Pediatric Surgery Procedures Research Articles

Intraoperative Bronchopleural Fistula During Thoracoscopic Lobectomy: The Role of End-Tidal CO2 Monitoring.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has become a common procedure in pediatric surgery. We present a case of accidental intraoperative bronchopleural fistula during a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery procedure, which was first identified by the anesthesia team. We discuss differential diagnoses including the role of end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring as an aid to prompt diagnosis.

Single-incision laparoscopic versus conventional laparoscopic endorectal pull-through for Hirschsprung's Disease: A comparison of short-term surgical results

BackgroundSingle-incision laparoscopy has recently become a popular procedure in pediatric surgery. The current series is the largest study to evaluate the operative complications and results of single-incision laparoscopic endorectal pull-through (SILEP) for the treatment of HD through a retrospective comparison with conventional laparoscopic endorectal pull-through (CLEP). MethodsTwenty eight patients who underwent single-incision laparoscopic endorectal pull-through for HD between July 2010 and August 2011 were compared to thirty patients who underwent CLEP. Patient age, gender, transitional zone, operative time, blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, as well as short-term results, were assessed. ResultsA total of 28 patients were included for SILEP, and historical reported 30 patients were completed by CLEP. The SILEP and CLEP groups were similar in regard to age, gender, transition zone, operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, and intraoperative complications. Postoperative results were not different, including equal daily defecation frequency and early postoperative complications. No patients with recurrent constipation were seen. Two patients with the transitional zone in the descending colon in the SILEP group had a 3mm trocar added in the left abdomen, and there were no conversions in the conventional laparoscopic group. ConclusionWe have shown that in selected HD patients, the SILEP technique was safe and technically feasible in experienced hands. It results in similar operative results compared with conventional laparoscopic endorectal pull-through. However, the operation is more difficult if the transition zone was higher than the rectosigmoid.

Thoracoscopic Procedures in Pediatric Surgery: What is the Evidence?

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has gained enormous acceptance among pediatric surgeons. However, most studies on advantages of VATS do not reach a high level of evidence. According to a recent classification of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM), studies can be classified into Levels 1 to 5 in order of descending quality. We aimed to identify comparative studies investigating VATS versus open procedures in pediatric surgery and to classify publications according to the CEBM criteria. Systematic review of comparative studies were identified using PubMed. Only studies published in English, comparing pediatric VATS with the corresponding open operation were included. End points were advantages and disadvantages of VATS as compared with the open procedure. Levels of evidence were determined using the recent CEBM criteria. A total of 3 meta-analysis (MA) and 18 retrospective comparative studies (RCS) investigating 5 different VATS procedures (repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia [CDH], repair of esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF), lung resection, treatment of pneumothorax, and resection of neuroblastoma) were included in this study. No studies of CEBM Level 1 or Level 2 were identified. All studies were classified as CEBM Level 3. The advantages of VATS were less postoperative pain (CDH repair, EA/TEF repair, and pneumothorax repair), shorter hospital stay (CDH repair, EA/TEF repair, lung resection, and pneumothorax), shorter time of ventilation and lower Pco 2 (CDH repair), shorter duration of chest drain (lung resection), and less blood loss (resection of neuroblastoma). However, disadvantages such as higher recurrence rates (CDH repair), higher Pco 2 (EA/TEF repair), and longer operative times (CDH and EA/TEF repair) were also identified. Only RCS on pediatric VATS are available. Therefore, the best available evidence is Level 3. Randomized controlled trials comparing VATS and the corresponding open procedure are mandatory to obtain the highest possible evidence.

