Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy by Pediatric Surgeons: Our Early Experience.

Introduction: Pediatric upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy is an important procedure in the management of gastrointestinal pathologies. Conventionally, it has been the forte of medical gastroenterologists. However, unlike adults, the availability of pediatric gastroenterologists is limited, especially during emergency hours. We present our early experience of UGI endoscopy done by the department of pediatric surgery. Aims: The aim of this study was to study the feasibility and benefits of UGI endoscopy by pediatric surgeons. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out by the department of pediatric surgery of a tertiary-level medical college, from January 2017 to January 2022. Data were collected from electronic and physical medical records. Parameters included age, gender, indication for endoscopy, and procedures done endoscopically or based on endoscopic findings and complications. Results: One hundred and thirty endoscopies were done in 95 patients aged 1-16 years, from January 2017 to January 2022. The most common indication for UGI endoscopy was esophageal stricture (71 procedures in 41 patients), followed by UGI foreign body (18 cases). All other indications were mostly diagnostic, other than four patients with achalasia. Thirty of these patients underwent UGI endoscopy as an emergency procedure. Seventeen patients were followed through or had added procedures, with UGI endoscopy. There was one perforation when dilating an esophageal stricture who responded to conservative management. Conclusion: UGI endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, which can be performed by pediatric surgeons after necessary training. It supplements decision-making in management, avoids waste of time in referring, avoids additional anesthesia, and is valuable in emergencies.

Safety and Feasibility of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery in Pediatric Colostomy Closure.

Aims: To study the safety and feasibility of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in pediatric colostomy closure. Materials and Methods: Retrospective observational study of children who underwent colostomy closure. Data were collected from the electronic medical records and telephonic follow-up calls of patients from October 2013 to October 2023, in the Department of Pediatric Surgery of a Tertiary level Medical College. The parameters obtained were age, gender, type of stoma, primary diagnosis, discrepancy in luminal diameters, time to reach full feeds, postoperative hospital stay, and complications. The protocol followed for colostomy closure included the following-no bowel preparation or nasogastric tube, no overnight fasting, single dose of antibiotic prophylaxis, avoiding opioids, packing proximal stoma till mobilization and starting early oral feeds postoperatively. The continuous parameters were expressed as mean ± standard deviation or median (range) while the descriptive parameters were expressed as number and percentage. Results: A total of 90 patients were included in the study. Most of the patients had colostomy for anorectal malformation. Five of them had significant luminal discrepancy of 4 or more times. Full feeds were reached within 2 days in 79 patients. Postoperative hospital stay was 2-3 days in 62 patients. Six patients stayed for more than 5 days, due to complications requiring further management. We noted surgical site infection in 6 patients all of whom were managed with regular wound dressings and fecal fistula in 4 cases, two of which resolved spontaneously. Conclusion: ERAS protocol in colostomy closure reduces the hospital stay and is cost effective, with early recovery and no added complications.

Sequelae of Corrosive Injury in Children: An Observational Study.

Aim: This study aims to determine the sequelae of corrosive ingestion in children. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at a Tertiary Center. The children presenting between January 2015 and December 2020 with a history of ingestion of caustic agents were included in the study. Results: A total of 26 children were included in the study. The children with suicidal attempts were significantly older than those who ingested the corrosive agents accidentally (14.2 ± 1.9 years vs. 6 ± 3.3 years; P < 0.01; Student's t-test). Sixteen (62%) children had esophageal strictures, 8 (31%) had pyloric strictures, and a child (4%) had both esophageal and gastric strictures. Eight (31%) children required an initial feeding jejunostomy and 6 (23%) required a feeding gastrostomy as they had significant weight loss on presentation. Eleven (65%) esophageal strictures responded to the dilatation regimen and are symptom-free on follow-up. Three (18%) children with esophageal stricture underwent esophageal replacement. Eight (31%) children had a pyloric stricture and all of them were treated with a modified Billroth I gastro-duodenostomy. The children who presented after 2 months were found to have a significantly increased need for esophageal replacement (3/9 vs. 0/17; P = 0.03; Fischer's exact test). Conclusion: The corrosive ingestion in children is associated with higher morbidity. The sequelae include esophageal and antro-pyloric strictures. A feeding gastrostomy or jejunostomy was required in more than half of the patients. The children presenting after 2 months of ingestion were associated with an increased need for esophageal replacement.

