Cisplatin versus cisplatin plus doxorubicin for standard-risk hepatoblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative cisplatin alone may be as effective as cisplatin plus doxorubicin in standard-risk hepatoblastoma (a tumor involving three or fewer sectors of the liver that is associated with an alpha-fetoprotein level of >100 ng per milliliter). METHODS: Children with standard-risk hepatoblastoma who were younger than 16 years of age were eligible for inclusion in the study. After they received one cycle of cisplatin (80 mg per square meter of body-surface area per 24 hours), we randomly assigned patients to receive cisplatin (every 14 days) or cisplatin plus doxorubicin administered in three preoperative cycles and two postoperative cycles. The primary outcome was the rate of complete resection, and the trial was powered to test the noninferiority of cisplatin alone (<10% difference in the rate of complete resection). RESULTS: Between June 1998 and December 2006, 126 patients were randomly assigned to receive cisplatin and 129 were randomly assigned to receive cisplatin plus doxorubicin. The rate of complete resection was 95% in the cisplatin-alone group and 93% in the cisplatin-doxorubicin group in the intention-to-treat analysis (difference, 1.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -4.1 to 7.0); these rates were 99% and 95%, respectively, in the per-protocol analysis. Three-year event-free survival and overall survival were, respectively, 83% (95% CI, 77 to 90) and 95% (95% CI, 91 to 99) in the cisplatin group, and 85% (95% CI, 79 to 92) and 93% (95% CI, 88 to 98) in the cisplatin-doxorubicin group (median follow-up, 46 months). Acute grade 3 or 4 adverse events were more frequent with combination therapy (74.4% vs. 20.6%). CONCLUSIONS: As compared with cisplatin plus doxorubicin, cisplatin monotherapy achieved similar rates of complete resection and survival among children with standard-risk hepatoblastoma. Doxorubicin can be safely omitted from the treatment of standard-risk hepatoblastoma. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00003912.)

Esophageal atresia surgery in the 21st century.

The results of thoracoscopic repair of oesophageal atresia with or without tracheo-oesophageal fistula are presented. Twenty-six children had the repair performed thoracoscopically (22 in Edinburgh and 4 by Edinburgh surgeons in other institutions). Twenty infants had oesophageal atresia with tracheo-oesophageal fistula and 6 had isolated oesophageal atresia without fistula. Details of the technique are presented. Birth weights ranged from 1.4 to 3.9 kg and children were operated between 1 day and three months of age. There were 7 minor anastomotic leaks all managed conservatively, 1 recurrent fistula managed thoracoscopically and 9 anastomotic strictures. One child had a tracheo-bronchial fistula not seen at original thoracoscopy. There were 3 deaths (one child with Edward's syndrome, one with associated congenital diaphragmatic hernia and one late death with severe cardiac disease). Thoracoscopic repair of oesophageal atresia is feasible and the long term outcome appears favorable.

Neonatal laparoscopic Ladd's procedure can safely be performed even if the bowel shows signs of ischemia.

UNLABELLED: In this we describe two cases of neonatal malrotation with volvulus treated laparoscopically in our institution.CASE 1: A term baby girl was presented on day 3 of life with malrotation and volvulus. On inspection laparoscopically,the cecum was lying in a subhepatic position to the left of the midline. The small bowel was lying on the right, and there was a 180-degree rotation of the bowel. The rotated bowel was viable and of good color.The bowel was derotated, Ladd's bands divided, and the mesentery broadened. She was up to full feeds by postoperative day 2 and was discharged home on the 3rd day postsurgery.CASE 2: A baby boy presented with malrotation and volvulus on day 11 of life. At laparoscopy, there was freechyle in the peritoneal cavity and a midgut volvulus with an ischemic appearing bowel (with the exception of stomach duodenum and descending colon). The bowel was derotated, the ischemic bowel was returned to a healthy color, and Ladd's bands were divided and the root of the mesentery broadened. On post-operative day 2, he was commenced on feeds (expressed breast milk), and by post-operative 4, the baby was tolerating fullfeeds. CONCLUSION: In our unit, we have performed two laparoscopic Ladd's procedures. Neither of these children have had any complications and, on follow-up, are clinically well with excellent cosmetic results. We feel that laparoscopic treatment of malrotation with volvulus is a feasible procedure and should be performed where the expertise and equipment are available.

