Consenso AITP español: Una lista de verificación AITP / Spanish primary care in pediatric trauma (AITP) consensus: An AITP checklist

Introducción: El curso de Asistencia Inicial al Trauma Pediátricose imparte en España desde 1997, existiendo en la actualidad 9 centrosformadores acreditados. La asistencia al paciente pediátrico politraumatizado se produce muchas veces en un ambiente proclive al errorpor olvido, por lo que las listas de verificación, como herramientasmnemotécnicas de amplia difusión en la industria y en medicina, serían especialmente útiles para evitarlos. Aunque existen varias listas deverificación para la asistencia al traumatismo pediátrico, ninguna se hadesarrollado en el entorno de nuestro curso. Material y métodos: Se acordaron los criterios para ser seleccionado como experto en Asistencia Inicial al Trauma Pediátrico con lacomisión científica de politrauma de la Sociedad Española de CirugíaPediátrica. Los ítems para formar la lista de verificación se obtuvierona partir de una revisión bibliográfica y de la consulta a los expertosseleccionados, empleando un método Delphi. Resultados. Se seleccionaron 10 expertos que representan los 9grupos o centros formadores en Asistencia Inicial al Trauma Pediátri-co y se elaboró una lista de verificación con 28 ítems, siguiendo susrecomendaciones de diseño. Conclusiones: Se diseñó una lista de verificación para el manejodel paciente pediátrico politraumatizado, con el consenso de todos losgrupos empleando un método Delphi, requisito fundamental para facilitarla difusión de esta lista. Sería preciso adaptar y validar dicha lista parasu uso en cada centro asistencial.(AU)

Introduction: The course in Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma(ATIP in Spanish) has been taught in Spain since 1997, and there arecurrently 9 accredited training centers. Care of polytraumatized pedi-atric patients often takes place in an environment conducive to errorsresulting from forgetfulness, which is why checklists –mnemonic toolswidely used in industry and medicine– are particularly useful to avoidsuch errors. Although several checklists exist for pediatric trauma care,none have been developed within the setting of our course. Materials and methods: The criteria for being selected as an expertin Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma were agreed upon with the scientific polytrauma committee of the Spanish Pediatric Surgery Society.The items that make up the checklist were obtained from a review ofthe literature and consultation with selected experts, using the DelphiTechnique. Results: 10 experts representing the 9 groups or training centers inPrimary Care in Pediatric Trauma were selected, and a 28-item checklistwas drawn up in accordance with their design recommendations.Conclusions: With the consensus of all the groups, a checklist forthe treatment of polytraumatized pediatric patients was drawn up usingthe Delphi Technique, an essential requirement for the disseminationof this checklist, which should be adapted and validated for use in eachhealthcare center.(AU)

Spanish primary care in pediatric trauma (AITP) consensus: An AITP checklist. / Consenso AITP español: Una lista de verificación AITP.

INTRODUCTION: The course in Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma (ATIP in Spanish) has been taught in Spain since 1997, and there are currently 9 accredited training centers. Care of polytraumatized pediatric patients often takes place in an environment conducive to errors resulting from forgetfulness, which is why checklists - mnemonic tools widely used in industry and medicine - are particularly useful to avoid such errors. Although several checklists exist for pediatric trauma care, none have been developed within the setting of our course. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The criteria for being selected as an expert in Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma were agreed upon with the scientific polytrauma committee of the Spanish Pediatric Surgery Society. The items that make up the checklist were obtained from a review of the literature and consultation with selected experts, using the Delphi Technique. RESULTS: 10 experts representing the 9 groups or training centers in Primary Care in Pediatric Trauma were selected, and a 28-item checklist was drawn up in accordance with their design recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: With the consensus of all the groups, a checklist for the treatment of polytraumatized pediatric patients was drawn up using the Delphi Technique, an essential requirement for the dissemination of this checklist, which should be adapted and validated for use in each healthcare center.

INTRODUCCION: El curso de Asistencia Inicial al Trauma Pediátrico se imparte en España desde 1997, existiendo en la actualidad 9 centros formadores acreditados. La asistencia al paciente pediátrico politraumatizado se produce muchas veces en un ambiente proclive al error por olvido, por lo que las listas de verificación, como herramientas mnemotécnicas de amplia difusión en la industria y en medicina, serían especialmente útiles para evitarlos. Aunque existen varias listas de verificación para la asistencia al traumatismo pediátrico, ninguna se ha desarrollado en el entorno de nuestro curso. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Se acordaron los criterios para ser seleccionado como experto en Asistencia Inicial al Trauma Pediátrico con la comisión científica de politrauma de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Pediátrica. Los ítems para formar la lista de verificación se obtuvieron a partir de una revisión bibliográfica y de la consulta a los expertos seleccionados, empleando un método Delphi. RESULTADOS: Se seleccionaron 10 expertos que representan los 9 grupos o centros formadores en Asistencia Inicial al Trauma Pediátrico y se elaboró una lista de verificación con 28 ítems, siguiendo sus recomendaciones de diseño. CONCLUSIONES: Se diseñó una lista de verificación para el manejo del paciente pediátrico politraumatizado, con el consenso de todos los grupos empleando un método Delphi, requisito fundamental para facilitar la difusión de esta lista. Sería preciso adaptar y validar dicha lista para su uso en cada centro asistencial.

