Frequency of splenectomy for pediatric splenic injury in Brazil: a retrospective analysis.

Background: Non-operative management for pediatric blunt splenic injury is well established in high-income countries, leading to a low splenectomy rate in hemodynamically stable children. Splenectomy rate became a quality indicator for Trauma Center verification utilized by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. However, data on splenectomy rate in children from countries with different income levels, such as Brazil, remain limited. This study aimed to assess the post-traumatic splenectomy rate among Brazilian children over the past decade and the relation with local resources. Methods: Data on pediatric splenic injuries and splenectomies from 2008 to 2019, including patient age and admitting service (adult or pediatric), were obtained from FioCruz database, a public, free, cloud-based platform that offers extensive national health data. The regional numbers of pediatric surgeons, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) beds, and computed tomography scanners were obtained from Brazilian national databases. A national analysis of splenectomy rate by year and service of admission and an analysis of splenectomy rate by the level of regional resources, the number of pediatric surgeons, PICU beds, and computed tomography scanners was performed. Findings: 4061 children were hospitalized with a splenic injury, and 2287 (51.8%) of them underwent splenectomy, unchanged over time. 76.8% were male and 23.1% female patients with splenic injury. Mean age was 11.61 years old. The odds of splenectomy was 14.77 times higher for pediatric patients admitted under adult surgical service compared to pediatric service (OR = 14.77, 95% CI 11.75-18.56, p < 0.0001). The overall increase in pediatric surgeons, PICU beds, and CT scanner availability did not correspond with changes in splenectomy rate. Interpretation: The post-traumatic splenectomy rate among Brazilian children is high, far exceeding that of high-income countries. Increased regional pediatric resources did not correspond to a decrease in splenectomy rate. Further research is essential to understand Brazil's barriers to adopting non-operative management for pediatric splenic injuries. Funding: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Evaluation of the level of information of pediatricians about the diagnosis and management of cryptorchidism.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the level of information of pediatricians about the diagnosis and management of cryptorchidism. METHOD: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a form via the "Google Forms" platform. The study population included pediatricians and pediatric residents associated with the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. Seven hundred twenty-eight responses were recorded and analyzed using IBM SPSS v21. RESULTS: 728 valid responses were obtained. Of these answers, only 20.5 % answered that the physical examination was sufficient for the diagnosis, and 79.4 % responded that they requested ultrasound as the best test to aid in diagnosing cryptorchidism. When questioned about the ideal age for referring a patient with cryptorchidism, the survey recorded 56.3 % of the responses defending the correct age as six months old, 30.2 % shortly after birth, and 13.2 % at two years old. Other topics were addressed in the form, such as the frequency of evaluation of testicular position and investigation for DDS, among others. Still, the answers to these questions were compatible with current manuals and guidelines on cryptorchidism. CONCLUSION: It is evident that the understanding of the professionals consulted about the diagnosis and management of cryptorchidism needs to be updated with the current practices adopted and that pediatricians, in general, must maintain periodic programs on this subject. Therefore, this topic should be part of a continuing education program with pediatric surgery.

Social determinants of gastrointestinal malformation mortality in Brazil: a national study.

Introduction: In Brazil, approximately 5% are born with a congenital disorder, potentially fatal without surgery. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between gastrointestinal congenital malformation (GICM) mortality, health indicators, and socioeconomic factors in Brazil. Methods: GICM admissions (Q39-Q45) between 2012 and 2019 were collected using national databases. Patient demographics, socioeconomic factors, clinical management, outcomes, and the healthcare workforce density were also accounted for. Pediatric Surgical Workforce density and the number of neonatal intensive care units in a region were extracted from national datasets and combined to create a clinical index termed 'NeoSurg'. Socioeconomic variables were combined to create a socioeconomic index termed 'SocEcon'. Simple linear regression was used to investigate if the temporal changes of both indexes were significant. The correlation between mortality and the different indicators in Brazil was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Over 8 years, Brazil recorded 12804 GICM admissions. The Southeast led with 6147 cases, followed by the Northeast (2660), South (1727), North (1427), and Midwest (843). The North and Northeast reported the highest mortality, lowest NeoSurg, and SocEcon Index rates. Nevertheless, mortality rates declined across regions from 7.7% (2012) to 3.9% (2019), a 51.7% drop. The North and Midwest experienced the most substantial reductions, at 63% and 75%, respectively. Mortality significantly correlated with the indexes in nearly all regions (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our study highlights the correlation between social determinants of health and GICM mortality in Brazil, using two novel indexes in the pediatric population. These findings provide an opportunity to rethink and discuss new indicators that could enhance our understanding of our country and could lead to the development of necessary solutions to tackle existing challenges in Brazil and globally.

