Superior mesenteric artery syndrome, also known as Wilkie's syndrome, is a rare cause of proximal duodenum obstruction in children. Here, we describe the first pediatric case of superior mesenteric artery syndrome in monozygotic twin brothers. Both patients underwent 3-D laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy at the same age with an uneventful recovery.

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Laparoscopic subhepatic appendectomy is safe and does not lead to increased complications. However, the technique is made difficult by the fact that the appendix is an atypical location, and the rate of complicated appendicitis is higher.

Objective: To investigate how symptoms vary according to the appendiceal position in pediatric patients and to demonstrate that the laparoscopic approach is safe and effective in any appendiceal location by comparing each location to another. Methods: The medical records of 1,736 children aged 14 or younger who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy over a period of 14 years were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided according to the position of the appendiceal tip into four groups: anterior, pelvic, retrocecal and subhepatic. The Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests were used with the Bonferroni correction, with a significant p<0.05. Results: The appendiceal location was anterior in 1,366 cases, retrocecal in 248 cases, pelvic in 66 cases and subhepatic in 56 cases. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of patient age and gender. Abdominal pain was the only symptom with statistically significant differences between the groups. The rate of perforated appendicitis was higher in the subhepatic and pelvic positions. Intraoperative complications and conversions were not statistically significant. Technical difficulties and operative time were higher in subhepatic position. The rate of postoperative complications was similar between the different locations, except for bowel obstruction, which was higher in pelvic appendicitis. Conclusions: The clinical symptoms of appendicitis hardly ever change with the position of the appendix. The laparoscopic approach is safe and effective, regardless the appendiceal location.

Femoral hernia is a rare pathology in pediatric patients that is often difficult to diagnose. The laparoscopic approach is effective in the diagnosing and treating these hernias, and it allows for the simultaneous repair of multiple groin defects.

Introduction Improvements in technology and health care have helped reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with esophageal atresia. However, postoperative complications such as dehiscences, strictures, and recurrent fistulas still occur in a large percentage of patients. Here, we present our initial experience using the thoracoscopic approach for complications after esophageal atresia repair. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients who developed complications after esophageal atresia repair and underwent thoracoscopic reoperation at two centers. Anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, and recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula were assessed as complications after esophageal atresia repair. Results We reoperated on four patients (range of age 3 days ‐ 2 years) by thoracoscopy. Two patients who had undergone thoracoscopic atresia repair presented with anastomotic dehiscence. The anastomoses were thoracoscopically reconstructed without tension. One patient had undergone thoracoscopic atresia repair presented with esophageal stricture refractory to endoscopic dilatations. Thoracoscopic esophagoesophagostomy was performed in this 2‐year‐old patient. One patient who had undergone esophageal atresia repair and tracheoesophageal fistula closure by thoracotomy presented with a recurrent fistula at 1 year of age. The patient underwent thoracoscopic fistula closure with a 5‐mm endostapler. All patients remain asymptomatic after reoperation. Conclusions Reoperation after esophageal atresia repair is challenging and carries a relatively high risk of developing complications. Compared to conventional surgery, the thoracoscopic approach in experienced hands offers better visualization and more accurate dissection and drainage of the thoracic cavity. Therefore, we want to encourage the use of thoracoscopy in the treatment of complications after esophageal atresia repair.

This case report describes an extremely rare association between gallbladder agenesis and choledochal cyst (CC). A 9-year-old girl presented with recurrent abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. Radiological studies revealed a CC type IVa and an agenesis of gallbladder and cystic duct. Due to the possibility of biliary neoplasm, the patient underwent cyst resection and hepaticoduodenostomy. Histopathological findings showed inflamed fibrous tissue covered by biliary epithelium with no evidence of malignancy.