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Background: Utilization of the laparoscopic approach for inguinal hernia repair has increased significantly over the past decade. The purpose of this study is to compare rates of second hernia operation and same side recurrence following open and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in a large national cohort., Methods: This retrospective analysis utilized the Pediatric Health Information System database to identify children <18 years-old who underwent laparoscopic or open primary inguinal hernia repair from 2017 to 2021. Data were collected through 2022 to allow minimum one year follow-up. Second hernia operation rates, inclusive of same side recurrence and metachronous contralateral hernia, and same side recurrence rates were compared by multivariable mixed effects model controlling for confounders and institutional clustering. Misclassification rates were determined through data validation at four constituent institutions. Sensitivity analyses determined true outcome rates., Results: We identified 53,287 operations (15.6% laparoscopic). Rate of second hernia operation was greater following laparoscopic repair (2.9% vs 2.6%, p = 0.04) with no difference on multivariable analysis (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.98-1.32). Same side recurrence rate was greater following laparoscopic repair (1.5% vs 0.4%, p < 0.001) which persisted on multivariable analysis (OR 3.72, 95% CI 2.90-4.78). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated true laparoscopic and open repair rates of 14.2% and 85.8%, respectively. True rates of second hernia operation and same side recurrence were identical to those determined by PHIS., Conclusion: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children has more than three times the odds of same side hernia recurrence than open repair which is balanced by a reduced rate of second operation for metachronous hernia., Level of Evidence: Treatment Study - Level III., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest All authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. There is no funding to declare. Each author has made final approval of the manuscript and has certified this material has not and will not be published or submitted to any other publication before its appearance in Journal of Pediatric Surgery., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: An option for medically refractory fecal incontinence and/or constipation is the antegrade continence enema (ACE). We investigated ACE usage and its perceptions, including whether patients were able to discontinue use of the appendicostomy/cecostomy tube., Methods: Patients who underwent appendicostomy creation or cecostomy tube placement at two institutions between 2012 and 2021 were reviewed. Patients or parents/guardians were contacted for completion of a survey. Summary statistics for clinical data were tabulated and associations were evaluated with chi-square analysis., Results: A total of 165 patients were included, including 92 (55.8%) males. Eighty-two (49.7%) surveys were completed. Most patients (51.5%) presented with fecal incontinence; 38 (23.3%) presented with constipation. More patients had a primary underlying diagnosis of anorectal malformation (39.4%), followed by functional constipation (21.2%), Hirschsprung disease (18.8%), and spinal malformation (17.6%). Thirty-six (21.8%) patients discontinued flushes by time of contact, with switch to laxatives being the most common reason (19%), followed by appendicostomy stricture/obstruction/closure (17%), switch to ileostomy/colostomy (17%), and patient preference (14%). There was no difference in patients' ability to stop using flushes based on underlying diagnosis (p = 0.31). The majority (84.1%) of respondents were "very likely" to recommend antegrade enemas to other children with similar diagnosis and 76.8% reported being "very satisfied" that the operation was done., Conclusions: There remains a high degree of satisfaction with antegrade continence enemas for children with constipation and fecal incontinence; some children may be able to stop using antegrade enemas with varied mechanisms including patient/family weaning versus with assistance and laxative trials., Type of Study: Retrospective cohort study., Level of Evidence: III., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: A proximal resection margin greater than 5 cm from the intra-operative histologically determined transition zone has been deemed necessary to minimize the risk of transition zone pull-through. This extended resection may require the sacrifice of vascular supply and even further bowel resection. The impact of extended proximal resection margin on post-operative complications and functional outcomes is unclear., Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent primary pull-through for Hirschsprung disease at a single institution between January 2008 and December 2022 was performed. An adequate proximal margin was defined by a circumferential normally ganglionated ring and absence of hypertrophic nerves. The extended margin was defined as the total length of proximal colon with normal ganglion cells and without hypertrophic nerves. Fecal incontinence severity was assessed with the Pediatric Fecal Incontinence Severity Score (PFISS)., Results: Eighty seven patients met criteria for inclusion. Median age at primary pull-through was 17 days (IQR 10-92 days), 55% (n = 48) of patients had an extended proximal margin (EPM) ≤ 5 cm, and 45% (n = 39) had an EPM > 5 cm. An EPM ≤5 cm was not associated with increased