Identification of a DNA methylation episignature for recurrent constellations of embryonic malformations.

The term "recurrent constellations of embryonic malformations" (RCEM) is used to describe a number of multiple malformation associations that affect three or more body structures. The causes of these disorders are currently unknown, and no diagnostic marker has been identified. Consequently, providing a definitive diagnosis in suspected individuals is challenging. In this study, genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was conducted on DNA samples obtained from the peripheral blood of 53 individuals with RCEM characterized by clinical features recognized as VACTERL and/or oculoauriculovertebral spectrum association. We identified a common DNA methylation episignature in 40 out of the 53 individuals. Subsequently, a sensitive and specific binary classifier was developed based on the DNA methylation episignature. This classifier can facilitate the use of RCEM episignature as a diagnostic biomarker in a clinical setting. The study also investigated the functional correlation of RCEM DNA methylation relative to other genetic disorders with known episignatures, highlighting the common genomic regulatory pathways involved in the pathophysiology of RCEM.

Feasibility and repeatability of ultrasound-guided surface electroenterography to measure colonic slow wave motility in healthy adults.

Surface electroenterography is a potential non-invasive alternative to current diagnostics of colonic motility disorders. However, electrode positioning in electroenterography is often based on general anatomy and may lack generalizability. Furthermore, the repeatability of electroenterography measurements is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate ultrasound-guided electrode positioning for electroenterography measurements and to determine the repeatability of those measurements. In ten healthy adults, two electroenterography procedures were performed, consisting of fasting, ultrasound-guided electrode localization and two 20-minute electroenterography recordings separated by a meal. The dominant frequency, the mean power density (magnitude of colonic motility) and the power percent difference (relative pre- to postprandial increase in magnitude) were determined. Repeatability was determined by Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. The results demonstrated that the dominant frequency did not differ between pre- and postprandial recordings and was 3 cpm, characteristic of colonic motility. The mean power density increased between the pre- and postprandial measurements, with an average difference of over 200%. The repeatability of both the dominant frequency and power density was poor to moderate, whereas the correlation coefficient of the power percent difference was poor. Concluding, ultrasound-guided surface electroenterography seems able to measure the gastrocolic reflex, but the dissatisfactory repeatability necessitates optimization of the measurement protocol.

The feasibility and benefit of unsupervised at-home training of minimally invasive surgical skills.

BACKGROUND: Simulation-based training may be used to acquire MIS skills. While mostly done in a simulation center, it is proposed that this training can be undertaken at-home as well. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether unsupervised at-home training and assessment of MIS skills is feasible and results in increased MIS skills. METHODS: Medical doctors and senior medical students were tested on their innate abilities by performing a pre-test on a take-home simulator. Henceforth, they followed a two-week interval training practicing two advanced MIS skills (an interrupted suture with knot tying task and a precise peg transfer task) and subsequently performed a post-test. Both tests and all training moments were performed at home. Performance was measured using motion analysis software (SurgTrac) and by expert-assessment and self-assessment using a competency assessment tool for MIS suturing (LS-CAT). RESULTS: A total of 38 participants enrolled in the study. Participants improved significantly between the pre-test and the post-test for both tasks. They were faster (632 s vs. 213 s, p < 0.001) and more efficient (distance of instrument tips: 9.8 m vs. 3.4 m, p = 0.001) in the suturing task. Total LS-CAT scores, rated by an expert, improved significantly with a decrease from 36 at the pre-test to 20 at the post-test (p < 0.001) and showed a strong correlation with self-assessment scores (R 0.771, p < 0.001). The precise peg transfer task was completed faster (300 s vs. 163 s, p < 0.001) and more efficient as well (14.8 m vs. 5.7 m, p = 0.005). Additionally, they placed more rings correctly (7 vs. 12, p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Unsupervised at-home training and assessment of MIS skills is feasible and resulted in an evident increase in skills. Especially in times of less exposure in the clinical setting and less education on training locations this can aid in improving MIS skills.

Health-related quality of life in children with congenital vascular malformations.

