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Background: Women have historically been underrepresented in surgical leadership and in specialty organizations. This study longitudinally examines representation of women across committee leadership within the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA)., Methods: Annual APSA committee chair and vice-chair rosters (2003-2023) were obtained. If not self-reported in the membership roster, gender was classified based upon review of publicly available data. Proportions of women who served as chairs and vice-chairs were quantified by committee and by year., Results: Overall, the proportion of women serving as APSA committee chairs and vice-chairs increased from 11% to 48% during the study period (p = 0.001). In examining each position, the proportion of women chairs increased from 12% to 40% (p = 0.042), while women vice-chairs increased from 10% to 58% (p = 0.009). The committees with the highest cumulative proportion of women chairs were Benjy Brooks (100%), Diversity Equity & Inclusion (100%), Finance (100%), Global Pediatric Surgery (67%), and Wellness (67%). Four committees- Trauma, Access to Surgery for Kids, Practice, and Professional Development - were not led by a woman chair in the entire study period. Additionally, five committees that traditionally have had significant impact on organizational workflow and agendas all had cumulative proportions of women chairs of less than 50% - Education (33%), Publications (28.6%), Outcomes (19%), Surgical Quality & Safety (18.8%) and Program (9.5%)., Conclusion: These results demonstrate encouraging trends in the gender diversity of APSA leadership. However, this progress does not appear to be evenly distributed; leadership of key committees continues to lack substantial women's representation., Level of Evidence: III., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors have no disclosures or competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Firearm injuries have become the leading cause of death among American children. Here we review the scope of the problem, and the pivotal role pediatric surgeons have in preventing pediatric firearm injury. Specific methods for screening and counseling are reviewed, as well as how to overcome barriers. Community and hospital resources as well as organizational efforts are discussed. Finally, a path for surgeon advocacy is outlined as is a call to action for the pediatric surgeon, as we are uniquely poised to identify pediatric patients and deliver timely interventions to reduce the impact of firearm violence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Injury from a firearm is now the leading cause of death of children and youth under age 19 in the United States (U.S.) [1] and the incidence of these deaths continues to increase each year [2]. For every death from firearm violence, there are several young people who have been injured by a bullet but not killed. As pediatric surgeons, we are on the front lines of treating these young patients. We have the unforgettable memories of delivering the horrible news to parents in "quiet rooms." [3]. As these injuries fall within our scope of practice, it is incumbent on us as professionals to work to prevent these injuries, apply best practices and work for the best pathways to recovery for our patients who do survive. There is a diverse community of pediatric surgeons tackling this public health problem in a variety of ways [4]. In a pre-meeting symposium at the APSA 2023 Annual meeting, we brought together a community of pediatric surgeons working on this critical area. The following summarizes the presentations of the symposium, with topics including Risk Factors, Injury Prevention, Treatment, Public Initiatives, and National Collaborative Efforts. TYPE OF STUDY: Review Article, Proceedings of a Symposium. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 through 4 all presented., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Despite trends toward equal gender representation among medical school graduates, surgical trainees and fellows, diversity in higher levels of pediatric surgery is largely unstudied. This study aims to quantify gender diversity among leadership of pediatric surgical associations and societies across the globe., Methods: National and international pediatric surgical organizations were identified from the websites of the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) and World Federation of Associations of Pediatric Surgery (WOFAPS). Compositional gender data of current and past organizational leadership was collected by examining publicly available archives of executive membership rosters. If roster pictures were not available, member names were input into social media sites and other search engines to ensure accurate gender denotation. Univariate analyses of organizational metrics and aggregate data of 5-year time intervals were performed via Fischer's Exact Test with significance of p < 0.05., Results: Nineteen pediatric surgical organizations were included for study analysis. Of 189 current organizational leaders, 50 (26.4%) are women. Eight organizations (42.1%) have less than 20% of leadership positions filled by women members, while two executive boards have no women members. Four organizations (22.2%) have a current woman seated as president/chairperson. Historical gender distribution stratified by organization demonstrates a range of 0-7.8% (p = 0.99), with one organization having yet to elect a woman president/chairperson. Longitudinally, women presidential representation remained consistently low (5-11%) across all time intervals from 1993 to 2022 (p = 0.35)., Conclusions: Despite advances in diversity in medical school graduates, surgical training, and workforce recruitment, there are still significant disparities in gender representation within pediatric surgery societal leadership., Level of Evidence: IV., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) have shown promise in preventing reinjury and enhancing recovery from violent injuries, including those related to firearms. Historically, HVIPs have primarily focused on at-risk adolescents and young adults. The aim of this study is to perform a scoping review of HVIPs targeting children under the age of 18, describe the evidence supporting these programs, and deduce the potential impact of expanding HVIPs to younger children., Methods: A scoping review was performed utilizing PubMed database with search terms "violence intervention program" and pediatric, or children, or youth. Articles were screened for youth-inclusive violence programs, and the literature was analyzed for program descriptions, evidence supporting interventions, and barriers to evaluation., Results: 36 studies (covering 23 programs) were identified that met criteria (including patients ≤18 years old), with only 4 programs including children under 10. Many HVIPs utilize brief hospital interventions with longitudinal wraparound outpatient services. Despite heterogeneity in programs and studied outcomes, many HVIPs demonstrated positive outcomes, such as reduction of risk factors, decreased reinjury, decreased violent behaviors, decreased criminal justice involvement, and positive attitude or behavioral changes. Only a few studies reported increased odds of enrollment and positive impact in younger patients specifically., Conclusions: Children are an impressionable population in which HVIPs may have significant impact; however, there remains a gap in targeted programs. Given that firearm injuries are the leading cause of death in children and adolescents, priority should be given to piloting, implementing, and evaluating HVIPs among younger age groups., Level of Evidence: Level IV., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors have no related conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The role of nonoperative therapy vs immediate appendectomy in the management of children with perforated appendicitis remains undefined. The objective of this study was to rigorously compare these management options in groups of patients with matched clinical characteristics., Methods: Multicenter case-control study was conducted from 1998 to 2003. We compared patients treated nonoperatively vs those undergoing appendectomy to identify differences in 12 clinical parameters. We then generated a second control group of patients matched for these variables and compared the following outcomes in these clinically similar groups: complication rate, abscess rate, and length of stay (LOS). Analysis was performed according to intention-to-treat principles, using chi2, Fisher exact, and Student t tests., Results: The only significant difference between patients treated nonoperatively and those treated by appendectomy was the duration of pain on presentation (6.8 vs 3.1 days of pain). We created a second control group of patients undergoing immediate appendectomy matched on duration of pain on presentation to patients treated nonoperatively. These groups continued to be clinically comparable for the other 11 parameters. Compared to this matched control group, the nonoperative group had fewer complications (19% vs 43%, P < .01), fewer abscesses (4% vs 24%, P < .01), and a trend for shorter LOS (6.5 +/- 5.7 vs 8.8 +/- 6.7 days, P = .08)., Conclusions: When nonoperative management for perforated appendicitis was studied using appropriately matched clinical controls, we found that it resulted in a lower complication rate and shorter LOS in the subset of patients presenting with a long duration of pain. Our data suggest that nonoperative management should be prospectively evaluated in children with perforated appendicitis presenting with a history of pain exceeding 5 days.

