Balloon dilatation for congenital esophageal stenosis associated with esophageal atresia.

PURPOSE: Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) associated with esophageal atresia (EA) is rare, and no standard treatment has been established. We reviewed cases of EA-associated CES to assess the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes, especially the feasibility of endoscopic dilatation. METHODS: We retrospectively examined patients with EA-associated CES. We also compared treatment outcomes of EA-associated CES with those of EA patients without CES who developed postoperative anastomotic stricture. RESULTS: Among 44 patients with EA, ten had CES (23%). Postoperative complications were not significantly different between EA patients with CES and those without CES but with anastomotic stricture. All CES patients underwent balloon dilatation as initial treatment. Eight of nine patients (89%) were successfully treated by dilatation only, and one patient underwent surgical resection. The median number of balloon dilatations for CES was five (2-17), which was higher than that for anastomotic stricture in patients without CES (p = 0.012). Esophageal perforation occurred in five patients with CES (5/9, 56%) after dilatation, but all perforations were successfully managed conservatively with an uneventful post-dilatation course. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-three percent of patients with EA had CES. Although balloon dilatation for EA-associated CES required multiple treatments and carried a risk of perforation, balloon dilatation showed an 89% success rate and all perforations could be managed conservatively.

Clinical Implications of Serum Mac-2 Binding Protein in Patients After Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Biliary Atresia.

BACKGROUND: Patients who undergo pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) sometimes develop graft fibrosis. Recently, Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation-modified isomer (M2BPGi) was developed as a new marker of hepatic fibrosis progression. We performed this study to examine the relationship between serum M2BPGi levels and liver histologic findings in patients after LDLT for biliary atresia. METHODS: Patients aged <19 years who underwent LDLT for biliary atresia at our institution and followed up for at least 1 year after LDLT were eligible. There were 56 patients in this study. Pathologic findings of the last available biopsy were assessed. Portal vein (PV) stenosis was confirmed with angiography. M2BPGi levels were compared with pathologic fibrosis scores and PV stenosis findings. RESULTS: The mean age at transplant was 4.3 years. The mean observation period was 8.6 years. In terms of the degree of liver fibrosis, F0 was observed in 7 patients, F1 in 36, and F2 in 13. The median serum M2BPGi value was 0.8 cut-off index (COI) overall and 0.60 COI for F0, 0.74 COI for F1, and 1.07 COI for F2. The mean M2BPGi value in F2 was higher than that in F0 (P = .016) and F1 (P = .012). Mean serum M2BPGi values were 1.57 COI (0.29 COI) in patients with PV complications (n = 5) and 0.72 COI in patients without PV complications (n = 51) (P = .0001). CONCLUSION: M2BPGi is a novel marker for liver fibrosis in patients after pediatric LDLT. It is especially useful for follow-up of pediatric patients after LDLT to support liver biopsy interpretation.

Potential risks associated with laparoscopic gastrostomy in patients with the COL4A1 variant: Two case reports.

The COL4A1 (collagen Type 4 alpha1) pathogenic variant is associated with porencephaly and schizencephaly and accounts for approximately 20% of these patients. This gene variant leads to systemic microvasculopathy, which manifests as brain, ocular, renal, and muscular disorders. However, only a few patients with surgical interventions have been reported and the potential surgical risks are unknown. Here, we present the cases of two female patients between 7 and 8 years of age who were diagnosed with the COL4A1 variant and underwent laparoscopy-assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (LAPEG) for oral dysphagia. Their primary brain lesions were caused by porencephaly and paralysis, which are caused by multiple cerebral hemorrhages and infarctions, and both patients had refractory epileptic complications. Although LAPEG was successfully performed in both patients without any intraoperative complications, one patient developed alveolar hemorrhage postoperatively and required mechanical ventilation. Thus, careful perioperative management of patients with the COL4A1 variant is important.

Regenerative medicine: current research and perspective in pediatric surgery.

The field of regenerative medicine, encompassing several disciplines including stem cell biology and tissue engineering, continues to advance with the accumulating research on cell manipulation technologies, gene therapy and new materials. Recent progress in preclinical and clinical studies may transcend the boundaries of regenerative medicine from laboratory research towards clinical reality. However, for the ultimate goal to construct bioengineered transplantable organs, a number of issues still need to be addressed. In particular, engineering of elaborate tissues and organs requires a fine combination of different relevant aspects; not only the repopulation of multiple cell phenotypes in an appropriate distribution but also the adjustment of the host environmental factors such as vascularisation, innervation and immunomodulation. The aim of this review article is to provide an overview of the recent discoveries and development in stem cells and tissue engineering, which are inseparably interconnected. The current status of research on tissue stem cells and bioengineering, and the possibilities for application in specific organs relevant to paediatric surgery have been specifically focused and outlined.

