Stay Current In Pediatric Surgery

In this episode of the Colorectal Quiz, Drs. Marc Levitt, Jason Frischer, and special guest Dr. Julia Grabowski from Lurie Children’s dive deep into the diagnosis and management of anal stenosis in infants. They walk through the case of a 10-month-old presenting with constipation and distention, leading to a discussion on clinical exams, imaging, biopsy pitfalls, and surgical strategies.Key Highlights:Physical Exam Essentials: Why a thorough digital rectal exam is critical and when to use a Hegar dilator vs. relying on feel.Distinguishing Anal Stenosis vs. Hirschsprung Disease: How misdiagnoses occur and why biopsies can be misleading if not done correctly.Surgical Management: Principles of preserving the anterior anal canal to protect continence during posterior sagittal approaches.Megarectosigmoid Management: Why most dilated rectums improve after addressing the obstruction and when a Malone procedure can prevent the need for resection.Special Considerations: The importance of spinal and pelvic MRI to rule

Join us for a highlight reel of the Top 10 Key Takeaways from the 12th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery. This session covers the latest advances, practical tools, and emerging trends that are shaping the future of pediatric surgical care.Key Highlights:10. Collaboration Between Surgery & Interventional Radiology: Drs. Dan von Allmen, John Racadio, and Timothy Lautz highlight how combining surgical and interventional radiology techniques enhances precision and patient outcomes.9. Top AI Tools for Surgeons: Drs. Ramy Shaaban and Carlos Colunga introduce AI platforms improving research, education, and clinical workflow.8. Cryoanalgesia in Pectus Surgery: Dr. John DiFiore explains how cryoanalgesia is transforming pain management in chest wall repairs.7. ECMO in Severe CDH: Drs. Steven Lee and Rebecca Stark explore ECMO’s evolving role in managing severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia.6. CO₂ Laser Applications: Dr. Carlos Colunga shares expanding applications of CO₂ lasers for minimally invasive ped

This year was the 12th Annual Pediatric Surgery Update Course, where top hospital experts from around the world discussed this year’s changes in practices and innovation. Rewatch the event to learn more about the future of pediatric surgery and be at the forefront of medical excellence. In this clip, Drs. Em Gootee, Ramy Shaaban, Carlos Colunga, with Todd Ponsky as moderator, speaks on the top AI tools of 2024.Topics to be discussed:• AI: TOP 10 websites & tools for everyday usage

We are back with another episode of our Journal of Pediatric Surgery article review podcast. This time we have three publications from the first quarter of 2025, January, February and March issues. This time we're talking to editors Drs. Romeo Ignacio, Patrick Chung and Mark Davenport joined by authors Drs. Oluyinka Olutoye, Howard Jen, Jordan Rook and Liam McCarthy.Host: Em Gootee, MDArticles:Gadde R, Xia J, Hameedi S, Saulsbery A, Schafer C, Sbragia L, Olutoye OO. Remote Ischemic Conditioning (RIC) Decreases the Incidence and Severity of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) - Validation in a Large Animal Model. J Pediatr Surg. 2025 Jan;60(1):161957. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.161957. Epub 2024 Sep 24. PMID: 39368858.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39368858/Rook JM, Lee LK, Wagner JP, Sullins VF, Lee SL, Shekherdimian S, DeUgarte DA, Dichter CE, Jen HC. Six Years of Quality Improvement in Pectus Excavatum Repair: Implementation of Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation and ERAS Protocols for Patients Undergoing Nuss P

We’re back with nineteenth 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/38272766/Fall F, Hu YY, Walker S, Baertschiger R, Gaffar I, Saltzman D, Stylianos S, Shapiro J, Wieck M, Buchmiller T, Brandt ML, Tracy T, Heiss K, Berman L. Peer Support to Promote Surgeon Well-being: The APSA Program Experience. J Pediatr Surg. 2024 Sep;59(9):1665-1671. doi: 10.1016/j.jp

