Use of Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Cryptorchidism: A Single-Institution Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The American Urological Association guidelines recommend against the performance of ultrasound and other imaging modalities in the evaluation of patients with cryptorchidism before expert consultation. We aimed to examine our institutional experience with cryptorchidism and measure adherence to currently available guidelines. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of ultrasound utilization in the evaluation of patients with cryptorchidism was performed from June 1, 2016, to June 30, 2019, at a single tertiary level pediatric hospital. RESULTS: We identified 1796 patients evaluated in surgical clinics for cryptorchidism. Surgical intervention was performed in 75.2% (n = 1351) of the entire cohort. Ultrasound was performed in 42% (n = 754), most of which were ordered by referring physicians (91% n = 686). Of those who received an ultrasound, surgical intervention was performed in 78% (n = 588). Those 166 patients (22%) who did not undergo surgical intervention were referred with ultrasounds suggesting inguinal testes; however, all had normal physical examinations or mildly retractile testes at the time of consultation and were discharged from the outpatient clinic. There were 597 patients referred without an ultrasound, 81% (n = 483) were confirmed to have cryptorchidism at the time of specialist physical examination and underwent definitive surgical intervention, the remainder (19%, n = 114) were discharged from the outpatient clinics. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound evaluation of cryptorchidism continues despite high-quality evidence-based guidelines that recommend otherwise, as they should have little to no bearing on the surgeon's decision to operate or the type of operation. Instead, physical examination findings should guide surgical planning.

Persistent Pediatric Breast Abscesses Following Initial Treatment at Tertiary and Community Centers.

INTRODUCTION: Little data exist on the management of pediatric breast abscesses that fail initial treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and report outcomes in these patients. METHODS: All patients <18-year-old treated for a breast abscess between January 2008 and December 2018 were included. Patients were divided into two groups: initial treatment at our institution (Group 1) and initial treatment at referring centers (Group 2). The primary outcome was disease persistence following treatment at our institution. Secondary outcomes included treatment modalities and patient characteristics. RESULTS: In total, 145 patients were identified: 111 in Group 1 and 34 in Group 2. Antibiotics alone were the initial treatment in 52.3% (n = 58) of Group 1 patients and 64.7% (n = 22) of Group 2 patients. Invasive treatment was more common in Group 1 (45.9% vs 5.8%; P < 0.00001). Patients with persistent disease in Group 1 were treated with aspiration (n = 7, 50%), incision and drainage (n = 5, 35.7%), antibiotics (n = 1, 7.14%), and manual expression (n = 1, 7.14%.), while Group 2 patients were treated with antibiotics (50%, n = 17), aspiration (26.47%, n = 9), incision and drainage (17.65%, n = 6), and manual expression (5.88%, n = 2). Group 2 patients with persistent disease were more likely to be treated with antibiotics or a change in antibiotics (50% vs 7.14%; P = 0.005). Following treatment at our institution, the rate of persistent disease was similar between groups (12.6% vs 11.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Persistent breast abscesses may be treated with antibiotics in appropriate cases. Damage to the developing breast bud should be minimized. Disease persistence is similar once treated at tertiary care centers.

Satisfaction With Same-Day Discharge After Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Nonperforated Appendicitis.

