Long-term respiratory outcomes of post-op congenital lung malformations.

BACKGROUND: Congenital lung malformations (CLM) are rare disorders and surgical intervention is the definitive treatment. Our aim is to evaluate the long-term lung function of patients with CLM after surgery compared to healthy children. METHODS: Sixteen children with CLM (M/F: 9/7) and 30 age-matched, healthy controls (M/F: 13/17) were included in the study. Demographic data were recorded and both groups were compared by spirometry and the nitrogen-based Lung Clearance Index (LCI). RESULTS: Mean ± SD age of the patients was 12.0 ± 5.4 years. The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1 /FVC, and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of force expiration (FEF25-75 ) predicted was, 86.68 ± 16.65, 88.00 ± 14.58, 97.44 ± 9.89, and 79.00 ± 26.41, respectively in the patient group. Patients with CLM had significantly lower values in FEV1 , FVC, FEF25-75 than healthy controls (P = 0.002, P 0.007, P 0.045). While the mean LCI2,5% value in patients' group was 8.33 ± 1.52, it was 7.28 ± 0.80 in healthy controls (P = 0.023). Strong inverse correlation between LCI and FEV1 , FEV1 /FVC was detected in the patient group (P = 0.023; r: -0.581, P 0.017; r: -0.606 respectively). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that, in long-term follow-up, patients who had surgery because of CLM have impairment in the pulmonary function compared to healthy children and LCI may be more accurate in detecting airway diseases early than spirometry.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in mothers of children who have undergone cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated risk factors among mothers of children who underwent cancer surgery. METHOD: This cross-sectional, multi-center study included a total of 60 mothers whose children underwent major thoraco-abdominal surgery and were under follow up in the outpatient setting between February 2016 and May 2016. Clinical Data Form, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Clinician-Administered PTSD scale were used. RESULTS: Of all participants, 13 (21.7%) were diagnosed with PTSD. These mothers had shorter duration of marriage, longer duration of hospital stay after surgery, and higher HADS scores, compared with the others without PTSD. Thoughts of guilt such as "I am being punished or tested" were more frequent in mothers with PTSD. Insomnia, irritability, concentration problems, and psychological reactivity were the most common symptoms. CONCLUSION: Post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe disorder that may worsen the daily functioning of mothers and may also have an unfavorable effect on child. It is therefore of utmost importance for clinicians to recognize PTSD and the associated risk factors in order to guide these parents.

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

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

The effect of postoperative ventilation strategies on postoperative complications and outcomes in patients with esophageal atresia: Results from the Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative ventilatory strategies in patients with esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) may have an impact on early postoperative complications. Our national Esophageal Atresia Registry was evaluated to define a possible relationship between the type and duration of respiratory support on postoperative complications and outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Among the data registered by 31 centers between 2015 and 2021, patients with esophago-esophageal anastomosis (EEA)/tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) were divided into two groups; invasive ventilatory support (IV) and noninvasive ventilatory support and/or oxygen support (NIV-OS). The demographic findings, gestational age, type of atresia, associated anomalies, and genetic malformations were evaluated. We compared the type of repair, gap length, chest tube insertion, follow-up times, tensioned anastomosis, postoperative complications, esophageal dilatations, respiratory problems requiring treatment after the operation, and mortality rates. RESULTS: Among 650 registered patients, 502 patients with EEA/TEF repair included the study. Four hundred and seventy of patients require IV and 32 of them had NIV-OS treatment. The IV group had lower mean birth weights and higher incidence of respiratory problems when compared to NIV-OS group. Also, NIV-OS group had significantly higher incidence of associated anomalies than IV groups. The rates of postoperative complications and mortality were not different between the IV and NIV-OS groups. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that patients who required invasive ventilation had a higher incidence of low birth weight and respiratory morbidity. We found no relation between mode of postoperative ventilation and surgical complications. Randomized controlled trials and clinical guidelines are needed to define the best type of ventilation strategy in children with EA/TEF.

