Optical Trocar Access for Retroperitoneal Robotic-Assisted Pyeloplasty in Children with Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction.

Purpose: Retroperitoneal robotic-assisted pyeloplasty (ret-RAP) for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) requires a larger retroperitoneal space (RS) to maintain specified distances between robotic (da Vinci) trocars and between trocars and the region of interest. A modified closed technique (MOT) and conventional closed technique (COT) were compared for creating an adequate RS with optical trocars. Methods: RS access in children with UPJO who underwent ret-RAP (n = 30) was MOT (n = 15) and COT (n = 15). All patients were positioned laterally. For MOT, a 5 mm optical trocar was inserted at the angle formed between the 12th rib and the erector spinae muscles. As the trocar was advanced under direct vision, it pierced the superficial subcutaneous layer, Scarpa's fascia, lumbar fascia, internal/external oblique and transversus abdominalis muscles, and the posterior renal fascia. Once in the RS, the tip of the scope was used for blunt dissection of perirenal fat, the tip was withdrawn until it was outside the perirenal fascia, and used to dissect toward the anterior abdomen in the pararenal fat layer. Results: Ages and weights at ret-RAP were similar (MOT: 5.6 ± 1.8 years versus COT: 7.8 ± 4.6 years; MOT: 20.6 ± 10.1 kg versus COT: 27.6 ± 13.9 kg). Times for RS access were similar (MOT: 1.6 ± 0.5 minutes versus COT: 1.9 ± 0.7 minutes), but RS expansion was significantly quicker in MOT (32.3 ± 8.7 minutes versus 52.0 ± 15.1 minutes; P < .001). Peritoneal injury caused carbon dioxide leakage in 4 of 15 COT cases and 0 of 15 MOT cases. Conclusion: RS expansion with MOT was safer because there were no peritoneal injuries and MOT was quicker than COT.

Advantages of Urethroplasty Terminating at the Corona for Severe Hypospadias: Complications, Uroflowmetry, and Esthetics.

PURPOSE: Mid-shaft/proximal (msp) and penoscrotal/scrotal/perineal (pssp) hypospadias treated by urethroplasty (UP) terminating at the corona (UPC) or UP terminating at the tip of the glans (UPG) were compared. METHODS: UP performed at a single institute (n = 234) between 2003 and 2020 were grouped as: msp-UPC (n = 23), msp-UPG (n = 75), pssp-UPC (n = 81), and pssp-UPG (n = 55) to compare data obtained from medical records for post-UP complications (PUC; urethral stenosis, urethrocutaneous fistula, diverticulum formation, and bleeding; n = 234), post-UP uroflowmetry (PUF; average flow rate (Qave), maximum flow rate (Qmax), voiding time (VT), voided volume (VV) and urine flow curves) in 57 UP patients [msp-UPC (n = 5), msp-UPG (n = 12), pssp-UPC (n = 32), pssp-UPG (n = 8)] and 9 controls, and post-UPC esthetics (EST; n = 104). P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Mean ages at UP (years) were: msp-UPC (3.1 ± 3.0), msp-UPG (3.3 ± 1.4), pssp-UPC (4.6 ± 2.4), and pssp-UPG (3.4 ± 1.4); p < 0.0001 by ANOVA test. Overall, there were significantly more PUC in pssp-UPG compared with pssp-UPC except for bleeding. Ages at PUF assessment were similar. Mean Qave (mL/s) for pssp-UPG (4.0 ± 1.0) was significantly less than pssp-UPC (5.9 ± 2.5; p < 0.05) and both were significantly less than controls (6.9 ± 1.8; p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Mean Qmax (mL/s) for pssp-UPC (11.4 ± 4.8) was significantly better than pssp-UPG (7.8 ± 2.3; p < 0.05) and for controls (14.9 ± 4.4) was significantly better than pssp-UPG (7.8 ± 2.3; p < 0.01). All VT (seconds) were similar to controls; all urine flow curves were normal. For EST in UPC (n = 104), 3 cases requested meatal advancement. CONCLUSIONS: UPC may be a valid option for treating pssp hypospadias because of significant differences in PUC/PUF and minimal EST issues compared with UPG. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognosis Study Level-Ⅱ.

