Fatih Akbiyik

Clinical Experience in Hypospadias: Results of Tubularized Incised Plate in 496 Patients

OBJECTIVES To review the tubularized incised plate, a recently popularized technique, and provide outcomes. METHODS From January 2000 to December 2006, 496 patients underwent the tubularized incised plate technique for hypospadias at our clinic. The patient age range was 6 months to 14 years. The postoperative follow-up time was 2 years (range 6 months to 3 years). The patients underwent the technique as described by Snodgrass, with some small technical modifications. The patients were hospitalized for 10 days postoperatively, with a urethral stent in place. RESULTS Of the 496 patients, 48 experienced 53 complications. The most frequent complication was meatal stenosis (n = 27, 5%), followed by urethrocutaneous fistula (n = 25, 5%). Dehiscence was noted in 1 patient (0% of 496 patients and 2% of the 48 patients with complications). Initially, the fistula occurrence rate was 11% and 4% for all 496 and the 48 patients with complications, respectively, which had decreased to 3% and 8% in the most recent 3 years. During the study period, some technical modifications have applied, with a resulting decrease in the complication rates. Complications occurred in 48 patients (9%), of whom 25 required surgical repair (5% of 496 patients). CONCLUSIONS The tubularized incised plate technique is a surgical method that can be applied to most hypospadias anomalies. Increasing clinical experience and minor additions to the technique have enhanced our success with this method.

External Genital Proportions in Prepubertal Girls: A Morphometric Reference for Female Genitoplasty

PURPOSE An understanding of normal genital anatomy is essential for a successful surgical approach and outcome in feminizing genitoplasty. We sought to establish genital standards in female children through external genital measurements taken from the end of the neonatal period until the beginning of adolescence. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study included 205 females who were anesthetized for surgery for various diagnoses between January 2007 and March 2008. Patient age ranged from 1 month to 10 years. Patients were divided into 4 age groups-1 to 12, 13 to 24, 25 to 60 and 61 to 120 months. Information on patient age, height, weight and, for patients younger than 1 year, head circumference was retrieved from patient charts. Measurements of clitoris length, clitoris width, labia majora length, left and right labia minora length and width, and perineal distance were recorded. RESULTS Specific equations were generated using these values to estimate the expected external genital structure dimensions in girls. Length of labia majora vs age, length of labia majora vs body weight, perineal distance vs body weight, clitoral width vs body weight and clitoral length vs age reference percentile curves were prepared. CONCLUSIONS The equations and percentile curves generated can be used as a guide in prospective feminizing genitoplasty. Furthermore, patients and their families can be informed regarding the variability of external genitalia dimensions. This information should ensure a healthier appreciation of the postoperative genitalia by patients and their families.

Type 1 sirenomelia in one of male twins, with imperforate anus in the other male twin.

The etiology of sirenomelia sequence is still obscure. The role of maternal diabetes and a vascular steal phenomenon have been discussed [Gürakan et al. (1996) Turk J Pediatr 38:393-397]. Discordant monozygotic twin sirenomelia has been commonly reported but only rarely in dizygotic twins. The family of the presented twins had a high risk of diabetes mellitus. One of the twins has type 1 sirenomelia and the other had only an imperforate anus.

From a branchial fistula to a branchiootorenal syndrome: a case report and review of the literature.

Branchial abnormalities constitute 32% to 45% of all neck pathologies in children. They may be a part of branchiootorenal (BOR) syndrome, which is characterized by branchial arch anomalies, preauricular pits, hearing impairment, and renal malformations. Typically, the management of a branchial fistula does not necessarily require an extensive diagnostic workup. However, in patients with a branchial fistula associated with external ear anomalies on physical examination and/or a history of hearing loss and a similar history and findings in other family members, an additional workup should be performed to eliminate the possibility of BOR syndrome. The aim of this report is to make pediatric surgeons aware of the BOR syndrome in patients presenting with branchial arch anomalies.

A comparison of polymer clips and endoloop applications for securing the appendiceal stump during laparoscopic surgery in children.

Introduction: In this study, for the first time in children a polymer clip and endoloop (EL) for securing an appendiceal stump have been prospectively correlated and evaluated radiologically. Methods: Forty-nine patients aged 1 to 15 years were operated upon by the same surgeon for acute or perforated appendicitis between May 2008 and May 2009. The appendiceal stump was ligated by an EL or polymer clip. Patients were radiologically evaluated during the postoperative period. Results: In the EL group, the mean operating time for perforated appendicitis was recorded as 57.40 minutes and in nonperforated appendicitis as 39.37 minutes, respectively. In the clips-applied group, these periods were 48.23 and 34.72 minutes, respectively. Clip application is 3 times cheaper than EL. Conclusions: Polymer clip is an instrument that is cheaper, safe, easily applicable, and takes less time for securing appendiceal stumps compared with EL.

Laparoscopic cystectomy for splenic hydatid cyst: a case report

Even in countries where it is considered endemic, splenic hydatid cyst is a very rare disease in childhood. Partial or total splenectomy has generally been the treatment of choice for this condition. This is the first report of laparoscopic cystectomy as treatment of isolated splenic hydatid cyst in childhood. A 10-year-old girl with isolated splenic hydatid cyst was successfully treated by laparoscopic cystectomy and splenic preservation. The authors have demonstrated that laparoscopic cystectomy for an isolated splenic hydatid cyst is technically feasible, safe, and is associated with a shorter hospital stay and good cosmetic appearance.

