Laparoscopic treatment of bowel perforation after blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) in children.

Minimally invasive techniques have now become standard for the treatment of many surgical conditions in children. There are a few studies that describe the utility of laparoscopy in BAT in children. In this article, we describe the complete laparoscopic surgical treatment of two patients after a single blunt abdominal trauma, both with bowel perforation. In both cases, the perforation was identified and closed, one laparoscopically with an ongoing suture, the second jejune perforation was closed by laparoscopic-assisted techniques. Both patients had an uneventful postoperative recovery. Therapeutic laparoscopic treatment of patients with upper gastrointestinal perforation is feasible. We hypothesize, that diagnostic laparoscopy provides important information for the treatment of children with abdominal trauma and is accompanied by improved diagnostic accuracy, reduction of nontherapeutic laparotomy rates, and a reduction of morbidity. Minimally invasive surgery in children after BAT is suitable for hemodynamic stable patients, could improve pain scores, cosmetic effect, shorter hospital stays, shorter operative times and shorter return to school/activities. However, at any point in the patients care, in case the unstable hemodynamic is encountered, exploratory laparotomy is the procedure of choice.Key words: miniinvasive surgery blunt abdominal trauma - laparoscopy bowel perforation.

Balneotherapy and coenzyme Q10 in clinical and experimental medicine.

Balneotherapy or Spa therapy is used in neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, dermatological and gynecological diseases, in infertility as well as in metabolic disturbances. Beneficial effects of balneotherapy at the metabolic level is not fully understood. Authors have documented enhancement of antioxidants concentrations (coenzyme Q10- CoQ(10-OX) and alpha-tocopherol) of women with gynecological diseases by treatment with natural mineral water (Spa Lucky balneotherapy, Slovakia). In an experiment with rats, drinking of Spa Lucky mineral water decreased oxidative stress and enhanced concentrations of antioxidants CoQ(9-OX), CoQ(10-OX) in the myocardium, and alpha-tocopherol in uterus, ovaries and myocardium. Drinking of Spa Lucky water by rats stimulated myocardial mitochondrial respiration and energy production, and diminished skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. Simultaneous ingestion of coenzyme Q10 with drinking spa water returned mitochondrial parameters to the values of the control group. This pilot study helps explain the role of antioxidants, oxidative stress and mitochondrial energy production in beneficial effects of Spa Lucky balneotherapy.

[Complications resulting from osteosynthesis in children after supracondylar fractures of the humerus]. / Komplikácie vyplývajúce z osteosyntézy suprakondylických zlomenín humeru u detí

INTRODUCTION: The authors carried out the analysis of the causes for re-operations after percutaneous osteosynthesis of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors evaluated the complications of osteosynthesis of supracondylar fractures in children hospitalized at the Clinic of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital in Bratislava, for a 5-year period between 2007 and 2011. From the total number (395) of supracondylar fractures, 372 were treated as closed reduction and percutaneous transfixation. RESULTS: 32 (8.6%) of supracondylar fractures that were treated as closed reduction and osteosynthesis were indicated for re-operation - 8 times for signs of lesion n. ulnaris, 7 times for migration of Kirschner wires, 17 times for non-anatomical status or osteosynthesis failure. In case of lesions of nervus ulnaris, Kirschner wires were eliminated from the ulnar side and replaced either with intramedullary descendently introduced Kirschner wire to the ulnar condyle (the first option) or with three divergent Kirschner wires from radial side (the second option). In case of failed osteosynthesis, reosteosynthesis was performed using three Kirschner wires (two parallel or divergent from the radial side and one through the medial epicondyle). CONCLUSION: During the period monitored, the introduction of a differentiated approach in the treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children according to the type of fracture and the degree of displacement has significantly reduced the number of reoperations. Subsequently, it is important to notice that the decreased number of reosteosynthesis can be also assigned to the fact that the initial operation is not necessarily carried out as an urgent one (e.g. by a surgical team on night duty), but can be postponed and performed by an experienced traumatological team next day.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children.

UNLABELLED: In 95 children (age 6-18 y) treated for gallstones between 2002-2010, 95 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were carried out. Symptomatic cholecystolithiasis was the indication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in most of the cases. In three patients, there was a conversion to open cholecystectomy. Postoperative complications due to failure of bile drainage arose in three patients. Restored bile drainage was secured for two biliodigestive anastomosis. Bile leak in a third patient solved a temporary biliary stent. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for gallstones (Ref. 8). KEYWORDS: gallstones, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, cholecystolithiasis, bile drainage.

[Fracture-separation of the distal humeral epiphysis in a four-month-old infant: case report]. / Separácia distálnej epifýzy humeru u 4-mesacného dojcata.

We report the case of a 4-month-old infant with fracture-separation of the distal humeral epiphysis diagnosed on the basis of X-ray examination. Closed reduction was performed under ultrasound guidance. The effect of reduction was checked by computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and, under general anaesthesia, the arm was immobilised using a collar-and-cuff. Subsequently, percutaneous osteosynthesis with two 1.2-mm Kirschner wires through the radial condyle was carried out. The fracture was allowed to heal in a normal elbow position with plaster cast for 5 weeks. The duration of immobilisation had to be prolonged and removal of the wires postponed because the infant acquired a respiratory infection; the usual time for fracture union is 3 weeks. At 23 months after injury the outcome was excellent and the baby remained registered for a long-term follow-up.

