Comparison of childhood appendicitis management in the regional paediatric surgery unit and the district general hospital

Background/Purpose

Ongoing debate surrounds the future provision of general paediatric surgery. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes for childhood appendicitis managed in a district general hospital (DGH) and a regional paediatric surgical unit (RU).

Methods

Data collected retrospectively for a 2-year period in a DGH were compared with data collected prospectively for 1 year in an RU, where appendicitis management is guided by a care pathway. Children aged 6 to 15 years were included.

Results

Four hundred and two patients were included (DGH ,196; RU, 206). There were more cases of gangrenous/perforated appendicitis in the RU (P < .0001). In the DGH, fewer patients received preoperative antibiotics (P < .0001) or underwent preoperative pain scoring (P < .0001). When adjusted for case mix, the relative risk of complications for a child managed at the DGH was 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 1.44-2.16; P < .0001) and that of readmission was 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 1.43-2.16; P < .0001) when compared with the RU.

Conclusions

Patients with appendicitis managed in the DGH had a higher risk of complications and readmission. However, this appears to be related to the use of a care pathway at the RU. Introduction of a care pathway in the DGH may improve outcomes and thus support the ongoing provision of general paediatric surgery.     

Laparoscopic versus open appendicectomy: a comparative study.

There are many questions regarding the advantages and disadvatanges of a videolaparoscopic approach in the treatment of acute appendicits. The authors present the results of a non-randomized, prospective study with 496 patients admitted between January 1992 and March 1998 by the General Surgery Service of São Rafael Hospital -Salvador - BA - Brazil. The patients were submitted for appendicectomy by video laparoscopy or by the traditional open method, and variables such as surgery duration, morbidity, mortality, costs, and length of stay (LOS) were compared. The results demonstrate that laparoscopic appendicectomy is a safe alternative for treatment of acute appendicitis; however, there are several disadvantages that gradually must be overcome.     

腹腔镜与开腹手术治疗小儿急性阑尾炎的比较

目的对比分析腹腔镜和开腹阑尾切除术在治疗小儿急性阑尾炎中的效果。方法2000年7月~2005年7月,对95例小儿急性阑尾炎实施手术,其中腹腔镜阑尾切除术(laparoscop ic appendectomy,LA)50例,开腹阑尾切除术(openappendectomy,OA)45例,比较2组手术情况和疗效。结果2组手术均成功,无出血、肠瘘和残株炎等并发症。LA组手术时间(38.8±17.4)m in,OA组(41.9±15.8)m in,2组差异无显著性(t=-0.905,P=0.368)。LA组排便时间(26.4±7.2)h,显著短于OA组的(39.7±8.8)h(t=-8.094,P=0.000)。LA组阑尾根部穿孔29例,OA组26例,2组无统计学差异(2χ=1.633,P=0.983)。OA组切口并发症发生率(11/45)显著高于LA组(2/50)(2χ=8.381,P=0.004)。OA组放引流管率(9/45)显著高于LA组(3/50)(2χ=4.206,P=0.040)。LA组体温恢复正常时间(55.4±16.2)h显著短于OA组的(77.8±30.6)h(t=-4.522,P=0.000)。LA组住院时间(5.4±1.3)d显著短于OA组的(13.4±6.5)d(t=-8.520,P=0.000)。LA组住院费用(6 117.9±836.5)元显著高于OA组的(4 528.6±527.1)元(t=10.937,P=0.000)。结论腹腔镜阑尾切除术较开腹手术具有创伤小、恢复快、腹壁瘢痕轻、并发症少和住院时间短等优点,是治疗小儿急性阑尾炎较为理想的方法。     

Children's injuries in a Scottish district general hospital

BACKGROUND: Injury is a common cause of emergency department (ED) attendance but there are few data published on the spectrum of paediatric injury in a typical district general hospital (DGH). This study aimed to provide a complete picture of injury presentations to such a centre. METHODS: Prospective questionnaire study of consecutive paediatric attendances at a DGH ED in Scotland (annual attendance 53,500 patients) due to injury or poisoning. Paediatric in this context was defined as less than 14 years on the day of presentation. Admission rates were identified from the hospital information system and information on deaths was sought from the local Procurator Fiscal (the Scottish equivalent of the Coroner). RESULTS: One thousand three hundred and seventy-eight questionnaires were completed from a potential 10,697 eligible patients. Safety devices (helmets, belts, etc.) were in use in only 99 cases. Cycle helmets were used in 26% of cycle incidents and seat belts were used in 71% of car incidents. Cycling and pedestrian incidents were more common during the summer months and outside school hours. Adult supervision was present in 49% of incidents. Seventy-three percent of incidents at school were unsupervised. There were 5.6 admissions to hospital per day in the 0-13 years age group for all causes, with little seasonal variation in admission rates. There were three deaths during the year, two from SIDS and one due to choking, all in infants. CONCLUSION: Trauma is a common cause of ED attendance in children. Preventative measures are still underutilised and could make a significant impact on the incidence of children's injuries and possibly ED attendances. Cycle helmets could play a major role in injury prevention in school age children in this area.     