A Pilot Study to Determine the Role of Spatulating the Ureter During Pyeloplasty in Children for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in the Robotic Era.

Purpose: Spatulation during ureteropelvic junction obstruction repair was evaluated in children treated by robot-assisted retroperitoneal pyeloplasty anastomosis (RRPA). Methods: Intraoperative video recordings (IVRs) of RRPA (n = 22 ureters) performed at a single institute between 2018 and 2022 were reviewed blindly by 5 independent surgeons for perceived difficulty of suturing (DOS; 5 = impossible; 4 = difficult; 3 = tedious; 2 = slow; 1 = easy) and spatulation ranking as superior (+1), inferior (-1), or unnecessary (0). The retroperitoneal space was accessed in the lateral decubitus position using a closed technique under direct vision to avoid air leakage and subcutaneous emphysema. All subjects had a Double-J stent (4.7F) placed. Results: Subjects had similar demographics and preoperative ureter diameters. IVRs were RRPA with spatulation of the ureter on the lateral side (RRPA +SP) (n = 13) and RRPA without spatulation of the ureter (RRPA -SP) (n = 9). Overall DOS scores and coefficients of variation for time taken to place one suture were similar. Total anastomotic time was significantly shorter for RRPA -SP; 67.9 ± 8.4 minutes versus 57.9 ± 9.2 minutes, P = .01. Overall spatulation ranking was 0. Postoperative scanning showed improved drainage in 12 of 13 (92%) in RRPA +SP and 8 of 9 (88%) in RRPA -SP; differences were not significant. One anastomotic stricture in RRPA -SP required open repair. Conclusions: RRPA was quicker and more precise without spatulation. Outcomes of scanning 1 year after RRPA were similar for RRPA -SP and RRPA +SP.

Comparison of robotic assistance and laparoscopy for pediatric choledochal cyst: advantages of robotic assistance.

AIM: Surgery for pediatric choledochal cyst (CC), complete excision (CE), and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis (HJA) can be performed using laparoscopy (Lap), robotic-assistance (Rob; da Vinci Xi/Si), or both (Lap/Rob). METHODS: Lap was used exclusively between 2009 and 2021 (n = 31) and Rob was introduced in 2017 (n = 23). All subjects were matched for age, weight, BMI, and episodes of preoperative pancreatitis. For Rob, the first 15/23 were Lap-CE/Rob-HJA and the last 8/23 were Rob-CE/Rob-HJA. RESULTS: Total anastomotic time (TAT), TAT per suture during HJA, and time taken for dissection during CE were significantly shorter with less variance for Rob, although overall operative times were similar. Serum amylase on postoperative days 3, 5, and 7 were significantly higher for Lap. Times taken to ambulate, for return of bowel sounds, and discharge home were all significantly shorter for Rob. All postoperative complications occurred after Lap; HJA leak (n = 1; 3.2%), HJA stricture (n = 1; 3.2%), both treated by open re-HJA; and pancreatic fistula (n = 6; 19%), all treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: Dissection and recovery were faster with Rob while overcoming Lap-associated shortcomings to prevent complications associated with suturing. Both CE and HJA were safer and more reliable with Rob, a reflection of Rob's superiority.

Retroperitoneoscopic Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Children: Value of Robotic Assistance.

