Multicenter Assessment of Cryoanalgesia Use in Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum: A 20-center Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical implications of cryoanalgesia for pain management in children undergoing minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). BACKGROUND: MIRPE entails significant pain management challenges, often requiring high postoperative opioid use. Cryoanalgesia, which blocks pain signals by temporarily ablating intercostal nerves, has been recently utilized as an analgesic adjunct. We hypothesized that the use of cryoanalgesia during MIRPE would decrease postoperative opioid use and length of stay (LOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study of 20 US children's hospitals was conducted of children (age below 18 years) undergoing MIRPE from January 1, 2014, to August 1, 2019. Differences in total postoperative, inpatient, oral morphine equivalents per kilogram, and 30-day LOS between patients who received cryoanalgesia versus those who did not were assessed using bivariate and multivariable analysis. P value <0.05 is considered significant. RESULTS: Of 898 patients, 136 (15%) received cryoanalgesia. Groups were similar by age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, and Haller index. Receipt of cryoanalgesia was associated with lower oral morphine equivalents per kilogram (risk ratio=0.43, 95% confidence interval: 0.33-0.57) and a shorter LOS (risk ratio=0.66, 95% confidence interval: 0.50-0.87). Complications were similar between groups (29.8% vs 22.1, P =0.07), including a similar rate of emergency department visit, readmission, and/or reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Use of cryoanalgesia during MIRPE appears to be effective in lowering postoperative opioid requirements and LOS without increasing complication rates. With the exception of preoperative gabapentin, other adjuncts appear to increase and/or be ineffective at reducing opioid utilization. Cryoanalgesia should be considered for patients undergoing this surgery.

Postoperative Respiratory Complications in SARS-CoV-2 Positive Pediatric Patients Across 20 United States Hospitals: A Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Data examining rates of postoperative complications among SARS-CoV-2 positive children are limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positive status on postoperative respiratory outcomes for children. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included SARS-CoV-2 positive pediatric patients across 20 hospitals who underwent general anesthesia from March to October 2020. The primary outcome was frequency of postoperative respiratory complications, including: high-flow nasal cannula/non invasive ventilation, reintubation, pneumonia, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), and 30-day respiratory-related readmissions or emergency department (ED) visits. Univariate analyses were used to evaluate associations between patient and procedure characteristics and stratified analyses by symptoms were performed examining incidence of complications. RESULTS: Of 266 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, 163 (61.7%) were male, and the median age was 10 years (interquartile range 4-14). The majority of procedures were emergent or urgent (n = 214, 80.5%). The most common procedures were appendectomies (n = 78, 29.3%) and fracture repairs (n = 40,15.0%). 13 patients (4.9%) had preoperative symptoms including cough or dyspnea. 26 patients (9.8%) had postoperative respiratory complications, including 15 requiring high-flow oxygen, 8 with pneumonia, 4 requiring non invasive ventilation, 3 respiratory ED visits, and 2 respiratory readmissions. Respiratory complications were more common among symptomatic patients than asymptomatic patients (30.8% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.01). Higher ASA class and comorbidities were also associated with postoperative respiratory complications. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative respiratory complications are less common in asymptomatic versus symptomatic SARS-COV-2 positive children. Relaxation of COVID-19-related restrictions for time-sensitive, non urgent procedures in selected asymptomatic patients may be reasonably considered. Additionally, further research is needed to evaluate the costs and benefits of routine testing for asymptomatic patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Iii, Respiratory complications.

Retracing our STEPs: Four decades of progress in intestinal lengthening procedures for short bowel syndrome.

The surgical management of intestinal failure secondary to short bowel syndrome has undergone tremendous evolution in the last several decades. From the landmark description of an intestinal lengthening procedure by Bianchi in 1980 to the multidisciplinary modern care paradigm known as intestinal rehabilitation, innovative new treatments in this field have vastly improved patient outcomes. Initial attempts to treat short bowel syndrome surgically saw the birth of reversed intestinal segments, artificial valves and colonic transposition, all aimed at decreasing transit time and thus increasing absorption. In the long term, a common pitfall of these approaches, and intestinal adaptation itself, is bowel dilation and the associated poor motility, dysfunction and propensity for bacterial overgrowth. The development of techniques to mitigate these unfavorable conditions was a prelude to the birth of modern day operations aimed at increasing bowel length and improving function. This review examines the relevant historical approaches to short bowel syndrome and how they provided the foundation for the development of current intestinal lengthening surgery, followed by an in-depth discussion of surgical techniques and their outcomes.