Outcome of restricted antibiotic policy in a tertiary-level paediatric surgical unit.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to evaluate the effect of a more restrictive antibiotic policy on infective complications, mainly surgical-site infection (SSI) in clean and clean contaminated surgeries in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included children who underwent clean or clean contaminated surgeries over a period of 18 months with a no-antibiotic or single dose of pre-operative antibiotic protocol, respectively. These were compared to historical controls in previous 18 months where the antibiotic policy was to continue the course for 3-5 days. The outcome looked for was presence of SSI or infection related to the operated organ. RESULTS: A total of 933 (study group) patients were compared to 676 historic controls (control group). In the study group, 661 of 933 were clean surgeries and 272 were clean contaminated surgeries. In the study group, 490 of the 676 were clean surgeries and 186 were clean contaminated surgeries. Clean contaminated surgeries included urological surgeries, gastrointestinal tract surgeries and neurosurgeries, whereas clean surgeries were typically day-care surgeries. Comparing the infective outcomes in each type of surgery, there was no statistical difference between cases or controls in either subgroup. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) is not required for clean surgeries. For clean contaminated surgeries, just one dose of pre-operative AP is effective in preventing SSI.

Tethered Cord Syndrome-Role of Early Surgery.

PURPOSE: 1. To evaluate the clinical course and effects of surgery on preexisting neurodeficits. 2. To address the issue of timing of intervention. MATERIALS: A prospective study at department of pediatric surgery, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute and other hospitals from 2013 to 2017. RESULTS: There were 44 patients. Over 3/4 presented with a cutaneous marker while 9 had deficits and no markers. The commonest marker was a swelling on the back. 1/3 of infants had neurological sequelae while almost all midline older children presented with bowel/bladder/gait disturbances. All underwent detethering. Post-operative complications were minor and self-limiting. None of the children had associated Chiari malformation and 2 had a syrinx which at last follow up has been static and shown no clinical signs. Recovery was mostly seen in infants and only in one older child. CONCLUSION: Most of the patients with lipomeningomyelocele have early onset deficits and is recommended to operate at diagnosis. Children presenting with only deficits need to be evaluated for tethered cord syndrome but generally show poor or no recovery of deficits. Early prophylactic detethering is safe, feasible and advisable.

Adrenal Mass: Unusual Presentation and Outcome.

AIM: Adrenal mass may be functioning or nonfunctioning with varied clinical presentations. This study aimed to report the nature and management of uncommon adrenal mass and to review literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an retrospective observational analysis of children with uncommon adrenal mass admitted during 2009-2015. Clinical features, investigations, and management of patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Among six, two each were adolescent and neonate, and one each was young infant and prenatal. Clinical presentation was variable; hypertensive retinopathy,[1] virilization[1] and bleeding diathesis,[1] antenatal suprarenal mass,[1] prenatal adrenal angiolipoma,[1] and spontaneous resolution of Stage III suprarenal mass.[1] Ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed well-defined, heterogeneous adrenal mass. Size varied from 2 to 15 cm. Urinary metanephrine and serum testosterone were raised in adolescent hypertensive boys and virilized girls, respectively. Laparoscopy-assisted adrenalectomy was done in two and other four were managed conservatively. Histopathology of tumor revealed pheochromocytoma and borderline oncocytoma. Spontaneous resolution of adrenal mass had varied etiology; adrenal hemorrhagic lesion,[1] simple cyst,[1] neuroblastoma.[1] Follow-up varied from 3 months to 2 years. All patients were asymptomatic on last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Close clinical follow-up, contrast-enhanced tomography, and limited/specific endocrine work-up have definite role in the management of uncommon adrenal mass.

