Robotic Surgery for Pediatric Choledochal Cysts: An American Case Series and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Choledochal cysts are rare congenital biliary cystic dilations. The US incidence rate varies between 5 and 15 cases per 1,000,000 people. In contrast, Asians, which are a large subset of the population of Hawaii, have an incidence of approximately one in every 1000 births. We report our experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic surgical management with biliary reconstruction of choledochal cysts which to date is the largest American case series to be reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2006 to 2021, patients diagnosed with a choledochal cyst(s) at a tertiary children's hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative analysis was performed. Complications were defined as immediate, early, or late. The data underwent simple descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent choledochal cystectomy and hepaticoduodenostomy. Thirteen underwent a robotic approach while the rest were planned laparoscopic. Eighteen of 19 were female with 15/19 of Asian descent. The ages ranged from 5 mo to 21 y. Presenting diagnoses included jaundice, primary abdominal pain, pancreatitis, and cholangitis. Sixty eight percent had type 1 fusiform cysts while the rest were type 4a. Operative time and length of stay for robotic versus laparoscopic were 321 versus 267 min and 8.2 versus 17.3 d, respectively. For the robotic group, there was one immediate complication due to peritonitis. One-year follow-up revealed two patients requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with dilation/stenting for an anastomotic stricture. There were no anastomotic leaks. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted laparoscopic choledochal cystectomy with hepaticoduodenostomy is associated with overall good outcomes with the most common long-term complication being anastomotic stenosis.

Racial Disparities in General Surgery Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: While disparities in Black and Hispanic and Latino patients undergoing general surgeries are well described, most analyses leave out Asian, American Indian or Alaskan Native (AIAN), and native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander patients. This study identified general surgery outcomes for each racial group in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. METHODS: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried to identify all procedures conducted by a general surgeon from 2017 to 2020 (n = 2,664,197). Multivariable regression models were used to investigate the impact of race and ethnicity on 30-day mortality, readmission, reoperation, major and minor medical complications, and non-home discharge destinations. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Compared to non-Hispanic White patients, Black patients had higher odds of readmission and reoperation, and Hispanic and Latino patients had higher odds of major and minor complications. AIAN patients had higher odds of mortality (AOR: 1.003 (1.002-1.005), P < 0.001), major complication (AOR: 1.013 (1.006-1.020), P < 0.001), reoperation (AOR: 1.009, (1.005-1.013), P < 0.001), and non-home discharge destination (AOR: 1.006 (1.001-1.012), P = 0.025), while native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander patients had lower odds of readmission (AOR: 0.991 (0.983-0.999), P = 0.035) and non-home discharge destination (AOR: 0.983 (0.975-0.990), P < 0.001) compared to non-Hispanic White patients. Asian patients had lower odds of each adverse outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Black, Hispanic and Latino, and AIAN patients are at higher odds for poor postoperative results than non-Hispanic White patients. AIANs had some of the highest odds of mortality, major complications, reoperation, and non-home discharge. Social health determinants and policy adjustments must be targeted to ensure optimal operative results for all patients.

The Evolving Use of Magnets in Surgery: Biomedical Considerations and a Review of Their Current Applications.

The novel use of magnetic force to optimize modern surgical techniques originated in the 1970s. Since then, magnets have been utilized as an adjunct or alternative to a wide array of existing surgical procedures, ranging from gastrointestinal to vascular surgery. As the use of magnets in surgery continues to grow, the body of knowledge on magnetic surgical devices from preclinical development to clinical implementation has expanded significantly; however, the current magnetic surgical devices can be organized based on their core function: serving as a guidance system, creating a new connection, recreating a physiologic function, or utilization of an internal-external paired magnet system. The purpose of this article is to discuss the biomedical considerations during magnetic device development and review the current surgical applications of magnetic devices.

Disparities and Risk Factors for Surgical Complication in American Indians and Native Hawaiians.

