Congenital cystic disease of the tracheobronchial tree in infants and children. Experience with 44 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND

Cystic anomalies of the tracheobronchial tree in infants and children are usually of congenital origin and consist of pulmonary sequestration (PS), cystic adenomatoid malformation (CAM), congenital lobar overinflation (CLO), and bronchogenic cyst (BC). These four anomalies present a different clinical picture, are often difficult to diagnose, and require surgical management.

PATIENTS

From December 1974 to April 1993, 44 patients were operated on for congenital cystic disease of the tracheobronchial tree. There were 25 male patients (57%) and 19 female patients (43%), ranging in age from 1 day to 18 years. Thirty-three children (75%) were younger than 1 year and 31 (70%) were younger than 6 months at the time of surgery. There were 17 CAMs (38%), nine intralobar (20%) and six extralobar (13%) PSs, seven CLOs (16%), and six BCs (13%). All patients with CAM, CLO, and intralobar PS were symptomatic and presented with either progressive respiratory distress or recurrent pulmonary infections with cystic changes noted on chest roentgenograms. Computed tomography was the most definitive diagnostic study performed, aided by selective use of ultrasonography and arteriography.

RESULTS

All patients with CAM, CLO, and intralobar PS were treated with lobectomy; no segmentectomies were performed. Extralobar PSs and BCs were managed with resection of the cyst alone. There was one death (2%) in this series in a 1-day-old infant with a CAM who died of bilateral pulmonary hypoplasia. The remaining 43 patients (98%) are alive and well to date, with follow-up ranging from 2 months to 19 years. None of the patients who underwent a lobectomy have suffered any physical limitations during subsequent growth and development.

CONCLUSIONS

Congenital cystic disease of the tracheobronchial tree can be diagnosed with computed tomography and selective use of ultrasonography and arteriography. Lobectomy is the appropriate treatment for CAM, CLO, and intralobar PS and is well tolerated without any subsequent long-term limitation in physical activity.

Fundoplication in 160 children under 2 years of age

The natural history of fundoplication in young children with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) had not been analyzed previously. The authors reviewed the charts of 160 children who underwent gastric fundoplication (GF) before the age of 2 years (mean age [+/- SD], 9 +/- 7 months; range, 1 week to 2 years), from 1974 to 1992. Reflux was documented by upper gastrointestinal series in 124 patients, by 24-hour pH probe monitor in 98 patients, and by both in 68 patients. Clinical indications for GF included failure to thrive (FTT) in 68%, emesis (Ems) in 58%, and aspiration pneumonia (Asp) in 53%. Neurological impairment (NI) was present in 47% of all patients, and 13% had esophageal atresia (EA). The type of GF used was a Nissen fundoplication in 79% and an anterior fundoplication (AF) in 21%. Of the 160 patients, 24 (15%) died of unrelated causes. Of the remaining 136, follow-up of at least 2 years was obtained for 96 (mean follow-up period, 5.3 +/- 3.0 years; range, 2 to 15 years). Clinical resolution of symptoms/findings after GF occurred in 87% of children with FTT, 92% with Ems, 70% with Asp, and 71% overall. A second fundoplication was required for 15 children (16%) because of documented recurrent reflux. The type of GF, the age of the patient, and the presence of EA or NI did not significantly affect the success of GF.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Congenital arteriovenous fistulas supplied by a single branch of the maxillary artery

We report four cases (two children, two adults) of congenital arteriovenous fistula supplied by a single large (pterygoid) branch of the second part of the maxillary artery deep to the parotid gland and mandible, with emphasis on the angiographic findings, therapeutic implications, and cause, with a review of the literature. Awareness of a predilection of congenital arteriovenous fistulas for this site, excellent-quality selective angiography, and careful attention to flow patterns help make the correct diagnosis. Endovascular balloon occlusion is the preferred treatment.

