Stay Current In Pediatric Surgery

We’re back with 26th episode of "Quick Literature Updates" the podcast series that delivers the latest updates in pediatric surgery literature in a quick and digestible format. In each episode, we review articles covering the most interesting and relevant topics in the field.These articles are either chosen by JPS editors or our collaborators. We present these reviews as short news pieces with a summarization of key points.Whether you're a trainee, attending, or an advanced medical professional, tune in to our podcast for a dose of medical knowledge in every episode. Stay up to date on the latest trends and advancements in pediatric surgery with "Quick Literature Updates".Host: Em Gooteehttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39826968/St Peter SD, Noel-MacDonnell JR, Hall NJ, Eaton S, Suominen JS, Wester T, Svensson JF, Almström M, Muenks EP, Beaudin M, Piché N, Brindle M, MacRobie A, Keijzer R, Engstrand Lilja H, Kassa AM, Jancelewicz T, Butter A, Davidson J, Skarsgard E, Te-Lu Y, Nah S, Willan AR, Pierro A. Appendi

We’re back with 25th episode of "Quick Literature Updates" the podcast series that delivers the latest updates in pediatric surgery literature in a quick and digestible format. In each episode, we review articles covering the most interesting and relevant topics in the field.These articles are either chosen by JPS editors or our collaborators. We present these reviews as short news pieces with a summarization of key points.Whether you're a trainee, attending, or an advanced medical professional, tune in to our podcast for a dose of medical knowledge in every episode. Stay up to date on the latest trends and advancements in pediatric surgery with "Quick Literature Updates".Host: Em Gooteehttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38914511/Huerta CT, Beres AL, Englum BR, Gonzalez K, Levene T, Wakeman D, Yousef Y, Gulack BC, Chang HL, Christison-Lagay ER, Ham PB 3rd, Mansfield SA, Kulaylat AN, Lucas DJ, Rentea RM, Pennell CP, Sulkowski JP, Russell KW, Ricca RL, Kelley-Quon LI, Tashiro J, Rialon KL; American Pediatric Surgi

We’re back with 24th episode of "Quick Literature Updates" the podcast series that delivers the latest updates in pediatric surgery literature in a quick and digestible format. In each episode, we review articles covering the most interesting and relevant topics in the field.These articles are either chosen by JPS editors or our collaborators. We present these reviews as short news pieces with a summarization of key points.Whether you're a trainee, attending, or an advanced medical professional, tune in to our podcast for a dose of medical knowledge in every episode. Stay up to date on the latest trends and advancements in pediatric surgery with "Quick Literature Updates".Host: Em Gooteehttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38914509/Donati F, Cipriani MS, Pistorio A, Guerriero V, Mattioli G, Torre M. Pectus Bar Dislocation: Comparison Between Three Different Stabilization Techniques Adopted in a Single Centre. J Pediatr Surg. 2024 Oct;59(10):161591. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.05.021. Epub 2024 Jun 4. PMID: 389145

We’re back with 23rd episode of "Quick Literature Updates" the podcast series that delivers the latest updates in pediatric surgery literature in a quick and digestible format. In each episode, we review articles covering the most interesting and relevant topics in the field.These articles are either chosen by JPS editors or our collaborators. We present these reviews as short news pieces with a summarization of key points.Whether you're a trainee, attending, or an advanced medical professional, tune in to our podcast for a dose of medical knowledge in every episode. Stay up to date on the latest trends and advancements in pediatric surgery with "Quick Literature Updates".Host: Em Gootee0:00 Introduction0:39 Locum Tenens and Pediatric Surgery: A Position Statement and Practice Guidelines From the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA)1:40 Validation of the Clavien-Madadi Classification for Unexpected Events in Pediatric Surgery: A Collaborative ERNICA Project2:50 Transitional Care in Anorectal Malform

We’re back with 22nd episode of "Quick Literature Updates" the podcast series that delivers the latest updates in pediatric surgery literature in a quick and digestible format. In each episode, we review articles covering the most interesting and relevant topics in the field.These articles are either chosen by JPS editors or our collaborators. We present these reviews as short news pieces with a summarization of key points.Whether you're a trainee, attending, or an advanced medical professional, tune in to our podcast for a dose of medical knowledge in every episode. Stay up to date on the latest trends and advancements in pediatric surgery with "Quick Literature Updates".Host: Em Gootee0:00 Introduction0:39 The use of postoperative calibrations in Hirschsprung disease: a practice to reconsider?1:47 Management of Gastroschisis: Timing of Delivery, Antibiotic Usage, and Closure Considerations2:57 Treatment Facility Case Volume and Disparities in Outcomes of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Cases4:06 OutroNCBI -