AIM: Retroperitoneal pyeloplasty (RP) for pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) performed using retroperitoneoscopy (retro-RP) or robotic assistance (robo-RP) were compared. METHODS: All subjects were Japanese, matched for age, weight, and RP diameters. All RP were performed in the lateral decubitus position at a single institute by the same team using identical protocols. Five independent surgeons were asked to score intraoperative video recordings for perceived difficulty of suturing (DOS; 5 = impossible; 4 = difficult; 3 = tedious; 2 = slow; 1 = easy) and rank RP as +1 if robo-RP appeared to be superior, 0 if they appeared to be the same, and -1 if robo-RP appeared to be inferior. RESULTS: Robo-RP performed 2018-2022 (n = 22) were matched with retro-RP performed 2011-2019 (n = 34). Mean overall operative times were similar (robo-RP: 305.2 ± 57.8 min versus retro-RP: 340.0 ± 117.9 min; p = 0.19), but securing the larger retroperitoneal space required for robo-RP took significantly longer; 50.8 ± 13.9 min versus 24.3 ± 9.6 min; p < 0.0001. Total anastomotic time (TAT) and TAT per suture were both significantly shorter for robo-RP (p < 0.0001). The coefficient of variation for time taken to place one suture was smaller for robo-RP than for retro-RP. DOS was lower for robo-RP with less variance (p < 0.01). Robo-RP had shorter drainage tube insertion, ambulated quicker postoperatively, and shorter hospitalization. Retro-RP had anastomotic complications; leaks (n = 2) and strictures (n = 2, requiring conventional open re-pyeloplasty). Robo-RP had no anastomotic complications and was ranked +1 unanimously. CONCLUSIONS: The RP anastomosis was quicker with less complications and more precise with robotic assistance in matched patients under similar circumstances. Should RP be indicated, robo-RP is recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Intraoperative Bronchoscopic Inspection Facilitates Thoracoscopic Repair of Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula.

Aim: The value of intraoperative bronchoscopic inspection (IBI) for accurate confirmation of the location and distance between the distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) and the proximal blind end of the esophagus (GAP) was evaluated in Type C esophageal atresia (EA)+TEF. Methods: IBI involved inserting the tip of a bronchoscope into the TEF and a nasogastric tube into the blind end of the EA and measuring GAP with fluoroscopy. EA+TEF patients (n = 23) treated thoracoscopically between 2007 and 2020 were classified according to IBI as IBI+ (n = 16) and IBI- (n = 7) to compare demographics, operative time, and time taken for TEF division. Results: Demographics were similar. Mean time for TEF division (15.4 ± 4.6 minutes for IBI+ versus 38.6 ± 20.9 minutes for IBI-; p < .05) and mean operative time (215.3 ± 48.9 minutes for IBI+ versus 286.4 ± 51.7 minutes for IBI+; p < .05) were significantly shorter. Mean GAP measured radiographically was 0.5 cm (range: 0-1.2 cm); mean GAP measured with IBI was 0.9 cm (range: 0-2.2 cm). Postoperative complications were 3 anastomotic leakages (1/16 in IBI+ and 2/7 in IBI-) that resolved without surgery and 8 strictures (3/16 in IBI+ and 5/7 in IBI-) treated by dilatation. Conclusions: IBI was effective for measuring GAP and is recommended for improving the efficiency of thoracoscopic repair.

Oncologic safety of Carrel patch hepaticojejunostomy for treating cystic-type choledochal cyst in children based on 20-plus years follow-up.

AIM: During choledochal cyst (CC) excision, the hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis (HJA) can be performed conventionally (CHJA) or with a Carrel patch (CPA). CPA can increase CHD diameter to 10-13 mm, preventing anastomotic stenosis and intrahepatic bile duct (IHBD) stones but may be at risk for malignant transformation. METHODS: The medical records of 83 cystic-type CC with CHD ≤ 9 mm followed up for at least 20 years were reviewed retrospectively. Available excised CC specimens (70/83) were re-examined blindly for pre-malignant changes. A questionnaire about suturing narrow lumens was conducted. RESULTS: All 83 had pancreaticobiliary maljunction. Group data were similar. Anastomoses were CPA (n = 43) and CHJA (n = 40). Mean diameter for CPA was 11.4 mm (range: 10-13 mm); for CHJA was 7.4 mm (range: 5-9 mm). Mean follow-up was 27.7 years (range: 20-42). Postoperative anastomotic stenoses were less after CPA: 1/43 (2.3%) versus 5/40 (12.5%) (p = 0.10), but CHJA had significantly more postoperative IHBD stones: 0% versus 4/40 (10.0%) (p < 0.05). All IHBD stone patients had anastomotic stenosis. Excised specimens showed no pre-malignant cytology. Lumen diameter ≤ 9 mm was considered challenging by 10/10 surgical trainees and ≤ 7 mm by 16/22 pediatric surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: CPA appears to be oncologically safe because of the absence of malignant transformation for at least 20 years.

