Implementing a standardized gastroschisis protocol significantly increases the rate of primary sutureless closure without compromising closure success or early clinical outcomes

PurposeStandardized protocols have been shown to improve outcomes in several pediatric surgical conditions. We implemented a multi-disciplinary gastroschisis practice bundle at our institution in 2013. We sought to evaluate its impact on closure type and early clinical outcomes.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of uncomplicated gastroschisis patients treated at our institution between 2008–2019. Patients were divided into two groups: pre- and post-protocol implementation. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare closure location, method, and success.ResultsNeonates (pre-implementation n = 53, post-implementation n = 43) were similar across baseline variables. Successful immediate closure rates were comparable (75.5% vs. 72.1%, p = 0.71). The proportion of bedside closures increased significantly after protocol implementation (35.3% vs. 95.4%, p < 0.01), as did the proportion of sutureless closures (32.5% vs. 71.0%, p < 0.01). Median postoperative mechanical ventilation decreased significantly (4 days IQR [3, 5] vs. 2 days IQR [1, 3], p < 0.01). Postoperative complications and duration of parenteral nutrition were equivalent. After controlling for potential confounding, infants in the post-implementation group had a 44.0 times higher odds of undergoing bedside closure (95% CI: 9.0, 215.2, p < 0.01) and a 7.7 times higher odds of undergoing sutureless closure (95% CI: 2.3, 25.1, p < 0.01).ConclusionsImplementing a standardized gastroschisis protocol significantly increased the proportion of immediate bedside sutureless closures and decreased the duration of mechanical ventilation, without increasing postoperative complications.Level of Evidence IIIType of Study Retrospective comparative study.     

Variability,outcomes and cost associated with the use of parenteral nutrition in children with complicated appendicitis: A hospital-level propensity matched analysis

Background/PurposeTo examine the influence of parenteral nutrition (PN) on clinical outcomes and cost in children with complicated appendicitis.MethodsRetrospective study of 1,073 children with complicated appendicitis from 29 hospitals participating in the NSQIP-Pediatric Appendectomy Pilot Collaborative (1/2013–6/2015). Mixed-effects regression was used to compare 30-day postoperative outcomes between high and low PN-utilizing hospitals after propensity matching on demographic characteristics, BMI and postoperative LOS as a surrogate for disease severity.ResultsOverall PN utilization was 13.6%, ranging from 0–10.3% at low utilization hospitals (n = 452) and 10.3–32.4% at high utilization hospitals (n = 621). Outcomes were similar between low and high utilization hospitals for rates of overall complications (12.3% vs. 10.5%, OR: 0.80 [0.46,1.37], p = 0.41), SSIs (11.3% vs. 8.8%, OR: 0.72 [0.40,1.32], p = 0.29) and revisits (14.7% vs. 15.9%, OR: 1.10 [0.75,1.61], p = 0.63). Adjusted mean 30-day cumulative hospital cost was 22.9% higher for patients receiving PN ($25,164 vs. $20,478, p < 0.01) after controlling for postoperative LOS.ConclusionFollowing adjustment for patient characteristics and postoperative length of stay, higher rates of PN utilization in children with complicated appendicitis were associated with higher cost but not with lower rates of overall complications, surgical site infections or revisits.Level of Evidence Level III: Treatment study - Retrospective comparative study     

Post-discharge antibiotics do not prevent intra-abdominal abscesses after appendectomy in children