Esophageal replacement in children - 27 years of experience in a University Hospital / Substituição esofágica em crianças - 27 anos de experiência em um Hospital Universitário

ABSTRACT Introduction: esophageal replacement in children is indicated when it is impossible to maintain the native esophagus, which in the pediatric population includes patients with esophageal atresia and esophageal caustic stenosis. The objective of this communication is to report the experience of a university service with two techniques of esophageal replacement. Methods: this is a retrospective study based on the revision of hospital files. The study population consisted of patients who underwent esophageal replacement from 1995 to 2022, at the Hospital de Clínicas of the State University of Campinas. The analyzed data were age, sex, underlying disease, technical aspects, complications, and long-term results. Results: during the study period, 30 patients underwent esophageal replacement. The most common underlying diseases were esophageal atresia (73.33%) and caustic stenosis (26.67%). Twenty-one patients underwent gastric transposition (70%), and nine underwent esophagocoloplasty (30%). The most frequent postoperative complication was fistula of the proximal anastomosis, which occurred in 14 patients. Most of the patients with fistulas had a spontaneous recovery. There were three deaths. Of the 27 survivors, 24 can feed exclusively by mouth. Conclusion: esophageal replacement in children is a procedure with high morbidity and mortality. Esophagocoloplasty and gastric transposition have similar results and complications, with the exception of proximal anastomotic fistulas, which are generally self-resolving and are more common in esophagocoloplasty. The choice of the best surgical technique must be individualized according to the patients characteristics and the surgeons experience, as both techniques offer the ability to feed orally in the short or medium term.

RESUMO Introdução: a substituição esofágica em crianças está indicada quando não é possível manter o esôfago nativo, o que inclui principalmente pacientes com atresia esofágica e estenose cáustica esofágica. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar a experiência de um serviço universitário com duas técnicas de substituição esofágica, a transposição gástrica e a esofagocoloplastia. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo baseado na revisão de arquivos hospitalares. A população do estudo foi de 30 pacientes com idade entre 6 meses e quatorze anos, submetidos à substituição esofágica, no período de 1995 a 2022, no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Os dados analisados foram idade, sexo, doença de base, aspectos técnicos, complicações e resultados a longo prazo. Resultados: As doenças de base mais comuns foram atresia de esôfago (73,33%) e estenose cáustica (26,67%). Vinte e um pacientes foram submetidos à transposição gástrica (70%) e nove à esofagocoloplastia (30%). A complicação pós-operatória mais frequente foi fístula da anastomose proximal, que ocorreu em 14 pacientes. A maioria dos pacientes com fístula teve recuperação espontânea. Houve três mortes no total. Dos 27 sobreviventes, 24 conseguem se alimentar exclusivamente por via oral. Conclusão: A substituição esofágica em crianças é um procedimento com alta morbimortalidade. Esofagocoloplastia e transposição gástrica têm resultados e complicações semelhantes, com exceção de fístulas da anastomose proximal, que são em geral auto-resolutivas e mais comuns na esofagocoloplastia. A escolha da melhor técnica cirúrgica deve ser individualizada, sendo que ambas as técnicas oferecem a capacidade de alimentação via oral a curto ou médio prazo.

Evaluation of the regional distribution of the pediatric surgery workforce and surgical load in Brazil.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the regional distribution of the pediatric surgery workforce and the expected local demand for pediatric surgical procedures in Brazil. Methods: We collected data on the pediatric surgical workforce, surgical volume, Gross Domestic Product per capita, and mortality for gastrointestinal tract malformations (MGITM) across the different regions of Brazil for 2019. Results: Data from the Federal Medical Council reported 1515 pediatric surgery registries in Brazil, corresponding to 1414 pediatric surgeons (some pediatric surgeons are registered in more than one state), or 2.4 pediatric surgeons per 100 000 children 14 years of age and younger. There were 828 men and 586 women. The mean age was 51.5±12.8 years, and the mean time from graduation was 3.4±5.7 years. There is a higher concentration of pediatric surgeons in the wealthier Central-West, South, and Southeast regions. Individual surgical volume ranged from 88 to 245 operations/year (average 146 operations/year) depending on the region. Of these, only nine (6.1%) were high-complexity (including neonatal) operations. MGITM tended to be higher in the poorer North and Northeast regions than in other regions of Brazil. Conclusions: Our findings suggest significant disparities in the surgical workforce and workload across Brazil related to socioeconomic status. Regions with an increased surgical workforce were associated with lower MGITM. The average number of complex operations performed annually by each pediatric surgeon was considerably low. Strategic investment and well-defined health policies are imperative to enhance the quality of surgical care in the different regions of Brazil. Level of evidence: Retrospective review; level IV.

