[Transanal irrigations in patients with constipation and fecal incontinence: results, indications and follow up in our center]

AIM OF THE STUDY

To present our results with transanal irrigation (TAI) for management of fecal incontinence and fecal constipation without response to other treatments.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients with fecal constipation and/or fecal incontinence treated with TAI between 2013 and 2017. A Rintala questionnaire(1) was carried out comparing pre and post-treatment results. This study was approved by the ethical committee.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were included with a median age of 13 years old (range 6-44 years). Nineteen patients had spinal pathology (76%), four colorectal surgery (16%) and two functional constipation (8%). They presented fecal incontinence in 20% of cases, 12% of fecal constipation and 68% both conditions. After a mean follow-up of 1.5 years (1 month-4 years), 52% of the patients abandoned the treatment. The mean Rintala score was 6.8±4 before treatment, and after, resulted to 11.42±2.75 (p=0.001). The main complications throughout the treatment were pain (68%) and balloon leaks (28%). The patients declared as cause of treatment cessation: reduced mobility (15%), fear or misinformation (32%) and pain (76%). All patients with reduced mobility (n=3) left treatment, versus 45% (n=12) of the patients that had full mobility (p=0.17, OR 8.3 [IC95% 0.3-38]). Complementary treatments such as laxatives, enemas or digital extraction were abandoned in 55% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Using TAI seems to improve quality of life in patients with fecal constipation and fecal incontinence refractory compared to other treatments. Our abandonment rate was higher than expected, so we believe it is necessary to create a support group to improve follow-ups.

[Prevention of the wound infection: little changes, huge results]

INTRODUCTION

Neonatal surgical wound infection occurs in almost 50% of neonatal procedures. It increases the rates of morbimortality in neonatal units. There is no guidelines about prevention of wound infection in neonatal surgery. We present our results after changing our behaviour in neonatal surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Comparative study between 2 groups. In order to decrease wound infection at the end of the procedure gloves, covertures and surgical instruments were changed and saline and antiseptic solutions were used during laparotomy closing. Group P included procedures with these recommendations and Group NP without them. Age, weight, surgery, infection, length of stay, and mortality were analized between groups through a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Group P included 55 procedures in 32 patients, median weight 1,300 g (1,000-2,100), 19 median days of life (6-40), 5 postoperative wound problems (9%). Group NP included 26 procedures in 14 neonates, median weight 1,700 g (700-2,500), 20 median days of life (3-33), 14 wound problems (53.8%). We decrease the wound problems in our patients in 44.8% (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the protection provided by our recommendations was maintained after adjustment by weight, age and type of pathology (0.07) p= 0.000.

CONCLUSIONS

Simple changes in during the procedures in neonatal surgery can reduce the appearance of wound infection and morbidity.

[Management protocol in gastroschisis]

AIM

There are two classical managements in gastroschisis: primary or delayed closure. From 2007 on, a multidisciplinary approach protocol based in preterm caesarean delivery at 34-35th gestational age (in order to minimize peel injury) plus primary closure is followed in our institution. Prior to this, term delivery, either by caesarean section or not, was the rule.

METHODS

Retrospective study of gastroschisis's patients before (1978-2006) and after (2007-2016) protocol approval. Complex gastroschisis frequency, peel's presence, primary or delayed closure, complications, re-interventions, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) length of stay, age at onset of enteral nutrition, total parenteral nutrition's length and length of stay were compared.

