Surgical Technique of Glans Wings Creation with Preservation of Glanular Vascular Arcade and Creating Flaps for Tension-Free Glansplasty in Hypospadias Repair.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to report the technical nuances of glans wings creation in anatomical plane facilitating liberal glans wings mobilization with preservation of glanular vessels for tension-free glansplasty in surgery of hypospadias in primary and redo cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six primary hyposapdias and 7 cases of distal hypospadias, operated elsewhere and presented with glans and urethroplasty dehiscence, undergoing tubularized-incised-plate (TIP) repair were included after ethical approval. Technical points of glans wings creation in the subfascial plane included (i) creation of Buck's fascia window, just proximal and lateral to the point of bifurcation of corpus spongiosum, (ii) creation of subfascial-pret unical plane on the tunica albuginea of corpora cavernosa up to ventral limit of laid open glanular meatus, (iii) release of pillars of corpus spongiosum off the glans base keeping the basal lamina propria covering the vascular arcade intact, (iv) release of glans base off the tip of corpora cavernosa and composite flap of corpus spongiosum pillars with Buck's fascia off the corpora cavernosa, (v) approximation of glans wings over the tubularized-incised-plate covered with dartos, and (vi) approximation of fasciospongioplasty flaps at hypospadiac meatus. Outcome measurement included (i) intra and postoperative problems and (ii) elimination of glans dehiscence. RESULTS: There occurred 1 injury to the tunica albuginea of ventral corpora cavernosa and 1 button-hole injury to subcoronal mucosal collars. Flaps for fasciospongioplasty were short in 11. One glans dehiscence occurred in flat glans. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is effective in creating glans wings in the anatomical plane with the preservation of glanular vessels and flaps for fasciospongioplasty eliminating the possibility of glans dehiscence in both fresh and redo cases.

Study the Possibility of Creating Mucosal Valve Mechanism at Ureteric Orifice without Obstructing the Urine Outflow but Preventing the Urine Backflow into the Ureters.

Objective: To study the possibility of creating mucosal valve mechanism at ureteric orifice without obstructing the urine outflow but preventing the urine backflow into the ureters. Materials and Methods: Ethical waiver was obtained from the institutional ethical committee. Prospective experimental study was conducted on the post-mortem specimen of intact bladder with urethra and bilateral ureters retrieved from the already slaughtered lamb available in the meat market. Feeding tube inserted via urethral opening into the bladder lumen and bladder inflated with saline demonstrated no reflux of urine via transverse cut opening of ureters. Bladder lumen opened, ureteric orifices incised backwards to eliminate the obliquity. After closing the bladder opening, saline inflation test demonstrated bilateral reflux of saline via cut openings of bilateral ureters. Bladder was re-opened. The upper limb of horizontal U started 10 mm lateral and 8 mm above the refluxing ureteric orifice. Distal most curvature of horizontal U was kept 5 mm medial to ureteric orifice continuing along the lower limb of horizontal U terminating 10 mm lateral and 8 mm below the refluxing ureteric orifice, mucosal flaps from superior and inferior incision mobilized and edges joined to cover the ureteric orifice creating a flap valve mechanism. Influx of saline via cut end of ureters demonstrated no obstruction. Bladder was closed. Saline inflation test and contrast study demonstrated abolition of reflux on flap side and persistence of reflux on another side. Results: Five such experiments were conducted. On the side where the valve was created, Vesicoureteral reflux was abolished in four but in one minimal reflux still persisted. Conclusion: Creating a mucosal flap valve around the ureteric orifice can prevent reflux in 80% of cases without obstruction and without the necessity of ureteric mobilization or creating submucosal tunnel.

Congenital Colonic Stenosis: A Rare Gastrointestinal Malformation in Children.