Analysis of the efficacy and safety of conservative treatment of blunt abdominal trauma in children: retrospective study. Conservative treatment of blunt abdominal trauma in children.

INTRODUCTION: in Brazil, trauma is responsible for 40% of deaths in the age group between 5 and 9 years old, and 18% between 1 and 4 years, and bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death in the traumatized child. Conservative management of blunt abdominal trauma with solid organs injury - started in the 60s - is the current world trend, with studies showing survival rates above 90%. The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of conservative treatment in children with blunt abdominal trauma treated at the Clinical Hospital of the University of Campinas, in the last five years. METHODS: retrospective analysis of medical records of patients classified by levels of injury severity, in 27 children. RESULTS: only one child underwent surgery for initial failure of conservative treatment (persistent hemodynamic instability), resulting in a 96% overall success rate of the conservative treatment. Five other children (22%) developed late complications that required elective surgery: a bladder injury, two cases of infected perirenal collections (secondary to injury of renal collecting system), a pancreatic pseudocyst and a splenic cyst. Resolution of the complications was attained in all children, with anatomical and functional preservation of the affected organ. There were no deaths in this series. CONCLUSION: the conservative initial approach in the treatment of blunt abdominal trauma was effective and safe with high resolution and low rate of complications leading to a high preservation rate of the affected organs. Level of evidence III - prognostic and therapeutic study.

BISHOP-KOOP OSTOMY REVISITED: A "TEST-DRIVE" INTESTINAL DIVERSION FOR CHILDREN WITH SUSPECTED BOWEL DYSMOTILITY.

BACKGROUND: Bishop-Koop ileostomy has been widely used in pediatric patients with the intention of including as much bowel as possible in the intestinal transit early in the management of children with meconium ileus and intestinal atresia. In recent years, we have been using it as an alternative to test the distal bowel function before closure of a previously constructed ostomy in selected children with questionable distal bowel motility. AIMS: The aim of this study was to present our experience with this alternative use of the Bishop-Koop ostomy. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional retrospective review of hospital records, combined with a comprehensive literature review. RESULTS: Seven children were included: five had suspected aganglionosis, one had gastroschisis complicated with ileal atresia, and one had a colonic stricture secondary to necrotizing enterocolitis. In this short series of patients, motility of the distal bowel was correctly assessed in six patients and partially correctly assessed in one patient. One patient did not pass stools per anus after the Bishop-Koop, and he was later confirmed to have Hirschsprung disease. Four patients resumed normal evacuation pattern after closure of the Bishop-Koop. One patient had a Bishop-Koop colostomy because of recurrent enterocolitis after a transanal pull-through. Although he evacuated normally while having the colostomy, the diarrhea recurred after the ostomy was closed. An additional patient, with a severe behavioral problem, did not evacuate per anus after her colostomy was transformed in a Bishop-Koop-type ostomy, despite the apparent presence of normal ganglia in the bowel wall. CONCLUSIONS: Data from the present series allow us to affirm that Bishop-Koop-type ostomy is a safe and efficient procedure that can be used to assess distal bowel function before a definitive transit reconstruction, in children with uncertain motility issues.

Derivação intestinal à bishop-koop - um novo uso para uma velha técnica / Bishop-koop ostomy revisited: a "test-drive" intestinal diversion for children with suspected bowel dysmotility