Antibiotic stewardship in the newborn surgical patient: A quality improvement project in the neonatal intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: There is significant diversity in the utilization of antibiotics for neonates undergoing surgical procedures. Our institution standardized antibiotic administration for surgical neonates, in which no empiric antibiotics were given to infants with surgical conditions postnatally, and antibiotics are given no more than 72 hours perioperatively. METHODS: We compared the time periods before and after implementation of antibiotic protocol in an institution review board-approved, retrospective review of neonates with congenital surgical conditions who underwent surgical correction within 30 days after birth. Surgical site infection at 30 days was the primary outcome, and development of hospital-acquired infections or multidrug-resistant organism were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight infants underwent surgical procedures pre-protocol, and 127 underwent procedures post-protocol implementation. Surgical site infection rates were similar pre- and post-protocol, 14% and 9% respectively, (P = .21.) The incidence of hospital-acquired infections (13.7% vs 8.7%, P = .205) and multidrug-resistant organism (4.7% vs 1.6%, P = .143) was similar between the 2 periods. CONCLUSION: Elimination of empiric postnatal antibiotics did not statistically change rates of surgical site infection, hospital-acquired infections, or multidrug-resistant organisms. Limiting the duration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis to no more than 72 hours after surgery did not increase the rate of surgical site infection, hospital-acquired infections, or multidrug-resistant organism. Median antibiotic days were decreased with antibiotic standardization for surgical neonates.

Does the American College of Surgeons NSQIP-Pediatric Accurately Represent Overall Patient Outcomes?

BACKGROUND: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatrics (NSQIP-P) collects data for institutional quality benchmarking of surgery performed on children using a sampling algorithm. The Pediatric and Infant Case Log and Outcomes (PICaLO) is a database of all general and thoracic pediatric surgery (GTPS) procedures performed at our institution with the attendant complications. This study compared postsurgical occurrences in a NSQIP-P sample with all postoperative occurrences at a single institution to test the hypothesis that a sample of higher risk procedures represents the actual event rate for all higher risk procedures. STUDY DESIGN: The definitions of postoperative occurrences used in PICaLO are derived from NSQIP-P but tracked past 30 days postoperatively and include additional occurrences (ie, anastomotic leak). The number and types of occurrences and number of deaths from PICaLO and NSQIP-P databases were compared for procedures specific to pediatric GTPS procedures during 2012 to 2013. A chi-square test evaluated the proportion of occurrences and deaths in PICaLO to NSQIP-P. RESULTS: The NSQIP-P sampled 37.7% of eligible GTS procedures recorded in PICaLO during the study period. The proportion of cases with 1 or more occurrences was significantly higher in the NSQIP-P dataset when compared with all cases in PICaLO (p < 0.0001). When NSQIP-P and PICaLO were compared based on specific CPT codes, NSQIP-P still had a higher event rate (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In focused comparisons, the data demonstrate that the NSQIP-P sampling algorithm successfully identifies CPT codes with higher postoperative event rates than the overall cohort of pediatric GTPS patients, but may not be reflective of the total experience for procedures with those CPT codes.

Ultrasonography/MRI versus CT for diagnosing appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional imaging increases accuracy in diagnosing appendicitis. We hypothesized that a radiation-free imaging pathway of ultrasonography selectively followed by MRI would not change clinical end points compared with computed tomography (CT) for diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed children (<18 years old) who had diagnostic imaging for suspected acute appendicitis between November 2008 and October 2012. Before November 2010 CT was used as the primary imaging modality (group A); subsequently, ultrasonography was the primary imaging modality followed by MRI for equivocal findings (group B). Data collected included time from triage to imaging and treatment and results of imaging and pathology. RESULTS: Six hundred sixty-two patients had imaging for suspected appendicitis (group A = 265; group B = 397, of which 136 [51%] and 161 [41%], respectively, had positive imaging for appendicitis). Negative appendectomy rate was 2.5% for group A and 1.4% for group B. Perforation rate was similar for both groups. Time from triage to antibiotic administration and operation did not differ between groups A and B. There was higher proportion of positive imaging and appendectomies in group A and thus more negative imaging tests in group B (ultrasonography and MRI), but diagnostic accuracy of the 2 imaging pathways was similar. CONCLUSIONS: In children with suspected acute appendicitis, a radiation-free diagnostic imaging of ultrasonography selectively followed by MRI is feasible and comparable to CT, with no difference in time to antibiotic administration, time to appendectomy, negative appendectomy rate, perforation rate, or length of stay.

