Intestinal obstruction as a result of intra-abdominal hematoma: a complication of low molecular weight heparin in pediatric patients. / Obstrucción intestinal por hematoma intraabdominal: una complicación de la heparina de bajo peso molecular en el paciente pediátrico.

INTRODUCTION: Hematomas are a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. Subcutaneous heparin can bring about direct punctures on small bowel loops, potentially leading to traumatic hematoma and intestinal obstruction. CASE REPORTS: We present three cases of pediatric patients with clinical signs of intestinal obstruction treated with subcutaneous heparin. Two cases had increased acute-phase reactants and radiological signs of intestinal suffering, so surgical treatment was decided upon, with intramural hematoma emerging as an intraoperative finding. The third case was conservatively managed with anticoagulant discontinuation and gut rest, since the patient had an adequate general condition and no findings compatible with ischemia or necrosis were noted in the complementary tests. DISCUSSION: The administration of subcutaneous heparin may cause intestinal wall hematomas due to its anticoagulating effect and to the risk of inadvertent punctures on small bowel loops.

INTRODUCCION: Los hematomas son una causa poco frecuente de obstrucción intestinal. La heparina subcutánea tiene riesgo de producir la punción directa de un asa intestinal, provocando un hematoma traumático que genere una obstrucción intestinal. CASOS CLINICOS: Se describen tres casos de pacientes pediátricos con clínica de obstrucción intestinal en tratamiento con heparina subcutánea. Dos casos presentaron elevación de reactantes de fase aguda y signos radiológicos de sufrimiento intestinal por lo que se optó por tratamiento quirúrgico, con el hallazgo intraoperatorio de hematoma intramural. El tercer caso fue manejado de manera conservadora con supresión de la anticoagulación y reposo intestinal, dado el adecuado estado general y ausencia de hallazgos compatibles con isquemia o necrosis en las pruebas complementarias. COMENTARIOS: La administración de heparina subcutánea puede provocar la aparición de hematomas de pared intestinal, tanto por su efecto anticoagulante, como por el riesgo de punción inadvertida de un asa intestinal.

Obstrucción intestinal por hematoma intraabdominal: una complicación de la heparina de bajo peso molecular en el paciente pediátrico / Intestinal obstruction as a result of intra-abdominal hematoma: a complication of low molecular weight heparin in pediatric patients

Introducción: Los hematomas son una causa poco frecuente deobstrucción intestinal. La heparina subcutánea tiene riesgo de producirla punción directa de un asa intestinal, provocando un hematoma trau-mático que genere una obstrucción intestinal. Casos clínicos: Se describen tres casos de pacientes pediátricos conclínica de obstrucción intestinal en tratamiento con heparina subcutánea.Dos casos presentaron elevación de reactantes de fase aguda y signosradiológicos de sufrimiento intestinal por lo que se optó por tratamientoquirúrgico, con el hallazgo intraoperatorio de hematoma intramural. Eltercer caso fue manejado de manera conservadora con supresión de laanticoagulación y reposo intestinal, dado el adecuado estado generaly ausencia de hallazgos compatibles con isquemia o necrosis en laspruebas complementarias. Comentarios: La administración de heparina subcutánea puedeprovocar la aparición de hematomas de pared intestinal, tanto por suefecto anticoagulante, como por el riesgo de punción inadvertida deun asa intestinal.(AU)

Introduction: Hematomas are a rare cause of intestinal obstruc-tion. Subcutaneous heparin can bring about direct punctures on smallbowel loops, potentially leading to traumatic hematoma and intestinalobstruction. Case reports: We present three cases of pediatric patients withclinical signs of intestinal obstruction treated with subcutaneous heparin. Two cases had increased acute-phase reactants and radiological signsof intestinal suffering, so surgical treatment was decided upon, withintramural hematoma emerging as an intraoperative finding. The thirdcase was conservatively managed with anticoagulant discontinuationand gut rest, since the patient had an adequate general condition andno findings compatible with ischemia or necrosis were noted in thecomplementary tests. Discussion: The administration of subcutaneous heparin may causeintestinal wall hematomas due to its anticoagulating effect and to therisk of inadvertent punctures on small bowel loops.(AU)

