Randomized clinical trial between polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) and dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA) as bulking agents for endoscopic treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of endoscopic treatment of primary VUR using polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC-Vantris®) or dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA-Deflux®). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2014 to April 2017, patients with primary VUR grade III to V that needed endoscopic treatment (ET) were eligible for this randomized clinical trial. We excluded toilet-trained patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Patients were randomized and allocated into two groups: PPC group and Dx/HA group. After endoscopic treatment a voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed at 6 months; if VUR was still present a second ET was performed. Radiological success was considered if postoperative VUR grade was 0 and clinical success rate was considered if no more fUTI appeared during follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were eligible but 2 did not accept the trial. Forty-four patients with 73 refluxing ureters were included. PPC: 34 refluxing ureters; and Dx/HA: 39 refluxing ureters. Both groups were statistically homogeneous and comparable. Mean follow-up was 27.6 months. Radiological success rate (82.2%) and clinical success rate (92.3%) were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). The volume of bulking agent used in those successfully treated was greater in Dx/HA group (p < 0.05). Distal ureter was excise in all cases of ureteral reimplantation after PPC treatment; however, distal ureter was preserved in all ureters reimplanted after Dx/HA injection. CONCLUSION: PPC and Dx/HA had similar outcomes, but we must warn that ureteral reimplantation after endoscopic treatment with PPC is difficult because of the periureteral fibrosis.

[Morgagni-Larrey anterior diaphragmatic hernias. Review of 13 cases]. / Hernias diafragmáticas anteriores. Revisión de 13 casos.

OBJECTIVE: A review of anterior congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) treated at our center, analysis of our experience and evolution in the surgical technique in pediatric patients over the last 15 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study of patients of our center with anterior CDH (Morgagni, Larrey and Morgagni-Larrey) between 2000 and 2015, through a systematic review of clinical records. The studied variables were: age at diagnosis, age at treatment, diagnostic methods, symptoms, surgical technique, evolution, complications and relapses. Posterior CDH (Bochdalek) and patients older than 14 years old were excluded. RESULTS: 13 patients (8 females) with anterior diaphragmatic hernia. Mean age at diagnosis was 29.4 months (range fetal age 4 months-14 years old) and mean age at surgery 18.5 m (range 1 day-14 years). Three left hernias (Larrey hernia) and n= 2central hernias (Morgagni-Larrey). Two patients were diagnosed prenatally, the rest of them were casual diagnoses. Symptoms: n= 6 asymptomatic, n= 4respiratory symptoms, n= 1abdominal pain, n= 1both symptoms and n= 1 hydrops fetalis. In all cases, a chest X-ray was performed, CT in n= 5 cases and US in other n= 5 patients. The surgical approach was laparoscopic in n= 7 (1 conversion due to bleeding), thoracoscopic in n= 1 (requiring conversion to laparotomy due to technical difficulty), thoracotomy in n= 1patients and laparotomy in n= 4. Prosthetic patches were necessary in n= 2 patients. During the follow-up (3.9 years, range: 1-8), there were n= 2 recurrences (laparoscopy and thoracotomy) and n= 1 exitus 2 years after surgery, due to pathology not associated with diaphragmatic hernia. CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive approach is considered of choice in the literature. Our group considers that most patients with anterior CDH should be considered for a laparoscopic repair. The laparoscopic approach is easily reproducible and the conversion rate is low when it is performed by expert surgeons. However, the low prevalence of this pathology would require comparative and long-term multicenter studies to obtain statistically significant conclusions.

