Recovery after open versus laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis: a double-blind multicentre randomised controlled trial

Effects of Low-Pressure CO2 Insufflation on Cerebral and Splanchnic Oxygenation in Neonates Undergoing Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy

Pathophysiological effects of abdominal CO2 insufflation on cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation in neonates and infants undergoing laparoscopy remain poorly investigated. We investigated laparoscopic pyloromyotomy as a paradigm to determine such changes in this specific population.Single-center, prospective cohort of 28 infants undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomy at the mean age of 30.9 ± 10.6 days. The pneumoperitoneum was set at 6 to 8 mmHg. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (cSO2) and splanchnic oxygen saturation (sSO2) were measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. End-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) levels, heart rate, body temperature, systemic blood pressure, and urine output were also recorded. Data (mean ± SD) were collected intraoperatively at 0, 15, and 30 minutes and compared to baseline values for each patient using the t-test.A significant decrease in cSO2 was recorded only at the beginning of surgery, while sSO2 significantly decreased from 15 intraoperative minutes (-7.1% ± 7.2; p = 0.0009) until the end of insufflation, followed by an increasing trend, although still below the baseline values (-6.5% ± 11.2; p = 0.01). EtCO2 increased significantly from the initial 15 intraoperative minutes, reaching a maximum of 42.6 ± 8.9 mmHg at 30-minute intervals. Urine output significantly decreased within the first 4 postoperative hours.Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy using low-pressure CO2 insufflation (6-8 mmHg) maintains stable cerebral oxygenation in neonates and infants, while splanchnic oxygenation and urine output experience temporary, reversible reductions. These findings suggest that low-pressure pneumoperitoneum is a safe and effective approach in neonatal laparoscopy, with minimal oxygenation and metabolic risks.

Population-based Study of Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis in Canada: Investigating the National Changes in Surgical Practice and Outcomes From 2004 to 2021

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is an acquired condition that causes gastric outlet obstruction in infants and requires operative treatment. We sought to explore the epidemiology, operative management and outcomes of HPS in Canada.

METHODS

Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) data for ICD-10 code for HPS and Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (CCI) code for pyloromyotomy in Canada (excluding Quebec) from 2004 to 2021 were obtained with REB approval. Data from 2004 to 2009, 2010-2015 and 2016-2021 were compared using Pearson's chi-square tests. Continuous variables were analyzed with one-way ANOVA tests. Significance was noted for p < 0.05.

RESULTS

6809 infants less than 12 months of age underwent pyloromyotomy for HPS from 2004 to 2021. The number of pyloromyotomies decreased when normalized to the national birth estimates over the study periods. 12.7 % of pyloromyotomies were performed laparoscopically from 2004 to 2009, and this increased to 47.4 % during 2016-2021. Pediatric surgeons performed 61 % of pyloromyotomies in 2004-2009 and this increased to 98 % of pyloromyotomies during the 2016 to 2021 period. There were no differences in the total length of stay (LOS) outcomes in the overall cohort, however, there was a statistically significant increase in the preoperative LOS outcomes in Ontario and the Prairies throughout the study periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a relatively stable number of births over a 17-year period in Canada, the number of pyloromyotomies has decreased. In Canada, pyloromyotomies are increasingly performed laparoscopically and almost exclusively by pediatric surgeons, which reflects the regionalization of pediatric surgical care.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Single-incision versus conventional laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for pediatric hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and efficacy of single-incision versus conventional laparoscopic pyloromyotomy in pediatrics, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted to identify studies that compared single-incision laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (SILP) and conventional laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (CLP) for infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). Meta-analysis was used to pool and compare variables such as operative time, time to full feeding, length of hospital stay, mucosal perforation, inadequate pyloromyotomy, wound infection, incisional hernia and overall complications.

RESULTS

Among the 490 infants with HPS in the seven studies, 205 received SILP and 285 received CLP. There was significant longer time to full feeding for SILP compared with CLP. However, pooling the results for SILP and CLP revealed no significant difference in operative time, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

SILP is a safe, feasible and effective surgical procedure for infants with HPS when compared to CLP. SILP is equivalent to CLP in terms of operative time, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications. We conclude that LS should be considered an acceptable option for HPS.

Evaluation of the learning curve for laparoscopic pyloromyotomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy is the preferred surgical management of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis at most centers. We aimed to analyze the learning curve for laparoscopic pyloromyotomy using the experience of five fellowship-trained pediatric surgeons.

METHODS

A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was performed. All cases were performed with general surgery residents. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis for operating time was performed for up to the first 150 consecutive cases for individual surgeons. Outcomes were compared to identify different phases of the learning curve for operative competency.

RESULTS

A total of 414 patients were included in the analysis as not all surgeons had reached 150 cases at time of analysis. The mean operating time was 29.2 min for all cases across the 5 surgeons. CUSUM analysis for mean operating time revealed three phases of learning: Learning Phase (cases 1-16), Plateau Phase (cases 17-87), and a Proficiency Phase (cases 88-150). The mean operating time during the three phases was 34.1, 29.0, and 28.3 min, respectively (P = 0.005). There were no differences in complications, reoperations, length of stay, or readmissions across the three phases.

CONCLUSION

Three distinct phases of learning for laparoscopic pyloromyotomy were identified with no differences in outcomes across the phases. The operating time differed only for the Learning Phase, suggesting that some degree of proficiency occurs after 16 cases.

Gastric Peroral Endoscopic Pyloromyotomy for Infants With Congenital Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

INTRODUCTION

Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (CHPS), the most common infantile disease requiring surgical intervention, is routinely treated with open or laparoscopic pyloromyotomy. Recently, gastric peroral endoscopic pyloromyotomy (G-POEM) has been used for adult gastroparesis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of G-POEM in treating infantile CHPS.

METHODS

We reviewed data from 21 G-POEM-treated patients at 3 tertiary children's endoscopic centers in China between January 2019 and December 2020. Clinical characteristics, procedure-related parameters, perioperative management, and follow-up outcomes were summarized.

RESULTS

G-POEM was performed successfully in all patients. The median operative duration was 49 (14-150) minutes. The submucosal tunnels were successfully established along the greater curvature of the stomach in 19 cases, and 2 cases were switched to the lesser curvature because of difficulty. No perioperative major adverse events occurred. Minor adverse events included inconsequential mucosal injury in 5 cases and unsatisfactory closure of the mucosal incision in 1 case. Upper gastrointestinal contrast radiography in all patients showed smooth passage of the contrast agent through the pylorus on postoperative day 3. The growth curves of the patients reached normal levels 3 months after the procedure. No recurrent clinical symptoms occurred in any patient during the median follow-up period of 25.5 (14-36) months.

DISCUSSION

G-POEM is feasible, safe, and effective for infants with CHPS, with satisfactory clinical responses over a short-term follow-up. Further multicenter studies should be performed to compare the long-term outcomes of this minimally invasive technique with open or laparoscopic pyloromyotomy.

Nationwide trends of laparoscopic pyloromyotomy in patients with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in Germany: A slow path forward

Since its introduction, laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP), has become increasingly popular in many countries. We have noticed an attenuated trend in Germany. The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of open and LP in Germany. The national database of administrative claims data of the Institute for the Remuneration System in Hospitals (InEK) was analysed regarding numbers of patients with pyloromyotomy in the years 2019-2021. The German quality reports of the hospitals of 2019 and 2020 were analyzed regarding the number of procedures performed per hospital and pediatric surgical department. A total of 2050 patients underwent pyloromyotomy. The incidence of hypertrophic pylorus stenosis (HPS) was 699 and 657 patients in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Regarding age, 31.1% were admitted before 28 days of age. LP gradually increased from 216 patients (30.9%) in 2019 to 239 patients (36.4%) in 2021. Thirty-three laparoscopic operations (4.8%) were converted to an open approach. In 24 of all patients, there was an injury to the stomach, in 20 patients to the duodenum, needing repair with sutures. Analysis of the quality reports indicated that 44% of pediatric surgical departments performed LP. Although LP has became more prevalent in Germany recently, about two thirds of patients still undergo an open procedure.

