Disparities in insurance status negatively affect patients with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

PURPOSE: Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is suspected to have worse outcomes when length of illness prior to presentation is prolonged. Our objective was to evaluate how social determinants of health influence medical care and outcomes for babies with IHPS. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed over 10 years. Census data were used as proxy for socioeconomic status via Geo-Identification codes and correlated with food access and social vulnerability variables. The cohort was subdivided to understand the impact of Medicaid Managed Care (MMC). RESULTS: The cohort (279 cases) was divided into two groups; early group from 2011 to 2015 and late from 2016 to 2021. Cases in the late group were older at the time of presentation (41.5 vs. 36.5 days; p = 0.022) and presented later in the disease course (12.8 vs. 8.9 days; p = 0.021). There was no difference in race (p = 0.282), gender (p = 0.874), or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who presented with IHPS after implementation of phased MMC were older, had a longer symptomatic course, and shorter pylorus measurements. Patients with public insurance after the implementation of MMC were more likely to follow-up with an outpatient pediatrician within a month of hospitalization. These results suggest that MMC may have improved access to care for infants with IHPS.

Optimizing throughput of babies with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Definitive surgical care is often delayed in hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). Our aim is to evaluate the effect modifiable factors in preoperative HPS management have on efficiency of care. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing pyloromyotomy for HPS at two US children's hospitals between 2008 and 2018 was performed. RESULTS: 406 patients were included in the study. The majority (310, 76 â€‹%) were adequately resuscitated and ready for surgery upon diagnosis in the ER. However, only 133 patients (43 â€‹%) had surgery on the day of admission. Patients diagnosed between 12pm and 6pm were more likely to have surgery the next day than those diagnosed before noon (67 â€‹% vs 33 â€‹%, p â€‹< â€‹.001), which correlated with a longer length of stay (32 vs 47 â€‹h, p â€‹< â€‹.001). CONCLUSION: The majority of patients presenting with HPS can safely undergo same day surgery. Delaying surgery due to an afternoon diagnosis is common, and leads to a modifiable increased total length of stay.

Subtotal pyloric obstruction by atypical hypertrophic pyloric muscle in a newborn.

This is a case of a neonate with suspected duodenal atresia on prenatal imaging. However, distal bowel gas was identified postnatally on regular X-rays with a possible pyloric obstructing mass visualised on ultasound. No contrast was visualised passing through the stomach on fluoroscopic studies. Operative evaluation revealed an atypical asymmetric hypertrophic pylorus with exophytic lesions of ectopic glandular tissue. Longitudinal open pyloromyotomy was performed which relieved the gastric obstruction resulting in symptomatic relief without any anatomy altering procedure required.

The First Application of Intraumbilical Longitudinal Incision to Pyloromyotomy for Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: There are several approaches to pyloromyotomy for the treatment of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis including open transumbilical pyloromyotomy and laparoscopic pyloromyotomy. Beginning in 2012, we adopted intraumbilical longitudinal incision as a new transumbilical approach for pyloromyotomy. We describe details of the operative technique and results of this new approach. METHODS: We reviewed records of patients undergoing transumbilical pyloromyotomy from 2005 to 2018. Perioperative outcomes were compared between intraumbilical longitudinal incision and supraumbilical incision, the latter of which is the conventional incision for transumbilical pyloromyotomy. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients underwent pyloromyotomy with intraumbilical longitudinal incision (intraumbilical group) and 28 patients with supraumbilical incision (supraumbilical group). The median operative time was longer in the intraumbilical group (58.0 vs. 43.5 min, p = 0.002). However, the time to full feeding did not differ significantly between the two groups, and the median postoperative stay was shorter in the intraumbilical group (3 vs. 5.5 days, p = 0.003). There was no difference in the rate of complications (4.2% vs. 7.1%, p = 1.0). Scars after intraumbilical longitudinal incision were localized inside the umbilicus. CONCLUSION: Pyloromyotomy can be performed through intraumbilical longitudinal incision as safely as supraumbilical incision and intraumbilical longitudinal incision may improve cosmetic results. This approach can be an alternative technique for pyloromyotomy.

Does Presenting Facility and Race Impact Outcomes and Management of Pyloric Stenosis?

Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (HPS) is a common surgical disease in infants. Traditionally, patients present with projectile emesis and severe dehydration with metabolic alkalosis. We looked to assess if patients presenting as a transfer vs directly to our facility as well as race affected patients' initial presentation and outcomes. We performed a retrospective analysis of 131 patients who presented to with a diagnosis of HPS from 2015 to 2021 assessing how transfer status and patient race affected presenting electrolyte levels and length of stay (LOS). We found no statistically significant difference in patients' presenting electrolyte levels and hospital LOS based on transfer status or patient race. We believe this reflects availability and widespread utility of ultrasound. We suggest that this could be used as a model for standardizing care to equalize outcomes in other pediatric diseases which currently show large disparities in care based on race and geographical location.

