Successful prioritisation of inguinal herniotomies in children during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimise emergency presentations.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disrupted the delivery of elective surgery in children. We introduced guidance to mitigate this impact. By reviewing the outcomes for inguinal herniotomies, we aimed to determine if this guidance has enabled us to prevent an increase in the elective surgery wait time and therefore the need for emergency surgery for incarcerated hernias.

Extubation strategies after esophageal atresia repair.

Background/purpose: Early extubation following repair of esophageal atresia (EA) is desirable unless the anastomosis is under tension, in which case paralysis and post-operative ventilation may reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage. However, complications from emergency reintubations do occur with either strategy. We aim to examine the risk/benefit balance of early and delayed extubation following EA repair.

Incidence and outcome of retained Port-A-Cath fragments during removal.

Purpose: Port-A-Cath devices are frequently used for long-term venous access. We postulate that long-term use predisposes them to getting stuck and retained in a central vein at the time of removal. We aim to report the incidence and outcome of this complication.

Incidence of Low-Grade Testicular Injury in Orchidectomy Specimens Post-testicular Torsion.

Introduction:  Following detorsion and orchidopexy for testicular torsion, predominantly animal studies have reported a risk of autoimmune and reperfusion injury to the contralateral testis. As a result, when testicular viability is compromised, orchidectomy is readily performed. This practice increases the likelihood of testes with potentially reversible injury being excised.

Does Functional Outcome Improve with Time Postsurgery for Hirschsprung Disease?

Purpose: Constipation and incontinence are significant problems following pull-through surgery for Hirschsprung disease (HD). There is evidence that these problems improve with time. However, there is also evidence showing no improvements and furthermore, significant long-term data are lacking for the newer endorectal pull-through.

Management of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistulas: a systematic review.

Introduction: The management of a recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (RTEF) includes either open surgery (OS) or an endoscopic treatment (ET); the ideal option is unclear. We aim to comparatively review all published treatment options, and outcomes, for managing RTEF.

Materials And Methods: A literature search was performed using the keywords "recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula.

Are routine dilatations necessary post pull-through surgery for Hirschsprung disease?

Introduction: We aim to compare the anastomotic stricture and enterocolitis rates between groups who either had or did not have anal dilatations (AD or NAD) prescribed routinely post pull-through surgery for Hirschsprung disease (HD); by this means, we will evaluate the benefit of routine dilatations.

Methods: A retrospective review of the records of all children operated on for HD between 1997 and 2010 was performed. Associated Down syndrome and total colonic aganglionosis were excluded.

Comparative review of functional outcomes post surgery for Hirschsprung's disease utilizing the paediatric incontinence and constipation scoring system.

Purpose: We aim to analyze differences in functional outcomes in children operated on for Hirschsprung's disease (HD) using the Paediatric incontinence/constipation scoring system (PICSS) validated in a normative group.

Methods: A retrospective review of the records of all children operated on for HD between 1997 and 2010 was performed. Patients had either a Soave or transanal endorectal pull-through.