INTRODUCTION: Same-day discharge (SDD) after laparoscopic appendectomy for acute nonperforated appendicitis is safe, without an increased rate of postoperative complications, emergency department visits, or readmissions. We aimed to evaluate caregiver satisfaction with this protocol. METHODS: Patients discharged on the day of laparoscopic appendectomy for nonperforated acute appendicitis were identified between January 2022 and August 2022. Surveys to evaluate satisfaction with the protocol were distributed to the caregivers via email or text message 96 h after discharge. Telephone surveys were conducted if there were no responses to the initial online survey. The surveys assessed comfort with SDD, postoperative pain control adequacy, postoperative provider contact, and overall satisfaction. The protocol focused on avoidance of narcotics in the postoperative period and immediate return to a regular diet. RESULTS: A total of 255 cases of nonperforated acute appendicitis underwent SDD. The survey response rate was 50.6% (n = 129). Most respondents were Caucasian (69.0%, n = 89) and male (51.9%, n = 67) with a median age of 12.0 y (IQR 8.9,14.7). The median postoperative length of hospital stay was 3.8 h (interquartile range [IQR] 3.2,4.8). The overall satisfaction rate was 91.5%, with 118 caregivers feeling satisfied with SDD. Most caregivers felt comfortable with the SDD protocol (89.9%, n = 116), with 22.5% (n = 29) calling a medical provider postoperatively. Approximately nine out of 10 caregivers reported that pain was adequately controlled (91.5%, n = 118). In contrast, those that were dissatisfied reported issues with pain control and anxiety with SDD after a surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Caregiver satisfaction and comfort with same-day discharge following laparoscopic appendectomy is high with appropriate anticipatory guidance and preoperative education.

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 of Pediatric Breast Abscesses and Optimal Treatment: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Literature on pediatric breast abscesses is sparse; therefore, treatment is based on adult literature which has shifted from incision and drainage (I&D) to needle aspiration. However, children may require different treatment due to different risk factors and the presence of a developing breast bud. We sought to characterize pediatric breast abscesses and compare outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients presenting with a primary breast abscess from January 2008 to December 2018 was conducted. Primary outcome was persistent disease. Antibiotic utilization, treatment required, and risk factors for abscess and recurrence were also assessed. A follow-up survey regarding scarring, deformity, and further procedures was administered. Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests for group comparisons and multivariable regression to determine associations with recurrence were performed. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were included. The median age was 12.8 y [IQR 4.9, 14.3], 81% were women, and 51% were African-American. Most commonly, patients were treated with antibiotics alone (47%), followed by I&D (27%), and aspiration (26%). Twelve patients (13%) had persistent disease. There was no difference in demographic or clinical characteristics between those with persistent disease and those who responded to initial treatment. The success rates of primary treatment were 80% with antibiotics alone, 90% with aspiration, and 96% with I&D (P = 0.35). The median time to follow-up survey was 6.5 y [IQR 4.4, 8.5]. Four patients who underwent I&D initially reported significant scarring. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment modality was not associated with persistent disease. A trial of antibiotics alone may be considered to minimize the risk of breast bud damage and adverse cosmetic outcomes with invasive intervention.

Impact of Botulinum Toxin on Hirschsprung-Associated Enterocolitis After Primary Pull-Through.

BACKGROUND: Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a serious potential complication after primary pull-through surgery for Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR). Administration of anal botulinum toxin (BT) injection may improve obstructive symptoms at the internal anal sphincter, leading to improved fecal passage. The timing of administration and effects on delay or prevention of HAEC are unknown. We hypothesized that BT administration increased the postoperative time to HAEC and aimed to investigate whether anal BT administration after primary pull-through surgery for HSCR is associated with increased time to inpatient HAEC admission development. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study examining children with HSCR at US children's hospitals from 2008 to 2018 using the Pediatric Health Information System database with an associated primary pull-through operation performed before 60 d of age. The intervention assessed was the administration of BT concerning the timing of primary pull-through, and two groups were identified: PRO (received BT at or after primary pull-through, before HAEC) and NOT (never received BT, or received BT after HAEC). The primary outcome was time from pull-through to the first HAEC admission. The Cox proportional hazards model was developed to examine the BT administration effect on the primary outcome after controlling for patient-level covariates. RESULTS: We examined a total of 1439 children (67 in the PRO and 1372 in the NOT groups). A total of 308 (21.4%) developed at least one episode of HAEC, including 76 (5.3%) who had two or more episodes. Between 2008 and 2018, the frequency of BT administration has increased from three to 20 hospitals with a frequency of administration between 2.2% and 16.2%. Prophylactic BT (PRO) was not associated with increased time to HAEC event on adjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Among children with HSCR undergoing primary pull-through surgery, prophylactic BT administration did not demonstrate increased time to first HAEC event. A better-powered study with prophylactic BT is required to determine the effect on HAEC occurrence and timing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II (retrospective cohort study).