Is conversion a complication of laparoscopic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: In this paper, we review our laparoscopic and thoracoscopic experience and look specifically at the cases that resulted in conversion. METHODS: Data were retrieved on all minimally invasive surgical procedures performed in our institution. RESULTS: There were 1,759 cases performed between 1997 and 2007. Of these, 1,648 cases were laparoscopic and 111 thoracoscopic. There were 508 appendicectomies (34 interval), 216 fundoplications (21 redo), 183 diagnostic laparoscopies, 137 pyloromyotomies, 35 cholecystectomies, 27 splenectomies, 98 Fowler-Stephens procedures,79 nephrectomies (including heminephrectomies), 48 Palomo procedures, 75 assisted percutaneous endoscopicgastronomies, 31 pull-through procedures for Hirschsprung's disease, and 210 others. There were 45 conversions (2.6%) over the time period; 40% of all cases converted were in children who had previously had surgery, and 13% of the conversions were enforced due to bleeding or visceral injury at the time of surgery.Looking at the conversion for specific operations, this was 1.4% for appendicectomies, 2% for pyloromyotomies,and 1% for fundoplications. The rate was highest for thoracoscopic cases and nephrectomies at 10%; 82% of all conversions occurred during the first 1,000 cases (56% of our experience). CONCLUSION: Our conversion rate is 2.6%. There has been a significant fall in our conversion rate over the 11 years, despite the increased number, breadth, and complexity of our caseload. We attribute this to the learning curve associated with minimally invasive surgery. Conversion is more common in patients who have had previous surgery, thoracoscopic procedures, and nephrectomies.

Early experience of pediatric thoracoscopic lobectomy in the UK.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report on the early experience of pediatric thoracoscopic lobectomy in two UK centers (Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, and Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge). METHODS: Twelve patients between February 2000 and November 2005 were treated with a lobectomy for pulmonary disease. RESULTS: Diagnoses included 7 congenital cystic adenomatous malformations, 4 patients with bronchiectasis, and 1 thoracic mature teratoma. The patients' ages ranged from 8 months to 15 years. In all patients, a thoracoscopic lobectomy was attempted. In all cases, the lobectomy was completed; however, in 6 patients, the conversion to either video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or open thoracotomy was required. Of note, 9 of the 12 patients had had previous lung infections prior to lobectomy. Five of 6 that required a conversion to VATS or open thoracotomy had had significant previous pulmonary infection, causing hilar lymphadenopathy and adhesions that complicated the dissection. The other case requiring a conversion to thoracotomy had abnormal hilar anatomy with an incomplete oblique fissure. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a previous history of pulmonary infection can cause difficulty in dissection of the hilum that can necessitate a conversion to VATS or open thoracotomy. An infection prior to lobectomy can cause difficulty in completing the procedure safely thoracoscopically. Consideration of patients with pulmonary disease for lobectomy should be made prior to the onset of infectious complications. The thoracoscopic lobectomy can still be performed in patients with a preceding history of infectious complications, though a higher rate of conversion is likely.

Effect of patient weight and anesthetic technique on CO2 excretion during thoracoscopy in children assessed by end-tidal CO2.

