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Polypoid lesions of the gallbladder (PLG) are rare in the paediatric population. Growth in technology with the availability of high-quality ultrasonography and in the experience of radiologists in detecting such lesions, has led to an increase in incidental detection of PLG. In children, the occur either as a primary disorder or in association with other conditions, including metachromatic leukodystrophy, Peutz- Jeghers syndrome, or pancreatobiliary malunion [1]. Due the rarity of these lesions in the paediatric age group, accurate management algorithms are inherited from the adult population. In these, PLG is a more common pathology, occurring in 4–7% of patients undergoing ultrasonography, with clinical significance relating largely to their malignant potential [2,3].

Female hypospadias is a rare genito-urinary anomaly, often associated with other congenital malformations of the urinary tract. For female hypospadias it is meant a condition in which the external urethral meatus opens high up in the anterior vaginal wall proximal to the hymenal ring; the urethra is obviously shorter than usual. Embryologically, it is thought to be due to an abnormal development of the urogenital sinus or to a lack of differentiation of Wolff’s tissue. Etiology though still remains unknown. Even though commons symptoms related to female hypospadias include urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections and dyspareunia, patients are often diagnosed accidentally during catheterization for other reasons. Its detection is simple but often late in childhood or even in adulthood. Treatment can be difficult due to the lack of consistent literature on the topic and also because it requires management of the other associated anomalies. We describe the case of a 5-year-old girl presenting incontinence secondary to hypospadias, successfully treated with a 2-step surgical strategy.

Background: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of endoscopic stricture index (SIEN) to define anastomotic strictures (ASs) and to predict the need of dilatations. Materials and methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted on patients who underwent esophageal atresia repair from 1998-2020 (ethical committee approval CHPED- 05-20-AS). SIEN was calculated on the first endoscopy performed as follows: (D d )/D, where D is the maximum diameter of lumen of the upper esophagus close to the AS and d is the diameter of lumen of the stricture. Nonparametric variables were examined using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, and continuous variables were analyzed using Spearman’s test and regression analysis. A P value

Context: Congenital lung malformation (CLM) is a rare developmental anomaly of the lower respiratory tract. The purposes are to define if the presence of respiratory symptoms, in CLM may affect surgical outcomes and to define optimal timing for surgery in asymptomatic patients. Settings and Design: Retrospective review of patients with CLM from 2004 to 2018. Asymptomatic and symptomatic patients were compared. Moreover, asymptomatic patients were stratified according to age at surgery (< or >6 months). Subjects and Methods: Demographic data, prenatal diagnosis, symptoms, CLM's characteristics, operative and postoperative data were collected. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or none of respiratory symptoms. Statistical Analysis: Data were compared using the Fisher's exact test for qualitative values and Mann-Whitney test for quantitative values P < 0.05 was statistically significant. Results: One hundred and eighty-six patients were treated. Asymptomatic were 137 (74%), while symptomatic were 49 (26%). The most common presenting symptoms were respiratory distress (n = 30, 61%) followed by pneumonia (n = 18, 38%). Prenatal diagnosis of CLM was performed in 98% of asymptomatic patients compared to 30% of symptomatic (P = 0.001). Surgical excision was performed in all cases, and in 50% by thoracoscopy, without difference between the two groups. In 97% of all cases, a lung sparing surgery was performed without difference between the groups. Symptoms are significantly associated with older age, location in the upper lobe, and lobar emphysema. Length of stay in intensive care, postoperative complications, and reintervention rate were higher in the symptomatic group. Eighty-one asymptomatic patients underwent surgery 6 months (7%). Conclusions: The present study describes a comprehensive picture of CLM. In addition, we emphasize the role of early postnatal management and thoracoscopic surgery, also before 6 months of life, to prevent the onset of symptoms that are associated with worse outcomes.

