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Branche C, Chervu N, Porter G, Vadlakonda A, Sakowitz S, Ali K, Mallick S, Benharash P. The impact of rurality on racial disparities in costs of bowel obstruction treatment. Surg Open Sci 2024; 20:27-31. [PMID: 38873333 PMCID: PMC11170271 DOI: 10.1016/j.sopen.2024.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Black race has been associated with increased resource utilization after operation for small bowel obstruction (SBO). While prior literature has similarly demonstrated differences between urban and rural institutions, limited work has defined the impact of rurality on resource utilization by race. Methods The 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample was used to identify adults undergoing adhesiolysis after non-elective admission for SBO. The primary endpoint was hospitalization costs. Additional outcomes included surgical delay (≥ hospital day 3), length of stay (LOS), and nonhome discharge. Regression models were developed to identify the impact of Black race and rurality on the outcomes of interest with an interaction term to examine the incremental association of Black race on rurality. Results Of an estimated 132,390 patients, 11.4 % were treated at an annual average of 377 rural hospitals (18.5 % of institutions). After adjustment, rural hospitals had higher costs (β + $4900, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI] [4200, 5700]), compared to others. However, rurality was associated with reduced odds of surgical delay (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 0. 76, CI[0.69, 0.85]), decreased LOS (β -1.66 days, CI[-1.99, -1.36]), and nonhome discharge (AOR 0.78, CI[0.70, 0.87]). While White patients experienced significant cost reductions at urban centers ($26,100 [25,800-26,300] vs $31,000 [30,300-31,700]), this was not noted for Black patients ($30,100 [29,400-30,700] vs $30,800 [29,300-32,400]). Conclusions We found that Black patients do not benefit from the same cost protection afforded by urban settings as White patients after operative SBO admission. Future work should focus on setting-specific interventions to address drivers of disparities within each community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corynn Branche
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nikhil Chervu
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Giselle Porter
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amulya Vadlakonda
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sara Sakowitz
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Konmal Ali
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Saad Mallick
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peyman Benharash
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Scaddan B, Al Asedy B, Lee S, Lari PR. Evaluation of geographic variations in appendicectomy outcomes within Western Australia assessing the impact of surgical wait times and rate of negative appendicectomies in both urban and rural locations statewide. Int J Colorectal Dis 2024; 39:91. [PMID: 38867089 PMCID: PMC11169051 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-024-04662-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Surgery wait times after diagnosis of appendicitis are an important factor influencing the success of a patient's treatment. The proposed study will be a quantitative multicenter retrospective cohort design with the primary aim of assessing the difference between appendicectomy wait times between rural and urban hospitals in Western Australia and the effect of this on operative outcomes. Selected outcome measures will be examined by time from initial presentation at an emergency department to the patient being diagnosed and then time of diagnosis to surgery being performed. The secondary aim is to compare rates of negative appendicectomies between hospitals. METHODS Appendicectomy patients will be identified from operating room register by medical student data collectors; then, each respective hospital's emergency room data collection will subsequently be accessed to complete case report forms based on demographics and clinical findings, pre-operative investigations, and management and follow-up. Case report forms with > 95% completeness will be accepted for pooled analysis. The expected duration of retrospective data collection will be 8 months. This study RGS6483 has received HREC approval by the Royal Perth Hospital HREC Ethics Committee, with a waiver of consent obtained and the HREC was notified of amendments to the protocol made on April 21, 2024. Dissemination of results. Data will be collected and stored online through a secure server running the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) web application. No patient-identifiable data will be entered into the system. Results will subsequently be shared via scientific journal publication and presentation at relevant meetings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beau Scaddan
- Curtin Medical School, Perth Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Balsam Al Asedy
- Curtin Medical School, Perth Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Samantha Lee
