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.

Modeling the Relationship Between Firearm Restrictions, Medicaid Expansion, and Political Partisanship with Pediatric Firearm Mortality Costs.

INTRODUCTION: Firearms are now the leading cause of pediatric mortality in the U.S., but few studies have investigated the economic impact of these deaths. Thus, this study determined whether multiple different gun-related measures, political partisanship and Medicaid expansion were related to the costs of pediatric gun deaths. METHODS: Each states' medical costs, years of potential life lost (YPLL), and value of statistical life (VSL) lost due to pediatric gun deaths were extracted from the WISQARS database from 2015 to 2020. Seven firearm laws or restrictiveness measures (assault weapons bans, child access prevention laws, firearm registration and permit to purchase requirements, safe storage laws, Giffords Law Center ranking, and the number of firearm provisions), the Cook Partisan Voting Index (PVI), and Medicaid expansion status were determined across states. Unadjusted analyses compared each measure and (1) medical costs, (2) VSL, and (3) YPLL for each state. These were repeated using adjusted analyses, controlling for poverty, educational attainment, poor mental health, and race. RESULTS: Of the 9 variables assessed, unadjusted analyses revealed that 8 variables were significantly associated with increased medical costs, all 9 were associated with higher VSL and 8 were associated with higher YPLL due to pediatric firearm-related mortality. Multivariable analyses revealed that 7 variables were associated with medical costs, 7 were associated with VSL and 6 were associated with YPLL. CONCLUSION: States with fewer gun laws and those which have not adopted Medicaid expansion were more likely to experience a higher economic burden due to pediatric gun deaths. Quantifying the costs of these deaths can demonstrate the social toll of gun violence to policymakers and the general public. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Promoting Firearm Injury Prevention and Advocacy as Pediatric Surgeons: A Call to Action From the APSA/AAP Advocacy Committee.

Firearm injuries have become the leading cause of death among American children. Here we review the scope of the problem, and the pivotal role pediatric surgeons have in preventing pediatric firearm injury. Specific methods for screening and counseling are reviewed, as well as how to overcome barriers. Community and hospital resources as well as organizational efforts are discussed. Finally, a path for surgeon advocacy is outlined as is a call to action for the pediatric surgeon, as we are uniquely poised to identify pediatric patients and deliver timely interventions to reduce the impact of firearm violence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Unwrapping Nephrogenic Rests and Nephroblastomatosis for Pediatric Surgeons: A Systematic Review Utilizing the PICO Model by the APSA Cancer Committee.

BACKGROUND: Nephrogenic rests (NR) may represent precursor lesions for Wilms tumor (WT), but their clinical course is not fully understood and no guidelines for treatment exist. This study sought to evaluate the outcomes of pediatric patients with NRs related to traditional chemotherapy and surgery. METHODS: A PRISMA-P-compliant literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, COCHRANE, and SCOPUS from inception to June 2021. Clinical questions regarding the treatment of NRs, including chemotherapy and surgery, were developed in the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome format. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies including 1445 patients met inclusion criteria for evaluating chemotherapy compared to observation for NRs. Eighteen studies including 1392 patients met inclusion criteria for evaluating the role of surgery for NRs. Patients with isolated NRs who underwent observation progressed to WT 33% of the time; chemotherapy reduced the rate of WT to 3.9%. Observation of multiple NRs and diffuse hyperplastic perilobar nephroblastomatosis (DHPLN) led to progression to WT 50% and 100% of the time, respectively. Chemotherapy reduced the rate of WT to 34% for multiple NRs and 46% for DHPLN. Surgery for isolated NRs reduced the risk of WT development from 23.7% in patients with incomplete excision to 3.3% with complete excision; however, 96% of patients with incompletely excised NRs had bilateral disease. CONCLUSIONS: Observation with close surveillance for isolated NRs is safe. Treatment with chemotherapy is recommended for patients with multiple NRs and DHPLN. Surgical management of NRs should focus on renal function preservation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Treatment study, Level III.

