Sergio B. Sesia

Intraoperative Use of the Vacuum Bell for Elevating the Sternum During the Nuss Procedure

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the routine use of the vacuum bell for elevating the sternum during minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) (the Nuss procedure). SUBJECTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective evaluation of a prospective database including all patients who underwent MIRPE at our institution between 2005 and 2010. Data included the patients demographic characteristics, age at surgery, gender, Haller index, duration of surgery, and intraoperative complications. RESULTS Fifty patients from 9 to 28 years old (average, 14.95 years) were observed, including 39 males and 11 females. The preoperative Haller index was between 3.25 and 7.4 (average, 5.05). Mean duration of surgery was 58 minutes (range, 45-92 minutes). The use of the vacuum bell led to a clear elevation of the sternum as confirmed by thoracoscopy. Advancement of the pectus introducer and placement of the pectus bar were safe, successful, and uneventful in all patients. No cardial and/or pericardial lesion was noted as well as no lesion of the mammary vessels. CONCLUSIONS The intraoperative use of the vacuum bell during the MIRPE is safe and effective as it facilitates the retrosternal dissection and the insertion of the pectus bar. If available, we recommend the routine use of this device for MIRPE.

Laparoscopy-assisted single-port appendectomy in children: is the postoperative infectious complication rate different?

AIM In childhood, laparoscopy-assisted single-port appendectomy (SPA), including the advantages of open and laparoscopic surgery, is not widely used. However, there is debate whether the retrieval of the infected appendix via the umbilicus results in a higher infection rate compared with other laparoscopic or open techniques. The aim of the study was to determine the postoperative infection rate and possible risk factors for infection after SPA in children. METHODS For this retrospective study, case notes of all children (n = 262) who underwent SPA between August 2005 and December 2008 were reviewed. Those children in whom the preoperative ultrasonography revealed suspected perforation were excluded from SPA and subsequently underwent open surgery. SPA was performed using a 12-mm trocar with one 5-mm working channel, introduced through a sub-umbilical incision. After grasping the appendix with atraumatic forceps, the appendix was exteriorized through the umbilicus and dissected outside the abdominal cavity as in open surgery. Preoperatively, each patient received one dose of Metronidazole and Cefuroxime, and the umbilicus was cleaned in particular. RESULTS Of the 262 children who underwent SPA, 146 were boys (55.7%) and 116 girls (44.3%). Median age at operation was 11.4 years (range, 1.1-15.9). Six obese (with a body mass index greater than the 95th percentile) children (2.3%) developed intra-abdominal abscess after perforated appendicitis that was treated with a course of antibiotics. One child required revisional surgery and drainage. The median length of antibiotic treatment was 3 days (range, 0-15). CONCLUSION In our institution, SPA is the method of choice for appendectomy in children with acute appendicitis, in whom preoperative ultrasound does not reveal signs of perforation. The infection rate (2.7%) after SPA is not increased compared with other laparoscopic or open techniques. Overweight (body mass index greater than the 95th percentile) and perforated appendicitis seem to increase the risk of postoperative infectious complications.

Anti-Inflammatory/Tissue Repair Macrophages Enhance the Cartilage-Forming Capacity of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Macrophages are key players in healing processes. However, little is known on their capacity to modulate the differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC). Here we investigated whether macrophages (Mf) with, respectively, pro‐inflammatory and tissue‐remodeling traits differentially modulate chondrogenesis of bone marrow derived‐MSC (BM‐MSC). We demonstrated that coculture in collagen scaffolds of BM‐MSC with Mf derived from monocytes polarized with M‐CSF (M‐Mf), but not with GM‐CSF (GM‐Mf) resulted in significantly higher glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content than what would be expected from an equal number of BM‐MSC alone (defined as chondro‐induction). Moreover, type II collagen was expressed at significantly higher levels in BM‐MSC/M‐Mf as compared to BM‐MSC/GM‐Mf constructs, while type X collagen expression was unaffected. In order to understand the possible cellular mechanism accounting for chondro‐induction, developing monoculture and coculture tissues were digested and the properties of the isolated BM‐MSC analysed. We observed that as compared to monocultures, in coculture with M‐Mf, BM‐MSC decreased less markedly in number and exhibited higher clonogenic and chondrogenic capacity. Despite their chondro‐inductive effect in vitro, M‐Mf did not modulate the cartilage tissue maturation in subcutaneous pockets of nude mice, as evidenced by similar accumulation of type X collagen and calcified tissue. Our results demonstrate that coculture of BM‐MSC with M‐Mf results in synergistic cartilage tissue formation in vitro. Such effect seems to result from the survival of BM‐MSC with high chondrogenic capacity. Studies in an orthotopic in vivo model are necessary to assess the clinical relevance of our findings in the context of cartilage repair. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1258–1269, 2015.

