bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive insights into lumbar epidural varicose veins: Three clinical cases and surgical strategies
Authors: Agboola Kayode , Chaurasia Bipin , Scalia Gianluca , Umana Giuseppe Emmanuele , Montemurro Nicola , Slinko Eugene 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
Lumbar epidural varicose veins (LEVs) present a challenging clinical scenario with limited literature. This series addresses the scarcity of comprehensive understanding, emphasizing the need for nuanced exploration. Varied prevalence estimates and clinical oversights underscore the urgency for a standardized approach to surgical interventions. We present three diverse clinical cases: (1) segmental varicose veins causing radicular pain, (2) local varicosities leading to lower paraparesis, and (3) widespread varicose veins with prolonged symptoms. Surgical tactics involved targeted coagulation, crossing of veins, and preservation of collateral blood flow. Advanced imaging techniques guided interventions. Tailoring interventions based on varicose vein subtype, preserving collateral flow, and adopting a staged postoperative approach contribute to successful outcomes. This series provides valuable insights into LEV management, emphasizing the significance of advanced imaging in diagnosis and surgical planning.
Clinical Profile, Outcomes and Predictors of Mortality in Neonates Operated for Gastrointestinal Anomalies in a Tertiary Neonatal Care Unit- An Observational Study
Authors: Jerry Antony Leo , Amboiram Prakash , Balakrishnan Umamaheswari , Chandrasekaran Ashok , Agarwal Prakash , Devi Usha 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Gastrointestinal (GI) malformations have varied short-term and long-term outcomes reported across various neonatal units in India.

Methods:
This descriptive study was done to study the clinical profile, outcomes and predictors of mortality in neonates operated for congenital GI malformations in a tertiary neonatal care unit in South India between years 2011 and 2020. Details were collected by retrospective review of the case sheets.

Results:
Total of 68 neonates were included with esophageal atresia (EA) in 10, infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) in 9, duodenal atresia (DA) in 10, ileal atresia in 8, jejunal atresia in 5, anorectal malformations (ARM) in 11, meconium ileus/peritonitis in 9, malrotation in 2, and Hirschsprung's disease (HD) in 4. Antenatal diagnosis was highest in DA (80%). Associated anomalies were maximum in EA (50%), the most common being vertebral, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal and radial abnormalities, and limb abnormalities association (VACTERL). Overall mortality was 15%. IHPS, DA, Malrotation, HD and ARM had 100 % survival while ileal atresia had the least survival (38%). Gestational age <32 weeks (odds ratio [OR] 12.77 [1.96, 82.89]) and outborn babies (OR 5.55 [1.01, 30.33]) were significant predictors of mortality in babies operated for small intestinal anomalies. None of the surviving infants were moderately or severely underweight at follow-up.

Conclusion:
Overall survival of surgically correctable GI anomalies is good. Among the predictors for mortality, modifiable factors such as in-utero referral of antenatally diagnosed congenital anomalies need attention. One-fifth had associated anomalies highlighting the need to actively look for the same. Although these neonates are vulnerable for growth failure, they had optimal growth on follow-up possibly due to standardized total parenteral nutritional policy during neonatal intensive care unit stay.
Focus of pediatric surgical reports during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: da Costa Karina Miura , Ferrari Khouri Thiago Elias , Saxena Amulya Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Background
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted surgical activity at health-care facilities and led to significant changes in the characteristics of publications in medical journals. This is a narrative review that outlines the focus of pediatric surgical reports during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:
Publications on pediatric surgery during the pandemic were carefully reviewed, and data emerging from reports on COVID-19 were selected to address: (1) the impact of COVID-19 on pediatric surgical procedures; (2) children undergoing surgical intervention; and (3) expansion of telemedicine.

