Complication rate after gastrostomy placement in children can be reduced by simple surgical steps.

AIM: To evaluate if the incidence of postoperative complications after gastrostomy placement is correlated to perioperative parameters or patient characteristics. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, children <18 years of age planned to receive a gastrostomy at partaking clinics between 2014 and 2019 were invited. Pre-, peri- and postoperative variables were collected and followed up 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Five hundred and eighty-two patients were included (median age: 26 months, median weight: 10.8 kg), mainly laparoscopic (52.0%) and push-PEG (30.2%) technique used. The incidence of complications was lower in the group of patients receiving a gastrostomy tube that was 2 mm longer than the gastrostomy canal (p < 0.001-0.025), and a thickness of 12 Fr (p < 0.001-0.009). These findings were confirmed by multivariate analysis also including operative technique, age and weight. Patients with oncological disease had significantly higher incidence of pain and infection but the lowest incidence of granulomas (p < 0.001-0.01). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that a 12 Fr gastrostomy tube that is 2 mm longer than the gastrostomy canal is correlated with the lowest incidence of postoperative complications the first 3 months after surgery. Oncological patients had the lowest incidence of granulomas which probably is related to chemotherapy.

Accuracy of pre-operative fistula diagnostics in anorectal malformations.

BACKGROUND: Surgical safety during posterior sagittal anorectal plasty (PSARP) for anorectal malformations (ARM) depends on accurate pre-operative fistula localization. This study aimed to evaluate accuracy of pre-operative fistula diagnostics. METHODS: Ethical approval was obtained. Diagnostic accuracy of pre-PSARP symptoms (stool in urine, urine in passive ostomy, urinary tract infection) and examination modalities (voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), high-pressure colostogram, cystoscopy and ostomy endoscopy) were compared to final intra-operative ARM-type classification in all male neonates born with ARM without a perineal fistula treated at a tertiary pediatric surgery center during 2001-2020. RESULTS: The 38 included neonates underwent reconstruction surgery through PSARP with diverted ostomy. Thirty-one (82%) had a recto-urinary tract fistula and seven (18%) no fistula. Ostomy endoscopy yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy for fistula presence (22 correctly classified/24 examined cases; 92%), and pre-operative symptoms the lowest (21/38; 55%). For pre-operative fistula level determination, cystoscopy yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy (14/20; 70%), followed by colostogram (23/35; 66%), and VCUG (21/36; 58%). No modality proved to be statistically superior to any other. CONCLUSIONS: Ostomy endoscopy has the highest diagnostic accuracy for fistula presence, and cystoscopy and high-pressure colostogram for fistula level determination. Correct pre-operative ARM-typing reached a maximum of 60-70%.

Health-related quality of life and scar satisfaction in a cohort of children operated on for sacrococcygeal teratoma.

AIM: The aims of this study were to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with sacrococcygeal teratoma and to explore the effect of the scar on physical, emotional and behavioral aspects. METHODS: A cohort of children operated on for sacrococcygeal teratoma between 2000 and 2013 at Lund University Hospital, Sweden, and their parents were interviewed. HRQoL was evaluated with PedsQL, and scar satisfaction was estimated through Patient Observer Scar Assessment Score (POSA). RESULTS: All eligible children (n = 17) were included (100% response rate). Median age was 7.3 years (range 3.5-16.0). Mean total PedsQL score was 92.3 (range 72.0 to 99.0). Patients with comorbidity scored lower (87.5) than those without (95.0) (p < 0.05). Pain during sitting down was reported by two (20%) patients, and itching was reported by another two patients (20%) aged > 8 years. No children reported that they avoided situations due to the scar, and most (80% of children and 90% of parents) reported absent or only mild negative emotions when considering the scar. CONCLUSION: Children with sacrococcygeal teratoma had a good overall HRQoL, but comorbidity reduced the outcome. A few children reported scar-related impact on physical, behavioral and emotional aspects.

