Comparison of Open and Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children: A 5-year Single Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of treatment in children with acute appendicitis between laparoscopic and open surgical approaches. Design: Retrospective study. SETTING: Division of Pediatric Surgery at a tertiary-care hospital in Croatia between January 2012 to December 2016. PATIENTS: 834 children [median (IQR) age 13 (11,15)] who underwent appendectomy; 301 in the laparoscopic group and 533 in the open group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative complications, duration of hospitalization, re-operation, and the quantity of analgesics used. RESULTS: The median length of hospital stay was 3 days in laparoscopic group compared to 6 days in open group (P<0.001). The amount of analgesics used was lower in patients with laparoscopic appendectomy compared to patients who underwent open procedure (P=0.042). Significantly higher number of wound infections was recorded in the open group (n=21; 3.9%) compared to laparoscopic group (n=3; 1%) (P=0.014). The frequency of re-operation in both groups was equal (1.3%). The median duration of surgery was shorter in the group of patients with laparoscopic appendectomy compared to the open approach (30 vs. 45 min; P<0.001). In five-year period, the proportion of laparoscopic appendectomies increased by 21.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic appendectomy was safe and effective in children. Advantages of laparoscopic approach were shorter hospital stay, lower number of wound infections and lower usage of analgesics.

Gallbladder Disease in Children: A 20-year Single-center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to examine the changes in incidence of pediatric cholecystectomies. METHODS: Based on a review of hospital-records, children were divided into two groups regarding year of surgery (Group I: 1998-2007; Group II: 2008-2017) and their characteristics were compared. RESULTS: Number of cholecystecomies increased from 11 to 34. Median age increased from 11 to 15.5 years and mean BMI increased from 19.2 cm/m2 to 23.0 cm/m2. Hereditary spherocytosis decreased from 63.6% to 11.8% (P=0.001) of indications for cholecystectomy, while proportion of cholesterol stones increased from 27.3% to 70.6% (P=0.006). Frequency of laparoscopic cholecystectomy increased from 36.4% to 85.3% (P=0.001). Duration of hospital stay shortened from 8 to 4 days (P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Number of pediatric cholecystectomies has significantly increased in the last 20 years, as well as average BMI of the observed population This probably signifies a correlation between rising obesity rates and increase in frequency of symptomatic cholelithiasis in children.

Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy Using Polymeric Ligating Clips and Its Effect on Semen Parameters in Pediatric Population with Symptomatic Varicocele: A 5-Year Single Surgeon Experience.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate demographic and clinical characteristics of the children undergoing laparoscopic varicocelectomy by using polymeric ligating clips and to evaluate postoperative outcomes and analyze semen according to the grade of varicocele after surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The case records of 120 pediatric patients who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy were retrospectively reviewed. The following parameters were examined: age, grade of varicocele, lateralization, diameter of spermatic veins, indications for surgery, duration and outcomes of surgery, complications, and recurrence rate. For patients older than 16 years of age, semen analyses were obtained before and after the surgery and were compared according to the clinical grade of varicocele. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 15 years. Of the total number of patients, left-sided varicocele was found in 119 patients and bilateral varicocele was found in 1 patient. Of the 120 varicoceles, 8 (6.7%) were grade I, 58 (48.3%) were grade II, and 54 (45%) were grade III. There were no major intraoperative complications. Hydrocele was found in 2 (1.6%) patients. There were no cases of recurrence recorded. Sperm concentration (P < .01), morphology (P < .01), and motility (P < .01; P = .02) improved 6 months after surgery in patients with varicocele grades of I and II, respectively. In grade III varicocele, only sperm concentration (P < .01) and morphology (P = .03) improved whereas motility (P = .150) did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic varicocelectomy using polymeric ligating clips is a safe, feasible, and cost-effective technique, with a low rate of postoperative complications and recurrence and it significantly improves sperm parameters in adolescents.

