Current Realities of Wilms Tumor Burden and Therapy in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Between 2005 and 2014, Ghana's Wilms tumor (WT) 2-year disease-free survival of 44% trailed behind that of high-income countries. This study aimed to uncover social determinants of health leading to preventable WT death in Ghana. METHODS: WT patient records (2014-2022) at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH; Ghana) were reviewed retrospectively. Demographics, clinical course, tumor characteristics, and survival were evaluated using t-tests, Pearson Chi-square, and multivariate Cox logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 127 patients identified, 65 were female. Median age was 44 months [IQR 25-66]. Forty-eight patients (38%) presented with distant metastasis (75% lung, 25% liver), which associated with hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.009), caregiver informal employment (p = 0.04), and larger tumors (p = 0.002). Despite neoadjuvant chemotherapy shrinking 84% of tumors, larger initial size associated with incomplete resection (p = 0.046). Of 110 nephrectomies, 31 patients had residual disease, negatively impacting survival (p = 2.7 × 10-5). Twenty-two patients (17%) abandoned treatment (45% before nephrectomy; 55% after nephrectomy), with seven patients ultimately lost to follow-up (LTFU). Decedents represented 43% of stage IV patients compared to 28% in other stages. Event-free survival (EFS) was 60% at 4 years with overall survival (OS) at 67%. CONCLUSIONS: Although Ghana's WT survival has improved, informal employment and distance from KBTH predisposed patients to delayed referral, greater tumor burden, hypoalbuminemia, and lower survival. TYPE OF STUDY: Prognosis Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Effects of Anterior Fundoplication on Postoperative Dysphagia and Reflux After Laparoscopic Esophagocardiomyotomy for Pediatric Achalasia.

Introduction: Achalasia among children often fails endoscopic management (e.g., dilation, botulinum toxin). Laparoscopic esophagocardiomyotomy (L-ECM) is a standard intervention to relieve obstruction but can induce gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Concurrent anterior fundoplication (A-fundo) has been evaluated in randomized trials among adults, demonstrating mixed results on controlling postoperative GER without exacerbating dysphagia. Furthermore, evidence for the best approach among children remains sparse. We hypothesized that, among children undergoing L-ECM without mucosal violation, routine A-fundo would not improve postoperative GER control while exacerbating dysphagia. Materials and Methods: Observational data of 47 consecutive achalasia patients ≤18 years who received L-ECM (2002-2023) at a single academic institution were collected. Patient records were culled for demographics, achalasia characteristics, and outcomes. Two L-ECM groups were identified: with or without A-fundo. Patients were screened for postoperative dysphagia (additional procedures) and GER (new antireflux medications). Univariate independence testing was conducted to identify statistically significant variables. Results: Among 47 patients undergoing L-ECM, 28 (59.6%) received concurrent A-fundo. Compared with patients undergoing L-ECM alone, patients with L-ECM/A-fundo had significantly longer hospital stays (P < .01) without statistically different rates of postoperative dysphagia (P = .81) or GER (P = .51). Five children (10.6%) experienced mucosal injury with L-ECM: 4 recognized intraoperatively received A-Fundo without subsequent leak; 1 mucosal injury was missed and did not receive A-Fundo, which subsequently leaked. Conclusion: In this largest observation of pediatric achalasia patients, A-fundo appeared clinically insignificant when determining contributors to control GER or exacerbate postoperative dysphagia. A-fundo should not be routinely adopted in children having L-ECM for achalasia without further multicenter analysis but appears beneficial in cases having inadvertent mucosal violation.

Survival outcomes in pediatric patients with metastatic Ewing sarcoma who achieve a rapid complete response of pulmonary metastases.

