Bullet trajectory detection in the lung: Multiplanar reformatted imaging of multidetector computed tomography in children.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is a leading cause of childhood injuries. Although blunt traumas in children are more common in penetrating traumas, children in civilian life and near conflict areas can often be affected by gunshot wounds. Among all gunshot wounds, thoracic injuries constitute a significant proportion. In our study, we detected bullet trajectory in children with gunshot wounds penetrating the thorax by analyzing reformatted images of multidetector computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Nineteen pediatric patients with thoracic gunshot wounds were evaluated retrospectively. After all patients admitted the emergency service, their hemodynamics were stabilized first. Then, PA-AC radiography and thorax CT were taken and necessary imaging studies of other body parts were performed. CT scans were performed with multi-detector CT. RESULTS: Using reformatted axial, sagittal, and coronal and oblique images of multidetector CT, we detected projectile trajectory in the lung parenchyma in 74% of patients. In 26% of the patients, the projectile trajectory could not be detected due to excessive parenchymal hemorrhage, hemothorax, and pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: In our study, a standard could not be made due to the fact that the types of weapons used could not be determined, the firing distances could not be known, different ages and different bullet entry and exit angles. However, detecting the trajectory of the bullet in the lungs will assist the physician in making the treatment plan and following up the patient. In addition, the evaluation of the data obtained will be beneficial to forensic medicine physicians and scientists interested in wound ballistics.

Bezoar types in children and aetiological factors affecting bezoar formation: A single-centre retrospective study.

Background: Bezoar is formed as a result of the accumulation of undigested food or foreign substances in the gastrointestinal tract (GIS). The present study aims to investigate the bezoar types seen in children and the aetiological factors involved in bezoar formation. Methods: A total of 16 patients who underwent an endoscopy and/or surgical treatment for bezoar at Harran University, Faculty of Medicine Pediatric Surgery Clinic between 2011 and 2019 were included in the study. The demographic information, laboratory and radiological findings were obtained from the patients' file records. Results: A total of ten patients (62.5%) were female with a mean age of 7.8 ± 4.9 years. Phytobezoars were detected in ten patients, trichobezoars in two patients, lactobezoar in one patient, and other types in three patients. The aetiological factors were determined to be congenital GIS anomaly in 6 (37.5%) patients; trichotillomania in 2 (12.5%) patients; mental retardation in 2 (12.5%) patients; ingestion of a foreign body during infancy in 2 (12.5%) patients; high intake of high-fibre fruit in 3 (18.5%) patients; and postoperative dysmotility in 2 (12.5%) patients. Conclusions: Congenital GIS anomalies are mostly responsible for bezoar etiology in children and phytobezoar is the most common type of bezoar.

Xanthogranulomatous Salpingitis Presenting as Pyosalpinx in a Non-Sexually Active Adolescent Girl.

INTRODUCTION: Although pelvic inflammatory disease is seen in sexually active women, it can also be seen in virgin girls. One of the conditions that can develop if not treated appropriately is pyosalpinx. A case of pyosalpinx causing xanthogranulomatous inflammation, a rare type of inflammation, is presented. CASE: A 15-year-old virgin adolescent patient underwent salpingectomy for left pyosalpinx, and the pathology result revealed xanthogranulomatous salpingitis. CONCLUSION: Pelvic inflammatory disease is extremely rare in virgin adolescents and there is usually an underlying anatomic anomaly. No anatomical anomaly was detected in our case, but the detection of E.coli in the abscess fluid culture and the chronic constipation of our patient made us think that the cause of the disease was an ascending infection originating from the gastrointestinal tract.

Non-operative management of iatrogenic esophageal perforation in a 6-year-old child.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal perforations are rare, the most common encountered esophageal perforation is iatrogenic in origin. It can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Medical treatment has been recommended primarily in hemodynamically stable children. Drainage of intrathoracic or periesophageal fluid formation should be reserved to patients with hemodynamic instability. Surgical intervention may seldomly be required, depending on the localization and size of the defect. CASE REPORT: A 6-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic due to an esophageal perforation whilst removing the foreign body from upper esophagus under direct vision of a rigid esophagoscope. A radiologic appearance similar to esophageal duplication was detected along the esophagus in the esophagogram. A secondary esophagoscopy was carried out by our clinic, laceration at the esophagopharyngeal junction and dissection along the esophagus were observed and the foreign body was propelled into the stomach. The patient, whose clinical condition was stable, was managed medically without the need for a surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal perforation is rare, yet perilous if not handled properly. We do not encounter this clinical entity frequently. Despite its rarity it can arise either iatrogenically or while managing a previous complication such as a simple nasogastric tube insertion in an infant or during an endoscopy for an esophageal foreign body. Its management is challenging, and we believe that non-operative treatment is still an important option in childhood esophageal perforations.

Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst in Children: A Single-Institution Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Hydatid cysts can occur in any place such as the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, brain, and soft tissue. Pulmonary hydatid cysts are more prone to rupture than liver hydatid cysts. In this study, we aimed to present the demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, radiological findings, surgical findings, type of surgery performed, and postoperative complications of patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The files of 94 patients who were operated on for pulmonary hydatid cysts in our clinic between January 2011 and October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: ruptured pulmonary hydatid cysts and non-ruptured pulmonary hydatid cysts. RESULTS: A total of 120 pulmonary hydatid cysts were detected in 94 patients who were operated on for pulmonary hydatid cysts. Cyst rupture was detected in 63 (52.5%) patients. Rupture was found significantly higher in cysts with a diameter of <10 cm (p=0.005). Complaints of fever and hemoptysis were found significantly higher in the ruptured group. Pneumothorax was detected in six patients after the operation with an average of two months, one of which was the patient who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS). CONCLUSION: Pulmonary hydatid cyst should be kept in mind in children presenting with lower respiratory tract symptoms in regions where echinococcosis is endemic. Parenchyma-sparing methods should be the first choice in the management of pulmonary hydatid cysts. Patients who develop early postoperative complications should also be followed closely for late impediments.

Comparison of the Electrothermal Bipolar Sealing System (LigaSure) Versus Endoloop in Pediatric Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy has long been in the process of replacing open appendectomy owing to a better wound healing, better cosmetic appearance, less pain, and less postoperative adhesion. Although there are many methods for ligating the appendix stump, studies on energy-based coagulation methods have attracted great interest in recent years. In our study, we aimed to compare the use of LigaSure™ appendiceal sealing and ligation of appendiceal stump by endoloop with regard to duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and complications in laparoscopic appendectomies. Materials and Methods: A total of 174 consecutive patients under the age of 18 who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy in our clinic between September 2016 and February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with perforated appendicitis were excluded from the study. The patients were divided into two groups as the appendix stump was ligated with endoloop (Group 1) and sealed with LigaSure (Group 2). Demographic characteristics of the patients, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and complications were recorded. Results: Of the 132 patients who were included in the study, Group 1 consisted of patients using endoloop (n = 39) and Group 2 comprised patients that LigaSure was employed (n = 93). There was no significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 in terms of age and length of hospital stay (P = .126 and P = .784, respectively); however, the operation time was found to be significantly shorter in Group 2 (P < .001). Conclusion: The use of LigaSure is a safe and fast method to seal the mesoappendix and appendix stump in pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy. We think that infection complications due to stump leakage and intra-abdominal spillage will less be encountered.

Protective effect of osthole on testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Testicular torsion is a urological emergency that requires urgent surgical intervention which results in testicular loss if not diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion. Ischemic tissue damage with oxygen deficiency, which starts with the decrease in blood flow to the tissue, continues to increase with the reoxygenation of the damaged tissues as soon as reperfusion is achieved. In various studies, osthole has also been shown to reduce cerebral, spinal cord, intestinal, renal, and myocardial ischemia/perfusion (I/R) damage. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of osthole on testicular I/R injury. METHODS: 28 Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n=7). Group 1 was the sham operation group. In Group 2 (I/R), 3-h ischemia was created by rotating the testis 720° clockwise, followed by 3 h of reperfusion. In Group 3 (I/R + single dose of Osthole), 20 mg/kg ostol was administered intraperitoneally half an hour before detorsion after 3 h of torsion. The testis was detorsioned. Three h of detorsion was applied. In Group 4 (I/R + twice doses of Osthole), 20 mg/kg ostol was administered intraperitoneally half an hour before detorsion, followed by 3-h torsion. The testis was released and detorsioned. Half an hour after the detorsion, an intraperitoneal dose of 20 mg/kg osthole was administered again. Detorsion was done for 3 h. All rats were sacrificed after 6 h and right orchiectomy was performed for blood for biochemical analysis and histopathological sample. RESULTS: Glutathion, nuclear respiratory factor 2, Superoxide dismutase, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels were decreased in I/R rats, while interleukin-6, malondialdehyde, and myeloperoxidase levels were increased. While caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, and TUNEL showed moderate immunopositive tissues immunohistochemically in rats with I/R damage, mild immunopositive tissues were detected in Group 3 and Group 4. In the histochemical examination, degenerative tubule structure and separation of epithelial cells were observed in I/R rats, while partially healed testicular tissue was detected in Group 3 and Group 4. CONCLUSION: In our study, we observed that osthole reduced oxidative damage, suppressed the inflammatory process, prevented apoptosis, and reduced cell damage. We think that with repeated doses, cellular damage would gradually decline.

