Robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic ICG-fluorescence lymphatic-sparing palomo varicocelectomy: a comparative retrospective study of techniques and outcomes.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare techniques and outcomes of robotic-assisted varicocelectomy (RAV) and laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV). METHODS: The medical records of 40 patients, who received RAV and LV over a 2-year period, were retrospectively analyzed. Palomo lymphatic-sparing varicocelectomy using ICG fluorescence was adopted in all cases. Three 5-mm trocars were placed in LV, whereas four ports, three 8-mm and one 5-mm, were placed in RAV. The spermatic vessels were ligated using clips in LV and ligatures in RAV. The two groups were compared regarding patient baseline and operative outcomes. RESULTS: All patients, with median age of 14 years (range 11-17), had left grade 3 varicocele according to Dubin-Amelar. All were symptomatic and 33/40 (82.5%) presented left testicular hypotrophy. All procedures were completed without conversion. The average operative time was significantly shorter in LV [20 min (range 11-30)] than in RAV [34.5 min (range 30-46)] (p = 0.001). No significant differences regarding analgesic requirement and hospitalization were observed (p = 0.55). At long-term follow-up (30 months), no complications occurred in both groups. The cosmetic outcome was significantly better in LV than RAV at 6-month and 12-month evaluations (p = 0.001). The total cost was significantly lower in LV (1.587,07 €) compared to RAV (5.650,31 €) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: RAV can be safely and effectively performed in pediatric patients, with the same excellent outcomes as conventional laparoscopic procedure. Laparoscopy has the advantages of faster surgery, smaller instruments, better cosmesis and lower cost than robotics. To date, laparoscopy remains preferable to robotics to treat pediatric varicocele.

Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) combined with ozonide oil dressing: standardization of technique in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Anal fistula and perianal abscess are commonly acquired anorectal pathologies in children. Surgical treatment options commonly adopted are fistulotomy, fistulectomy, cutting seton placement, and more recently video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT). Optimal postoperative wound dressing remains debated. This study aimed to report our series of pediatric patients, who received VAAFT and postoperative wound dressing using ozonide oil. METHODS: All patients who underwent VAAFT between August 2018 and May 2023 were included in the study. Demographics, clinical features, pre-operative imaging, surgical details, outcome, and mid-term outcome data were retrospectively reviewed for each patient. All VAAFT procedures were performed under general anesthesia and using a 10-Ch fistuloscope. RESULTS: Thirty-three VAAFT procedures were performed in 30 patients over the study period. The median patient age was 5.7 years (range 1.75-14). Anal fistula was idiopathic in 26/30 (86.6%), iatrogenic in 2/30 (6.7%), and secondary to Crohn's disease in 2/30 (6.7%). The median duration of surgery was 23 min (range 18-40). All patients received ozonide oil dressing twice a day for 5 weeks postoperatively. The median hospital stay was 24 h (range 9-36). The median healing time was 28 days (range 17-39). With a median follow-up of 2 years (range 0.5-5), disease recurrence occurred in 3/30 (10%) patients with idiopathic fistula, who were re-operated using the same technique, with no further recurrence. No fecal incontinence or soiling was observed. CONCLUSION: Our series confirmed that VAAFT is a safe and effective technique to treat children with perianal fistula. The technique is versatile, allowing to treat fistulae of different etiologies. Postoperative course was painless and fast. Future comparative prospective studies are needed to better establish these conclusions.

Indocyanine green fluorescent cholangiography: The new standard practice to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pediatric patients. A comparative study with conventional laparoscopic technique.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare outcomes of standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy and indocyanine green fluorescent cholangiography laparoscopic cholecystectomy over a 10-year period. METHODS: From 2013 to 2023, 173 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed in 2 pediatric surgery units: 83 using standard technique (G1) and 90 using indocyanine green fluorescent cholangiography (G2). Patients included 96 girls and 77 boys, with a median age of 12.3 years (range 4-17) and a median weight of 51 kg (range 19-114). The 2 groups were compared regarding the following: (1) perioperative complications rate; (2) overall length of surgery (T1); (3) length of cystic duct isolation, clipping, and sectioning (T2); (4) time of gallbladder removal (T3); (5) degree of visualization of biliary tree; (6) safety and feasibility of indocyanine green fluorescent cholangiography; (7) incidence of anatomical anomalies detected intraoperatively. RESULTS: All laparoscopic cholecystectomies were accomplished without conversion to open. The perioperative complications rate was significantly higher in G1 compared with G2 (12% vs 0%; P = .0007). Median T1, T2, and T3 were significantly longer in G1 (90, 37, 35 minutes) compared with G2 (55, 17, 19 minutes) (P = .0001), respectively. The visualization rate of the complete biliary tree was significantly higher in G2 (98.8%) than in G1 (80.7%) (P = .0001). No adverse reactions to indocyanine green were recorded. The incidence of biliary anomalies detected intraoperatively was significantly higher in G2 (7.8%) than in G1 (1.2%) (P = .03). CONCLUSION: Indocyanine green fluorescent cholangiography can be considered the new standard practice to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pediatrics. Indocyanine green fluorescence provided superior visualization of biliary anatomy, increased detection of anatomic variants, faster procedure, and fewer complications compared with conventional technique. Indocyanine green fluorescent cholangiography was safe, feasible, simple, inexpensive, and a timesaving tool.