PURPOSE: Our objectives were to compare overall survival (OS) and pulmonary relapse between patients with metastatic Ewing sarcoma (EWS) at diagnosis who achieve rapid complete response (RCR) and those with residual pulmonary nodules after induction chemotherapy (non-RCR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included children under 20 years with metastatic EWS treated from 2007 to 2020 at 19 institutions in the Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative. Chi-square tests were conducted for differences among groups. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated for OS and pulmonary relapse. RESULTS: Among 148 patients with metastatic EWS at diagnosis, 61 (41.2%) achieved RCR. Five-year OS was 71.2% for patients who achieved RCR, and 50.2% for those without RCR (p = .04), and in multivariable regression among patients with isolated pulmonary metastases, RCR (hazards ratio [HR] 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.99) and whole lung irradiation (WLI) (HR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.16-0.77) were associated with improved survival. Pulmonary relapse occurred in 57 (37%) patients, including 18 (29%) in the RCR and 36 (41%) in the non-RCR groups (p = .14). Five-year pulmonary relapse rates did not significantly differ based on RCR (33.0%) versus non-RCR (47.0%, p = .13), or WLI (38.8%) versus no WLI (46.0%, p = .32). DISCUSSION: Patients with EWS who had isolated pulmonary metastases at diagnosis had improved OS if they achieved RCR and received WLI, despite having no significant differences in rates of pulmonary relapse.

Race and Ethnic Group Enrollment and Outcomes for Wilms Tumor: Analysis of the Current Era Children's Oncology Group Study, AREN03B2.

BACKGROUND: To review race and ethnic group enrollment and outcomes for Wilms tumor (WT) across all 4 risk-assigned therapeutic trials from the current era Children's Oncology Group Renal Tumor Biology and Risk Stratification Protocol, AREN03B2. STUDY DESIGN: For patients with WT enrolled in AREN03B2 (2006 to 2019), disease and biologic features, therapeutic study-specific enrollment, and event-free (EFS) and overall (OS) 4-year survival were compared between institutionally reported race and ethnic groups. RESULTS: Among 5,146 patients with WT, no statistically significant differences were detected between race and ethnic groups regarding subsequent risk-assigned therapeutic study enrollment, disease stage, histology, biologic factors, or overall EFS or OS, except the following variables: Black children were older and had larger tumors at enrollment, whereas Hispanic children had lower rates of diffuse anaplasia WT and loss of heterozygosity at 1p. The only significant difference in EFS or OS between race and ethnic groups was observed among the few children treated for diffuse anaplasia WT with regimen UH-1 and -2 on high-risk protocol, AREN0321. On this therapeutic arm only, Black children showed worse EFS (hazard ratio = 3.18) and OS (hazard ratio = 3.42). However, this finding was not replicated for patients treated with regimen UH-1 and -2 under AREN03B2 but not on AREN0321. CONCLUSIONS: Race and ethnic group enrollment appeared constant across AREN03B2 risk-assigned therapeutic trials. EFS and OS on these therapeutic trials when analyzed together were comparable regarding race and ethnicity. Black children may have experienced worse stage-specific survival when treated with regimen UH-1 and -2 on AREN0321, but this survival gap was not confirmed when analyzing additional high-risk AREN03B2 patients.

Management and Outcomes of Wilms Tumor With Suprarenal Intravascular Extension: A Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe management and outcomes from a contemporary cohort of children with Wilms tumor complicated by inferior vena caval thrombus. BACKGROUND: The largest series of these patients was published almost 2 decades ago. Since then, neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been commonly used to manage these patients, and outcomes have not been reported. METHODS: Retrospective review of 19 North American centers between 2009 and 2019. Patient and disease characteristics, management, and outcomes were investigated and analyzed. RESULTS: Of 124 patients, 81% had favorable histology (FH), and 52% were stage IV. IVC thrombus level was infrahepatic in 53 (43%), intrahepatic in 32 (26%), suprahepatic in 14 (11%), and cardiac in 24 (19%). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy using a 3-drug regimen was administered in 82% and postresection radiation in 90%. Thrombus level regression was 45% overall, with suprahepatic level showing the best response (62%). Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was potentially avoided in 67%. The perioperative complication rate was significantly lower after neoadjuvant chemotherapy [(25%) vs upfront surgery (55%); P =0.005]. CPB was not associated with higher complications [CPB (50%) vs no CPB (27%); P =0.08]. Two-year event-free survival was 93% and overall survival was 96%, higher in FH cases (FH 98% vs unfavorable histology/anaplastic 82%; P =0.73). Neither incomplete resection nor viable thrombus cells affected event-free survival or overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal therapy resulted in excellent outcomes, even with advanced-stage disease and cardiac extension. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy decreased the need for CPB to facilitate resection. Complete thrombectomy may not always be necessary.

