Transumbilical pyloromyotomy with umbilicoplasty provides ease of access and excellent cosmetic results.

Background/purpose: Cosmesis is considered one of the key reasons to perform pyloromyotomies through the umbilicus. We describe the results of pyloromyotomy using a supraumbilical incision with umbilicoplasty that allows ease of mobilization of the pylorus and excellent cosmetic results.

Methods: The charts of all patients undergoing transumbilical pyloromyotomy with umbilicoplasty from 2002 to 2006 were retrospectively reviewed.

Patent ductus arteriosus ligation in neonates: preoperative predictors of poor postoperative outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify preoperative predictors of adverse outcomes in infants undergoing surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Methods: Charts of all neonates who underwent PDA ligation at Texas Children's Hospital (Houston, TX) between 2001 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed with specific attention to preoperative clinical characteristics, echocardiographic details, operative morbidity, and postoperative outcomes. Infants with other cardiac anomalies or right-to-left or bidirectional PDA shunt were excluded.

Thoracoscopic excision of an intrathoracic mesothelial cyst in a child.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to highlight the unique case of an intrathoracic mesothelial cyst in a 5-year-old child that was treated with a thoracoscopic resection.

Background: Mesothelial cysts are benign cysts lined by a single layer of mesothelial cells. These rare lesions can be found on, or adjacent to, serous membranes but are only occasionally located within the thorax.

Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma in children.

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of changes in the diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma in a pediatric population.

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of all children who had resection of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma at a major children's hospital since 1968.

Results: Fifteen children underwent surgery at 11.

Validation of the Baylor Continence Scale in children with anorectal malformations.

Background: Anorectal malformations (ARMs) often result in lifelong problems with defecation. There have been no studies performed to develop scoring systems in children with fecal incontinence following repair of ARM. This study was designed to develop and validate a tool (Baylor Continence Scale [BCS]) to measure social continence in children after surgical correction of ARMs.