Journal of pediatric surgery
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Case Reports
Laparoscopic extraction of an intrahepatic foreign body after transduodenal migration in a child.
We report on a 3-year-old boy who, after ingestion of turpentine, had an x-ray and was incidentally diagnosed with an intrahepatic needle. He was asymptomatic with no history of needle ingestion. Imaging (ultrasound and computed tomographic scans) showed a needle in segment 1, close to the inferior vena cava, with a proximal end in contact with the superior angle of the duodenum. ⋯ Laparoscopic extraction of an entire sewing needle was performed. Postoperative course was uneventful; the child was discharged home after 2 days and is alive and well 19 months after surgery. Laparoscopy may be useful in children for extraction of intrahepatic foreign bodies, after transduodenal migration.
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Case Reports
Hereditary pancreatitis in children: surgical implications with special regard to genetic background.
Hereditary pancreatitis (HP) is the primary etiology of chronic pancreatitis during childhood, progressing through recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis and finally leading to pancreatic insufficiencies. Hereditary pancreatitis is because of mutations of the cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1) gene. Some other genes, such as SPINK1 or CFTR, have been associated with familial idiopathic chronic pancreatitis. The aim of our study was to clearly define diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HP patients, through an analysis of our study group and a review of the literature. ⋯ Hereditary pancreatitis is associated with severe pancreatitis, with a greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer. It must therefore be diagnosed correctly and treated to prevent its considerable complications.
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Case Reports
Malignant tumor of the trachea in children: diagnostic pitfalls and surgical management.
Primary tracheal malignant neoplasms are very rare. Histologically, squamous cell and adenoid cystic carcinomas are the most common types of malignant primary tracheal tumors when all age groups are studied. In the past 5 years, we treated 2 children with tracheal mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Herein we report both cases and review the literature on the subject with particular emphasis on diagnosis and surgical management.
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This study was conducted to evaluate early diagnosis, clinical course, and treatment outcome in children with pyomyositis. ⋯ Although pyomyositis is a rare disease, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of immediate onset of musculoskeletal pain in children. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are important as major complications such as abscess formation and sepsis can be avoided. Having a high sensitivity to reactive inflammatory changes, MRI is a valuable tool in the armamentarium of the clinician in early diagnosis of pyomyositis.
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Comparative Study
Complicated appendicitis in children: is laparoscopic appendectomy appropriate? A comparative study with the open appendectomy--our experience.
Good outcomes have been reported with laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) for uncomplicated appendicitis in children, but the use of laparoscopy for complicated appendicitis in children is more controversial. This is related to a higher incidence of postoperative abdominal and wound infections. The purpose of this trial was to retrospectively compare LA and open appendectomy (OA) for complicated appendicitis and evaluate the efficacy of LA in children with complicated appendicitis. ⋯ The minimally invasive laparoscopic technique is feasible, safe, and efficacious for children with complicated appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendectomy should be the initial procedure of choice for most cases of complicated appendicitis in children.