Primary obstructive megaureter in children; 10 years' experience from a tertiary care center.

Introduction: Primary obstructive megaureter (POM) is a congenital dilatation of the ureter due to an adynamic segment of vesicoureteric junction obstruction. Surgical intervention is needed if nuclear scan shows obstructive curve. We analyzed our data and outcome of conservative and surgical treatment in such cases at our tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: We evaluated all cases of POMs during the study period. Investigations included ultrasonography (USG), voiding cystourethrogram, diethylene pentacetic acid (DTPA) scan, and dimercaptosuccinyle acid scan. In antenatal cases, any pelvic dilatation ≥12 mm after 6 weeks were subjected to reonography. Patients with anterior-posterior pelvic diameter (APPD) ≥12 mm had to undergo DTPA scan to look for DRF and drainage. Follow-up USG was done in all cases of mild-to-moderate hydroureteronephrosis, with APPD <12 at 3 months interval. Results: A total of 270 megaureters were registered and treated during the study period (2008-2019). The total number of patients included was 50 (64 ureters). The mean age of presentation in these 30 children was 21.78 ± 18.1 months (range 1-72 months) and the mean weeks of gestation in antenatal cases at presentation as megaureter was 24 ± 7 weeks (range 13-37 weeks). The mean weight of babies was 2.72 ± 0.7 g. The duration of follow-up ranged from 16 to 1W12 months. The mean APPD on the affected side was 19.99 ± 10.3 mm (range 11-43 mm). The mean ureteric diameter was 1.67 ± 0.33 mm (range 0.78-2.66 cm). The mean split function of patients with POM was 34.88% ± 11.5% on the affected side. Twenty patients (40%) had spontaneous resolution over a mean time period of 24.1 ± 11.1 months. Thirty patients underwent surgical procedures. In three children, HTN was observed over a mean follow-up period of 3 years. Conclusion: The babies with POM need a close follow-up. Surgery is indicated in prolonged t½/Tmax on renal scan, function <40% at the initial scan, or >5% split function deterioration in the subsequent renal scan.

Management of Intussusception in the Era of Ultrasound-Guided Hydrostatic Reduction: A 3-Year Experience from a Tertiary Care Center.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction (HSR) is currently the initial management tool in the treatment of intussusception. HSR is, however, confronted with failures besides there are still a number of patients who primarily undergo surgical intervention for the management of intussusception. We undertook this study to assess the efficacy of HSR and also to look for factors demanding the surgical exploration in patients with intussusception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 215 patients with intussusception from June 2014 to June 2017 were prospectively studied. HSR was carried out in 203 patients, which was successful in 187 and unsuccessful in 16. These two groups were compared using the Student's t-test. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Twelve patients undergoing surgery primarily were also assessed for the factors affecting the decision-making. RESULTS: HSR was successful in 187 and unsuccessful in 16. The failed group was more likely to have symptoms over 24 h, appearance of crescent, and ≥10-cm length on ultrasonography (USG). Two of these patients had ischemic bowel, two had ileoileal intussusception, and eight had pathological lead points, whereas no obvious cause could be identified in the rest of the four patients. Among the 12 patients who were primarily operated, four patients had peritonitis and other four patients were neonates. Laparoscopic reduction was done in four patients. CONCLUSION: HSR is a safe and effective treatment modality for intussusception. However, it is met with higher failure rates in patients with risk factors such as delayed presentation, appearance of crescent on USG, and length >10 cm. The role of HSR is also dubious in situations such as neonatal intussusception, small-bowel intussusception, and multiple intussusceptions and also in preventing the future recurrence. Such patients ought to be managed by laparotomy or where feasible by laparoscopy. Furthermore, before embarking on HSR, peritonitis and bowel ischemia should be ruled out clinically and radiologically. In the suspicious cases of bowel ischemia, USG Doppler may be helpful.

Soil Biological Activity Contributing to Phosphorus Availability in Vertisols under Long-Term Organic and Conventional Agricultural Management.

