Joe Curry

Hypercapnia and Acidosis During Open and Thoracoscopic Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and Esophageal Atresia Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effect of thoracoscopy in neonates on intraoperative arterial blood gases, compared with open surgery. Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) can be repaired thoracoscopically, but this may cause hypercapnia and acidosis, which are potentially harmful. Methods: This was a pilot randomized controlled trial. The target number of 20 neonates (weight > 1.6 kg) were randomized to either open (5 CDH, 5 EA/TEF) or thoracoscopic (5 CDH, 5 EA/TEF) repair. Arterial blood gases were measured every 30 minutes intraoperatively, and compared by multilevel modeling, presented as mean and difference (95% confidence interval) from these predictions. Results: Overall, the intraoperative PaCO2 was 61 mm Hg in open and 83 mm Hg [difference 22 mm Hg (2 to 42); P = 0.036] in thoracoscopy and the pH was 7.24 in open and 7.13 [difference −0.11 (−0.20 to −0.01); P = 0.025] in thoracoscopy. The duration of hypercapnia and acidosis was longer in thoracoscopy compared with that in open. For patients with CDH, thoracoscopy was associated with a significant increase in intraoperative hypercapnia [open 68 mm Hg; thoracoscopy 96 mm Hg; difference 28 mm Hg (8 to 48); P = 0.008] and severe acidosis [open 7.21; thoracoscopy 7.08; difference −0.13 (−0.24 to −0.02); P = 0.018]. No significant difference in PaCO2, pH, or PaO2 was observed in patients undergoing thoracoscopic repair of EA/TEF. Conclusions: This pilot randomized controlled trial shows that thoracoscopic repair of CDH is associated with prolonged and severe intraoperative hypercapnia and acidosis, compared with open surgery. These findings do not support the use of thoracoscopy with CO2 insufflation and conventional ventilation for the repair of CDH, calling into question the safety of this practice. The effect of thoracoscopy on blood gases during repair of EA/TEF in neonates requires further evaluation. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01467245)

Surgical outcomes of esophageal atresia without fistula for 24 years at a single institution

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate the surgical outcome of esophageal atresia (EA) without fistula for 24 years at a single tertiary center for pediatric surgery. METHODS The study used a retrospective chart review of infants diagnosed with EA without fistula between 1981 and 2005. RESULTS Of 33 patients with EA without fistula, 31 charts were available. Mean birth weight was 2327 g (range, 905-3390 g), and 71% were male. Most common associated anomalies were cardiac (n = 6; 19%) and renal (n = 5; 16%), followed by vertebral (n = 4; 13%) and anorectal (n = 2; 7%). The median initial esophageal gap was 5 vertebral bodies. Six had a primary repair, and 25 patients had esophageal replacement at a median age of 7 months. This involved gastric transposition in 20 (1 followed failed jejunal interposition), colonic interposition in 5, jejunal interposition in 1 (after a failed colonic), and repair at another center in 1. With a median review of 9 years, 21 patients had long-term sequelae with the need for multiple further surgical procedures including an antireflux procedure in 5. One patient died. CONCLUSIONS Management of EA without fistula remains challenging. Most patients required staged treatment that included esophageal replacement. The frequency of late complications indicates the need for programmed long-term review.

High-resolution colonic manometry accurately predicts colonic neuromuscular pathological phenotype in pediatric slow transit constipation.

Background  Severe pediatric slow transit constipation (STC) is commonly due to intrinsic colonic neuromuscular disease. We sought to correlate neuromuscular histological phenotypes in pediatric STC with colonic manometric phenotypes using high‐resolution manometry (HRM). We tested the hypothesis that failure of motor quiescence (FQ) between bisacodyl‐induced high amplitude propagating sequences (HAPSs) might predict neuromuscular pathology.

Decreased cerebral oxygen saturation during thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and esophageal atresia in infants

