Journal of pediatric surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Influence of anesthesia on the results of intraoperative diagnostic electromyostimulation in patients with anorectal malformation.
Stimulation electromyography (sEMG) is useful in identifying the sphincter muscle (M) in patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs). This study evaluates the effect of anesthetic agents and M relaxants on sEMG findings. ⋯ Administration of the inhalational anesthetic, opioids, and local anesthetic did not influence the M response of M fibers in the levator ani M on sEMG and enables its localization during ARM reconstruction. Nondepolarizing M relaxation completely abolished the response. If M relaxant is necessary, cisatracurium is used. The most suitable method of anesthesia for ARM surgery appears to be inhalational anesthesia supplemented by opioids and epidural analgesia.
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We report 2 cases of right pulmonary aplasia with left pulmonary artery sling responsible for severe respiratory symptoms. Repositioning of the left pulmonary artery without tracheal surgery was successful in both patients. The postoperative course was simple, and the outcome was favorable at last follow-up (after 2 years and 3 months, respectively). Computed tomography provided an accurate diagnostic evaluation that helped to choose the best surgical technique.
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Even in countries where it is considered endemic, splenic hydatid cyst is a very rare disease in childhood. Partial or total splenectomy has generally been the treatment of choice for this condition. ⋯ A 10-year-old girl with isolated splenic hydatid cyst was successfully treated by laparoscopic cystectomy and splenic preservation. The authors have demonstrated that laparoscopic cystectomy for an isolated splenic hydatid cyst is technically feasible, safe, and is associated with a shorter hospital stay and good cosmetic appearance.
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Comparative Study
Parental attitudes regarding analgesic use for children: differences in ethnicity and language.
The aim of this study was to identify the impact of ethnicity and language on parental attitudes regarding analgesic use to treat children's pain. ⋯ This study highlights parental characteristics, including ethnicity and language, which may place children at higher risk for undertreatment of acute pain based on misconceptions about analgesic use for children. Specifically, English-speaking Hispanic parents may be most likely to undertreat children's pain at home. Future studies are needed to identify the most appropriate means of providing education to counter parental misconceptions and support optimal pain management of children's pain in the home setting.
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Ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPSs) are routinely placed in children with hydrocephalus. However, they often encounter problems, and revisions are frequent. We sought to evaluate our institutional experience with laparoscopic-assisted VPS revisions. ⋯ Laparoscopy is useful in select patients with distal VPS failure. Patients with multiple previous revisions, prior abdominal surgery, previous intraperitoneal infections, broken devices, or cerebrospinal fluid pseudocysts may benefit from this approach. Further prospective studies with long-term follow-up are needed to determine which patients benefit most from the laparoscopic-assisted approach.