High intestinal vascular permeability in a murine model for Hirschsprung's disease: implications for postoperative Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis.

PURPOSE: Intestinal vascular permeability (VP) in a murine model for Hirschsprung's disease (HD) and postoperative Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) were investigated. METHODS: Intestinal VP was determined using a Miles assay using 1% Evans blue injected into a superficial temporal vein of newborn endothelin receptor-B KO HD model (KO) and syngeneic wild-type (WT) mice (n = 5, respectively). Extravasated Evans blue in normoganglionic ileum (Ng-I), normoganglionic proximal colon (Ng-PC) and aganglionic distal colon (Ag-DC) was quantified by absorbance at 620 nm. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A), VEGF-B, CDH5, SELE and CD31, and immunofluorescence for CD31 were performed. RESULTS: VP was significantly higher in Ng-I, Ng-PC, and Ag-DC from KO than WT (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p < 0.05, respectively). qPCR demonstrated upregulated VEGF-A in Ng-I and Ag-DC, VEGF-B in Ng-I, and SELE in Ng-I and Ng-PC (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively), and downregulated CDH5 in Ng-I and Ng-PC from KO (p < 0.05, respectively). Expression of CD31 mRNA in Ng-I and Ag-DC from KO was significantly higher on qPCR (p < 0.05) but differences on immunofluorescence were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: VP may be etiologic for postoperative HAEC throughout the intestinal tract even after excision of aganglionic bowel.

Quality of life after type-A esophageal atresia surgery: changes over time and effect of pre-anastomotic elongation.

AIM: To assess mid-/long-term postoperative quality of life (QOL) of esophageal atresia (EA) patients. METHODS: Modified gastrointestinal quality-of-life index surveys were administered to postoperative EA patients who were at least 7 years old at evaluation to assess three topics about general lifestyle (GL), five topics about EA, and four topics about mental health (MH). For MH, caregivers were also interviewed, but separately. Subjects were divided according to age: children (7-12 years old), teenagers (13-19), and adults (20 and over) and compared according to Foker or Kimura elongation (FK) or bougienage stretching (BS). RESULTS: There were 22 patients evaluated. Responses for GL, EA, and MH did not differ significantly between age groups, but MH responses by caregivers for subjects who were children or teenagers scored significantly lower than responses they made themselves. For primary esophageal elongation technique (PET), age at esophagoesophagostomy was significantly higher in FK. Despite FK scoring 15.1 versus 12.4 for BS during EA evaluation, this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Changes in QOL responses according to age were unremarkable. However, discrepancies in MH indicate that subjects felt better than their caregivers thought. PET did not appear to influence QOL.

Changes in postoperative quality of life of pediatric total colonic aganglionosis patients: effect of pull-through technique.

AIM: To assess mid-/long-term quality of life (QOL) of total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) patients. METHODS: Modified pre-existing QOL assessment tools for general lifestyle (GL), bowel function (BF), and mental health (MH) were administered to postoperative TCA patients from five institutions, who were at least 7 years old to compare Duhamel (with pouch) and Swenson/Soave (without pouch) techniques between children (Ch 7-12 years old), teenagers (Tn 13-19), and adults (Ad 20 and over). For MH, caregivers were also interviewed, but separately. Maximum scores were 12 for GL/MH and 18 for BF. RESULTS: There were 32 subjects. GL and BF scores increased significantly from Ch (GL 4.8 ± 2.5, BF: 11.3 ± 4.6) to Tn (GL 7.8 ± 2.6, BF 16.2 ± 3.0); scores for MH did not change significantly. Mean caregiver MH scores were significantly lower than mean subject MH scores for all age groups (subject scores: 10.1, 10.7, 10.7 versus caregiver scores: 6.8, 7.8, 8.1 for Ch, Tn, Ad, respectively). PT technique/presence of a pouch did not influence the incidence of enterocolitis or QOL scores. CONCLUSION: MH responses showed subjects felt better than caregivers believed. This discrepancy could cause conflict despite steadily improving GL/BF. QOL was unaffected by PT technique/presence of a pouch.

