Retrospective Evaluation of Urological Problems in Rare Childhood Syndromes.

Objective Rare syndromes are defined as diseases that affect a small number of people compared to the general population. In the literature, rare syndromes have variable definitions according to countries. In this study, patients diagnosed with various rare syndromes who were referred to the pediatric urology clinic were examined in terms of associated urological anomalies. Patients and methods In this study, patients who were referred to our outpatient clinic between 2017 and 2022 with a diagnosis of a rare syndrome with or without urological or urogenital findings were retrospectively analyzed. The urinary system ultrasonography and scrotal ultrasonography of the patients were also recorded. Comorbidities, diseases, and surgeries they had undergone were determined through detailed medical history. Results A total of 32 patients were identified. Eleven (35%) of the patients were female and 21 (65%) were male. The average age of the patients was 6.5 years. The syndromes observed in the patients, in order of frequency, were microdeletion syndromes (n = 4), Roberts syndrome (n = 3), and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (n = 2), and a variety of different syndromes were found in the remaining 22 patients. Despite having no symptoms, the second patient was found to have left hydronephrosis, and the third patient was found to have right renal ectopia on their urinary system ultrasound. Pathological findings were observed in 10 (31.2%) patients on their urinary system ultrasound. Conclusion Although only a small portion of these findings require surgery, the presence of urological anomalies should be investigated. Therefore, we recommend urological evaluation for all patients with rare syndromes, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.

Use of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) in the Treatment of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PSP) in Children.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to review the primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) patients we have treated and to discuss the results in terms of PSP treatment management and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) use in the light of the literature. METHODS: The study was designed retrospectively and conducted at a tertiary referral university hospital between January 1, 2015 and May 1, 2021. Patients under the age of 18 years with a diagnosis of pneumothorax (PTX) were included in the study. Medical records were analyzed in terms of clinical characteristics, demographic data, findings from imaging data, procedures performed, and course of the disease at hospital. Patients with no evidence of PTX on radiologic imaging (direct postero-anterior chest X-ray (PACXR) or thoracic computed tomography (TCT)), incomplete medical records for follow-up, history of trauma, and neonatal PTX were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The study was conducted on a total of 98 PTX cases in 69 patients, 61 (88.4%) males and eight (11.6%) females. The ages of the patients ranged between 13 and 17 years with a mean of 16.59 ± 0.95 years. While 48 (49%) PTX cases were treated with tube thoracostomy, 19 (19.4%) were treated with medical follow-up (nonsurgical treatment) and 31 (31.6%) were treated with VATS. A total of 31 VATS procedures were performed on 28 patients. The follow-up period after VATS ranged from tthree to 78 months, with a mean of 31.5 ± 20.3 months and a median of 28 months. CONCLUSION:  Our retrospective study showed that TCT scanning did not provide additional benefit when PSP was detected on PACXR in patients presenting with chest pain and respiratory distress. According to the findings of our study, it was thought that the probability of undergoing an invasive procedure and surgical intervention increased as the percentage of PTX detected in PACXR increased. Tube thoracostomy may be required in a patient with PSP if PTX does not start to decrease and lung expansion does not increase after an average of 60 hours after the decision for medical follow-up, and if PTX is progressive in the follow-up. VATS can be performed on a patient with PSP when lung expansion does not increase after an average of 18 hours after tube thoracostomy, when PTX progresses, when air leakage continues for more than 10 days despite increased lung expansion, and when recurrent PTX occurs.

