Evaluation of the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System for accurate suturing in small cavities.

The hinotori™ Surgical Robot System (hinotori™, Medicaroid, Kobe, Japan) is increasingly being utilized primarily in urology and adult surgery; however, data on its application in pediatric surgery are lacking. This preclinical study aimed to evaluate the limitations of this system for accurate suturing in small cavities designed for pediatric and neonatal applications. Two trained operators performed simple ligature sutures (easy task [ET]) and hepaticojejunostomy sutures (difficult task [DT]) within five differently sized boxes, ranging from 5123 to 125 mL. The suture time, number of internal and external instrument/instrument collisions, instrument/box collisions, and suture accuracy were evaluated. The suture accuracy was assessed using the A-Lap Mini endoscopic surgery skill assessment system. As a result, an increase in the number of collisions and extended suturing times were observed in boxes with volumes smaller than 215 mL. Despite these variations, there were no significant differences between the boxes, and all tasks were precisely performed in all boxes (p = 0.10 for the ET and p = 1.00 for the DT). These findings demonstrate the capability of the hinotori™ system to perform precise suturing techniques within tightly confined simulated neonatal cavities as small as 125 mL. To advance the integration of pediatric robotic surgery utilizing the hinotori™ system, additional trials comparing it with conventional laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques using pediatric and animal models are necessary to assess its clinical safety and applicability.

Significance of Serum Leucine-rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein as a Diagnostic Marker in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) has been utilized for adult inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, its efficacy in pediatric IBD remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of serum LRG for pediatric IBD with that of current inflammatory markers, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). This retrospective case-control study included pediatric patients, aged <16 years, who underwent colonoscopy and/or esophagogastroduodenoscopy between April 2017 and March 2022. All eligible patients were divided into two groups: patients with IBD, diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and non-IBD controls. The optimal cut-off value of serum LRG for IBD diagnosis was determined from receiver operating characteristic analysis, and diagnostic accuracy of serum LRG was compared to serum ESR and CRP. A total of 53 patients (24 with IBD and 29 non-IBD controls) met the inclusion criteria. The cut-off value of serum LRG for IBD diagnosis was determined to be 19.5 µg/ml. At this cut-off value, serum LRG had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.80 and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.88. In contrast, PPV and NPV were 0.78 and 0.70 for serum ESR and 0.82 and 0.72 for serum CRP, respectively. Serum LRG can be a potential diagnostic marker for pediatric IBD, with higher diagnostic accuracy than that of the conventional serum markers ESR and CRP.

Endosurgery workshop to improve the confidence of novice pediatric surgeons in performing laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the efficacy of a high-impact, short-term workshop in honing the laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy technical skills and self-confidence of novice pediatric surgeons, focusing on vertical needle driving and knot tying. METHODS: Lectures, hands-on sessions, pre- and post-workshop evaluations, and training using porcine models were conducted to refine basic and advanced skills. The "hepaticojejunostomy simulator" was used for comparative analysis of precision in pre- and post-workshop vertical needle driving and knot tying. Participants self-evaluated their skills and confidence on a 5-point scale. RESULTS: After the workshop, eight inexperienced pediatric surgeons demonstrated a significant improvement in hepaticojejunostomy suturing task completion rates and needle-driving precision at the jejunum and hepatic duct. However, the A-Lap Mini Endoscopic Surgery Skill Assessment System indicated no significant improvements in most assessed parameters, except for the full-layer closure score (p = 0.03). However, a significant increase in participants' confidence levels in performing laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy was observed. CONCLUSION: The workshop augmented technical proficiency and confidence in young pediatric surgeons. The combination of lectures, practical exposure, and model training is an effective educational strategy in pediatric surgical instruction.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Pediatric Patients with Achalasia up to 12 Years of Age: A Pilot Study in a Single-Center Experience in Japan.

INTRODUCTION: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure for achalasia; its indication has expanded from adults to children. We aimed to evaluate the postoperative efficacy and antireflex status of POEM in young children with achalasia aged 12 years or younger. PATIENTS: AND METHODS: Pediatric patients with achalasia aged 18 years or younger who underwent POEM in our hospital between 2016 and 2021 were included and divided into two age groups: group A (≤ 12 years) and group B (13-18 years). The success rate (Eckardt score ≤ 3), endoscopic reflux findings, and antiacid use at 1 year postoperatively were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Ten patients (four boys and six girls; Chicago classification type I: five, type II: four, and unclassified: one) were included. Mean age and preoperative Eckardt scores in groups A (n = 4) and B (n = 6) were 9.2 ± 3.0 versus 15.6 ± 0.6 years (p = 0.001) and 5.5 ± 3.9 versus 7.2 ± 3.7 (p = 0.509), respectively, and mean operative time and myotomy length were 51.3 ± 16.6 versus 52.5 ± 13.2 minutes (p = 0.898) and 10.8 ± 4.6 versus 9.8 ± 3.2 cm (p = 0.720), respectively. The 1-year success rate was 100% in both groups. Mild esophagitis (Los Angeles classification B) was endoscopically found in one patient in each group (16.7 vs. 25.0%, p = 0.714), and antiacid use was required in three patients (group A, two; group B, one; 50.0 vs. 16.7%, p = 0.500). CONCLUSION: The success rate of POEM within 1 year in young children with achalasia aged 12 years or younger was equal to that in adolescent patients. However, young children tended to require antiacids 1 year postoperatively; therefore, long-term follow-up is necessary.

