Outcomes of Prolonged Open Abdomen in Children.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to better characterize outcomes in pediatric patients requiring open abdomen for instability with ongoing resuscitation, second look surgery, or left in discontinuity or congenital or acquired loss of domain that may lead to prolonged open abdomen (POA) or difficulties in successful abdominal wall closure. METHODS: We performed a single-institution retrospective review of patients aged less or equal to 18 years who presented to our institution from 2015 to 2022. We defined POA as requiring three or more surgeries prior to abdominal wall closure. Descriptive statistics were performed using median and interquartile range. RESULTS: Median age was 15 years (interquartile range 0-6 years), 46% female, and 69% White. Survival rate was 93% for the entire cohort. The most common indication for open abdomen was second look/discontinuity 22/41 (54%). The most common temporary abdominal wall closure was wound vac (43%). Fifty eight percent patients achieved primary tissue closure, the remaining required mesh. Of the 42 patients, 25 required POA. They had increasing rate of secondary infections at 56% compared to 44% (P = 0.17). The groups were further divided into indications for open abdomen including ongoing resuscitation, second look/discontinuity, and loss of domain with similar outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest series of long-term outcomes in pediatric patients with an open abdomen, we found that a majority of children were able to be primarily closed without mesh despite the number of surgeries required. Further studies require a protocolized approach to improve the long-term outcomes of these patients.

Implications of Using a Clinical Practice Guideline on Outcomes in Pediatric Empyema.

INTRODUCTION: Various randomized control trials in the pediatric population have shown no therapeutic advantage of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery over fibrinolytic therapy (tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]) for empyema management. However, literature detailing changes in practice management and protocol implementation is limited. In 2018, we instituted clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for empyema management utilizing tissue plasminogen activatorinstillation via a small bore chest tube as initial therapy. Before standardization, surgeon preference drove management. Our aim was to determine differences in management and outcomes following institutional CPG implementation. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective study (2002-2022) examined patients 0-18 y of age diagnosed with pneumonia and associated empyema (loculated pleural fluid on ultrasound or computed-tomographic scan). The comparison groups were pre- and post-CPG implementation groups. Comparative statistics were performed, and the significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients met the inclusion criteria: 33 (54%) preimplementation and 28 (46%) postimplementation. The demographics and diagnostic imaging modalities were similar between groups. There were no significant differences in time to initiate antibiotics, antibiotic duration, intensive care unit length of stay (LOS), or total hospital LOS. The utilization of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery as initial intervention significantly decreased from 66% to 10% after protocol implementation (P < 0.01); the failure rates of initial therapy choice were similar (12% versus 10%, P = 0.87). Marked reduction in total patients undergoing operative intervention at any point during the course of therapy was observed, 76% preimplementation versus 21% postimplementation (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In children treated for empyema, the overall incidence of operative intervention significantly decreased following CPG implementation. The changes in antibiotic usage, intensive care unit/total LOS, and initial therapy failure rates did not differ. In our experience, the implementation of a CPG was instrumental in adherence to national guidelines.