Comparison of outcome of TIP urethroplasty with or without Buck's Fascia repair.

OBJECTIVE: TIP is the most common preformed type of Urethroplasty. The intermediate barrier is used as a waterproofing layer to prevent fistula formation. Many tissues have been utilized as a barrier layer, with varying success rates. The search for a better intermediate layer will continue. In this study, we aim to evaluate the role of Buck's Fascia as a covering for the neo-urethra to prevent fistula formation in patients who underwent Snodgrass Urethroplasty. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted between 2018 and 2022. Patients were randomly assigned to either Group 'A' or Group 'B'. Group A included patients who underwent the Snodgrass procedure with a Buck's Fascia cover, while Group B included patients whose neo-urethra was covered with the dartos flap. These patients were closely monitored for the development of short- and long-term complications in both groups, and the results were recorded. RESULTS: The study involved 164 patients, who underwent midpenile and distal hypospadias repair using the Snodgrass technique. In Group 'A' (84 patients), the neo-urethra was covered with Buck's Fascia, while in Group 'B' (80 patients), the neo-urethra was covered with the dartos flap. The mean age of the children was (23.06 ± 16.12) months in group 'A' & (26.06 ± 14.07) months in group 'B'. mean operating time was (40 ± 11.43) minutes, in Group 'A', and (70 ± 17.43) minutes, in Group 'B'. Meatal stenosis occurred in 3.57% of children in Group 'A' and 10% of patients in Group 'B'. Urethral fistulas were encountered in 2.35% of cases in Group 'A'and 10% in Group 'B'. The difference between the groups was statistically significant.

Management of Intussusception in the Era of Ultrasound-Guided Hydrostatic Reduction: A 3-Year Experience from a Tertiary Care Center.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction (HSR) is currently the initial management tool in the treatment of intussusception. HSR is, however, confronted with failures besides there are still a number of patients who primarily undergo surgical intervention for the management of intussusception. We undertook this study to assess the efficacy of HSR and also to look for factors demanding the surgical exploration in patients with intussusception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 215 patients with intussusception from June 2014 to June 2017 were prospectively studied. HSR was carried out in 203 patients, which was successful in 187 and unsuccessful in 16. These two groups were compared using the Student's t-test. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Twelve patients undergoing surgery primarily were also assessed for the factors affecting the decision-making. RESULTS: HSR was successful in 187 and unsuccessful in 16. The failed group was more likely to have symptoms over 24 h, appearance of crescent, and ≥10-cm length on ultrasonography (USG). Two of these patients had ischemic bowel, two had ileoileal intussusception, and eight had pathological lead points, whereas no obvious cause could be identified in the rest of the four patients. Among the 12 patients who were primarily operated, four patients had peritonitis and other four patients were neonates. Laparoscopic reduction was done in four patients. CONCLUSION: HSR is a safe and effective treatment modality for intussusception. However, it is met with higher failure rates in patients with risk factors such as delayed presentation, appearance of crescent on USG, and length >10 cm. The role of HSR is also dubious in situations such as neonatal intussusception, small-bowel intussusception, and multiple intussusceptions and also in preventing the future recurrence. Such patients ought to be managed by laparotomy or where feasible by laparoscopy. Furthermore, before embarking on HSR, peritonitis and bowel ischemia should be ruled out clinically and radiologically. In the suspicious cases of bowel ischemia, USG Doppler may be helpful.

Post ventriculoperitoneal shunt abdominal pseudocyst: Challenges posed in management.

BACKGROUND: In patients with hydrocephalus, the abdominal cavity has been used for absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) since 1905. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt operation is followed by abdominal complications in about 5-47% cases. Abdominal CSF pseudo cyst is an uncommon, but well described complication. AIM: This survey was conducted to study the clinical profile and management of this entity. We present our experience with cases of CSF pseudo cyst in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 4 cases diagnosed to have abdominal pseudo cyst following VP shunt between 2008 and 2013. All the four cases were suspected clinically and diagnosis was confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography. RESULTS: In three patients, the cyst was multilocular and of varying size. Fourth one had a unilocular cyst at the lower end of VP shunt. All the four patients had features of varying degree raised intracranial pressure and a two patients had abdominal signs also. All the patients needed open exploration. Cyst fluid was drained and partial to complete excision of the cyst was done along with the repositioning of the shunt in abdominal cavity in three patients and exteriorization of shunt in one patient. Patients were followed for any further complication over a period of 1-year. CONCLUSION: Abdominal pseudo cyst is a rare complication after VP Shunt and could result in shunt malfunction or abdominal symptoms and signs. Whenever suspected it should be confirmed by imaging, followed by open exploration and repositioning of the shunt.

