A new criterion including the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index and liver and spleen stiffness to rule out varices needing treatment in children with biliary atresia: Modification of the Baveno VII criteria

AIMS

Biliary atresia (BA) is a congestive biliary disease that develops in the neonatal period or early infancy. It may present with portal hypertension and varices needing treatment (VNT) even after successful Kasai portoenterostomy. This study aimed to stratify the risk of VNT in children and adolescents with BA.

METHODS

In this prospective cross-sectional study, we measured liver stiffness (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) by two-dimensional shear wave elastography and checked for VNT endoscopically in 53 patients with BA who attended for follow-up between July 2018 and September 2022. Varices needing treatment were defined as large esophageal varices, esophageal varices of any size with red color signs, and/or gastric varices along the cardia.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (aged 0-18 years) had VNT. Eighteen patients met the Baveno VI criteria (LS <20 kPa; platelet count >150 000/L) and were deemed to be at low risk of VNT (spared endoscopies) while three had missed VNT (16.7%). Applying the Baveno VII criteria, which combines the SS cut-off value of 40 kPa with the Baveno VI criteria, resulted in five missed VNTs among 22 spared endoscopies (22.7%). A modification of the Baveno VII criteria using the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) instead of the platelet count with cut-off values of 25 kPa, 30 kPa, and 1.04 for LS, SS, and APRI, respectively, missed only one VNT (5.0%) among 20 spared endoscopies.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel diagnostic criterion that combines LS, SS, and APRI reduced the risk of missing VNT to 5% in children and adolescents with BA.

Duodenal duplication cyst at the second part of the duodenum with congenital duodenal position anomaly completely resected by laparoscopic partial duodenectomy: a case report

BACKGROUND

Duodenal duplication cysts (DDC) are rare duplications of the alimentary tract. Their treatment depends on their size and location. A radical treatment is total resection, if possible. However, partial excision, puncture, and marsupialization can be selected to prevent surgical injury to the pancreaticobiliary tract despite the risk of recurrence. There are some reports of pancreaticoduodenectomy for DDC because of the risk of recurrent symptoms and malignancy. However, this is considered excessively invasive for DDC, particularly in pediatric cases, because of its extremely low rate of malignancy and high morbidity and mortality rates. We encountered a case of DDC with a congenital duodenal position anomaly occurring in the second part of the duodenum. Taking advantage of the congenital duodenal position anomaly, the DDC was completely resected without injuring the pancreaticobiliary duct.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 6-year-old boy was diagnosed with a duodenal duplication cyst with obstruction. There was a congenital duodenal position anomaly. The distal second part of the duodenum was the dorsal side of the proximal second part of the duodenum and ascended upward from the proximal second part of the duodenum. The third and fourth parts of the duodenum ran downward to the left and posterior parts of the portal vein, forming the ligament of Treitz. Complete laparoscopic resection of the duodenal duplication cyst and the second to fourth parts of the duodenum, and duodenojejunostomy with retrocolic reconstruction was performed because the duodenum was easily mobilized to the ligament of Treitz owing to the duodenal position anomaly. The duodenojejunostomy with retrocolic reconstruction achieved a more physiologically normal appearance compared to what would have been achieved with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 12 without any complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The procedure used in this case might not be easily applied in all laparoscopy cases. However, it could be an option for duodenal duplication cysts with congenital duodenal position anomalies.

A systematic review of Sandifer syndrome in children with severe gastroesophageal reflux

PURPOSE

Sandifer syndrome (SS), which combines gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and a neurological or psychiatric disorder, is an uncommon condition that often takes a long time to diagnosis. We aimed to systematically review available papers regarding SS.

METHODS

After presenting our two cases of SS, we systematically reviewed articles published in MEDILINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 54 reported cases and 2 of our own cases. Our results showed that all cases achieved symptom improvement with appropriate treatment for GER. Notably, 19 of the 56 cases exhibited anatomical anomalies, such as hiatal hernia and malrotation. Significantly more patients with than without anatomical anomalies required surgery (p < 0.001). However, 23 of the 29 patients without anatomical anomalies (79%) achieved symptom improvement without surgery. Patients who did not undergo surgery had a median (interquartile range) duration to symptom resolution of 1 (1-1) month.

CONCLUSION

The primary care providers should keep SS in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with abnormal posturing and no apparent neuromuscular disorders. Fundoplication may be effective especially for patients with anatomical anomalies or those whose symptoms do not improve after more than 1 month with nonsurgical treatment.

Update on aortopexy and posterior tracheopexy for tracheomalacia in patients with esophageal atresia

Despite improving the survival after repair of esophageal atresia (EA), the morbidity of EA repair remains high. Specifically, tracheomalacia (TM) is one of the most frequent complications of EA repair. Continuous positive airway pressure is generally applied for the treatment of TM. However, surgical intervention is required against an apparent life-threatening event or inability to perform extubation for a long period. According to our review, most cases of TM showed symptom improvement after aortopexy. The ratio of the trachea's lateral and anterior-posterior diameter at the brachiocephalic artery crossing the trachea, which reflects the compression of the trachea by the brachiocephalic artery, is a good indicator of aortopexy. Our finding suggests that most TM cases associated with EA may not be caused by tracheal fragility alone, but may involve blood vessel compression. Posterior tracheopexy (PT) is also an effective treatment for TM. Recently, open or thoracoscopic PT was able to be performed simultaneously with EA repair. In many cases, aortopexy or PT is a safe and effective surgical treatment for TM with EA. Other surgical procedures, such as external stenting, should be considered for patients with diffuse-type TM for whom aortopexy and PT appear relatively ineffective.

Laparoscopic Fundoplication in Patients with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts: A Systematic Review and Our Experience

Background: Data on the outcomes of laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) in patients with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are limited. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the demographic characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent LF at our institutions between 2014 and 2022. Then, we systematically reviewed articles in MEDILINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Results: There was no significant difference in terms of the outcomes between patients with VP shunt (n = 10) and those without (n = 96) at our institutions. None of the patients presented with shunt trouble after LF. The meta-analysis included four retrospective studies and our institutional data. In total, 605 patients (55 with VP shunt) underwent LF. Furthermore, 2 (3.6%) of 55 patients (1 with infection and 1 with occlusion) had shunt troubles. The conversion and complication rates, operative time, and length of hospital stay did not significantly differ between patients with VP shunt and those without. Conclusions: LF can be safely performed on children with VP shunts and is associated with a low risk of shunt troubles. The Clinical Trial Registration number is 2022-387.

Surgical Strategies for Neonates with Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Biliary Dilatation

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to develop a postnatal treatment strategy for infants with prenatally diagnosed congenital biliary dilatation.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients with prenatal diagnosed congenital biliary dilatation (CBD), aged <1 year who underwent surgery at our hospital between 2013 and 2023. We classified the patients into two groups, the "early group," consisting of patients who could not wait for growth, and required early surgery, and the "scheduled group," consisting of patients who were asymptomatic and could undergo scheduled surgery, and compared them. The parameters for early surgical prediction were AST, ALT, TB, DB, and CRP levels at birth, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after birth, and immediately before surgery, as well as the cyst diameter, presence of intrahepatic bile duct dilation, and presence of debris in the common bile duct.