A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with congenital vascular malformations (CVM) and to investigate factors associated with an impaired HRQOL. Children (2-17 years) with CVMs who visited the HECOVAN expertise center between 2016-2018 were included. The PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales were used and a score ≥ 1.0 SD below the normative mean was defined as an impaired HRQOL. Factors associated with impairment were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The median overall HRQOL was 84.8/100 (n = 207; 41% boys, 59% girls; self-reported IQR 73.9-92.4 and parent-reported IQR 71.4-92.4). Patients aged 13-17 years reported significantly worse physical functioning than those aged 8-12 years (median 84.4, IQR 71.1-93.8 versus median 90.6, IQR 81.3-96.9; p = 0.02). Parents reported a significantly lower overall HRQOL than their children (median 80.4, IQR 70.7-90.8 versus median 85.9, IQR 76.1-92.4; p = 0.001). HRQOL was impaired in 25% of patients. Impairment occurred significantly more often in lower extremity CVMs (38%, p = 0.01) and multifocal CVMs (47%, p = 0.01) compared to CVMs in the head/neck region (13%). Other associated factors included invasive management (31% versus 14%; p = 0.01), age at first treatment ≤ 5 years (48% versus 25%; p = 0.02) and ongoing treatment (38% versus 18%; p = 0.004). After correction for other factors, significance remained for lower extremity CVMs and ongoing invasive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Overall median HRQOL was reasonable and not significantly different from the norm sample. Parental ratings were significantly lower than their children's ratings. A quarter of the patients had an impaired HRQOL, which seemed to worsen with age. Independently associated factors included a lower extremity CVM and invasive management. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Congenital vascular malformations could affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL). • Studies on pediatric patients are limited and either very small or in combination with adult patient series. WHAT IS NEW: • This study raises awareness of an impaired HRQOL in 25% of pediatric patients with congenital vascular malformations. • Associated factors included a lower extremity CVM and invasive management.

Did Age at Surgery Influence Outcome in Patients With Hirschsprung Disease? A Nationwide Cohort Study in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVES: Hirschsprung disease (HD) requires surgical resection of affected bowel, but the current evidence is inconclusive regarding the optimal age for resection. The aim of this study was to assess whether age at resection of the aganglionic segment is a determinant for surgical outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional cohort study was done including all consecutive patients with HD between 1957 and 2015, aged 8 years or older (n = 830), who were treated in 1 of the 6 pediatric surgical centers in the Netherlands. Outcome measures were mortality, postoperative complications, stoma rate and redo surgery rate, retrieved from the medical records. Additionally, constipation and fecal incontinence rate in long term were assessed with the Defecation and Continence Questionnaire (DeFeC and P-DeFeC). RESULTS: The medical records of 830 patients were reviewed, and 346 of the 619 eligible patients responded to the follow-up questionnaires (56%). There was a small increase in the risk of a permanent stoma [odds ratio (OR) 1.01 (95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.00-1.02); P = 0.019] and a temporary stoma [OR 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00-1.01); P = 0.022] with increasing age at surgery, regardless of the length of the aganglionic segment and operation technique. Both adjusted and unadjusted for operation technique, length of disease, and temporary stoma, age at surgery was not associated with the probability and the severity of constipation and fecal incontinence in long term. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found no evidence that the age at surgery influences surgical outcomes, thus no optimal timing for surgery for HD could be determined.

Functional Outcomes After Surgery for Total Colonic, Long-Segment, Versus Rectosigmoid Segment Hirschsprung Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Knowledge on long-term outcomes in patients with Hirschsprung disease is progressing. Nevertheless, differences in outcomes according to aganglionic lengths are unclear. We compared long-term bowel function and generic quality of life in Hirschsprung patients with total colonic or long-segment versus rectosigmoid aganglionosis. METHODS: In this nationwide, cross-sectional study participants with proven Hirschsprung disease received the Defecation and Fecal Continence questionnaire, and the Child Health Questionnaire Child Form-87, or the WHO Quality of Life-100. We excluded deceased patients, patients who were younger than 8 years, lived abroad, had a permanent enterostomy, or were intellectually impaired. RESULTS: The study population (n = 334) was operated for rectosigmoid (83.9%), long-segment (8.7%), or total colonic aganglionosis (7.5%). Fecal incontinence in general was not significantly different between the three groups, but liquid fecal incontinence was significantly associated with total colonic aganglionosis (odds ratio [OR] = 6.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.07-17.38, P = 0.001). Regarding constipation, patients with total colonic or long-segment aganglionosis were less likely to suffer from constipation than the rectosigmoid group (OR = 0.21, 95% CI, 0.05-0.91, P = 0.038 and OR = 0.11, 95% CI, 0.01-0.83, P = 0.032). Quality of life was comparable between the three groups, except for a lower physical score in children with total colonic aganglionosis (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Over time Hirschsprung patients with total colonic or long-segment aganglionosis do not suffer from worse fecal incontinence in general. A difference in stool consistency may underlie the association between liquid fecal incontinence and total colonic aganglionosis and constipation in patients with rectosigmoid aganglionosis. Despite these differences, generic quality of life is comparable on reaching adulthood.

