Development and assessment of a simulation-based curriculum in pediatric surgical education: Conventional wisdom and lessons learned from the national training program in France.

Traditional training in pediatric surgery has focused on knowledge acquisition and technical skills. Although recognized as important, the skills relating to communication, collaboration, leadership, management, health advocacy and professionalism have received less formal attention. Recognition of the importance of these softer skills in combination with the greater use of simulation in education prompted us to develop a national simulation-based curriculum in pediatric surgery. This paper describes the development, implementation and three-year follow-up of the mandatory, simulation-based curriculum for pediatric surgery residents in France. We review the available literature on the topic and present our results.

Evaluation of bladder stimulation as a non-invasive technique for urine collection to diagnose urinary tract infection in infants under 6 months: a randomized multicenter study ("EE-Sti.Ve.N").

BACKGROUND: Febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in infants and needs to be diagnosed quickly. However, the symptoms are non-specific, and diagnosis can only be confirmed after high quality urinalysis. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends suprapubic aspiration (1-9% contamination) and urinary catheterization (8-14% contamination) for urine collection but both these procedures are invasive. Recent studies have shown a new non-invasive method of collecting urine, bladder stimulation, to be quick and safe. However, few data about bacterial contamination rates have been published for this technique. We hypothesize that the contamination rate of urine collection by bladder stimulation to diagnose febrile UTI in infants under 6 months is equivalent to that of urinary catheterization. METHODS/DESIGN: This trial aims to assess equivalence in terms of bacterial contamination of urinary samples collected by urinary catheterization and bladder stimulation to diagnose UTI. Seven hundred seventy infants under 6 months presenting with unexplained fever in one of four Pediatric Emergency Departments in France will be enrolled. Each child will be randomized into a bladder stimulation or urinary catheterization group. The primary endpoints will be the validity of the urine sample assessed by the presence of contamination on bacterial culture. CONCLUSION: A high recruitment rate is achievable due to the high prevalence of suspected UTIs in infants. The medical risk is the same as that for routine clinical care as we analyze patients with isolated fever. If our hypothesis holds true and the rate of urine contamination collected by bladder stimulation is acceptable, the infants included in the study will have benefited from a non-invasive and reliable means of collecting urine. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03801213. Registered on 11 January 2019.

Laser hair removal after surgery vs. surgery alone for the treatment of pilonidal cysts: a retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Based on the presumed role of hair in pilonidal cyst (PNC) pathogenesis, laser epilation has been used to decrease recurrences. However, most of the data rely on case reports and uncontrolled series, and the rare controlled studies reported conflicting results. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of laser hair removal (LHR) to decrease the recurrence rate after surgery of PNC vs. surgery alone. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective monocentric case-control study in the departments of Pediatric Surgery and Laser Center of Dermatology of the University Hospital of Nice in France from January 2010 to June 2017. We included all patients with PNC who had surgery during the period, and we compared patients who had LHR after surgery to those having surgery alone. The main outcome was the prevalence and number of recurrences of PNC in each group. RESULTS: Twelve patients - eight treated with alexandrite laser and four patients with Nd : YAG - were included in the cases group; 29 patients treated with surgery alone were included in the control group. The mean and the median number of laser sessions were 4.2 and 5, respectively (extremes 1-10). The postsurgical recurrence rate without LHR was 51.7%, and their number varied from 1 to 3. A significant decrease in the recurrence rate was observed after LHR (8.3%) compared to control group (P < 0.001). The median duration before recurrence was 14 months for surgery alone. The median follow-up was 18 months (1-30 months) for LHR group and 30 months (6-72 months) for surgery alone group. Two patients had abnormal healing or persistent sinus after surgery alone compared to none in the group who undergone laser procedure after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Laser hair removal decreases the risk of delayed healing and of recurrences of PNL after surgical procedure.

