Advances and Future Challenges of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Surgery".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 July 2024) | Viewed by 6839

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Interests: laparoscopy; pediatric surgery; minimally invasive surgery; pediatric urology; testis; appendicitis; thoracoscopic surgery; testicular torsion; neonatal surgery; esophageal atresia; varicocele; acute scrotum; surgical infection
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The goal of minimally invasive surgery is to perform operations through very small incisions with equal or superior clinical outcomes and less impact on a patient’s body and organs. Minimally invasive surgery has become very popular over the last 30 years. Minimally invasive surgery within the pediatric population was slow to advance, but has rapidly expanded to include all major pediatric surgical procedures in infants and children over the last 20 years. The benefits to the patient are great, but the technical hurdles are many due to the varied size and physiology of this patient population.

The goal of this Special Issue is to discuss all aspects of minimally invasive surgery in the pediatric population. Pediatric surgeons and researchers are invited to contribute their manuscripts from all aspects of minimally invasive surgery. Contributions can be of different character, including original articles (prospective/retrospective studies), experimental studies, review articles, systemic reviews, new surgical techniques and learning curves relating minimally invasive surgery. Please avoid single case reports.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Zenon Pogorelić
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • minimally invasive pediatric surgery
  • pediatric laparoscopic surgery
  • video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in children
  • robotic pediatric surgery
  • minimally invasive surgery in pediatric urology
  • learning curves in minimally invasive pediatric surgery
  • anesthesia in pediatric minimally invasive surgery

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 213 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Clinical, Pathological, and Procedural Characteristics of Adult and Pediatric Acute Appendicitis before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Goran Augustin, Jurica Žedelj, Karmen Jeričević and Nora Knez
Children 2024, 11(6), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11060641 - 25 May 2024
Viewed by 574
Abstract
Background: This study aims to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical, pathological, and surgical characteristics of acute appendicitis (AA) at the University Hospital Centre (UHC) Zagreb. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed demographic, clinical, and surgical data from consecutive AA [...] Read more.
Background: This study aims to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical, pathological, and surgical characteristics of acute appendicitis (AA) at the University Hospital Centre (UHC) Zagreb. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed demographic, clinical, and surgical data from consecutive AA patients. Data were collected from an electronic database for two periods: 1 January to 31 December 2019 (pre-COVID-19), and 11 March 2020, to 11 March 2021 (COVID-19 pandemic). Results: During the two study periods, 855 appendectomies were performed, 427 in the pre-pandemic, and 428 during the pandemic. Demographic data were comparable between groups. There was statistically no significant difference in the type of appendectomy (p = 0.33) and the median hospital length of stay (3; (2–5) days, p = 0.08). There was an increase in the conversion rate during the pandemic period (4.2% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.03). The negative appendectomy rate and the incidence of perforated AA did not differ significantly (p = 0.34 for both). Conclusions: We did not observe a significant increase in the rate of AA complications during the COVID-19 pandemic at the UHC Zagreb. This may be attributed to two factors: (1) AA was diagnosed and treated as an emergency, which remained available during the pandemic, and (2) diagnostic and therapeutic protocols remained unaltered. We recommend a laparoscopic approach even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
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12 pages, 619 KiB  
Article
Identifying Preoperative Clinical Characteristics of Unexpected Gastrointestinal Perforation in Infants—A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Adinda G. H. Pijpers, Ramon R. Gorter, Laurens D. Eeftinck Schattenkerk, Joost van Schuppen, Chris H. P. van den Akker, Sylvie Vanhamel, Ernest L. W. van Heurn, Gijsbert D. Musters and Joep P. M. Derikx
Children 2024, 11(5), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050505 - 23 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1268
Abstract
Background: Infants presenting with unexpected pneumoperitoneum upon abdominal X-ray, indicating a gastrointestinal perforation (GIP), have a surgical emergency with potential morbidity and mortality. Preoperative determination of the location of perforation is challenging but will aid the surgeon in optimizing the surgical strategy, as [...] Read more.
Background: Infants presenting with unexpected pneumoperitoneum upon abdominal X-ray, indicating a gastrointestinal perforation (GIP), have a surgical emergency with potential morbidity and mortality. Preoperative determination of the location of perforation is challenging but will aid the surgeon in optimizing the surgical strategy, as colon perforations are more challenging than small bowel perforations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide an overview of preoperative patient characteristics, determine the differences between the small bowel and colon, and determine underlying causes in a cohort of infants with unexpected GIP. Methods: All infants (age ≤ 6 months) who presented at our center with unexpected pneumoperitoneum (no signs of pneumatosis before) undergoing surgery between 1996 and 2024 were retrospectively included. The differences between the location of perforation were analyzed using chi-squared and t-tests. Bonferroni correction was used to adjust for multiple tests. Results: In total, 51 infants presented with unexpected pneumoperitoneum at our center, predominantly male (N = 36/51) and premature (N = 40/51). Among them, twenty-six had small bowel, twenty-two colon, and three stomach perforations. Prematurity (p = 0.001), birthweight < 1000 g (p = 0.001), respiratory support (p = 0.001), and lower median arterial pH levels (p = 0.001) were more present in patients with small bowel perforation compared with colon perforations. Pneumatosis intestinalis was more present in patients with colon perforation (p = 0.004). All patients with Hirschsprung disease and cystic fibrosis had colon perforation. The final diagnoses were mainly focal intestinal perforations (N = 27/51) and necrotizing enterocolitis (N = 9/51). Conclusions: Infants with unexpected GIP, birthweight < 1000 g, and prematurity have more risk for small bowel perforation. In case of colon perforation, additional screening (for Hirschsprung and cystic fibrosis) should be considered. Full article
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11 pages, 1035 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing (PIRS) versus Open Ligation of the Patent Processus Vaginalis for the Treatment of Communicating Pediatric Hydrocele
by Zenon Pogorelić, Petar Stanić and Marko Bašković
Children 2024, 11(4), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11040437 - 5 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2789
Abstract
Background: Although the laparoscopic approach become standard for the treatment of many surgical conditions many studies still debating whether laparoscopic surgery has significant advantages over open surgery in regards to hernia or hydrocele treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of treatment [...] Read more.
Background: Although the laparoscopic approach become standard for the treatment of many surgical conditions many studies still debating whether laparoscopic surgery has significant advantages over open surgery in regards to hernia or hydrocele treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of treatment of treatment of communicating hydrocele in pediatric patients between laparoscopic percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS) and open ligation of the patent processus vaginalis (PPV). Methods: The medical records of pediatric patients who underwent surgery for communicating hydrocele between 1 January 2019 and 1 January 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary objective of the study is to investigate the outcomes of treatment (complications and recurrence rates) of communicating hydrocele in children between laparoscopic and open surgical approaches. Secondary outcomes of the study are the duration of surgery and anesthesia, length of hospital stay (LOS), frequency of hospital readmissions (ReAd) and unplanned return to the operating room (uROR). Results: A total of 198 children underwent surgery for a communicating hydrocele (205 repairs, as 7 cases were bilateral) and were included in the study. Of these, 87 children underwent a PIRS, while the remaining 111 cases underwent open ligation of the PPV. No recurrence of the hydrocele was observed in any of the study groups. Intraoperative complication (epigastric vein injury) was noted in two cases in both groups (2.3% vs. 1.8%, p > 0.999). A slightly higher number of postoperative complications was observed in the open group (n = 7, 6.3%) compared to the PIRS group (n = 2, 2.3%) (p = 0.190). The median duration of surgery (15 min (IQR 10, 17) vs. 21 min (IQR 15, 25); p < 0.001) and anesthesia (30 min (IQR 25, 40) vs. 40 min (IQR 35, 40); p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the PIRS group compared to open ligation of the PPV. In addition, a significantly shorter median of LOS was observed in the PIRS group compared to the open PPV group (9 h (IQR 8, 12) vs. 24 h (IQR 12, 24; p < 0.001). No cases of ReAd and uROR were observed in any of the study groups. Conclusions: PIRS is a safe and effective laparoscopic technique that can be used in the treatment of communicating hydrocele in children. PIRS showed excellent outcomes and a low incidence of complications and recurrences, comparable to traditional open surgery. Full article
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Review