Indocyanine green (ICG)-GUIDED lymphatic sparing laparoscopic varicocelectomy in children and adolescents. Is intratesticular injection of the dye safe? A mid-term follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent lymphography (FL) is standardized technique to perform lymphatic sparing and avoid post-operative hydrocele. No data regarding the safety of intratesticular injection of ICG are currently available. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of this procedure at mid-term follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-two patients (median age 14.5 years) undergoing laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy using ICG-FL from January 2019 to July 2022, were enrolled. Operative indication was high-grade varicocele in all patients, associated symptoms in 30/72 (41.7 %) and left testicular hypotrophy in 42/72 (58.3 %). Follow-up included clinical examination at 1, 6, 12 months and scrotal Doppler ultrasonography (US) at 12 months postoperatively to assess varicocele persistence, hydrocele, and injections-related complications. RESULTS: Lymphatic sparing was achieved using ICG-FL in all cases. No intra-operative complications or adverse reactions secondary to ICG occurred. The median follow-up was 22.8 months (range 11-49). Self-limited scrotal hematoma at the injection site occurred in 1/72 (1.4 %). Intratesticular hypoechoic millimetric area was detected at the injection site in 3/72 (4.2 %) on US. This finding disappeared after 1-year observation in 2/3 cases (66.7 %) (Figure). Persistent grade II varicocele was observed in 4/72 (5.5 %), not requiring re-intervention. No hydrocele occurred and 14/22 (63.6 %) with pre-operative hypotrophy showed catch-up growth. DISCUSSION: ICG-FL was clinically safe, with no allergy or systemic adverse reactions to the dye reported in this series. No injury directly related to the injection of the dye was clinically observed, except for self-limiting scrotal hematoma in one patient. A millimetric hypoechoic and avascular area in the body of the left testicle at the injection site was found on scrotal US at 1-year follow-up in 3 patients of our series. This finding does not seem to be clinically relevant as patients were asymptomatic and serum tumor markers were normal in all cases. Furthermore, the hypoechoic area with calcifications resolved 1 year later in 2/3 patients. The absence of evolution of this finding seems to exclude the heteroplastic nature. We hypothesized that this finding may be linked to elevated volume and/or pressure of intratesticular injection. Future prospective study with larger series and longer follow-up is needed to assess long-term testicular outcomes. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy using ICG-FL reported excellent outcomes with low incidence of varicocele persistence and no post-operative hydrocele. These preliminary data also confirmed safety of intratesticular injection of ICG at mid-term follow-up, without specific risks for both testis and patient.

Fantastic Needles and Where to Find Them During a Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication: Review of Safety Measures to Avoid Needle Loss During Minimally Invasive Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Losing a needle during laparoscopic surgery may be a dramatic moment for the surgeon and potentially have clinical and medico-legal consequences. This case report aims to describe an unusual case of needle loss that occurred during laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and how to prevent its further occurrence. METHODS: The patient is an 11-year-old boy with a body mass index of 32.4 kg/m 2 . He suffered from severe gastroesophageal reflux disease not responding to medical therapy and hiatal hernia. A laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was performed. RESULTS: At the closure of the Nissen wrap, CO 2 leakage through the umbilical trocar caused the needle lost during the introduction of the thread. We attempted to find the needle by exploring the entire abdominal cavity without success. Therefore, we decided to complete the surgical procedure. Another 2/0 nonresorbable thread was inserted in the same way as before. But this suture also disappeared. Hence, we manually straightened the needle and introduced it under vision. The operation was accomplished successfully. An intraoperative x-ray was obtained, showing the 2 needles at the level of the 12th rib, near the working port used for the liver retractor. A peritoneal window was created using a monopolar hook, allowing to finally extract the 2 hidden needles. CONCLUSION: The loss of needles, although a rare event, can occur during laparoscopic surgery. Based on our experience, we suggest that needle insertion during laparoscopic operations should be performed under direct vision, especially in obese patients, to reduce the likelihood of such complications.

Applications of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence technology in open surgery: preliminary experience in pediatric surgery.

