Laparoscopic surgery in children with congenital heart disease

PurposeThe study aim was to determine outcomes of children with congenital heart disease who underwent laparoscopic procedures.MethodsA single-institution, institutional review board–approved, retrospective review was conducted including children younger than 5 years with congenital heart disease who underwent laparoscopic or open abdominal procedures. Patient demographics, operative details, complications, and 30-day mortality were examined.ResultsOver 10 years, 111 children with congenital heart disease underwent 121 laparoscopic procedures. Median age was 2.5 months, with 87% being infants. Laparoscopic gastrostomy was the most common procedure (101). There was no intraoperative hemodynamic instability, median operative time was 70 minutes, postoperative complications were low (5%), and all children were alive at 30 days. Only 8 patients required conversion from laparoscopic to open, all secondary to technical issues, not hemodynamic instability. There were 42 children with cardiac disease who underwent 45 open procedures during the study period. There were no significant differences between patient demographics, type of procedure, operative time, complications, or 30-day mortality comparing the open and laparoscopic groups.ConclusionIn this review, there were no major contraindications to performing laparoscopic procedures in children with congenital heart disease, and we conclude that it is reasonably safe to perform laparoscopic surgery on these children.     

Risks and benefits of surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux in neurologically impaired children

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and results of laparoscopic antireflux procedure in neurologically impaired children. Methods: Over a 5-yr period, 259 children affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease underwent laparoscopic antireflux procedure. Eighty of them (30.8%) were neurologically impaired. In 58 children we performed an anterior fundoplication according to Thal and in 22 patients a 360° fundoplication according to Nissen. Forty-eight children underwent an associated gastrostomy placement at the same time as the laparoscopic antireflux procedure. Results: We recorded 4/80 intraoperative complications; in all cases the complication was managed laparoscopically and no conversion was needed. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 6 yrs (median 3 yrs). We recorded 24/80 postoperative complications, 5 of which required a redo procedure. We have a mortality rate of 17.5% but in only one case was the event related to the antireflux procedure. Conclusions: Laparoscopic fundoplication can be performed safely and with acceptable results in neurologically impaired children. The indication to add a gastrostomy should be tailored to the needs of the individual patient. Mortality rate in neurologically impaired children patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease is high but in most cases unrelated to the antireflux procedure.     

Laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in mentally retarded children

Background: An increasing number of reports indicate that Thal fundoplication is the procedure of choice in mentally retarded children. With the advent of laparoscopy, Nissen's fundoplication seems to have been repopularized. However, the choice of the operative technique should be based on the merits of the procedure itself rather than the laparoscopic feasibility. The aim of this study is to determine if laparoscopic Thal fundoplication is beneficial for mentally retarded children. Methods: Between November 1993 and 1994 laparoscopic Thal fundoplication was performed in 15 mentally handicapped children; 13 also had a feeding gastrostomy. Age varied from 1.5 to almost 17 years (mean 7 years). Mean weight was 18 kg (5–50 kg). All patients underwent an upper GI study and endoscopy as well as pre- and 3 months postoperative pH study. Indications for the procedure were reflux esophagitis in 11 and feeding problems with silent reflux in 4. Results: The laparoscopic procedure was converted in the second patient because of bleeding in the hiatus. No further procedure-related intra- or postoperative complications occurred. The mean hospitalization was 3.7 days. No symptomatic postoperative gastroesophageal reflux has been observed. All children have undergone postoperative pH studies, which displayed silent reflux in two. Gastrostomy feeding is well tolerated. Conclusion: We conclude that Thal fundoplication can be performed laparoscopically in mentally retarded children. The laparoscopic results are comparable to the open Thal procedure.     

