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Background: The Clavien-Madadi classification is a novel instrument for the assessment and grading of unexpected events in pediatric surgery, based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. The system has been adjusted to better fit the pediatric population in a prospective single-center study. There is a need now to validate the Clavien-Madadi classification within an international expert network., Methods: A pediatric surgical working group created 19 case scenarios with unexpected events in a multi-staged process. Those were circulated within the European Reference Network of Inherited and Congenital Anomalies (ERNICA) and surgeons were instructed to rate the scenarios according to the Clavien-Madadi vs. Clavien-Dindo classification., Results: 59 surgeons from 12 European countries completed the questionnaire. Based on ratings of the case scenarios, the Clavien-Madadi classification showed significantly superior agreement rates of the respondents (85.9% vs 76.2%; p < 0.05) and was less frequently considered inaccurate for rating the pediatric population compared to Clavien-Dindo (2.1% vs 11.1%; p = 0.05). Fleiss' kappa analysis showed slightly higher strength of agreement using the Clavien-Madadi classification (0.74 vs 0.69). Additionally, intraclass correlation coefficient was slightly higher for the Clavien-Madadi compared to the Clavien-Dindo classification (ICC just 0.93 vs 0.89; ICC unjust 0.93 vs 0.89). More pediatric surgeons preferred the Clavien-Madadi classification for the case scenarios (43.0% vs 11.8%; p = 0.002) and advantages of the Clavien-Madadi were confirmed by 81.4% of the surgeons., Conclusion: The Clavien-Madadi classification is an accurate and reliable instrument for the grading of unexpected events in pediatric surgery. We therefore recommend its application in clinical and academic pediatric surgical practice., Level of Evidence: III., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Besides surgical complications, a variety of adverse events may affect patients' comfort and outcome. The purpose of this prospective study was to identify the incidence and impact of all unexpected events in pediatric surgical patients., Methods: All unexpected events that occurred in our department during the period of February 2017-July 2018 were prospectively assessed. Complications associated with surgery, non-surgical treatment, errors and organizational problems were included. Events were classified using a modified version of Clavien-Dindo. Sentinel events were defined as death, serious injury, or the risk thereof (grade IV-V). Organizational events were analyzed separately. All events were discussed during morbidity and mortality-conferences, and the results and measures were documented., Results: Unexpected events occurred in 297 of 1605 patients (18.5%), of whom 1124 (70%) had undergone surgery. More than half of all events were not associated with an operation (n=237; 54%). The severity of all events was mostly minor (grade I-IIIb; n=410; 94%). Twenty-eight sentinel events (IV-V) occurred (6% of all events). Twenty-two (2%) patients died; however, none of these deaths were related to surgery. The top 5 events included organizational problems in 78 instants (18%), wound healing disorders in 44 (10%), recurrence of initial problems in 36 (8%), dislocation of indwelling catheters in 26 (6%) and bleeding in 16 (4%). Errors were identified in 15 patients (3%). We derived 10 changes of concepts of management or treatment., Conclusion: The incidence of unexpected events in pediatric surgical patients is high when complications associated with surgical and non-surgical treatment and organizational alterations are documented prospectively. In our study, most events were minor and did not substantially affect patients' outcomes. Prospective assessment helped to identify organizational shortcomings and develop preventive strategies., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Wound dehiscence (WD) of the anocutaneous anastomosis or perineal body after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) is common. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a perineal vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) for prevention of WD following repair of anorectal malformations (ARM) with rectoperineal and rectovestibular fistula., Methods: A retrospective dual-center case-control study of children undergoing PSARP without colostomy between 2011 and 2019 was performed. The VAC group received preoperative bowel preparation (PBP), postoperative application of a VAC, loperamide (only Location A), intravenous antibiotics (IA), and total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The non-VAC group underwent PBP, loperamide (Location A), IA, and TPN without VAC. Primary outcome was WD at the anocutaneous anastomosis or reconstructed perineal body within the first 14 days after surgery., Results: The study population included 18 patients (VAC group) and 20 children (non-VAG group) with rectoperineal and rectovestibular fistula. The incidence of WD in the VAC group was 0% compared to 25% in the non-VAC group (0/18 vs. 5/20, p = 0.04). No VAC related complications occurred., Conclusion: Postoperative application of a VAC embedded in a perioperative treatment protocol has the potential to prevent wound dehiscence of the neoanus and reconstructed perineal body following PSARP., Type of Study: Case-control study., Level of Evidence: Level III., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after esophageal atresia (EA) repair is postulated to be good. However, little is known about the long-term results after repair of complex and/or complicated EA regarding HRQoL. We investigated long-term HRQoL after delayed anastomosis, esophageal replacement, major revisions, or multiple dilatations in patients registered in a support group., Methods: Patients registered in the German patient support group database (KEKS) were enrolled and allocated to subgroups according to surgical treatment and age. HRQoL was evaluated using validated questionnaires (GIQLI, WHO-5, KIDSCREEN27)., Results: Complete follow-up (mean 14.5 ± 9.8 years) was available for 90/92 patients. Patients were allocated to subgroups delayed anastomosis (n=28), esophageal replacement (n=27), major revisions (n=15), and multiple dilatations (n=20). Adult patients presented with impaired well-being according to WHO-score and gastrointestinal function (GIQLI). In contrast, HRQoL of children was comparable to controls in most KIDSCREEN27-dimensions. Delayed anastomosis was associated with most-favourable HRQoL. Regarding physical well-being, these children scored significantly better than controls [64.01 ± 10.40 vs. 52.36 ± 8.73;p=0.0011], children after replacement [51.40 ± 5.70;p=0.008], revisions [52.04 ± 6.97;p=0.026], and multiple dilatations [50.22 ± 9.67,p=0.04]., Conclusions: HRQoL after complex and/or complicated EA is excellent in children registered in a patient support group. In adults, disease-specific symptoms negatively affect HRQoL. Our data indicate that saving the esophagus may achieve the best HRQoL., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study aimed to analyze the feasibility of subsequent minimally invasive pectus repair, particularly modified Nuss procedure, combined with simultaneous thoracic procedures for different underlying intrathoracic diseases and conditions., Methods: A total of 110 patients, who underwent minimally invasive pectus repair in Nuss technique over a 5-year period, were retrospectively analyzed concerning complications, cosmetic results, and satisfaction. Six patients (5%) underwent the Nuss procedure with concomitant thoracic interventions. Patients with prior cardiac surgery or planned redo pectus repair were not examined and were excluded. The mean age of 6 patients (3 male and 3 female) was 11 years (range, 5.5-17.2). Two patients with former left-sided transabdominal diaphragmatic hernia repair and 1 with former lobectomy of the left lower lobe underwent thoracoscopic adhesiolysis. Two underwent thoracotomy: one for closure of a recurrent left-sided diaphragmatic hernia with fundoplication owing to a large hiatal hernia, another for lobectomy of the right middle lobe owing to recurrent infections and bronchodysplasia. One patient presented with anterior mediastinal mass, which was suspected to be benign, and underwent thoracoscopic complete resection. All patients underwent a 1-stage procedure with subsequent simultaneous Nuss procedure., Results: Simultaneous Nuss procedure was feasible without intraoperative complications in all patients (100%). Thoracoscopic adhesiolysis did not affect the feasibility of the Nuss procedure in 3 patients with former diaphragmatic hernia repair, particularly former lobectomy in one. Thoracotomy with middle-lobe lobectomy, as well as repair of recurrent diaphragmatic hernia and fundoplication in 2, did not affect modified Nuss technique and dispensed thoracoscopic guidance. Histopathologic analysis in one patient with a removed anterior mediastinal mass revealed Hodgkin lymphoma (stage IA), and the patient received multiagent chemotherapy. The postoperative course was uneventful in 5 of 6 patients. One patient required intermittent drainage of pleural effusion after simultaneous lobectomy. At follow-up (6 months-5 years), 6 patients had excellent cosmetic results and good quality of life confirmed by a questionnaire. There was no evidence of recurrent malignancy in one patient after 6 months., Conclusions: Thoracic surgery and subsequent Nuss procedure can be performed simultaneously. Underlying conditions, such as prior repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia or diaphragmatic eventration, as well as former lobectomy, had no impact on feasibility. Open thoracotomy can be combined with Nuss procedure dispensing thoracoscopy.

