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BackgroundRecently, we reported the feasibility of indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging to identify extrahepatic biliary anatomy during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in pediatric patients. This paper aimed to describe the use of a new technology, RUBINA™, to perform intra-operative ICG fluorescent cholangiography (FC) in pediatric LC.MethodsDuring the last year, ICG-FC was performed during LC using the new technology RUBINA™ in two pediatric surgery units. The ICG dosage was 0.35 mg/Kg and the median timing of administration was 15.6 h prior to surgery. Patient baseline, intra-operative details, rate of biliary anatomy identification, utilization ease, and surgical outcomes were assessed.ResultsThirteen patients (11 girls), with median age at surgery of 12.9 years, underwent LC using the new RUBINA™ technology. Six patients (46.1%) had associated comorbidities and five (38.5%) were practicing drug therapy. Pre-operative workup included ultrasound (n = 13) and cholangio-MRI (n = 5), excluding biliary and/or vascular anatomical anomalies. One patient needed conversion to open surgery and was excluded from the study. The median operative time was 96.9 min (range 55–180). Technical failure of intra-operative ICG-NIRF visualization occurred in 2/12 patients (16.7%). In the other cases, ICG-NIRF allowed to identify biliary/vascular anatomic anomalies in 4/12 (33.3%), including Moynihan's hump of the right hepatic artery (n = 1), supravescicular bile duct (n = 1), and short cystic duct (n = 2). No allergic or adverse reactions to ICG, post-operative complications, or reoperations were reported.ConclusionOur preliminary experience suggested that the new RUBINA™ technology was very effective to perform ICG-FC during LC in pediatric patients. The advantages of this technology include the possibility to overlay the ICG-NIRF data onto the standard white light image and provide surgeons a constant fluorescence imaging of the target anatomy to assess position of critical biliary structures or presence of anatomical anomalies and safely perform the operation.

PurposeWe reported our preliminary experience using ICG fluorescence in pediatric minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with the aim to standardize indications, dose, timing, and modality of administration of ICG according to different organs.MethodsICG technology was adopted in 46 MIS procedures performed in our unit over the last 18 months: 30 left varicocele repairs; 5 cholecystectomies in obese adolescents; 3 tumor excisions; 3 nephrectomies; 2 partial nephrectomies; 3 lymphoma excisions. ICG solution was injected intravenously in all cases except for varicocelectomy in which it was injected into the testis. The ICG injection was performed intra-operatively in all cases except for cholecystectomy in which it was injected 18 h prior to the procedure.ResultsAll procedures were completed laparoscopically without conversions or intra-operative complications. No adverse or allergic reactions to ICG were reported.ConclusionOur preliminary experience showed that ICG fluorescence is a safe, useful, and versatile technique to adopt in pediatric MIS to achieve a better identification of anatomy and an easier surgical dissection or resection in challenging cases. Currently, the main indications are varicocelectomy, difficult cholecystectomy, tumor excision, nephrectomy, and partial nephrectomy. The main limitation is the needing of a special equipment to use ICG technology.

The increased intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) in the pediatric age paralleled with the risen prevalence of childhood obesity. The Ultraprocessed Foods in Obesity (UFO) Project aimed at investigating the potential mechanisms for the effects of UPFs in facilitating pediatric obesity, focusing on the direct role of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) on mitochondrial function, the key regulator of obesity pathophysiology. We comparatively investigated the daily dietary intake of UPFs, energy, nutrients, dietary AGEs [Nε -(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), Nε -(1-carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL), and Nδ -(5-hydro-5- methyl-4-imidazolon-2-yl)-ornithine (MG-H1)] in 53 obese patients and in 100 healthy controls visiting the Tertiary Center for Pediatric Nutrition of the Department of Translational Medical Science at the University of Naples “Federico II”. AGEs skin accumulation and mitochondrial function in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were also assessed. A higher intake of UPFs and AGEs, energy, protein, fat, and saturated fatty acids was observed in obese patients. Obese children presented significantly higher skin AGEs accumulation and alterations in mitochondrial metabolism. PBMCs from healthy controls exposed to AGEs showed the same mitochondrial alterations observed in patients. These findings support the UPFs role in pediatric obesity, and the need for dietary strategies limiting UPFs exposure for obesity prevention and treatment.