Aim of the studyPerforated appendicitis is common in children, often associated with long hospital stays and high risk of complications. There has been much discussion regarding whether antibiotics prescribed after discharge might reduce the risk of intra-abdominal abscess. This study aims to evaluate whether giving post-discharge antibiotics after appendectomy for perforated appendicitis reduces the risk of abscess.MethodAfter obtaining IRB approval, we reviewed the records of 363 patients who underwent appendectomy for perforated appendicitis at our tertiary pediatric institution from July 2015 to December 2021. Based on surgeon's preference, patients comprised two groups: those discharged with antibiotics (n = 86) or without antibiotics (n = 277). We compared post-discharge ED visits, 30-day readmissions, and SSI, analyzed with population proportion Z-tests with significance levels of 0.05.ResultsPost-discharge organ-space infections occurred in 4/86 (4.7%) of those with antibiotics and 9/277 (3.2%) of those without (P = 0.54). Post-discharge ED visits occurred in 10/86 (11.6%) for those with antibiotics and 23/277 (8.3%) for those without (P = 0.35). Thirty-day readmissions occurred in 6/86 (7.0%) for those with antibiotics and 10/277 (3.6%) for those without (P = 0.18). Superficial and deep SSI occurred in 0/86 (0%) for those with antibiotics and 5/277 (1.8%) for those without (P = 0.21).ConclusionIn children who underwent appendectomy for perforated appendicitis, antibiotics prescribed after discharge did not reduce the incidence of intra-abdominal abscess, ED visits, or SSI. Given appropriate clinical judgment, it is safe to discharge patients with perforated appendicitis home without antibiotics.Level of evidenceLevel III treatment study: retrospective comparative study     

Amoxycillin/Clavulanic acid monotherapy in complicated paediatric appendicitis: Good enough?

BackgroundAntibiotic choice for complicated appendicitis should be based on both microbiological effectiveness as well as ease of administration and cost especially in lower resourced settings. Data is limited on comparative morbidity outcomes for antibiotics with similar microbiological spectrum of activity.Incidence and morbidity of surgical site infection after appendectomy for complicated appendicitis was assessed after protocol change from triple antibiotic (ampicillin, gentamycin, and metronidazole) regimen to single agent (amoxycillin/clavulanic acid).MethodsSurgical site infection (SSI) rate, relook surgery rate and length of hospital stay were retrospectively compared in patients treated for acute appendicitis preceding (2014, 2015; “triple-therapy, TT”) and following (2017, 2018; “single agent, SA”) antibiotic protocol change.ResultsThe rate of complicated appendicitis was similar between groups; 72.6% in TT and 66% in SA (p = 0.239). Significantly, SSI occurred in 22.7% of the SA group compared to 13.3% in TT group (OR 1.920, 95% CI 1.000–3.689, p = 0.048).Use of laparoscopy increased from 31% in TT to 89% in SA, but with subgroup analysis this was not associated with increased SSI (17.3% in open and 20.6% in laparoscopic; OR 0.841, 95% CI 0.409–1.728, p = 0.637). Relook rate (OR 1.444, 95% CI 0.595–3.507, p = 0.093) length of hospital stay (U = 6859, z = -1.163, p = 0.245), and ICU admission (U = 7683, z = 0.634 p = 0.522) were equivocal. Neither group had mortalities.ConclusionsDespite increased SSI with SA, overall morbidity relating to ICU admission, relook rate and length of hospital stay was similar in both groups. More prospective research is required to confirm equivalent overall morbidity and that single agent therapy is more cost-effective with acceptable clinical outcomes.     

Association of operative approach with outcomes in neonates with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula

Purpose: We sought to evaluate the impact of thoracoscopic repair on perioperative outcomes in infants with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF).Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program pediatric database from 2014 to 2018 was queried for all neonates who underwent operative repair of EA/TEF. Operative approach based on intention to treat was correlated with perioperative outcomes, including 30-day postoperative adverse events, in logistic regression models.Results: Among 855 neonates, initial thoracoscopic repair was performed in 133 (15.6%) cases. Seventy (53%) of these cases were converted to open. Those who underwent thoracoscopic repair were more likely to be full-term (p = 0.03) when compared to those in the open repair group. There were no significant differences in perioperative outcome measures based on surgical approach except for operative time (thoracoscopic: 217 min vs. open: 180 min, p<0.001). A major cardiac comorbidity (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.1; p = 0.003) and preoperative ventilator requirement (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–1.9; p = 0.034) were the only risk factors associated with adverse events.Conclusions: Thoracoscopic neonatal repair of EA/TEF continues to be used sparingly, is associated with high conversion rates, and has similar perioperative outcomes when compared to open repair.Level of evidence: III     

Thoracoscopic surgery for congenital lung malformations: Does previous infection really matter?

