Management strategy and outcomes of sacrococcygeal teratoma - an Egyptian multicenter experience.

OBJECTIVES: Nationwide criteria regarding patients with sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) are still lacking in Egypt. We aimed to present a multicenter study regarding the management and outcomes of this tumor to evaluate our national treatment strategy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis including all patients with SCT who were managed at four major Egyptian centers between 2013 and 2023. Clinical data, surgical approaches, and short- and long-term outcomes were discussed. RESULTS: The study included 95 patients (74 were females). Antenatal diagnosis was reported in 25% of patients. Seventy-one patients (74.7%) were classified as Altman type I/II. Surgery was performed via a perineal approach in 75 patients, whereas the remaining 20 underwent a combined abdominoperineal approach. Vertical elliptical incision with midline closure was conducted in 51.5% of patients, followed by classic or modified chevron incisions. Benign mature teratoma was detected in 82% of patients. At a median follow-up of 57 months, eight patients (8.5%) had relapsed. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) of all patients were 94% and 91%, respectively. In the after-care monitoring, 19 patients (20%) had urinary or bowel dysfunctions. Nine of them were managed using medications. Clean intermittent catheterization was practiced in another five patients. The remaining five underwent further surgical interventions. CONCLUSION: Favorable outcomes were achieved in our country during the last decade. Diverse perineal incisions were performed for resection, and vertical elliptical with midline closure was the commonest. During follow-up, 20% of patients developed urological or bowel dysfunctions that required medical and surgical treatment modalities to improve their quality of life.

Evaluation of the safety of using harmonic scalpel during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children: A preliminary report.

Background and objective: In spite of being one of the most common surgical procedures performed in adults, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is relatively uncommon in the pediatric age group. Most surgeons prefer to dissect the cystic duct using a monopolar electrosurgical hook and occlude it with simple metal clips. Although the safety of using the ultrasonically-activated shears, e.g., harmonic scalpel for dissection of the gallbladder is confirmed in many studies, its efficacy in the closure of the cystic artery and duct in adults is still debatable. Furthermore, very few reports studied its safety in children during LC. The aim of our work is to study the safety and efficacy of ultrasonic shears in controlling the cystic duct and artery during LC in children. Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted from May 2017 to April 2020, where all children having symptomatic gallbladder stone disease were included in the study. HS was used as a sole instrument in gallbladder dissection as well as in controlling cystic duct and artery. No metal clips or sutures were used throughout the procedure. Results: A total of forty-two children having symptomatic gallstone disease were included in the study. The main indication for LC was hemolytic anemia. Their age ranged from 3 to 13 years with a mean of 8.4 ± 3.25 years. All operations were completed laparoscopically, i.e., no conversion to open surgery was needed. The mean operative time was 40 ± 10.42 min. There were no intraoperative complications apart from gall bladder perforation in two cases during dissection from the liver bed while the postoperative recovery was smooth in all patients. Patients started oral feeding after 11.30 ± 3.01 h. The mean time for discharge was 25.47 ± 7.49 h, ranging from 14 to 48 h. Postoperative ultrasound for all cases showed no evidence of minor or major bile leaks or CBD injuries. Conclusion: This is the first report to evaluate the use of HS as a sole instrument during LC in the pediatric age group. HS is a safe and efficient instrument that can be used alone in gallbladder dissection as well as in controlling cystic duct and artery during LC in children.

