Implementation of Enhanced Recovery Protocols After Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children: A Multinational Survey Study Among International Pediatric Endosurgery Group and European Paediatric Surgeons' Association Members.

Aim: The aim of this multinational survey was to provide insights into individual surgeon's experience with implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs centered on minimally invasive surgery (misERAS) and to identify perceived barriers to utilization of these protocols. Methods: An online survey was conducted between July 2021 and March 2022 on behalf of the International Pediatric Endosurgery Group (IPEG) and European Paediatric Surgeons' Association (EUPSA) Research Committees. All IPEG and EUPSA members were contacted by e-mail and asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire that included 20 items. Results: Of an estimated 890 IPEG and 800 EUPSA members, 248 completed the survey (14.7%). A minority of respondents (n = 45, 18.1%) stated that misERAS protocols were followed as "utilizing specific ERAS guidelines," whereas 67.3% (n = 167) replied that they were trying to adhere to the basic ERAS principles in their practice. Almost half (n = 117, 47.2%) of the respondents stated that there was an increase in implementation of specific misERAS guidelines over the last 5 years. A lack of education and standardized protocols, lack of support and collaboration, and the existing culture leading to moderate to extreme barriers to misERAS implementation were reported by 25%-40% of respondents. Conclusions: This survey demonstrates that pediatric surgeons from the IPEG and EUPSA communities try to adhere to basic ERAS principles when performing MIS. The major barrier to misERAS implementation is profound lack of education. The fact that only 18% of respondents utilize specific institutional misERAS protocols suggests that at present, ERAS has not found its way into MIS in the broad landscape.

Inpatient Care Utilization and Epidemiology of Hirschsprung Disease: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Hirschsprung disease (HD) is associated with significant morbidities including long-term bowel dysfunction. The aim of this study was to update national and regional trends in the inpatient care utilization and epidemiology of HD in the United States between 2009 and 2014 using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. METHODS: We identified all pediatric admissions with a diagnosis of HD within the NIS from 2009 through 2014. We analyzed HD discharges with respect to various demographic and clinical factors, specifically trends and group differences in inflation-adjusted cost of hospitalization, procedures, co-morbidities, hospital mortality, and length of stay (LOS). A modified Cochrane-Armitage trend test was used to analyze trends for dichotomous outcome variables, and regression analyses were conducted for continuous and binary variables. RESULTS: National estimates of HD-discharges showed no significant trend between 2009 and 2014 ( P = 0.27), with estimated relative incidence ranging from 46 to 70 per 100,000 pediatric discharges. Inflation-adjusted cost of hospitalization increased by $1137 (SE $326) per year ( P = 0.0005). Pull-through procedures in neonatal age group increased from 33.0% in 2009 to 36.5% in 2014 ( P = 0.003). Hospital mortality has remained stable between 0.4% and 1.0% ( P = 0.598). LOS decreased by 0.23 days per year ( P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Increasing cost of HD-related hospitalization despite decreasing LOS was observed in this cohort. Stable rate of hospitalizations with increasing proportions of pull-through procedures among neonates was noted. Future studies and development of protocols to standardize patient care could improve outcomes and healthcare spending.

20 Years of Single-Incision-Pediatric-Endoscopic-Surgery: A Survey on Opinion and Experience Among International Pediatric Endosurgery Group Members.