INTRODUCTION: American Indian and Alaskan Natives (AIAN) and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) research is limited, particularly in postoperative surgical outcomes. This study analyzes disparities in AIAN and NHPI surgical complications across all surgical types and identifies factors that contribute to postoperative complications. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study examined all surgeries from 2011 to 2020 in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, queried by race. Multivariable models analyzed the association of race and ethnicity and 30-day postoperative complication. Next, multivariable models were used to identify preoperative variables associated with postoperative complications, specifically in AIAN and NHPI patients. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: AIAN patients were associated with higher odds of postoperative complication (AOR: 1.008 [CI: 1.005-1.011], P < 0.001) compared to non-Hispanic white patients. The comorbidities that were of higher incidence in AIAN patients, which also adversely contributed to postoperative complication, included dependent functional status, diabetes, congestive heart failure (CHF), open wounds, preoperative weight loss, bleeding disorders, preoperative transfusion, sepsis, hypoalbuminemia, along with an active smoking status and ASA ≥3. In NHPI patients, dependent functional status, CHF, renal failure, preoperative transfusion, open wounds, and sepsis were of higher incidence and significantly contributed to postoperative complication. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical outcome disparities exist particularly in AIAN patients. Identification of modifiable patient risk factors may benefit perioperative care for AIAN and NHPI patients, which are historically understudied racial groups.

Unexpected diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a 2-year-old with acute appendicitis - Case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Appendicitis is an extremely common surgical problem, especially in the pediatric population. However, leukemic infiltration of the appendix is rare and even more so is having acute appendicitis as the initial manifestation. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a 2-year-old female with multiple febrile illnesses since birth, who presented to the emergency department with a 3-day history of abdominal pain, fever, and decreased appetite. Ultrasound of her right lower quadrant was consistent with acute appendicitis. A laparoscopic appendectomy was performed successfully without complication. However, pathological examination of the specimen revealed an appendix with partial involvement of B-lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia in a background of lymphoid hyperplasia. This prompted referral to a pediatric hematologist/oncologist. Further workup revealed abnormal immature cells on peripheral blood flow cytometry. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Though acute appendicitis is very common and management is well documented, it is rare for pathological examination to uncover leukemia as an underlying etiology and to have acute appendicitis as the initial manifestation of hematologic malignancy. To our knowledge, very few similar events have occurred and been documented in the medical literature. CONCLUSION: Physicians and surgeons should be aware that, though quite rare, leukemic infiltration of the appendix can occur and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Notably, pathologic examination of the appendix may be particularly informative. Diligent follow-up of abnormal pathology is crucial in cases suggestive of underlying hematologic malignancy.

Commentary on can complex surgical interventions be standardized? Reaching international consensus on posterior sagittal anorectoplasty using a modified-Delphi method.

This is a commentary on the manuscript entitled "Can Complex Surgical Interventions be Standardized? Reaching International Consensus on Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty Using a Modified-Delphi Method" by Hanke, R, Ponsky T, Garrison A, et al.

Telehealth Delivery of Outpatient Pediatric Surgical Care in Hawai'i: An Opportunity Analysis.

In the state of Hawai'i, nearly all pediatric surgical care is delivered on the main island of O'ahu at the state's primary tertiary children's hospital. Outpatient clinic visits require patients and families to travel to O'ahu. The direct and opportunity costs of this can be significant. The objective of this study was to characterize potential telehealth candidates to estimate the opportunity for telehealth delivery of outpatient pediatric surgical care. A retrospective chart review including all patients transported from neighbor islands for outpatient consultation with a pediatric surgeon on O'ahu over a 4-year period was performed. Each patient visit was examined to determine if the visit was eligible for telehealth services using stringent criteria. Direct, insurance-based costs of the travel necessary were then determined. Demographic data was used to characterize the patients potentially affected. A total of 1081 neighbor island patients were seen in the pediatric surgery clinic over 4 years. Thirty-one percent of these patients met criteria as candidates for telehealth visits. The majority of patients came from Hawai'i and Maui. Most patients were identified as Native Hawaiian or Asian. The average cost per trip was $112.53 per person, leading to a potential direct cost savings of $37,697 over 4 years. Over 30% of outpatient pediatric surgical encounters met stringent criteria as candidates for telehealth delivery of care. Given the significant number of patients that met our criteria, we believe there is an opportunity for direct, travel-based cost savings with the implementation of telehealth delivery of outpatient pediatric surgical care in Hawai'i.

