Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction of ileo-colic intussusception in childhood: first-line management for both primary and recurrent cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of ultrasonography-guided hydrostatic reduction in primary and recurrent ileo-colic intussusception in children. METHODS: The children (<18 years of age) who were managed for ileo-colic intussusception between January 2015 and December 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Age, gender, presenting complaints, length of the intussuscepted segment, presence of lead point, treatment modalities, recurrence rates and duration of recurrence were evaluated. RESULTS: 108 patients with ileo-colic intussusception were enrolled in the study; 59 were male and 49 were female with a mean age of 2.04 ± 1.71 years. Two patients underwent immediate surgery without any attempt of hydrostatic reduction. Nineteen patients (18%) were managed by conservative measures initially. Seventeen (89.5%) of them have recovered with expectant management and two patients required hydrostatic enema reduction during follow-up. In total, 89 patients underwent hydrostatic reduction; 48 were male and 41were female with a mean age of 1.9 ± 1.65 years. Twelve patients (13.5%) received surgery after failed hydrostatic reduction. In the patients with successful hydrostatic reduction, one more episode of intussusception is seen in 10 patients (13%) and 2 additional episodes in 2 (2.6%). Seven patients with relapse were male and 5 were female with a mean age of 1.16 ± 1.64 years. The median duration of the first relapse episode was 67.5 days (range 18-110 days). The ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction was also successful in patients with recurrence. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction is a non-invasive treatment of ileo-colic intussusception with high success rates in childhood. It can be performed safely in both initial and relapse episodes of intussusception.

Ultrasonography-guided hydrostatic reduction of ileocolic intussusception in childhood: First-line option for management of primary and recurrent cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of ultrasonography-guided hydrostatic reduction in primary and recurrent ileo-colic intussusception in children. METHODS: The children (<18 years of age) who were managed for ileocolic intussusception between January 2015 and December 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Age, gender, presenting complaints, length of the intussuscepted segment, presence of leading point, treatment modalities, recurrence rates and duration of recurrence were evaluated. RESULTS: 108 patients with ileocolic intussusception were enrolled in the study; 59 were male and 49 were female with a mean age of 2.04 ± 1.71 years. Two patients underwent immediate surgery without any attempt of hydrostatic reduction. Nineteen patients (18%) were managed by conservative measures initially. Seventeen (89.5%) of them have recovered with expectant management and two patients required hydrostatic enema reduction during follow-up. In total, 89 patients underwent hydrostatic reduction; 48 were male and 41were female with a mean age of 1.9 ± 1.65 years. Twelve patients (13.5%) received surgery after failed hydrostatic reduction. In the patients with successful hydrostatic reduction, one more episode of intussusception is seen in 10 patients (13%) and 2 additional episodes in 2 (2.6%). Seven patients with relapse were male and 5 were female with a mean age of 1.16 ± 1.64 years. The median duration of the first relapse episode was 67.5 days (range;18-110 days). The ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction was also successful in patients with recurrence. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction is a non-invasive treatment of ileocolic intussusception with high success rates in childhood. It can be performed safely in both initial and relapse episodes of intussusception.

Histopathological and mechanical effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper® on wound healing in rats: an experimental model

