Pediatric surgery international
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Pediatr. Surg. Int. · Jan 2000
Comparative StudyThe effect of the availability of laparoscopic techniques on the treatment of appendicitis in children.
The use of laparoscopic surgery for acute appendicitis (AA) in children has increased over recent years. The aim of this study was to determine what effect the availability of laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA) has had on children admitted with suspected AA. A retrospective review of children admitted between January 1994 and June 1999 inclusive who underwent appendicectomy for suspected AA was conducted. ⋯ There was a decrease in the proportion of laparoscopic procedures converted to open appendicectomy from 50 to 6% during the period reviewed. The ready availability of laparoscopy and increased confidence in its use has resulted in more children, especially females, with suspected AA undergoing laparoscopy. There was a corresponding higher rate of normal appendix removal in this group, but the overall rate of normal histology has not changed, suggesting that the laparoscopic approach is more likely to be employed where the clinical diagnosis is less certain, particularly in older girls.
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Anorectal injuries (ARI) are uncommon in children in civil practice. In developed countries the injuries are mainly due to sexual abuse and firearms. This report reviews the experience in tropical Africa. ⋯ It is concluded that ARI remains uncommon in children. Morbidity and mortality can, however, be high. Meticulous rectal palpation and visualisation is necessary to avoid missing injuries.