Management and outcomes for long-segment Hirschsprung disease: A systematic review from the APSA Outcomes and Evidence Based Practice Committee

OBJECTIVE

Long-Segment Hirschsprung Disease (LSHD) differs clinically from short-segment disease. This review article critically appraises current literature on the definition, management, outcomes, and novel therapies for patients with LSHD.

METHODS

Four questions regarding the definition, management, and outcomes of patients with LSHD were generated. English-language articles published between 1990 and 2018 were compiled by searching PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A qualitative synthesis was performed.

RESULTS

66 manuscripts were included in this systematic review. Standardized nomenclature and preoperative evaluation for LSHD are recommended. Insufficient evidence exists to recommend a single method for the surgical repair of LSHD. Patients with LSHD may have increased long-term gastrointestinal symptoms, including Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), but have a quality of life similar to matched controls. There are few surgical technical innovations focused on this disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

A standardized definition of LSHD is recommended that emphasizes the precise anatomic location of aganglionosis. Prospective studies comparing operative options and long-term outcomes are needed. Translational approaches, such as stem cell therapy, may be promising in the future for the treatment of long-segment Hirschsprung disease.

INFIX-safe and effective surgical option for complex fracture patterns of the anterior pelvic ring: A prospective single center study

Background

Complex fracture patterns of anterior pelvic ring are a challenge and usually needs extensive surgeries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate INFIX as a minimally invasive procedure for such injuries in terms of feasibility, outcomes and complications in the Indian population.

Methods

Patients with complex fracture patterns of anterior pelvic ring were selected for anterior INFIX application along with standard posterior stabilization. Outcomes were assessed radiographically by Matta's criteria and amount of displacement. Post-operative CT scan for relation of implant to vital structures and Doppler at varying hip flexion for possible vascular occlusion was used. Functional outcomes included both disease specific scores (Majeed score, IOWA pelvic score) and quality of life scores (SMFA, SF-12). Complications were also noted.

Results

12 cases out of 112 patients had complex fracture pattern of the anterior ring. Most common injury pattern were LC-3 and VS (n = 6 and 3) Young and Burgess type. The average follow up was 6 months. Fracture reduction as per Matta's criteria was excellent in 10 (83.3%) cases and good in 2 (16.6%) cases with functional outcomes excellent in 11 cases, and a mean Majeed score of 92.67 ± 5.8. The average SMFA score was 51 ± 4.39 and mean SF-12 scores for physical and mental health were 48.493 ± 6.74 and 56.370 ± 4.04 respectively. Complications noted were lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy (1/24 nerves), skin dehiscence (n = 2), infection (n = 2) and sacral nonunion (n = 1).

Conclusion

INFIX is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique for addressing complexfracture patterns involving the anterior half of pelvic ring with excellent fracture reduction, radiological and functional outcomes and predictable fracture healing.