A National Survey of Neonatologists' Perspectives on Probiotics Use in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the U.S.A.

Most recent clinical reports from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) concluded current evidence does not support routine universal administration of probiotics to preterm infants, particularly those with birth weight <1000 grams. Despite this, the use of probiotics is increasing in US neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Collaborating with the Perinatal Neonatal Medicine of AAP, we conducted a national survey to obtain neonatologist opinion on probiotics use.

Surgery for gallstone ileus: a nationwide comparison of trends and outcomes.

Introduction: Gallstone ileus is a mechanical bowel obstruction caused by a biliary calculus originating from a bilioenteric fistula. Because of the limited number of reported cases, the optimal surgical method of treatment has been the subject of ongoing debate.

Methods: A retrospective review of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2004 to 2009 was performed for gallstone ileus cases treated surgically by enterotomy with stone extraction alone (ES), enterotomy and cholecystectomy with fistula closure (EF), bowel resection alone (BR), and bowel resection with fistula closure (BF).

A nationwide analysis of laparoscopy in high-risk colorectal surgery patients.

Background: Due to safety concerns, the use of laparoscopy in high-risk colorectal surgery patients has been limited. Small reports have demonstrated the benefit of laparoscopy in this population; however, large comparative studies are lacking.

Study Design: A retrospective review of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2009 was conducted.

Predictive factors of acute renal failure in colon and rectal surgery.

Postoperative acute renal failure (ARF) is a major factor of morbidity and mortality in colon and rectal surgery. The objectives of this study were: 1) to determine the frequency of ARF in colorectal surgery; and 2) to evaluate the impact of patient characteristics, comorbidities, resection type, pathology, surgical technique, and admission type on ARF. Using the National Inpatient Sample database, we examined the clinical data of patients who underwent colon and rectal resection from 2006 to 2008.

Does laparoscopic appendectomy impart an advantage over open appendectomy in elderly patients?

Background: The use of laparoscopy in the elderly has been increasing in recent years. The data comparing laparoscopic (LA) with open appendectomy (OA) in elderly patients are minimal. We evaluated outcomes of LA versus OA in perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in elderly patients (aged ≥ 65 years).

Comparison of outcomes of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in children: data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), 2006-2008.

Background: The benefits of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) remain undefined as compared to open appendectomy (OA) in children, particularly in cases of perforated appendicitis. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of LA versus OA in perforated and nonperforated appendicitis in children.

Methods: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we evaluated the clinical data of children (<18 years old) who underwent LA and OA from 2006 to 2008.

Predictive factors of splenic injury in colorectal surgery: data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 2006-2008.

Objectives: To determine frequency of splenic injury and to evaluate predictive risk factors of splenic injury during colorectal surgery.

Design: Retrospective database analysis.

Setting: The National Inpatient Sample database.

Comparison of outcomes of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in adults: data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), 2006-2008.

Introduction: Although laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is being performed with increased frequency, the utilization of laparoscopy in the management of acute appendicitis remains controversial, and it continues to be used selectively.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate outcomes of LA vs. open appendectomy (OA) in perforated and non-perforated appendicitis in adults.