Intestinal perforation after pediatric liver transplantation: risk factors and management. / Perforación intestinal tras trasplante hepático pediátrico: factores de riesgo y manejo.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal perforation (IP) after pediatric liver transplant (PLT) is an uncommon complication with high mortality reported. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors and management of this complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of IP after PLT from January 2014 to October 2020. RESULTS: Four intestinal perforations were indentificated in 102 PLT (3,9%). Three patients with BA and one neonate with hemochromatosis (HC) presented this complication. The mean weight of patients with IP was 6.3± 2.5kg (3.1-9) and 19.9 ± 15.4kg for the rest (p< 0.05). All IP with BA had a previous laparotomy. Two living donors and two left lateral reduced liver were implanted. The diagnosis of intestinal perforation was done on day 11 ± 3.3 (8-15 days). Diagnosis was suspected with clinical and biological signs of perforation, CT scan confirmed the diagnosis in patiens with BA and by direct visualization through the mesh for temporary closure in the patient with hemocromatosis. Urgent laparotomy was performed. We identified three colonic perforations, all of them in BA patients and all repaired with direct suture. The patient with HC presented multiple perforations secondary to necrotizing enterocolitis requiring an ileostomy and finally died due to multiorgan failure. CONCLUSION: Intestinal perforation after PLT is an infrequent complication. Age, weight, previous laparotomy and BA could be risk factors for IP in PLT. Urgent laparotomy after diagnosis should be performed in order to reduce mortality. Isolated IP with adequate treatment might not affect long term outcomes after pediatric liver transplantation.

INTRODUCCION: La perforación intestinal (PI) tras trasplante hepático pediátrico (THP) es una complicación poco frecuente, pero con una elevada mortalidad. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar los factores de riesgo y el manejo de esta complicación. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de la PI tras THP entre enero de 2014 y octubre de 2020. RESULTADOS: Se hallaron 4 perforaciones intestinales en 102 THP (3,9%). Presentaron esta complicación 3 pacientes con atresia biliar (AB) y un neonato con hemocromatosis (HC). El peso medio de los pacientes con PI era de 6,3 ± 2,5 kg (3.1-9) y de 19,9 ± 15,4 kg en el caso del resto (p<0,05). Todos los pacientes con PI y AB habían sido sometidos previamente a laparotomía. Se implantaron 2 hígados de donantes vivos y 2 hígados laterales reducidos izquierdos. El diagnóstico de perforación intestinal se efectúo en el día 11 ± 3,3 (8-15 días), sospechándose con signos clínicos y biológicos de perforación, y confirmándose mediante escáner en los pacientes con AB y mediante visualización directa a través de la malla para el cierre temporal en el paciente con hemocromatosis. Se llevó a cabo laparotomía de urgencia. Se identificaron 3 perforaciones de colon, todas ellas en pacientes con AB y reparadas con sutura directa. El paciente con HC presentaba múltiples perforaciones secundarias a enterocolitis necrotizante que precisaron ileostomía, falleciendo finalmente como consecuencia de un fallo multiorgánico. CONCLUSIONES: La perforación intestinal tras THP es una complicación poco frecuente. La edad, el peso, las laparotomías previas y la AB podrían ser factores de riesgo de PI en el THP. Para reducir la mortalidad, es conveniente practicar una laparotomía de urgencia tras el diagnóstico. Una PI aislada con un adecuado tratamiento puede no influir en los resultados a largo plazo tras un trasplante hepático pediátrico.

Perforación intestinal tras trasplante hepático pediátrico: factores de riesgo y manejo / Intestinal perforation after pediatric liver transplantation: risk factors and management

Introducción: La perforación intestinal (PI) tras trasplante hepáticopediátrico (THP) es una complicación poco frecuente, pero con unaelevada mortalidad. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar los factoresde riesgo y el manejo de esta complicación. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de la PI tras THP entreenero de 2014 y octubre de 2020. Resultados: Se hallaron 4 perforaciones intestinales en 102 THP(3,9%). Presentaron esta complicación 3 pacientes con atresia biliar (AB)y un neonato con hemocromatosis (HC). El peso medio de los pacientescon PI era de 6,3 ± 2,5 kg (3.1-9) y de 19,9 ± 15,4 kg en el caso delresto (p<0,05). Todos los pacientes con PI y AB habían sido sometidospreviamente a laparotomía. Se implantaron 2 hígados de donantes vivosy 2 hígados laterales reducidos izquierdos. El diagnóstico de perforaciónintestinal se efectúo en el día 11 ± 3,3 (8-15 días), sospechándose consignos clínicos y biológicos de perforación, y confirmándose medianteescáner en los pacientes con AB y mediante visualización directa a travésde la malla para el cierre temporal en el paciente con hemocromatosis.Se llevó a cabo laparotomía de urgencia. Se identificaron 3 perforacionesde colon, todas ellas en pacientes con AB y reparadas con sutura directa. El paciente con HC presentaba múltiples perforaciones secundarias aenterocolitis necrotizante que precisaron ileostomía, falleciendo finalmente como consecuencia de un fallo multiorgánico.Conclusión: La perforación intestinal tras THP es una complicaciónpoco frecuente. La edad, el peso, las laparotomías previas y la AB podrían ser factores de riesgo de PI en el THP. Para reducir la mortalidad,es conveniente practicar una laparotomía de urgencia tras el diagnóstico.Una PI aislada con un adecuado tratamiento puede no influir en losresultados a largo plazo tras un trasplante hepático pediátrico.(AU)