Background: A survey on the practice of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery in pediatric surgical departments in Germany is presented., Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was sent to all 71 pediatric surgical departments in Germany (population 82 million). Fifty institutions (70%) took part in the survey that mainly included data for the year 2004: spectrum of minimally invasive operations, quantity of procedures, conversions, major complications, number of performing surgeons and residents., Results: Laparoscopic techniques were used in 48 departments (96%) and thoracoscopic techniques in 37 (74%). The annual frequency of laparoscopies was less than 100 in 30 departments (62%) and more than 100 in 15 (31%). The number of thoracoscopies was less than 50 in 35 departments (73%) and more than 50 in 2 (4%). Appendectomy was offered in 45 (90%), varicocelectomy in 32 (64%), and Fowler-Stephens operation in 33 (66%). Twenty-one departments (42%) covered more advanced procedures such as laparoscopically assisted pull-through for Hirschsprung disease. Most demanding procedures such as laparoscopic choledochal cyst resection, duodeno-duodenostomy, heminephrectomy, or pyeloplasty were offered by 10 departments (20%). Minimally invasive surgery was performed by 1 surgeon (12%) in 6 institutions and by more than 5 surgeons (14%) in 7 institutions., Conclusion: Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly accepted in most German pediatric surgical institutions for a wide range of indications. However, the number of departments offering major minimally invasive procedures remains limited.

