A Multi-institutional Analysis of Factors Influencing the Rate of Positive MRI Biopsy Among Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The use of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for early-stage breast cancer (ESBC) is increasing, but its utility in detecting additional malignancy is unclear and delays surgical management (Jatoi and Benson in Future Oncol 9:347-353, 2013. https://doi.org/10.2217/fon.12.186 , Bleicher et al. J Am Coll Surg 209:180-187, 2009. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2009.04.010 , Borowsky et al. J Surg Res 280:114-122, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2022.06.066 ). The present study sought to identify ESBC patients most likely to benefit from preoperative MRI by assessing the positive predictive values (PPVs) of ipsilateral and contralateral biopsies. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included patients with cTis-T2N0-N1 breast cancer from two institutions during 2016-2021. A "positive" biopsy result was defined as additional cancer (PositiveCancer) or cancer with histology often excised (PositiveSurg). The PPV of MRI biopsies was calculated with respect to age, family history, breast density, and histology. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression determined whether combinations of age younger than 50 years, dense breasts, family history, and pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) histology led to higher biopsy yield. RESULTS: Of the included patients, 447 received preoperative MRI and 131 underwent 149 MRI-guided biopsies (96 ipsilateral, 53 contralateral [18 bilateral]). PositiveCancer for ipsilateral biopsy was 54.2%, and PositiveCancer for contralateral biopsy was 17.0%. PositiveSurg for ipsilateral biopsy was 62.5%, and PositiveSurg for contralateral biopsy was 24.5%. Among the contralateral MRI biopsies, patients younger than 50 years were less likely to have PositiveSurg (odds ratio, 0.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.00-0.84; p = 0.041). The combinations of age, density, family history, and histology did not lead to a higher biopsy yield. CONCLUSION: Historically accepted factors for recommending preoperative MRI did not appear to confer a higher MRI biopsy yield. To prevent delays to surgical management, MRI should be carefully selected for individual patients most likely to benefit from additional imaging.

Nationwide Analysis of Firearm Injury Versus Other Penetrating Trauma: It's Not All the Same Caliber.

INTRODUCTION: Ballistic injuries cause both a temporary and permanent cavitation event, making them far more destructive and complex than other penetrating trauma. We hypothesized that global injury scoring and physiologic parameters would fail to capture the lethality of gunshot wounds (GSW) compared to other penetrating mechanisms. METHODS: The 2019 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs participant use file was queried for the mortality rate for GSW and other penetrating mechanisms. A binomial logistic regression model ascertained the effects of sex, age, hypotension, tachycardia, mechanism, Glasgow Coma Scale, ISS, and volume of blood transfusion on the likelihood of mortality. Subgroup analyses examined isolated injuries by body regions. RESULTS: Among 95,458 cases (82% male), GSW comprised 46.4% of penetrating traumas. GSW was associated with longer hospital length of stay (4 [2-9] versus 3 [2-5] days), longer intensive care unit length of stay (3 [2-6] versus 2 [2-4] days), and more ventilator days (2 [1-4] versus 2 [1-3]) compared to stab wounds, all P < 0.001. The model determined that GSW was linked to increased odds of mortality compared to stab wounds (odds ratio 4.19, 95% confidence interval 3.55-4.93). GSW was an independent risk factor for acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, venous thromboembolism, sepsis, and surgical site infection. CONCLUSIONS: Injury scoring systems based on anatomical or physiological derangements fail to capture the lethality of GSW compared to other mechanisms of penetrating injury. Adjustments in risk stratification and reporting are necessary to reflect the proportion of GSW seen at each trauma center. Improved classification may help providers develop quality processes of care. This information may also help shape public discourse on this highly lethal mechanism.

Timing of Pediatric Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Review of Nationwide Readmissions Data.