Factors associated with pyloric hypertrophy severity and post-operative feeding and nutritional recovery in infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

BACKGROUND

To examine factors that affect the severity of pyloric hypertrophy, post-operative feeding and nutritional recovery in infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS).

METHODS

Medical records of infants diagnosed with IHPS at a single tertiary center between 2009 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical characteristics, biochemistry data and outcome were assessed for their association with the severity of pyloric hypertrophy and post-operative recovery. Nutritional recovery was assessed using weight-for-age status improvement after surgery.

RESULTS

Eighty-five patients were recruited in this study. The mean pre-operative weight-for-age percentile was 18.2. Elevated bicarbonate was positively correlated with symptom duration (p = 0.007). Pyloric muscle thickness was significantly correlated with age, weight, and symptom duration (p = 0.004, 0.003, 0.008, respectively). The mean weight-for-age percentile increased to 41.6 by post-operative weeks 6-8. Pyloric muscle thickness was negatively correlated with nutritional recovery by post-operative weeks 6-8 (p = 0.003). In multivariable analysis, pyloric length related to nutritional recovery at week 1-2 postoperatively (OR = 1.42, p = 0.030, 95% CI = 0.03-1.94), and pyloric muscle thickness related to nutritional recovery at week 6-8 postoperatively (OR = 4.08, p = 0.032, 95% CI = 1.13-14.7).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that favorable nutritional outcome and successful weight gain was observed 6-8 weeks after surgery in children with IHPS. Pyloric muscle thickness positively correlated with age, weight, symptom duration, and favorable nutritional recovery. Serum bicarbonate showed a positive correlation with symptom duration.

Pediatric Minimally Invasive Surgery-A Bibliometric Study on 30 Years of Research Activity

Background: Pediatric minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a standard technique worldwide. We aimed to analyze the research activity in this field. Methods: Articles on pediatric MIS (1991−2020) were analyzed from the Web of Science™ for the total number of publications, citations, journals, and impact factors (IF). Of these, the 50 most cited publications were evaluated in detail and classified according to the level of evidence (i.e., study design) and topic (i.e., surgical procedure). Results: In total, 4464 publications and 53,111 citations from 684 journals on pediatric MIS were identified. The 50 most cited papers were published from 32 institutions in the USA/Canada (n = 28), Europe (n = 19), and Asia (n = 3) in 12 journals. Four authors (USA/Europe) contributed to 26% of the 50 most cited papers as first/senior author. Hot topics were laparoscopic pyeloplasty (n = 9), inguinal hernia repair (n = 7), appendectomy, and pyloromyotomy (n = 4 each). The majority of publications were retrospective studies (n = 33) and case reports (n = 6) (IF 5.2 ± 3.2; impact index 16.5 ± 6.4; citations 125 ± 39.4). They were cited as often as articles with high evidence levels (meta-analyses, n = 2; randomized controlled trials, n = 7; prospective studies, n = 2) (IF 12.9 ± 22.5; impact index 14.0 ± 6.5; citations 125 ± 34.7; p > 0.05). Conclusions: Publications on laparoscopic pyeloplasty, inguinal hernia repair, appendectomy, and pyloromyotomy are cited most often in pediatric MIS. However, the relevant number of studies with strong evidence for the advantages of MIS in pediatric surgery is missing.

Remote ischemic conditioning in necrotizing enterocolitis: study protocol of a multi-center phase II feasibility randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is a maneuver involving brief cycles of ischemia reperfusion in an individual's limb. In the early stage of experimental NEC, RIC decreased intestinal injury and prolonged survival by counteracting the derangements in intestinal microcirculation. A single-center phase I study demonstrated that the performance of RIC was safe in neonates with NEC. The aim of this phase II RCT was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of RIC, to identify challenges in recruitment, retainment, and to inform a phase III RCT to evaluate efficacy.

METHODS

RIC will be performed by trained research personnel and will consist of four cycles of limb ischemia (4-min via cuff inflation) followed by reperfusion (4-min via cuff deflation), repeated on two consecutive days post randomization. The primary endpoint of this RCT is feasibility and acceptability of recruiting and randomizing neonates within 24 h from NEC diagnosis as well as masking and completing the RIC intervention.

RESULTS

We created a novel international consortium for this trial and created a consensus on the diagnostic criteria for NEC and protocol for the trial. The phase II multicenter-masked feasibility RCT will be conducted at 12 centers in Canada, USA, Sweden, The Netherlands, UK, and Spain. The inclusion criteria are: gestational age < 33 weeks, weight ≥ 750 g, NEC receiving medical treatment, and diagnosis established within previous 24 h. Neonates will be randomized to RIC (intervention) or no-RIC (control) and will continue to receive standard management of NEC. We expect to recruit and randomize 40% of eligible patients in the collaborating centers (78 patients; 39/arm) in 30 months. Bayesian methods will be used to combine uninformative prior distributions with the corresponding observed proportions from this trial to determine posterior distributions for parameters of feasibility.

CONCLUSIONS

The newly established NEC consortium has generated novel data on NEC diagnosis and defined the feasibility parameters for the introduction of a novel treatment in NEC. This phase II RCT will inform a future phase III RCT to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RIC in early-stage NEC.

Laparoscopic versus open pyloromyotomies: Outcomes and disparities in pyloric stenosis

PURPOSE

Pyloromyotomy for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is one of the most common non-elective operations performed in the neonatal period. This project aims to explore outcomes of pyloromyotomy and compare differences between laparoscopic versus open pyloromyotomies in newborns diagnosed with HPS.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) from 2010 to 2014 was queried to identify patients diagnosed with HPS that underwent repair.

RESULTS

In total, 30,915 children (18% female) underwent pyloromyotomy for HPS. Median length of stay for index admission was 2 days. A total of 212 (0.7%) patients required a redo pyloromyotomy. 127 (60%) were performed during index admission. Readmission rate at 30 days was 3% and 5% at one year, and 22% presented to a different hospital. The most common indications for readmission were feeding intolerance (24%), dehydration (10%), and malnutrition (10%). Patients from low-income households were more likely to present with malnutrition and weight loss (9% vs 4%, p<0.001) and had higher readmission rates (8% vs 4%, p<0.001). Laparoscopic pyloromyotomies accounted for 10% (n = 2951) of cases. Those undergoing laparoscopy were less likely to have electrolyte disturbances (41% vs 54%, p<0.001) or weight loss (2% vs 11%, p<0.001) on admission. The rate of open conversion was 1%. Intraoperative perforation was not more common in laparoscopic than open cases. Open pyloromyotomies had higher 30-day readmission rates and more surgical site infections.

CONCLUSION

Complications from pyloromyotomies are rare. Although infrequent, the incidence of incomplete pyloromyotomy is higher than previously reported and more common with open approaches. Newborns from low-income households are more likely to present with advanced symptoms and have disproportionately higher rates of readmission.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment Study, retrospective.

Congenital Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis in a Preterm Dizygotic Female Twin Infant: Case Report

Infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis are usually diagnosed at about 3 to 8 weeks of age. The clinical onset of symptoms in preterm babies is observed normally at a later age than in term or post-term newborns. This report describes a rare case of a 2-day old preterm twin girl presenting with drinking laziness and recurrent vomiting. Five days after the beginning of symptoms and after several studies, including an upper gastrointestinal contrast study, the diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis was made and confirmed at surgery. The postoperative course was uneventful. Interestingly, the mother of the child herself had a history of postnatal surgery on her fifth day of life due to congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. To our best knowledge, this is the first report in the literature describing congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in a mother and her child.