Serial voiding urosonography in posterior urethral valve diagnosis and management in pediatric patients. / Urosonografía miccional seriada en el diagnóstico y manejo de las válvulas de uretra posterior en pacientes pediátricos.

OBJECTIVES: Report our experience with the use of contrast-enhanced serial voiding urosonography (SVU) for posterior urethral valve (PUV) patient diagnosis and management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive retrospective study in 0- to 14-year-old patients with suspected PUV at SVU performed as a first contrast-enhanced urinary tract test with subsequent cystoscopic study. Variables were analyzed using SPSSv22. RESULTS: 18 patients were studied (median age: 6 months). Most patients (15) presented posterior urethral dilatation (mean diameter: 9.56 mm) and a >2 mm gap between proximal and distal urethra. 13 cases had bladder thickening and 9 had VUR. 15 PUV cases, 1 case of distal urethral mucocele, and 1 case of bladder diverticulum obstructing the urethra were diagnosed. Complete PUV resection was performed in 10 patients (66.6%) at the first cystoscopy. The control SVU detected one case of recurrence due to persistence of posterior urethral dilatation. The recurrence case and the 5 incomplete resection cases were treated with a second cystoscopy and resection. The youngest patients required a third resection and cutting balloon dilatation due to residual stenosis. Mean creatinine levels at diagnosis were 0.28 mg/dl. CONCLUSIONS: Serial voiding urosonography (SVU) is a useful complementary test in pediatric patients with posterior urethral valve. Its dynamic nature and its advantages - absence of irradiation, safety, and high sensitivity - make it an ideal imaging test for PUV diagnosis and follow-up.

OBJETIVOS: Comunicar nuestra experiencia con la utilización de la urosonografía miccional seriada (UMS) para el diagnóstico y manejo de pacientes con válvulas de uretra posterior (VUP). MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo en pacientes entre 0 a 14 años con sospecha de VUP en UMS realizada como primera prueba contrastada de la vía urinaria y con estudio cistoscópico posterior. Las variables se analizaron utilizando SPSSv22. RESULTADOS: Fueron estudiados 18 pacientes (edad mediana de 6 meses). La mayoría de los pacientes (15) presentaban dilatación de la uretra posterior (diámetro medio de 9,56 mm) y diferencia entre uretra proximal y distal mayor de 2 mm. Trece casos tenían engrosamiento vesical y 9 RVU. Se diagnosticaron 15 casos de VUP, 1 caso de mucocele de uretra distal y 1 divertículo vesical que obstruía uretra. Se consiguió resección completa de las VUP en 10 pacientes (66,6%) en la primera cistoscopia. La UMS de control detectó un caso de resección incompleta por persistencia de dilatación de uretra posterior. Este caso y los 5 conocidos con resección incompleta se sometieron a una segunda cistoscopia y resección. El menor de los pacientes requirió una tercera resección y dilatación con balón de corte por estenosis residual. La creatinina media al diagnóstico fue 0,28 mg/dl. CONCLUSIONES: La urosonografía miccional seriada (UMS) es una prueba complementaria útil en pacientes pediátricos con válvulas de uretra posterior. Su carácter dinámico y ventajas: ausencia de irradiación, seguridad y alta sensibilidad; la convierten en una prueba de imagen ideal para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de VUP.

[Two decades of experience in endovascular treatment of varicocele in pediatric age]. / Dos décadas de experiencia en el tratamiento endovascular del varicocele en la edad pediátrica.

OBJECTIVES: To present our experience of 23 years in the treatment of varicocele by embolization in pediatric age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational descriptive study of all patients with varicocele treated by embolization after phlebography, by indication of the pediatric surgery service between 1995 and 2017. We performed descriptive statistical analysis and comparison between pain and testicular asymmetry before and after treatment (SPSSv22). RESULTS: Embolization was performed in 113 patients with left varicocele. The mean age of diagnosis was 12.4 years (5.2-15.5). The main clinical manifestations were: incidental finding (46.7%), increase in scrotal volume (28%) and testicular pain (15.9%). 61.5% were grade 3 and 38.5% grade 2. The selective embolization procedure was performed at an average age of 13.6 years (8-18). There were no serious complications of the procedure or reactive hydrocele. The overall success rate of endovascular treatment was 93.8%. In 85 patients (75.2%) a single procedure was performed and in 21, two procedures (18.6%). Only 4 patients required surgical intervention. The pain disappeared in all cases in which it presented and the testicular asymmetry decreased from 44.7% pre-treatment to 21.2% post-treatment (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment through embolization allows a selective varicocele management, after venous mapping, with an adequate effectiveness, without altering the arterial flow of the testicle or producing hydrocele. It is a minimally invasive treatment that could be considered the first choice in varicoceles of children and adolescents.