- UWA Medical School, Perth Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Bhatnagar A, Mackman S, Van Arendonk KJ, Thalji SZ. Associations between Hospital Setting and Outcomes after Pediatric Appendectomy. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1908. [PMID: 38136110 PMCID: PMC10741462 DOI: 10.3390/children10121908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Prior studies of associations between hospital location and outcomes for pediatric appendectomy have not adjusted for significant differences in patient and treatment patterns between settings. This was a cross-sectional analysis of pediatric appendectomies in the 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID). Weighted multiple linear and logistic regression models compared hospital location (urban or rural) and academic status against total admission cost (TAC), length of stay (LOS), and postoperative complications. Patients were stratified by laparoscopic (LA) or open (OA) appendectomy. Among 54,836 patients, 39,454 (73%) were performed at an urban academic center, 11,642 (21%) were performed at an urban non-academic center, and 3740 (7%) were performed at a rural center. LA was utilized for 49,011 (89%) of all 54,386 patients: 36,049 (91%) of 39,454 patients at urban academic hospitals, 10,191 (87%) of 11,642 patients at urban non-academic centers, and 2771 (74%) of 3740 patients at rural centers (p < 0.001). On adjusted analysis, urban academic centers were associated with an 18% decreased TAC (95% CI -0.193--0.165; p < 0.001) despite an 11% increased LOS (95% CI 0.087-0.134; p < 0.001) compared to rural centers. Urban academic centers were associated with a decreased odds of complication among patients who underwent LA (OR 0.787, 95% CI 0.650-0.952) but not after OA. After adjusting for relevant patient and disease-related factors, urban academic centers were associated with lower costs despite longer lengths of stay compared to rural centers. Urban academic centers utilized LA more frequently and were associated with decreased odds of postoperative complications after LA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sean Mackman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| | - Kyle J. Van Arendonk
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Sam Z. Thalji
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
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4
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Georgeades C, Vacek J, Thurm C, Hall M, Rangel S, Minneci PC, Oldham K, Van Arendonk KJ. Association of Rural Residence With Surgical Outcomes Among Infants at US Children's Hospitals. Hosp Pediatr 2023; 13:733-743. [PMID: 37470121 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2023-007227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Disparities in pediatric health outcomes are widespread. It is unclear whether rurality negatively impacts outcomes of infants with surgical congenital diseases. This study compared outcomes of rural versus urban infants requiring complex surgical care at children's hospitals in the United States. METHODS Rural and urban infants (aged <1 year) receiving surgical care at children's hospitals from 2016 to 2019 for esophageal atresia, gastroschisis, Hirschsprung's disease, anorectal malformation, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia were compared over a 1-year postoperative period using the Pediatric Health Information System. Generalized linear mixed effects models compared outcomes of rural and urban infants. RESULTS Among 5732 infants, 20.2% lived in rural areas. Rural infants were more frequently white, lived farther from the hospital, and lived in areas with lower median household income compared with urban infants (all P < .001). Rural infants with anorectal malformation and gastroschisis had lower adjusted hospital days over 1 year; rural infants with esophageal atresia had higher adjusted odds of 30-day hospital readmission. Adjusted mortality, hospital days, and readmissions were otherwise similar between the 2 groups. Outcomes remained similar when comparing urban infants to rural infant subgroups with the longest hospital travel distance (≥60 miles) and lowest median household income (<$35 000). CONCLUSIONS Despite longer travel distances and lower financial resources, rural infants with congenital anomalies have similar postoperative outcomes to urban infants when treated at children's hospitals. Future work is needed to examine outcomes for infants treated outside children's hospitals and to determine whether efforts are necessary to increase access to children's hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Vacek
- Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Cary Thurm
- Children's Hospital Association, Lenexa, Kansas
| | - Matt Hall
- Children's Hospital Association, Lenexa, Kansas
| | - Shawn Rangel
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter C Minneci
- Center for Surgical Outcomes Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute and Department of Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Keith Oldham
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Behrendorff N, Palan R, McKitterick T, Cover J. Paediatric negative appendicectomy rates at a regional Western Australian Centre: a five-year cohort study. ANZ J Surg 2023; 93:1987-1992. [PMID: 36994911 DOI: 10.1111/ans.18446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In acute appendicitis, decision-making around operative intervention for paediatric patients differs from adults due to a higher weight placed on clinical assessment and reduced rates of cross-sectional imaging. In regional settings, non-paediatric emergency doctors, general surgeons, and radiologists usually assess and manage this patient group. Differences have been observed in paediatric negative appendicectomy rates between general and paediatric centres. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed, identifying paediatric patients undergoing emergency appendicectomy at the Southwest Health Campus (Bunbury, Western Australia) from 2017 to 2021. The primary outcome measure was histopathology confirming the absence of transmural inflammation of the appendix. In addition, clinical, biochemical and radiological data were collected to identify predictors of negative appendicectomy (NA). Secondary outcome measures were hospital length-of-stay and post-operative complication rates. RESULTS Four hundred and twenty-one patients were identified, of which 44.9% had a negative appendicectomy. Statistically significant associations between female gender, white cell count less than 10 × 109 , neutrophil ratio less than 75%, low CRP and NA were observed. NA was not associated with a lower risk of re-admission or complications compared with appendicectomy for appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS Our centre's NA rate is higher than that observed in the literature at both non-paediatric and paediatric surgical centres. NA has similar morbidity risk to appendicectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis and offers a timely reminder that diagnostic laparoscopy in children is not benign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Behrendorff
- General Surgery Department, South West Health Campus, Western Australia Country Health Service, Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ranesh Palan
- General Surgery Department, South West Health Campus, Western Australia Country Health Service, Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tommy McKitterick
- General Surgery Department, South West Health Campus, Western Australia Country Health Service, Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jacinta Cover
- General Surgery Department, South West Health Campus, Western Australia Country Health Service, Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia
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Van Horn AJ, Good R, Thatcher AL, Nation JJ, Friesen TL, Kirkham EM. Hospital Admissions in Pediatric Patients With Tracheostomies Based on Rurality and Insurance Status. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 169:129-135. [PMID: 36939588 PMCID: PMC10293020 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine whether rurality or public insurance status is associated with greater 30-day readmission after tracheostomy in pediatric patients. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) Database. METHODS Patients within PHIS who underwent tracheostomy from 2013 to 2017 were included. Rural status was defined by rural-urban commuting area codes. Insurance status was based on the primary payer. All-cause 30-day readmissions and tracheostomy-related readmissions were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to test for differences in readmissions between cohorts. RESULTS Among patients, 1092 were rural, and 4329 were publicly insured, with no significant association between rurality and insurance. Compared to nonrural patients, rural patients were more frequently white, less frequently ventilator dependent, and more likely discharged home rather than to a care facility. Publicly insured patients were more frequently non-white. Twenty-eight percent of patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Odds of 30-day readmission were lower in rural patients (odds ratio [OR]: 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-0.95, p = .01) but higher in publicly insured (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.09-1.42, p = .001) controlling for age at tracheostomy, sex, race, and ventilator dependence. The odds of tracheostomy-related admission did not differ by rurality but were higher in publicly insured children (1.39, 95% CI: 1.03-1.88, p = .03). CONCLUSION Readmission within 30 days following tracheostomy was more likely in publicly insured patients and less likely in rural patients. These findings help identify at-risk patients when considering discharge planning and follow-up. More work is needed to understand long-term tracheostomy outcomes in these groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Van Horn
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, USA
| | - Raquel Good
- Division of Otolaryngology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Aaron L Thatcher
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Javan J Nation
- Division of Otolaryngology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Tzyynong L Friesen
- Division of Otolaryngology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Erin M Kirkham
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Georgeades C, Farazi MR, Gainer H, Flynn-O'Brien KT, Leys CM, Gourlay D, Van Arendonk KJ. Distribution of acute appendicitis care in children: A statewide assessment of the surgeons and facilities providing surgical care. Surgery 2023; 173:765-773. [PMID: 36244816 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2022.