Posterior median surgical approach to anterior sacral meningocele complicated by rectothecal fistula.

In this case report, we aimed to describe the clinical presentation, surgical approach, and follow-up of a patient with rare anterior meningocele associated with rectothecal fistula. An 17-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department with meningitis. On further examinations, an anterior sacral meningocele accompanied by rectothecal fistula was detected. Appropriate antibiotic treatment was arranged and surgical plan was made with the pediatric surgery clinic. The patient underwent meningocele repair via posterior approach and colostomy operation. The patient did not experience any neurological issues after the surgery. The colostomy was reversed 3 months later, and third-month follow-up MRI showed complete regression of the meningocele sac with no neurological complications. Anterior meningocele accompanied by a rectothecal fistula is a rare and complicated case. Only seven cases of coexisting ASM and RTF have been reported in literature. Although both anterior and posterior approaches have been used for the treatment of ASM, the choice of treatment is essentially based on the patient's clinical and imaging findings.

Comparison of the results of open repair and laparoscopic repair with the PIRS method in the treatment of hydrocele in children.

PURPOSE: Hydrocele is a result of intraperitoneal fluid filling into the scrotum through the patent processus vaginalis (PPV). While the traditional approach of pediatric hydrocele has been open repair (OR) for years, laparoscopic repair (LR) of hydrocele has been accepted worldwide after the proven efficacy of laparoscopy. The purpose is to compare the outcomes of both techniques in a single center. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of all the patients who underwent hydrocele repair from August 2016 to November 2022. In our center, the standard approach was OR in hydrocele until the November of 2021. Starting from this date, LR has begun to be preferred, as the experience has increased and its success has been observed. In the LR group, single-port percutaneous internal ring suturing technique was performed. RESULTS: The data of 113 patients (OR 58.4% (n = 66), LR 41.6% (n = 47)) were collected. In preoperative examination, 12.4% (n = 14) patients were diagnosed as communicating and 87.6% (n = 99) non-communicating hydrocele. Intraoperatively, 65.5% (n = 74) patients were communicating and 34.5% (n = 39) were non-communicating. Total recurrence rate was 7% (n = 8). The OR group experienced a recurrence rate of 10.6% (n = 7), while the LR group experienced 2.12% (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy may reveal intrabdominal connection of hydrocele better than open approach. It provides a high quality view of both inguinal rings and has the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.

Acute Abdomen in an Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Neonate: A Case of Appendicitis.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal appendicitis is a very rare surgical entity. Non-specific symptoms such as feeding intolerance, abdominal distension, vomiting, increased gastric residue, lethargy, and fever may be present. The majority of reported cases could not be identified early. In this report, we present an extremely low-birth-weight preterm neonate who has been diagnosed with appendicitis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 980-gram preterm baby girl was born at 31 1/7 weeks of gestation. The physical examination was normal at birth. Her initial clinical course was uneventful. On the 7th day of life, she developed abdominal distention and tenderness. She had an episode of bloody stools and bilious vomiting. An abdominal X-ray suggested localized perforation in the cecum with an air-fluid level in the right lower quadrant. The clinical findings suggested necrotizing enterocolitis and perforation, and a diagnostic laparotomy was performed. The bowel was found to be normal with a necrotic appendix. The appendectomy was performed. She was discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit with no complications. CONCLUSION: Appendicitis is extremely rare in the neonatal period. It is quite challenging to evaluate the presentation accurately, which causes a delay in diagnosis. However, if an atypical NEC or peritonitis is present, appendicitis should be considered. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention improve the prognosis of neonatal appendicitis.

Skipping the cord during laparoscopic percutaneous internal ring suturing in children, is it reasonable?

