Nilda M. Garcia

Cannot exclude torsion—a 15-year review

BACKGROUND Ovarian torsion remains a challenging diagnosis, often leading to delayed operative intervention and resultant ovarian loss. METHODS Charts of patients with ovarian operative cases were retrospectively reviewed at a free-standing childrens hospital over 15 years. Torsion was based on intraoperative findings. RESULTS Of 328 operative ovarian cases, 97 (29.6%) demonstrated torsion. Mean patient age was 9.2 years (2 days to 17 years, +/-0.54 SEM), with 52% occurring between 9 and 14 years. Of the patients, 97% presented in pain. Presence of a pelvic mass 5 cm or larger on imaging had 83% sensitivity for torsion: an ultrasound reading was only 51% sensitive. Elevated white blood cell count was the only preoperative characteristic associated with prompt operative intervention. Utilization of laparoscopy increased during the latter half of the study (18%-42%, P < .0434). There was a positive trend, although insignificant, in the use of laparoscopy and ovarian salvage. Pathology was overwhelmingly benign (infarction [46%], cysts [33%], and benign neoplasms [19%]). CONCLUSION Torsion was responsible for one third of all operative ovarian cases. Sonography is not reliable in diagnosis or exclusion of ovarian torsion. Thus, a strategy of earlier and liberal use of Diagnostic Laparoscopy (DL), particularly with a pelvic mass of approximately 5 cm, may improve ovarian salvage. Because pathology is predominantly benign, the edematous detorsed ovary is safe to salvage.

Pediatric ovarian malignancy presenting as ovarian torsion: incidence and relevance.

PURPOSE With ovarian torsion, concern for underlying malignancy in the enlarged ovary has previously driven surgeons to resection. Detorsion alone has been recommended to allow for resolution of edema of the ovary with follow-up ultrasound surveillance to evaluate for a persistent mass, yet is not routine practice. However, the incidence of malignancies presenting as ovarian torsion is not documented. Does the risk of an underlying malignancy justify salpingoophorectomy and decreased fertility? METHOD After institutional review board exemption (IRB#-022008-095), a 15(1/2)-year retrospective review was conducted to identify cases of operative ovarian torsion in our medical center. Tumors with neoplastic pathology (malignant and benign) were analyzed and compared with all reported cases in the literature. RESULTS A total of 114 patients (mean +/- SEM age, 10 years, 2 days to 19 years +/- 0.53) with operatively proven ovarian torsion were identified. Four malignancies (3.5%) and 26 benign neoplasms (23%) were present in this age group. Malignancies consisted of serous borderline tumors (2), juvenile granulosa cell tumor (1), and dysgerminoma (1). All were stage I: the former were stage IA and cured with resection alone, and 1 was a stage IB dysgerminoma, which required chemotherapy. The literature yielded a total of 593 cases of operative ovarian torsion with 9 (1.5%) malignancies and 193 (33%) benign neoplasms. The malignancies were juvenile granulosa cell tumor (n = 4), dysgerminoma (n = 2), serous borderline tumors (n = 2), and 1 undifferentiated adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION By combining our series with 13 in the literature, a 1.8% malignancy rate occurred in 707 patients with ovarian torsion, markedly less than the reported malignancy rate of 10% in children with ovarian masses. Thus, neither a pathologic nor malignant lead point should be assumed in cases of torsion. In our series, which represents the largest series of torsion in the pediatric literature, all malignancies presented as stage I. These data further support the implementation of operative detorsion and close postoperative ovarian surveillance, with reoperation for persistent masses. Further study is needed to determine if delaying resection by weeks in those cases of persistent masses would result in tumor progression and thus change prognosis.

Can we preoperatively risk stratify ovarian masses for malignancy

PURPOSE Given a 10% malignancy rate in pediatric ovarian masses, what preoperative factors are helpful in distinguishing those at higher risk to risk stratify accordingly? METHODS After institutional review board approval (IRB#022008-095), a 15(1/2)-year retrospective review of operative ovarian cases was performed. RESULTS A total of 424 patients were identified, with a mean age 12.5 years (range, 1 day to 19 years), without an age disparity between benign (12.54 years, 89%) and malignant (11.8 years, 11%) cases. The 1- to 8-year age group had the highest percentage of malignancies (22%; odds ratio [OR], 3.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-6.86). A chief complaint of mass or precocious puberty versus one of pain had an OR for malignancy of 4.84 and 5.67, respectively (95% CI, 2.48-9.45 and 1.60-20.30). Imaging of benign neoplasms had a mean size of 8 cm (range, 0.9-36 cm) compared with malignancies at 17.3 cm (6.2-50 cm, P < .001). An ovarian mass size of 8 cm or longer on preoperative imaging had an OR of 19.0 for malignancy (95% CI, 4.42-81.69). Ultrasound or computed tomographic findings of a solid mass, although infrequent, were most commonly associated with malignancy (33%-60%), compared with reads of heterogeneous (15%-21%) or cystic (4%-5%) lesions. The malignancies (n = 46) included germ cell (50%, n = 23), stromal (28%, n = 13), epithelial (17%, n = 8), and other (4%, n = 2). Tumor markers obtained in 71% of malignancies were elevated in only 54%, whereas 6.5% of those sent in benign cases were similarly elevated. Elevated beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG), alpha fetoprotein (alphaFP), and cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) were significantly associated with malignancy (P < .02) and an elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was not (P = .1880). CONCLUSION This reported series of pediatric ovarian masses demonstrates that preoperative indicators that best predict an ovarian malignancy are a complaint of a mass or precocious puberty, a mass exceeding 8 cm or a mass with solid imaging characteristics. Those patients aged 1 to 8 years have the greatest incidence of malignancy. Tumor markers, positive or negative, were not conclusive in all cases but useful for postoperative surveillance.