The perioperative transition of serum biomarkers of a 1.5-year-old boy with very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.

Very long-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD, OMIM 201475) is a congenital fatty acid oxidation disorder. Individuals with VLCADD should avoid catabolic states, including strenuous exercise and long-term fasting; however, such conditions are required when undergoing surgery. The perioperative management of VLCADD in infants has rarely been reported and details regarding the transition of serum biomarkers reflecting catabolic status have not been disclosed. Herein, we present the perioperative clinical and biological data of cryptorchidism in a 1.5-year-old boy with VLCADD. The patient was diagnosed through newborn screening and his clinical course was very stable. Genetic testing of ACADVL revealed compound heterozygous variants c.506 T > C (p.Met169Thr) and c.606-609delC (p.L216*). The enzyme activity of the patient with VLCAD was only 20% compared to that of healthy control. Left orchiopexy for the pediatric cryptorchidism was planned and performed at 1 and a half year of age. Induction anesthesia involved thiopental, fentanyl and rocuronium. The glucose infusion rate was maintained above 6.6 mg/kg/min starting the day before surgery until the operation was completed. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane at approximately 2%. The serum concentration of tetradecenoylcarnitine were stable during the operation, ranging between 0.08 and 0.19 µM (cutoff <0.2 µM), and never deviated from the reference range. Concentration of other serum biomarkers including free fatty acid, 3-OH-butyrate, and creatine kinase, remained similarly unchanged. In this report, we describe the uneventful perioperative management of unilateral orchiopexy for left cryptorchidism in a 1.5-year-old boy with VLCADD using sufficient glucose infusion and volatile anesthesia.

Epithelial and ganglionic distribution at the distal rectal end in anorectal malformations: could it play a role in anastomotic adaptation?

PURPOSE: In anorectal malformations (ARMs), the epithelium of the distal rectal end is not well described. We histomorphologically evaluated epithelial and ganglionic distribution in the distal rectal end of ARMs resected during anorectoplasty to assess similarities and differences with normal anal canal structure. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, specimens from 60 ARM patients (27 males, 33 females) treated between 2008 and 2019 were evaluated. RESULTS: Epithelium type and alignment sequence as well as ganglionic distribution were similar in the distal rectal end and in a normal anal canal. Stratified columnar epithelium (anal transitional zone, ATZ) was seen in 49/60 (81.7%) cases and in all ARM types, including the no-fistula type. Anal crypts were identified in the stratified columnar epithelium (ATZ) of 46/49 (93.9%) patients. Regarding distal rectal end-resecting anorectoplasty, in 90% of patients, resection was performed distal to the Herrmann line. Ganglion cell distribution was exclusively proximal to the Herrmann line. CONCLUSION: Epithelial and ganglionic distribution was similar in the distal rectal end of ARMs and in a normal anal canal. The ATZ is the epithelial boundary between the rectum and skin in a normal anal canal. ATZ preservation could reproduce anal canal structure in ARM reconstruction.

Laparoscopic Ladd's procedure in neonates: A simple landmark detorsion technique.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of our simple landmark technique for laparoscopic detorsion and the Ladd's procedure (lap-Ladd) for malrotation with midgut volvulus in neonates and to identify the risk factors for reoperation after the lap-Ladd. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 42 patients after lap-Ladd for malrotation between April 2017 and June 2019. Information regarding patient status and intraoperative and postoperative data were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients had volvulus (73.8 %), while 11 patients did not (26.2%). The median age and weight between the two groups at operation were 9 days (range, 3-28 days), 3.2 kg (range, 2-8 kg) and 6 days (range, 2-11), 2.9 kg (range, 2-3.8 kg), respectively. The operative time was significantly shorter in patients with volvulus compared to those without (60 vs 105 min, P = 0.002). Two cases were converted to open surgery because of ischemic changes of the total small intestine during surgery. Reoperation was required in two patients with volvulus (due to adhesive small bowel obstruction and recurrent volvulus). There was no significant predictive factor for reoperation after the lap-Ladd procedure. CONCLUSION: Our simple landmark lap-Ladd procedure demonstrated feasibility and good short-term outcomes in neonates with malrotation, regardless of the presence or absence of volvulus.

