Over the last two decades, advances in laparoscopic surgery and minimally invasive techniques have transformed the operative management of neonatal colorectal surgery for conditions such as anorectal malformations (AR...Over the last two decades, advances in laparoscopic surgery and minimally invasive techniques have transformed the operative management of neonatal colorectal surgery for conditions such as anorectal malformations (ARMs) and Hirschsprung’s disease. Evolution of surgical care has mainly occurred due to the use of laparoscopy, as opposed to a laparotomy, for intra-abdominal procedures and the development of trans-anal techniques. This review describes these advances and outlines the main minimally invasive techniques currently used for management of ARMs and Hirschsprung’s disease. There does still remain significant variation in the procedures used and this review aims to report the current literature comparing techniques with an emphasis on the short- and long-term clinical outcomes.展开更多
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) comprises two distinct but related chronic relapsing inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease is characterised by a patchy tr...Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) comprises two distinct but related chronic relapsing inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease is characterised by a patchy transmural inflammation affecting both small and large bowel segments with several distinct phenotypic presentations. Ulcerative colitis classically presents as mucosal inflammation of the rectosigmoid(distal colitis), variably extending in a contiguous manner more proximally through the colon but not beyond the caecum(pancolitis). This article highlights aspects of the presentation, diagnosis, and management of IBD that have relevance for paediatric practice with particular emphasis on surgical considerations. Since 25% of IBD cases present in childhood or teenage years, the unique considerations and challenges of paediatric management should be widely appreciated. Conversely, we argue that the organizational separation of the paediatric and adult healthcare worlds has often resulted in late adoption of new approaches particularly in paediatric surgical practice.展开更多
In recent years the advent of programs for enhanced recovery after major surgery (ERAS) has led to modifications of long-standing and well-established perioperative treatments. These programs are used to target factor...In recent years the advent of programs for enhanced recovery after major surgery (ERAS) has led to modifications of long-standing and well-established perioperative treatments. These programs are used to target factors that have been shown to delay postoperative recovery (pain, gut dysfunction, immobility) and combine a series of interventions to reduce perioperative stress and organ dysfunction. With due differences, the programs of enhanced recovery are generally based on the preoperative amelioration of the patient's clinical conditions with whom they present for the operation, on the intraoperative and postoperative avoidance of medications that could slow the resumption of physiological activities, and on the promotion of positive habits in the early postoperative period. Most of the studies were conducted on elective patients undergoing colorectal procedures (either laparotomic or laparoscopic surgery). Results showed that ERAS protocols significantly improved the lung function and reduced the time to resumption of oral diet, mobilization and passage of stool, hospital stay and return to normal activities. ERAS' acceptance is spreading quickly among major centers, as well as district hospitals. With this in mind, is there also a role for ERAS in non-colorectal operations?展开更多
This is a report of our early experience in establishing a Paediatric surgical outreach program to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to build capacity and improve care. A Paediatric surgical outreach mission was initiated about ...This is a report of our early experience in establishing a Paediatric surgical outreach program to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to build capacity and improve care. A Paediatric surgical outreach mission was initiated about 4 years ago in collaboration with Singhealth and PNG along with the multidisciplinary team of health care professionals from Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Plastics and Anaesthesia. On each mission trip of 4 - 7 days duration, Singhealth doctors supervise or perform surgeries for complex cases, conduct patient consultations and give lectures to impart knowledge and transfer skills to the local health care community in PNG. In addition, a 6 - 12 months training program in Singapore for PNG doctors has been started. For complex cases which cannot be managed in PNG, there is provision for transfer of patients to Singapore under KKROK fund for further treatment. So far 4 mission trips have been conducted in past 4 years for paediatric surgical unit in Port Moresby General Hospital of PNG focussing on teaching and training of local Paediatric surgeons. Based on evaluation of the Singhealth medical team, there is severe shortage of medical manpower, surgical skill and specialised expertise. Due to lack of intensive care facility, adequate medications and proper medical equipment in the hospital, there are many conditions being left untreated causing high morbidity and mortality among infants and neonates. Such humanitarian work inspires Singhealth towards its global health mission of promoting health equity in responding to the medical needs of PNG through training and leveraging on strength through partnership. In addition, our doctors gain invaluable learning from the exposure, hone their skill as they treat a diversity of cases and are innovative in their treatment options by working in an environment with limited resources.展开更多
Introduction: Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is becoming more popular due to its weight reducing effect and promising anti-diabetic efficacy. However, long term results are still lacking. Methods: The study focuses on anti-d...Introduction: Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is becoming more popular due to its weight reducing effect and promising anti-diabetic efficacy. However, long term results are still lacking. Methods: The study focuses on anti-diabetic efficacy of SG through retrospective analysis of data for patients who underwent SG in Germany from 2005 to 2011. Anti-diabetic efficacy was assessed at 1, 2 and up to 4 years after surgery. Results: 5400 morbidly obese patients underwent SG. Of these 5400 patients 13.2% (n = 712) were insulin treated (IT) and 21.6% (n = 1165) were non-insulin treated (NIT). Total follow-up was accomplished in 41.24% of patients. Percentage of remission and improvement (RI) at 1 year was 83.8% (80.2% for insulin treated (IT) vs. 85.1% for non-insulin treated (NIT)). RI% at 2 years dropped to 77.6% (76.9% for IT vs. 77.9% for NIT patients). With late follow up (up to 4 years), RI% was 65.9% (58.8% for IT vs. 66.7% for NIT patients). Difference between IT and NIT patients was insignificant. Conclusion: SG shows promising ant-diabetic efficacy at 1 year, 2 years and up to 4 years after surgery. This efficacy gradually drops with prolonged time interval after surgery and seems to be insignificantly higher among NIT vs. IT patients.展开更多
