Variables with a negative impact on the quality of life of gays and lesbians in Spain: evaluation of homophobic and lesbophobic indicators to guide youth education.

Background: Despite the evidence about the negative impact of homophobic and lesbophobic attitudes on the quality of life of these individuals, the World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to report a lack of research and understanding regarding the health of gays and lesbians and LGTB people in general. There is a growing commitment in public health to understand and improve the health and well-being of LGTB people, and it is very important that professionals in social, educational and health care settings are adequately trained and informed to solve the problems that persist in this population. The aim of this study was to identify homophobic and lesbophobic attitudes in a Spanish youth population, analyzing the relationship of these attitudes with sociodemographic, cultural, political and personal variables. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out with 325 young people aged 18-30 years. The information was collected through the Modern Homophobia Scale of Raja & Stokes, in which sociodemographic and sociocultural variables were also gathered. The data were analyzed and correlations were estimated. Results: The males showed a more negative attitude toward homosexual people compared to the females. The participants with a higher education level presented more positive attitudes toward homosexual people. Younger people with a heterosexual orientation had more negative attitudes toward homosexual people compared to those with a homosexual orientation. The participants with a stronger right-wing political tendency presented a greater percentage of negative attitudes toward LGTB people. Conclusion: Variables such as education level, sexual orientation and political ideology may have a significant influence on the attitudes toward homosexual men and/or lesbian women. Different results were obtained as a function of sex, thus it is important to consider the gender perspective in future studies that tackle this topic.

Identifying predictive factors for bowel control in patients with spina bifida and spinal cord injuries.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess our bowel management program (BMP) and identify predictive factors for bowel control in patients with Spina Bifida (SB) and Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI). Additionally, in patients with SB, we examined the impact of fetal repair (FRG) on bowel control. METHODS: We included all patients with SB and SCI seen in the Multidisciplinary Spinal Defects Clinic at Children's Hospital Colorado from 2020 to 2023. RESULTS: 336 patients included. Fecal incontinence was present in 70% and bowel control in 30%. All patients with urinary control also had bowel control. Fecal incontinence prevalence was higher in patients with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt (84%), urinary incontinence (82%), and wheelchair users (79%) compared to those who did not need a VP shunt (56%), had urinary continence (0%) and non-wheelchair users (52%), respectively (p = < 0.001 in all three scenarios). After completing BMP, 90% remained clean for stool. There was no statistical significance when comparing bowel control in FRG with non-fetal repair group. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary continence predicts bowel control in patients with SB and SCI. Risk factors for fecal incontinence were the need for a VP shunt, urinary incontinence, and wheelchair usage. We did not find any positive impact of fetal repair on bowel and urinary control.

Fertility concerns and outcomes in females with anorectal malformations.

PURPOSE: To assess fertility concerns and to describe pregnancy outcomes in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM). METHODS: This is an IRB approved, cross-sectional study of patients in the Adult Colorectal Research Registry who completed reproductive health surveys between November 2021 and August 2022. Patients assigned female at birth with age 18 or older and ARM were included. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients with ARM, age 18 or older, were included. Fertility concerns were reported in 26 (40.6%) patients, 11 of which had seen a fertility specialist, including four who had not yet tried to conceive. Fertility concerns were highest amongst cloaca patients who had not yet tried to conceive (37.5%). 26 (40.6%) patients had tried to conceive, of which 16 (25%) reported fertility problems, most frequently uterine abnormalities and damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. 22 (34.4%) participants were able to conceive and 18 (28.1%) had at least one live birth. Patients with ARM who had concerns of fertility, had better FertiQoL when compared to published reference scores for patients experiencing fertility issues. CONCLUSION: Providers should be aware of fertility concerns in patients with ARM. Proactive counseling with referrals to a fertility specialist should be considered in patients who desire future fertility.

Gastrointestinal quality of life and bowel function in adults born with anorectal malformation and hirschsprung disease.