Audit of paediatric day-case surgery in a district general hospital

Day-case surgery is a major component of the workload in our hospital (Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong). We choose to audit paediatric day-case surgery because the patients’ parents are anxious and therefore likely to reflect the finest details of care. The study was prospective. In a one-year period (1997), the 235 paediatric day-case surgery cases scheduled in our hospital accounted for 90% of all paediatric operations. The patients’ attendance rate was 98.8%. Five patients (2.2%) were kept overnight for observation. Six patients (2.6%) were re-admitted after operation. There were 50 (22%) telephone hotline enquiries. The overall minor complication rate, as defined, was 4.8% and there was no major morbidity. A multidisciplinary approach including anaesthetists and nurses was the key to sucess. Easy access to medical advice was also important in order to avoid unnecessary re-admission and parental anxiety. The well-organized day-surgery service was safe, well-accepted and cost effective.      

The effect of surgical training and hospital characteristics on patient outcomes after pediatric surgery: a systematic review

Background/Purpose

A systematic review aimed to compare patient outcomes after (1) appendicectomy and (2) pyloromyotomy performed by different surgical specialties, surgeons with different annual volumes, and in different hospital types, to inform the debate surrounding children's surgery provision.

Methods

Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Health Management Information Consortium were searched from January 1990 to February 2010 to identify relevant articles. Further literature was sought by contacting experts, citation searching, and hand-searching appropriate journals.

Results

Seventeen relevant articles were identified. These showed that (1) rates of wrongly diagnosed appendicitis were higher among general surgeons, but there were little differences in other outcomes and (2) outcomes after pyloromyotomy were superior in patients treated by specialist surgeons. Surgical specialty was a better predictor of morbidity than hospital type, and surgeons with higher operative volumes had better results.

Conclusions

Existing evidence is largely observational and potentially subject to selection bias, but general pediatric surgery outcomes were clearly dependent on operative volumes. Published evidence suggests that (1) pediatric appendicectomy should not be centralized because children can be managed effectively by general surgeons; (2) pyloromyotomy need not be centralized but should be carried out in children's units by appropriately trained surgeons who expect to see more than 4 cases per year.     

Characteristics of paediatric burns seen at a tertiary centre in a low income country: a five year (2004-2008) study

Background

Children are the most risk prone in cases of burns. The previous epidemiologic study of paediatric burns in Lagos-Nigeria was carried four decades ago. A new study becomes necessary in view of the increasing incidences of petroleum related fire disasters in Nigeria.

Patients and methods

: Children up to the age of 14 years admitted for major burns at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja-Lagos, Nigeria between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008 were studied. Information about the demographics, mechanism/circumstances of burns, associated injuries, surface extent (TBSA) and depth, modes of management and outcome, length of admission, and post mortem findings in cases of death were collected.

Results

: A total of 298 children with major burns were seen; 198 were males and 100 females. The ages ranged from 1 day to 14 years with mean of 4.56 ± 3.95 years. Forty percent of the cases occurred among the toddlers and 25.5% in the 2-5 years age group. Fire was the leading cause of burns, occurring in 198 (66.4%) cases. The TBSA ranged from 1% to 100% with mean of 29.67 ± 21.98. The mortality rate was 29.9%. Autopsy showed asphyxia as the primary cause of death in 14 (48.27%) cases, multiple organ dysfunctions in 27.59% and septicaemia in 13.79%.

Conclusion

This study identifies the main causes of paediatric burns and the major factors responsible for morbidity and mortality at the present time in a low income country. The level of awareness about burns prevention among the populace and health care facilities should be improved.     

Survey of general paediatric surgery provision in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

INTRODUCTION

A survey was carried out to ascertain the current provision of general paediatric surgery (GPS) in all hospitals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland with 100% return rate. The provision of GPS is at a crossroads with a drift of these cases to the overstretched, tertiary referral hospitals.

METHODS

The regional representatives on the council of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) obtained data from their regions. Any gaps in the data were completed by the author telephoning the remaining hospitals to ascertain their current provision.

