Ian C. Glenn

Incarcerated Pediatric Hernias.

Indirect inguinal hernias are the most commonly incarcerated hernias in children, with a higher incidence in low birth weight and premature infants. Contralateral groin exploration to evaluate for a patent processus vaginalis or subclinical hernia is controversial, given that most never progress to clinical hernias. Most indirect inguinal hernias can be reduced nonoperatively. It is recommended to repair them in a timely fashion, even in premature infants. Laparoscopic repair of incarcerated inguinal hernia repair is considered a safe and effective alternative to conventional open herniorrhaphy. Other incarcerated pediatric hernias are extremely rare and may be managed effectively with laparoscopy.

Simple diverticulectomy is adequate for management of bleeding Meckel diverticulum

PurposeIt is unclear whether simple diverticulectomy, rather than segmental bowel resection (SBR), is adequate treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) secondary to Meckel diverticulum (MD). There is concern that ulcers in the adjacent bowel may continue to bleed if only the diverticulum is removed. This study seeks to determine if diverticulectomy is satisfactory treatment for bleeding MD.MethodsA multi-institution, retrospective review was performed for patients with a diagnosis of MD and GIB who underwent simple diverticulectomy or small bowel resection. Exclusion criteria were comorbid surgical conditions and other causes of GIB. The primary outcome was post-operative bleeding during the initial hospitalization. Secondary outcomes were bleeding after discharge, transfusion or additional procedure requirement, re-admission, and overall complications.ResultsThere were 59 patients who met study criteria (42 diverticulectomy, 17 SBR). One patient in the SBR group had early post-operative bleeding (p = 0.288). There was one re-admission (p = 0.288) and three total complications in the SBR group (p = 0.021). There were no cases of bleeding or other complications in the diverticulectomy group.ConclusionThis study suggests that simple diverticulectomy is adequate for treatment of GIB caused by MD. Furthermore, diverticulectomy appears to have a lower overall complication rate.

Anisotropic and Nonlinear Biaxial Mechanical Response of Porcine Small Bowel Mesentery

Intestinal malrotation places pediatric patients at the risk of midgut volvulus, a complication that can lead to ischemic bowel, short gut syndrome, and even death. Even though the treatments for symptomatic patients of this complication are clear, it is still a challenge to identify asymptomatic patients who are at a higher risk of midgut volvulus and decide on a suitable course of treatment. Development of an accurate computerized model of this intestinal abnormality could help in gaining a better understanding of its integral behavior. To aid in developing such a model, in the current study, we have characterized the biaxial mechanical properties of the porcine small bowel mesentery. First, the tissue stress-strain response was determined using a biaxial tensile testing equipment. The stress-strain data were then fitted into a Fung-type phenomenological constitutive model to quantify the tissue material parameters. The stress-strain responses were highly nonlinear, showing more compliance at the lower strains following by a rapid transition into a stiffer response at higher strains. The tissue was anisotropic and showed more stiffness in the radial direction. The data fitted the Fung-type constitutive model with an average R-squared value of 0.93. An averaging scheme was used to produce a set of material parameters which can represent the generic mechanical behavior of the tissue in the models.

Head and Cervical Spine Evaluation for the Pediatric Surgeon

This article is designed to guide pediatric surgeons in the evaluation and stabilization of blunt head and cervical spine injuries in pediatric patients. Trauma remains the number one cause of morbidity and mortality among children, and the incidence of head injuries continues to rise. Cervical spine injuries, on the other hand, are unusual but can be devastating if missed. This article highlights the pathophysiology unique to pediatric head and cervical spine trauma as well as keys to clinical and diagnostic evaluation.

Creation of an animal model for long gap pure esophageal atresia

IntroductionLong gap pure esophageal atresia (LGPEA) is a congenital disorder in which the esophagus is in discontinuity, and the proximal and distal ends cannot be anastomosed in a primary fashion. No animal model for pure esophageal atresia exists. Here we describe a survival animal model for LGPEA, which will ultimately serve to test novel devices and techniques to restore continuity.MethodsA non-survival study was first conducted in six rabbits to refine a protocol for the survival model. An open gastrostomy tube was placed, followed by a partial esophagectomy. Next, a survival study was performed with seven rabbits in which the same procedures were performed. Finally, the procedure was optimized in domestic swine.ResultsDespite developing the techniques and gaining valuable information in the non-survival study, none of the rabbits in the survival portion of the study lived beyond post-operative day four. Due to this complication with the rabbit, the LGPEA model was attempted in a porcine model. The pig survived to post-operative day ten, and was healthy enough to be used for further study.ConclusionA porcine model of long gap pure esophageal atresia was developed which is effective and feasible to be used for testing new methods of treatment of LGPEA.

