Long-term health-related quality of life after complex and/or complicated esophageal atresia in adults and children registered in a German patient support group

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after esophageal atresia (EA) repair is postulated to be good. However, little is known about the long-term results after repair of complex and/or complicated EA regarding HRQoL. We investigated long-term HRQoL after delayed anastomosis, esophageal replacement, major revisions, or multiple dilatations in patients registered in a support group.

Methods

Patients registered in the German patient support group database (KEKS) were enrolled and allocated to subgroups according to surgical treatment and age. HRQoL was evaluated using validated questionnaires (GIQLI, WHO-5, KIDSCREEN27).

Results

Complete follow-up (mean 14.5 ± 9.8 years) was available for 90/92 patients. Patients were allocated to subgroups delayed anastomosis (n = 28), esophageal replacement (n = 27), major revisions (n = 15), and multiple dilatations (n = 20). Adult patients presented with impaired well-being according to WHO-score and gastrointestinal function (GIQLI). In contrast, HRQoL of children was comparable to controls in most KIDSCREEN27-dimensions. Delayed anastomosis was associated with most-favourable HRQoL. Regarding physical well-being, these children scored significantly better than controls [64.01 ± 10.40 vs. 52.36 ± 8.73;p = 0.0011], children after replacement [51.40 ± 5.70;p = 0.008], revisions [52.04 ± 6.97;p = 0.026], and multiple dilatations [50.22 ± 9.67,p = 0.04].

Conclusions

HRQoL after complex and/or complicated EA is excellent in children registered in a patient support group. In adults, disease-specific symptoms negatively affect HRQoL. Our data indicate that saving the esophagus may achieve the best HRQoL.     

Intramural injection with botulinum toxin significantly elongates the pig esophagus

Background/Purpose

Surgical treatment of long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) is challenging. Methods which facilitate stretching of the esophageal pouches may allow primary anastomosis. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) blocks acetylcholine release in neuromuscular junctions, thereby causing muscle relaxation. We hypothesized that intramural injections with BTX-A into the esophageal wall of piglets would significantly elongate the tissue upon stretch.

Methods

Twenty-four piglets were randomized to receive BTX-A of placebo (saline). After one hour, the esophagus was removed en bloc and tested in a stretch-tension device.

Results

The mean esophageal elongation was 84% (range 83–101) in the BTX-A-group and 65% (50–78) in the control group. The mean difference between the two groups was 18%, which was significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Intramural injections with botulinum toxin type A elongate the esophagus significantly. Clinically, this could be a potential method to achieve primary anastomosis in LGEA. Additional clinical studies are necessary to evaluate the method before it can be generally recommended.     

Near infrared spectroscopy: Experience on esophageal atresia infants

Objective

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) gradually became the gold standard to guide anesthetic conduction during cardiac surgery, and nowadays, it is commonly utilized to monitor cerebral oxygenation during invasive procedures. Preterm babies also benefit from this non-invasive monitoring to prevent neurological sequelae. However, few data are available on NIRS perioperative changes in newborn operated on for major non-cardiac malformations. Aim of the present study is to evaluate the usefulness of NIRS assessment during and after esophageal atresia (EA) correction and its correlation with clinical behavior.

Patients and Methods

All patients treated for EA from May 2011 were prospectively enrolled in the study. All infants underwent “open” correction of EA and cerebral and splanchnic NIRS was applied up to 48 h after surgery. Body temperature, blood pressure, pH, paSO2, paCO2, and urine output, were recorded during NIRS registration. Mann–Whitney test and 1-way ANOVA (Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s multiple comparison tests) were used as appropriate.

Results

Seventeen patients were enrolled into the study and 13 were available for the analysis. Four patients were excluded because of poor NIRS registration. Cerebral and renal NIRS values significantly decreased at 24 h post-operatively (p < 0.05). Interestingly, all parameters studied as possible confounders in NIRS remained stable during the study period. Urine output significantly decreased.

