Survival outcomes in pediatric patients with metastatic Ewing sarcoma who achieve a rapid complete response of pulmonary metastases.

PURPOSE: Our objectives were to compare overall survival (OS) and pulmonary relapse between patients with metastatic Ewing sarcoma (EWS) at diagnosis who achieve rapid complete response (RCR) and those with residual pulmonary nodules after induction chemotherapy (non-RCR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included children under 20 years with metastatic EWS treated from 2007 to 2020 at 19 institutions in the Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative. Chi-square tests were conducted for differences among groups. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated for OS and pulmonary relapse. RESULTS: Among 148 patients with metastatic EWS at diagnosis, 61 (41.2%) achieved RCR. Five-year OS was 71.2% for patients who achieved RCR, and 50.2% for those without RCR (p = .04), and in multivariable regression among patients with isolated pulmonary metastases, RCR (hazards ratio [HR] 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.99) and whole lung irradiation (WLI) (HR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.16-0.77) were associated with improved survival. Pulmonary relapse occurred in 57 (37%) patients, including 18 (29%) in the RCR and 36 (41%) in the non-RCR groups (p = .14). Five-year pulmonary relapse rates did not significantly differ based on RCR (33.0%) versus non-RCR (47.0%, p = .13), or WLI (38.8%) versus no WLI (46.0%, p = .32). DISCUSSION: Patients with EWS who had isolated pulmonary metastases at diagnosis had improved OS if they achieved RCR and received WLI, despite having no significant differences in rates of pulmonary relapse.

Pediatric and Young Adult Image-Guided Percutaneous Bone Biopsy-A New Standard of Care?

BACKGROUND: There are no consensus guidelines regarding the use of percutaneous needle biopsy for the diagnosis of soft tissue and bone tumors. The aim of this study was to understand the efficacy of image-guided percutaneous biopsy for pediatric patients with soft tissue and bony masses, the role of intraoperative image guidance, and diagnostic accuracy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective institutional chart review was performed on patients who underwent percutaneous biopsy of soft tissue or bone tumors between 2007 and 2017. Data collected included preoperative imaging, type of biopsy, demographics, insurance status, number of samples taken, and pathologic results. RESULTS: One hundred forty-one children and young adults underwent 169 biopsies. Female patients received 48.2% of biopsies. The mean age was 14.3 ± 7.0 years. Core needle biopsies made up 89.4% of procedures, while 10.6% were fine needle aspirate. The mean number of samples per patient was 3.6 ± 2.5. All patients had imaging guidance, with computed tomography used in 44.7% of patients, 9.9% using fluoroscopy, 7.1% using ultrasound for guidance, and 53 (37.6%) patients had more than one modality. Diagnostic specimens were obtained in 97.9% of biopsies. The most common overall pathology was osteoid osteoma. The most common malignant tumors were osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma. CONCLUSION: Image-guided percutaneous biopsy is a safe and effective method of obtaining accurate tissue samples in children and young adults with soft tissue or bone masses. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4-Study of diagnostic test.

Multi-institutional assessment of the prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis in the United States.

As non-operative management of acute appendicitis in children has become more common, missed incidental appendiceal pathology can be an unintended consequence. We assessed the prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors in appendectomy specimens from eight US children's hospitals from 2012 to 2021. The prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) was found to be 1:271, with a median age of 14 years and 62% female. Most tumors were small (median 6 mm; interquartile range [IQR]: 3-10), and no recurrence was noted during the follow-up period (median 22.5 months; IQR: 3-53). The possibility of delayed diagnosis of these tumors should be part of the discussion for non-operative management of pediatric acute appendicitis.

