The impact of multiple donor renal arteries on perioperative complications and allograft survival in paediatric renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The impact of using allografts with multiple renal arteries in paediatric kidney transplantation has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to determine whether kidney grafts with multiple arteries pose any adverse effects upon perioperative surgical outcomes, and graft survival up to 12 months post-transplant. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of a minimum of 12-month graft survival and transplant renal function in paediatric renal transplant recipients receiving single versus multiple donor arteries, and to assess perioperative and early post-operative surgical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective divisional chart review of 379 transplants performed (2000-2018), of which 90 (23.7%) contained multiple donor arteries. The number of arteries of the graft, donor type, vascular reconstruction technique, occurrence of urological and vascular complications, estimated GFR and graft survival up to 12 months post-transplantation, graft loss and mortality were analysed. Comparisons in baseline characteristics and outcome measures were made between both groups. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in age (p = 0.42), BMI (p = 0.39), estimated intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.14), overall (p = 0.63) or warm ischaemic time (p = 0.37). 51.3% patients with multiple donor arteries underwent an ex vivo reconstruction. There were no differences in the site of arterial anastomosis (aorta, external iliac, internal iliac), or anastomotic type (end-side; end-end). Whilst there was a significantly higher post-operative lymphocoele rate in the multiple vessel cohort (p = 0.024), there was no increase in post-transplant urine leaks, rejection episodes, graft loss (1.1% multiple vs 2.1% single), perioperative complications (p = 0.68), or estimated GFR at 1 month (p = 0.9) or at 1 year (p = 0.67). DISCUSSION: We demonstrated in this study that there was no significant difference in postoperative complications up to 3 months, eGFR and renal function up to 1 year, and graft survival up to 4 years post transplantation irrespective of allograft type or reconstruction technique. There was however, a higher rate of lymphocoeles in the multiple artery cohort. The results seen here broadly mirror trends seen in adult studies, however, there is little data available from paediatric series. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that multiple renal artery allografts - previously been considered to carry a high complication risk - can be safely used for paediatric renal transplantation with equivalent perioperative complications and graft outcomes to single artery allografts.

Structured opioid-free protocol following outpatient hypospadias repair - A prospective SQUIRE 2.0-compliant quality improvement initiative.

BACKGROUND: Prescription opioids have been extensively to manage postoperative pain in children. A growing body of evidence from the adult literature, suggests however, that healthcare providers may be prescribing far more opioids than required, with some studies demonstrating equivalent post-operative pain and clinical outcomes with their omission. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this prospective study were to assess the current heterogeneity of practice in post-operative opioids prescription following day case hypospadias surgery, to establish a streamlined discharge protocol, and to reduce the use of post-operative opioid prescription by 30% within a 4 month period through the use of systemic forcing functions and education. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective study was approved by the Quality Improvement (QI) sub-committee of the hospital's Research and Ethics Board (REB) and was compliant with the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE 2.0) guidelines. Recruited parents (n = 84) were contacted for telephone interview following a combined intervention of education and omission of post-operative opioids from the discharge prescription. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed including an initial process analysis to assess current opioid use, the creation of balancing measures, and the creation of Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Age, procedure, post-operative outcomes and opioid prescription data were recorded over a period of 6 months in 2019. RESULTS: Initial measures in our process analysis demonstrated significant institutional practice variation amongst our 84 post-intervention patients. Our process and fidelity measures confirmed 100% information provision. Following the point of intervention, there was a significant and sustained drop in opioid prescription, with an absolute reduction of 35%, and a relative reduction of 56%. There was no significant difference in patient age, pain scores, or outcomes pre- and post-intervention. DISCUSSION: We have shown in this study that a sustainable decrease in post-operative opioid prescriptions following hypospadias surgery is possible. We managed to achieve a relative reduction 56% which is comparable to other specialties, however, did it within a quality improvement framework to ensure fidelity and no adverse balancing measures. We also managed to reduce the number of doses prescribed in those receiving opioids post-intervention at week 9. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates opioids can be safely omitted in hypospadias cohorts without any adverse clinical outcomes or balancing measures. We recommend that opioids be used extremely judiciously in this population in order to minimize exposure in children.

