1
|
Anderson C, Duggan B, Colgate C, Bhatia M, Gray B. How far We Go For Surgery: Distance to Pediatric Surgical Care in Indiana. J Pediatr Surg 2024; 59:1444-1449. [PMID: 38582703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite increasing numbers of pediatric surgery training programs, access to pediatric surgical care remains limited in non-academic and rural settings. We aimed to characterize demographic and patient factors associated with increased distance to selected pediatric surgical procedures in Indiana. METHODS This IRB-approved retrospective review analyzed pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy, cholecystectomy, umbilical hernia repair, pyloromyotomy, and video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) procedures from 2019 through 2021. Data was obtained from an electronic medical record warehouse and the Indiana Hospital Association. Travel distance was calculated as driving distance between patient address and hospital ZIP codes. Statistics were performed in R, with p < 0.05 indicating significance. RESULTS There were 6835 operations performed, and half of all operations (46%) were performed at institutions with fellowship-trained pediatric surgeons. The median travel distance for all operations was 13 miles (range 0-182); the shortest was for laparoscopic appendectomy (9 miles, IQR[0-20]). The longest distances were for pyloromyotomy (51 miles, IQR[14-84]) and VATS procedures (57 miles, IQR[13-111]), of which, nearly all were performed at tertiary pediatric care centers (97% and 93%, respectively). There was a significant linear and quadratic effect of age on travel distance (p < 0.001), with younger patients requiring farther travel. On multivariable linear regression, age and procedure type had the largest effect on travel distance (Eta squared 0.03, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Younger age and more specialized procedures, including VATS and pyloromyotomy, were associated with increased travel distance. This highlights regionalization of these procedures to urban areas with pediatric care centers, while others are performed closer to home. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Anderson
- Indiana University School of Medicine, 340 West 10th Street, Fairbanks Hall, Suite 6200, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-3082, USA; Section of Pediatric Surgery, Riley Hospital for Children, 705 Riley Hospital Drive RI2500, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Ben Duggan
- Indiana University School of Medicine, 340 West 10th Street, Fairbanks Hall, Suite 6200, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-3082, USA
| | - Cameron Colgate
- Center for Outcomes Research in Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 W 10th Street, HITS, Suite 2000, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Manisha Bhatia
- Indiana University School of Medicine, 340 West 10th Street, Fairbanks Hall, Suite 6200, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-3082, USA; Section of Pediatric Surgery, Riley Hospital for Children, 705 Riley Hospital Drive RI2500, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Brian Gray
- Indiana University School of Medicine, 340 West 10th Street, Fairbanks Hall, Suite 6200, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-3082, USA; Section of Pediatric Surgery, Riley Hospital for Children, 705 Riley Hospital Drive RI2500, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Eakes AM, Burkbauer L, Purcell LN, Akinkuotu AC, McLean SE, Charles AG, Phillips MR. Difference in Postoperative Outcomes and Perioperative Resource Utilization Between General Surgeons and Pediatric Surgeons: A Systematic Review. Am Surg 2023; 89:3739-3744. [PMID: 37150834 DOI: 10.1177/00031348231173943] [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] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: Both general surgeons (GS) and pediatric surgeons (PS) perform a high volume of appendectomies in pediatric patients, but there is a paucity of data on these outcomes based on surgeon training. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare postoperative outcomes and perioperative resource utilization for pediatric appendectomies.Methods: We searched PubMed to identify articles examining the association between surgeon specialization and outcomes for pediatric patients undergoing appendectomies. Study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and quality assessment were performed by one reviewer, with another reviewer to resolve discrepancies.Results: We identified 4799 articles, with 98.4% (4724/2799) concordance after initial review. Following resolution of discrepancies, 16 studies met inclusion criteria. Of the studies that reported each outcome, GS and PS demonstrated similar rates of readmission within 30 days (pooled RR 1.61 95% CI 0.66, 2.55) wound infections (pooled RR 1.07, 95% CI .55, 1.60), use of laparoscopic surgery (pooled RR 1.87, 95% CI .21, 3.53), postoperative complications (pooled RR 1.40, 95% CI .83, 1.97), use of preoperative imaging (pooled RR .98,95% CI .90, 1.05), and intra-abdominal abscesses (pooled RR .80, 95% CI .03, 1.58). Patients treated by GS did have a significantly higher risk of negative appendectomies (pooled RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.10, 1.84) when compared to PS.Discussion: This is the first meta-analysis to compare outcomes for pediatric appendectomies performed by GS compared to PS. Patient outcomes and resource utilization were similar among PS and GS, except for negative appendectomies were significantly more likely with GS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali M Eakes
