Search

Abstract Background DNA barcoding is a key tool for assessing biodiversity in both taxonomic and environmental studies. Essential features of barcodes include their applicability to a wide spectrum of taxa and their ability to identify even closely related species. Several DNA regions have been proposed as barcodes and the region selected strongly influences the output of a study. However, formal comparisons between barcodes remained limited until now. Here we present a standard method for evaluating barcode quality, based on the use of a new bioinformatic tool that performs in silico PCR over large databases. We illustrate this approach by comparing the taxonomic coverage and the resolution of several DNA regions already proposed for the barcoding of vertebrates. To assess the relationship between in silico and in vitro PCR, we also developed specific primers amplifying different species of Felidae, and we tested them using both kinds of PCR Results Tests on specific primers confirmed the correspondence between in silico and in vitro PCR. Nevertheless, results of in silico and in vitro PCRs can be somehow different, also because tuning PCR conditions can increase the performance of primers with limited taxonomic coverage. The in silico evaluation of DNA barcodes showed a strong variation of taxonomic coverage (i.e., universality): barcodes based on highly degenerated primers and those corresponding to the conserved region of the Cyt-b showed the highest coverage. As expected, longer barcodes had a better resolution than shorter ones, which are however more convenient for ecological studies analysing environmental samples. Conclusions In silico PCR could be used to improve the performance of a study, by allowing the preliminary comparison of several DNA regions in order to identify the most appropriate barcode depending on the study aims.

Introduction: Teaching methods in hypospadias repair are still traditional. Available simulators often lack authenticity in terms of haptic feedback and realistic tissue handling., Objective: Our aim was to develop a high-fidelity, easily reproducible, and affordable animal tissue model for the advanced surgical simulation of hypospadias repair with realistic haptic feedback and tissue handling., Material and Methods: A regular-sized chicken leg and a lamb tenderloin are used to assess the feasibility of simulating hypospadias correction by using the example of a Snodgrass Tubularized Incised Plate-Repair. The model preparation is incorporated into the training process., Results: A detailed description of the high-fidelity model is provided. All steps of a hypospadias repair can be trained while providing realistic anatomy, adequate size, and multilayer tissue properties. Haptic conditions highly resemble human tissue properties. Fine tissue handling corresponds to intraoperative conditions. Limitations to this surgical model apply as in other animal tissue models., Conclusion: We developed a high-fidelity, easily reproducible, and affordable hypospadias animal tissue model. Due to the multilayer animal tissue properties, this model provides realistic haptic feedback and thus an inexpensive and reproducible model for hypospadias simulation. External validation is mandatory prior to implementation into urological training., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest None., (Copyright © 2024 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Lymphatic-sparing Palomo procedure with intra-testicular injection of indocyanine green (ICG) has shown good results but the injection might harm the testes. This article describes the results of twelve consecutive patients where visualization and sparing were carried out successfully with para-testicular injection of ICG. Procedural details are reported thoroughly. Early experience shows convincing results, we believe that para-testicular injection leads to equally good visualization of testicular lymphatic vessels without the risk of testicular lesions. We will continue to use para-testicular injection and encourage others to do so to increase the amount of available data, allowing for evidence-based result in the future., (Copyright © 2024 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Balanoposthitis in boys with physiological phimosis is common. Publications on the topic are rare and literature provides no evidence-based guidelines on treatment efficacy. With this study, we aim to analyze treatments currently used, physicians' experience regarding the success and thus derive a treatment proposal., Study Design: An online questionnaire was created to evaluate practice patterns and experience. A case scenario, open questions and multiple-choice questions were used to allow multilayered answers. Pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, pediatric urologists, and family practitioners were invited to participate. Demographic data and answers to multiple choice questions were analyzed descriptively. Free text comments were analyzed quantitively by coding the text entries and identifying relevant themes. The themes were then grouped into categories., Results: Three-hundred-and-one data sets were analyzed. Predominantly, participants were from Germany and Switzerland, and most were specialized in either pediatrics or pediatric surgery. The analysis revealed a wide variability of treatments. Three main treatment forms were identified: baths, topical antiseptic treatment (wraps, gels), and topical antibiotics. Many participants use combinations of the above. Altogether, 53 treatment varieties and 27 categories were identified, including oral antibiotics and local irrigation. Treatment success was reported to be good for all treatment forms, baths were reported to be the best perceived treatment by the majority of participants., Discussion: The online questionnaire generated valuable data on the wide variety