Foreign Body and Caustic Substance Ingestion in Childhood.

Foreign body and caustic substance ingestion in childhood are common and require accurate and timely diagnosis to provide appropriate management consistent with the ingested substance/foreign body and clinical presentation as well as the associated risk status to prevent significant complications and morbidity. The aim of this paper was to present foreign body and caustic ingestion in childhood in terms of epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic work-up and appropriate management and potential complications in accordance with clinical presentation and the type of ingested substance/foreign body.

Use of video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery in the removal of an intrathoracic bullet: A case report.

The use of video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS) as a minimally invasive surgical technique in many lung and pleural diseases is well-established. However, the efficacy of VATS in the removal of retained intrathoracic foreign bodies is unclear. Here, we report the use of VATS in the successful removal of an intrathoracic bullet from a 7-year-old patient.

Clinical Profile and Outcome of Esophageal Button Battery Ingestion in Children: An 8-Year Retrospective Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical profile and outcomes of esophageal button battery ingestion cases treated at our institution over an 8-year period. METHODS: A total of 17 children who presented after ingesting a button battery and were treated at a tertiary care clinic over an 8-year period were included in this retrospective case series study. Data on patient demographics and esophageal location of the battery, time from ingestion to admission, symptoms, grade of mucosal injury, size of the battery, management, complications, and follow-up outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Median age was 29 months (range, 2-99 months). Boys comprised (n=11, 64.7%) of the study population. The most common location was the proximal esophagus (n=10, 58.8%). The median time from ingestion to admission was 6 h (range, 3-24 h). Hypersalivation alone (n=6, 35.3%) or together with vomiting (n=5, 29.4%) was the most common symptom. Grade IIA mucosal injury was noted in six (n=6, 35.3%) patients. The diameter of the battery was a median of 18.0 mm (range, 14-22 mm). We did not observe any correlation between the size of the battery and the grade of the injury. Early postoperative complications were encountered in one patient (n=1, 5.8%) and late postoperative complications were noted in eight patients (n=8, 47.1%) which required further esophageal dilatations, and follow-up revealed normal findings in eight patients (n=8, 47.1%) and mortality occurred in one patient. CONCLUSION: The current case series study describing the clinical profiles and outcomes of 17 children who had ingested an esophageal button battery revealed male predominance, young patient age, and admission after a median of 6 h (3-24 h) of ingestion with nonspecific symptoms. Our findings confirm the success of rigid endoscopy to remove esophageal button batteries and indicate the likelihood of severe complications after removal.

Selection of Pneumatic Reduction in Invagination Treatment and the Factors Affecting the Success of This Method.

Objective To retrospectively evaluate the success rates of fluoroscopy-guided pneumatic reduction in children with intussusception and to determine the risk factors and patient characteristics affecting the success of this method. Materials and methods Retrospective evaluation was made of a total of 183 children diagnosed with ultrasonography (USG) and treated in the pediatric surgery clinic between August 2010 and December 2017. Data related to gender, age (month), date of presentation, invaginated segment localizations and treatment modalities were retrieved from the patient files. In children who underwent pneumatic reduction, surgical success was determined as the visualization of air flow through the small intestine on fluoroscopy and patients who received reduction were followed up in our clinic. No progress of the air given or failure to see the air flow to the small intestine despite some progression of the air was evaluated as failure and surgical procedure was started in 39 patients. All patients were followed up at the hospital for at least 24 to 48 hours after the procedures. Patients with perforation, peritonitis, vital instability, or general condition disorder during presentation at our clinic (n = 29) were directly admitted for surgery. Results The study included a total of 183 children, comprising 116 (63.4%) males and 67 (36.6%) females with a mean age of 61.3 ± 34.3 months. While mesenteric lymphadenitis (n = 7) was determined as the most common lesion in cases where a pathologic lead point was detected (7.6%), Meckel's diverticulum was observed in four patients, polyps in two patients, and an involvement associated with Henoch Schönlein Vasculitis in one patient. Pneumatic reduction procedure was applied in 154 (84.1%) patients and successful results were obtained in 115 (74.7%) patients, while surgical intervention was required in 39 (25.3%) patients. While frequency of admission to direct surgery following the failure of pneumatic reduction in children under the age of two years was determined to be higher than the frequency of healing, the successful pneumatic reduction and admission to direct surgery rates in children between the ages of 0-4 years was found to be significantly higher than those in other age groups (p < 0.001). The pneumatic reduction success rate was determined to decrease significantly in children aged ≥6 years (p < 0.001). The mean hospitalization duration of the patients who underwent surgery after pneumatic reduction (five days) was determined to be significantly longer compared to that of the patients who underwent direct surgery and for whom a successful pneumatic reduction was ensured (p = 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). Conclusion Fluoroscopy-guided pneumatic reduction has a high success rate and is still one of the first option methods in the treatment of idiopathic intussusception. The application of the method under operating room conditions is more appropriate for patient safety. It is considered that the non-operative reduction success may increase with the detailed evaluation of intussusception cases determined to have pathologic lead points in children aged <2 years and >6 years.

