[Minimally invasive surgery of neural tumors in childhood]. / Cirugía mínimamente invasiva en tumores de estirpe neural en la infancia.

PURPOUSE: The aim of the paper is to describe the experience in our center with the use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of neural tumors in childhood. METHODS: Descriptive and retrospective study of patients diagnosed with neural neoplasia (neuroblastoma and neuroganglioma) on whom MIS technique surgery has been performed between October 2012 and December 2017. The inclusion criteria were patients with a neural tumor diagnosis who, at the time of the intervention, did not have imaging-defined risk factors (IDRFs). Patients with a different diagnosis than neural tumor or with IDRFs were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The study comprises 19 cases (6 female and 13 male) with a median age of 47 months. According to the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Staging System (INRGSS) classification, nine cases were in L1 stage, six in L2, two in M and two in MS. Laparoscopy was used in 14 patients (12 adrenal and 2 abdominal tumors) and thoracoscopy was used in the other 5. In 4 of the 19 cases (21%), conversion to open surgery was needed due to fibrosis in 2 cases and vascular structures entrapment in another 2 (3 in laparoscopy and 1 in thoracoscopy). There were no surgical complications, achieving complete resection in all cases. Three cases showed postsurgical adverse effects grade I and II, according to Clavien-Dindo classification. After a median of 27 months of follow up, two patients showed disease progression without local recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, MIS are useful techniques in the surgical exeresis of non-disseminated neural tumors without IDRFs.

OBJETIVOS: El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la experiencia de nuestro centro en el tratamiento de tumores de estirpe neural mediante técnicas de Cirugía Mínimamente Invasiva (CMI). MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo de pacientes intervenidos en nuestro hospital mediante técnicas de CMI y diagnóstico de tumor de estirpe neural, entre octubre de 2012 y diciembre de 2017. Los criterios de inclusión fueron pacientes con diagnóstico de tumor neural que en el momento de la intervención no presentaban factores de riesgo por imagen (IDRFs). Se excluyeron aquellos pacientes con diagnóstico distinto al de tumor neural y con IDRFs en el momento de la cirugía. RESULTADOS: Se incluyen 19 casos (6 niñas y 13 niños) con una mediana de edad de 47 meses. Según la clasificación International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Staging System (INRGSS) fueron diagnosticados 9 casos en estadio L1, 6 en estadio L2, 2 en M y 2 en estadio MS. Por laparoscopia se intervinieron 14 pacientes (12 tumores suprarrenales y 2 abdominales extradrenales) y 5 por toracoscopia. No existieron complicaciones intraoperatorias, consiguiéndose la exéresis completa en todos los casos. Tres casos presentaron efectos adversos postoperatorios, de grados I y II según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. En 4 de 19 pacientes fue necesaria la conversión a cirugía abierta (3 por laparoscopia y 1 por toracoscopia) debido a adherencias a estructuras vasculares o fibrosis. Tras una mediana de seguimiento de 27 meses, 2 pacientes presentaron progresión de su enfermedad sin recidiva local. CONCLUSIONES: En conclusión, la CMI es una herramienta útil para la exéresis de tumores de estirpe neural sin IDRFs.

[Prophylactic thyroidectomy in RET proto-oncogen mutation]. / Tiroidectomía profiláctica en mutación del protooncogén RET.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of prophylactic thyroidectomy cases carried out in our Center in patients with RET gene mutations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 25 patients with RET proto-oncogene mutations subjected to prophylactic thyroidectomy between January 2000 and January 2016. Epidemiologic variables, surgical technique, histological results and follow-up were studied. RESULTS: Our sample consists of 25 patients, 15 males and 10 females. The range of age was from 7 months to 12 years old, with a median of 5 years old. We obtained 21 cases with NEM2A, from which 19 (76%) presented 634 mutation and 2 (8%) presented 611 mutation. Four cases were NEM2B, all with 918 mutation. Microscopical findings showed microcarcinoma, in situ carcinoma or medullary thyroid carcinoma in 16 patients (64%). Eight of them showed hyperplasia (32%) and 1 presented fibrosis (4%). The presence of elevated calcitonin was correlated with histologic alterations in 7 cases (43.7%), without significant differences (χ2 0.3; p 0.6). From 16 patients with carcinoma (13 NEM2A and 3 NEM2B), 10 were 5 years old or less at the moment of the surgery. A total thyroidectomy was performed in all patients. There were no intra or post-surgical complications. During the follow-up of the patients, levels of calcitonin, calcium, parathormone, catecholamines and metanephrines were normal, except from one case. CONCLUSIONS: The study of RET proto-oncogene allows the identification of patients susceptible of performing a prophylactic thyroidectomy, which have to be carried out early, in an experienced centers.

