Thoracoscopic Patch Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Can Smaller Incisions Treat Larger Defects?

INTRODUCTION: Thoracoscopic CDH repair is increasingly performed for Type A and small Type B defects that are amenable to primary repair. However, the thoracoscopic approach is controversial for larger defects necessitating a patch due to technical complexity, intraoperative acidosis, and recurrence risk. We aim to compare clinical outcomes between thoracoscopic and open patch repair of Type B/C defects, using a standardized technique. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective review of thoracoscopic and open CDH patch repairs January 2017-December 2021. We excluded primary repairs, Type D hernias, repairs on ECMO, recurrent repairs. Various preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were compared. Primary outcome was recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative pH and pCO2, operative time, and complication rates. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients met inclusion criteria (open = 13, thoracoscopic = 16). The open cohort had lower o/e total fetal lung volume (29 vs 41.2%, p = 0.042), higher preoperative peak inspiratory pressures (24 vs 20 cm H2O, p = 0.007), were more frequently Type C defects (92.3 vs 31%, p = 0.002) and had liver "up" in left-sided hernias (46 vs 0%, p < 0.0001). Intraoperatively, median lowest pH and highest pCO2 did not differ; neither did overall median pH or pCO2. Operative times were similar (153 vs 194 min, p = 0.113). No difference in recurrence rates was identified, however postoperative complications were higher in the open group. There were no mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: Although we demonstrate higher disease severity of patients undergoing open repair, thoracoscopic patch repair for Type B/C defects is safe and effective in patients with favorable physiologic status, alleviating concerns for intraoperative acidosis, operative length, and risk of recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Single-stage restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis in pediatric patients: a safe alternative.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management for refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) has been restorative proctocolectomy (RP) with ileal-pouch-anal-anastomosis (IPAA) done as one to three stages, with safety and effectiveness of a single-stage operation unclear. METHODS: Pediatric UC patients from 2004 to 2019 who underwent RP/IPAA in the initial operation were retrospectively reviewed. 1-stage operations were matched 1:2 to 2-stage operations using age, duration of disease, and disease severity. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients (33 1-stage, 66 2-stage) were identified. The median total operative time was shorter in the 1-stage group (6 h:00 min vs. 7 h:47 min, p = 0.004). Total length of stay was shorter in the 1-stage group (9 vs. 17 days, p = 0.001). Rates of readmission were higher in 2-stage group (30 vs. 9%, p = 0.02). There was no difference in pouch leak rates (p = 1.00). Stricture rates were higher in the 2-stage group (50 vs. 16%, p = 0.005). Functional outcomes including pouchitis (p = 0.13), daily bowel movements (p = 0.37), and incontinence (p = 0.77) were all similar. CONCLUSIONS: Restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA in children with UC can be performed as a 1- or 2-stage operation with equivalent short-term, long-term, and functional outcomes in similar risk population. Our findings suggest 1-stage RP/IPAA operations without ileostomy are a safe alternative for patients considered for a 2-stage operation.

Does the timing of pouch creation in 2-stage operations for pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis matter?

INTRODUCTION: Children with fulminant ulcerative colitis(UC) traditionally undergo 2-stage operations: restorative-proctocolectomy(RP/IPAA) and ileostomy followed by ostomy closure. In the biologic era, surgeons have modified their strategy: initial subtotal-colectomy/diversion, followed by RP/IPAA without diversion. Yet, evidence on efficacy and functional outcomes with the "modified 2-stage" approach is limited in children. We sought to compare the timing of pouch creation in 2-stage operations to determine outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of children with UC undergoing either a traditional 2-stage RP/IPAA or modified 2-stage RP/IPAA between 2010 and 2019. Complications (leak, stricture, wound-infection) were recorded at 90-days and 1 year from 2nd operation. RESULTS: N = 57 (Traditional n = 40, Modified n = 17). Median time to surgery from consultation was shorter in the modified-group (7 vs.25 days, p = 0.01). Preoperatively, the modified-group had lower albumin(p = 0.01), higher CRP(p = 0.01), and more frequently took biologics within 90-daysp=0.001). After re-establishing intestinal continuity, stricture requiring dilation was higher in the traditional-group (59% vs.18%, p = 0.008). No difference in pouch leak (p = 0.38), bowel obstruction(p = 0.35), loperamide dose(p = 0.21), or incontinence(p = 0.38) was observed. CONCLUSION: Delaying pouch creation to the second operation without a protective ileostomy as a modified 2-stage is safe in a sicker and more acute pediatric population.

