Surgicel mimicking recurrent pelvic neuroblastoma in a 3-year-old boy.

INTRODUCTION: Surgicel is a hemostatic agent that consists of oxidized regenerated cellulose and used in surgical procedures as an aid to bleeding control. It is left in the operation site for hemostasis, could cause an operation by mimicking the recurrence of tumor, as in our patient. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 3-year-old boy was operated by us at the age of 40 days and 2.5 years, respectively, due to pelvic neuroblastoma. He was re-operated for mimicking recurrence or residue tumor secondary to the prior placement of Surgicel within the peritoneal cavity. RESULTS: Re-laparotomy was performed and the mass approximately 2.8 × 2×1 cm in size in front of the right ureter and iliac vessels and behind the bladder was removed by blunt and sharp dissection without damaging these organs. While gelatinous content was evacuated from this mass, there was no apparent tumor appearance. Pathology report was reported as fibrotic tissue characterized by foreign body and foreign body giant cells. The postoperative period was uneventful and he was discharged on the 2nd postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: In the light of our case, the use of hemostatic agents should be kept to a minimum and should not be left in the body unless it is difficult. Thus, unnecessary examination or recurrent surgery can be avoided.

Redo Hypospadias Repair: Comparison of Three Different Methods.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical data and treatment outcomes of 3 different methods for redo hypospadias surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 39 patients with redo hypospadias surgery between January 2010 and April 2019 at our clinic. A ventral preputial onlay flap, a preputial tubular flap, and a full thickness skin tubular graft were used in redo hypospadias surgery. We evaluated these methods regarding age, number, and type of previous repairs, catheter time, chordee, length of the urethral defect, operation time, complications, and follow-up results. T tests and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare differences between groups. RESULTS: The mean operation age of the patients was 5.23 years. Sixteen patients had a single, 21 had 2, and 2 patients had 3 previous repairs. The position of the urethral meatus was perineal in 2, penoscrotal in 6, mid penile in 21, and distal penile in 10 patients. The initial repairs comprised 19 tubularized incised plates (TIP), 12 Mathieu procedures, 5 tubularized preputial flaps, 2 full thickness skin tubular grafts, and 1 onlay island flap repair. Eight full thickness skin tubular grafts, 18 onlay preputial island flaps, and 13 preputial tubular flaps were used for redo surgery. The success rate was 79.1%. Eight wound infections, 6 glans dehiscences, 13 fistulas, 12 meatal stenoses, and 5 urethral diverticulas were seen in the patients. The rates of these complications, Cystofix requirement, and reoperation were higher in the skin tubular graft group but this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). One patient with graft contracture required a redo skin graft urethroplasty. The mean follow-up duration was18 months. CONCLUSION: Preputial tissue should be preferred in the presence of redo hypospadias surgery. In the absence of preputial tissue other tissues such as oral or buccal mucosa should be preferred instead of skin grafts.

Macrocystic Lymphangioma in Children Treated by Sclerotherapy With Bleomycin.

Although surgical operation is a commonly preferred method in lymphangiomas (LAs), there is a risk of vascular or nerve injury especially in macrocystic LA. Therefore, sclerotherapy would be more appropriate as the first treatment. The authors wanted to share the excellent results of intralesional bleomycin treatment in 3 patients with cervical macrocystic LA.

Neuroprotective effect of L-arginine in a neonatal rat model of hypoxic-ischemia.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to investigate the neuroprotective effects of l-Arginine (l-arg) in the seven-day-old rat hypoxia-ischemia model. Materials and methods: L-Arginine (n = 10) or saline (n = 8) was administered intraperitoneally to seven-day-old rats before hypoxia-ischemia. In addition, 18 seven-day-old rats were given l-Arginine (n = 10) or saline (n = 8) after hypoxic-ischemic insult. Neuronal apoptosis was investigated by terminal dUDP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) following three days of recovery. The ratios of right side numerical density to the sum of right and left sides' numerical densities (right apoptosis index) were calculated for every brain region in rats receiving l-arginine and they were compared with the vehicle groups. Results: Right side apoptosis indexes of the hippocampus (mean ± SD; 35.0 ± 16.1) and striatum (41.9 ± 16.0) were significantly decreased in the l-Arginine post-treatment groups when compared to vehicles (61.0 ± 17.0 and 62.4 ± 27.0 respectively) (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the right apoptosis indexes of the cortex between l-Arginine post-treated group and the vehicle group. There were also no significant differences between the right side apoptosis indexes of the l-Arginine pretreatment groups and those of the vehicle group in any of the three regions (p > 0.05). Conclusions: It is concluded that neuronal apoptosis due to hypoxic-ischemic injury may likely to be reduced by post-treatment of l-Arginine in the neonatal rat model and l-Arginine provides a new possibility for neuroprotective strategies based on NO production.