rates of Hirschsprung associated enterocolitis (≤5 cm 43%, >5 cm 39%, P = 0.701), diversion post pull-through (≤5 cm 10%, >5 cm 5%, P = 0.367) or reoperation for transition zone pull-through (≤5 cm 3%, >5 cm 0%, P = 0.112). EPM ≤5 cm had more frequent involuntary daytime bowel movements (P = 0.041) and more frequent voluntary bowel movements (P = 0.035). There were no differences in other measures of fecal incontinence severity., Conclusions: Shorter proximal extended margins beyond the adequate ganglionated margin do not significantly impact post-operative complication rates and have an unclear effect on fecal incontinence., Type of Study: Case Control., Level of Evidence: Level III., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality amongst patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD); rectal Botulinum toxin (Botox) has been reported a possible prevention strategy. We aimed to evaluate our institution's historic cohort of HD patients, first to determine our incidence of HAEC and second to begin assessing the effect of Botox on HAEC incidence., Methods: Patients with HD seen at our institution between 2005 and 2019 were reviewed. Incidence of HD and frequencies of HAEC and Botox injections were tallied. Associations between initial Botox treatment or transition zone and HAEC incidence were evaluated., Results: We reviewed 221 patients; 200 were included for analysis. One hundred thirteen (56.5%) patients underwent primary pull-through at a median age of 24 days (IQR 91). Eighty-seven (43.5%) patients with initial ostomy had their intestinal continuity reestablished at a median of 318 days (IQR 595). Ninety-four (49.5%) experienced at least one episode of HAEC and 62 (66%) experienced multiple episodes of HAEC. Nineteen (9.6%) patients had total colonic HD and had an increased total incidence of HAEC compared to patients without total colonic HD (89% vs 44%, p < 0.001). Six (2.9%) patients received Botox injections at the time of pull-through or ostomy takedown; one experienced an episode of HAEC (versus 50.7% of the patients who were confirmed to have not received Botox injections at their surgery, p = 0.102)., Conclusion: Further prospective study on Botox's effect on Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis is required and is the next step in our investigation., Level of Evidence: Level III., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The 2020 Pediatric Surgery (PS) fellowship selection process was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A review of lessons learned can help determine best practices for the future. The purpose of the study was to analyze the virtual interview experience and assess opportunities to improve the post-pandemic fellowship recruitment process., Study Design: Using a 28-question survey of Program Directors (PDs) of PS fellowships as well as a 44-question survey of applicants to PS fellowships in the US and Canada, we gathered information on the recruitment process during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). Dichotomous, multiple choice and open-ended questions about the changes in process, platforms used, format, comparison to on-site interviews and overall satisfaction were used for objective and subjective feedback., Results: A 95% participation rate was recorded for the PD survey. 24 out of 55 programs (44%) changed their on-site interviews to virtual format due to the pandemic. Most PDs described their overall impression of virtual interviews as satisfactory (66%, 16/24) and did not have an impact on the applicant's success in the match (35/54; 65%). About 50% of PDs preferred to have on-site interviews with virtual screening in the future. While the participation rate from applicants was much less (26 of 70), responses confirmed our survey results. Majority preferred on-site interviews (17/26), 6 of which preferred virtual screening followed by on-site interviews., Conclusion: Components of virtual screening and interviews were found to have benefits financially and from both time and stress perspectives, and thus might survive past the pandemic. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE LEVEL IV: ., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: One of the most competitive surgical sub-specialty fellowships remains Pediatric Surgery (PS), which requires candidates to develop a strong and research-oriented curriculum vitae. Although some objective factors of matriculation are known, factors for the interview selection and ranking per the program directors (PDs) have not been reviewed in over a decade., Methods: A web-based survey of US and Canadian PS program directors (PDs) (n = 58) was used to evaluate a comprehensive list of factors in the selection criteria for PS fellowships. A mix of dichotomous, ranking, five-point Likert scale, and open-ended questions evaluated applicant characteristics, ABSITE scores, research productivity, interview day, and rank order criteria., Results: Fifty-five programs responded to the survey for a 95% participation rate. PDs desired an average of two years in dedicated research and weighted first authorship and total number of publications heavily. Only 38% of programs used an ABSITE score cutoff for offering interviews; however, the majority agreed that an overall upward trend was important. Quality letters of recommendation, especially from known colleagues, carried weight when deciding to offer interviews. Interview performance, being a team player, observed interpersonal interactions, perceived operative skills and patient care, and leadership were some of the notable factors when