Analysis of esthetic assessment scales in two surgical approaches for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. / Evaluación de escalas de valoración estética en dos abordajes quirúrgicos para la estenosis hipertrófica de píloro.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is a frequent pathology in neonates, with extramucosal pyloromyotomy being a healing surgery. It may be performed through a transverse subcostal incision (TSI) or a transumbilical incision (TUI). OBJECTIVE: To compare complications, operating times, hospital stay, and esthetic results between both techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive study of patients undergoing HPS surgery between January 2010 and January 2020 was carried out. Qualitative variables (sex and complications) were expressed as absolute frequency and percentage, whereas quantitative variables (age at surgery, operating time, hospital stay, and scar esthetic assessment scales: MVSS [Modified Vancouver Scar Scale] and P-SAS [Patient Scar Assessment Scale]) were expressed as median and interquartile range. RESULTS: 107 patients were analyzed: TSI (60.7%, n = 65) vs. TUI (39.3%, n = 42). Male patients: 89.2%, n = 58 vs. 83.3%, n = 35; age (days): 31 (24.5-39.5) vs. 34.5 (29.5-47.25); operating time (minutes): 41 (33.75-60) vs. 46 (38.5-60); and hospital stay (days): 2 (2-4) vs. 3 (2-3). Clavien-Dindo grade II complications were more frequent in the TUI Group (1.54%, n = 1 vs. 23.81%, n = 10; p <0.001), with most of them being wound infections. The opinion regarding the scar according to the MVSS scale was better in the TUI Group (1.5 [0-4] vs. 0 [0-2]; p = 0.022). No significant differences were found in the P-SAS scale (10 (6-18) vs. 6 (6-9); p = 0.060). CONCLUSIONS: TUI is preferred from an esthetic point of view, and even though surgical wound infections are more frequent, it is not associated with longer operating times, longer hospital stay, or severe complications.

INTRODUCCION: La estenosis hipertrófica de píloro (EHP) es una patología frecuente en neonatos donde la piloromiotomía extramucosa es una cirugía curativa. Puede realizarse a través de una incisión transversa subcostal (IT) o una incisión transumbilical (ITU). OBJETIVO: Comparar complicaciones, tiempo quirúrgico y de hospitalización y resultado estético entre ambas técnicas. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en pacientes intervenidos de EHP entre enero 2010-2020. Variables cualitativas (sexo y complicaciones) expresadas mediante frecuencia absoluta y porcentaje; y cuantitativas (edad en cirugía, tiempo operatorio, días de hospitalización y escalas de estética de cicatrices: MVSS (Modified Vancouver Scar Scale) y P-SAS (Patient Scar Assessment Scale)) expresadas mediante mediana y rango intercuartílico. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 107 pacientes: IT (60,7%, n = 65) vs. ITU (39,3%, n = 42): varones (89,2%, n = 58 vs. 83,3%, n = 35), días de vida (31 [24,5-39,5] vs. 34,5 [29,5-47,25]), tiempo quirúrgico (41 [33,75-60] vs. 46 [38,5-60] minutos) y días de hospitalización (2 [2-4] vs. 3 [2-3]). Las complicaciones Clavien-Dindo II fueron más frecuentes en el grupo ITU (1,54%, n = 1 vs. 23,81%, n = 10; p <0,001), siendo la mayoría infecciones de la herida. En el grupo ITU presentaban una mejor opinión sobre la cicatriz en la escala MVSS (1,5 [0-4] vs. 0 [0-2]; p = 0,022). La escala P-SAS no alcanzó diferencias significativas (10 [6-18] vs. 6 [6-9]; p = 0,060). CONCLUSIONES: La ITU es mejor aceptada a nivel estético y, aunque presenta más infecciones de herida quirúrgica, no precisa más tiempo quirúrgico o de ingreso, ni asocia complicaciones graves.

Evaluación de escalas de valoración estética en dos abordajes quirúrgicos para la estenosis hipertrófica de píloro / Analysis of esthetic assessment scales in two surgical approaches for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