Insulin resistance induced by de novo pathway-generated C16-ceramide is associated with type 2 diabetes in an obese population.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and diabetes are two chronic metabolic diseases whose prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate globally. A close association between obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance has been identified, and many studies have pinpointed obesity as a causal risk factor for insulin resistance. However, the mechanism underlying this association is not entirely understood. In the past decade, ceramides have gained attention due to their accumulation in certain tissues and their suggested role in initiating insulin resistance. This study aims to determine the association of specific ceramides and their major metabolizing enzymes with obesity-associated insulin resistance. METHODS: The samples comprised subcutaneous adipose tissues collected from three cohorts: lean non-diabetic (controls; n = 20), obese-non-diabetic (n = 66), and obese-diabetic (n = 32). Ceramide levels were quantified using LC-MS/MS and mRNA expression level for different enzymes were estimated using real-time PCR-based RNA expression analysis. RESULTS: C16-ceramide (P = 0.023), C16-dihydro-ceramide (P < 0.005), C18-dihydro-ceramide (P = 0.009) and C24-ceramide (P = 0.040) levels were significantly increased in the obese cohort compared to the control group. However, stratification of the obese group revealed a significant increase in the C16-ceramide levels (P = 0.027) and mRNA over expression of the serine palmitoyl transferases enzyme subunit SPT1 (P < 0.005) in the obese-diabetic cohort compared to the obese-non-diabetic cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that C16-ceramide plays a pivotal role in inducing insulin resistance. Overexpression of SPT1 in the obese-diabetic group and its positive correlation with C16-ceramide suggest that C16-ceramide was generated through the de novo pathway.

Delayed Presentation of Congenital Jejunal Web beyond the Neonatal Period.

Congenital web of the gastrointestinal tract is a rare anomaly which may present at any site of the gastrointestinal tract. In cases with an intact membrane, the presenting symptoms may take the form of complete intestinal obstruction while in other cases with a fenestrated membrane, it may present with partial intestinal obstruction such as failure to thrive, volume depletion, or poor body-weight gain, representing a chronic condition. It is very rare for a jejunal web to present with retention of accidently ingested foreign body. In this report, we document a case of 14-month boy with retention of accidently ingested button battery who was found to have a jejunal web on surgical exploration. This case report stresses on the importance of prevention of ingestion of inanimate foreign bodies especially in young infants and that the absence of symptoms does not preclude presence of foreign body in children. Also, surgeons should be prepared to deal with other unsuspected findings intraoperatively. After a review of the literature, jejunal web should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic partial intestinal obstruction even in adults.

Thoracoscopic Repair of Neonatal Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Minimizing Open Repair in a Low-Income Country.

Aim: To assess the severity of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH) in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) neonates solely using oxygenation index (OI). Study Design: A prospective study was carried out from April 2016 to March 2019, where all confirmed CDH neonates were evaluated for the possibility repair through thoracoscopic approach. The severity of PPH was assessed using OI. It is calculated using the equation: mean airway pressure (MAP) × FiO2 × 100 ÷ PaO2. Neonates having OI <5 were considered to have a mild degree of pulmonary hypertension; hence, thoracoscopic repair was offered for them. Results: Thirty-nine CDH cases met the selection criteria; therefore, they underwent thoracoscopic repair. Primary diaphragmatic repair was successfully accomplished thoracoscopically in all neonates without any perioperative complications. Conversion from thoracoscopy to open method occurred in five cases. The causes were due to difficulties encountered during repair and none was due to a pure anesthetic problem or general deterioration during thoracoscopy. Recurrence had occurred in two cases only. Conclusion: OI is a reliable subjective parameter that could be used as an adjuvant to the usually used cardiovascular and pulmonary parameters for thoracoscopic repair decision. With increasing surgical experience, a wider range of neonates may be considered for thoracoscopic CDH repair.

Role of Wrap-Crural Fixation and Minimal Dissection in Prevention of Transmigration After Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication in Children.

Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the gold standard antireflux procedure in pediatric age group. Intrathoracic migration of the fundic wrap is a common cause failure, leading to recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Objectives: To investigate the impact of wrap-crural fixation and minimal esophageal dissection in prevention of wrap transmigration after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in children. Methods: Prospective randomized study of 46 pediatric patients with refractory GERD who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication divided into two equal groups. In Group A, wrap crural fixation was done, whereas in group B no fixation was done. Minimal esophageal dissection with preservation of the phrenoesophageal ligament was done in both groups. Approval of the Ethics Committee of our Faculty was obtained. Results: There was no difference between both groups regarding operative time, intraoperative complications, or length of hospital stay. Two patients in group B without wrap fixation suffered recurrence of GERD symptoms. On contrast study, they both showed intrathoracic wrap migration. One of them was reoperated. Whereas in group A, no recurrence of symptoms and no wrap transmigration were noticed in follow-up. Conclusion: In laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, with minimal esophageal dissection and preservation of the phrenoesophageal ligament, there is no additional benefit from wrap-crural fixation in prevention of wrap transmigration.