The effect of continuous at-home training of minimally invasive surgical skills on skill retention.

BACKGROUND: Skill deterioration of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) skills may be prevented by continuous training. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether unsupervised continuous at-home training of MIS skills results in better skill retention compared to no training. METHODS: Medical doctors followed a two-week interval training for two MIS tasks (precise peg transfer and interrupted suture with knot tying), ending with a baseline test. They were randomly assigned to the no-practice group or continuous-practice group. The latter practiced unsupervised at home every two weeks during the study period. Skill retention was measured after three and six months on both tasks by the total time needed, distance traveled by instruments and LS-CAT score (8 best possible score and > 40 worst score). RESULTS: A total of 38 participants were included. No significant differences in performance were found at pre-test or baseline. At six months the no-practice group needed more time for the suturing task (309 s vs. 196 s at baseline, p = 0.010) and the LS-CAT score was significantly worse (30 vs. 20 at baseline, p < 0.0001). The continuous-practice group performed the suturing task significantly better than the no-practice group at both three and six months (17 vs. 25, p < 0.001 and 17 vs. 30, p < 0.001) and faster as well (p = 0.034 and p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study shows a skill decay after only a few months of non-use and shows better skill retention after continuous unsupervised at-home practice of MIS skills. This indicates an added value of regular at-home practice of surgical skills.

Lymphatic malformations in children: treatment outcomes of sclerotherapy in a large cohort.

This retrospective study examines the outcomes of sclerotherapy in children with (veno)lymphatic malformations who received sclerotherapy between 2011 and 2016 (116 children, 234 procedures). Complication severity was classified using the Society of Interventional Radiology classification. Clinical response was rated on a scale of 0 (no change) to 3 (good improvement). The sclerosants used were bleomycin (n = 132; 56%), lauromacrogol (n = 42; 18%), doxycycline (n = 15; 6%), ethanol (n = 12; 5%), or a combination (n = 33; 14%). Four major and 25 minor complications occurred without significant differences between the agents. The median response rate per procedure was 2-some improvement-for all sclerosants. However, in pure LMs (67%), bleomycin and a combination of agents resulted in the best clinical response. On patient level, all had some or good clinical response. Mixed macrocystic and microcystic lesions showed a significantly lower clinical response (median 2 versus 3; p = 0.023 and p = 0.036, respectively) and required significantly more procedures (median 2 versus 1; p = 0.043 and p = 0.044, respectively) compared with lesions with one component.Conclusion: Sclerotherapy for (V)LMs in children is safe and effective. Bleomycin is the most frequently used agent in this clinic and seemed most effective for pure LMs. Mixed macrocystic and microcystic lesions are most difficult to treat effectively. What is Known: • A variety of agents can be used for sclerotherapy of lymphatic malformations in children. • Macrocystic lesions have favorable outcomes compared with microcystic and mixed lesions. What is New: • Bleomycin and a combination of agents seem to be most effective to treat lymphatic malformations in children. • Mixed macrocystic and microcystic lesions are more difficult to treat effectively compared with lesions with either one of these components.

The Somatic Mutation Paradigm in Congenital Malformations: Hirschsprung Disease as a Model.

