Routine whole spine magnetic resonance imaging for patients with anorectal malformations.

To evaluate the necessity of performing whole spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as opposed to solely lumbosacral MRI for detecting high-level spinal lesions (in the brain, cervical, or thoracic spine) in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM). This retrospective cohort study included 69 patients treated for ARM at a medical center between January 2011 and January 2022. Before March 2021, lumbosacral MRI was used for patients with ARM.

Pediatric Emergent Peritoneal Dialysis in Intensive Care Units: Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes.

Introduction: This study aimed to identify risk factors affecting outcomes in pediatric patients requiring emergent peritoneal dialysis (PD) for all causes, focusing on survival rates, kidney function recovery, PD duration, complications, and quality of life.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on medical records of pediatric patients who received emergent bedside PD in the intensive care unit from January 2010 to February 2023. Thirty-four catheters were placed, with demographic, preoperative, and procedural data collected.

Impact of COVID-19 on pediatric surgical practice in Taiwan: a comprehensive analysis.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global healthcare systems, causing significant disruptions in various medical practices. This study focuses on the specific effects of the pandemic on pediatric surgical practice in Taiwan, a region known for its effective public health measures and proximity to the initial outbreak.

Methods: The study analyzes data from January 2020 to August 2022, comparing it with historical records from January 2017 to August 2019.

Secondary Carnitine Deficiency in Neonates and Infants Requiring Surgery for Intestinal Obstructions-An Underestimated and Undermanaged Problem.

This study aims to elucidate the relationship between intestinal obstruction and carnitine deficiency in neonates and infants. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 330 neonates and infants, younger than six months, who underwent surgery for intestinal obstruction at our institute from January 2009 to April 2022. The analysis focused on clinical symptoms, related signs, complications, and etiology of the intestinal obstruction.

Back to the basics-risk factor identification of pediatric malignant lymphadenopathy proven by pathological studies.

Purpose: Lymphadenopathy (LAP) is a common problem in the pediatric patient. History, physical examinations (PE), ultrasounds, and blood tests were often obtained while studying such lesions. Malignancy should be highly suspected in certain conditions.

Successful rescue pneumovesicoscopic surgery for post-Deflux vesicoureteral junction obstruction.

Background: Vesicoureteral junction (VUJ) obstruction after Deflux subureteral injection for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is rare and minimally invasive management has not been reported. This work investigated the patients who underwent Deflux injection for VUR and identified those with subsequent VUJ obstruction.

Methods: Medical records of matched patients from October 2003 to March 2022 were reviewed, and parameters were retrospectively studied.

Video-Assisted Rigid Endoscopic Laser Ablation for Endobronchial Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma in Pediatrics Without Pulmonary Resections.

Introduction: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a rare malignancy of primary endobronchial lesions in children. Early diagnosis is crucial for the disease, but it is often misdiagnosed as asthma or lung infection. Chest computed tomography and bronchoscopy are the most important diagnostic tools.

The Optimal Primary Treatment for Pediatric Perianal Abscess and Anal Fistula: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Perianal abscesses and anal fistulas are common. The principle of intention-to-treat has not been considered in previous systemic reviews. Thus, the comparison between primary and post-recurrence management was confused, and the recommendation of primary treatment is obscure.

Home Parenteral Nutrition for Children: What Are the Factors Indicating Dependence and Mortality?

Parenteral nutrition (PN) in children with short bowel syndrome is crucial and lifesaving. Taking care of such patients requires interprofessional practice and multiple team resource management. Home PN (HPN) usage allows patients and families to live regular lives outside hospitals.

The incidence and factors of hip fractures and subsequent morbidity in Taiwan: An 11-year population-based cohort study.

Hip fractures are a major problem to elder population, but subsequent morbidity is unclear about environmental factors and socioeconomic conditions. The study aims to investigate the incidence of hip fractures treated by the surgery; to compare the sequelae and temporal trends of hip fractures; to evaluate the seasonal effects in the subsequent short-term and long-term morbidities after hip fractures. A cohort study design is conducted using national health research datasets between 2000 and 2010.

Reconsideration of Laparoscopic Kasai Operation for Biliary Atresia.

Introduction: Minimal invasive surgery for all kinds of surgical diseases had been practiced for years. The laparoscopic Kasai operation is one of the most challenging procedures and remains controversial for treating biliary atresia (BA).

Purpose: This work presented the initial experience of our Institute and compared the outcomes of open and laparoscopic Kasai operations for BA.

Perioperative parameter analysis of neonates and infants receiving laparoscopic surgery.

Background: The field of laparoscopic surgery in neonates or younger infants has benefitted from recent progress. This study aimed to determine the correlation between patient characteristics and perioperative parameters, and to explore the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery in neonates and infants.

Methods: We retrospectively collected and analyzed data on neonates and infants who received laparoscopic surgery at our institute between January 2007 and August 2015.

Chylothorax after left side pneumothorax surgery managed by OK-432 pleurodesis: an effective alternative.

Chylothorax, a relatively rare complication of thoracic surgery, mostly occurs on the right side. We present a 16-year-old male who received thoracoscopic surgery for left spontaneous pneumothorax. Chylothorax developed on the postoperative 2(nd) day and resolved after diet control on the 4(th) day.

An omental abscess mimicking an intra-abdominal tumor.

Here, we report the case of a 12-year-old boy who presented with intermittent lower abdominal pain; subsequently, an intra-abdominal mass found by abdominal ultrasound. Initially, an intra-abdominal tumor was suspected according to the results of the physical examinations, laboratory data, and imaging studies. A surgical excision was performed, and pathological examination revealed an omental abscess without evidence of intestinal perforation or a residual foreign body.

Hybrid combination of small subxiphoid incision and thoracoscopic thymectomy for juvenile myasthenia gravis.

Background/purpose: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that usually responds positively to treatment with thymectomy. Various approaches via video-assisted thoracic thymectomy as a substitute for conventional sternotomy have been reported. We reported a less invasive technique for thymectomy in pediatric groups.

Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver in a 5-year-old girl.

Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver is a benign tumor that usually affects young women. Traditionally, its treatment in children has been conservative. As a result of its rarity in childhood, its differential diagnosis with other liver tumors is challenging.

Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children with Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid-A Single Surgeon's 6-Year Experience.

Endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) has become an established alternative to long-term antibiotic prophylaxis and ureteral reimplantation. We present the outcome of endoscopic treatment with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux) for VUR in children by a single surgeon at our institute from October 2003 to October 2009. We reviewed the cases of 150 patients (total 239 ureters), 56 girls (37%) and 94 boys (63%), with a mean age of 2.

Pediatric liver tumors: initial presentation, image finding and outcome.

Background: Few reports have been carried out on the characteristics of pediatric liver tumors.

Methods: A retrospective study of 57 patients diagnosed with liver tumors from 1989 through 2004 was conducted. They were classified into groups; 10 benign, 33 primary malignant and 14 metastatic liver tumors.