RESULTS

During the study period, 15 patients were diagnosed prenatally. The cyst diameter was significantly larger at all points in the early group. Patients with a cyst diameter of >30 mm at birth, intrahepatic bile duct dilatation at birth, and postnatal enlargement of the common bile duct to >30 mm are more likely to develop symptoms early. Blood biochemistry tests showed no significant differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a cyst diameter >30 mm in the early postnatal period require careful postnatal management and parents should be counseled regarding the high likelihood of their child needing surgery within the first 3 months of life.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Scoring system for diagnosis and pretreatment risk assessment of neuroblastoma using urinary biomarker combinations

The urinary catecholamine metabolites, homovanillic acid (HVA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), are used for the adjunctive diagnosis of neuroblastomas. We aimed to develop a scoring system for the diagnosis and pretreatment risk assessment of neuroblastoma, incorporating age and other urinary catecholamine metabolite combinations. Urine samples from 227 controls (227 samples) and 68 patients with neuroblastoma (228 samples) were evaluated. First, the catecholamine metabolites vanillactic acid (VLA) and 3-methoxytyramine sulfate (MTS) were identified as urinary marker candidates through comprehensive analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The concentrations of these marker candidates and conventional markers were then compared among controls, patients, and numerous risk groups to develop a scoring system. Participants were classified into four groups: control, low risk, intermediate risk, and high risk, and the proportional odds model was fitted using the L2-penalized maximum likelihood method, incorporating age on a monthly scale for adjustment. This scoring model using the novel urine catecholamine metabolite combinations, VLA and MTS, had greater area under the curve values than the model using HVA and VMA for diagnosis (0.978 vs. 0.964), pretreatment risk assessment (low and intermediate risk vs. high risk: 0.866 vs. 0.724; low risk vs. intermediate and high risk: 0.871 vs. 0.680), and prognostic factors (MYCN status: 0.741 vs. 0.369, histology: 0.932 vs. 0.747). The new system also had greater accuracy in detecting missing high-risk neuroblastomas, and in predicting the pretreatment risk at the time of screening. The new scoring system employing VLA and MTS has the potential to replace the conventional adjunctive diagnostic method using HVA and VMA.

Anastomotic time was associated with postoperative complications: a cumulative sum analysis of thoracoscopic repair of tracheoesophageal fistula in a single surgeon's experience

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the learning curve of thoracoscopic repair of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) by a single surgeon using a cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis.

METHODS

Prospective clinical data of consecutive Gross type-C TEF repairs performed by a pediatric surgeon from 2010 to 2020 were recorded. CUSUM charts for anastomosis and operating times were generated. The learning curves were compared with the effect of accumulation based on case experience.

RESULTS

For 33 consecutive cases, the mean operative and anastomosis times were 139 ± 39 min and 3137 ± 1110 s, respectively. Significant transitions beyond the learning phase for total operating and anastomosis times were observed at cases 13 and 17. Both the total operating time and anastomosis time were significantly faster in the proficiency improvement phase than in the initial learning phase. Postoperative complications significantly decreased after the initial anastomosis learning phase but not after the initial total operating learning phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoscopic repair of TEF is considered safe and feasible after 13 cases, where the surgeon can improve their proficiency with the total operation procedure, and 17 cases, which will enable the surgeon to achieve proficiency in anastomosis. Postoperative complications significantly decreased after gaining familiarity with the anastomosis procedure through the learning phase.

Preoperative management comprising tube irrigation using a trans-anal indwelling tube for infants with hirschsprung disease can allow single-stage radical surgery

BACKGROUND

Preoperative management of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is currently being conducted with the goal of performing single-stage radical surgery without ileostomy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed HD cases between 2013 and 2022, as well as their outcomes related to preoperative management.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients with HD were included in this study, including short-segment HD (30 cases), long-segment HD (4 cases), and total colonic aganglionosis (5 cases). Among these 39 patients, 95% (37 of 39 patients) underwent single-stage radical surgery after management with glycerin enema use (n = 13), irrigation with tube insertion each time irrigation was performed (n = 13), and irrigation using a tube placed in the bowel (n = 11).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative management of patients with HD allowed for single-stage surgery of long-segment HD and total colonic aganglionosis. Cases that could be managed without performing an emergency enterostomy during the neonatal period were managed with irrigation until radical surgery was performed.

Variations of the hepatic artery and bile duct in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction: Impact on postoperative outcomes

PURPOSE

Preoperative comprehension of the anatomical variations of the hepatic artery and bile duct is essential for safe laparoscopic surgery for pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM). This study aimed to investigate the impact of anatomical variations of the hepatic artery and bile duct on surgical technique and postoperative complications.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of patients with PBM who underwent laparoscopic surgery at our institution between January 2014 and December 2022 to investigate anatomical variations in the hepatic artery and bile duct, surgical technique, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

We included 112 patients with PBM, with a median age of 4 years (interquartile range, 0-55). Overall, 29 of 112 patients had an aberrant right hepatic artery (ARHA) running ventral to the common hepatic duct (CHD), and they underwent hepaticojejunostomy on the ventral side of the ARHA. Additionally, eight of 112 patients had an aberrant posterior hepatic duct (APHD), which was joined to the CHD in all but one case. The presence of APHD was associated with postoperative bile leak occurrence.

CONCLUSION

Performing hepaticojejunostomy ventral to the ARHA is important to prevent complications. Furthermore, APHD may be a risk factor for postoperative bile leak and requires careful bile duct plasty.

Safe thoracoscopic repair of recurrent congenital diaphragmatic hernia after initial open abdominal repair

PURPOSE

The optimal surgical approach for recurrent congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains controversial. We compared the surgical outcomes of a thoracoscopic approach versus an open abdominal approach for recurrent CDH after initial abdominal open repair.

METHOD

The subjects of this comparative study were patients who underwent open abdominal or thoracoscopic surgery for recurrent CDH following an initial open abdominal repair.

RESULTS

Among 166 patients with Bochdalek-type CDH, 15 underwent reoperation for recurrent CDH following an open abdominal repair. Seven patients underwent open abdominal surgery (group O) and eight underwent thoracoscopic surgery (group T). The operative duration was similar for the two groups, with less blood loss (17.2 ml/kg vs. 1 ml/kg, P = 0.001) and fewer intraoperative complications in the T group (n = 6 vs. n = 0 cases, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of postoperative complications (n = 1 vs. n = 1, P = 1.0) or in the number of patients with a second CDH recurrence (n = 2 vs. n = 1, P = 0.569) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopic surgery is preferable to the open surgical approach for recurrent CDH following an initial abdominal open repair.

Refractory esophageal anastomotic stricture after esophageal atresia surgery improved with retrograde balloon dilatation through gastrostomy followed by laparoscopic fundoplication: a case report

BACKGROUND

An esophageal anastomotic stricture (EAS) after an esophageal atresia surgery occurs in approximately 4-60% of the cases, and its first-line therapy includes balloon dilatation. Oral balloon dilatation cannot be performed in some EAS cases; conversely, even if dilatation is possible, these strictures recur in some cases, necessitating a surgical procedure for repairing the stenosis. However, these procedures are invasive and have short- and long-term complications. If an EAS recurs repeatedly after multiple balloon dilations, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be the underlying cause. A fundoplication procedure may be effective for treating a refractory EAS, as in the present case.

CASE PRESENTATION

A neonatal patient with type D esophageal atresia underwent thoracoscopic esophago-esophageal anastomosis at the age of 1 day, and her postoperative course was uneventful. Thereafter, the patient underwent gastrostomy for poor oral intake at the age of 3 months. After gastrostomy, the patient presented with a complete obstructive EAS. Balloon dilatation via the oral route was attempted; however, a guidewire could not be inserted into the EAS site. Hence, retrograde balloon dilatation via gastrostomy was performed successfully. However, the EAS recurred easily thereafter, and laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery was performed to prevent GERD. The anti-reflux surgery cured the otherwise refractory EAS and prevented its recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Retrograde balloon dilatation is another treatment option for an EAS. When an EAS recurs soon after dilatation, the patient must be evaluated for GERD; if severe GERD is observed, an appropriate anti-reflux surgery is required before dilating the EAS.

Robotic versus laparoscopic radical surgery for pediatric congenital biliary dilatation: a comparison of surgical outcomes of a single surgeon's initial experience

PURPOSE

This study aimed to clarify the validity of robot-assisted surgery (RAS) for pediatric patients with congenital biliary dilatation (CBD).