Assessing the methodological and reporting quality of clinical systematic reviews and meta-analyses in paediatric urology: can practices on contemporary highest levels of evidence be built?

INTRODUCTION: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses provide a comprehensive summary of research studies and are used to assess clinical evidence, form policy and construct guidelines. This is pertinent to childhood surgery with issues of consent and condition prevalence. The aims of this study were to evaluate the methodological and reporting quality of these reviews and to identify how these reviews might guide clinical practice amongst those conditions most commonly encountered and managed by practicing paediatric urologists. METHODS: A systematic search of the English literature was performed to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses focusing on clinical paediatric urology (1/1/1992-1/12/2018) to include common paediatric urological conditions managed by paediatric urology residents/fellows. To these reviews, Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR)-2 and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) scores were applied. Univariate linear regression and descriptive statistical methods were performed. RESULTS: From an initial literature review of 1723 articles, 227 were included in the analysis. Inter-reviewer agreement was high amongst 3 independent reviewers (κ = 0.92). Eighty-four percent of systematic reviews and meta-analyses were published since 2009 following publication of the PRISMA guidelines. The overall impact factor was 3.38 (0.83-17.58), with adherence to AMSTAR-2 criteria 48.46% and PRISMA criteria 70.1%. From a methodological perspective, 15% of reviews were of moderate quality, 65% were of low quality and 20% reviews were of critically low quality, with none found to have good quality reporting. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the continued increase of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in paediatric urology from which many guidelines are based, a significant number of reviews contain poor methodology and, to a lesser extent, poor reporting quality. Journals should consider having specific 'a priori' criteria based on checklists before publication of manuscripts to ensure the highest possible reporting quality.

Cost, training and simulation models for robotic-assisted surgery in pediatric urology.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic procedures in pediatric urology have been shown to be safe and effective over the last number of years. Coupled with this is the technological trend to provide minimally invasive options for even the most complex pediatric patients. Whilst robotic platforms continue to try to demonstrate superior patient outcomes in adults with mixed results, the utilization of robotic platforms for pediatric urology is increasing. METHODS: A review of the current literature was undertaken to assess the evidence for training models and cost-effectiveness of robotic-assisted pediatric urology. CONCLUSIONS: A growing body of evidence in this field has demonstrated that robotic platforms are safe and effective in children and can provide additional reconstructive benefits due to motion scaling, magnification, stereoscopic views, instrument dexterity and tremor reduction. The main drawbacks remain the financial implications associated with this platform through purchase, maintenance, and disposable costs. This review addresses some of the addresses issues pertaining to cost, training and simulation for robotic-assisted surgery in pediatric urology.

Real-time kidney graft perfusion monitoring using infrared imaging during pediatric kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemia times in kidney transplantation have shown to be predictive for future graft function. Preservation solutions and anticoagulation protocols have improved the management of pediatric kidney transplantation. Nonetheless, there is no current tool for intra-operative graft monitoring. The aim of this project is to present a novel technique for intra-operative real-time assessment of graft perfusion using a non-invasive infrared camera. METHODS: Prospectively, the authors included 10 pediatric patients. Surgical procedure followed their institutional protocol. Infrared imaging was captured at graft preparation, vascular anastomosis, unclamping, and at 30 s, 1, 5, and 10 min after unclamping. Analyzed variables included type of transplant, ischemia and procedure times, type of anastomosis, and results of doppler/ultrasound. Postoperative variables included creatinine levels during first 72 h. Any complications were also recorded. Delta analysis was calculated to establish the variation of temperature after unclamping. RESULTS: Average age at transplant was 9.9 years. Five cases were living donor transplants. Mean overall ischemia time was 395.6 (SD 64.4 min). Two patients had poor graft perfusion after unclamping. Of those, one had torsion of the arterial anastomosis and the other was a graft from a donor that required cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 45 min. Thermal imaging showed a correlation of 0.318 between graft temperature change and creatinine decrease. Cut-off delta for temperature for good reperfusion was above 0.2 at 1 min CONCLUSION: Real-time infrared imaging shows to be a promising option for non-invasive graft perfusion monitoring. Initial results show good correlation between intra-operative temperature changes, graft perfusion, and postoperative graft function.

