Early and Long-term Complications of Robotic Assisted Laparoscopy in Infants and Children.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted laparoscopy still lacks wide acceptance in infants and children. We developed the service and report the largest single institution experience of complications over a period of 11 years. METHODS: Between March 2006 and May 2017, consecutive infants and children who underwent robotic assisted laparoscopy under the care of two laparoscopic surgeons were studied. Data for patients, surgeons, year of surgery, operation, and timing, nature, grades of complications were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 601 robotic procedures (45 different types) were carried out in 539 patients. Of these 31 (5.8%) were converted, none for operative complications. These and another 4 with complicated co-morbidity were excluded, leaving 504 patients for further analysis. There were 60 (11.9%) complications in 57 (11.3%) patients. Mean (SD) age was 7.7 years -/+5.1 with the youngest being 4 weeks. Concomitant or bilateral robotic and non-robotic procedures took place in 8.1% and 13.3% of patients respectively. Significant medical co-morbidity and abdominal scarring were present in 29% and 14.9% of patients respectively. Complications occurred in theatre 1.6%, hospital 5.6%, 28 days 1.2%, and late 3.6%. Mean follow up was 7.6 years -/+ 3.1 SD. Over-all postoperative complication rate was 10.3%: CD grade I 6.5% (33), II 0.6% (3), and IIIa/b 3.2% (16) which included 1.4% (7) re-do surgery. Most (11/16) grade III occurred late. There were no bleeding, grade IV or V complications, surgical mortality, or technology related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Complications are low even during the learning phase and while developing the new technique. Most complications occurred early and were minor. Most high-grade complications presented late. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: 2B.

Conversions in pediatric robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: New technology attracts necessary concerns regarding safety and effectiveness, including the risk and circumstances of conversions. This study analyses our 11-year experience of conversions from a dedicated pediatric robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery service. METHODS: Consecutive patients were evaluated from a prospective database for the period March 2006 to May 2017. Descriptive and quantitative data for conversions were analysed. Variables were investigated including year of surgery, patient age, operation type, surgeon, and experience. RESULTS: A total of 539 children underwent 601 procedures. There were 45 different types of procedures. Mean (± SD) age was 7.0 ± 5.2 years, and youngest 4 weeks old. There were 31 conversions (5.8%). Conversion rates were significantly higher in younger children, with rates of 10.0%, 6.1% and 4.2% for age groups 0-2, 2-6, and 6-18 years respectively (p = 0.01). There was a significant difference in conversion rates amongst procedures (p<0.001). Intravesical (9/26, 34.6%), liver cyst (2/8, 25.0%) and choledochal cyst (8/60, 13.3%) procedures were the highest. The most frequent reason for conversion was anesthetic related issues caused by dilated intestine and/or inadequate muscle relaxation (16/31, 52%). Three conversions were attributable to mechanical failures, none attributed to intraoperative complication. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion rates are low even in the learning phase and comparable favourably to conventional laparoscopy, supporting the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted technology for advanced laparoscopy in children. The importance of optimization of surgical conditions cannot be overemphasised.

Education and training in pediatric robotic surgery: lessons learned from an inaugural multinational workshop.

The introduction of robotic surgery into clinical practice brings new and specific needs for education and training. Application to the pediatric setting comes with unique considerations, warranting dedicated training resources that are accessible. A pediatric robotic surgery workshop was convened to address initial education and training requirements. The event was designed to offer an exposure rich environment for delegates to familiarize and learn basic principles in a maximally efficient manner. Pre- and post-workshop survey responses were evaluated to reflect on the quality of the educational experience and scope for improvement. Feasibility and sustainability of such events was further evaluated by reviewing various challenges encountered. A total of 29 surgeons participated in the workshop, with 7 countries represented. The majority of delegates (94 %) indicated they were "very satisfied" with the overall program. Delegates almost unanimously expressed preference and satisfaction for hands-on content. Qualitative feedback favored a stepwise and modular workshop structure, transitioning from didactic teaching to progressively more advanced training. At the basic and intermediate level, this style of event is able to satisfy initial training and educational needs. Feasibility and sustainability of such events is highly dependent on infrastructure resources that have numerous barriers to accessibility.

