Journal of pediatric surgery
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Comparative Study
Treatment of perforated appendicitis in children: what is the cost?
We compared direct hospital costs and indirect costs to the family associated with immediate appendectomy or initial nonoperative management for perforated appendicitis in children. ⋯ Patients with perforated appendicitis treated by initial nonoperative management had a greater length of stay and a significantly greater total hospital cost but were not burdened by significantly greater indirect costs compared with those treated by immediate appendectomy.
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Review Comparative Study
Laparoscopic surgery in children with congenital heart disease.
The study aim was to determine outcomes of children with congenital heart disease who underwent laparoscopic procedures. ⋯ In this review, there were no major contraindications to performing laparoscopic procedures in children with congenital heart disease, and we conclude that it is reasonably safe to perform laparoscopic surgery on these children.
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The purpose of this study is to present the outcome and technical details of the Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) procedure performed in the management of the fetus with a giant cervical teratoma. ⋯ We conclude that the EXIT procedure continues to be the optimal delivery strategy for patients with prenatally diagnosed giant cervical teratomas and potential airway obstruction at birth. A thorough evaluation of the prenatal images and an experienced multidisciplinary team are key factors for an effective approach to the obstructed fetal airway.
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Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a frequent complication in infants with central venous catheters (CVCs). We performed this study to identify risk factors and risk-reduction strategies of CVC-associated DVT in infants. ⋯ Deep venous thrombosis reduction strategies in infants with CVCs include avoiding percutaneous femoral and multilumen CVCs, screening percutaneous lines, and early catheter removal.
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Comparative Study
Temporary fetal tracheal occlusion using a gel plug in a rabbit model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Temporary tracheal occlusion induces lung growth in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) but has significant drawbacks because the device must be removed in utero. We devised a gel plug (GP) that can be placed in the fetal trachea in a rabbit model of CDH to provide temporary tracheal occlusion and evaluated its effect on lung growth and postnatal ventilation mechanics. ⋯ Prenatal instillation of an intratracheal GP leads to increased postnatal lung mass in rabbit fetuses with CDH but also increases airway resistance.