Fournier’s gangrene is a form of necrotizing fasciitis that has multiple causes and is relatively uncommon in children. We report a case of Fournier’s gangrene of infectious origin in a 12-month-old infant following...Fournier’s gangrene is a form of necrotizing fasciitis that has multiple causes and is relatively uncommon in children. We report a case of Fournier’s gangrene of infectious origin in a 12-month-old infant following an insect bite. A rapid diagnosis and multidisciplinary care saved the patient.展开更多
Introduction:While previous studies only focused on the arrhythmic risk associated with specific correction strategies,this study evaluates this risk in a large cohort of paediatric patients with all phenotypes of PA-...Introduction:While previous studies only focused on the arrhythmic risk associated with specific correction strategies,this study evaluates this risk in a large cohort of paediatric patients with all phenotypes of PA-IVS after surgical repair.Methods:In this single centre observational cohort study,we retrospectively evaluated 165 patients with a diagnosis of PA-IVS and we excluded those with an exclusively percutaneous treatment,patients lost or with insufficient follow-up and those affected by other arrhythmic syndromes.Surgical history and clinical outcomes were reviewed.Results:86 patients were included in the study(54 male[62.8%],mean age 16.4±6.1 years),with median follow-up from definitive repair of 12.8 years(6.4–18.9 years).They underwent three different final repairs:23 patients(26.7%)univentricular palliation,43(50%)biventricular correction,and 20(23.3%)one and a half ventricle correction.Thirteen patients(15%)developed arrhythmia:6 patients(all the subgroups)sinus node disfunction(SND);2(biventricular repair)premature ventricular complexes;2(one and a half ventricle repair)non-sustained ventricular tachycardia;1(biventricular repair)intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia;1(one and a half ventricle repair)supraventricular tachyarrhythmia;1(biventricular repair)atrial fibrillation.Three patients with SND needed a pacemaker implantation.Only Fontan circulation showed an association with SND,while the other two groups heterogeneous types of arrhythmias.Conclusions:The low arrhythmic risk is related to surgical repair,it does not appear to be associated with native cardiomyopathy,and it appears to increase with length of follow up.Continuous follow-up in specialized centres is necessary to make an early diagnosis and to manage the potential haemodynamic impact at medium-long term.展开更多
Introduction: Omphalocele is an embryopathy of the first ten weeks of gestation. It corresponds to a defect in the abdominal wall through which viscera contained in a sac constituted by the amniotic membrane and cente...Introduction: Omphalocele is an embryopathy of the first ten weeks of gestation. It corresponds to a defect in the abdominal wall through which viscera contained in a sac constituted by the amniotic membrane and centered by the umbilical cord are exteriorized. The objective of this work was to study the diagnostic modalities and the impact of our therapeutic choices on the outcome of the management. Material and Methods: We carried out a prospective study on patients with omphalocele admitted to the pediatric surgery departments of the HND, during a period spread over 4 years, between January 2017 and December 2020. Results: we collected 55 files (i.e., 13.7 cases/year). There were 38 boys and 17 girls (sex ratio 2.2) with an average age of 1.9 days. We found 15 cases (27%) of type I and 40 cases (73%) of type II according to the AITKEN classification. Fifteen cases (27%) benefited from surgical treatment and 45 cases (73%) benefited from conservative treatment (Grob). Two surgical methods were used: Primary parietal closure, which was used in 10 cases (66.7%), and the GROSS method, which was used in 5 cases (33.3%). We obtained an improvement of 40 cases (73%) and 15 cases (27%) of death. Conclusion: our work reported our experience in the management of omphalocele and the difficulties of postoperative resuscitation.展开更多
Stem cell therapy holds great promise for the regeneration and repair of damaged tissues and organs.Stem cell therapy has been successfully applied to treat diseases that cannot be cured with conventional medicine.A c...Stem cell therapy holds great promise for the regeneration and repair of damaged tissues and organs.Stem cell therapy has been successfully applied to treat diseases that cannot be cured with conventional medicine.A careful evaluation of the outcomes is required for successful implementation of stem cell therapy.Recently,artificial intelligence(AI)has opened new avenues for research in the stem cell therapy field.The integration of AI can assist in evaluating the quality,efficiency and safety of stem cells by analyzing available data.It has the potential to improve and accelerate progress in various aspects of stem cell research and therapeutic applications.AI is still in its infancy and has certain limitations,such as algorithm validation problems,inadequate data availability,poor data quality,and ethical considerations.Considering the potential of AI to improve stem cell research and therapeutics,this review aims to explore applications of AI in understanding stem cell behavior,identification and characterization,optimization of the delivery methods,stem cell modeling and prediction of mortality risk.In addition,this review highlights the role of AI,machine learning,deep learning,and other subtypes in advancing stem cell biology research.This review also discusses the current limitations,ethical considerations,and future prospective of use of AI in stem cell research and therapeutic applications.展开更多
Aesthetic medicine is a branch of medicine dedicated to improve an individual’s appearance and overall visual appeal.Conventional aesthetic treatments have limitations,including the risk of complications,allergic rea...Aesthetic medicine is a branch of medicine dedicated to improve an individual’s appearance and overall visual appeal.Conventional aesthetic treatments have limitations,including the risk of complications,allergic reactions,and temporary benefits.Adipose tissue offers a promising alternative to conventional aesthetic treatments.The regenerative properties,accessibility and versatility of adipose tissue make it an attractive option for individuals seeking natural and long-lasting aesthetic results.Adipose tissue is rich source of adipose tissue derived stem cells(ASCs),growth factors and extracellular matrix.It can restore and rejuvenate the damaged and aged tissues.Adipose tissue can be used in different formats such as pure adipose tissue grafts,stromal vascular fraction,nanofat,macrofat,microfat and as a pure population of ASCs.In addition,ASC derived exosomes offer a unique cell-free therapy advantages bioactive molecules like growth factors,cytokines,and microRNAs to stimulate collagen production,improve skin texture,and address pigmentation issues.This review highlights the multifaceted potential of adipose tissue in aesthetic medicine.It discusses its diverse applications,the biological mechanisms involved,and emerging therapeutic approaches.Moreover,this review also highlights the challenges and future direction of using adipose tissue-based therapies for aesthetic treatments.展开更多