Background: Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are set to revolutionize healthcare, particularly in fields like endoscopic surgery that heavily rely on digital imaging. However, to effectively integrate these technologies and drive future innovations, pediatric surgeons need specialized AI/ML skills. This survey evaluated the current level of readiness and educational needs regarding AI/ML among members of the European Society of Pediatric Endoscopic Surgeons (ESPES). Methods: A structured survey was distributed via LimeSurvey to ESPES members via email before and during the 2024 Annual Conference. Responses were collected over four weeks with voluntary, anonymous participation. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 125 responses were received. Two-thirds (65%) of respondents rated their AI/ML understanding as basic, with only 6% reporting advanced knowledge. Most respondents (86%) had no formal AI/ML training. Some respondents (31%) used AI/ML tools in their practice, mainly for diagnostic imaging, surgical planning, and predictive analytics; 42% of the respondents used these tools weekly. The majority (95%) expressed interest in further AI/ML training, preferring online courses, workshops, and hands-on sessions. Concerns about AI/ML in pediatric surgery were high (85%), especially regarding data bias (98%). Half of respondents (51%) expect AI/ML to play a significant role in advancing robotic surgery, oncology, and minimally invasive techniques. A strong majority (84%) felt that the ESPES should lead AI education in pediatric surgery. Conclusions: This survey presents the ESPES with a unique opportunity to develop a competency map of its membership’s AI/ML skills and develop targeted educational programs, thus positioning the society to take the lead in AI education and the advancement of AI solutions in pediatric endosurgery.

Background and Objectives: The optimal postoperative urinary diversion strategy after hypospadias repair remains debated, with variability in type, material, and duration. Pediatric-specific data are limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate how urinary diversion type and duration affected surgical outcomes after pediatric hypospadias repair. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library (1995–2025) databases was conducted using PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251121638). Eligible studies included pediatric patients undergoing hypospadias repair with or without urinary diversion. Primary endpoints were diversion characteristics (type, material, duration); secondary endpoints included postoperative complications and re-operations. Results: A total of 31 studies representing 4261 pediatric patients were analyzed, with 16 included in meta-analysis. Pooled estimates confirmed that bladder catheters were associated with significantly higher rates of general complications (wound/urinary tract infections, swelling, foreskin dehiscence) [p < 0.05] and re-operations [p < 0.05] compared to urethral stents. Conversely, urethral stents showed a greater risk of mechanical complications such as blockage and dislodgement [p = 0.001]. Meta-analysis of stented versus unstented procedures revealed no significant differences in major outcomes (fistula, stenosis, re-operations), although stented repairs showed a modest increase in minor complications. For catheterization length, pooled data suggested no significant advantage of prolonged (>5 days) versus shorter (≤5 days) diversion, despite descriptive analyses indicating more functional and general complications [p < 0.05] and re-operations [p = 0.004] after short diversion and more fistulas after prolonged diversion [p < 0.05]. Conclusions: Urinary diversion strategies significantly affected surgical outcomes after pediatric hypospadias repair. Urethral stents reduced general complications compared with bladder catheters but were prone to mechanical issues. Short diversion increased early complications, while prolonged catheterization increased fistula risk. No single approach proved universally superior; therefore, perioperative management should be individualized according to patient characteristics, hypospadias severity, and intraoperative findings. Further high-quality prospective trials are needed to define optimal diversion protocols.

