Management of Anorectal Malformations and Hirschsprung Disease.

Anorectal malformations (ARM) and Hirschsprung disease (HD) are managed with placement of normal intestine within the anal sphincter complex. Long-term complications specific to ARM include fistula remnants, recurrence, urinary reflux with associated chronic renal insufficiency, sexual dysfunction, and fertility difficulties. Complications specific to HD include enterocolitis, persistent or acquired aganglionosis, and internal sphincter achalasia. ARM and HD patients are both at risk of stricture, bowel dysfunction and incontinence, which can have a severe impact on quality of life. Bowel management strategies should be tailored to the patient's specific category of bowel dysfunction.

Development of a Unifying Target and Consensus Indicators for Global Surgical Systems Strengthening: Proposed by the Global Alliance for Surgery, Obstetric, Trauma, and Anaesthesia Care (The G4 Alliance).

After decades on the margins of primary health care, surgical and anaesthesia care is gaining increasing priority within the global development arena. The 2015 publications of the Disease Control Priorities third edition on Essential Surgery and the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery created a compelling evidenced-based argument for the fundamental role of surgery and anaesthesia within cost-effective health systems strengthening global strategy. The launch of the Global Alliance for Surgical, Obstetric, Trauma, and Anaesthesia Care in 2015 has further coordinated efforts to build priority for surgical care and anaesthesia. These combined efforts culminated in the approval of a World Health Assembly resolution recognizing the role of surgical care and anaesthesia as part of universal health coverage. Momentum gained from these milestones highlights the need to identify consensus goals, targets and indicators to guide policy implementation and track progress at the national level. Through an open consultative process that incorporated input from stakeholders from around the globe, a global target calling for safe surgical and anaesthesia care for 80% of the world by 2030 was proposed. In order to achieve this target, we also propose 15 consensus indicators that build on existing surgical systems metrics and expand the ability to prioritize surgical systems strengthening around the world.

Preliminary Evaluation of a Novel Rigid Bronchoscopy Simulator.

PURPOSE: Emergent retrieval of airway foreign bodies (AFBs) in children remains a priority skill set for pediatric surgeons. In the setting of low procedural volume, simulation-based education with deliberate practice is essential to ensure trainees reach expected surgical competency. The purposes of this work were to (1) create a realistic rigid bronchoscopy for AFB retrieval simulation model and (2) to evaluate preliminary validity evidence of a novel simulator for the use of training and assessing pediatric surgical trainees' rigid bronchoscopy skills. METHODS: After institutional review board exemption determination, 18 participants performed AFB retrieval of two different objects on a novel simulator that represented an 18-month-old pediatric tracheobronchial airway. Participants reported their experience and comfort level, and rated the simulator across two domains-Authenticity and their Ability to perform tasks. Authenticity was measured by 23 items across five subdomains (Visual Attributes, Materials' Response, Realism of Experience, Value and Relevance, and Global Value). Participants who had previously performed ≥10 rigid bronchoscopies were categorized as "experienced," while those reporting <10 were considered "novice." Validity evidence relevant to test content and internal structure was evaluated using a many-facet Rasch model. RESULTS: Novice surgeons (n = 12) had previously performed a mean of 2.7 (±2.0) rigid bronchoscopies, compared to 15.4 (±7.7) by experienced surgeons (n = 6). For both models, the Value and Relevance subdomain received the highest ratings (observed average [OA] = 3.9, while Materials' Response received the lowest (OA <3.0). Participants' Global Value rating for this model was consistent with "requires minor improvements before it can be considered for use in rigid bronchoscopy training." CONCLUSIONS: We successfully designed, assembled, and evaluated a novel pediatric rigid bronchoscopy model for AFB retrieval. The model was considered as relevant to educational needs and valuable as a testing and training tool. With recommended improvements, the model could be used for implementation with a Mastery Learning curriculum.

