¿Sirven los hallazgos prequirúrgicos para interpretar las lesiones ováricas neoplásicas y no neoplásicas e influir en las decisiones quirúrgicas en niñas y adolescentes? / Can preoperative findings help to interpret neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions of ovary and affect surgical decisions in children and adolescents?

Antecedentes. Las masas ováricas son frecuentes en la población pediátrica. Suele realizarse cirugía conservadora de los ovarios porque la mayoría son quistes benignos o funcionales. Objetivo. Investigar quéhallazgos prequirúrgicos sirven para diferenciar la patología de las lesiones ováricas, influir en las decisiones quirúrgicas y predecir la posibilidad de conservar los ovarios. Método. Se incluyeron pacientes operadas con diagnóstico de masa ovárica. Revisión retrospectiva de edad, síntomas, examen físico, marcadores tumorales, características radiológicas y resultados anatomopatológicos. Resultados. Durante el estudio, se operaron 98 pacientes y se incluyeron 86. Media de edad: 9,7 ± 5,62 años. Las patologías no neoplásicas representaron el 68,6 %, las neoplásicas, el 31,4 %, la tasa de malignidad, el 4,6 %. Las neoplasias incluyeron componente sólido, ausencia de torsión ovárica y diámetro >9 cm (p < 0,001;p < 0,001; p = 0,001).Se halló torsión anexial en el 34,9 %. El diámetro medio no difirió significativamente entre los grupos con o sin torsión; la incidencia de torsión fue mayor en las masas <6 cm (p = 0,019). Se realizó cirugía conservadora de los ovarios en 48 pacientes (55,8 %) y ooforectomía, en 38 (44,2 %). El tratamiento dependió de la naturaleza (p < 0,001) y del tamaño (p < 0,001) de la lesión pero no de la edad y la torsión. Conclusión. Una masa puramente quística <9 cm, con torsión y marcadores negativos indica masa no neoplásica. La presencia de un componente sólido y la ausencia de torsión están asociadas con riesgo de cáncer.

Background: Ovarian masses are common in all pediatric age groups. Ovarian-sparing surgery is favored since most cases are benign or functional cysts. Detection of a few malignant cases prevents morbidity and mortality. Objective: to investigate which of the preoperative findings can help to distinguish the pathology of the ovarian lesions, affect the surgical decision and predict the possibility of ovarian preservation. Method: Patients operated with diagnosis of ovarian mass were enrolled in the study between 2000-2015. Age, symptoms, physical examination findings, tumor markers, radiologic features, operative notes, and pathology results were reviewed retrospectively. Results: During the study period, 98 patients were operated and 86 were included. Mean age was 9.7±5.62 years. Non-neoplastic pathologies constitute 68.6 % of cases; 31.4 % was neoplastic. Malignancy rate was 4.6 %. Solid component, absence of ovarian torsion and diameter >9 cm were more commonly seen in neoplastic cases (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001). Adnexal torsion was found in 30 (34.9 %) patients. Mean diameter did not differ significantly between groups with or without torsion; incidence of torsion was greater in patients with masses <6 cm (p=0.019). Ovarian-sparing surgery was performed in 48 (55.8 %) and oopherectomy in 38 (44.2 %) patients. Surgical approach was affected by nature (p<0.001) and size (p<0.001) of the lesion; it was independent of age and presence of torsion. Conclusion: A purely cystic mass <9 cm, with torsion and negative markers, orients towards a non-neoplastic mass. The presence of solid component and absence of torsion are associated with increased risk of malignancy.

Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty in vestibular fistula: with or without colostomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the results and complications of one- and three-stage repairs in females with vestibular fistula (VF) and make contribution to the discussion of whether the disadvantages outweigh the protective effect of a colostomy from wound infection and wound dehiscence following posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP). METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of VF who underwent PSARP between October 2009 and November 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1-patients treated by one-stage procedure (n = 30); Group 2-patients treated by three-stage procedure (n = 16). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with respect to wound infection, recurrence of fistula and rectal mucosal prolapse. Minor wound dehiscence occurred slightly more common in Group 1, even if p value is not significant. No wound dehiscence has been observed since we switched to the protocol of keeping the child nil per oral for 5 postoperative days and loperamide (0.1 mg/kg) administration for 7 postoperative days. The mean time before resuming oral intake was 2.87 ± 1.7 and 1.19 ± 0.4 days in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p = 0.001). None developed major wound disruption or anal stenosis in either group. There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of voluntary bowel movements, soiling and constipation. CONCLUSIONS: PSARP performed without a protective colostomy in patients with VF has low morbidity, good continence rates and obvious advantages for both the patients and their parents.

Delayed diagnosis: An important prognostic factor for oesophageal atresia in developing countries.

AIM: The aim of this study is to analyse the effect of delayed diagnosis on mortality rates, and evaluate the role of delayed diagnosis as a new prognostic factor in patients with oesophageal atresia (OA), especially in developing countries. METHODS: The records of 80 consecutive patients with OA (2008-2013) were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the time of diagnosis. As we demonstrated the effect of delayed diagnosis on mortality, we decided to develop a new classification that will be utilised to predict the prognosis of OA. The discrimination ability of the new prognostic classification was compared with those of the Waterston, Montreal and Spitz classifications using the area under the curve. RESULTS: The parameters of the new prognostic classification were birth weight less than 2000 g, the presence of major cardiac/life-threatening anomalies and delay in diagnosis. Class I consisted of patients with none or one of these parameters. Class II consisted of patients with two or three of these parameters. The area under the curve of the new classification was better than those of the other classifications in determining the prognosis of patients with OA. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed diagnosis of OA significantly led to morbidity and mortality. Although delayed diagnosis is not a characteristic of newborn or a marker of severity for OA and is a health care system issue in developing countries, we here point out that it is a prognostic factor in its own right. Our new classification has a superior discriminatory ability compared to the above-mentioned classifications.

Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula: 3 new cases and review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula, is a rare anomaly characterised by fistulisation of penile urethra to skin and presence of a concomitant normal or hypospadiac external urethral meatus. It may be seen as an isolated anomaly or may accompany genitourinary or anorectal malformations. We aim to present 3 new cases and define the common properties of patients stated in literature. METHOD: Information of 3 patients aged 2, 3 and 6 with this diagnosis were reviewed retrospectively and features of 51 patients in 25 articles with literature search. RESULTS: From the patients we operated, 2 had midpenile and 1 had subcoronal fistula. Urethral meatus was at tip of glans in all with 1 stenotic meatus. Two-layered primary repair was performed in 3 patients and deep ventral incision on urethral plate with meatotomy were added to fistula repair in one with stenotic meatus. Fistula recurred in this patient but resolved spontaneously after dilatations. In literature, most common fistula site was subcoronal in 27 (52.9%). Hypospadias was in 11.8% and associated genitourinary anomaly was detected in 21.5% of patients. Fistula recurrence ratio was 7.8% using different surgical techniques. CONCLUSION: Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula is frequently located in subcoronal level and usually a normal urethra distal to it. Physical examination is important to detect additional anomalies. Success rates are high with primary repair techniques.

The comparison of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid and polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymers in endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux.

BACKGROUND: Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/Ha;Dexell®) and polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC;Vantris®) are the popular tissue-augmenting substances using for the endoscopic injections of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare Dx/Ha and PPC in terms of effectiveness, injection techniques and complications with special emphasis on vesicoureteral junction obstruction (VUJO). METHODS: A total of 95 patients who underwent endoscopic VUR treatment between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1: Patients underwent endoscopic treatment with PPC (n=50 patients, 70 renal refluxing units) group 2: Patients underwent endoscopic treatment with Dx/Ha (n=45 patients, 74 renal refluxing units). RESULTS: The overall resolution rates based on the number of renal refluxing units studied was 88.6% and 70.3% in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Resolution rates were significantly better in group 1 compared to group 2. VUJO requiring ureteral reimplantation or stent insertion developed in 7 patients in group 1. No VUJO was observed in group 2. VUJO in group 1 was markedly higher than that in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment of VUR with PPC promises better resolution rates but higher VUJO rates compared to Dx/Ha.

