Laparoscopic Repair of Pediatric Femoral Hernias.

Background: Current rates of reported pediatric femoral hernias remain exceedingly low, with their incidence reported to be <1%. The mainstay of repair has traditionally been through an open approach, and pediatric surgeons remain reluctant to repair otherwise. Owing to its rarity, consensus regarding management remains absent. Because of this, we present a scoping review on the use of laparoscopy and minimally invasive techniques to repair pediatric femoral hernias. Methods: A scoping literature review was performed using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for related articles (keywords). Full-text articles and abstracts were then reviewed for relevance using inclusion and exclusion criteria with data extracted from each piece. Results: The search identified 268 articles published from 1992 to 2023. Eleven articles met our inclusion criteria. After reviewing their content, a total of 87 patients were identified. Of these, 42 laparoscopic repairs were reported. Three primary laparoscopic surgical techniques were described, with no recurrence reported. Conclusion: Laparoscopy remains a viable tool in diagnosing and managing femoral hernias. Various technically feasible options for laparoscopy and minimally invasive techniques have been described with excellent results and limited recurrence. However, given the quality of the data, further studies are needed to investigate the long-term durability of such repairs.

Optimizing throughput of babies with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Definitive surgical care is often delayed in hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). Our aim is to evaluate the effect modifiable factors in preoperative HPS management have on efficiency of care. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing pyloromyotomy for HPS at two US children's hospitals between 2008 and 2018 was performed. RESULTS: 406 patients were included in the study. The majority (310, 76 â€‹%) were adequately resuscitated and ready for surgery upon diagnosis in the ER. However, only 133 patients (43 â€‹%) had surgery on the day of admission. Patients diagnosed between 12pm and 6pm were more likely to have surgery the next day than those diagnosed before noon (67 â€‹% vs 33 â€‹%, p â€‹< â€‹.001), which correlated with a longer length of stay (32 vs 47 â€‹h, p â€‹< â€‹.001). CONCLUSION: The majority of patients presenting with HPS can safely undergo same day surgery. Delaying surgery due to an afternoon diagnosis is common, and leads to a modifiable increased total length of stay.

Medium-Term Outcomes of the Godoy Burnia Repair: Durability of a Sutureless Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair in Girls.

Background: Several methods to repair pediatric inguinal hernias utilizing a minimally invasive technique have been developed over the decades. These methods often involve passage of suture through the peritoneum at the level of the inguinal ring. We previously described the Godoy Burnia, a laparoscopic, sutureless, cautery-only inguinal hernia repair (IHR), and this follow-up study provides longer term data for this emerging surgical technique. Methods: After institutional review board approval, a single-centered retrospective review was performed of female pediatric patients with Godoy Burnia repair from 2014 to 2021. Demographics, operative details, and outcomes were reviewed. Technique: Through a single umbilical incision, a 3 mm port and camera and 3 mm Maryland dissector are placed into the abdomen. The Maryland dissector grasps the hernia sac, everts it, and brings it into the abdomen. Electrocautery is applied to allow scarring and closure of the inguinal ring. Results: Sixty-nine hernia repairs were performed on 44 patients with ages 5 days to 16 years (average 3.9 years) and weighing 2-70 kg (average 16 kg). Average follow-up was 52.8 months, and average operative times were 14/16 minutes for unilateral/bilateral repair, respectively. Twenty-two percent of hernias were found at time of another surgery and repaired. One recurrence (1.45%) in a 16-year-old patient, and 2 patients with other short-term complications. Conclusions: Godoy Burnia, a single-incision, sutureless, laparoscopic IHR in girls, is an acceptable alternative surgical technique with a low complication and recurrence rate. The longer follow-up in this study demonstrates the durability of the repair in most age groups, and decreased operative times suggest a favorable learning curve.

Identifying barriers to resident robotic console time in a general surgery residency through a targeted needs assessment.

