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Background: This study aimed to assess the long-term effects of laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication (LNF) on clinical and pH evaluations of children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) according to neurologic status., Methods: The study examined 127 children (73 neurologically impaired and 54 neurologically normal with primary GERD) who consecutively underwent LNF from 1992 to 2003. The follow-up protocol included evaluations at 3, 15, and more than 36 months (long-term evaluation) postoperatively, which consisted of physical examination and 24-h pH monitoring. Recurrences were defined as abnormal pH-metry exhibited by symptomatic children., Results: The long-term follow-up period averaged 5.5 years. Of the 73 neurologically impaired children, 9 (12%) had GERD recurrences, which occurred during the evaluation period and required redo surgery in four cases, including two Bianchi procedures. In the neurologically normal group, one recurrence (2%) occurred 3 months after surgery. The long-term complications in this group included dyspepsia (n = 3), occasional dysphagia (n = 2), gas bloat syndrome (n = 1), and alimentary disorders (n = 2)., Conclusions: For children with primary GERD, LNF is a long-term efficient procedure. For the neurologically impaired children, the results were good, with more than 85% of the children symptom free after 5 years, although repeated evaluations are required to diagnose late recurrences related to evolving dysmotility disorders.

Retroperitoneoscopic heminephrectomy used to manage a horseshoe kidney in a 15-month-old boy is reported. The surgery was decided after a progressive increase of arterial blood pressure in the patient followed for poor kidney functioning resulting from vesicoureteral reflux in both ureters of the left duplex moiety of a horseshoe kidney. The retroperitoneoscopy was conducted with three trocars: a 10-mm port inserted under direct vision at the extremity of the left 12th rib and two 5-mm operating trocars. Division of the isthmus was performed using an ultrasonic scalpel. Duration of the pneumoretroperitoneum was 115 min. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4. At 2 years postoperatively, the patient's arterial blood pressure was normal without treatment. The authors conclude that retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy for horseshoe kidney is safe and feasible in children, offering all the advantages of minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Background: Between December 1990 and March 1999, five laparoscopic Duhamel pull-through procedures for extended or total aganglionosis were performed in our department, one of which had a rectosigmoid form with a short bowel and a colonic resection due to a volvulus., Methods: The aim of this study was to show that even when the extended form of Hirschprung's disease or anatomic difficulties such as a short bowel and anterior colonic resection are encountered, the laparoscopic approach is possible and total colectomy is feasible. The procedure has been described previously. We used one camera port and three working ports. The sigmoid, transverse, and right colon up to the last ileal cove were mobilized laparoscopically. A standard posterior ileo-anal anastomosis was performed, and an endo-GIA stapler was used for the anterior anastomosis., Results: A total of five patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for Hirschprung's disease. There were three total colonic forms, one rectosigmoid form with a short bowel and colon resection attributed to a volvulus, and one transverse variant that required a Deloyers' maneuver for the pull-through. Three of the infants required total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for an average of 49 days (range, 28-60) from diversion until the time of the definitive procedure. Only one patient did not receive TPN. Postoperatively, there were two complications-one wound infection and one hectic fever. The clinical results were good, with no soiling or stool incontinence and no constipation., Conclusion: The laparoscopic procedure for total aganglionosis or the extended form of Hirschprung's disease is safe, feasible, and reproducible.

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the indications and results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in children., Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included six children (four boys, two girls) aged 2-16 years (mean, 9.5). Three children had hypertension. In three cases, the adrenal mass was discovered incidentally. The tumors were bilateral in two children, right-sided in two cases, and left-sided in two cases. The mean tumor size was 4 cm (range, 1-7). Each child underwent MIBG scintigraphy and MRI before the operation., Results: Four right and two left adrenal glands were resected by laparoscopy (transperitoneal), and two left glands were resected by retroperitoneoscopy. Two conversions were necessary for two left adrenal glands (one retroperitoneoscopy, one laparoscopy). Two partial resections and six adrenalectomies were performed. Histological examination of the tumors revealed two ganglioneuromas, one neuroblastoma, and five pheochromocytomas (two bilateral). One child had an involved node (pheochromocytoma). Both bilateral pheochromocytomas had von Hippel-Lindau disease. There was no morbidity. Mean hospitalstay was 6 days. Postoperative evaluation at 1 month was normal in all children., Conclusion: The indications for laparoscopic adrenalectomy in children are benign tumors and pheochromocytomas. In these cases, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is feasible and safe, even in cases of pheochromocytoma.