A comparison of polymer clips and endoloop applications for securing the appendiceal stump during laparoscopic surgery in children.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, for the first time in children a polymer clip and endoloop (EL) for securing an appendiceal stump have been prospectively correlated and evaluated radiologically. METHODS: Forty-nine patients aged 1 to 15 years were operated upon by the same surgeon for acute or perforated appendicitis between May 2008 and May 2009. The appendiceal stump was ligated by an EL or polymer clip. Patients were radiologically evaluated during the postoperative period. RESULTS: In the EL group, the mean operating time for perforated appendicitis was recorded as 57.40 minutes and in nonperforated appendicitis as 39.37 minutes, respectively. In the clips-applied group, these periods were 48.23 and 34.72 minutes, respectively. Clip application is 3 times cheaper than EL. CONCLUSIONS: Polymer clip is an instrument that is cheaper, safe, easily applicable, and takes less time for securing appendiceal stumps compared with EL.

The evaluation of the adrenal and thyroid axes and glucose metabolism after burn injury in children.

INTRODUCTION: Burn injury is an important trauma and can cause many hormonal and metabolic changes in the human body. In contrast to the situation with adults, there are inadequate number of studies on children with this condition. Our aim in this study was to determine the changes in the adrenal, thyroid axes and glucose metabolism in the acute and subacute period and relation to the percent total body surface area (TBSA) burned in children with major burn injury. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 90 hospitalized children aged 0-13 years (mean: 3.44 +/- 2.90 years) with major fluid burn injury were included in this study. Serum ACTH, cortisol, fasting glucose and insulin and thyroid hormones (free T3 and T4, TSH) were evaluated in the first 24 hours after the burn injury and on day 3 and month 3 consequently in all of the cases. An ACTH stimulation test was performed when necessary. Continuous variables were compared with analysis of variance and categorical variables were compared with the chi-square test. The Pearson correlation was used to determine the relation between ACTH and cortisol and between blood glucose and insulin (on day 1 and 3 and month 3). Also the correlation with the TBSA burned and the hormonal values were evaluated. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. FINDINGS: ACTH and Cortisol level increased in first 24 hours and decreased significantly by time. The change of ACTH and Cortisol level with time was significantly related to the TBSA burned. ACTH and cortisol levels were found significantly correlated in each time-point, but the correlation was highest in 3rd month. The glucose level in the first 24 hours was significantly higher than day 3 and month 3 levels in all of the children. There was again a significant increase in the serum insulin level in the first 24 hours. However there was no difference between day 1 and 3 serum insulin levels. A correlation was found between serum glucose and insulin on the first day but not on day 3 or month 3. Free T3 and T4 levels increased by time. Pairwise comparisons indicated that 1st day free T3 and T4 level was significantly lower than both 3rd day and 3rd month levels. CONCLUSION: ACTH, Cortisol and fasting blood glucose level increased significantly however serum insulin level was slightly higher in first 24 hours after burns in children. Thyroid hormones were found to be decreased acute period following burns but staying in normal levels.

Urological problems or fecal continence during long-term follow-up of patients with anorectal malformation.

INTRODUCTION: Anorectal malformations comprise a wide spectrum of diseases. The main concerns for the surgeon in correcting these anomalies are bowel control, urinary control, and sexual function. The aim of this study was to evaluate fecal continence together with additional urinary anomalies in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) and determine which of them is more troublesome for life quality in long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 93 cases followed up and treated at our clinic between 1983 and 2009 were evaluated for urinary pathologies, fecal continence, and their quality of life (QOL). Patients were classified according to the international system (Krickenbeck), and were evaluated on the basis of voluntary bowel movement, constipation, and fecal soiling. They were also classified as good, fair, and poor regarding fecal continence. The urinary system pathologies, the medical and surgical treatments received, and the pediatric nephrology follow-up results were all evaluated. The patients were grouped by age and their QOL scored using a telephone interview. RESULTS: The mean age (+/-SD) was 8.47 +/- 4.85 (3-25) years, and the mean follow-up period was 6.96 +/- 4.55 (1-23) years. Evaluation of the patients in relation to their fecal continence revealed that 35 (37.6%) had constipation, 22 (23.6%) had fecal soiling, and voluntary bowel movements were absent in 7 (7.5%). Fecal continence was evaluated using the Krickenbeck classification, and it was good in 74 (79.6%), fair in 12 (12.9%), and poor in 7 (7.5%). QOL evaluation of these cases showed markedly decreasing QOL as the cases changed from good to poor fecal continence. Urinary system pathology was detected in 35 (37.6%) of the cases with 22 (23.7%) having severe uropathology. We compared the 22 patients with severe uropathology and 71 cases without severe uropathology for QOL and found the ARM group with severe uropathology to have significantly lower physical QOL, psychosocial QOL, and total QOL values. Reviewing the patients by fecal continence and urinary pathologies together regarding QOL showed that patients with good fecal continence and no additional urinary abnormality had the best QOL. The QOL decreased considerably in both the group with a fecal incontinence problem but no additional urinary abnormality and the group with good fecal continence but serious additional urinary abnormality. The QOL was worst in patients with urinary pathology and fecal incontinence. DISCUSSION: Anorectal malformations constitute a wide spectrum of disease. Urinary anomalies and their complications significantly increase the morbidity in these children even after the correction of the ARM. In the evaluation of the published series, we noted that the main issue was fecal continence, and there was not enough data concerning the urinary system pathologies of the patients when they reach adult ages. Anorectal dysfunction has a negative effect on QOL in ARM patients, but is not life threatening. Such patients can lead normal life although the QOL is affected. However, vesicoureteral dysfunction can cause permanent damage in other organs. This damage may cause mortality depending on the level of the malformation. Evaluating the patients considering fecal continence and urinary system pathology together showed that nearly 10% of the ARM patients had serious problems affecting their long-term QOL related to fecal control, whereas nearly a fourth of the cases had additional anomalies of the urinary system that will affect the QOL despite all treatments used, as the development of pyelonephritis, hypertension, and end-stage renal disease should be expected in these patients. CONCLUSION: Urinary system anomalies in patients with ARM are at least as serious and complex as gastrointestinal system anomalies and create more problems than fecal incontinence during long-term follow-up.

