Advancing laparoscopic skills training in Namibia: Implementation of the Global Laparoscopic Advancement Program (GLAP) of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

Background: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), laparoscopic surgery is challenging to implement due to limited resources and lack of expert surgeons as teachers. The Global Laparoscopic Advancement Program (GLAP) was developed by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) to deliver sustainable and effective methods for teaching safe laparoscopic surgery. GLAP aims to train surgical leaders and trainees with the goal of eventual in-country replication of GLAP programming.

Pediatric peri-insular hemispherotomy and functional hemispherectomy for severe medically refractory epilepsy: comparison of two techniques.

Purpose: Since it was first described in the 1970s, functional hemispherotomy has been an essential tool in treating disabling, medically refractory epilepsy resulting from diffuse unilateral hemispheric disease. We report our experience with 23 patients who underwent hemispherotomy, both using the functional hemispherotomy (FH) as well as a modified peri-insular hemispherotomy (PIH) technique. We present the surgical technique for the latter, review outcomes following disconnection surgery and discuss the differences between the techniques when it comes to complications and postoperative results.

Segmental congenital vascular anomaly with atrophy, ulceration, and scarring (SeCVAUS): Case series and review of literature.

Background: Next-generation sequencing has greatly increased our understanding of vascular birthmarks. Many port-wine birthmarks are due to somatic mutations in GNAQ/GNA11 exon 183, but other genomic causes have been identified. Most congenital hemangiomas are due to somatic mutations in GNAQ/GNA11 at exon 209.

Contribution of imaging in the diagnosis of three neglected diseases in the Southern Cone: Leishmaniasis, Dengue, and Chikungunya.

Neglected diseases such as leishmaniasis, dengue, and chikungunya pose significant challenges to public health due to their high prevalence and wide geographic distribution in the Southern Cone region. These diseases are transmitted through insect bites, which serve as natural reservoirs. While their imaging findings are not always conclusive, they can play a crucial role in the diagnosis and monitoring.

Rectovaginal Fistulas: Comparative Analysis of Laparoscopic Assisted Pullthrough and Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty.

Aim: Compare the laparoscopic treatment (LT) and the posterior sagittal anorectoplasty treatment (ST) of the rectovaginal fistulas (RvaF) in a single center. We have previously reported feasibility and results of LT in this rare variety of anorectal malformations (ARM) [1-3].

Material And Methods: 19 patients were treated between February 2000 and November 2020.

Timing of kidney replacement therapy initiation for acute kidney injury.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition among patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and is associated with high numbers of deaths. Kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is a blood purification technique used to treat the most severe forms of AKI. The optimal time to initiate KRT so as to improve clinical outcomes remains uncertain.

Analysis of COL7A1 pathogenic variants in a large cohort of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patients from Argentina reveals a new genotype-phenotype correlation.

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a clinically heterogeneous heritable skin disorder, characterized by blistering of the skin and mucous membranes following minor trauma. Dominant (DDEB) and recessive (RDEB) forms are caused by pathogenic variants in COL7A1 gene. Argentina's population has a heterogeneous genetic background, and little is known about the molecular basis of DEB in our country or in native South American populations.

Risk factors for surgical site infection in pediatric posterior fossa tumors.

Purpose: Posterior fossa tumors are the most frequent pediatric solid tumor. Its main treatment is a surgical resection. Being a frequent procedure does not mean that it is exempt from complications, such as surgical site infections (SSI).

Systemic Bevacizumab for Treatment of Respiratory Papillomatosis: International Consensus Statement.

Objectives/hypothesis: The purpose of this study is to develop consensus on key points that would support the use of systemic bevacizumab for the treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), and to provide preliminary guidance surrounding the use of this treatment modality.

Study Design: Delphi method-based survey series.

Methods: A multidisciplinary, multi-institutional panel of physicians with experience using systemic bevacizumab for the treatment of RRP was established.

Intrahepatic and peripheral blood phenotypes of natural killer and T cells: differential surface expression of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors.

Deep characterization of the frequencies, phenotypes and functionalities of liver and peripheral blood natural killer (NK), natural killer T (NKT) and T cells from healthy individuals is an essential step to further interpret changes in liver diseases. These data indicate that CCR7, a chemokine essential for cell migration through lymphoid organs, is almost absent in liver NK and T cells. CD56 NK cells, which represent half of liver NK cells, showed lower expression of the inhibitory molecule NKG2A and an increased frequency of the activation marker NKp44.

Global perspective on training and staffing for paediatric cardiac critical care.

This manuscript provides a global perspective on physician and nursing education and training in paediatric cardiac critical care, including available resources and delivery of care models with representatives from several regions of the world including Africa, Israel, Asia, Australasia, Europe, South America, and the United States of America.

Therapeutic monitoring of pediatric transplant patients with conversion to generic tacrolimus.

Objective: Therapeutic monitoring during interchange of tacrolimus commercial formulations is essential to ensure similar exposure in transplant patients. However, there are limited data in the pediatric transplant population. This study aims to evaluate exposure, safety and efficacy in maintenance pediatric transplant patients under generic tacrolimus substitution.

Validation of an inanimate low cost model for training minimal invasive surgery (MIS) of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (AE/TEF) repair.

