Background: To review the results of Wilms' tumour patients in a tertiary referral hospital in a developing country and to find ways of improving long-term survival. Patients and Methods: Between January 1998 and May 2004, 40 patients with Wilms' tumour (WT) were admitted to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. Their files were reviewed and general physical condition on admission, pre-operative investigations, management and outcome were noted. Results: The mean age of presentation was 4.2 years with an equal distribution between the sexes. The mean BMI was 15 kg/m² and more than 80% of the patients were either mildly (PCV <33%) or severely anaemic (PCV <24%). All patients presented with abdominal distension. Half of them had additional complaints including abdominal pain, haematuria, dyspnoea, oedema and or weight loss. Thirty-nine out of the forty patients received pre-operative chemotherapy. Of the 36 patients that underwent surgery, 32 underwent total nephrectomy, one a partial nephrectomy, and in three the tumour was irresectable. There were no intra-operative tumour ruptures. Only 15% of the patients completed their post-operative course of chemotherapy. The 1-year survival lies between 25% and 53%. Fifteen of the 36 patients operated were known to have a recurrence. Conclusion: The patients presented in an advanced stage of the disease. Survival rates are disappointing and recurrence rates are high. Some improvement in outcome may be expected with the implementation of more aggressive treatment protocols but early diagnosis, completion of treatment regimens are needed. Pro-active follow-up is essential to measure outcome.

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Background: Mesenteric cysts are rare intra-abdominal masses in the paediatric age group with varied presentation, ranging from an asymptomatic mass to acute abdomen. This study reviews our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of 17 mesenteric cysts in our centre, with especial reference to acute abdominal symptoms. Patients and Methods: Seventeen patients (age less than 10 years) with mesenteric cysts were managed in our hospital. The age ranged from 15 days to 10 years. Patients were admitted with acute or chronic symptoms. They were evaluated with complete history, clinical examination, blood investigations and radiological investigations (x-ray abdomen erect, ultrasound abdomen (USG) and computed tomography (CT) scan in selected cases) to reach a provisional diagnosis. The diagnosis was proven on laparotomy and histologically confirmed. Results: The main presenting symptoms were abdominal pain or lump. The most common mode of presentation was acute small intestinal obstruction. USG was not conclusive in all. Abdominal CT scan with intravenous contrast was diagnostic in nine patients. Five patients had volvulus on exploration. Cysts were located in small intestinal mesentery in 14 cases and three were in the sigmoid mesentery. Seven patients had complete excision, intestinal resection was required in four and marsupialisation with cauterisation of margins was done in six patients. Histologically, all were lymphangiomatous mesenteric cysts. Conclusion: The diagnosis of mesenteric cysts should be kept in mind in any patient presenting with acute abdominal symptoms. Small bowel volvulus with mesenteric cyst constituted a significant number in children with acute abdominal symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment yields excellent outcome.

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Background : In some developing countries, many children with intussusception are reported to present late for definitive therapy. This study determines the effect of delayed presentation on clinical parameters, management, and outcome of childhood intussusception in southeast Nigeria. Methods : Comparative analysis of 87 consecutive children with intussusception managed from January 1998 to December 2007 at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, was done. Results : Overall, the mean time from onset to presentation was 3.0 days (range 4 hours to 7 days). Thirteen (14.9%) presented within 24 hours of symptoms (group 1) and 74 (85.1%) presented after 24 hours (group 2). Clinical presentations were similar in the children with the exception of bilious vomiting, rectal bleeding, and abdominal distension which were significantly commoner in group 2 children (P < 0.05). Type of intussusception found at operation did not differ in the groups, but cases in group 2 had higher incidence of bowel complications, and greater risk of failed operative reduction and bowel resection than group 1 patients (P < 0.05). Though the postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the two groups, mortality directly related to intussusception occurred only in patients who presented after 24 hours. Conclusion: Significant number of children with intussusception in our setting presented late for definitive treatment. These cases have a higher risk of bowel complications and intestinal resection. Outcome in these patients might be enhanced through improved perioperative care in the short term, or by improving access to, and reducing delays in seeking health care, in the long run.

