Variation in Long-Term Care of Pediatric Surgery Patients: A Survey of Pediatric Surgeons in Korea

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate postoperative outpatient follow-up practices among pediatric surgeons in Korea for five common congenital diseases: esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF), anorectal malformation (ARM), Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR), choledochal cyst (CC), and inguinal hernia (IH).Methods: A web-based survey consisting of 43 questions was distributed to members of the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons.The survey assessed the timing, frequency, and duration of outpatient follow-up, as well as disease-specific practices.Results: Of 154 invited surgeons, 45 (29.2%) responded.Most scheduled the first follow-up visit within one week after discharge.During the first postoperative year, follow-up visits were commonly held every three months, followed by six months or annual intervals.Most surgeons concluded follow-up before age 18; however, 15.6%-37.8%reported continuing follow-up into adulthood depending on the disease.Variation was observed in diseasespecific practices: 44.4% routinely performed contrast studies for EA/TEF follow-up; sizes #14-15 Hegar dilators were most used in ARM; only 6.7% performed routine rectal irrigation in HSCR.For CC, 88.9% checked both blood tests and ultrasonography.Most IH patients received only one follow-up visit.Conclusion: While early postoperative follow-up practices among pediatric surgeons in Korea appear relatively consistent, wide variation exists in long-term strategies and disease-specific protocols.This reflects the tendency to rely on individual clinical judgment and highlights the need for standardized, national consensus.