Ureteral clipping for the treatment of a non-functioning upper kidney moiety associated with a massive ureterocele: step-by-step description of a novel technique.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this video is to illustrate feasibility of the ureteral ligation for the treatment of massive ureteroceles associated with non-functioning upper kidney moieties in duplex kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this video, one case is presented to demonstrate this novel technique. A nine-year-old boy presented with progressive lower urinary tract symptoms. Radiological workup depicted a duplex kidney on the left side with the absence of function on the upper pole and hydroureteronephrosis with a massive ureterocele. Laparoscopic ureteral transection, drainage, and ligation of both extremities of the enlarged ureter (upper pole ureter) were performed. RESULTS: Immediately after ureteral ligation, ultrasonic evidence of ureterocele decompression and improved hydroureteronephrosis was observed. This patient remained asymptomatic without postoperative complications after 3 years. De novo reflux was not observed. CONCLUSION: Ureteral ligation, as demonstrated in the video, is a good approach for the treatment of massive ureteroceles associated with non-functioning upper kidney moieties in duplex kidneys. Compared with the current standard techniques (incision/puncture), ureteral ligation has the clear advantage of not causing 'de novo reflux' or unsuccessful de-obstruction, and is not as surgically demanding as other reconstructive/ablative techniques. The disadvantage is the need of regular clinical and ultrasonographic follow-up.

Predatory publishing or a lack of peer review transparency?-a contemporary analysis of indexed open and non-open access articles in paediatric urology.

INTRODUCTION: The advent of open access publishing has allowed for unrestricted and rapid knowledge dissemination and can generate higher citation levels. However, the establishment of predatory journals exploits this model and may lead to publication of non-peer reviewed work. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the characteristics and trends of indexed publications in paediatric urology. The primary outcomes were to compare open access vs non-open access publishing. The secondary outcome was to assess whether any open access publications in this cohort could be classified as predatory based on journal data basing and external peer review policies. METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase reviews were carried out for any publication using the terms 'p(a)ediatric urology' over a 5-year period (October 2012-2017). These publications were individually accessed, assessed for relevance and cross-checked using the ISI Web of Knowledge Journal Citation Report. Bibliometric data, journal type and access model were all individually assessed, ranked and compared using descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods. RESULTS: From an initial total of 4075 indexed publications, 2244 journal publications across 51 countries were included based on relevance, of which 611 were open access. Open access journals were significantly more likely to publish basic science/laboratory versus clinical publications (10.9% vs 3.3%). They were more likely have higher average citations/publication (17 vs. 8), but there was no difference between open and closed journal impact factors (3.1 vs. 2.7). The overall rate of open access, indexed publications that were not peer reviewed and/or included in open access databases was 6.5% DISCUSSION: The overall numbers of paediatric urological articles appearing on PubMed between 2012 and 2017 have increased by approximately 75%, while the number of open access articles has remained relatively static (25%). Researchers may prefer to publish in specific journals to disseminate results to a particular audience or fear in the current climate that an open access journal may not be considered legitimate, and possibly even predatory, thus having a negative impact on the data and the author's reputation. The impact factor status and route/method of publication may be less important. CONCLUSIONS: Open access, peer reviewed publishing allows rapid international knowledge dissemination. The exact objective definition of what constitutes a predatory journal remains controversial. We have identified a time-stable prevalence of 6.5% open access publications that could meet proposed criteria for a 'borderline/predatory journal'; however, this should not influence the decision to publish in open access journals.

