Background: This study aimed to evaluate single-port laparoscopic appendectomy (SPLA) in comparison with three-port laparoscopic appendectomy (3PLA) in children about the extent of surgical trauma after SPLA and 3PLA measured by serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients with a median age of 11.5 were randomized to two groups. Experts in both methods performed the surgeries. The decision on the type of planned surgery was randomly determined. Serum IL-6 and CRP levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before, and at 12 and 36 hours after surgery. Furthermore, we compared operating time, hospital stay, postoperative pain, and complication rates. Results: The operative time in the 3PLA group was shorter than that in the SPLA group (P < .05). Preoperative IL-6 levels were not different between the two groups, but the rise (pre- versus postoperative) of IL-6 in the SPLA group was remarkably higher when compared with the 3PLA group (P < .05). Similar results were obtained for CRP; basal serum CRP levels were not different between the two groups, but the rise of CRP in the 3PLA group was significantly lower compared with that in the SPLA group. During the first 12 hours postoperative, the SPLA patients reported more severe postoperative pain and longer inpatient opiate usage was noted that after 3-PLA. Only one SPLA case was converted to 3PLA. There were no conversions to open surgery. The length of hospital stay and complication rate were not different between the two groups. Conclusions: SPLA in children is associated with longer operative times, increased pain level, and more severe surgical trauma as measured by postoperative CRP and IL-6 levels in comparison with a 3PLA. The two approaches were comparable regarding the length of hospital stay and complication rate.

The treatment outcomes in children with bladder/prostate rhabdomyosarcoma (B/P RMS) have considerably improved in the past few decades. Current protocols incorporate chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery (radical or organ sparing). Using this multimodal and multidisciplinary approach, the cure rates for nonmetastatic RMS have gradually increased from 25% in the 1970s, and 70% in the 1990s, to over 80% in the 2000s. Surgery plays a role not only in the diagnosis and management of all stages of B/P RMS, but also in the urinary reconstruction and long-term follow-up. Furthermore, the tendency to avoid mutilating surgery and to preserve functional genitourinary tract has been noticeable. Authors describe the current status and future surgical treatment approaches and possibilities for patients with B/P RMS and how reconstructive urologic surgery in B/P RMS continues to evolve.

European Reference Networks (ERNs) are virtual networks that involve healthcare providers across Europe. The aim of ERNs is to tackle complex or rare diseases and conditions that necessitate highly specialized treatment, knowledge and resources.This article summarizes the concept of European Reference Networks in the European Union, legislation and policy behind ERNs from the standpoint of pediatric surgical specialty. There are seven ERNs in which pediatric surgeons are involved, four of which are being discussed, namely ERN PaedCan, eUROGEN ERN, ERN RARE-LIVER and ERNICA. ERNs program is a step towards improving health care quality, reducing access inequalities, and increasing overall medical experience and knowledge but its final impact is yet to be determined.

Introduction: Rare diseases are becoming increasingly recognized worldwide as an important public health challenge and Orphan Drugs begin to play an important role in Research and Development. There are several major issues concerning conducting clinical trials in the field of Rare Diseases, especially in children, as 80% of those diseases are genetic in origin and involve, in most instances, children. Areas covered: This review concentrates on challenges associated with the patient recruitment process. The authors experience and opinion was complemented by a systematic search of relevant literature and includes ethical, cultural and geographical issues with rare diseases. The review presents current opinion and provides valuable support for planning and conducting clinical research in rare diseases. Expert opinion: The expert opinion section concentrates on importance of future rare disease clinical research in the context of understanding common diseases and developing new treatment options.

Background/Objectives: Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) is a congenital disorder characterised by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal bowel, resulting in functional obstruction. The transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) procedure, a minimally invasive approach, aims to treat HD by removing the aganglionic segment. This study assessed the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of single-stage TEPT in paediatric patients, focusing on postoperative complications, bowel function, and quality of life. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 150 children who underwent single-stage TEPT from January 2005 to December 2023 at the Medical University of Gdansk. Data were collected from medical records, including demographics, preoperative assessments, surgical details, postoperative management, and follow-up outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel 365 and the programming language Python 3.12. The mean age at surgery was 13 months, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.75:1. The mean operative time was 129 min, and the mean hospital stay was seven days. Results: Postoperative complications included anastomotic leak (4%), wound infections (15%), and enterocolitis (26%). Redo surgeries were required in 18% of cases due to persistent constipation and obstructive symptoms. This article includes a comprehensive review of the literature. Conclusions: TEPT demonstrates a favourable safety profile and efficacy in treating HD, though significant concerns include complications such as enterocolitis and the need for additional surgeries. Surgical expertise and thorough preoperative and postoperative management are crucial to optimising patient outcomes.