Laparoscopic versus Open Pediatric Surgery: Three Decades of Comparative Studies

INTRODUCTION

 Despite its wide acceptance, the superiority of laparoscopic versus open pediatric surgery has remained controversial. There is still a call for well-founded evidence. We reviewed the literature on studies published in the last three decades and dealing with advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopy compared to open surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Studies comparing laparoscopic versus open abdominal procedures in children were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE. Reports on upper and lower gastrointestinal as hepatobiliary surgery and on surgery of pancreas and spleen were included. Advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopic surgery were analyzed for different types of procedures. Complications were categorized using the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

 A total of 239 studies dealing with 19 types of procedures and outcomes in 929,157 patients were analyzed. We identified 26 randomized controlled trials (10.8%) and 213 comparative studies (89.2%). The most frequently reported advantage of laparoscopy was shorter hospital stay in 60.4% of studies. Longer operative time was the most frequently reported disadvantage of laparoscopy in 52.7% of studies. Clavien-Dindo grade I to III complications (mild-moderate) were less frequently identified in laparoscopic compared to open procedures (80.3% of studies). Grade-IV complications (severe) were less frequently reported after laparoscopic versus open appendectomy for perforated appendicitis and more frequently after laparoscopic Kasai's portoenterostomy. We identified a decreased frequency of reporting on advantages after laparoscopy and increased reporting on disadvantages for all surgery types over the decades.

CONCLUSION

 Laparoscopic compared with open pediatric surgery seems to be beneficial in most types of procedures. The number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remains limited. However, the number of reports on disadvantages increased during the past decades.

Open Versus Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy for Pyloric Stenosis-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is treated by either open pyloromyotomy (OP) or laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP). The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the open versus laparoscopic technique.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted from 1990 to February 2021 using the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Primary outcomes were mucosal perforation and incomplete pyloromyotomy. Secondary outcomes consisted of length of hospital stay, time to full feeds, operating time, postoperative wound infection/abscess, incisional hernia, hematoma/seroma formation, and death.

RESULTS

Seven randomized controlled trials including 720 patients (357 with OP and 363 with LP) were included. Mucosal perforation rate was not different between groups (relative risk [RR] LP versus OP 1.60 [0.49-5.26]). LP was associated with nonsignificant higher risk of incomplete pyloromyotomy (RR 7.37 [0.92-59.11]). There was no difference in neither postoperative wound infections after LP compared with OP (RR 0.59 [0.24-1.45]) nor in postoperative seroma/hematoma formation (RR 3.44 [0.39-30.43]) or occurrence of incisional hernias (RR 1.01 [0.11-9.53]). Length of hospital stay (-3.01 h for LP [-8.39 to 2.37 h]) and time to full feeds (-5.86 h for LP [-15.95 to 4.24 h]) were nonsignificantly shorter after LP. Operation time was almost identical between groups (+0.53 min for LP [-3.53 to 4.59 min]).

CONCLUSIONS

On a meta-level, there is no precise effect estimate indicating that LP carries a higher risk for mucosal perforation or incomplete pyloromyotomies compared with the open equivalent. Because of very low certainty of evidence, we do not know about the effect of the laparoscopic approach on postoperative wound infections, postoperative hematoma or seroma formation, incisional hernia occurrence, length of postoperative stay, time to full feeds, or operating time.

Laparoscopic Excision of Solitary Dysontogenetic Liver Cysts in Young Children: Technical Aspects and Outcome

Background: Solitary dysontogenetic liver cysts are rare in young children. However, large cysts can cause symptoms and require therapy. Cyst excision is the therapeutic method least associated with cyst recurrence. Only limited data are available on cyst excision performed laparoscopically in this age group. We present our experience using this surgical approach. Methods: Since 2005, 7 children including 5 newborns and infants with solitary dysontogenetic liver cysts have undergone minimally invasive excision of the cyst at our institution. Patient data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Median age of the patients at surgery was 8 months (3 days to 6 years); 5 of them were younger than 1 year. The cysts had varying locations in the segments IV-VIII, and median size was 5.4 cm (3.8-7.9). Complete excision was realized in all cases. Median duration of surgery was 120 minutes (60-171). All procedures could be completed laparoscopically. One intraoperative complication occurred (injury of a bile duct that could be sutured laparoscopically). Median follow-up was 29 months (14-173). Cyst recurrence was not observed in any of the cases. Conclusion: Laparoscopic excision of solitary dysontogenetic liver cysts is an effective treatment in young children. Resection is not limited to cysts in anterior and lateral liver segments.

A Review of History and Challenges of Evidence-Based Pediatric Surgery

PURPOSE

Evidence-based pediatric surgery (EBPS) refers to the use of the best available evidence in making personalized decisions concerning the management of each pediatric surgical patient. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review on past and present evidence-based clinical decision, and challenges in pediatric surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted according to a set of criteria in PubMed for historical and current peer-reviewed studies regarding EBPS.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five full-text published articles focusing on EPBS findings over the past 25 years were included. The rarity of many congenital anomalies, the inability to establish multicenter collaborations, the failure to perform double-blinded studies in children, the pediatric surgeons' reluctance to perform ethically unacceptable sham operations and their skepticism shown in accepting and implementing the documented results instead of applying their personal clinical practice methods and surgical techniques are among problems that hamper the accomplishment of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

CONCLUSIONS

RCTs remain limited in clinical pediatric surgery practice due to problems in the design and publication of these trials. Moreover, skepticism exists regarding acceptance and implementation of the documented results of RCTs. Notwithstanding, pediatric surgeons must establish evidence-based centers in order to increase the number of well-designed RCTs, properly evaluate clinical research, make effective evidence-based clinical decisions and develop high-quality of pediatric surgeries care in the future.

Surgical site infection after open and laparoscopic surgery in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common healthcare-associated infections in patients undergoing surgery. Various randomised control trials (RCTs) indicate that laparoscopic procedures can be associated with better outcomes compared to open procedures. However, how open versus laparoscopic approaches compare across various paediatric procedures with respect to SSI rate remains poorly defined. In this review, we examined RCTs that directly compare SSI rates after open versus laparoscopic operations for appendicitis, gastro-esophageal reflux, inguinal hernia, and pyloric stenosis. MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for RCTs comparing four types of open versus laparoscopic operations in children. The operations included appendectomy, fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux, inguinal hernia repair, or pyloromyotomy. 364 records were identified and screened, 54 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 17 RCTs were included in the analysis. SSI rate was the primary outcome. Operative time and length of stay (LOS) were the secondary outcomes. A meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. Laparoscopic appendectomy had a lower SSI rate than open appendectomy (odds ratio of 2.22 [1.19, 4.15] p = 0.01). Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux, inguinal hernia repair, or pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis were not associated with lower SSI rate compared to open surgery. Operative time was shorter in open fundoplication (- 71.22 min [- 89.79,  - 52.65] p < 0.00001) than laparoscopic fundoplication. There was no significant difference in operative time of any of the other procedures. There was no significant difference in LOS between open and laparoscopic procedures for all types of operations analysed. Based on the findings of this review, it is recommended to utilise the laparoscopic approach over the open approach to reduce SSI risk in paediatric appendectomy.

Open versus laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis

BACKGROUND

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a disorder of young children (aged one year or less) and can be treated by laparoscopic (LP) or open (OP) longitudinal myotomy of the pylorus. Since the first description in 1990, LP is being performed more often worldwide.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and safety of open versus laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for IHPS.