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Background: Intestinal perforation resulting from complicated typhoid fever still causes high morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the outcome of its surgical management in Nigerian children. Materials and Methods: Emergency laparotomy and repair of the ileum was performed on 46 children with typhoid ileal perforation at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare, Nigeria, between January 2004−December 2008. This was followed by copious peritoneal lavage with warm normal saline and mass closure of the abdomen. Results: There were 28 (60.86%) boys and 18 (39.13%) girls, with a mean age of 9.5 ± 3.22 (range, 15 months−15 years). Abdominal pain (45), fever (44), and abdominal distention (36) were the most common presenting symptoms and majority of the patients (36) perforated within 14 days of illness. Solitary ileal perforations were the most common pathology, found in 31 (67.4%) cases. Simple closure of the perforations after debridement of the edges was the most frequent operative procedure performed. A total of 21 patients had one or more complications which included wound infection (21), postoperative fever (16), and wound dehiscence (6). Postoperative anaemia was a problem in 23 (50%) patients. The mortality rate was (13) 28.3%. The mean duration of hospital stay for survivors was 22.9 ± 12.3 (range, 6−46 days). This was not significantly affected by the location or number of perforations on the ileum. Conclusions: The clinical course of typhoid ileal perforation may be different for the very young. The typically high rate of complications can be reduced if operation is undertaken earlier. Solitary ileal perforations can be managed safely with simple closure.

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Background: Measurement of treatment outcome is important in estimating the success of cleft management. The aim of this study was to assess the surgical outcome of cleft lip and palate surgery. Patients and Methods: The surgical outcome of 131 consecutive patients with cleft lip and palate surgeries between October 2008 and December 2010 were prospectively evaluated at least 4 weeks postoperatively. Data collected included information about the age, sex, type of cleft defects, and type of surgery performed as well as postoperative complications. For cleft lip repair, the Pennsylvania lip and nose (PLAN) score was used to assess the surgical outcome, while the integrity of the closure was used for cleft palate repair. Results: A total of 92 patients had cleft lip repair and 64 had palate repair. Overall, 68.8% cases of cleft lip and palate repair had good outcomes; 67.9% of lip repairs had good lip and nose scores, while 70.2% of palatal repair had a good surgical outcome. Oro-fistula was observed in 29.8% of cleft palate repairs Inter-rater reliability coefficient was substantially significant. Conclusions: The fact that 25.7% of those treated were aged >1 year suggests a continued need to enlighten the public on the availability of cleft lip and palate expertise and treatment. Although an overall good treatment outcome was demonstrated in this study, the nasal score was poorer than the lip score. Complication rate of about 14% following surgical repair is consistent with previous reports in the literature.

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Background: Although Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most prevalent congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract, it has varied presentations and often becomes a diagnostic challenge. The purpose of this study was to review the diverse presentations of MD, record the epidemiologic features for Crete and review the detection techniques and the treatment options. Patients and Methods: This was a review of the records of all children who underwent surgery for MD in the department of Paediatric Surgery of the University Hospital of Crete (Greece) between January 1999 and January 2009. Result: A total of 45 patients (32 male and 13 female) aged 1 to 13 years (median 10 years) with a diagnosis of MD were retrospectively reviewed. The collected data were analysed, looking at age, gender, clinical features, investigations, histopathological findings and surgical interventions. In 25 patients, MD was an incidental finding at laparotomy because of appendicitis. The remaining 20 patients were symptomatic and presented with various clinical features. Nine patients (19.9%) had clinical features of peritonitis; of these, three had perforated MD and six had Meckel's diverticulitis at laparotomy. Four patients were diagnosed with intestinal obstruction. Seven patients (15.5%) presented with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Ultrasound scans revealed intussusception in three patients, requiring open reduction. The remaining four patients with bleeding per rectum underwent a Meckel's Tc99 scan that showed a positive tracer. Conclusion: All patients with MD underwent Meckel's diverticulectomy with appendicectomy. MD has an incidence of approximately 1 to 2% in our population. It is necessary to maintain a high index of suspicion in the in the diagnosis of MD paediatric age group because it can be easily misdiagnosed.