Overweight and Obese Pediatric Patients Have an Increased Risk of Developing a Surgical Site Infection.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a known risk factor in adult surgical site infections (SSIs), but its significance in pediatrics is unclear. We hypothesized that overweight and obese children have increased risk for SSI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-P) file and single-center reviews identified surgical patients (2-18 years) who developed SSIs. Patients were classified as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese based on body mass index (BMI). Comorbidities associated with SSI were analyzed. Sub-specialties and operations were recorded. RESULTS: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric review identified 66,671 patients and 1,380 SSIs. Seven hundred sixty-seven (767) were male and 613 female. Multivariable analysis revealed overweight and obese BMI to be risk factors for SSIs (odds ratio [OR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.43; OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.25-1.63). Most commonly, overweight and obese cohorts had superficial incisional SSIs. Pediatric general surgery (3.6%) and cardiothoracic surgery (2.5%) had the highest rates of SSIs. Single-center review identified 115 SSIs. Of these, 29.6% were overweight or obese with few other identifiable SSI risk factors. Sub-specialties with the most SSIs were pediatric surgery and pediatric orthopedics. Appendectomy was the most common procedure associated with SSIs. CONCLUSION: Herein we show elevated BMI to be a significant risk factor for SSIs. This information should be used in assessing and counseling pre-operative pediatric patients and families.

The impact of surgical strategies on outcomes for pediatric chronic pancreatitis.

PURPOSE: To review our institutional experience in the surgical treatment of pediatric chronic pancreatitis (CP) and evaluate predictors of long-term pain relief. METHODS: Outcomes of patients ≤21 years surgically treated for CP in a single institution from 1995 to 2014 were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent surgery for CP at a median of 16.6 years (IQR 10.7-20.6 years). The most common etiology was pancreas divisum (n = 7; 35%). Therapeutic endoscopy was the first-line treatment in 17 cases (85%). Surgical procedures included: longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy (n = 4, 20%), pancreatectomy (n = 9, 45%), total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (n = 2; 10%), sphincteroplasty (n = 2, 10%) and pseudocyst drainage (n = 3, 15%). At a median follow-up of 5.3 years (IQR 4.2-5.3), twelve patients (63.2%) were pain free and five (26.3%) were insulin dependent. In univariate analysis, previous surgical procedure or >5 endoscopic treatments were associated with a lower likelihood of pain relief (OR 0.06; 95% CI 0.006-0.57; OR 0.07; 95%, CI 0.01-0.89). However, these associations were not present in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In children with CP, the step-up practice including a limited trial of endoscopic interventions followed by surgery tailored to anatomical abnormalities and gene mutation status is effective in ensuring long-term pain relief and preserving pancreatic function.

Laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair in children ≤3: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopy is being increasingly applied to pediatric inguinal hernia repair. In younger children, however, open repair remains preferred due to concerns related to anesthesia and technical challenges. We sought to assess outcomes after laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair in children less than or equal to 3 years. METHODS: A prospective, single-blind, parallel group randomized controlled trial was conducted at three clinical sites. Children ≤3 years of age with reducible unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernias were randomized to laparoscopic herniorrhaphy (LH) or open herniorrhaphy (OH). The primary outcome was the number of acetaminophen doses. Secondary outcomes included operative time, complications, and parent/caregiver satisfaction scores. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were randomized to unilateral OH (n = 10), unilateral LH (n = 17), bilateral OH (n = 5) and bilateral LH (n = 9). Acetaminophen doses, LOS, complications, and parent/caregiver scores did not differ among groups. Laparoscopic unilateral hernia repair demonstrated shorter operative time, a consistent finding for overall laparoscopic repair in univariate (p = 0.003) and multivariate (p = 0.010) analysis. No cases of testicular atrophy were documented at 2 (SD = 2.7) years. CONCLUSION: Children ≤3 years of age in our cohort safely underwent LH with similar pain scores, complications, and recurrence as OH. Parents and caregivers report high satisfaction with both techniques.