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13 pages, 621 KiB  
Review
Robot-Assisted Extravesical Ureteral Reimplantation (REVUR) in Pediatric Patients: A New Standard of Treatment for Patients with VUR—A Narrative Review
by Ciro Esposito, Claudia Di Mento, Mariapina Cerulo, Fulvia Del Conte, Francesco Tedesco, Vincenzo Coppola, Annalisa Chiodi, Giorgia Esposito, Leonardo Continisio, Marco Castagnetti and Maria Escolino
Children 2024, 11(9), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11091117 - 12 Sep 2024
Abstract
Robot-assisted extravesical ureteral reimplantation (REVUR) was described for the first time in 2004. Since then, the surgical approach of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) has changed dramatically. The benefits of this technique are great when compared to the laparoscopic or traditional open approaches. A literature [...] Read more.
Robot-assisted extravesical ureteral reimplantation (REVUR) was described for the first time in 2004. Since then, the surgical approach of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) has changed dramatically. The benefits of this technique are great when compared to the laparoscopic or traditional open approaches. A literature search of PubMed was performed to identify articles covering any aspect of REVUR in the pediatric population. A total of 108 papers published over the period 2004–2024 were collected. Of these, 40 studies were considered valuable in terms of obtaining a complete overview of the REVUR technique. This review aimed to describe the current state of the art of REVUR and define it as the new standard technique for surgical management of selected patients with VUR. Full article
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Other

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18 pages, 813 KiB  
Opinion
Minimal Access in Pediatric Surgery: An Overview on Progress towards Dedicated Instrument Developments and Anesthesiologic Advances to Enhance Safe Completion of Procedures
by Gloria Pelizzo, Francesca Destro, Ugo Maria Pierucci, Sara Costanzo, Anna Camporesi, Veronica Diotto, Valeria Calcaterra and Amulya K. Saxena
Children 2024, 11(6), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11060679 - 3 Jun 2024
Viewed by 680
Abstract
Surgical techniques are evolving in Pediatric Surgery, especially in the area of minimal access surgery (MAS) where indications for applications are expanding. Miniaturization of instruments, using natural orifices, single incisions, or remotely controlled robot-assisted procedures, promises to increase the benefits of MAS procedures [...] Read more.
Surgical techniques are evolving in Pediatric Surgery, especially in the area of minimal access surgery (MAS) where indications for applications are expanding. Miniaturization of instruments, using natural orifices, single incisions, or remotely controlled robot-assisted procedures, promises to increase the benefits of MAS procedures in pediatrics. Many pediatric pathologies are rare, and specialized surgical and anesthesiologic instruments are necessary to manage them, defined as “orphan devices”, for which development and dissemination on the market are slowed down or sometimes hindered by regulatory standards and limiting financial conflicts of interest. In pediatric surgery, it is of utmost importance to work in a multidisciplinary way to offer a surgical path that is safe and supported by technological advances. For this reason, optimizing pediatric anesthesia is also a crucial factor where technological advances have made monitoring more precise, thereby enhancing safety in the operative room. The development of customized instruments and technologies should be supported by pediatric research and should be adapted to the individualities of the small patient. This overview outlines the importance of dedicated instruments developed for the safe completion of MAS procedures in pediatrics. Full article
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