[Training of residents in obstetrics and gynecology: Assessment of an educational program including formal lectures and practical sessions using simulators]. / Formation des internes de gynécologie obstétrique : évaluation d'un programme pédagogique intégrant cours théoriques et sessions pratiques sur simulateurs.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate an educational program in the training of residents in gynecology-obstetrics (GO) with a theory session and a practical session on simulators and analyze their learning curve. METHODS: Single-center prospective study, at the university hospital (CHU). Two-day sessions were leaded in April and July 2013. An evaluation on obstetric and gynecological surgery simulator was available to all residents. Theoretical knowledge principles of obstetrics were evaluated early in the session and after formal lectures was taught to them. At the end of the first session, a satisfaction questionnaire was distributed to all participants. RESULTS: Twenty residents agreed to participate to the training sessions. Evaluation of theoretical knowledge: at the end of the session, the residents obtained a significant improvement in their score on 20 testing knowledge. Obstetrical simulator: a statistically significant improvement in scores on assessments simulator vaginal delivery between the first and second session. Subjectively, a larger increase feeling was seen after breech delivery simulation than for the cephalic vaginal delivery. However, the confidence level of the resident after breech delivery simulation has not been improved at the end of the second session. Simulation in gynecological surgery: a trend towards improvement in the time realized on the peg-transfer between the two sessions was noted. In the virtual simulation, no statistically significant differences showed, no improvement for in salpingectomy's time. Subjectively, the residents felt an increase in the precision of their gesture. Satisfaction: All residents have tried the whole program. They considered the pursuit of these sessions on simulators was necessary and even mandatory. CONCLUSION: The approach chosen by this structured educational program allowed a progression for the residents, both objectively and subjectively. This simulation program type for the resident's training would use this tool in assessing their skills and develop learning curves.

[Does prenatal diagnosis modify neonatal management and early outcome of children with esophageal atresia type III?]. / Le diagnostic anténatal modifie-t-il la prise en charge néonatale et le devenir à 1 an des enfants suivis pour atrésie de l'œsophage de type III ?

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate neonatal management and outcome of neonates with either a prenatal or a post-natal diagnosis of EA type III. STUDY DESIGN: Population-based study using data from the French National Register for EA from 2008 to 2010. We compared children with prenatal versus post-natal diagnosis in regards to prenatal, maternal and neonatal characteristics. We define a composite variable of morbidity (anastomotic esophageal leaks, recurrent fistula, stenosis) and mortality at 1 year. RESULTS: Four hundred and eight live births with EA type III were recorded with a prenatal diagnosis rate of 18.1%. Transfer after birth was lower in prenatal subset (32.4% versus 81.5%, P<0.001). Delay between birth and first intervention was not significantly different. Defect size (2cm vs 1.4cm, P<0.001), gastrostomy (21.6% versus 8.7%, P<0.001) and length in neonatal unit care were higher in prenatal subset (47.9 days versus 33.6 days, P<0.001). The composite variables were higher in prenatal diagnosis subset (38.7% vs 26.1%, P=0.044). CONCLUSION: Despite the excellent survival rate of EA, cases with antenatal detection have a higher morbidity related to the EA type (longer gap). Even if it does not modify neonatal management and 1-year outcome, prenatal diagnosis allows antenatal parental counseling and avoids post-natal transfer.

Evaluation of single incision laparoscopic surgery "low-fidelity" simulation training.

GOAL: Evaluate the learning curve of SILS (Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery) on a simulator, based on two tests of the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery certification program (FLS(®)), in a population of novice medical students, and compare their performance to those of senior surgeons practicing both "conventional" laparoscopic surgery and SILS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monocentric prospective study with four groups: two groups of novice medical students, and two groups of senior surgeons. The two FLS(®) tests used for evaluation were the peg transfer and the precision cutting tasks. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the novice groups, whether they started their first session directly, or immediately after watching a video presentation of the exercises. For the novice medical students, the average completion time of both tests improved significantly between the first and the sixth sessions with a short learning curve. The group of experienced seniors performed fastest in both tests. For the peg transfer task, the skills of the novice medical students were comparable to those of non-experienced seniors after the 4th session and improved after 6 sessions (P=0.017). For the precision cutting task, the average timing of the novice group became better than that of the non-experienced seniors, starting from the third session. CONCLUSIONS: FLS(®) "low fidelity" simulator training is effective for the training of novice medical students. To minimize the risk of technical errors, novice medical students should practice a minimum of six simulator-training sessions before starting their practical learning of SILS in the operating room.

Posterior urethral injuries associated with motorcycle accidents and pelvic trauma in adolescents: analysis of urethral lesions occurring prior to a bony fracture using a computerized finite-element model.