METHODS

We retrospectively compared RAS and laparoscopic surgery (LS) for pediatric CBD performed by the same certified surgeon between 2016 and 2022.

RESULTS

We included 6 RAS and 12 LS cases in this study. One case of RAS with laparotomy was excluded from the analysis. The patients in the two groups had comparable ages and body weights. The median surgery duration, the suture time per stitch, and the time to drain removal were 385 min, 145 s, and 5 days in the RAS group and 370 min (p = 0.28), 177 s (p = 0.03), and 6 days (p = 0.03) in the LS group, respectively. The time to create the Roux-en-Y limb was significantly longer in the RAS group. Postoperative complications occurred in one RAS case and in four LS cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Less anastomotic time per stitch and less time to drain removal suggest that RAS may contribute to accurate suturing and fine intra-pancreatic bile duct dissection. In addition, RAS requiring large movements of forceps in a large surgical field, such as Roux-en-Y creation, is inferior to LS.

Management of Congenital and Postoperative Chylothorax: Use of Thoracoscopic Lymphatic Leak Ligations with Intraoperative ICG Lymphangiography

BACKGROUND

Congenital chylothorax (CCT) and postoperative chylothorax (POCT) are rare and difficult to treat. We report our treatment strategy and outcomes for chylothorax, including thoracoscopic surgery with indocyanine-green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence lymphangiography.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with CCT and POCT from 2014 to 2021 was performed. After definitive diagnosis, conservative treatments with octreotide, followed by intravenous steroids as needed, were performed. Patients who were refractory to conservative treatment were transferred to surgical treatment, consisting of thoracoscopic lymphatic leak ligations using ICG intraoperative lymphangiography. The effectiveness of conservative and surgical treatment was then examined.

RESULTS

We included 19 cases of CCT and 31 cases of POCT. The 31 POCT patients included 23 of 84 postoperative patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), 7 of 54 postoperative patients with esophageal atresia (EA), and 1 of 3 postoperative patients with lymphatic malformation. The efficacy of conservative treatment was 12/19 for CCT, 22/23 for CDH, and 4/7 for EA. Surgical intervention was performed in 10 patients, and the rate of resolution of chylothorax within 3 weeks after surgery was 90%.

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopic lymphatic leak ligations with intraoperative ICG lymphangiography are feasible and useful in patients with chylothorax refractory to conservative treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

IgG4-related disease of duodenal obstruction due to multiple ulcers in a 12-year-old girl

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic inflammatory disease and affected individuals typically present with an increased infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the pancreas, hepatobiliary tract, and liver but rarely in the gastrointestinal tract.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 12-year-old girl presented with vomiting and poor weight gain. Gastroscopy revealed duodenal stenosis and ulceration. Computed tomography revealed edematous duodenal wall thickening and air-fluid levels on the right side of the duodenum, which suggested duodenal perforation or penetration. She underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, and IgG4-RD was diagnosed via histopathology.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first pediatric case of isolated duodenal IgG4-RD resulting in duodenal obstruction after multiple ulcers. Gastrointestinal IgG4-RD should be among the differential diagnoses of unexplained gastrointestinal obstruction or ulceration even in children.

Case report: Laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy for duodenal atresia with situs inversus and preduodenal portal vein: a report of two cases

Congenital duodenal atresia with situs inversus is occasionally accompanied by a preduodenal portal vein (PDPV), which is incidentally diagnosed during surgery. Duodenoduodenostomy is the most common and effective treatment. However, some patients require other anastomoses. Here, we present two cases of laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy for congenital duodenal atresia with situs inversus and PDPV and describe the reason for selecting gastrojejunostomy. The optimal surgical strategy is patient specific and should be determined based on the patient's general and physical condition.

Case Report: Retropancreatic fascia hernia protruding into the thoracic cavity through a Bochdalek hernia

Retropancreatic fascia hernia is a novel internal hernia originating from the retropancreatic fascial defect, which subsequently expands toward the dorsal aspect of the pancreatic body and migrates into the retroperitoneal space. We encountered a rare case of concomitant retropancreatic fascia and Bochdalek hernias. Here, we describe the imaging characteristics of this hernia type and its surgical strategies.

Preoperative Contrast Examinations Help Determine the Appropriate Cervical Approach for Congenital Gross Type C Esophageal Atresia: A Report of Two Cases

BACKGROUND Kluth demonstrated that esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) has several anatomical variations and thus requires a preoperative imaging study to determine the surgical strategy. We routinely perform a contrast examination with iodixanol to assess the location of the TEF and the upper end of the esophageal pouch to determine the most appropriate approach. We herein present two cases of type C EA/TEF who successfully underwent radical surgery by a cervical approach based on the information from the contrast examination. CASE REPORT Case 1 was a Japanese boy suspected of type C EA/TEF after birth. A contrast examination with iodixanol showed that a TEF was at the second thoracic vertebra (Th2), as was the upper end of the esophageal pouch. Thus, the patient underwent esophago-esophageal anastomosis and TEF ligation using a cervical approach; the postoperative course was uneventful. Case 2 was also a Japanese boy suspected of type C EA/TEF. A contrast examination showed that the TEF was at Th1-2, as was the upper end of the esophageal pouch. Thus, the patient underwent esophago-esophageal anastomosis and TEF ligation using a cervical approach. The patient suffered from congenital tracheal stenosis and required tracheoplasty. However, there were no apparent complications after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS Here, we used the imaging information to adopt the cervical approach in type C EA/TEF cases and concluded that routine preoperative contrast examinations helped assess the TEF location and upper end of the esophageal pouch without significant complications.

Single-cell RNA sequencing of intestinal immune cells in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis

PURPOSE

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) causes fatal intestinal necrosis in neonates, but its etiology is unknown. We analyzed the intestinal immune response to NEC.

METHODS

Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we analyzed the gene expression profiles of intestinal immune cells from four neonates with intestinal perforation (two with NEC and two without NEC). Target mononuclear cells were extracted from the lamina propria of the resected intestines.

RESULTS

In all four cases, major immune cells, such as T cells (15.1-47.7%), B cells (3.1-19.0%), monocytes (16.5-31.2%), macrophages (1.6-17.4%), dendritic cells (2.4-12.2%), and natural killer cells (7.5-12.8%), were present in similar proportions to those in the neonatal cord blood. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that the MTOR, TNF-α, and MYC signaling pathways were enriched in T cells of the NEC patients, suggesting upregulated immune responses related to inflammation and cell proliferation. In addition, all four cases exhibited a bias toward cell-mediated inflammation, based on the predominance of T helper 1 cells.

CONCLUSION

Intestinal immunity in NEC subjects exhibited stronger inflammatory responses compared to non-NEC subjects. Further scRNA-seq and cellular analysis may improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of NEC.

Abstract 2199: Novel urinary marker for diagnosis and prognosis of neuroblastoma

Background and Aim: Urinary homovanillic acid (HVA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) concentrations are widely used for diagnosis of neuroblastomas, which are catecholamine-secreting tumors. As recent advances in mass spectrometry have facilitated the measurement of metabolites present at extremely low concentrations, urinary metabolites with better diagnostic or prognostic utility for detection of neuroblastomas could be identified. This study utilized quantitative analyses using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic performance of a novel biomarker candidate: 3-methoxytyramine sulfate [3-MTS].

Materials and Methods: The concentrations of the three urinary metabolites (HVA, VMA, and 3-MTS) in urine samples of 41 patients with primary neuroblastoma and urine samples of 155 control participants were measured using LC-MS. The cut-off values for these metabolites were the mean + 2 standard deviation values of the control. Linear discriminant analysis was used to evaluate the association of urinary marker candidates with unfavorable risk factors such as the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification and MYCN amplification.

