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Background Laparoscopy for the resection of liver tumors in children has remained undeveloped in comparison to adults. Most of the indications for pediatric laparoscopic hepatic surgery have been limited to diagnostic laparoscopy (biopsy). Over the past ten years, however, laparoscopic liver resections for pediatric hepatic diseases have been performed successfully, and many case reports have been published. Methods The authors report 6 cases of laparoscopic hepatic resection of benign tumors in children. The most important aspects of surgical technique are presented. There were 3 boys and 3 girls, with age between 4 months and 16 years. The lesions were located in the following segments: II and III (4 patients), I (1), V (1). The maximum tumor size was 7 cm. Results One anatomical (left bisegmentectomy) and 5 nonanatomical resections were performed. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 1 patient owing to bleeding from the posterior branch of the right hepatic artery. There were no postoperative complications and patients were discharged on postoperative day 4, 5, 5, 5, 7 and 3 accordingly. The postoperative pathology of the specimens confirmed their benign nature: infantile hemangioendothelioma (1), nested stromal epithelial tumor (1), focal nodular hyperplasia (3), mixed benign tumor (hamartoma + vascular malformation) (1). Conclusions This report demonstrates the feasibility of a laparoscopic hepatic resection in children. On the other hand, laparoscopic liver resection is challenging and teamwork and specific training are necessary.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate single-port laparoscopic appendectomy (SPLA) in comparison with three-port laparoscopic appendectomy (3PLA) in children about the extent of surgica...

We present a case of a girl with an extremely rare, posterior type of persistent cloaca, which was associated with other abnormalities, including an undeveloped vulva and vagina, agenesis of the right kidney, secondary obstructive megaureter, unicornate uterus, persisted tailgut, sacral bone hypoplasia, and pubic symphysis hypertrophy. An operative approach was as follows: (i) colostomy and ureterocutaneostomy; (ii) creation of an ileal conduit with antirefluxing uretero-ileal anastomosis, and then creation of a continent catheterizable ileal reservoir; (iii) anastomosis of sigmoid colon to rectal stump; and (iv) vaginal and external genital reconstruction. Because of abnormal anatomical conditions where the uterus was situated adjacent to the open, incompetent bladder neck, we decided to create a vagina using the bladder wall instead of the bowel segment.

Laparoscopic approach to the adrenal gland was introduced in 1992; since then laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) becomes a gold standard in adult population, and many studies evaluating safety and results have been published [1–3]. In contradistinction to adult population, LA remains still challenging in children population despite the fact that it was first performed in a child over 20 years ago [4, 5].

Objectives To present versatile surgical reconstructive techniques and their outcomes in pediatric patients with genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the oncological and urological outcomes of seven patients treated between 1992 and 2014 according to the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe protocols. Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study staging: local, six patients; and IV, one patient. Histology: embryonal, five patients; unclassified, one patient; triton tumor one patient. Surgical treatment included: cystectomy, uterectomy and partial vaginectomy, one patient; radical cystectomy, two patients; cystectomy, one patient; cystectomy with partial prostatectomy, one patient; partial cystectomy, one patient; and partial prostatectomy, one patient. Results All patients were alive in complete remission at last follow up. In four cases, ileal conduit with ureteral reimplantation with serous-lined extramural tunnel (Abol-Enein technique) was carried out, which was followed by conversion into ileal continent bladder with continent appendiceal stoma for clean intermittent catheterization in three patients. In one boy, partial cystectomy and continent reconstruction was carried out during a single surgical procedure. One child with incontinent urinary diversion is still awaiting a continence solution. One child after partial prostatectomy is continent without any voiding disturbances. Conclusions The timing and extent of radical surgery for treatment of genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma depend on the local anatomical conditions, and the response to previous chemo- and radiotherapy. Cystectomy followed by various reconstructive techniques still remains an important option in the local treatment.

