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Objective: To assess the role of voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) in patients with duplex system ureterocele (DSU) undergoing endoscopic decompression (ED)., Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 75 consecutive patients with DSU undergoing ED [median (range) age, 6 (1-148) months]. Patients were divided into 3 groups, 33 with a VCUG showing vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) before ED (VUR-group), 22 with a VCUG negative for VUR (No-VUR-group), and 20 who did not undergo a VCUG (No-VCUG-group). Secondary surgery (SS) rate was compared among groups., Results: Groups were comparable for baseline characteristics. SS rate was 82% (27/33) in VUR-group vs. 32% (7/22) in the No-VUR-group (p = 0.0001), and 25% (5/20) in the No-VCUG-group (p = 0.001 vs. VUR-group, and 1 vs. No-VUR-group). In the VUR-group, 9 patients underwent preemptive endoscopic treatment of VUR during ED and SS rate was 44% (4/9) vs. 96% (23/24) in the remainder, p= 0.003. In the No-VCUG-group, a VCUG was performed during follow-up in 9/15 patients and showed reflux in all, although only 2 of these developed a (single) urinary tract infections., Conclusions: SS rate was significantly higher in patients with preoperative VUR. Instead, it was not significantly different between patients without VUR and those who did not undergo a VCUG before ED, despite all the latter who underwent a VCUG during follow-up had evidence of VUR generally in the absence of symptoms. In our opinion, a VCUG could be limited to patients developing symptoms after ED. If a VCUG is performed before ED, a preemptive treatment of VUR should be taken into consideration., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Over the years, congenital lung malformations (CLM) management remains a controversial topic in pediatric thoracic surgery. The Italian Society of Pediatric Surgery performed a national survey to study the current management variability among centers, trying to define national guidelines and a standardized approach of children with congenital lung malformations., Methods: Following a National Society approval, an electronic survey including 35 items on post-natal management was designed, focusing on surgical, anesthesiology, radiology and pneumology aspects. The survey was conducted contacting all pediatric surgical units performing thoracic surgery., Results: 39 pediatric surgery units (97.5%) participated in the study. 13 centers (33.3%) were classified as high-volume (Group A), while 26 centers (66.7%) were low volume (Group B). Variances in diagnostic imaging protocols were observed, with Group A performing fewer CT scans compared to Group B (p = 0.012). Surgical indications favored operative approaches for asymptomatic CLM and pulmonary sequestrations in both groups, while a wait-and-see approach was common for congenital lobar emphysema. Surgical timing for asymptomatic CLM differed significantly, with most high-volume centers operating on patients younger than 12 months (p = 0.02). Thoracoscopy was the preferred approach for asymptomatic CLM in most of centers, while postoperative long-term follow-up was not performed in most of the centers., Conclusion: Thoracoscopic approach seems uniform in asymptomatic CLM patients and variable in symptomatic children. Lack of uniformity in surgical timing and preoperative imaging assessment has been identified as key areas to establish a common national pattern of care for CLM., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

