Determining the Risk Factors for Anastomotic Stricture Development after Esophageal Atresia Repair: Results from the Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Anastomotic stricture (AS) is the second most common complication after esophageal atresia (EA) repair. We aimed to evaluate the data in the Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry to determine the risk factors for AS development after EA repair in a large national cohort of patients. METHODS: The data between 2015 and 2021 were evaluated. Patients were enrolled into two groups according to the occurrence of AS. Patients with AS (AS group) and without AS (non-AS group) were compared according to demographic and operative features, postoperative intubation status, and postoperative complications, such as anastomotic leaks, fistula recanalization, and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to define the risk factors for the development of AS after EA repair. RESULTS: Among the 713 cases, 144 patients (20.19%) were enrolled into the AS group and 569 (79.81%) in the non-AS group. The multivariable logistic regression showed that, being a term baby (odds ratio [OR]: 1.706; p = 0.006), having a birth weight over 2,500 g (OR: 1.72; p = 0.006), presence of GER (OR: 5.267; p < 0.001), or having a recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF, OR: 4.363; p = 0.006) were the risk factors for the development of AS. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our national registry demonstrate that 20% of EA patients developed AS within their first year of life. In patients with early primary anastomosis, birth weight greater than 2,500 g and presence of GER were risk factors for developing AS. When patients with delayed anastomosis were included, in addition to the previous risk factors, being a term baby, and having recurrent TEF also became risk factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Esophageal Atresia Associated with Congenital Duodenal Obstruction: Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry (TEAR) Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Coexistent congenital duodenal obstruction and esophageal atresia (EA) is known to have significant morbidity and mortality. Management strategies are not well-defined for this association. The data from the Turkish EA registry is evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database search was done for the years 2015 to 2022. RESULTS: Among 857 EA patients, 31 (3.6%) had congenital duodenal obstruction. The mean birth weight was 2,104 (± 457) g with 6 babies weighing less than 1,500 g. Twenty-six (84%) had type C EA. The duodenal obstruction was complete in 15 patients and partial in 16. Other anomalies were detected in 27 (87%) patients. VACTERL-H was present in 15 (48%), anorectal malformation in 10 (32%), a major cardiac malformation in 6 (19%), and trisomy-21 in 3 (10%). Duodenal obstruction diagnosis was delayed in 10 (32%) babies for a median of 7.5 (1-109) days. Diagnosis for esophageal pathologies was delayed in 2. Among 19 babies with a simultaneous diagnosis, 1 died without surgery, 6 underwent triple repair for tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), EA, and duodenal obstruction, and 3 for TEF and duodenal obstruction in the same session. A staged repair was planned in the remaining 9 patients. In total, 15 (48%) patients received a gastrostomy, the indication was long-gap EA in 8. Twenty-five (77%) patients survived. The cause of mortality was sepsis (n = 3) and major cardiac malformations (n = 3). CONCLUSION: Congenital duodenal obstruction associated with EA is a complex problem. Delayed diagnosis is common. Management strategies regarding single-stage repairs or gastrostomy insertions vary notably depending on the patient characteristics and institutional preferences.

Rectal biopsy: is it really necessary in anorectal malformations?