Background/aim: To evaluate the histopathological and mechanical effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) application on wound healing. Materials and methods: A total of 24 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three equal groups. In each group, a 3 cm-long midline vertical skin incision was performed in the back of the rats. In Group 1, the incision was sutured primarily. In Group 2, incision was left to secondary healing. In Group 3, ABS was applied to the incision. On the 10th day, burst pressure width was measured, and rats were sacrificed. The tissue samples were examined histopathologically. Statistical analysis was conducted with IBM SPSS program. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean burst pressure widths of wound separation were 13.66 ± 0.457, 7.18 ± 2.599, and 13.66 ± 1.11 mm for Groups 1­3, respectively. The difference in burst pressure width between Groups 1 and 3 was not significant (P > 0.05) but was significant between Groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.000). The vascular proliferation median values were 1, 2, and 2, for Groups 1­3, respectively. Although the difference was significant between Groups 1 and 2 in terms of vascular proliferation score (P = 0.047), no significant difference was observed between Group 3 and others. No statistically significant difference was observed among the groups in terms of collagen score, mononuclear cell infiltration, and polymorphonuclear cell proliferation (P > 0.05). The median values of fibroblast proliferation score were 1, 2, and 3, in Groups 1­3, respectively. Fibroblast proliferation score significantly differed between Groups 1 and 3 (P = 0.003). Conclusions: ABS application results in a clean wound healing that is as strong as primary repair. However, additional studies are required to evaluate the late results of increased fibroblastic activity in the early period of ABS application alone.

Striking Visualization of Diffuse Congenital Nesidioblastosis on Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT

"Nesidioblastosis", later renamed as "persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy" presents as either focal or diffuse neo-differentiation of pancreatic Langerhans islet cells from the ductal epithelium. Differentiation of focal disease from diffuse involvement is crucial for optimal disease management. The current methods used to differentiate the two forms pre-operatively are invasive techniques. The definite role of imaging modalities to differentiate diffuse versus focal form has not yet been proven. Herein, we report a 15 day-old infant having diffuse nesidioblastosis, successfully demonstrated by Ga-68 DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging that was histopathologically confirmed.

Evaluation of the histopathological effects of salbutamol inhaler treatment in an experimentally induced rat model of pulmonary contusion

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of salbutamol inhaler treatment in an experimentally induced model of pulmonary contusion. Materials and methods: Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (CG), sham group (SG), treatment group 1 (TG1), and treatment group 2 (TG2). Experimental contusion was established by targeting the right lung tissue. After 72 h, histopathological evaluation for the severity of edema, hemorrhage, and leukocyte infiltration was performed in both sides of the lungs. Results: Examination of right lung tissues revealed a significant difference in edema, hemorrhage, leukocyte infiltration, and total lung injury scores between the CG and SG. Both TG1 and TG2 had less edema, hemorrhage, and leukocyte infiltration and lower total lung injury scores compared with the SG. There was no significant difference in edema, hemorrhage, and total lung injury scores between the CG and TG1 or TG2. A significant difference in hemorrhage scores between the SG and TG1 and edema scores between the SG and TG2 was observed, with treatment groups having lower values. A significant difference in total lung injury score was also found between SG and TG1. Conclusion: Salbutamol inhaler therapy during pulmonary contusion may prevent complications by reducing edema, hemorrhage, leukocyte infiltration, and total lung injury score.

Isolated tubal torsion: A rare cause of acute abdomen in childhood.

Isolated fallopian tube torsion is a rare cause of acute abdomen mostly seen in women of reproductive age. It is often diagnosed during surgery. In this study we aimed to present a case of isolated fallopian tube torsion in a child. An 11-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain. With the help of radiological evaluation we diagnosed. It should be kept in mind that even if ovarian blood flow is normal in girls with abdominal pain, it may be an isolated tubular torsion and requires immediate intervention.

Single port laparoscopic and open surgical accesses of chronic peritoneal dialysis in children: A single center experience over 12 years.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients with end stage renal failure (ESRD) who underwent chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD). The clinical outcomes of laparoscopic and open placements of catheters were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 49 (18 male and 31 female) children with CPD according to age, sex, cause of ESRD, catheter insertion method, kt/V rate, complications, presence of peritonitis, catheter survival rate between January 2002 and February 2014. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were with open placement and 16 patients were with laparoscopic placement. The rate of the peritonitis is significantly less in patients with laparoscopic access than open access (n = 4 vs n = 25) (P <0.01). Patients with peritonitis were younger than those who had no attack of peritonitis (10.95 ± 0.8 years vs 13.4 ± 0.85 years). According to the development of complications, significant difference has not been found between the open (n = 9) and laparoscopic (n = 3) approaches except the peritonitis. Catheter survival rate for the first year was 95%, and for five years was 87.5%. There was no difference between open and laparoscopic group according to catheter survival rate. The mean kt/V which indicates the effectiveness of peritoneal dialysis was mean 2.26 ± 0.08. No difference was found between laparoscopic and open methods according to kt/V. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic placement of CPD results in lower peritonitis rate. Catheter survival rate was excellent in both groups. Single port laparoscopic access for CPD catheter insertion is an effective and safe method.