Conclusion

Our data confirmed that perioperative monitoring of tissue oxygenation during neonatal esophageal surgery is feasible. Cerebral and renal NIRS evaluation, as for cardiac patients, may guide anesthetic conduction and postoperative care. Out data suggest a newly observed hemodynamic reorganization during esophageal surgery involving renal and, probably, splanchnic blood flow redistribution, demonstrated by the observed subsequent significant post-operative transitory decrease in urinary output. Reducing the decrement in cerebral and renal NIRS values may improve, and ideally eliminate, the well-known late sequelae linked to hemodynamic changes during surgery. More studies are needed to better understand the causes of the NIRS described hemodynamic changes and, therefore, correct them.     

Is early delivery beneficial in gastroschisis?

Purpose

Gastroschisis neonates have delayed time to full enteral feeds (ENT), possibly due to bowel exposure to amniotic fluid. We investigated whether delivery at < 37 weeks improves neonatal outcomes of gastroschisis and impact of intra/extra-abdominal bowel dilatation (IABD/EABD).

Methods

A retrospective review of gastroschisis (1992–2012) linked fetal/neonatal data at 2 tertiary referral centers was performed. Primary outcomes were ENT and length of hospital stay (LOS). Data (median [range]) were analyzed using parametric/non-parametric tests, positive/negative predictive values, and regression analysis.

Results

Two hundred forty-six patients were included. Thirty-two were complex (atresia/necrosis/perforation/stenosis). ENT (p < 0.0001) and LOS (p < 0.0001) were reduced with increasing gestational age. IABD persisted to last scan in 92 patients, 68 (74%) simple (intact/uncompromised bowel), 24 (26%) complex. IABD or EABD diameter in complex patients was not significantly greater than simple gastroschisis. Combined IABD/EABD was present in 22 patients (14 simple, 8 complex). When present at < 30 weeks, the positive predictive value for complex gastroschisis was 75%. Two patients with necrosis and one atresia had IABD and collapsed extra-abdominal bowel from < 30 weeks.

Conclusion

Early delivery is associated with prolonged ENT/LOS, suggesting elective delivery at < 37 weeks is not beneficial. Combined IABD/EABD or IABD/collapsed extra-abdominal bowel is suggestive of complex gastroschisis.     

Early results of an objective feedback-directed system for the staged traction repair of long-gap esophageal atresia

Purpose

Treatment of long-gap esophageal atresia challenges pediatric surgeons. Dr. Foker described utilization of external traction sutures to promote in-vivo growth through tension-induced lengthening, but reproducibility of this technique is difficult. We describe a safe and reproducible traction system using transduction of hydrostatic pressure as a surrogate for tension.

Methods

We conducted a multi-institutional review of patients treated with this system from 2005 to 2012. All children had sutures applied to both pouches with continuous measurement of associated hydrostatic pressures (tension). Main outcome measures were days to delayed primary repair and thoracotomies prior to primary repair.

Results

Seven children were included. Median time to delayed repair was 15 days (range: 6–47 days). Three patients required repeat thoracotomies owing to mechanical entrapment of a pouch, all identified early by this system. All required postoperative dilations. Three had self-limited postdilation leaks, and there was one operation-related leak.

Conclusions

This system provides reproducible traction application, facilitating staged primary repair by preventing major failures through limiting excessive traction and guides re-exploration for trapped segments. Larger studies are needed to determine the optimal tension protocol, prevent postoperative leaks, while decreasing the need for dilations and time to enteral feeding.     

Randomized Controlled Trial of Barbed Polyglyconate Versus Polyglactin Suture for Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Anastomosis: Technique and Outcomes

Background

Transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) urethrovesical anastomosis is a critical step. Although the prevalence of urine leaks ranges from 4.5% to 7.5% at high-volume RALP centers, urine leaks prolong catheterization and may lead to ileus, peritonitis, and require intervention. Barbed polyglyconate sutures maintain running suture line tension and may be advantageous in RALP anastomosis for reducing this complication.

Objective

To compare barbed polyglyconate and polyglactin 910 (Vicryl, Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) running sutures for RALP anastomosis.

Design, setting, and participants

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-surgeon study comparing RALP anastomosis using either barbed polyglyconate (n = 45) or polyglactin 910 (n = 36) sutures.

Surgical procedure

RALP anastomosis using either barbed polyglyconate or polyglactin 910 sutures was studied.

Measurements

Operative time, cost differential, perioperative complications, and cystogram contrast extravasation by anastomosis suture type were measured.

