Primary malignant pancreatic neoplasms in children and adolescents: A 20 year experience

Background

Malignant pancreatic neoplasms in children and adolescents are rare. The clinical presentation, pathologic characteristics, management, and outcomes at two institutions are discussed.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric patients (age < = 18 years) treated for malignant pancreatic neoplasms at two institutions between 1991 and 2011.

Results

Thirty-one patients were identified with median age of 14.7 years (4–18 years). The most common histology was solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) (n = 22, 71%) followed by neuroendocrine tumors (n = 4, 13%), pancreatoblastoma (n = 4, 13%), and one unclassified spindle cell neoplasm (3%). Most patients presented with abdominal pain (n = 22, 71%). Complications included pancreatic leak, pseudocyst formation, pancreatitis, pancreatic insufficiency, and small bowel obstruction. The overall 1- and 5-year survival was 96% (95% CI 74%–99%) and 78% (95% CI 43%–93%). Median follow-up among patients alive at the end of follow-up was 20 months (< 1 month–16.2 years). Patients with SPT had better overall survival compared to patients with neuroendocrine tumors or pancreatoblastomas (Log-rank; p = 0.0143).

Conclusion

The majority of pediatric and adolescent patients present with SPTs which are usually resectable and associated with an excellent prognosis. Other histologic subtypes more often present with distant metastases and portend a worse prognosis.     

The “weekend effect” in pediatric surgery — increased mortality for children undergoing urgent surgery during the weekend

Background

For a number of pediatric and adult conditions, morbidity and mortality are increased when patients present to the hospital on a weekend compared to weekdays. The objective of this study was to compare pediatric surgical outcomes following weekend versus weekday procedures.

Methods

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and the Kids’ Inpatient Database, we identified 439,457 pediatric (< 18 years old) admissions from 1988 to 2010 that required a selected index surgical procedure (abscess drainage, appendectomy, inguinal hernia repair, open fracture reduction with internal fixation, or placement/revision of ventricular shunt) on the same day of admission. Outcome metrics were compared using logistic regression models that adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics as well as procedure performed.

Results

Patient characteristics of those admitted on the weekend (n = 112,064) and weekday (n = 327,393) were similar, though patients admitted on the weekend were more likely to be coded as emergent (61% versus 53%). After multivariate adjustment and regression, patients undergoing a weekend procedure were more likely to die (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.21–2.20), receive a blood transfusion despite similar rates of intraoperative hemorrhage (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01–1.26), and suffer from procedural complications (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.14–1.74).

Conclusion

Pediatric patients undergoing common urgent surgical procedures during a weekend admission have a higher adjusted risk of death, blood transfusion, and procedural complications. While the exact etiology of these findings is not clear, the timing of surgical procedures should be considered in the context of systems-based deficiencies that may be detrimental to pediatric surgical care.     

Comparison of long-term outcomes between open and laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in children

Objectives

In recent years laparoscopic fundoplication is increasingly performed in pediatric surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes between open and laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in children.

Methods

This retrospective study includes children who underwent a Thal fundoplication between 3/1997 and 7/2009. The minimum follow-up time to enter the study was 2 years; the overall median follow-up was 77 months (range, 29–176 months).

Results

A total of 101 patients were included, of which 47 underwent an open and 54 a laparoscopic Thal. Intraoperative problems, early postoperative complications, time to establish enteral feeds and length of stay did not differ among both groups. The mean duration of surgery was significantly less in the open group (OPG) (108.0 (± 7.72) versus 144.1 (± 6.36) minutes; p = 0.001) and this was mainly attributed to patients with neurological problems. Severe dysphagia requiring endoscopy was observed in 10 patients, but this did not differ significantly between groups (n = 2 in the OPG vs. n = 8 in the laparoscopic group (LAPG); p = 0.10). Overall 12 patients (11.9%) (6 in each group) required a redo-fundoplication after a median of 18.7 months (range, 6–36 months). In the whole study group, 80 patients (79.2%) were classified as having surgical results being excellent, good or satisfactory and this did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

In the long-term open and laparoscopic Thal fundoplication have similarly good outcomes. The laparoscopic approach can be considered as an alternative, however there is not a clear superiority compared with the open counterpart.     