AIMS: Congenital colonic stenosis (CCS) is an extremely rare cause of low-intestinal obstruction in neonates/child. We report our experience with seven cases of CCS presenting with low-intestinal obstruction and diagnosed intraoperatively and also propose an algorithm for its appropriate treatment for the adequate outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a retrospective study of seven patients of CCS including two neonates (5-days and 15-days old), four infants (age range - 2-11 months), and one 24-month-old child admitted from 2014 to 2019. Information regarding the age of presentation, clinical presentation, physical findings, radiological and laboratory findings, details of surgery, and outcome was retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: The male-to-female ratio was 5:2. Patients were initially diagnosed as cases of Hirschsprung's disease in five and ileal atresia in two. A final diagnosis of CCS was made during surgery and histopathological examination of resected stenotic segment. The segment involved was ascending colon in three, transverse colon in two, and sigmoid colon and junction of descending and sigmoid colon each in one patient. Resection of stenotic colonic segment and primary end-to-end anastomosis was performed in two, divided stoma after resection of the stenotic segment and secondary anastomosis in three, and proximal loop terminal ileostomy followed by resection of the stenotic colonic segment and ileocolic anastomosis after 10-12 weeks in two. CONCLUSIONS: CCS is a rare but possible cause of large-bowel obstruction, in neonatal, infant, and children particularly when associated with a history of chronic constipation since birth. It should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis while managing a case of neonatal and pediatric intestinal obstruction, particularly low-bowel obstruction along with a history of chronic constipation. Treatment should be individualized for each patient based on clinical status and associated anomalies to give the best results with less morbidity.

Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitors: Can it be a Potential Treatment of Infantile Hemangioma.

AIMS: The aim of the sudy was to evaluate potential role of oral captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, and in treatment of infantile hemagioma (IH) and report our preliminary results. METHODS: This prospective study included 18 children with IH admitted in the department of pediatric surgery with no history of prior treatment of any type. Baseline blood pressure (BP), electrocardiogram, two-dimensional echocardiography, serum electrolytes, and renal function test (RFT) were noted. Oral captopril was started as first-line drug at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg orally 12 h with gradually increase of dosage up to 2.0 mg/kg 12 h over the period of 10 days with monitoring of BP, serum electrolytes, RFT, and occurrence of any side effect. If no side effects were noted and patients were stable, they were discharged and followed up until 6 months after stopping treatment. During follow-up, response to treatment was documented clinically and photographically. Development of any side effect was also noted. RESULTS: Excellent response to captopril was noticed in nine patients over 16-18 months. Four patients showed good response. Oral propranolol had to be administered alternatively in one patient showing fair response during the initial 4 months but no response afterward and in four patients showing no response at all. One patient developed an allergic reaction to propranolol and was started oral corticosteroid. These five patients had near complete resolution of lesion for the next 8-10 months. CONCLUSIONS: ACE inhibitors might have a role, though slow, in the involution of IHs. Therefore, these may have the potential to emerge as an alternative treatment for IH in future after confirmation with randomized studies with propranolol.

Bracka Urethroplasty with Buccal Mucosa Graft: Ergonomic Management of Penile Skin Dartos in the First Stage to Facilitate Second-stage Neourethral Coverage.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to report a new technique of ergonomic penile skin-dartos management during buccal mucosa graft (BMG) to provide adequate penile skin-dartos for neourethral coverage at the time of second-stage tubularization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten proximal hypospadias with severe chordee underwent first-stage surgery with a new technique. An incision along the urethral plate margin and preputial edge was used to split inner prepuce off preputial dartos and penile degloving leaving inner prepuce attached to corona. Urethral plate was divided into the subfascial plane. Penile dartos was bisected in the dorsal midline. Distal half of penile skin-dartos bifurcated and joined to inner preputial edges. Mobilized and lateralized penile skin-dartos was sutured flanking edges of BMG. The second-stage tubularization after 6 months provided neourethral double dartos coverage with eccentric suture lines. RESULTS: Adequate dartos for neourethral coverage during second-stage tubularization was available in all. Subcoronal urethrocutaneous fistula occurred in one that was repaired. CONCLUSIONS: Ergonomic management of inner-preputial skin and ventral transfer of penile skin-dartos helps in providing neourethral coverage during subsequent second-stage tubularization to minimize the occurrence of complications.