Robotic-assisted general surgery is experiencing exponential growth. Despite our institution's high volume, residents often graduate with inadequate console experience. Our aim was to identify the educational needs of residents and perceived barriers to residents' console time from both attendings and residents. Separate surveys were created and distributed to robotic surgery faculty and general surgery residents at our institution. Questions were a variety of modalities and focused on the robotic surgery experience at our institution, including barriers to resident console time from both attending surgeon and resident perspectives. Although residents' interest in robotic surgery exceeded that of open and laparoscopic surgery, confidence in their robotic skills was low compared to the other modalities. The top barriers to participating in robotic cases according to residents included minimal or no previous console time with the attending, lack of simulator time, and being required to perform bedside assistant duties. Faculty reported resident preparedness, prior robotic skill demonstration, simulator time, case complexity, and their own confidence as significant factors influencing resident console time. Using these results, we concluded that the design and implementation of a formal robotic surgery curriculum should incorporate simulation-based opportunities for residents to practice their skills, improve confidence, and increase console experience. In addition, simulation opportunities for faculty should also be considered to allow for improvement and maintenance of robotic surgical skills.

The Evolving Effectiveness of Biologics in Avoiding Surgery in Children With Ulcerative Colitis: At what Nutritional Cost?

BACKGROUND: Pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment has changed dramatically with the introduction of multiple biologics. The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of these new biologics on achieving remission, nutritional impact, and eventual need for surgery in children. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed hospital records of UC patients (ages 1-19) seen at a pediatric gastroenterology clinic between January 2012 andAugust 2020. Patients were divided into groups: 1) medically without biologics or surgery; 2) patients treated with one biologic; and 3) patients treated with multiple biologics 4)patients that underwent colectomy. RESULTS: There were 115 UC patients with a mean follow-up of 5.9 ± 3.7 years (1 month-15.3 years). PUCAI score at diagnosis was mild in 52 patients (45%), moderate in 25 (21%), and severe in 5 (4.3%). PUCAI score for 33 patients (29%) could not be calculated. There were 48 (41.3%) in group 1 with 58% remission, 34 (29.6%) in group 2 with 71% remission, 24 (20.8%) in group 3 with 29% remission, and only 9 (7.8%) in group 4 with 100% remission. The majority (55%) of surgical patients had colectomy within the first year of diagnosis. BMI improved after surgery (P = 0.001). The change from one biologic to others did not improve nutrition over time. DISCUSSION: New biologics are changing the landscape in maintaining remission from UC. The current need for surgery is much lower than previously published studies. In medically refractive UC, nutritional status only improved after surgery. Addition of another biologic for medically refractory ulcerative colitis in order to avoid surgery must take into account the positive impact surgery has on nutrition and disease remission.

Global Health Challenges: Why the Four S's Are Not Enough.

A well-known tenant of global health is the need for the four-S's to be successful in providing care in any context; Staff, Stuff, Space and Systems. Advanced thoracoscopy is slow to gain traction in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To our knowledge, no pediatric advanced thoracoscopy had been attempted previously in either LMIC. Therefore, we report the challenges associated with the adoption of the first advanced thoracoscopic procedures in two LMIC hospitals by a visiting surgeon. To further identify aspects of care in promoting the introduction of advanced thoracoscopy, we added a fifth S as an additional category-Socialization. A key to accomplishing goals for the patients as a visiting surgeon, particularly when introducing an advanced procedure, is acceptance into the culture of a hospital. Despite facing significant obstacles in caring for complex thoracic pathology with heavy reliance on disposable and reusable instrumentation provided through donation and limitations in staff such as access to neonatologists and pediatric surgeons, many obstacles have been overcome. In this perspective article, we show that a "fifth S" is also integral-having local surgeons and anesthesiologists eager to learn with acceptance of the visiting surgeon's expertise opens a path towards attempting advanced procedures in limited-resource settings.

Warning Labels and High-Powered Magnet Exposures.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: High-powered magnets are among the most dangerous childhood foreign bodies. Consumer advocates and physicians have called for these products to be effectively banned, but manufacturers assert warning labels would sufficiently mitigate risk. METHODS: Subjects from Injuries, Morbidity, and Parental Attitudes Concerning Tiny High-powered Magnets (IMPACT of Magnets), a retrospective, multicenter study of children with high-powered magnet exposures (ie, ingestion or bodily insertion), were contacted. Consenting participants responded to a standardized questionnaire regarding the presence and utility of warning labels, magnet product manufacturer, and attitudes around risk. RESULTS: Of 596 patients in the IMPACT study, 173 parents and 1 adult patient were reached and consented to participate. The median age was 7.5 years. Subjects reported not knowing if a warning label was present in 60 (53.6%) cases, whereas 25 (22.3%) stated warnings were absent. Warnings were present in 28 (24.1%) cases but only 13 (46.4%) reported reading them. A manufacturer was identified by families in 28 (16.1%) exposures; 25 of these were domestic and 27 had warnings. Subjects reported knowing magnets were dangerous in 58% of the cases, although 44.3% believed they were children's toys and only 6.9% knew high-powered magnets were previously removed from the United States market. CONCLUSIONS: Over 90% of subjects from the IMPACT study didn't know if warning labels were present or failed to read them if they were, whereas almost half believed high-powered magnets were children's toys. Warning labels on high-powered magnet products are, therefore, unlikely to prevent injuries in children.

