Biliary atresia-splenic malformation (BASM) syndrome: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Biliary atresia (BA) is characterized by the presence of persistent cholestatic jaundice during the neonatal period. This group of patients is at higher risk for liver disease and/or portal hypertension compared with other chronic liver diseases. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a newborn patient who had biliary stools early postnatally, but her gallbladder was not seen on radiological examination and was referred to our clinic. On examination, polysplenia was seen, and the inferior vena cava was not seen. The patient's stool color changed to a creamy stool without bile three weeks postnatally. The neonate was diagnosed with biliary atresia and splenic malformation (BASM) syndrome. The patient underwent a Kasai portoenterostomy in the 3rd week of age and was preoperatively diagnosed with malrotation and treated with a Ladd procedure at the same time. The patient had a postoperative stool with bile and decreased bilirubinemia with a normal defecation period. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: BASM syndrome, clinically has different causes and a worse prognosis than isolated BA. The syndrome can lead to end-stage cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated. Although timely Kasai surgery is the standard treatment for BA, the age of the patient at the time of the surgery is different depending on BA groups. CONCLUSION: The most important prognostic factors for BASM syndrome are early diagnosis and treatment. Despite this, the patients need careful follow-up. Postoperative adjuvant steroid therapy may have a good impact on the outcomes.

Neo-glans reconstruction with dartos flaps covered with buccal mucosal graft after total glans amputation during circumcision: novel technique.

Penile glans amputation is a rare and catastrophic complication of circumcision. Reconstruction of the penile glans was indicated following amputation. Our report discusses a novel technique for reconfiguration of the amputated penile glans of a 5-year-old male admitted 6 months following a complicated circumcision. The parents complained of severe meatal stenosis and penile disfigurement. The penis was 3 cm long. Complete penile degloving was performed. The distal part of the remaining penis was prepared by removing fibrous tissue. Dartos flaps, which had been placed on the dorsal side by the previous surgery center, were divided into two similar parts from the ventral side and opened to both sides at the top of the penis, such as a curtain, and a glanular collar-like structure was obtained by bringing 5 cm × 3 cm buccal mucosa. This structure was covered on the penis as glans, and the freed urethra with the spongiosum was sutured here. The patient was taken to hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the postoperative period. The patient's glans-like cosmetic structure was observed during follow-up, and the patient was urinating normally. This is the first surgical repair technique to use this method in the literature. The use of a dartos flap covered with a buccal mucosal graft is a successful and simple procedure with acceptable cosmetic and functional results for the late reconfigurating a neoglans shape after a glans penis amputation when the penile size is suitable.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJ) due to congenital crossing of the renal vessels (CRV): Comparison of the pre- and postoperative features of UPJO with and without CRV.

We evaluated the differences in demographic characteristics of patients with and without underlying crossing renal vessels (CRVs) operated for unilateral symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). We identified the features of patients who had undergone open, laparoscopic and robotically assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty at our institution from July 2000 to January 2021. The ratio of renal parenchymal thickness (RPT; ratio between the kidney with UPJO and the healthy kidney), pelvic diameter and kidney functions were recorded. A total of 641 patients were operated for UPJO; 448 were male (69.8%) and 193 (30.1%) were female; 257 had right-side (40%) and 384 (60%) left-side disease. Fifty-eight patients (9%) were found to have CRV (operated on to treat CRV). The age at diagnosis was 6.51 ± 5.09 years in the CRV (+) group and 1.82 ± 1.37 years in the CRV (-) (p < 0.001). The age at surgery was 8.00 ± 4.71 and 4.27 ± 3.54 years, respectively (p < 0.001). At the time of diagnosis, the RPT measurement was significantly better in CRV (+) compared to CRV (-) group (0.71 ± 0.2 vs. 0.64 ± 0.23, p = 0.043) and initial renal functions were 45.53 ± 8.99% and 42.99 ± 11.65% in CRV (+) and (-) groups respectively. At the time of surgery, the RPTs were 0.60 ± 0.24 and 0.63 ± 0.21 in CRV (+) and (-) groups and these values were also correlated with split renal functions (36.28 ± 15.81% and 41.80 ± 14.26%, respectively). Renal functions were significantly decreased in CRV (+) group (p = 0.027). Significant parenchymal improvements were noted during the first postoperative year. The RPTs were 0.71 ± 0.2 and 0.77 ± 0.19 in the CRV (+) and CRV (-) groups, respectively (p = 0.27) in that time; the improvements continued to increase to postoperative third year (0.74 ± 0.20 and 0.78 ± 0.19 respectively; p = 0.939). In patients with CRVs, renal functions seemed to be preserved in the early stages, however it should be kept in mind that sudden obstruction and loss of kidney function might develop in the follow up period.