MAIN RESULTS

Study groups: before (12 patients) and after (13 newborns) the protocol implantation (pre/post). Nine complex gastroschisis were observed in the pre-protocol period, compared to one in the post-protocol era (p= 0.001). The re-interventions also decreased: 58.33% in the pre-protocol vs. 15.38% in the post-protocol group (p= 0.025). Complications rate were 66.67% before protocol vs. 23.07% after protocol (p= 0.028). NICU length of stay decreased from 40 ± 32 to 17 ± 12 days (p= 0.025). Parenteral total nutrition length was 61 ± 36 in the pre-protocol vs. 15 ± 6 in the port-protocol eras, respectively (p= 0.043). The age at onset of enteral nutrition was 34 ± 26 vs. 9 ± 5 days (p= 0.004) and hospitalization length was 98 ± 81 days pre vs. 35 ± 15 days post protocol implantation (p= 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

The protocol implantation has allowed primary closure, decreased hospitalization; reduced complications and mortality rate as well.

[Neonatal surgical site infection: multicentric survey on prophylactic measures]

OBJECTIVES

Surgical site infection (SSI) has a considerable impact on neonatal morbidity. There are known risk factors such type of surgery (clean/contaminated), prematurity, surgical length, hypoalbuminemia, previous infection, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and so on. Many perioperative factors have not been studied, opposite to adults. We have developed a survey on intraoperative attitudes and measures, as surgical wound management in Neonates among pediatric surgeons, to seek for a wider consense.

METHODS

Multi-response survey with 22 items, based on the Surgical Infection Society NIH 2008 clinical guideline. Each item poses a question on perioperative attitudes, surgical aspects and wound management. Each question is subdivided in two categories, depending on urgency and type of surgery (clean/contaminated).

RESULTS

159 surveys were sent. Among those, we received back 51 (32%). 69% of the interviewed surgeons use clorhexidin to prepare surgical field, 25% use Iodine solutions. 69% never use diathermy to incise skin. There was no agreement on the use of sterile plastic adhesive drapes, intra-cavity lavage, changing surgical gloves/material, or wound irrigation during closure. 82% never use cyanocrilate dressing. Intracuticular skin suture and simple stitches were used indistinctly. Wound management and dressings were not uniform and depended on each pediatric unit.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey reflects the lack of consensus regarding prophylactic measures and wound management among pediatric surgeons who care after surgical neonates.

[Quality of life and long term results in Hirschsprung's disease]

INTRODUCTION

The most frequent long term side effects of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) surgery are obstructive problems and fecal incontinence. In this study, we analyse long term functional results of the two most used surgical techniques (Duhamel-D- and De la Torre-dlT-) from the patient's point of view, through quality of life and functionality questionnaires.

METHODS

We selected short segment HD patients ≥ 4 years) that were operated in our unit from 1996 until 2011. We employed two validated questionnaires: Bowel Function Score (BFS) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Both questionnaires were also tested in two control age matched groups, each for every arm (controlD or control dlT).

RESULTS

Among 28 preselected patients, 22 (78.6%) answered both questionnaires. Group D (10 patients) showed more constipation: 60% vs. 16.7% ( p = 0.01). Patients in group dlT (12 patients) showed more leaks: 58.3 vs. 10% (p = 0.03). Results of both questionnaires were higher (better) in Group D: 16 vs. 12.8 points (BFS, p = 0.007) and 74.1 vs. 69.8 (GIQLI, p = 0.17). The control group showed an overall better scores than HD patients: 17.2 vs. 14.3 (BFS p = 0.001) and 75.9 vs. 71.8 (GIQLI, p = 0.04). Separately, both groups of patients showed worse scores when compared with each control group.

DISCUSSION

Our results are similar to other studies, where global scores of functional results and quality of life are worse in operated HD patients than in age matched controls. Fecal incontinence has more impact on social scores than constipation. Due to the fact that our dlT patients have more frequently fecal leaks, their scores are worse than in the D group. Nevertheless, patients in dlT group are younger and may improve their results as they get older, as it is often the case in operated HD patients.

[Functional results of Hirschsprung's disease patients after Duhamel and De la Torre procedures]

INTRODUCTION

Long term results of different surgical techniques in Hirschsprung's Disease (HD) are contradictory. There are still no long term large or multicentric reports about functional results of De la Torre technique. We have studied the mid term functional results of the patients operated on Duhamel (D) and De la Torre (dlT) pull-through procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We collected data from medical records and telephone interviews of the HD patients operated in our unit in the last 16 years.

