The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) 2023 Expert Consensus Document: Recommendation for the care of children with trisomy 13 or trisomy 18 and a congenital heart defect

OBJECTIVES

Recommendations for surgical repair of a congenital heart defect in children with trisomy 13 or trisomy 18 remain controversial, are subject to biases, and are largely unsupported with limited empirical data. This has created significant distrust and uncertainty among parents and could potentially lead to suboptimal care for patients. A working group, representing several clinical specialties involved with the care of these children, developed recommendations to assist in the decision-making process for congenital heart defect care in this population. The goal of these recommendations is to provide families and their health care teams with a framework for clinical decision making based on the literature and expert opinions.

METHODS

This project was performed under the auspices of the AATS Congenital Heart Surgery Evidence-Based Medicine Taskforce. A Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison/Control, Outcome process was used to generate preliminary statements and recommendations to address various aspects related to cardiac surgery in children with trisomy 13 or trisomy 18. Delphi methodology was then used iteratively to generate consensus among the group using a structured communication process.

RESULTS

Nine recommendations were developed from a set of initial statements that arose from the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison/Control, Outcome process methodology following the groups' review of more than 500 articles. These recommendations were adjudicated by this group of experts using a modified Delphi process in a reproducible fashion and make up the current publication. The Class (strength) of recommendations was usually Class IIa (moderate benefit), and the overall level (quality) of evidence was level C-limited data.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first set of recommendations collated by an expert multidisciplinary group to address specific issues around indications for surgical intervention in children with trisomy 13 or trisomy 18 with congenital heart defect. Based on our analysis of recent data, we recommend that decisions should not be based solely on the presence of trisomy but, instead, should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering both the severity of the baby's heart disease as well as the presence of other anomalies. These recommendations offer a framework to assist parents and clinicians in surgical decision making for children who have trisomy 13 or trisomy 18 with congenital heart defect.

Surgery for internal rotation contracture in infancy may obviate the need for brachial plexus nerve reconstruction: early experience

BACKGROUND

Shoulder internal rotation contracture and subluxation in the first year of life has long been recognized in some patients with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). Surgical management of shoulder pathology has traditionally been undertaken following nerve reconstruction as necessary. In some patients; however, shoulder pathology may impair or obscure functional neuromuscular recovery of the upper extremity. As a proof of concept, we report a highly selected subset of patients with BPBI in whom shoulder surgery undertaken before one year of age obviated the need for neuroma resection and nerve grafting.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all patients with upper trunk BPBI who underwent shoulder surgery before one year of age from 2015 to 2018. Upper extremity motor function was evaluated with preoperative and postoperative Active Movement Scale scores, Cookie tests, and the requirement for subsequent neuroma resection and nerve grafting.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients with BPBI meeting the inclusion criteria underwent shoulder surgery (including a subscapularis slide and tendon transfers of the teres major and latissimus dorsi muscles) before 1 year of age. Preoperatively, no patients of the appropriate age passed the Cookie test for elbow flexion. Thirteen patients either passed the Cookie test or scored Active Movement Scale score 7 for elbow flexion at or before the last available follow-up undertaken at a median age of 3.4 [1.4, 5.2] years. One of those 13 patients underwent single fascicular distal nerve transfer to improve elbow flexion before subsequently passing the Cookie test. Two patients did not have sufficient follow-up to assess elbow flexion.

CONCLUSION

Although the exact role of shoulder surgery in infancy for BPBI remains to be defined, the findings from this study provide proof of concept that early, targeted surgical treatment of the shoulder may obviate the need for brachial plexus nerve reconstruction in a highly selected group of infants with BPBI.

The Indications of Tonsillectomy Among Pediatric Patients: Our Nine-Year Retrospective Review

INTRODUCTION

 Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the tonsils, often performed alongside adenoidectomy. Dating back to ancient times, it improves quality of life and can be life-saving when done for appropriate reasons. Common indications in children include recurrent tonsillitis and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Evidence suggests it reduces how often and how severe sore throats are in highly affected children. Symptoms such as lymphadenopathy, tonsillar pus, fever, or signs of streptococcal infection should be present for diagnosis of tonsillitis. Polysomnography (PSG) is essential to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and confirm airway obstruction.

AIM

Our aim in this study is to determine the reasons for tonsillectomy in Taif, Saudi Arabia, since it is not well established before in this city.