Diagnosis, Management, and Challenges in Synchronous Bilateral Wilms Tumor in a Horseshoe Kidney: A Case Report.

Horseshoe kidney (HK) refers to a congenital malformation that results from fusion of both the kidneys at one pole, and is the most common renal fusion defect with an incidence of 1 in 400 to 600 individuals. Synchronous bilateral development of Wilms tumor (WT) in an HK is extremely rare. Here, we present a case of synchronous bilateral WT in an HK in an 18-month-old girl. The patient received 12 weeks of preoperative chemotherapy followed by 2-step surgical resection including nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) in both kidneys and left nephrectomy because of positive surgical margin and adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient is still in remission and asymptomatic 6 months after the completion of treatment. In this report, we discuss the treatment modalities of synchronous bilaterally located WT in HK. We conclude that successful outcomes can be obtained with preoperative chemotherapy and NSS in such cases even in the presence of advanced disease and complex anatomic conditions. In addition, the deepest tumor point can be reached during NSS, but total nephrectomy should be considered regarding the possibility of microscopic residue.

The Effects of Bladder Diverticulum on the Pathophysiology of Bladder Outlet Obstruction: An Experimental Study in Guinea Pigs.

Objectives: This study is the first to urodynamically and histopathologically evaluates the effects of bladder diverticulum (BD) secondary to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Methods: Guinea pigs (n=32) weighing 900-1,000 g were divided randomly into four groups: Sham, BD, BOO, and BD combined with BOO. All guinea pigs in the four groups underwent urodynamic evaluation preoperatively and at 1 month postoperatively. The bladders were removed and examined histopathologically. Results: The post-operative filling detrusor pressure was lower in the Sham group (7.1±1.6 cm H2O) than in the BD (21.4±5.6 cm H2O) and BD with BOO groups (23.6±9.3 cm H2O) (p<0.05). There was no difference between the Sham and BOO (9.5±4.0) groups. Post-operative bladder compliance was better in the Sham group (2.3±0.8 ml/cm H2O) than in the BD (0.9±0.22 ml/cm H2O) and BD with BOO groups (0.6±0.3 ml/cm H2O) (p<0.05). Involuntary detrusor contraction was not observed in the Sham or BOO groups, but was observed in 37.5% of subjects in the BD and BD with BOO groups. On histological examination, the bladder wall was thicker (3.75±0.68 mm) (p=0.601), and the connective tissue volume was significant increased (p=0.046), in the bladder muscularis mucosa in the BD groups compared to the BOO group. Conclusion: Physiological and histopathological changes in the bladder with BD combined with BOO are more evident than with BOO alone.

Giant Infantile Hepatic Hemangioma: Case Report and Surgical Technique.

Infantile hepatic hemangioma is the most common liver tumor in children. The most common symptoms are mass in her stomach, anemia and heart failure. According to the findings of the patient, the treatment may vary from the clinical follow-up to liver transplantation. In our study, the details of the surgical technique were presented. An 11-day-old newborn case with giant hepatic hemangioma causing postnatal respiratory arrest was presented in this study. Large and symptomatic patients with infantile hepatic hemangiomas who face us with different clinical behaviors are operated. It will be useful to share the surgical technique for these rarely seen cases for surgeons.

The Effect of Technical Problems on the Operation Process in Pediatric Laparoscopy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the technical problems in pediatric laparoscopic surgery and to evaluate its results. METHODS: The technical problems encountered in 30 laparoscopic operations performed between 3 November 2012 and 31 December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The technical problems experienced in 30 laparoscopic surgeries were analyzed. There were 6 splenectomies, 15 appendectomies, 1 hernioplasty, 2 ovarian cyst excisions, 4 cholecystectomies, 1 intra-abdominal exploration of the testes, and 1 varicocele surgery. The technical errors included instrument failure in 10, human errors in 8, device problems in 12, and multiple problems in 2 cases. In 5 patients, we switched to open surgery. CONCLUSION: Technical problems prolong the operation, and cause a conversion to open surgery. In order to solve these problems, it is necessary to register and report these problems and take the necessary preventive measures.