The Pediatric Surgical Team: a Model for Increased Surgeon Index Case Exposure.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: High surgical volume for both surgeons and hospital systems has been linked to improved outcomes for many surgical problems, yet case volumes per pediatric surgeon are diminishing nationally in complex pediatric surgery. We therefore sought to review our experience in a geographically isolated setting where a surgical team approach has been used to improve per-surgeon exposure to index pediatric surgical cases. METHODS: As a surgical group, we incorporated a surgical team approach to complex pediatric surgical cases in 2010. We obtained institutional review board approval to review our pediatric surgeon index case volume experience. We then compared our surgeon experience to published surgical volumes for complex pediatric surgical cases. RESULTS: A surgical team approach (2 or 3 board certified pediatric surgeons/urologists working as co-surgeons or assistant surgeon) was used in the majority of cases for tracheoesophageal fistula/esophageal atresia (77%), congenital pulmonary airway malformation (73.5%), cloaca (75%), anorectal malformation (43.6%) biliary atresia (77.8%), Hirschsprung's disease (51.9%), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (67.6%), robotic choledochal cyst (100%), and complex oncology (adrenal tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor and Hepatoblastoma surgery) (85-100%). Over the 5-year period, surgeon index case exposure for all index pediatric surgical cases was above the published national median for pediatric surgeons, except for in splenic operations when contrasted to published experience. CONCLUSIONS: A surgical team approach to complex pediatric surgery may help maintain exposure to adequate index case volumes. This model may be useful for maintaining competence in geographically-isolated practice settings and low-volume pediatric hospitals that provide surgical care; the model has implications for systems development and workforce allocation within pediatric surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Lost in translation: Informed consent in the medical mission setting.

BACKGROUND: Informed consent is a fundamental tenet of ethical care, but even under favorable conditions, patient comprehension of consent conversations may be limited. Little is known about providing informed consent in more uncertain situations such as medical missions. We sought to examine the informed consent process in the medical mission setting. METHODS: We studied informed consent for adult patients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy during a medical mission to Guatemala using a convergent mixed-methods design. We audiotaped informed consents during preoperative visits and immediately conducted separate surveys to elicit comprehension of risks. Informed consent conversations and survey responses were translated and transcribed. We used descriptive statistics to examine informed consent content, including information provided by surgeon, the translation of information, and patient comprehension, and used thematic analysis to examine the consent process. RESULTS: Thirteen adult patients (median age 53 years, 69% male) participated. Surgeons conveyed 4 standard risks in 10 out of 13 encounters (77%); all 4 risks were translated to patients in 10 out of 13 encounters (77%). No patient could recall all 4 risks. Qualitative themes regarding the informed consent process included limited physician language skills, verbal domination by physicians and interpreters, and mistranslation of risks. Patients relied on faith and prior or vicarious experiences to qualify surgical risks instead of consent conversations. Many patients restated surgical instructions when asked about risks. CONCLUSION: Despite physicians' attempts to provide informed consent, medical mission patients did not comprehend surgical risks. Our data reveal a critical need to develop more effective methods for communicating surgical risks during medical missions.

Why do patients receive care from a short-term medical mission? Survey study from rural Guatemala.

BACKGROUND: Hospital de la Familia was established to serve the indigent population in the western highlands of Guatemala and has a full-time staff of Guatemalan primary care providers supplemented by short-term missions of surgical specialists. The reasons for patients seeking surgical care in this setting, as opposed to more consistent care from local institutions, are unclear. We sought to better understand motivations of patients seeking mission-based surgical care. METHODS: Patients presenting to the obstetric and gynecologic, plastic, ophthalmologic, general, and pediatric surgical clinics at the Hospital de la Familia from July 27 to August 6, 2015 were surveyed. The surveys assessed patient demographics, surgical diagnosis, location of home, mode of travel, and reasons for seeking care at this facility. RESULTS: Of 252 patients surveyed, 144 (59.3%) were female. Most patients reported no other medical condition (67.9%, n = 169) and no consistent income (83.9%, n = 209). Almost half (44.9%, n = 109) traveled >50 km to receive care. The most common reasons for choosing care at this facility were reputation of high quality (51.8%, n = 130) and affordability (42.6%, n = 102); the least common reason was a lack of other options (6.4%, n = 16). CONCLUSIONS: Despite long travel distances and the availability of other options, reputation and affordability were primarily cited as the most common reasons for choosing to receive care at this short-term surgical mission site. Our results highlight that although other surgical options may be closer and more readily available, reputation and cost play a large role in choice of patients seeking care.

Retrospective Review of Pediatric Blunt Renal Trauma: A Single Institution's Five Year Experience.