Management of Giant Omphalocele Leading to Early Fascial Closure.

Objective The aim of the study was to present the clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with giant omphalocele, treated with early primary closure combined with bandaging and povidone-iodine staining and powder spray antibiotics. Materials and methods The study included a total of 22 infants with omphalocele. The omphalocele sacs of the patients were cleaned daily with topical povidone-iodine. A powdered spray antibiotic combination was then applied topically twice a day and the sac was wrapped in a sterile elastic bandage. Following the observation of eschar formation and epithelization, the patients were operated on in the early period and the sac was removed by placing a graft. Results Evaluation was made of a total of 14 female and eight male patients with mean duration of conservative monitoring of 11 days and mean total hospital stay of 35. The mean giant omphalocele (GO) defect size of the patients followed-up was 10 cm. Since seven of the patients in the present study died in the 1st week, conservative and elastic bandages were applied for the GO treatment of 15 patients for 9-14 days. After the conservative follow-up, it was determined that the patients who were applied with a graft at an average of 11 days were hospitalized for an average of 24 days postoperatively. Conclusion In conclusion, it is possible to reduce the length of hospital stay with primary closure in the early period by providing faster epithelialization with the combination of povidone-iodine and antibiotic powder together with elastic bandage application in infants with GO.

A single-center experience of pediatric foreign-body aspiration: A retrospective 4-year case series.

INTRODUCTION: Foreign body aspirations (FBA) in children are serious life-threatening clinical conditions that require immediate intervention. In this study, it was aimed to retrospectively investigate the demographic features, clinical diagnosis and treatment methods of children admitted to our clinic due to FBA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 86 children aged <16 years, diagnosed with tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration (FBA) between January 2013 and December 2017. All patients with two-way chest radiography were examined for foreign body aspiration diagnosis. In case of suspicion of diagnosis, low-dose multi-slice chest CT was taken. In cases of FBA diagnosis, rigid bronchoscopy was performed under sevoflurane and propofol anaesthesia supported by controlled ventilation. Evaluation was made of the patient demographic characteristics, type and localization of the foreign body removed with bronchoscopy and operation-related complications. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients with FBA diagnosis was 3.17 years and 55.8% (n = 48) of the patients were male. The most commonly aspirated foreign body was nuts (peanut and hazelnut) (70%) and the most common finding on the chest radiographs was obstructive emphysema, determined on 51% of the patients. Bronchoscopy revealed that the foreign body was in the right main bronchus and left main bronchus in 41%. CONCLUSION: The main treatment for FBA is prevention. However, in patients applied with bronchoscopy for FBA, controlled ventilation and appropriate general anesthesia should be generally used. Early bronchoscopic intervention with safe anesthesia and controlled ventilation support will improve the success rates in FBA cases.

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis following repair of oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula in a neonate.

Development of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) after a few weeks of repair of an oesophageal atresia (OA) and tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) is a rare condition in early infancy. Although vomiting or feeding intolerance in operated cases of OA+TOF are attributed to oesophageal stricture, gastro-oesophageal reflux and oesophageal dysmotility, it may also be caused by HPS. Herein, we report a newborn infant who had OA and TOF operation on day 2 of life and diagnosed to have HPS at 15th day of age. Even though it is a rare anomaly, HPS should be kept on mind in the presence of persistent vomiting following repair of OA.

Is conservative treatment an effective option for pilonidal sinus disease in children?

Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is associated with a complex disease process in children, and its management remains controversial. There are a few published studies on PSD in the paediatric literature; therefore, we present our experience of conservatively treating PSD in children. This study involved a retrospective review with telephone follow up. All children diagnosed with PSD in 2012 to 2017 were identified at the outpatient clinic of the Department of Paediatric Surgery. All patients initially underwent conservative treatment (meticulous hair removal, improved perianal hygiene, warm sitz baths, and drainage for abscess). Data collection included demographics, type of management, recurrence, presence of infection, and total healing time. In the study period, 29 children were identified. Their mean age was 14.94 ± 1.09 (range: 12-16) years, and 51.7% were girls. The mean length of follow up was 8.34 ± 6.36 (range: 1-25) months. Complete healing occurred in 79.3% of patients. Recurrence was evident in 12% of patients. Four patients underwent surgery. PSD is being seen in children more frequently in recent years. Conservative treatment may be the recommended initial approach for PSD in children.