First Documented Case of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis with Atopy Presenting Secondary to CSFR2B Mutation.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disorder in which surfactant-derived lipoproteins accumulate excessively within pulmonary alveoli, causing severe respiratory distress. It is essential to gain a better understanding of the signs to clinically diagnose PAP and include PAP among the differential diagnoses of interstitial pulmonary diseases or other diseases with similar manifestations. We describe a 2.5-year patient with atopy who presented with pulmonary infiltration, recurrent wheezing, and cough despite steroid and salbutamol administration via inhalation. High-resolution computed tomography revealed crazy-paving patterns in both lungs, suggesting PAP. An open lung biopsy revealed intra-alveolar granular amphophilic material, which was strongly positive on periodic acid-Schiff staining. The results of pulmonary-associated surfactant protein B and C gene analyses were normal. However, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor beta-protein was not detected in leucocytes, and a novel mutation was identified in the CSF2RB gene. The patient was diagnosed with PAP and treated with whole-lung lavage. Key Words: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, Child, Atopy, Wheezing.

Effects of Caudal and Penile Blocks on the Complication Rates of Hypospadias Repair

Background: The major influencing factors for complications during hypospadias repair are the original location of the meatus, previous urethral surgery, surgical technique, and surgeon's experience. While the effect of the technique of regional analgesia on complication rates has been considered in some studies, this issue remains controversial. Aims: To determine the effect of caudal block and penile block on complication rates of hypospadias repair in patients with subcoronal hypospadias. Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: Data of children who underwent hypospadias repair between 2011 and 2019 in our clinic (n = 770) were reviewed retrospectively. Only patients with subcoronal hypospadias and who underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty, performed by the same two experienced surgeons (n = 279), were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were incomplete data and follow-up time shorter than 12 months. Data of 279 patients were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the analgesia type: caudal block (n = 95) and penile block (n = 184), and complication rates were compared between these groups. Results: The median age was 36 months in the caudal block group and 30 months in the penile block group (P = 0.390). The median follow-up times were 54 and 42.7 months in the caudal and penile block groups, respectively. Total complication rates did not differ significantly between the groups and were determined as 10.5% and 12.5% in the caudal and penile groups, respectively. Urethrocutaneous fistula rates were observed as 2.1% and 4.3% (p=0.50). None of the patients had penile chordee and no penile plication was performed in the whole group. Conclusion: This study shows that there is no increase in post-repair complications in patients with subcoronal hypospadias who underwent caudal block.

Computed Tomography-guided Percutaneous Drainage of Pneumomediastinum in a Newborn: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal pneumomediastinum is seen in 2.5 per 1000 live births and is mostly managed conservatively. An intervention is essential in cases with tension pneumomediastinum. Ultrasonography-guided (USG-guided) relief of pneumomediastinum has been reported in newborns. There are no reported cases of computed tomography-guided (CT-guided) drainage of pneumomediastinum in neonates. CASE PRESENTATION: A newborn girl born at 34 weeks of gestation was intubated due to respiratory distress and received intratracheal surfactant treatment. Pneumomediastinum was detected at the chest X-ray on the 6th postnatal hour. On the second postnatal day, the patient's oxygen needs increased, tachypnea and subcostal retractions recurred, so it was decided to intervene. USG-guided drainage of the pneumomediastinum was attempted twice but was unsuccessful. Percutaneous drainage with CT guidance was performed successfully. CONCLUSION: This report aims to emphasize that CT-guided intervention of pneumomediastinum can be an effective alternative in a newborn if USG-guided intervention fails.

Do preoperative leukocyte and neutrophil levels have a predictive value on the complications of hypospadias repair in children?