Perinatal risk factors in newborns with gastrointestinal perforation.

AIM: To investigate correlation of perinatal risk factors in newborns with gastrointestinal perforation (GIP). METHODS: Single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 1990 and December 2012. Medical records on all newborns with GIP were reviewed (n = 35). Surgical records and histopathologic examination of all perforated intestine samples were also reviewed. RESULTS: The most common cause of GIP was necrotizing enterocolitis (51.4%). The most common site of perforation was large intestine. Mortality rate was 31%. Infants with GIP more frequently had very low birth weight (< 1500 g), especially birth weight below 10th percentile according to gestational age. Ponderal index was not differing between infants with GIP and control subjects. In infants with GIP anemia was more frequently found than in control group. CONCLUSION: GIP in newborns is mostly disease of infants with birth weight below 10th percentile according to gestational age. GIP occurs more often in infants with anemia.

A Comparison of Endoloop Ligatures and Nonabsorbable Polymeric Clips for the Closure of the Appendicular Stump During Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective trial was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of nonabsorbable polymeric clips in laparoscopic appendix stump closure in children by comparing the endoloop ligature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2011 to June 2016, 277 children who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the technique used for appendiceal stump closure: there were 101 patients in the polymeric clips group and 176 in the endoloop group. The risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications was investigated for two different techniques to close the appendiceal stump. RESULTS: Among the 277 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, no intraoperative complications and 17 (6.1%) postoperative complications were recorded. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the postoperative complications (P = .546). The median length of the operation was 10 minutes shorter when the polymeric clips were used (P < .001). The median hospital stay was also shorter in the polymeric clips group (P = .008). Costs of polymeric clip were significantly lower (€ 17.64) compared to endoloop (€ 34.16). CONCLUSIONS: Closure of the appendix stump with polymeric nonabsorbable clips in laparoscopic appendectomy reduces operative time and may be a cost-effective and simpler alternative to widely used endoloops.

Modified Marcy repair for indirect inguinal hernia in children: a 24-year single-center experience of 6826 pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the management and outcomes of modified Marcy repair for inguinal hernia in a large series of children. METHODS: We analyzed the case records of 6826 pediatric patients who underwent surgery for inguinal hernia between January, 1991 and January, 2015 at Split University Hospital in Croatia. The following parameters were examined: sex, age, location of the hernia, intraoperative or postoperative complications, recurrence, and surgical method. RESULTS: The 6826 patients included 4751 boys and 2075 girls operated on for inguinal hernia. The mean age was 3.5 years, and mean followup was 14 years. Right-side predominance was noted with 59.50 % right hernia repairs, 33.72 % left hernia repairs, and 6.78 % bilateral hernia repairs. There were 6410 (93.90 %) elective procedures and 416 (6.10 %) emergency procedures for incarceration. The mean duration of surgery was 26 min (14-90 min), and the mean hospital stay was 1 day. Marcy repair was the most commonly performed operation (95.76 %), whereas Ferguson's technique was performed in only 3.98 % of the children. The overall recurrence rate was 0.43 %, with a recurrence rate of 0.36 % for Marcy repair and 1.83 % for Ferguson repair (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Modified Marcy hernia repair is a safe and effective procedure for inguinal hernia in children with excellent outcomes and a low incidence of recurrence.

Bilateral Simultaneous Testicular Torsion in a Newborn: Report of a Case.