OBJETIVOS: Presentar nuestra experiencia de 23 años en el tratamiento del varicocele mediante embolización en la edad pediátrica. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo observacional de todos los pacientes con varicocele tratados mediante embolización previa flebografía, por indicación del servicio de cirugía pediátrica entre los años 1995 a 2017. Realizamos análisis estadístico descriptivo y comparación entre dolor y asimetría testicular previa y posterior al tratamiento (SPSSv22). RESULTADOS: Se realizó embolización en 113 pacientes con varicocele izquierdo. La edad media de diagnóstico fue de 12,4 años (5,2-15,5). Las manifestaciones clínicas principales fueron: hallazgo incidental (46,7%), aumento de volumen escrotal (28%) y dolor testicular (15,9%). El 61,5% eran de grado 3 y el 38,5% de grado 2. El procedimiento de embolización selectiva se realizó a una edad media de 13,6 años (8-18). No se presentaron complicaciones graves del procedimiento ni hidrocele reactivo. En 85 pacientes (75,2%) se realizó un único procedimiento y en 21, dos procedimientos (18,6%). La tasa de éxito global del tratamiento endovascular fue de 93,8%. Solo 4 pacientes requirieron intervención quirúrgica. El dolor desapareció en todos los casos en que se presentaba y la asimetría testicular disminuyó del 44,7% pretratamiento al 21,2% postratamiento (p<0,05). CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento endovascular mediante embolización permite un manejo selectivo del varicocele, previo mapeo venoso, con una adecuada efectividad, sin alterar el flujo arterial del testículo ni producir hidrocele. Es un tratamiento poco invasivo que se puede considerar de primera elección en varicoceles de niños y adolescentes.

[Video-urodynamic evaluation with cystosonography for the study of lower urinary tract dysfunction and other uropathies in children]. / Videourodinamia con cistosonografía para estudio de la disfunción miccional y otras uropatías en niños.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the utility of a new modality of video-urodynamic for study of lower urinary tract dysfunction and other uropathies in kids, replacing voiding cystourethrography by echo-enhanced cystosonography, without ionizing radiations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study with simultaneous performance of filling cystometry and cystosonography in 43 kids during the last two years. The sonographic contrast was infused trough the urodynamic catheter. RESULTS: 18 girls and 25 boys, with an average age of 6.18 years (between 2 months and 14 years). The most frequent indication was micturition disfunction in boys and vesicoureteral reflux follow-up in girls. 60,5% presented urodynamic alterations, predominating low bladder accommodations (N = 9), mixed detrusor overactivity (N = 5) and bladder sphincter dyssynergia (N = 4). 15 children had vesicoureteral reflux: 8 passive, 5 active (associated with contractile activity of the detrusor or in the voiding phase) and two mixed. Urethral pathology was seen in two males (urethral valves and stenosis) and two girls (spinning top urethra). A statistically significant relationship was found between the presence of vesicoureteral reflux and other variables: bladder capacity (t = 4.98; p <0.005), detrusor activity (t = 3; p = 0.005), sex (t = 2.543; p = 0.015) and high post-void residual volume (t = 3.75; p <0.005), so that it was more frequent in girls with big bladders, with detrusor activity and high post-void residue. CONCLUSIONS: Cystosonography can replace conventional cystourethrography as an imaging test associated with urodynamics. With this type of exploration we have been able to indicate the treatment to our patients, subjecting them to a single catheterization and without exposing them to ionizing radiation.