Different techniques for biliary diversion in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis.

BACKGROUND: Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a cholestatic liver disease of childhood. Pruritus resulting from increased bile salts in serum might not respond to medical treatment, and internal or external biliary drainage methods have been described. In this study, we aimed to evaluate different internal drainage techniques in patients with PFIC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2014, seven children (4 male, 3 female, 3months-5years old), (median 2years of age) with PFIC were evaluated. The patients were reviewed according to age, gender, complaints, surgical technique, laboratory findings and outcome. In each two patients, cholecystoileocolonic anastomosis, cholecystojejunocolonic anastomosis and cholecystocolostomy were performed. Cholecysto-appendico-colonic anastomosis was the technique used in one patient. RESULTS: Jaundice and excessive pruritus were the main complaints. One of the patients with cholecystoileocolonic anastomosis died of comorbid pathologies (cirrhosis, adhesive obstruction and severe sepsis). Temporary rectal bleeding was observed in all the patients postoperatively. Regardless of the surgical technique, pruritus was dramatically decreased in all the patients in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the technique, internal biliary diversion methods are beneficial for the relief of pruritus in PFIC patients. Selection of the surgical method might vary depending on the surgeon's preference and the surgical anatomy of the gastrointestinal system of the patient.

Current radiological techniques used to evaluate unilateral partial ureteral obstruction: an experimental rabbit study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate functional and prognostic benefits of Doppler ultrasonography (DU), diuretic renal scintigraphy (DRS), and magnetic resonance urography (MRU) during diagnosis and follow-up of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and to examine apoptosis rates caused by UPJO in an experimental rabbit model. METHOD: Twenty-four rabbits were divided randomly into two groups. The left kidneys of 15 rabbits from the first group underwent Ulm-Miller surgery to create UPJO, whereas the left kidneys of nine rabbits from the second group underwent sham surgery. A pressure flow study (Whitaker's test) was done during postoperative week 6. Based on the Whitaker test, the DU, DRS, and MRU findings were compared. The number of apoptotic renal cells was counted after death. RESULT: The Whitaker test run during postoperative week 6 revealed obstructions in 15 rabbits from group 1; the nine rabbits of the sham group had no obstructions. Sensitivity and specificity of DRS were 93.3 and 88.8 %, respectively, and those of MRU were 93.3 and 88.8 %, respectively. The postoperative mean RI values were significantly higher than the preoperative values, associated with sensitivity of 86.6 % and specificity of 77.5 % for detecting UPJO. DRS, MRU, and RI could not predict UPJO in one (8 %), one (8 %), and two (16 %) kidneys, respectively. Likelihood ratio (LR) was 8.4 for MRU and scintigraphy, while for RI, LR was 3.9. Pathology specimens revealed that all kidneys with UPJO underwent apoptosis, and the number of apoptotic cells was significantly higher on the UPJO-created side than on the contralateral and in the sham group (p < 0.05). No test predicted all apoptosis related to UPJO. CONCLUSION: The RI, DRS, and DMRU results correlated with the pressure flow results for detecting UPJO. No single radiological technique predicted all initial UPJO-created kidneys that concluded with apoptosis. Further studies are required to seek with better methods for diagnosing an obstruction or to define a combination of radiological techniques aiding in the management decision.

The comparison of the intestinal adaptation effects of subcutaneous and oral insulin in a rats with short bowel syndrome.