Risk of incomplete pyloromyotomy and mucosal perforation in open and laparoscopic pyloromyotomy

Background

Despite randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, it remains unclear whether laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP) carries a higher risk of incomplete pyloromyotomy and mucosal perforation compared with open pyloromyotomy (OP).

Methods

Multicenter study of all pyloromyotomies (May 2007–December 2010) at nine high-volume institutions. The effect of laparoscopy on the procedure-related complications of incomplete pyloromyotomy and mucosal perforation was determined using binomial logistic regression adjusting for differences among centers.

Results

Data relating to 2830 pyloromyotomies (1802 [64%] LP) were analyzed. There were 24 cases of incomplete pyloromyotomy; 3 in the open group (0.29%) and 21 in the laparoscopic group (1.16%). There were 18 cases of mucosal perforation; 3 in the open group (0.29%) and 15 in the laparoscopic group (0.83%). The regression model demonstrated that LP was a marginally significant predictor of incomplete pyloromyotomy (adjusted difference 0.87% [95% CI 0.006–4.083]; P = 0.046) but not of mucosal perforation (adjusted difference 0.56% [95% CI − 0.096 to 3.365]; P = 0.153). Trainees performed a similar proportion of each procedure (laparoscopic 82.6% vs. open 80.3%; P = 0.2) and grade of primary operator did not affect the rate of either complication.

Conclusions

This is one of the largest series of pyloromyotomy ever reported. Although laparoscopy is associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of incomplete pyloromyotomy, the effect size is small and of questionable clinical relevance. Both OP and LP are associated with low rates of mucosal perforation and incomplete pyloromyotomy in specialist centers, whether trainee or consultant surgeons perform the procedure.     

A comparison of laparoscopic and open restorative proctocolectomy in children

Aim

Restorative proctocolectomy (RP) is the gold standard for children requiring removal of their colon and rectum. The aim of this study is to contrast conventional (open) and laparoscopic RP.

Methods

All children undergoing RP by one surgeon were prospectively recorded in a customised database. Outcome variables were length of stay in days (LOS), duration of surgery in minutes (DS), blood loss in ml, and complications. Explanatory variables included technique of resection (open or laparoscopic (lap)) and presenting disease. Lap resection was adopted after patient 37. Data are presented as median (range). P < 0.05 was regarded as significant.

Results

Eighty-two (43 girls) children underwent RP at median age 12 (0.5–20) years. RP was performed as Open (n = 37) or Laparoscopic (n = 45). Indications were: colitis (n = 56), polyposis (n = 12), constipation (n = 7), Hirschsprung’s (n = 5), fibrosing colonopathy (n = 2). Significantly, more children had three-stage surgery among the lap group (P = 0.04). LOS was significantly shorter in the lap group [15 (8-114) days vs 17(13– 60) days; P = 0.04], but there was no difference in DS or complication rates between laparoscopic and open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery was associated with significantly lower blood loss [150 (0–840) ml vs. 334 (0-1480) ml; P = 0.02].

Conclusion

Laparoscopic RP is associated with lower blood loss, shorter LOS, but no difference in duration of surgery or complication rate.     

Paediatric laparoscopic Heller’s cardiomyotomy: A single centre series

Background

The optimal management of oesophageal achalasia remains unclear in the paediatric population due to the rarity of the disease. This study reviews the institutional experience of the laparoscopic Heller’s cardiomyotomy (HC) procedure and attempts to define the most appropriate treatment.

Methods

A retrospective review of children undergoing HC at a single institution was performed. Demographics, pre-operative investigations, and interventions were reviewed. Post-operative outcomes and follow up were evaluated. Data is expressed as median (range).