The passage of meconium alone is not a sign of correctly positioned anus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the consequences of delayed presentation of anorectal malformations and emphasize the causes of delayed diagnosis of these malformations. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 54 neonatal patients with a diagnosis of anorectal malformations. Group 1 consisted of 35 patients diagnosed within the first 48 h of life and Group 2 included 19 patients diagnosed after 48 h of life. RESULTS: Obstructive symptoms at the time of diagnosis, overall complications and the mean postoperative hospitalization period in Group 2 were markedly higher than that of Group 1. A comprehensive neonatal examination within the first 48 h of life was performed in 32 (91.4%) patients in Group 1 and 5 (26.3%) of the patients in Group 2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The passage of meconium is not the only sign of correctly positioned anus. A careful physical examination and awareness of this anomaly are of great importance in making a timely diagnosis of anorectal malformations.

A bladder stone within a congenital paraureteral diverticulum: a case report.

Paraureteral diverticula are rare in pediatric population. We here present a bladder stone in the congenital paraureteral diverticulum presenting with vesicoureteral reflux. To the best of our knowledge, stone formation in paraureteral diverticulum has not been reported previously. A 5-year-old boy was admitted with the complaint of dysuria. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a bladder stone in a diverticulum arising from right posterolateral wall and a small right kidney. Voiding cystourethrogram confirmed large bladder diverticulum with vesicoureteral reflux. Cystoscopy revealed a giant stone in the paraureteral diverticulum. The stone was removed with open diverticulectomy and right Cohen ureteroneocystostomy was performed.

Diseases mimicking intussusception: diagnostic dilemma.

BACKGROUND: Intussusception is a common abdominal emergency in early childhood. The aim of this study was to describe the diseases mimicking intussusception and to discuss the causes and management of these conditions. METHODS: Seven patients who were initially diagnosed as having intussusception on abdominal ultrasonography but who had a final diagnosis of diseases other than intussusception were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Two patients with ileocolic intussusception underwent ultrasonography-guided reduction with a hydrostatic method but the ultrasonographic findings persisted. At surgery, only edematous ileocecal valve and mesenteric lymphadenopathy were observed. In three patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura, initial abdominal ultrasonography showed intussusception. The patients with no sign of obstructive symptoms were managed conservatively with a diagnosis of intramural hemorrhage and on follow up the ultrasonographic findings of intussusception was resolved. One patient with the target sign on computed tomography and ultrasonography of the abdomen underwent ileocolic resection and end-to-end anastomosis due to a tumor in the cecum. There was no evidence of intussusception. One patient with a cyst in the right lower quadrant accompanying intussusception on ultrasonography of the abdomen underwent ultrasonography-guided reduction but the ultrasonographic findings persisted. On exploration, only cecal duplication cyst without intussusception was detected. Cecal resection including the cyst and end-to-end ileocolic anastomosis were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography, color Doppler ultrasonography, barium or hydrostatic enema and computed tomography are helpful in diagnosing intussusception, but patients with radiologic findings of intussusception should be evaluated on symptoms and clinical findings before surgical intervention. Also, other diseases mimicking intussusception should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis.

Protective activity of ischemic preconditioning on rat testicular ischemia: effects of Y-27632 and 5-hydroxydecanoic acid.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury of rat testis and determine the effects of 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD), a selective K(ATP) channel antagonist, and Y-27632, a selective Rho kinase inhibitor, on IPC. METHODS: I/R injury was induced by 180 min ischemia and 60 min reperfusion of testis. There were 5 groups. Group 1 served as untreated controls. The rats in Group 2 were subjected to I/R only. In Group 3, 3 cycles of IPC (5 min transient ischemia plus 5 min reperfusion) were performed prior to I/R. In groups 4 and 5, the rats were treated as in Group 3 but received intraperitoneal injections of 0.3 mg/kg Y-27632 or 10 mg/kg 5-HD prior to IPC, respectively. RESULTS: I/R led to severe histopathological lesions in the rat testis and significantly lowered the scoring. I/R resulted in significant elevation in tissue lipid peroxide levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and total antioxidative capacity (TAC), total oxidative status, and oxidative stress index levels. Protective effects of IPC on I/R-induced testicular injury of rats were observed with the significant recovery in these biochemical parameters. Y-27632 treatment led to a significant decrease in MPO activity, but there were no significant changes in the remaining parameters. Effects of IPC were blocked by 5-HD except in the TAC levels. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that IPC protected rat testis against I/R-induced injury via activation of KATP channels. Additionally, Rho kinase inhibition preserved the effects of IPC in testis.

Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum by a button battery: report of two cases.

Ingested button battery perforation of Meckel's diverticulum is extremely rare, with only two reported cases in the recent literature. Two additional preschool children who accidentally swallowed an alkaline button battery and developed a perforated Meckel's diverticulum are reported. Surgeons should be aware of this rare complication. Careful clinical, radiologic and laboratory monitoring of children who ingest a button battery is advisable.

Protective effects of Y-27632 on hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced intestinal injury in newborn rats.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a major cause of mortality in neonates and is associated with a disruption in the protective intestinal barrier. The precise cause of NEC is elusive. However, ischemia/reperfusion injury of the intestine has been considered a major contributing factor. We examined the role of Y-27632, a selective Rho-kinase inhibitor, on a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced intestinal injury of newborn rat pups. METHODS: Hypoxia/reoxygenation was achieved by placing rat pups in an airtight chamber aerated with 95% N(2) + 5% CO(2) for 10 minutes followed by 10-minute 100% oxygen. Forty newborn rat pups were randomly allocated into 4 groups. Group 1 served as untreated controls. The pups in group 2 were subjected to H/R only. In groups 3 and 4, the rats were treated with intraperitoneal injection of 0.3 and 3 mg kg(-1) day(-1) of Y-27632 for 5 days following H/R, respectively. The pups were killed 6 days following the H/R injury. Intestine specimens were evaluated for histopathology and biochemical investigation. RESULTS: The microscopic lesions in H/R rat pups were virtually the same as those seen in neonatal NEC, with severe destruction of villi and crypts. Hypoxia/reoxygenation resulted in significant elevation in malondialdehyde levels, but decreased tissue nitric oxide levels (P < .05). Protective effects of Y-27632 on H/R-induced intestinal injury of newborn rat pups were observed with a significant decrease in the intestinal injury score, suppression in malondialdehyde levels, and increase in nitric oxide levels (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental study, Y-27632 significantly attenuated H/R-induced intestinal injury. These findings indicate that inhibition of Rho-kinase may offer a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of NEC.

Gastric perforation after corrosive ingestion.

PURPOSE: To describe a series of children with gastric perforation (GP) after corrosive ingestion. METHODS: Case notes of children treated for GP complicating corrosive ingestion between May 2001 and April 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Seventy-six children with corrosive ingestion were treated during the study period of which 5 (6.6%) developed GP. This complication was evident on admission in one case and developed within 48 h in the others. The major clinical findings were abdominal pain, tenderness, and distension with radiologic evidence of pneumoperitoneum. Associated pathology included necrosis of the abdominal esophagus in one case and duodenal perforation in another. Two cases have died during surgery while three survived with free of complications related to GP repair. Two patients developed gastric outlet obstruction (one with an esophageal stricture) on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: GP is a rare but major complication of corrosive ingestion. Children who swallow corrosives should be closely monitored and pediatric surgeons should be aware of this potential early complication. The possibility of associated pathology should be considered when undertaking surgical repair.

Protective effects of dexpanthenol and y-27632 on stricture formation in a rat model of caustic esophageal injury.