of treatment used for posthitis. The fact that all treatments are reported to be highly effective suggests that little is necessary to treat the condition or that it might even be self-limiting. Further studies will be needed to prove this conclusion. Until those are available, three main concepts should be considered when choosing a treatment: avoid (traumatizing) manipulation, apply antibiotic stewardship and adhere to families' preferences and feasibility., Conclusion: We propose baths or local antiseptics, depending on the practitioner's and family's choice as the least invasive alternative. A prospective study to back our recommendation is scheduled., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None of the authors has anything to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Loop ligation of the appendix is a challenging surgical skill and well suited to be trained in a simulator. We aimed to develop an affordable and easy-to-build simulator and test its training effect., Design and Participants: Different materials were tested, and the best training modality was identified by researching the literature. The developed simulator training was tested on 20 surgical novices., Results: A video was produced including an instruction on how to build the simulator and a step-by-step tuition on how to ligate the appendix. The Peyton approach was utilized to guide learners. Training with the simulator leads to reliable skill acquisition. All participants improved significantly in completing the task successfully during the structured learning., Conclusion: We succeeded in developing a simulator for loop ligation of the appendix during laparoscopic appendectomy. Participants significantly improve in handling the loops. The transferability of the skill learned during simulation to the operating room will be subject of a follow-up study., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction:  Inguinal procedures in children are frequent and typically performed in an outpatient setting. We aimed to analyze whether there is a difference in postoperative pain scores and setup time (start of anesthesia management to incision time) when comparing caudal block (CB) with local wound infiltration., Materials and Methods:  We enrolled pediatric outpatients scheduled for inguinal procedures. Patients were randomized to receive either preincision CBs or end-of-procedure local wound infiltration. Postoperative pain scores until 24 hours postoperatively and setup time were analyzed., Results:  Fifty-two patients were included in the study. Thirty patients received a CB, and 22 patients received local infiltration (LI). There was no significant difference in postoperative pain scores. Setup time was significantly higher in the CB group: median 22.5 minutes IQR (16-46 minutes) compared with 17 minutes in the LI group IQR (10-35 minutes), p -value of 0.0026., Conclusion:  Both CB and LI result in good postoperative pain control after inguinal procedures in pediatric outpatients. Since LI is less time consuming and has lower risks for complications, we recommend this technique for inguinal procedures in pediatric outpatients. Our findings will need to be confirmed in larger cohorts, but we believe the evidence generated with this study has the potential to positively influence patient care, operating room efficiency, and costs., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Introduction:  The highest percentage of female surgeons is found in pediatric surgery but most departments are led by men. The aim of this study is to evaluate gender-related career goals, perceived career opportunities, and reasons for differences., Materials and Methods:  An online questionnaire was created and distributed to pediatric surgeons in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria between July and September 2020. Participants were asked to state current position, career goals, and perceived career opportunities in comparison to a colleague of the opposite gender. Reasons for gender-related differences were asked for as free-text comments., Results:  A total of 182 questionnaires were analyzed. The overall gender ratio was balanced but junior positions were predominantly held by women, while there were more men in leading positions. Most women pursued a position as a consultant, while the majority of men aimed for a leading position. Men mostly regard both genders to have the same career opportunities, whereas most women believe the chances of men to be better. From the free-text answers, three following categories for gender-related differences in career chances were derived: (1) absences due to maternity, (2) differing support and bias arising from gender-related stereotypes, and (3) assumed personality traits., Conclusion:  There are gender-related differences in career opportunities in pediatric surgery. Gender equality is needed not only to overcome injustice but also to maximize team efficiency and collaboration. Career support needs to be gender-independent and (unconscious) bias needs to be recognized and eradicated., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interests., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background:  Optimizing postoperative pain treatment is essential to minimize morbidity, lower costs, and ensure patient and parent satisfaction. This study aims at identifying pre- and intraoperative parameters predicting opioid needs after laparoscopic appendectomy to enable timely and adequate postoperative pain control., Materials and Methods:  A retrospective analysis of patients treated with laparoscopic appendectomy for appendicitis between January 2018 and March 2019 was performed. Multiple logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of opioid demand., Results:  Based on our analysis, we developed a prediction tool for opioid requirements after laparoscopic appendectomies