The International Conference on Pediatric Surgery in Tlemcen, Algeria, held its second and final day of discussions, focusing on liver and biliary diseases in children. The conference brought together specialists and researchers from Algeria and several other countries to exchange experiences and explore the latest diagnostic and treatment methods for pediatric patients. The program included a main scientific session titled "Liver and Biliary Diseases in Children," chaired by Professors Essami and Shahata.

The session covered various specialized topics, including bile duct repair, with an emphasis on early diagnosis challenges and improved care. Clinical experiences with the Kasai procedure and its outcomes in children with this disease were also presented. Participants discussed anatomical variations in liver cirrhosis associated with bile duct repair and case management based on experiences from several university hospitals.

The conference program expanded to include congenital bile duct dilatations, featuring experiences with minimally invasive surgery and care for congenital gallbladder disease in children. Studies on long-term outcomes for patients who underwent surgery and predictive factors for liver tissue injury were also presented. One speaker discussed bile duct reconstruction after congenital gallbladder removal, highlighting various surgical techniques.

The session also addressed liver and biliary injuries in children, discussing the role of conservative treatment in liver injuries and bile duct injuries, as well as advanced surgical techniques for managing complex cases. The program covered parasitic liver diseases, including hydatid cysts in children, with presentations on diagnosis, treatment, and the use of laparoscopic surgery and minimally invasive techniques.

The conference featured a presentation on liver resection for rare tumors in children, as well as liver transplantation in children and the challenges associated with developing this specialized surgical intervention. The diversity of topics reflects the importance of this scientific meeting in promoting cooperation among pediatric surgery teams and liver disease specialists.

Professor Amin Kessicia, President of the Arab Association for Pediatric Surgery, emphasized that liver transplantation is one of the most complex operations, requiring specialized expertise and follow-up care. He highlighted the importance of providing necessary resources and expertise to ensure proper patient care. Kessicia also stressed the role that civil society associations can play in supporting liver transplant patients.

In his remarks, Kessicia proposed establishing a joint regional program for liver transplantation, particularly for countries with limited demand for such operations, to facilitate experience sharing and cooperation among countries. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of collective action and cooperation in achieving success in this field.

Key points

  • The conference featured a session on liver and biliary diseases in children, covering topics such as bile duct repair and liver transplantation.
  • The event brought together specialists and researchers from Algeria and other countries to exchange experiences and explore the latest diagnostic and treatment methods.
  • The conference highlighted the importance of cooperation and collective action in promoting advances in pediatric surgery and liver disease care.

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SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.