Background: Intestinal perforation (IP) after pediatric liver trans-plant (PLT) is an uncommon complication with high mortality reported.The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors and management ofthis complication. Material and methods: Retrospective study of IP after PLT fromJanuary 2014 to October 2020. Results: Four intestinal perforations were indentificated in 102 PLT(3,9%). Three patients with BA and one neonate with hemochromatosis(HC) presented this complication. The mean weight of patients with IPwas 6.3 ± 2.5kg (3.1-9) and 19.9 ± 15.4kg for the rest (p< 0,05). AllIP with BA had a previous laparotomy. Two living donors and two leftlateral reduced liver were implanted. The diagnosis of intestinal perforation was done on day 11 ± 3.3 (8-15 days). Diagnosis was suspectedwith clinical and biological signs of perforation, CT scan confirmed thediagnosis in patiens with BA and by direct visualization through themesh for temporary closure in the patient with hemocromatosis. Urgentlaparotomy was performed. We identified three colonic perforations, allof them in BA patients and all repaired with direct suture. The patientwith HC presented multiple perforations secondary to necrotizing enterocolitis requiring an ileostomy and finally died due to multiorgan failure.Conclusion: Intestinal perforation after PLT is an infrequent complication. Age, weight, previous laparotomy and BA could be risk factorsfor IP in PLT. Urgent laparotomy after diagnosis should be performed inorder to reduce mortality. Isolated IP with adequate treatment might notaffect long term outcomes after pediatric liver transplantation.(AU)

Analysis of perceived risk and satisfaction with telematic follow-up in patients and families of congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients during SARS-CoV-2 pandemia.

BACKGROUND: The impact of COVID-19 in families and patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is unknown, this situation has generated uncertainty not only in family members but also in the optimal outpatient follow-up. Telehealth has become a fundamental tool for the follow-up during the pandemic. The objective of this survey is to evaluated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 in families and patients with CDH and the satisfaction with telematic follow-up. METHODS: Telephone survey of patient's caregivers with CHD, aged 1-16 years, followed in neonatal surgery outpatients, from January 31, 2020 to November 15, 2020. The ethical clearance for this study was taken from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of our Research Institute vide letter number VHIR/239283/01.01.2021. RESULTS: 81 surveys of 100 patients with active follow-up were carried out. There were no refusals in any contacted parents. There were 30 contacts (37%), 44.8% at school and 27.6% from cohabiting family members. Four infections (4.9%) were diagnosed, half symptomatic. In 40 patients (49.4%) the follow-up was telematic, with a mean score of 3.1±1.3 out of 5. For future controls, 65% prefer presential follow-up, 25% alternate and 10% telematics. 50.6% reported greater anxiety and 34.6% (28/81) extreme measures of isolation, being more accentuated in the group of 3-6 years (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The impact of COVID19 in patients with CHD is not greater than in the general pediatric population. Although the incorporation of the telehealth was well valued, most of the caregivers prefer the face-to-face outpatient follow-up.

Minimally invasive surgery for pediatric dumbbell neuroblastoma: systematic literature review and report of a single-stage neurosurgical and thoracoscopic approach

IntroductionTraditional surgical strategies for dumbbell neuroblastoma entail, among others, high risk of spinal deformity. Less invasive procedures might reduce these sequelae, however, there is small evidence comparing different strategies. Indications of minimally invasive surgery in neuroblastoma are still developing. Our aim is to identify and analyze different surgical approaches described in the recent literature and to suggest a minimally invasive option.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was conducted in PubMed (Jan 2000–Dec 2021) to identify reports describing surgical resection of dumbbell neuroblastoma in children, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Only full-text articles were included.Results7 articles met the inclusion criteria which, added to the present case, represent a total of 43 patients. All were retrospective studies, most of them small series. Tumor location was mostly thoracic. Most of combined approaches were performed in two stages. Spinal deformity after surgery was reported in 3 patients. Minimally invasive approach was described in only one paper, with no reported cases of its use in a single-stage combined surgery. We also report, to our knowledge, the first single-stage posterior neurosurgical approach combined with thoracoscopy for resection of a dumbbell neuroblastoma in an infant.ConclusionSurgical resection of dumbbell neuroblastomas is challenging. There is no consensus on best surgical approach. Dumbbell tumors should not be considered a contraindication for minimally invasive surgery. A single stage and minimally invasive strategy is proposed.

Page kidney after pediatric kidney transplantation: a case report. / Riñón de Page tras trasplante renal pediátrico: informe de un caso.

INTRODUCTION: Page kidney (PK) is a rare condition caused by parenchymal compression due to a subcapsular hematoma. Irreversible damage of the graft may occur if this condition is not recognized and treated properly. CLINICAL CASE: We describe the case of a 16-year-old man with chronic renal failure secondary to corticosteroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (CRNS) caused by NPHS2 mutations. The patient underwent a 5th fifth living-related KT. The graft was placed intraperitoneally and reperfused well without complications. On the 4th postoperative day his labs demonstrated raising creatinine associated with refractory hypertension, gross hematuria and anemia. Urgent ultrasound revealed a subcapsular hematoma with signs of parenchymal compression. PK phenomenon was suspected and urgent surgical intervention decided. COMMENTS: PK is a rare but an emergence potentially treatable and reversible complication after pediatric KT. Early diagnosis based on clinical suspicion and suggestive imaging are the key points for a favorable outcome.

