal pain at four tertiary pediatric surgical centres in 2019, including the preoperative utilisation of DUS, was analysed. Additionally an online survey was also sent out to consultant members of the British Association of Paediatric Urology to gauge their threshold for exploration, use of preoperative investigations and incidence of finding TT in their practice. In the four UK centres reviewed, TT was found in 24.5% (SD=8.54) of explorations. The overall utilisation of preoperative DUS was 10%. The online survey revealed a low threshold for exploration. However 72% of respondents recalled finding TT in <50% of explorations, with just over a third reporting finding TT in only 10% of explorations. There was low utilisation of preoperative DUS and clinical risk scores. The incidence of finding TT during exploration in this cohort is the same as the incidence of TT in a population of children presenting with acute scrotal pain. We hypothesise that this is due to low accuracy of clinical assessment, low utilisation of preoperative clinical and radiological aids and the practice of exploring torted testicular appendages. Improving awareness and training in these modalities will increase diagnostic accuracy, limiting emergency scrotal explorations to those children with a higher risk of testicular torsion. A care pathway for children presenting with acute scrotal pain is suggested () CONCLUSIONS: There is a low incidence of finding testicular torsion during paediatric scrotal explorations in the UK. There is low preoperative utilisation of clinical risk scores and Doppler ultrasound, which if utilised, could improve diagnostic accuracy.

Assessing effectiveness and implementation of a perioperative enhanced recovery protocol for children undergoing surgery: study protocol for a prospective, stepped-wedge, cluster, randomized, controlled clinical trial

BackgroundPerioperative enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) have been found to decrease hospital length of stay, in-hospital costs, and complications among adult surgical populations but evidence for pediatric populations is lacking. The study is designed to evaluate the adoption, effectiveness, and generalizability of a 21-element ERP, adapted for pediatric surgery.MethodsThe multicenter study is a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized, pragmatic clinical trial that will evaluate the effectiveness of the ENhanced Recovery In CHildren Undergoing Surgery (ENRICH-US) intervention while also assessing site-specific adaptations, implementation fidelity, and sustainability. The target patient population is pediatric patients, between 10 and 18 years old, who undergo elective gastrointestinal surgery. Eighteen (N = 18) participating sites will be randomly assigned to one of three clusters with each cluster, in turn, being randomly assigned to an intervention start period (stepped-wedge). Each cluster will participate in a Learning Collaborative, using the National Implementation Research Network’s five Active Implementation Frameworks (AIFs) (competency, organization, and leadership), as drivers of facilitation of rapid-cycle adaptations and implementation. The primary study outcome is hospital length of stay, with implementation metrics being used to evaluate adoption, fidelity, and sustainability. Additional clinical outcomes include opioid use, post-surgical complications, and post-discharge healthcare utilization (clinic/emergency room visits, telephone calls to clinic, and re-hospitalizations), as well as, assess patient- and parent-reported health-related quality of life outcomes. The protocol adheres to the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) checklist.DiscussionThe study provides a unique opportunity to accelerate the adoption of ERPs across 18 US pediatric surgical centers and to evaluate, for the first time, the effect of a pediatric-specific ENRICH-US intervention on clinical and implementation outcomes. The study design and methods can serve as a model for future pediatric surgical quality improvement implementation efforts.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04060303. Registered on 07 August 2019.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and educational level in adolescent and adult individuals after anesthesia and abdominal surgery during infancy.

