Further prospective studies are required to further refine the optimal sequence of use of these therapies and the long-term effects on neurological development and hepatic function. However, with optimal care, the number of IF patients progressing to end-stage liver disease because of IFALD should be very low.

Background. Abdominoscrotal sonogram is often used in boys with a nonpalpable testis to determine the presence of the testis. We describe our experience with the use of ultrasonography in boys with a nonpalpable testis. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of boys aged less than 14 years, who underwent preoperative ultrasonography for an impalpable undescended testis (IUDT) between 2006 and 2010 in our institution. The results of sonography and laparoscopy were compared. Results. A total of 26 impalpable testes in 22 patients, including 4 with bilateral impalpable testes, were preoperatively assessed by ultrasonography for their localization. Sonography localized only 6 of the 26 (23%) testes, which were laparoscopically explored and followed by orchiopexy. Conclusion. Ultrasound is not reliable in the preoperative assessment of patients with impalpable testes.

Background: Accurate estimates of the baseline incidence of childhood intussusception could help safety monitoring after introduction of rotavirus vaccines. Therefore, we studied the incidence of intussusception in the state of Qatar. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed cases of intussusception in children younger than 14 years. Children were treated between 2002 and 2012 at a single hospital in Qatar. We analyzed information according to age, sex, clinical signs, diagnostic-and treatment-related characteristics, and length of stay. We calculated the national incidence of intussusception using census data. Results: A total of 106 children were diagnosed and treated for intussusception over 11 years. The male to female ratio of intussusception was 1.4:1. The most common symptom was bleeding per rectum (37%). One hundred and four children with intussusception underwent diagnostic and therapeutic contrast enema, and 31.7% of patients underwent operative management. The length of stay was longer in patients who underwent operative reduction than that in those who did not. Conclusions: This is the first study to estimate the incidence of childhood intussusception prior to introduction of rotavirus vaccination in Qatar. A prospective surveillance system using a standardized case definition would be useful for examining the occurrence of intussusception in the Arabic Gulf area and developing countries.

Congenital transmesenteric hernia in neonates is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction with devastating outcomes and still remains a challenge to diagnose pre-operatively. Patients are often managed with emergency surgical exploration and may need bowel resection. We present 2 neonates with small bowel obstruction secondary to strangulated transmesenteric hernia through a congenital defect in the small bowel mesentery, which were managed successfully. We have also reviewed the literature about congenital transmesenteric hernia in neonates.

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