BACKGROUND: As a minimally invasive procedure, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children was introduced. Percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS) is a popular technique. The main concern is that the spermatic cord will be trapped and/or the vasculature of the testes will be damaged in boys. This can be avoided by performing a careful dissection or by skipping the peritoneum over the cord and/or the vessels. The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of recurrence or complication (e.g. hydrocele) in children with skipped peritoneum on the cord and/or vessels compared to those without skipped peritoneum during laparoscopic PIRS repair. METHODS: The charts of children who underwent laparoscopic PIRS repair for inguinal hernia between 2017 and 2021 were analyzed. Complications and recurrence were assessed. The video recordings were viewed, and data on skipping (group 1) or not skipping (group 2) the peritoneum on vas deferens was recorded. The rates of recurrence and complications were compared between groups. RESULTS: There were 101 boys with a total of 125 inguinal hernias in the study. There were 45 right-sided hernias, 32 had left-sided hernias, and 24 had bilateral hernias. According to the video investigation, there were 63 hernias in group 1 and 62 hernias in group 2. In each group, there were two recurrences (3% for both groups). There were no other postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: To avoid spermatic cord or vessel damage, skipping the cord appears to be an acceptable path that does not appear to increase recurrence or complication rates while also ensuring the safety of spermatic structures.

Direct ligation of the internal ring incorporating the medial umbilical ligament (DIRIM): a new modification for laparoscopic percutaneous inguinal hernia repair in children.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic hernia repair has not gained widespread acceptance. Relatively high recurrence rate is a major cause. To reduce recurrence, we report a novel modification of laparoscopic percutaneous inguinal hernia repair in children by a retrospective cohort study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between February 2020 and August 2021, children who underwent a laparoscopic percutaneous inguinal hernia repair with our modified technique were retrospectively evaluated. In our modification, we included the medial inguinal ligament in the Direct ligation of the internal ring incorporating the medial umbilical ligament (DIRIM): a new modification for laparoscopic percutaneous inguinal hernia repair in children. By doing so, the medial ligament is expected to act like a flep that reinforces the repair and prevent the peritoneal shearing and migration of the ligature. RESULTS: In total, 35 children were enrolled in the study with 23 boys and 12 girls. Right inguinal hernia (n = 23) was more common than left hernia (n = 10), while bilateral cases (n = 2) were less common. The median age of the patients was 38 months and median operative time was 30 min. An extraperitoneal hematoma was encountered in one patient that did not affect the postoperative course. No other intraoperative complication was encountered. No recurrence was observed during a median follow-up of 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: Our modification of laparoscopic percutaneous hernia repair is a simple and reproducible technique that may have a place in the armamentarium of a pediatric surgeons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

An algorithm for retrieval tools in foreign body ingestion and food impaction in children.

The aim of this study is to review the experience on managing foreign body ingestion in children with special emphasis on the endoscopic techniques and specific retrieval devices used for foreign body (FB) extraction. The charts of 341 children were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, ingested material, removal technique and tool, level of FB, complications, and outcomes were recorded. A total of 364 FBs were removed from 341 children. Among these, 56.5% (n: 206) were entrapped in esophagus, 39% (n: 142) were in stomach, and 4.5% (n: 16) in duodenum and intestine. The most frequently ingested items were coin (42.5%), button batteries (20.6%), and safety pins (12%). Optical forceps (37.9%) were the most commonly used tool and they were used during retrieval of esophageal FB by rigid endoscopy. Retrieval net (20.7%) was the second most common tool and the most common one during flexible endoscopy. Depending on our experience, we strongly advocate rigid endoscopy for esophageal FBs and food impaction in children because it allows both to use optical forceps with a strong grasping ability for blunt FBs and to position sharp and pointed objects inside the rigid endoscope. We recommend retrieval net as the first tool for the extraction of blunt objects and rat tooth retrieval forceps is the best tool for sharp and pointed FBs in stomach.

Successful Mesenchymal Stem Cell Application in Supraventricular Tachycardia-Related Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most important life- threatening diseases in neonates. Recurrent episodes of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) can lead to gut ischemia, with subsequent reperfusion injury resulting in NEC. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multi-potential cells which can differentiate into multiple cell types. Case report: A 22-day old male baby delivered to 34 yr old mother at 37-weeks' gestation via cesarean section, birth weight 3550 g, developed NEC 14 hours after being treated with cardioversion for SVT. At laparotomy, there was pan-NEC, and 60 cm of necrotic and perforated bowel was resected. 1 × 107 umbilical cord origin allogeneic MSCs were given intravenously, with subsequent improvement of the remaining bowel. Conclusion: MSC may be a promising treatment for adjacent ischemic bowel in NEC helping prevent short bowel syndrome.

