Results of a Novel Long-Term Method for Laparoscopic Skills Online Training.

Introduction: Ensuring patient safety in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) within the field of pediatric surgery requires systematic and extensive practice. Many groups have proposed mastery learning programs encompassing a range of training methods. However, short courses often have a narrow focus on specific objectives, limiting opportunities for sustained training. Our aim was to analyze our results with an online long-term competency-based and supervised training. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study with prospective data collection of scores and performance of trainees during online courses from October 2020 to April 2023. Results: All participants (n = 76) were able to set up their personal training gym and complete the intensive stage of the course. The total score evolved from 2.60 ± 0.56 at the first meeting to 3.67 ± 0.61 at the fourth meeting, exhibiting a significant difference (P < .013). A considerable drop out was observed in the follow-up stage, with only 53.8% of the participants completing the course. When compared with the first meeting, they also showed a significant improvement with a mean general score of 3.85 ± 0.25 (P < .013) Conclusion: We have presented a novel online training program, based on continuous training that demonstrated that the unlimited access to a personal training gym allows surgeons to improve and maintain MIS skills.

Lessons Learned after 176 Patients Treated with a Standardized Procedure of Thoracoscopic Cryoanalgesia during Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum.

BACKGROUND: Intrathoracic intercostal cryoanalgesia (Cryo) during minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) reports have been related to improved pain management, although its extent differs amongst studies. We aimed to report our experience using a standardized perioperative approach including Cryo during MIRPE, and compare our actual results with those of a previous thoracic epidural analgesia (TE) cohort. Lessons learned are summarized. METHODS: Retrospective study including patients undergoing Cryo during MIRPE between October 2018 and May 2023. Results with a standardized perioperative approach were analyzed. We then compared our Cryo cohort with a previous cohort of 62 patients who underwent TE and MIRPE between 2013 and 2018. Continuous variables were reported as mean and standard deviation, and as median (interquartile range) for variables with non-uniform distribution. RESULTS: We performed 176 Cryo during MIRPE (16.8 ± 4.6 years), with a mean postoperative length of stay (LOS) of 1.4 ± 0.8 days and a median total requirement of 7.5 (0.0; 15.0) oral morphine equivalents (OME) (mg). Patients with Cryo had a significantly lower mean LOS (1.4 ± 0.8 vs. 3.6 ± 1.0 days, p < 0.0001), and median total opioid requirement [7.5 (0.0; 15.0) vs. 77.4 (27.0; 115.5 OME (mg), p < 0.0001) compared to TE patients. Lessons learned included ensuring adequate contact of the cryoprobe with the target, proper exposition, and specialized multidisciplinary perioperative patient and family support, including psychology and physical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we reported lessons learned after performing a standardized protocol of perioperative care in patients undergoing Cryo during MIRPE. This protocol enabled the achievement of a short LOS and low postoperative opioid requirement. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Advantages of FDM and gamma irradiation to manufacture personalized medical devices for airway obstructions.

In the early childhood population, congenital airway conditions like bronchomalacia (BM) can pose a life-threatening threat. A breakthrough technology called additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, makes it feasible to create a biomedical device that aids in the treatment of airway obstruction. This article describes how a polycaprolactone (PCL) splint for the upper airways can be created using the fusion deposition technique (FDM) and sterilized using gamma radiation. It is presented as a simple, accessible, and cost-reduced alternative that complements other techniques using more expensive and sophisticated printing methods. Thermomechanical and morphological analysis proved that FDM and sterilizing by gamma irradiation are both appropriate methods for producing splints to treat life-threatening airway blockages. Additionally, the 3D-printed splints' effectiveness in treating a young patient with BM that was life-threatening was assessed by medical professionals. In this regard, the case report of a patient with 34 months of follow-up is presented. Splints manufactured by this affordable 3D printing method successfully surpass breathing arrest in life-threatening airway obstruction in pediatric patients. The success of this procedure represents a fundamental contribution to the treatment of the population in countries where access to expensive and complex technologies is not available.