INTRODUCTION: In pediatric patients, incarcerated inguinal hernias are often repaired on presentation. We hypothesize that in appropriate patients, repair may be safely deferred. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify pediatric patients (aged < 18 y) with incarcerated inguinal hernia from 2010 to 2014. Patients were stratified by management approach (Early Repair versus Deferral). Overall frequencies of these operative strategies were calculated. Propensity score matching was then performed to control for patient age, comorbidities, perinatal conditions, and congenital anomalies. Outcomes including complications, surgical procedures, and readmissions were compared. Outpatient surgeries were not assessed. RESULTS: Among 6148 total patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia, the most common strategy was to perform Early Repair (88% versus 12% Deferral). Following propensity score matching, the cohort included 1288 patients (86% male, average age 1.7 ± 4.1 years). Deferral was associated with equivalent rates of readmission within one year (13% versus 15%, P = 0.143), but higher readmissions within the first 30 days (7% versus 3%, P = 0.002) than Early Repair. Deferral patients had lower rates of orchiectomy (2% versus 5%, P = 0.001), wound infections (< 2% versus 2%, P = 0.020), and other infections (7% versus 15%, P < 0.001). The frequency of other complications including bowel resection, oophorectomy, testicular atrophy, sepsis, and pneumonia were equivalent between groups. Three percent of Deferrals had a diagnosis of incarceration on readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Deferral of incarcerated inguinal hernia repair at index admission is associated with higher rates of hospital readmissions within the first 30 days but equivalent readmission within the entire calendar year. These patients are at risk of repeat incarceration but have significantly lower rates of orchiectomy than their counterparts who undergo inguinal hernia repair at the index admission. We propose that prospective studies be performed to identify good candidates for Elective Deferral following manual reduction and overnight observation. Such studies must capture outpatient surgical outcomes.

Association Between Child Access Prevention and State Firearm Laws With Pediatric Firearm-Related Deaths.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to study the association between state child access prevention (CAP) and overall firearm laws with pediatric firearm-related mortality. METHODS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System was queried for pediatric (aged < 18 y) all-intent (accidental, suicide, and homicide) firearm-related crude death rates (CDRs) among the 50 states from 1999 to 2019. States were into three groups: Always CAP (throughout the 20-year period), Never CAP, and New CAP (enacted CAP during study period). We used the Giffords Law Center Annual Gun Law Scorecard (A, B, C, D, F) to group states into strict (A, B) and lenient (C, D, F) firearm laws. A scatter plot was constructed to display state CDR based on CAP laws by year. The top 10 states by CDR per year were tabulated based on CAP law status. Wilcoxon rank-sum was used to compare CDR between strict and lenient scorecard states in 2019. RESULTS: There were 12 Always CAP, 21 Never CAP, and 17 New CAP states from 1999 to 2019. No states changed from CAP laws to no CAP laws. Never CAP and New CAP states dominated the high outliers in CDR compared to Always CAP. The top 10 states with the highest CDR per year were most commonly Never CAP. Strict firearm laws states had lower median CDR in 2019 than lenient states (0.79 [0-1.67] versus 2.59 [1.66-3.53], P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Stricter overall gun laws are associated with three-fold lower all-intent pediatric firearm-related deaths. For 2 decades, the 10 states with the highest CDR were almost universally those without CAP laws. Our findings support the RAND Gun Policy in America initiative's claims on the importance of CAP laws in reducing suicide, unintentional deaths, and violent crime among children, but more research is needed.

Outcomes of Incidental Appendectomy During Ovarian Operations in a National Pediatric Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: The utility of incidental appendectomy (IA) during many ovarian operations has not been evaluated in the pediatric population. This study sought to compare outcomes after ovarian surgery with IA in the pediatric population. METHODS: Females (≤20 y old) undergoing ovarian surgeries (oophorectomy, detorsion and/or drainage) were identified from the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016-2018). Those with appendicitis were excluded. A propensity score-matched analysis (PSMA) with 46 covariates (demographics, comorbidities, hospitalization factors, etc.) was performed between those receiving ovarian surgery with or without IA. RESULTS: There were 13,202 females (median age 17 [IQR 14-20] y old) who underwent oophorectomy (90%), detorsion (26%), and/or ovarian drainage (13%). There were more episodes of torsion in the PSMA cohort receiving ovarian surgery alone (17% versus 10% IA; P = 0.016), while other indications (ovarian mass, cyst) were similar. Open (66% versus 34% laparoscopic) IAs were more frequent. Length of stay (LOS) was longer for those undergoing IA (3 [2-4] versus 2 [2-4] days ovarian surgery alone; P < 0.001). There was a higher rate of postoperative GI complications in the IA cohort. Subgroup analysis of those undergoing laparoscopic operations demonstrated no difference in LOS or postoperative complications between patients undergoing IA or not. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that IA in pediatric ovarian operations is associated with longer LOS and higher GI postoperative complications. However, laparoscopic IA was not associated with higher cost, complications, LOS, or readmissions. This suggests that IA performed during ovarian surgeries in select patients may be cost-effective and worthy of future study.