Hirschsprung's disease associated with Ondine's curse: report of three cases and review of the literature

The cases of three full-term infant girls with both Hirschsprung's disease (HD) and Ondine's curse (OC) are presented, and the relevant literature is reviewed. All three patients required endotracheal intubation and assisted ventilation during the first 24 hours of life because of respiratory distress. The diagnosis of HD was subsequently established at age 13, 16, and 20 days, respectively. The aganglionic segment was confirmed to the rectum in one case, extended to the splenic flexure of the colon in the second case, and involved the terminal ileum in the third. The definitive treatment (endorectal pull-through) was completed successfully in all three patients, and the postoperative follow-up period was 3 to 34 months. All of them presently have tracheostomies and are maintained on home ventilation. They tolerate being off the ventilator while awake, and have nearly normal bowel habits and growth curves. Two have bilateral ciliary ganglion dysfunction, and one has strabismus. Based on this review, the authors conclude the following. (1) The incidence of the HD associated with OC may be more common than is generally believed (1.8% of all their HD patients have OC). (2) OC should be suspected in any newborn with HD who requires assisted ventilation in the absence of major cardiopulmonary abnormalities. Likewise, HD should be ruled out in any OC case with gastrointestinal dysfunction. (3) Contrary to the previous impression from the literature, the combination of OC and HD should not be considered fatal, because most such patients can be managed successfully and have a reasonable quality of life.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Predictive value of meniscal and chondral injuries in conservatively treated anterior cruciate ligament injuries

Some degree of uncertainty remains in the natural history of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears treated conservatively with a supervised rehabilitation program, counseling, and activity modifications. Symptomatic ACL-deficient individuals usually present for treatment, whereas the asymptomatic may not, thus making the true outcome difficult to discern. The goal of this study was to identify which prognostic indicators available at the initial evaluation of an ACL-deficient knee could predict future disability. The hospital records of 107 individuals who presented with an ACL-deficient knee (confirmed by arthroscopy) were reviewed. Follow-up (mean 51.7 months) was obtained on 99 individuals (93%) by telephone interview. The study sample was composed of 72 males (67%), 83 acute injuries (78%), and 91 complete ACL tears (85%). Furthermore, 81 individuals presented initially with associated knee injuries (87%), whereas 73 injuries were sports related (68%). Associated injuries included 47 lateral meniscal tears (54%), 37 medial meniscal tears (42.5%), 52 hyaline cartilage injuries (59.8%), and 16 other ligament injuries (18.4%). Those individuals with associated injuries to the meniscus did not show a reduction in the ability to run, secondary to pain and/or swelling. However, those individuals with hyaline cartilage defects did decrease their running due to pain and swelling.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enterocolitis following endorectal pull-through procedure in children with Hirschsprung's disease

The enterocolitis following a pull-through in Hirschsprung's disease can be life-threatening and difficult to distinguish clinically from gastroenteritis and post-operative complications. We reviewed retrospectively the abdominal radiographs in our series to identify specific radiographic characteristics of this syndrome in this population. A total of 55 episodes of enterocolitis with an abdominal series at presentation were located in the files of 43 patients following pull-through surgery for Hirschsprung's disease. There were 15 abdominal series with other complications of Hirschsprung's disease and surgery (seven cases of small bowel obstruction, one of fistula, one of abscess, six of severe constipation) and 71 surveillance follow-up studies. Radiographs were evaluated for bowel dilatation, air-fluid levels, intestinal cut-off sign, speculation, and pneumatosis. The intestinal cut-off sign with two or more air-fluid levels had sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 83%, with a positive predictive value of 0.71 and overall accuracy of 77%. Our review of enterocolitis following pull-through in children with Hirschsprung's disease concludes that the constellation of an intestinal cut-off sign and at least two air-fluid levels on the abdominal series strongly suggests the diagnosis.