In this episode of the Colorectal Quiz, Drs. Marc Levitt, Jason Frischer, and special guests Dr. Chris Gayer and Dr. Sarah Ulrich tackle the complexities of managing megarectosigmoid in a 13-year-old patient with a history of cloaca. They explore the intricacies of diagnosis, anatomy, and long-term management for a child struggling with soiling despite a well-positioned rectum and no anatomical stricture.Key Highlights:Case Discussion: A deep dive into a patient with severe rectal dilation despite a perineal repair and normal bladder function.Diagnostic Strategy: The role of MRI, EUA, contrast enema, and sacral assessment to understand anatomy and guide treatment.Treatment Options: From Malone procedures to tapering and resection—what’s the right next step?Surgical Pearls: When to preserve the rectum and when to consider redoing the entire repair.This episode is packed with expert commentary, clinical pearls, and plenty of humor (including a colorectal-themed joke from a young patient).

In this 2024 Update Course Rewind session, pediatric surgeons Dr. Justin Huntington and Dr. Ben Ham explore the emerging use of autofluorescence and ICG angiography during thyroid surgery. These imaging technologies are helping identify and assess parathyroid gland perfusion, with the goal of reducing hypocalcemia and improving long-term outcomes—especially in pediatric patients.Classified as a Black Diamond (early adopter practice), this approach is still gaining traction in pediatric centers, but adult trials are already showing promise.Key Highlights:What is Autofluorescence? A no-injection technique that uses natural gland fluorescence to locate parathyroids during surgery.ICG Angiography: Assessing real-time perfusion of glands to determine viability and reimplantation need.Clinical Impact: Reduced rates of post-op hypocalcemia, improved identification of glands in surgical specimens, and more targeted decision-making.Challenges in Practice: Equipment bulkiness, variable image quality, and limited adopti

In this 2024 Update Course Rewind, pediatric surgeons Drs. Regan Williams and Katie Russell share new updates on the management of thoracic aortic injuries. Classified as a “Black Diamond” practice—indicating unproven approaches for early adopters—this session reviews how Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) is emerging as a less invasive and effective treatment option in pediatric patients, especially adolescents.Host: Lizzy Lee, PA-CKey Takeaways:Prioritize stabilization and life-threatening injuries before addressing thoracic aortic injury.Thoracic aortic injuries in children are rare and can be easily missed—maintain a high index of suspicion.A widened mediastinum on chest X-ray should prompt a CT chest to evaluate for vascular injury.Decisions should be guided by patient age, injury severity, and available expertise at your institution.Collaboration with vascular surgeons or interventional radiologists is essential for optimal care.

In this episode of the Colorectal Quiz, Drs. Marc Levitt, Jason Frischer, Kristy Rialon, and Lily Cheng explore the diagnostic and surgical challenges of Hirschsprung disease, featuring a neonatal patient with Trisomy 21. Through a step-by-step case discussion, they highlight how early recognition, biopsy strategy, and patient-specific surgical planning can dramatically improve outcomes.Key Highlights:Patient Case Study: A newborn with Trisomy 21, bilious emesis, and delayed meconium passage sparks a thorough workup for Hirschsprung disease.Diagnosis: The team breaks down how rectal irrigations and full-thickness biopsies confirm aganglionosis and rule out other causes.Surgical Strategy: A discussion on when to perform a pull-through, mapping biopsies, and choosing between colostomy and ileostomy.Long-Term Management: Addressing the role of Botox for internal sphincter relaxation and educating families on home care and irrigations.This episode emphasizes the value of thoughtful, team-based decision-making and

In this special episode from the QUAD Conference hosted by Cincinnati Children’s, Lizzy Lee takes us inside one of the world’s largest and most advanced multidisciplinary programs for children with complex airway and digestive conditions: the Aerodigestive and Esophageal Center (ADEC).You'll hear from a diverse team of specialists—including speech-language pathologists, ENTs, GI, pulmonologists, and pediatric surgeons—who collaborate to manage complex conditions like esophageal atresia, TEF, chronic aspiration, GERD, and swallowing disorders.Key Highlights:Speech Pathology: VFSS, FEES, manometry, and innovative approaches to swallowing therapyPulmonology: Airway clearance, aspiration management, bronchoscopy, and ventilator weaningENT Perspective: Stratifying airway risk and managing vocal fold and structural anomaliesGastroenterology: Managing GERD, motility, EOE, and feeding disordersSurgical Insight: Feeding access, tracheopexy, and complex lung or airway repairsThe episode is a masterclass in how cross-sp