Results and limitations

Although baseline characteristics and overall operative times were similar, barbed polyglyconate sutures were associated with shorter mean anastomosis times of 9.7 min versus 9.8 min (p = 0.014). In addition, anastomosis with barbed polyglyconate rather than polyglactin 910 sutures was associated with more frequent cystogram extravasation 8 d postoperatively (20.0% vs 2.8%; p = 0.019), longer mean catheterization times (11.1 d vs 8.3 d; p = 0.048), and greater suture costs per case ($51.52 vs $8.44; p < 0.001). After 8 of 29 (27.6%) barbed polyglyconate anastomosis sites demonstrated postoperative day 8 cystogram extravasation, we modified our technique to avoid overtightening, reducing cystogram extravasation to 1 (6.3%) of 16 subsequent barbed polyglyconate anastomosis sites. Potential limitations include small sample size and the single-surgeon study design.

Conclusions

Compared to traditional sutures, barbed polyglyconate is more costly and requires technical modification to avoid overtightening, delayed healing, and longer catheterization time following RALP.     

Alvimopan Accelerates Gastrointestinal Recovery After Radical Cystectomy: A Multicenter Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background

Radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer is frequently associated with delayed gastrointestinal (GI) recovery that prolongs hospital length of stay (LOS).

Objective

To assess the efficacy of alvimopan to accelerate GI recovery after RC.

Design, setting, and participants

We conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in patients undergoing RC and receiving postoperative intravenous patient-controlled opioid analgesics.

Intervention

Oral alvimopan 12 mg (maximum: 15 inpatient doses) versus placebo.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

The two-component primary end point was time to upper (first tolerance of solid food) and lower (first bowel movement) GI recovery (GI-2). Time to discharge order written, postoperative LOS, postoperative ileus (POI)-related morbidity, opioid consumption, and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. An independent adjudication of cardiovascular AEs was performed.

Results and limitations

Patients were randomized to alvimopan (n = 143) or placebo (n = 137); 277 patients were included in the modified intention-to-treat population. The alvimopan cohort experienced quicker GI-2 recovery (5.5 vs 6.8 d; hazard ratio: 1.8; p < 0.0001), shorter mean LOS (7.4 vs 10.1 d; p = 0.0051), and fewer episodes of POI-related morbidity (8.4% vs 29.1%; p < 0.001). The incidence of opioid consumption and AEs or serious AEs (SAEs) was comparable except for POI, which was lower in the alvimopan group (AEs: 7% vs 26%; SAEs: 5% vs 20%, respectively). Cardiovascular AEs occurred in 8.4% (alvimopan) and 15.3% (placebo) of patients (p = 0.09). Generalizability may be limited due to the exclusion of epidural analgesia and the inclusion of mostly high-volume centers utilizing open laparotomy.

Conclusions

Alvimopan is a useful addition to a standardized care pathway in patients undergoing RC by accelerating GI recovery and shortening LOS, with a safety profile similar to placebo.

Patient summary

This study examined the effects of alvimopan on bowel recovery in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Patients receiving alvimopan experienced quicker bowel recovery and had a shorter hospital stay compared with those who received placebo, with comparable safety.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00708201     

Ileal pouch anal anastomosis in pediatric familial adenomatous polyposis: A 24-year review of operative technique and patient outcomes

Background

Total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the operative procedure of choice for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients. We review 24 years of operative experience and outcomes in pediatric patients with FAP.

Methods

Patients with FAP, age < 20 years, presenting to a single institution between 1987 and 2011 were included. Operative technique and outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. Primary outcomes included postoperative complications (30 days), long-term bowel function, and polyp recurrence at the anal anastomosis.

Results

95 patients with FAP underwent IPAA. Mean age at IPAA was 15.5 years with a mean follow-up of 7.6 years. 29 patients underwent 1-stage IPAA, 65 patients had a two-stage IPAA, and 1 patient underwent a 3-stage procedure. 67 patients had an open procedure, 25 underwent a laparoscopic approach, and more recently 3 patients underwent single incision laparoscopic IPAA. Patients with 1-stage IPAA demonstrate better long term bowel control vs. 2-stage IPAA patients (10.7% vs. 36.0% occasional incontinence, p = 0.018). However, 1-stage IPAA patients suffered increased short-term complications, such as anastomotic leak (17.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.002) and reoperation (20.7% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.02) compared to 2-stage IPAA. Anal anastomosis polyp recurrence occurred in 22.7% of 1-stage patients and 10.0% of 2-stage patients. Short-term complications, polyp recurrence, or long-term continence were equivalent between open and laparoscopic cases.

