Development and validation of a novel 3D-printed simulation model for open oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula repair.

BACKGROUND: The role of simulation training in paediatric surgery is expanding as more simulation devices are designed and validated. We aimed to conduct a training needs assessment of UK paediatric surgical trainees to prioritise procedures for simulation, and to validate a novel 3D-printed simulation model for oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula (OA-TOF) repair. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to UK trainee paediatric surgeons surveying the availability and utility of simulation. The operation ranked as most useful to simulate was OA-TOF repair. 3D-printing techniques were used to build an OA-TOF model. Content, face and construct validity was assessed by 40 paediatric surgeons of varying experience. RESULTS: Thirty-four paediatric surgeons completed the survey; 79% had access to surgical simulation at least monthly, and 47% had access to paediatric-specific resources. Perceived utility of simulation was 4.1/5. Validation of open OA-TOF repair was conducted by 40 surgeons. Participants rated the model as useful 4.9/5. Anatomical realism was scored 4.2/5 and surgical realism 3.9/5. The model was able to discriminate between experienced and inexperienced surgeons. CONCLUSION: UK paediatric surgeons voted OA-TOF repair as the most useful procedure to simulate. In response we have developed and validated an affordable 3D-printed simulation model for open OA-TOF repair.

Virtual Reality Simulator for Pediatric Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Purpose: Due to the small space environment, the learning curve of pediatric laparoscopic procedures is steep and requires excellent procedural skills. These are mainly gained through an apprenticeship on real patients. Computer-based virtual reality (VR) simulators offer a safe, cost-effective, and configurable training environment free from ethical and patient safety issues. Materials and Methods: We have developed a prototype VR simulator for core manual skills training for pediatric laparoscopic hernia repair. The simulator currently consists of a hernia suturing task on a virtual nonanatomic trainer at a real pediatric scale. Results: A simulation realism validation study was carried out by obtaining subjective feedback (face and content validity) through a questionnaire from 36 pediatric surgeons. The overall simulation realism was on average marked 3.08 on a 5-point Likert scale (1: "very unrealistic" and 5: "very realistic"). The participants were most satisfied with the visual realism (3.33) and most critical about the behavior of virtual tissue. The simulator showed good content validity; its usefulness as a training tool for hernia repair, suturing in general, and in learning fundamental laparoscopic skills was marked 3.61, 3.64, and 3.89, respectively. Conclusions: VR simulation of pediatric laparoscopic procedures can contribute to surgical training and improve the educational experience without putting our youngest patients at risk. This simulator is a first prototype, and the initial results indicate that it provides promising foundations for further development. More formal and larger studies such as construct validity and transfer of skills are envisaged as the prototype is developed further.

Simulation-based education for paediatric surgeons: Does it really improve technical skills?

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in employing simulation methodology for teaching surgical skills. Supposedly, skills achieved in the simulation arena, should lead to an improvement of surgical performance in the operating room. In this article we aim to summarise those areas of simulation-based research that relate to paediatric surgery; we present the current evidence behind low-fidelity simulation and computer-based simulation in improving the acquisition of surgical skills.

The International Pediatric Endosurgery Group Evidence-Based Guideline on Minimal Access Approaches to the Operative Management of Inguinal Hernia in Children.

Introduction: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for inguinal hernia repair (IHR) in children has been reported for more than two decades. The International Pediatric Endosurgery Group (IPEG) Evidence-Based Review Committee chose MIS IHR as the inaugural topic for review and presentation at the 2016 IPEG annual meeting. Materials and Methods: English language articles published between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2015, were reviewed and included in this evidence-based review after searching PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. Results: Level 1a and 1b evidence supports the recommendations that operative time for bilateral IHRs should be considered shorter and postoperative complications rates should be considered lower in MIS repair over open. Recurrence rates are similar between the two methods (level 1a and 1b evidence). No level 1 evidence exists to support one MIS technique over another or that operating on a detected contralateral patent processus vaginalis during laparoscopy makes any difference in long-term outcome to the patient. Conclusions: The advantages of lower postoperative complications and shorter operative times have been found in studies of surgeons experienced in MIS repair and differences were small. The evidence in this review supports that MIS repair is a safe, effective method of IHR with proper training and mentorship.