OBJECTIVE: Surgeons observed that the outcomes after the same repair technique in the same type of hypospadias performed by the same surgeon may be different. There may be some indeterminate factors that influence the results such as subclinical inflammation. Our study evaluated the predictor values of inflammatory hematologic parameters on the complications after hypospadias repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients who underwent hypospadias repair between January 2016 and January 2019 in our clinic. Age at surgery, hypospadias type, repair technique, complications were recorded. Patients who underwent Snodgrass repair by a single surgeon were included in the study while patients who underwent different techniques or procedures that were performed by other surgeons were excluded. The levels of white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet and monocyte, the mean platelet volumes were recorded from blood test that were performed one day before surgery. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), plateletlymphocyte ratio (PLR), and other parameters were analyzed to determine their relationship with complications after hypospadias surgery. RESULTS: WBC and neutrophil levels were statistically higher in patients with complications (p = 0.006 and 0.017 respectively). Other hematological parameters were not different between patients with or without complications. To predict the complications, the WBC cutoff was 9500/mm3, the neutrophil cutoff was 3000/mm3. CONCLUSIONS: WBC and neutrophil values were statistically significant in predicting the complications after Snodgrass repair in patients with hypospadias. Our result determined no relation between complications and NLR, PLR.

Efficacy of standardized tracheostomy training with a simulation model for healthcare providers: A study by ISPAT team.

INTRODUCTION: Tracheostomy care in children may be challenging, due to lack of knowledge of healthcare providers (HCPs). The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of HCP who follow patients with tracheostomy and to increase this level with theoretical training and training in a simulation laboratory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ISPAT (IStanbul PAediatric Tracheostomy), a multidisciplinary team for tracheostomy care was established and a training program was prepared. Participants were subjected to theoretical and practical pretests which evaluated their knowledge levels and skills for care, follow-up, and treatment of a patient with tracheostomy. After the theoretical and practical training given to the participants with a simulation model, theoretical and practical posttests were applied. RESULTS: Fifty-one HCP from nine tertiary pediatric clinics in Istanbul were enrolled in the training program. Only six (11.8%) of them had received standardized training programs previously. Regarding the theoretical tests, seven of the 33 questions were indicated as essential. The knowledge level of the participants based on the essential questions significantly increased after the training (p < 0.05 for all of the essential questions). The total number of correct answers and correct answers of three subheadings also significantly increased after the practical training (p < 0.001 for all). Ninety-five percent of the participants assessed the course as good or excellent in general. CONCLUSION: Training in a simulation laboratory in combination with theoretical education can improve the knowledge and skills of the HCP enabling improved care of children with a tracheostomy.

Pediatric flexible bronchoscopy in the intensive care unit: A multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is frequently used for assessment and treatment of patients with respiratory diseases. Our aim was to investigate the contribution of FB to diagnosis and therapy in children admitted to the intensive care units (ICU) and to evaluate the safety of FB in this vulnerable population. METHODS: Children less than 18 years of age who underwent FB in the five neonatal and pediatric ICUs in Istanbul between July 1st, 2015 and July 1st, 2020 were included to the study. Demographic and clinical data including bronchoscopy indications, findings, complications, and the contribution of bronchoscopy to the management were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-six patients were included to the study. The median age was 5 months (range 0.3-205 months). The most common indication of FB was extubation failure (38.3%), followed by suspected airway disease. Bronchoscopic assessments revealed at least one abnormality in 90.8% patients. The most common findings were airway malacia and the presence of excessive airway secretions (47.4% and 35.7%, respectively). Positive contribution of FB was identified in 87.2% of the patients. FB had greater than 1 positive contribution in 138 patients and 80.6% of the patients received a new diagnosis. Medical therapy was modified after the procedure in 39.8% and surgical interventions were pursued in 40% of the patients. Therapeutic lavage was achieved in 18.9%. There were no major complications. CONCLUSION: Flexible bronchoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool in neonatal and pediatric ICUs and is not associated with major complications.

Outcome of Very Low and Low Birth Weight Infants with Esophageal Atresia: Results of the Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry.

