The epidemiology of paediatric burn injuries in Johannesburg, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Children remain the most common victim of burns in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study describes the epidemiology of paediatric burn injury among patients admitted to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. METHODS: Hospital based cross-sectional, prospective study. RESULTS: 509 patients were admitted to the unit over a 12-month period, with 482 patients included for baseline analysis. 50% of admitted patients were between 15 and 47 months with a median age of 25 months. 58% of participants were male. The predominant mechanism of injury was scalding (84%), in the winter season (32%). The most common site of burn was upper limb (75%). 63% of all admissions received first aid. Among those who received first aid, a described first aid method was provided in 74% of the cases. 226 out of 482 participants (47%) provided sociodemographic information. Access to basic amenities was high, with most admissions coming from households with access to electricity (91%). 90% of caregivers held at least a high school leaving certificate. Migrant caregivers made 19% of the caregivers, which was four times the proportion of foreign nationals counted in the national census. Most admissions (79%) were referrals from other centres as opposed to walk-ins. Severe burns were associated with thermal mechanism of injury, multiple burn sites, and receiving first aid prior to admission. CONCLUSION: Children under two years of age and children of minority groups are at greatest risk for burn injury and should therefore be targeted for injury prevention strategies and education on appropriate first aid. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: According to the Journal of pediatric Surgery, this research corresponds to Level II evidence as a prospective study with less than 80% follow-up.

Single-stage procedures for anorectal malformations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to describe all published studies of single-stage procedures for anorectal malformations and to perform a meta-analysis of studies that compared single-stage to staged procedures. METHODS: Searches were conducted in Pubmed, Medline, Embase and CENTRAL. Meta-analysis was performed in RevMan and expressed as forest plots with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, representing 537 patients. The majority (70%) of patients included in this meta-analysis had either perineal or vestibular fistulas. Surgical site infection (SSI) was defined as any reported infection involving the neoanus (both superficial infection and dehiscence) and occurred in 51 of the 291 patients who underwent single-stage procedures, and 26 of the 244 patients who underwent staged procedure. Meta-analysis showed a 2.2 times higher risk of surgical site infection (SSI) amongst patients who undergo single-stage procedures (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.26, 3.92). Six of the 293 patients (2%) who underwent single-stage procedures required a rescue ostomy for wound dehiscence. In LMIC the risk of wound dehiscence was three-fold higher in single-stage (36/202) compared to staged procedures (12/126) (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.42, 6.63). In HIC there was no evidence of an increased risk of wound dehiscence in patients who underwent a single-stage (15/91) compared to a staged procedure (14/118) (OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.65, 3.51). There is no evidence of a difference between single-stage versus staged procedures with regards to functional outcomes including voluntary bowel movements (79/90 versus 111/128), soiling (24/165 versus 20/203) or constipation (27/90 versus 36/128). CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides further evidence that single-stage procedures for selected patients with anorectal malformations are safe. Whilst there is evidence of an increased risk of SSI, this did not translate to a significant difference in long-term functional outcomes. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Paediatric Anogenital Condylomata Acuminata: An assessment of patient characteristics and the need for surgical intervention.

BACKGROUND: Anogenital Condylomata Acuminata (AGCA) are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is one of the most common sexually transmitted illnesses in adults. Although commonly seen in the paediatric population, especially in the setting of immunocompromise, literature regarding transmission, viral type and management in this population is scant. The aim of this study was to assess the profile of patients presenting with anogenital warts in light of associated immunocompromise with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). METHODS: Three years of patient records from Chis Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital were reviewed (January 2017 - December 2019). Information collected included: gender, age of presentation, age at intervention, type and duration of medical treatment, type and number of surgical interventions, HIV status, and histology results. Fisher's and Pearson's test were used to assess correlation between immune status and surgical interventions necessary. RESULTS: In the time frame considered, we treated 66 patients with AGCA . The average age was 4 years old (1-14). HIV status was recorded in 30 patients (15 positive and 15 negative). Only one patient out of 66 had a history of sexual abuse. Whilst the proportion of patients who required surgical intervention in the HIV negative and HIV positive groups was equal (2:1), the total number of surgical interventions needed to achieve clearance was significantly more in those with HIV (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: HIV positive patients with AGCA require more surgical interventions compared to HIV negative individuals. Further research will be conducted to ascertain the sub-type of HPV infection in this subset of patients and to assess if this impacts follow-up for future malignancy. Further research also needs to be conducted to ascertain whether surgical intervention should be instituted earlier in the treatment protocol for HIV positive children.

