Insight into prevalence, etiology, and modalities of pediatric chronic dialysis: a comprehensive nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and etiology of kidney failure (KF) among children below 15 years of age receiving chronic dialysis in Saudi Arabia and describe their dialysis modalities. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 8 August 2022, encompassing all 23 pediatric dialysis centers in Saudi Arabia. Data gathered comprised patient demographics, causes of KF, and the dialysis methods employed. Collected data underwent analysis to determine prevalence of children undergoing chronic dialysis, discern underlying causes of KF, and evaluate distribution of patients across different dialysis modalities. RESULTS: The prevalence of children on chronic dialysis is 77.6 per million children living in Saudi Arabia, equating to 419 children. The predominant underlying cause of KF was congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT), representing a substantial 41% of cases. Following this, others or unknown etiologies accounted for a noteworthy 25% of cases, with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) comprising 13%, glomerulonephritis at 11%, and congenital nephrotic syndrome contributing 10% to etiological distribution. Regarding dialysis modalities employed, 67% of patients were on peritoneal dialysis (PD), while the remaining 33% were on hemodialysis (HD). CONCLUSIONS: This first nationwide study of pediatric chronic dialysis in Saudi Arabia sheds light on the prevalence of children undergoing chronic dialysis and underlying causes of their KF, thereby contributing to our understanding of clinical management considerations. This research serves as a stepping stone for the development of national registries.

A Multicenter Study Evaluating the Discontinuation of Eculizumab Therapy in Children with Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare, life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), which has been treated successfully with eculizumab. The optimal duration of eculizumab in treating patients with aHUS remains poorly defined. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study in the Arabian Gulf region for children of less than 18 years of age who were diagnosed with aHUS and who discontinued eculizumab between June 2013 and June 2021 to assess the rate and risk factors of aHUS recurrence. RESULTS: We analyzed 28 patients with a clinical diagnosis of aHUS who had discontinued eculizumab. The most common reason for the discontinuation of eculizumab was renal and hematological remission (71.4%), followed by negative genetic testing (28.6%). During a median follow-up period of 24 months after discontinuation, 8 patients (28.5%) experienced HUS relapse. The risk factors of recurrence were positive genetic mutations (p = 0.020). On the other hand, there was no significant relationship between the relapse and age of presentation, the need for acute dialysis, the duration of eculizumab therapy before discontinuation, or the timing of eculizumab after the presentation. Regarding the renal outcomes after discontinuation, 23 patients were in remission with normal renal function, while 4 patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD) (three of them had pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) before discontinuation, and one case developed a new CKD after discontinuation) and one patient underwent transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The discontinuation of eculizumab in patients with aHUS is not without risk; it can result in HUS recurrence. Eculizumab discontinuation can be performed with close monitoring of the patients. It is essential to assess risk the factors for relapse before eculizumab discontinuation, in particular in children with a positive complement variant and any degree of residual CKD, as HUS relapse may lead to additional loss of kidney function. Resuming eculizumab promptly after relapse is effective in most patients.

Gastric outlet obstruction - looking for a syndrome: Bouveret or Mirizzi?

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Gastric outlet obstruction can result from any pathological process that causes intrinsic blockage or extrinsic pressure on the distal stomach and duodenum. Gallstone related gastric outlet obstruction is a well-known entity classically due to a cholecystoenteric fistula formation. CASE PRESENTATION: We present here a case of a 36-year-old man who presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain associated with marked nausea and vomiting. Abdominal CT scan done in the emergency department revealed a large impacted infundibular gallstone with signs of acute cholecystitis, associated with prominent gastric distention. Gastric outlet obstruction was due to stenosis at the duodenal level from external compression by the large impacted stone with no evidence of fistula. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed with total resolution of symptoms. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Gastric outlet obstruction can be secondary to many etiologies, and notably gallstone disease. Classically this is due to formation of a cholecystoenteric fistula and intrinsic obstruction by the migrated stone. Our case is unique in that a large impacted infundibular gallstone caused gastric outlet obstruction with absence of any fistula or gallstone migration. CONCLUSION: Gastric outlet obstruction due to external compression by a non-migrated gallstone is a rare undescribed entity. Surgical treatment should not be delayed to prevent complications and fistula formation.