Prospective Evaluation of Radiation Dose Escalation in Patients With High-Risk Neuroblastoma and Gross Residual Disease After Surgery: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group ANBL0532 Study.

PURPOSE: A primary objective of the Children's Oncology Group (COG) ANBL0532 phase III study was to assess the effect of increasing local dose of radiation to a residual primary tumor on the cumulative incidence of local progression (CILP) in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Newly diagnosed patients with high-risk neuroblastoma were randomly assigned or assigned to receive single or tandem autologous stem-cell transplantation (SCT) after induction chemotherapy. Local control consisted of surgical resection during induction chemotherapy and radiotherapy after last SCT. Patients received 21.6 Gy to the preoperative primary tumor volume. For patients with incomplete surgical resection, an additional boost of 14.4 Gy was delivered to the gross residual tumor, for a total dose of 36 Gy. CILP (primary end point) and event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS; secondary end points) were compared with the COG A3973 historical cohort, in which all patients received single SCT and 21.6 Gy without a boost. RESULTS: For all patients in ANBL0532 receiving radiotherapy (n = 323), 5-year CILP, EFS, and OS rates were 11.2% ± 1.8%, 56.2% ± 3.4%, and 68.4% ± 3.2% compared with 7.1% ± 1.4% (P = .0590), 47.0% ± 3.5% (P = .0090), and 57.4% ± 3.5% (P = .0088) for all patients in A3973 receiving radiotherapy (n = 328), respectively. Five-year CILP, EFS, and OS rates for patients in A3973 with incomplete resection and radiotherapy (n = 47) were 10.6% ± 4.6%, 48.9% ± 10.1%, and 56.9% ± 10.0%, respectively. In comparison, 5-year CILP, EFS, and OS rates for patients in ANBL0532 who were randomly assigned or assigned to single SCT and received boost radiotherapy (n = 74) were 16.3% ± 4.3% (P = .4126), 50.9% ± 7.0% (P = .5084), and 68.1% ± 6.7% (P = .2835), respectively. CONCLUSION: Boost radiotherapy to gross residual tumor present at the end of induction did not significantly improve 5-year CILP. These results highlight the need for new strategies to decrease the risk of locoregional failure.

Use of cryoanalgesia for pain management for the modified ravitch procedure in children.

BACKGROUND: Intercostal cryoablation(IC) for pain management in children undergoing Nuss Procedure has been previously described. We evaluated postoperative outcomes following Modified Ravitch procedure for pectus disorders comparing IC to thoracic epidural(TE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center retrospective review of pediatric patients (age < 21) undergoing Modified Ravitch procedure (January 2015-March 2019) with either IC(9), or TE(20) analgesia. Primary outcome was length of stay (LOS) and secondary outcomes were inpatient opioid use (in oral morphine equivalents per kilogram; OME/kg), pain scores on each postoperative day (POD), discharge prescriptions, and complications. Pairwise comparisons made with Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher Exact test as appropriate. Two-tailed p values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Patient characteristics were similar. LOS was shorter with IC compared to TE (4 days versus 6; p < 0.006). Postoperative opioid use was not significantly different (IC: 1.5 OME/kg versus TE: 1.1; p = 0.10). There was improved pain control on POD 2 in patients who underwent IC (median pain score 3 versus 4; p < 0.0004). There was no difference in discharge prescription (IC: 3.3 OME/kg; TE: 4.8; p = 0.19) or complication rate (IC: 55.6%, TE:50%; p = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: IC during the Modified Ravitch reduced LOS compared to TE with improved pain control starting on POD 2, with similar narcotic utilization and complication rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Treatment Study, Level III (Retrospective comparative study).