Mucous fistula refeeding decreases parenteral nutrition exposure in postsurgical premature neonates.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Premature neonates can develop intraabdominal conditions requiring emergent bowel resection and enterostomy. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is often required, but results in cholestasis. Mucous fistula refeeding allows for functional restoration of continuity. We sought to determine the effect of refeeding on nutrition intake, PN dependence, and PN associated hepatotoxicity while evaluating the safety of this practice. METHODS: A retrospective review of neonates who underwent bowel resection and small bowel enterostomy with or without mucous fistula over 2years was undertaken. Patients who underwent mucous fistula refeeding (RF) were compared to those who did not (OST). Primary outcomes included days from surgery to discontinuation of PN and goal enteral feeds, and total days on PN. Secondary outcomes were related to PN hepatotoxicity. RESULTS: Thirteen RF and eleven OST were identified. There were no significant differences among markers of critical illness (p>0.20). In the interoperative period, RF patients reached goal enteral feeds earlier than OST patients (median 28 versus 43days; p=0.03) and were able to have PN discontinued earlier (median 25 versus 41days; p=0.04). Following anastomosis, the magnitude of effect was more pronounced, with RF patients reaching goal enteral feeds earlier than OST patients (median 7.5 versus 20days; p≤0.001) and having PN discontinued sooner (30.5 versus 48days; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RF neonates reached goal feeds and were able to be weaned from PN sooner than OST patients. A prospective multicenter trial of refeeding is needed to define the benefits and potential side effects of refeeding in a larger patient population in varied care environments.

Pancreatic surgery for tumors in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE: Pancreatic neoplasms are uncommon in children. This study sought to analyze the clinical and pathological features of surgically resected pancreatic tumors in children and discuss management strategies. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients ≤21 years with pancreatic neoplasms who underwent surgery at a single institution between 1995 and 2015. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were identified with a median age at operation of 16.6 years (IQR 13.5-18.9). The most common histology was solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) (n = 13), followed by pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (n = 3), serous cystadenoma (n = 2) and pancreatoblastoma (n = 1). Operative procedures included formal pancreatectomy (n = 17), enucleation (n = 1) and central pancreatectomy (n = 1). SPNs were noninvasive in all but one case with perineural, vascular and lymph node involvement. Seventeen patients (89.5 %) are currently alive and disease free at a median follow-up of 5.7 (IQR 3.7-10.9) years. Two patients died: one with metastatic insulinoma and another with SPN who developed peritoneal carcinomatosis secondary to a concurrent rectal adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric pancreatic tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplastic lesions for which surgery can be curative. SPN is the most common histology, is characterized by low malignant potential and in selected cases can be safely and effectively treated with a tissue-sparing resection and minimally invasive approach.

Advances in Pediatric Surgical Education: A Critical Appraisal of Two Consecutive Minimally Invasive Pediatric Surgery Training Courses.

BACKGROUND: Mandates for improved patient safety and increasing work hour restrictions have resulted in changes in surgical education. Educational courses increasingly must meet those needs. We sought to determine the experience, skill level, and the impact of simulation-based education (SBE) on two cohorts of pediatric surgery trainees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After Institutional Review Board (IRB) exempt determination, a retrospective review was performed of evaluations for an annual advanced minimally invasive surgery (MIS) course over 2 consecutive years. The courses included didactic content and hands-on skills training. Simulation included neonatal/infant models for rigid bronchoscopy-airway foreign body retrieval, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, and real tissue diaphragmatic hernia (DH), duodenal atresia (DA), pulmonary lobectomy, and tracheoesophageal fistula models. Categorical data were analyzed with chi-squared analyses with t-tests for continuous data. RESULTS: Participants had limited prior advanced neonatal MIS experience, with 1.95 ± 2.84 and 1.16 ± 1.54 prior cases in the 2014 and 2015 cohorts, respectively. The 2015 cohort had significantly less previous experience in lobectomy (P = .04) and overall advanced MIS (P = .007). Before both courses, a significant percentage of participants were not comfortable with DH repair (39%-42%), DA repair (50%-74%), lobectomy (34%-43%), and tracheoesophageal fistula repair (54%-81%). After course completion, > 60% of participants reported improvement in comfort with procedures and over 90% reported that the course significantly improved their perceived ability to perform each operation safely. CONCLUSION: Pediatric surgery trainees continue to have limited exposure to advanced MIS during clinical training. SBE results in significant improvement in both cognitive knowledge and trainee comfort with safe operative techniques for advanced MIS.