Mobilization of unavailable phosphorus (P) to plant available P is a prerequisite to sustain crop productivity. Although most of the agricultural soils have sufficient amounts of phosphorus, low availability of native soil P remains a key limiting factor to increasing crop productivity. Solubilization and mineralization of applied and native P to plant available form is mediated through a number of biological and biochemical processes that are strongly influenced by soil carbon/organic matter, besides other biotic and abiotic factors. Soils rich in organic matter are expected to have higher P availability potentially due to higher biological activity. In conventional agricultural systems mineral fertilizers are used to supply P for plant growth, whereas organic systems largely rely on inputs of organic origin. The soils under organic management are supposed to be biologically more active and thus possess a higher capability to mobilize native or applied P. In this study we compared biological activity in soil of a long-term farming systems comparison field trial in vertisols under a subtropical (semi-arid) environment. Soil samples were collected from plots under 7 years of organic and conventional management at five different time points in soybean (Glycine max) -wheat (Triticum aestivum) crop sequence including the crop growth stages of reproductive significance. Upon analysis of various soil biological properties such as dehydrogenase, ß-glucosidase, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities, microbial respiration, substrate induced respiration, soil microbial biomass carbon, organically managed soils were found to be biologically more active particularly at R2 stage in soybean and panicle initiation stage in wheat. We also determined the synergies between these biological parameters by using the methodology of principle component analysis. At all sampling points, P availability in organic and conventional systems was comparable. Our findings clearly indicate that owing to higher biological activity, organic systems possess equal capabilities of supplying P for crop growth as are conventional systems with inputs of mineral P fertilizers.

Post ventriculoperitoneal shunt abdominal pseudocyst: Challenges posed in management.

BACKGROUND: In patients with hydrocephalus, the abdominal cavity has been used for absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) since 1905. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt operation is followed by abdominal complications in about 5-47% cases. Abdominal CSF pseudo cyst is an uncommon, but well described complication. AIM: This survey was conducted to study the clinical profile and management of this entity. We present our experience with cases of CSF pseudo cyst in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 4 cases diagnosed to have abdominal pseudo cyst following VP shunt between 2008 and 2013. All the four cases were suspected clinically and diagnosis was confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography. RESULTS: In three patients, the cyst was multilocular and of varying size. Fourth one had a unilocular cyst at the lower end of VP shunt. All the four patients had features of varying degree raised intracranial pressure and a two patients had abdominal signs also. All the patients needed open exploration. Cyst fluid was drained and partial to complete excision of the cyst was done along with the repositioning of the shunt in abdominal cavity in three patients and exteriorization of shunt in one patient. Patients were followed for any further complication over a period of 1-year. CONCLUSION: Abdominal pseudo cyst is a rare complication after VP Shunt and could result in shunt malfunction or abdominal symptoms and signs. Whenever suspected it should be confirmed by imaging, followed by open exploration and repositioning of the shunt.

A Profile of Pediatric Solid Tumors: A Single Institution Experience in Kashmir.

AIMS: The purpose of this retroprospective study was to study the epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of children with solid tumors at our institution. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and three pediatrics patients registered at Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Kashmir, between January 2008 and June 2014, were analyzed with regard to demographic status, presenting complaints, investigations, treatment, morbidity, and outcomes. Standard statistical methods were used for analysis. RESULTS: Among 19,880 patients registered at RCC, SKIMS from January 2008 till June 2014, 986 (4.9%) were of pediatric age group. Of these, 303 (30.7%) patients had pediatric solid tumors. The male-to-female ratio was 1.04, there were no infants (up to 27 days), 6% were infants and toddlers (28 days-23 months), 39% were children (2-11 years), and 55% were adolescents (12-19 years). There were 86% rural patients and 14% urban patients. Most common were central nervous system tumors (25.74%), followed by germ cell tumors (14.52%), primitive neuroectodermal tumor/Ewing sarcoma (13.86%), Wilms' tumor (8.9%), osteosarcoma (6.6%), rhabdomyosarcoma (5.6%), colorectal cancer (5.28%), neuroblastoma (4.9%), and retinoblastoma (2.6%). Outcomes: 33.9% patients went into remission, 35.64% were defaulters, 2.97% had stable disease, 2.31% had partial response, 20.79% expired, and 3.96% were still on treatment. Of all these patients, 5.28% had a relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Across the series, advanced stage of presentation, a high incidence of default and poor follow-up was seen. Multiple interrelated factors are responsible for the poorer outlook of childhood cancer in Kashmir.

Pulmonary Sequestration: Early Diagnosis and Management.

Intralobar sequestration is characterized by aberrant formation of nonfunctional lung tissue that has no communication with the bronchial tree and receives systemic arterial blood supply. Failure of earlier diagnosis can lead to recurrent pneumonia, failure to thrive, multiple hospital admissions, and more morbidity. The aim of this case report is to increase the awareness about the lung sequestration, to diagnose and treat it early, so that it is resected before repeated infection, and prevent the morbidity and mortality.