Background/ PurposeElective resection of congenital lung malformations (CLMs) is still debatable. The two main risks are malignant transformation and recurrent pulmonary infections. Our study aimed to assess the effect of previous pulmonary infection on the intraoperative and postoperative courses of thoracoscopic surgery for CLMs.MethodsThis is a retrospective study including all thoracoscopic lung resections for CLMs between 2010 and 2019. Ninety patients were included. There was a history of previous pulmonary infection in 28 patients (group A) and no such history in 62 patients (group B).ResultsThe median age at operation for group A was 20.4 months (IQR:14.9–41.4) versus 15.1 months (IQR:9.7–20.8) in group B (p = 0.006). There were 10 conversions (35.7%) in group A and 8 (12.9%) in group B (p = 0.02). The operative time was significantly shorter in group B (p<0.002). In group A, 32.1% of patients experienced postoperative fever versus 11.3% of group B (p = 0.03), with higher antibiotics requirement (28.6% versus 6.5% respectively, p = 0.007). However, no significant differences were found in terms of postoperative complications (p = 0.99).ConclusionEarlier intervention for CLMs before the development of pulmonary infection carries higher chances for the success of the thoracoscopic approach with shorter operative time and more uneventful postoperative courses.     

Is Pseudomonas infection associated with worse outcomes in pediatric perforated appendicitis?

BackgroundThere is little information on the effects of Pseudomonas infection on outcomes in perforated appendicitis. As Pseudomonas is not covered by many empiric appendicitis antibiotic regiments, we hypothesized that children with Pseudomonas would have worse outcomes.MethodsPatients <18 years old undergoing appendectomy for perforated appendicitis at a tertiary children's hospital 2015–2019 were included and were stratified by presence of Pseudomonas on intraoperative culture. The primary outcome was post-operative organ-space infection (SSI).ResultsIntraoperative cultures were collected in 58.4% of patients (n = 149/255) with 22.2% (n = 33) positive for Pseudomonas. SSIs occurred in 21.2% of children with Pseudomonas compared to 20.7% of children without Pseudomonas (p = 0.9). Children with Pseudomonas had longer antibiotic duration (9.1 vs. 6.7 days, p = 0.03) and LOS (6.7 vs. 5.9 days, p = 0.03) than those without, but a similar rate of post-operative interventions (12.2% vs. 19.0%, p = 0.4), hospital costs ($28,860 vs. $23,945, p = 0.3), ED visits (9.1% vs. 19.9%, p = 0.3), and readmissions (9.1% vs. 9.5%, p = 1).ConclusionPseudomonas was identified in 22% children with perforated appendicitis and was associated with longer antibiotic durations and LOS, but similar rates of SSI, post-operative interventions, and readmissions compared to children without Pseudomonas. Empiric coverage of Pseudomonas may not be necessary.     

Benefits of an abridged antibiotic protocol for treatment of gangrenous appendicitis

BackgroundWe previously reported a validated, objective definition of gangrenous, nonperforated appendicitis. In this study, we compared a cohort of children with gangrenous appendicitis treated with abridged antibiotics (AA) to another treated with prolonged antibiotics (PA).MethodsIn 2012, our service changed its standard of care for gangrenous appendicitis from PA to AA. In PA, patients received postoperative triple antibiotics until ileus resolved, they were afebrile (< 37.5 °C) for 24 hours, and achieved a normal WBC count. In AA, patients received two doses of postoperative triple antibiotics. A PA cohort during a 12-month period (February 2010–January 2011) was compared to an AA cohort during another 12-month period (April 2012–March 2013).ResultsTwenty patients were treated with AA and 38 patients with PA. AA patients had a significantly shorter overall length of stay (2.1 ± 1.58 vs. 3.18 ± 1.09 days, p = 0.003), as well as a significantly shorter postoperative stay (1.85 ± 1.42 vs. 2.95 ± 1.14 days, p = 0.002). There were no differences between the AA and PA cohorts in wound infections (0%), intraabdominal infections (0%), or appendicitis-related readmissions (0%).ConclusionsAbridged postoperative antibiotics for gangrenous appendicitis significantly shorten hospital stay without increasing complications.     