OBJETIVO: Analizar los casos de tiroidectomía profiláctica realizados en nuestro centro en pacientes con mutaciones del gen RET. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de 25 pacientes con mutación del protooncogén RET a los que se les realizó tiroidectomía profiláctica entre enero del 2000 y enero de 2016. Se estudiaron variables epidemiológicas, técnica quirúrgica, resultados anatomopatológicos y seguimiento. RESULTADOS: Nuestra serie consta de 25 pacientes, 15 varones y 10 mujeres. La mediana de la edad fue de 5 años con un rango de 7 meses a 12 años. Obtuvimos 21 casos con MEN2A de los que 19 (76%) presentaban la mutación 634 y 2 (8%) la mutación 611. Cuatro casos fueron MEN2B, todos con la mutación 918. Los hallazgos microscópicos revelaron microcarcimona, carcinoma in situ o carcinoma medular de tiroides en 16 casos (64%). 8 presentaron hiperplasia (32%) y 1 (4%) fibrosis. La presencia de calcitonina elevada se correlacionó con alteraciones anatomopatológicas en 7 casos (43,7%), pero no mostró diferencias significativas (χ² 0,3; p 0,6). De los 16 pacientes con carcinoma, (13 MEN2A, 3 MEN2B), 10 de ellos (62,5%) tenían 5 años o menos en el momento de la intervención. En todos los casos se realizó tiroidectomía total. No existieron complicaciones intra ni postoperatorias. Durante el seguimiento, los valores de calcitonina, calcio, paratohormona, catecolaminas y metanefrinas se han mantenido normales, excepto en 1 paciente. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio del protooncogén RET permite identificar pacientes susceptibles de realizar tiroidectomía profiláctica, la cual debe ser realizada de forma precoz, y en centros con experiencia.

[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: advantages of the minimally invasive approach]. / Adrenalectomía por vía laparoscópica: ventajas del abordaje mínimamente invasivo.

AIM: To describe our experience as a tertiary center on the use of laparoscopic adrenal surgery in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective study of patients with pathologic adrenal masses undergoing laparoscopic adrenal surgery, between 2012 and 2015. Epidemiological variables, surgical technique, complications and follow-up were studied. RESULTS: Nine patients were studied with a median age of 62 months (5-184). In 3 patients (33.33%) there was a prenatal diagnosis. Three patients had symptoms: hypertension and renal failure, precocious puberty, and an infected lymph node secondary to metastasis. In the rest, findings were incidental. In five patients the lesion was located on the right side and in four, on the left. The operation was performed laparoscopically. There was one conversion to open surgery because of poor visualization of the surgical field and no major intra- or postoperative complications were noted. The average hospital stay was 4 days (2-5). Postoperative pain was controlled during the first 24 hours with first step painkillers. Diagnoses were histologically confirmed: two ganglioneuroma, three neuroblastoma, bronchogenic cyst, pulmonary sequestration and adenoma. Mean follow-up was 22 months (1-53). CONCLUSIONS: In our series this surgical approach is associated with low morbidity and mortality, early recovery, shorter hospital stay and satisfactory results. We therefore propose laparoscopic adrenalectomy as a good alternative for approaching the pathologic adrenal masses in the pediatric population.

OBJETIVO: Describir nuestra experiencia como centro terciario en el uso de la laparoscopia para la exéresis de lesiones adrenales en la edad pediátrica. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de pacientes con lesiones en la glándula suprarrenal intervenidos de suprarrenalectomía laparoscópica entre los años 2012 y 2015. Se estudiaron variables epidemiológicas, técnica quirúrgica, complicaciones y seguimiento. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 9 pacientes con una mediana de 62 meses (5-184). Tres pacientes (33,33%) tenían un diagnóstico prenatal y tres pacientes debutaron con síntomas: hipertensión e insuficiencia renal, pubertad precoz y otro con un adenoflemón secundario a metástasis. En el resto, el hallazgo fue incidental. En cinco pacientes la lesión se situó en el lado derecho y en cuatro en el izquierdo. La intervención se realizó por vía laparoscópica. En un paciente se convirtió a cirugía abierta por mala visualización en el campo quirúrgico. No se produjeron complicaciones perioperatorias ni necesidad de trasfusión. La media de la estancia hospitalaria fue de 4 días (2-5). El dolor postoperatorio fue controlado durante las primeras 24 horas y con analgésicos de primer escalón. Los diagnósticos confirmados por histología fueron: seis neuroblastomas, dos ganglioneuromas y un adenoma. La media de seguimiento fue de 22 meses (1-53). CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra serie esta vía de abordaje está asociada a una baja morbimortalidad con una recuperación precoz, corta estancia hospitalaria y resultados satisfactorios. Por tanto, proponemos la adrenalectomía laparoscópica como una buena alternativa para el abordaje de las lesiones suprarrenales en la población pediátrica.