Patients with Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) do not always receive a genetic diagnosis after routine screening in clinical practice. One of the reasons for this could be that the causal mutation is not present in the cell types that are usually tested-whole blood, dermal fibroblasts or saliva-but is only in the affected tissue. Such mutations are called somatic, and can occur in a given cell at any stage of development after conception. They will then be present in all subsequent daughter cells. Here, we investigated the presence of somatic mutations in HSCR patients. For this, whole-exome sequencing and copy number analysis were performed in DNA isolated from purified enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) and blood or fibroblasts of the same patient. Variants identified were subsequently validated by Sanger sequencing. Several somatic variants were identified in all patients, but causative mutations for HSCR were not specifically identified in the ENCCs of these patients. Larger copy number variants were also not found to be specific to ENCCs. Therefore, we believe that somatic mutations are unlikely to be identified, if causative for HSCR. Here, we postulate various modes of development following the occurrence of a somatic mutation, to describe the challenges in detecting such mutations, and hypothesize how somatic mutations may contribute to 'missing heritability' in developmental defects.

High prevalence of non-accidental trauma among deceased children presenting at Level I trauma centers in the Netherlands.

PURPOSE: Between 0.1-3% of injured children who present at a hospital emergency department ultimately die as a result of their injuries. These events are typically reported as unnatural causes of death and may result from either accidental or non-accidental trauma (NAT). Examples of the latter include trauma that is inflicted directly or resulting from neglect. Although consultation with a forensic physician is mandatory for all deceased children, the prevalence of fatal inflicted trauma or neglect among children is currently unclear. METHODS: This is a retrospective study that included children (0-18 years) who presented and died at one of the 11 Level I trauma centers in the Netherlands between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2019. Outcomes were classified based on the conclusions of the Child Abuse and Neglect team or those of forensic pathologists and/or the court in cases referred for legally mandated autopsies. Cases in which conclusions were unavailable and there was no clear accidental cause of death were reviewed by an expert panel. RESULTS: The study included 175 cases of childhood death. Seventeen (9.7%) of these children died due to inflicted trauma (9.7%), 18 (10.3%) due to neglect, and 140 (80%) due to accidents. Preschool children (< 5 years old) were significantly more likely to present with injuries due to inflicted trauma and neglect compared to older children (44% versus 6%, p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] 5.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.66-12.65). Drowning accounted for 14 of the 18 (78%) pediatric deaths due to neglect, representing 8% of the total cases. Postmortem radiological studies and autopsies were performed on 37 (21%) of all cases of childhood death. CONCLUSION: One of every five pediatric deaths in our nationwide Level I trauma center study was attributed to NAT; 44% of these deaths were the result of trauma experienced by preschool-aged children. A remarkable number of fatal drownings were due to neglect. Postmortem radiological studies and autopsies were performed in only one-fifth of all deceased children. The limited use of postmortem investigations may have resulted in missed cases of NAT, which will result in an overall underestimation of fatal NAT experienced by children.

Treatment Outcomes of Embolization for Peripheral Arteriovenous Malformations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate treatment outcomes of embolization for peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in a tertiary referral center where ethanol is the primary agent of choice. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of 93 patients (median age, 31 years; range, 2-66 years) with peripheral AVMs treated with embolization (n = 442; median, 2 per patient; range, 1-82) between January 2010 and July 2016. Ethanol was used in most cases (n = 428; 97%). AVMs were classified as type I (n = 3), type II (n = 57), type IIIa (n = 5), type IIIb (n = 15), and type IV (n = 13) according to the Yakes classification system. Effectiveness of embolization was based on AVM devascularization on angiography: 100% (total), 90%-99% (near-total), 70%-90% (substantial), 30%-70% (partial), and 0%-30% (failure). Complications were graded according to the Society of Interventional Radiology classification. RESULTS: In 69% of patients, 70%-100% devascularization was achieved. Total and near-total occlusion of the nidus were more often achieved in AVMs of types I and IIIa (both 100%) than in AVMs of types II, IIIb, and IV (56%, 67%, and 39%, respectively; P = .019). A total of 109 complications were identified: 101 minor (22.9%) and 8 major (1.8%). Major complications included wounds (n = 5), false aneurysm (n = 1), finger contracture (n = 1), and severe pain (n = 1) requiring therapy. The patient complication risk was significantly affected by the number of procedures (relative risk = 2.0; P < .001). Age, AVM location, and angioarchitecture type did not significantly affect complication risk. CONCLUSIONS: AVM embolization resulted in 70%-100% devascularization in 69% of patients, with few major complications. This study indicates that the type of AVM angioarchitecture affects the number of procedures needed and the achievability of AVM devascularization.