Tunica vaginalis flap following 'Tubularised Incised Plate' urethroplasty to prevent urethrocutaneous fistulaa.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery for hypospadias has been continuously evolving, implying thereby that no single technique is perfect and suitable for all types of hypospadias. Snodgrass technique is presently the most common surgical procedure performed for hypospadias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed the results of tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) as an additional cover to the tubularised incised plate (TIP) repair. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients of hypospadias were repaired using TIP urethroplasty and TVF as a second layer. Mean age at the time of presentation was 6.63 ± 3.4 years. Post-operative complications namely wound infection, flap necrosis, scrotal haematoma, scrotal abscess, urethral fistula, meatal stenosis were recorded and analysed during follow-up period. Need for re-do surgery was considered as failure of the operative procedure. Out of 35 patients, 8 (22.85%) patients had proximal penile hypospadias and 27 (77.14%) patients had distal penile hypospadias. Mean post-operative follow-up was 24.53 months. During the follow-up complications noticed included wound infection (n = 2), urethrocutaneous fistula (n = 1) and meatal stenosis (n = 1). Wound infection was managed with appropriate antibiotics as per hospital policy/culture and sensitivity reports. Meatal stenosis responded to bougie dilatation/calibration during follow-up. CONCLUSION: To conclude, TVF as an additional cover is associated with an acceptable complication rate and good cosmetic results if performed with meticulous tissue handling.

Inguinal Hydatid cyst in a child: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: Hydatid disease is a common health problem in developing countries and liver and lungs are the most commonly involved organs. Hydatid cyst in inguinal canal is very rare and no case in children has been reported in literature. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a four year male child with right inguinal swelling with occasional pain and gradually increase in size. The diagnosis of lipoma of the cord was made. Up on inguinal exploration, coincidently Hydatid cyst was detected. Postoperatively histopathological examination (HPE) of the cyst confirmed the diagnosis of Hydatid disease and patient was put on albendazole therapy for three months. DISCUSSION: Hydatid disease is very rare in the inguinal canal and no case in children has been reported. In adults fewer than five cases has been reported and is usually coincidently detected during surgical exploration, as was in our case. Ultrasonography, CT, MRI and other serological tests may help in pre-operative diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In endemic areas, patients with progressive enlarging groin swelling, possibility of Hydatid cyst should be kept in mind and should be operated as early as possible.

Comparative Study of Snodgrass and Mathieu's Procedure for Primary Hypospadias Repair.

Objective. Present study was undertaken to compare the results of two single stage hypospadias repairs, namely, Tubularized Incised Plate (TIP) repair and Mathieu's repair. Methods. The study included 100 patients of distal penile hypospadias, from January, 2008 to January, 2013. After a detailed history, local examination was performed with reference to the site of meatus, shape of glans, and presence of chordee. TIP repair was performed in 52 patients and Mathieu's repair in 48 patients. On follow-up, the patients were examined for the position of meatus, shape of meatus, urinary stream, urethrocutaneous fistula, and stricture formation. Results. The mean age of presentation was 6.2 ± 3.2 years (range 1.5-15years). The mean operative time was 63.7 ± 14.3 (45-90) minutes and 95.0 ± 19.1 (70-125) minutes in TIP and Mathieu's repair, respectively.Complications after surgery were urethero cutaneous fistula in 3(5.76%) and 7 (14.5%), meatal stenosis in 3(5.33%) and 4(8.33%), wound infection in 19.2% and 8.3% cases in TIP repair and Mathieu repair, respectively. The shape of meatus was slit-like and vertically oriented in 48(92.3%) patients who had undergone TIP repair. Conclusion. The Snodgrass repair is significantly faster, with more natural cosmetic appearance of the meatus than the Mathieu's repair.