Population-based trend analysis of voiding cystourethrogram ordering practices in a single-payer healthcare system before and after the release of evaluation guidelines.

INTRODUCTION: While voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a widely-accepted test, it is invasive and associated with radiation exposure. Most cases of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) are low-grade and unlikely to be associated with acquired renal scarring. To select patients at greatest risk, in 2011 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published guidelines for evaluation of children ages 2 - 24 months with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Similarly, in 2010 the Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) published guidelines for patients with hydronephrosis. Herein a prospectively-collected database was queried through the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), exploring trends in VCUG ordering within the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP), which guarantees universal access to care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A dedicated ICES analyst extracted data on all patients younger than 18 years in Ontario, Canada, with billing codes for VCUG and ICD-9 codes for VUR, from 2004-2014. The baseline characteristics included patient age, gender, geographic region, specialty of ordering provider and previous diagnoses of UTI and/or antenatal hydronephrosis to determine the indication for ordering the test. Of these, patients were subsequently incurred OHIP procedure codes for endoscopic injection or ureteral reimplantation. Patients who had a VCUG in the setting of urethral trauma, posterior urethral valves, and neurogenic bladder were excluded. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Trend analysis demonstrated that the total number of VCUGs ordered in the province has decreased over a decade (Figure 1), with a concurrent decrease in VUR diagnosis. On multivariate regression analysis, the decrease in VCUG ordering could not be explained by changes in population demographics or other baseline patient variables. Most VCUGs obtained per year were ordered by pediatricians or family physicians (mean 2,022+523.8), compared with urologists and nephrologists (mean 616+358.3). Interestingly, while the rate of VCUG requests decreased, the annual number of surgeries performed for VUR (endoscopic or open) did not show a significant reduction over time. CONCLUSIONS: We present a large population-based analysis in a universal access to care system, reporting a decreasing trend in the number of cystograms and differences by primary care versus specialist providers. While it is reassuring to see practice patterns favorably impacted by guidelines, it is also encouraging to note that the number of surgeries has remained stable. This suggests that patients at risk continue to be detected and offered surgical correction. These data confirm previous institution-based assessments and affirm changes in VCUG ordering independent of variables not relevant to the healthcare system, such as the insurance status.

Keloid formation after pediatric male genital surgeries: an uncommon and difficult problem to manage.

INTRODUCTION: Penile and genital keloids are uncommon despite frequent surgeries in the genital area. Keloid scar pathogenesis is not well understood, and a uniform effective therapeutic regimen for keloids has not yet been established. In the present study, the clinical features and subsequent management in cases of severe keloid formation after pediatric genital surgery are described. METHODS: A retrospective review of keloid cases that had developed after genital procedures between 2000 and 2017 was conducted. Pre-operative characteristics, operative procedures, postoperative management, and follow-up were reviewed for each case. All cases were managed by a multidisciplinary team that included plastic surgeons and dermatologists. RESULT: Six cases developed genital keloids. The mean age at surgery was 5.6 years (± standard deviation 4.6 years). Procedures included phalloplasties, penile curvature correction, penoscrotal transposition, redo hypospadias repair, and circumcision. Treatment options included excision of the keloid ± topical steroid injections and postoperative use of silicone gel. Two cases of severe keloid lesions developed after using posterior auricular grafts. Ultimately, a successful outcome was achieved in all cases. CONCLUSION: Genital keloids are rare and difficult to treat. Many therapeutic options are available with varying degrees of proven clinical success. As a result, pediatric urologists must be aware of advances in other fields such as plastic surgery and dermatology to treat and ideally prevent the occurrence of this serious complication.

Return to emergency department after pediatric urology procedures.