Conclusion

Single-stage IPAA in children with FAP is associated with better bowel control but increased anastomotic leak, reoperative rate, and polyp recurrence. In experienced hands, laparoscopic IPAA is equivocal to open IPAA.     

Early surgical outcomes and pathological scoring values of older infants (≥ 90 d old) with biliary atresia

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the impact of age at Kasai operation on the short-term outcome of type III biliary atresia (BA) and to discuss if pathological scoring can be the prediction of effect in the Kasai procedure for the older (≥ 90 days) infant.

Methods

During the period 2004 through 2010, 452 infants with type III BA were reviewed. The relationship between ages at Kasai operation and jaundice clearance rates and two year native liver survival rates were assessed, retrospectively. Pathological slides were analyzed with a histological scoring system.

Results

All of the patients were divided into 3 groups according to their ages at operation (group A: aged 60 days or less (n = 146), group B: age between 60 and 90 days (n = 222) , and group C: age on or over 90 days (n = 84)). The worst outcome of clearance of jaundice was found in group A but not in group C 2 weeks after the operation (P < 0.05). Jaundice clearance rates showed no difference among the three groups either at 3-months or 6-months after operation. Moreover, in group C patients, the pathological scores showed no difference between the jaundice clearance group and jaundice persistence group 6 months after surgery. In group C, two year survival rate of patients with native livers was 36.1%.

Conclusion

Some patients over 90 days of age at surgery can still benefit from a Kasai procedure. The pathological scoring system does not play a role in predicting jaundice clearance in patients over 90 days of age at surgery.     

Congenital pyloric atresia,presentation, management,and outcome: A report of 20 cases

Background

Congenital pyloric atresia (CPA) is a very rare anomaly. It is usually seen as an isolated condition with excellent prognosis. Few cases are familial. These are usually associated with other hereditary conditions and have a poor prognosis. This is a review of our experience with 20 patients with CPA outlining aspects of diagnosis, associated anomalies and management.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 20 cases seen over a 22 year period (December 1990 to December 2012). Their records reviewed for: age, sex, presentation, prenatal history, associated anomalies, investigations, treatment, operative findings and the outcome.

Results

20 cases (9 Males, 11 Females) were treated. 7 patients were full term and the remaining 13 were prematures. Their mean birth weight was 2.1 kg (1.1 kg to 3.9 kg). Polyhydramnios was seen in 13 patients (65%). Two were brothers and four were members of the same family. Isolated CPA was seen in 7 (35%); 13 had an associated conditions: epidermolysis bullosa (EB) in 8 (40%) and multiple intestinal atresias (MIA) in 5 (25%). Three patients had associated esophageal atresia. All were operated on except two who died early due to unrelenting sepsis. The variety of pyloric atresias encountered were as follows: pyloric diaphragm in 13 including double diaphragms in 2, pyloric atresia with a gap in 4 and pyloric atresia without gap in 3. Ten died postoperatively giving an overall survival of 40%.

Conclusions

CPA is a very rare condition. Isolated CPA carries a good prognosis. Association of CPA with other familial and congenital anomalies like EB and MIA carries a poor prognosis.     

High incidence of catheter-associated venous thromboembolic events in patients with long gap esophageal atresia treated with the Foker process

Purpose

To determine the incidence of catheter-associated venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in long gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) patients treated at Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) and to identify possible risk factors associated with their development.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of LGEA patients from 2005 to 2012. Symptomatic VTEs with radiographic confirmation were defined as events. Potential risk factors were assessed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Covariates included age, weight, initial gap length, cumulative days of pharmacologic paralysis and paralytic episodes, number and type of central venous catheters (CVCs), and number of operations.

Results

Forty-four LGEA patients were identified. The incidence of CVC associated VTE was 34%. Univariate analysis identified age at Foker 1 (P = .03), paralysis duration (P = .01), episodes of paralysis (P = .001), cumulative number of CVC (P = .007) and length of stay (P = .03) as significant. Multivariate logistic regression identified the number of paralytic episodes as the only significant independent risk factor for VTE (P < .0001).