finalizing rank lists., Conclusions: A multitude of factors define a successful matriculant, including quality of letters of recommendation, quality and quantity of publications, supportive phone calls, observed interactions, interview performance, perceptions of being team player with leadership skills as well as perceptions of good operative skills and patient care., Level of Evidence: Type II., Type of Study: Prognostic (retrospective)., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: The cumulative incidence and predictors of future diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) following presentation with perianal symptoms, such as anorectal abscess, fistula or fissure, is unknown., Methods: A 5-year retrospective review of children presenting with perianal symptoms without prior CD diagnosis was performed. Institutional cumulative incidence of CD was calculated to determine the risk of CD presenting with perianal symptoms., Results: 1140 children presented for evaluation of an anorectal abscess (n = 232), fistula (n = 49), or fissure (n = 859). Thirty-five were later diagnosed with CD, resulting in an incidence of 3%. Prognostic indicators of future CD diagnosis included increased age per every additional year (RR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.14-1.25, p < 0.001), male sex (RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.07-4.22, p = 0.024), or perianal fistula (RR 4.67, 95% CI 2.26-9.67, p = 0.022). Among those diagnosed with CD, 57% experienced and had a documented history of a CD-associated symptom prior to perianal symptom onset. Absence of symptoms resulted in delayed diagnosis (43 vs 3 days, p < 0.02)., Conclusion: Of children presenting with a perianal symptom, three percent will eventually be diagnosed with CD. At highest risk (35%) were males aged 10 years or older with a perianal fistula; which should prompt expeditious workup., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background/purpose: In an effort to standardize educational experience, address future physician shortages, and improve quality of care to patients, many surgical specialties are discussing how to maximize exposure to index cases. One solution being explored is telementoring, which requires a well-developed educational curriculum with intraoperative objectives. The American College of Surgery Telementoring Task Force selected anorectal malformation and posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) for the repair of imperforate anus as the initial educational focus for this pilot. The purpose of this study was to obtain international consensus on intraoperative learning objectives for a complex surgical procedure., Methods: A multidisciplinary team of medical educators and pediatric surgery experts created an outline of essential curricular content and intraoperative learning objectives for PSARP in three clinical scenarios. Twelve international subject matter experts were identified meeting strict inclusion criteria. Intraoperative checklists were revised using the modified-Delphi process., Results: After five rounds of modifications to the intraoperative checklists, international consensus was achieved for three different clinical scenarios requiring a PSARP: perineal or vestibular fistula, low prostatic fistula, and bladder neck fistula., Conclusions: A modified-Delphi approach was successful in generating guidelines for surgical techniques that can be used to standardize intraoperative teaching and expectations for trainees., Type of Study: Diagnostic study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V (expert opinion)., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors report no conflicts of interest. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Pediatric surgery (PS) is among the most competitive fellowship opportunities for general surgery residents. Prior investigations into factors associated with successful matriculation to PS have relied on surveys, which have inherent biases., Study Design: Data were extracted from the Electronic Residency Application System for applicants from 2012 to 2017 and analyzed after stratification by matriculation status., Results: Data were gathered on a total of 444 applicants, of which 238 matriculated. The applicant pool was predominantly Caucasian (63.5%), largely graduated from US allopathic school (81%) and had a slight male predominance (54%), although the number of female applicants increased significantly over the study period. Attendance at a US allopathic medical school (OR=4.55, p <0.001), university-based general surgery training (OR=3.02, p <0.001) and training at institutions that offer PS fellowships (OR=3.36, p<0.001) were associated with matriculation. Matriculants had a higher quantity of peer reviewed publications (median 11 vs. 6, p <0.001) and published in high impact factor journals (p<0.001). A total of 65 applicants reapplied at least once, of whom 32% successfully matriculated., Conclusions: PS applicants' medical school, residency, and research data points correlated with successful matriculation. These data may help guide general surgery residents and medical students aspiring to become pediatric surgeons., Type of Study: Prognosis study (retrospective) LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

A case of esophageal atresia associated with a foregut duplication cyst is reported and the literature reviewed. This is the first documented occurrence in conjunction with Down syndrome and the second case where both anomalies were treated at the initial surgery., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)