Interventions in the operating room for children near end of life: A multidisciplinary approach

Pediatric surgeons are often involved in the management of severely or terminally ill patients. However, articles addressing their specific roles in the context of palliative care are almost inexistent. We sought to characterize the involvement of pediatric surgeons caring for children near end of life.

Chart review of children who had a procedure under general anesthesia within 6months of their death over a five-year period at a tertiary children's hospital (excluding traumas and neonatology cases). In addition to demographic and clinical data, we recorded the aim of the procedures performed, the involvement of the palliative care service, and presence of DNAR orders.

The analysis included 83 patients (mean age: 8years). Forty-four children had more than one procedure (range 2-10). Pediatric palliative care service was involved in 66 cases (80%). A majority of patients had cancer (50%), and the most frequent cause of death was oncologic progression (46%). Ten patients died of a complication following their intervention. The aim of the procedure was palliative in 48 cases (29 for symptoms control and 19 to facilitate care), diagnostic in 16, and curative in 19. Forty-five procedures were performed urgently and 14 despite DNAR orders.

Surgeon involvement with children near end of life is not infrequent. The procedures performed are varied and can be categorized according to their aim. Lack of formal palliative care training by surgeons highlights the need for increased collaboration with palliative care services to provide children optimal care when they need it most.

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