BACKGROUND: Unplanned postoperative return visits to the emergency department (ED) and readmission represent a quality bench outcome and pose a considerable cost burden to health-care systems. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate ED return visits after pediatric urology procedures in a tertiary care children's hospital, trying to identify potential causes. This may constitute a platform for future improvement areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Quality Board-approved retrospective study was performed identifying all urologic cases completed between October 2012 and September 2015. Baseline demographics, American Society of Anesthesia class, operating surgeon, type of admission, type and duration of surgical procedure, and type of anesthesia given were evaluated. Patients who returned to the ED within 30 days of the surgery date were identified. The ED records were reviewed for time of return, etiology for visit, and management received. Univariate and subsequent multivariate logistic regression statistical analyses were performed to identify variables associated with ED return. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were generated to determine the significance of relationships. RESULTS: Total of 4125 cases was identified. Median age was 32.9 months, with 85.1% of them being male. 349 (8.5%) cases returned to the ED within 30 days of the surgery. The majority of the returned patients, 295 (84.5%), managed conservatively with medications or reassurance, whereas 54 (15.5%) required readmission, and of those readmitted, 15 (4.3%) cases needed further surgical interventions, mainly urinary tract drainage procedures. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that the age, residence, admission type, inguinoscrotal surgery, and duration of surgical procedure were significantly associated with ED return (Table). The most common reason for the ED visit was UTI in 17.2%, followed by stent and catheter issues in 14.3%, wound-related in 14.3%, and bleeding in 11.7%. DISCUSSION: Pediatric literature show varying rates of ED return ranging from 2.4% to 2.6% after urologic procedures. Our return to ED rate exceeds that found in US studies, which can perhaps be attributed to the differences between the Canadian and US health-care systems. As found with other studies, age, inpatient admission, procedure type, and increased operative time were related to ED returns, possibly because of the difficulty of young children expressing themselves and the presumed complex nature of longer operations that mostly need inpatient admission. The most common reason for ED return in this study as in others was presumptive UTI. A known limitation of this study is its retrospective nature, along with the possible missed visits of patients who presented to outside hospitals. CONCLUSION: We present an account of the status of ED return visits after pediatric urology procedures in our institute. The majority of ED returns can be managed conservatively and are probably preventable.

Stent-related complications after hypospadias repair: a prospective trial comparing Silastic tubing and Koyle urethral stents.

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of data comparing urethral stents after hypospadias repair. The aim of this study is to compare Silastic tubing vs Koyle stents (Cook Medical), addressing outcomes related to stent-related complications, added visits to healthcare providers in the early postoperative period, and postoperative complications at clinic follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following an alternate week allocation, 150 patients were prospectively assigned to have Silastic tubes (n = 76) and Koyle stents (n = 74) after hypospadias repair. Exclusion criteria included fistula repairs, drainage via alternative catheter, or stentless repairs. Silastic tubes were secured with 5-0 Prolene and removed during a planned clinic visit. Koyle stents were secured with 7-0 PDS and left to fall out spontaneously. Questionnaires capturing postoperative outcomes were completed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Median age was 13 and 11 months in the Silastic and Koyle stent groups, respectively (P = 0.48). There was no statistically significant difference in hypospadias location. Blockage/kinking of stents occurred in 8% (n = 6) of the Silastic and 9% (n = 7) Koyle stent groups, P = 0.78. Although follow-up was short, there was no difference in fistula rate among the Silastic (21%, n = 14) versus Koyle stent group (17%, n = 11), P = 0.66. There was a twofold higher rate of emergency department (ED) visits in the Silastic (32%, n = 24) versus Koyle stent group (16%, n = 12), P = 0.03. Half of ED visits in the Silastic group were related to stents falling out before planned removal. The authors propose that Silastic stents falling out before the removal date may have led to increased parental anxiety and thus a visit to the ED. With improved parental education, the authors propose that many of these visits may have been preventable. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in stent-related complications or fistula rate between the Silastic and Koyle stent groups. Although there were a twofold higher number of visits to the ED in the Silastic stent group, the authors propose that this was due to parental education rather than the stent itself.