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral for Alcohol Use in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Alcohol use by adolescents is widespread and is connected to a number of negative health and social outcomes. Adolescents receiving emergent care for injuries are often linked with risky use of alcohol. The trauma system has widely adopted the use of screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for preventing alcohol-related injury recidivism and other negative outcomes. The purpose of this article is to review the evidence around SBIRT with adolescent patients in acute care settings. METHODS: This article reviews 7 randomized controlled trials evaluating risky drinking interventions among adolescent patients in acute care settings. All studies took place in the emergency departments of level I trauma centers. RESULTS: Four of the 7 studies reviewed demonstrated a significant intervention effect; however, no one intervention reduced both alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences. Two of these 4 studies only included patients ages 18 and older. Subgroup analyses with adolescents engaged in risky alcohol-related behaviors, conducted in 2 of the studies, showed significant intervention effects. Five studies showed positive consumption and/or consequences for all study participants regardless of condition, suggesting that an emergent injury and/or the screening process may have a protective effect. CONCLUSIONS: Based on existing evidence, it is not clear whether SBIRT is an effective approach to risky alcohol use among adolescent patients in acute care. Additional research is needed around interventions and implementation.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery: feasibility for pediatric appendectomies

INTRODUCTION Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a novel area of minimally invasive surgery using a single incision. The end result is a lone incision at the umbilicus for a perceived scarless abdomen. We report our early experience using the SILS technique for appendectomies in the pediatric population. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed on our first patients to undergo SILS appendectomy (SILS-A) or laparoscopic appendectomy (LAP-A) during the same period at a freestanding childrens hospital. RESULTS Thirty-nine patients were reviewed. Nineteen patients underwent SILS-A (8.7 +/- 0.76 [SEM] years old), and 20 patients underwent LAP-A (10.5 +/- 0.87 years old, 2-17). Ages were 19 months to 14 years in the SILS-A group, with 21% (4 patients) not older than 6 years. Median weight for SILS-A was 32 kg (14.5-80.3). Twelve patients had acute nonperforated appendicitis (62%). Mean duration of operation was 58 +/- 5.6 (30-135) minutes vs 43 +/- 3.6 (30-85) minutes for standard LAP-A. Two patients were converted to a transumbilical appendectomy, one for inability to maintain a pneumoperitoneum and one for extensive adhesions. Postoperative complications consisted of one wound seroma. No wound infections, hernias, readmissions, or difference in length of stay were noted. CONCLUSION The SILS approach for acute appendicitis is feasible in the pediatric population even in patients as young as 19 months. Operating room times are somewhat longer than with LAP-A, but should decrease with improved instrumentation and experience. Larger studies and further technical refinements are needed before its widespread implementation.

Definitive localization of isolated tracheoesophageal fistula using bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy for guide wire placement

PURPOSE To aid in identification of isolated tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEF), many surgeons have recommended the bronchoscopic placement of a ureteric or Fogarty catheter. This method can fail because of intraoperative dislodgment of the catheter. The authors present a new technique that enables us to definitively isolate and treat all H-type fistulas. METHODS Six cases of isolated TEF are presented consisting of 4 H-type fistulas, a proximal pouch fistula, and a recurrent TEF. Three of the patients had undergone a total of four prior failed operations at outside institutions using attempted bronchoscopic catheter placement. On all six patients, bronchoscopy was first performed where the fistula tract was noted in the trachea and a guide wire was passed through the fistula. After orotracheal intubation, the authors performed rigid esophagoscopy; the guide wire was identified and brought out through the mouth. This created a wire loop through the fistula. With the use of x-ray we were then able to visualize the level of the fistula and determine whether a cervical or thoracic approach should be used. Identification of the fistula intraoperatively was then facilitated by traction on the loop by the anesthesiologist. RESULTS Five of the six TEFs were repaired with neck exploration; one required right thoracotomy. In all patients, the fistula was identified and divided. There were no recurrences or other complications. CONCLUSION This new technique is a simple and definitive method in identification and treatment of isolated TEF.

