Percutaneous Inserted Venous Catheter via Femoral Vein in Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infants: A Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the applicability of the insertion of small diameter catheters through the femoral vein in extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants. STUDY DESIGN: All femoral small diameter catheters (Silastic or femoral arterial catheter [FAC]) inserted in ELBW infants in a tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit were retrospectively reviewed. Success rate, dwelling time, and percutaneously inserted central venous catheter-related complications were recorded. RESULTS: Thirteen small diameter catheters were inserted in seven ELBW infants. Mean gestational age at birth was 25+3 weeks (standard deviation [SD] ± 2.12) and mean birth weight was 686 g (SD ± 204.9). Mean weight at the first time of insertion was 1,044 g (SD ± 376.3). In two occasions, a FAC was used instead of a Silastic. In most cases (11/13, 84.6%), the patient was intubated prior to the procedure. The mean dwelling time was 16.7 days (SD ± 9.8). Most of the inserted small diameter catheters were removed electively (8/12, 66.7%), except for one episode of clinical sepsis from coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and three cases of accidental line extravasation. No other complications were reported. The success rate was 92.3%. CONCLUSION: Femoral venous catheterization using small diameter catheters in ELBW infants may be promising when other routes have been exhausted. Our results support that it is a feasible technique that can be performed at the bedside with successful results when conducted by experienced personnel.

Thoracoscopic esophagoesophagostomy for a refractory stricture in a patient with esophageal atresia.

Anastomosis stricture is a well-known complication after esophageal atresia repair. Endoscopic dilatation is the gold standard treatment for esophageal stenosis. However, surgical interventions are indicated for refractory cases. We present a 2-year-old girl with esophageal stricture refractory to regular endoscopic dilatation after esophageal atresia repair that underwent thoracoscopic stricture resection and reanastomosis. Although thoracoscopic approach is widely used for esophageal atresia repair, this approach has not been used before for the treatment of anastomosis stricture.

Thoracoscopic recurrent tracheo-oesophageal fistula repair with mini endostapler: promising solution.

Recurrent tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) is a common complication in children who underwent oesophageal atresia repair. The traditional surgical approach performed either by thoracotomy or cervicotomy is associated with a high rate of morbidity, mortality and new recurrence. In the last decades, endoscopic techniques have emerged as the minimally invasive alternative. However, it seems that the optimal treatment is still unknown. We present a patient with a recurrent TOF who underwent thoracoscopic closure using a 5.8 mm endostapler. The patient was extubated at the end of the procedure, and he started feeding the day after surgery. At 15 months of follow-up, he is asymptomatic. Thoracoscopic closure of TOF using endostaplers seems to be a safe alternative with some possible benefits compared with traditional and endoscopic approach.

Association between gallbladder agenesis and choledochal cyst: cause or coincidence?

This case report describes an extremely rare association between gallbladder agenesis and choledochal cyst (CC). A 9-year-old girl presented with recurrent abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. Radiological studies revealed a CC type IVa and an agenesis of gallbladder and cystic duct. Due to the possibility of biliary neoplasm, the patient underwent cyst resection and hepaticoduodenostomy. Histopathological findings showed inflamed fibrous tissue covered by biliary epithelium with no evidence of malignancy.

Is the Laparoscopic Approach Safe for Inguinal Hernia Repair in Preterms?

Introduction: Although laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children has gained popularity in the last decades, this approach remains uncommon in preterm infants. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics and the outcomes of indirect inguinal hernias in term and preterm infants. Material and Methods: From January 2002 to November 2015, all charts of the pediatric patients who underwent laparoscopic indirect inguinal hernia repair in one single institution within the first 6 months of life were revised. The data of 156 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided in two groups: group I, including the preterm patients, and group II, including the term patients. Results: A total of 90 preterm infants and 66 term infants were included. In the group I, preoperative diagnosis was right-sided inguinal hernia in 20% of patients, left sided in 22.2%, and bilateral in 57.5%; while in the group II, preoperative diagnosis was right-sided inguinal hernia in 42.4% of infants, left sided in 15.2%, and bilateral in 42.4% (P = .01). In group I intraoperative diagnosis was right-sided inguinal hernia in 10% of patients, left sided in 16.7%, and bilateral in 73.3%; while in the group II, intraoperative diagnosis was right-sided inguinal hernia in 25.8% of infants, left sided in 12.1%, bilateral in 60.6%, and there was no hernia in one patient (P = .02). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the correct intraoperative diagnosis between both groups (P = .59). No statistical significance was observed between the two groups regarding postoperative complications. Conclusions: Bilateral inguinal hernia is more frequent in preterm infants compared to term infants, whereas the incidence of right-sided inguinal hernia is higher in term patients. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in preterm infants seems to be safe and effective.