Tension-free thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia combined with a percutaneous extracorporeal closure technique: how to do it.

PURPOSE: Thoracoscopic repair (TR) of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with a higher recurrence rate than the conventional open method. We evaluated the effectiveness of our strategy for quality improvement, named "tension-free TR of CDH". METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective analysis were 11 consecutive patients with CDH who underwent TR at our hospital between 2017 and 2021. Tension-free TR of CDH included the proactive use of an oversized patch for dome-shaped reconstruction and gapless suturing. We developed a percutaneous extracorporeal closure technique for secure suturing using a commercially available needle. RESULTS: Patch repair was performed in 8 (73%) patients and none required conversion to open surgery because of technical difficulties. Recurrence developed in one patient (9%), who underwent successful reoperation via TR. All patients had an uneventful postoperative course. CONCLUSION: Tension-free TR combined with extracorporeal closure could reduce the difficulty of suturing and the risk of recurrence of CDH.

Treatment and follow-up of late onset intra hepatic bile duct stones in congenital biliary dilatation.

PURPOSE: The postoperative course after surgery for congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) has some complications. Intrahepatic bile duct (IHBD) stones were known as a late complication. We report on the treatment and long-term follow-up of postoperative IHBD stones in our department. METHODS: Patients who underwent CBD surgery at age 15 years or younger in our department were identified. Those followed up for 5 years or more were enrolled. Annual blood chemistry tests and abdominal ultrasonography were performed. Each patient's surgical procedure, IHBD stone diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes were retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were analyzed. The median age at the last visit was 24 years (range 7-45 years), and the median age at CBD surgery was 3 years. Eight patients (16%) developed late-onset IHBD stones. The median age at onset was 25 years, and the median duration after surgery was 20 years. The initial treatment was double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in 4 cases, which resulted in stone removal in 3 of the 4 patients (75%). CONCLUSION: Since CBD may cause late-onset IHBD stones, continuous follow-up is required even in adulthood. In this study, DBE was effective and minimally invasive, and it is recommended as the initial treatment.

Early detection of liver fibrosis with serum Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation-modified isomer (M2BPGi) during follow-up intestinal failure patients without intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD).

PURPOSE: Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation-modified isomer (M2BPGi) is a new marker for hepatic fibrosis progression. We examined the relationship between serum M2BPGi levels and liver histological findings in intestinal failure (IF) patients without IF-associated liver disease (IFALD). METHODS: This study included IF patients without IFALD followed at our hospital. All patients underwent routine liver biopsies per protocol every 1-2 years. We examined M2BPGi levels and histological findings in relation to aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index, fibrosis-4 index, and AST/ALT ratio. Liver fibrosis was evaluated based on the METAVIR score. RESULTS: Total 18 liver biopsies out of eight patients were included. The median age was 11.5 years. Mean M2BPGi was 0.44 cutoff index (COI) in patients with F0 fibrosis, 0.78 COI in patients with F1 fibrosis and 1.63 COI in patients with F2 fibrosis. Mean M2BPGi was significantly higher in patients with F2 versus F1 or F0 fibrosis (P < 0.016 and P < 0.028, respectively). M2BPGi levels were more strongly correlated with fibrosis stage than with other conventional fibrosis markers. CONCLUSION: Serum M2BPGi is a novel marker of liver fibrosis in patients with IF. It is useful for follow-up prior to IFALD. Serum M2BPGi levels can support the interpretation of liver status.