Introducción: La estenosis hipertrófica de píloro (EHP) es una patología frecuente en neonatos donde la piloromiotomía extramucosa es una cirugía curativa. Puede realizarse a través de una incisión transversa subcostal (IT) o una incisión transumbilical (ITU). Objetivo. Comparar complicaciones, tiempo quirúrgico y de hospitalización y resultado estético entre ambas técnicas. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en pacientes intervenidos de EHP entre enero 2010-2020. Variables cualitativas (sexo y complicaciones) expresadas mediante frecuencia absoluta y porcentaje; y cuantitativas (edad en cirugía, tiempo operatorio, días de hospitalización y escalas de estética de cicatrices: MVSS [Modified Vancouver Scar Scale] y P-SAS [Patient Scar Assessment Scale]) expresadas mediante mediana y rango intercuartílico. Resultados:S e analizaron 107 pacientes: IT (60,7%, n = 65) vs. ITU (39,3%, n = 42): varones (89,2%, n = 58 vs. 83,3%, n = 35), días de vida (31 [24,5-39,5] vs. 34,5 [29,5-47,25]), tiempo quirúrgico (41 [33,75-60] vs. 46 [38,5-60] minutos) y días de hospitalización (2 [2-4] vs. 3 [2-3]). Las complicaciones Clavien-Dindo II fueron más frecuentes en el grupo ITU (1,54%, n = 1 vs. 23,81%, n = 10; p < 0,001), siendo la mayoría infecciones de la herida. En el grupo ITU presentaban una mejor opinión sobre la cicatriz en la escala MVSS (1,5 [0-4] vs. 0 [0-2]; p = 0,022). La escala P-SAS no alcanzó diferencias significativas (10 [6-18] vs. 6 [6-9]; p = 0,060). Conclusiones: La ITU es mejor aceptada a nivel estético y, aunque presenta más infecciones de herida quirúrgica, no precisa más tiempo quirúrgico o de ingreso, ni asocia complicaciones graves.(AU)

Introduction: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is a frequent pathology in neonates, with extramucosal pyloromyotomy being a healing surgery. It may be performed through a transverse subcostal incision (TSI) or a transumbilical incision (TUI). Objective: To compare complications, operating times, hospital stay, and esthetic results between both techniques. Materials and methods: A retrospective, descriptive study of patients undergoing HPS surgery between January 2010 and January 2020 was carried out. Qualitative variables (sex and complications) were expressed as absolute frequency and percentage, whereas quantitative variables (age at surgery, operating time, hospital stay, and scar esthetic assessment scales: MVSS [Modified Vancouver Scar Scale] and P-SAS [Patient Scar Assessment Scale]) were expressed as median and interquartile range. Results: 107 patients were analyzed: TSI (60.7%, n = 65) vs. TUI (39.3%, n = 42). Male patients: 89.2%, n = 58 vs. 83.3%, n = 35; age (days): 31 (24.5-39.5) vs. 34.5 (29.5-47.25); operating time (minutes): 41 (33.75-60) vs. 46 (38.5-60); and hospital stay (days): 2 (2-4) vs. 3 (2-3). Clavien-Dindo grade II complications were more frequent in the TUI Group (1.54%, n = 1 vs. 23.81%, n = 10; p < 0.001), with most of them being wound infections. The opinion regarding the scar according to the MVSS scale was better in the TUI Group (1.5 [0-4] vs. 0 [0-2]; p = 0.022). No significant differences were found in the P-SAS scale(10 (6-18) vs. 6 (6-9); p = 0.060). Conclusions: TUI is preferred from an esthetic point of view, and even though surgical wound infections are more frequent, it is not associated with longer operating times, longer hospital stay, or severe complications.(AU)

Thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair: learning curve analysis using Clavien-Dindo surgical complication classification. / Corrección toracoscópica de la atresia de esófago: análisis de la curva de aprendizaje con la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo de complicaciones quirúrgicas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair program by comparing it with a historic patient cohort. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. Surgery group: thoracoscopic surgery patients. Control group: open repair patients, with weight and gestational age in the same range as the surgery cohort. Minimal weight for thoracoscopic surgery was 1,700 g. Adverse effects were recorded using Clavien-Dindo classification. Complication odds ratio was calculated. Statistical significance was established at p< 0.05. RESULTS: From January 2006 to December of 2019, 40 cases of esophageal atresia (Gross type C) were recorded, 10 of which were excluded. The study consisted of 12 patients in the surgery group and 18 patients in the control group. Groups were similar in terms of sex, gestational age, and weight at birth. In the surgery group, mean operating time was significantly longer (146 min vs. 213 min.; T test = -4.76; p = 0.0001) and it was correlated with the case number (Spearman's Rho: -0.853; p = 0.0001). 16 patients (52%) developed 19 complications: 3 (16%) grade I complications, 8 (42%) grade II complications, 5 (26.5%) grade IIIa complications, 1 (5%) grade IIIb complication, and 2 (10.5%) IVa complications, with a similar distribution between groups (Chi square: 1.98; p = 0.73). Odds ratio for adverse effect occurrence showed no differences (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 0.48-11.93; p = 0.44) even when excluding patients with isolated grade I complication (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 0.32-6.10; p = 0.72). Complications in the surgery group occurred in the first 5 cases only. CONCLUSIONS: In the thoracoscopic approach, learning curve associated morbidity seems limited to operating time and has a complication rate similar to that of open surgery.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar un programa de corrección toracoscópica de atresia de esófago comparándola con una cohorte histórica de pacientes. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivas. Grupo intervención: pacientes intervenidos por vía toracoscópica; grupo control: pacientes con corrección abierta, con peso y edad gestacional en el mismo rango que la cohorte intervención. El peso mínimo para la cirugía toracoscópica fue de 1.700 g. Los efectos adversos se registraron mediante la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. Se calculó la odds ratio del evento complicación. Una p< 0,05 se consideró estadísticamente significativa. RESULTADOS: Entre enero de 2006 y diciembre de 2019 se registraron 40 casos de atresia de esófago (tipo C de Gross). Diez pacientes se excluyeron del análisis, analizándose 12 pacientes en el grupo intervención y 18 en el grupo control. Los grupos fueron comparables respecto a sexo, edad gestacional y peso al nacimiento. En el grupo intervención el tiempo quirúrgico medio fue significativamente superior (146 min vs. 213 min; t test = -4,76; p = 0,0001) y se correlacionó con el número de caso (Rho de Spearman: -0,853; p = 0,0001). Dieciséis pacientes (52%) desarrollaron 19 complicaciones: 3 (16%) grado I, 8 (42%) grado II, 5 (26,5%) grado IIIa, 1 (5%) grado IIIb y 2 (10,5%) grado IVa; con una distribución similar entre grupos (Chi cuadrado:1,98; p = 0,73). La odds ratio para la presentación de un efecto adverso no mostró diferencias (OR: 2,4; IC 95%: 0,48-11,93; p = 0,44) incluso cuando se excluyeron los pacientes con complicación grado I aislada (OR: 1,4; IC 95%: 0,32-6,10; p = 0,72). Las complicaciones en el grupo intervención se concentraron en los primeros 5 casos.. CONCLUSIONES: En el abordaje toracoscópico la morbilidad asociada a la curva de aprendizaje parece limitada al tiempo operatorio y a una tasa de complicaciones similar a la de la cirugía abierta.

[Evaluation of redundancy of tests in acute appendicitis]. / Evaluación de la redundancia de pruebas en la apendicitis aguda.

AIM: Evaluation of the redundancy of abdominal ultrasound tests in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in a third level hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients treated for suspected acute appendicitis in 2011 at our center. The variables of the study were: age, origin of the patient, blood count, number of ultrasounds performed, surgery and final diagnosis based on surgical findings. We defined as redundant ultrasound the request for a new ultrasound in patients with a final diagnosis of appendicitis and previous positive ultrasound.nd total expressed as percentage of observed / expected lung volume (VPT o/e) and percentage of herniated liver (PHH). We studied: survival, ECMO and associated malformations. RESULTS: 340 patients with a mean age of 9.4 years (range 2-13) were analyzed, 278 of whom had appendicitis and 62 non-specific abdominal pain. 246 were derived from other centers of which 217 (88%) provided an ultrasound. Of the 198 patients referred with positive ultrasound, 76 cases were repeated, of which 78.9% can be considered as redundant. From the total of patients with appendicitis, 29.6% were operated on with 2 or more ultrasounds. Leukocytosis was not found to influence ultrasound redundancy (15,600 vs 15,100, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 78.9% of the duplicate ultrasounds do not fit the definition of rational use of a diagnostic test. The greater request for ultrasound is not attributable to differences on the blood test results, nevertheless the origin of the patient seems to influence in that request.

OBJETIVO: Evaluación de la redundancia de la ecografía abdominal en el diagnóstico de la apendicitis aguda en un hospital de tercer nivel. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes atendidos por sospecha de apendicitis aguda en el año 2011 en nuestro centro. Las variables del estudio fueron: edad, origen del paciente, hemograma, número de ecografías realizadas, cirugía y diagnóstico final en función de los hallazgos quirúrgicos. Definimos como ecografía redundante la solicitud de una nueva ecografía en pacientes con diagnóstico final de apendicitis y ecografía previa positiva. RESULTADOS: 340 pacientes con una edad media de 9,4 años (rango 2-13) de los cuales 278 tuvieron apendicitis y 62 dolor abdominal inespecífico. 246 fueron derivados de otros centros de los que 217 (88%) aportaban una ecografía. De los 198 pacientes remitidos con ecografía positiva se repitió en 76 casos, de las cuales el 78,9% pueden considerarse redundantes. Del total de pacientes con apendicitis, el 29,6% se operó con 2 o más ecografías. No se halló que la leucocitosis influyera en la redundancia de pruebas (15.600 vs 15.100, p > 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: El 78,9% de las ecografías duplicadas no se ajusta a la definición de uso racional de una prueba diagnóstica. La mayor solicitud de ecografías no es atribuible a diferencias en los resultados analíticos, sin embargo, la procedencia del paciente podría influir en dicha solicitud.

