Objective Evaluation of Laparoscopic Experience Based on Muscle Electromyography and Accelerometry Performing Circular Pattern Cutting Tasks: A Pilot Study.

Purpose.The aim of this work is to present a new physical laparoscopy simulator with an electromyography (EMG)/accelerometry-based muscle activity recording system, EvalLap EMG-ACC, and perform objective evaluation of laparoscopic skills based on the quantification of muscle activity of participants with different levels of laparoscopic experience. Methods. EMG and ACC signals were obtained from 14 participants (6 experts, 8 medical students) performing circular pattern cutting tasks using a laparoscopic box trainer with the Trigno (Delsys Inc, Natick, MA) portable wireless system of 16 wireless sensors. Sensors were placed on the proximal and distal muscles of the upper extremities. Seven evaluation metrics were proposed and compared between skilled and novice surgeons. Results. The proximal and distal arm muscles (trapezius, deltoids, biceps, and forearms) were most active while executing laparoscopic tasks. Laparoscopic experience was associated with differences in EMG amplitude (Aavg), muscle activity (iEMG), hand acceleration (iACH), user movement (iAC), and muscle fatigue. For the cutting task, the deltoid, bicep, forearm EMG amplitude, and user movement significantly differed between experience groups. Conclusion. This pilot study demonstrates that different muscle groups are preferentially activated during laparoscopic tasks depending on the level of surgical experience. Expert surgeons showed less muscle activity compared with novices. EvalLap EMG-ACC represents a promising means to distinguish surgeons with basic cutting skills from those who have not yet developed these skills.

Academic paediatric surgery and work-life balance: Insights from Mexico.

Academic pediatric surgery in Mexico has many challenges and opportunities. Work life balance, health service delivery and committements to our many students and residents must be tailored to goals and aspirations respecting talent at every opportunity when we encounter it. This article offers a perspective on the landscape and how we can shape the future in our nation to embrace new leadership in academic pediatric surgery.

Assessment of the Mexican Board of Pediatric Surgery Certification System.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of the Mexican Board of Pediatric Surgery (MBPS) certifying system, using contemporary international guidelines. DESIGN: Retrospective assessment of evidence collected during the design and implementation processes of 2 consecutive applications of the MBPS certifying examination, using Cizek's checklist for evaluating credential-testing programs. It includes the relevant guidelines from the American Education Research Association, the American Psychological Association, the National Council on Measurement in Education, and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Four independent and previously trained raters used the checklist. They underwent a 2-week training using frame-of-reference and performance dimensions methodologies. SETTING: Certification examinations of MBPS. POPULATION: The 2013 and 2014 MBPS certification examinations, with 111 evidence items of the processes, followed for the assessment of 86 examinees. RESULTS: The checklist internal consistency was 0.89. Absolute interrater agreement was 0.34 for the 2013 and 0.66 for the 2014 editions of the examination. The 2013 examination complied with 55 (64%) of the checklist 86 items, in 2014 with 72 (84%). CONCLUSION: In 2014, the certifying system reached a quality of 84%. For optimal fulfillment of its social responsibility, the MBPS is required to maintain its level of quality and attempt to improve its performance.

[Comparison between two antibiotic schemes in relation to surgical site infection in children: a randomized clinical trial].

BACKGROUND: There are few randomized clinical trials that prove the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) to prevent pediatric surgical site infections (SSI). We undertook this study to determine the effectiveness of AP vs. traditional scheme of antibiotics. METHODS: We carried out a randomized clinical trial at the General Surgery Department of a Tertiary Care Children's Hospital in Mexico City. There were 187 consecutive patients, age 18 years or less, with clean or clean-contaminated procedures performed between January 2005 and December 2006. Exclusion criteria included previous scar on operated site, receiving antibiotics, or no informed consent. Cefalotin or clindamycin plus amikacin was administered 2 h before incision, continued for just 24 h in the experimental group (EG) vs. cefalotin or clindamycin plus amikacin administered just before, during or after incision and continuing for 5 days (control group, CG). RESULTS: Sixteen patients were excluded. EG included 26 clean and 54 clean-contaminated procedures, and in the CG there were 27 and 64 procedures, respectively. EG had a lower incidence of SSI (1/80 [1.2 %] vs. 10/91 [10.9 %], RR 9.7, (95% CI: 1.2-77.9, p = 0.009). The difference is based mainly on the clean-contaminated procedures. CONCLUSIONS: AP administered 2 h before incision and continuing for 24 h significantly decreases the risk of SSI compared to CG in clean-contaminated procedures.

