Recurrent Ileocolic Intussusception With the Appendix as the Pathologic Lead Point in Children: A Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature.

Ileocolic intussusception is a consideration in young pediatric patients with acute abdominal pain. Meckel's diverticulum is the most common pathologic lead point for intussusception in children and the appendix acting as the lead point is rare. In addition, management guidelines for recurrent ileocolic intussusception (RICI) are lacking. We present two cases of RICI in which the pathological lead point was the appendix. The first patient, a two-year-old with no medical history, had intermittent abdominal pain and non-bloody vomiting for a month. Ultrasound revealed ileocolic intussusception, successfully managed with pneumatic reduction. However, symptoms recurred and a repeat ultrasound showed partial intussusception of the appendix into the cecum. Laparoscopic reduction and appendectomy were then performed. Symptomatic intussusception recurred, and a second laparoscopic reduction with stump appendectomy resolved all symptoms. The second patient, a three-year-old with no medical history, had colicky abdominal pain for 24 hours. Ultrasound revealed ileocolic intussusception that was pneumatically reduced. As pain recurred, laparoscopic reduction and appendectomy were performed, revealing ileocolic intussusception with a dilated appendix as the pathologic lead point. Recurrent ileocolic intussusception (RICI) with the appendix as the lead point is common, but RICI with the appendix as the lead point is rare. These cases demonstrate the role of the appendix as a pathologic lead point, and a review of the literature supports the need for surgical reduction. While enema reduction is the first line for recurrent intussusception, surgical reduction is preferred when a pathological lead point is suspected.

Rectal Atresia Treated Via a Transanal and Posterior Sagittal Approach: A Report of Two Cases.

Rectal atresia is a rare cause of bowel obstruction in neonates with a normal-appearing anus. We present two different types of rectal atresia requiring different surgical management. Case one was a one-day-old term male with web-type rectal atresia diagnosed preoperatively with bedside obliteration of the web. Subsequent transanal web resection was performed. Case two was a one-day-old male born at 28 weeks weighing 980 g with significant cardiac defects including aortic atresia. The patient underwent initial colostomy creation and delayed rectal anastomosis via posterior sagittal anorectoplasty. We review the published literature, discuss the surgical strategy, and highlight the decision-making of diverting ostomy creation and approach of definitive anorectal anastomosis.

An Extreme Case of Lethal Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Pediatric Patient With Synovial Sarcoma.

There is a relative paucity of literature on abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in children compared to adults and even less describing ACS in pediatric oncologic patients. We present this case of ACS in a 14-year-old patient to highlight the acuity of lethal consequences despite swift adequate management. Our patient is a 14-year-old male with a history of non-verbal autism and large synovial sarcoma of the left chest wall. He was admitted for scheduled inpatient chemotherapy and radiation. On day 3 of admission, the patient's clinical condition rapidly deteriorated, and a surgical abdomen was found on the exam. In the operating room (OR), massive gaseous distention of the stomach, small intestines, and colon were noted. A loop of small bowel was under such high pressure that the force of evisceration sheared the bowel from the associated mesentery. Due to the severity of the dilated bowel loops, we could not return the eviscerated bowel back inside the abdomen, which led us to leave the Abthera wound vac as sole coverage. The patient was transferred to the PICU, and medical treatment was aimed toward palliative care. The patient passed away three hours later. This case illustrates the acute and lethal nature of ACS in a less studied population, the pediatric oncologic patient. Prompt detection and treatment of ACS are essential for the management of critically ill pediatric patients, especially in those with space occupying tumors within the abdominal cavity. However, extreme presentations of ACS can have lethal consequences despite swift surgical intervention and adequate management.

Vacuum-Assisted Closure Treats Refractory Esophageal Leak in a Pediatric Patient.

Esophageal perforations can have iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic causes. Early identification is a predictor of good outcomes. When identified, perforations can be managed conservatively with wide drainage or repaired surgically. Endoscopic esophageal vacuum-assisted closure may be used as a definitive treatment, particularly in scenarios where conservative management and primary surgical repair fail to achieve complete healing. We present such a scenario advocating for the consideration of endoscopic esophageal vacuum-assisted closure in patients with refractory esophageal leaks.

Surgical Reconstruction Options for a Case of Near Total Intestinal Aganglionosis.

Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital anomaly affecting neural crest cell migration and proliferation in the myenteric plexi resulting in dysmotility, which can present as bilious emesis, delayed meconium passage, and bowel obstruction in neonates, or chronic constipation in older children. Depending on the extent of aganglionosis, this disease can involve the whole gut. Treatment involves a temporary ostomy and interval definitive surgical reconstruction. In patients with near or total intestinal aganglionosis, however, there is no consensus on the most effective surgical reconstruction as consideration of the length and function of the normal remnant bowel create concerns for complications with short bowel syndrome post-operatively. We present a case of near-total intestinal aganglionosis highlighting the various options for definitive surgical reconstruction.

Traumatic Left Anterior Descending Artery Dissection in a Case of Pediatric Blunt Chest Trauma.