Children are at higher risk of renal injury from blunt trauma than adults due to a variety of anatomic factors such as decreased perirenal fat, weaker abdominal muscles, and a less ossified thoracic cage. Non-operative management is gaining in popularity for even major injuries, although there are no universally accepted guidelines. We present a retrospective review of pediatric major blunt renal injuries (grade 3 or higher) at a children's hospital in Hawai'i over a 5-year period. Medical records were examined between January 2009 and September 2014 from Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of renal trauma, or the diagnosis of blunt abdominal trauma with hematuria. Exclusion criteria were grade I or II renal injury or death due to an additional traumatic injury. Mechanism of injury, clinical characteristics on admission, blood product requirements, surgical interventions performed, and hospital length of stay were retrospectively analyzed. Eleven total patient records were examined, nine of which fit inclusion criteria. Uniquely, 33% of patients sustained their renal injury while surfing. No patients required laparotomy or nephrectomy, though 22% of patients received a blood transfusion and 44% of patients underwent ureteral stent placement. Non-operative management of major renal injuries in children is feasible and allows for preservation of renal tissue. A novel mechanism of surfing as a cause of major renal trauma is seen in the state of Hawai'i.

Thoracoscopic pleural clipping for the management of congenital chylothorax.

PURPOSE: Medical management of congenital chylothoraces consists of total parental nutrition and tube thoracostomy. However, these infants are exposed to significant fluid shifts and the related leukopenia carries a high infection risk. The purpose of this review is to describe the technique of parietal pleural clipping as a surgical treatment of congenital chylothorax. METHODS: The medical records of all patients with a chylothorax diagnosis during the study period of January 2002 to April 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Six of 14 infants identified underwent thoracoscopic parietal pleural clipping to disrupt the pleural lymphatic channel flow as visualization of the thoracic duct and lymphatics was not possible. Nearly all surgical patients had bilateral disease (5/6). Resolution of chylous leakage was dramatic following parietal clipping. In the surgical patients, chest tube output 2 days prior to surgery averaged 86.96 ml/kg/day. After parietal clipping, chest tube output dropped to an average of 6.5 ml/kg/day on post op day 2. Thereafter, chest tube output remained low to negligible and chest tubes were removed variably as enteral feeds were started. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a straightforward technique of thoracoscopic parietal pleural clipping as a safe and successful option for treatment of congenital chylothoraces.

Innovating for quality and value: Utilizing national quality improvement programs to identify opportunities for responsible surgical innovation.

Innovation in surgical techniques, technology, and care processes are essential for improving the care and outcomes of surgical patients, including children. The time and cost associated with surgical innovation can be significant, and unless it leads to improvements in outcome at equivalent or lower costs, it adds little or no value from the perspective of the patients, and decreases the overall resources available to our already financially constrained healthcare system. The emergence of a safety and quality mandate in surgery, and the development of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) allow needs-based surgical care innovation which leads to value-based improvement in care. In addition to general and procedure-specific clinical outcomes, surgeons should consider the measurement of quality from the patients' perspective. To this end, the integration of validated Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) into actionable, benchmarked institutional outcomes reporting has the potential to facilitate quality improvement in process, treatment and technology that optimizes value for our patients and health system.

Increased risk of cardiovascular perforation during ECMO with a bicaval, wire-reinforced cannula.

PURPOSE: Cardiac or major vascular perforation is a rare but serious risk of ECMO. We sought to determine if perforation rates are related to cannula design. METHODS: We utilized three methods to evaluate perforation on ECMO. 1. The ELSO registry was queried to establish the historical rate of hemorrhagic pericardial tamponade. 2. ELSO centers were surveyed regarding cannula related perforation events and brands of cannulas used over a four year time period (January 2008-March 2012). 3. The FDA's MAUDE database was reviewed looking for adverse events related to ECMO cannulas. RESULTS: The historical rate of hemorrhagic pericardial tamponade in the ELSO registry was 0.53% (~1985-2010, ELSO registry). In the survey there were eleven reports of cannula-related perforation, 0.74% (11/1482 p-value=0.29) at 7 different ELSO centers with 23 ELSO centers responding (17% response rate). The incidence of perforation was much higher for the wire-reinforced bicaval design 3.6% (10/279) as compared to catheters designed for the atrial position, 0.1% (1/1203, p-value<0.0001). Review of the FDA's MAUDE database revealed 19 adverse events related to the bicaval cannula design, 16 of which were hemorrhagic pericardial effusions or tamponade. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a relatively high rate of cardiac perforation associated with the dual lumen bicaval cannula. This may be related to inherent differences in cannula design or the IVC positioning required by the design.

First STEPs: serial transverse enteroplasty as a primary procedure in neonates with congenital short bowel.

