Evaluating the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Public Interest in Minimally Invasive Surgery: An Infodemiology Study Using Google Trends.

Background The pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted the healthcare system worldwide, leading to the suspension of elective surgeries and a decline in the utilization of minimally invasive surgeries (MIS). However, an objective parameter depicting the degree of decline of MIS is lacking. We aim to indirectly evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of MIS performed by the surgeons by evaluating the public interest in MIS using Google Trends. Methods A Google Trends search using the string ["laparoscopic" + "minimally invasive" + "robotic surgery"] was performed on June 2, 2021. The monthly relative search volume (RSV) indices were compared with the number of reported COVID-19 cases during the same period. Results RSV was highest between August 2018 and February 2020. RSV at the start of the pandemic was 95 but had declined to 51 during the first COVID-19 peak in April 2020 and 80 during the second peak in May 2021. Conclusion The monthly RSV related to MIS on Google Trends is a good tool to indirectly estimate the degree of decline in the number of MIS (both laparoscopic and robotic) performed worldwide during the pandemic.

Quality of YouTube Videos on Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Children: An Independent Assessment by Two Pediatric Surgeons.

Background YouTube (YT) is the most common video platform accessed by surgical trainees for the preparation of surgery. However, the quality of the YT videos has been questioned time and again. This study was performed to comprehensively assess the quality of the available YT videos on pediatric laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP). Materials and Methods The term "laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children" was searched in YT on June 3, 2021, and ten most-viewed videos on LP were included. The percentage video power index (%VPI), the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, and the laparoscopic surgery video educational guidelines (LAP-VEGaS) video assessment tool were used to assess the video popularity, the quality of medical information, and the overall quality of the included videos respectively. Videos were defined as acceptable (score of 11 or more) or poor quality (score <11) based on LAP-VEGaS scores. The inter-observer agreement, in terms of the LAP-VEGaS scoring, was observed among two surgeons using the kappa statistics. Results The median values of the %VPI and JAMA scores of the included YT videos were 68.1 (range 0-13570) and 2 (range 1-2) respectively. The median LAP-VEGaS score of these videos was 6.75 (range 2-16.5) with only two videos having acceptable quality. The quality of these videos was poor in 7/9 domains of the LAP-VEGaS tool. A moderate inter-observer agreement (kappa=0.542) was observed in terms of the LAP-VEGaS scores assigned to the videos (p<0.0001). Conclusion A comprehensive assessment of the ten most-viewed YT videos on pediatric LP revealed poor overall quality. The included videos depicted sub-optimal presentation of the medical information and weak conformity to the LAP-VEGaS guidelines.

Operating Within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Analysis From a Tertiary Care Center.

Background Despite ongoing advances in the field of neonatology, the survival outcomes among critically ill preterm surgical neonates remain unfavorable. Intrahospital transport is one of the major risk factors associated with early mortality (within 30 days) in these newborns. To overcome this, the approach of performing bedside surgeries is being followed. We aim to assess the safety and feasibility of performing bedside neonatal surgeries by analyzing our archives. Methods The study focused on retrospective evaluation of all the newborns who have undergone surgical procedures in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at our center from August 2015 through February 2021. Newborns were operated within the NICU if they had very low birth weight or other risk factors making their transport to the operation room risky. The outcomes of surgeries were assessed in terms of postoperative complications, one-month survival, and overall survival. Results Thirteen children (M:F=9:4) underwent twenty-two surgical procedures. The median (range) gestational age and birth weight of our cohort were 30 (26-36) weeks and 1200 (500-2860) grams, respectively. One-month and overall survival rates in our cohort were 84% (11/13) and 77% (10/13), respectively. No major postoperative complications were observed. The requirement of multiple inotropes and/or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) was the only factor having a significant association with unfavorable survival outcomes. Conclusions Bedside surgery is a safe and feasible alternative to surgeries within the operation room for at-risk newborns. In the present study, the requirement of multiple inotropes and/or HFOV was the only factor significantly associated with early mortality.

An Audit of Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgeries in Children: Early Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in India.