Penetrating injury caused by a long iron bar: A case report.

Foreign bodies that strike the body with their long edges can cause severe problems. From the hospitalization of the patients to the removal of the foreign body and from surgery to follow-up, working as a team in a well-organized manner is necessary. In the present research, we present our experience, including the hospitalization, initial assessment by the emergency team, examination, and treatment plan, of a pediatric patient who had a 12-m long iron bar that traversed from the right side of the anus to the loin; this impalement happened while the patient was sliding through a snow-covered street, and the patient had to wait on the snow until the fire department arrived and cut the iron bar.

Vitelline duct pathologies in neonates.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review the management of pediatric cases of vitelline duct pathology (VDP) detected surgically or incidentally during the neonatal period and the outcomes. METHODS: The data of newborns who were symptomatic and underwent VDP resection or who were incidentally diagnosed with VDP at a single institution between 1985 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed in terms of age, sex, clinical features, treatment, perioperative findings, ectopic tissue pathology, and postoperative follow-up information. RESULTS: Among the 36 newborns enrolled in this study, 26 were male and 10 were female (2.6:1). The median weight was 2400 g (range: 800-3090 g). In 16 cases (14 males and 2 females; 7:1) the VDP was surgically repaired. Pathological evaluation indicated that 43% (n=7) of the cases had ectopic gastric mucosa. VDP was incidentally discovered in 12 males and 8 females (1.5:1). VDP was removed in 10 cases (50%) and left intact in others. Ectopic gastric mucosa was observed in 10% of the VDP removal cases. Ectopic gastric tissue was more prevalent in the surgical VDP cases than in the incidentally discovered and VDP removal cases (p<0.05). Male predominance was greater in the surgically repaired cases than in the incidentally discovered cases (p<0.05). One patient whose VDP was discovered incidentally was admitted 3 years later with obstruction due to intussusception caused by Meckel's diverticulum, and 1 patient was admitted with rectal bleeding at 11 years of age. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic VDP in the newborn demonstrates a significant gender difference. Symptomatic cases are more likely to have ectopic gastric tissue than non-symptomatic cases. Incidentally detected cases without removal should be followed closely for future complications.

Male predominance in Meckel's diverticulum: A hyperacidity hypotheses.

The symptomatic presentation of Meckel's diverticulum (MD) depends on a person's age, sex, and presence or absence of ectopic gastric tissue. There are no differences in the prevalence of asymptomatic MD between males and females; however, symptomatic MD has a distinct male predominance with a male-to-female ratio ranging from 2:1 to 5:1 in children. Furthermore, if the ectopic tissue contains gastric mucosa, MD has a greater chance of becoming symptomatic. Studies have shown that acid secretion is more likely to occur in male infants compared to female infants. In adults, men are known to have a higher level of acid production compared to women. Peptic ulcers (PU) are more common in males due to high acid secretion, and gastric tissues are affected by gastrin secretion in both conditions. MD is typically accompanied by ectopic gastric tissue, and could therefore be affected by gastrin and acid secretion in a similar manner to PU. Some of the major complications of MD are diverticulitis, ulcers, and bleeding from adjacent ectopic gastric tissue, and such complications resemble PU. PU also have male to female ratios ranging from 2:1 to 5:1, which is again similar to MD. Since the secretion of both gastrin and acid decrease with age, symptomatic presentation of MD also declines with age. Therefore, we hypothesize that higher gastrin and acid levels in males affect the ectopic gastric mucosa and lead to an increase in MD symptoms, which result an increased incidence of MD in males.

Unusual Presentation of Duplex Kidneys: Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction.

Aim. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is rarely associated with a duplex collecting system. We review this unusual anomaly in terms of presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and surgical management. Method. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with a duplex system with UPJO. Result. Sixteen patients (6 girls, 10 boys) with 18 moieties were treated surgically and four patients were treated conservatively. The median age at surgery was two years (range, 2 months to 7 years). The lower pole and upper moiety were affected in 12 and two kidneys, respectively, and both were affected in two patients. The anomaly was right-sided in 12 moieties and left-sided in six. The duplication was incomplete in seven patients and complete in nine. The mean renal pelvis diameter at the time of surgery was 25.6 (range 11-48 mm) mm by USG. The mean renal function of the involved moiety was 28.3% before surgery. Management included pyelopyelostomy or ureteropyelostomy in six moieties, dismembered pyeloplasty in eight moieties, heminephrectomy in four cases, and simultaneous upper heminephrectomy and lower pole ureteropyelostomy in one patient. Conclusion. There is no standard approach for these patients and treatment should be individualized according to physical presentation, detailed anatomy, and severity of obstruction.