AIM: The aim of this study was to review the changes in CO(2) excretion and anesthetic management during thoracoscopy in children. METHODS: We analyzed end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (EtCO(2); kPa) during CO(2) pneumothorax. EtCO(2) was measured on a continuous basis by using a positive sampling system and recorded every 10 minutes. Baseline and highest EtCO(2) were used to derive the maximum change in the intraoperative period. EtCO(2) was also analyzed in three time periods: (1) preinsufflation, (2) during insufflation of CO(2) into the chest, and (3) after desufflation. Core temperature was also recorded as an index of thermoregulation. Data are presented as the mean +/- standard error of the mean. Differences within time periods were compared by using paired t tests or repeated measures analysis of variance. Correlation between changes in EtCO(2) and patient demographics was performed by using linear regression. The pattern of change was compared to children undergoing laparoscopy. RESULTS: Median age was 1.9 years (range, 1 day to 15 years). EtCO(2) increased significantly from preinsufflation 5.1 +/- 0.2 to 6.4 +/- 0.3 during insufflation (P < 0.01); values were still significantly elevated after desufflation 6.4 +/- 0.4 (P < 0.01). Single-lung ventilation was associated with higher EtCO(2) levels during insufflation than with two-lung ventilation (P = 0.02). Maximum change in the EtCO(2) in the group undergoing one-lung ventilation negatively correlated to patient weight (r(2) = 0.25, P = 0.02); this correlation was not present with two-lung ventilation (r(2) = 0.02, P = 0.84). Laparoscopy increased EtCO(2) from 4.7 +/- 0.2 preinsufflation to 5.3 +/- 0.2 (P < 0.001) during and decreased to 4.8 +/- 0.2 postdesufflation (P = 0.60). There was a significant increase in core temperature from 35.9 +/- 0.3 to 36.9 +/- 0.2 postoperatively (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant increase in EtCO(2) in children undergoing thoracoscopy, which is higher than during laparoscopy. Changes in EtCO(2) are larger in smaller children undergoing single-lung ventilation. Thoracoscopy may preserve intraoperative thermoregulation.

Feasibility of laparoscopic tumour nephrectomy in children.

AIMS: The laparoscopic approach to tumour nephrectomy in children is controversial. We therefore reviewed our institution's cases of tumour nephrectomy (laparoscopic, open, and converted) to better understand which is suitable for this approach, what factors prevent it, and whether one can excise tumours greater than the CCLG recommendation of 300 ml. METHODS: All tumour nephrectomies performed between 2002 and 2016 were identified using our surgical database. Further data were gathered from radiology and pathology databases. Those with nonrenal tumours or having a partial nephrectomy were excluded. Tumour maximum diameters, volumes, and ratios to contralateral kidneys were calculated. A Mann-Whitney U was used to compare the groups. RESULTS: Forty-three cases were included. Fifteen procedures were completed laparoscopically (35%), and a further 3 converted. The median age at surgery was 2.5 years (range 0-10) in the laparoscopic group and 2 years (range 0-15) in the open group. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the laparoscopic and open groups for: median maximum diameter (10cm vs 12.25cm), median volume (155 ml vs 459 ml), maximum diameter ratio (1.22 vs 1.75), and volume ratio (3.8 vs 11.2). CONCLUSION: Tumours in the laparoscopic group were significantly smaller, but it was possible to excise tumours more than 300 ml. Difficulties in excision related to tumour size relative to the abdomen. Therefore, a ratio of tumour to contralateral kidney may be a better guide to safe excision than an overall volume cutoff. From our series, the laparoscopic approach is likely to be achievable if the volume ratio is ≤ 8.1. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy preserving the gubernacular vessels and a purely laparoscopic second stage.