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.

Self-reported Outcomes After Cholecystectomy for Pediatric Hyperkinetic Biliary Dyskinesia.

BACKGROUND: Biliary dyskinesia (BD) is a common indication for cholecystectomy in children. Current literature demonstrates an improvement in symptoms after cholecystectomy in most pediatric patients with an EF <35%; however, data supporting the efficacy of cholecystectomy for hyperkinetic BD (EF >65%) is sparse. We sought to determine whether children with hyperkinetic BD (HBD) had resolution of their symptoms after laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of children who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy for HBD at our institution between September 2010 and July 2015. Patients completed a phone survey about symptom resolution, whether they were happy to have undergone cholecystectomy, overall satisfaction on a 1-10 scale, and additional workup for those with ongoing pain. Analysis was performed using STATA statistical software with a P-value < 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: Thirteen patients met inclusion criteria. Median gallbladder ejection fraction was 93% [IQR: 90, 97]. Median postoperative follow-up was 59 d [IQR: 25, 151] at which time 50% reported resolution of symptoms. Eight patients participated in the survey at a median follow-up of 45 mo [IQR: 40, 66]. Fifty percent reported ongoing abdominal pain. Frequency of pain varied among patients with pain, occurring from <1 time per week to a few times per day. Five patients (63%), including one patient with ongoing pain, were happy that their gallbladder had been removed and overall satisfaction rating was 5 on a scale of 1-10. CONCLUSIONS: Only half of children with HBD were asymptomatic at long-term follow-up. Cholecystectomy for HBD may or may not improve symptoms.

Ligament of Treitz Release With Duodenal Lowering for Pediatric Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Operative approaches for superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) vary from Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy to the more conservative division of the ligament of Treitz with inferior duodenal derotation known as the Strong procedure. We sought to examine outcomes following a modified version of Strong procedure where the duodenum is lowered as opposed to derotated for the management of SMAS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of children who underwent surgical management of SMAS between January 2008 and December 2017. An online survey regarding symptom resolution, feeding practices, and the need for additional procedures was distributed. Data are reported as medians with interquartile range (IQR) and proportions as percentages. RESULTS: Seven patients with a median age of 15 y (IQR 8, 16) and median body mass index of 16.9 (IQR, 12.6, 22.1) were included. Presenting symptoms included pain (71%), nausea (57%), and vomiting (43%). Six patients initially underwent duodenal lowering, whereas one patient underwent duodenoduodenostomy. One patient underwent adhesiolysis for bowel obstruction in the early postoperative period. All patients had symptom resolution at a postoperative follow-up of 22 d (IQR, 15, 45). Two patients had symptom recurrence, and one patient required reoperation. Six patients completed the survey at a median of 2.3 y (IQR, 1.7, 3.2) postoperatively, of which four underwent duodenal lowering. Of these, 75% (n = 3) were asymptomatic. One patient with recurrence reported occasional nausea and emesis but has not required additional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Release of the ligament of Treitz with duodenal lowering results in resolution of symptoms in 75% of patients. This operative approach may be considered before performing more complex operations for SMAS.

Intra-abdominal Abscess After Appendectomy-Are Drains Necessary in All Patients?

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that patients who develop a postoperative intra-abdominal abscess (PIAA) after appendectomy have a greater number of health care visits with drain placement. Our institution developed an algorithm to limit drain placement for only abscesses with a size >20 cm2. We sought to determine the adherence to and effectiveness of this algorithm. METHODS: This prospective observational study included patients aged 2-18 y old who developed a PIAA from September 2017 to June 2019. Outcomes were compared between patients with a small or large abscess. Analysis was performed in STATA; P < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included. The median age was 10.6 y (7, 11.7); 60% were men, and 60% were Caucasian. The median duration of symptoms before diagnosis of appendicitis was 3 d (2, 6). Thirteen patients (43%) were diagnosed with a PIAA while still inpatient, and 17 (57%) were readmitted at a later date. After algorithm implementation, 95% (n = 19) of patients with a large abscess had aspiration ± drain placement, whereas 30% (n = 3) with a small abscess underwent drainage. Length of stay after abscess diagnosis, total duration of antibiotics, and number of health care visits were the same between groups. One patient with a small abscess required reoperation for an obstruction, whereas one patient with a large abscess that was drained was readmitted for a recurrent abscess. CONCLUSIONS: Small PIAA can be successfully managed without intervention. Our proposed algorithm can assist in determining which patients can be treated with antibiotics alone.