Learning curve evaluation using cumulative summation analysis-a clinical example of pediatric robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

BACKGROUND: The cumulative summation (CUSUM) method for learning curve analysis remains under-utilized in the surgical literature in general, and is described in only a small number of publications within the field of pediatric surgery. This study introduces the CUSUM analysis technique and applies it to evaluate the learning curve for pediatric robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RP). METHODS: Clinical data were prospectively recorded for consecutive pediatric RP cases performed by a single-surgeon. CUSUM charts and tests were generated for set-up time, docking time, console time, operating time, total operating room time, and postoperative complications. Conversions and avoidable operating room delay were separately evaluated with respect to case experience. Comparisons between case experience and time-based outcomes were assessed using the Student's t-test and ANOVA for bi-phasic and multi-phasic learning curves respectively. Comparison between case experience and complication frequency was assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: A total of 90 RP cases were evaluated. The learning curve transitioned beyond the learning phase at cases 10, 15, 42, 57, and 58 for set-up time, docking time, console time, operating time, and total operating room time respectively. All comparisons of mean operating times between the learning phase and subsequent phases were statistically significant (P=<0.001-0.01). No significant difference was observed between case experience and frequency of post-operative complications (P=0.125), although the CUSUM chart demonstrated a directional change in slope for the last 12 cases in which there were high proportions of re-do cases and patients <6 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: The CUSUM method has a valuable role for learning curve evaluation and outcome quality monitoring. In applying this statistical technique to the largest reported single surgeon series of pediatric RP, we demonstrate numerous distinctly shaped learning curves and well-defined learning phase transition points.

European Society of Pediatric Endoscopic Surgeons (ESPES) guidelines for training program in pediatric minimally invasive surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper was to propose structured guidelines for a European pediatric MIS training program created by ESPES. METHODS: A questionnaire, focused on how the pediatric training program in MIS has to be structured, was proposed to all participants at the ESPES Congress in Marseille in 2013. RESULTS: We received 178 questionnaires but only 139 questionnaires were fully completed and analyzed. All respondents agree that the training program has to be divided into 4 steps: (1) theoretical part: 2 theoretical courses in laparoscopy (101/139 respondents, 72.7 %), 1 theoretical course in retroperitoneoscopy (99/139 respondents, 71.2 %) and 1 in thoracoscopy (91/139 respondents, 65.5 %); (2) experimental part: 10-20 h of training on pelvic trainer (103/139 respondents, 74.1 %) and 10 h of training on animal models (91/139 respondents, 65.5 %); (3) stages in European centers of reference for MIS: a 1-3 months stage (96/139 respondents, 69.1 %); (4) personal experience: 30 procedures as cameraman (98/139 respondents, 70.5 %) and >50 basic MIS procedures as main surgeon under supervision (114/139 respondents, 82 %). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our survey ESPES MIS training curriculum for pediatric surgeons must contain the following educational components: (1) theoretical knowledge; (2) practice-based learning and improvement in experimental setting; (3) stages in European centers of reference for MIS; (4) personal operative experience. At the end of the training program, ESPES will analyze the candidate training booklet and release for each applicant an ESPES certification after an exam.

Robotic versus non-robotic instruments in spatially constrained operating workspaces: a pre-clinical randomized crossover study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of robotic and non-robotic laparoscopic instruments in spatially constrained workspaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgeons performed intracorporeal sutures with various instruments within three different cylindrical workspace sizes. Three pairs of instruments were compared: 3-mm non-robotic mini-laparoscopy instruments; 5-mm robotic instruments; and 8-mm robotic instruments. Workspace diameters were 4, 6 and 8 cm, with volumes of 50, 113 and 201 cm(3) respectively. Primary outcomes were validated objective task performance scores and instrument workspace breach counts. RESULTS: A total of 23 participants performed 276 suture task repetitions. The overall median task performance scores for the 3-, 5- and 8-mm instruments were 421, 398 and 402, respectively (P = 0.12). Task scores were highest (best) for the 3-mm non-robotic instruments in all workspace sizes. Scores were significantly lower when spatial constraints were imposed, with median task scores for the 4-, 6- and 8-cm diameter workspaces being 388, 415 and 420, respectively (P = 0.026). Significant indirect relationships were seen between boundary breaches and workspace size (P < 0.001). Higher breach counts occurred with the robotic instruments. CONCLUSIONS: Smaller workspaces limit the performance of both robotic and non-robotic instruments. In operating workspaces <200 cm(3) , 3-mm non-robotic instruments are better suited for advanced bimanual operative tasks such as suturing. Future robotic instruments need further optimization if this technology is to be uniquely advantageous for clinical roles that involve endoscopic access to workspace-restricted anatomical areas.