Supernumerary Kidney Associated With Horseshoe Malformation and Ureteric Stricture With Hydroureteronephrosis - A Rare Case.

Supernumerary kidney is an accessory kidney with its own vasculature, collecting-system and encapsulated parenchyma with about 100 cases reported in the literature. However, there is no report of supernumerary kidney associated with horseshoe malformation with ureteric stricture. We report a rare case of 20 months old female admitted with left-sided abdomen lump and mild abdominal pain. During surgery, supernumerary kidney with horseshoe component with grossly-dilated left-sided pelvicalyceal system and proximal 1-cm of left-ureter, distal to which whole of left-ureter was noncanalized, was seen. Right-ureter was normal. Distal dilated part of left-ureter was anastomosed to bladder-dome after excision of strictured segment of left-ureter with placement of nephrostomy.

Study of Variations in Axial Pattern Vessels of Penile Dartos in Hypospadias and Implied Surgical Significance.

OBJECTIVES: To report the anatomical variations in axial pattern vessels of penile dartos in hypospadias. METHODS: Eighty hypospadias undergoing repair with tubularized incised plate urethroplasty were studied with preoperative examination of visible vein through penile skin. Course of vein proximal to root of penis was studied with vein viewer. Modified penile degloving beginning at preputial edge, splitting inner preputial urothelium off the preputial dartos and proceeding to penile shaft in subdartos plane was performed. Axial pattern veins visible on penile dartos were studied. Axial pattern penile dartos arteries were studied by recording arterial pulsations. If arterial pulsations were not seen, arterial mapping on penile dartos completed with use of Doppler and images recorded. Variations in axial pattern dartos vessels were analyzed. RESULTS: In 32 hyposapadias of 1 group, median superficial vein along the dorsal midline of penile dartos drained into left saphenous vein. In this group, dorsolateral vessels were not seen on either side in 20 cases. Unilateral dorsolateral vessel in 7 and bilateral dorsolateral vessels in five were seen. In 48 hypospadias of other group, median superficial vein was not seen. Bilateral dorsolateral vessels in 11, unilateral dorsolateral vessels in 27 and no definite pattern in 10 were seen. In both groups, superficial median artery was not discovered. Vessels were longitudinally oriented. Penile dartos was equally distributed. CONCLUSION: In hypospadias, penile dartos vessels have axial pattern course longitudinally but not identical to normal. Eight patterns can be identified which can be diagnosed on careful clinical examination of penis.

Evaluation of nebulized N-acetyl cysteine in outcome of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophegeal fistula.

AIM: To evaluate the role of nebulized N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) in liquefying the airway secretions and improving the outcome of patients of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA + TEF). METHODS: It was a non-randomized interventional study. Two milliliters of 10% NAC was given in a nebulized form (2:5 dilution, every six hourly) to patients of ET + TEF, along with regular suction of upper esophageal pouch. The group was compared with control, which comprised patients of EA + TEF receiving only saline nebulization. The consistency of the secretions was compared by hand held consistometer in unit of time (seconds) required to cross a predetermined distance along with gravity. RESULTS: Sixty patients were assessed. Of these, 30 patients were present in both groups. The study group showed significant (p = 0.01-0.0001) decrease in consistency of secretions from the control group after day 2 of NAC nebulization. Patients' discharge was significantly (p = 0.01) earlier in cases. There was no significant (p = 0.41) difference in mortality between the groups. No specific adverse effects were observed in the study group. CONCLUSION: It appears that nebulized NAC decreases the consistency of secretions in EA + TEF patients. It is interesting to note that the group of patients that received NAC was discharged earlier than the control group and had a higher survival rate than the control group. Whether this is directly attributable to the use of NAC is unknown. A prospective double-blinded randomized clinical trial is warranted to confirm these results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study (non-randomized).

