Laparoscopic Assisted Percutaneous Anterior Gastropexy for the Management of Acute and Chronic Gastric Volvulus in Infants.

Acute and chronic gastric volvulus (ACGV) is a rare event in infants and children. Its prompt treatment is needed to avoid gastric ischemia and perforation. A laparotomy or a laparoscopic/endoscopic reduction with or without the gastrostomy formation has been described to treat this condition. We wanted to report our experience and describe the surgical technique used to perform the percutaneous laparoscopic assisted anterior gastropexy in neonates presenting with this condition. We perform a retrospective review of a single institution's experience with laparoscopic assisted percutaneous anterior gastropexy over a seven-year period (2015-2022). Procedures were performed under general anesthesia and the anterior gastropexy was performed using a modified extracorporeal knotting technique as described for the laparoscopic assisted repair of inguinal hernias via percutaneous internal ring suturing. Thirteen patients underwent surgery for ACGV at our institution over a seven-year period. The median age at diagnosis was 57 days, 7/13 patients presented with acute vomiting and regurgitation (54%), 1/13 (8%) presented with mainly feeding difficulties and 1/13 (8%) presented with acute abdominal distension. Data were not available for 4/13 patients. All of the patients underwent laparoscopic assisted anterior gastropexy using extracorporeal knotting technique; no gastrostomy insertion was needed. The median operative time was 50 min (40-95 min). No intraoperative complications were reported. Post-operatively patients were started on feeds on day 3 (2-5 days). Only one patient (8%) developed a postoperative complication: subcutaneous granuloma at the extracorporeal knot site. Although rare, acute GV is an important cause of gastric outlet obstruction with a detrimental outcome if not promptly recognized and treated. Laparoscopic assisted percutaneous anterior gastropexy is an attractive and safe alternative for the management of this condition in both infants and older children. This technique does not require gastrostomy placement and it has a very low morbidity rate with no mortality reported.

Surgical Perspectives for Pediatric Theater Teams during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and Beyond: Narrative Review and Mandatory Tasks Guidelines.

This is a narrative review during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to streamline workflow of pediatric surgical patients in operating theaters and for theater teams involved in their management. Pediatric patient anxiety in theaters, aspects of communication, and optimizing vision during surgery during the pandemic have also been addressed. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the creation of pathways in the surgical management of patients. As the pandemic progressed, hospitals developed pathways to offer increased protection to staff during procedures. This narrative review provides a clear perspective in the management of pediatric patients in operating theaters. Guidelines received from National Health Authorities and Societies affiliated with surgery, endoscopic surgery, anesthesiology, and endoscopy were carefully reviewed regarding their recommendations and data emerging from reports on COVID-19 were selected to compile the pathways specific for pediatric patients and staff. The workflow pathways have been successfully implemented during the pandemic and include a section on patients for endoscopy as well as approach to endoscopic surgery and open procedures. Theater room ergonomics that were successful during the pandemic have been outlined along with identification of areas specific to the pediatric patient anxiety, interteam communication/identification, and visor-related vision. The guidelines used successfully during the pandemic for pediatric theater teams can be used or adapted for formulating local hospital guidelines in other centers that could be valuable in patient management beyond the pandemic.

Thoracoscopic Repair of Esophageal Atresia With Distal Tracheoesophageal Fistula (Type C): Systematic Review.

AIM: This systematic review analyzed outcomes in thoracoscopic "primary" repair of type-C esophageal atresia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Healthcare Database Advance Search, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were researched by 2 independent reviewers. Non-English, mixed procedures (open/thoracoscopic) and staged-repair articles were excluded. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2018, 173 articles were identified of which 14 met the inclusion criteria and 382 neonates analyzed. Lowest reported age and weight were 28 gestational weeks and 830 g, respectively (gestational weeks: 28 to 41 wk; birth weight: 830 to 3960 g), with 136/382 (36%) having associated comorbidities. All procedures were performed in Cuschieri modified decubitus position with 3 ports (3.5 to 5 mm) and 30-degree scopes. Azygos vein sparing approach was reported in 4/14 (28.5%) articles; and if divided 70% preferred sealing/diathermy devices. Preferences for fistula ligation were sutures in 5/13 (38%) articles, clips or hemlock in 4/13 (30.7%), sutures with clips in 4/13 (30.7%) and no data in 1/14. Transanastomotic tubes placement was reported in 9/14 articles (others no data). Chest tube placement was preferred in 9/12 (75%) articles; 3/12 no chest tubes; and 2/14 no data. Intraoperative complications were reported in 9/382 (2.3%) neonates-respiratory instability (5/9), endoclip displacement (2/9), and anastomotic leak requiring conversion (2/9). Conversion to open thoracotomy was reported in 12/14 articles in 37/382 (9.6%) neonates. Postoperative complications were reported in 94/382 (25%); 79/94 (84%) anastomotic strictures, 40/94 (42.5%) anastomotic leaks and 5/94 (5.3%) recurrent fistulation. There were 17/382 (4.4%) lethal outcomes (cardiopulmonary failure, sepsis, and 1 intraoperative tracheal rupture). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic "primary" repair of type-C esophageal atresia is feasible in premature/term neonates with a 1:10 conversion rate. Around one third surgeons prefer azygous sparing approach and three fourth placement of chest tubes, but there is no unanimity on the fistula ligation technique. The procedure has morbidity in one fourth patients and 5% mortality.

