Are pediatric surgery fellowship websites ready for the changing paradigms in the virtual interview era?

Purpose: With the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person fellowship interviews were curtailed, leading candidates to seek information from other resources. Our main purposes were (1) to determine what information recent participants in the match needed to evaluate programs and (2) to assess which of these were available online. Methods: A focus group of ten recent graduates/applicants identified information that was important in choosing a fellowship program. In August 2020 and December 2021, websites belonging to the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) and individual programs were assessed. Results: Recent applicants identified 55 pieces of information considered important to their decision making. Of 57 pediatric surgery fellowships, 98% were listed on APSA's website. Program descriptions on APSA's website listed on average 60% of program information desired by applicants. All listed fellowship director, accreditation status, faculty list, and current fellow(s). Other descriptors frequently noted were alumni (95%), graduate's board performance (83%), ECMO exposure (77%), and curriculum (70%). Information desired but less frequently available were fellow case logs (63%), trauma center designation (53%), burn center designation (40%), research opportunities (30%), candidate interview assistance (25%), and supplemental fellowships (12%). There were 7% of program descriptions that were not updated for at least a year. Conclusions: APSA and individual program websites were complimentary. Websites often lacked data that applicants sought to inform their rank list. To best adapt to the evolving virtual interview paradigm, we suggest reporting key information on a central APSA website with more nuanced information available via links to program specific websites. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44186-023-00104-w.

Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of microvascular endothelial cell heterogeneity in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a neonatal anomaly that includes pulmonary hypoplasia and hypertension. We hypothesized that microvascular endothelial cell (EC) heterogeneity is different in CDH lungs and related to lung underdevelopment and remodeling. To test this, we evaluated rat fetuses at E21.5 in a nitrofen model of CDH to compare lung transcriptomes among healthy controls (2HC), nitrofen-exposed controls (NC) and nitrofen-exposed subjects with CDH. Single-cell RNA sequencing with unbiased clustering revealed 3 distinct microvascular EC clusters: a general population (mvEC), a proliferative population and a population high in hemoglobin. Only the CDH mvEC cluster had a distinct inflammatory transcriptomic signature as compared to the 2HC and NC endothelial cells, e.g. greater activation and adhesion of inflammatory cells and production of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, CDH mvECs had downregulated Ca4, Apln and Ednrb gene expression. Those genes are markers for ECs important to lung development, gas exchange and alveolar repair (mvCa4+). mvCa4+ ECs were reduced in CDH (2HC [22.6%], NC [13.1%] and CDH [5.3%], p < 0.0001). Overall, these findings identify transcriptionally distinct microvascular endothelial cell clusters in CDH, including the distinctly inflammatory mvEC cluster and the depleted group of mvCa4+ ECs, which together may contribute to pathogenesis.

Discontinuation of the OriGen® Dual-Lumen Right Atrial Cannula Decreased Venovenous ECMO Usage in Neonates and Older Children: A Survey of the American Pediatric Surgical Association.

INTRODUCTION: Dual-lumen cannulas for venovenous (VV)-ECMO are widely used in pediatric patients. The popular OriGen® dual-lumen right atrial cannula was discontinued in 2019 without a comparable replacement. METHODS: A survey covering VV-ECMO practice and opinions was distributed to attending members of the American Pediatric Surgical Association. RESULTS: 137 pediatric surgeons responded (14%). Prior to discontinuation of the OriGen®, 82.5% offered VV-ECMO to neonates, and 79.6% cannulated with the OriGen®. Following its discontinuation, those that offered only venoarterial (VA)-ECMO to neonates increased to 37.6% from 17.5% (p = 0.0002). An additional 33.8% changed their practice to sometimes use VA-ECMO when VV-ECMO was indicated. Reasons for not incorporating dual-lumen bi-caval cannulation into practice included risk of cardiac injury (51.7%), inexperience with bi-caval cannulation in neonates (36.8%), difficulty with placement (31.0%), and recirculation and/or positioning problems (27.6%). For the pediatric/adolescent population, 95.5% of surgeons offered VV-ECMO prior to OriGen® discontinuation. Few switched to exclusive VA-ECMO (1.9%) when the OriGen® was discontinued, but 17.8% of surgeons began to incorporate selective use of VA-ECMO. CONCLUSION: Discontinuation of the OriGen® cannula drove pediatric surgeons to alter their cannulation practices, dramatically increasing VA-ECMO use for neonatal and pediatric respiratory failure. These data may suggest a need for targeted education accompanying major technological shifts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