OBJETIVO: Revisión de las hernias diafragmáticas congénitas (HDC) anteriores intervenidas en nuestro centro, análisis de nuestra experiencia y evolución de la técnica quirúrgica a lo largo de 15 años en el paciente pediátrico. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de pacientes pediátricos intervenidos de HDC anterior (Morgagni, Larrey y Morgagni-Larrey) en nuestro centro entre 2000 y 2015, mediante revisión sistemática de historias clínicas. Variables estudiadas: edad al diagnóstico, edad al tratamiento, pruebas diagnósticas, síntomas, técnica quirúrgica, evolución, complicaciones y recidivas. Fueron excluidas las hernias posteriores (Bochdaleck) y los pacientes mayores de 14 años. RESULTADOS: 13 pacientes (8 mujeres) con hernia diafragmática anterior. Media de edad al diagnóstico: 29,4 meses (rango: 4 meses de edad gestacional-14 años). Media de edad en el momento de la intervención: 18,5 meses (rango: 1 día-14 años). Tres hernias izquierdas (hernia de Larrey) y 2 centrales (Morgagni-Larrey). Dos diagnósticos prenatales, siendo el resto hallazgos casuales. Síntomas: n= 6 asintomáticos, n= 4 síntomas respiratorios, n= 1 dolor abdominal, n= 1 ambos síntomas, n= 1 hidrops fetalis. En todos los casos se realizó radiografía de tórax, en n= 5 casos TAC y en otros n= 5 ecografía. El abordaje quirúrgico fue laparoscópico en n= 7 (1 conversión por hemorragia), toracoscópico en n= 1 casos (precisando conversión a laparotomía por dificultad técnica), toracotomía en n= 1 y laparotomía en n= 4. Fue necesario el uso de parches protésicos en 2 pacientes. Seguimiento: media 3,9 años (rango: 1-8). Dos recidivas (laparoscopia y toracotomía) y n= 1 exitus a los 2 años de la intervención por patología no asociada a la hernia diafragmática. CONCLUSIONES: El abordaje mínimamente invasivo es considerado de elección en la literatura. Nuestro grupo defiende que la mayoría de los pacientes con HDC anterior deben considerarse para una reparación laparoscópica por ser fácilmente reproducible, con una tasa de conversión baja en manos de cirujanos expertos. Sin embargo, la baja prevalencia de esta patología requeriría estudios multicéntricos comparativos y prolongados en el tiempo para obtener conclusiones estadísticamente significativas.

Characterization and treatment of enuresis in overactive bladder patients. / Caracterización y tratamiento de la enuresis en pacientes con vejiga hiperactiva.

OBJECTIVE: To define the types of overactive bladder (OAB) patient enuresis and study daytime bladder treatment response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, multi-center study of OAB patients with enuresis treated with anticholinergics or neuromodulation over 3 months from 2019 to 2021 was carried out. Variables achieved from the voiding calendar and PLUTSS (Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Score System), as well as enuresis-related variables, were collected. Two study groups were created -primary enuresis (PE) and secondary enuresis (SE). Partial enuretic response (PER) was defined as a > 50% reduction in baseline enuresis, and complete enuretic response (CER) as a 100% reduction. A multivariate analysis was eventually conducted to detect CER independent predictive factors. RESULTS: 152 OAB patients were included. 109 of them (71.7%) had enuresis -29 (26.7%) SE and 80 (73.3%) PE. PLUTSS score was higher in PE patients than in SE patients (20.8 vs. 17.2; p= 0.001). PER and CER were significantly higher in the SE group (55.2% vs. 15%; p= 0.000 in PER, and 48.3% vs. 5%; p= 0.000 in CER). In the multivariate analysis, SE patients demonstrated to have a 50-fold increased probability of responding to daytime bladder treatment than PE patients (OR: 49.79; 95%CI: 6.73-36.8). CONCLUSIONS: Most OAB children have PE and not SE, which explains why enuresis does not typically respond to daytime bladder treatment. Characterizing the type of enuresis in OAB children is important to adequately approach treatment.

