Pediatric Ultrasound Appendicitis Score for the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis to Reduce Computed Tomography Scan Utilization.

Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common reasons for pediatric surgical consultation in the emergency room. Although acute appendicitis is a clinical diagnosis, the use of imaging in the emergency department to assist with the diagnosis is very common. Ultrasound is frequently utilized in pediatrics because of the radiation risks associated with computed tomography (CT) scan.

Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Abscess in a Pediatric Patient.

Retroperitoneal abscesses are relatively uncommon in infants and children. They carry a high rate of morbidity due to insidious onset and pose a diagnostic challenge. Here we report a case of spontaneous retroperitoneal methicillin-resistant (MRSA) infection in a two-year-old patient.

Opioid stewardship in pediatric surgery: Approaching zero.

Introduction: In response to the opioid epidemic, we hypothesized that adequate pain control can be achieved with few, if any, opioid prescriptions at discharge following pediatric surgical procedures.

Methods: All records for patients 0-15 years old who underwent pediatric surgical operations from December 2017 through May 2018 were reviewed. Opioids prescriptions, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospital readmissions were recorded.

Tracheal tube tip displacement during laparoscopy in children*.

The risk of endobronchial intubation during laparoscopy because of displacement of the tip of the tracheal tube is a well known problem in adults. Laparoscopy in children is increasingly performed, but there are no data available regarding the above problem. We prospectively studied 46 children aged 2 months to 15.

Impact of carbon dioxide versus air pneumoperitoneum on peritoneal cell migration and cell fate.

Background: Postoperative systemic immune function is suppressed after open abdominal surgery, as compared with that after minimally invasive abdominal surgery. As a first line of defense, peritoneal macrophages (PMo) and polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMNs) are of primary importance in protecting the body from microorganisms. Previous studies have shown changes in these cell populations over time after open versus laparoscopic surgery.