Introduction: Surgical management of jejuno-ileal atresia/stenosis (JIA) is shifting to a minimally invasive approach. Our purpose is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopy-assisted surgery (LAS) in JIA by comparing outcomes with a control group of open surgery (OS). Methods: A retrospective review of JIA cases was performed. Demographic, surgical, and outcomes data were extracted. LAS cases were compared with OS. Fisher's exact-test for qualitative and Mann-Whitney-test for quantitative values were used. p values

Introduction The uretero-pelvic junction (UPJ) is the most common site of obstruction in the pediatric upper urinary tract, causing hydronephrosis. In our institution, the gold standard approach for hydronephrosis in infants is the One-Trocar- Assisted Pyeloplasty (OTAP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of OTAP in terms of efficacy and safety in the first 90 days of life. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all charts and long-term follow-up of 138 infants treated with OTAP; we selected and examined the ones with a defined diagnosis of severe UJPO and, thus, treated in the first 90 days of life: 28 patients. Indica- tions for early surgery were: antero-posterior pelvic diameter (APD) > 20 mm and an obstructive pattern on renography; impaired echotexture and/or relative renal function < 40% had to be associated. Results Out of 23 patients, we witnessed one conversion to open surgery (4.35%) and one recurrence (4.35%) of UPJO. The mean pre-surgery APD was 35.2 mm, while the mean post-surgery APD was 17.32 mm. The mean operative time was 133 min. The mean hospitalization time was 7.71 days. The mean average of follow-up was 46.41 months (minimum 1 year). Conclusions Our experience suggests that OTAP is a valid and feasible technique in terms of safety and efficacy for the early treatment of very young infants affected by UPJO.

Aim of the study: To assess the efficacy of a novel technique (echo-assisted intersphincteric autologous microfragmented adipose tissue injection, also called &ldquo, anal-lipofilling&rdquo, ) in the management of non-responsive fecal incontinence in children born with anorectal malformations (ARMs). Methods: Following ethical committee approval (CHPED-MAR-18-02), anal-lipofilling was proposed to patients with fecal incontinence not responsive to medications or bowel management (bowel enema and/or transanal irrigation automatic systems), then a prospective study was conducted. Anal-lipofilling consisted of three phases: lipoaspiration from the abdominal wall, processing of the lipoaspirate with a Lipogems system and intersphincteric injection of the processed fat tissue via endosonographic assistance. A questionnaire based on Krickenbeck&rsquo, s scale (KS) was administered to the patients to evaluate the clinical outcome. Main Results: Four male patients (three recto-urethral fistula, and one recto-perineal fistula) underwent the anal-lipofilling procedure at a mean age of 13.0 &plusmn, 4.2 yrs. There were no complications during or after the procedure. From an initial assessment of the patients there was an improvement in the bowel function at a median follow up of 6 months, with better scores at KS (100% Soiling grade three pre-treatment vs. 75% grade one post-treatment). Conclusions: Even if our Study is preliminary, echo-assisted anal-lipofilling could be considered as a feasible and safe alternative technique in the management of the fecal incontinence in non-responding ARMs patients. More studies are still necessary to support the validity of the implant of autologous adipose tissue in the anal sphincter as a therapy for fecal incontinence in children born with ARMs.

The aim of this study is to present our preliminary experience in robotics and a comparative analysis with conventional Minimally- Invasive Surgery (MIS). Cases operated by da Vinci Xi® System from February 2016 to October 2017 are reviewed retrospectively through demographics, diagnosis-procedure and short-term outcome parameters. A comparison with a matching conventional MIS population was also conducted. 40 robotic procedures were carried out and 112 (out of 3705) non-robotic procedures met inclusion criteria for comparison. Among robotic patients we observed: an average age of 143.5 months, weight of 42.9 Kg, operative and anaesthesia induction time respectively of 116.8 and 34.8 minutes. Furthermore, we observed a 6.1-day length of stay, 2.5% conversion rate and no complications. From the comparison between the groups, no statistical difference emerged in the length of stay, in conversion rates or in complications. A statistical significance was observed in terms of operative time in favour of non-Robotic- System. Our experience has meant to introduce the System in our surgical environment, comparing to the conventional MIS (an already established approach routinely performed at our center). Results have shown comparable safety and feasibility.

