Stay Current In Pediatric Surgery

In this recap from our 12th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery, Lizzy Lee introduces a thought-provoking session on Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Aortic Occlusion (REBOA) for pediatric trauma patients, featuring Drs. Regan Williams and Katie Russell. This emerging technique is categorized as both a Black Diamond (unproven) and Blue Square (newer) practice, sparking valuable discussion among trauma surgeons.Key Points Discussed:What is REBOA? A life-saving procedure used to control bleeding by inflating a balloon in the aorta, buying time for surgical intervention.Pediatric Use Challenges: REBOA is rarely performed in pediatric hospitals, making rapid application difficult, and there is no clear survival advantage in pediatric cases.Clinical Debate: A case study of a 16-year-old trauma patient illustrates the decision-making process, with most surgeons opting for laparotomy over REBOA.Algorithm Comparison: When to use REBOA versus resuscitative thoracotomy, based on guidelines from the Western Trau