Comparación de dos esquemas antibióticos en infección de sitio quirúrgico en niños / Comparison between two antibiotic schemes in relation to surgical site infection in children: a randomized clinical trial

Introducción: Hay pocos estudios controlados que prueben la efectividad de la profilaxis antibiótica para prevenir infección de sitio quirúrgico en niños. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar la efectividad de la profilaxis antibiótica contra esquema tradicional de antibióticos. Material y métodos: Ensayo clínico controlado llevado a cabo en el Departamento de Cirugía General en hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel, de 187 casos consecutivos menores de 18 años, con herida limpia o limpia-contaminada, entre enero de 2005 y diciembre de 2006. Se excluyeron los pacientes con cicatriz previa, quienes habían recibido antibióticos o que no proporcionaron su consentimiento informado. A un grupo (experimental) se administró cefalotina o clindamicina más amikacina dos horas antes de la incisión y por 24 horas y a otro se le administraron los mismos antibióticos durante o después de incisión y por cinco días. Se determinó el número de infecciones de sitio quirúrgico en procedimientos limpios y limpios contaminados. Resultados: Se excluyeron 16 pacientes. El grupo experimental incluyó 26 procedimientos limpios y 54 limpios contaminados y el grupo control, 27 y 64, respectivamente. El grupo experimental tuvo menos incidencia de infección de sitio quirúrgico (1 de 80 [1.2 %] contra 10 de 91 [10.9 %]), RR = 9.7, IC 95 % = 1.2-77.9, p = 0.009. Dicha diferencia basada en los procedimientos limpios contaminados. Conclusiones: La profilaxis antibiótica administrada dos horas antes de incidir y por 24 horas disminuyó significativamente la incidencia de infección de sitio quirúrgico en heridas limpias contaminadas.

BACKGROUND: There are few randomized clinical trials that prove the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) to prevent pediatric surgical site infections (SSI). We undertook this study to determine the effectiveness of AP vs. traditional scheme of antibiotics. METHODS: We carried out a randomized clinical trial at the General Surgery Department of a Tertiary Care Children's Hospital in Mexico City. There were 187 consecutive patients, age 18 years or less, with clean or clean-contaminated procedures performed between January 2005 and December 2006. Exclusion criteria included previous scar on operated site, receiving antibiotics, or no informed consent. Cefalotin or clindamycin plus amikacin was administered 2 h before incision, continued for just 24 h in the experimental group (EG) vs. cefalotin or clindamycin plus amikacin administered just before, during or after incision and continuing for 5 days (control group, CG). RESULTS: Sixteen patients were excluded. EG included 26 clean and 54 clean-contaminated procedures, and in the CG there were 27 and 64 procedures, respectively. EG had a lower incidence of SSI (1/80 [1.2 %] vs. 10/91 [10.9 %], RR 9.7, (95% CI: 1.2-77.9, p = 0.009). The difference is based mainly on the clean-contaminated procedures. CONCLUSIONS: AP administered 2 h before incision and continuing for 24 h significantly decreases the risk of SSI compared to CG in clean-contaminated procedures.

¿Qué tan urgente es extraer una pila de disco alojada en el esófago? / How urgent is the extraction of a button disk battery located into the esophagus?