Gender and birth weight as risk factors for anastomotic stricture after esophageal atresia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic stricture (AS) is the most frequently occurring complication that occurs after esophageal atresia (EA) repair. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis remains primarily unknown and there is inadequate knowledge regarding the risk factors for AS. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis was performed to investigate whether gender and birth weight were risk factors for the development of AS following EA repair. METHODS: The main outcome measure was the occurrence of AS. Forest plots with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were generated for the outcomes. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: Six studies with a total of 495 patients were included; 59% males, and 37 and 63% of the patients weighed < 2500 g and ≥ 2500 g, respectively. Male gender (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.66-1.40; p = 0.82) and birth weight < 2500 g (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.47-1.15; p = 0.18) did not increase the risk of AS. The majority of the included studies were retrospective cohort studies and the overall risk of bias was considered to be low to moderate. CONCLUSION: Neither gender nor birth weight appear to have an impact on the risk of AS development following EA repair.

Postoperative outcomes in distal hypospadias: a meta-analysis of the Mathieu and tubularized incised plate repair methods for development of urethrocutaneous fistula and urethral stricture.

PURPOSE: To compare the two major complications, namely postoperative urethrocutaneous fistula and urethral stricture, between the Mathieu and tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair methods for distal hypospadias. METHODS: In this meta-analysis, electronic databases were searched for comparative studies on the two techniques. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence was used to evaluate the included studies. The main outcome measure was the frequency of postoperative fistula and urethral stricture. RevMan 5.3 was used for statistical analyses, with P < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies, which included 1572 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The frequency of urethrocutaneous fistula did not differ between the Mathieu [115 (13%)] and TIP [90 (13%)] methods [odds ratio (OR) 1.1, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.6-1.9; P = 0.73)]. Urethral stricture was less frequent after the Mathieu [15 (2%)] method than after the TIP [37 (5%)] method (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.8; P < 0.01), even after the subgroup analysis of eight randomized controlled trials was included. Overall, the quality of the included studies was determined to be satisfactory. The levels of evidence on which this review was based ranged from 1b to 2b using the CEBM Levels of Evidence. CONCLUSION: Compared with TIP repair, Mathieu repair for hypospadias had a significantly lower risk for urethral stricture; however, the risk for urethrocutaneous fistula was similar.

Long-Term Outcome of Sacrococcygeal Teratoma: A Controlled Cohort Study of Urinary Tract and Bowel Dysfunction and Predictors of Poor Outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate urinary tract and bowel function in children with sacrococcygeal teratoma, compare the findings with healthy children, and assess predictors of poor outcome. STUDY DESIGN: This was a controlled cohort study of all patients operated for sacrococcygeal teratoma at a tertiary pediatric surgery center, 2000-2013. Urinary and bowel function were compared with healthy control patients matched for age and sex. Perioperative and histopathologic risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 17 patients with sacrococcygeal teratoma and 85 healthy control patients were included in the study. Patients with sacrococcygeal teratoma more often were reported to have uncontrolled voiding (12% vs 0%, P < .01), difficulty in bladder emptying (24% vs 0%, P < .001), and pyelonephritis (18% vs 1%, P < .05). Constipation was more common in patients with sacrococcygeal teratoma (47 % vs 14%, P < .05), but the overall bowel function score was equal in the 2 groups. Children with large tumors and immature histology were more likely to have a dysfunctional outcome (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Uncontrolled voiding, difficulty in bladder emptying, pyelonephritis, and constipation were more common in patients with sacrococcygeal teratoma than in healthy children. Dysfunctional outcome was more prevalent in children with large and immature teratomas.

Comparison of major complications in children after laparoscopy-assisted gastrostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: A meta-analysis was performed to compare the rates of the major complications associated with two gastrostomy tube placement techniques in a pediatric population: laparoscopy-assisted gastrostomy (LAG) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). METHODS: The PubMed electronic database was queried for comparative studies of the two insertion techniques. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used for the assessment of the quality and risk of bias in the included studies. The main outcome measure was the frequency of major complications defined as the need for reoperation within 30 days or death. RevMan 5.3, was used, with a p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. RESULTS: Eight studies including 1550 patients met the inclusion criteria. The risk for major complications was higher in PEG than in LAG 3.86 (95% confidence interval 1.90-7.81; p < 0.0002). The number needed to treat to reduce one major complication by performing LAG instead of PEG was 23. There were no randomized-controlled trials. Overall, the quality of the included studies was determined to be unsatisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: PEG placement was associated with a significantly higher risk of major complications compared to LAG placement. Therefore, LAG should be the preferred method for gastrostomy tube placement in children.