Robot assisted versus laparoscopic suturing learning curve in a simulated setting.

BACKGROUND: Compared to conventional laparoscopy, robot assisted surgery is expected to have most potential in difficult areas and demanding technical skills like minimally invasive suturing. This study was performed to identify the differences in the learning curves of laparoscopic versus robot assisted suturing. METHOD: Novice participants performed three suturing tasks on the EoSim laparoscopic augmented reality simulator or the RobotiX robot assisted virtual reality simulator. Each participant performed an intracorporeal suturing task, a tilted plane needle transfer task and an anastomosis needle transfer task. To complete the learning curve, all tasks were repeated up to twenty repetitions or until a time plateau was reached. Clinically relevant and comparable parameters regarding time, movements and safety were recorded. Intracorporeal suturing time and cumulative sum analysis was used to compare the learning curves and phases. RESULTS: Seventeen participants completed the learning curve laparoscopically and 30 robot assisted. Median first knot suturing time was 611 s (s) for laparoscopic versus 251 s for robot assisted (p < 0.001), and this was 324 s versus 165 (sixth knot, p < 0.001) and 257 s and 149 s (eleventh knot, p < 0.001) respectively on base of the found learning phases. The percentage of 'adequate surgical knots' was higher in the laparoscopic than in the robot assisted group. First knot: 71% versus 60%, sixth knot: 100% versus 83%, and eleventh knot: 100% versus 73%. When assessing the 'instrument out of view' parameter, the robot assisted group scored a median of 0% after repetition four. In the laparoscopic group, the instrument out of view increased from 3.1 to 3.9% (left) and from 3.0 to 4.1% (right) between the first and eleventh knot (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The learning curve of minimally invasive suturing shows a shorter task time curve using robotic assistance compared to the laparoscopic curve. However, laparoscopic outcomes show good end results with rapid outcome improvement.

Surgical Complications in Children with CDH: A Multivariate Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Several medical and surgical improvements in the treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients have led to a higher survival rate. However, some of these improvements also lead to an increased morbidity rate. This study aims to determine the contribution different medical and surgical treatments have had on the development of surgical complications. METHOD: All CDH patients treated in a single centre between 2000 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the independent effects of several treatment options that could influence the surgical outcome by adjustment for multiple risk factors. RESULTS: Sixty of the 197 surgically repaired CDH patients had surgical complications. There were more haemorrhagic complications in the ECMO compared to non-ECMO group (27% vs. 2%, p < 0.001). The use of inhaled nitric oxide was also significantly related to haemorrhage (OR = 13.0 (95% CI 1.1-159)). After adjustment for other risk factors, chylothorax was neither significantly associated with ECMO treatment (OR = 1.6 (95% CI 0.5-5.2) nor with patch repair (OR = 2.1: 95% CI 0.7-6.1). A recurrence occurred more often in patients with pulmonary hypertension (OR = 10.0 (95% CI 1.5-65.8) and after treatment with an abdominal patch (OR = 11.3: 95% CI 1.5-84.4). CONCLUSION: ECMO treatment and the inhalation of nitric oxide are used in the most severe CDH patients but are associated with a higher risk on surgical haemorrhage. The recurrence rate is associated with both the use of an abdominal patch and the presence of pulmonary hypertension, regardless of medical treatment.

Congenital diaphragmatic eventration and hernia sac compared to CDH with true defects: a retrospective cohort study.

