Access to Laparoscopic Pediatric Surgery: Do Ethnic and Racial Disparities Exist?

INTRODUCTION: Disparate access to laparoscopic surgery may contribute to poorer health outcomes among racial and ethnic minorities, especially among children. We investigated whether racial and ethnic disparities in laparoscopic procedures existed among four common surgical operations in the pediatric population in the United States. METHODS: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatrics, we conducted a retrospective review of pediatric patients, aged less than 18 y old, undergoing appendectomy, fundoplication, cholecystectomy, and colectomy from 2012 to 2021. To compare the surgical approach (laparoscopy or open), a propensity score matching algorithm was used to compare laparoscopic and open procedures between non-Hispanic Black with non-Hispanic White children and Hispanic with non-Hispanic White children. RESULTS: 143,205, 9,907, 4,581, and 26,064 children underwent appendectomy, fundoplication, colectomy, and cholecystectomy, respectively. After propensity score matching, non-Hispanic Black children undergoing appendectomy were found to be treated laparoscopically less than non-Hispanic White children (93.5% versus 94.4%, P = 0.007). With fundoplication, Hispanic children were more likely to be treated laparoscopically than White ones (86.7% versus 80.9%, P < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences between Black or Hispanic children and White children in rates of laparoscopy for other procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Though some racial and ethnic disparities exist with appendectomies and fundoplications, there is limited evidence to indicate that widespread inequities among common laparoscopic procedures exist in the pediatric population.

Cryoablation Reduces Opioid Consumption and Length of Stay After Pulmonary Metastasectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative cryoablation of intercostal thoracic nerves is gaining popularity as a technique that decreases postoperative pain in thoracic surgery. Our study evaluates the efficacy and safety of cryoablation in pain management of pediatric cancer patients undergoing thoracotomy. METHODS: We reviewed cancer patients undergoing thoracotomies for pulmonary metastasis resection at our children's hospital from 2017 to 2023. Patients who received cryoablation were compared to those who did not. Our primary outcomes were self-reported postoperative pain scores (from 0 to 10) and opioid consumption, measured as oral morphine equivalent per kilogram. RESULTS: Thirty eight procedures were performed in 17 patients, of which 11 (64.7%) were males. Cryoablation was used in 14 (32.4%) procedures, while it was not in 24 (67.6%). Median age (17 y in both groups, P = 0.84) and length of surgery (300 cryoablation versus 282 no cryoablation, P = 0.65) were similar between the groups. Patients treated with cryoablation had a shorter hospital stay compared to those who did not (3.0 versus 4.5 d, respectively, P = 0.04) and received a lower total dose of opioids (2.2 oral morphine equivalent per kilogram versus 14.4, P = 0.004). No significant difference was noted in daily pain scores between the two groups (3.8 cryoablation versus 3.9 no cryoablation, P = 0.93). There was no difference in rates of readmissions between the cryoablation and no-cryoablation groups (14.3% versus 8.3%, P = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that cryoablation of the thoracic nerves during a thoracotomy is associated with reduced opiate consumption and shorter hospital stay. Cryoablation appears to be a promising technique for pain management in this patient population.

Ethnic disparities in pediatric appendicitis: the impact of hispanic ethnicity on presentation, complications, and postoperative outcomes.

PURPOSE: Our study investigates ethnic disparities in pediatric appendicitis, focusing on the impact of Hispanic ethnicity on presentation, complications, and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis from 2015 to 2020 using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database. We compared 30-day postoperative complications, postoperative length of stay, and postoperative interventions between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White patients. RESULTS: 65,976 patients were included, of which 23,462 (35.56%) were Hispanic and 42,514 (64.44%) non-Hispanic White. Hispanic children were more likely to present to the hospital with complicated appendicitis (31.75% vs. 25.15%, P < 0.0001) and sepsis (25.22% vs. 19.02%, P < 0.0001) compared to non-Hispanic White. Hispanics had higher rates of serious complications (4.06% vs. 3.55%, P = 0.001) but not overall complications (5.37% vs. 5.09%, P = 0.12). However, after multivariate analysis, Hispanic ethnicity was not associated with an increased rate of serious postoperative complications (OR 0.93, CI 0.85-1.01, P = 0.088); it was associated with less overall complications (OR 0.88, CI 0.81-0.96, P = 0.003) but a longer postoperative length of stay (OR 1.09, CI 1.04-1.14, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Hispanic children are more likely to present with complicated appendicitis, contributing to increased postoperative complications. Notably, upon adjustment for the impact of complicated appendicitis, our findings suggest potentially favorable outcomes for Hispanic ethnicity. This emphasizes the need to understand delays in presentation to improve outcomes in the Hispanic population.