Conservative Treatment with Octreotide to Provide Early Recovery of Children with Esophageal Perforation.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of nonoperative treatment of esophageal perforation (EP) in children with octreotide is highlighted. METHODS: Records of nine patients (seven boys and two girls with an average age of 5.83 ± 5.35 years) with EP were reviewed. RESULTS: EP developed in six patients during dilation of esophageal stenosis (five of six caused by caustic burns). In the other three patients, EP developed after nasogastric placement, after endotracheal intubation, and during endoscopy for foreign body. The symptoms consisted of dyspnea in four patients, tachypnea in seven patients, fever in six patients, chest pain in two patients, and abdominal pain in one patient. Two patients had pneumomediastinum, four patients had pleural effusion, one patient had subcutaneous emphysema, four patients had pneumothorax, and two patients had severe sepsis. Eight of the perforations resolved spontaneously. Therapy included cessation of oral feedings, implementation of proper antibiosis, parenteral and/or enteral nutrition by gastrostomy, and drainage of pleural effusions or mediastinal abscesses if required. Though not recommended by literature, octreotide was administered to these patients. Only one patient was operated in another clinic and was lost during follow-up. The length of hospitalization stay had a median of 11 ± 6.59 days, ranging between 5 and 28 days. If the patient who was operated and did not receive octreotide therapy is excluded, the median hospitalization was only 8 days (5 to 12 days). All patients in our series (except patient 8) survived and still have their native esophagus. CONCLUSION: The initiation of octreotide treatment in the early period after diagnosis of EP without surgical intervention leads to early improvement in children.

The effect of alfuzosin on renal resistive index, urinary electrolytes and ß2 microglobulin levels and TGF ß-1 levels of kidney tissue in rats with unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

BACKGROUND: In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of alfuzosin on experimentally generated unilateral partial ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPO) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Long-Evans rats were randomly allocated into five groups. In control group (C), nothing was performed; in group Sham (S) only laparotomy was done; in Alfuzosin group (A) only alfuzosin was administered for two weeks (10 mg/kg/day p.o.) without any surgery; in UPO group, unilateral UP junction obstruction was produced; and in the Group UPT (ureteropelvic obstruction + treatment), alfuzosin was administered for two weeks (10 mg/kg/day p.o.) in addition to UPO production. Renal pelvic anteroposterior diameters were determined with ultrasonography (USG) and renal arterial resistivity indexes by color Doppler USG. Urine was collected both at the beginning and at the end of the experiment for 24 h in all the groups and at the end of the experiment, blood samples were obtained. Blood and urine electrolytes and TGF-ß1, urine density, urine ß2 microglobulin levels were determined. Renal tissue samples harvested from all of the rats were histopathologically evaluated. Results were determined using one-way ANOVA t-test; p < 0.05 was accepted as significant. RESULTS: Urine density in the UPT group was lower with respect to UPO group and blood electrolytes were preserved as close to normal (p < 0.05). In the UPT group, urine TGF-ß1 and blood TGF-ß1, blood ß2 microglobulin levels and histopathologic damage scores were lower compared to the UPO group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is shown in this experimental unilateral partial UPO model that alfuzosin treatment prevents obstructive renal damage.

Recurrent Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor of ovary in 8-year-old girl.

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are rare sex cord-stromal neoplasms that account for <0.2% of ovarian tumors. These tumors with a retiform pattern pose difficult diagnostic problems, with the majority of being misinterpreted as serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma and endodermal sinus tumor. We report an 8-year-old female patient presented to our institution with a huge mass and pain in the lower abdomen and recurrence in the 10th months following the first operation. Only four cases of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors have been reported under age of the eight years in the literature so far. It is difficult to define the stage and the morphology of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors with retiform pattern in children and chemotherapy or radiotherapy administration is contraversial. However, fertility sparing surgeries should be considered as a first treatment choice on the time of the diagnosis and the recurrence.

