Techniques of staged laparoscopic orchidopexy for high intra-abdominal testes in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Laparoscopic exploration is currently considered the gold standard for managing nonpalpable intraabdominal testes. The problem of short vascular pedicle is addressed in Fowler-Stephen (FS) technique by the division of testicular vessels and in Shehata technique (ST) by traction on testicular vessels. There is a lack of the consensus among pediatric surgeons on the choice of one technique over other. This analysis compares the reported outcomes of staged laparoscopic orchidopexy by ST with the time tested FS technique in managing high intraabdominal undescended testis. Materials and Methods: The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted as per the preferred reporting items for the systematic review and meta-analyses guidelines. Only randomized controlled trials and comparative studies were included. The primary outcomes compared were the incidence of testicular atrophy, testicular retraction/ascent rate, and operative time of Stage I and Stage II orchidopexy. Results: The present analysis was based on three randomized studies with a total of 119 undescended testes in 117 patients satisfying the inclusion criteria. The operative time was less in Stage I FS technique; however, there was no statistically significant difference in operative time of both procedures during the Stage II laparoscopic orchidopexy. Pooled analysis of postintervention testicular atrophy, testicular retraction rate, and duration of postoperative hospitalization showed no difference between both procedures. Conclusion: Both FS and STs are comparable in terms of postintervention testicular atrophy, testicular retraction/ascent; however, the mean operative time is significantly less with FS technique in Stage I laparoscopic orchidopexy.

Bilateral Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in a Neonate Managed Surgically.

Bilateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare birth defect associated with poor prognosis associated with pulmonary hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertension, and other congenital anomalies. We describe a female neonate with bilateral CDH who was successfully managed surgically. A brief review of literature is also described.

Large Congenital Epulis: A Neonatal Tumour with Striking Appearance, but Simple Management.

Background Congenital epulis is a benign tumor of upper gingiva. Larger lesions interfere with mouth closing and normal feeding and may obstruct airways. We present a neonate with a large epulis. Case Report: A full term 3 kg 5 days female baby had a 20 cm × 15 cm gingival mass protruding from the oral cavity, connected by a pedicle attached to right upper gingiva (Figure 1). Multiple trophic ulcers had developed in the mass after birth. Mouth closing and normal feeding were hampered. The mass was excised surgically and baby improved. Conclusion: A large congenital epulis, though worrisome to parents, can be satisfactorily managed by surgical excision and has a good prognosis.

Congenital H-type tracheo-oesophageal fistula: An institutional review of a 10-year period.

BACKGROUND: Congenital H-type tracheo-oesophageal fistula (H-TOF ) accounts for 4%-5% of all congenital tracheo-oesophageal malformations. We present our experience in managing 18 cases with congenital H-TOF at a tertiary institute over a 10-year period. METHODS: Records of all patients with congenital H-TOF managed from January 2009 to December 2018 in the Department of Paediatric Surgery at a tertiary institute were retrospectively analysed based on the age at presentation, gender, antenatal ultrasonography findings; birth history; details of previous hospitalisations, previous treatment details, presenting symptoms and associated anomalies; time to diagnosis; radiological investigations performed, bronchoscopy findings, intraoperative details, complications and postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: Totally 18 patients with congenital H-TOF were managed over a 10-year period. There were 12 females and six males. Six patients had associated anomalies. There was wide variation in age at the start of symptoms (3 days-4 years) and presentation/referral to us (15 days-12 years). Four patients were diagnosed to have H-TOF at first admission. The most common presenting symptom was recurrent pneumonias (n=18). Bronchoscopy was done in all patients, and fistula was diagnosed and cannulated before surgery. The fistula was present at C8-T1 in 14 patients. The median age at surgery was 12 months. In 17 patients, the fistula was repaired by the cervical approach. There were two deaths, and 16 patients are doing well on median follow-up of 8 years. CONCLUSION: Congenital H-TOF should be considered in differential diagnosis while managing patients with recurrent lower respiratory tract infection and 'coughing and choking episodes'; early diagnosis and management of the associated H-TOF is important for improved survival and outcome.

Congenital Hepatic Arteriovenous Malformation Presenting as Isolated Massive Hepatomegaly in an Otherwise Healthy Neonate: A Case Report.