A nomogram predicting risk for acute compartment syndrome following tibial plateau fractures. Single centre retrospective study

Background This study aimed at analysing risk factors for development of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) in tibial plateau fractures, and to construct a nomogram predicting ACS-risk.Patients and Methods 243 patients (102 males; mean age: 50.7 [range: 18–85] years) with 253 tibial plateau fractures treated between 2010 and 2019 at a level-1 trauma centre were retrospectively included. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analysis with odds ratios (OR) were performed to assess variables predicting ACS. Based on the multivariate model, ROC curve, Youden index, and nomogram were constructed.Results ACS developed in 23 patients (9.1%), with risk factors being male gender (OR: 10.606; p<0.001), BMI (OR: 1.084; p = 0.048), polytrauma (OR: 4.085; p = 0.003), and Schatzker type IV-VI fractures (OR: 6.325; p = 0.004). Age, ASA score, diabetes, renal insufficiency, hypertension, smoking or open fracture were not significantly associated with ACS-risk (all p>0.05). In the multivariate analysis, male gender (OR: 7.392; p = 0.002), and Schatzker type IV-VI fractures (OR: 5.533; p = 0.009) remained independent negative ACS-predictors, irrespective of polytrauma (p = 0.081), or BMI (p = 0.194). Area under the ROC curve was 0.840. Youden index revealed a cut-off value of ≥ 18%, upon which patients are at extremely high risk for ACS.Conclusions Particular attention should be paid to male patients with high-energy fractures of the tibial plateau towards any signs of ACS of the affected extremity to initiate early treatment. The compiled nomogram, consisting of four easily quantifiable clinical variables, may be used in clinical practice to individually predict ACS risk. Any risk score ≥ 18% should prompt critical monitoring towards ACS, or even prophylactic fasciotomy during primary surgery.     

Comparative analysis of robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pediatric patients

Background: Despite increased utilization of robotic-assisted surgery in the pediatric population during the past decade, reports of comparative analysis between robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery are lacking. Our aim was to evaluate outcomes between pediatric robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (RC) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).Methods: A single institution retrospective analysis of 299 patients undergoing either RC or LC, between January 2015 and December 2018 was performed. Demographic data as well as clinical characteristics and related outcomes were abstracted and compared using univariate analysis. Related hospital costs were estimated using a charge to cost methodology.Results: The median age of the cohort was 15.5 years (IQR 14.0–17.0); 76% females and 70% white, with 74% (n = 220) undergoing LC and 26% (n = 79) undergoing RC. The majority of RC were performed using single-site technique and RC proportion increased with time (10% in 2015 vs. 41% in 2018, p<0.001). The majority of RC were more commonly attributed to patients with nonacute indications for cholecystectomy compared to acute clinical indications (87% vs. 13%). Median operative time was 98 min vs. 79 min for RC and LC respectively (p<0.001). Median postoperative LOS was similar between groups (22 h). There were no significant differences in postoperative complication, in-hospital opioid utilization and 30-day readmissions. Average total hospital costs for RC were $15,519 compared to $11,197 for LC.Conclusions: Pediatric robotic-assisted cholecystectomy is feasible with similar outcomes compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, it is associated with longer operative times and higher costs. The single-site RC technique may provide a potential cosmetic benefit.     

No decay in outcomes at a mean 8 years following surgical treatment for aseptic fracture nonunion

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare medium to long term patient reported outcomes to one-year data for patients treated surgically for an aseptic fracture nonunion.Methods: 305 patients surgically treated for a fracture-nonunion were prospectively followed. Data collected included pain scores measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), clinical outcomes assessed by the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA), and range of motion. 75% of patients in this study had lower extremity fracture nonunions and 25% had upper extremity fracture nonunions. Femur fracture nonunions were the most common. Data at latest follow-up was compared to one-year follow-up using the independent t-test.Results: Sixty-two patients were available for follow-up data at an average of eight years. There were no differences in patient reported outcomes between one and eight years according to the standardized total SMFA (p = 0.982), functional index SMFA (p = 0.186), bothersome index SMFA (p = 0.396), activity index SMFA (p = 0.788), emotional index SMFA (p = 0.923), or mobility index SMFA (p = 0.649). There was also no difference in reported pain (p = 0.534). Range of motion data was collected for patients who followed up in clinic for an average of eight years after their surgical treatment. 58% of these patients reported a slight increase in range of motion at an average of eight years.Conclusion: Patient functional outcomes, range of motion, and reported pain all normalize after one year following surgical treatment for fracture nonunion and do not change significantly at an average of eight years. Surgeons can feel confident in counseling patients that their results will last and they do not need to follow up beyond one year, barring pain or other complications.Level of Evidence: Level IV     