Current State of Neuromodulation for Constipation and Fecal Incontinence in Children: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Neuromodulation is the application of electrical stimulation on nerve fibers to modulate the neuronal activity. Its use for chronic constipation and fecal incontinence has increased in popularity over the past few years. Invasive and noninvasive techniques are currently available. We reviewed the current literature on the application of the neuromodulation techniques in the management of chronic constipation and fecal incontinence in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of Healthcare Database Advanced Search, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane database was performed in accordance with PRISMA guideline. Terms used in the search included neuromodulation, nerve stimulation, fecal/fecal incontinence, incontinence, constipation, children, and pediatric/pediatric. RESULTS: Two-hundred forty-one papers were screened. Fourteen papers were included for the systematic review: seven were selected for the ISNM (implantable sacral nerve modulation) technique, one for the transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation), one for the transcutaneous sacral nerve modulation), and five for the transcutaneous interferential sacral nerve stimulation. Results showed an overall improvement in constipation symptoms in 79 to 85.7% of patients, resolution of symptoms in 40%, reduced use of ACE stoma/transanal irrigation system in 12.5 to 38.4%, and improvement in incontinence symptoms in 75%. High complication rate was reported (17-50%) in the ISNM group. No complications were reported in the non-invasive group. CONCLUSION: Neuromodulation is a promising tool in the management of constipation refractory to medical treatment and fecal incontinence in children. Noninvasive techniques provide good results with no complications. A longer term follow-up will provide more information regarding patient compliance and sustainability of benefits of these new techniques.

Role of Routine Dilatations after Anorectal Reconstruction-Comparison of Two Tertiary Centers.

AIM: Regular anal dilatations are commonly recommended in the postoperative management following posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in anorectal malformations (ARM). We hypothesized that routine postoperative dilatations may not affect surgical outcomes following PSARP. We compare surgical outcomes of routine postoperative dilatations versus no routine postoperative dilatations from two United Kingdom tertiary pediatric surgical centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is retrospective records review of patients undergoing definitive surgery for ARM in two tertiary surgical centers in the UK over 5 years. Center A used a protocol of routine postoperative dilatations, and center B used a protocol, which used dilatations only for clinical indications of stricture. Data collected included ARM type, operative procedures, and postoperative interventions. All post-operative interventions under general anesthesia (GA) were compared between groups. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2015, 49 procedures (46 PSARPs) were performed in center A and 54 (52 PSARPs) in center B. Median follow up period was 31 months (interquartile range [IQR] 18-48). The first postoperative anal calibration under GA was documented for 43 (86%) patients in center A and for 42 (78%) patients in center B. Following this, center A followed routine postoperative dilatation (RPD) at home, and center B reserved further dilatations for specific indications. RPD was performed for 100% of patients in center A versus 8% in center B. Further anal dilatations under GA were performed in 19 (38%) children in center A and in 17 (34%) children in center B (p = 0.68). In center A, 10 patients (22%) needed further surgery versus 14 (28%) in center B (p = 0.48). CONCLUSION: The use of routine postoperative dilatations does not significantly improve surgical outcomes following PSARP in ARM.