Use of 8-cm 22G-long peripheral cannulas in pediatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: Medium-term intravenous access in children is normally achieved by means of repeated multiple peripheral intravenous cannula insertions or peripherally inserted central catheters. Long peripheral cannulas might offer an alternative to these devices in children. Our aim was to clarify whether long peripheral cannulas provide reliable medium-term intravenous access avoiding the need for multiple peripheral intravenous cannulations or peripherally inserted central catheter insertion in children undergoing surgery. METHODS: Following ethical approval, we prospectively collected data in children requiring medium-term intravenous access. The 22G-8-cm-long peripheral cannulas were inserted with a Seldinger technique in a peripheral vein. Position was checked by flushing and aspirating the catheter. Results are reported as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: A total of 18 children were included. Indications for medium-term intravenous therapy included perforated appendicitis (n = 14), infected central venous port (n = 2), fungal infection (n = 1) and septic arthritis (n = 1). In all, 15 (83%) patients underwent the procedure under general anaesthetic. The procedure failed in an 8-year-old patient. Insertion time was 8 ± 3.7 min. Age at insertion was 6.3 ± 4.9 years. Duration of intravenous therapy was 6.4 ± 5.1 days. About 13 (76%) patients completed the treatment with no complications. Three (17%) lines occluded by day 3 needed removal; one (7%) line needed removal on day 3 because of redness/pain noted around the insertion site. CONCLUSION: Long peripheral cannulas represent a valid option for medium-term intravenous access in children undergoing surgery. Majority of patients will be successfully treated with one long peripheral cannula for the duration of their treatment without the need for further cannulation.

Can common serum biomarkers predict complicated appendicitis in children?

PURPOSE: As appendicitis in children can be managed differently according to the severity of the disease, we investigated whether commonly used serum biomarkers on admission could distinguish between simple and complicated appendicitis. METHODS: Admission white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEU), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were analysed by ROC curve, and Kruskal-Wallis and contingency tests. Patients were divided according to age and histology [normal appendix (NA), simple appendicitis (SA), complicated appendicitis (CA)]. RESULTS: Of 1197 children (NA = 186, SA = 685, CA = 326), 7% were <5 years, 55% 5-12, 38% 13-17. CA patients had higher CRP and WBC levels than NA and SA (p < 0.0001). NEU levels were lower in NA compared to SA or CA (p < 0.0001), but were similar between SA and CA (p = 0.6). CA patients had higher CRP and WBC levels than SA patients in 5-12- (p < 0.0001) and 13-17-year groups (p = 0.0075, p = 0.005), but not in <5-year group (p = 0.72, p = 0.81). We found CRP >40 mg/L in 58% CA and 37% SA (p < 0.0001), and WBC >15 × 109/L in 58% CA and 43% SA (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Admission CRP and WBC levels may help the clinician predict complicated appendicitis in children older than 5 years of age. Early distinction of appendicitis severity using these tests may guide caregivers in the preoperative decision-making process.

Learning Curves in Pediatric Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature and a Framework for Reporting.

AIMS: There exists a learning curve (LC) with the adoption of any minimally invasive surgical (MIS) technique with implications for training, implementation, and evaluation. A standardized approach to describing and analyzing LCs in pediatric MIS is lacking. We sought to determine how pediatric MIS LCs are quantified and present a framework for reporting. METHODS: Systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE 1985-October 2015 for articles describing MIS in the pediatric population and presenting formal analysis of the LC. Articles screened by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: Twenty-nine articles (n = 17 general abdominal/thoracic, n = 12 urological) from an 18-year period (1997-2015) were included representing 3345 procedures (n = 3116 laparoscopic, n = 10 thoracoscopic, n = 219 robotic). Seven (24%) were prospective, three multicenter. Twenty-two (76%) presented data pertaining to >1 operating surgeon. Operative time was the most commonly employed surrogate of proficiency (n = 26 [90%] studies). Twenty (69%) described >1 LC outcome measure. Sixteen additional measures were described, including conversion (n = 12 studies); blood loss (n = 4 studies); complications (n = 10 studies); and postoperative outcomes (n = 14 studies). Three studies assessed impact of LC on trainees and one considered economic impact. LCs were presented in tabular form (n = 14 studies) and graphically (n = 19). Eleven (38%) studies undertook statistical appraisal utilizing comparative statistics (n = 8 studies) and regression analysis (n = 4 studies). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple outcome measures of proficiency are employed in reporting pediatric MIS experience and analysis of LCs is inconsistent. A standardized multioutcome approach to reporting should be encouraged. In addition, attempts should be made to quantify the impact on trainee involvement. We present an idealized framework for reporting.