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric appendicitis is managed by general and pediatric surgeons at both children's hospitals and non-children's hospitals. A statewide assessment of surgeons and facilities providing appendicitis care was performed to identify factors associated with location of surgical care. METHODS Children aged <18 years undergoing appendectomy for appendicitis in Wisconsin from 2018-2020 were identified through the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, and Current Procedural Terminology codes using Wisconsin Hospital Association data. Patient residence and hospital locations were used to determine travel distance, rurality, and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status. RESULTS Among 3,604 children with appendicitis, 36.0% and 12.8% had an appendectomy at 2 major children's hospitals and 4 other children's hospitals, respectively, and 51.2% had an appendectomy at 99 non-children's hospitals. Pediatric surgeons performed 76.1% of appendectomies at children's hospitals and 2.9% at non-children's hospitals. Only 32.2% of patients received care at the hospital closest to their homes. Non-children's hospitals disproportionally cared for older, non-Hispanic White, and privately insured children, those with uncomplicated appendicitis, and those living in rural areas, in mid-socioeconomic status neighborhoods, and greater distances from children's hospitals (all P < .001). After multivariable adjustment, receipt of care at children's hospitals was associated with younger age, minority race, complicated appendicitis, shorter distance to children's hospitals, and urban residence. CONCLUSION Over half of surgical care for pediatric appendicitis occurred at non-children's hospitals, especially among older children and those living in rural areas far from children's hospitals. Future work is necessary to determine which children benefit most from care at children's hospitals and which can safely receive care at non-children's hospitals to avoid unnecessary time and resource utilization associated with travel to children's hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Georgeades
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
| | - Manzur R Farazi
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Hailey Gainer
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | | | - Charles M Leys
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - David Gourlay
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Kyle J Van Arendonk
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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Buss R, SenthilKumar G, Bouchard M, Bowder A, Marquart J, Cooke-Barber J, Vore E, Beals D, Raval M, Rich BS, Goldstein S, Van Arendonk K. Geographic barriers to children's surgical care: A systematic review of existing evidence. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:107-117. [PMID: 34963510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ensuring that children have access to timely and appropriate surgical care is a vital component of comprehensive pediatric care. This study systematically reviews the existing evidence related to geographic barriers in children's surgery. METHODS Medline and Scopus databases were searched for any English language studies that examined associations between geographic burden (rural residence or distance to care) and a quantifiable outcome within pediatric surgical subspecialties. Two independent reviewers extracted data from each study. RESULTS From 6331 studies screened, 22 studies met inclusion criteria. Most studies were retrospective analyses and conducted in the U.S. or Canada (14 and three studies, respectively); five were conducted outside North America. In transplant surgery (seven studies), greater distance from a transplant center was associated with higher waitlist mortality prior to kidney and liver transplantation, although graft outcomes were generally similar. In congenital cardiac surgery (five studies), greater travel was associated with higher neonatal mortality and older age at surgery but not with post-operative outcomes. In general surgery (eight studies), rural residence was associated with increased rates of perforated appendicitis, higher frequency of negative appendectomy, and increased length of stay after appendectomy. In orthopedic surgery (one study), rurality was associated with decreased post-operative satisfaction. No evidence for disparate outcomes based upon distance or rurality was identified in neurosurgery (one study). CONCLUSIONS Substantial evidence suggests that geographic barriers impact the receipt of surgical care among children, particularly with regard to transplantation, congenital cardiac surgery, and appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radek Buss
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 North 92nd Street, Suite CCC 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Gopika SenthilKumar
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 North 92nd Street, Suite CCC 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Megan Bouchard
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Alexis Bowder
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 North 92nd Street, Suite CCC 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - John Marquart
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 North 92nd Street, Suite CCC 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Jo Cooke-Barber
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Ave. ML 2023, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States
| | - Emily Vore
- Department of Surgery, Marshall University Medical Center, 1600 Medical Center Drive, Suite 2500, Huntington, WV 25701, United States
| | - Daniel Beals
- Department of Surgery, Marshall University Medical Center, 1600 Medical Center Drive, Suite 2500, Huntington, WV 25701, United States
| | - Mehul Raval
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Barrie S Rich
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cohen Children's Medical Center, 450 Lakeville Rd, North New Hyde Park, NY 11042, United States
| | - Seth Goldstein
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Kyle Van Arendonk
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 North 92nd Street, Suite CCC 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States.