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Reversal with Concomitant Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) for Refractory Hypoglycemia: an Unusual Procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia is usually seen in patients with a history of gastric bypass surgery [1], and few experience severe symptoms [2]. The pathophysiology of post-gastric bypass surgery hypoglycemia is not well understood, and many theories have been proposed: excessive GLP-1, nesidioblastosis, and increased glucose effectiveness [3]. Thus, the etiology of this condition is complex. Laparoscopic GBP reversal is a very unusual procedure and indications may include excessive weight loss, unexplained GI tract symptoms, and severe hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia should be managed non-surgically at first, but in case of medical therapy failure, surgical options may be considered. Surgical options include gastrostomy tube placement, gastric bypass reversal [4], or gastric bypass reversal with concomitant sleeve gastrectomy [5-7]. A partial reversal was also mentioned in the literature [6]. Laparoscopic conversion to a sleeve gastrectomy for hypoglycemia is unusual and converting an open gastric bypass to a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is exceptional, even never reported. In this video (run time 6 min and 48 s), we present our procedure, which was performed by adopting a new technique. PATIENT AND METHODS: A 52-year-old lady was referred to us for hypoglycemia following an open gastric bypass revision that was done in 2012. Her past surgical history includes 2 laparoscopic gastric band surgeries with subsequent removal of the bands, open bypass surgery in 2007 and open bypass surgery revision in 2012. History goes back to 12 months ago when the patient started complaining of fatigue, lassitude, and symptoms consistent with Whipple's triad. OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) showed low glucose levels at 2 h (2.7 mmol/l) and at 3 h (3.3 mmol/l). Serum insulin level and C-peptide were normal. The patient was diagnosed as having early dumping syndrome (reactive hypoglycemia). She was started on sitagliptin 1 tab once daily with dietary changes. Despite this management, she was hospitalized several times for worsening of her symptoms. When referred to our department, the patient asked about the possibility of a laparoscopic intervention, since she has suffered a lot from her previous laparotomy incisions. The laparoscopic surgery intervention was discussed with the patient and it was a challenging option in this case. The patient was placed in the lithotomy position with the surgeon standing between the patient's legs. An 11-mm trocar was inserted above the umbilicus. Under vision, 4 other trocars were inserted: a 12-mm trocar in the right midclavicular line and three 5-mm trocars in the epigastrium, left anterior axillary line, and left midclavicular line, respectively. We started with adhesiolysis in order to identify the gastro-jejunostomy and to free the abdominal esophagus. A subtle hiatal hernia was also reduced. Then, the jejuno-jejunostomy was identified, and the alimentary limb was measured. The latter was 70 cm in length, and the decision was to resect it, keeping the jejuno-jejunal anastomosis in place. The gastric pouch was divided just above the gastro-jejunal anastomosis. The alimentary limb was then exteriorized. Then, the gastric remnant was freed from its omental attachment. The gastric remnant and the gastric pouch were calibrated with a 40-Fr Faucher tube, and appropriate sequential firing was done using endo-GIA. A gastro-gastrostomy was fashioned by the end of the sleeve division to create the gastric tube. RESULTS: The operative time was 245 min, with minor blood loss (less than 250 cc). The perioperative course was uneventful, with no intra-operative or post-operative morbidity. An upper GI series was done on post-operative day 2 and showed no evidence of leak. It has been 11 months since the procedure and the patient has become normoglycemic. Her last FBS was 4.4 mmol and she is currently free of symptoms. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia is a challenging condition, for both surgeons and endocrinologists. Our patient has suffered severe symptoms that were refractory to medical treatment and dietary modifications. Few papers have discussed LGBP conversion to a sleeve gastrectomy for hypoglycemia, but results from small series are showing promising results. Our case was challenging because of the patient's previous multiple open surgeries and the technique we have adopted is unique, since we have fashioned the sleeve by firing 2 separate gastric pouches (gastric pouch and gastric remnant) to create a gastric tube and by performing a gastro-gastrostomy with intra-corporeal sutures.

Left gastric artery pseudo-aneurysm post sleeve gastrectomy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Bleeding in the context of sleeve gastrectomy could be caused by a variety of diseases however pseudo-aneurysm is an overlooked complication. CASE: For instance, we present case of a 25 year-old Lebanese woman that undergone sleeve gastrectomy and presented 3 weeks later with a bleeding left gastric artery pseudo-aneurysm. CONCLUSION: Angiography followed by embolization is best for diagnosing and treating the pseudo-aneurysm by coiling. Serious outcomes could arise from such a complication. Hence, accurate diagnosis and treatment using the appropriate methods is essential to avoid life-threatening events.