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TOF) can be repaired thoracoscopically, but this may cause hypercapnia, acidosis, and reduced cerebral oxygenation. We evaluated the effect of thoracoscopy in infants on cerebral oxygen saturation (cSO(2)), arterial blood gases, and carbon dioxide (CO(2)) absorption. METHODS Eight infants underwent thoracoscopy (6 CDH and 2 EA/TOF). Serial arterial blood gases were taken. Regional cSO(2) was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy. Absorption of insufflated CO(2) was calculated from exhaled (13)CO(2)/(12)CO(2) ratio measured by mass spectrometry. RESULTS CO(2) absorption increased during thoracoscopy with a maximum 29% ± 6% of exhaled CO(2) originating from the pneumothorax. Paco(2) increased from 9.4 ± 1.3 kPa at the start to 12.4 ± 1.0 intraoperatively and then decreased to 7.6 ± 1.2 kPa at end of operation. Arterial pH decreased from 7.19 ± 0.04 at the start to 7.05 ± 0.04 intraoperatively and then recovered to 7.28 ± 0.06 at end of operation. Cerebral hemoglobin oxygen saturation decreased from 87% ± 4% at the start to 75% ± 5% at end of operation. This had not recovered by 12 (74% ± 4%) or 24 hours (73% ± 3%) postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study suggests that thoracoscopic repair of CDH and EA/TOF may be associated with acidosis and decreased cSO(2). The effects of these phenomena on future brain development are unknown.

Thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: intraoperative ventilation and recurrence

INTRODUCTION Thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been described, but its efficacy and safety have not been validated. The aim was to compare our experience of thoracoscopy with laparotomy repair. METHODS After ethics approval, we reviewed the notes of neonates with CDH operated in our institution between 2003 and 2008. Two historical groups were compared: infants who underwent laparotomy (2003-2008) or thoracoscopy (2007-2008). Data were compared by t test or Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS Thirty-five children had open repair of CDH, and 13 had thoracoscopic repair. Groups were homogeneous for age and weight. Five (38%) neonates who had thoracoscopy were converted to open for surgical difficulties (n = 4) and O(2) desaturation (n = 1). Patch repair was used in 12 (34%) open and 6 (46%) thoracoscopic repairs. End-tidal CO(2) was significantly elevated during thoracoscopy, but this was not reflected in arterial CO(2) or pH. There were 3 (8%) recurrences after open repair and 2 (25%) after thoracoscopy (P = .19). CONCLUSION Thoracoscopic repair of CDH is feasible. Arterial blood gases should be closely monitored. Despite higher EtCO(2), conversion to open was mainly because of difficult repair. A randomized trial is necessary to assess the effect of thoracoscopy on ventilation and recurrences.

Gastroschisis: sonographic diagnosis, associations, management and outcome

Gastroschisis is a defect in the abdominal wall, typically on the right side of a normally inserted umbilical cord through which bowel and other abdominal contents herniate. Classically, no membrane covers the herniated abdominal contents, which distinguishes the defect from exomphalos, an important differential diagnosis. Gastroschisis is usually diagnosed prenatally using ultrasound examination. The prevalence is increasing worldwide from approximately 0.1 per 10 000 total births in the 1970s to over 5 in the early 2000s. The reasons for this are unknown, but factors such as maternal smoking, recreational drugs and young maternal age are strongly associated with the defect. The increasing prevalence is causing concern because the cost of treating gastroschisis is high. Neonatal morbidity depends on significant complicating factors such as bowel atresia or necrosis and prolonged post‐operative ileus. Foetuses with gastroschisis are more likely to be born premature and with intra‐uterine growth restriction, both of which contribute to the morbidity. Gastroschisis requires early surgery after birth, often followed by prolonged neonatal care. However, advances in surgical and post‐operative care in the last decade have meant that currently 90% of affected neonates survive, with few long‐term problems. Copyright

Advanced necrotizing enterocolitis part 1: mortality.

AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with mortality in infants referred for the surgical treatment of advanced necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). METHODS Retrospective review of all infants with confirmed (Bell stage II or III) NEC treated in our unit during the past 8 years (January 2002 to December 2010). Data for survivors and nonsurvivors were compared using Mann-Whitney test and Fishers exact test and are reported as median (range). RESULTS Of the 205 infants with NEC, 35 (17%) were medically managed; 170 (83%) had surgery; 66 (32%) infants died; all had received surgery. Survivors and nonsurvivors were comparable for gestational age, birth weight, and gender distribution. Overall mortality was 32%, the highest mortality was in infants with pan-intestinal disease (86%) but remained significant in those with less severe disease (multifocal 39%; focal disease 21%). The commonest cause of mortality was multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and nearly half of the nonsurvivors had care withdrawn. CONCLUSION Despite improvement in neonatal care, overall mortality (32%) for advanced NEC has not changed in 10 years. Mortality is significant even with minimal bowel involvement.

Clinical outcome of a randomized controlled blinded trial of open versus laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in infants and children.