Evaluation of Effect of Propranolol on Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 Levels in Infantile Hemangioma.

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangioma is the most common tumor of infancy. Currently, propranolol is a preferred drug for treating hemangioma. The exact mechanism of action of propranolol is not known. In this study, we attempted to assess whether propranolol has any effect on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) over a period of time, and if it is there, how long it affects it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Propranolol was administered in the dosage of 2-3 mg/kg. The first serum sample was collected before starting the propranolol treatment. Thereafter, samples were collected at monthly intervals up to a total of six samples. The samples were assessed for TIMP-2 and VEGF using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS: The duration of this study was from June 2016 to November 2017. The total number of patients in this study was 15. Thirteen patients responded to treatment. The mean age of patients was 7.1 months. The mean value of baseline VEGF was 0.234 ± 0.059 and that of TIMP-2 was 1.338 ± 0.679. As compared to baseline value, the P value was statistically not significant in any of sequential values. In category-wise analysis, apart from statistically significant value in the 6th month in excellent category and good response category in the 1st month, all other values did not reveal any significant change in VEGF analysis. The analysis of TIMP-2 revealed a significant change in the levels from Sample 2 to Sample 6 in the excellent response group; however, the levels did not show a specific trend either increasing or decreasing. CONCLUSION: Despite its beneficial action in regression of hemangioma, the exact mechanism is yet to be identified. The exact duration of treatment needs further evaluation.

Giant Occipital Encephalocele - Challenges in Management.

INTRODUCTION: Giant occipital encephalocele (GOE) is a term used when the size of the OE is greater than or equal to the size of the head. It has been limited to case reports, with only sporadic exclusive series. This is a series of GOE managed at our center over time with emphasis on practical problems faced in management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study. The patients were evaluated for the age of presentation, sex, and head size. Any associated neural tube defect was also looked for. Imaging was used for associated brain anomalies and to plan the surgical procedure. The requirement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was also assessed. RESULTS: During the study period of 7 years, 11 patients of GOE were admitted. Apart from one, all other patients were <1 year of age. Nine patients underwent surgical intervention, which included excision and repair of swelling with or without VP shunt placement. The content of the sac was only cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in six patients and CSF and gliotic brain tissue in remaining patients. The attendants of two patients did not give consent for surgery and left against medical advice. CONCLUSION: GOE is an uncommon entity with limited information about management. Careful evaluation, proper imaging of patient, and care during intraoperative and postoperative periods with emphasis of factors determining the prognosis may provide satisfactory results.

Oral Propranolol in the Treatment of Ulcerated Bleeding Scrotal Arteriovenous Malformation.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the scrotum are very rare, with only 35 adult cases in the literature. An 8-year-old boy presented with an ulcerated bleeding AVM of the scrotum. The patient was resuscitated and managed conservatively initially. After the control of bleeding, oral propranolol was started. There was a decrease in the size of scrotal and penile swelling, healing of ulcer with total healing by 1 month, and no recurrence of bleeding episode. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first case of pediatric scrotal AVM treated by oral propranolol.

A Pilot Study on Histopathology of the Jejunoileal Atresia-Can it Be Used as a Guide to Determine the Length of Adequate Resection?