Management of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation in the Perioperative Period: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference.

OBJECTIVES: To derive systematic review-informed, modified Delphi consensus regarding the management of children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) undergoing invasive procedures or interventions developed by the Pediatric Anticoagulation on ECMO CollaborativE (PEACE) Consensus Conference. DATA SOURCES: A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2021. STUDY SELECTION: ECMO anticoagulation and hemostasis management in the perioperative period and during procedures. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving any conflicts. Seventeen references were used for data extraction and informed recommendations. Evidence tables were constructed using a standardized data extraction form. DATA SYNTHESIS: Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Forty-eight experts met over 2 years to develop evidence-based recommendations and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based consensus statements for the management of bleeding and thrombotic complications in pediatric ECMO patients. A web-based modified Delphi process was used to build consensus via the Research And Development/University of California Appropriateness Method. Consensus was defined as greater than 80% agreement. Four good practice statements, 7 recommendations, and 18 consensus statements are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Although agreement among experts was strong, important future research is required in this population for evidence-informed recommendations.

Executive Summary: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE (PEACE) Consensus Conference.

OBJECTIVES: To present recommendations and consensus statements with supporting literature for the clinical management of neonates and children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) from the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE (PEACE) consensus conference. DATA SOURCES: Systematic review was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2021, followed by serial meetings of international, interprofessional experts in the management ECMO for critically ill children. STUDY SELECTION: The management of ECMO anticoagulation for critically ill children. DATA EXTRACTION: Within each of eight subgroup, two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving any conflicts. DATA SYNTHESIS: A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, from January 1988 to May 2021. Each panel developed evidence-based and, when evidence was insufficient, expert-based statements for the clinical management of anticoagulation for children supported with ECMO. These statements were reviewed and ratified by 48 PEACE experts. Consensus was obtained using the Research and Development/UCLA Appropriateness Method. Results were summarized using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method. We developed 23 recommendations, 52 expert consensus statements, and 16 good practice statements covering the management of ECMO anticoagulation in three broad categories: general care and monitoring; perioperative care; and nonprocedural bleeding or thrombosis. Gaps in knowledge and research priorities were identified, along with three research focused good practice statements. CONCLUSIONS: The 91 statements focused on clinical care will form the basis for standardization and future clinical trials.

Impact of red blood cell transfusion on regional cerebral oxygen saturation during pediatric ECMO.

BACKGROUND: Low cerebral regional tissue oxygenation (crSO2) is associated with unfavorable neurological outcomes in children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion can improve brain oxygenation and crSO2 has been proposed as a noninvasive monitoring tool that could aid in RBC transfusion decision-making. However, how crSO2 responds to RBC transfusion is largely unknown. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational cohort study of all patients <21 years supported on ECMO at a single institution from 2011 to 2018. Transfusion events were grouped by pre-transfusion hemoglobin concentration (<10, 10- < 12, and ≥ 12 g/dL). Post- versus pre-transfusion crSO2 changes were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: The final cohort included 830 transfusion events in 111 patients. Hemoglobin increased significantly post- versus pre-RBC transfusion (estimated mean increase of 0.47 g/dL [95% CI, 0.35-0.58], p < .001), as did crSO2 (estimated mean increase of 1.82 percentage points [95% CI, 1.23-2.40], p < .001). Larger improvements in crSO2 were associated with lower pre-transfusion crSO2 values (p < .001). There was no difference in mean change in crSO2 across the three hemoglobin groups in unadjusted analysis (p = .5) or after adjusting for age, diagnostic category, and pre-transfusion rSO2 (p = .15). Pre-transfusion crSO2 was <50% for 112 of 830 (13.5%) transfusion events, with only 30 (26.8%) crSO2 measurements noted to increase ≥50% post-transfusion. DISCUSSION: Among neonatal and pediatric patients on ECMO support, there was a statistically significant increase in crSO2 following RBC transfusion, although clinical significance needs to be investigated further. The effect was strongest among patients with lower crSO2 pre-transfusion.