Complications of laparoscopy-aided gastrostomies in pediatric practice

PURPOSE: The aim of this report is to establish the frequency and type of complications of laparoscopy-aided gastrostomy in pediatric practice and to identify patients at risk for postoperative complications. METHOD: This is a follow-up study of 98 children with nutritional problems including inability to swallow, inadequate calorie intake in neurologically impaired children, patients with cystic fibrosis, malignancies, neurometabolic diseases, and cardiac malformations. Laparoscopy-aided gastrostomy was attempted in all patients. These patients have undergone follow-up at our outpatient clinic. Postoperative complications and problems with the gastrostomy device were registered. The postoperative complications were divided into minor problems and major or life-threatening complications. RESULTS: There was no perioperative mortality. No life-threatening complication developed, whereas minor problems were common, necessitating medical attention postoperatively. Patients with congenital heart disease, chronic respiratory failure, and metabolic diseases experienced the highest frequency of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical placement of an enteral access device in children should be considered a major surgical procedure, demanding medical attention for 1 to 2 months postoperatively. The rate and severity of complications with the method described are tolerable considering the severity of the underlying diseases.     

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in neurologically impaired children: the role of the gastrostomy tube

We review our experience with gastrostomy techniques in neurologically impaired (NI) children, with or without a Nissen fundoplication. The records of 130 NI children who had a gastrostomy tube (GT) placed between January 1999 and October 2001 were reviewed. Data collected included: demographics, neurological status, operative time, time to first feed, postoperative stay, analgesic requirements, follow-up, mortality and complication rates. Open GTs were placed using the standard Stamm gastrostomy technique through a midline incision and were combined with a standard open Nissen fundoplication when indicated. Laparoscopic GTs were placed after institution of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum using a 2-port technique, a Mic-key G device of appropriate size and anchored to the anterior abdominal wall with 2 "U" stitches. The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) procedures were performed using a 5-port technique. Patients were divided into 4 groups: group I (n = 12) laparoscopic GT alone, group II (n = 44) open GT alone, Group III (n = 44) laparoscopic GT with LNF and Group IV (n = 30) open GT with Nissen fundoplication. Based on their similar characteristics, Groups I and II and Groups III and IV were compared together. Data were analysed using Student's t test, and internal review board approval was obtained. Patients ranged in age between 10 days and 17.7 years (mean 3.64 years). Their weight was between 1.2 and 63.4 kg (mean 12.8 kg). The compared groups showed similar characteristics with regard to age, weight, cause of mental impairment, and the reason for placement of the GT. The operative time for group III was significantly longer than that of group IV (P < 0.05). Time to first feed was significantly shorter for group I when compared to group II. The postoperative analgesic requirements were not statistically different. The overall short- and long-term complication rates were not statistically different when the related groups were compared, however, site-related complications and feeding problems were significantly less in group I compared to group II. Only 1 operative mortality occurred in group III. Follow-up showed less long-term morbidity and fewer complications with the laparoscopic GT compared to the open one as regard to admissions, surgery, and emergency department visits related to GT problems as well as frequency of GT change. Based on our experience, laparoscopic placement of a low-profile GT in NI children appears to be associated with less morbidity, permits earlier enteral nutrition, and has a cosmetic advantage. We believe that the laparoscopic technique should be the procedure of choice for GT placement in these children even when a Nissen fundoplication is deemed necessary.     

Laparoscopically supervised PEG at time of Nissen fundoplication: a safe option

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often have associated feeding difficulties that warrant the insertion of a feeding gastrostomy at the time of the antireflux procedure. Options for gastrostomy tube insertion at the time of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) include laparoscopic gastrostomy, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), and classic open gastrostomy. The complication rate of PEG may be decreased if it is placed under laparoscopic supervision. The purpose of this paper is to describe our experience with laparoscopically supervised PEG tube placement at the time of antireflux procedure. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all children undergoing a PEG tube placement at the time of the LNF. Perioperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-four patients had attempted PEG tube placement at the time of the LNF. In 3 (7%) cases, laparoscopic supervision was crucial in the prevention of a complication. No major PEG-related complications were recorded. In 43% of patients, minor PEG tube problems arose in the postoperative period: all were transient and/or easily correctable. Management of all these problems was in an outpatient setting. Follow-up ranged from 11 to 41 months. CONCLUSIONS: PEG tube placement at the time of a LNF is safe and effective. A combined laparoscopic and endoscopic approach minimizes complications. This method also allows for an intra- and extraluminal evaluation of the fundoplication at its completion.     

