Surgical smoke: how an issue in healthcare fits a planetary health framework.

AIM: The smoke generated from electrocautery machines may be harmful to health. Healthcare in general, and surgery in particular, has a large environmental footprint. The aims of this study were to discover what healthcare workers thought about the problem of electrocautery smoke, the idea of a surgical smoke-free policy, and to formulate ideas on how the matter could be approached in an environmentally and socially responsible way. METHOD: Operating room personnel in a tertiary referral hospital were invited to complete a survey about electrocautery smoke: perceived risks, current exposure, and measures to minimise exposure. Quantitative data were analysed in a generalised linear model, and qualitative data by reflexive thematic analysis within a constructivist theoretical framework. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 463/1234 (38%). Most supported a smoke-free policy (89%). Support for a policy was positively correlated with the perceived risk of electrocautery smoke (p<0.001. Support was lower amongst males (p<0.05). Themes from the qualitative analysis developed around nature, society and technology. A framework was developed consisting of earth and its ecosystems, human health, governance, economics, society, and the interconnected of these systems. CONCLUSION: Although smoke-free policies form part of the solution to electrocautery smoke, they are not the whole solution. Healthcare issues, in this case the issue of electrocautery smoke, could be tackled within a planetary health healthcare framework, promoting a systems approach. Applicability of the framework requires confirmation by further research.

Tertiary survey by trauma nurse specialist at a paediatric trauma centre.

INTRODUCTION: Tertiary surveys aim to detect injuries missed in the initial assessment of trauma. We introduced a process by which the trauma nurse specialist performed a number of the tertiary surveys (NTSs) at our paediatric trauma centre. METHODS: Data from the first six months following introduction of the NTS were compared to retrospective data from the six months prior to NTS implementation (pre-NTS), when trauma surveys were completed by medical staff. RESULTS: Over the 12-month period, 130 children met the criteria for a tertiary survey. Pre-NTS, 57/62 eligible patients received a tertiary survey, compared to 61/68 during NTS (p=0.77). There were significantly more road traffic crash patients in the NTS group (p=0.008) but no significant differences by demographics, injury pattern, injury severity score or outcomes. New injuries were found in three patients pre-NTS compared to five patients during NTS (odds ratio 1.3 (95%CI 1.3-2.0, p=0.73)). CONCLUSION: This study conservatively supports the hypothesis that, with training and support, a trauma nurse specialist can perform tertiary surveys as effectively as doctors. A larger study is required to confirm these findings.

Is thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair safe in the presence of cardiac anomalies?

BACKGROUND: Esophageal atresia (EA) is often associated with congenital heart disease (CHD). Repair of EA by the thoracoscopic approach places physiological stress on a newborn with CHD. This paper reviews the outcomes of infants with CHD who had undergone thoracoscopic EA repair, comparing their outcomes to those without CHD. METHODS: This was a review of infants who underwent thoracoscopic EA repair from 2009 to 2017 at one institution. Operative time and outcomes were analyzed in relation to CHD status. RESULTS: Twenty five infants underwent thoracoscopic EA repair during the study period. Seventeen (68%) had associated anomalies of whom 9 (36%) had cardiac anomalies. The mean operative time was 217 min. There was no difference in operative time between CHD and non-CHD cases (estimate 20 min longer operative time in the presence of a cardiac anomaly [95% CI -20 to 57]). Two cases were converted to open thoracotomy; both were non-CHD. There was no difference in the time to feeding, time in intensive care unit or time in hospital between CHD and non-CHD cases. Five patients developed an anastomotic leak (two CHD and three non-CHD) of which two were clinical; all were managed conservatively. There was no case of recurrent fistula. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study did not find evidence that thoracoscopic EA repair compromised outcomes in children with congenital heart disease. A prospective multicenter study with long-term follow-up is recommended to confirm whether thoracoscopic repair in CHD is truly equivalent to the open operation. TYPE OF STUDY: Therapeutic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Analgesic effect of intraperitoneal local anesthetic in surgery: an overview of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: Intraperitoneal local anesthetic (IPLA) reduces postoperative pain as shown by previous systematic reviews. The purpose of this review was to compare the efficacy of IPLA between different types of procedure and to formulate GRADE recommendations for the use of IPLA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search for systematic reviews of the effect of IPLA, versus no IPLA or placebo, on pain after any surgical procedure. Databases included in the study were MEDLINE, EMBASE, CDSR, and DARE. Two reviewers independently undertook searches, selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was by random effects. Recommendation was by GRADE. The main outcome measure was self-reported early postoperative pain scores. RESULTS: Searches uncovered nine systematic reviews. This study included randomized trials numbered 76, representing 4000 participants, 2022 in IPLA and 1978 in control groups. Six reviews scored at low risk of bias and three at high risk. Meta-analysis demonstrated that IPLA reduced the mean pain score (0-10 scale) by 0.95 point (95% confidence interval: 0.73-1.17). Excluding laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the effect size increased to 1.52 (95% confidence interval: 1.15-1.88). Heterogeneity was high overall at I2 = 91.7% but on excluding laparoscopic cholecystectomy trials reduced to I2 = 31.3%. CONCLUSIONS: IPLA could be considered a viable option for early postoperative analgesia in certain laparoscopic operations. Further research on the effect of IPLA on procedures other than laparoscopic cholecystectomy would help clarify its place in a postoperative analgesia protocol.