PURPOSE: We describe a modification of the two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens technique in which the gubernacular vessels are preserved and the testis is brought down the canal via the internal ring. A purely laparoscopic second stage is performed. We report our outcomes with this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchidopexies undertaken at our hospital from 1996 to July 2004 were identified from a prospectively collected database of all surgical procedures undertaken in the unit. A retrospective case-note review was undertaken. RESULTS: We identified 21 patients, 4 bilateral and 17 unilateral, giving a total of 25 intra-abdominal testes. Mean age at presentation was 21 months (range, 0-56 months). Mean age at the first stage was 36 months (range, 11-68 months). The testis position at initial laparoscopy was high in 5, close to the internal inguinal ring in 9, peeping in 6, and pelvic in 5. The testis size at this stage was either normal, good sized, or reasonable sized in 15, small or dysplastic in 5, and in 5 the size was not commented upon. The testicular vessels were mainly divided by diathermy at the first stage, but in 6 the vessels were clipped. The second stage was undertaken 6 months after the first, in order to allow the collateral blood supply to adapt. Twelve testes had changed position category during this interval, 2 having ascended to a higher position and 10 descended to a lower position; 12 were in the same position at both stages; and in 1 case the position was not commented upon at the second stage. A purely laparoscopic second stage technique was used in 21 cases; an assisted-open second stage was undertaken in 1 case. In 3 cases the testis was palpable in the groin at examination under anesthesia and so an open second stage orchidopexy was performed. Follow-up was at 6 and 18 months after the second stage. Eighteen of the 21 testes that underwent a purely laparoscopic second stage survived at 6 months, giving a success rate with this technique of 86%. The overall testis survival rate in the entire group at 6 months was 88% (22/25). Findings in those patients reviewed at 18 months were unchanged. CONCLUSION: The two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy, with preservation of the gubernacular vessels and predominantly using a purely laparoscopic second stage, provided a very good testis survival rate, approaching 90%.

Choice of incision: the experience and evolution of surgical management of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the impact of laparoscopic pyloromyotomy since it came into use at our institution in March 1999. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The recovery profiles and intraoperative and postoperative complications of 170 infants who underwent laparoscopic, semicircumumbilical incision, or right upper quadrant incision pyloromyotomies between March 1999 and April 2005 were analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-one (48%) of operations were undertaken laparoscopically, 51 (30%) by traditional right upper quadrant incision, and 38 (22%) by semicircumumbilical incision. Patient group demographics were similar across all groups. There was no significant difference in overall complication rate between procedures: laparoscopic group, 12.3% (10/81); semicircumumbilical incision group, 18.4% (7/38); and right upper quadrant incision group, 9.8% (5/51). Early in the laparoscopic series there were 2 inadequate pyloromyotomies and 2 conversions to open procedures due to perforation (n = 1) and poor visibility (n = 1). Infections were more common with open surgery: laparoscopic, 1.2% (n = 1), right upper quadrant incision, 7.8% (n = 4), and semicircumumbilical incision, 13.2% (n = 5). Operative correction was required for herniation at 3 laparoscopic incision sites (3.6%), 2 semicircumumbilical incision sites (5.3%), and 2 right upper quadrant incision sites (3.9%). Patients who underwent laparoscopy returned to full feeds faster (laparoscopic, 18.1 hours; right upper quadrant incision, 28.1 hours; and semicircumumbilical incision, 28.9 hours) (P < 0.05), required less analgesia (laparoscopic, 2.1 doses; right upper quadrant incision, 4.0 doses; and semicircumumbilical incision, 4.3 doses) (P < 0.05), and had less emesis (laparoscopic, 1.6 episodes; right upper quadrant incision, 2.9 episodes; and semicircumumbilical incision, 3.5 episodes) (P < 0.05), resulting in faster discharge (laparoscopic, 2.0 days; right upper quadrant incision, 3.1 days; and semicircumumbilical incision, 3.2 days) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic pyloromytomy is as effective and safe as open procedures and is associated with an improved recovery profile. We conclude that, where laparoscopic skills exist, laparoscopy should be the management of choice for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

Predictive value of the pretreatment extent of disease system in hepatoblastoma: results from the International Society of Pediatric Oncology Liver Tumor Study Group SIOPEL-1 study.

