Function on Defecation after Surgical Correction in Anorectal Malformations: Results of Krickenbeck Assessment

PURPOSE: The final aim of operation for anorectal malformations (ARMs) is acquisition of normal bowel habit by preserving an anorectal function. This study was performed to assess the functional results after definite correction of the malformations. METHODS: 37 patients (Group 1) without rectocutaneous fistula and 23 patients (Group 2) with rectocutaneous fistula were Included in the study. The authors examined functional assessment of children over 3-years-old, according to Krickenbeck classification, and analyzed the results. RESULTS: Group 1 showed significant soiling in 24.3% and constipation requiring management in 35.1%.But Group 2 showed constipation in only 8.7%. The results of Krickenbeck assessment are as follows: Group 1 showed good results in 64.9% and poor results in 35.1% with improvement over time. Group 2 showed 91.3%, 8.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Constipation rather than soiling was the main functional problem after surgical repair of anorectal malformations but improved over time. It seems that more aggressive management of constipation warrants good results after definite surgical repair.

Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis Not Associated with Gallstone in a 9-year-old Girl

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is known to be a rare, variant type of chronic cholecystitis and more frequently found in the adults with a prevalence of 0.7 to 13.2% of all cholecystitis, moreover very rare in children. Clinically, this usually presents as chronic or acute cholecystitis associated with gallstones, but biliary colic is unusual. Although it requires surgery for management, it may accompany some difficulties during cholecystectomy and postoperative complications such as biliary fistula. It could also give rise to higher conversion rates than other diseases of the gallbladder during laparoscopic procedures. We experienced a very rare pediatric case of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis not associated with gallstones, successfully managed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hereby report it with literature reviews.

Analysis of Neonatal Surgery during a 5-year Period

PURPOSE: In the field of pediatric surgery, neonatal surgery occupies a special portion and has clinical varieties. Recently many associated physicians, such as pediatric surgeons, neonatologists, anesthetists, pathologists and radiologists, work collaboratively for care. This study was designed to identify characteristics of neonatal surgery based on clinical experiences in a single institute. METHODS: Neonates receiving operation during a 5-year period between Jan. 2003 and Dec. 2007 in Pusan National University Children's Hospital were reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups of age after birth; early neonatal (before 7 days) and late neonatal period (after 7 days) and the operation was classified as a primary procedure for definite treatment and a staged procedure including 2nd look operation. We analyzed their clinical data and postoperative results. RESULTS: 286 cases of neonates were included during this period, 118 cases (41.3%) in early neonatal and 168 (58.7%) in late neonatal period. Distribution of diseases was as follows, sequentially; 60 (21.0%) anorectal malformations, 46 (16.1%) intestinal atresia, 44 (15.4%) Hirschsprung's disease, 35 (12.2%) necrotizing enterocolitis, 24 (8.3%) hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, 20 (6.9%) inguinal hernia, 13 (4.5%) malrotation, 9 (3.1%) tumor, 8 (2.7%) diaphragmatic hernia, 6 (2.0%) abdominal wall defect and 21 (7.3%) others. According to the operation, a primary procedure was performed in 205 cases (71.7%) and a staged procedure in 81 cases (28.3%). The morbidity and mortality was 3.1% and 2.8% respectively. CONCLUSION: When considering morbidity and mortality after neonatal surgery for patients who have associated anomalies, collaborative care is necessary to expect a good outcome.

A Subtotally Divided End-loop Colostomy for Unresectable Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE: Divided end-loop colostomy is recommended in some cases of unresectable rectal cancer or anal incontinence, because a conventional loop colostomy is difficult to managing due to bulky stoma volume for a long period. In such case of the divided end-loop colostomy, severe inflammation may occur at the stoma site by poor conditions of the patient so that cause to be retracted or detached, and distal loop may be disrupted. To avoid these problems, we designed subtotally divided end-loop colostomy and studied its clinical effectiveness retrospectively. METHODS: About a 3 cm diameter, round skin incision as presumed colostomy size was made at the left lower abdomen, and entered the abdominal cavity by splitting the rectus muscle fibers. The caudal side of colon can be identified by confirming the fusioned taenia at the rectosigmoid colon level. After pulling out the colonic loop, the distal colon far from the lesion was subtotally divided by a GIA staple or manual suture, which cut obliquely 80% or 90% from the antimesenteric side of the distal loop while maintaining the 10% or 20% mesenteric side of the colonic loop. Then an end-loop colostomy is matured with a small fistularization of the distal loop as the undivided mesenteric side of colon. RESULTS: In 8 cases, subtotally divided colonic loop using a GIA staple. But in 9 cases, divided manually because of makedly thickened, edematous colonic wall resulting from prolonged obstruction. There were several mild complications, i.e. transient dermatitis in 5 cases, transient bulky stoma due to edema in 4 cases, mild retraction of stoma in 2 cases, and mild prolapse of stoma in 1 case. There were no major functional abnormalities during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Although we need to get further clinical experiences, the subtotally divided end-loop colostomy seems to be a useful alternative surgical procedure for unresectable rectal cancer.