Reliability and refinement of a pain location tool for children's abdominal surgery.

AIM: To determine the 'inter-rater' and test-retest reliability of a pain location tool for children. MATERIALS & METHODS: In children aged 5-14 years who had undergone a laparoscopic operation, pain scores at each of seven abdominal locations, and at the shoulder tip, were recorded at baseline and after a 5- and 30-min interval. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients were predominantly in the 'moderate' to 'substantial' range for both 'inter-rater' and test-retest reliability. Three quarters of children would prefer an electronic version of the tool. Thematic analysis showed accuracy, usability, utility and usefulness were areas for future development. CONCLUSION: Children can reliably indicate where they hurt after laparoscopic surgery. An electronic version could increase acceptability to children and usability by professionals.

Intraperitoneal Local Anesthetic for Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of intraperitoneal local anesthetic (IPLA) on pain after acute laparoscopic appendectomy in children. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND: IPLA reduces pain in adult elective surgery. It has not been well studied in acute peritoneal inflammatory conditions. We hypothesized that IPLA would improve recovery in pediatric acute laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial in acute laparoscopic appendectomy recruited children aged 8 to 14 years to receive 20 mL 0.25% or 0.125% bupivacaine (according to weight) atomized onto the peritoneum of the right iliac fossa and pelvis, or 20 mL 0.9% NaCl control. Unrestricted computer-generated randomization was implemented by surgical nurses. Participants, caregivers, and outcome assessors were blinded. The primary outcome was pain score. Analysis was by a linear mixed-effects model. RESULTS: Of 184 randomized participants (92 to each group), the final analysis included 88 IPLA and 87 control participants. There was no statistically significant difference in overall pain scores (effect estimate 0.004, standard error 0.028, 95% confidence interval -0.052, 0.061), and no difference in right iliac fossa or suprapubic site-specific pain scores, opioid use, recovery parameters, or complications. No child experienced a complication related to the intervention. CONCLUSION: IPLA imparted no clinical benefit to children undergoing acute laparoscopic appendectomy and cannot be recommended in this setting.