The treatment outcomes in children with bladder/prostate rhabdomyosarcoma (B/P RMS) have considerably improved in the past few decades. Current protocols incorporate chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery (radical or organ sparing). Using this multimodal and multidisciplinary approach, the cure rates for nonmetastatic RMS have gradually increased from 25% in the 1970s, and 70% in the 1990s, to over 80% in the 2000s. Surgery plays a role not only in the diagnosis and management of all stages of B/P RMS, but also in the urinary reconstruction and long-term follow-up. Furthermore, the tendency to avoid mutilating surgery and to preserve functional genitourinary tract has been noticeable. Authors describe the current status and future surgical treatment approaches and possibilities for patients with B/P RMS and how reconstructive urologic surgery in B/P RMS continues to evolve.

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic upper pole heminephroureterectomy (HNU) in pediatric patients with duplex kidneys in comparison with open surgery.From 2007 to 2011, 27 patients underwent HNU. A dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) isotope scan revealed hypofunctioning of ipsilateral moieties in all cases. The patients were divided randomly into laparoscopic HNU (LHNU) and open surgery HNU (OHNU) groups. LHNU was performed by the transperitoneal approach in 10 girls and 5 boys with a mean age of 33 months (range, 9-108 months). All procedures were performed using three or four ports. Open surgery was performed in 10 girls and 2 boys with a mean age of 29 months (range, 7-174 months) by the retroperitoneal approach in all cases. Follow-up included ultrasound and DMSA.Mean operative time in the LHNU and OHNU groups was 148 minutes (range, 100-220 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI] 129-167 minutes) and 124 minutes (range, 100-150 minutes; 95% CI 115-133 minutes), respectively. In the LHNU and OHNU groups, mean analgesic requirement was 2.8 days (range, 2-4 days; 95% CI 2.4-3.2 days) and 3.7 days (range, 3-5 days; 95% CI 3.3-4.1 days), and mean hospital stay was 4.0 days (range, 2-8 days; 95% CI 3.2-4.8 days) and 5.1 days (range, 3-8 days; 95% CI 4.3-5.9 days), respectively. No intraoperative or major postoperative complications occurred. No conversion to open surgery was necessary in the LHNU group. Statistical analysis showed no statistical significant difference (P.05) in the operating time between groups, whereas differences in the mean hospital stay (P=.048) and analgesic requirements (P=.005) were significant. The function of the remnant pole was preserved in all patients. Follow-up ultrasound showed asymptomatic cystic structures in 1 patient.The laparoscopic upper pole HNU is a safe and feasible procedure, even in infants. It is associated with minimal morbidity, and the operative time is acceptable and not significantly longer in comparison with the open approach. LHNU reduces analgesic requirements and hospital stay. In our opinion it should be the preferred option for HNU in children.

introduction. Dysfunctional voiding is a frequent condition in children associated with symptoms of incontinence. The aim of this study was to present the efficacy of biofeedback treatment on the resolution of clinical symptoms in a large cohort of children with urodynamically confirmed dysfunctional voiding. Material and methods. 81 children (75 girls and 6 boys) aged 6-18 years (mean: 10.32 ±3.17 yrs.) with a dysfunctional voiding pattern are presented. 74/81 (92.6%) of children were unresponsive to standard urotherapy and prior pharmacotherapy. Symptoms of bladder dysfunction were evaluated by questionnaire, bladder diary and an urodynamic study according to definitions and standards set by ICCS. The biofeedback training was planned for 2 months. Each session consisted of about 30 repeats of 5 s contraction and 30 s relaxation of pelvic floor muscles and external urethral sphincter. Biofeedback was performed together with standard urotherapy. results. 67 (82.72%) of the 81 children declared wetting during the day and 41 (50, 62%) – wetting during the night. 32/81 (39.5 %) children had increased voiding frequency and 43 (53.08%) had decreased bladder capacity. Following 2 months of biofeedback therapy daytime incontinence resolved in 34/67 (50.7%) children and nighttime incontinence in 22/41 (53.65%). A further 40,3% declared partial improvement in daytime and 26.7% in nighttime wetting. Conclusions. Biofeedback treatment is an effective therapeutic option for children with dysfunctional voiding. Pelvic floor therapy with biofeedback should be offered to children with dysfunctional voiding resistant to standard urotherapy.