State Gun Regulations and Reduced Gun Ownership are Associated with Fewer Firearm-Related Suicides Among Both Juveniles and Adults in the USA.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the relationship between specific gun regulations and gun ownership with the firearm-related suicide rate among juveniles and adults across U.S. states. Therefore, this study seeks to determine if gun ownership rates and gun restrictions are related to the firearm-related suicide rate in both the pediatric and adult populations. METHODS: Fourteen measures of state gun law restrictions and gun ownership were collected. These included Giffords Center ranking, gun ownership percentages, and 12 specific firearm laws. Unadjusted linear regressions modeled the relationship between each individual variable and the rate of firearm-related suicides for adults and children across states. This was repeated using a multivariable linear regression adjusting for poverty, poor mental health, race, gun ownership, and divorce rates by state. P values of <0.004 were considered significant. RESULTS: In the unadjusted linear regression, 9 of 14 firearm-related measures were statistically associated with fewer firearm-related suicides in adults. Similarly, 9 of 14 measures were found to be associated with fewer firearm-related suicides in the pediatric population. In the multivariable regression, 6 of 14 vs. 5 of 14 measures were statistically associated with fewer firearm-related suicides in the adult and pediatric populations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately, this study found that increased state gun restrictions and lower gun ownership rates were associated with fewer firearm related suicides among juveniles and adults in the US. This paper provides objective data to help lawmakers as they create gun control legislation that can potentially decrease the rate of fire-arm related suicide. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: II.

An Assessment of the Relationship Between BMI and Children Undergoing Surgical Procedures: A Retrospective Study.

Background: While multiple studies have documented that obesity increases the risk of operative complications among adults, little data exist on how obesity impacts surgical outcomes among children. We aimed to determine if children with obesity have different postoperative outcomes than their peers. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 875 patients aged between 2 and 18 years who underwent surgery during 2018. Patients were stratified, based on BMI percentile for age, as having less than healthy weight (<5th percentile), healthy weight (5th-84th percentile), excess weight (85th-94th percentile), or obesity (≥95th percentile). Demographic information and data on medical comorbidities and postoperative complications were collected. All analyses were conducted using chi-square or Kruskal-Wallis testing. Results: Eighty-two patients were excluded due to lack of BMI data and 56 were excluded as they had below healthy weight. Of the remaining 737 patients, 475 (64.4%) had healthy weight, 124 (16.8%) had excess weight, and 138 (18.70%) had obesity. Children with obesity had more tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy (p < 0.01) and vascular access (p = 0.04) procedures compared with peers. Additionally, patients with obesity were more likely to have a pre-existing history of liver disease (p < 0.01) and more frequently developed postoperative wound dehiscence (p < 0.01). No other complications occurred more frequently among children with obesity. Conclusions: Children with obesity required more tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy and vascular access procedures. Wound dehiscence was the only complication that was associated with obesity. This suggests that children with obesity are not inherently more prone to experience surgical complications and therefore elective procedures should likely not be deferred until preoperative weight loss is achieved.

Association Between Race, Gender, and Pediatric Postoperative Outcomes: An Updated Retrospective Review.

INTRODUCTION: There has not been a recent evaluation of the association between racial and gender and surgical outcomes in children. We aimed to evaluate improvements in race- and gender-related pediatric postoperative outcomes since a report utilizing the Kids' Inpatient Database data from 2003 to 2006. METHODS: Using Kids' Inpatient Database (2009, 2012, 2016), we identified 245,976 pediatric patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis (93.6%), pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis (2.7%), empyema decortication (1.6%), congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair (0.7%), small bowel resection for intussusception (0.5%), or colonic resection for Hirschsprung disease (0.2%). The primary outcome was the development of postoperative complications. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate risk-adjusted associations among race, gender, income, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Most patients were male (61.5%) and 45.7% were White. Postoperative complications were significantly associated with male gender (P < 0.0001) and race (P < 0.0001). After adjustment, Black patients were more likely to experience any complication than White patients (adjusted odds ratio 1.3, confidence interval 1.2-1.4), and males were more likely than females (adjusted odds ratio 1.3, confidence interval 1.2-1.4). CONCLUSIONS: No clear progress has been made in eliminating race- or gender-based disparities in pediatric postoperative outcomes. New strategies are needed to better understand and address these disparities.

Adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved overall survival in select patients with Stage II colon cancer: A National Cancer Database analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Guidelines for Stage II colon cancer recommend adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) only for tumors with high-risk features, but long-term outcomes data are mixed. We aimed to determine if AC was associated with a survival benefit in this population. METHODS: Patients were identified from the National Cancer Database and included if they met the following criteria: diagnosis of Stage II colon cancer, surgery, survival data, and complete data on six high-risk features. The cohort of 57 335 patients was stratified by receipt of AC. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients under the age of 65 years with no comorbidities. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint. RESULTS: An increasing number of high-risk features was associated with significantly decreased median OS. AC was associated with significantly increased OS for patients with 0, 1, 2, and ≥3 high-risk features. On subgroup analysis, receipt of AC was associated with a reduced risk of death (hazard ratio: 0.66; confidence interval: 0.59-0.74). For patients in the subgroup who had a T4 tumor, AC was associated with increased OS (92.7 vs. 83.6 months). CONCLUSIONS: AC should be considered for all younger, healthy patients with Stage II colon cancer and may be associated with a survival benefit for patients with T4 disease.