Lessons learned from lower urinary tract complications of anorectoplasty for imperforate anus with rectourethral/rectovesical fistula: Laparoscopy-assisted versus posterior sagittal approaches

PurposeTo report the sequelae of and preventive strategies for selected lower urinary tract (LUT) complications, i.e., posterior urethral diverticulum (PUD), intraoperative LUT injuries, postoperative dysuria, and fistula recurrence in male imperforate anus (IA) with rectourethral/rectovesical (RU/RV) fistula after laparoscopy-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) or posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP).Methods153 boys with IA and RU/RV fistula treated 1986–2019 by LAARP (n = 56) or PSARP (n = 97) at two unrelated institutes were studied retrospectively.ResultsAfter mean follow-up of 17.0 years (range: 36.5 days-32.0 years), the overall incidences of LUT complications were: LAARP (6/56; 10.7%); PSARP (7/97; 7.2%); p = 0.55, comprising PUD: LAARP (n = 5), PSARP (n = 0); p = 0.006; injuries: LAARP (n = 0), PSARP (n = 5); p = 0.16; dysuria: LAARP (n = 1), PSARP (n = 1); p>0.999; and recurrence: LAARP (n = 0), PSARP (n = 1); p>0.999. Mean onset of PUD was 5.1 years (range: 1.0–15.1 years). Treatment: PUD: surgery (n = 2/5), conservative (n = 3/5); injuries: intraoperative repair (n = 5/5); dysuria: conservative (n = 2/2), and recurrence: redo PSARP (n = 1/1).ConclusionsStrategies devised to improve dissection accuracy resolved the specific technical issues causing LUT complications (remnant RU fistula dissection in LAARP and blind posterior access in PSARP). Currently, the incidence of new cases of PUD and LUT injuries is zero.Level of Evidence: Level III     

Extra-corporeal life support following cardiac surgery in children: analysis of risk factors and survival in a single institution

Objective: Application of extra-corporeal life support (ECLS) following pediatric cardiac surgery varies between different institutions based on manpower availability and philosophy towards ECLS utilization. We examined a large single institution experience with postoperative ECLS in children aiming to identify outcome predictors. Methods: Hospital records of all children who required postoperative ECLS at our institution were reviewed. Patients’ demographics, cardiac anatomy, surgical and ECLS support details were entered into a multivariable regression analysis to determine factors associated with survival. Results: Between 1990 and 2007, 180 consecutive children, median age 109 days (range: 1 day–16.9 years), required postoperative ECLS. Sixty-nine children (38%) had undergone palliative treatment for single ventricle pathology. ECLS support was required for failure to separate from cardiopulmonary bypass (n = 83) or for postoperative low cardiac output state (n = 97). Forty-eight patients (27%) received rescue extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support during active chest compression for refractory cardiac arrest. Under ECLS support, 37 patients required surgical revision and 20 received orthotopic heart transplantation. One hundred and nine patients (61%) survived >24 h following ECLS discontinuation and 68 (38%) were discharged alive. Hospital survivors required shorter ECLS support duration compared to non-survivors (median 3 vs 5 days, respectively, p = 0.05) however survival occurred after up to 16 days of ECLS support. ECLS indication (OR: 0.85 for failure to separate from bypass vs postoperative low cardiac output 95% CI (0.47–1.56), p = 0.62) and rescue ECMO (OR: 0.63 for rescue ECMO vs not 95%CI (0.32–1.24), p = 0.18) were not associated with risk of mortality. In a multivariable logistic regression model, neurological complications (p = 0.0007), prolonged ECLS duration (p = 0.003), repeat ECLS requirement (p = 0.02), renal dysfunction (p = 0.04) and not performing heart transplantation (p = 0.04) were significant factors for hospital death. Conclusion: ECLS plays a valuable role in children with low cardiac output state following cardiac surgery. More than one third of those patients, including young neonates, older children, patients with single ventricle, or those requiring rescue ECMO can be salvaged. Although prognosis worsens with prolonged ECLS duration, survival can be noted up to 16 days of support. Heart transplantation is often an important ECLS exit strategy and should be considered early in selected children. Patients’ survival could improve if renal and neurological complications are avoided.     