Several studies in animal models have found that exposure to anesthetics in early life can cause cognitive dysfunction. Human studies show conflicting results and studies of cognitive function after anesthesia and neonatal surgery are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate whether exposure to anesthesia and abdominal surgery during infancy was associated with cognitive dysfunction from the perspective of educational level, disposable income and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) in adolescent and adult individuals. A cohort study with patients born 1976 to 2002 that underwent abdominal surgery during infancy at a pediatric surgical center were matched by age, sex, and gestational age to ten randomly selected individuals from the Swedish Medical Birth Register. Individuals with chromosomal aberrations were excluded. Data on highest level of education and annual disposable income were attained from Statistics Sweden and the diagnosis of ADHD were retrieved from the Swedish National Patient Register. 485 individuals and 4835 controls were included. Median gestational age was 38 weeks (24-44) and median age at surgery was seven days (0-365). Three hundred sixty-six individuals (70.0%) underwent surgery during the neonatal period (< 44 gestational weeks). Median operating time was 80 minutes (10-430). The mean age at follow-up was 28 years. Fisher's exact test for highest level of education for the exposed and unexposed groups were respectively: university 35% and 33%, upper secondary 44% and 47%, compulsory 21% and 20% (p = 0.6718). The median disposable income was 177.7 versus 180.9 TSEK respectively (p = 0.7532). Exposed individuals had a prevalence of ADHD of 5.2% and unexposed 4.4% (p = 0.4191). This study shows that exposure to anesthesia and abdominal surgery during infancy is not associated with cognitive dysfunction from the perspective of educational level, disposable income and ADHD in adolescent and adult individuals. Further studies in larger cohorts at earlier gestational ages are needed to verify these findings.

Epidemiological characteristics of child injury in a tertiary paediatric surgical centre in Bangladesh

While high income countries (HICs) have reduced the mortality from child injury, it is increasing in the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, injury registry and reporting are inconsistent and not well developed in the LMICs. This study aims at describing the epidemiology of child injury in a tertiary paediatric surgical centre in Bangladesh. We retrospectively analysed all patients of injury between 0 and 12 years of age admitted in the Department of Paediatric Surgery, Chattogram Medical College Hospital during January 2017 to June 2020. Analysis was done for the hospital prevalence, age and sex distribution, seasonal variations, mechanism of injury, site of involvement, and mortality from injury. There were a total of 538 patients and male to female ratio was 2.01:1. Hospital prevalence was 6.71%. Mean age was 6.60 ± 3.32 years. School age children were affected more (51.7%); and “6-10 years” age group had the highest number injuries (251 patients, 46.65%). The most common mechanisms of injuries were road-traffic accident (RTA, 35.32%), followed by fall (26.39%) and „stab or cut injury‟ (20.63%). Males experienced more abdominal injuries and females had more perineal injuries (P=0.00). RTA was the commonest mechanism in males (37.05%) and falls were the commonest mechanism in females (32.96%). „Stab or cut injury‟ was the commonest mechanism in infants and toddlers, and RTA was commonest among pre-school and school age children. There were no significant seasonal variations (P=0.09). There were 5.76% intentional injuries. Mortality was 2.60% and major causes of mortality were RTA and animal assaults. Injuries were more prevalent during the mid-childhood with an overall increasing trend with age. Mechanism of injury and site of involvement were different among different age groups and between sexes.&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2020, 6(3): 577-586

Key components of successful transition for adolescents born with anorectal malformations-a Nordic focus group study.

Transitional care for adolescents with congenital malformations, such as anorectal malformations (ARM), is described sparsely in the literature and referred to as being inadequate. In order to organize future successful healthcare structures, knowledge of patient-reported important aspects of transition is required. The aim of the study was therefore to explore the needs and expectations of transitional- and adult healthcare among adolescents and adults born with ARM. Two tertiary paediatric surgical centres, in collaboration with two tertiary pelvic floor centres, in Sweden and Norway, conducted a qualitative study, involving adolescents and adults born with ARM in focus group discussions regarding transitional care. Discussions were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Ethical approval was obtained. Sixteen participants (10 women) with a median age of 24 (19-47) years, born with mixed subtypes of ARM were included in gender-divided focus groups. Participants emphasized a need for improved knowledge of ARM, both among patients and adult care providers. Participants identified a need for support with coping strategies regarding challenging social- and intimate situations due to impaired bowel function. Participants pin-pointed well-functioning communication between the patient and the paediatric- and adult care providers as a key factor for a successful transitional process. Further, participants emphasized the importance of easy access to specialized adult healthcare when needed, suggested to be facilitated by appointed patient navigators. Adolescents and adults born with ARM identify improved knowledge of ARM, well-functioning communication and easy access to specialized adult care as key components of a successful transition.

