Tratamiento de las oclusiones postoperatorias en niños: ¿adhesiolisis abierta o laparoscópica? / Treatment of the postoperative bowel obstructions in children: laparoscopic vs. open adhesiolysis

Objetivo. Comparar los resultados de la adhesiolisis laparoscópica frente a la técnica abierta en niños con oclusiones postoperatorias. Método. Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes intervenidos por oclusiones postoperatorias en nuestro centro. Se recogieron variables demográficas, las características clínicas del paciente y del cuadro oclusivo y los resultados postoperatorios. Resultados. En los últimos 8 años, se han realizado 37 intervenciones por oclusiones intestinales postoperatorias: un 40,5% mediante laparoscopia y un 59,5% mediante laparotomía. La media de edad fue 6,31 y 4,32 años para la técnica laparoscópica y abierta, respectivamente. No encontramos diferencias en el tiempo de evolución del cuadro oclusivo, ni en los antecedentes quirúrgicos. Sin embargo, el grupo de adhesiolisis laparoscópica presentó mejores resultados que el de cirugía abierta en: necesidad de vía central (15% frente a 61,90% p= 0,012), uso parenteral (38,46% frente a 83,33% p= 0,005), reinicio de la nutrición enteral (4,04 días frente a 8,17 p= 0,004) y estancia postoperatoria (7,77 frente a 13,05 días p= 0,027). Conclusiones. Ambos abordajes son eficaces para la resolución de la oclusión. La adhesiolisis laparoscópica aporta ventajas frente a la cirugía abierta: menor necesidad de vía central y de nutrición parenteral, reinicio precoz de la nutrición enteral y menor estancia hospitalaria

Objective. To compare the results of laparoscopic versus open adhesiolysis in children affected by postoperative bowel obstruction. Methods. Retrospective study reviewing charts of all patients who were operated on due to postoperative adhesions in our Department. Demographic data, clinical characteristics and postoperative data were collected. Results. During the last 8 years, 37 patients were operated on for postoperative intestinal obstructions. 40.5% were operated by laparoscopy and 59.5% by laparotomy. Mean ages were 6.31 and 4.32 years in laparoscopic and open groups, respectively. There were no differences in days of evolution of the occlusion, neither in their medical history. Patients in laparoscopic group had better outcomes in the need of central lines (15% vs 61.90% p= 0.012), use of parenteral nutrition (38.46% vs 83.33% p= 0.005), beginning of the enteral nutrition (4.04 vs 8.17 days p= 0.004) and hospital stay (7.77 vs 13.05 days p= 0.027). Conclusions. Open and laparoscopic adhesiolysis are effective to treat adhesive cases. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis has some advantages over open surgery: less need of central lines and parenteral nutrition, earlier start of enteral nutrition, less rate of complications and shorter hospital stay

[Treatment of the postoperative bowel obstructions in children: laparoscopic vs. open adhesiolysis]. / Tratamiento de las oclusiones postoperatorias en niños: ¿adhesiolisis abierta o laparoscópica?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of laparoscopic versus open adhesiolysis in children affected by postoperative bowel obstruction. METHODS: Retrospective study reviewing charts of all patients who were operated on due to postoperative adhesions in our Department. Demographic data, clinical characteristics and postoperative data were collected. RESULTS: During the last 8 years, 37 patients were operated on for postoperative intestinal obstructions. 40.5% were operated by laparoscopy and 59.5% by laparotomy. Mean ages were 6.31 and 4.32 years in laparoscopic and open groups, respectively. There were no differences in days of evolution of the occlusion, neither in their medical history. Patients in laparoscopic group had better outcomes in the need of central lines (15% vs 61.90% p= 0.012), use of parenteral nutrition (38.46% vs 83.33% p= 0.005), beginning of the enteral nutrition (4.04 vs 8.17 days p= 0.004) and hospital stay (7.77 vs 13.05 days p= 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Open and laparoscopic adhesiolysis are effective to treat adhesive cases. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis has some advantages over open surgery: less need of central lines and parenteral nutrition, earlier start of enteral nutrition, less rate of complications and shorter hospital stay.

OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados de la adhesiolisis laparoscópica frente a la técnica abierta en niños con oclusiones postoperatorias. METODO: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes intervenidos por oclusiones postoperatorias en nuestro centro. Se recogieron variables demográficas, las características clínicas del paciente y del cuadro oclusivo y los resultados postoperatorios. RESULTADOS: En los últimos 8 años, se han realizado 37 intervenciones por oclusiones intestinales postoperatorias: un 40,5% mediante laparoscopia y un 59,5% mediante laparotomía. La media de edad fue 6,31 y 4,32 años para la técnica laparoscópica y abierta, respectivamente. No encontramos diferencias en el tiempo de evolución del cuadro oclusivo, ni en los antecedentes quirúrgicos. Sin embargo, el grupo de adhesiolisis laparoscópica presentó mejores resultados que el de cirugía abierta en: necesidad de vía central (15% frente a 61,90% p= 0,012), uso parenteral (38,46% frente a 83,33% p= 0,005), reinicio de la nutrición enteral (4,04 días frente a 8,17 p= 0,004) y estancia postoperatoria (7,77 frente a 13,05 días p= 0,027). CONCLUSIONES: Ambos abordajes son eficaces para la resolución de la oclusión. La adhesiolisis laparoscópica aporta ventajas frente a la cirugía abierta: menor necesidad de vía central y de nutrición parenteral, reinicio precoz de la nutrición enteral y menor estancia hospitalaria.

[Conservative management of retained central venous catheters]. / Manejo conservador de los catéteres venosos centrales retenidos.