The impact of gender matching between donor and recipient on the outcome of kidney transplant patients: A retrospective study.

The influence of donor and recipient gender on patients postkidney transplant (KT) is still controversial, and literature data do not present unanimous conclusions. We were concerned with the gender impact on the outcome of kidney transplantation at the level of acute rejection (AR), graft function represented by serum creatinine level, delayed graft function (DGF), graft survival, and infection rate. The impact of gender matching between donors and recipients was studied in 299 KT recipients performed in the Transplantation Unit, Middle East Institute of Health, Bsalim, Lebanon, between November 1998 and September 2014. The patients were divided into the following groups: Group I (131 patients, male donor to male recipient), Group II (55 patients, male donor to female recipient), Group III (88 patients, female donor to male recipient), and Group IV (25 patients, female donor to female recipient). AR and DGF were not statistically different among the four groups. Moreover, all groups showed excellent graft survival with no statistical difference. Interestingly, human leukocyte antigen AB-DR matching (P < 0.001) and sensitization were statistically different among the four groups (P = 0.05). The number of patients with infections was statistically significantly lower in Group I (35.4%) and Group III (37.5%) (P = 0.35). Most importantly, graft function, represented by serum creatinine, showed a statistically significant difference among the four groups (P <0.004), with Group II (male to female) and Group IV (female to female) showing the best improvement in five-year survival. However, Group III (female to male) had the worst posttransplant graft function. These results revealed that gender impacts graft function, and Group II, male donor to female recipient, had the best 5-year graft function. This emphasizes that gender should be regarded as a determinant for the success of kidney transplantation.

Periampullary Neuroendocrine Tumor as a Cause of Acute Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND Duodenal and ampullary carcinoids are very rare tumors accounting respectively for 2% and 0.03% of all carcinoid tumors. Clinical findings vary according to the location of the tumor within the periampullary region; with epigastric pain being the most common presenting symptom in duodenal carcinoids and jaundice the most common clinical finding in ampullary carcinoids. Treatment options include pancreaticoduodenectomy, local excision, and endoscopic excision. CASE REPORT In this case report, we present a 60-year-old male who presented with a one-week history of intractable epigastric pain. He was diagnosed with duodenal periampullary carcinoid tumor and treated with local excision. CONCLUSIONS Although duodenal and ampullary carcinoid tumors may have different clinical presentations, as well as histochemistry characteristics and metastatic potential, they appear to benefit from the same surgical treatment.

Different laparoscopic treatment modalities for splenic artery aneurysms: about 3 cases with review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: The first laparoscopic treatment of splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) was performed in 1993. Since then, many papers have been published mentioning different laparoscopic treatment modalities, including splenectomy, aneurysmectomy, ligation or even occlusion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An updated literature review of the English medical literature using the following MeSH, 'Lapaorscopic splenic artery aneurysm', 'laparoscopic aneurysectomy', 'Laparoscopic Splenic artery Aneurysm Ligation' and 'Laparoscopic Splenic artery aneurysm excision' was done. Also three cases performed at our institutions are discussed, in terms of techniques, morbidity, mortality and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: About eight case series and 16 case reports were retrieved from the literature. Different techniques were described by the authors, including splenectomy, aneurysmectomy, splenic aneurysm ligation or even occlusion. Few morbidity cases were reported and none of the authors has mentioned a single mortality case. In our three cases, the postoperative course was uneventful, with good long-term results. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the variations in the adopted operative techniques, the laparoscopic approach seems to be harmless. However, no treatment algorithm or consensus has been published.

Salvage preoperative embolization of an infratemporal solitary fibrous tumor: A case report with review of the literature.

RATIONALE: Head and Neck Solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) are very rare. They could be misdiagnosed as hemangiopericytomas (HPC). PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a 60 y o lady presenting with sinonasal mass, causing recurrent profuse bleeding. DIAGNOSES: Hemangioperocytomas versus SFT were among the differentials, according to Radiological studies. Upon Biopsy, the diagnosis of SFT has been adopted. INTERVENTIONS: Salvage pre-operative embolization resulted in bleeding control, bridging the patient to surgery. OUTCOMES: Post-operative course was uneventful, and patient symptoms resolved. LESSONS: This is the first case report of a sinonasal SFT, where pre-operative embolization has been employed as a salvage procedure. This treatment modality is promising, since it controls bleeding, bridges patient to surgery and decreases blood loss during the surgical procedure.