Early impact of COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric surgical practice in Nigeria: a national survey of paediatric surgeons

IntroductionThe novel coronavirus disease has had significant impact on healthcare globally. Knowledge of this virus is evolving, definitive care is not yet known and mortality is increasing. We assessed its...

Overview of a novel paediatric surgical simulation-based medical education programme in Myanmar.

Simulation-based medical education (SBME) is an integral part of undergraduate and postgraduate training in high-income countries (HICs). Despite potential benefits to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), it has not been widely applied. Our aim was to use SBME to address some essential paediatric surgery learning needs in a LMIC. Eleven SBME courses were designed, implemented and evaluated over a 4-year period in partnership with local paediatric surgeons and the University of Medicine 1 in Yangon, Myanmar. All courses were simulation-based and different major SBME modalities were utilized. Evaluation included pre- and post-course questionnaires, other evaluation assessments including Likert scale self-rated confidence in different domains, as well as, mixed method evaluation and Kirkpatrick's hierarchy of evaluation. Over 4 years, a multidisciplinary team consisting of surgical consultants, fellows, and educational specialists delivered 11 courses at a tertiary LMIC paediatric surgical centre. Attendance varied between 23 and 50 healthcare professionals, with some participants attending all of the educational activities. SBME modalities were utilized to meet each courses' learning objectives. All educational courses scored highly and showed statistically significant differences in all the self-rated pre and post-course confidence Likert scale domains. SBME was accepted and embraced by local participants and faculty, and transition to local delivery of educational content has begun. Level 4 of Kirkpatrick's hierarchy of evaluation was demonstrated. SBME can be used to meet essential learning objectives of local staff in a LMIC. Through various modalities, it offers a reliable, proven and affordable means of teaching multiple aspects of paediatric surgical clinical practice. By employing innovative simulation-based solutions, it can be adapted by local faculty to continue meeting ongoing learning needs.

Open Primary Button Versus Laparoscopic Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: Results From a Case-control Study.

Open primary balloon gastrostomy (PBG) presents a potential alternative to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in children as it obviates the need for change under general anaesthetic; however, the complication profile of PBG compared to PEG is not well defined. Previous series comparing the two have been hampered by the groups not being equivalent. Our paediatric surgical centre has offered PBG as an alternative PEG since 2014. We used a matched case-control study to compare outcomes for PBG and PEG. Patients undergoing PBG were used as "cases" and matched 1:3 by age and diagnosis to patients undergoing PEG, demographics, and clinical data as "controls." Primary outcome was rate of complications classified according to Clavien-Dindo (I-V). Secondary outcomes included time to feed and length of stay. Non-parametric, categorical and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Data here presented as median with interquartile range (IQR). We included 140 patients (35 PBG:105 PEG). The 2 groups were comparable for sex, weight at surgery, and follow-up duration. Median operative time was longer for PBG (43 min [IQR 36.5-61.5] vs 27.5 min [18.25-47.75], P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated a statistically significant, higher incidence of symptomatic granulation tissue in PBG (10 [29%] vs 6 [6%], P = 0.0008), this remained significant on multivariate analysis (OR 7.56 [2.33-23.5], P = 0.001), no other complication remained significant. The overall complication rate was not statistically different. PBG and PEG have similar overall complication rates; however, PBG appears to have a higher incidence of granulation tissue. This observation must be weighed against the need for further general anaesthetic which is not insignificant in medically complex children.

Partial Biliary Diversion May Promote Long-Term Relief of Pruritus and Native Liver Survival in Children with Cholestatic Liver Diseases

