What's the best minimal invasive approach to pediatric nephrectomy and heminephrectomy: conventional laparoscopy (CL), single-site (LESS) or robotics (RAS)?

Background: Conventional laparoscopy (CL) using 3-5 mm ports has become the goldstandard for pediatric nephrectomy (N), heminephrectomy (HN) and heminephrecto-ureterectomy (HNU) for many years now. Recently the spectrum of minimal invasive surgery (MIS) has been extended by variants like laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) or robot-assisted surgery (RAS). However such technical developments tend to drive surgical euphoria and feasibility studies, but may miss adequate academic research about function and proven patients' benefits.

Gastroschisis-related complications requiring further surgical interventions.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of gastroschisis-related complications (GRCs) after closure of the abdominal wall defect, with a focus on frequency, type and timing of required surgical interventions, and to identify the impact of these on further outcome.

Methods: All gastroschisis patients treated from 1975 to 2008 in a tertiary-level center were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical procedures for GRCs following abdominal wall closure of simple gastroschisis [SG (intact continuous bowel)] and complex gastroschisis [CG (additional gastrointestinal malformations)] were compared, and outcomes were determined.

Minimal access treatment of pectus carinatum: a preliminary report.

Background: Unlike the minimal access repair of pectus excavatum (PE), a minimal access repair of pectus carinatum (PC) has not been established. This initial experience reports the correction of PC using a minimal access technique in five patients.

Methods: The procedure was performed by insertion of a pectus bar through either bilateral or only left midaxillary incision.