Bowel parasitosis and neuroendocrine tumours of the appendix. A report from the Italian TREP project.

Five children with a neuroendocrine tumour (NET) of the appendix associated with a parasitic bowel infection are described, and the possibility of inflammation-triggered carcinogenesis is discussed. Schistosoma haematobium is linked primarily to bladder cancer but it has been reported in association with several other histotypes, including NETs of the gastrointestinal tract. Conversely, Enterobius vermicularis has not yet been claimed to participate in the onset of pre-cancerous conditions or tumours. The rare occurrence of contemporary appendiceal NETs and parasitic infection, raises the intriguing hypothesis of an inflammation-related carcinogenesis, although a cause-effect relationship cannot be established. Larger international series of childhood appendiceal NETs, which also include countries with higher prevalence of parasitic bowel infections, are needed to further clarify this possible cause-effect relationship.

Inguinal hernia in neonates and ex-preterm: complications, timing and need for routine contralateral exploration.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Aim of this study was to present a series of neonates and ex-preterm babies who underwent inguinal hernia repair focusing on complications and possible indication to perform routine contralateral groin exploration. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of a series of consecutive patients weighing less than 5 kg who underwent inguinal hernia repair between January 2007 and December 2012. Only the affected side was treated. Patients have been routinely followed up postoperatively. We resorted to available outpatients' charts and admission notes to record demographic data, surgical details, complications and the occurrence of metachronous hernias. A questionnaire was administered to all patients' relatives to confirm the long-term outcome. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-four patients were operated for a total of 184 herniotomies (88 right sided, 36 left sided and 30 bilateral). Median length of follow-up was 42 months (range 6 months-7.5 years). Thirteen patients (13/124 = 10.5 %) developed metachronous hernia that proved to be significantly more frequent in patients weighing less than 1,500 g at birth (p < 0.05). We observed 10 % of complications, including 2.7 % testicular atrophy and 4.5 % recurrence. Atrophy proved to occur more frequently in patients who experienced preoperative incarceration (p < 0.05). No other risk factors were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our series demonstrated that, though technically demanding, herniotomy in the neonate and ex-preterm is associated with a relatively low incidence of complications. Based on our results and in accordance with literature data, we do not advocate routine contralateral exploration in case of unilateral hernia but surgery to be performed only on the symptomatic side, as soon as possible after initial diagnosis. Very low birth weight patients should be followed with care in the early postoperative period due to the higher likelihood of developing a metachronous hernia.

[Role in mini-invasive surgery in children]. / Il ruolo della chirurgia ad approccio mini-invasivo in età pediatrica.

AIM: This paper describes our experience with minimally invasive surgery and underlines its increasingly important role in the treatment of pediatric patients. METHODS: The study included all those patients undergoing a minimally invasive surgical procedure between January 2006 and March 2012. Patient demographics, type of operation (classified according to disease and anatomic site), complications, and length of hospital stay (LOS) were recorded. RESULTS: Out of 12,596 surgeries, 1803 (14.3%) minimally invasive procedures were performed: Soave-Georgeson endorectal colon pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease (N.=82); colectomy for chronic inflammatory bowel disease (N.=37); ileal J-pouch ano-rectal Knight-Griffen anastomosis in colectomized patients with chronic ulcerative colitis (N.=35); Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (N.=148); cholecystectomy (N.=68); appendectomy (N.=341); laparoscopic or thoracoscopic tumor resection or biopsy (N.=90); reconstruction of the renal pelvi and ureters (N.=11); and Nuss thoracoplasty for pectus excavatum (N.=237). The median age was 3 years; the median LOS was 3 days; the complications rate was 0.9% (N.=18). CONCLUSION: According to our experience, minimally invasive surgery is a safe and efficacious alternative to conventional surgery (in terms of complications) also in children. It was associated with shorter LOS and improved quality of life, with less pain and better aesthetic results. It has become the preferred surgical treatment option by parents.