Evaluation of the microbiome in children's appendicitis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The role of the microbiome has been widely discussed in the etiology of appendicitis. The primary aim was to evaluate the microbiome in the normal appendix and in appendicitis specifically divided into the three clinically and histopathologically defined grades of inflammation. Secondary aims were to examine whether there were any microbiome differences between proximal and distal appendices, and relate the microbiome with histopathological findings. METHODS: A prospective pilot study was conducted of children undergoing appendectomy for appendicitis. The diagnosis was based on histopathological analysis. Children with incidental appendectomy were used as controls. The proximal and distal mucosa from the appendices were analyzed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 22 children, 3 controls and 19 appendicitis patients; 11 phlegmonous, 4 gangrenous, and 4 perforated appendices, were prospectively included. The amount of Fusobacterium increased and Bacteroides decreased in phlegmonous and perforated appendicitis compared to controls, but statistical significance was not reached, and this pattern was not seen in gangrenous appendicitis. No relation could be seen between different bacteria and the grade of inflammation, and there was a wide variation of abundances at phylum, genus, and species level within every specific group of patients. Further, no significant differences could be detected when comparing the microbiome in proximal and distal mucosa, which may be because the study was underpowered. A trend with more abundance of Fusobacteria in the distal mucosa was seen in appendicitis patients with obstruction (25 and 13 %, respectively, p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: The pattern of microbiome differed not only between groups, but also within groups. However, no statistically significant differences could be found in the microbiome between groups or clinical conditions. No correlation between a specific bacteria and grade of inflammation was found. In the vast majority of cases of appendicitis, changes in microbiome do not seem to be the primary event. Since there seem to be differences in microbiome patterns depending on the sample site, the exact localization of biopsy sampling must be described in future studies.

Long-term outcomes of children undergoing video-assisted gastrostomy.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to assess the short- and long-term complication rates after video-assisted gastrostomy (VAG), the effects of age and gender on long-term complications and the effect of duration of gastrostomy tube retention on the need for gastroraphy when the gastrostomy device was removed. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of children undergoing VAG at a single institution. Children who died or moved from the area were excluded. The rates of short- and long-term complications developing at 3-6 months or 2 or more years, respectively, were compared. RESULTS: A total of 170 children were studied, out of a cohort of 303 children. The median age at surgery was 2 years. The median duration of postoperative long-term follow-up was 5 years (2-9 years). The complications at the respective short and long-term follow-ups were as follows: granulation tissue, leakage, infection and vomiting. There were no differences in the short- versus long-term complication rates for gender and age. Children needing gastroraphy had used a gastrostomy device significantly longer compared with children with spontaneous closure. CONCLUSION: Complications after VAG decrease over time. A longer duration of gastrostomy device retention leads to increased need for gastroraphy.

Dilations of anastomotic strictures over time after repair of esophageal atresia.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Anastomotic strictures commonly occur in patients undergoing surgery for esophageal atresia (EA). The primary aim of this study was to determine the age distribution of dilation procedures for anastomotic strictures over the patient's childhood after reconstruction of EA. The secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of postoperative proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on the frequency of dilations. METHODS: This observational study was conducted at a single tertiary center of pediatric surgery. The times that dilations of strictures were performed were assessed during three study periods: 1983-1995, 2001-2009, and 2010-2014. PPIs were not used during the first period, and then, respectively, for 3 and 12 months postoperatively. The indications for dilation were signs of obstruction and/or radiological signs of stricture. PRIMARY RESULTS: A total of 131 children underwent esophageal reconstruction, and of those, 60 (46%) required at least 1 dilation procedure for strictures. There were no differences in the frequencies of dilation procedures between the three study periods (28/66, 18/32 and 14/33, respectively; P = 0.42). The overall median number of dilations per patient was 3 (range 1-21) with no differences between the study periods. The differences between ages at which the first dilation was performed during each study period were significant, as follows: 7, 2, and 8 months, respectively (P = 0.03). Fiftyone percent of all dilation procedures were performed during the first year of life, 16% during the second year, and 33% during years 2-15. Four children (2%) underwent >12 dilations. CONCLUSION: The first year of life was the time of greatest need for dilation of AS after reconstruction of EA; however, dilations were also performed several years later. PPIs did not affect the frequency of dilations during the first year of life.

