RIB fracture triage pathway decreases ICU utilization,pulmonary complications and hospital length of stay

IntroductionRib fractures are one of the most frequent causes of morbidity following blunt injury to the chest. Many of these patients require ICU care and often develop pulmonary complications. Prior studies have attempted to identify changes in predicted lung volumes or utilized the number of rib fractures to guide clinical decisions. A rib fracture triage pathway was developed to identify which patients will benefit from ICU level of care and shorten hospital length of stay for patients that do not require ICU care.MethodsThe triage pathway utilized patient's age, number of rib fractures, significant cardiopulmonary co-morbidities, and incentive spirometry volumes to determine admission disposition. The triage pathway was implemented on November 2016. All patients with rib fractures from November 2015 to 2017 were identified in the trauma registry. Data was collected on patients age, gender, Glasgow Coma Scale on arrival (GCS), injury severity score (ISS), number of rib fractures, incentive spirometry volumes, days in intensive care (ICU), ventilator days, length of stay (LOS), complications, and mortality. Patients with severe TBI, those arriving intubated, or died within 48 h were excluded. The patients remaining were 278 patients in the pre triage pathway group and 370 in the post triage pathway.ResultsThere was no difference in age, gender, GCS, ISS, predicted incentive spirometry or number of rib fractures. The post treatment patients required significantly lower ICU admissions (64% vs 75%, p = 0.003), significantly lower pulmonary complication (5.1% vs 10.4%, p = 0.01), and significantly shorter hospital length of stay (6.8 d vs 7.5, p = 0.001) with no difference in mortality (1.6% vs 2.5%, p = 0.42) or readmission (0.3% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.4). Patient post triage protocol were also more likely to be discharge home (81% vs 70%, p = 0.0009) with less patients going to a skilled nursing facility (13% vs 21%, p = 0.01).ConclusionsDeveloping a rib fracture treatment and triage pathway can decrease ICU and hospital resource utilization and decrease pulmonary complications without increase in readmissions or mortality. Patients are more likely to be discharge home over a skilled nursing facility further decreasing health care cost. Level of Evidence IV Retrospective Study, Prognostic     

Systematic review and meta-analysis of safety and efficacy of early enteral nutrition as an isolated component of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery [ERAS] in children after bowel anastomosis surgery

BackgroundPostoperative feeding practices are not uniform in children undergoing bowel anastomosis surgery. Primary aim of this review was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of early enteral nutrition (EEN) as an isolated component of enhanced recovery in children undergoing bowel anastomosis surgery.MethodsMedical search engines (PubMed, CENTRAL, Google scholar) were accessed from inception to January 2021. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT)s, non-randomized controlled trials, observational studies and retrospective studies comparing EEN, initiated within 48 h vs late enteral nutrition (LEN), initiated after 48 h in children ≤ 18 years undergoing bowel anastomosis surgery were included. Primary outcome measure was the incidence of postoperative complications (anastomotic leak, abdominal distension, surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, vomiting and septic complications). Secondary outcome measures were the time to passage of first feces and the length of hospital stay.ResultsTwelve hundred and eighty-six children from 10 studies were included in this review. No difference was seen between the EEN and LEN groups in the incidence of anastomotic leak (1.69% vs 4.13%; p = 0.06), abdominal distention (13.87% vs 12.31%; p = 0.57), wound dehiscence (3.07% vs 2.69%; p = 0.69) or vomiting (8.11% vs 8.67%; p = 0.98). The incidence of surgical site infections (7.51% vs 11.72%; p = 0.04), septic complications (14.02% vs 26.22%; p = 0.02) as well as pooled overall complications (8.11% vs 11.27%; RR 0.71; 95% CI = 0.56 to 0.89; p = 0.003; I² = 33%) were significantly lower in the EEN group. The time to passage of first feces (MD – 17.23 h; 95% CI -23.13 to -11.34; p < 0.00001; I² = 49%) and the length of hospital stay (MD -2.95 days; 95% CI -3.73 to -2.17; p < 0.00001; I² = 93%) were significantly less in the EEN group.ConclusionEEN is safe and effective in children following bowel anastomosis surgery and is associated with a lower overall incidence of complications as compared to LEN. EEN also promotes early bowel recovery and hospital discharge. However, further well designed RCTs are required to validate these findings.Level of evidence: V     