RESULTS

38 patients were found. Ages ranged from 1.5 to 21 years. Mean age was 7.7 years. Median follow up was 5.9 years. 33 (86.8%) had rectosigmoid disease and 5 (13.2%) had long segment disease. D procedure was performed in 17 (44.7%), Soave in 1 (2.6%), Duhamel-Lester-Martin in 4 (10.5%) and dlT pull-through in 16(42%). In the last visit record, 12 (31.6%), had constipation, and fecal leaks were noted in 11 (33.3%) of the 33 patients > or = 4 years old.. 10 patients (29.4% of the > or = 4 years old group) referred encopresis along the follow-up. Patients from the D group referred higher rates of constipation than those in the dlT group (53.3% vs 20% p=0.048). dlT patients referred more frequency of leaks (46,1% vs 13,3%, p=0,05) Children with very short resections (< or = 10 cm) were more prone to constipation than children with longer resections (66,6% vs 17.4% p=0.007), and less prone to present leaks (12.5% vs 47.3% p=0.08). Encopresis was similar in all groups.

DISCUSSION

Both techniques show similar functional results in the mid term, although children in the D group were more prone to constipation and those in the dlT group presented more fecal leaks. All patients with EH need long follow-ups.

[Hepatopulmonary hydatidosis treatment through minimally invasive surgery in our hospital: report of 4 cases]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review is to present our experience in minimally invasive surgical procedures as treatment of hepatic and pulmonary hydatidosis in the last five years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with pulmonary and hepatic hydatid cysts treated in our hospital between 2008-2012 with minimally invasive surgery.

RESULTS

We identified 4 cases, all of them Moroccan origin, the mean age was 6.7 years. Only one patient with hepatic cyst and three with hepatopulmonary cysts. All of them were treated with albendazole before surgery. Laparoscopy and/or thoracoscopy was performed and, in one case a transdiaphragmatic approach was used, as a way to reach a posterior hepatic injury unapproachable by laparoscopy. The technique used was the sterilization of the contents of the cyst with hypertonic saline solution, cyst opening and cystic membrane removal. We didn't do capitonage or pericystectomy. The resolution rate of residual cavities of the cysts was 100% and there was no recurrence or intraoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In children surgical treatment can be performed using endoscopic techniques with the same safety and efficacy as open surgery. Treatment with albendazole before surgery is helpful in preventing recurrences and as unique treatment in small lesions. Surgery must be as sparing as possible avoiding unnecessary liver or lung resections. Treatment of the residual cavity seems unnecessary. The thoracoscopic transdiaphragmatic approach should be considered as an alternative treatment, for those liver lesions in posterior segments, which are intractable with laparoscopy.

[The association of adherence to a Mediterranean diet during early pregnancy and the risk of gastroschisis in the offspring]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to study the association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet in early pregnancy maternal and the offspring's risk of gastroschisis.

METHODS

Case-control study. We describe 11 cases of gastroschisis in the region of Murcia from 2007 to 2012 and 34 concurrent controls. At the time of diagnosis each of the cases completed a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) consisting of 98 items on the periconceptional diet. Confounding factors: smoking, exposure to cannabis / marihuana, age of the parents, BMI, income and educational level. We conducted a descriptive and multivariate logistic regression statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Mothers of children with gastroschisis were younger (20.8 years, 95% CI 17.3 to 24.2) and their diet consisted of less caloric intake, saturated fat and monounsaturated fats and proteins than controls. The Odds Ratio (OR) in the multivariate model controlling for confounding factors: maternal age (year) 0.70 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.96), monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid, g) 0.79 (95% CI 0.65 to 0, 97) and vegetable intake (rations/week) 0.70 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.00).