Aim/Background: Assessment of current role and future trends of Single-Incision-Pediatric-Endoscopic-Surgery (SIPES) in pediatric surgery among International Pediatric Endosurgery Group (IPEG) members two decades after introduction. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted between December 2019 and April 2020 on behalf of the IPEG Research Committee. All IPEG members were contacted by e-mail and asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire that included 39 items on SIPES. Results: One hundred eighty-four practicing pediatric surgeons completed the questionnaire from a pool of 890 IPEG members. The majority (76%) of respondents performed SIPES for more than 6 years with the following caseload per month: 1 case (31%), 2-5 cases (30%), 6-10 cases (24%), and >10 cases (17%). The four most commonly performed procedures were appendectomy (95%), Meckel diverticulectomy (55%), treatment of ovarian pathologies (43%), and U-stitch gastrostomy (40%). Complex reconstructive SIPES procedures were performed rarely. Most surgeons (95%) stated that better cosmesis is the predominant advantage of SIPES procedures. The majority of respondents (70%) felt that there is no convincing scientific evidence that SIPES offers benefits to multi-port minimally invasive procedures. Conclusion: Twenty years after introduction of SIPES, this technique has found its place in pediatric endoscopic surgery. Eighty percent of participating IPEG members of this survey apply SIPES for cases of lower complexity, such as appendectomy mainly for cosmetic reasons. The fact that 70% of respondents state that the scientific evidence for the benefits of SIPES is not convincing suggests that further studies and discussion on this technique are needed.

Long-term growth outcomes in neonates diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis: a 20-year analysis.

PURPOSE: Limited data exists for longitudinal growth outcomes in neonates with a history of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We aimed to study 20-year growth outcomes in NEC survivors. METHODS: A retrospective matched cohort study included neonates diagnosed with NEC and control subjects matched for birth year, birth weight, and gestational age who had at least one post-discharge follow-up. The primary outcome was growth, measured by length and weight until 20 years. Logistic regression was used to test the change in growth from birth until most recent encounter. RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-seven neonates were included: 294 with NEC, and 233 controls. Sixty-eight percent of NEC cases were Bell's stage I, 25% were stage II, and 7% were stage III. Median gestational age was 29 weeks, and median birth weight was 1237 g. Infants with NEC had a longer NICU stay (p < 0.0001) and increased number of comorbidities (p < 0.0001). Compared to overall and sex-matched controls, infants with NEC had a significantly slower growth rate in terms of weight (p < 0.0068) but not length (p = 0.09). Neither group exhibited failure to thrive. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that non-surgical NEC may have a more profound impact on long-term growth than previously considered. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Cohort-Matched Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Comparison of Polymeric Clips and Endoscopic Staplers for Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Appendectomy is the most common pediatric surgical procedure. To decrease the cost and environmental impact of single incision pediatric endosurgery (SIPES) appendectomy, we switched from using endoscopic staplers to polymeric clips placed with nondisposable laparoscopic appliers. The aim of this study was to compare the resulting reduction in cost and amount of waste generated per case, as well as to compare the perioperative variables and outcomes in patients in whom clips were used, with those of historical patients in whom staplers were used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of SIPES appendectomies was performed and patients in whom clips were used were compared with patients in whom staplers were used. Demographic, operative, and clinical data were collected. t-Test, Mann-Whitney test, and chi squared test were used to analyze the data as appropriate. The cost to the hospital of the clips and staplers was compared. The disposable waste generated from clips and the staplers was weighed. RESULTS: A total of 246 patients were included: 111 in stapler group and 135 in clip group. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, and complications. There were no complications related to use of clips. In the clip group, staplers were used in 10% because base of appendix was too large, gangrenous, or perforated and could not be clipped. Use of polymeric clips was less expensive and generated less waste. CONCLUSIONS: Use of polymeric clips for appendectomy is safe and effective, and results are comparable with those of stapling. Based on our data, in 90% of appendectomies, the base of appendix is amenable to clipping. This study supports use of clips over staplers to decrease cost and environmental impact.

