Outpatient Botulinum Injections for Early Obstructive Symptoms in Patients with Hirschsprung Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Botulinum toxin (BT) injections may play a role in preventing Hirschsprung associated enterocolitis (HAEC) episodes related to internal anal sphincter (IAS dysfunction). Our aim was to determine the association of outpatient BT injections for early obstructive symptoms on the development of HAEC. METHODS: A retrospective review of children who underwent definitive surgery for Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) from July 2010 - July 2020 was performed. The timing from pull-through to first HAEC episode and to first BT injection was recorded. Primary analysis focused on the rate of HAEC episodes and timing between episodes in patients who did and did not receive BT injections. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included. Sixty patients (75%) were male, 15 (19%) were diagnosed with trisomy 21, and 58 (72.5%) had short-segment disease. The median time to pull-through was 150 days (IQR 16, 132). Eight patients (10%) had neither an episode of HAEC or BT injections and were not included in further analysis. Forty-six patients (64%) experienced at least one episode of HAEC, while 64 patients (89%) had at least one outpatient BT injection. Compared to patients who never received BT injections (n = 9) and those who developed HAEC prior to BT injections (n = 35), significantly fewer patients who received BT injections first (n = 28) developed enterocolitis (P < 0.001), with no patient developing more than one HAEC episode. CONCLUSION: Outpatient BT is associated with decreased episodes of HAEC and increased interval between HAEC episodes requiring inpatient treatment. Scheduling outpatient BT injections to manage obstructive symptoms may be beneficial after pull-through for HSCR.

Behind the mask: extended use of surgical masks is not associated with increased risk of surgical site infection.

PURPOSE: COVID-19 has prompted significant policy change, with critical attention to the conservation of personal protective equipment (PPE). An extended surgical mask use policy was implemented at our institution, allowing use of one disposable mask per each individual, per day, for all the cases. We investigate the clinical impact of this policy change and its effect on the rate of 30-day surgical site infection (SSI). METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review was performed for all the elective pediatric general surgery cases performed pre-COVID from August 2019 to October 2019 and under the extended mask use policy from August 2020 to October 2020. Procedure type, SSI within 30 days, and postoperative interventions were recorded. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-eight cases were reviewed: 240 in the pre-COVID-19 cohort and 248 in the extended surgical mask use cohort. Three SSIs were identified in the 2019 cohort, and two in the 2020 cohort. All postoperative infections were superficial and resolved within 1 month of diagnosis with oral antibiotics. There were no deep space infections, readmissions, or infections requiring re-operation. CONCLUSION: Extended surgical mask use was not associated with increased SSI in this series of pediatric general surgery cases and may be considered an effective and safe strategy for resource conservation with minimal clinical impact.

Characterization System for Heat-Energy to Electric-Energy Conversion from Concrete by Means of a Thermoelectric Module.

The present work describes the implementation of a prototype to characterize thermoelectric modules (TEM). The goal is to study the energy conversion by means of thermoelectric modules mounted on concrete structures. The proposed experimental system is used for the electrical characterization of a commercially available thermoelectric module TEC1-12710 to prove its operation while embedded in a concrete slab, typical of building constructions. In this case, the parameters that define thermal energy conversion into electrical energy are open-circuit voltage generation, loaded circuit voltage generation, and load current. A known external load is connected to the terminals of the TEM for the purpose of its electric characterization. An electrical heating element on the hot side and a thermoelectric cooler on the cold side produce a temperature difference on the concrete slab. This arrangement allows the emulation of a temperature gradient produced by sunlight over a concrete structure. The objective is to measure the resulting electrical energy produced by the combination of concrete slab and the thermoelectric module. By controlling the temperature difference between the sides of the thermoelectric module under test, it is possible to simulate the effect of the temperature gradient under different sunlight conditions. Two digital PI controllers regulate the temperature conditions, thus providing controlled conditions for the experiments.

The impact of botulinum injection for hospitalized children with Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis.