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) occur in approximately 1 per 5000 live births. The most commonly used procedure for repair of high ARMs is posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP). This operation is performed entirely through a perineal approach. The first report of laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) for repair of ARMs was presented by Georgeson in 2000. The aim is presenting early experience with laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through technique in boys with high anorectal malformations. In the last 5 years 7 boys (9 months to 2 years old) with high ARMs were operated on using the LAARP technique. Laparoscopically the rectal pouch was exposed down to the urethral fistula, which was clipped and divided. Externally, the centre of the muscle complex was identified using an electrical stimulator. In the first 4 patients after a midline incision of 2 cm at the planned anoplasty site, a tunnel to the pelvis was created bluntly and dilated with Hegar probes under laparoscopic control. In the last 3 boys a minimal PSARP was done creating a channel into the pelvis. The separated rectum was pulled down and sutured to the perineum. Laparoscopic mobilization of the rectal pouch and fistula division was possible in all cases. There were no intraoperative complications except one ureteral injury. Patients were discharged home on post-operative day 5 to 7. The early results prove that LAARP, an alternative option to PSARP for treatment of imperforate anus, offers many advantages, including excellent visualization of the pelvic anatomical structures, accurate placement of the bowel into the muscle complex and a minimally invasive abdominal and perineal incision. It allows for shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. However, to compare the functional results against the standard procedure (PSARP), longer follow-up of all patients is necessary.

StreszczenieNieprawidłowości dróg moczowych u płodu są jednym z najczęściej stwierdzanych odchyleń podczas wykonywanych prenatalnie badań ultrasonografi cznych. Bardzo istotne jest takie zaplanowanie postępowania u noworodka i niemowlęcia, aby odpowiednio szybko wyłonić i objąć właściwą opieką grupę dzieci wysokiego ryzyka zakażeń i postępu choroby nerek. Takie działanie wymaga współpracy wielospecjalistycznej i wspólnych dla pediatrów, neonatologów i lekarzy rodzinnych schematów postępowania. Niniejszy artykuł powstał na podstawie opracowanych przez Polskie Towarzystwo Nefrologii Dziecięcej i dotyczy działań, jakie należy podjąć u dziecka z prenatalnie wykrytym poszerzeniem dróg wyprowadzających mocz.AbstractMalformations of urinary tract in fetus are one of the most often abnormalities detected by prenatal ultrasound screening. It is of great importance to establish adequate diagnostic plan of postnatal evaluation and selection of patients at high risk of complications, urinary tract infections or kidney failure progression. Adequate diagnosis requires strict cooperation of specialists: paediatrician, neonatologist and family doctors with common guidelines. The paper is based on Guidelines of Polish Society for Paediatric Nephrology and concerns postnatal evaluation of dilatation of the urinary tract in fetus and newborn.

The aim of the stucdy was to present technical aspects and possible intraoperative complications based on the first single port surgery (SPS) laparoscopic nephrectomy performed in our center. The SPS laparoscopic nephrectomy of the right kidney was performed using a transperitoneal access in a 4-year-old child due to a small nonfunctional kidney complicated by hypertension. The intraoperative course was complicated by rupture of the gall bladder wall after grasper removal without leakage of its contents into the peritoneal cavity. No postoperative complications occurred. The SPS nephrectomy appears to be an advantageous method in children which offers a good cosmetic effect. Other benefits require confirmation in further studies. Fixation of the gall bladder is a very helpful but risky maneuver.