The role of IL-6, thiol-disulfide homeostasis, and inflammatory biomarkers in the prediction of acute appendicitis in children: a controlled study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the diagnostic value of IL-6, thiol-disulfide homeostasis, complete blood count and inflammatory biomarkers in the prediction of acute appendicitis in children. METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective and controlled study in children-the study was conducted at a tertiary referential university hospital between May 2020 and April 2021. Patients were divided between study groups and one control group (CG): 1: confirmed acute appendicitis group (AAP); 2: perforated appendicitis group (PAP); and 3: non-specified abdominal pain (NAP). The age and gender of the patients were determined. The following listed laboratory parameters were compared between groups: TOS: total oxidative status, TAS: total antioxidant status, OSI: oxidative stress index, TT: total thiol, NT (µmol/L): native thiol, DIS: disulfide, IL-6: interleukin 6, TNF-a: tumor necrosis factor-alpha, WBC: white blood cell, NEU: neutrophil, NEU%: neutrophil percentage, LY: lymphocyte, LY%: lymphocyte percentage, PLT: platelet, MPV: mean platelet volume NLR: neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, CRP: C-reactive protein, LCR: lymphocyte CRP ratio, and serum lactate. RESULTS: The TOS level of the PAP group was found to be significantly higher than that in the AAP, NAP and control groups (p = 0.006, < 0.001 and p < 0.001). TAS, TT, and NT levels in the PAP group were significantly lower than those in the AAP, NAP and control groups. OSI was significantly higher in the PAP group than in the other groups. The TT and NT levels of the NAP group were both similar to those of the control group. Serum DIS level was similar between the AAP and PAP groups, AAP and NAP groups, and NAP and control groups. Serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were found to be significantly higher in the PAP group compared to those in all groups. The WBC, NEU, and NEU% values were found to be significantly higher in the PAP group than those in the NAP and control groups, while LY and LY% values were found to be significantly lower. PAP and AAP groups were found to be similar in terms of WBC, NEU, LYM, NEU%, and LYM% values. PLT and MPV values and serum lactate values did not show a significant difference between the groups. NLR was similar in the AAP and PAP groups. A significant increase in CRP versus a decrease in LCR was detected in the PAP group compared to that in the AAP group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only IL-6 has significant estimated accuracy rates as 80% for the control group, 78.8% for AAP, 96.9% for PAP, and 81.6% for NAP. CONCLUSION: Rather than AAP, PAP caused significantly higher oxidative stress (increased TOS and OSI), and lower antioxidation capacity (decreased TT and NT). IL-6 levels can provide a significant stratification. Nevertheless, simply detecting WBC or CRP is not enough to distinguish the specific pathology in acute appendicitis and related conditions.

Human chorionic gonadotrophin secreting adrenocortical neoplasm presenting with peripheral precocious puberty in an infant.

Adrenocortical tumor (ACT) is a rare malignant tumor which usually present with Cushing syndrome and virilization. Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) due to neoplasms can occur with peptides or cytokines secreted by the tumor. Here, we report a 13-month-old-male presented with severe masculinization. He had signs of precocious puberty with enlarged testicles, very high testosterone levels but low levels of gonadotrophins, and elevated ß-hCG. He underwent a left nephrectomy. The histopathological evaluation revealed a diagnosis of adrenocortical neoplasm. The levels of androgens and ß-hCG normalized after the resection of tumor, and the clinical findings improved within few months. We report the first pediatric patient with peripheral precocious puberty due to an ACT that secretes ß-hCG as PNS. A ß-hCG secreting ACT can cause severe virilization due to increased gonadal androgens stimulated by ß-hCG as well as due to increased adrenal androgens from the tumor.

What has changed in children's appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic?

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the changes in the course of acute appendicitis during the pandemic period by comparing the cases treated during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with those in the pre-pandemic period. METHODS: The study was conducted with 601 children aged 1-18 years who were operated for acute appendicitis between May 1, 2019, and February 29, 2020 (Group I) and between March 1 and December 31, 2020 (Group II). The demographic and disease characteristics as well as the treatment processes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: It was found that 59.1% (n=355) of the cases included in the study were in Group I and 40.9% (n=246) were in Group II. During the pandemic period; due to the concerns of families about contracting a contagious disease for both themselves and their children, and warnings by health professionals and government officials that they should not leave their homes and not come to the hospital unless there is an emergency, the time to apply to the hospital has been extended. Before the pandemic, 20.3% of the patients presented to the hospital on the 1st day of their complaints, where during the pandemic, only 2% of the patients reported to the hospital on the 1st day, and 15% presented after 4 days or more. As a result, the rate of perforated appendicitis, which was formerly 10.4%, increased to 24.8% during the pandemic period (p<0.01). During the pandemic, we operated on four patients with positive COVID-19 test results. There were no complications related to COVID-19 and surgery in our patients. CONCLUSION: Concern of the current pandemic resulted in late presentation to the hospital, increase in the number of perforated appendicitis, and prolonged hospital stay.

Duplex Kidney Anomalies and Associated Pathologies in Children: A Single-Center Retrospective Review.