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Laura Burkbauer
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Laura N Purcell
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Adesola C Akinkuotu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sean E McLean
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anthony G Charles
- Department of Surgery, Division of General and Acute Care Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael R Phillips
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McNulty E, Greene A, Boehmer SJ, Tsai A, Olympia RP. Referrals for Pediatric Appendicitis to a Tertiary Care Children's Hospital. Pediatr Emerg Care 2023; 39:612-616. [PMID: 37404059 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000003000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyze pediatric referrals for definite or possible appendicitis, to compare clinical predictors and laboratory values between patients with and without a final diagnosis of appendicitis, and to determine the accuracy of prereferral diagnostic interpretations of computed tomography scans, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging modalities. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients referred from 2015 to 2019 to a tertiary care children's emergency department with definitive or possible appendicitis. Data abstracted included patient demographics, clinical symptoms, physical examination findings, laboratory results, and diagnostic imaging findings (by the referring center and the pediatric radiologist at the accepting center). An Alvarado and Appendicitis Inflammatory Response (AIR) score was calculated for each patient. RESULTS Analysis was performed on 381 patients; 226 (59%) had a final diagnosis of appendicitis. Patients with appendicitis were more likely to have symptoms of nausea ( P < 0.0001) and vomiting ( P < 0.0001), have a higher mean temperature ( P = 0.025), right lower quadrant abdominal pain to palpation ( P = <0.0001), rebound tenderness ( P < 0.0001), a higher mean Alvarado score [5.35 vs 3.45 ( P < 0.0001)], and a higher mean AIR score [4.02 vs 2.17 ( P < 0.0001)]. Of the 97 diagnostic images initially interpreted as appendicitis by the referring center, 10 (10.3%) were read as no evidence of appendicitis. Of the 62 diagnostic images initially interpreted as "possible appendicitis" by the referring center, 34 (54.8%) were read as no evidence of appendicitis. Of those diagnostic images initially interpreted as "appendicitis" or "possible appendicitis" by the referring center, 24/89 (27.0%) of computed tomography scans, 17/62 (27.4%) of ultrasounds, and 3/8 (37.5%) of magnetic resonance imaging results were read as no evidence of appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS Usage of established scoring algorithms, such as Alvarado and AIR, may decrease the unnecessary cost of diagnostic imaging and transfer to tertiary care. Virtual radiology consultations may be 1 potential solution to improve the referral process for pediatric appendicitis if initial interpretation is uncertain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellie McNulty
- From the Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Alicia Greene
- Department of General Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA
| | - Susan J Boehmer
- Department of Public Health Services, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA
| | - Anthony Tsai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Penn State Children's Hospital, Hershey, PA
| | - Robert P Olympia
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State Children's Hospital, Hershey, PA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bouchard ME, Kan K, Tian Y, Casale M, Smith T, De Boer C, Linton S, Abdullah F, Ghomrawi HMK. Association Between Neighborhood-Level Social Determinants of Health and Access to Pediatric Appendicitis Care. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2148865. [PMID: 35171257 PMCID: PMC8851303 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.48865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Presenting with complicated appendicitis, which is associated with higher rates of complications and readmissions compared with simple appendicitis, may indicate delayed access to care. Although both patient-level and neighborhood-level social determinants of health are associated with access to care, little is known about the association between neighborhood factors and access to acute pediatric surgical care. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between neighborhood factors and the odds of presenting with complicated appendicitis and unplanned postdischarge health care use. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A retrospective cohort study of patients aged 18 years or younger diagnosed with appendicitis was conducted. Discharge data from October 1, 2015, to September 30, 2018, were obtained from the Pediatric Health Information System Database and linked to the Child Opportunity Index (COI) 2.0 Database. Data analysis was conducted from January 1 through July 1, 2021. EXPOSURES The COI, a composite score of zip code neighborhood opportunity level information, divided into quintiles ranging from very low to very high opportunity. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Based on COI level, the main outcome was the odds of presenting with complicated appendicitis, which was defined using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality-specified International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification codes. The secondary outcome was the odds of unplanned postdischarge health care use (emergency department visits and/or readmissions) for patients with simple and with complicated appendicitis. RESULTS A total of 67 489 patients (mean [SD] age, 10.5 [3.9] years) had appendicitis, with 31 223 cases (46.3%) being complicated. A total of 1699 patients (2.5%) were Asian, 24 234 (35.9%) were Hispanic, 4447 (6.6%) were non-Hispanic Black, and 29 234 (43.3%) were non-Hispanic White; 40 549 patients (60.1%) were male; and 32 343 (47.9%) were publicly insured. Patients living in very low-COI neighborhoods had 28% higher odds of presenting with complicated appendicitis (odds ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.20-1.35) compared with those in very high-COI neighborhoods. There was no significant association between COI level and unplanned postdischarge health care use (very high COI, 20.8%; very low COI, 19.1%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study, children from lower-COI neighborhoods had increased odds of presenting with complicated appendicitis compared with those from higher-COI neighborhoods, even after controlling for patient-level social determinants of health factors. These findings may inform policies and programs that seek to improve access to pediatric surgical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Bouchard
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kristin Kan
- Division of Advanced General Pediatrics and Primary Care, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yao Tian
- Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mia Casale
- Population Health Analytics, Division of Data Analytics and Reporting, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tracie Smith
- Population Health Analytics, Division of Data Analytics and Reporting, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Christopher De Boer
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Samuel Linton
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Fizan Abdullah
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hassan M. K. Ghomrawi
- Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sogbodjor LA, Singleton G, Davenport M, Walker S, Moonesinghe SR. Quality metrics for emergency abdominal surgery in children: a systematic review. Br J Anaesth 2021; 128:522-534. [PMID: 34895715 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.10.045] [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: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is variation in care quality and outcomes for children undergoing emergency abdominal surgery, such as appedectomy. Addressing this requires paediatric-specific quality metrics. The aim of this study was to identify perioperative structure and process measures that are associated with improved outcomes for these children. METHODS We performed a systematic review searching MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for articles published between January 1, 1980 and September 29, 2020 about the perioperative care of children undergoing emergency abdominal surgery. We also conducted secondary searching of references and citations, and we included international professional publications. RESULTS We identified and analysed 383 peer-reviewed articles and 18 grey literature publications. High-grade evidence pertaining to the perioperative care of this patient group is limited. Most of the evidence available relates to improving diagnostic accuracy using preoperative blood testing, imaging, and clinical decision tools. Processes associated with clinical outcomes include time lapse between time of presentation or initial assessment and surgery, and the use of particular analgesia and antibiotic protocols. Structural factors identified include hospital and surgeon caseload and the use of perioperative care pathways. CONCLUSIONS This review summarises the structural and process measures associated with outcome in paediatric emergency abdominal surgery. Such measures provide a means of evaluating care and identifying areas of practice that require quality improvement, especially in children with appendicitis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42017055285.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Sogbodjor
- Centre for Perioperative Medicine, Research Department for Targeted Intervention, UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, London, UK; UCLH Surgical Outcomes Research Centre, Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Health Services Research Centre, National Institute for Academic Anaesthesia, Royal College of Anaesthetists, London, UK; Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Georgina Singleton
- Centre for Perioperative Medicine, Research Department for Targeted Intervention, UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, London, UK; UCLH Surgical Outcomes Research Centre, Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Health Services Research Centre, National Institute for Academic Anaesthesia, Royal College of Anaesthetists, London, UK
| | - Mark Davenport
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Suellen Walker