A Multi-Institutional Review of Thoracoscopic Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracoscopic repair of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in the neonate is controversial due to reports of increased hernia recurrence. A multicenter review on thoracoscopic CDH repair was conducted to evaluate outcomes and to identify factors that are associated with recurrence. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review was conducted from 2009 to 2015 in neonates who were treated for CDH with thoracoscopic repair. Demographics, preoperative, intraoperative, including repair techniques, and postoperative variables were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Comparative analysis was performed between those patients who were repaired entirely thoracoscopically with hernia recurrence and those without. RESULTS: One hundred nine infants, of whom 57% were male with an average gestational age at time of surgery of 39.6 ± 4.6 weeks and a weight of 3.4 ± 1.1 kg, were included. The median age at repair was 5 days (range: 3-9), 61% patients required vasopressor support, and 1.8% patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulation before repair. Forty-five percent were repaired on high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). Repair was completed thoracoscopically in 83 patients (76%), 68 (82%) were repaired primarily, 15 (18%) were repaired with a patch, and 50 (60%) had extracorporeal/rib fixation sutures. Recurrence occurred in 7 (8.4%) of those completed thoracoscopically. Factors found to be significant for recurrence included: vasopressor therapy (P = .02), repair on HFOV (P = .04), and the presence of the spleen in the chest (P = .04). There was no significant difference identified between technical variations in repair. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that thoracoscopic repair of CDH is feasible in carefully selected patients. However, there is currently no evidence to support a standardized surgical approach to thoracoscopic repair.

Maternal pre-eclampsia as a risk factor for necrotizing enterocolitis.

OBJECTIVE: Similar pro-inflammatory responses are present in pre-eclampsia (PE) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We hypothesized that maternal PE is an independent risk factor for the development of NEC. METHODS: A retrospective database of all live births (2008-2011) at a tertiary center was constructed. Infant and maternal characteristics were gathered. Babies born to mothers with or without PE were compared. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, Pearson's χ(2), binary logistic regression and relative risks. RESULTS: Incidence of NEC was 1.5% in non-PE and 4.6% in the PE group (p < 0.001), but once controlled for gestational age and birth weight, the difference lost statistical significance. PE babies were more frequently preterm (41.4% versus 14.5%, p < 0.001) and had intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (10.2% versus 6.3%, p < 0.001). Within preterm babies, 9.0% of non-PE and 10.8% of PE babies developed NEC (p = 0.25). Effect of PE was significant in sub-group of IUGR babies, with NEC in 1.5% of non-PE and 13.6% in PE babies (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal PE is an independent risk factor for the development of NEC in some sub-groups of babies, most notably with IUGR. Fetal hypoxia caused by abnormal placentation in PE leads to restricted growth, and may be the underlying mechanism that predisposes the newborn to NEC.

Outcome assessment of renal replacement therapy in neonates.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in renal replacement therapy (RRT) have brought about a proliferation of dialysis in neonates (<30 d). This study aimed to assess morbidity and mortality after RRT initiation in this population. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all patients between 2006 and 2014 requiring RRT initiated in the first 30 d of life was performed. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were identified, of which 39 were boys and 10 were girls. Thirty-two patients (65%) had end-stage renal disease, 11 (22%) had errors of metabolism, and six (12%) required RRT for other pathologies. Median age and weight at RRT onset were 6 (4-14) d and 3.1 (2.7-4.0) kg, respectively. A total of 201 surgeries were performed. Excluding catheter revisions, 83 new hemodialysis (HD) and 28 new peritoneal dialysis lines were placed, with maximum of six HD and four peritoneal catheters placed in single patient. Catheter-associated morbidities occurred in 100% of patients. Most common complications for HD included circuit clotting (87%), bleeding (68%), and bacteremia (50%). Peritoneal dialysis complications included peritonitis (83%), malpositioned catheters (72%), and leaks (55%). Overall mortality was 65.3%, with 56% of all deaths occurring within first month of life and 94% occurring within first year. Among long-term survivors (median follow-up of 5.3 y), 44% were severely and 22% moderately developmentally delayed. CONCLUSIONS: Although RRT is becoming more technically feasible for neonates with renal and metabolic diseases, it remains associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Pediatric surgeons must be aware of the challenges, taking them into account when considering the care of these critically ill children.

Pre-eclampsia has an adverse impact on maternal and fetal health.

