A simple technique for preventing bar displacement with the Nuss repair of pectus excavatum.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The most common complication of the minimally invasive technique for repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is bar displacement, which has been reported to occur in 9.5% of all cases, particularly in teenaged patients. The use of a lateral stabilizing bar has improved stability but has not eliminated the occurrence of this problem. The authors report a new technique added to the standard MIRPE that creates an additional third point of fixation of the pectus bar to prevent displacement. METHODS: The technique requires the simple placement, via a spinal needle, of a nonabsorbable suture next to the sternum, encircling a rib and the bar, using a single 3-mm stab wound and thoracoscopic guidance. The suture simply is buried under the skin. Since 1998, this technique has been applied to 20 patients who underwent MIRPE. RESULTS: The average age was 14 years; 80% were boys. Average operating time was 75 minutes, and all patients had thoracoscopy with the MIRPE. A lateral stabilizing bar also was used in 14 patients. Four patients had 2 struts placed. Average length of stay was 5.5 days. There were no early complications. Mean follow-up was 12 months. Bar displacement occurred in 1 patient early in the series in which an absorbable suture was used for fixation. One patient had a prolonged hospital stay of 7 days because of postoperative pain. CONCLUSIONS: This modification to the original technique of MIRPE creates a 3-point fixation system that minimizes the risk of bar shifting even in teenaged patients. It does not add any significant time or cost to the operation, and it is fairly simple to perform. The authors believe that this technique decreases the occurrence of bar displacement, and they recommend its use for all patients with pectus excavatum considered candidates for the Nuss repair.

Effectiveness of beta-glucan collagen for treatment of partial-thickness burns in children.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Beta glucan collagen matrix (BGC), which combines the carbohydrate beta-glucan with collagen, has been used as a temporary coverage for adult partial thickness burns with reported good results. Observed advantages of BGC coverage include reduction of pain, improved healing, and better scar appearance. Potentially even more important in children is the elimination of painful daily dressing changes to the burned epithelial surface, as well as decreased fluid loss. This report details the authors' 2-year experience with BGC in a pediatric burn center. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 225 consecutive pediatric patients treated at our institution between 1997 and 1999 identified 43 patients (19%) with suspected partial thickness burns treated with BGC as the primary wound dressing. BGC was applied to a debrided burn wound and secured with steri-strips, kerlix, and an ace wrap. After 24 hours, adherence of the BGC was confirmed and then left open to air. RESULTS: The most common cause of burn injury was scald (61%), followed by flame (37%), and contact (2%). The average age of patients was 5.5 years (range, 6 weeks to 16 years) and mean percent total body surface area burned was 9.3% (1% to 35%). Thirty-four patients (79%) had the BGC remain intact while the wound healed underneath, with excellent cosmetic results, minimal analgesic requirements, and no need for repetitive dressing changes. Nine patients (21%) had the BGC removed before wound healing: 6 patients lost the BGC because of progression of the burn to full thickness, 2 had BGC nonadherence over a joint, and 1 had an unexplained nonadherence. CONCLUSIONS: Partial-thickness burns in children can be effectively treated with BGC with good results, even in infants and toddlers. BGC markedly simplifies wound care for the patient and family and seems to significantly decrease postinjury pain.