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Bishop-Koop ileostomy has been widely used in pediatric patients with the intention of including as much bowel as possible in the intestinal transit early in the management of children with meconium ileus and intestinal atresia. In recent years, we have been using it as an alternative to test the distal bowel function before closure of a previously constructed ostomy in selected children with questionable distal bowel motility. AIMS: The aim of this study was to present our experience with this alternative use of the Bishop-Koop ostomy. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional retrospective review of hospital records, combined with a comprehensive literature review. RESULTS: Seven children were included: five had suspected aganglionosis, one had gastroschisis complicated with ileal atresia, and one had a colonic stricture secondary to necrotizing enterocolitis. In this short series of patients, motility of the distal bowel was correctly assessed in six patients and partially correctly assessed in one patient. One patient did not pass stools per anus after the Bishop-Koop, and he was later confirmed to have Hirschsprung disease. Four patients resumed normal evacuation pattern after closure of the Bishop-Koop. One patient had a Bishop-Koop colostomy because of recurrent enterocolitis after a transanal pull-through. Although he evacuated normally while having the colostomy, the diarrhea recurred after the ostomy was closed. An additional patient, with a severe behavioral problem, did not evacuate per anus after her colostomy was transformed in a Bishop-Koop-type ostomy, despite the apparent presence of normal ganglia in the bowel wall. CONCLUSIONS: Data from the present series allow us to affirm that Bishop-Koop-type ostomy is a safe and efficient procedure that can be used to assess distal bowel function before a definitive transit reconstruction, in children with uncertain motility issues.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A ileostomia Bishop-Koop foi amplamente utilizada em pacientes pediátricos com a intenção de incluir o máximo de intestino possível no trânsito intestinal no manejo inicial de recém-nascidos com íleo meconial e atresia intestinal. Nos últimos anos, temos usado-a como alternativa para testar a função intestinal distal antes do fechamento de uma ostomia, em algumas crianças com motilidade intestinal distal questionável. OBJETIVOS: Apresentar nossa experiência com este uso alternativo da ostomia Bishop-Koop. MÉTODOS: Revisão retrospectiva dos registros hospitalares, combinada com uma revisão abrangente da literatura. RESULTADOS: Sete crianças foram incluídas: cinco tinham suspeita de aganglionose, uma tinha gastrosquise complicada com atresia ileal e uma tinha estenose de colon secundária à NEC. Nesta pequena série de pacientes, a motilidade do intestino distal foi corretamente avaliada em 6 pacientes e parcialmente avaliada em um. Um paciente não evacuou por ânus após o Bishop-Koop e mais tarde foi confirmado que ele tinha doença de Hirschsprung. Seis pacientes retomaram o padrão normal de evacuação após o fechamento do Bishop-Koop. Um paciente que fez uma colostomia Bishop-Koop por causa de enterocolite recorrente após um abaixamento transanal, recidivou a enterocolite após o fechamento definitivo. CONCLUSÕES: A ostomia tipo Bishop-Koop é um procedimento seguro e eficaz que pode ser utilizado para avaliar a função intestinal distal antes de uma reconstrução definitiva do trânsito em crianças com problemas de motilidade intestinal.

Analysis of the efficacy and safety of conservative treatment of blunt abdominal trauma in children: retrospective study. Conservative treatment of blunt abdominal trauma in children / Análise de eficácia e segurança do tratamento conservador do trauma abdominal contuso em crianças: estudo retrospectivo. Tratamento conservador de trauma abdominal contuso em crianças

ABSTRACT Introduction: in Brazil, trauma is responsible for 40% of deaths in the age group between 5 and 9 years old, and 18% between 1 and 4 years, and bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death in the traumatized child. Conservative management of blunt abdominal trauma with solid organs injury - started in the 60s - is the current world trend, with studies showing survival rates above 90%. The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of conservative treatment in children with blunt abdominal trauma treated at the Clinical Hospital of the University of Campinas, in the last five years. Methods: retrospective analysis of medical records of patients classified by levels of injury severity, in 27 children. Results: only one child underwent surgery for initial failure of conservative treatment (persistent hemodynamic instability), resulting in a 96% overall success rate of the conservative treatment. Five other children (22%) developed late complications that required elective surgery: a bladder injury, two cases of infected perirenal collections (secondary to injury of renal collecting system), a pancreatic pseudocyst and a splenic cyst. Resolution of the complications was attained in all children, with anatomical and functional preservation of the affected organ. There were no deaths in this series. Conclusion: the conservative initial approach in the treatment of blunt abdominal trauma was effective and safe with high resolution and low rate of complications leading to a high preservation rate of the affected organs. Level of evidence III - prognostic and therapeutic study.

RESUMO Introdução: no Brasil, o trauma é responsável por 40% dos óbitos na faixa etária entre 5 e 9 anos, e 18% entre 1 e 4 anos, e o sangramento é a principal causa de prevenção morte na criança traumatizada. O manejo conservador de trauma abdominal contuso com lesão de órgãos sólidos - iniciado na década de 60 - é a tendência mundial atual, com estudos mostrando taxas de sobrevivência acima de 90%. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia e segurança do tratamento conservador em crianças com trauma abdominal contuso tratado no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de Campinas, nos últimos cinco anos. Métodos: análise retrospectiva de prontuários de pacientes classificados por níveis de gravidade da lesão, em 27 crianças. Resultados: apenas uma criança foi submetida a cirurgia por falha inicial do tratamento conservador (instabilidade hemodinâmica persistente), resultando em uma taxa de sucesso global de 96% do tratamento conservador inicial. Outras cinco crianças (22%) desenvolveram complicações tardias que exigiram cirurgias eletivas: lesão na bexiga, dois casos de coleção perirenal infectada (secundária à lesão de sistema de coleta renal), um pseudocisto pancreático e um cisto esplênico. Resolução da complicação foi atingida em todas as crianças, com preservação anatômica e funcional do órgão afetado. Não houve mortes nesta série. Conclusão: a abordagem inicial conservadora no tratamento de trauma abdominal contundente foi eficaz e segura com alta resolução e baixa taxa de complicações levando a uma alta taxa de preservação dos órgãos afetados. Nível de evidência III - estudo prognóstico e terapêutico.

