Gallbladder stones in children are not common without underlying hemolytic diseases or other risk factors like obesity. Ceftriaxone, a third generation cephalosporin, is known to make biliary precipitations that can be mistaken for biliary stones. We here report two children with biliary pseudolithiasis with different treatment modalities. One child was mistaken for symptomatic gallbladder stones and underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, while the other child, after thorough history taking on the ceftriaxone medication, was suspected of biliary pseudolithiasis and was treated conservatively. Both children had the history of usage of ceftriaxone in previous hospitals for infectious diseases. The ceftriaxone history of the first child was missed before the surgery. When gallbladder stones are found in children without any underlying diseases, specific history taking of the usage of ceftriaxone seems to be absolutely required. In this case, immediate interruption of the antibiotic could resolve the episode and avoid unnecessary surgical procedure.
A lipomatous lesion of the cord is an accidentally encountered structure during the operative repair of inguinal hernia. This lesion has been reported as a lipoma of the cord in adults. However, there is only a limited number of reports in the pediatric age group. To evaluate the prevalence of this lesion in children and in order to review the surgical significancies, 600 hernia operations in 411 children during a period of 4 years from January, 2000 to December, 2003 in the Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, the Catholic University of Korea, were included in this study. There was a total of 31 (5.2%) lipomatous lesions in 25 (6.1%) cases; 3 cases in infants, 17 between 1 to 4 years, and 5 above 5 years of age. Male was more prevalent (male to female ratio 14:11). The laterality of clinical hernia with the lesions was 10 in the right, 13 in the left and 2 in both sides. The patients with ipsilateral lesions to the hernia were 14, contralateral in 5 and bilateral in 6 cases. Excluding 1 case of bilateral lesions in bilateral hernia, 10 lesions were contralateral to the clinical hernias. In 1 case, lipomatous lesion was the sole finding with nonsignificant patent processus vaginalis. Every lesion was suture ligated and resected with gentle traction of the dissected hernia sac. It has not been clearly defined whether the lesion is a stopper or a provocator of the hernia development. However, removal is highly recommended to make a differential diagnosis from the recurrent inguinal hernia in future. The term “lipomatous lesion” seems to be pathologically accurate and must be differentiate from the true lipomas.
To clarify the necessity of surgery for fistula-in-ano (FIA) in infant, a retrospective analysis of 82 cases FIA in infant were performed for 11 years period from 1987 to 1998. Group A included 44 cases in the period of surgery oriented treatment to 1992, and group B contained 38, period of feeding control oriented management (FC) after 1993. FC, that was indicated in case with loose stool and eczematoid perianal skin (LSES), composed of quit breast feeding, change of cow milk or complete weaning. Surgical decision was made after improvement of stool condition. Fistulectomy was performed in 29 cases (65.9 %) of group A. However, in group B, only 15 cases (39.5 %) required surgery (p=0.0036). Thirty-four cases in B had the history of LSES, and FC was applied in 25, and was effective in 24. Among 24 cases, 21 showed complete healing with FC, 3 had surgery because of the persistent FIA, and 1 got operation due to no improvement of stool condition. In conclusion, FC has to be applied to FIA in infant before surgery, particularly in cases with history of LSES. As one of the etiologic factors for FIA, LSES could be considered to this particular age group.
Abnormal distribution of the enteric nerves such as adrenergic, cholinergic and peptidergic nerves may cause the functional obstruction in Hirschsprung's disease (HD). Although the sustained contraction of the aganglionic segment is the main pathophysiology of HD, the etiology and pathogenesis is not thoroughly understood. With the recent progress of molecular biology and genetics,a more detailed approach to the pathogenesis of the HD can be undertaken. In this review, the roles of the nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase and interstitial cells of Cajal on smooth muscle relaxation, the effects of extracellular matrix, cell adhesion molecules, neurotrophic factors on the migration and maturation of the neural crest cells are described. In the section of genetic factors, familial occurrences, association of chromosomal abnormalities, RET gene, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor gene, endothelin-3 gene and endothelin-B receptor gene and their relationships to HD is briefly reviewed.