Efficacy and risk profile of self-expandable stents in the management of pediatric esophageal pathology.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and risk profile of esophageal stents in the management of complicated pediatric esophageal disease. METHODS: An IRB-approved, single-center, retrospective review was performed on all pediatric patients (n = 13) who underwent esophageal stent placement (2005-2017). Demographic, perioperative, and outcome data were analyzed (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Forty-one stents were placed due to recalcitrant strictures (n = 36), perforations (n = 2), and/or fistulae (n = 3). Median age at initial stent placement was 23.8 months (range, 50 days to 16 years), and median stent duration was 36 days (range, 3-335). The recurrence rate for strictures after initial stent removal was 100%. Four (31%) children subsequently underwent definitive operative repair. There were 5 deaths, including 2 related to stent placement. Seventy-one percent of stents were associated with an adverse event, most commonly intraluminal migration (56%). Younger children experienced an increased risk for airway compression and retching (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that stents are associated with high complication rates and are not effective as definitive therapy for recalcitrant strictures in children. Although there may be a temporizing role for stents in selected patients, further refinements in stent technologies are needed to help manage this difficult patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Retroperitoneal exploration with Vicryl mesh and fibrin tissue sealant for refractory chylous ascites.

BACKGROUND: Congenital chylous ascites poses a significant challenge in neonatal care, and often results in prolonged, complex hospital stays and increased mortality. Few effective options exist in refractory cases. METHODS: Patients aged 0 to 12 months with refractory chylous ascites underwent retroperitoneal exploration after medical treatment and minimally invasive therapies were unsuccessful. The retroperitoneum was completely exposed via left and right medial visceral rotation and opening the lesser sac. Visible leaks were ligated, and alternating layers of fibrin glue and Vicryl mesh were used to cover the entire retroperitoneum. RESULTS: All 4 patients had resolution of their chylous ascites. None required reoperation or reintervention for chyle leaks. All achieved goal enteral feeds at a median of 29 days postoperatively and were discharged from hospital at a median of 42 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Management of chylous ascites is extremely challenging in refractory cases. Complete retroperitoneal exposure with fibrin glue and Vicryl mesh application offers a definitive, reliable therapy for achieving cessation of lymphatic leakage and ultimate recovery for patients who fail all nonoperative approaches. STUDY TYPE: Therapeutic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Robotic resection of recurrent pediatric lipoblastoma.

This case demonstrates successful resection of a rare, recurrent presacral-pelvic lipoblastoma in a 19-year-old female patient. Because of the anatomical location of the mass and its proximity to vital structures, the robotic approach allowed for both optimal visualization and effective debulking of the mass. Furthermore, with the use of an articulating laparoscopic camera, key visualization of the posterior lateral pelvis was possible. Using a wide breadth of technologies and resources is essential to broadening the surgical armamentarium and achieving resectability in otherwise challenging cases.

Comparing outcomes with thoracic epidural and intercostal nerve cryoablation after Nuss procedure.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate postoperative outcomes after minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (Nuss procedure) using video-assisted intercostal nerve cryoablation (INC) compared to thoracic epidural (TE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a single center retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent Nuss procedure with INC (n = 19) or TE (n = 13) from April 2015 to August 2017. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics were collected. The primary outcome was length of stay (LOS) and secondary outcomes were intravenous and oral opioid use, pain scores, and complications. Opioids were converted to oral morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram (oral morphine equivalent [OME]/kg). Mann-Whitney U test was used for continuous and chi-squared analysis for categorical variables. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient characteristics, except Haller Index (INC: median [interquartile range] 4.3 [3.6-4.9]; TE: 3.2 [2.8-4.0]; P = 0.03). LOS was shorter with INC (INC: 3 [3-4] days; TE: 6 [5-7] days; P < 0.001). Opioid use was higher intraoperatively (INC: 1.08 [0.87-1.37] OME/kg; TE: 0.46 [0.37-0.67] OME/kg; P = 0.002) and unchanged postoperatively (INC: 1.78 [1.26-3.77] OME/kg; TE: 1.82 [1.05-3.37] OME/kg; P = 0.80), and prescription doses were lower at discharge in INC (INC: 30 [30-40] doses; TE: 42 [40-60] doses; P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications (INC: 42.1%; TE: 53.9%; P = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: INC during Nuss procedure reduced LOS, shifting postoperative opioid use earlier during admission. This may reflect the need for improved early pain control until INC takes effect. Prospective evaluation after INC is needed to characterize long-term pain medication requirements.

A genome-wide analysis of colorectal cancer in a child with Noonan syndrome.