We’re back with 21st episode of "Quick Literature Updates" the podcast series that delivers the latest updates in pediatric surgery literature in a quick and digestible format. In each episode, we review articles covering the most interesting and relevant topics in the field.These articles are either chosen by JPS editors or our collaborators. We present these reviews as short news pieces with a summarization of key points.Whether you're a trainee, attending, or an advanced medical professional, tune in to our podcast for a dose of medical knowledge in every episode. Stay up to date on the latest trends and advancements in pediatric surgery with "Quick Literature Updates".Host: Em GooteeNCBI - WWW Error Blocked DiagnosticLi S, Wang J, Li M, Zhang Z, Mi T, Wu X, Wang Z, Jin L, He D. Efficacy and late kidney effects of nephron-sparing surgery in the management of unilateral Wilms tumor: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatr Surg Int. 2023 Dec 27;40(1):29. doi: 10.1007/s00383-023-05611-x. PMID: 38150145

In this session from the 12th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Jill Larson from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital outlines key strategies for preventing and managing the most common pediatric fractures—just in time for the seasonal surge.Key Highlights:• Timing of fractures: Fracture season peaks in spring, summer, and surprisingly, October—timing your prevention efforts matters• Top five fracture types: Wrist, ankle, elbow, forearm, and tibia fractures are the most common injuries treated in pediatric orthopedics.• What to treat—and how: Dr. Larson explains which fractures can be managed conservatively (e.g., buckle or greenstick) and which may need surgery (e.g., displaced triplane fractures).• Casting and immobilization tips: Includes guidance on when to splint, when to cast, and how long to monitor growth plate–involved injuries.• Injury prevention insights: From trampoline accidents to lawnmower-related trauma, this session covers key safety risks and how to address them proacti

In this session from the 12th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Bhargava Mullapudi (Children’s Mercy Kansas City) presents updated strategies in Wilms tumor management, exploring how tumor biology and global guidelines are shaping decisions on surgery vs chemotherapy first.Key Highlights:COG vs SIOP Guidelines: North American centers (COG) typically favor primary surgery, while European protocols (SIOP) begin with chemotherapy—highlighting major global practice differences.Impact of Tumor Genetics: Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at chromosomes 1p and 16q, as well as gain of 1q, influence chemotherapy decisions even in lower-stage disease.Staging and Size Aren’t Enough: While age and tumor weight are considered, biological markers ultimately guide treatment, challenging simplified “under 2 years / under 550g” rules.Shifting Practice Patterns: Even for Stage I tumors, presence of LOH may justify adding chemotherapy, depending on evolving Children’s Oncology Group recommendations.Pathology-Informed Pr

In this session from the 12th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery, Drs. Rebecca Stark and Steven Lee from Seattle Children’s Hospital walk through the timing, technique, and evolving protocols for performing ECMO and surgical repair in cases of severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).Key Highlights:VA ECMO with bivalirudin: The presenters advocate for bivalirudin as a preferred anticoagulant over heparin due to its short half-life, predictable response, and ease of control—making it ideal for ECMO patients requiring surgery.Dilute thrombin time for monitoring: They highlight a lab-friendly technique for monitoring bivalirudin using dilute thrombin time—5x more specific and sensitive than PTT and easily implementable in any lab.Safe and timely surgical repair on ECMO: Early CDH repair (within 8–24 hours of ECMO initiation) can be performed with minimal bleeding and less tissue edema when using bivalirudin and meticulous technique.Institutional buy-in for early repair: The team underscores the import

In this session from the 12th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Margaret Mutch from Australia walks through the complexities of chest wall reconstruction following thoracic osteosarcoma resection in a pediatric patient.Key Highlights:Massive resection and reconstruction: A 14-year-old patient underwent an aggressive en bloc resection involving ribs 4–7 and vertebral bodies T4–T7. The team used a combination of resorbable molded plates, Permacol mesh, and Gore-Tex patches to stabilize and recreate the chest wall structure.Soft tissue closure with latissimus flap: A latissimus dorsi flap was mobilized for robust coverage, reducing dead space and supporting tissue healing over the reconstructed area.Use of ROLL technique for lymph node excision: The team employed radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) using Technetium-99 to precisely identify and remove targeted lymph nodes.Managing early complications: Postoperative challenges included sterile seromas, a wound infection, and mild scoliosis—

