Lessons Learned After 101 Cases of Single-Site Magnetic-Assisted Cholecystectomy in Children.

BACKGROUND / PURPOSE: The aim of this report is to present our experience with a magnetic-assisted single-site cholecystectomy technique ("magnachole") in pediatric patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent magnachole between 2009 and 2019. We evaluated patients' demographics, diagnosis, operative time, complications, conversion rate and length of stay. Additionally, simple lineal regression analysis was conducted to determine if the surgeon's experience, the patient's age at surgery, the patient's gender or the patient's body weight affected operative time. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were operated during the analyzed period. The mean age at surgery was 12.6 (range 4 to 19) years, and the mean body weight was 53.7 (range 13.5 to 123) kg. The most frequent indication (91%) was symptomatic cholelithiasis. Mean operative time was 85 (range 45 to 240) min. The mean operative time decreased by 22.7 min (p < 0.001, 95% [CI] 10.35 to 35.13) when we compared the first 51 cases to the last 50 cases. Simple lineal regression showed a reduction of 2.6 min in operative time per year. Age at surgery, gender, and weight did not influence operative time. There were no intraoperative complications. Only 1 case required an additional port to complete the operation. There were no conversions to open cholecystectomy. Median length of stay was 26 h (range 10 to 168). CONCLUSION: The magnachole technique is safe and effective, and has become our preferred surgical approach for children who need a cholecystectomy. As expected, the operative time decreased as surgeons gain experience with the technique. The technique is feasible regardless of the patient's body habitus. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Changes in chest compression indexes with breathing underestimate surgical candidacy in patients with pectus excavatum: a computed tomography pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Haller Index (HI) ≥3.25 by computed tomography (CT) at end-inspiration has been used to indicate surgical correction in patients with pectus excavatum. However, chest wall diameters vary with breathing and may modify HI values and surgical indications. The aim of our study was to report the changes in HI with breathing and their impact in the surgical indication rates. METHODS: Thirty six patients with pectus excavatum underwent chest CT evaluation at both end-inspiration and end-expiration. HI was derived by dividing the transverse diameter (TD) of the chest by the anteroposterior diameter (APD). Cardiac compression index (CCI) was then calculated by dividing the cardiac TD by the APD. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 19 ± 7 years old and 86.8% were males. From end-inspiration to end-expiration, large changes in APD values corresponded to large changes (29.6%) in HI values. CCI increased significantly during end-expiration, primarily driven by an increase on the cardiac TD. Surgical indication was found in 71% and 91% of patients during end-inspiration and end-expiration, respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the severity indexes of the pectus excavatum were all significantly more severe at end-expiration than at end-inspiration, leading to an increase in surgical candidacy. We therefore recommend performing the CT at end-expiration.

[Rhabdomyosarcoma of the biliary tree. Case report]. / Rabdomiosarcoma de la vía biliar. Presentación de un caso.

We present a girl 21 months old with recurrent jaundice. Initially she presented fever of unknown origin but jaundice, white coloured stools and pruritus were observed 10 days later. She underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy; symptoms dissapeared. One month later, symptoms came back and, suspecting choledochal cyst the patient underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for diagnostic confirmation and for placement of a biliary stent. The material obtained was sent for histopathology study and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the biliary tree was diagnosed. The patient started chemotherapy following EpSSGRMS 2005 protocol. There was no evidence of metastasis. She completed treatment and to the day of this report she is free of illness.

Rabdomiosarcoma de la vía biliar: Presentación de un caso / Rhabdomyosarcoma of the biliary tree: Case report

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 21 meses con ictericia recurrente. La consulta inicial se había realizado debido a la aparición de febre de origen desconocido, pero después de 10 días se observó ictericia, acolia y prurito. Se efectuó una colangipancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica con esfnterotomía amplia, con lo que se logró la desaparición de los síntomas. Un mes más tarde, estos reaparecieron, por lo que, con sospecha de que se trataba de un quiste del colédoco, se realizó una nueva colangipancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica para confrmar el diagnóstico y colocar un stent para drenaje de la vía biliar. El material obtenido en el estudio se envió a anatomía patológica y se diagnosticó rabdomiosarcoma embrionario de la vía biliar. Se inició tratamiento con quimioterapia según el protocolo EpSSGRMS 2005. La niña no presentaba metástasis en el momento del diagnóstico. Completó el tratamiento y hasta la fecha de redacción de este trabajo, se encontraba libre de enfermedad.(AU)