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a developmental syndrome caused by germline mutations in the Ras signaling pathway. No association has been shown between NS and pediatric colorectal cancer (CRC). We report the case of CRC in a pediatric patient with NS. The patient underwent whole genome sequencing. A germline SOS1 mutation c.1310T>C (p. Ile437Thr) confirmed NS diagnosis. No known hereditary cancer syndromes were identified. Tumor analysis revealed two mutations: a TP53 missense mutation c.481G>A (p. Ala161Tyr) and NCOR1 nonsense mutation c.6052C>T (p. Arg2018*). This report highlights the complexity of Ras signaling and the interplay between developmental syndromes and cancer.

Asymptomatic congenital lung malformations: Is nonoperative management a viable alternative?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes in children with asymptomatic congenital lung malformations (CLM) who were initially managed nonoperatively. METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective review was performed on all CLMs at a single tertiary care referral center (Jan 2006-Dec 2016, n=140). Asymptomatic cases that did not undergo elective resection were evaluated for subsequent CLM-related complications based on clinical records and a telephone quality of life survey. RESULTS: Out of 39 (27.9%) who were initially managed nonoperatively, 13 (33%) developed CLM-related symptoms and underwent surgical intervention at a median age of 6.8years (range, 0.7-19.8years). The most common indication for conversion to operative management was pneumonia (78%). Larger lesions, as measured by CT scan, were significantly associated with the need for subsequent surgical intervention (mean maximal diameter, 5.7 vs. 2.9cm; p=0.005). Based on survey data with a median follow up of 3.9years (range, 0.2-13.2years), 17% developed chronic pulmonary symptoms, including cough (11%) and asthma requiring bronchodilators (12%). CONCLUSION: Although these data support nonoperative management as a viable alternative to surgical resection, at least one-third of CLM children eventually develop pneumonia or other pulmonary symptoms. Larger lesions are correlated with an increased risk for eventual surgical resection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Outcomes of Adolescent and Young Adults Receiving High Ligation and Mesh Repairs: A 16-Year Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Interestingly, the pediatric and adult surgeons perform vastly different operations in similar patient populations. Little is known about long-term recurrence and quality of life (QOL) in adolescents and young adults undergoing inguinal hernia repair. We evaluated long-term patient-centered outcomes in this population to determine the optimal operative approach. METHODS: The medical records of patients 12-25 years old at the time of a primary inguinal hernia repair at our institution from 2000 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients then completed a phone survey of their postoperative courses and QOL. Outcomes of high ligation performed by pediatric surgeons were compared to those of mesh repairs by adult general surgeons. The primary outcome was recurrence. Secondary outcomes included time to recurrence, postoperative complications, and patient-centered outcomes. A Cox regression analysis was used to determine associations for recurrence. RESULTS: Of 213 patients identified, 143 (67.1%) were repaired by adult surgeons and 70 (32.9%) repaired by pediatric surgeons. Overall recurrence rate for the entire cohort was 5.7% with a median time to recurrence of 3.5 years (interquartile range 120-2155 days). High ligation and mesh repairs had similar rates of recurrence (6.3 versus 5.8, P = .57) and postoperative complications (17% versus 16%, P = .45). 101/213 (47%) patients completed the phone survey. Of those surveyed, 20% reported postoperative pain, 10% had residual numbness and tingling, and 10% of patients complained of intermittent bulging. Overall, a survey comparison showed no differences among subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: In adolescents and young adults, the long-term recurrence rate after inguinal hernia repair is ∼6% with time to recurrence approaching 4 years. Outcomes of high ligation and mesh repair are similar, highlighting the need for individualized approaches for this unique population.

A Novel Intuitively Controlled Articulating Instrument for Reoperative Foregut Surgery: A Case Report.

The field of laparoscopic surgery has continued to grow exponentially over the years, prompting new innovative technologies. Despite substantial advancements, standard laparoscopic tools have undergone little design changes and fail to optimize mobility in limited spaces. Advancements in robotics have attempted to address this, allowing for increasing degrees of freedom and articulation of instruments. Even so, this system has proven to be cumbersome with questionable cost-effectiveness. In this study, we present the first use of a solely mechanical intuitively controlled articulating laparoscopic needle driver. The ability to naturally articulate allowed for ease during suturing and knot tying during the critical portions of the operation. The FlexDex surgical instrument demonstrates promise in the field of foregut surgery in addition to other areas of minimally invasive specialties.