[Thoracoscopic resection of lung metastases guided by hook wire]. / Metastasectomía pulmonar toracoscópica guiada con arpón.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience in the use of the guided hook wire placement to undergo thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary metastases in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review, between January 2008 and December 2014 of the patients that were diagnosed with pulmonary metastases by image and who underwent a thoracoscopic metastasectomy. Patients in whom a CT- guided hook was done before the surgery were included. RESULTS: Eleven procedures were done in ten patients with a median age of 10 years (range 2-16 years). The cancer diagnoses were: 4 osteosarcoma, 1 nephroblastoma, 1 suprarrenal carcinoma, 1 liver sarcoma, 1 pseudopappilary tumor of pancreas 2 hepatoblastomas. All patients had subpleural metastases (size 2-11 mm) and only one hook was used in each procedure. 8 patients had metastases at the time of diagnosis, and the other 2 were diagnosed during the follow-up of the primary cancer. The median follow-up was 27 months (range 2-28 months). In this period, two patients had relapse of the primary tumor, with exitus. At present, the other children are free disease. The CT-guided hook wire fixation was successful and without major complications in all patients. The lesion indentified by image was resected. The result was 4 malignant lesions, and 7 benigns. CONCLUSION: The use of the CT- guided needle and hook wire placement for the resection of the metastases lesions is a safe and effective technique. We consider it the technique to choice in case of solitary and subpleural lesions.

OBJETIVO: Describir nuestra experiencia en el uso de marcaje guiado por arpón para la realización de metastasectomía torascocópica pulmonar en pacientes en edad pediátrica. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de pacientes con diagnóstico radiológico de metástasis pulmonar en los que se realizó metastasectomía toracoscópica entre enero de 2008 y diciembre 2014. Se incluyeron aquellos pacientes en los que se utilizó, para la realización de la metastasectomía pulmonar, un marcaje de las lesiones mediante arpón guiado por tomografía axial computarizada. Aquellos en los que no se realizó esta técnica fueron excluidos de este análisis. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 11 procedimientos en un total de 10 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 10 años (rango 2-16). Los tumores primarios fueron 4 osteosarcomas, 1 nefroblastoma, 1 carcinoma suprarrenal, 1 sarcoma hepático, 1 tumor pseudopapilar de páncreas, 2 hepatoblastomas. Todos los pacientes tenían metástasis subpleurales (tamaño 2-11 mm) y se utilizó un único arpón en cada procedimiento. 8 pacientes tenían metástasis al diagnóstico y 2 durante la evolución de su tumor primario. El marcaje fue exitoso y sin complicaciones mayores en todos los pacientes. En todos se resecó la lesión que previamente habíamos marcado radiológicamente. Se hallaron 4 metástasis de tumor primario y 7 lesiones no malignas. Tras una mediana de seguimiento de 27 meses (rango 2-84 meses) dos pacientes tuvieron recaída de tumor primario con exitus. El resto se encuentra libre de enfermedad. CONCLUSION: El marcaje con arpón guiado por tomografía computarizada (TC) para la resección de las lesiones metastásicas es una técnica segura y eficaz. Lo consideramos técnica de elección en caso de lesiones únicas y subpleurales.

[Minimally Invasive Surgery in Pediatric Oncology. Tertiary center experience]. / Cirugía mínimamente invasiva en Oncología Pediátrica. Experiencia en un centro terciario.

AIMS: To describe our experience using Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) techniques in tertiary center with specific oncological pediatric surgery unit. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients undergoing MIS techniques in pediatric oncology surgery unit between January 2011 and December 2014. MIS procedures were considered made by both techniques such as laparoscopy and thoracoscopy with both diagnostic and therapeutic intent. RESULTS: 4 procedures were diagnostic and the rest were therapeutic: During the study, 56 procedures were performed by MIS. By type of technique, 13 were thoracoscopic (7 metastasectomies, 6 thoracic masses) and 43 laparoscopic (3 hepatic masses, 3 pancreatic masses 7 abdominal masses, 2 ovarian masses, 2 typhlitis 1 splenic mass and 25 oophorectomy for ovarian cryopreservation). In 5 cases (2 thoracic masses 1 pancreatic mass abdominal masses) conversion to open surgery to complete the procedure (2 for caution in the absence of vascular control bleeding 1 and 2 for lack of space) was necessary. In all cases safety principles of oncological surgery were respected. CONCLUSIONS: Providing an adecuate selection of patiens, MIS techniques are safe, reproducible and fulfill the objectives of quality of cancer surgery.

