Feasibility of Awake Intravesical Botulinum Toxin Injection in Pediatric Neurogenic Bladder.

PURPOSE: Cystoscopic injection of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is typically performed under general anesthesia in pediatric patients with neurogenic bladder, accumulating anesthetic exposures and operating room costs. As most of these patients already tolerate clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), it has become our practice to offer a trial of awake injection. We report our initial experience here. We hypothesized that higher sensory level, female sex and absence of mental health issues or cognitive delay might predict successful first awake injection and decreased operative times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgical records from 2 academic hospitals from 2018-2020 were reviewed. Generalized linear models were fit to determine predictors of success and procedural length. RESULTS: Trial of awake injection was offered to 22 patients. Eighteen patients (8 female, 10 male, 4-20 years old) elected to proceed. All 18 patients were managed with CIC at baseline, 14 had anxiety or behavioral issues, 10 had cognitive delay and 7 had sensory level below S2. Two patients (11%) required conversion to general anesthesia and one of these subsequently opted for a repeat awake injection trial. Fifteen of the 18 patients (83%) had or planned subsequent injections awake. Of the remaining, 1 proceeded to bladder augment, 1 is considering ileovesicostomy and 1 requested subsequent injections under anesthesia. No intraoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Awake BoNT injection is feasible in pediatric patients with neurogenic bladder managed with CIC, even in the setting of intact sensation, well-managed mental health issues or cognitive delay, thereby increasing the viability of BoNT as an early tool in the management of neurogenic bladder.

Do adult men with untreated ventral penile curvature have adverse outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: Congenital ventral penile curvature without hypospadias is often treated surgically in childhood. The history of untreated ventral curvature is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study's aim was to examine the association of untreated ventral penile curvature with various sexual and psychosexual outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: An electronic survey was advertised to men older than 18 years on Facebook. Men with possible ventral penile curvature identified themselves by choosing sketches that most closely represented their anatomy. Outcomes assessed included: Sexual Health Inventory for Men, difficulty of intercourse because of curvature, International Prostate Symptom Score, Penile Perception Score, psychosexual milestones, paternity, infertility, sitting to urinate, and the CDC HRQOL-4 module. RESULTS: Among participants, 81 out of 684 men (11.8%) reported untreated ventral penile curvature. Participants with self-reported curvature noted more difficulty with intercourse because of curvature (4.5 vs 4.9, p < 0.001), more unhealthy mental days (8.6 vs 6.2, p = 0.02), and increased dissatisfaction with penile self-perception compared with men without reported curvature (8.6 vs 9.5, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Men with possible untreated ventral curvature reported worse penile perception scores, more mentally unhealthy days, and increased difficulty with intercourse secondary to curvature compared with men without curvature. A limitation to this study is selection bias; responses collected were self-reported from survey volunteers. Additionally, the question identifying ventral penile curvature is not validated but performed well in pretesting. Most questions were from validated surveys, but some were modeled after validated surveys and/or contained high face validity types of questions. CONCLUSION: Men with possible untreated ventral penile curvature reported more dissatisfaction with penile appearance, increased difficulty with intercourse, and more unhealthy mental days. Given high success rates, low complications, and improved outcomes after surgical correction of penile curvature reported in the literature, our results support correction of congenital penile curvature in childhood.

Do adult men with untreated hypospadias have adverse outcomes? A pilot study using a social media advertised survey.

OBJECTIVE: Hypospadias is usually treated in childhood. Therefore, the natural history of untreated mild hypospadias is unknown. We hypothesized that men with untreated hypospadias, especially mild, do not have adverse outcomes. MATERIALS: Facebook was used to advertise an electronic survey to men older than 18 years. Men with untreated hypospadias identified themselves and indicated the severity of hypospadias with a series of questions. Outcomes included: Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), penile curvature and difficulty with intercourse, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Penile Perception Score (PPS), psychosexual milestones, paternity, infertility, sitting to urinate, and the CDC HRQOL-4 module. RESULTS: 736 men completed self-anatomy questions and 52 (7.1%) self-identified with untreated hypospadias. Untreated hypospadias participants reported worse SHIM (p < 0.001) and IPSS scores (p = 0.05), more ventral penile curvature (p = 0.003) and resulting difficulty with intercourse (p < 0.001), worse satisfaction with meatus (p = 0.011) and penile curvature (p = 0.048), and more sitting to urinate (p = 0.07). When stratified by mild and severe hypospadias, severe hypospadias was associated with more adverse outcomes than mild hypospadias. CONCLUSION: Men with untreated hypospadias reported worse outcomes compared with non-hypospadiac men. Mild untreated hypospadias had fewer adverse outcomes than severe hypospadias. Research is needed to determine if treatment of childhood hypospadias improves outcomes in adults, especially for mild hypospadias.

Digital photographic measurement in hypospadias: validation and comparison to intraoperative measurement.

BACKGROUND: We propose a standardized method of photographing the hypospadias penis to capture penile dimensions that may be relevant for surgery. We also validate the use of digital imaging software for calculating penile dimensions as a substitute for intraoperative caliper-based measurements. METHODS: Photographs were taken of hypospadias penises in four different views after placement of a traction stitch and retraction of the preputial hood. Intraoperative measurements were obtained with a caliper. Digital measurements were taken of the same parameters postoperatively. All measurements were obtained in triplicate by multiple participants, and averages were tested for equivalency by determining the correlation coefficient for each parameter. Inter-observer correlation was also calculated for each parameter. RESULTS: 180 intraoperative and 180 digital measurements were taken from 60 dimensions on 10 hypospadiac penises. Strong correlation existed between most digital and intraoperative measurements. Average inter-observer correlations ranged from 0.91 to 0.99 for each of the intraoperative measurements, and 0.90 to 1.00 for each of the digital measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized imaging is effective in capturing penile dimensions and measurements during hypospadias surgery. When compared with intraoperative measurements, digital measurements are reliable and precise; digital photography has the potential to both aid in surgical planning and improve documentation.

