Laparoscopic appendectomy: burden or benefit? A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is now a common practice, it has not yet become the standard of care because it has no clear advantage when compared to open appendectomy (OA), especially in cases of complicated appendicitis. Moreover, the literature reports an increased incidence of postoperative infections with LA. AIM: To review our center's experience with LA and to compare it to the literature. METHODS: All LAs performed between January 2004 and October 2007 were retrospectively reviewed for age, gross operative findings, pathology reports, operating time, length of hospital stay (LOS), and the time to resume regular diet and reach afebrile status. All patients who presented with phlegmonous appendicitis were treated medically and had a secondary appendectomy. RESULTS: A total of 151 children underwent LA during this period (60 girls, 91 boys); the mean age was 10.4 years (range, 4-16). Forty-five patients (29.8%) presented with perforated appendicitis (PA). Nine patients had normal appendix on pathology. The mean operative time was 58.7 minutes (56.1 minutes for simple appendicitis [SA] and 64.8 minutes for PA). The mean intravenous narcotic analgesia duration was 12.2 hours for SA and 15.1 hours for PA. LOS was 2.82 days for SA and 3.8 days for PA. Regular diet was tolerated 1.47 days postoperatively for SA and 2.4 days for PA. The latter patients remained febrile for an average of 1.9 days. None of the patients presented with intra-abdominal infection postoperatively. Seven patients (4.6%) presented a trocar site infection. Since the introduction of a routine LA in 2004, the operating room time decreased from 66.4 minutes to 51 minutes. CONCLUSION: This series confirms the safety of LA in almost all cases. The absence of intra-abdominal infections and the low rate of wound infections noted with LA compare favorably with the open approach. This approach is not only advantageous for cosmesis but also allows satisfying parents' requests, helps developing surgeons' laparoscopic skills, and is cost-effective.

Acute chest syndrome after splenectomy in children with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of acute chest syndrome (ACS) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) undergoing laparoscopic or open splenectomy and to assess factors that may predispose to this complication. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with SCD undergoing splenectomy between 1999 and 2007 in our institution. Charts were screened for demographics, perioperative clinical status (vaso-occlusive crises, sequestration crises), preoperative hemoglobin electrophoresis and preoperative transfusion, postoperative development of ACS, and need for an intensive care unit (ICU) admission. RESULTS: Forty-three children with SCD, 17 females and 16 males (mean age 9 years), underwent splenectomy (19 laparoscopy and 24 open). Acute chest syndrome occurred in 9 patients (20%), 1 (5.2%) of 19 in the laparoscopy group, and 8 (33.3%) of the 24 in the open group. All patients with ACS were admitted to the ICU. Acute chest syndrome developed within the first 24 hours in 5 of the 9 patients, on the second postoperative day in 1 patient, and more than 1 month postoperatively in 3 patients. Six of 9 patients with ACS had been transfused preoperatively. All patients with ACS had had vaso-occlusive crises before surgery. Five of 9 patients who developed ACS had previous ACS episodes before surgery. There was no death in our series. CONCLUSION: The incidence of ACS is in accordance with the literature. Preoperative transfusions did not prevent ACS. There is a clear tendency for laparoscopically operated patients to experience less ACS postoperatively. In our group of patients, there were no clear benefits for routine perioperative admission to the ICU.

Accessory liver lobe with mesothelial inclusion cysts in an omphalocele: a new malformative association.

Mesothelial inclusion cysts represent benign lesions that have been reported in a wide variety of locations. Peritoneal cysts are observed and visceral involvement has been described, notably of intraperitoneal organs such as the spleen and the testis. We report the cases of 2 neonates who underwent surgical management of an omphalocele. The hernial sac contained an accessory liver lobe, displaying in both cases multilocular mesothelial inclusion cysts. The hobnail cells lining the cysts exhibited calretinin and cytokeratin immunohistochemical reactivity, as well as focal D2-40 reactivity. One of the cases occurred in the setting of a Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (MIM 130650), an overgrowth disorder notably associated with omphalocele and hepatic anomalies and tumors. However, no hepatic mesothelial cyst has been described in this syndrome. In the 2nd case the omphalocele and the hepatic cysts were the sole lesions observed in the neonate. To the best of our knowledge, these 2 cases represent the first description of such an association.