Effect of Red Blood Cell Transfusion on Regional Tissue Oxygenation in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Patients.

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are used frequently in pediatric patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after cardiac surgery. To improve data-driven transfusion decision-making in the ICU, we conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the effect of RBC transfusion on cerebral and somatic regional oxygenation (rSO2). METHODS: We evaluated post- versus pre-RBC transfusion cerebral rSO2 and somatic rSO2 in all consecutive pediatric patients (age >28 days to <18 years) who underwent biventricular cardiac surgery at a single center between July 2016 and April 2020. RESULTS: The final data set included 263 RBC postoperative transfusion events in 75 patients who underwent 83 surgeries. The median pretransfusion hemoglobin was 10.6 g/dL (25th-75th percentile, 9.3-11.6). The median pretransfusion cerebral and somatic rSO2 were 63% (54-71) and 69% (55-80), which increased by a median of 3 percentage points (-2 to 6) and 2 percentage points (-3 to 6), respectively, after transfusion. After adjusting for pretransfusion hemoglobin, change in hemoglobin posttransfusion versus pretransfusion, and potential confounders (age, sex, and STAT surgical mortality risk score), the posttransfusion versus pretransfusion change in cerebral or somatic rSO2 was not statistically significant. Pretransfusion cerebral rSO2 (crSO2) was ≤50%, a previously described threshold for increased risk for unfavorable neurological outcome, for 22 of 138 (16%) transfusion events with complete pre- and post-crSO2 data. Sixteen of these 22 (73%) transfusions resulted in a posttransfusion crSO2 >50%. When restricting analysis to the first (index) transfusion after arrival to the ICU from the operating room (administered at a median of 1.15 postoperative days [25th-75th percentile, 0.84-1.93]), between-patient pretransfusion hemoglobin was not associated with pretransfusion crSO2 but within-patient posttransfusion versus pretransfusion hemoglobin difference was significantly associated with posttransfusion versus pretransfusion crSO2 difference (mean posttransfusion versus pretransfusion crSO2 difference, 2.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-4.48). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, neither cerebral nor somatic rSO2 increased significantly post- versus pre-RBC transfusion in pediatric cardiac surgery patients admitted to the ICU after biventricular repairs. However, almost three-quarters of transfusions administered when pretransfusion crSO2 was below the critical threshold of 50% resulted in a posttransfusion crSO2 >50%. In addition, the significant within-patient change in crSO2 in relation to the change in posttransfusion versus pretransfusion hemoglobin in the immediate postoperative period suggests that a personalized approach to transfusion following within-patient trends of crSO2 rather than absolute between-patient values may be an important focus for future research.

Evaluation of the Surgical Management of Achalasia in Children and Young Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder in children and is most often treated with the Heller myotomy. This study examines the current trends in surgical management of achalasia and evaluates the safety of the Heller myotomy in children compared to the young adult population. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of children and young adults aged ≤25 y undergoing a Heller myotomy for achalasia. Data were collected using the adult and pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases from 2012 to 2018. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and 30-d outcomes were evaluated. Operative details of interest included surgical specialty and the use of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and esophageal manometry. Outcomes included operative time, length of stay, reoperation, and other postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 178 pediatric and 202 young adult patients were included in the study. The majority of surgeries were performed laparoscopically (85.4% pediatric and 95.0% adult). Esophageal manometry was only used in pediatric cases, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy was used in 35 (19.7%) pediatric and 41 (20.3%) adult cases. Thirty-day complications occurred in 7 (3.9%) children and 3 (1.5%) adults. The median operative time for children was 174.5 min and the median length of stay (LOS) was 2 d. The median operative time for adults was 126 min and the median LOS was 1 d (P < 0.01 for both). There was a longer LOS for cases performed by pediatric surgeons (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Heller myotomy continues to be a very safe operation for achalasia with minimal short-term morbidity.