Pre-eclampsia (preE) is a multifaceted complication found uniquely in the pregnant patient and one that has puzzled scientists for years. PreE is not a single disorder, but a complex syndrome that is produced by various pathophysiological triggers and mechanisms affecting about 5% of obstetrical patients. PreE is a major cause of premature delivery and maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. PreE is characterized by de novo development of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation and affects nearly every organ system, with the most severe consequences being eclampsia, pulmonary edema, intrauterine growth restriction, and thrombocytopenia. PreE alters the intrauterine environment by modulating the pattern of hormonal signals and activating the detrimental cellular signaling that has been transported to the fetus. The fetus has to adapt to this intrauterine environment with detrimental signals. The adaptive changes increase the risk of disease later in life. This review defines the predisposition and causes of preE and the cellular signaling detrimental to maternal health during preE. Moreover, the risk factors for diseases that are transmitted to the offspring have been addressed in this review. The detrimental signaling molecules that have been overexpressed in preE patients raises the possibility that those signals could be therapeutically blocked one day.

Suppression of aldosterone and progesterone in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia (preE) is a hypertensive disorder seen in 3-10% of human pregnancies and is diagnosed by de novo onset of hypertension and proteinuria. Several research groups provided evidence for reduced aldosterone (Aldo) and progesterone (Prog) availability in preE. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of Aldo and Prog in preE. METHODS: Normal pregnant (NP; n = 39) and preE (n = 30) patients were recruited to have their blood drawn between 21 and 40 weeks of pregnancy. Two groups of rats were used in this study: NP rats (n = 10) and preE rats (n = 10), which were given weekly injections of desoxycorticosterone acetate and 0.9% saline to drink. Aldo and Prog levels were assayed in plasma and urine samples by ELISA kits. RESULTS: In preE patients, the mean Aldo and Prog levels were suppressed (p < 0.05) compared to NP patients. NP patients exhibited a trend of increased levels of Aldo with an increase in gestational age; however, preE patients had the opposite trend. Both normal and preE patients exhibited a trend of increased levels of Prog with an increase in gestational age. The plasma and urinary Aldo and Prog levels were lower (p < 0.05) in preE rats compared to NP rats. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated using a rat model and patients that both Aldo and Prog are suppressed in preE and thus may be used as biomarkers for preE.

Minimal access laparoscopic surgery for treatment of ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis coli in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy is standard surgical treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis coli (FAP). Scar burden can be minimized by reducing the number of laparoscopic ports. The aim of this study is to review the authors' experience with reduced-port laparoscopy in this setting and to compare it with conventional laparoscopy using multiple ports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Charts of pediatric patients undergoing colectomy for UC or FAP between 2009 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had the operation performed through one or two multichannel ports were assigned to the minimal access (MA) study group. Patients who had four or five single-channel ports with or without an additional small laparotomy were assigned to the LAP group. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were identified. Ages at first operation were 2-18 years (median, 13.5 years). There were no conversions to laparotomy and no mortality. Mean operative times for the MA and LAP groups, respectively, were 250 and 284 minutes for abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy (P=.15), 198 and 301 minutes for completion proctectomy with diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) (P=.26), and 455 and 414 minutes for proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and DLI (P=.72). A major complication requiring laparotomy occurred in 1 patient (9%) in the MA group and in 2 patients (18%) in the LAP group. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal access laparoscopic surgery for UC and FAP is safe and feasible. A slightly larger incision at the ostomy site facilitates extraction of the specimen and extracorporeal construction of a J-pouch. Operative times and hospital stay are comparable to those with multiport laparoscopy.

Intrauterine growth restriction and prematurity influence regulatory T cell development in newborns.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of birth weight and gestational age with regulatory T cells (Tregs) in cord blood of human newborns. METHODS: Cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) of 210 newborns were analyzed using flow cytometry to identify Tregs (CD3(+), CD4(+), CD25(high), FoxP3(high)) and measure FoxP3 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). Suppressive index (SI) was calculated as FoxP3 MFI per Treg. RESULTS: Mode of delivery had no significant effect on Tregs at birth. Term babies with growth restriction had fewer Tregs than their appropriate weight counterparts but equivalent SI. Preterm babies had higher percentages of Tregs, but lower SI than term controls. SI steadily increased through gestation. CONCLUSIONS: Intrauterine growth restriction is correlated with fewer circulating Tregs and prematurity with decreased functionality of Tregs compared to term appropriate weight infants. This may have implications in diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis that disproportionately affect premature and lower birth weight infants.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia in children: frequency increasing.