Results: The sensitivity and specificity were as follows: 3-MTS 90.2%, 94.2%; HVA 87.8%, 96.1%; VMA 87.8%, 96.1%; VMA or HVA+3-MTS 97.6%, 92.3%; HVA+VMA 87.8%, 94.8%; respectively. 3-MTS could differentiate between the cases with favorable and unfavorable histology (AUC =0.950). 3-MTS+VMA differentiated between the cases with MYCN amplification and nonamplification (AUC=0.952).

Conclusions: 3-MTS might be a useful urine marker for both diagnosis and prognosis of neuroblastoma.

Citation Format: Akinari Hinoki, Hizuru Amano, Hiroo Uchida, Atsushi Narita, Shun Kumano, Mayumi Abe, Minoru Sakairi, Chiyoe Shirota, Wataru Sumida, Satoshi Makita, Yoshiyuki Takahashi, Tsuyoshi Osawa. Novel urinary marker for diagnosis and prognosis of neuroblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 2199.

Laparoscopic bile duct plasty for hilar bile duct stenosis (HBDS) in patients with congenital biliary dilatation: Diagnosis of HBDS by preoperative MRCP and laparoscopic strategy to relieve HBDS

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) is a disease associated with pancreaticobiliary maljunction. The most frequent postoperative complication is intrahepatic stones, which are caused by hilar bile duct stenosis (HBDS).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent primary surgery for CBD between 2013 and 2021. We evaluated images and videos of HBDS, the laparoscopic technique of releasing the stenosis, and its occurrence rate and compared intraoperative bile duct findings with those of preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

RESULTS

There were 87 CBD cases in this study. HBDS occurred in 52% and preoperative MRCP for HBDS showed a 96% sensitivity and 74% specificity in this study. Bile duct plasty was performed in 45% of the cases and videos demonstrated typical methods of laparoscopic bile duct plasty. The mid- to long-term complications were hepatolithiasis in three patients, anastomotic site stricture in three, and postoperative obstruction in two.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that preoperative imaging studies are useful for the prediction of HBDS. Our laparoscopic meticulous probing method for finding BDS reveals more intrahepatic BDS through magnification. Therefore, this may reduce the incidence of intrahepatic stones. Preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings can be complemented to plan management that reduces long-term complications.

Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with polidocanol for cardiac varices in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Like esophageal varices, cardiac varices are often treated with endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL). However, we previously reported that EVL for cardiac varices may be associated with a high risk of rebleeding from the ulcer if the O-ring spontaneously drops off early. The efficacy and safety of para-variceal endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) with polidocanol for the treatment of cardiac varices in children and adolescents were evaluated.

METHODS

Eleven patients under 18 years of age with portal hypertension who underwent para-variceal EIS with polidocanol for cardiac varices with red signs, which were considered to be at high risk of bleeding, were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

One session of para-variceal polidocanol-EIS was performed for each of the 11 patients. One patient experienced temporary hypoxia due to aspiration of saliva when the tracheal intubation tube was removed after the procedure but recovered by endotracheal suctioning; there were no other adverse events. In six of the eight cases in which efficacy could be evaluated, eradication of cardiac varices was achieved.

CONCLUSION

Para-variceal polidocanol-EIS may be considered instead of EVL for small cardiac varices with red signs in pediatric patients with cardiac varices.

Laparoscopic Duodenal-Caudal Detachment Method: Early Experience of a Novel Technique for Malrotation with Volvulus in Neonates

Purpose: A laparoscopic approach for malrotation is feasible and safe in hemodynamically stable neonates without intestinal necrosis; however, volvulus is associated with recurrence and conversion. We developed a novel approach using a laparoscopic duodenal-caudal detachment method to perform the Ladd procedure for neonates with volvulus under the limited view of laparoscopy. This study presents the results, effectiveness, and details of the method. Materials and Methods: In the laparoscopic duodenal-caudal detachment method, we first detached the adhesions around the duodenum, including the Ladd's band. After the adhesions were completely removed, the duodenum was freely drawn caudally, leading to the release of torsion. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgery for malrotation of the volvulus at 30 days of age between January 2014 and September 2021. Results: Seven neonates underwent the laparoscopic duodenal-caudal detachment method and 13 underwent the open Ladd procedure. The new technique was performed in all 7 patients, and there were no conversions or recurrences. The operation time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic procedure group (55 minutes versus 111 minutes; P < .01). Conclusions: Our detorsion method, involving an initial incision of the Ladd's band, is safe and effective for neonates and may lead to an improvement in the conversion rates.

A new type of retropancreatic fascia hernia in the supramesocolic space preoperatively misdiagnosed as a diaphragmatic hernia: report of two cases

BACKGROUND

We encountered two cases of a new type of retroperitoneal hernia. We herein report the unique features of these cases.

CASE PRESENTATION

Case 1: A Japanese girl was born at a gestational age of 37 weeks, weighing 2550 g. She underwent laparotomic left diaphragmatic hernia repair for a left Bochdalek hernia at the age of one day. The postoperative course was uneventful; however, chest radiography at the age of 35 days revealed bowel gas in the mediastinum, while computed tomography exhibited intestinal prolapses from the medial side of the mesh into the thoracic cavity. Reoperation was performed at the age of 77 days, showing that the defect hole was not at the diaphragm but in the absence of retropancreatic fascia, which was connected to the posterior mediastinum from the supramesocolic space. The mediastinum space was closed with a suturing spine and artificial mesh, and the defect hole in the pancreatic body was sutured. Case 2: A Japanese boy was born at a gestational age of 40 weeks, weighing 3502 g. He was diagnosed with a left diaphragmatic hernia at birth and underwent laparotomy at the age of two days. Operative findings showed no defect hole in the diaphragm, and no intestine was observed in the abdominal cavity. After close observation of the abdominal cavity, the intestine was found around the pancreatic body, and manual reduction of the intestine was performed. The defect hole existed in the absence of the retropancreatic fascia, which was connected to the extra-pleural space. The defect hole in the pancreatic body was sutured and closed with a non-absorbable thread.

CONCLUSIONS

We assumed that our cases were a new type of retroperitoneal hernia, which we named "retropancreatic fascia hernia".

Retroperitoneoscopic resection of a large paraganglioma surrounded by the right diaphragmatic crus on the dorsal side of the inferior vena cava: A pediatric case report

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare tumors. A 10 year-old girl was brought to the emergency room with complaints of sudden vomiting and convulsions, and was initially diagnosed with hypertensive encephalopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan showed a large mass (6 × 3 × 3 cm) on the dorsal side of the inferior vena cava, surrounded by the right diaphragmatic crus, and closely attached to the aorta. Blood noradrenaline, urinary normetanephrine, and noradrenaline levels were elevated. The final diagnosis was retroperitoneal paraganglioma, then, surgery was contemplated. The location of the liver and great vessels in front of the tumor made the commonly performed transabdominal approach complicated. Therefore, retroperitoneoscopic surgery was preferred for safer resection, with better visualization in a sufficient space with less risk of damaging the surrounding organs. The retroperitoneoscopic approach is a good indication for tumors located behind the great vessels.

Laparoscopic closure of Roux limb perforation during double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic hepatolithectomy 30 years after congenital biliary dilatation radical surgery: A case report

We report a case of hepatolithiasis 30 years after congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) surgery. A 31-year-old woman presented with fever and epigastric pain. She had a history of radical surgery for type I CBD at the age of 1 year and had no significant symptoms for approximately 30 years after surgery. Laboratory and imaging results showed hepatolithiasis at the common trunk of segments II and III with cholangitis. She was admitted to our hospital for antibiotics and underwent double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (DBERC) to treat the hepatolithiasis. Roux-limb jejunum was perforated during DBERC; hence, emergent laparoscopic perforation site closure and simultaneous endoscopic lithotomy through the Roux-limb jejunum with exteriorization via umbilical incision were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged without any complications.