Rare cholestatic liver diseases may cause debilitating pruritus in children. Partial biliary diversion (PBD) may relieve pruritus and postpone liver transplantation which is the only other alternative when conservative treatment fails. The aim was to report long-term outcome after PBD in a population of 26 million people during a 25-year period. This is an international, multicenter retrospective study reviewing medical journals. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Thirty-three patients, 14 males, underwent PBD at a median of 1.5 (0.3-13) years at four Nordic pediatric surgical centers. Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis was the most common underlying condition. Initially, all patients got external diversion, either cholecystojejunostomy (25 patients) or button placed in the gallbladder or a jejunal conduit. Early complications occurred in 14 (42%) patients, of which 3 were Clavien-Dindo grade 3. Long-term stoma-related complications were common (55%). Twenty secondary surgeries were performed due to stoma problems such as prolapse, stricture, and bleeding, or conversion to another form of PBD. Thirteen children have undergone liver transplantation, and two are listed for transplantation due to inefficient effect of PBD on pruritus. Serum levels of bile acids in the first week after PBD construction were significantly lower in patients with good relief of pruritus than in those with poor effect (13 [2-192] vs. 148 [5-383] μmol/L; p = 0.02). PBD may ensure long-term satisfactory effect on intolerable pruritus and native liver survival in children with cholestatic liver disease. However, stoma-related problems and reoperations are common.

Low gestational age is associated with less anastomotic complications after open primary repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate anastomotic complications after primary one-staged esophageal atresia (EA) repair relating to the patients` gestational age (GA).MethodsRetrospective data analyses of patients who underwent closure of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) and primary esophageal anastomosis from 01/2007 to 12/2018 in two pediatric surgical centers. Exclusion of EA other than Gross type C, long-gap EA, minimal invasive or staged approach. Postoperative complications during the first year of life were assessed. Associated malformations, the incidence of infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) and intraventricular bleeding were analyzed.ResultsInclusion of 75 patients who underwent primary EA repair. Low GA was associated with significantly lower incidence of anastomotic complications (p = 0.019, r = 0.596, 95% CI 0.10–0.85). Incidence of anastomotic leakage (0% vs. 5.5%; p = 0.0416), recurrent TEF (0% vs. 5.5%; p = 0.0416) und anastomotic stricture (0% vs. 14.5%; p = 0.0019) was significantly lower in patients < 34 gestational weeks. Incidence of IRDS (55% vs. 0%; p < 0.0001) and intraventricular bleeding (25% vs. 3.6%; p = 0.0299) was significantly higher in patients < 34 gestational weeks.ConclusionsDespite prematurity-related morbidity, low GA did not adversely affect surgical outcome after primary EA repair. Low GA was even associated with a better anastomotic outcome indicating feasibility and safety of primary esophageal reconstruction.

Cannulation of the external iliac artery in a newborn with interrupted aortic arch and premature closure of the ductus

Abstract After an uneventful vaginal delivery at term, the baby deteriorated within a few minutes and required intubation. Echocardiography showed an interrupted aortic arch with no significant ductus blood flow. Prostaglandin infusion improved oxygenation temporarily. Rising lactate levels indicated inadequate tissue oxygenation. In spite of inotropic support, several episodes of bradycardia requiring CPR occurred. At ten hours of life, the baby was cannulated for veno-arterial ECMO with drainage from the right internal jugular vein. In order to ensure perfusion in the lower body, blood was infused via an arterial cannula inserted in the right external iliac artery. The patient was transferred on ECMO to a pediatric surgical heart center. After stabilization, the aortic malformation was repaired via a left thoracotomy during hypothermia with the same cannulation, the baby was decannulated and the iliac artery repaired. At four weeks of age, the baby was discharged home on room air and full enteral feeding. It is concluded that arterial cannulation of the external iliac artery for ECMO in a newborn is an alternative, if exclusive perfusion of the lower body is desired or if the right carotid artery is unavailable.

Clinical features and management of post-necrotizing enterocolitis strictures in infants: A multicentre retrospective study.