AIM OF THE STUDY: The coexistence of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) with anorectal malformation (ARM) is rare but many surgeons still ask pathologists to look for ganglia in the terminal rectum or fistula. In this study, we aimed to highlight the rarity of this association and question the necessity of histological evaluation. METHODS: After obtaining board review approval, rectal specimens of ARM patients who underwent corrective surgery in the last 8 years were re-analyzed by two blinded pathologists for the presence and structure of ganglia. Clinical and radiological data of patients retrieved from center records and correlated with histopathologic findings. MAIN RESULTS: 67 patients with ARM were identified, distal rectal specimen was obtained in 47. The median age at the time of surgery was 11 months (2 days-59 months). A normal pattern of ganglia was present in 51.1% (24/47), 29.7% (14/47) had aganglionosis and 19.1% (9/47) were inconclusive due to insufficient material. None of the aganglionic specimens showed other histological findings of HD. Patients were followed up regularly in the outpatient colorectal clinic for a median of 87 months (42-117 m). Only 6 experienced severe constipation (3 ganglionic, 2 no biopsy, 1 aganglionic), all of whom responded to a bowel management program, and none developed other manifestations of HD (abdominal distension, failure to thrive or enterocolitis) or required additional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly suggest that the association of ARM and HD is extremely rare and the practice of searching for ganglia in the distal rectum or fistula of ARM patients should be discouraged to avoid potential misdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Impact of Scoliosis Severity on Gastrostomy-Related Complications in Children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the relationship between scoliosis and risk of developing complications in patients who underwent gastrostomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or surgical gastrostomy (SG) between 2012 and 2022 were included. Leakage, discharge, granuloma, and hyperemia were considered minor complications, while visceral injury, ileus, and re-do surgery were considered major complications. The degree of scoliosis was calculated using the Cobb angle. The SG and PEG groups were compared by evaluating the complications and their correlation with scoliosis. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients with a mean age of 5.0 ± 5.3 were included; 58% of patients were treated with SG. Patients in the SG group were younger ( P < 0.001). Minor complications were significantly more common in the PEG group ( P = 0.018). There was no difference between the groups in terms of major complications ( P = 1.000). Scoliosis was observed in 32.7% of the patients (n = 34). In the SG group, no correlation was found between the Cobb angle and the frequency of minor ( P = 0.173) or major complications ( P = 0.305). There was no significant difference between the Cobb angles of patients with and without minor complications in the PEG group ( P = 0.478); the Cobb angles of patients with major complications (75°) were significantly higher than those without (36°) ( P = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Gastrostomy is important for weight gain and nutritional needs of children. This study showed that the risk of complications in SGs did not correlate with the degree of scoliosis and that the risk of major complications in PEGs increased in patients with a high degree of scoliosis.

Hydatid Disease in Children from Diagnosis to Treatment: A 10-year Single Center Experience

Objective: Hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus is a parasitic zoonosis and is endemic in Turkey. Clinical manifestations vary and are related to the anatomical location. In this report, we shared the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of hydatid disease in children with a 10-year experience. Methods: A total of fifty-seven children diagnosed with hydatid disease were analyzed retrospectively from hospital records. Diagnosis was based on clinical, serological and radiological findings. Treatment response was evaluated with clinical, radiological and serological findings. Results: The male/female ratio of 57 cases was 2.4:1 and the mean age was 113.6±45.9 months. The most common presenting complaint was abdominal pain (42.1%). While 22 (38.6%) of the cases had eosinophilia; indirect hemagglutination test positivity was detected in 27 cases (47.4%). Multiple organ involvement was present in 18 cases (31.6%). In patients with multiple organ involvement, the possibility of cysts being located in the abdomen was higher (p=0.005). Of the 50 cases (87.7%), 45 (78.9%) were operated with open surgery and 5 (8.8%) with percutaneous aspiration-injection-reaspiration method for treatment. There were 52 (91.2%) patients who were given albendazole in conservative treatment and the mean duration of treatment was 15.5±17.2 months. There were 10 cases (17.5%) who developed cyst rupture and the symptom duration was shorter than the cases without cyst rupture (p=0.017). Cyst rupture was more common in cases with dyspnea and fluid discharge from the mouth called rock water (p=0.001, p=0.005, respectively). Recurrence was observed in five cases (8.8%) during follow-up. Conclusion: In areas where the disease is endemic, despite prevention and control programs consisting of personal habits and health education, active transmission of hydatid disease is seen in children and continues to be an important public health problem. Hydatid disease should definitely be considered in the presence of suspicious radiological and clinical findings in endemic areas. Controlled clinical studies are required for diagnosis and treatment procedures.

Reassessment of a Decade of Experience on Testicular Torsion: Are We Making a Mistake?