Initial experience of Chinese surgical robot “Micro Hand S″-assisted versus open and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: Short-term outcomes in a single center

BackgroundA Chinese surgical robot, Micro Hand S, was introduced for clinical use as a novel robotic platform. This study aimed to comprehensively compare the early experience of the Micro Hand S robot-assisted total mesorectal excision (TME) with conventional approaches.MethodsBetween May 2017 and April 2018, 99 consecutive patients who underwent open, laparoscopic and Micro Hand S robot-assisted TME (O-/L-/RTME) for rectal cancer were included. Clinical and pathological outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical success as the primary endpoint was defined as the absence of (i) conversion, (ii) incomplete TME, (iii) involved circumferential and distal resection margins (CRM/DRM), (iv) severe complications.ResultsThe rate of surgical success was similar (89.7 vs. 86.4 vs. 84.6%, p = 0.851) in the three groups and the respective incidences were as follows: conversion (not applicable, 4.5 vs. 2.3%, p = 1.000), incomplete TME (6.9 vs. 6.8 vs. 3.8%, p = 0.980), involved CRM/DRM (0 vs. 2.3 vs. 3.8%, p = 0.592), severe complications (3.4 vs. 4.5 vs. 7.7%, p = 0.844). Compared with open and laparoscopic surgery, the robotic surgery was associated with longer operative time, less blood loss, earlier first flatus time and liquid intake time, and shorter length of hospital stay (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe Micro Hand S assisted TME is safe and feasible, showing comparable outcomes than conventional approaches, with superiority in blood loss, recovery of bowel function, length of hospital stay, but with increased operative time.     

Pediatric burn-trauma patients have increased length of stay compared to trauma-only patients: A propensity matched analysis

BackgroundTrauma is the leading cause of mortality in children. Burn injury involves intensive resources, especially in pediatric patients. We hypothesized that among pediatric trauma patients, combined burn-trauma (BT) patients have increased length of stay (LOS) and mortality compared to trauma-only (T) patients.MethodsThe Pediatric Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2014–2016) was queried and BT patients were 1:2 propensity-score-matched to T patients based on age, gender, hypotension on admission, injury type and severity.Results93 BT patients were matched to 186 T patients. There were no differences in matched characteristics. BT patients had a longer median LOS (4 vs 2 days, p < 0.001) with no difference in mortality (1.1% vs 1.1%, p = 1.00), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS (3 vs 3 days, p = 0.55), or complications including decubitus ulcer (0% vs 1.1%, p = 0.32), deep vein thrombosis (0% vs 0.5%, p = 0.48), extremity compartment syndrome (1.1% vs 0%, p = 0.16), and urinary tract infection (1.1% vs 1.1%, p = 1.00).ConclusionPediatric BT patients had twice the LOS compared to a matched group of pediatric T patients. There was no difference between the cohorts in ICU LOS, complications or mortality rate. When evaluating risk-stratified quality metrics such as LOS, concomitant burn injury should be incorporated.     

Interhospital variability in localization techniques for small pulmonary nodules in children: A pediatric surgical oncology research collaborative study

BackgroundPulmonary nodules that are deep within lung parenchyma and/or small in size can be challenging to localize for biopsy. This study describes current trends in performance of image-guided localization techniques for pulmonary nodules in pediatric patients.MethodsA retrospective review was performed on patients < 21 years of age undergoing localization of pulmonary nodules at 15 institutions. Localization and resection success, time in interventional radiology (IR), operating room (OR) and total anesthesia time, complications, and technical problems were compared between techniques.Results225 patients were included with an average of 1.3 lesions (range 1–5). Median nodule size and depth were 4 mm (range 0–30) and 5.4 mm (0–61), respectively. The most common localization techniques were: wire + methylene blue dye (MBD) (28%), MBD only (25%), wire only (14%), technetium-99 only (11%), coil + MBD (7%) and coil only (5%). Localization technique was associated with institution (p < 0.01); technique and institution were significantly associated with mean IR, OR, and anesthesia time (all p < 0.05). Comparing techniques, there was no difference in successful IR localization (range 92–100%, p = 0.75), successful resection (94–100%, p = 0.98), IR technical problems (p = 0.22), or operative complications (p = 0.16).ConclusionsMany IR localization techniques for small pulmonary nodules in children can be successful, but there is wide variability in application by institution and in procedure time.Level of evidenceRetrospective review, Level 3.     