Effectiveness of an inexpensive short-term theoretical-practical course on videosurgery for surgeons in training.

BACKGROUND: The rapid development of video surgery and minimally invasive surgical techniques prompted many studies on the methods of teaching these techniques to young surgeons in training. However, the characteristics of a short-term course that is both easily accessible and efficient for this group of surgeons remain controversial. To investigate this issue, a short-term training method was proposed for first year surgery residents, using inexpensive handmade wooden simulation boxes with the students smartphones as cameras. Its effectiveness was evaluated, as well as possible factors that could influence student performance, such as gender and previous experience with video games. METHODS: Thirty-six first-year General Surgery residents, entering in 2019 and 2020, participated in the study: 21 were males and 15 were females with ages between 22 and 29 years old, (mean 25.47 years). All participants performed a pre-established exercise (placing two simple stitches using a laparoscopic simulator), which was timed and scored. They then participated in a short theoretical-practical course, consisting of an initial lecture followed by 4 exercises on handcrafted wooden laparoscopic video surgery simulators. Afterwards, they were asked to repeat the same exercise from the first step. Finally, they answered a questionnaire that included questions on previous videogame experience. The data were tabulated and submitted to statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the pre-training exercise, 15 (41.66%) participants were able to perform the two simple stitches in the simulator box within the maximum time limit of 5 minutes. After the short course, 22 (61.11%) of participants were able to perform the complete exercise. Improvement in the time to complete the practical exercise was statistically significant (p = 0.0296) after participating in the theoretical-practical course. A better pre- and post-training performance was demonstrated by the 17 participants with experience with video games (p = 0.0116), and a better post-training performance was demonstrated by female participants (p = 0.0405). CONCLUSION: This short-term inexpensive theoretical-practical course in laparoscopic training for surgeons in training was effective in reducing the execution time of a laparoscopic stitch in a simulation box. Previous experience with video games and/or female gender appear to be associated with improved performance.

"Inflammatory peritonitis in a child with COVID-19″.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-COV-2 coronavirus infection (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Although its most prevalent symptoms are respiratory, there are descriptions of gastrointestinal manifestations in children, but the presentation as an acute abdomen is rare. We report the case of a 6-month-old infant who was admitted with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction and generalized peritonitis with no apparent cause, in whom a SARS-CoV-2 rt-PCR search was positive. We have not found descriptions of similar cases in the literature so far.

Refractory functional constipation: clinical management or appendicostomy? / Constipação intestinal funcional refratária: manejo clínico ou apendicostomia?

Abstract Objective: To compare the clinical evolution in patients with refractory functional constipation undergoing different therapeutic regimens: oral laxatives and antegrade enemas via appendicostomy or clinical treatment with oral laxatives and rectal enemas. Methods: Analysis of a series of 28 patients with a mean age of 7.9 years (2.4-11), followed-up in a tertiary outpatient clinic. Refractory functional constipation was defined as continuous retentive fecal incontinence after at least a 12-month period of consensus therapy. After the diagnosis of refractory condition, appendicostomy was proposed and performed in 17 patients. Outcomes: (1) persistence of retentive fecal incontinence despite the use of enemas, (2) control of retentive fecal incontinence with enemas, and (3) control of retentive fecal incontinence, spontaneous evacuations, with no need for enemas. Results: Six and 12 months after the therapeutic option, control of retentive fecal incontinence was observed only in patients who underwent surgery, 11/17 and 14/17, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively. At 24 months, control of retentive fecal incontinence was also more frequent in operated patients: 13/17 versus 3/11 with clinical treatment, p = 0.005. In the final evaluation, the median follow-up times were 2.6 and 3 years (operated vs. clinical treatment, p = 0.40); one patient in each group was lost to follow-up and 9/16 operated patients had spontaneous bowel movements vs. 3/10 in the clinical treatment group, p = 0.043. Surgical complications, totaling 42 episodes, were observed 14/17 patients. Conclusion: Appendicostomy, although associated with a high frequency of complications, controlled retentive fecal incontinence earlier and more frequently than clinical treatment. The choice of one of the methods should be made by the family, after adequate information about the risks and benefits of each alternative.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a evolução clínica em crianças com constipação intestinal funcional refratária sob diferentes regimes terapêuticos: laxativos orais e enemas anterógrados via apendicostomia ou tratamento clínico com laxativos orais e enemas via retal. Métodos Análise de uma série de 28 pacientes, 7,9 anos (2,4-11), acompanhados em ambulatório terciário. Constipação intestinal funcional refratária foi definida como manutenção da incontinência fecal retentiva, em terapia consensual, por pelo menos 12 meses. Após diagnóstico de refratariedade, era proposta apendicostomia. Dezessete pacientes realizaram o procedimento cirúrgico. Desfechos: 1. Manutenção de incontinência fecal retentiva em uso de enemas; 2. Controle da incontinência fecal retentiva em uso de enemas; e 3. Controle da incontinência fecal retentiva, evacuações espontâneas, sem necessidade de enemas. Resultados Seis e 12 meses após opção terapêutica, controle da incontinência fecal retentiva foi observado apenas nos pacientes operados, 11/17 e 14/17, p = 0,001 e p = 0,001. Aos 24 meses, controle da incontinência fecal retentiva também mais frequente nos operados 13/17 versus 3/11 tratamento clínico, p = 0,005. Na avaliação final, medianas de tempo de seguimento: 2,6 e 3 anos (operados versus tratamento clínico, p = 0,40), um paciente em cada grupo abandonou o seguimento e 9/16 operados apresentavam evacuações espontâneas versus 3/10 no tratamento clínico, p = 0,043. Complicações cirúrgicas, 42 episódios, acometeram 14/17 pacientes. Conclusão A apendicostomia, embora associada a elevada frequência de complicações, controlou a incontinência fecal retentiva de maneira mais precoce e frequente do que o tratamento clínico. A escolha de um dos métodos deverá caber à família, após adequada informação sobre riscos e benefícios de cada alternativa.