Closing the appendicular stump with a polymeric clip in laparoscopic appendectomy: analysis of 121 pediatric patients.

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and other advantages of closing the appendicular stump with a polymeric clip in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). METHODS In this study, 121 pediatric patients who underwent LA between July 2009 and July 2011 were included. Age and gender of the patients, the number of clips, operative time and length of hospitalization, complications, and follow-up periods were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS Of appendicular stump of a total of 121 patients who were underwent LA, 71 were closed with double polymeric clips and 50 were closed with a single polymeric clip. Patients were between the ages of 3 and 15 years (mean 8.3 years). Out of the 121 patients, 54 were female and 67 were male. The duration of the operation was ranged from 13 to 55 minutes (mean 28 minutes). Of these, 83 patients were discharged in less than 24 hours. The cost of a single clip was 10 USD. The follow-up period of patients were ranged between 1 and 23 months (mean 13 months). No operative or postoperative complications occurred depending on the application of the polymeric clip. CONCLUSION LA using polymeric clip/s to close appendicular stump in children is a safe, feasible, and inexpensive method.

The use of digital photos and video images taken by a parent in the diagnosis of anal swelling and anal protrusions in children with normal physical examination

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that digital photos and video images taken by a parent can provide a definite diagnosis and makes some diagnostic procedures (eg, air contrast enema, sigmoidoscopy) unnecessary for anal swelling and anal protrusions in children with normal physical examination. METHODS In a 41-month period (September 2007-January 2011), 23 parents brought their children to the clinic, stating that they saw a swelling in the anal region and/or that something protruded from the anus while their children were defecating. If the visual inspection of the anal region and digital rectal examination of the patients were normal, parents were asked to take photos or record videos when the lesion occurred to make a diagnosis and avoid the need for air contrast enema and/or sigmoidoscopy. The parents were also asked either to send these images to the surgeon via e-mail or bring an image or the camera to the surgeons office. The patients age, sex, symptoms, medical history, results of their first physical examination, photos and video records, and the diagnosis and treatment were recorded. All of these information were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS The photos provided by 20 parents and the video records from 3 parents were assessed, and the diagnoses of all patients were confirmed. Of these 23 patients, a definitive diagnosis of rectal prolapse in 8, hemorrhoids in 10, rectal polyps in 3, and sentinel skin tag in 2 was made. In addition, the photographic and video evidence gave the clinicians an idea of the degree of rectal prolapse in patients for whom this was a problem. Three patients diagnosed with a rectal polyp underwent polyp excision. One patient with rectal prolapse who was unresponsive to medical treatment underwent laparoscopic posterior rectopexy, and all other patients received medical treatment. CONCLUSION When a swelling or protruding anal lesion in a child is discovered by parents and visual inspection of the anal region and digital rectal examination is normal, parents should be encouraged to take photos or videos of the anal region before performing air contrast enema and/or sigmoidoscopy. These photos and videos can provide a definitive diagnosis and prevent unnecessary diagnostic procedures.

The Evaluation of the Adrenal and Thyroid Axes and Glucose Metabolism after Burn Injury in Children

ABSTRACT Introduction: Burn injury is an important trauma and can cause many hormonal and metabolic changes in the human body. In contrast to the situation with adults, there are inadequate number of studies on children with this condition. Our aim in this study was to determine the changes in the adrenal, thyroid axes and glucose metabolism in the acute and subacute period and relation to the percent total body surface area (TBSA) burned in children with major burn injury. Patients and Method: A total of 90 hospitalized children aged 0-13 years (mean: 3.44±2.90 years) with major fluid burn injury were included in this study. Serum ACTH, cortisol, fasting glucose and insulin and thyroid hormones (free T3 and T4, TSH) were evaluated in the first 24 hours after the burn injury and on day 3 and month 3 consequently in all of the cases. An ACTH stimulation test was performed when necessary. Continuous variables were compared with analysis of variance and categorical variables were compared with the chi-square test. The Pearson correlation was used to determine the relation between ACTH and cortisol and between blood glucose and insulin (on day 1 and 3 and month 3). Also the correlation with the TBSA burned and the hormonal values were evaluated. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Findings: ACTH and Cortisol level increased in first 24 hours and decreased significantly by time. The change of ACTH and Cortisol level with time was significantly related to the TBSA burned. ACTH and cortisol levels were found significantly correlated in each time-point, but the correlation was highest in 3rd month. The glucose level in the first 24 hours was significantly higher than day 3 and month 3 levels in all of the children. There was again a significant increase in the serum insulin level in the first 24 hours. However there was no difference between day 1 and 3 serum insulin levels. A correlation was found between serum glucose and insulin on the first day but not on day 3 or month 3. Free T3 and T4 levels increased by time. Pairwise comparisons indicated that 1st day free T3 and T4 level was significantly lower than both 3rd day and 3rd month levels. Conclusion: ACTH, Cortisol and fasting blood glucose level increased significantly however serum insulin level was slightly higher in first 24 hours after burns in children. Thyroid hormones were found to be decreased acute period following burns but staying in normal levels.

Risk factors, complications and outcome of cholelithiasis in children: A retrospective, single-centre review

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical presentation, risk factors, complications, treatment and outcomes of cholelithiasis in children.