Novel index to estimate the cephalocaudal extent of the excavation in pectus excavatum: The Titanic index.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Quantification of the severity of pectus excavatum deformities is currently performed using the Haller index (HI) and the Correction index (CI), amongst others. However, most indexes characterize the severity at the point of maximum excavation. We present a new index, the Titanic index (TI), aimed at the appraisal of the cephalocaudal extent of the excavation and its potential clinical use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients who underwent a minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) between July 2020 and April 2022 at a single center. We defined TI as the percentage of the sternum that lied behind the anterior costal line observed in the CT. Demographics, HI, CI, and TI calculated based on computed tomography images (CT) were analyzed. Also, we compared the severity indexes of two groups of patients divided by the number of implants introduced per patient (group A: two implants, and group B: more than two). RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients (92% male) were included, with a mean age of 17.2 ± 4.8 years. The mean TI was 37%. Albeit weak, we identified significant correlations between the TI and the HI and, more closely, to the CI. Two implants were introduced in 37 (47%) patients, and more than two in 41 (53%) patients. Compared to patients with two implants, the group of patients who received more than two implants were older and showed worse thoracic indexes. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, we identified the TI as a better predictor of the need for more than two implants than HI and CI. In this regard, a TI larger than 66.5% had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 92%. CONCLUSION: We propose a novel index for the categorization of the severity of pectus excavatum. This index might be useful in planning the number of implants required for complete thoracic remodeling during MIRPE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative Study.

Determinants of success associated with vacuum bell treatment of pectus excavatum.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: We explored determinants of success in a large cohort of patients with pectus excavatum submitted to vacuum bell treatment and compared groups with satisfactory versus unsatisfactory outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study in a single center between May 2013 and January 2020, including patients with pectus excavatum treated with vacuum bell. We classified patients according to their status at closure of data registry (surveillance; withdrawal; complete correction; failure) and according to Obermeyer's classification of degrees of pectus excavatum correction. Determinants of success were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: Overall, 186 patients were included. Complete correction was achieved by 17% of the cases, while 45% remained under surveillance. Failure rates were low (n = 9; 5%), whereas withdrawal rates were 34%. Based on Obermeyer's classification of degree of excavation correction, 35% had excellent/good, 25% fair, and 40% poor/worse results. When comparing patients with good/excellent results with those with unsatisfactory results, patients with good/excellent results had a longer treatment duration [19.0 (13.0; 28) months vs. 13.0 (6.5; 22.5) months, p<0.0001], and lower initial pectus depth [1.6 (1.2; 2.0) cm, vs. 2.0 (1.5; 2.6) cm, p = 0.001]. Using ROC curves, the best determinants of success were an initial pectus depth ≤ 1.8 cm and a length of treatment > 12 months. CONCLUSION: One-third of patients in treatment with a vacuum bell achieved excellent or good outcomes in our cohort. Determinants of success included an initial pectus depth of 1.8 cm or less and a minimum length of treatment of 12 months. TYPE OF STUDY: retrospective comparative study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Remote treatment of pectus carinatum (Telepectus) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To report telemedicine's feasibility and satisfaction rates for treating patients with pectus carinatum using a dynamic compressor system. We analyzed treatment adherence in comparison with the previous, non-pandemic year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis including patients with pectus carinatum under treatment with a dynamic compressor system using telemedicine at the chest wall centers from two hospitals, private and public, between April and July 2020. A free video conference platform for teleconsultations was employed. We evaluated the incidence of pectus cases with telemedicine, the number of dynamic compressor system prescriptions, the number of patients in the correction phase, and the number who ended treatment. To assess adherence, we compared our cohort with an in-person cohort during the same time frame of the previous, non-pandemic year. In addition, we performed a patient satisfaction survey comprising questions related to socioeconomic status, the likeability of telemedicine, simplicity of modification of the system, and desire to continue with telepectus after the pandemic. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-six telepectus consultations were performed in 76 patients. During this time frame, 15 patients started using the dynamic compressor system. Compared to the previous, non-pandemic year, the number of consultations per patient was similar (2019: 1.92 ± 1 .0 vs. 2020: 1.79 ± 0.8, p = 0.32), and there was a significant reduction in the number of dropouts with the use of telemedicine (9% vs. 1%, p = 0.025). Fifty-nine patients answered the satisfaction survey. All of them solved their doubts through telemedicine. Overall, 95% found telemedicine comfortable. Of note, those with a lower income evidenced the highest intention in continuing with telemedicine. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the feasibility of remote care of patients with pectus carinatum using a dynamic compressor system with a similar frequency of consultations compared to in-person medical care. Telepectus patients revealed a high rate of satisfaction irrespective of their socioeconomic status. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective study.

