Single visit surgery for pediatric ambulatory surgical procedures: a satisfaction and cost analysis.

Background: Single visit surgery (SVS) consists of same-day pre-operative assessment and operation with telephone post-operative follow-up. This reduces family time commitment to 1 hospital trip rather than 2-3. We began SVS for ambulatory patients with clear surgical indications in 2013.

HB-EGF embedded in PGA/PLLA scaffolds via subcritical CO2 augments the production of tissue engineered intestine.

The ability to deliver sustained-release, biologically active growth factors through custom designed tissue engineering scaffolds at sites of tissue regeneration offers great therapeutic opportunity. Due to the short in vivo half-lives of most growth factors, it is challenging to deliver these proteins to sites of interest where they may be used before being degraded. The application of subcritical CO2 uses gas-phase CO2 at subcritical pressures ranging from 41 to 62 bar (595-913 PSI) which avoids foaming by reducing the amount of CO2 dissolved in the polymer and maintains completely reversible plasticization.

Harvesting the benefits of biofilms: A novel probiotic delivery system for the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Background/purpose: Probiotics reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) albeit only when administered at high frequency (at least daily). We have developed a novel probiotic delivery system in which probiotics are grown as a biofilm on microspheres, allowing enhanced efficacy with only a single treatment.

Methods: Neonatal rats were subjected to experimental NEC.

Exosomes secreted from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells protect the intestines from experimental necrotizing enterocolitis.

Purpose: Treatment options for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remain inadequate. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) can protect the intestines from NEC. Exosomes are nanoparticle-sized vesicles with important cell signaling capabilities.

Robotic vs. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Adolescents; Reality or Hype.

Background: The rising prevalence of childhood obesity and concomitant increase in comorbid disease pose significant challenges for the health care system. While mounting evidence demonstrates the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery for severely obese adolescents, the potential role of robotic technology has not been well defined.

Objective: The aim of this study was to establish the safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (RSG) in treating severe adolescent obesity.

Enriched Intestinal Stem Cell Seeding Improves the Architecture of Tissue-Engineered Intestine.

Objective: To develop a methodology to separate intestinal stem cell (ISC)-enriched crypts from differentiated epithelial cell (DEC)-containing villi to improve the morphology of tissue-engineered intestine (TEI).

Methods: Small intestinal tissues from 5- to 7-day-old transgenic Lgr5-EGFP mice (with fluorescently labeled ISCs) were used to measure the height of villi and the depth of crypts. Based on the significant size difference between crypts and villi, a novel cell filtration system was developed.

Location of airway obstruction in term and preterm infants with laryngomalacia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the airway findings in term and preterm infants with laryngomalacia.

Methods: A retrospective review of 130 patients diagnosed as having laryngomalacia at a tertiary referral center between July 2004 and August 2009 was conducted. Medical records were reviewed for demographic data, supraglottic and glottic airway findings, concomitant airway lesions, and the need for intervention.