OBJETIVOS: Describir nuestra experiencia en el uso de técnicas de cirugía mínimamente invasiva (CMI) en un centro terciario con unidad específica de cirugía pediátrica oncológica. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de los pacientes intervenidos mediante técnicas de CMI en la unidad de cirugía oncológica pediátrica entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2014. Se consideraron procedimientos CMI las técnicas realizadas tanto por toracoscopia como por laparoscopia y con intención tanto diagnóstica como terapéutica. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio se realizaron 56 procedimientos de CMI, 4 fueron diagnósticos y el resto terapéuticos. Por tipos de técnica, 13 fueron toracoscópicos (7 metastasectomías, 6 masas torácicas) y 43 laparoscópicos (3 masas hepáticas, 3 masas pancreáticas, 7 masas abdominales, 2 masas ováricas, 2 tiflitis, 1 masa esplénica y 25 ooforectomías para criopreservación ovárica). En 5 casos (2 masas torácicas, 1 masa pancreática y 2 masas abdominales) fue necesaria la conversión a cirugía abierta para finalizar el procedimiento (2 por precaución ante la falta de control vascular, 1 por sangrado y 2 por falta de espacio). En todos los casos se respetaron los principios de seguridad en cirugía oncológica. CONCLUSIONES: Si se realiza una selección adecuada de los pacientes, las técnicas de CMI son seguras, reproducibles y cumplen los objetivos de calidad de la cirugía oncológica.

Intestinal obstruction as a result of intra-abdominal hematoma: a complication of low molecular weight heparin in pediatric patients. / Obstrucción intestinal por hematoma intraabdominal: una complicación de la heparina de bajo peso molecular en el paciente pediátrico.

INTRODUCTION: Hematomas are a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. Subcutaneous heparin can bring about direct punctures on small bowel loops, potentially leading to traumatic hematoma and intestinal obstruction. CASE REPORTS: We present three cases of pediatric patients with clinical signs of intestinal obstruction treated with subcutaneous heparin. Two cases had increased acute-phase reactants and radiological signs of intestinal suffering, so surgical treatment was decided upon, with intramural hematoma emerging as an intraoperative finding. The third case was conservatively managed with anticoagulant discontinuation and gut rest, since the patient had an adequate general condition and no findings compatible with ischemia or necrosis were noted in the complementary tests. DISCUSSION: The administration of subcutaneous heparin may cause intestinal wall hematomas due to its anticoagulating effect and to the risk of inadvertent punctures on small bowel loops.

INTRODUCCION: Los hematomas son una causa poco frecuente de obstrucción intestinal. La heparina subcutánea tiene riesgo de producir la punción directa de un asa intestinal, provocando un hematoma traumático que genere una obstrucción intestinal. CASOS CLINICOS: Se describen tres casos de pacientes pediátricos con clínica de obstrucción intestinal en tratamiento con heparina subcutánea. Dos casos presentaron elevación de reactantes de fase aguda y signos radiológicos de sufrimiento intestinal por lo que se optó por tratamiento quirúrgico, con el hallazgo intraoperatorio de hematoma intramural. El tercer caso fue manejado de manera conservadora con supresión de la anticoagulación y reposo intestinal, dado el adecuado estado general y ausencia de hallazgos compatibles con isquemia o necrosis en las pruebas complementarias. COMENTARIOS: La administración de heparina subcutánea puede provocar la aparición de hematomas de pared intestinal, tanto por su efecto anticoagulante, como por el riesgo de punción inadvertida de un asa intestinal.

En bloc resection vs. Gips procedure in pilonidal sinus surgery. / Resección en bloque vs. técnica de Gips en cirugía del sinus pilonidal.

