Laparoscopic appendectomy with single port vs conventional access: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Conventional three-access laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA) is currently the gold standard treatment, however, Single-Port Laparoscopic Appendectomy (SILA) has been proposed as an alternative. The aim of this systematic review/meta-analysis was to evaluate safety and efficacy of SILA compared with conventional approach. METHODS: Per PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CLA vs SILA for acute appendicitis. The randomised Mantel-Haenszel method was used for the meta-analysis. Statistical data analysis was performed with the Review Manager software and the risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane "Risk of Bias" assessment tool. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies (RCTs) were selected (2646 patients). The operative time was significantly longer in the SILA group (MD = 7,32), confirmed in both paediatric (MD = 9,80), (Q = 1,47) and adult subgroups (MD = 5,92), (Q = 55,85). Overall postoperative morbidity was higher in patients who underwent SILA, but the result was not statistically significant. In SILA group were assessed shorter hospital stays, fewer wound infections and higher conversion rate, but the results were not statistically significant. Meta-analysis was not performed about cosmetics of skin scars and postoperative pain because different scales were used in each study. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis show that SILA, although associated with fewer postoperative wound infection, has a significantly longer operative time. Furthermore, the risk of postoperative general complications is still present. Further studies will be required to analyse outcomes related to postoperative pain and the cosmetics of the surgical scar.

Unexpected Pediatric Uretero-Inguinal Hernia: Case-Report and Literature Review.

Uretero-inguinal hernia (UIH) is a rare condition in children. We present our experience with an unexpected UIH in a male infant with associated anomalies and a literature review of pediatric cases. A full-term male newborn was referred to our hospital for microcolon and right hydroureteronephrosis. Voiding cystourethrography showed grade-IV right vesicoureteral reflux and a dilated, convoluted, ureter protruding in the right inguinal canal, suggesting a right UIH, which was uneventfully repaired at 2 months of life. UIH is a rare type of inguinal hernia in children that pediatric urologists and surgeons should be aware of. In experienced hands, and when preoperatively suspected, surgical management is safe and effective.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy as bridge to surgery vs surgery in unfit patients with acute calculous cholecystitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute cholecystitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdomen. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment, still burdened by a risk of intraoperative biliary duct injury. An alternative strategy to manage patients with severe acute cholecystitis is the percutaneous gallbladder drainage (PGBD). METHODS: The Italian Society of Emergency Surgery and Trauma performed a systematic review and meta-analysis with the aim to clarify controversies about the preoperative use of PGBD. We extracted 32 studies: 9 Randomized Control Trial Studies (RCTs) and 23 no RCTs. RESULTS OF CRITICAL OUTCOMES: The incidence of post-operative complications was lower in the PGBD associated at LC than in the LC alone (RCTs: RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.56, I2 = 63%). The incidence of the post-operative biliary leakage was higher in late PGBD' group (RCTs: RR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.80). RESULTS OF OTHER OUTCOMES: The incidence of intraabdominal abscess, blood loss, conversion to open, subtotal cholecystectomy, operative time and wound infection was lower in PGBD' group. The total hospital stay was the same. CONCLUSION: A strong recommendation is performed to the use of the PGBD + LC than upfront LC to reduce biliary leakage (recommendation "strong positive") in high risk acute cholecystitis especially in patients with higher perioperative risks or longstanding acute cholecystitis. For post-operative complications a recommendation "positive weak" suggests that PGBD + LC could be used than upfront LC to reduce the rate of post-operative complications.

The role of liver transplantation in the care of primary hepatic vascular tumours in children.

Liver transplantation (LT) is the standard of care for many liver conditions, such as end-stage liver diseases, inherited metabolic disorders, and primary liver malignancies. In the latter group, indications of LT for hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma evolved and are currently available for many non-resectable cases. However, selection criteria apply, as the absence of active metastases. Evidence of good long-term outcomes has validated the LT approach for managing these malignancies in the context of specialist and multidisciplinary approach. Nevertheless, LT's role in treating primary vascular tumours of the liver in children, both benign and malignant, remains somewhat controversial. The rarity of the different diseases and the heterogeneity of pathological definitions contribute to the controversy and make evaluating the benefit/risk ratio and outcomes quite difficult. In this narrative review, we give an overview of primary vascular tumours of the liver in children, the possible indications and the outcomes of LT.

Unsolved problems in CDH follow-up.

In patients affected by CDH, survival beyond the neonatal period continues to increase thanks to technological and pharmacological improvements. Conversely, patients, families and caregivers are more and more frequently facing "new" complex late comorbidities, including chronic pulmonary and cardiac dysfunctions, neurodevelopmental challenges, and specific nutritional requirements, that often require ongoing long-term medical or surgical care. Therefore, late morbidity is now a key focus in clinical care of CDH. The aims of this paper are to stress some of the most important "unsolved problems" for CDH patients at long-term follow-up.

