Clinical Profile, Management, and Outcome of Posterior Urethral Valves in Children - Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background: Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are the most common obstructive anomaly of the lower urinary tract in children. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 17% of the children is due to PUV. The present study helps know the spectrum of the disease, management options, and the outcome in these children. Methods: The present study is a descriptive type of study by review of medical records of all the children presented to the hospital from 2015 to 2019. Profile of PUV includes any abnormality in antenatal ultrasonography (USG), age at presentation, presenting complaints, general condition at the time of presentation, biochemical investigations like serum creatinine and electrolytes at admission, clinical progression during hospital stay and the type of intervention. Outcome variables studied were improvement in the stream and overall well-being of the child, renal function, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Follow-up period varied from 1 to 6 years. Results: A total of 73 patients were included in the study. The mean age of presentation was 3.4 years. The most common presenting complaints were poor urinary stream and dribbling of urine. Antenatal USG showed abnormality in 23 patients. Renal function was abnormal in 28 patients. Out of 73 patients, 51 underwent endoscopic ablation of valves, 19 underwent vesicostomy, and three patients underwent supravesical diversion. During the follow-up recurrent UTI was observed in 11 patients, 15 patients progressed to chronic kidney disease, and 15% of patients were hypertensive. Mortality in the present study was 4%. Conclusion: PUV includes a spectrum of diseases from mild form to lethal conditions. Early intervention by relieving obstruction may prevent or delay the ESRD; hence, timely intervention is necessary in these children.

Complications and Management of Retained Double-J Stents in Children During the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic.

Background: Double-J (DJ) stents were commonly used for internal drainage after major reconstructive procedures or in cases of obstruction and ureteral injuries. They should be removed or changed within the stipulated time; otherwise, they can lead to various complications such as stent occlusion, migration, breakage, encrustation, stone formation at either end of the stent, and entanglement of the two stents if bilateral stenting was done. The present study focuses on the complications and the management due to delay in the removal of the DJ stents due to the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study over a period of 9 months. Children <12 years were included in the study. The patients' demographic data, indication for DJ stenting, time gap between DJ stenting and removal, complication with delay in DJ stent removal, and its management were recorded. Indwelling duration for >4 months was considered a delay in removal. All patients were followed up for 3 months. Results: A total of 10 patients were included in the study. Encrustation, proximal migration, distal migration, knotting of the stent, and entanglement of the bilateral stents in the bladder were observed. These complications were managed by various endourological procedures such as ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephroscopic, and cystoscopic removal. During follow-up, all patients were symptom-free. Conclusion: Prolonged indwelling stents can cause various complications. Endourological procedures are an essential armamentarium for a pediatric surgeon to manage these complications. Proper patient counseling regarding indwelling stents and maintaining stent registry and sending automatic messages and e-mails to patients may prevent these complications.

Sepsis Screening of Neonatal Abdominal Surgery and Its Outcomes.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the early indicators of sepsis (sepsis screening) and their statistical correlation with sepsis in neonatal abdominal surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was performed on thirty consecutive neonate cases aged between 0 and 28 days with surgical abdomen at the Paediatric Surgery Department, ABVIMS and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi. The study duration was 18 months. Septic screening was done in all neonates on day 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14 days of surgery with serum procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, total leukocyte count, immature/total neutrophil ratio, and microerythrocyte sedimentation rate. A septic screening-positive patient (three or more positive parameters out of five) was correlated with sepsis and analysis was done. Results: A total of 30 neonates of abdominal surgical cases were included consequently, out of which 56.7% (n = 17) were male and 43.3% (n = 13) were female. Maximum cases were of congenital diaphragmatic hernia 20% (n = 6) and then anorectal malformation 16.7% (n = 5). About 70% of neonates were sepsis screening positive. Fifty percentage of neonates were diagnosed to have sepsis on the clinical or laboratory findings, so sensitivity and specificity of sepsis screening were 93.33% and 40%, respectively. There was total 30% mortality in this study. Conclusion: Sepsis screening is an early marker of sepsis, which can be used to help in early detection of neonatal surgical sepsis and timely intervention that can lead to decrease mortality and morbidity in neonatal surgery.

Musculoskeletal and Esthetic Complications after Neonatal Thoracotomy: Revisited.

