Diagnosis and Management of Congenital H-Type Tracheoesophageal Fistula: Results of a National Survey

BACKGROUND

Congenital h-type tracheoesophageal fistula (H-TEF) without esophageal atresia (EA) represents about 4% of congenital esophageal anomalies. The diagnosis is challenging, and surgery is considered curative. The aim was to report a national survey on the diagnosis, management, and outcome of patients with congenital H-TEF.

METHODS

Following approval of the Italian Society of Pediatric Surgery, a survey was sent to all Pediatric Surgery Units to retrospectively collect H-TEF treated in the period 2010-2022. Descriptive analysis was performed, and results are given as prevalence, mean ± standard deviation (SD), or median and interquartile range (IQR).

RESULTS

The survey was sent to 65 units. Seventeen responded with one or more cases; 78 patients were diagnosed with H-TEF during the study period. Associated malformations were present in 43%, mostly cardiac (31%). The most frequent symptoms were cough (36%), bronchopneumonia (24%), and dysphagia (19%). H-TEF was detected by tracheobronchoscopy (90%), and/or upper GI (58%), and/or esophagoscopy (32%). The median age at diagnosis was 23 days (1 day-18 years). The most common approach was cervicotomy (76%), followed by thoracoscopy (14%) and thoracotomy (9%). The fistula underwent ligation and section of the fistula in 90% of the patients and clip closure and section in 9%. In one patient, the fistula was cauterized endoscopically. H-TEF preoperative cannulation was performed in 68% of cases, and a drain was placed in 26%. One month after surgery, 13% of the patients had mild persisting symptoms, mainly hypophonia. Recurrence occurred in 5%, and a second recurrence occurred in 1%.

CONCLUSIONS

H-TEF prevalence was six cases/year, consistent with the expected rate of five cases/year in our country. The diagnosis was challenging, sometimes delayed, and, in most patients, required multiple examinations. Fistula ligation and section through cervicotomy were the most frequent treatment. Long-term outcomes are good, and recurrence is a rare event.

Uretero-pelvic junction obstruction in children: Is vascular hitch an effective and safe solutions in very long term outcome? Report of 25 years follow-up

Vascular (VH) according to Hellstrom-Chapman technique is considered a safe and effective alternative approach to pure extrinsic Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction (UPJO) with good results in short and medium term, but few data are available on long and verylong term outcomes. Our aim is to evaluate VH long and very-long term outcomes in patients treated in pediatric age focusing on relapse, development of hypertension and/or inferior polar kidney hypotrophy during puberty and adulthood. From 1990 to 2015 in our Department 76 children were treated by open or laparoscopic VH for pure extrinsic-UPJO. We were able to contact 54 of 76. 41 patients (25 males, 16 females) accepted to be studied. Mean follow- up time was 12.7 years (range 6-27 years); mean age at the assessment was 22.2 years. We excluded patients who were younger than 13 (if females) or 14 (if males) at the assessment (upper limits of physiological puberty onset). Patients were followed with US, MAG-3-scan and arterial blood pressure measurement. Collected data were compared with the preoperative ones by Student t-test. 95% of US images and MAG-3-scan reports were compatible with complete resolution of obstruction with good renal functionality. 87% of patients were completely healthy. We recorded 3 cases of hypertension (7%) not secondary to renovascular origin; 2 cases with recurrent flank pain (5%) with slightly dilated pelvis at the US and sub-obstructive pattern at MAG-3-scan with preserved renal function. Our experience confirms that VH, (open/laparoscopic) is a safe and effective procedure with good outcomes at very longterm follow-up. No patients at puberty and in adulthood required reoperation or presented polar hypotrophy and related vascular hypertension. VH is an alternative approach to pure extrinsic-UPJO. There were few data about long and very-long term outcomes in patients after this kind of surgery. We followed-up 41 patients confirming that VH (open/laparoscopic) is safe and effective with good long-term outcomes.

GERD surgery in non-neurologic patients: Modified Laparoscopic Hill-Snow Repair is a valid alternative to Nissen fundoplication. Results of a 20 years of follow-up

Nowadays laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication represents the gold standard in surgical treatment of complicated Gastro-Esophageal-Reflux Disease (GERD), above all in cerebral palsy patients. In non-neurological patients without gastrostomy Nissen fundoplication can create some problems (gas bloat syndrome, dysphagia). Laparoscopic Hill-Snow repair is an established surgical alternative, but it is reported only in adult population. We describe our modification of Hill-Snow technique and our experience in a large series of non-neurological children in order to report its effectiveness and applicability in pediatric patients affected by complicated GERD. Between 2000 and 2022, 319 children underwent surgical correction of gastro-esophageal reflux at our Department. All were affected by complicated gastro-esophageal reflux unresponsive to PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors). 251 underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication; 68 non-neurological patients underwent laparoscopic Hill-Snow repair. Of these 68 children 48 were males (71%) and 20 females (29%); median age was 5years (3 months-11 years). Weight range was 4-37kg. 52 patients (76.5%) presented the following symptoms: retrosternal pain, dysphagia, regurgitation, coughing, failure to thrive, persisting reflux esophagitis. 16 (23.5%) had chronic respiratory problems (aspiration, apneic-spells, dysphagia, coughing, choking, gagging). For 8 (11.8%) symptoms were expression of chronic recurrent gastric volvulus. All underwent modified-laparoscopic-Hill-Snow repair. Contrast study showed sliding hiatal hernia in 55 patients (81%), while endoscopy demonstrated 16 cases of histologically severe esophagitis (23.5%) and 52 of mild esophagitis (76.5%). No intraoperative/postoperative complications were recorded. 60patients had a complete follow-up (range 1-20 years). 60/68 patients were evaluated with barium-swallow-study at 6-12 months; 40/68 patients with upper-gastrointestinal-endoscopy at 12months. No relapse was reported. 50 patients (73.7%) were symptom-free. 18 (26.3%) referred occasional epigastric pain, associated with vomit in 2 cases. 64 (94.1%) referred ability to vomit; 4 temporary difficulty to swallow (average 30 days). All patients reported being able to burp. 3(4.5%) presented episodes of gas-air-bloat during the first 2 months with spontaneous resolution. No case of dumping syndrome was recorded. This technique's modification yields excellent results in term of relapse and side effects at long-term follow-up. We reported the first and largest pediatric series in non-neurological children with encouraging results.