Unlabelled: We present the results of the validation of an inanimate model created for training thoracoscopic treatment of esophageal atresia with lower tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF).

Materials And Methods: We used different domestic materials such as a piece of wood (support), corrugated plastic tubes (PVC) of different sizes to simulate ribs, intercostal spaces, trachea and spine and tubular latex balloons to simulate the esophagus and lungs to make the basic model. This device was inserted into the thoracic cavity of a rubber dummy simulating a 3kg newborn with a work area volume of 50ml.

Primary laryngeal lymphoma in a child.

Malignant tumors of the larynx are very rare in children. They are often diagnosed late, since the initial symptoms are attributed to the process of larynx development or to other, more common pediatric diseases. Early visualization of the larynx with the aid of flexible or rigid fiberoptic laryngoscopy is essential in children having symptoms suggestive of laryngeal disease.

Mitochondrial DNA deletions detected by Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification.

The genetic diagnosis algorithm for mitochondrial (mt) diseases starts looking for deletions and common mutations in mtDNA. MtDNA's special features, such as large and variable genome copies, heteroplasmy, polymorphisms, and its duplication in the nuclear genome as pseudogenes (NUMTs), make it vulnerable to diagnostic misleading interpretations. Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) is used to detect copy number variations in nuclear genes and its application on mtDNA has not been widely spread.

Urinary Continence Following Repair of Intermediate and High Urogenital Sinus (UGS) in CAH. Experience with 55 Cases.

Aim: To evaluate postoperative urinary continence in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with intermediate (IT) and high urogenital sinus (UGS) who underwent a UGS mobilization maneuver.

Methods: We called IT to those that although needing an aggressive dissection to get to the vagina, still have enough urethra proximal to the vaginal confluence. Very low variants are excluded from this analysis.

Congenital mucocele of the tongue: a case report and review of the literature.

Mucoceles are benign lesions of the oral cavity that develop as a result of retention or extravasation of mucous material from minor salivary glands. Congenital mucoceles are very rare. These lesions in newborns may interfere with breastfeeding and may even compromise respiratory function.

Outcome of males with high anorectal malformations treated with laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through: preliminary results of a comparative study with the open approach in a single institution.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of males with HARM treated with a laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through compared with the open posterior sagittal approach in a single institution.

Methods: This study includes 32 patients: 17 (9 with a rectoprostatic fistula [RPF] and 8 with a rectovesical fistula [RVF]) who underwent laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through from October 2001 onward and 15 (8 with an RPF and 7 with an RVF) treated by posterior sagittal approach before that date. Patients were reviewed retrospectively but were operated on by the authors and had longitudinal follow-up.

Laparoscopic treatment of rectovaginal fistulas. Feasibility, technical details, and functional results of a rare anorectal malformation.

Introduction: Rectovaginal fistulas are a rare variety of anorectal malformations. Eight patients with this anomaly among 420 children with anorectal malformations were treated in our center. We used a laparoscopic approach in 5 of the children.

Comparative analysis between laparoscopic (UCL) and open (UCO) technique for the treatment of ulcerative colitis in pediatric patients.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare laparoscopic with open approach in the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between July 1991 and August 2009, 32 consecutive unselective patients with UC received surgical treatment. The population analyzed was divided into three groups: subtotal colectomy + ileocolostomy (Group 1), proctectomy + ileoanal pouch (Group 2), one-step proctocolectomy + ileoanal pouch (Group 3). We analyzed the mean operating time, postoperative oral intake, use of opiates, the length of hospital stay and postoperative morbidity in each group.

Levels of urinary transforming growth factor beta-1 in children with D+ hemolytic uremic syndrome.

About 25-50% of survivors of the acute phase of postdiarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+ HUS) develop chronic renal disease. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFbeta-1) is the main fibrogenic growth factor in humans, and there is a significant correlation between its levels and the grade of interstitial fibrosis in chronic nephropathies. We hypothesized that increased urinary TGFbeta-1 may be an early indicator of sequelae in D+ HUS patients who show no sign of renal damage as determined by conventional diagnostic tests.

Laparoscopy in uterovaginal anomalies.

Providing its excellent visualization, access to pelvic structures, and less postoperative adhesion, laparoscopy has been an important tool for the treatment of uterovaginal anomalies. We have used it to define the anomaly, monitor endometriosis or a hysteroscopic procedure, replace an absent vagina, and resect abnormal Müllerian structures. This article details the technique and reports the results of the use of operative laparoscopy for the treatment of uterovaginal anomalies in children and adolescents.

ASD closure with the Amplatzer device.

We report the safety and efficacy of the Amplatzer device for transcatheter closure of ASD and fenestrated Fontan in children and adults. One hundred and two patients underwent transcatheter occlusion of the defect. The median age of the patients was 18.

Harrington instrumentation without arthrodesis and consecutive distraction program for young children with severe spinal deformities. Experience and technical details.

The treatment of severe spinal deformities in childhood is a great challenge. The nonoperative treatment is not always successful, and correction with spinal fusion is not usually the most desirable goal because it may result in a straighter but shorter trunk. Spinal instrumentation without arthrodesis is an alternative to these difficult decisions that allows child growth with control of the deformity.