Is Percentage Improvement in Anteroposterior Pelvic Diameter a Valuable Marker for Successful Drainage Postpyeloplasty in Isolated Pediatric Pelvi-ureteric Junction Obstruction.

Context: Pelvic-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) causes urine stasis in the renal pelvis and progressive kidney damage. Postpyeloplasty improvement of renal function and urinary drainage is assessed by diuretic isotope renogram and ultrasonography. Renograms are expensive and have radiation exposure. This study explores whether ultrasound parameters such as percentage improvement in anteroposterior pelvic diameter (PI-APD) is a valuable markers for successful pediatric pyeloplasties. Aims: The aim of this study was to identify patients who would benefit from ultrasound monitoring of PI-APD alone instead of diuretic isotope renal scan for postoperative follow-up of pyeloplasty. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective descriptive study. Subjects and Methods: We analyzed 127 pediatric pyeloplasties performed and under follow-up between June 2016 and May 2021. We recorded the postoperative ultrasound and isotope renogram parameters. PI-APD (preoperative AP diameter - postoperative AP diameter)/preoperative AP diameter × 100) was compared with improvement in renogram parameters (differential renal function, Tmax, curve pattern, and retention) to look for a correlation between them. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 20.5, Chi-square and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results: About 73.2% of patients were males, with most cases detected antenatally (76.4%). The majority was left-sided PUJO (67.7%). The mean age at surgery was 30.8 months. We identified a statistically significant correlation between the ultrasound parameter PI-APD and the renogram parameter Tmax. There is no significant correlation between PI-APD and other renogram parameters. Conclusions: In patients whose ultrasound parameter PI-APD is >40% and renal parenchymal thickness has increased, isotope renograms can be avoided for follow-up of postpyeloplasty patients.

Does Early Upper Tract Diversion and Delayed Undiversion in Megaureters Secondary to Severe Posterior Urethral Valves Lead to Better Renal Outcomes?

Background: There are conflicting reports for the management of severe posterior urethral valve (PUV) after ablation. The primary objective was to assess the renal outcomes using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and secondary outcomes in severe PUVs who underwent early partially diverting reduction ureterostomy (PDRU) and a delayed undiversion protocol. Materials and Methods: This 10-year retrospective study reviewed the records of 1094 boys with PUV, where severe PUV cases were treated with early PDRU (324 surgeries). We then analyzed those patients who completed the early diversion and delayed undiversion protocol. The long-term renal outcomes using eGFR and antero-posterior diameter (APD) were compared at various time points using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Of the 171 severe PUV patients who underwent PDRU, 31 completed undiversion and 26 (47 renal units) were analyzed after exclusions. The mean age (standard deviation) at presentation was 1.46 ± 4.1 months. Thirty-two units were refluxing and 15 were nonrefluxing megaureters. PDRU was closed at a mean age of 3.9 years and had a mean duration of follow-up of 6.4 years. The mean eGFR increased from a minimum of 10.78 ± 10.25 at baseline and remained stable at 28.69 ± 18.89 after closure of both stoma. Similarly, mean APD decreased from 12.07 ± 6.79 at the diagnosis to 7.00 ± 6.20. Three patients (3 renal units) required revision of the stoma for stenosis and 1 patient had a parastomal hernia that was repaired at the time of undiversion. Conclusions: In severe PUVs, early PDRU with delayed undiversion is a reliable surgical option that may ensure better renal outcomes in the long-term. Nonrefluxing renal units recover better than the refluxing. APD measurements also are shown to improve favorably.

Oral Propranolol in Infantile Hemangiomas: Analysis of Factors that Affect the Outcome.

AIM: The primary treatment for the subset of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) which develops complication is pharmacological intervention, and propranolol has become a popular choice. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of propranolol in a clinical cohort of IHs and analyzed clinical characteristics associated with a good outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a total of 52 IHs patients, between ages 1 and 48 months (median age: 7.5 months), who were treated with oral propranolol, with dose ranging from 2 to 3 mg/kg/day. Efficacy was evaluated using mean percentage reduction, visual analog scale (VAS), and parental satisfaction levels at week 2 and months 1, 2, 6, and 12. The adverse effects were noted and responses after 6 months were graded. Statistical analyses of the outcome were also performed for the responses with regard to age at propranolol initiation, site of lesion, and mean duration of treatment. RESULTS: A therapeutic response with at least 50% mean percentage reduction in size was noted in 84.6% at the end of 6 months. VAS score and parental satisfaction levels correlated well with mean percentage reduction (63.7 ± 15.6) at 6 months. Patients aged <6 months and those with cephalic lesions exhibited a greater therapeutic response rate with shorter overall mean duration of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Oral propranolol at 2-3 mg/kg/day dosing has shown to be effective and safe for IHs in pediatric age group. Intervention in the early proliferative phase, with especially, the cephalic lesions result in better resolution rates with shorter duration of overall treatment.

Is routine use of transanastomotic tube justified in the repair of esophageal atresia?