INTRODUCCION: El riñón de Page (RP) es una enfermedad rara provocada por compresión parenquimatosa debido a un hematoma subcapsular. El injerto puede sufrir daños irreversibles si la enfermedad no se reconoce y se trata de forma adecuada. CASO CLINICO: Describimos el caso de un varón de 16 años con fallo renal crónico secundario a síndrome nefrótico corticorresistente (SNCR) provocado por mutaciones del gen NPHS2. El paciente se somete a un quinto TR de donante vivo. El injerto se coloca en posición intraperitoneal, con una adecuada reperfusión, sin complicaciones. Al cuarto día postoperatorio, sus análisis revelan una subida de la creatinina asociada a hipertensión refractaria, hematuria macroscópica y anemia. La ecografía de urgencia revela hematoma subcapsular con signos de compresión parenquimatosa. Se sospecha RP y se decide intervención quirúrgica de urgencia. COMENTARIOS: El RP es una complicación rara y urgente, aunque a su vez tratable y reversible, tras TR pediátrico. El diagnóstico precoz basado en la sospecha clínica y las imágenes son claves a la hora de conseguir un resultado favorable.

Riñón de Page tras trasplante renal pediátrico: informe de un caso / Page kidney after pediatric kidney transplantation: a case report

Introducción: El riñón de Page (RP) es una enfermedad rara provocada por compresión parenquimatosa debido a un hematoma subcapsular. El injerto puede sufrir daños irreversibles si la enfermedad no se reconoce y se trata de forma adecuada.Caso clínico: Describimos el caso de un varón de 16 años con fallo renal crónico secundario a síndrome nefrótico corticorresistente (SNCR) provocado por mutaciones del gen NPHS2. El paciente se somete a un quinto TR de donante vivo. El injerto se coloca en posición intraperitoneal, con una adecuada reperfusión, sin complicaciones. Alcuarto día postoperatorio, sus análisis revelan una subida de la creatininaasociada a hipertensión refractaria, hematuria macroscópica y anemia.La ecografía de urgencia revela hematoma subcapsular con signos de compresión parenquimatosa. Se sospecha RP y se decide intervenciónquirúrgica de urgencia. Comentarios: El RP es una complicación rara y urgente, aunque a su vez tratable y reversible, tras TR pediátrico. El diagnóstico precoz basado en la sospecha clínica y las imágenes son claves a la hora de conseguir un resultado favorable.

Introduction: Page kidney (PK) is a rare condition caused by parenchymal compression due to a subcapsular hematoma. Irreversible damage of the graft may occur if this condition is not recognized and treated properly.Clinical case: We describe the case of a 16-year-old man withchronic renal failure secondary to corticosteroid-resistant nephroticsyndrome (CRNS) caused by NPHS2 mutations. The patient underwent a 5th fifth living-related KT. The graft was placed intraperitoneallyand reperfused well without complications. On the 4 th postoperativeday his labs demonstrated raising creatinine associated with refractoryhypertension, gross hematuria and anemia. Urgent ultrasound revealeda subcapsular hematoma with signs of parenchymal compression. PKphenomenon was suspected and urgent surgical intervention decided.Comments: PK is a rare but an emergence potentially treatableand reversible complication after pediatric KT. Early diagnosis basedon clinical suspicion and suggestive imaging are the key points for afavorable outcome.

Minimally invasive surgery for pediatric dumbbell neuroblastoma: systematic literature review and report of a single-stage neurosurgical and thoracoscopic approach.

INTRODUCTION: Traditional surgical strategies for dumbbell neuroblastoma entail, among others, high risk of spinal deformity. Less invasive procedures might reduce these sequelae, however, there is small evidence comparing different strategies. Indications of minimally invasive surgery in neuroblastoma are still developing. Our aim is to identify and analyze different surgical approaches described in the recent literature and to suggest a minimally invasive option. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted in PubMed (Jan 2000-Dec 2021) to identify reports describing surgical resection of dumbbell neuroblastoma in children, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Only full-text articles were included. RESULTS: 7 articles met the inclusion criteria which, added to the present case, represent a total of 43 patients. All were retrospective studies, most of them small series. Tumor location was mostly thoracic. Most of combined approaches were performed in two stages. Spinal deformity after surgery was reported in 3 patients. Minimally invasive approach was described in only one paper, with no reported cases of its use in a single-stage combined surgery. We also report, to our knowledge, the first single-stage posterior neurosurgical approach combined with thoracoscopy for resection of a dumbbell neuroblastoma in an infant. CONCLUSION: Surgical resection of dumbbell neuroblastomas is challenging. There is no consensus on best surgical approach. Dumbbell tumors should not be considered a contraindication for minimally invasive surgery. A single stage and minimally invasive strategy is proposed.

Atresia duodenal con apple peel asociada a herniadiafragmática congénita: un caso excepcional yrevisión de la literatura / Duodenal atresia with apple peel associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: an exceptional case and a literature review

Introducción: La atresia duodenal asociada con appel peel es extremadamente infrecuente. La primera se produce por un defecto en larecanalización en etapas tempranas, mientras que la atresia intestinalparece deberse a causas vasculares en etapas más tardías. La presenciade anomalías asociadas a la hernia diafragmática es común, pero laasociación con la atresia duodenal apenas está descrita.Caso clínico: Presentamos un recién nacido de 31 semanas de gestación y sexo femenino, con atresia duodenal y apple peel, asociada ahernia diafragmática izquierda y cardiopatía mayor. Se realizó un flapmuscular abdominal para el cierre del defecto diafragmático y anastomosis duodenoyeyunal tras la resección de parte del apple peel inviable.Comentarios: A nuestro entender, es el primer caso descrito conesta asociación singular. La combinación de atresia duodenal con apple peel se ha descrito previamente en 11 ocasiones; la asociación de ambascon hernia diafragmática congénita no había sido descrita.