METHODS

 A nine-year retrospective analysis of case records of patients aged 0-18 years who have had tonsillectomy performed in a tertiary hospital. Data was analyzed using SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

RESULTS

 The research study involved analyzing data from 361 participants. Among the participants, 16.9% (n = 61) underwent tonsillectomy alone, while the majority (83.1%; n = 300) underwent tonsillectomy in combination with other procedures. The most common combined procedure was adenotonsillectomy (71.7%; n = 259). Additionally, adenotonsillectomy and insertion of grommets in other combinations was observed and was equal to 11.4% (n = 41) of the total percentage of our sample. The primary indications for tonsillectomy alone were chronic tonsillitis (42.6%; n = 26) and recurrent tonsillitis (49.2%; n = 30).  Conclusion: This research study provides valuable information on the types of procedures performed and the indications for surgery in pediatric patients. The results highlight the prevalence of chronic and recurrent tonsillitis and adenotonsillitis as primary indications for tonsillectomy, either alone or in combination with other procedures. These findings contribute to our understanding of the clinical decision-making process and can aid healthcare professionals in providing optimal care for pediatric patients with tonsillar and adenotonsillar pathologies.

Indications for surgical resection of complicated infantile hemangiomas in the β-blocker's era: a single-institution experience from a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study aims to review how the introduction of propranolol as the primary treatment option for children with infantile hemangiomas (IHs) has affected the use of other treatment options at our institution and to determine the indications for surgical treatment of children with IHs in the propranolol era.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a single-center, noncompeting, historical/retrospective cohort study to review all cases referred to the institution for IH evaluation from 2005 to 2020. The authors analyzed the complete charts of patients who received surgery from 2011 to 2020 and evaluated the reasons for each surgical intervention. Detailed descriptive statistics are provided. Logistic regression analysis and Pearson's χ2 -test were applied.

RESULTS

During the study period, 592 children received treatment. From 2011, oral propranolol ( n =268; 74%) and surgery ( n =95; 26%) were the only treatments of choice for complicated IH cases. A significant decrease in the frequency of surgical treatment was observed ( P =0.01). The authors identified four main indications for surgical treatment: (1) patients with ulceration and IH size appropriate for surgical resection (15%); (2) patients whose parents preferred surgical treatment (19%); (3) patients who presented late and underwent surgery before the age of three (29%); and (4) patients with sequelae after IH involution and excision after the third year of life (37%).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the significant decrease in the need for surgical treatment of children with IHs since the introduction of propranolol, there are still several clear indications for treating IH cases where surgery plays a crucial role.

Incidental Parathyroidectomy Among Pediatric Patients Undergoing Thyroid Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate rates of incidental parathyroidectomy(IP) and to determine risk factors among children undergoing thyroid surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

METHODS

Pediatric patients undergoing thyroidectomy with or without neck dissection were included in this retrospective cohort study over a 20 year period. Demographics, clinical features, and surgical outcomes were evaluated. The primary outcome was the presence of parathyroid tissue in the surgical specimen.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eighty-six patients were included (100 cases with ≥1 parathyroid gland found in the pathology specimen and 186 controls). The most common surgical indication was cancer (49%), followed by benign nodule (25%). Hemithyroidectomy was performed in 119 (42%) patients, total thyroidectomy in 138 (48%), and completion in 29 (10%). Central neck dissection (CND) and lateral neck dissection were performed in 41% and 13%, respectively. 27 (9%) patients had parathyroid reimplantation. On univariable analysis, diagnosis, adenopathy on preoperative ultrasound, extent of thyroidectomy, neck dissection, and parathyroid reimplantation were significant predictors of IP. On multivariate analysis, CND > 5 nodes were the sole predictor of IP. Patients with IP were more likely to require postoperative calcium/vitamin D supplementation compared to those without (44% vs. 16%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidental parathyroidectomy during pediatric thyroidectomy is relatively common. CND was independently predictive of IP. There were increased rates of postoperative hypocalcemia when 1 or more parathyroid gland was identified in the specimen. Reimplantation of 1 parathyroid gland was predictive of another gland in the specimen. Anticipating outcomes may help optimize patient care by allowing for early supplementation, frequent monitoring, and consideration of ancillary monitoring modalities in high-risk procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4 Laryngoscope, 132:2262-2269, 2022.