Neuronal serotonin regulates growth of the intestinal mucosa in mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The enteric abundance of serotonin (5-HT), its ability to promote proliferation of neural precursors, and reports that 5-HT antagonists affect crypt epithelial proliferation led us to investigate whether 5-HT affects growth and maintenance of the intestinal mucosa in mice. METHODS: cMice that lack the serotonin re-uptake transporter (SERTKO mice) and wild-type mice were given injections of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (gain-of-function models). We also analyzed mice that lack tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH1KO mice, which lack mucosal but not neuronal 5-HT) and mice deficient in tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2KO mice, which lack neuronal but not mucosal 5-HT) (loss-of-function models). Wild-type and SERTKO mice were given ketanserin (an antagonist of the 5-HT receptor, 5-HT(2A)) or scopolamine (an antagonist of the muscarinic receptor). 5-HT(2A) receptors and choline acetyltransferase were localized by immunocytochemical analysis. RESULTS: Growth of the mucosa and proliferation of mucosal cells were significantly greater in SERTKO mice and in mice given selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors than in wild-type mice, but were diminished in TPH2KO (but not in TPH1KO) mice. Ketanserin and scopolamine each prevented the ability of SERT knockout or inhibition to increase mucosal growth and proliferation. Cholinergic submucosal neurons reacted with antibodies against 5-HT(2A). CONCLUSIONS: 5-HT promotes growth and turnover of the intestinal mucosal epithelium. Surprisingly, these processes appear to be mediated by neuronal, rather than mucosal, 5-HT. The 5-HT(2A) receptor activates cholinergic neurons, which provide a muscarinic innervation to epithelial effectors.

The use of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator in a newborn with an intracardiac thrombus developed during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is often used to support infants and children with hemodynamic or respiratory failure. One of the major obstacles of safely treating a child with ECMO is balancing the risk of hemorrhage with the potential for thrombus development. Managing thrombosis in the setting of ECMO is challenging and has no defined algorithm. The use of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) for thrombolysis has been previously described in cases where thrombi have developed despite adequate anticoagulation. In such situations, the risk of hemorrhage must be carefully balanced with the benefit of dissolving the clot and reestablishing flow. We present a case of an infant who required ECMO because of severe primary pulmonary hypertension and subsequently developed a right atrial thrombus adjacent to the ECMO cannula. The patient was treated with tPA with immediate improvement but had fatal intracranial hemorrhage almost 3 days after the tPA was administered. In this report, we review the current literature on tPA use during ECMO support and suggest a rational approach.

Early recurrence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia is higher after thoracoscopic than open repair: a single institutional study.

INTRODUCTION: Experience in thoracoscopic congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair has expanded, yet efficacy equal to that of open repair has not been demonstrated. In spite of reports suggesting higher recurrent hernia rates after thoracoscopic repair, this approach has widely been adopted into practice. We report a large, single institutional experience with thoracoscopic CDH repair with special attention to recurrent hernia rates. METHODS: We reviewed the records of neonates with unilateral CDH repaired between January 2006 and February 2010 at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. Completely thoracoscopic repairs were compared to open repairs of the same period. In addition, successful thoracoscopic repairs were compared with thoracoscopic repairs that developed recurrence. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: Thirty-five neonates underwent attempted thoracoscopic repair, with 26 completed. Concurrently, 19 initially open CDH repairs were performed. Preoperatively, patients in the open repair group required more ventilatory support than the thoracoscopic group. Recurrence was higher after thoracoscopic repair (23% vs 0%; P = .032). In comparing successful thoracoscopic repairs to those with recurrence, none of the factors analyzed were predictive of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Early recurrence of hernia is higher in thoracoscopic CDH repairs than in open repairs. Technical factors and a steep learning curve for thoracoscopy may account for the higher recurrence rates, but not patient severity of illness. In an already-tenuous patient population, performing the repair thoracoscopically with a higher risk of recurrence may not be advantageous.