RESULTS

A total of 325 acute hospitals are potentially available to admit elective and/or emergency paediatric patients, of which 25 hospitals provide a tertiary paediatric surgical service. Of the remaining ‘non-tertiary’ hospitals, 138 provide elective GPS and 147 provide emergency GPS. The ages at which GPS is carried out varies considerably, but 76% of non-tertiary hospitals provide elective GPS to those over the age of 2 years. The ages of emergency cases are 24% over the age of 2 years and 51.5% over the age of 5 years. The age at which surgery is carried out is dependent on the anaesthetic provision. Subspecialisation within each hospital has taken place with a limited number of surgeons providing the elective surgery. ‘Huband-spoke’ provision of GPS to a district general hospital (DGH) from a tertiary centre is embryonic with only 11 surgeons currently in post. An estimate of the annual elective case load of GPS based on the average number of cases done on an operation list works out at 23,000 cases done outwith the tertiary centres.

DISCUSSION

Almost 10 years ago, a change in the training of young surgeons took place. An increase in training posts in Tertiary centres was made available following advice from the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons (BAPS) but these posts were often not taken up. Many DGH surgeons became uncertain whether they should continue GPS training. A subtle change in the wording of the general guidance by the Royal College of Anaesthetists altered the emphasis on the age at which it was appropriate to anaesthetise children. Change in clinical practice, reducing need, and a drift towards tertiary centres has reduced DGH operations by 30% over a decade. Young surgeons are now seldom exposed to this surgery, and are not being trained in it. The large volume of these low-risk operations in well children cannot be absorbed into the current tertiary centres due to pressure on beds. The future provision of this surgery is at risk unless action is taken now. This survey was carried out to inform the debate, and to make recommendations for the future. The principal recommendations are that: (i) GPS should continue to be provided as at present in those DGHs equipped to do so; (ii) GPS training should be carried out in the DGHs where a high volume of cases is carried out; (iii) management of these cases should use a network approach in each region; (iv) hospital trusts should actively advertise for an interest in GPS as a second subspecialty; and (v) the SAC in general surgery develop a strategy to make GPS relevant to trainee surgeons.     

Population-based cohort study of the correlation between provision of care and the risk for complications after appendectomy in children

PurposeTo investigate the impact of hospital administrative level and caseload of pediatric appendectomies on the morbidity and mortality after appendectomy in a population-based cohort of Swedish children.MethodsPopulation-based cohort study including all Swedish children less than 15 years of age that underwent appendectomy for suspected appendicitis, 1987–2009. Patient characteristics and data on postoperative morbidity and mortality were collected from the Swedish National Patient Register and the Swedish Death Register. Primary endpoints were postoperative morbidity and mortality. Two explanatory variables were investigated: hospital administrative level and hospital annual caseload of pediatric appendectomies. Data were analyzed in regression models adjusting for available confounders.ResultsThe cohort comprised 55,591 children. The risk for postoperative complications was reduced in specialized pediatric surgical centers and in high caseload centers, compared to other hospitals. There were only seven postoperative deaths within 90 days of appendectomy.ConclusionsWe found clinically relevant risk reductions for reoperation and for readmission after appendectomy in specialized pediatric surgical centers. Importantly, the risk for postoperative complications was also reduced with increased hospital caseload, indicating that the merit from centralizing the management of pediatric appendectomies to specialized pediatric surgical centers may also be achieved by increasing hospital caseload of pediatric appendectomies in non-pediatric surgical units.Type of studyTreatment study.Level of evidenceLevel II.     

Safeguarding children in osteopathic practice: Part 1: Identifying children at risk

Safeguarding children from abuse and neglect is an essential part of osteopathic practice. Child abuse and neglect are common and osteopaths working with children or families are likely to encounter abused and neglected children and children at risk of abuse. We discuss the prevalence of abuse, and describe the four categories of abuse: physical; emotional; sexual; and neglect. We also describe their signs and symptoms. It is important for osteopaths to be aware of the prevalence of abuse, and to be able to recognise risk factors and indicators of abuse. We recommend considering abuse as a differential diagnosis to be considered in all children presenting with injuries, behavioural problems or for children with significant risk factors. Osteopaths should not wait until signs of abuse are clear and incontrovertible before seeking advice or sharing information about patients. We encourage osteopaths to contact social workers and general practitioners for advice and guidance on safeguarding issues. This is the first of a two part series; in the second part we discuss the practicalities of communicating concerns, seeking advice and making formal referrals.     

