Pediatric surgery international
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Pediatr. Surg. Int. · Nov 2013
Single-incision laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy in children: exteriorization of the appendix is a key component of a simple and cost-effective surgical technique.
Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy was recently introduced as a less-invasive surgical technique than existing methods, and is increasingly being performed worldwide. We have started to perform transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy (TULAA) in children. In this study, we assessed its feasibility, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness compared with conventional multiport laparoscopic appendectomy (MLA). ⋯ TULAA, in which the appendix is exteriorized via a combination of open and laparoscopic techniques, is a safe and effective procedure for treating appendicitis in children. TULAA is a cost-effective treatment that provides excellent cosmetic results.
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Pediatr. Surg. Int. · Oct 2013
ReviewCare of children in a natural disaster: lessons learned from the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami.
The Great East Japan earthquake was one of the most devastating natural disasters ever to hit Japan. We present features of the disaster and the radioactive accident in Fukushima. ⋯ The Japanese Society of Pediatric Surgeons set up the Committee of Aid for Disaster, and collaborated with the Japanese Society of Emergency Pediatrics to share information and provide pediatric medical care in the disaster area. Based on the lessons learned from the experiences, the role of pediatric surgeons and physicians in natural disasters is discussed.
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Blunt trauma to the abdomen accounts for the majority of abdominal injuries in children. Pancreatic injury is the fourth most common solid organ injury, following injuries to the spleen, liver and kidneys. ⋯ The nonoperative management of minor pancreatic injury is well accepted; however, the treatment of more serious pancreatic injuries with capsular, ductal or parenchymal disruption in pediatric patients remains controversial. Based on the data presented in this literature review, although children with pancreatic injuries (without ductal disruption) do not appear to suffer increased morbidity following conservative management, patients with ductal disruption may benefit from operative intervention.
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Pediatr. Surg. Int. · Aug 2013
The characteristics and outcomes of penetrating thoracic and abdominal trauma among children.
Trauma is the most important etiology of morbidity and mortality among children. Penetrating injuries to the thorax and abdomen are extremely rare in children. In the present study, we compared the characteristics of patients, management, and outcomes of penetrating thoracic and abdominal trauma in children. ⋯ The incidences of penetrating abdominal and thoracic trauma did not differ significantly. Penetrating injuries may be successfully managed by conservative therapy.
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Pediatr. Surg. Int. · Aug 2013
Postoperative apnea after inguinal hernia repair in formerly premature infants: impacts of gestational age, postconceptional age and comorbidities.
It is common practice for premature infants undergoing elective inguinal hernia (IH) repair to be hospitalized for postoperative apnea monitoring. This study evaluated the risk of apnea after IH repair with regard to gestational age (GA) and postconceptional age (PCA) in formerly premature infants. ⋯ This study suggests that low GA and PCA, low birth weight, anemia, and complicated past medical history affect respiratory complication rates, particularly apnea in formerly premature infants undergoing elective IH repair. Severe apneas occurred earlier than mild ones. Overnight monitoring is mandatory in small infants with low GA and PCA. Otherwise healthy, older infants may be operated on outpatient basis.