OBJETIVOS: Definir los tipos de enuresis de los pacientes con vejiga hiperactiva (VH) y estudiar su respuesta al tratamiento vesical diurno. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio prospectivo y multicéntrico: pacientes con VH y enuresis, tratados con anticolinérgicos o neuromodulación durante 3 meses (2019-2021). Recogimos variables obtenidas del calendario miccional, cuestionario PLUTSS (Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Score System), y relacionadas con la enuresis. Generamos 2 grupos de estudio: enuresis primaria (EP) y enuresis secundaria (ES). Consideramos respuesta parcial enurética (RPE) a la reducción del valor de enuresis inicial en más de un 50% y respuesta completa (RCE) el 100%. Finalmente realizamos un análisis multivariante para detectar factores predictivos independientes de RCE. RESULTADOS: Incluimos 152 pacientes con VH, 109 de los cuales presentaban enuresis (71,7%): 29 ES (26,7%) y 80 EP (73,3%). El valor PLUTSS fue mayor en pacientes con EP que en ES (20,8 vs. 17,2, p= 0,001.) La RPE y la RCE fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo de ES (55,2% vs. 15%, p= 0,000 en RPE y 48,3% vs. 5%, p= 0,000 en RCE). En el análisis multivariante se identificó que los pacientes con ES tienen una probabilidad de responder al tratamiento vesical diurno 50 veces superior que los pacientes con EP (OR 49,79, IC95% 6,73-36,8). CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de niños con VH tienen una EP y no secundaria, por lo que generalmente la enuresis de estos pacientes no responde al tratamiento vesical diurno. Es importante caracterizar el tipo de enuresis de los niños con VH para plantear su tratamiento de forma adecuada.

[Analysis of efficacy in diaphragmatic plication with minimally invasive surgery]. / Análisis de efectividad de la plicatura diafragmática mínimamente invasiva.

OBJECTIVE: Diaphragmatic paralysis may result difficulty for respiratory compromise and extubation. We study the effectiveness of diaphragmatic plication held in its two modalities: videothoracoscopy assisted surgery (VATS) and percutaneous with needle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of diaphragmatic plication performed in our center in the past three years. Review of clinical histories, analyzing the variables: sex and age, etiology and laterality, surgical indications, technique, ventilation support, complications and outcome. Data Analysis with SPSS 18.0. RESULTS: From 2009-2012, 24 diaphragmatic plication were realized (7 left, 13 right, 2 bilateral) in 22 children (15 males). The mean age was 10.4 months (2 to 23.1). In 68.1% paralysis was secondary to thoracic surgery. In 12 patients was performed VATS and in 5 percutaneous with needle. Surgical indications were: respiratory distress (69.1%) with intercurrent processes (pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and atelectasis) and failure of extubation in 27.3%. After diaphragmatic plication in 90.9% respiratory symptoms remitted. Extubation was accomplished in all patients, requiring ventilator support for 12-96 hours. Mean hospital stay was 7.5 days (3 to 13.5). There were no complications derived from surgery. There were two recurrences (9.2%) and only one was reoperated (4.6%). The percutaneous technique decreased the required postoperative analgesia and improved cosmetic outcome in 90.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The diaphragmatic plication by minimally invasive surgery reduces operative morbidity and facilitates extubation of ventilator-dependent patients with diaphragmatic paralysis. The percutaneous technique improves the cosmetic results and reduces pain after surgery, without finding differences with VATS.

Efficacy of sacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with overactive bladder refractory to anticholinergic treatment: a prospective multi-center study. / Eficacia de la electroestimulación transcutánea sacra en pacientes con vejiga hiperactiva refractarios a fármacos anticolinérgicos. Estudio prospectivo y multicéntrico.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (S-TENS) is an effective treatment in patients refractory to anticholinergic drugs (Achs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective multi-center study of patients with overactive bladder (OB) refractory to Achs treated with S-TENS from 2018 to 2021 was carried out. S-TENS was applied over 3 months. Symptom progression was assessed using the voiding calendar and the Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Score (PLUTSS), excluding questions 3 and 4 -referring to enuresis- so that progression of daytime symptoms only (LUTS variable) was analyzed. RESULTS: 66 patients -50% of whom were female- were included, with a mean age of 9.5 years (range: 5-15). S-TENS significantly lowered PLUTSS (19.1 baseline vs. 9.5 final, p< 0.001) and LUTS (13.1 baseline vs. 4.8 final, p< 0.001). It also reduced the number of mictions (8.5 baseline vs. 6.4 final, p< 0.001), while increasing urine volume in the voiding records (214 ml baseline vs. 258 ml final, p< 0.001). Enuresis was the only variable refractory to S-TENS. Complication rate was 3% (2 patients with dermatitis in the S-TENS application area). CONCLUSIONS: S-TENS is effective and safe in the short-term in patients with OB refractory to Achs. Further studies assessing long-term efficacy and potential relapses are required.