The Current Pediatric Surgery Job Market: A Perspective of Recent Fellowship Graduates.

PURPOSE: This study describes the job market from the perspective of recent pediatric surgery graduates. METHODS: An anonymous survey was circulated to the 137 pediatric surgeons who graduated from fellowships 2019-2021. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 49%. The majority of respondents were women (52%), Caucasian (72%), and had a median student debt burden of $225,000. Considering job opportunities, respondents strongly emphasized camaraderie (93%), mentorship (93%), case mix (85%), geography (67%), faculty reputation (62%), spousal employment (57%), compensation (51%), and call frequency (45%). 30% were satisfied with the employment opportunities available, and 21% felt strongly prepared to negotiate for their first job. All respondents were able to secure a job. Most jobs were university-based (70%) or hospital employed (18%) positions where surgeons covered median of two hospitals. 49% wanted protected research time, and 12% of respondents were able to secure substantial, protected research time. The median compensation for university-based jobs was $12,583 below the median AAMC benchmark for assistant professors for the corresponding year of graduation. CONCLUSION: These data highlight the ongoing need for assessment of the pediatric surgery workforce and for professional societies and training programs to further assist graduating fellows in preparing to negotiate their first job. TYPE OF STUDY: Survey LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Use of Image Guidance During Pediatric Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Cannulation: A Survey of the American Pediatric Surgical Association.

This study evaluated practices for image guidance during placement of bicaval dual-lumen (BCDL) venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) cannulas in pediatric and adolescent patients and elucidates reasoning behind surgeon practices. A survey covering VV-ECMO practice and opinions was distributed by the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) to all attending members. A total of 110 pediatric surgeons responded (11.3%). During initial BCDL cannula placement, 67.7% of surgeons reported using bimodal imaging with either fluoroscopy (38.4%) or x-ray (29.3%) plus echocardiography. Although 37.4% of surgeons used serial x-rays during cannula placement, only 5.9% believed it was best practice to do so ( P < 0.0001). Rather, 60.4% believed that fluoroscopy was the standard. Among surgeons not using fluoroscopy, 27.6% (13.3% of respondents) reported fluoroscopy added unnecessary complexity or that they preferred another modality. More frequently, reasons for not using fluoroscopy are related to resource limitations. Echocardiography use to confirm cannula position was considered best practice by 92.1% of surgeons, with 86.9% utilization. Therefore, most pediatric surgeons use multimodal imaging during cannulation and consider it best practice. Fluoroscopy is preferred, but its use is frequently limited by hospital resources. Echocardiography is widely available and used. These data represent increased consensus among surgeons and present opportunities for modernization of hospital resources and standards.

Short-term outcomes of thoracoscopic versus open lobectomy for congenital lung malformations.

PURPOSE: Thoracoscopic and open approaches for the management of congenital lung malformations (CLM) has been debated. The aim of this study is to compare 30-day outcomes for non-emergent lobectomies in children. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database was queried for patients undergoing CLM resection from 2013 to 2020. Outcomes were compared by operative technique in an intention-to-treat model and then propensity matched. RESULTS: 2157 patients met inclusion criteria and underwent non-emergent pulmonary lobectomy for CLM. The intended operative approach was thoracoscopic in 57.7% of patients. Patients in the open group compared to the thoracoscopic were more likely to be born premature, have chronic lung disease, require preoperative oxygen support, and be ventilator dependent. After propensity matching, there was no statistically significant difference in 30-day mortality, unplanned readmission, and other complications between the thoracoscopic and open groups. Thoracoscopic approach was associated with a shorter length of stay. The proportion of cases approached via thoracoscopy increased over time from 48.8% in 2013 to 69.9% in 2020. CONCLUSIONS: This large multicenter retrospective matched analysis demonstrates thoracoscopic lobectomy in children has similar favorable 30-day outcomes and shorter length of stay for the non-emergent management of CLM, compared to open thoracotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

White matter microstructure predicts measures of clinical symptoms in chronic back pain patients.