Interventions to optimize recovery after laparoscopic appendectomy: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: No enhanced recovery after surgery protocol has been published for laparoscopic appendectomy. This was a review of evidence-based interventions that could optimize recovery after appendectomy. METHODS: Interventions for the review Clinical pathway, fast-track or enhanced recovery protocols; needlescopic approach; single incision laparoscopic (SIL) approach; natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES); regional nerve blocks; intraperitoneal local anaesthetic (IPLA); drains. Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science Core Collection. Study eligibility criteria Randomized controlled trial (RCT); prospective evaluation with historical controls for studies assessing clinical pathways/protocols. Participants People undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Study appraisal and synthesis methods Meta-analysis, random effects model. RESULTS: Clinical pathways for laparoscopic appendectomy were safe in selected patients, but may be associated with a higher readmission rate. Needlescopic surgery offered no recovery advantage over traditional laparoscopic appendectomy. SIL afforded no recovery advantage over conventional laparoscopic surgery, but may increase operative time in children. The search found no RCT on NOTES appendectomy. Transversus abdominis plane blocks did not significantly reduce pain after laparoscopic appendectomy. IPLA should be considered in laparoscopic appendectomy; studies in paediatric surgery are needed. The search found no RCT on the use of drains in appendectomy. CONCLUSIONS: This review identified gaps in the literature on optimizing recovery after laparoscopic appendectomy and found the need for more randomized controlled trials on regional anaesthesia and intraperitoneal local anaesthesia in children.

Intraperitoneal Local Anesthetic in Pediatric Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Introduction Systematic reviews report intraperitoneal local anesthetic (IPLA) effective in adults but until now no review has addressed IPLA in children. The objective of this review was to answer the question, does IPLA compared with control reduce pain after pediatric abdominal surgery. Materials and Methods Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, trials registries, ProQuest, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Open Gray. STUDY SELECTION: Independent duplicate searching for randomized controlled trials of IPLA versus no IPLA/placebo in children ≤ 18 years of age, reporting pain, or opioid use outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION: Independent duplicate data extraction and quality assessment using standardized fields. Results The selection process uncovered three eligible published trials and one unpublished study, all in laparoscopy surgery. Qualitative synthesis suggested that IPLA may reduce pain scores, opioid use, time to first opioid, and the need for rescue analgesia, with no effect on hospital stay. Risk of bias was significant. Conclusions IPLA appears promising in pediatric surgery. The high absorptive capacity of the peritoneum and high peritoneal surface area to volume ratio in children presents a dose limitation. In comparison to adult surgery, IPLA has been understudied in pediatric surgery.

A history of the treatment of appendicitis in children: lessons learned.

During the latter half of the 19th century, surgeons increasingly reported performing appendicectomies. Fitz from Harvard, Groves from Canada and Tait from Britain all recorded successful removal of the appendix. McBurney described the point of maximal tenderness in classic appendicitis and also the muscle-splitting incision centred on this point. Priority is given to McArthur in describing the lateral muscle-splitting incision. The direction of the cutaneous incision was later modified by Elliott and Lanz. Incisions that healed well were essential to recovery. Appendicectomy became a 'fashionable' operation after the London surgeon, Treves, removed the appendix of King Edward VII. Through the 20th century, the mortality from appendicitis fell notably with the advent of sulphonamide and penicillin, improvements in fluid therapy and safer anaesthesia. By 1990, diagnostic delay was the main cause of death. Semm performed the first laparoscopic appendicectomy in 1990, roundly criticized at the time for what is now a routine procedure. We view contemporary debates on the indications for appendicectomy, the best approach and how to optimize recovery in the light of the history of this intriguing disease.

Rectus sheath and transversus abdominis plane blocks in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

INTRODUCTION: The role of rectus sheath blocks (RSB) and transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks in pediatric surgery has not been well established. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine if RSB and TAP blocks decrease postoperative pain and improve recovery in children. DATA SOURCES: Duplicate searching of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, and trial registries databases by two reviewers. STUDY SELECTION: Included were randomized trials in children on RSB or TAP block in abdominal operations, excluding inguinal procedures. DATA EXTRACTION: Independent duplicate data extraction and quality assessment using a standardized form. RESULTS: Ten trials met inclusion criteria (n = 599), RSB in five and TAP block in five. A linear mixed effects model on patient level data from three trials showed nerve blocks lowered morphine requirements 6-8 h after surgery, -0.03 mg · kg(-1) (95% CI -0.05, -0.002). Pooled analysis of summary data showed nerve blocks lowered 0-10 scale pain scores immediately after the operation, -0.7 (95% CI -1.3, -0.1); lowered 4-16 scale pain scores, -2.0 (95% CI -2.3, -1.7); and delayed the time to first rescue analgesia, 17 min (95% CI 1.3, 33). Quality assessment showed some studies at moderate to high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Abdominal wall blocks reduce pain and opiate use in children. We advise cautious interpretation of the results given the heterogeneity of studies.