We present a girl 21 months old with recurrent jaundice. Initially she presented fever of unknown origin but jaundice, white coloured stools and pruritus were observed 10 days later. She underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy; symptoms dissapeared. One month later, symptoms came back and, suspecting choledochal cyst the patient underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for diagnostic confrmation and for placement of a biliary stent. The material obtained was sent for histopathology study and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the biliary tree was diagnosed. The patient started chemotherapy following EpSSGRMS 2005 protocol. There was no evidence of metastasis. She completed treatment and to the day of this report she is free of illness.(AU)

Rabdomiosarcoma de la vía biliar: Presentación de un caso / Rhabdomyosarcoma of the biliary tree: Case report

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 21 meses con ictericia recurrente. La consulta inicial se había realizado debido a la aparición de febre de origen desconocido, pero después de 10 días se observó ictericia, acolia y prurito. Se efectuó una colangipancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica con esfnterotomía amplia, con lo que se logró la desaparición de los síntomas. Un mes más tarde, estos reaparecieron, por lo que, con sospecha de que se trataba de un quiste del colédoco, se realizó una nueva colangipancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica para confrmar el diagnóstico y colocar un stent para drenaje de la vía biliar. El material obtenido en el estudio se envió a anatomía patológica y se diagnosticó rabdomiosarcoma embrionario de la vía biliar. Se inició tratamiento con quimioterapia según el protocolo EpSSGRMS 2005. La niña no presentaba metástasis en el momento del diagnóstico. Completó el tratamiento y hasta la fecha de redacción de este trabajo, se encontraba libre de enfermedad.

We present a girl 21 months old with recurrent jaundice. Initially she presented fever of unknown origin but jaundice, white coloured stools and pruritus were observed 10 days later. She underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy; symptoms dissapeared. One month later, symptoms came back and, suspecting choledochal cyst the patient underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for diagnostic confrmation and for placement of a biliary stent. The material obtained was sent for histopathology study and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the biliary tree was diagnosed. The patient started chemotherapy following EpSSGRMS 2005 protocol. There was no evidence of metastasis. She completed treatment and to the day of this report she is free of illness.

Initial experience with magnet-assisted single trocar appendectomy in children.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is increasingly being used to treat acute appendicitis. Existing SILS techniques suffer from inefficient triangulation and poor ergonomics. In an effort to improve on existing SILS techniques, we developed the magnet-assisted single trocar (MAST) appendectomy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all MAST appendectomies performed between March 2010 and February 2011. Outcomes included demographics, diagnosis, operative time, hospital stay, and complications. RESULTS: Twenty-three MAST appendectomies were performed in 10 boys and 13 girls. The mean age at operation was 12.22 years (range, 5-19 years), and the mean weight was 46.5 kg (range, 25-82 kg). At presentation the mean white blood cell count was 15,000 with 74% polymorphonuclear neutrophils. The mean operative time was 61 minutes (range, 20-105 minutes), and length of stay was 3.6 days (range, 1-7 days). In total, 4 operations (17%) required one additional 5-mm trocar to complete the operation, and none was converted to an open operation. There were no intraoperative complications, nor were there any wound infections. CONCLUSIONS: MAST appendectomy is safe and effective in children. Magnetic instruments provide excellent triangulation and improve ergonomics. This technique uses a single 12-mm trocar and can be performed without the aid of a surgical assistant.

Rabdomiosarcoma de la vía biliar. Presentación de un caso. / [Rhabdomyosarcoma of the biliary tree. Case report].

We present a girl 21 months old with recurrent jaundice. Initially she presented fever of unknown origin but jaundice, white coloured stools and pruritus were observed 10 days later. She underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy; symptoms dissapeared. One month later, symptoms came back and, suspecting choledochal cyst the patient underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for diagnostic confirmation and for placement of a biliary stent. The material obtained was sent for histopathology study and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the biliary tree was diagnosed. The patient started chemotherapy following EpSSGRMS 2005 protocol. There was no evidence of metastasis. She completed treatment and to the day of this report she is free of illness.