Increasing the Reliability of the Grading System for Voiding Cystourethrograms Using Ultrasonography: An Inter-Rater Comparison.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effectiveness of the current vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) grading system according to the international classification of VUR (ICVUR) and to evaluate whether VUR grading accuracy could be improved by renal ultrasonography (RU) according to the Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) grading system. OBJECTIVES: Therefore, this study assessed the accuracy of the current VCUG staging system by assessing inter-rater reliability among pediatric radiologists and urologists; it also evaluated whether accuracy is increased by RU without consensus (with respect to VCUG grading). METHODS: Four pediatric urologists and four pediatric radiologists independently graded 120 voiding cystourethrograms (VCUGs). Middle VUR grades were divided into the following three groups: VUR consensus grade III (group 1), VUR consensus grade IV (group 3), and VUR non-consensus grades III and IV (group 2). All groups were compared with respect to hydronephrosis grade using RU. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values ranging from 0.86 to 0.89 reflected good reliability. The lowest agreement was associated with middle grades (III and IV). A marked difference in sensitivity was observed between groups 1 and 3 (35% and 95%, respectively, P < 0.05), indexed by SFU hydronephrosis grade, suggesting that VCUG cases in group 2 (n = 16 at SFU 0 or 1) could be accepted as grade III, and SFU scores of 2, 3, or 4 could be considered grade IV. CONCLUSIONS: Inter-rater accuracy could be improved at middle grades using renal ultrasonography (USG), which could promote communication between different specialists.

A bladder diverticulum model in rabbits.

PURPOSE: Shuttling of some of the bladder volume into the bladder diverticulum (BD) can cause urinary retention, lower urinary tract dysfunction, infection, and stone formation. This experimental study is the first to create a rabbit BD to study micturition physiology (urodynamics and pathology) that mimics clinical findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 16 New Zealand adult male rabbits in the BD group and 16 sham-operated controls. BD creation consisted of a lower midline laparotomy and bladder entry via the spacing between the detrusor muscle fibers and the mucosa, posterolaterally from the bladder wall. The detrusor was excised to provide a mucosal prolapsus, creating a narrow BD neck (Figure). The sham group underwent bladder exposure with a midline incision. All rabbits underwent urodynamic study preoperatively and postoperatively, consisting of postmicturition residue (PMR), maximum bladder capacity (MBC), voiding detrusor pressure (VPdet), filling detrusor pressure (FPdet), compliance, and urine flow (Qflow). The animals were then sacrificed and their bladders assessed for pathology and stone formation. RESULTS: Preoperative MBC, Pdet, and Qmax were within reference ranges. No animals had PMR or urinary tract infections (UTIs). The BD group showed urodynamic and pathologic bladder changes, including decreased (28%) cystometric bladder capacity and compliance (Sham: 26.8 ± 0.4; BD: 4.46 ± 1.08, p = 0.0001) and increased post-void residual PMR (8.3 ± 2.4 mL). Pathology revealed increased bladder detrusor thickness correlated with urodynamic findings of increased filling detrusor pressures (Sham: 1.58 ± 0.2; BD: 4.89 ± 0.93, p = 0.0001). Urodynamics revealed intermittent BD bladder contraction during the filling phases. Eight BD group rabbits had UTIs; five had stone formation (4-9 mm). DISCUSSION: In the literature, it has not been determined whether lower urinary tract disorders (LUTD) could cause diverticula, or if a congenital diverticula could be reason for LUTD. Anatomical or neurological reasons for a low-compliance bladder can cause diverticulosis. As demonstrated in our study with rabbits, the congenital diverticulum could further reduce the compliance of the bladder. Further, a decrease in compliance logically correlates with the progressive decompensation of the bladder. CONCLUSIONS: The nature of diverticula remains undetermined. All the information presented for this model is relevant to our clinical observations. We conclude that the rabbit bladder can be used for research into experimental diverticulum-induced changes in the activity of the bladder and for experimental detrusor research.