Reperfusion injury following single-lung transplantation: the tissue glutathione response

Parenchymal injury following reperfusion of the donor lung remains a significant problem in clinical lung transplantation. It has been postulated that free oxygen radicals act as local mediators of this event, and that tissue oxidized glutathione levels which reflect local free oxygen radical production, may be useful as an indicator of this regional ischemia-reperfusion injury. The glutathione redox cycle plays a physiologically important role in the endogenous antioxidant defense system. Intracellular glutathione depletion has been shown to render cells vulnerable to oxidant mediated injury. Adequate glutathione stores may be vital in protecting the cell from oxidant injury, especially the relatively exposed pulmonary epithelial cells. Single lung transplantation was carried out in 10 3- to 5-kg mongrel puppies, with a standard 2-hour ischemic time for the donor lung prior to reimplantation. Four hours following transplantation, lung tissue was harvested from both the transplanted and native lung of the recipient animal, and compared to normal lung tissue from the donor animal. Tissue was prepared for histological evaluation and glutathione assay. Tissue glutathione levels were determined via a spectrophotometric assay. For determination of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), samples were prepared with 2-vinylpyridine and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) to derivatize all reduced glutathione and leave only GSSG for measurement by the fluorometric assay.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Trauma scores, accident deformity codes, and car restraints in children

The importance and effectiveness of the appropriate use of automobile restraints by young children has been emphasized in several studies. Once the child has entered the emergency care system, however, restraint use may not be the best predictor of injury severity. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship of restraint status to morbidity and mortality in children examined in a hospital emergency facility following involvement in a motor vehicle crash (MVC). The emergency room charts of 101 children under 18 years of age, who were victims of MVCs, were reviewed and the following trauma scores were calculated: Glascow Coma Scale, Pediatric Trauma Score, Revised Trauma Score, Injury Severity Score, and Maximum Abbreviated Injury Score. In addition, the Traffic Accident Damage (TAD) score, an estimate of crash severity determined by the police at the accident scene, was recorded. The patients were age stratified as follows: 0 to 4 years (n = 24), 5 to 11 years (n = 29), and 12 to 17 years (n = 48). Fifty patients were appropriately restrained at the time of the crash. There was a significant correlation between mean trauma scores and mean TAD codes (P < .05). There were no significant differences in mean trauma scores between improperly restrained (n = 11) and unrestrained (n = 40) children (P > .05) across all age groups, and these children were grouped together as "unrestrained" in further analyses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prenatal diagnosis of gastrointestinal obstruction: a correlation between prenatal ultrasonic findings and postnatal operative findings

The impact of prenatal sonographic diagnosis of oesophageal and gastrointestinal obstructions has been analysed over a 10-year period. Three groups of patients were evaluated. The first group consisted of 46 newborns with abnormal prenatal sonograms, 41 of which were confirmed to have intestinal obstruction postnatally. The second group consisted of 17 neonates with normal prenatal sonograms who had intestinal obstruction postnatally. The third group included 56 newborns who did not undergo a prenatal sonogram but who had intestinal obstruction confirmed at surgery. Polyhydramnios without the appearance of a stomach on ultrasound was diagnostic of pure oesophageal atresia. Polyhydramnios with intestinal dilation was diagnostic of intestinal obstruction. Although surgery was performed earlier in the infants diagnosed prenatally with ultrasound, mortality was no less than in the group that did not undergo a prenatal sonogram, probably because of the high incidence of associated anomalies.

Decreased oxidized glutathione with aerosolized cyclosporine delivery

Cyclosporine immunosuppression remains vital for successful lung transplantation. Cyclosporine also functions as a membrane active biological response modifier and has been noted to have a variable effect on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in various tissues. Glutathione plays an important role in the endogenous antioxidant defense system; plasma oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels are useful as a sensitive indicator of in vivo oxidant stress and I/R injury. Lung transplantation results in ischemia, followed by a period of reperfusion, potentially producing functional injury. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of cyclosporine on oxygen radical generation in a model of single-lung transplantation. Single-lung transplantation was performed in 12 mongrel puppies, with animals assigned to receive either intravenous or aerosolized cyclosporine. Arterial blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were obtained to determine GSSG levels via a spectrophotometric technique. Samples were obtained both prior to and following the revascularization of the transplanted lung. Whole blood and tissue cyclosporine levels were determined via an high-performance liquid chromatography technique 3 hr following the completion of the transplant. Aerosolized cyclosporine administration resulted in greatly decreased arterial plasma and BALF GSSG levels, whole blood cyclosporine levels, and equivalent tissue cyclosporine levels when compared to intravenous cyclosporine delivery. These findings support the hypothesis that the transplanted lung is a source of GSSG production and release into plasma. Additionally, these findings suggest that cyclosporine may have a direct antioxidant effect on pulmonary tissue, with this activity occurring at the epithelial surface, an area susceptible to oxidant injury.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 on the mediator cascade of sepsis