Non-traumatic Myositis Ossificans as Unusual Cause of Neck Pain During COVID-19 Pandemic: a Case Report

Myositis ossificans circumscripta (MOC) is a benign disease characterized by localized heterotopic bone formation within muscles or soft tissue, usually interesting great muscles of extremities. We report a rare case of unusual location in the neck not associated with previous trauma, mimicking a solid tumor, with well-documented diagnostic imaging features. During COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in Italy, in May 2020, a 14-year-old boy developed a progressive and persistent neck pain on the right side, without known history of trauma. Initial therapy with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and physiokinetic therapy gave only a slight improvement. A neck ultrasound showed an inhomogeneous right neck mass, with posterior shadowing due to calcifications. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a huge right neck mass, located in the paravertebral space with peripheral calcifications and mild central contrast enhancement. After surgical excision of the lesion, pathology revealed the presence of muscular tissue mixed with fibroblastic/myofibroblastic proliferation and ossification areas consistent with myositis ossificans. A careful analysis of clinical and radiological features is very important to manage young patients showing progressive pain and swelling of the neck, since MOC can mimic soft tissue or bone tumors, and it should be suspected even in the absence of a known history of trauma.

Testicular torsion during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of a multicenter study in northern Italy

INTRODUCTION

The literature reported an increased avoidance of the Emergency Department (ED) during COrona VIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, causing a subsequent increase of morbidity and mortality for acute conditions. Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency, which can lead to the loss of the affected testicle if a delayed treatment occurs. As testicular loss is time-related, outcome was hypothesized to be negatively affected by the pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

The aim is to investigate whether presentation, treatment and outcomes of children with testicular torsion were delayed during COVID-19.

STUDY DESIGN

Medical records of pediatric patients operated for testicular torsion of six Paediatric Surgical Units in Northern Italy between January 2019 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided as for ones treated during (dC) or before the pandemic (pC). To reflect possible seasonality, related to lockdown restrictions, winter and summer calendar blocks were also analysed. For all cohorts, demographic data, pre-operative evaluation, operative notes and post-operative outcomes were reviewed. Primary outcomes were referral time, time from diagnosis to surgery and ischemic time, while secondary outcomes were orchiectomy and atrophy rates. Statistic was conducted as appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 188 patients with acute testicular torsion were included in the study period, 89 in the pre-COVID-19 (pC) period and 99 during COVID-19 (dC). Time from symptom onset to the access to the Emergency Department (T1) was not different among the two populations (pC: 5,5 h, dC: 6 h, p 0.374), and similarly time from diagnosis to surgery (pC: 2,5 h, dC: 2,5 h, p 0.970) and ischemic time (pC: 8,2 h, dC: 10 h, p 0.655). T1 was <6 h in 46/99 patients (46%) pC and 45/89 patients (51%) dC (p = 0.88, Fisher's exact test). Subgroup analysis accounting for different lockdown measures, confirm the absence of any difference. Orchiectomies rate was 23% (23/99) dC and 21% (19/89) pC (p = 0.861, Fisher's exact test) and rate of post-operative atrophy was 9% dC (7/76) and 14% pC (10/70), p = 0,44, Fisher's exact test.

DISCUSSION

Despite worldwide pediatric ED accesses reduction, we reported that neither ischemic time nor the long-term outcomes in children with testicular torsion increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the available literature, few studies investigated the topic and are controversial on the results. Similarly to our findings, some studies found that timing and orchiectomy rates were not significantly different during the pandemic, while others reported a correlation to pandemic seasonality. Furthermore, in the recent pediatric literature it has been reported a delayed testicular torsion diagnosis due to shame in informing parents. Strengths of this study are the large numerosity, its multicentric design and a long study period. Its main limitation is being retrospective.

CONCLUSIONS

We reported our large cohort from one of the most heavily COVID-19-affected regions, finding that referral, intra-hospital protocols and ischemic time in testicular torsion were not increased during to the pandemic, as well as orchiectomy rate and atrophy.

Pediatric Gastric Volvulus: Is Laparoscopic Hill-Snow-Modified Gastropexy the Effective Long-Term Minimally Invasive Solution?