BACKGROUND: This experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of dexpanthenol (converted in the body to pantothenic acid) and Y-27632 (a selective Rho-kinase inhibitor) on stricture formation after caustic (alkaline) esophageal injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty male Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated into six groups. In group 1 (sham) the distal esophagus was isolated and cannulated but no caustic injury was induced. In all remaining groups, a caustic esophageal burn was induced with 50% sodium hydroxide solution for 90 s and drug treatment was given by daily intraperitoneal injection, beginning 24 h after injury and continuing for 21 d. In group 2 (controls), animals were treated with 0.9% saline; in groups 3 and 4, with 50 and 500 mg/kg/d of dexpanthenol, respectively; and in groups 5 and 6, with 0.3 and 3 mg/kg/d of Y-27632, respectively. Rats were sacrificed 22 d after caustic injury and the distal esophagus was isolated for histopathology and biochemical investigation. RESULTS: Stenosis index and collagen deposition scores were significantly lower in both the dexpanthenol and Y-27632 treated groups (P<0.05). Dexpanthenol and Y-27632 treatment markedly depressed esophageal tissue malondialdehyde and hydroxyproline levels. CONCLUSION: In this experimental model of caustic esophageal stricture, dexpanthenol and Y-27632 significantly attenuated esophageal stricture formation. These findings indicate that inhibition of Rho-kinase or dexpanthenol administration may offer novel therapeutic approaches in the treatment of caustic esophageal injury.

Congenital scaphoid megalourethra: report of two cases.

Congenital megalourethra is a rare congenital malformation of the penile urethra. It is defined as the diffuse dilatation of the anterior urethra due to the absence of development of the erectile tissue of the penis. Since the initial description, nearly 80 cases with megalourethra have been reported in English literature. Congenital megalourethra has been classified into scaphoid and fusiform types and is usually associated with additional urinary tract and other system anomalies, irrespective of its type and severity. We report two rare cases of scaphoid megalourethra without any associated anomaly. A 13-year-old boy and an 8-month-old boy were admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery with complaints of penile swelling and dysuria since birth. Physical examination and retrograde cystourethrogram confirmed the diagnosis of congenital scaphoid megalourethra. Both patients underwent a reduction urethroplasty. They did well postoperatively and voided with a normal stream without any abnormality of the penile shaft.

Psychological evaluation of children with idiopathic constipation and their parents.

BACKGROUND: Constipation is one of the most common problems in childhood. In idiopathic constipation it is not possible to identify primary cause in every case. Child behavioral problems and disturbances in parent-child relationships have been cited as causes of constipation. Constipation is a source of anxiety to the child and to the family. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate psychological characteristics of constipated children and their parents. METHODS: Thirty-two otherwise healthy children with idiopathic constipation over 4 years old were prospectively evaluated between January 2002 and June 2003. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Symptom Checklist-90 revised (SCL-90-R) were used to assess the psychological profiles of the children and the parents, respectively. Thirty children with inguinal hernia who had no constipation or other problems, and their parents were asked to complete the checklists as controls. The scores of the constipation group were compared statistically with those of the control group. RESULTS: In the constipation group there were 19 boys and 13 girls with a mean age of 7.3 years (4-14 years). All the patients responded to medical treatment. Constipated children and their parents were not found to have more behavior problems than the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Children with idiopathic constipation and their parents do not show significant behavioral and emotional problems. Their psychological profiles are not different from the general population.

Effects of early phase of preconditioning on rat testicular ischemia.

INTRODUCTION: Brief episodes of ischemia followed by periods of reperfusion generate a powerful protective mechanism in cell, tissue or organ, which increase the resistance to further ischemic damage. This is known as ischemic preconditioning, and has not been investigated in testis. The present experiments were undertaken to determine whether early phase of ischemic preconditioning is evident in rat testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgery was conducted under thiopental (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) anesthesia in male Wistar rats. Surgical procedures were performed through a midline incision. Group 1 was designed as a sham group. In group 2, which served as the ischemia group, the animals were subjected to unilateral testicular torsion by rotating the left testis 720 degrees in a clockwise direction. Then, this testis was maintained in the torsion position by fixing with a silk suture to the scrotal wall for 90 min. In groups 3 and 4, 5 or 10 min ischemia followed by 10 min reperfusion was introduced, respectively, to induce single cycle ischemic preconditioning. In group 5, which served as the multiple cycle preconditioning group, 3 cycles of 10 min ischemia and 10 min reperfusion were applied prior to 90 min ischemia. Both ipsilateral and contralateral testes were removed from the rats at the end of the experimental periods, and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) levels, xanthine oxidase (XO), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured. Both testes were also evaluated histologically, assessing interstitial edema, congestion, hemorrhages, rupture of tubules and Leydig cell proliferation. RESULTS: 90 min ischemia produced a marked increase in MDA level in left testis. However, all ischemic preconditioning protocols used in this study did not show any significant modification in MDA, NO levels or XO, MPO and SOD activities. Histological grading scale was also similar in ischemia and preconditioning groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that there are no protective effects with ischemic preconditioning in rat testis as showed by biochemical analysis and histological examinations.