Neurogenic appendicopathy: clinical, macroscopic, and histopathological presentation in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND The proliferation of nerve fibers in the appendix, in association with an increase of the neuropeptides such as vasoactive intestinal peptide and substance P characterizes neurogenic appendicopathy (NA), which may mimic the symptoms of acute appendicitis (AA). It may be difficult to differentiate this little known distinct pathological entity clinically from AA. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology, clinical signs, and histological description of NA in pediatric patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS After institutional review board approval, all appendiceal specimens from children who underwent appendectomy between February 2006 and December 2008 were analyzed. Analysis included age, gender, clinical symptoms, blood tests, intraoperative macroscopic assessment of the appendix, and the histopathological type of NA. NA was diagnosed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and /or S-100 immunochemistry and then classified into different histopathological groups. RESULTS Of the 385 appendix specimens examined, 29 (7.5%) met the histopathological criteria of NA. The median duration of abdominal pain was 2 days (range, 1 to 7). The surgeon characterized the appendix as follows: not inflamed in 5 (17.2%), acute in 17 (58.6%), phlegmonous in 4 (13.8%), and perforated in 3 patients (10.4%). Histopathological diagnosis of NA classified the specimen as axial neuroma in 2 (7%), mucosal in 12 (41%), and submucosal in 15 cases (52%). CONCLUSION NA is a relatively common diagnosis in children. NA must be considered in patients with recurrent right lower quadrant pain or signs of AA, even if intraoperative findings are normal. For these patients, we recommend appendectomy and consideration of a subsequent histopathological workup.

Vacuum bell therapy

BACKGROUND For specific therapy to correct pectus excavatum (PE), conservative treatment with the vacuum bell (VB) was introduced more than 10 years ago in addition to surgical repair. Preliminary results using the VB were encouraging. We report on our 13-year experience with the VB treatment including the intraoperative use during the Nuss procedure and present some technical innovations. METHODS A VB with a patient-activated hand pump is used to create a vacuum at the anterior chest wall. Three different sizes of vacuum bells, as well as a model fitted for young women, exist. The appropriate size is selected according to the individual patients age and ventral surface. The device should be used at home for a minimum of 30 minutes (twice a day), and may be used up to a maximum of several hours daily. The intensity of the applied negative pressure can be evaluated with an integrated pressure gauge during follow-up visits. A prototype of an electronic model enables us to measure the correlation between the applied negative pressure and the elevation of the anterior chest wall. RESULTS Since 2003, approx. 450 patients between 2 to 61 years of age started the VB therapy. Age and gender specific differences, depth of PE, symmetry or asymmetry, and concomitant malformations such as scoliosis and/or kyphosis influence the clinical course and success of VB therapy. According to our experience, we see three different groups of patients. Immediate elevation of the sternum was confirmed thoracoscopically during the Nuss procedure in every patient. CONCLUSIONS The VB therapy has been established as an alternative therapeutic option in selected patients suffering from PE. The initial results up to now are encouraging, but long-term results comprising more than 15 years are so far lacking, and further evaluation and follow-up studies are necessary.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Single-Port Appendectomy in Children: It Is a Safe and Cost-Effective Alternative to Conventional Laparoscopic Techniques?