Introduction: Duodenal atresia associated with apple peel is extremely rare. Duodenal atresia occurs as a result of absence of recanali-zation at an early stage, whereas intestinal atresia is seemingly due tovascular causes at later stages. The presence of abnormalities associatedwith diaphragmatic hernia is frequent, but association with duodenalatresia has been little explored.Care report: This is the case of a female neonate born at gestational week 31, with duodenal atresia and apple peel, associated withleft diaphragmatic hernia and major heart disease. An abdominal muscle flap was performed for diaphragmatic defect closure purposes, and duodenojejunal anastomosis was carried out following resection of partof the non-viable apple peel.Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first case described with this rare association. The combination of duodenal atresia and applepeel had been previously described 11 times. However, the associationof both with congenital diaphragmatic hernia had not been reported yet.

Fetal heart rate monitoring during fetoscopic repair of open spinal neural tube defects: a single-centre observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: During fetal surgery, the haemodynamic stability of the fetus depends on the haemodynamic stability of the mother. The primary objective of this study was to assess changes in fetal heart rate (FHR) throughout the different stages of surgery. The secondary objective was to assess potential changes in maternal physiological parameters and their association with FHR. METHODS: This was a single-center observational cohort study conducted between 2015 and 2019 in 26 women undergoing intra-uterine fetoscopic repair of open spina bifida. The primary outcome was FHR. Maternal physiologic parameters were measured at the beginning, during and after surgery. The linear mixed-effects model fitted by maximum likelihood was used to assess changes in each variable at specific times throughout the surgery, and the repeated measures correlation coefficient was used to study the association between FHR and maternal physiological parameters. RESULTS: One (3.8%) case of fetal bradycardia (FHR <110 beats per minute) required the administration of intramuscular atropine. No other significant FHR changes were observed during surgery. Maternal oesophageal temperature (P <0.001), lactate levels (P=0.002), and mean arterial pressure (P=0.016) changed significantly during surgery, although none of these changes was clinically relevant. The FHR showed a significant association with maternal carbon dioxide tension (r=0.285, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.526) and maternal heart rate (r=0.302, 95% CI 0.025 to 0.535). CONCLUSION: The FHR remained stable during intra-uterine fetoscopic repair of open spina bifida. Maternal carbon dioxide tension and heart rate may have a mild influence on FHR.

[Pilot experience with indocyanine green navigation in pediatric surgery]. / Experiencia piloto con navegación mediante fluorescencia con verde de indocianina en cirugía pediátrica.

INTRODUCTION: Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence is a new tool for navigated minimal invasive and open surgery, with multiple possible uses, that can increase safety and improve surgical results, facilitating intraoperative decision making. We hereby present our pilot series using ICG navigation in different procedures of pediatric surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As a proof of concept, between May 2017 and March 2019, we have used this technique as a help for decision making in these scenarios: visualization of the biliary tract, vascular and lymphatic structures, neoplastic tissue and other anatomic landmarks. The route of administration, timing and dosage changed depending on the indication. A 30º optic, with a conventional and near-infrared light emitter, connected to a high definition system specially equipped was used. RESULTS: We considered that the technique might be useful in 20 patients (22 procedures): 6 involving the biliary tract (5 cholecystectomies, 1 choledochal stenosis), 9 oncologic procedures (5 laparoscopic and 4 open), 7 miscellanea (pulmonary nodule resections, long-gap esophageal atresia, anastomotic leak, etc). There were no complications regarding ICG administration. We considered that the system provided relevant information or affected intraoperative decision making in 90% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: ICG navigation was easy to perform and complication free. Our preliminary results suggest that ICG navigation, in open and endoscopic procedures, might provide a qualitative leap regarding safety and facilitate the performance of certain pediatric surgical procedures, particularly in oncology, liver surgery and neonatal surgery.

INTRODUCCION: La fluorescencia con verde de indocianina (ICG) es una nueva herramienta de navegación por imagen con múltiples posibles aplicaciones, orientada a aumentar la seguridad y mejorar los resultados quirúrgicos, facilitando la toma de decisiones. Presentamos nuestra serie piloto con el uso del ICG en distintos procedimientos de cirugía pediátrica. MATERIAL Y METODOS: A modo de prueba piloto, entre mayo 2017 y marzo de 2019, hemos usado dicha técnica como ayuda en la toma de decisiones en los siguientes supuestos: visualización de vía biliar, estructuras vasculares y linfáticas, tejido tumoral y otras estructuras. El momento y dosis de ICG varió en función de la indicación. Se utilizó una óptica de 30º, con un emisor de luz convencional y de luz cercana al infrarrojo, conectada a un sistema de alta definición especialmente equipado. RESULTADOS: Se consideró que la técnica podría ser de utilidad en 20 pacientes (22 procedimientos): 6 sobre la vía biliar (5 colecistectomías, 1 estenosis de la vía biliar), 9 procedimientos oncológicos (5 laparoscópicos y 4 abiertos), 7 procedimientos miscelánea (resección nódulos pulmonares, atresia esófago, fallo sutura, etc.). No hubo complicaciones relacionadas con la inyección del ICG. Se consideró que aportó información relevante o influenció en la toma de decisiones en un 90% de los casos. CONCLUSIONES: El uso del ICG resultó sencillo y exento de complicaciones. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la navegación mediante ICG, en cirugía laparoscópica y abierta, puede suponer un salto cualitativo en seguridad y facilitar la realización de determinados procedimientos, especialmente en oncología, cirugía hepática y cirugía neonatal.