A Prospective, Randomized Cross-over Trial of 2 Low-profile Gastrostomy Buttons to Determine Family Preference.

Low-profile gastrostomy balloon buttons are often used in the pediatric population. We conducted a prospective, randomized crossover trial to determine family preference comparing MIC-KEY (tube A) and MiniONE (tube B) buttons. Patients were randomized to tube A and tube B at placement. At 2 months, patients were given the opposite button. At 4 months, parents indicated their preferred button. A standardized assessment tool was used to assess gastrostomy site skin complications and device malfunction. One hundred fifty-eight patients were randomized, 79 each to receive tube A or tube B first. Sixty-eight with tube A and 60 with tube B completed their first follow-up. Sixty-five with tube A and 43 with tube B completed crossover, 69% of whom preferred tube B (P < 0.001). Including those who preferred their first button and declined to switch at 2 months, 91 of 127 (72%) kept tube B, demonstrating a strong preference for tube B.

Ethics of randomized trials in pediatric surgery.

To provide the best evidence-based treatment for children, and timely evaluation of innovations, the role of the pediatric surgeon's participation in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective comparative studies is required. The ethical considerations of pediatric surgical RCTs pose unique practical difficulties in the design and performance of clinical trials in children. There are several ethical issues unique to pediatric surgical RCTs: diseases with low volume, an inability to conduct Phase 1 and 2 trials, parental emotional involvement, difficulty with recruitment in surgical trials, volume, and modified study design, issues with permission vs. assent and investigator bias. This article reviews the ethical aspects unique to pediatric surgical RCTs and prospective comparative studies.Level of evidence: Level 3.

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.

Safety of Laparoscopic Gastrostomy in Children Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis.

BACKGROUND: The preferred method of dialysis for children is chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD), and these children may require delayed gastrostomy tube (GT) placement. Investigators have reported a high risk of fungal peritonitis, early bacterial peritonitis, and catheter loss when percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is performed in children already undergoing CPD. Current International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis guidelines recommend only open GT for these patients. We sought to report the safety of laparoscopic gastrostomy (LG) among children already receiving PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of children who had initiated CPD before GT placement between 2010 and 2017 at our pediatric hospital. Demographic data, clinical details, and peritonitis rates were recorded. Peritonitis was defined as peritoneal WBC count >100/mm3 and >50% neutrophils, with or without a positive peritoneal culture. RESULTS: Twenty-three subjects had both undergone CPD and had a GT placed in the study period. Of these, 13 had a GT placed after CPD had been initiated. One of these was excluded for open technique and another excluded because of no overlap of GT and PD catheter, leaving 11 for analysis. Median age at the time of LG was 1.32 y and median weight-for-age z-score was -1.86 (IQR -2.9, -1.3). Median days to PD catheter and GT use after LG were 2 (range 0-4) and 1 (range 0-2). Median weight z-score change at 90 d was +0.5 (IQR -0.1, +0.9). All patients received antifungal and antibiotic coverage at time of GT placement. No subjects developed fungal peritonitis or early bacterial peritonitis, although one developed bacterial peritonitis within 30 d. The overall rate of peritonitis after laparoscopic gastrostomy tube was 0.35 episodes/patient-year. This was similar to a rate of 0.45 episodes/patient-year during PD but before laparoscopic gastrostomy tube in the same patients (P = 0.679). Four subjects required periods of hemodialysis, two of which were because of PD catheter removal due to infection. One of the latter was due to a relapse of pre-LG peritonitis and the patient later resumed PD. The other was due to remote post-LG peritonitis and the patient continued hemodialysis until renal transplant, both after 6 mo. CONCLUSIONS: We found that, in children already receiving PD, LG is similar in safety profile, efficacy, and technical principle to open gastrostomy. LG is therefore an appropriate and safe alternative to open gastrostomy in this setting.

