Purpose
To report a nationwide survey on neuroblastoma conducted by the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) in 2020.
Methods
The clinical data of pediatric patients diagnosed with and treated for neuroblastoma from 2005 to 2019 in 19 hospitals of KAPS members were collected. Survival and prognostic factor analyses were performed using the log rank test and Cox proportional hazard analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.
Results
A total of 669 patients with neuroblastoma were registered for the study. The results were presented and discussed at the 36th annual meeting of the KAPS, which was held in Seoul on August 21, 2020.
Conclusion
This study provides information on patient demographics, prognostic outcomes, and comprehensive treatment outcomes for neuroblastoma. The study is expected to be an important reference for improving pediatric surgeons’ understanding and treatment of neuroblastoma.

Purpose
To report the findings of a perception survey on intestinal malrotation conducted by the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) in 2021.
Methods
The perceptions on intestinal malrotation regarding clinical decision making of the KAPS members were collected through web-based survey.
Results
A total of 22 surgeons were answered for this study. The results were presented and discussed at the 37th annual meeting of KAPS, which was held in Seoul on June 18, 2021.
Conclusion
This study provides the clinical decisions of the KAPS members on the intestinal malrotation. The study is expected to be an important reference for improving pediatric surgeons’ understanding and treatment of intestinal malrotation.

Purpose
Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare but progressive cholangiopathy and the leading cause of pediatric liver transplantation worldwide. The Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) has conducted three national surveys (2001, 2011, and 2023) to assess long-term trends in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of BA. This study provides a comparative analysis of the 2nd and 3rd national surveys, with reference to selected findings from the 1st survey.
Methods
This study included 453 patients from the 3rd national survey (2011–2021) and 435 patients from the 2nd survey (2001–2010), all of whom underwent Kasai portoenterostomy. Data were collected via electronic case report forms from pediatric surgical centers nationwide. Comparisons were made regarding demographics, clinical features, diagnostic patterns, operative details, follow-up outcomes, and survival. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to evaluate long-term survival.
Results
The mean number of BA patients per year remained stable between surveys (43.5 in the 2nd, 41.18 in the 3rd), though centralization of care increased, with 61.5% of cases managed by two major institutions in the 3rd survey. The median age at surgery decreased, and the use of preoperative imaging (especially magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) increased. The 10-year native liver survival rate declined from 59.8% to 53.7%, while overall 10-year survival improved slightly (92.9% to 93.2%). Postoperative complications, such as cholangitis and liver failure, persisted but were better categorized. The 3rd survey also reported improved mortality (4.9%) and reduced follow-up loss (11.5%) compared to the 2nd survey.
Conclusion
While overall survival after Kasai operation has remained high and even improved, native liver survival has slightly declined. The findings reflect earlier diagnosis, more consistent diagnostic imaging, and increasing centralization of care. These trends underscore the importance of long-term nationwide data collection in guiding future strategies for BA management 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 disease-specific 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.

The Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) performed a nationwide survey on sacrococcygeal teratoma in 2018.

The authors reviewed and analyzed the clinical data of patients who had been treated for sacrococcygeal teratoma by KAPS members from 2008 to 2017.

A total of 189 patients from 18 institutes were registered for the study, which was the first national survey of this disease dealing with a large number of patients in Korea. The results were discussed at the 34th annual meeting of KAPS, which was held in Jeonju on June 21–22, 2018.

We believe that this study could be utilized as a guideline for the treatment of sacrococcygeal teratoma to diminish pediatric surgeons' difficulties in treating this disease and thus lead to better outcomes.

Purpose
Report of a nationwide survey on lymphangioma conducted by the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) in 2019.
Methods
The authors reviewed and analyzed the clinical data of pediatric patients who started treatment for lymphangioma in hospitals of KAPS members from 2011 to 2013. Their follow-up data is also included in the study.
Results
A total of 532 patients with lymphangioma from 18 institutes were registered for the study. The results were discussed at the 35th annual meeting of KAPS, which was held in Gyeongju on June 13–14, 2019.
Conclusion
This study provides general information on lymphangioma and comprehensive treatment outcomes for this disease. The study is expected to be an important reference for improving pediatric surgeons’ understanding and treatment of lymphangioma.