SEARCH METHODS

We conducted a literature search on 04 February 2021 to identify all randomised controlled trials (RCTs), without any language restrictions. We searched the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (1990 to February 2021), Embase (1990 to February 2021), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). We also searched the Internet using the Google Search engine (www.google.com) and Google Scholar (scholar.google.com) to identify grey literature not indexed in databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs and quasi-randomised trials comparing LP with OP for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened references and extracted data from trial reports. Where outcomes or study details were not reported, we requested missing data from the corresponding authors of the primary RCTs. We used a random-effects model to calculate risk ratios (RRs) for binary outcomes, and mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes. Two review authors independently assessed risks of bias. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for all outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

The electronic database search resulted in a total of 434 records. After de-duplication, we screened 410 independent publications, and ultimately included seven RCTs (reported in 8 reports) in quantitative analysis. The seven included RCTs enrolled 720 participants (357 with open pyloromyotomy and 363 with laparoscopic pyloromyotomy). One study was a multi-country trial, three were carried out in the USA, and one study each was carried out in France, Japan, and Bangladesh. The evidence suggests that LP may result in a small increase in mucosal perforation compared with OP (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.49 to 5.26; 7 studies, 720 participants; low-certainty evidence). LP may result in up to 5 extra instances of mucosal perforation per 1,000 participants; however, the confidence interval ranges from 4 fewer to 44 more per 1,000 participants. Four RCTs with 502 participants reported on incomplete pyloromyotomy. They indicate that LP may increase the risk of incomplete pyloromyotomy compared with OP, but the confidence interval crosses the line of no effect (RR 7.37, 95% CI 0.92 to 59.11; 4 studies, 502 participants; low-certainty evidence). In the LP groups, 6 cases of incomplete pyloromyotomy were reported in 247 participants while no cases of incomplete pyloromyotomy were reported in the OP groups (from 255 participants). All included studies (720 participants) reported on postoperative wound infections or abscess formations. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of LP on postoperative wound infection or abscess formation compared with OP (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.45; 7 studies, 720 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The evidence is also very uncertain about the effect of LP on postoperative incisional hernia compared with OP (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.11 to 9.53; 4 studies, 382 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Length of hospital stay was assessed by five RCTs, including 562 participants. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of LP compared to OP (mean difference -3.01 hours, 95% CI -8.39 to 2.37 hours; very low-certainty evidence). Time to full feeds was assessed by six studies, including 622 participants. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of LP on time to full feeds compared with OP (mean difference -5.86 hours, 95% CI -15.95 to 4.24 hours; very low-certainty evidence). The evidence is also very uncertain about the effect of LP on operating time compared with OP (mean difference 0.53 minutes, 95% CI -3.53 to 4.59 minutes; 6 studies, 622 participants; very low-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy may result in a small increase in mucosal perforation when compared with open pyloromyotomy for IHPS. There may be an increased risk of incomplete pyloromyotomy following LP compared with OP, but the effect estimate is imprecise and includes the possibility of no difference. We do not know about the effect of LP compared with OP on the need for re-operation, postoperative wound infections or abscess formation, postoperative haematoma or seroma formation, incisional hernia occurrence, length of postoperative stay, time to full feeds, or operating time because the certainty of the evidence was very low for these outcomes. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for most outcomes due to limitations in the study design (most outcomes were susceptible to detection bias) and imprecision. There is limited evidence available comparing LP with OP for IHPS. The included studies did not provide sufficient information to determine the effect of training, experience, or surgeon preferences on the outcomes assessed.

Getting it right first time: implementation of laparoscopic pyloromyotomy without a learning curve

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy is now an accepted procedure for the treatment of pyloric stenosis. However, it is clear that during the implementation period there are significantly higher incidences of mucosal perforation and incomplete pyloromyotomy. We describe how we introduced a new laparoscopic procedure without the complications associated with the learning curve.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five consultants tasked one surgeon to pilot and establish laparoscopic pyloromyotomy before mentoring the others until they were performing the procedure independently; all agreed to use exactly the same instruments and operative technique. This involved a 5mm 30-degree infra-umbilical telescope with two 3mm instruments. Data were collected prospectively.

RESULTS

Between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017, 140 laparoscopic pyloromyotomies were performed (median age 27 days, range 13-133 days, male to female ratio 121:19). Fifty-five per cent of procedures were performed by trainees. Complications were one mucosal perforation and one inadequate pyloromyotomy. There were no injuries to other organs, problems with wound dehiscence or other significant complications. The median time of discharge was one day (range one to six days).

CONCLUSION

Our rate of perforation and incomplete pyloromyotomy was 1.4%, which is equivalent to the best published series of either open or laparoscopic pyloromyotomy. We believe that this resulted from the coordinated implementation of the procedure using a single technique to reduce clinical variability, increase mentoring and improve training. This approach appears self-evident but is rarely described in the literature of learning curves. In this age of increased accountability, new technologies should be incorporated into routine practice without an increase in morbidity to patients.

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: Our experience with twenty cases

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis has become quite popular over the past decade. There have been many modifications in the technique initially described by Alain et al. in 1991. We describe our experience of the laparoscopic procedure performed in twenty cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study includes twenty patients of pyloric stenosis who underwent laparoscopic pyloromyotomy from March 2017 to March 2020. All the infants had classical clinical symptoms and abdominal ultrasound confirming the diagnosis of pyloric stenosis. Two 3-mm ports and one 5-mm port were used. The duodenum was grasped to stabilise the olive; a stab knife cut to 10 mm and mounted on a needle holder was introduced through the 3-mm trocar in the left hypochondrium to perform the myotomy, and subsequently, the myotomy was spread with a 5-mm Maryland forceps. Feeding was started 6 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

Twenty patients with congenital idiopathic pyloric stenosis underwent laparoscopic pyloromyotomy by this technique. The average operating time was 42 min. There were no peri- or post-operative complications. The post-operative hospital stay ranged between 36 h and 54 h.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy using a stab knife mounted on a needle holder is a technically feasible, safe and effective surgical procedure for pyloric stenosis.

Advances and Trends in Pediatric Minimally Invasive Surgery

As many meta-analyses comparing pediatric minimally invasive to open surgery can be found in the literature, the aim of this review is to summarize the current state of minimally invasive pediatric surgery and specifically focus on the trends and developments which we expect in the upcoming years. Print and electronic databases were systematically searched for specific keywords, and cross-link searches with references found in the literature were added. Full-text articles were obtained, and eligibility criteria were applied independently. Pediatric minimally invasive surgery is a wide field, ranging from minimally invasive fetal surgery over microlaparoscopy in newborns to robotic surgery in adolescents. New techniques and devices, like natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), single-incision and endoscopic surgery, as well as the artificial uterus as a backup for surgery in preterm fetuses, all contribute to the development of less invasive procedures for children. In spite of all promising technical developments which will definitely change the way pediatric surgeons will perform minimally invasive procedures in the upcoming years, one must bear in mind that only hard data of prospective randomized controlled and double-blind trials can validate whether these techniques and devices really improve the surgical outcome of our patients.

Postoperative Opioid Analgesia Impacts Resource Utilization in Infants Undergoing Pyloromyotomy

BACKGROUND

Opioid analgesia is often avoided in infants undergoing pyloromyotomy. Previous studies highlight an association between opioid use and prolonged hospitalization after pyloromyotomy. However, the impact of opioid use on healthcare resource utilization and cost is unknown. We hypothesized that use of opioids after pyloromyotomy is associated with increased resource utilization and costs.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted identifying healthy infants aged <6 mo with a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis who underwent pyloromyotomy from 2005 to 2015 among 47 children's hospitals using the Pediatric Health Information System database. Time of opioid exposure was categorized as day of surgery (DOS) alone, postoperative use alone, or combined DOS and postoperative use. Primary outcomes were the standardized unit cost, a proxy for resource utilization, billed charges to the patient/insurer, and hospital costs. A multivariable log-linear mixed-effects model was used to adjust for patient and hospital level factors.