Association between COVID-19 related elective surgery cancellations and pediatric inguinal hernia complications: A nationwide multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Optimal inguinal hernia repair timing remains controversial. It remains unclear how COVID-19 related elective surgery cancellations impacted timing of inguinal hernia repair and whether any delays led to complications. This study aims to determine whether elective surgery cancellations are safe in pediatric inguinal hernia. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study at 14 children's hospitals included patients ≤18 years who underwent inguinal hernia repair between September 13, 2019, through September 13, 2020. Patients were categorized by whether their inguinal hernia repair occurred before or after their hospital's COVID-19 elective surgery cancellation date. Incarceration and emergency department encounters were compared between pre and postcancellation. RESULTS: Of 1,404 patients, 604 (43.0%) underwent inguinal hernia repair during the postcancellation period, 92 (6.6%) experienced incarceration, and 213 (15.2%) had an emergency department encounter. The postcancellation period was not associated with incarceration (odds ratio 1.54; 95% confidence interval 0.88-2.71; P = .13) or emergency department encounters (odds ratio 1.53; 95% confidence interval 0.94-2.48; P = .09) despite longer median times to inguinal hernia repair (precancellation 29 days [interquartile range 13-55 days] versus postcancellation 31 days [interquartile range 14-73 days], P = .01). Infants were more likely to have the emergency department be their index presentation in the postcancellation period (odds ratio 1.69; 95% confidence interval 1.24-2.31; P < .01). CONCLUSION: Overall, COVID-19 elective surgery cancellations do not appear to increase the likelihood of incarceration or emergency department encounters despite delays in inguinal hernia repair, suggesting that cancellations are safe in children with inguinal hernia. Assessment of elective surgery cancellation safety has important implications for health policy.

The novel application of an emerging device for salvage of primary repair in high-risk complex esophageal atresia.

INTRODUCTION: Preservation of native esophagus is a tenet of esophageal atresia (EA) repair. However, techniques for delayed primary anastomosis are severely limited for surgically and medically complex patients at high-risk for operative repair. We report our initial experience with the novel application of the Connect-EA, an esophageal magnetic compression anastomosis device, for salvage of primary repair in 2 high-risk complex EA patients. Compassionate use was approved by the FDA and treating institutions. OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE: Two approaches using the Connect-EA are described - a totally endoscopic approach and a novel hybrid operative approach. To our knowledge, this is the first successful use of a hybrid operative approach with an esophageal magnetic compression device. OUTCOMES: Salvage of delayed primary anastomosis was successful in both patients. The totally endoscopic approach significantly reduced operative time and avoided repeat high-risk operation. The hybrid operative approach salvaged delayed primary anastomosis and avoided cervical esophagostomy. CONCLUSION: The Connect-EA is a novel intervention to achieve delayed primary esophageal repair in complex EA patients with high-risk tissue characteristics and multi-system comorbidities that limit operative repair. We propose a clinical algorithm for use of the totally endoscopic approach and hybrid operative approach for use of the Connect-EA in high-risk complex EA patients.

Value of robotic surgery simulation for training surgical residents and attendings: a systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic surgery is a method of minimally invasive surgery performed through small incisions using a remote robotic console. Surgical residents and attendings participate in simulation training to be able to effectively perform robotic surgery using wet labs, dry labs and virtual reality platforms. Our objective is to identify the effectiveness of robotic simulation on novice robotic surgeons. This review will answer our review question: To what extent are robotic simulations for training novice robotic general surgery residents and attendings associated with improved outcomes in comparison with no simulation training? METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science was performed. The studies were then determined to meet initial screening criteria by one individual for abstract and title with full text screening performed by two authors independently and in duplicate. Narrative themes will be collected, analysed and summarised where possible. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: There is no Institutional Review Board approval required given that the work is carried out on previously published papers. The final manuscript and results will be presented and published at an academic conference and peer -reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021274090.