Abdominal wall defects: a 33-year unicentric experience.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to provide the main clinical features, surgical details, and long term outcome of patients with gastroschisis and omphalocele operated on at Giannina Gaslini Institute between 1976 and 2009. METHODS: All patients who were operated on between 1976 and 2009 for omphalocele or gastroschisis were included. Detailed informations regarding demographics, maternal history, type of delivery, associated anomalies, surgical details, complications, morbidity and mortality were collected. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included. Type of delivery did not interfere with outcome. Although patients with omphalocele had higher incidence of associated anomalies with their obvious impact on survival and quality of life, they showed a quicker recovery from surgery. Mortality rate was around 5%. Long-term outcome was available in 18 of them and proved to be satisfactory in all although almost 70% of them complained some gastrointestinal issues. CONCLUSION: Gastroschisis and Omphalocele showed improving survival and outcome during the last decades. Caesarean section proved not to confer advantages over vaginal delivery. Associated anomalies have the highest impact on survival being cardiac malformation the most significant risk factors. Although overall outcome is good in the majority of the patients, gastrointestinal and cosmetic issues seem to have a significant impact on quality of life and overall patients' perspectives.

Intraoperative bronchoscopy for bronchial carcinoid parenchymal-sparing resection: a pediatric case report.

Bronchial carcinoid tumors are the most common primary pulmonary neoplasm in the pediatric population. The widely accepted treatment for carcinoid tumors is surgical, specifically aiming at being as much as conservative on lung parenchyma, while the entire tumor is resected. A brief case is described, highlighting the importance and advantages of a surgical and endoscopic combined approach.

Shifting from open surgical cut down to ultrasound-guided percutaneous central venous catheterization in children: learning curve and related complications.

PURPOSE: Tunneled indwelling central venous catheters (CVC) are essential in the management of children with cancer, hematological, nephrological disorders and for parenteral nutrition. The aim of this study is to present the experience of a single center of the transition from traditional open surgical cut down procedure (OSC) to ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous CVC insertion, focusing on learning curve and related complications. METHODS: All CVCs inserted between April 2008 and November 2009 in children at the Gaslini Children Hospital were revised, and data on methods of cannulation, intraoperative and device-related complications and re-intervention were recorded. RESULTS: 194 CVCs were positioned in 188 patients. 128 out of 194 CVCs were positioned through an OSC technique, whereas the remaining 66 CVCs were inserted percutaneously with US guidance. Of the 27 recorded complications, 15 were mechanical events, 7 cases developed infection, whereas the remaining 5 (2.6%) were classified as intraoperative complications. A second surgical procedure was described in 23 (11.8%) cases. CONCLUSION: Shifting from OSC to US-guided percutaneous CVC insertion inevitably involves a challenging learning curve which is generally associated with high complication rates. Complications progressively decrease once a good experience in US guidance and percutaneous technique has been obtained.

Incidence of indwelling central venous catheter-related complications using the Sri Paran technique for device fixation in children with cancer.

PURPOSE: Mechanical complications in tunneled indwelling central venous catheters (CVCs) often involve a risk of displacement. Fixation procedures are, therefore, of primary importance. We prospectively evaluated the incidence of CVC-related mechanical and infectious complications observed in devices fixated with the Sri Paran technique. METHODS: All CVCs inserted in children with cancer at our Institution from October 2005 to January 2007 were prospectively monitored for device-related mechanical and infectious complications. The Sri Paran fixation technique was used in all cases. The complication rate per 1,000 days was calculated as 1,000 times the number of complications divided by the total number of catheter days. RESULTS: Ninety-five CVCs were positioned in 84 children. The overall length of observation ranged between 41 and 482 days for a total of 18,618 catheter days. Mechanical complications occurred in 5% of the devices (specific rate 0.27); infections were observed in 6% of the devices (specific rate 0.32). No complications were observed during the first 30 days after CVC insertion. CONCLUSIONS: The results, we obtained with the Sri Paran technique are extremely encouraging. Yet, randomized studies are required to prove these preliminary data.