OBJETIVOS: Valorar la utilidad de una nueva modalidad de videourodinamia sin radiaciones ionizantes en el estudio de disfunciones miccionales y otras uropatías en niños, sustituyendo cistouretrografía miccional seriada por cistosonografía o urosonografía miccional. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio prospectivo con realización simultánea de cistomanometría de llenado y cistosonografía en 43 niños durante los dos últimos años. El contraste sonográfico fue infundido a través del catéter de urodinamia. RESULTADOS: 18 niñas y 25 niños, con edades de entre 2 meses y 14 años (media de 6,18 años). La indicación más frecuente en los varones fue disfunción miccional y en las niñas seguimiento de reflujo. El 60,5% presentaba alteraciones urodinámicas, predominando baja acomodación vesical (N = 9), hiperactividad del detrusor mixta (N = 5) y disinergia vésico-esfinteriana (N = 4). 15 niños tenían reflujo: 8 pasivos, 5 activos (asociados a actividad contráctil del detrusor o en fase miccional) y dos mixtos. Se vio patología uretral en dos varones (valvas de uretra posterior y estenosis uretral) y dos niñas (uretra en peonza). Se encontró relación estadísticamente significativa entre presencia de reflujo vesicoureteral y otras variables: capacidad vesical (t = 4,98; p <0,005), actividad del detrusor (t = 3; p = 0,005), sexo (t = 2,553; p = 0,015) y residuo postmiccional alto (t = 3,75; p <0,005), siendo más frecuente en niñas con vejigas grandes, con actividad del detrusor y residuo postmiccional alto. CONCLUSIONES: La UMS puede sustituir a la cistouretrografía convencional como prueba de imagen asociada a la urodinamia. Con este tipo de exploración hemos podido indicar un tratamiento a nuestros pacientes, sometiéndolos a un único sondaje y sin exponerlos a radiaciones ionizantes.

Voiding urosonography with second-generation contrast as a main tool for examining the upper and lower urinary tract in children. Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: In this series, we analyse the diagnostic efficacy of serial voiding urosonography (VUS) with second-generation contrast, combined harmoniously and specifically with contrast technology, in the examination of the urinary tract in children. This examination includes the diagnosis and follow-up for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and urethral disorders, mainly those of the posterior urethral valve (PUV). PATIENTS AND METHODS: After obtaining informed consent, a prospective study was conducted using urosonography with second-generation contrast (sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles, SonoVue®) from November 2014 to October 2015 (1 year) in paediatric patients with suspected VUR or PUV impairment. For patients with a high suspicion of VUR and in cases of PUV, we also conducted simultaneous voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). RESULTS: We studied 40 patients (80 renal units) between the ages of 2 months and 13 years (median age, 14 months). The indication for the test was a suspected VUR (36 patients, group A) and PUV follow-up (4 patients, group B). The test was correlated with VCUG in 16 patients (12 cases with high suspicion of VUR in group A and with 4 cases of PUV in group B). The visualisation of the urethra was appropriate in cases of dilation or urethral stricture. For 3 of these patients with bilateral VUR demonstrated in the serial VUS, the VCUG showed only unilateral VUR in 2 of the patients and no VUR in 1 of the patients (κ=.73). DISCUSSION: We have shown that the visualisation of the urethra is no longer a limitation and that serial VUS can be superior to conventional VCUG in diagnosing VUR.

[Utility of urine levels of interleukins in the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux: a case-control study in children]. / Utilidad de los niveles urinarios de interleuquinas en el diagnóstico del reflujo vésico-ureteral: estudio de casos y controles en niños.

UNLABELLED: Invasive imaging methods that require catheterization are used for the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux. Our aim is to assess the usefulness of interleukin urinary levels for the diagnosis of reflux in children without urinary tract infection. METHODS: Case-control study in children who underwent a voiding cystourethrogram: forty cases diagnosed of reflux and 80 controls. Concentrations of IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 related to creatinine levels (pg/micromol) were determined in urine samples in all. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients were males and fifty-eight females, with a mean age of 2.4 years. Indications for cystography were previous urinary tract infection in 78 cases (65%), prenatal diagnosis in 24 cases (20%) and postnatal diagnosis of uropathy or family history in 18 cases (15.1%). No significant differences were observed between cases and controls in IL-1beta/creatinine and IL-6/creatinine levels. However, IL-8/creatinine levels were almost significant higher in case group (median 3.5 pg/micromol; SD 9.2) than in control group (median 1.54 pg/micromol; SD 3) (P=0.001). The odds ratio was 5.57 (CI95%: 1.51 a 20.60) (X(MH)=2.80; p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary levels of IL-8/creatinine are elevated in children with vesicoureteral reflux, even in absence of urinary tract infection. It could be used as a non-invasive marker for detection of subclinical cases of disease.

Utilidad de los niveles urinarios de interleuquinas en el diagnóstico del refl ujo vésico-ureteral: estudio de casos y controles en niños / Utility of urine levels of interleukins in the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux: a case-control study in children