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Ferguson DM, Arshad SA, Avritscher EB, Li LT, Austin MT, Kawaguchi AL, Lally KP, Tsao K. Costs associated with postoperative intra-abdominal abscess in pediatric perforated appendicitis: A retrospective cohort study. Surgery 2022; 172:212-218. [PMID: 35279294 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2022.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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10
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Hou J, Feng W, Liu W, Hou J, Die X, Sun J, Zhang M, Wang Y. The use of the ratio of C-reactive protein to albumin for the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis in children. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 52:148-154. [PMID: 34922235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE No reliably specific marker for complicated appendicitis has been identified. The ratio of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin (ALB) (CRP/ALB ratio) is a new inflammation-based prognostic score that is associated with the severity of inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of CRP/ALB ratio for the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis in children. METHODS A retrospective study of 296 children with acute appendicitis was conducted with assessments of demographic data, clinical symptoms, pre-operative laboratory results, abdominal ultrasound examinations and clinical outcomes. According to the postoperative pathological results, patients were divided into a simple appendicitis group (169 patients) and a complicated appendicitis group (127 patients). SPSS version 22.0 was used to analyse the data. RESULTS Of the 296 patients, CRP/ALB ratio was higher in complicated appendicitis than in simple appendicitis (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that higher levels of white blood cell count (WBC), CRP, CRP/ALB ratio, and increased incidence in submucosal layer loss and appendicolith were independent risk factors for complicated appendicitis in children. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the CRP/ALB ratio (0.883) was larger than that of WBC (0.702), CRP (0.802), ALB (0.835), submucosal layer loss (0.633) and appendicolith (0.673). A CRP/ALB ratio ≥ 1.39 was found to be a significant marker in the prediction of complicated appendicitis, with 86.61% sensitivity and 84.62% specificity. Patients with a CRP/ALB ratio ≥ 1.39 had a 31.263 times higher chance of having complicated appendicitis (95% CI: 16.449-59.418) than those with a CRP/ALB ratio < 1.39. CONCLUSION The admission CRP/ALB ratio was significantly higher in children with complicated appendicitis. The CRP/ALB ratio is a novel but promising haematological marker that aids in the differentiation of acute complicated and simple appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Hou
- Department of General & Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Department of General & Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of General & Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinfeng Hou
- Department of General & Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohong Die
- Department of General & Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of General & Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of General & Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of General & Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China.
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11
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Whitley JA, Kieran K. Geographic Variations in Pharmacy Services and Availability of Commonly Prescribed Pediatric Urology Medications: An Opportunity to Improve Health Equity in Washington State. Urology 2021; 165:285-293. [PMID: 34808141 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe geographic and sociodemographic variations in operating hours and availability of medications commonly prescribed by pediatric urologists at Washington State retail pharmacies. METHODS We identified all retail pharmacies in the state. We stratified counties by population density and household income (HI) and compared differences in pharmacy operating hours and availability of 10 commonly prescribed medications. RESULTS 1057/1058 pharmacies were contacted. All pharmacies had liquid formulations of oxycodone, hydrocodone, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, amoxicillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in stock. Liquid formulations of ciprofloxacin (10%) and oxybutynin (14.3%) were uncommonly stocked, while 92.5% of pharmacies stocked nitrofurantoin suspension, and 80.9% nitrofurantoin capsules. Statewide, 108 (10.2%) of pharmacies were closed on Saturdays and 297 (28.1%) closed on Sunday. More high (HPDC) than low population density (LPDC) (62.5% vs 0%, P < .001) and high-HI than low-HI counties (62.5% vs 0%, P = .30) had 24-hour pharmacies. A larger proportion of pharmacies were open 7-days in HPDC than LPDC (75.6% vs 56.2%, P < .0001) and in high-HI than low-HI counties (100% vs 62.5%, P = .30). The likelihood of a pharmacy being open 7 days/week was significantly higher in HPDC (vs LPDC; OR = 13.2, 95% CI: 4.39-39.7) and high-HI (vs low-HI; OR = 4.98, 95% CI: 2.58-9.60) counties. CONCLUSION Most pharmacies in Washington State carry medications commonly prescribed by pediatric urologists. However, retail pharmacy operating hours are widely variable and create geographic and temporal barriers in rural and poor areas that may limit the timely administration of prescription medication. Providers should consider a patient's practical ability to fill a prescription when starting a time-sensitive medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Whitley
- Division of Urology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | - Kathleen Kieran
- Division of Urology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA; Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
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Development of a Standardized Program for the Collaboration of Adult and Children's Surgeons. J Surg Res 2021; 269:36-43. [PMID: 34517187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children's hospitals within larger hospitals (CH/LH) have the specific clinical advantage of easily facilitated collaboration between adult and children's surgeons. These collaborations, which we have termed hybrid surgical offerings (HSOs) are often required for disease processes requiring interventions that fall outside the customary practice of children's surgeons. Formal models to describe or evaluate these practices are lacking. METHODS HSOs within a CH/LH were identified. Principles of systems-engineering were used to develop a standardized model (Children's Hybrid Enhanced Surgical Services [CHESS]) to describe and evaluate HSOs. Face validity was established via unstructured interviews of CH leaders and HSO surgeons. Areas for improved system-wide standardization and programmatic development were identified. RESULTS HSOs were identified in collaboration with adult bariatric, minimally invasive, advanced endoscopic, endocrine, thoracic, and orthopedic trauma surgical services. The CHESS framework encompassed: 1) quality improvement metrics, 2) credentialing and oversight, 3) transitions of care, 4) pediatric family-centered care, 5) maintenance of the cycle of expertise, 6) continuing medical education, 7) scholarship. While HSOs fulfilled the majority of aforementioned programmatic domains across all six HSO-providing services, areas for improvement included maintaining a cycle of expertise (33%), quality improvement metrics (50%), and pediatric family-centered care (66%). Additional noted advantages included faster translation of adult innovation to pediatric care and facilitation of emergency interdisciplinary care. CONCLUSION Formal evaluation of HSOs is necessary to standardize and improve the quality of children's surgical care. Development of a structured framework such as CHESS addresses gaps in quality oversight and provides a basis for performance improvement, patient safety, and programmatic development.