Lung protective ventilation strategy to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: A randomized double blinded clinical trial

Study objectiveTo evaluate the effects of ventilation with low tidal volume and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) for bladder cancer.DesignA prospective randomized double-blinded study.SettingA single center trial in a comprehensive tertiary hospital from January 2017 to January 2019.PatientsA total of 258 patients undergoing RARC for bladder cancer.InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned to receive either lung-protective ventilation (LPV group) [tidal volume 6 ml/ kg predicated body weight (PBW) + PEEP 7 cmH₂O] or nonprotective ventilation (control group) (tidal volume 9 ml/ kg PBW without PEEP) during anesthesia.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) during the first 90 days after surgery. The secondary outcomes were extubation time, oxygenation index (OI) after extubation and at postoperative day 1 in blood gas.Main resultsThe incidence of PPCs at postoperative day1, 2 and 3 were lower in LPV group [26.8% vs. 47.2%, odds ratio (OR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.24–0.69, P = 0.0007, 21.3% vs. 43.3%, OR 0.36, 95% CI, 0.20–0.61, P = 0.0002, 14.2% vs. 27.5%, OR0.43, 95%CI, 0.23–0.82, P = 0.0087, respectively], while no differences were observed at day 7 and 28 (3.9% vs. 9.4%, P = 0.0788, 0% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.4980, respectively). No PPCs were observed at postoperative day 90 in both groups. Furthermore, immediately after extubating and at postoperative day 1, OI was significantly higher in LPV group compared with control group [390(337–467) vs. 343(303–420), P = 0.0005, 406.7(73.0) vs. 425.5(74.7), P = 0.0440, respectively]. Patients in LPV group had a significant shorter extubation time after operation compared with control group [38(33–54) vs. 35(25–46), P = 0.0012].ConclusionLPV combining low tidal volume and PEEP during anesthesia for RARC may decrease the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications.     

Impact of Hepatitis B virus infection on postoperative complications and length of stay in elderly patients with hip fracture: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundOsteoporosis and subsequent fractures are common in the chronic hepatitis B (CHB) population, especially in the elderly. This study investigated the effects of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on postoperative outcomes following hip fracture surgery.MethodsThe study identified elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery at three academic tertiary care centres between January 2014 and December 2020. Propensity score matching was performed to compare the outcomes of 1,046 patients with HBV infection to 1,046 controls.ResultsThe seroprevalence of HBV among elderly patients undergoing hip surgery was 4.94%. The HBV cohort had significantly higher rates of medical complications (28.1 vs. 22.7%, p = 0.005), surgical complications (14.0 vs. 9.7%, p = 0.003), and unplanned readmissions (18.9 vs. 14.5%, p = 0.03) within 90 days of surgery. Patients with HBV infection were more likely to have increased length of stay (6.2 vs. 5.9 days, p = 0.009) and in-hospital charges (¥52,231 vs. ¥49,832, p < 0.00001). Multivariate logistic regression suggested that liver fibrosis and thrombocytopenia were independent risk factors for major complications and extended LOS.ConclusionPatients with HBV infection were at greater risk of adverse postoperative outcomes. We should pay more attention to the considerable burden of perioperative management of CHB patients. Due to the high proportion of undiagnosed patients in the Chinese elderly population, universal HBV screening should be considered preoperatively.     

Prehospital personnel discretion pediatric trauma team activations: Too much of a good thing?