Outcome of kidney transplantation from young pediatric donors (aged less than 6 years) to young size-matched recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric donation is underutilized because of presumed increased risk of vascular thrombosis (VT) and graft loss. Using young pediatric donors (YPDs) for young pediatric recipients (YPRs) is suggested to be even at greater risk and therefore precluded in many centers. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of kidney transplantation (KT) from YPD to age-matched YPR. PATIENT AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 118 pediatric KT performed between January 2007-July 2017. The authors identified KT with YPD (considered as those aged <6 years) and age-matched YPR. Organ allocation was performed based on the best paired size (YPR for YPR). Data were collected regarding donor and recipient characteristics, surgical and urological complications, graft loss, and outcomes. RESULTS: Forty cases of YPD to age-matched YPR were identified (33.89% of the cohort). Mean recipient and donor age were 2.9 years (SD 1.68) and 2.24 years (SD 1.5), respectively. Mean recipient and donor weight were 12.7 kg (SD 4.1) and 13.7 kg (SD 4.15), respectively. Thirty of those young recipients (75%) weighed <15 kg. The most frequent primary renal disease was the congenital nephrotic syndrome. Nine out of 40 patients (22.5%) had received a previous KT before. Three received a combined liver-KT. Eight (20%) were classified as high immunological risk and 19 (47.5%) as high thrombotic risk. All allografts were implanted extraperitoneally and anastomosed to the iliac vessels. Major complications requiring reintervention occurred in seven patients (17.5%): three VT, three bleeding episodes, and one ureteral necrosis. Remarkably, only one surgical complication (VT) resulted in graft loss. Regarding long-term urological complications, four patients (10%) all with obstructive uropathy-developed vesicoureteral reflux to the graft. Actuarial graft survival at 1,5, and 10 years in the YPD to age-matched YPR cohort was 83% -78% -78%, respectively. Mean follow-up was 3.6 years (SD 3.2) (r = 7-10). Over time, eight patients lost their graft, not related to surgical factors in seven out of eight cases. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that KT using YPD for age-match YPR yields good results in expert centers, even in high-risk patients and is associated with good graft survival. In this series, surgical complications were rarely related to graft loss.

"Non-Touch" Vena Cava Technique as an Improvement in Combined Lung and Liver Procurement in Controlled Donation After Circulatory Death.

The number of organs retrieved from donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors has continued to rise in recent years. The functional superiority of DCD organs is achieved when the lungs are perfused with cold perfusion and livers with normothermic regional perfusion (NRP). Thus, a precise surgical technique is required to combine thoracic and abdominal organ procurement. The technique used at our center consists of a rapid laparotomy and middle sternotomy, then the abdominal aorta (Ao) and abdominal inferior vena cava (VC) are cannulated and the descending thoracic Ao is cross-clamped. NRP is started at that point. As a variation of previously described techniques, the thoracic vena cava is not initially clamped in order to improve the return of blood volume to the NRP circuit. The pulmonary artery is cannulated to flush the lungs and the left atrial appendage is opened for drainage. After 120 minutes, NRP perfusion is stopped and the organs are flushed with cold preservation solution. In 2016, 3 livers and 6 lungs were harvested at our center using the technique described. After a minimum follow-up of 1 year, no evidence of biliary complications was observed. The combined procurement of lungs after room temperature perfusion and liver after NRP without initial clamping of the thoracic VC is feasible, with excellent function post-transplantation.

Fetoscopic two-layer closure of open neural tube defects.

OBJECTIVE: Fetoscopy for closure of open neural tube defects (NTD) remains controversial, as the use of patches or single-layer closure is not considered to meet the standards of good neurosurgical reconstruction. In this study, we describe a fetoscopic two-layer (myofascial and skin) closure technique for the treatment of NTD in five patients and report the preliminary anatomical outcome at birth. METHODS: From February to September 2017, five pregnant women with a fetus with a NTD, including three cases of myelomeningocele and two cases of myelocele, were operated on using a fetoscopic two-layer closure technique. In this technique, with the uterus exteriorized and using three 10-Fr ports, the placode is dissected from the surrounding tissue and detethered, removing the cystic tissue. The skin is undermined by blunt dissection and the defect is sutured to the midline in two layers (myofascial and skin) using a running 4/0 resorbable barbed suture. RESULTS: Median gestational age at the procedure was 24 + 3 (range, 23 + 5 to 27 + 3) weeks. Surgery was successful in all cases, without any intraoperative complications. Median time in surgery was 180 (range, 140-180) min and median time for fetoscopy was 105 (range, 65-120) min. In terms of obstetric complications, three cases of premature rupture of membranes and one case of chorioamnionitis were recorded. Median gestational age at delivery was 34 + 1 (range, 25 + 4 to 37 + 2) weeks and two patients delivered vaginally. The closed defect was watertight with good quality tissue in all cases. CONCLUSION: Fetoscopic two-layer closure of NTD may improve the quality of the tissue covering the defect, diminishing the need for postnatal surgical revision, and preserving the well-documented beneficial effects of prenatal closure on the neural tissue and hindbrain herniation. However, this technique may not be appropriate for those cases with wide diastasis of the myofascial layer or with a low quantity of available tissue. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Is donor age 6 years or less related to increased risk of surgical complications in pediatric kidney transplantation?