Congenital hepatic arteriovenous malformations (HAVMs), though rare, carry high morbidity and mortality rates if left undiagnosed. The usual clinical presentation is in infancy with congestive heart failure, anaemia and hepatomegaly. There are reports of presentation as persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns and reports of their spontaneous regression as well. We describe a healthy full-term neonate with HAVM who was presented with isolated massive hepatomegaly and underwent surgical ligation.

A Randomized Control Trial Comparing Outcome after Stented and Nonstented Anderson-Hynes Dismembered Pyeloplasty.

AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and postoperative complications of stented and nonstented open pediatric dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A balanced, parallel group, prospective randomized controlled trial comparing stented and nonstented Anderson-Hynes Dismembered Pyeloplasty. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: It included 42 children who required Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty for UPJ obstruction (UPJO). Patients were randomized into stented (double "J" [DJ] stent) and nonstented pyeloplasty groups. The intraoperative and postoperative course was compared. Both groups were analyzed for problems such as dysuria, frequency, pain, hematuria and urinary tract infection, and postoperative renal status. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Mann-Whitney U-test, Fisher's exact test, Student's t-tests, and Chi-squared test were used. RESULTS: Surgical duration was significantly shorter for the nonstented group as compared to the stented group (60.4 ± 6.49 min vs. 78.9 ± 8.17 min). The intraoperative negotiation of DJ stent was troublesome in 21.7% patients belonging to the stented group. The hospital stay was comparable in both groups (4.67 ± 1.9 vs. 4.28 ± 0.67 days). Patients in stented group had experienced dysuria, loin pain, lower abdominal spasmodic pain, and frequency significantly higher than nonstented group. However, the other problems such as fever, hematuria, and urinary tract infections were more common in stented group, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was no difference in resolution of hydronephrosis in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistically significant difference in resolution of hydronephrosis following nonstented or stented dismembered pyeloplasty in children with UPJO. However, the patient is more symptomatic due to stent in the postoperative period.

Esophageal Atresia with Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula Presenting Beyond 7 Days.

AIM: To describe our experience of neonates with esophageal atresia with tracheo-esophageal fistula (EA with TEF) who presented after a week. DESIGN: Retrospective study of the patients of EA with TEF who presented after a week. STUDY SETTING: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Government Medical College Nagpur. Study Duration: Eight years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic information, hematological, biochemical and radiological data were obtained from the patients' medical records. The gap between two ends of the esophagus, nature of upper pouch and lower esophagus were noted intra-operatively. Outcome in terms of mortality and surgical complications were noted. In operated group, babies who survived were compared with non-survivors with respect to various preoperative variables. RESULTS: Of 52 patients, 27 babies expired during initial stabilisation period before surgery. The causes of mortality were severe pneumonitis and septicemia. One baby had associated cyanotic heart disease. Twenty-five patients with mean age of 8.28±1.21 days underwent surgery. Nearly two-third of them were male. All of them were born at full-term with mean birth weight of 2.47±0. 12 kg. More than 80% were previously hospitalised and nearly 70% babies were given feeds before present hospitalization. Mean Downe's score for respiratory distress was 5.8±1.49. All patients were positive for septic profile. Associated congenital anomalies were present in ten patients. Intra-operatively, two ends of esophagus were either approximating or have short gap in 24 patients. All patients had well developed, thick and muscular upper oesophageal pouch. Lower esophagus at fistula was thin but dilated in 18 patients while thin and narrowed in 7 patients. However, esophageal anastomosis was possible with ease without any tension in all except one patient. There were 15 deaths in our study (13 due to pneumonitis and 2 during follow up due to aspiration). Three survivors required anti-reflux surgery. Comparison of preoperative variables of survivors and non-survivors showed a significant difference with respect to the variables like feedings, abdominal girth, immature band cells to neutrophil ratio and nature of pharyngeal or endotracheal aspirate. CONCLUSIONS: Late presentations in EA with TEF are associated with high mortality but less anastomotic complications after surgery. Preoperative factors like feedings, abdominal distension, immature band cells to neutrophil ratio and bilious pharyngeal or endotracheal aspirate are associated with high mortality.