Background: Superoxide anions released by activated macrophages during surgery are considered to be responsible for local cellular damage. Application of CO2 pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopy affects superoxide anion release, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear and the data reported are conflicting. We investigated the direct and pH-mediated impact of CO2 and air on macrophage superoxide anion production., Methods: Cells of the NR 8383 rat macrophage cell line were incubated for 2 hours in 5% CO2, 100% CO2, and room air or pH 7.4, pH 6.5, and pH 5.5. The extracellular pH was monitored during incubation. At 0, 2, and 6 hours after incubation, the release of superoxide anions was determined fluorometrically. The mitochondrial activity was determined via the conversion of MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] during and after incubation., Results: Extracellular pH decreased to 6.4 during incubation in a CO2 atmosphere. The release of superoxide anions was significantly reduced immediately after CO2 incubation. It was restored at all other time-points. Decreasing the extracellular pH to 6.5 had no effect on superoxide anion release, whereas acidification of the extracellular milieu to pH 5.5 significantly suppressed subsequent superoxide release. Mitochondrial activity was significantly decreased by CO2 up to 2 hours and by acidic milieu up to 6 hours. Incubation in room air had no effect., Conclusions: Incubation in CO2 can directly suppress macrophage superoxide anion production. This effect is of short duration, fully reversible, and not correlated to changes in extracellular pH or mitochondrial activity. Air contamination does not affect macrophage superoxide anion release. We speculate that CO2 pneumoperitoneum could attenuate the intraoperative free radical production by directly inhibiting superoxide anion release of macrophages without long-lasting suppression of macrophages and their capacity to release superoxide anions postoperatively.

Background/purpose: Fast-track surgery is not well established for infants and children. The aim of our prospective study was to investigate the feasibility of fast-track concepts for pediatric surgical procedures including laparoscopic techniques., Methods: Fast-track concepts, including immediate postoperative feeding, immediate mobilization, and morphine sparing pain treatment, were established for pyeloplasty, appendectomy, bowel anastomosis, fundoplication, hypospadia repair, and full/partial nephrectomy. All consecutive patients undergoing these procedures were prospectively investigated from June 2004 to June 2005. Patients with additional relevant diseases, reoperation, and perforated appendicitis were excluded from fast-track treatment. The length of hospital stay was compared with data derived from the German reimbursement system with German diagnosis-related groups for patients with a similar case mix index and hospitals with a similar structure., Results: Of a total of 159 patients (mean age, 5.8 +/- 5.3 years), 113 (71%) were finally treated according to the fast-track protocols. There were no complications associated with fast-track surgery. The intensity of pain during the immediate postoperative period was higher than 5 on a 10-point scale in children older than 4 years. Analgesia was excellent at all other time points. The mean hospital stay of fast-track patients was 2.3 +/- 1 days and was significantly shorter (P < .01) compared with German diagnosis-related group data for all procedures (pyeloplasty, 1.9 +/- 0.9 vs 12.2 +/- 0.2; nephrectomy, 1.9 +/- 1.0 vs 14.4 +/- 2.8; bowel anastomosis, 3.2 +/- 0.6 vs 12.9 +/- 2.4; fundoplication, 3.2 +/- 0.8 vs 15.2 +/- 4.2; appendectomy, 3.7 +/- 2.4 vs 6.3 +/- 1.8; hypospadia repair, 2.1 +/- 1 vs 8.4 +/- 1.4). Two readmissions were recorded. Ninety-six percent of patients and parents scored the fast-track concepts as excellent., Conclusion: The feasibility of fast-track concepts in children is excellent, with short duration of hospitalization and high comfort.