Usefulness of strain cardiac magnetic resonance for the exposure of mild left ventricular systolic abnormalities in pectus excavatum.

BACKGROUND: Systolic dysfunction in pectus excavatum (PEX) is usually very subtle and mainly focused on the right ventricle (RV), leading to normal or unremarkable cardiac imaging findings unless involving exercise stress. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated systolic function in PEX using longitudinal strain cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), a validated parameter for the assessment of the systolic deformation of subendocardial fibers. METHODS: This prospective registry comprised consecutive patients with PEX who were referred to CMR to define treatment strategies or to establish surgical candidacy. We also included a control group of 15 healthy volunteers without chest wall abnormalities. Using dedicated software, we evaluated the endocardial global longitudinal strain (GLS) of both ventricles and the endocardial global circumferential strain (GCS) of the left ventricle (LV). RESULTS: A total of 50 patients with PEX comprised the study population, with a mean age of 19.9 ± 8.0 years. The right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) of patients with PEX was significantly lower compared to the control group both at end-expiration (59.5 ± 6.8 vs. 64.7 ± 4.7%, p = 0.008) and end-inspiration (56.7 ± 7.2%, vs. 62.7 ± 4.4, p = 0.004); as well as the pulmonary stroke distance (12.6 ± 2.5, vs. 15.0 ± 2.0 cm, p = 0.001). The LV volumetric analysis revealed no differences between PEX and the control group (p > 0.05 for all) regardless of the respiratory cycle, with a mean expiratory LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of 61.4 ± 6.0%. In contrast, the GLS of the LV was significantly lower in PEX compared to controls (-21.2 ± 3.2 vs. -23.7 ± 3.0%, p = 0.010), whereas GCS was similar either at expiration (-28.5 ± 4.0%, vs. -29.5 ± 2.8, p = 0.38) or inspiration (-29.3 ± 4.1%, vs.-28.9 ± 2.3, p = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrated that longitudinal strain analysis might enable the detection of very subtle left ventricular systolic function abnormalities in patients with PEX, that are commonly overlooked using the conventional assessment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Decanulación traqueal en pediatría: ¿cuándo y cómo? / Tracheal decannulation in pediatrics: When and how?

La decanulación es el proceso de retirar la cánula de traqueotomía de forma definitiva, una vez que la patología original que motivó la traqueotomía se haya resuelto o mejorado significativamente.La predicción del éxito de decanulación es difícil debido a la influencia de varios factores. No existe un protocolo universalmente aceptado. Existen diversos protocolos y la elección depende, en gran medida, de cada institución y de la situación individual de cada paciente. Sin embargo, para lograr la decanulación exitosa deben tenerse en cuenta varios criterios esenciales que deben cumplirse independientemente del protocolo elegido.Se señalan las características que debe reunir el paciente apto para la decanulación y se presentan recomendaciones sobre los pasos necesarios para lograr el retiro de la cánula de traqueotomía en el niño de manera segura y minimizando el riesgo de fracaso.