BACKGROUND: Withdrawal of central venous catheters (CVCs) is usually a simple surgical procedure. However, in some cases, the catheter is stuck in the vessel wall and its removal is not possible if more invasive interventions are not performed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study from 2003 to 2011 of patients who were clearing a CVC and the factors that could have intervened in the removal impossibility. We compared the type of catheter, the insertion site, the time between its insertion and removal, the primary diagnosis and the treatment. In addition, a monitoring by clinical and imaging tests has been made in patients with retained CVCs. RESULTS: An amount of 174 interventions were carried out. In 5 cases the CVC could not been removed. These 5 cases were patients diagnosed with ALL B and were treated with identical chemotherapy treatment. In addition, at the time of its retirement, all the patients had the CVC for a period longer than 2 years -29 to 84 months-. In patients with retained fragments, no complication arose from this condition. The mean follow-up period was 36 months -maximum 48 months-. CONCLUSIONS: The potential complications arising from the presence of the retained CVCs fragments include infection, venous thrombosis and catheter migration. Based on our results, we propose that a conservative management might be considered as an option in these patients.

Manejo conservador de los catéteres venosos centrales retenidos / Conservative management of retained central venous catheters

Introducción. La retirada de los catéteres venosos centrales (CVCs) suele ser un procedimiento quirúrgico sencillo. Sin embargo, en algunos casos el catéter se encuentra englobado en la pared del vaso y su extracción no es posible si no se realizan intervenciones más invasivas. Material y métodos. Se ha realizado un estudio retrospectivo desde 2003 a 2011 de los pacientes a los que se les ha retirado un CVC y de los factores que podrían haber intervenido en la imposibilidad de retirada. Se han comparado los tipos de catéter, la zona de inserción, el tiempo transcurrido desde la inserción a la retirada, el diagnóstico principal y el tipo de medicación. Además, se ha realizado un seguimiento clínico y mediante pruebas de imagen en los pacientes con CVCs retenidos. Resultados. Se realizaron 174 intervenciones. En 5 casos no se pudo extraer el CVC. Estos 5 casos fueron pacientes diagnosticados de LLA B y llevaron tratamiento quimioterápico idéntico. Además, en el momento de su retirada, todos llevaban el CVC por un periodo mayor a 2 años (de 29 a 84 meses). En los pacientes con fragmentos retenidos no se produjo ninguna complicación derivada de esta condición. El periodo medio de seguimiento fue de 36 meses (máximo de 48 meses).Conclusiones. Las posibles complicaciones derivadas de la presencia de fragmentos de los CVCs retenidos son la infección, la trombosis venosa y la migración del catéter. En base a nuestros resultados, planteamos que se podría considerar en estos pacientes una actitud expectante y un manejo conservador (AU)

Background. Withdrawal of central venous catheters (CVCs) is usually a simple surgical procedure. However, in some cases, the catheter is stuck in the vessel wall and its removal is not possible if more invasive interventions are not performed. Material and methods. We performed a retrospective study from 2003 to 2011 of patients who were clearing a CVC and the factors that could have intervened in the removal impossibility. We compared the type of catheter, the insertion site, the time between its insertion and removal, the primary diagnosis and the treatment. In addition, a monitoring by clinical and imaging tests has been made in patients with retained CVCs. Results. An amount of 174 interventions were carried out. In 5 cases the CVC could not been removed. These 5 cases were patients diagnosed with ALL B and were treated with identical chemotherapy treatment. In addition, at the time of its retirement, all the patients had the CVC for a period longer than 2 years -29 to 84 months-. In patients with retained fragments, no complication arose from this condition. The mean follow-up period was 36 months -maximum 48 months-.Conclusions. The potential complications arising from the presence of the retained CVCs fragments include infection, venous thrombosis and catheter migration. Based on our results, we propose that a conservative management might be considered as an option in these patients (AU)

Modificaciones de las curvas de glucemia y vaciamiento gástrico de los niños con síndrome dedumping tras cirugía de Nissen laparoscópico / Modifications of the glucose curves and gastric voiding of children with dumping syndrome after laparoscopic nissen surgery

Introducción. Se ha asistido a una importante evolución del tratamiento quirúrgico en los últimos años por la generalización progresiva de la cirugía laparoscópica. Todas las técnicas disponibles pueden hacerse laparoscópicamente con similares resultados a los de la cirugía abierta. En 1978, Villet et al. describieron el síndrome de Dumping (SD) como una complicación frecuente de la fundoplicatura de Nissen. EL SD es un complejo de signos y síntomas que aparecen poco después de la cirugía, incluyendo dolor abdominal, palidez, sudoración, diarrea, náuseas, palidez, incluso pérdida de peso. Los síntomas se pueden diferenciar en dumping precoz, que ocurre entre 30 y 60 minutos después de la comida, y tardío, que ocurre entre 90-240 min. del período postprandial. Material y métodos. Se han estudiado 8 pacientes (3 niños y 5niñas) de edades comprendidas entre 3 y 12 años (media de 9 años) diagnosticados de síndrome de dumping tras la realización de Nissen-Rosseti laparoscópico. A todos ellos se les realizó un estudio de vaciadogástrico por gammagrafía tras administración de un volumen de leche adecuado a su peso marcado con Tc99 DTPA y Test de sobrecarga ora (..) (AU)

Introduction. There has been an important evolution of surgical treatment in recent years due to the progressive generalization of laparoscopic surgery. All of the available techniques can be done laparoscopically with similar results to those of open surgery. In 1978, Villet etal. described the Dumping syndrome (DS) as a frequent complication of Nissen fundoplication. DS is a group of signs and symptoms that appear shortly after surgery, including abdominal pain, paleness, sweating, diarrhea, nausea, even weight loss. These symptoms can be differentiated into early dumping that occurs between 30 to 60 minutes after eating and late dumping that occurs 92-240 minutes after the postprandial period (..) (AU)

[Modifications of the glucose curves and gastric voiding of children with Dumping syndrome after laparoscopic Nissen surgery]. / Modificaciones de las curvas de glucemia y vaciamiento gástrico de los niños con síndrome de dumping tras cirugía de nissen laparoscópico.