Physical and Psychological Consequences of Left Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation in Long-QT Syndrome and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Left cardiac sympathetic denervation reduces risk in long-QT syndrome (LQTS) and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Side effects and patient satisfaction have not been systematically analyzed in patients who underwent left cardiac sympathetic denervation. Aims of this study included documenting physical and psychological consequences and patient satisfaction after left cardiac sympathetic denervation in LQTS or catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with LQTS (N=40) and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (N=7) underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic left cardiac sympathetic denervation, with a median follow-up of 29 months (range, 1-67 months). Clinical records were reviewed; 44 patients completed a telephone survey. Of 47 patients (53%), 25 were preoperatively symptomatic (15 syncope, 7 near-drowning, and 3 resuscitated sudden death). Indications for left cardiac sympathetic denervation included ß-blocker intolerance (15; 32%) or nonadherence (10; 21%) and disease factors (18; 38%; catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia [6], near-drowning [2], exertional syncope [1], symptoms on therapy [2], LQT3 [1], QTc>520 ms [6]). Other indications were competitive sports participation (2), family history of sudden death (1), and other (1). Median QTc did not change among patients with LQTS (461±60 to 476±54 ms; P=0.49). Side effects were reported by 42 of 44 (95%). Twenty-nine patients (66%) reported dryness on left side, 26 (59%) a Harlequin-type (unilateral) facial flush, 24 (55%) contralateral hyperhidrosis, 17 (39%) differential hand temperatures, 5 (11%) permanent and 4 (9%) transient ptosis, 5 (11%) thermoregulation difficulties, 4 (9%) a sensation of left arm paresthesia, and 3 (7%) sympathetic flight/fright response loss. Majority of the patients were satisfied postoperatively: 38 (86%) were happy with the procedure, 33 (75%) felt safer, 40 (91%) recommended the procedure to others, and 40 (91%) felt happy with their scar appearance. CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant morbidity resulting from left cardiac sympathetic denervation, patients with LQTS and CPVT have high levels of postoperative satisfaction.

Validity and reliability of a pain location tool for pediatric abdominal surgery.

For children with surgical problems, pain location conveys important clinical information. We developed a Location and Level of Intensity of Postoperative Pain (Lolipops) tool consisting of a body outline with a seven-sector abdominal grid, the International Association for the Study of Pain Revised Faces Pain Scale, and a recording chart. The aim of the study was to assess the validity and reliability of Lolipops. Children aged 5-14 years who had undergone laparoscopic appendectomy took both nurse- and investigator-administered Lolipops, and an investigator administered Varni Thompson Pediatric Pain Questionnaires, within 24 hours of surgery. The average age of the 42 participants was 10.7 years; 64% were boys; 24 (57.1%) had acute appendicitis, 13 (31%) had perforated appendicitis, and 5 (11.9%) were uninflamed. Pain scores were higher at the laparoscopic port incision sites than in upper abdominal sites distant from incisions or expected inflammation, mean (SD) 3.3 (2.3) and 1.1 (1.8), respectively (p < .0001). In children with acute appendicitis, pain scores were higher in the right iliac fossa than in upper abdominal sites, mean (SD) 3.3 (2.5) and 0.4 (0.7), respectively (p = .001). In children with perforated appendicitis, Lolipops demonstrated a more widespread pain pattern. Correlations between nurse and investigator were fair to moderate with an overall intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.597. This study presents a new tool to measure the location of pain in pediatric surgical patients and shows it to be valid and reliable.