Laparoscopic fundoplication for a child with abdominal intrathecal Baclofen pump.

This is the first case report describing a laparoscopic fundoplication in a child with an intrathecal Baclofen pump which was inserted because of severe spasticity secondary to cerebral palsy. The child had symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux with recurrent episodes of aspiration pneumonia. These were managed with a gastrostomy and conservative therapy with no success. The presence of an intrathecal Baclofen pump makes abdominal surgery challenging and carries the risk of pump infection with its associated sequelae. However, we performed a successful laparoscopic fundoplication with no intraoperative complications and the child was asymptomatic at 18 months follow-up.

Robotic-assisted surgery for choledochal cyst in children: early experience at Vietnam National Children's Hospital.

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe our robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) techniques and assess the early results of RAS for choledochal cysts in children. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of children who underwent RAS for a congenital choledochal cyst at our institution between February 2013 and August 2016. We analyzed patient characteristics, operative data, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients underwent RAS for a choledochal cyst (female 30). The operation was performed with four robotic ports and one laparoscopic port for the assistant. The Roux loop was fashioned extracorporeally. Twenty patients (51.3%) had a Todani Type I cyst and the others had Type IV. The mean patient age and weight and choledochal cyst diameter at the time of the operation were 40.2 months (range 5-108 months), 13.4 kg (range 6.5-29 kg), and 27.2 mm (range 9-112 mm), respectively. The mean operating time was 192.7 min (range 150-330 min). There were no intraoperative complications; no conversions to laparoscopic or open surgery; and no postoperative complications, including cholangitis, cholelithiasis, or anastomotic stenosis. CONCLUSION: Pediatric RAS CC resection is safe and feasible. The robot-assisted technique overcame technical difficulties. However, in pediatric cases, a skilled robotic surgical team and procedural modifications are needed.

Anterior-posterior cricoid split combined with silastic T-tube stenting for subglottic stenosis in children: a single surgeon's experience.

PURPOSE: Treatment strategies and clinical outcomes of subglottic stenosis (SGS) in children are varied due to the degree and range of stenotic lesions. The optimal surgical procedure for SGS in children is still under debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of our anterior-posterior cricoid (APC) split technique combined with long-term T-tube stenting for grade II or III SGS in children. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of children with SGS between January 2011 and December 2016 was conducted. APC split was performed via open procedure under rigid bronchoscopy. After splitting, a silastic T-tube was inserted as a stent and removed 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Seven children underwent APC split during the period. All children had undergone previous tracheostomy, and APC split was performed when the children were 3-9 years old without any intraoperative complications. Median duration of T-tube stenting was 11 months, and all children were decannulated successfully. There were T-tube-related complications, including two tube-tip granulation that required intervention and one accidental T-tube removal. CONCLUSION: APC split is a technically simple and reproducible procedure, and it could be employed as an optimal procedure for SGS in children.

Bronchoscopic assessments and clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with tracheomalacia and bronchomalacia.

BACKGROUND: Tracheomalacia and bronchomalacia (TM/BM) are one of the serious causes of airway obstruction in infants and children. This study reviewed our bronchoscopic assessments and clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with TM/BM, and investigated risk factors of surgical intervention for TM/BM. METHODS: Fifty-seven consecutive patients who were diagnosed as TM/BM by bronchoscopy between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. They were divided into two groups according to the presence (group E, n = 26) or absence (group N, n = 31) of acute life-threatening events and extubation failure (ALTE/EF). The severity of TM/BM was evaluated by Oblateness Index which was obtained from bronchoscopic images. RESULTS: Oblateness Index was significantly higher in Group E than in Group N. Patients in Group E underwent surgical intervention for TM/BM more frequently, and had significantly longer intubation period and hospital stay. Clinical symptoms of ALTE/EF, Oblateness Index ≥ 0.70, and multiple malacic lesions were significant risk factors indicating surgical events in patients with TM/BM. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with TM/BM who had ALTE/EF had more severe malacic lesions indicating surgical intervention, and worse clinical outcomes. Oblateness Index is a simple and semi-quantitative index for bronchoscopic assessment of TM/BM, and can be one of the prognostic tools to predict clinical severity of pediatric TM/BM.