Hemorragia intracraneal como forma de presentación de atresia biliar: presentación de dos casos / Intracranial hemorrhage as initial presentation of biliary atresia: two cases report

La atresia biliar en lactantes se presenta habitualmente con la tríada ictericia, acolia y coluria, y ocasionalmente con sangrado intracraneal, nasal o gastrointestinal. Presentamos dos niñas, de cuatro y dos meses, que fueron asistidas por presentar convulsiones, cefalohematoma y sopor. En la tomografía computada cerebral se halló hemorragia subdural en una paciente e intraventricular y parenquimatosa en la otra. Al ingreso, presentaban antecedentes, signos clínicos y de laboratorio de colestasis, sin diagnóstico etiológico. La niña con hematoma subdural requirió drenaje quirúrgico. La paciente con sangrado intraventricular y parenquimatoso no requirió cirugía y se le administró vitamina K. Se diagnosticó atresia de vías biliares mediante centellograma con HIDA y colangiografía intraoperatoria previa al procedimiento de Kasai (portoenteroanastomosis). Ambas niñas presentaron buena evolución neurológica a los seis meses. Requirieron trasplante de hígado alrededor del año de vida. La atresia biliar se debe considerar en el diagnóstico de lactantes pequeños que presentan sangrado agudo y colestasis.

Biliary atresia in infants occasionally presents as intracranial, nasal or gastrointestinal bleeding, instead of the classical triad of jaundice, acholia and choluria. We present two female infants aged four and two months, who were hospitalized with convulsive episode, cephalohematoma and drowsiness. Computed tomography fndings were subdural hemorrhage in one patient and intraventricular and parenchymal bleeding in the other one. At admission they have history, clinical and laboratory signs of cholestasis of unknown etiology. The patient with subdural hemorrhage required surgical drainage. The other girl with intraventricular and parenchymal bleeding received vitamin K and no surgery. Biliary atresia was diagnosed and treated in both girls. At six months both had an adequate neurological outcome and required liver transplantation at one year old. Biliary atresia should be considered in all infants with sudden acute bleeding and cholestasis.

A simple way to fix a trocar during pediatric laparoscopy.

We introduce a simple method of fixing trocars to the abdominal wall in children. After the trocar is inserted into the abdominal wall, we place a 2/0 silk suture through the skin next to the trocar, then a sterile Nylon 6.6 plastic seal (Sumar Inc, Buenos Aires, Argentina) is wrapped around the trocar and the end of one of the sutures. Lastly, both suture ends are tied around the plastic seal. To further ease and speed the procedure, we recently introduced a plastic seal fastening device. This method is simple, fast, efficacious, and inexpensive and can be used with all trocar sizes.

[Intracranial hemorrhage as initial presentation of biliary atresia: two cases report]. / Hemorragia intracraneal como forma de presentación de atresia biliar: presentación de dos casos.

Biliary atresia in infants occasionally presents as intracranial, nasal or gastrointestinal bleeding, instead of the classical triad of jaundice, acholia and choluria. We present two female infants aged four and two months, who were hospitalized with convulsive episode, cephalohematoma and drowsiness. Computed tomography findings were subdural hemorrhage in one patient and intraventricular and parenchymal bleeding in the other one. At admission they have history, clinical and laboratory signs of cholestasis of unknown etiology. The patient with subdural hemorrhage required surgical drainage. The other girl with intraventricular and parenchymal bleeding received vitamin K and no surgery. Biliary atresia was diagnosed and treated in both girls. At six months both had an adequate neurological outcome and required liver transplantation at one year old. Biliary atresia should be considered in all infants with sudden acute bleeding and cholestasis.

Laparoscopic treatment of postnecrotizing enterocolitis colonic strictures.

The current report is a multicenter study of a series of infants who developed colonic strictures (CS) as a sequelae of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and who were treated successfully with laparoscopic intestinal resection and primary anastomosis. During 2005-2008, 11 neonates (gestational ages, 32-38 weeks), with a mean birth weight of 1.7 kg (range, 0.96-2.2) and a mean weight at operation of 3.04 kg (range, 1.6-4.4 were approached laparoscopically, following the diagnosis of a post-NEC-CS. The two surgical techniques were: 1) laparoscopic mobilization with extracorporeal resection and anastomosis (LERA) in 4 (36%) and 2) laparoscopic mobilization with intracorporeal resection and anastomosis (LIRA) in 7 (64%) patients. Laparoscopy was effectively performed in all cases without conversion to open surgery. The median operative time was 93 minutes (range, 80-121). The anastomosis was colocolic in all patients, except in 1 case, in which it was colorectal. There were no operative complications. All babies recovered uneventfully and started oral feeding at a median time of 3.5 days (range, 1-11) postoperatively. Hospital discharge was at a median time of 9 days (range, 2-29) following operation. No recurrent strictures have developed.

[Thoracoscopic lung lobectomy: preliminary results in pediatric patients]. / Lobulectomía pulmonar toracoscópica: resultados iniciales en pediatría.