INTRODUCTION: The data of the Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry (TEAR) was evaluated to define the outcome of very low birth weight (VLBW) and low BW (LWB) infants with esophageal atresia (EA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data registered by 24 centers between 2014 and 2018 were evaluated for demographic features, prenatal findings, associated anomalies, surgical treatment, and outcome. Patients were enrolled in three groups according to their BWs (VLBW <1,500 g), LWB = 1,500-2,500 g), and normal BW (NBW; >2,500 g). RESULTS: Among the 389 cases, there were 37 patients (9.5%) in the VLBW group, 165 patients (42.4%) in the LBW group, and 187 patients (48.1%) in the NBW group. Prenatal diagnosis rates were similar among the three groups (29.7, 34.5, and 24.6%, respectively). The standard primary anastomosis was achieved at a significantly higher rate in NWB cases than in the other groups (p < 0.05). In patients with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), patients of the NBW group had significantly higher rates of full oral feedings, when compared with VLBW and LBW cases (p < 0.05). At the end of the first year, when we evaluate all patients, the number of cases with fistula recanalization and esophageal anastomotic strictures (AS) requiring esophageal dilatation was similar among the groups. The weight and height measurements at 6 months and 1 year of age of the survivors were similar in all the groups. The overall mortality rate was significantly higher in the VLBW and LBW groups, when compared with the NBW patients, even in patients with tension-free anastomosis (p < 0.05). The incidence of the associated anomalies was 90.6% in cases with mortality, which was significantly higher than in survivors (59.6%; p < 0.05). According to Spitz's classification, the survival rate was 87.1% in class I, 55.3% in class II, and 16.7% in class III. The most common causes of mortality were associated with cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia, and sepsis. CONCLUSION: The national data of TEAR demonstrates that the developmental and feeding parameters are better in NBW patients. Although VLBW patients have higher risk of developing fistula canalization than the LBW and NBW groups, long-term complications, such as anastomotic strictures, weight, and height values, after 1 year are similar in both groups. According to our results, associated anomalies and LBWs are still significant risk factors for mortality in cases with EA.

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

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

Epiphrenic Diverticulum in an Infant with Congenital Esophageal Stenosis Associated with Esophageal Atresia.

Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is a rare congenital disorder which may be isolated or associated with esophageal atresia (EA). It courses with esophageal outflow tract obstruction. Esophageal epiphrenic diverticulae are esophageal outpouchings above diaphragm which develop because of an underlying esophageal motor disorder. We present an infant who had CES associated with EA detected during the course of routine follow-up. She underwent several sessions of esophageal balloon dilatations for CES with some symptomatic improvement. However, an epiphrenic diverticulum (ED) developed during the course of treatment which was detected by further investigations. A surgical excision was performed with a successful outcome. An ED developed secondary to CES has not been previously reported. We have highlighted the diagnostic modalities employed, treatment options, and clinical follow-up for these two rare conditions in children.

The effectiveness of non-operative treatment in high-grade liver and spleen injury in children.

BACKGROUND: Although a nonoperative treatment approach is preferred for blunt liver and spleen trauma in childhood, there are significant differences between clinics in the algorithms used. The approach to high-grade liver and spleen injury is still controversial, particularly as grade V liver and spleen injuries are not included in the American Pediatric Surgical Association guideline. The aim of this study was to present experience with a non-operative treatment approach to children with high-grade liver and spleen injuries. METHODS: Pediatric patients who were referred to Marmara University Hospital's emergency department between January 2012 and January 2017 due to liver and spleen injury related to blunt abdominal trauma and who were followed up in the clinic were included in the study. The data were analyzed retrospectively in terms of age, sex, type of trauma, degree of organ damage, accompanying organ damage, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, need for transfusion, and treatment method (operative-nonoperative). Grade I, II, or III organ damage was classified as low-grade, while grade IV and V organ lesions were classified as high-grade. RESULTS: Of 2800 patients who were diagnosed by radiological imaging with liver and spleen injuries due to blunt abdominal trauma and hospitalized in the clinic, 88 were included in the study. Isolated liver injury was determined in 41 patients, while 39 had an isolated spleen injury, and 8 had injuries to both organs. An accompanying organ injury was observed in 30 (34%) patients. In all, 83 (94%) patients underwent non-operative treatment and a surgical approach was required for 5 patients (6%). Patients with high-grade liver injury had a significantly longer period of hospitalization, duration of ICU stay, and greater transfusion requirement, compared with patients with low-grade liver injury (p=0.001, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). A surgical approach was more common among patients with a highgrade liver injury than for patients with a low-grade injury (p=0.045). There was no significant difference between patients with a high- or low-grade spleen injury in terms of age, sex, duration of hospitalization, duration of ICU stay, transfusion requirement, or accompanying organ injury (p=0.254, 0.739, 0.114, 0.135, 0.057, 0.721, respectively). Similarly, there was no significant difference in terms of non-surgical or surgical treatment approach between the patients with high-grade spleen injury and those with low-grade spleen injury (p=0.488). CONCLUSION: Non-operative treatment is a feasible treatment method in pediatric patients with a high-grade blunt liver or spleen injury. Nonetheless, pediatric surgeons should bear in mind that patients with high-grade liver damage may require more surgical treatment.