INTRODUCTION: Testicular torsion is a urological emergency. If not recognized in time, this condition may result in ischaemic injury and loss of testis. Simultaneous bilateral neonatal testicular torsion is extremely rare and is usually misdiagnosed. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a male newborn, who presented with bilateral scrotal swelling and redness of the scrotum. Doppler ultrasound supported the diagnosis of bilateral testicular torsion, with an absent blood flow signal on the right side and a weak signal on the left side. Testicular exploration through scrotal incision was performed and bilateral testicular torsion was found. Right testis was grossly gangrenous, and right orchiectomy was performed. Left testicle was dark but showed recovery after detorsion with some bleeding from incised tunica albugenia. Fixation of the left testicle was performed. At six month follow-up, the left testis showed signs of atrophy and hormonal assay showed very low testosterone and elevated LH and FSH, suggesting hypogonadism. CONCLUSIONS: Management of neonatal testicular torsion is a matter of controversy. Testicular torsion results into acute ischemia and urgent surgical exploration is the key point of management. Although the possibility of salvaging the involved testicles is usually very low it is hard to justify a passive approach to a bilateral torsion resulting in such a devastating condition as anorchia.

Management of acute scrotum in children: a 25-year single center experience on 558 pediatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze management and outcomes of treatment in patients with acute scrotum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 1990 until January 2015 case records of 558 patients who underwent surgery for acute scrotum were retrospectively reviewed. Mean age was 12 years old. Each patient was analyzed for following parameters: history data, localization of pain, physical examination, operating results and the results of follow up, age, etiology, and the time from initial symptoms to surgery. RESULTS: Scrotal explorations revealed 142 cases (25%) of spermatic cord torsion, 344 (62%) torsion of the testicular appendage, 54 (10%) epididymitis, 10 (2%) testicular trauma and 8 cases (1%) of other conditions. Two peaks of incidence of spermatic cord torsion were found, the first during first year of life and the second between 13 and 15 years of life. In patients with spermatic cord torsion, median duration of symptoms in the group of salvaged testes was 6 hours; while in the group of patients who underwent orchiectomy was 46 hours. Of the total number of patients with spermatic cord torsion 40 patients (28%) underwent orchiectomy while 102 testicles (72%) were saved. There were no major complications. Acute scrotum is significantly more common in the winter. Torsion of the testis has the highest incidence in January and August. CONCLUSION: Early scrotal exploration based on careful physical examination decreases the risk of misdiagnosis of spermatic cord torsion. It is of great importance that the patient seeks immediate medical attention. If the patient arrived within 6 hours the testicle can be saved.

Prospective validation of Alvarado score and Pediatric Appendicitis Score for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of the Alvarado and Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS) scoring systems and to establish which one is more reliable in setting the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children. METHODS: All children operated on because of acute appendicitis from October 2011 to May 2013 were enrolled in this prospective study. Both clinical scoring systems have been compared over the same patients, and cutoff values were determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: A total of 311 patients were included in the study, and 265 (85.2%) of them had acute appendicitis. Mean Alvarado score for patients with appendicitis was 8.2 and 6.7 for those without (P < 0.001). Mean PAS for patients with appendicitis was of 7.8 and 6.6 for those without (P < 0.001). Based on the ROC curve analysis, a cutoff value for both scoring systems was 7. In patients with acute appendicitis and Alvarado score of 7 or higher, the correct diagnosis would have been set in 236 patients (sensitivity, 89%; specificity, 59%; positive predictive value, 93.1%), whereas in patients with acute appendicitis and a PAS of 7 or higher, the correct diagnosis would have been set in 228 patients (sensitivity, 86%; specificity, 50%; positive predictive value, 90.1%). No significant difference was found in sensitivity and specificity between the observed scoring systems. CONCLUSIONS: Both scoring systems can be of assistance in setting the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, but none has adequate predictive values in assessing acute appendicitis and none can be used as an exclusive standard in setting the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children. The final decision still remaines on the opinion of an expert pediatric surgeon.