Treatment of neurogenic bowel dysfunction using transanal irrigation: a multicenter Italian study.

STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-six patients with unsatisfactory treatment of neurogenic bowel dysfunctions (NBD) were enrolled from Spinal Units and Rehabilitation Centers in Italy. Treatment was for 3 weeks using a newly developed integrated system with an enema continence catheter for transanal irrigation (Peristeen, Coloplast A/S Kokkedal Denmark). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of Peristeen Anal Irrigation on NBD and patient quality of life (QoL). SETTING: Italy. METHODS: Lesion level, ambulatory status and hand functionality were determined in all patients. NBD symptoms and QoL were evaluated before and after treatment, using a specific questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using McNemar Test and Sign Test. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were enrolled, and 32 patients completed the study. At the end of the treatment, 28.6% of patients reduced or eliminated their use of pharmaceuticals. Twenty-four patients became less dependent on their caregiver. There was a significant increase in patients' opinion of their intestinal functionality (P=0.001), QoL score (P=0.001) and their answers regarding their degree of satisfaction (P=0.001). A successful outcome was recorded for 68% of patients with fecal incontinence, and for 63% of patients with constipation. CONCLUSION: Peristeen Anal Irrigation is a simple therapeutic method for managing NBD and improving QoL. It should be considered as the treatment of choice for NBD, playing a role in the neurogenic bowel analogous to that of intermittent clean catheterization in bladder treatment.

Urinary diversion in infants with primary high-grade vesicoureteric reflux, urinary sepsis and renal function impairment.

INTRODUCTION: General consensus on the optimal treatment of septic infants with primary high-grade vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) and renal function impairment has not been reached. Our study aims at evaluating the role of temporary urinary diversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male infants, affected by sepsis and primary high-grade VUR, underwent urinary diversion in 1996-2001 because of estimated risk of renal function deterioration, due to non-compliance with the antibiotic treatment. Plasmatic creatinine clearance, ultrasonography, micturition cystography and scintigraphy were evaluated. RESULTS: Creatinine clearance was abnormal in 13 infants on admission, in 10 after urinary diversion and in 6 after second surgery. Renal damage (focal or diffuse) was evident in 16 patients, without modifications after surgery. No patient developed urinary tract infections (UTI). Vesicostomy was done in 12 cases, ureterostomy in 8. Nephrectomy was performed in 3 cases with poor renal function, and ureteroneocystostomy in 17. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary diversion in septic infants with high-grade VUR can represent an alternative approach to the conservative or surgical treatment in selected patients presenting risk of renal function impairment. This procedure allowed an easy management of UTI without worsening of renal function while waiting for a better anatomical status to perform reconstructive surgery.

Histological changes following two-step flap gastrocystoplasty in rats.

INTRODUCTION: A gastric segment used to increase bladder capacity can undergo considerable changes over time, as can all intestinal segments implanted in the urinary tract and in contact with urine. This experimental study reports the differences between the histological alterations observed in the gastric patch transposed in the bladder both with its own pedicle and after deafferentation from the stomach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 30 young male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent gastrocystoplasty. Survivors were divided into 3 groups: gastrocystoplasty alone (8 rats); gastrocystoplasty with vascular deafferentation at 15 days (7 rats), and at 2 months (8 rats). 5 rats were used as controls. Urinary pH was evaluated during a 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Histology showed that early devascularization hindered the fusion of the two mucosae in the junctional area but reduced papillary hyperplasia (p = 0.013) of the gastric mucosa. No changes were observed in urinary pH after patch devascularization. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular deafferentation creates a gastric flap on the bladder which, even if it does not prevent urinary acidification, reduces the frequency of histologically detected changes susceptible for transformation into neoplasms.

Mechanical complications related to indwelling central venous catheter in pediatric hematology/oncology patients.