Purpose: Radiographic reduction (hydrostatic or pneumatic) of intussusception has become the standard of care in the pediatric population with success rates of more than 80%. Identification of those patients who are likely to fail nonoperative management could lead to earlier operation, a reduction in radiation exposure, and a decreased risk for complications after repeated attempts at enema reduction. During successful radiographic reduction, the small bowel is almost always visualized before the appendix. Visualization of the appendix before visualization of the small bowel during a successful reduction of an intussusception is a rare event. We report a new radiographic sign that we have termed the appendix sign (radiographic visualization of the appendix without reflux of air or contrast into the small intestine), which we hypothesize may have association with failure of nonoperative management., Method: We performed a retrospective review of the last 12 years of irreducible intussusception. The associated studies were then reviewed to examine the incidence, sensitivity, and specificity of this radiographic finding., Results: Ninety-one cases of intussusception were identified and had films available for review. Seventy-seven (76%) of the studies included the appropriate image. The appendix sign was visualized in 14 studies for an incidence of 18%. Of 14 patients, 10 failed enema reduction (positive predictive value, 71%). The sensitivity of the appendix sign is 43%. The specificity of the sign is 93%., Conclusions: Our experience suggests that the presence of an appendix sign is associated with failing enema reduction of an intussusception and may be useful as a marker for determining the end point for further attempts at radiographic reduction.