INTRODUCTION: Some studies reported that there is abnormality in the histopathology of atretic bowel in jejunoileal atresia (JIA). We have made an attempt to assess sequential histopathologic changes in the resected atretic segment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The histopathology of the resected segment was evaluated at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 cm from atretic end (Sections A to F, respectively). The ratio of inner and outer muscle layer (measured by NIS-Element D software) was calculated at every section. Immunohistochemistry for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was also done. The findings were compared with control. RESULTS: In control set (n = 5), the ratio of inner and outer muscle layer was 1.03. In patients with JIA, the ratio was 0.68 to 0.9 at section A. This ratio varied at various sections in all specimens. In section F, this ratio was 0.95 to 1.09, which is close to control ratio. There were no specific findings related to α-SMA staining. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the bowel proximal to the atresia is abnormal for a varied length. It may be a possibility that this abnormality is present at least up to about 10 cm proximal to atresia. Adequate resection is important for optimal outcome.

Anorectal Malformation Associated with Klippel-Feil Syndrome: A Rare Association.

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are a complex group of malformations associated with various congenital anomalies. Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is characterized by fusion of cervical vertebrae, short neck, torticollis, and/or facial asymmetry and very rarely associated with ARM. In the presence of cervical vertebral anomalies in ARM, one should search for the presence of KFS as an association. If this anomaly is found to be associated, caution is needed during positioning for examination, surgery, during laryngoscopy, and intubation due to risk of neurological damage. We hereby present a very rare association of KFS with ARM with solitary kidney and ipsilateral vesicoureteral reflux.

Needle Insertion in a Child: A Rare Form of Child Abuse.

Needle insertion is a rare form of child abuse that, though prevalent in the society as an attempted infanticide/homicide, remains undiagnosed and underreported. One should have strong suspicion for occurrence of child abuse in a child with history of needle injury. Here, we report an unusual case of 3-month-old boy with history of hypodermic needle extrusion from multiple sites of body and suspicion of possible child abuse.

Technique of Antireflux Procedure without Creating Submucosal Tunnel for Surgical Correction of Vesicoureteric Reflux during Bladder Closure in Exstrophy.

AIM: To report the clinical application of the new surgical technique of antireflux procedure without creating submucosal tunnel for surgical correction of vesicoureteric reflux during bladder closure in exstrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the report of published experimental technique, the procedure was clinically executed in seven patients of classic exstrophy bladder with small bladder plate with polyps, where the creation of submucosal tunnel was not possible, in last 18 months. Ureters were mobilized. A rectangular patch of bladder mucosa at trigone was removed exposing the detrusor. Mobilized urteres were advanced, crossed and anchored to exposed detrusor parallel to each other. Reconstruction included bladder and epispadias repair with abdominal wall closure. The outcome was measured with the assessment of complications, abolition of reflux on cystogram and upper tract status. RESULTS: At 3-month follow-up cystogram, reflux was absent in all. Follow-up ultrasound revealed mild dilatation of pelvis and ureter in one. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of extra-mucosal ureteric reimplantation without the creation of submucosal tunnel is simple to execute without risk and complications and effectively provides an antireflux mechanism for the preservation of upper tract in bladder exstrophy. With the use of this technique, reflux can be prevented since the very beginning of exstrophy reconstruction.

Antireflux Status Post Roux-en-Y anastomosis: An Experimental Study for Optimal Antireflux Technique.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy has been a gold standard to establish biliary-enteric anastomosis for various surgical indications, but associated with variable incidences of cholangitis. This experimental study was conducted to report a modification in Roux-en-Y anastomosis for possible better alternative to provide antireflux procedure after Roux-en-Y biliary-enteric anastomosis with the aim to minimize the possibility of reflux and its consequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For experimental study, the required fresh segment of Lamb's small intestine was procured. Three sets of Roux-en-Y anastomosis were created for each experiment. In set 1, there was simple Roux-en-Y anastomosis. In set 2, Roux-en-Y anastomosis along with 4-5 cm long spur between the hepatic and duodenal limbs was created. In set 3, in addition to Roux-en-Y with creation of spur, additional antireflux mechanism was created at the junction of upper two-third and lower one-third of the hepatic limb. Saline mixed contrast was infused by infusion pump to raise the intraluminal pressure to more than 10 cm of H2O. X-ray was taken at that time. RESULTS: In set 1, all preparations demonstrated reflux of contrast in the hepatic limb. The set 2 also demonstrated the same findings of 100% reflux in the hepatic limb. In set 3, No reflux was observed in 8 (80%) preparations while remaining 2 (20%) preparations reveal partial reflux. CONCLUSION: This experimental study suggests that the provision of spur and additional valve may be able to decrease the possibility of reflux in Roux-en-Y biliary-enteric anastomosis.