Background: Indocyanine green fluorescence technology (ICG) in pediatric minimally invasive surgery has undergone an important improvement in the last 5 years. However, its use in open surgery is still limited. In this paper, we aim to report our preliminary experience with Rubina® lens ICG fluorescence technology in combination with the IMAGE1 S™ system from KARL STORZ in open excision of masses in children. Methods: The records of 18 patients undergoing open surgery for head, neck and thorax masses between September and November 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Rubina® lens ICG fluorescence technology system was used in all the cases. In 10 cases we adopted the holding arm system and in 8 cases the hand-held technique. Data about patients' demographics, surgery and outcomes were collected and analyzed through the following criteria: mass localization, intraoperative time (min), ICG administration (ml), intraoperative complications, postoperative complications. Results: A total of 18 patients were operated: 4 thyroglossal duct cysts, 3 supraorbital cysts, 2 neck masses, 2 pre-auricular and 2 scalp cysts, 2 gynecomastias, 2 lymphangiomas, 1 nose mass. In all the cases, intralesional injection of 0.5-1 ml of ICG solution was performed peri-operatively. Mean operative time was 58.4 min (35-134 min). Postoperative complications included seroma formation in 2 cases. Surgical pathology reports confirmed complete mass excision in all the cases. Conclusion: Based on our preliminary experience, ICG fluorescence guided surgery using Rubina® lens system was very helpful also in open surgery procedures. Rubina® lens system permits to have a very low complication rate, a time-saving surgery, a real time reliability of anatomic structures and an excellent clinical safety. In our experience, holding arm system seems more comfortable than hand-held system. However, further cases need to be performed to evaluate the exact role and to identify new indications of this technique in open pediatric surgical procedures.

Correlation between FLACC scale score and analgesic requirement in children undergoing Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Postoperative pain presents several challenges in pediatric Minimally Invasive Surgery. The Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale is a valid scale for pediatric postoperative pain. The aim of our study was to assess postoperative pain using FLACC scale and to analyze the correlation between FLACC scale score and analgesic requirement in children underwent Minimally Invasive Surgery. We retrospectively analyzed data of 153 children aged 2 months-3 years who underwent Minimally Invasive Surgery in our unit from January 2019 and December 2019. Postoperative pain assessment was established using FLACC scale. In each patient were analyzed the correlation between FLACC score and analgesic requirement. Pain evaluation was assigned immediately after surgery and at 15 and 60 minutes. 36.6% of patients (56 children) were asleep so considered pain free; 21.6% of patients (33 children) had a FLACC score more than 7 so they required analgesics and the pain assessment 15 and 60 minutes after was significantly lower. 41.8% of patients (64 children) had a postoperative FLACC score less than 3, so they didn't require any analgesic treatment. On the basis of our results, we recommend FLACC scale for postoperative pain assessment in children underwent MIS aged 2 months-3 years. FLACC scale is an effective and precise scale in detection of postoperative analgesic requirement in children and it could be extended in different age groups with further research.

Endoscopic Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus Disease in Children: A Systematic Review.

Background: Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a common inflammatory disease. PSD management in pediatric patients changed dramatically in the last few years especially when concerning the latest minimally invasive techniques. This article aims to identify clinical evidence about the reliability of the different techniques in managing PSD in children. Materials and Methods: We performed a PubMed search for articles published during the last 10 years, using the keywords "pilonidal," "sinus," "disease," "pediatric," "surgery," and "children." Results: We pooled 38 studies, 18 of these were excluded because they were either not relevant or concerned an adult population. Conclusions: Literature analysis shows that endoscopic techniques for PSD are superior to excision and primary closure (EPC) in terms of tolerance and postoperative conditions and, with the growing number of studies in the matter, important endpoints such as wound healing time and length of hospital stay will be proved to be superior. Pediatric Endoscopic pilonidal disease treatment showed to be a very promising alternative even from a statistical point of view, especially when considered that in this group, studies seemed to be more solid. Literature analysis showed that minimally invasive techniques were statistically superior to EPC in terms of recurrence and complications.

Robotic-assisted pyeloplasty in children: a systematic review of the literature.

Robotic pyeloplasty has become a natural progression from the development of open, then laparoscopic procedures to treat pediatric patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Robotic-assisted pyeloplasty (RALP) is now considered a new gold standard in pediatric MIS. A systematic review of the literature retrieved from PubMed and published in the last 10 years (2012-2022) was performed. This review underlines that in all children except the smallest infants, where the open procedure has benefits in terms of duration of general anesthetic and there are limitations in the size of instruments, robotic pyeloplasty is becoming the preferred procedure to perform in patients with UPJO. Results for the robotic approach are extremely promising, with shorter operative times than laparoscopy and equal success rates, length of stay and complications. In case of redo pyeloplasty, RALP is easier to perform than other open or MIS procedures. By 2009, robotic surgery became the most used modality to treat all UPJO and continues to grow in popularity. Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children is safe and effective with excellent outcomes, even in redo pyeloplasty or challenging anatomical cases. Moreover, robotic approach shortens the learning curve for junior surgeons, who can readily achieve levels of expertise comparable to senior practitioners. However, there are still concerns regarding the cost associated with this procedure. Further high-quality prospective observational studies and clinical trials, as well as new technologies specific for the pediatric population, are advisable for RALP to reach the level of gold standard.