Indwelling central venous catheters (CVC) are essential devices in the management of children with oncologic/hematologic diseases or following bone marrow transplantation. The authors report data on the mechanical complications observed in pediatric hematology/oncology patients, collected by a retrospective analysis of clinical records of 482 patients in whom 567 indwelling central venous catheters had been inserted from January 1992 to December 1998 at the G. Gaslini Institute. During the study period, 52 episodes of mechanical complications (9%) were observed: mechanical obstruction (24 episodes), catheter dislocation (13), problems related to catheter material (12), and accidental removal (3). In 25 cases removal and replacement of CVC was necessary for the treatment of complications, while medical treatment (thrombolytic-antithrombotic) was successful and well tolerated in 8. The study shows the importance of mechanical complications in children with indwelling CVC for hematologic or oncologic diseases. Moreover, the experience of administering a systemic low-dosage thrombolytic therapy demonstrates new prospects of reducing CVC replacement by restoring CVC viability.

Pancreatitis caused by duodenal duplication.

The authors present the investigations and surgical treatment of two cases of duodenal cystic duplication. Abdominal pain and gastroesophageal reflux were the most important symptoms and signs associated with an history of recurrent acute pancreatitis. Computed tomography scan, ultrasound examination, and cholangiography confirmed preoperatively the diagnosis, and a transduodenal surgical approach was carried out in both children. A simple marsupialization of the cyst was performed in the former, and a sphincterotomy with papillosphincteroplasty was associated in the latter. The diagnosis was confirmed by microscopy, and both the children are asymptomatic after a 14 and 18 months of follow-up. This report focuses on the importance of the cholangiopancreatography for every child presenting with recurrent, unexplained bouts of acute pancreatitis, and underlines the technical surgical aspects on the basis of the anatomic identification of the malformation.

Treatment of vesico-ureteric reflux in children with neuropathic bladder: a comparison of surgical and endoscopic correction.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) is a common problem in children with neuropathic bladder. Lesser-degree VUR may be manageable by intermittent catheterization or by anticholinergics, but higher grades usually require surgical treatment. If left untreated, two thirds of such patients may experience deterioration of the upper renal tracts. The aim of this study was to compare the results of the STING (Subureteric Teflon Injection) technique with surgical ureteric reimplantation as treatment for VUR in neuropathic bladder. METHODS: From January 1981 to December 1996, 58 children with NB (81 ureters) were treated for VUR. STING and Cohen ureteroneocystotomy were performed in 40 and 41 ureters, respectively. Mean age was 4.5 years (STING) and 5.1 years (Cohen). RESULTS: Twenty-nine of 40 refluxing ureters (72.5%) were cured by STING, whereas Cohen eradicated reflux in 39 of 41 ureters (95.5%). No complications were observed in either group. All the ureters in which STING failed were treated successfully by Cohen ureteroneocystostomy. The 2 ureters still refluxing after surgical reimplantation were cured successfully by a single STING. The mean follow-up was 6.8 years in the Cohen group and 4.8 years in the STING group. During follow-up, no recurrence was observed in patients cured by open reimplantation. In the STING group, 2 previously cured ureters showed recurrence of VUR: both were treated successfully by a further STING. CONCLUSIONS: Open ureteral reimplantation is more effective than STING in correcting VUR in children with neuropathic bladder dysfunction. Nevertheless, the good success rate, the relative technical simplicity, outpatient nature, and rapid recovery point to STING as a safe and effective procedure for the initial treatment of VUR. Failure of STING does not preclude a successful open operation.

[Laparoscopic approach to appendiceal emergencies. Our experience. Preliminary results]. / L'approccio laparoscopico alle urgenze appendicolari. Nostra esperienza. Risultati preliminari.

Laparoscopic surgery in acute appendectomy is a very much debated subject also for skilled teams of mini-invasive surgery. The authors review 25 urgent laparoscopic interventions for acute appendicitis, treating some technical aspects of trocar introduction and Endoloops and EndoGia employment in this field. They conclude by emphasizing that the laparoscopic approach for acute appendicitis is the treatment of choice, considering the good results and the future prospects of laparoscopic versus open surgery.

Cervical lymphadenitis caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria in immunocompetent children: clinical and therapeutic experience.

