Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children with sickle cell anemia and the role of ERCP.

Background: Patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have a high incidence of cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis. This report is an analysis of our experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for children with SCA and the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Patients And Methods: The records of children with SCA who had cholecystectomy were retrospectively reviewed for age, sex, hemoglobin level, hemoglobin electrophoresis, indication for cholecystectomy, operative time, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic-assisted versus open repair of Morgagni hernia in infants and children.

Background: Morgagni hernia is rare and represents less than 5% of all congenital diaphragmatic hernias. The defect is repaired either by conventional open surgery or laparoscopically. The aim of this study was to compare the conventional open technique with the laparoscopic-assisted repair of Morgagni hernia.

Bilateral congenital Morgagni-Larrey's hernia.

Background: Congenital Morgagni-Larrey's hernia (CMLH) is rare and known to be associated with a high incidence of bilaterality and associated anomalies. This study aimed to review our patients with bilateral CMLH and evaluate their presentation, associated anomalies, diagnostic difficulties and therapy.

Methods: From January 1989 to December 2007, we treated 8 children with bilateral CMLH at our hospital.

Laparoscopic splenectomy and/or cholecystectomy for children with sickle cell disease.

Background: In 1991, Delaitre reported the first laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). Since then LS has become the procedure of choice to treat hematological diseases requiring splenectomy. The Eastern province of Saudi Arabia is known to have a high incidence of hemoglobinopathies including sickle cell disease (SCD), which is known to be associated with complications necessitating splenectomy and/or cholecystectomy.

Salmonella as a causative organism of various infections in patients with sickle cell disease.

Background: Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are susceptible to a variety of bacterial infections, including infections caused by Salmonella species. We sought to identify the most common infections caused by Salmonella spp. in SCD patients at our hospital, and to determine their mortality rates and susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobial agents.

Massive splenic infarction in Saudi patients with sickle cell anemia: a unique manifestation.

Splenic infarcts are common in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA), but these are usually small and repetitive, leading ultimately to autosplenectomy. Massive splenic infarcts on the other hand are extremely rare. This is a report of our experience with 8 (4 males and 4 females) cases of massive splenic infarction in patients with SCA.