AIM: Insulin has been reported to have positive effects on intestinal adaptation after short bowel syndrome when applicated oral or subcutaneously. The purpose of this study is to compare the intestinal adaptation effects of subcutaneous and oral routes of insulin in rats with short bowel syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The short bowel syndrome (SBS) was performed through 70-75% of small intestinal resection and an end-to-end anastomosis. The control group rats underwent SBS only. In the second group, oral insulin (1 U/ml) was administrated twice-daily. In the last group, the insulin was administrated subcutaneously (1 U/kg) as in the control group. All rats were killed on day 15. Outcome parameters were weight of small intestine, the crypt length, villous depth, the blood levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and granolocyt-monocyst colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF). RESULTS: Intestinal weight was significantly more in oral insulin group and subcutaneous insulin group than in the control group (72.6 ± 4.3, 78.6 ± 4.8 and 59.7 ± 4.8) (P < 0.05). There was no difference between the groups according to villus length, crypt depth, and villous/crypt ratio both in proximal and distal parts of the resected bowel (P > 0.05). VEGF values were not statistically significant between the groups (200.3 ± 41.6, 178.9 ± 30.7 and 184.3 ± 52.2) (P > 0.05). GMCSF was statistically higher in the control group than in other groups (3.34 ± 1.34, 1.56 ± 0.44 and 1.56 ± 0.44) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Insulin has positive effects on intestinal adaptation in short bowel syndrome. Subcutaneous administration is slightly more effective than the oral route.

Pyloric atresia associated with epidermolysis bullosa: report of two cases and review of the literature.

The coexistence of pyloric atresia (PA) and epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare but well-known surgical emergency in neonates. PA/EB is described by the association of atresia of the pylorus and bullous lesions on the skin. Ninety one cases have been reported in the literature to date. We present two new cases and evaluate the association of PA/ EB, its etiopathogenesis and the clinical properties. Case 1: A three-day-old female presented with nonbilious vomiting and bullous lesions 2-3 cm in diameter on the extremities. Abdominal X-ray showed a single air-fluid level in the left upper quadrant. At laparotomy, we found PA and performed a pyloro-pylorostomy. The patient died due to sepsis complication of EB two months after surgery. Case 2: A two-day-old male presented with severe dermal bullous lesions on the trunk, neck and extremities. His stomach was dilated and there was no gas distally. We found PA and performed gastroduodenostomy. Initially, he tolerated the feeding well, but he died due to severe sepsis on the postoperative 23rd day. Almost all neonates born with the PA/EB result in a fatal outcome in the first few years. The complications related to EB are usually the cause of death. Even after successful repair of PA, skin lesions lead to death due to infection.

Temporary peritoneal dialysis in newborns and children: a single-center experience over five years.

AIM: To evaluate the indications, complications, and outcomes of temporary peritoneal dialysis (TPD) in children with acute renal failure (ARF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing TPD between February 2006 and January 2011 in a children's hospital were included in the study. Patient characteristics, indications, complications, and duration of TPD (DPD), requirement of re-operation, length of stay, presence of sepsis, and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: There were 21 newborns (14 prematures), 9 infants, and 9 children. The main nephrotoxic agents were gentamicin (n = 7), netilmisin (n = 5), vancomycin (n = 3), and ibuprophen (n = 3). Patients with multiorgan failure (n = 9) had significantly higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels than those without multiorgan failure (n = 30) [BUN: 94 ± 27.3 vs. 34.3 ± 4.9) and creatinine: 4.1 ± 0.8 vs. 1.9 ± 0.2)]. The mean DPD was longer in mature patients than in prematures (newborn: 3.7; children: 7.1). Nine complications were observed (23%) (leakage in three and poor drainage in six patients). Twenty-five patients (64.1%) responded to TPD treatment and were discharged, and 14 patients (10 newborns and 7 of them were premature) died (35.9%). Mortality rate was higher in prematures (n = 7) and patients with a history of nephrotoxic agent (n = 10). CONCLUSION: TPD is effective especially in neonates with ARF and it is a reliable alternative to the hemodialysis or other continuous renal replacement therapies but it is not free of complications. It has limited effects, particularly in patients with multiorgan failure.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a very rare cause of jejunoileal intussusception in a 6-year-old girl.