OBJETIVOS: Determinar si la electroterapia nerviosa transcutánea a nivel sacro (TENS-S) es un tratamiento efectivo en pacientes refractarios a fármacos anticolinérgicos (Ach). MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio prospectivo y multicéntrico: pacientes con VH refractaria a Ach tratados con TENS-S entre 2018-2021. El TENS-S se aplicó durante 3 meses. La evolución sintomática fue evaluada utilizando el calendario miccional y el cuestionario PLUTSS (Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Score), pero excluyendo sus preguntas 3 y 4 (referidas a la enuresis) para analizar solamente la evolución de la sintomatología diurna (variable LUTS). RESULTADOS: Fueron incluidos 66 pacientes (50% niñas), con una edad media de 9,5 años (rango: 5-15). El TENS-S disminuyó significativamente el PLUTSS (19,1 inicial vs 9,5 final, p< 0,001) y el LUTS (13,1 inicial vs 4,8 final, p< 0,001). Además, redujo el número de micciones (8,5 inicial vs 6,4 final, p< 0,001) y aumentó el volumen de orina en los registros miccionales (214 ml inicial vs 258 ml final, p< 0,001). La enuresis fue la única variable refractaria al TENS-S. La tasa de complicaciones fue del 3% (2 pacientes, dermatitis en el área de aplicación del TENS-S). CONCLUSIONES: El TENS-S es efectivo y seguro a corto plazo en pacientes con VH refractarios a los Ach. Deben realizarse estudios para evaluar la eficacia a largo plazo y posibles recaídas.

[Bronchoplastic surgery: tumorectomy in principal left bronchial tube in a 5-month old child]. / Cirugía broncoplástica: tumorectomía en bronquio principal izquierdo en una niña de 5 meses.

INTRODUCTION: Resection of bronchial tumors usually needs resection of the lung parenchyma ventilated by the ill bronchus. Surgery over a developing child must preserve the biggest amount of lung parenchyma as possible. We show a complete resection of a benign tumor from the left main-stem bronchus, without pneumonectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case report RESULTS: A 5 month girl presented with left hypoventilation. No significant previous dates. After bronchoscopy (with negative biopsy), chest radiograph and CT, she was diagnosed of a tumor in the mainstem left bronchus (20 x 15 mm) without metastatic extension. A sleeve resection of the tumor, with carinal reconstruction was performed. It was done under unipulmonary ventilation, with selective bronchial intubation. The patient was extubated in the operating room and the hospital stay was of 5 days. Follow up bronchoscopies shows no anastomotic stricture neither leakage. The patient is doing well 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: With this report and others in literature we can say that is possible to resect bronchial tumors in infancy without parenchymal resections.

Pop-off mechanisms as protective factors against chronic renal disease in children with posterior urethral valves. / Los fenómenos pop-off como factores protectores de enfermedad renal crónica en niños con válvulas de uretra posterior.