PURPOSE: To assess the quality of life and disease-specific functioning of adults with anorectal malformations (ARM) or Hirschsprung disease (HD) compared to healthy reference scores. METHODS: Patients with the diagnosis of ARM or HD from the Adult Colorectal Research Registry completed the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQoLI), and the Bowel Function Score (BFS) between October 2019 and August 2022. One-sample Wilcoxon test compared the results to reported healthy references with a significance level of < 0.05. RESULTS: The response rate was 67%. All three surveys were completed by 133 adults with a slight preponderance of males (51%). Median age was 31 years, 117 were born with ARM and 16 with HD. All subgroups had significantly lower BFS than healthy references. ARM patients scored significantly lower than the healthy reference population when assessed for GIQoL. All showed significant impairment with the mental component summary (MCS) of SF-36. Patients with a successful bowel management had significantly higher scores on all three questionnaires than those with fecal accidents. CONCLUSION: Our results emphasize the importance of a successful bowel management and its impact on the quality of life and bowel function. Long-term follow-up is recommended with attention to mental health.

Radiologically supervised bowel management program outcome in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze our radiologically supervised bowel management program (RS-BMP) outcomes in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted. We included all patients with CIC who participated in our RS-BMP at Children´s Hospital Colorado from July 2016 to October 2022. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included. The average time with constipation was 5.6 years. Before our RS-BMP, 95% had received non-radiologically supervised treatments, and 71% had attempted two or more treatments. Overall, 90% had tried Polyethylene Glycol and 43% Senna. Nine patients had a history of Botox injections. Five underwent anterograde continence procedure, and one a sigmoidectomy. Behavioral disorders (BD) were found in 23%. At the end of the RS-BMP, 96% of patients had successful outcomes, 73% were on Senna, and 27% were on enemas. Megarectum was detected in 93% of patients with successful outcomes and 100% with unsuccessful outcomes (p = 0.210). Of the patients with BD, 89% had successful outcomes, and 11% had unsuccessful. CONCLUSION: Our RS-BMP has been proven to be effective in treating CIC. The radiologically supervised use of Senna and enemas was the appropriate treatment in 96% of the patients. BD and megarectum were associated with unsuccessful outcomes.

Gene Expression Behavior of a Set of Genes in Platelet and Tissue Samples from Patients with Breast Cancer.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is constituted by a great diversity of highly dynamic cell populations, each of which contributes ligands, receptors, soluble proteins, mRNAs, and miRNAs, in order to regulate cellular activities within the TME and even promote processes such as angiogenesis or metastasis. Intravasated platelets (PLT) undergo changes in the TME that convert them into tumor-educated platelets (TEP), which supports the development of cancer, angiogenesis, and metastasis through the degranulation and release of biomolecules. Several authors have reported that the deregulation of PF4, VEGF, PDGF, ANG-1, WASF3, LAPTM4B, TPM3, and TAC1 genes participates in breast cancer progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The present work aimed to analyze the expression levels of this set of genes in tumor tissues and platelets derived from breast cancer patients by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR) assays, in order to determine if there was an expression correlation between these sources and to take advantage of the new information to be used in possible diagnosis by liquid biopsy. Data from these assays showed that platelets and breast cancer tumors present similar expression levels of a subset of these genes' mRNAs, depending on the molecular subtype, comorbidities, and metastasis presence.

Long-term outcomes of adult patients following surgery for congenital colorectal conditions: analysis of psychosocial functioning.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to obtain information about the psychosocial functioning of adults with various congenital colorectal conditions (e.g., anorectal malformation, Hirschsprung disease). METHODS: A research registry of adult patients with colorectal conditions was developed. Items included demographics, medical diagnosis/treatment, and measures of anxiety and depression. Descriptive and inferential statistical approaches were applied to summarize data and determine significant differences in the average scores for depression and anxiety between various groupings of diagnoses, gender, race, and the use of psychotropic medication. RESULTS: Study measures were completed by 131 adults. Depression and anxiety scores were significantly higher for women than men and those self-identified as non-binary (p = 0.012, < 0.001, respectively). No significant differences in depression and anxiety scores were found due to colorectal diagnosis (p > 0.05). Participants who identified as Asian had significantly higher depression scores than participants of other races (p = 0.002); but no significant difference was noted for anxiety scores (p = 0.065). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that depression and anxiety scores were significantly influenced by gender and race. However, colorectal diagnosis was not a predictor of depression or anxiety. It is important for colorectal providers to be aware of the psychosocial implications of congenital colorectal conditions and consider how to provide adequate support to address patients' psychosocial needs.