The value of contrast studies in the evaluation of bowel strictures after necrotising enterocolitis.

PURPOSE: Strictures of the bowel are a frequent complication post-necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Contrast studies are routinely performed prior to stoma closure following NEC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of these studies to detect strictures and also directly compare them to operative and histological findings. METHODS: Two hundred and fourteen neonates who had a diagnosis of NEC (Bell stage 2 or greater) in a single unit (2007-2011) were analysed. Their case notes, radiology, and histology were reviewed. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen neonates underwent an emergency laparotomy and 77 had stomas fashioned. Sixty-six patients had a contrast study prior to stoma closure (distal loopogram 18, contrast enema 37, both studies 11). Colonic strictures were reported in 18 patients and small bowel strictures were reported in two patients. Fourteen of these colonic strictures were confirmed at operation and on histology but three colonic strictures were missed on contrast studies; one patient had had both contrast studies and the other two only a distal loopogram. Two small bowel strictures reported were confirmed and an additional small bowel stricture missed on distal loopogram was also detected at the time of operation. The incidence of post-op strictures was 19 out of 68 patients (27.9 %) and 16 (84.2 %) of these strictures were found in the colon. Contrast enemas had a much higher sensitivity for detecting post-NEC colonic strictures than distal loopograms; 93 versus 50 %, respectively; however, they are more likely to give a false positive result and therefore their specificity is lower; 88 versus 95 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: Colon is the commonest site for post-NEC stricture and contrast enema is the study of choice for detecting these strictures prior to stoma closure.

The incidence of intraabdominal abscess formation following laparoscopic appendicectomy in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Recent systematic reviews have suggested an increased incidence of intraabdominal abscess (IAA) formation following laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA) compared with the open approach (OA). As the majority of these analyses have focused on appendicectomy in adults, our aim was to review the evidence base for pediatric patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We performed a comprehensive review of relevant studies published between 1990 and 2012. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to identify studies that investigated the incidence of IAA following LA and OA in pediatric patients. The primary outcome measure in the present meta-analysis was IAA formation, and secondary outcomes included wound infection (WI) and incidence of postoperative small bowel obstruction (SBO). RESULTS: Sixty-six studies with a total of 22,060 pediatric patients were included: 56.5% OA and 43.5% LA. There was no overall difference in the incidence of IAA formation: 2.7% for OA (333/12,460) versus 2.9% for LA (282/9600) (P=.25). However, OA patients had a higher incidence of wound infection: 3.7% for OA (337/9228) versus 2.2% for LA (183/8154) (P<.001). Moreover, the incidence of SBO was lower in patients undergoing LA: 0.4% LA (86/5767) versus 1.5% (29/6840) (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The IAA incidence is comparable in LA versus OA in pediatric patients. LA confers a significantly lower risk of other postoperative complications, including WI and SBO.

Varicocele surgery: 10 years of experience in two pediatric surgical centers.

AIM: The study was designed to compare recurrence rates and complications after laparoscopic versus open varicocele surgery in children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-note review of all varicocele surgery over a 10-year period (April 1999-March 2009) in two pediatric surgical centers was performed. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed using SPSS Statistics version 18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients had varicocele surgery during the study period. The median age at surgery was 14 years (range, 11-16 years). Most children had left-sided Grade 2 varicocele. Twenty-five (68%) primary procedures were laparoscopic (17 artery-sparing), and 12 (32%) procedures were open (9 artery-sparing). Six (16%) children had recurrence, and 6 (16%) had postoperative hydrocele. Recurrence rates after laparoscopic (16%) and open (17%) surgery were similar. Increasing age significantly decreased recurrence (odds ratio, 0.373; 95% confidence interval 0.161-0.862; P = .021). Although laparoscopy was associated with higher rates of postoperative hydrocele (odds ratio, 2.817; 95% confidence interval, 0.035-3.595; P = .380) and artery-sparing ligation was associated with higher rates of recurrence (odds ratio, 2.667; 95% confidence interval, 0.022-4.235; P = .787), these associations were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The best results of varicocele surgery in terms of recurrence and postoperative hydrocele were achieved by open mass ligation; however, larger prospective studies are warranted.