The learning curve of robot-assisted laparoscopic fundoplication in children: a prospective evaluation and CUSUM analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fundoplication is a leading application of robotic surgery in children, yet the learning curve for this procedure (RF) remains ill-defined. This study aims to identify various learning curve transition points, using cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis. METHODS: A prospective database was examined to identify RF cases undertaken during 2006-2014. Time-based surgical process outcomes were evaluated, as well as clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 57 RF cases were included. Statistically significant transitions beyond the learning phase were observed at cases 42, 34 and 37 for docking, console and total operating room times, respectively. A steep early learning phase for docking time was overcome after 12 cases. There were three Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3 complications, with two patients requiring redo fundoplication. CONCLUSIONS: We identified numerous well-defined learning curve trends to affirm that experience confers significant temporal improvements. Our findings highlight the value of the CUSUM method for learning curve evaluation.

Meta-analysis of robot-assisted vs conventional laparoscopic and open pyeloplasty in children.

OBJECTIVE: To critically analyse outcomes for robot-assisted pyeloplasty(RAP) vs conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) or open pyeloplasty (OP) by systematic review and meta-analysis of published data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Studies published up to December 2013 were identified from multiple literature databases. Only comparative studies investigating RAP vs LP or OP in children were included.Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects modelling.Heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, and quality scoring were assessed. Effect sizes were estimated by pooled odds ratios and weighted mean differences. Primary outcomes investigated were operative success, re-operation, conversions,postoperative complications, and urinary leakage. Secondary outcome measures were estimated blood loss (EBL), length of hospital stay (LOS), operating time (OT), analgesia requirement, and cost. RESULTS: In all, 12 observational studies met inclusion criteria, reporting outcomes of 384 RAP, 131 LP, and 164 OP procedures. No randomised controlled trials were identified. Pooled analyses determined no significant differences between RAP and LP or OP for all primary outcomes. Significant differences in favour of RAP were found for LOS (vs LP and OP). Borderline significant differences in favour of RAP were found for EBL(vs OP). OT was significantly longer for RAP vs OP. Limited evidence indicates lower opiate analgesia requirement for RAP(vs LP and OP), higher total costs for RAP vs OP, and comparable costs for RAP vs LP. CONCLUSIONS: Existing evidence shows largely comparable outcomes amongst surgical techniques available to treat pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in children. RAP may offer shortened LOS, lower analgesia requirement (vs LP and OP), and lower EBL (vs OP); but compared with OP, these gains are at the expense of higher cost and longer OT. Higher quality evidence from prospective observational studies and clinical trials is required, as well as further cost-effectiveness analyses. Not all perceived benefits of RAP are easily amenable to quantitative assessment.

International attitudes of early adopters to current and future robotic technologies in pediatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Perceptions toward surgical innovations are critical to the social processes that drive technology adoption. This study aims to capture attitudes of early adopter pediatric surgeons toward robotic technologies in order to clarify 1) specific features that are driving appeal, 2) limiting factors that are acting as diffusion barriers, and 3) future needs. METHODS: Electronic surveys were distributed to pediatric surgeons with personal experience or exposure in robotic surgery. Participants were classified as experts or nonexperts for subgroup analysis. Coded Likert scale responses were analyzed using the Friedman or Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: A total of 48 responses were received (22 experts, 26 nonexperts), with 14 countries represented. The most highly rated benefits of robot assistance were wristed instruments, stereoscopic vision, and magnified view. The most highly rated limitations were capital outlay expense, instrument size, and consumables/maintenance expenses. Future technologies of greatest interest were microbots, image guidance, and flexible snake robots. CONCLUSIONS: Putative benefits and limitations of robotic surgery are perceived with widely varied weightings. Insight provided by these responses will inform relevant clinical, engineering, and industry groups such that unambiguous goals and priorities may be assigned for the future. Pediatric surgeons seem most receptive toward technology that is smaller, less expensive, more intelligent and flexible.