To explore the clinical features and management of post-necrotizing enterocolitis strictures.Clinical data from 158 patients with post-necrotizing enterocolitis strictures were summarized retrospectively in 4 academic pediatric surgical centers between April 2014 and January 2019. All patients were treated conservatively in the internal medicine department. All patients underwent preoperative X-ray examinations, 146 patients underwent gastrointestinal contrast studies, and 138 patients underwent rectal mucosal biopsies. All of the patients were treated surgically.Of the 158 patients, 40 of them had necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) Bell stage Ib, 104 had Bell stage IIa, and 14 had Bell stage IIb. In these patients, the clinical signs of intestinal strictures occurred at mean of 47.8 days after NEC. In 158 patients, 146 underwent barium enema examination, 116 demonstrated intestinal strictures, and 10 demonstrated microcolon and poor development. A total of 138 patients underwent rectal mucosal biopsies, and 5 patients had Hirschsprung disease. Intraoperative exploration showed that intestinal post-NEC strictures occurred in the ileal (17.7%, 28/158) and colon (82.3%, 130/158), including ascending colon, transverse colon and descending colon, and multiple strictures were detected in 36.1% (57/158) patients. Surgical resection of stricture segments in the intestine and primary end-to-end anastomosis were performed in 142 patients, and the remaining 16 patients underwent staged surgeries. In the 146 patients with complete follow-up data, 9 had postoperative adhesions: 4 of them received conservative treatment, and the others underwent a second operation. Fifteen patients were hospitalized 1 to 3 times for malnutrition and dehydration due to repeated diarrhea; these patients eventually recovered and were discharged smoothly. All the other patients had uneventful recoveries without stricture recurrence.Post-NEC strictures mostly occurred in the colon, and there were some cases of multiple strictures. A gastrointestinal contrast study was the preferred method of examination. Preoperative rectal mucosal biopsy resulted in a diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease, and then a reasonable treatment protocol was chosen. Surgical resection of stricture segments in the intestine and primary end-to-end anastomosis achieved good therapeutic effects with favorable prognoses in these patients.

Association of number and type of serious complications with failure to rescue in children undergoing surgery: A NSQIP-Pediatric analysis

BackgroundFailure to rescue (FTR) represents death after a serious complication. This study aims to determine the FTR rate in a pediatric surgical population, and if number (1 or 2+) and type of serious complications are associated with FTR. MethodsA secondary analysis was performed using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database from 2012 to 2016. Primary and secondary exposures of interest were number (1 or 2+) and type of serious complications, respectively. Propensity score analysis adjusted for baseline covariates. Primary outcome was FTR. ResultsOf 36,167 children with ≥1 serious complication, there were 851 deaths resulting in a FTR rate of 2.4%. Having 2+ serious complications was associated with higher adjusted odds of FTR (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.52–2.08, p < 0.0001). Among those who had one complication, the type of serious complication was significantly associated with FTR. When type of initial serious complication was adjusted, number of serious complications continued to be strongly associated with FTR (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.67–2.38, p < 0.0001). ConclusionsFTR rate within a large, diverse, multi-specialty pediatric surgical population was 2.4%. Both number and type of postoperative complications were associated with FTR. These findings may facilitate early recognition of high-risk patients and identify quality targets for pediatric surgical centers. Level of EvidenceRetrospective study (secondary analysis), Level II.

A National Survey: Current Clinical Practice in Pediatric Anesthesia for Congenital Heart Surgery.

Providing anesthesia for pediatric patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery is complex and requires profound knowledge and clinical experience. Prospective studies on best anesthetic management are missing, partially due to different standards. The aim of the present study was to survey the current standard practice in anesthetic management in pediatric cardiac surgical centers in Germany. All 78 cardiac surgical centers in Germany were reviewed for a congenital cardiac surgery program. Centers with an active program for congenital cardiac surgery were interviewed to participate in the present online questionnaire to assess their current anesthetic practice. Twenty-seven German centers running an active program for congenital heart surgery were identified, covering more than 3,000 pediatric cardiac surgeries annually. Of these centers, 96.3% (26/27) participated in our survey. Standard induction agents were etomidate in 26.9% (7/26), propofol in 19.2% (5/26), a combination of benzodiazepines and ketamine in 19.2% (5/26), and barbiturates in 11.5% (3/26). General anesthesia was preferentially maintained using volatile agents, 61.5% (16/26), with sevoflurane being the most common volatile agent within this group, 81.2% (13/16). Intraoperative first-choice/first-line inotropic drug was epinephrine, 53.8% (14/26), followed by milrinone, 23.1% (6/26), and dobutamine 15.4% (4/26). Fast-track programs performing on-table extubation depending on the type of surgical procedure were established at 61.5% (16/26) of the centers. This study highlights the diversity of clinical standards in pediatric cardiac anesthesia for congenital cardiac surgery in Germany.