Conclusions

The incidence of symptomatic VTE was 34%, significantly higher than the VTE incidence of 4.5% reported for our other hospitalized children. These data have led to multidisciplinary discussions regarding thromboprophylaxis and development of a consensus-driven protocol. Since the initiation of this protocol, no VTEs have been identified.     

Risk factors affecting late-presenting liver failure in adult patients with biliary atresia

Purpose

Following the Kasai operation, a number of patients have developed liver failure, even after long-term postoperative courses. We assessed the clinical parameters to clarify the early risk factors affecting late-presenting liver failure in biliary atresia.

Materials and Methods

From 1955 to 1991, 277 patients underwent a Kasai operation. Among those patients, 92 survived with their native liver for more than 20 years, and 72 continue to survive with their native liver in good condition (Group 1). In 20 patients, persistent jaundice recurred after the age of 20 years (Group 2). The postoperative courses of these patients were assessed retrospectively, and the clinical parameters, including age at the time of the Kasai operation (AGE, days), the period required for jaundice to disappear (PJD, days), and the association with early cholangitis (CG), were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

Of the 20 patients in Group 2, 8 survived after a liver transplantation (LTx). Eight patients had recurrent jaundice, including 4 on the waiting list for anLTx. Additionally, 2 patients died after anLTx at the ages of 22 and 39. Another patient died of liver failure at the age of 28. One patient died of massive esophageal variceal bleeding at the age of 29. Significant differences were confirmed with respect to AGE (Group 1 < Group 2, p < .001), PJD (Group 1 < Group 2, p < .001), and CG (Group 1: Group 2 = 47 %: 75 %, p = .028).

Conclusions

A considerable number of adult patients developed liver failure, even after the age of 20 years. AGE, PJD, and CG were found to be risk factors affecting late-presenting liver failure. Therefore, close patient follow-up is essential, especially for long-term survivors with a late operative age and early postoperative complications.     

Laryngotracheobronchoscopy prior to esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula repair—its use and importance

Background

Pure esophageal atresia (EA) and esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) are commonly associated with various anomalies. Associated anomalies, especially those of upper airways may alter the management strategies. This study was designed to find out the role of preoperative laryngotracheobronchoscopy (LTB) just prior to the standard surgical procedure.

Study design

This was a retrospective study. The data of all the newborn babies (n = 88) with a provisional diagnosis of EA or EA-TEF with preoperative rigid LTB, using 2.5/3.0/3.5 F rigid bronchoscope were analyzed. This additional procedure entailed documenting the abnormalities, endoscopic lavage and noting the site of the fistula. The fistula was cannulated by 3.0 F ureteric catheter just prior to the standard surgical procedure. Management strategies were changed as per the additional findings.

Results

Out of 88 patients, 77 had EA-TEF while 11 had pure EA. LTB was performed in all of them. Additional findings in bronchoscopy were noted in 18 (20.46%) babies. These additional findings were: fistula at unusual site in 12, laryngotracheal cleft in 2 and vallecular cyst in 1 neonate. The diagnosis of pure EA turned out to be EA-TEF in 3 cases. Unusual fistula sites were carinal/subcarinal in 4/12 (33.33%), upper pouch fistula in 1/12 (8.33%), double fistula in 2/12 (16.67%) and fistula from main bronchus in 5/12 (41.67%) cases.

Conclusions

LTB performed just prior to the definitive surgical procedure in EA and EA-TEF would diagnose, document and may aid in the surgical management strategies.     

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.     

Impact of noradrenaline infusion set on mean arterial pressure: A retrospective clinical study

Objectives

Noradrenaline (NA) can be infused through various systems including single or double syringe pumps. The aim of this study was to define the best and most efficient infusion system in an emergency context.

Study design

This was a retrospective clinical study based on the analysis of patients’ hemodynamic data.

Patients and method

Three infusion lines used presently in our postoperative ICU were compared through a retrospective clinical study: an NA syringe pump at 2 mL/h and a saline carrier solution syringe pump at 8 mL/h (infusion system 1- IS1) or 5 mL/h (IS2), both connected to a very low dead-space volume set (V = 0.046 mL); IS3 with the same NA syringe at 2 mL/h directly connected to the central venous catheter. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was obtained from retrospective data analysis of ICU patients with postoperative septic shock criteria. Infusion systems were compared according to the time required to reach an MAP greater than 65 mmHg after the onset of infusion.

