Benign sacrococcygeal neoplasm arising at birth from a giant congenital melanocytic nevus.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are considered to be premalignant with the highest risk for conversion to melanoma. Solid tumors within giant CMN presenting at birth are relatively unusual, and a variety of malignancies have been reported within these masses. However, the frequency of malignancy in these tumors is unknown.

A multicenter evaluation of the role of mechanical bowel preparation in pediatric colostomy takedown.

Background: In response to studies in adults that have failed to demonstrate a benefit for mechanical bowel preparation in colonic surgery, we sought to evaluate the utility of mechanical bowel preparation in a multicenter, retrospective study of children who underwent colostomy takedown.

Methods: The records of 272 children who underwent colostomy takedown at 3 large children's hospitals were reviewed, and the utilization of mechanical bowel preparation and perioperative antibiotics was noted. Length of stay and the incidences of wound, anastomotic, and other complications were compared.

Strategy for management of retroperitoneal tumors with caval tumor thrombus.

The surgical management of retroperitoneal tumors extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC) can be challenging. Although Wilms' tumor is the most common retroperitoneal tumor extending into the IVC, one must approach these tumors systematically as other diagnoses are possible. We present 4 consecutive cases of retroperitoneal tumors with IVC extension as a basis for a management strategy in approaching these patients.

Thyroid Nodules in Children: A Single Institution's Experience.

Thyroid nodules in children are uncommon but often present an increased risk of malignancy in comparison to their adult counterpart. Multiple diagnostic modalities are frequently employed to characterize these nodules including ultrasound, radionuclide scans, fine needle aspiration (FNA), thyroid function tests, and evaluation of patient demographics. We chose to evaluate if any of these modalities influence treatment or signify a tendency for a nodule to represent a malignant lesion.