UNLABELLED: Adolescent males involved in motorcycle accidents are particularly at risk for pelvic injury, which may provoke a posterior urethral injury. The aim of this study was to develop a model to analyze the association between injuries and fractures of the pelvic ring and the risk of posterior urethral injury. METHOD: Based on experience with traffic accident modeling, a computerized finite-element model was extrapolated from a computerized tomography scan of a 15-year-old boy. The anatomic structures concerned in urethral and pelvic ring trauma were isolated, rendered in 3D and given biomechanical properties. The model was verified according to available experiments on pelvic ring trauma. RESULTS: To apply the model, we recreated three impact mechanisms on the pelvic ring: lateral impact, antero-posterior impact and a real car‒motorcycle accident situation (postero-lateral impact). In all three situations, stretching of the posterior urethra was identified prior to bony fracture visualization. CONCLUSION: Application of this model allowed us to analyze precisely the link between trauma of the pelvic ring and lesions of the posterior urethra. The results should help to establish guidelines for urethral catheterization in male adolescents in cases of pelvic trauma, even when no bony fracture is present, in order to prevent iatrogenic worsening of a misdiagnosed posterior urethral trauma.

[E. coli acute pyelonephritis: prophylaxis]. / Pyélonéphrites à E. coli: stratégies prophylactiques.

The aim of the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in children is to reduce renal scarring, that is associated with hypertension or end-stage renal failure decades latter. However, heterogeneity of the studies prevents clear recommendations. Recent American Academy of Pediatrics meta-analysis failed to demonstrate any effectiveness of antibioprophylaxis in the prevention of recurrent febrile urinary tract infections in infants less than 2 years of age, whatever the presence or the grade of vesicoureteral reflux. Moreover, adverse events of cotrimoxazole, which is the sole antibioprophylaxis available in France, are questionable. Long term low doses of oral cephalosporins or cotrimoxazole are known to select resistant enterobacteriae, producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) especially. To date, antibioprophylaxis should be discussed with urologists depending on the patient. Other preventive measures as cranberries or pre/ probiotics, are inconclusive. Surgery (or circumcision) depends on the associated uropathy. Dysfunctional elimination syndrome is frequent and has to be recognized and treated.

[Voiding disorders in childhood: from symptoms to diagnosis]. / Troubles mictionnels de l'enfant : de la symptomatologie au diagnostic.

The new definitions of voiding disorders in children should be used in clinical practice. Two major kinds of voiding disorders are identified: 1) isolated primary enuresis as a disorder occurring exclusively during sleep with no daytime leakage; 2) urinary dysfunctions that include uninhibited detrusor contraction, sphincter hypertonicity, and urethral instability. These dysfunctions may be primary or secondary. Constipation as an underlying cause is frequent and usually underestimated. The diagnostic process requires one (or more) long consultations. After ruling out a urine leak without a voiding disorder and secondary causes (constipation, inadequate hydration, poor voiding hygiene, crystalluria, etc.), the aim is to distinguish isolated sleep-time disorders (primary enuresis) from daytime ± sleep-time symptoms (primary urinary dysfunctions). Anamnesis, long and accurate, can be sensitized by a questionnaire completed at home. The physical examination focuses on the exclusion of anatomic abnormalities and local inflammation (vulvitis, balanitis, etc.). Diagnostic tests are rarely required at the beginning. Urodynamic exploration may be indicated, never at the first consultation, in case of primary urinary dysfunction. This diagnostic approach provides an appropriate therapeutic decision.

[Voiding disorders in childhood: from physiology to symptomatology]. / Troubles mictionnels de l'enfant : de la physiologie à la symptomatologie clinique.

Micturition is a natural event occurring several times a day, the result of a complex and partially unknown physiology. It involves different muscles (striated and smooth) as well as the central and autonomic nervous systems in an innate voiding reflex. This reflex is controlled after 2 years of age. If there is a failure or dysfunction of one of these elements, a miction disorder may appear. Two types of miction disorders are identified: neuromuscular disorders of the bladder and defective central control. Multiple factors such as constipation, bladder irritation, or an increase in abdominal pressure can interfere with the voiding reflex. The new international definitions and classifications of voiding disorders allow an easier clinical approach through careful and complete questioning and a simple clinical exam, efficient enough in most cases to provide the diagnosis and adapted treatment.