Residual atrioventricular valve regurgitation after correction of complete atrioventricular septal defect(cAVSD)is still not ideal.As a modification of the double-patch method,our technique comprises a suture-bite-wid...Residual atrioventricular valve regurgitation after correction of complete atrioventricular septal defect(cAVSD)is still not ideal.As a modification of the double-patch method,our technique comprises a suture-bite-wide strip of a third patch that is incorporated to the upper margin of the left side of the ventricular septal defect(VSD)patch.This third patch counteracts not only the valvular tissue loss caused by the suture bites but also the rightward displacement of the VSD patch in a bulged fashion that occurs with increased left ventricular pressure after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass.This unfavorable outcome was addressed with the current technique through augmentation of the left-sided bridging leaflets serving to prevent the separation of them from their corresponding mural leaflets.The concept was applied in two cases with Down syndrome aged 5 months and 6 months,respectively,as a rescue procedure in the same session just after a failed cAVSD repair.Since the immediate-and short-term outcomes of the atrioventricular valves in regard to regurgitation are satisfying,we believe that the technique proposed herein holds promise for the future in terms of tackling residual atrioventricular valve regurgitation.展开更多
AIM: To investigate morphological changes of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in small bowel atresia.METHODS: Resected small bowel specimens from affected patients (n = 7) we...AIM: To investigate morphological changes of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in small bowel atresia.METHODS: Resected small bowel specimens from affected patients (n = 7) were divided into three parts (proximal, atretic, distal). Standard histology and enzyme immunohistochemistry anti-S100, anti-protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, anti-neurofilament (NF), antic-kit-receptor (CD117) was carried out on conventional paraffin sections of the proximal and distal part. RESULTS: The neuronal and glial markers (PGP 9.5, NF, S-100) were expressed in hypertrophied ganglia and nerve fibres within the myenteric and submucosal plexuses. Furthermore, the submucous plexus contained typical giant ganglia. The innervation pattern of the proximal bowel resembled intestinal neuronal dysplasia. The density of myenteric ICCs was clearly reduced in the proximal bowel, whereas a moderate number of muscular ICCs were found. The anti-CD117 immunore- action revealed additional numerous mast cells. The distal bowel demonstrated normal morphology and density of the ENS, the ICCs and the mast cells.CONCLUSION: The proximal and distal bowel in small bowel atresia revealed clear changes in morphology and density of the ENS and ICCs.展开更多
AIM:To establish the roles of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/CD14/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated inflammation in a rat model of human necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).METHODS: Six pairs of intestinal samples from human...AIM:To establish the roles of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/CD14/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated inflammation in a rat model of human necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).METHODS: Six pairs of intestinal samples from human NEC were collected before and after recovery for histological and molecular analysis of inflammatory cytokines and signaling components. In the rat NEC model, we isolated 10-cm jejunum segments and divided them into six groups (n=6) for sham operation, treatment with LPS, bowel distension, combined bowel distension and LPS stimulation, and two therapeutic groups. The potential eff icacy of a recombinant CD18 peptide and a monoclonal CD14 antibody was evaluated in the latter two groups. The serum and tissue levels of several inflammatory mediators were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction, ELISA and immunoblotting.RESULTS: Human acute phase NEC tissues displayed significant increases (P<0.05) in levels of TLR4, CD14, myeloid differentiation protein (MD)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nuclear factor-κB when compared to those after recovery. The histological and inflammatory picture of human NEC was reproduced in rats that were treated with combined bowel distension and LPS, but not in the sham-operated and other control rats. Serum levels of interleukin-6 and TNF-α were also elevated. The NEC pathology was attenuated by treating the NEC rats with a monoclonal CD14 antibody or an LPS-neutralizing peptide.CONCLUSION:LPS and distension are required to produce the histological and inflammatory features of NEC. A potential treatment option is blocking LPS activation and leukocyte infi ltration.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate and compare the expression profiles of CXCL12 (SDF-1), CCL19 (MIP-3β), CCL20 (MIP-3a) and CCL21 (6Ckine, Exodus2) and their receptors on RNA and protein levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (...AIM: To evaluate and compare the expression profiles of CXCL12 (SDF-1), CCL19 (MIP-3β), CCL20 (MIP-3a) and CCL21 (6Ckine, Exodus2) and their receptors on RNA and protein levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) versus colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and to elucidate their impact on the carcinogenesis and progression of malignant liver diseases. METHODS: Chemokine expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and ELISA in 11 cases of HCC specimens and in 23 cases of CRLM and corresponding adjacent nontumorous liver tissues, respectively. Expressions of their receptors CXCR4, CCR6 and CCR7 were analyzed by RT- PCR and Western blot analysis in the same cases of HCC and CRLM. RESULTS: Significant up-regulation for CCL20/CCR6 was detected in both cancer types. Moreover, CCL20 demonstrated significant overexpression in CRLM in relation to the HCC tissues. Being significantly up-regulated only in CRLM, CXCR4 displayed an aberrant expression pattern with respect to the HCC tissues. CONCLUSION: Correlation of CXCR4 expression with CRLM suggests CXCR4 as a potential predictive factor for CRLM. High level expression of CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 in HCC and CRLM with marked up-regulation of CCL20 in CRLM in relation to HCC tissues indicates involvement of the CCL20/CCR6 ligand-receptor pair in the carcinogenesis and progression of hepatic malignancies.展开更多
AIM: To retrospective review the laparoscopic management of Meckel Diverticulum(MD) in two Italian Pediatric Surgery Centers.METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2012, 19 trans-umbilical laparoscopic-assisted(TU...AIM: To retrospective review the laparoscopic management of Meckel Diverticulum(MD) in two Italian Pediatric Surgery Centers.METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2012, 19 trans-umbilical laparoscopic-assisted(TULA) procedures were performed for suspected MD. The children were hospitalized for gastrointestinal bleeding and/or recurrent abdominal pain. Median age at diagnosis was 5.4 years(range 6 mo-15 years). The study included 15 boys and 4 girls. All patients underwent clinical examination, routine laboratory tests, abdominal ultrasound and technetium-99m pertechnetate scan, and patients with bleeding underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy. The abdominal exploration was performed with a 10 mm operative laparoscope. Pneumoperitoneum was establishedbased on the body weight. Systematic overview of the peritoneal cavity allowed the ileum to be grasped with an atraumatic instrument. The complete exploration and surgical treatment of MD were performed extracorporeally, after intestinal exteriorization through the umbilicus. All patients' demographics, main clinical features, diagnostic investigations, operative time, histopathology reports, conversion rate, hospital stay and complications were registered and analyzed.RESULTS: MD was identified in 17 patients, while 1 had an ileal duplication and 1 a jejunal hemangioma. Fifteen patients had painless intestinal bleeding, while 4 had recurrent abdominal pain and exhibited cyst like structures in an ultrasound study. Eleven patients had a positive technetium-99m pertechnetate scan. In the patients with bleeding, gastrointestinal endoscopy did not name the source of hemorrhage. All patients were subjected to a TULA surgical procedure. An intestinal resection/anastomosis was performed in 14 patients, while 4 had a wedge resection of the diverticulum and 1 underwent stapling diverticulectomy. All surgical procedures were performed without conversion to open laparotomy. Mean operative time was 75 min(range 40-115 min). No major surgical complications were recorded. The median hospital stay was 5-7 d(range 4-13 d). All patients are asymptomatic at a median follow up of 4, 5 years(range 10 mo-10 years).CONCLUSION: Trans-umbilical laparoscopic-assisted Meckel's diverticulectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of MD, with excellent results.