Background: Over the last decade, a significant rise in pediatric robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries has been observed. Apart from the urological surgeries in children, robot assistance for complex nonurological reconstructions is being explored increasingly. This study highlights our preliminary experience of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries in children. Materials and Methods: An ethical waiver was given by the Institute's Ethics Committee in view of the retrospective nature of the study and all procedures being performed as a part of the routine care. A retrospective analysis was done to include all the pediatric robot-assisted surgeries performed at our hospital over a 4-year period (January 2017-January 2021). The surgeries were categorized based on the involved organ system and the total study duration was divided into four 12-month time periods. A comparison of the total number of surgeries done in each time period was also done. A log of the surgeon's console duration for each surgery was also kept. Results: A total of 65 patients, with the majority (50/65; 77%) undergoing reconstructive surgeries for anomalies within the genitourinary system, were included. Almost two-thirds of the total surgeries were technically complex. The number of procedures performed during the four 12-month time periods was 18, 18, 15, and 14. The average (range) surgeon's console time was 95 minutes (45-327 minutes) and showed a progressive improvement with the passage of time. Only 1 patient required conversion to an open approach, and none had major complications during the postoperative period. Conclusion: Our early experience of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries in children reaffirms its safety and feasibility in complex reconstructive surgeries. It also highlights the advantages of robot assistance in smaller children with nonurological anomalies.

A Comparative Study of the Ergonomic Risk to the Surgeon During Vesicoscopic and Robotic Cross-Trigonal Ureteric Reimplantation.

Background: Maintenance of the body posture and precise repetitive movements during minimally invasive surgeries predispose the surgeons to the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The present study was designed to estimate the ergonomic risk of MSDs in a single surgeon while performing vesicoscopic ureteric reimplantation. Materials and Methods: All children with primary vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) undergoing vesicoscopic ureteric reimplantation through the laparoscopic (Group 1) or robotic (Group 2) approaches from July 2015 to October 2019 were included. Data, including age at the time of surgery, gender, the severity of VUR (grade), number of ureters involved (unilateral or bilateral), and procedural details, were recorded. Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) tool was used for the ergonomic risk assessment of each procedure. The REBA scores were graded as negligible (1), low (2-3), medium (4-7), high (8-10), and very high (11 or more). The risk index was considered as normal (1 or less) and high (>1). The ergonomic risk associated with both approaches was compared. Results: A total of 16 patients (Male:Female = 9:7) were included in the present study. Groups 1 and 2 had 11 and 5 patients, respectively. The average (range) age of the children belonging to Group 1 was significantly lesser than Group 2 (3 versus 7.5 years; P = .0004). The average duration of surgery was significantly longer in Groups 1 versus 2 (P = .03). The average REBA scores associated with the laparoscopic and robotic approaches were 13 and 5, respectively (P = .0006). The risk indices in both approaches were 3.25 and 1.25, respectively. Conclusion: In a limited cohort of patients, we observed an overall high risk of MSD to the surgeon while performing vesicoscopic ureteric reimplantation. The associated ergonomic risk was significantly less with the robotic (medium risk category) versus laparoscopic approach (very high risk category).

Role of interventional radiology in the management of complex pediatric surgical cases.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally-invasive techniques offered by interventional radiology (IR) are really helpful in the management of challenging surgical cases. The current report highlights a series of four complex pediatric surgical cases which were successfully managed by specific image-guided techniques. CASE PRESENTATION: The first two cases in the present report were infants. One of them had a complicated type-1 choledochal cyst (obstructive jaundice and cholangitis) and was optimized with preoperative percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) under fluoroscopic guidance. The other child had bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction and presented with urosepsis. Due to failure of retrograde stenting on one side, image-guided percutaneous nephrostomy and antegrade stenting were performed. The third and fourth cases had suffered blunt trauma to the abdomen. While one of them developed multiple pseudoaneurysms and arterioportal fistulae in the liver, the other had transection of the right posterior sectoral duct. Angioembolization of the pseudoaneurysms and embolization of the right posterior sectoral duct were performed for them under image-guidance respectively. The post-procedural course of all the above children was uneventful. DISCUSSION: Image-guided minimally invasive procedures are associated with less post-procedural pain, early recovery, and better cosmetic outcomes. In specific scenarios, they may even obviate the need for surgical intervention, thereby reducing the overall morbidity. CONCLUSION: Interventional radiology offers safe and effective alternatives to operative interventions. They are especially useful in the backdrop of significant morbidities like cholangitis, urosepsis, and trauma.