A dual-institutional study on first-year practice outcomes of pediatric surgeons who trained in the era of work hour restrictions.

BACKGROUND: In July 2003, an 80-h work week restriction for residencies was mandated. This was met with skepticism regarding its potential impact on operative training. We hypothesized no difference in outcomes for pediatric surgeons who trained under duty hour restrictions compared to historical complication rates. METHODS: Dual-institutional review of pediatric patients who underwent five of the most common operations (2013-2018) by first-year pediatric surgeons who trained under duty hour restrictions was performed. Tests of proportions were used to compare complication rates to published rates on data collected prior to 2003. RESULTS: Patient mean age was 10.1 years. No significant differences (p values > 0.05) were found in laparoscopic appendectomy rates of infection, bleeding or intra-abdominal abscess compared to previously published rates. Pyloromyotomy rates of infection or duodenal perforation were not different. No differences were detected in rates of infection, recurrence or testicular atrophy for inguinal hernia repair. Umbilical hernia rates of infection, bleeding, and recurrence were also not different. There was no difference in CVC rates of hemopneumothoraces; significantly more bleeding events were detected (1.2% vs. 0.1%; p value = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In this study, first-year complication rates of pediatric surgeons who trained under duty hour restrictions were not significantly different when compared to published rates.

Appendectomy and Cholecystectomy Outcomes for Pediatric Cancer Patients with Leukopenia: A NSQIP-Pediatric Study.

BACKGROUND: Children with cancer often develop leukopenia which may impair wound healing and increase surgical complication rates. When leukopenic children with cancer develop an acute surgical condition, the optimal management strategy remains unclear. This study examined the effect of preoperative leukopenia on postoperative outcomes in children with cancer who underwent an appendectomy or cholecystectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively identified cancer patients undergoing an appendectomy or cholecystectomy from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database from 2012-2018. Demographics and perioperative characteristics were compared by leukopenia status (WBC <4 vs. ≥4 × 10^3/mL). Postoperative length of stay (LOS) and 30-day composite complications, including infections, reoperations, and readmissions, were analyzed for each procedure using multivariate regression. RESULTS: There were 227 children who underwent an appendectomy and 101 children who underwent a cholecystectomy. Leukopenia was seen in 93 (41.0%) appendectomy and 57 (56.4%) cholecystectomy cases. Nineteen (8.4%) appendectomy patients and six (5.9%) cholecystectomy patients developed a postoperative complication. The median postoperative LOS was 2 days (IQR 1-6 days) for appendectomy and 1 day (IQR 1-2.5 days) for cholecystectomy cases. After multivariate analyses, leukopenia was not associated with increased postoperative complications after an appendectomy (OR 0.55, P = 0.36) or cholecystectomy (OR 0.39, P = 0.37). There was no significant difference in postoperative LOS based on leukopenia status for children who underwent an appendectomy (P = 0.82) or cholecystectomy (P = 0.37). CONCLUSION: In pediatric cancer patients, leukopenia was not associated with increased short-term postoperative complications or longer postoperative LOS after either an appendectomy or cholecystectomy. These results support that operative management can be performed safely in pediatric appendicitis and cholecystitis in leukopenic cancer patients.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the pediatric population - who should go on, and who should not.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a method of providing cardiorespiratory support in instances of cardiac or respiratory failure, in neonates and children continues to expand and evolve. This review details the current landscape of ECMO as it applies to neonates and children. RECENT FINDINGS: Specifically, this review provides the most recent evidence for which patients should be considered for the various forms of ECMO including venovenous ECMO, venoarterial-ECMO, and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Specific topics to be discussed include indications and contraindications for the different types of ECMO in neonates and children, anticoagulation strategies and ways to monitor end-organ function, outcomes specific to the different types and populations with a focus on meaningful survival to discharge and neurologic outcomes, and consideration of special populations such as low birth weight infants, traumatically injured patients, and children who received recent bone marrow transplants. This review also discusses still unanswered questions surrounding the most appropriate use of ECMO as its role and applications continue to evolve. SUMMARY: With rapidly increasing utilization of ECMO, neonatologists and pediatricians should be aware of the most recent evidence guiding its indications, applications, and limitations.