PURPOSE: Preoperative staging (pretreatment extent of disease [PRETEXT]) was developed for the first prospective liver tumor study by the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOPEL-1 study; preoperative chemotherapy and delayed surgery). Study aims were to analyze the accuracy and interobserver agreement of PRETEXT and to compare the predictive impact of three currently used staging systems. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hepatoblastoma (HB) patients younger than 16 years who underwent surgical resection (128 of 154 patients) were analyzed. The centrally reviewed preoperative staging was compared with postoperative pathology (accuracy) in 91 patients (81%), and the local center staging was compared with the central review (interobserver agreement) in 97 patients (86%), using the agreement beyond change method (weighted kappa). The predictive values of the three staging systems were compared in 110 patients (97%) using survival curves and Cox proportional hazard ratio estimates. RESULTS: Preoperative PRETEXT staging compared with pathology was correct in 51%, overstaged in 37%, and understaged in 12% of patients (weighted kappa = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.62). The weighted kappa value of the interobserver agreement was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.88). The Children's Cancer Study Group/Pediatric Oncology Group-based staging system showed no predictive value for survival (P = .516), but the tumor-node-metastasis-based system and PRETEXT system showed good predictive values (P = .0021 and P = .0006, respectively). PRETEXT seemed to be superior in the statistical fit. CONCLUSION: PRETEXT has moderate accuracy with a tendency to overstage patients, shows good interobserver agreement (reproducibility), shows superior predictive value for survival, offers the opportunity to monitor the effect of preoperative therapy, and can also be applied in patients who have not had operations. For comparability reasons, we recommend that all HB patients included in trials also be staged according to PRETEXT.

Elevated amylase in childhood.

A 3-year-old boy was referred to a regional centre with an acute abdomen. On admission, his abdomen was clinically benign but an extremely high serum amylase titre noted. The patient was treated with simple observation and over the following period he was found to have an inflamed parotid gland.

Laparoscopy as an adjunct to peritoneal drainage in perforated necrotizing enterocolitis.

Intestinal perforation in very low birth weight infants with necrotizing enterocolitis has a high morbidity and mortality. We report the use of laparoscopy on day 30 of life in the treatment of a very low birth weight infant (900 g) with perforated necrotizing enterocolitis. The question of laparotomy versus peritoneal drain is ongoing. Laparoscopy may have a major role to play in the answer to this debate. The versatility of laparoscopy enables good visualization of the bowel and organs: a drain can be placed in a port site if there is no fecal contamination and a more conservative approach is warranted, or a conversion to a laparotomy can be undertaken if there are obvious feces or necrotic bowel. We feel that laparoscopy in the initial evaluation of necrotizing enterocolitis is invaluable, and can avoid potentially unnecessary surgery in an already extremely unwell infant.

Endoscopic nephrectomy in children: is retro the way forward?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the benefits of nephrectomy in children performed via a retroperitoneoscopic approach compared to the laparoscopic route. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed all endoscopic nephrectomies performed at our institution from August 1998 to February 2003. RESULTS: A total of 32 endoscopic nephrectomies were undertaken: 22 laparoscopic nephrectomies with 5 conversions to open surgery, and 10 retroperitoneoscopic. The main indication for surgery was poor function secondary to either reflux or obstructive nephropathy. Intraoperative heart rate changes were less marked in patients undergoing retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy. The median operative time for retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy was 65 minutes and 95 minutes for laparoscopy. Epidural analgesia was not required in successful endoscopic nephrectomies. The median postoperative morphine requirement in the retroperitoneoscopic group was 110mcg/kg compared to 280mcg/kg in the laparoscopic group. The majority of patients who had successful endoscopic nephrectomies were discharged to home within 2 days of surgery. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy appears to be a safe technique in children, with reduced intraoperative physiological effects compared to the laparoscopic approach. Operative time was generally shorter than the laparoscopic approach and there appeared to be an additional benefit of reduced postoperative pain.

Guidelines for surgical treatment of hepatoblastoma in the modern era--recommendations from the Childhood Liver Tumour Strategy Group of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOPEL).

Cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and complete surgical resection are both crucial in the cure of hepatoblastoma. Radical resection can be obtained either conventionally by partial hepatectomy or with orthotopic liver transplant, but the surgical approach to hepatoblastoma differs considerably across the world. Our main aim in this paper is to present the surgical recommendations of the Childhood Liver Tumour Strategy Group of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOPEL), as well as to stimulate international debate on this issue. We discuss biopsy, verification of resectability, resection principles, indications and potential contraindications for orthotopic liver transplant, as well as thoracic surgery for pulmonary metastases. We suggest that heroic liver resections with a high probability of leaving residual tumour should be avoided whenever possible. In such cases primary orthotopic liver transplant should be considered. Superior survival rates in hepatoblastoma patients who have received a primary transplant after a good response to chemotherapy support the strategy of avoiding partial hepatectomy in cases where radical resection appears difficult and doubtful. We recommend early referral to a transplant surgeon in cases of: (i) multifocal or large solitary PRETEXT IV (PRE Treatment EXTent of disease scoring system) hepatoblastoma involving all four sectors of the liver and (ii) unifocal, centrally located tumours involving main hilar structures or main hepatic veins. Because complete tumour resection is a prerequisite for cure, any strategy leading to an increased resection rate will result in improved survival. We advise the more frequent use of orthotopic liver transplant, as well as the standardisation of techniques for partial liver resection. These guidelines should not be seen as final, but rather as a starting point for further discussion between the various national and international liver tumour study groups.

One hundred years of pyloric stenosis in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children Edinburgh.

AIM: Pyloric stenosis was first reported in 1717 and was treatable from the start of the 1900s. Our hospital opened in 1860. In this study we report the historical account of the management of pyloric stenosis in Edinburgh from 1910 to 2013. METHOD: Historic discharge summaries, theatre records, and distinguished surgeons' operation and lecture notes dating back to 1910 with regard to pyloric stenosis were identified and reviewed. We present this history and compare our contemporary data. RESULTS: In February 1911, Harold Styles performed a pyloromyotomy, but did not report it at the time. However, the record of this operation and date were later published by Mason Brown in 1956. For the period 1926-1936, we report the management of 7 patients, of which only 3 survived. For the period 1947-1956, 515 patients were treated, with a mortality rate of 4.08%. Our current series for 1999-2012 has a mortality rate of zero and complication rate of 5.3%. CONCLUSIONS: During the period 1910 to present day in Edinburgh, pyloric stenosis has gone from being medically managed with bad outcomes to a condition with 100% survival. The only surgical advance has been the development of the Rammstedt pyloromyotomy. Of interest we document that a pyloromyotomy was performed here in February 1910. The improved outcome is mainly due to better understanding of the physiological disturbance in pyloric stenosis and advances in anaesthetics and microbiology.

Risk of incomplete pyloromyotomy and mucosal perforation in open and laparoscopic pyloromyotomy.

BACKGROUND: Despite randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, it remains unclear whether laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP) carries a higher risk of incomplete pyloromyotomy and mucosal perforation compared with open pyloromyotomy (OP). METHODS: Multicenter study of all pyloromyotomies (May 2007-December 2010) at nine high-volume institutions. The effect of laparoscopy on the procedure-related complications of incomplete pyloromyotomy and mucosal perforation was determined using binomial logistic regression adjusting for differences among centers. RESULTS: Data relating to 2830 pyloromyotomies (1802 [64%] LP) were analyzed. There were 24 cases of incomplete pyloromyotomy; 3 in the open group (0.29%) and 21 in the laparoscopic group (1.16%). There were 18 cases of mucosal perforation; 3 in the open group (0.29%) and 15 in the laparoscopic group (0.83%). The regression model demonstrated that LP was a marginally significant predictor of incomplete pyloromyotomy (adjusted difference 0.87% [95% CI 0.006-4.083]; P=0.046) but not of mucosal perforation (adjusted difference 0.56% [95% CI -0.096 to 3.365]; P=0.153). Trainees performed a similar proportion of each procedure (laparoscopic 82.6% vs. open 80.3%; P=0.2) and grade of primary operator did not affect the rate of either complication. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the largest series of pyloromyotomy ever reported. Although laparoscopy is associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of incomplete pyloromyotomy, the effect size is small and of questionable clinical relevance. Both OP and LP are associated with low rates of mucosal perforation and incomplete pyloromyotomy in specialist centers, whether trainee or consultant surgeons perform the procedure.