Postoperative pain and analgesia administration in children after urological outpatient procedures.

INTRODUCTION: There are limited data about pain patterns, analgesic requirements and factors predicting opioid requirements of children undergoing outpatient urologic surgery. This prospective study aimed to assess recovery profiles and pain medication requirements. METHODS: Patients between 6 months and 12 years of age were recruited prospectively between December 2013 and June 2014. Demographic and operative characteristics were collected. Following discharge home, the parents were asked to administer both acetaminophen and ibuprofen Q6H at a weight-adjusted dose, based on a schedule, until the end of postoperative day 2, and to administer the medication as required on postoperative day 3. Pain severity was recorded using validated pain scores (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability/Parents' Postoperative Pain Measurement). A morphine prescription was provided for breakthrough pain. A Likert scale was used to assess parent's satisfaction with the pain management. RESULTS: A total of 249 patients were recruited, 111 patients (45%) returned appropriately completed surveys and were included in the final analysis. Mean age was 44.1 months (SD = 37.3). The performed procedures were orchidopexy (31), hypospadias repair (26), hernia/hydrocele repair (15), Fowler-Stephens procedure (13), meatoplasty (7), phalloplasty (4), scrotoplasty (1), circumcision (7), and diagnostic laparoscopy (5). After discharge home 17 patients (15.3%) received morphine. Mean utilization of non-opioid analgesia was 79% on postoperative day 1, 67% on day 2, 36% on day 3, and 2% on day 4. Parental satisfaction was high (92.0% satisfied/very satisfied). No patient, anaesthetic or surgical factors were associated with opioid use or prolonged need for postoperative analgesia. CONCLUSION: The combination of scheduled non-opioid medications for maintenance and opioids for breakthrough pain provided satisfactory pain control after outpatient urologic surgery in children. There were no specific patient, anesthetic or surgical factors that predicted postoperative opioid requirements.

The effect of social media (#SoMe) on journal impact factor and parental awareness in paediatric urology.

BACKGROUND: Social media (SoMe) comprises a number of internet-based applications that have the capability to disseminate multimodal media and allow for unprecedented inter-user connectivity. The role of Twitter has been studied in conferences and education; moreover, there is increasing evidence that patients are more likely to use social media for their own health education. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of social media platforms on the impact factor of both urological and paediatric journals that publish on paediatric urology, and to assess parental awareness of social media in paediatric urology. STUDY DESIGN: A filtered Journal of Citation Reports (JCR) search was performed for the period 2012-16 for journals that published articles on paediatric urology. Journals were ranked according to impact factor, and each individual journal website was accessed to assess for the presence of social media. Parents in paediatric urology clinics and non-paediatric urology patients also filled out a questionnaire to assess for awareness and attitudes to social media. All statistical analysis was performed using Prism 6 software (Prism 6, GraphPad Software, California, USA). RESULTS: Overall, there were 50 urological journals and 39 paediatric journals with a mean impact factor of 2.303 and 1.766, respectively. There was an overall average increase in impact factor across all urological journals between 2012 and 16. The presence of a Twitter feed was statistically significant for a rise in impact factor over the 4 years (P = 0.017). The cohort of parents was statistically more likely to have completed post-secondary education, to have and access to a social media profile, use it for health education, and use it to access journal/physician/hospital social media accounts. DISCUSSION: This study examined, for the first time, the role of social media in paediatric urology, and demonstrated that SoMe use is associated with a positive influence in impact factor, but also a parental appetite for it. Limitations included a non-externally validated questionnaire. There may also have been bias in larger journals that generate and maintain social media platforms such as Twitter, which may then in turn have an influence on impact factor. CONCLUSIONS: Social media use within paediatric urology was associated with a higher impact factor, which remained significant after 4 years of analysis. Parents were more likely to use a wide variety of social media to search for conditions and physicians/healthcare providers; therefore, journals and institutions need to embrace and endorse SoMe as a potential source of important clinical information.