Stricture rate in patients after the repair of anorectal malformation following a standardized dilation protocol.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine and analyze the stricture rate in patients who underwent a PSARP or PSARVUP and followed a postoperative protocol of anal dilation (Fig. 1). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with anorectal malformation (ARM) who underwent a primary PSARP or PSARVUP from February 2016 to October 2021 was performed. Data collected included patients' demographics, type of ARM, age at the time of operation, postoperative complications, with emphasis on whether there were any strictures or any difficulties during dilations, and on follow-up. During the surgical repair, emphasis was placed on preserving the blood supply of the bowel and performing a tension-free bowel-to-skin anastomosis. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Forty-four patients were females: 21 recto-perineal fistula, 12 cloaca, 9 recto-vestibular fistula, one imperforate anus without fistula, and one patient had a complex anorectal and vaginal malformation with an anal stricture and a rectovaginal fistula. Forty patients were males: 14 recto-perineal fistula, 11 recto-urethral bulbar fistula, 6 recto-urethral prostatic fistula, 6 imperforate anus without fistula, and 2 bladder neck fistula. One patient had an anal stenosis with sacral agenesis, without a presacral mass. Patient ages ranged from 0 to 79 months (mean 7.5 months, median 5 months) at the time of surgery. Follow-up time ranged from 7 to 73 months (mean 38 months, median 35 months). No patient suffered of a postoperative anal stricture. Six patients suffered of a rectal prolapse that required a surgical repair. CONCLUSION: Post-operative anal stricture after PSARP and PSARVUP can be avoided with proper surgical technique and postoperative care. Namely, by preserving adequate blood supply of the bowel and avoiding tension at the anoplasty, and by adhering to a structured protocol of anal dilations.

Pelvic exams and cervical cancer screening in patients with anorectal malformations.

PURPOSE: Congenital or acquired anatomic differences of the genital tract in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) may make pelvic exams more challenging. The purpose of this study was to describe office-based pelvic exams and cervical cancer screening among female patients with a history of ARM. METHODS: This was an IRB approved, cross-sectional study of female patients with ARM who completed our Reproductive Health Surveys from November 2021 to March 2022. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients with ARM were included in the study. Ages ranged from 22 to 80 years (mean age 34.5 years). Thirty-four patients had a cloaca, 16 had an ARM other than cloaca, and four patients had a complex malformation. Most patients (79.6%) reported having had a pelvic exam in the office. On a scale of 0-100, the mean pain score with pelvic exam was 42. Pain scores were higher for patients with complex malformations and neo-vagina. Forty-three participants (79.6%) had cervical cancer screening. Fifteen participants (28%) had a didelphys uterus but only two patients specified that both cervices were screened for cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: The majority of female patients with ARM had cervical cancer screening in clinic, those with complex malformations reported greater discomfort. Providers should be aware of barriers to performing pelvic exams in patients with ARM as well as the need to screen both cervices in didelphys uterus.

The success rate of antegrade enemas for the management of idiopathic constipation.

PURPOSE: Most patients with idiopathic constipation achieve daily voluntary bowel movements with stimulant laxatives after a "Structured Bowel Management Program" (BMP). A small percentage require rectal enemas. One week in a BMP to find the right enema recipe results in a success rate great than 95%. Once the enema is radiologically and clinically effective, antegrade continent enema procedures (ACE) can afford patients an alternative route of enema administration. This study summarized the outcomes of children with idiopathic constipation who receive antegrade enemas (AE) with or without a prior BMP. METHODS: This was a single institution, retrospective cohort study of children with idiopathic constipation who underwent ACE procedures indicated by different providers from 2015-2020. We categorized the outcomes with AE after the ACE procedure as: "successful outcome" when the AE produced a daily bowel movement, no involuntary bowel movements, and no more fecal impactions, "unsuccessful outcome" was defined when the patient continued having involuntary bowel movements or fecal impaction requiring cleanouts despite a daily AE, and "unnecessary outcome" was defined when the patient was no longer doing AE, but had daily bowel movements, and no involuntary bowel movements or fecal impactions. RESULTS: Thirty-eight children with idiopathic constipation had an ACE. The most frequent indication for ACE was a failure of medical treatment. The most common medical treatment was polyethylene glycol. Before ACE, 34 (89%) patients did not have a BMP; 18 patients were on rectal enemas and 16 on laxatives. All four with BMP (100%) had a successful rectal enema. After ACE, 12 (31%) patients had successful antegrade enemas, including the four with previous successful BMP with rectal enemas. Twenty patients (52%) had unsuccessful antegrade enemas, and in 6 (15%), the ACE was unnecessary (Fig. 1). CONCLUSION: Using antegrade enemas without a previously successful formula for rectal enemas has resulted in a high rate of unsuccessful and unnecessary procedures. BMP for children with idiopathic constipation who needs rectal enemas offers a high possibility to find the proper rectal enema recipe and ensures higher rates of successful AE.