Iatrogenic paraplegia after thoracic surgery is a devastating complication. In this report, the authors present a case of paraplegia in a toddler after the resection of a mediastinal neuroblastoma. In this case, the paraplegia was caused by spinal cord compression after migration of oxidized cellulose into the spinal canal.

Background/purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the preliminary impact of work hour regulations on pediatric surgical training., Methods: An anonymous survey was sent to all program directors (PDs) and fellows to identify changes in pediatric surgery fellowship programs., Results: Ninety-three percent of programs and 87% of PDs responded. Thirty programs hired additional personnel, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and fellows outside the training program. Thirteen programs reported increased attending coverage. The daily composition of the surgical team has changed, with postcall fellows and residents leaving in the morning. Residents and fellows also take call less frequently. More than 50% of PDs felt that quality of care had declined and three quarters of respondents felt that continuity of care was worse. Half of the respondents feared missed educational opportunities. However, half of the fellows felt more rested, 61% reported more family time, and 22% reported increased social time. In contrast, no PDs perceived life-style improvements., Conclusions: The work hour regulations have resulted in fundamental changes in pediatric surgical training. Ongoing assessment is needed to prioritize quality of care, improve continuity of care, and track changes in operative, clinical, and didactic experiences of the trainees. The added impact of these changes on the time spent available for commitment to teaching by the faculty should be assessed.

Background/purpose: Clinical practice in surgery relies heavily on observational data in which accurate and nonbiased reporting is critical. This study aims to assess the adequacy of clinical research reporting in pediatric surgery and to develop a means to raise the standard of such reporting., Methods: The authors analyzed all observational studies published in The Journal of Pediatric Surgery from 1997 to 2002 (n = 300). Studies were assessed for 16 baseline criteria essential for the nonbiased reporting of clinical data (details regarding surgeons, cases, interventions, and statistical methods). Seven additional criteria pertaining to comparison methods were assessed in studies using controls., Results: Ninety-five percent of all studies were retrospective, and only 25% utilized a control group. Most studies met less than half of the essential reporting criteria (mean, 7.6 of 16 baseline criteria; 3.3 of 7 comparison criteria). Reporting deficiencies were found in all major aspects of study design and statistical analysis., Conclusions: More rigorous reporting of clinical data in pediatric surgery could increase the clinical utility of published results. The authors have identified the fundamental elements essential to nonbiased reporting of clinical research data in surgery. Implementation of mandatory peer-review guidelines based on these principles could set a new standard for clinical reporting in surgery.

Background/purpose: Laparoscopic surgery has been widely adopted for many pediatric surgical diseases for its potential to reduce morbidity and hospital stay. To date, no study has examined the qualitative state of evidence supporting the use of these techniques in children. The authors present a systematic and objective review of this evidence., Methods: The authors identified all clinical reports during the last 10 years for the 3 most common pediatric surgical diseases managed laparoscopically (appendicitis, gastroesophageal reflux, and conditions requiring splenectomy). Standardized and previously validated quality assessment instruments were used to examine individual studies in 4 areas: (1) clinical relevance, (2) generalizability to clinical practice, (3) reporting methodology, and (4) strength of conclusions., Results: The authors evaluated a total of 131 clinical reports (39 to 48 per disease). Ninety-three percent of all studies were retrospective, with single institution case reports accounting for the majority of evidence. Only 23% of studies used a control group of any kind. Randomized trials comprised 3% of all evidence (4 studies). Forty-five percent of nonrandomized studies were found to be of poor quality, and 55% were of fair quality by epidemiologic standards. The distribution of quality scores was not significantly different between the 3 operative indications examined (analysis of variance P =0.10). Randomized studies also were found to be of poor methodologic quality by standardized assessment criteria., Conclusions: The current body of evidence is of insufficient quality to justify the widespread adoption of laparoscopic techniques into accepted standards of care. Wider use of prospective studies such as multicenter databases and randomized trials are needed to clarify the indications and outcomes for these innovative techniques. Significant improvement in the quality of published observational studies is also warranted, and this may be facilitated by the adoption of standardized reporting guidelines specific to nonrandomized data.