A new student-led digital drawing course: an initiative to bridge patient health literacy through medical illustrations.

Many physicians believe illustrations can be helpful in patient encounters, but fail to create such drawings due to a perceived lack of artistic ability. Digital drawing platforms, however, have the ability to compensate for the lack of artistic skills. Our study sought to evaluate how digital drawing instruction would impact the likelihood of medical students to utilise illustrations in future patient encounters. 'Draw Your Way Through Medicine' was an elective course, offered at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in 2020. The course instructed students how to create digital drawings using Procreate and how to depict specific surgical procedures. Students completed pre-and post-course surveys, which were analysed using paired t-tests. Thirty-six students enrolled in the course, of which 27 completed the pre-course survey and 21 completed both pre-and post-course surveys. Students' comfort level with drawing improved somewhat (3.0 to 3.5, p = .08), while their comfort level with creating medical illustrations improved significantly (2.2 to 3.7, p < .01). Qualitative responses echoed the enthusiasm for implementing digital drawing as a clinical communication tool. A digital drawing course showed considerable value in improving medical students' confidence in generating medical illustrations, making this form of visual communication a potentially valuable tool in patient care.

Comparison of Endobronchial Intubation Versus Bronchial Blockade for Elective Pulmonary Lobectomy of Congenital Lung Anomalies in Small Children.

Purpose: Resection of many congenital lung lesions is commonly performed under single-lung ventilation, which helps collapse the lung being manipulated and enables a thoracoscopic approach in most cases. We set out to determine whether lung isolation achieved by either main stem intubation or usage of a bronchial blocker was associated with superior clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of all patients aged <2 years undergoing elective pulmonary lobectomy for congenital lung malformations at a tertiary-care pediatric hospital from 2011 through 2020 was performed. Demographic data, diagnosis type, type of lung isolation method employed, and perioperative outcomes were recorded. Continuous variables were analyzed with Student's t-tests, whereas categorical variables were analyzed with Fisher's exact tests and chi-square tests. Results: Thirty-two patients were analyzed-17 were managed with a bronchial blocker while 15 underwent main stem intubation. The most common diagnoses were congenital pulmonary airway malformations (53.1%) and intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestrations (34.4%). Patients managed with main stem intubation were slightly younger (P = .06) than those for which a bronchial blocker was used. Thirty-one (96.9%) resections were initiated thoracoscopically. Main stem intubation was associated with shorter operative times (P = .01), shorter anesthetic times (P = .02), and less blood loss (P = .04). No differences in length of stay (P = .64), conversation to thoracotomy (P = .35), intraoperative complications (P = .23), or postoperative complications (P = .49) were observed. Conclusion: Lung isolation through main stem intubation, when compared with bronchial blockers, is associated with shorter operative time, shorter anesthetic exposure, and diminished blood loss in pediatric patients undergoing lobectomy for congenital lung anomalies.

Patient demographics, clinicopathologic features, and outcomes in wild-type gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a national cohort analysis.

Wild-type KIT and PDGFRA gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare tumors with limited treatment options. We sought to determine the clinicopathologic features of wild-type GIST and identify factors that influence overall survival (OS) using a large national database. Retrospective evaluation of patients with wild-type GIST in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) was performed. Demographic, clinicopathologic, and treatment data were analyzed. Features associated with OS were investigated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards model. 244 patients with median diagnosis age of 59 years (95% CI 57-63) were identified. The stomach was the most common primary site (57%) followed by the small intestine (35%). Surgical resection was performed on 85% of patients and 53% of patients received systemic therapy. Factors associated with decreased OS on multivariable analysis included small intestine primary (HR 2.72, 95% CI 1.13-6.69, P = 0.026) and > 5 mitoses per 50 HPF (HR 4.77, 95% CI 1.86-13.2, P = 0.001). Wild-type GISTs may be identified in older patients, with most arising in the stomach and small bowel. Surgery remains the principal treatment modality. Small intestine primary site and high mitotic count were associated with abbreviated OS.

State-level political partisanship strongly correlates with health outcomes for US children.