Scarless laparoscopic incisions in Pfannenstiel (slip): the first 50 cases using an innovative approach in pediatric robotic surgery.

Incisions in the supra-pubic region have been described robotic-assisted surgery to improve cosmetic results in adults, but seldom in children. We aimed to present an innovative trocar placement in the Pfannenstiel line, named Scarless Laparoscopic Incisions in Pfannenstiel (SLIP), and evaluate its feasibility for various intra-abdominal procedures and its cosmetic results in pediatric robotic surgery. We performed a monocentric prospective study, including children undergoing robotic-assisted surgeries using a SLIP approach (July 2019-September 2021). Data regarding demographics, surgery, and outcome were collected and reported as median (range), or number (percentage). Cosmetic results were evaluated with a questionnaire. A SLIP approach was performed in 50 children (24 cholecystectomies, 12 splenectomies, 2 cholecystectomies and splenectomies, 9 colonic resections, 2 choledochal cyst resections, and 1 pancreatic pseudocyst resection). Median age was 11 years (2-18) and median weight 35 kg (10.5-80). Conversion to laparoscopy occurred in two cases. Post-operative complications occurred in 5 patients (10%), after colectomies [intrabdominal abscess (n = 3), stoma dysfunction (n = 1), parietal abscess (n = 1)], of which 3 (6%) required reintervention (intrabdominal abscess n = 2, stoma dysfunction n = 1). Regarding scars, 68% (n = 28) of parents and patients reported the maximal score of 5/5 for global satisfaction and 63% (n = 26) had all scars hidden by underwear. SLIP approach is versatile and can be used in supra- and infra-mesocolic robotic-assisted procedures. The low complication rate shows its safety in both young children and teenagers and does not increase operative difficulties. It results in high patient satisfaction regarding scars, and a scarless abdomen.

Quality of life of pediatric patients operated for pilonidal sinus disease.

Quality of life (QOL) outcome is an ideal method for determining the efficacy of a surgical treatment. In children operated for pilonidal sinus disease (PSD), open procedures imply prolonged wound care, significant morbidity, and high recurrence rates. Endoscopic treatment (PEPSIT) overcomes these limitations. We report our experience in the management of PSD to evaluate the QOL of patients undergoing open and endoscopic treatment. The records of 177 patients undergoing surgery for PSD from 2008 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty patients were operated with open surgery (G1) and 157 with PEPSIT (G2). We analyzed QOL through the following criteria: hospital stay (HS), healing time (HT), return to sport (RTSp), return to school (RTSc), resumption of social life (RSL), and recurrence rate and reoperation (RRR). Moreover, we used Pediatric Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (PQ-LES-Q) for a more subjective evaluation of life satisfaction. We found significant differences in all the analyzed criteria: HS varied from 3 to 7 days in G1 and from 1 to 2 days in G2; HT from 40 to 75 days in G1 while from 20 to 41 days in G2; RTSp from 50 to 80 days in G1 while from 7 to 21 days in G2; RTSc from 9 to 15 days in G1 while from 2 to 4 days in G2; RSL from 13 to 20 days in G1 while from 2 to 5 days in G2; RRR was 25% in G1 and 4.4% in G2. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment (PEPSIT) significantly improves the quality of life of patients operated for PSD. Compared to open surgery, PEPSIT presents shorter hospital stay, faster healing time, return to sport activities, return to school and resumption of a normal social life, and lower rates of recurrence and reoperation. In addition, PQ-LES-Q demonstrated a good overall quality of life and life satisfaction. Further prospective studies should be obtained to consider PEPSIT as the gold standard for the treatment of PSD in pediatric patients. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Many techniques have been proposed in the last 20 years for the surgical treatment of PSD. • PEPSIT is showing promising results in terms of safety and long-term efficacy. WHAT IS NEW: • The main impact in QOL of patients operated with PEPSIT is on their daily activity, including a shorter hospital stay, faster healing time, return to sport activities, return to school and resumption of a normal social life, lower rates of recurrence and reoperation. • After PEPSIT, children maintain a satisfactory quality of life according to the analysis of PQ-LES-Q.