Tension plate for treatment of olecranon fractures: new surgical technique and case series study.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to determine the effectiveness of a new surgical technique for olecranon fractures using a tension plate (TP) designed by the operating surgeon. METHODS: We included patients with olecranon fractures treated between September 2010 and August 2013 in our study. Treatment involved a new implant and operative technique, which combined the most favourable characteristics of 2 frequently used methods, tension band wiring and plate osteosynthesis, while eliminating their shortcomings. The new method was based on the newly constructed implant. RESULTS: Twenty patients participated in our study. We obtained the following functional results with our TP: median flexion 147.5° (interquartile range [IQR] 130°- 155°), median extension 135°/deficit 10° (IQR 135°-145°), median pronation 90° (IQR 81.3°-90°), median supination 90° (IQR 80°-90°). Implant-related complications were noted in 1 patient, and implants were removed in 3 patients. The mean functional Mayo elbow performance score was 94.8 (range 65-100). The removal of the implant was considerably less frequent in patients operated using the new method and implant than in patients operated using conventional methods at our institution (p < 0.001). Mean duration of follow-up was 8 months. CONCLUSION: Our TP for the treatment of olecranon fractures is safe and effective. Functional results are very good, with significantly decreased postoperative inconveniences and need to remove the implant. Less osteosynthetic material was used for TP construction, but stability was preserved.

CONTEXTE: Notre but était de déterminer l'efficacité d'une nouvelle technique chirurgicale de réduction des fractures de l'olécrâne à l'aide d'un système à plaque et broches (SPE), conçue par le chirurgien pratiquant l'intervention. MÉTHODES: Nous avons inclus dans notre étude des patients victimes d'une fracture de l'olécrâne traités entre septembre 2010 et août 2013. Le traitement reposait sur un implant et une technique chirurgicale d'un genre nouveau, réunissant les caractéristiques les plus utiles de 2 méthodes d'ostéosynthèse couramment employées, soit le brochage-haubanage et la pose de plaque, tout en permettant d'en éviter les inconvénients. La nouvelle méthode a recours à un implant de conception nouvelle. RÉSULTANTS: Vingt patients ont participé à notre étude. Nous avons obtenu les résultats fonctionnels suivants avec notre SPE : flexion médiane 147,5° (écart interquartile [ÉIQ] 130°­155°), extension médiane 135°/déficit 10° (ÉIQ 135°­145°), pronation médiane 90° (ÉIQ 81,3°­90°), supination médiane 90° (ÉIQ 80°­90°). Des complications liées à l'implant ont été notées chez 1 patient et les implants ont été retirés chez 3 patients. Le score fonctionnel moyen à l'échelle MEPS (Mayo elbow performance score) a été de 94,8 (entre 65 et 100). Les retraits d'implant ont été nettement moins fréquents chez les patients soumis au nouveau type d'intervention et implant que chez les patients soumis aux méthodes d'intervention classiques dans notre établissement (p < 0,001). Le suivi moyen a été de 8 mois. CONCLUSION: Notre SPE pour le traitement des fractures de l'olécrâne est sécuritaire et efficace. Les résultats fonctionnels sont très bons et s'accompagnent d'un nombre significativement moindre de complications postopératoires et de retraits d'implants. La construction de cette SPE a nécessité moins de matériel d'ostéosynthèse, mais la stabilité a été préservée.

Pneumoperitoneum in in-vitro Conceived Quadruplet Neonate: Rare Manifestation of Hirschsprung's Disease--Report of a Case.

INTRODUCTION: Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital colonic aganglionosis, usually presented as inability or difficulty in passing of meconium, chronic and persistent obstipation, maleficent feeding, vomiting, distension and lethargy. CASE PRESENTATION: We presented a case of an in-vitro conceived quadruplet premature neonate who presented with pneumoperitoneum caused by transverse colon spontaneous perforation and microcolon appearance of distal bowel, treated by resection and temporary colostomy turns to be a rare manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease. CONCLUSION: Assisted reproductive technologies increases chances for multiple pregnancies and may increase chance for major congenital anomalies. Rare manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease is spontaneous pneumoperitoneum which remains a surgical emergency. Delay in recognizing and treatment can significantly worsen prognosis. In neonate with intestinal perforation one should consider Hirschsprung's disease.