Despite the reserve for recovery in pediatric trauma, blunt force chest trauma can cause insidious injuries that are easy to miss. Coronary artery dissection is a rare injury associated with blunt force chest trauma in the pediatric population and can present with vague or atypical symptoms. Pediatric patients can be unreliable in reporting symptoms, and providers can mistake coronary artery injuries for myocardial contusion, especially with improving laboratory tests and equivocal imaging. We report a case showing the importance of a high index of suspicion when presented with this trauma pattern in a pediatric patient.

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Appendectomy Using Standard 5 mm Trocars: Single Pediatric Center Experience.

Purpose: Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) for the treatment of appendicitis has been documented. Typically, SILA requires the use of specialized ports, instruments, and materials. The SILA technique at our institution utilizes the same instrumentation as the conventional laparoscopic approach (CLA), thus obviating the need for these specialized products. This study aims to further demonstrate the noninferiority of our SILA technique for the treatment of uncomplicated appendicitis. Materials and Methods: This is a single-institution retrospective review of patients who underwent SILA from 2011 to 2020 to treat uncomplicated appendicitis. Outcomes including demographics, operative time, length of stay (LOS), and common postsurgical complications were evaluated. These SILA cases were matched with up to 3 CLA controls based on age, gender, and weight utilizing the Greedy match method. Patients with an operative diagnosis of perforated appendicitis were excluded. Results: A total of 137 patients underwent SILA at a single institution. A total of 128 patients were in the final cohort after excluding perforated appendicitis. Mean age was 11.9 years. Case-control matching was conducted with 349 controls included. Between cases and controls, SILA had shorter operative time (27.2 minutes versus 43.7 minutes, P < .001) with no difference in mean LOS (42.4 hours versus 42.4 hours, P = .88). There was no difference in complication rate (5.4% versus 8.5%, P = .06). There was no difference in readmission rate (0.8% versus 3.4%, P = .108). Conclusion: These data suggest that for appropriately selected patients, our SILA technique is noninferior to CLA with shortened operative time.

Presenting a Case of an Extralobar and Extrapleural Pulmonary Sequestration in a Four-Month-Old Infant.

Pulmonary sequestration is a congenital disease formed by embryogenic separation of the lung parenchyma, halting development and function. It has an aberrant blood supply and can provide a nidus for infection and respiratory compromise. It can be diagnosed prenatally with surgical resection after delivery reserved as the best mode of treatment. In literature, six to twelve months is the most optimal time for elective surgical repair giving time for some maturation to withstand single lung ventilation and operation before the risk of infection heightens after 12 months. We present a case of an infant that had an elective repair at four months of age with no postoperative sequelae highlighting that surgeons can perform elective repair sooner than six months of age and that surgical decision-making should be on a case-by-case basis.

A Case of Delayed Cecal Perforation After Abdominal (Seat Belt) Injury.

Seatbelts have reduced the number of fatal head, facial, and chest injuries. They have, however, introduced a set of injuries comprising abdominal wall bruising, Intra-abdominal injuries, and lumbar spine fractures collectively termed the seat belt syndrome. Surgical repair is the treatment for encountered bowel injuries. We present a case of delayed bowel perforation following presentation with signs of seat belt trauma identifying a decisional dilemma in the surgical management of serosal tears with no apparent signs of perforation.

Infrarenal aortic dissection in a child after blunt trauma.

We present a 4-year-old who suffered blunt abdominal trauma leading to Chance fractures to the lumbar spine, bucket-handle injuries to the ileum and descending colon, and an aortic intimal injury leading to occlusion of the infrarenal aorta with extension to the bifurcation. Her vascular injuries were managed by endarterectomy of the intimal injury, thrombectomy of the distal aorta and bilateral iliac arteries using a Fogarty catheter, and patch angioplasty of the infrarenal aorta using bovine pericardium secured by a combination of interrupted and running sutures to optimize elasticity and operative time.

Wound complications after chemo-port placement in children: Does closure technique matter?

PURPOSE: Wound dehiscence after chemo-port placement is a rare but potentially significant complication. We hypothesize that by using a simple running skin closure technique during chemo-port placement the rate of wound dehiscence and overall wound complications can be significantly decreased. METHODS: IRB approval was obtained and patients <18years that received a tunneled central line with port from June 2012 to April 2016 were analyzed. Data collected on patients included patient demographics, skin closure type, and wound complications within 30days. Chi-square was performed to examine the univariate association with skin closure technique and wound dehiscence. Logistic regression was performed to examine the multivariable association between skin closure type and wound dehiscence and to compute odds ratios. RESULTS: There were 259 ports placed in this cohort: 125 used simple running skin closure technique, and 134 used the subcuticular skin closure. Patients were found to not have any difference in rate of dehiscence or overall wound complications based on gender, age, location of port, or use of steroids or chemotherapy within 1week of port placement. When compared, only 1 case (0.80%) in the simple running group vs 10 cases (7.46%) in the subcuticular group experienced a wound dehiscence [unadjusted OR=14.07 (1.69, 116.99) p=0.0144]. When comparing overall wound complications the simple running group had 3 (2.4%) versus 12 (8.96%) in the subcuticular group [unadjusted OR=4.78 (1.27, 17.94) p=0.0203]. When adjusting for port-number both dehiscence and overall wound complications remained statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the simple running skin closure for chemo-port placement in children has superior outcomes in regards to prevention of dehiscence and overall wound related complications when compared to the subcuticular technique.