PurposeTrauma team activation is essential to provide rapid assessment of injured patients, however excessive utilization can overburden systems. We aimed to identify predictors of over triage and evaluate impact of prehospital personal discretion trauma activations on the over triage rate.MethodsRetrospective comparative study of pediatric trauma patients (<18 years) evaluated after activation of the trauma team to those evaluated as a trauma consult treated between 2010 and 2013. Cohort matching of trauma activated and consult patients was done on the basis of patients’ age and ISS.Results1363 patients including 359 trauma team activations were evaluated. Median age was 6 years, Injury Severity Score (ISS) 4, 116 (8.5%) required operative intervention and 20 (1.4%) died.Matched analysis using age and ISS showed trauma activated patients were more likely to have penetrating MOI (4.7% vs.1.7%; p = 0.03) and need ICU admission(32.9% vs.16.7%; p = 0.0001). State of Florida discrete criteria based trauma activated patients when compared to paramedic discretion activations had a higher ISS (9 vs.5; p = 0.014), need for ICU admission (36.5% vs.20.4%; p = 0.004), ICU LOS(2 vs.0 days; p = 0.02), hospital LOS(2 vs.2 days; p = 0.014) and higher likelihood of death(4.9% vs.0%;p = 0.0001). Moreover, paramedic discretion trauma activated patients were similar to trauma consult patients in terms of ISS score(p = 0.86), need for ICU admission(p = 0.86), operative intervention(p = 0.86), death(p = 0.86) and hospital LOS(p = 0.86), with a considerably higher cost of care(p = 0.0002).ConclusionDiscrete criteria-based trauma team activations appear to more reliably identify patients likely to benefit from initial multidisciplinary management.     

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.     

The direct anterior approach is safe and shortens hospital length of stay following hemiarthroplasty for neck of femur fracture

ObjectiveTo investigate the safety of using the anterior approach (AA), compared to the lateral approach (LA), in hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of displaced neck of femur fractures.DesignRetrospective case-control match cohort study.SettingLevel 1 trauma center.PatientsRetrospective review of prospectively collected data for 39 consecutive intracapsular hip fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty using an AA between 2017 and 2021. Patients operated with the AA were matched in 1:2 ratio with patients that had hemiarthroplasty via a LA.Main Outcome MeasuresDischarge destination, 90-day emergency room (ER) visit or readmission rate, inpatient and 90-day mortality rate, inpatient medical complications, 90-day mechanical complications, 90-day reoperation, and length of hospital stay (LOS).ResultsDischarge destination (p = 0.695), 90-day ER visit or readmission rate (p = 0.315), inpatient (p = 0.719) and 90-day mortality rate (p = 0.815), medical complications (p = 0.524), mechanical complications (p = 0.150) were similar between cohorts. Five patients, all in the LA-group, required re-operations within 90-days (p = 0.106). Patients in AA-group had shorter LOS (9.3 days, 95% CI [7.6–11.1] vs. 14.7 days [95% CI 12.2–17.3], p = 0.002).ConclusionsThe AA can be safely introduced for the treatment of hip fractures. Similar short-term outcomes relative to the LA were identified. The shorter LOS may reflect the improved early functional recovery offered from the muscle-sparing AA technique. Future, level-1 data should include early- and longer term functional outcome along with cost-effectiveness.     

Increased open fracture complications following pediatric all-terrain vehicle accidents

BackgroundATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) related open fractures are often high energy and may be highly contaminated. We asked whether they were more complicated than other open fractures in pediatric patients.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed comparing ATV associated open fractures to open fractures sustained in non-ATV related accidents. 97 pediatric open fractures from 2015 to 2021 were identified based on ICD-10 codes. Of these fractures, 62 were non-ATV related and 35 were ATV related. Charts were reviewed to collect basic demographics, fracture pattern, Gustilo-Anderson classification, procedures performed, operative findings, and complications.ResultsOur cohort was predominantly male (71% in the ATV group and 76% in the non-ATV group). White race was more common in both the ATV (28 (80%)) and non-ATV (50(78%)) groups. The distribution of AO/OTA fractures was significantly different (p = 0.046), with humerus fractures being more common in the ATV group (8 (22%)) vs. non-ATV group (6 (9.3%)). The ATV group had a higher proportion of more severe type II and III open fractures with 77.1% (n = 27), versus 56% (n = 35) in the non-ATV group (p = 0.020).. Revision and reoperation were more likely in the ATV group (16 (23%)) vs. the non-ATV group (12 (15%)), as was malunion (ATV group 3 (4.3%) Vs. non-ATV 0 (0%)).ConclusionOpen fractures resulting from ATV injuries tend to be more complex and have higher rates of revision and malunion. This information supports the large body of evidence on the dangers of ATVs to children and can help guide expectations of both clinicians and family members of patients presenting with these injuries.     