[Voiding disorders in childhood: from diagnosis to treatment]. / Troubles mictionnels de l'enfant : du diagnostic au traitement.

In voiding disorders in childhood, after a precise diagnosis, treatment can be provided. Aspecific hygienic and dietetic measures are the basis of care in all micturating disorders and frequently must be established to allow a precise diagnosis. In case of enuresis, restriction of beverage and diuretic foods is recommended in the evening. Other treatments for enuresis should be proposed to motivated children. In the polyuric form of enuresis, the treatment is desmopressin (DDAVP) and in the form with low bladder capacity, alarms or a combination of these 2 treatments. In dysfunctional voiding, after caring for the secondary causes, and depending on the characteristics of the disorder, the first-step treatment is pelvic floor rehabilitation with or without anticholinergic therapy. Other medical treatments are used in a second step. Isolated urethral instability remains controversial.

The place of simulation in the surgical resident curriculum. The pedagogic program of the Nice Medical School Simulation Center.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical training relies on medical school lectures, practical training in patient care and in the operating room including instruction in anatomy and experimental surgery. Training with different techniques of simulators can complete this. Simulator-based training, widely used in North America, can be applied to several aspects of surgical training without any risk for patients: technical skills in both open and laparoscopic surgery, the notion of teamwork and the multidisciplinary management of acute medicosurgical situations. METHOD: We present the curriculum developed in the Simulation Center of the Medical School of Nice Sophia-Antipolis. All residents in training at the Medical School participate in this curriculum. RESULTS: Each medical student is required to pursue theoretical training (familiarization with the operating room check-list), training in patient management using a high fidelity mannequin for various medical and surgical scenarios and training in technical gestures in open and laparoscopic surgery over a 2-year period, followed by an examination to validate all technical aptitudes. This curriculum has been approved and accredited by the prestigious American College of Surgeons, making this the first of its kind in France. CONCLUSION: As such, it should be considered as a model and, in accordance to the wishes of the French Surgical Academy, the first step toward the creation of true schools of surgery.

Posterior urethral injuries associated with pelvic injuries in young adults: computerized finite element model creation and application to improve knowledge and prevention of these lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Young adult males involved in motorcycle accidents are particularly at risk for posterior urethral injury whenever pelvic injury occurs. Posterior urethral injuries remain problematic because their diagnosis may be missed, and during the initial treatment response the urethral injury can be aggravated by urethral catheterization. Few anatomical and clinical tools exist that establish a correlation between injuries and fractures of the pelvic ring and the risk of posterior urethral injury. METHOD: Based on experience with traffic accident modeling, a computerized finite element model was conceived integrating the specific anatomic structures concerned. This model was extrapolated from a CAT scan of a young adult. The anatomic structures concerned in urethral and pelvic ring trauma (PRT) were isolated, placed in 3D and given biomechanical properties. The model was verified according to available experiments on PRT. RESULTS: To apply the model, we recreated a lateral impact mechanism on the pelvic ring. Stretching between the prostatic and membranous portions of the urethra (before and after visualization of a pelvic fracture) as well as timing of injury was studied. CONCLUSION: The model's application permitted us to analyze precisely the link between lateral impact trauma of the pelvic ring and lesions of the posterior urethra and to identify an urethra stretching prior to visualization of a pelvic fracture. Utilization of the model with other mechanisms of injury should allow for better comprehension of this associated trauma, improved prevention, iatrogenic aggravation of, and care for, these serious injuries.

Polymorphisms of MAMLD1 gene in hypospadias.