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the expression profile of IL-8 in inflammatory and malignant colorectal diseases to evaluate its potential role in the regulation of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the development of colorectal liv...AIM: To investigate the expression profile of IL-8 in inflammatory and malignant colorectal diseases to evaluate its potential role in the regulation of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the development of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).METHODS: IL-8 expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (Q-RT-PCR) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in resected specimens from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 6) colorectal adenomas (CRA, n = 8), different stages of colorectal cancer (n = 48) as well as synchronous and metachronous CRLM along with their corresponding primary colorectal tumors (n = 16).RESULTS: IL-8 mRNA and protein expression was significantly up-regulated in all pathological colorectal entities investigated compared with the corresponding neighboring tissues. However, in the CRC specimens IL-8 revealed a significantly more pronounced overexpression in relation to the CRA and UC tissues with an average 30-fold IL-8 protein up-regulation in the CRC specimens in comparison to the CRA tissues. Moreover, [L-8 expression revealed a close correlation with tumor grading. Most interestingly, IL-8 up-regulation was most enhanced in synchronous and metachronous CRLM, if compared with the corresponding primary CRC tissues. Herein, an up to 80-fold IL-8 overexpression in individual metachronous metastases compared to normal tumor neighbor tissues was found.CONCLUSION: Our results strongly suggest an association between IL-8 expression, induction and progression of colorectal carcinoma and the development of colorectal liver metastases.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the role and our experience of injecti-on sclerotherapy with cow milk in the treatment of rectal prolapse in children. METHODS:In the last 30 years (1976-2006) we made 100 injections of sclerotherapy w...AIM:To evaluate the role and our experience of injecti-on sclerotherapy with cow milk in the treatment of rectal prolapse in children. METHODS:In the last 30 years (1976-2006) we made 100 injections of sclerotherapy with cow milk in 86 chil-dren. In this study we included children who failed to respond to conservative treatment and we perform ope-rative treatment. RESULTS:In our study we included 86 children and in all of the patients we perform cow milk injection sclerot-herapy. In 95.3% (82 children) of patients sclerotherapy was successful. In 4 (4.7%) patients we had recurrent rectal prolapse where we performed operative treatment. Below 4 years we had 62 children (72%) and 24 older children (28%). In children who needed operative trea-tment we performed Thiersch operation and without any complications. CONCLUSION:Injection sclerotherapy with cow milk for treatment rectal prolapse in children is a simple and effective treatment for rectal prolapse with minimal com-plications.展开更多
BACKGROUND Abdominal cocoon or“encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis”(EPS)is an uncommon and rare cause of intestinal obstruction.Only a few cases have been reported in paediatric patients.Typically,EPS is described as...BACKGROUND Abdominal cocoon or“encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis”(EPS)is an uncommon and rare cause of intestinal obstruction.Only a few cases have been reported in paediatric patients.Typically,EPS is described as the primary form in young adolescent girls from tropical and subtropical countries because of viral peritonitis due to retrograde menstruation or a history of peritoneal dialysis.Most patients are asymptomatic or present with abdominal pain,which is likely to occur secondary to subacute bowel obstruction.Findings at imaging,such as ultrasound,computed tomography,and magnetic resonance imaging,are often nonspecific.When diagnosed,EPS is characterized by total or partial encasement of the bowel within a thick fibrocollagenous membrane that envelopes the small intestine in the form of a cocoon because of chronic intraabdominal fibroinflammatory processes.The membrane forms a fibrous tissue sheet that covers,fixes,and finely constricts the gut,compromising its motility.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of EPS in a 12-year-old boy 8 wk after primary surgery for resection of symptomatic jejunal angiodysplasia.There was no history of peritoneal dialysis or drug intake.CONCLUSION In this report,we sought to highlight the diagnostic,surgical,and histopathological characteristics and review the current literature on EPS in paediatric patients.展开更多
Complicated acute appendicitis(CAA)is a serious condition and carries significant morbidity in children.A strict diagnosis is challenging,as there are many lesions that mimic CAA.The management of CAA is still controv...Complicated acute appendicitis(CAA)is a serious condition and carries significant morbidity in children.A strict diagnosis is challenging,as there are many lesions that mimic CAA.The management of CAA is still controversial.There are two options for treatment:Immediate operative management and nonoperative management with antibiotics and/or drainage of any abscess or phlegmon.Each method of treatment has advantages and disadvantages.Operative management may be difficult due to the presence of inflamed tissues and may lead to detrimental events.In many cases,non-operative management with or without drainage and interval appendectomy is advised.The reasons for this approach include new medications and policies for the use of antibiotic therapy.Furthermore,advances in radiological interventions may overcome difficulties such as diagnosing and managing the complications of CAA without any surgeries.However,questions have been raised about the risk of recurrence,prolonged use of antibiotics,lengthened hospital stay and delay in returning to daily activities.Moreover,the need for interval appendectomy is currently under debate because of the low risk of recurrence.Due to the paucity of high-quality studies,more randomized controlled trials to determine the precise management strategy are needed.This review aims to study the current data on operative vs non-operative management for CAA in children and to extract any useful information from the literature.