Recovery after open versus laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis: a double-blind multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Background: A laparoscopic approach to pyloromyotomy for infantile pyloric stenosis has gained popularity but its effectiveness remains unproven. We aimed to compare outcomes after open or laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for the treatment of pyloric stenosis.

Methods: We did a multicentre international, double-blind, randomised, controlled trial between June, 2004, and May, 2007, across six tertiary paediatric surgical centres.

The timing of delivery of infants with gastroschisis influences outcome.

Background: The delayed onset of intestinal function in children with gastroschisis may be because of the injurious effects of amniotic fluid on the exposed bowel. This has led to consideration of early delivery to minimize intestinal damage and improve outcome, although this has not been carefully evaluated. The authors hypothesized that timing of delivery influences outcome in children with gastroschisis, and sought to evaluate the relative impact of factors that predict outcome in this disease.

The influence of Down's syndrome on the management and outcome of children with Hirschsprung's disease.

Background: Children with Down's syndrome (DS) have a reportedly poorer outcome after treatment of Hirschsprung's disease (HD) compared with control children. Because of overall improvements in their management, the authors hypothesized that the diagnosis of DS would not influence outcome after the management of HD.

Methods: Consecutive children with HD (1995 through 2002) were collected prospectively then divided retrospectively into those with DS and controls (C).