The Alexis® system for laparoscopic splenectomy in pediatric patients

The laparoscopic splenectomy in pediatric patients is performed worldwide but often the disproportion between size of patients and size of organs requires an extra laparotomic access for spleen removal. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Alexis® system to retrieve the spleen without additional laparotomic access. The charts of all patients who underwent splenectomy at our center during the last 5 years were retrieved. In all the cases the Alexis® system was placed in the umbilicus, thru which a 10 mm camera was inserted. Three additional 5 mm standard trocars were inserted. Seven patients, affected by spherocytosis (3), epidermoid cyst (2), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (2) and thalassemia (1), underwent laparoscopic splenectomy at a median age of 10 years (range: 8–17). Median patients’ weight was 32.5 kg (range: 25–71) and spleen size 15 cm (11–18). In all the cases, upon removal of the camera, the retrieval bag was inserted thru the umbilicus under direct view, the spleen retrieved, morcellated, and removed. No conversion nor enlargement of one of the ports nor an extra laparotomic access were required. The patients were discharged on the fifth post-operative day and the cosmetic results were excellent. Removal of the spleen can be safely performed without any additional laparotomy thru the Alexis® system placed in the umbilicus. This system is effective also in case of major patient/organ size disproportion and the final cosmetic aspect is excellent.

A Case Report of Pediatric Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: Current Approach and Diagnostic Challenges for Dermatologist

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a chronic and rare myeloproliferative disorder caused by disorders in Lang-erhans cell proliferation in various organs and tissues. LCH has a wide variety of clinical manifestations, making it difficult to diagnose. Cutaneous manifestations are polymorphic in the form of purpura, papule, vesicles and pustules. LCH can involve vital organs such as the liver and lungs as well as the hematopoiesis system that usually gives a poor prognosis. The prognosis is also influenced by the age of patient, organ dysfunction and response to the first 6 weeks of chemotherapy treatment. A 3-year-old girl reported a major complaint of an abscess-like lesion in the region of neck accompanied by an extensive purpura of scalp, neck and inguinal areas accompanied by vulvar erosions. The immunohistochemical and histopathologic examination support LCH and the clinical improvement after intravenous administration of intravenous 3 mg/m2 Vinblastine chemotherapy, 75 mg/m2 etoposide, oral 40 mg/m2 per prednisone. After the 6th cycle of chemotherapy, the patient died.