Parental evaluation of postoperative outcome of circumcision with Plastibell or conventional dissection by dorsal slit technique: a randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To evaluate and compare parental satisfaction after Plastibell and conventional dissection circumcision. METHODS: 198 children were randomly and equally allocated to two groups (PD: Plastibell and CDS: dissection) for circumcision. Follow-up was done at 7th, 15th and 90th day after surgery. Written questionnaires were given to parents at the time of discharge to complete and return at the 15th and 90th day follow-up visits. RESULTS: Both groups were balanced with respect to various demographic factors, indications for surgery and Kayaba's classification of the prepuce. Surgical duration was significantly shorter for the PD as compared to the CDS group (5.91 ± 1.74 min vs. 23.52 ± 5.94 min; p < 0.0001 H.S.). Swelling, dysuria and infection were the prominent problems reported in both groups in the first 7 days. The Plastibell separated earlier in younger children (p < 0.0001). Postoperatively, children in the PD group required 2.79 fold more analgesic than those in the CDS group. 97.9% of parents in the PD group and 80.2% of parents in the CDS group claimed satisfactory aesthetic results. The PD group parents were statistically significantly more concerned about swelling. CONCLUSIONS: Plastibell use has comparable outcomes to the conventional dissection technique for paediatric circumcision and has an obvious advantage of shorter surgical duration. However, it is less comfortable in the postoperative period due to swelling, and requires greater use of analgesics.

Malrotation beyond infancy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to study the various presentations of malrotation and management in patients older than 1 year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients operated on over the last 6 years who were older than 1 year with a diagnosis of intestinal malrotation were evaluated retrospectively. Data about age at presentation, sex, presenting symptoms, time to diagnosis, radiographic imaging performed, surgical intervention, complications, and postoperative follow-up were collected and evaluated. RESULTS: The study population included 35 children and 3 adults. About three-fourths of pediatric patients were younger than 5 years, and about half of these presented in the second year of life. All patients who presented in the second year of life had a classical presentation of malrotation. Older patients presented more commonly with atypical symptoms. Of these, 5 older children were previously treated for suspected diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis. Two patients were referred for acute pancreatitis and 1 for severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. Three adults presented with acute small intestinal obstruction and were diagnosed to have malrotation intraoperatively. Upper gastrointestinal contrast study was diagnostic of malrotation in all pediatric patients. Ultrasound and color Doppler study of the abdomen revealed abnormal relationship of the superior mesenteric artery and vein in about one-third of the patients. All patients underwent a standard Ladd procedure. Midgut volvulus was present in about one-fourth of patients. Forty percent of patients with atypical presentation had persistence of preoperative symptoms postoperatively. Two adults developed complications postoperatively. There was no mortality in the present study. CONCLUSION: Malrotation should be suspected in all patients with varied acute or chronic abdominal symptoms, and the upper gastrointestinal contrast study should be conducted. If the existence of typical malrotation is confirmed, surgical correction is mandatory to avoid volvulus and intestinal obstruction independently of the patient's age.

Neonatal posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for a subset of males with high anorectal malformations.

AIM: To assess the results of primary posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in male neonates with high anorectal malformations (ARM) who on invertogram showed well descended rectum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve full-term male neonates with high ARM over a period of one and half years were selected for primary PSARP based on the findings of invertogram. Primary PSARP was performed in all neonates with lower limit of rectal gas bubble at or below the ossified fifth sacral vertebra. The patients were followed-up for a period between three to four and half years. The clinical evaluation of fecal continence was performed using Pena's criteria for assessment of continence. RESULTS: All neonates underwent PSARP on second to fourth postnatal day. The fistula with urinary tract was found in 11 patients (seven had fistula to bulbar urethra and four to prostatic urethra). Rectal tapering was not required in any neonate. No patient had urinary problems after removal of catheter. Most of the neonates were discharged by ninth day. Postoperatively, two patients had superficial wound infection of anoplasty without any disruption or bowel retraction. Two patients had severe perianal excoriation. No patient had anorectal stenosis. Nine of twelve patients on follow-up had good voluntary bowel movements. Of the three patients who had grade I soiling two had recto-prostatic urethral fistula. No patient had constipation. All patients had good urinary stream. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of high ARM in male neonates with a well descended rectum is feasible without significant morbidity and good continence.