Experience related factors compensate for haptic loss in robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Surgeons anecdotally report awareness of nontactile sensory cues that compensate for absent haptic feedback in robot-assisted surgery. This study investigates this poorly understood adaptive process by evaluating frequency of in vivo suture damage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive cases of children undergoing robot-assisted dismembered pyeloplasty were examined. Suture damage was defined as incomplete (i.e., fraying) or complete (i.e., broken) loss of thread integrity and prospectively recorded with clinical data. Suture technique, size, and robotic instruments used for suturing were subjected to post hoc analysis. Statistical analysis was undertaken using appropriate nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Overall frequency of suture damage was 2.6% among 1135 sutures used in 52 patients. The mean number of sutures used for cases in this series was 22 (standard deviation±6). There was a significant inverse trend between surgeon experience and suture damage frequency (P=0.014), implying that greater surgeon experience was associated with less suture damage. The impact of experience on suture damage was most apparent when comparing the earliest quartile subgroup (Q1) with the later three quartile subgroups (Q2-Q4) (P<0.001). Plateau of suture damage frequency was seen after approximately 28 cases. Continuous sutures had significantly higher damage frequency compared with interrupted sutures (P=0.022). Significantly higher frequency of suture damage was seen with cases in which forceps instruments were used for suturing compared with paired needle drivers (1.4% vs 7.1%, P<0.001). All events of inadvertent tissue injury involved damage to exposed edges of the renal pelvis (n=5). CONCLUSIONS: Suture damage is likely to be encountered during the learning curve of robot-assisted surgery but decreases with surgeon experience. Preferential use of larger suture size, interrupted sutures, and paired needle driver instruments may help to minimize suture damage. Experience-related perceptual skills that compensate for haptic loss are likely to be acquirable in a preclinical simulation environment.

Robot-assisted resection of choledochal cysts and hepaticojejunostomy in children.

PURPOSE: Choledochal cysts have traditionally been treated as an open procedure. However, recent publications from some large volume centres show that minimally invasive surgery has become their standard approach. Robotic surgical systems facilitate a surgeon's ability to undertake complex procedures. We present our experience of using robot assistance to treat choledochal cysts. METHODS: Children admitted with a choledochal cyst from March 2009 to Nov 2012 were included. There were 27 patients (20 females). Mean age 5.4 years (range 0.3-15.9). Mean weight 21.9 kg (range 5.9-78.8); 10 weighed <10 kg. The choledochal cysts were types 1c(12), 1f(10) and 4(5). The da vinci Surgical System was used for the robot-assisted resection of the choledochal cyst and hepaticojejunostomy. Roux loop was fashioned extra-corporeally. Mean follow-up is 2.7 years (range 0.9-4.7). RESULTS: 22 cases were completed successfully with robotic assistance. Five open conversions were for anatomical concerns or technical reasons. One child had three complications (omental hernia, anastomotic stricture and subsequent bile leak). Patients were on full feeds by a median of 5 days (range 3-6) and discharged after 6 days (range 4-7). CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted resection of choledochal cysts in children is safe. They made a rapid recovery with a good cosmetic outcome.

Work-related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in pediatric minimally invasive surgery: a multicentric survey comparing laparoscopic and sils ergonomy.

PURPOSE: Surgeons are at risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMS). The present study aims to compare laparoscopy and SILS ergonomy among pediatric surgeons. METHODS: A questionnaire formed by 17 questions was mailed to 14 pediatric surgeons, seven with a large experience in laparoscopy and seven in SILS. All surgeons completed the survey. The questionnaires were focused on the type of laparoscopic or SILS activity, location and type of pain, need for drugs and its physical consequences. Results were analyzed using χ(2) test. RESULTS: Results indicated a similar incidence of WMS with shoulder symptoms (>75%) in both groups. In laparoscopic group this pain is evident only after a long lasting procedure, while in SILS group the pain is present after each procedure performed. SILS surgeons used painkillers and other therapies statistically more frequently than laparoscopic group (χ(2) = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms there is a strong association between WMS and MIS surgery. The incidence of pain is similar in both groups. Pain was present only after long lasting procedures in laparoscopic group, while SILS surgeons have pain after each procedure performed. In addition SILS surgeons use more frequently painkillers and other therapies compared to laparoscopic surgeons. In conclusion, it seems that SILS has a worse ergonomy compared to laparoscopy.

Robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery for pediatric solid tumors: a systematic review of feasibility and current status.