Introducción. La ingestión de cuerpo extraño (CE) es frecuente observarla en la consulta pediátrica; aunque el mayor porcentaje son monedas, la ingestión de pilas de disco o botón son un problema serio. Objetivos: conocer las principales lesiones esofágicas ocasionadas por la ingesta de pilas de disco (IPD), así como la respuesta al manejo y su evolución. Métodos. En un estudio retrospectivo, donde se revisaron los expedientes de pacientes con diagnóstico de IPD de diciembre 1996 a 2007, se analizó: sexo, edad, síntomas, tiempo de evolución, hallazgos radiológicos y endoscópicos, manejo, complicaciones y secuelas. Resultados. Se encontraron 21 casos de IPD; predominó el sexo masculino en relación 4:1, con edades de 3 meses a 12 años. El síntoma principal fue sialorrea. El tiempo de evolución fue en promedio de 39.6 horas. En 14 pacientes la extracción del CE se realizó con laringoscopio tipo Jackson, con esofagoscopio rígido en 2 y con panendoscopio en 4, y en 1 se utilizó red de recuperación de Roth. La mayoría de los CE estaban alojados en el tercio superior de esófago. A la endoscopia se encontraron úlceras en 8 pacientes, necrosis en 6, úlcera y necrosis en 1, perforación parcial en 1, perforación con fístula traqueoesofágica en 2, y en 3 pacientes no hubo evidencia de lesión. Sólo 5 pacientes evolucionaron a estenosis esofágica, que se resolvió con dilataciones. Dos pacientes con perforación y fístula traqueoesofágica recibieron manejo quirúrgico, falleciendo uno de ellos. Otro paciente con perforación solicitó alta voluntaria. Conclusiones. La IPD es cada vez más frecuente, su extracción en el esófago debe ser urgente para evitar complicaciones graves como la estenosis y fístula traqueoesofágica.

Introduction. Foreign body ingestion is a common cause of consultation in the pediatric practice. Even though the most frequent ingested objects are coins, the button disk batteries are becoming a serious problem. Objectives: To describe the main esophageal lesions caused by the ingestion of button disk batteries, their response to treatment and clinical evolution. Methods. Files from patients admitted to our hospital with diagnosis of button disk battery ingestion between December 1996 to December 2007 were reviewed. We analyzed sex, age, symptoms, evolution time, radiological and endoscopical findings, management, complications and long term sequels. Results. We found 21 cases, male preponderance 4:1, age rank from 3 months to 12 years. Sialorrhea was the main symptom. Average time to treatment was 39.6 hours. Battery removal was accomplished with direct esophagoscopy using Jackson laryngoscope in 14 patients, rigid esophagoscope in 2 patients, and flexible esophagoscopy in 4. In most of the cases the battery was lodged in the proximal third of the esophagus. At endoscopic exploration, esophageal ulcers were found in 8 patients, necrosis in 6, ulcers and necrosis in 1, partial perforation in 1, perforation with traqueoesophageal fistula in 2, and no injury in 3 patients. Only 5 patients evolved to esophageal stenosis that resolved with dilatations. Two patients with perforation and traqueoesophageal fistula underwent surgical treatment, one of them died. Another patient with perforation was lost to follow up because of voluntary discharge. Conclusions. Button disk battery ingestion is becoming a more frequent event; removal from the esophagus should be an urgent procedure to avoid severe complications such as stenosis and traqueoesophageal fistula.

A standardized perioperative surgical site infection care process among children with stoma closure: a before-after study.

BACKGROUND: We report on the effectiveness of a standardized perioperative care process for lowering surgical site infection (SSI) rates among children with stoma closure at a tertiary-care public pediatric teaching hospital in Mexico City. METHODS: All consecutive children with stoma closure operated on between November 2003 and October 2005 were prospectively followed for 30 days postoperatively. We conducted a before-after study to evaluate standardized perioperative bowel- and abdominal-wall care process results on SSI rates. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were operated on, and all completed follow-up. SSI rates declined from 42.8% (12/28) before to 13.9% (6/43) after the standardization procedure (relative risk (RR) = 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3-7.2; p = 0.006). SSI independently associated risk factors comprised peristomal skin inflammation >3 mm (odds ratio (OR) = 9.6; 95% CI = 1.8-49.6; p = 0.007) and intraoperative complications (OR = 13.3; 95% CI = 1.4-127.2; p = 0.02). Being operated on during the after-study period was shown to be a protective factor against SSI (OR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.4-0.97; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Standardization was able to reduce SSI rates threefold in children with stoma closure in a short period of time.

Transluminal endoscopic electrosurgical incision of fenestrated duodenal membranes.

