Training for MIS in pediatric urology: Proposition of a structured training curriculum

Abstract In Europe there are a lot of training centers for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) but a standardized MIS training program in pediatric urology doesn't exist at the moment. We performed a literature review with the last goals to propose a structured training curriculum in MIS urology for pediatric surgeons. Pediatric urologists have to obtain a valid MIS training curriculum completing the following 4 steps: (I) Theoretical part (theoretical courses, masterclass) to acquire theoretical knowledge; (II) experimental training (simulation on pelvic trainer, virtual reality simulators, animal models, 3-D ex-vivo models) to acquire basic laparoscopic skills; (III) stages in European centers of reference for pediatric MIS urology to learn all surgery aspects; (IV) personal operative experience. At the end of the training period, the trainee would be expected to perform several MIS urological procedures independently, under supervision of an expert tutor. At the end of the training program, each center will analyze the candidate training booklet and release for each applicant a certification after an exam. We think that this MIS training program in pediatric urology may assure an integrated acquisition of basic and advanced laparoscopic skills during residency training in pediatric urology. Each European country should adopt this program so as to secure a standardized technical qualification in MIS urology for all future pediatric urologists

Laparoscopic management of a newborn with a right Amyand's hernia and a left incarcerated inguinal hernia

A one month old boy presented with left incarcerated inguinal hernia. After unsuccessful manual reduction, we decided to perform laparoscopic herniorrhaphy. Laparoscopic examination showed a left hernia with intestinal loops that entered into the internal inguinal ring, on the right side there was an unknown patency of the peritoneal vaginal duct with the appendix completely incarcerated within the sac. On the left side, the loops were reduced with a combined technique of external manual pressure and internal pulling by forceps; the bowel was inspected, and the hernia was repaired. On the right side, the appendix was strongly adherent with the peritoneal vaginal duct, and the reduction was not possible. The appendix was dissected from the sac using a 3-mm monopolar hook and than reduced into the abdomen, then right herniorrhaphy was performed. Two days after surgery, the baby had fever and abdominal distension. He was re-operated through mini-Pfannenstiel incision and an ischemic appendix was identified and removed. Postoperative period was uneventful. In our case, laparoscopy allowed for simultaneous reduction under direct visual control, inspection of the incarcerated organ, definitive repair and incidentally discovery and treatment of the contralateral incarcerated Amyand′s hernia. In case of incarcerated appendix, appendectomy is preferable during the same procedure to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications

Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication: An Excellent Treatment of Gerd-Related Respiratory Symptoms in Children-Results of a Multicentric Study

Respiratory manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), particularly chronic cough, are being recognized with increased frequency in children. This survey aimed to investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for treatment of GERD-related respiratory symptoms not responsive to medical therapy in neurological normal children

Laparoscopic approach for gonadectomy in pediatric patients with intersex disorders

Abstract The birth of a child with a disorder of sex development (DSD) prompts a long-term management strategy that involves a myriad of professionals working with the family. There has been progress in diagnosis, surgical techniques and in understanding psychosocial issues related to this condition. However, since these kinds of disorders are rare and have many anatomical variations, individual care is necessary, especially regarding surgical management. Gonadectomy is indicated in a number of intersex disorders with a Y chromosome to reduce the associated risk of cancer. Recently, laparoscopy has gained wide acceptance in pediatric urology. Laparoscopy is also reported to be a useful tool for diagnosing and treating DSD because of its minimal invasiveness and favorable cosmetic outcome. However, reports of evaluation and management using laparoscopy for large numbers of DSD patients are limited and debate is still open about indications and timing of gonadectomy. In this study, we reviewed the literature of the last 10 years about the role of laparoscopic gonadectomy in patients with DSD. In the analyzed papers, all the procedures were accomplished successfully using laparoscopy. No conversions to open surgery neither intra-operative complications were reported in all series. Post-operative complications were reported only in one series and included 1 umbilical port infection [2% (1/50)] and 1 pelvic abscess [2% (1/50)], both treated with antibiotic therapy (grade I Clavien-Dindo). Of the analyzed series, 7/10 reported postoperative diagnosis of gonadal tumors. The histopathologic examinations revealed 15 cases of gonadoblastoma, 7 cases of dysgerminoma and 2 cases of seminoma. Analyzing the single series, the incidence of these tumors varied between 10% and 33%. The results of our review confirmed the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic gonadectomy in DSD patients. In our mind, laparoscopic gonadectomy should be accepted as the treatment of choice in children and adolescents with these rare conditions. It thereby eliminates the risk of malignancies of gonadal origin with the advantages of a minimally invasive procedure, with lower morbidity, quicker postoperative recovery and excellent cosmetic results