Refractory functional constipation: clinical management or appendicostomy?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical evolution in patients with refractory functional constipation undergoing different therapeutic regimens: oral laxatives and antegrade enemas via appendicostomy or clinical treatment with oral laxatives and rectal enemas. METHODS: Analysis of a series of 28 patients with a mean age of 7.9 years (2.4-11), followed-up in a tertiary outpatient clinic. Refractory functional constipation was defined as continuous retentive fecal incontinence after at least a 12-month period of consensus therapy. After the diagnosis of refractory condition, appendicostomy was proposed and performed in 17 patients. OUTCOMES: (1) persistence of retentive fecal incontinence despite the use of enemas, (2) control of retentive fecal incontinence with enemas, and (3) control of retentive fecal incontinence, spontaneous evacuations, with no need for enemas. RESULTS: Six and 12 months after the therapeutic option, control of retentive fecal incontinence was observed only in patients who underwent surgery, 11/17 and 14/17, p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively. At 24 months, control of retentive fecal incontinence was also more frequent in operated patients: 13/17 versus 3/11 with clinical treatment, p=0.005. In the final evaluation, the median follow-up times were 2.6 and 3 years (operated vs. clinical treatment, p=0.40); one patient in each group was lost to follow-up and 9/16 operated patients had spontaneous bowel movements vs. 3/10 in the clinical treatment group, p=0.043. Surgical complications, totaling 42 episodes, were observed 14/17 patients. CONCLUSION: Appendicostomy, although associated with a high frequency of complications, controlled retentive fecal incontinence earlier and more frequently than clinical treatment. The choice of one of the methods should be made by the family, after adequate information about the risks and benefits of each alternative.

Early development of a gonadal tumor in a patient with mixed gonadal dysgenesis

SUMMARY A gonadal tumor was diagnosed in the first months of life in a patient with genital ambiguity, a 45,X/46,XY karyotype, and mixed gonadal dysgenesis. Gonadal biopsies at the age of 3 months revealed dysgenetic testes and a gonadoblastoma on the right testis. Even though gonadal tumors are rare in childhood, this case indicates that prophylactic removal of dysgenetic gonads should be performed as early as possible, especially when the female sex is assigned to a patient with a Y-chromosome sequence.

Early development of a gonadal tumor in a patient with mixed gonadal dysgenesis.

A gonadal tumor was diagnosed in the first months of life in a patient with genital ambiguity, a 45,X/46,XY karyotype, and mixed gonadal dysgenesis. Gonadal biopsies at the age of 3 months revealed dysgenetic testes and a gonadoblastoma on the right testis. Even though gonadal tumors are rare in childhood, this case indicates that prophylactic removal of dysgenetic gonads should be performed as early as possible, especially when the female sex is assigned to a patient with a Y-chromosome sequence.