Comparative study between skin micrografting (Meek technique) and meshed skin grafts in paediatric burns

BackgroundGlobally, burn injuries are the 3rd principal cause of death due to injury among children aged 1–9 years. Yet, the management of paediatric burns is always challenging; due to limited donor sites and the cosmetic appearance that will affect the child later in life, either at the donor or the recipient site. Skin grafts may need to be expanded to minimise donor skin size or in patients with limited donor sites. Multiple techniques were described for graft expansion, mainly the mesher and the Meek technique.Patients and methodsA prospective comparative randomised study was done from January 2019 to June 2020 on 40 paediatric burn patients with deep dermal and full-thickness burns. Patients were divided into two groups, Meek and meshed groups. The skin graft take, epithelialization time, total time of the surgery and the aesthetic outcomes (using the POSAS – Patient and observer scar assessment scale) in each group were evaluated at three months postoperatively.ResultsThe percentage of take in the Meek group (84.25%) was significantly better than with the meshed group (71.5%) (P = 0.006). Epithelialization time was better for the Meek group (27.11 days) compared to the meshed group (33.5 days) (P = 0.176). In addition, infection rates were lower in the Meek group (25%) than the meshed group (40%) (P = 0.311). Subjectively POSAS scar assessment scale exhibited better results for the Meek group with a mean score of 3.17 & for the meshed group was 4.2 (P = 0.048). The observer’s overall score was as well better for the Meek group with a mean overall opinion score of 2.89 & for the meshed group was 4.1 (P = 0.003). The operative time was longer with the Meek technique than the traditional mesher (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe Meek technique for expanding the skin grafts is useful in covering burn wounds with greater expansion rate, more accessible application, better graft take & a better scar appearance than the traditional mesher. Still, the Meek technique has a considerable learning curve, longer procedure time & is more expensive.     

Laparoscopic appendicectomy versus open appendicectomy: a comparative study of clinical outcome and cost analysis — Institutional experience

Background  

Laparoscopic appendicetomy had not gained importance against open appendicectomy and it remains controversial in Indian perspective.     

广州地区某三甲医院普通外科2017年多重耐药情况分析与应对

目的探讨广州地区某三甲医院普通外科多重耐药现状,分析发生多重耐药的原因,为制定应对策略提供参考。 方法统计广州市花都区人民医院普通外科2017年目标监测多重耐药菌的例数及其构成比,分析多重耐药患者的疾病构成及年龄分布,寻找出现多重耐药的原因。 结果2017年普通外科共发生434例多重耐药,目标监测多重耐药菌主要是大肠埃希菌,占73.50%,且对头孢类抗菌药物和喹诺酮类抗菌药物的耐药比例较高。病种分布中阑尾炎患者约占61.52%（267/434）,且以急性阑尾炎患者为主（125例,46.82%）。年龄集中分布于青、中年患者,65岁以下的患者占88.02%（382/434）。403例（92.86%）为非外伤性疾病,91例（20.97%）存在合并症,307例（70.74%）未更改经验性抗感染治疗方案。 结论普通外科多重耐药渐趋明显,其中大肠埃希菌多重耐药率高于全院甚至全国的耐药率,且多重耐药患者的病种和年龄分布异常,其原因可能与医疗机构以及患者不合理使用抗菌药物导致细菌变异有关,同时不排除为本地区畜牧养殖业滥用抗菌药物的原因。     

西安市青少年脊柱侧凸患病率调查及其防治

目的:调查西安市儿童脊柱侧凸的患病率,为脊柱侧凸的防治及建立陕西省脊柱侧凸监控中心提供依据。方法:分别于2002年4～5月、2003年4～5月对西安市城乡25725名7～15岁的中、小学生进行脊柱侧凸普查,采用“三检筛选”普查方法,即体检、波纹照像(Moiretomography)和X线摄片,统计患病率情况并对脊柱侧凸患者进行相应的处理。结果:体检阳性者1389例,男性702例,女性687例;波纹照像阳性者607例,男性295例,女性312例;X线摄片Cobb角≥10°者343例,患病率为1.33%(343/25725)。对10例Cobb角>40°者进行了手术治疗。结论:通过普查,可以早发现、早诊断青少年脊柱侧凸,以便及时防治。     

Ovarian torsion in children: Management and outcomes

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical symptoms, diagnosis, management, and outcomes in children with ovarian torsion.

Methods

The charts of 50 patients with 53 cases of ovarian torsion treated between January 1989 and March 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Long term follow up was available for 20 girls who had their ovaries left in the abdominal cavity after detorsion.

Results

In 22 cases ovaries were removed, and in 31 cases the torsion was relieved and the ovaries left in the abdominal cavity. Twenty-five of the salvaged ovaries were black-bluish and 10 bluish in color. Since 2005, after a change in preferred treatment, all ovaries treated by detorsion were left in the abdominal cavity. The long term results were observed clinically and by ultrasound in 20 girls. Multifollicular ovaries were found in 17 girls. One girl had a normal size paucifollicular ovary, a one-year-old girl had a normal size ovary with microfollicles, and one girl had no ovarian material detectable by ultrasound.