Use of Teduglutide in Children With Intestinal Failure: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: Short-bowel syndrome (SBS) results from the loss of a significant portion of the small intestine leading to a state of malabsorption. After an intestinal loss, there is a process of adaptation involving the Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 (GLP-2), an enteroendocrine peptide also involved in nutrient absorption. Teduglutide is a recombinant analog of GLP-2 approved in 2016 to treat selected SBS pediatric patients who are dependent on parenteral support. The present systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of Teduglutide in pediatric patients with SBS in reducing the need for parenteral nutrition (PN). Materials and Methods: We performed a literature search on MEDLINE and Embase to include articles up to November 2021. We included articles that involved using Teduglutide in the SBS pediatric population to define its efficacy in reducing the need for PN. The key words used were GLP-2, teduglutide, child. Results: Fourteen studies completely fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two hundred 23 patients were treated with Teduglutide, and the median duration of treatment was 45 weeks (IQR: 36-52.5 weeks). One-hundred and fifty-two patients were treated with 0.05 mg/Kg/d of subcutaneous Teduglutide, 38 received 0.025 mg/Kg/d and 8 received either 0.125 mg/Kg/d or 0.20 mg/Kg/d. A total of 36 patients achieved enteral autonomy (EA) after a median of 24 weeks of treatment (IQR: 24-48 weeks) and 149 patients showed a reduction in PN needs in terms of volume, calories, or hours per day. Eleven studies reported complications: gastrointestinal were the most common, with 89 cases reported in treated patients and 11 in non-treated patients. Conclusion: Teduglutide appears safe and effective in reducing PN requirements and improving EA in the pediatric population. However, more studies are needed to understand its efficacy in the long term and after discontinuation and possible complications. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42022301593].

Asymptomatic inguinal hernia: does it need surgical repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this review is to compare the outcomes of surgical repair versus watchful waiting in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias. METHODS: Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines were employed. We analysed primary outcomes: pain, quality of life, pain during daily activities and visual analogue scale (VAS that measures pain at rest and on movement) and secondary outcomes: postoperative complications and recurrence. RESULTS: Pain and quality of life were not comparable due to differences in the parameters used in different articles. Pain interfering with normal daily activity was evaluated in one study and appears more favourable in the post-repair group respect to the watchful waiting (WW) group (5.1% versus 2.2%). VAS, measured in one study, at 6 months was more favourable in the surgery group (37% versus 44%). After 12 months the outcome was better in the control group than in the repair group (28% versus 30%). Conversion rate of the patient cohorts from watchful waiting to elective surgery was between 35.03% and 57.8%. The meta-analysis did not find significant statistical differences in the two groups examined for postoperative complications [RR = 0.95, 95% CI (0.50, 1.80), P = 0.88], as for hernia recurrence [RR = 1.01, 95% CI (0.50, 2.02), P = 0.98]. CONCLUSION: WW seems to be an acceptable option for the patient with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias. Delaying surgical repair until symptoms appear is safe. Acute hernia incarcerations are not particularly frequent. The incidence of chronic pain after the repair is high. Physicians must select patients carefully and explain to them the risks and benefits of surgery.

Early Bowel Lengthening Procedures: Bi-Institutional Experience and Review of the Literature.

Early bowel lengthening procedure (EBLP) has been defined as any bowel lengthening procedure performed before six months of age. The purpose of this paper is to compare our experience with literature on this subject to identify common indications. A bi-institutional retrospective analysis was performed. Diagnosis, type of surgery, age at procedure and outcomes were analysed. Eleven EBLP were performed in Manchester and Florence from 2006 to 2021. The median age at surgery was 126 days (102-180), pre-operative median short bowel (SB) length was 28 cm (17-49) with a post-operative median increase of 81%. Furthermore, a PubMed/Embase search was undertaken regarding bowel lengthening procedures performed in the last 40 years. Sixty-one EBLP were identified. The median age was 60 days (1-90). Serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) was the most frequent procedure used, with a median increased bowel length of 57%. This study confirms that no clear consensus on indication or timing to perform early SB lengthening is reported. According to the gathered data, EBLP should be considered only in cases of actual necessity and performed in a qualified intestinal failure centre.