BACKGROUND: Transanastomotic feeding tube (TAFT) is commonly used for post-operative enteral nutrition after esophageal atresia (EA)/tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repairs. The purpose of this study is to analyze the therapeutic implications of avoiding a TAFT and its impact on the outcomes post-operatively. METHODS: The medical data of 33 inpatients with EA/TEF type C repair from 2009 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups for comparison based on the usage of TAFT during the repair: TAFT- (without) and TAFT+ (with) groups, without randomization. Both groups were compared statistically for post-operative complications and outcomes. RESULTS: Eighteen neonates were males and 15 females, with an average birth weight of 2.43±0.43 kg and a mean gestational age of 36.15 weeks. Nineteen (57.5%) in the TAFT- group and 14 (42.4%) were in the TAFT+ group. The post-operative complications, need for dilatations, duration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and length of hospital stay were similar in both groups. The incidence of pneumonitis was significantly higher in the TAFT+ group. CONCLUSIONS: By avoiding a TAFT, there is no increase in complication rates nor does it entail a prolonged period of TPN. Besides, not using a TAFT may have the advantage of reducing incidence of aspiration and consequent pneumonitis.

Patterns of reflux in gastroesophageal reflux disease in pediatric population of New South Wales.

This study is to determine the association of ambulatory pH monitoring (24hr pH) with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and its other investigations. The clinical and epidemiological profiles of subjects referred for reflux disorders are also studied. Symptoms or group of symptoms, profiles and prior investigations of 1259 consecutive pediatric subjects (with 1332 24hr pH studies performed) referred for evaluation of reflux disorders between 1988 and 2012 were retrospectively studied. Chi-square or fisher exact test was used for hypothesis testing, student t-test for the comparison of means and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for comparing medians of continuous variables. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), defined as reflux causing major symptoms and complications, was diagnosed in 57.5% subjects of the total sample. Forty-three percent were girls and 56.7% were boys. The most common age group was between 4 months and 2 years (51.2%). Vomiting (64.4%) and irritability (74%) were the most common symptoms with the neurological conditions (23.2%) being the most frequent underlying condition. The parameters used in 24hr pH were significantly higher in those diagnosed with GERD (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of GERD was found to be significantly higher when both gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms were present (P = 0.008) at 66.4% than when compared with gastrointestinal (56.5%) and respiratory (52.2%) symptoms in isolation. Symptoms alone were not reliable in diagnosing GERD. Only 57.5% had GERD among patients referred for reflux disorders. 24hr pH is reliable and should be considered routine in reflux disorders, as it identifies patients with pathologic reflux and avoids a needless surgery.

Does the internal inguinal ring need closure during laparoscopic orchiopexy with Prentiss manoeuvre?

BACKGROUND: Undescended testis is a common problem, which is prevalent in 3 % of male infants. This study aimed to determine the effect of leaving the deep inguinal ring (DIR) without closure during laparoscopic orchiopexy (LO), with regard to post-operative hernia formation and other outcomes. METHODS: From 2012 to 2014, 63 testicular units were managed with laparoscopy for non-palpable testis (NPT). Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed for all NPTs, and when they were intra-abdominal (42 testicular units), the DIR was left open after mobilization of the testis into the scrotum medial to the inferior epigastric vessels (Prentiss manoeuvre). We followed up these cases to check for hernia formation. RESULTS: The ages ranged from 10 months to 11 years with mean age at 3.7 years. Clinically, no cases presented with hernia, hydrocele or any other complications during a mean follow-up period of 34.4 months. CONCLUSION: Closing the peritoneum over the DIR might be omitted in LO with Prentiss manoeuvre, saving operative time and effort. By doing so, there is no risk of hernia formation.

Aganglionosis with the absence of hypertrophied nerve fibres predicts disease proximal to rectosigmoid colon.

PURPOSE: The gold standard for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is the pathologic evaluation of a rectal biopsy that demonstrates the absence of ganglion cells and nerve fibre hypertrophy. However, it has been frequently reported that hypertrophic nerves may not be present in some variants like long-segment HSCR, total colonic aganglionosis, premature and very young infants. The aim of this study was to determine this association. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the HSCR database at our tertiary care children's hospital from 2000 to 2013. In order to analyse the relationship between the diameter of the nerve fibres and the level of aganglionosis, we classified the patient sample into two groups-fibres ≤40 and >40 µm. The groups were statistically compared with P < 0.05 being significant. RESULTS: Rectal biopsies of 92 patients confirmed as HSCR with definitive operation performed at the same institution were reviewed. The mean nerve diameter was 50.1 µm (range 20-87.5 µm). Nerve fibre diameter ≤40 µm was predictive of transition zone above the sigmoid colon. A specificity of 77.3 % and a likelihood ratio of 2.03 supported this perception. No correlation was noted between nerve fibre diameter and gestational age at birth, birth weight or age at biopsy. CONCLUSION: The absence of nerve fibre hypertrophy in the presence of aganglionosis on rectal biopsy specimens is predictive of long-segment HSCR.