The presence of high-risk varices after sclerotherapy in biliary atresia

BACKGROUND

Esophagogastric varices (EGVs) may develop as a result of portal hypertension in children with biliary atresia (BA). Although endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) with ethanolamine oleate (EO) is reported useful for children, risk factors associated with the presence of high-risk EGVs after treatment remain unknown.

METHODS

The subjects were BA patients under 15 years of age who underwent EO-EIS. We retrospectively reviewed a total of 28 treatment sessions of EGVs with red signs and those larger than F2, which were considered to be at high risk of bleeding. Survival analysis was performed for the presence of high-risk EGVs at the time of follow-up endoscopy as the occurrence of an event.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed a significantly increased risk of the presence of high-risk EGVs post-EO-EIS in patients with increased liver stiffness (LS) and Mac-2 binding protein glycan isomer (M2BPGi), with hazard ratios of 1.48 and 1.15, respectively. The median presence-free period was significantly shorter in the LS ≥ 2.8 m/sec patients than in those with LS < 2.8 m/sec (189 vs. 266 days). Similarly, the median presence-free period was significantly shorter in patients with M2BPGi ≥ 4.0 than in those with M2BPGi < 4.0 (182 vs. 203 days). The results of multivariate analysis revealed that the risk of the presence of high-risk EGVs was significantly higher only in the high-LS group, with a hazard ratio of 2.76.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased LS is associated with risk of the presence of high-risk EGVs following EO-EIS in children with BA. (246 words).

Preoperative imaging contributes to pathologically complete resection of the urachal remnant by determining an appropriate surgical approach without unnecessary and excessive surgical invasion: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The urachus is an embryonic structure that connects the bladder to the allantois during early embryonic development. Occasionally, it fails to disappear at birth, leading to a case of urachal remnant (UR). This study aimed to determine whether our policy for selecting an appropriate UR resection approach is valid. We performed preoperative imaging to examine whether UR continued toward the bladder apex. If so, the UR and bladder apex were excised using the trans-umbilical approach, in addition to laparoscopy, if necessary. If preoperative imaging indicated that the UR ended near the umbilicus, the UR from the umbilicus to the duct end was resected. Pathological evaluations were performed to determine the appropriateness of the surgical approach indicated by preoperative imaging.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed pediatric patients with UR who underwent surgery between 2015 and 2021. Their background characteristics and surgical outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty patients with UR were included (median age, 7 [interquartile range, 2-10.25] years). UR continued toward the bladder apex in 10 patients and ended near the umbilicus in 10 patients. Urachus tissue at the bladder site was observed when the UR and bladder apex were excised. When UR was resected from the umbilicus to the duct end, urachus tissue was not pathologically detected at the resection margin.

CONCLUSION

Our policy results in complete resection without excessive surgical invasion.

Biochemical markers to predict the development of gastrointestinal bleeding and esophageal varices after portoenterostomy in biliary atresia

PURPOSE

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) due to esophageal varices (EV) is one of the factors that negatively impact native liver survival of patients with biliary atresia (BA). Gastrointestinal fibroscopy (GIF) is usually used to determine the presence of EVs; however, it requires general anesthesia. The aim of this study is to search for markers in blood tests obtained during routine check-ups that can predict the development of GIB.

METHODS

Data of patients with BA who underwent portoenterostomy at our hospital from 2014 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' data were assigned to three groups according to specific time points: Group B, which included data at GIB; Group NB-T, which included data at GIF and EV treatment; and Group NB-NT, which included data at GIF without treatment. The data in Group B were compared to those of other groups.

RESULTS

In our study, GIB occurred in 11 patients, and 12 cases and 8 cases were classified into Groups NB-NT and NB-T, respectively. Compared with the other groups, only ChE and M2BPGi in Group B showed statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

ChE and M2BPGi are useful for predicting GIB.

Combined negative pressure wound therapy with irrigation and dwell time and artificial dermis prevents infection and promotes granulation formation in a ruptured giant omphalocele: a case report

Background

Omphalocele is a congenital abdominal wall defect of the umbilical cord insertion site. A giant omphalocele, with a fascial defect > 5 cm in diameter and/or containing > 50% of the liver within the hernia sac, can be challenging for pediatric surgeons. Recently, negative pressure wound therapy has been reported as an effective management for giant omphaloceles; however, it is not recommended for an infected wound with necrotic tissue as it may exacerbate infection. We adopted negative pressure wound therapy with irrigation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) for a case of a ruptured giant omphalocele. Artificial membranes, followed by artificial dermis, were used to promote fibrous capsule formation, and then NPWTi-d was used to promote granulation while controlling infection. However, studies have not been conducted regarding NPWTi-d for ruptured giant omphaloceles; hence, we present our treatment experience with NPWTi-d for a giant omphalocele.

Case presentation

The patient was a boy born at 38 weeks and 3 days of gestation, weighing 1896 g. He was diagnosed with a ruptured giant omphalocele with a total liver and intestine defect hole of 10 cm × 10 cm. The patient underwent silo placement using an artificial mesh, followed by plicating the artificial mesh at 4 days of age. The herniated viscera were gradually reduced into the abdominal cavity; however, the defect size was still large. Hence, a collagen-based artificial dermis was patched on the defect hole. After creating a fresh and smooth granulated tissue, NPWTi-d was applied at 33 days of age to promote granulation and control infection. We used the 3 M™ V.A.C.® Ulta Therapy Unit with 3 M™ VeraFlo™ therapy. NPWTi-d was stopped at 60 days of age when the granulation tissue was well formed including at the artificial dermis site. The wound was managed with prostandin ointment and appropriate debridement, resulting in complete epithelialization at 5 months of age.

Conclusions

Artificial membranes followed by artificial dermis were used to promote a fibrous capsule and artificial dermis granulation, which protects against organ damage. NPWTi-d achieved better control of infection and promoted wound healing. NPWTi-d combined with artificial dermis can effectively treat ruptured giant omphaloceles.

Rare case of a right Bochdalek hernia with retroperitoneal prolapse of organs into the thoracic cavity in infancy: A case report

We report an extremely rare case of a right Bochdalek hernia with a sac, in which the retroperitoneal and intra-abdominal organs prolapsed into the thoracic cavity at the same time. The patient was a 7-month-old female with no comorbidities. She presented with cough and fever, and chest radiography revealed a right diaphragmatic hernia. Computed tomography showed that the right kidney, intestine, colon, and liver had prolapsed into the thoracic cavity. The patient underwent thoracoscopic surgery, which showed that the abdominal and retroperitoneal organs prolapsed into the thoracic cavity through the Bochdalek hernia. The herniated organs were spontaneously reduced using thoracoscopic insufflation. The defect hole was closed with artificial mesh. We adopted a thoracoscopic approach, in terms of easy reduction of herniated organs and accurate evaluation of the hernia orifice, which was useful.

Circumumbilical incision for neonatal abdominal surgery: additional skin incision when there is difficulty in manipulating the intestine

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of circumumbilical incision (CUI) for neonates requiring intestinal anastomosis. Seventy neonates requiring intestinal anastomosis at our institution between 2003 and 2020 were included in this retrospective case-control study. Patients were classified into the CUI (25 patients: 36%) and transverse incision (TI) groups (45 patients: 64%). Postoperative complications and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Intestinal perforation at the non-anastomotic site occurred significantly more often in the CUI group than in the TI group (3 patients: 12%, and 0 patients: 0%, respectively (p = 0.042)). There were no between-group differences regarding anastomotic leakages, anastomotic strictures, time to enteral feeding, operative time, and blood loss. Neonatal intestinal surgery employing CUI might be associated with increased intestinal perforation at the non-anastomotic site. Hesitating to enlarge the skin incision to maintain favorable cosmetic outcomes might cause severe injury to the delicate neonatal intestine during the surgical procedure owing to the restricted surgical field. When performing CUI, we suggest that the skin incision should be extended without hesitation whenever there is difficulty in manipulating the intestine.

