Amplitude-reduction alert criteria and intervention during complex paediatric cervical spine surgery.

Objective: To determine the utility of widely used intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) alert criteria and intervention for predicting postoperative outcome following paediatric spinal surgery. Methods: Retrospective analysis of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) and motor evoked potentials (MEP) in consecutive cervical spine fixations. An intervention protocol followed amplitude-reductions in SSEPs (≥50 %) and/or MEPs (≥80 %). Alert breaches were reversed when SSEP/MEP amplitude was restored to > 50 %/20 % of baseline. Sensorimotor function was assessed preoperatively and 3-months postoperatively via the Modified McCormick Scale score (MMS). We explored associations between postoperative outcome, demographic/surgical and IONM variables. Results: Forty-five procedures in 38 children (mean age:9 ±â€¯4 years;55 % female) were monitored, 42 %of which breached alert criteria. Instrumentation (6/19,32 %) and hypotension (5/19,26 %) were common causes for alert and the majority (13/19,68 %) were reversed following intervention. There was an association between pre- and post-MMS and the type of breach (p = 0.002). All children with worse postoperative MMS (3/38,8%) had irreversible breaches. Conclusions: IONM in this small sample accurately detected neurological injury. The majority of breaches reversed following an intervention protocol. Irreversible breaches frequently led to worse postoperative sensorimotor function. Significance: An intervention protocol which reversed IONM alerts never resulted in postoperative worsening of sensorimotor function.

A Simple Method for Eye Protection During Prone Positioning for Craniofacial Surgery.

Surgery in the prone position risks vision loss due to a number of factors. Craniofacial surgery poses an even greater risk due to the anatomical and physiological makeup of these patients. Here, we describe a novel method of providing protection from direct pressure on the globe during prone positioning for craniofacial procedures and our protocol for improving safety and reducing the risk of postoperative vision loss.

Predictors of blood loss in fronto-orbital advancement and remodeling.

Fronto-orbital advancement and remodeling for craniosynostosis is extensive surgery and is associated with potential risks; the most significant of these is blood loss. We prospectively studied 116 consecutive patients undergoing fronto-orbital advancement by the same surgical team for a 5-year 6-month period to determine what factors are associated with blood loss and transfusion of blood products. The data collected on the calvarial sutures involved were whether the patient had a diagnosed syndrome, the age at operation, the length of the operation, the estimated blood volume lost during the perioperative course, the number of units of packed cells transfused (donor exposures), and the use of other blood products. The mean (SD) total blood volume lost was 116% (5.4) of the estimated preoperative volume. The median number of whole units of packed cells transfused was 2 units. Other blood products were given in 28% of the cases. There was significantly greater blood loss in those patients with recognized craniofacial syndromes, pansynostosis, an operating time longer than 5 hours, and an age of 18 months or younger at operation. The use of other blood products was associated with those patients losing a blood volume higher than the mean.

Calvarial remodelling for sagittal synostosis: does fibrin glue (Tisseel) reduce post-operative blood transfusion requirements?

INTRODUCTION: Calvarial remodelling for sagittal synostosis is extensive surgery and is associated with potential risks; the most significant of these is blood loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 16 patients undergoing calvarial remodelling by the same surgical team over a 12-month period to determine whether scalp closure with fibrin glue (Tisseel) could decrease post-operative bleeding and the need for blood transfusion. In the last 5 months of the period studied, fibrin glue (Tisseel) was used and six out of the 16 patients had their wound closure assisted by this means. Data was prospectively collected on age at surgery, the estimated peri-operative blood loss, the volume of blood transfused intra-operatively, the volume drained in the first 8 h post-operatively, the total post-operative drainage and the volume of any post-operative blood transfusion required. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The two groups were comparable with a similar mean age at surgery, estimated peri-operative blood loss and intra-operative blood transfusion requirements. The volume drained in the first 8 h post-operatively was 172 ml in the treated group compared to 246 ml in the untreated group (p < 0.02) and the total post-operative drain volume was 301 ml compared to 441 ml (p < 0.01). None out of the six patients treated with fibrin glue required post-operative transfusion compared to two out of ten in the untreated group. The use of fibrin glue has enabled us to reduce post-operative bleeding and the need for post-operative blood transfusion.

Acute chest syndrome shows a predilection for basal lung regions on the side of upper abdominal surgery.

PURPOSE: Upper abdominal surgery for cholecystectomy or splenectomy is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The acute chest syndrome (ACS) is the most common sickle-related postoperative complication. The objective of the study was to characterize the clinical and radiological presentation of ACS complicating cholecystectomy and splenectomy. METHODS: The medical records of all children with SCD undergoing cholecystectomy or splenectomy during the 15-year period from January 1988 through December 2002 were reviewed. Patients who experienced ACS within 14 days after surgery were identified. Data collected included demographics, perioperative management, clinical and radiological findings, and outcome. RESULTS: The overall incidence of postoperative ACS was 16%, occurring in nine of 51 patients having cholecystectomy and in seven of 48 patients having splenectomy. Mean time to onset of symptoms was 49 hr after surgery (range, 24-96 hr). Cough, fever, and an abnormal chest examination were documented for all patients at presentation. Radiologically, ACS involved the basal lobes in all cases and was multi-lobar in 25%. Patients were more likely to have new infiltrates involving the lung on the side of the surgery or bilateral infiltrates than isolated contralateral infiltrates at presentation (P < 0.0001). Isolated upper or middle lobe involvement did not occur. Fifty percent of cases demonstrated evidence of a pleural effusion. CONCLUSION: ACS complicating cholecystectomy or splenectomy shows a predilection for basal lung regions and for the lung on the side of surgery. These results have implications for the pathogenesis and prevention of postoperative ACS.