Paediatric Intussusception: A Clinical Scoring System to Predict the Risk of Operative Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Intussusception is a common cause of obstruction in paediatric patients. Rapid clinical recognition and treatment is important to prevent potentially fatal complications. The present study aims to derive a clinical scoring system for prediction of risk of operative intervention in patients with intussusception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 100 patients with intussusception were analyzed retrospectively, and a score was calculated based on clinical parameters - age, presence/absence of symptoms and signs such as abdominal distention, vomiting, lump abdomen, red currant jelly stools and duration of abdominal pain. The maximum score was 12, and the minimum score was 6. This score was then applied to other 50 consecutive patients with intussusception. RESULTS: Of 100, 13 patients required operative intervention; 87 patients were managed by hydrostatic reduction. In all, four patients with a score of 12 and five patients with a score of 11 required operative intervention. Seven patients had a score of 10, out of which four (57.14%) required operative intervention. A total of 87 patients who had a score of 10 or less were successfully managed non-operatively by ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction. In the next 50 patients, two patients with a score of 9 and all patients with scores of 10 and 11 required operative intervention. Thus, age less than 3 months and more than 2 years, presence of symptoms such as abdominal lump, red currant jelly stools and duration of abdominal pain of 2 or more days were strong predictors of operative intervention. CONCLUSION: This clinical score helps to predict the risk of operative intervention required in a child with a diagnosis of intussusceptions - duration of abdominal pain of 48 h or more, presence of abdominal distention and lump and red currant jelly stools are strong predictors of need of operative intervention in patients with intussusception. Higher the score (8 or more, as concluded by this study), more the probability of requiring operative intervention in these patients. Though limited, this study could serve as a pilot work to develop a user-friendly score for early surgical decision making in the management of paediatric intussusception.

Robotic-assisted enteric sparing excision of jejunal duplication cyst.

Duplication cysts of the gastrointestinal tract are rare and have varied presentations. Complete excision of the cyst is the treatment of choice, either by the open method or laparoscopic method. Authors describe the case of a jejunal duplication cyst excised by robotic minimally invasive surgery. A more safe and precise excision of bowel duplication cysts without bowel resection is possible with the help of robotic assistance.

Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of Pancreas: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas is one of the rarest forms of pancreatic neoplasm. It was also known as Franz's tumor or Hamoudi tumor until WHO labeled it as solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) in 1996. It typically affects young non-Caucasian females in their second or third decade of life. Treatment involves complete excision of the tumor which results in complete cure in majority of the cases. We present here a report of 11-year-old girl with SPT and also do a review of literature for this rare tumor.

Congenital rectovaginal fistula with anorectal agenesis: A rare anorectal malformation.

BACKGROUND: Rectovaginal fistula is a rare type of anorectal malformation; the incidence being less than 1%. We describe five cases of rectovaginal fistula managed at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case records of five female neonates with rectovaginal fistula managed at our institute between 2010 and 2016 were reviewed and analysed with respect to age at presentation, clinical presentations, physical findings, investigations, management and outcome. RESULTS: The age at presentation varied from 1 day to 2 years of age. Three of them presented in the neonatal period, one presented at 1 month of age and one at two years of age with sigmoid loop colostomy done elsewhere. All had absent anal opening; two neonates passed small amounts of stools through vagina, but little in amounts. The one-month old patient had history of passing stools through vaginal orifice, but had presented to us with obstruction. All patients underwent high sigmoid loop colostomy followed by definitive procedure at a later date - Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty. One patient is awaiting definitive repair. CONCLUSION: Rectovaginal fistula is a rare anorectal malformation and needs thorough investigation and appropriate management for good outcome.