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Background: The aim of this study was to review the management of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt complications in children. Patients and Methods: During the last 5 years (January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010), 236 VP shunt operations were performed in children under 12 years of age; of these, 40 (16.94%) developed shunt complications and those who underwent VP shunt revisions were studied. Results: This prospective study included 40 (28 boys and 12 girls) children and required 48 shunt revisions. Complications following VP shunts that required shunt revisions were peritoneal catheter/peritoneal end malfunction (18), shunt/shunt tract infections (7), extrusion of peritoneal catheter through anus (5), ventricular catheter malfunction (4), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from abdominal wound (4), shunt system failure (2), ventricular end/shunt displacement (2), CSF pseudocysts peritoneal cavity (2), extrusion of peritoneal catheter from neck, chest, abdominal scar and through umbilicus, one each. Four-fifth of these shunt complications occurred within 6 months of previous surgery. Surgical procedures done during shunt revisions in order of frequency were revision of peritoneal part of shunt (27, 56.25%), revision of entire shunt system (6, 12.5%), extra ventricular drainage and delayed re-shunt (5, 10.41%), shunt removal and delayed re-shunt (5, 10.41%), opposite side shunting (2, 4.16%), cysts excision and revision of peritoneal catheter (2, 4.16%) and revision of ventricular catheter (1, 2.08%). The mortalities following VP shunt operations were 44 (18.64%) and following shunt revisions were 4 (10%). Conclusions: VP shunt done for hydrocephalus in children is not only prone for complications and need for revision surgery but also associated with considerable mortality.

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Background: Burns injuries are recognized as a major health problem worldwide. In children and, particularly, in our environment where poverty, ignorance and disease are still high, they constitute significant morbidity and mortality. Previous studies on this topic in parts of Nigeria either lumped adults and children together or were retrospective. We, therefore, prospectively studied the current trends in burns in children. Patients and Methods: This prospective study of burns spanned over a period of 18 months (June 2006-December 2007) at the Paediatric Surgery Units of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, and the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State. Data were collected and analysed for age, sex, cause/type of burn, place of burn, presence or absence of adult/s, initial prehospital intervention, interval between injury and presentation, surface area and depth of burn and treatment and outcome. Results: Fifty-three patients were studied, 31 (58.4%) were male and 22 (41.6%) were female (M:F = 1.4:1). Patients mostly affected were aged 2 years and below. The most common cause of burns was hot water in 31 (58.5%) patients. The vast majority of these injuries happened in a domestic environment (92.5%) and in the presence of competent adult/s (88.7%). Outcome of treatment was good: there were two (3.8%) deaths and 46 (86%) patients had complete recovery. Conclusion: Burns is still a major health problem among children in south eastern Nigeria. Fortunately, outcome of appropriate treatment is good. However, we think that poor safety consciousness among parents is a major predisposing factor. Public enlightenment on measures to ensure safe home environment may be necessary to avoid or limit childhood burns.

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Background: The management of Hirschsprung's disease remains a problem in developing countries. Our aim is to identify the main epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of Hirschsprung's disease at the University Child Hospital Charles De Gaulle of Ouagadougou (CHUP-CDG). Patients and Method: It is a retrospective study carried out in the period from January 2001 to December 2007 in the Surgery Unit at CHUP-CDG, which is a reference centre for Paediatric Surgery in Burkina Faso. Results: There were 52 patients (M: F=3.3:1). The annual incidence was seven cases. Age at presentation and diagnosis ranged from two days 10 years (median 20 months). Twenty five patients were from poor socio-economic conditions. Presentations were mainly intestinal obstruction, chronic constipation and enterocolitis. There were two cases of associated trisomy 21. Average age at operative intervention was 3.17 months. The rectosigmoidal form was the most frequently encountered. Over two-thirds (67.31%), with no complications at presentation, had benefited from nursing before their final treatment. A temporary colostomy was requested in case of complication. Swenson's technique was practiced for all the patients who underwent surgery operation. The assessment of functional results in eight patients after an average decrease of 3.5 years gave excellent results. Post-surgery complications were mainly enterocolitis in 12% of patients. Mortality rate was 16%. Conclusion: Management of Hirschsprung's disease is a problem in Burkina Faso. It is characterised by its late presentation and difficult diagnosis due to inaccessibility and the non-availability of some investigation services (barium enema, histochemistry, and histology), resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. Effective technical capacities, adequate staff training, and public education will be necessary to improve care quality.