Results

Twenty-eight children were included (13 male, 15 female) whose median age was 13 (3.2–17.4) years. Nine children underwent a pre-operative oesophageal balloon dilatation (OBD) a median of 1(1–6) times. Others included botulinum toxin injection (n = 1) and Nifedipine (n = 1). All had a pre-operative upper gastrointestinal contrast series, and twenty-five had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and manometry. All had laparoscopic HC with no conversions, and ten had a concomitant fundoplication. Post-operative intervention occurred in eight (28%) incorporating OBD (n = 7), of whom four required a redo HC. One patient underwent a redo without intervening OBD. Follow-up was for a median of 0.83 (0–5) years with fourteen children discharged from surgical follow-up. Twenty-seven have thus far had a good outcome.

Conclusion

This study comprises the largest series of paediatric laparoscopic HC reported to date. It is effective with or without a fundoplication and is the best long term treatment modality available. OBD for persisting symptoms following HC may obviate the need for redo myotomy.     

“Trap-door” and “clamshell” surgical approaches for the management of pediatric tumors of the cervicothoracic junction and mediastinum

Background/Purpose

For pediatric tumors of the cervicothoracic junction, an isolated cervical or thoracic surgical approach provides insufficient exposure for achieving complete resection. We retrospectively examined “trap-door” and “clamshell” pediatric thoracotomies as a surgical approach to these tumors.

Methods

We searched our database for pediatric patients with cervicothoracic tumors who underwent clamshell or trap-door thoracotomy between 1991 and 2013, reviewing tumor characteristics, surgical technique, completeness of resection, morbidity, and outcome.

Results

Trap-door (n = 13) and clamshell (n = 4) thoracotomies were performed for neuroblastoma (n = 9), non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (n = 4), germ cell tumor (n = 2), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 1), and neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma (n = 1). Fourteen of these cervicothoracic tumors were primary, and three were metastatic. Gross total resection was achieved in 15 patients (94%). Operative complications included vocal cord paralysis (n = 2), mild upper-extremity neuropraxia (n = 2), and hemidiaphragm paralysis (n = 1), All but one involved encased nerves. Overall survival was 61% for the series and 80% for patients with primary tumors. Eleven (73%) of 15 patients who underwent gross total resection had no evidence of recurrence. Three patients with metastatic disease died of distant progression within 1.3 years.

Conclusions

Gross total resection of primary cervicothoracic tumors can be accomplished with specialized exposure in pediatric patients with minimal morbidity.     

Obesity and outcomes following burns in the pediatric population

Purpose

While obesity is associated with increased mortality and decreased functional outcomes in adult burn patients, the ramifications of larger than average body size in the pediatric burn population are less well understood. The present study examines whether obesity was associated with poor outcomes following pediatric burn injuries.

Methods

Thermal injury data for patients ≤ 18 years of age admitted to a Level III burn center over ten years (n = 536) was analyzed. Obesity was defined as ≥ 95th percentile of weight for height according to the WHO growth charts (< 2 years of age) or BMI for age according to the CDC growth charts (2–18 years of age). Outcomes were compared between thermally injured obese (n = 154) and non-obese (n = 382) children. All data was collected in accordance with IRB regulations.

Results

Obese and non-obese thermally-injured children did not differ in TBSA, percentage of full thickness burn, or overall mortality. However, these groups were significantly different with respect to age (obese = 7.16 ± 0.46 years, non-obese = 9.38 ± 0.32 years, p < 0.001) and days requiring mechanical ventilation (obese = 4.89 ± 1.3 days, non-obese = 2.67 ± 0.49 days, p < 0.05). For thermally injured children admitted to the BICU without inhalation injury (n = 175); the obese (n = 46) and non-obese (n = 129) did not differ significantly with respect to age, TBSA, percentage of full thickness burn or other outcome measures. However, significant differences between these groups were noted for ICU LOS (obese = 18.59 ± 5.18 days, non-obese = 9.51 ± 1.82 days, p < 0.05) and number of days requiring mechanical ventilation (obese = 11.65 ± 3.91 days, non-obese = 3.92 ± 0.85 days, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These data show thermally-injured obese pediatric patients required longer and more intensive medical support in the form of BICU care and respiratory intervention. Counter to findings in adult populations, differences in mortality were not observed. Collectively, these findings suggest obesity as a risk factor for increased morbidity in the pediatric burn population.     