INTRODUCTION: Pilonidal sinus (PS) is an infectious/inflammatory condition of the sacrococcygeal region, with frequent relapses. There is no clear consensus as to which management technique is best. The most widely used technique is en bloc resection (EBR), but less invasive methods (Gips procedure) are now being developed. OBJECTIVE: To compare complications and progression of pediatric patients undergoing PS surgery in our institution using two different surgical techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients under 16 years of age undergoing PS surgery (EBR/Gips procedure) for the first time from 2014 to 2020 was carried out. Demographic variables, complications in the first month (exudate, wound infection, dehiscence, and bleeding), and result at the end of follow-up were collected. Qualitative variables were expressed as absolute frequency and percentage, whereas quantitative variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation. RESULTS: 60 patients underwent surgery. EBR was used in the first group, and the Gips procedure was used in the second group (76.67%, n = 46 vs. 23.33%, n = 14). Both were comparable in terms of sex (32.61% vs. 35.71% male), age (14.04 vs. 13.79 years old), and BMI (26.63 vs. 26.20 kg/m2) at surgery. 6 patients underwent re-intervention (10.87% vs. 7.14%; p = 0.684). Median follow-up time to healing was 6.13 ± 0.98 months vs. 3.31 ± 1.26 months (p < 0.024). The Gips procedure caused no dehiscence, whereas dehiscence rate in EBR was 65.22%. CONCLUSION: The Gips procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to EBR. It avoids dehiscence, and time to healing is shorter. Therefore, it should be regarded as the first-line treatment in PS patients.

INTRODUCCION: El sinus pilonidal (SP) es una enfermedad infecciosa/inflamatoria de la región sacrococcígea, que asocia recaídas frecuentes, sin un consenso claro sobre su manejo óptimo. La técnica más empleada es la resección en bloque (RB), pero se están desarrollando métodos menos invasivos (técnica de Gips). OBJETIVOS: Comparar las complicaciones y evolución de pacientes pediátricos intervenidos de SP en nuestro centro con dos técnicas quirúrgicas diferentes. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes menores de 16 años intervenidos por primera vez de SP (RB/técnica de Gips) entre 2014 y 2020. Se recogieron variables demográficas, complicaciones en el primer mes (exudado, infección de herida, dehiscencia, sangrado) y resultado al final del seguimiento. Las variables cualitativas se expresaron mediante frecuencia absoluta y porcentaje, y las cuantitativas mediante media y desviación estándar. RESULTADOS: Se intervinieron 60 pacientes: el primer grupo mediante RB y el segundo mediante técnica de Gips (76,67%, n = 46 vs. 23,33%, n = 14). Ambos fueron comparables en cuanto a sexo (32,61% vs. 35,71% varones), edad (14,04 vs. 13,79 años) e IMC (26,63 vs. 26,20 kg/m2) durante la cirugía. Se reintervinieron 6 pacientes (10,87% vs. 7,14%; p = 0,684). La mediana del tiempo de seguimiento hasta la curación fue de 6,13 ± 0,98 vs. 3,31 ± 1,26 meses (p < 0,024). La técnica de Gips no presenta dehiscencias, a diferencia de la RB con un 65,22%. CONCLUSION: La técnica de Gips es una alternativa mínimamente invasiva a la RB, que evita la dehiscencia y precisa menos tiempo en alcanzar la curación, por lo que debería emplearse como tratamiento de primera elección.

[Ovarian cryopreservation in girls with cancer: new challenges]. / Criopreservación ovárica en niñas con cáncer: nuevos retos.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cortex cryopreservation (OCC) for future autotransplant represents a treatment alternative for those paediatric cancer survivors affected of ovarian failure and fertility disorders. METHODS: Patients with high gonadotoxic risk are included in the Oncology Paediatric Fertility Preservation Programme: those receiving pelvic radiotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, high doses of cranial radiotherapy or alquilating agents, or those with bilateral ovarian pathology. Prior to the oncological treatment, the ovarian tissue is harvested laparoscopically. At the same time, other invasive procedures are done. Once malignancy is ruled out of the specimen and the presence of primordial follicles is confirmed, the multidisciplinary team of oncologist, paediatric surgeon and fertility specialist coordinate the processing and delivery of the ovarian cortex to the Comunidad Valenciana Tissue Bank. RESULTS: From July 2008 to May 2010 eight patients have been included in the programme, aged between 8-18 years old and with diagnosis of: Hodgkin's lymphoma (n= 2), Acute Myeloblastic and Lymphoblastic leukaemia (n= 2), pelvic Ewing's sarcoma, bilateral ovarian Teratoma and Meduloblastoma. Five patients underwent non gonadotoxic chemotherapy before OCC. Six additional procedures were done using the same anaesthetic event. Partial oophorectomy was performed in half the cases, total oophorectomy in the rest of them, and an ovarian pexia was once associated. All taken samples were found to be valid. CONCLUSIONS: OCC of selected patients was performed safely, with neither postoperative complications nor delay of the oncological treatment. Therefore, the first national experience in this procedure has been satisfactorily achieved.

Ovarian transposition as a minimally invasive fertility preservation technique: ten years of experience in a pediatric center. / La transposición ovárica como técnica de preservación de la fertilidad en edad pediátrica: 10 años de experiencia en un centro de tercer nivel.