Endoluminal Silicone-Covered Stenting in Children: Novel Applications and Lessons Learned.

BACKGROUND: Silicone-covered endoluminal stents have been applied to various hollow visceral disorders in adult patients with varying success. Efficacy of retrievable endoluminal stenting in children is less well-established. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with evolving applications of endoluminal silicone-covered stenting in children. RESEARCH DESIGN: Eight children 19 years and younger having silicone-covered stent placement for various indications at a single institution (2014-2021) were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Eight patients received a total of 26 silicone-covered stents. Four stent placements (15.4%) were associated with a direct adverse event. To resolve the endoluminal disorder, four patients received multiple stents or further intervention. When evaluating novel applications, clinical benefit was noted for one patient with vaginal atresia, and another after ileal pouch anal anastomosis disruption. CONCLUSION: This experience highlights the broad and innovative applications for endoluminal silicone-covered natural orifice stenting in children. Acute processes respond well and rapidly to stenting, although chronic, established fistula may require additional manipulations or surgery.

Intraoperative uses of near-infrared fluorescence spectroscopy in pediatric surgery: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The application of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) imaging in surgery is growing. This study aimed to systematically review the literature to summarize the intraoperative uses of NIRS in pediatric surgery. METHODS: A PRISMA-compliant literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to February 2020. Title/abstract and then full-text screening were performed. The Oxford centre for Evidence Based Medicine tool (OCEBM) was used to evaluate the level of evidence of included studies. RESULTS: Reviewers identified 53 articles. Of which, 34 studies (64.2%) were case-series and 11 (20.8%) were case reports. Most of the studies (n = 45, 84.9%) were level 4 on the OCEBM tool. The most common uses of NIRS were to visualize the biliary tree and to identify primary and metastatic malignant tissues. Other applications include assessment of perfusion of tissues including bowel anastomoses, and lymphatic surgery. Several advantages of the introduction of NIRS in pediatric surgery exist including having the potential to reduce operative time and intra/post-operative complications. Moreover, NIRS helps in detecting malignant tissues that can be missed by conventional imaging. However, NIRS has important limitations such as difficulty in identification of the biliary tree in obese patients or inflamed gallbladder, detection of small deeply localized malignant tissues, as well as the high cost. CONCLUSIONS: NIRS is a promising modality that can be used intraoperatively to augment different pediatric surgical procedures. NIRS has important advantages and limitations compared to conventional surgery, however, more studies are required to evaluate its outcomes and cost-effectiveness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

High-Powered Magnet Exposures in Children: A Multi-Center Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: High-powered magnets were effectively removed from the US market by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 2012 but returned in 2016 after federal court decisions. The United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit cited imprecise data among other reasons as justification for overturning CPSC protections. Since then, incidence of high-powered magnet exposure has increased markedly, but outcome data are limited. In this study, we aim to describe the epidemiology and outcomes in children seeking medical care for high-powered magnets after reintroduction to market. METHODS: This is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of patients aged 0 to 21 years with a confirmed high-powered magnet exposure (ie, ingestion or insertion) at 25 children's hospitals in the United States between 2017 and 2019. RESULTS: Of 596 patients with high-powered magnet exposures identified, 362 (60.7%) were male and 566 (95%) were <14 years of age. Nearly all sought care for magnet ingestion (n = 574, 96.3%), whereas 17 patients (2.9%) presented for management of nasal or aural magnet foreign bodies, 4 (0.7%) for magnets in their genitourinary tract, and 1 patient (0.2%) had magnets in their respiratory tract. A total of 57 children (9.6%) had a life-threatening morbidity; 276 (46.3%) required an endoscopy, surgery, or both; and 332 (55.7%) required hospitalization. There was no reported mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being intended for use by those >14 years of age, high-powered magnets frequently cause morbidity and lead to high need for invasive intervention and hospitalization in children of all ages.