Conclusions

Long term analysis of the treatment of ovarian torsion revealed that ovaries treated by detorsion and left in the abdominal cavity preserved their normal anatomy and function. Conservative surgical treatment proved to be safe. None of the girls had thromboembolism or peritonitis, and no malignant tumors were found in the operated ovaries.     

硬外复合静脉麻与气管全麻在小儿腹腔镜疝手术的比较

目的对比分析研究硬膜外复合丙泊酚静脉全麻与气管内全麻在小儿腹腔镜疝囊高位结扎手术中的优缺点。方法ASAⅠ-Ⅱ级择期行腹腔镜疝手术患儿40例,年龄在1～12岁,随机分为硬膜外复合丙泊酚静脉全麻组（E组）和气管内插管全麻组（G组）。观察气腹前,气腹后5min,10min,15min,放气后5min的MAP,HR,SpO2,PH,PaCO2,和术毕恢复时间,比较两者麻醉的费用。结果与气腹前比较,E组MAP,HR变化无显著性差异（P〉0．05）,G组显著升高（P〈0．05）。两组患儿气腹15min后PaCO2均显著升高（P〈0．05）。停气腹后恢复至气腹前水平。E组麻醉苏醒时间明显快于G组,术后恶心呕吐发生率差异无显著性。E组麻醉费用比G组明显减少。结论硬外复合丙泊酚静脉全麻在小儿腹腔镜疝手术中,可有效抑制应激反应且经济安全,术毕苏醒时间快,苏醒质量好。     

Extremity fractures in children: a hospital based study in Tehran

Objective： Although long bone fracture in children is not life-threatening, it may cause major disability, loss of working days and severe psychological distress. We conducted this study to determine the pattern of extremity fracture due to trauma in children.
Methods： During one year in six general hospitals in Tehran, trauma patients who were hospitalized for more than 24 hours and sustained injuries within seven days before admission were included in the study. The records of children （≤16 years old） hospitalized in six general hospitals in Tehran due to trauma were reviewed prospectively.
Results： During the study period, 1 274 children had sustained extremity fractures. Male to female ratio was 3.6/ 1, with the mean age of （10.3±4.2） years. Falls and traffic crashes were the main causes of injuries, with the percentages of 57.3 % and 37.1%, respectively. Simple fall （falling on the ground） consisted 60% of patients that sustained fall-related injuries. Pedestrians and bicycle riders comprised most of the cases that were injured due to traffic crashes. Of our cases, 56.8% sustained fractures in the upper extremities and 43.2% in the lower extremities. Forearm was the most common fracture site （34.1%）. Comparing our results in preschool and school-age children, falls were the main cause of injuries in both groups, but fractures of lower extremities were significantly more common in preschool children.
Conclusions： Improvement of physical condition of sidewalks and crossings in roads will be necessary for prevention of injuries. More attention to safety of home environment should be paid for control of preschools＇ injury at home. Education of children and adults is necessary to reduce injuries resulting from road traffic crashes.     

Duhamel procedure: a comparative retrospective study between an open and a laparoscopic technique

Background Few studies are available comparing open with laparoscopic treatment of Hirschsprung’s disease. This study compares a laparoscopic series of 30 patients with a historical open series of 25 patients. Methods The charts of all patients having had a Duhamel procedure in the period from June 1987 through July 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. Open procedures were performed until March 1994. Patients with extended aganglionosis, pre-Duhamel ostomy, or syndrome were excluded from the study. End points were intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, time to first feeding, hospital stay, and outcome at follow-up such as stenosis, enterocolitis, constipation, fecal incontinence, and enuresis. Results Twenty-five patients had an open Duhamel (OD) and 30 had a laparoscopic one (LD). There were no differences in patient characteristics and there were no intraoperative complications in either group. Time to first oral feeds was significantly longer in the OD group as was the duration of hospital stay. No significant differences at follow-up were observed but there was a tendency for a higher enterocolitis rate in the LD group. In contrast, the adhesive obstruction and enuresis rates were higher in the OD group. Cosmetic results were superior in the LD group. Conclusions Except for a significantly shorter hospital stay and shorter time to first oral feeds in favor of LD, no significant differences could be observed. The cosmetic result was not an end point but there was no doubt that it was better in the LD group. Although not statistically significant different, there were no adhesive bowel obstructions in the LD group compared with 3 of 25 in the OD group. Fecal incontinence was not encountered in either group.