INTRODUCTION: Duplex renal collecting systems are one of the most common congenital anomalies of the urinary tract. The exact prevalence of this anomaly is difficult to ascertain because most patients are asymptomatic, and the abnormality is frequently detected incidentally. The aim of this study is to retrospectively review the demographic characteristics and different clinical presentations, related pathology, and treatment methods of patients with duplex system anomaly who applied to our institution, with a literature review. METHODS: This is a retrospective study, performed at the Department of Pediatric Urology and Pediatric Surgery, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, a tertiary center, from 2010 to 2021. Age, gender, presenting symptoms, and associated anomalies were determined in all patients. Asymptomatic patients with variants of duplex kidney anomaly detected incidentally did not require any surgical intervention. Necessary surgical interventions were performed depending on the pathologies of other symptomatic patients associated with duplex kidney anomaly variants. RESULTS: A total of 239 patients had duplex systems. The patients were divided into two groups according to their age, 0-24 months (newborn and infant) and over 24 months. There were 45 (18.8%) patients in the 1st group and 194 (81.1%) patients in the 2nd group. It was seen that the most common symptom in 85 (35.6%) patients was urinary tract infection (UTI). It was observed that 5 (2%) patients had no symptoms and were detected during routine screening. When comorbidities detected with the duplex system were examined, the most common ones were antenatal hydronephrosis 23 (9.6%). Ureterocele excision was performed in ten patients, laparoscopic heminephrectomy was performed in six patients, and ureteroneocystostomy was performed in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: It is important that magnetic resonance urography (MRU) duplex renal collecting systems, which is a current imaging method used in the evaluation of the duplex system, provide detailed information about the morphology and function and are useful in the evaluation of associated anomalies. Diagnosis and treatment before it becomes symptomatic or results in further kidney damage are important for the preservation of renal function in advanced follow-ups.

A Patient with Severe Cervicofacial Subcutaneous Emphysema Associated with Munchausen's Syndrome: A Case Report.

Subcutaneous cervicofacial emphysema is a rare and life-threatening condition that results from various causes. In this report, we documented a case of a patient with severe subcutaneous cervicofacial emphysema a condition that falls under the umbrella of Munchausen's syndrome and discussed the workup of this patient. Thorough diagnostic investigations seeking the etiology of the condition proved unsuccessful. When faced with cases of recurring subcutaneous cervicofacial emphysema, where the root cause remains ambiguous a diagnosis of Munchausen's Syndrome should be considered.

A rare case: Supernumerary right kidney in a child.

Supernumerary kidney is a one of the rarest congenital renal anomalies with less than 100 cases reported in the literature. This supernumerary kidney has its own collecting system, vascular supply and well-defined capsule. We report a case of 8-year-old boy with a history of patient with incontinence, undescended testicle and supernumerary kidney.

New Oxidative Stress Markers Useful in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis in Children: Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis and the Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Level.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate 2 new oxidative stress markers, thiol/disulfide homeostasis status and the asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level, in children with acute appendicitis (AA) and to evaluate their diagnostic utility. METHODS: This case-control study included 45 patients with AA and 35 healthy children. Age, sex, white blood cell count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, ultrasonographic findings, thiol/disulfide homeostasis parameters (native and total thiol levels, native thiol/total thiol ratios [antioxidant parameters], and disulfide, disulfide/native thiol, and disulfide/total thiol ratios [oxidant parameters]), and the ADMA level were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The native and total thiol levels, and the native thiol/total thiol ratio, were significantly lower, and the disulfide level and disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol ratios significantly higher, in the AA compared with the control group (all P < 0.001). The ADMA level was significantly higher in a perforated versus nonperforated subgroup of AA patients, but the thiol/disulfide homeostasis parameters did not differ significantly between the two subgroups. In addition, the hs-CRP level and appendiceal wall thickness were higher in the perforated subgroup. The thiol/disulfide antioxidant parameters and ADMA level correlated negatively with the white blood cell count, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and the hs-CRP level, in the AA group, but correlated positively with oxidant parameters. The sensitivity and specificity of the disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol ratios were high when used to diagnose AA, whereas the sensitivity of the ADMA level was high when used to diagnose perforated appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS: Thiol/disulfide homeostasis and the ADMA level, together with certain other parameters, may be useful biomarkers of AA in children.

External hemorrhoidal disease in child and teenage: Clinical presentations and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Hemorrhoidal disease (HD), though mostly seen in adults, has recently emerged as a common problem among children. However, the diagnosis and treatment of HD in children is mostly based on the data obtained in adult studies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate risk factors, diagnostic and treatment modalities in the children diagnosed with external HD. METHODS: The study was conducted at Sakarya University Medical School Pediatric Surgery Department between January 2012 and July 2018. We reviewed children who were diagnosed as having HD at Pediatric Surgery clinic. Age, gender, presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, risk factors, and treatment outcomes were evaluated for each patient. RESULTS: The study included 56 patients with a mean age of 140.8±45.2 months. The patients comprised 48 (85.7%) boys and 8 (14.3%) girls. Constipation and a positive family history were the most common risk factor (n=33; 58.9%, n=29; 51.8%, respectively). Conservative treatment was performed in 53 (94.6%) patients. Recurrence was observed in 5 (8.9%) and skin tag was detected in 6 (10.7%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: External HD mostly occurs in boys in their second decade of life. Positive family history and constipation were the most common risk factors in our patients. Conservative treatment is sufficient for the management of external HD in children because of its low recurrence rates.

