Stay Current in Pediatric Surgery

StayCurrent: Pediatric Surgery

Through GlobalCastMD’s world-class network of physicians and technology, any health system can provide their doctors access to ongoing mentoring and education. Companies can leverage this same network to more effectively train physicians on products and use it to help train their own sales force. Our educational materials aim to provide entertaining, interactive education for anyone, regardless of geography. We truly are: Dedicated to the rapid advancement of care. Everywhere.

  1. Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) for Pediatric Scoliosis: A Comprehensive Guide

    Jun 15

    Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) for Pediatric Scoliosis: A Comprehensive Guide

    This video, featuring experts from Cincinnati Children's and Akron Children's, provides an in-depth look at Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) for pediatric scoliosis. It covers clinical scenarios, highlighting VBT's advantages as a minimally invasive, non-fusion alternative to standard spinal fusion. The discussion includes precise timing for the procedure, current indications for patient selection, detailed surgical techniques for thoracic and lumbar approaches, and post-operative outcomes, emphasizing improved recovery times for young athletes. Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive, non-fusion surgical treatment for growing patients with idiopathic scoliosis. It aims to correct spinal curvature and modulate growth while preserving disc motion, offering benefits like earlier return to sports compared to spinal fusion. Optimal timing for VBT is critical, performed on skeletally immature patients near their peak growth velocity (typically ages 8-15) to avoid overcorrection or tether failure. Indications include moderately severe (40-60 degree) and flexible curves. The surgical approach varies by spinal segment, utilizing thoracoscopic techniques for upper vertebrae and open approaches for lumbar segments, with careful neuro-monitoring. While early outcomes data showed a learning curve with some revision rates, improved patient selection and increased experience are now yielding more successful results. VBT represents a significant shift towards guided growth modulation in pediatric scoliosis.

    6 min
  2. Update Course Rewind 2025: Hirschsprung’s Pull-Through: Why Family Training May Save Lives

    May 14

    Update Course Rewind 2025: Hirschsprung’s Pull-Through: Why Family Training May Save Lives

    In this Update Course Rewind from the 13th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery, Drs. Annie Le-Nguyen, Jamie Harris, and Elizabeth Speck discuss one of the most debated questions in Hirschsprung disease management: when is the best time to perform a pull-through procedure? Key Highlights: Neonatal vs Delayed Pull-Through: Audience opinions were widely split, reflecting the lack of consensus in the field. Some surgeons favor neonatal repair before NICU discharge, while others prefer waiting several months. What the Literature Shows: A 2021 PCPLC retrospective study comparing neonatal versus delayed primary pull-through procedures found no significant difference in enterocolitis rates, postoperative complications, or long-term fecal continence outcomes. Timing Isn’t the Only Factor: The neonatal cohort underwent surgery at a median age of 11 days, while delayed repairs occurred closer to 98 days—yet outcomes remained comparable. The Importance of Home Irrigations: Panelists emphasized that a family’s ability to safely perform rectal irrigations at home may be more important than patient age when deciding surgical timing. Preventing Serious Complications: Inadequate decompression at home can increase the risk of enterocolitis or perforation, making caregiver education and confidence a critical component of successful Hirschsprung management. Individualized Decision-Making: Surgeons should consider family readiness, follow-up access, and irrigation competency when determining the timing of pull-through surgery. This session highlights that while surgical timing remains flexible, empowering families with proper bowel management skills is essential to achieving safe outcomes in Hirschsprung disease. For more information on the Colorectal team at CCHMC, visit here: https://cincinnatichildrens.pulse.ly/264pcddqqh

    2 min
  3. Update Course Rewind 2025: Do We Still Need Routine Anal Dilations After PSARP?

    May 14

    Update Course Rewind 2025: Do We Still Need Routine Anal Dilations After PSARP?

    In this Update Course Rewind from the 13th Annual Update Course in Pediatric Surgery, Drs. Jamie Harris, Elizabeth Speck, Aaron Garrison, and Annie Le-Nguyen revisit a long-standing postoperative practice in colorectal surgery: are routine anal dilations after PSARP truly necessary? Key Highlights: Questioning a Surgical Tradition: For decades, postoperative anal dilations have been considered standard after PSARP—but emerging studies and clinician experience are challenging whether they should be universally required. Emotional Impact on Families: Panelists discussed the significant anxiety and stress dilations can create for caregivers, including concerns about harming the repair and reports of PTSD-like experiences for both families and patients. What the Data Shows: Recent institutional reviews comparing dilation protocols versus no dilations found similar rates of neoanal stricture and reoperation, suggesting mandatory dilations may not always improve outcomes. Alternative Approaches: Heineke-Mikulicz anoplasty (HMA) was highlighted as a safe, minimally invasive outpatient option for managing strictures instead of prolonged dilation regimens. Why Some Surgeons Still Dilate: Many surgeons continue postoperative dilations in neonates, particularly in healthcare systems where rapid access to elective revision procedures may be limited. Individualized Decision-Making: Patient age, anatomy, caregiver comfort, access to follow-up care, and institutional resources all play a role in deciding whether postoperative dilations are appropriate. This session emphasizes that postoperative care after PSARP may not need a one-size-fits-all approach—and that family-centered decision-making is becoming increasingly important in colorectal surgery. For more information on the Colorectal team at CCHMC, visit here: https://cincinnatichildrens.pulse.ly/264pcddqqh

    3 min
4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Through GlobalCastMD’s world-class network of physicians and technology, any health system can provide their doctors access to ongoing mentoring and education. Companies can leverage this same network to more effectively train physicians on products and use it to help train their own sales force. Our educational materials aim to provide entertaining, interactive education for anyone, regardless of geography. We truly are: Dedicated to the rapid advancement of care. Everywhere.

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