Late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to highlight the clinical profile, misdiagnosis, surgical treatment,and prognosis of late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) cases in a tertiary level hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all the babies and children >1 month of age with CDH who were admitted in our Hospital (Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, India) during the period between January 2008 and December 2013. Babies with age <1 month were excluded from the study. Data regarding clinical profile, operative records, and follow-up was reviewed and analysed statistically. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were included in this study. The clinical picture ranged from respiratory distress (13 patients) to non-specific gastrointestinal complaints (5 patients). In two patients, CDH was misdiagnosed as pneumothorax and had got chest tube inserted in other hospitals before referral to this tertiary care centre. In 14 patients chest, X-ray revealed the diagnosis of CDH and in remaining five patients (including the two patients with misdiagnosis) further investigations were undertaken to establish the diagnosis. Age ranged from 45 days to 17 years with an average age of 58.9 months. There were 12 male and 8 female patients. In all the 20 patients, surgical procedures were undertaken with the retrieval of herniated contents from the thoracic cavity and repair of the diaphragmatic defect. There was no mortality in our series. All the 20 patients were followed-up for a period ranging from 6 months to 5 years (median 3.1 years). CONCLUSIONS: Late-presenting CDH can have diverse clinical presentation. Late diagnosis and misdiagnosis can result in significant morbidity and potential mortality if these cases are not managed properly at an appropriate stage. Outcome is favourable if these patients are expeditiously identified and surgically repaired.

Recurrent malignant juxtaglomerular cell tumor: A rare cause of malignant hypertension in a child.

A juxtaglomerular cell tumor or reninoma is a very rare renin-secreting tumor of the kidney and can be an unusual cause of secondary hypertension. We report a case of recurrence of this uncommon tumor at the hilum of left kidney in an 8-year-old male child.

Neonatal intestinal obstruction due to double jejunal web causing Windsock deformity.

Windsock deformity (WD) is a rare anomaly. A case of double jejunal web with WD causing neonatal intestinal obstruction is being reported.

Mechanical small bowel obstruction in children at a tertiary care centre in Kashmir.

BACKGROUND: Small bowel obstruction is the commonest surgical emergency encountered in childhood. We observed that intestinal obstruction caused by ascariasis is one of the leading causes of death in our children and consumes a major portion of our hospital resources. Other causes include intussusception, adhesions, volvulus, hernias, and worm obstruction. The aim of this study was to analyze the presentation, diagnosis, management of mechanical bowel and complication of obstruction in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted from Jan 2005 to Dec 2007 in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Sheri-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir. All patients who presented in the emergency department with the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction were recruited. Patients with a dynamic obstruction were excluded from the study. Diagnosis was based on history and radiological findings. Data regarding the type of management, operative findings, operative procedure and post-operative complications were collected. RESULTS: There were 207 patients admitted for intestinal obstruction. Males and females were equally affected. Most of the children (55%) were aged 3-5 years. The causes of obstruction included ascariasis 131 (63.2%), adhesion 23 (11.1%), intussusception 21 (10.1%), obstructed hernia 17 (8.2%), and volvulus 11 (5.3%). One hundred twenty-six patients needed an operative intervention and 81 were treated conservatively. The operative procedures performed included enterotomy in 37 (29.3%), milking of worms in 18 (14.2%), resection anastomosis in 31 (24.6%) and adhesiolysis in 13 (10.3%). Appendicular perforation was seen in 4 (1.9%) and worm in gall bladder in 1 (0.5%) patients. Surgical complications were wound infection in 18 (14.2%), burst abdomen in 5 (3.9%) and fecal fistula in 3 (2.3%) patients. CONCLUSION: Intestinal obstruction is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in children. Obstruction by ascariasis constituted the majority of intestinal obstruction in this study. Efforts should be made to eradicate ascariasis in endemic areas through proper sanitation, hygiene and use of antihelminthics.

Prune belly syndrome with pouch colon and absent dermatome.

Prune belly syndrome (PBS) is a rare congenital constellation of defects in pediatric surgical practice. Although anorectal anomalies have been reported in association with PBS, only few case of pouch colon with PBS has been reported. [1] In addition, our patient had deficient abdominal wall with absent dermatome in left upper quadrant, which has never been reported in the English literature. This association with abdominal wall deficiency and absent dermatome not only strengthens the theory of mesodermal arrest in the etiology of PBS but also points towards a defect in the ectodermal development.