Safety of outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children: analysis of 2050 elective ACS NSQIP-pediatric cases.

PURPOSE: Limited data exists evaluating the extent of utilization and safety of outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of outpatient LC in the pediatric population utilizing a national surgical quality improvement database. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-P) databases from 2012 and 2013 were queried to identify pediatric patients who underwent elective LC. Patients who underwent outpatient LC were compared with those who underwent inpatient LC. Outcomes of interest included 30-day overall morbidity, readmission, and reoperation. RESULTS: A total of 2,050 LC were identified, 995 (48.5 %) were performed as an outpatient procedure and 1055 (51.5 %) as inpatient. Patients who underwent outpatient LC were more often white (79.6 vs. 69.2 %; p = <0.0001). Choledocholithiasis was more often treated in inpatient setting (12.5 vs. 1.7 %; p < 0.0001), while biliary dyskinesia was performed in outpatient setting (26.1 v. 12.6 %; p = 0.0001). Overall 30-day morbidity was greater in the inpatient group (2.5 vs. 0.8 %; p = 0.03). There were no differences in term of 30-day readmission rate and related reoperations (0.9 vs 0.3 % respectively; p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: This analysis of a large multicenter dataset demonstrates that pediatric patients without significant associated comorbidities can safely undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy as an outpatient procedure.

Understanding the Operative Experience of the Practicing Pediatric Surgeon: Implications for Training and Maintaining Competency.

IMPORTANCE: The number of practicing pediatric surgeons has increased rapidly in the past 4 decades, without a significant increase in the incidence of rare diseases specific to the field. Maintenance of competency in the index procedures for these rare diseases is essential to the future of the profession. OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic characteristics and operative experiences of practicing pediatric surgeons using Pediatric Surgery Board recertification case log data. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We performed a retrospective review of 5 years of pediatric surgery certification renewal applications submitted to the Pediatric Surgery Board between 2009 and 2013. A surgeon's location was defined by population as urban, large rural, small rural, or isolated. Case log data were examined to determine case volume by category and type of procedures. Surgeons were categorized according to recertification at 10, 20, or 30 years. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE: Number of index cases during the preceding year. RESULTS: Of 308 recertifying pediatric surgeons, 249 (80.8%) were men, and 143 (46.4%) were 46 to 55 years of age. Most of the pediatric surgeons (304 of 308 [98.7%]) practiced in urban areas (ie, with a population >50 000 people). All recertifying applicants were clinically active. An appendectomy was the most commonly performed procedure (with a mean [SD] number of 49.3 [35.0] procedures per year), nonoperative trauma management came in second (with 20.0 [33.0] procedures per year), and inguinal hernia repair for children younger than 6 months of age came in third (with 14.7 [13.8] procedures per year). In 6 of 10 "rare" pediatric surgery cases, the mean number of procedures was less than 2. Of 308 surgeons, 193 (62.7%) had performed a neuroblastoma resection, 170 (55.2%) a kidney tumor resection, and 123 (39.9%) an operation to treat biliary atresia or choledochal cyst in the preceding year. Laparoscopy was more frequently performed in the 10-year recertification group for Nissen fundoplication, appendectomy, splenectomy, gastrostomy/jejunostomy, orchidopexy, and cholecystectomy (P < .05) but not lung resection (P = .70). It was more frequently used by surgeons recertifying in the 10-year group (used in 11 375 of 14 456 procedures [78.7%]) than by surgeons recertifying in the 20-year (used in 6214 of 8712 procedures [71.3%]) or 30-year group (used in 2022 of 3805 procedures [53.1%]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Practicing pediatric surgeons receive limited exposure to index cases after training. With regard to maintaining competency in an era in which health care outcomes have become increasingly important, these results are concerning.