RESULTS

Overall, 11,008 infants underwent pyloromyotomy with 2842 (26%) receiving perioperative opioids. Most opioid use was confined to the DOS alone (n = 2,158, 19.6%). Infants who received opioids on DOS and postoperatively exhibited 13% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7%-20%, P-value <0.001) higher total resource utilization compared with infants who did not receive any opioids. Billed charges were 3% higher (95% CI: 0%-5%, P-value = 0.034) for infants receiving opioids isolated to the postoperative period alone and 6% higher (95% CI: 2%-11%, P-value = 0.004) for infants receiving opioids on the DOS and postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative opioid use among infants who underwent pyloromyotomy was associated with increased resource utilization and costs.

Repair of oesophageal atresia by consultants and supervised trainees results in similar outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Consultants and trainees require exposure to complex cases for maintaining and gaining operative experience. Oesophageal atresia (OA) repair is a neonatal surgical procedure with indicative numbers for completion of training. A conflict of interest may exist between adequate training, maintaining consultant experience and achieving good outcomes. We aimed to review outcomes of procedures performed primarily by trainees and those performed by consultants.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective case note review of all consecutive infants who underwent surgical repair of OA with distal tracheooesophageal fistula (TOF) between January 1994 and December 2014 at our institution. Only cases that underwent primary oesophageal anastomosis were included. Surgical outcomes were compared between cases that had a trainee and those that had a consultant listed as the primary operator.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-two cases were included. A total of 52 procedures were performed by trainees, and 68 by consultants. Two cases were undeterminable and excluded. Infant demographics, clinical characteristics and duration of follow-up were similar between groups. All infants survived to discharge. Procedures performed by trainees and those performed by consultants as primary operators had a similar incidence of postoperative pneumothorax (trainees 4, consultants 3; p=0.46), anastomotic leak (trainees 5, consultants 3; p=0.29) and recurrent TOF (trainees 0, consultants 2; p=0.5). Overall 52% of cases had an anastomotic dilatation during follow-up, with no difference between the trainee and consultant groups (50% vs 53%; p=0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical outcomes for repair of OA/TOF are not adversely affected by trainee operating. Trainees with appropriate skills should perform supervised OA/TOF repair. These data are important for understanding the interrelationship between provision of training and surgical outcomes.

Postoperative Clinical Course and Opioid Consumption Following Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Open Versus Thoracoscopic Techniques

Introduction: Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches for thoracic procedures in adults result in an improved postoperative course with less pain, but there are limited data on similar procedures in neonates. We aimed to evaluate postoperative opioid consumption and pain management practices in neonates and infants following MIS versus open repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Materials and Methods: This was an IRB approved, retrospective study from 2012 to 2016. Demographic data, intraoperative analgesic regimen, total 7-day postoperative opioid consumption, and use of adjunctive pain medications were compared by surgery type (open versus MIS). Secondary measures included time to tracheal extubation, oral feeds, and discharge home. Results: The study cohort included 28 patients (13 female, median age 5 days, average gestational age 39 weeks, and weight 3 kg). MIS was performed in 8 patients. In the first 7 postoperative days, the median postoperative opioid consumption was 0.3 mg/kg of oral morphine equivalents (interquartile range [IQR] 0.2, 18.3) in the MIS group versus 32.3 mg/kg (IQR 9.9, 53.6) in the open group (95% CI of differences in medians: 8.2-42.9; P = .006). No difference was noted in intraoperative opioid administration. Among secondary outcomes, length of stay was significantly longer in the open group. Conclusions: Although several factors may impact the hospital course of neonates with CDH, we found that patients had a more than 100-fold difference in median opioid consumption following repair with MIS versus an open approach. The study also noted significant variation in analgesic regimens suggesting other avenues for improved care of postsurgical neonates.

Predictive factors for time to full enteral feeding after pyloromyotomy for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate how different parameters in the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative period affect time to full enteral feeding (TFEF) in children undergoing pyloromyotomy.

Methods

A retrospective study of all children operated for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis between 2001 and 2017 was conducted. Parameters in demographics and in the preoperative and postoperative period were evaluated against TFEF (hours) using linear regression models.

Results

In the whole cohort of 175 children, mean TFEF was 47 hours with Standard Deviation (SD) of ±35. In the multivariate model, TFEF decreased with age [beta (B): −0.62; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) −1.05 to −0.19; p=0.005) and increased with the presence of severe underlying disease (congenital heart defect or syndrome) (B: 26.5; 95% CI 3.3 to 49.7; p=0.026). Hence, for every day of age, the time to fully fed decreased by 0.6 hour, and the presence of an underlying disease increased the time to fully fed with over one day. TFEF did not seem to be affected by prematurity, weight loss, symptom duration, preoperative acid/base balance or electrolyte values, surgical method, or method of postoperative feeding.

Conclusions

TFEF decreased with higher age and increased in children with a severe underlying disease. These results may be useful in providing adequate parental information regarding what affects TFEF and the length of hospital stay.

Laparoscopic vs. Open Pyloromyotomy in Treatment of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

Background/Purpose: Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy gained wide popularity in management of pyloric stenosis with contradictory results regarding its benefits over classic open approach. This study aimed at comparing both regarding their safety, efficiency, and outcome. Methods: This is a prospective randomized controlled study performed from April 2017 to April 2019. It included 80 patients, divided randomly into two groups, where laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was performed in group A and open pyloromyotomy in group B. Both groups were compared regarding operative time, post-operative pain score, time required to reach full feeding, hospital stay, complications, and parents' satisfaction. Results: Median operative time was 21 min in group A vs. 30 min in group B (P = 0). Pain Assessment in Neonates scores were generally higher in group B with more doses of analgesics required (P = 0). Mean time needed to reach full feeding was 15.2 and 18.8 h in groups A and B, respectively (P = 0). Median hospital stay was 19 h in group A and 22 h in group B (P = 0.004). Parents' satisfaction also was in favor of group A (P = 0.045). Although no significant difference was reported between both groups regarding early and late complications, some complications such as mucosal perforation and incomplete pyloromyotomy occurred in the laparoscopic group only. Conclusion: Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was found superior to open approach regarding faster operative time, less need of analgesics, easier development of oral feeding, shorter hospital stay, and better parents' satisfaction. Yet, there are still some concerns about the safety and efficiency of this procedure over open technique.

The Association Between Opioid Use and Outcomes in Infants Undergoing Pyloromyotomy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency and variation of opioid use across hospitals in infants undergoing pyloromyotomy and to determine the impact of opioid use on postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study (2005-2015) was conducted by using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database, including infants (aged <6 months) with pyloric stenosis who underwent pyloromyotomy. Infants with significant comorbidities were excluded. Opioid use was classified as a patient receiving at least 1 opioid medication during his or her hospital stay and categorized as preoperative, day of surgery, or postoperative (≥1 day after surgery). Outcomes included prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS; ≥3 days) and readmission within 30 days.