Determination of pentraxin 3 levels in diagnosis of appendicitis in children.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine whether pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels can be used in the diagnosis of appendicitis in children. METHODS: Fifteen children under 18 years old, who gave blood samples for reasons other than inflammatory conditions, and 40 children who were proved to have appendicitis (non-perforated or perforated) between August 2017 and January 2018, were enrolled in the study. Patients were classified into subgroups: group 1 (healthy children without any sign of inflammation, n = 15), group 2 (non-perforated appendicitis, n = 25), and group 3 (perforated appendicitis, n = 15). RESULTS: The median PTX3 value was 1.01 ng/mL (minimum value: 0.82, maximum: 1.28) in the control group. The median PTX3 values prior to surgery were 20.68 ng/mL (minimum: 1.02, maximum: 28.471) and 1.46 (minimum: 1.05, maximum: 23.421) ng/mL for non-perforated appendicitis and perforated appendicitis respectively. The PTX3 levels were significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1 (P < 0.01). According to receiver operating characteristics analysis the cut-off value of PTX3 levels at admission for appendicitis was 1.30 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 100% (area under the curve, 0.939; P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Pentraxin 3 levels were significantly higher in children with appendicitis than in healthy children. Children with high PTX3 levels complaining of right lower quadrant pain may support a diagnosis of appendicitis. Future studies should be conducted to evaluate changes in PTX3 levels by comparing children with appendicitis versus acute abdominal pain in larger populations to further determine the value of PTX3 in the diagnosis of appendicitis in children.

Laparoscopic assisted anterior transabdominal wall closure using loop suture removing technique in Morgagni hernia: safe and easy method.

PURPOSE: The treatment of MH entails surgical repair either by open abdominal or thoracic approaches or by minimal invasive surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the surgical and clinical outcomes of children who underwent laparoscopic assisted transabdominal wall closure and subcutaneous knot placement technique. METHODS: This retrospective study includes pediatric patients who underwent surgery for MH between January 2015 and February 2019. The patients' demographic data, symptoms, operative findings and technique and postoperative outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 17 children with MH were treated. There were 13 boys (76.5%) and four (23.5%) girls. Six patients had trisomy 21 (37%). The mean operation time was 40 min (25-90 min). The hernia sac was removed in all patients and there was no need for prosthetic patch in any of the children. Mean time to start feeding was 10 h (6-24 h). The mean hospitalization time was 2 days (1-5 days). There were no complications intraoperatively or postoperatively. The mean follow-up time was 24 months (6-40). No recurrence occurred during the follow-up time. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic assisted transabdominal wall closure and subcutaneous knot placement technique is a preferable method with excellent outcomes and short hospitalization and feeding time postoperatively. This technique may be performed easily and safely without requiring any additional experience other than basic laparoscopy skills.

Pediatric laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in Turkey: Short-term results.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is one of the most rapidly increasing health problems in children. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the best treatment options and is feasible and safe in children. The aim of this study was to present the short-term results of a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy series in children. METHODS: Children who underwent LSG in 2014-2017 were included in the study. Charts were investigated retrospectively and short-term weight loss was analyzed. RESULTS: Patients who had surgery in 2014-2017 were included in the study. There were six girls and two boys, and the median age was 15 years (range, 11-18 years). Mean weight was 159.25 ± 19.78 kg, and mean body mass index was 61.05 ± 8.5 kg/m2 . Mean operation time was 70 min (range, 65-90 min), mean hospital stay was 5.1 days (range, 3-7 days), and mean follow up was 19.2 months (range, 1-43 months). Of these patients, five had hypertension and were under medication and two of these five also had hyperinsulinemia. One of the five children had Bardet-Biedl syndrome and one had bronchial asthma. After operation, medication was stopped in four of the eight children. At the time of writing, six patients were doing well without postoperative complications, or the need for reoperation. CONCLUSION: Even though the follow-up period was short and the number of patients was small, LSG was a feasible and promising surgical method for morbidly obese children. A multidisciplinary approach and lifelong behavior therapy are key steps for success.

Balloon dilatation in esophageal strictures in epidermolysis bullosa and the role of anesthesia.