Multicystic dysplastic kidney: Assessment of the need for renal scintigraphy and the safety of conservative treatment. / Displasia renal multiquística: evaluación de la necesidad de la gammagrafía renal y seguridad del tratamiento conservador.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the need for implementing renal scintigraphy in the diagnosis of the multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) and the safety of its conservative treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with unilateral MCDK was conducted at our centre from January 2005 to August 2015. We calculated the positive predictive value (PPV) of ultrasonography, taking renal scintigraphy and pathology as the gold standard. We calculated a survival curve according to the Kaplan-Meier method to assess the annual probability of spontaneous resolution of the multicystic kidney. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were identified, 48 (85.7%) of whom had a prenatal diagnosis. Thirty eight (67.9%) of the patients were males, and the left side was affected in 33 (58.9%) of the patients. We observed associated urological abnormalities in 22 (39.29%) patients, with vesicoureteral reflux the most common (8, 14.29%). Seven patients (12.5%) developed renal failure. Forty-nine (87.5%) patients developed compensatory contralateral renal hypertrophy. Of the 33 patients who underwent surgery, the pathology results confirmed the MCDK diagnosis in 32. Compared with scintigraphy and pathology, the PPV of ultrasonography was 100% and 97%, respectively. The rate of spontaneous involution was 5.4% at 3 months of life, 11.3% at 2 years and 38.4% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the conservative treatment of MCDK, until at least 5 years of age, is safe. Our data suggest that performing scintigraphy is not required for these patients, which means lower radiation exposure, as well as financial savings.

[Is the awareness of the risk of nuts aspiration related to the occupation of parents?]. / ¿Influye la profesión de los padres en la concienciación del riesgo de aspiración de frutos secos?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the social awareness of the risk of nuts aspiration and the relationship with the occupation of parents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2013 to January 2014, a self-designed survey was distributed to 247 parents of patients under 14 years admitted to our centre, regardless of the reason for admission. The statistical significance was calculated using confidence intervals (CI). The Pearson Chi-square test was used to analyse the ignorance of this problem depending on the educational level extrapolated from the occupation of respondents. RESULTS: 247 parents responded to the survey. 60.3% (95% CI 54.1-66.2%) confirmed that nuts were included in birthday parties. 30.4% (95% CI 25-36.4%) confirmed that celebrations with nuts at their children's nursery were made. 42.1% (95% CI 36.1-48.3%) believed that nuts were harmless for their young children. The age of administration of nuts was independent on the educational level extrapolated of parents (χ2 = 10.721, p = 0.295), although it did influence on the ignorance of the danger of nuts (41.2% (95% CI 30.3-53%) of respondents with occupations that required higher educational level compared to 55.4% (95% CI 42.4-67.6%) of those with occupation that required less educational level (χ2 = 14.678, p = 0.002)). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the occupation, there is widespread ignorance concerning the age of introduction of nuts in children's diet. Given the incidence and severity of the risk of aspiration, more prevention programs are necessary, and Health Authorities should take side in public awareness of this problem.

[Intestinal volvulus due to yeyunal duplication]. / Vólvulo intestinal secundario a duplicación yeyunal.

Duplications of the alimentary tract are congenital malformations. The ileum is the most commonly affected organ. A lot of duplications are incidentally diagnosed but most of patients present a combination of pain or complications such as obstructive symptoms, intestinal intussusception, perforation or volvulus. We report the case of a 6-years-old girl, with intermittent abdominal pain and vomits for two months long. Laboratory work was completely normal and in the radiology analysis (abdominal sonography and magnetic resonance) a cystic image with intestinal volvulus was observed. The patient underwent laparotomy, Ladd's procedure was done and the cyst was resected. In conclusion, if a patient is admitted with abdominal pain and obstructive symptoms, it is important to consider duplication of the alimentary tract as a possible diagnosis.