Ileocecal valve-sparing surgery for duplication cysts in the terminal ileum: two case reports and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Duplication cysts close to the ileocecal valve are usually treated with ileocecal resection. However, loss of the ileocecal valve will lead to problems, especially in infants. Mucosectomy of the cyst would be a better alternative that preserves the ileocecal valve. We report two cases of duplication cyst in the terminal ileum successfully treated with mucosectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1. A 3-month-old boy with bilious emesis and abdominal distention was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of small bowel obstruction caused by an abdominal cyst. Computed tomography revealed a cystic mass compressing the terminal ileum and causing mechanical small bowel obstruction. His general condition deteriorated quickly; emergency laparotomy was performed. Although the small intestines were dilated and partially twisted, there was no necrosis. Following intestinal decompression, a cystic mass adjacent to the terminal ileum was confirmed on the mesenteric side. Cyst mucosectomy was performed to preserve the ileocecal valve. CASE 2: A 5-month-old boy with sudden onset of hematochezia was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of intussusception. Following unsuccessful contrast enemas, emergency surgery was performed. A cystic mass adjacent to the terminal ileum was confirmed; there was no intussusception. Cyst mucosectomy was performed. Both patients had an uneventful postoperative course. CONCLUSIONS: Cyst mucosectomy, which preserves the ileocecal valve, is safe and effective for treating duplication cysts in the terminal ileum.

Laparoscopic Percutaneous Extraperitoneal Closure for Hydrocele of the Canal of Nuck in Children.

Background: Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck (HCN) is a rare cause of inguinal swelling in women. The optimal surgical procedure for HCN in children remains unclear. To assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) for HCN in a pediatric population, a retrospective study was conducted. In addition, to clarify the pathogenesis of HCN, we assessed the morphological findings of the internal inguinal ring (IIR). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 10 consecutive female patients with HCN who underwent LPEC at our hospital between January 2010 and May 2020. Age, operative time, and complications were recorded. Concerning the findings of the IIR, we classified the morphological features as follows: Type 1 (flat), Type 2 (narrow patent processus vaginalis [PPV] with a peritoneal veil), and Type 3 (widely opening PPV). Results: The median age of patients who underwent LPEC was 3 (1-12) years. Although 2 patients showed contralateral inguinal hernia (IH), there were no cases of ipsilateral IH. All patients showed ipsilateral PPV, and the morphological features of the IIR were mostly classified as Type 3 (70%). In total, 6 of 8 HCN cases without preoperatively diagnosed contralateral IH had contralateral PPV (75%), and all were closed by LPEC. All operations were accomplished laparoscopically, and the postoperative course was uncomplicated, with no recurrences observed during the study period. Conclusions: LPEC is a safe and simple surgical approach to repair the HCN in children with minimal complications.

Clinical implications of serum autotoxin in regular follow up after pediatric living donor liver transplantation for biliary atresia.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric patients sometimes develop graft fibrosis after living donor liver transplant (LDLT). Autotaxin is a recently developed serum marker for hepatic fibrosis. We studied the relationship between serum autotaxin levels and histological findings in patients after LDLT for biliary atresia (BA). METHODS: Information on patients aged <19 years who received LDLT for BA and were followed for at least 1 year after LDLT was gathered. Autotaxin levels were compared with pathological fibrosis scores. RESULTS: The study included 52 patients, of whom 4 patients had no fibrosis (F0), 36 patients had F1 fibrosis, and 12 patients had F2. The median serum autotaxin level was 0.89 mg/L. In patients with portal vein (PV) complications such as stenosis or thrombosis (n = 7), the mean autotoxin level was 1.25 mg/L compared with 0.95 mg/L in patients without PV complications (p = 0.004). Among patients without PV complications, the mean autotaxin level was 0.90, 0.88, and 1.18 mg/L in F0, F1, and F2 fibrosis, respectively. The mean autotaxin was higher in F2 fibrosis than in F0 or F1 fibrosis (p<0.05). Autotoxin had a high area under the curve (0.86) with the cut-off level of 0.897 mg/L. CONCLUSION: Serum autotaxin is a novel marker for liver fibrosis in patients after pediatric LDLT for BA. TYPE OF STUDY: Study of Diagnostic Test. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Factors Associated With Adverse Outcomes Following Duodenal Atresia Surgery in Neonates: A Retrospective Study.

Objectives There is limited evidence on the infants' postoperative complications who have undergone surgical repair of duodenal atresia and stenosis. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with poor surgical outcomes after the initial repair. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 82 patients who underwent surgery for duodenal atresia and stenosis between January 1994 and December 2013 at our institution. Gestational age, birth weight, fetal growth, and other associated anomalies were recorded. Multivariate regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with surgical outcomes, including postoperative complications and time to full oral intake. Results The median gestational age was 37.6 weeks, with 30 (37%) preterm (<37 weeks) and 11 (13%) early preterm (<34 weeks) infants. The median birth weight was 2531 g, with 27 (33%) patients < 2000 g and 10 (12%) patients < 1500 g. Postoperative surgical complications were identified in 18 (22%) cases, of which 12 (15%) required additional operations. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that a combination of very low birth weight (<1500 g) and early preterm was significantly associated with both surgical and non-surgical postoperative complications (p = 0.0028 and 0.021, respectively) and a prolonged time to full oral intake postoperatively (p = 0.013). Conclusion Very low birth weight and early preterm were significantly associated with postoperative complications and a prolonged time to full oral intake.