Laparoscopic internal intestinal drainage of bile lakes in a patient with recurrence of jaundice after laparoscopic revision of Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia: A case report

Bile lake, of the postoperative complications after Kasai portoenterostomy (PE) for biliary atresia, causes cholangitis that may induce progressive fibrosis of the liver. Standard treatment for bile lakes has not yet been established, but there are reports that surgical internal intestinal drainage for bile lakes effectively prevents cholangitis and maintains jaundice-free status. In this case, insertion of the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage into the bile lake allowed continuous drainage of large volumes of bile juice. However, reoperation following laparotomy increases the surgical risk of subsequent liver transplantation due to postoperative adhesion. Laparoscopic surgery was selected for the patient who was likely to require liver transplantation in the future. In this case, laparoscopic internal intestinal drainage of bile lakes was performed safely by a Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator for the recurrence of jaundice after laparoscopic revision of PE. Cholangitis and jaundice were rapidly resolved after this surgical procedure.

Thoracoscopic posterior tracheopexy during primary esophageal atresia repair ameliorate tracheomalacia in neonates: a single-center retrospective comparative cohort study

BACKGROUND

Esophageal atresia (EA) is often associated with tracheomalacia (TM). The severity of TM symptoms varies widely, with serious cases requiring prolonged respiratory support and surgical treatment. Although we performed thoracoscopic posterior tracheopexy (TPT) during primary EA repair to prevent or reduce the symptoms of TM, few studies have investigated the safety and effectiveness of TPT during primary EA repair. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TPT in neonates.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients diagnosed with TM who underwent primary thoracoscopic EA repair between 2013 and 2020 at the Nagoya University Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: TPT (TPT group) and without TPT (control group). TPT has been performed in all patients with EA complicated by TM since 2020. We compared patient backgrounds, surgical outcomes, postoperative complications, and treatment efficacy.

RESULTS

Of the 22 patients reviewed, eight were in the TPT group and 14 were in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in the surgical outcomes between the groups (operation time: p = 0.31; blood loss: p = 0.83; time to extubation: p = 0.30; time to start enteral feeding: p = 0.19; time to start oral feeding: p = 0.43). Conversion to open thoracotomy was not performed in any case. The median operative time required for posterior tracheopexy was 10 (8-15) min. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications between the groups (chylothorax: p = 0.36; leakage: p = 1.00; stricture: p = 0.53). The respiratory dependence rate 30 days postoperative (2 [25%] vs. 11 [79%], p = 0.03) and the ratio of the lateral and anterior-posterior diameter of the trachea (LAR) were significantly lower in the TPT group (1.83 [1.66-2.78] vs. 3.59 [1.80-7.70], p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

TPT during primary EA repair for treatment of TM significantly lowered respiratory dependence rate at 30 days postoperative without increasing the risk of postoperative complications. This study suggested that TPT could improve TM associated with EA.

Laparoscopic definitive surgery for choledochal cyst is performed safely and effectively in infants

Background:

Laparoscopic definitive surgery for choledochal cyst (CC) in infants requires advanced skills because of their small size. If patients with a prenatal diagnosis of CC have any biliary symptoms, they need semi-emergency definitive surgery. This study aimed to estimate whether laparoscopic definitive surgery for CC can be performed safely and effectively in infants, especially when emergency surgery is required.

Patients and Methods:

From January 2006 to December 2019, 21 patients under 1 year of age underwent laparoscopically or open definitive surgery, and 16 patients aged 3–5 years underwent laparoscopic surgery for CC at our institution. In cases of prenatal diagnosis, elective surgery (EL) was performed at about 6 months of age for patients with no biliary symptoms; the semi-emergency surgery (EM) was performed when patients had any biliary symptoms. Surgical outcomes were retrospectively compared between the Lap <1 y and Op <1 y groups and between the Lap <1 y and Lap 3–5 y groups. In addition, the surgical outcomes of those who underwent EM were also evaluated.

Results:

Operative time was significantly longer, and blood loss was significantly lower in the Lap <1 y group than in the Op <1 y group. All surgical outcomes were similar between the Lap <1 y and Lap 3–5 y groups and between the EM and EL groups.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic definitive surgery for CC in infants under 1 year of age is safe and feasible. Even semi-emergency laparoscopic surgery can be performed safely and effectively in small infants.

Single-incision laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (SILPEC) for inguinal hernia with prolapsed ovary

BACKGROUND

Most studies reporting the outcomes of laparoscopic ovarian prolapsed hernia operations with large sample sizes are based on intracorporeal closure, while studies on extraperitoneal closure have limited sample sizes. We proactively used the single-incision laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (SILPEC) technique and obtained favorable outcomes, which we report in this paper.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery for inguinal hernia at our institution. They were retrospectively classified into two groups based on the pre- or intraoperative diagnosis of hernia with a prolapsed ovary, namely the prolapse group and the non-prolapse group, respectively. The data were statistically analyzed and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 771 subjects underwent SILPEC during the study period, including 400 girls. Among them, 63 girls were diagnosed with an ovarian prolapsed hernia. SILPEC was successfully performed through a single port in all cases, with a single exception, in whom the forceps was inserted directly through the right lower quadrant to pull up the ovary. The duration of surgery in the prolapse group was not higher than that in the non-prolapse group. During the SILPEC surgery, the ovaries were successfully reverted into the abdominal cavity by external compression of the inguinal area alone in 38 of the 63 patients. In the remaining 25 cases, the ovaries were reverted into the abdominal cavity by external compression of the inguinal area and traction of the round ligament with forceps. None of these cases failed to return to the ovaries.

CONCLUSION

Our study results indicate that SILPEC may be performed safely for the treatment of ovarian prolapsed inguinal hernia. Since the ovary and fallopian tube are close to the internal inguinal ring due to the short round ligament, the procedure requires careful suturing with traction of the round ligament.

Evaluation of minimally invasive surgical skills training: comparing a neonatal esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula model with a dry box

BACKGROUND

Pediatric surgeons require highly advanced minimally invasive surgical skills to perform rare and complex surgeries in a very vulnerable population. We developed a neonatal esophageal atresia (EA) model to improve thoracoscopic surgical skills. This study aimed to evaluate the concurrent validity of the model by undertaking pre- and post-training skills assessments in two groups of students with no prior experience performing minimally invasive surgery, using the EA model and a dry box (DB).

METHODS

A pilot study was performed. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: one trained using the DB and one trained using the EA model. Both groups practiced a minimally invasive surgical suture task. The task completion time, 29-point checklist score, modified suturing error sheet score, and three-dimensional forceps movement in both groups were compared pre-and post-training by video analysis.

RESULTS

The EA model task was significantly more difficult than that of the DB. Both groups showed significant improvement in the task time, 29-point checklist score, and modified suturing error sheet score; however, the EA model training was more efficient in improving each error item. Regarding forceps movement, the EA model training significantly decreased wasted motion, whereas the DB was limited in this regard.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term training on the EA model, which was more technically demanding than the DB, decreased technical error and wasted motion, and allowed learners to acquire surgical skills more efficiently than training with the DB model. These facts revealed the concurrent validity of the EA model.

Utility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in management of pediatric pancreaticobiliary disease

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in pediatric patients with pancreaticobiliary diseases.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent ERCP for the treatment of biliary tract disease and detailed examination of pancreatitis at our institution from January 1999 to December 2020.

Results

ERCP was performed for congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) (n = 42), choledocholithiasis (n = 9), common bile duct stenosis (n = 1), and several types of pancreatitis (n = 13). The only severe complication of ERCP was common bile duct injury. Three (5.8%) of 52 biliary diseases failed to be treated by ERCP. All patients with pancreatic disease were correctly diagnosed and treated.