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian transposition is a surgical procedure allowing gonadal mobilization from a radiation spotlight to a safer, radiation therapy-free place in patients receiving abdominal or pelvic radiation therapy. And these patients can be managed using minimally invasive surgery. Although some authors have reported good results in fertility preservation with this technique, there are no long-term studies in the pediatric population. We present our results with this procedure in our oncological patients from the last decade. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of medical reports of patients who underwent laparoscopic ovarian transposition in our pediatric oncological surgery unit from 2008 to 2018. The technique varied depending on age, irradiation zone, and concomitant oncological resections. RESULTS: A total of 21 ovarian transpositions were successfully performed in 13 patients. Eight were bilateral, four were left and only one was right. An ovarian cortex cryopreservation was simultaneously carried out in all patients. Eleven procedures were completed laparoscopically, and the suspensory ovarian ligament was divided in sixteen cases. The Fallopian tube was divided in one case, and a simple ovarian transposition was conducted in five cases. Mean hospital stay was 2.4 days, and no complications in the immediate postoperative period were noted. CONCLUSION: Ovarian transposition is a feasible, safe technique. These patients require an extended follow-up to assess ovarian function after oncological treatment.

INTRODUCCION: La transposición ovárica es una técnica quirúrgica que permite alejar los ovarios de la zona de irradiación en pacientes que van a recibir radioterapia abdominal o pélvica. Se han descrito buenas tasas de conservación de función. Sin embargo, no existen estudios en pacientes pediátricos. Presentamos nuestra serie de pacientes intervenidas en nuestro centro. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes a las que se le realizó transposición ovárica en nuestra unidad de cirugía oncológica pediátrica entre los años 2008 y 2018. La técnica empleada dependió de la edad, la zona de la irradiación y de la asociación o no con la cirugía del tumor primario. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio se realizaron un total de 21 transposiciones ováricas en 13 pacientes (8 bilaterales, 4 izquierdas y 1 derecha). En todos los casos se realizó criopreservación de corteza ovárica dentro del programa de preservación de fertilidad. Once de las 13 intervenciones fueron por laparoscopia, seccionándose el ligamento tubo-ovárico en 16 unidades y en 5 se realizó transposición ovárica simple. La estancia hospitalaria media fue de 2,4 días sin registrarse ninguna complicación en el postoperatorio. Actualmente 9 pacientes continúan seguimiento en sus unidades de oncología pediátrica de referencia, sin haberse notificado ninguna complicación. CONCLUSION: La transposición ovárica es una técnica segura y reproducible. Estas pacientes requieren un seguimiento prolongado para conocer el estado de los ovarios tras el tratamiento oncológico.

Surgical treatment of pulmonary aspergilloma in pediatric patients: report of 3 cases. / Tratamiento quirúrgico del aspergiloma pulmonar en pacientes pediátricos. A propósito de tres casos.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience in the surgical management of pulmonary aspergilloma (PA) and review surgery's role in PA treatment in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive study of patients diagnosed with PA undergoing surgical resection from 2017 to 2019 was carried out. A review of pediatric studies mentioning "aspergilloma", "surgical", and "treatment" was performed. RESULTS: During the study period, 3 patients with single PA aged 18 months old, 3 years old, and 13 years old underwent surgery. All of them had leukemia and little or no response to aspergilloma medical treatment. In all patients, the procedure was initiated using the thoracoscopic route, but conversion into thoracotomy was required in two cases. In all three cases, pulmonary segmentectomy was carried out with complete PA removal, without severe intraoperative or postoperative complications. No pulmonary recurrence was observed after 30-, 34-, and 16-month follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PA surgical resection is a feasible alternative in pediatric patients with a poor antifungal treatment response or related complications.

OBJETIVOS: El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la experiencia de nuestro centro en el manejo quirúrgico del aspergiloma pulmonar (AP) y la realización de una revisión sobre el papel de la cirugía en el tratamiento del AP en el niño. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo de los pacientes diagnosticados e intervenidos mediante resección del AP desde el 2017 hasta el 2019. Se realizó una revisión con los términos "aspergilloma", "surgical", "treatment", descartando los estudios no referidos a pacientes pediátricos. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio se intervinieron 3 pacientes con AP único, de 18 meses, 3 y 13 años de edad respectivamente, los 3 afectos de leucemia y con poca o nula respuesta al tratamiento médico habitual del aspergiloma. En todos los pacientes se inició la intervención por vía toracoscópica, siendo necesaria la conversión a toracotomía en 2 casos. En los tres casos se realizó segmentectomía pulmonar con exéresis completa del AP, sin complicaciones intraoperatorias ni postoperatorias graves. No se observaron recidivas pulmonares tras un seguimiento de 30, 34 y 16 meses respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: La resección quirúrgica del AP, se presenta como una alternativa factible en pacientes pediátricos con pobre respuesta a tratamiento antifúngico o con complicaciones derivadas de este.