Elective laparoscopic gastrostomy in children: potential for an enhanced recovery protocol.

PURPOSE: Gastrostomy tube placement is one of the most commonly performed pediatric surgical procedures and discharge is possible as early as the first postoperative day with early initiation of feeds postoperatively. We examined a national database to determine hospital length of stay (LOS) after elective laparoscopic gastrostomy in children. METHODS: We queried the 2012-2013 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric (NSQIP-P) database, including all patients who underwent elective laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement for failure to thrive or feeding difficulties. Demographic data, admission status, disposition at discharge, surgical subspecialty data and hospital LOS were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 599 patients underwent gastrostomy tube placement for failure to thrive or feeding intolerance. The majority, 52%, was male and 69.3% were White. The median age was 2.2 years (IQR 0.9-6.3). Of the total, 28.7% were infants. The median total hospital LOS was 2 days (IQR 1-2), with only 39% discharged in a day or less. CONCLUSION: Pediatric patients undergoing elective laparoscopic gastrostomy have a median hospital length of stay of 2 days, despite evidence that early feeding and discharge within 24 h is both feasible and safe. There is potential for the implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol as a quality metric for this procedure.

Maturation of effect size during enrollment of prospective randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Randomized clinical trials are powered by calculating the minimum sample size required to achieve statistical significance, given an estimated effect size (ES). The ES is the raw difference between two treatment arms. ES quantifies the actual magnitude of clinical differences between cohorts and is usually reflective of the true meaning of the trial, regardless of statistical significance. Under a fixed protocol, we hypothesize that the ES may be attained at a smaller sample than predesigned. To investigate patterns of ES during enrollment, we analyzed completed trials that were completed at our institution. METHODS: Outcomes of 11 prospective randomized clinical trials from our institution were reviewed. ES was calculated at intervals throughout each trial to determine at which point a steady clinical difference was achieved between treatment cohorts. RESULTS: ES stabilized at a median of 64% enrollment. All patients were needed to meet the precise ES in our smallest study, indicating the need for full enrollment in smaller studies. Otherwise, 50% of our trials required between 48% and 76% of patient enrollment to meet ES. In comparing clinical outcomes, 9 of 12 found a final difference that was nearly identical to the difference that could have been determined much earlier. Categorical outcomes met stabilized ES at 51% enrollment and continuous outcomes at 68%. CONCLUSIONS: ES and final clinical outcomes were achieved before the completion of enrollment for most of our studies. This suggests that clinical differences detected by randomization may not necessarily require the robust sample size often needed to establish statistical significance. This is particularly relevant in fixed-protocol interventional trials of homogenous populations.

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.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Pyloromyotomy in Children: An Opportunity for Better Stewardship.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infection is very uncommon after pyloromyotomy in children, and it is considered a "clean" procedure under the traditional wound classification system. This study aims to investigate prophylactic antibiotic administration for pyloromyotomy among children's hospitals in the USA. METHODS: The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database was retrospectively reviewed from 2014 to 2015 including all patients less than 1 year old who had a principal diagnosis of pyloric stenosis and underwent pyloromyotomy. Patient demographics, hospital length of stay, and perioperative antibiotic administration were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 4206 patients met study criteria. Most patients were male (84%) and Caucasian (70%). The median age at admission was 32 days (IQR 24-44 days), and median length of stay was 2 days (IQR 1-2 days). Antibiotics were administered perioperatively in 2153 (51%) patients with marked variation among children's hospitals. Antibiotics were given to more than 10% of patients in more than 90% of hospitals, and only two of 49 hospitals gave no antibiotic prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that at several tertiary-level children's hospitals in the USA, antibiotic prophylaxis is administered for pyloromyotomy, a "clean" procedure. This highlights the need for standardization of care and more effective antibiotic stewardship in pediatric surgery.