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Background: Management of female phenotype XY disorders poses a series of problems for the treating clinician. Even after a series of investigations and imaging modalities, there are lingering doubts about the exact nature of the disease and the correct management option. Optimal timing and necessity for removal of their testes have been a debated issue by physicians. There is a generally accepted opinion among physicians that the risk of malignancy in androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is considerably lower than with other intersex disorders and occurs at a later age. Objective: The highlight of this presentation is to reinforce the value of laparoscopic gonadectomy in management of AIS in correlation with data suggesting higher risk of malignancy. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of 11 phenotypic females with XY karyotype was carried out. The patients were evaluated by a diagnostic protocol which included clinical, hormonal, sonographic and cytogenetic examinations. Patients/parents were counselled by the team concerning the different treatment modalities and contrary to the assigned gender, laparoscopy was offered to them. Uneventful bilateral gonadectomy was performed in all the patients and gonads submitted for histopathological examination. Results: A total of 11 patients (mean age, 10.4 ΁ 4.1 years), including six with complete AIS and five with partial AIS (PAIS) were reviewed. In two patients with PAIS (18.1%), histopathology revealed malignancy (bilateral seminoma and gonadoblastoma) and in an additional patient, a benign hamartoma was found. Literature evidence suggests that AIS female phenotype patients retaining their testes through puberty have a 5% chance for developing malignant tumours. Reviewing our results in correlation with literature, we found that PAIS patients may harbour a higher risk of malignancy. Conclusions: In complementation to hormonal tests and cytogenetic techniques, laparoscopic gonadectomy is required to complete the diagnostic work up for AIS as it also adds a final therapeutic approach with low risk and huge benefit. Since laparoscopy is now a well-tolerated and widely accepted gold standard, it should be included in routine management for patients with AIS. Risk of malignancy in PAIS should be investigated in larger cohort of these patients.

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Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Our previous studies showed a high frequency of motor vehicle accidents among neurosurgical patients. However, there is a dearth of data on head injuries in children in Nigeria. Aims: To determine the epidemiology of paediatric traumatic brain injuries. Setting and Design: This is a prospective analysis of paediatric head trauma at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, a major referral centre for all traumatic brain injuries in Nigeria between October 2006 and September 2011. Materials and Methods: We studied the demographic, clinical and radiological data and treatment outcomes. Data was analysed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) 16.0. Results: We managed 127 cases of paediatric head injuries, 65 boys and 62 girls representing 13% of all head injuries managed over the 5-year period. They were aged 3 months to 17 years. The mean age was 7.4 years (median 7 years) with peak incidence occurring at 6-8 years i.e. 31 (24.4%) cases. Motor vehicle accidents resulted in 67.7%, falls 14% and violence 7%. The most frequent computed tomography finding was intracerebral haemorrhage. Mean duration of hospitalization was 18 days (median 11 days). Eleven patients died, mortality correlating well with severity and the presence of intracerebral haematoma. Conclusion: Head injuries in children are due to motor vehicle and motor vehicle-related accidents. Hence, rational priorities for prevention of head injuries in children should include prevention of vehicular, especially pedestrian, accidents in developing countries.

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Background: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common surgical emergency in childhood. The risk of rupture is negligible within the first 24 h, climbing to 6% after 36 h from the onset of symptoms. Because of difficulty in accurate diagnosis of AA a significant number of children still are being managed when it is already perforated. There is always a need to make an early diagnosis of AA and to find out the risk factors associated with development of complication in this condition. Patients and Methods: A total of 102 patients with a clinical diagnosis of AA were admitted during the study period. On admission, a good clinical history and proper physical examination was performed. All the eligible patients who finally diagnosed clinically as having AA were planned for emergency open appendectomy. The removed appendix was sent for histopathological examination in all the study subjects. Results: Out of 102 cases, 93 cases were histopathologically appendicitis, rest nine cases showed no evidence of inflammation so the rate of negative appendectomy was around 9%. On histopathology normal appendix was found in nine patients (8.9%), AA in 71 patients (69.6%), complicated appendicitis (CA) which includes perforated and gangrenous appendicitis was present in 22 patients (21.5%). Perforations were more common in patients who were younger than 5 years. >60% patients presented with CA when the duration of pain was >72 h. Presence of appendicolith increased the probability of CA.