Aim. Laparoscopic-assisted single-port appendectomy (SPA), although combining the advantages of open and conventional laparoscopic surgery, is still not widely used in childhood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and the cost effectiveness of SPA in children. Methods. After institutional review board approval, we retrospectively evaluated 262 children who underwent SPA. The appendix was dissected outside the abdominal cavity as in open surgery. For stump closure, we used two 3/0 vicryl RB-1 sutures. Results. We identified 146 boys (55.7%) and 116 girls (44.3%). Median age at operation was 11.4 years (range, 1.1–15.9). Closure of the appendiceal stump using two sutures (cost: USD 15) was successful in all patients. Neither a stapler (cost: USD 276) nor endoloops (cost: USD 89) were used. During a follow-up of up to 69 months (range, 30–69), six obese children (2.3%, body mass index >95th percentile) developed an intra-abdominal abscess after perforated appendicitis. No insufficiency of the appendiceal stump was observed by ultrasound. Five of them were treated successfully by antibiotics, one child required drainage. Conclusion. The SPA technique with conventional extracorporal closure of the appendiceal stump is safe and cost effective. In our unit, SPA is the standard procedure for appendectomy in children.

Non-surgical treatment of pectus excavatum

BACKGROUND Previously used procedures to correct pectus excavatum (PE) were largely based on surgical techniques like Ravitch procedure or the minimally invasive Nuss technique. Conservative treatment with the vacuum bell (VB) to elevate the funnel in patients with PE, represents a potential alternative to surgery in selected patients. METHODS A suction cup is used to create a vacuum at the anterior chest wall. Three different sizes as well as a model fitted for young women of VB exist which are selected according to the individual patients age. A patient-activated hand pump is used to create a vacuum at the anterior chest wall. When creating the vacuum, the lift of the sternum is obvious and remains for a different time period. The device should be used for a minimum of 30 minutes (2/day), and may be used up to a maximum of several hours daily. We have an IRB approval for it. Since this paper was conducted as a retrospective study, we did not have to have informed consent of every patient. RESULTS CT-scans showed that the device lifted the sternum and ribs immediately. In addition, this was confirmed thoracoscopically during the MIRPE procedure. Preliminary results published within the last 10 years proved to be successful. CONCLUSIONS The VB has been established as an alternative therapeutic option in selected patients suffering from PE. The initial results proved to be dramatic, but long-term results comprising more than 15 years are so far lacking, and further evaluation and follow-up studies are necessary.

The Distal Forearm Region - Ultrasonographic Anatomy in Children and Adolescents

Johannes M. Mayr1,*, Wolfgang Grechenig2, Ursula Seebacher3, Andreas Fette3, Andreas H. Weiglein4 and Sergio Sesia1 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Basel, Basel, 2Medical University of Graz, Graz, Department of Traumatology 3Medical University of Graz, Department of Pediatric Surgery 4Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Graz, Graz 1Switzerland 2,3,4Austria

Late-presenting diaphragmatic hernia associated with intrathoracic kidney: tachypnoea as unique clinical sign.

Intrathoracic renal ectopia associated with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia represents a very rare congenital malformation. The incidence of intrathoracic renal ectopia with congenital diaphragmatic hernia is reported to be less than 0.25%. The authors report on a 5-month-old female infant with late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia associated with a left-sided intrathoracic ectopic kidney and adrenal gland. While prenatal ultrasound showed no pathology, the postnatal ultrasound assumed a left-sided renal agenesia. After recurrent episodes of tachypnoea, a chest x-ray confirmed the diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia which was repaired without complications. Intraoperatively, intrathoracic ectopic kidney was diagnosed. The authors discuss embryogenesis, the diagnostic algorithm and therapy as well as follow-up of this rare malformation.

Annular pancreas associated with duodenal obstruction.

A preterm neonate weighing 1360 g was born at 33+2 weeks’ gestation with severe polyhydramnios. She was transferred, directly after delivery, to our neonatal intensive care unit presenting with distended upper abdomen and vomiting. A plain film of the abdomen (figure 1) was performed with the suspicion of duodenal atresia and showed a markedly distended …