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome is a disorder of sexual development, which features a failure of involution of Müllerian structures. An enlarged prostatic utricle is a kind of Müllerian duct remnant (MDR) with a tubular shaped structure communicating with the prostatic urethra. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms when present, preserve fertility and prevent neoplastic degeneration. We describe 3 cases of successful robot assisted-removal of symptomatic MDRs. The first case came to our attention for pseudo-incontinence; the other two for recurrent urinary tract infections. The patients have not presented such symptoms anymore on follow-up. We then reviewed existent literature on authors who have recently investigated the main issues concerning MDRs and have attempted a roboticassisted approach on them. Robot-assisted laparoscopy can be considered a valid, safe and effective minimally-invasive technique for the primary treatment of prostatic utricle.

Bochdalek hernia (BH) is a major malformation that consists of a postero-lateral diaphragmatic defect through which abdominal contents can migrate into the thorax. It is most commonly a neonatal pathology associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Rarely, this type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) presents later in life, some even in adulthood. Indications for surgery are not clear even though the majority of authors, being aware of the possible severe complications, recommend surgical correction in all cases. Many surgical approaches have been tried for this pathology, both open (laparotomic or thoracotomic) and minimally invasive (laparoscopic or thoracoscopic). We report a case of a late-onset BH corrected with a robot-assisted thoracoscopic procedure. The use of robotic technology for CDH has never been described to date.

We report the case of a neonate affected by prenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), treated by thoracoscopy. During the procedure, we detected an associated extralobar pulmonary sequestration (EPS), which was preoperatively undiagnosed, and we removed it. EPS has been shown to be associated with CDH in up to 15 to 40% of cases. A possible explanation hypothesized is that pulmonary sequestration, which develops at 4 to 5 weeks of gestation, can disturb the fusion of the diaphragm and closure of the pleuroperitoneal canal. The thoracoscopic approach permitted us to identify the thoracic EPS that probably would have been otherwise missed.

Mullerian duct remnants (MDR) derive from incomplete regression of female structures, presumably as a consequence of delayed or insufficient production or effect of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) [1–3]. Dilatation of the Mullerian duct remnants can lead to an enlarged prostatic utricle or a Mullerian duct cyst which is known to be present in 4% of newborns and 1% of adults [4]. The prevalence of symptomatic remnants is still unknown. In 11–14% of cases an enlarged prostatic utricle is associated to distal hypospadias or disorders of sexual differentiation (DSD) and to a perineal hypospadias in 50% of cases [5, 6].

Purpose The spectrum of male urethral duplication is heterogeneous and it includes the Y-duplication. The malformation is rare and there is only a few case series reported in the literature. The management of Y-forms remains challenging for the surgeon and the long-term follow-up is still scarcely investigated. We report our 40-year experience in the management of patients with Y-duplication. Materials and methods We conducted a restrospective analysis collecting information of patients with urethral Y-duplication treated at our department from April 1975 to April 2015. We investigated long-term effects of surgery by using a questionnaire. Results Ten male patients with Y-duplication came to our attention. One was treated conservatively, seven underwent surgery and two were lost. Surgery consisted of removal of the ectopic branch (via perineal or ASTRA/anterior sagittal trans-rectal approach approach) and reconstruction of the orthotopic urethra. Post-operative complications included stenosis and infections. Long-term results are influenced by associated anomalies and significant problems (incontinence, urinary tract infections and orchiepididimitis) have been reported. Conclusions Y-duplication (or λ-duplication, as we prefer calling it) is a particular form of urethral duplication. The management of patients should be based upon the identification of the functional channel. The removal of the ectopic channel with ASTRA approach is safe and feasible. On the other hand, the reconstruction of the anterior urethra (when steno-atresic) is more challenging and justifies the need for many procedures. The P.A.D.U.A. (progressive augmentation by dilating the anterior urethra) technique was not effective. Skin tube grafts were responsible for infections ("hairy urethra"). BMFG (bladder mucosa free graft) urethroplasty is a good alternative, although associated with well-known complications. Associated anomalies influence long-term outcomes. Clinical study with type IV level of evidence.