Introduction: Gastric volvulus (GV) is a rare and life-threatening condition if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Extreme rotation can cause obstruction cutting off blood supply to stomach and distal organs, leading to ischemia and necrosis. It is a clinically significant cause of acute/recurrent abdominal pain and chronic vomiting in children. GV can be classified into the following: primary, secondary, organoaxial, mesenteroaxial, or combined, acute, or chronic. Materials and Methods: Six neonates (5 males-1 female) were admitted to our department for recurrent postprandial vomiting associated with paleness, hyporeactivity, transitory abdominal distension, failure to thrive, and respiratory infections (only-1). Median age: 6 months (range 2-9 months). Patients metabolic and neurological evaluations were normal. A barium-swallow-study (upper gastrointestinal [UGI]) allowed definitive diagnosis. Results: UGI and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) showed a gastric abnormal dilatation (gastric fundus), hiatal hernia (HH) in 5 patients, a large/small curvature discrepancy in 3 patients. Four were chronic-organoaxial-GV, 2 chronic-mesenteroaxial-GV. All underwent Laparoscopic-Hill-Snow-gastropexy (LHSG) with HH correction. No intraoperative/postoperative complications were recorded. Refeeding started in first postoperative day. Average hospital stay: 6-days. At long-term follow-up, all patients were symptoms free (able to vomit/burp); 2 referred occasionally epigastric pain sometimes with vomit. At 10-12 years follow-up UGI and EGDS confirmed correct gastric position revealing gastroduedenitis. Discussion: GV is a rare clinical entity in children considering etiology and management with an important morbidity and mortality rate. Its diagnosis could be missed simply. Vomiting or HH on imaging studies should suggest GV regardless patient's stable appearance. Conclusions: Chronic GV can manifest with atypical chest, abdominal, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk of developing acute form. LHSG is a long-term effective and safe solution with a very low complication rate, and no symptoms correlated to Nissen procedure.

Surgical management of large scalp infantile hemangioma in 30-month-old infant

Infantile Hemangiomas (IH) are the most common benign tumor of infancy, occurring in over 10% of newborns. The head and neck is the most frequently affected area (60%), and the scalp is a typical site for such large lesions. Scalp-IHs are usually focal lesions that can be both disfiguring and may lead to complications such as ulceration and bleeding. We describe a case of a 30-months old female who presented a large scalp-IH at birth that rapidly grew in the first year of life. Topical and systemic treatments (with timolol ointment and oral propranolol, respectively) were not effective in reducing dimensions of the hemangioma. After vascular imaging study, the patient underwent surgical resection of the IH and primary closure with excellent cosmetic outcome. When medical therapy is ineffective or cosmetic and functional integrity is threatened, early surgery allows to completely removing large scalp-IHs, with good cosmetic results.

Retroperitoneoscopic Nephrectomy in Pediatric Patients

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in pediatric population is becoming more and more popular among pediatric urologists and now it can be considered the best treatment for nephroureterectomy that is one of the most frequent urological procedures. The main indications to MIS ureteronephrectomy in children are congenital or acquired benign conditions such as nonfunctional and/or damaging kidney, renal dysplasia, and destroyed kidneys due to obstructive or refluxing uropathy. Since ever in open urological surgery, the lateral retroperitoneal approach represents the typical way to approach this kind of surgery. Although different surgical approaches can be chosen (i.e., posterior retroperitoneal, lateral retroperitoneal, laparoscopic transperitoneal, and robotic approach), the lateral retroperitoneal approach represents the typical way to perform this kind of surgery, also with minimally invasive techniques. In this article, we illustrate the technique of retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy in infants and children, reporting our experience with this technique in the past 20 years.

Torsion of cecal appendix. Report of the first Italian case and review of the literature

In pediatric patients appendicitis is the most common cause of abdominal pain and surgery. Torsion of vermiform appendix is a rare cause, clinically indistinguishable from appendicitis with usually an intraoperative diagnosis. The first description of vermiform appendix torsion was made by Payne in 1918. Clinical presentation is similar to acute appendicitis. Preoperative investigations play a minimal role. Etiology of this condition is unclear, but is possible to distinguish a primary and a secondary torsion. We report a case of 5-years-old boy who presented with right lower quadrant abdominal pain. His clinical signs, symptoms and investigations mimicked an acute appendicitis. Intraoperatively we found a 720° appendix torsion on its base with its mesentery rotated in counter-clockwise direction. The appendix was gangrenous in appearance. A video-assisted trans-umbilical appendectomy was performed. We describe clinical presentation and management of this rare condition reviewing the literature.

Thoracoscopic treatment of a rare bilateral extralobar lung sequestration in a 3-years old girl

Majority of sequestrations fall into two categories: Intra-Lobar (ILS) and Extra-Lobar (ELS). Rarely the abnormal lung could be attached to the gastrointestinal tract, Bronchopulmonary Foregut Malformation (BPFM). We described a case of a girl of 3-years-old with antenatal diagnosis of left intrathoracic mass of the inferior lobe. Postnatal Computed-Tomography (CT) revealed a bilateral ELS with an isthmic bridge crossing the vertebral spine. She follows a MRI follow-up at 18months/30months confirming the lesion. Before surgery, a three-dimensional-CT-angiography was performed to study the mass, its blood supply and to plan surgery. She underwent to thoracoscopic resection. Two aberrant blood vessels were dissected from the thoracic aorta and ligated. The postoperative course was uneventful. She was discharged after 3 days. The rarity of our case is due to the bilateral extension. An appropriate preoperatory imaging study is necessary for the success of surgery while thoracoscopy is particularly appropriate in surgical treatment.

