Laparoscopic Resection of a Gastric Diverticulum in an Adolescent.

Gastric diverticula rarely occur in adolescence. In adults, they are predominantly congenital, asymptomatic, and are located adjacent to the gastroesophageal junction on the posterior aspect of the stomach wall. In this report we present a 14-year-old female who underwent laparoscopic gastric diverticulectomy after incidental discovery on magnetic resonance urography.

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Life Support Utilization in a Pediatric Trauma Patient Following a Severe Dog Mauling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States, and more than half of these cases affect children. An estimated 1 in 6 dog bites, representing more than 800,000 bite victims each year, requires some form of medical attention. Historically, pediatric trauma patients who suffer devastating injuries and cardiopulmonary collapse requiring heroic salvage efforts have poor outcomes. We present the first case of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation utilized in a pediatric trauma patient following a severe dog bite injury. This case is an extraordinary example of multidisciplinary care of the pediatric trauma patient. It highlights the public health burden of dog bite injuries and the scant literature on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric trauma patients.

Implementation of a pediatric enhanced recovery pathway decreases opioid utilization and shortens time to full feeding.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway for pediatric patients undergoing surgery for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) would be beneficial. METHODS: This is a single institution retrospective comparative study comparing patients treated with an ERAS pathway to consecutive patients in a Preimplementation Cohort (PIC) with similar open and laparoscopic surgeries for IBD. The pathway emphasized minimal preoperative fasting, multimodal and regional analgesia, and early enteral nutrition after surgery. Primary endpoints were time to 120 mL of PO intake (POI), length of stay (LOS), opioid utilization, and 30-day surgical outcomes. Continuous and categorical variables were compared (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There were 23 PIC and 28 ERAS patients with similar demographic data and surgical and anesthetic approaches. ERAS patients experienced a significant increase in the use of regional anesthesia, faster time to POI, and a nonsignificant decrease in mean LOS. ERAS patients had decreased total and daily opioid use with similar complication rates. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a pediatric ERAS pathway for IBD patients requiring laparoscopic and (unique to this study) open surgery. The study demonstrates that opioid utilization and time to feeding can be positively impacted using ERAS pathways without negatively impacting outcomes. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Overall electrochemical splitting of water at the heterogeneous interface of nickel and iron oxide.

Efficient generation of hydrogen from water-splitting is an underpinning chemistry to realize the hydrogen economy. Low cost, transition metals such as nickel and iron-based oxides/hydroxides have been regarded as promising catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media with overpotentials as low as ~200 mV to achieve 10 mA cm-2, however, they are generally unsuitable for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Herein, we show a Janus nanoparticle catalyst with a nickel-iron oxide interface and multi-site functionality for a highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction with a comparable performance to the benchmark platinum on carbon catalyst. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the hydrogen evolution reaction catalytic activity of the nanoparticle is induced by the strong electronic coupling effect between the iron oxide and the nickel at the interface. Remarkably, the catalyst also exhibits extraordinary oxygen evolution reaction activity, enabling an active and stable bi-functional catalyst for whole cell water-splitting with, to the best of our knowledge, the highest energy efficiency (83.7%) reported to date.

DTAB micelle formation in ionic liquid/water mixtures is determined by ionic liquid cation structure.

HYPOTHESIS: The high CMCs and low aggregation numbers of ionic micelles in the extreme electrolyte environment of ionic liquids (ILs) seem to be at odds with the effect of dilute aqueous electrolytes, which lower CMCs and promote elongated micelles. We hypothesise that the driving force for micellisation in ILs is determined by their underlying amphiphilic nanostructure, and that this can be controlled by mixing with water. EXPERIMENTS: CMCs and micelle sizes of dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) are determined in mixed solvents comprising water and the ionic liquids ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), ethanolammonium nitrate (EtAN), and propylammonium nitrate (PAN) over a wide composition range. Their behaviour is compared with aqueous electrolytes up to their solubility limit. CMCs are determined by a variety of techniques, and their relative strengths critically evaluated. Micelle morphology is determined by small-angle neutron scattering. FINDINGS: In water-rich mixtures, ILs do behave like simple electrolytes. Counterion binding dominates, both lowering the aqueous CMC and favouring a sphere-rod transition. However, even at modest concentrations, IL cations become incorporated into the micelle, causing the CMC to pass through a minimum, and arresting the sphere-rod transition. The efficiency of the cation depends on its amphiphilicity. As the IL content increases further, its role as a component of the bulk solvent becomes dominant: Only here does IL nanostructure influence micellization, as it increases alkyl chain solubility (EAN, PAN) and hence raises the CMC.