Background and Objectives: NR5A1-related 46,XY differences of sex development (DSD) represent a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by variable degrees of undervirilization, gonadal dysgenesis, and endocrine dysfunction. Mutations in the NR5A1 gene affect critical pathways of gonadal development and steroidogenesis, leading to complex diagnostic and management challenges. This narrative review aims to summarize the clinical spectrum, diagnostic algorithms, surgical management, and outcome data of pediatric NR5A1-related 46,XY DSD. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted, using terms related to NR5A1 mutations, ambiguous genitalia, gonadal dysgenesis, tumor risk, and surgical management. A total of 26 studies were initially identified, of which 16 met the inclusion criteria for pediatric patients (≤18 years) with confirmed 46,XY karyotype, NR5A1 mutation, and available clinical or surgical data. Results: NR5A1 mutations are associated with phenotypes ranging from complete female external genitalia to apparently normal males with later infertility. While Sertoli cell function during fetal life is often preserved, Leydig cell dysfunction leads to incomplete masculinization. Spontaneous virilization during puberty has been reported. Management of gonadal dysgenesis remains controversial: while streak-like intra-abdominal gonads carry high germ cell tumor risk, warranting early gonadectomy, well-formed testes may be preserved under strict surveillance. Conclusions: NR5A1-related 46,XY DSD requires individualized, multidisciplinary management integrating genetic, endocrine, surgical, and psychosocial expertise. Gonadectomy decisions should be risk-stratified and, when possible, delayed to allow patients to participate in decision-making. Early psychological support and lifelong follow-up are essential to optimize physical and psychosocial outcomes.

Background and Clinical Significance: VACTERL association is a rare spectrum of congenital malformations that may involve the genitourinary system. We describe a challenging case of hypotonic, hyporeflexic, large-capacity bladder with bilateral obstructive megaureter in a boy with VACTERL syndrome, highlighting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Case Presentation: A 16-year-old boy with VACTERL syndrome, previously operated for esophageal atresia, Fallot’s tetralogy, Y-type urethral duplication, and bilateral vesicoureteral reflux, presented with breakthrough urinary tract infections, orchiepididymitis, and flank pain. Investigations revealed an enlarged bladder capacity (1000 mL), detrusor underactivity, high post-void residual volume, and bilateral hydronephrosis with megaureter. Obstruction of the bladder neck and neurological causes were excluded. After multidisciplinary discussion, bilateral ureteral reimplantation and limited reductive cystoplasty were performed. Histology revealed granulomatous foreign-body reaction due to previous bulking agent injection. Postoperative course was uneventful. At the three-year follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic with normal voiding and preserved renal function. Conclusions: This case illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of managing late urological complications in a VACTERL patient with pre-existing urinary anomalies. The overlap of congenital and iatrogenic factors made the diagnostic pathway complex, requiring careful exclusion of neurogenic and mechanical causes. A tailored surgical strategy restored bladder function and preserved renal outcome.

Background and Objectives: Robot-assisted extravesical ureteral reimplantation (REVUR) has been described as valuable alternative to open reimplantation in the pediatric population. This study aimed to report the outcome of REVUR in children with complex obstructed megaureter (COM) needing ureteral dismembering and/or tapering. Materials and Methods: The records of patients with COM, who received REVUR with ureteral dismembering and/or tapering over the last 3 years (2021–2024), were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria for COM included previous surgery, paraureteral diverticula, or ectopic megaureter. Results: A total of 16 patients (15 boys), with a median age of 7.8 years (range 2–16), were treated over the study period. COM was associated with paraureteral diverticula (n = 6), previous failed endoscopic balloon dilation (n = 4), ectopic megaureter (n = 2), and previous bulking agent endoscopic injection causing iatrogenic ureteral obstruction (n = 4). Presentation symptoms included febrile urinary tract infections (n = 8), flank pain (n = 4), hematuria (n = 2), and pseudo-incontinence (n = 2). All surgical procedures were accomplished robotically without conversions or intra-operative complications. Ureteral tapering was performed in 7/16 (43.7%). The median operative time (including robot docking) was 220 min (range 155–290). The median length of stay was 3.8 days (range 3–7). The indwelling double J stent was removed 4–6 weeks postoperatively. Clavien 2 grade complications occurred postoperatively in 2/16 (12.5%). At median follow-up of 34.5 months, all patients were asymptomatic and showed improved hydroureteronephrosis on ultrasound and improved drainage on diuretic renogram. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that robot-assisted extravesical ureteral reimplantation is a safe and effective treatment for primary obstructive megaureter and other complex ureteral anomalies in our patient cohort. The procedure showed low complication rates, high success rates, and favorable long-term outcomes, supporting the feasibility and effectiveness of robotic surgery for these conditions.

