Nigel J. Hall

Efficacy and Safety of Nonoperative Treatment for Acute Appendicitis: A Meta-analysis

This systematic review of the existing literature with meta-analysis reports on the efficacy and safety of nonoperative treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis in children relative to appendectomy. CONTEXT: Nonoperative treatment (NOT) with antibiotics alone of acute uncomplicated appendicitis (AUA) in children has been proposed as an alternative to appendectomy. OBJECTIVE: To determine safety and efficacy of NOT based on current literature. DATA SOURCES: Three electronic databases. STUDY SELECTION: All articles reporting NOT for AUA in children. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently verified study inclusion and extracted data. RESULTS: Ten articles reporting 413 children receiving NOT were included. Six, including 1 randomized controlled trial, compared NOT with appendectomy. The remaining 4 reported outcomes of children receiving NOT without a comparison group. NOT was effective as the initial treatment in 97% of children (95% confidence interval [CI] 96% to 99%). Initial length of hospital stay was shorter in children treated with appendectomy compared with NOT (mean difference 0.5 days [95% CI 0.2 to 0.8]; P = .002). At final reported follow-up (range 8 weeks to 4 years), NOT remained effective (no appendectomy performed) in 82% of children (95% CI 77% to 87%). Recurrent appendicitis occurred in 14% (95% CI 7% to 21%). Complications and total length of hospital stay during follow-up were similar for NOT and appendectomy. No serious adverse events related to NOT were reported. LIMITATIONS: The lack of prospective randomized studies limits definitive conclusions to influence clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: Current data suggest that NOT is safe. It appears effective as initial treatment in 97% of children with AUA, and the rate of recurrent appendicitis is 14%. Longer-term clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of NOT compared with appendicectomy require further evaluation, preferably in large randomized trials, to reliably inform decision-making.

The role of preformed silos in the management of infants with gastroschisis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe pre-formed silo (PFS) is increasingly used in the management of gastroschisis, but its benefits remain unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature comparing use of a PFS with alternate treatment strategies.MethodsStudies comparing the use of a PFS with alternate strategies were identified and data extracted. The primary outcome measure was length of time on a ventilator. Mean difference (MD) between continuous variables and 95xa0% confidence intervals were calculated. Risk difference and 95xa0% CI were determined for dichotomous data.ResultsEighteen studies, including one randomised controlled trial, were included. Treatment strategy and outcome measures reported varied widely. Meta-analysis demonstrated no difference in days of ventilation, but a longer duration of parenteral nutrition (PN) requirement [MD 6.4xa0days (1.3, 11.5); pxa0=xa00.01] in infants who received a PFS. Subgroup analysis of studies reporting routine use of a PFS for all infants demonstrated a significantly shorter duration of ventilation with a PFS [MD 2.2xa0days (0.5, 3.9); pxa0=xa00.01] but no difference in duration of PN requirement. Other outcomes were similar between groups.ConclusionThe quality of evidence comparing PFS with alternate treatment strategies for gastroschisis is poor. Only routine use of PFS is associated with fewer days on a ventilator compared with other strategies. No strong evidence to support a preference for any strategy was demonstrated. Prospective studies are required to investigate the optimum management of gastroschisis. Standardised outcome measures for this population should be established to allow comparison of studies.

Outcome reporting in randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses of appendicitis treatments in children: a systematic review

BackgroundAcute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in children. Despite this, there is no core outcome set (COS) described for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in children with appendicitis and hence no consensus regarding outcome selection, definition and reporting. We aimed to identify outcomes currently reported in studies of paediatric appendicitis.MethodsUsing a defined, sensitive search strategy, we identified RCTs and systematic reviews (SRs) of treatment interventions in children with appendicitis. Included studies were all in English and investigated the effect of one or more treatment interventions in children with acute appendicitis or undergoing appendicectomy for presumed acute appendicitis. Studies were reviewed and data extracted by two reviewers. Primary (if defined) and all other outcomes were recorded and assigned to the core areas ‘Death’, ‘Pathophysiological Manifestations’, ‘Life Impact’, ‘Resource Use’ and ‘Adverse Events’, using OMERACT Filter 2.0.ResultsA total of 63 studies met the inclusion criteria reporting outcomes from 51 RCTs and nine SRs. Only 25 RCTs and four SRs defined a primary outcome. A total of 115 unique and different outcomes were identified. RCTs reported a median of nine outcomes each (range 1 to 14). The most frequently reported outcomes were wound infection (43 RCTs, nine SRs), intra-peritoneal abscess (41 RCTs, seven SRs) and length of stay (35 RCTs, six SRs) yet all three were reported in just 25 RCTs and five SRs. Common outcomes had multiple different definitions or were frequently not defined. Although outcomes were reported within all core areas, just one RCT and no SR reported outcomes for all core areas. Outcomes assigned to the ‘Death’ and ‘Life Impact’ core areas were reported least frequently (in six and 15 RCTs respectively).ConclusionsThere is a wide heterogeneity in the selection and definition of outcomes in paediatric appendicitis, and little overlap in outcomes used across studies. A paucity of studies report patient relevant outcomes within the ‘Life Impact’ core area. These factors preclude meaningful evidence synthesis, and pose challenges to designing prospective clinical trials and cohort studies. The development of a COS for paediatric appendicitis is warranted.