Management of pediatric benign ovarian tumors in England and Egypt: A comparative study.

AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to compare the management of pediatric benign ovarian tumors between an English center and three Egyptian institutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of all children presenting with benign ovarian tumors between January 2014 and January 2019. A standardized dataset was used to compare between both sides. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were included (54 English and 35 Egyptians). Median age at diagnosis in England was 13 years (2-16y), while in Egypt it was 7 years (9m-16y) with P =0.001. Mature teratomas or dermoid cysts were the most common findings in England and Egypt; 75.9% and 82.8% of cases, respectively. The presentation with an acute abdomen represented 27.8% of English and 28.6% of Egyptian patients. Incidentally diagnosed lesions constituted 15% of English patients, whereas none of the Egyptian cases were discovered incidentally. There were variations in diagnostic imaging; England: Ultrasound (USS) (54), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (37), and computed tomography (CT) (only one)-Egypt: USS (35), CT (17), and MRI (only one). Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) was performed in 15% of English and 23% of Egyptian patients (P = 0.334). Ovarian-sparing surgery (OSS) was performed in: England 35%, Egypt 37%; P = 0.851. OSS was performed using MIS in 87.5% (7/8) of English patients and 100% (8/8) of Egyptians. Patients presented as emergencies generally had open oophorectomies: England; 86.7% open and 80% oophorectomy-Egypt; 100% open and 90% oophorectomy. Recurrences or metachronous disease occurred in 5.6% of English and 5.7% of Egyptian patients. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences regarding surgical management, tumor pathology, and recurrence or metachronous disease. However, age, incidental diagnosis, and imaging modalities showed notable differences. MIS was correlated with ovarian preservation, whereas emergency surgery generally resulted in open oophorectomy.

Surgical resection and outcome of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors in children-a national multicentric study compared to international results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of pediatric malignant ovarian germ cell tumors treated by three tertiary Egyptian institutions, and to compare our national experience to internationally published data. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of all patients presenting between September 2014 and September 2019. Management protocol was Children's Oncology Group (COG) in all participating centers. Overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS) and univariate prognostic factors were estimated by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test. Additionally, a review of various practices that reported survival outcome was conducted. MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were included with a median age of 10.5 years (1-18 years). Thirty-five patients had unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Mixed germ cell and yolk sac tumors represented 75.7% of patients. There were 7 (19%), 14 (37.8%), 12 (32.4%) and 4 (10.8%) stage I, II, III and IV, respectively. Seven patients were low risk (LR), 26 intermediate risk (IR) and 4 high risk (HR). Platinum-based chemotherapy was administered as per risk stratification. Follow-up to March 2020 revealed that five patients had relapsed. There were no statistical significances of pathological types and patients' age regarding OS (p value 0.392 and 0.281, respectively) and EFS (p value 0.420 and 0.437, respectively). Three-year OS was 84%: 100% for stages I and II, and 62% for stages III and IV (p = 0.003); 100% for LR, 89% for IR, and 24% for HR (p < 0.001). Three-year EFS was 87%: 96% for stages I and II, and 71% for stages III and IV (p = 0.025); 100% for LR, 92% for IR, and 26% for HR (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Surgical resection combined with chemotherapy achieves excellent outcome for such tumors in both, present study and previous reports. On the basis of our results, COG staging and risk stratification were significantly correlated with prognosis, whereas tumor pathology and age had no significant impact. Prognostic factors are controversial among studies, and further research is still required.

Is it necessary to close the peritoneum over the deep inguinal ring during laparoscopic orchidopexy?