Esophageal involvement, which causes stricture, is a complication in epidermolysis bullosa. This causes dysphagia and malnutrition and leads to deterioration of skin lesions in these patients. The charts of 11 patients with epidermolysis bullosa and esophageal stricture who were included into dilatation program between 2003 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Seven of the patients were female and four were male. The median age was 14 (2-32) years. The mean body weight of patients was 27.8 (9-51) kg. The location and number of strictured parts of the esophagus were previously evaluated with upper gastrointestinal contrast study and after that flexible endoscopy was used for dilatation. Eight patients had middle esophageal, three patients had proximal esophageal and one of them had both proximal and middle esophageal strictures. The strictures were dilated 56 times in total (mean 5 times). One patient underwent gastrostomy and was medically followed-up after a perforation occurrence during the dilatation procedure. In a 32-year-old female patient, colon interposition was performed after four dilatations since optimal nutritional and developmental status could not be achieved. The dilatation program of nine patients is still in progress. Seven of them can easily swallow solid food but two of them have some difficulties in swallowing between dilatations. One patient rejected the program and quitted, while one patient refused colon interposition and died because of complications related to amyloidosis during the dilatation program. After resolution of the swallowing problem, skin lesions were observed to heal quickly. Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare cause of dysphagia. Esophageal balloon dilatation with flexible endoscopy is a safe and efficient method in patients with this condition.

Management of surgical problems in children on home invasive mechanical ventilation.

The management of surgical problems in children on home invasive mechanical ventilation (HIMV) requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. HIMV is a critical intervention for children with chronic respiratory failure, as it allows them to live at home with their families while receiving life-sustaining ventilatory support. However, the long-term use of HIMV exposes these children to potential surgical complications related to their underlying conditions, tracheostomy tubes, ventilator devices, and gastrostomy tubes for enteral feeding. This manuscript aims to provide a detailed overview of the identification and recognition of surgical problems in children on HIMV, as well as strategies to solve these problems effectively.

Percutaneous Tracheostomy Via Grigg's Technique in Children: Does Age and Size Matter?

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous tracheostomy is rarely performed in children, especially in infants. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the complications and outcomes of PT via the Griggs technique according to the age and size of pediatric patients. METHODS: This study included 110 PICU patients who underwent PT using the Griggs technique between 2012 and 2020. The patients were divided into six groups according to their age, demographic data, primary disease, mean duration of intubation before PT, mean duration of PICU and hospitalization after PT, complications, and decannulation outcomes were compared between these groups. RESULTS: The mean age and mean weight of the patients were 43.6 ± 58.9 months (1 month-207 months) and 14.6 ± 14.9 kg (2.6-65 kg), respectively. Mean intubation times before the procedures were 64.6 ± 40 days and 38.6 ± 37.9. Thirty-seven (33.6%) infants were under 6 months of age(Group 1). There were no intraoperative complications. Tracheostomy site stenosis was significantly greater in Group 1 than in the other age groups (p = 0.032). Granuloma formation and dermatitis incidence were similar in all age groups. CONCLUSION: PT is a safe and feasible procedure even in small infants. The accidental decannulation risk is lower than standard tracheostomy. Interacting with rigid bronchoscopy guidance is essential to perform a safer procedure. The first tracheostomy change after PT in small infants under 6 months of age, the possibility of tracheostomy site (stoma) stenosis should be considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Laryngoscope, 2024.

Novel Left-Sided Thoracoscopic Approach to Recurrent Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Post-Fistula Tracheal Diverticula.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (RTEF) is usually a consequence of leakage or other complications after esophageal atresia repair performed through right-sided access. This results in extensive intrapleural adhesions, and open redo surgery poses a challenge. Alternatively, endoscopic endotracheal fistula obliteration usually requires repetitive procedures, and its success rate varies significantly between centers. We present a novel approach to recurrent fistulas. The innovation is in reaching the fistula through the virgin field via left-sided three-port thoracoscopy instead of classical right-sided thoracotomy. METHODS: This is a presentation of a new operative technique based on a retrospective case series of patients operated on at our department between 2016 and 2023. RESULTS: Eight patients after esophageal atresia repair (six with RTEF and two with post-fistula tracheal diverticula) were successfully treated with left-sided thoracoscopy. There were no conversions. One patient required rethoracoscopy for chylothorax. Another one, after RTEF closure, underwent multiple endoscopic obliterations of subsequent tracheal diverticulum. No other major complications nor re-recurrences were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Left-sided thoracoscopy in redo esophageal atresia has the advantage of a "virgin" operative field and grants feasible access to the RTEF or tracheal diverticulum. We believe that this approach is worth further exploration because it combines minimal invasiveness with high effectiveness without all the consequences of a thoracotomy.