Utilization of a novel unidirectional knotless suture during minimal access procedures in pediatric surgery

BackgroundThe application of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for advanced procedures in children is logical. However, the intracorporeal placement and tying of suture can be challenging, leading to prolonged anesthesia and morbidity. We describe our initial experience with the use of a novel unidirectional barbed knotless suture (V-LOC, Covidien, Mansfield, MA) that permits a safe and efficient advanced MIS reconstruction in infants and children. MethodsFrom August 2010 to February 2012, 11 infants and children underwent diaphragmatic reconstruction utilizing either the absorbable or the permanent V-LOC suture. Data retrieval included gender, weight, diagnosis, operative time, complications and follow up. ResultsThoracoscopic or laparoscopic repairs were carried out in all children. Two of the infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia of Bochdalek (CDH) developed a recurrence at 4 and 6months of age and required reoperation. There were no other complications or recurrence in the remaining 9 children, and there were no mortalities in the group. ConclusionThis is the first study to evaluate the use of the unidirectional barbed knotless suture in pediatric surgery. We demonstrate that the use of the V-LOC barbed suture is an innovative, safe and time saving option for pediatric MIS. Prospective analysis with long-term follow-up is required to confirm these initial results and to ascertain if this novel approach can be utilized in other pediatric surgical conditions.

Systematic Review of Level 1 Evidence for Laparoscopic Pediatric Surgery: Do Our Procedures Comply with the Requirements of Evidence-Based Medicine?

Laparoscopic techniques have evolved quickly in recent years and are regarded as standard procedures in pediatric surgery today. However, most studies comparing laparoscopic operations with the corresponding open procedure do not reach a high level of evidence according to the criteria of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. For evidence Level 1a, a meta-analysis (MA) of different randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is required. For evidence Level 1b, at least one RCT is required. The aim of our study was to evaluate the availability of Level 1 studies comparing laparoscopic procedures with the corresponding open operation in pediatric surgery. Systematic review of clinical Level 1 studies using PubMed. All MA and RCT were identified and individually reviewed. Only studies comparing pediatric laparoscopic procedures with the corresponding open operation were included. RCTs included in MA were only individually analyzed if they focused on additional endpoints. Endpoints of the study were advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopy compared with the open operation. A total of 20 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria (9 MA and 11 RCT). Studies providing evidence Level 1a were identified for five types of laparoscopic procedures (laparoscopic appendectomy, inguinal hernia repair, orchidopexy, pyloromyotomy, and varicocelectomy). Studies providing evidence Level 1b were identified for two types of laparoscopic procedures (fundoplication and pyeloplasty). The advantages of laparoscopy were less wound infections, ileus and postoperative pain (appendectomy), less retching (fundoplication), lower incidence of metachronous inguinal hernia, shorter hospital stay (appendectomy, orchiopexy, and pyeloplasty), and shorter time to full feeds (pyloromyotomy). Studies providing evidence Level 1 are only available for seven laparoscopic procedures in pediatric surgery. Effort has to be made to extend the existing Level 1 evidence and to gain high level evidence for further laparoscopic procedures.

Accuracy of preparation of i.v. medication syringes for anesthesiology

The results of a study of the accuracy of i.v. medication preparation by anesthesiologists are presented. The accuracy of syringe preparation was assessed by analyzing the contents of 500 unused syringes collected after adult and pediatric surgery procedures. The collected syringes contained various i.v. medication formulations representative of different preparation techniques: atracurium 1, 2.5, and 5 μg/mL and fentanyl 10, 20, 25, and 50 μg/mL, which required serial dilution after withdrawal of the drugs from ampuls; thiopental 5, 25, and 50 mg/mL, prepared by diluting reconstituted powdered drug from vials; and lidocaine 10-mg/mL solution, which was withdrawn directly from the ampul into a syringe. Variances between actual and labeled drug concentrations were determined via a validated ultraviolet-visible light spectro-photometry method. Overall, 29% of the evaluated syringes were found to contain drug concentrations outside the designated range of acceptability (±10% of the targeted concentration); 18% of preparations deviated from the declared dose by ±20%, 8% deviated by ±50%, and 4% deviated by ±100%. In one instance, the actual drug concentration was at variance with the labeled concentration by >100%. In 4% of cases (n = 20), discrepancies exceeded 100%, suggesting not just imprecision but errors in the preparation process, such as incorrect dilution calculations and selection of the wrong medication vial by the syringe preparer. Analysis of different i.v. formulations of four medications prepared in syringes by anesthesiologists revealed a high rate of discrepancies between ordered and actual drug concentrations, suggesting a need for increased institutional efforts to prevent errors during the preparation process.