A 6-year-old girl was admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain and bilious vomiting of 3 days in duration. Abdominal ultrasound examination showed an 8-cm-long intussuscepted intestinal segment with a target sign. There was a 26 × 28 × 23 mm nonperistaltic anechoic cystic mass suggestive of a duplication cyst. At laparotomy, the ileocecal region was normal with many enlarged lymph nodes from which biopsies were taken. There was a 20-cm-long intussuscepted segment at the proximal ileum close to the jejunum. After manual reduction, a 2-cm-long edematous segment resembling a duplication cyst served as the lead point. The segment was excised, and a primary bowel anastomosis was performed. She was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. The histopathologic examination revealed that the excised segment contained a gastrointestinal stromal tumor measuring 2.5 cm, with a mitotic rate of 2 to 3 mitoses per 50 high-power fields (low-risk group) showing an infiltrative growth pattern. On immunohistochemistry assay, some of the tumor cells were CD117 and CD34 positive, whereas all of them were smooth muscle actin and S-100 positive but CD10 negative. Staining index with Ki-67 was 5%. Surgical margins were free of tumor. The lymph nodes showed reactive hyperplasia. She was referred to the pediatric oncology department for further evaluation. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are common in adults and may lead to intussusception. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first childhood case of gastrointestinal stromal tumor causing jejunoileal intussusception in the literature.

Successful pregnancy and delivery in a patient with bladder exstrophy.

Bladder exstrophy (BE) is a rare congenital anomaly. Owing to the advanced reconstructive surgical techniques and effective antibiotics, the incidence of urinary and systemic complications in patients with BE has decreased and the life expectancy has increased. However, this brings along social, sexual, and psychological problems; particularly, successful pregnancy and delivery is extremely rare in females with BE. We present a pregnancy of an 18-year-old female with BE, who has been followed at our university hospital since birth.

Effects of intraperitoneal nitroglycerin on the strength and healing attitude of anastomosis of rat intestines with ischemia-reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic conditions in the intestine result in deterioration of anastomosis healing process. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the possible effects of intraperitoneal nitroglycerin on the intestinal anastomosis healing and anastomosis burst pressures in rats with ischemia and reperfusion injury (I/R). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty four Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups. In the first two groups, the rats underwent I/R. In the Group 1, the rats had normal saline (S) and in Group 2, the rats had nitroglycerin (N) injection. In the 3 rd and 4 th groups, an intestinal anastomosis was made at the 10 cm proximally to the ileocecal valve. In Group 3, S and in Group 4, N were injected. In Group 5, the rats received I/R, intestinal anastomosis and intraperitoneal S injection. I/R, intestinal anastomosis and intraperitoneal N injection were made in Group 6 rats. All nitroglycerin (50 µg/kg) injections were made at postoperative days of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 consecutively. On the sixth day, all rats were killed. In all rats with anastomosis, anastomotic burst pressure (ABP) was measured. Histopathological specimens were collected from all rats and evaluated under light microscopy. RESULTS: Serious tissue damage was only detected in the Group 1 histopathologically (8 rats had grade 4 damage). In Group 2, there was a decrease in tissue damage according to histopathologic examination (5 rats had grade 1 damage). The effect onto the healing was similar in S and N groups. Nitroglycerin was noted to have a positive effect on collagen production. Nitroglycerin increased the ABP levels in rats both with and without I/R (the means are 17.93, 21.10, 14.67, and 17.63 in Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively). CONCLUSION: I/R may weaken the strength of intestinal anastomosis. Intraperitoneal application of nitroglycerin may prevent the histopathologic changes within a limited degree. Intraperitoneal nitroglycerin has also positive effects on the healing of intestinal anastomosis of rats with and without I/R. It may increase the fibroblast proliferation and the strength of the anastomosis.