Is Laryngeal Mask a Good Alternative in Children Undergoing Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair with Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing Under and Over Two Years Old?

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate respiratory parameters during percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS) for inguinal hernia repair in two different-aged pediatric patients in whom the airway is provided with a laryngeal mask or endotracheal tube for general anaesthesia. Methods: After local ethics committee and parental consent, 180 ASAI-II children were randomly allocated to 4 groups; according to their age (0-24 months / 25-144 months) and airway device laryngeal mask (LMA) / endotracheal tube (ETT) used for general anaesthesia (45 children each) for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Standard anaesthesia induction was done with lidocaine, propofol, and fentanyl, and 0.6 mg kg-1 rocuronium was added to the ETT groups. Sevoflurane is used for maintenance. Hemodynamic parameters, peak airway pressure, end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), and peripheric oxygen saturation (SpO2) values were recorded after induction, before, and during pneumoperitoneum. The duration of anaesthesia, surgery, recovery time, and surgical satisfaction was recorded. Airway complications (cough, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, desaturation, and aspiration) were recorded. Results: Hundred and eighty patients (45 in each group) were analyzed. Duration of surgery and surgical satisfaction were similar in all groups. Duration of anaesthesia and recovery times were significantly shorter in the LMA groups. Peak airway pressure and EtCO2 levels were significantly lower in the LMA groups. Rare airway complications were observed without significance. Conclusion: In laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with the PIRS technique, LMA offered comparable operating conditions and surgical satisfaction.

Effects of intraperitoneal bupivacaine injection in laparoscopic appendectomy in children on post-operative pain: A controlled randomized double-blinded study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of local anesthetics administered intraperitoneally in laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy due to acute appendicitis were enrolled in the study. The children were divided into two groups. Intraperitoneal bupivacaine injection to appendectomy site and subdiaphragmatic area was performed after resection of appendix and aspirastion of intraperitoneal reactive fluid in Group 1 while Group 2 did not receive this therapy. The children were questioned by a nurse at postoperative 1st, 6th, 12th, and 24th h. Pain scores (PS) (abdominal), abdominal wall incisional pain (IP), shoulder pain (SP), and first need for analgesics were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty children were enrolled to the study. There was no significant difference in PS values and IP values between the two groups (p>0.05). SP values at 12th and 24th h were significantly lower in Group 1 (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant reduce in analgesic need in Group 1 (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal bupivacaine instillation to surgery site and subdiaphragmatic area seems to reduce the SP post-opera-tive and also reduce post-operative analgesic need. More meaningful results can be obtained with an increase in the number of patients.

Development of Sacral Ratio Percentile Card for Children: A Preliminary Report.

INTRODUCTION: Sacrospinal anomalies that may accompany anorectal malformations may cause fecal and urinary incontinence despite proper anomaly treatment. The sacral ratio has been suggested in the determination of both the prognosis in terms of incontinence and the need for further examination for sacrospinal anomalies. The normal and clinically decisive values of sacral ratio are given differently in publications. We aimed to determine the distribution of the sacral ratio in children under 12 months and to develop the sacral ratio percentile card that will enable one to give an age-independent parametric result in clinical evaluations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The files of patients under 1 year of age who had anteroposterior direct radiography including pelvis were reviewed retrospectively. Sacral ratio was studied for 360 patients, 30 patients per month. Percentile card was developed with LMS software and reference values were used as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 10%. RESULTS: The lowest sacral ratio value was 0.514 and the highest value was 0.936. There was no statistical difference between the mean sacral ratio of the cases when they were classified on a monthly basis (p = 0.191). Low percentile values were found slightly different at first 4 months of age. CONCLUSION: Although the mean of sacral ratio does not change significantly during the first year of life, values that are considered pathological for patients are within different percentile limits depending on age. Instead of using sacral ratio with some clinically decisive values, we think that parametric evaluation with the help of the percentile card will increase its clinical value.