心外管道全腔静脉肺动脉连接术

目的 报告心管道全腔静脉肺动脉连接术（TECPC）应用经验。方法 横断上腔静脉与右肺动脉端侧吻合,切断下腔静脉前壁,保留原位吻合口,将下腔静脉通过人工血管与主肺动脉吻合,共治疗9例复杂性先天性心脏病,其中1例单心室改良Fontan术后4年频发室上性心动过速而改行TECPC。结果 全组手术后均生存。3例术后出现胸腔积液、乳糜胸并发症、均治愈。血流动力学指标满意,术后随访心功能Ⅰ-Ⅱ级,无心律紊乱发生。结论 TECPC手术操作简单,并发症少,适应证广泛,优于改良Fontan手术和传统的全腔静脉肺动脉连接术。     

Laparoscopic gastric reduction surgery

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to present the preliminary results of a randomized prospective trial comparing laparoscopic and open vertical banded gastroplasty (Mason's procedure). METHODS: From April 1995 to April 1996, 68 patients (9 men and 59 women, mean age, 36 years; ranges, 17-60 years) affected from morbid obesity (mean body weight, 123 kg; range, 89-188 kg; mean body mass index (BMI), 43 kg/m2; range, 37-66 kg/m2) were enrolled in a prospective trial and randomly assigned to a laparoscopic (group A) or open (group B) Mason's gastroplasty. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of patient epidemiologic data. The significance level among the data was assessed by means of Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The success of laparoscopic gastroplasty was 88.2% (30/34). The intervention was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group (150 min vs. 60 min; p = 0.001). No mortality was recorded in the overall population. Intraoperative complications included only one case of gastric bleeding in group A (2.9% vs. 0%; p value not significant [NS]). Early major complications ranged as high as 6.6% and 7.8%, respectively, in groups A and B (p = NS), and included one case of peritonitis and one case of pneumonia in group A, and two cases of peritonitis and one pulmonary embolism in group B. Early minor postoperative complications consisted of wound infections only, observed in one group A patient (3.3%) and four group B patients (10. 8%, p = 0.04). At longer follow-up, incisional hernias occurred in 15.8% (6/38) of patients surgically treated with a conventional approach compared with none among those successfully surgically treated with laparoscopic access (p = 0.04). No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the efficacy of the procedure, in terms of decrease in percentage of excess body weight, mean body weight, or mean BMI. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results of current study show that the laparoscopic Mason procedure is a time-consuming and technically demanding operation, as effective as its traditional counterpart, but carrying a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of wound infections and incisional hernias.     

Laparoscopic Witzel gastrostomy—a reappraised technique

Background Laparoscopic gastrostomy is the best alternative for long-term enteral feeding when percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is not possible. The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility, complications, adequacy of feeding support, and tolerability of laparoscopic Witzel gastrostomy (LWG) in head and neck cancer patients. The initial results and the results of extended follow-up were evaluated. Methods A consecutive series of 48 patients with stenotic head and neck or esophageal cancer were referred for laparoscopic gastrostomy. The patients consisted of 42 men and 6 women aged 36 to 82 years (mean, 54 years). After laparoscopic placement of a Foley catheter of 16 F into the stomach, a seromuscular tunnel 4 cm in length is created, embedding the catheter by interrupted sutures. Three stay sutures for gastropexy are fixed and tied on the abdominal skin at the end of the procedure. The mean duration of the procedure was 62.4 ± 11 min (52–124 min). Results Laparoscopic Witzel gastrostomy could be performed successfully in all patients with aerodigestive cancer. None of the laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement procedures was converted to an open surgery, and none of the 48 patients in this series died as a result of the laparoscopic procedure. All LWG complications (11%) were minor, consisting of superficial wound infections, balloon rupture, and chronic granulation. No major complications were encountered. The mean usage time of gastrostomy was 6.3 ± 5.3 months. Conclusions Current techniques of LWG could be an alternative to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for long-term enteral access, because it has proved to be safe and reproducible with relatively few complications.     