INTRODUCTION: Stasis from obstruction at the level of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) can lead to Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) and may be improved by botulinum toxin (BT) injections. Our aim was to determine if BT injection during HAEC episodes decreased the number of recurrent HAEC episodes and/or increased the interval between readmissions. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients admitted for HAEC from January 2010 to December 2019. Demographics and outcomes of patients who received BT were compared to patients who did not receive BT during their hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 120 episodes of HAEC occurred in 40 patients; 30 patients (75%) were male, 7 (18%) had Trisomy 21 and 10 (25%) had long-segment disease. On multivariate analysis, patients who received BT during their inpatient HAEC episode had a longer median time between readmissions (p = 0.04) and trending toward an association with fewer readmissions prior to a follow-up clinic visit (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: The use of BT in HD patients hospitalized for HAEC is associated with an increased time between recurrent HAEC episodes and trended toward fewer recurrent episodes. The use of BT should be considered in the management of patients admitted with HAEC.

Inpatient management of Hirschsprung's associated enterocolitis treatment: the benefits of standardized care.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) remain at risk of developing Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) after surgical intervention. As inpatient management remains variable, our institution implemented an algorithm directed at standardizing treatment practices. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients pre- and post-algorithm. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients admitted for HAEC was performed; January 2017-June 2018 encompassed the pre-implementation period, and October 2018-October 2019 was the post-implementation period. Demographics and outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Sixty-two episodes of HAEC occurred in 27 patients during the entire study period. Sixteen patients (59%) had more than one episode. The most common levels of the transition zone were the rectosigmoid (50%) and descending colon (27%). Following algorithm implementation, the median length of stay (2 vs. 7 days, p < 0.001), TPN duration (0 vs. 5.5 days, p < 0.001), and days to full enteral diet (6 days vs. 2 days, p < 0.001) decreased significantly. Readmission rates for recurrent enterocolitis were similar pre- and post-algorithm implementation. CONCLUSION: The use of a standardized algorithm significantly decreases the length of stay and duration of intravenous antibiotic administration without increasing readmission rates, while still providing appropriate treatment for HAEC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III level. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study.

Same-Day Discharge for Nonperforated Appendicitis in Children: An Updated Institutional Protocol.

BACKGROUND: The evolving demands of our current health care system for enhanced efficiency and safety while decreasing hospital length of stay has led to our institutional protocol for same-day discharge (SDD) after laparoscopic appendectomy. We have previously demonstrated a 28% rate of SDD in children with nonperforated appendicitis. The purpose of our study is to assess the effectiveness of a mature protocol for SDD by evaluating discharge success, duration of hospital stay, and readmission rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted. All children undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy for nonperforated appendicitis at Children's Mercy Hospital between December 2015 and July 2017 were included. Patients were classified according to whether they were discharged home the same day as their operation or had an overnight stay. Demographic data, time of day the procedure was completed, postoperative length of stay, and readmission rates were abstracted from patient medical records. Comparative analysis was performed in STATA using chi-squared or Fisher exact tests for categorical variables and t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. RESULTS: A total of 569 children were included, with 87% (n = 495) discharged home the same day as their appendectomy. Of the patients discharged home the same day of surgery, their median length of postoperative stay was 4 h (IQR: 3, 5) compared with 19 h for the patients who stayed overnight (IQR: 15, 25, P < 0.0001). Approximately two-thirds of patients who had their appendectomies after 6 PM stayed overnight. In addition, patients discharged home the same day had similar hospital readmission rates compared with patients who stayed overnight (2% vs. 4%, P = 0.155). CONCLUSIONS: After laparoscopic appendectomy in children with nonperforated appendicitis, SDD not only reduces postoperative length of stay but also is not associated with higher hospital readmission rates.