Indocyanine Green (ICG) Fluorescence-Assisted Open Surgery Using the Rubina® Lens System in the Pediatric Population: A Single-Center Prospective Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: There are scarce papers about the use of fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) in the open surgical field. This study aimed to assess the usefulness of FGS in an open setting in the pediatric population and to report our preliminary experience using the Rubina® Lens system. METHODS: All patients undergoing ICG fluorescence-assisted open surgery over the period September 2022-September 2023 were enrolled. Each surgical procedure was performed using the Rubina® Lens for ICG fluorescence visualization. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients, 14 boys and 11 girls with a median age at surgery of 5.8 years-old (range 0-15), were enrolled. Surgical indications were dermoid/epidermoid cysts of the head (n = 7), lymphangiomas of the head/neck (n = 2), thyroglossal duct cysts (n = 7), gynecomastia (n = 3), preauricular fistula (n = 2), second branchial cleft fistula (n = 1), fibrolipoma of the shoulder (n = 1) and myofibroma of the gluteal/perineal region (n = 2). In all procedures, an intralesional injection of 2.5 mg/mL ICG solution using a 30-gauge needle was administered. No adverse reactions to ICG occurred. Median operative time was 68.6 min (range 35-189). The visualization of ICG-NIRF with the Rubina® Lens was achieved in all cases. No intraoperative complications were reported. Postoperative complications occurred in 3/25 patients (12%), with gynecomastia (n = 1), thyroglossal duct cyst (n = 1) and neck lymphangioma (n = 1), who developed a fluid collection in the surgical site, requiring needle aspiration in outpatient care (Clavien-Dindo 2). Complete mass excision was confirmed with pathology reports. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this initial experience, FGS using the Rubina® Lens was very helpful in open surgery, providing enhanced visualization of anatomy and identification of margins, real-time reliability and low complication rate. It was easy to use, time saving, feasible and clinically safe. Previous experience in MIS is necessary to adopt this technology. The accuracy of the injection phase is important to avoid diffusion of the ICG into the perilesional tissue.

Applications of Indocyanine Green-Guided Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging in Pediatric Minimally Invasive Surgery Urology: A Narrative Review.

Background: Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent dye used for several indications in adult surgery, and, more recently, adopted also in the pediatric patients. This study aimed to review the literature published on the use of ICG near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) in pediatric urology, to address its shortcomings and disadvantages and to detect the future perspectives. Materials and Methods: An electronic literature search of PubMed on all studies reporting use of ICG-NIRF in pediatrics was performed. We included only studies reporting ICG-NIRF application in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for pediatric urology indications. Results: Forty-two articles reporting MIS procedures performed using ICG-NIRF in children were obtained, but only 15 studies that focused on urological applications of ICG-NIRF in children were included in this review. The included studies described use of ICG-NIRF for kidney malformations such as duplex system, kidney tumors, renal cysts, ureteral pathology, bladder malformations, varicocele, and lymph node sampling in tumors. The pediatric urological applications in which ICG-NIRF provided significant advantages included partial nephrectomy, lymphatics sparing varicocele repair, and oncological procedures. The ICG-NIRF use was clinically safe, without reported adverse systemic reactions in all pediatric series. The main drawback of this technology is the need of specific laparoscopic equipment such as camera system, light sources, and telescopes or the da Vinci Xi Robot, with the software for ICG-NIRF, Firefly®, already integrated within. Conclusions: ICG-enhanced fluorescence-guided surgery is gaining growing popularity among pediatric surgeons due to the excellent results that have been published until now. ICG-NIRF technology has proven to be safe, easy to use, not time-consuming, cheap, and very effective to improve intraoperative view and surgical ability. Nonetheless, further evidence, including larger series, longer follow-up, and more specific assessments, is necessary to confirm the preliminary results and enlarge the applications.

Twenty-Five-Year Experience with Minimally Invasive Splenectomy in Children: From Minilaparotomy to Use of Sealing Devices and Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Technology: Tips and Tricks and Technical Considerations.