INTRODUCTION: Despite the widespread organ shortage dilemma, there is hesitancy regarding utilization of young donors (aged ≤6 years) because previous reports have suggested that this is associated with an increased risk of surgical complications and graft loss. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if donor age ≤6 years is related to increased risk of surgical complications or allograft loss in pediatric kidney transplantation (KT). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of pediatric kidney transplants (KT) undertaken between January 2000 and July 2015. The incidence of surgical and urological complications, and allograft loss were analyzed and compared between donors aged ≤6 years (Group 1) and donors aged >6 years (Group 2). RESULTS: A total of 171 pediatric KTs were performed at the current center during the study period. Twenty-eight patients were excluded; as a result, the study comprised 143 patients: 60 (Group 1) and 83 (Group 2). Mean recipient weight was 17 kg (SD 9.7; range 3.2-47) in Group 1 and 38.2 kg (SD 15.3; range 7.8-73) in Group 2. Despite a significantly higher proportion of risk factors in Group 1, no significant between-group differences were observed in terms of: surgical complications (OR 0.4; range 0.1-1.2), early urological complications (OR 2.2; range 0.4-11), late urological complications (OR 0.3; range 0.8-1.4), lymphoceles (OR 6.2; range 0.7-51.7) and allograft loss (OR 1.5; range 0.7-3.1, summary Table). Graft survival at 1 and 5 years was: 81% and 70% (Group 1) and 92% and 79% (Group 2), respectively (P = 0.093). Mean follow-up was 90.13 ± 49.7 months. DISCUSSION: The main finding of this retrospective study was that pediatric donor kidneys from donors aged ≤6 years could safely be used in pediatric recipients without an increased risk of surgical and urological complications or graft loss. Nevertheless, KT with small donor kidneys is challenging and should be performed at experienced pediatric centers. CONCLUSION: In line with these results, the outcomes of KT using donors aged ≤6 years were encouraging and similar to those obtained with older donors. Thus, this study supported using kidney grafts from young donors, given the organ shortage and potential high mortality risk while awaiting KT.

Thoracic wall reconstruction with bioabsorbable plates in pediatric malignant thoracic wall tumors.

AIM: Childhood malignant chest wall tumors may require extensive surgical resection and reconstruction with musculoskeletal flaps or non-resorbable prosthetic materials. Implant-related complications and scoliosis often occur. This study analyzes the outcomes of chest wall reconstruction using resorbable plates as an alternative approach. METHODS: Retrospective review (2007-2015) of patients who underwent resection of malignant primary chest wall tumors in 2 tertiary pediatric centers. Reconstruction was performed using copolymer (l-lactic and glycolic acid) plates, fixed to the ribs and surrounding structures with copolymer screws and/or polyglactin sutures. RESULTS: Eight patients aged 10.6+2.6years were treated. There were no operative complications, and implant removal was not required in any case. Six patients received postoperative radiotherapy. Over follow-up (39.6months, range 9.4-78), chest wall shape was maintained in all, and there were no radiological artifacts. Three patients developed scoliosis (Cobb 17°-33°), but treatment was needed only in one, who had undergone hemivertebrectomy. There were no cases of local tumor relapse. One patient died because of metastatic spread. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of bioabsorbable l-lactic and glycolic acid copolymer plates with a relatively simple technique provided a rigid, stable reconstruction with only mild mid-/long-term complications. Resorbable plates may be a good alternative for pediatric chest wall reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

[Conservative management of liver trauma and its complications: current gold-standard]. / Tratamiento conservador de los traumatismos hepáticos y sus complicaciones: gold-standard actual.

INTRODUCTION: The liver is the second most frequently involved organ in abdominal trauma in children. The aim of this study was to review the characteristics of liver traumas (LT) in children, its treatment and complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with LT treated between 2010-2014. We analyzed data regarding diagnosis, conservative management (CM), complications and treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients of LT with a mean age of 9.8 years (SD: 3.4) were treated at our center. Liver injury degrees according to the Organ Injury Scale of American Association for Surgery of Trauma (AAST) were: grade I (4), grade II (6), grade III (8), grade IV (5) and grade V (1). CT angiography was performed in 23 patients. Four of the six patients with initial hemodynamic instability required blood transfusion; of those, two required angioembolization for active bleeding in extrahepatic locations and a third required damage control surgery. Three patients presented late-onset complications: 2 large size bilomas which underwent spontaneous resolution and a third patient with a right biloma and section of the left bile duct who required a multidisciplinary approach. Median hospital stay was 6 days (r 1-92). With a mean follow-up of 17.75 months (SD: 16.35) (r: 2-57) long-term survival was 96%. The patient who received surgery died due to a post-traumatic brain injury. CONCLUSION: CM seems to be the treatment of choice in LT regardless of injury degree. Surgery should be reserved for cases refractory to CM due to the associated high mortality.

INTRODUCCION: El hígado es el segundo órgano más afectado en traumatismos abdominales en edad pediátrica. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar las características de los traumatismos hepáticos (TH), su tratamiento y complicaciones. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con TH atendidos entre 2010 -2014. Analizamos datos referentes al diagnóstico, tratamiento conservador (TC), complicaciones y tratamiento de las mismas. RESULTADOS: Se trataron 24 casos de TH con una edad media de 9,8 años (DS: 3,4). Los grados de lesiones hepáticas según la Organ Injury Scale of American Association for Surgery of Trauma (AAST) fueron: grado I (4), grado II (6), grado III (8), grado IV (5) y grado V (1). Se realizó angio-TC en 23 pacientes. Cuatro de los 6 pacientes que presentaron inestabilidad hemodinámica inicial requirieron transfusión de hemoderivados; de éstos, 2 requirieron angioembolización por sangrado activo extrahepático y un tercero se intervino de forma urgente. Tres pacientes presentaron complicaciones tardías: 2 bilomas de gran tamaño que se resolvieron espontáneamente y un biloma derecho con sección de vía biliar izquierda que requirió un abordaje multidisciplinar. En los 3 casos se trataba de traumatismos de alto grado (2 grado IV, 1 grado V). La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue de 6 días (r: 1-92). Con una media de seguimiento de 17,75 meses (DS: 16,35) (r: 2-57) la supervivencia global fue del 96%. El paciente que requirió cirugía falleció por el traumatismo craneoencefálico asociado. CONCLUSIONES: El TC parece ser de primera elección en los TH independientemente del grado aunque no está exento de complicaciones. La cirugía debe reservarse para los casos refractarios al TC dada la alta mortalidad que conlleva.