We are back with another episode of our Journal of Pediatric Surgery article review podcast. This time we have three publications from the second quarter of 2025, April, May and June issues. This time we're talking to editors Drs. George Holcomb III, Alana Beres and Shaun Kunisaki joined by authors Drs. Eric Skarsgard, Amanpreet Brar, Anoosha Moturu and Derek Wakeman.Host: Em Gootee, MDArticles:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39826297/Shieh HF, Jennings RW, Hamilton TE, Izadi S, Zendejas B, Smithers CJ. Tracheobronchopexy to Avoid Tracheostomy in Esophageal Atresia Patients With Severe Life-Threatening Tracheobronchomalacia. J Pediatr Surg. 2025 Apr;60(4):162152. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.162152. Epub 2025 Jan 3. PMID: 39826297.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39865003/Brar A, Gow KW, Skarsgard ED. Pediatric Surgical Outreach: An Underutilized Resource for Increasing Children's Surgical Capacity in Canada. J Pediatr Surg. 2025 May;60(5):162174. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2025.162174. Epub 2025 Jan 19. PMID: 39

In this session from the 12th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery, Drs. Rebecca Stark and Steven Lee from Seattle Children’s Hospital walk through the timing, technique, and controversies surrounding ECMO in severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) cases.Key Highlights:VV vs VA ECMO: While venovenous (VV) ECMO is gaining traction with improved cannulas, venoarterial (VA) ECMO remains the predominant choice for most centers treating CDH.When to initiate ECMO: Early intervention is often favored in high-risk CDH cases, especially when prenatal imaging suggests severe compromise.SPHERE protocol in decision-making: A structured approach from Michigan offers criteria for ECMO vs comfort care, but outcome prediction remains unreliable—50% of decisions based on early data may be incorrect.Controversy in selection: Dr. Stark advocates for offering ECMO to all infants with isolated unilateral CDH, emphasizing the importance of treating every case as a potential survivor.Role of prenatal counseling: Early, tr

In this session from the 12th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery, Drs. David Vitale, Luke Neff, and Jeffrey Ponsky explore strategies for preventing gallstone pancreatitis in pediatric patients with biliary stones. This session is classified as a Green Circle (established practice).Key Highlights:Managing complex cases: When to use conservative management with antibiotics for neutropenic, thrombocytopenic patients.Gallstone pancreatitis: How to differentiate management from typical choledocholithiasis cases.Timing of cholecystectomy: Why surgery should be based on clinical improvement rather than complete biochemical normalization.ERCP and IOC coordination: Determining when early ERCP is necessary and incorporating intraoperative cholangiograms for safe stone clearance.Clinical judgment matters: How local resources and patient-specific factors shape decision-making.This session emphasizes balancing early intervention with patient safety and tailoring care to individual circumstances.

Welcome to the 12th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery recap series, hosted by Dr. Em Gootee from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. In this Green Circle (established practice) session, Drs. David Vitale, Luke Neff, and Jeff Ponsky explore the “surgery-first” approach to pediatric biliary stone disease, highlighting the growing prevalence of choledocholithiasis in children and the evolving strategies to manage it effectively.Key Highlights:Surgery-First vs. ERCP-First: The panel compares the two main management strategies: ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) and stone removal.Practice-Based Decision Making: Experts emphasize that choice depends on surgeon skill, institutional resources, and the ability to perform IOC effectively.Clinical Evidence: Studies show an 86–90% success rate for ductal clearance using a surgery-first approach with IOC and flushing—offering a safe, resource-efficient option that minimizes ERCP-ass

In this 2024 Update Course Rewind, pediatric surgeon Dr. John DiFiore shares new insights into the growing use of cryoanalgesia for pectus excavatum repairs. Classified as a “Blue Square” practice—indicating a promising newer technique—this approach provides targeted nerve pain relief with less opioid use, better precision, and shorter hospital stays.Key Highlights:What is Cryoanalgesia? A minimally invasive nerve freezing technique used to reduce chest wall pain during pectus repair.Technique Deep Dive: From double-lumen tubes to improved cryoprobes, learn how to perform blocks from T3–T8 with precision.Time-Saving Tools: New cryoprobes offer faster freeze cycles and better insulation, cutting procedure time nearly in half.Clinical Outcomes: Lower pain scores, next-day discharges, and potential to further improve outcomes with dual freeze points.Barriers & Workarounds: Addressing the main challenges of cost, equipment access, and proper training.Whether you're currently using cryo or just considering it,