Background: This study aimed to review our 25-year experience with pediatric laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) and describe tips, tricks, and technical considerations. Methods: The records of 121 children, undergoing minimally invasive splenectomy in the last 25 years (1996-2021), were retrospectively reviewed. Median patient age was 10.2 years (range 7-17). The patients were grouped according to the period: G1 (1996-2005) included 31 patients undergoing open splenectomy using left subcostal minilaparotomy (G1a) and 28 receiving LS using supine position (G1b); G2 (2006-2021) included 62 patients undergoing LS using lateral decubitus. A five-trocar technique was adopted in G1b, with the spleen removed through a Pfannenstiel incision. In G2, we preferred to use lateral decubitus, 10-mm 30° optic, only four trocars, and sealing devices. In such cases, the spleen was placed in an endobag, finger-fragmented, and extracted through the umbilicus. Furthermore, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence was used in the last 4 G2 patients to clearly identify the vascular anatomy. Results: The median operative time was 65 minutes in G1a, 125 in G1b, and 95 in G2. Complications occurred intraoperatively in 14 cases (11.5%): 5 bleedings during dissection (G1b), 4 endobag breakages during spleen removal (G2); 3 spleen capsule breakages during removal (G1a); and 2 instrumentation failures (G2). No conversions to open occurred. Median hospital stay was 6 days in G1a and 4 days in G1b and G2. Conclusions: LS is a standardized and effective procedure in children and is preferable to mini- or conventional open splenectomy. Our 25-year experience showed that major complications may occur even in expert hands, mainly during hilar dissection or spleen extraction. Technically, sealing devices and ICG fluorescence were helpful to perform a safer and faster procedure. We believe that lateral decubitus and 30° optic should be considered technical key points to provide excellent organ exposure and easier dissection of hilar structures.

Evaluation of a New Tubular Finger Oxygen-Enriched Oil Inside-Coated Dressing Device in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Distal Hypospadias Repair: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Part II.

Background: This study was the second part of a prospective randomized clinical trial and aimed to evaluate the use of a tubular finger oxygen-enriched oil inside-coated dressing device and its effect on the post-operative outcome of children undergoing distal hypospadias repair. Methods: A prospective single-blinded randomized clinical trial was carried out between September 2019 and September 2020. We included all patients with distal hypospadias, who received Snodgrass urethroplasty and preputioplasty. The patients were randomized in two groups according to the type of dressing: tubular finger oxygen-enriched oil inside-coated device (G1) and elastic net bandage with application of oxygen-enriched oil-based gel (G2). The patients were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, 30, and 60 post-operative day (POD). Results: Sixty-four patients (median age 14 months) were included in the study and randomized in two groups, each of 32 patients. Post-operative preputial edema rate was significantly lower in G1 (3/32, 9.3%) compared with G2 (10/32, 31.2%) (p = 0.001). The median duration of preputial edema was significantly shorter in G1 compared with G2 (6 vs. 10.5 days) (p = 0.001). Penile diameter measurements at 4th, 7th, 14th POD proved that entity and duration of post-operative swelling were objectively decreased using the new dressing. The wound healing was significantly faster in G1 compared with G2 (14.2 vs. 18.5 days) (p = 0.001). The post-operative complications rate was significantly lower in G1 (0%) compared with G2 (3/32, 9.3%) (p = 0.001). Foreskin dehiscence occurred in two G2 patients (6.2%) whereas, breakdown of urethroplasty and preputioplasty occurred in one G2 patient (3.1%) due to scratching injuries. The dressing management was subjectively assessed by nurses to be easier in G1 patients compared with G2 ones (median score 1.2 vs. 3.5) (p = 0.001). The median treatment costs were significantly lower in G1 compared with G2 (55 vs. 87 eur) (p = 0.001). No adverse skin reactions occurred. Conclusions: Post-operative dressing using tubular finger oxygen-enriched oil inside-coated device was highly effective, easy to manage, cheaper and associated with a lower rate of foreskin and urethral complications compared with the standard dressing method in pediatric patients undergoing distal hypospadias repair. It was also clinically safe without allergy or intolerance to the product.

Evaluation of efficacy of oxygen-enriched oil-based gel dressing in patients who underwent surgical repair of distal hypospadias: a prospective randomised clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oxygen-enriched oil-based gel dressing on wound healing and postoperative outcome in children who underwent distal hypospadias repair. METHODS: We included all patients with distal hypospadias, who underwent Snodgrass urethroplasty and preputioplasty over an 18-months period. The patients were randomized in two groups according to the type of medication: oxygen-enriched oil-based gel (G1) and hyaluronic acid cream (G2). After discharge, parents changed the dressing twice a day for 2-3 weeks postoperatively. The patients were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, 30, 60 and 180 postoperative days and thereafter annually. RESULTS: One-hundred and fourteen patients (median age 18 months) were included in the study and randomized in two groups, each of 57 patients. The wound healing was significantly faster in G1 compared with G2 (p = 0.001). G1 reported significantly higher SWAS and modified HOPE scores compared with G2 (p = 0.001) at all steps of follow-up. No adverse skin reactions occurred. Foreskin dehiscence and re-operations rates were significantly lower in G1 compared with G2 (p = 0.001). Postoperative foreskin retractability was better in G1, with a significantly higher incidence of secondary phimosis in G2 (p = 0.001). The median treatment costs were significantly lower in G1 compared with G2 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Postoperative dressing using oxygen-enriched oil-based gel was highly effective, promoting a faster wound healing in patients who underwent distal hypospadias repair. It reported a lower incidence of foreskin dehiscence and better foreskin retractability compared with the control group. It was cost-effective and clinically safe without allergy or intolerance to the product.

