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Biomedical subjects

K W Liu

Publications and source records attributed to K W Liu.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Retroperitoneoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in infants and children.

OBJECTIVE: To report our initial experience of endoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty through a retroperitoneal approach in infants and children with pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen infants and children with PUJ obstruction underwent retroperitoneoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty (mean age at operation 2.7 years, range 0.25-10). Nine patients presented with complications secondary to PUJ obstruction, including urinary tract infection, pyonephrosis and increasing hydronephrosis with impairment in renal function. The other four patients had recurrent loin pain secondary to intermittent PUJ obstruction. The patient was placed in semi-prone (for left-sided) or a semilateral position (for right-sided PUJ obstruction). The retroperitoneal space was entered via a 1-cm incision over the mid-axillary line and further developed using a glove balloon. Video-retroperitoneoscopy was undertaken using a 5-mm laparoscope. Dismembered pyeloplasty was carried out with the pelvi-ureteric anastomosis fashioned using fine polydioxanone sutures over a double-pigtail ureteric stent. RESULTS: The retroperitoneoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty was successful in 12 patients, while one with previous percutaneous nephrostomy drainage for pyonephrosis required open conversion because of difficulties in developing the retroperitoneal space. The mean (range) operative duration was 143 (103-235) min. All patients had a rapid and uneventful recovery. The drainage was satisfactory in all 12 patients on a follow-up scan. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is effective and safe in infants and young children giving a good early outcome, although the long-term results await further studies.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Laparoscopy as the investigation and treatment of choice for urinary incontinence caused by small 'invisible' dysplastic kidneys with infrasphincteric ureteric ectopia.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of using laparoscopy for the accurate location and simultaneous removal of small dysplastic kidneys with ectopic ureteric insertion causing urinary incontinence and that were not detected by conventional imaging modalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven girls (mean age 7.9 years, range 3.5-13) presented with urinary leakage occurring between normal voids. Imaging studies including ultrasonography, renal scintigraphy, intravenous urography, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging in six of the seven patients revealed a single normal functioning kidney, but failed to detect the contralateral nonfunctioning dysplastic kidney. All patients were examined under anaesthesia, followed by transperitoneal laparoscopy for the simultaneous localization and removal of the dysplastic kidneys under the same setting. RESULTS: Laparoscopy in all seven patients revealed a small dysplastic kidney that could always be easily located by first finding the draining ureter over the iliac vessels and then following it upwards. Four dysplastic kidneys were found in the renal fossa (two left, two right). One kidney was found at the left iliac fossa just above the pelvic brim, one at the left lumbar region, and the other at the right iliac fossa. Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy was successful in all seven girls and the patients were discharged 48 h after surgery. The follow-up (mean 2.7 years, range 3 months-5.4 years) showed excellent cosmetic results and all the patients have remained completely dry. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a classical picture of urinary incontinence caused by infrasphincteric ureteric ectopia associated with a small nonfunctioning kidney, video-laparoscopy, with its magnifying effect, can reliably confirm the diagnosis, locate the dysplastic kidney and allow its removal in the same setting. We propose that laparoscopy should be considered the investigation and treatment of choice in such patients, and should be undertaken without delay even if the dysplastic kidney or the ectopic ureteric orifice cannot be identified with all other conventional means.

Adolescent↗

Acute scrotal swelling: a sign of neonatal adrenal haemorrhage.

Two neonates presented with acute scrotal swelling suggestive of testicular torsion. Surgical exploration in one patient revealed an infected haematoma. Subsequent investigations including ultrasonography and urinary catecholamine determination disclosed adrenal haemorrhage as the cause of the scrotal haematoma. A second patient in whom a purplish discolouration of the right hemiscrotum was noted was also investigated with ultrasonography, which revealed a normal right testis and a right adrenal haematoma. Both cases of adrenal haemorrhage resolved spontaneously on conservative treatment. Adrenal haemorrhage should be considered as a possible cause of acute scrotal swelling in neonates. Ultrasonography assessment should be performed in such cases to examine the intra-abdominal organs especially the adrenal glands.

Abscess↗

Going deep into chemical burns.

This is a five year retrospective study of chemical burn injury in our burn center between 1 January 1987 and 31 December 1991. Of the 1,226 total burn cases, 131 patients had chemical burns. We noted a constant prevailing incidence of 10.7% per year. Males (72%) are more common than females (28%). Most of those injured are in the working age group (65%). Majority of cases had deep full thickness burn involving less than 10% of their total body surface area. Sulfuric acid is the most common chemical agent encountered. We had three mortality cases with deep third degree burns covering 60% of their total body surface area. Some clinical cases are demonstrated. Lastly, proposed solutions for the prevention of chemical burns are cited.

Accidents, Occupational↗

An alternative approach to pyogenic hepatic abscess in childhood.

Childhood pyogenic hepatic abscess is rare and remains a difficult diagnostic problem. Seven cases in six children were treated over a 13 year period. There was a recurrence in one patient 7 years after the first presentation. Four patients had identified predisposing factors, namely, chronic granulomatous disease, acute appendicitis, previous abdominal surgery and umbilical vein catheterization, while the other two were cryptogenic. There were no specific symptoms and signs but the combination of unexplained pyrexia, upper abdominal tenderness, hepatomegaly and leucocytosis should raise the suspicion of hepatic abscess. Four cases were diagnosed by ultrasound, one by radionuclide scan and the other two at laparotomy. Treatment in the earlier years was by transabdominal drainage. In the later part of the series, percutaneous catheter drainage using ultrasound guidance was achieved with satisfactory result. Ultrasonography can provide an early diagnosis and effective treatment can be achieved with percutaneous catheter drainage in combination with appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Adolescent↗

An unusual case of complete urethral duplication in a female child.

A case is reported of a female child with complete urethral duplication draining a single bladder and with the accessory urethra communicating with the urachus. The clinical, operative and histological findings suggest that the urethral duplication may represent an abortive duplication of the bladder.

Female↗

Intussusception--current trends in management.

Barium enema reductions were attempted in 65 (90%) of 72 intussusceptions, of which 51 (79%) were successful. This represents a success rate of 70% overall. The average hospital stay was 3 1/2 days. There was no mortality and, apart from a recurrence rate of 10%, no morbidity. It is suggested that barium enema reduction should be the treatment of choice provided that there is an emergency service of a paediatric radiologist and the patient is adequately resuscitated, the only absolute contraindication being evidence of pneumatosis intestinalis or peritonitis. Those patients who presented with shock, rectal bleeding, duration of symptoms longer than 48 hours, and pronounced degree of bowel obstruction had a higher rate of unsuccessful reduction. However, only the last two were significant. Further, provided that the clinical condition remains satisfactory and the reduction has been achieved to the caecum a repeat barium enema after some hours may be successful in achieving reflux of contrast into the ileum, confirming complete reduction.

Age Factors↗