Future Supply of Pediatric Surgeons: Analytical Study of the Current and Projected Supply of Pediatric Surgeons in the Context of a Rapidly Changing Process for Specialty and Subspecialty Training.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the future supply and demand for pediatric surgeons using a physician supply model to determine what the future supply of pediatric surgeons will be over the next decade and a half and to compare that projected supply with potential indicators of demand and the growth of other subspecialties. BACKGROUND: Anticipating the supply of physicians and surgeons in the future has met with varying levels of success. However, there remains a need to anticipate supply given the rapid growth of specialty and subspecialty fellowships. This analysis is intended to support decision making on the size of future fellowships in pediatric surgery. METHODS: The model used in the study is an adaptation of the FutureDocs physician supply and need tool developed to anticipate future supply and need for all physician specialties. Data from national inventories of physicians by specialty, age, sex, activity, and location are combined with data from residency and fellowship programs and accrediting bodies in an agent-based or microsimulation projection model that considers movement into and among specialties. Exits from practice and the geographic distribution of physician and the patient population are also included in the model. Three scenarios for the annual entry into pediatric surgery fellowships (28, 34, and 56) are modeled and their effects on supply through 2030 are presented. RESULTS: The FutureDocs model predicts a very rapid growth of the supply of surgeons who treat pediatric patients-including general pediatric surgeon and focused subspecialties. The supply of all pediatric surgeons will grow relatively rapidly through 2030 under current conditions. That growth is much faster than the rate of growth of the pediatric population. The volume of complex surgical cases will likely match this population growth rate meaning there will be many more surgeons trained for those procedures. The current entry rate into pediatric surgery fellowships (34 per year) will result in a slowing of growth after 2025, a rate of 56 will generate a continued growth through 2030 with a likely plateau after 2035. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of entry into pediatric surgery will continue to exceed population growth through 2030 under two likely scenarios. The very rapid anticipated growth in focused pediatric subspecialties will likely prove challenging to surgeons wishing to maintain their skills with complex cases as a larger and more diverse group of surgeons will also seek to care for many of the conditions and patients which the general pediatric surgeons and general surgeons now see. This means controlling the numbers of pediatric surgery fellowships in a way that recognizes problems with distribution, the volume of cases available to maintain proficiency, and the dynamics of retirement and shifts into other specialty practice.

Preoperative Bowel Preparation before Elective Bowel Resection or Ostomy Closure in the Pediatric Patient Population Has No Impact on Outcomes: A Prospective Randomized Study.

The role of preoperative bowel prep in the pediatric surgical population is uncertain. We performed a randomized prospective study to evaluate noninferiority between the presence or absence of a preoperative bowel prep in elective pediatric bowel surgery on postoperative outcomes. Patients aged three months to 18 years were recruited and randomized to the bowel prep group or the no bowel prep group. Patients were evaluated in-hospital and at postoperative clinic visits. Thirty-two patients were recruited; 18 in the bowel prep group and 14 in the no bowel prep group. There was no statistical difference (P > 0.05) in complications between the groups. Complications were observed in five patients in each group (27.8% and 35.7%, respectively). In the bowel prep group, two (11.1%) had wound infection (vs three, 21.4%), 0 had an intra-abdominal abscess (vs one, 7.1%), one (5.6%) had sepsis (vs one, 7.1%), one (5.6%) had an anastomotic leak (vs 0), and three (16.7%) had a bowel obstruction (vs one, 7.1%). There were no extra-abdominal complications. There were no significant differences in complications between the two groups. Further research is warranted, but may require a multi-institutional trial to recruit sufficient numbers to make conclusions about the significance of the need for bowel prep.

Appendicostomy for intraluminal antibiotic administration and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in severe Hirschsprung's enterocolitis.

A term male infant with Hirschsprung's disease underwent an uncomplicated laparoscopic-assisted endorectal pull-through procedure. Four weeks after discharge, the patient developed severe Clostridium difficile enterocolitis with hemodynamic instability and peritonitis. Bedside laparotomy confirmed intestinal viability and accommodated an appendicostomy for antegrade vancomycin colonic irrigations. The patient required venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for physiological support for more than six days. Transition to conventional support was successful with survival and discharge from the hospital free from hemorrhagic complications. The patient is now developmentally appropriate for his age.

Massive transfusion and blood product use in the pediatric trauma patient.

