Outcome of tunnelled central venous catheters used for haemodialysis in children weighing less than 15 kg.

Purpose: Central venous catheters (CVC) are frequently used for haemodialysis (HD) in children. However, there is paucity of information on the outcomes of CVCs when used for HD in very young patients. Our objective is to report the success, safety and complication rates of CVCs used for HD in children weighing less than 15 kg.

Urethral diverticulum after laparoscopically-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) for anorectal malformation: is resection of the diverticulum always necessary?

Summary Objectives: With the increased use of minimally invasive surgery, the urethral diverticulum after anorectal surgery has become an issue. The few cases reported have been managed by surgical excision. We hereby report a case of urethral diverticulum after a laparoscopically-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP)procedure with a successful outcome after a period of active surveillance.

[Feminizing genitoplasty in adrenal congenital hyperplasia: one or two surgical steps?].

Summary Objectives: The best time to perform a genitoplasty in a Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) girl is an issue that has been discussed extensively. The purpose of this study is to find criteria that may help in the decision.

Methods: Charts of all patients with diagnosis of CAH with 21 Hydroxylase deficit who underwent genitoplasty in our institution were reviewed (Jan 1996-Dec 2006).

[Varicocele in the adolescent. What is the best surgical option?].

Objectives: To compare three different surgical approaches for the performance of varicocelectomy in the pediatric population, analyzing their effectiveness and secondary complications.

Methods: Over an eight year period 90 varicocelectomies were performed in 89 children with a mean age of 12 years (range 8-16). Patients were divided into three groups, in 21 cases laparoscopic approach was performed (Group 1), in 55 the Palomo's retroperitoneal approach (Group 2) and inguinal approach in 14 cases (Group 3).

[Ectopic ureter in pediatrics. A change in the way of presentation].

Objectives: Classically, the diagnosis of ectopic ureter was done in grown up girls due to urinary incontinence, today the diagnoses are more precocious, which has partially changed treatment. The objective of this paper is to perform a review of our experience over the last years and to correlate it with the current type of presentation.

Methods: We studied all patients with the diagnosis of ectopic ureter in a period of 10 years, between 1997 and December 2006.