Perioperative management for laparoscopic repair of congenital duodenal atresia

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has been applied even to neonates. To examine the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic repair of neonatal congenital duodenal atresia, we compared the 5 laparoscopic cases with the 5 conventional surgical cases. METHODS: The charts were retrospectively reviewed to investigate the anesthetic management, perioperative status and complications in the most recent 5 cases each of laparoscopic and conventional surgeries. RESULTS: There was a tendency to avoid laparoscopic repair in the patients with congenital heart disease. There were no intraoperative complications in both groups. Laparoscopic group exhibited less blood loss but longer operation time. In the two out of five laparoscopic cases re-operation was required due to technical issues, and the group needed a longer period before starting enteral feeding and longer hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Up to this time, laparoscopic repair of congenital duodenal atresia exhibited few advantages over conventional open repair.     

Minimally invasive management of paraesophageal herniation in the high-risk surgical patient.

BACKGROUND: Traditional management of symptomatic paraesophageal herniation involves hernia reduction, hiatal closure, and an antireflux procedure or gastropexy. Patients with significant comorbidities may not tolerate operative repair. A new technique, laparoscopic-assisted endoscopic reduction and fixation of the stomach, may provide a minimally invasive treatment alternative. METHODS: Eleven elderly patients with symptomatic paraesophageal herniation were managed with flexible endoscopy and double percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion with or without laparoscopic assistance. RESULTS: All patients presented with a symptomatic paraesophageal hernia. Mean age was 78.3 years (range 72 to 84). Each was deemed at high risk for definitive repair due to preexisting coronary artery disease as well as at least two other serious comorbidities. Hernia reduction and intra-abdominal fixation of the stomach was achieved in each case using flexible endoscopy and double PEG insertion. Laparoscopic assistance for reduction and gastropexy was utilized in 9 cases. Mean operative time was 61 minutes (range 28 to 104). Average length of stay was 2.8 days (range 0 to 12). One minor and three major postoperative complications occurred. Over a mean follow-up of 4.1 months (range 2 to 7), all patients have resumed oral intake and achieved weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with symptomatic paraesophageal herniation require intervention to alleviate symptoms and avoid the complications of gastric incarceration. For the high-risk patient, endoscopic reduction and PEG with laparoscopic assistance appears to provide effective treatment.     

Laparoscopic fundoplication in children with a preexisting gastrostomy

BACKGROUND: Children with a gastrostomy may require laparoscopic fundoplication (LF). METHODS: Children with a gastrostomy who underwent LF between 1998 and 2002 were reviewed. The outcomes of children undergoing LF were compared with a group of children without a gastrostomy who had the same operation during the same period. RESULTS: Ten children with a gastrostomy in place and eight children without a gastrostomy underwent LF. The median operating time was 198 minutes (range, 115-300 minutes) in the gastrostomy group and 110 minutes (range, 80-130 minutes) in the non-gastrostomy group (P =.002). In the gastrostomy group, two children had ventriculoperitoneal shunts and two had extensive intra-abdominal adhesions due to peritonitis. One laparoscopic procedure in each group was converted to an open approach. A successful LF was performed in nine of the ten children without taking down the gastrostomy. One child with a gastrostomy experienced recurrent vomiting that was managed with a gastrojejunal tube. One child in the non-gastrostomy group required reoperation due to an esophageal stricture. CONCLUSION: It seems that LF can be performed safely and effectively in children with a preexisting gastrostomy. LF in children with a gastrostomy seems to be as efficacious as LF in children without a gastrostomy.     

