Sternal cleft is a chest wall malformation that can expose mediastinal viscera and vessels to injuries. It can be classified into two forms, complete and partial. Its etiology and incidence are unknown and it is often associated with other defects. The aim of this article is to review the literature and report our experience with this rare anomaly, focusing on clinical presentation and management. We reviewed the English written literature about sternal cleft and collected the clinical data of all the published series. We present seven new cases that we have observed and treated since 1999. Literature reports 51 series including 86 patients, more frequently female (62%) and affected with partial superior form (67%). Sternal cleft is often asymptomatic (74%) and associated with other defects (72%). Surgical treatments include primary closure (73%), bone graft interposition (10%), prosthetic closure (7%), and muscle flap interposition (3%). In our series, primary closure was possible in four cases, while in three cases we placed a prosthesis. Five patients had associated defects and two were affected with PHACES (posterior fossa abnormalities, hemangiomas, arterial lesions, cardiac abnormalities/aortic coarctation, abnormalities of the eye, and sternum defects) syndrome. We report for the first time the association of sternal cleft with connectival nevi in three of our patients. At follow-up, we observed no major complication or recurrences. Although primary closure is the preferred option and should be performed in the neonatal period, the use of prostheses warrants good results as well. Prior to treatment, associated defects and syndromes should be excluded.

This approach proved to be effective, useful and powerful in assessing microflora dynamics and indicated that the differences in microflora associated with acute HAEC or remission are likely to result from a combination of disease activity and different antibiotic therapies. ARDRA proved to be useful in discriminating disease versus remission. Our findings indicated that HAEC results from a change in the equilibrium between bacterial species or from altered discrimination of harmless from harmful microorganisms, challenging the definition of pathogenic and non-pathogenic species. Based on these results, we propose ARDRA as a rapid inexpensive tool to assess microflora dynamics during HAEC episodes.

Although a proper statistical comparison with literature complication rates is not feasible, our experience confirms the importance of quality-control audit in health care systems. Prolonged observation, long-term follow up, and comparison with previous results will represent our future goal.

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Minimally invasive surgery is safe and effective in pediatric colonic surgery and allows a fast recovery time (fast-track).

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Overall results proved to be similar. Likewise, long-term bowel function did not show significant differences. Nonetheless, if we consider hospitalization and cosmetic results, it becomes clear that the minimally invasive approach should be preferred, when possible, to improve patients' comfort, perspective of overall health status, and psychologic acceptance.

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