An adolescent with idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis. Case report. / Adolescente con fibroelastosis pleuroparenquimatosa idiopatica. A propòsito de un caso.

Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) is a rare disorder recently included in rare idiopathic interstitial pneumonias according to the updated American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society classification. IPPFE is characterized by pleural and subpleural parenchymal fibrosis causing volume loss predominantly in the upper lung lobes. Age of onset is variable, IPPFE mainly occurs in third and fourth decades. We present a 16 year old patient with a 2-year history of exertional dyspnea, nonproductive cough and weight loss. On physical examination, auscultation revealed diminished breath sounds on the upper lobes. Chest radiograph showed apical pleural thickening and volume loss. Computerized tomographic scan (CT) of chest revealed ground glass densities and tubular bronchiectasis predominantly in upper lobes bilaterally, with interlobular septal thickening of the pleura and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Thoracoscopic lung biopsy was performed and histological evaluation showed subpleural fibrosis and elastic staining demonstrated fragmented elastic fiber deposition in the subpleural area and adjacent pulmonary parenchyma suggesting IPPFE. To our knowledge this is the first case in childhood. Therefore, pediatricians should be aware of this disease for the diagnosis and appropriate management.

La fibroelastosis pleuroparenquimatosa idiopàtica (FEPPI) es un trastorno raro incluido recientemente en las neumonías intersticiales idiopáticas según la actualización de la clasificación de la Sociedad Torácica Estadounidense (American Thoracic Society) y la Sociedad Respiratoria Europea (European Respiratory Society). La FEPPI se caracteriza por fibrosis parenquimatosa pleural y subpleural que produce reducción del volumen, sobre todo en los lóbulos pulmonares superiores. La edad al momento de la aparición varía, aunque la FEPPI ocurre principalmente entre los 30 y los 50 años de edad. En este artículo, presentamos el caso de un paciente de 16 años con antecedentes de disnea de esfuerzo, tos seca y pérdida de peso en los últimos dos años. Durante el examen físico, con la auscultación se detectó disminución de los ruidos respiratorios en los lóbulos superiores. En la radiografía de tórax se observó engrosamiento pleural apical y volumen reducido. En la tomografia computarizada (TC) del tórax se observaron densidades en vidrio esmerilado y bronquiectasia tubular predominantemente en ambos lóbulos superiores, con engrosamiento septal interlobulillar de la pleura y adenopatía mediastínica. Se realizó una biopsia pulmonar por toracoscopia y en el examen histológico se observaron fibrosis subpleural y tinción de las fibras elásticas que demostraba depósito de fibras elásticas en el área subpleural y el parénquima pulmonar adyacente, lo que sugería FEPPI. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer caso durante la niñez. Por lo tanto, los pediatras deben estar atentos a esta enfermedad para realizar un diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuados.