Fulminant pH1N1-09 influenza-associated myocarditis in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To report an atypical presentation of pH1N1-09 influenza infection in children as fulminant myocarditis and tamponade and the successful treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Pediatric cardiac intensive care unit in a quarternary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: Two girls, 5 and 7 yrs of age, infected with pH1N1-09 influenza virus who presented in cardiogenic shock with a pericardial effusion and echocardiographic evidence of tamponade from fulminant myocarditis. INTERVENTIONS: Both patients received a pericardiocentesis. One was managed with multiple, high-dose inotropic agents, whereas the other required institution of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Acute respiratory distress syndrome is the major reported clinical manifestation of pH1N1-09 influenza virus infection in hospitalized pediatric patients. In this report we describe two children with confirmed pH1N1-09 influenza infection that required intensive care for fulminant myocarditis. Neither patient had the typical symptoms of influenza-like illness, respiratory compromise, or evidence of pulmonary involvement. One child required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Both children survived to hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: pH1N1-09 influenza infection can cause fulminant myocarditis in the healthy pediatric population. The clinical presentation may be nonspecific, and the lack of pulmonary symptoms may make diagnosis difficult. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support may offer an effective bridge to the recovery of heart function.

Limb ischemia after common femoral artery cannulation for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an unresolved problem.

PURPOSE: Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry data confirm that the number of pediatric patients being supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasing. To minimize the potential neurologic effects of carotid artery ligation, the common femoral artery (CFA) is frequently being used for arterial cannulation. The cannula has the potential for obstructing flow to the lower limb, thus increasing ischemia and possible limb loss. We present a single institution's experience with CFA cannulation for venoarterial (VA) ECMO and ask whether any precannulation variables correlate with the development of significant limb ischemia. METHODS: We reviewed all pediatric patients who were supported by VA ECMO via CFA cannulation from January 2000 to February 2010. Limb ischemia was the primary variable. The ischemia group was defined as the patients requiring an intervention because of the development of lower extremity ischemia. The patients in the no-ischemia group did not develop significant ischemia. Continuous variables were reported as medians with interquartile ranges and compared using Mann-Whitney U tests. Differences in categorical variables were assessed using χ² testing (Fisher's Exact). Statistical significance was assumed at P < .05. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (age, 2-22 years) were cannulated via the CFA for VA ECMO. Significant ischemia requiring intervention (ischemia group) occurred in 11 (52%) of 21. In comparing the 2 groups (ischemia vs no ischemia), no clinical variables predicted the development of ischemia (Table 1). In the ischemia group, 9 (81%) of 11 had a distal perfusion catheter (DPC) placed. Complications of DPC placement included one case of compartment syndrome requiring a fasciotomy and one patient requiring interval toe amputation. Of the 2 patients in the ischemia group who did not have a DPC placed, 1 required a vascular reconstruction of an injured superficial femoral artery and 1 underwent a below-the-knee amputation. Mortality was lower in the ischemia group (27% vs 60%). CONCLUSIONS: Limb ischemia remains a significant problem, as more than half of our patients developed it. The true incidence may not be known as a 60% mortality in the no-ischemia group could mask subsequent ischemia. Although children are at risk for developing limb ischemia/loss, no variable was predictive of the development of significant limb ischemia in our series. Because of the inability to predict who will develop limb ischemia, early routine placement of a DPC at the time of cannulation may be warranted. However, DPCs do not completely resolve issues around tissue loss and morbidity. Prevention of limb ischemia/loss because of CFA cannulation for VA ECMO continues to be a problem that could benefit from new strategies.

Laparoscopic excision of choledochal cysts with total intracorporeal reconstruction.