Risk Factors for Pilonidal Sinus Disease in Teenagers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for pilonidal sinus in teenagers. METHODS: Between January 2013 and September 2015, 55 teenage patients who underwent surgery due to pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sakarya University Teaching and Research Hospital were included in this study. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), number of baths taken per week, time spent sitting per day, family history, and skin color were examined as risk factors. The control group comprised of healthy teenagers without pilonidal sinus disease. RESULTS: Out of the total 42 teenagers, 23 (54.8 %) were girls and 19 (45.2 %) were boys. Patients were classified as obese, overweight, or normal according to their BMI (14.3 %, 31 %, and 54.8 %, respectively). The number of baths taken per week in the PSD group was lower than that in the control group [odds ratio (OR): 3.690; p = 0.004]. The family history of PSD was significantly higher in teenagers with PSD, compared to the control group (OR: 8.652; p = 0.005). No differences were detected between the PSD and control groups with respect to sitting for ≥ 6 h per day (OR: 3.212; p = 0.028). Skin color was not found to be affected by PSD in teenagers (OR: 1.294; p = 0.392). CONCLUSIONS: Heredity and the number of baths taken per week were found to significantly affect the incidence of PSD, whereas other variables (gender, age, BMI, skin color, and time spent sitting per day) did not exhibit any significant influence on the rate of incidence.

A rare cause of acute abdomen: tumor rupture of nonpalpable testis.

Undescended testicle is the most common congenital anomaly among males. Testicular tumor develops in 3-5% of the boys with a complaint of undescended testicle. The clinical presentation of malignant intra-abdominal testicular tumors ranges from asymptomatic cases to acute abdomen. In this study, we present a child with testicular tumor rupture which is observed very rarely. A 16-year-old boy presented 24 hours after the sudden onset of right lower quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. On physical examination, extensive tenderness in the abdomen and abdominal guarding were found. The right testicle was not palpable. The serum white blood cell count was elevated. Ultrasonography and abdominal computerized tomography scan demonstrated a perforated, hyperdense mass with free fluid in the abdomen. The preoperative alpha fetoprotein level was found to be increased. We performed surgery with laparoscopy and a perforated right intraabdominal testicle was found in the right iliac fossa. The mass was excised. Histopathological examination revealed a yolk sac tumor. Ruptured nonpalpable testicular tumors are very rare. To our knowledge, this is the first adolescent case reported so far. Testicular tumor rupture should be considered in patients with nonpalpable testicle and acute abdomen. Laparoscopy may be performed in differential diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

Comparison of Polypropylene Mesh and Primary Repair in the Treatment of Blunt Testicular Rupture.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to show the applicability of Polypropylene mesh (PM) grafting in blunt testicular ruptures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 16 patients treated for testicular rupture following blunt scrotal trauma between March 2007 and April 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Eight primary repairs and eight PM graftings were performed to repair the tunica albuginea (TA). Postoperatively, patients underwent Doppler ultrasonography at 3 weeks and then at 3, 6, and 12 months, followed by annual scans. The measurement of plasma testosterone levels was performed 12 months after the surgery. RESULTS: The average follow-up time was 24.8 (range 12-48) and 42.8 (range 14-75) months for patients treated with PM grafting and primary repair, respectively. Differences in testicular size between treatment groups were only significant at 12 months postoperatively with the value of 26.5 mL (range 24-28) and 22.8 mL (range 13-27) in patients treated with a PM graft and primary repair, respectively (P = .045). There were no complications for those patients treated with the PM graft. Two patients who underwent primary repair developed testicular atrophy within 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSION: PM grafting is a safe alternative to primary closure of a TA defect following blunt testicular trauma. .