BACKGROUND: Cervical lymphadenitis is a frequent manifestation of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection in immunocompetent children. Surgical excision, the treatment of choice, is often incomplete and may be difficult. A medical approach could reduce treatment morbidity. METHODS: Systemic antibiotic therapy was administered to seven children for at least 6 months as treatment for cervical lymphadenitis due to NTM: rifabutin and clarithromycin in 4 cases; rifabutin, clarithromicyn, and ethambutol in 2 cases; rifabutin, amikacin, and cycloserine in 1 case. RESULTS: All patients, six followed for a mean of 3 years and one for 6 months, were initially seen with regression of local signs of infection without relapse. Toxicity, likely due to rifabutin, was represented by neutropenia in three patients and yellow skin pigmentation in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic antibiotic therapy was safe and effective in children with lymphadenitis due to NTM. This approach could represent a sound alternative or adjunct to surgery.

All mechanical low rectal anastomosis in children.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of mechanical suturing in children for low rectal anastomosis. METHODS: The study group includes 31 children operated on from January 1993 to July 1996 by the same senior surgeon, performing the modified Duhamel procedure for Hirschsprung's disease in 17 children, intestinal neuronal dysplasia in seven, and the Knight-Griffen procedure in seven pediatric patients with chronic ulcerative colitis. RESULTS: In all the cases the technique of "viscero-synthesis" was performed using the mechanical stapler. A circular stapler has been used for the end-to-end and the end-to-side anastomosis between the anal canal or the back wall of the rectum with the pulled viscus, while a linear endoscopic stapler (GIA) has been used for the consolidation of the rectocolic wall in the modified Duhamel technique. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained demonstrate that the mechanical staplers in children are safe and effective in low rectal anastomosis, sparing operative time and reducing the risk of anastomotic dehiscence; however, the size of circular instruments limits its use in neonates and small infants.

Lung resection in pediatric patients.

An evaluation of all pediatric patients with primary or secondary pulmonary disease operated upon from January 1993 to July 1996 by the same senior surgeon was carried out. The inclusion criterion was a lung resection in patients aged less than 14 years. Children were divided into two categories according to the neoplastic or non-neoplastic nature of their disease. In the first group a lobectomy was performed for primary lesions and wedge resection for secondary ones. In the second group lobar emphysema and cystic dysplasia were the major indications for lobectomy, while diagnostic wedge resections were performed for interstitial/infiltrative lesions. Several groups of techniques were identified according to the type of approach and the suture method. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and a muscle-sparing approach were compared to classic posterolateral thoracotomy. The mechanical stapler-suturing method was compared to the manual suturing. Our results demonstrate the importance of mechanical suturing, particularly in decreasing anesthesia time and reducing the risk of dehiscence. The minimally invasive approach associated with mini-thoracotomy was particularly useful for patients with reduced oxygen saturation due to ventilatory and gas-exchange problems. The roles of staplers in lung parenchymal resection and minimally invasive procedures for improving the postoperative thoracic compliance of pediatric patients are stressed.

[Benign mediastinal teratoma with pericardial symptoms. The utility of echocardiography in diagnosis]. / Teratoma benigno del mediastino a sintomatologia pericardica. Utilità diagnostica dell'ecocardiografia.

The authors describe the clinical case of a 21-year-old girl who was admitted to the hospital because of pericardial symptomatology. On admission, a transthoracic echocardiogram revealed moderate pericardial effusion and an anterior parenchimallike mediastinal mass, that extended as far as the main vessels and the anterior wall of the right ventricle. This report was subsequently confirmed by a computed tomography chest scan. Due to the rupture into the pericardial cavity, which was followed by considerable pericardial effusion, she was immediately taken to the operating room for pericardiocentesis and the decision was then made in order to excise the mass. The hystological diagnosis revealed "benign cystic mature teratoma of the mediastinum". The authors' literature data is included, and the article also emphasizes the importance of using echocardiograms in casualties in order to obtain a differential diagnosis of chest pain.