Expanding intestinal segment using osmotic hydrogel: An in vivo study.

Intestinal circumferential expansion is essential for bowel lengthening in patients with Short Bowel Syndrome. We hypothesized use of an endoluminal osmotic hydrogel expander (EOHE) as a novel approach for intestinal expansion. An EOHE was introduced into an isolated intestinal segment of New Zealand rabbits, with a similar segment created as a control.

Central venous catheter placement in children with thrombocytopenia.

Background: The use of central venous catheter (CVC) is essential in the management of chronically ill children. Thrombocytopenia is a common hematological finding in these patients, with an increased risk of bleeding during the insertion of CVC. No clear guidelines are reported regarding the CVC positioning in patients with disorders of hemostasis, and prophylactic platelet (PLT) transfusions are still controversial.

Complete Resolution of Retroperitoneal Lymphangioma with a Single Trial of OK-432 in an Infant.

Retroperitoneal lymphangioma is extremely rare. Although these neoplasms are benign, they can grow progressively with subsequent compression and infiltration of the adjacent structures. Surgical excision is demanding when the lesion surrounds vital structures and it is generally fraught with a high recurrence and morbidity rate.

Antenatal ultrasonographic features associated with segmental small bowel dilatation: an unusual neonatal condition mimicking congenital small bowel obstruction.

Segmental dilatation of the intestine (SDI) is an unusual condition presenting during the neonatal period, with symptoms of obstruction. Late diagnosed cases are also reported. The clinical polymorphism, and the lack of specificity of radiological investigations, make diagnosis difficult.

Extrinsic colonic obstruction by congenital fibrous band in an infant.

The finding of a congenital fibrous band during laparotomy for intestinal obstruction is extremely rare. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging and no characteristic radiological findings have been described. We report the case of a premature baby in whom incomplete intestinal obstruction was due to a congenital band originating from the duodeno-jejunal flexure and extending across the ascending colon.

Preventing posterior sagittal anoplasty 'cripples' in areas with limited medical resources: a few modifications to surgical approach in anorectal malformations.

Background: Anorectal malformations (ARM) are the most common neonatal emergencies in Sub-Saharan Africa countries. Late presentation, lack of pediatric facilities and trained paediatric surgeons influence the outcome of these patients. This study reports a 5-year of experience in the management of ARM at the Orotta Referral Hospital in Asmara (Eritrea) and proposes some modified surgical approaches to minimize the risk of complications and the length of hospital stay.

Successful management of congenital chylous ascites with early octreotide and total parenteral nutrition in a newborn.

Congenital chylous ascites (CCA) is a rare disease that results from maldevelopment of the intra-abdominal lymphatic system. Few cases have been described and no gold standard treatment has been defined so far. Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, has been used for the treatment of CCA, but always after a failed conservative approach with fasting, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or medium chain triglyceride (MCT) feeds.

Intradiaphragmatic hybrid lesion in an infant: case report.

Hybrid lesions have elements of both congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation and bronchopulmonary sequestration. We report an unusual case of an infant treated for an intradiaphragmatic hybrid lesion. Although computed tomography remains the criterion standard imaging examination for planning the operation, the exact localization of such lesions may be discovered only at surgical exploration.

Jejunoileal Atresia: Factors Affecting the Outcome and Long-term Sequelae.

Context: Jejunoileal atresia (JIA) is a common abnormality. The outcome is conditioned by several variables. Nutritional problems, and long-term sequelae are described among those who survive.

Promoting major pediatric surgical care in a low-income country: a 4-year experience in Eritrea.

Background: Access to pediatric surgical care in many sub-Saharan African countries is strongly limited by lack of medical facilities, adequate transport system, and trained medical and nursing manpower. The mortality rate for major congenital abnormalities remains extremely elevated in this area of the world. Strong efforts have been spent during the past decades to elevate the level of pediatric surgery standards in these countries through cooperation programs acting through periodical medical missions or supporting local medical teaching institutions.

Fetal abdominal lymphangioma enhanced by ultrafast MRI.

Abdominal lymphangioma represents an uncommon congenital anomaly. Herein, we describe an unusual case, which on routine antenatal ultrasonography masqueraded as isolated ascites. Subsequent fetal MRI at 27 weeks' gestation implemented antenatal assessment of the lesion, prompting further investigations and straightforward postnatal treatment.