Fertility preservation in children and young adults with cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The issue of fertility preservation has become increasingly relevant as survival rates of children with cancer exceeds 80% at 5 years. Fertility preservation options are being utilized alongside less gonadotoxic therapeutic regimens in the treatment of these patients. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent advances in fertility preservation in the pediatric, adolescent, and young adult population. RECENT FINDINGS: Education research involves both patient and provider; to increase understanding on both sides for improved adoption of techniques and higher rates of posttreatment fertility. Basic science research, specific to the pediatric population, has worked to further understanding of protective techniques and cryopreserved tissue transfer. Research on the techniques of preservation confirms the safety of surgical gonadal (ovarian and testicular) tissue retrieval for cryopreservation but a viable pathway for testicular tissue utilization, as it has for ovarian, has yet to be realized. Outcomes may be improving but it is apparent that robust registries are necessary to track patients long-term. Possibly the largest advancement in the recent past are group efforts, such as by PanCareLIFE, to create guidelines for these issues using larger cohorts and registries than were available. SUMMARY: Current research implies the need for the development of a national strategy to ensure that pediatric patients undergoing gonadotoxic regimens are educated, alongside their family, about fertility options and outcomes thereafter.

Rectal foreign bodies: national outcomes after the operating room.

PURPOSE: Rectal foreign bodies can pose a unique problem to the acute care surgeon or emergency room physician. Little data exists on the patient with such a diagnosis, outside of case reports, and institutional cohorts. This study describes demographics and outcomes for this patient population. METHODS: An analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database (2015 to 2018) was performed, capturing patients with a postoperative diagnosis of foreign body of the anus or rectum. Patients were stratified into two groups: those who underwent removal under anesthesia (EUA) and those who required surgical removal. Baseline demographics and outcomes were compared and described. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients were included in the study. The average age was 49.29 ± 14.63 years. The majority of the population was male (92.66%) and white (78.90%). Demographics and preoperative variables were clinically similar between patients receiving an EUA or an operation. Length of stay was longer in patients receiving an operation (4.84 ± 3.27 versus 1.39 ± 3.20 days in those receiving an EUA, p < 0.0001). About 97.24% of the population discharged to their home residence. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a population of patients admitted for retained foreign body of the rectum, in a population larger than that can be described in a typical institutional review. EUA can be a safe approach to foreign body removal, with laparotomy carrying the typical risks of surgery. This population requires further study to identify the mechanisms and risk factors for alimentary tract injury to reduce operative interventions and improve outcomes.

Malrotation Correction in the Adult Population.

BACKGROUND: Malrotation is a congenital anomaly most often affecting the pediatric population. The Ladd procedure is the standard treatment for this pathology. Well-studied in the pediatric population, large studies of the demographics and outcomes of patients who reach adulthood are lacking. METHODS: An analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database (2015-2018) was performed, capturing patients with a post-operative diagnosis of malrotation and who underwent surgical correction with or without appendectomy, excluding those who underwent other major procedures such as colectomy. Baseline demographics and outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes such as length of stay and discharge destination were included. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty patients undergoing surgical correction of malrotation were captured, all of which were performed by a general surgeon under general anesthesia. One hundered and nine (49.55%) of these patients also underwent an appendectomy. Most of these patients were female (68.18%). Comorbidities and perioperative variables were clinically similar. Operative time was similar between the two groups (112 ± 86 vs. 98 ± 49 min, p = 0.1385). Thirty-day mortality (1.36%), length of stay (4.79 ± 6.21 days), readmission rate (13.64%), wound infection (2.27%) and discharge destination (95.00% to home) were statistically similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The data describes demographics and outcomes in adults undergoing Ladd procedures with and without appendectomy. Immediate outcomes may be equivalent regardless of incidental appendectomy. Further work is necessary to describe the population of adults with malrotation reaching adulthood.

Actin polymerization is stimulated by actin cross-linking protein palladin.