Globalization in Pediatric Surgical Training: The Benefit of an International Fellowship in a Low-to-Middle-Income Country Academic Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: A relative oversupply of pediatric surgeons led to increasing difficulties in surgical training in high-income countries (HIC), popularizing international fellowships in low-to-middle-income countries (LMIC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of an international fellowship in an LMIC for the training of pediatric surgery trainees from HICs. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed and compared the prospectively maintained surgical logbooks of international pediatric surgical trainees who completed a fellowship at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in the last 10 years. We analyzed the number of surgeries, type of involvement, and level of supervision in the operations. Data are provided in mean differences between South Africa and the respective home country. RESULTS: Seven fellows were included. Operative experience was higher in South Africa in general (Δx̅ = 381; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 236-656; p < 0.0001) and index cases (Δx̅ = 178; 95% CI: 109-279; p < 0.0001). In South Africa, fellows performed more index cases unsupervised (Δx̅ = 71; 95% CI: 42-111; p < 0.0001), but a similar number under supervision (Δx̅ = -1; 95% CI: -25-24; p = 0.901). Fellows were exposed to more surgical procedures in each pediatric surgical subspecialty. CONCLUSION: An international fellowship in a high-volume subspecialized unit in an LMIC can be highly beneficial for HIC trainees, allowing exposure to higher caseload, opportunity to operate independently, and to receive a wider exposure to the different fields of pediatric surgery. The associated benefit for the local trainees is some reduction in their clinical responsibilities due to the additional workforce, providing them with the opportunity for protected academic and research time.

Posterior Cloacal Variant with Clitorolabial Transposition and a Rectoperineal Fistula.

We present a case and discuss the management of a posterior cloacal variant not as yet described in the literature. A 5-week-old infant presented to our institution with a posterior cloacal variant and transposition of the clitoris and labia. After initial radiological investigations, staged operative intervention was performed over a 1-year period. This included an initial laparotomy (with drainage of hydrocolpos and formation of a colostomy), a left ureteric reimplantation and a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty due to a rectoperineal fistula. The child is under continued long-term follow-up by our specialist pediatric surgical team.

Treating pediatric colorectal patients in low and middle income settings: Creative adaptation to the resources available.

Colorectal disease profiles for children in low- and middle-income settings (LMIC) are characterized by late presentation, increased complications and limited follow-up in many cases. There is a high prevalence of infectious conditions causing secondary colorectal disease such as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis(TB), Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV) and Human Papilloma Virus(HPV), which also impact the management of other primary colorectal conditions, such as wound-healing and intestinal anastomosis. Perineal trauma from sexual assault, motor vehicle or pedestrian accidents, burns, and traditional enemas are commonly encountered and may require adaptation of principles used in treatment of congenital anomalies such as Hirschsprung's disease and Anorectal Malformations for reconstruction. Endemic conditions in certain LMIC require further research to delineate underlying causes and optimize management, such as "African" degenerative visceral leiomyopathy, congenital pouch colon in the Indian subcontinent, and congenital H-type rectal fistulae prevalent in Asia. These unique disease profiles require creative adaptations of resources within poor healthcare infrastructure settings. These special challenges and pitfalls in colorectal care and complications of adverse socioeconomic conditions, are discussed.

Devastating Outcomes of Traditional Enemas: Unusual Indications for Well-Known Operations.

Background Despite serious health risks having been described, traditional enemas are still often used in African traditional medicine. We aim to report two cases of complications secondary to traditional enemas, to illustrate how severe the injuries can be, and to describe the use of a Swenson type endoanal pull-through and a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) as surgical options. Case Description A 2-year-old girl presented with a necrotic rectum after a traditional enema administration. At admission, she required a laparotomy, colostomy fashioning, and extensive debridement of her rectum and perineum. She subsequently had a pull-through of the descending colon using a PSARP approach, a covering loop ileostomy, and a Malone Antegrade Continence Enema. The ileostomy was reversed at the age of 3 years of age and she is now clean with rectal washouts. The second case was a one- and a half-year-old boy with full-thickness burns to the perineum and rectum secondary to a hot-water enema. A colostomy was initially brought out and pulled through 7 months post the initial surgery. He is now growing well and is fully continent to stools. Conclusions The potential complications associated with the practice of administering at-home enemas can be quite devastating. A transanal pull-through and a PSARP have been proven to be successful techniques in patients who have suffered rectal burns due to traditional enemas.

Regenerative capacity of the enteric nervous system: is immaturity defining the point of no return?

BACKGROUND: Intestinal obstruction in newborns is associated with intestinal motility disorders after surgery. Alterations in the enteric nervous system (ENS) might cause abnormal peristalsis, which may then result in intestinal motility disorders. We aimed to quantify alterations in the myenteric plexus after a ligation and to test if these alterations were reversible. METHODS: Small intestines of chicken embryos were ligated in ovo at embryonic day (ED) 11 for either 4 d (ED 11-15) or 8 d (ED 11-19). Both treated groups and control group were sacrificed and intestinal segments examined by means of both light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: The number of proximal myenteric ganglia increased (ED 19, 30.7 ± 3.16 versus 23.1 ± 2.03; P < 0.001) in the 8-d ligature group but had values similar to the control group in the 4-d ligature group. The size distribution was skewed toward small ganglia in the 8-d ligature group (ED 19, 83.71 ± 11.60% versus 3.88 ± 4.74% in the control group; P < 0.001) but comparable with the control group in the 4-d ligature group. Subcellular alterations in the 4-d ligature group were reversible. CONCLUSIONS: The pathologic alterations in the ENS were fully reversible in the 4-d ligature group. This reversibility might be linked to the degree of immaturity of the ENS.