"The Most Satisfactory Procedure in the Field of Pediatric Surgery": The History of Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis.

This historical retrospective explores the history of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis from its initial observations to the first surgical approaches to modern understandings of pathogenesis. The important work of Hirschsprung, Fredet, and Ramstedt remains a foundational part of management for this complex condition.

Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis Protocol: A Single Center Study.

BACKGROUND: Initial treatment of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is correction of electrolyte disturbances with fluid resuscitation. In 2015, our institution implemented a fluid resuscitation protocol based on previous data that focused on minimizing blood draws and allowing immediate ad libitum feeds postoperatively. Our aim was to describe the protocol and subsequent outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective review of patients diagnosed with HPS from 2016 to 2023. All patients were given ad libitum feeds postoperatively and discharged home after tolerating three consecutive feeds. The primary outcome was the postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included the number of preoperative labs drawn, time from arrival to surgery, time from surgery to initiation of feeds, time from surgery to full feeds, and re-admission rate. RESULTS: The study included 333 patients. A total of 142 patients (42.6%) had electrolytic disturbances that required fluid boluses in addition to 1.5x maintenance fluids. The median number of lab draws was 1 (IQR 1,2), with a median time from arrival to surgery of 19.5 hours (IQR 15.3,24.9). The median time from surgery to first and full feed was 1.9 hours (IQR 1.2,2.7) and 11.2 hours (IQR 6.4,18.3), respectively. Patients had a median postoperative LOS of 21.8 hours (IQR 9.7,28.9). Re-admission rate within the first 30 postoperative days was 3.6% (n = 12) with 2.7% of re-admissions occurring within 72 hours of discharge. One patient required re-operation due to an incomplete pyloromyotomy. DISCUSSION: This protocol is a valuable tool for perioperative and postoperative management of patients with HPS while minimizing uncomfortable intervention.

Single-incision versus conventional laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for pediatric hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of single-incision versus conventional laparoscopic pyloromyotomy in pediatrics, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify studies that compared single-incision laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (SILP) and conventional laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (CLP) for infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). Meta-analysis was used to pool and compare variables such as operative time, time to full feeding, length of hospital stay, mucosal perforation, inadequate pyloromyotomy, wound infection, incisional hernia and overall complications. RESULTS: Among the 490 infants with HPS in the seven studies, 205 received SILP and 285 received CLP. There was significant longer time to full feeding for SILP compared with CLP. However, pooling the results for SILP and CLP revealed no significant difference in operative time, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: SILP is a safe, feasible and effective surgical procedure for infants with HPS when compared to CLP. SILP is equivalent to CLP in terms of operative time, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications. We conclude that LS should be considered an acceptable option for HPS.

Pyloric stenosis secondary to peptic ulcer disease in pediatric patients: A case report and review of the literature.

RATIONALE: Pediatric pyloric obstruction is a condition characterized by complete or incomplete obstruction of the distal stomach caused by obstructive lesions of the distal stomach, pyloric duct, or proximal duodenum. Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is the most common cause of pediatric pyloric obstruction, whereas acquired pyloric stenosis is comparatively rare, with peptic ulcer disease being the most common cause. PATIENT CONCERNS: We describe a case of a 5-year-old girl who had peptic ulcer disease and developed scarring pyloric stenosis. We also give comprehensive details of the diagnosis and course of treatment. DIAGNOSIS: Intraoperative findings revealed ulcerative, scarring pyloric obstruction. INTERVENTIONS: Conservative treatment failed and surgery was subsequently performed. OUTCOMES: No further vomiting symptoms occurred after surgery. And 3 months after surgery, the patient had gained weight on average and had no further complaints. LESSONS: Although scarring pediatric pyloric blockage due to peptic ulcer is less common, emphasis should be placed on rapid diagnosis by accurate gastroscopy, barium meal of the gastrointestinal tract, or ultrasonography. Depending on the patient's condition, conservative treatment or surgery should be chosen carefully selected.

Questioning Prophylactic Antibiotic Use for Pyloromyotomy: Analysis of the Pediatric Health Information System Database.