Dr. José Campos is back, this time helping us review some of the latest literature on the management of Inguinal Hernia in children. In this podcast, we're reviewing a hernia case with Dr. Todd Ponsky and incorporating literature from the last few years.Host: Em GooteeArticles in the order we mentioned if you want to follow along:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38530261/HIP Trial Investigators; Blakely ML, Krzyzaniak A, Dassinger MS, Pedroza C, Weitkamp JH, Gosain A, Cotten M, Hintz SR, Rice H, Courtney SE, Lally KP, Ambalavanan N, Bendel CM, Bui KCT, Calkins C, Chandler NM, Dasgupta R, Davis JM, Deans K, DeUgarte DA, Gander J, Jackson CA, Keszler M, Kling K, Fenton SJ, Fisher KA, Hartman T, Huang EY, Islam S, Koch F, Lainwala S, Lesher A, Lopez M, Misra M, Overbey J, Poindexter B, Russell R, Stylianos S, Tamura DY, Yoder BA, Lucas D, Shaul D, Ham PB 3rd, Fitzpatrick C, Calkins K, Garrison A, de la Cruz D, Abdessalam S, Kvasnovsky C, Segura BJ, Shilyansky J, Smith LM, Tyson JE. Effect of Early vs Late Inguina

In this Update Course Rewind, Drs. Dan von Allmen, John Racadio, and Timothy Lautz, alongside IR technologist Amanda Wallingford, discuss how strong collaboration between surgery and interventional radiology is transforming patient care at Cincinnati Children’s and beyond. From ultrasound-guided lymph node localization to cone beam CT in a hybrid OR, this session highlights the power of shared expertise and image-guided surgery.Key Highlights:Use of cone beam CT, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy to improve surgical precisionHybrid OR vs. traditional OR: benefits and workaroundsReal-life examples: neuroblastoma surgery, vascular malformations, pulmonary nodule localizationPreview of emerging tech like augmented reality and holographic overlays for surgical planningThis session is marked as a “Blue Square”—a promising newer practice that’s showing significant results and potential. Watch to learn how breaking down silos between teams can elevate outcomes across specialties.

We’re back with eighteenth 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/39083294/Pilkington M, Nelson G, Pentz B, Marchand T, Lloyd E, Chiu PPL, de Beer D, de Silva N, Else S, Fecteau A, Giuliani S, Hannam S, Howlett A, Lee KS, Levin D, O'Rourke L, Stephen L, Wilson L, Brindle ME. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendations for Neonatal Peri

In this episode of the Pediatric Surgery Update Course Rewind, Dr. Nelson Rosen and Dr. Whit Holcomb discuss advancements in the surgical management of pilonidal disease, emphasizing minimally invasive techniques like the GIPS procedure. Learn how these methods offer faster recovery, fewer complications, and better outcomes for patients.Key Highlights:Minimally Invasive Techniques: The GIPS procedure and hybrid approaches that maximize skin preservation and minimize recovery time.EPSIT Technique: A global perspective on endoscopic management, including its benefits and challenges.Recurrence Prevention: The importance of ongoing hair removal strategies, including laser treatments, to prevent recurrence and improve long-term outcomes.When to Escalate: For cases where minimally invasive approaches fail, off-midline closure options like the Bascom cleft lift offer effective solutions.This video is essential for understanding the evolving management of pilonidal disease and the role of patient-centered care in ach

In this engaging episode of the Colorectal Quiz, Drs. Marc Levitt, Jason Frischer, and Erin Teeple dive into the complexities of pelvic floor dyssynergia, an often under-recognized condition impacting bowel and urinary function. Dr. Teeple, the only U.S. surgeon dually trained in pediatric and adult colorectal surgery, shares invaluable insights on diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies.Key Highlights:Patient Case Study: A 17-year-old with unexplained urinary retention and testicular pain leads to a detailed exploration of pelvic floor dysfunction.Diagnostic Tools: The role of SITZ marker studies, defecography, and manual assessments in identifying pelvic floor tightness.Treatment Approaches: From pelvic floor physical therapy to Botox injections for puborectalis relaxation.Collaboration Matters: How pediatric and adult colorectal care intersect for comprehensive management.This episode underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and innovative techniques for treating pelvic floor dysf