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) has been promoted as an effective agent for reducing the deleterious effects of septic shock by acting as an oxygen free radical scavenger and thus stabilizing mitochondrial membranes and by inhibiting the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway and the formation of various prostaglandins. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of CoQ in a live Escherichia coli model of canine septic shock. Group I (E. coli, n = 5) animals received an LD100 dose of 10(9) live E. coli/kg and were given no further treatment. Group II (CoQ, n = 5) animals received a 20-mg/kg bolus of CoQ without further treatment. Group III (CoQ + E. coli, n = 5) animals received a 20-mg/kg bolus of CoQ 10 min prior to a bacterial infusion as in group 1. Mean arterial pressure stabilized at 70% of baseline levels (P < .002), while cardiac output remained near 50% of baseline levels (P < .053) in group III compared to group I dogs. The arachidonic acid metabolites, prostaglandin E2, Thromboxane B2, and leukotriene B4 were significantly elevated in groups I and III (vs. group II) (P < 0.05). The catecholamines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were significantly elevated in groups I and III (vs. group II) (P < 0.05). Fluorescent products (lipid peroxidation activity) were elevated in group I (vs. groups II and III) at 120 and 180 min (P < 0.05). We conclude that CoQ supports cardiovascular hemodynamics and prevents free radical mediated lipid peroxidation during live E. coli septic shock, and its effect is not due to altered levels of humoral or cytokine mediators.

Lung injury produced by moderate lung overinflation in rats

In models using both intact animals and isolated lungs of rats, rabbits, lambs, and dogs, application of high airway pressure and resultant lung overdistension has been shown to cause lung injury. Under pathological conditions, the more normal portions of the lung may be subjected to relative overdistension when supranormal airway pressures are used. A small animal model of lung overdistension is presented here to demonstrate that lung injury can be caused by moderate lung overdistension. Rats were anesthetized with Ketamine and pentobarbital. A tracheostomy was performed and arterial and central venous catheters placed. The animal was placed in a plethysmograph and an infant ventilator was used to provide mechanical ventilation. In the first experiment, animals in group A (n = 6, control) were ventilated at tidal volume (TV) of 5 mL/kg for 5 hours. Animals in group B (n = 6) were ventilated at TV 15 mL/kg for 60 minutes and then were returned TV of 5 mL/kg for the remainder of the experiment. Animals in group C (n = 5) were ventilated at TV 20 mL/kg for 60 minutes and then returned to TV 5 mL/kg. Static lung compliance and arterial blood gasses were measured. Wet and dry lung weight were obtained after sacrifice. In the second experiment, animals in group D (n = 4, control) were ventilated at TV 5 mL/kg for 240 minutes and killed. Animals in group E (n = 4) were ventilated at TV 20 mL/kg for 60 minutes, returned to TV 5 mL/kg, and killed at 240 minutes. Fluorescein-labeled albumin was administered to each animal prior to mechanical ventilation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Efficacy of the Nissen fundoplication in the management of gastroesophageal reflux following esophageal atresia repair

