Rare case of inguinal ureteral hernia in a child diagnosed by drip infusion pyelography-computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Inguinal hernias are the most commonly experienced disease in pediatric surgery. However, it is rare for the organs of the urinary system to prolapse as the contents of the hernia. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 14-year-old boy with congenital paraperitoneal inguinal herniation of the ureter. Intraoperatively, we found an unfamiliar tubular loop structure arising from the deep inguinal ring in the left inguinal canal. The tubular structure, which may have been part of the ureter, was left in the inguinal canal to avoid damage. Postoperative drip infusion pyelography-computed tomography showed anatomical irregularity of the ureter in the inguinal canal. Follow-up in the 5th postoperative year showed no recurrence of hydrocele and complications associated with ureteral obstruction. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Inguinal ureteral hernias are rarely reported in children. Paraperitoneal inguinal hernias are reported to be associated with vesicoureteral reflux and posterior urethral valve. Patients rarely present with symptoms like those observed in our case report. Whilst general surgical treatment is to return the ureter to the retroperitoneal space, we opted to leave the ureter in the inguinal canal to avoid unnecessary damage. However, this intraoperative management resulted in slight hematuria. The ureter should be placed back where it belongs, and postoperative monitoring using computed tomography may be important. CONCLUSION: This case provides valuable insight into preoperative diagnostic difficulties and intra- and postoperative management of an inguinal ureteral hernia in children, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention in the treatment of this disease.

Laparoscopic treatment of an abdominoscrotal hydrocele: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH), a composite of scrotal and abdominal hydroceles connected through the inguinal canal, is rare and no consensus regarding its mechanisms and surgical treatments has been reached to date. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: We report a case of an 11-month-old boy with a large ASH. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a huge hydrocele (maximum length: 8 cm). The patient underwent laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) and the orifice of the processus vaginalis (PV) was completely closed. The postoperative course was uneventful. Follow-up ultrasonography and MRI in the first postoperative year showed no recurrence of ASH. DISCUSSION: An ASH with a length >8 cm is considered rare in pediatric patients. There is no consensus regarding its etiology and surgical intervention is selected according to the patient's condition and the characteristics of ASH. We opted to perform early surgical intervention considering the ASH size and the adverse effects on testicular development. LPEC helped identify the condition and location of the ASH and allowed safe and reliable operation of the large intrapelvic hydrocele. In patients with no PV patency, a change in approach from LPEC to an open anterior approach should be considered even if LPEC is feasible. CONCLUSION: This case provides valuable insight into successful LPEC of a large ASH without any complications, highlighting the importance of elucidating the morphological mechanisms and making an accurate diagnosis and the challenges associated with these processes.

Therapeutic potential of mature adipocyte-derived dedifferentiated fat cells for inflammatory bowel disease.

PURPOSE: Our previous studies demonstrated that mature adipocyte-derived dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells possess similar multipotency as mesenchymal stem cells. Here, we examined the immunoregulatory potential of DFAT cells in vitro and the therapeutic effect of DFAT cell transplantation in a mouse inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) model. METHODS: The effect of DFAT cell co-culture on T cell proliferation and expression of immunosuppression-related genes in DFAT cells were evaluated. To create IBD, CD4+CD45RBhigh T cells were intraperitoneally injected into SCID mice. One week later, DFAT cells (1 × 105, DFAT group) or saline (Control group) were intraperitoneally injected. Subsequently bodyweight was measured every week and IBD clinical and histological scores were evaluated at 5 weeks after T cell administration. RESULTS: The T cell proliferation was inhibited by co-cultured DFAT cells in a cell density-dependent manner. Gene expression of TRAIL, IDO1, and NOS2 in DFAT cells was upregulated by TNFα stimulation. DFAT group improved IBD-associated weight loss, IBD clinical and histological scores compared to Control group. CONCLUSION: DFAT cells possess immunoregulatory potential and the cell transplantation promoted recovery from colon damage and improved clinical symptoms in the IBD model. DFAT cells could play an important role in the treatment of IBD.

The effectiveness of transoral marsupialization for lingual thyroglossal duct cysts - Twelve successfully treated cases at a single institution.

PURPOSE: Lingual thyroglossal duct cysts (L-TGDCs) are rare and sometimes lethal owing to their association with asphyxia. We aimed to analyze our single institutional experience with L-TGDCs. METHODS: Twelve L-TGDC cases treated at our institution between January 2010 and December 2017 were investigated. RESULTS: The male/female ratio was 6/6. The age at the diagnosis was 2 ±â€¯1.4 months (7 days to 6 months), and 3 patients were diagnosed in the neonatal period. The patients presented with stridor (n = 12; 100%), growth retardation (n = 5; 42%), apnea (n = 3; 25%), and vomiting (n = 1; 8.3%). Lateral X-rays were obtained in 8 cases (66.7%); a lingual mass was suspected in 7 (87.5%). Transoral marsupialization of the cyst was performed under direct vision in all cases. All cases were nasally and orally intubated using a laryngoscope, bronchoscope, or airway scope. The mean operative time was 18 ±â€¯2.9 min. The mean cyst size was 10.5 ±â€¯1.8 mm. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period (37.5 ±â€¯18 months). CONCLUSION: L-TGDC requires a precise diagnosis and rapid intervention because of the risk of asphyxia resulting in sudden death. Transoral marsupialization under direct vision is an effective and secure approach. L-TGDC should be considered when patients younger than six months of age present with respiratory distress. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.