Inguinal Hydatid cyst in a child: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: Hydatid disease is a common health problem in developing countries and liver and lungs are the most commonly involved organs. Hydatid cyst in inguinal canal is very rare and no case in children has been reported in literature. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a four year male child with right inguinal swelling with occasional pain and gradually increase in size. The diagnosis of lipoma of the cord was made. Up on inguinal exploration, coincidently Hydatid cyst was detected. Postoperatively histopathological examination (HPE) of the cyst confirmed the diagnosis of Hydatid disease and patient was put on albendazole therapy for three months. DISCUSSION: Hydatid disease is very rare in the inguinal canal and no case in children has been reported. In adults fewer than five cases has been reported and is usually coincidently detected during surgical exploration, as was in our case. Ultrasonography, CT, MRI and other serological tests may help in pre-operative diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In endemic areas, patients with progressive enlarging groin swelling, possibility of Hydatid cyst should be kept in mind and should be operated as early as possible.

Congenital midureteric stricture: challenges in diagnosis and management.

Background. Congenital midureteric stricture (MUS) is a rare malformation. We report our experience with five cases seen over a period of 4 years from 2010 to 2014. Materials and Methods. The study was based on the retrospective analysis of five patients diagnosed as having MUS. Diagnosis was suspected after fetal ultrasonography (USG) in one patient and magnetic resonance urography (MRU) in four patients. Retrograde pyelography (RGP) was performed on three patients. The final diagnosis was confirmed during surgical exploration in all the patients. Results. MRU was found to be a good investigation method. It showed the site of obstruction in the ureter in all instances. Intravenous urography detected proximal ureteric dilatation present in two of the patients. RGP delineates the level of stricture and the course of ureter, as shown in our cases. All patients had significant obstruction on the affected side. Four patients underwent ureteroureterostomy, all of whom had satisfactory results. In one patient, ureteric reimplantation was carried out due to distal small ureteric caliber. Conclusion. This rare entity is often misdiagnosed initially as pelviureteric junction obstruction. MRU is an excellent option for the anatomical location and functional assessment of the involved system. At the time of surgical correction of a ureteral obstruction, RGP is a useful adjunct for delineating the stricture level and morphology.

Bloodless, sutureless circumcision.

BACKGROUND: W e present our experience of sutureless and bloodless elective circumcision in neonates and infants with Gomco clamp. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 2008 to May 2011, 200 babies with age ranging from 2 weeks to 7 months underwent Gomco circumcision. All patients were given chlorohydrate 50 mg/kg, paracetamol suppository 15 mg/kg, and local anesthesia. Procedure was done in minor operation theatre (OT) and babies were observed for 1 h in recovery room before discharging them home. RESULTS: Two of our patients (1%) required immediate suturing on table after Gomco clamp was removed, five patients (2.5%) were shifted back from the recovery room to minor OT for suture repair and eight patients (4%) required reinforcement of primary dressing to control the minor ooze. There was no other complication. Cosmesis was to the satisfaction of the surgeon as well as the parents. CONCLUSION: Gomco clamp is a bloodless, sutureless, simple, and safe method of circumcision in newborns and infants. It is cost-effective and can be performed under local anesthesia and sedation with excellent cosmetic results.

Hydatid cyst of liver: Spontaneous rupture and cystocutaneous fistula formation in a child.

A case of spontaneous formation of cutaneous fistula from rupture of an infected hydatid cyst of liver in a female child is reported.

Proximal hypospadias with skin-covered shaft of penis and absent urethral plate: An unknown variant and its management.

We report a case of proximal hypospadias with an absent urethral plate having intact ventral shaft skin with hooded dorsal prepuce and a good glans groove. Such a variant of hypospadias has not been reported in the literature.

Hydatid cyst of the pancreas mimicking choledochal cyst.

Primary hydatid cyst of the pancreas represents a rare clinical entity. The clinical presentation depends on the location of a hydatid cyst in the pancreas. A hydatid cyst located in the head of the pancreas usually manifests as obstructive jaundice due to the extrinsic compression of the common bile duct. A case of a hydatid cyst of the head of the pancreas in a 4-year-old female is reported. She presented with abdominal pain and jaundice. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed a cystic mass at the lower end of the common bile duct, which mimicked a choledochal cyst. The diagnosis of hydatid cyst was made intraoperatively, with postoperative findings revealing a hydatid cyst at the head of the pancreas that was compressing the lower end of the common bile duct. After cystectomy, no recurrence was seen in follow-up.

Gastric immature teratoma.

Gastric teratoma GT is a rare neoplasm which accounts for less than 1% of all teratomas in children. Little more than 100 cases of GT are reported in the literature out of which, about a dozen cases are of immature variety. We present a case of immature gastric teratoma in a 7-month-old male baby.