En el diagnóstico del reflujo vésico-ureteral se emplean métodos de imagen invasivos que requieren sondajes. Nuestro objetivo es evaluarla utilidad de los niveles urinarios de interleuquinas en el diagnóstico del reflujo en niños sin infección urinaria en curso. Métodos. Estudio de casos y controles en niños que acuden a realizar una cistouretrografía miccional (CUMS): 40 casos con reflujo y80 controles. Se determinó en todos la concentración en orina de IL-1,IL-6 e IL-8 en relación con la creatinina. Resultados. 62 niños y 58 niñas, con 2,4 años de edad media. La CUMS se indicó por infección urinaria previa en 78 (65%), hallazgos prenatales en 24 (20%) y diagnóstico postnatal de uropatía o historia familiar en 18 (15,1%). No se han observado diferencias significativas en los niveles urinarios de IL-1/creatinina e IL-6/creatinina entre ambos grupos; sin embargo, los niveles de IL-8/creatinina fueron significativamente más altos en los casos (media 3,5 pg/μmol; SD 9,2) que en los controles (media 1,54 pg/μmol; SD 3) (p=0,001). La odds ratio fue de5,57 (IC 95%: 1,51 a 20,60) (XMH=2,80; p=0,005).Conclusiones. Los niveles urinarios de IL-8/creatinina están elevados en niños con reflujo, incluso en ausencia de infección. Estos podrían utilizarse como biomarcador no invasivo para la detección de los casos subclínicos de enfermedad (AU)

Invasive imaging methods that require catheterization are used for the diagnosis of vesicoureteral refl ux. Our aim is to assess the usefulness of interleukin urinary levels for the diagnosis of reflux in children without urinary tract infection. Methods. Case-control study in children who underwent a voiding cystourethrogram: forty cases diagnosed of refl ux and 80 controls. Concentrations of IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8 related to creatinine levels (pg/μmol) were determined in urine samples in all. Results. Sixty-two patients were males and fi fty-eight females, with a mean age of 2.4 years. Indications for cystography were previousurinary tract infection in 78 cases (65%), prenatal diagnosis in 24 cases(20%) and postnatal diagnosis of uropathy or family history in 18 cases(15.1%). No significant differences were observed between cases and controls in IL-1/creatinine and IL-6/creatinine levels. However, IL-8/creatinine levels were almost significant higher in case group (median3.5 pg/μmol; SD 9.2) than in control group (median 1.54 pg/μmol; SD 3)(P=0.001). The odds ratio was 5.57 (CI 95%: 1.51 a 20.60) (XMH=2.80;p=0.005).Conclusions. Urinary levels of IL-8/creatinine are elevated in children with vesicoureteral reflux, even in absence of urinary tractinfection. It could be used as a non-invasive marker for detection of subclinical cases of disease (AU)

Enterocolitis necrotizante y perforaciones intestinales en prematuros de muy bajo peso. ¿Cuál es la mejor opción quirúrgica? / Necrotizing entercolitis and intestinal perforation in very low weight premature infants: which is the best surgical option?

La enterocolitis necrotizante (ECN) y la perforación intestinal aislada(PIA) son frecuentes en recién nacidos de muy bajo peso (RNMBP) y requieren cirugía el 20-40%. Hemos revisado retrospectivamente los RNMBP intervenidos por ECN y PIA entre el 2000 y el 2010, dividiendo la muestra en 3 grupos: 1) laparotomía inicial; 2) drenaje peritoneal temporal y laparotomía diferida; 3) drenaje peritoneal. De los 487 RNMBP ingresados en nuestro Hospital, 80 casos fueron ECN o PIA y de estos, el 31% (n= 25)fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente. La edad gestacional media fue de 26 +3 semanas, 14 niñas y 11 niños, peso medio de 801,4 g (rango: 460 a 1.490g). Tuvieron neumoperitoneo el 48% (n= 12). Realizamos laparotomía inicial en 12 casos, drenaje más laparotomía en 10 y drenaje en 3 pacientes. El promedio de horas entre el drenaje y la laparotomía fue de 69,6. El 68%eran ECN y el 32% PIA. La laparotomía inicial aportó mayor supervivencia(P= 0,001) y la mortalidad general fue del 32% (8 éxitus). El procedimiento quirúrgico óptimo debe basarse en las condiciones clínicas del paciente .Consideramos que la laparotomía inicial debería ser el tratamiento para los pacientes con perforación intestinal por ECN y PIA (AU)

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and isolated intestinal perforation(IP) are common diseases in very low birth weight infants (VLBW) and require surgery in 20-40% of cases. We have performed a retrospective ereview of VLBW infants with NEC or IP who underwent a surgical procedure between 2000 and 2010, either initial laparotomy (group 1),peritoneal drain placement and subsequent laparotomy (group 2) orperitoneal drainage (group 3). Of 487 VLBW infants admitted to our hospital in the last ten years, 80 patients had NEC or IP, out of these,31% (n= 25) were treated surgically. The study population consisted of 14 girls and 11 boys with a mean gestational age of 26+3 weeks and mean birth weight of 801.4 g (range460 to 1,490 g). Pneumoperitoneum was seen in 48% of cases (n= 12).Twelve patients underwent initial laparotomy, 10 patients were treated with peritoneal drainage and subsequent laparotomy and in 3 patient a peritoneal drainage was placed .Mean time between drainage and laparotomy was 69.6 hours Sixty eight percent of patients had NEC and thirty-two percent were IP. Survivalrate was higher in the group who underwent initial laparotomy(p= 0.001) with an overall mortality of 32% (8 deaths). Optimal surgical procedure must be decided upon clinical condition of individual patients.We consider that initial laparotomy should be the treatment option inVLBW infants with intestinal perforation due to NEC or IP (AU)

[Our experience in retroperitoneoscopic total or partial nephrectomies]. / Nuestra experiencia en retroperitoneoscopia para nefrectomías totales y parciales.

The retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach is displacing open surgery and transperitoneal approach for several benign renal conditions. In the past 6 years we have performed 20 procedures, 10 with lateral position and 10 with posterior prone one: 13 total nephrectomies and 7 heminephrectomies in children aged 4,1 years on average. Mean operative time was 200 minutes in partial procedures and 278 in the total ones. Oral feeding was restored to 11,4 hours and average hospital postoperative stay was 1,58 days in total nephrectomies and 2,18 in heminephrectomies. There was no intraoperative bleeding. Complications were two urine leaks, two infections due to residual ureteral stumps and a case of transient hematuria. There were no significant differences between posterior and lateral approaches as to hospital stay, time of onset of oral feeding or complications, although the average operative time was shorter in the posterior approach (mean 170 min, SD 17,3) than in the lateral one (mean 216 min, SD 41) (P=0,024) in total nephrectomies. Retroperitoneoscopy allows a safe access to the kidney and avoids morbidity associated with the transperitoneal access. The posterior approach provides better vascular control, maintains the peritoneum far and allows the procedure with fewer ports, maximizing work space.

[Necrotizing entercolitis and intestinal perforation in very low weight premature infants: which is the best surgical option?]. / Enterocolitis necrotizante y perforaciones intestinales en prematuros de muy bajo peso. Cuá1 es la mejor opción quirúrgica?

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and isolated intestinal perforation (IP) are common diseases in very low birth weight infants (VLBW) and require surgery in 20-40% of cases. We have performed a retrospective review of VLBW infants with NEC or IP who underwent a surgical procedure between 2000 and 2010, either initial laparotomy (group 1), peritoneal drain placement and subsequent laparotomy (group 2) or peritoneal drainage (group 3). Of 487 VLBW infants admitted to our hospital in the last ten years, 80 patients had NEC or IP, out of these, 31% (n=25) were treated surgically. The study population consisted of 14 girls and 11 boys with a mean gestational age of 26+3 weeks and mean birth weight of 801.4 g (range 460 to 1490 g). Pneumoperitoneum was seen in 48% of cases (n=12). Twelve patients underwent initial laparotomy, 10 patients were treated with peritoneal drainage and subsequent laparotomy and in 3 patients a peritoneal drainage was placed. Mean time between drainage and laparotomy was 69.6 hours. Sixty-eight percent of patients had NEC and thirty-two percent were IP. Survival rate was higher in the group who underwent initial laparotomy (p = 0.001) with an overall mortality of 32% (8 deaths). Optimal surgical procedure must be decided upon clinical condition of individual patients. We consider that initial laparotomy should be the treatment option in VLBW infants with intestinal perforation due to NEC or IP.

[Results of the percutaneous retrograde embolization as the first choice in the treatment of varicocele]. / Resultados de la embolización retrógrada percutánea como primera opción en el tratamiento del varicocele.

There is evidence that early varicocele treatment decreases testicular damage. The minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic varicocelectomy, antegrade sclerotherapy and percutaneous retrograde embolisation, are acquiring greater significance in the treatment of this disease. Since 1994, a series of 51 children, aged 7-16 years (mean, 12.9 years), with left-sided varicocele grades 2 (47%) and 3 (53%) were treated in our institution by percutaneous retrograde embolisation using coils. The right basilica vein was the most widely used (70%) followed by the right femoral vein. Seven children (13.7%) had complications: perforation of internal spermatic vein was the most frequent and treated conservatively. No child presented hydrocele after radiological procedures. Embolisation was accomplished succesfully at the first attempt in 35 (68.6%) of the 51 children and in 45 (88.2%) after a second embolisation. The follow-up ranges from 7 months to 5 ? years (mean, 1.8 years). The patients were monitored with clinical and doppler ultrasound examination 3, 6 and 12 months after the treatment. Retrograde embolisation is a safe and efficient minimally invasive treatment for correcting varicoceles in children. We performed retrograde embolisation as first choice of varicocele treatment in children; a second embolisation or conventional surgery for primary failure or late recurrence should be considered.