Extremely rare presentation of Frantz's tumour: synchronous localisation in the pancreatic head and tail.

INTRODUCTION: Solid pseudopapillary tumour of the pancreas is a rare lesion with low malignant potential occurring predominantly in young women. This is a report of an extremely rare occurrence of synchronous presentation of pseudopapillary tumour in the pancreatic head and tail of a 16-year-old female patient. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient presented with a three-month intermittent upper abdominal pain and swelling. Computed tomography scan showed two separate masses, involving the pancreatic head and tail. The patient underwent surgery, where successful tumour enucleation of both tumours was performed. Histological report confirmed solid pseudopapillary tumour of the pancreas with the low malignant potential. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of synchronous presentation of pseudopapillary tumour of the pancreas.

Influence of open testicular biopsy in prepubertal rats on rats' adulthood fertility with correlation to serum levels of inhibin B and follicle stimulating hormone.

OBJECTIVE: Open testicular biopsy (OTB) is one of the options to accurately assess fertility potential of the undescended testis. The aim of the study was to investigate consequences of OTB in prepubertal rats on their adulthood fertility. METHODS: Thirty-eight prepubertal male rats were divided into three groups depending on day 20 procedure. The first group was the control group, the second sham operated and the third has left OTB. Bilateral orchiectomy was performed on day 70 to all groups, with determination of serum inhibin B and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Removed testes were compared according to the weight, volume, spermatogenesis, histological and apoptotic changes in both testes with differences in serum levels of inhibin B and FSH. RESULTS: Ipsilateral testicular weight, volume, and spermatogenesis reduction with a reduction of tubular number, diameter and germinative epithelium was found in OTB group. Significant increase in apoptotic index was found in biopsied testis without compensatory hypertrophy of contralateral testis. Differences of inhibin B and FSH were not statistically significant among three groups. CONCLUSION: OTB in prepubertal rats has detrimental effects on fertility in adulthood. It does not cause compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral testis nor does it disturb serum levels of inhibin B and FSH.

Do not forget to include testicular torsion in differential diagnosis of lower acute abdominal pain in young males.

BACKGROUND: Management and outcomes of pediatric patients with testicular torsion initially presenting as acute abdominal pain were evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The case records of 84 children operated on for testicular torsion from January 1999 through May 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Of the total number of operated patients, 9 presented with abdominal pain but without initial scrotal pain, and only they were included in the study. The diagnosis of testicular torsion was made clinically and confirmed by Doppler ultrasound and scrotal exploration. RESULTS: The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain and vomiting. The patient's scrotum and testicles were not examined during the first evaluation in 6 cases, while in 3 cases the testicles were examined during the first physical examination. At surgery, 4 testes were salvaged, while 5 have been lost because of testicular necrosis. The mean duration of symptoms was 4 h in the group of salvaged testes and 39 h in the orchidectomy group. There were no major complications. CONCLUSION: Testicular torsion should always be included in differential diagnosis when evaluating lower abdominal pain in young males. The external genital organs should be examined in every child or adolescent with acute abdominal pain.

Testicular torsion in the inguinal canal in children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the management and outcomes of pediatric patients presenting with torsion of an undescended testis in the inguinal canal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The case records of 84 children operated on for testicular torsion were retrospectively reviewed. The medical records included initial medical history, physical examination, operative findings, and the results of follow-up. The diagnosis of torsion of undescended testis was made clinically and confirmed by a Doppler ultrasound and inguinal canal exploration. RESULTS: Eight children were operated following torsion of undescended testis. In four cases the testicle was preserved and orchidopexy was performed, while in four cases orchidectomy was performed due to testicular gangrene. Mean duration of symptoms, at time of surgery, in the orchidopexy group was 6 h and in the orchidectomy group was 50 h. At follow-up atrophy of the testis was found in only one patient. CONCLUSION: Torsion of an undescended testis is a relatively rare phenomenon that should be suspected, diagnosed and treated without delay. This study highlights the importance of examination of external genital organs. With improved recognition of this entity and earlier referrals of patients with undescended testes by primary care physicians, its occurrence might eventually be prevented.

Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children with subureteral dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection: a single-centre, 7-year experience.

BACKGROUND: The goals of medical intervention in patients with vesicoureteral reflux are to allow normal renal growth, prevent infections and pyelonephritis, and prevent renal failure. We present our experience with endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children by subureteral dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer injection. METHODS: Under cystoscopic guidance, dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer underneath the intravesical portion of the ureter in a subureteral or submucosal location was injected in patients undergoing endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux. RESULTS: A total of 282 patients (120 boys and 162 girls) underwent the procedure. There were 396 refluxed ureters altogether. The mean age of patients was 4.9 years. The mean overall follow-up period was 44 months. Among the 396 ureters treated, 76% were cured with a single injection. A second and third injection raised the cure rate to 93% and 94%, respectively. Twenty-two (6%) ureters failed all 3 injections, and were converted to open surgery. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux can be recommended as a first-line therapy for most cases of vesicoureteral reflux, because of the short hospital stay, absence of complications and the high success rate.

Acute appendicitis as a complication of varicella.

INTRODUCTION: Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen is the primary cause of appendicitis. The most common causes of luminal obstruction are fecaliths and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia. Additionally, bacterial infections or enteric and systemic viral diseases can cause a reaction of the lymphoid follicle. CASE PRESENTATION: An 11-year-old boy with active phase of chickenpox presented on our Pediatric surgery emergency department under the impression of acute appendicitis. An appendectomy was performed on the same day. An inflamed and edematous retrocecal appendix was removed during surgery. Histological investigation of the appendix revealed transmural acute inflammation, with diffuse proliferation of inflammatory cells, with characteristic intranuclear inclusion surrounded by a clear halo. The PCR analysis of peripheral blood and appendix tissue specimen revealed positive VZV DNA. CONCLUSION: We have shown that varicella-zoster virus infection of the appendix is associated with acute appendicitis and possibly also with severity of the disease.

Angiomyomatous hamartoma of the popliteal lymph nodes in a patient with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: case report.

We present a case of angiomyomatous hamartoma (AMH) in the popliteal region of a patient with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. A 14-year-old boy with a right popliteal mass and recurrent edema of the right leg was admitted to a local hospital where a diagnosis of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome was made. Three lymph nodes in the right popliteal fossa were removed. Histopathologic examination showed angiomyomatous hamartomas. Postoperatively, the patient was followed for 6 years. He had occasional mild edema of the right leg, but no signs of inflammation or recurrence of the angiomyomas. Our case is the first reported case of angiomyomatous hamartoma in a patient with Klippel-Trenaunay (KT) syndrome.

Management of testicular rupture after blunt trauma in children.

PURPOSE: Testicular rupture is a very rare entity in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of surgical repair after testicular rupture in children. METHODS: Between January 2000 and January 2010 seven patients were operated on because of testicular rupture. Mean age at the time of the accident was 15 years. In all patients, an emergency scrotal ultrasonography showed a rupture of the testicular capsule with a surrounding hematocele. Surgical exploration was performed to evacuate the hematocele and repair the ruptured testis. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 4.9 years. Average hospital stay was 2 days. Mean time between surgery and the initial trauma was 35 h. There were no major complications. Control ultrasound imaging showed that the tunica was repaired and Doppler signal confirmed vascularity in all patients. There were no significant differences in size between the right and left testes. There were no recorded cases of testicular atrophy. Semen analysis showed normospermia 6 months after surgery and anti-sperm antibodies count was within normal limits in all patients. CONCLUSION: Prompt surgical intervention is crucial. Ruptured testis can be salvaged, with a high success rate, if surgical repair is performed within 72 h of testicular injury.