Background/purpose: Venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) traditionally has been the mode of support used in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). A few studies report success using venovenous (VV) ECMO. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes in CDH patients treated with VA and VV., Methods: The authors queried the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry for newborns with CDH treated with ECMO from January 1, 1990 through December 31, 1999. They analyzed the pre-ECMO data, ECMO course, and complications., Results: VA was utilized in 2,257 (86%) and VV in 371 (14%) patients. The pre-ECMO status was similar, with greater use of nitric oxide, surfactant, and pressors in VV. Survival rate was similar (58.4% for VV and 52.2% for VA, P =.057). VA was associated with more seizures (12.3% v 6.7%, P =.0024) and cerebral infarction (10.5% v 6.7%, P =.03). Sixty-four treatments were converted from VV to VA (VV-->VA). Survival rate in VV-->VA was not significantly different than VA (43.8% v 52.2%, respectively; P =.23). VV-->VA and VA patients had similar neurologic complications., Conclusions: CDH patients treated with VV and VA have similar survival rates. VA had more neurologic complications. The authors identified no disadvantage to the use of VV as an initial mode of ECMO for CDH, although some infants may need conversion to VA., (Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.)

Background/purpose: Both primary peritoneal drainage (PPD) and laparotomy (LAP) are used widely for treatment of perforated necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Published reports include only anecdotes and small series. The authors used techniques of meta-analysis to determine which treatment is most effective., Methods: The authors identified published studies reporting surgical treatment of NEC from January 1, 1978 to December 31, 1999; there were 10 studies (n = 475). The authors were contacted and all available raw patient data for use in meta-analysis (n = 190) were obtained. The authors used logistic regression to determine the relative survival rate after PPD and LAP, controlling for the effect of gestational age and institution., Results: The combined probability of survival in the 10 published studies did not show an advantage for PPD (55%) or LAP (67%; P =.27). When the authors corrected for the effect of birth weight on survival rate, they still did not observe a difference (P =.67). A marked bias in treatment assignment was found with smaller babies undergoing PPD than LAP (931 g versus 1,615 g, respectively; P =.0004). Analysis of raw data showed an even greater bias in treatment assignment. The authors found increased survival rate for LAP versus PPD (62.3% v 35.6%; P =.0009). However, a logistic regression model could not overcome the bias in assignment of patients with a much higher expected mortality rate to PPD., Conclusions: Using currently available data, it is not possible to determine whether PPD or LAP is superior. Bias in treatment assignment precludes conclusions regarding comparative survival. Only a randomized trial will determine which operation is best for the treatment of perforated NEC., (Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.)

Purpose: This study sought to determine the role of randomized controlled trials (RCT) in the evolution of pediatric surgical practice., Methods: The authors used a computer-assisted literature search to identify all clinical trials related to pediatric surgery published in the English-language literature from 1966 through 1999. Each article was reviewed in detail for purpose, content, conduct, and quality of the trial. The authors assessed quality with a previously validated instrument (Chalmers Qualitative Assessment)., Results: The authors identified 134 RCTs related to pediatric surgery over the past 33 years. This accounts for 0.17% of 80,377 articles published in the field. The areas of surgery studied were analgesia 65 (49%), antibiotics 17 (13%), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) 9 (7%), gastrointestinal, burns, oncology, minimally invasive surgery, vascular access, congenital anomalies, and trauma (each <5%). Only 16 (12%) trials compared 2 surgical therapies, 9 (7%) compared a medical versus a surgical therapy, and 109 (81%) compared 2 medical therapies in surgical patients. Fourteen (10%) RCTs were funded by peer-reviewed agencies. Only 17 (13%) RCTs included a biostatistician as an author or a consultant. Trial design included calculation of sample size and statistical power in 21 (16%) RCTs. Method of randomization was reported in only 51 (38%). The test statistic and observed probability value was reported in 15 (11%)., Conclusions: Clinical trials are used infrequently to answer questions related to pediatric surgery. When RCTs are utilized, they often suffer from poor trial design, inadequate statistical analysis, and incomplete reporting. Pediatric surgery could benefit from increased expertise, funding, and participation in clinical trials., (Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.)