Development of a porcine acellular bladder matrix for tissue-engineered bladder reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Enterocystoplasty is adopted for patients requiring bladder augmentation, but significant long-term complications highlight need for alternatives. We established a protocol for creating a natural-derived bladder extracellular matrix (BEM) for developing tissue-engineered bladder, and investigated its structural and functional characteristics. METHODS: Porcine bladders were de-cellularised with a dynamic detergent-enzymatic treatment using peristaltic infusion. Samples and fresh controls were evaluated using histological staining, ultrastructure (electron microscopy), collagen, glycosaminoglycans and DNA quantification and biomechanical testing. Compliance and angiogenic properties (Chicken chorioallantoic membrane [CAM] assay) were evaluated. T test compared stiffness and glycosaminoglycans, collagen and DNA quantity. p value of < 0.05 was regarded as significant. RESULTS: Histological evaluation demonstrated absence of cells with preservation of tissue matrix architecture (collagen and elastin). DNA was 0.01 µg/mg, significantly reduced compared to fresh tissue 0.13 µg/mg (p < 0.01). BEM had increased tensile strength (0.259 ± 0.022 vs 0.116 ± 0.006, respectively, p < 0.0001) and stiffness (0.00075 ± 0.00016 vs 0.00726 ± 0.00216, p = 0.011). CAM assay showed significantly increased number of convergent allantoic vessels after 6 days compared to day 1 (p < 0.01). Urodynamic studies showed that BEM maintains or increases capacity and compliance. CONCLUSION: Dynamic detergent-enzymatic treatment produces a BEM which retains structural characteristics, increases strength and stiffness and is more compliant than native tissue. Furthermore, BEM shows angiogenic potential. These data suggest the use of BEM for development of tissue-engineered bladder for patients requiring bladder augmentation.

Early Use of Everolimus as a Third Immunosuppressive Agent for Intestinal Transplantation: A Report of 2 Cases.

BACKGROUND: In patients with intestinal transplantation (ITx), renal function is easily impaired because of long-term parenteral nutrition and side effects of tacrolimus. Everolimus was used in patients with renal insufficiency in our study. METHODS: We administered everolimus as a third immunosuppressive agent in addition to tacrolimus and steroids for renal sparing in patients who received ITx. We assessed everolimus levels, complications, and renal function. RESULTS: Two patients received everolimus after ITx. Patient 1 was a 13-year-old boy who underwent ITx for an allied disorder of Hirschsprung's disease. After induction therapy with rabbit antithymocyte globulin, maintenance therapy consisted of tacrolimus and steroids. Everolimus was introduced 3 months after ITx for renal sparing. Seven months later, the patient required partial intestinal graft resection owing to bowel obstruction. Everolimus was suspended for only 2 weeks. Four years after ITx, the trough level of tacrolimus was maintained at 3 to 5 ng/mL. The trough level of everolimus was maintained at 3 to 5 ng/mL. Patient 2 was a 32-year-old man who underwent deceased ITx for short gut syndrome. Induction and maintenance immunosuppression was the same as for patient 1. Everolimus was introduced 1 month after surgery. Two years after ITx, trough levels of tacrolimus and everolimus were the same as in patient 1. No rejection was observed in either patient, and renal function was well maintained. We observed no side effects caused by everolimus. CONCLUSIONS: Everolimus could be used safely and effectively after ITx. Early use of everolimus after ITx did not affect wound healing.

Prenatally diagnosed accessory scrotum: A case report and review of the literature on prenatal features.