Desmosis coli - a case report and review of the literature.

Desmosis coli is a rare pathology presenting as slow transit constipation. In this case we would like to discuss the presentation and management of desmosis coli. A 14-month-old female hailing from western India with a history of chronic constipation presented with acute massive abdominal distension and vomiting. At laparotomy, a hugely dilated transverse and sigmoid colon with a transition zone at the lower sigmoid was found. A transverse stoma was done after taking multiple sero-muscular biopsies. The patient underwent re-exploration on day 14 because of the non-functioning of the stoma and a fixed bowel loop. The histopathology report was suggestive of normal ganglion cells. Unfortunately, the stoma continued not to function. A dye study showed dye in the colon after 24 hours ruling out any anatomical obstruction. Histopathology slides were reviewed multiple times and reported lack of connective tissue of the colonic wall leading to the diagnosis of desmosis coli. The patient was started on gradual feeds and pro-kinetics and over the next 2 weeks the stoma started functioning slowly. Desmosis coli is a rare cause of constipation which should be suspected in cases where aganglionosis has been ruled out and the constipation is refractory to conventional therapy.

Fetus in Fetu: Two Cases and Literature Review.

Fetus in fetu is a rare cause of abdominal mass in infants wherein a parasitic twin grows inside a host. The true etiology is unclear. Various theories have been postulated. We report two cases of retroperitoneal fetus in fetu in female infants.

Spontaneous intestinal perforation in neonates.

BACKGROUND: The term Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation (SIP) suggests a perforation in the gastrointestinal tract of a newborn with no demonstrable cause. METHODS: Four neonates presenting with spontaneous bowel perforation were analyzed with respect to clinical presentation, management and outcome. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was 11.4 days. There were three males and one female. One of the neonates was preterm, very low birth weight and the other three were full term. Two neonates underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy and two were initially managed by peritoneal drainage in view of poor general condition; one of them improved and did not require further operative intervention. The preterm very low birth weight neonate was stabilized and explored after 48 hours. Intra-operatively, two of them had two ileal perforations each which required ileostomy; one had single perforation in the transverse colon which was primarily repaired. All four had an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSION: SIP is a distinct clinical entity and has better outcome than neonates with intestinal perforation secondary to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).

Post meningocele repair urinary ascites in a neonate--a rare presentation.

A full-term female neonate with a large lumbosacral meningocele developed sudden abdominal distension and urinary retention after meningocele repair. An erect abdominal radiograph showed homogeneously opacified areas with a paucity of intestinal gas. Abdominal ultrasound revealed ascites with multiple internal echoes. With a provisional diagnosis of hollow viscus perforation, an emergency laparotomy was performed, which failed to reveal any leak from the urinary tract. However, fluid analysis confirmed the diagnosis of urinary ascites. The patient developed repeated episodes of urinary retention after catheter removal. She was started on clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) to ensure adequate bladder drainage. At 6 months of follow-up, ultrasound of the urinary tract, voiding cystourethrogram, and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine were all within normal limits. The CIC was discontinued, and the patient was observed. At present, she is voiding normally with a good stream. Failure to establish normal micturition after meningocele repair and CIC requirements suggested a neurogenic cause. Bladder rupture, secondary to spinal shock resulting in bladder atonia, could not be ruled out. The perforation (leading to urinary ascites) could be owing to bladder atonia and spinal shock rather than detrusor sphincter dyssynergia.

Single-stage Modified Duhamel procedure for Hirschsprung's disease : our experience.