BACKGROUND: During laparoscopic orchidopexy, some authors routinely close the peritoneum over the area of the deep inguinal ring (DIR). We report our experience, to determine whether leaving the peritoneum over the DIR without closure is associated with an increase in the occurrence of postoperative inguinal hernia. PATIENTS & METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent laparoscopy for impalpable testes in 2004-2010. The patients were divided into two groups: I) cases in whom the peritoneum over the DIR was routinely closed, and II) cases in whom the DIR was left without closure. The patients were followed up in the outpatient clinic. RESULTS: During the study period, 442 boys underwent laparoscopy for 570 impalpable testes. The testis was found to be 'vanishing' or 'atrophic' in 182 (32%). The mobilized testis passed through the anatomical DIR in 198 (51%), and through a new deep ring in 190 (49%). The DIR was closed (I) in 178 (46%) and left open (II) in 210 (54%) cases. On follow up (mean 50 months for I and 41 months for II), there were no cases of inguinal hernia. CONCLUSION: Closing the peritoneum over the area of the DIR may not be necessary, even in cases where the testis has to be passed through a medially created new deep ring, because of a short cord.

Early insertion of trans-scrotal port during laparoscopic orchidopexy: a new concept.

Laparoscopic orchidopexy has become the routine tool in managing abdominal testes. Many techniques have been used to deliver the dissected testis to the scrotal position; a trans-scrotal port is one of them. We present a technique in which the trans-scrotal port is inserted early on, and used not only for testis delivery but also to aid the testicular dissection. We used the technique for 15 abdominal testes in 13 boys and it was safe, and very helpful in dissecting the vascular pedicle to higher levels in an ergonomically easier plane. In addition, it helped in establishing the tract and eventually guiding the dissected testis to the desired scrotal position (12 low and 3 mid-scrotal).

Role of water soluble contrast agents in assigning patients to a non-operative course in adhesive small bowel obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common surgical emergency. It is estimated that at least 60% of SBO are due to post-operative adhesions. Water soluble contrast agents (gastrografin) have been used to identify patients who might be treated non-operatively. This study aims to determine the role of gastrografin in adhesive intestinal obstruction patients. METHODS: In this prospective study, 27 patients admitted between 1(st) August 2004 and 1(st) July 2006 with clinical signs suggestive of postoperative adhesive SBO met the inclusion criteria. After intravenous hydration, nasogastric tube insertion and complete suctioning of the gastric fluid, 100 ml of gastrograsfin was given and plain abdominal radiography was taken 6 hours and 24 hours if the contrast is not seen in the colon. Those in whom the contrast reached the colon in 24 hours were considered to have partial SBO and started oral intake. If gastrografin failed to reach the colon in 24 hours and the patient did not improve in the following 24 hours, laparotomy was performed. RESULTS: Conservative treatment was successful in 31 cases (91%) and 3 (9%) required operation. Patients treated conservatively had short hospital stay (mean=4 days) and tolerated oral feeding with no morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSION: Oral gastrografin helps in the management of patients with postoperative adhesive SBO.

Hypoplastic gonadal vessels exiting the deep ring during laparoscopy for impalpable testes: when is inguinal exploration necessary?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: During laparoscopy for impalpable testes (IT), if the vas and vessels are found exiting the deep ring, many surgeons proceed to inguinal exploration as a routine, regardless of the adequacy of the vessels or the presence or absence of the processus vaginalis (PV). We tried to find out whether this was necessary in cases with hypoplastic vessels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of cases of IT where during laparoscopy, the vas deferens and the gonadal vessels were seen passing through the deep inguinal ring. Cases were divided into four groups, according to the condition of the PV: present (whether patent or closed) or absent and the adequacy of the vessels. Findings at inguinal exploration and histopathologic examination were compared. RESULTS: Over a period of 4 years, 27 children had laparoscopy for 36 IT. Twenty-three cases (64%) had the vas and vessels passing through the deep ring. Eleven cases (48%) had hypoplastic vessels: 5 (22%) with PV, and on inguinal exploration, 3 (60%) had atrophic testes, and 2 small "nubbins," and 6 (26%) with no PV; 3 with blind ended vas and vessels and 3 with small "nubbins." No case in the last group showed testicular tissue on histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: In cases with hypoplastic vessels exiting the deep inguinal ring, it is the presence or absence of PV that should determine the next step. If it is present, inguinal exploration should follow. If it is absent, exploration is unnecessary.