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether pop-off mechanisms act as protective factors against chronic or end-stage renal disease in patients with posterior urethral valves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients with posterior urethral valves treated at a tertiary care children's hospital was carried out. Demographic, clinical, analytical, and radiological variables were collected. Considered as pop-off mechanisms were: unilateral high-grade vesicoureteral reflux with ipsilateral renal dysplasia and without involvement of the contralateral kidney, urinoma, prenatal urinary ascites, large bladder diverticulum, and persistent urachus. Multiple logistic regression and multivariate Cox regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 70 patients undergoing posterior urethral valve surgery in our institution from 2010 to August 2020 were included. 14 (20%) had pop-off mechanisms and 56 (80%) did not. Pop-off mechanisms protected against developing chronic renal disease (0% vs. 27%; p = 0.03) and could protect against the need for renal replacement therapy (0% vs. 9%; p = 0.58). Nadir creatinine values (mg/dl) were predictors for the development of chronic renal disease (0.37 vs. 0.53; p < 0.0001) and the need for renal replacement therapy (0.38 vs. 1.21; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pop-off mechanisms act as a protective factor against chronic renal disease in patients with posterior urethral valves. Nadir creatinine is a predictor of chronic renal disease and the need for renal replacement therapy. A larger sample size is needed to determine whether pop-off mechanisms protect against the need for renal replacement therapy.

OBJETIVOS: Identificar si los fenómenos pop-off actúan como factores protectores de enfermedad renal crónica o terminal en pacientes con válvulas de uretra posterior. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo de los pacientes con válvulas de uretra posterior tratados en un hospital infantil de tercer nivel. Se recogieron variables demográficas, clínicas, analíticas y radiológicas. Se consideraron fenómenos pop-off: reflujo vesicoureteral de alto grado unilateral con displasia renal ipsilateral y sin afectación del riñón contralateral, urinoma, ascitis urinaria prenatal, divertículo vesical grande y uraco persistente. Para el análisis estadístico se han utilizado regresiones logísticas múltiples y regresión de Cox multivariante. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 70 pacientes intervenidos de válvulas de uretra posterior y visitados en nuestro centro desde 2010 hasta agosto de 2020. Catorce (20%) presentaban fenómenos pop-off y 56 (80%) no. Los fenómenos pop-off fueron protectores para el desarrollo de enfermedad renal crónica (0 vs. 27%; p = 0,03) y podrían proteger de la necesidad de terapia renal sustitutiva (0 vs. 9%; p = 0,58). Los valores de creatinina nadir (mg/dl) fueron predictores de desarrollo de enfermedad renal crónica (0,37 vs. 0,53; p < 0,0001) y de necesidad de terapia renal sustitutiva (0,38 vs. 1,21; p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: Los fenómenos pop-off actúan como factor protector de enfermedad renal crónica en los pacientes con válvulas de uretra posterior. La creatinina nadir es un factor predictor de enfermedad renal crónica y de necesidad de terapia renal sustitutiva. Se necesita un tamaño de muestra mayor para determinar si los fenómenos pop-off protegen de la necesidad de terapia renal sustitutiva.

Advantages of endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment. / Ventajas de la cirugía endoscópica para el tratamiento quirúrgico del sinus pilonidal.

INTRODUCTION: Classic treatment of pilonidal sinus is associated with a high rate of complications and a long and painful postoperative period requiring daily wound care, with a decrease in patients' quality of life. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness and advantages of the endoscopic technique vs. conventional surgery of pilonidal sinus in the pediatric population. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was carried out in pediatric patients undergoing pilonidal sinus surgery at a single institution in 2019. Excision and healing by secondary intention (EHSI), excision and primary closure (EPC), and Pediatric Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment (PEPSiT) were compared. The surgical technique chosen was surgeon-dependent. RESULTS: 49 patients were studied - 14 undergoing PEPSiT, 23 undergoing EHSI, and 12 undergoing EPC. Full healing process was faster in PEPSiT than in EHSI (11 weeks earlier; 95% CI: 6.2-15.9; p < 0.001). Pain on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and need for analgesics were less in the PEPSiT group (p = 0.001). Mean time to return to normal life was shorter with PEPSiT - 78 days earlier than EHSI (95% CI: 42.2-114.9; p < 0.001) and 39 days earlier than EPC (95% CI: -2.5-81.4; p = 0.06). No complications were recorded with PEPSiT, whereas complication rate with EHSI was 69.6%, and complication rate with EPC was 58.3% (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment is effective, with a short and painless postoperative period, and easy wound care. It allows for an early return to normal life without restrictions.