Standardization of Pre- and Postoperative Management Using Laser Epilation and Oxygen-Enriched Oil-Based Gel Dressing in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Pediatric Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment (PEPSiT).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pediatric endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (PEPSiT) has become the new standard of care for pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) in pediatric patients. This study aimed to compare our current wound treatment protocol (laser epilation (LE) and oxygen-enriched oil-based gel dressing) with our previous protocol (silver sulfadiazine spray) and demonstrate its efficacy as means to prevent PSD recurrence in children undergoing PEPSiT. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 87 pediatric patients, 52 boys and 35 girls, with an average age of 17.1 years (range, 12-18) affected by chronic PSD, who underwent PEPSiT over a 24-month period (December 2017-December 2019). The patients were divided into two groups: G1 (n = 47) treated with pre- and postoperative LE and oxygen-enriched oil-based gel dressing; and G2 (n = 40) treated with only postoperative dressing using silver sulfadiazine spray. The two groups were compared regarding the operative outcome, wound-healing time, disease recurrence, wound infections, and other complications. Furthermore, efficacy, safety, and tolerability of LE were assessed in G1. RESULTS: No significant difference emerged between the two groups regarding the median operating time, postoperative pain score, hospital stay length, and time to full daily activities (P = 0.33). The median healing time significantly decreased in G1 (21 days) compared with G2 (28.1 days) (P = 0.001]. The disease recurrence rate was significantly lower in G1 (n = 1, 2.1%) compared with G2 (n = 6, 15%) (P = 0.001), and the wound infection rate was significantly lower in G1 (n = 1, 2.1%) compared with G2 (n = 4, 10%) (P = 0.001). All patients with wound infection were treated with oral antibiotics and, after the resolution of the acute episode, received LE with no further infections (Clavien II). Granuloma of the wound occurred in two G2 patients (5%), who were treated with topical silver nitrate (Clavien II). LE was well-tolerated and without complications in all G1 patients; a median number of 7 LE sessions (range, 4-10) at 4-6 weeks interval was required to achieve definitive hair removal. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirmed that our standardized pre- and postoperative wound management, including LE and oxygen-enriched oil-based gel dressing, was extremely safe and effective in reducing PSD recurrence and wound infection rate in pediatric patients undergoing PEPSiT. LE should be routinely offered as adjunctive treatment to all patients who receive PEPSiT and is strongly advocated to be started before surgery and continued after wound healing. More importantly, LE showed to have a role as a preventive modality in patients with recurrent folliculitis or infections at the intergluteal crease. It was also associated with significant improvement and acceleration of wound-healing time. LE and oxygen-enriched oil-based gel dressings were clinically safe and well-tolerated in all patients, with no adverse skin reactions or injuries to both therapies. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Near-Infrared fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green (ICG): Emerging applications in pediatric urology.

BACKGROUND: Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) has been recently adopted in pediatric minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in order to improve intra-operative visualization of anatomic structures and facilitate surgery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report our preliminary experience using ICG technology in pediatric urology using laparoscopy and robotics. STUDY DESIGN: ICG technology was adopted in 57 laparoscopic or robotic urological procedures performed in our unit over a 24-month period: 41 (38 laparoscopic - 3 robotic) left varicocele repairs with intra-operative lymphography and 16 renal procedures (12 laparoscopic - 4 robotic) including 9 partial nephrectomies, 3 nephrectomies and 4 renal cyst deroofings. RESULTS: The ICG solution was injected intravenously in renal procedures or into the testis body in case of varicocele repair. Regarding the timing of the administration, the ICG injection was performed intra-operatively in all cases and allowed the visualization of the anatomic structures in a matter of 30-60 s. The dosage of ICG was 0.3 mg/mL/kg in all indications. All procedures were completed laparoscopically or robotically without conversions. No adverse and allergic reactions to ICG and other complications occurred postoperatively. DISCUSSION: This paper describes for the first time in pediatric urology that ICG-guided NIRF imaging may be helpful in laparoscopic and robotic procedures. In case of varicocele repair, ICG-enhanced fluorescence allowed to perform a lymphatic-sparing procedure and avoid the risk of postoperative hydrocele. In case of partial nephrectomy, ICG-guided NIRF was helpful to visualize the vascularization of the non-functioning moiety, identify the dissection plane between the two moieties (Fig. 1) and check the perfusion of the residual parenchyma after resection of the non-functioning pole. In case of renal cyst deroofing, ICG-guided NIRF aided to identify the avascular cyst dome and to guide its resection. No real benefits of using ICG-enhanced fluorescence were observed during nephrectomy. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary experience confirmed the safety and efficacy of ICG technology in pediatric urology and highlighted its potential advantages as adjunctive surgical technology in patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic urological procedures. Use of NIRF was also cost-effective as no added costs were required except for the ICG dye (cost 40 eur per bottle). The most common and useful applications in pediatric urology included varicocele repair, partial nephrectomy ad renal cyst deroofing. The main limitation is the specific equipment needed in laparoscopy, that is not available in all centers whereas the robot is equipped with the Firefly® software for NIRF.

