First trimester lower abdominal cysts as early predictor of anorectal malformations.

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of anorectal malformations (ARMs) is challenging and often missed as direct visualization of the anal sphincter is not routinely performed, plus the technique is operator-dependent and inaccurate, also in expert hands. Other indirect signs, such as rectosigmoid overdistension or intraluminal calcifications, are occasionally present in late pregnancy. The detection of a cyst of the lower abdomen in the first trimester may be an early sign of ARM. Here we reported our experience and a review of the literature of such cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Isolated cases of lower abdomen cysts encountered in the first trimester at the Prenatal Diagnosis Unit during the last 5 years were retrieved and compared with those found in literature. Post-natal clinical data were analyzed to check the presence and type of malformations. RESULTS: A total of three cases of lower abdomen cysts were found in our center and 13 in literature. In our case series all the cysts spontaneously regressed and were no longer visible since the second trimester of pregnancy, while in literature this was reported in only 4 out of 13 cases. ARM was confirmed in all patients at birth or post-mortem. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of a lower abdomen cyst during the first trimester of pregnancy could be an early predictive sign of ARM, even if it disappears during pregnancy. In these cases, we suggest mentioning to the parents the possibility of an ARM during the counseling and to refer the couple to a Colorectal Center.

Robotic surgery in Hirschsprung disease: a unicentric experience on 31 procedures.

Robotic surgery has been increasingly applied to Hirschsprung patients with encouraging results. We report the results of a 5 year unicentric experience. All consecutive HSCR patients older than 12 months who underwent a surgical procedure with robotic approach between September 2017 and August 2022 were prospectively included. We collected data regarding demographics, extent of aganglionosis, associated anomalies, indications to surgery, and a number of perioperative data such as surgical details, intraoperative and perioperative complications, length of surgery, length of hospital stay, and functional outcome. A total of 28 patients underwent 31 robotic procedures during the study period. Median age at surgery was 82 months. Eleven primary Totally Robotic Soave Pull-Through, 12 redoes, 5 innervative mapping, 2 redundant rectal pouch excision, and 1 Miles' procedures have been performed. Median console time was 145 min. No conversion to either laparoscopy nor to laparotomy was required. Median length of hospital stay was 6 days. Two patients experienced complications requiring reiterative surgery. One patient experienced mild postoperative enterocolitis. Normal continence was achieved by 70% of patients after a median of 16 months postoperatively (80% for primary pull-throughs, 55% for redoes). To conclude, robotic surgery for older HSCR patients proved to be feasible, safe, and effective. Patients with complex surgical requirements seem to benefit most from this promising approach. Provided the economic burden is addressed and solved, robotic surgery will represent an excellent alternative for the surgical treatment of HSCR patients.

Ulcerative Colitis of the Neovagina in a Toddler with Cloaca and Chronic Kidney Disease.

The case of a toddler with long-channel cloaca, mild chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to renal dysplasia, and early onset of ulcerative colitis (UC) is herein reported. The patient underwent definitive repair of cloaca, that included vaginal elongation with colon, at 5 months of age and was admitted for episodes of vaginal bleeding at 22 months of age. A vaginoscopy revealed a severe inflammation of the colonic neovagina. As rectal bleeding was also noticed, she underwent a colonscopy that showed the same macroscopic inflammatory picture. Neovaginal and colonic biopsies confirmed UC. The mother turned out to be affected by UC since adolescence. The patient is now on oral therapy with mesalazine and topical steroid and mesalazine in the neovagina. The association between cloaca and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is anecdotal, but the family history of IBD should be considered when planning the surgical reconstruction of patients with cloaca. In this patient, the occurrence of UC may require a new neovagina in the future and the concomitance of CKD may complicate the overall management due to the potential nephrotoxicity of drugs used for UC therapy.

Neonatal independent predictors of severe NEC.

PURPOSE: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe neonatal disease. The present study aimed to identify factors predisposing the development of severe forms of NEC. METHODS: This retrospective study examined NEC patients in a single centre between 2002 and 2015. Data concerning clinical characteristics, therapeutic management as well as short-term outcomes were collected. We compared the patients receiving successful medical treatment and those requiring surgical intervention. Patients who underwent surgery were distinguished in three subcategories. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: We identified 155 patients in the study period. 102 were treated conservatively and 53 required surgery. 8 received a primary peritoneal drainage, 31 received a drainage and a subsequent laparotomy and 14 received a laparotomy. Multivariate regression analysis identified a lower risk for surgery with a later onset and higher serum pH values, whereas an increased risk with higher C reactive Protein (CRP) levels at the onset. Pneumatosis intestinalis was identified as a protective factor. Overall mortality was 6.4%, with higher percentage in surgical NEC. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a later onset is a protective sign for the progression to surgery, whereas lower pH values and higher CRP levels are prognostic factors associated with the need for surgery. The line of treatment involving explorative laparotomy in case of perforation seems to be rewarded by low morbidity and mortality rate.