INTRODUCTION: Open surgery remains the primary technique for resection of pediatric solid tumors despite the popularity of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for oncological indications in adults and nononcological indications in children. Robot-assisted surgery offers technical and ergonomic advantages that might make MIS more achievable in this setting, permitting benefits for both the patient and surgeon. The aim of this study is to critically appraise the current status of robot-assisted MIS for pediatric solid tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of multiple electronic literature databases was undertaken, supplemented by several relevant secondary sources. RESULTS: A total of 23 publications met eligibility criteria, reporting 40 cases overall. Indications for surgery were widely varied, with over 20 different pathologies described. One-third of tumors were classified as malignant. Most procedures involved abdominal or retroperitoneal located tumors in adolescent patients (age range, 1-18 years). The collective complication and conversion rates were 10% and 12.5%, respectively. Oncological adverse events involved two isolated events of tumor spillage and residual disease. The evidence is limited to case reports and small case series only. CONCLUSIONS: For the diverse and highly selective cases in this review, robot-assisted MIS seems safe and feasible. Current status is low volume, in a relatively static state of adoption, and without any apparent index pathology or procedure. The benefits of robot assistance seem well suited but remain unsubstantiated by evidence. Higher quality studies are needed to determine true safety and efficacy.

Work-related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in paediatric laparoscopic surgery. A multicenter survey.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons are at risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMS). The present study aims to examine the physical factors and their association with WMS among pediatric laparoscopic surgeons. METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 21 questions was created and mailed to 25 pediatric laparoscopic surgeons (LG). 23/25 surgeons (92%) completed the survey. The questionnaire was analyzed and then split into 2 groups. Group 1 (LG1) included surgeons with greater laparoscopic experience, and group 2 (LG2) included surgeons with less important laparoscopic experience. In addition, we constructed and sent to the same surgeons a similar questionnaire focused on WMS after an open procedure (OG) with the aim to compare results of LG with OG. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of WMS with shoulder symptoms was 78.2% in surgeons that performed laparoscopy for more than 10 years, with 60.8% also reporting other pain. In 66.6% this pain is evident only after a long-lasting procedure. Forty-four percent of these surgeons require painkillers at least twice a week. Fifty percent of these surgeons also suffer at home. Fifty-five and one half percent of surgeons indicate that this pain is related to their laparoscopic activity. Forty-three and a half percent think that laparoscopy is beneficial only for the patient but has a bad ergonomic effect for surgeons. Sixty-five and two-tenths percent think that robotic surgery can be helpful to improve ergonomics. Comparing the groups, WMS occur more frequently in LG (78.2%) than in OG (56.5%), but this difference was not statistically significant (χ(2)=0.05). In addition, WMS occur more frequently in LG1 (84.6%) than in LG2 (70%), but this difference was not statistically significant (χ(2)=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results confirmed a strong association between WMS and the number of laparoscopic procedures performed. Skilled laparoscopic surgeons have more pain than less skilled laparoscopic surgeons. WMS in the same group of surgeons are more frequent after laparoscopy than after open procedures. The majority of surgeons refer to shoulder symptoms.

The first decade of robotic surgery in children.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery offers technological solutions to current challenges of minimal access surgery, particularly for delicate and dexterous procedures within spatially constrained operative workspaces in children. The first robotic surgical procedure in a child was reported in April 2001. This review aims to examine the literature for global case volumes, trends, and quality of evidence for the first decade of robotic surgery in children. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed for all reported cases of robotic surgery in children during the period of April 2001 to March 2012. RESULTS: Following identification of 220 relevant articles, 137 articles were included, reporting 2393 procedures in 1840 patients. The most prevalent gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and thoracic procedures were fundoplication, pyeloplasty, and lobectomy, respectively. There was a progressive trend of increasing number of publications and case volumes over time. The net overall reported conversion rate was 2.5%. The rate of reported robot malfunctions or failures was 0.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery is an expanding and diffusing innovation in pediatric surgery. Future evolution and evaluation should occur simultaneously, such that wider clinical uptake may be led by higher quality and level of evidence literature.

MINI PCNL in a pediatric population.

PURPOSE: We report our initial experience of MINI percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a pediatric population using a miniature nephroscope through a 16F metal access sheath. METHODS: All pediatric patients who underwent PCNL from August 2007 to September 2010 using a 14F miniature nephroscope through a 16F metal access sheath for renal stone extraction were evaluated. Patients' demographic details, procedural information, and posttreatment outcomes were prospectively documented. RESULTS: A total of 23 MINI PCNLs were performed on 23 kidneys of 12 patients whose ages ranged from 1.6 to 14.6 years. The median stone burden was 3.44 cm(2), and there were 11 "Staghorn" stones. The procedure was primary via a single puncture in 19 kidneys and secondary using a preexisting nephrostomy tract in 4 kidneys. Access was successful in all primary and two secondary cases, for a total of success rate of 91.3 %. Stones were fragmented using a Holmium laser and/or lithoclast, and fragments were irrigated or sequentially removed by various stone grasping devices. The mean procedural X-ray screening time and total stone extraction period were 4.5 and 109.4 min, respectively. The primary stone free rate was 83.6 %, which increased to 90.5 % after treating the residual fragments. Postoperative hydrothorax developed in one patient, which required a chest drain. Symptoms of chest infection and positive urine culture were detected in one and two patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience supports previous reports that MINI PCNL is safe and effective for the management of renal stones in children.