Retroperitoneoscopic Surgery in Children Does Not Cause Pathological Desaturation in Cerebral/Renal Oxygenation on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Compared with Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery.

Introduction: Cerebral and renal regional oxygen saturation (C-rSO2 and R-rSO2, respectively) were monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy in pediatric patients (range: 0.3-14.3 years) during minimally invasive surgery (MIS) taking at least 3 hours performed by laparoscopy (Lap), thoracoscopy (Tho), or retroperitoneoscopy (Ret) from January 2019 to December 2021. Materials and Methods: Criteria compared were operative time, preoperative/intraoperative hemoglobin, blood loss, mean arterial pressure, arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), C-rSO2, and R-rSO2. Pathological desaturation (PD) was defined as >20% decrease from baseline, and statistical significance as P < .05. Results: Subjects (n = 79) were similar for gender, age, and body mass index. MIS procedures were: Lap = 45, Tho = 20, Ret = 14; one Lap case required conversion for severe adhesions, not PD. Intraoperative PaCO2 (mmHg) was significantly higher in Tho (maximum: 59.5 ± 17.0, minimum: 39.9 ± 7.5) versus Lap (maximum: 39.9 ± 5.1, minimum: 34.6 ± 3.9) and Ret (maximum: 37.8 ± 4.2, minimum: 35.0 ± 3.3); P < .0001 (maximum), P = .0013 (minimum). Minimum intraoperative SpO2 was significantly lower in Tho (P < .0001). Mean operative times were significantly shorter in Tho (259 ± 114 minutes) versus Lap (433 ± 154 minutes) and Ret (342 ± 100 minutes); P < .0001, respectively. PD was absent during Ret (C-rSO2: 0/14 = 0% and R-rSO2: 0/14 = 0%). Differences in PD for Lap (C-rSO2: 7/45 = 15.6% and R-rSO2: 10/45 = 22.2%) and Tho (C-rSO2: 9/20 = 45.0%, and R-rSO2: 7/20 = 35.0%) were significant; P = .0028 for C-rSO2 and P = .0497 for R-rSO2. Hemoglobin and blood loss were similar. Conclusions: PD was absent during Ret, despite longer operative times. If Ret is indicated for a procedure, neurodevelopmental sequelae of MIS could be minimized.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Hepaticogastrostomy in a Seven-year-old Girl.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is an effective biliary drainage procedure in adult cases with difficult biliary access. However, there have been no reports on this procedure being used in pediatric cases. We successfully performed EUS-HGS in a pediatric case with a surgically altered anatomy. A standard convex-type echoendoscope and standard devices were used, and there were no device-related complications. The benefit of EUS-HGS for pediatric patients was avoidance of a percutaneous tube, which is difficult to maintain in active children. The accumulation of further cases and performance of a prospective study are warranted to standardize and expand the experience with this procedure.