Assessment of neuromonitoring use and postoperative readmission rates in pediatric Chiari I malformation with syrinx.

INTRODUCTION: While operative intervention for Chiari malformation type I (CMI) with syringomyelia is well established, there is limited data on outcomes of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). This study sought to explore differences in procedural characteristics and their effects on postoperative readmission rates. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmission Database was queried from 2010 to 2014 for patients ≤ 18 years of age with CMI and syringomyelia who underwent cranial decompression or spinal decompression. Demographics, hospital characteristics, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Over the 5-year period, 2789 patients were identified that underwent operative treatment for CMI with syringomyelia. Mean age was 10 ± 4 years with 55% female. During their index hospitalization 14% of the patients had IONM. Patients receiving IONM had no significant difference in Charleston Comorbidity Index ≥ 1 (16% vs. 15% without, p = 0.774). IONM was more often used in those with private insurance (63% vs. 58% without, p = 0.0004) and less likely in those with Medicaid (29% vs. 37% without, p = 0.004). Patients receiving IONM were more likely to have a postoperative complication (23% vs 17%, p = 0.004) and were more likely to have hospital lengths of stay > 7 days (9% vs. 5% without, p = 0.005). Readmission rates for CMI were 9% within 30 days and 15% within the year. The majority (89%) of readmissions were unplanned. 25% of readmissions were for infection and 27% of readmissions underwent a CMI reoperation. The 30-day readmission rate was higher for those with IONM (12% vs. 8% without, p = 0.010). Median cost for hospitalization was significantly higher for patients with IONM ($26,663 ($16,933-34,397)) vs. those without ($14,577 ($11,538-18,392)), p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The use of intraoperative neuromonitoring for operative repair of CMI is associated with higher postoperative complications and readmissions. In addition, there are disparities in its use and increased cost to the healthcare system. Further studies are needed to elucidate the factors underlying this association.

Improper Restraint Use in Pediatric Patients Involved in Motor Vehicle Collisions.

BACKGROUND: Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are the leading cause of unintentional death among children and adolescents; however, public awareness and use of appropriate restraint recommendations are perceived as deficient. We aimed to investigate the use of child safety restraints and examine outcomes in our community. METHODS: We retrospectively queried a level 1 trauma registry for pediatric (0-18 y) MVC patients from October 2013 to December 2018. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded. Data regarding appropriate restraint use by age group were examined. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-four cases of pediatric MVC were identified. Overall, 53% were improperly restrained or unrestrained. Sixty-two percent of car seat age and 51% of booster age children were improperly restrained or unrestrained altogether. Fifty-nine percent of back seat riding, seatbelt age were improperly restrained/unrestrained, with 26% riding in the front. Fifty-one percent of seatbelt-only adolescents were not belted. Black, non-Hispanic children were more often improperly restrained/unrestrained compared to Hispanics (63% versus 48%, P = 0.001). Improperly restrained/unrestrained children had higher injury severity (10% versus 4% Injury Severity Score > 25, P = 0.021), require operative/interventional radiology (33% versus 19%, P = 0.001), and be discharged to rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility (5.2% versus 1.5%, P = 0.033). Mortality in adolescents was higher among those unrestrained (5.2% versus 0.8%, P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Although efforts to improve adherence to restraint regulations have greatly increased in the last decade, more than half of children in MVC are still improperly restrained. Injury prevention services and community outreach is essential to educate the most vulnerable populations, especially those with infants and toddlers, on adequate motor vehicle safety measures in our community.

Ovarian Preservation and Recurrent Torsion in Children: Both Less Common Than We Thought.