Review at a multidisciplinary tumor board impacts critical management decisions of pediatric patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Optimal cancer care requires a multidisciplinary approach. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary tumor board on the treatment plans of children with solid tumors. PROCEDURES: The records of 158 consecutive patients discussed at a formal multidisciplinary pediatric tumor board between July 2012 and April 2014 were reviewed. Treatment plans were based on clinical practice guidelines and on current Children's Oncology Group protocols. Alterations in radiologic, pathologic, surgical, and medical interpretations were analyzed to determine the impact on changes in recommendations for clinical management. RESULTS: Overall, 55 of 158 children (35%) had alterations in radiologic, pathologic, medical, or surgical interpretation of clinical data following multidisciplinary discussion. Of these, 64% had changes to the initial recommendation for clinical management. Review of imaging studies resulted in interpretation changes in 30 of 158 patients studied (19%), with 12 clinical management changes. Six of 158 patients (3.9%) had changes in pathologic interpretation, with four patients (2.5%) requiring treatment changes. In eight patients (5%), a change in medical management was recommended, while in 11 patients (7%) there were changes in surgical management that were based solely on discussion and not on interpretation of imaging or pathology. CONCLUSIONS: Formal multidisciplinary review led to alterations in interpretation of clinical data in 35% of patients, and the majority led to changes in recommendations for treatment. Comprehensive multidisciplinary tumor board incorporated into the care of children with cancer provides additional perspectives for families and care providers when delineating optimal treatment plans.

Future Supply of Pediatric Surgeons: Analytical Study of the Current and Projected Supply of Pediatric Surgeons in the Context of a Rapidly Changing Process for Specialty and Subspecialty Training.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the future supply and demand for pediatric surgeons using a physician supply model to determine what the future supply of pediatric surgeons will be over the next decade and a half and to compare that projected supply with potential indicators of demand and the growth of other subspecialties. BACKGROUND: Anticipating the supply of physicians and surgeons in the future has met with varying levels of success. However, there remains a need to anticipate supply given the rapid growth of specialty and subspecialty fellowships. This analysis is intended to support decision making on the size of future fellowships in pediatric surgery. METHODS: The model used in the study is an adaptation of the FutureDocs physician supply and need tool developed to anticipate future supply and need for all physician specialties. Data from national inventories of physicians by specialty, age, sex, activity, and location are combined with data from residency and fellowship programs and accrediting bodies in an agent-based or microsimulation projection model that considers movement into and among specialties. Exits from practice and the geographic distribution of physician and the patient population are also included in the model. Three scenarios for the annual entry into pediatric surgery fellowships (28, 34, and 56) are modeled and their effects on supply through 2030 are presented. RESULTS: The FutureDocs model predicts a very rapid growth of the supply of surgeons who treat pediatric patients-including general pediatric surgeon and focused subspecialties. The supply of all pediatric surgeons will grow relatively rapidly through 2030 under current conditions. That growth is much faster than the rate of growth of the pediatric population. The volume of complex surgical cases will likely match this population growth rate meaning there will be many more surgeons trained for those procedures. The current entry rate into pediatric surgery fellowships (34 per year) will result in a slowing of growth after 2025, a rate of 56 will generate a continued growth through 2030 with a likely plateau after 2035. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of entry into pediatric surgery will continue to exceed population growth through 2030 under two likely scenarios. The very rapid anticipated growth in focused pediatric subspecialties will likely prove challenging to surgeons wishing to maintain their skills with complex cases as a larger and more diverse group of surgeons will also seek to care for many of the conditions and patients which the general pediatric surgeons and general surgeons now see. This means controlling the numbers of pediatric surgery fellowships in a way that recognizes problems with distribution, the volume of cases available to maintain proficiency, and the dynamics of retirement and shifts into other specialty practice.