Outcome analysis of minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum: review of 251 cases.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Since the first report in 1997 by Dr Nuss of the technique for minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE), the popularity and demand for this operation has increased dramatically. Many pediatric surgeons became familiarized with MIRPE and have applied it to a large number of patients. Outcomes and complications have not yet been defined. METHODS: A comprehensive survey of APSA members was conducted to review technical problems, complications, and outcomes of this new technique. RESULTS: Of the 74 survey responders, 31 (42%) currently use the MIRPE as their procedure of choice, and 251 cases were reviewed. A total of 74.2% of surgeons relied on direct observation and written documentation to obtain training in MIRPE. Less than 60% used the chest index in the preoperative assessment. A total of 98% used the Walter Lorenz bar for the MIRPE. The most common complication was bar displacement or rotation requiring reoperation (9.2%). Pneumothorax requiring tube thoracostomy was reported in 4.8%. Less common problems included infectious complications (2%), pleural effusion (2%), thoracic outlet obstruction (0.8%), cardiac injury (0.4%), sternal erosion (0.4%), pericarditis (0.4%), and anterior thoracic artery pseudoaneurysm (0.4%). Three patients (1.2%) required early strut removal. Reoperation using the open modified Ravitch approach was performed in 2 patients (0.8%). Most surgeons indicated that teenaged patients (>15 years old) were at higher risk for complications. Thoracoscopy in combination with MIRPE was used by 61% of the surgeons. Overall patient satisfaction was rated as excellent or good (96.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The relatively high incidence of problems with MIRPE is probably related to the learning curve associated with the introduction of this new technique. Awareness of technical details, careful patient selection, use of a stabilizing bar, and thoracoscopy likely will result in decreased complications. Long-term results are yet to be determined. The development of a national registry is of great importance for further outcome analysis of MIRPE.

A new method of treatment for complete tracheal rings in an infant: endoscopic laser division and balloon dilation.

PURPOSE: The authors describe a new technique for management of complete tracheal rings in infants. METHODS: The procedure consists of rigid bronchoscopy with KTP laser division, in the posterior midline, of the complete rings and gradual advancement of the bronchoscope aided by endoscopic balloon dilation. CONCLUSIONS: The laser division, coupled with balloon dilation, allows for controlled separation of the cartilages posteriorly. The anterior esophageal wall buttresses the posterior tracheal separation.

A century of progress in pediatric surgical airway management.

BACKGROUND: Tremendous technological advances have occurred in pediatric airway management within the past century. Pediatric surgeons have been involved in the technological progress and have also evolved as concerned care-givers. METHODS: A short history reveals a few outstanding physicians who not only contributed to the technological triumphs but also to promoting "high touch." CONCLUSION: Pediatric surgeons must be involved in the rapidly progressing technologies but must not allow high technology to outpace high touch.

"One-stop" surgery: implications for anesthesiologists of an expedited pediatric surgical process.

BACKGROUND: "One-stop surgery" (OSS) allows pediatric patients to undergo initial surgical evaluation, anesthesia, surgery, and discharge home, on the same day. METHODS: Patients referred for umbilical hernia repair, circumcision, or central venous catheter removal completed a screening questionnaire, after which they were scheduled for initial surgical and anesthesia evaluation if eligible and had surgery if indicated on the same day. RESULTS: Three patients had comorbidity precluding OSS, two patients refused indicated surgery, two patients did not require surgery, and 12 patients did not keep their appointment. Eighty patients had surgery without complications. Average total time was significantly shorter for OSS than non-OSS for circumcision (120 vs 142 min) and umbilical hernia repair (139 vs 165 min) but similar for catheter removal (100 vs 109 min). All families were satisfied with OSS. CONCLUSIONS: One-stop surgery appears to be a safe, efficient, and convenient alternative to the traditional process for patients and their families.

Impact of segmental grafts on pediatric liver transplantation--a review of the United Network for Organ Sharing Scientific Registry data (1990-1996).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the relative impact of segmental grafts from cadaveric and living donors on outcomes in 3,409 pediatric transplants (<18 years) between 1990 and 1996. METHODS: Analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Scientific registry data from 1990 to 1996 was performed. RESULTS: Liver grafts consisted of 2,636 whole grafts (WLG), 246 liver donor grafts (LDG), 89 split liver graft (SLG), and 438 reduced-size grafts (RSG). Although the number of pediatric transplants were unchanged between 1990 and 1996, segmental grafts made up an increasing proportion from 14.5% to 29.2%, and WLG decreased proportionately. The increase among segmental grafts occurred for LDG (threefold), followed by SLG (53%) and RSG (50%). One-year graft and patient survival rates for 3,409 transplants were 69.7% and 81.9%, respectively and were significantly higher (P<.001) in nonhospitalized patients than in hospitalized patients (79.8% and 91.3% v 61.0% and 73.7%). LDG graft survival (75.9%) was comparable with WLG(70.9%) but significantly better at 1 year than SLG (60.3%, P = .007) and RSG (61.1%, P = .001), even after excluding retransplants and ICU patients. Patient survival rates were not different statistically between groups. A separate analysis of outcomes in recipients less than 1 year of age suggested significantly better graft and patient survivals for LDG (83.3% and 89.4%) than for WLG (62.3% and 76.5%) and RSG (62.7% and 75%). CONCLUSIONS: Segmental liver grafts from cadaveric and living donors constitute an increasing proportion of pediatric transplants. Survival rates of cadaveric segmental graft are inferior to those of live donor segmental grafts even after adjustment for medical condition. Live donor grafts demonstrate consistently superior graft and patient outcomes in pediatric recipients less than 1 year of age, and should be promoted aggressively as a solution to the critical shortage of size matched grafts in small recipients.

