Laparoscopic diagnosis of contralateral patent processus vaginalis in children under 1 year of age with unilateral inguinal hernia: comparison with herniography.

PURPOSE: The effectiveness of laparoscopic diagnosis of contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) in children with unilateral inguinal hernia was evaluated. METHODS: Ninety-three consecutive children under the age of 1 year were operated on for a unilateral inguinal hernia. A contralateral CPPV was diagnosed by laparoscopy via the inguinal hernia sac before ligation. The laparoscopy results of this technique were correlated with those of herniography or inguinal exploration. RESULTS: Laparoscopy was performed on 88 patients; sensitivity was 71% and specificity 89%. The only complication arising from the procedure was wound infection in two patients. CONCLUSION: This method is a simple, safe, and accurate procedure for selecting children for contralateral surgical exploration.

Adrenobronchial fistula complicating a neonatal adrenal abscess: treatment by percutaneous aspiration and antibiotics.

A case of retroperitoneal pulmonary fistula caused by a neonatal adrenal abscess is reported. The adrenal abscess was diagnosed by means of needle aspiration which guided the choice of antibiotic therapy. The fistula was demonstrated by direct injection of contrast medium into the adrenal abscess. Treatment by needle aspiration of the adrenal abscess and intravenous antibiotics was successful.