INTRODUCCION: Los procedimientos clásicos exeréticos en el tratamiento del sinus pilonidal están relacionados con una alta tasa de complicaciones y conllevan un postoperatorio largo y doloroso, precisando curas tópicas diarias hasta la cicatrización completa, lo que provoca una disminución de la calidad de vida de los pacientes. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la eficacia y las ventajas de la técnica endoscópica frente a la cirugía convencional del sinus pilonidal en población pediátrica. METODOS: Estudio cuasi-experimental en pacientes pediátricos operados de sinus pilonidal durante 2019 en un único centro. Comparamos la exéresis con cicatrización por segunda intención (ESI), exéresis con cierre primario (ECP) y PEPSiT (Pediatric Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment). La elección de la técnica fue cirujano-dependiente. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 49 pacientes: 14 PEPSiT, 23 ESI y 12 ECP. Se consigue la epitelización completa 11 semanas antes con PEPSiT que con ESI (IC95%: 6,3 a 16,3; p < 0,001). Encontramos menor dolor en escala analógica visual (EVA) con PEPSiT, y paralelamente también necesitaban menos analgésicos (p = 0,001). Con PEPSiT recuperan su vida normal 78 días antes de media que los ESI (IC95%: 42,2 a 114,9; p < 0,001) y 39 días antes que ECP (IC95%: -2,5 a 81,4; p = 0,06). No se registraron complicaciones con PEPSiT frente a un 69,6% con ESI y 58,3% con ECP (p = 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento endoscópico del sinus pilonidal es efectivo, con un postoperatorio corto, indoloro y con fáciles cuidados. Permite la rápida recuperación de la actividad normal sin las restricciones que conlleva la cirugía convencional.

Our experience with laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes ureteropyeloplasty. / Ureteropieloplastia Anderson-Hynes laparoscópica en niños. Nuestra experiencia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether the application of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of pyeloureteral junction obstruction (PUJO) has been beneficial for pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of all patients undergoing PUJO surgery from January 1997 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with <6-month follow-up and patients undergoing video-assisted surgery were excluded. Open surgery was compared with laparoscopic surgery. The following data were collected: surgical approach, need for and type of urinary diversion, operating time, mean hospital stay, complications, and restenosis rate. Ultrasound and diuretic renogram parameters were also retrieved. RESULTS: 328 Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasties were analyzed, 142 of which had been performed laparoscopically. Overall success rate was 96.6%, and complication rate was 11.9%. No significant differences were noted between open and laparoscopic surgery. In 97.5% of surgeries, urine was diverted using an external nephroureteral catheter, a double J stent, or a Salle stent, with significant differences between open and laparoscopic surgery. Mean operating time was significantly longer in laparoscopic surgery. Mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic surgery group. CONCLUSION: Surgical approach does not play a role in PUJO surgery success. Therefore, in our view, laparoscopic surgery should be the technique of choice in pediatric patients.

OBJETIVO: Analizar si la aplicación de la cirugía laparoscópica en el tratamiento de la estenosis pieloureteral (EPU) han sido beneficiosos para el paciente pediátrico. MATERIAL Y METODO: Hemos revisado de forma retrospectiva las historias clínicas de todos aquellos pacientes intervenidos de EPU desde enero 1997 hasta diciembre 2017. Se excluyeron las que tuvieron seguimiento menor a 6 meses, y las cirugías videoasistidas. Se han comparado la cirugía abierta con la cirugía laparoscópica. Se han recogido los siguientes datos: abordaje quirúrgico, necesidad y tipo de derivación urinaria, tiempo quirúrgico, estancia media, complicaciones, tasa de reestenosis. Los parámetros ecográficos y del renograma diurético también han sido recogidos. RESULTADOS: Se han analizado 328 pieloplastias, 142 se realizaron laparoscópicamente. La tasa de éxito global ha sido del 96,6%, existiendo un 11,9% de complicaciones; sin existir diferencias significativas entre la cirugía abierta y la laparoscópica. En el 97,5% de las cirugías, la orina se derivó mediante catéter nefroureteral externo, catéter doble J o catéter tipo Salle; existiendo diferencias entre cirugía abierta y laparoscópica. El tiempo quirúrgico medio fue significativamente superior en la cirugía laparoscópica. La estancia media fue menor en el grupo de cirugía laparoscópica de forma significativa. CONCLUSION: La vía de abordaje no es un factor que influya en el éxito de la cirugía de la EPU, por ello pensamos que la cirugía laparoscópica es la técnica de elección en pacientes pediátricos.