BACKGROUND: Since its introduction as an alternative intestinal lengthening technique, serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) has been increasingly used as the surgical treatment of choice for patients with refractory short bowel syndrome (SBS). While primary STEP for the treatment of congenital conditions was proposed in the original description of the procedure, emphasis was placed on a delayed or staged approach to these patients. To date, a comprehensive review of the outcomes from this sub-population has not been reported by the International STEP Data Registry. METHODS: A retrospective review of the International STEP Data Registry was performed to identify all patients who underwent STEP as a primary operative procedure for the treatment of congenital SBS. Changes in pre- and post-STEP values were assessed using paired t-tests with significance set at p<0.05. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent primary STEP for congenital SBS between September 1, 2004, and April 10, 2012. Thirteen patients had follow-up information available. Causes of congenital SBS included closing gastroschisis, small bowel atresia, and midgut volvulus. Twelve patients had pre- and post-STEP bowel measurements taken. Average pre- and post-STEP bowel lengths were 32 ± 16 cm and 47 ± 22 cm, respectively. Intestinal length was increased by a mean of 15 ± 12 cm for a relative small bowel length increase of 50.4 ± 27.3% (p<0.001). Only one patient required an ostomy at the time of primary STEP. A second patient required a temporary ostomy at 3months of age that was later closed. There was one death from intestinal failure associated liver disease (IFALD). Another patient experienced IFALD progression and required liver and intestinal transplantation. The most commonly reported complication following primary STEP was obstruction or bowel re-dilatation requiring additional operative interventions. Nine patients underwent second STEP procedures under these circumstances. Eight patients remain dependent on parenteral nutrition, while three patients achieved enteral autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: Primary STEP is a feasible and safe surgical option for the treatment of congenital conditions resulting in SBS. Primary STEP establishes early bowel continuity, creates intestinal length from congenitally dilated bowel, and appears to obviate the need for interval stomas and their associated loss of bowel length in neonates with congenital SBS. However, with recent changes in SBS management emphasizing intestinal rehabilitation, additional studies are needed to assess the long-term impact on intestinal adaptation of STEP performed in the neonatal period prior to adoption of this technique.

Appendicitis as the presenting manifestation of Kawasaki disease.

In cases of Kawasaki's disease (KD) presenting as acute surgical abdomen, rarely has the presence of acute appendicitis been found. We report two cases of histologically confirmed acute appendicitis in the presence of KD and a review of the literature as it pertains to acute abdomen and atypical presentations of KD.

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm after MRSA septicemia in a pediatric patient.

We document a previously unreported case of a pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm (PAP) that developed in a pediatric patient initially presenting with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus hip joint sepsis. This is the first reported case of PAP of infectious origin in a pediatric patient, and this case is unique as the evolution of the PAP was documented by computed tomography.

Successful treatment of rare-earth magnet ingestion via minimally invasive techniques: a case series.

Cases of rare-earth magnet ingestions have been increasingly reported in the literature. However, these descriptions have focused on the severity of the injuries, rather than the clinical presentation and/or therapeutic approach. We report a series of eight children, ranging in age from 2 to 10 years, who ingested powerful rare-earth magnets. The rare-earth magnets were marketed in 2009 under the trade name Buckyballs(®) (Maxfield & Oberton, New York, NY). They are about 5 mm in size, spherical, and brightly colored, making them appealing for young children to play with and place in their mouths. Three children presented within hours of ingestion, and the magnets were successfully removed via endoscopy in two, whereas the third child required laparoscopy. No fistulas were found in these children. A fourth child presented 2 days after ingestion with evidence of bowel wall erosion, but without fistula formation; the magnets were removed via laparoscopy. A fifth child ingested nine magnets in a ring formation, which were removed via colonoscopy without evidence of injury or fistula formation. The three remaining children presented late (5-8 days after ingestion) and were found to have associated fistulas. They were treated successfully with a combination of endoscopy and laparoscopy with fluoroscopy. None of the children in our series required an open surgical procedure. All children were discharged home without complications. This case series highlights the potential dangers of rare-earth magnet ingestion in children. Our experience suggests that prompt intervention using minimally invasive approaches can lead to successful outcomes.

Anesthetic concerns for robot-assisted laparoscopy in an infant.

A 2-mo-old infant with biliary atresia was scheduled for laparoscopic Kasai with robot assistance. Before surgery, a practice trial maneuvering the cumbersome robotic equipment was performed to ensure rapid access to the patient in case of emergency. IV access, tracheal intubation, and arterial line placement followed inhaled anesthesia induction with sevoflurane. Robotic setup took 53 min and severely limited patient access. No adverse events occurred during the procedure requiring the removal of the robotic equipment, and the patient was discharged after a stable postoperative recovery. Advance preparation is required to maximize patient safety during robotic surgery.