RESUMO
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of cholelithiasis is now increasing in children. Besides hemolytic diseases, there are also nonhemolytic conditions and idiopathic group. A large number of children belong to asymptomatic group who do not present with gallstone-related symptoms. There is no consensus in the management of these children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of elective cholecystectomy in asymptomatic cases to prevent complications which leads to more morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy-eight children were treated over a period of 12 years and they were divided into two groups according to their age at presentation. Sixty-four children below 5 years belonged to Group A and 114 children between 5 and 12 years belonged to Group B. About 71.8% of children of Group A and 49.1% of children of Group B were asymptomatic. Cholecystectomy was advised in all cases of Group B and all symptomatic cases of Group A. In Group A asymptomatic cases, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was given for 6-12 months and followed up. RESULTS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in all cases except in five cases where conversion to open surgery was done as there was gross adhesions due to previous laparotomy. Of 46 asymptomatic cases of Group A, the stone disappeared in seven cases, 12 children developed symptoms, and there was no change in 27 patients. Stone reappeared again in three of seven children who were managed by cholecystectomy. Cholecystectomy was also performed in 12 cases that developed symptoms. In the rest of the 27 children, cholecystectomy was advised after 1 year trial of UDCA. Cholecystectomy was advised in both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases of Group B. Sixteen of 56 asymptomatic cases did not agree for cholecystectomy and 12 of them returned with complications. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreaticography (ERCP) and stone extraction was performed in four cases. In all the acute cases, cholecystectomy was performed after a period of conservative management. CONCLUSION: UDCA can be tried in the smaller age group below 5 years, but there is a chance of recurrent stone formation. Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be the choice in all asymptomatic cases to prevent complications.
RESUMO
A day care procedure for ablation of epithelium of suture track fistula (STF) is described with a tip of hypodermic needle under surface anesthesia. STF is a minor but annoying and frustrating complication following hypospadias surgery. Parents and patients are worried of soiling of dress from dribbling of urine through STF during urination. It is embarrassing particularly in the presence of peers. Nevertheless, no specific treatment is found in literature for its remedy other than the conventional procedures for repair of fistula. Here, we describe a simple day care procedure under surface anesthesia with prilocaine ointment. Thirty-five out of 42 STFs healed in single or repeat attempts with this 'needling' procedure.
RESUMO
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Vestibulo-rectal pull-through (VRPT) in H-fistula in girls was first described by Chatterjee et al. We are presenting our experience with this approach in 47 cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have total 47 cases of which one is a recurrent fistula operated outside. A circumferential incision is made around the fistula in the vestibule; fistula tract is dissected liberally and delivered by invagination into the bowel. Then, the fistula tract is excised adequately and closed from within the bowel lumen so that no anterior outpouching of the rectum remains. The perineal body is repaired through the vestibular incision. In no cases, protective colostomy was performed. Only the recurrent fistula case had colostomy done in another institution. RESULTS: Complete cure was obtained in 45 out of 47 cases. Two of our earlier cases had recurrences perhaps due to inadequate mobilization, but in later cases, we had no recurrence. CONCLUSION: VRPT yields good result without the need for colostomy. Incisions on the perineal skin or the anal verge are avoided, thus improving the cosmetic outcome.