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 patients transition into adulthood.
• Innovative Communication: A glimpse into the future of podcasting and education in pediatric surgery.

This episode blends expert insight with cutting-edge technology to show what’s possible when collaboration meets innovation.

Alejandra Vilanova-Sánchez, Julie Choueiki, Caitlin A. Smith, Susan Callicot, Jason S. Frischer, Marc A. Levitt. Creating a collaborative program for the care of children with colorectal and pelvic problems. Seminars in Pediatric Surgery 29 (202) 150985.

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 and highlights how surgical innovation can reduce patient discomfort and streamline recovery.