INTRODUCTION: There has been an important evolution of surgical treatment in recent years due to the progressive generalization of laparoscopic surgery. All of the available techniques can be done laparoscopically with similar results to those of open surgery. In 1978, Villet et al. described the Dumping syndrome (DS) as a frequent complication of Nissen fundoplication. DS is a group of signs and symptoms that appear shortly after surgery, including abdominal pain, paleness, sweating, diarrhea, nausea, even weight loss. These symptoms can be differentiated into early dumping that occurs between 30 to 60 minutes after eating and late dumping that occurs 92-240 minutes after the postprandial period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 8 patients (3 boys and 5 girls) have been studied. Their ages ranged from 3 to 12 years (mean 9 years), and they were diagnosed of dumping syndrome after performing the laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti. All underwent a gastric voiding study by scintigraphy after administration of a volume of milk adjusted to their weight labeled with 99Tc-DTPA and oral glucose overload test with 1.75 g/kg of glucose, determining the baseline glycemia and every 30 minutes post-intake, at 0, 30 and 90 minutes. Insulin was also measured to obtain the glucose/insulin ratio. This study was conducted for all patient diagnosed of dumping syndrome before and after laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti surgery. RESULTS: The following results were obtained: Glucose Curve: 1. Maximum glycemia. PreNissen. The mean of the maximum glycemia values before surgery was 133.9+/-32.11 mg/dl. Post-Nissen. Mean maximum glycemias after surgery was 208.5 +/- 45.07 mg/dl with a range of 147-276 mg/dl. These differences of maximum glycemia were clearly significant with a p <0.002. Minimum glycemia. The mean value of the minimum glycemias after the surgery, compared with the previous value, did not show significant differences: 62.6+/- 11.51 mg/dl versus 71.8 +/- 28.04 mg/dl. Glucose/insulin ratio. The hyperinsulinism values after the intervention studied by means of the glucose/insulin ratio were abnormal in 70.5% (defined as ratio under 3). The mean value was also characteristic of hyperinsulinism (2.3 +/- 1.62). The mean value of the coefficient prior to the surgery was 4.6 with a deviation of 3.04, the differences not being statistically significant with a p= 0.097. Measurement of gastric voiding: The T1/2 (decay) value in post-Nissen patients was significantly lower than in pre-Nissen patients. The postsurgical mean and standard deviation was 29.74 +/- 7.92 min, while in the presurgical group, the mean and standard deviation was 73.75 +/- 28.34 min with p< 0.011; statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: From the values obtained, we can state that a significant increase in maximum glycemia has been found in all children after surgery who were diagnosed of dumping syndrome and a significant decrease in the mean time of gastric voiding and therefore an increase in the acceleration of gastric voiding after the performance of the Nissen regarding the previous values. The dumping syndrome is a frequent side effect that we must keep in mind in patients who have been previously operated for anti-reflex surgery, the symptoms being greater in most of the transitory cases. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind because it has an easy treatment that reverts the symptoms in a short time

Duplicaciones duodenales infectadas como causa de abdomen agudo / Acute abdomen caused by infected duodenal duplication

Las duplicaciones quísticas duodenales infectadas son lesiones congénitas muy raras. Presentamos dos casos clínicos de duplicaciones duodenales complicadas por infección que motivaron dolor abdominal agudo. Revisamos la literatura y discutimos las posibilidades diagnósticas y modalidades de tratamiento propuestas para esta inusual patología (AU)

Infected cystic duplications of the duodenum are unusual lesions. We report two cases of duodenal duplications complicated by infection. The literature is reviewed, and the diagnostic modalities and management options for this unusual pathology are discussed (AU)

Tumores de parótida en niños / Parotid gland´s tumors in children

Los tumores de glándulas salivares son infrecuentes en niños, afectando el 80% a la parótida y presentando una mayor proporción de malignidad que en adultos. Revisamos 8 casos en menores de 15 años tratados en nuestro hospital, atendiendo a sus antecedentes, expresividad clínica, tipo tumoral, diagnóstico, tratamiento empleado y seguimiento. Todos debutaron con masa parotídea asintomática y de crecimiento lento a una edad entre 10 meses y 14 años. Cuatro fueron adenomas pleomorfos, dos angiomas capilares, un quiste epidérmico y un carcinomamioepitelial. Destacamos la excepcionalidad del carcinoma por su rareza y por el alto grado de malignidad expresado. Se realizó punción-aspiración con aguja fina en cuatro pacientes, siendo concluyente sólo en tres. En todos se practicó tumorectomía, excepto en el carcinoma mioepitelialy en uno de los adenomas pleomorfos recidivado, en los que se realizó parotidectomía total. Los tumores malignos de la parótida son clínicamente indistinguibles de los benignos, por lo que ante toda masa palpable en la zona parotídea deberíamos establecer un diagnóstico sin demora. El tratamiento de elección es la exéresis quirúrgica con márgenes amplios, siendo otros tratamientos coadyuvantes poco útiles en niños (AU)