Imperforate Hymen: Varied Presentation, New Associations, and Management.

AIM: Imperforate hymen is an isolated and sporadic event. The aim of this study was to report varied clinical and management problems of consecutive imperforate hymen in children and to compare the genetic review with literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of eight consecutive imperforate hymen children admitted during 2010-2015. RESULTS: Among eight girls, two were infants and six were in the adolescent group. Clinical presentations included varied degree of genitourinary obstruction (7) and incidental finding (1). Genetic analysis of imperforate hymen suggested sporadic event (5), associations (2), and syndromic (1). Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the level of obstruction. Hymenectomy was done in neonate (1), adolescent (6), and one has been under observation. Abdominoperineal pull-through was done in concomitant proximal vaginal atresia. CONCLUSIONS: Hymen development origin is variable and complex. Imperforate hymen is rarely a part of systemic/genetic anomaly. Genital examination at birth or during puberty is mandatory which often guides the timing of hymenectomy and prevents the sequelae of imperforate hymen. Hymenectomy is ideal during puberty and resolves all genitourinary obstructions.

Scrotal abscess: Varied etiology, associations, and management.

AIM: To report a series of scrotal abscess, a rare problem, their etiology, and management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of children who presented with scrotal abscess between January 2010 and March 2015, analyzed with respect to clinical features, pathophysiology of spread and management. RESULTS: Eight infants and a 3-year-old phenotypically male child presented with scrotal abscess as a result of abdominal pathologies which included mixed gonadal dysgenesis (MGD) [1]; three anorectal malformations with ectopic ureter [1], urethral stricture [1], and neurogenic bladder [1]; meconium peritonitis with meconium periorchitis [2], ileal atresia [1], and intra-abdominal abscess [1]; posturethroplasty for Y urethral duplication with metal stenosis [1] and idiopathic pyocele [1]. Transmission of the organism had varied routes include fallopian tube [1], urethra ejaculatory reflux [4], hematogenous [2], and the patent process of vaginalis [2]. Two of the nine required extensive evaluation for further management. Treating the predisposing pathology resolved scrotal abscesses in eight of nine patients, one of whom, required vasectomy additionally. Idiopathic pyocele responded to needle aspiration and antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Scrotal abscess needs a high index of suspicion for predisposing pathology, especially in infants. Laparoscopy is safe and effective in the management of the MGD and ectopic ureter.

Review of esophageal injuries and stenosis: Lessons learn and current concepts of management.

AIM: To review the patients with esophageal injuries and stenosis with respect to their etiology, clinical course, management, and the lessons learnt from these. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective descriptive observation review of children with esophageal injuries and stenosis admitted between January 2009 and April 2015. RESULTS: Eighteen children with esophageal injuries of varied etiology were managed and included, seven with corrosive injury, five with perforation due to various causes, three with mucosal erosion, two with trachea esophageal fistula (TEF), and one wall erosion. The five children who had perforation were due to poststricture dilatation in a child with esophageal atresia and secondary to foreign body impaction or its attempted retrieval in four. Alkaline button cell had caused TEF in two. Three congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) had presented with dysphagia and respiratory tract infection. Six corrosive stricture and two CES responded to dilatation alone and one each of them required surgery. Four of the children with esophageal perforation were detected early and required drainage procedure (1), diversion (1), and medical management (2). Pseudo diverticulum was managed expectantly. Among TEF, one had spontaneous closure and other one was lost to follow-up. All the remaining nineteen children have recovered well except one CES had mortality. CONCLUSION: Esophageal injuries though rare can be potentially devastating and life-threatening.

Giant Omphalocele in an Adolescent Boy.

Omphalocele is a congenital abdominal wall defect that permits herniation of abdominal viscera into the umbilical cord. We here report a case of a giant omphalocele in an adolescent boy that has not been reported at this age before.

Early Oral Feeding in Pediatric Intestinal Anastomosis.