Nonoperative management of blunt liver and spleen injury in children: Evaluation of the ATOMAC guideline using GRADE.

BACKGROUND Nonoperative management of liver and spleen injury should be achievable for more than 95% of children. Large national studies continue to show that some regions fail to meet these benchmarks. Simultaneously, current guidelines recommend hospitalization for injury grade + 2 (in days). A new treatment algorithm, the ATOMAC guideline, is in clinical use at many centers but has not been prospectively validated. METHODS A literature review conducted through MEDLINE identified publications after the American Pediatric Surgery Association guidelines using the search terms blunt liver trauma pediatric, blunt spleen trauma pediatric, and blunt abdominal trauma pediatric. Decision points in the new algorithm generated clinical questions, and GRADE [Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations] methodology was used to assess the evidence supporting the guideline. RESULTS The algorithm generated 27 clinical questions. The algorithm was supported by six 1A recommendations, two 1B recommendations, one 2B recommendation, eight 2C recommendations, and ten 2D recommendations. The 1A recommendations included management based on hemodynamic status rather than grade of injury, support for an abbreviated period of bed rest, transfusion thresholds of 7.0 g/dL, exclusion of peritonitis from a guideline, accounting for local resources and concurrent injuries in the management of children failing to stabilize, as well as the use of a guideline in patients with multiple injuries. The use of more than 40 mL/kg or 4 U of blood to define end points for the guideline, and discharging stable patients before 24 hours received 1B recommendations. CONCLUSION The original American Pediatric Surgery Association guideline for pediatric blunt solid organ injury was instrumental in improving care, but sufficient evidence now exists for an updated management guideline. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Expert opinion, guideline, grades I to IV.

Amylase and lipase measurements in paediatric patients with traumatic pancreatic injuries

INTRODUCTION Pancreatic injuries occur in up to 10% of paediatric patients who suffer blunt trauma. Initial amylase and lipase measurements have not been helpful as a screening tool to detect pancreatic injuries. However, one primarily adult study suggests that a delayed measurement may be useful. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients admitted to a Level I paediatric trauma centre from April 1996 to November 2006 with traumatic pancreatic injuries. RESULTS The trauma database identified 51 patients with traumatic pancreatic injuries. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were met by 26 patients. Patients with initial amylase and lipase levels measured greater than 2h post-injury were more consistently elevated compared to those patients who had levels measured at 2h or less post-injury. There was a significant association between time of measurement and an increased amylase level (p=0.012). No significant association was found for lipase measurements (p=0.178). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS In children with blunt pancreatic injury, elevated serum amylase levels were seen in a significantly higher percentage of patients with initial measurements at greater than 2h post-injury compared to those measured at 2h or less. Lipase measurements demonstrated a similar trend. Delayed amylase and lipase measurements may be helpful to detect pancreatic injuries, but further study is needed.

Pediatric ovarian malignancies: how efficacious are current staging practices?

PURPOSE Conventional staging is not routinely practiced because of a lack of preoperative indicators for pediatric ovarian malignancy. Childrens Oncology Group (COG) developed guidelines for germ cell tumors to revise staging to correlate with primary pediatric ovarian pathology. Are COG guidelines being used, and are they applicable to all pediatric ovarian malignancies? METHODS A 15(1/2)-year retrospective review of operative ovarian masses from a single academic center was performed. RESULTS There were 424 patients identified, with 46 malignancies (11%). Most were stage I (73%). Complete COG staging was performed in 24%. Each staging component performed was as follows: oophorectomy (91%), examination with or without biopsy of omentum (72%), peritoneum (67%), retroperitoneum (63%), contralateral ovary (56%), and washings (46%). Advanced stages had visible findings at exploration to guide biopsies. Of site-directed biopsies, 40.5% were positive, whereas all random biopsies (n = 38) were negative. Two recurrences and all mortalities (n = 4) had complete initial COG operative staging. Mean duration of follow-up was 3.62 +/- 0.365 years. CONCLUSION The COG staging is not consistently followed. All cases of advanced disease were visibly obvious and confirmed with site-directed biopsies. Random samplings were all negative and did not impact stage. Negative outcomes reflected inherent tumor biology not deviation from COG staging. The COG guidelines appear to be sufficient for all pediatric ovarian malignancies.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) initiation without intubation in two children with mediastinal malignancy

We report the cases of two children presenting with severe airway compromise secondary to a mediastinal malignancy managed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation without intubation. Results are presented on the use of ECMO as a primary means of stabilizing a pediatric patient with a critical mediastinal mass, thus providing another management strategy for this difficult situation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:751–754.