Comparison of Outcomes Between Surveillance Ultrasound and Completion Lymph Node Dissection in Children and Adolescents With Sentinel Lymph Node-Positive Cutaneous Melanoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of nodal basin ultrasound (US) surveillance versus completion lymph node dissection (CLND) in children and adolescents with sentinel lymph node (SLN) positive melanoma. BACKGROUND: Treatment for children and adolescents with melanoma are extrapolated from adult trials. However, there is increasing evidence that important clinical and biological differences exist between pediatric and adult melanoma. METHODS: Patients ≤18 years diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma between 2010 and 2020 from 14 pediatric hospitals were included. Data extracted included demographics, histopathology, nodal basin strategies, surveillance intervals, and survival information. RESULTS: Of 252 patients, 90.1% (n=227) underwent SLN biopsy (SLNB), 50.9% (n=115) had at least 1 positive node. A total of 67 patients underwent CLND with 97.0% (n=65/67) performed after a positive SLNB. In contrast, 46 total patients underwent US observation of nodal basins with 78.3% (n=36/46) of these occurring after positive SLNB. Younger patients were more likely to undergo US surveillance (median age 8.5 y) than CLND (median age 11.3 y; P =0.0103). Overall, 8.9% (n=21/235) experienced disease recurrence: 6 primary, 6 nodal, and 9 distant. There was no difference in recurrence (11.1% vs 18.8%; P =0.28) or death from disease (2.2% vs 9.7%; P =0.36) for those who underwent US versus CLND, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with cutaneous melanoma frequently have nodal metastases identified by SLN. Recurrence was more common among patients with thicker primary lesions and positive SLN. No significant differences in oncologic outcomes were observed with US surveillance and CLND following the identification of a positive SLN.

Association of Prophylactic Antibiotics With Early Infectious Complications in Children With Cancer Undergoing Central Venous Access Device Placement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of prophylactic antibiotics on early infectious complications after central venous access device (VAD) placement in children with cancer. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Despite the frequency of VAD procedures in children, the effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics for reducing infectious complications is unknown. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of children with cancer undergoing central VAD placement identified in the Pediatric Health Information System database between 2017-2021. The primary outcome was the rate of early infectious complications (composite surgical site infections, central line-associated bloodstream infections, and bacteremia). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with early infection, and heterogeneity of treatment effect of prophylactic antibiotics was compared across subgroups. RESULTS: 9,216 patients were included (6,058 ports and 3,158 tunneled lines). Prophylactic antibiotics were associated with lower early infectious complications overall (1.3% vs. 2.4%; OR 0.55 [95% C.I. 0.39-0.79], P<0.001), an effect demonstrated for tunneled lines (OR 0.59, 95% C.I.: 0.41-0.84) but not ports (OR 3.01, 95% C.I.: 0.66-13.78). On multivariate analysis, prophylactic antibiotics (OR 0.67, 95% C.I.: 0.45-0.97) and solid tumors (OR 0.38, 95% C.I.: 0.22-0.64) were associated with reduced odds of early infections, while tunneled lines (OR 20.78, 95% C.I.: 9.83-43.93) and acute myelogenous leukemia (OR 2.37, 95% C.I.: 1.58-3.57) had increased odds. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic antibiotics are associated with reduced early infectious complications after central VAD placement overall. Despite recommendations from multiple national organizations against prophylactic antibiotics, these findings suggest a benefit in children with malignancy undergoing tunneled line placement.

Enteric tube position on preoperative radiographs predicts clinical outcomes in neonatal congenital diaphragmatic hernia with and without prenatal diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is diagnosed prenatally in ~60% of cases. Prenatal measures typically guide management and prognostication. Simple postnatal prognosticators are needed when prenatal diagnosis is lacking. We hypothesized that preoperative orogastric tube (OGT) tip position relative to the contralateral diaphragm correlates with defect severity, resource utilization, and clinical outcomes regardless of diagnostic status. STUDY DESIGN: 150 neonates with left-posterolateral CDH were analyzed. Impact of intrathoracic and intraabdominal preoperative tip position on clinical outcomes was compared. RESULTS: Ninety-nine neonates were prenatally diagnosed. Overall, intrathoracic position significantly correlated with larger diaphragmatic defects, advanced postnatal pulmonary support requirements (HFOV, pulmonary vasodilators, and ECMO), operative complexity, longer hospitalization, and poorer survival to discharge. These observations persisted when analyzing only cases lacking prenatal diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative OGT tip position predicts defect severity, resource utilization, and outcomes in CDH. This observation enhances postnatal prognostication and care planning for neonates without a prenatal diagnosis.