A prospective nonrandomized study of 31 children aged <16 years over a period of 14 months was conducted to evaluate the effects of early oral feeding (EOF) in children with intestinal anastomosis. Patients undergoing elective or emergency intestinal anastomosis below the ligament of Trietz with no contamination were included while contaminated cases and neonatal atresias were excluded. First feed was the direct oral feed started within 24 h, usually the morning after surgery. Liquid feeds were started initially and increased at 4 hourly increments to appropriate feed for age. Time to full feeds was recorded. Patients were monitored for vomiting, abdominal distension, and signs of leak. Time to first stool and length of hospital stay were recorded. Median age of patient was 12 months. Mean time to first feed was 16 h, and mean time to full feeds was 36 h. Four of the 31 patients had delayed tolerance to feed, either due to vomiting or distension, which was transient and resolved spontaneously in three patients and due to prolonged ileus in the fourth patient. None of the patients had leaks. Most of the patients were discharged by postoperative day 3 (83 %). Early enteral feeding in pediatric intestinal anastomosis can be safely started without looking for traditional markers of return of bowel activity. It lowers hospital stay with no adverse effects. Generalization of this concept to selected emergency and neonatal surgeries can be considered, but needs further randomized control trial to validate.

Complete laparoscopic removal of a gastric trichobezoar.

Trichobezoars are seen usually in adolescent girls and laparotomy is required to remove them, though recently laparoscopic assisted and laparoscopic removal have been reported in adults and older children. We report this 4-year-old boy who underwent complete laparoscopic removal of a gastric trichobezoar, both for its rarity in such young boys and also because he is the youngest reported patient to undergo complete laparoscopic removal of a gastric trichobezoar.

Modified koyanagi repair for severe hypospadias.

AIM: To report the results of an early series of patients who underwent modified Koyanagi repair for severe hypospadias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 boys (age: 9 months to 11 years) with proximal hypospadias, chordee, and poor urethral plate underwent modified Koyanagi repair between September 2008 and January 2012. Nine boys had associated penoscrotal transposition that was corrected simultaneously. Vascularized parameatal based foreskin flap was used to correct the hypospadias in a single stage. The follow-up ranged from 6 months to 3.5 years. RESULTS: A total of 13 of the 24 children had a good outcome and were voiding normally, while 11 boys developed complications, 3 of which were major and 8 minor. The major complications were complete breakdown (n = 1), meatal and distal neourethral stenosis requiring laying open of distal urethra (n = 1), and glans breakdown (n = 1). The minor complications included fistulae (n = 5), meatal stenosis amenable to dilatation (n = 1), and lateral chordee (n = 1). Majority of the complications were in the initial patients, with successful outcomes in the last 1 year. Most of these complications were successfully managed by minor second procedures. CONCLUSION: Modified Koyanagi repair not only corrects severe hypospadias with chordee but also corrects the associated penoscrotal transposition in a single stage. The results are good once the learning curve is crossed.

Embryogenesis and types of subcostal hernia--a rare entity.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Four infants with congenital subcostal hernia are reported, as it is a rare entity with only two cases previously reported. Further, there are no reports concerning the complex multisystem subtype. Embryogenesis of the associated anomalies and subcostal hernia and their management are discussed. MATERIALS/METHODS: Clinical features, history, investigations, associated anomalies, and management data of four patients with subcostal hernia were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The following associated anomalies were detected: renal agenesis (2), musculoskeletal abnormality (3), congenital heart disease (2), müllerian-renal-cervicothoracic somite abnormalities and vertebral-anorectal-cardiac-tracheoesophageal-renal-radial-limb anomalies (1). The subcostal hernias were treated by laparoscopic assisted (3) or laparoscopic herniorrhaphy (1). CONCLUSIONS: Subcostal hernia is a rare entity with varied clinical presentations and presents either as an isolated defect or as a complex multisystem defect. The exact etiology is still unknown. Phenotypic manifestation of the complex defect is probably due to developmental gene defect affecting the coordinated growth of mesoderm around 4th to 10th weeks of fetal life.