Laparoscopic extravesical ureteral reimplantation (LEVUR): A systematic review

Abstract BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation is a feasible method for treating ureteral pathology with good preliminary results in the literature. In this study, we review medium term results for laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation and discuss current developments of this procedure. METHODS: Medline and Embase databases were searched using relevant key terms to identify reports of paediatric laparoscopic extravesical ureteral reimplantation (LEVUR). Literature reviews, case reports, series of 20 years) were excluded. RESULTS: Five studies were assessed, overall, 69 LEVUR were performed in children. Despite different surgical technique, in all case the technique was respected. Patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, radiological imaging, complications, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Median success rate was 96%. Complications were reported in five cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study is limited by the data given in the individual series: varied criteria used for patient selection and outcome as well as inconsistent pre- and post-operative imaging data precluded a meta-analysis. But it demonstrates that the laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation is an effective procedure with good medium-term results. We believe that in well selected patients this procedure will become an established treatment option

Pyeloplasty techniques using minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in pediatric patients

Abstract Hydronephrosis is the most common presentation of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. We reviewed literature, collecting data from Medline, to evaluate the current status of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approach to pyeloplasty. Since the first pyeloplasty was described in 1939, several techniques has been applied to correct UPJ obstruction, but Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty is established as the gold standard, to date also in MIS technique. According to literature several studies underline the safety and effectiveness of this approach for both trans- and retro-peritoneal routes, with a success rate between 81-100% and an operative time between 90-228 min. These studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this procedure in the management of UPJ obstruction in children. Whether better the transperitoneal, than the retroperitoneal approach is still debated. A long learning curve is needed especially in suturing and knotting

Treatment of vesico-ureteral reflux in infants and children using endoscopic approaches

Abstract Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) represents one of the most significant risk factors for acute pyelonephritis in children. Endoscopic treatment of VUR dates back to 1981 when Matouschek first described injection of the ureteral orifice in an attempt to correct VUR. In addition, also Politano and colleagues and McDonald described successful correction of reflux using endoscopic techniques. After these reports subureteral Teflon injection (STING) came to be appreciated as a viable new way to less invasively correct one of the most common pediatric urologic problems. The technique is technically easy to perform and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. It is performed in general anesthesia in children and may require repeat injections, particularly in patients with high-grade reflux. As for endoscopic technique, a main problem existed. The success in children with high grade reflux was less than reported for open or laparoscopic reimplant techniques. However, in the past 10 years, newer products have become available that are changing the indications for endoscopic correction. In these review, we analyzed the papers published in the literature on this topic to give to the readers an updated overview about the results of endoscopic treatment of VUR after 30-years of his first description

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy using RUBINA™ technology: preliminary experience in two pediatric surgery centers

Background Recently, we reported the feasibility of indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging to identify extrahepatic biliary anatomy during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in pediatric patients. This paper aimed to describe the use of a new technology, RUBINA (TM), to perform intra-operative ICG fluorescent cholangiography (FC) in pediatric LC. Methods During the last year, ICG-FC was performed during LC using the new technology RUBINA (TM) in two pediatric surgery units. The ICG dosage was 0.35 mg/Kg and the median timing of administration was 15.6 h prior to surgery. Patient baseline, intra-operative details, rate of biliary anatomy identification, utilization ease, and surgical outcomes were assessed. Results Thirteen patients (11 girls), with median age at surgery of 12.9 years, underwent LC using the new RUBINA (TM) technology. Six patients (46.1%) had associated comorbidities and five (38.5%) were practicing drug therapy. Pre-operative workup included ultrasound (n = 13) and cholangio-MRI (n = 5), excluding biliary and/or vascular anatomical anomalies. One patient needed conversion to open surgery and was excluded from the study. The median operative time was 96.9 min (range 55-180). Technical failure of intra-operative ICG-NIRF visualization occurred in 2/12 patients (16.7%). In the other cases, ICG-NIRF allowed to identify biliary/vascular anatomic anomalies in 4/12 (33.3%), including Moynihan's hump of the right hepatic artery (n = 1), supravescicular bile duct (n = 1), and short cystic duct (n = 2). No allergic or adverse reactions to ICG, post-operative complications, or reoperations were reported. Conclusion Our preliminary experience suggested that the new RUBINA (TM) technology was very effective to perform ICG-FC during LC in pediatric patients. The advantages of this technology include the possibility to overlay the ICG-NIRF data onto the standard white light image and provide surgeons a constant fluorescence imaging of the target anatomy to assess position of critical biliary structures or presence of anatomical anomalies and safely perform the operation