PURPOSE: Surgical management of pediatric ovarian torsion includes total oophorectomy (TO) or ovarian preservation surgery (OPS). This study sought to identify factors contributing to surgical management and readmission outcomes for ovarian torsion. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmission Database from 2010-2014 was used to identify patients < 18 years admitted with ovarian torsion. Patient factors, hospital characteristics, and readmission outcomes were compared by TO and OPS. Standard statistical analysis was performed and results were weighted for national estimates. RESULTS: There were 6028 patients (age 13 ± 4 years) identified with ovarian torsion who underwent either TO (50%) or OPS (50%). Patients had secondary pathology of ovarian cyst (41%), benign mass (19%), and malignant mass (0.4%). OPS was more common in teaching hospitals (84% vs. 74% TO, P<0.001), patients < 13 years of age (41% vs. 37% TO, P = 0.001), and those from high-income households (51% vs. 41% TO, P<0.001). The overall readmission rate was 4%, with no difference between surgical approach (4.3% OPS vs. 4.4% TO, P = 0.882). Of those readmitted (n = 265), readmission diagnoses were cyst (10%), malignant mass (9%), benign mass (7%), and torsion (5%). The overall rate of recurrent torsion was 0.2%, with no difference between OPS and TO (< 0.3% vs. < 0.2%, P = 0.282). CONCLUSION: Half of pediatric patients are undergoing TO for ovarian torsion in the U.S. and disparities exist with the utilization of OPS. There is no difference in rate of readmission or recurrent torsion between surgical approaches, and the overall rate of retorsion is lower than previously reported.

Outcomes of Abdominal Firearm Injury and Damage Control Laparotomy in the Pediatric Population.

INTRODUCTION: Firearm injuries (GSW) in the pediatric population is a public health crisis. Little is known about the outcomes of damage control laparotomy (DCL) following abdominal GSW. This study aims to evaluate outcomes from abdominal GSWs in the pediatric population. METHODS: The trauma registry from an urban Level 1 trauma was queried for pediatric (0-18 y) GSW was queried from September 2013 to June 2020. Demographics, clinical variables, outcomes, readmissions, and recidivism were analyzed. RESULTS: Abdominal GSW were identified in 83 patients (17% of all GSW). The median age was 16 [15-17], 84% were male and 86% Black. Violent intent accounted for 90% of GSW. The injury severity score was 16 [9-26] and 80% went directly from the resuscitation bay to the operating room. Laparotomy was required in 87% of patients, and surgery was not required in any patient initially managed nonoperatively. The most common complications were intraabdominal infection (20%), other infections (13%), and small bowel obstruction (8%). DCL with temporary abdominal closure was performed in 16% of laparotomies and was associated with a longer length of stay, more infections, but similar rates of readmission and mortality. Overall mortality was 13%, with all but one patient expiring in the resuscitation bay or the operating room. All patients who underwent DCL survived to discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal firearm injuries have high morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Damage control operations for abdominal GSWs are a valuable surgical option with similar outcomes to primary abdominal closure after initial injury survival.

Outcomes of Gastrostomy Tubes in Newborns With Congenital Heart Disease and Comparison of Techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrostomy tube (GT) placement for enteral access is one of the most common procedures for infants with numerous conditions such as congenital heart disease (CHD). Discrepancies in the literature exist regarding outcomes of newborns with CHD undergoing GT placement. This study sought to characterize postoperative outcomes and readmission complications in this patient population. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmission Database was queried from 2010 to 2014 for all newborns who underwent GT placement during their index hospitalization. Newborns with or without CHD other than an isolated atrial or ventricular septal defect were compared using standard statistical tests. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed among newborns with or without CHD using > 100 covariates. RESULTS: Seven thousand seven hundred thirty six patients underwent GT placement. Newborns with CHD (27%) more frequently underwent open GT (59% versus 55%) and less frequently underwent laparoscopic (17% versus 19%) or percutaneous (24% versus 26%) GT placement compared to those without CHD, P = 0.043. GT-related complications on index admission were similar between groups (7% versus 7%, P = 0.770). Newborns with CHD had higher overall readmission rates (39% versus 31%), more GT-related readmission complications (7% versus 3%), and higher readmission costs ($35,787 versus $20,073) compared to newborns without CHD, all P < 0.001. Laparoscopic GT was associated with the lowest rate of GT-related complications (0%) and overall readmission rates (27%) compared to open or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to newborns without CHD, newborns with CHD had higher rates of overall readmissions, readmission costs, and GT-related complications on readmission. The laparoscopic GT approach was underused despite fewer complications and readmissions.