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Nepomuceno H, Pearson EG. Nonoperative management of appendicitis in children. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 6:47. [PMID: 34423168 DOI: 10.21037/tgh-20-191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Appendicitis is a common condition in childhood and adolescence that frequently requires urgent surgical intervention. For almost two centuries appendicitis has been recognized as a medical problem with a surgical solution. Currently the appendix can be removed with a minimally invasive approach, low anesthetic and surgical risk, and swift hospital discharge. Despite these advances, surgery and anesthesia have associated risks including postoperative infection, bleeding, hernia and organ injury among others. In addition, surgery requires time off of school and work to recover and associated healthcare costs can be significant. In both adult and pediatric populations, quality data suggesting a nonoperative approach is suggesting a change to the traditional surgical paradigm. Adults studies have demonstrated both safety and efficacy in the nonoperative management of acute appendicitis. In selected children with uncomplicated appendicitis, initial nonoperative management has been shown to be safe with fewer complications, fewer disability days and less healthcare costs while avoiding the risks inherent to surgery. Ongoing randomized controlled clinical trials in both the United States and Europe seek to further demonstrate the safety of nonoperative management and assist physicians with educating patients about the risk profile of their treatment decision. In complicated appendicitis presenting with abscess or acute appendiceal phlegmon, an initial nonoperative strategy with or without abscess drainage followed by interval appendectomy is the current state of the art though the utility of interval appendectomy is questioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Nepomuceno
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sunrise Children's Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Erik G Pearson
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sunrise Children's Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, USA
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Application of the Clavien-Dindo classification to a pediatric surgical network. J Pediatr Surg 2020; 55:312-315. [PMID: 31727385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A comprehensive validated system to evaluate surgical complications is required in our specialty to facilitate comparison and audit. The Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification of post-surgical complications was originally described in an adult general surgical setting in 1992 and has become widely used. We aimed to apply this to a pediatric surgical setting. METHODS Data were collected on emergency and elective surgical activity together with complications in a prospective audit over a recent 4-month period in three geographical conjoined regional pediatric surgical units (including two major trauma centres). Briefly the CD classification codes complications according to degree of harm and magnitude of intervention required [I - V (death) with III and IV sub-divided according to whether general anesthesia was needed]. Length of stay and mode of admission were recorded. Data are given as median (range). Non-parametric comparison was used, and a p value of <0.05 was regarded as significant. RESULTS During the period JULY - OCT 2018 (inclusive), there were 1822 admissions (elective, n = 1186: emergency, n = 636) and 1556 operations (elective, n = 1189, and of these 393 were urological). There were 69 patient complications: CDI (n = 7), CD-II (n = 19), CD-IIIa (n = 4), CD-IIIb (n = 28), CD-IV (n = 4), CD-V (n = 7). Deaths were principally in neonates and due to NEC (n = 6) at 2.5 (1-140) days post-operatively. There was a single post-traumatic death in an adolescent. LOS was 9 (0-217) days in CD I-IV. The incidence of any complication was 4.4%, of serious complication (defined as ≥CD III) 2.6% (A = 2.1%, B = 2.0%, and C = 3.2%: p = 0.16), and of death 0.45%. The most frequent complications were wound infection (n = 12) and post-appendicectomy collections/abscess (n = 10). CONCLUSIONS This appears to be the 1st report of the C-D classification in a general pediatric surgery network and can be considered a benchmark. The risk of death or serious harm is very low in such a practice. TYPE OF STUDY Prospective Cohort Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IIb.
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