[Cryptorchidism in children: Predictive factors of orchidopexy failure and postoperative testicular atrophy]. / La cryptorchidie chez l'enfant : facteurs prédictifs d'atrophie et de réascension testiculaires postopératoires.

INTRODUCTION: Outcomes of orchidopexy for undescended testes may be disappointing. The aim of our study was to identify predictive factors of testicular atrophy and orchidopexy failure. METHODS: It was a prospective monocentric study including all boys operated for undescended testes between January 2009 and December 2014. We have recorded for all boys: age at surgery, testes volume and position, epididymo-testicular fusion and spermatic vessels abnormalities, surgical technique, need for extensive cord dissection and tension-free orchidopexy. RESULTS: We have included 688 boys operated for undescended testes. The whole number of undescended testes was 816. Predictive factors for postoperative testicular atrophy in univariate analysis were: testicular position in deep inguinal orifice, intra-abdominal testes, hypotrophic preoperative testes, epididymo-testicular fusion and spermatic vessels abnormalities, laparoscopic orchidopexy, complete testicular vessels skeletonization and under-tension orchidopexy. In multivariate analysis, peroperative testicular hypotrophy and testicular position in deep inguinal orifice have been identified as independent factors of postoperative atrophy. Predictive factors for testicular reascension in univariate analysis were: intra-abdominal testis position, scrotal orchidopexy and under-tension orchidopexy. In multivariate analysis, no independent factor was identified. CONCLUSION: Peroperative testicular hypotrophy and testicular position in deep inguinal orifice have been identified as independent factors of postoperative atrophy. There was no independent predictive factor for postoperative testicular reascension. LEVEL OF PROOF: 2.

Quality of life of children operated for bladder exstrophy.

INTRODUCTION: Bladder exstrophy is a rare malformation with functional and psychological issues affecting children's quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the urinary continence and the quality of life of patients operated for bladder exstrophy in our institution. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including fifteen patients operated for bladder exstrophy between 1995 and 2015. All patients underwent a physical examination and an interview with a psychiatrist. Urinary continence was evaluated by dryness periods. Quality of life was evaluated by the QoL SF-36 scale. RESULTS: All patients underwent primary early bladder closure. Posterior osteotomy was performed initially in 6 cases, and during the redo surgery in 7 cases. Leakage was recorded in 4 cases, fistula in 9 patients. Twelve patients had one or more redo surgery. Final bladder closure success rate was of 80%. Additional continence surgical procedures were performed by a Young Dees technique in 8 cases and with bladder enlargement associated with Mitrofanoff continent derivation in 5 cases. Only two patients over fifteen did not use diapers. All the items of QoL score according SF-36 were under the normal value (75%) except physical functioning and physical limitation. These scores go worst with age. Scores were better for continent boys in both physical and psychological items, but the difference was not significant However, significant difference was observed between boys having less than 3 surgeries and those having more than three procedures. Psychological and social scores were better for girls than for boys and differences were significant. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of urinary incontinence is high in children managed for bladder exstrophy. Boys are more affected than girls with subsequent psychological and social repercussions. In our study, quality of life depends more on number of surgery than continence results. Psychological problems should be screened early for accurate treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Combination of partial situs inversus, polysplenia and annular pancreas with duodenal obstruction and intestinal malrotation.

Situs inversus is a challenge to the physician, both for the diagnostic and for the therapeutic. A combination of partial situs inversus, annular pancreas and polysplenia with bowel malrotation has been reported in a newborn who presented as duodenal obstruction. Situs inversus is rare especially without heart malformation. All the abnormalities in this combination can be explained on the basis of multiple organ malrotation. It also demonstrates the necessity of meticulous investigation and precise description of the anomaly as far as the management of this case is concerned.

Surgical management of recto-sigmoid Hirschsprung's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Over the years, the surgical management of recto-sigmoid Hirschsprung's disease (HD) has evolved radically and at present a single stage transanal pull-through can be done in suitable cases, which obviates the need for multiple surgeries. AIM: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the role of transanal pull-through in the management of recto-sigmoid HD in our institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis (between January 2003 and December 2009) was carried out on all cases of Hirschsprung's reporting to unity of pediatric surgery of Tunis Children's Hospital that were managed by transanal pull-through as a definitive treatment. All selected patients including neonates had an aganglionic segment confined to the rectosigmoid area, confirmed by preoperative barium enema and postoperative histology. Twenty-six children (86%) had their operation done without construction of prior colostomy. RESULTS: Transanal pull-through was performed in 31 children. Mean operating time was 150 minutes (range 64 to 300 minutes). No patients required laparotomy because all patients including neonates had an aganglionic segment confined to the rectosigmoid area. Blood loss ranged between 20 to 56 ml without blood replacement. Since all children were given an epidural caudal block, the requirement of analgesia in these cases was minimal. Postoperative complications included perianal excoriation in 7 out of 31 patients lasting from 3 weeks to 6 months. Complete anorectal continence was noted in 21 of 31 (67%) children in follow up of 3-5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Transanal endorectal pull-through procedure for the management of rectosigmoid HD is now a well-established and preferred approach. Parental satisfaction is immense due to the lack of scars on the abdomen. As regards the continence, a long-term follow-up is necessary to appreciate better the functional results of this surgery.

[Pancreatic pseudocyst in children: what is the best therapeutic approach?]. / Les pseudokystes du pancréas chez l'enfant : quelle approche thérapeutique ?

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic pseudocyst is an uncommon disorder in children and the majority of reported cases are secondary to trauma. AIM: Treatment options range from medical management to different forms of drainage procedure. The aim of this study was to discuss therapeutic strategies. OBSERVATIONS: The authors report herein pancreatic pseudocyst in four children aged 7, 9, 12, and 13 years with non-resolving pancreatic pseudocyst over a 2-year period from January 2006 to July 2008. The etiology of pancreatic pseudocyst was abdominal trauma in two cases and acute pancreatitis in two cases. Ultrasound and computed tomography scans confirmed the diagnosis. Two patients had endoscopic drainage. There were no procedure-related complications, nor was there a recurrence of the cyst. In one case, the pancreatic pseudocyst resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: This report suggests that children with non-spontaneously resolving pancreatic pseudocyst can be treated successfully and safely with endoscopic drainage. Surgical treatment remains an important alternative in the therapeutic armamentarium of this affection.