PURPOSE: The treatment of children with biliary dyskinesia (BD) is controversial. As we recently observed an increasing frequency of referrals for BD in our institution the aim of the study was to re-evaluate the long-term outcome in children with BD. METHODS: Children with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for suspected BD between 8/2006 and 5/2011 were included. A pathologic ejection fraction (EF) was defined as <35%. The long-term effect of cholecystectomy was assessed via a Likert scale symptom questionnaire. RESULTS: 82 children (median age 13.5 years, mean BMI 25.8) were included. CCK-HIDA scan was pathologic in 74 children (90.2%). Mean EF was 16.4%. Histology revealed chronic cholecystitis in 48 (58.5%) children and was normal in 30 children (36.5%). The frequency of LC for suspected BD increased by a factor of 4.3 in the last 10 years. Long term follow-up showed that only 23/52 children (44.2%) were symptom-free after LC. Patients with chronic inflammation were more likely to have persistent symptoms (p=0.017). An EF<15% was associated with a resolution of symptoms (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: The frequency of LC for suspected BD in our institution has increased significantly during recent years. The long-term efficacy in our cohort was only 44.2%. We believe that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is likely helpful in patients with an EF<15%. However, in children with an EF of 15%-35%, based upon our data, we would highly recommend an appropriately thorough pre-op testing to exclude other gastrointestinal disorders prior to consideration of operative management.

Single-incision pediatric endosurgery for ovarian pathology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite being pioneered by gynecologists, single-incision endosurgery has not been widely reported for the treatment of ovarian and adnexal pathology in neonates, children, and adolescents. We describe our initial experience using single-incision pediatric endosurgery (SIPES) for these indications and discuss advantages and drawbacks. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All children who underwent SIPES with a preoperative diagnosis of ovarian or adnexal pathology were included in the study. Data on age, operative time, complications, length of hospital stay, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: From January 2010 until January 2012, 19 girls (mean age, 11.4 years; range, 6 days-17 years; weight range, 4.0-90 kg) underwent SIPES procedures for ovarian or adnexal diagnoses, including hemorrhagic/follicular/paratubal cysts (n=8), torsion (n=7), tumor (n=3), and parauterine cyst (n=1). The operations included cyst unroofing (n=4), detorsion and oophoropexy (n=7), (salpingo)oophorectomy (n=5), marsupialization of cyst (n=2), and cyst aspiration (n=1). Median operative time was 42 ± 29 minutes; there were no conversions to conventional laparoscopy or open surgery. Fifteen patients (79%) were discharged within 24 hours after the procedure. There were no peri- or postoperative complications. Histopathology showed hemorrhagic/follicular/paratubal cyst (n=7), necrotic/calcified ovarian tissue after torsion (n=6), cystadenofibroma (n=1), granulosa cell tumor (n=1), and mature teratoma (Grade 0) (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: SIPES is an excellent alternative to conventional laparoscopy for the treatment of adnexal pathology. Using a single umbilical incision that can be enlarged instead of three smaller trocar sites facilitates the resection and extraction of ovarian masses without compromising cosmesis.