Comparison of pre-PICU and per-PICU interventions, clinical features and neurologic outcomes of motor vehicle collision trauma and other mechanisms of trauma in children.

BACKGROUND: Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are the number one cause of death in the pediatric age group. The aim of this study was to determine the differences between MVCs and other trauma mechanisms (OTMs) in patients who were followed up at a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected for pediatric trauma patients hospitalized at a third level PICU between 2014 and 2018. Patients have been divided into two groups as MVC and OTM. Demographic data, pre-PICU interventions (cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intubation, injury severity scores, time period before intensive care), intensive care interventions (invasive mechanical ventilation, non-invasive mechanical ventilation, need for surgery, type of surgery, need for transfusion, and inotrope therapy) were compared between two groups. Outcomes were evaluated by survival, discharge from hospital, Pediatric Cerebral Performance Cate-gory (PCPC) at discharge, tracheotomy presence, and amputation performed. RESULTS: During the 5-year study period, 135 patients were hospitalized for trauma. The injured body regions were the head and neck (61.5%), abdomen and lumbar spine (39.4%), and extremities and pelvis (36.3%). Multiple trauma was mostly seen in the MVC trauma group (p=0.001). The need for invasive mechanical ventilation and inotrope therapy was greater in the MVC group (p=0.002, 0.001 respectively). One hundred and twenty-three patients (91.1%) survived. The mortality rate was higher in the MVC group (p=0.026). The PCPC results were better in the OTM group (p=0.017). CONCLUSION: MVCs lead to more multiple trauma cases than OTMs. Invasive mechanical ventilation, inotropes, and other inten-sive care interventions were necessary much more often in MVC victims than in OTM patients.

Hypospadias and the Use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire to Evaluate Neurodevelopmental Status of Boys with Hypospadias.

INTRODUCTION: Placental insufficiency is one of the reasons for the reduction of hormone production. Thus, if one of the suspected causes of hypospadias is placental insufficiency, then the neurodevelopmental status of boys with hypospadias may be impaired. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neurodevelopmental status of boys with hypospadias and guide the parents of those who need support to related departments for early intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Boys were divided into two groups, those with hypospadias (group H) and healthy children undergoing traditional circumcision (group C). The parents of the boys completed the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and ASQ-Social Emotional (SE), both of which are screening instruments for the early identification of developmental and social-emotional problems, respectively. RESULTS: Seventy-eight boys had hypospadias and 59 were admitted for traditional circumcision. The group H had statistically significant more impaired scores than group C in communication, gross motor, and personal-social skill sections. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that hypospadias was the independent predictive factor for communication and personal-social skills. CONCLUSION: Hypospadias and neurologic impairment may share common etiologic factors. Accordingly, physicians should keep in mind that if a boy presents with hypospadias, the possibility of having neurologic impairment is higher than normal population and early intervention has crucial importance. Every boy with hypospadias should be evaluated for neurodevelopmental status.

Minimal esophagus dissection without approximating the hiatus in laparoscopic fundoplication in pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE: An important part of laparoscopic Nissen's fundoplication (LNF) is a proper wrap, which may only be possible with proper dissection of esophagus and hiatus. However, too much dissection of esophagus and hiatus to gain sufficient length of esophagus increases morbidity. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of minimal esophagus dissection in LNF on recurrence and post-operative hiatal hernia. METHODS: The present study includes the children (0-18 years) who underwent LNF with minimal esophagus dissection and without hiatal closure between 2008 and 2016. The charts of the patients analyzed retrospectively and evaluated in terms of recurrence and post-operative hiatal hernia. RESULTS: There were 143 children. Mean age was 4.5±4.6 year (20 days-17 years). About 54% of the children (n=78) were neurologically impaired. There were two temporary intestinal obstructions which did not require surgery, one esophageal tightness which resolved with one dilatation session and one recurrence with hiatal hernia which required reoperation. CONCLUSION: Minimal esophagus dissection without hiatal closure in LNF avoids dysphagia with no increase in the rate of recurrence and complications.