Duodenal fenestrated membranes are traditionally treated by side-to-side diamond-shaped duodenoduodenostomy, or duodenotomy and resection. We describe an alternative endoscopic approach for its resolution. A flexible panendoscopy reaching the duodenal membrane was performed. A balloon was inserted to dilate its orifice. Traction was applied to the balloon to differentiate the border of the membrane forming the duodenal wall. After visualizing the ampulla, the membrane was incised using a sphincterotome or needle knife on two sites opposite to the bile duct. From May 2001 to August 2007, ten patients with a fenestrated duodenal membrane underwent transluminal endoscopic electrosurgical incision (TEEI). Mean patient age was 3.4 years (range 1 month to 15 years). The endoscopic procedure lasted from 30 to 60 min. Oral intake began 24 h postsurgery in eight patients and at 48 h postsurgery in two patients. Hospital stay lasted for 2-5 days. After 1 year of follow-up, eight patients were asymptomatic and thriving at present, and one had a double membrane, required a second endoscopy with TEEI, and has experienced occasional vomiting. An additional asymptomatic patient was lost after 3 months of follow-up. TEEI of fenestrated duodenal membranes is a feasible and effective procedure in children.

Primary cricotracheal resection with thyrotracheal anastomosis for the treatment of severe subglottic stenosis in children and adolescents.

Severe subglottic stenosis in children is best managed by laryngotracheal reconstruction or cricotracheal resection (CTR). We describe clinical outcomes with CTR and end-to-end anastomosis in pediatric patients with severe subglottic stenosis in a tertiary-care pediatric teaching hospital in Mexico City. We prospectively followed up all consecutive patients younger than 18 years of age with a Myer-Cotton grade 3 or 4 subglottic stenosis who underwent CTR between May 1, 2000, and March 31, 2003. The frequency of each clinical outcome was calculated. Twenty-two patients (16 boys [72.7%] and 6 girls [27.3%]) were included. The mean age at operation was 4.6 years (range, 11 months to 16 years). Eighteen patients (81.8%) required primary CTR, and 4 (18.2%) required extended CTR. Seventeen (77.3%) had grade 3 stenosis, and 5 (22.7%) had grade 4 stenosis. Six (27.3%) had associated clinical conditions, and 3 (13.6%) had associated vocal cord mobility defects. All were tracheostomy-dependent at presentation, and none had undergone previous airway surgery. Ten (45.5%) underwent one-stage surgery, and 12 (54.5%) had a concomitant temporary tracheotomy. No intraoperative complications occurred. Seventeen patients (77.3%) developed postoperative granulation tissue requiring endoscopic resection. The mean follow-up was 1.2 years (range, 2 months to 2.8 years). No deaths occurred. Fifteen children (88.2%) with grade 3 stenosis and 5 (100%) with grade 4 stenosis were decannulated, for an overall decannulation rate of 90.9%. Partial cricoid resection with end-to-end anastomosis has been a feasible procedure with reproducible successful results among our patients. We conclude that CTR performed as a primary procedure is an effective treatment for the management of severe subglottic stenosis in children.

A prospective study of surgical site infections in a pediatric hospital in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric surgical site infection (SSI) rates in the United States range from 2.5% to 4.4%. There is little data regarding their risk factors among children. We quantified SSI rates and identified risk factors of SSI in a tertiary care pediatric teaching hospital in Mexico City. METHODS: All neurosurgical, cardiovascular, and general surgical patients who underwent operation between Aug 1, 1998, and Jan 31, 1999, were followed-up daily during hospitalization. On postoperative day 30, a full review of microbiology reports and medical records was performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify risk factors. RESULTS: Four hundred twenty-eight of 530 children completed follow-up. The overall SSI rate was 18.7%. Forty percent of SSI were superficial incisional, 21% were deep incisional, and 39% were organ/space infections. For clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated, and dirty procedures, SSI infection rates were 12.4%, 24.4%, 14.3%, and 32.4%, respectively. Open drains (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.3-4.2; P <.005) and surgery that lasted 90 or more minutes (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.6-5.1; P <.001) were associated with infection. CONCLUSIONS: Our rates are greater than comparable reported data among children. Duration of surgery and use of open drains were associated with SSI.

