Laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis in children: does the post-operative peritoneal drain make any difference? A pilot prospective randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This was a pilot randomised, prospective study, which aimed to determine and compare the post-operative complications of paediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) for complicated appendicitis, with and without a peritoneal drain. METHODS: Patients younger than 13 years, undergoing LA for complicated appendicitis at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), over a 15-month period during 2019-2020 were enrolled. Randomisation was achieved by a blocked randomisation plan. Patients were randomised in a 1:1 ratio into the "drain" (D) and "no drain" (ND) groups. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included in this study; seventeen in each group. The complication rate was 26%. Intra-abdominal collection accounted for 89% of the complications. The complication rate in the "D" group was 18% and 35% in the "ND" group, with no statistically significant difference. Complication rates were higher (38%) in patients with generalised pus when compared to localised pus (7%), although not statistically significant. The mean theatre time, hospital stay, and duration of antibiotic use did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: From our study, the post-operative peritoneal drain did not make any statistically significant difference in patient outcome. The amount of intra-abdominal contamination is more likely to contribute in the development of complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: SMUREC/M/15/2019: PG.

Anorectal atresia with gross terminal colonic distension in Africa.

UNLABELLED: Anorectal malformation (ARM) is a group of significant birth defects with geographic variation in incidence, individual phenotypes and regional geographic subtypes occurring in approximately 1:5,000 live births. Anorectal atresia with gross terminal colonic distension in the presence of an absent anal canal has also been known as 'pouch colon' which is mainly associated with the Indian subcontinent. Its prevalence is unknown but it is rare, possibly representing a fraction of 1 % of ARM. The problem seems to revolve around the gross terminal distension of the distal pouch which remains a significant surgical challenge to surgeons resulting in poorer postoperative continence in many instances. AIM: This study set out to collate data on ARM patients with gross terminal distension of the distal pouch from Africa to evaluate its epidemiology and outcome in African patients. METHODS: Fifteen African paediatric surgical centres (7 South African and 8 African centres) were polled on the occurrence of anorectal atresia with gross terminal distension of the terminal bowel, an ARM variant. Data included ethnic group, age, gender as well as the anatomical pathology, classification and presence or absence of associated anomalies. RESULTS: Of 12 respondents, 8 (67 %) responded and sufficient data to classify and analyse were obtained from six of the eight positive replies (7 new cases). Abdominal X-ray showed a grossly dilated terminal portion of the colon in the presence of an imperforate anus. A colovesical fistula was observed in four (three males and one female cloaca). Three were associated with a colonic atresia, of which two were in the transverse colon and one in the sigmoid colon. Surgical corrective procedures were carried out in six, but one patient, with a cloaca, died prior to surgical correction. CONCLUSIONS: In this survey of 15 African centres, we have attempted to document the occurrence and presentation of anorectal atresia with gross terminal distension in Africa and report seven additional new cases. A possible association with associated conditions like colonic atresia requires further investigation.

Lessons from the hepatoblastoma-familial polyposis connection.

BACKGROUND: Approximately one-third of hepatoblastoma (HB) patients have associated congenital abnormalities, but familial recurrence is rare, except in association with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This correlation may be missed if not actively sought, with implications for long-term outcome and management. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 3 families with an HB-familial polyposis connection, from a cohort of 113 FAP families (1989 - 2010). Data were analysed to assess clinical problem, treatment, complications and management. Long-term morbidity and functional outcome were analysed to identify management difficulties. RESULTS: Three FAP families (2.65%) had an HB association. In one case, undiagnosed FAP at the time of HB diagnosis was only detected 5 years later, when the mother presented with advanced colorectal carcinoma. A chromosome 5 APC gene mutation (exon 15 codon 793 C→T) was then identified. In a second case, a non-related male child presented with a stage 4 multifocal HB with lung metastases. Genetic studies identified an APC gene mutation (exon 6 codon 232 C→T). Further family investigation showed >20 related FAP patients. A third HB-FAP association was identified in a known FAP family early in the study, prior to the availability of genetic testing. CONCLUSION: Although a rare association, a family history of FAP in HB patients is an important 'hidden connection'. Germline variation may be outside the usual FAP gene site. Identifying families with unknown HB/FAP is important due to long-term management implications and follow-up.

Surgical intervention in vascular trauma in children.

UNLABELLED: Vascular trauma is uncommon in children but may be complex. Arterial injury in children presents a challenge to the surgeon and may have long-term implications. Children have major advantage of a rich-collateral circulation but are still growing and developing. Decisions about when to operate remain an issue. METHODS: Patients (<13 years) with vascular injury requiring surgical intervention were retrospectively reviewed from a trauma database of 446 trauma patients admitted to the Tygerberg Children's Hospital. Demographic data, and factors influencing the outcome were studied, as well as different modalities of management. RESULTS: We reviewed a total of 20 children where surgical intervention for vascular trauma was required. Six resulted from penetrating injuries (two gunshots), ten followed blunt trauma (two popliteal extension injuries), one degloving injury, two presented later with arterio-venous fistulae. Haemorrhage from the wound in one haemophiliac patient made urgent surgery mandatory. One patient with a gunshot damage of the vertebral artery was successfully managed by radiological embolism (coils). Outcome was variable and long-term limb maldevelopment occurred in one patient. CONCLUSION: Vascular injuries may be difficult to manage in childhood due to their complexity. Growth and developmental considerations must be borne in mind during treatment.