Nationwide outcomes of incidental appendectomy during cholecystectomy versus cholecystectomy alone in children: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The utility of incidental appendectomy, appendectomy during another index surgery in the absence of appendicitis, has not been evaluated in the pediatric population during cholecystectomy. This study sought to compare nationwide outcomes after cholecystectomy with incidental appendectomy in children. METHODS: Patients ≤ 18 years old who underwent cholecystectomy from 2010-2014 were identified from the Nationwide Readmissions Database. A propensity score-matched analysis (PSMA) with > 40 covariates including demographics, comorbidities, and hospitalization factors was performed between those receiving cholecystectomy alone versus incidental appendectomy at the time of cholecystectomy. RESULTS: 34,390 patients underwent cholecystectomy (median age 15 [13-17] years). Laparoscopic (92%) approach was utilized most frequently, with 2% requiring conversion to open cholecystectomy. PSMA demonstrated a higher frequency of perforation or laceration of adjacent organs occurring in those receiving cholecystectomy alone during index admission. No significant differences in readmissions within 30 days or the calendar year were detected. Those undergoing cholecystectomy alone had higher overall readmission costs ($11,783 [$4942-$39,836] vs. $6,100 [$2358-$19,719] cholecystectomy with appendectomy; p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: This nationwide PSMA indicates that incidental appendectomy in pediatric cholecystectomies is not associated with higher postoperative complications, cost, or readmissions. This suggests that incidental appendectomy during cholecystectomy is safe, cost-effective, and worthy of future study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Using intent to get ahead of pediatric cranial firearm injuries.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric firearm injuries (PFI) are a public health crisis. Little is known about how injury intent may influence the outcome of pediatric cranial firearm injuries (PCFI). The current study sought to compare demographics and outcomes of PCFI based on intent of injury. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmission Database (2010-2014) was queried to identify patients <18 years old with PCFI. Demographics and outcomes were compared by injury intent (assault, self-inflicted, unintentional), and results were weighted for national estimates to create a population-based cohort study. RESULTS: There were 1,365 cases of PCFI identified for an incidence of 11% of all PFI. The majority of patients were male (83 %), >13 years (81 %), and had an injury severity score >15 (79 %). Overall PCFI mortality was 43 %, compared to 6 % for all PFI. Assault was the most common intent (51 %), followed by self-inflicted (25 %), and unintentional (24 %). Assault was more likely to occur in patients from low-income households (61 % vs. 31 % self-inflicted vs. 42 % unintentional), p < 0.001. Unintentional injuries occurred in those <13 years old (40 % vs. 12 % assault vs. 16 % self-inflicted) and more often resulted in facial fracture (19 % vs. 11 % vs. 13 %), all p < 0.001. Readmission rate within the year was 21 %. The majority (56 %) of readmissions were unplanned, and the rate was highest for assault (77 % vs. <1 % self-inflicted vs. 44 % unintentional, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PCFI are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Demographics and outcomes vary by intent of injury; knowledge of these patterns can direct future interventions to reduce injuries and impact outcomes.

Immediate Versus Delayed Surgical Management of Infant Cryptorchidism With Inguinal Hernia.

INTRODUCTION: Cryptorchidism is commonly treated with orchiopexy at 6-12 months of age, often allowing time for undescended testicle(s) (UT) to descend spontaneously. However, when an inguinal hernia (IH) is also present, some surgeons perform orchiopexy and inguinal hernia repair (IHR) immediately rather than delaying surgery. We hypothesize that early surgical intervention provides no benefit for newborns with both IH and UT. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify newborns with diagnoses of both IH and UT from 2010 to 2014. Patients were stratified by management: IHR performed on initial admission (Repair) or not (Deferral). Demographics, outcomes, and complications were compared. Results were weighted for national estimates. RESULTS: We analyzed 1306 newborns (64% premature) diagnosed with both IH and UT. IHR was performed at index admission in 30%. Repair was more common in premature babies (43% vs. 8% full-term, p < 0.001) and patients with congenital anomalies (33% vs. 27% without congenital anomaly, p = 0.012). There was no difference in readmission rates. Repair patients had higher rates of orchiectomy than did Deferral. No Deferral patients were readmitted for bowel resection, and <1% were readmitted for orchiectomy or hernia incarceration. CONCLUSION: In newborns with UT and IH, immediate repair is not associated with improved outcomes. Even with incarceration on initial presentation, rates of readmission with incarceration or bowel compromise for patients who undergo Deferral of surgery are minimal. Moreover, Repair newborns have higher rates of orchiectomy. We found no benefit to early operative intervention; thus, we recommend waiting until 6-12 months of age to reassess for surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative Study.

Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET) course improves military surgeon confidence.

OBJECTIVE: Active duty military surgeons often have limited trauma surgery experience prior to deployment. Consequently, military-civilian training programs have been developed at high-volume trauma centers to evaluate and maintain proficiencies. Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET) was incorporated into the predeployment curriculum at the Army Trauma Training Detachment in 2011. This is the first study to assess whether military surgeons demonstrated improved knowledge and increased confidence after taking ASSET. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Quaternary care hospital. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: Attending military surgeons who completed ASSET between July 2011 and October 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pre- and post-course self-reported comfort level with procedures was converted from a five-point Likert scale to a percentage and compared using paired t-tests. RESULTS: In 188 military surgeons, the median time in practice was 3 (1-8) years, with specialties in general surgery (52 percent), orthopedic surgery (29 percent), trauma (7 percent), and other disciplines (12 percent). The completed self-evaluation response rate was 80 percent (n = 151). The self-reported comfort level for all body regions improved following course completion (p < 0.001): chest (27 percent), neck (23 percent), upper extremity (22 percent), lower extremity (21 percent), and abdomen/pelvis (19 percent). The overall score on the competency test improved after completion of ASSET, with averages increasing from 62 ± 18 percent pretest to 71 ± 13 percent post-test (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After taking the ASSET course, military surgeons demonstrated improved knowledge and increased confidence in the operative skills taught in the course. The ASSET course may provide sustainment of knowledge and confidence if used at regular intervals to maintain trauma skills and deployment readiness.

Admission to a Verified Pediatric Trauma Center is Associated With Improved Outcomes in Severely Injured Children.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown improved survival for severely injured adult patients treated at American College of Surgeons verified level I/II trauma centers compared to level III and undesignated centers. However, this relationship has not been well established in pediatric trauma centers (PTCs). We hypothesize that severely injured children will have lower mortality at verified level I/II PTCs compared to centers without PTC verification. METHODS: All patients 1-15 years of age with ISS >15 in the 2017-2019 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs (ACS TQP) dataset were reviewed. Patients with pre-hospital cardiac arrest, burns, and those transferred out for ongoing inpatient care were excluded. Logistic regression models were used to assess the effects of pediatric trauma center verification on mortality. RESULTS: 16,301 patients were identified (64 % male, median ISS 21 [17-27]), and 60 % were admitted to verified PTCs. Overall mortality was 6.0 %. Mortality at centers with PTC verification was 5.1 % versus 7.3 % at centers without PTC verification (p < 0.001). After controlling for injury mechanism, sex, age, pediatric-adjusted shock index (SIPA), ISS, arrival via interhospital transfer, and adult trauma center verification, pediatric level I/II trauma center designation was independently associated with decreased mortality (OR 0.72, 95 % CI 0.61-0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment at ACS-verified pediatric trauma centers is associated with improved survival in critically injured children. These findings highlight the importance of PTC verification in optimizing outcomes for severely injured pediatric patients and should influence trauma center apportionment and prehospital triage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV - Retrospective review of national database.

Improper Restraint Use in Fatal Pediatric Motor Vehicle Collisions.