Laparoscopic Inguinal Preperitoneal Injection—Novel Technique for Inguinal Hernia Repair: Preliminary Results of Experimental Study

Inguinal hernia repair is the most common procedure in pediatric surgery. Suture techniques for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children are easy to perform and popular with a low recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of laparoscopic preperitoneal injection of three-dimensional gel on closing of the inguinal hernia sac (IHS) in laboratory animals. With the animals under general anesthesia, we performed peritoneoscopy in 12 male Chinchilla rabbits weighing 1200-1400 g. The endoscope was introduced into the abdominal cavity, and bilateral deep inguinal rings were identified. A Tuohy needle with the injectable polymeric bulking agent DAM+™ (three-dimensional polyacrylamide gel with silver ions [Argiform(®) from Bioform(®)]) was introduced preperitoneally. The implant was then injected across the entire orifice of the deep inguinal rings and draped over the cord structures. After completion of bilateral repairs, the rabbits were extubated and observed in the animal laboratory. Then the second laparoscopy was performed 6 months later, and the deep inguinal rings were inspected. The postoperative course was uneventful in all the animals. At the second laparoscopy no reopening of the entire orifice of the deep inguinal rings was noted. Accurate placement of the polymeric agent and adequate coverage of the vas deferens were accomplished in all the animals. This study demonstrates that the biopolymeric implant gives good postoperative results and a stable trend of closing the IHS in long-term follow-up. In conclusion, we hope that injectable polymeric bulking agents can be used for treatment of inguinal hernias of pediatric patients after additional animal and human research.

Single‐lung ventilation with carbon dioxide hemipneumothorax: hemodynamic and respiratory effects in piglets

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become a standard procedure in pediatric surgery. To facilitate surgical access, the dependent lung has to collapse using intrathoracic carbon dioxide insufflation and/or single-lung ventilation. These procedures can induce hemodynamic deteriorations in adults. The potential impacts of single-lung ventilation in combination with capnothorax on hemodynamics in infants have never been studied before. We conducted a randomized experimental study focusing on hemodynamic and respiratory changes during single-lung ventilation with or without capnothorax in a pediatric animal model. Twelve piglets were randomly assigned to receive single-lung ventilation with (SLV-CO(2) ) or without (SLV) capnothorax with an insufflation pressure of 5 mmHg for a period of two hours. Before, during, and after single-lung ventilation, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were measured. Although mean arterial pressure remained stable during the course of the study and no critical incidents were monitored, cardiac index (CI) decreased significantly with SLV-CO(2) (baseline 3.6 ± 1.6 l · min(-1) · m(-2) vs 2.9 ± 1.1 l · min(-1) · m(-2) at 120 min, P < 0.05). Furthermore, global end-diastolic volume and intrathoracic blood volume (ITBV) decreased as well significantly with SLV-CO(2) , causing a significant between-group difference in ITBV (P < 0.05). Despite a decrease in CI and preload parameters, the combination of single-lung ventilation and low-pressure capnothorax was well tolerated in piglets and could justify further clinical studies to be performed in infants and children focusing on hemodynamic and respiratory changes during VATS.

Prematurity, not age at operation or incarceration, impacts complication rates of inguinal hernia repair

PurposeInguinal hernia repair (IHR) remains the most common procedure in pediatric surgery. Although postoperative sequelae are well described, we examined if prematurity and age were important determinants of postoperative complications. MethodsA retrospective review of children younger than 2 years undergoing IHR from 2004 to 2007 was performed, with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Patients were segregated into groups based on age at diagnosis (A, 0-3; B: 4-26; C: 27-52; D: 53-104 weeks), with or without prematurity. Incarceration rates were investigated. Complications were categorized as major (vas injury, recurrence, testicular atrophy) or minor (wound infection, “high” testicle, hydrocele) and compared. ResultsTwo hundred sixty-eight patients were analyzed (98 premature), with 14 major complications (5.2%) and 26 (9.7%) minor complications overall. Groups A and B accounted for more major (12/14) and minor complications (22/26) when compared with groups C and D (P < .005). In patients less than 26 weeks (groups A and B), premature infants had more complications than term infants (27.7% vs 12.1%, P = .01). Of 22 patients with incarcerated hernias, 2 (9.1%) had major complications (P < .5 vs nonincarcerated patients). ConclusionsOur study suggests that prematurity, rather than age at operation or incarceration, affects complication rates after IHR. This information should be used to frame the discussion of informed consent for this commonly performed procedure.