Risk factors of atrial fibrillation following off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery: predictive value of C-reactive protein and transfusion requirement

Objectives: Considering the role of inflammatory reaction on the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF), the aim of this study is to investigate perioperative risk factors of AF, as well as to validate the predictive value of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and transfusion requirement following off-pump coronary bypass surgery (OPCAB) in a prospective and observational trial. Methods: In this cohort, 315 consecutive patients with normal sinus rhythm (NSR) undergoing elective isolated OPCAB are prospectively studied. The patients were classified as either NSR or AF group according to their postoperative rhythm, which was continuously monitored for the first 6 postoperative days. Results: AF developed in 66 patients (19%). Univariate analysis demonstrated old age, pre-existing chronic renal failure, low left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF <30%), highest hsCRP before the onset of AF, vasopressor and inotropic therapy, packed red blood cells (pRBCs) transfusion and amount of chest tube drainage as predictors of postoperative AF. In a stepwise multivariate analysis of these risk factors, low LVEF (odds ratio: 2.88; 95% confidence interval: 1.07–7.75; p = 0.037), highest hsCRP before the onset of AF (odds ratio: 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.11; p = 0.018), vasopressor therapy (odds ratio: 1.93; 95% confidence interval: 1.04–3.57; p = 0.038) and pRBC transfusion (odds ratio: 5.32; 95% confidence interval: 2.80–10.11; p < 0.001) remained as independent predictors of postoperative AF. Conclusions: Prophylactic strategies aimed at AF reduction may also be considered especially in patients with increased transfusion requirement, which showed highest predictive value for postoperative AF.     

Risk of complications following surgical fixation of femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 4 to 12 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: There is debate regarding the optimal surgical technique for fixing femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 4 to 12 years. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) have issued relevant guidelines, however, there is limited evidence to support these. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the complication rate following flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN), plate fixation and external fixation (EF) for traumatic femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 4 to 12.Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases for interventional and observational studies. Two independent reviewers screened, assessed quality and extracted data from the identified studies. The primary outcome was the risk of any complication. Secondary outcomes assessed the risk of pre-specified individual complications.Results: Nine randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 19 observational studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Within the RCTs, five analysed FIN (n = 161), two analysed plates (n = 51) and five analysed EF (n = 168). Within the observational studies, 13 analysed FIN (n = 610), seven analysed plates (n = 214) and six analysed EF (n = 153). The overall risk of complications was lower following plate fixation when compared to FIN fixation (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.73, p = 0.001) in the observational studies. The overall risk of complications was higher following EF when compared to FIN fixation in both RCTs (RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.25 to 3.01, p = 0.003) and observational studies (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.58, p<0.001). The overall risk of complications was higher following EF when compared to plate fixation in both RCTs (RR 7.42, 95% CI 1.84 to 29.98, p = 0.005) and observational studies (RR 4.39, 95% CI 2.64 to 7.30, p<0.001).Conclusion: Although NICE and the AAOS recommend FIN for femoral diaphyseal fractures in children aged 4 to 12, this study reports a significantly decreased relative risk of complications when these injuries are managed with plates. The overall quality of evidence is low, highlighting the need for a rigorous prospective multicentre randomised trial at low risk of bias due to randomisation and outcome measurement to identify if any fixation technique is superior.     