Aspiration versus peritoneal lavage in appendicitis: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is one of the most frequent abdominal surgical emergencies. Intra-abdominal abscess is a frequent post-operative complication. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare peritoneal irrigation and suction versus suction only when performing appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. METHODS: According to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted and registered into the Prospero register (CRD42020186848). The risk of bias was defined to be from low to moderate. RESULTS: Seventeen studies (9 RCTs and 8 CCTs) were selected, including 5315 patients. There was no statistical significance in post-operative intra-abdominal abscess in open (RR 1.27, 95% CI 0.75-2.15; I2 = 74%) and laparoscopic group (RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.73-3.13; I2 = 83%). No statistical significance in reoperation rate in open (RR 1.27, 95% CI 0.04-2.49; I2 = 18%) and laparoscopic group (RR 1.42, 95% CI 0.64-2.49; I2 = 18%). In both open and laparoscopic groups, operative time was lower in the suction group (RR 7.13, 95% CI 3.14-11.12); no statistical significance was found for hospital stay (MD - 0.39, 95% CI - 1.07 to 0.30; I2 = 91%) and the rate of wound infection (MD 1.16, 95% CI 0.56-2.38; I2 = 71%). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review has failed to demonstrate the statistical superiority of employing intra-operative peritoneal irrigation and suction over suction-only to reduce the rate of post-operative complications after appendectomy, but all the articles report clinical superiority in terms of post-operative abscess, wound infection and operative times in suction-only group.

Current Surgical Concepts and Indications in the Management of the Short Bowel State: A Call for the Use of Multidisciplinary Intestinal Rehabilitation Programs.

The mainstay of management for short bowel syndrome (SBS) is to promote access to the best quality of care provided by the intestinal rehabilitation program (IRP) in specialized centres. When treating SBS patients, the main goal is to minimize disease-associated complications, as well as achieve enteral autonomy. Surgical strategies should be selected cautiously upon the actual state of the bowel with respect to what it is clinically relevant for that specific patient. To this aim, a personalized and multidisciplinary approach for such a complex syndrome is needed.

Let's (Not) Twist Again: Laparoscopic-Assisted Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Paediatric Gastric Volvulus.

INTRODUCTION: In the setting of intermittent abdominal pain accompanied by gastro-intestinal obstruction, gastric volvulus should be suspected. AREAS COVERED: A 10-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital for intermitted abdominal pain associated with recurrent non-bilious vomiting and acute weight loss. The radiological images performed at the district general hospital were reported as negative. After careful review of the imaging, a gastric volvulus was suspected. Exploratory laparoscopy confirmed the diagnosis; laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was performed. The postoperative upper gastro-intestinal study showed stomach in its normal shape and position. EXPERT COMMENTARY: Gastric volvulus is a potential life-threatening condition with a good outcome when promptly recognized. Laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a safe and curative procedure in the case of suspected gastric volvulus, avoiding the need for a secondary procedure. In pediatric patients, it facilitates direct inspection of the stomach and abdominal cavity, reducing the need for a second procedure. This procedure may emerge as a 'gold standard' for gastric volvulus treatment.

Check cystoscopy in the management of anterior urethral valves in a cohort of pediatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior urethral valves (AUV) are a rare cause of lower urinary tract obstruction which could progress to renal damage, Clinical presentation varies according with patient's age and severity of obstruction, but, in most cases, diagnosis is based on voiding cysto-urethrogram (VCUG). To date, the treatment of choice is endoscopic ablation even if approved guidelines about the overall management of AUVs, including the recognition and treatment of residual valves, are not available. OBJECTIVE: We describe our protocol for AUV treatment based on primary endoscopic valve ablation followed by check cystoscopy 15 days later. STUDY DESIGN: Medical records of 5 patients with AUVs admitted from 2008 to 2018 to our Pediatric Urology Unit were retrospectively reviewed. Blood tests, urinalysis, renal US and VCUG were performed in all children, while urodynamic evaluation was performed in the 3/5 patients who could void spontaneously. All patients underwent endoscopic valves ablation and after 15 days after a second look cystoscopy was performed. Follow up was based on clinical and radiological evaluation with US, urinalysis and blood tests. Postoperative non-invasive urodynamic studies were performed in the 3/5 patient toilet-trained patients and VCUG was performed in 1/5 patient. RESULTS: and Discussion: At primary endoscopic ablation cystoscopy revealed AUVs in the penile urethra in three patients, in the penoscrotal urethra in one case, in the bulbar urethra in another case. In 3/5 patients check cystoscopy found residual valves and a second endoscopic ablation was performed. All patients achieved symptoms release and improved urodynamic parameters. No intra or post-operative complication were reported. The assessment of residual valves is variable in literature and it is usually described for posterior urethral valves (PUVs). Few series report the use of VCUG within the first week after valve ablation, our experience instead suggests that performing a second look cystoscopy, is very effective to evaluate the presence of residual AUVs and eventually proceed with further ablation. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ablation is the gold standard treatment for AUV, but residual valves management is not clearly defined. According to our experience, a check cystoscopy 15 days after primary ablation allows to identify and treat possible residual valves showing good results in terms of safety and efficacy.