Maternal medical and behavioral risk factors for congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Purpose

Maternal factors contributing to the etiology of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remain unclear. We hypothesized that specific maternal medical conditions (pregestational diabetes, hypertension), and behaviors (alcohol, tobacco) would be associated with CDH.

Methods

We conducted a population-based case–control study using Washington State birth certificates linked to hospital discharge records (1987–2009). We identified all infants with CDH (n = 492). Controls were randomly selected among non-CDH infants. Maternal data were extracted from the birth record. Logistic regression was used to adjust for covariates.

Results

Cases and controls were generally similar regarding demographics, although CDH infants were more likely to be male than controls (58.5% vs. 52.5%). Isolated and complex (multiple-anomaly) CDH had similar characteristics. Each of the exposures of interest was more common among case mothers than among control mothers. In univariate analysis, alcohol use, hypertension, and pregestational diabetes were each significantly associated with the outcome. After multivariate adjustment, only alcohol use (OR = 3.65, p = 0.01) and pregestational diabetes (OR = 12.53, p = 0.003) maintained significance. Results were similar for both isolated and complex CDH.

Conclusions

Maternal pregestational diabetes and alcohol use are significantly associated with occurrence of CDH in infants. These are important modifiable risk factors to consider with regard to efforts seeking to impact the incidence of CDH.     

Pediatric trauma patient alcohol screening: A 3 year review of screening at a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center using the CRAFFT tool

Introduction

Alcohol use is a risk factor for adult trauma. Alcohol may significantly influence pediatric trauma risk, but literature is sparse. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of alcohol use screening in pediatric trauma patients.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all trauma patients to identify those undergoing CRAFFT alcohol screening assessment between July 1, 2009, and January 31, 2011. Inclusion criteria involved screening of level 1 or 2 trauma activations for patients greater than 12 years.

Results

During the study period, 232 patients were eligible for screening, of which 51% (n = 118) were screened. Among the patients screened, 21 (18%) had a positive screen (mean age 14.6 years, range 13–16). Twenty patients were referred for further counseling. Sixteen males and 5 females screened positive during the study. The most common mechanism of injury in the positive screen patients was motor vehicle or ATV accident (n = 9), followed by assault (n = 6), and motor versus pedestrian collision (n = 2). Of the 21 patients who screened positive, 10 had positive blood alcohol content (BAC) or urine drug screen (UDS) at the time of injury. No patients with a positive screen returned during the study as a trauma patient.

Conclusion

Alcohol and drug screening for injured pediatric trauma patients is frequently omitted despite policy-required screening. Of those patients screened, 18% admitted to risky alcohol or drug-related behaviors or had positive BAL or UDS at presentation. Pediatric trauma screening for risky alcohol use identifies a significant number of children. Alcohol and drug screening in pediatric trauma appears over age 13 years to have a yield which justifies continued screening. Alcohol related trauma recidivism, however, does not seem common.     

Open versus needle biopsy in diagnosing neuroblastoma

Background

Open surgical biopsy is traditionally advocated prior to initiating therapy in UKCCLG neuroblastoma protocols. We report a single centre experience comparing the utility of open biopsy vs image guided needle biopsy in aiding the definitive diagnosis and risk stratification of neuroblastoma – (Shimada classification, MYCN expression, cytogenetics – 1p 11q, 17 q).

Methods

Medical records of all new cases of neuroblastoma presenting to a single UKCCLG centre during January 2002–July 2013 were examined.