[Current anesthesia risk of anterior mediastinal masses]. / Riesgo anestésico actual de las masas mediastínicas anteriores.

AIM: To analyze the current risk of an anesthetic event during surgical acts in pediatric patients with anterior mediastinal masses (AMM) in a tertiary oncology center, using the previously published risk factors to plan the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study (2009-2015) of pediatric patients with AMM who underwent surgical procedures at debut. Published risk factors (symptoms, radiological findings), with special focus on the statistically significant ones, diagnosis, surgical and anesthetic procedure, special measures, and anesthetic events were recorded. Patients were classified as high or low-risk when airway or vascular compression or severe symptoms were present. MAIN RESULTS: Retrospective study (2009-2015) of pediatric patients with AMM who underwent surgical procedures at debut. Published risk factors (symptoms, radiological findings), with special focus on the statistically significant ones, diagnosis, surgical and anesthetic procedure, special measures, and anesthetic events were recorded. Patients were classified as high or low-risk when airway or vascular compression or severe symptoms were present. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative evaluation of risk in AMM through clinical history and CT/MRI and surgical/anesthetic planning leads to excellent outcomes. The least aggressive procedures should be favored, but if needed, planned general anesthesia under experienced hands is safe even in risk patients.

OBJETIVO: Analizar el riesgo actual de eventos anestésicos durante intervenciones quirúrgicas en pacientes con masas mediastínicas anteriores (MMA) en un centro terciario, utilizando los factores de riesgo publicados en la literatura para planificar el procedimiento. MATERIALES Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo (2009-2015) de los pacientes pediátricos con MMA sometidos a procedimientos quirúrgicos al debut. Se registraron: factores de riesgo publicados (clínicos, radiológicos), particularmente los estadísticamente significativos, diagnóstico, procedimiento quirúrgico y anestésico, medidas especiales y eventos anestésicos. Los pacientes se clasificaron como alto o bajo riesgo según presentasen compresión en vía aérea o vascular o síntomas de gravedad. RESULTADOS: Registramos a 38 pacientes (media de edad 11,9 años ± 4,2). El 94,7% presentaban trastornos linfoproliferativos. El 50% tenían síntomas respiratorios y el 76,3% fueron considerados como de alto riesgo, al presentar uno o más factores ES. Solo 4 casos recibieron neoadyuvancia. Se realizaron 29 biopsias (3 toracoscópicas), 11 colocaciones de catéteres centrales, 2 drenajes torácicos y 3 resecciones. La técnica anestésica consistió en sedoanalgesia (60,5%) y diversas técnicas de anestesia general (41,4% de los casos de alto riesgo). Solo registramos 2 eventos (5,3%) consistentes en dificultad para la ventilación, respondiendo ambos a medidas básicas. Todas las intervenciones se finalizaron satisfactoriamente. CONCLUSIONES: La evaluación preoperatoria del riesgo en MMA mediante historia clínica y TAC/RMN junto a la planificación anestésico-quirúrgica conduce a unos resultados excelentes. Deben favorecerse los procedimientos menos invasivos, pero si son precisos, la anestesia general planificada y en manos expertas es segura incluso en pacientes de riesgo.

[Salivaly gland tumors in childhood: importance of an early diagnosis and treatment]. / Tumores de glándulas salivales en la infancia. Importancia de un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz.

OBJECTIVE: Review of our series of salivaly gland tumors at pediatric age, given its low frequency and their higher rate of malignancy compared with the adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of the medical records of all pediatric patients with salivaly gland tumors treated in our center between 1998 and 2013. RESULTS: We identified 12 patients. The most common site of tumor location was the parotid gland in 11 patients followed by the sublingual gland in 1 patient. Three patients had previous cancer and radiotherapy history. The diagnosis (histological or radiological) were: 4 hemangiomas, 2 pleomorphic adenomas, 4 mucoepidermoid carcinomas, one acinar cell carcinoma and 1 primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). No patient had metastasis at diagnosis. Preoperative fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed in 6 patients with solid masses, being diagnostic in all cases. Eight patients underwent surgery. In two cases of total parotidectomy initial neuroapraxia appeared but none had permanent facial paralysis. There were no cases of Frey syndrome. The aesthetic results were good. There was only one tumor recurrence and all patients, except one who died of leukemia relapse, survive today. CONCLUSIONS: Salivaly gland tumors are uncommon in pediatric age but their high rate of malignancy makes it necessary to establish a rapid diagnosis. In our experience, FNA showed a high sensitivity. For malignant tumors, definitive treatment is surgical excision, preserving the facial nerve whenever possible. For vascular tumors, surgery is reserved for cases refractory to medical treatment.

OBJETIVO: Revisión de nuestra serie de neoplasias de glándulas salivales en pediatría, dada su baja frecuencia y mayor tasa de malignidad en comparación con la población adulta. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de las historias clínicas de los casos pediátricos de tumores de glándulas salivales tratados en nuestro centro entre los años 1998 y 2013. RESULTADOS: Se estudian 12 pacientes. Los tumores afectaban a la glándula parótida en 11 casos y en uno a la glándula sublingual. Tres pacientes presentaban historia oncológica previa y antecedentes de radioterapia. El diagnóstico (histológico o radiológico) fue de: 4 hemangiomas, 2 adenomas pleomorfos, 4 carcinomas mucoepidermoides, 1 carcinoma de células acinares y 1 tumor primitivo neuroectodérmico (PNET). Ningún paciente presentaba metástasis al diagnóstico. Se realizó PAAF preoperatoria en 6 pacientes que presentaban masas sólidas, siendo diagnóstica en todos ellos. Ocho pacientes fueron intervenidos. En dos casos de parotidectomía total apareció neuroapraxia inicial pero ninguno tuvo parálisis facial definitiva. No hubo ningún caso de síndrome de Frey. Los resultados estéticos fueron buenos. Un solo caso presentó recidiva tumoral y todos los pacientes, excepto uno que falleció por recaída de leucemia, sobreviven en la actualidad. CONCLUSIONES: Los tumores de glándula salival son raros en pediatría pero su alta tasa de malignidad hace necesario establecer un diagnóstico rápido. En nuestra experiencia, la PAAF presentó elevada sensibilidad. En los tumores malignos el tratamiento es la exéresis, preservando el nervio facial siempre que sea posible. En los tumores vasculares la cirugía se reserva para casos refractarios al tratamiento médico.