Pyelonephritis Caused by Salmonella Anatum: An Unusual Case.

Salmonella species are a very rare cause of urinary tract infection in healthy children. This species is associated with a high incidence of genitourinary abnormalities and immune deficiencies. We report the first pediatric case of a healthy 9-year-old girl with pyelonephritis due to Salmonella Anatum.

Associated anomalies and clinical outcome in children with ectopic kidney.

Urological anomalies can be seen in children with renal ectopia (RE) and can result in renal impairment. Therefore, we evaluated associated anomalies and renal outcome in our patients with RE. Sixty-eight children who were diagnosed with RE between January 2009-May 2014 were retrospectively studied. A total of 68 patients, 36 (52.9%) boys, with a median age of 67 months (4-201) and a median follow-up period of 14 months (3-113) were included in the study. Simple RE (S-RE) was found in 51 (75%) patients, of which 46 were unilateral and five were bilateral (discoid kidney). Crossed RE (C-RE) was detected in 17 (25%) patients. Voiding cystourethrogram was performed in 21/51 (41.2%) patients in S-RE group and 5/17 (29.4%) in C-RE group. We did not find vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in any of the patients with C-RE, whereas, in S-RE group, VUR was demonstrated in six (6/21 - 28.6%) patients. Pelviureteric junction obstruction in ectopic kidney was found in two patients with S-RE and one with C-RE. Two patients (2/17 - 11.7%) had neurogenic bladder due to meningomyelocele, accompanied by imperforate anus in C-RE group. There were no significant differences in other associated urological anomalies between two groups. Renal impairment developed mostly in patients with additional urinary anomaly. The children with RE may have associated urinary anomalies, of which VUR is the most common. Complete urological investigation and regular follow-up are required in selected cases.

A Giant Mature Cystic Teratoma Mimicking a Pleural Effusion.

The vast majority of teratomas originating from more than a single germ layer are benign. Often, such teratomas are initially asymptomatic. Later symptoms are caused by the weight per se of the teratoma and include chest pain, cough, dyspnea, and/or recurrent attacks of pneumonia. A mediastinal teratoma is treated by total surgical resection of the mass. Here, we report a case of giant mature cystic teratoma mimicking a pleural effusion in the thorax at the 7-month-old female patient with a symptom of persistent pulmonary infection and tachypnea.

Comparison of the hemostatic effects of oxidized cellulose and calcium alginate in an experimental animal model of hepatic parenchymal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Despite all recent developments, bleeding is still one of the main causes of increasing morbidity and mortality following both trauma and elective hepatic surgery. The main goal of treatment is stop the bleeding immediately. In this study, the hemostatic and histopathological effects of Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS), oxidized cellulose (OC), and calcium alginate (CA) were compared in an experimental liver injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of ten animals each, receiving 0.9% NaCl, CA, OC, or ABS following liver resection. After 5 days, the samples from the resection site were acquired for histopathological evaluation. The efficacy of the agents was assessed using the hematocrit level and histopathological examination. Statistical analyses were applied. RESULTS: The amount of bleeding was lowest in ABS-treated rats, followed by those treated with OC, CA, and NaCl, respectively. The difference among the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). ABS-treated rats also had significantly less necrosis than those receiving OC; other differences in this regard were not significant. Inflammatory status was significantly different between OC- and CA-treated rats (P < 0.05) but not among the other groups (P > 0.05). No significant difference was determined between the groups regarding granulation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: ABS reduced the volume of bleeding in liver surgery and partial liver resection. The hemostatic effect of CA was limited.

Firearm injury in a child: An uncommon case of penile trauma.

Genitourinary system injuries generally occur due to blunt and penetrating trauma. Approximately 10% of all injuries encountered in the emergency department are related to the genitourinary system. Male genital trauma is a urological emergency because of the high risk of infection and the priority of protecting the sexual, endocrine, and reproductive functions. Blunt injuries to the penis are more often seen due to the mobility and localization of the penis than due to penetrating injuries caused by firearms or cutting instruments. We aimed to present and discuss a case involving shrapnel that became lodged in the penis of a child in a war zone. After 2 weeks of medical treatment, the patient underwent surgery. Surgery includes primary repair to the penis and urethra.