Use of modern three-dimensional imaging models to guide surgical planning for local control of pediatric extracranial solid tumors.

INTRODUCTION: In complex pediatric surgical oncology, surgical planning is contingent upon data gathered from preoperative imaging. Three-dimensional (3D) modeling and printing has been shown to be beneficial for adult presurgical planning, though pediatric literature is less robust. The study reviews our institutional experience with the use of 3D image segmentation and printed models in approaching resection of extracranial solid tumors in children. METHODS: This is a single institutional series from 2021 to 2023. Models were based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies, optimized for 3D imaging. The feasibility and creation of the models is reviewed, including specific techniques, software, and printing materials from our institution. Clinical implications for surgical planning are also described, along with detailed preoperative and intraoperative images. RESULTS: 3D modeling and printing was performed for four pediatric patients diagnosed with extracranial solid tumors. Diagnoses included Ewing sarcoma, hepatoblastoma, synovial sarcoma, and osteosarcoma. No intraoperative complications or discrepancies with the preoperative 3D-printed model were noted. No evidence of local recurrence was identified in any patient thus far. CONCLUSION: Our institutional series demonstrates a wide spectrum of clinical application for 3D modeling and printing technology within pediatric surgical oncology. This technology may aid in surgical planning for both resection and reconstruction, can be applied to a diverse breadth of diagnoses, and may potentially augment patient and/or family education about their condition.

A modern approach to multiple pulmonary resections in children with recurrent metastatic pulmonary disease.

Implications of repeated resections of pulmonary metastasis (PM) are not well documented in the modern era. Fifteen children underwent two (n = 8), three (n = 3), or four or more (n = 3) resections (total = 38 procedures), most commonly for osteosarcoma (71%). Operative approach included muscle-sparing thoracotomy (71%), non-muscle-sparing thoracotomy (18%), and video-assisted thoracoscopy (11%). Median resected nodules per procedure was four (range = 1-95). Prolonged air leaks were the most common postoperative complication (29%). Median hospital stay was 4 days, and no children were discharged with or have required oxygen. Event-free survival is 67% at median follow-up time of 54 months, with an overall survival rate of 64%. Repeat resection of PM appears to be well tolerated, without prolonged hospital stays or compromised pulmonary function.

Modern surgical strategies in pediatric neuroblastoma: Evolving approaches and treatment principles.

Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor in children under the age of 5, has been described as early as the 19th century, and its complexity has continued to intrigue researchers, as well as medical and surgical specialists. At one end of the phenotypic spectrum, neuroblastoma is self-limiting with minimal to no intervention required, while on the opposite end exists the challenge of refractory disease despite aggressive management and toxic systemic treatments. The goal of this review is to describe a comprehensive surgical perspective and contemporary approach to neuroblastoma.

Safety and feasibility of conversion from venoarterial to venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric patients: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: In children requiring venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for long durations, conversion to venovenous (VV) support may be advantageous. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of conversion from VA to VV ECMO. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all children who underwent conversion from VA to VV ECMO at a single institution, from 2015 to 2022. Indications for and methods of conversion were examined as well as adverse events including re-operation, ischemic complications, renal failure, and mortality. RESULTS: Of 422 pediatric patients on initial VA ECMO, 4 children (0.9%) underwent conversion from VA to VV support. The indications for cannulation were: respiratory failure due to COVID19, respiratory failure due to congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cardiac dysfunction following heart transplant, and sepsis with associated left ventricular dysfunction. The indications for conversion were bleeding from the arterial cannula and ongoing respiratory failure. The median time to conversion was 6.5 days (range 4-54 days) and the median length of ECMO run was 34.5 days. Three patients required renal replacement therapy with two progressing to long-term dialysis. There were no ischemic limb complications although one patient developed a femoral artery pseudoaneurysm that required re-operation. Three patients survived to discharge. One patient was unable to be decannulated after conversion and mechanical support was withdrawn. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion to VV ECMO from initial VA ECMO cannulation is feasible but a rare event. For patients with cardiac stability but continued need for respiratory support, conversion to VV ECMO can be considered.