From January 1974 to December 1988, 80 patients with esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) were treated at the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital with division of their TEF and esophagoesophagostomy. Thirty-four in this group developed gastroesophageal reflux (GER). After an unsuccessful trial of medical management, 21 underwent Nissen fundoplication, and an additional child with refractory GER died intraoperatively before completion of her fundoplication. Following fundoplication, only eight patients had an uncomplicated course with elimination of reflux and no postoperative dysphagia. Wrap disruption and recurrent reflux occurred in 7 of the 21 (33%), a markedly higher incidence than the 10% figure seen in 220 children without EA who have undergone fundoplication at this institution. Upward tension on the wrap due to the presence of a shortened esophagus probably predisposes to an increased frequency of fundoplication failure in the EA child. In addition, postoperative dysphagia requiring prolonged gastrostomy feedings complicated eight otherwise successful initial or redo-fundoplications. Prolonged dysphagia in this group is likely related to the inability of the dyskinetic esophagus, common in EA, to overcome the increased resistance caused by the Nissen fundoplication. Three deaths (14%) from complications related to antireflux surgery occurred in the series. Although 15 of the 21 children (71%) eventually had excellent long-term results following initial or redo-fundoplication with elimination of reflux and normalization of oral intake, morbidity and mortality were clearly significant. Due to the high incidence of postoperative dysphagia and recurrent reflux, the transabdominal Nissen fundoplication may not be appropriate in EA patients.

Appendiceal transection in a child associated with a lap belt restraint: case report

The seatbelt syndrome refers to the spectrum of injuries associated with lap belt restraints and includes intestinal tears, perforations, and transections; mesenteric disruptions; and lumbar distractions, dislocations, and fractures. We report a case of appendiceal transection associated with a lap belt restraint in a small child.

Etiology and management of respiratory complications after repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula

This article reviews the cause and management of respiratory symptoms after repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). Postoperative respiratory symptoms developed in 31 (46%) of 68 patients and included apnea and bradycardia, respiratory arrest, aspiration, and recurrent pneumonia. The respiratory symptoms were initially attributed to gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in 20 patients (64%), tracheomalacia in 4 patients (13%), recurrent TEF in 4 patients (13%), and anastomotic stricture in 3 patients (10%). Three patients with GER and the three patients with a stricture were initially managed nonoperatively. The remaining 25 patients underwent surgical correction of the underlying cause of the respiratory symptoms. Despite aggressive management of this problem, 14 (45%) of these 31 patients had persistent or recurrent respiratory symptoms. Although GER is the most common cause of respiratory complications in patients who have undergone prior TEF repair, other factors are often responsible for these symptoms and should not be overlooked.

Ibuprofen intervention in canine septic shock: reduction of pathophysiology without decreased cytokines

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, ibuprofen, at various time intervals in a live Escherichia coli model of canine septic shock. Group I (control) animals (n = 5) received a LD100 dose of 10(9) live E. coli per kilogram were given no further treatment. Group II animals (n = 5) received a 10 mg/kg bolus of ibuprofen 10 min prior to bacterial infusion. Group III animals (n = 5) received ibuprofen 15 min after the bacterial infusion. Statistical analysis revealed the following: Group II animals had significantly higher MABP and significantly lower levels of serum fluorescent products (superoxide radical activity), plasma thromboxane B2, prostaglandin E2, and endotoxin levels compared to Group I animals (P less than 0.05). Plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly elevated (P less than 0.05) from baseline in all animals (Groups I, II, and III), but ibuprofen treatment failed to either increase or decrease these levels. This study demonstrates that ibuprofen treatment can significantly reverse the deleterious hemodynamic and metabolic effects commonly seen in live E. coli septic shock without depressing the endogenous production of TNF or IL-6. These data support the hypothesis that sepsis initiates a cascade of mediators with the cytokines TNF and IL-6 being proximal events which in turn stimulate the next level, with ibuprofen probably exerting its inhibitory effect distal to this point in the cascade.