Outcome reporting in randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews of gastroschisis treatment: a systematic review

BACKGROUNDnCore outcome sets (COS) facilitate clinical research by providing an agreed set of outcomes to be measured when evaluating treatment efficacy. Gastroschisis is increasing in frequency and evidence-based treatments are lacking. We aimed to identify initial candidate outcomes for a gastroschisis COS from existing literature.nnnMETHODSnUsing a sensitive search strategy we identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs) of treatment interventions for gastroschisis. Outcomes were extracted and assigned to the core areas, Pathophysiological Manifestations, Life Impact, Resource Use, Adverse Events and Mortality.nnnRESULTSnA total of 50 outcomes were identified. RCTs reported 6-9 outcomes each; SRs reported 9-25. The most frequently reported outcomes were Length of hospital stay (reported in 8 studies), Duration of ventilation and Time to full enteral feeds (7 studies). Outcomes identified could be assigned to all five core areas.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThere is wide heterogeneity in outcomes reported in studies evaluating treatment interventions for gastroschisis. It is unclear which outcomes are of highest importance across stakeholder groups. Developing a COS to standardize outcome measurement and reporting for gastroschisis is warranted.

Contemporary management of pyloric stenosis.

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a common surgical cause of vomiting in infants. Following appropriate fluid resuscitation, the mainstay of treatment is pyloromyotomy. This article reviews the aetiology and pathophysiology of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, its clinical presentation, the role of imaging, the preoperative and postoperative management, current surgical approaches and non-surgical treatment options. Contemporary postoperative feeding regimens, outcomes and complications are also discussed.

The burden of excluding malrotation in term neonates with bile stained vomiting

PurposeTo determine the number of term infants with bilious vomiting (BV) referred to a neonatal surgical centre for exclusion of malrotation by upper gastrointestinal contrast (UGI) examination.MethodsRetrospective review of term (>37/40) neonates <28xa0days of age undergoing UGI for exclusion of malrotation between Jan 2010 and Dec 2014 in a neonatal network with 30,000 term deliveries annually. Only infants with BV in the absence of alternative clinical/radiological diagnosis were included.ResultsOne hundred and sixty-six infants met the inclusion criteria. Fourteen (9xa0%) infants had malrotation diagnosed by UGI and confirmed at laparotomy. Only 1 of 110 infants referred at 0–2xa0days of age had positive UGI compared to 13 of 56 infants referred after this age (pxa0<xa00.01). An increase in referrals followed the death of an infant from midgut volvulus and as a result one in 500 term infants are currently being referred.ConclusionIncreasing awareness of the potential consequences of bilious vomiting appears to have resulted in increased referrals with no increase in detection of malrotation. Prospective studies are required to determine whether investigation of all infants with unexplained bilious vomiting is required and if it is possible to select cases for surgical referral.

The management of boys under 3 months of age with an inguinal hernia and ipsilateral palpable undescended testis

