The Changing Face of Culture Models for Thyroid Cancer Research: A Systematic Literature Review.

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy worldwide. Primary treatment with surgery and radioactive iodine is usually successful, however, there remains a small proportion of thyroid cancers that are resistant to these treatments, and often represent aggressive forms of the disease. Since the 1950s, thyroid culture systems have been used in thyroid cancer research.

Improving the rigour of VACTERL screening for neonates with anorectal malformations.

Purpose: Screening investigations for the vertebral, anorectal, cardiac, tracheo-oesophageal, renal and limb (VACTERL) association form an important part of the management of neonates with anorectal malformations (ARMs). We developed a proforma to define investigations and indications for referral. The aim of the current study was to determine if the proforma could improve screening rigour.

Complete anal membrane in a female: a rare malformation and indication for prone cross-table lateral radiograph.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a 27 week gestation female fetus suggested an abnormal rectum. Subsequent examination of the term newborn confirmed an imperforate anus present in the normal position. No meconium was seen on the perineum by 18 hours.

Laparoscopic repair of anorectal malformations at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital: taking stock.

Background: The current standard repair for anorectal malformations in children is a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty. Recently, laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) was performed at the Red Cross Children's Hospital.

Methods: A detailed case note review was conducted.

Proximal colonic atresia: is right hemicolectomy inevitable?

Purpose: Proximal colonic atresia often results in a marked discrepancy of the atretic ends presenting a technical challenge for restoration of bowel continuity. We review our series of colonic atresia patients with particular reference to the techniques for restoring bowel continuity.

Methods: Case notes of all patients diagnosed with colonic atresia and admitted to our unit between 1997 and 2011 were reviewed.

Mesoblastic nephroma: a report of the United Kingdom Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG).

Background: Mesoblastic nephroma (MN) is a rare tumour which occurs mainly in early infancy and for which primary nephrectomy is the treatment of choice. This study aimed to assess surgical complications and outcomes in this patient group and to re-evaluate the age threshold of 6 months for recommending primary nephrectomy.

Procedure: A retrospective file review of all cases of MN registered in UK Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group renal tumour trials between October 1991 and March 2008.

Cystoscopy assisted transvesical biopsy of prostatic rhabdomyosarcoma.

The treatment of prostatic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) depends on tumour stratification based on site and histology. An increasing range of cytogenetic, molecular, and immunohistochemistry studies are required. This is difficult to achieve using standard cystoscopic biopsies alone.

Functional and cosmetic outcome of the VQ plasty for Mitrofanoff stomas.

Purpose: A skin lined Mitrofanoff stoma in the iliac fossa is traditionally achieved using a VQZ technique, providing a channel for intermittent catheterization. We simplified our approach by using a VQ flap at the distal end of the Pfannenstiel incision. We present a comparison of the functional and cosmetic outcome of these 2 approaches.

Pediatric pancreatic hemangioma: a case report and literature review.

Context: The pancreas is an unusual site for a hemangioma in an infant. A child with obstructive jaundice caused by a pancreatic hemangioma is presented and management strategies for this benign tumor are discussed.

Case Report: A 5-month-old girl presented with a 2-week history of jaundice, pale stools and dark urine.

Reversal of loop ileostomy under spinal anaesthesia.

Background And Aims: Traditionally, loop ileostomy is reversed under general anaesthetic. In patients with severe cardiorespiratory disease, many surgeons opt for a one-stage, low Hartmann's procedure to avoid a second general anaesthetic to reverse a defunctioning stoma. Closure of loop ileostomy under spinal anaesthetic would allow high-risk patients to avoid a permanent stoma and a general anaesthetic.