The effect of an enhanced recovery protocol in pediatric patients who undergo colostomy closure and Malone procedures.

PURPOSE: Pediatric colorectal studies have shown enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols can safely improve outcomes. This study sought to determine the impact of an ERAS pathway on the outcomes of children with colorectal conditions who underwent colostomy closure or Malone procedure. METHODS: A single-institution, retrospective cohort study of children who underwent colostomy closure or Malone procedure between 2016 and 2020 was performed. Differences in outcomes between pre-ERAS and ERAS cohorts were tested. A sub-analysis based on procedure type was performed. RESULTS: There were 96 patients included: 22 prior to ERAS implementation and 74 after. Patients who underwent ERAS had shorter mean time (hours) to oral intake, mean days until regular diet, post-operative opioid volume, and median length of stay (p < 0.05). There was no difference in complication rates in the ERAS and pre-ERAS cohort (12.2 vs 9.1%, p = 0.99). Patients who underwent colostomy closure after ERAS had lower post-operative opioid use, but no differences were seen in those who underwent Malone. CONCLUSION: Implementation of an ERAS protocol resulted in quicker time to oral intake, normal diet, and decreased opioid use without increasing complication rates. Differences seen based on procedure type may reflect that the effect of an ERAS protocol is procedure specific.

Sexual function and fertility of adult males with anorectal malformations or Hirschsprung disease.

PURPOSE: The long-term impact of anorectal malformations (ARM) and Hirschsprung disease (HD) on sexual function is well recognized but understudied. This study evaluated self-reported sexual and fertility outcomes in adult males with ARM and HD. METHODS: This was an IRB approved, prospective study of males in the Adult Colorectal Research Registry who completed surveys between October 2019 and March 2022. Electronic surveys were administered after consenting to being contacted for research. Patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and provided information on fertility outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients completed outcome questionnaires: 11 (16.9%) had HD and 54 (83.1%) had an ARM. Nineteen patients reported some degree of erectile dysfunction per IIEF criteria, a greater proportion of whom have ARM (p = 0.046). Twenty (30.7%) have reported having children; there were no differences in rates between HD and ARM patients. Most patients had not attempted to conceive, but eight patients, all of whom have ARM, have pursued fertility investigation or treatments. CONCLUSION: More patients with ARM reported some degree of erectile dysfunction compared to those with HD. Additionally, some have required fertility treatments. Further investigation is warranted to ensure true low rates of sexual and fertility dysfunction in patients with HD.

Patient-reported urinary outcomes in adult males with congenital colorectal conditions.

PURPOSE: Long-term urinary outcomes for patients born with Hirschsprung disease (HD) and anorectal malformations (ARM) may impact their health and wellbeing into adulthood. This study describes self-reported long-term urinary outcomes in males with HD and ARM. METHODS: This was a prospective study of male patients in the Adult Colorectal Research Registry who completed surveys on urinary function between October 2019 and March 2022. Self-reported health and functional outcomes were summarized, and differences based on type of condition were compared. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients completed the questionnaire (response rate: 59.1%), of which 17.9% (12) had HD and 82.1% (55) had an ARM. Rates of urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence were 16.4% (11) and 4.5% (3), respectively. On sub-analysis of patients with ARM, patients with sacral ratio (SR) of 0.4-0.69 reported higher UTI rates compared to those with SR ≥ 0.7 (57.9 vs 25.8%, p = 0.023). Renal failure rates were highest among patients with recto-bladder neck fistulas (66.0%, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Patients with HD and ARM report a variety of urological sequelae in adulthood. Outcomes appear to be more common in patients with ARM and may be impacted by both anatomy and sacral ratios. Transitional care to monitor and manage renal and urological function is imperative.

The Upshot of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Nursing Assistants: Evaluating Mental Health Indicators in Huelva.