FINDINGS

Overall, 25,724 infants who underwent pyloromyotomy were analyzed. Opioids were administered to 6865 (26.7%) infants, with 1385 (5.4%) receiving opioids postoperatively. In 2015, there was significant variation in frequency of opioid use by hospital, with 0%-81% of infants within an individual hospital receiving opioids (P < 0.001). Infants only receiving opioids on the day of surgery exhibited decreased odds of prolonged hospital LOS (odds ratio [OR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78-0.92). Infants who received an opioid on both the day of surgery and postoperatively exhibited increased odds of a prolonged hospital LOS (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.33-2.20). Thirty-day readmission was not associated with opioid use (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.93-1.14).

IMPLICATIONS

There is national variability in opioid use for infants undergoing pyloromyotomy, and postoperative opioid use is associated with prolonged hospital stay. Nonopioid analgesic protocols may warrant future investigation.

Idiopathic Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis with Complete Ladd's Band: A Rare Association

A male infant aged 45 days presented with projectile nonbilious vomiting for 2 weeks. Ultrasound showed picture of idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was done, but postoperative vomiting that was mainly nonbilious continued without improvement. After 4 days of persistent vomiting, laparoscopic exploration was done and complete pyloromyotomy was confirmed and malrotation with complete Ladd's band was found, then case converted to open laparotomy and Ladd's procedure was done. Postoperatively, vomiting stopped completely and baby began gradual feeding till reaching full feed. Despite that the presentation of concurrent Idiopathic Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis with malrotation is extremely rare; a formal laparoscopic abdominal exploration should be done as the first step before proceeding to pyloromyotomy.

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a survey of 407 children

INTRODUCTION

Pyloromyotomy is the standard care for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The traditional approach for this procedure is a right upper quadrant transverse incision, although other "open" approaches, such as circumumbilical or periumbilical incision have been described. The more recent approach used is laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP), but experience feedback is still debated and its benefits remain unproven. The aim of this study was to make a review of all our LP procedures with an objective evaluation according to the literature.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all the LPs performed in one University Children's Hospital between 1 January 1996, and 30 December 2015 was realized. Information regarding the patient's status, intraoperative and postoperative data was analyzed.

RESULTS

407 patients were included in this study. The mean operative time of the overall procedure was 24 ± 13 min, which significantly increased with the length of the pyloric muscle (p = 0.004) and significantly impacted the full feeding time (p = 0.006). 3.4% required conversion to an open procedure during the LP. We observed a significant correlation between conversion for mucosal perforation and weight loss (p = 0.04) and between conversion for mucosal perforation and preoperative weight (p = 0.002). A redo procedure was indicated in 3.7%, for incomplete pyloromyotomy each time. The mean postoperative hospital length of stay for all procedures was 1.6 ± 0.8 days. There were no inflammatory scars. None had incisional hernias or wound dehiscence.

DISCUSSION

LP procedure appeared to be as quick as the open procedure. Our results were similar to others series for intraoperative complications. According to operative time, this technique does not have an impact on operative room utilization. Vomiting duration at presentation in HPS does not seem to have a significant impact on postoperative outcomes. LP procedure causes little pain during the postoperative period. No wound complications were registered.

Population-level surgical outcomes for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

OBJECTIVES

Determine national outcomes for pyloromyotomy; how these are affected by: (i) surgical approach (open/laparoscopic), or (ii) centre type/volume and establish potential benchmarks of quality.

METHODS

Hospital Episode Statistics data were analysed for admissions 2002-2011. Data presented as median (IQR).

RESULTS

9686 infants underwent pyloromyotomy (83% male). Surgery was performed in 22 specialist (SpCen) and 39 nonspecialist centres (NonSpCen). The proportion treated in SpCen increased linearly by 0.4%/year (r=0.76, p=0.01). Annual case volume in SpCen vs. NonSpCen was 40 (24-53) vs. 1 (0-3). Time to surgery was shorter in SpCen (1day [1, 2] vs. 2 [1-3]), but total stay equal (4days [3-6]). 137 (1.4%) had complications requiring reoperation (wound problem 0.6%; repeat pyloromyotomy 0.5% and perforation, bleeding or obstruction 0.2%): pooled rates were similar between SpCen and NonSpCen (1.4% vs. 1.6%, p=0.52). Three NonSpCen had >5% reoperations (within 99.8% C.I. as small denominators). There was no relationship between reoperation and centre volume. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy had increased risk of repeat pyloromyotomy (OR 2.28 [1.14-4.57], p=0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Pyloric stenosis surgery shifted from centres local to patients, but outcomes were unaffected by centre type/volume. Modest reported benefits of laparoscopy appear offset by increased reoperations. Quality benchmarks could be set for reoperation <4%.

TYPE OF STUDY

Treatment Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Trends and surgical outcomes of laparoscopic versus open pyloromyotomy

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is one of the most common pediatric illnesses necessitating surgical intervention. Controversy remains over the optimal surgical approach between laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP) and open pyloromyotomy (OP). LP has gained acceptance for management of HPS in an era of expanding minimal access surgical approaches to pediatric conditions. Several studies suggest advantages of LP over OP; however, selection bias and small sample sizes remain a concern. This study compares the outcomes of LP versus OP using propensity score methods.

METHODS

The 2013-2015 ACS NSQIP Pediatric PUF was queried for all infants undergoing pyloromyotomy. The trend in the proportion of infants undergoing LP was described and perioperative outcomes between the OP and LP cohorts were compared using propensity score weighted regression models.

RESULTS

4847 infants were identified to have undergone surgical pyloromyotomy. The proportion of LP performed increased significantly from 59% in 2013 to 65.5% in 2015 (p < 0.001). LP was associated with lower overall complications (1.4% vs 2.9%) (OR_adj 0.52, 95% CI 0.34-0.80), surgical site-related complications (1.1% vs 2.1%) (OR_adj 0.52, 95% CI 0.32-0.84), and post-operative length of stay (1.5 days vs 1.9 days) (OR_adj 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.98) without significant differences in related re-operation (0.9% vs 0.9%) (OR_adj 1.01, 95% CI 0.52-1.93) or readmissions (1.4% vs 2.1%) (OR_adj 0.73, 95% CI 0.46-1.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that LP is increasingly utilized for management of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and is associated with shorter length of stay, and lower odds of surgical site-specific and overall complications without differences in related re-operations. This study supports LP as a safe and effective method for management of HPS.

Outcomes During a Transition Period from Open to Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy

BACKGROUND

Previous studies suggest that laparosopic pyloromyotomy may have some benefits over an open approach. We examined our results during a transition period from open to laparoscopic pyloromyotomy to see whether these benefits are sustained during the learning curve.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case note review of all patients undergoing pyloromyotomy at a tertiary institution for a 5-year period (2010-2015). Data are presented as median (range). Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher's exact and Student's t-test.

RESULTS

A total of 185 pyloromyotomies were performed, with data available for 90 open and 60 laparoscopic procedures. Duration of surgery was 42 (16-102) minutes for open and 28 (14-97) minutes for laparoscopic procedures (P = .0001). Total paracetamol requirements were 23.5 (0-169.4) mg/kg for open and 13.9 (0-95.3) mg/kg for laparoscopic cases (P = .008). No postoperative analgesia was required for 23 open and 29 laparoscopic patients (P = .005). Complications in the open group included incomplete pyloromyotomy (n = 1) and wound infection (n = 4); complications in the laparoscopic group included incisional hernia (n = 1), omental port-site herniation (n = 2), and suspected perforation with conversion to open procedure, although no perforation was found (n = 1; P = 1.000).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that when the laparoscopic technique is first introduced, overall complication rates are not statistically higher, and operative times and analgesia requirements are significantly shorter, despite the learning curve.

Laparoscopic versus open pyloromyotomy in infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To determine whether open or laparoscopic pyloromyotomy is superior for the treatment of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in infants.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL for articles comparing laparoscopic and open procedures. We conducted meta-analyses when possible and described other results narratively.