Gastric serosal tear due to congenital pyloric atresia: a rare anomaly, a rare complication.

Congenital pyloric atresia (CPA) is a very rare malformation with unknown aetiology. It has has numerous complications including gastric perforation, aspiration pneumonia. Gastric perforations in newborns occur by three mechanisms: trauma, ischaemia, or spontaneous. Here, we report a newborn with CPA presenting with gastric serosal tearing without full-cut gastric perforation. The diagnosis was confirmed with the help of plain abdominal radiograph, ultrasound, contrast-study, and at operation. Treatment of CPA is surgery irrespective of the type of atresia. We performed serosa repair and then the solid, cord-like atretic pylorus was excised with accompanying gastroduodenostomy. Our patient had an uneventful course and was discharged at the end of the second postoperative week.

A rare cause of chronic rectal bleeding in children; solitary rectal ulcer: case report.

Solitary rectal ulcer causing lower gastrointestinal bleeding is extremely rare in children. Rare presentation, non-specific symptoms, insufficient experience, and characteristics mimicking other rectal diseases may cause misdiagnosis or delay of diagnosis in some pediatric patients. Here, we report a 10-year-old boy with solitary rectal ulcer diagnosed two years after onset of the symptoms who responded well to the conservative therapy, including high-fiber diet, laxatives, defecation training, and sucralfate enema.

Alterations of Cajal cells in patients with small bowel atresia.

PURPOSE: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are regarded as the pacemaker cells of the gastrointestinal tract. There are some well-designed studies investigating the structure and function of ICC subsequent to experimentally induced intestinal obstructions. However, it remains unclear whether reduction of number of ICC primarily leads to mechanical obstruction of the bowel such as seen in intestinal atresia. We aimed to investigate the number of ICC in proximal and distal parts of the atresias of patients with small bowel atresia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients (13 male and 8 female; median age, 3 days; median gestation age, 38 weeks) with jejunal or ileal atresia underwent primary repair between 2001 and 2009. The demographic data were reviewed. The specimen of the distal and proximal parts of the atretic segments was investigated according to presence and number of ICC in the myenteric plexus using immunohistochemical methods. The jejunum segments of 14 newborns who died from causes other than bowel disease were examined as a control. Scoring and count systems were developed for the evaluation of ICC. A continuous layer of CD-117 immunoreactive Cajal cells around the myenteric plexus was scored as 3, whereas discontinuous and diminished Cajal cells were scored as 2. Few and sparse Cajal cells around the myenteric ganglia and in the muscle layer were scored as 1. If there was no Cajal cell at all, it was scored as zero. In addition, the number of ICC per field was counted. The scores and the numbers of ICC per field were compared in patients with small bowel atresia and control group. RESULTS: All patients but one survived. One patient was lost because of congenital cardiac anomalies. The median score of control subjects was 3 (range, 1-3). Both the proximal and distal segments of the atretic bowel had a median score of 1 in patients with atresia. Twenty patients' score of proximal (95%) and 19 patients' score of distal bowel segment (90%) had an ICC score of 2 or less. Only 1 control subject (7%) had an ICC score of less than 2. Results were statistically significant in controls and patients. The mean number of ICC in the control group was 5.36 +/- 2.36; in distal segments of patients with atresia, it was 1.03 +/- 1.4; and in proximal segments, it was 0.82 +/- 1.56. The difference between the control group and the patients was statistically significant (P < .05). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated a remarkable decrease of ICC in small bowel wall of patients with intestinal atresia; but we could not show whether the reduction of ICC is a primary event, which also participates in the pathogenesis of intestinal atresia, or whether the mechanical obstruction caused by any unknown etiology (eg, ischemia) leads to decrease in number of ICC.