Time to stop the hand-wringing. 'Net zero' hysterectomy is not an appropriate goal

Hysterectomy is an essential part of the treatment armamentarium for patients with malignant disease, severe prolapse, massive fibroids, with genetic mutations that predispose to endometrial cancer, and in selected patients with severe symptomatic endometriosis and adenomyosis. For patients with abnormal uterine bleeding unresponsive to non-surgical measures, there is high-level evidence that hysterectomy, particularly minimally invasive hysterectomy, is associated with higher rates of satisfaction and quality of life, comparable rates of serious adverse events and a lower incidence of further surgery, than endometrial resection or ablation. A 'net zero' hysterectomy is not an appropriate goal in contemporary gynaecological practice.

Treatment of acromioclavicular joint separations in Japan: a survey

Background

Treatment options for acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) separations are highly dependent on severity, as well as the patient’s background. Furthermore, some patients can be switched from conservative to surgical treatment. In this study, we conducted a mail-based questionnaire survey of members of the Japan Shoulder Society on the administration of treatments for ACJ separations.

Methods

A questionnaire survey with 5 categories was mailed to all 1655 members of the Japan Shoulder Society (including 59 councilors): initial treatment, whether surgery was performed, indications for surgery based on severity, switching from conservative to surgical treatment, and surgical methods.

Results

Altogether, 183 members, including 56 councilors, responded. Regarding the initial treatment, 17 respondents opted for treatment without immobilization or fixation and 166 opted for immobilization or fixation. Of the members, 11 opted for only conservative treatment whereas 172 chose surgery depending on the case; of the latter, 9 considered it for patients with a Rockwood classification of type 2 or higher; 120, for patients with type 3 or higher; and 172, for patients with types 4-6. Furthermore, 75 of 172 members had experience switching to surgical treatment during conservative treatment. For 64 of 172 members, the modified Cadenat method was the most common surgical method.

Conclusions

Only 11 members opted for conservative treatment of ACJ separations, and approximately 95% of physicians chose surgery. Furthermore, >70% of physicians considered surgery for an injury classified as type 3 or higher, and 37% of members performed the modified Cadenat method. However, the popularization of arthroscopic surgery may affect the selection of surgical methods in the future.

[Features of syringomyelia natural course]

Rarity of syringomyelia (SM), a small amount of information about this disease leads to the lack of a unified concept of treatment and continuity between neurologists and neurosurgeons. Currently, there is no objective information on the timing, goals and objectives of surgery for SM, as well as the risks associated with this treatment.

AIM

Of this article was to study the natural course of syringomyelia and to determine in which part of the patients the disease progresses with time, how do the cysts' size change, and does this affect the condition of the patients, what symptoms appear first when the disease progresses? We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 40 patients with SM who did not undergo surgery for various reasons (lack of indications, patient refusal from surgery, surgery was not offered to the patient, etc.) Clinical manifestations of the disease at the time of diagnosis were registered in 28 (70%) patients. Despite the conservative treatment, in 17 (60.7%) of them, symptoms began to progress over time. In 8 (28.6%) patients, the symptoms did not change during the observation; in 5 patients in this group, the disease clinically manifested in childhood, and did not progress in time after that. Three patients (10.7%) noted an improvement in their general condition, in two of them the syringomyelic cysts did not change according to MRI, and in one patient it regressed 2.5 years after it was found. Of the 12 patients without symptoms of the disease, within 62±13 months, only one patient (8.3%) developed sensory disorders in the hands, which eventually began to progress. Based on the data obtained, indications for surgery for SM are determined.

Ethical Dilemma: Should Continuous Intravenous Drug Use Affect Appropriate Management in Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis?

Drug use is a major challenge that negatively impacts many aspects of health. The issue of drug use is growing with every passing day. Efforts to mitigate its use are countered by even more people succumbing to the intravenous drug use due to their relatively easy availability and patients' poor insight into their medical condition. Infective endocarditis (IE) is a condition with high mortality and morbidity. It requires prolonged treatment with antibiotics, and, under some special circumstances, surgical management is also necessitated. Intravenous drug users who get valve replacement after index IE episode may continue to use drugs despite our utmost efforts to prevent it. They can subsequently develop prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), which is one of the indications for surgical valve replacement, hence requiring a redo surgery. However, their irregular behavior can create reservations while considering a repeat valvular surgery and delay the appropriate treatment. This can increase morbidity and mortality from PVE in intravenous drug users with otherwise no or few comorbidities.