In this special episode of the Colorectal Quiz, Drs. Marc Levitt and Jason Frischer are joined by Dr. Todd Ponsky and Em Gootee for a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is supporting medical education. The topic of this quiz: Collaborating for Kids: Colorectal & Pelvic Solutions. What’s unique about this episode? Everything after the intro was generated using NotebookLM, an AI tool that helped synthesize notes, transcripts, and case studies into an engaging, educational format. Key Highlights:Case-Based Learning: A multidisciplinary team approach to treating children with complex colorectal and pelvic conditions.Building the Right Team: The importance of urologists, gynecologists, psychologists, and colorectal surgeons working together to improve outcomes.International Collaboration: How programs like the Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium (PCPLC) are advancing global standards of care.Family-Centered Care: Strategies for improving communication with families and providing continuity as pat

In this insightful recap from the 12th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Thomas Inge of Lurie Children’s Hospital explores emerging uses of cryoanalgesia beyond pectus repair. The video delves into novel applications of cryotherapy for conditions like slipping rib syndrome and rib fractures—highlighting how interventional radiology tools, including percutaneous needle probes, can offer powerful pain relief and reduce narcotic use and hospital stay.Key Highlights:Slipping Rib Syndrome: Often overlooked in teens, this condition can be addressed with intercostal blocks and cryoablation.Percutaneous Cryoablation: A new frontier in treating rib fractures and chronic pain using ultrasound-guided techniques.Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration between surgery and IR expands treatment options for hard-to-diagnose chest wall pain.This session emphasizes the evolving role of cryoanalgesia as a versatile, minimally invasive tool in pediatric surgical care.

In this engaging session from the 12th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Timothy Lautz explores the expanding role of cryoanalgesia in pediatric thoracotomy beyond pectus repair. As more institutions embrace this technique, Dr. Lautz breaks down its use, safety, and clinical advantages for thoracotomy pain control.Key Highlights:Beyond Pectus Repair: While commonly used for pectus excavatum, cryoanalgesia is now being applied in thoracotomy cases to improve postoperative recovery.How It Works: Temporary nerve blockade is achieved by freezing the intercostal nerves, reducing or eliminating the need for epidurals and long-term opioids.Safety & Recovery: The procedure is safe, repeatable, and allows even small children to benefit from reduced pain and faster recovery timelines.Clinical Implementation: Dr. Lautz offers insight into when and how his team applies cryo, including tips for technique, timing, and avoiding complications.This talk underscores the value of multidisciplinary collaboration

In this insightful session from the 12th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery, Drs. David Vitale, Luke Neff, and Jeff Ponsky break down the essentials of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC)—a technique that plays a key role in identifying biliary anatomy and managing stones.Key Highlights:Technique Tips: From contrast flushes to balloon dilation, the team shares practical advice on improving success rates during IOC.Clinical Decision-Making: When and how to incorporate glucagon, and when to call in GI for support.Avoiding Pitfalls: Recognizing common challenges, including misinterpretation of images and catheter misplacement.Collaborative Care: How surgical teams can streamline intraoperative strategy and reduce post-op complications through consistent IOC use.This session emphasizes IOC as a powerful tool when performed correctly—and reminds us that thoughtful execution and teamwork can make all the difference in surgical outcomes.

We’re back with 20th episode of "Quick Literature Updates" the podcast series that delivers the latest updates in pediatric surgery literature in a quick and digestible format. In each episode, we review articles covering the most interesting and relevant topics in the field. These articles are either chosen by JPS editors or our collaborators. We present these reviews as short news pieces with a summarization of key points. Whether you're a trainee, attending, or an advanced medical professional, tune in to our podcast for a dose of medical knowledge in every episode. Stay up to date on the latest trends and advancements in pediatric surgery with "Quick Literature Updates".Host: Em Gootee0:00 Introduction0:41 Comprehensive meta-analysis of surgical procedure for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: thoracoscopic versus open repair1:35 Use of a new vertical traction device for early traction-assisted staged closure of congenital abdominal wall defects: a prospective series of 16 patients2:39 Indocyanine green (IC