Comparison of intraabdominal abscess formation after laparoscopic and open appendicectomies in children.

AIM: Although laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA) is an accepted alternative to the open appendicectomy (OA) approach, it has been suggested that there is a higher incidence of intraabdominal abscesses (IAAs). Our aim was to determine the incidence of IAA in 3 pediatric surgical centers routinely practicing both techniques. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively for pediatric patients undergoing LA or OA over an 8-year period. Analysis included IAA formation, appendicitis complexity, radiologic/histologic investigations, grade of surgeon, and wound infection. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 1267 appendicectomies were performed (514 LAs and 753 OAs). There was no difference between the incidences of IAA (LA, 3.9% [19/491] vs OA, 3.9% [28/714]; P = 1.0). The incidence of IAA was increased in those with complicated appendicitis (34/375 [9.1%] vs 13/830 [1.6%]; P ≤ .0001). There was an increased proportion of those with complicated appendicitis in the LA group (182/491 [37.1%] vs 193/714 [27.0%]; P = .0002). Surgical trainees were more likely to be the primary surgeon in the OA group (79% vs 63%; P = .0001), although the incidence of IAA did not correlate with grade of surgeon. There was no significant difference in incidence of wound infection between groups (LA, 4.6% [8/173] vs OA, 2.5% [18/377]; P = .93). CONCLUSION: This large retrospective study shows that the technique of appendicectomy does not appear to affect the incidence of IAAs. Patients with complicated appendicitis are more likely to develop an IAA regardless of technique.

Does thoracoscopic congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair cause a significant intraoperative acidosis when compared to an open abdominal approach?

PURPOSE: Thoracoscopic congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair is increasingly reported. A significant intraoperative acidosis secondary to the pneumocarbia, as well as an increased recurrence rate, are possible concerns. Our aim was to review our early experience of the technique. METHODS: A prospective and retrospective data collection was carried out on all patients undergoing either an open or thoracoscopic CDH repair for a 4-year period. Preoperative blood gas values were identified at various stages of the operative procedure. A pH of 7.2 was considered to be a significant acidosis. The duration of surgery, complications, and recurrence rates were also recorded. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, and a P value of .05 or less was considered significant. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included. One death occurred before surgery. Twelve patients underwent thoracoscopic repair (8 neonatal), and 9 underwent open repair (8 neonatal). There were 9 left-sided defects in the thoracoscopic group and 9 in the open group. Operative time was longer in the thoracoscopic group compared to the open group (median, 135 vs 93.5 minutes; P = .02). Neonates undergoing thoracoscopic repair were heavier compared to the open group (median, 3.9 vs 2.9 kg; P = .05), and their preoperative requirements for ventilation and inotropes were comparable. However, the association between those patients who required preoperative inotropes and those who required a patch repair was statistically significant P = .03. Two patients in each group developed an intraoperative acidosis. A further patient in the thoracoscopic group had a severe acidosis present at the beginning of surgery. There was no statistical difference in pH values or recurrence rate between the 2 groups. All recurrences were in patients requiring patch repairs. No postoperative mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS: We present our early experience of thoracoscopic CDH repair. Our results from thoracoscopic repair appear similar to the open procedure performed over the same period. No clear difference in intraoperative pH or recurrence rate has been demonstrated in our series. There is a need for a multicenter prospective study to establish the longer term outcome of this technique.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive pediatric population leads to an increase in minor complications.

