Trans-umbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy in the pediatric population: comparing single-incision and 2-trocar techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Trans-umbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy (TULAA) combines advantages of open surgery with benefits of laparoscopy and can be performed either by single-incision or with two trocars; the present study aims to compare outcomes and cost of these techniques in a pediatric serie. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients undergoing TULAA between July 2013 and June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. There were two groups: A (single-incision) - one umbilical trocar for a telescope with inbuilt working channel; and B (2-trocar) - one umbilical trocar for a 'standard' telescope plus a supra-pubic trocar for instruments. RESULTS: One-hundred and eighty-nine patients (112 males, age: 12[2-17] years) underwent TULAA; 32(17%) presented with perforated appendicitis. Group A encompassed 157 and group B 32 patients; age, gender, proportion of perforated appendicitis, and follow-up were similar. Operative time was 46 [21-145] min in group A, and 54.5[30-111] in group B (A vs B, p = 0.087). Length of hospital stay was 2 [1;22] days in group B, and 2 [0;24] in group A (A vs B, p = 0.136). The prevalence of post-operative complications was similar: 11 (7%) cases in group A and 2 (6.3%) intra-abdominal abscesses in group B. Using disposable trocars, the more expensive starting point of single-incision technique may be reversed after 27 procedures. CONCLUSION: Single-incision and 2-trocar TULAA are effective techniques with low complication rates and similar outcomes. Despite being technically more demanding, single incision may be advantageous because there are no visible scars, and potentially cheaper in hospitals where disposable trocars are used.

The Use of a Polylactic Membrane in Pediatric Burns Proves to be Successful Even After Late Application.

The Polylactide membrane (PLM) is a biosynthetic dressing that mimics properties of the human epithelium. Herein we describe our experience on the use of PLM in pediatric burns. All pediatric burn patients admitted to the Pediatric Surgery Department between November 2019 and November 2021 and submitted to PLM application were selected. Clinical and demographic data were collected retrospectively. Seventy-seven patients with a median age of 1.8 years were included. The median total body surface area was 6% (2-20%), and burns were mainly mixed-partial thickness. PLM was applied at a median of 5 days post-burn (IQR 3-6), usually under sedation (43/77). After PLM application, the median healing time (HT) was 10 days (IQR 8-14). HT was significantly higher in deep-partial thickness burns vs. mixed superficial-deep (P = .015) and superficial burn areas (P = .006). No correlation was found between HT and the timing of PLM application. The grafting rate due to clinical misevaluation was 2.7%, one infection was found. The PLM is a promising way for treating partial-thickness burns, even when applied later during treatment. Shorter HT, the decreased need for dressing changes, and the potential of sparing of donor sites and pain reduction are its main advantages.

Sigmoid Volvulus in Children: Diagnosis and Therapeutic Challenge.

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid volvulus is a rare condition in children. Early diagnosis increases the success of nonsurgical treatment in the emergency department, but posterior elective surgery is important due to the risk of recurrence. METHODS/CONCLUSIONS: We present the case of a healthy 16-year-old girl with recurrent volvulus and successful endoscopic treatment followed by elective surgery.

INTRODUÇÃO: A ocorrência de um vólvulo do sigmoide na criança ê raro, constituindo desta forma um desafio diagnóstico. A identificação precoce desta patologia é essencial pois permite que a redução do vólvulo seja efetuada numa primeira abordagem por métodos não cirú;rgicos, e quanto mais precoce na história da doença maior a taxa de sucesso e menor o risco de complicações associadas. MÉTODOS/CONCLUSÕES: No entanto a cirurgia eletiva posterior é mandatória pelo alto risco de recidiva. Os autores apresentam o caso de uma adolescente sem antecedentes patológicos de relevo com um vólvulo sigmoideu recorrente submetido a redução endoscópica com sucesso.

[Late traumatic diaphragmatic hernia complicated by intrathoracic perforation and haemorrhagic gastric cyst: a rare combination]. / Hérnia diafragmática traumática tardia complicada de perfuração intratorácica e quisto hemorrágico gástrico: Uma combinação rara.

The authors describe the clinical and imagiologic challenges faced at the Emergency Room while observing a 48-year-old woman, submitted to a Nissen fundoplication 16 months earlier. She presented herself with a one-month total progressive dysphagia, epigastric pain and regurgitation. Intraoperative findings demonstrated an intraabdominal fundoplication, closure of diaphragmatic crura and part of the gastric greater curvature and body herniated through a small posterior defect on the diaphragm, with a gigantic serosal cystic mass and associated perforation. Data from posterior clinical investigation shows a traffic accident 34 years ago. Although described before, the association of late traumatic diaphragmatic hernia and gastric intrathoracic perforation is rare (< 2.5%) and difficult to diagnose. A revision of the literature is performed concerning the pathophysiologic mechanisms of late diaphragmatic rupture, its clinical presentation and diagnosis, as for Nissen fundoplication complications, its prevention and management.