Lower extremity complications in children following femoral cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation strategies vary between adults and children. Femoral approach is common in adults and extremity morbidity is well-documented. Aside from limb ischemia, complications in children are theorized and have yet to be studied. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate implications of pediatric femoral cannulation. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective review of children <21 years, undergoing femoral venoarterial (VA) or venovenous (VV) cannulation between 2015 and 2022. The primary outcome was incidence of lower extremity complications on ECMO (groin hematoma/hemorrhage, vascular thrombosis, North-South syndrome, compartment syndrome, limb loss). Secondary outcome was incidence of post-decannulation extremity complications (pseudoaneurysm, surgical site infection, vascular thrombosis, motor/sensory deficits). RESULTS: 29 children were cannulated via femoral approach. Most required VA support (89%). Common sites were right femoral artery (70.8%) and right femoral vein (56%). 18 patients (75%) had distal reperfusion cannulas (DPC) placed. Short-term lower extremity complication rate was 59%, most frequently groin hematoma/hemorrhage (30%) and North-South syndrome (19%). Compartment syndrome occurred in 3 patients (11%), though none suffered digit/limb loss. There were no significant differences in complications between cannulation approach (open vs percutaneous) or vessel laterality (ipsilateral vs contralateral). Of those decannulated (n = 15), median ECMO duration was 8 days. Following decannulation, 20% suffered pseudoaneurysm. Ten (63%) experienced ipsilateral motor weakness which resolved in 50% of patients at 1-month follow-up; 20% suffered sensory deficits all resolving by discharge. CONCLUSION: Approximately one third of children who underwent femoral cannulation suffered groin hematoma/hemorrhage and nearly 20% experienced North-South syndrome. Following decannulation, most had extremity weakness while sensory deficits were rarer. This marked risk of extremity morbidity prompts proactive inpatient monitoring and close surveillance after discharge.

Ultrasound-Guided Epigastric Hernia Repair in the Pediatric Population: One Institution's Experience and Outcomes.

Introduction: Epigastric hernia repair is a common procedure performed on pediatric patients. These hernias have been demonstrated to be readily identified by ultrasound. This manuscript describes and assesses a novel technique in which ultrasound is used to identify and repair the hernias in a minimally invasive manner. Methods: A retrospective chart review evaluates all the ultrasound-guided epigastric hernia repairs done with prolene suture at one institution over 20 months. Operative details and postoperative complications were compared to patients who underwent traditional open epigastric hernia repair at the same institution during the same time frame. Results: Thirty-two pediatric patients underwent epigastric hernia repair between May 2021 and December 2022. Thirteen (41%) underwent the ultrasound-guided technique with prolene suture and using only a meniscus needle and no incision. Nineteen (59%) underwent standard open repair. There were no recurrences or postoperative complications in either group. The average operative time for the ultrasound hernia repair was 24.4 minutes, which was shorter than the average operative time of 33.6 minutes for the open repair (P = .08). In 3 ultrasound cases (23%), an additional epigastric hernia that had not been clinically apparent was identified and simultaneously repaired. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided epigastria hernia repair is a feasible alternative to traditional open repair. It has a comparable safety and efficacy profile, has a short operative time, and has the advantages of being minimally invasive and having the ability to identify and repair concurrent epigastric hernias.

Limited English Proficiency can Negatively Impact Disease/Treatment in Children With Cancer Compared to Those Who are English Proficient-an Institutional Study.

BACKGROUND: In 2013, 25.5 million people in the United States self-identified as having limited English proficiency (LEP). LEP in adults has been associated with longer hospital stays, increased adverse events, increased emergency room visits, and decreased understanding of medications prescribed. This study aims to define the relationship between LEP and outcomes in a pediatric oncologic population. METHODS: We performed a matched case-control study utilizing data from our institutional cancer database (children

Structural enrichment attenuates colitis-associated colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health concern and disproportionately impacts racial/ethnic minority populations in the US. Animal models are helpful in examining human health disparities because many stress-induced human health conditions can be recapitulated using mouse models. Azoxymethane (AOM)/ dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment can be used to model colitis-associated cancers. While colitis-associated cancers account for only 2% of colon cancers, the AOM/DSS model is useful for examining links between inflammation, immunity, and colon cancer. Mice were housed in enriched and impoverished environments for 1-month prior to behavioral testing. Following behavioral testing the mice were subjected to the AOM/DSS model. While our analysis revealed no significant behavioral variances between the impoverished and enriched housing conditions, we found significant effects in tumorigenesis. Enriched mice had fewer tumors and smaller tumor volumes compared to impoverished mice. African Americans are at higher risk for early onset colorectal cancers in part due to social economic status. Furthermore, housing conditions and environment may reflect social economic status. Research aimed at understanding links between social economic status and colorectal cancer progression is important for eliminating disparities in health outcomes.

Are new pediatric trauma centers located close to the high-risk populations? A geolocation study.

