Pneumatosis intestinalis in the pediatric oncology population: An 11-year retrospective review at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

BACKGROUND: Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is characterized by the presence of intramural gas in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The overall aim of this study was to review risk factors and outcome of pediatric oncology patients at our institution who developed PI. PROCEDURE: Patients diagnosed with PI between 2007 and 2018 were identified from ICD-10 coding of radiology reports at Memorial Sloan Kettering Kids, a tertiary pediatric oncology center. Outcomes of interest were (a) resolution and time to resolution of PI, (b) surgical intervention within 2 weeks of diagnosis of PI, or (c) death secondary to PI. To capture the resolution of PI, we defined the "time to recovery (TTR)" as the time elapsed between date of PI diagnosis and the date of recovery. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were identified. Within 30 days of diagnosis of PI, three patients had surgical intervention for PI (7%) and two patients died (5%) due to non-PI causes. Median TTR of PI was 4.5 days (95% CI: 3-7 days). In univariable and multivariable analyses, only steroid use in the prior 30 days was significantly associated with a faster TTR of PI (HR = 2.27 [95% CI: 1.17-4.41], p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest case series of patients with PI in the pediatric oncology population, which reveals significantly lower surgical and mortality rates than other published PI series. For the majority of patients, conservative medical management is indicated. A prospective study is warranted to define diagnosis and management guidelines for PI in the pediatric oncology population in a cooperative group setting.

Massive, benign, cystic ovarian tumors: A technical modification for minimally invasive resection.

The majority of large, cystic ovarian tumors presenting in children are benign and amenable to ovarian sparing surgery (OSS). Laparoscopy is impractical in these cases and when attempted has been associated with a high rate of intraperitoneal fluid spill. We present a modified technique for controlled cyst decompression that allows delivery of the ovary through minilaparotomy and subsequent OSS. Criteria that must be met for the procedure to be undertaken are discussed.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV: a case report of a rare cause of spontaneous sigmoid perforation and enteroatmospheric fistulae in a child.

BACKGROUND: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) type IV is a rare subtype of EDS, but has important surgical implications. Case presentation Here, we present a case of a spontaneous sigmoid perforation in a 14-year-old boy. He was initially treated with laparotomy, oversew of the sigmoid perforation and a diverting ileostomy. He developed a complete wound dehiscence and enteroatmospheric fistulae. These were managed with a combination of negative pressure wound therapy and Eakin (TG Eakin™) pouch changes. We discuss the clinical features and presentation of EDS type IV, the surgical implications of managing patients with the condition, and the challenges in management of enteroatmospheric fistulae in children. CONCLUSIONS: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV should be considered as a cause of any spontaneous colonic perforation in children.

Ten-year review of intussusception at Starship Hospital: 1998-2007.

AIMS: To review the demographics, presenting features, rates of air enema reduction success, prevalence of pathological lead points and surgical intervention rates and outcomes in patients with intussusception at Starship Children's Hospital (Auckland, New Zealand). To use this data to guide management of children at a national level in New Zealand. METHOD: Retrospective case series. Patients discharged from Starship Children's Hospital between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2007 with a diagnosis of intussusception were obtained from coding data. RESULTS: 189 patients were analysed. 30% presented with the classic triad of pain, rectal bleeding and mass. 150/189 proceeded to air enema reduction which was successful in 118 (78.7%) of cases with 2 perforations. 54/189 (28.6%) proceeded for operative reduction of which 26 patients required surgical resection. Clinical and radiological evidence of bowel obstruction and duration of symptoms were associated with failed enema and surgical resection. CONCLUSION: Intussusception only occasionally presents with the typical triad of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and abdominal mass. Air enema reduction is successful at this institution with a low level of complication. Maori and Pacific patients had higher rates of failed enema reduction and need for surgery compared to European patients. Further research is needed from peripheral centres to evaluate outcomes of children treated in district hospitals to identify how and where these children are best managed.

Evaluation of Pacific obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound scanning capabilities, personnel, equipment and workloads.

AIMS: There are no published data on the coverage, training or experience of ultrasound services in the Pacific. This study aimed to obtain information on the knowledge, experience and training of ultrasound operators and scanning equipment and workloads in the Pacific region. METHODS: Participants for the survey were recruited by post, via the Pacific Society of Reproductive Health (PSRH) website and at the PSRH conference. Questions obtained information on ultrasound scanning capabilities, personnel, equipment and workloads in the Pacific region RESULTS: 30 respondents from 17 hospitals in 11 countries provided completed questionnaires. Close to 50% of the responses were from Fiji. The majority of respondents were sonographers or obstetricians. Lack of transvaginal probes (7/17) in some facilities limit accuracy of early pregnancy scanning. 17/17 respondents felt an advanced course would be the preferred type of course. CONCLUSION: There is a sound basic level of ultrasound being performed in the Pacific region. A multimodal training programme, incorporating a practical hands-on course based in New Zealand, combined with CD/published materials appears to be the best method of developing more advanced skills in order to optimise antenatal care in the region.