A safe and efficacious preventive strategy in the high-risk surgical neonate: cycled total parenteral nutrition.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic dysfunction in patients reliant on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may benefit from cycled TPN. A concern for neonatal hypoglycemia has limited the use of cycled TPN in neonates less than 1 week of age. We sought to determine both the safety and efficacy of cycled TPN in surgical neonates less than 1 week of age. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on surgical neonates placed on prophylactic and therapeutic cycled TPN from January 2013 to March 2016. Specific emphasis was placed on identifying incidence of direct hyperbilirubinemia and hypoglycemic episodes. RESULTS: Fourteen neonates were placed on cycled TPN; 8 were prophylactically cycled and 6 were therapeutically cycled. Median gestational age was 36 weeks (34, 37). Sixty-four percent (n = 9) had gastroschisis. There was no difference between the prophylactic and therapeutic groups in incidence of hyperbilirubinemia > 2 mg/dL (3 (37%) vs 5 (83%), p = 0.08) or the length of time to development of hyperbilirubinemia [24 days (4, 26) vs 27 days (25, 67), p = 0.17]. Time on cycling was similar though patients who were prophylactically cycled had a shorter overall time on TPN. Three (21%) infants had documented hypoglycemia, but only one infant became clinically symptomatic. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic TPN cycling is a safe and efficacious nutritional management strategy in surgical neonates less than 1 week of age with low rates of hypoglycemia and a shorter total course of TPN; however, hepatic dysfunction did not appear to be improved compared to therapeutic cycling.

Variability in same-day discharge for pediatric appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Recent single-institutional data point to the feasibility of same-day discharge (SDD) after appendectomy for nonperforated appendicitis and its potential as a quality-of-care indicator. Opportunities for SDD are greatest the sooner the appendectomy is performed after admission. We examine a national database to assess the pattern of SDD utilization among children who underwent appendectomy on the day of admission and potential limitations to SDD. METHODS: The 2009 Kids Inpatient Database (KID) was queried for children with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis who had appendectomy. Exclusion criteria included those children with perforated appendicitis or those in whom the procedure code was missing. Day from admission to procedure day and total length of stay (LOS) were then analyzed by demographics, type of procedure (laparoscopic versus open), children's hospital designation, and hospital region. After stratifying all patients undergoing appendectomy on day of admission into two groups by LOS (≤1 d, SDD versus >1 d, non-SDD), a multivariate analysis was then performed to determine the predictors of SDD. RESULTS: A total of 38,959 records, representing a weighted estimate of 56,077 patients with a diagnosis of nonperforated appendicitis, met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 14 y with interquartile range of 10-17 y. Median LOS was 1 d (interquartile range, 1-2 d), and the majority (71.8%) had laparoscopic appendectomy. On adjusted analysis, laparoscopic cases were 50% less likely to be non-SDD compared with their open counterparts (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47-0.53). Compared with Caucasians, significantly more Hispanics (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.36-1.56) and African Americans (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.42-1.73) were non-SDD. Hospitals in the midwest and south were more likely to be non-SDD. CONCLUSIONS: SDD is increasingly used for children with nonperforated appendicitis, but there is significant variability in the utilization of SDD for different ethnicities and hospital regions. These variations need to be further investigated to better delineate its potential role as a quality-of-care indicator.

Same day discharge after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children.

BACKGROUND: Although the safety of same day discharge (SDD) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for symptomatic cholelithiasis (SC) and biliary dyskinesia (BD) in adults has been well documented in the literature, the same data in the pediatric population are lacking. We have recently instituted a protocol for SDD after LC for SC and BD, and this study is an analysis of our initial experience. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent LC for BD and SC in our institution from January 2011-July 2014 was performed. RESULTS: A total of 227 LC were performed for SC and BD during the study period. Approximately 25% (n = 57) of patients were in the SDD group. The remaining 75% (n = 170) of patients were admitted at least overnight stay (ONS) for the following reasons: medical 16.5% (n = 28), surgery ending too late 4.1% (n = 7), or clinical care habits 79.4% (n = 135). Comparing the SDD group with ONS group, no differences were found in the complication rate, readmissions, or follow up before scheduled appointment. Length of stay was significantly less for the SDD group than for the ONS. A trend for more SDDs was observed as time elapsed from initiation of the protocol. Also, earlier completion of surgery trended toward SDD. CONCLUSIONS: SDD appears safe for pediatric patients undergoing LC for BD or SC. The main obstacles to discharge were time of surgery completion and clinical care habits, both of which improved as comfort level with SDD grew among the staff.

