Does thoracoscopic congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair cause a significant intraoperative acidosis when compared to an open abdominal approach?

Purpose: Thoracoscopic congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair is increasingly reported. A significant intraoperative acidosis secondary to the pneumocarbia, as well as an increased recurrence rate, are possible concerns. Our aim was to review our early experience of the technique.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive pediatric population leads to an increase in minor complications.

Aim: The development of effective multiple drug regimens for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are associated with nonadherence in children. HIV-positive children also have a higher incidence of malnutrition. Placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a potential solution.

Health-related quality of life in children with achalasia.

Aims: To assess self-reported QoL in children with achalasia aged 5-18 and compare this with both disease and healthy control children in a prospective study.

Methods: All children diagnosed with achalasia at one hospital were asked to participate in this study by completing the self-report module of the validated PedsQL™ generic QoL assessment. All children attending a tertiary paediatric gastroenterology clinic from February 2009 to May 2009 with chronic constipation or inflammatory bowel disease were asked to participate in this study as disease controls.