Serous Microcystic Cystadenocarcinoma of the Pancreas with Synchronous Liver Metastases: Clinical Characteristics and Management

Serous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas is a rare but well-established entity. The origin and evolution of this disorder remain unclear, but even metastatic cases have an excellent prognosis. These tumors are very similar to benign serous cystic neoplasms (SCNs) of the pancreas, except that they tend to be larger, are locally invasive, and present distant metastasis. The most frequent local invasion is adjacent vessels, spleen, stomach, and duodenum. The most common site of distant metastasis is the liver. Diagnosis via imaging as well as pathology examination may be misguided due to atypical characteristics of the tumor. In fact, in some, the diagnosis of malignancy was established only after metastases were detected. We present a 60-year-old female patient with malignant serous microcystic cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas and liver metastasis that was initially misdiagnosed as a metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The patient underwent tumor resection and liver metastasectomy and she is currently doing well after three years of follow-up, with no tumor recurrence or new metastatic liver nodules based on imaging findings.

When are we operating for chronic rhinosinusitis? A systematic review of maximal medical therapy protocols prior to endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is considered a therapeutic option after failure of maximal medical therapy (MMT) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). There is currently no consensus on the definition of MMT. The objective of this systematic review is to describe the various MMT criteria employed prior to considering ESS.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed using the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Inclusion criteria were adults with CRS based on guideline diagnostic criteria, enrolled to undergo ESS, and study publication within the last 5 years (January 1, 2009, to December 30, 2014). Studies were excluded if the study population included non-CRS indications for ESS. Primary outcome was the MMT criteria employed prior to considering a patient a candidate for ESS. A subgroup analysis was performed based on polyp status.

RESULTS

Of 387 reviewed studies, 21% reported MMT criteria. When reported, criteria included topical nasal corticosteroids (91% of studies) for a mean of 8 ± 8 weeks, oral antibiotics (89%) for 23 ± 8 days, systemic corticosteroids (61%) for 18 ± 12 days, saline irrigations (39%), oral antihistamines (11%), oral mucolytics (10%), and topical/oral decongestants (10%).

CONCLUSION

A minority of studies report MMT criteria used as the indication for ESS. When reported, the majority included an 8-week course of topical intranasal corticosteroids and 3-week course of oral antibiotics. Use of systemic corticosteroids did not differ based on polyp status. Because of variation in current MMT criteria, there is a need to develop standardized indications for ESS that will work to improve the appropriateness of care for patients with.

Is thyroid surgery performed too often in Germany?

Thyroid surgery is one of the more common surgical procedures in Germany. This is in contrast with the situation in some other countries, where this procedure is performed comparatively rarely. In this paper the number of thyroid surgeries in Germany is compared with other western countries (Netherlands, USA, England). In contrast to e. g. the USA and England the number of thyroid surgeries in Germany is declining, however with approximately 109/100,000/year in 2012 is still elevated (Netherlands: 16/100,000/year, USA: at least 42/100,000/year, England: at least 27/100,000/year). Possible contributing factors to this higher number of thyroid surgeries in Germany are explored. These factors include iodine deficiency, the frequent use of advanced diagnostics such as ultrasound, insufficient use of preoperative diagnostic measures such as fine needle biopsy and the practice of "defensive medicine". How much each of these factors contributes is however unclear.

Natural history of Type B aortic dissection: ten tips

We present ten important specific tips regarding the natural history of Type B aortic dissection, which have a bearing on diagnosis and management decisions.

Factors associated with poor outcomes following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: redefining the "classic" indications for surgery

Indications for UKA for isolated osteoarthritis of the knee remain controversial. Two hundred twenty-nine UKA that were performed at our institution were evaluated for which factors were associated with a poor outcome. BMI >35 was correlated with lower KSS scores than patients with BMI <35. In contrast to prior reports, patients younger than 60 years old had higher scores than patients 60 years and older at 2 years. Women had an unacceptably high short-term revision rate for any reason of 6.5%. Popularity for UKA has increased, and a more in depth investigation of predictors of poor outcomes demonstrates that younger patients appear to have better results. Obese patients continue to improve up to 2 years after surgery and should not be precluded from undergoing UKA.