The actin scaffold protein palladin regulates both normal cell migration and invasive cell motility, processes that require the co-ordinated regulation of actin dynamics. However, the potential effect of palladin on actin dynamics has remained elusive. In the present study, we show that the actin-binding immunoglobulin-like domain of palladin, which is directly responsible for both actin binding and bundling, also stimulates actin polymerization in vitro. Palladin eliminated the lag phase that is characteristic of the slow nucleation step of actin polymerization. Furthermore, palladin dramatically reduced depolymerization, slightly enhanced the elongation rate, and did not alter the critical concentration. Microscopy and in vitro cross-linking assays reveal differences in actin bundle architecture when palladin is incubated with actin before or after polymerization. These results suggest a model whereby palladin stimulates a polymerization-competent form of globular or monomeric actin (G-actin), akin to metal ions, either through charge neutralization or through conformational changes.

Adult pectus excavatum repair: national outcomes of the Nuss and Ravitch procedures.

BACKGROUND: National data is limited on pectus excavatum, the most common chest wall deformity which is often repaired using the Ravitch and Nuss procedures. The purpose of the study was to describe demographics and outcomes of adult patients who underwent surgical repair of pectus excavatum via open and minimally invasive thoracoscopic methods. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database from 2015 to 2018 was performed, capturing patients 18 years or older with pectus excavatum as the postoperative diagnosis. Patients were placed into two groups of minimally invasive (Nuss) and open (Ravitch) repair procedure code. Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 168 adult patients were captured. Most of these patients were white (84.52%) male (69.64%) and 26 years old on average. Median operative time was longer in the open repair group [250 (IQR, 173-308) versus 122 (IQR, 94-160) minutes, P<0.0001]. Median length of stay was five days (IQR, 4-6) in the open group and three days (IQR, 2-4) in the minimally invasive group (P=0.2873). CONCLUSIONS: Complications after repair of pectus excavatum occur at similar rates between open and minimally invasive repair. Though minimally invasive repair decreases operative time and may decrease length of stay, the decision of type of procedure depends upon clinical scenario and factors unique to the individual patient.

Testicular torsion in adults: Demographics and 30-day outcomes after orchiopexy or orchiectomy.

BACKGROUND: Most often studied in the pediatric population, testicular torsion also affects the adult male population. Little data exists on demographics, patient risk factors, and associated outcomes for the surgical management of testicular torsion. This study sought to describe differences in demographics and outcomes for those patients requiring orchiopexy or orchiectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2015-2018) was performed, capturing patients with a postoperative diagnosis of testicular torsion. Patients were stratified into 2 groups if they received orchiopexy or orchiectomy. Demographics, perioperative variables, surgeon specialty, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 769 patients undergoing surgical treatment of testicular torsion were captured. Most of these patients were White (46.81%) and young adults (28.33 ±â€Š12.04 years) and 28.8% required orchiectomy. Those undergoing orchiectomy were more likely to be older, have more comorbidities, and have a systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Mean operative time was longer in the orchiectomy group (48 ±â€Š23 vs. 44 ±â€Š20 minutes, p < 0.0124). There were no deaths at 30 days. Length of stay and rate of superficial wound infection were higher in the orchiectomy group and discharge to home was more likely in the orchiopexy group. CONCLUSIONS: Adult testicular torsion should be considered in an acute scrotum differential. Adult patients requiring orchiectomy for testicular torsion are more likely to have confounding medical conditions compared to those undergoing orchiopexy. Clinically, rates of complications between the 2 procedures are small, making the decision to perform orchiopexy or orchiectomy based on the scenario.

Meckel's Diverticulum: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Survey in Adults Comparing Diverticulectomy and Small Bowel Resection.

