ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate our experience in laparoscopic management as the procedure of choice for nonpalpable testes (NPT). Methods: Review of charts of all boys with NPT who underwent laparoscopy (January 2000 December 2005). Demographic data, ultrasound (US) results, surgical details were documented. Results: Sixty-three patients (74 NPT) were identified; 25 left, 26 right and 12 bilateral. Mean age at diagnosis was 3.6y (lm-13y). Thirty-seven cases had a pre-op US; in 29 (78 percent) the testis was not found; 7(22 percent) an intra-canalicular teste was described. All were impalpable at evaluation under anesthesia (EUA). Mean age at surgery was 4.9y (2 m-17 y). Laparoscopic findings were; intra-abdominal teste (n = 24, 33 percent), vanishing teste (n = 12, 16 percent) and vas-vessels entering inguinal ring (n = 38, 51 percent). 16/24 underwent a 2-stage Fowler-Stephens orchyopexy and 8/24 a laparoscopic-assisted single stage orchypexy. When vas-vessels entered inguinal ring, inguinal exploration was performed; 23 cases underwent orchyopexy; 13 had orchydectomy (atrophic-vanishing). After follow-up, 3 testes are atrophic. Conclusions: 36/74 NPT were not in the inguinal canal (24 intraabdominal and 12 vanishing). When vas-vessels entered inguinal ring, 13 were vanishing-atrophic and not identifiable (EUA or US). Hence, in 49 cases (66 percent) laparoscopic exploration was critical in teste location, therefore this approach may be the procedure of choice for NPT.
Objetivo: Revisar nuestra experiencia en el abordaje laparoscópico como primer procedimiento en el estudio de teste no palpable (TNP). Método: Todas las fichas de niños con diagnóstico de TNP sometidos a laparoscopia entre Enero 2000 y Diciembre 2005 fueron revisadas. Se documentó detalles demográficos, ecográficos, laparoscópicos y de la cirugía realizada. Resultados: 63 pacientes con 74 TNP fueron identificados; todos fueron no palpados al examen bajo anestesia (EBA). Bajo visión laparoscópica, en 38/ 74 (51 por ciento) el conducto deferente y los vasos se introducían en el orificio inguinal profundo, realizándose una exploración inguinal abierta; 13/38 eran atrofíeos/evanescentes, en 23 se realizó orquidopexia, en 1 se realizó un primer tiempo de Fowler-Stephens y 1 no fue descrito. De los 36 (49 por ciento) testes intra-abdominales, 12 eran evanescentes, en 8 se realizó una orquidopexia asistida por laparoscopia y los otros 16/36 se sometieron a un primer tiempo de F-S. En el post-operatorio hubo 3 testes atrofíeos; 2 luego de un segundo tiempo de F-S y 1 luego de una orquidopexia en primer tiempo fallida. Conclusiones: De los 74 TNP, 36 no estaban en el canal inguinal (24 intrabdominales y 12 atrofíeos/evanescentes). De los casos en que los vasos y deferente se dirigían al anillo inguinal (n = 38), 13 eran atrofíeos/evanescentes, lo que explicaría por qué no fueron detectados al EBA y/o ecografía. Por lo tanto, en 66 por ciento (49/74) de los niños en esta serie, la exploración laparoscópica fue crítica en determinar la localización testicular, lo que la hace recomendable para el enfrentamiento del TNP.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adolescent , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Cryptorchidism/surgery , Cryptorchidism/diagnosis , Laparoscopy/methods , Follow-Up Studies , Postoperative Complications , Retrospective Studies , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Background: Cardiovascular risk, growth failure and the new immunosuppressive drugs, have encouraged steroid withdrawal or total avoidance with promising results in renal transplant (Tx) immunosuppression. Aim: To evaluate a new immunosuppressor protocol with early withdrawal of steroids in pediatric kidney transplant. Patients and methods: Prospective study in pediatric patients older than 1 year and low immunological risk. Group A (n =28): steroids in decreasing doses until day 7 post Tx, tacrolimus (FK) and micophenolate mofetil (MMF). Group B (n =28) control: steroids, cyclosporine and azathioprine or steroids, FK and MMF. In both groups the induction therapy included basiliximab. Anthropometric and biochemical variables (renal function, lipid profile, hematological, blood glucose and acid-base equilibrium), acute rejection and CMV infection, were evaluated. Mean values and variations for continuous variables were calculated at months 1, 6, 12 and 18. Results: Two children were withdrawn before month 2, one had an untreatable diarrhea and the second died due to Aspergillus septicemia. Mean values at months 1, 6, 12 and 18 for groups A and B: Creatinine clearence (ml/min): 85.4 vs 89; 79.9 vs 83; 89 vs 80; 79.8 vs 80.6 (p: ns); hematocrit ( percent): 28.8 vs 30.4; 31.7 vs 34.4; 34.4; 32.4 vs 34.8; 34.4 vs 35.5 (p: ns). Total cholesterol (mg/dl): 151 vs 206; 139 vs 174; 138 vs 186; 140 vs 180 (p <0.05). Mean delta height/age Z score at the first year: 0.5 vs 0.15; 0.7 vs 0.22; 0.97 vs 0.25 (p <0.05). Mean systolic blood pressure Z score: 0.9 vs 1.5; 0.5 vs 0.9; -0.3 vs 0.8; 0.1 vs 1.0 (p <0.05). The height/age Z score was significantly superior in patients without steroids. A normalization of growth patterns at month 18 was observed (< 0.05). Both groups presented a negative variation of creatinine clearance during the follow-up, but it was minor in the study group (p <0.05). Two acute rejections were found in each group, and no difference in CMV infections...