Congenital diaphragmatic eventration (CDE) and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with or without hernia sac are three different types of congenital diaphragmatic malformations, which this study evaluates. All surgically treated patients with CDE or Bochdalek type CDH between 2000 and 2016 were included in this retrospective analysis. Demographics, CDH-characteristics, treatment, and clinical outcome were evaluated. In total, 200 patients were included. Patients with an eventration or hernia sac had no significant differences and were compared as patients without a true defect to patients with a true defect. The 1-year survival of patients with a true defect was significantly lower than patients with no true defect (76% versus 97%, p = 0.001). CDH with no true defect had significantly better short-term outcomes than CDH with true defect requiring patch repair. However, at 30 days, they more often required oxygen supplementation (46% versus 26%, p = 0.03) and had a higher recurrence rate (8% versus 0%, p = 0.006) (three eventration and two hernia sac patients). Conclusion: Patients without a true defect seem to have a more similar clinical outcome than CDH patients with a true defect, with a better survival. However, the recurrence rate and duration of oxygen supplementation at 30 days are higher than CDH patients with a true defect.What is Known:• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia with or without hernia sac and congenital diaphragmatic eventration (incomplete muscularization) are often treated similarly.• Patients with hernia sac and eventration are thought to have a relatively good outcome, but exact numbers are not described.What is New:• Congenital diaphragmatic eventration and patients with hernia sac seem to have a more similar clinical outcome than Bochdalek type CDH with a true defect.• Patients without a true defect (eventration or hernia sac) have a high recurrence rate.

Improvement of exercise capacity following neonatal respiratory failure: A randomized controlled trial.

Exercise capacity deteriorates in school-aged children born with major anatomical foregut anomalies and/or treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether exercise capacity can be improved in the short term and long term in children born with anatomical foregut anomalies and/or treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Therefore, we evaluated two different interventions in this single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Forty participants were randomly assigned to group A: standardized anaerobic high-intensity interval training plus online lifestyle coaching program, B: online lifestyle coaching program only, or C: standard of care. Inclusion criteria were as follows: score ≤-1 standard deviation (SD) on the Bruce protocol. Exercise capacity was assessed at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1), and after 12 months (T2). Exercise capacity improved over time: mean (SD) standard deviation score (SDS) endurance time: T0 -1.91 (0.73); T1 -1.35 (0.94); T2 -1.20 (1.03): both P < .001. No significant differences in maximal endurance time were found at T1 (group A-C: estimated mean difference (SDS): 0.06 P = .802; group B-C: -0.17 P = .733) or T2 (group A-C: -0.13 P = .635; group B-C: -0.18 P = .587). Exercise capacity improved significantly over time, irrespective of the study arm. Not only residual morbidities may be responsible for reduced exercise capacity. Parental awareness of reduced exercise capacity rather than specific interventions may have contributed. Monitoring of exercise tolerance and providing counseling on lifestyle factors that improve physical activity should be part of routine care, and aftercare should be offered on an individual basis.

Training the component steps of an extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulation outside the clinical setting.

Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulation can be a stressful procedure because a fast cannulation is vital for the patient's survival. Therefore, it is important to train the steps of cannulation outside the clinical setting. A relatively low budget, easy to use model, was developed to train the most important steps of an ECMO cannulation. Following this, it was evaluated by experts and target group participants. They all completed a questionnaire regarding their experience and opinions on the ECMO model on general aspects and the training of the component steps, rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Twenty-one participants completed the questionnaire. The features and steps of the model were rated with a mean of 3.9 on average. The haptics of the landscape scored least, with a mean of 3.6, although the haptics of the vessels scored highest with 4.0. The rating of the component steps showed that only 'opening of the vessels' was scored significantly different between the expertise levels (means experts: 4.0, target group: 3.4, p = 0.032). This low budget model is considered to be a valid tool to train the component steps of the ECMO cannulation, which could reduce the learning curve in the a stressful clinical setting. Level of evidence: II prospective comparative study.

Assessment of validity evidence for the RobotiX robot assisted surgery simulator on advanced suturing tasks.