Introduction: Despite the increase in use of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in recent years, until now no nationwide survey on this issue has been performed in Poland. Aim: To determine current surgical practice patterns among Polish pediatric surgeons in the treatment of appendi- citis in children. Material and methods: The nationwide survey was conducted in the form of an internet questionnaire asking for information concerning treatment of children suspected of having acute appendicitis in the years 2007-2011. Twen- ty-seven major pediatric surgical departments in Poland were invited to participate in the study. Results: The overall survey response rate was 70.37%. Laparoscopic appendectomy was offered in all departments except one. Laparoscopy was used in 33% of cases and was the standard procedure in 4 departments. In 1 center 100% of appendectomies were performed laparoscopically. The 3-port technique was used in all departments. Five centers offered transumbilical laparoscopic extracorporeal appendectomy and 2 centers single-port appendectomy. In LA the mesoappendix was mostly divided using bipolar or monopolar coagulation and the appendix was ligated using endoloops or was clipped. The mean hospitalization time was 3.31 days after laparoscopy and 5.47 days after open appendectomy. Conclusions: Despite an apparent consensus on some aspects of pediatric appendicitis among Polish pediatric sur- geons, significant inconsistency exists in the operative approach. The low rate of LA suggests that LA still remains far from being a standard. Personal experience and preference have a major influence on the choice of operative approach. It is recommended that national guidelines be set up, which could standardize the care for children and training of pediatric surgery residents.

A laparoscopic approach to the adrenal gland was introduced in 1992. Since then many studies on adult populations evaluating the safety and results of laparoscopic surgery have been published. A laparoscopic approach to adrenal surgery in children still remains challenging. During the last 20 years we have observed a tendency to minimize surgical trauma that challenged many surgeons to seek new approaches in laparoscopic surgery. Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), in which all instruments are placed through a single, small incision, might be a step towards less invasive surgical procedures. We present two cases of paediatric patients treated in our department with single incision laparoscopic adrenalectomy (SILA). According to our best knowledge this report includes the first such procedure performed in Poland.

Blunt abdominal trauma with isolated rupture of the normal renal pelvis is an extremely rare clinical entity. The correct preoperative diagnosis may be difficult and challenging because of the insidious onset, lack of blood loss, and frequently, lack of urinary symptoms. Intraoperative inspection of the collecting system is the most accurate method to fully define an extent of injury. The object of the case report is to present the case of a 15-year-old male with isolated pelvic rupture of a normal kidney because of strong punch in the abdomen during the handball match.

Introduction: Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe and feasible technique accepted by many surgeons as the gold standard approach for the treatment of acute appendicitis in children. Traditionally laparoscopic appendectomy requires the use of three ports. However, surgical techniques with fewer ports have been reported. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic appendectomy in children according to the proposed 3-step protocol using one, two or three ports. Material and methods: A total of 100 children with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis underwent laparoscopic appen dectomy. Patients were treated according to the following protocol: transumbilical access with one 10 mm port using the laparoscope with working channel. The appendix was mobilized and delivered through the umbilical port and tied extracorporeally and removed. If the appendix was placed retrocecally or had adhesions, a second port was intro duced. The appendix was mobilized and finally retrieved from the abdominal cavity through the camera port, and resected extracorporeally. In the cases of very short and gangrenous appendix and immobile colon, a third port was introduced and totally intra-abdominal appendectomy was performed. Patients were evaluated regarding the dura tion of the operation, and operative and postoperative complications. Results: During the study period 100 children (58 males, 42 females) had laparoscopic appendectomy: 48 children by one-port technique (group I), 27 children by two-port technique (group II) and 25 children by three-port technique (group III). The mean operative time was 33 min (20-55 min) in group I, 39 min in group II (23-60 min), and 49 min (30-75 min) in group III. There were no intraoperative complications. Wound infections were recorded in 4 (8.3%) patients in group I, three (11.1%) in group II and four (16.0%) in group III. One patient in group III developed an abdominal abscess managed conservatively. Conclusions: One-port laparoscopic appendectomy is a feasible technique in children. It allows 48% of children to have the operation. The addition of a second port allows one to mobilize the appendix and perform extracorporeal resection in an additional 27% of cases. These approaches have shorter operative time compared to 3-port technique. Laparoscopic extracorporeal appendectomy, especially one-port, is found to be cost effective and have excellent cosmetic results.