Antienflamatuar and antiadhesive effect of clioquinol.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The aim of this study is to investigate the expected adhesion-modifying effect of clinoquinol which has metal-chelating feature that limits the inflammation and fibroblastic activity. METHODS: A total of 40 Wistar Albino rats were included, which were divided into 5 groups. Group-1 constituted the sham group. Other groups, adhesions were induced by performing cecal abrasion on the rats. For treatment, saline solution was added to Group-2, carboxymethylcellulose was added to Group-3, methylene blue was added to Group-4, and clioquinol was added to Group-5. Blood samples were obtained from the heart to measure IL-10 and TNF α-levels. Adhesions were evaluated both macroscopically and histopathologically. RESULTS: Clioquinol reduced adhesions at significant level via decreasing the inflammation and fibroblastic activity in the adhesion-induced rats. At macroscopic level, carboxymethylcellulose and clioquinol were the most potent agents in reducing adhesions. Nonetheless, significant foreign body-reaction was observed in the carboxymethylcellulose-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: Clioquinol could reduce the formation of intra-abdominal adhesions. It exerts this activity by limiting the inflammation and fibroblastic activity between the intestines and serous surfaces. Furthermore, it does not induce a foreign body reaction. Due to these properties, we conclude that clioquinol can be used as an alternative agent to prevent adhesions.

Simple patch closure for perforated peptic ulcer in children followed by helicobacter pylori eradication.

OBJECTIVE: Peptic ulcer disease in children is rare. Therefore, the diagnosis can be missed until complications such as perforation or hemorrhage occur. Few reports have investigated the procedures and outcomes of children who have undergone operations for perforated duodenal ulcers. We report our experience with the modified Graham technique for perforated duodenal ulcers in nine children and review the literature. Methods : The records of patients operated on for a perforated duodenal ulcer in the last 8 years in two pediatric surgery centers were evaluated retrospectively. Patient demographics, symptoms, time to admission to hospital, operative findings, and postoperative clinical course were evaluated. Results : Nine children (mean age 13.2 years, range 6-170 years) were included. All patients were admitted in the first six hours after their abdominal pain started. In three patients, there was free air on plain x-rays, while the x-rays were normal in six. All perforations were located on the anterior surface of the first part of the duodenum and repaired with primary suturing and Graham patch omentoplasty. The recovery was uneventful in all patients. In five patients, urea breath tests were performed postoperatively for Helicobacter Pylori, and the results were positive. All patients underwent triple therapy with lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. The mean follow-up time was 58 (range 3-94) months. Conclusions : Peptic ulcer perforation should be suspected in children who have acute abdominal pain and peritoneal signs, especially when their suffering is intense. The simple patch repair and postoperative triple therapy for Helicobacter Pylori are safe and satisfactory for treating peptic ulcer perforation in children.

Remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia for pediatric rigid bronchoscopy: comparison of adjuvant propofol and ketamine.

OBJECTIVE: Laryngoscopy and stimuli inside the trachea cause an intense sympatho-adrenal response. Remifentanil seems to be the optimal opioid for rigid bronchoscopy due to its potent and short-acting properties. The purpose of this study was to compare bolus propofol and ketamine as an adjuvant to remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia for pediatric rigid bronchoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty children under 12 years of age who had been scheduled for a rigid bronchoscopy were included in this study. After midazolam premedication, a 1 µg/kg/min remifentanil infusion was started, and patients were randomly allocated to receive either propofol (Group P) or ketamine (Group K) as well as mivacurium for muscle relaxation. Anesthesia was maintained with a 1 µg/kg/min remifentanil infusion and bolus doses of propofol or ketamine. After the rigid bronchoscopy, 0.05 µg/kg/min of remifentanil was maintained until extubation. Hemodynamic parameters, emergence characteristics, and adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: The demographic variables were comparable between the two groups. The decrease in mean arterial pressure from baseline values to the lowest values during rigid bronchoscopy was greater in Group P (p = 0.049), while the reduction in the other parameters and the incidence of adverse events were comparable between the two groups. The need for assisted or controlled mask ventilation after extubation was higher in Group K. CONCLUSION: Remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia with propofol or ketamine as an adjuvant drug along with controlled ventilation is a viable technique for pediatric rigid bronchoscopy. Ketamine does not provide a definite advantage over propofol with respect to hemodynamic stability during rigid bronchoscopy, while propofol seems more suitable during the recovery period.

Remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia for pediatric rigid bronchoscopy: comparison of adjuvant propofol and ketamine

OBJECTIVE: Laryngoscopy and stimuli inside the trachea cause an intense sympatho-adrenal response. Remifentanil seems to be the optimal opioid for rigid bronchoscopy due to its potent and short-acting properties. The purpose of this study was to compare bolus propofol and ketamine as an adjuvant to remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia for pediatric rigid bronchoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty children under 12 years of age who had been scheduled for a rigid bronchoscopy were included in this study. After midazolam premedication, a 1 µg/kg/min remifentanil infusion was started, and patients were randomly allocated to receive either propofol (Group P) or ketamine (Group K) as well as mivacurium for muscle relaxation. Anesthesia was maintained with a 1 µg/kg/min remifentanil infusion and bolus doses of propofol or ketamine. After the rigid bronchoscopy, 0.05 µg/kg/min of remifentanil was maintained until extubation. Hemodynamic parameters, emergence characteristics, and adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: The demographic variables were comparable between the two groups. The decrease in mean arterial pressure from baseline values to the lowest values during rigid bronchoscopy was greater in Group P (p = 0.049), while the reduction in the other parameters and the incidence of adverse events were comparable between the two groups. The need for assisted or controlled mask ventilation after extubation was higher in Group K. CONCLUSION: Remifentanil-based total intravenous anesthesia with propofol or ketamine as an adjuvant drug along with controlled ventilation is a viable technique for pediatric rigid bronchoscopy. Ketamine does not provide a definite advantage over propofol with respect to hemodynamic stability during rigid bronchoscopy, while propofol seems more suitable during the recovery period. .

The role of laparoscopy in suspicious abdomen pain in children.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal pain is a frequently encountered problem in children. Suspicious right lower quadrant pains are sometimes a problem for pediatric surgeons. In this study, we wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopy in diagnosis and treatment of children with suspicion of abdominal pain. METHODS: The files of 84 patients treated with a diagnosis of suspicious right lower quadrant peritonitis between 2005 and 2011 were investigated. Laparoscopic exploration was performed for all cases with right lower quadrant pain where the appendix was not seen on USG/CT and the cause of acute abdomen could not be determined. RESULTS: In this process, 84 patients consisting of 60 (71%) females and 24 (29%) males were included in the study. The mean age was 10.5 years (7-16 years). Appendicitis was determined during diagnostic laparoscopy in 35 (41.6%) patients. The appendix was normal in the remaining 49 (58.3%) patients. In 36 of these patients, gynecological diseases were encountered on pathology as the most frequent cause of the acute abdomen. The appendix was preserved in patients where the cause of the abdominal pain was explained. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with suspected acute abdomen that imitates acute appendicitis and cannot be differentiated with physical examination and laboratory methods. Delays in diagnosis and unnecessary appendectomy will be prevented in this way.

[Analysis of risk factors for the development of pediatric appendicitis]. / Çocuk apandisitlerinde risk faktörlerinin analizi.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most common form of abdominal pain requiring surgery among children. This study evaluates the association of age, sex, seasonal, and familial factors with the histopathology of appendectomies. METHODS: 588 patients who underwent operations for acute appendicitis between 2009 and 2011 were included in this study. The patients were classified in one of three groups based on histopathological results: acute, perforated, and negative appendectomy. This study evaluates the association between age, sex, seasonal, and familial factors and the histopathological classification. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 11.8±3.26 years (range 1 to 16 years). Among these patients, appendicitis was 2.41 times more common in children greater than 10 years old. Appendicitis occurred 4.63 times more often among males than in females. Negative appendectomy occurred more often in children greater than 10 years of age. Appendicitis was associated with both seasonal factors and family history; however this association did not meet the threshold for statistical significance (p>0.05). DISCUSSION: The age and sex of the patient should be taken into account when considering appendicitis surgery to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis. In addition, the histopathology of appendicitis is influenced by familial and environmental factors.

Age of patient is a risk factor for urethrocutaneous fistula in hypospadias surgery.

OBJECTIVE: There is still much debate regarding the effect that age at hypospadias operation has on the rate of complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether patient age is a risk factor for surgical complications when using the tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty technique. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2011, 307 pediatric patients with distal or mid-penile hypospadias underwent the TIP procedure. Demographic and surgical data were evaluated. RESULTS: The complications recorded across all age groups were: fistula, meatal stenosis, glans dehiscence and urethral stenosis. Fistula was the most frequent complication in 10-14 year olds compared to the younger patient groups, and this difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Age and surgical technique should be taken into consideration when planning hypospadias surgery, since the complication rate increases with patient age. The TIP technique is a safe procedure with a low rate of fistula formation in distal and mid-penile hypospadias repair for patients of any age during the prepubertal period.