Laparotomic versus laparoscopic Duhamel pull-through for Hirschsprung disease in infants and children

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the results from laparotomic and laparoscopic Duhamel pull-through in the treatment of Hirschsprung disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our department, the Duhamel pull-through technique was adopted in most patients and the laparoscopic technique used since 1999 follows the original Duhamel procedure. Patients were identified retrospectively and followed up in our outpatient clinic. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Between January 1992 and March 1999, 21 children with Hirschsprung disease underwent primary surgical correction using the classic open Duhamel pull-through. The mean age at operation was 14 months, the median operating time was 297 minutes, and the average postoperative stay was 10 days. From April 1999 to December 2003, 22 children underwent laparoscopic Duhamel pull-through. The mean age at operation was 14.6 months, the mean operative time was 253 minutes, and the mean postoperative stay was 6.8 days. The rates of early (4.7% vs. 4.7%) and late (19% vs. 23.8%) complications were similar in the two groups, but in the laparoscopic group the mean operative time and postoperative hospital stay were lower. CONCLUSION: With these encouraging results, laparoscopic Duhamel pull-through has become our procedure of choice in the surgical management of Hirschsprung's disease.     

Laparoscopic-assisted jejunostomy

BACKGROUND: Feeding difficulties and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) are major problems in severely neurologically impaired children. Many patients are managed with a simple gastrostomy, with or without fundoplication. Unfortunately, fundoplication and gastrostomy are not devoid of complications, indicating the need for other options in the management of these patients. METHODS: Since January 2002, seven patients (age range, 5-14 years) have been treated by creating a jejunostomy with the laparoscopic-assisted procedure. The procedure was performed using two 10-mm trocars. The technique consists of identifying the first jejunal loop, grasping it 20-30 cm away from the Treitz ligament with fenestrated atraumatic forceps, and exteriorizing it to the trocar orifice under visual guide. The jejunostomy was created outside the abdominal cavity during open surgery. At the end of the jejunostomy, the correct positions of the intestinal loop and feeding tube were evaluated via laparoscopy. RESULTS: Surgery lasted 40 min on average, the laparoscopic portion only 5 min. There were no perioperative complications; hospital stay was 3 or 4 days for all patients. At the longest follow-up (18 months), all patients had experienced a significant weight gain, with a high level of parental satisfaction. One patient died 1 year after the procedure of unknown causes. All the others are well, without complications or problems, and their parents are extremely satisfied with the improved quality of life of their children. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic-assisted jejunostomy is a safe and effective procedure to adopt in neurologically impaired children with feeding problems and GER. This procedure solves these patients' feeding problems even if the reflux is not completely eliminated. We advocate the use of this procedure in neurologically impaired patients with feeding problems and reflux due to its overall practicability and because there is minimal surgical trauma. This technique is extremely safe because the surgeon is able to verify, at the end of procedure, the status of the jejunostomy from outside and inside the abdominal cavity. The improvement in the quality of life of these children after the jejunostomy seems to be the major advantage of this procedure.     

Ketorolac after congenital heart surgery: does it increase the risk of significant bleeding complications?

BACKGROUND: The routine use of ketorolac after congenital heart surgery in infants and children is limited by concerns for postoperative bleeding complications. The object of this study was to determine if the use of ketorolac is associated with an increased risk of significant postoperative bleeding after congenital heart surgery in infants and children. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed. The exposure of interest was postoperative use of ketorolac after congenital heart surgery in infants and children. The outcome measured was postoperative bleeding requiring surgical exploration. The patients who received ketorolac were compared with an age- and diagnosis-matched comparison group who did not receive ketorolac. RESULTS: Records of 842 infants and children who underwent congenital heart surgery between July 2001 and October 2002 were reviewed. 94 (11.1%) patients were treated with ketorolac postoperatively. The comparison group consisted of 94 matched subjects selected from the patients that did not receive ketorolac. The mean age of patient in the ketorolac group was 8.5 (+/-6.1) years. No (0%) patients in the ketorolac group and four (4.2%) patients in the nonketorolac group developed postoperative bleeding requiring surgical exploration. The relative risk for postoperative bleeding that required surgical exploration in the ketorolac group compared with the nonketorolac group was 0.2 (95% CI 0.02-1.67). CONCLUSIONS: The use of ketorolac after congenital heart surgery in infants and children does not significantly increase the risk of bleeding complications requiring surgical exploration.     