A laparoscopic approach to giant ovarian cysts in girls, when the cyst's size exceeds the umbilicus, may be difficult regarding the risk of cyst rupture and limited working space. We present a series of three 12-year-old girls with giant ovarian cysts treated by percutaneous drainage under ultrasonographic guidance followed by laparoscopic resection. Clinical, laboratory and radiological diagnosis showed no signs of malignancy. After induction of general endotracheal anaesthesia, under ultrasonographic guidance, a 10 F vesicostomy catheter was placed into the cyst. Two to 4 l of serous (in one case mucinous) fluid were drained from the cyst. During laparoscopy, the abdominal cavity was inspected by the scope and no signs of malignancy were found. The laparoscopic procedure was completed with excision of the cyst and keeping some ovarian tissue in all cases. No intraoperative complications were observed. The mean operation time was 73 min. Pathological examination revealed a mature cystic teratoma in two cases and mucinous cystadenoma in one. The postoperative recovery was uneventful in all girls and they were discharged home on postoperative day 2-4 with minimal pain. The ultrasound scans and tumour markers were normal on follow-up after 3 and 6 months. Laparoscopic excision of giant ovarian cysts after ultrasound-guided drainage seems to be a safe and applicable treatment modality in pre-menarchal girls with a normal tumour marker profile and benign features of the cyst, excluding the possibility of malignancy.

Hydrocele, the main complication of laparoscopic varicocelectomy, is thought to result from a disruption of gonadal lymphatics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of patent blue V dyeing to identify and preserve lymphatic vessels and to assess whether the lymphatic sparing technique avoids postoperative hydrocele in adolescent boys undergoing a laparoscopic procedure.Fifty-two (52) boys affected by varicocele Grade III (range, 12-16 years) underwent a left-sided laparoscopic varicocelectomy. Twenty-six (26) boys were randomly assigned to a lymphatic nonsparing (LNS) group, and the others to a lymphatic sparing (LS) group. Before surgery in the LS group, 2 mL of patent blue V was injected under the tunica dartos on the left side.All varicocelectomies were performed laparoscopically. Lymphatic vessels were identified in 23 (88.5%) boys of the LS group. In the remaining three (11.5%), the lymphatics could not be identified clearly. No adverse local or generalized reactions were noted. At a mean follow-up of 14 months, no recurrent varicocele or testicular volume reduction were detected. Hydrocele developed in 4 LNS patients and 1 was operated on. No patient from the LS group developed a hydrocele.Staining gonadal lymph vessels with patent blue V is an effective and simple method of visualization of the lymphatic drainage from the testis. Blue-stained lymph vessels could be readily distinguished and preserved during a laparoscopic varicocelectomy, which results in a decrease of hydrocele development. To validate an efficacy of vital staining of lymphatic vessels in avoiding hydrocele formation, a larger series and longer follow-up are necessary.

StreszczenieZmiany w ilości i strukturze miąższu nerek u płodu są wykrywane ze znacznie mniejszą częstością niż poszerzenie układu kielichowo-miedniczkowego. Jeśli jednak znajdują swoje potwierdzenie w badaniach postnatalnych, mogą być sygnałem poważnych zaburzeń w czynności nerek w okresie niemowlęcym, a także sugerować postęp choroby nerek w wieku późniejszym. W celu spójnej i szybkiej weryfi kacji grupy dzieci zagrożonych rozwojem niewydolności nerek Polskie Towarzystwo Nefrologii Dziecięcej przygotowało zalecenia dotyczące diagnostyki pourodzeniowej w przypadku wad miąższu nerek podejrzewanych prenatalnie.AbstractCongenital malformations of kidney structure are detected less frequently than dilatation of the urinary tract in the prenatal evaluation of fetus. However, when confi rmed after birth may refl ect serious impairment of kidney function in infancy or put the child at risk of deterioration of glromerular fi ltration later in the life. In order to support adequate selection of high risk patients Polish Society for Paediatric Nephrology presented specifi c guidelines for postnatal evaluation of malformation of kidney structure in fetus and newborn.