Routine evaluation of vesico-ureteric reflux in children with anorectal malformation does not reduce the rate of urinary tract infection.

Objective: Children with anorectal malformations (ARM) have a high rate of renal anomalies and increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). We aimed to determine whether using routine Micturating Cystourethrogram (MCUG) to detect VUR is effective in reducing the incidence of UTI or renal scarring in children with ARM.

Methods: A retrospective study of consecutive children diagnosed with ARM in two centres with a minimum of 3 years follow-up was performed, excluding those with cloaca or an MCUG prior to ARM repair.

Early Enteral Nutrition Following Gastrointestinal Surgery in Children: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Objective: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of early enteral feeding versus traditional enteral feeding after gastrointestinal (GI) anastomosis in children in the pediatric literature.

Summary Of Background Data: Prolonged postoperative fasting has been the traditional model of care following pediatric GI surgery. In contrast, early feeding has become well established in the adult population, where meta-analyses have shown early introduction of enteral feeds to be beneficial to hospital stay and patient outcomes.

Variations in the Detection of Anorectal Anomalies at Birth among European Cities.

Introduction:  The diagnosis of anorectal malformations (ARMs) is made at birth by perineal examination of the newborn, yet small series reported late diagnosis in almost 13%. No large series to date have looked into the magnitude of missed ARM cases in the neonatal period across Europe. This study aimed to define the rate of missed ARM at birth across four United Kingdom and European Union centers.

Is Screening of Intestinal Foregut Anatomy in Heterotaxy Patients Really Necessary?: A Systematic Review in Search of the Evidence.

Objective: (1) Is screening of intestinal rotational anatomy obligatory in "asymptomatic" patients with heterotaxy? (2) Does detection of an anomaly warrant surgical correction?

Summary Of Background Data: Heterotaxy is an abnormal arrangement of thoraco-abdominal viscera across a left-to-right axis. Intestinal rotational anomalies are frequent among patients with heterotaxy, but debate exists as to whether they are benign in nature, requiring careful observation alone, or if surgical correction is warranted to prevent obstruction or midgut volvulus.

Methods: A systematic review [according to PRISMA guidelines] was conducted using CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane Databases.

Heterotaxy and intestinal rotation anomalies: 20 years experience at a UK regional paediatric surgery centre.

Background: The association of heterotaxy with intestinal rotation anomalies is well described. However debate exists with regard optimal management notably should 'asymptomatic' bowel rotation anomalies undergo operation? The present study therefore sought to determine: (1) the risk(s) of volvulus in patients diagnosed with heterotaxy and (2) define morbidity associated with operation for 'asymptomatic' anomalies in a fragile patient cohort with co-existent congenital heart disease.

Methods: Medical case record reviews of ALL heterotaxy patients born during January 1993-December 2013 and attending a UK paediatric centre were analyzed.

Kabuki Syndrome and Anorectal Malformations: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment.

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by a distinctive facies, intellectual disability, growth delay, and a variety of skeletal, visceral, and other anomalies, including anorectal malformations (ARMs). We present two cases of female patients with KS, diagnosed and successfully managed at our institution, one with a perineal fistula and one with a rectovestibular fistula. Our report, along with a literature review, shows that the syndrome is usually associated with "low" anomalies, with a potential for a good prognosis.

Current Surgical Management of Pediatric Idiopathic Constipation: A Systematic Review of Published Studies.

Objective: Surgery for pediatric idiopathic constipation (IC) is undertaken after failure of bowel management programs. Decisions are influenced by rectal biopsy, transit studies, megacolon/megarectum, degree of soiling/incontinence, and anorectal manometry profile(s). A systematic review of ALL published studies critically evaluates outcomes of surgery for IC.

Inflammatory fibroid polyp: a rare benign tumor of the alimentary tract in children presenting as intussusception-case report and review of literature.

Inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) represents a rare cause of gastrointestinal polypoid disease in childhood. Τhe lesion has been described by various names beyond the currently accepted term, including "Vanek's tumour," eosinophilic or submucosal granuloma, gastric fibroma with eosinophilic infiltration, inflammatory pseudotumor, and hemangiopericytoma. The etiopathogenesis and origin of the mesenchymal spindle-shaped cells that comprise the polyp remains enigmatic.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis mimicking surgical symptoms and complications: lessons learned from four cases.

Objective: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe immunological disorder that leads to a massive inflammatory reaction that may prove rapidly fatal. We show that HLH may present by masquerading as surgical disease or as a postoperative complication leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Study Design: A case series of four children with acute surgical presentation and prolonged unexplained postoperative sepsis, who were diagnosed with HLH.

Colon atresia and frontal encephalocele: a rare association.

The association of colonic atresia with craniofacial anomalies has been well described and probably represents a malformative event that occurs in the early embryonal period. We present a case of an infant with colonic atresia and a frontal encephalocele and believe this to be a newly reported association. We review possible pathogenic mechanisms.

Pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery complicated by peroneal mononeuropathy in a 4-year-old child: report of a case.

Pseudoaneurysms of the popliteal artery (PPA) rarely occur in children. In fact, we found only 10 cases reported in the medical literature. We report the case of a 4-year-old boy who presented with a painful palpable mass in the right popliteal fossa.

Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery after blunt trauma: case report and a review of the literature.

Pseudoaneurysms of the popliteal artery following trauma are rare lesions. We present 3 cases of pseudoaneurysms of the popliteal artery (4, 20, and 45 years old respectively) with a delayed presentation, following blunt trauma, presenting over a 3-year period, and a short review of the relevant literature. A delayed pattern of presentation, over 2 years after blunt popliteal trauma, was observed in all patients.