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Background: The aim was to compare gastroschisis (GS) epidemiology, management and outcome in low-income countries (LIC) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with middle- (MIC) and high-income countries (HIC). Materials and Methods: A 10-question survey was administered at the 2012 Pan-African Paediatric Surgery Association Congress. Results are presented as median (range); differences were analysed using contingency tests. Results: A total of 82 delegates (28 countries [66 institutions]) were divided into LIC (n = 11), MIC (n = 6) and HIC (n = 11). In LIC, there were fewer surgeons and more patients. LIC reported 22 cases (1-184) GS/institution/year, compared to 12 cases (3-23)/institution/year in MICs and 15 cases (1-100)/institution/year in HICs. Antenatal screening was less readily available in LIC. Access to parenteral nutrition and neonatal intensive care in LIC was 36% and 19%, compared to 100% in HIC. Primary closure rates were similar in LIC and HIC at 58% and 54%, respectively; however, the majority of staged closure utilised custom silos in LIC and preformed silos in HIC. In LIC, mortality was reported as >75% by 61% delegates and 50-75% by 33%, compared to <25% by 100% of HIC delegates (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Gastroschisis is a problem encountered by surgeons in SSA. Mortality is high and resources in many centres inadequate. We propose the implementation of a combined epidemiological research, service delivery training and resource provision programme to help improve our understanding of GS in SSA whilst attempting to improve outcome.

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Background: Ascariasis is the infestation by the largest intestinal nematode of man, a common problem in the tropics attributed to poor hygienic and low socioeconomic conditions. The aim of this research is to analyse the presentation, diagnosis and management of bowel obstruction caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, with special emphasis on the role of conservative management. Materials and Methods: This is a single centre, two consultant based 5 year retrospective study of childhood intestinal obstruction due to worms. Diagnosis in the suspected patients was based on history of passage of worms per mouth or rectum and on x-ray and ultrasonography findings. Only the patients of intestinal obstruction with documented evidence of roundworm infestation were included in the study and were followed for one year. Results: One hundred and three children with intestinal obstruction due to Ascaris lumbricoides were treated in the past five years at our centre. Abdominal pain was the most common presentation seen in 96 children followed by vomiting in 77 children. 20 children had history of vomiting worms and another 43 had history of passing worms in stool. Abdominal tenderness was present in 50 children, 48 had abdominal distension of varying degree, 50 had abdominal mass due to worm bolus, and 16 had or developed abdominal guarding or rigidity. All the children were managed as for acute intestinal obstruction along with hypertonic saline enema. The aim of management was "to starve the worm and hydrate the patient". 87 patients (84.47%) responded favourably and were relieved of the obstruction by the conservative management, 16 children (15.53%) had abdominal guarding or rigidity and underwent emergency exploration. Conclusion: Roundworm obstruction should be considered in the differential diagnoses of all cases of intestinal obstruction in children. Clinical history and examination along with X-ray and ultrasonography are very helpful for diagnosis of this surgical emergency. Most cases of intestinal obstruction due to Ascaris can be managed conservatively; however emergency surgery is needed in patients with abdominal guarding and rigidity.

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Multiorgan hydatid cysts caused by larval growth of Echinococcus granulosus, is a rare condition in paediatric age group. There are very few reports of management of multiorgan hydatid cysts, involving lung, liver, and spleen by minimally invasive approach in paediatric age group. Herewith, we are reporting a case of hydatid cysts involving lung, liver, and spleen in a six-year-old child managed by minimally invasive surgery along with the review of literature.

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Africa has one of the highest neonatal mortalities in the world, for which the commonest causes do not include surgical conditions such as some congenital anomalies that are amenable to surgery but are not often operated on because of a number of challenges. These challenges include cultural beliefs and practices, dearth of human resource capacity, inadequate laboratory and imaging support and lack of consumables and intensive or high dependency care facilities. Some of these challenges will be examined and highlighted using the acronym "ASKS" in this article.