Is it possible for "traditional" laparoscopic surgery to leave "invisible" scars?

BACKGROUND: Improved cosmesis is widely recognized as the main benefit of single-port laparoscopy (SPL). Recently, some centers have started to perform SPL in infants and neonates. However, in our experience, the cosmetic result following traditional laparoscopic surgery in this age range is excellent. This study assessed infants' postoperative scars following traditional laparoscopic surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ten successive patients who previously underwent transperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasty were invited to attend for photographs of their abdominal wounds. All patients had had a 5-mm infra-umbilical port and two 3.5-mm ports (epigastrium and iliac fossa). Photographs were all taken in the hospital's medical photography studio by the same medical photographer. Life-size photographs were then shown to 10 junior doctors who were asked to identify any visible scars and rate the cosmetic result. RESULTS: Six patients with a median age at surgery of 8 months (range, 4-15 months) attended for photographs a median of 13 months postoperatively (range, 8-19 months). None of the junior doctors was able to identify all three scars on any photo. No individual scar was identifiable by all reviewers. No scars were identified in over half (31) of the total of 60 photograph reviews. Of 180 scar reviews, only 37 (21%) were identified. The umbilical scars were least noticeable (3/60), followed by iliac fossa scars (11/60) and epigastric scars (23/60). Where any scars were correctly identified, the cosmetic result was always rated good (44%) or excellent (56%). CONCLUSIONS: Traditional laparoscopic surgery in infants can have an excellent cosmetic result with "invisible" scars. The cosmetic benefit and thus the role of SPL in infants are therefore questionable.

The risks of minimal access surgery in children: an aid to consent.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the risk of complications and conversions for minimally invasive procedures in children, thus allowing properly informed consent. METHODS: Data were retrieved for all minimally invasive surgical procedures performed between 1995 and 2009. RESULTS: There were 2352 cases performed in 2288 (1428 were male) patients. Of these, 2210 cases (94%) were laparoscopic, and 143 (6%), thoracoscopic. The median age at operation was 6 years and 4 months. The overall complication rate was 3.6%, with the risk of early reoperation at 1.7%. The risk was highest for fundoplication and pyloromyotomy at 3.2% and 4%, respectively. The risk of an infective complication was 0.5% and was highest for appendicectomy and nephrectomy. The risk of visceral injury overall in this series was 0.4%. Visceral injury, explicable only by port insertion, occurred in just under 1 in 1000 cases. The conversion rate was 2.3%. The lowest rates were observed with appendicectomy, fundoplication, and pyloromyotomy. Thoracoscopic cases, nephrectomies, and procedures for an underlying oncological diagnosis had a higher conversion rate. CONCLUSION: Informed consent requires knowledge of the risks of surgery. This series may serve as an aid for other units in obtaining consent for minimally invasive surgery in the pediatric population.

Mammary duct ectasia in children: report of a short series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Mammary duct ectasia is uncommon in children, and is usually considered to be an acquired disease in adults. However the occurrence in infants and children suggest it may be developmental. AIMS: To report a case series of mammary duct ectasia, and review the published literature to ascertain the common findings and histological findings in children. STUDY DESIGN: Case series report and review of the literature. RESULTS: We report three cases of mammary duct ectasia, an unusual disease in children. The most common presenting features are a bloody nipple discharge; there may also be a palpable mass or general breast enlargement. Two patients in this series presented with large masses simulating other conditions. Summary of all reported cases in children found that symptoms can arise from infancy, but is most common around the age of 3 years (range 2 months to 13 years), with a 5:2 male:female ratio. Histology centres on peri-ductal inflammation and dilation. Haemosiderin laden macrophages were seen commonly in this series; and may represent a histological marker in children. The disease is often self-limiting. Patients may require surgery for persistent nipple discharge or lump. CONCLUSIONS: Duct ectasia should be entertained in small infants and children presenting with both small and large peri-areolar breast masses and/or bleeding. The occurrence of the disease in infants suggests that mammary duct ectasia may represent a developmental anomaly in the paediatric population.