The Cook Partisan Voting Index (PVI) determines how strongly a state leans toward the Democratic or Republican Party in US presidential elections compared to the nation. We set out to determine the correlation between childhood health outcomes and state-level partisanship using PVI. Sixteen measures of childhood health were obtained from several US governmental agencies for 2003-2017. The median PVI for every state was calculated for the same time period. Pearson's rho determined the correlation between PVI and each health outcome. Multiple regression was also conducted, adjusting for educational attainment and percentage of non-White residents. We also compared childhood health in moderately Democratic and Republican states (5-9.9% more Democratic/Republican than the national mean) and, similarly, for extremely Democratic and Republican states (10% or more Democratic/Republican than the national mean), using Wilcoxon tests. For all 16 health measures, the median values in Democratic-leaning states represented better outcomes than Republican-leaning states (9/16 had a beta value for linear regression associated with P < 0.05). When compared to Republican states, the median values in moderately Democratic states represented better outcomes for 14 of 16 health measures (9/14 associated with P < 0.05). Similarly, the median values for extremely Democratic states represented better outcomes with regard to all 16 health measures, when compared to Republican-leaning states (8/16 associated with P < 0.05).Conclusions: Democratic-leaning states displayed superior outcomes for multiple childhood health measures when compared to Republican counterpart states. Future research should investigate the significance of these findings and attempt to determine which state-level policies may have contributed to such disparate health outcomes. What is Known: • In the United States, many health disparities exist among children along racial, economic and geographic lines. • Many US states lean strongly towards either the Democratic or Republican political parties in federal elections. What is New: • Trends for multiple measures of childhood health vary in association with the political partisanship of the state being examined. • Multiple barometers of childhood health are superior in Democratic-leaning states, while no measures are better in Republican-leaning states.

A cross-sectional analysis of compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction in pediatric surgeons in the U.S.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of compassion fatigue (CF), burnout (BO), and compassion satisfaction (CS) and identify potential predictors of these phenomena in pediatric surgeons. METHODS: The Compassion Fatigue and Satisfaction Self-Test and a survey of personal/professional characteristics were distributed electronically to American Pediatric Surgical Association members. Linear regression models for CF, BO, and CS as a function of potential risk factors were constructed. RESULTS: The analyzeable study response rate was 25.7%. The prevalence of CF, BO, and CS was 22%, 24% and 22, respectively, which were similar to prevalences previously identified in pediatric subspecialists. Higher CF scores were significantly associated with: higher BO scores; solo practice; compensation; ≥5 operating days/week; current distress about a 'clinical situation'; mental health-care for work-related distress; and history of childhood surgery. Lower CF scores were significantly associated with 'talking with a life partner' about work-related distress. Higher BO scores were significantly associated with: higher CF scores; current distress about 'coworkers'; and 'keeping lawsuits confidential'. Lower BO scores were significantly associated with higher CS scores. CONCLUSIONS: CF, BO, and CS are distinct but highly related entities. Pediatric surgeons experience these phenomena at similar rates to other pediatric subspecialists. Establishing local channels for physician peer support may be particularly impactful.

Comparison of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Pre-mature Infants vs. Term-Born Infants With Congenital Heart Disease.

Purpose: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious illness that occurs among premature infants and term-born infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). Prior studies have suggested these two groups may experience different disease entities. We sought to evaluate if there are differences in disease characteristics between these two populations. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review of infants treated for Bells stage 2-3 NEC from 2011 to 2020 was performed. Demographic information, CHD diagnoses and clinical data were recorded. Prior to data analysis, patients were divided into two groups: term-born patients with CHD (TC) and premature patients without CHD (PT). Results: 99 patients were analyzed-23 TC patients and 76 PT patients. Platelet counts (222.7 ± 176.1 vs. 310.2 ± 174.5 cells/uL, P = 0.03) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (53.6 ± 81.7 vs. 117.6 ± 90.4 mg/L, P < 0.001) were significantly higher among the PT group. In addition, PT patients were more likely to develop pneumatosis (30.4 vs. 68.4%, P = 0.002) than TC patients. NEC-specific mortality was similar between both groups of patients. Conclusions: When compared to TC patients, PT patients had higher CRP levels, higher platelet counts and more commonly developed pneumatosis. These factors may point toward a difference in disease pathophysiology regarding NEC development in premature patients vs. term-born patients with CHD.