Blood Utilization and Clinical Outcomes in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support are critically ill and have substantial transfusion requirements, which convey both risks and benefits. A retrospective analysis was conducted to assess the association between blood component administration and adverse outcomes in adult, pediatric, and neonatal ECMO patients. METHODS: We evaluated 217 ECMO patients at a single center hospitalized between January 2009 and June 2016. Three cohorts (88 adult, 57 pediatric, and 72 neonatal patients) were included for assessment of patient characteristics, blood utilization, and clinical outcomes. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to assess the association between transfusions and clinical outcomes (primary outcome: mortality and secondary outcomes: morbid events). The analysis included the main exposure of interest (total number of blood component units transfused) and potential confounding variables (age group cohort, case mix index, sex, ECMO mode and duration, and primary ECMO indication). RESULTS: After adjustment for confounders, with each additional blood component unit transfused, there was an estimated increase in odds for mortality by 1% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.02; P = .013) and an increase in odds for thrombotic events by 1% (OR = 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; P = .007). Mortality was higher in the adult (57 of 88; 64.8%) and pediatric (37 of 57; 64.9%) than in the neonatal cohort (19 of 72; 26.4%) (P < .0001). Median total blood components transfused per day followed a similar pattern for the adult (2.3 units; interquartile range [IQR] = 0.8-7.0), pediatric (2.9 units; IQR = 1.1-10), and neonatal (1.0 units; IQR = 0.7-1.6) cohorts (P < .0001). Over the entire hospitalization, the total median blood components transfused was highest in the neonatal (41 units; IQR = 24-94) and pediatric (41 units; IQR = 17-113) compared to the adult (30 units; IQR = 9-58) cohort (P = .007). There was no significant interaction between total units transfused over the hospital stay and age cohort for mortality (P = .35). CONCLUSIONS: Given the association between transfusion and adverse outcomes, effective blood management strategies may be beneficial in ECMO patients.

Association of Cerebral Oximetry with Outcomes after Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with neurologic morbidity and mortality. We investigated whether cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) is associated with neurologic outcomes and survival in children on ECMO. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study of children aged 1 day to 20 years who underwent ECMO with routine cerebral rSO2 monitoring in the pediatric intensive care unit at a single academic center between February 2008 and September 2014. We collected all serial rSO2 values recorded in the electronic medical record during the ECMO course. Favorable outcome was defined as survival with Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC) ≤ 2 at hospital discharge or no decline from baseline PCPC. RESULTS: We reviewed data from 153 patients who underwent 156 ECMO runs. The median age was 12.5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 2 days-15 months). Ninety-nine (64%) patients survived to hospital discharge, and 82/99 (83%) survivors had favorable neurologic outcome by discharge PCPC. Neuroimaging studies were obtained in 135 (87%) patients, 59 (44%) of which showed abnormal findings. Ninety-two (59%) patients had any rSO2 ≤ 50%, 60 (38%) had any rSO2 decline > 20% from baseline, and 26 (17%) had any rSO2 decline > 20% from the reading 1 h prior. Any rSO2 ≤ 50% and any rSO2 decline > 20% from baseline were each associated with unfavorable outcome at hospital discharge (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.82 [95% CI 1.10-7.25] and 4.52 [95% CI 1.76-11.58], respectively). rSO2 decline > 20% from the reading 1 h prior was not significantly associated with the outcomes. CONCLUSION: Among children in one institution who underwent routine clinical rSO2 monitoring during ECMO, rSO2 decline was associated with unfavorable short-term neurologic outcome and death after adjusting for potential confounders. The effectiveness of initiating early preventative measures in these high-risk patients needs further study.

