Predictors of multiple readmissions or death in the first year after Nissen fundoplication in children.

Purpose: Nissen fundoplication (NF) is commonly performed in children with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients undergoing NF often have co-morbidities. Reported outcomes of NF vary considerably.

Review of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in the South African paediatric age group.

Children, and in particular young children under the age of three, are the most vulnerable for aspiration and ingestion of foreign bodies (FBs). The Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital in Cape Town is the only children's hospital in South Africa and is unique in having a dedicated trauma unit for children under the age of 13 as part of its institution. Core activities of Childsafe South Africa (CSA), located at the hospital, are data accumulation and interpretation, development of educational programmes, health inculcation and advising in legislation involving child health.

A microlaparoscopically assisted pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung's disease: initial experiences.

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficiency, feasibility, and surgical outcomes of microlaparoscopy-assisted pull-through (MAPT) for Hirschsprung's disease.

Methods: Starting in 2005, pull-through procedures for Hirschsprung's disease were performed exclusively using 2-mm instruments and miniscopes (microlaparoscopy). Three miniports were inserted laterally in the right abdominal wall in one line, with the miniscope at the level of the umbilicus and the working trocars cranially/caudally of the scope.