The tumors of the salivary glands are infrequent in children, and parotid gland is involved in 80% of them. When a salivary gland tumor is present, the chance of malignancy is greater in the child than in the adult. We reviewed 8 cases identified in patients aged 14 years and younger in our hospital, analyzing its antecedents, signs and symptoms, histological features, diagnosis, treatment and evolution. All the patients displayed preauricular painless, non-inflammatory and slow-growing masses to an age between 10 months and 14 years. Four of them were pleomorphic adenomas, two haemangiomas, one epidermal cysts and onemyoepithelial carcinoma. We emphasize the exceptional nature of the carcinoma for its rareness and for the high degree of malignancy expressed. We made a fine needle aspiration biopsy in four cases but they were conclusive only in three. All were treated by surgical resection of the tumour except for the myoepithelial carcinoma and the recurrent pleomorphic adenoma that were treated by total parotidectomy. The malignant tumours of the parotid gland are clinically indistinguishable of the benign ones, thus when any palpable mass appears in the zone of the parotid gland, an accurate diagnosis should be made without delay. The treatment of choice is the surgical excision with wide margins, being other adjuvant treatments less useful to this age that in the adult age (AU)

[Effectiveness of high pressure balloon dilatation in the treatment of postsurgical strictures of urinary tract in children]. / Efectividad de la dilatación retrógrada con balón de alta presi6ón de estenosis posquirúrgicas de la vía urinaria en la edad pediátrica.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic dilatation using a high pressure balloon is a widely used technique for the treatment of strictures of the urinary tract secondary to surgery in adult patient. Several studies have evaluated its usage in the treatment of primary and secondary strictures of the urinary tract of child with a disparity of results. GOAL: Evaluate Effectiveness and Safetiness of high pressure balloon dilatation and double "J" implantation in the treatment of postsurgical strictures of urinary tract in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of endoscopic dilatation of secondary to surgery strictures performed in our unit during the last past 18 months. Demographical data, surgical records, symptoms, renal function, dilatation technique, postsurgery complications and ultrasonography and isotopic data (pre and post dilatation) were evaluated. RESULTS: Six children, aged 13 months-9 years (media = 4.3 years) were treated in our unit. Four presented ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPO) after Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty and 2 vesico-ureteral junction stenosis (VUO) in 3 reimplants units, (one with Cohen tecnique and two with Politano tecnique). All 6 patients showed dilatation of urinary tract and isotopic diuretic renogram prior to dilatation that showed for all cases an obstructed pattern with T1/2 > 20 minutes. Two of the children presented lumbar pain and one of them had suffered an urine infection. Time interval between surgery and dilatation varied between 23 and 118 months. Surgical technique used for all cases was high pressure retrograde balloon dilatation and placement of double "J" before retrograde pielography. In all patients a double J catheter was implanted and left in place for 4 to 9 weeks. Technical inability to place the catheter after the expansion forced to the accomplishment of a percutaneus nephrostomy echo guided in one case. One of the children showed hematuria up to 7 days after dilatation procedure. Hospilatization varied between 24 hours to 10 days being (moda = 3 days). The patient that needed nephrostomy underwent ulterior sucessful dilatation 4 months after first procedure. The 2 children presenting vesico-ureteral junction stricture underwent calibration 10 and 12 months after dilatation, showing both good caliber. Diuretic renogram curve Improvement was confirmed for all patients but one of the VUO children that showed renal function deterioration after dilatation procedure. Lumbar pain disappear for both 2 children that had referred it. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic dilatation of strictures of urinary tract using balloon in children that were previously sommeted to surgical interventions is technically available and shows good results in the short-medium term with low index of post procedural complications, so, it should be considered as initial treatment for these patients.

Efectividad de la dilatación retrógrada con balón de alta presión de estenosis postquirúrgicas de la vía urinaria en la edad pediátrica / Effectiveness of high pressure balloon dilatation in the treatment of postsurgical strictures of urinary tract in children

Introducción. La dilatación endoscópica con balón de alta presión es una técnica comúnmente utilizada en el tratamiento de estenosis de la vía urinaria secundarias a cirugía en el paciente adulto. Diversos autores han evaluado su uso en el tratamiento de estenosis primarias y secundarias de la vía urinaria en el niño, comunicando resultados dispares. Objetivos. Evaluar la efectividad y seguridad de la dilatación con balón de alta presión y colocación de doble “J” en el manejo de niños con estenosis postquirúrgica de la vía urinaria. Pacientes y Métodos. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de las dilataciones endoscópicas de estenosis postquirúrgicas realizadas en nuestra unidad en los últimos 18 meses. Se evaluaron datos demográficos, antecedentes quirúrgicos, presencia de síntomas, función renal, procedimiento utilizado en la dilatación, complicaciones tras el procedimiento, y datos ecográficos e isotópicos pre y post dilatación. Resultados. Se trataron 6 niños con edades comprendidas entre los 13 meses y los 9 años (media 4.3 años), 4 presentaban estenosis de la unión pieloureteral (EPU) tras pieloplastia de Anderson-Hynes y 2 estenosis a nivel de la unión vesicoureteral (EUV) en 3 unidades reimplantadas, un reimplante tipo Cohen y dos según técnica de Politano. Los pacientes presentaban dilatación de la vía urinaria y fueron sometidos a un renograma diurético previo a la dilatación que demostró en todos un patrón obstructivo con T1/2 mayor de 20 minutos. Dos de los niños referían dolor lumbar y uno había tenido una infección de orina. El intervalo entre la cirugía y la dilatación endoscópica osciló entre los 23 y los 118 meses. La técnica quirúrgica fue en todos los casos dilatación retrógrada con balón tras pielografía retrógrada intraoperatoria. En todos los pacientes se colocó un catéter doble “J” que se mantuvo entre 4 y 9 semanas, salvo en un niño donde la imposibilidad técnica de colocar el catéter tras la dilatación obligó a la realización de una nefrostomía percutánea eco-guiada. Una de las niñas sometida a dilatación de la unión pieloureteral presentó hematuria moderada hasta 7 días después del procedimiento. La estancia postdilatación osciló entre las 24 horas y los 10 días con una moda de 3 días. El paciente que precisó colocación de nefrostomía se sometió a una segunda dilatación con éxito a los 4 meses de la primera. Los dos niños con EUV fueron sometidos a calibración de la zona a los 10 y 12 meses de la dilatación comprobándose en ambos buen calibre. Se produjeron cambios en el diámetro AP de la pelvis en uno de los pacientes tratados de EPU y en el diámetro del uréter retrovesical en uno de los pacientes tratados de EUV. Se constató mejoría de la curva de eliminación en todos los pacientes salvo en uno de los niños con EUV que presentó un empeoramiento de la función renal diferencial del riñón afecto tras la dilatación. El dolor lumbar desapareció en los dos niños que lo padecían. Conclusiones. La dilatación endoscópica con balón de estenosis en la vía urinaria en niños operados previamente es técnicamente accesible y ofrece buenos resultados a corto-medio plazo con un bajo índice de complicaciones por lo que debe ser considerada como una forma inicial de tratamiento en este grupo de pacientes (AU)