Significant neonatal intraoperative cerebral and renal oxygen desaturation identified with near-infrared spectroscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to monitor intraoperative regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) during open (Op) and minimally invasive (MI) surgery performed in neonates (N) and children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NIRS sensors were applied to the forehead and flanks for cerebral rSO2 (C-rSO2) and renal rSO2 (R-rSO2), respectively. MI included laparoscopy (La), retroperitoneoscopy (Re) and thoracoscopy (Th). In children, Op and MI were major operations taking at least 3 h (MOp; MMI). Pathological desaturation (PD) was defined as > 20% deterioration in rSO2. RESULTS: Mean ages at surgery were N: 5.2 ± 8.2 days, MOp: 2.4 ± 2.9 years, and MMI: 3.8 ± 4.3 years. Despite significantly shorter operative times in N (169 ± 94 min; p < 0.0001), PD was significantly worse; PD(C-rSO2): N = 14/35 (40.0%) versus MOp = 3/36 (8.3%) and MMI = 7/58 (12.1%); p = 0.0006, and PD(R-rSO2): N = 27/35 (77.1%) versus MOp = 6/36 (16.7%) and MMI = 7/58 (12.1%); p < 0.0001, respectively. PD(R-rSO2) occurred immediately with visceral reduction in NOp (Fig. 1) and PD was frequent during NMI(Th) (Fig. 2). rSO2 was stable throughout MOp and MMI (Fig. 3). Fig. 1 Pathological desaturation in renal rSO2 after visceral reduction for gastroschisis. Renal rSO2 deteriorated immediately after viscera were returned to the abdominal cavity rSO2 regional oxygen saturation Fig. 2 Fragility of tissue perfusion during thoracoscopic lung lobectomy in a neonate. Pathological desaturation occurred frequently during neonatal thoracoscopic surgery rSO2 regional oxygen saturation Fig. 3 Changes in cerebral and renal rSO2 according to operative time. Cerebral and renal rSO2 did not appear to change according to operative time during major open and major minimally invasive surgery in children. rSO2 regional oxygen saturation CONCLUSIONS: NIRS is a non-invasive technique for monitoring rSO2 as an indicator of intraoperative stress and vascular perfusion. PD was so significant in neonates that intraoperative NIRS is highly recommended during thoracoscopy and procedures requiring visceral manipulation.

Long-term outcomes of male imperforate anus with recto-urethral fistula: laparoscopy-assisted anorectoplasty versus posterior sagittal anorectoplasty.

PURPOSE: A five-parameter fecal continence evaluation questionnaire (FCEQ) and incidence of complications were used for long-term assessment of laparoscopy-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) and posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) for treating male imperforate anus (MIA) with rectobulbar (RB) or rectoprostatic (RP) fistulas. METHODS: Subjects were 64 consecutive Japanese MIA patients with RB or RP fistulas treated at a single institution between 1995 and 2021. FCEQ data collected retrospectively were used to calculate a fecal continence evaluation (FCE) score (best = 10) and coefficient of variation for FCE (FCECV). The statistical significance threshold was defined at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Fistulas were RB (n = 40; LAARP = 25/40, PSARP = 15/40) or RP (n = 24; LAARP = 17/24, PSARP = 7/24). Mean ages at surgery and status of the sacrum were similar (p = 0.06, 0.05 and 0.51). FCE scores in RP-LAARP were consistently higher with less FCECV but differences were only statistically significant from 7 years postoperatively (p < 0.05). While FCE scores for RB-LAARP and RB-PSARP were similar (p = 0.99), FCECV were lower for RB-LAARP compared with RB-PSARP. LAARP was associated with less-wound infections, but greater incidence of anal mucosal prolapse unrelated to preoperative status of the sacrum. CONCLUSION: Long-term postoperative FCEQ assessment favored LAARP for treating MIA with either RB or RP fistulas.

Mid-term outcome of postoperative biliary atresia patients according to level of transection of the biliary remnant and depth of suturing.

PURPOSE: Open portoenterostomy (PE) for biliary atresia (BA) is currently more extended (EP) than the original (OP). Typical OP techniques, shallow transection of the biliary remnant and shallow suturing, both lost in EP, were revived as a modified procedure (MP). Postoperative outcomes of EP and MP were compared. METHODS: Subjects were 55 consecutive BA patients treated by EP (n = 18) or MP (n = 37) at a single center between 2004 and 2021. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was: MP: 15.5 years (range 0.1-12.3 years) and EP: 15.5 years (range 0.38-17.1 years). The ratio of jaundice free (JF; total bilirubin ≤ 1.2 mg/dL) subjects was significantly higher in MP (78.4%) versus EP (50%); p > 0.05, the incidence of bile lakes at the porta hepatis was significantly higher in MP (7/37: 18.9%) versus EP (0/18: 0%); p > 0.05, and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed JF survival with the native liver (JF + SNL) was significantly better in MP (26/37: 70.2%) versus EP (4/18: 22.2%); p > 0.05. All other criteria were similar. Of note, time taken to become JF and the incidence of cholangitis were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Shallow transection and shallow suturing would appear to influence postoperative outcome. The etiology of bile lake formation in MP requires urgent confirmation.