PURPOSE: Motor vehicle collisions (MVC) are the second leading cause of death in children and adolescents, but appropriate restraint use remains inadequate. Our previous work shows that about half of pediatric MVC victims presenting to our trauma center were unrestrained. This study evaluates restraint use among children and adolescents who did not survive after MVC. We hypothesize that restraint use is even lower in this population than in pediatric MVC patients who reached our trauma center. METHODS: We reviewed the local Medical Examiner's public records for fatal MVCs involving decedents <19 years old from 2010 to 2021. When restraint use was not documented, local Fire Rescue public records were cross-referenced. Patients were excluded if restraint use was still unknown. Age, demographics, and restraint use were compared using standard statistical methods. RESULTS: Of 199 reviewed cases, 92 met selection criteria. Improper restraint use was documented in 72 patients (78%). Most decedents were White (72% versus 28% Black) and male (74%), with a median age of 17 years [15-18]. Improper restraint use was more common among Black (92% vs 73% White, p = 0.040) and male occupants (85% vs 58% female, p = 0.006). Improper restraint use was lower in the Hispanic population (73%) compared to non-Hispanic individuals (89%), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.090). CONCLUSION: Most pediatric patients who die from MVCs in our county are improperly restrained. While male and Black patients are especially high-risk, the overall dismal rates of restraint use in our pediatric population present an opportunity to improve injury prevention measures. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Clinical course of pediatric gunshot wounds involving the spine and spinal cord: the Miami experience.

OBJECTIVE: Civilian gunshot wounds (GSWs) involving the skeletal spine and spinal cord in pediatric patients are fortunately rare. Nevertheless, their presentation mandates judicious evaluation, and their clinical outcomes remain poorly defined. Thus, the authors aimed to characterize the clinical course of this traumatic presentation in the pediatric population based on their institutional experience. METHODS: A retrospective review of a level I trauma center database was performed for the period 2011-2021. Clinical data were included for patients aged ≤ 18 years who had presented with radiographic and clinical evidence of a GSW to the spine and had at least one documented follow-up at least 6 months after injury. The primary outcomes of the study were the categorization of gunshot injuries and the results of neurological and functional examinations. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients satisfied the study selection criteria. The mean patient age was 15.7 ± 1.6 years, and all presentations were assault in nature. Most of the patients were male (n = 12, 92%) in gender, Black in race (n = 11, 85%), and from zip codes with a median household income below the local county average (n = 10, 77%). All patients presented with a minimum Glasgow Coma Scale score of 14. Examination at presentation revealed American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A in 3 cases (23%), grade B in 2 (15%), grade C in 1 (8%), grade D in 2 (15%), and grade E in 5 (38%). Gunshot injury involved all regions of the spine, most commonly the cervical and thoracic spine (n = 6 for each, 46%). In terms of skeletal injury, the most common injuries were to the facet (n = 10, 77%) and the pedicle (n = 8, 62%), with evidence of intracanal injury in 9 patients (69%). Neurosurgical intervention was pursued in 1 patient (8%). Overall, 7 patients (54%) experienced a complication during admission, and the median length of hospitalization was 12 days (range 1-88 days) without any mortality events. Within 90 days from discharge, 2 patients (15%) were readmitted to the hospital for further care. The mean follow-up was 28.9 months (range 6-74 months), by which only 1 patient (8%) had an improved AIS examination; all other patients remained at their initial AIS grade. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric GSWs involving the spine are typically nonfatal presentations, and their long-term functional outlook appears contingent on clinical examination findings at initial presentation. Although neurosurgical intervention is not necessary in most cases, judicious evaluation of radiographic and clinical examinations by a neurosurgical team is strongly recommended to optimize recovery.

Nationwide outcomes of newborns with rectosigmoid versus long-segment Hirschsprung disease.