Outcomes of gastrostomy placement with and without concomitant tracheostomy among ventilator dependent children

IntroductionSimultaneous gastrostomy tube (GT) and tracheostomy placement in young children offers potential benefit in limiting anesthetic exposure, but it is unknown whether combining these procedures introduces additional morbidity. This study compared outcomes after combined GT and tracheostomy placement versus GT placement alone among similar ventilator-dependent patients.MethodsVentilator-dependent children <2-years-old who underwent GT placement alone (MV-GT), simultaneous GT and tracheostomy placement (GT+T), and GT placement alone with a pre-existing tracheostomy (T-GT) were identified using 2012–2018 NSQIP-Pediatric Participant User Files. Multiple logistic regression models were used to compare outcomes while adjusting for other group differences.ResultsAmong 1100 children, 351 underwent MV-GT, 494 GT+T, and 255 T-GT. Major complications occurred in 23.6%, 17.0%, and 14.5% of the respective groups (p = 0.01). Major complications with GT+T were similar to T-GT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.19, 95%CI:0.78–1.83, p = 0.4) and lower than MV-GT (aOR=0.67, 95%CI:0.47–0.95, p = 0.02). Severe complications including mortality, cardiac arrest, and stroke were similar between the three groups (p = 0.8).ConclusionsChildren <2-years-old undergoing GT+T did not experience higher post-operative complications compared to children undergoing T-GT or MV-GT. Utilizing GT+T to limit anesthetic exposure may be reasonable within this high-risk population.Type of StudyTreatment StudyLevel of EvidenceLevel III     

Chronic postpneumonic pleural empyema: comparative merits of thoracoscopic versus open decortication

Objective: We seek to evaluate the comparative merits of thoracoscopic versus open decortication in the surgical management of patients with chronic postpneumonic pleural empyema. Methods: From January 1996 to December 2006, 308 patients (180 males, 128 females, mean age: 56.3 years, range: 17–82 years) with chronic postpneumonic pleural empyema underwent decortication after failure of conservative treatment. Results: Decortication was performed by open thoracotomy in 123 (39.9%) patients (OT) and by videothoracoscopy (VT) in 185 (60.1%). Mortality was 1.29% (4/308). Morbidity was 21.1% (65/308). At 6 months follow-up, three VT patients showed recurrent empyema and underwent re-do surgery by video-assisted-thoracoscopy (VATS) (one patient) or by thoracotomy (two patients). The videothoracoscopic approach showed statistically significant better results in terms of in-hospital postoperative (day 1 and day 7), pain (p < 0.0001), postoperative air leak (p = 0.004), operative time (p < 0.0001), hospital stay (p = 0.020) and time to return to work (p < 0.0001). The analysis of postoperative pain at 6 months follow-up showed no significant differences among the different groups. Conclusions: In the light of our experience, videothoracoscopic decortication appears to be the surgical treatment of choice for chronic postpneumonic pleural empyema even if a multicentric-randomised trial should be performed before videothoracoscopic decortication becomes the gold standard for the treatment of pleural empyema.     

Postoperative autotransfusion of mediastinal shed blood does not influence haemostasis after elective coronary artery bypass grafting

Objectives: The rationale of using autotransfusion of mediastinal shed blood after cardiac surgery is to preserve haemoglobin levels and reduce the need for allogenic blood transfusions. However, the method is controversial and its clinical value has been questioned. We hypothesised that re-transfusion of mediastinal shed blood instead impairs haemostasis after routine coronary artery bypass grafting and thus increases postoperative bleeding. Methods: Seventy-seven consecutive elective coronary artery bypass surgery patients (mean age 67 ± 9 years, 77% men) were included in a prospective, randomised controlled study. The patients were randomised to postoperative re-transfusion of mediastinal shed blood (n = 39) or to a group where mediastinal shed blood was discarded (n = 38). Primary end point was bleeding during the first 12 postoperative hours. Secondary end points were postoperative transfusion requirements, haemoglobin levels, thrombo-elastometric variables and plasma concentrations of interleukin-6, thrombin–anti-thrombin complex and D-dimer. Results: Mean re-transfused volume in the autotransfusion group was 282 ± 210 ml. There was no difference in postoperative bleeding (median 394 ml (interquartile range 270–480) vs 385 (255–430) ml, p = 0.69), proportion of patients receiving transfusions of blood products (11/39 vs 11/38, p = 0.95), haemoglobin levels 24 h after surgery (116 ± 13 vs 116 ± 14 g l⁻¹, p = 0.87), thrombo-elastometric variables, interleukin-6 (219 ± 144 vs 201 ± 144 pg ml⁻¹, p = 0.59), thrombin–anti-thrombin complex (11.0 ± 9.1 vs 14.8 ± 15, p = 0.19) or D-dimer (0.56 ± 0.49 vs 0.54 ± 0.44, p = 0.79) between the autotransfusion group and the no-autotransfusion group. Conclusions: Autotransfusion of small-to-moderate amounts of mediastinal shed blood does not influence haemostasis after elective coronary artery bypass grafting.     