Levator ani asymmetry and deviation in high-type anorectal malformation evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging.

INTRODUCTION: The levator ani (LA) complex in high-type imperforate anus (H-IA), low-type imperforate anus (L-IA), and Hirschsprung's disease (HD) patients as controls were documented using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and compared for symmetry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mean left:right LA thickness ratio (LA ratio), and deviation of the LA from the pubococcygeal line (PCL; LA angle) were calculated from thin-slice MRI images (axial 2 mm, coronal 2 mm, and sagittal 3 mm) of the puborectalis and pubococcygeus taken parallel to the PCL under sedation in H-IA (n=14), L-IA (n=16), and HD (n=9). RESULTS: MRI scans were performed between January 2018 and June 2021. LA were significantly thinner in H-IA (1.78±0.46 mm) compared with L-IA (2.97±0.55 mm) and controls (2.87±0.32 mm), p<0.0001. LA ratio was significantly lower in H-IA (0.71±0.15) compared with L-IA (0.93±0.04), and controls (0.91±0.06), p<0.0001. Mean LA-angle was significantly different in H-IA, 10.8° (range 6°-19°), versus L-IA and controls, both zero degrees (range 0°-5°), p<0.0001, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LA was confirmed to be significantly asymmetric in H-IA. Because outcome of surgical repair involving a midline incision, such as posterior sagittal anorectoplasty could be impaired, pediatric surgeons are advised to plan surgical intervention for H-IA carefully and appropriately.

Comparison of 2K and 4K imaging systems for laparoscopic repair of choledochal cyst in children.

AIM: The safety and success of laparoscopic choledochal cyst surgery (LapCC) depends upon two critical elements during the hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis (HJA). These may be termed the Difficulty of Differentiation (DOD) and the Difficulty of Suturing (DOS). The type of imaging system (2 or 4 K) used may influence either of these. We compared outcomes of LapCC using 2 or 4 K imaging systems. METHODS: LapCC were performed at a single institution by the same team using a 2 K system (2009-2018; n = 26) and a 4 K system (2018-2019; n = 11) were compared. 4 K cases were chosen to match 2 K cases to minimize bias. Five independent senior pediatric surgeons scored DOD and DOS blindly from intraoperative video recordings of LapCC using a subjective 5-point scale (5: impossible, 4: difficult, 3: tedious, 2: slow, and 1: easy) and rated their over all impression as +1 if 4 K was better, 0 if they were the same, and -1 if 4 K was worse. Total HJA anastomosis time (TAT) and TAT/suture were also calculated. RESULTS: LapCC was performed in 37 age/weight/HJA diameter matched children. Scores for DOD (p<0.001) were lower with 4 K with less variance, although there was no difference in DOS (p = 0.08). Operative time (p = 0.03) and duration of hospitalization (p < 0.001) were significantly shorter with 4 K. 4 K was rated +1 unanimously. There was no difference in TAT (p = 0.17) and TAT/suture (p = 0.22). There was one HJA leak with 2 K (3.8%) and no complications with 4 K. CONCLUSIONS: Improved resolution with 4 K improved the progress of surgery as reflected by shorter operative time and duration of hospitalization, enhancing the performance of LapCC in children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Cadaver Training for Minimally Invasive Pediatric Surgery: A Preliminary Report.