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Clinical Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond St Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - S Ramani Moonesinghe
- Centre for Perioperative Medicine, Research Department for Targeted Intervention, UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, London, UK; UCLH Surgical Outcomes Research Centre, Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Health Services Research Centre, National Institute for Academic Anaesthesia, Royal College of Anaesthetists, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rolle U, Fahlenbach C, Heidecke CD, Heller G, Meyer HJ, Schuler E, Waibel B, Jeschke E, Günster C, Maneck M. Rates of Complications After Appendectomy in Children and Adolescents: Pediatric Surgical Compared to General Surgical Hospitals. J Surg Res 2020; 260:467-474. [PMID: 33272597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appendectomies in children and adolescents are performed in Germany in pediatric surgical (PS) or general surgical hospitals (GS). The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the surgery in a PS or GS hospital has an influence on the postoperative course after appendectomy in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nationwide routine data from children and adolescents aged 1-17 y insured by the Local Health Insurance Fund who underwent appendectomy between 2014 and 2016 were analyzed (cohort study). Descriptive statistics were calculated both overall and in the two groups (PS and GS). Patients were additionally examined by age (1-5, 6-12, and 13-17 y), treatment (laparoscopic, open surgical, and conversion), and appendicitis type (nonacute: K36/K37/K38/R10, acute simple: K35.30/K35.8, and acute complex: K35.2/K35.31/K35.32). The influence of surgeon specialization on 90-d secondary surgery and 90-d general complications was assessed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS Altogether, 25,065 patients who underwent surgery in 83 PS and 906 GS hospitals were included. Logistic regression analysis revealed that PS was associated with a reduced risk of interventions in the 1-5- and 6-12-y age groups (odds ratio: 0.44, 0.62). Acute complex appendicitis, comorbidities, and open surgery significantly increased the risk for reintervention. PS was associated with an increased risk for complications in the 13-17-y age group (odds ratio: 1.66). CONCLUSIONS PS and GS hospitals provided safe appendectomies in children and adolescents with low reintervention and complication rates. PS hospitals demonstrated advantages for patients in the 1-5- and 6-12-y age groups and GS hospitals for patients 13-17 y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Udo Rolle
- Department of Paediatric Surgery and Paediatric Urology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
| | | | - Claus-Dieter Heidecke
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Günther Heller
- Department of Medicine, University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Ekkehard Schuler
- Department of Quality Management, Helios Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beate Waibel
- Medical Review Board of the Social Health Insurance Funds, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
The Right Child/Right Surgeon initiative: A position statement on pediatric surgical training, sub-specialization, and continuous certification from the American Pediatric Surgical Association. J Pediatr Surg 2020; 55:2566-2574. [PMID: 32950245 PMCID: PMC7423589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The past 50 years have witnessed profound changes in the specialty of pediatric surgery in North America. There has been a marked increase in the number of both pediatric surgical training programs and practicing pediatric general and thoracic surgeons. Despite this trend, the population of children in the United States and the birth rate have recently remained relatively flat. Some pediatric surgeons have become "super specialists", concentrating their practices in oncology or colorectal surgery. This has the potential to result in a dilution of experience for both pediatric surgical trainees and practicing pediatric surgeons, thus limiting their ability to acquire and maintain expertise, respectively. Coincident with this, there has been a relative paradigm shift in recognition that "quality of life" is based more on maintaining a creative balance in lifestyle and is not "all about work". There has been a parallel growth in the number of practicing pediatric general and thoracic surgeons in urban settings, but we have not appreciated as much growth in rural and underserved areas, where access to pediatric surgical care remains limited and fewer pediatric general and thoracic surgeons practice. This is a complex issue, as some underserved areas are economically depressed and geographically sparse, but others are just underserved with adult providers taking care of children in settings that are often under resourced for pediatric surgical care. This problem may extend beyond the boundaries of pediatric general and thoracic surgery to other specialties. As the premier association representing all pediatric surgeons in the United States, the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) has concluded that the quality of pediatric surgical care will likely decline should the status quo be allowed to continue. Therefore, APSA has initiated a Right Child/Right Surgeon initiative to consider these issues and propose some potential solutions. What follows is a brief statement of intent.