BACKGROUND: Pyloromyotomy has a low rate of wound complications, yet antibiotic prophylaxis is still given. The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database was queried to determine whether prophylactic antibiotics decreased wound complications. METHODS: Records for infants with pyloric stenosis between 2016 and 2021 were extracted from the PHIS database and analyzed for demographics, comorbid conditions, and complications within 30 days of pyloromyotomy. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on complications. RESULTS: Among 14,247 infants who underwent pyloromyotomy, 29.5% had antibiotic prophylaxis. These patients were more likely to have been admitted to the NICU and have chronic conditions and prematurity (p < 0.01). Antibiotic utilization varied among hospitals from 2.3 to 58.5%. Complication rates among those who received antibiotics was 1.64% versus 1.62% for those who did not. The odds for developing complications in those who received prophylaxis compared to those who did not was 1.10, (0.73, 1.41, 95%, p = 0.93) suggesting there is no effect of antibiotics on complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: There was a wide variation among hospitals in the usage of prophylactic antibiotics for pyloromyotomy. There was no difference in complication rates whether or not patients received antibiotics. These results suggest antibiotic prophylaxis is unnecessary for pyloromyotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Evaluation of the learning curve for laparoscopic pyloromyotomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy is the preferred surgical management of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis at most centers. We aimed to analyze the learning curve for laparoscopic pyloromyotomy using the experience of five fellowship-trained pediatric surgeons. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was performed. All cases were performed with general surgery residents. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis for operating time was performed for up to the first 150 consecutive cases for individual surgeons. Outcomes were compared to identify different phases of the learning curve for operative competency. RESULTS: A total of 414 patients were included in the analysis as not all surgeons had reached 150 cases at time of analysis. The mean operating time was 29.2 min for all cases across the 5 surgeons. CUSUM analysis for mean operating time revealed three phases of learning: Learning Phase (cases 1-16), Plateau Phase (cases 17-87), and a Proficiency Phase (cases 88-150). The mean operating time during the three phases was 34.1, 29.0, and 28.3 min, respectively (P = 0.005). There were no differences in complications, reoperations, length of stay, or readmissions across the three phases. CONCLUSION: Three distinct phases of learning for laparoscopic pyloromyotomy were identified with no differences in outcomes across the phases. The operating time differed only for the Learning Phase, suggesting that some degree of proficiency occurs after 16 cases.

A Contemporary Review of Surgical Approach and Outcomes in Pediatric Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: In order to define optimal resources and outcome standards for infant pyloromyotomy, we sought to perform a contemporary analysis of surgical approach (laparoscopic versus open) and outcomes. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Pediatrics Participant Use File (NSQIP PUF) was queried from 2016 to 2020. Utilization of laparoscopy was trended over time. Complication rates and length of stay were compared by operative approach. RESULTS: 9752 pyloromyotomies were included in the analysis. The utilization of laparoscopy steadily increased over the study time period (66% to 79%) and was associated with a shorter operative time. On multivariate regression, the utilization of laparoscopy was associated with a lower risk of overall complications, length of stay, and superficial surgical site infections. Overall complication rates were lower than previously reported (2.02%). The most common complication was superficial infection (1.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In facilities reporting to pediatric National Quality Improvement Project, utilization of laparoscopy has steadily increased, and complication rates are lower than previously reported. Complication rates and length of stay were lower with the laparoscopic approach in this contemporary cohort. These results offer benchmarks for quality improvement initiatives. The laparoscopic approach should be standard in facilities performing this procedure.

A systematic review of point-of-care abdominal ultrasound scans performed by general surgeons in paediatric patients.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Bedside point-of-care ultrasound scans are a cheap, quick and safe diagnostic tool. There is increasing evidence for the use of point-of-care surgeon-performed ultrasound scans in adults, however there are fewer studies of its use in children. This systematic review aims to provide an up-to-date summary of the evidence behind surgeon-performed ultrasound scans in paediatric surgery. METHODS: The PubMed database was used to conduct this systematic review between the dates 1 Jan 1980 to 1 June 2020 (last search: 1 June 2020). Seven primary research studies were included in this review. RESULTS: There is good evidence for the use of ultrasound scans in appendicitis and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Training times are easily achievable and transferable within a surgical department. CONCLUSIONS: Although the use of surgeon-performed bedside ultrasound scans has been described in appendicitis and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, more research is required to embed this into clinical practice, particularly in low volume centres such as district general hospitals. A robust training programme is also recommended to incorporate ultrasound scans into clinical practice.