A case of biliary atresia with pancreaticobiliary maljunction.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of biliary atresia (BA) is still unknown. There are several reports on the etiology of BA, including pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM). We experienced a case of Kasai type IIIa BA with PBM, in which we found elevation of pancreatic enzymes in the gallbladder. We evaluated whether PBM is related to the pathogenesis of BA based on our findings. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was born at 40 weeks of gestation. His body weight at birth was 2850 g. At the age of 4 days, he had an acholic stool and was referred to our hospital. Abdominal ultrasonography showed that triangular cord sign was negative. The gallbladder was isolated with a diameter of 19 mm, and it contracted in response to oral feeding. His ultrasonographic findings were atypical for BA, but his jaundice did not improve. Therefore, we performed an operation at the age of 56 days. Intraoperative cholangiography showed a common bile duct and pancreatic duct and a common channel patent, while the common hepatic duct or intrahepatic duct was not visualized. Bile in the gallbladder contained colorless fluid, which showed elevated lipase level (34,100 IU/L). We performed Kasai portoenterostomy under the diagnosis of Kasai type IIIa BA with PBM. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged on day 30 after the operation. Histopathological evaluation showed that the lumens of the common bile duct and cystic duct were patent. However, the common hepatic duct was closed, and only bile ductules with diameters of less than 50 µm were isolated. Infiltration of lymphocytes was detected in the porta hepatis. No apparent inflammation was observed around the cystic duct, which was constantly exposed to pancreatic juice because of reflux through PBM. CONCLUSIONS: Reflux of pancreatic juice through PBM might not be an etiological factor for BA, but might be associated with patency of the common and cystic bile ducts in Kasai type IIIa BA.

Predictive factor for intraoperative tumor rupture of Wilms tumor.

PURPOSE: For Wilms tumor, intraoperative tumor rupture with wide tumor spillage during surgical manipulation raises the classification to stage 3. Then, postoperative chemotherapy must be more intensive, and abdominal radiotherapy is added. Therefore, intraoperative tumor rupture should be avoided if possible. However, predictive factors for intraoperative tumor rupture have not been sufficiently described. Here we examined the risk factors for intraoperative tumor rupture. METHODS: Patients with Wilms tumor who underwent treatment according to the National Wilms Tumor Study or the Japanese Wilms Tumor Study protocol at our institution were reviewed retrospectively. Collected cases were categorized into two groups: the ruptured group and the non-ruptured group. Risk factors for intraoperative tumor rupture, including the ratio of the tumor area to the abdominal area in a preoperative single horizontal computed tomography slice (T/A ratio), were investigated in both groups. RESULTS: The two groups were not different in age, body weight, tumor laterality, sex, or histological distribution. The T/A ratio in the ruptured group was significantly higher than that in the non-ruptured group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified a discriminative value for a T/A ratio >0.5. CONCLUSION: The T/A ratio can be a predictive factor for intraoperative tumor rupture of Wilms tumor.

Evaluation of the intraoperative risk factors for esophageal anastomotic complications after primary repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors for esophageal anastomotic stricture (EAS) and/or anastomotic leakage (EAL) after primary repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) in infants. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 52 patients with congenital EA/TEF between January 2000 and December 2015 was conducted. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for anastomotic complications. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were excluded from the analysis because they had insufficient data, trisomy 18 syndrome, delayed anastomosis, or multi-staged operations; the remaining 28 were included. Twelve patients (42.9 %) had anastomotic complications. EAS occurred in 12 patients (42.9 %), and one of them had EAL (3.57 %). There was no correlation between anastomotic complications and birth weight, gestational weeks, sex, the presence of an associated anomaly, age at the time of repair, gap between the upper pouch and lower pouch of the esophagus, number of sutures, blood loss, and gastroesophageal reflux. Anastomosis under tension and tracheomalacia were identified as risk factors for anastomotic complications (odds ratio 15, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.53-390.0 and odds ratio 8, 95 % CI 1.33-71.2, respectively). CONCLUSION: Surgeons should carefully perform anastomosis under less tension to prevent anastomotic complications in the primary repair of EA/TEF.

Surgical intervention strategies for congenital tracheal stenosis associated with a tracheal bronchus based on the location of stenosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate surgical intervention strategies for congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) associated with a tracheal bronchus based on the location of stenosis. METHODS: The medical records of 13 pediatric patients with CTS associated with a tracheal bronchus at a single institution between January 2006 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Type 1: tracheal stenosis above the right upper lobe bronchus (RULB) (n = 1). One patient underwent slide tracheoplasty and was successfully extubated. Type 2: tracheal stenosis below the RULB (n = 7). Tracheal end-to-end anastomosis was performed before 2014, and one patient failed to extubate. Posterior-anterior slide tracheoplasty was performed since 2014, and all three patients were successfully extubated. Type 3: tracheal stenosis above the RULB to the carina (n = 5). One patient underwent posterior-anterior slide tracheoplasty and was successfully extubated. Two patients with left-right slide tracheoplasty and another two patients with tracheal end-to-end anastomosis for the stenosis below the RULB could not be extubated. CONCLUSION: Tracheal end-to-end anastomosis or slide tracheoplasty can be selected for tracheal stenosis above the RULB according to the length of stenosis. Posterior-anterior slide tracheoplasty appears feasible for tracheal stenosis below the RULB or above the RULB to the carina.