Identifying prenatal ultrasound predictors and the ideal neonatal management of closing gastroschisis: the key is prevention.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the optimal approaches to initial surgical management and the potential for prenatal ultrasound detection of patients with closing gastroschisis. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients born with gastroschisis to determine clinical and surgical outcomes and the ability to determine prognosis by prenatal imaging. Data collected included operative findings and postoperative outcome, as well as prenatal imaging features from a subset of cases with and without closing gastroschisis. Statistical analyses were performed as appropriate. RESULTS: We included 197 patients with gastroschisis. No statistical significance was seen in outcomes between closing gastroschisis patients undergoing resection versus intracorporeal parking (n = 18). Ultrasound review was performed on 33 of these patients, 11 with closing gastroschisis, and 22 without. Significantly more closing gastroschisis patients had imaging indicative of progressive defect narrowing and defect diameter ≤8 mm after 30 weeks of gestation versus non-closing patients (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Parking of extruded bowel offers potential for intestinal remodeling. In addition, prenatal ultrasound may be useful in detection of closing gastroschisis in utero.

Recurrence after laparoscopic high ligation in adolescents: A multicenter international retrospective study of ten hospitals.

PURPOSE: Inguinal hernia repairs are among the most common operations performed by pediatric surgeons. Laparoscopic high ligation is a popular technique, but its recurrence rate in adolescents is unknown. We hypothesized that recurrence after laparoscopic high ligation in adolescents would be similar to open repair (1.8%-6.3%). METHODS: We evaluated adolescent patients (12-18 years old at the time of surgery) who underwent laparoscopic high ligation across eleven hospitals. At least six months postoperatively, they were contacted by telephone for follow-up. Variables analyzed included demographics, operative details, recurrence, and other complications. RESULTS: A total of 144 patients were enrolled. One hospital (n=9) had a recurrence rate of 44.4%, compared to 3.0% (4/135) for the other hospitals. By accounting for 50.0% of recurrences, it represented a statistical outlier and was excluded, leaving 135 patients for analysis. The median age was 14 years, and 63.7% were male. Recurrence with the excluded center was 5.6% (8/144). Use of absorbable suture (OR 42.67, CI 4.41-412.90, p<0.01) and braided suture (OR 12.10, CI 1.54-95.25, p=0.02) was weakly associated with recurrence. Recurrence was not significantly different from published results. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic high ligation of adolescent inguinal hernias has a recurrence rate similar to open repair when performed by experienced surgeons. TYPE OF STUDY: Prognosis study (retrospective study) LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Cost-Effective Approach to the Laparoscopic Appendectomy : Balancing Disposable Instrument Cost With Operative Time.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons can help reduce health care spending by selecting affordable and efficient instruments. The laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is commonly performed and can serve as a model for improving health care cost. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all adult patients who underwent LA for non-perforated appendicitis from March 2015 to November 2017. Our objective was to determine which combination of disposable instruments afforded the lowest total operative cost without compromising postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 1857 consecutive patients were reviewed from 2 hospitals. After determining the 8 most commonly utilized combinations of disposable instruments, 846 patients were ultimately analyzed. The combination of a LigaSure, Endoloop, and an EndoBag (LEB) had the shortest median operative time (25 minutes, P < .001) and lowest median total operative cost ($1893, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The LEB instrument combination rendered the shortest operative time, lowest total operative cost, and can be used to maximize surgical value during LA.

Tracheoesophageal fistula in the developing world: are we ready for thoracoscopic repair?

PURPOSE: Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a bellwether for a country's ability to care for sick newborns. We aim to review the existing literature from low- and middle-income countries in regard to management of those newborns and the possible approaches to improve their outcomes. METHODS: A review of the existing English literature was conducted with the aim of assessing challenges faced by providers in LMIC in terms of diagnostic, preoperative, operative and post-operative care for TEF patients. We also review the limited literature for performing thoracoscopic repair in the developing world context and suggest methods for introduction of advanced thoracoscopic procedures including techniques for providing anesthesia to these challenging babies. RESULTS: While outcomes related to technique from LMIC are comparable to the developed world, rates of secondary complications like sepsis and pneumonia are higher. In many areas, repairs are conducted in a staged fashion with minimal utilization of thoracoscopic approach. The paucity of resources creates strain on intraoperative and post-operative management. CONCLUSION: Clearly, not all developing world contexts are ready to attempt thoracoscopic repair but we outline suggestions for assessing the existing capabilities and a stepwise gradual implementation of advanced thoracoscopy when appropriate.