The objective of the present study consists of revising our initial experience with the use of thoracoscopic surgery for lung resections and their complications. Clinical histories and videos, from patients treated surgically at the Fundación Hospitalaria-Private Children Hospital and CEMIC Universitary Hospital from april 2005 to october 2008, were retrospectivelly estudied. Eleven female and 9 male patients were included. The median surgical time was 150 min (range: 60-270 min). The median time of chest tube permanence was 3 days (range: 2-10 days). Median hospital stay was 15 days (range: 3-29 days). It was concluded that thoracoscopic lung lobectomies are technically feasible and applicable to all paediatric ages; they should be considered as an alternative approach for trained groups.

Lobulectomía pulmonar toracoscópica: resultados iniciales en pediatría / Thoracoscopic lung lobectomy: preliminary results in pediatric patients

El objetivo del presente estudio consistió en revisar nuestra experienciainicial con el uso de la toracoscopia para la realización de resecciones pulmonares y sus complicaciones. Para ello se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de las historias clínicas y videos de lobulectomías pulmonares toracoscópicas de pacientes intervenidosquirúrgicamente en la Fundación Hospitalaria-Hospital Privado de Niños y en el Hospital Universitario CEMIC durante el período 04/2005 - 10/2008. Se incluyeron 11 pacientes delsexo femenino y 9 del sexo masculino. Las medianas del tiempo quirúrgico, del tiempo de permanencia del tubo de drenaje y de la estadía hospitalaria fueron de 150 minutos (intervalo:60-270 minutos), 3 días (intervalo: 2-10 días) y 15 días (intervalo: 3-29 días), respectivamente. Se concluyó finalmente que la lobulectomía pulmonar toracoscópica es una técnica factible yaplicable a todas las edades pediátricas, que debiera considerarse como alternativa de abordaje para grupos entrenados.

Lobulectomía pulmonar toracoscópica: resultados iniciales en pediatría / Thoracoscopic lung lobectomy: preliminary results in pediatric patients

El objetivo del presente estudio consistió en revisar nuestra experienciainicial con el uso de la toracoscopia para la realización de resecciones pulmonares y sus complicaciones. Para ello se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de las historias clínicas y videos de lobulectomías pulmonares toracoscópicas de pacientes intervenidosquirúrgicamente en la Fundación Hospitalaria-Hospital Privado de Niños y en el Hospital Universitario CEMIC durante el período 04/2005 - 10/2008. Se incluyeron 11 pacientes delsexo femenino y 9 del sexo masculino. Las medianas del tiempo quirúrgico, del tiempo de permanencia del tubo de drenaje y de la estadía hospitalaria fueron de 150 minutos (intervalo:60-270 minutos), 3 días (intervalo: 2-10 días) y 15 días (intervalo: 3-29 días), respectivamente. Se concluyó finalmente que la lobulectomía pulmonar toracoscópica es una técnica factible yaplicable a todas las edades pediátricas, que debiera considerarse como alternativa de abordaje para grupos entrenados.(AU)

Which is the best vessel-sealing method for pediatric thoracoscopic lobectomy?

INTRODUCTION: The general aim of this report was to determine how a vascular accident (VA) or vascular incident (VI) could be prevented and controlled during thoracoscopic lung lobectomies (TLLs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records and videos of patients (n:21) who underwent a programmed TLL during a 3-year period at the Private Children's Hospital "Fundación Hospitalaria" and CEMIC University Hospital (Buenos Aires, Argentina) were reviewed retrospectively. A VA was defined as the accidental bleeding during dissection, depending on the surgeon and/or inflammatory conditions, adhesions, and so on. A VI was defined as the unexpected bleeding after successful vascular sealing, depending on the vascular-sealing device. The conversion criteria to thoracotomy were uncontrollable VA or VI, limited visibility, difficult dissection, and other. RESULTS: There were no VA, but there was a 24% rate of VI (n:5). All the VI were arterial, not venous. All the VI were observed in children older than 7 years of age because of deficient sealing. All of them were successfully controlled with LigaSure() (Valleylab, Boulder, CO) and/or one proximal Hem-o-Lok((R)) clip (Weck Closure Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC) without conversion. Conversion was due to limited visibility (n:2) or difficult dissection (n:2) of the diseased lobe. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our early experience and a review of the literature, we believe TLL is a feasible and technically reproducible approach that avoids the inherent morbidity of a major thoracotomy incision. Bleeding should not be the main argument to decide in favor of a thoracotomy. LigaSure's reliability would depend on vascular diameter and on patient age. VIs can be prevented in older children by using the sealing device and a proximal Hem-o-Lok clip.