Ascended testis in three brothers with Pelizaeus Merzbacher syndrome.

Ascended testis is a rare clinical entity. The mechanism involved in testicular ascent is still not understood completely. Spasticity of cremaster muscle may cause secondary ascent of testis. The authors present 3 brothers with Pelizaeus Merzbacher syndrome, a rare, x-linked leukodystrophy in whom the testes bilaterally ascended from the normal scrotal position to an undescended position after onset of spasticity.

Association of asthma with gastroesophageal reflux disease in children.

BACKGROUND: The objective in this study was to assess the association of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with asthma in pediatric patients. METHODS: Thirty-six pediatric patients who were diagnosed as having bronchial asthma were included in the study. The male-to-female ratio was 2 to 1. The diagnosis of GER was made by 24-hour pH monitoring. RESULTS: GER was present in 27 of 36 (75%) patients, of whom 19 (70%) were male and 8 (30%) were female patients. The GER frequency was found to be different between the supine and upright positions (p < 0.05). GER was more frequent in the upright position. However, duration of GER was longer in the supine position than the upright position (p < 0.05). Overall reflux duration was similar in both positions (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Demonstration of the relationship between asthma and GER suggests that GER is involved substantially in the pathogenesis and/or symptomatology of asthma. The patients with asthma should be evaluated for the presence of GER even in the absence of GER-related symptoms.

Simple testicular cyst: a rare cause of scrotal swelling in infancy.

A simple testicular cyst is a rare cause of scrotal swelling in infancy. Only 10 cases have been reported in children less than two years of age in the English literature. Pathogenesis of the lesion is unclear. Preoperative diagnosis is possible using ultrasonography (US). Testis-sparing surgery with simple enucleation of the cyst has a favorable outcome. We report two patients with a simple testicular cyst, who were 9 and 8 months of age. The first case was referred with a presumptive diagnosis of hydrocele, and the second infant was admitted with a history of testicular swelling. Ultrasonography provided accurate preoperative diagnosis in both of the cases. The patients were successfully treated with testis-sparing surgery with outstanding long-term results. This unusual lesion of infancy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a scrotal mass.

Gallbladder polyps in children--classification and management.

Polypoid lesions of the gallbladder (PLG) are rare in childhood. The authors describe 2 additional cases. A 12 year-old-girl was found to have a 5-mm gallbladder polyp during an ultrasound examination for nonspecific abdominal pain. Investigation showed no other biliary tract abnormality. During the next 5 years, she was reviewed periodically with ultrasound scans and underwent cholecystectomy when the diameter of the polyp increased to 1 cm. Histology results showed a benign cholesterol polyp. A 12-year-old-boy was found to have an incidental gallbladder polyp, which 2 years later remained static in size for 10 months. The polyp had disappeared spontaneously. The authors suggest that PLGs in children may be either primary or secondary. Only 11 primary PLGs have been reported, and their histology is variable (adenoma, gastric heterotopia, and epithelial hyperplasia). Secondary PLGs may be found in association with metachromatic leukodystrophy, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, or pancreato-biliary malunion. The pathologic spectrum of PLGs in children appears to be different from that in adults. For primary PLGs, cholecystectomy is advisable if there are biliary symptoms or if the polyp is > or =1 cm in size. Asymptomatic cases should be maintained under ultrasound surveillance.