Results

Thirty nine patients underwent a biopsy of primary tumour for neuroblastoma during the study. Twenty one children had open biopsy and eighteen cases had a needle biopsy. Staging of neuroblastoma revealed - stage 4 (n = 26), stage 3 (n = 7), stage 2 (n = 3) and stage 4S (n = 3). Sites of primary tumour were adrenal gland (n = 20), abdomen (n = 12), thoracic (n = 4), abdomino-thoracic (n = 2) and abdomino pelvic regions (n = 1). All patients (open vs needle) had adequate tissue retrieved for histological diagnosis of neuroblastoma. One needle and one open biopsy case did not have MYCN status determined despite adequate tissue sampling. Seventeen patients (7 open and 10 needle biopsies) had 1p and 17q status reported in MLPA testing (Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification). No single patient required a repeat tumour biopsy. Morbidity in the series was minimal with only one child – open biopsy group, requiring emergent laparotomy to control bleeding from an abdominal primary tumour. No complications were recorded with needle biopsy.

Conclusions

Open and image guided needle biopsy appear to yield adequate tissue sampling for diagnosis, risk classification and staging of neuroblastoma. Further larger co-operative studies may usefully guide national and international protocols.     

Pleural effusion following blunt splenic injury in the pediatric trauma population

Background

Pleural effusion is a potential complication following blunt splenic injury. The incidence, risk factors, and clinical management are not well described in children.

Methods

Ten-year retrospective review (January 2000–December 2010) of an institutional pediatric trauma registry identified 318 children with blunt splenic injury.

Results

Of 274 evaluable nonoperatively managed pediatric blunt splenic injures, 12 patients (4.4%) developed left-sided pleural effusions. Seven (58%) of 12 patients required left-sided tube thoracostomy for worsening pleural effusion and respiratory insufficiency. Median time from injury to diagnosis of pleural effusion was 1.5 days. Median time from diagnosis to tube thoracostomy was 2 days. Median length of stay was 4 days for those without and 7.5 days for those with pleural effusions (p < 0.001) and 6 and 8 days for those pleural effusions managed medically or with tube thoracostomy (p = 0.006), respectively. In multivariate analysis, high-grade splenic injury (IV–V) (OR 16.5, p = 0.001) was associated with higher odds of developing a pleural effusion compared to low-grade splenic injury (I–III).

Conclusions

Pleural effusion following pediatric blunt splenic injury has an incidence of 4.4% and is associated with high-grade splenic injuries and longer lengths of stay. While some symptomatic patients may be successfully managed medically, many require tube thoracostomy for progressive respiratory symptoms.     

A standardised investigative strategy prior to revisional oesophageal surgery in children: High incidence of unexpected findings

Background/Purpose

Revisional oesophageal reconstructive surgery carries uncommon and unusual risks related to previous surgery. To provide maximum anatomical detail and facilitate successful outcome, we report a standardised pre-operative investigative strategy for all such patients.

Methods

Prospective 8-month cohort study following the introduction of this strategy. All patients underwent high resolution thoracic contrast CT scan and micro-laryngo-bronchoscopy by a paediatric ENT surgeon in addition to upper gastrointestinal contrast study, oesophagoscopy, and echocardiogram.

Results

Seven children (median age 5.6 months [range 2.2–60]) completed the pathway. Four were referred with recurrence of a previously divided tracheo-oesophageal fistula (3 congenital, 1 acquired) and 3 (all with oesophagostomy) for oesophageal replacement for congenital isolated oesophageal atresia (OA, n = 1) and failed repair of OA with distal TOF with wide gap (n = 2). Overall, unanticipated findings were demonstrated in 6/7 children and comprised severe tracheomalacia and right main bronchus stenosis requiring aortopexy (n = 1), vocal cord palsy (n = 2), extensive mediastinal rotation (n = 1), proximal tracheal diverticulum (n = 1), severe subglottic stenosis requiring airway reconstruction (n = 1), proximal tracheal diverticulum (n = 1), right sided aortic arch (n = 1) and left sided aortic arch (previously reported to be right sided, n = 1).

Conclusions

This standardised approach for this complex group of patients reveals a high incidence of unexpected anatomical and functional anomalies with significant surgical and possible medico-legal implications. We recommend these investigations during the pre-operative work-up prior to all revisional oesophageal surgery.     