The effect of bladder diverticula on bladder function: An experimental study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effect of bladder diverticula (BD) on bladder function using a rabbit model, based on urodynamic findings. METHODS: A total of 32 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) sham surgery; (2) a single, 1-cm-diameter BD; (3) a single, large, 3-cm-diameter BD; and (4) four (multi) 1-cm-diameter BD. Urodynamic evaluations were performed preoperatively, and 1week and 1month postoperatively, to measure the postmicturition residual (PMR), maximum bladder capacity (MBC), filling and voiding detrusor pressure (Pdet), compliance, and unstable detrusor contractions. At the end of the study, the animals were sacrificed and assessed for pathologic evaluation and stone formation. RESULTS: In groups 3 and 4, the rabbits all had PMR. At 30days postsurgery, the MBC was found to be 28% and 31% lower than the reference range in groups 3 and 4 and compliance was decreased (p<0.05). Further, the filling Pdet was significantly higher for large and multiple BD than in the 1-cm diverticula or sham groups (6.33±1.73, 4±1.26, p=0.0001). Groups 3 (62%) and 4 (50%) had unstable detrusor contractions. There was also a muscular/collagen ratio increase in the large and multiple BD groups. Four rabbits in the large group and one rabbit in the multiple BD group exhibited stone formation. CONCLUSIONS: Large or multiple BD can alter bladder storage and emptying, and can decrease the capacity of the bladder and reduce its elasticity. Large or multiple bladder diverticula can lead to involuntary contractions, causing dysfunctional voiding.

Reliability of the Grading System for Voiding Cystourethrograms in the Management of Vesicoureteral Reflux: An Interrater Comparison.

Aim. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is one of the most common conditions seen in pediatric urology. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for this disorder. The grading system for VUR varies among doctors, and the literature on its reliability is sparse. Here, we assessed the effectiveness of the current VUR grading system. Methods. A series of 40 voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) studies were selected. Four pediatric urologists (PU) and four pediatric radiologists (PR) independently graded each VCUG and then agreed on a uniform interpretation. For statistical analysis the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was applied to assess interrater agreement. Results. ICC values ranging from 0.82 to 0.88 reflected the strong reliability of VCUG for grading cases of VUR among pediatric urologists and radiologists as separate groups, and the reliability between the two groups was also good, as indicated by an ICC of 0.89. Despite the high ICC, disagreement existed between raters; the lowest agreement was associated with middle grades (III and IV). Conclusions. The interrater reliability of the international grading system for VUR was high but imperfect. Thus, grading differences at middle grades can profoundly influence the type of treatment pursued.

Congenital Prepubic Sinus with Remnant Tissue Mimics Corpus Spongiosum: A Rare Case.

A congenital prepubic sinus is a tract that originates in the skin and overlays the base of the penis; however, its embryologic basis is still debated. We herein present a case involving a 3-year-old boy who was admitted for examination of overlying tissue located a few centimeters distal to the dorsal base of the penis. Examination revealed a tiny sinus in the prepubic area, and 3 cm of tissue was attached to the sinus. Pathologic examination showed that the tissue was lined with squamous epithelium and continued along the sinus tract, which was lined with urothelial epithelium. According to Stephens' classification, the sinus appeared to be a variant of type 2 dorsal urethral duplication, and the remnant tissue mimicked the corpus spongiosum of the penis.

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.

Misdiagnoses caused by use of indwelling urethral catheters in children with ureterovesical junction anomalies.

