Same day discharge after pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy in community hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Same-day discharge (SDD) protocols after pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy have not been well studied in a community hospital setting, especially when hospitals with low inpatient pediatric censuses are increasingly closing their pediatric units. This study evaluates the outcomes of a SDD protocol after pediatric appendectomy that was implemented across an integrated healthcare system in which hospitals experienced closure of pediatric units. METHODS: Patients between ages 6 to 13 years-old who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis from January 1st 2015 to December 31st 2020 were reviewed. During the study period, an inter-hospital SDD protocol was introduced at nine hospitals, four of which closed their pediatric units. RESULTS: There were 1293 patients in the pre-protocol cohort and 953 patients in the post-protocol cohort. There were 588 (45.5%) patients who underwent SDD in the pre-protocol cohort, compared with 804 (84.4%) patients in the post-protocol cohort (p<0.00001). Postoperative narcotics were prescribed to 358 (27.7%) patients in the pre-protocol cohort, compared to 482 (50.6%) patients in the post-protocol cohort (P<0.00001). There was no difference in the 30-day emergency department visit rate or 30-day readmission rate between the two cohorts. A subgroup analysis comparing the surgical outcomes at community hospitals with and without pediatric units after implementation of the SDD protocol showed no difference. CONCLUSION: Same-day discharge after laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis in community hospitals, even after pediatric unit closure, is safe and feasible. The decrease in postoperative LOS and the increase in SDD are not associated with higher complication rates.

Thoracoscopic versus open repair of tracheoesophageal fistulas and rates of vocal cord paresis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the rates of vocal cord paresis/paralysis (VCP) in patients treated for esophageal atresia (EA) with and without fistula performed thoracoscopically versus open. METHODS: A retrospective review of EA cases performed from 2008 to 2014 in an integrated health care system was performed. RESULTS: A total of 31 cases of EA were performed by 6 surgeons at 4 different institutions. Seventeen cases were performed thoracoscopically, whereas 14 cases were performed open. In the thoracoscopic group, the average gestational age (weeks) of the patient was significantly higher 38.3 vs. 35.2 (p=0.016) as well as the average birth weight (grams) 2843 vs. 2079 (p=0.005). There was no difference in the postoperative length of stay, rates of anastomotic stricture, leak, or tracheomalacia. There were 10 cases of vocal cord paresis, 9 from the thoracoscopic group and one from the open group (p=0.007). Of the 10 cases of VCP, 6 were unilateral (left sided) and 4 were bilateral. Of the 10 cases, 6 resolved, 2 resulted in permanent paralysis, and 2 are currently still being evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic repair of EA appears to have higher rates of VCP. The results are thought to be from thoracoscopic dissection of the esophagus high into the thoracic inlet.

Diaphragm Pacing without Tracheostomy in Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome Patients.

BACKGROUND: Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare disorder affecting central control of breathing. Thus, patients require lifelong assisted ventilation. Diaphragm pacing (DP) may permit decannulation in those who are ventilator dependent only during sleep. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine if patients with CCHS can be successfully ventilated by DP without tracheostomy. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 18 CCHS patients (mean age 19.5 ± 10.1 years; 44% female) who were ventilated by DP only during sleep. RESULTS: Prior to diaphragm pacer implantation surgery, 14 CCHS patients had been using home portable positive pressure ventilation (PPV) via tracheostomy, 1 had been on PPV via endotracheal tube, and 3 had been using noninvasive PPV (NPPV). Of the patients with tracheostomy prior to DP (n = 15), 11 (73%) were decannulated and ventilated successfully by DP without tracheostomy. Of all the patients reviewed (n = 18), 13 (72%) were successfully ventilated by DP without tracheostomy. Obesity prevented successful DP without tracheostomy in 1 patient, and upper airway obstruction prevented success in another patient. Snoring and/or obstructive apneas were present in some patients, but they were improved by diaphragm pacer changes, adenotonsillectomy, and/or use of nasal steroids. CONCLUSIONS: DP without tracheostomy can be successfully achieved in patients with CCHS. Snoring and obstructive apneas, when present, can be managed by diaphragm pacer changes and medical therapies. Obesity can pose a challenge to successful DP.

Surgical approach to intussusception in older children: influence of lead points.

BACKGROUND: The likelihood of a lead point as the cause of ileocolic intussusception increases as children get older. This study looks at whether a different management strategy should be employed in older patients. METHODS: 7 year multi-institutional retrospective study of intussusception in patients aged <12 years. RESULTS: Ileocolic intussusception with complete data was found in 153 patients: 109 0-2 years, 34 3-5 years, and 10 6-12 years, respectively. Bloody stools occurred in 42/143 of 0-5 years and 0/10 of 6-12 years, p<0.001. Combined hydrostatic and/or surgical reduction was successful in 113/143 0-5 year olds vs 5/10 6-12 year olds, p<0.001. Enemas were safe but reduced only 1 patient over age 5. Resections were required in 29 patients (15 idiopathic, 14 lead points). Lead points were found in 4/109 children under 3 years, in 5/34 aged 3-5 years and 5/10 aged 6-12 years (p=0.04 vs 3-5 years and p <0.001 vs 0-5 years). Lead points consisted of 7 Meckel's diverticula and 7 others. CONCLUSION: Children older than 5 years are much more likely to have a pathologic lead point and early surgical intervention should be considered. In this study, enema reduction was safe but minimally beneficial in this age group.