Pediatric gastrointestinal vascular anomalies: imaging and therapeutic issues.

Vascular anomalies are an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and therapy of these anomalies. Accurate diagnosis, classification and awareness of associated syndromes are mandatory for applying the appropriate management. In this pictorial essay we review the classification, imaging characteristics and treatment of gastrointestinal vascular anomalies.

An association of pleuropulmonary blastoma and cystic nephroma: possible genetic association.

The association of pleuropulmonary blastoma and cystic nephroma is an uncommon entity, with only 4 cases of such an association in the same patient described in English literature. We report a 5th histologically documented case in a 32-month-old boy. The boy underwent a pulmonary biopsy that showed a pleuropulmonary blastoma and a nephrectomy that showed a cystic nephroma. The pleuropulmonary mass showed an important regression with postbiopsy chemotherapy, allowing subsequent tumorectomy. To date very little is known about this rare entity, and a genetic link between these 2 tumors is hypothesized.

Alcoholic solution of zein (Ethibloc) sclerotherapy for treatment of lymphangiomas in children.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report the experience and efficacy of Ethibloc sclerotherapy as treatment of lymphangiomas. METHODS: Between 1992 and 2004, 63 patients had Ethibloc sclerotherapy for lymphangiomas at our institution. Computed tomographic scan or magnetic resonance imaging and clinical evaluation determined efficacy of the treatment. Results were classified as excellent (> or =95% decrease in lesion volume), satisfactory (> or =50% decrease and asymptomatic), or poor (<50% decrease or symptomatic). RESULTS: Sixty-three patients with 67 lesions underwent sclerotherapy with a median of 2 treatments per patient. Thirty-five involved the neck; 10, the head and face; and 22, the thorax or limb. Thirteen were predominantly microcystic; 28, macrocystic; and 26, mixed. Of the 63 patients, 6 underwent sclerotherapy for postsurgical residual lesions. Results were classified by type: of the 54 macrocystic/mixed cases, 26 (49%) had excellent, 19 (35%) had good, and 9 (16%) had poor results; in the 13 predominantly microcystic lesions, 3 (23%) had excellent, 7 (54%) had good, and 3 (23%) poor results. Five patients (7.7%) required surgery for complications; 2, for scar revision; 2, for persistent drainage; and 1, for a salivary fistula. Infection occurred in 4 patients (6.2%) after sclerotherapy. Follow-up averaged 3.5 years (range, 12 months to 12 years). CONCLUSION: Ethibloc sclerotherapy is a safe and effective alternative to surgical excision of macrocystic lymphangiomas and can be used for postsurgical recurrences.

Utility of hospital admission after successful enema reduction of ileocolic intussusception.

BACKGROUND: In-hospital observation of 24 to 48 hours has been the standard practice after successful enema reduction (ER) of ileocolic intussusceptions, but this practice has not been validated. We evaluated retrospectively the safety of short-term emergency department observation. METHODS: Between April 2000 and October 2004, 121 patients presented to the emergency department with ileocolic intussusception, and all had ER attempts. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients had successful reduction, 25 were excluded for failed reduction or unconfirmed diagnosis, and another 16 needed observation anyway for high white blood count or persistent postreduction pain. Of the remaining 80 patients, the mean time from symptoms to reduction was 45.9 hours (4 hours to 10 days). All patients, except one, were admitted for observation for a mean period of 1.6 days (8 hours to 6.5 days). No complications were associated with air ER; however, 6 (7.5%) patients had reintussusception during the observation period and 5 (6.3%) recurred after discharge. The mean intervals for recurrence postreduction were 17.8 hours and 14.5 months with no mortality or morbidity in either. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term emergency department observation could be a safe practice in more than 90% of the selected cases, recurrence of intussusception outside the hospital is not associated with unfavorable outcome, and routine admission is not warranted.