Reversible small bowel obstruction in the chicken foetus.

BACKGROUND: Ligation of the embryonic gut is an established technique to induce intestinal obstruction and subsequently intestinal atresia in chicken embryos. In this study, we modified this established chicken model of prenatal intestinal obstruction to describe (1) the kinetics of morphological changes, (2) to test if removal of the ligature in ovo is possible in later embryonic development and (3) to describe morphological adaptations following removal of the ligature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On embryonic day (ED) 11, small intestines of chick embryos were ligated micro surgically in ovo. In Group 1 (n = 80) gut was harvested proximal and distal to the ligation on ED 12-19. In Group 2 (n = 20) the induced obstruction was released on day 15 and gut was harvested on ED 16-19. Acetyl choline esterase staining was used as to assess resulting morphological changes. RESULTS: A marked intestinal dilatation of the proximal segment can be seen 4 days after the operation (ED 15). The dilatation increased in severity until ED 19 and intestinal atresia could be observed after ED 16. In the dilated proximal segments, signs of disturbed enteric nervous system morphology were obvious. In contrast to this, release of the obstruction on ED 15 in Group 2 resulted in almost normal gut morphology at ED 19. CONCLUSION: Our model not only allows the description of morphological changes caused by an induced obstruction on ED 11 but also-more important - of morphological signs of adaptation following the release of the obstruction on ED 15.

Repair of tracheo-oesophageal fistula secondary to button battery ingestion: A combined cervical and median sternotomy approach.

A three-year-old child developed a large tracheo-oesophageal fistula secondary to a button battery being lodged in the upper oesophagus for 36 hours. The diagnosis was confirmed with a contrast swallow. Operative access was gained through a combined right cervical incision and complete median sternotomy. Repair of the fistula required a segmental resection of both the trachea and oesophagus followed by primary anastomosis.

Paediatric pancreatic trauma: A review of the literature and results of a multicentre survey on patient management.

BACKGROUND: It is generally accepted that paediatric solid organ injury should be treated conservatively, unless there is haemodynamic instability unresponsive to resuscitation. When it comes to pancreatic trauma, there is much debate about appropriate management. OBJECTIVES: To review the literature and determine how pancreatic trauma is managed in South African (SA) tertiary institutions and compares with international standards. METHOD: A survey was emailed to 45 paediatric surgical consultants working in various paediatric surgical units in SA, Italy, England and Australia. The questionnaire comprised two scenarios of isolated pancreatic trauma (grade III), the main difference between them being the time interval between initial injury and presentation. In the first scenario, the patient presented 6 hours post injury whereas in the second scenario, the patient presented 6 days post initial injury. The survey enquired about diagnosis and subsequent work-up (including preferred imaging techniques), supportive management (including nutrition), the various options of definitive intervention and follow-up procedure. RESULTS: There were 21 responders from four different countries. In the first scenario, 10 surgeons would operate, 8 would treat conservatively and 3 would perform an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) and stent. In the second scenario, 4 surgeons would operation, 13 would treat conservatively and 4 would undertake ERCP with stent. There was no difference in management between the SA surgeons and their international counterparts. CONCLUSION: Management of blunt pancreatic trauma in SA is consistent with that reported in the literature. There is still controversy regarding the optimal management of pancreatic injury involving ducts. No absolute algorithm can be used to treat these patients. All patients should be treated individually and managed with an approach and techniques that are feasible.

A prospective assessment of renal oxygenation in children undergoing laparoscopy using near-infrared spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to determine whether a decrease in renal oxygenation occurs during CO2 pneumoperitoneum in children with normal renal function undergoing laparoscopy. METHODS: Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) probes were applied to both the lateral flank (T10-L2) and lateral cerebral area of all patients with normal renal function undergoing a laparoscopic procedure. Information was recorded in 5-s intervals for 15-min before, during, and for 15-min after pneumoperitoneum insufflation and desufflation. Simultaneously, additional hemodynamic parameters (arterial saturation, mean arterial pressure, end tidal CO2, and urine output) were recorded every 5-min. Pneumoperitoneum pressures used were: 0-1 month old, <6 mmHg; 2-12 months old, <8 mmHg; 1-2 years old, <10 mmHg, and 2-8 years old, <12 mmHg. The lowest possible pressure was used to obtain adequate vision. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in the study. Renal regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) did not decrease significantly between baseline (preinsufflation), insufflation, and desufflation of the pneumoperitoneum (p = 0.343). Meta-analysis of this data demonstrated a pooled weighted difference of -1.4 (-3.5 to 0.54), confirming no significant change. A significant increase in cerebral rSO2 occurred during the insufflation period of the CO2 pneumoperitoneum (p = 0.001). Heart rate (F = 11.05; p < 0.001) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (F = 19.2; p < 0.001) also increased significantly during the laparoscopy. No significant correlation was identified between fluid input and urine output during the laparoscopy (r = 0.012; p = 0.953). CONCLUSIONS: Renal hypoxia does not occur during laparoscopic surgery in children if the minimum age-appropriate intra-abdominal pressures are used. Alternative causes must account for the oliguria and anuria demonstrated in children undergoing laparoscopy.