in children. The integrated parameters are: presence of turbid fluid, age, white-blood-cell count, symptom duration, and body temperature., Conclusion:  We developed an algorithm-based predictor tool that has the potential to better anticipate postoperative pain and, thereby, optimize pain management following laparoscopic appendectomies in children. The proposed predictor tool will need validation through further prospective studies., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Aims of the Study: The value of critical incident reporting systems (CIRSs) has been shown before but data for paediatric facilities are scarce. We aimed to evaluate a CIRS in a paediatric hospital to analyse its benefits, weaknesses and opportunities., Methods: In a qualitative analysis, all incidents reported in 2018 with the anonymous reporting tool (CIRS) of the Children's Hospital Lucerne were evaluated. In an iterative process, categories to group the incidents were created and the data analysed accordingly. The focus was on the problem created through the incident, the type of error and possible avoidance., Results: 496 incidents were reported in 2018: 307 incidents led to medical errors directly effecting patients, 82 incidents led to organisational problems increasing expenditure and 107 incidents were found to not result in any problem. In the majority of cases (398/496) there was no evidence that the caregiver responsible was informed. Personal feedback was documented in 46 cases. Fifty-two incidents were self-reported., Conclusion: A number of reported incidents helped to identify system-based errors and for these the reporting system proved indispensable. Many of the reported errors were found to have an individual component, or only organisational or no consequences. Our data give evidence that instead of giving direct personal feedback, the anonymous reporting system was utilised. The CIRS is essential to identify system-based errors, but personal feedback needs to become obligatory so caregivers can learn from their error: an additional tool to ensure individual feedback and overcome communication difficulties needs to be created.

Background: Little is known about the timeframe in which acquired undescended testes occur. To guide recommendations for screening examinations, we aimed to (1) specify the ratio of acquired undescended testes in orchiopexy cases and to (2) identify a predisposing age for the development of acquired undescended testis., Methods: Three-hundred-forty cases of orchiopexy were retrospectively analyzed and classified as congenital or acquired cases of undescended testis. In acquired cases, the time of the last documented physiological testicular position was obtained. The time of testicular ascent was approximated by calculating the mean between the last physiological finding and orchiopexy., Results: In 151 cases (44.4%) prior physiological position of testes was documented and acquired undescended testis was assumed. In 115 of these cases (76.2%) details on the age at last physiological position were available. Ascent occurred between the age of one and fourteen. The 50th, 75th, 85th, 90th and 95th percentile for the estimated age at ascent was 5.8, 7.3, 8.4, 8.7 and 11.1 years, respectively., Conclusions: Acquired undescended testes are a common cause of cryptorchidism. Ascent occurs throughout all prepubertal ages, emphasizing the need to regular follow-up of testicular position until puberty., Type of Study: Prognosis study., Level of Evidence: Level II., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Varicocele is defined as an abnormal dilation and tortuosity of the internal spermatic veins found within the pampiniform plexus. It is a common finding in adolescents and adult men alike, however its diagnosis in the adolescent population poses different dilemmas in regard to indications for treatment than in adults. Failed Paternity is a clear-cut indication for repair in adult men attempting to father children. In adolescents, the physicians, family and patients must consider potential for future fertility problems which may or may not actually become of concern. Assessing the degree of negative effect of the varicocele on an adolescent's testicular health can also be difficult as teenagers typically are not asked to provide semen for analysis and thus surrogate markers for testicular health such as testicular size differentials must be used. Treatment options for the adolescent varicocele are similar to options in adult populations. While risks and benefits of various techniques can be considered, the gold standard for varicocele repair in adolescents has not been clearly defined. We aim to discuss diagnosis of varicocele, considerations for initiating treatment of varicocele in the adolescent, and techniques for management., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common cause of hydronephrosis in infants and children. Historically, this condition has been approached surgically through a retroperitoneal approach as described by Anderson and Hynes aiming for an open dismembered pyeloplasty. A true evolution of laparoscopy in pediatric urology took place within the last 30 years. Laparoscopy developed from a merely diagnostic tool for non-palpable testes to "interventional" laparoscopy for extirpative surgery. Finally the era of reconstructive pediatric laparoscopic urology started, when in 1995 Peters described the first laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a child. Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty now has become the preferred surgical treatment of UPJO. It offers excellent visualization of the anatomy, accurate anastomotic suturing, thus the precise reconstruction of the UPJ along with good functional outcome. This article aims to provide the current status, indication and operative technique of laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for UPJO in infants and children., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Hereby, the author declares that the submitted work was carried out without the presence of any personal, professional or financial relationships that could potentially be construed as a conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Morbidity and mortality conferences (MMC) are well established but little data exists on inter-professional aspects, system-based outcomes and characteristics in pediatric departments. Our study aim was to analyze the system-based impact and to assess participant's perspectives on standardized, inter-professional MMCs in a children's hospital., Methods: In a prospective observational analysis the inter-professional MMCs held at a tertiary teaching children's hospital in Switzerland were analyzed for (I) resulting clinical consequences and (II) participants perception on format, usefulness and no-blame atmosphere., Results: Eighteen MMC, discussing 29 cases were analyzed. Twenty-seven clinical errors/problems were identified and 17 clinical recommendations were developed: ten new or changed clinical guidelines, two new therapeutic alternatives, three new teaching activities, and two guidelines on specific diagnostics. Altogether, the 466 participants evaluated the conferences favorably. Little differences were seen in the evaluations of physicians of different disciplines or seniority but non-physicians scored all questions lower than physicians. Overall, three quarters of the participants felt that there was a no-blame culture during the conferences but results varied depending on the cases discussed., Conclusions: An inter-professional MMC can have relevant impact on clinical practice and affect system-based changes. Inter-professional conferences are profitable for all participants but evaluated differently according to profession. A standardized format and the presence of a moderator are helpful, but not a guarantee for a no-blame culture. Highly emotional cases are a risk factor to relapse to "blame and shame". A time gap between the event and the MMC may have a beneficial effect., Keywords: Inter-professional communication; inter-professional health care; learning from failure; morbidity and mortality conference (MMC); patient safety; psychological safety., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tgh-20-42). The Series “Current Topics in Pediatric General Surgery” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare., (2021 Translational Gastroenterology and Hepatology. All rights reserved.)

Background: Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are being implemented worldwide as a means to promote competency-based medical education. In Switzerland, the new EPA-based curriculum for undergraduate medical education will be implemented in 2021. The aim of our study was to analyze the perceived, self-reported competence of graduates in 2019. The data represent a pre-implementation baseline and will provide guidance for curriculum developers., Methods: Two hundred eighty-one graduates of the Master of Human Medicine program of the University of Zurich who had passed the Federal Licensing Exam in September 2019 were invited to complete an online survey. They were asked to rate their needed level of supervision ("observe only", "direct, proactive supervision", "indirect, reactive supervision") for 46 selected EPAs. We compared the perceived competence with the expected competence of the new curriculum., Results: The response rate was 54%. The need for supervision expressed by graduates varied considerably by EPA. The proportion of graduates rating themselves at expected level was high for "history taking", "physical examination" "and documentation"; medium for "prioritizing differential diagnoses", "interpreting results" and "developing and communicating a management plan"; low for "practical skills"; and very low for EPAs related to "urgent and emergency care"., Conclusions: Currently, there are significant gaps between the expectations of curriculum developers and the perceived competences of students. This is most obvious for practical skills and emergency situations. The new curriculum will either need to fill this gap or expectations might need to be revised.

Background and Aims: The results of studies comparing two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy have shown variable results. We aimed to review the literature and develop an appropriate instrument to compare 2D and 3D laparoscopy. We further aimed to use the data extracted to perform a pilot study., Methods: Sixty-seven recent articles on 3D laparoscopy were reviewed and data extracted on factors influencing outcome variables. These variables were used to design a pilot study of 28 novices using a randomized crossover design. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank tests., Results: Seven themes were identified to influence the outcome of 3D studies: applied technique (1), experience of subjects (2), study design (3), learning curve (4), subjective qualitative reports (5), laparoscopic tasks (6), and chosen outcome variables (7). The consecutively developed five laparoscopic simulation tasks contained placing a rubber band over hooks, ring and pearl transfer, threading a pipe cleaner through loops, and placing a suturise. The pilot study showed a primary benefit of 3D laparoscopy that was unrelated to repetition. Two tasks served well to assess first-time performance, and two tasks promise to serve well to assess a learning curve if performed repeatedly., Conclusion: We were able to identify important issues influencing the outcome of studies analyzing 3D laparoscopy. These may help evaluate future studies. The developed tasks resulted in meaningful data in favor of 3D visualization, but further studies are necessary to confirm the pilot test results.