Laparoscopic fundoplication in children with previous abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: In our institution, many children requiring antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux have had previous abdominal surgery, usually gastrostomy tube or ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. The authors review their laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) experience in children with previous abdominal surgery assessing surgical outcome. METHODS: A total of 82 consecutive LNFs performed at our institution between January 1996 and September 1998 were reviewed. Follow-up ranged from 1 month to 32 months (average, 8.9 months). LNF was performed without dividing short gastric vessels (Rosetti modification) through a standard 5-port technique. RESULTS: A total of 26 of 82 patients (31.7%) had previous abdominal surgery and were divided into 2 groups: gastrostomy (n = 17) and VP shunt (n = 11) with 2 crossovers. A total of 14 of 17 (82.3%) in the gastrostomy group had percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement versus 3 of 17 (17.6%) by open technique (open). Four patients in the VP group had multiple surgeries (range, 1 to 10, average, 2.3). LNF was completed in 25 of 26 (96.2%). One operation was converted to an open procedure because of severe adhesions. In 13 of 17 (76.5%) the previous gastrostomy was not taken down. In 4 of 17 (23.5%), the gastrostomy was taken down to complete the procedure: 2 of 3 (66.7%) of the open group versus 2 of 14 (14.3%) of the PEG group. All 11 (100%) of the VP group had successful LNF. Two of 11 (18.2%) had shunt dysfunction at 2 months (shunt infection) and 4 months (clogged distal shunt), respectively. There have been no cases of recurrent reflux, and all gastrostomies and VP shunts were functional at the time of this report. CONCLUSIONS: Previous abdominal surgery is common in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease requiring an antireflux procedure. The authors conclude from these preliminary results that laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication can be performed safely with minimal morbidity and excellent functional results in children with gastrostomies or ventriculoperitoneal shunts.     

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y feeding jejunostomy: a new minimally invasive surgical procedure for permanent feeding access in children with gastric dysfunction

Long-term feeding access in children with foregut dysfunction has traditionally been achieved by gastrostomy tube placement with or without fundoplication. Alternatives after failed procedures have included re-do fundoplication, transpyloric gastrojejunal tube placement, loop jejunostomy (open or laparoscopic), and open Roux-en-Y jejunostomy. We describe a new technique, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y feeding jejunostomy (LRFJ), which offers a minimally invasive option in providing long-term enteral access to these children. Five children, ages 10 months to 9 years (mean age, 3.4 years), weighing 8.8 to 15.2 kilograms (mean weight, 12.3 kg), underwent LRFJ. Four children had mental retardation/cerebral palsy. In 3 children, LRFJ was the only intra-abdominal procedure performed. No technical complications related to the procedure were observed. Mean operative time was 98 minutes in the children in which LRFJ was the only procedure performed. Enteral feeds were typically begun by postoperative day (POD) 5. Follow-up has ranged from 12 to 30 months (mean follow-up, 23 months). All 4 survivors remain on full jejunal feedings and are doing well. One child developed stomal stenosis requiring dilatation. In summary, LRFJ can be performed safely in children with gastric dysfunction, may be performed in conjunction with a variety of other laparoscopic procedures, and offers a new option for nutritional access in this challenging pediatric population.     