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Background: Childhood cancer is fast becoming an important paediatric problem in Nigeria and several parts of Africa, with the progressive decline of infectious and nutritional diseases. The following study was a 5-year retrospective review of paediatric solid tumours as seen at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Objective: To determine the relative frequencies of childhood solid malignant tumours in Jos, Central Nigeria and compare with reports of previous studies both locally and abroad. Materials and Methods: Cancer registers and medical records of patients were used to extract demographic data, specimen number and/or codes. Archival materials were retrieved from the histopathology laboratory and sections were made from paraffin embedded blocks of these specimens. Slides of these histological sections were reviewed and reclassified where necessary. The relative frequencies were then determined. Results: One hundred and eighty one solid tumours of children were diagnosed within the study period. Ninety-four (51%) were benign and 87 (49%) malignant. Male: Female ratio was 1.3:1. The commonest malignant tumour diagnosed was rhabdomyosarcoma which accounted for 27 (31%), comprising of 15 (55.6%), 11 (40.7%) and 1 (3.7%) embryonal, alveolar and pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcomas, respectively. Non Hodgkin lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma accounted for 17 (19.5%) and 12 (13.8%), respectively. Conclusion: Based on the result of our study, we conclude that the commonest solid malignancy of childhood in Jos, Nigeria is rhabdomyosarcoma. This has implications for diagnosis, management and prognosis of theses soft tissue sarcomas in our paediatric population.

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Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy is a feasible and safe alternative to open appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis. In the past decade several laparoscopic procedures have been described using one or more ports. We report our experience in treating acute appendicitis with one-port transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy (TULAA). Patients and Methods: We performed 231 TULAA on patients in the period from November 2001 to September 2007. We introduced an 11 mm Hasson's port using open technique; an operative channel with 10 mm telescope and an atraumatic grasper were used. After intra-abdominal laparoscopic dissection, the appendix was exteriorised through the umbilical access. The appendectomy was performed outside the abdomen as in the open procedure; the operation was completed using only one port in 227 patients (98%), two and three ports in two patients (1%) while conversion to open surgery was needed in two patients (1%). Results: The average operating time was 38 minutes and the median time to discharge was three days. Four (1, 7%) early postoperative complications (two suppuration of the umbilical wound) with no major complications were observed. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that TULAA, which combines the advantages of both open and laparoscopic procedures, is a valid alternative form of treating uncomplicated appendicitis. If appendectomy cannot be completed with only one port, insertion of one or more ports may be necessary to safely conclude the procedure.

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Background: Anecdotal evidence and a handful of literature reports suggest that the outcome for infants born with gastroschisis in many African countries is poor when compared to Western nations. We wished to evaluate current management strategies and outcomes in African and Western units that treat infants with gastroschisis. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of case-notes for infants with gastroschisis who presented to a hospital between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2007. There were five participating centres, divided for analysis into an African cohort (three centres) and a Western cohort (two centres). Results: Fewer infants presented to a hospital with gastroschisis in the African cohort when compared to the Western cohort, particularly when the size of catchment area of each hospital was taken into account. The physiological state of the infant on presentation and management strategy varied widely between centres. Primary closure, preformed silo and surgical silo with delayed closure were all utilised in the African cohort. Use of the preformed silo and delayed abdominal wall closure was the strategy of choice in the Western cohort. The 30-day mortality was 23% and 1% respectively. This primary outcome measure varied considerably in the African cohort but was the same in the two Western units. Conclusions: Gastroschisis in the African cohort was characterised by fewer infants presenting to a hospital and a more variable outcome when compared to the Western cohort. A detailed epidemiological study to determine the incidence of gastroschisis in African countries may provide valuable information. In addition, interventions such as prompt resuscitation, safe neonatal transfer, the use of the preformed silo and parenteral nutrition could improve outcomes in infants with gastroschisis.

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Background: Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a common cause of respiratory compromise in early childhood. The objective of this study was to describe the features and outcomes of children with FBA in early and late presentations and to examine the reasons for the delay in diagnosis. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective review of all children who were admitted with suspected FBA between July 2001 and June 2010. Patient's characteristics, history, clinical, radiographic, bronchoscopic findings, reason for delay presentation, and complications were noted. Results: A total of 158 children admitted to the hospital with suspected FBA were included in this study. The average age was 3.28 years. Forty-eight (30.3%) children were presented late (more than 14 days after FBA) and 110 (69.7%) children were presented early (0-14 days). The common clinical manifestations of FBA were persistent cough (100%) and choking (72%). The most frequent radiological finding observed was air trapping (40%) followed by atelectasis (14%). Chest radiographs were normal in 32.2% patients. Ten children in early diagnosis group and 29 children in late diagnosis group presented with complications. The diagnosis delay was mainly attributed to physician misdiagnosis (41.6%). Rigid bronchoscopy was performed in all patients. Foreign body was found in all of the cases except six. Watermelon seeds and peanuts accounted for 80% of the aspiration. Conclusion: FBA is difficult to diagnose in children. Delay in diagnosis appears to result from a failure to give serious consideration to the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and removal of foreign bodies must be achieved to avoid complications.