Guidelines of the Italian Society of Videosurgery (SIVI) in Infancy for the minimally invasive treatment of Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis in neonates and infants

The most appropriate treatment for the infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (HPS) is still debated. The non-surgical conservative treatment with oral or intravenous administration of atropine does not enjoy a widespread appreciation for several factors (...).

Guidelines of the Italian Society of Videosurgery in Infancy (SIVI) for the minimally invasive treatment of fetal and neonatal ovarian cysts

In the last three decades, fetal ovarian cysts were diagnosed more frequently, due to technological improvement and the increasing use of prenatal screening ultrasound. Nonetheless, treatment uncertainties are still present, either prenatally or postnatally. Recently, significant innovations on diagnosis and treatment have been proposed and a more conservative, minimally invasive approach may be offered to the Pediatrician or the Surgeon who face with this condition during prenatal or neonatal age. (...).

Endourologic and Retroperitoneoscopic Combined Mininvasive Management of Cystine Urolithiasis in an Infant of 13 Months of Life

Background: There are limited data about urolithiasis in young infants, especially in class age younger than 2 years. Case presentation: We report the case of a child <2 years old (13 months) affected by metabolic urolithiasis (cystinuria), and renal hypertension. He was admitted to our ward from the pediatric emergency room for fever, lack of appetite, irritability, and abdominal pain crisis. Ultrasonography (US) described a huge stone (15 mm) in dilated left renal pelvis (20 mm) associated with distal ureteral ectasia (7 mm). Urine and blood diagnostic assessments were performed. Hydropenic therapy and urine alkalization were started without success. The child underwent an ureteroscopy (URS) with a 4.5-6.5F rigid ureteroscope aiming to reach the renal pelvis and perform holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser stone disintegration. During the procedure, the ureter presented two unexpected stones in the distal portion (missed on US). A laser ureteral lithotripsy was effectively performed extracting smaller stone fragments. Ureteral kinking, confirmed by ascending pyelography, made it impossible to reach renal pelvis with the ureteroscope. The child was further studied with a CT scan that revealed a massive stone involvement of the left excretory pathway. Metabolic and urine assessment revealed a metabolic disease: cystinuria. To remove renal stones, an operative retroperitoneoscopy (RP) was performed. During the procedure was identified a lesion of the pelvis (secondary to stone decubitus) with urine tearing and massive perirenal inflammation. The stone was removed and pelvis was sutured. Postoperatively, the patient was stone free without major complications. Conclusions: In particular cases (younger patients, ureteral kinking, and renal failure risk), a totally combinated minimally invasive access (URS, laser stone fragmentation, and RP) can be a valid alternative to micro percutaneous nephrolithotomy or to massive open treatment. In fact, rigid URS represents a valid minimally invasive approach either for examination or for laser treatment of pediatric urinary tract stones. With important ureteral kinking, RP must be considered by experienced pediatric urologists.

Endoscopic balloon dilatation of primary obstructive megaureter: method standardization and predictive prognostic factors

The management of congenital primary obstructive megaureter (POM) is usually conservative, especially during the first year of life. Endoscopic high-pressure balloon dilatation (EHPBD) is indicated when symptoms, increasing dilatation and progressive renal damage are recorded, particularly in children younger than one year of age. We identified and described endoscopic prognostic factors predicting the success or failure of endoscopic dilatation. Thirty-eight patients (33 M;5 F) with POM from 2005-2018 were included. Diagnosis was based on US distal ureter dilatation (>7 mm), obstructive MAG-3 diuretic renogram and absence of vesicoureteral reflux (cystography). 24 patients were under 1 year of age. All patients underwent cystoscopy and high-pressure balloon dilatation with 3,5 Fr dilating balloon, after ascending pyelography. Median follow-up was of 6.5 years. We identified characteristics with poor prognosis: stenotic punctiform ureteral ostium and/or ostium located in a bladder diverticulum (9 pts) and stenotic tract longer than 1 cm (5 pts). The patients with a stenotic tract shorter than 1 cm (18 pts) were divided into two groups: <5 mm (5 pts) and between 5 and 10 mm (13 pts) showed a good response to dilatation. Endoscopic evaluation of ureteral ostium with pneumatic dilatation when possible is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic solution for POM treatment, especially under one year of age. EHPBD is effective in short stenotic tracts (<5 mm). It may also be repeated with good results in intermediate stenotic sections (5 mm-1 cm). According to our preliminary results, the procedure is more effective if performed earlier (3-7 months of life). Greater cohort and longer follow-up are needed to verify the stability of these results.

Guidelines of the Italian Society of Videosurgery in Infancy for the minimally invasive treatment of the esophageal atresia

Esophageal Atresia (EA) is defined as an interruption in esophageal continuity that results in a proximal tract that ends in a blind pouch in 98% of cases, and a distal tract that in 87% of cases arises via a Fistula from the Trachea (TEF). (...).