Results

Data from 37 patients was analysed. The MAP objective was attained in 14:00 minutes (9:20 – 26:10, n = 15) with IS1, in 19:10 minutes (12:20 – 27:20, n = 13) with IS2 and in 34:10 minutes (23:10 – 62:30, n = 9) with IS3 (P = 0.00032).

Conclusion

The use of a double syringe pump system associated with a very low dead-space volume infusion set appears to be the most appropriate system for NA infusion.     

Impact of Percutaneous Suprapubic Tube Drainage on Patient Discomfort after Radical Prostatectomy

Background

Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) traditionally require urethral catheterization for adequate bladder drainage in the postoperative period. However, many patients have significant discomfort from the urethral catheter.

Objective

To describe a technique of percutaneous suprapubic tube (PST) bladder drainage after robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) and to evaluate patient discomfort, complications, continence, and stricture rate after this procedure.

Design, setting, and participants

Two hundred two patients undergoing RALP were drained with a 14F PST instead of a urethral catheter. The PST was placed robotically at the conclusion of the urethrovesical anastomosis and secured to the skin over a plastic button. Beginning on postoperative day 5, patients clamped the PST, urinated per urethra, and measured the postvoid residual (PVR) drained by PST. The PST was removed when residuals were <30 cm³ per void. The control group consisted of 50 consecutive patients undergoing RALP with urethral catheter drainage.

Measurements

The primary end point was catheter-associated discomfort as measured with the Faces Pain Score-Revised (FPS-R). Secondary end points included use of anticholinergics, complications related to the PST, urinary continence, and urethral stricture.

Results and limitations

When compared with urethral catheter patients, PST patients had significantly decreased catheter-related discomfort on postoperative days 2 and 6 (p < 0.001). Anticholinergic medication was required by one PST and four urethral catheter patients (p < 0.001). Ten patients required urethral catheterization for PST dislodgement (n = 5) or urinary retention (n = 5). No patient has developed a urethral stricture at a mean follow-up of 7 mo.

Conclusions

PST provides adequate urinary drainage following RALP with less patient discomfort and no increased risk of urethral stricture.     

Prevention of drug delivery disturbances during continuous intravenous infusion: An in vitro study on a new multi-lumen infusion access device

Objective

Stopping and restarting carrier fluid flow and performing simultaneous drug infusions can lead to hazardous disturbances in drug delivery. The present study was designed to assess in vitro whether using a multi-lumen infusion access device could prevent noradrenaline disturbances.

Study design

In vitro laboratory work.

Methods

Two infusion devices were studied: a standard device with a four-port manifold and a 150 cm extension line and a nine-lumen infusion device (Edelvaiss-Multiline^®) with eight accesses connected to nine separate lumens in a single tube of 150 cm: seven accesses connected to seven peripheral lumens and one for the carrier fluid access connected to two lumens. Two experimental protocols of noradrenaline infusion were made: (a) drug flow rate change and (b) stop-and-go carrier fluid flows. Two parameters were studied: drug mass flow rate and flow change efficiency (FCE) calculated from the ratio of the area under the experimental mass flow rate curve to the area under the theoretical instantaneous mass flow rate curve.

Results

Variations in noradrenaline mass flow rate were more rapid with the Edelvaiss-Multiline^® when the noradrenaline infusion rate was increased or decreased. FCE was significantly different from one infusion device to the other during both noradrenaline flow rate increase (standard vs. nine-lumen: 58% vs. 84%; P = 0.008) and decrease (175% vs. 108%; P = 0.008). Decreased drug delivery after stopping carrier fluid flow (standard vs. nine-lumen: 21% vs. 98%; P = 0.008) and sudden temporary increases on resumption (253% vs. 103%; P = 0.008) were reduced in magnitude and duration when using the Edelvaiss-Multiline^® with a significant difference in FCE between the two infusion devices.

Conclusions

Using the nine-lumen infusion device reduces drug delivery disturbances during continuous intravenous infusion.     