Single-incision pediatric endosurgery (SIPES) splenectomy: a case-control series.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Single-incision pediatric endosurgery (SIPES) is gaining popularity. The aim of this study was to review the authors' experience with SIPES splenectomy and compare it with conventional laparoscopic splenectomy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: After institutional review board approval, data on SIPES splenectomy in children were collected prospectively. The study group was compared with a control group of patients who were retrospectively identified as having undergone conventional laparoscopic splenectomy during the same time period. RESULTS: Sixteen children underwent SIPES splenectomy. Ages ranged from 1 to 15 years, with a median of 7 years, and weights were between 10 and 70 kg, with a median of 24 kg. The control group was similar in age and weight characteristics. The most common diagnoses were hereditary spherocytosis, sickle cell disease, and immune thrombocytopenic purpura. There were two conversions to open splenectomy in the SIPES group and one in the laparoscopic group. Operative times were 40-190 minutes (median, 84 minutes) in the SIPES group and 51-154 minutes (median, 99 minutes) in the conventional laparoscopic group. CONCLUSIONS: The SIPES technique is well suited for splenectomy. Despite instruments and camera being in-line, working angles are not compromised, and visualization is adequate. Operating time and hospital stay are comparable to those with standard laparoscopic splenectomy, but the cosmetic result may be superior.

Feasibility of single-incision pediatric endosurgery for treatment of appendicitis in 415 children.

INTRODUCTION: Single-incision pediatric endosurgery (SIPES) has gained popularity for ablative procedures such as appendectomy in many pediatric surgical centers. This study evaluates the outcome of SIPES for treatment of appendicitis in our institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval was obtained, data were prospectively collected on all patients undergoing SIPES appendectomy in our hospital from March 2009 through October 2011. The surgical techniques, operative times, complications, conversion rates, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: SIPES appendectomy was attempted in 415 children (mean age, 10.9 years; age range, 1.4-17.9 years; 266 males, 149 females; median weight, 43 kg; weight range, 9.8-146 kg). Intraoperatively, acute appendicitis was found in 298 cases and perforated appendicitis in 79 cases. Thirty-eight patients underwent interval appendectomy. Appendectomy was carried out solely as SIPES in 397 cases (96%). Median operative time was 40±16 minutes (37±16 minutes for fellows [n=284] and 46±15 minutes for residents [n=131]). There were three intraoperative complications, which could be handled during the procedure. Pathologic reports revealed inflammatory changes of the appendix (n=386), other pathology (n=11), and no pathologic change (n=18). Overall, 24 patients (5.8%) were readmitted for intra-abdominal abscess (n=14), umbilical wound infection (n=3), and other reasons (n=7). Twelve patients (2.9%) underwent reoperation: drainage of intra-abdominal abscess (n=8) (3 by the surgeon, 5 by the interventional radiologist), wound drainage (n=3), and right hemicolectomy for carcinoid (n=1). In perforated appendicitis the postoperative intra-abdominal abscess rate was 10 of 79 cases (12.7%), which is similar to the previous report with conventional laparoscopic appendectomy from our institution (13.6%). The wound infection rate (5 of 79 cases [6.3%]) was also similar to the previously report (6.8%) with conventional laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS: Appendectomy can be accomplished successfully and safely using single-incision endosurgery in children with acceptable operative times without leaving any appreciable scar. Additional trocars are infrequently necessary. So far, the intraoperative and postoperative complication rates are comparable to those of triangulated laparoscopic appendectomy.

Single-incision pediatric endosurgical Nissen fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision pediatric endosurgery (SIPES) is gaining popularity for routine ablative operations such as appendectomy and cholecystectomy in a number of centers. We have employed this technique for Nissen fundoplication for the first time as a major reconstructive procedure. This study describes the technical evolution of SIPES fundoplication at our center, discusses the challenges, and evaluates the outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After IRB approval was obtained, data were prospectively collected on all SIPES fundoplications performed in our hospital from September 2009 through August 2010. The surgical techniques, operative times, blood loss, complications, conversion rates, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: SIPES fundoplication was attempted in 10 children (ages 3 months to 11 years, median 21 months; weight 3.45-51 kg, median 9 kg). Fundoplication was performed as the sole procedure in 4, and combined with a gastrostomy in 6 patients in which case the gastrostomy was used as an additional trocar site. On average, total operative time was 104 ± 31 minutes, and reached a baseline around 90 minutes after five procedures. The mean estimated blood loss was 6 ± 5 mL, and postoperative length of stay 2.6 ± 1.4 days. Different trocars, liver retraction methods, and suturing techniques were employed. Extracorporeal knot tying was used in six operations. There were no intraoperative complications, but unplanned additional trocars or access sites were added in 2 cases, leaving 3 patients in which the procedure was carried solely through the umbilicus. Reflux symptoms subsided in all patients, but 1 patient had recurrence at 12 months postoperative and underwent conventional laparoscopic redo-fundoplication. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication can be accomplished successfully and safely using single-incision endosurgery in children with good antireflux efficacy and without leaving any appreciable scar. Extracorporeal knot tying appears to be superior to other methods. So far, the failure rate is not higher than in conventional laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