Guidelines of the Italian Society of Videosurgery in Infancy for the minimally invasive treatment of the ureteropelvic-junction obstruction

The hydronephrosis, characterized by the dilation of the renal pelvicalyceal system with possible functional damage to the renal parenchyma, is the most common congenital abnormality of the urinary system detected in utero through the prenatal ultrasound screening. (...).

Guidelines of the Italian Society of Videosurgery in Infancy for the minimally invasive treatment of pediatric nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy

Throughout history, the pediatric laparoscopic nephrectomy was first described at the beginning of the Nineties by Erlich and colleagues in a child and by Koyle and colleagues in an unweaned patient. (...).

Prevalence and survival of patients with anorectal malformations: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are the most frequent congenital intestinal anomalies. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of anorectal defects between 1981 and 2014 and to evaluate patients' survival.

METHODS

A population-based study using data collected by an Italian, regional registry of birth defects and by the local Pediatric Surgery Units.

RESULTS

A total of 428 individuals with ARM were identified, with an overall prevalence of 3.09 per 10,000 births. Characteristics associated with decreased survival were low birth weight (<2500 g) (HR 6.4; 95% CI, 2.3-17.9), the presence of two or more additional major defects (HR 7.9; 95% CI, 2.2-27.8), and birth before year 2000 (HR 4.7; 95% CI, 1.8-11.8). The 10-year survival probability was 100% for individuals with isolated ARM, regardless of their birth weight. Survival of patients with non-isolated ARM varied according to their year of birth and birth weight: 73.3% (≥2500 g) and 23.8% (<2500 g) in children born before 2000; 97.9% (≥2500 g) and 68.8% (<2500 g) in children born after year 2000.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found a significant improvement in the survival of individuals with anorectal malformations over the past decades and identified the strongest predictors of mortality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE (PROGNOSIS STUDY)

Level II.

Torsion of huge epididymal cyst in a 16-year-old boy: case report and review of the literature

Epididymal cysts (ECs) are relatively common in adults, rare in children. Normally their treatment is conservative. They may be situated anywhere in the organ, frequently in the region of the head. Torsion of these cysts is extremely rare in both children and adults, causing acute scrotal swelling. The diagnosis is intraoperative. A 16-year-old boy was referred to our Divisional Clinic by the treating physician for scrotal swelling appeared 4 months earlier. Absence of a history of minor scrotal trauma. Ultrasonography showed a 40×50 mm fluid-filled right para-testicular mass. We performed surgery finding a large black cyst connected to the head of the epididymis with 720°-degrees rotation. Histology revealed an acquired EC. The particularity of our case is due to the absence of symptoms in association with a big EC twisted of 720° degrees. This is the only case reported in literature. All patients with EC torsion reported presented symptoms related to acute scrotum.

Horseshoe kidney and uretero-pelvic-junction obstruction in a pediatric patient. Laparoscopic vascular hitch: A valid alternative to dismembered pyeloplasty?

Horseshoe kidney (HSK) is a congenital defect of the urinary tract that occurs in 0.25% of the general population. Laparoscopic Vascular Hitch (LVH) according to Hellstrom-Chapman represent an alternative approach in treatment of extrinsic hydronephrosis by crossing vessels (CV) in pediatric age. In our Department from 2006 to 2016, 36 children with extrinsic-Uretero-Pelvic-Junction (UPJ)-Obstruction (UPJO) underwent laparoscopic vessels transposition. Over the last 4years, we have treated three patients with extrinsic hydronephrosis in HSK; two males and one female respectively of 6, 7 and 8years. The side affected was the left in all patients; symptoms of onset: recurrent abdominal pain, vomiting with associated intermittent hydronephrosis at ultrasonography. The preoperative examinations performed were: ultrasound/Doppler scan, MAG3-renogram, functional-magnetic-resonance-urography (fMRU). Mean operative time was 120'; median hospital stay 3- days. Intraoperative diuretic-test (DT) confirmed an extrinsic-UPJO in all patients. No JJ-stents and drain were used and there were no perioperative complications. Clinical and ultrasound follow-up (18 months-4 years) show resolution of symptoms and decrease in hydronephrosis grade in all patients. Our series is the largest in pediatric population by a revision of the literature. We believe that LVH is feasible in patients with symptomatic hydronephrosis by CV in HSK. Intraoperative-DT and the correct selection of patients are crucial to the success of the technique. According to us, this procedure is appropriate in those cases where the UPJ-anatomy is disadvantageous to a resection/re-anastomosis between ureter and renal pelvis. Our initial results are encouraging, although long-term follow- up and a more significant patient sample are required.

Guidelines of the Italian Society of Videosurgery in Infancy for the minimally invasive treatment of pediatric nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy

Not available.

Guidelines of the Italian Society of Videosurgery in Infancy for the minimally invasive treatment of the ureteropelvic-junction obstruction

Not available.

Guidelines of the Italian Society of Videosurgery in Infancy for the minimally invasive treatment of the esophageal atresia

Not available.

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Pediatric Extrinsic Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction by Crossing Polar Vessels: Is Vascular Hitching a Definitive Solution? Report of a Multicenter Survey

BACKGROUND

This article aimed to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic vascular hitch (VH) as an effective alternative to dismembered pyeloplasty in the treatment of children with extrinsic ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) by crossing vessels (CVs), by reporting the experience of three Italian centers of Pediatric Surgery.