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease affects preoperative acidosis in the newborn patient

OBJECTIVES: Congenital heart disease is the leading cause of death in the first year after birth. Prenatal diagnosis of the disease can optimize the preoperative condition of the patient and may help in the prevention of acidosis. In this retrospective study we compared the occurrence of metabolic acidosis in patients with and without prenatal diagnosis of a congenital heart disease. METHODS: Data of 408 patients who needed an operation for congenital heart disease within 31 days of life were analyzed retrospectively. Arterial blood gases at fixed time intervals and worst blood gas of 81 patients with and 327 patients without a prenatal diagnosis were compared, categorizing the patients on ductus dependency, anticipated univentricular or biventricular repair, and left-sided, right-sided, or no heart obstruction. RESULTS: In the overall group significant differences in lowest pH, lowest base excess, and highest lactate level were found, with metabolic acidosis more common among the patients with a postnatal diagnosis. In the group of patients with ductus-dependent congenital heart disease, the difference between patients receiving a prenatal and those receiving a postnatal diagnosis was more significant than in the group with non-ductus-dependent lesions. Analyzing patients with right-sided, left-sided, and no obstruction separately, significant differences were found in the group with left-sided heart obstruction for lowest pH and base excess and in the group with right-sided heart obstruction for lowest base excess. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease minimizes metabolic acidosis in patients with congenital heart disease and may be associated with improved long-term outcome and prevention of cerebral damage among this fragile group of patients, although no significant effect on direct surgical outcome was encountered.     

腹腔镜与开放手术治疗成人先天性胆管扩张症的疗效对比

目的 探讨完全腹腔镜下胆管囊肿切除、肝总管空肠Roux-en-Y吻合术治疗成人先天性胆管扩张症的可行性、安全性,并与传统开放手术的疗效进行比较.方法 回顾性分析2008年5月至2011年9月期间中国医科大学附属盛京医院普外科收治的33例先天性胆管扩张症患者的临床资料.其中14例患者接受完全腹腔镜下胆管囊肿切除、肝总管空肠Roux-en-Y吻合术(腹腔镜手术组),19例患者接受传统开放手术(传统手术组).结果 所有腹腔镜手术均顺利,无中转开腹.平均手术时间腹腔镜手术组长于传统手术组(195 min比130 min,P＜0.01),术中平均失血量腹腔镜手术组少于传统手术组(80 ml比270 ml,P＜0.01),术后平均排气时间和术后平均住院时间腹腔镜手术组均短于传统手术组(排气时间:76 h比104 h,P＜0.01;住院时间:6.1 d比9.6d,P＜0.01).术后早期并发症的发生率2组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).腹腔镜手术组1例术后有少量胆汁漏,20～50 ml/d,保持引流通畅,1周后自行愈合;传统手术组1例术后3个月出现粘连性肠梗阻,保守治疗后缓解;余31例无严重术后并发症,均恢复顺利.术后随访3～40个月,平均14.5个月,所有患者无腹痛、发热或黄疸等症状.结论 完全腹腔镜下胆管囊肿切除、肝总管空肠Roux-en-Y吻合术安全、可行,具有创伤小、恢复快的优点.     

A comparison of laparoscopic gastrostomy tubes and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in infants: results from a single institution

Background/PurposeLaparoscopic gastrostomy (LG) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) are two common methods for gastrostomy feeding tube placement in children. There have been limited studies evaluating these surgical interventions in infants under 12 months of age.MethodsThis study is a retrospective review of 186 patients who underwent either LG or PEG placement over a 5-year period at a single institution. The primary outcome for this study was the complication rate between the two groups.ResultsOf 186 patients who underwent gastrostomy tube placements, n = 130 patients comprised the PEG cohort, and n = 56 made up the LG cohort. The demographics of the two cohorts were comparable in weight, age, and co-morbidities. The overall complication rate was 29.6% The breakdown of 31.5% complications in the PEG group vs. 25% in the laparoscopic group was not statistically different. However, the PEG group did have significantly more patients who required general anesthetic for additional procedures related to G tube placement.ConclusionLaparoscopy and endoscopy are both acceptable options for gastrostomy tube placements in infants. However, this study identifies that PEG placements are associated with significantly increased risk for the need of additional procedures requiring general anesthesia in this patient population.Level of Evidence