Hemorrhagic shock in the pediatric trauma patient is an uncommon but fundamental problem for the treating clinician. Current management of hemorrhagic shock involves initial resuscitation with crystalloid fluids followed by infusion of blood components as necessary. In management of the adult trauma patient, many institutions have implemented massive transfusion protocols to guide transfusion in situations requiring or anticipating the use of greater than 10 U of packed red blood cells. In the pediatric population, guidelines for massive transfusion are vague or nonexistent. Adult trauma transfusion protocols can be applied to children until a pediatric protocol is validated. Here, we attempt to identify certain principles of transfusion therapy specific to pediatric trauma and outline a sample pediatric massive transfusion protocol that may be used to guide resuscitation. Also, adjuncts to transfusion, such as colloid fluids, other plasma expanders or hemoglobin substitutes, and recombinant activated factor VII, are discussed.

Right ventricular outflow tract stent as a bridge to surgery in a premature infant with tetralogy of Fallot.

Despite dramatic progress in neonatal cardiac surgery, prematurity and low birth weight remain risk factors for poor outcome. Attempts to delay intervention with supportive therapy have been shown to increase morbidity and mortality. We present a case of an 840 gram, 28-week gestation newborn with tetralogy of Fallot, in whom palliation was achieved with a right ventricular outflow tract stent. This management allowed subsequent successful complete repair.

Serum amylase and lipase alone are not cost-effective screening methods for pediatric pancreatic trauma.

BACKGROUND: Injury to the pancreas is rare in pediatric trauma. Identification of pancreatic injury relies on clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data. Serum screening for pancreatic injury frequently is used but has not proven to correlate well with pancreatic injury. This study investigated utility and cost effectiveness of serum assessment of amylase and lipase. METHODS: A retrospective study of 1,821 pediatric trauma patients over 64 months was conducted. A total of 293 (16%) of these patients suffered trauma to the torso 195 (11%) of whom had confirmed intraabdominal injury. Eight pancreatic injuries (4% of abdominal injuries) were identified; 5 underwent surgery for pancreatic ductal injury. One patient not operated on had a pseudocyst that required late drainage. RESULTS: Serum amylase or lipase levels (AMY/LIP) were measured in 507 (28%) patients. A total of 116 (23%) had elevated AMY/LIP levels. Six of 8 with proven pancreatic injury underwent AMY/LIP testing; 5 had elevated values. Forty-eight percent of patients with elevated AMY/LIP levels had no evidence of intraabdominal injury. Seventy-four of 116 (64%) with elevated AMY/LIP levels underwent abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scanning, yet 38 (51%) of these had completely normal scans. Many patients with elevated AMY/LIP levels (cost, $6 per test) underwent screening CT scans (cost, $592 per test) based on AMY/LIP alone. No patient with elevated AMY/LIP levels but without clinical suspicion was proven to have pancreatic injury. Cost data are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Serum amylase and lipase determinations may support clinical suspicion in the diagnosis of pediatric pancreatic trauma but are not reliable or cost effective as screening tools. Costs incurred from routine serum amylase and lipase or from imaging tests subsequent to elevated serum values may be significant and unjustified.

Comparison of minimally invasive and modified Ravitch pectus excavatum repair.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) has gained wide acceptance during the last 4 years. This study compares, retrospectively, the experience at 2 large hospitals, 1 using MIRPE and the other a modified Ravitch repair (MRR). METHODS: From 1996 to 2000, 68 PE patients underwent MIRPE at one hospital, and 139 underwent MRR at another hospital. Ages ranged from 5 to 19 years (mean, 12) for MIRPE, and 3 to 51 years (mean, 17.3) for MRR. The mean pectus severity index was 4.2 for MIRPE and 4.9 for MRR (normal, 2.5). RESULTS: There were no deaths after MIRPE or MRR. Complications included 6 reoperations for MIRPE and none for MRR. There were 8 rehospitalizations for MIRPE and none for MRR. Ninety percent of MIRPE complications occurred in the first 25 cases. The mean blood loss was under 90 mL for both MIRPE and MRR. Mean operating time was 75 minutes for MIRPE and 212 minutes for MRR. Ninety-six percent of MIRPE patients and no MRR patients had epidurals. Intravenous analgesics averaged 5 days for MIRPE and 1.7 days for MRR. Mean hospitalization was 6.5 days for MIRPE and 2.9 days for MRR. Mean time before return to work or school was 18 days for MIRPE and 12 days for MRR. The sternal bar was removed from 107 of 139 MRR patients (mean time, 19 minutes) and 18 of 68 MIRPE patients (mean time, 25 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Both MIRPE and MRR provide excellent clinical results. MRR has a longer operating time but decreased hospital stay, complication rate, and use of pain medications. Attention to technical operative details and surgeon's experience are essential for optimal results using both techniques.