METHODS

From 2006 to 2014, 54 children (18 girls and 36 boys, average age 10.7 years) affected by suspected extrinsic UPJO by CV were treated in three different institutions: 51 patients underwent laparoscopic VH, while 3 patients, in which a coexisting intrinsic etiology of UPJO was doubtful, underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. Preoperative diagnostic workup included: ultrasound (US)/Doppler scan, mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3)-renal scan, and functional-magnetic-resonance-urography (fMRU). Symptoms at presentation were recurrent abdominal/flank pain and hematuria. All patients presented intermittent hydronephrosis (range 18-100 mm) on US and an obstructive pattern on MAG3 renogram.

RESULTS

Average operative time was 108 minutes, and average hospital stay was 1.8 days. As for complications, we reported a small abdominal wall hematoma and a high UPJ distortion without obstruction in 2 patients, not requiring reintervention (grade I Clavien-Dindo). At follow-up (range 12-96 months), all patients reported resolution of symptoms, decrease in the hydronephrosis grade, and improved drainage on MAG3 renogram.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic VH for treatment of extrinsic UPJO by CV, registering excellent outcomes in a very selected patient population. The careful selection of patients through intraoperative assessment of anatomical and functional aspects is a crucial step to confirm indications for VH and maintain a high success rate with the procedure. We believe that any concerns regarding the coexistence of intrinsic stenosis should certainly lead to opening the collecting system and to performing a classic dismembered pyeloplasty.

Pediatric Ovarian Torsion and its Recurrence: A Multicenter Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To report results of a retrospective multicentric Italian survey concerning the management of pediatric ovarian torsion (OT) and its recurrence.

DESIGN

Multicenter retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Italian Units of Pediatric Surgery.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were female aged 1-14 years of age with surgically diagnosed OT between 2004 and 2014.

INTERVENTIONS

Adnexal detorsion, adnexectomy, mass excision using laparoscopy or laparotomy. Different kinds of oophoropexy (OPY) for OT or recurrence, respectively.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A total of 124 questionnaires were returned and analyzed to understand the current management of pediatric OT and its recurrence. The questionnaires concerned patient age, presence of menarche, OT site, presence and type of mass, performed procedure, OPY technique adopted, intra- and postoperative complications, recurrence and site, procedure performed for recurrence, OPY technique for recurrence, and 1 year follow-up of detorsed ovaries.

RESULTS

Mean age at surgery was 9.79 ± 3.54 years. Performed procedures were open adnexectomy (52 of 125; 41.6%), laparoscopic adnexectomy (25 of 125; 20%), open detorsion (10 of 125; 8%), and laparoscopic detorsion (38 of 125; 30.4%). Recurrence occurred in 15 of 125 cases (12%) and resulted as significant (P = .012) if associated with a normal ovary at the first episode of torsion. Recurrence occurred only in 1 of 19 cases after OPY (5.2%). Ultrasonographic results of detorsed ovaries were not significant whether an OPY was performed or not (P = 1.00).

CONCLUSION

Unfortunately, oophorectomy and open technique are still widely adopted even if not advised. Recurrence is not rare and the risk is greater in patients without ovarian masses. OPY does not adversely affect ultrasonographic results at 1 year. When possible OPY should be performed at the first episode of OT.

Proximal ureteral atresia, a rare congenital anomaly-incidental finding: a case report

Ureteral atresia is a rare disease usually associated with a non-functioning dysplastic kidney. The condition may be unilateral or bilateral; focal, short or long and may involve any part of the ureter. Association with other urinary anomalies is rare. We report the case of a 10-month-old boy with prenatal diagnosis of multicystic right kidney. This suspicion was confirmed after birth by ultrasound and static scintigraphy; a right vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was recorded at cystography. The boy presented a regular renal function but was hospitalized twice for suspected pyelonephritis between the 8th and the 10th month of life and were recorded occasional mild changes in blood pressure. Antibiotic prophylaxis was administered until surgery. When he was 10-month underwent retroperitoneoscopy to perform a nephroureterectomy finding a complete atresia of the upper third of the ureter with the blind end at the level of the uretero-pelvic-junction. The programmed surgery was performed. By a revision of literature, only few cases of imperforate distal ureter have been described. This condition is associated with a kidney dysplasia. The atresia of the ureter with no signs of infection in the dysplastic kidney may be unknown up to adulthood or throughout one's life. Prognosis usually depends on the severity of the obstruction.

Laparoscopic transposition of lower pole crossing vessels (vascular hitch) in children with pelviureteric junction obstruction

BACKGROUND

Congenital hydronephrosis due to intrinsic or extrinsic uretero-pelvic-junction (UPJ) obstruction (UPJO) is a common problem in childhood UPJO may be caused by intrinsic disorganization or by extrinsic compression from crossing vessels (CV); extrinsic causes usually present symptomatically in older children. This report the large Italian experience in the treatment of children with extrinsic-UPJO by CV.