Aim: The aim is to study the complications of neonatal thoracotomy and its preventive measures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 53 neonates who underwent thoracotomy from January 2017 to December 2019 for a period of 3 years. Patient demographic data, primary disease for which they underwent thoracotomy, postoperative complications (immediate and delayed) during follow-up were documented. Results: During 3-year period, 53 neonates underwent thoracotomy for various surgical pathologies. The indications were esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (n = 49), eventration of diaphragm (n = 3), congenital lobar emphysema of left upper lobe of lung (n = 1). Most of them were right posterolateral thoracotomies (n = 48, 90.56%) and left posterolateral thoracotomy was done in only 5 cases (9.43%). Associated anomalies were seen in 22 cases, such as cardiac (n = 19), renal (n = 4) and gastrointestinal (n = 5). Associated comorbidities seen in 14 cases; preterm (n = 4), low birth weight (n = 13), delayed presentation (n = 6). Early postoperative complications such as pneumonia (34%, n = 18) and wound infection (11.3%, n = 6) were noted. Delayed complications include musculoskeletal abnormalities (n = 19, 35.8%) and esthetic complications such as asymmetry of chest (5.6%). Conclusion: Neonatal thoracotomy is associated with complications such as pneumonia, wound infections, and musculoskeletal abnormalities such as asymmetry of chest and scoliosis. These can be prevented by adequate postoperative pain relief, muscle-sparing thoracotomies, avoiding tight closures, and nerve injuries. Long-term follow-up is required because these complications may manifest later on also. Early detection and institution of physiotherapy may help.

Delayed presentation of anorectal malformations in a tertiary care hospital in India.

AIM: To study delayed presentation of ARMs, management and its effect on surgical and functional complications. METHODS: It is a retrospective study from March 2015 to March 2020. All the patients satisfying the criteria of delayed ARMs, i.e., presenting 7 days after birth were included. Information regarding type of ARM, mode of presentation, time of presentation, associated anomalies, management strategy, postoperative complications and functional outcome was noted. Minimum follow-up period was 6 months. RESULTS: Out of 102 patients with ARM, 44 patients presented late. Among the 44 patients, 9 were males and 35 were females. Associated comorbidities observed are low birth weight (n = 9) and preterm (n = 13). Associated anomalies observed were cardiac (n = 18), renal (n = 8), other gastrointestinal (n = 5) and skeletal (n = 1). (1) Male: rectourethral fistula-2 (staged repair), anal stenosis-3 (anoplasty) and anocutaneous fistula-4 (anoplasty). (2) Female: vestibular fistula: 15 (6 primary definitive surgery + 9 staged repair), ectopic anus: 3 (staged repair), anal stenosis: 2 (anoplasty), urogenital sinus: 4 (staged repair), H-type ARM: 8 (staged repair) and persistent cloaca: 3 (staged repair). Primary repair was done in 15 patients (34%), and staged repair was done in 29 patients (65.9%). Anoplasty was done in 9 patients, ASARP (modified tsuchida's procedure) in 8 patients and PSARP in 27 patients. Postoperative complications observed were constipation (n = 21, 47.7%), fecal incontinence (n = 12, 27.27%) with perianal excoriation in 2 patients, anal stenosis (n = 3, 6.8%) and rectal mucosal prolapse (n = 2, 4.5%) CONCLUSION: Delayed presentation of ARMs is not uncommon and is more common in females. Management is almost similar to those who present early. Those who present with chronic constipation and megarectum require staged repair. Complications were more frequent with delayed presentation. Hence, every newborn should have careful examination of perineum and screened for ARM to avoid possible morbidity and mortality.

Prediction of Gap Length by Plain Radiograph of Chest with Nasogastric Tube in the Upper Esophagus in Patients with Esophageal Atresia and Distal Tracheoesophageal Fistula.

AIM: This study was aimed at prediction of the gap length between the two esophageal ends in cases of esophageal atresia and distal tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) by preoperative radiography with a nasogastric tube in the upper esophagus and its correlation with intraoperatively measured gap length. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive cases of EA-TEF were prospectively included in this study. Plain radiographs were taken with an 8 Fr nasogastric tube inserted in the upper esophageal pouch till its arrest. The patients were grouped into T1-T2; T2-T3; T3-T4; and T4 groups depending on the thoracic vertebral level of arrest of the NG tube on the radiograph. Intraoperative gap between the two esophageal ends was measured with Vernier caliper, and the patients were grouped into A, B, and C groups based on gap length (gap length >2.1 cm; >1-≤2 cm; and ≤1 cm). The operative gap groups were compared with the radiography groups. RESULTS: A total number of 118 cases were included over a period of 3 years. The arrest of nasogastric tube at T1-T2 and T2-T3 vertebral level corresponded to gap length Group A in 39/41 (95.12%) * patients. In gap length Group B, the arrest of tube at T2-T3 and T3-T4 vertebral level was seen in 44/44 (100%)* patients, in gap length Group C, the arrest of tube was noted at T3-T4 and T4 vertebral level in 31/33 (93.93%)* patients (*P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prediction of gap length by vertebral level of arrest of the nasogastric tube in the upper pouch in a preoperative chest X-ray correlated well with intra operatively measured gap length in cases of EA-TEF.