Conclusions

Endoscopic biliary drainage with a temporary stent was adequate for symptomatic relief in CBD. Stenting of the pancreatic duct was useful for improving the angulation and drainage of the pancreatic duct. ERCP was useful for understanding the anatomy of the pancreatic duct and revealing potential treatments. Therefore, ERCP and transendoscopic therapy are sufficiently feasible in pediatric patients and should be actively introduced for the investigation and treatment of pancreaticobiliary diseases.

Laparoscopic definitive surgery for congenital biliary dilatation with aggressive hilar bile ductoplasty and complete resection of the intrapancreatic bile duct in pediatric patients is safe and effective, comparable to open surgery

BACKGROUND

After surgery for congenital biliary dilatation (CBD), hilar and hepatic bile duct stenosis and intrapancreatic bile duct remnants can cause many postoperative complications. We investigated the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery with aggressive bile ductoplasty and complete excision of the intrapancreatic bile duct in CBD patients compared to open surgery.

METHODS

Pediatric patients who underwent surgery for CBD at our institution between 2006 and 2020 were divided into two groups: laparoscopic surgery (Lap group) and open surgery (Op group). Surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

We enrolled 160 patients (85 in the Lap group and 75 in the Op group). Hilar bile ductoplasty was performed in 52 (61%) patients from the Lap group and 40 (53%) patients from the Op group. The operative time was significantly longer, the amount of blood loss was significantly lower, and the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the Lap group than in the Op group. Postoperative early and late complications occurred at a similarly low rate in both groups. When the surgical outcomes were compared between the group who underwent laparoscopic bile ductoplasty and the group that did not, postoperative early and late complications occurred similarly in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic surgery for CBD with aggressive hilar bile ductoplasty and complete excision of the intrapancreatic bile duct is safe and effective, comparable to open surgery. However, it is necessary to verify whether long-term occurrence of hepatolithiasis similar to open definitive surgery can be obtained in the future.

Safety and feasibility of primary radical surgery for meconium peritonitis considering patients' general condition and perioperative findings

We reviewed the outcomes of meconium peritonitis and evaluated the safety and feasibility of primary radical surgery for meconium peritonitis. A total of 21 cases of meconium peritonitis between 2006 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were classified into two groups based on the type of surgery: group I (primary radical surgery, n = 16) and group II (multistage surgery; drainage only or ileostomy, followed by elective surgery, n = 5). Patient backgrounds and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups. The term of prenatal diagnosis, preoperative white blood cell count, and preoperative catecholamine use were not significantly different between the two groups. Group I included more mature neonates than group II (gestational age at birth, 35w1d vs 30w1d, p = 0.02; birth weight, 2.5 kg vs 1.1 kg, p < 0.01). Preoperative C-reactive protein was significantly lower in group I (0.37 mg/dL vs 2.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05). Operation time, blood loss, time to enteral feeding, and complication rates were not significantly different between the two groups. The surgical outcomes of primary radical surgery were comparable to those of multistage surgery, although the patients' backgrounds were different. Our strategy of selecting one-stage or multiple-stage surgery for treatment of meconium peritonitis, depending on the patient's general condition and degree of intestinal ischemia, was reasonable.

Laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy can be a standard surgical procedure for treatment of biliary atresia

BACKGROUND

Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare pediatric disease.

AIM

To compare the outcomes of laparoscopic portoenterostomy (Lap-PE) with those of laparotomy (Open-PE) at a single institution.

METHODS

The surgical outcomes of PE were retrospectively analyzed for patients with a non-correctable type of BA from 2003 to 2020.

RESULTS

Throughout the assessment period, 119 patients received PE for BA treatment, including 66 Open-PE and 53 Lap-PE cases. Although the operation duration was longer (medians: for Open-PE, 242 min; for Lap-PE, 341 min; P < 0.001), blood loss was considerably less (medians: for Open-PE, 52 mL; for Lap-PE, 24 mL; P < 0.001) in the Lap-PE group than in the Open-PE group. The postoperative recovery of the Lap-PE group was more favorable; specifically, both times to resume oral intake and drain removal were significantly shorter in the Lap-PE group. Complete resolution of jaundice was observed in 45 Open-PE cases and 42 Lap-PE cases, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.176). Native liver survival rates were >80% for both groups for the first half year post surgery, followed by a gradual decrease with time; there were no statistically significant differences in the native liver survival rates for any durations assessed.

CONCLUSION

Lap-PE could be a standard therapy for BA.

Laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-J-pouch anal canal anastomosis without diverting ileostomy for total colonic and extensive aganglionosis is safe and feasible with combined Lugol's iodine staining technique and indocyanine green fluorescence angiography

BACKGROUND

We present the surgical technique and outcomes of reduced-port laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-J-pouch anal canal anastomosis (IPACA) without diverting ileostomy for total colonic and extensive aganglionosis (TCA+).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed TCA+ cases between 2014 and 2022. Preoperative ileostomy was performed when transanal bowel irrigation was ineffective. Radical surgery for TCA+ was performed at approximately 6 kg. The surgery was performed using laparoscopy through a multi-channel trocar with or without an additional 3-mm trocar and IPACA reconstruction with indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICG) to assess anastomotic perfusion and Lugol's iodine staining to visualize the surgical anal canal.

RESULTS

Ten patients with TCA+ were included. Ileostomy was performed in seven cases. The median operation time and blood loss were 274.5 min and 20 ml, respectively. No significant postoperative complications were found. All patients experienced frequent liquid stools and perianal excoriation in the early postoperative period, requiring anti-flatulence or codeine. The median follow-up period was 3.5 years. Three patients required irrigation management 1 year postoperatively, and the others defecated a median of 3.5 times per day. The median Kelly's clinical score was 5 in 5 patients aged >4 years.

CONCLUSION

Reduced-port surgery, combined with Lugol's iodine staining and ICG, was safe, feasible, and had cosmetically and clinically acceptable mid-term outcomes.

Refractory tracheoesophageal fistula treated using multi-stage surgery: A case report

A tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) recurs in approximately 2%-13% of cases of esophageal atresia with TEF that are treated surgically. Currently, there is no consensus on the most effective treatment to prevent recurrent TEF (RTEF). Herein, we present a patient with type C esophageal atresia who underwent thoracoscopic esophago-esophageal anastomosis and TEF repair at 2 days old. However, RTEFs were observed at ages 3, 6, and 11 months, and thoracoscopic TEF repairs using a pleural patch, fascia lata graft, and pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap were performed, respectively. A fourth recurrence led to mediastinitis, shock liver, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, and a compromised respiratory status. Hence, laparoscopic esophageal transection was first performed to improve the respiratory condition by preventing the regurgitation of gastric contents. Once the patient was stable, a subtotal esophageal resection with TEF closure followed by gastric tube reconstruction was performed. In conclusion, we encountered a case of refractory RTEF that was repaired four times using various techniques, including a fascia lata graft and PMMC flap. However, TEF still recurred after these four operations. The final surgical strategy involved an esophageal transection as a palliative therapy, which improved the respiratory condition, followed by closure of the TEF and subtotal esophageal resection. Finally, esophageal reconstruction using a gastric tube after the complete remission of inflammation was effective. This multi-stage surgery was considered the only choice to rescue the patient and effectively prevent another recurrence.

Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography can rule out biliary atresia: A preliminary report

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of BA is known to be poor if definitive surgery is performed too late. Therefore, excluding BA as a diagnosis at an early stage is crucial. Conventional cholangiography requiring cannulation through the gallbladder may be unnecessarily invasive for patients, especially when ruling out BA. Therefore, a less invasive alternative such as indocyanine green (ICG) cholangiography, which does not require cannulation, should be established. In this study, we focused on excluding BA and confirmed the usefulness of intravenous ICG fluorescence cholangiography. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first preliminary study to report the use of intravenous ICG cholangiography for BA exclusion.