Chronic back pain (CBP) has extensive clinical and social implications for its sufferers and is a major source of disability. Chronic pain has previously been shown to have central neural factors underpinning it, including the loss of white matter (WM), however traditional methods of analyzing WM microstructure have produced mixed and unclear results. To better understand these factors, we assessed the WM microstructure of 50 patients and 40 healthy controls (HC) using diffusion-weighted imaging. The data were analyzed using fixel-based analysis (FBA), a higher-order diffusion modelling technique applied to CBP for the first time here. Subjects also answered questionnaires relating to pain, disability, catastrophizing, and mood disorders, to establish the relationship between fixelwise metrics and clinical symptoms. FBA determined that, compared to HC, CBP patients had: 1) lower fibre density (FD) in several tracts, specifically the right anterior and bilateral superior thalamic radiations, right spinothalamic tract, right middle cerebellar peduncle, and the body and splenium of corpus callosum; 2) higher FD in the genu of corpus callosum; and 3) lower FDC - a combined fibre density and cross-section measure - in the bilateral spinothalamic tracts and right anterior thalamic radiation. Exploratory correlations showed strong negative relationships between fixelwise metrics and clinical questionnaire scores, especially pain catastrophizing. These results have important implications for the intake and processing of sensory data in CBP that warrant further investigation.

Pathological Roles for Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells in Neonatal and Adult Lung Disease.

Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are vascular resident and circulating endothelial cell subtypes with potent angiogenic capacity, a hierarchy of single-cell clonogenic potentials, and the ability to participate in de novo blood vessel formation and endothelial repair. Existing literature regarding ECFCs in neonatal and adult pulmonary diseases is confounded by the study of ambiguously defined "endothelial progenitor cells," which are often not true ECFCs. This review contrasts adult and fetal ECFCs, discusses the effect of prematurity on ECFCs, and examines their different pathological roles in neonatal and adult pulmonary diseases, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, pulmonary artery hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Therapeutic potential is also discussed in light of available preclinical data.

Resting state functional connectivity in SLE patients and association with cognitive impairment and blood-brain barrier permeability.

OBJECTIVE: Extensive blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage has been linked to cognitive impairment in SLE. This study aimed to examine the associations of brain functional connectivity (FC) with cognitive impairment and BBB dysfunction among patients with SLE. METHODS: Cognitive function was assessed by neuropsychological testing (n = 77). Resting-state FC (rsFC) between brain regions, measured by functional MRI (n = 78), assessed coordinated neural activation in 131 regions across five canonical brain networks. BBB permeability was measured by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (n = 61). Differences in rsFC were compared between SLE patients with cognitive impairment (SLE-CI) and those with normal cognition (SLE-NC), between SLE patients with and without extensive BBB leakage, and with healthy controls. RESULTS: A whole-brain rsFC comparison found significant differences in intra-network and inter-network FC in SLE-CI vs SLE-NC patients. The affected connections showed a reduced negative rsFC in SLE-CI compared with SLE-NC and healthy controls. Similarly, a reduced number of brain-wide connections was found in SLE-CI patients compared with SLE-NC (P = 0.030) and healthy controls (P = 0.006). Specific brain regions had a lower total number of brain-wide connections in association with extensive BBB leakage (P = 0.011). Causal mediation analysis revealed that 64% of the association between BBB leakage and cognitive impairment in SLE patients was mediated by alterations in FC. CONCLUSION: SLE patients with cognitive impairment had abnormalities in brain rsFC which accounted for most of the association between extensive BBB leakage and cognitive impairment.