In the last 20 years, endoscopic injection (EI) has affirmed as a valid alternative to open surgery for management of pediatric vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This study aimed to investigate and discuss some debated aspects such as indications, bulking agents and comparison, techniques of injection and comparison, predictive factors of success, use in specific situations. EI is minimally invasive, well accepted by patients and families, with short learning curve and low-morbidity profile. It provides reflux resolution rates approaching those of open reimplantation, ranging from 69 to 100%. Obviously, the success rate may be influenced by several factors. Recently, it is adopted as first-line therapy also in high grade reflux or complex anatomy such as duplex, bladder diverticula, ectopic ureters. The two most used materials for injection are Deflux and Vantris. The first is absorbable, easier to inject, has lower risk of obstruction, but can lose efficacy over time. The second is non-absorbable, more difficult to inject, has higher risk of obstruction, but it is potentially more durable. The two main techniques are STING and HIT. To date, the ideal material and technique of injection has not yet clearly established, but the choice remains dependent on surgeon's preference and experience., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Glans dehiscence (GD) is reportedly a common complication after proximal hypospadias repairs. However, the need for surgical correction is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess awareness, risk factors, and outcome of GD in post-pubertal patients. The agreement with surgeon assessment was also evaluated., Methods: The design was retrospective. All consecutive patients treated for proximal hypospadias between 2000 and 2011 were included. The presence of GD was self-reported, and the participants could optionally upload a photograph for surgeon assessment. Cosmetic and functional outcomes were assessed by validated questionnaires (HOSE, PPPS, KINDL ® , IIEF-5). Results were compared between patients with and without GD., Results: Of 219 patients, 34 (16%) participated. Fourteen of them (41%) self-reported GD. Eighteen patients (8%) also uploaded a photograph and, in ten of them (56%), the surgeon noted the presence of GD with poor agreement [k = - 0.444 (95 CI - 0.856 to - 0.033)] with patient report. Patients self-reporting GD had had more frequently a penile curvature at diagnosis (12/14 = 86%, p = 0.01), and had undergone a single-staged repair (100% vs. 65%, p = 0.03). No difference was found in cosmetic and functional outcomes. Results were similar also comparing groups with and without GD as assessed by the surgeon., Conclusion: GD was a common finding after severe hypospadias repair. It was more common in case of surgeon assessment with poor agreement between patients and surgeons. GD did not prove to have clear clinical implications. Therefore, in our opinion, surgical repair of GD should be recommended only on patients request., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Purpose: We reported our preliminary experience using ICG fluorescence in pediatric minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with the aim to standardize indications, dose, timing, and modality of administration of ICG according to different organs., Methods: ICG technology was adopted in 46 MIS procedures performed in our unit over the last 18 months: 30 left varicocele repairs; 5 cholecystectomies in obese adolescents; 3 tumor excisions; 3 nephrectomies; 2 partial nephrectomies; 3 lymphoma excisions. ICG solution was injected intravenously in all cases except for varicocelectomy in which it was injected into the testis. The ICG injection was performed intra-operatively in all cases except for cholecystectomy in which it was injected 18 h prior to the procedure., Results: All procedures were completed laparoscopically without conversions or intra-operative complications. No adverse or allergic reactions to ICG were reported., Conclusion: Our preliminary experience showed that ICG fluorescence is a safe, useful, and versatile technique to adopt in pediatric MIS to achieve a better identification of anatomy and an easier surgical dissection or resection in challenging cases. Currently, the main indications are varicocelectomy, difficult cholecystectomy, tumor excision, nephrectomy, and partial nephrectomy. The main limitation is the needing of a special equipment to use ICG technology.

Background: Pilonidal disease is a troublesome acquired condition for whom various surgical treatments have been proposed with relatively high recurrence and complication rates. Since EPSiT technique has been described in 2013, it became an alternative treatment in adult practice. Our study reports the results of a multicentre series of pediatric patients who underwent EPSiT procedure over a 21-month period., Methods: Between July 2015 and March 2017, all consecutive patients undergoing EPSiT in four different pediatric surgical units have been enrolled. Details regarding demographic data, detailed surgical procedure, outcome and complications have been recorded., Results: A total of 43 patients underwent EPSiT procedure. Mean age was 15 years. There was a slight female preponderance. Mean weight and height at surgery were 67 kg and 168 cm, respectively. In 14% of cases a previous ineffective procedure was performed. Mean length of procedure was 34 min and median hospital stay was 24 h (12-72 h). Median length of follow-up was 4 months (range 3-18 months). Complications leading to reoperation were reported in 9% of cases with an overall resolution rate of 88%., Discussion: EPSiT proved to be feasible and safe even in the pediatric population. The effectiveness and safety of the procedure suggest that this technique can represent a valid alternative for the treatment of pilonidal disease in children.

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to propose structured guidelines for a European pediatric MIS training program created by ESPES., Methods: A questionnaire, focused on how the pediatric training program in MIS has to be structured, was proposed to all participants at the ESPES Congress in Marseille in 2013., Results: We received 178 questionnaires but only 139 questionnaires were fully completed and analyzed. All respondents agree that the training program has to be divided into 4 steps: (1) theoretical part: 2 theoretical courses in laparoscopy (101/139 respondents, 72.7 %), 1 theoretical course in retroperitoneoscopy (99/139 respondents, 71.2 %) and 1 in thoracoscopy (91/139 respondents, 65.5 %); (2) experimental part: 10-20 h of training on pelvic trainer (103/139 respondents, 74.1 %) and 10 h of training on animal models (91/139 respondents, 65.5 %); (3) stages in European centers of reference for MIS: a 1-3 months stage (96/139 respondents, 69.1 %); (4) personal experience: 30 procedures as cameraman (98/139 respondents, 70.5 %) and >50 basic MIS procedures as main surgeon under supervision (114/139 respondents, 82 %)., Conclusions: On the basis of our survey ESPES MIS training curriculum for pediatric surgeons must contain the following educational components: (1) theoretical knowledge; (2) practice-based learning and improvement in experimental setting; (3) stages in European centers of reference for MIS; (4) personal operative experience. At the end of the training program, ESPES will analyze the candidate training booklet and release for each applicant an ESPES certification after an exam.

