Contemporary Epidemiology of and Risk Factors Associated with Removal of a Pathologically Normal Appendix in Children with Suspected Appendicitis

BackgroundThe goal of this study was to characterize contemporary performance benchmarks and risk factors associated with negative appendectomy (NA) in children with suspected appendicitis.MethodsA multicenter retrospective cohort analysis of children undergoing appendectomy for suspected appendicitis was performed using data from the 2016–2021 NSQIP-Pediatric Appendectomy Targeted Public Use Files. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate the influence of year, age, sex, and WBC count on NA rate, and to generate rate estimates for NA based on different combinations of demographic characteristics and WBC profiles.Results100,322 patients were included from 140 hospitals. The overall NA rate was 2.4%, and rates decreased significantly during the study period (2016: 3.1% vs. 2021: 2.3%, p < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, the highest risk for NA was associated with a normal WBC (<9000/mm³; OR 5.31 [95% CI: 4.87–5.80]), followed by female sex (OR 1.55 [95% CI: 1.42–1.68]) and age <5 years (OR 1.64 [95% CI 1.39, 1.94]). Model-estimated risk for NA varied significantly across demographic and WBC strata, with a 14.4-fold range in rates between subgroups with the lowest and highest predicted risk (males 13–17 years with elevated WBC [1.1%] vs. females 3–4 years with normal WBC [15.8%]).ConclusionsContemporary NA rates have decreased over time, however NA risk remains high in children without a leukocytosis, particularly for girls and children <5 years of age. These data provide contemporary performance benchmarks for NA in children with suspected appendicitis and identify high-risk populations where further efforts to mitigate NA risk should be targeted.Level of EvidenceIII.     

Validation of the Modena bleeding score in endoscopic sinus surgery

IntroductionThe Modena bleeding score is a categorical rating scale that allows the assessment of the surgical field in relation to bleeding during endoscopic surgery. It has recently been presented and validated in the field of endoscopic ear surgery by the present authors. The Modena bleeding score provides five grades for rating the surgical field during endoscopic procedures (from grade 1 ? no bleeding to grade 5 ? bleeding that prevents every surgical procedure except those dedicated to bleeding control).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to validate the Modena bleeding score in the setting of endoscopic sinus surgery.MethodsFifteen three-minute videos of endoscopic sinus surgery procedures (each containing three bleeding situations) were evaluated by 15 specialists, using the Modena bleeding score. Intra and inter-rater reliability were assessed, and the clinical validity of the Modena bleeding score was calculated using a referent standard.ResultsThe data analysis showed an intra-rater reliability ranging from 0.6336 to 0.861. The inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.676 to 0.844. The clinical validity was α = 0.70; confidence limits: 0.64 ? 0.75, corresponding to substantial agreement.ConclusionThe Modena bleeding score is an effective method to score bleeding during endoscopic sinus surgery. Its application in future research could facilitate the performance and efficacy assessment of surgical techniques, materials or devices aimed to bleeding control during endoscopic sinus surgery.     

A Pre-Protocol/Post-Protocol Quality Improvement Initiative Specific to One Hospital for Security of Pathologic Specimen

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to reduce errors in a pathologic specimen with the help of a protocol systematizing the pathology specimen management process in the operating room.Materials and methodThis quasi-experimental study was carried out in the operating room unit of a research and training hospital. A protocol systematizing the process of specimen management in secure surgical pathology and prepared in light of the current literature was used as an intervention, and the effectiveness of the protocol was tested.ResultsIt was determined that the rate of adverse events decreased from .3226% (68 of 21,078) to .032% (6 of 18,706) after the protocol systematizing the surgical pathology specimen management process prepared by the researchers, and the protocol was found to be effective by 90% (P = .03).ConclusionBased on the data obtained in this study, we recommend the use of a pathologic specimen management protocol in the operating room.     

Future directions in managing aniridia-associated keratopathy

Congenital aniridia is a panocular disorder that is typically characterized by iris hypoplasia and aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK). AAK results in the progressive loss of corneal transparency and thereby loss of vision. Currently, there is no approved therapy to delay or prevent its progression, and clinical management is challenging because of phenotypic variability and high risk of complications after interventions; however, new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of AAK may help improve its management. Here, we review the current understanding about the pathogenesis and management of AAK. We highlight the biological mechanisms involved in AAK development with the aim to develop future treatment options, including surgical, pharmacological, cell therapies, and gene therapies.     

Hirschsprung-associated inflammatory bowel disease: A multicenter study from the APSA Hirschsprung disease interest group

Background/PurposeA small number of Hirschsprung disease (HD) patients develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like symptoms after pullthrough surgery. The etiology and pathophysiology of Hirschsprung-associated IBD (HD-IBD) remains unknown. This study aims to further characterize HD-IBD, to identify potential risk factors and to evaluate response to treatment in a large group of patients.MethodsRetrospective study of patients diagnosed with IBD after pullthrough surgery between 2000 and 2021 at 17 institutions. Data regarding clinical presentation and course of HD and IBD were reviewed. Effectiveness of medical therapy for IBD was recorded using a Likert scale.ResultsThere were 55 patients (78% male). 50% (n = 28) had long segment disease. Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) was reported in 68% (n = 36). Ten patients (18%) had Trisomy 21. IBD was diagnosed after age 5 in 63% (n = 34). IBD presentation consisted of colonic or small bowel inflammation resembling IBD in 69% (n = 38), unexplained or persistent fistula in 18% (n = 10) and unexplained HAEC >5 years old or unresponsive to standard treatment in 13% (n = 7). Biological agents were the most effective (80%) medications. A third of patients required a surgical procedure for IBD.ConclusionMore than half of the patients were diagnosed with HD-IBD after 5 years old. Long segment disease, HAEC after pull through operation and trisomy 21 may represent risk factors for this condition. Investigation for possible IBD should be considered in children with unexplained fistulae, HAEC beyond the age of 5 or unresponsive to standard therapy, and symptoms suggestive of IBD. Biological agents were the most effective medical treatment.Level of EvidenceLevel 4     

