Management of COVID-19-Positive Pediatric Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures: Systematic Review and Recommendations of the Board of European Society of Pediatric Endoscopic Surgeons.

Introduction: Hospital response to the COVID-19 outbreak has involved the cancellation of elective, deferrable surgeries throughout Europe in order to ensure capacity for emergent surgery and a selection of elective but non-deferrable surgeries. The purpose of this document is to propose technical strategies to assist the pediatric surgeons to minimize the potential aerosolization of viral particles in COVID-19 patients undergoing urgent or emergent surgical treatment using laparoscopic approaches, based on the currently available literature. The situation and recommendations are subject to change with emerging information. Materials and Methods: The Scientific Committee and the Board of the European Society of Pediatric Endoscopic Surgeons gathered together in order to address the issue of minimally invasive surgery during this COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic search through PubMed, Embase, and World Wide Web of the terms "COVID-19," "Coronavirus," and "SARS-CoV-2" matched with "pneumoperitoneum," "laparoscopy," "thoracoscopy," "retroperitoneoscopy," and "surgery" was performed. Non-English language papers were excluded. A PRISMA report was performed. Criticalities were identified and a consensus was achieved over a number of key aspects. Results: We identified 121 documents. A total of 11 full-text documents were assessed to address all concerns related to the adoption of minimally invasive surgery. All aspect of pediatric minimally invasive surgery, including elective surgery, urgent surgery, laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, retroperitoneoscopy, and pneumoperitoneum creation and maintainance were extensively addressed through systematic review. A consensus regarding urgent laparoscopic procedures, setting and operation techniques was obtained within the Committee and the Board. Conclusions: The ESPES proposes the following recommendations in case minimally invasive surgery is needed in a COVID-19 positive pediatric patients: (1) consider conservative treatment whenever safely possible, (2) dedicate a theater, columns and reusable laparoscopic instrumentation to COVID-19 pediatric patients, (3) prefer disposable instrumentation and cables, (4) use low CO2 insufflation pressures, (5) use low power electrocautery, (6) prefer closed-systems CO2 insufflation and desufflation systems, and (7) avoid leaks through ports. These recommendations are subject to change with emerging information and might be amended in the near future.

Training Models in Pediatric Minimally Invasive Surgery: Rabbit Model Versus Porcine Model: A Comparative Study.

AIM: The porcine model is the most widely used animal model for laparoscopic training. However, in pediatric surgery, an experimental setting with smaller animals could improve the training conditions. We compared the efficiency of a rabbit model versus the porcine model for training in pediatric minimally invasive surgery (MIS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the training center of Cardarelli Hospital in Naples, Italy, 10 young pediatric surgeons underwent training sessions on rabbit and porcine models under the supervision of five experienced tutors. The results of four laparoscopic techniques (inguinal hernia repair, varicocelectomy [basic procedures], nephrectomy, and fundoplication [advanced procedures]) were evaluated in regard to mean operative time, intraoperative complications, and surgical performances. Results were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and Student's t test. RESULTS: Practitioners were significantly more confident in the rabbit model compared with the pig model, especially for advanced procedures (P = .03). The overall surgical performance score (ranging from 0 [unacceptable] to 10 [excellent]) was significantly higher in the rabbit model compared with the pig model (8.1 versus 6.0; P = .01). The most significant scoring differences between the surgical performances of the trainees in the two models were reported in regard to dissection, suturing and knot-tying, tissue handling, and handling of instruments. In addition, the length of surgery for advanced procedures was statistically shorter in the rabbit model compared with the pig model (P = .01). We found that only the performances of those who started on the pig had a significantly higher improvement when transitioning to the rabbit compared with those who started on the rabbit (P = .01). Of the trainees, 90% preferred the rabbit model to the pig model. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our preliminary results, rabbits are preferred over pigs as the training model in pediatric MIS. In the rabbit model it is possible to perform more procedures and perform them more easily compared with the porcine model. The rabbit model provides a comfortable approach to technical training in basic and advanced laparoscopic procedures.

Twenty-year experience with laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy in children: considerations and details of technique.