BACKGROUND: Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital abnormality often associated with the pediatric population. When seen in the adult population, management is controversial. This study sought to determine demographic and outcome differences between diverticulectomy and small bowel resection in adults diagnosed with Meckel's diverticulum. METHODS: An analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database (2015-2018) was performed, capturing patients with a postoperative diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum. Inclusion criteria included diverticulectomy or small bowel resection, and exclusion criteria included other major procedures such as colectomy or concomitant diverticulectomy and a small bowel resection. Demographics and outcomes were analyzed between those receiving diverticulectomy or resection. RESULTS: 506 patients undergoing surgical treatment of Meckel's diverticulum were captured. The majority of these patients were white (79.05%), male (68.77%), and averaged 46 years old. The 2 populations were homogenous, with no significant differences in demographics or comorbidities between populations. Mean operative time was shorter in the diverticulectomy group than the resection group (68.92 ± 35.89 vs. 89.33 ± 40.16 minutes, P < .0001). There were no deaths at 30 days. Length of stay, readmission rate, wound infection, and discharge destination were similar among both groups. DISCUSSION: Our analysis of a national database reveals no difference in outcomes between patients receiving a diverticulectomy or resection for Meckel's diverticulum. Operating time may be slightly increased for resection. However, decision to excise the diverticulum vs. the segment of small bowel should be individualized to each patient, their pathology, and clinical picture.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Demographics and 30-day Outcomes in Adults.

BACKGROUND: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a pathology most often affecting the pediatric population, although adults can also be affected. Few studies exist of adults undergoing repair of this defect. Using a national database, we sought to determine demographics and outcomes of this population. METHODS: An analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database (2015-2018) was performed, capturing patients with postoperative diagnosis of CDH, distinct from ventral hernia. Two groups were created based upon surgical approach of open or minimally invasive (MIS) repair. Baseline demographics and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: 110 patients undergoing surgical correction of CDH were captured in the database. We found rates of return to the operating room (4.55%), postoperative respiratory failure (5.45%), and reintubation (3.64%) with no difference between groups. There was no mortality and no difference between groups in length of operation, discharge to home, or postoperative complications. Patients undergoing open repair had a longer length of stay than patients in the MIS group (6.47 ± 10.76 days vs. 3.68 ± 3.74 days, P = .0471). Mesh was used in MIS more often than the open group (47.30% vs. 5.56%, P < .0001). DISCUSSION: This study describes rates of postoperative complications in patients undergoing repair of CDH, and suggests outcomes those are equivalent between patients receiving open or MIS approaches. Further case series or retrospective studies are needed to further describe this population of patients.

Rural-Urban Differences in Esophagectomy for Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Patients who are disadvantaged socioeconomically or live in rural areas may not pursue surgery at high-volume centers where outcomes are better for some complex procedures. The objective of this study was to compare rural and urban patient differences directly by location of residence and outcomes after undergoing esophagectomy for cancer. METHODS: An analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) database was performed, capturing adult patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy. Patients were stratified into rural or urban groups by the National Center for Health Statistics Urban-Rural Classification Scheme. Demographics, hospital variables, and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: A total of 2,877 patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were captured by the database, with 228 (7.92%) rural and 2,575 (89.50%) urban patients. The rural and urban groups had no differences in age, race, and insurance status, and shared many common comorbidities. Major outcomes of mortality (3.95% versus 4.27%, p = 0.815) and length of stay (15.75 ± 13.22 vs. 15.55 ± 14.91 days, p = 0.828) were similar for both rural and urban patients. There was a trend for rural patients to more likely be discharged home (35.96% vs. 29.79%, OR 0.667 [95% CI 0.479 - 0.929]; p = 0.0167). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective administrative database study indicated that rural and urban patients received equivalent postoperative care after undergoing esophagectomy. The findings were reassuring as there did not appear to be a disparity in major outcomes depending on the location of residence, but further studies are necessary to assure equitable treatment for rural patients.

Enterocystoplasty and appendicovesicostomy in adults: a description of demographics and 30-day outcomes of bladder augmentation.