PURPOSE: Children commonly undergo vesicograms for diagnosing vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This requires urethral catheterization with transurethral replacement. We report misdiagnosed or related complications due to indwelling urethral catheters unintentionally placed in the ureter. METHODS: From our computerized urology records over an 18-year period from January 1995 to May 2013, we retrospectively identified nine cases of 1850 vesicograms that had misdirection of a urethral catheter placed in a ureter. Foley catheters with inflating balloons were used to obtain the vesicograms. RESULTS: In all, 1850 vesicograms were performed (746 males, 1104 females; age 1 week to 14 years, mean age 3.8 years) using standard radiological techniques. Size 6-10 Fr indwelling urethral catheters were used, depending on the patient's age and gender. In nine cases (five females, four males), a misdirected urethral catheter was discovered in one of the ureters. The urethral catheter was in the left ureter in four patients and in the right ureter in five patients. Cystoscopic examination found ectopic ureteral openings in six patients: at the bladder neck in four and just below the bladder trigone in two. Three patients in this group with ectopic ureters were followed due a misdiagnosis of VUR. The remaining three patients had grade 3 or 4 VUR. In this group, the catheter passed into the ureter because of the enlarged ureterovesical junction. In one patient with VUR, intraparenchymal fluid leakage and transient hematuria occurred due to the rapid tension increase following the fast injection of contrast with liquid to one ureter. CONCLUSION: Although placing an indwelling urethral catheter is a relatively safe procedure, complications can occur, particularly in patients with ureterovesical anomalies, such as high-grade VUR or an ectopic ureter. Using catheters with inflating balloons can cause rapid increases in tension in the ureter, and related complications.

Current diagnosis and management of simple hepatic cysts detected prenatally and postnatally.

PURPOSE: The optimal management of simple hepatic cysts (SHCs) remains controversial. A retrospective review was carried out to evaluate the clinical presentation and surgical consideration of children with SHCs and outcome of management at our institution. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with SHCs between January 1993 and May 2013. Patient variables included prenatal findings, age, gender, presenting symptoms, signs and diagnostic modality. Operative management and nonoperative follow-up were abstracted. RESULTS: The 67 patients comprised 42 females and 25 males: 16 had prenatally detected, and 51 had postnatally detected hepatic cysts with a mean follow-up of 3.2 years (10 months-12 years). The average age was 5.9 years (0-17 years). Ten patients (six females and four males) were treated surgically. Fifty-seven asymptomatic patients were observed. Of those 57 patients, 9 (17%) had enlarged cysts, and 1 (2%) had clinical signs. The average enlargement time was 36 months (6-67 months). The cysts occurred in the right lobe in 47 patients, in the left lobe in 17 patients and in both lobes in 3 patients. The median cyst size for the asymptomatic cases was 2.1 cm (1.5-6 cm) and 13.7 cm (8-25 cm) for the surgery group. A statistically significant difference in cyst size was found between these two groups (p < 0.05). Prenatally detected cysts (n = 5) were subjected to surgery postnatally at an average age of 1.5 months (1 week-6 months). The main indication was the compressive effect of the cyst on the surrounding area. There was one case of hepatomegaly found to be causing pressure symptoms, two cases of respiratory distress, one case of hydroureteronephrosis, and one case of jaundice due to compression of the biliary system. Five patients underwent surgery in the postnatally detected group, and the main indication was a complication of the cyst or progressive enlargement. Symptoms included abdominal discomfort and pain in all five patients: one case exhibited a hemorrhage within the cyst, one case displayed a rupture with possible peritonitis, one case had a 25-cm cyst leading to secondary infection, and two cases were admitted with progressive enlargement with clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: Conservative management of SHCs is practical. Surgical excision is recommended in patients with larger cysts, causing pressure symptoms, or if the cyst size does not seem to involute with intractable abdominal pain or becomes complicated in the follow-up period.

A single-blinded, randomized comparison of laparoscopic versus open bilateral hernia repair in boys.

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine whether laparoscopic repair (LR) of inguinal hernia is superior to open repair (OR) in bilateral cases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-two boys older than 6 years with bilateral hernias were included in our prospective, randomized, single-blinded clinical trial. All patients were administered morphine via patient-controlled analgesia for 24 hours. Pain scores were evaluated by the patients using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. Operative time, pain scores, analgesic doses, and first mobilization attempt were evaluated. Parents also provided assessments of their children's recovery and wound appearance. RESULTS: Operative time was found to be slightly higher in OR compared with LR. VAS scores were higher in OR than in LR at 1 hour postoperatively (6.78 versus 3.88, respectively; P<.05). At the other times, VAS scores showed no significant differences. Although OR patients requested and delivered analgesics more frequently than LR patients, the difference was not significant. The scores given by parents for wound appearance were significantly higher in the bilateral LR group than in the bilateral OR group (89±4.23 and 78±6.7, respectively; P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: This trial demonstrates that LR in bilateral cases offers benefits compared with OR in terms of lower pain scores and analgesic requirements and of reduced operative and patient recovery times. However, the only significant difference was better wound cosmesis in bilateral LR cases.