METHODS

We analyzed the data of 51 children (17 girls and 34 boys, median age 10, 7 years) affected by extrinsic-UPJO were treated in three Italian institutions with laparoscopic transposition of CV (Hellström Vascular Hitch modified by Chapman).The intraoperative diuretic-test was performed in all patients before and after the vessels transpositions confirming the extrinsic-UPJO. We included in the study only patients with suspicion of vascular extrinsic obstruction of the UPJ. Symptoms at presentation were recurrent abdominal/flank pain and haematuria. All patients presented intermittent ultrasound (US) detection of hydronephrosis (range, 18-100 mm). Preoperative diagnostic studies included: US/doppler scan, MAG3-renogram, functional-magnetic-resonance-urography (fMRU).

RESULTS

Median operative time was 108 minutes; median hospital stay: 3, 4 days. Unique complications: a small abdominal wall hematoma and higher junction-translocation without obstruction. During follow-up (range, 12-96 months) all patients reported resolution of their symptoms, a decrease in the hydronephrosis grade and improved drainage on diuretic renogram.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that Vascular Hitch is less technically demanding than laparoscopic pyeloplasty, resulting in a lower complication rate and a significantly reduced hospitalization. The results of our study allow us to conclude that laparoscopic VH may be a safe, feasible, and attractive alternative to treat obstructed hydronephrosis due to CV presenting a useful alternative to AHDP in the management of symptomatic children where CV are deemed the sole aetiology. We recommend careful patient selection based on preoperative clinical and radiologic findings that are diagnostic of extrinsic-UPJO, combined with intraoperative-DT to confirm the appropriate selection of corrective procedure.

Laparoscopic management of urachal cysts

BACKGROUND

The urachus and the urachal remnants represent a failure in the obliteration of the allantois at birth that connects the bladder to the umbilicus. After birth it obliterates and presents as the midline umbilical ligament. Urachal cyst are the most common urachal anomaly in the pediatric population. The traditional surgical approach is a semicircular infraumbilical incision or a lower midline laparotomy.

METHODS

In a 10 years period at Pediatric Surgery Department of Vicenza 16 children were diagnosed with urachal anomalies presenting as abdominal or urinary symptoms. Eight underwent open excision; eight were treated by laparoscopic surgery. The average age was 5.5 years (range, 4 months-13 years) in open group and 10 years (range, 1 month-18 years) in laparoscopic group.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 63 minutes (range, 35-105 minutes) in open group, 50 minutes (range, 35-90 minutes) in laparoscopic group. There were no postoperative complications. The patients of laparoscopic group were all discharged after few days (range, 2-4 days). Pathological examination confirmed a benign urachal remnant in all cases. Reporting our experience since comparing the two surgical approaches we want to describe the technique step by step of laparoscopic urachal cyst excision as minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy represents a useful alternative for the management of persistent or infected urachus, in particular when there's the suspect despite the lack of radiological evidence. The morbidity associated with this approach is very low as the risk or recurrence. Laparoscopy in the management of urachal cyst is safe effective and ensures good cosmesis with all the advantages of minimally invasive approach.

Long-term results of laparoscopic treatment of esophageal achalasia in children: a multicentric survey

BACKGROUND

This report describes three Italian centers' experience in the treatment of children with esophageal achalasia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between June 2000 and June 2012, 31 children (13 girls and 18 boys, with a median age of 8.4 years) affected by esophageal achalasia were treated in three different institutions with an esophagomyotomy according to Heller's procedure via laparoscopy associated with a Dor antireflux procedure. Between 2000 and 2005 (for 14 patients) we used mono- or bipolar coagulation to perform myotomy; after 2005 (for 17 patients) we used the new hemostatic devices to perform it.

RESULTS

Median length of surgery was 120 minutes. Median hospital stay was 4 days. We recorded eight complications in our series: 3 patients (9.6%) had a mucosal perforation, and 5 children (16.1%) presented dysphagia after surgery. When comparing the data before and after 2005, it seems that the new hemostatic devices statistically shortened the length of surgery (P<.01, Student's t test).

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of our experience, laparoscopic Heller's myotomy associated with an antireflux procedure is a safe and effective method for the treatment of achalasia in the pediatric population. Intraoperative complications were <10%, and they occurred mostly at the beginning of our experience. Residual dysphagia occurred in about 16% of cases. The use of the new hemostatic devices seems to reduce the length of surgery and intraoperative bleeding. Considering the rarity of this pathology, we believe that patients with achalasia have to be treated only at centers with a strong experience in the treatment of this pathology.

[Gastric atresia, diaphragmatic hernia, and gastroesophageal reflux: a rare malformation requiring a multiple approach]

The first cases of atresia or web in the pyloric and prepyloric regions were described in the literature since 1937. To date, only one case of atresia at the junction between the fundus and the body of the stomach has been reported. We want to describe a complex case with incomplete atresia between fundus and gastric body, with left lateral diaphragmatic hernia, treated in several stages by endoscopic, open surgery and minimally invasive surgery

Blue patent lymphography prevents hydrocele after laparoscopic varicocelectomy: 10 years of experience

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic varicocelectomy according to the Palomo technique is the most common procedure adopted in children with testicular varicocele. This procedure involves the ligation of the internal spermatic cord and is associated with a 3%-5% incidence of recurrence and up to 30% incidence of hydroceles. We sought to determine the impact of lymphatic preservation on hydrocele formation and the success of varicocelectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 396 patients with a mean age of 13.2 years who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent a lymphatic-sparing (LS) procedure using isosulfan blue scrotal intra-dartoic injection and those who underwent a non-LS (NLS) technique. The incidences of recurrence/persistence and postoperative hydrocele formation requiring surgery or aspiration were analyzed statistically using the chi-squared test.