Esophageal balloon dilation in children: prospective analysis of hemodynamic changes and complications during general anesthesia.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate hemodynamic changes and complications in children during balloon dilation of esophageal strictures. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 5 ASA physical status I and II pediatric patients with benign esophageal stricture related to ingestion of caustic substances. INTERVENTIONS: Anesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol two mg/kg and cisatracurium 0.2 mg/kg and maintained with 66% nitrous oxide and one minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane in oxygen. In each session, balloon size was increased until the stricture was opened. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: A total of 18 sessions and 99 dilations in 5 children performed over a one-year period were included in the study. In 8 of 18 sessions, esophageal stricture was located in the middle one third of the esophagus; and in the others, in the upper one third. Four cases experienced bleeding; two cases, inability to ventilate due to obstruction of the endotracheal tube tip by the inflated balloon; and two cases, postextubation bronchospasm. In 95 of the 99 dilations, while the balloon was inflated, heart rate was faster and blood pressure increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Anesthesiologists should keep in mind the possibility of hemodynamic instability and possible endotracheal tube tip obstruction by the inflated balloon and safeguard the airway against bleeding, secretions, and radio-opaque fluid during esophageal balloon dilation.

Report of three cases: congenital chylothorax and treatment modalities.

Chylothorax is the most common cause of pleural effusion in the newborn. We report three patients with congenital chylothorax and discussed the clinical course and treatment options. Cases 1 and 2 with congenital chylothorax were treated by chest tube placement and total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and were fed a formula rich in medium-chain triglyceride. They were discharged home without any sequelae. Our 3rd case with chylothorax did not respond to the conventional therapies. Octreotide infusion was tried without any benefits and necessitated surgical intervention, but the infant developed chronic lung disease requiring nasal oxygen therapy until three months of age. All three patients developed complications of chylothorax treatment like chest tube dysfunction, pneumothorax, nosocomial sepsis, and cholestasis. Management of congenital chylothorax necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment options include pleural drainage, cessation of enteral feeding and initiation of TPN. Experience with octreotide treatment is limited. Surgery should be reserved for severe and refractory cases.

Laparoscopic approach for removing a coin trapped in Meckel's diverticulum.

Foreign body ingestion is a common problem in children. Most of these foreign bodies spontaneously pass through the gastrointestinal tract. When there is a persistent foreign body in the abdomen, it is impossible to make a diagnosis without exploration. We herein present the case of a child who was admitted to our hospital with a coin trapped in Meckel's diverticulum and our laparoscopic approach in this case. The diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum should be considered when there is a prolonged lodgment of a foreign body in the right lower quadrant, and the laparoscopic approach is the preferred choice in these cases.

An Alternative Lung Isolation Technique in Paediatric Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis.

Lung isolation during the lung lavage of children with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) poses challenges to anaesthesiologists. There is no established technique in the management of lung lavage in children; each described technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. We described a patient (2.5-year-old) with PAP, who has undergone left lung lavage. While his lung was isolated by a Fogarty catheter, lavage was performed via a feeding tube, and the right lung was ventilated with a rigid bronchoscope. We suggested that the technique we used was safe and effective because it enabled direct visualisation of both bronchi entrances, allowing early recognition of any possible catheter dislocations at the bronchus of the lavaged lung, completely eliminating the risk of contralateral lung contamination. This case reports an alternative unilateral lung isolation and lavage technique that may be applicable to other paediatric patients with PAP.

Catheter-related Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fungemia Following Saccharomyces boulardii Probiotic Treatment: In a child in intensive care unit and review of the literature.

Although Saccharomyces boulardii is usually a non-pathogenic fungus, in rare occasions it can cause invasive infection in children. We present the case of an 8-year-old patient in pediatric surgical intensive care unit who developed S. cerevisiae fungemia following probiotic treatment containing S. boulardii. Caspofungin was not effective in this case and he was treated with amphotericin B. We want to emphasize that physicians should be careful about probiotic usage in critically ill patients.