Results:
Regarding surgical activity in tertiary hospitals, there was a reduction in the number of elective surgeries, with reports of an increase in complicated appendicitis and in testicular torsions with symptoms for more than 6 h. The pandemic impacted specific surgical fields, with reports on trauma, appendectomies, urology, cardiac surgery, and kidney transplant. In children positive for COVID-19 that underwent surgery, postoperative complications were more indicative of the primary surgical pathology and there were no postoperative deaths. In a report of universal screening, <1% of children had positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In a report addressing telemedicine during the pandemic, it was well evaluated by both pediatric surgeons and patients' families, but most surgical departments did not provide the service.

Conclusions:
The pandemic brought significant changes in surgical care. As expected, there was a reduction in elective surgeries, RT-PCR-positive children did not present worse postoperative outcomes than negative ones but there is still a paucity of data regarding COVID-19 children, and telemedicine may play an important role in health care, especially in times of social distancing.
Impact of Cytomegalovirus Infection on Short-Term Clinical Outcomes and Operative Histopathology in Infants with Biliary Atresia
Authors: Munghate Gayatri , Anand Sachit , Bhatnagar Veereshwar , Agarwala Sandeep , Gupta Siddhartha Datta 
Published: May 2024

Background:
There is limited information on the impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection on clinical outcomes and operative histopathology in children with biliary atresia (BA). We hypothesized that CMV infection is associated with greater histopathological damage and unfavorable short-term clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods:
A prospective single-center study was conducted with effect from January 2011–July 2012 including all infants with BA who underwent surgery. Diagnosis of CMV infection was confirmed by serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) positivity or the presence of CMV-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the liver tissue. Four short-term outcome variables were observed. The cohort was divided into subgroups on the basis of seropositivity (IgM + or IgM−); the presence of CMV-DNA in the liver (polymerase chain reaction [PCR]+ or PCR−); and composite CMV groups (Group 1 – IgM+, PCR+; Group 2 – IgM+, PCR−; Group 3 –- IgM−, PCR+; and Group 4 – IgM−, PCR−). Outcomes and histopathology were compared in these subgroups.

Results:
A total of 32 infants with BA were operated at a mean age of 3.5 (range: 1–6) months. Serum IgM+ and PCR+ were observed in 50% and 37.5% of the patients. Unfavorable outcomes showed a significant association with IgM+ and not PCR+. Similarly, outcomes were poor for CMV Groups 1 and 2 at 1-month follow-up. Infants with IgM+ and PCR+ showed a greater degree of histopathological damage in terms of bile duct proliferation and severe bile duct fibrosis, respectively.

Conclusion:
In the present study, there was a high incidence of serum IgM+ (50%) and PCR+ of biopsy specimens (37.5%) in infants with BA. This CMV-infected subgroup was associated with greater histopathological damage and unfavorable short-term outcomes after surgery.
Challenges and Changes in Pediatric Surgical Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era
Authors: Shah Nirkhi R. , Ramji Jaishri , Vaghela Maheshkumar Manilal , Mehta Charul , Vohra Arif , Joshi Rakesh S. 
Published: May 2024

Aim:
Working practices in pediatric surgery underwent enormous changes during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. While certain surgical conditions in children can be managed temporarily with nonsurgical options, most neonates with congenital surgical malformations require emergent operations. We discuss the challenges faced; measures adopted in dealing with surgical emergencies and analyze the diagnoses and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 infection in our institute during the pandemic era.

Materials and Methods:
When the lockdown was imposed, it was mandated that all elective procedures should be put on hold. We formulated criteria for triaging procedures as emergent, urgent, and elective. A standard operating protocol was devised regarding admission, pre and postoperative management. Protocols for surgical procedures were established in a separate Covid-designated operation room including a specified sequence of donning and doffing personal protective equipment.

Results:
In the COVID era, from March 23, 2020 to mid-July 2021, 1282 surgeries have been done in our department, 344 emergencies and 461 planned procedures, which include 31 COVID-19 positive cases, with overall good outcomes. 103 emergency surgeries were done during the first wave (March-end to June 2020), and 103during the second wave (April to mid-June 2021). Moreover, not a single healthcare worker in the department has been infected.