One-stop surgery: evolving approach to pediatric outpatient surgery.

PURPOSE: Maximizing patient satisfaction is of prime importance in today's competitive outpatient surgery market. The authors recently devised a system, one-stop surgery, which simplifies outpatient surgery for pediatric patients and their families by combining the traditionally separate preoperative evaluation and subsequent operation into one visit. This report describes our initial experience with one-stop surgery. METHODS: Umbilical hernia repair, circumcision, and portacath removal were considered surgical procedures appropriate for our one-stop surgery pilot study. Medical information obtained by phone or fax from referring physicians was used to identify potential candidates. Families were contacted, precertified for their surgical procedure, and given nothing by mouth instructions. The day of surgery the child was evaluated by the attending pediatric surgeon. If the diagnosis was confirmed, and no contraindications to surgery were identified, the child immediately underwent the prescheduled surgical procedure. RESULTS: From April through October 1997, 61 children were scheduled for one-stop surgery. Nine patients (15%) were no shows, and one additional family opted not to proceed with circumcision. The remaining 51 children (83%) underwent their one-stop surgical procedure: umbilical hernia repair (n = 23), circumcision (n = 19), portacath removal (n = 8), and inguinal hernia repair (n = 1). No child had an anesthetic contraindication to surgery, and only one minor postoperative complication (wound hematoma) occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study has demonstrated that with appropriate patient screening and cooperation of the entire surgical team, a variety of outpatient surgical procedures can be handled using this one-stop surgery method. By combining one-stop surgery with our previously reported phone follow-up system, many minor surgical procedures can be managed with only one visit to the hospital. Decreasing the "hassle factor" of outpatient surgery for children and their families, who frequently live far from their closest children's hospital, while providing the highest quality of specialized surgical and anesthetic care, may potentially be a very powerful marketing tool for pediatric surgical specialists.

Acute chest syndrome in the postoperative sickle cell patient.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Acute chest syndrome (ACS), a phenomenon of pulmonary sequestration in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, is frequently missed in the postoperative SCD child. The constellation of symptoms range from fever and respiratory distress to abdominal discomfort. In its most fulminate state, the syndrome has been reported in some series to carry almost a 25% to 50% mortality rate in the postoperative patient. The incidence in pediatric patients in the era of minimally invasive surgery is unknown. METHODS: Since December 1995, 63 episodes of ACS have been documented in the nearly 500 SCD children seen at our institution. Six of 63 episodes occurred within 2 weeks after a surgical procedure under general anesthesia. During this period, 59 operations were performed by the pediatric surgery service on SCD patients with an ACS incidence of 10.2%. Careful review of the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of these patients was performed. RESULTS: All six received preoperative oxygen saturation monitoring and intravenous fluid (IVF) hydration. One half of these patients required transfusion to achieve a hemoglobin level of greater than 10 mg/dL. Documentation of intraoperative temperature, hypoxia, volume status, and hypercarbia as well as any atypical perioperative events were monitored and reviewed. All patients received postoperative oxygen supplementation and IVF hydration. Onset of ACS ranged from 1 hour to 7 days postoperatively. Only one of six was thought to be of microbial etiology (elevated mycoplasma titers), and all patients received prophylactic antibiotic and aggressive pulmonary therapy. Overall length of hospitalization was increased with an average stay of 6.1 days. There were no postsurgical ACS deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Despite close attention and avoidance of known risk factors for development of postoperative SCD complications, ACS occurred with an incidence much higher than previously reported in the literature (0.4% v 10.2%). Interestingly, five of six cases were after laparoscopic procedures suggesting that the advantages of laparoscopy, such as reduced postoperative pain, do not extrapolate to decreased incidence of ACS.

