Well-being of children with neurologic impairment after fundoplication and gastrojejunostomy tube feeding.

Background: There is limited understanding on the impact of fundoplication or gastrojejunostomy tube (GJT) feeding in children with neurologic impairment who have swallowing dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and/or dysmotility.

Objective: To explore and understand the well-being of families and their children with neurologic impairment who had either a fundoplication or GJT.

Methods: This was a qualitative study using in-depth, individual interviews with parents of children with severe neurologic impairment who had either a fundoplication with gastrostomy or GJT.

Partial splenectomy for hereditary spherocytosis: a multi-institutional review.

Background/purpose: Partial splenectomy has emerged as a surgical option for selected children with hereditary spherocytosis, with the goal of reducing anemia while preserving splenic function. This multi-institutional study is the largest series to date examining outcomes data for partial splenectomy in patients with hereditary spherocytosis.

Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from 5 North American pediatric hospitals.

Endorectal pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease-a multicenter, long-term comparison of results: transanal vs transabdominal approach.

Purpose: Previous studies have reported decreased continence in patients undergoing transanal endorectal pull-through (TERP) for Hirschsprung's disease compared to the older transabdominal approach (TAA). To address this, we examined long-term stooling outcomes in a large, multicenter cohort of patients undergoing either TERP or TAA.

Methods: Data were collected from 5 large pediatric institutions.

Is congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation a premalignant lesion for pleuropulmonary blastoma?

Background: The relationship between congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) and pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB), whether causal, correlational, or coincidental, remains controversial. There is a lack of consensus as to the optimal treatment of patients with asymptomatic CCAM.

Method: We reviewed all cases of CCAM and PPB seen at our institution from 1999 to 2008.

A single center 26-year experience with treatment of esophageal achalasia: is there an optimal method?

Purpose: Treatment modalities for achalasia are evolving and remain controversial. Herein, we report the relative efficacy and outcomes after dilatation or myotomy in children with achalasia.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of all children treated for achalasia at a tertiary center from 1981 to 2007 was performed (n = 40).

Development of a standardized definition for Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis: a Delphi analysis.

Purpose: The reported incidence of Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is extremely variable. A standardized definition would permit comparison of different studies and provide an interpretable outcome measure for future prospective studies in patients with Hirschsprung's disease.

Methods: The Delphi method is a technique for achieving consensus among a panel of experts.

Routine use of a SILASTIC spring-loaded silo for infants with gastroschisis: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Background: Retrospective studies have suggested that routine use of a preformed silo for infants with gastroschisis may be associated with improved outcomes. We performed a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial to test this hypothesis.

Methods: Eligible infants were randomized to (1) routine bedside placement of a preformed Silastic spring-loaded silo, with gradual reduction and elective abdominal wall closure, or (2) primary closure.