Does surgical approach matter in the treatment of pediatric ulcerative colitis?

BackgroundThis study aims to compare the morbidity of open versus laparoscopic colectomy or proctocolectomy for pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) using national readmission outcomes.Materials and methodsThe 2010–2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify patients < 18 years (excluding newborns) who underwent colectomy or proctocolectomy for UC. Patients with planned readmissions for staged procedures were excluded from readmission analysis. Demographics, hospital factors, and outcomes were compared by operative approach (open vs. laparoscopic) using standard statistical analysis. Results were weighted for national estimates.ResultsThere were 1922 patients (51% female, age 13 ± 3 years) with UC who underwent colectomy or proctocolectomy during index admission. Most cases were performed open (54%) and as elective admissions (64%). Compared to open approach, laparoscopy was associated with shorter index hospital length of stay (8 [5-17] days vs. 9 [6-18] days, p = 0.015), fewer surgical site infections (< 2% vs. 2%, p = 0.022), and less post-operative gastrointestinal dysfunction (5% vs. 8%, p = 0.008). After stratifying to control for elective and unplanned index admissions, laparoscopic approach was associated with fewer small bowel obstructions during index hospitalizations in both elective (9% vs. 15%, p = 0.003) and unplanned (5% vs. 16%, p<0.001) settings. Readmission for surgical site infection was also less common following laparoscopic approach in both elective (0% vs. 7%, p = 0.008) and unplanned (0% vs. < 7%, p = 0.017) settings.ConclusionsIn pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis, laparoscopic colectomy or proctocolectomy is associated with shorter hospital length of stay, less post-operative complications, and improved readmission outcomes.     

The effect of aortic stenosis on elderly hip fracture outcomes: A case control study

IntroductionAortic stenosis (AS) is an established predictor of perioperative complications following both cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of mortality and perioperative complications among surgically treated hip fractures in elderly patients with moderate or severe AS compared to those without AS (negative controls).Materials and methodsA retrospective case-controlled review (1:2) of elderly (≥65 years) surgically treated hip fractures from 2011 to 2015 with moderate/severe AS (according to American Heart Association criteria) was conducted. Postoperative complication rates, 30 days and 1 year mortality were reviewed.ResultsModerate/severe AS was identified in 65 hip fracture cases and compared to 129 negative controls. AS cases were significantly older with higher rates of coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation (p < 0.05). Rates of any 30-day perioperative complication (74% vs. 37%, p < 0.001) and severe non-cardiac 30-day perioperative complication (52% vs. 26%, p = 0.002) were significantly higher among AS cases compared to controls. Kaplan Meier estimates of 30-day mortality (14.7% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001) and 1-year mortality (46.8% vs. 14.1%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in AS cases compared to controls. Multivariate analysis of severe 30-day postoperative complications identified moderate/severe AS (OR 4.02, p = 0.001), pulmonary disease (OR 7.36, p = 0.002) and renal disease (OR 3.27, p = 0.04) as independent predictors. Moderate/severe AS (OR 3.38, p = 0.03), atrial fibrillation (OR 3.73, p = 0.03) and renal disease (OR 4.44, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Moderate/severe AS (OR 5.79, p < 0.001) and renal disease (OR 3.39, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of 1-year mortality.ConclusionAortic stenosis is associated with a significantly increased risk of perioperative complications, 30-day mortality and 1-year mortality in elderly patients undergoing surgical treatment of hip fractures.     