Accessory scrotum (AS) is rarely diagnosed antenatally, and its prenatal features remain unknown. Here, we report a case of a prenatally diagnosed accessory scrotum with perineal lipoma. A 33-year-old woman was referred to our hospital at 35 weeks of gestation to evaluate a mass in the fetal perineal region. Prenatal ultrasonography showed a 2.0 × 2.0 cm sized, echogenic, and circular mass located posterior to the left scrotum in a male fetus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a mass containing adipose tissue. A 6.5 cm elastic mass (AS and protruding lipoma) was observed in the perineal region, and surgical excision was performed at 8 months of age. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of AS with perineal lipoma, and there was no recurrence at follow-up. The typical prenatal presentation of AS was a circular perineal mass located posterior to the normal scrotum and was associated with perineal lipoma. The prenatal detection of AS was feasible with careful observation via ultrasonography, and prenatal MRI was useful in characterizing perineal tumors and evaluating associated anomalies.

[Pediatric Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2B with Pheochromocytoma Diagnosed after Perforation of a Colonic Diverticulum : A Case Report].

A 12-year-old girl was found to have decending colon diverticulum perforation and retroperitoneal abscess on computed tomography (CT) carried out to determine the cause of fever and stomachache. CT-guided drainage tube placement was performed. She was suspected of having MEN2B from her specific facial appearance, Marfan-like body shape and lingual mucosa neuroma. Cervical ultrasonography and serum tumor marker revealed medullary thyroid carcinoma and metastasis to cervical lymph node. Genetic examination revealed a mutation of RET gene codon 918. Therefore, she was diagnosed as having MEN2B. Laboratory data showed elevated urinary catecholamines. Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) adrenal scintigraphy showed bilateral adrenal uptake and a definitive diagnosis of bilateral adrenal pheochromocytomas was made. Discharge from the drainage tube persisted and it was difficult to continue conservative treatment. Therefore, laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy and transverse colon colostomy were performed. Subsequently, total thyroidectomy and cervical lymph node dissection were performed. At five years of follow up, bilateral lung metastases were observed, but the serum calcitonin level was normal and the patient is under observation.

Impact of serum autotaxin level correlating with histological findings in biliary atresia.

PURPOSE: Portoenterostomy is the standard treatment for biliary atresia (BA) that reduces jaundice in two thirds of cases. However, progressive liver fibrosis is common, leading to cirrhosis in most patients. Autotaxin is a new marker for the progression of hepatic fibrosis. We examined the relationship between serum autotaxin levels and liver histological findings in patients with BA. METHODS: BA patients with native livers were identified in our hospital. Patients underwent protocol liver biopsies every 1 to 5 years, and liver fibrosis was evaluated based on the METAVIR score. Serum autotaxin levels were compared with the last available pathological findings. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included and the median age was 10.6 years. Serum autotaxin levels was median 1.6 mg/L. The mean autotaxin level was 1.08 mg/L in F0, 1.07 mg/L in F1, 0.95 mg/L in F2, 2.17 mg/L in F3, and 2.50 mg/L in F4; it was significantly higher in F4 than in F0-F2 (P<0.0024). For predicting cirrhosis (F4) and advanced liver fibrosis (≥F3), autotaxin had the almost same areas under the curve (AUCs 0.78 and 0.90, respectively) as well as M2BPGi. CONCLUSION: Autotaxin levels could be used to evaluate the status of native liver fibrosis.

Esophageal atresia with right aortic arch: An experience of thoracoscopic repair through left thorax.

Right aortic arch (RAA) is one of congenital cardiovascular anomalies associated with esophageal atresia (EA). The surgical treatment for EA with RAA is still challenging. Although most pediatric surgeons are familiar with the right-sided approach, the division of the tracheoesophageal fistula and the anastomosis of the esophagus through right thorax are often difficult in cases of RAA. There are a few reports on thoracoscopic repair for EA with RAA. We report a case of EA with RAA treated by left-sided thoracoscopic approach. With left-sided thoracoscopic approach, identification and anastomosis of the esophagus could be safely performed without obstruction by the right-sided descending aorta. There was no leakage or stricture. Thoracoscopic repair of EA with RAA through the left thorax is feasible and safe without obstruction by the right-sided descending aorta.

Thoracoscopic Costal Cartilage Excision Combined with the Nuss Procedure for Patients with Asymmetrical Pectus Excavatum.