Laparoscopic Inversion And Ligation Inguinal Hernia Repair in Girls

Inguinal hernia repair is one on the most frequently performed operative procedures in pediatric surgery. The technique of high ligation of the hernia sac has been described for over a century and has proven to be a highly effective and durable repair. Several laparoscopic repairs have been described but, at least in boys, all of them have a slightly higher recurrence rate. This may be due to the fact that they leave an intact sac that has been sutured closed. We describe a technique in girls in which the sac is grasped, inverted, and then ligated with an endoloop. This technique is simple and can be performed quickly. Using 3-mm instruments without trocars minimizes the length of the incisions and postoperative pain is almost nonexistent. Furthermore, with the addition of the leash technique, dissection of an adherent ovary can be done without damaging the sac. We have performed this procedure in over 30 patients and have had no recurrences. We believe that this could become the laparoscopic repair of choice in females with inguinal hernias.

Tracheostomy in childhood: 20 years experience from a pediatric surgery clinic.

There is a limited indication for tracheostomy procedures in pediatric surgery. It is rarely applied to the pediatric patient because they can be kept intubated for a longer duration compared with adults. Problems and complications can occur after tracheostomy, even during the childhood period. The purpose of this study is to evaluate our experience with tracheostomy procedure. Records of 17 children treated over a 20-year period (1978-99) were reviewed retrospectively in the aspects of indication, complication and mortality. There were 13 boys and four girls with a mean age 30.3 months (range: 1 week-13 years). Indications for tracheostomy were prolonged intubation (n = 5), subglottic stenosis (n = 3), general body trauma (n = 2), tracheomalasia (n = 2), tracheoesophageal cleft (n = 1), cervical tumor pressing trachea and larynx (n = 1), congenital myotonic dystrophy plus respiratory failure (n = 1), burn injury of trachea and esophagus (n = 1), and foreign body aspiration (n = 1). In the last decade the number of cases with tracheotomy increased due to the development of new intensive care units, the use of mechanical ventilation and the increasing number of patients needing prolonged ventilation support. In this group, tracheostomies were mainly performed electively. The overall complication rate was 29%. Mortality was 59% and there was one death related to the tracheostomy procedure. Tracheostomy is a life saving procedure when performed with an appropriate indication and surgical technique. Therefore, the pediatric surgeons dealing with this procedure should be aware of the tracheostomy care problems, fatal complications and the need for reconstructive surgery. With strict indications and experience of the procedure, this should be enough effort to minimize its complications and related care problems.

Diagnoses and Procedures in Pediatric Surgery at Your Fingertips: A Special Catalogue in the Intranet

Background: For an adequate documentation in pediatric surgery the international catalogues for diagnoses und procedures in medicine (ICD, ICPM) are often insufficient. In order to achieve a more detailed documentation and guarantee simple and safe usage a special catalogue was created and integrated into an intranet solution.

Diagnoses and procedures in pediatric surgery at your fingertips: A special catalogue in the intranet

Diagnoses and procedures in pediatric surgery at your fingertips: A special catalogue in the intranet

An easy method for laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous anterior gastropexy.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is becoming a standard procedure in pediatric surgery. Anterior gastropexy is often performed in antireflux procedures, as well as in children with recurrent and intermittent volvulus of the stomach. We present a simple and secure technique for anterior laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy.

Further experience with laparoscopic procedures in pediatric surgery

Further experience with laparoscopic procedures in pediatric surgery