Conversion From Venovenous to Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Children.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing national trend toward initial venovenous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for infants and children with respiratory disease; however, some proportion of patients initiated on VV ECMO will ultimately require conversion to venoarterial (VA) support for circulatory augmentation. The purpose of this work is to describe patients who required conversion from VV to VA ECMO and to highlight the increased mortality in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic and disease-specific data on children who underwent VV-to-VA ECMO conversion were extracted from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry. Survival comparisons to age-matched patients undergoing unconverted ECMO runs were made using the 2016 Extracorporeal Life Support Organization International Summary report. The relative risk (RR) of death associated with VV-to-VA conversion was calculated, and statistical analysis of survival was performed using a chi-squared test with P < 0.05 for significance. RESULTS: This study cohort consisted of 1382 patients who required VV-to-VA conversion. The overall hospital survival rate for neonates requiring conversion was 60%, compared with 83% for unconverted VV runs and 64% for unconverted VA runs (RR 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.34). Similarly, the survival of older children requiring conversion was 46% compared with 66% and 51%, respectively (RR 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.27). CONCLUSIONS: VV-to-VA conversion does occur and is associated with increased mortality. The need for conversion from VV to VA ECMO may represent an early failure to recognize physiologic parameters or disease severity that would be better managed with initial VA support. Further research is needed to pinpoint the cause of increased mortality and to identify predictors of VV failure to optimize initial mode selection.

Who moved my fellow: changes to Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education fellowships in pediatric surgery and what may be yet to come.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the past 15 years, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has significantly altered the regulatory framework governing fellowship training in pediatric surgery. The daily experiences of pediatric surgical trainees have been impacted by these changes, but training program directors and faculty have not developed a consistent approach to managing this shift. This review highlights the changes, which have occurred, analyzes the current state of fellowship training, and proposes potential strategies for management. RECENT FINDINGS: The implementation of work hour restrictions, increased supervision requirements, the milestone evaluation program and most recently, enforcement of required critical care experience, have caused significant changes in the curriculum. Pediatric surgical trainees record more total cases, and more minimally invasive surgical (MIS) cases, in particular, than ever before. A subset of this increase may result from trainees performing cases previously assigned to general surgery residents. Teaching cases performed by fellows have decreased. Although the relationship between these shifts in training experience and the didactic curriculum is not clear, we also note that the Pediatric Surgery Certifying Examination failure rate has increased, approaching 20% in recent years. SUMMARY: It is unclear whether the changes in Pediatric Surgery training programs have been effective, or (conversely) have led to unintended consequences. Paradigm shifts in our training model may be required to address the changes in surgical education and skill acquisition, so that well tolerated, competent and skillful pediatric surgeons continue to enter the workforce.

Evaluation of Anemia and Nutritional Status on Children Undergoing Resection of Primary Liver Tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Complete tumor resection of primary malignant liver tumors offers the best chance of survival. However, many of these children may experience anemia and failure to thrive. This study analyzes the association of preoperative anemia and nutritional support with outcomes in children undergoing major resection of primary malignant liver tumors. METHODS: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database from 2012 to 2015, children undergoing major liver resections for primary malignant hepatic tumors were selected. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and 30-d outcomes were compared with respect to the presence of preoperative anemia and the need for nutritional support. Outcomes included 30-d postoperative complications, perioperative blood transfusions, and hospital readmissions. Propensity score matching was performed to control for significant confounders. RESULTS: One hundred ten children were included, 76 (69.1%) with preoperative anemia, and 36 (32.7%) receiving nutritional support. Anemia was associated with preoperative chemotherapy (P = 0.02) and steroids (P = 0.03). Nutritional support was associated with cardiac (P = 0.01), respiratory (P < 0.01), neurologic (P < 0.01), and hematologic comorbidities (P = 0.02). There were 20 (18.2%) postoperative complications and 6 (5.5%) hospital readmissions. After propensity score matching, there was no difference in complications between anemic and nonanemic patients (P = 0.13). Preoperative nutritional support was associated with an increased rate of complications (P < 0.01). Neither anemia (P = 1.00) nor nutritional support (P = 0.49) were associated with readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: The need for nutritional support is common in children undergoing resection of primary malignant hepatic tumors. Anemia was not significantly associated with postoperative complications. In this study, nutritional support was associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. The need for nutritional support may warrant special attention to the patient's overall conditioning during operative planning.