INTRODUCTION: Testicular torsion is a serious surgical emergency of children. Prompt recognition and exclusion of other acute scrotal causes are essential for avoiding testicular loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate 10 years of experience with testicular torsion, point out our pitfalls in diagnosis and management, determine our likelihood of performing orchiectomy for potentially reversible injury. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Records of patients operated for testicular torsion in the last decade were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical findings, symptoms, type of surgery, accuracy of radiological evaluation, and the outcome were analyzed. Orchiectomy specimens were reevaluated and histologically graded to determine the existence of previously undetermined low-grade injury. RESULTS: In total, 107 children were operated for testicular torsion. Presentation included pain 96 (89.7%), scrotal swelling 48 (44.8%). Doppler ultrasonography was performed in 96 patients with false-negative results in 26 (27%). Testicular salvage occurred in 65 (60.7%) patients of which 6 (9.2%) developed subsequent testicular atrophy. Forty-two (33.9%) patients were treated with orchiectomy and histologic reevaluation, and grading of the specimens revealed 4 (9.7%) low-grade injury which indicates a potential of reversible injury. Seventeen (13.7%) patients had normal testicular anatomy in surgery. CONCLUSION: Surgical exploration is mandated in case of clinical suspicion for testicular torsion even with a normal flow Doppler ultrasound. Macroscopic evaluation does not always correlate with microscopic findings, and a decision according to it may result in excision of potentially viable testis. Further studies are required to determine the actual risk of contralateral autoimmune damage and increase the rate testicular salvageability after testicular torsion.

The effect of azygos vein preservation on postoperative complications after esophageal atresia repair: Results from the Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry.

AIM: Preservation of the azygos vein (AV) maintains normal venous drainage of the mediastinum and decreases postoperative congestion. The modification of esophageal atresia (EA) repair by preserving AV may prevent postoperative complications and may lead to better outcomes. The data from the Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry (TEAR) were evaluated to define the effect of AV preservation on postoperative complications of patients with EA. METHODS: Data from TEAR for a period of five years were evaluated. Patients were enrolled into two groups according to the preservation of AV. Patients with divided (DAV) and preserved AV (PAV) were evaluated for demographic and operative features and postoperative complications for the first year of life. The DAV and PAV groups were compared according to the postoperative complications, such as fistula recanalization, symptomatic strictures, anastomotic leaks, total number of esophageal dilatations, and anti-reflux surgery. In addition, respiratory problems, which required treatment, were compared between groups. RESULTS: Among 502 registered patients; the data from 315 patients with the information of AV ligation were included. The male female ratio of DAV (n = 271) and PAV (n = 44) groups were 150:121 and 21:23, respectively (p > 0.05). The mean body weight, height, gestational age, and associated anomalies were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). The esophageal repair with thoracotomy was significantly higher in DAV group, when compared to the PAV group (p < 0.05). The rates of primary anastomosis and tensioned anastomosis were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). There was no difference between DAV and PAV groups for anastomotic leaks, symptomatic anastomotic strictures, fistula recanalization, and the requirement for anti-reflux surgery (p > 0.05). The rate of respiratory problems, which required treatment, was significantly higher in the DAV group (p < 0.05) CONCLUSION: The data in the TEAR demonstrated that preserving the AV during EA repair led to no significant advantage on postoperative complications, with exception of respiratory problems. AV should be preserved as much as possible to maintain a normal mediastinal anatomy and to avoid respiratory complications.

Diagnostic Value of Serum Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor in Children With Acute Appendicitis.

OBJECTIVES: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common surgical emergency in children. The accurate and timely diagnosis of AA in children can be challenging, and delayed diagnosis rates have been reported to range from 5.9% to 27.6%. Although combining clinical history and repeated physical examination with laboratory tests and radiographic imaging modalities help reach the diagnosis, novel biomarkers can support the surgeons' decision as well. The aims of this study were to evaluate a new plasma marker, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), to improve diagnostic accuracy in AA patients, and to determine a cutoff value of uPAR, which can safely include/exclude the diagnosis of AA. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of children who underwent surgery for AA. Patients were categorized into the following 3 groups: group 1, controls consisted of 32 healthy volunteers; group 2, patients underwent surgery for nonperforated AA (n = 35); and group 3, patients underwent surgery for perforated AA (n = 21). Blood was sampled from group 1 at the admission and from group 2 and 3 before appendectomy. Serum uPAR, white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and C-reactive protein concentrations were measured. RESULTS: Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, ANC, and white blood cell count values were significantly higher in group 2 and 3 than group 1, but there was no significant difference between group 2 and 3. C-reactive protein values were significantly higher only in group 3 than other groups. The cutoff value for uPAR is 2.2 ng/mL with sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 84.3% and ANC is 5900 cells/mm with sensitivity of 91.1% and specificity of 96.9% to diagnose appendicitis. The specificity was 81.3% and sensitivity was raised to 98.2% when evaluated together. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of uPAR count and ANC could be a strong predictor of AA in children.