BACKGROUND: Nephrectomy is probably the most common urological indication for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in children. The authors reported their experience in laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy analyzing their 20 years of experience in this procedure. METHODS: In a 20-year period (1995-2015), the authors performed 149 nephrectomies in children using MIS (87 left, 62 right). One hundred and one nephrectomies were performed using laparoscopy (LN) and 48 using retroperitoneoscopy (RN). Patients included 90 girls and 59 boys (average age 5.7 years). All the removed kidneys were nonfunctioning because of benign diseases: VUR (84), UPJO (38), MKDK (20), xanthogranulomatosis pyelonephritis (4), nephropathy causing uncontrollable hypertension (2) and nephrolithiasis (1). RESULTS: We had no conversion in laparoscopy. As for RN, we had 2 conversions to laparoscopy at the beginning of experience due to peritoneal opening. Operative time varied from 30 to 130 min in laparoscopy (average 47 min) and from 60 to 150 min (average 78 min) in retroperitoneoscopy. We recorded 8 complications (5.3 %): 3 small bleedings (2 RN, 1 LN) during dissection, 2 peritoneal perforations during RN requiring conversion in LN, 1 abdominal abscess in case of xanthogranulomatosis pyelonephritis after LN requiring a redo surgery to drain the abscess, 1 instrumentation failure (LN) and 1 refluxing ureteral stump after RN requiring a redo surgery to remove it. CONCLUSIONS: LN is easier and faster to perform compared to RN. Complication rate was higher after RN compared to LN. In case of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis or other kidney infections or in case of previous renal surgery, retroperitoneoscopy is contraindicated. In case of VUR, LN is preferable to RN because it is fundamental to remove all the ureter. On the basis of our 20-year experience, we clearly prefer to perform nephrectomy using laparoscopy rather than retroperitoneoscopy leaving the indication to adopt RN only for the rare cases of MKDK.

The immunoprofile of interstitial Cajal cells within adenomyosis/endometriosis lesions.

Adenomyosis and endometriosis are lesions which have aroused the interest for the investigation of antibodies specific to the structures from the composition, but also for the cause behind the appearance of these lesions in completely different structures. The impact they have on fertility is not known entirely, for they are difficult to diagnose. Endometriosis causes infertility and it is a hard to treat lesion. The research performed in the last years has been focused on the so-called linkage analysis, or reverse genetics. It refers to identifying the genes which are prone to developing this affection. We investigated clinically 40 female inpatients (n=40) who had underwent genital surgery and received a variegate diagnosis in the "Sf. Ioan" Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, between January-September 2014 and also their histopathology and immunohistochemistry. We proceeded with the histopathology examination in order to establish a diagnosis in respect to the admission diagnosis and then, using the ABC (Avidin-Biotin complex) method, we analyzed the immunohistochemistry of the following markers: S100 protein (for detection of ganglia and nerve cells), CD117÷c-kit (selective detection of interstitial Cajal cells - ICC), desmin and vimentin (intermediary filaments for detecting ICC-like cells, which cohabit with uterine myocytes and are not contractile cells) and CD10 (a sensitive and useful immunomarker in the diagnosis of endometrial stroma and, in some cases, of neoplasia). Our study, regarding the immunoprofile of some markers of adenomyosis÷endometriosis lesions, supports the hypothesis that the interstitial Cajal cells are non-reactive, they are not in relationship with investigated lesions, but CD10 is a very useful marker to highlight the endometrial stroma in query cases.

European Society of Pediatric Endoscopic Surgeons (ESPES) guidelines for training program in pediatric minimally invasive surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper was to propose structured guidelines for a European pediatric MIS training program created by ESPES. METHODS: A questionnaire, focused on how the pediatric training program in MIS has to be structured, was proposed to all participants at the ESPES Congress in Marseille in 2013. RESULTS: We received 178 questionnaires but only 139 questionnaires were fully completed and analyzed. All respondents agree that the training program has to be divided into 4 steps: (1) theoretical part: 2 theoretical courses in laparoscopy (101/139 respondents, 72.7 %), 1 theoretical course in retroperitoneoscopy (99/139 respondents, 71.2 %) and 1 in thoracoscopy (91/139 respondents, 65.5 %); (2) experimental part: 10-20 h of training on pelvic trainer (103/139 respondents, 74.1 %) and 10 h of training on animal models (91/139 respondents, 65.5 %); (3) stages in European centers of reference for MIS: a 1-3 months stage (96/139 respondents, 69.1 %); (4) personal experience: 30 procedures as cameraman (98/139 respondents, 70.5 %) and >50 basic MIS procedures as main surgeon under supervision (114/139 respondents, 82 %). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our survey ESPES MIS training curriculum for pediatric surgeons must contain the following educational components: (1) theoretical knowledge; (2) practice-based learning and improvement in experimental setting; (3) stages in European centers of reference for MIS; (4) personal operative experience. At the end of the training program, ESPES will analyze the candidate training booklet and release for each applicant an ESPES certification after an exam.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in duplex kidneys in infants and children: results of an European multicentric survey.