Predictors of Mortality Among Very Low Birth Weight Infants With Gastrointestinal Perforation.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation is a risk factor for mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Little data exist regarding pretreatment factors and patient characteristics known to independently correlate with risk of death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all VLBW infants who sustained GI perforation between 2011 and 2018 was conducted. Birth, laboratory, and disease-related factors of infants who died were compared to those who survived. RESULTS: 42 VLBW infants who sustained GI perforations were identified. Eleven (26.19%) died. There were no significant differences in birth-related factors, hematological lab levels at diagnosis, presence of pneumatosis, or bacteremia. Portal venous gas (P = .03), severe metabolic acidosis (P < .01), and elevated lactate at diagnosis (P < .01) were statistically more likely to occur among infants who died. DISCUSSION: Portal venous gas, severe metabolic acidosis, and elevated lactate were associated with an increased risk of mortality among VLBW infants who develop a GI perforation. Further research is required to better identify risk factors.

Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor Treated with Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: Results of a Phase 2 Trial.

BACKGROUND: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare sarcoma that primarily affects adolescents and young adults. Patients can present with many peritoneal implants. We conducted a phase 2 clinical trial utilizing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) with cisplatin for DSRCT and pediatric-type abdominal sarcomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed on 20 patients, who underwent CRS-HIPEC procedures, with cisplatin from 2012 to 2013. All patients were enrolled in the phase 2 clinical trial. Patients with extraabdominal disease and in whom complete cytoreduction (CCR0-1) could not be achieved were excluded. All outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Fourteen patients had DSRCT, while five patients had other sarcomas. One patient had repeat HIPEC. Patients with DSRCT had significantly longer median overall survival after surgery than patients with other tumors (44.3 vs. 12.5 months, p = 0.0013). The 3-year overall survival from time of diagnosis for DSRCT patients was 79 %. Estimated median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 14.0 months. However, RFS for patients with DSRCT was significantly longer than for non-DSRCT patients (14.9 vs. 4.5 months, p = 0.0012). Among DSRCT patients, those without hepatic or portal metastases had longer median RFS than those with tumors at these sites (37.9 vs. 14.3 months, p = 0.02). In 100 % of patients without hepatic or portal metastasis, there was no peritoneal disease recurrence after CRS-HIPEC. CONCLUSIONS: Complete CRS-HIPEC with cisplatin is effective in select DSRCT patients. DSRCT patients with hepatic or portal metastasis have poorer outcomes.

Intussusception With Cecal Cyst as Lead Point in a Child.

Intussusception is a pediatric abdominal emergency in early childhood involving telescoping of 1 part of the bowel into another part. In most children, the condition is idiopathic with no identifiable lead point. Meckel diverticulum is the most common lead point, followed by polyps and duplication cysts. We describe a case of a boy with intussusception caused by a duplication cyst that was drawn retrograde through the ileocecal valve. The patient presented after a 3-month period of symptomatology and had been considered to have constipation before signs of intestinal obstruction developed. Only mild bowel ischemia was seen during the surgical reduction and resection of the cyst which may suggest an ongoing partial obstruction that eventually became more significant. In children with recurrent abdominal pain, surgeons should consider the possibility of intermittent intussusceptions caused by a duplication cyst.

Pleurectomy versus pleural abrasion for primary spontaneous pneumothorax in children.

PURPOSE: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) represents a common indication for urgent surgical intervention in children. First episodes are often managed with thoracostomy tube, whereas recurrent episodes typically prompt surgery involving apical bleb resection and pleurodesis, either via pleurectomy or pleural abrasion. The purpose of this study was to assess whether pleurectomy or pleural abrasion was associated with lower postoperative recurrence. METHODS: The records of patients undergoing surgery for PSP between February 2005 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Recurrence was defined as an ipsilateral pneumothorax requiring surgical intervention. Bivariate logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with recurrence. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients underwent 64 index operations for PSP (12 patients had surgery for contralateral pneumothorax, and each instance was analyzed separately). The mean age was 15.7±1.2years, and 79.7% (n=51) of patients were male. In addition to apical wedge resection, 53.1% (n=34) of patients underwent pleurectomy, 39.1% (n=25) underwent pleural abrasion, and 7.8% (n=5) had no pleural treatment. The overall recurrence rate was 23.4% (n=15). Recurrence was significantly lower in patients who underwent pleurectomy rather than pleural abrasion (8.8% vs. 40%, p<0.01). In patients who underwent pleural abrasion without pleurectomy, the relative risk of recurrence was 2.36 [1.41-3.92, p<0.01]. CONCLUSION: Recurrence of PSP is significantly reduced in patients undergoing pleurectomy compared to pleural abrasion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative therapeutic study.