Analysis of esthetic assessment scales in two surgical approaches for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. / Evaluación de escalas de valoración estética en dos abordajes quirúrgicos para la estenosis hipertrófica de píloro.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is a frequent pathology in neonates, with extramucosal pyloromyotomy being a healing surgery. It may be performed through a transverse subcostal incision (TSI) or a transumbilical incision (TUI). OBJECTIVE: To compare complications, operating times, hospital stay, and esthetic results between both techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive study of patients undergoing HPS surgery between January 2010 and January 2020 was carried out. Qualitative variables (sex and complications) were expressed as absolute frequency and percentage, whereas quantitative variables (age at surgery, operating time, hospital stay, and scar esthetic assessment scales: MVSS [Modified Vancouver Scar Scale] and P-SAS [Patient Scar Assessment Scale]) were expressed as median and interquartile range. RESULTS: 107 patients were analyzed: TSI (60.7%, n = 65) vs. TUI (39.3%, n = 42). Male patients: 89.2%, n = 58 vs. 83.3%, n = 35; age (days): 31 (24.5-39.5) vs. 34.5 (29.5-47.25); operating time (minutes): 41 (33.75-60) vs. 46 (38.5-60); and hospital stay (days): 2 (2-4) vs. 3 (2-3). Clavien-Dindo grade II complications were more frequent in the TUI Group (1.54%, n = 1 vs. 23.81%, n = 10; p <0.001), with most of them being wound infections. The opinion regarding the scar according to the MVSS scale was better in the TUI Group (1.5 [0-4] vs. 0 [0-2]; p = 0.022). No significant differences were found in the P-SAS scale (10 (6-18) vs. 6 (6-9); p = 0.060). CONCLUSIONS: TUI is preferred from an esthetic point of view, and even though surgical wound infections are more frequent, it is not associated with longer operating times, longer hospital stay, or severe complications.

INTRODUCCION: La estenosis hipertrófica de píloro (EHP) es una patología frecuente en neonatos donde la piloromiotomía extramucosa es una cirugía curativa. Puede realizarse a través de una incisión transversa subcostal (IT) o una incisión transumbilical (ITU). OBJETIVO: Comparar complicaciones, tiempo quirúrgico y de hospitalización y resultado estético entre ambas técnicas. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en pacientes intervenidos de EHP entre enero 2010-2020. Variables cualitativas (sexo y complicaciones) expresadas mediante frecuencia absoluta y porcentaje; y cuantitativas (edad en cirugía, tiempo operatorio, días de hospitalización y escalas de estética de cicatrices: MVSS (Modified Vancouver Scar Scale) y P-SAS (Patient Scar Assessment Scale)) expresadas mediante mediana y rango intercuartílico. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 107 pacientes: IT (60,7%, n = 65) vs. ITU (39,3%, n = 42): varones (89,2%, n = 58 vs. 83,3%, n = 35), días de vida (31 [24,5-39,5] vs. 34,5 [29,5-47,25]), tiempo quirúrgico (41 [33,75-60] vs. 46 [38,5-60] minutos) y días de hospitalización (2 [2-4] vs. 3 [2-3]). Las complicaciones Clavien-Dindo II fueron más frecuentes en el grupo ITU (1,54%, n = 1 vs. 23,81%, n = 10; p <0,001), siendo la mayoría infecciones de la herida. En el grupo ITU presentaban una mejor opinión sobre la cicatriz en la escala MVSS (1,5 [0-4] vs. 0 [0-2]; p = 0,022). La escala P-SAS no alcanzó diferencias significativas (10 [6-18] vs. 6 [6-9]; p = 0,060). CONCLUSIONES: La ITU es mejor aceptada a nivel estético y, aunque presenta más infecciones de herida quirúrgica, no precisa más tiempo quirúrgico o de ingreso, ni asocia complicaciones graves.

Perioperative Hypoxemia and Postoperative Respiratory Events in Infants with Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Normalization of metabolic alkalosis is an important pillar in the treatment of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) because uncorrected metabolic alkalosis may lead to perioperative respiratory events. However, the evidence on the incidence of respiratory events is limited. We aimed to study the incidence of peroperative hypoxemia and postoperative respiratory events in infants undergoing pyloromyotomy and the potential role of metabolic alkalosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing pyloromyotomy between 2007 and 2017. All infants received intravenous fluids preoperatively to correct metabolic abnormalities close to normal. We assessed the incidence of perioperative hypoxemia (defined as oxygen saturation [SpO2] < 90% for > 1min) and postoperative respiratory events. Additionally, the incidence of difficult intubations was evaluated. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between admission or preoperative serum pH values, bicarbonate or chloride, and peri- and postoperative hypoxemia or respiratory events. RESULTS: Of 406 included infants, 208 (51%) developed 1 or more episodes of hypoxemia during the perioperative period, of whom 130 (32%) experienced it during induction, 43 (11%) intraoperatively, and 112 (28%) during emergence. About 7.5% of the infants had a difficult intubation and 17 required more than 3 attempts by a pediatric anesthesiologist. Three patients developed respiratory insufficiency and 95 postoperative respiratory events were noticed. We did not find a clinically meaningful association between laboratory values reflecting metabolic alkalosis and respiratory events. CONCLUSIONS: IHPS frequently leads to peri- and postoperative hypoxemia or respiratory events and high incidence of difficult tracheal intubations. Preoperative pH, bicarbonate, and chloride were bad predictors of respiratory events.