ABSTRACT
We describe an unusual case of iatrogenic double lumen esophagus in a young female who underwent a Nissen fundoplication surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infancy. The patient suffered from refractory symptoms, including dysphagia and failure to thrive before she was evaluated and noted to have a double-lumen in the distal esophagus leading to the stomach with both lumina being extremely narrow. This condition has only rarely been described in the literature. Her symptoms were reversed after surgical reconstruction of the distal esophagus using a novel stapling technique through a gastrotomy. This is the first report of successful surgical reconstruction of a double lumen esophagus.
Subject(s)
Esophageal Fistula/surgery , Gastric Fistula/surgery , Adolescent , Digestive System Surgical Procedures/methods , Female , HumansABSTRACT
Rectocele is an abnormal protrusion of the anterior wall of the rectum into the vagina. When symptomatic, it will typically cause obstructed defecation. It is almost exclusively found in females with rare reports in males and never been described in the literature in children younger than 18 years of age so far. We are presenting 3 cases of rectocele with obstructed defecation in the pediatric population. These children presented with the complaints of constipation along with refractory straining. They were diagnosed by defecography. Two were treated surgically and one conservatively. Surgical intervention completely cured the problem with uneventful postoperative course. Further multicenter studies with the aid of radiologic studies on children with "hard to treat" constipation should be considered to better define that disorder in the pediatric age group. A more vigilant approach may have implications in the prevention of more severe rectal and uterovaginal prolapse in the future.
Subject(s)
Colectomy/methods , Rectocele/diagnosis , Biopsy , Child , Colonoscopy , Defecation , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Human Coprophagia/diagnosis , Humans , Rectocele/physiopathology , Rectocele/surgeryABSTRACT
The use of the laparoscopic approach to perform antireflux procedures has increased dramatically since its introduction in 1991. To date, no prospective randomized studies comparing open surgery to the minimal invasive approach in children have been reported. Many retrospective reviews and case series have demonstrated that laparoscopic antireflux procedures are safe and effective once the learning curve is achieved. This position paper is coauthored by the New Technology Committee of the American Pediatric Surgery Association. The goal is to discuss the ongoing controversies and summarize the available evidence to identify the risks and benefits of laparoscopic antireflux procedures.
Subject(s)
Fundoplication/methods , Gastroesophageal Reflux/surgery , Laparoscopy , Child , Child, Preschool , Clinical Competence , Forecasting , Fundoplication/adverse effects , Humans , Infant , Laparoscopy/adverse effects , Laparoscopy/methods , Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/education , Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/statistics & numerical data , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Reoperation , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
HYPOTHESIS: The use of passenger compartment safety measures has not led to decreases in pediatric morbidity or mortality in our population of patients. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: University, tertiary care, level I trauma center. PATIENTS: All patients admitted to the Trauma Center at Louisiana State University Health Science Center School of Medicine in Shreveport between July 1, 1991, and December 31, 2000, who were younger than 16 years and involved in a motor vehicle crash. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intensive care complications, postoperative complications, and mortality. RESULTS: We reviewed the experience of all pediatric patients involved in motor vehicle crashes and transported to the Trauma Center at Louisiana State University Health Science Center School of Medicine in Shreveport from July 1, 1991, through December 31, 2000. A total of 191 patients met these criteria. There were 8 deaths, and only 1 of these patients was restrained. There were significantly more injuries in those patients who died compared with those who survived (Modified Injury Severity Score, 29 vs 9; P<.001). We compared the use of restraints in our cohort with the use of restraints in the US pediatric population. Only 20% of our patients were restrained vs 68% of the general pediatric population. This difference was significant (P<.001, chi2) test). CONCLUSIONS: In our population of patients, death was a relatively infrequent occurrence. All patients who died presented in extremis. No patient died as the result of a complication. The rate of seat belt use in our population of patients was low. The exact reason for why we were unable to detect any survival benefit with seat belt use is unclear and demands further investigation.