Loop colostomies are safe in anorectal malformations.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Divided colostomy (DC) has been recommended in anorectal malformations (ARMs) with previously reported advantages of decreasing overflow into the distal limb and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Skin bridge loop colostomy (LC) is a technically easier alternative without an increase in these complications. We report our institutional experience of LC in ARM. METHODS: Retrospective study (Institution-approved Clinical Audit) reviewing the clinical records of all patients with ARM undergoing stoma formation in a single UK tertiary pediatric surgical center (2000-2015). Data collected included type of ARM, associated anomalies, type and level of colostomy, time to stoma closure, complications and UTIs. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-two (95 female) patients underwent colostomy formation for ARM. The vast majority (171/ 94%) underwent LC; 9 (5%) had a divided colostomy (DC) and 2 (1%) had no available data. The spectrum of defects in girls included rectovestibular (62/65%), rectovaginal (4/4%) and cloaca (29/31%). In boys, 71 (82%) had a fistula to the urinary tract and 16 (18%) presented with a perineal fistula. Urological abnormalities coexisted in 87 (47.8%) patients. Thirty five (21%) patients developed UTIs. Among the 19 girls who developed UTI, 8 had rectovestibular fistula and 11 had cloaca. Of the 16 boys who developed UTI, 14 had a fistula to the urinary tract and 11 had an independent urological abnormality. The mean time from stoma formation to stoma closure was 10 (3-52) months. Complications were reported in 22 (12%) LCs. Fifteen patients (9%) developed a stoma prolapse following LC with 10 (6%) requiring surgical revision. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest reported series of outcomes following LC for ARM. LC is easier to perform and to close, requiring minimal surgical access, with comparable complications and outcomes to those published for DC. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Medical perspective in testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Testicular torsion or torsion of the spermatic cord is one of the most serious urological conditions. It causes testicular injury, which potentially leads to male subfertility. The turning of the spermatic cord and spermatic structures around themselves results in biochemical and histological changes; however, following testicular detorsion, tissues undergo reperfusion that causes more severe damage than that induced by ischemia. Since the primary causes of testicular damage are reactive oxygen species production, an increase in intra-mitochondrial calcium concentration and an increased rate of cellular apoptosis, different medications may potentially be effective. It seems that several medications, experimentally and sometimes clinically, serve an adjuvant role in the cellular damage that occurs following ischemia-reperfusion. Antioxidants, calcium channel blockers, phytotherapeutical medicinals, anaesthetics, hormones and platelet inhibitors may potentially create a solid basis for an adjuvant restoring therapy and ameliorate testicular function following torsion. The current study aimed to review the relevant literature and discuss the actions of a number of molecules that may protect the testes during ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Diagnosis and long-term outcome of renal cysts after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in children.

OBJECTIVE: To document the imaging follow-up of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in children and to investigate the natural history of cystic lesions following LPN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the ultrasonography (US) imaging reports performed during the follow-up of 125 children (77 girls, 48 boys; mean age 3.2 years) who underwent LPN in two centres of paediatric surgery in the period 2005-2015. RESULTS: A transperitoneal approach was adopted in 83 children and a retroperitoneal approach in 42. The mean follow-up was 4.2 years. At US, an avascular cyst related to the operative site was found after 61/125 procedures (48.8%). As for their appearance, 53/61 cysts were simple and anechoic, and eight of the 61 cysts appeared septated. The mean diameter of the cysts was 3.3 × 2.8 cm. As for their course, 13/61 cysts (21.3%) disappeared after a mean of 4 years, 26/61 (42.6%) did not significantly change in dimension, 17/61 (27.8%) decreased in size, and only five of the 61 cysts (8.3%) enlarged. The cysts were asymptomatic in 51 children (83.6%), while they were associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and abdominal pain in the remaining 10; none required a re-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The US finding of a simple cyst at the operative site after LPN is common during follow-up, with an incidence of ~50% in our series. In regard to aetiology, probably a seroma takes the place of the removed hemi-kidney. There was no correlation between cyst formation and type of surgical technique adopted. As there was no correlation between cysts and clinical outcomes, renal cysts after LPN can be managed conservatively, with periodic US evaluations.

Physiopathology of vesico-ureteral reflux.

Vescico-Ureteral Reflux (VUR) is a common condition in childhood, caused by a congenital anomaly at the Vescico-Ureteral Junction (VUJ) level. It seems that the main cause could be an abnormal embryological development occurred during the early stage of fetal life.Refluxing ureteral endings show structural and functional anomalies: previous studies have shown a significant decrease in alfa actin, miosin and desmin contents as well as an high rate of atrophy and muscular degeneration with disorganized muscular fibres. The roles played by Cajal cells and Connexin 43 in generating peristaltic waves appears to be fundamental for the physiological VUJ function and activity. Attention was focused also on the congenital muscular deficiency of the RUs, on regard to general morphology, smooth muscle cells architecture, inflammatory markers and the distribution of collagen composition.This review will discuss and investigate the importance of the modified configuration of Sarcoglycan (SG) sub complex (particularly the deficiency of the ε-SG and the increased expression of the α-SG), the role played by Cajal Cells, the intravescical tunnel length to ureteral diameter ratio as possible causes of the functional alterations in the refluxing ureteral ends leading towards the VUJ incompetence.