[Congenital choledochal cyst and laparoscopic techniques]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico del quiste de colédoco mediante cirugía laparoscópica mínimamente invasiva.

The authors present a 5-year-old girl with a congenital choledochal cyst and repeated cholangitis. On laparoscopy, a type I choledochal cyst of Todani classification was confirmed. The cyst was excised laparoscopically. After exteriorization of the small bowel through the umbilical incision, a Roux-en Y anastomosis was performed. Then the bowel was reintroduced into the abdominal cavity and a laparoscopic end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy was carried out. There were not intra or post operative problems. Oral food intake started at 72 hours and the patient was discharged on day 5 without complications and with excellent cosmetic results. We conclude that laparoscopic techniques are an excellent option for the resection of congenital choledochal cyst and hepaticojejunostomy in children.

An experimental model for the prevention of postanastomotic tracheal stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study is to determine the efficiency of an external prosthesis made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene reinforced with a continuous silicone spiral to prevent postanastomotic stenosis after surgical correction of extensive tracheal defects in rabbits. METHODS: Forty-five rabbits were used, divided into three groups of 15 animals each. Group A was the control group. Group B animals underwent resection of six-ring segments of the cervical trachea and primary anastomosis. The procedure used in group C was similar to that used in group B, but the tracheal anastomosis was supported by an external expanded polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis. RESULTS: Direct anastomosis after resection of six tracheal rings caused anastomotic stenosis in 100% of the animals. We did not observe tracheal stenosis in any rabbit when we applied an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tube as an external stent for the tracheotracheal suture. CONCLUSION: We conclude that an external stent can be used to prevent tracheal stenosis resulting from the resection of six cervical tracheal rings in rabbits.

[Environment and pediatric cancer]. / Medio ambiente y cáncer pediátrico.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the final result of the variable combination of two determinants: endogenous or constitutional factors and exogenous or environmental factors. Between 85 % and 96 % of pediatric cancers (PC) are probably associated with environmental risk factors (RF), most of which have not been identified. The spectacular progress made in survival in PC contrasts with the lack of knowledge of the RF implicated in its etiopathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: 1) To analyze up-to-date knowledge of the interaction among environmental RF in the etiopathogenesis of PC, and 2) to inform pediatricians of the "Environment and Pediatric Cancer" research project directed by the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit of the Hospital Infantil Universitari La Fe in Valencia (Spain). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Current medical records focus almost exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The Pediatric Environmental Medical Record will contain the validated items required to document and presence or absence of endogenous and exogenous RF associated with PC described in the literature, as well as the main human cancerogenic agents identified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the US National Toxicology Program. RESULTS: The project aims to determine the frequency of endogenous and exogenous RF associated with PC in Spain. This project will enable hypotheses to be formulated for future epidemiologic case-control and cohort studies in Spain and other European countries, thus stimulating the introduction of educational and preventive policies in the Spanish population. CONCLUSIONS: The project requires the aid of all hospital and non-hospital pediatricians involved in pediatric cancer in informing parents and offering them the possibility of voluntarily collaborating in the "Environment and Pediatric Cancer" project by contacting the Pediatric Health Specialty Unit (Unidad de Salud Medioambiental del Hospital Infantil La Fe de Valencia [www.pehsu.org]). The collaboration of our colleagues will be essential in gaining greater insight into the RF associated with PC and in achieving prevention in the medium and long term.

[Propofol in continuous perfusion as anesthetic in experimental surgery in the rabbit]. / Propofol en perfusión continua como anestésico en cirugía experimental del conejo.