BACKGROUND: We aim to report a 5-year retrospective multicentric European survey about the outcome of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in infants and children with duplex kidneys. METHODS: The data of fifty-two children underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (42 upper-pole nephrectomies and 10 lower-pole nephrectomies) in six European centers of Pediatric Surgery, were collected and analyzed. Median age at surgery was 5.1 years (range 6 months-9.7 years). There were 32 girls and 20 boys. In 37 patients, the left side was affected and in 15 patients the right side. For the right side, 4 trocars were used and for the left side 3/4 trocars. Special hemostatic devices were used for dissection and parenchymal section in all centers. We assessed intraoperative and postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: Median length of surgery was 166.2 min (70-215 min). No conversion to open surgery nor intraoperative bleeding was reported. Mean hospitalization was 3.5 days. We recorded 10/52 complications (4 urinomas, 2 recurrent UTIs, 4 prolonged urinary leakage), all managed conservatively. Reoperation rate was 0%. No loss of renal function on the residual kidney moiety was recorded in all operated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy remains a technically challenging procedure performed only in pediatric centers with high experience in minimally invasive surgery. Although the median operative time was higher than 2 h, we recorded no conversions in our series. The complication rate remains high (10/52-19.2%). All were II grade complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification and were treated conservatively without the need of other surgical procedures.

Technological update of the video-endoscopic approach of the diagnosis and staging of tumors in children.

The pediatric patient is often difficult to diagnose, especially since the surgical pathology is tumoral. Establishing the histopathological diagnosis of a tumor, staging of a disease and certifying the existence of rare pediatric affections are three of the motives for which the specialists frequently appeal to an exploratory laparoscopy, accompanied by biopsy procedures. The paper presents the laparoscopic biopsy experience of the team from the Department of Pediatric Surgery, "Maria Sklodowska Curie" Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Bucharest, Romania. From 2000 to 2013, 95 such procedures were performed (7.76% of a total of 1224 laparoscopic interventions). In many cases, the laparoscopy had an exclusive diagnostic purpose, of whose success has been primarily responsible the targeted biopsy. Current issues are discussed, centered on the most advanced technologies used in minimally invasive approach of pediatric malignancies, referring to the effect of minimizing the possible complications that can arise from this type of intervention. The authors concluded that laparoscopic technique is the method of choice in comparison to other ways of biopsy (classical surgery, ultrasound guidance, tomography, etc.), and it is characterized by a high diagnostic value.

The impact of melanocytic cell destruction in pediatric facial burns and plastic surgery therapeutic management.

The main role of the melanin production belongs to the keratinocyte-Langerhans-melanocyte complex that within a burn injury might be destroyed. A particular aspect has the pediatric patient with burns due to a deficit in pigment synthesis and particularities involving the growth process of facial structures. This article presents four eloquent cases of pediatric patients with sequelae, consequence of facial burns that varied in depth and etiology. The age of patients at time of admission was between four and 18 years, and the interval between production of the primary lesion and admission was variable (0-17 years). Conservative treatments prove to be insufficient, requiring the destroyed structures to be replaced with compatible tissue by surgical intervention. The therapeutic success of skin grafts and dermal substituents acknowledges the main role of plastic surgery. New technologies as well as new cell focused studies support the clinical proven results as well as they enlarge the spectrum of potential available therapeutic methods in order to obtain the best therapeutic results.

Fibroepithelial polyps - a rare pathology of the upper urinary tract.

Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps are a rather uncommon pathological entity. However, an increase of their incidence was recorded during the recent period, probably due to better access to the investigative methods. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnosis and endoscopic treatment particularities of these cases. Our experience was based on 11 cases evaluated in the last 12 years. The mean patients' age was 43 years (between 26 and 54). Hematuria, flank pain, suprapubic discomfort and urinary frequency were the main symptoms. Diagnosis was based on ultrasonography, IVP (intravenous pyelography), cystoscopy and ureteroscopy and confirmed by histopathology. In four cases, smooth polypoid masses covered by apparently normal urothelium and protruding through the ureteral orifice were discovered. In six cases, the fibroepithelial polyps appeared as a large filling defect in the ureter. In another case, a large, organized, blood clot protruding from the left orifice imposed ureteroscopy with the identification of a mid-ureteral polyp. Ten cases were treated by ureteroscopic laser ablation, while transureteral resection was applied in one case. After complete excision of the polypoid base, a double-J stent was indwelled for six weeks. Histology described the lesions as fibroepithelial polyps: hyperplastic urothelium overlying an intact basement membrane with extensive submucosal edema, dilated blood vessels, chronic inflammatory cells and fibrous stroma. No recurrences were found during a follow-up period of 56 months (between 6 and 72 months). Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps represent a rare pathology, ureteroscopy being the gold standard diagnostic method. The appearance and location of the lesions are pathognomonic, and complete excision may be performed by ureteroscopic approach. Recurrences seem to be rare in these tumors.

The therapeutic attitude in distal radial Salter and Harris type I and II fractures in children.

INTRODUCTION: Salter Harris Fractures type, especially type I and II are treated by orthopedic reduction in the emergency room or operating room, under general anesthesia, followed by plaster immobilization. Neglected or incorrectly treated fractures, leading to malunion and radiocarpal subluxations which require surgical procedure. PURPOSE: This paper proposes to evaluate the correctly applied orthopedic treatment and the expose of an original surgical technique in case of neglected and incorrectly treated fractures, leading to mal-unions and impediments in the radiocarpal mobility and aesthetics. MATERIAL AND METHOD: we studied a group of 238 children with Salter Harris fractures type I and II, treated in "M.S. Curie" Emergency Hospital for Children, Bucharest. Out of the studied group, 200 children were treated by orthopedic reduction and immobilization in a plaster device. Malunions present within 38 children due to neglected or mistreated fractures, underwent open reduction with internal osteosynthesis by a technique that avoids violating the growth cartilage. This technique involves making an internal fixation with the radial joint surface in a normal position. RESULTS: Children receiving proper orthopedic reduction and immobilization in plaster device, 200 patients, were cured after 30-45 days of immobilization, depending on age and joint mobility which were within normal range. The 38 children with malunions underwent surgery to rectify the position of the radial joint surface. Postoperative results were good, proper position of the radiocarpal joint were made during the surgical procedure. The intemal fixation is ensured by a transepiphyseal wire and after 30 days of immobilization in a plaster device the patients started the recovery treatment. Radiocarpal joint mobility returned to normal after a variable period of 3 to 6 months, depending on the patient's age. CONCLUSIONS: Salter Harris I and II fractures are absolute indication for orthopedic treatment, in a matter of emergency, preferably in the operating room under general anesthesia. Verification is necessary between the 7th and 14th day after orthopedic reduction, to avoid malunions. Malunited fractures require surgical intervention after a special technique, avoiding damage to the growth cartilage and radial epiphysis.

Laparoscopic exploration in pediatric surgery emergencies.

The laparoscopic approach of pediatric surgery emergencies represents a specific preoccupation in hospitals everywhere in the world. Nowadays, when confronted with this pathology, pediatric surgeons are able to apply certain well-defined therapeutic protocols, depending on the technical equipment at their disposal and their laparoscopic expertise and training. We hereby present some of the surgical pediatric emergencies that have been subjected to minimally invasive celioscopic techniques, in the Department of Pediatric Surgery "Maria Sklodowska Curie" Hospital, from August 1999 to July 2007. Out of 83 exploratory laparoscopies, 12 were performed for emergency pathology, other than acute appendicitis (in its various forms, including peritonitis) or acute cholecystitis. However, during the above-mentioned period, the number of therapeutic laparoscopies for emergencies has grown significantly (239 from a total of 663 laparoscopies), reflecting to a large extent the activity of a clinic with an emergency surgery profile. The authors conclude that exploratory laparoscopies in pediatric surgery emergencies are suited for surgical teams with a solid experience in celioscopy and a certain professional maturity, necessary to correctly appreciate the surgical and anesthetic risks involved by each individual case. It is not recommended that inexperienced laparoscopic surgeons embark on the "adventure" of this minimally invasive approach for this type of pathology. Only when the training and learning process is fully and correctly completed, specialists are offered the advantage of continuing a celioscopic exploration by performing a minimally invasive therapeutic procedure, even for a pediatric emergency case.