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the safety and diagnostic yield of colonoscopy in Chinese children in whom the procedure is not often done.METHODS:We conducted a retrospective review of all colonoscopies in consecutive children wh...AIM:To investigate the safety and diagnostic yield of colonoscopy in Chinese children in whom the procedure is not often done.METHODS:We conducted a retrospective review of all colonoscopies in consecutive children who underwent their fi rst diagnostic colonoscopy from Jan 2003 to 2008.RESULTS:Seventy-nine children (48 boys,31 girls;mean age 9.2 ± 4.2 years) were identified and reviewed with a total of 82 colonoscopies performed.Successful caecal and ileal intubation rates were 97.6% and 75.6% respectively.Forty patients (50.6%) had a positive diagnosis made in colonoscopy and that included colonic polyps (23),Crohn's disease (12),ulcerative colitis (1),and miscellaneous causes (4).80% of polyps were in the rectosigmoid colon.All but one were juvenile hamartomatous polyps.The exceptionwas an adenomatous polyp.The mean ages for children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and polyps were 11.3 and 4.3 years respectively.There was no procedure-related complication.CONCLUSION:Colonoscopy is a safe procedure in our Chinese children.The increasing diagnosis of IBD in recent decades may reflect a rising incidence of the disease in our children.展开更多
文摘Over the last two decades, advances in laparoscopic surgery and minimally invasive techniques have transformed the operative management of neonatal colorectal surgery for conditions such as anorectal malformations (ARMs) and Hirschsprung’s disease. Evolution of surgical care has mainly occurred due to the use of laparoscopy, as opposed to a laparotomy, for intra-abdominal procedures and the development of trans-anal techniques. This review describes these advances and outlines the main minimally invasive techniques currently used for management of ARMs and Hirschsprung’s disease. There does still remain significant variation in the procedures used and this review aims to report the current literature comparing techniques with an emphasis on the short- and long-term clinical outcomes.
文摘Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) comprises two distinct but related chronic relapsing inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease is characterised by a patchy transmural inflammation affecting both small and large bowel segments with several distinct phenotypic presentations. Ulcerative colitis classically presents as mucosal inflammation of the rectosigmoid(distal colitis), variably extending in a contiguous manner more proximally through the colon but not beyond the caecum(pancolitis). This article highlights aspects of the presentation, diagnosis, and management of IBD that have relevance for paediatric practice with particular emphasis on surgical considerations. Since 25% of IBD cases present in childhood or teenage years, the unique considerations and challenges of paediatric management should be widely appreciated. Conversely, we argue that the organizational separation of the paediatric and adult healthcare worlds has often resulted in late adoption of new approaches particularly in paediatric surgical practice.
文摘In recent years the advent of programs for enhanced recovery after major surgery (ERAS) has led to modifications of long-standing and well-established perioperative treatments. These programs are used to target factors that have been shown to delay postoperative recovery (pain, gut dysfunction, immobility) and combine a series of interventions to reduce perioperative stress and organ dysfunction. With due differences, the programs of enhanced recovery are generally based on the preoperative amelioration of the patient's clinical conditions with whom they present for the operation, on the intraoperative and postoperative avoidance of medications that could slow the resumption of physiological activities, and on the promotion of positive habits in the early postoperative period. Most of the studies were conducted on elective patients undergoing colorectal procedures (either laparotomic or laparoscopic surgery). Results showed that ERAS protocols significantly improved the lung function and reduced the time to resumption of oral diet, mobilization and passage of stool, hospital stay and return to normal activities. ERAS' acceptance is spreading quickly among major centers, as well as district hospitals. With this in mind, is there also a role for ERAS in non-colorectal operations?
文摘This is a report of our early experience in establishing a Paediatric surgical outreach program to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to build capacity and improve care. A Paediatric surgical outreach mission was initiated about 4 years ago in collaboration with Singhealth and PNG along with the multidisciplinary team of health care professionals from Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Plastics and Anaesthesia. On each mission trip of 4 - 7 days duration, Singhealth doctors supervise or perform surgeries for complex cases, conduct patient consultations and give lectures to impart knowledge and transfer skills to the local health care community in PNG. In addition, a 6 - 12 months training program in Singapore for PNG doctors has been started. For complex cases which cannot be managed in PNG, there is provision for transfer of patients to Singapore under KKROK fund for further treatment. So far 4 mission trips have been conducted in past 4 years for paediatric surgical unit in Port Moresby General Hospital of PNG focussing on teaching and training of local Paediatric surgeons. Based on evaluation of the Singhealth medical team, there is severe shortage of medical manpower, surgical skill and specialised expertise. Due to lack of intensive care facility, adequate medications and proper medical equipment in the hospital, there are many conditions being left untreated causing high morbidity and mortality among infants and neonates. Such humanitarian work inspires Singhealth towards its global health mission of promoting health equity in responding to the medical needs of PNG through training and leveraging on strength through partnership. In addition, our doctors gain invaluable learning from the exposure, hone their skill as they treat a diversity of cases and are innovative in their treatment options by working in an environment with limited resources.
文摘Introduction: Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is becoming more popular due to its weight reducing effect and promising anti-diabetic efficacy. However, long term results are still lacking. Methods: The study focuses on anti-diabetic efficacy of SG through retrospective analysis of data for patients who underwent SG in Germany from 2005 to 2011. Anti-diabetic efficacy was assessed at 1, 2 and up to 4 years after surgery. Results: 5400 morbidly obese patients underwent SG. Of these 5400 patients 13.2% (n = 712) were insulin treated (IT) and 21.6% (n = 1165) were non-insulin treated (NIT). Total follow-up was accomplished in 41.24% of patients. Percentage of remission and improvement (RI) at 1 year was 83.8% (80.2% for insulin treated (IT) vs. 85.1% for non-insulin treated (NIT)). RI% at 2 years dropped to 77.6% (76.9% for IT vs. 77.9% for NIT patients). With late follow up (up to 4 years), RI% was 65.9% (58.8% for IT vs. 66.7% for NIT patients). Difference between IT and NIT patients was insignificant. Conclusion: SG shows promising ant-diabetic efficacy at 1 year, 2 years and up to 4 years after surgery. This efficacy gradually drops with prolonged time interval after surgery and seems to be insignificantly higher among NIT vs. IT patients.