PURPOSE: Mastermind-like domain containing 1 (MAMLD1) is a causative gene for the fetal development of male external genitalia. Almost 10% of patients with both severe and non-severe hypospadias exhibit mutations of MAMLD1. The aim of this work was to determine whether polymorphisms of MAMLD1 are a genetic risk factor for hypospadias. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 150 hypospadias with a range of severities and 150 controls. Direct sequencing of the MAMLD1 coding exons and their flanking splice sites was performed. In silico secondary and tertiary structure prediction and accessibility of changed amino acids were evaluated using JPred, Netsurf and PHYRE software. Functional studies of the transactivation of haplotypes on Hes3 promoter were performed in vitro using cDNAs of missense variants of MAMLD1. RESULTS: The p.P286S polymorphism was identified in 17/150 patients and 12/150 controls (11.3% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.32). The p.N589S polymorphism was identified in 22/150 patients and 12/150 controls (14.6% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.068). The double polymorphism (S-S haplotype) was present in 16/150 patients and 6/150 controls (10.6% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.044, OR = 2.87, CI from 1.09 to 7.55). The association of polymorphisms consistently revealed a modification in the structure prediction or amino acid accessibility in all three in silico models. The P286S, N589S and P286S + N589S proteins did not exhibit reduced transactivating activity on Hes3 promoter. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms of MAMLD1 gene are frequent in patients with hypospadias. Although no change in transactivation was noted on Hes3 promoter, the in silico studies and the significantly increased incidence of the S-S haplotype in hypospadiac patients raise the hypothesis of a particular susceptibility conferred by these variants.

[Who limit vaginal birth for breech presentation: medical practice or Law? Discussion between a medical doctor, a lawyer and the head chief of an university hospital]. / Qui limite l'apprentissage obstétrical et la pratique de l'accouchement de la présentation du siège par voie basse : la médecine ou le droit? Discussion entre un praticien, un avocat et un responsable de service universitaire.

The mode of delivery of breech presentation still remains a debate in France. Despite the medical arguments, themselves in debate, exists a legal pressure felt by medical practitioners. Our study highlights the different opinions of medical practitioners, lawyers and medical teachers faced with breech presentation.

[A role of robotic-assisted surgery to preserve female fertility? Comments about the first paratubal cystectomy performed with the "Da Vinci S" robotic system in a young girl]. / Un rôle de la chirurgie robot-assistée pour préserver la fertilité féminine? Réflexion à propos d'une première exérèse de kyste paratubaire par cœliochirurgie robot-assistée "Da Vinci S" chez une jeune fille.

In the field of adnexal surgeries in children, robotic surgery seems to make easier the realization of minimal invasive surgery. It could lead to a decrease of post-surgical adherences and therefore preserve the fertility of young patients. We report the first paratubal cystectomy performed using robotic assistance on a child in order to preserve her future fertility and discuss advantages and disadvantages of this technology.

Retroperitoneoscopic vs open dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness, potential advantages and complications of classical open pyeloplasty with retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two patient cohorts with confirmed ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) undergoing open or retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty over a 7-year period were analysed comparatively. RESULTS: Operative time was significantly longer in the retroperitoneoscopic group (mean 155 min) compared to the open pyeloplasty group (mean 98 min, P<0.05). Mean hospital stay was shorter in the retroperitoneoscopic group (mean 4.1 days, compared to 5.1 days, open). Complication rates were similar (open, 27% vs retroperitoneoscopic, 29%). These included anastomotic urinary leakage, stenosis and infection. Anastomotic leakage was more common in the retroperitoneoscopic group. There was a 6.6% conversion rate in the retroperitoneoscopic group. Success, defined as improved ultrasonic or renographic parameters, with resolution of symptoms where discernable, was noted in 96% of the open group and 97% of the retroperitoneoscopic group with a mean follow up of 38 and 25 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty is as safe and effective as open pyeloplasty. This technique is now our procedure of choice for children>4 months old. The advantages are more obvious in children over 4 years than in infants. This technique remains difficult to perform and teach.

[Phimosis: medical treatment or circumcision?]. / Décalottage ou circoncision: quelle indication dans le phimosis?

Phimosis remains a major question for mothers and induces a high number of consultations. However, large epidemiologic series have shown that congenital phimosis may disappear spontaneously in around 80% of cases with development and should'nt need any treatment before the age of five or six years old. Theses elements go against sociocultural habits which induce many circumcisions before the age of six. Corticoid treatment of phimosis seems to be very efficient to facilitate the disparition of phimosis. The aim of this literature review is to evaluate medical, socioeconomical and therapeutics aspects of phimosis. Based on these data, we recommend never to treat phimosis before the age of one year old, to wait as long as possible for spontaneous evolution of phimosis until the age of five years old, and, in case of non evolution of congenital phimosis or pathologic phimosis to use as first step treatment corticoid topics rather than surgical treatment.