BackgroundVery limited informations are currently available about the best approach to perform retroperitoneoscopic surgery. This multicentric international study aimed to compare the outcome of lateral versus prone approach for retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN) in children.MethodsThe records of 164 patients underwent RPN in 7 international centers of pediatric surgery over the last 5 years were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-one patients (42 girls and 19 boys, average age 3.8 years) were operated using lateral approach (G1), whereas 103 patients (66 girls and 37 boys, average age 3.0 years) underwent prone RPN (G2). The two groups were compared in regard to operative time, postoperative outcome, postoperative complications, and re-operations.ResultsThe average operative time was significantly shorter in G2 (99 min) compared to G1 (160 min) (p = 0.001). Only 2 lateral RPN required conversion to open surgery. There was no significant difference between the two groups as for intraoperative complications (G1:2/61, 3.3%; G2:6/103, 5.8%; p = 0.48), postoperative complications (G1:9/61, 14.7%; G2:17/103, 16.5%; p = 0.80), and re-operations (G1:2/61, 3.3%; G2:4/103, 3.8%; p = 0.85). Regarding postoperative complications, the incidence of symptomatic residual distal ureteric stumps (RDUS) was significantly higher in G2 (7/103, 6.8%) compared to G1 (1/61, 1.6%) (p = 0.001). Most re-operations (4/6, 66.6%) were performed to remove a RDUS .ConclusionsBoth lateral and prone approach are feasible and reasonably safe to perform RPN in children but the superiority of one approach over another is not still confirmed. Although prone technique resulted faster compared to lateral approach, the choice of the technique remains dependent on the surgeon’s personal preference and experience. Our results would suggest that the lateral approach should be preferred to the prone technique when a longer ureterectomy is required, for example in cases of vesico-ureteral reflux into the affected kidney moiety, in order to avoid to leave a long ureteric stump that could become symptomatic and require a re-intervention.

Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as the pinworm, is a prevalent intestinal nematode, particularly affecting children worldwide. Although infection is often asymptomatic, it may occasionally lead to complications, including appendiceal involvement. The role of E. vermicularis in the pathogenesis of acute appendicitis remains controversial and is frequently overlooked. We report a case of a 10-year-old child who presented with intermittent right lower quadrant abdominal pain without fever or systemic symptoms. Initial ultrasound revealed small mesenteric lymph nodes, with no clear evidence of appendiceal pathology. Empirical treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents failed to relieve the symptoms. A follow-up ultrasound demonstrated a thickened retrocecal appendix with hypoechoic intraluminal content. Due to persistent pain, a laparoscopic appendectomy was performed, revealing a white, non-segmented roundworm within the appendiceal lumen. Histopathological examination and direct microscopic analysis confirmed follicular appendicitis with intraluminal nematodes morphologically consistent with E. vermicularis . Postoperative parasitological examination further supported the diagnosis, with detection of characteristic eggs using the Scotch tape test, while stool examinations remained negative. These findings suggested E. vermicularis as the most likely etiological agent and supported its pathogenic role in the patient’s clinical presentation. The patient was treated with albendazole, followed by a second dose 2 weeks later. Simultaneous treatment was administered to household contacts, and strict hygiene measures were recommended to prevent reinfection. Clinical recovery was complete, with no postoperative complications. This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain, even in the absence of systemic inflammatory markers, particularly in endemic or underrecognized settings. Early recognition and targeted therapy are essential to prevent recurrence and intra-familial transmission.