Healthcare professionals who work in front-line situations are among those under the highest risk of presenting negative mental health indicators. We sought to assess the prevalence of low personal realization, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization as well as probable non-psychotic psychiatric pathologies during the pandemic in nursing assistants in the city of Huelva (Spain), and to study the association between these mental health indicators and sociodemographic and professional variables. A cross-sectional descriptive investigation with a quantitative approach was used. A representative sample of these professionals, consisting of 29 men and 284 women, completed the GHQ-12 questionnaire, including sociodemographic data and the MBI-HSS questionnaire, collecting information on situations of contact with SARS-CoV-2. Data analysis was conducted, and correlations were established. We found that emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and probable non-psychotic, psychiatric pathologies were related to contact with SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, personal realization, depersonalization and emotional exhaustion were related to just gender. We conclude that nursing assistants from public hospitals in the city of Huelva who had contact with patients with SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace, showed poor mental health indicators than those who did not come into contact with infected individuals.

Social media communities for patients and families affected by congenital pediatric surgical conditions.

BACKGROUND: Social media has become a means to allow individuals affected by rare diseases to connect with others. This study aimed to characterize the use of three popular social media platforms by individuals affected by common pediatric surgery index conditions. METHODS: A systematic search of Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter was performed using standardized terms for the following pediatric surgical conditions: anorectal malformation, biliary atresia, bronchopulmonary sequestration, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), congenital pulmonary airway malformation, duodenal atresia, esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF), gastroschisis, Hirschsprung disease (HD), and omphalocele. Accounts active within the last year were analyzed and assessed. RESULTS: A total of 666 accounts were identified. Instagram was the most common platform, but accounts dedicated to support and story sharing were most common on Facebook. Biliary atresia and CDH had the largest communities identified. Support groups were most common among those dedicated to EA/TEF (43.3%, p < 0.001). Most accounts were created by parents, but accounts dedicated to HD had the greatest proportion founded by patients (22.4%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Social media use is common among patients and families affected by congenital surgical conditions. Certain diseases have larger communities and support networks. Knowledge about their existence may allow surgeons to direct patients towards supportive communities and resources. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Work-Family Interaction, Self-Perceived Mental Health and Burnout in Specialized Physicians of Huelva (Spain): A Study Conducted during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The medical staff who work in specialized healthcare are among the professionals with a greater risk of presenting negative indicators of mental health. These professionals are exposed to numerous sources of stress that can have a negative influence on their personal life. Currently, SARS-CoV-2 poses an additional and relevant source of stress. The aim of this study was to identify the interactions between the work and family environments, as well as to analyze self-perceived mental health and burnout in physicians who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, carried out their jobs in public health in Huelva (Spain), also considering a series of sociodemographic variables. METHODS: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Information from 128 participants was collected using the SWING, MBI-HSS and GHQ-12 questionnaires, along with sociodemographic data and possible situations of contact with SARS-CoV-2. The data were analyzed, and correlations were established. RESULTS: Most of the sample obtained a positive interaction result of work over family. Those who had been in contact with SARS-CoV-2 represented higher percentages of a positive result in GHQ-12, negative work-family interaction, burnout, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. In general, the men showed a worse mental health state than women. CONCLUSIONS: The medical staff of Huelva who had been in contact with situations of SARS-CoV-2 in their work environment presented worse indicators of mental health and greater negative interaction of work over family than those who had not been in contact with these situations.

The importance of dedicated colorectal team participation in the management of spina bifida and spinal cord injury patients.