Duodenal Switch Combined with Systematic Post-operative Supplementation and Regular Patient Follow-up Results in Good Nutritional Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The duodenal switch is the most effective bariatric surgical procedure. Due to technical demands of the surgery and concerns regarding high rates of post-operative nutritional sequelae, many surgeons remain hesitant to adopt this technique. METHODS: Sixty-five patients undergoing duodenal switch surgery at our hospital between 2008 and 2015 were followed up for 5 years. All patients were provided with a thorough post-operative nutritional supplementation regimen. Nutritional deficiencies as evidenced by blood testing, excess body weight loss, and remission rates from type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia were studied. RESULTS: The average excess body weight loss 5 years post-operatively was 62% ± 23.03%. Remission rates for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia were 96%, 77% and 84% respectively. Patients achieved good nutritional outcomes. After 5 years, deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins A and D occurred in 3.3% and 1.6% of patients respectively. The rate of ferritin deficiency at the 5-year post-operative mark was 19.4%. No predictors of nutritional deficiency were identified on univariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing a duodenal switch achieve good long-term excess body weight loss and high obesity-related co-morbidity remission rates. The rates of post-operative nutritional deficiencies in patients who are subjected to a thorough post-operative nutritional supplementation regimen are lower than what was historically expected.

Role of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines in Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been in use for thousands of years in Asian countries and is rapidly gaining popularity in the Western world. Among different forms of TCM, the traditional Chinese herbal therapy and acupuncture are the most popular modalities. Here, we review the fundamentals of TCMs for clinicians practicing in the West and will also detail the evidence-based utility of Chinese herbal medicine in the management of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). RECENT FINDINGS: In the recent decades, the popularity and usage of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in FGIDs is increasing in the West. TCMs are commonly utilized by many patients with FGIDs as the conventional therapies do have limitations such as cost, inadequate symptom control and adverse effects. The unfamiliarity of TCM philosophy among clinicians in the West, and shortage of traditional Chinese herbalists remain. The philosophy of TCM is complex and entirely different from the Western medical concepts and is difficult to understand for a clinician trained in the West. Further traditional Chinese herbal therapies are often viewed skeptically by the clinicians in the West for various reasons such as lack of scientific rigor, inconsistencies in the constituents of herbal products, and also concerns due to adverse herb effects. Future clinical trials in FGIDs should focus on herb product quality, herb-drug interactions, and standardized criteria for diagnosis and management outcomes.

Failed fundoplication with delayed gastric emptying: efficacy of subtotal gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: The management of patients with gastroparesis and recurrent reflux after previous fundoplication is challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction as a remedial procedure in this select patient population. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively populated database identified all patients that underwent subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (SGRNY) due to reflux symptoms and delayed gastric emptying (DGE). Demographic, intra-operative and post-operative data including pre and post-operative modified reflux aspiration scintigraphy studies were evaluated. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess symptomatic outcomes. RESULTS: From 2018 SGRNY has been selectively performed in 13 patients. Preoperative workup confirmed DGE and severe symptomatic reflux in all patients. The median number of previous fundoplication and or hiatal hernia operations was two (range 1-3). The mean hospital length of stay was 10 ± 6 days. Post-operative morbidity was experienced in three patients (23%). Seven patients (64%) had significant improvement or complete resolution of reflux on post-operative scintigraphy. Symptom improvement was reported in 92% of patients. CONCLUSION: In a select patient cohort with post-fundoplication reflux and DGE symptoms, SGRNY is a moderately safe and effective salvage option.

Next day discharge after the Nuss procedure using intercostal nerve cryoablation, intercostal nerve blocks, and a perioperative ERAS pain protocol.