AIMSnThe optimal management for boys under 3 months of age with an indirect inguinal hernia (IIH) and ipsilateral palpable undescended testis (IPUDT) is unknown. We aimed to: 1) determine the current practice for managing these boys across the UK, and 2) compare outcomes of different treatment strategies.nnnMETHODOLOGYnWe undertook two studies. Firstly, we completed a National Survey of all surgeons on the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons email list in 2014. Subsequently, we undertook a multi-centre, retrospective, 10-year (2005-2015) review across 4 pediatric surgery centers of boys under 3months of age with concomitant IIH and IPUDT. Primary outcome was testicular atrophy. Secondary outcomes included need for subsequent orchidopexy, testicular ascent and hernia recurrence. Data are presented as median (range). Chi-squared test and multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis were used for analysis; p<0.05 was considered significant.nnnRESULTSnSurvey: Consultant practice varies widely across the UK, with a tendency towards performing concurrent orchidopexy at the time of herniotomy under 3 months of age. Concurrent orchidopexy is favored less in cases where the hernia is symptomatic. Case Series Review: Forty-one boys with 43 concomitant IIH and IPUDT were identified, and all included. 32 (74%) hernias were reducible, 11 (26%) were symptomatic requiring urgent or emergency repair. Post-conceptual age at surgery was 45weeks (36-65). Primary operations included: 29 (67%) open hernia repair and standard orchidopexy, 8 (19%) open hernia repair with future orchidopexy if required, 4 (9%) laparoscopic hernia repair with future orchidopexy if required, 2 (5%) open hernia repair and suturing of the testis to the inverted scrotum without scrotal incision. Variation in atrophy rate between different surgical approaches did not reach statistical significance (p=0.42). Overall atrophy rate was 18%. If hernia repair alone was undertaken (8 open and 4 laparoscopic), the testis did not descend in 8 patients, requiring subsequent orchidopexy (67%); if orchidopexy was undertaken at the time of hernia repair, 1 in 29 required a repeat orchidopexy (3%) (p=0.0001). No hernia recurred.nnnCONCLUSIONnThis study suggests that orchidopexy at the time of inguinal herniotomy does not increase the risk of testicular atrophy in boys under 3months of age.

Emergency laparotomy in infants born at <26 weeks gestation: a neonatal network-based cohort study of frequency, surgical pathology and outcomes

Objective Identify the proportion of infants born at <26 completed weeks’ gestation who require emergency laparotomy, and review the surgical pathology, incidence of subsequent surgical procedures and outcome. Design Retrospective cohort review. Setting Tertiary neonatal surgical unit. Patients All infants born at <26 weeks’ gestation in a neonatal network over an 8-year period. Results Of 381 infants, laparotomy was indicated in 61 (16%) and performed in 57. Surgical pathology encountered included spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) (28), necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) (14), volvulus without malrotation (1), strangulated inguinal hernia (1), milk curd obstruction (4), NEC stricture (1) and meconium obstruction of prematurity (2). No intestinal pathology was found in six. Four infants with indications for laparotomy and severe comorbidity had intensive care withdrawn without surgery. The most frequent procedure performed was resection with primary anastomosis. Nine infants (16%) required more than one laparotomy. Of the 16 infants who had stoma formation, eight had closure before discharge. Fifteen infants required surgical patent ductus arteriosus ligation following laparotomy, and 17 had laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity. Overall 42 infants with indication for laparotomy (69%) survived to discharge. Conclusions Nearly one in six infants born at <26 weeks required emergency laparotomy. The most frequent pathology encountered was SIP (49%), followed by NEC (25%). Over one-quarter required subsequent gastrointestinal surgery, with many also requiring cardiothoracic and ophthalmic procedures. These data are important for those caring for extremely preterm infants, the provision of information to parents and organisation of neonatal services.

Perioperative Complications of Surgery for Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

&NA; Pyloromyotomy is the tried and tested surgical procedure for successful operative treatment of pyloric stenosis. Over time, the operative approach has evolved to take advantage of cosmetically superior incisions and more recently minimally invasive surgery. During and following surgery, complications are uncommon. The specific complications of an inadequate pyloromyotomy requiring repeated procedure and mucosal perforation during an overzealous pyloromyotomy represent the ends of a spectrum within which sits the perfect procedure. Here, we discuss these specific complications together with the other potential complications following surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, including anesthetic considerations.

Long-term outcomes of congenital lung malformations

Congenital lung malformations comprise a group of anatomical abnormalities of the respiratory tree including congenital cystic malformations, bronchopulmonary sequestrations, bronchogenic cyst, bronchial atresia, and congenital lobar emphysema. These anomalies are detected with increasing frequency by pre-natal sonography, but may also present for the first time with symptoms in childhood or later life. When symptomatic, there is little controversy that resection is indicated, which is usually curative. When a lesion is asymptomatic there is greater debate regarding the benefit of resection versus continued observation. This article provides an overview of the spectrum of disorders, the management options available and the long-term outcomes associated with each treatment option.