Pericardial flap interposition for the definitive management of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula

From 1974 to 1988, six children with fistula recurrence following primary tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair have been managed at our hospital. Reclosure of the fistula with pleural flap interposition was used as the initial corrective procedure in five patients, with an 80% incidence of second TEF recurrences. Due to these discouraging results, we have abandoned this technique and instead favor fistula reclosure with interposition of a pedicle of vascularized pericardium between the esophageal and tracheal suture lines. The pericardial pedicle is easy to mobilize, effectively isolates the tracheal and esophageal suture lines, and eliminates the often difficult task of finding sufficient pleural tissue for fistula interposition in small infants. Furthermore, the vascularized pedicle serves as a template for the ingrowth of neomucosa from the existing esophageal mucosa should an anastomotic leak occur. Since adopting this approach, we have used this technique on four children, three of whom had second recurrences after pleural interposition, and have had no evidence of recurrent fistula formation at follow-up ranging from 2 to 6 years. With at least a 20% incidence of second recurrences reported following conventional management with fistula closure and pleural interposition, we believe use of a pericardial flap in the management of the recurrent TEF is the most appropriate surgical procedure.

Extracellular fluid and total body water changes in neonates undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

After being placed on extracorporeal life support (ECLS), newborn patients typically weight 5% to 30% more than their birthweight. Recovery and eventual decannulation from ECLS is associated with a return to baseline weight or birthweight values after a pronounced diuresis. It has been assumed that the increases in weight in these patients are due to increases in extracellular fluid (ECF) and total body water (TBW). This study was undertaken to prove or disprove this hypothesis. ECF space was measured using the compound sodium bromide and TBW was determined with the use of deuterium oxide (nonradioactive heavy water). Fluid compartment measurements were made prior to the institution of ECLS, immediately after placement on bypass, approximately every other day while on bypass, and a final measurement was made once the patient was off bypass. Sodium bromide concentration was analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and deuterium oxide concentration was measured by the falling drop method. Eight newborns with respiratory failure were placed on either venoarterial (4 patients) or venovenous (4 patients) ECLS for an average of 106 hours (range, 71 to 219 hours). Pre-ECLS TBW was high in the neonates (87% of total body weight v the normal of 75% to 80%). Mean values for each fluid compartment were corrected for the additional volume of the bypass circuit when the patient was on bypass. ECF increased immediately after the institution of ECLS; however, both ECF and TBW decreased during the bypass run, and post-ECLS levels of ECF and TBW were similar to those found prior to ECLS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hypoxia-induced bacterial translocation in the puppy

Because hypoxia is one of the most common major stresses to which a neonate is exposed, we postulated that it alone might be the cause of intestinal bacterial translocation, which could be the underlying etiology of neonatal sepsis. An animal model, in which hypoxia is the sole stress, was developed in our laboratory and tested in 18 puppies to determine the effect of hypoxia and reoxygenation on intestinal bacterial translocation. In group I (n = 8), following laparotomy and cannulation of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), the FIO2 was decreased from 21% to 9% for 90 minutes followed by reoxygenation at 21% for 120 minutes. The abdomen was closed and the animals were allowed to recover. After 24 hours the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), spleen, and liver were harvested for bacterial determination and the ileum and jejunum for histological evaluation. Group II (n = 7) was treated the same as group I with the FIO2 maintained at 21%. Group III (n = 3) animals were killed, without intervention, for bacterial analysis. In group I, the systemic PO2 decreased by 75%, SMV PO2 decreased by 64%, and oxygen delivery to the small bowel decreased by 80% in comparison with group II. The mean arterial pressure and cardiac output were not significantly different between group I and group II; however, the mucosal blood flow was decreased by 60% (P less than .001) in group I. Arterial and SMV blood lactic acid levels were unchanged in group I in comparison with group II, suggesting that anaerobic metabolism was not initiated in the splanchnic circulation during hypoxia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intravenous nutrition for the pediatric patient