文摘Fournier’s gangrene is a form of necrotizing fasciitis that has multiple causes and is relatively uncommon in children. We report a case of Fournier’s gangrene of infectious origin in a 12-month-old infant following an insect bite. A rapid diagnosis and multidisciplinary care saved the patient.
文摘Introduction:While previous studies only focused on the arrhythmic risk associated with specific correction strategies,this study evaluates this risk in a large cohort of paediatric patients with all phenotypes of PA-IVS after surgical repair.Methods:In this single centre observational cohort study,we retrospectively evaluated 165 patients with a diagnosis of PA-IVS and we excluded those with an exclusively percutaneous treatment,patients lost or with insufficient follow-up and those affected by other arrhythmic syndromes.Surgical history and clinical outcomes were reviewed.Results:86 patients were included in the study(54 male[62.8%],mean age 16.4±6.1 years),with median follow-up from definitive repair of 12.8 years(6.4–18.9 years).They underwent three different final repairs:23 patients(26.7%)univentricular palliation,43(50%)biventricular correction,and 20(23.3%)one and a half ventricle correction.Thirteen patients(15%)developed arrhythmia:6 patients(all the subgroups)sinus node disfunction(SND);2(biventricular repair)premature ventricular complexes;2(one and a half ventricle repair)non-sustained ventricular tachycardia;1(biventricular repair)intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia;1(one and a half ventricle repair)supraventricular tachyarrhythmia;1(biventricular repair)atrial fibrillation.Three patients with SND needed a pacemaker implantation.Only Fontan circulation showed an association with SND,while the other two groups heterogeneous types of arrhythmias.Conclusions:The low arrhythmic risk is related to surgical repair,it does not appear to be associated with native cardiomyopathy,and it appears to increase with length of follow up.Continuous follow-up in specialized centres is necessary to make an early diagnosis and to manage the potential haemodynamic impact at medium-long term.
文摘Introduction: Omphalocele is an embryopathy of the first ten weeks of gestation. It corresponds to a defect in the abdominal wall through which viscera contained in a sac constituted by the amniotic membrane and centered by the umbilical cord are exteriorized. The objective of this work was to study the diagnostic modalities and the impact of our therapeutic choices on the outcome of the management. Material and Methods: We carried out a prospective study on patients with omphalocele admitted to the pediatric surgery departments of the HND, during a period spread over 4 years, between January 2017 and December 2020. Results: we collected 55 files (i.e., 13.7 cases/year). There were 38 boys and 17 girls (sex ratio 2.2) with an average age of 1.9 days. We found 15 cases (27%) of type I and 40 cases (73%) of type II according to the AITKEN classification. Fifteen cases (27%) benefited from surgical treatment and 45 cases (73%) benefited from conservative treatment (Grob). Two surgical methods were used: Primary parietal closure, which was used in 10 cases (66.7%), and the GROSS method, which was used in 5 cases (33.3%). We obtained an improvement of 40 cases (73%) and 15 cases (27%) of death. Conclusion: our work reported our experience in the management of omphalocele and the difficulties of postoperative resuscitation.
文摘Stem cell therapy holds great promise for the regeneration and repair of damaged tissues and organs.Stem cell therapy has been successfully applied to treat diseases that cannot be cured with conventional medicine.A careful evaluation of the outcomes is required for successful implementation of stem cell therapy.Recently,artificial intelligence(AI)has opened new avenues for research in the stem cell therapy field.The integration of AI can assist in evaluating the quality,efficiency and safety of stem cells by analyzing available data.It has the potential to improve and accelerate progress in various aspects of stem cell research and therapeutic applications.AI is still in its infancy and has certain limitations,such as algorithm validation problems,inadequate data availability,poor data quality,and ethical considerations.Considering the potential of AI to improve stem cell research and therapeutics,this review aims to explore applications of AI in understanding stem cell behavior,identification and characterization,optimization of the delivery methods,stem cell modeling and prediction of mortality risk.In addition,this review highlights the role of AI,machine learning,deep learning,and other subtypes in advancing stem cell biology research.This review also discusses the current limitations,ethical considerations,and future prospective of use of AI in stem cell research and therapeutic applications.
文摘Aesthetic medicine is a branch of medicine dedicated to improve an individual’s appearance and overall visual appeal.Conventional aesthetic treatments have limitations,including the risk of complications,allergic reactions,and temporary benefits.Adipose tissue offers a promising alternative to conventional aesthetic treatments.The regenerative properties,accessibility and versatility of adipose tissue make it an attractive option for individuals seeking natural and long-lasting aesthetic results.Adipose tissue is rich source of adipose tissue derived stem cells(ASCs),growth factors and extracellular matrix.It can restore and rejuvenate the damaged and aged tissues.Adipose tissue can be used in different formats such as pure adipose tissue grafts,stromal vascular fraction,nanofat,macrofat,microfat and as a pure population of ASCs.In addition,ASC derived exosomes offer a unique cell-free therapy advantages bioactive molecules like growth factors,cytokines,and microRNAs to stimulate collagen production,improve skin texture,and address pigmentation issues.This review highlights the multifaceted potential of adipose tissue in aesthetic medicine.It discusses its diverse applications,the biological mechanisms involved,and emerging therapeutic approaches.Moreover,this review also highlights the challenges and future direction of using adipose tissue-based therapies for aesthetic treatments.