AIM: The development of effective multiple drug regimens for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are associated with nonadherence in children. HIV-positive children also have a higher incidence of malnutrition. Placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a potential solution. Primary outcome was to determine the complications of PEG placement in a pediatric HIV-positive population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 10 year retrospective data analysis was carried out on all HIV-positive children undergoing insertion of a PEG at two institutions. Parameters examined included infections, leakage, displacement, reasons for removal, total time in situ, HIV stage, CD4 count, and serological investigation. Data were compared against published data for PEG insertion in pediatric oncology patients and other comparable pediatric series using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Eighteen children were identified, with a median age 35 months and follow-up of 62 months. The majority of patients had advanced disease (Stage C; 65%). Fifty percent of PEGs were inserted for feeding supplementation and all were used for the administration of medications. Sixty-one percent experienced a minor complication; 5/18 (27.7%) experienced peristomal infection; 2/18 (11.1%) experienced either bleeding, leakage, or excessive granulation; and 1/18 (5.6%) experienced dislodgement. Stage of HIV did not affect the incidence of bleeding or infection: 5/11(Stage C) versus 2/7(Stage B) (P = .3). There was no significant difference for major complications when compared with any series though comparison with a large pediatric series revealed a significant difference for minor complications 11/18 versus 27/120 (P = .0003). CONCLUSIONS: There is a low rate of serious complications with PEG insertion in our patients, and the rate is comparable to that seen in pediatric oncology patients. The minor complication rate is, however, higher than a nonimmune compromised population; and careful follow-up for these patients is recommended so that the appropriate therapy can be promptly initiated.

Comparison of intra-abdominal abscess formation following laparoscopic and open appendicectomy in children.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists over the association between laparoscopic (LA) and open appendicectomy (OA) and the formation of postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses (IAAs). Our aim was to compare the outcome following these two techniques in a pediatric population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective data collection was carried out on all patients undergoing either an LA or OA at a single center over a 26-month period. Patients were identified from a hospital database and theater records. An intra-abdominal abscess was defined as recorded pyrexia, a raised inflammatory marker, and radiologic confirmation of an intra-abdominal collection. Other parameters studied included wound infection, appendiceal perforation, hospital stay, conversion rate, microbiology, histology, radiologic investigation, and serologic analysis. Data were analyzed from using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests, as appropriate. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Two hundred children were identified, with a median follow-up of 18 months. Forty patients underwent an LA and 151 an OA. Nine patients underwent interval appendicectomy and were not included in the final data. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of baseline demographics, duration of stay (P = 0.5), or wound infection (P = 1.0). The incidence of an intra-abdominal abscess was 0 of 40 (0%) in the laparoscopic group and 5 of 151 (3.3%) in the open group, although this was not statistically significant (P = 0.8). The median time to postoperative diagnosis of abscess was 9 days (range, 8-11). A consultant was present in more laparoscopic procedures than open (88 versus 24%; P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of intra-abdominal abscess formation was not significantly different following either an LA or OA, although there were no intra-abdominal abscesses observed in the laparoscopic group. Further investigation could address this finding more accurately in a randomized, controlled trial.

A comparative study examining open inguinal herniotomy with and without hernioscopy to laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in a pediatric population.

AIMS: Open herniotomy with or without hernioscopy has been performed in our unit for a decade. Since 2005 the laparoscopic repair was also introduced. The aims of this study were: (1) to compare detection rates for direct visualization of the contralateral deep inguinal ring via the known sac using a 70 degrees scope and via umbilical 30 degrees laparoscopy and (2) to compare operative timings, metachronous and recurrence rates for the three different management pathways for inguinal hernia. METHODS: A retrospective case note review was carried out over a 29 month period since the introduction of the laparoscopic hernia repair. All patients with inguinal hernia were identified from the work load of six surgeons encompassing the three methods of hernia management. Case notes were retrieved and the data analyzed using SPSS v.17. RESULTS: A total of 308 patients had 326 hernias performed. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 1 year (median 8 months). The male-female ratio was 4:1. Of the patients, 12% were neonates; 299 children presented with unilateral hernia. Of those, 164 (55%) children had open herniotomy without contralateral inspection, and 5 (3%) had metachronous hernia; 77 (26%) children had an open herniotomy with 70 degrees hernioscopy; 2 (3%) children, who were considered to have closed contralateral deep inguinal ring during hernioscopy, had metachronous hernia, and 58 (19%) children had a laparoscopic hernia repair and none of them had metachronous hernia. Detection of contralateral patent deep inguinal ring for 70 degrees hernioscopy and 30 degrees laparoscopy was 10 (13%) and 16 (28%), respectively (P = 0.0465). Operative timing was significantly longer for laparoscopic repair (P < or = 0.0001). During the study period there were 11 recurrences; 9 (5%) in the open only group and 2 (3%) in the laparoscopic group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair are important for discussion as operative methods differ from that of herniotomy. The detection rate of contralateral patent deep inguinal ring appears to be higher for direct visualization via umbilical 30 degrees laparoscopy versus 70 degrees scope via the hernia sac. Whilst laparoscopy offers potential advantage of improved visualization, longer term prospective data collection is needed to compare these methods of operative hernia management.