Principios de profilaxis antimicrobiana en cirugía pediátrica / Principles of antimicrobial prophylaxis in pediatric surgery

Esta revisión tiene el propósito de describir los conceptos actuales de profilaxis antimicrobiana en cirugía y discutir los principios de su uso racional en la prevención de infecciones del sitio quirúrgico. Se revisan las evidencias clínicas y experimentales de esta práctica publicada sen los últimos 30 años. Se abordan las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico como padecimientos nosocomiales potencialmente prevenibles, cuya frecuencia global reportada en la población infantil varía, según la institución, entre 2.5 y 21 por ciento. Se describen y discuten, además, las indicaciones, contraindicaciones y riesgo de la profilaxis amtibiótica. Se hacen consideraciones respecto a las áreas del conocimiento quirúrgico infantil en las que es importante efectuar investigaciones clínicas que permita sustentar un uso racional de los antibióticos con fines preventivos. La evidencia actual sugiere esquemas de un solo fármaco, en dosis única alta preoperatoria e intravenosa tanto en cirugías limpias-contaminada como en algunas limpias

Diaphragmatic hernia from blunt trauma in children with multiple trauma

Introducción. En niños, la hernia diafragmática traumática (HDT) es una condición poco común pero potencialmente letal. En este estudio, se reporta la experiencia del hospital en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de HDT. Material y métodos. Se efectuó un estudio retrospectivo de los expedientes de los niños con HDT tratados en el hospital de 1971 a 1996. Resultados. Cinco hombres y una mujer, de 4 a 12 años de edad fueron tratados. El mecanismo del trauma incluyó accidentes peatonales, vehiculares, por aplastamiento y por caída. En 4 niños se observó dificultad respiratoria. Las lesiones asociadas incluyeron: fractura de base de cráneo, seudosubluxación cervical de C2 sobre C3, fracturas costales, pélvicas y femorales, lesión hepática, esplénica y cecal y hematoma retroperitoneal. Las radiografías iniciales de tórax fueron diagnósticas en 4 casos. Dos obtuvieron un diagnóstico tardío por radiografía de contraste. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a exploración transabdominal, con reducción de las vísceras herniadas y sutura del defecto. Dos requirieron esplenorrafia y resección hepática parcial. El paciente con perforación cecal se suturó y drenó. Todos los pacientes están actualmente sanos. Conclusiones. La HDT fue un hallazgo raro entre los niños tratados en el hospital. Su diagnóstico requirió un alto índice de sospecha y radiografía de contraste en los casos dudosos. El abordaje quirúrgico transabdominal fue útil, tanto para la sutura del defecto, como para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de lesiones ocultas

Diagnóstico ultasonográfico prenatal de defectos congénitos internos de resolución quirúrgica / Antenatal ultrasound diagnosis of internal congenital defects of surgical solution

El objetivo fundamental de este trabajo es conocer el valor predictivo positivo de la ultrasonografía prenatal (USPN) en el diagnóstico de los defectos congénitos internos que ameritan intervención quirúrgica inmediata. El análisis de 18 casos con malformaciones congénitas internas encontradas en un universo de 2 880 USPN efectuadas a las 23, 28 y 35 semanas, representa un 0.62 por ciento del total de pacientes estudiadas. De los 18 casos solamente en 14 recién nacidos se pudo comprobar clínica, radiográfica, ultrasonográfica y quirúrgicamente la malformación diagnosticada por USPN. El valor predictivo positivo de la USPN fue de 77 por ciento

Respuesta endócrino-metabólica neonatal a la cirugía / Neonatal endocrine and metabolic response to surgery

Con el propósito de describir la respuesta endócrino-metabólica a la cirugía (REMC) en el neonato y de enfatizar la importancia de su conocimiento para hacer racional el tratamiento y cuidados perioperatorios en este grupo de pacientes, se revisan las evidencias clínicas y experimentales de esta respuesta en este grupo de edad publicadas en los últimos diez años. Se describen los reflejos neuroendócrinos que inician la REMC en el neonato y se definen las características fundamentalmente del ambiente endócrino-metabólico neonatal postoperatorio. Además, se hacen consideraciones sobre su relevancia para determinar los cuidados perioperatorios del recién nacido. Se concluye que el neonato es capaz de establecer una REMC cualitativa y cuantitativamente diferente a la de otros grupos de edad, y que del conocimiento y comprensión de esta respuesta depende la calidad del tratamiento ofrecido al recién nacido quirúrgico