Pediatric Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment (PEPSiT) in Children With Pilonidal Sinus Disease: Tips and Tricks and New Structurated Protocol.

Background: The advent of pediatric endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (PEPSiT) has dramatically changed the surgical management of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) in children and adolescents. This study aimed to report the outcome of our new structurated protocol, including PEPSiT, laser epilation, and oxygen-enriched oil-based gel dressing, for treatment of PSD in pediatric patients and describe tips and tricks of the technique. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 127 pediatric patients, who underwent PEPSiT for PSD in our institutions over a 36-month period. All patients received laser epilation (LE) before and after surgery. Post-operative dressing was performed using silver sulfadiazine spray and in the last 18 months oxygen-enriched oil-based gel. We divided the patients in two groups according to the protocol adopted: G1 (laser + oxygen-enriched oil-based gel dressing) included 72 patients and G2 (laser + silver sulfadiazine spray dressing) included 55 patients. The two groups were compared regarding success rate, recurrence, wound infection rate, wound healing time, post-operative outcome, time to full daily activities and patient satisfaction. Results: No difference emerged between the two groups regarding the average operative time, the average post-operative pain score, the average analgesic requirement, the average hospitalization and the average time to full daily activities (p = 0.33). No intra- or post-operative complications including wound infection occurred in both groups. The patients required an average number of 7 LE sessions (range 4-10) to achieve complete hair removal. The overall success rate was significantly higher in G1 (n = 71, 98.6%) compared with G2 (n = 50, 90.9%) [p = 0.001]. The recurrence rate was also significantly lower in G1 (n = 1, 1.4%) compared with G2 (n = 5, 9%) [p = 0.001]. Furthermore, G1 reported a faster wound healing (average 21 days) compared with G2 (average 29 days) [p = 0.001] and a higher patient satisfaction score (average 4.9) compared with G2 (average 4.2) [p = 0.001]. Conclusions: Based upon our experience, PEPSiT may be considered the standard of care for surgical treatment of PSD in children and adolescents. Our new structurated protocol consisting of pre-operative LE, PEPSiT, and post-operative wound management with oxygen-enriched oil-based gel dressing and LE, allowed to achieve an excellent outcome, with a success rate > 98%.

Image-Guided Pediatric Surgery Using Indocyanine Green (ICG) Fluorescence in Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery.

Background: Indocyanine green (ICG)-guided near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) has been recently adopted in pediatric minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This study aimed to report our experience with ICG-guided NIRF in pediatric laparoscopy and robotics and evaluate its usefulness and technique of application in different pediatric pathologies. Methods: ICG technology was adopted in 76 laparoscopic and/or robotic procedures accomplished in a single division of pediatric surgery over a 24-month period (January 2018-2020): 40 (37 laparoscopic, three robotic) left varicocelectomies with intra-operative lymphography; 13 (10 laparoscopic, three robotic) renal procedures: seven partial nephrectomies, three nephrectomies, and three renal cyst deroofings; 12 laparoscopic cholecystectomies; five robotic tumor excisions; three laparoscopic abdominal lymphoma excisions; three thoracoscopic procedures: two lobectomies and one lymph node biopsy for suspected lymphoma. The ICG solution was administered into a peripheral vein in all indications except for varicocele and lymphoma in which it was, respectively, injected into the testis body or the target organ. Regarding the timing of the administration, the ICG solution was administered intra-operatively in all indications except for cholecystectomy in which the ICG injection was performed 15-18 h before surgery. Results: No conversions to open or laparoscopy occurred. No adverse and allergic reactions to ICG or other postoperative complications were reported. Conclusions: Based upon our 2 year experience, we believe that ICG-guided NIRF is a very useful tool in pediatric MIS to perform a true imaged-guided surgery, allowing an easier identification of anatomic structures and an easier surgical performance in difficult cases. The most common applications in pediatric surgery include varicocele repair, difficult cholecystectomy, partial nephrectomy, lymphoma, and tumors excision but further indications will be soon discovered. ICG-enhanced fluorescence was technically easy to apply and safe for the patient reporting no adverse reactions to the product. The main limitation is represented by the specific equipment needed to apply ICG-guided NIRF in laparoscopic procedures, that is not available in all centers whereas the ICG system Firefly® is already integrated into the robotic platform.