Clinical experience in hypospadias: results of tubularized incised plate in 496 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To review the tubularized incised plate, a recently popularized technique, and provide outcomes. METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2006, 496 patients underwent the tubularized incised plate technique for hypospadias at our clinic. The patient age range was 6 months to 14 years. The postoperative follow-up time was 2 years (range 6 months to 3 years). The patients underwent the technique as described by Snodgrass, with some small technical modifications. The patients were hospitalized for 10 days postoperatively, with a urethral stent in place. RESULTS: Of the 496 patients, 48 experienced 53 complications. The most frequent complication was meatal stenosis (n = 27, 5%), followed by urethrocutaneous fistula (n = 25, 5%). Dehiscence was noted in 1 patient (0% of 496 patients and 2% of the 48 patients with complications). Initially, the fistula occurrence rate was 11% and 4% for all 496 and the 48 patients with complications, respectively, which had decreased to 3% and 8% in the most recent 3 years. During the study period, some technical modifications have applied, with a resulting decrease in the complication rates. Complications occurred in 48 patients (9%), of whom 25 required surgical repair (5% of 496 patients). CONCLUSIONS: The tubularized incised plate technique is a surgical method that can be applied to most hypospadias anomalies. Increasing clinical experience and minor additions to the technique have enhanced our success with this method.

Is hernial sac removal necessary? Retrospective evaluation of eight patients with Morgagni hernia in 5 years.

Eight children with Morgagni hernia were operated between January 2000 and May 2005. Medical records of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. Ages of the patients were between 3.5 months and 9 years. The diaphragmatic defect was on the right in all patients except one. One patient had bilateral diapragmatic hernia. All of the patients were operated by abdominal approach. All patients had hernial sacs. During operation sac of hernia was everted to peritoneal space without removal and the defect was closed by using nonabsorbable material. There was no intraoperative complication. The patients were discharged on the sixth day in uneventful condition. There was no complication or recurrence during follow up. Excision of sac of hernia is recommended in majority. Most of the published studies favour the removal of hernial sac. In our practise, in the treatment of Morgagni hernia we did not remove the hernia sac during the last 5 years.

Anal canal duplication in children: a new technique.

Anal canal duplication (ACD) is a very rare abnormality. Because of the high rate of malignant changes in anal canal duplications complete removal of the ACD is recommended. In the current study, simple mucosectomy for management of cases of ACD has been discussed. There was no complication and patients had good cosmetic results with a normal sphincter control. This technique is simple, safe, takes less time and achieves good anatomic appearance and functional results.

Eventration of the diaphragm.

OBJECTIVE: Eventration of the diaphragm (ED) is defined as the abnormal elevation of the diaphragm. Although asymptomatic ED may be amenable to conservative treatment, symptomatic ED in children, either congenital or acquired, may require surgical treatment. This study evaluated the results of diaphragmatic plication in children with unilateral ED. METHODS: Fifteen patients who had undergone diaphragmatic plication for ED between 1997 and 2003 were evaluated retrospectively. The diagnosis of ED was established by routine chest radiographs and fluoroscopy. Patients who failed to respond to nonoperative treatment were referred for surgery. Nine patients underwent diaphragmatic fluoroscopy 1-5 years following plication to assess function. RESULTS: Indications for diaphragmatic plication were respiratory symptoms such as tachypnoea, dyspnoea, recurrent pneumonia and failure to thrive. In 14 patients, the position of the diaphragm was normal after plication, but the diaphragm was elevated without symptoms in one patient during postoperative follow-up. The motion of the diaphragm was investigated in nine patients. Fluoroscopic studies showed that the operated hemidiaphragm was immobile and there was no paradoxical motion. No return of symptoms was found during follow-up. CONCLUSION: ED is the abnormal elevation of the diaphragm as a result of paralysis or aplasia of the muscular fibres. The abnormally elevated diaphragm may compress the ipsilateral lung, and with respiratory effort the mediastinum may shift towards the normal side. Therefore, diaphragmatic plication is performed to restore normal pulmonary parenchymal volume by replacing the diaphragm in its normal location. After plication, there was immediate remission of symptoms in most patients and decreasing symptoms were observed for a year in others. During follow-up, the location of the diaphragm was normal and no paradoxical movement was observed. Relapse of symptoms was not noted in patients with immobile diaphragms.

