Paediatric CSI accidents might decrease if caustic substances were sold in the original child-proof containers. OS can be highly predicted by a simple DS instead of endoscopic grading, and can be diagnosed earlier (10-14 days) via endoscopy only in patients with persistent dysphagia, instead of a late barium study (> or = 21 days). OBD can then also be started earlier in these patients.

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The purpose of this study was to determine the morbidity, mortality and possible risk factors in children who underwent colostomy. A total of 473 children who underwent colostomy in our clinic between 1983 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Of these patients, 278 were boys and 195 were girls. The major indications for colostomy were anorectal malformation (252 patients), Hirschsprung's disease (117), and trauma (66). The patients' age ranged from 1 day to 15 years. Of the 473 patients, 254 (53.6%) were < 1 month of age, 97 (20.5%) were 1-12 months of age, and 122 (25.7%) were > 12 months of age. The side of colostomy was transverse in 341 (72%) patients and sigmoid in 132 (28%). The type of colostomy was loop in 364 (77%) patients and diverting in 109 (23%). Postoperative complication was observed in 80.5% of patients; excoriation (46.5%), prolapse (20.5%), stomal obstruction/stenosis (6.1%), and stomal bleeding (2.1%). A stomal revision was required for 26 (5.5%) patients. Overall, 50 (10.5%) patients died; 37 were related directly to major congenital anomalies, while 13 (2.7%) patients had a colostomy complication. The age of patients who died was < 1 month in 46 (92%) patients. The incidence of morbidity and mortality in children with colostomy is significantly high, particularly in neonates. Prompt colostomy procedure by an experienced hand, prompt stomal care under the supervision of a trained and experienced stomal care giver and early closure of the colostomy may increase the survival of these patients.

A free-floating intraperitoneal mass is extremely rare, and almost all originate from an ovary. Here, we present the first case with an intraperitoneal free-floating autoamputated ovary that caused an acute abdomen in a child and also review the literature. A 4-year-old girl was admitted with signs and symptoms of acute abdomen. At surgery, the patient had no right ovary and the right tube ended in a thin band that pressed on the terminal ileum causing partial small intestine obstruction and acute abdomen. A calcified mass was found floating in the abdomen and was removed. The pathological examination showed necrotic tissue debris with calcifications. An autoamputated ovary is thought to result from ovarian torsion and is usually detected incidentally. However, it can cause an acute abdomen.

The possibility of a delayed presentation of CDH should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent non-specific respiratory or gastrointestinal tract symptoms in a child. A plain roentgenogram with a swallowed nasogastric tube might assist in the diagnosis. Early surgical correction of the diaphragmatic defect is crucial for preventing life-threatening complications.

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A 16-year-old girl with intrathyroidal ectopic thymic tissue, which was diagnosed incidentally after surgery for thyroid nodule, is reported to emphasise the possible clinical and surgical presentations of this rare entity.

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