Conclusion:
Pediatric Surgeons are adapting to the new guidelines to continue to provide emergency services with safe and effective care to their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, focus on personal and staff protection is ensured to keep the healthcare workers healthy and able to discharge their duties adequately.
Noninvasive Evaluation of Bladder Bowel Dysfunction and its Extrapolation as Biofeedback Therapy to Train Pelvic Floor Muscles
Authors: Shandilya Gaurav , Karunakaran Prabhu , Pathak Abhishek , Yadav Priyank , Srivastava Aneesh , Ansari M. S. 
Published: May 2024

Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate the noninvasive methods to diagnose bladder bowel dysfunction (BBD) and its extrapolation on biofeedback therapy and pelvic floor exercises (PFE) to treat these children.

Settings and Design:
A retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care center was conducted between January 2010 and December 2020, on 204 children, aged 4–18 years, arbitrarily divided into two groups-4–12 and 13–18 years.

Subjects and Methods:
Details of lower urinary tract dysfunction were recorded as International Children's Continence Society nomenclature. Bowel habits were recorded and functional constipation was graded using ROME IV. The data recorded were urine analysis, a voiding diary, a dysfunctional voiding symptom score, and uroflowmetry with or without electromyography. Ultrasonography, voiding cystourethrogram, and magnetic resonance imaging were done in appropriate cases. Dysfunctional Voiding Severity Score was used to assist the evaluation and outcome. The treatment protocol included urotherapy, uroflow biofeedback, PFEs, prophylactic antibiotics, pharmacotherapy, and treatment of constipation.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 26 and paired t-test was used for comparison and calculating P value.

Results:
There was a significant improvement in DVSS and uroflow parameters. However, the magnitude of change produced varied among the age groups. Patients who failed to show any clinical benefit were subjected to alternative therapies such as intrasphincteric Botulinum A toxin with or without neuromodulation.

Conclusions:
Integrated uroflow biofeedback (IUB) and PFE expedites the recovery by supplementing the effect of urotherapy; hence, this should be offered to all children with BBD.
Quality Improvement in Pediatric Surgical Ward Rounds after Implementation of Checklist
Authors: Jayakumar T. K. , Sikchi Rupesh , Rathod Kirtikumar J. , Sinha Arvind 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
Using checklists has been common in high-risk industries such as aviation, space, and maritime sectors. It is routinely being used in health care also. Daily ward rounds play an essential role in patient care. Missing key details in rounds are common. Sometimes, these medical errors can lead to adverse events or mismanagement of patients. A checklist was introduced for daily ward rounds in our newly established institution. This study aims to assess the improvement in the documentation.

Materials and Methods:
A checklist for ward rounds was introduced in September 2018. During the study period, between July 2017 and January 2020, 30 random case records for each of the two groups were taken. Group A (without checklist) and Group B (checklist) were compared to see the documentation of patient identification, diagnosis, operative status, fresh complaints, vitals, examination findings, charting treatment, catheters/drains/intravenous access, and urinary status/bowel movements.

Results:
Sixty case records were included in the study. Comparison of documentation between Group A and Group B showed a significant difference in patient identification (50% vs. 100%), diagnosis (47% vs. 100%), operative status (33% vs. 100%), fresh complaints (76% vs. 100%), vitals (63% vs. 100%), examination findings (43% vs. 100%), charting treatment (73% vs. 100%), catheters/drains/intravenous access (10% vs. 86%), and urinary status/bowel movements (30% vs. 100%).

Conclusion:
Using checklists for daily ward rounds improves documentation. It reduces the gap in communication and potential errors in patient management.
Evaluation of the outcome of pyeloplasty in children with poorly functioning kidneys due to unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction
Authors: Kapoor Rohit , Gupta Amit , Abbey Pooja , Sethi Ravinder Singh , Yadav Partap Singh , Choudhury Subhasis Roy , Chadha Rajiv 
Published: May 2024

Aim
To analyze the outcome of upfront pyeloplasty in kidneys of children with unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).