INTRODUCTION: Primary single-stage pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease (HD) has been reported to give comparable surgical outcomes to staged operations with less morbidity. Herein, we present our experience with single-stage Modified Duhamel procedure for management of HD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a review of 48 cases of HD who underwent single-stage Modified Duhamel procedure without a protective colostomy. RESULTS: The age at surgery ranged from 6 months to 10 years (median - 9 months, mean - 2.3 years). The average weight of the child was 7.2 kg (range, 4.9-22 kg). 38 (79.2%) patients had classical rectosigmoid HD, the rest being long segment HD (the proximal most level being the splenic flexure). The average duration of surgery was 175 minutes (range, 130-245 minutes). The average blood loss was 45 ml. The average hospital stay was 7.2 days (range: 6-10 days). The major postoperative complications (n=3) included postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction, anastomotic leak and persistent constipation due to residual aganglionosis. Each required a re-exploration. Minor complications included surgical site infection (n=3) and post-operative enterocolitis (n=3), which were managed conservatively. Six patients had constipation for a limited period post-operatively. All patients have a satisfactory functional outcome and normal development and growth. CONCLUSIONS: For HD, we recommend that single-stage Modified Duhamel procedure should be the preferred approach in view of its low morbidity, satisfactory functional outcome and avoidance of stoma, multiple surgeries and economic benefit in view of decreased hospital stay.

Bleomycin: A worthy alternative.

CONTEXT: Lymphangiomas are developmental anomalies presenting mainly in the first two years of life. Surgical excision has been the mainstay of treatment; however a potentially disfiguring surgery along with presence of important structures in the vicinity and infiltration into surrounding structures makes the dissection difficult. AIMS: To study the safety and efficacy of Bleomycin as a sclerosing agent for lymphatic malformations in children. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective non comparative nonrandomized trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 15 children between Day 5 of life to 12 years of age who presented between May2008 to May 2009. Bleomycin aqueous solution was injected intralesionally at a dose not exceeding 0.6 to 0.8 mg. /kg Body wt. The response to therapy was monitored clinically by measuring the length, breadth and area as well as by measuring the two largest perpendicular dimensions. The response was graded as excellent [total disappearance], good [>50% reduction] and poor [<50% decrease]. Those patients with diffuse lymphangiomas associated predominantly with hemangiomatous malformations, mediastinal, spinal or retroperitoneal extensions, visceral lymphangiomas, those with infections were excluded from the study. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: None applicable. RESULTS: The reduction in the size of the mass usually took between two weeks to ten months. The average duration of follow up has been ten months. A significant response was seen in 8 out of the fifteen [53.33%] patients. 5 patients [33.33%] patients showed a good response to therapy and achieved >50% reduction in the size of their swellings. 2 patients [13.33%] showed a poor response to therapy and achieved less than 50% reduction in the size of the swelling. Complications of the therapy were few and far between. 2 patients developed fever after injection, one patients reported a transient increase in size of swelling, 2 patients have developed discoloration of the overlying skin and are currently being followed up for final outcome. None of the patients developed leucopenia or leukocytosis. All of the complications were managed with conservatively. Patients are on long term follow up to evaluate long term effects, if any.

Spontaneous bowel perforation in a neonate with anorectal malformation.

Gastrointestinal perforation in neonates with anorectal malformations is extremely uncommon. Delayed patient presentation is an important factor that demands special attention. We present a neonate with anorectal malformation and meconium peritonitis following spontaneous bowel perforation. A day 1 neonate was referred with features suggested of peritonitis. After adequate resuscitation and drainage under local anesthesia, patient was successfully operated for a sigmoid perforation and is now awaiting definitive surgery for the anorectal malformation.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis causing gall bladder perforation in children.

We report two cases of children who presented with acute abdomen due to gall bladder perforation and biliary peritonitis. Cholecystectomy with peritoneal lavage proved curative.

Outcome analysis of shunt surgery in hydrocephalus.

AIM: To study the clinical outcome of shunt surgeries in children suffering from hydrocephalus. METHODS: A prospective study of 50 children with hydrocephalus who underwent a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt insertion over a period of two years. These patients were then followed up for shunt related complications, shunt revisions and outcome. RESULTS: Twenty six of the 50 patients (52%) suffered from complications. The most common complications were shunt blockage (n=7) and shunt infection (n=6). These complications necessitated repeated shunt revisions. CONCLUSIONS: Infective complications of hydrocephalus are more likely to leave behind an adverse neurological outcome in the form of delayed milestones and mental retardation.