Outcomes and Histological Variations of Neuroblastoma and Ganglioneuroblastoma with Paraneoplastic Syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastomas are the most common extracranial solid malignancy in children with variable manifestations and complications depending on the presence of paraneoplastic syndromes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a single institution retrospective cohort study of all patients less than 18 years old diagnosed with neuroblastoma or ganglioneuroblastoma between January 2002 and July 2022. Patients were identified through the pathology and cancer registry and cross-referenced with pediatric records. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes were collected. A univariate descriptive analysis of the collected data was conducted. RESULTS: In our study period, 130 children were diagnosed with neuroblastoma, and 15 were diagnosed with ganglioneuroblastoma. There were 12 children with a paraneoplastic syndrome identified, 8 with NBL and 4 with ganglioneuroblastoma (GNBL). The average age at diagnosis was 22 months. All but 1 underwent resection prior to treatment of paraneoplastic syndrome, and 4 children required neoadjuvant therapy. Neurological complications were the most common with 10 children (83%). The average time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 0.7 months. Eight children had complete resolution of their symptoms after treatment and resection, 2 children recently started treatment within a year, 1 had partial resolution, and 1 died during treatment. The presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes occurred in 4 children with neurologic paraneoplastic syndromes. Six children had neuropil rich tumors. CONCLUSION: The histological profile of paraneoplastic syndromes of neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroblastoma and their treatment across a single institution can be highly variable. The presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and neuropil may have an impact on paraneoplastic pathology.

Exploiting embryonic niche conditions to grow Wilms tumor blastema in culture.

Introduction: Wilms Tumor (WT), or nephroblastoma, is the most common pediatric kidney cancer. Most WTs display a "favorable" triphasic histology, in which the tumor is comprised of blastemal, stromal, and epithelial cell types. Blastemal predominance after neoadjuvant chemotherapy or diffuse anaplasia ("unfavorable" histology; 5-8%) portend a worse prognosis. Blastema likely provide the putative cancer stem cells (CSCs), which retain molecular and histologic features characteristic of nephron progenitor cells (NPCs), within WTs. NPCs arise in the metanephric mesenchyme (MM) and populate the cap mesenchyme (CM) in the developing kidney. WT blastemal cells, like NPCs, similarly express markers, SIX2 and CITED1. Tumor xenotransplantation is currently the only dependable method to propagate tumor tissue for research or therapeutic screening, since efforts to culture tumors in vitro as monolayers have invariably failed. Therefore, a critical need exists to propagate WT stem cells rapidly and efficiently for high-throughput, real-time drug screening. Methods: Previously, our lab developed niche conditions that support the propagation of murine NPCs in culture. Applying similar conditions to WTs, we assessed our ability to maintain key NPC "stemness" markers, SIX2, NCAM, and YAP1, and CSC marker ALDHI in cells from five distinct untreated patient tumors. Results: Accordingly, our culture conditions maintained the expression of these markers in cultured WT cells through multiple passages of rapidly dividing cells. Discussion: These findings suggest that our culture conditions sustain the WT blastemal population, as previously shown for normal NPCs. As a result, we have developed new WT cell lines and a multi-passage in vitro model for studying the blastemal lineage/CSCs in WTs. Furthermore, this system supports growth of heterogeneous WT cells, upon which potential drug therapies could be tested for efficacy and resistance.