Purpose: Surgeons are at risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMS). The present study aims to compare laparoscopy and SILS ergonomy among pediatric surgeons., Methods: A questionnaire formed by 17 questions was mailed to 14 pediatric surgeons, seven with a large experience in laparoscopy and seven in SILS. All surgeons completed the survey. The questionnaires were focused on the type of laparoscopic or SILS activity, location and type of pain, need for drugs and its physical consequences. Results were analyzed using χ(2) test., Results: Results indicated a similar incidence of WMS with shoulder symptoms (>75%) in both groups. In laparoscopic group this pain is evident only after a long lasting procedure, while in SILS group the pain is present after each procedure performed. SILS surgeons used painkillers and other therapies statistically more frequently than laparoscopic group (χ(2) = 0.001)., Conclusions: This study confirms there is a strong association between WMS and MIS surgery. The incidence of pain is similar in both groups. Pain was present only after long lasting procedures in laparoscopic group, while SILS surgeons have pain after each procedure performed. In addition SILS surgeons use more frequently painkillers and other therapies compared to laparoscopic surgeons. In conclusion, it seems that SILS has a worse ergonomy compared to laparoscopy.

Purpose: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety and complication rate of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair for small babies weighing 3 kg or less., Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the surgical charts of 67 infants (47 boys and 20 girls) weighing 3 kg or less who underwent laparoscopic hernia repair in a 3-year period. A regular 5-mm scope was used for visualization, and 2 or 3-mm instruments were used for the closure of the inner inguinal ring using 3/0 non-absorbable suture. The median weight at surgery was 2,600 g (range 1,450-3,000 g). All except three were premature., Results: Of the 67 infants, 15 (22.3 %) presented with an irreducible hernia. In three cases of irreducible hernias, we also performed a transumbilical appendectomy at the end of the hernia repair. Minor problems related with anesthesia were noted in four cases. Hernia recurrence was observed in three patients (4.4 %). No cases of testicular atrophy occurred. In 10 boys, we observed 12 cases of high testes, only 4 testes requiring subsequent orchiopexy., Conclusions: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair for babies weighing 3 kg or less is feasible, safe and perhaps even less technically demanding than open inguinal herniotomy.

We are reporting the case of a neonate which died on 16th day of life due to a fatal evolution of a rare association of cystic fibrosis and Hirschsprung's disease.

The presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) at birth may fall outside the typical features (cyanosis, tachypnea and respiratory failure), manifesting, instead, also with others pictures that make the diagnosis difficult or even impossible. We report a case of CDH presenting as a pneumothorax and a perforative peritonitis due to an antenatal gastric perforation.

A case of enlarged wandering spleen presenting as an abdominal mass in a 7-year-old girl is reported. The diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography and confirmed by aortography. Treatment consisted of an elective partial splenectomy and fixation of the residual spleen to the left hemidiaphragm. The patient's symptoms regressed, and now, after more than 2 years, she is doing well. Two years postoperatively scintigraphy demonstrated a good captation of radionuclide by a normal-sized spleen at the left hypochondrium. The results obtained with the procedure that was adopted for treating this case of wandering spleen allow the authors to state that hemispleen fixation is a valid option for treating symptomatic enlarged wandering spleen.

The goal of this review is to define the clinical characteristics of parotid hemangiomas in children and outline their therapeutic management. The records of 42 pediatric patients with hemangiomas were reviewed; 10 required surgical treatment. Two cases of temporary postoperative facial nerve palsy were observed. Treatment was commonly delayed, and there is a significant likelihood of spontaneous regression. The indications for surgical intervention are an increase in tumor size, rapid tumor growth, failure of tumor size to decrease and hemorrhage into the lesion.