Analysis of risk factors contributing to morbidity from gastrojejunostomy feeding tubes in children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to define morbidity from gastrojejunostomy tube (GJT) placement in children. METHODS: A retrospective single-center 5-year review of GJT placement in children was performed. Age, weight, prior surgery, indication, type of GJT, and complications (GJT replacement, wound complications, and perforation) were recorded. Logistic regression for morbidity was performed. RESULTS: 142 children underwent 394 GJT placements at a median age of 2.7years (range 5 weeks-18years). The most common indications were failure to thrive (62%) and reflux (25%). Among the 296 GJT replacements, the most common reason was tube dislodgement (30%). Risk factors for replacement, which occurred at a median interval of 12 weeks (range 2days-2.4years), were peristomal complaint (OR=5.4, p=0.02) and prior GJT replacement (OR=1.8, p=0.03). In all, 7 (5%) jejunal perforations occurred at a median of 3 days (range 0-21 days) from GJT placement. Patients with perforation had a median weight of 4.6kg (range 3-11.2kg) and age of 3.9months (range 8 weeks-2.1years). Lower weight (p<0.01) and younger age (p=0.02) predicted perforation, with those weighing less than 6kg (OR=51.9, p<0.001) or younger than 6months (OR=28.6, p<0.01) at highest risk. CONCLUSIONS: GJT placement has a significant risk of recurrent dislodgement and the highest risk of perforation in children weighing less than 6kg or younger than 6months. Alternate feeding options should be strongly considered in this vulnerable population.

Innovation in surgical technology and techniques: Challenges and ethical issues.

The pace of medical innovation continues to increase. The deployment of new technologies in surgery creates many ethical challenges including how to determine safety of the technology, what is the timing and process for deployment of a new technology, how are patients informed before undergoing a new technology or technique, how are the outcomes of a new technology evaluated and how are the responsibilities of individual patients and society at large balanced. Ethical considerations relevant to the implementation of ECMO and robotic surgery are explored to further discussion of how we can optimize the delicate balance between innovation and regulation.

Bipolar electrosurgical vessel-sealing device with compressive force monitoring.

Bipolar electrosurgical vessel sealing is commonly used in surgery to perform hemostasis. The electrode compressive force is demonstrably an important factor affecting the vessel seal burst pressure, an index of the seal quality. Using a piezoresistive force sensor attached to the handle of a laparoscopic surgical device, applied handle force was measured and used to predict the electrosurgical vessel compressive force and the pressure at the electrode. The sensor enables the monitoring of vessel compressive force during surgery. Four levels of compressive force were applied to seal three types of porcine vessels (carotid artery, femoral artery, and jugular vein). The burst pressure of the vessel seal was tested to evaluate the seal quality. Compressive pressure was found to be a statistically significant factor affecting burst pressure for femoral arteries and jugular veins. Vessels sealed with low compressive pressure (<300 kPa) have a higher failure rate (burst pressure<100 mm Hg) than vessels sealed with high compressive pressure. An adequate compressive force is required to generate the compressive pressure needed to form a seal with high burst pressure. A laparoscopic surgical device with compressive force monitoring capability can help ensure adequate compressive pressure, vessel burst pressure, and quality of seal.

Thoracoscopic vs open lobectomy in infants and young children with congenital lung malformations.

BACKGROUND: Although thoracoscopic lobectomy is a widely accepted surgical procedure in adult thoracic surgery, its role in small children remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate perioperative outcomes after thoracoscopic and open lobectomy in infants and young children with congenital lung malformations at a single academic referral center. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study of 62 consecutive children who underwent elective pulmonary lobectomy for a congenital lung lesion between 2001 and 2013 was performed. Patient demographics and perioperative outcomes were evaluated in univariate and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients underwent thoracoscopy and 13 had a thoracotomy. Six children undergoing thoracoscopy required conversion to thoracotomy (conversion 12.2%). Perioperative outcomes, including median blood loss (2.0 vs 1.1 mL/kg; p = 0.34), chest tube duration (3 vs 3 days; p = 0.33), hospital length of stay (3 vs 3 days; p = 0.42), and morbidity as defined by the Accordion Grading Scale (30.6% vs 30.8%; p = 0.73), were similar between thoracoscopy and thoracotomy, respectively. Although thoracoscopy was associated with increased operative duration compared with thoracotomy (239.9 vs 181.2 minutes, respectively; p = 0.03), thoracoscopy operative times decreased with increasing institutional experience (p = 0.048). Thoracoscopic lobectomy infants younger than 5 months of age had a 2.5-fold higher rate of perioperative adverse outcomes compared with older children (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: In small children undergoing pulmonary lobectomy, both thoracoscopy and thoracotomy are associated with similar perioperative outcomes. The cosmetic and musculoskeletal benefits of the thoracoscopic approach must be balanced against institutional expertise and a potentially higher risk for complications in younger patients.