Introduction. Endoscopic dilatation using a high pressure balloon is a widely used technique for the treatment of strictures of the urinary tract secondary to surgery in adult patient. Several studies have evaluated its usage in the treatment of primary and secondary strictures of the urinary tract of child with a disparity of results. Goal. Evaluate Effectiveness and Safetiness of high pressure balloon dilatation and double "J” implantation in the treatment of postsurgical strictures of urinary tract in children. Patients and methods. Retrospective study of endoscopic dilatation of secondary to surgery strictures performed in our unit during the last past 18 months. Demographical data, surgical records, symptoms, renal function, dilatation technique, postsurgery complications and ultrasonography and isotopic data (pre and post dilatation) were evaluated. Results. Six children, aged 13 months-9 years (media=4.3 years) were treated in our unit. Four presented ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPO) after Anderson- Hynes pyeloplasty and 2 vesico-ureteral junction stenosis (VUO) in 3 reimplants units, (one with Cohen tecnique and two with Politano tecnique). All 6 patients showed dilatation of urinary tract and isotopic diuretic renogram prior to dilatation that showed for all cases an obstructed pattern with T1/2 > 20 minutes. Two of the children presented lumbar pain and one of them had suffered an urine infection. Time interval between surgery and dilatation varied between 23 and 118 months. Surgical technique used for all cases was high pressure retrograde balloon dilatation and placement of double "J" before retrograde pielography. In all patients a double J catheter was implanted and left in place for 4 to 9 weeks. Technical inability to place the catheter after the expansion forced to the accomplishment of a percutaneus nephrostomy echo guided in one case. One of the children showed hematuria up to 7 days after dilatation procedure. Hospilatization varied between 24 hours to 10 days being (moda=3 days). The patient that needed nephrostomy underwent ulterior sucessful dilatation 4 months after first procedure. The 2 children presenting vesico-ureteral junction stricture underwent calibration 10 and 12 months after dilatation, showing both good caliber. Diuretic renogram curve Improvement was confirmed for all patients but one of the VUO children that showed renal function deterioration after dilatation procedure. Lumbar pain disappear for both 2 children that had referred it. Conclusions. Endoscopic dilatation of strictures of urinary tract using balloon in children that were previously sommeted to surgical interventions is technically available and shows good results in the short-medium term with low index of post procedural complications, so, it should be considered as initial treatment for these patients (AU)

Estrategia terapéutica en la extrofia de cloaca femenina / Therapeutic strategy in cloacal exstrophy

La extrofia de cloaca femenina enfrenta al cirujano pediá- trico con un reto en el que está implicada la reconstrucción del tracto genitourinario y digestivo así como su manejo funcional. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es presentar nuestra experiencia en el manejo de las malformaciones genitales en niñas con extrofia de cloaca así como de la continencia urinaria y fecal. Revisamos las historias clínicas de las pacientes tratadas en nuestro centro en las que se ha llegado a una corrección definitiva del espectro malformativo de la extrofia de cloaca. En las tres pacientes se ha realizado un cierre del cuello vesical y un estoma cateterizable continente a través del cual llevan a cabo un programa de autocateterismo vesical intermitente, manteniéndose secas. Con respecto a la integración psicosexual, las tres pacientes están satisfechas con el resultado cosmético obtenido, aunque sólo una de ellas mantiene relaciones sexuales. El manejo de la extrofia de cloaca femenina debe tener en cuenta tanto los factores anatómicos como funcionales. La reconstrucción genital en niñas con extrofia de cloaca requiere un plan ajustado en cada paciente y en ocasiones realizar varias intervenciones hasta que la paciente esté satisfecha con el resultado tanto cosmético como funciona (AU)

Cloacal exstrophy is a complex multisistemic anomaly thatinvolves gastrointestinal and genitourinary issues. The aim of our paper is to report our experience in dealing with genital reconstruction and faecal and urinary continence in patients with female cloacal anomalies. We reviewed the clinical records from the three patients we have achieved a final reconstruction. We recorded the surgical management and both functional and anatomic results. The three of them required a bladder neck closure associated with a continent stoma, they are dry with intermittent catheterization and free of upper urinary complications. Genital reconstruction required a unique plan for each one, according to their anatomy and their cosmetic desires. One of the patients reported satisfactory sexual intercourse. Management of patients with cloacal exstrophy has major concerns about urinary and fecal continence and about genital reconstruction and function. Knowing the long-term results may help to develop management strategies and improve counselling for patients who have undergone reconstruction (AU)

[The paraurethral cyst or Skene's duct cyst in the female newborn]. / Quiste parauretral de Skene en niña recién nacida.

The paraurethral cyst or Skene's duct cyst is a rare congenital anomaly in the female newborn. It appears like a round, yellow or orange-colored cystic mass on either side of the urethral meatus. The reported incidence is 1 in 2.000 to 7.000 female births. The low frequency of the Skene's duct cyst and the little awareness of it and its benignity may lead to wrong diagnosis that underestimates its incidence. There are authors that agree with surgical treatment of paraurethral cyst to obtain an early resolution, even though a majority agrees to manage conservatively.