Distribution and Surgical Management of Visceral Ewing Sarcoma Among Children and Adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is a highly malignant tumor of bone and soft tissue that occasionally arises from viscera. Visceral EWS (V-EWS) is challenging to manage given its varied organ distribution and often late-stage presentation. We aimed to characterize our institutional experience with V-EWS, focusing on its surgical management, and to compare V-EWS outcomes against those with osseous (O-EWS) and soft tissue EWS (ST-EWS). METHODS: Retrospective review of all EWS patients ≤21 years presenting to a single institution between 2000 and 2022. Patient- and disease-specific characteristics were compared. Overall and relapse-free survival were estimated using Kaplan Meier methods and log-rank test. RESULTS: 156 EWS patients were identified: 117 O-EWS, 20 ST-EWS, and 19 V-EWS. V-EWS arose in the kidney (n = 5), lung (n = 5), intestine (n = 2), esophagus (n = 1), liver (n = 1), pancreas (n = 1), adrenal gland (n = 1), vagina (n = 1), brain (n = 1), and spinal cord (n = 1). No significant demographic differences were detected between EWS groups. V-EWS was more frequently metastatic at presentation (63.2%; p = 0.005), yet no significant overall or relapse-free survival differences emerged between EWS groups, with similar follow-up intervals. While V-EWS required multiple unique operative strategies to gain primary control, no significant difference in treatment strategies appeared between groups. Surgery-only primary control was associated with improved overall and relapse-free survival in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: V-EWS presents unique management challenges in children and adolescents given its variable sites of origin. This large cohort is the first to describe the surgical management and outcomes of V-EWS, demonstrating more frequent metastatic presentation, while achieving similar survival across groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2 - Cohort Study.

Minimally invasive adnexa-sparing surgery for benign ovarian and paratubal masses in children.

BACKGROUND: The precision of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to resect benign ovarian and paratubal masses while preserving adnexa in children is unclear. This study evaluated the integrity of laparoscopy to spare adnexa while resecting benign pathologies in children. METHODS: The institutional pathology database was queried to identify patients aged 18 years and younger having any ovarian or tubal lesion resected at a comprehensive children's hospital between 2006 and 2021. Adnexa-sparing surgery was defined as preserving both the ovary and tube from which the lesion was resected. Postoperative ultrasounds were reviewed to document ovarian follicles, blood flow, volumes, and lesion recurrence. RESULTS: Adnexal preservation was implemented in 168 of 328 pathological resections. MIS approach was used in 149 cases. Median age was 13.4 [11.0-15.3]. Among sparing surgeries, MIS associated with benign pathology, shorter operative time (median minutes: 78 MIS [59-111.5]; 130 open [92.8-149.8]; 174 MIS-to-open [132.8-199.5]; p = 0.010), and reduced hospital stay (median days: 1 MIS (Lindfors, 1971; Lovvorn III et al., 1998) [1-2]; 2 open [2-2.9], 2 MIS-to-open [1-3.3]; p = 0.001). Postoperative ovarian volume ipsilateral to the MIS procedure (median, 7.6 ml [4.3-12.1]) was relatively smaller than the contralateral ovary (median, 9.1 ml [5.5-15.0]). Blood flow was documented to the ovary in 70/94 (74.4%) of patients after MIS adnexal-sparing surgery. Distinct follicles were detected in 48/74 (64.8%) of post-menarchal patients after MIS adnexal-sparing surgery. Five ovarian cysts recurred. CONCLUSIONS: MIS preserves adnexa reliably, with postoperative ovarian follicles and blood flow detected in most patients, and maintains ∼80% of contralateral volume, while achieving definitive tumor resection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Laparoscopic Resection of Pediatric Solid Pseudopapillary Tumors of the Pancreas.

BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) of the pancreas arise rarely in children, are often large, and can associate intimately with splenic vessels. Splenic preservation is a fundamental consideration when resecting distal SPT. Occasionally, the main splenic vessels must be divided to resect the SPT with negative margins, but the spleen can be preserved if the short gastric vessels remain intact (ie, Warshaw procedure). The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of distal pancreatectomy (DP) for SPT in children and to highlight 2 cases of splenic preservation using the Warshaw procedure. METHODS: Patients 19 years and younger who were treated at a single children's hospital between July 2004 and January 2021 were examined. Patient characteristics were collected from the electronic medical record. A pediatric radiologist calculated SPT and pre- and post-operative (ie, non-infarcted) splenic volumes. RESULTS: Eleven patients received DP for SPT. Six DPs were performed open and 5 laparoscopically. The spleen was preserved in 3 open and 4 laparoscopic DPs. A laparoscopic Warshaw procedure was performed in 2 patients. Laparoscopic resection associated with less frequent epidural use (P = .015), shorter time to full diet (P = .030), and post-operative length of stay (P = .009), compared to open resection. Average residual splenic volume after the laparoscopic Warshaw procedure was 70% of preoperative volume. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic DP for pediatric SPT achieved similar oncologic goals to open resection. Splenic preservation was feasible with laparoscopy in most cases and was successfully supplemented with the Warshaw procedure, which has not been previously reported for SPT resection in children.