Tiroiditis agudas y abscesos cervicales como manifestaciones de las fístulas del seno piriforme / of the Acute thyroiditis and cervical abscesses as manifestationspyriform sinus fistulae

Las fístulas del seno piriforme son malformaciones poco frecuentes que causan abscesos cervicales recurrentes y tiroiditis agudas supurativas, cuya incidencia general es muy baja por la resistencia de la glándula tiroidea a la infección. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la presentación clínica, diagnóstico, tratamiento y evolución de cuatro casos de fístulas del seno piriforme en niños tratadas en nuestro hospital en los últimos 15 años. Todos debutaron con tumoración inflamatoria laterocervical izquierda, con signos ecográficos de tiroiditis aguda supurativa en dos casos y con masas heterogéneas cercanas al its motiroideo en el resto. Las fístulas consiguieron ponerse de manifiesto conesofagogramas y/o fibrolaringoscopias. El tratamiento consistió en antibioticoterapia de amplio espectro y drenaje quirúrgico en la fase aguda, con posterior fistulectomía, asociando hemitiroidectomía izquierda en dos casos. Todos los pacientes permanecieron asintomáticos tras eltratamiento, a excepción de una niña con recidiva siete años después.Para realizar un adecuado diagnóstico se precisa un alto índice de sospecha. Hay que conseguir delimitar la fístula, siendo la mejor opción terapéutica la exéresis completa de la misma por un abordaje cervical hasta desconectarla de su origen en hipofaringe. Para evitar recidivas se recomienda la resección de la porción de la glándula tiroidea implicada (AU)

Pyriform sinus fistula is a rare malformation causing recurrent cervical abscesses and acute suppurative thyroiditis, with a low incidence in general, as the thyroid gland is remarkably resistant to infections. The aim of this paper is to describe the clinical data, diagnosis, treatment and evolution of four cases of pyriform sinus fistulas treated at our institution over the last 15-year period. All appeared at the beginning with left laterocervical inflammatory tumours, with radiological signs of acute suppurative thyroiditis in one case and with heterogeneous masses near the isthmus of the thyroid gland in the rest of them. The fistulous tracts were delineated by barium studies and/or fibro-laryngoscopy. The treatment of the acute phase consisted of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy with an initial incision and drainage procedures. At the end, a subsequent fistulectomy was made. A left hemithyroidectomy was accomplished at two cases. All the patients remained asymptomatic after the treatment except one girl that suffered recurrence seven years later. For a suitable diagnosis a high index of suspicion are necessary. The best therapeutic option is a good delineation and complete excision of the fistulous tract by cervical approach until disconnecting it of its origin at the hypopharynx. In order to avoid recurrences, the resection of the portion of the involved thyroid gland is recommended (AU)

[Acute abdomen caused by infected duodenal duplication]. / Duplicaciones duodenales infectadas como causa de abdomen agudo.

Infected cystic duplications of the duodenum are unusual lesions. We report two cases of duodenal duplications complicated by infection. The literature is reviewed, and the diagnostic modalities and management options for this unusual pathology are discussed.

Duplicaciones duodenales infectadas como causa de abdomen agudo / Acute abdomen caused by infected duodenal duplication

Las duplicaciones quísticas duodenales infectadas son lesiones congénitas muy raras. Presentamos dos casos clínicos de duplicaciones duodenales complicadas por infección que motivaron dolor abdominal agudo. Revisamos la literatura y discutimos las posibilidades diagnósticas y modalidades de tratamiento propuestas para esta inusual patología (AU)

Infected cystic duplications of the duodenum are unusual lesions. We report two cases of duodenal duplications complicated by infection. The literature is reviewed, and the diagnostic modalities and management options for this unusual pathology are discussed (AU)

Tumores de parótida en niños / Parotid gland´s tumors in children

Los tumores de glándulas salivares son infrecuentes en niños, afectando el 80% a la parótida y presentando una mayor proporción de malignidad que en adultos. Revisamos 8 casos en menores de 15 años tratados en nuestro hospital, atendiendo a sus antecedentes, expresividad clínica, tipo tumoral, diagnóstico, tratamiento empleado y seguimiento. Todos debutaron con masa parotídea asintomática y de crecimiento lento a una edad entre 10 meses y 14 años. Cuatro fueron adenomas pleomorfos, dos angiomas capilares, un quiste epidérmico y un carcinomamioepitelial. Destacamos la excepcionalidad del carcinoma por su rareza y por el alto grado de malignidad expresado. Se realizó punción-aspiración con aguja fina en cuatro pacientes, siendo concluyente sólo en tres. En todos se practicó tumorectomía, excepto en el carcinoma mioepitelialy en uno de los adenomas pleomorfos recidivado, en los que se realizó parotidectomía total. Los tumores malignos de la parótida son clínicamente indistinguibles de los benignos, por lo que ante toda masa palpable en la zona parotídea deberíamos establecer un diagnóstico sin demora. El tratamiento de elección es la exéresis quirúrgica con márgenes amplios, siendo otros tratamientos coadyuvantes poco útiles en niños (AU)