Initial experience with same day discharge after laparoscopic appendectomy for nonperforated appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Although many laparoscopic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, patients who have undergone a laparoscopic appendectomy have typically stayed at least overnight. Recently, data in both the pediatric and adult literature suggest that same day discharge (SDD) for acute nonperforated appendicitis is safe and associated with high patient and parent satisfaction. We have recently begun attempting SDD for nonperforated appendicitis, and this study is an analysis of our initial experience. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for nonperforated appendicitis at our institution from January 2012 to July 2013 was performed. Demographics, length of stay, hospital course, and outcomes were measured. Data are expressed as mean±standard deviation. Comparative analysis was performed using a t-test. RESULTS: A total of 588 laparoscopic appendectomies for nonperforated appendicitis were performed over an 18-mo period. Approximately 28% (n=128) were discharged on the day of surgery. Of the remaining patients, 12.9% (n=59) stayed overnight for medical reasons, 0.4% (n=2) stayed for social reasons, 3.9% (n=18) stayed because the operation ended late in the evening, and 82.8% (n=381) stayed because of clinical care habits. Compared with patients who stayed overnight, there was no statistically significant difference in readmission rates (0.7% versus 1.9%, P=0.6%), follow-up before scheduled appointment (5.4% versus 5.4%, P=1.0), and complication rate (0.7% versus 2.6%, P=0.3). Patients whose operation ended later in the day had a longer hospital stay. We observed a trend toward more SDDs, the further we got from the initiation of our protocol. CONCLUSIONS: SDD is safe for children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy for nonperforated appendicitis. The two main barriers to SDD were time of day for the operation and provider habit, both of which improved as more practitioners felt comfortable with the concept. SDD requires extensive education within the hospital system, and we have initiated an aggressive prospective protocol to improve the results.

Nursing preference of topical silver sulfadiazine versus collagenase ointment for treatment of partial thickness burns in children: survey follow-up of a prospective randomized trial.

We performed a nursing survey to inquire about nursing preferences toward the use of silver sulfadiazine (SSD) and collagenase (CO). We performed a survey between September 2012 and December 2012 asking nurses to rate the application/removal of both products and provide a description of their preferences. Ten study nurses (83%) preferred CO over SSD (P < .001). Two nurses (17%) had no preference. Negative comments on SSD were pseudoeschar (50%), difficult application burns (25%), messiness (67%), and increased number of dressing changes (25%). Negative comments on CO were the need for an additional antimicrobial agent (58%), although 1 nurse noted the higher expense with CO. Nurses preferred CO because of cleanliness of dressing (17%), lack of pseudoeschar (25%), and less pain with dressing changes (8%). Despite no difference in outcomes between SSD and CO, experienced burn nurses prefer CO because of perceptions of decreased trauma and frequency of dressing changes.

Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis Protocol: A Single Center Study.

BACKGROUND: Initial treatment of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is correction of electrolyte disturbances with fluid resuscitation. In 2015, our institution implemented a fluid resuscitation protocol based on previous data that focused on minimizing blood draws and allowing immediate ad libitum feeds postoperatively. Our aim was to describe the protocol and subsequent outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective review of patients diagnosed with HPS from 2016 to 2023. All patients were given ad libitum feeds postoperatively and discharged home after tolerating three consecutive feeds. The primary outcome was the postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included the number of preoperative labs drawn, time from arrival to surgery, time from surgery to initiation of feeds, time from surgery to full feeds, and re-admission rate. RESULTS: The study included 333 patients. A total of 142 patients (42.6%) had electrolytic disturbances that required fluid boluses in addition to 1.5x maintenance fluids. The median number of lab draws was 1 (IQR 1,2), with a median time from arrival to surgery of 19.5 hours (IQR 15.3,24.9). The median time from surgery to first and full feed was 1.9 hours (IQR 1.2,2.7) and 11.2 hours (IQR 6.4,18.3), respectively. Patients had a median postoperative LOS of 21.8 hours (IQR 9.7,28.9). Re-admission rate within the first 30 postoperative days was 3.6% (n = 12) with 2.7% of re-admissions occurring within 72 hours of discharge. One patient required re-operation due to an incomplete pyloromyotomy. DISCUSSION: This protocol is a valuable tool for perioperative and postoperative management of patients with HPS while minimizing uncomfortable intervention.