In this Update Course Rewind session, Dr. Greg Tiao, Surgical Director of the Liver Transplantation Program at Cincinnati Children’s, discusses the critical role of MMP-7 as a biomarker in the early diagnosis of biliary atresia. With data showing that every 10-day delay in treatment worsens outcomes by 20%, early detection is essential for improving native liver survival.Key Highlights:Importance of Early Diagnosis: Performing a Kasai procedure before 45 days significantly improves patient outcomes.MMP-7 as a Biomarker: Validated in international studies, MMP-7 is proving to be a powerful diagnostic tool.Challenges in Diagnosis: Distinguishing BA from other neonatal cholestasis conditions remains complex.Global Impact: Lessons from high-incidence regions like China are helping shape best practices in North America.With the integration of MMP-7 testing, pediatric surgery is moving towards earlier diagnosis and intervention, improving the chances of avoiding liver transplant in affected infants. Don’t forget to

Pediatric empyema pneumonia is a lung infection that occurs when pus collects in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and chest wall. In this video, we cover the management of pediatric empyema, including diagnosis, treatment algorithms, imaging, and surgical versus non-surgical approaches with Dr. Aaron Garrison, a pediatric surgeon at Cincinnati Children’s.Host: Brittany LevyKey Takeaways:• Pediatric empyema pneumonia requires a combination of medical and surgical management, but decision-making can be complex.• Community-acquired pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization in children, yet bacterial pathogens are detected in only 15% of cases.• Empyema progresses in three stages: exudative, fibrinopurulent, and organizing. The fibrinopurulent stage is when surgical intervention is often needed.• Ultrasound is more sensitive than CT in detecting septations in pleural effusions and avoids radiation exposure.• Chest tube drainage with fibrinolytics (such as TPA) has been shown to be a viable alte

In this QUAD Conference presentation, Dr. Doug von Allmen from Cincinnati Children’s shares groundbreaking research on using ultrashort echo-time MRI to evaluate tracheomalacia in neonates with esophageal atresia (EA). This innovative imaging technique offers a non-invasive, sedation-free, and radiation-free way to assess airway weakness and create detailed 3D models for better surgical planning.Key Highlights:New Diagnostic Tool: Ultrashort echo-time MRI offers high-resolution imaging without the need for sedation or radiation.Study Findings: Patients with long gap esophageal atresia showed more severe tracheomalacia than those with short gap EA.Pre- and Post-Surgical Analysis: Repair improves upper trachea eccentricity but may worsen the distal trachea postoperatively.Clinical Implications: Long gap EA patients are at higher risk for respiratory complications and require close post-operative monitoring.This research sheds light on how advanced imaging can lead to better diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up c

In this recap from the 12th Annual Pediatric Surgery Update Course, Dr. Carlos Colunga highlights the potential of CO2 lasers in pediatric surgery. From circumcisions to frenulectomies and pilonidal cyst ablations, CO2 lasers are gaining traction for their precision, reduced pain, and shorter operating times.Key Highlights:Clinical Applications: Successfully used for circumcision, frenulectomy, perianal fistulas, pilonidal cysts, and more.Benefits of CO2 Lasers: Reduced bleeding, lower complication rates, shorter operative times, and improved cosmetic outcomes.Evidence-Based Insights: Meta-analyses show CO2 laser-assisted surgeries have better results than traditional techniques in specific cases.Challenges: High equipment cost, steep learning curve, and the need for specialized training remain barriers to adoption.Join us to explore how CO2 lasers are transforming pediatric surgery and learn about the exciting possibilities for the future!Host: Lizzy Lee, PA-C

We’re back with seventeenth 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/37983822/Zhang M, Huang J, Jin Z, Zhang X, Zhou Y, Chi S, Rong L, Zhang Y, Cao G, Li S, Tang ST. Comparison of robotic versus thoracoscopic repair for congenital esophageal atresia: a propensity score matching analysis. Int J Surg. 2024 Feb 1;110(2):891-901. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000