Aims: To study and compare the effects of angiotensin II antagonist (Losartan) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (Enalapril) on renal recovery following reversal of iatrogenic unilateral upper ureteric obstruction. Materials and Methods: Unilateral upper ureteric obstruction was created in 96 adult Wistar rats that were reversed after predetermined intervals. Losartan and Enalapril were given to different subgroups of rats following relief of obstruction. Rats were sacrificed and kidneys were subjected to planimetric and histopathological analysis. Results: Dorsal lumbotomy approach provided a rapid and safe approach to kidneys in rats. The planimetric and histopathological changes were most severe in the group of rats in whom obstruction was not relieved before sacrifice. Addition of Enalapril and Losartan significantly hastened the reversal of renal changes following relief of obstruction as compared with the group in which no treatment was given following reversal of blockade. Conclusions: Renin angiotensin system (RAS) is the major pathway responsible for renal damage following outflow obstruction. However, this damage can be reversed with the use of drugs acting on the RAS.

Aim : To compare the efficacy of low- versus medium-pressure shunts in pediatric hydrocephalus in a randomized controlled trial. Materials and Methods: Forty patients of pediatric hydrocephalus were randomized into two groups. The Chhabra differential pressure VP shunt (low or medium) was inserted in every patient. Postoperative follow-up was performed for symptomatic improvement and radiological evaluation (by sonography or computed tomography scan) for ventricle hemispheric ratio (VHR). Comparative analysis of pre- and postoperative VHR and need of redo surgery for shunt malformation were carried out to establish outcomes. Results: Nineteen patients had a low-pressure and 21 patients had a medium-pressure shunt inserted. The age of the patients ranged from 1 day to 10 years. The average preoperative VHR in group A was 55.37%, which reduced to 40% postoperatively (P = 0.00005); likewise, the pre- and postoperative VHR in group B were 61.57% and 42%, respectively, which was statistically significant (P = 0.0006). The complications of shunts and incidence of redo shunt surgery in both groups were not found to be statistically significant (P = 0.5614). Conclusions : The study found no significant difference in the outcome of patients with low- or medium-pressure shunt placement in pediatric hydrocephalus.

Aim: To assess the usefulness of ultrasonography in the differentiation of causes of chronic cervical lymphadenopathy in children. Materials and Methods: Children with palpable cervical lymph nodes were included. An ultrasonographic examination was performed to delineate multiple lymph nodes, irregular margins, tendency towards fusion, internal echos, the presence of strong echoes and echogenic thin layer. Results: The total number of patients was 120. Echogenic thin layer and strong internal echoes were specific for tuberculosis. Long axis to short axis (L/S) ratio was more than 2 in most of the tubercular nodes (85.71%). Hilus was present in 50 (73.53%) tubercular lymphadenitis, 12 (40%) lymphoma and 10 (62.5%) cases with metastatic lymph nodes. Hypoechoic center was present in 60 (88.24%) tubercular lymphadenitis cases followed by 62.5% metastatic and 60% malignant lymphoma cases. Conclusions: Ultrasonography is a non-invasive tool for lymph nodal evaluation in children. It may be used to differentiate cervical lymphadenopathy with different etiologies in children. When correlated clinically, it may avoid biopsy in a patient.

Aim : Reporting the feasibility of the Denis Browne (buried strip) principle along with tunica vaginalis (TV) pedicled wrapping of the strip in reoperative urethroplasty in hypospadias. Materials and Methods : Over a period of 5 years, 32 patients presented with failure of previous urethroplasty and the range of failure was between 2 and 6 times; mean 2.5 times. Mean age was 12.9 (range 2 to 26 years) years. "Buried strip" urethroplasty (i.e., without tubularization of urethral plate) and wrapping with TV were done along with supra pubic cystostomy (SPC) for diversion of urine. Mean follow-up was 29.8 (range 12 to 56 months) months. Results : One patient had fistula and vertical slit meatus was possible in 26 patients. The flow of urine was satisfactory in 31 patients and one patient developed pouch in penile urethra. Conclusions : The buried strip along with the additional coverage with TV was found to be simple and effective in salvaging the failed urethroplasty.

This report describes an 18-month-old boy with a completely isolated duplication cyst (CIDC) of the ileum associated with another classic enteric duplication cyst in the adjacent bowel and presenting as an acute abdomen due to torsion of the pedicle of the CIDC. Cysts excision was curative.

We report a rare association of duodenal atresia with situs inversus abdominus in a newborn. The infantogram revealed "reverse double-bubble sign" without dextrocardia. The sonography and echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis of situs inversus abdominus with multiple cardiac anomalies. Laparotomy and a duodenoduodenostomy were carried out.

A case of spontaneous formation of cutaneous fistula from rupture of an infected hydatid cyst of liver in a female child is reported.

A case of midline cleft of the lower lip with cleft of the mandible and complete duplication of the tongue is reported here. Median cleft of the lower lip, mandible and bifid tongue with ankyloglossia is reported in the literature, but complete duplication of the tongue as part of the Tessier 30 cleft is not yet reported.

A rare case of thoracoschisis, diaphragmatic and supraumbilical abdominal wall defect with right upper limb agenesis in a neonate is reported.

A 4-year-old girl presented with non-bilious vomiting and loss of appetite and weight. At laparotomy, a non-communicating pyloroduodenal duplication cyst was present. Subtotal excision of the cyst and cauterization of the mucosal lining of the common wall was performed. The post-operative recovery was uneventful.

We present a child with both acute appendicitis and torsion of the right testis presenting at the same time. Testicular torsion possibly occurring due to vomiting in acute appendicitis so far has not been reported in the literature.

The Tumour Board Meeting was held on August 16, 2011, in the Seminar Hall at B.J. Wadia Hospital for children. The panelists of the meeting were Dr. S. Ranganathan, Pediatric Pathologist from Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; Dr. Archana Swami, Consultant Pediatric Oncologist at Wadia Children's Hospital; Dr. Sajid Qureshi Onco-surgeon (Pediatric) at Tata Memorial Hospital and Dr. Sushmita Bhatnagar.