Željko Zovko

Dr. Željko Zovko

Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of, Bosnia and Herzegovina
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
4 August 2025 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
EGEdoardo Guida
Edoardo Guida
Alessandro BoscarelliAlessandro Boscarelli
Alessandro Boscarelli
ŽZŽeljko Zovko
Željko Zovko
MPMatea Peric-Anicic
Matea Peric-Anicic
MIMarianna Iaquinto
Marianna Iaquinto
JSJurgen Schleef
Jurgen Schleef
Background: Vascular malformations are relatively common in children. Current therapeutic strategies include observation, pharmacological therapy, sclerotherapy, laser therapy, embolization, and surgery, depending on the type and anatomical location of the malformation. Herein, we describe our preliminary experience with bleomycin electrosclerotherapy (BEST) in the treatment of peripheral low-flow venous and lymphatic malformations in a pediatric population. Methods: We prospectively collected and analyzed data from patients who underwent BEST for peripheral low-flow vascular malformations (venous and lymphatic) and were treated at our institution from May 2022 onward. Results: Twelve patients (4 boys and 8 girls) with peripheral low-flow vascular malformations who underwent BEST were enrolled in this preliminary study. The median patient age at the first procedure was 81 months (IQR = 46–1128). The most frequent anomaly was peripheral LFVM. No relevant postoperative complications were encountered in any of the patients. All patients underwent a clinical evaluation of the malformation 1 month after the procedure. A clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation of the malformation was performed 3 months after the procedure to determine whether to repeat BEST. In cases of clinical resolution, a second ultrasonographic evaluation was performed 6 months after the procedure. Conclusion: BEST appears to be a promising and safe option for treating peripheral low-flow vascular malformations in children.

3 April 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ŽZŽeljko Zovko
Željko Zovko
Alessandro BoscarelliAlessandro Boscarelli
Alessandro Boscarelli
DCDaniela Codrich
Daniela Codrich
RBRossana Bussani
Rossana Bussani
FNFrancesca Neri
Francesca Neri
JSJurgen Schleef
Jurgen Schleef
Introduction: Lipomas are among the most encountered neoplasms in clinical practice, occurring mainly in adults between the fourth and sixth decades of life. Deep-seated lipomas in children are found in the thorax, chest wall, mediastinum, pleura, pelvis, retroperitoneum, and paratesticular area. Herein, we present a case of a three-year-old child with a giant mesenteric lipoma, along with a review of the literature on mesenteric lipomas in childhood. Case presentation: A three-year-old male toddler was referred to our hospital for severe, intermittent abdominal pain. Imaging studies at admission revealed a fat lesion occupying most of the peritoneal cavity and dislocating adjacent structures. An urgent laparotomy was performed. A giant lipoma arising from the mesentery and leading to the torsion of the mesenteric radix was confirmed and completely excised alongside an adherent small tract of jejunum. The child recovered uneventfully and is still being followed-up with no signs of recurrence. Discussion: Lipomas of the mesentery in children are very rare, and they are reported to be more common among children younger than three years of age. Mesenteric lipomas appeared to be more frequent in males than females. Even though they might be asymptomatic, voluminous lipomas can also create a lead point for intermittent torsion of the mass causing ischemia and infarction. Abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom, and the ileum was the tract of bowel more frequently involved by the tumor. Laparotomy was reported to be the preferable approach to safely remove this abdominal mass, especially in case of huge dimensions.

18 March 2025 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
ŽZŽeljko Zovko
Željko Zovko
Alessandro BoscarelliAlessandro Boscarelli
Alessandro Boscarelli
DCDaniela Codrich
Daniela Codrich
RBRossana Bussani
Rossana Bussani
FNFrancesca Neri
Francesca Neri
JSJurgen Schleef
Jurgen Schleef
Introduction: Lipomas are among the most encountered neoplasms in clinical practice, occurring mainly in adults between the fourth and sixth decades of life. Deep-seated lipomas in children are found in the thorax, chest wall, mediastinum, pleura, pelvis, retroperitoneum, and paratesticular area. Herein, we present a case of a three-year-old child with a giant mesenteric lipoma, along with a review of the literature on mesenteric lipomas in childhood. Case presentation: A three-year-old male toddler was referred to our hospital for severe, intermittent abdominal pain. Imaging studies at admission revealed a fat lesion occupying most of the peritoneal cavity and dislocating adjacent structures. An urgent laparotomy was performed. A giant lipoma arising from the mesentery and leading to the torsion of the mesenteric radix was confirmed and completely excised alongside an adherent small tract of jejunum. The child recovered uneventfully and is still being followed-up with no signs of recurrence. Discussion: Lipomas of the mesentery in children are very rare, and they are reported to be more common among children younger than three years of age. Mesenteric lipomas appeared to be more frequent in males than females. Even though they might be asymptomatic, voluminous lipomas can also create a lead point for intermittent torsion of the mass causing ischemia and infarction. Abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom, and the ileum was the tract of bowel more frequently involved by the tumor. Laparotomy was reported to be the preferable approach to safely remove this abdominal mass, especially in case of huge dimensions.