OBJECTIVES: To study anesthesia with intramuscular ketamine chlorohydrate and continuous intravenous perfusion of propofol (2.6 phenyl diisopropyl) in 30 white New Zealand rabbits undergoing tracheal and vascular surgery and experimental bronchoscopy without mechanical ventilation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The animals were monitored by transcutaneous pulse oximetry and were sedated before canalization of the auricular vein. Oxygen was administered under a bell at a rate of 5 l/min. Variables recorded were heart and respiratory rates, oxygen saturation, blink reflex, and movements during surgery. The anesthetic protocol consisted of sedation (intramuscular ketamine chlorohydrate 50 mg/kg), followed by induction (intravenous propofol 3 mg/kg), and maintenance with intravenous infusion of diluted propofol in 2 phases as follows: a loading dose of 1.2 mg/kg/min first, followed by maintenance with 0.9 mg/kg/min propofol in dextrose at 5% concentration (4 mg/ml). RESULTS: The procedure afforded adequate anesthesia for surgery lasting up to 70 min. Vital signs were stable in all animals. The perfusion rate was modified during surgery in 8 animals, in 5 because of superficial anesthesia and in 3 because of respiratory depression. Respiratory rate was the only parameter that was significantly correlated with depth of anesthesia and propofol dose. Postanesthetic recovery was rapid in all animals. No cases of heart/respiratory failure or death occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method is useful for anesthetizing the rabbit, as it renders mechanical ventilation unnecessary. Only simple monitoring of respiratory rate is required.

[Cortical fracture of the sternum in a child: an infrequent case]. / Fractura cortical de esternón en la infancia: un caso excepcional.

We report the case of a six-year-old girl who suffer an isolated sternal fracture due to hyperflexion of the thorax (while she was playing on a jumping-bed). On clinical examination, only slight tenderness and pain with compression of sternum was found. Chest X-ray demonstrated a fracture of the body of the sternum without other findings. The patient was admitted, observed during 12 hours with ECG monitoring and discharged because no cardiac or pulmonary pathology appeared. We present this case because fracture of the sternum in a child is rare, especially if road-traffic accident with seat belt injury is not implicated as a cause.

[Rupture of a gastrostomy button. Importance of choosing the adequate material]. / Rotura del botón de gastrostomía. Importancia de la elección del material.

PEG is a safe, effective and widely used modality for nutritional andpharmacological enteral support in children. Rupture of the gastrostomy button during replacement is a very infrequent complication that may be avoided by choosing the adequate tube.

[Anal fistula treatment with seton]. / Tratamiento mediante sedal de la fístula anal.

The objectives of anal fistula treatment are to drain sepsis, irradicate the fistulous tract, and to preserve sphincter integrity and function. These goals can be achieved by either fistulotomy or fistulectomy. Alternative techniques include chemical setons, drainage setons, cutting setons and two-stage seton fistulotomy. We have treated 6 cases of trans-sphincteric fistula Parks type 2. The progressive fistulotomy technique was employed with a primary or one-stage cutting seton, as an outpatient procedure and without general anaesthetic. Complete division of the sphincter muscle took 18-27 days. No child presented incontinence or any other complications from the technique employed. No recurrences were observed at the 12 month follow-up. We conclude that the use of cutting setons is a simple and effective technique for the treatment of anal fistula in children, with low complication rates.

[Intra-abdominal infections caused by Eikenella corrodens in children]. / Infecciones intraabdominales por Eikenella corrodens en niños.

Eikenella corrodens is a fastidious, facultative anaerobe, not a strict anaerobe, gram-negative bacillus, that was placed in the Brucelaceae family. The difficulties in its isolation delayed its recognition as a human pathogen. The course of disease is usually indolent, and abscess formation is almost universally seen. To date, 30 reported cases describing E corrodens infections of the abdominal cavity have been published and only 17 in children. We reviewed the bacteriology laboratory records for a period of 5 years. This organism was cultured from 5 children, aged 1 to 7 years who had peritonitis secondary to perforated appendicitis. The organism was obteined at the original operation and/or from postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses. Two children required surgical drainage of the abscess and one was treated by means of percutaneous drainage. All patients fully recovered.

[Buccal mucosa free graft for severe hypospadias repair]. / Injerto libre de mucosa bucal para el tratamiento de hipospadias complejos.

We present a boy 6 years old, with a penoscrotal hypospadias and perineal urethrostomy, with several unsuccessful attempts at hypospadias repair in other hospital. Autologous buccal mucosa was used as a free graft for urethral reconstruction. The clinical result was excellent, with a functioning urethra of good caliber throughout the entire length of the penis, without voiding difficulties. A proximal fistula that closed spontaneously 20 days postoperatively was the only complication. We present this technique as an elective option for severe hypospadias repair.

[Localization of the lower esophageal sphincter: a new formula]. / Localización del esfínter esofágico inferior: nueva fórmula.

The esophageal length in the study of patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux (G.E.R.) has the importance of assuring us of the correct position of the probe/sound of the esophageal ph-metering. We carried out a prospective study which correlated the size with the location of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (L.E.S.), and we tried an approximation, greater than the one, obtained by other methods, in the measurement of the esophageal length, to obviate the manometric study, when our only aim was to insert correctly the probe/sound of the esophageal ph-metering.