Anatomical Variations of the External Genitalia in Posterior Cloaca: Clinical Consequences of Misdiagnosis-A Systematic Review of the Literature and the ARM-Net Consortium Experience.

Purpose:  All types of cloacal malformations may be associated with anatomic variations of the external genitalia, including hypoplasia of the labia minora and enlarged clitoris; these variations could be even higher in posterior cloacas (PCs). If a careful physical examination is not performed, patients may be misdiagnosed with ambiguous genitalia (AG), leading to subsequent unnecessary testing, surgeries, or even wrong gender assignment. The aim was to analyze data of patients with PC within the ARM-Net registry, focusing on the description of the genitalia, gender assignment, and its consequences.

Esophageal Atresia and Gastric Ectopic Pancreas: Is There a Real Association?

Objective:  Heterotopic pancreas (HP) is a condition in which there is well-differentiated pancreatic tissue that lacks any anatomic or vascular contact with the pancreatic gland. It normally arises from the stomach but can be found in other locations. Although it is usually asymptomatic, obstructive symptoms, bleeding, or malignant degeneration can occur.

Inter- and Intraobserver Variation in the Assessment of Preoperative Colostograms in Male Anorectal Malformations: An ARM-Net Consortium Survey.

Male patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) are classified according to presence and level of the recto-urinary fistula. This is traditionally established by a preoperative high-pressure distal colostogram that may be variably interpreted by different surgeons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intraobserver variation in the assessment by pediatric surgeons of preoperative colostograms with respect to the level of the recto-urinary fistula.

Transesophageal echocardiography during pectus excavatum correction in children: What happens to the heart?

Objectives: Cardiac compression in pectus excavatum remains difficult to evaluate. We describe the findings with intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography during pectus excavatum correction in pediatric patients.

Methods: We studied right heart changes during surgical correction of pectus excavatum by transesophageal echocardiograph.

Thoracoscopic Bullectomy for Persistent Air Leak in a 14-Year-Old Child with COVID-19 Bilateral Pulmonary Disease.

Thoracic surgery in children with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pulmonary disease is rare, as very limited virus-related lung lesions require intervention. However, some patients may suffer from other pulmonary abnormalities that can be worsened by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and they may consequently require lung surgery. COVID-19 affects the indications, surgical procedure, and postsurgical care of these patients.

Anorectal malformations and perineal hemangiomas: The Arm-Net Consortium experience.

Aim: Perineal hemangiomas rarely occur in patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs), but they can pose a significant challenge and warrant special attention. Surgical incision of posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) may involve the hemangioma site resulting in hemorrhage, damage to blood supply, leading to complications and adversely affecting outcome. The aim of this study was to review the experience of the ARM-Net Consortium in the management of perineal hemangioma associated with ARM and evaluate treatment strategies.

New Methods for Imaging Evaluation of Chest Wall Deformities.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to describe the development of an external 3-dimensional (3D) scanner as a noninvasive method for imaging chest wall deformities. It allows objective assessment, reconstruction of the area of interest, and evaluation of the severity of the deformity by using external indexes.

External 3d Scanning System: The OrtenBodyOne scanner (Orten, Lyon, France) uses depth sensors to scan the entire 3D external body surface of a patient.

Two-Port Laparoscopic Descending Colostomy with Separated Stomas for Anorectal Malformations in Newborns.

 We describe a two-port laparoscopic technique to create a colostomy in the descending colon with separated stomas for newborns with anorectal malformations.  Six patients with an anorectal malformation underwent this procedure in the early-neonatal period. The surgical technique was performed with two ports, which allows for an accurate inspection of the abdominal contents.