Aim: To report the value of adult cadavers for training in minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques for pediatric surgery (PS). Materials and Methods: Three teams, each consisting of a board-certified consultant pediatric surgeon (CS), a senior trainee (ST), and a junior trainee (JT), attended a cadaver surgical training (CST) course involving five procedures: thoracoscopic esophagoesophagostomy (TEE), thoracoscopic right lower lobectomy (TRL), laparoscopic fundoplication (LFN), laparoscopic hepaticoduodenostomy (LHD), and laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy (LUU). The same teams also performed LFN on live pigs. Attendees (3 CSs, 3 STs, and 3 JTs) were administered a questionnaire to rate their CST experience according to five criteria (tissue texture, organ size, operative field, "feel," and anatomic relationships) using a 4-point scale with 0 being the worst response. Scores were averaged per procedure per attendee groups and compared. LFN was also compared between a cadaver and a pig. Results: End-point (1): For LFN, cadaver scores were significantly higher than pig scores for anatomic relationships (P = .0001), operative field (P = .0053), and organ size (P = .0481). End-point (2): TRL and LFN were ranked together as being most realistic, followed by TEE and LUU, then LHD. End-point (3): Anatomic relationships and operative field consistently scored highly for all attendee groups. End-point (4): CSs and STs tended to award higher scores than JTs although differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: CST is a valuable opportunity for PS trainees to experience highly realistic training in minimally invasive surgery. Pig training was inferior. IRB Number: 2019173.

Recovery of bowel function after transperitoneal or retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty. A multi-center study.

AIM: To document the recovery of bowel function (BF) in children after transperitoneal (TP) or retroperitoneal (RP) laparoscopic pyeloplasty. METHODS: Data were obtained retrospectively from four centers between 2008 and 2019 for TP (n = 51) and RP (n = 58). Each surgeon chose which technique to perform. RESULTS: Subject demographics were not significantly different. Differences in operative times were not significant (RP: 241 min versus TP: 225 min). Mean duration/requirement for postoperative epidural/intravenous analgesia were not significantly different (TP: 1.4 days versus RP: 1.3 days) and (TP: 66.7% versus RP: 67.2%), respectively. Postoperative nasogastric (NG) intubation was more common in RP (TP: 19.6% versus RP: 44.8%; p < .05). NG aspiration (TP: 0.15 mL/kg/hr versus RP: 0.16 mL/kg/hr), nausea (TP: 31.4% versus RP: 17.2%), and vomiting (TP: 19.6% versus RP: 15.5%) were not significantly different. There were no perioperative complications (including ileus). Abdominal distention was problematic in one case per group (TP: 2.0% versus RP: 1.7%). Times for oral liquid (TP: 0.69 day versus RP: 0.83 day), solid food (TP: 0.88 day versus RP 1.07 days), and the first bowel movement (TP: 2.86 days versus RP: 2.79 days), were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: BF recovery would appear to be consistent, independent of technique.

Decreased incidence of intussusception during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trends in pediatric surgical emergencies.

PURPOSE: Recent reports suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may be influencing disease morbidity. The purpose of this study was to investigate pandemic-related changes in the incidence of pediatric surgical emergencies. METHODS: Data from patients with one of 8 typical conditions considered to be pediatric emergencies who presented at 3 hospitals close to central Tokyo were collated retrospectively from accident and emergency (AE) department records for 2020 and compared with data for 3 years prior to 2020. RESULTS: All subjects had similar demographic profiles. The total number of pediatric AE attendances from 2017 to 2020 was 2880 (2017: n = 600, 2018: n = 736, 2019: n = 817, and 2020: n = 727). Annual attendances were similar. Of the 8 conditions, there were significantly less cases of intussusception in 2020 than previously (23/727; 3.1% versus 132/2153; 6.1%) p < 0.01 and the number of emergency surgical interventions for intussusception was also significantly less in 2020 (0/23; 0% versus 13/132; 9.8%) p < 0.01. CONCLUSION: The implementation of preventative measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 would appear to have influenced the etiopathogenesis of intussusception enough to significantly decrease its overall incidence and the requirement for emergency surgical intervention.