Materials and Methods:
Thirty-three consecutive cases with split renal function (SRF) of ≤20% on dynamic renal scintigraphy (DRS) underwent upfront pyeloplasty with a nephrostomy tube and trans-anastomotic stent. Outcome was analyzed based on symptomatic relief, nephrostomy output, surgical complications and changes noted in pre-and post-operative findings on renal ultrasound (US), and DRS.

Results:
The most common symptom was abdominal lump in <5-year age group (79%) and abdominal pain in >5-year age group (93%). Postoperatively, symptoms were relieved in all (100%), parenchymal thickness (PT) on US improved in 82% and SRF improved significantly (>5%) in 75.8% of patients. The improvement was more significant in patients with abdominal lump and large kidneys. The mean nephrostomy output showed an inverse relationship with age at pyeloplasty and a direct correlation with the change in PT and SRF. The degree of improvement in SRF also was inversely related to the age at pyeloplasty with a significantly better outcome in <2-year-age. Although age at pyeloplasty, nephrostomy output and change in PT individually showed significant correlation with change in SRF, multiple regression analysis showed PT as the only significant factor.

Conclusion:
Upfront pyeloplasty should be the first option in children with poorly functioning kidneys as it has a favorable outcome in almost all the cases with a very low incidence of complications. The degree of improvement in SRF can be predicted by the nephrostomy output and improvement in PT on US.
Musculoskeletal and Esthetic Complications after Neonatal Thoracotomy
Authors: Divya Gali , Kundal Vijay Kumar , Debnath Pinaki Ranjan , Addagatla Raja Sekhar , Garbhapu Anil Kumar , Saha Arnab Kumar , Meena Atul Kumar , Shah Shalu , Sen Amita 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:
The aim is to study the complications of neonatal thoracotomy and its preventive measures.

Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed 53 neonates who underwent thoracotomy from January 2017 to December 2019 for a period of 3 years. Patient demographic data, primary disease for which they underwent thoracotomy, postoperative complications (immediate and delayed) during follow-up were documented.

Results:
During 3-year period, 53 neonates underwent thoracotomy for various surgical pathologies. The indications were esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (n = 49), eventration of diaphragm (n = 3), congenital lobar emphysema of left upper lobe of lung (n = 1). Most of them were right posterolateral thoracotomies (n = 48, 90.56%) and left posterolateral thoracotomy was done in only 5 cases (9.43%). Associated anomalies were seen in 22 cases, such as cardiac (n = 19), renal (n = 4) and gastrointestinal (n = 5). Associated comorbidities seen in 14 cases; preterm (n = 4), low birth weight (n = 13), delayed presentation (n = 6). Early postoperative complications such as pneumonia (34%, n = 18) and wound infection (11.3%, n = 6) were noted. Delayed complications include musculoskeletal abnormalities (n = 19, 35.8%) and esthetic complications such as asymmetry of chest (5.6%).

Conclusion:
Neonatal thoracotomy is associated with complications such as pneumonia, wound infections, and musculoskeletal abnormalities such as asymmetry of chest and scoliosis. These can be prevented by adequate postoperative pain relief, muscle-sparing thoracotomies, avoiding tight closures, and nerve injuries. Long-term follow-up is required because these complications may manifest later on also. Early detection and institution of physiotherapy may help.
Black ovary
Authors: Sriram R. , Zameer M. M. , Vinay C. , Giridhar B S 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION
Oophorectomy is the treatment of choice in ovarian torsion if after detorsion the ovary looks bluish black. Ovarian preservation is advocated by many studies in the pediatric age group quoting the ability of the ovary to recover despite the appearance after detorsion.

Aims:
This study aims to review the outcome of salvage surgery (detorsion) in the management of pediatric ovarian torsion.

Materials and Methods:
This is a retrospective study of girls under 18 years with ovarian torsion treated from January 2016 to June 2021. Data were collated from records and analyzed.