Risk factors for persistent pain after urological surgery

Objective

Ten to 50% of patients with post-surgical pain develop chronic pain depending on the type of surgery. The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of persistent post-surgical pain (PPSP) and to identify risk factors following urology surgery.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Patients

Two hundred and twenty-eight patients scheduled for urology surgery. Reasons for non-inclusions: patients who underwent a procedure not defined as being associated with PPSP.

Methods

Surgical urologic procedures potentially associated with PPSP were defined. All patients who had one of these procedures during the study period received a questionnaire by mail at least 3 months after the surgery. The files of these patients were retrospectively studied.

Results

Eight percent of the patients had preoperative pain. PPSP, assessed approximately 6 months after the surgery, was reported by 24% of the patients. Twenty-five (36%) of them reported neuropathic pain. Patients with PPSP had significantly more preoperative pain and an increased postoperative morphine consumption. Postoperative NSAID administration led to less persistent pain. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified two independent risk factors of developing persistent pain: preoperative pain (OR = 21.6, 95% CI 6.7–69.5, P < 0.0001), morphine consumption 48 hours after surgery higher than 6 mg (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.2–4.3, P = 0.0118).

Conclusion

These findings confirm the role of preoperative pain and morphine consumption in the genesis of PPSP and call for establishing clinical perioperative pathways tailored to the patient.     

Initial bladder closure of the cloacal exstrophy complex: Outcome related risk factors and keys to success

Purpose

This study examines a large single-institution experience with cloacal exstrophy patients, analyzing patient demographics and surgical strategies predictive of bladder closure outcomes.

Methods

One hundred patients with cloacal exstrophy were identified. Complete closure history including demographics, operative history, and outcomes was available on 60 patients. Twenty-six patients with a history of failed initial bladder closure were compared to 34 with a history of successful initial bladder closure. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to compare the two groups.

Results

Median follow up time after initial closure was 9 years (range: 13 months-29 years). A 1 cm increase in pre-closure diastasis resulted in a 2.64 increase in the odds of initial closure failure (p = 0.004). Protective strategies against failure included delaying closure (per month) (OR = 0.894, p = 0.009), employing pelvic osteotomies (OR = 0.095, p < 0.001), and applying external fixation (OR = 0.024; p = 0.001). Among patients who underwent osteotomy (31% of patients in the failed group, 82% in the successful group), a longer delay between osteotomy and closure (OR = 0.033; p = 0.005) was also protective against failure.

Conclusion

Patients with a large diastasis are more likely to fail initial closure. Delaying initial closure for at least 3 months, performing pelvic osteotomy, and using an external fixation device post-operatively are strategies that improve closure success.     

Perioperative epidural analgesia in children undergoing major abdominal tumor surgery — a single center experience

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the use of continuous epidural analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing major abdominal tumor surgery.

Methods

Children undergoing major abdominal tumor surgery at our institution between 2008 and 2012 (n = 40) received continuous epidural analgesia via an epidural catheter. Surgical trauma scores, pain scores, and clinical data of the children were compared to a pair-matched historical control group operated on between 2002 and 2007 without epidural analgesia.

Results

Pain levels in the study group on day 1 and 3 after surgery were lower compared to the control group. The differences did, however, not reach statistical significance (p = 0.15 and 0.09). Children in the study group received significantly fewer additional doses of piritramide or morphine (45% versus 82%, p < 0.001). Despite significantly higher surgical trauma scores in the study group (p = 0.018), there were no statistical differences regarding clinical parameters, such as mechanical ventilation time, time on intensive care unit, and total hospital stay. There were no catheter-related complications.

Conclusions

Continuous epidural analgesia is beneficial for children undergoing complex abdominal tumor surgery with regard to pain levels, postoperative recovery, and general clinical course. Expertise of the managing team, a careful patient selection, and a continuous quality assessment are essential for success.     

Le Smur meilleur vecteur pour une analgésie des patients traumatisés à l’arrivée aux urgences

Objectives

To find out prehospital factors linked with low pain on arrival into a traumatic emergency unit.