Regionalization of Pediatric Surgery: Trends Already Underway.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to characterize the delivery of pediatric surgical care based on hospital volume stratified by disease severity, geography, and specialty. Longitudinal regionalization over the 10-year study period is noted and further explored. METHODS: The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) was queried from 2000 to 2009 for patients <18 years undergoing noncardiac surgery. Hospitals nationwide were grouped into commutable regions and identified as high-volume centers (HVCs) if they had more than 1000 weighted procedures per year. Regions that had at least one HVC and one or more additional lower volume center were included for analysis. Low-risk, high-risk neonatal, and surgical subspecialties were analyzed separately. RESULTS: A total of 385,242 weighted pediatric surgical admissions in 33 geographical regions and 224 hospitals were analyzed. Overall, HVCs comprised 33 (14.7%) hospitals, medium-volume center (MVC) 33 (14.7%), and low-volume center (LVC) 158 (70.5%). The four low-risk procedures analyzed were increasingly regionalized: appendectomy (52% in HVCs in 2000 to 60% in 2009, P < 0.001), fracture reduction (63% to 68%, P < 0.001), cholecystectomy (54% to 63%, P < 0.001), and pyloromyotomy (65% to 85%, P < 0.001). Neonatal surgery showed significant regionalization trends for tracheoesophageal fistula (66% to 87%, P < 0.001) and gastroschisis (76% to 89%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first large-scale, multi-region analysis to demonstrate that pediatric surgical care has transitioned to HVCs over a recent decade, particularly for low-risk patients. It is important for practitioners and policymakers alike to understand such volume trends in order to ensure hospital capacity while maintaining an optimal quality of care.

Patient Satisfaction After Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum in Adults: Long-Term Results of Nuss Procedure in Adults.

BACKGROUND: Extensive literature has proved that the Nuss procedure leads to permanent remodeling of the chest wall in pediatric patients with pectus excavatum (PE). However, limited long-term follow-up data are available for adults. Herein, we report a single-institution experience in the management of adult PE with the Nuss procedure, evaluating long-term outcomes and overall patient satisfaction after bar removal. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent PE repair with a modified Nuss procedure between January 1998 and June 2011 were retrospectively identified. Outcomes of interest were postoperative pain, recurrence, and patient satisfaction. A modified single-step Nuss questionnaire was administered to evaluate patient satisfaction and quality-of-life improvement after PE repair. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients with a median age of 30.9 years (range, 21.8 to 55.1 years) at the time of repair were identified. One bar was placed in most patients (89.7%). Four patients (4.1%) required reoperation for bar displacement. Results after bar removal were overall satisfactory in 94.4% of patients; 2 patients required reoperation for recurrence. Thirty-nine patients participated in the survey. Satisfaction with chest appearance was reported by 89.7% of responders. Seven patients reported dissatisfaction with the overall results; the most common complaints were severe postoperative chest pain and dissatisfaction with surgical scars. CONCLUSIONS: Favorable long-term results can be achieved with the Nuss procedure in adults. However, postoperative pain may require a more aggressive analgesic regimen, and it may be the overriding factor in the patient's perception of the quality of the postoperative course.

Temporary Retrograde Occlusion of High-Flow Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula.

This report describes a temporary retrograde occlusion technique for control of a high-flow tracheo-esophageal fistula in a critically ill, premature infant born at 29 weeks' gestational age, with a diagnosis of type C (Gross) esophageal atresia and tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). This procedure is a useful bridging maneuver before definitive surgical correction for extremely low birth weight, unstable neonates with tracheo-esophageal fistula who are suffering from associated malformations.

The impact of obesity on laparoscopic appendectomy: Results from the ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program pediatric database.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a worsening epidemic. Little is known about the impact of elevated BMI on perioperative and postoperative complications in children who undergo laparoscopic surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of obesity on surgical outcomes in children using laparoscopic appendectomy as a model for the broader field of laparoscopic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Using the Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data from 2012, patients aged 2-18years old with acute uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy were identified. Children with a body mass index (BMI)≥95th percentile for their age and gender were considered obese. Primary outcomes, including overall morbidity and wound complications, were compared between nonobese and obese children. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify the impact of obesity on outcome. RESULTS: A total of 2812 children with acute appendicitis who underwent appendectomy were included in the analysis; 22% were obese. Obese children had longer operative times but did not suffer increased postoperative complications when controlling for confounders (OR 1.3, 95% CI: 0.83-0.072 for overall complications, OR 1.3, 95% CI: 0.84-1.95 for wound complications). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is not an independent risk factor for postoperative complications following laparoscopic appendectomy. Although operative times are increased in obese children, obesity does not increase the likelihood of 30-day postoperative complications.

