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Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the changes made by the pandemic in pediatric appendicitis, the Alvarado score and the contribution of ultrasonography to the diagnosis. Methods: This study was conducted on patients who underwent surgery for appendicitis to compare the COVID-19 pandemic period versus the same period the year before. Data regarding demographics, age, the time between symptom onset and admission to hospital, laboratory, ultrasonography and pathology results and Alvarado score were considered. Results: A total of 211 patients were operated on for appendicitis, 132 patients in the control group and 79 patients in the COVID-19 group. No significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gender and the distribution of appendicitis severity were found. The median time between the onset of symptoms and admission to the hospital was 2.72 days during the COVID-19 pandemic period and there was a significant difference between the two groups(p=0.043). Alvarado score and ultrasonography were evaluated together, in the control group sensitivity 98.4%, specificity 87.5%, PPV 96.9% and NPV 93.3%; if in the COVID-19 group were 94.5%, 88.8%, 97.2% and 80%, respectively. Conclusions: This study has shown that the evaluation of the Alvarado score and ultrasonography together, increases both sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of childhood appendicitis. That's why the combination of these tests becomes more important in special situations such as the COVID-19 period.

We describe in situ skin graft tubularisation over the urethral catheter. This tehnique allows preparation of a urethral tube on a fixed line and suture the wound sides comfortably while preventing the movement of the graft.

OBJECTİVE: Classical transverse, verticalabdominal or thoracoabdominal incisions inpediatric patients are frequently used to removelarge abdominal tumors such as hepatoblastomaand neuroblastoma. We present our initial experienceson our patients who was operated by modifiedMakuuchi incision.MATERİALS AND METHODS: We used this incisionin 6 cases with large abdominal tumors (1 hepatoblastomaand 5 neuroblastoma and/or ganglioneuroma)between January 2019 and August 2020.RESULTS: These patients had previously receivedchemotherapy according to appropiate protocol. Theexposure of surgical field was perfect with this incisionand dissection of the tumors was easily performed.Complete removal of large abdominal tumors was successfullyachieved in the patients although the masseshave close proximity and adhesions with importantstructures and organs. There was serous collection in2 patients and it resolved spontaneously. No wound infection, hernia or wound dehiscence was observedduring a mean follow-up of 9.6 months (ranged from3 to18 months).CONCLUSİON: According to our preliminary experiences,the Modified Makuuchi incision provides a niceexposure for removal of large abdominal tumors to thesurgeons and is well tolerated by children.Las incisiones clásicastransversa, abdominal vertical o toracoabdominal enpacientes pediátricos son utilizadas frecuentementeen la escisión de tumores abdominales de gran tamañocomo el hepatoblastoma y el neuroblastoma.Presentamos nuestra experiencia inicial en pacientesoperados usando la incision de Makuuchi modificada.MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Usamos esta incision en6 casos con tumores abdominales de gran tamaño (1hepatoblastoma y 5 neuroblastomas y/o ganglioneuroma)entre Enero 2019 y Agosto 2020.Los pacientes recibieron quimioterapianeoadyuvante según protocolo. La exposicióndel campo quirúrgico, así como la disección del tumor,fue perfecta con esta incisión. Se logró remover la totalidadde los tumores con éxito a pesar de su proximidady adherencias a órganos vecinos. Dos pacientespresentaron colecciónes serosas que se resolvieronespontáneamente. No se observaron infecciones de herida, hernias o dehiscencia de heridas durante elperíodo de seguimiento con una media de 9.6 meses(rango de 3-18 meses).Según nuestra experiencia preliminar,la incisión de Makuuchi modificada ofrece alcirujano una buena exposición del campo quirúrgicopara la extirpación de tumores abdominales de grantamaño, además de ser bien tolerada por los niños.

Background: The rate of bladder injury during inguinal hernia repair in children is not well known. However, it is known that bladder injury during childhood inguinal hernia repair places a serious morbidity burden on children. We sought to determine an algorithm to avoid accidental bladder injuries. Methods: Reports that included pediatric patients with inguinal hernias containing the bladder were searched. Keywords and mesh term searches were conducted in the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We reviewed our clinical records and found that two patients had inguinal hernias containing the bladder. Results: Nineteen articles reporting on 26 patients diagnosed with the presence of the bladder within the inguinal canal from 1962 to 2021 were included in this article. Our two patients were added to this group. Diagnoses were made incidentally during genitourinary radiological examinations (n = 3), intraoperatively during hernia repair (n = 7), or due to clinical symptoms and findings (n = 18) after standard hernia repair. Bladder augmentation was required for three patients. Conclusions: During the operation, if there is any suspicion regarding the presence of the bladder in the inguinal region, we suggest performing a preoperative cystogram to confirm the position of the bladder and its injury. We recommend that the sac should be opened and the contents inspected before performing transfixion during high ligation of the hernia sac.

The aim of this study was to present our experience in patients with intussusception (IN).One hundred and five cases of IN treated between 1991 and 2007 were analysed. Age, gender, symptoms, signs, diagnostic and treatment methods, types of IN including leading point, and postoperative complications were evaluated.The mean age of the patients was 2.5 years (range 1 month - 15 years). Fifty-nine per cent (62/105) were under 1 year of age, and of these 28% were receiving therapy for upper respiratory tract infection. The most common symptom was colicky abdominal pain. Rectal bleeding was present in all patients under 2 years of age. In 23 children (21.9%) leading points were detected. Thirty per cent of the patients were older than 4 years, and 76.6% of these had leading points. Ultrasonography demonstrated the invaginated segment in 93 patients. Hydrostatic reduction was attempted in 71.4% (75) of the patients and was successful in 48% (36), 70% of whom were under 1 year of age. Of the patients with unsuccessful hydrostatic reduction, 11 required intestinal resection and primary anastomosis and 35 manual reduction. Twenty-four patients were diagnosed by means of ultrasonography and were operated on immediately. Ten of these patients had signs of peritonitis on admission and were treated by resection-primary anastomosis.In patients with IN under 2 years of age, hydrostatic or pneumatic reduction may be successful. Considering the high incidence of leading points in older children, one should not persist with reduction but should rather design a treatment plan accordingly, i.e. laparotomy with manual reduction or resection.