Testis sparing surgery for steroid unresponsive testicular tumors of the congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

The association between testicular tumors/nodules and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) has been recognized for many years. Tumors are considered to be an aberrant adrenal tissue that has descended with the testes and has become hyperplastic due to ACTH stimulation. The recommended treatment consists of increasing the glucocorticoid dose to suppress ACTH secretions. If the testicular size is not reduced after suppression therapy or a side effect of glucocorticoid dose is noted, surgical intervention should be considered. We diagnosed steroid unresponsive testicular tumors of the CAH in two patients who were treated by testicular sparing tumor enucleation. We believe that testis sparing surgery is the procedure of choice for all patients with testicular adrenal rest tumor, since it maximizes future fertility potential.

Transverse testicular ectopia associated with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome. A case report.

Transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) associated with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a rare genitourinary anomaly. The clinical and operative findings and treatment are discussed. It is very important to perform a careful exploration in TTE when the testes are undescended, in order to exclude the presence of PMDS. Transseptal orchidopexy is the surgical treatment of choice.

Topical nitric oxide treatment after pull through operations for Hirschsprung disease.

AIM: The diagnosis and treatment of Hirschsprung disease are well standardized. Symptoms of obstruction after surgery for Hirschsprung disease may result from residual spasticity of the internal anal sphincter. Nitric oxide (NO) is the chemical messenger mediating relaxation of the internal anal sphincter and its exogenous application results in a relaxation response in smooth muscle. The purpose of this study was to investigate topical NO application for obstructive symptoms after surgery for Hirschsprung disease and to correlate the symptoms with manometric findings with a view to directing further management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors reviewed application of topical NO on six symptomatic children who were operated for Hirschsprung disease. Eighteen patients older than 3 years of age were evaluated for anorectal manometric, functional and clinical outcome. The symptoms included enterocolitis in three patients and constipation in three patients. NO ointment was applied twice daily for 6 weeks in symptomatic patients and manometry was repeated. RESULTS: Anorectal manometric evaluation of six patients showed high internal anal sphincter tone without reflex relaxation on applying distending pressure to the rectum. Marked improvement of symptoms was noted after 6-week application of topical NO and maximal internal anal resting pressure decreased significantly (35% reduction). After ceasing application of topical ointment, increased maximal anal resting pressure was seen again. CONCLUSION: Although anal sphincter hypertonicity is not thought to be the only cause of post-operative obstructive symptoms, relaxation of the internal anal sphincter may improve the symptoms. Topical NO can be used for treatment of obstructive symptoms in Hirschsprung disease. We managed our symptomatic patients successfully with local NO application with a reversible chemical sphincterotomy. NO could be used as a therapeutic modality.

Early bougienage for relief of stricture formation following caustic esophageal burns.

Accidental ingestion of corrosive substances remains a major health hazard in children. Most infants and children who ingest caustic substances present with very few symptoms or signs. Approximately 40% of caustic substance ingestions result in esophageal injury, but the optimal management of caustic esophageal burns remains controversial, with different treatment modalities in use. The aim of this study was to compare the results of prophylactic early bougienage with dilatation that was begun after stricture development. We retrospectively analyzed the management of 125 pediatric cases of corrosive substance ingestion. For children seen primarily at our institution, initial management consisted of prompt endoscopy. Of 125 children admitted with a history of caustic substance ingestion, 54 were found to have esophageal burns, and 32 underwent treatment for stricture formation. Patients with severe injury were divided into two groups: In group A, consisting of 20 patients, prophylactic early dilatation had been done. In the eight patients in group B, dilatation had begun after stricture development. The strictures had resolved after 6 months of dilatation in patients initially treated with prophylactic early bougienage, whereas in patients in whom dilatation began after stricture development, stricture resolution did not occur for more than a year. The goal of initial treatment is to avoid stricture formation. Although early dilatations do not eliminate stricture formation completely, the stricture can resolve more easily with early bougienage.

Cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma. A case report.

Cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma is a rare cystic renal neoplasm of infancy. It should be distinguished from solid Wilms' tumor with cystic change. Nephrectomy with a careful follow-up is the only adequate therapy for grade 1 tumor.