The authors report their experience with the laparoscopic treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia in children. Between April 1993 and January 1998, 225 boys aged 8 months to 14 years (mean 4.4 years) were treated laparoscopically for a hydrocele, spermatic-cord cyst, or hernia. Ten boys had recurrent inguinal hernias after conventional surgery, in one case bilateral. The technique requires 3 trocars: a 0 degrees, 5-mm telescope inserted through the umbilicus and two 3-mm trocars placed 3-4 cm below the umbilicus on either side. Simple patency of the peritoneal vaginal duct (dpv) was found in eight cases and a direct inguinal hernia in three. In cases with an open dpv, we opened the external hemicircumference of the neck in order to bring the conjoined tendon closer to the crural arch with a non-resorbable 4/0 suture, and then placed a 3/0 resorbable pursestring suture around the peritoneum of the internal orifice of the inguinal canal. In direct inguinal hernias the orifice was closed by placing 2-3 nonabsorbable 3/0 sutures between the two muscular sides of the hernial defect. There were no intra- or postsurgical complications. All patients, at a maximum follow-up of 3 years showed total recovery from the hernia. Our early results suggest that laparoscopic surgery is a feasible and safe technique for the treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia in children. Key words Recurrent inguinal hernia. Laparoscopy. Children

A newborn with a prenatal diagnosis of right hydroureteronephrosis and enlarged penis is presented. At birth, the baby had an imperforate anus (IA) with a megalourethra; radiologic and ultrasonographic studies showed a left polycystic kidney and right hydroureteronephrosis, right vesicoureteral reflux, and an incomplete urethral duplication with dilatation of the posterior urethra. The IA was corrected on the 1st day of life and a vesicostomy was performed at 1 month. At 1 year of age the valve obstructing the ventral posterior urethra was resected and the vesicostomy was closed. At 14 months the baby underwent a urethroplasty with a vertical preputial tubularized island flap and excision of the penile urethral duplication. Exact knowledge of the malformation was essential in planning the appropriate surgical treatment.

Ventriculo-peritoneal shunts (VPS) are the most frequent operative procedures used to treat hydrocephalic children. Abdominal complications of VPS are now a rare event; however, their frequency varies from 5% to 47% according to reports. Anything that causes an obstruction or impediment of the VP derivation system will lead to intracranial hypertension, which requires immediate surgery. From 1985 to 1995 at the Division of Pediatric Surgery of the Federico II University of Naples, ten laparoscopies were performed in ten children with VPS complications. Cerebrospinal fluid pseudocysts were found in four infants. There was one case of abdominal wall perforation by the tip of the catheter at the umbilical level, two bowel obstructions, and one catheter was lost in the abdominal cavity. Finally, two children had malfunctioning of the peritoneal limb of the catheter. The laparoscopic technique was curative in all ten cases, thus avoiding a conventional laparotomy and the consequent risk of adhesions, which could cause further complications.

The hospital records of patients who underwent splenectomy during the last 2 years were reviewed to compare the advantages of the laparoscopic approach with traditional open splenectomy (OS). Between March 1994 and March 1996, 16 children underwent splenectomy, in 8 using an open approach and 8 by a laparoscopic procedure. Of the patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy (LS), 2 had a concomitant cholecystectomy. Ages ranged between 4 and 11 years (mean 6.4 years); there were 9 girls and 7 boys. The indications for splenectomy were: hereditary spherocytosis (7 cases); idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (4); sickle-cell disease (3); and beta-thalassemia (2). The average operating time for OS was 100 min (range, 50-155), for LS 170 min (range 125-240). The hospital stay for patients who had OS ranged from 3 to 9 days (mean 4.7), for those who had LS from 2 to 5 days (mean 3). One OS patient developed a wound infection. In 3 of the LS patients, the spleen was removed via a 7-cm Pfannenstiel minilaparotomy in the suprapubic region; in 5 cases the spleen was captured into an extraction bag, crushed, and removed through the umbilical orifice. The authors believe that LS must be performed only when it is possible to use the extraction bag to remove the spleen from the umbilical orifice (spleens weighing less than 700 g) and when a concomitant procedure such as cholecystectomy is indicated; in other cases OS is preferable.

The author reports his experience with a new procedure, transumbilical open laparoscopy (TUOL), to obtain the pneumoperitoneum in children operated upon laparoscopically. TUOL was designed to avoid complications related to closed introduction of the first trocar, and consists in the visually-guided introduction of the first trocar transumbilically without any need for a pursestring suture, with an operative time of about 1 min. The author recommends TUOL as it is easier, less expensive, and less time-consuming compared to other techniques.