A late unusual complication after an open cholecystectomy: Amputation neuroma of the CBD causing obstructive jaundice.

INTRODUCTION: Cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently done procedures in general surgery. There are few reports of amputation neuromas following this procedure. This presentation describes a case of obstructive jaundice due to amputation neuroma in a patient with a history of cholecystectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: We report about a 53 y o lady who presented with obstructive jaundice, 8 years following open cholecystectomy. Paraclinical investigations were in favor of cholangicarcinoma, however the final pathology revealed an amputation neuroma of the CBD. DISCUSSION: Amputation neuromas are rarely seen in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. They are benign reparative lesions of the CBD following surgery or manipulation of the extra hepatic biliary tree. It is very difficult to diagnose them pre-operatively. Surgical resection is the first choice of treatment. CONCLUSION: Traumatic neuromas should always be among the differential diagnosis, when assessing a CBD mass in patients with a previous history of open cholecystectomy or surgery to the gastrointestinal tract.

Management of acute intra-abdominal sepsis caused by leakage after one anastomosis gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Leakage after one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is fortunately rare (<1%), but it remains the most severe complication. Few published data exist on this specific issue. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the results from patients who presented with acute intra-abdominal sepsis (AIAS) caused by leakage after OAGB. SETTING: A university public hospital in France. METHODS: Between October 2006 and February 2016, 17 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of AIAS caused by leakage after OAGB were included. Preoperative characteristics, clinical symptoms, radiologic findings, management, morbidity, and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: All 17 patients were included in the study. There were 4 men (23.5%), the median age was 48 years, and median preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 51 kg/m2. The most frequent clinical sign was tachycardia (65%). An oral contrast computed tomography scan was performed in 15 patients (88%) and showed a diagnosis of AIAS in 93% of cases. The median time between OAGB and leak diagnosis was 4 days. A gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) leak was the most frequent origin (41%). Sixteen patients (94%) were managed surgically (laparotomy n = 11, laparoscopy n = 5) and one medically. There were no deaths. The overall morbidity rate was 47% (major = 41%). Six patients underwent an emergency conversion into Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (in cases of GJA, gastric-tube, and biliary-limb leakages) and were compared to 6 patients who did not undergo conversion but who could have benefited. We observed a tendency toward a reduced overall morbidity rate (16.7% versus 83.3%, P = .08) and shorter lengths of stay in the "conversion to RYGB" group. CONCLUSION: The management of AIAS caused by leakage after OAGB was safe, effective, and mostly surgical. Emergency conversion to RYGB in cases of GJA, gastric-tube, or biliary-limb perforation was feasible and safe.

Bowel obstruction secondary to an ectopic pancreas in the small bowels: About 2 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Ectopic pancreas is most commonly found in the jejunum and stomach. Most patients remain asymptomatic, and the diagnosis is usually made at autopsy or incidentally. We report here 2 cases of intestinal occlusion, secondary to an ectopic pancreatic tissue. Both cases were managed successfully by laparoscopy and laparotomy with subsequent segmental intestinal resection. CASE PRESENTATIONS: Case 1 - An elderly patient presented to the ER because of intestinal occlusion. Paraclinical investigations were consistent with occlusion, with ileal suffering signs on CT-scan. After laparotomy and segmental intestinal resection were done, histopathalogy showed evidence of ectopic pancreas obstructing the intestinal lumen. Case 2 - A young man presented to the ER with acute onset of epigastric pain. signs of peritoneal irritation. Ct-scan showed evidence of small bowel intussusception. Exploratory laparoscopy was done, and confirmed the diagnosis. The intussusceptum was at the level of the proximal jejunum. The suffering intestinal part was exteriorized and then resected. Histopathology was consistent with an ectopic pancreas. DISCUSSION: Symptomatic ectopic pancreas is extremely rare. Symptoms may include, bleeding, intestinal occlusion and intussusception. Few similar cases have been reported in the literature, and the current ones are to be added. CONCLUSION: As mentioned above, ectopic pancreatic tissue rarely causes symptoms. We presented 2 cases that presented 2 possible complications secondary to this pathology. Both cases were managed successfully.