Pediatric spinal injury patterns and management in all-terrain vehicle and dirt bike crashes, 2010-2019.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric spinal injuries in all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and dirt bike crashes are relatively uncommon but may be associated with significant morbidity. There are no recent studies examining these injuries, their management, and outcomes. Therefore, a retrospective study was performed to characterize pediatric spinal injuries related to ATV and dirt bike crashes over the last decade. METHODS: Data on all patients involved in ATV or dirt bike crashes evaluated at a regional level 1 pediatric trauma center over a 10-year period (2010-2019) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were analyzed and chi-square, Fisher exact, and Mann-Whitney U-tests were performed comparing the demographics, injury characteristics, and clinical outcomes in patients with versus those without spinal injuries. RESULTS: Of 680 patients evaluated, 35 (5.1%) were diagnosed with spinal injuries. Over the study period, both spinal injuries and emergency department visits related to ATV or dirt bike crashes increased in frequency. All spinal injuries were initially diagnosed on CT scans, and 57.9% underwent spinal MRI. Injuries were most commonly thoracic (50%), followed by cervical (36.8%). The injuries of most patients were classified as American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade E on presentation (86.8%), while 2 (5.3%) had complete spinal cord injuries (ASIA grade A) and 3 patients (8.6%) were ASIA grade B-D. Operative management was required for 13 patients (28.9%). Nonoperative management was used in 71.1% of injuries, including bracing in 33% of all injuries. Patients with spinal injuries were older than those without (13.4 ± 3.35 vs 11.5 ± 3.79 years, p = 0.003). Spinal injuries occurred via similar crash mechanisms (p = 0.48) and in similar locations (p = 0.29) to nonspinal injuries. Patients with spinal injuries more frequently required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU; 34.2% vs 14.6%, p = 0.011) and had longer hospital stays (mean 4.7 ± 5.5 vs 2.7 ± 4.0 days, p = 0.0025). CONCLUSIONS: Although infrequent among young ATV and dirt bike riders, spinal injuries are associated with longer hospital stays, increased ICU use, and required operative intervention in 29%. Increasing awareness among ATV and dirt bike riders about the severity of riding-related injuries may encourage safer riding behaviors.

Virtual curriculum delivery in the COVID-19 era: the pediatric surgery boot camp v2.0.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the impact of a virtual Pediatric Surgery Bootcamp curriculum on resource utilization, learner engagement, knowledge retention, and stakeholder satisfaction. METHODS: A virtual curriculum was developed around Pediatric Surgery Milestones. GlobalCastMD delivered pre-recorded and live content over a single 10-h day with a concluding social hour. Metrics of learner engagement, faculty interaction, knowledge retention, and satisfaction were collected and analyzed during and after the course. RESULTS: Of 56 PS residencies, 31 registered (55.4%; 8/8 Canadian and 23/48 US; p = 0.006), including 42 learners overall. The virtual BC budget was $15,500 (USD), 54% of the anticipated in-person course. Pre- and post-tests were administered, revealing significant knowledge improvement (48.6% [286/589] vs 66.9% [89/133] p < 0.0002). Learner surveys (n = 14) suggested the virtual BC facilitated fellowship transition (85%) and strengthened peer-group camaraderie (69%), but in-person events were still favored (77%). Program Directors (PD) were surveyed, and respondents (n = 22) also favored in-person events (61%). PDs not registering their learners (n = 7) perceived insufficient value-added and concern for excessive participants. CONCLUSIONS: The virtual bootcamp format reduced overall expenses, interfered less with schedules, achieved more inclusive reach, and facilitated content archiving. Despite these advantages, learners and program directors still favored in-person education. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Protocolized management of isolated linear skull fractures at a level 1 pediatric trauma center.