文摘Residual atrioventricular valve regurgitation after correction of complete atrioventricular septal defect(cAVSD)is still not ideal.As a modification of the double-patch method,our technique comprises a suture-bite-wide strip of a third patch that is incorporated to the upper margin of the left side of the ventricular septal defect(VSD)patch.This third patch counteracts not only the valvular tissue loss caused by the suture bites but also the rightward displacement of the VSD patch in a bulged fashion that occurs with increased left ventricular pressure after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass.This unfavorable outcome was addressed with the current technique through augmentation of the left-sided bridging leaflets serving to prevent the separation of them from their corresponding mural leaflets.The concept was applied in two cases with Down syndrome aged 5 months and 6 months,respectively,as a rescue procedure in the same session just after a failed cAVSD repair.Since the immediate-and short-term outcomes of the atrioventricular valves in regard to regurgitation are satisfying,we believe that the technique proposed herein holds promise for the future in terms of tackling residual atrioventricular valve regurgitation.
文摘AIM: To investigate morphological changes of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in small bowel atresia.METHODS: Resected small bowel specimens from affected patients (n = 7) were divided into three parts (proximal, atretic, distal). Standard histology and enzyme immunohistochemistry anti-S100, anti-protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, anti-neurofilament (NF), antic-kit-receptor (CD117) was carried out on conventional paraffin sections of the proximal and distal part. RESULTS: The neuronal and glial markers (PGP 9.5, NF, S-100) were expressed in hypertrophied ganglia and nerve fibres within the myenteric and submucosal plexuses. Furthermore, the submucous plexus contained typical giant ganglia. The innervation pattern of the proximal bowel resembled intestinal neuronal dysplasia. The density of myenteric ICCs was clearly reduced in the proximal bowel, whereas a moderate number of muscular ICCs were found. The anti-CD117 immunore- action revealed additional numerous mast cells. The distal bowel demonstrated normal morphology and density of the ENS, the ICCs and the mast cells.CONCLUSION: The proximal and distal bowel in small bowel atresia revealed clear changes in morphology and density of the ENS and ICCs.
文摘AIM:To establish the roles of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/CD14/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated inflammation in a rat model of human necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).METHODS: Six pairs of intestinal samples from human NEC were collected before and after recovery for histological and molecular analysis of inflammatory cytokines and signaling components. In the rat NEC model, we isolated 10-cm jejunum segments and divided them into six groups (n=6) for sham operation, treatment with LPS, bowel distension, combined bowel distension and LPS stimulation, and two therapeutic groups. The potential eff icacy of a recombinant CD18 peptide and a monoclonal CD14 antibody was evaluated in the latter two groups. The serum and tissue levels of several inflammatory mediators were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction, ELISA and immunoblotting.RESULTS: Human acute phase NEC tissues displayed significant increases (P<0.05) in levels of TLR4, CD14, myeloid differentiation protein (MD)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nuclear factor-κB when compared to those after recovery. The histological and inflammatory picture of human NEC was reproduced in rats that were treated with combined bowel distension and LPS, but not in the sham-operated and other control rats. Serum levels of interleukin-6 and TNF-α were also elevated. The NEC pathology was attenuated by treating the NEC rats with a monoclonal CD14 antibody or an LPS-neutralizing peptide.CONCLUSION:LPS and distension are required to produce the histological and inflammatory features of NEC. A potential treatment option is blocking LPS activation and leukocyte infi ltration.
文摘AIM: To evaluate and compare the expression profiles of CXCL12 (SDF-1), CCL19 (MIP-3β), CCL20 (MIP-3a) and CCL21 (6Ckine, Exodus2) and their receptors on RNA and protein levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) versus colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and to elucidate their impact on the carcinogenesis and progression of malignant liver diseases. METHODS: Chemokine expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and ELISA in 11 cases of HCC specimens and in 23 cases of CRLM and corresponding adjacent nontumorous liver tissues, respectively. Expressions of their receptors CXCR4, CCR6 and CCR7 were analyzed by RT- PCR and Western blot analysis in the same cases of HCC and CRLM. RESULTS: Significant up-regulation for CCL20/CCR6 was detected in both cancer types. Moreover, CCL20 demonstrated significant overexpression in CRLM in relation to the HCC tissues. Being significantly up-regulated only in CRLM, CXCR4 displayed an aberrant expression pattern with respect to the HCC tissues. CONCLUSION: Correlation of CXCR4 expression with CRLM suggests CXCR4 as a potential predictive factor for CRLM. High level expression of CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 in HCC and CRLM with marked up-regulation of CCL20 in CRLM in relation to HCC tissues indicates involvement of the CCL20/CCR6 ligand-receptor pair in the carcinogenesis and progression of hepatic malignancies.
文摘AIM: To retrospective review the laparoscopic management of Meckel Diverticulum(MD) in two Italian Pediatric Surgery Centers.METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2012, 19 trans-umbilical laparoscopic-assisted(TULA) procedures were performed for suspected MD. The children were hospitalized for gastrointestinal bleeding and/or recurrent abdominal pain. Median age at diagnosis was 5.4 years(range 6 mo-15 years). The study included 15 boys and 4 girls. All patients underwent clinical examination, routine laboratory tests, abdominal ultrasound and technetium-99m pertechnetate scan, and patients with bleeding underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy. The abdominal exploration was performed with a 10 mm operative laparoscope. Pneumoperitoneum was establishedbased on the body weight. Systematic overview of the peritoneal cavity allowed the ileum to be grasped with an atraumatic instrument. The complete exploration and surgical treatment of MD were performed extracorporeally, after intestinal exteriorization through the umbilicus. All patients' demographics, main clinical features, diagnostic investigations, operative time, histopathology reports, conversion rate, hospital stay and complications were registered and analyzed.RESULTS: MD was identified in 17 patients, while 1 had an ileal duplication and 1 a jejunal hemangioma. Fifteen patients had painless intestinal bleeding, while 4 had recurrent abdominal pain and exhibited cyst like structures in an ultrasound study. Eleven patients had a positive technetium-99m pertechnetate scan. In the patients with bleeding, gastrointestinal endoscopy did not name the source of hemorrhage. All patients were subjected to a TULA surgical procedure. An intestinal resection/anastomosis was performed in 14 patients, while 4 had a wedge resection of the diverticulum and 1 underwent stapling diverticulectomy. All surgical procedures were performed without conversion to open laparotomy. Mean operative time was 75 min(range 40-115 min). No major surgical complications were recorded. The median hospital stay was 5-7 d(range 4-13 d). All patients are asymptomatic at a median follow up of 4, 5 years(range 10 mo-10 years).CONCLUSION: Trans-umbilical laparoscopic-assisted Meckel's diverticulectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of MD, with excellent results.