PURPOSE: In September 2020, the colorectal team of the International Center for Colorectal and Urogenital Care joined the spina bifida and spinal cord injury multidisciplinary clinic at Children's Hospital Colorado. Many important lessons were learned. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients seen in the spina bifida and spinal cord injury multidisciplinary clinic from September 2020 to May 2021 was conducted. Data collected included demographics, diagnosis, pre or post-natal repair for those with myelomeningocele, whether the patient was previously seen by the colorectal team, wheelchair usage, voluntary bowel control vs. fecal incontinence, urinary control vs. clean intermittent catheterization, characteristics of contrast enema, and our proposed intervention. RESULTS: Overall, 189 children were seen during the study period, ranging from 3 months to 20 years of age (average = 9.5 years). One hundred and two were males and 87 were females. Diagnosis included myelomeningocele (n = 153), spinal cord injury (n = 18), transverse myelitis (n = 7), sacral agenesis (n = 5), diastematomyelia (n = 2), spinal stenosis (n = 2), and tethered cord with lipoma (n = 2). Fifteen patients with myelomeningocele were repaired in-utero. One hundred and sixty patients were new to the colorectal team. Eighty-one patients were wheelchair users. One hundred and twenty-three patients suffered from fecal incontinence and needed enemas to be artificially clean for stool and thirty-eight patients had voluntary bowel movements and were clean with laxatives, suppository, or rectal stimulations. Twenty-eight patients were younger than three years of age and still in diapers. Despite a non-dilated colon on contrast enema, this population has a hypomotile colon. One hundred and twenty-eight patients required clean intermittent catheterization. CONCLUSION: Joining the spina bifida and spinal cord injury multidisciplinary clinic allowed us to better serve this population and gave us enormous satisfaction to contribute to improve the quality of life of the patients and their parents. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Considering the value of online support groups for colorectal conditions: perspectives from caregivers and adult patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the benefits of participating in an online support group for caregivers of children with a colorectal condition or adult patients with a similar condition. METHODS: An electronic survey was administered to members of an international online support group (18 items for caregivers; 15 for patients). Items included demographics, medical diagnosis, potential benefits, and overall experiences in the group. Quantitative results were summarized as descriptive trends, while qualitative responses were summarized thematically. RESULTS: Respondents (102 caregivers, 6 patients) were primarily female, 35-44 years old, Caucasian, and resided in the United States. Most respondents learned about the support group from medical providers or online search. Cited benefits included learning information, gaining support, forming connections through shared experience, and utilizing a unique resource. Being a member of the group was helpful to respondents, improved their mental health and access to health information, and they would recommend the group to others. CONCLUSION: Participation in online support groups offers educational and emotional benefits to patients/caregivers which complements the medical support from their colorectal teams. Thus, colorectal providers need to be aware of the availability and potential benefits of these groups, and encourage their patients/caregivers to be actively involved.

Is the appendix a good organ to diagnose total colonic aganglionosis?

PURPOSE: The use of the appendix for diagnosis of Total Colonic Aganglionosis (TCA) remains controversial. This study aimed to categorize the presence of ganglion cells in the appendix and determine its reliability as a histological specimen for the diagnosis of TCA. METHODS: This was a combined retrospective and prospective study. Permanent histological specimens of normal appendices removed during appendectomy for malrotation or falsely presumed appendicitis, and from patients with short segment Hirschsprung's disease (HD) or TCA were included. Permanent specimens of the appendix tip from Malone procedures were prospectively collected. All specimens were independently reviewed by two experienced pathologists in a standardized manner to assess for the presence of ganglion cells. RESULTS: A total of 112 appendices were evaluated. Nine came from patients with a diagnosis of TCA, and five from patients with HD. Ganglion cells were present in all specimens from patients with diagnoses other than TCA and were absent in all specimens from patients with TCA. CONCLUSION: In the correct clinical setting, the absence of ganglion cells in the appendix can allow for a reliable diagnosis of TCA.

The use of social media among the pediatric colorectal community.

PURPOSE: Pediatric colorectal conditions require complex medical care and can require lifelong support. Caregivers often seek medical information on the internet. The aim of this study was to characterize the use of three social media platforms for information sharing about pediatric colorectal conditions. METHODS: A systematic study of Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter was performed using standardized search terms. Accounts with activity within the last year were included. Quantitative data were collected. Accounts were qualitatively assessed and assigned a functional category. Group differences were tested via Kruskal-Wallis test and Fisher's exact tests for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 96 Instagram accounts, 57 Twitter accounts, 49 Facebook pages, and 45 Facebook groups were identified. Accounts originated from 24 countries and the greatest number of accounts was created in 2013. The most common source of information on Instagram was from personal accounts (74.0%), on Facebook was from support groups (45.7%), and on Twitter was from health care providers (35.1%), (p < 0.001). The most common functional categories on Instagram were personal story (69.8%), on Twitter were scientific information/medical research (57.9%), and on Facebook were supportive/story sharing (47.8%), (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Social media serves as a source for medical information and allows for supportive communities for pediatric colorectal patients and their families to exist.