BACKGROUND: The Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum has historically been associated with significant postoperative pain, which has been the major factor contributing to hospital length of stay (LOS). METHODS: A single-institution, prospective study of 40 consecutive patients undergoing Nuss bar placement for pectus excavatum between November 2019 and January 2021 was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a multimodality pain management protocol. All patients received T3-T8 intercostal nerve cryoablation (INC), T3-T8 bupivacaine intercostal nerve blocks, Exparel at the skin incisions, and management with a perioperative analgesia regimen that minimized narcotic usage. The primary outcome was LOS. Secondary outcomes included opioid use, pain scores, and time to sensory recovery. RESULTS: 37/40 patients (92.5%) were discharged home on postoperative day (POD) 1, and 3/40 (7.5%) were discharged on POD 2 (mean LOS = 1.1 days). The median average postoperative pain score was 2/10. After eliminating IVPCA from our protocol, total oral morphine equivalent (OME) decreased by 73% (55.5 mg to 15 mg) with no change in pain scores or discharge timing. CONCLUSIONS: INC combined with bupivacaine intercostal nerve blocks and a pre- and post-hospital analgesia protocol facilitated discharge one day after the Nuss procedure, achieved excellent pain control, and eliminated the need for intravenous opioids.

Rare case of dual gastrointestinal perforations.

A 49-year-old man presented to the nearest emergency department profoundly septic with significantly raised inflammatory markers. He had a background of floor of mouth invasive squamous cell carcinoma for which he underwent complex head and neck surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and insertion of a percutaneous gastrostomy tube for feeding. He experienced 3 weeks of retching, cough and malaise. Imaging revealed both an oesophageal perforation and perforated duodenal ulcer, presumed secondary to oesophageal stricturing from his prior surgery and radiotherapy.

Treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma at a New Zealand centre: meeting the challenges of a low volume country.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of gastric cancer in New Zealand is challenging because of a low annual incidence of 400 patients and population dispersal over a wide area with little data on regional treatment trends and outcomes. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the surgical outcomes of gastric cancer patients presenting to a single upper gastrointestinal centre (WDHB, Waitemata District Health Board) and to compare these to national and international standards. METHODS: Data on 135 patients with histologically proven gastric adenocarcinoma presenting between January 2010 and December 2014 were reviewed and compared with nationally available procedural volume data. RESULTS: Sixty of 135 patients were resected (resection rate 44%) and 75 patients were managed with palliative chemotherapy/symptomatic care alone. Twenty-six patients (43%) received adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy and only two patients (3%) underwent laparoscopic resection. In resected patients, 90-day mortality was 1.6%, and 11 patients (18%) developed complications ≥ Clavien-Dindo grade 3. Fifty-two patients (87%) had ≥15 lymph nodes resected and 54 patients (90%) had a histological R0 resection. At median follow-up of 49 months, 30 patients remain alive and disease-free with 20 true 5-year disease-free survivors. National data between 2010 and 2014 showed WDHB performed 20% (338/1710) of gastric resections for all indications in New Zealand. CONCLUSION: While WDHB is an internationally low volume centre for gastric cancer, surgical outcomes benchmark satisfactorily to international standards. New Zealand's national treatment standards should set aspirational goals for gastric cancer treatment and have a clear strategy to address issues of surgical volume and national service provision.

Down the Rabbit Hole-Considerations for Ingested Foreign Bodies.

We report the case of a seven-year-old boy with an ingested foreign body, which was retained within the appendix for a known duration of ten months, ultimately requiring appendectomy. The ingested foreign body was incidentally discovered by abdominal x-ray at an emergency room visit for constipation. Despite four bowel cleanouts, subsequent x-rays showed persistence of the foreign body in the right lower quadrant. While the patient did not have signs or symptoms of acute appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy was performed due to the risk of this foreign body causing appendicitis in the future. A small metallic object was found within the appendix upon removal. This case highlights the unique challenge presented by foreign body ingestions in non-verbal or developmentally challenged children and the importance of further diagnostic workup when concerns arise for potential retained foreign bodies.