[Anatomic variations of the spermatic vein and endovascular treatment of left varicoceles: a pediatric series]. / Variantes anatomiques de la veine spermatique lors du traitement endovasculaire des varicocèles gauches: une série pédiatrique.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the high incidence of anatomical variants of the origin and course of the internal spermatic vein (ISV) discovered at the time of percutaneous embolization of left varicoceles in a pediatric population. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the 65 cases of left varicocele treated by percutaneous embolization (grade II and III) in our institution between 1990 and 2000. The course of the left renal vein (LRV), the origin of the ISV, and the number of ISVs and their pathway were recorded in all cases, according to the Bähren classification. RESULTS: In 37/65 (57%), the ISV was single and arose from a normal LRV (type I). The following variants were encountered: type V--circumaortic LRV 9/65 (14%); type IVb--intrarenal origin of ISV 8/65 (12%); type II--multiple ISV 5/65 (8%); and pelvic collaterals 6/65 (9%). CONCLUSION: Venous anatomical variants are frequently encountered (43%) at the time of left varicocele embolization in children. Such variants often impose some adjustments to the technique of embolization and, at times, hamper the procedure.

Endobronchial tumors in children: Institutional experience and literature review.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Endobronchial tumors are rare in children and often misdiagnosed as benign conditions resulting in delayed definitive treatment. The authors reviewed their experience to highlight pertinent aspects of diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of children with endobronchial tumors diagnosed between 1980 and 2002. RESULTS: Nine patients had endobronchial tumors (5 girls, 4 boys), with average age of 13 years (range, 8.5 to 15 years). There were 5 carcinoid tumors, 3 mucoepidermoid carcinomas, and one pseudotumor. Preoperative bronchoscopic biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in 6 patients, was inconclusive in one, and not done in 2. All except one (pseudotumor) underwent surgical resection. Laser ablation was performed in 2 cases with complete cure in one. All had an uneventful postoperative course except one patient in whom ipsilateral pneumonia developed. Long-term follow-up was obtained with clinical examination, pulmonary x-ray, abdominal ultrasound scan, chest computed tomography scan, and serum 5-HIAA in those with carcinoid tumor. Bronchoscopy was performed twice yearly for the first 2 years, then yearly. No evidence of local or distant recurrence was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Endobronchial lesions should be considered in children with persistent pneumonia despite adequate treatment or with undiagnosed respiratory symptoms. Prognosis is excellent with surgical resection. Specific follow-up protocol is recommended.

Lengthening technique for long gap esophageal atresia and early anastomosis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The treatment of long gap esophageal atresia remains a major surgical challenge. Whereas many approaches have been used for this problem, none are ideal. The authors used a technique originally described by Dr John E. Foker and accomplished early repair in 3 infants with long gap atresia. METHODS: Three infants with esophageal atresia underwent thoracotomy shortly after birth and had a long gap preventing primary anastomosis. External traction sutures were placed on each esophageal pouch and exteriorized through the thoracic wall. The esophageal ends were approximated 1 to 2 mm daily by traction on the sutures. Anastomosis was performed when the 2 ends came together. RESULTS: Three infants were included (31, 34, 37 weeks gestation, weights 1.38 kg, 1.9 kg, and 2.3 kg, respectively). The esophageal gaps were 3, 5, and 4.5 cm, respectively. Definitive anastomosis was performed at 14, 17, and 10 days, respectively. Two patients had anastomotic leaks that were treated conservatively. One patient had an esophageal stenosis that required dilatation. CONCLUSIONS: This technique allowed rapid esophageal lengthening in these 3 cases and led to early repair of long gap esophageal atresia, avoiding the need for a prolonged hospitalization or eventual replacement as well as long-term swallowing difficulties.