Two-trocar appendectomy in children - description of technique and comparison with conventional laparoscopic appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to describe the technique of two-trocar laparoscopic appendectomy and compare the outcome between two- and three-trocar techniques in children. METHODS: All children who underwent laparoscopic surgery for suspected appendicitis from 2006 to 2014 in a center for pediatric surgery were included in the study. Converted surgeries and patients with appendiceal abscess or concomitant intestinal obstruction were excluded. A total of 259 children underwent appendectomy with either two (35 %) or three (65 %) laparoscopic trocars according to the surgeons' preference and intraoperative judgment. Patient demographics, clinical symptoms, surgery characteristics, and complications were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age of the children was 10.4 years (range, 1-14 years). The mean follow-up time was 41.2 months (SD ± 29.2). No significant differences in age, gender, weight, or signs and symptoms were found between the two- and three-trocar groups. The mean surgery time was significantly shorter in the two-trocar group (47 min) than in the three-trocar group (66 min; p < 0.001). The rates of surgical complications were 2 % vs. 4 %, (p = 0.501), and the rates of postoperative complications were 0 % vs. 5 % (p = 0.054), in the two- and three-trocar groups. The overall incidence of postoperative wound infection was low (<1 %) and did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Two-trocar laparoscopic appendectomy seems to be a safe and feasible technique with a low rate of postoperative wound infections. The present findings demonstrate that when the two-trocar technique could be applied, it is a good complement to the conventional three-trocar technique.

Urinary biomarkers in pediatric appendicitis.

PURPOSE: The diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis is still a challenge, resulting in perforation and negative appendectomies. The aim of this study was to evaluate novel biomarkers in urine and to use the most promising biomarkers in conjunction with the Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS), to see whether this could improve the accuracy of diagnosing appendicitis. METHODS: A prospective study of children with suspected appendicitis was conducted with assessment of PAS, routine blood tests, and measurements of four novel urinary biomarkers: leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein (LRG), calprotectin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and substance P. The biomarkers were blindly determined with commercial ELISAs. Urine creatinine was used to adjust for dehydration. The diagnosis of appendicitis was based on histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Forty-four children with suspected appendicitis were included, of which twenty-two (50 %) had confirmed appendicitis. LRG in urine was elevated in children with appendicitis compared to children without (p < 0.001), and was higher in children with gangrenous and perforated appendicitis compared to those with phlegmonous appendicitis (p = 0.003). No statistical significances between groups were found for calprotectin, IL-6 or substance P. LRG had a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.86 (95 % CI 0.79-0.99), and a better diagnostic performance than all routine blood tests. LRG in conjunction with PAS showed 95 % sensitivity, 90 % specificity, 91 % positive predictive value, and 95 % negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: LRG, adjusted for dehydration, is a promising novel urinary biomarker for appendicitis in children. LRG in combination with PAS has a high diagnostic performance.

Appendicitis in children from a gender perspective.