Pediatric laparoscopic biliary tract surgery.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is being performed with increasing frequency in children. The authors discuss the presentation, surgical technique, overall results, and potential complications associated with pediatric laparoscopic biliary tract surgery, citing a large personal experience as well as that reported in the literature.

A new technique for laparoscopic splenectomy with massively enlarged spleens.

Splenectomy is indicated in several hematological disorders and it can be particularly challenging in children with sickle cell disease, splenomegaly, and recurrent sequestration. Over the last 6 months, we have developed a new technique for laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) for hypersplenism and splenomegaly in five children with sickle cell disease. The average age of our patients was 6 years (range, 2-11), and the average weight was 18.7 kg (range, 13.2-30.1). On preoperative ultrasound, spleen size index ranged from 0.42 to 0.76. For the LS, four trochars were placed. One patient, who also underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, had six trochars placed, two of which were used for both cholecystectomy and splenectomy. After laparoscopic mobilization of the spleen and hilar vascular stapling, a Steiner electromechanical morcellator was inserted through the 12-mm port to extract cores of splenic tissue until complete splenectomy was achieved. No patient required conversion to an open procedure or creation of a larger incision to remove the massively enlarged spleen. Operative time averaged 190 minutes; the combined LS and cholecystectomy took 245 minutes. Postoperative length of stay was <2 days for all patients. There were no complications, and no patient required postoperative transfusion. Based on these early findings, we conclude that intracorporeal coring of splenic tissue allows for safe and complete laparoscopic removal of very large spleens in small children. It provides expedient recovery and minimal postoperative pain and scarring. This new technique should enable surgeons to perform LS even in patients with massive splenomegaly, eliminating the need for large and cumbersome intracorporeal bags or the creation of additional incisions to remove the spleen.

Multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of pediatric pancreaticobiliary disorders.

A multidisciplinary approach using traditional open surgery, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopic surgery has revolutionized the care of the adult with pancreaticobiliary disease. This study focuses on a similar collaborative effort to diagnose and treat children with pancreaticobiliary disorders. Charts of all patients treated on the pediatric surgery service between June 1990 and May 1995, who also underwent ERCP, were abstracted for disease process, presenting symptoms, laboratory evaluation, surgical or endoscopic procedures, and eventual outcome. Twenty-six children were identified, ranging from 6 months to 19 years of age. Pancreaticobiliary disorders included pancreas divisum (n = 1), choledochal cyst (n = 4), pancreaticobiliary trauma (n = 4), cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis (n = 17). The pancreaticobiliary tree was successfully visualized by ERCP in 25 of 26 (96%) patients. Fifteen of these patients also underwent attempted therapeutic endoscopic procedures, with 13 (87%) performed successfully. Three patients with choledochal cyst had stents placed preoperatively for cholangitis, all of whom have undergone successful choledochal cyst excision. Two trauma patients underwent attempted stenting of a bile leak and bile duct stricture, respectively, both of which were unsuccessful, necessitating surgical correction. Seventeen patients with cholelithiasis underwent ERCP to rule out choledocholithiasis. Ten patients were found to have common duct stones, and all stones were endoscopically extracted, including those in a 6-month-old child. Overall survival rate was 96% (25 of 26), with the one death occurring in a trauma patient unrelated to his pancreaticobiliary disorder. A multidisciplinary approach using traditional open surgery, ERCP and laparoscopic surgery can successfully treat even young children with pancreaticobiliary disorders. In experienced hands, diagnostic ERCP and therapeutic endoscopic intervention can be performed successfully in most pediatric patients, greatly simplifying the surgical management of these potentially complex problems.