Nutritional management of infants and children differs from that of adults because of the extra requirements for growth and the limitations of physiological immaturity. Although parenteral nutrition (PN) is an accepted practice and a potentially life-saving therapy for pediatric patients who cannot be fed through their gastrointestinal tract, it is associated with the risk of serious metabolic, mechanical, and infectious complications. Candidates for PN should be selected according to well-defined indications, with initial nutritional assessment and with careful attention given to fluid, electrolyte, vitamin, trace element, and caloric requirements. Total calories should be administered so that the nonprotein-calorie to gram-nitrogen ratio is in the range of 150 to 250:1. Although short-term supplemental nutritional support can be administered through a peripheral vein, long-term total PN is best delivered by central venous access. PN should be initiated and monitored in accordance with well-established protocols. The lowest complication rate and highest cost-effectiveness are achieved by an interdisciplinary team that includes one or more nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and physicians. The development of safe, reliable, and miniaturized intravenous pumps with built-in monitors has made home parenteral nutrition possible and desirable in selected patients.

Intestinal vaginoplasty for congenital absence of the vagina

Congenital absence of the vagina is rare and occurs as a result of aplasia of the Müllerian ducts (46,XX) or complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS--46,XY). Both syndromes are associated with normal female external genitalia and these patients are raised as females. These children are usually treated during adolescence with chronic dilatation of the shallow vaginal introitus (pressure tube technique) or by skin graft vaginoplasty (McIndoe procedure). Neither of these procedures is entirely satisfactory, as both may lead to neovaginal stenosis, inadequate length, poor lubrication, or all three. We have recently modified the operation first described by Baldwin in which a loop of sigmoid colon or small bowel is isolated, closed at one end, and brought down on its vascular pedicle as a neovagina and anastomosed to the hymenal ring. We have performed this operation on four adolescents (mean age, 15 years) and two infants (aged 4 days and 14 months) with excellent results (mean follow-up, 7.5 years for the adolescents and 1.8 years for the infants).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A long-term experience with biliary atresia. Reassessment of prognostic factors

Thirty-four infants with biliary atresia were primarily treated at our institution between 1974 and 1987. The mean age at diagnosis was 8.8 weeks. The Kasai portoenterostomy was used in 11 patients (32%) and the Sawaguchi modification in 23 infants (68%). Overall survival was 47% (16/34), with a mean follow-up of 45 months. Fifteen survivors (94%) are jaundice free, with two having undergone liver transplantation. Survival was not influenced by earlier age at operation, size of ductal remnants, or the use of an external biliary vent. Good bile flow was predictive of a favorable outcome. The incidence of cholangitis was increased in the Kasai (87%) versus the Sawaguchi groups (45%) (p less than 0.05), but 1-year survival rates were similar (55% vs 64%). The authors conclude that portoenterostomy offers a reasonable chance for success and should be the initial procedure for biliary atresia.

The role of surgery in American Burkitt's lymphoma in children

The records of 28 children with the pathological diagnosis of American Burkitt's lymphoma were reviewed. Twenty-three of these children (82%) presented with primary abdominal tumors and 5 with disease located in the head and neck. Twelve required an emergency operation for either intestinal obstruction (3), intussusception (5), or appendicitis (4); the others underwent an elective exploration for tissue diagnosis. Ten patients had disease localized to one particular site. Seven of these 10 children underwent complete resection of the tumor including a right colectomy (4), small bowel segmental resection (1), tonsillectomy (1), and appendectomy (1). Eight children had a subtotal resection of the tumor (less than 90% of tumor burden) and the rest underwent incisional biopsies. Following the diagnosis, all patients received chemotherapy; 8 (29%) also were treated concurrently with radiation therapy. Nineteen patients (70%) remain long-term survivors with a mean survival time of 3.6 years. Eight patients died of either recurrent disease (6) or sepsis secondary to their chemotherapy, with a mean survival time of 6 months. Sixteen patients (57%) developed complications during their hospitalization that required surgical consultation or intervention (acute renal failure [9], pleural effusion [2], intestinal obstruction [5], gastric outlet obstruction [1], and wound infection [1]). No subsequent treatment of these complications resulted in mortality or morbidity. The significant positive determinant for survival was the initial absence of either bone marrow or central nervous system involvement (P less than .05). In those children who had complete resection of their tumor, survival time was greater than 3.7 years.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)