Hirschsprung's disease - Postsurgical intestinal dysmotility / Doença de Hirschsprung - Dismotilidade intestinal pós-cirúrgica

Abstract Objective: To describe the case of an infant with Hirschsprung's disease presenting as total colonic aganglionosis, which, after surgical resection of the aganglionic segment persisted with irreversible functional intestinal obstruction; discuss the difficulties in managing this form of congenital aganglionosis and discuss a plausible pathogenetic mechanism for this case. Case description: The diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease presenting as total colonic aganglionosis was established in a two-month-old infant, after an episode of enterocolitis, hypovolemic shock and severe malnutrition. After colonic resection, the patient did not recover intestinal motor function that would allow enteral feeding. Postoperative examination of remnant ileum showed the presence of ganglionic plexus and a reduced number of interstitial cells of Cajal in the proximal bowel segments. At 12 months, the patient remains dependent on total parenteral nutrition. Comments: Hirschsprung's disease presenting as total colonic aganglionosis has clinical and surgical characteristics that differentiate it from the classic forms, complicating the diagnosis and the clinical and surgical management. The postoperative course may be associated with permanent morbidity due to intestinal dysmotility. The numerical reduction or alteration of neural connections in the interstitial cells of Cajal may represent a possible physiopathological basis for the condition.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever o caso de um lactente portador de doença de Hirschsprung na forma aganglionose colônica total que, após a ressecção cirúrgica do segmento agangliônico, manteve quadro irreversível de obstrução intestinal funcional; discutir as dificuldades no manejo dessa forma da aganglionose congênita e apontar um mecanismo patogenético plausível para o caso. Descrição do caso: O diagnóstico de doença de Hirschsprung na forma aganglionose colônica total foi definido em lactente aos dois meses de vida, após episódio de enterocolite, choque hipovolêmico e desnutrição grave. Após ressecção colônica, o paciente não recuperou a função motora intestinal que possibilitasse a alimentação via enteral. O exame do íleo remanescente pós-operatório mostrou presença de plexos ganglionares e redução numérica das células intersticiais de Cajal em segmentos proximais do intestino. Aos 12 meses de vida, o paciente mantém-se dependente de nutrição parenteral total. Comentários: A doença de Hirschsprung na forma aganglionose colônica total tem particularidades clínico-cirúrgicas que a diferenciam das formas clássicas e dificultam o diagnóstico e o manejo clínico-cirúrgico. A evolução pós-operatória pode associar-se à morbidade permanente decorrente de dismotilidade intestinal. A redução numérica ou as alterações das conexões neurais das células intersticiais de Cajal podem representar uma possível base fisiopatológica para a condição.

Adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve in experimental bronchopleural fistula. A new therapeutic perspective

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of an adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve in experimental bronchopleural fistula during mechanical ventilation.METHODS:We studied six mechanically ventilated pigs in a surgically created, reproducible model of bronchopleural fistula managed with mechanical ventilation and water-sealed thoracic drainage. An adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve was placed between the thoracic drain and the endotracheal tube. Hemodynamic data, capnography and blood gases were recorded before and after the creation of the bronchopleural fistula as well as after every adjustment of the inspiratory occlusion valve.RESULTS:When compared with the standard water-sealed drainage treatment, the use of an adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve improved the alveolar tidal volume and reduced bronchopleural air leak (p<0.001), without hemodynamic compromise when compared with conventional water sealed drainage.CONCLUSION: The use of an adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve improved the alveolar tidal volume, reduced alveolar leak, in an experimental reproducible model of bronchopleural fistula, without causing any hemodynamic derangements when compared with conventional water sealed drainage.

Colonic transit in children and adolescents with chronic constipation / Trânsito intestinal em crianças e adolescentes com constipação crônica