BACKGROUND: Higher rates of injury occur in children who live in low socioeconomic areas. Since 2010, the number of verified Level I and Level II pediatric trauma centers (PTCs) has doubled. The purpose of this study is to look at the location of new verified PTC in relation to children living in high-risk areas. METHODS: Historical and recent data about verified Level I and Level II PTCs were obtained from the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the American Trauma Society, and State Data where available. Census data were obtained from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey for 2010 and 2020 for children younger than 18 years. The pediatric population was stratified by (1) poverty threshold and (2) living within 30 miles of PTC. The census data and trauma center locations were geocoded using the ArcGIS Pro program. Data analysis was performed at the census tract level. RESULTS: A total of 55 Level I or Level II ACS-verified PTCs were in the United States in 2010 and 116 in 2020. In 2010, there were 14.5 million children (19.6%) below the poverty threshold and 12.9 million (17.8%) in 2020. In 2010, 23 states did not have an ACS-verified PTC either in the state or in a neighboring state within 30 miles. By 2020, only nine states did not have an ACS-verified PTC or a center in a neighboring state within 30 miles. When state level data were included, this dropped to four. The 19 states who had new verified PTCs covered between 14% and 21% of children below the poverty level. The percentage of children below the poverty threshold and less than 30-mile access to a Level I or Level II PTC in 2010 was 74.56% compared with children above poverty and less than 30-mile access, which was 70.34% (p < 0.0001). In 2020, children below poverty without 30-mile access had been reduced to 52% and 45.54% for children above poverty level (p < 0.0001). Thus, there was a greater increase in 30-mile access for children above the poverty level than for those below the poverty level (24.8% vs. 22.6%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: On a national level, despite doubling the number of PTC, it has not improved 30-mile access for high-risk children. Alternatively, 19 states now have better access. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective Cohort Study, Level III.

Functional Outcomes of Patients Who Underwent Anorectal Malformation Repair Using MRI Guidance.

BACKGROUND: Despite the initiation of minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, the majority of patients who undergo anorectal malformation repair still experience functional bowel issues in childhood, including constipation and fecal incontinence. In this study, we evaluate the functional outcomes of a procedure in which magnetic resonance imaging guidance is used during initial laparoscopic repair to better locate the epicenter of the sphincter muscle complex and pelvic floor with the goal of more accurate placement of the neoanus and improved functional outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review evaluated demographic, operative, and outcome details for patients who underwent this procedure. A telephone survey was employed to determine levels of social continence using the validated Baylor Continence Scale and to determine what type of bowel management is used. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included. Median age at operation was 7 months, and median age at follow-up was 4 years old, with a range of 1-9. Bowel management regimen results revealed that 19 % (n = 5) use no bowel management regimen, 58 % (n = 15) use laxatives only, and 23 % (n = 6) use enemas. Enema use was not associated with different spine or sacral anomalies (p = 0.77). Fifteen patients (58 %) answered the Baylor Continence Scale questions and had a median score of 14. No difference was found in scores when accounting for lesion level (p = 0.43), quality of needle placement (p = 0.46), or quality of sphincter muscles (p = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Using MRI guidance in the repair of anorectal malformations shows promise in both the qualitative and quantitative functional outcomes of this complex patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Contrast study after gastric repair: a review of incidence, outcomes and risk factors at an adult level 1 trauma center.

PURPOSE: The role of contrast study after traumatic gastric repair, continues to be controversial. To that end, we aim to review the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors of patients undergoing contrast study after traumatic gastric repair. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of all trauma patients admitted to a level 1 trauma center that sustained gastric injuries with subsequent repair between 2011 and 2018. Demographics, surgical interventions, complications, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Statistical analysis included Chi-square/Fisher exact univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: A total of 233 patients received a gastric repair, of whom 49 (21%) had a contrast study performed. Out of 49 patients with a contrast study, one was found to have a gastric leak. Mean time to contrast study was 6.3 ± 2.7 days. There was no statistically significant difference in post-operative complications between non-contrast and contrast study groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated a lack of statistical significance in clinical risk factors that would lead to obtaining a contrast study. CONCLUSION: Gastric leak after repair is rare and there is no statistically significant difference in clinical outcomes when comparing patients who underwent contrast study to those who did not. Routine contrast study after traumatic gastric repair may not be necessary and further evidence is warranted to determine the risk factors for a selective contrast study.

Excellence and duty: Dr. James F. Densler, the first black pediatric surgeon in the United States.

Dr. James F. Densler is a remarkable figure in pediatric surgery for both his pioneering of pediatric operations and, perhaps more importantly, shattering racial barriers. Despite growing up in the segregated South, being barred admission to his initial medical school of choice and experiencing a racially motivated bombing while in medical school, Densler persevered with the desire to fulfill the need he saw in his community, becoming the first practicing Black pediatric surgeon in the United States. His continued devotion to service later led him become a critical figure in the education of students at the newly formed Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Through an extensive literature review and personal interviews with Dr. Densler and his colleagues, this paper outlines Dr. James Densler's life, surgical career, and the indelible mark he leaves behind.