Top to Bottom: A New Method for Assessing Adequacy of Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy

Introduction: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a commonly encountered pediatric surgical issue. Initially treated with open surgical techniques, many pediatric surgeons have adopted the minimally invasive approach using laparoscopy. However, some concerns exist that the rate of incomplete pyloromyotomy is elevated in laparoscopy. We propose a new technique to assess the adequacy of laparoscopic pyloromyotomy. Methods: Adequacy of laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was assessed by confirming that the top of the serosa on one side of the pylorus has adequate freedom to reach the bottom of the muscle on other side. A retrospective review of patients undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomy confirmed by this method from March 2012 to January 2016 was conducted. Demographics, laboratory values on admission, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics was utilized. Results: Thirty-three patients were included. Median age was 30 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 24, 47). Median pylorus length and thickness were 19?mm (IQR 17.3, 21) and 4.5?mm (IQR: 4.0, 4.8), respectively. Median time to first full feed was 8.5 hours (IQR: 6.6, 15.6). Twenty-three (69%) patients had postoperative emesis. Median length of stay postoperation was 26.5 hours (IQR: 21.1, 44.7). There were no reoperations for incomplete pyloromyotomy and no infections. On follow-up, 1 patient had prolonged postoperative emesis that resolved without further intervention and 1 patient on peritoneal dialysis before surgery had an incisional hernia that required operation in the setting of bilateral inguinal hernias. Conclusion: In a small series, the top to bottom assessment appears to confirm adequacy of pyloromyotomy.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/140155/1/lap.2016.0303.pd

Unusual cause of acute lower extremity ischemia in a healthy 15-year-old female: A case report and review of popliteal artery aneurysm management in adolescents

Limb ischemia in healthy teenagers is unusual. While traumatic or iatrogenic injury is the most common etiologies of limb ischemia in the pediatric population, anatomic variants such as true aneurysms should be considered [1]. We report the second documented pediatric case of an idiopathic, isolated true popliteal aneurysm resulting in acute limb ischemia in a previously healthy 15-year-old female. We also review the proper evaluation and surgical management of this anatomic anomaly. In this case, surgical management included resection of the aneurysm, reconstruction with reverse saphenous vein grafting, and distal endarterectomies to restore adequate distal blood flow. Ultimately, this patient's limb and function were salvaged with minimal consequences

A case of traumatic rupture of a giant omphalocele and liver injury associated with transverse lie and preterm labor

Perinatal omphalocele rupture is a rare occurrence. We present a case of a baby delivered at 35 weeks with a known giant omphalocele, transverse lie, and the omphalocele downward in the birth canal who suffered rupture of the omphalocele and liver injury around the time of delivery. The pregnancy was complicated by one day of preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of the membranes, and the omphalocele was the presenting part. Despite pulmonary hypertension, rupture of the omphalocele, and a significant liver injury, individualized management with decompression of the liver hematoma allowed successful early closure with mesh followed by delayed reconstruction

Use of a sternal elevator to reverse complete airway obstruction secondary to anterior mediastinal mass in an anesthetized child

Patients with an anterior mediastinal mass pose significant risk for cardiorespiratory compromise during surgical procedures and general anesthesia. Several techniques have been described to reverse airway obstruction in these patients. In extreme circumstances, patients may require cardiac bypass or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) until definitive treatment of the mass and patient stabilization is achieved. We present a case in which the RulTract® system was used for emergency sternal elevation as a bridge to ECMO in acute respiratory collapse in an 11-year-old female with a minimally symptomatic anterior mediastinal mass

Severe pectus excavatum with tracheal compression presenting with chronic cough

While pectus excavatum is the most common congenital chest wall deformity in children, indications for surgical repair are still debated among experts. Some centers require demonstration of physiologic criteria prior to repair, even in the face of significant anatomic compression. We present a case of a 16-year-old male with severe pectus excavatum who presented with a 3-year history of a chronic barking cough and exercise-induced shortness of breath. Radiographic imaging demonstrated compression of the trachea and bilateral mainstem bronchi secondary to severe pectus excavatum deformity. Despite his severe pectus deformity, preoperative physiologic testing demonstrated normal to near-normal cardiopulmonary function. Minimally invasive repair of the chest wall defect (modified Nuss procedure) provided rapid alleviation of symptoms, and a significant improvement in quality of life.Open access journal.This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]