Duodenal Atresia Repair: A Single-Center Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: The use of laparoscopy in the repair of duodenal atresia has been increasing. However, there is no consensus regarding which surgical approach has better outcomes. We aimed to compare the different surgical approaches and types of anastomoses for duodenal atresia repair. METHODS: Patients who underwent duodenal atresia repair at a single pediatric center were identified between January 2006 and June 2022. Those with concomitant gastrointestinal anomalies or who required other simultaneous operations were excluded. The primary outcome was rate of complications, defined as rate of leak, stricture, and re-operation by surgical approach and technique of anastomosis. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were included. The majority were female (51.3%, n = 40), with a median age of 4 days (IQR 3.0,8.0) and a median weight of 2.7 kg (IQR 2.2,3.3) at repair. The re-operation rate was 7.7% (n = 6), of which two were anastomotic leaks, and four were anastomotic strictures. The leak rate was 5.6% (n = 1/18) for the open handsewn and 4.8% (n = 1/21) for the laparoscopic handsewn technique. The stricture rate was 12.5% (n = 1/8) for the laparoscopic-assisted handsewn, 9.1% (n = 2/22) for the laparoscopic U-clip, 4.8% (n = 1/21) for the laparoscopic handsewn, and none with laparoscopic stapled and laparoscopic converted to open handsewn techniques. No differences were found in complication rate when controlling for surgical approach. CONCLUSION: The method of surgical approach did not affect the outcomes or complications in the repair of duodenal atresia.

Institutional outcomes of blunt liver and splenic injury in the Arizona-Texas-Oklahoma-Memphis-Arkansas Consortium era.

BACKGROUND: The Arizona-Texas-Oklahoma-Memphis-Arkansas Consortium practice management guideline was created to standardize management of blunt liver or spleen injury across pediatric trauma centers. We describe our outcomes since guideline adoption at our institution and hypothesize that blunt liver or spleen injury may be managed more expeditiously than currently reported without compromising safety. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients younger than 18 years presenting with blunt liver and/or splenic injuries from March 2016 to March 2021 at one participating center. RESULTS: A total of 199 patients were included. There were no clinically relevant differences for age, body mass index, or sex among the cohort. Isolated splenic injuries (n = 91 [46%]) and motor vehicle collisions (n = 82 [41%]) were the most common injury and mechanism, respectively. The overall median length of stay (LOS) was 1.2 days (interquartile range, 0.45-3.3 days). Intensive care unit utilization was 23% (n = 46). There was no statistically significant difference in median LOS among patients with isolated solid organ injuries, regardless of injury grade. There were no readmissions associated with non-operative management. CONCLUSION: The Arizona-Texas-Oklahoma-Memphis-Arkansas Consortium guideline fosters high rates of nonoperative management with low intensive care unit utilization and LOS while demonstrating safety in implementation, irrespective of injury grade. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Management of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Children: A Single Institution Protocol Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Midwest Pediatric Surgery Consortium (MWPSC) suggested a simple aspiration of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) protocol, failing which, Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) should be considered. We describe our outcomes using this suggested protocol. METHODS: A single institution retrospective analysis was conducted on patients between 12 and 18 years who were diagnosed with PSP from 2016 to 2021. Initial management involved aspiration alone with a ≤12 F percutaneous thoracostomy tube followed by clamping of the tube and chest radiograph at 6 h. Success was defined as ≤2 cm distance between chest wall and lung at the apex and no air leak when the clamp was released. VATS followed if aspiration failed. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were included. Median age was 16.8 years (IQR 15.9, 17.3). Aspiration was successful in 33% (20), while 66% (39) required VATS. The median LOS with successful aspiration was 20.4 h (IQR 16.8, 34.8), while median LOS after VATS was 3.1 days (IQR 2.6, 4). In comparison, in the MWPSC study, the mean LOS for those managed with a chest tube after failed aspiration was 6.0 days (±5.5). Recurrence after successful aspiration was 45% (n = 9), while recurrence after VATS was 25% (n = 10). Median time to recurrence after successful aspiration was sooner than that of the VATS group [16.6 days (IQR 5.4, 19.2) vs. 389.5 days (IQR 94.1, 907.0) p = 0.01]. CONCLUSION: Simple aspiration is safe and effective initial management for children with PSP, although most will require VATS. However, early VATS reduces length of stay and morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. Retrospective study.