Methods

A 4-month monocentric prospective study, including patients recruited at their arrival into a traumatic emergency unit. Pain (with a numerical rating scale [NRS]), anxiety, prehospital care including the type of transportation (Physician staffed ambulances Smur, emergency medical technicians or firemen ambulances), immobilization and analgesics used were evaluated. These data were collected on arrival at the hospital by the ED orientation nurse. Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed to identify low pain's predictive factors (e.g. with a NRS ≤ 3).

Results

Three hundred and four patients were recruited, mean age = 51 ± 25, sex ratio = 1.8, mean pain/10 = 5.8 ± 2.9, 64% with a moderate or severe pain on arrival (NRS > 3). For one third of patients, immobilizations hadn’t been performed during the prehospital phase. Medical management by Smur is a low pain predictive factor (OR = 5.8; CI 95% = 1.4–24.16), anxiety is a pejorative factor (OR = 0.53 CI 95% = 0.38–0.75).

Conclusion

Our study highlights the physician staffed ambulances’ effectiveness in prehospital trauma victim's management and raises the question of anxiolysis as an adjuvant for traumatic pain management.     

Wartime vascular injuries in the pediatric population of Iraq and Afghanistan: 2002–2011

Background

Contemporary war-related studies focus primarily on adults with few reporting the injuries sustained in local pediatric populations. The objective of this study is to characterize pediatric vascular trauma at US military hospitals in wartime Iraq and Afghanistan.

Methods

Review of the Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DoDTR) (2002–2011) identified patients (1–17 years old) treated at US military hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan using ICD-9 and procedure codes for vascular injury.

Results

US military hospitals treated 4402 pediatric patients between 2002 and 2011. One hundred fifty-five patients (3.5%) had a vascular injury. Mean age, gender, and injury severity score (ISS) were 11.1 ± 4.1 years, 79% male, and 34 ± 13.5, respectively. Vascular injuries were primarily from penetrating mechanisms (95.6%; 58.0% blast injury) to the extremity (65.9%), torso (25.4%), and neck (8.6%). Injuries were ligated (31%), reconstructed (63%), or observed (2%). Limb salvage rate was 95%. Mortality rate was 9%.

Conclusions

This study is the first to report vascular trauma in a pediatric population at wartime. Vascular injuries involve a high percentage of extremity and torso wounding. Torso vascular injury in children is four times lethal relative to other injury patterns, and therefore should be considered in operational planning both in the military and civilian setting regarding pediatric vascular injuries.     

Laparoscopic versus open appendicectomy in children: A UK District General Hospital experience

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of laparoscopic appendicectomy in reducing morbidity and length of stay in children compared to open procedures in a UK District General Hospital setting.

Methods

A three-year retrospective review of children ≤ 15 years with histologically confirmed appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic (LA) and/or open (OA) appendicectomy was performed. Choice of operation was based on individual surgeon’s preference and on patient’s body size. Data collected included rate of histologically complicated appendicitis, post-operative length of stay (LOS), and collective and differential morbidity rates, i.e., wound infection, intra-abdominal collection, and ileus. Chi-square and Mann–Whitney tests were used for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 was regarded as significant.

Results

Eighty children (70% male) were identified at median age 11 (3–15) years. They could be divided into complicated (n = 18, 22%) and simple appendicitis (n = 62, 78%). Appendicectomy was performed in all as an OPEN (n = 53, 66%) or LAPAROSCOPIC (n = 27, 34%) procedure. Both groups were comparable in gender distribution (P = 0.11) and rate of complicated appendicitis (30% vs. 19%, respectively; P = 0.27). Median age was significantly lower in the OPEN group [10 (3–15) vs. 12 (7–15) years; P < 0.004]. Laparoscopic appendicectomy had a significantly lower rate of collective morbidity (3.8% vs. 25.9%; P < 0.003), including lower rate of intra-abdominal collection (1.9% vs. 14.8%; P < 0.01). Median LOS was not significantly different (1 day vs. 2 days; P = 0.14).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic appendicectomy in children in a UK District General Hospital is safe and was associated with significantly less post-operative morbidity than the open technique.