RESULTS

Of 396 patients, 244 received a laparoscopic LS procedure, and 152 received an NLS operation. The LS patients in whom the lymphatic vessels were not identified (26/244 [10.6%]) were considered NLS repairs. The follow-up was at least 12 months. LS surgery (218 patients) was associated with a decreased incidence of postoperative hydrocele (0/218 [0%] versus 18/178 [10.1%]; chi-squared test=25.84, difference statistically significant). There was no significant difference in incidence of persistent or recurrent varicocele requiring reoperation following the initial procedure (5/218 [2.2%] versus 5/178 [2.8%]; chi-squared test=0.41, difference statistically not significant).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic LS varicocelectomy using isosulfan blue is preferable to laparoscopic Palomo repair that does not preserve the lymphatics. It has a significantly lower incidence of postoperative hydroceles and still maintains a low incidence of persistence/recurrence.

Laparoscopic excision of urachal cyst in pediatric age: report of three cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of pediatric urachal disorders.

METHODS

Case reports and a literature review of laparoscopic excision of urachal remnants.

RESULTS

In a five-year period, three children were diagnosed with urachal anomalies presenting as abdominal or urinary symptoms, and were treated by laparoscopic surgery. The average age was 8.3 years (range, 4-13),and there were two girls and one boy. Mean operative time was 90 minutes (range, 60-120), and there were nopostoperative complications. The three patients were all discharged by postoperative day four.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy is an effective and safe minimally invasive technique in the management of pediatricurachal anomalies. It is effective even in cases of infected urachal cysts.

[Serious dog bite lesions in childhood: presentation of 3 cases and literature review]

Animal bite lesions in the pediatric patient are mainly accounted for by dog bites in 80% to 90% of the cases. They often present a favorable prognosis but serious lesions do account for 5% to 20% of the total incidence. We will present three particular clinical cases which required urgent surgical treatment as well as a review of the current literature to include both medical and surgical treatment methods for this kind of lesion.

Polypoid lesion of the gallbladder in childhood: case report and literature review

Gallbladder polypoid lesions are rare in the pediatric patient and sometimes represent an incidental finding. A 13 year old male was referred to the Padua Hospital Pediatric Department for an obesity. A routine abdominal ultrasound (US) detected a gallbladder polypoid lesion 6 mm in diameter, initially considered a gallbladder adenoma. Investigation did not detect any other biliary tract abnormality. After seven months, the asymptomatic patient underwent a follow-up US which revealed the disappearance of the polypoid mass. The following concerns are raised: what is the size of the polypoid mass that should be considered for surgery? How does the presence of symptoms worsen the diagnosis and lead to preferring a surgical approach (cholecystectomy) over an echographic follow-up?

[Non-invasive urodynamic approach to the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of voiding disorders in pediatric patients]

The authors reports their experience on 248 patients affected by minctional disorders isolated or related to UTI (upper tract infections) and VUR (vesico-ureteral reflux). All the patients were assessed throught a predominantly non invasive diagnostic approach which included: pediatric urologic examination with aimed anamnestic and clinical freaming, functional examination of the lower urinary tract using uroflowmetry + EMG of the perineal plane muscles (UR + EMG), kidney and bladder ultrasound. This methodology has permitted a widening of the indications in the study of vesical function as well as limiting the selected cases (hight UTI, uncertain diagnosis) of mini-invasive examination, such as flow pressure study, minctional cystourethrogram (MC) and or renal scintigraphy. An MNR of the lumbo-sacral medulla (cord) and a neurological and/or neurosurgery evaluation were only carried out were there was a suspected occult neurological pathology. The clinical sintomatogy was as follows: approximately 70% of the patients suffered from partial diurnal incontinence, 42% were affected by secondary nocturnal enuresis while 58.6% suffered from recurrent UTI. In those patients with UTI, 11% (16 patients, 24 ureteral units) suffered from associated VUR while 3.5% suffered from either congenital or acquired urethral stenosis. From the urodynamic examination, we determined the presence of detrusorial instability in 158 patients (64%) and lazy bladder or vescical hypotonia in 84 patients (34%). The suggested therapy foresees the use of: hospital home-based uroriabilitation (minctional biofeedback), endoscopic therapy (sub-ureteral bulking, urethral dilatation) and corrective VUR surgery (only in those cases that did not respond to medical treatment). The percentage of total recovery in patients with detrusorial instability was 80%, the minctional biofeedback both associated and unassociated with drug therapy lead to complete recovery in 66% of patients with lazy and uncordinated bladder, wile 26% showed improvement and 7 patients (8.4%) did not respond. All the patients with VUR (24 reflux units) recovered; and endoscopic therapy and or surgery (12 reflux units) was carried out in some of this patients.

Endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumor of the urachus

A rare case of endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumor of urachal remnants in a two-year-old infant is described. The tumor was located in the upper part of the bladder and appeared to arise from urachal remnants. The tumor could be entirely removed. The patient is free of tumor after three years and eight months follow-up.