RESULTS

Our meta-analyses revealed no significant difference in our primary outcome of major complications [risk difference (RD) 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.03 to 0.08, P = 0.35, I ² = 55%], or in our secondary outcomes of all perioperative complications (RD -0.01, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.04, P = 0.74, I ² = 0%), operative time [mean difference (MD) 0.68, 95% CI -3.60 to 4.79, P = 0.76, I ² = 86%], and length of stay (MD -2.60, 95% CI -6.05 to 0.86, P = 0.14, I ² = 0%). Laparoscopy was associated with a shorter time to full feeds (standardized mean difference -0.25, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.06, P = 0.009, I ² = 8%) and a slightly higher rate of inadequate pyloromyotomy (RD 0.04, 95% CI 0.00-0.08, P = 0.03, I ² = 0%). Results from one randomized controlled trial indicate a better cosmetic outcome after laparoscopy compared to open procedure.

CONCLUSION

There is no strong evidence to support a recommendation of one procedure over the other; therefore, the choice of laparoscopic or open procedure should be left to the discretion of the surgeon.

Does metabolic alkalosis influence cerebral oxygenation in infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis?

BACKGROUND

This pilot study focuses on regional tissue oxygenation (rSO₂) in patients with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in a perioperative setting. To investigate the influence of enhanced metabolic alkalosis (MA) on cerebral (c-rSO₂) and renal (r-rSO₂) tissue oxygenation, two-site near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology was applied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Perioperative c-rSO₂, r-rSO₂, capillary blood gases, and electrolytes from 12 infants were retrospectively compared before and after correction of MA at admission (T1), before surgery (T2), and after surgery (T3).

RESULTS

Correction of MA was associated with an alteration of cerebral oxygenation without affecting renal oxygenation. When compared to T1, 5-min mean (± standard deviation) c-rSO₂ increased after correction of MA at T2 (72.74 ± 4.60% versus 77.89 ± 5.84%; P = 0.058), reaching significance at T3 (80.79 ± 5.29%; P = 0.003). Furthermore, relative 30-min c-rSO₂ values at first 3 h of metabolic compensation were significantly lowered compared with postsurgical states at 16 and 24 h. Cerebral oxygenation was positively correlated with levels of sodium (r = 0.37; P = 0.03) and inversely correlated with levels of bicarbonate (r = -0.34; P = 0.05) and base excess (r = -0.36; P = 0.04). Analysis of preoperative and postoperative cerebral and renal hypoxic burden yielded no differences. However, a negative correlation (r = -0.40; P = 0.03) regarding hematocrite and mean r-rSO₂, indirectly indicative of an increased renal blood flow under hemodilution, was obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

NIRS seems suitable for the detection of a transiently impaired cerebral oxygenation under state of pronounced MA in infants with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Correction of MA led to normalization of c-rSO₂. NIRS technology constitutes a promising tool for optimizing perioperative management, especially in the context of a possible diminished neurodevelopmental outcome after pyloromyotomy.

Open versus laparoscopic approach for intestinal malrotation in infants and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Although the principles of the Ladd's procedure for intestinal malrotation in children have remained unchanged since its first description, in the era of minimally invasive surgery it is controversial whether laparoscopy is advantageous over open surgery. The aim of our study was to determine whether the surgical approach for the treatment of malrotation had an impact on patient outcome.

METHODS

Using a defined strategy (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science MeSH headings), two investigators independently searched for studies comparing open versus laparoscopic Ladd's procedure in children. Case reports and opinion articles were excluded. Outcome measures included age at operation, time to full enteral feeding, length of hospital stay, and post-operative complications. Maneuvers were compared using Fisher's exact test and meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3. Data are expressed as mean ± SD.

RESULTS

Of 308 abstracts screened, 49 full-text articles were analyzed and nine (all retrospective) met our search criteria. Selected articles included 1003 patients, of whom 744 (74 %) underwent open surgery and 259 (26 %) laparoscopy. Patients who had open surgery were younger (0.9 ± 1.2 years) than those who underwent laparoscopy (2.6 ± 3 years; p < 0.0001). Laparoscopy was converted to open Ladd's in 25.3 % patients. Laparoscopy was associated with faster full enteral feeding (1.5 ± 0.3 days) in comparison to open surgery (4.6 ± 0.1 days, p < 0.0001). Length of hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopic group (5.9 ± 4.3 days) than in the open group (11.2 ± 6.7 days; p < 0.0001). Open surgery was associated with higher overall post-operative complication rate (21 %) than laparoscopy (8 %; p < 0.0001). Although there was no difference in the prevalence of post-operative bowel obstruction (open, n = 10 %; laparoscopy, n = 0 % p = 0.07), post-operative volvulus was more frequent in the laparoscopy group (3.5 %) than in the open group (1.4 %, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Comparative but non-randomized studies indicate that laparoscopic Ladd's procedure is not commonly performed in young children. Although one third of laparoscopic procedures is converted to open surgery, laparoscopy is associated with shorter time to full enteral feeds and length of hospital stay. However, laparoscopic Ladd's procedure seems to have higher incidence of post-operative volvulus. Prospective randomized studies with long follow-up are needed to confirm present outcome data and determine the safety and effectiveness of the laparoscopic approach.

Complications in common general pediatric surgery procedures

Complications related to general pediatric surgery procedures are a major concern for pediatric surgeons and their patients. Although infrequent, when they occur the consequences can lead to significant morbidity and psychosocial stress. The purpose of this article is to discuss the common complications encountered during several common pediatric general surgery procedures including inguinal hernia repair (open and laparoscopic), umbilical hernia repair, laparoscopic pyloromyotomy, and laparoscopic appendectomy.

[Minimally invasive surgery in childhood]

Similar to surgery in adults, minimally invasive techniques have also become established in pediatric surgery for a wide variety of indications and partially replaced the corresponding conventional open surgical procedures. This applies not only to laparoscopy for abdominal surgical interventions but also to thoracoscopic procedures. The therapy spectrum in pediatric surgery includes all congenital and acquired diseases of the growing organism, from neonates to adolescents and for this reason the indications that are suitable for minimally invasive surgical procedures are corresponding versatile. According to the literature almost every operation in pediatric surgery was performed via a minimally invasive access route. Of course, not every generally feasible minimally invasive technique can be considered as being suitable to replace proven and established open conventional procedures in pediatric surgery.

Differential learning processes for laparoscopic and open supraumbilical pyloromyotomy

PURPOSE

To compare the learning curves for mastering OP and LP surgical techniques, in terms of effects on completion times and postoperative outcomes/complications.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for 198 patients with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The learning curves were in regard to two groups of surgeons: three of whom performed 106 OPs while three others performed 92 LPs. Treatment-related complications were divided into two categories: specific complications relating to the pyloromyotomy and non-specific complications. A logistic regression model with repeated data was used to explore the occurrence of complications.

RESULTS

The overall postoperative complication rates were not significantly different between the OP (15.1 %) and the LP (11.8 %) groups. Specific complications were more frequent in the LP group (6.4 versus 2.8 %), while non-specific complications were more frequent in the OP group (12.1 versus 5.3 %). The occurrence of complications exhibited a statistically decreasing risk with each supplementary procedure that was performed (p = 0.0067) in the LP group, but not in the OP group (p = 0.9665).

CONCLUSION

From a learning process perspective, laparoscopy is mainly associated with a significantly higher risk of specific complications. This risk decreases in line with the surgeon's level of experience, whereas non-specific complications remain stable in open procedures.