Save the child's esophagus, Part II: Colic patch repair.

PURPOSE: In a previous report, the authors documented the procedures necessary to regain esophageal continuity in infants who had massive disruption of the suture line following esophagoplasty. As a corollary, this study shows the feasibility of preserving the esophagus in older children by using an esophageal patch. METHODS: Fifteen children ranging in age from 8 months to 16 years at the time of surgery had repair of esophageal strictures or tracheoesophageal fistulae by the use of a vascularized patch rather than esophageal resection and interposition with colon or stomach. The technique of "colonic-patch oesophagoplasty" was described by Hecker and Hollman in 1975. From 1976 to 1995, the authors have used a modification of their procedure in 14 children, and in one patient an intercostal muscle flap was interposed. The technique consists of esophagotomy through the area of stricture with application of a vascularized patch of colon to the resulting defect. RESULTS: Ten of the patients were boys and four were girls with an additional girl considered for the procedure at 8 months of age. However, during surgery, an intercostal muscle flap interposition was used. Eight children had esophageal stricture caused by lye ingestion; two from anastomotic stricture; two from gastroesophageal reflux; two from recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula; and one from long-term nasogastric intubation. Follow-up showed excellent results in nine patients who had the colic patch operation. All had good swallowing. A tenth patient, the child with the vascularized intercostal muscle flap, is currently eating a regular diet but it has only been 4 months since the operation. However, one of these excellent patients continues to have a small focus of Barrett's esophagus and another one was killed in an automobile accident one year after operation. Three children have good results but with occasional difficulty in swallowing boluses of meat or with continuing reflux. Two patients had poor results and both have undergone reoperation. In one of these children with Down's syndrome and diabetes, the colic patch worked well for 6 years but because of continuing reflux, distal esophageal scarring and obstruction eventually ensued. After reoperation for distal esophageal resection and colic interposition, the patient died of pulmonary failure. The second child with poor results has recently undergone reoperation to extend the esophagotomy through the distal scarred esophagus and to revise the colic patch. CONCLUSION: The use of a vascular colic patch for treatment of severe esophageal strictures is a viable alternative to esophageal resection and interposition. However, patients with continuing reflux or Barrett's esophagus, or both, may progress with distal esophageal scarring and obstruction and subsequent dilation of the patch. Those patients will require reoperation.

Credentialing of research surgeons: can computers help in the process?

There has been recurring debate regarding the need for a process of ensuring that individuals who propose research using live animals will be competent in the research and compassionate in their care of animals. The mechanism by which this goal can be accomplished is presently under consideration and acceptance by investigators is of concern. As a first step, the authors propose utilization of an interactive computer program that not only would evaluate cognitive knowledge but also would instruct in areas found to be deficient. Immediate feedback with educational reinforcement is possible. The authors' interest in such a program began with a pediatric surgical postgraduate course presented in 1994 at the Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons. The computer program utilized was IRIS (Instantaneous Response Interactive System: IRIS, Denver, CO, USA). This system was well suited to evaluation and instantaneous feedback. That program, or one like it, would be suited to initial evaluation and education of researchers. The important aspect is interaction and immediate feedback. This article also includes the results of a panel discussion at the annual meeting of the Academy of Surgical Research in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Esophageal foreign bodies in children: diagnosis, treatment, and complications.