Diagnosis and complications of renovascular hypertension in children: literature data and clinical observations.

INTRODUCTION: Renovascular hypertension in children is a very rare illness. It occurs as a result of the imbalance between hypotensive and hypertensive systems. Renal ischaemia (95% of the cases) and the shortening of hipotensive factors (5% of the cases) are responsible for the production mechanism of renovascular hypertension in children. In order to make an early diagnosis regarding the renovascular hypertension in all children suffering from renovascular illnesses, blood pressure must be taken correctly and repeatedly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper is a case study on 19 children with renovascular hypertension, aged between 2 and 15 years old. Most cases were divided into two groups: subjects aged 4-7 years old and subjects aged 8-12 years old. Each group represents 34.2% of all cases. The diagnosis of renovascular hypertension in those 19 children was established after correctly taking the blood pressure and comparing it with the normal values for each age. Hypertension was diagnosed before knowing its cause in 8 neglected cases. The blood pressure was repeatedly taken in the other 11 children suffering from renovascular illnesses and the diagnosis of hypertension was early established when blood pressure values increased. Previously, blood pressure was normal in these 11 cases. RESULTS: The etiopathogenical diagnosis showed parenchymal diseases in 12 cases--63.1%. Seven patients suffered from renovascular lesions--36.9%. Laboratory exams, radiology, imagistic exams, arteriography and scintigraphy were steps taken in order to establish the etiopathogenical diagnosis. These exams showed the next direct causes of renovascular hypertension: bilateral chronic pyelonephritis in 4 cases--21.4%, hydronephrosis in 3 cases--16.2%, congenital renal hypoplasia in 2 cases--10.4% and doubled kidney in 2 cases--10.4%. The other 8 cases presented acute glomerulonephritis, unilateral renal agenesis, horseshoe kidney, unilateral pyelonephritis, renal artery agenesis, renal trauma, renal abcess and Wilms tumor, one case of each illness--5.2%. The major complications were: retinopathy, chronic renal failure and stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Laboratory data are just a hint in diagnosing renovascular hypertension. However, radiology, imagistic exams, arteriography and scintigraphy are compulsory in the renourinary status and etiopathogenical diagnosis.

Exploratory laparoscopy--diagnosis method in pediatric surgery pathology.

The purpose of this article is to establish the important place of laparoscopy in the diagnosis management of pediatric surgery pathology. In addition, it is intended to become a pleading, concerning the true and realistic benefit, for the pediatric patient, of minimally invasive surgery. In our country, the method was taken over from general surgery and had a few years of latency in imposing itself. We consider that each pediatric surgeon is required to have a mandatory period of training in this topic. This is the reason why we appeal to the young generations of pediatric surgeons but also to the surgeons with many years of experience in classical surgical techniques, who are able to perfect the diagnostic and treatment methods in many medical specialties. The clinical research took place in a retro and prospective manner from August 1999 to July 2007 in the Department of Pediatric Surgery "Maria Sklodowska Curie" Hospital and studied 663 laparoscopic surgeries. 83 of them were exploratory laparoscopies (39 boys and 44 girls) and the other 580 were therapeutic procedures with accurate pre-operatory diagnostics. The surgical activity of our department concerning exploratory laparoscopy was also appreciated due to the decisional and therapeutic algorithms that were conceived. The motivations for exploratory laparoscopic procedures are multiple and arise from many causes, from right lower quadrant pain syndrome and abdominal tumors to congenital malformations and non-palpable testis. The processed data revealed the utility of laparoscopy, concerning most of the pediatric surgical pathologies and in the same time allowing them to continue the exploratory method of diagnosis with a minimally invasive therapy. The discrepancy between the exploratory benefit (sometimes minor) and the surgical trauma of an open exploratory surgery, explains the utility of laparoscopy that took over most of open surgery indications.