Journal of pediatric surgery
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The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate outcomes in children who underwent a non-diagnostic ultrasound (US) evaluating for appendicitis and to identify predictors of a negative diagnosis. ⋯ Based on the high NPV of a non-diagnostic US in children without leukocytosis, these patients may safely avoid further diagnostic imaging for the workup of suspected appendicitis.
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Surgical wound class (SWC) is used to risk-stratify surgical site infections (SSI) for quality reporting. We previously demonstrated only 8% agreement between hospital-based SWC and diagnosis-based SWC for acute appendicitis. We hypothesized that education and process-based interventions would improve hospital-based SWC reporting and the validity of SSI risk stratification. ⋯ Agreement between hospital-based SWC and diagnosis-based SWC significantly improved after simple interventions, and SSI risk stratification became consistent with the expected increase in disease severity. Despite these improvements, there were still substantial gaps in SWC knowledge and process.
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We evaluated the neurodevelopmental (ND) outcome at one year of age for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) children who have not undergone extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment during the neonatal period. ⋯ At one year of age, a high percentage of CDH children whose illness did not necessitate ECMO have below normal ND scores. Modifiable and non-modifiable factors are significant determinants of adverse outcomes.
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Comparative Study
One hospital, one appendectomy: The cost effectiveness of a standardized doctor's preference card.
Appendicitis in children provides a unique opportunity to explore changes that reduce variation, reduce cost, and improve value. In this study we sought to evaluate the effectiveness of standardization of surgical technique and intraoperative disposable device utilization for laparoscopic appendectomy among all surgeons at a tertiary children's hospital. ⋯ We have demonstrated that implementation of a uniform DPC and technical standardization for laparoscopic appendectomy can significantly reduce cost. Furthermore, this can occur without dramatically increasing operative times, length of stay, or postoperative complications.