An evidence-based clinical protocol for diagnosis of acute appendicitis decreased the use of computed tomography in children.

PURPOSE: The increased use of computed tomography (CT) to diagnose appendicitis in children has led to a concern for the possibility of increased CT-related cancer morbidity. We designed a clinical protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis in children in an attempt to decrease the use of CT scans at our institution. METHODS: Patients who had surgical consultation for suspected appendicitis were placed on the clinical protocol. Data concerning diagnosis and treatment were collected prospectively. Retrospective data from patients admitted to our institution with acute appendicitis before the clinical protocol were collected as historical controls. RESULTS: One hundred twelve patients were diagnosed and treated by our protocol between June and November 2009. Of these, 100 patients underwent an appendectomy for acute appendicitis. They were compared with 146 patients from 2007. In-house CT use decreased from 71.2% to 51.7% (P = .01). Preoperative ultrasound use increased from 2.7% to 21% (P < .001). The negative appendectomy rate increased (6.8% vs 11%, P = .25). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the implementation of an evidence-based clinical protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis in children may safely decrease the use of CT scans and increase the use of ultrasound.

Laparoscopic appendectomy for torsed appendix presenting as an acute abdomen in an infant female.

BACKGROUND: Torsion of an otherwise normal appendix vermiformis is exceedingly rare and usually presents with symptoms consistent with acute appendicitis. We present the unusual case of an infant girl who was admitted with right lower quadrant pain and focal peritonitis who was found to have appendiceal torsion on laparoscopy. CASE REPORT: An 11-week-old girl was brought to the emergency department with a 48-hour history of abdominal pain, emesis, low-grade fever, and focal right lower quadrant tenderness. Sonography found a noncompressible distended appendix in the right lower quadrant. Upon laparoscopy, a torsed, necrotic appendix vermiformis was found. Appendectomy was performed, and the patient recovered uneventfully. CONCLUSION: In an infant girl with lower abdominal pain, the differential diagnosis should include torsed appendix besides more common causes, such as torsed ovary, intussusception, or small bowel volvulus. Ultrasound is useful for planning the operative approach.

Impact of surgical approach on outcome in 622 consecutive pyloromyotomies at a pediatric teaching institution.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of 3 different approaches to pyloromyotomy in a large single institution series. METHODS: Records of consecutive patients undergoing pyloromyotomy for an 8-year period were reviewed. Patients' age, sex, weight, operating time, length of stay, number of emeses, and complications were recorded. Variables were compared between right upper quadrant (RUQ), umbilical (UMB), and laparoscopic (LAP) approaches. RESULTS: Six hundred twenty-two patients were included in the study. Operating time was significantly shorter for LAP and RUQ compared to UMB. Length of stay did not differ between the groups. There were fewer episodes of emesis in the LAP group. There was a trend toward a higher rate of complications in UMB group. CONCLUSION: Outcomes after pyloromyotomy are institution dependent and cannot be generalized. Patient safety is the first concern, followed by patient comfort and cosmesis. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy can be as fast and efficient as open, without an increased rate of complications, with excellent cosmetic results, and less analgesic requirement. If skill and experience to replicate good outcomes of laparoscopy are not available, open pyloromyotomy is a safer technique. The UMB approach is an alternative method to achieve good cosmesis without laparoscopy in the hands of a surgeon proficient in this method.