Surgical emergencies in pregnancy in the era of modern diagnostics and treatment

Pregnancy can be complicated with different surgical emergencies which may potentially endanger the mother as well as foetus. In the modern era of advanced diagnostics and treatments, neither of them in response to a surgical emergency in a pregnant woman should be delayed. Appropriate early intervention is essential to decrease the morbidity and mortality. Following article encompasses common surgical emergencies that can arise in a pregnant woman and tries to suggest the approach that may be taken to reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality.     

Oncological and aesthetic outcome following surgical management of orbito-palpebral skin cancers: A retrospective study of 132 patients

BackgroundThe incidence of facial skin cancers continues to rise, with major studies on their impacts still lacking in the literature. This study reports on the oncological and aesthetic results following surgical management of an orbito-palpebral skin cancer.MethodsThis retrospective, monocentric study included patients treated for a non-melanoma skin cancer of the eyelid and orbit. Risk factors, location, histological type, invaded or insufficient margins, healing time, surgical management by excision and direct closure, skin graft or local flaps, self-evaluated aesthetics, and quality of life results were all compared.ResultsThe study included 132 patients operated for basal cell carcinoma (71.9%), squamous cell carcinoma (22.9%), or for another type (5.2%) between November 2011 and January 2017. Average tumor size was 9.6 ± 6.3 mm. Surgical management resulted in excision and open healing (9.1%), excision and direct closure (3.9%), skin graft (31.1%), local flap (21.9%), or another type of reconstruction (3.0%). Significant links between invaded or insufficient margins and basal cell type (OR = 3.37, p = 0.014), tumor size over 7 mm (OR = 2.7, p = 0.011), double location (OR = 8.44, p = 0.04), flap-based reconstruction (OR = 0.290, p = 0.02), and female gender (OR = 0.418, p = 0.034) were reported throughout our multivariate analysis.ConclusionsThis study brings out consequential information on factors linked with invaded or insufficient excision margins. Larger cohorts should evaluate the aesthetic outcomes in such a population.     

比较手术夹闭和介入栓塞治疗颅内未破裂动脉瘤安全性和有效性的Meta分析

目的比较手术夹闭和介入栓塞治疗颅内未破裂动脉瘤的安全性和有效性。方法计算机检索1990至2018年颅内未破裂动脉瘤的所有临床对照研究。两名研究员分别纳入研究、提取数据、质量评价并应用Rev Man5. 0软件进行数据处理。结果最终纳入21篇文献,病例数109114例。Meta分析结果提示:手术夹闭组动脉瘤闭塞率为88. 2%,平均住院时间7. 7天,均高于介入栓塞组的65. 3%和4. 1天,P 0. 05。介入组患者的短期死亡率和致残率分别为0. 61%和2. 1%,均低于手术组的1. 27%和4. 7%,P 0. 05。介入组患者的1年期死亡率和致残率(2. 5%、2. 5%)均与手术组(2. 2%、1. 8%)无明显差异,P 0. 05。漏斗图未发现发表偏倚。敏感性分析结果一致。结论介入栓塞相比于手术夹闭可缩短患者的住院时间,降低患者的短期不良预后发生率。但是动脉瘤的闭塞率较低,1年期预后与手术夹闭无明显差异。据此推测手术夹闭患者的长期预后可能要好于介入栓塞,手术夹闭更适合于年轻患者。     

肿瘤性复杂性胸壁缺损的修复策略及对肿瘤治疗的积极影响

复杂性胸壁缺损的修复一直是一项极具挑战性的工作。肿瘤性复杂性胸壁缺损的修复决策及其执行困难是限制胸壁肿瘤治疗方法选择及影响预后的重要因素之一。皮瓣解剖学研究的深入、胸壁支持结构重建技术的进步、显微外科技术的发展、麻醉护理的发展、对综合治疗的重视和治疗手段的进步等,使传统认为不可切除的胸壁肿瘤得以彻底地切除和安全有效地修复,从而使与缺损修复相关的肿瘤切除及辅助治疗的禁忌证缩减到最小程度,有效地提高了胸壁肿瘤患者的生存质量,并很大程度上延长了生存率。作者以湖南省肿瘤医院整形外科15年565例胸壁肿瘤切除后修复重建的临床资料为依据,充实了胸壁肿瘤切除及修复的策略:(1)可靠的胸壁骨性支架重建;(2)有效的软组织修复;(3)麻醉及护理与手术团队的合作;(4)系统有序的综合治疗。并进一步明确了复杂胸壁肿瘤切除及重建的细节理念,包括胸部肿瘤治疗中加强多学科合作的密切性和科学性,整形外科医生参与肿瘤治疗整体规划的主动性和时机前移等。