Intercostal nerve cryoablation during surgical stabilization of rib fractures decreases post-operative opioid use,ventilation days,and intensive care days

BackgroundIntercostal nerve cryoablation is an adjunctive measure that has demonstrated pain control, decrease in opioid consumption, and decrease in hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients who undergo surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF).MethodsSSRF patients from January 2015 to September 2021 were retrospectively compared. All patients received multimodal pain regimens post-operatively and the independent variable was intraoperative cryoablation.Results241 patients met inclusion criteria. 51 (21%) underwent intra-operative cryoablation during SSRF and 191 (79%) did not. Patients with standard treatment consumed 9.4 more daily MME (p = 0.035), consumed 73 percent more post-operative total MME (p = 0.001), spent 1.55 times as many days in the intensive care unit (p = 0.013), and spent 3.8 times as many days on the ventilator than patients treated with cryoablation, respectively. Overall hospital LOS, operative case time, pulmonary complications, MME at discharge, and numeric pain scores at discharge were no different (all p>0.05).ConclusionIntercostal nerve cryoablation during SSRF is associated with fewer ventilator days, ICU LOS, total post-operative, and daily opioid use without increasing time in the operating room or perioperative pulmonary complications.     

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     

Limb salvage surgery has a higher complication rate than amputation but is still beneficial for patients younger than 10 years old with osteosarcoma of an extremity

Background/PurposeLimb preserving surgery for the treatment of patients with osteosarcoma younger than 10 years old is challenging and some authors have advocated amputation to reduce the risk of complications. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and surgical complications of patients with osteosarcoma of the extremity aged <10 years old who were treated with limb salvage and amputation.Patients and methodsRetrospective review of patients aged <10 years old who were treated for primary osteosarcoma of bone between 2000 and 2018.ResultsWe analyzed 82 consecutive patients (32 males, 50 females; median age 8, range 3–9 yrs). Limb-salvage surgery (LSS; n = 65, 79%) and amputation (n = 17, 21%) were performed. Fourteen patients had metastasis at surgery. In patients without metastasis at surgery, the metastasis-free and overall survival rates at 5 years following LSS vs. amputation were 75% vs. 58% (p = 0.162) and 71% vs. 55% (p = 0.516), respectively. The 2-year and 5-year OS rates of the LSS and amputation groups of patients with metastasis at surgery were 88% versus 83% and 50% versus 0%, respectively (p = 0.180). The overall complication rates were 46% post-LSS with 31% requiring re-operation versus 12% post-amputation, with 6% requiring re-operation (p = 0.010).ConclusionThe prognosis of patients with localized osteosarcoma aged <10 years undergoing LSS is similar to those treated with amputation, but LSS is associated with a higher risk of complications and subsequent re-operation.Level of evidenceLevel III     

Postoperative outcomes in older surgical patients with preoperative cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Study objectiveTo determine the effect of cognitive impairment (CI) and dementia on adverse outcomes in older surgical patients.DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Various databases were searched from their inception dates to March 8, 2021.SettingPreoperative assessment.PatientsOlder patients (≥ 60 years) undergoing non-cardiac surgery.MeasurementsOutcomes included postoperative delirium, mortality, discharge to assisted care, 30-day readmissions, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. Effect sizes were calculated as Odds Ratio (OR) and Mean Difference (MD) based on random effect model analysis. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk Bias Tool for RCTs and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational cohort studies.ResultsFifty-three studies (196,491 patients) were included. Preoperative CI was associated with a significant risk of delirium in older patients after non-cardiac surgery (25.1% vs. 10.3%; OR: 3.84; 95%CI: 2.35, 6.26; I²: 76%; p < 0.00001). Cognitive impairment (26.2% vs. 13.2%; OR: 2.28; 95%CI: 1.39, 3.74; I²: 73%; p = 0.001) and dementia (41.6% vs. 25.5%; OR: 1.96; 95%CI: 1.34, 2.88; I²: 99%; p = 0.0006) significantly increased risk for 1-year mortality. In patients with CI, there was an increased risk of discharge to assisted care (44.7% vs. 38.3%; OR 1.74; 95%CI: 1.05, 2.89, p = 0.03), 30-day readmissions (14.3% vs. 10.8%; OR: 1.36; 95%CI: 1.00, 1.84, p = 0.05), and postoperative complications (40.7% vs. 18.8%; OR: 1.85; 95%CI: 1.37, 2.49; p < 0.0001).ConclusionsPreoperative CI in older surgical patients significantly increases risk of delirium, 1-year mortality, discharge to assisted care, 30-day readmission, and postoperative complications. Dementia increases the risk of 1-year mortality. Cognitive screening in the preoperative assessment for older surgical patients may be helpful for risk stratification so that appropriate management can be implemented to mitigate adverse postoperative outcomes.     