PURPOSE: There are numerous published reports of laparoscopic resection of choledochal cysts (CDCs), but almost all involve extracorporeal reconstruction of a biliary drainage system. We describe and evaluate the technique of laparoscopic CDC resection with total intracorporeal reconstruction. METHODS: We reviewed all patients who underwent a laparoscopic CDC resection from March 2005 to January 2010 at Rocky Mountain Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian. We obtained data on operative time, characteristics of reconstruction, time to initiation of diet, length of stay, complications, and outcome. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (median age 5 years, range 1-16) underwent a laparoscopic CDC excision with total intracorporeal reconstruction. Four ports were used in all cases and no patients required conversion to an open procedure. Operative time ranged from 130 to 325 minutes (median 240 minutes). Median time to initiation of diet was 1 day (range 1-4 days). Median length of stay was 5 days (range 4-8 days). There were no cases of cholangitis; however, 1 patient developed a small bowel obstruction requiring re-operation. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic resection of CDCs with total intracorporeal reconstruction is a safe and effective technique. The minimal handling of the bowel appears to minimize postoperative ileus, allows for early postoperative feeding and discharge.

The role of fiberoptic endoscopy in the evaluation and management of long gap isolated esophageal atresia.

Accurate measurement of gap length is useful for operative planning in cases of esophageal atresia (EA) without distal fistula. This paper demonstrates how fiberoptic endoscopy of the distal esophagus enables measurement of the gap in the case of isolated EA, and compares other commonly practiced techniques.

Post-appendectomy visits to the emergency department within the global period: a target for cost containment.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative visits to the emergency department (ED) instead of the surgeon's office consume enormous cost. HYPOTHESIS: Postoperative ED visits can be avoided. SETTING: Fully accredited, single-institution, 617-bed hospital affiliated with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. PATIENTS: Retrospective analysis of 597 consecutive patients with appendectomies over a 4-year period. METHODS: Demographic and medical data, at initial presentation, surgery, and ED visit were recorded as categorical variables and statistically analyzed (Pearson chi(2) test, Fisher exact test, and linear-by-linear). Costs were calculated from the hospital's billing department. RESULTS: Forty-six patients returned to the ED within the global period with pain (n = 22, 48%), wound-related issues (n = 6, 13%), weakness (n = 4, 9%), fever (13%), and nausea and vomiting (n = 3, 6%). Thirteen patients (28%) required readmission. Predictive factors for ED visit postoperatively were perforated appendicitis (2-fold increase over uncomplicated appendicitis) and comorbidities (cardiovascular or diabetes). The cost of investigations during ED visits was $55,000 plus physician services. CONCLUSIONS: ED visits during the postoperative global period are avoidable by identifying patients who may need additional care; improving patient education, optimizing pain control, and improving patient office access.

Spirometry testing standards in spinal cord injury.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Because muscle paralysis makes it uncertain whether subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) can perform spirometry in accordance with American Thoracic Society (ATS) standards, determinants of test failure were examined. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Veterans with SCI at VA Boston Healthcare System and nonveterans recruited by mail and advertisement. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Two hundred thirty of 278 subjects (83%) were able to produce three expiratory efforts lasting > or = 6 s and without excessive back-extrapolated volume (EBEV). In 217 of 230 subjects (94%), FVC and FEV(1) were each reproducible in accordance with 1994 ATS standards. In the remaining 48 subjects, efforts with smooth and continuous volume-time tracings and acceptable flow-volume loops were identified. These subjects had a lower percentage of predicted FVC, FEV(1), and maximum expiratory and inspiratory pressures compared to the others, and a greater proportion had neurologically complete cervical injury (42% compared to 16%). In 19 subjects (40%), some expiratory efforts were not sustained maximally for > or = 6 s but had at least a 0.5-s plateau at residual volume (short efforts). In eight subjects (17%), some efforts were not short but had EBEV. In the remaining 21 subjects (44%), some efforts were short, some had EBEV, and some had both. If these efforts were not rejected, 262 of 278 subjects (94%) would have produced three acceptable efforts, and in 257 subjects (92%), the efforts were reproducible. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with SCI with the most impaired respiratory muscles and abnormal pulmonary function are able to perform spirometry reproducibly despite not meeting usual ATS acceptability standards. Exclusion of these subjects would lead to bias in studies of respiratory function in SCI. The modification of spirometry testing standards to include efforts with EBEV and with a 0.5-s plateau if < 6 s would reduce the potential for bias.