Collapse
|
10
|
Inagaki K, Blackshear C, Morris MW, Hobbs CV. Pediatric Appendicitis–Factors Associated With Surgical Approach, Complications, and Readmission. J Surg Res 2020; 246:395-402. [PMID: 31629495 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
11
|
Single Incision Pediatric Endoscopic Surgery: From Myth to Reality a Case Series. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55090574. [PMID: 31500274 PMCID: PMC6780980 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55090574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Laparoscopic surgery has continued to evolve to minimize access sites and scars in both the adult and pediatric populations. In children, single-incision pediatric endoscopic surgery (SIPES) has been shown to be effective, feasible, and safe with comparative results to multiport equivalents. Thus, the use of SIPES continues over increasingly complex cases, however, conceptions of its efficacy continue to vary greatly. In the present case series and discussion, we review the history of SIPES techniques and its current application today. We present this in the setting of five common myths about SIPES techniques: limitations against complex cases, restrictions to specialized training, increased morbidity outcomes, increased operative lengths, and increased operative costs. Regarding the myth of SIPES being limited in application to simple cases, examples were highlighted throughout the literature in addition to the authors’ own experience with three complex cases including resection of a lymphatic malformation, splenectomy with cholecystectomy, and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. A review of SIPES learning curves shows equivalent operative outcomes to multiport learning curves and advancements towards practical workshops to increase trainee familiarity can help assuage these aptitudes. In assessing comorbidities, adult literature reveals a slight increase in incisional hernia rates, but this does not correlate with single-incision pediatric data. In experienced hands, operative SIPES times average approximate multiport laparoscopic equivalents. Finally, regarding expenses, SIPES represents an equivalent alternative to laparoscopic techniques.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Hospital care for children is becoming more concentrated, with interhospital transfer occurring more frequently even for common conditions. Condition-specific analysis is required to determine the value, costs, and consequences of this trend. OBJECTIVES To describe the capabilities of transferring and receiving hospitals and to determine how often children transferred after an initial diagnosis of abdominal pain or appendicitis require higher levels of care. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective cohort analysis using the 2 most recent available inpatient and emergency department administrative data sets from all acute care hospitals in California from 2010 to 2011 and Florida, Massachusetts, and New York from 2013 to 2014. Data were analyzed between February and June 2018. All patients younger than 18 years with a primary diagnosis of abdominal pain or appendicitis who underwent an interhospital transfer and whose care could be matched through unique identifiers were included. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Outcomes after hospital transfers, classified into encounters with major surgical procedures, imaging diagnostics, and no major procedures. Pediatric Hospital Capability Index of transferring and receiving hospitals. RESULTS There were 465 143 pediatric hospital encounters for abdominal pain and appendicitis, including 53 517 inpatient admissions and 15 275 transfers. Among them, 4469 could be matched to encounters in receiving hospitals. The median (interquartile range) age of this cohort was 10 (7-14) years, with 54.8% female (2449 patients), 40.9% male (1830 patients), and 4.3% unreported sex (190 patients). The increase in capability at the receiving hospital compared with the transferring hospital was large (median [interquartile range] change in Pediatric Hospital Capability Index score, 0.70 [0.54-0.82]), with 9.2% of hospitals (57) with very high capability (Pediatric Hospital Capability Index score >0.77) receiving 80.8% of the total transfers (3610). Diagnostic imaging was undertaken in the care of 710 transferred patients (15.9%) and invasive procedures were performed in 2421 patients (54.2%), including 2153 appendectomies. No imaging or surgery was required in the care of 1338 transfers (29.9%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, interfacility transfers of patients with appendicitis and abdominal pain were concentrated toward high-capability hospitals, and about 30% of patients were released without apparent intervention. These findings suggest an opportunity for improving care and decreasing cost through better interfacility coordination, such as standardized management protocols and telemedicine with high-capability hospitals. Further research is needed to identify similar opportunities among other common conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urbano L. França
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael L. McManus
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|