The tumors of the salivary glands are infrequent in children, and parotid gland is involved in 80% of them. When a salivary gland tumor is present, the chance of malignancy is greater in the child than in the adult. We reviewed 8 cases identified in patients aged 14 years and younger in our hospital, analyzing its antecedents, signs and symptoms, histological features, diagnosis, treatment and evolution. All the patients displayed preauricular painless, non-inflammatory and slow-growing masses to an age between 10 months and 14 years. Four of them were pleomorphic adenomas, two haemangiomas, one epidermal cysts and onemyoepithelial carcinoma. We emphasize the exceptional nature of the carcinoma for its rareness and for the high degree of malignancy expressed. We made a fine needle aspiration biopsy in four cases but they were conclusive only in three. All were treated by surgical resection of the tumour except for the myoepithelial carcinoma and the recurrent pleomorphic adenoma that were treated by total parotidectomy. The malignant tumours of the parotid gland are clinically indistinguishable of the benign ones, thus when any palpable mass appears in the zone of the parotid gland, an accurate diagnosis should be made without delay. The treatment of choice is the surgical excision with wide margins, being other adjuvant treatments less useful to this age that in the adult age (AU)

[Neurocristopathies: a high incidence of cerebral dysgenesis in patients with Hirschsprung's disease]. / Neurocrestopatías: alta frecuencia de disgenesias cerebrales en pacientes con enfermedad de Hirschsprung.

INTRODUCTION: Hirschsprung's disease (HD), or aganglionic megacolon, is a congenital disorder that is characterised by the absence of ganglion cells in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses of the intestine, which is caused by the failure of these cells to migrate from the neural crest (neurocristopathy). Cerebral dysgenesis and polymalformation syndromes have been reported in association with HD, thus suggesting an abnormal morphogenesis. AIM: To study the frequency of cerebral malformations in patients with HD in our environment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 41,666 live newborn infants, over the period 1993-2003, and 17 cases of HD where identified. RESULTS: The incidence of HD in the health district of the province of Albacete is 1.68 per 5,000 live newborn infants. Of the 17 patients with HD who were studied, 10 were isolated (58.8%) and seven (41.1%) were associated to other structural abnormalities and psychomotor retardation. Three of the cases in this latter group were due to chromosome pathology (trisomy 21, Down syndrome), two were caused by specific polymalformation syndromes (one Mowat-Wilson syndrome and one possible FG syndrome), one was due to a pattern of abnormalities that did not fit any known syndrome, and one had a normal phenotype and isolated cerebral dysgenesis. In all of cases the neuroimaging studies identified cerebral dysgenesis that was compatible with neuronal migration disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of association of HD, either isolated or within the context of a specific malformation syndrome, with neuronal migration disorders is high (23.5%). We suggest a full genetic and neurological evaluation should be carried out in patients with HD, together with brain imaging studies in order to rule out the possibility of cerebral dysgenesis.

[Usefulness of ultrasonography in the initial assessment of blunt abdominal trauma in children]. / Utilidad de la ultrasonografía en la evaluación inicial de los traumatismos abdominales cerrados en niños.

Abdominal injuries are frequent in children, and the early assessment is the best guaranty for an accurate management. Although computed tomography (TAC) has been considered the diagnostic modality of choice for children with blunt abdominal trauma, is a costly radiological test that requires the patients be stable and sedated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of abdominal ultrasonography, a quick, non-invasive technique, of low cost, and repeatable, during the initial assessment of these patients, arguing about the possibility of replace TAC in the detection of intra-abdominal posttraumatic injury. A retrospective case note review was carried out on the 22 children of less than 8 year-old admitted with blunt abdominal trauma to the Pediatric Surgery Section of our institution between 1991 and 1999. The most common mechanism of injury has been the motor vehicle accident (63.63%). All were initially evaluated with ultrasonography and those with any abnormal ultrasonographic findings (free intraperitoneal fluid, intra-abdominal organ injury) were further evaluated with computed tomography and/or repeated sonographies. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy o the diagnostic methods, have been evaluated. This investigation found abnormalities in 17 patients, 70.59% of whom have been managed conservatively. The accuracy of the abdominal ultrasound in the diagnosis of intra-abdominal injury was 77.27%, with a 82.35% sensitivity, 60% especificity, 87.5% positive predictive value, and 50% negative predictive value. The accuracy of the TAC in the diagnosis was 93.75%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the TAC were 92.85%, 100%, 100%, and 66% respectively. We conclude that TAC is the imaging modality of choice in children with severe abdominal trauma but ultrasonography is a reasonable technique to arouse diagnostic suspicion, that can avoid additional tomographic studies. Abdominal computed tomography must be reserved for the hemodynamically stable children with anormal ultrasonographic findings or with suspected injuries by a clinical evolution that gone unnoticed in the previous study.