[Long-term results of the treatment of diaphyseal femur fractures in children]. / Dlhodobé výsledky liecby zlomenín diafýzy femuru u detí

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Bone overgrowth of the femur after fracture in childhood treated either conservatively or surgically is well documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of bone overgrowth in childhood fractures treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN), to evaluate it in relation to conservative treatment and to compare its presence in the youngest age categories. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 49 patients, age range 4 to 17 years, with femoral shaft fracture treated in our department by ESIN osteosynthesis between 2001 and 2005 were asked to appear for a follow-up not earlier than one year after the fracture had healed to be examined for the presence of bone overgrowth. The results were statistically analysed and compared with a group of 99 patients treated conservatively (CONS) between 1987 and 1997. RESULTS: In the ESIN group, femoral overgrowth ranging from 5 to 22 mm was found in 15 out of 49 patients. It was most frequent in children up to 6 years of age; with an increasing age overgrowth frequency decreased. In the CONS group, overgrowth was recorded in 30 out of 99 patients and ranged from 4 to 20 mm. Similarly to the ESIN group, it was most frequent in the youngest age category (up to 6 years). In relation to age categories, there were no significant differences in overgrowth values between surgical and conservative treatment. DISCUSSION: ESIN osteosynthesis is currently the most universal method of surgical treatment for long-bone fracture. Although it has undisputable benefits, it may also be associated with longitudinal femoral overgrowth. Children in youngest age categories are often not indicated for ESIN for the fear of bone overgrowth. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ESIN for treatment of femoral fractures in childhood is not associated with a higher risk of long-bone over- growth, as compared with conservative therapy. Moreover, the authors' experience shows that the method of retrograde insertion of osteosynthetic material is safe even in distal diaphyseal fractures and does not increase risk of bone over- growth.

[Osseous bridge after physeal-injury to the distal tibia with spontaneous resolution]. / Kostný mostík po fyzárnom poranení distálnej casti tíbie so spontánnou korekciou.

The risk of osseous bridge development after certain types of physeal injury is well established. Once formed, the bridge continues to grow and results in a progressive deformity. The authors present an unusual case of a five-year-old girl who had a Salter-Harris Type-IV fracture of the distal tibial epiphyseal plate, with subsequent osseous bridge formation and deformity development. The bridge resolved spontaneously in 16 months, and joint mechanical axis alignment was gradually restored with normal growth of the distal tibia. Key words: physis, paediatric fractures, bony bridge, growth arrest.

Perinatal traumatism with gastroschisis.

Authors analyse 11 cases of perinatal traumatism in a group of 110 patients with gastroschisis during a period of 25 years. They point out its causes and consequences. To minimize perinatal traumatism, it is necessary to conduct suitable prenatal and perinatal management. In spite of preferring Caesarean section there are no differences between vaginal and Caesarean delivery when the delivery is properly managed (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 12). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

[Supracondylar fractures of the humerus and disorders of circulation]. / Suprakondylická zlomenina humeru s poruchou cirkulácie.

Supracondylar fractures (SF) of the humerus are the third most common type of fractures in childhood. The highest rate of pulselessness fracture of the distal humerus is the extension-type. The aim of our treatment is to minimize potential complications. Our management of pulselessness supracondylar fracture is more aggressive compared with other dpts. 223 (100%) patients with SF were treated at the dpt. of Paediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital in Bratislava, in the 5-year period of (1995-1999). 11 (4.93%) patients remained pulseless after reposition of bone fragments. These patients underwent surgical revision of the brachial artery. Spasms of the brachial artery (BA) occurred in six patients, a lesion of BA in three patients and thrombosis of BA in two patients. We performed revision of the brachial artery by a Fogarthy catheter in six patients--in four cases with thrombectomy. In two cases we released the vessel from bone fragments. In two patients was replaced the injured segment of the brachial artery by a venous allotransplant. Peroperative angiography was performed in six patients. We reoperated three patients with early postoperative complications. We did not record any case of Volkmann's contracture.

[Traumatic injuries of the urethra in children]. / Traumatické poranenia uretry u detí.

Authors presented their experience in diagnosis and treatment of 5 cases of traumatic rupture of urethra. Clinical symptoms of the closed type of the urethra are frequently not clear. In 70% of patients, outer urethral orifice bleeding is usually omitted. When this injury could be suspected, urethral catheterization is not recommended because it might extend level of damage. Urethrography is recommended as it would offer sufficient information on the injury. Pulling the balloon catheter to approach proximal and distal part of the injured urethra will result in creating fibrous channel between the ruptured parts of urethra however, this fibrotic part tends to develop dilatation resistant stricture.

[Blunt tracheobronchial injuries in children]. / Tupé tracheobronchiálne poranenia u detí.

Blunt tracheobronchial injuries in children are rare and are associated with many diagnostic problems. Based on the successful outcome in a seven- and a twelve-year-old patient operated within 12 hours after the accident the authors discuss the development of the symptomatology and early clinical, X-ray, bronchoscopic and CT diagnosis of rupture which are, if intensive care and early treatment of the injury are ensured, the basis for preserving normal pulmonary function and ensure prevention of sequelae due to obstruction and infection. The children were admitted to hospital for 22 and 14 days resp. and discharged in a good condition. The check-up examinations of both patients are within the normal range and there are no limitations as compared with healthy children of the same age.

[Atresia of the large intestine]. / Atrézie hrubého creva.

The authors describe two patients with congenital atresia of the large intestine. Both patients had colostomy when neonates. A double colostomy was performed. The microcolon was dilated across the distal colostomy by physiological saline and semolina pudding to achieve dilatation of the distal portion. Occlusion of the colostomy, tapering and end-to-end colo-colo anastomosis was performed in both children at the age of four months. The passage was restored in both patients on the third day after occlusion of the colostomy. One patient had also other congenital defects, i.e. equinovarus of both feet and a defect of the atrial septum. One patient is four, the other three years old. They are doing well and have no digestive trouble.