Stapled intestinal anastomoses with endoscopic staplers in premature infants.

PURPOSE: The safety and effectiveness of a stapled intestinal anastomosis in adults, children, and infants is well documented. However, in neonates it is not well validated. We hypothesized that premature infants who received a stapled bowel anastomosis utilizing endoscopic staplers had similar outcomes compared to patients with a handsewn anastomosis. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed reviewing premature infants who underwent an intestinal anastomosis over a 4-year period. Patients greater than 36weeks gestational age at birth or a weight greater than 5kg at surgery were excluded. Patient demographics, type of intestinal anastomosis, and anastomotic related complications within 3months were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients underwent 71 operations involving an intestinal anastomosis: 33 cases were handsewn, and 38 cases were stapled. Groups were noted to have differences in age, weight, and diagnosis. Complications including leak and anastomotic stricture did not differ between groups. Reports of blood per rectum after surgery were more common in the stapled group (24% versus 6%, p=0.0522), but this did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in anastomotic complications when comparing the handsewn and stapled intestinal anastomosis techniques in premature infants weighting less than 5kg. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Resection of a giant hepatic adenoma in an eight-year-old girl.

Hepatic adenomas are benign tumors typically diagnosed in women of reproductive age, however, these tumors occur in the pediatric population although rare. We present the case of a giant hepatic adenoma in an 8-year-old female without established risk factors with progressive abdominal pain, and po intolerance, biliary obstruction, anemia, and fever. Right trisegmentectomy afforded extirpation of the 16 × 14.5 × 8.5 cm mass. The postoperative course was complicated by transient encephalopathy and a bile leak which resolved with appropriate care. The patient is well over 1 year from resection. She demonstrates age appropriate mental and physical function without disease recurrence or complication.

Staged closure with negative pressure wound therapy for gastroschisis with liver herniation: a case report.

Liver herniation with gastroschisis is an uncommon occurrence that is associated with a poor prognosis. This report presents a single case of complex gastroschisis complicated by herniation of the left hepatic lobe. In the subject case, the abdominal wall defect was successfully closed by sequential closure with negative pressure wound therapy after the initial application of a preformed silo. As there are no established standards for the management of gastroschisis with liver herniation, there exists an opportunity for multicenter review to define approaches to optimize clinical outcomes with this complex congenital issue. As a result of the complexity and rarity of this congenital abnormality, reports with a positive prognosis carry clinical relevance.

Retroperitoneal lymphatic malformation and transverse testicular ectopia: a unique clinical presentation.

This case report presents a fetal patient diagnosed in utero with a retroperitoneal lymphatic malformation by ultrasound and followed through gestation. At birth the child was noted to have a right inguinal hernia with two palpable testicles. Plan for partial resection and hernia repair with postoperative sclerotherapy was made. At the time of hernia repair, transverse testicular ectopia was diagnosed, and subsequent extraperitoneal transposition orchiopexy was performed following partial resection of the lymphatic malformation. Delayed sclerotherapy in combination with partial resection afforded definitive treatment of the residual lymphatic malformation as the patient demonstrates no recurrence over one year later. This is the first reported case to suggest a direct relationship between transverse testicular ectopia and a retroperitoneal lymphatic malformation.

Stapled intestinal anastomosis in neonates: validation of safety and efficacy.

The safety and effectiveness of a stapled intestinal anastomosis in adults and children is well documented. However, the role of this technique in neonates is not well validated. We report our experience with stapled intestinal anastomoses in the neonate at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. All patients from the neonatal intensive care unit who had a stapled intestinal anastomosis between February 2007 and May 2008 were identified. A stapled side-to-side functional end-to-end intestinal anastomosis was performed in all patients using a gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler. Demographic, management, and outcome data were collected via chart review. Variables collected included: birth weight, estimated gestational age at birth and surgery, weight at surgery, the use of vasopressors, associated diagnoses, location of the anastomosis, and postoperative clinic visits. A total of 18 patients were identified during the study period. Nine had small bowel to small bowel, eight had ileum to colon, and one had a colon to colon anastomosis. The average weight at time of operation was 2.8 kilograms (Kg) and the average estimated gestational age at surgery was 38.7 weeks. The only complication reported was a partial small bowel obstruction on postoperative day 12, which was successfully treated nonoperatively. Two patients died from problems not associated with the anastomosis. There were no anastomotic leaks or strictures. The literature regarding the use of stapled bowel anastomoses in neonates is scant. Stapled intestinal anastomoses can be performed safely in neonates without a high rate of complication. The long-term effects of stapled intestinal anastomoses in the neonate are unknown. Future areas of interest would include effects on postoperative feeding and operative time.