Decannulation is the process of removing the tracheotomy cannula permanently, once the original pathology that led to the tracheotomy has been resolved or significantly improved. The prediction of decannulation success is difficult due to the influence of several factors. There is no universally accepted decannulation protocol. There are several protocols and the choice depends, largely, on each institution and the individual situation of each patient. However, in order to achieve successful decannulation, several essential criteria must be taken into account, which must be fulfilled regardless of the chosen protocol.We indicate the characteristics that the patient must meet for decannulation, and we present recommendations on the necessary steps to achieve the removal of the tracheotomy cannula in a child safely and minimizing the risk of failure.

[Tracheal decannulation in pediatrics: When and how?] / Decanulación traqueal en pediatría: ¿cuándo y cómo?

Decannulation is the process of removing the tracheotomy cannula permanently, once the original pathology that led to the tracheotomy has been resolved or significantly improved. The prediction of decannulation success is difficult due to the influence of several factors. There is no universally accepted decannulation protocol. There are several protocols and the choice depends, largely, on each institution and the individual situation of each patient. However, in order to achieve successful decannulation, several essential criteria must be taken into account, which must be fulfilled regardless of the chosen protocol. We indicate the characteristics that the patient must meet for decannulation, and we present recommendations on the necessary steps to achieve the removal of the tracheotomy cannula in a child safely and minimizing the risk of failure.

La decanulación es el proceso de retirar la cánula de traqueotomía de forma definitiva, una vez que la patología original que motivó la traqueotomía se haya resuelto o mejorado significativamente. La predicción del éxito de decanulación es difícil debido a la influencia de varios factores. No existe un protocolo universalmente aceptado. Existen diversos protocolos y la elección depende, en gran medida, de cada institución y de la situación individual de cada paciente. Sin embargo, para lograr la decanulación exitosa deben tenerse en cuenta varios criterios esenciales que deben cumplirse independientemente del protocolo elegido. Se señalan las características que debe reunir el paciente apto para la decanulación y se presentan recomendaciones sobre los pasos necesarios para lograr el retiro de la cánula de traqueotomía en el niño de manera segura y minimizando el riesgo de fracaso.

Resorbable airway splint, stents, and 3D reconstruction and printing of the airway in tracheobronchomalacia.

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is the most common tracheobronchial obstruction. Most cases are mild to moderate; therefore, they do not need surgical treatment. Severe tracheomalacia, however, represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge since they are very heterogeneous. In the armamentarium of resources for the treatment of dynamic airway collapse, splints and stents are two underused strategies and yet, they may represent the best alternative in selected cases. Lately, computed tomography 3D reconstruction of the airway has been used for the design of virtual models that can be 3D-printed for the creation of novel devices to address training, simulation, and biotechnological implants for refractory and severe airway malformations. This manuscript examines the role of resorbable stents, splints, and the 3D reconstruction and printing of the pediatric airway in tracheobronchomalacia.

Implementation and acceptance rates of a specially designed vacuometer for the vacuum bell treatment of pectus excavatum.

BACKGROUND / PURPOSE: To report the implementation of a specially designed vacuometer for the ambulatory measurement of the exact negative pressure self-applied by the patient when using the vacuum bell for the treatment of pectus excavatum and to analyze patient satisfaction with the device, by conducting a survey. METHODS: Between October 2018 and June 2020, all patients with pectus excavatum who received a vacuum bell at our Pectus Clinic were provided with a specially designed pectus vacuometer for their personal use. We described the vacuometer, the fundamentals of its development, and the utilization protocol. A survey was conducted evaluating comfort, clarity of instructions, usefulness, simplicity of connection, and likeability. The level of satisfaction was assessed using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (very negative experience) to 5 (very positive experience). The occurrence of skin lesions provoked by the application of the vacuum bell was registered. RESULTS: From 72 submitted surveys, 54 patients answered. Patient demographics comprised 44 (81.5%) males and a mean age of 12.6 ± 6.0 years. The mean initial external pectus depth was 2.0 ± 0.7 cm and the mean duration of treatment was 13.2 ± 8.6 months. No skin lesions were detected while using the vacuum bell and the vacuometer. The mean general satisfaction score was 4.4 ± 0.7 and 83.3% of the respondents did not have any inconvenience with the vacuometer. A patient who considered himself cured was the only dropout during the study. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we described the feasibility and fundamentals of the application of a specifically designed vacuometer for ambulatory use as an adjunct to the treatment of pectus excavatum with a vacuum bell, and demonstrated a high satisfaction level with the device. In addition, the vacuometer might help avoid skin lesions secondary to the vacuum bell and foster adhesion to treatment. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Surgical Planning, Simulation, and Prosthesis Customization for Complex Chest Wall Malformations.