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy decreases postoperative length of stay in children with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of laparoscopic versus open pyloromyotomy on postoperative length of stay (LOS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 2013 National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Pediatric database was queried for all cases of pyloromyotomy performed on children <1year old with congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Demographics, clinical, and perioperative characteristics for patients with and without a prolonged postoperative LOS, defined as >1day, were compared. Logistic regression modeling was performed to identify factors associated with a prolonged postoperative LOS.

RESULTS

Out of 1143 pyloromyotomy patients, 674 (59%) underwent a laparoscopic procedure. Patients undergoing open pyloromyotomy had a longer operative time (median 28 vs. 25min, p<0.001) but shorter duration of general anesthesia (median 72 vs. 78min, p<0.001). Patients undergoing open pyloromyotomy more frequently had a prolonged postoperative LOS (32% vs. 26%, p=0.019). Factors independently associated with postoperative LOS >1day included open pyloromyotomy (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, p-value) (1.38, 1.03-1.84, p=0.030), cardiac comorbidity (3.64, 1.45-9.14, p=0.006), pulmonary comorbidity (3.47, 1.15-10.46, p=0.027), lower weight (1.005 per 100g decrease, 1.002-1.007, p<0.001), longer preoperative LOS (1.35 per additional day, 1.13-1.62, p=0.001), longer operative time (1.11 per additional 5min, 1.05-1.17, p<0.001), higher preoperative blood urea nitrogen (1.04 per additional mg/dl, 1.01-1.07, p=0.012), and higher serum sodium (1.08 per additional mg/dl, 1.03-1.14, p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to laparoscopic pyloromyotomy, open pyloromyotomy is independently associated with a higher likelihood of a prolonged postoperative LOS.

Top to Bottom: A New Method for Assessing Adequacy of Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy

INTRODUCTION

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a commonly encountered pediatric surgical issue. Initially treated with open surgical techniques, many pediatric surgeons have adopted the minimally invasive approach using laparoscopy. However, some concerns exist that the rate of incomplete pyloromyotomy is elevated in laparoscopy. We propose a new technique to assess the adequacy of laparoscopic pyloromyotomy.

METHODS

Adequacy of laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was assessed by confirming that the top of the serosa on one side of the pylorus has adequate freedom to reach the bottom of the muscle on other side. A retrospective review of patients undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomy confirmed by this method from March 2012 to January 2016 was conducted. Demographics, laboratory values on admission, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics was utilized.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were included. Median age was 30 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 24, 47). Median pylorus length and thickness were 19 mm (IQR 17.3, 21) and 4.5 mm (IQR: 4.0, 4.8), respectively. Median time to first full feed was 8.5 hours (IQR: 6.6, 15.6). Twenty-three (69%) patients had postoperative emesis. Median length of stay postoperation was 26.5 hours (IQR: 21.1, 44.7). There were no reoperations for incomplete pyloromyotomy and no infections. On follow-up, 1 patient had prolonged postoperative emesis that resolved without further intervention and 1 patient on peritoneal dialysis before surgery had an incisional hernia that required operation in the setting of bilateral inguinal hernias.

CONCLUSION

In a small series, the top to bottom assessment appears to confirm adequacy of pyloromyotomy.

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.

Laparoscopy in pediatric surgery: Implementation in Canada and supporting evidence

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the diffusion of laparoscopy usage in Canadian pediatric centers and the relationship between uptake of laparoscopic surgery and the level of evidence supporting its use.

METHODS

National data on four pediatric laparoscopic operations (appendectomy, pyloromyotomy, cholecystectomy, splenectomy) were analyzed using the Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Database (2002-2013). The highest level of evidence to support the use of each procedure was identified from Cochrane, Embase, and Pubmed databases. Chi-square test for trend was used to determine significance and time to plateau.

RESULTS

There were 28,843 operations (open: 12,048; laparoscopic: 16,795). Use of laparoscopic procedures increased over time (p<0.0001). A plateau was reached for cholecystectomy (2006), splenectomy (2007), and appendectomy (2012), but not for pyloromyotomy. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy in 2013 remains less diffused than the other procedures (p<0.0001). Laparoscopic appendectomy and pyloromyotomy are supported by level-1a evidence in children, whereas cholecystectomy and splenectomy are supported by level-1a evidence in adults but level-3 in children.

CONCLUSIONS

In Canada, it has taken a long time to reach high-level implementation of laparoscopic surgery in children. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy first reached plateau, whereas laparoscopic pyloromyotomy continues to increase but remains low despite high level of evidence in support of its usage compared to open surgery.

Is there any correlation between radiologic findings and eradication of symptoms after pyloromyotomy in hypertrophic pyloric stenosis?

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders during early infancy, with an incidence of 1-2:1000 live births in the world. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between radiologic findings and eradication of symptoms after pyloromyotomy in HPS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty-five (102 boys and 23 girls) patients with suspected infantile HPS were treated surgically by Ramstedt pyloromyotomy between March 21, 2004 and March 20, 2014 at paediatric surgery ward of Tabriz Children's Hospital, Iran. The demographic features, clinical findings, diagnostic work-up, operation type and postoperative specifications of the patients were studied retrospectively.

RESULTS

Male to female ratio was 4:1. The patients were 16-90 days of old and the mean age was 39 ± 1.42 days. The range of pyloric canal length was 7.60-29.00 mm and the mean length was 19.54 ± 3.42 mm. Pyloric muscle diameter was 2.70-9.00 mm, and the mean diameter was 4.86 ± 1.14 mm. Seventy-two percent of patients had episodes of vomiting after operation. Mean time of persistence of vomiting after pyloromyotomy was 15.73 ± 0.15 h. Mean discharge time was 55.22 ± 0.08 h. Radiologic findings did not show any significant correlation with persistence of vomiting or discharge time.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that radiographic findings could not predict postoperative symptom eradication after pyloromyotomy in HPS.

Implementation of a care pathway for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis reduces length of stay and increases parent satisfaction

Introduction

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a common surgical condition, but there are no guidelines regarding preoperative fluid resuscitation. Our aim was to evaluate a novel consensus care pathway for IHPS, incorporating a standardized fluid and electrolyte replacement regime.

Methods

One hundred patients were initially reviewed and compared to thirty-three patients following the introduction of a clinical pathway, whereby infants requiring electrolyte correction received 150 ml/kg/24 h of 0.45% saline, 5% dextrose and 10 mmol KCl, with systematic blood sampling until correction was achieved. We measured time to electrolyte correction, time to surgery and total length of hospitalization. Data were described using the median and interquartile range, and differences between the groups’ categorical and continuous data were described using Chi-squared and the Mann–Whitney U–tests, respectively.

Results

Time in hours taken to correct electrolytes was reduced: 25(16.5–42) versus 9.5(4.5–24.75) p = 0.004. Time to surgery from admission in uncorrected patients decreased from 50(40.25–66.75) to 39(28.75–41.75) p = 0.018. Subsequently, there was a reduction in total length of stay: 94(71–93.5) versus 75(64.5–93.5) p = 0.025. Parental satisfaction increased from 77% in the pre-pathway group to 83% in the pathway group.

Conclusion

A consensus care pathway for IHPS reduces the time taken to correct preoperative electrolyte abnormalities, decreases length of hospitalization and improves parental satisfaction.

Imaging findings in infants with recurrent vomiting after pyloromyotomy: a pictorial review

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is a common entity with an incidence of 2-4 per 1000 live births. Current definitive treatment is with pyloromyotomy, which is usually performed laparoscopically. The procedure is generally well tolerated with resolution of the patient's symptoms. In a small percentage of patients, however, there is recurrent vomiting which warrants further investigation. In this pictorial review, the expected post-operative appearance of the pylorus will be described, and the imaging findings and clinical course of two patients with recurrent vomiting after pyloromyotomy will be presented.