METHODS

The study participants were patients who underwent liver biopsy and intraoperative cholangiography after they were suspected to have BA, between 2013 and 2022. ICG fluorescence cholangiography was performed on all patients who provided informed consent.

RESULTS

During the study period, 88 patients underwent a laparoscopic liver biopsy and cholangiography. Among them, 65 (74%) were diagnosed with BA and underwent a subsequent laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy. BA was ruled out intraoperatively in 23 patients. Of the 23 patients in whom BA was ruled out, 14 underwent ICG cholangiography, 11 had gallbladder (GB) fluorescence, and 9 had both GB and common bile duct (CBD) fluorescence. Conventional cholangiography was very difficult in 2 of 23 cases: in 1 case, cannulation of the atrophic gallbladder was impossible, and cholecystectomy was indicated after multiple attempts; in 1 case, upstream cholangiography was not possible. In both cases, ICG fluorescence cholangiography successfully imaged the CBD and the GB.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, intravenous ICG fluorescence cholangiography might be a useful and less invasive diagnostic procedure that can rule out BA in infants.

Case report: A giant bilateral inguinal hernia requiring artificial mesh and multi-stage surgery in infancy; hernioplasty with silo placement to prevent acute compartment syndrome

Hernioplasty for giant inguinal hernias can cause abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in adults but rarely does in infants. We encountered a case of a giant bilateral inguinal hernia in infancy complicated by ACS after hernioplasty. Silo placement via a skin incision effectively treated ACS, after which the abdominal wall was safely closed. Hernioplasty performed early in the clinical course can help expand the abdominal cavity and avoid ACS. Thus, hernioplasty should be performed earlier if the hernia size in the flank space gradually increases.

Urinary N1,N12-diacetylspermine as a biomarker for pediatric cancer: a case-control study

PURPOSE

Minimally invasive examinations are particularly important in pediatric patients. Although the significance of urinary N¹,N¹²-diacetylspermine (DiAcSpm) as a tumor marker (TM) has been reported in many types of adult cancers, its usefulness in pediatric cancers has not been reported. This may be due to urinary DiAcSpm level variations with age. This study aims to measure the normal levels of urinary DiAcSpm in healthy individuals and investigate its usefulness as a TM in childhood cancer.

METHODS

Urinary samples were collected from pediatric patients with and without cancer. The urinary DiAcSpm levels were measured, and the values were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 32 patients with cancer and 405 controls were enrolled in the study. Of the 32 patients, 13 had neuroblastoma, 9 had malignant lymphoma (ML), and 10 had leukemia. In the control group, the urinary DiAcSpm values markedly fluctuated among those with young age, especially infants; meanwhile, the values converged among those aged roughly 10 years and above. The sensitivity of DiAcSpm was significantly different among the three types of cancers: neuroblastoma (30.8%), ML (77.8%), and leukemia (40%).

CONCLUSION

The urinary DiAcSpm value is a useful TM for both screening and follow-up of ML.

Current thoracoscopic approach for mediastinal neuroblastoma in Japan-results from nationwide multicenter survey

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is appropriate for the treatment of some neuroblastomas (NBs); however, the indications and technical issues are unclear. This study aimed to clarify the current status of MIS for mediastinal NB in Japan.

METHODS

Preliminary questionnaires requesting the numbers of neuroblastoma cases in which MIS was performed from 2004 to 2016 were sent to 159 Japanese institutes of pediatric surgery. Secondary questionnaires were sent to institutions with MIS cases to collect detailed data.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-four (84.2%) institutions returned the preliminary questionnaire and 83 institutions (52.2%) reported a total of 1496 operative cases. MIS was performed for 175 (11.6%) cases. Among the 175 cases, completed forms of 140 patients were returned and 40 (male, n = 28; female, n = 12) cases had mediastinal NB. Fourteen patients received thoracoscopic biopsy, none were converted to thoracotomy. Twenty-eight patients received MIS for radical resection, none were converted to thoracotomy. Perioperative complications (Horner's syndrome) were recognized after radical resection in one (2.5%) case.

CONCLUSIONS

MIS was performed in a limited number of mediastinal NB cases. A thoracoscopic approach would be feasible for mediastinal NB.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of the right congenital diaphragmatic hernia compared to the left: a 10-year single-center experience

PURPOSE

The features of right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernias (RCDHs) are quite different from those of left-sided CDHs (LCDHs). We have summarized the features of RCDHs experienced in our institution.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed the cases of patients with CDH registered at our institution between 2011 and 2020. Defects on each side were compared based on prenatal diagnosis, medical treatment, type of surgery, and outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients underwent surgery at our institution during the neonatal period, and 11 had RCDHs. RCDHs and LCDHs were significantly different in terms of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (36% vs. 6%, p = 0.002), patch repair (81% vs. 28%, p < 0.001), recurrence rate (36% vs. 11%, p = 0.022), and length of hospital stay (117 days vs. 51 days, p = 0.012). The severity of the fetal diagnosis did not reflect postnatal severity. All patients with RCDH survived to discharge, and there was no significant difference in survival rate between the right and left sides.

CONCLUSION

Neonates with RCDH required more intensive treatments; however, the survival rate was comparable between RCDH and LCDH. RCDH was significantly different from LCDH and an optimal treatment strategy for RCDHs should be established.

＜Editors' Choice＞ Long-term outcomes of the partial splenectomy for hypersplenism after portoenterostomy of patients with biliary atresia

Massive splenomegaly and hypersplenism in patients with biliary atresia after Kasai portoenterostomy were treated with partial splenic embolization or total splenectomy. We performed partial splenectomy to reduce the complications of partial splenic embolization and avoid overwhelming post-splenectomy infection. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of partial splenectomy for hypersplenism on postoperative liver and spleen function in patients with biliary atresia. Among jaundice-free patients with biliary atresia who underwent Kasai portoenterostomy between January 1992 and December 2012, 15 underwent partial splenectomy for massive splenomegaly and hypersplenism at our institution. Changes in the laboratory data 10 years post partial splenectomy were retrospectively investigated, and these along with the latest data were measured. A total of four patients (27%) required living-donor liver transplantation after partial splenectomy, a proportion similar to those who did not undergo partial splenectomy. Compared to the preoperative baseline, the platelet counts were significantly higher at 1 and 3 years after surgery (p < 0.05). Aspartic aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index was significantly lower at 1, 7, and 10 years after partial splenectomy (p < 0.05). No further surgeries were required for hypersplenism after partial splenectomy over 10 years, and there were no cases of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection after partial splenectomy. Partial splenectomy is safe and effective for the treatment of hypersplenism with biliary atresia over a long time period. It could be considered as an alternative to partial splenic embolization as it can suppress hypersplenism for a long time and induces fewer postoperative complications.

Factors associated with bleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation in children

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is a widely accepted treatment for esophagogastric varices in patients with portal hypertension (PHT). It is used for urgent treatment and prophylactic treatment of esophagogastric varices in pediatric as well as adult patients. However, major life-threatening adverse events such as early rebleeding can occur. Although early rebleeding after EVL among children and adolescents has been reported, the risk factors remain obscure. This study evaluated the risk factors for early rebleeding after EVL in children and adolescents.

METHODS

The subjects were children and adolescents (<18 years) with PHT who underwent EVL for esophagogastric varices. Early rebleeding was defined as hematemesis, active bleeding, or blood retention in the stomach, confirmed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy from 2 h to 5 days after EVL.

RESULTS

A total of 50 EVL sessions on 22 patients were eligible for this study. There were four episodes of early rebleeding. No other major adverse event has occurred. Multivariate analysis showed that EVL implemented at cardiac varices just below the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), within 5 mm from the EGJ, is the independent factor for a higher risk of early rebleeding: odds ratio 18.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.40-237.0), P = 0.02.

CONCLUSIONS

Children and adolescents who undergo EVL for cardiac varices just below the EGJ have a higher risk of early rebleeding than those who do not.