Results:
Ten girls with ovarian torsion were included (mean age of 11 years). Ultrasonography and Doppler confirmed ovarian torsion in all. Emergency laparoscopy with detorsion was done in all with the mean time lapse from onset to surgery being 35 h. All the ovaries were black initially and persisted to be bluish black after detorsion. All were conserved and fixed to the lateral abdominal wall. In one child with an associated ovarian cyst, the cyst excision was also done. All girls were asymptomatic on follow-up. Ultrasonography at 3-month follow-up showed a normal-sized ovary with good blood flow in 9 out of 10 girls (90% cases). Follicular changes were seen in five girls who had attained puberty. In one girl, the ovary was very small sized and flows were not well visualized.

Conclusion:
Detorsion and oophoropexy should be the procedure of choice in pediatric patients with ovarian torsion. The gross appearance of the ovary after detorsion should not be the sole determinant for oophorectomy.
Perioperative course of COVID-19 in pediatric patients undergoing emergency surgeries
Authors: Kundal Raksha , Singh Ranju , Kant Vishal , Pandey Maitree , Sarin Yogesh Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Objective
Adults with COVID-19 infection undergoing surgery have an increased risk of complications and mortality. However, literature mentioning the perioperative course and outcome of children with COVID-19 infection undergoing emergency surgery is still lacking. Therefore, we planned this study to observe the need for postoperative ventilation, oxygen requirements, and postoperative mortality in pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection scheduled for emergency surgery.

Methods:
After ethical committee approval, all the COVID-19-infected pediatric patients who underwent an emergency surgery from April 2020 to May 2021 were included. Data collected included details of COVID-19 disease, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grading, comorbidities, perioperative details such as tachycardia or bradycardia, any oxygen desaturation (SpO2<90), need for postoperative oxygen therapy, postoperative ventilation, and recovery/death.

Results:
A total of 22 COVID-19-infected pediatric patients underwent emergency surgery in the study period. Fourteen (63.6%) were asymptomatic at the time of admission. Nineteen patients (86.4%) belonged to ASA grade IE and three (13.6%) patients belonged to ASA grade III E. Three patients (13.6%) had comorbidities. Only one patient had hypotension and tachycardia intraoperatively. The same patient needed postoperative ventilation and succumbed.

Conclusion:
Our study shows that pediatric surgical patients with COVID-19 infection do not exhibit an increased need for oxygen or postoperative ventilation, postoperative pulmonary complications, or high mortality unless there is associated comorbidity.
A retrospective comparative study on the outcome of microscope-assisted technique and supra-auricular approach in preauricular sinus surgery in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Maiti Amit Bikram , Dam Sakti Pada , Samaddar Saikat , Das Sudip Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Context
Preauricular sinus (PAS) can lead to severe complications such as facial paralysis, and squamous cell carcinoma may develop from this sinus later in life. Asymptomatic sinus needs no intervention, but symptomatic sinus needs surgical interventions.

Aims:
This study compares the surgical outcome of microscope-assisted sinus tract excision technique with the supra-auricular sinectomy technique.

Settings and Design:
This was a retrospective, observational study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Purulia District, West Bengal, India.

Subjects and Methods:
Records of patients operated on for PAS were included following the proper inclusion and exclusion criteria. These patients were categorized and followed up based on disease pathology and the type of intervention received.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Data were collected, tabulated, and analyzed using the standard statistical software.

Results:
Fifty-two patients were included in our study. About 48.07% of patients were found in the age group of 11–15 years. In the microscope-assisted sinectomy category, recurrence of the disease was seen in 2 out of 15 operated patients compared to 1 patient among 13 in the supra-auricular sinectomy approach for uncomplicated cases. In complicated cases, the supra-auricular sinectomy approach had a nil recurrence rate compared to three patients out of ten operated in microscope-assisted technique (Fisher's exact test - 0.0593). Both the outcomes are not statistically significant.

Conclusion:
Supra-auricular sinectomy technique has the lowest recurrence rate for preauricular sinus surgery.