OBJECTIVE: Isolated linear skull fractures without intracranial findings rarely require urgent neurosurgical intervention. A multidisciplinary fracture management protocol based on antiemetic usage was implemented at our American College of Surgeons-verified level 1 pediatric trauma center on July 1, 2019. This study evaluated protocol safety and efficacy. METHODS: Children younger than 18 years with an ICD-10 code for linear skull fracture without acute intracranial abnormality on head CT were compared before and after protocol implementation. The preprotocol cohort was defined as children who presented between July 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017; the postprotocol cohort was defined as those who presented between July 1, 2019, and July 1, 2020. RESULTS: The preprotocol and postprotocol cohorts included 162 and 82 children, respectively. Overall, 57% were male, and the median (interquartile range) age was 9.1 (4.8-25.0) months. The cohorts did not differ significantly in terms of sex (p = 0.1) or age (p = 0.8). Falls were the most common mechanism of injury (193 patients [79%]). After protocol implementation, there was a relative increase in patients who fell from a height > 3 feet (10% to 29%, p < 0.001) and those with no reported injury mechanism (12% to 16%, p < 0.001). The neurosurgery department was consulted for 86% and 44% of preprotocol and postprotocol cases, respectively (p < 0.001). Trauma consultations and consultations for abusive head trauma did not significantly change (p = 0.2 and p = 0.1, respectively). Admission rate significantly decreased (52% to 38%, p = 0.04), and the 72-hour emergency department revisit rate trended down but was not statistically significant (2.8/year to 1/year, p = 0.2). No deaths occurred, and no inpatient neurosurgical procedures were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Protocolization of isolated linear skull fracture management is safe and feasible at a high-volume level 1 pediatric trauma center. Neurosurgical consultation can be prioritized for select patients. Further investigation into criteria for admission, need for interfacility transfers, and healthcare costs is warranted.

Incidence and management of pleural effusions in patients with Wilms tumor: A Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative study.

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common renal malignancy in children. Children with favorable histology WT achieve survival rates of over 90%. Twelve percent of patients present with metastatic disease, most commonly to the lungs. The presence of a pleural effusion at the time of diagnosis of WT may be noted on staging imaging; however, minimal data exist regarding the significance and prognostic importance of this finding. The objectives of our study are to identify the incidence of pleural effusions in patients with WT, and to determine the potential impact on oncologic outcomes. A multi-institutional retrospective review was performed from January 2009 to December 2019, including children with WT and a pleural effusion on diagnostic imaging treated at Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative (PSORC) participating institutions. Of 1259 children with a new WT diagnosis, 94 (7.5%) had a pleural effusion. Patients with a pleural effusion were older than those without (median 4.3 vs 3.5 years; P = .004), and advanced stages were more common (local stage III 85.9% vs 51.9%; P < .0001). Only 14 patients underwent a thoracentesis for fluid evaluation; 3 had cytopathologic evidence of malignant cells. Event-free and overall survival of all children with WT and pleural effusions was 86.2% and 91.5%, respectively. The rate and significance of malignant cells present in pleural fluid is unknown due to low incidence of cytopathologic analysis in our cohort; therefore, the presence of an effusion does not appear to necessitate a change in therapy. Excellent survival can be expected with current stage-specific treatment regimens.

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.

Sledding while towed behind motorized vehicles associates with more severe and lethal injuries☆.

INTRODUCTION: Our institution has recently experienced an increase in sledding-related injuries, particularly when towed behind motorized vehicles. The purpose of this study was to characterize injury severity and clinical outcomes between pediatric patients who sustain injuries owing to motorized sledding accidents to aid in injury prevention messaging. METHODS: This retrospective study queried all patients who presented with a sledding-related injury to a single ACS-verified Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center located in the Southeastern United States between 01/2015 and 01/2022. Demographics, injury details, and clinical outcomes were compared between two groups: patients towed behind a motorized vehicle (MOTOR) and those who were not (GRAVITY). RESULTS: Of the 67 patients included in our analysis, 15 (22%) were in the MOTOR group. Patients in the MOTOR group presented with significantly higher injury severity (ISS) and lower Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores. Additionally, patients in this MOTOR group more often received a blood transfusion and intubation, had longer intensive care and overall hospital lengths of stay, and incurred higher hospital costs. In a multivariate analysis, the use of a motorized vehicle to sled was independently associated with increased ISS (OR: 9.7, 95% CI 1.9-17.5; p = 0.02). Two deaths occurred after sledding while being towed behind a motorized vehicle. CONCLUSION: Children experiencing sledding accidents while being towed by motorized vehicles sustain significantly more severe injuries and require more intensive treatments that together lead to increased hospital costs. These findings provide the framework for community educational initiatives and injury prevention measures to mitigate risk among children engaged in sledding. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV retrospective cohort study.

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.