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum: analyzing contemporary practice in 50 ACS NSQIP-pediatric institutions.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is a well-established procedure. However, morbidity rate varies widely among institutions, and the incidence of major complications remains unknown. STUDY DESIGN: The American College of Surgeons 2012 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-P) participant user file was utilized to identify patients who underwent MIRPE at 50 participant institutions. Outcomes of interest were overall 30-day morbidity, hospital readmission, and reoperation. RESULTS: Chest wall repair designated MIRPE accounted for 0.6% (n = 264) of all surgical cases included in the NSQIP-P database in 2012. The median age at surgical repair was 15.2 years. Thoracoscopy was used in 83.7% of cases. No mediastinal injuries or perioperative blood transfusions were identified. The 30-day readmission rate was 3.8%. Three patients (1.1%) required re-operation due to the following complications: superficial site infection, bar displacement and pneumothorax. The overall morbidity was 3.8% with no incidences of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of a large prospective multicenter dataset demonstrates that major complications following MIRPE are uncommon in contemporary practice. Wound infection is the most common complication and the main cause of hospital readmission. Targeted quality improvement initiative should be focused on perioperative strategy to further reduce wound occurrences and hospital readmission.

A novel continuous stitch fundoplication utilizing knotless barbed suture in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: The intracorporeal placement and tying of suture (IT) can be challenging leading to prolonged CO2 insufflation, anesthesia, and potential morbidity. The unidirectional barbed knotless suture (V-LOC) has emerged as an innovative technology that has been shown to reduce the time associated with IT. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis comparing our initial experience utilizing V-LOC to perform a novel continuous stitch laparoscopic fundoplication (CF) to standard laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (NF). METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained to analyze data on patients who underwent V-LOC CF and NF. Data retrieval included age, gender, weight, diagnosis, procedure, operative time, major complications (reoperation for wrap failure/migration or recurrent symptoms), and follow up. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent the V-LOC CF and gastrostomy placement (GT) from January to October 2013. Seventeen patients underwent NF and GT from March 2012 to February 2013. There were no significant differences in age, weight, or incidence of major complications. V-LOC CF led to a significant 30% reduction in operative time compared to NF (79.1±24.2 min vs. 113.8±25.9 min, respectively, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report documenting the continuous stitch fundoplication utilizing the unidirectional barbed knotless suture in children. Although follow-up is short, the V-LOC CF appears to be a safe and effective technique that may reduce operative time in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease. This technology may be beneficial in other minimally invasive applications in pediatric surgery.

Diagnostic imaging for acute appendicitis: interfacility differences in practice patterns.

PURPOSE: To evaluate trends and factors associated with interfacility differences in imaging modality selection in the diagnosis and management of children with suspected acute appendicitis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of diagnostic imaging selection and outcomes in patients <20 years of age who underwent appendectomy at a single Children's Hospital from June 2008 to June 2013. These results were then compared with those of referring hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 232 children underwent appendectomy during the study period. Imaging results contributed to diagnostic and management decisions in 95.3 % of cases. CT scan was utilized as first-line imaging in 50 % of cases. CTs were preferentially performed at referring institutions (78 vs. 46 %, p < 0.001). Children were five times more likely to undergo CT at referring institutions (OR = 5.5, CI 3.0-10.2). Adjusting for demographics and Alvarado score, diagnostic imaging choice was independent of patient's clinical status. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that initial presentation to a referring hospital independently predicts the use of CT scan for suspected acute appendicitis. Further efforts should be undertaken to develop a clinical pathway that minimizes radiation exposure in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, with focus on access to pediatric abdominal ultrasound.