Journal of pediatric surgery
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Observational Study
A new 2-step risk-stratification clinical score for suspected appendicitis in children.
The aim of this study was to develop a new Children's Appendicitis Score (CAS) by combining 3 inflammatory markers and a set of predictors for suspected appendicitis in children. ⋯ CAS is superior to PAS in ruling out appendicitis. Risk stratification of equivocal patients could guide the need for further diagnostic imaging examination.
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The purpose of the study was to review our experience in the re-operative management of anastomotic complications (ACs) following primary repair of esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) and to assess the outcomes after reoperation. ⋯ ACs including severe AS and AL as well as RTEF are the significant indications for reoperation after EA repair. The reoperation was effective to treat multiple anastomotic complications.
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The purpose of the study was to determine absolute and relative rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following general surgical procedures in children compared to the general population. ⋯ Children are at increased risk for VTE following general surgical procedures compared to the general population however the absolute risk is small and given this the benefits of thromboprophylaxis need to be balanced against the risk of complications following its use.
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This study aimed to assess the availability of pediatric trauma care items (i.e. equipment, supplies, technology) and factors contributing to deficiencies in Ghana. ⋯ This study identified several successes and problems with pediatric trauma care item availability in Ghana. Item availability could be improved, both affordably and reliably, by better organization and planning (e.g. regular assessment of demand and inventory, reliable financing for essential trauma care items). In addition, technology items were often broken. Developing local service and biomedical engineering capability was highlighted as a priority to avoid long periods of equipment breakage.
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Childhood obesity is a worsening epidemic. Little is known about the impact of elevated BMI on perioperative and postoperative complications in children who undergo laparoscopic surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of obesity on surgical outcomes in children using laparoscopic appendectomy as a model for the broader field of laparoscopic surgery. ⋯ Obesity is not an independent risk factor for postoperative complications following laparoscopic appendectomy. Although operative times are increased in obese children, obesity does not increase the likelihood of 30-day postoperative complications.