BACKGROUND: The incidence in appendicitis and the appendectomy rate are different between boys and girls. This study aimed to further evaluate appendicitis in children from a gender perspective. Gender differences in presentation, perioperative care, and outcome after appendectomy were examined. METHOD: A single, institution-based, retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary pediatric surgery center. All children <15 years of age who underwent appendectomy for suspected appendicitis or who were conservatively treated for an appendiceal abscess, from 2006 to 2014, were included. Patient demographics, symptoms, preoperative management including time to appendectomy, operative characteristics, and postoperative course including complications and length of hospital stay were evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 427 children: 183 girls and 244 boys. The median postoperative follow-up time was 40 (range 1-106) months. The genders did not differ significantly in age, mean weight, symptoms, laboratory results, time to appendectomy, postoperative complications, postoperative pain management, antibiotic treatment, and length of hospital stay. The frequencies of hopping/percussion/coughing tenderness in the right lower quadrant (61 and 51%, p = 0.042), phlegmonous appendicitis (56 and 45%, p = 0.032), perforated appendicitis (18 and 10%, p = 0.043), and open appendectomy (57 and 28%, p = 0.048) were significantly higher in boys. Girls had significantly higher frequencies of preoperative imaging (50 and 38%, p = 0.021), negative appendectomy (18 and 7%, p = 0.005), gangrenous appendicitis (18 and 11%, p = 0.049), and operative complications (7 and 2%, p = 0.015). In girls, the Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS) was more specific (59 and 41%, respectively, p = 0.032) and had a greater negative predictive value (33 and 11%, respectively, p = 0.003) than in boys. CONCLUSION: In children with appendicitis, there are some gender differences. Girls had negative appendectomies more often, despite having more preoperative imaging and they had operative complications more frequently, despite having less frequent perforations. Boys had a higher frequency of perforation even though their time to appendectomy equaled that of girls. These findings and the reasons behind them must be further studied.

Adolescents with anorectal malformation: physical outcome, sexual health and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: The necessity of referring adolescents with anorectal malformation (ARM) from pediatric units to adult care is unclear. The issue requires knowledge about the health of the adolescent. OBJECTIVE: To examine the physical outcome, sexual health and quality of life (QoL) in adolescents with ARM. METHODS: At medical counseling, 24 adolescents with ARM, 15-21 years of age, answered questionnaires about physical outcome according to the Krickenbeck follow-up and QoL according to SF 36 and gastrointestinal quality of life (Giqli). Matched control groups were used; 15 adolescents participated in deep interviews about sexual health and body imaging. RESULTS: Fecal soiling, constipation and gas incontinence were much higher for ARM patients compared with controls (p<0.05). QoL regarding large bowel function was lower for both genders compared with controls (p<0.05). Females scored lower in physically related QoL (p<0.05). Social and sexual adaption to the symptoms was obvious in the deep interviews. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with ARM have considerable intestinal symptoms, which influence QoL and require adaption in intimate situations. A referral to adult care seems to be important, and continuous cooperation between the pediatric surgeon and adult care is suggested.

Genital Malformations in Children With VACTERL - Has Time Come to Include "G" in the Acronym?

BACKGROUND: Genital malformations are frequently diagnosed in patients with VACTERL, but are currently not included in the acronym. This study aimed to analyze the frequency of genital anomalies in patients with esophageal atresia (EA) and/or anorectal malformation (ARM), with a subgroup analysis of children fulfilling the VACTERL criteria. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional retrospective analysis of two prospectively collected registries of patients operated on for ARM and EA between 2012 and 2022 at a specialized national center. Children were screened routinely for malformations according to the VACTERL acronym. RESULTS: A total of 174 children were included in the study. VACTERL was diagnosed in 60 children (34%), while 114 children (66%) were defined as non-VACTERL. Genital malformations were diagnosed in 38% (23/60) of the children with VACTERL, and in 11% (13/114) of the children without VACTERL (p < 0.001). The presence of genital malformations correlated linearly with the number of diagnosed component features (CFs). In boys with VACTERL, the most common genital malformation was undescended testes present in 10/27 (21%) compared to 1/71 (1%) in non-VACTERL boys (p < 0.001). Müllerian duct anomalies were found in 26% of girls with VACTERL vs. 7% in non-VACTERL girls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a higher frequency of genital malformations in patients with VACTERL emphasizing the importance of genital assessment for these patients. We propose VACTERL-G as an extension of the current acronym aiming to reduce the risk of long-term morbidity due to delayed diagnosis of reproductive anomalies.