Quiste parauretral de Skene en niña recién nacida / The paraurethral cyst or Skene´s duct cyst in the female newborn

El quiste parauretral o quiste del conducto de Skene es una rara anomalía congénita descrita en neonatos de sexo femenino. Se trata de una formación quística que se muestra como una tumoración redonda, amarillenta o anaranjada, que se presenta adyacente al meato externo uretral. Su incidencia en la población se cifra entre 1 de cada 2.000 y 1 de cada 7.000 recién nacidos vivos femeninos. Sin embargo, sólo se recogen 47 ejemplos anteriores en la literatura en inglés. Es posible que el desconocimiento de esta patología entre la población médica y su benignidad produzcan fallos diagnósticos que infravaloren esta incidencia. Aunque existen autores que apoyan el tratamiento quirúrgico del quiste para lograr su curación, más aún a partir de los 6 meses de edad, la mayoría se ponen de acuerdo en la indicación de un tratamiento expectante dada la tendencia a la resolución espontánea

The paraurethral cyst or Skene´s duct cyst is a rare congenital anomaly in the female newborn. It appears like a round, yellow or orange-colored cystic mass on either side of the urethral meatus. The reported incidence is 1 in 2.000 to 7.000 female births. The low frequency of the Skene´s duct cyst and the little awareness of it and its benignity may lead to wrong diagnosis that underestimates its incidence. There are authors that agree with surgical treatment of paraurethral cyst to obtain an early resolution, even though a majority agrees to manage conservatively

[Therapeutic strategy in cloacal exstrophy]. / Estrategia terapéutica en la extrofia de cloaca femenina.

Cloacal exstrophy is a complex multisistemic anomaly that involves gastrointestinal and genitourinary issues. The aim of our paper is to report our experience in dealing with genital reconstruction and faecal and urinary continence in patients with female cloacal anomalies. We reviewed the clinical records from the three patients we have achieved a final reconstruction. We recorded the surgical management and both functional and anatomic results. The three of them required a bladder neck closure associated with a continent stoma, they are dry with intermittent catheterization and free of upper urinary complications. Genital reconstruction required a unique plan for each one, according to their anatomy and their cosmetic desires. One of the patients reported satisfactory sexual intercourse. Management of patients with cloacal exstrophy has major concerns about urinary and fecal continence and about genital reconstruction and function. Knowing the long-term results may help to develop management strategies and improve counselling for patients who have under-gone reconstruction.

[Spinal cord and vertebral column injuries in children]. / Lesiones raquimedulares en la infancia.

AIMS: Analysis of main factors of spinal cord and vertebral column injuries in our environment. METHODS: We reviewed the data collected from the patients (n = 2640) admitted to our hospital because of trauma and included in our Registry from January 1995 to April 2002. Among this group, 86 patients (3.3%) had spinal cord and vertebral column injuries and were included in the study. RESULTS: Group gender distribution was 45 males and 41 females. In our group, 71 patients suffered vertebral fractures, 3 of them with spinal cord injuries (4.2%), 13 patients with vertebral subluxation, 11 of them between C1-C2, and 2 patients with spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality. Only 71 patients, 4.9% of the total of the patients who were admitted with any type of fracture (n=1457), suffered vertebral fractures. These patients suffered 130 vertebral fractures, 35 of them (49.3%) suffered multiple fractures. Thoracic vertebrae were the most frequently affected (n=82, 63%). The most frequent localization was T4 toT8 (n=50, 38.5% and T11 to L2 (n=41, 31.5%). Age ranged between 12 and 15 years (n=35, 49.3%), with only 5 patients under 6 years. 90.9% of the patients with lumbar fractures were older than 8 years and 76.9% of the patients with cervical fractures were over 8 years. Motor vehicle accident was the most common cause in our series (n=20, 23.3%). 81% of these patients did not use safety belt. Ten children with cervical injuries were seen by medical staff at the prehospital stage, and only 4 of them arrived to Hospital with cervical collar. There were thirty five patients with thoracic or lumbar injuries but only 27 of them were transferred to our Institution by ambulance. Surgery was required in 2 patients, both of them with unstable fractures. Mean hospital stay was 17,1 days (range 2-37 days). CONCLUSIONS: Group gender distribution is similar between males and females and the incidence in our series is higher than other series of the literature. Thoracic injuries are the most frequent. It is necessary to improve prehospital management of these patients and to increase the use of safety belt. Spine injury incidence increased with age.

Lesiones raquimedulares en la infancia / Spinal cord and vertebral column injuries in children