Lycopene has reduced renal damage histopathologically and biochemically in experimental renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate whether the inflammatory and antioxidant lycopene has a therapeutic effect against renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 24 Wistar-Albino rats, weighing from 200 to 250 g, were divided into four groups. All rats underwent median laparotomy under anesthesia. No procedures were performed in the control group (Group C), whereas 100 mg/kg lycopene was administered by gavage in the lycopene group (Group L). The arteries of both kidneys were clamped for 45 min in the ischemia group (Group I), whereas 100 mg/kg lycopene was administered by gavage 30 min before clamping renal arteries, and ischemia was performed in the treatment group (Group T) rats. For all rats, blood samples and renal tissues were collected at 6 h of reperfusion. Samples were used to examine serum BUN, creatinine, MDA and GSH levels, and the renal tissues were used to examine MDA and GSH levels, and renal histopathologies. RESULTS: The treatment group had statistically significant lower serum MDA levels, histopathological tubular vacuolization, loss of brush border and tubular dilatation (p < 0.05), whereas serum BUN, creatinine, tissue MDA, and tissue and serum GSH levels were improved in favor of the treatment group, even though it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that lycopene, which was administered prior to renal I/R injury, prevented renal damage through biochemical and histopathological parameters.

Protective effects of lupeol in rats with renal ischemia­reperfusion injury.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by ischemia and, exogenous or endogenous nephrotoxic agents poses a serious health issue. AKI is seen in 1% of all hospital admissions, 2-5% of hospitalizations and 67% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The in-hospital mortality rates for AKI is 40-50, and >50% for ICU patients. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in the kidney can activate inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, resulting in AKI. The common endpoint in acute tubular necrosis is a cellular insult secondary to ischemia or direct toxins, which results in effacement of brush border, cell death and decreased function of tubular cells. The aim of the present study was to assess if the reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent lupeol can exert any effects against renal I/R damage. In total, 24 Wistar Albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups of 6, namely Sham, lupeol, ischemia and therapy groups. In the lupeol group, intraperitoneal administration of 100 mg/kg lupeol was given 1 h before laparotomy, whilst only laparotomy was conducted in the sham group. The renal arteries of both kidneys were clamped for 45 min, 1 h after either intraperitoneal saline injection (in the ischemia group) or 100 mg/kg lupeol application (in the therapy group). The blood samples and renal tissues of all rats were collected after 24 h. In blood samples, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was measured by the urease enzymatic method, and creatinine was measured by the kinetic Jaffe method. Using ELISA method, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were measured in the blood samples, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), caspase-3 levels were measured in kidney tissues. In addition, kidney histopathological analysis was performed by evaluating the degree of degeneration, tubular dilatation, interstitial lymphocyte infiltration, protein cylinders, necrosis and loss of brush borders. It was determined that renal damage occurred due to higher BUN, creatinine, MDA, TNF-α and caspase-3 values observed in the kidney tissues and blood samples of rats in ischemia group compared with the Sham group. Compared with those in the ischemia group, rats in the therapy group exhibited increased levels of GSH and reduced levels of BUN, TNF-α, MDA. Furthermore, the ischemia group also had reduced histopathological damage scores. Although differences in creatinine, IL-6 and caspase-3 levels were not statistically significant, they were markedly reduced in the treatment group. Taken together, these findings suggest that lupeol can prevent kidney damage as mainly evidenced by the reduced histopathological damage scores, decreased levels of oxidative stress and reduced levels of inflammatory markers. These properties may allow lupeol to be used in the treatment of AKI.

An interesting and rare cause of post-operative intussusception: Roux limb intussusception.

Intussusception is a common disease in children. Most intussusception is idiopathic and approximately 1% develops postoperatively. We present a case of a 6-year-old male patient who underwent surgery for a type 1 common bile duct cyst. In his post-operative 2nd month, the patient presented with a complaint of abdominal pain after eating, but his pain was not accompanied by nausea or vomiting. No pathological findings were evident in the examination or an abdominal X-ray of the patient. Intussusception was detected by ultrasonography and computed tomography. We wanted to introduce this interesting intussusception that originated from the Roux limb that was not seen before.

Our experience of operated pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction patients.