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess clinical features and colonic transit patterns in Brazilian children with refractory constipation.METHODS: From 2010 to 2013, 79 constipated patients received follow-up care in a tertiary hospital. Of these patients, 28 (aged 8-14 years) were refractory to conventional therapy and underwent a simplified visual method of nuclear colonic transit study, by ingestion of a liquid meal containing 9.25 MBq/kg of 99mTc-phytate. Abdominal static images were taken immediately and at two, six, 24, 30, and 48 h after ingestion for qualitative analysis of the radio marker progression through the colon.RESULTS: Two patterns of colonic transit were found: slow colonic transit (SCT,n = 14), when images at 48 h showed a larger part of the tracer remained in proximal and transverse colon, and distal retention (DR, n = 14), when after 30 h, the radio isotope passed the transverse colon and was retained in the rectosigmoid up to 48 h. The SCT and DR group included, respectively, nine and ten males; median ages in the nuclear study of 11 and 10 years, p = 0.207; median duration of constipation of seven and six years, p = 0.599. Constipation appearing during first year age (p = 0.04) and report of soft stools (p = 0.02) were more common in SCT patients. Palpable abdominal fecal impaction was found only in DR group. Appendicostomy for antegrade continence enema was successful in 4/12 (30%) of SCT patients (median follow-up: 2.4 years).CONCLUSION: Nuclear transit study distinguished two colonic dysmotility patterns and was useful for guiding refractory patients to specific therapies.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as características clínicas e os padrões de trânsito intestinal em crianças brasileiras com constipação refratária.MÉTODOS: De 2010 a 2013, 79 pacientes constipados receberam acompanhamento em um hospital terciário. Desses pacientes, 28 (entre 8-14 anos) foram identificados como terapia refratária a convencional e passaram por um método visual simplificado de estudo nuclear do trânsito intestinal, com ingestão de uma refeição líquida contendo 9,25 MBq/Kg de fitato-99mTc. Imagens estáticas abdominais foram tiradas imediatamente e em duas, seis, 24, 30 e 48 horas após a ingestão para uma análise qualitativa da progressão do marcador radioativo pelo cólon.RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados dois padrões de trânsito intestinal: trânsito intestinal lento (STC, n = 14), quando as imagens de 48 horas mostraram que grande parte do marcador permaneceu no cólon proximal e transversal; e retenção distal (DR, n = 14), quando, após 30 horas, o radioisótopo havia passado o cólon transverso e estava retido no retossigmoide até 48 horas. O grupo STC e o grupo DR incluíram, respectivamente, nove e 10 meninos; idade média no momento do NTS: 11 e 10 anos, p = 0,207; duração média de constipação: sete e seis anos, p = 0,599. Sintomas de constipação durante o primeiro ano de idade (p = 0,04) e relatos de fezes moles (p = 0,02) foram mais comuns em pacientes com STC. Observou-se impactação fecal abdominal palpável apenas no grupo DR. A apendicostomia para enema anterógrado para continência foi bem-sucedida em 4/12 (305) pacientes com STC (acompanhamento médio: 2,4 anos).CONCLUSÃO: O estudo nuclear do trânsito diferenciou dois padrões de dismotilidade intestinal e foi útil para orientar pacientes refratários a terapias específicas.

Laparoscopic Transposition of Lower Pole Crossing Vessels (Vascular Hitch) in Children with Pelviureteric Junction Obstruction: How to Be Sure of the Success of the Procedure?

BACKGROUND: To report a series of children with pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) due to lower polar crossing vessels who underwent laparoscopic vascular transposition. In order to confirm the relief of the obstruction and avoid unnecessary additional procedures, we suggest performing an intraoperative measure of the ureteral opening pressure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2007 and January 2014, 11 children underwent laparoscopy to treat well-documented PUJO by polar vessels. In the first 7 cases, children underwent a careful dissection of the polar vessels that were transposed cranially in the pelvis. In the last 4 cases, a percutaneous needle was inserted into the renal pelvis, and the ureteral opening pressure was obtained intraoperatively, before and after the vascular hitch procedure, in 3 cases. No vascular relocation was necessary except in 1 case with a polar vessel unrelated to the obstruction. RESULTS: The laparoscopic procedure was feasible in all cases. Median operative time was 90 minutes without intraoperative complications. In the last 3 cases, a decrease in the renal pelvic pressure was demonstrated just after releasing the ureter from the polar vessels, confirming the extrinsic obstruction. In 1 case, the intraoperative pelvic pressure measurement showed that there was no vascular compression but that obstruction was due to renal rotation. During follow-up (range, 12-96 months) all patients reported resolution of their symptoms, nine children showed a decrease in the hydronephrosis grade, and all but one with poor function had improved drainage on diuretic renography. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative measurement of ureteral opening pressure may help to confirm that the vascular hitch procedure has relieved the pelvic obstruction, precluding the need for dismembered procedures. We believe that in some doubtful cases, with the addition of intraoperative pelvic pressure measurement, vascular hitch may be considered a safe procedure to treat selected cases of PUJO in children.

Hemodynamic, ventilatory and gasometric evaluation of an experimental bronchopleural fistula

PURPOSE: To investigate the hemodynamic and ventilatory changes associated with the creation of an experimental bronchopleural fistula (BPF) treated by mechanical ventilation and thoracic drainage with or without a water seal. METHODS : Six large white pigs weighing 25 kg each which, after general anesthesia, underwent endotracheal intubation (6mm), and mechanically ventilation. Through a left thoracotomy, a resection of the lingula was performed in order to create a BPF with an output exceeding 50% of the inspired volume. The chest cavity was closed and drained into the water sealed system for initial observation of the high output BPF. RESULTS: Significant reduction in BPF output and PaCO2 was related after insertion of a water-sealed thoracic drain, p< 0.05. CONCLUSION: Insertion of a water-sealed thoracic drain resulted in reduction in bronchopleural fistula output and better CO2 clearance without any drop in cardiac output or significant changes in mean arterial pressure. .