[Applications of robotic surgery in pediatric urology. Description of the technical principles]. / Aplicaciones de la cirugía robótica en urología pediátrica. Descripción de los principios técnicos.

The incorporation of the robotic surgery to the pediatric urology permits less invasive and more precise therapeutic alternatives for the patient. It corrects some limitations of laparoscopic surgery, with its 3 dimensional vision, accurate movements without tremor, and more degrees of freedom, allows an ergonomic position to the surgeon and has a shorter learning curve. Different procedures were performed with da Vinci surgical system, in a secure and effective way, as pyeloplasty, total or partial nephrectomy, orchidopexy, intra or extravesical ureteral reimplant, enterocystoplasty, Mitrofanoff and others. These techniques and their outcomes will be reviewed, as well as some of the challenges still posed by this methodology.

[Abdominal lesions associated to safety belt mark]. / Lesiones abdominales asociadas a marca por cinturón de seguridad.

INTRODUCTION: Motor vehicle crashes cause 28% of morbidity and mortality in children. A proper medical evaluation of the polytraumatized patient is essential to reduce these numbers. The aim of our study is to correlate clinical and radiological signs in patients with seat belt mark, to establish an early diagnosis of internal injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1998 to 2007 we treated 8 cases of polytraumatized patients (5 boys and 3 girls) with abdominal bruises (seat belt mark) after suffering a traffic accident. The mean age was 8.37 years (range: 4-11). 100% of the patients suffered a frontal collision of their vehicle. In 2 cases the position of the lap belt was inadequate. The trauma team made the initial attention of all patients in the Emergency room, with a complete physical examination and they requested: abdominal X-ray, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT-scan). RESULTS: The main clinical signs found in our patients were: one case of hemodynamic instability, hypovolemic shock and abdominal distension; 2 cases of diffuse abdominal pain and signs of peritoneal irritation; 4 cases of non-specific diffuse abdominal pain and one patient in coma with Glasgow 8. The radiological signs found were: abdominal free fluid (detected in 100% of the CT-scan and only in 75% of ultrasound studies), thickening and enhancement of small bowel (62.5%), mesenteric infiltration (87.5 %) and pneumoperitoneum (37.5%). The surgical findings were: seven cases (87.5%) of an intestinal bursting perforation and one case of vascular injury of the medium colic vein. The diagnosis of intestinal perforation was late established in five patients, and they underwent treatment between 5 and 19 days after the accident. CONCLUSIONS: All our patients (100%) with a seat belt mark presented abdominal injuries. The treatment is frequently delayed due to the difficulty in establishing the diagnosis. The finding of cutaneous ecchymosis caused by the lap belt must be a warning sign to suspect abdominal injuries. The CT scan is the most effective imaging technique to study patients with seat belt mark.