Salvage esophagectomy after failure of definitive radiochemotherapy for esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Definitive radiochemotherapy (dRCT) in locally advanced esophageal cancer is associated with a high rate of loco-regional recurrence. In this condition, salvage esophagectomy may be considered as a therapeutic option. The aim of this analysis is to evaluate the feasibility and the morbi-mortality of this strategy. METHODS: Between January 2006 and April 2014, 208 patients underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer at ULB-Erasme-Bordet. Thirty-two patients received a preoperative radiochemotherapy (pRCT) followed by planned esophagectomy (Group 1) for locally advanced disease. Sixteen patients underwent salvage esophagectomy for recurrence or failure after dRCT (Group 2). Data on post-operative morbidity and mortality and survival were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: An increase of overall morbidity was detected in Group 2 as compared to Group 1 (43% vs. 37.5%), mainly related to respiratory complications (35.5% vs. 28%) and anastomotic leak (25% vs. 3%). No 90-days mortality was observed in the two surgical groups. The 1, 2, and 3-year survival rates after surgery were respectively 89%, 80%, and 71% for Group1 and 84%, 73%, and 63% for Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, both salvage esophagectomy and esophagectomy after pRCT showed good survival results with low postoperative morbidity and mortality. Salvage surgery remains a therapeutic indication in selected patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:833-837. © 2016 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prebiliary right hepatic artery resulting in common hepatic duct compression and subsequent intrahepatic stone formation: myth or reality?

The vascular anatomy of the liver is subjected to many variations. Aberrant hepatic artery is not an uncommon finding during visceral surgery; however, topographic variations are less reported in the literature. Prebiliary artery crossing anteriorly to the common hepatic duct was firstly reported in 1984. We present here a case of a 52-year-old lady who presented with obstructive jaundice and right upper quadrant pain. Paraclinical investigations were consistent with intrahepatic stones and a benign stricture on the CBD. During surgery, a prebiliary right hepatic artery compressing the CHD was noted. The liver pedicle was dissected and a hepaticojejunostomy was performed that resulted in a good outcome after 24 months of followup.

Complicated rectovaginal fistula secondary to Bartholin's cyst infection.

Rectovaginal fistula formation secondary to Bartholin's cyst is a very rare complication, and to date only three cases were reported in the literature. We report a case of a 32-year-old woman who suffered recurrent episodes of Bartholin's cyst infection with subsequent abscess formation that resulted in rectovaginal fistula formation. We treated her initially with transperineal repair; however, the fistulous tract recurred a month later. A laparoscopic colostomy and transperineal repair using biological graft was then performed, with excellent results. The patient underwent reversal of colostomy after 2 months, and remained asymptomatic upon follow-up 12 months later.

Idiopathic midaortic syndrome: normalization of blood pressure on medication.

Midaortic syndrome (MAS) is a rare, idiopathic condition in children usually presenting with severe hypertension. We report a case of a 13-year-old girl who presented with severe hypertension (200/110 mmHg) associated with renal artery stenosis and normal renal function (creatinine clearance 110 ml/min/1.73m(2)). Percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) was first performed, but early recurrence of hypertension occurred. Subsequent imaging evaluation demonstrated association of aortic narrowing, proximal stenosis of the left renal artery, and wall thickening of superior mesenteric artery and right common carotid artery. Although previous large-vessel arteritis cannot be absolutely excluded, a diagnosis of idiopathic MAS was made, given the absence of any other clinical signs of inflammation (C-reactive protein <0.5 mg/dl; erythrocyte sedimentation rate 5 mm/h). Medical treatment was undertaken without repeat PTA or surgery. Blood pressure control was good, and antihypertensive therapy was stopped 4 years later. At age 22, the patient was still normotensive and receiving no antihypertensive therapy; normalization of Doppler velocities in the proximal left renal artery was confirmed. In the absence of renal dysfunction or target-organ damage, medical management of hypertension in MAS is feasible without intervention if blood pressure is well controlled on two antihypertensive agents.

A case report of bilateral cervical chondrocutaneous remnants with review of the literature.

Cervical chondrocutaneous remnants are very rare entities. They are thought to originate either from the second branchial arch or from auricular tissues. To date, less than 40 cases have been reported in the medical literature, and only 7 cases were bilateral. We report the case of a 1-month-old girl presenting with bilateral neck lesions since birth, with no other anomalies. Complete surgical excision was performed, the pathology of which confirmed the diagnosis of chondrocutaneous remnants. Follow-up after 9 months showed no clinical evidence of complications or recurrence.