Laparoscopic adrenalectomy in children for neuroblastoma: report of case series.

Background: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common solid tumors in the pediatric population and the adrenal gland is the main abdominal site of this tumor. The laparoscopic approach has become the standard of care for most benign adrenal tumors in adults, but the role of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in children for malignant tumor is still a point of controversy. However, there is a growing experience with laparoscopic neuroblastoma resection of small lesions and the use of minimally invasive techniques for the initial management of infiltrative neuroblastoma in the last years.

Laparoscopic extended cardiomyotomy in children: an effective procedure for the treatment of esophageal achalasia.

Purpose: Achalasia of the esophagus is characterized by aperistalsis and incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter in response to swallowing. The objective of the present study is to present the experience of a modified Heller myotomy via a laparoscopic approach for the treatment of children who had this condition.

Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of all patients who underwent this procedure from 2000 to 2009 was performed.

Surgical treatment of hepatic tumors in children: lessons learned from liver transplantation.

Purpose: Hepatectomy remains a complex operation even in experienced hands. The objective of the present study was to describe our experience in liver resections, in the light of liver transplantation, emphasizing the indications for surgery, surgical techniques, complications, and results.

Methods: The medical records of 53 children who underwent liver resection for primary or metastatic hepatic tumors were reviewed.

Malignant tumor of the trachea in children: diagnostic pitfalls and surgical management.

Primary tracheal malignant neoplasms are very rare. Histologically, squamous cell and adenoid cystic carcinomas are the most common types of malignant primary tracheal tumors when all age groups are studied. In the past 5 years, we treated 2 children with tracheal mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Transanal endorectal pull-through in children with Hirschsprung's disease--technical refinements and comparison of results with the Duhamel procedure.

Purpose: Transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) has drastically changed the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease (HD). A short follow-up of children submitted to TEPT reveals results that are similar to the classic transabdominal pull-through procedures. However, few reports compare the late results of TEPT with transabdominal pull-through procedures with respect to complication rates and the fecal continence.

Percutaneous central venous catheterization through the external jugular vein in children: improved success rate with body maneuvers and fluoroscopy assistance.

Background/purpose: Central venous catheterization is among the most common procedures performed by pediatric surgeons. Significant morbidity and even mortality can ensue from the widespread approach to the deep veins of the neck and femoral region. The external jugular vein (EJV) is a low-morbidity alternative for percutaneous catheterization in children, but it has yielded a low success rate in previous reports .