Fundoplication without esophagocrural sutures: Long-term follow-up of a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: We previously conducted a randomized trial that showed a lack of need for esophagocrural (EC) sutures during fundoplication when no esophageal dissection was performed. There was no difference in wrap herniation or other complications in the group without EC sutures at a median 1.5 years of follow-up. In this follow-up study, we aim to evaluate long-term symptom control and complication profiles in these patients. METHODS: 106 patients were randomized and participated in the original trial. We were primarily concerned with identification of late complications and persistence of symptoms. Presently, we conducted a retrospective chart review and a telephone follow-up survey at a minimum of 6.5 years after fundoplication. RESULTS: 100 patients were alive at late follow-up and 70% of caregivers responded to the telephone survey. 53% of patients were male; 76% were Caucasian. Of these children, 39 (56%) received four EC sutures, while 31 (44%) did not. Follow-up was conducted at a median of 8.7 years [IQR 8.2,9.7] post-fundoplication. Late wrap herniation was not demonstrated radiographically on chart review or caregiver report in either group. The rate of residual reflux symptoms, post-operative hospitalizations for pneumonia, failure to thrive (FTT), and brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE) were also similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Long-term follow-up in children who underwent fundoplication without esophagocrural sutures demonstrates no difference in symptom management or subsequent hospitalizations at a minimum of 6.5-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II (follow-up of a randomized controlled trial).

Laparoscopic Gastrostomy in Infants During an Open Abdominal Procedure: A Novel Approach.

Introduction: Infants with intra-abdominal pathology necessitating open abdominal surgery may also require placement of a gastrostomy tube (GT). Use of laparoscopy provides better visualization for gastrostomy placement and lowers the risk of complications compared with an open approach. We describe a series of patients who underwent laparoscopic GT placement at the time of an open abdominal procedure. Methods: All patients who underwent an open abdominal procedure with concurrent laparoscopic gastrostomy from January 2010 to June 2020 were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were performed with categorical variables reported as proportions and continuous variables reported as medians with interquartile range [IQR]. Results: Twelve patients were included; 8 (67.5%) were male. The median age at time of surgery was 10 weeks [IQR 6, 14], with a median weight of 4.1 kg [IQR 3.4, 4.8]. Ten patients had the laparoscope placed through the open incision, whereas 2 had the laparoscope placed through a separate incision. Median operative time was 106 minutes [IQR 80, 125]. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications included surgical site infection in 5 (41.7%), leaking around the GT in 3 (25%), and malfunction of the tube in 1 (8.3%). One patient required reoperation 28 days postoperatively due to malfunction. Conclusion: Laparoscopic GT can be safely performed at the time of an open abdominal procedure, and frequently through the same incision, harnessing the benefits of a laparoscopic approach even when an open incision is needed.

Short and long term outcomes of using cryoablation for postoperative pain control in patients after pectus excavatum repair.

