Noggin regulates foregut progenitor cell programming, and misexpression leads to esophageal atresia.

Esophageal atresia (EA/TEF) is a common congenital abnormality present in 1 of 4000 births. Here we show that atretic esophagi lack Noggin (NOG) expression, resulting in immature esophagus that contains respiratory glands. Moreover, when using mouse esophageal organoid units (EOUs) or tracheal organoid units (TOUs) as a model of foregut development and differentiation in vitro, NOG determines whether foregut progenitors differentiate toward esophageal or tracheal epithelium.

Laparoscopic Splenectomy: Has It Become the Standard Surgical Approach in Pediatric Patients?

Background: Splenectomy is often required in the pediatric population as part of the treatment of hematologic disorders and can be performed laparoscopically or open. We evaluated the comparative effectiveness of laparoscopic (LS) and open (OS) splenectomies using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric (NSQIP-P) data set.

Methods: The NSQIP-P data set was used to identify children who underwent elective splenectomy between January 2012 and December 2016.

Surgeons, ERCP, and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: do we need a standard approach for common bile duct stones?

Background: Variation exists in the management of choledocholithiasis (CDL). This study evaluated associations between demographic and practice-related characteristics and CDL management.

Methods: A 22-item, web-based survey was administered to US general surgeons.

Biliary obstruction during cholecystectomy: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, evade, or explore?

Biliary obstruction discovered during cholecystectomy remains a challenging problem. To determine the best management, this retrospective study compared intervention during the same admission (SA) versus delayed/no intervention (DN). Furthermore, this study demonstrates the power of a deidentified research database derived from electronic medical records.