Inguinal Hernia Repair in Children

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common procedures performed by pediatric surgeons across the world. There are many arguments as to which technique of repair provides the best outcomes to children. While most surgeons employ an open technique for high ligation of the hernia sac, many surgeons have converted to and recommend a laparoscopic technique for repair. It is important for the pediatric surgeon to have a basic understanding of all techniques of repair available to them, in order to best decide which to use. Here we present a brief description of many of the most commonly used techniques by pediatric surgeons for repair of inguinal hernia in children.

Magnetic compression anastomosis (magnamosis) in a porcine esophagus: Proof of concept for potential application in esophageal atresia

BACKGROUND Magnetic compression anastomosis (magnamosis) is the process of forming a sutureless anastomosis of the gastrointestinal tract using two magnetic Harrison rings. It has been shown to be effective in stomach, small bowel and colon, but has not been implemented in the esophagus. A pure esophageal atresia porcine model was developed to test the concept. METHODS Five pigs weighing between 35 and 65 kg were used. In all pigs, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube was placed, and a right thoracotomy was performed. Esophageal atresia was simulated by transecting the esophagus with a cutting stapler, and magnets were placed endoscopically to approximate the two ends of the esophagus. In the first pig, the tissue within the magnetic ring was excised endoscopically to achieve immediate patency. In the second pig, approximation of the blind esophageal ends was reinforced with 3-4 externally-placed sutures but immediate patency was not performed. In the last three pigs, both external suture reinforcement and immediate patency were performed. The pigs survived for 10-14 days and received nutrition through PEG tube. At necropsy, an esophagram was performed, the specimen was explanted and a leak test was performed. RESULTS The first pig died in the early postoperative period from a leak owing to separation of the magnets. The second pig died from aspiration before the anastomosis formed. The last three pigs survived until the study endpoint. The third pig had a contained leak owing to the staple line being placed between the magnets; this was not clinically significant. The last two pigs had well-formed anastomoses. Burst tests showed no leak when injecting saline up to 30 mmHg. CONCLUSION Magnamosis is technically feasible for esophagoesophageal anastomoses. A survival model for pure esophageal atresia was developed and refined in pigs. Further work in this area may lead to clinical use in humans.

Bronchoscopy and Tracheobronchial Disorders

Tracheobronchial disorders refer to a wide variety of both congenital and acquired diseases involving the lower airway. Rigid and flexible bronchoscopy plays a role in both the diagnosis and treatment of many of these disorders. Foreign body aspiration is the most commonly encountered entity. This chapter provides an overview of many of the tracheobronchial disorders, as well as equipment and technique.

Esophageal Replacement Surgery in Children

In patients with long-gap esophageal atresia, the native esophagus alone is not always sufficient to create esophageal continuity. While delayed primary anastomosis or traction techniques should be attempted first, the small bowel, stomach, or colon may ultimately be required to bridge the ends of the atretic esophagus.

Prospective observational study to assess the need for postoperative antibiotics following surgical incision and drainage of skin and soft tissue abscess in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND Post-operative antibiotics are often utilized for skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) requiring surgical incision and drainage (I&D). We propose that antibiotics are unnecessary following I&D. METHODS Patients aged 3months to 6years with SSTI of the buttocks, groin, thigh, and/or labia requiring I&D were prospectively enrolled. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients requiring re-drainage and/or antibiotics for SSTI recurrence, within 30days. Follow-up consisted of a 30-day phone call, with optional 2-week office visit, combined with chart review for patients lost to follow-up. A one-sample binomial proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to examine non-inferiority for rate of treatment success, using previously published success rates for patients receiving antibiotics post-operatively (95.9%, with a 7% margin of equivalence). RESULTS A total of 92 patients were enrolled. All patients received pre-operative antibiotics. There was one treatment failure (success rate 0.989, CI 0.941-0.999). The recurrence rate was noninferior to previously-published data for patients receiving postoperative antibiotics (p<0.001). Subgroup analysis of patients who completed 30-day follow-up yielded a success rate of 0.973, CI 0.858-0.999 and evidence of non-inferiority (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS Post-operative management excluding antibiotics should be considered for patients who undergo I&D for SSTI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II (prospective cohort study with <80% follow-up).