First step toward a better trauma management: Initial results of the Northern Izmir Trauma Registry System for children.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is an important health problem in children, and improvement in national trauma care is only possible through the knowledge gathered from trauma registry systems. This information is not available in our country, because there is no current trauma registry system at the hospitals. Our aim is to explain the trauma registry system we have developed and present the first year's data. METHODS: The planned trauma registry system was integrated into the emergency department registry system of 14 hospitals in Izmir province. The data of pediatric multiple trauma patients have been recorded automatically through the registry system. Demographics, vital signs, mechanism, type of trauma, anatomical region, ISS, PTS, GCS, length of hospital stay and need for blood transfusion/endotracheal intubation/surgery/hospitalization were evaluated by patient transfer status and outcome. RESULTS: At the end of one year, a total of 356 pediatric major trauma patients were included in the study. The most common type of trauma was blunt trauma (91.9%) and the mechanism was vehicle-related traffic accidents (28.1%). In the group with the worse outcome than the Glasgow outcome score, age was greater, ISS was higher and PTS was lower. Motorcycle accidents, sports injuries, and penetrating injuries were more frequent in this group. All the scales were significantly different between direct and transferred patients. The referral time to the hospital of the transferred patients were longer than directly admitted patients, but the results were not different. CONCLUSION: Pediatric major trauma is an important cause of mortality and morbidity, and our trauma registry system, which is a successful example abroad, is not enough in the country. We hope that the trauma registry system we planned and started the pilot application will be expanded to include other hospitals throughout the country with the aim of developing a national registry system.

Effects of topical application of platelet-rich plasma on esophageal stricture and oxidative stress after caustic burn in rats: Is autologous treatment possible?

BACKGROUND: Caustic esophageal burn is still an important health problem in pediatric surgery. Although there are a number of experimental and clinical studies to increase the recovery of the esophagus and reduce the stenosis rate, there is no consensus on the treatment protocol. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product, which has positive effects on wound healing, reepithelization and scar prevention. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of PRP on stricture formation and oxidative status after caustic esophageal injury in rats. METHODS: Twenty-one rats were divided into three groups [Sham operation (n = 8), corrosive esophageal burn with 30% NaOH (n = 6), topical PRP application after corrosive burn (n = 7)]. On the postoperative 21st day, oxidative markers were measured in the serum, and collagen accumulation and stenosis index were measured histopathologically to assess the efficacy of PRP treatment. RESULTS: Postoperative weight was higher than preoperative weight in Sham and PRP groups, but lower in the Burn group (p < 0.05). No difference was observed between Sham and PRP groups at total antioxidant status and paraoxonase values, but a significant decrease was found in the Burn group. Group PRP had higher total oxidant status and arylesterase levels than Group Burn (p < 0.05). There was no difference in total thiol values between PRP and Sham group. Histopathological scoring for muscularis mucosa damage revealed a significant reduction in Group PRP, compared to Group Burn (p < 0.05). Esophageal wall thickness and SI were reduced, and luminal diameter was increased in Group PRP compared to Group Burn (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: For the first time in the literature, these results indicate that topical PRP treatment after the experimental corrosive burn has a positive effect on oxidative stress, mucosal healing and decreased stricture development. PRP may be an alternative at the clinical treatment because it can be used during diagnostic esophagoscopy. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment study Level I (randomized controlled trial).