Pyloric stenosis in an iniencephalic infant with a congenital intra-thoracic stomach.

We report the first case of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in an intrathoracic stomach in a neonate with congenital ultra-short oesophagus and iniencephaly clausus. Antenatal ultrasound detected right-sided thoracic cystic lesions and postnatal investigations revealed an intra-thoracic stomach and spleen with an ultra-short oesophagus and intact diaphragm. Subsequently, she developed pyloric stenosis. Such neonates require urgent referral to surgical centres for what is a challenging diagnosis and complicated management.

Neonatal Meckel's diverticulum: spectrum of presentation.

Symptomatic neonatal Meckel's diverticulum is rare. We describe 2 interesting presentations of neonatal Meckel's diverticulum with review of the literature. Our first patient presented with massive bleeding per rectum in the first week of life, which is the only case reported so far. The second case presented with milk curd obstruction in the Meckel's diverticulum. We could find only one similar case in the literature.

Early experience with the antegrade colonic enema stopper to reduce stomal stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Since the initial description of the antegrade colonic enema (ACE) procedure, stomal stenosis has been recognized as its most common complication. We previously reported that 44% of our patients required a dilatation for stomal stenosis, with 22% requiring surgical revision. We present our findings with the use of an ACE stopper (Medicina, Adlington, Lancashire, UK) as a means of avoiding this problem. METHODS: A retrospective review of the case notes of all patients who underwent an ACE procedure with a follow-up longer than 6 months was carried out over a 3-year period. Two weeks after the ACE procedure, an ACE stopper was sited in the conduit for at least 4 months and removed only for catheterization. RESULTS: Fourteen patients underwent an ACE procedure, 12 of whom received it laparoscopically. All patients received the ACE stopper. The patients' median age at surgery was 10 years (range, 5-16 years). Diagnoses included spinal dysraphism (n = 6) and anorectal malformation (n = 4), with soiling as the presenting complaint among all patients. The patients' median follow-up was 12 months (range, 6-39 months). There was no stomal complication, and 13 patients reported a marked improvement in soiling. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an ACE stopper has abolished stomal stenosis on short-term follow-up. We recommend the stopper as an adjunct to the overall management of concerned patients. Longer follow-up is required to establish the true effectiveness of this simple device.

Are prophylactic antibiotics necessary with clean intermittent catheterization? A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Clean intermittent catheterization has been an established practice for more than 3 decades. The validity of antibiotic prophylaxis has been questioned although not tested. METHODS: Eighty-five patients were recruited into a randomized controlled trial. The randomization involved the placement into 1 of 2 groups: (A) continuing antibiotics or (B) discontinuing antibiotics. The trial would last 4 months with the outcome being a confirmed urinary tract infection. All groups were matched for age, sex, and pathology. RESULTS: The incidence of urinary tract infections was significantly increased in the group who continued to use antibiotics (n = 20) when compared with the group who discontinued prophylaxis (n = 3). The common infecting organism was Escherichia coli. CONCLUSIONS: The use of prophylactic antibiotics for children who intermittently catheterize may not be necessary. The use of prophylactic antibiotics may result in increased rates of infection because of the development of resistant organisms.