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Background: Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the one of the most common congenital malformation of gastrointestinal tract and has varied clinical presentations. We are presenting here our 12-year experiences with MD in children at tertiary care hospital in North India. It highlights the fact that isolated gangrene of MD can occur, and it is associated with increased morbidity. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study is conducted by analysing the medical records of the patients who were operated for MD in the last 12 years in paediatric surgery department at our hospital. Results: Sixty-five patients were operated for MD in study period; in this 52 were males and 13 were females with mean age of presentation 3.2 years. The most common presentation was intestinal obstruction seen in 86.1% (56 cases). Intestinal haemorrhage was seen in 4.6% (3 cases) and diverticulitis in 3% (2 cases). Perforation of the gut with peritonitis was present in 6.1% (four cases). Cause of obstruction was intussusception in 21.4% (12 cases), fibrous band connected to umbilicus in 17.8% (10 cases), volvulus in 17.8% (10 cases), kinking in 16.0% (9 cases), knotting in 14.2% (8 cases) and herniation of gut below in 12.5% (7 cases). Isolated gangrene of MD was present in ten cases with intestinal obstruction. The ectopic gastric mucosa was seen in three and pancreatic mucosa in two cases. Mortality and morbidity during the study were one and three cases, respectively. Conclusion: MD may remain clinically silent for lifetime, or it may have life-threatening complications. In our series, intestinal obstruction and not the haemorrhage was the most common presentation. Isolated gangrene of MD with obstruction was present in significant numbers, which we failed to find in literature.

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A patent processus vaginalis (PPV) allows a communication between the peritoneum and scrotum. Hydrocoele is the usual presentation of a PPV in children. However, with intraabdominal pathology the patent PPV may provide the first clue to the mischief within the abdomen. We present here two unusual cases associated with a PPV and migration of intraabdominal contents from the abdomen to the scrotum.

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The developing countries bear the greatest burden of childhood cancers as over 90% of the world's children live in these countries. Childhood cancer in most instances is curable, but many children die from cancer because most children live in developing countries without access to adequate treatment due to high cost of treatment and poor organization in these countries. Initiatives to increase cancer care in developing countries would therefore include establishment of standard cancer care centres, manpower training, establishment of standardized management protocols, procurements of standard drugs and collaboration with international organizations.

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Background: Anterior urethral valves (AUVs) are rare congenital anomalies causing lower urinary tract obstruction in children. Although they are referred to as valves, these obstructive structures often occur in the form of a diverticulum. The urethra in these cases shows saccular or bulbar dilatation known as anterior urethral diverticulum (AUD). They typically occur where there is a defect in the corpus spongiosum, leaving a thin-walled urethra. This segment of the urethra balloons out during voiding, simulating a mass that is sometimes visible along the ventral wall of the penis. The swelling is fluctuant and urine dribbles from the meatus on compression. The present study highlights the clinical approach in identifying the condition and its treatment options, especially for those, presenting with urethral diverticula. Materials and Methods: We have studied children with congenital anterior urethral valves and diverticula. Six patients of AUVs with diverticula were admitted during the period of 2000-2007 and were prospectively evaluated. The mean age of presentation was 16 months (15 days to 4 years). Straining at micturition and a palpable penile swelling were the most common presenting features. The diagnosis was established by voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and supported by ultrasonography (USG). All patients were treated with single-stage open surgical excision except one who died preoperatively due to urosepsis. Initial lay opening of the penoscrotal urethra and delayed repair were done in one patient. Results: The surgical outcome was successful in all but one patient, who died of delayed presentation with severe back pressure changes, urinary ascitis and urosepsis. On long-term follow-up, all patients demonstrated good stream of urine. The renal functions were normal and the patients had no evidence of urinary infections. Conclusion: We propose that, the patients of AUVs, if not excessively delayed for treatment are otherwise well in terms of general condition as opposed to patients of posterior urethral valves. The diagnosis is easily established by VCUG and the severity is revealed by a sonogram. Open surgical excision is the method of choice for patients with a urethral diverticulum; however, cystoscopic fulguration is also feasible in selected patients. The outcome is excellent with minimal morbidity and mortality.

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