INTRODUCTION: We report the findings of a three-year prospective observational study elucidating long-term symptoms and complications of patients who underwent minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair with intercostal nerve cryoablation with specific attention to postoperative pain control associated with the cryoablation technique. METHODS: Surveys were administered to patients who underwent bar placement for pectus excavatum with intercostal nerve cryoablation from 2017 to 2021 regarding pain scores, pain medication usage, and limitations to activity beginning on the day of surgery, on the day of discharge, and at two-week and three-month follow-up. RESULTS: Of 110 patients, forty-eight (44%) completed the discharge survey; sharp pain and pressure on the first postoperative night were the most described pain characteristics, most frequently in the middle of the chest. On follow-up, 55% of patients reported tolerable residual pain at two weeks and 41% at three months, with 25% requiring intermittent pain medication at three months. There were three readmissions for inadequate pain control and 110 calls to the surgery clinic by three-month follow-up, most commonly for persistent pain and frequent popping sensation with movement. DISCUSSION: Although cryoablation is an excellent pain control modality, these data suggest that patients underreport functional symptoms and experience more frequent discomfort and alteration of daily living activities.

Umbilical access in laparoscopic surgery in infants less than 3 months: A single institution retrospective review.

INTRODUCTION: Umbilical access in laparoscopic surgery has been cited as a factor for increased complications in low-birth-weight infants and those less than three months old. In a previous series, 10.6% of pediatric surgeons reported complications in this population associated with umbilical access, citing carbon dioxide (CO2) embolism as the most common complication. To further examine the safety of this technique, we report our outcomes with blunt transumbilical laparoscopic access at our institution over four years. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients less than three months of age who underwent laparoscopic pyloromyotomy or inguinal hernia repair from 2016 to 2019. Operative reports, anesthesia records, and postoperative documentation were reviewed for complications related to umbilical access. Complications included bowel injury, vascular injury, umbilical vein cannulation, CO2 embolism, umbilical surgical site infection (SSI), umbilical hernia requiring repair, and death. RESULTS: Of 365 patients, 246 underwent laparoscopic pyloromyotomy, and 119 underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs. Median age at operation was 5.9 weeks [4.3,8.8], and median weight was 3.9 kg [3.4,4.6]. Nine complications (2.5%) occurred: 5 umbilical SSIs (1.4%), 1 bowel injury upon entry requiring laparoscopic repair (0.2%), 1 incisional hernia repair 22 days postoperatively (0.2%), and 2 cases of hypotension and bradycardia upon insufflation that resolved with desufflation (0.5%). There were no intraoperative mortalities or signs/symptoms of CO2 embolism. CONCLUSION: In this series, umbilical access for laparoscopic surgery in neonates less than three months of age was safe, with minimal complications. Although concern for umbilical vessel injury, cannulation, and CO2 embolism exists, these complications are not exclusively associated with umbilical access technique.

Length of Stay per Total Body Surface Area Burn Relative to Mechanism: A Pediatric Injury Quality Improvement Collaborative Study.

Studies on length of stay (LOS) per total body surface area (TBSA) burn in pediatric patients are often limited to single institutions and are grouped in ranges of TBSA burn which lacks specific detail to counsel patients and families. A LOS to TBSA burn ratio of 1 has been widely accepted but not validated with multi-institution data. The objective of this study is to describe the current relationship of LOS per TBSA burn and LOS per TBSA burn relative to burn mechanism with the use of multi-institutional data. Data from the Pediatric Injury Quality Improvement Collaborative (PIQIC) were obtained for patients across five pediatric burn centers from July 2018 to September 2020. LOS per TBSA burn ratios were calculated. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear regression which modeled characteristics associated with LOS per TBSA ratio are described. Among the 1267 pediatric burn patients, the most common mechanism was scald (64%), followed by contact (17%) and flame (13%). The average LOS/TBSA burn ratio across all cases was 1.2 (SD = 2.1). In adjusted models, scald burns and chemical burns had similar LOS/TBSA burn ratios of 0.8 and 0.9, respectively, whereas all other burns had a significantly higher LOS/TBSA burn ratio (p<0.0001). LOS/TBSA burn ratios were similar across races, although Hispanics had a slightly higher ratio at 1.4 days. These data establish a multi-institution LOS per TBSA ratio across PIQIC centers and demonstrate a significant variation in the LOS per TBSA burn relative to the burn mechanism sustained.