IschioPubic Osteotomy, A Simple and Effective Technique for Pelvic Ring Closure in Repair of Classic Exstrophy Bladder.

AIM: The aim of this study is to report the technique and outcome of ischiopubic (IP) osteotomy for pelvic ring closure in classic exstrophy bladder. METHODS: A total of 85 male classic exstrophies were selected based on trapezoid-shaped space between IP ramus on three-dimensional computed tomography pelvis. Using midline scroto-perineal approach, after bladder plate mobilization and radical corporal detachment; the pelvic surface of superior pubic ramus (SPR) was exposed. Above the obturator canal, H-shaped incision was made on periosteum of the SPR. The horizontal line of H was placed above the obturator canal. Rectangular periosteal flaps above and below the horizontal line was raised. In the subperiosteal plane, curved hemostats encircled the SPR that were divided using a bone drill. On the medial aspect of ischial tuberosity, a notch was created as hinge using a bone drill. Forks of bone holding forceps hooked the pubic bone and tightened for its midline approximation, lengthening of the SPR and inward rotation of IP ramus. Linea alba and pubic bones were approximated with interrupted Polygalactin sutures. RESULTS: Midline approximation of pubic bone and linea alba was possible in all. There was no injury to obturator nerve, vessels, or other structures . CONCLUSIONS: IP osteotomy is the safe and effective technique of pelvic ring closure in patients with specific pelvic configuration.

Spontaneous common hepatic duct perforation in a child: A rare case report.

Spontaneous perforation of common bile duct is a rare phenomenon; few cases are reported in literature. Hence, there is a dilemma for the management of these cases, but with modern radiological equipment and high degree of suspicion, it is possible to diagnose early. The overall prognosis of this condition is good, provided an early surgical intervention is instituted; we are reporting a case of a 6-year-old male with spontaneous perforation of common hepatic duct. Managed by repair of rent over T-tube, postoperative period was uneventful, T-tube was removed after 3 weeks, and the patient is doing well in follow-up.

Comparison of interrupted- and continuous-suture urethroplasty in tubularised incised-plate hypospadias repair: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of interrupted- and continuous-suture urethroplasty on complication rates in Snodgrass tubularised incised-plate (TIP) hypospadias repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective randomised study comprising 100 boys (age range 1-5 years) with primary subcoronal, distal- and mid-penile hypospadias who underwent repair from October 2010 to March 2015 in a tertiary care hospital. Boys with glanular, recurrent, and proximal hypospadias were excluded from the study. The boys were prospectively randomised into two groups: Group A, comprised 50 boys who underwent interrupted subcuticular suture Snodgrass TIP urethroplasty; and Group B, comprised 50 boys who underwent continuous subcuticular suture Snodgrass TIP urethroplasty. Outcomes were assessed in terms of complication rates and aesthetic appearance during follow-up. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the occurrence of complications between the groups. There were 21 complications, with 10 occurring in Group A and 11 in Group-B. Urethrocutaneous fistula was the most common complication in both groups (six in Group A and seven in Group B), the fistulae were <2 mm in nine patients and 3-5 mm in the remaining four. Partial glans dehiscence occurred in one patient in each group. One patient from each group also had superficial wound infection, meatal stenosis and urethral stricture respectively, all of which were managed conservatively. The resultant urinary stream was single and good in all patients of both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The type of suture technique had no significant effect on complication rates after Snodgrass hypospadias repair and thus the choice of technique depends on surgeon preference.