Ventrally Fused Conjoined Twins (Omphaloischiopagus): A Roadmap to Successful Separation.

Conjoined twining is one of the most fascinating and challenging situations which a pediatric surgeon may face in his career. Only few surgeons may have the opportunity to share in separation of such cases. In this report, we aim to share our experience with the successful separation of ventrally fused male conjoined twins (omphaloischiopagus). The case was thoroughly studied via preoperative cross-sectional imaging modalities (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and computed tomography [CT] angiography), complemented by data obtained from reviewing similar cases in the literature. A clear delineation of the complex anatomy was achieved preoperatively which proved to be well consistent with the operative findings. A detailed description of the operative procedure to divide/redistribute the shared abdominal/pelvic organs between both twins is provided. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the detailed and unique internal anatomy of a common central phallus associating ischiopagus conjoined twins. The penis was centrally located in the perineum in between both twins with an open urethral plate. This common phallus had a peculiar configuration with four crura anchoring ischial bones of both twins together.

Needlescopic Disconnection and Peritoneal Closure for Pediatric Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Novel Technique.

BACKGROUND: There are many laparoscopic techniques for pediatric congenital inguinal hernia repair. Needlescopic surgery was introduced recently in pediatric patients aiming at getting excellent cosmetic outcomes. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe a novel technique for needlescopic inguinal hernia repair in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Needlescopic division of the hernial sac was carried out on 369 children in 6 pediatric tertiary centers during the period from August 2016 to May 2019. All hernias were repaired by a novel needlescopic procedure that replicates all the steps of the open herniotomy. RESULTS: A total of 369 patients with 410 hernias were included in this study. They were 232 (62.9%) males and 137 (37.1%) females, with a mean age of 3.58±1.26 (range=2 to 8 y) and mean internal inguinal ring diameter was 13.65±3.85 mm (range=8 to 20 mm). The mean operative time was 23.36±4.67 minutes for bilateral and 14.28±2.98 minutes for unilateral cases. All cases were completed without conversion to conventional laparoscopy. All cases were followed up for a mean of 19.6±3.2 months. None of our patients developed recurrence or testicular atrophy and the scars were nearly invisible 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Needlescopic pediatric inguinal hernia repair using disconnection of the hernia sac at internal inguinal ring with purse-string suture closure of peritoneum is feasible and safe with no recurrence and with outstanding cosmetic results.

Can botulinum toxin help in managing children with functional constipation and obstructed defecation?

BACKGROUND: Functional constipation (FC) is a common pediatric healthcare problem worldwide. Obstructed defection syndrome (ODS) is frequently presented with an inability to coordinate the bowel movement with pelvic floor muscles. Botulinum toxin (BT) intraanal sphincteric injection can improve the obstructed defecation by relaxing the anal sphincter and reducing the required force to propel the stools. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the changes in Rintala scores (as a mean of assessing defecatory function), in children with FC and ODS, managed by BT injection, bowel management program (BMP), and senna based laxatives (SBL), versus a control group managed by BMP and SBL only. METHODS: Prospective randomized controlled study, started at December 2017 on 40 pediatric patients, divided into 2 equal groups (group A: managed by BMP and SBL, group B: like group A with once intraanal sphincteric BT injection) suffering from FC, ODS, with contrast enema showing persistence of ≤90 rectoanal angle (RAA) even with trials of defecation. Patients were excluded if they have neuromuscular abnormalities, hypothyroidism, previous colorectal or anal surgery. Rintala score was assessed before treatment, at 2 months, and 6 months after management. RESULTS: The study included 18 females (45%) and 22 males (55%). Group A had equal gender distribution and mean age of 6.9 years, while group B had 12 males with mean age of 7.35 years. The mean follow up period was 11.35 months in group A and 11.6 months in group B. Mean Rintala scores of both groups at initial presentation, 2 months and 6 months follow up were: group A: 9.10, 9.40, 10.90; group B: 9.30, 10.70, 11.05 respectively, and showed no statistically significant difference (p value: 0.884, 0.294, 0.923 respectively). No complications were detected from BT injection like allergic reactions, neuromuscular urinary or lower limbs disturbances. CONCLUSION: Intraanal sphincteric injection of botulinum toxin by the mentioned technique and dose, did not result in additional defecatory functional improvement (when assessed by Rintala score) over the routine protocol (using bowel management program and laxatives) of managing functional constipation with obstructed defecation. ANNOUNCEMENT: a preliminary report of this work was presented in the 34th Egyptian pediatric surgery association (EPSA) meeting in Cairo in November 2019. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment/prospective study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.