Analysis of risk factors for morbidity in children undergoing the Kasai procedure for biliary atresia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perioperative risk factors for 30-day complications of the Kasai procedure in a large, cross-institutional, modern dataset. STUDY DESIGN: The 2012-2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database was used to identify patients undergoing the Kasai procedure. Patients' characteristics were compared by perioperative blood transfusions and 30-day outcomes, including complications, reoperations, and readmissions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors predictive of outcomes. Propensity matching was performed for perioperative blood transfusions to evaluate its effect on outcomes. RESULTS: 190 children were included with average age of 62 days. Major cardiac risk factors were seen in 6.3%. Perioperative blood transfusions occurred in 32.1%. The 30-day post-operative complication rate was 15.8%, reoperation 6.8%, and readmission 15.3%. After multivariate analysis, perioperative blood transfusions (OR 3.94; p < 0.01) and major cardiac risk factors (OR 7.82; p < 0.01) were found to increase the risk of a complication. Perioperative blood transfusion (OR 4.71; p = 0.01) was associated with an increased risk of reoperation. Readmission risk was increased by prematurity (OR 3.88; p = 0.04) and 30-day complication event (OR 4.09; p = 0.01). After propensity matching, perioperative blood transfusion was associated with an increase in complications (p < 0.01) and length of stay (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Major cardiac risk factors and perioperative blood transfusions increase the risk of post-operative complications in children undergoing the Kasai procedure. Further research is warranted in the perioperative use of blood transfusions in this population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Characteristics and trends of pediatric firepit burns: insights for prevention and safety.

Introduction: As fire pits grow in popularity, so do the associated burn injuries. Our study examines pediatric fire pit burns characteristics to raise awareness and promote safety precautions. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric patients (≤21 years) with firepit burns at a tertiary care hospital from 2016 to 2021. Results: Eighty-four patients were identified, of whom 70.2% were male, with a median age of 62 months. The median percent total body surface area burned was 2% (interquartile range (IQR)=1-4). Thirty-five (41.7%) patients were admitted and 7 (8.3%) underwent grafting. Neck and trunk burns had the highest grafting rates (66% and 33%, respectively). The hands (41.7%) and the lower extremities (27.4%) were the most frequently burned body areas. The leading causes of burns were ashes/hot coals (34.5%), flames (31.0%), and direct contact (25.0%), often resulting from falling into the fire (59.5%) or running or playing in activities near it (26.2%). Thirty-five (41.7%) were admitted for inpatient management, while 49 (58.3%) were treated as outpatient. Eleven (13.2%) underwent at least one reconstructive surgery, 7 (8.4%) had at least one rehabilitation visit, and 65 (77.4%) had follow-up clinic visits. The median length of stay was 2 days (IQR=1.0-3.5). The peak months for burns were from August through October (n=40, 46.0%), with an increase observed from 10 cases in 2016 to 20 cases in 2020. Conclusions: Given the significant proportion of firepit burns resulting from unsafe fire behaviors, it is crucial that caretakers are aware of proper firepit safety precautions. Level of evidence: III.

Isolated primary testicular B lymphoblastic lymphoma: an unusual presentation.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children and adolescents. Clinical presentation often reflects bone marrow involvement and consequences of bone marrow failure. Microscopic involvement of the testis is rare, occurring in about 2% of cases. We present a case of a 3-year-old child who displayed unilateral macroorchidism as the only clinical symptom of ALL. Although the patient presented with localized disease, he was treated with systemic chemotherapy without recurrence. In this report, we review the current literature on ALL testicular involvement, diagnosis, and treatment.