Purpose: Laparoscopy has been associated with lower inflammatory responses. However, it has been postulated that minilaparotomy, in contrast to full laparotomy, is equally minimally invasive., Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate local, systemic, and distant organ immune responses after different surgical approaches to the abdominal cavity, such as minilaparotomy, full laparotomy, and laparoscopy, in a small animal model., Methods: Male Lewis rats received a permanent central venous catheter and were randomized to 4 groups (n = 6 per group). The animals were subjected to anesthesia alone (control), minilaparotomy (1 cm), full laparotomy (7 cm), or laparoscopy for 60 minutes. Blood was collected via the central venous catheter before as well as 1 hour and 6 hours after the start of intervention. Peritoneal and bronchoalveolar lavages, as well as heart puncture, were performed after 24 hours., Results: All surgical interventions led to a significant migration of polymorphonucleocytes into the abdominal cavity. Full laparotomy resulted in a significant increase in nitric oxide production by peritoneal macrophages as compared with control. Macrophage nitric oxide production after laparoscopy and minilaparotomy was not significantly different. A shift in the expression of OX-6 and CD54 was only detected after full laparotomy. Systemically, O(2)(-) release by circulating mononuclear cells was significantly increased after minilaparotomy and full laparotomy, but not after laparoscopy. The systemic levels of IL6 were significantly accelerated only after full laparotomy, with a maximum after 6 hours. In the lungs, function of alveolar macrophages was not altered in any group., Conclusions: Any approach to the peritoneal cavity causes local inflammatory responses. Full laparotomy alters peritoneal macrophage functions more pronouncedly than does minilaparotomy or laparoscopy. Systemic inflammatory responses, such as free oxygen radical release, are significantly increased by both minilaparotomy and full laparotomy, whereas laparoscopy preserves systemic immune function. Our results may lead to further preference for the laparoscopic approach over minilaparotomy and full laparotomy.

Background: Gastric perforation is a rare, life-threatening condition in neonates. To avoid deterioration, prompt surgical treatment is mandatory., Patients: We report on 2 neonates (1 and 8 days old) with feeding tube associated gastric perforation managed laparoscopically by single layer suture repair. Both children suffered from severe peritonitis. Operative time was 60 minutes in both cases. Oral feeding was started on postoperative day 3 and 7, respectively. No complications regarding the gastric perforation were encountered on follow-up (11 and 8 months, respectively) in both cases., Conclusions: We recommend laparoscopic suture repair as a safe and feasible method for surgical treatment of gastric perforation in neonates. These appear to be the first reported cases using this procedure for treatment of neonatal gastric perforation.

Background: Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) has become widely popular since its introduction in the late 1990s by Nuss. We describe 1 unusual complication after MIRPE and 1 life-threatening bleeding during removal of the pectus bar., Methods: We report the cases of 2 patients in a single institution, more than 100 MIRPE procedures performed so far, and review of literature., Cases: A 14-year-old girl presented 6 months after MIRPE in another institution. During removal of the pectus bar, a massive hemorrhage from both chest wounds occurred, requiring emergency sternotomy. Arrosion of a pulmonary vessel close to the metal bar had led to the bleeding. The second case was a bilateral sternoclavicular dislocation after MIRPE, which has not caused symptoms so far, in a 13-year-old girl., Conclusions: Numerous operative and postoperative complications after MIRPE are feasible. This is the first report of a life-threatening bleeding during removal of the pectus bar. Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum procedure and removal of the pectus bar should only occur in specialized institutions with wide experience in thoracic surgery.

Background: Thoracoscopic techniques have gained increasing acceptance in pediatric surgery, but experience with newborns and small children is limited. To our knowledge, a series of minimally invasive resection of pulmonary sequestration in newborns has not yet been reported in the literature. We report on 5 patients with pulmonary sequestration thoracoscopically., Methods: From November 2000 to November 2002, 5 patients underwent thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary sequestration. Ages ranged from 4 to 91 days. Two patients had postnatal pulmonary symptoms. Preoperative diagnosis was dubious in 4 children. There were 4 extralobar and 1 intralobar pulmonary sequestrations., Results: Thoracoscopy was performed with 3-mm instruments and 3 to 5 ports. All procedures were completed successfully. The median duration of the operation was 95 minutes (range, 63-117 minutes), and visualization was excellent. Anomalous blood vessels were clipped and/or ligated. Four patients were extubated immediately after the operation, 1, the day after. The postoperative course was uneventful in all children. At follow-up after 14 months (mean; range, 10-19 months), all patients were free of symptoms and had normal chest x-rays., Conclusion: Thoracoscopy is feasible for resection of intra- and extralobar pulmonary sequestrations during the first 3 months of life.