Visualisation of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex with a modified contrast enema in children with suspected Hirschsprung disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Hirschsprung disease lack the normal rectoanal inhibitory reflex, which can be studied with anorectal manometry or US. OBJECTIVE: To see whether the rectoanal inhibitory reflex could be visualised with a modified contrast enema, thereby increasing the diagnostic accuracy of the contrast enema and reducing the number of rectal biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine boys and 42 girls (median age, 12 months) with suspected Hirschsprung disease were examined with a modified contrast enema, supplemented with two injections of cold, water-soluble contrast medium, to induce the reflex. Two paediatric radiologists evaluated the anonymised examinations in consensus. The contrast enema findings were correlated with the results of rectal biopsy or clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Five boys and one girl (median age, 7.5 days) were diagnosed with Hirschsprung disease. The negative predictive value of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex was 100%. A contrast enema with signs of Hirschsprung disease in combination with an absent rectoanal inhibitory reflex had the specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 100% for Hirschsprung disease. CONCLUSION: The modified contrast enema improves the radiological diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease. By demonstrating the rectoanal inhibitory reflex in children without Hirschsprung disease, we can reduce the proportion of unnecessary rectal biopsies.

Patient-reported physical and psychosocial significance of abdominal scarring in anorectal malformations.

Background Abdominal scarring in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) is a permanent visible sign of a chronic congenital condition. The study's aims were to assess the physical and psychosocial significance of abdominal scarring in ARM and to propose a scar treatment approach. Methods A patient- and observer reported cross-sectional study of ARM patients with previous colostomies surgically treated 1997-2015 with minimum 4 years' follow-up after stoma closure. A maximum of 3 patient-selected scars per patient were evaluated by a) the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS; 11= no symptoms, 110=worst symptoms), b) pictorial scar treatment assessment by a plastic surgeon, c) questionnaire evaluation of the scarring's psychosocial aspects, bowel- and urinary function and quality of life. Descriptive statistics were presented in median (range) and percent (%), and Pearson's r was used to evaluate linear correlations. Ethical approval and written consents were obtained. Results Twenty-seven patients (48% females) aged 12 (5-24) years old were included. Two (1-3) scars were evaluated per patient with a median POSAS score of 44 (15-78). Six patients (22%) reported scar pain, five (19%) scar pruritus and nine (33%) affected behavior, e.g. always wearing full-covered clothing in public places. Higher (worse) POSAS score and increasing age correlated (r = 0.40, p = 0.04). According to the plastic surgeon's assessment, 21 patients (78%) were suitable candidates for surgical scar treatment, among whom eight patients (30%) requested scar treatment. Conclusions Postoperative abdominal scarring should require attention in clinical ARM follow-up programs including potential corrective plastic surgery for selected patients.

Paediatric computer-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy compared with open surgery.

PURPOSE: Computer-assisted laparoscopic surgery (CALS) in children is increasingly used and has proven to be feasible and safe. However, its full potential remains unclear and clinical comparative studies hardly exist. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate our experience with CALS for performing retroperitoneal nephrectomies in children when compared with controls undergoing open surgery in terms of safety, operative time, blood loss, opoid requirements, the duration of hospital stay and complications. CHILDREN AND METHODS: Computer-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy was undertaken in ten consecutive children, mean age at the time of surgery 6.4 (SD ± 4.5) years, and compared with a retrospectively collected control group of all other children, mean age 3.9 (SD ± 4.6) years, who underwent the same procedure by conventional open surgery between the years 2005 and 2009. The endpoint of the study was 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: Nephrectomies were performed in all the children and no child was excluded from the study. There was no per-operative complication in any of the groups. The median (range) operative time was 202 (128-325) and 72 (44-160) min for the CALS and open group, respectively. The blood loss was minimal (<20 ml) for all the patients. The postoperative opoid requirements did not differ. The median (range) postoperative hospital stay was 1 (1-4) and 2 (1-7) days for the CALS and the open group, respectively. One complication in the form of an urinoma appeared 5 days after surgery in the CALS group. CONCLUSION: Computer-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy is a safe, feasible and effective procedure in children. Even though operative times are longer the patients benefit from the lower morbidity, improved cosmetics and shorter hospitalization associated with the minimally invasive approach.