Multicenter retrospective comparative study of laparoscopically assisted and conventional anorectoplasty for male infants with rectoprostatic urethral fistula

Background

Laparoscopically assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) was expected to achieve better fecal continence than conventional procedures. However, the issue of which approach is better remains controversial. We compared outcomes between the conventional procedure and LAARP in male infants with rectoprostatic urethral fistula.

Methods

Institutes belonging to the Japanese Study Group of Anorectal Anomalies (JSGA) were invited to participate. Subjects were male infants with rectoprostatic urethral fistula treated by the conventional approach (abdominoperineal pull-through and PSARP) or LAARP between 2000 and 2006. Medical charts and operative records were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Eighty-one patients (conventional: 36, LAARP: 45) were enrolled from 15 centers. In both groups, the mean Kelly score was 5. The total score of the scoring system was newly developed by the Japanese Study Group of Anorectal Anomalies. Follow-up Project (5–15 points) was 10.7 and 12.1 in the conventional group and the LAARP group, respectively (p = 0.07). The incidence of failed rectoanal anastomosis, mucosal prolapse, and anal stenosis was comparable in both groups. Posterior urethral diverticula were detected on cystourethrograms in 7% and 11% (p = 1.0) and on MRI in 0% and 34% (p = 0.02) of the conventional and the LAARP groups, respectively. Overall, 94% of diverticula were asymptomatic.

Conclusions

Fecal continence and complication rates after LAARP were comparable to those observed after the conventional method. Posterior urethral diverticula were detected more frequently after LAARP.     

Evaluation of gastroesophageal function and mechanisms underlying gastroesophageal reflux in infants and adults born with esophageal atresia

Purpose

To evaluate the mechanisms underlying gastroesophageal reflux (GER) following esophageal atresia (EA) repair and gastroesophageal function in infants and adults born with EA.

Methods

Ten consecutive infants born with EA as well as 10 randomly selected adult EA patients were studied during their first postoperative follow-up visit and a purposely planned visit, respectively. A ¹³C-octanoate breath test and esophageal pH–impedance–manometry study were performed. Mechanisms underlying GER and esophageal function were evaluated.

Results

Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) was the most common mechanism underlying GER in infants and adults (66% and 62%, respectively). In 66% of all GER episodes, no clearing mechanism was initiated. On EFT, normal motility patterns were seen in six patients (four infants, two adults). One of these adults had normal motility overall (> 80% of swallows). Most swallows (78.8%) were accompanied by abnormal motility patterns. Despite this observation, impedance showed normal bolus transit in 40.9% of swallows. Gastric emptying was delayed in 57.1% of infants and 22.2% of adults.

Conclusions

TLESR is the main mechanism underlying GER events in patients with EA. Most infants and adults have impaired motility, delayed bolus clearance, and delayed gastric emptying. However, normal motility patterns were seen in a minority of patients.     

Military trauma care in Birmingham: Observational study of care requirements and resource utilisation

Background

The Royal Centre for Defence Medicine is located at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB). Since 2001 all UK military casualties injured on active duty have been repatriated here for their initial treatment. This service evaluation was performed to quantify the work undertaken, with the aim of providing a snapshot of a year's military trauma work in order to inform the delivery of trauma care in both the military and civilian setting.

Methods

Military patients admitted with traumatic injuries over a 12-month period were identified and the hospital notes and electronic records reviewed. Data were collected focusing on three areas – the details of the injury, information about the in-patient admission, and surgical interventions performed.

Results

A total of 388 patients were used in the analysis. Median total length of stay was 10.5 days (IQR: 4–26, range: 0–137 days), and a median 6.0 days (IQR: 3.0–11.0, range: 1–49 days) was spent on intensive care by 125 patients. Surgical intervention was required for 278 (71.6%) patients, with a median of 2.0 operations (IQR: 1.0–4.0, range: 1–27) or 170 min (IQR: 90.0–570.0, range 20–4735 min) operating time per patient. 77% of these patients had their first procedure within 24 h of arrival. Improvised explosives accounted for 50.5% of injuries seen. Spearman rank correlation between New Injury Severity Score with length of stay demonstrated significant correlation (p < 0.001), with a coefficient of 0.640. A model predicting length of stay based on New Injury Severity Score was devised for patients with battle injuries.

Conclusion

This report of 12 months work at UHB demonstrates the service commitment to these casualties, describing the burden of care and resource requirements for military trauma patients.