Purpose: To report our 14 years experience with the laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) for the treatment of male neonates with high imperforate anus. Materials and Methods: We reviewed all medical charts of patients who underwent LAARP from January 2001 to January 2015 collecting information regarding demographic data, associated anomalies, type of fistula, pelvic floor muscles tropism, surgery (operative time, conversion to open technique, and complications), and follow-up. Follow-up data were obtained through the use of validated questionnaires that aim to assess the intestinal function in terms of constipation and continence. Results: At the Department of Pediatric Surgery of the University of Bologna, 13 male patients were operated in the study period (our protocol consisted of colostomy at birth followed by delayed LAARP). Mean age at operation was 4.75 months (range 1-14). There was one conversion to open technique due to a strong tension from the colostomy (this patient was excluded). Functional results were acceptable at a minimum 2-year-long follow-up. Conclusions: LAARP is a good choice for the correction of the high imperforate anus. Short-term outcomes are similar to those after posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP). Long-term outcomes should be better assessed.

Persistent urogenital sinus (UGS) is a developmental anomaly. It represents one of the most complex problems that a pediatric surgeon may deal with. We report the case of a patient with UGS treated at 3 years of age by anterior sagittal transrectal approach and en bloc sinus mobilization. The procedure was performed with the patient prone with the initial idea of performing an anterior sagittal transrectal approach. The described approach allows an excellent anatomical view with a midline muscle sparing incision, along with an easy identification of the vaginal confluence with the benefit of avoiding dissection between the urethra and vagina.

The persistence of cloacal and urogenital sinus remains one of the most challenging problems for pediatric urologist. In this chapter we will describe the characteristics of these malformations in terms of diagnosis, clinical presentation, surgical treatment, and complications.

The Anderson–Hynes pyeloplasty is still the gold standard for the surgical treatment of the ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. Laparoscopic, retroperitoneoscopic, and robotic approaches have been proposed as alternatives in order to reduce postoperative hospitalization, pain, and scars. We describe a modification of the retroperitoneoscopic technique that combines the advantages of a minimally invasive technique with the high success rate of standard dismembered pyeloplasty. We called the procedure OTAP (one-trocar-assisted pyeloplasty).

Introduction Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common pediatric obstructive uropathy. We report our 8-year experience with the use of a retroperitoneal laparoscopic-assisted pyeloplasty (one–trocar–assisted pyeloplasty [OTAP]). Materials and Methods This is a retrospective analysis of 88 patients treated in 8 years. Surgery was performed on the basis of standard indications and it consisted of 88 OTAP (the ureteropelvic junction is identified through a retroperitoneoscopic inspection and it is exteriorized to perform a traditional dismembered pyeloplasty). Operative time, hospital stay, complication, success of the technique, and aesthetical results are analyzed. Results In the 8-year period we performed 88 OTAP. Mean age was 19 months. Prenatal diagnosis was the most common presentation ( n = 73), followed by occasional identification ( n = 8), and symptomatic ( n = 7). Mean operating time was 139 minutes (range 60–225 minutes). Conversion was required in seven cases. The success rate was 87.5% (reduction of the severity of hydronephrosis on ultrasound) and 100% among symptomatic patients (symptoms resolution). Aesthetical results were excellent. Discussion and Conclusions OTAP is safe, feasible, and efficacious. Operative times are similar or even shorter than those of other minimally invasive techniques and complication rate agrees with the findings of literature. OTAP can be considered a reasonable alternative.

Duplications of the urinary collecting system and pyelo-ureteral junction obstruction (PUJO) are common, but the simultaneous presence of both anomalies is rarely encountered. In incomplete duplicated systems, PUJO usually affects the lower moiety. We present the case of a 5-year old boy with left bifid renal pelvis and hydronephosis of the lower moiety treated by robot-assisted pyeloureterostomy.