To evaluate the profitable central venous catheters (CVCs) in children, 320 CVCs placed in 255 neonate and children over a 10-year period were analyzed retrospectively. CVC was provided by one pediatric surgeon for a total of 6,116 patients days. The number of perioperative group including immediate TPN or chemo was 223, CVC just for TPN was 57 and chemotherapy 40. Local anesthesia was applied in 71 cases, and the others were under the general anesthesia. Subclavian vein catheterizations (SCVs) were 202 cases (82 infants and neonates), tunneled external jugular venotomy(EJV) 38, tunneled internal jugular venotomy(IJV) 2, facial venotomy (FV) 3, and umbilical venous catheterization (UVC) with vein transposition 74. In neonates, 72 UVCs were applied during laparotomy. SCV was increased with ages, 3 kg of minimal body weight. The average catheter-periods over-all were 19.1 days, of SCV 17 days, EJV 40, IJV 60 and UVC 14. Technical complications were; arterial puncture (6), puncture failure (5) and abnormal location(12) in SCV; insertion failure (3) in EJV; abnormal location in the portal vein (4) and the liver parenchyma (2) making cystic fluid accumulations in UVC. Twelve migrations (3.8%) out of position occurred; SCV(2), EJV (1) and UVC (9). For 4 cases (1.2 %) of catheter obstruction and 11 (3.4 %) of catheter infection (3 SCV, 2 EJV and 6 UVC), rescue procedures were applied with some achievements. There was one mortality (0.3 %) due to deep sedation in 1.06 kg baby for EJV. Cumulated surgeon's experience of the crafts, proper catheter selection and keeping the safety rouls would be the important factors for successful CVCs.
To determine whether bile juice exclusion can prevent the mucosal damage, and Insulin-like growth factor-I can promote mucosal regeneration in ischemia- reperfusion injury of the bowel, 39 weanling rats with 10 cm of Thiry-Vella loop were studied. Animal groups were; Control, BL(common bile duct ligation), IGF{insulin- like growth factor- I(IGF-I) infusion} and IGF-BL(combined treatment). IGF-I(1.5 mg/kg/day) was continuously delivered through a subcutaneously implanted miniosmotic pump. After 15 minutes of superior mesenteric artery clamping, a tissue specimen(P) was taken after 30 minutes of reperfusion. Intestinal continuity was restored to allow oral feeding. A specimen of main tract(M) and another of the Thiry-Vella 100p(T) were collected for histomorphometry after 48 hours of reperfusion and free feeding. Villus size ratio(VSR), crypt depth(CD), crypt-depth/villus-height ratio(CVR) and injury score(IS) were measured in 15 consecutive villi. The postoperative mortalities of bile duct ligation groups(BL and IGF-BL) were higher than those of other groups. In control group, VSR of M was lower(
Pediatric surgeons are familiar with the posterior sagittal approach to the rectum at sacrococcygeal area and well oriented with the anatomy because of the Penal procedure for imperforate anus. The author utilized the posterior vertical elliptical incisions in 12 cases of sacrococcygeal teratoma since 1987. For presacral tumor(type IV)2, the incision was exactly same as the posterior sagittal procedure for imperforate anus. But the out-growing(type I) or dumbbell-shaped(type II & III) tumors, a vertical elliptical incision was required. For the laterally deviated tumors, a vertical and half-chevron incision was utilized in one case, but an unbalanced vertical elliptical incision was acceptable for the remaining two cases, with shrinkage of the overlying skin. In dumbbell-shaped tumors(type II & III), the narrow waist of the tumor was at the level of the levator muscle, which formed a muscle-belt on the tumor waist. A careful dissection to save the muscle-belt seemed to be the most important point during this procedure, utilizing the nerve-stimulator. After complete removal of the tumor and the coccyx, the levator muscles and the skin were closed in vertical fashion along the midline. For the caudally extending tumors in 3 cases, the muscle complex was divided in midline. Nothing by mouth and total parenteral nutrition was maintained for 1 week and then laxatives were given for 2 weeks in order to give the sphincters rest. Operative scars were acceptable resembling natural vertical midline folds, and the sphincter function was continent in all cases. In conclusion, vertical elliptical incision in sacrococcygeal teratoma is recommended because of the acceptable scar, functional restoration, and because it is a familiar procedure particularly for the pediatric surgeons who are accustomed performing posterior sagittal approach for imperforate anus.
Primary segmental volvulus of the small intestine is not associated with malrotation, malfixation of the midgut, nor other primary small bowel lesions such as small bowel tumors. This entity is known to be more prevalent in adult and in certain global areas associated with particular diet habits. There have been very few reports in neonates, but not in this country so far. The author reports two cases of primary segmental volvulus. Case 1 was a septic 4-day-old girl with hematochezia due to jejunal volvulus with partial necrosis and panperitonitis. Resection of the segment and Bishop-Koop enterostomy were successful. Case 2 was a 3-day-old boy, who had ileal volvulus with ultra-short length of ileal atresia, probably due to intrauterine segmental volvulus. Limited resection of the atresia and spreading of the mesenteric base were enough to recovery. The rarity of the pathognomonic findings and limitation of the diagnostic workup due to rapid prqgression limit early diagnosis and good survival rate in this particular condition.