BACKGROUND: Robot assisted surgery has expanded considerably in the past years. Compared to conventional open or laparoscopic surgery, virtual reality (VR) training is an essential component in learning robot assisted surgery. However, for tasks to be implemented in a curriculum, the levels of validity should be studied for proficiency-based training. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the validity evidence of advanced suturing tasks on a robot assisted VR simulator. METHOD: Participants were voluntary recruited and divided in the robotic experienced, laparoscopic experienced or novice group, based on self-reported surgical experience. Subsequently, a questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale was completed to assess the content validity. Three component tasks of complex suturing were performed on the RobotiX simulator (Task1: tilted plane needle transfer, Task: 2 intracorporal suturing, Task 3: anastomosis needle transfer). Accordingly, the outcome of the parameters was used to assess construct validity between robotic experienced and novice participants. Composite scores (0-100) were calculated from the construct parameters and corresponding pass/fail scores with false positive (FP) and false negative (FN) percentages. RESULTS: Fifteen robotic experienced, 26 laparoscopic experienced and 29 novices were recruited. Overall content validity outcomes were scored positively on the realism (mean 3.7), didactic value (mean 4.0) and usability (mean 4.2). Robotic experienced participants significantly outperformed novices and laparoscopic experienced participants on multiple parameters on all three tasks of complex suturing. Parameters showing construct validity mainly consisted of movement parameters, needle precision and task completion time. Calculated composite pass/fail scores between robotic experienced and novice participants resulted for Task 1 in 73/100 (FP 21%, FN 5%), Task 2 in 85/100 (FP 28%, FN 4%) and Task 3 in 64/100 (FP 49%, FN 22%). CONCLUSION: This study assessed the validity evidence on multiple levels of the three studied tasks. The participants score the RobotiX good on the content validity level. The composite pass/fail scores of Tasks 1 and 2 allow for proficiency-based training and could be implemented in a robot assisted surgery training curriculum.

Construct, content and face validity of the eoSim laparoscopic simulator on advanced suturing tasks.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to validate the eoSim, an affordable and mobile inanimate laparoscopic simulator with instrument tracking capabilities, regarding face, content and construct validity on complex suturing tasks. METHODS: Participants recruited for this study were novices (no laparoscopic experience), target group for this training (surgical/gynaecologic/urologic residents, > 10 basic and < 20 advanced laparoscopic procedures) and experts (> 20 advanced laparoscopic procedures). Each participant performed the intracorporeal suturing exercise (Task 1), an upside down needle transfer (Task 2, developed for this study) and an anastomosis needle transfer (Task 3). Following, the participants completed a questionnaire regarding their demographics and opinion on the eoSim in terms of realism, didactic value and usability. Measured outcome parameters were time, distance, percentage of instrument tip off-screen, working area, speed, acceleration and smoothness. RESULTS: In total, 104 participants completed the study, of which 60 novices, 31 residents and 13 experts. Face and content validity results showed a mean positive opinion on realism (3.9 Task 1, 3.6 Task 2 and 3.7 Task 3), didactic value (4.0, 3.4 and 3.7, respectively) and usability (4.2. 3.7 and 4.0, respectively). There were no significant differences in these outcomes between the specified expertise groups. Construct validity results showed significant differences between experts, target group or novices for Task 1 in terms of time (means 339, 607 and 1224 s, respectively, p < 0.001) and distance (means 8.1, 15.6 and 21.7 m, respectively, p < 0.001). Task 2 showed significant differences between groups regarding time (p < 0.001), distance (p 0.003), off-screen (p < 0.001) and working area (p < 0.001). Task 3 showed significant differences between groups, after subanalyses, on total number of stitches (p < 0.001), time per stitch (p < 0.001) and distance per stitch (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the eoSim is a potential meaningful and valuable simulator in the training of suturing tasks.

What do pediatric surgeons think about sexual issues in dealing with patients with anorectal malformations? The ARM-Net consortium members' opinion.

PURPOSE: Since pediatric surgeons aim to follow their patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) into adulthood the aim of this study was to investigate how pediatric surgeons deal with sexual issues related to ARM. METHODS: In 2018, a questionnaire was developed by the working group "Follow-up and sexuality" of the ARM-Net consortium and sent to all consortium-linked pediatric surgeons from 31 European pediatric surgical centers. Obtained data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of 37 pediatric surgeons (18 males/10 females) answered the questionnaire. The majority of pediatric surgeons (82%) think they should talk about sexual issues with their patient. More than 50% of pediatric surgeons do not feel at all or only moderately confident discussing the topic of sexuality. Most pediatric surgeons require more support (96%) and wish to be trained in sexuality and sexual issues (78%) to feel confident towards their ARM-patients/parents. For optimal care, sexual issues with ARM-patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary team. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric surgeons feel that sexuality is an important issue for their ARM-patients, which they are primarily responsible of but should be managed in concert with a multidisciplinary team. A training in sexuality is wished to feel more confident about this specific issue.