Rectus sheath block for laparoscopic appendicectomy: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The rectus sheath block is effective in elective paediatric operations, but has not been previously studied in acute laparoscopic surgery. We investigated its effect on pain after laparoscopic appendicectomy for acute appendicitis. METHODS: Children aged 8-14 years admitted to a paediatric teaching hospital participated in a randomized clinical trial comparing a rectus sheath block using bupivacaine plus adrenaline with saline control. The primary outcomes were pain scores and opiate use, and secondary outcomes were time in the post-anaesthetic care unit, duration of hospitalization and recovery. RESULTS: Children in the nerve block group reported significantly reduced global pain scores compared with controls in the first 3 h after surgery, estimated mean 2.22 versus 3.94, effect size -1.80 (P = .008). Pain scores after 3 h did not differ between the groups. The groups did not differ in opiate requirements, length of hospital stay or recovery after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: In children undergoing acute laparoscopic appendicectomy, a rectus sheath block reduced early post-operative pain, and could contribute to a multimodal recovery programme.

Button battery injury in children - a primary care issue?

There is a well-described increase in the incidence of significant injury associated with button batteries in children. Button battery ingestion or insertion (ear/nose) is a time-sensitive injury mechanism, with severe injury occurring within hours. Prevention efforts are being developed that may include changes to packaging, public awareness campaigns, safe disposal mechanisms, changes to battery design and changes to device design. However, there is not a single, simple and effective prevention strategy available. This community hazard has significant implications for primary care. This article presents the clinical characteristics and epidemiology of button battery exposure and subsequent injury. It also describes the clinical recommendations, specifically an emphasis on early diagnosis, including maintaining a high index of suspicion; rapid removal where possible or urgent referral for operative intervention.

Historical aspects of appendicitis in children.

Evidence of appendicitis exists from ancient Egyptian mummies but the appendix was not discovered as an anatomical entity until the renaissance in Western European literature. Much confusion reigned over the cause of right iliac fossa inflammatory disease until the late 19th century, when the appendix was recognized as the cause of the great majority of cases. Coining the term 'appendicitis' and making the case for early surgery, Fitz in 1886 set the scene for recovery from appendicitis through operative intervention.

Duration of postoperative intravenous antibiotics in childhood complicated appendicitis: a propensity score-matched comparison study.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative antibiotics complement surgery in managing childhood-complicated appendicitis. However, there is limited evidence to guide clinicians on appropriate duration of therapy. A comparison cohort study was performed to determine whether tailoring duration of inpatient intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy to patient response, assessed using a set of clinical criteria, leads to shortened hospital length of stay (LOS) without compromising patient outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 6-month period, 47 children (aged 5-14 years) with complicated appendicitis were treated with postoperative IV antibiotics until each satisfied a set of bedside clinical parameters suggesting resolved intraperitoneal infection (core temperature < 38°C for 24 hours, tolerated two consecutive meals, mobilizing independently, requiring only oral analgesia). Complicated appendicitis was defined as the presence of generalized peritonitis, appendiceal perforation or gangrene, and/or abscess. Postoperative recovery parameters were prospectively recorded and compared with those of 47 historical control patients, matched by propensity scores, who received 5 days minimum of postoperative IV antibiotics. Sample size was determined by a priori power calculation based on reduction in LOS. Severity of postoperative complications was graded using the Clavien-Dindo system. RESULTS: Study group variables were comparable including patient demographics, duration of presenting symptoms, severity of presenting disease, preoperative antibiotics received, length of operation, seniority of primary surgeon, surgical approach taken, and intraoperative findings. The prospective cohort had a significantly shorter median LOS compared with the historical control cohort (5 vs. 6 nights, p = 0.010) while readmission rates and the incidence and severity of complications were similar, including incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal infections (6 vs. 8 cases, p = 0.562). CONCLUSION: Using bedside clinical parameters indicative of resolved intraperitoneal infection to tailor duration of postoperative IV antibiotics for children with complicated appendicitis shortens LOS without apparent compromise to patient outcomes.

Congenital trifurcation of the trachea.

"Tracheal trifurcation" is a veritable and rare finding. We illustrate a unique case that demonstrates the complexity and broad variability that congenital tracheobronchial anomalies can take. Appreciation of these is important at intubation, bronchoscopy, and surgery.