Pediatric Thoracoabdominal Trauma: Experience from a Tertiary Care Center.

AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the pattern and mode of thoracoabdominal trauma and anatomical organ involvement, type of management employed, and overall outcomes in the pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study conducted at a tertiary hospital over a period of 38 months with a total of 198 pediatric patients <12 years of age with a history of abdominal and chest trauma between July 2014 and September 2017 were reviewed. Case files of all pediatric patients were evaluated. Information regarding age, sex, mechanism of injury, site of injury, mode of injury, nature of the injury, definitive treatment required, whether conservative or surgical and outcome of patients was evaluated. site of injury, mode of injury, nature of the injury, definitive treatment required, whether conservative or surgical and outcome of patients was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients of thoracoabdominal trauma patients were studied. The majority of pediatric thoracoabdominal trauma cases were observed in males (n = 128, 64.64%) and females comprise only 35.35% (n = 70). Fall was the most common mode of trauma (58.08%) followed by road traffic accidents (30.30%), thermal injuries (9.09%) assaults in order of decreasing trends. The abdomen was the most common anatomical site of the injury (45.95%) followed by combined thoracoabdominal trauma (32.32%) followed by thoracic trauma (21.71%). Among the thoracic trauma, the most common comprised the lung contusions (37.20%) followed by the lung laceration comprising (25.58%) and rib fractures comprised only 20.93%. Among the abdominal trauma, the most common organ of injury was the liver (36.26%) followed by splenic trauma in 19.78% of patients. Approximately, 85% of patients were managed conservatively, and only 15% required major surgical intervention in the form of laparotomy and repair of bowel perforation, thoracotomy and ligation of bleeding intercostal vessels, partial and total splenectomy, repair of the liver laceration, and nephrectomy for the patient of Grade 5 renal injury with expanding retroperitoneal hematoma. Three patients died, one of which was Grade 5 renal injury with expanding retroperitoneal hematoma, two others were cases of combined thoracoabdominal trauma with massive hemothorax and both liver and splenic injury. CONCLUSION: The study defines the pattern of thoracoabdominal trauma, mode of trauma, and the prevalence of different organs involved in both the chest and abdominal cavity. We concluded that main indications for performing an operative intervention included severe hemodynamic instability, pneumoperitoneum, massive pneumohemothorax with significant shift and definitive confirmation of oral contrast leak on computed tomography films. A detailed trauma registry in our set up seems important for managing pediatric thoracoabdominal trauma.

Anorectal Agenesis with Rectovaginal Fistula: A Rare/Regional Variant.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The anatomical types of female anorectal malformation (ARM) are complex and include several rare and regional variants. The aim of this report is to highlight the diagnosis and management of cases of anorectal agenesis with rectovaginal fistula (RVF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of cases of RVF who underwent definitive surgery between November 2000 and September 2016 in a single institution. RESULTS: Of the 244 female patients with anorectal anomalies treated in our institution over a 16-year period, there were 15 cases of RVF with anorectal agenesis giving it an incidence of 6%. All cases of RVF with anorectal agenesis presented with absence of anal opening, varying degree of abdominal distension, and history of passage of fecal matter per vaginum. The mean age of presentation was 3 months (newborn to 1 year). Sigmoid colostomy was done in 13 cases. Distal colostogram demonstrated high RVF which was further confirmed by examination under anesthesia (EUA) and endoscopy before definitive surgery. With the posterior sagittal approach, division of the RVF and anorectoplasty was possible in 14 cases; however, one patient required an abdominal mobilization of the colon for pull through due to a very short distal bowel segment. During a mean postoperative follow-up of 5 years, cosmetic and functional results were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: RVF with anorectal agenesis is a rare/regional variant of female ARMs. Clinical examination along with distal colostogram, EUA, and endoscopy clinches the diagnosis. Anorectal reconstruction by posterior sagittal anorectoplasty results in a satisfactory outcome.