[Comparative study of thoracoscopy versus thoracotomy in esophageal atresia]. / Estudio comparativo de toracoscopia versus toracotomía en atresia esofágica.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracoscopic treatment of esophageal atresia type 3 has been previously reported to be feasible but no study clearly showed the benefits of thoracoscopy compared to open procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of esophageal atresia type III treated by thoracoscopic or open procedure. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From january 2000 to december 2006, 31 children were operated, 17 by thoracotomy (weight range from 1750 to 4020 g) and 14 by thoracoscopy (weight range from 2110 to 4160 g). Neonatal deaths from an independent condition (3 cases in thoracotomy group) were excluded from the study and we analyzed 14 children in each group. Analyzed data included length of surgery, length of post operative assisted ventilation, length of pleural drainage, length of stay in ICU, delay before oral feeding, length of morphine analgesia, length of hospitalization and rate of complication. RESULTS: Length of morphine analgesia was higher in thoracotomy group than in thoracoscopic group (mean 6.6 days versus 5.3 days, p = 0.16). Length of hospitalization was also higher in thoracotomy group (mean 22.6 days versus 19.1 days, p = 0.3). The rate of complication with thoracoscopy was not higher need of oesophageal dilatation (21% in thoracoscopic group versus 14% in thoracotomy group), need of Nissen fundoplication (21% in thoracoscopic group versus 28% in thoracotomy group). CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic treatment of esophageal atresia type III reduces the need of morphine analgesia and the length of stay without increasing the risk of postoperative complications.

[Pain and anxiety in pediatric surgery]. / Dolor y ansiedad en cirugía pediátrica.

INTRODUCTION: Postsurgery pain is a common complaint in children and significant postoperative pain may last for weeks. Severe perisurgery pain may aggravate long-lasting negative effects. In order to prevent harmful effects, children should be provided with effective-secure analgesia. The aim of this work was to determine current practice of postsurgery pain management in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational prospective study in pediatric patients undergoing surgery in our hospital was performed. Children's (< 14 years old) having elective major surgery and outpatient surgery were collected prospectively. Clinical stage, surgery and anaesthesia procedures, postsurgery analgesia and perioperative complications were recorded. Pain control was measured by an analogic visual scale (AVS) before surgery, in post-anaesthesia recovery unit (PARU), in one-day unit (ODU) and 24 h after surgery (24hU). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: mean values +/- sem or SD, frequency and percentage of incidence of N cases, t-test, ANOVA of one and several ways, chi-square, correlations of two variables, linear and logistic regressions depending of variables' types. RESULTS: 77 patients with mean age of 5 years old and mean weight of 22 kg were studied. The most frequently employed anesthetic technique was the general one. Forty per cent of the patients were pre-medicated with midazolam. Little pain before surgery is observed and after surgery it is moderate. Anxiety is higher after surgery and immediately after it in the recovery room or the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), subsequently it diminishes, especially patients with same-day admission surgery. Positive correlations between pain and anxiety intensities were found in each determination done. CONCLUSIONS: Is observed that pain and anxiety round surgery in children had insufficient treatment, reason why we think we should make treatment protocols, adapted at this population, its necessities and the different types of procedures they can be subjected.

Fine-needle aspiration cytopathology in the diagnosis of Wilms tumor.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) protocol for Wilms tumor (WT) includes preoperative chemotherapy as the initial approach. However, an inadequate treatment may be performed in case of histological misdiagnosis. We evaluated the impact of fine-needle aspiration cytopathology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of unilateral WT in our group of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective descriptive study of patients with diagnosis of unilateral WT who underwent FNAC prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy between 1993 and 2009 was performed. We reviewed the cytological diagnosis obtained by ultrasound-guided FNAC and the histological correlation with the resected specimens. RESULTS FNAC was performed in 66 patients with unilateral WT. In 57 of the 58 patients with positive FNAC for WT, the final diagnosis was correct (PPV: 98.2%). In 8 cases with negative FNAC for WT, the final diagnosis was positive for WT in 3 patients (NPV: 62.5%). Sensitivity was 95% and specificity was 83.3%. No complications were found associated with the procedure, except for an episode of haematuria, which resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS FNAC is a useful and feasible technique in children that may confirm the suspected diagnosis of unilateral WT, avoiding inadequate preoperative chemotherapy in case of a non-Wilms renal tumor.