Ectopic testis in children: experience with seven cases.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic testis is a rare congenital anomaly in which the testis is abnormally located away from normal line of decent. AIM: To report varied clinical presentation, embryogenesis, and management aspects of ectopic testis with a brief review of the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of children with undescended testis from January 2008 to August 2011. RESULTS: Seven children (3.6%) treated for ectopic testes were diagnosed among 190 children operated on for undescended testis. There were five perineal testes, one penile testis, and one transverse testicular ectopic testis. Laparoscopy was the diagnostic and therapeutic modality in transverse testicular ectopia. Other ectopic testes were managed by open orchidopexy. The length of the testicular vessels and vas deferens was adequate in every case. CONCLUSION: Examination of boys with an empty scrotum should include examination of ectopic sites as well. The gubernaculum bulb has preprogrammed growth toward the scrotum unless anatomical blockade prevents its descent. Open orchidopexy reveals normal characteristics of perineal, penile testis, and its elements. Surgical correction for ectopic testis as early as possible facilitates proper psychological development and prevents complications.

Urethral duplication: Experience of four cases.

AIM: Our experience of 4 cases of urethral duplication is reported here. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review. RESULTS: The age at presentation varied from newborn to 10 years. The clinical presentation ranged from prepubic sinus to diphallus urethra. There were 2 each incomplete duplication with only external openings (Type IA) and complete duplication of Effmann Type IIA2. All underwent complete excision of accessory urethra and corrections of associated anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: Urethral duplications have a varied presentation. At follow up, all are asymptomatic with good cosmetic result.

Surgical complications of Ascaris lumbricoides in children.

AIM: To report the surgical complications of Ascaris lumbricoides infestation in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study and cases of intestinal ascariasis managed conservatively were excluded. RESULTS: Sixteen children presented with Ascariasis sequelae, which included ileal volvulus (n=5), perforations (n=4), intussusception (n=1), biliary ascariasis (n-1) and impacted multiple worm boluses (n=5). Plain abdominal radiographs showed pneumoperitoneum (3), cigar bundle appearance (3) and multiple air and fluid levels (13). Sonography showed floating worms with free fluid (2), sluggish peristalsis and moderate free fluid (7) and intestinal worm bolus (11). The surgical procedures included milking of worms (in all), bowel resection (6), closure of perforation (3) and manual reduction of intussusception (1). Biliary ascariasis was managed conservatively and the progress monitored with sonography. There were 3 deaths all of whom had intestinal volvulus, bowel necrosis and toxemia. CONCLUSION: Sonography can be helpful in diagnosing the presence of worms, its complications and in evaluating response to treatment. Early surgical intervention in those with worm bolus, peritonism, and volvulus may salvage bowel and reduce mortality.

Giant lipoblastoma of the thigh: a rare soft tissue tumor in an infant.

Lipoblastoma is a rare lipomatous tumor encountered almost exclusively in infants and young children. It arises from embryonic white fat. The common site of involvement is the extremities. In spite of their potential for local invasion, they are benign tumors. We report a case of a lipoblastoma in an infant and review the literature pertaining to clinical management of these tumors.

Gangrenous Meckel's diverticulum secondary to ascariasis in a child.

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, which is usually asymptomatic. In patients with intestinal ascariasis, Meckel's diverticulum may pursue a silent course or may be complicated by diverticulitis, gangrene and perforation. We report an unusual complication of volvulus of Meckel's diverticulum and an adjacent segment of ileum due to incarceration of worm bolus in a narrow based Meckel's diverticulum leading to gangrene and perforation.

Megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome associated with prune belly syndrome: a case report.

Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome is a quite rare congenital anomaly that presents with a functional obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract which is usually fatal. It is three to four times more prevalent in females. We present a case of a rare association of a male neonate with Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome who in addition had the classical triad of Prune Belly Syndrome and thus suggest a possibility of different spectrums with a common pathogenesis.