Objetivos. Analizar distintos aspectos de las lesiones raquimedulares en nuestro medio. Material y métodos. Entre enero de 1995 y abril de 2002 fueron ingresados en nuestro Centro 2.640 niños tras sufrir traumatismos. De ellos,86 (3,3%) sufrieron una lesión raquimedular y constituyen la población del presente estudio. Resultados. Fueron 45 niños y 41 niñas. Hubo 71 casos con fracturas vertebrales, 3 de ellos con afectación medular (4,2%), 13 subluxaciones vertebrales, 11 de ellas a nivel C1-C2, y 2 casos de lesión medular aislada sin alteraciones radiográficas. Los 71 niños con fracturas vertebrales representaron el 4,9% del total de niños ingresados con algún tipo de fractura (n=1.457). Se diagnosticaron 130 fracturas vertebrales, siendo en 35 de ellos (49,3%) fracturas múltiples. Las vértebras torácicas fueron las más afectadas (n=82,63%). Los segmentos lesionados con mayor frecuencia fueron de T4 a T8 (n=50, 38,5%) y de T11 a L2 (n=41, 31,5%).El grupo de edad más numeroso fue de 12 a 15 años (n=35, 49,3%),con sólo 5 casos por debajo de los 6 años de edad (7%). El 90,9% de los niños con fracturas a nivel lumbar tenían más de 8 años y el 76,9% de las fracturas cervicales ocurrieron en niños mayores de 10 años. La etiología más frecuente fueron los accidentes de automóvil (n=20,23,3%), y en el 81% de los casos los niños no portaban ningún dispositivo de retención. De los 10 niños con lesiones cervicales que fueron atendidos por personal sanitario antes de su llegada al Hospital, sólo a 4 de ellos les fue colocado un collarín cervical, y de los 35 niños atendidos con lesiones a nivel torácico o lumbar sólo 27 fueron trasladados a nuestro Centro en un medio de transporte especializado, y ninguno de ellos fue correctamente inmovilizado en una tabla de transporte. Sólo 2 casos precisaron tratamiento quirúrgico, ambos con fracturas inestables con compromiso medular. El resto de los casos se trató deforma ortopédica. La estancia hospitalaria osciló entre 2 y 37 días, con un promedio de 6 días. Conclusiones. A diferencia de otros traumatismos, las lesiones raquimedulares en nuestro medio incidieron de forma similar en ambos sexos. La incidencia de traumatismos raquimedulares en nuestra serie es superior a la referida en la literatura. La mayor parte tienen lugar en niños mayores y se producen principalmente a nivel torácico. El manejo pre-hospitalario de este tipo de lesiones es claramente mejorable, y el hecho de que la mayor parte de los niños que sufrieron un accidente de automóvil no portara ningún dispositivo de retención debe hacer reforzarlas medidas orientadas en este sentido (AU)

Aims. Analysis of main factors of spinal cord and vertebral column injuries in our environment. Methods. We reviewed the data collected from the patients (n = 2640) admitted to our hospital because of trauma and included in our Registry from January 1995 to April 2002. Among this group, 86 patients (3.3%) had spinal cord and vertebral column injuries and were included in the study. Results. Group gender distribution was 45 males and 41 females. In our group, 71 patients suffered vertebral fractures, 3 of them with spinal cord injuries (4.2%), 13 patients with vertebral subluxation, 11 of them between C1-C2, and 2 patients with spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality. Only 71 patients, 4.9% of the total of the patients who were admitted with any type of fracture (n=1457), suffered vertebral fractures. These patients suffered 130 vertebral fractures, 35 of them (49.3%) suffered multiple fractures. Thoracic vertebrae were the most frequently affected (n=82, 63%). The most frequent localization was T4 toT8 (n=50, 38.5% and T11 to L2 (n=41, 31.5%). Age ranged between 12 and 15 years (n=35, 49.3%), with only 5 patients under 6 years. 90.9% of the patients with lumbar fractures were older than 8 years and 76.9% of the patients with cervical fractures were over 8 years. Motor vehicle accident was the most common cause in our series (n=20, 23.3%). 81% of these patients did not use safety belt. Ten children with cervical injuries were seen by medical staff at the prehospital stage, and only 4 of them arrived to Hospital with cervical collar. There were thirty five patients with thoracic or lumbar injuries but only 27 of them were transferred to our Institution by ambulance. Surgery was required in 2 patients, both of them with unstable fractures. Mean hospital stay was 17,1 days (range 2-37 days). Conclusions. Group gender distribution is similar between males and females and the incidence in our series is higher than other series of the literature. Thoracic injuries are the most frequent. It is necessary to improve prehospital management of these patients and to increase the use of safety belt. Spine injury incidence increased with ageAims. Analysis of main factors of spinal cord and vertebral column injuries in our environment. Methods. We reviewed the data collected from the patients (n = 2640)admitted to our hospital because of trauma and included in our Registry from January 1995 to April 2002. Among this group, 86 patients (3.3%)had spinal cord and vertebral column injuries and were included in the study. Results. Group gender distribution was 45 males and 41 females. In our group, 71 patients suffered vertebral fractures, 3 of them with spinalcord injuries (4.2%), 13 patients with vertebral subluxation, 11 of them between C1-C2, and 2 patients with spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality. Only 71 patients, 4.9% of the total of the patients who were admitted with any type of fracture (n=1457), suffered vertebral fractures. These patients suffered 130 vertebral fractures, 35 of them (49.3%) suffered multiple fractures. Thoracic vertebrae were the most frequently affected (n=82, 63%). The most frequent localization was T4 toT8(n=50, 38.5% and T11 to L2 (n=41, 31.5%). Age ranged between 12 and 15 years (n=35, 49.3%), with only 5 patients under 6 years. 90.9% of the patients with lumbar fractures were older than 8 years and 76.9% of the patients with cervical fractures were over 8 years. Motor vehicle accident was the most common cause in ourseries (n=20, 23.3%). 81% of these patients did not use safety belt. Ten children with cervical injuries were seen by medical staff at the prehospital stage, and only 4 of them arrived to Hospital with cervical collar. There were thirty five patients with thoracic or lumbar injuries but only 27 of them were transferred to our Institution by ambulance. Surgery was required in 2 patients, both of them with unstable fractures. Mean hospital stay was 17,1 days (range 2-37 days).Conclusions. Group gender distribution is similar between males and females and the incidence in our series is higher than other series of the literature. Thoracic injuries are the most frequent. It is necessary to improve prehospital management of these patients and to increase the use of safety belt. Spine injury incidence increased with age (AU)