Quiste esplénico epidermoide. Caso clínico / Splenic epidermoid cyst. Case report

Los quistes esplénicos son raros a cualquier edady existen pocos casos publicados en la literaturamundial.Pueden dividirse en congénitos o adquiridos segúnsu origen y en verdaderos o seudoquistes según lanaturaleza de su pared.El quiste esplénico epidermoide es un quiste congénitoverdadero, sumamente raro, que en su evoluciónpuede generar signos y síntomas o presentarcomplicaciones, lo que exige algún tipo de tratamiento.El propósito del presente trabajo es alertar sobre laexistencia de esta rara entidad como causa de dolorabdominal recurrente, para que pueda diagnosticarsey tratarse en forma adecuada. (AU)

Quiste esplénico epidermoide. Caso clínico / Splenic epidermoid cyst. Case report

Los quistes esplénicos son raros a cualquier edady existen pocos casos publicados en la literaturamundial.Pueden dividirse en congénitos o adquiridos segúnsu origen y en verdaderos o seudoquistes según lanaturaleza de su pared.El quiste esplénico epidermoide es un quiste congénitoverdadero, sumamente raro, que en su evoluciónpuede generar signos y síntomas o presentarcomplicaciones, lo que exige algún tipo de tratamiento.El propósito del presente trabajo es alertar sobre laexistencia de esta rara entidad como causa de dolorabdominal recurrente, para que pueda diagnosticarsey tratarse en forma adecuada.

Quiste esplénico epidermoide. Caso clínico / Splenic epidermoid cyst. Case report

Los quistes esplénicos son raros a cualquier edady existen pocos casos publicados en la literaturamundial.Pueden dividirse en congénitos o adquiridos segúnsu origen y en verdaderos o seudoquistes según lanaturaleza de su pared.El quiste esplénico epidermoide es un quiste congénitoverdadero, sumamente raro, que en su evoluciónpuede generar signos y síntomas o presentarcomplicaciones, lo que exige algún tipo de tratamiento.El propósito del presente trabajo es alertar sobre laexistencia de esta rara entidad como causa de dolorabdominal recurrente, para que pueda diagnosticarsey tratarse en forma adecuada. (AU)

Experiencia con 106 casos de escroto agudo tratados quirúrgicamente / Experience with 106 cases of acute scrotum treated with surgery

Desde mayo de 1994 hasta junio de 1997, en el Departamento de Urgencia del Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutierrez, se diagnosticó escroto agudo a 106 niños que fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente para descartar y eventualmente tratar la torsión testicular. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el que se tuvo en cuenta la edad y la forma clínica de presentación, que fueron semejantes a las descriptas en la literatura clásica mundial. Las etiologías fueron procesos inflamatorios (26 casos), torsión de hidátide (50 casos), torsión de testículo (28 casos) e hidrocele agudo a tensión (2 casos). De los 28 casos de torsión de la gónada, 26 fueron sometidos a una orquifuniculectomía y, en 2 pacientes, se conservó el testículo, debido a la buena recuperación de éste después de la desrotación. Las orquifuniculectomías fueron seguidas de orquidopexia profiláctica contralateral en un segundo tiempo, salvo en un niño que no concurrió a la consulta. El objetivo del estudio es resaltar la importancia del diagnóstico precoz, los índices de sospecha clínica, la etiología, el tratamiento quirúrgico oportuno y realiza una revisión bibliográfica sobre esta patología

Experiencia con 106 casos de escroto agudo tratados quirúrgicamente / Experience with 106 cases of acute scrotum treated with surgery

Desde mayo de 1994 hasta junio de 1997, en el Departamento de Urgencia del Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutierrez, se diagnosticó escroto agudo a 106 niños que fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente para descartar y eventualmente tratar la torsión testicular. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en el que se tuvo en cuenta la edad y la forma clínica de presentación, que fueron semejantes a las descriptas en la literatura clásica mundial. Las etiologías fueron procesos inflamatorios (26 casos), torsión de hidátide (50 casos), torsión de testículo (28 casos) e hidrocele agudo a tensión (2 casos). De los 28 casos de torsión de la gónada, 26 fueron sometidos a una orquifuniculectomía y, en 2 pacientes, se conservó el testículo, debido a la buena recuperación de éste después de la desrotación. Las orquifuniculectomías fueron seguidas de orquidopexia profiláctica contralateral en un segundo tiempo, salvo en un niño que no concurrió a la consulta. El objetivo del estudio es resaltar la importancia del diagnóstico precoz, los índices de sospecha clínica, la etiología, el tratamiento quirúrgico oportuno y realiza una revisión bibliográfica sobre esta patología(AU)