Despite the emergent application of 3-dimensional technology for thoracic reconstructions, reports regarding its use for the resolution of the heterogeneous subgroup of complex chest wall malformations are lacking. We aim to report a novel, standardized process of personalized repair of complex chest wall malformations comprising multidisciplinary, comprehensive surgical planning; surgical simulation on a 3-dimensionally printed scale model of the area of interest; manufacturing of customized prostheses; and surgical repair according to plan. We propose this therapeutic strategy for the resolution of such a wide variety of chest wall deformities to reduce improvisation and enhance outcomes.

From bench to bedside: 3D reconstruction and printing as a valuable tool for the chest wall surgeon.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The development of computer-aided design/manufacturing and digital image technology shows promise to revolutionize several medical and surgical fields. In this context, we propose a different approach for minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) including preoperative planning, ambulatory template fitting, and implant customization. METHODS: We prospectively collected data on 130 consecutive patients who underwent a novel process of implant customization for MIRPE between November 2015 and September 2019 at our institution. This process consisted of: 1) preoperative planning using 3D computed tomography scan reconstruction and 3D printing of the implant template, 2) an ambulatory fitting session with the template, and 3) manufacture of a custom made, prebent, metallic implant based on the 3D printed templates. We described the process in detail and analyzed the "implant-deformity" match, need for rebending, modification of the curvature or shape of the pectus implant intraoperatively, and accuracy of the number of bars planned preoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperative planning including 3D reconstruction and printing resulted in a 92.3% optimal "implant-deformity" anatomic match. Minimal rebending without flipping of the implants was required in 5.4% of the patients. In two cases (1.5%), the implants were too short, and they tended to sink into the intercostal space, and in one case (0.8%), the patient's chest was extremely asymmetric, and the implant had to be removed and rebent intraoperatively. The number of implants planned preoperatively was precise in 100%. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrated that minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum assisted by preoperative planning, ambulatory template fitting, and implant customization enables an excellent anatomic match, leading to minimal rebending, and avoiding implant flipping or removal after retrosternal passage as well as accuracy in the number of bars programmed preoperatively. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective registry. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Safety-string: A handy maneuver to control pectus bar removal bleeding complications.

The pectus bar removal procedure is often considered a simple, straightforward surgery with a low incidence of complications. However, life-threatening bleeding complications have been reported requiring major measures for hemostatic control. Our objective is to share a simple maneuver that our group has systematically included in the bar removal procedure to facilitate bleeding control in case hemorrhage occurs.

Fístula traqueoesofágica en H en el período neonatal: dificultades en el diagnóstico y diferentes abordajes terapéuticos. Serie de casos / H-type tracheoesophageal fistula in neonatal period: Difficulties in diagnosis and different treatment approaches. A case series

La fístula traqueoesofágica congénita sin atresia esofágica asociada, conocida como tipo H, es una anomalía infrecuente. Se manifiesta con episodios de tos, ahogo y cianosis durante la alimentación y/o neumonía recurrente.Si bien los síntomas están usualmente presentes desde el nacimiento, el diagnóstico es difícil. La rareza de esta patología, los síntomas no específicos y las limitaciones en la demostración radiológica y endoscópica de la fístula contribuyen, a menudo, a la demora entre la presentación y la confirmación del diagnóstico.Se describen las manifestaciones clínicas, los métodos de evaluación y el tratamiento de 3 neonatos con esta patología, y se presentan recomendaciones para el diagnóstico a fin de evitar demoras innecesarias en el manejo de las fístulas en H.

Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula not associated with esophageal atresia, known as H-type fistula, is an uncommon anomaly. It presents with cough, choking, and cyanosis during feeding and/or recurrent pneumonia. Although symptoms are usually present from birth, diagnosis is difficult. The rarity of this disease, non-specific symptoms, and the limitations of radiological and endoscopic confirmation of the fistula often result in a delay between presentation and diagnosis confirmation. Here we describe the clinical manifestations, assessment methods, and management of 3 newborn infants with H-type tracheoesophageal fistula, together with diagnosis recommendations to prevent unnecessary delays in the management of this condition.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de la estenosis traqueal adquirida en pediatría / Surgical treatment of acquired tracheal stenosis in pediatrics

La estenosis traqueal adquirida es muy poco frecuente en la edad pediátrica y puede responder a múltiples causas; la estenosis posintubación y la secundaria a traqueotomía son las más comunes.El manejo de la estenosis traqueal adquirida sigue siendo controvertido. El tratamiento endoscópico proporciona el alivio inmediato de los síntomas, pero se asocia a una alta tasa de recurrencia, y el uso de prótesis endoluminales puede incrementar la longitud de la estenosis y complicar una cirugía futura. Por el contrario, se han documentado buenos resultados a largo plazo con la resección traqueal con anastomosis primaria.Se describe nuestra experiencia con la resección traqueal con anastomosis término-terminal para el tratamiento de la estenosis traqueal posintubación en 8 pacientes.

Acquired tracheal stenosis is a very infrequent lesion in the pediatric age group and may be due to diverse causes, being post-intubation stenosis and stenosis secondary to tracheostomy the most common ones.The management of acquired tracheal stenosis remains controversial. Endoscopic treatment provides immediate relief of symptoms but it is associated with a high recurrence rate, and the use of endoluminal prostheses can increase the length of the stricture complicating future surgery. Conversely, good long-term results have been documented with tracheal resection and primary anastomosis.We describe our experience with tracheal resection followed by end-to-end anastomosis for the treatment of post-intubation tracheal stenosis in 8 patients.

Absceso retrofaríngeo por fístula congénita del seno piriforme en una adolescente / Retropharyngeal abscess due to a congenital pyriform sinus fistula in a teenager

Arch Argent Pediatr 2020;118(1):e81-e84 / e81Presentación de casos clínicosRESUMENLas fístulas del seno piriforme son anomalías poco frecuentes de los arcos branquiales. La forma de presentación más común en los niños y los adolescentes es la tiroiditis aguda supurada y/o los abscesos cervicales laterales recurrentes. Sin embargo, las fístulas se pueden manifestar de forma atípica. La rareza de esta patología y la presentación clínica atípica pueden demorar el diagnóstico, lo que aumenta el riesgo de infecciones recurrentes y complicaciones.Se presenta el caso inusual de una adolescente de 13 años con absceso retrofaríngeo debido a una fístula congénita del seno piriforme, tratada de forma exitosa mediante electrocauterización endoscópica.

Pyriform sinus fistulas are rare anomalies of the branchial arches. The most common form of presentation in children and adolescents is acute suppurative thyroiditis and/or recurrent lateral cervical abscesses. However, fistulas can manifest atypically. The rarity of this pathology and the atypical clinical presentation can delay the diagnosis increasing the risk of recurrent infections and complications.We present the unusual case of a 13-year-old teenager with retropharyngeal abscess due to a congenital pyriform sinus fistula successfully treated by endoscopic electrocautery