Open abdomen during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a safe and effective treatment for abdominal compartment syndrome

Background/PurposeDecompressive laparotomy and open abdomen for abdominal compartment syndrome have been historically avoided during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) due to seemingly elevated risks of bleeding and infection. Our goal was to evaluate a cohort of pediatric respiratory ECMO patients who underwent decompressive laparotomy with open abdomen at a single institution and to compare these patients to ECMO patients without open abdomen.MethodsWe reviewed all pediatric respiratory ECMO (30 days-18 years) patients treated with decompressive laparotomy with open abdomen at Riley Hospital for Children (1/2000–12/2019) and compared these patients to concurrent respiratory ECMO patients with closed abdomen. We excluded patients with surgical cardiac disease. We assessed demographics, ECMO data, and outcomes and defined significance as p = 0.05.Results6 of 81 ECMO patients were treated with decompressive laparotomy and open abdomen. Open and closed abdomen groups had similar age (p = 0.223) and weight (0.286) at cannulation, but the open abdomen group had a higher reliance on vasoactive medications (Vasoactive Inotropic Score, p = 0.040). Open abdomen group survival was similar to closed abdomen patients (66.7%, vs 62.7%, p = 1). Open abdomen patients had lower incidence of ECMO complications (33.3% vs 83.6%, p = 0.014), but the groups had similar bleeding complications (p = 0.412) and PRBC transfusion volume (p = 0.941).Conclusion/ImpactPediatric ECMO patients with open abdomen after decompressive laparotomy had similar survival, blood products administered, and complications as those with a closed abdomen. An open abdomen is not a contra-indication to ECMO support in pediatric respiratory patients and should be considered in select patients.     

Income Disparities in Nationwide Outcomes of Malrotation with Midgut Volvulus

BackgroundMalrotation with midgut volvulus is a surgical emergency commonly encountered in pediatric surgical practice. Outcomes are excellent with timely diagnosis and treatment, but the development of bowel ischemia is associated with many negative consequences.MethodsThe Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify patients 0–18 years (excluding newborns) with malrotation and midgut volvulus from 2010 to 2014. Demographics, procedures, and outcomes were compared by income group (highest quartile vs. lowest quartile) using standard statistical tests. Results were weighted for national estimates.ResultsEmergency surgery for midgut volvulus was performed in 572 patients. The majority (86%) underwent Ladd's procedure, while 14% required bowel resection and/or ostomy. Patients in the lowest income quartile were more likely to require bowel resection (18% vs. 8%, p = 0.03) or ostomy (9% vs. 2%, p = 0.015) compared to those in the highest income quartile. Low-income patients were more likely to experience prolonged hospital stay (8 [5-13] days vs. 6 [4-8] days, p<0.001) and experience complications including infections (19% vs. 5%, p = 0.002), endotracheal intubation (18% vs. 4%, p<0.001), and blood transfusions (13% vs. 3%, p = 0.003).ConclusionIncome disparity represents a major factor in surgical outcomes in children with midgut volvulus. A broad spectrum of clinical outcomes following surgery for midgut volvulus exists. Patients from lower-income communities are at significantly higher risk for numerous complications, negative outcomes, and higher resource utilization. These findings support additional investigations of practices to mitigate risk for low-income patients.Level of evidenceLevel III: Retrospective comparative study