PURPOSE: Hirschsprung Disease (HD) is a common congenital intestinal disorder. While aganglionosis most commonly affects the rectosigmoid colon (rectosigmoid HD), outcomes for patients in which aganglionosis extends to more proximal segments (long-segment HD) remain understudied. This study sought to compare postoperative outcomes among newborns with rectosigmoid and long-segment HD. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmission Database was queried from 2016 to 2018 for newborns with HD. Newborns were stratified into those with rectosigmoid or long-segment HD. Those who received no rectal biopsy or pull-through procedure during their newborn hospitalization were excluded. A propensity score-matched analysis (PSMA) of newborns with either type of HD was constructed utilizing 17 covariates including demographics, comorbidities, and congenital-perinatal conditions. RESULTS: There were 1280 newborns identified with HD (82% rectosigmoid HD, 18% long-segment HD). Patients with rectosigmoid HD had higher rates of laparoscopic resections (35% vs. 12%) and less frequently received a concomitant ostomy (14% vs. 84%), both p < 0.001. Patients with long-segment HD were more likely to have a delayed diagnosis (12% vs. 5%) and require multiple bowel operations (19% vs. 4%), both p < 0.001. They experienced higher rates of complications, including small bowel obstructions (10% vs. 1%), infections (45% vs. 20%), and Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (11% vs. 5%), all p < 0.001. After PSMA, newborns with long-segment HD were found to have a longer length of stay and higher hospitalization costs. CONCLUSION: Newborns with long-segment HD experience significant delays in diagnosis, surgery, and complications compared to those with rectosigmoid HD. This information should be utilized to improve healthcare delivery for this patient population. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Underutilization of laparoscopy for ovarian surgeries in the pediatric population: A nationwide analysis.

PURPOSE: Oophorectomy and ovarian detorsion are some of the most frequent operations performed in the female pediatric population. Despite the advent of laparoscopy, many surgeons continue to utilize open surgical approaches in these patients. This study sought to compare nationwide trends and postoperative outcomes in laparoscopic and open ovarian operations in the pediatric population. METHODS: Females less than 21 years old who underwent ovarian operations (oophorectomy, detorsion, and/or drainage) from 2016 to 2017 were identified from the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients were stratified by surgical approach (laparoscopic or open). Hospital characteristics and outcomes were compared using standard statistical tests. RESULTS: There were 13,202 females (age 17 [14-20] years) who underwent open (59%) or laparoscopic (41%) ovarian operations. The most common indications for surgery were ovarian mass (48%), cyst (36%), and/or torsion (19%) for which oophorectomy (88%), detorsion (26%), and drainage (13%) were performed most frequently. The open approach was utilized more frequently for oophorectomy (95% vs. 77% laparoscopic) and detorsion (33% vs. 16% laparoscopic), both p < 0.001. A greater proportion of laparoscopic procedures were performed at large (67% vs. 61% open), teaching (82% vs. 76% open) hospitals in patients with private insurance (47% vs. 42% open), all p < 0.001. Patients undergoing open procedures had significantly higher index length of stay (LOS) and rates of wound infections. Thirty-day and overall readmission rates, as well as overall readmission costs, were higher in patients who received open surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Despite fewer overall complications, decreased cost, fewer readmissions, and shorter LOS, laparoscopic approaches are underutilized for pediatric ovarian procedures. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Operative versus percutaneous drainage with fibrinolysis for complicated pediatric pleural effusions: A nationwide analysis.

PURPOSE: Management of complicated pleural effusions and empyema using tube thoracostomy with intrapleural fibrinolysis versus surgical drainage has been debated for decades. However, there remains considerable variation in management with these approaches in the pediatric population. This study aims to compare the nationwide outcomes of pediatric patients with complicated pleural effusions. METHODS: Patients <18 years old with a diagnosis of pleural effusion or empyema associated with pneumonia were identified from the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016-2018). Demographics, hospital characteristics, and complications were compared among patients undergoing isolated percutaneous drainage (PD), percutaneous drainage with intrapleural fibrinolysis (PDF), or operative drainage (OD) using standard statistical tests. RESULTS: 5424 patients (age 4 [IQR 1-11] years) were identified with a pleural effusion or empyema who underwent percutaneous or surgical intervention. PD (22%) and OD (24%) were utilized more frequently than PDF (3%). Index complications, including bleeding and postprocedural air leak, were similar between groups. Those receiving PDF had lower index length of stay (LOS) and admission costs. Thirty-day and overall readmission rates were highest in patients receiving PD (15% and 24%) and OD (12% and 23%) versus PDF, all p < 0.001. Those receiving OD had fewer readmission complications including recurrent effusion or empyema, pneumonia, and bleeding. Overall readmission cost was highest in those receiving PD (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: In this nationwide cohort, PDF was associated with lower index admission cost, shorter LOS and lower rates of readmissions compared to OD. This knowledge should be used to improve selection of these treatments in this patient population. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.