OBJECTIVE: We performed this study to identify the role of radiology in the diagnosis, treatment, and complications of esophageal foreign bodies in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts and radiographs of 123 esophageal foreign bodies seen in 118 children at the Medical University of South Carolina from May 1980 through May 1995. RESULTS: Most foreign bodies were coins in the upper esophagus (69%) in infants less than 2 years old (65%) for fewer than 24 hr (60%). The presenting symptoms varied, with 20% of patients asymptomatic. Respiratory symptoms that mimicked upper respiratory tract infections or croup proved misleading with long-standing foreign body retention. Preexisting esophageal disease was present in 17% of patients. The Foley catheter method of foreign body extraction was attempted in 53 cases (43%) and was successful without complications in 46 (87%). Esophagoscopy was attempted in 72 cases (58%) and was successful without complications in 66 (92%). Three patients had major complications: a fatal aorticoesophageal fistula, an extraluminal migration of a coin, and a large esophageal diverticulum. Significant mucosal erosions were shown in six patients on radiologic studies after extraction. CONCLUSION: Early recognition and treatment of esophageal foreign bodies is imperative because the complications are serious and can be life-threatening. Radiology plays an important role in the initial diagnosis, in recognition of complications, and in treatment. The Foley catheter method of foreign body extraction can be used on some patients, but esophagoscopy remains the safest method of esophageal foreign body extraction.

Aortoesophageal fistula and double aortic arch: two important points in management.

Two children with double aortic arch and aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) are reported to warn of this lethal complication of double aortic arch and to stress important points in the diagnosis and management. A review of the records of 30 children with double aortic arch disclosed two patients who had AEF. The first patient had respiratory distress and repair of a vascular ring (double aortic arch) at 5 weeks of age. At 9 weeks of age, because of difficulty with tracheal extubation, aortopexy was performed. Ten days later, profuse upper gastrointestinal bleeding required control by a Sengstaken-Blakemore (SB) tube. Thoracotomy and repair AEF was accomplished successfully under cardiopulmonary bypass. The second patient had hepatomegaly and Pseudomonas sepsis. Endotracheal and nasogastric intubation was necessary, and subsequently the double aortic arch was demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). On the 48th day of hospitalization, life-threatening upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage required insertion of an SB tube. Cardiopulmonary bypass allowed successful repair of the AEF. Both children are alive, after 3 and 2 years (respectively). These patients demonstrate that AEF must be diagnosed clinically (no imaging technique is effective); its history and physical presentation are typical. The SB tube is effective for controlling the hemorrhage until cardiopulmonary bypass can be performed to allow repair.

Save the child's esophagus: management of major disruption after repair of esophageal atresia.

PURPOSE: Given the bias that the native esophagus is the best conduit between the oropharynx and the stomach, the authors report a "conservative" approach to massive esophageal leak, which may be considered "radical" by others. Major disruption of the anastomosis after primary repair of esophageal atresia is a recognized and feared complication. Historically, management has been the performance of cervical esophagostomy and gastrostomy. The aim of this report is to describe the authors' approach to this difficult and serious complication. METHODS: A 15-year retrospective analysis was performed of all patients having esophageal atresia. Data collection focused on the management of all patients with clinically significant esophageal disruption. Radiographically detected (clinically asymptomatic) leaks were managed by continuation of drainage by thoracostomy tubes already in place and are not included. Reoperative thoracotomies were performed, which included primary repair (2), placement of pleural patch alone (2), pleural patch with intercostal muscle flap buttress (2), and operative debridement and drainage alone (1). RESULTS: It was noted that seven patients had clinically significant esophageal disruption requiring reoperation, with circumferential disruptions ranging from 15% to 85%. Presentation included persistent pleural collection (4) and pneumothorax (3). Both patients who underwent primary repair had no evidence of leakage on follow-up esophagograms, neither did one with a pleural patch alone and one with an intercostal muscle flap. Five of the seven patients were tolerating oral feedings at the time of follow-up (range, 6 months to 8 years). One of the two others (both currently inpatients), has a recurrent leak associated with mediastinitis, and the other (who had primary repair) has a presumed neurological impairment of eating. CONCLUSION: Clinically significant disruption of primary esophageal repair should not warrant a cervical esophagostomy and placement of a gastrostomy tube, thus precluding eventual use of the native esophagus. The authors have shown that management by reoperation with primary repair, intercostal muscle flap with or without pleural patch, and/or drainage allows the patient to maintain the native esophagus and yields a generally good outcome after a prolonged healing time.