Background and Aims: We performed thoracoscopic costal cartilage excision (TCCE) combined with the Nuss procedure to correct asymmetrical pectus excavatum (PE). We reviewed the efficacy of combined TCCE and Nuss procedure for asymmetric PE. Patients and Methods: Overall, 8 patients with asymmetrical PE underwent TCCE with the Nuss procedure. The Haller index, asymmetry index, and angle of sternal rotation were calculated using preoperative computed tomography. The procedure was performed using bilateral 2.5-cm incisions at the same level of the deepest chest wall depression. The most depressed three to four costal cartilages were partially resected through a right mini-thoracotomy. Subsequently, one or two titanium bars were implanted and secured with stabilizers. The cosmetic outcome was evaluated on the following four ratings: excellent, good, fair, and failure ( = recurrence). Results: The median age at surgery was 14.5 years (8-20 years). The number of bars was one in 3 cases and two in 5 cases. The preoperative Haller index, asymmetry index, and angle of sternal rotation were 4.3 (3.5-5.9), 1.15 (1.04-1.26), and 21.5° (15°-31°), respectively; 2 patients had scoliosis before the Nuss procedure. Complications included surgical site infection and hemothorax. Median follow-up time was 25.5 months (3-63). Bars were removed in 3 patients, 3 years postoperatively. Cosmetic results were excellent, 4; good, 2; fair, 1; failure, 1. Both patients with scoliosis had poor outcomes (fair, 1; failure, 1). Conclusions: Combined TCCE with Nuss procedure is considered safe and effective for patients with asymmetrical PE. Careful long-term follow-up is required, especially in cases with scoliosis.

Does the "Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System" Reduce Serious Intraoperative Complications in the Field of Pediatric Surgery?

Background: The Japanese endoscopic surgical skill qualification system (ESSQS) in pediatric surgery was started 10 years ago to encourage safe and appropriate pediatric minimally invasive procedures and avoid severe complications. The present study investigated the impact of the ESSQS on the incidence of serious complications in the field of pediatric endoscopic surgery. Materials and Methods: We sent a questionnaire to institutes belonging to the Japanese Pediatric Endoscopic Surgery Group. Institutes were divided into two groups: institutes with (Group A) or without (Group B) ESSQS-qualified pediatric surgeons at any point in the last 10 years. Intraoperative complications (grade 3 and 4 under the Classification of Intraoperative Complications [CLASSIC] classification), postoperative complications (grade ≥IIIb under the Clavien/Dindo classification), and the number and rate of endoscopic procedures and complications of advanced and common procedures were compared between the two groups. This study is an exempt survey since no patient identifier has been collected. Results: We collected answers from 46 of 102 institutes (response rate: 45%) (Group A: 18 institutes, Group B: 28 institutes). Intra/postoperative complications were significantly more frequent in Group A than in Group B (P = .02 and P < .001, respectively). Endoscopic operations accounted for a larger proportion of advanced and common surgeries in Group A than in Group B, and the rate of postoperative complications of advanced procedures was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (P = .012). Conclusion: While endoscopic surgery was performed more frequently in Group A than in Group B, the incidence of intra/postoperative serious complications was significantly higher in Group A. The current Japanese ESSQS was unable to markedly reduce the rate of serious complications.

Laparoscopy-Assisted Transscrotal Orchidopexy for Palpable Undescended Testis: Initial Results.

Background: Undescended testis (UDT) is one of the most common congenital genital malformations in boys. However, orchidopexy carries a risk of injuring the testicular vessels and vas deferens. We therefore developed a novel approach to manage palpable UDT. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent orchidopexy at our institute between January 2017 and April 2020. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of our hospital. The age, body weight, laterality, testicular position, length of operation, and complications were investigated. The patients were classified into two groups depending on the surgery received: laparoscopy-assisted transscrotal orchidopexy (LATO) or conventional inguinal orchidopexy (CO). In brief, LATO involves preceding laparoscopic closure of the patent processus vaginalis (PPV) followed by transscrotal orchidopexy. Dissection of the PPV from the testicular vessels and vas deferens was minimized through this procedure. The chi-squared test and t-test were used to analyze the significance of the data. Results: Among a total of 49 patients, 24 (33 testes) underwent LATO, and 25 (30 testes) underwent CO. There was no significant difference in patients' age, body weight, or laterality. The length of operation was similar between the groups in both unilateral and bilateral cases. The contralateral PPV was confirmed in 80% of unilateral cases of LATO (12/15). No complications, including testicular atrophy and postoperative ascent, were noted in either group. Conclusions: There were no significant differences between the groups in the surgical results. However, the confirmation and ligation of the PPV were easier in LATO, and peeling of the testicular vessels and vas deferens was minimized. LATO may be safe and effective for managing palpable UDT.