Effect of COVID-19 on pediatric appendicitis presentations and complications

PurposeAppendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in children. This study aims to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected pediatric patients with acute appendicitis with regards to presentation and complications.MethodsAfter obtaining ethics approval, we performed a chart review of pediatric patients admitted with a diagnosis of appendicitis from March 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019 and March 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020. Data collection included a post-operative period of 30 days. The primary outcome of interest was complication rates post-appendectomy. Secondary outcomes included time to presentation, symptoms, time to surgery, and rate of perforation.ResultsOverall, 205 patients were included with 115 in the pre-pandemic group and 90 in the pandemic group. There was no significant difference in complication rates (16% pre-pandemic vs. 13.3% pandemic). In the pandemic group, time from symptom onset to presentation was significantly longer (1.87 days vs. 2.42 days, p = 0.01), more patients presented with emesis (70% vs. 55%, p<0.05), more patients had perforated appendicitis (47% vs. 32%, p<0.05), more patients were likely to be tachycardic (46% vs. 32%, p = 0.05)  and waited less time for surgery (5.75 h vs. 4.15 h, p = 0.05) which both approached significance.ConclusionSignificant delays in pediatric appendicitis presentation, and higher rates of tachycardia and perforation were seen during the pandemic. This did not result in increased complication rates but could suggest pandemic patients were more ill than their pre-pandemic counterparts.     

Aprotinin in cardiac surgery patients: is the risk worth the benefit?

Background: Aprotinin is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved agent to reduce haemorrhage related to cardiac surgery and its safety and efficacy has been extensively studied. Our study sought to compare the efficacy, early and late mortality and major morbidity associated with aprotinin compared with e-aminocaproic acid (EACA) in cardiac surgery operations. Methods: Between January 2002 and December 2006, 2101 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve surgery or CABG and valve surgery in our institution with the use of aprotinin (1898 patients) or EACA (203 patients). Logistic regression and propensity score analysis were used to adjust for imbalances in the patients’ preoperative characteristics. The propensity score-adjusted sample included 570 patients who received aprotinin and 114 who received EACA (1–5 matching). Results: Operative mortality was higher in the aprotinin group in univariate (aprotinin 4.3% vs EACA 1%, p = 0.023) but not propensity score-adjusted multivariate analysis (4% vs 0.9%, p = 0.16). In propensity score-adjusted analysis, aprotinin was also associated with a lower rate of blood transfusion (38.8% vs 50%, p = 0.04), a lower rate of haemorrhage-related re-exploration (3.7% vs 7.9%, p = 0.04) and a higher risk of in-hospital cardiac arrest (3.7% vs 0%, p = 0.03) and a marginally but not statistically significantly higher risk of acute renal failure (6.8% vs 2.6%, p = 0.09). In Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, the risk of late death was higher in the aprotinin compared to EACA group (hazard ratio = 4.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.60–11.67, p = 0.004). Conclusion: Aprotinin decreases the rate of postoperative blood transfusion and haemorrhage-related re-exploration, but increases the risk of in-hospital cardiac arrest and late mortality after cardiac surgery when compared to EACA. Cumulative evidence suggests that the risk associated with aprotinin may not be worth the haemostatic benefit.