Within the adult population, studies of the granular clinical outcomes of appendicovesicostomy (AV) and augmentation enterocystoplasty (AE) have been limited to case series. Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) data, this study sought to describe the population undergoing these procedures. An analysis of the ACS NSQIP database (2015 to 2018) was performed, capturing patients with procedure codes of enterocystoplasty with intestinal anastomosis or cutaneous appendicovesicostomy. Patients were stratified into three groups, if they underwent either procedure, or both procedures. Demographics, comorbidities, perioperative variables, surgeon specialty, and outcomes were described. 130 patients undergoing AV or AE were captured. Most of these patients were white (70.77%) and middle aged (46.78±17.33 years). Most patients were an American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or greater risk (71.54%). A higher percentage of AE patients were readmitted, returned to the operating room, and had postoperative UTI or sepsis compared to those undergoing AV or AV+AE. The most common complication overall was readmission related to the operation (14.62%). The most common postoperative diagnosis was neurogenic related in over half of cases. The study shows patients undergoing bladder augmentation and appendicovesicostomy are readmitted not infrequently. Risk of infection, sepsis, bleeding, and reoperation are also not insignificant. Further studies should be carried out to aid in decreasing complication rate and readmissions after these procedures.

Surgical Removal of a Calcified Right Atrial Mass Related to Venous Access Port: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Intracardiac masses pose a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Indwelling catheters can lead to thrombus calcification causing untoward sequelae. CASE PRESENTATION: We report on a patient who presented after computed tomography identified a large calcified right atrial mass. Her history included treatment for rectal cancer and breast cancer, thus we feared the mass could represent metastasis. The intracardiac mass was successfully resected via a right atriotomy. Her postoperative course was uneventful and the histopathology revealed a calcified thrombus. DISCUSSION: In this report we discuss our findings and pre- and intraoperative considerations, as well as suggestions for management of implantable venous catheters. This is a rare complication of an indwelling catheter. CONCLUSION: Operative management of intracardiac lesions is the standard of care. When related to implantable catheters, the best patient care would be prevention of such lesions. This would include routine flushing of the indwelling catheters and prompt removal once not in use.

Efficacy of Intravenous Acetaminophen as Adjunct Post-Operative Analgesic in Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: The dose-dependent adverse events associated with post-operative opioid use may be reduced when opioids are used in conjunction with intravenous acetaminophen. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes in median sternotomy patients receiving intravenous acetaminophen in addition to intravenous opioids versus intravenous opioids only. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 122 adult patients undergoing median sternotomy at a regional tertiary-referral center. Data collected included patient demographics, length of stay, opioid and intravenous acetaminophen use, adverse effects, and transition time to oral pain medication. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in demographics, preoperative risk scores, operative procedures, intravenous opioid consumption, transition time to oral pain medications, or length of stay. Acetaminophen use was associated with lower rates of atrial fibrillation (7.0% vs. 24.6%, p = 0.009) and nausea/vomiting (8.9% vs. 32.3%, p = 0.002), but higher rates of urinary retention (15.8% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.014), constipation (50.0% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.001) and respiratory depression (7.1% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Intravenous acetaminophen was not associated with a reduction in length of stay or opioid consumption, but was associated with lower rates of atrial fibrillation, nausea, and vomiting. Additional studies are needed to determine if intravenous acetaminophen administration reduces atrial fibrillation in this population.

Dementia as a predictor of mortality in adult trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: The specific contribution of dementia towards mortality in trauma patients is not well defined. The purpose of the study was to evaluate dementia as a predictor of mortality in trauma patients when compared to case-matched controls. METHODS: A 5-year retrospective review was conducted of adult trauma patients with a diagnosis of dementia at an American College of Surgeons-verified level I trauma center. Patients with dementia were matched with non-dementia patients and compared on mortality, ICU length of stay, and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: A total of 195 patients with dementia were matched to non-dementia controls. Comorbidities and complications (11.8% vs 12.4%) were comparable between both groups. Dementia patients spent fewer days on the ventilator (1 vs 4.5, P = 0.031). The length of ICU stay (2 days), hospital length of stay (3 days), and mortality (5.1%) were the same for both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dementia does not appear to increase the risk of mortality in trauma patients. Further studies should examine post-discharge outcomes in dementia patients.