文摘AIM: To investigate the expression profile of IL-8 in inflammatory and malignant colorectal diseases to evaluate its potential role in the regulation of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the development of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).METHODS: IL-8 expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (Q-RT-PCR) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in resected specimens from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 6) colorectal adenomas (CRA, n = 8), different stages of colorectal cancer (n = 48) as well as synchronous and metachronous CRLM along with their corresponding primary colorectal tumors (n = 16).RESULTS: IL-8 mRNA and protein expression was significantly up-regulated in all pathological colorectal entities investigated compared with the corresponding neighboring tissues. However, in the CRC specimens IL-8 revealed a significantly more pronounced overexpression in relation to the CRA and UC tissues with an average 30-fold IL-8 protein up-regulation in the CRC specimens in comparison to the CRA tissues. Moreover, [L-8 expression revealed a close correlation with tumor grading. Most interestingly, IL-8 up-regulation was most enhanced in synchronous and metachronous CRLM, if compared with the corresponding primary CRC tissues. Herein, an up to 80-fold IL-8 overexpression in individual metachronous metastases compared to normal tumor neighbor tissues was found.CONCLUSION: Our results strongly suggest an association between IL-8 expression, induction and progression of colorectal carcinoma and the development of colorectal liver metastases.
文摘AIM:To evaluate the role and our experience of injecti-on sclerotherapy with cow milk in the treatment of rectal prolapse in children. METHODS:In the last 30 years (1976-2006) we made 100 injections of sclerotherapy with cow milk in 86 chil-dren. In this study we included children who failed to respond to conservative treatment and we perform ope-rative treatment. RESULTS:In our study we included 86 children and in all of the patients we perform cow milk injection sclerot-herapy. In 95.3% (82 children) of patients sclerotherapy was successful. In 4 (4.7%) patients we had recurrent rectal prolapse where we performed operative treatment. Below 4 years we had 62 children (72%) and 24 older children (28%). In children who needed operative trea-tment we performed Thiersch operation and without any complications. CONCLUSION:Injection sclerotherapy with cow milk for treatment rectal prolapse in children is a simple and effective treatment for rectal prolapse with minimal com-plications.
文摘BACKGROUND Abdominal cocoon or“encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis”(EPS)is an uncommon and rare cause of intestinal obstruction.Only a few cases have been reported in paediatric patients.Typically,EPS is described as the primary form in young adolescent girls from tropical and subtropical countries because of viral peritonitis due to retrograde menstruation or a history of peritoneal dialysis.Most patients are asymptomatic or present with abdominal pain,which is likely to occur secondary to subacute bowel obstruction.Findings at imaging,such as ultrasound,computed tomography,and magnetic resonance imaging,are often nonspecific.When diagnosed,EPS is characterized by total or partial encasement of the bowel within a thick fibrocollagenous membrane that envelopes the small intestine in the form of a cocoon because of chronic intraabdominal fibroinflammatory processes.The membrane forms a fibrous tissue sheet that covers,fixes,and finely constricts the gut,compromising its motility.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of EPS in a 12-year-old boy 8 wk after primary surgery for resection of symptomatic jejunal angiodysplasia.There was no history of peritoneal dialysis or drug intake.CONCLUSION In this report,we sought to highlight the diagnostic,surgical,and histopathological characteristics and review the current literature on EPS in paediatric patients.
文摘Complicated acute appendicitis(CAA)is a serious condition and carries significant morbidity in children.A strict diagnosis is challenging,as there are many lesions that mimic CAA.The management of CAA is still controversial.There are two options for treatment:Immediate operative management and nonoperative management with antibiotics and/or drainage of any abscess or phlegmon.Each method of treatment has advantages and disadvantages.Operative management may be difficult due to the presence of inflamed tissues and may lead to detrimental events.In many cases,non-operative management with or without drainage and interval appendectomy is advised.The reasons for this approach include new medications and policies for the use of antibiotic therapy.Furthermore,advances in radiological interventions may overcome difficulties such as diagnosing and managing the complications of CAA without any surgeries.However,questions have been raised about the risk of recurrence,prolonged use of antibiotics,lengthened hospital stay and delay in returning to daily activities.Moreover,the need for interval appendectomy is currently under debate because of the low risk of recurrence.Due to the paucity of high-quality studies,more randomized controlled trials to determine the precise management strategy are needed.This review aims to study the current data on operative vs non-operative management for CAA in children and to extract any useful information from the literature.
基金Supported by The Department of Surgery of the Chinese University of Hong Kong
文摘AIM:To investigate the safety and diagnostic yield of colonoscopy in Chinese children in whom the procedure is not often done.METHODS:We conducted a retrospective review of all colonoscopies in consecutive children who underwent their fi rst diagnostic colonoscopy from Jan 2003 to 2008.RESULTS:Seventy-nine children (48 boys,31 girls;mean age 9.2 ± 4.2 years) were identified and reviewed with a total of 82 colonoscopies performed.Successful caecal and ileal intubation rates were 97.6% and 75.6% respectively.Forty patients (50.6%) had a positive diagnosis made in colonoscopy and that included colonic polyps (23),Crohn's disease (12),ulcerative colitis (1),and miscellaneous causes (4).80% of polyps were in the rectosigmoid colon.All but one were juvenile hamartomatous polyps.The exceptionwas an adenomatous polyp.The mean ages for children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and polyps were 11.3 and 4.3 years respectively.There was no procedure-related complication.CONCLUSION:Colonoscopy is a safe procedure in our Chinese children.The increasing diagnosis of IBD in recent decades may reflect a rising incidence of the disease in our children.