Paediatric trauma in Spain: a report from the HUGM Trauma Registry.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the characteristics of the infant population suffering trauma in our setting. To evaluate the importance of the different aetiological mechanisms. To study the pre- and intra-hospital management of these children. To describe the relative significance of the different lesions. To establish the magnitude of paediatric trauma as a social problem in terms of morbidity and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 1995 to April 2002, a total of 2633 children admitted to our Centre (Hospital Universitario Gregorio Maranon) after suffering some type of injury were included in our Trauma Register. 108 variables have been analysed, including the identification of the patient, type, site and mechanism of the accident, pre-hospital care, transport, complete evaluation on admission, indices of injury severity, diagnostic tests, lesions, treatments performed and morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The accidents were more frequent in boys than in girls (68.5 % versus 31.5 %). The predominant age group was the 12 - 15 year old group (36.8 %). There was a higher frequency of accidents in the street (37.2 %) than at home (19.4 %) or at school (13.8 %). The most frequent mechanism was a fall (35.6 %), followed by road traffic accidents (23.7 %). On admission, 14.7 % of the children had a Paediatric Trauma Score (P.T.S.) < or = 8 (n = 388). 3.8 % were considered severe multiple trauma patients, presenting an Injury Severity Score (I.S.S.) > or = 15 (n = 101). 4.2 % of the children required intensive care. The most frequent lesions were those of the locomotor system (58.1 %) and head injuries (34.9 %). Some type of surgical or orthopaedic procedure was performed under general anaesthesia in 1522 patients (57.8 %). The mean length of stay was 4.4 days (range 1 - 214 days). Sequelae of some form were detected in 36.4 % of the patients over 3 years of age. The total mortality was 0.5 % (n = 13), being 12.8 % in the group of patients with an I.S.S. > or = 15. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the data in our Registry has helped us to define the characteristics of the paediatric trauma population in our setting, to monitor the management of trauma in the different care levels and to develop prevention programmes. It has also enabled us to compare the results with those of other centres in terms of morbidity and mortality with the aim of identifying and correcting any possible deficiencies in the care system.

[Congenital sternal cleft]. / Hendidura esternal congenita.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital sternal cleft is a rare malformation. Little more than one hundred cases have been published, and rarely more than two cases are published in a single publication. We present five new cases that show the entire spectrum of defects. METHODS: They were 3 males and 2 females. Age range between 1 day and 5 years of age. There were 2 supraxiphoid clefts (SC), 2 gladiolar defects and 1 xiphoid cleft. We evaluate the demographics, associated malformations, mode of treatments and results. RESULTS: The SC were not associated to congenital herat malformations, but with a many other malformative spectrum (anterior cervical web, hemangiomatosis, CNS malformations, coloboma and pectus excavatum). The two females had SC and were operated on the 24th and 30th days of age. The first one developed a superior vena cava síndrome for a few days after surgery and a moderate pectus excavatum that did not required surgery. A midline cervical web was also surgically repaired at 10 years of age. The second patient with SC was treated with interferon alfa-2a and local infiltration of corticosteroid for treatment of hemangiomatosis. Both patients had excellent final results (follow up 11 and 5 years respectively). Gladiolar clefts were observed durign surgical repair of congenital Herat malformations (ventricular septal defect and partial anomalous of pulmonary venous draninage). They were repaired by direct closure of the defect. The patient with the xiphoid cleft had associaed a Cantrell pentalogy. He died 4 days after operation because of extreme prematurity and pulmonary vascular hypertenion. CONCLUSIONS: 1) We have observed five new cases of sternal cleft. 2) Each anatomical variety had their own mode of presentation, a different malformative spectrum and clinical evolution that are based on a distinct embryonic origin. 3) Excluding the xiphoid clefts, the long term surviving is 100%, but they are associated with a great variety of other congenital defects.

[Impact of formation programs in initial management of injured children]. / Impacto de los programas de formación en la asistencia al niño traumatizado.

INTRODUCTION: In 1997 we developed the "Pediatric Trauma Life Support Course"applied to every one who provide care for the pediatric trauma patient. Since November 1997 until December 2000, 14 courses were imparted inside of the "Comunidad de Madrid" with total number of 289 students. Thirty-eight students have been people who worked in the prehospital area inside of our Community. The aim of this paper is to determinate the possible impact of these Courses in the prehospital management of the pediatric trauma patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the Pediatric Trauma Registry inputs of our hospital since January 1995 until December 2000. A total number of 2166 patients required admission in our hospital after the injuries. 495 patients which moved to our Institution by medical people and a special transport (ambulance/medical van) were enrolled. The patients were classified into two groups. In the first group were included the children admitted between 1995 to 1997 (group 1, n = 232), before we had applied our Courses and in the second group, the patients admitted between 1998 to 2000 (group II, n = 263), after The Pediatric Trauma Life Support Course was conducted. Both groups seems to be equal if we compare the age, sex and severity of the injuries. We analysed the infant orotracheal intubation in a coma patient, gastric intubation in the several trauma patient, vascular access and apply a semirigid cervical collar into a head injury. If we think that the application of these manouvers will be a good quality index of the management of these patients in the prehospital area, we compare the index of application of these variables according to the years before and after the Courses were imparted. For this pourpose we used the X2 test shows significant differences within both groups if p < 0.05. RESULTS: All paramethers analyzed were better in group II than in group I (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this paper shows that the use of this program for the management of the pediatric trauma patient is going well and the assessment is doing better than few years before.

Hourglass thoracic lipoma of infancy: case report and review of the literature.

The authors present a case of lipoma in infancy. A 12-year-old boy was referred for an asymptomatic fast-growing thoracic tumor of 1-month evolution. A simple chest x-ray showed an intra- and extrathoracic mass of extrapleural localization. Ultrasound scan and computed tomography studies were performed, and the diagnosis of an hourglass lipoma was confirmed by a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Surgical excision of the tumor was performed and the pathological study reassessed the initial diagnosis of lipoma. The thoracic lipoma is a benign disease and has a good evolution after surgery.