Esophageal foreign body obstruction after esophageal atresia repair.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for esophageal foreign body obstruction (EFBO) after esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) repair. METHODS: A Case-control chart review was conducted from 1987 to 1999. RESULTS: EFBO occurred in 14 of 108 patients (13%) with EA-TEF. Mean follow-up was 31 months. Alimentary debris was the most common foreign body. Mean time between operation and EFBO was 25 months. EFBO recurred in 50%. Sixty-one percent of patients required endoscopic FB removal. Esophageal stenosis was present in 57% of EFBO patients, and 80% of stenoses presented initially with EFBO. The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER; 50%), type C anomaly (100%), anastomotic leak (21%), major associated anomalies (50%), and encephalopathy (14%) were not significantly different between the EFBO group and the total EA-TEF population. There was no difference in the need for antireflux surgery (57%) between those with EFBO and GER and the total EA/TEF population with GER. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal foreign body obstruction occurs in at least 13% of patients after EA-TEF repair. Because no reliable risk factors were identified that could predict foreign body obstruction, all families should be warned about this possibility during the first 5 years, particularly once the child begins eating solid foods.

Blunt renal trauma-blessing in disguise?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify pathologic lesions of the kidney found incidentally during the workup of a blunt renal trauma. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of 103 patients ages 0 to 18 years with blunt renal injuries admitted to a level 1 pediatric trauma center between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 1999 was performed. All patients underwent ultrasonography and Doppler of their renal vessels. Additional investigations with computed tomography (CT) scan, cystography, or nuclear medicine functional studies were performed as indicated. RESULTS: Coexisting urogenital lesions were identified in 13 of 103 (12.6%) patients reviewed, and 7 (54%) required surgical treatment. The majority of the patients (9 of 13, 69%) suffered minimal trauma. All patients presented with gross hematuria as their main symptom. Stenosis of the uretero-pelvic junction was the most frequent diagnosis (n = 7): 3 patients required uretero-pyeloplasty, and 3 required nephrectomy. Two heterogeneous renal masses were discovered in which the diagnosis of a malignant process could not be eliminated; elective resection and open biopsy were performed. The diagnoses of multicystic kidney and solitary cyst with complex hematoma, respectively, were confirmed on pathology. Grade III ureterovesical reflux with pyelonephritis (n = 1), polycystic kidney (n = 1), extrarenal pelvis without obstruction (n = 1), and horseshoe kidney (n = 1) were the other lesions discovered. CONCLUSIONS: Pathologic lesions of the urinary tract are uncommon; however, they may complicate an otherwise negligible renal trauma. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach to blunt renal trauma must be modified in these cases. A high index of suspicion must be maintained when a patient presents with gross hematuria with a minimal force blunt abdominal trauma.

Percutaneous embolization of varicocele in children: A Canadian experience.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The importance of early treatment of varicocele, to prevent testicular damage is widely accepted. Surgical treatment of varicocele has been the standard method of therapy, but recently a less invasive procedure was introduced and utilized mostly in Europe. The authors reviewed their experience with percutaneous embolization and sclerotherapy to assess the feasibility and outcome of this approach in children. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective study including all patients who underwent percutaneous embolization and sclerotherapy for varicocele in the authors' institutions for the last 10 years. Clinical data, investigation, pre and postintervention management, and the technique of the procedure, including sedation and anesthesia when needed, were collected from the charts. Follow-up was obtained from the chart or by phone. RESULTS: Between 1991 and 2001, 41 patients underwent 43 percutaneous interventions. The median age was 14 years (range, 10 to 20 years). All but 2 were injected with a sclerosing agent; in 26 cases coils were added. All procedures except one were done under local anesthesia with sedation. Only 2 patients were admitted overnight, and 5 patients had minor complications. The average procedure time was 55 minutes. Follow-up data were obtained in 39 patients (95%), with a mean follow-up of 22 months. A total of 89.1% of those who were injected have satisfactory results (cured or improved) without the need for further procedures. Six patients required surgery post-percutaneous procedure, 4 because of persistent or recurrent varicocele and 2 because of technical failure. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous embolization is a safe and effective treatment of varicocele in children with technical success in 95% and therapeutic success in 89%. It now is the authors' first treatment modality for this disease.