Objective: To compare the clinical outcome and endocrine response in children who were randomized to open or laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication using minimization. Background: It is assumed that laparoscopic surgery is associated with less pain, quicker recovery and dampened endocrine response. Few randomized studies have been performed in children. Methods: Parents gave informed consent, and this study was approved and registered (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00231543). Anesthesia, postoperative analgesia and feeding were standardized. Parents and staff were blinded to allocation. Blood was taken for markers of endocrine response. Results: Twenty open and 19 laparoscopic patients were comparable with respect to age, weight, neurological status, and presence of congenital anomalies. Median time to full feeds was 2 days in both groups (P = 0.85); hospital stay was 4.5 days in the open group versus 5.0 days in the laparoscopic group (P = 0.57). Pain was adequately managed in both groups and there was no difference in morphine requirements. Median follow-up was 22 (range 12–34) months. Dysphagia, recurrence and need for redo fundoplication were not different between groups; retching was higher after open surgery (56% vs. 6%; P = 0.003). Insulin levels decreased at 24 hours, and was 54% lower (P = 0.02) after laparoscopy. Cortisol was elevated immediately postoperative, but was 42% lower (P = 0.02) after laparoscopy. Conclusions: There was no difference in the postoperative analgesia requirements and recovery. Laparoscopy decreased insulin levels to a greater extent, but caused less of a response in cortisol. Early postoperative outcome confirmed equal efficacy, but fewer children with retching after laparoscopy.

Is early delivery beneficial in gastroschisis

PURPOSE Gastroschisis neonates have delayed time to full enteral feeds (ENT), possibly due to bowel exposure to amniotic fluid. We investigated whether delivery at <37weeks improves neonatal outcomes of gastroschisis and impact of intra/extra-abdominal bowel dilatation (IABD/EABD). METHODS A retrospective review of gastroschisis (1992-2012) linked fetal/neonatal data at 2 tertiary referral centers was performed. Primary outcomes were ENT and length of hospital stay (LOS). Data (median [range]) were analyzed using parametric/non-parametric tests, positive/negative predictive values, and regression analysis. RESULTS Two hundred forty-six patients were included. Thirty-two were complex (atresia/necrosis/perforation/stenosis). ENT (p<0.0001) and LOS (p<0.0001) were reduced with increasing gestational age. IABD persisted to last scan in 92 patients, 68 (74%) simple (intact/uncompromised bowel), 24 (26%) complex. IABD or EABD diameter in complex patients was not significantly greater than simple gastroschisis. Combined IABD/EABD was present in 22 patients (14 simple, 8 complex). When present at <30weeks, the positive predictive value for complex gastroschisis was 75%. Two patients with necrosis and one atresia had IABD and collapsed extra-abdominal bowel from <30weeks. CONCLUSION Early delivery is associated with prolonged ENT/LOS, suggesting elective delivery at <37weeks is not beneficial. Combined IABD/EABD or IABD/collapsed extra-abdominal bowel is suggestive of complex gastroschisis.

Surgical repair of incarcerated inguinal hernia in children: laparoscopic or open?

PURPOSE The management of Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia (IIH) in children is challenging and may be associated with complications. We aimed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic vs. open repair of IIH. METHODS With institutional ethical approval (09SG13), we reviewed the notes of 63 consecutive children who were admitted to a single hospital with the diagnosis of IIH between 2000 and 2008. Data are reported as median (range). Groups were compared by chi-squared or t-tests as appropriate. RESULTS · Open repair (n=35): There were 21 children with right and 14 with left IIH. 2 patients also had contralateral reducible inguinal hernia. Small bowel resection was required in 2 children. · Laparoscopic repair (n=28): All children had unilateral IIH (19 right sided, 9 left sided). 15 children (54%) with no clinical evidence of contralateral hernia, had contralateral patent processus vaginalis at laparoscopy, which was also repaired. The groups were similar with regard to gender, age at surgery, history of prematurity, interval between admission and surgery, and proportion of patients with successful preoperative manual reduction. However, the duration of operation was longer in the laparoscopy group (p=0.01). Time to full feeds and length of hospital stay were similar in both groups. Postoperative follow-up was 3.5 months (1-36), which was similar in both groups. 5 patients in the group undergoing open repair had serious complications: 1 vas transaction, 1 acquired undescended testis, 2 testicular atrophy and 1 recurrence. The laparoscopic group had a single recurrence. CONCLUSION Open repair of incarcerated inguinal hernia is associated with serious complications. The laparoscopic technique appears safe, avoids the difficult dissection of an oedematous sac in the groin, allows inspection of the reduced hernia content and permits the repair of a contralateral patent processus vaginalis if present.