With the availability of several protocols in the management of Wilms' tumor, there is dilemma in the minds of the treating oncologists or pediatric onco-surgeons as to whether the child should receive upfront chemotherapy or should be operated upon primarily. It is necessary for us to understand why do we follow either of the protocols, NWTS which follows the upfront surgery principle or the SIOP which follows the upfront chemotherapy principle in all stages of the disease. While deciding which protocol to follow, it is imperative to know the pros and cons of the treatment strategies and also to study the outcome patterns in both the treatment regimes which is what this article highlights. In an attempt to compare all the differences in both the major protocols, it was realized that most of our patients in the Indian scenario present with advanced disease and thus poorer outcomes if intensive and appropriate treatment strategies are not utilized. Hence, it is imperative that we should study our own patients through the Indian Wilms' tumor study group and adopt the policies which improve the overall event free survival on a nationwide basis.

Aim : Evaluation of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) in children by bladder volume graded direct radionuclide cystogram (BVG DRC). This technique allows detection of VUR at different bladder volume grades. Materials and Methods : In this prospective study, 33 patients (66 renal units) with suspected vesicoureteric reflux were subjected to a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and BVG DRC. The patients were assessed further with radioisotope renal scans for renal cortical scars. Results : Twenty-two patients and 36 renal units were found to have VUR in either of the reflux studies. A VCUG was able to detect 20 units (55.50%) and a BVG DRC was able to detect 35 units (97.2%). A VCUG had a test accuracy of 77.8% and a BVG DRC had a test accuracy of 98.6%. There was a positive correlation between bladder volume grades and scarring on a DMSA scan. Conclusions : Like a conventional DRC, BVG DRC is a sensitive and an accurate test. It gives additional information on the reflux phenomenon with respect to bladder filling. The bladder volume graded technique is better than conventional DRC for grading of VUR.

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a serious infection of soft tissues. This paper presents experience with pediatric NF and suitability of conservative surgery in its management. Materials and Methods : In this retrospective study, 70 patients of NF were managed during the study period of eight years. The study was divided into two time periods- first period (June 1998 to June 2001- group 1) and second period (June 2001 to June 2006- group 2). The parameters studied were age, sex, site of involvement and treatment. The treatment included intravenous antibiotics, supportive therapy and either aggressive (group 1) or conservative surgery (group 2). Results: Age of presentation ranged from 10 days to 11 years. Male to female ratio was 1.69:1. Back was the commonest site to be involved. Culture reports were polymicrobial in 70% with predominance of Staphylococcus species. Predisposing factors included malnourishment, boils, scratch injury, intravenous cannulation and injections. Conservative surgery had better outcome in terms of hospital stay, complications and cost of treatment. Conclusion: NF is a serious and disease which requires immediate and all out attention. Early diagnosis, aggressive supportive treatment and conservative surgery improve survival.

Purpose : To report the results of surgical treatment of biliary atresia with patent distal extra hepatic bile ducts (BA with PDEBD) with special reference to hepatic portocholecystostomy (HPC) operation. Materials and Methods : The study reviews records of children operated for BA with PDEBD. The type of operation, results of surgery, postoperative course and complications during follow-up are noted. Results : Five children (mean age 83 days) underwent surgery for biliary atresia with patent extra hepatic bile ducts. The diagnosis was confirmed by intraoperative cholangiography in each case. Three children underwent HPC and two had standard hepatic portoenterostomy (HPE) as HPC was not technically feasible. The operation was considered successful in three of five children (60%, two HPC and one HPE), partially successful in one. The mean follow-up was 22 months. None of the children with HPC had cholangitis at follow-up; one child with HPE had recurrent cholangitis. Conclusions : Biliary atresia (BA) with PDEBD may be a variant with a fair chance for surgical success. When feasible, HPC may be a good treatment option in this group with acceptable results and practically no risk of postoperative cholangitis.

The association of rectal diaphragm in an imperforate anus has not been reported until now. A 1-year-old male presented with right transverse colostomy for high anorectal malformation. The patient had imperforate anus and a recto-prostatic fistula with rectal diaphragm. We managed the case by an ano-rectal pull through with excision of the diaphragm.

Prostatic utricle presenting with recurrent epididymo-orchitis is not uncommon. Excision of prostatic utricle is the treatment of choice. The various techniques described in literature suffer from the disadvantages of incomplete excision due to poor view. We report the successful laparoscopic excision of prostatic utricle in childhood.

We report 3 cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in the second decade of life which were misdiagnosed on initial presentation. The first case had an iatrogenic gastric injury because of intercostal tube drainage for suspected pleural effusion. The second case was treated for pulmonary tuberculosis for 6 months before being diagnosed as a case of CDH. The third case presented as acute chest pain on the left side. It was treated accordingly for 1 month and was diagnosed as a CDH on a CT scan of the chest when seen by a surgeon.

A child with torsion of appendix epiploicae presenting as acute right iliac fossa pain in abdomen is reported.

There is no record of both separated ischiopagus tetrapus conjoined twins leading normal lives 22 years after separation. We separated a pair of such twins in 1986 and have followed them up till date. Details regarding the technique of separation and the procedures required to ensure normal defecation and micturition and normal musculoskeletal function have been described by us in earlier communications. In this paper we describe their present status and ability to face the world as independent adult females. The outcome reflects the responsibilities and dedication of pediatric surgeons for infant patients with congenital problems after they have become adults, taking a pivotal role to involve surgeons of other disciplines as and when necessary.