Robot-assisted resection of choledochal cysts and hepaticojejunostomy in children less than 10 kg.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Laparoscopic resection of choledochal cysts and hepaticojejunostomy have been described in children since 1995, but these can be technically demanding procedures. Robotic surgical systems can facilitate complex minimal-access procedures. In 2009, we made the transition from conventional laparoscopic to robotic-assisted choledochal cyst excision with hepaticojejunostomy. We present our experience in children weighing less than 10 kg. METHODS: During 2009, 5 children weighing less than 10 kg underwent robotic resections of choledochal cysts and hepaticojejunostomy using the da Vinci surgical system. The Roux loop was fashioned extracorporeally. Mean age was 1 year (range, 0.5-1.4), and mean weight was 8.5 kg (range, 7.6-9.5). All 5 had type 1c cysts, and 3 were very large. RESULTS: All 5 cases were treated successfully by robotic resection of the cyst and hepaticojejunostomy. Feeding was established by a median of 4 days (range, 3-6), and patients were discharged after a median of 6 days (range, 5-7) with no postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The technique is safe and effective in children weighing less than 10 kg. The authors found ergonomic advantages in using robotic-assisted surgery for this complex minimal-access procedure.

Combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic excision of pheochromocytoma and functional paraganglioma.

In this paper, we report an 11-year-old girl who underwent a combined laparoscopic adrenalectomy procedure and thoracoscopic excision of a paravertebral mass. To our knowledge, this is the first such report in the English literature.

Karl Storz Lecture. Skills training in pediatric minimal access surgery.

Learning the craft of surgery is central to every surgical program. Although effective, acquisition of skills, particularly that of minimal access surgery in the operating theater, is becoming increasingly difficult. Published data indicate that the early phase of the learning curve could be achieved outside the operating room. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal training schemes and assessment tools. With an increase in the number of operations performed endoscopically and the number of surgeons performing them, the importance of well-defined and validated training programs cannot be overemphasized.

Incidence and management of hydrocele following varicocele surgery in children.

PURPOSE: Hydrocele seems to be the most frequent complication in children who undergo surgery for varicocele and the issue of the optimal management of hydrocele remains controversial. In this retrospective study we evaluated the incidence and management of hydrocele following surgical treatment of varicocele in children treated at 8 European centers of pediatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 5-year period 278 children between 7 and 17 years old underwent surgical treatment for unilateral left varicocele, including 187 using video surgery and 91 via an open inguinal approach. RESULTS: At an average followup of 24 months (range 12 to 60) 34 children (12.2%) had a left hydrocele. Of the 278 children 14 (5%) were lost to followup. The hydrocele appeared between 1 week and 44 months (median 2 months) after surgery. Concerning hydrocele management 16 of 34 children (47%) were treated with scrotal puncture while under local anesthesia, which led to hydrocele regression after a median of 3 punctures (range 1 to 5), 12 (35.3%) underwent clinical observation since the hydrocele reduced spontaneously within a median of 12 months after its appearance and 6 (17.7%) were treated with open surgery. In 4 cases the hydrocele disappeared and in 2 it recurred after surgery and was successfully treated with punctures. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the median incidence of hydrocele after varicocele surgery is about 12% but it seems higher after artery nonsparing vs sparing procedures (17.6% vs 4.3%). On the contrary, no difference was found when the procedure was performed using video surgery or with the open approach. Hydroceles generally develop a few months later but may also appear several years after the surgical repair of varicocele. Noninvasive procedures (scrotal punctures or clinical observation) seem to induce total hydrocele regression in more than 82% of cases. Children who undergo surgery for varicocele should undergo long-term followup to detect a possible hydrocele. In fact, the 5.4% of children lost to followup in our study may potentially have had a hydrocele. Surgery is not always successful for this condition, as shown in the 2 cases of recurrent hydrocele after surgical repair.