Tratamiento del empiema paraneumónico tabicado: ¿videotoracoscopia o fibrinolíticos? / Treatment of loculated parapneumonic empyema. Video assisted thoracoscopy or fibrinolytics?

Objetivo: El tratamiento ideal del empiema paraneumónico no está determinado. El objetivo del estudio es comparar la evolución del derrame paraneumónico tabicado según el tratamiento inicial, videotoracoscopia (VATS) o drenaje con fibrinolíticos (DF). Material y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva. Pacientes ingresados con el diagnóstico de derrame paraneumónico entre enero de 2001 y julio de 2008. Los derrames complicados (según la ecografía) fueron tratados con drenaje y uroquinasa (DF) o con videotoracoscopia (VATS), dependiendo del cirujano responsable. Las variables analizadas fueron: el número de días hospitalizado tras la intervención, número de días totales de hospitalización, días con drenaje, días de fiebre tras la intervención y fracasos del tratamiento. Resultados: Se atendieron 121 pacientes. Diecisiete pacientes fueron excluídos del análisis por tratarse de derrames paraneumónicos simples. De los 104 analizados, 47 fueron tratados con drenaje y uroquinasa y 57, con videotoracoscopia. No hubo diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos en la estancia hospitalaria (mediana 12 vs 12 días) ni estancia post-operatoria (mediana 10 vs 9 días). Se encontraron diferencias en los días de drenaje (mediana grupo DF 5 días, VATS, 4 días, p<0,05) y en los días de fiebre post-operatoria (mediana 3 vs 2 días, p<0,05). El 22% de los pacientes precisó de una reintervención (14 del grupo DF y 9 del grupo VATS, p=0,09). Conclusiones: Los resultados de la VATS frente al DF como tratamiento inicial del empiema tabicado son muy similares. Parece existir una mayor tasa de fracasos con necesidad de reintervención en aquellos casos tratados con inicialmente con uroquinasa, aunque no ocasionan un aumento significativo de la estancia hospitalaria de los pacientes (AU)

Objective: There is no consensus regarding the ideal treatment of loculated parapneumonic empyema (PPE).The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of drainage plus urokinase (DF) with video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS). Material and methods: Retrospective review. Patients admitted with a PPE between January 2001 and July 2008. Loculated empyema was diagnosed by chest ultrasound and patients were treated with DF or VATS depending on the attending surgeon. Compared variables were: post-operative stay, total hospital stay, days of tube thoracostomy, post-operative fever and treatment failure. Results: One hundred and twenty one patients were admitted with the diagnosis of PPE. Seventeen patients were excluded from analysis because of simple parapneumonic effusions. Of the 104 patients included in the study, 47 were treated with urokinase and 57 with videothoracoscopy. No statistically significant differences (P>.05) were found between the median values in the DF and VATS groups for hospital stay (median 12 vs 12 days) or post-operative stay (median 9 vs 9 days). There were differences in duration of tube thoracostomy (median DF group 5 days, VATS, 4 days, P<0.05) and in the post-operative fever (median 3 vs 2 days, p<0,05).Twenty two per cent of children needed a second procedure (14 patients of DF and 9 of VATS group, P=0.09). Conclusions: According to our experience, the results of DF and VATS for the treatment of loculated parapneumonic empyema are similar. Although there are no statistical differences, there seems to be a higher rate of failure, with the need of more procedures in the DF group. This difference does not affect the average total hospital stay (AU)

[Treatment of loculated parapneumonic empyema. Video assisted thoracoscopy or fibrinolytics?]. / Tratamiento del empiema paraneumónico tabicado: ¿videotoracoscopia o fibrinolíticos?

OBJECTIVE: There is no consensus regarding the ideal treatment of loculated parapneumonic empyema (PPE). The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of drainage plus urokinase (DF) with video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review. Patients admitted with a PPE between January 2001 and July 2008. Loculated empyema was diagnosed by chest ultrasound and patients were treated with DF or VATS depending on the attending surgeon. Compared variables were: post-operative stay, total hospital stay, days of tube thoracostomy, post-operative fever and treatment failure. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty one patients were admitted with the diagnosis of PPE. Seventeen patients were excluded from analysis because of simple parapneumonic effusions. Of the 104 patients included in the study, 47 were treated with urokinase and 57 with videothoracoscopy. No statistically significant differences (P>.05) were found between the median values in the DF and VATS groups for hospital stay (median 12 vs 12 days) or post-operative stay (median 9 vs 9 days). There were differences in duration of tube thoracostomy (median DF group 5 days, VATS, 4 days, P<.05) and in the post-operative fever (median 3 vs 2 days, p<0,05).Twenty two per cent of children needed a second procedure (14 patients of DF and 9 of VATS group, P=.09). CONCLUSIONS: According to our experience, the results of DF and VATS for the treatment of loculated parapneumonic empyema are similar. Although there are no statistical differences, there seems to be a higher rate of failure, with the need of more procedures in the DF group. This difference does not affect the average total hospital stay.