CONCLUSION

A maternal diet rich in oleic acid and vegetable products may prevent vascular risk of onphalomesenteric arteries reducing the risk of gastroschisis.

[Preliminary results of a multidisciplinary approach to gastroschisis]

INTRODUCTION

In gastroschisis, premature birth may avoid the development of intestinal peel and favour the primary closure. We present the preliminary results obtained after following a multidisciplinary approach to gastroschisis. After prenatal ultrasound diagnosis, preterm caesarean delivery at 34-35 weeks of gestation is programmed.

METHODS

Prospective design of a study, where we included all prenatal diagnosed gastrosquisis neonates, from July 2007 to January 2012.

RESULTS

We followed 9 infants (3 male). Average weight at birth: 1,927 gr. (+/- 370). Primary closure was successfully accomplished in the first 3 hours of life all cases. We found two cases of slight peel. We found no associated intestinal malformations, except for one small bowel stenosis. No significant neonatal distress respiratory syndrome developed. Mean parenteral nutrition time was 13.9 days (+/- 3.8). 4 neonates developed central line associated infection. No surgical site infection developed. Enteral nutrition was started at day 8th (+/- 2.8). Enteral requirements were fulfilled at day 15th (+/- 3.6). Mean hospital stay was 31 days (+/- 10). Mean follow-up was 30 months. 4 cases developed a small (< 5 mm) umbilical hernia

CONCLUSION

Programming premature cesarean section delivery at 34 weeks of gestation was beneficial to the neonates with gastroschisis, yet it avoided peel development, and rendered primary closure without serious difficulties possible. This diminishes hypoperistalsis time and allows rapid instauration of enteral feeding, so hospital stays may be shorter.

[Stephens-Fowler in two times: results 14 years later]

The management of intra-abdominal testis can be challenging, as evidenced by the multiple methods suggested for its assessment and treatment. In this paper, we report our long-term results for our 14-year surgical experience with laparoscopic management. Methods. Retrospective study of laparoscopic interventions performed at our department for nonpalpable testes between 1996 and 2009. In 174 procedures, we found 72 intra-abdominal testes (5 bilateral) and 25 direct orchiopexies (3 bilateral) were performed. One-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexies (FSO) were performed in 5 children. 40 boys underwent the two-stage FSO technique (2 bilateral) in those that reached the contralateral inguinal ring. The second stage was performed in 4 cases with a laparoscopic approach, the rest of them underwent an inguinal procedure exclusively. Mean age for the first intervention was 3.7 yrs, and the second stage was performed on average after 10.9 months. Of 42 undescended testes, 22 were on the right side and 20 on the left side. Median followup was 24 months. Results. Of 42 two-stage FSOs performed, 27 surgeries were very successful, with a testis size equivalent to the contralateral mate; 7 had good results, with a smaller testis (volume up to 50% of contralateral); and 7 resulted in atrophic testis. No complications were encountered during surgery. Conclusions. There is no doubt about the usefulness of laparoscopy for intra-abdominal testes with short spermatic vessels, and the two-stage Fowler-Stephens technique should be the procedure of choice given its high success rate.

[Surgical treatment of cholelithiasis in children. Role of cholecystotomy]

Cholelithiasis is a rare pathology in children and with a different etiology, composition and clinic than adult. Cholecystectomy is the standardized treatment. The cholecystectomy is an alternative treatment in childhood. We studied 30 patients, aged between 8 months and 13 years, 15 of them with cholecystectomy and 15 with removal of pigment gallstones. The patients were followed up for 3 months-11 years. Recurrent stone formation was noted in one patient. 14 of the patients were non-symptomatic with normal ecography controls.

[Focal nodular hepatic hyperplasia. A report of a new case]

Focal nodular hyperplasia is a benign liver tumor, that is rare during childhood. We report a new case, exceptional by the short age of the patient, and by the way of this we review the epidemiology, the actual diagnosis criterion and the treatment options.