We present a case of prenatally diagnosed gastroschisis combined with a sternal cleft, as well as the successful surgical management of this unusual condition. Successful management of gastroschisis combined with sternal cleft has not been reported before in the literature.

The authors present a 3-month-old patient with a congenital choledochal cyst, which was asymptomatic until treatment. On laparoscopy, a type I choledochal cyst was confirmed and excised laparoscopically. A Roux-en-Y anastomosis was constructed after exteriorization of the small bowel via the infraumbilical trocar incision. A laparoscopic end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy was carried out. The operation lasted 4(1/2) hours, without intraoperative problems. Oral food intake was started on day 2 and well tolerated with bile stained stools. Symptoms of bowel obstruction occurred on day 8. On minilaparotomy, the Roux-en-Y anastomosis was found to be adherent to the mesenterium of the colon, leading to obstruction. After mobilizing the loop, the postoperative course was uneventful. We conclude that laparoscopic resection of congenital choledochal cyst and choledochojejunostomy was feasible in the youngest patient operated on so far. However, adhesive small bowel obstruction can also occur, as after conventional operation, when the bowel is exteriorized for Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

Background/purpose: Lymphoceles are frequently observed as a surgical complication after renal transplantation. Whereas the frequency, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of lymphoceles has been well described in adult patients, no data are available for the pediatric age group., Methods: Since December 2000; 5 children (2 boys and 3 girls; median age, 6 years; range, 6 to 15 years) of a total of 21 (10 boys and 11 girls; median age, 13 years; range, 2 to 19 years) children undergoing kidney transplantation had a posttransplant lymphocele. The clinical course, renal function, and ultrasonographic appearance of the transplanted kidney of all children were observed in a prospective manner., Results: The lymphoceles became obvious between day 13 and 48 (median, 20 days) posttransplantation. Lymphocele size ranged from 2.0 x 3.0 cm to 11.0 x 15.0 cm. They were localized at any site (superior, inferior, lateral, medial, and dorsal) around the transplanted kidney. Four patients had a significant decrease of renal function, in 2 children mild urinary tract obstruction occurred, and 1 patient suffered from considerable abdominal pain. Diagnosis was established by ultrasound scan in all cases. All patients were treated by laparoscopic fenestration of the lymphocele immediately after diagnosis, except 1 patient, in whom fenestration was not done until 10 months later. Operating time ranged from 45 to 90 minutes (median, 62 minutes). No intraoperative or postoperative complication occurred. Renal function, urinary tract obstruction, and pain recovered soon after operation in all patients. After 3 to 10 months (median, 8 months) postoperatively, no relapse has been observed., Conclusions: Our data emphasize laparoscopic fenestration as the treatment of choice for children with posttransplant lymphoceles, because it is safe, effective, and technically easy to perform. If done early after diagnosis, renal function will recover immediately.

Background: Laparoscopically assisted gastric pull-up procedure has been performed in adults for various conditions. The authors report the first patient, who underwent laparoscopically assisted esophageal replacement for long gap esophageal atresia., Methods: The patient had Down's syndrome and long gap esophageal atresia without fistula. A gastrostomy was performed right after birth, and a suction drain was positioned in the upper esophageal pouch. Esophageal replacement took place at the age of 3 months. The laparoscopic operation included complete mobilization of the stomach, resection of the lower esophageal stump (Endo-GIA), pyloroplasty, and transhiatal dissection. After a right cervical approach, the gastric pull-up was performed through the posterior mediastinum, and the upper anastomosis was completed. Finally, a laparoscopic jejunostomy was performed., Results: The duration of the operation was 4.5 hours. The intra- and postoperative courses were uneventful. Feeding via the jejunostomy was started on day 1. Gastric emptying of contrast media was documented by x-ray examination. Oral feeding was started on day 8 and is now, 3 months postoperative, well tolerated., Conclusions: This is the first report on laparoscopically assisted gastric pull-up for long gap esophageal atresia. The technique represents an option for the treatment of long gap esophageal atresia.

The authors report a case of extralobar pulmonary sequestration (ELS) located at the right costophrenic recessus and resected thoracoscopically in a 22-day-old girl. Prenatally, spontaneous resolution of a cystic adenomatoid lung lesion (CCAM) occurring independently in the upper right hemithorax was observed. ELS with preceding complete resolution of CCAM in the ipsilateral hemithorax has not been reported before. This is the first neonate reported with ELS treated by thoracoscopy., (Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.)