Does the surgical approach change the need for a retrograde pyelogram prior to pyeloplasty?

OBJECTIVE: The opinion on the use of retrograde ureteropyelography (RUPG) prior to routine pyeloplasty for an ureteropelvic (UPJ) obstruction has been divided. This study analyses the efficacy of a preoperative RUPG and determines if a dorsal lumbotomy (DL) approach offers any advantage in this situation. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of application of RUPG prior to pyeloplasty in children with ages ranging from 42 days to 16.2 years who underwent surgery at the Children's Hospital at Westmead between 2009 and 2013. RESULTS: We identified a total of 95 children with isolated UPJ obstruction, with 59 (62.1%) boys and 36 (37.8%) girls. Overall, open pyeloplasties were performed in 89 (42 DL: 47 loin incision) and the rest (n = 6) laparoscopically. Preoperative RUPG was performed in 58 (61%) and it provided additional information in 11 (18.9%) patients for whom the surgical approach was modified. Hospital stay, operative time, and time to full diet were shorter with the DL approach (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests that RUPG is avoidable if the approach for pyeloplasty is through the conventional loin incision. The short-term advantages might rationalize the use of RUPG if a DL incision is employed.

Technical tips and advancements in pediatric minimally invasive surgical training on porcine based simulations.

BACKGROUND: Minimal access techniques have transformed the way pediatric surgery is practiced. Due to various constraints, surgical residency programs have not been able to tutor adequate training skills in the routine setting. The advent of new technology and methods in minimally invasive surgery (MIS), has similarly contributed to the need for systematic skills' training in a safe, simulated environment. To enable the training of the proper technique among pediatric surgery trainees, we have advanced a porcine non-survival model for endoscopic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The technical advancements over the past 3 years and a subjective validation of the porcine model from 114 participating trainees using a standard questionnaire and a 5-point Likert scale have been described here. Mean attitude scores and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS: Almost all trainees agreed or strongly agreed that the animal-based model was appropriate (98.35%) and also acknowledged that such workshops provided adequate practical experience before attempting on human subjects (96.6%). Mean attitude score for respondents was 19.08 (SD 3.4, range 4-20). Attitude scores showed no statistical association with years of experience or the level of seniority, indicating a positive attitude among all groups of respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Structured porcine-based MIS training should be an integral part of skill acquisition for pediatric surgery trainees and the experience gained can be transferred into clinical practice. We advocate that laparoscopic training should begin in a controlled workshop setting before procedures are attempted on human patients.

Hepaticoduodenostomy versus hepaticojejunostomy after resection of choledochal cyst: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Excision has been established as a standard management practice for choledochal cysts in the last few decades. The two most commonly performed methods of reconstruction after excision are hepaticoduodenostomy (HD) and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ), of which the HJ is favored by most surgeons. Evidence concerning the optimal method of reconstruction is, however, sparse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies comparing outcomes from HD and HJ after choledochal cyst excision were identified by searching Medline, Ovid, Search Medica, Elsevier Clinicalkey, Google Scholar and Cochrane library. Suitable studies were chosen and data extracted for meta-analysis. Outcomes evaluated included operative time, hospital stay and incidence of postoperative bile leak, cholangitis, reflux/gastritis, anastomotic stricture, bleeding, intestinal obstruction and re-operative rate. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated for dichotomous variables; pooled mean differences (MD) were measured for continuous variables. RESULTS: Six retrospective studies were included in this meta-analysis, comprising a total of 679 patients, 412 of whom (60.7%) underwent HD, and the remainder, 267 (39.3%) underwent HJ. Although, HD group had slightly shorter hospital stay (MD: 0.30; 95% CI: -0.22-0.39; P < 0.00001) it showed a higher incidence of postoperative reflux/gastritis (OR: 0.08; 95% CI: -0.02-0.39; P = 0.002). However, the other outcomes such as bile leak, cholangitis, anastomotic stricture, bleeding, operative time, reoperation rate and adhesive intestinal obstruction did not differ between HD and HJ groups. CONCLUSIONS: HD shows higher postoperative reflux/gastritis than HJ but a shorter hospital stay. There are few good-quality studies that compare the outcomes from HD and HJ, meaning that caution should be exercised in the generalization of the results of this meta-analysis, which suggests HD to be comparable with HJ in terms of other complications, operative benefits and outcomes.

Intestinal obstruction secondary to a colonic lithobezoar.

A bezoar is an accumulation of indigestible exogenous matter in the stomach and intestine. A myriad of ingested substances have been found impacted in the digestive tract. Bezoars are uncommon causes of intestinal obtruction during childhood. Lithobezoar, an accumulation of ingested stones within the alimentary tract, is an extremely rare clinical entity. We report one such case in a 9-year-old boy with a history of pica and long-term constipation resulting in intestinal obstruction secondary to a colonic lithobezoar. Only two such cases have been reported previously.