AIMS: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) may originate from extrinsic or intrinsic causes in children. The aim of this study is to present preoperative and postoperative data of our patients operated for UPJO. METHODS: A total of 64 patients who underwent open pyeloplasty were investigated retrospectively. They were evaluated in terms of demographically, clinics, hydronephrosis, differential renal functions (DRFs), half-time tracer clearance (½TC), and histopathologic results. Patients' numerical results were stated as mean ± standard deviation (SD). RESULTS: Male gender was more prevalent (n = 47, 73.4%) and mean age at surgery was 46.87 months. UPJO was located at the left side in 56.3% (n = 36), and at the right side in 39.1% (n = 25) of patients. It was bilateral in 4.7% (n = 3). Hydronephrosis was found antenatally in 68.8% (n = 44) of patients. The mean preoperative DRF was 49.7% (21-78%) and mean postoperative DRF was 49.2% (20-56%). Mean renal scintigraphic t1/2 was >20 min for all patients. The mean AP diameter was 21.58 mm (10-62 mm). Muscular hypertrophy was the most common pathological finding, mean length of excised segment was 10.26 mm (3-40 mm). Crossing vessel (CV) was detected in 17.18% (n = 11). The CV was statistically associated with increased age of operation, left side, and female gender. Statistically significant hydronephrosis was found in non-CV patients. Re-operation was required in seven patients (7.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Intrinsic pathologies are more seen in the etiology of UPJO patients with antenatal diagnosis and this group needs operation at an earlier age. However, CV is found more commonly in patients who are diagnosed and operated at older ages.

Observations and experiences of pediatric surgeons working on the field in the first 7 days of the Kahramanmaras earthquake.

Purpose: This study aims to share our experiences and problems, and to suggest solutions as pediatric surgeons who took part in the teams that went voluntarily to the region hit by the Kahramanmaras earthquake during the first 7 days after the disaster. Methods: This study conveys our observations made at Kahramanmaras Sütçüimam University Faculty of Medicine Hospital, where we worked as a volunteer team between February 7 and 14, 2023. Results: During the first few days, there were registration problems due to lack of electricity, water, and internet, as well as issues with sterile surgical environments. In the following days, a lack of auxiliary health personnel was revealed as the main difficulty. Conclusion: Since coordination is important when working as a team in the aftermath of an earthquake, staff from the same center should be deployed together if possible, and a team leader should be selected. Alternative recording systems should be established in case of power outages and computer problems. Secretaries, auxiliary health staff, and technicians should be included in the team in addition to doctors and nurses.

Our Cases and Literature Review for Presence of Bladder Hernias in the Inguinal Region in Children.

BACKGROUND: The rate of bladder injury during inguinal hernia repair in children is not well known. However, it is known that bladder injury during childhood inguinal hernia repair places a serious morbidity burden on children. We sought to determine an algorithm to avoid accidental bladder injuries. METHODS: Reports that included pediatric patients with inguinal hernias containing the bladder were searched. Keywords and mesh term searches were conducted in the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We reviewed our clinical records and found that two patients had inguinal hernias containing the bladder. RESULTS: Nineteen articles reporting on 26 patients diagnosed with the presence of the bladder within the inguinal canal from 1962 to 2021 were included in this article. Our two patients were added to this group. Diagnoses were made incidentally during genitourinary radiological examinations (n = 3), intraoperatively during hernia repair (n = 7), or due to clinical symptoms and findings (n = 18) after standard hernia repair. Bladder augmentation was required for three patients. CONCLUSIONS: During the operation, if there is any suspicion regarding the presence of the bladder in the inguinal region, we suggest performing a preoperative cystogram to confirm the position of the bladder and its injury. We recommend that the sac should be opened and the contents inspected before performing transfixion during high ligation of the hernia sac.

Intussusception in children: experience with 105 patients in a department of paediatric surgery, Turkey.

AIM: The aim of this study was to present our experience in patients with intussusception (IN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and five cases of IN treated between 1991 and 2007 were analysed. Age, gender, symptoms, signs, diagnostic and treatment methods, types of IN including leading point, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 2.5 years (range 1 month - 15 years). Fifty-nine per cent (62/105) were under 1 year of age, and of these 28% were receiving therapy for upper respiratory tract infection. The most common symptom was colicky abdominal pain. Rectal bleeding was present in all patients under 2 years of age. In 23 children (21.9%) leading points were detected. Thirty per cent of the patients were older than 4 years, and 76.6% of these had leading points. Ultrasonography demonstrated the invaginated segment in 93 patients. Hydrostatic reduction was attempted in 71.4% (75) of the patients and was successful in 48% (36), 70% of whom were under 1 year of age. Of the patients with unsuccessful hydrostatic reduction, 11 required intestinal resection and primary anastomosis and 35 manual reduction. Twenty-four patients were diagnosed by means of ultrasonography and were operated on immediately. Ten of these patients had signs of peritonitis on admission and were treated by resection-primary anastomosis. CONCLUSION: In patients with IN under 2 years of age, hydrostatic or pneumatic reduction may be successful. Considering the high incidence of leading points in older children, one should not persist with reduction but should rather design a treatment plan accordingly, i.e. laparotomy with manual reduction or resection.