Pediatric esophageal substitution by gastric pull-up and gastric tube.

AIM: The aim of this study was to report the results of pediatric esophageal substitution by gastric pull-up (GPU) and gastric tube (GT) from a tertiary care pediatric center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the surgical techniques, results, complications, and final outcome of all pediatric patients who underwent esophageal substitution in a single institution was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-four esophageal substitutions were performed over 15-year period. The indications were pure esophageal atresia (EA)-19, EA with distal trachea-esophageal fistula-2, EA with proximal pouch fistula-1, and esophageal stricture in two patients. Mean age and weight at operation were 17 months and 9.5 kg, respectively. GPU was the most common procedure (19) followed by reverse GT (4) and gastric fundal tube (1). Posterior mediastinal and retrosternal routes were used in 17 and 7 cases, respectively. Major complications included three deaths in GPU cases resulting from postoperative tachyarrhythmias leading to cardiac arrest, cervical anastomotic leak-17, and anastomotic stricture in six cases. Perioperative tachyarrhythmias (10/19) and transient hypertension (2/19) were observed in GPU patients, and they were managed with beta blocker drugs. Postoperative ventilation in Intensive Care Unit was performed for all GPU, but none of the GT patients. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 15 years that showed short-term feeding difficulties and no major growth-related problems. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative tachyarrhythmias are common following GPU which mandates close intensive care monitoring with ventilation and judicious use of beta blocking drugs. Retrosternal GT with a staged neck anastomosis can be performed without postoperative ventilation.

Congenital pouch colon in girls: Genitourinary abnormalities and their management.

AIMS: To discuss the assessment and management of genitourinary (GU) tract abnormalities in 21 girls with Types I-III congenital pouch colon (CPC), studied over a period of 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Assessment included clinical and radiological assessment, examination under anesthesia (EUA), endoscopy of the lower GU tract, and evaluation of the surgical findings, operative procedures for the GU anomalies, and the results of management. RESULTS: Initial examination of the external genitalia showed a "clover-leaf" appearance (n = 6) and a single perineal opening (n = 6). In 9 patients, the openings of the urethra and double vagina were seen, of which a vestibular fistula was seen in 5 and an anterior perineal fistula in 1. Seventeen patients (81%) had urinary incontinence (UI) - partial in 10, and complete in 7. Renal function tests, X-ray sacrum, and abdominal US were normal in all patients. Micturating cystourethrogram (n = 9) showed a wide, bladder neck incompetence (BNI) with reduced bladder capacity in seven patients. EUA and endoscopy revealed a septate vagina in all patients and the urethral opening at a "high" position (n = 14) or at a relatively normal or "low" position (n = 7). In 8 patients, the intervaginal septum was thick and fleshy. Endoscopy showed a short, wide urethra, an open incompetent bladder neck, poorly developed trigone, and reduced bladder capacity in the patients with UI. The fistula from the colonic pouch opened in the proximal urethra (n = 4), high in the vestibule (n = 3), low in the vestibule (n = 8), perineum just posterior to the vestibule (n = 1), and undetermined (n = 5). Vaginoscopy (n = 8) showed normal cervices in all and cervical mucus in 4 patients. The subtypes of CPC were Type I CPC (n = 4), Type II CPC (n = 16), and Type III CPC (n = 1). All 21 patients had uterus didelphys. In four patients with UI, during tubular colorraphy, a segment of the colonic pouch was preserved for later bladder augmentation if required. A Young-Dees bladder-neck repair (BNR) was performed in four older girls for treatment of UI, with marked improvement in urinary continence in two girls, some improvement in one girl with complete urinary incontinence, and minimal improvement in one child. Division of the intervaginal septum was performed in three girls. CONCLUSIONS: GU abnormalities in girls with CPC need to be assessed and managed by a tailored protocol. UI is frequent, and its correction may require BNR. A segment of the colonic pouch can be preserved for possible future bladder augmentation. All girls have a septate vagina, often widely separated, and uterus didelphys. Gynecologic assessment and monitoring is required throughout adult life. Considering the wide opening of the vestibule, surgical management of the urogenital component by division of the intervaginal septum and if required, the vagino-fistula septum on each side results in a normal or a hypospadiac urethral opening and an adequate vaginal inlet.