Because rectal prolapse in pediatric age was known to have a self-limitting natural history in weeks to years, this disease is prone to be regarded as a minor codition to the most of surgeons. But to the children and the parents who have to be suffered each time could be a heavy distress. Even though operative or nonoperative methods can be applicable for treatment, the main problem is in surgeon's side, whose preference is based on the experiences of adult patients. The authors have experienced 16 cases of ano-rectal prolapse for 9 years since 1986. Eleven of them were true rectal prolapses. In 7 cases of true type, injection therapy has been tried. One ml of five per cent phenol in glycerine was injected into the submucosal layer of the ano-rectal angle level at both lateral and posterior sides. After first trial of each cases, 5 of them were cured completely so far. Recurrences were in two cases, but one of them was temporary to be subsided afterward. Complete bowel cleansing and adequate sedations were required as preoperative preparations. Two days' oral antibiotics and two weeks' laxatives for free of defecation straining were recommended after the procedure. The safety of sclerosis was supported by the experimental histology. In pediatric rectal prolapse, sclerosis seems to be a safe and effective treatement of choice without any significant morbidity.
A delayed primary esophago-esophagostomy of a case of long-gap esophageal atresia without tracheoesophageal fistula was performed in success with three months' intermittent periodic bougienage of the upper pouch via mouth as well as the lower esophagus through Janeway gastrostomy. Meanwhile, an effective continuous sump suction from the upper pouch seemed to be a critical part of the patient management. The extra length of esophagus for primary anastomosis could be achieved by a circular myotomy. Stricture at the myotomy site, found 4 months later, was treated with periodic pneumatic baloon dilations only with temporary symptomatic reliefs. After 4 months' trials, operative esophagoplasty was performed successfuly. A careful follow-up schedule for the myotomy site would be required for early detection of stricture. The previous neonatal patient is currently 8 years old, healthy schoolboy, and has a normal barium swallow without stricture or gastroesophageal reflux.
For the prevention of later contralateral hernia as well as unnecessary contralateral exploration in pediatric patients with unilateral inguinal hernias, a reasionable indication of contralateral exploration is required. To examine the contralateral positivity, a prospective selective contralateral exploration has been performed by the author from Sept. 1985 to Dec. 1993, at Pediatric Surgical Section of the Department of Surgery, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University Medical College. Among the total 1200 cases of pediatric inguinal hernias, 580 cases of contralateral side were explored at hernia operations, by the indications as; 1)male with infant onset, 2)female of all age, 3)prematurity, 4)profuse ascites due to cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and 5)remarkable silk sign. Overall positive rate was 71.4%, and positive rates of each indication were 80.7%, 70.4%, 73.1 %, 66.7%, and 72.0%, respectively. Right side hernia showed 67.0%, left side 75.7%, and positive familial history 71.8% of contralateral positivities. In male,getting older revealed lower positive rates and the rate suddenly dropped after 12 years of age. Birth order, mother's age at delivery, postmaturity did not show any significant differences between the rates. Recurrence was seen in 3(0.5%) ipsilateral and 2(0.3%) contralateral, both of which were negative esplorations on previons operations. Overall complication rate was 3.8%, including 1 infection, 14 fluid or blood accumulation, 5 edemas, 3 temporary testicular edemas, 2 persisting fevers, 2 enuresis and one delayed recovery from anesthesia. Among 38 cases with contralateral hernias developed after unilateral surgery by authors(6 cases) or surgeons in other institutions, 14 were males with infant onset, 4 were prematurities and 9 were females. Therefore, 27(71.7%) cases were originaly under the contralateral exploration indications. The primary site of the hermia was right in 25 and left in 13. With above results, the following indications for contralateral exploration could be suggested; 1)under one year of age, both sex, 2)prematurity, 3)remarkable silk sign, 4)in the double checked suspicions among males with infant onset, all age females, ascites, left hernia and familial history. After 12 years of age, exploration is not required. Considering complications, contralateral explorations could be considered only in the following situations ; 1)expert, experienced pediatric surgeon, 2)experienced pediatric anesthesiologist, 3)operations could be done smoothly in an hour, 4)good general condition of the patient.
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