Prospective blinded laboratory assessment of prophylactic antibiotic compliance in a pediatric outpatient setting.

PURPOSE: Prophylactic antibiotics are commonly used to prevent urinary tract infections in children with conditions such as vesicoureteral reflux. Patient compliance with antibiotics is salient, given the effects that noncompliance can have on development of antibiotic resistance and outcomes of clinical trials. Prior series have shown variable compliance (17% to 70%). However, no study has used objective methods. We hypothesized that direct measurement of urine antibiotic levels can reveal poor compliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a pediatric urology clinic visit patients 0 to 18 years old taking trimethoprim prophylaxis for any urological diagnosis were invited to participate in the study. They were unaware of any potential urine testing before the visit. Urine was sent for chromatography to quantify trimethoprim levels. Parents also completed a compliance self-assessment. RESULTS: Of patients invited to participate 97% consented (54 patients). Of the patients 91% were compliant based on urine levels. Factors not associated with compliance included age, gender, self-report of compliance, duration of time on antibiotics, insurance status and history of breakthrough infection, surgery, pyelonephritis or hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the highest compliance reported for children taking prophylactic antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infection. We attribute this unexpected result to the discussion by specialists of 1 problem for the duration of an office visit. All education in this study was part of clinical care. Thus, our results should be generalizable to nonstudy environments. Future studies should confirm whether this high level of compliance can be achieved by nephrologists and pediatricians. If such compliance cannot be achieved at nonsurgical clinics, then early referral to a pediatric urologist may be warranted.

Does severity of renal scarring on DMSA scan predict abnormalities in creatinine clearance?

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between severity of renal scarring and creatinine clearance. Existing studies on renal scarring and functional outcomes have focused on the presence or absence of scarring. METHODS: Patients with a history of urinary tract infection leading to the diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux were recruited. These subjects were admitted to a pediatric research center for an in-patient collection of 24-hour urine to be sent for creatinine and protein. DMSA scans performed at least 6 months after documented urinary tract infection were graded by 3 independent, blinded pediatric urologists for renal scarring according to the Randomized Intervention for Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux study criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-nine subjects (14 girls, 15 boys) with a median age of 7 years were recruited. Scar grading was reliable between the observers with a Kappa score of 0.66-0.75. On DMSA scan, 10% were scar-free, 62% had unilateral scars, and 28% had bilateral scars. Mean creatinine clearance was 123 for those with unilateral disease and 100 for those with bilateral disease (P = .048). Median proteinuria (58 mg/dL) and serum creatinine (0.5 mg/dL) were similar between the 2 groups. Creatinine clearance did not differ according to average scar grade, taking both kidneys into account. CONCLUSIONS: In children with vesicoureteral reflux, although those with bilateral scarring have a significantly lower creatinine clearance than those with unilateral scarring, the severity of scar grade alone does not predict overall creatinine clearance with short-term follow-up.

Gender identity in disorders of sex development: review article.

OBJECTIVES: Many concerns have been raised regarding the treatment and long-term outcome of infants born with complex genital anomalies. Debate among clinicians, psychologists, ethicists, and patient advocate groups regarding the optimal management of these individuals is ongoing. Although determining the most appropriate gender is a difficult task, this review will help clarify some of the issues at hand. METHODS: A literature review which addresses the challenges of advising families about gender identity in infants and children with disorders of sex development. RESULTS: The evidence for endocrine effects on neurobiological development with regard to sexual behavior is compelling, although the existing outcome studies are largely anecdotal and somewhat contradictory. CONCLUSIONS: Gender assignment in infants born with a disorder of sex development remains only one of the many difficult decisions faced by both the treatment team and the family. Improved long-term follow-up of these patients will provide much needed feedback on previous and contemporary management.

Age at orchiopexy and testis palpability predict germ and Leydig cell loss: clinical predictors of adverse histological features of cryptorchidism.

PURPOSE: We determined the relationship between clinical variables and testicular histopathological changes associated with decreased fertility potential in children with cryptorchidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Testis biopsies of 274 children who underwent orchiopexy and concurrent testicular biopsy between 1991 and 2001 were analyzed for germ and Leydig cell loss, and testicular fibrosis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine if age at orchiopexy (analyzed as continuous and ordinal variables), preoperative testis palpability, unilateral vs bilateral disease and/or side of undescended testis was predictive of these pathological outcomes. RESULTS: Age at orchiopexy was associated with germ and Leydig cell depletion. Each month of testis undescent was associated with development of moderate/severe germ cell depletion (OR 1.02 for each month of age, p <0.005) and Leydig cell loss (OR 1.01 for each month of age, p <0.02). Nonpalpable testes were associated with severe germ cell depletion. Children with palpable testes had lower odds of germ cell depletion than those with nonpalpable testes (OR 0.46, p <0.005). This finding corresponds to a significant 2% risk per month of severe germ cell loss and 1% risk per month of Leydig cell depletion for each month a testis remains undescended, and a 50% greater risk of germ cell depletion in nonpalpable relative to palpable cryptorchid testes. CONCLUSIONS: Testes that remain undescended are associated with progressive loss of germ and Leydig cells, and nonpalpable testes predict severe germ cell loss.

Obesity does not decrease the accuracy of testicular examination in anesthetized boys with cryptorchidism.

PURPOSE: Given that the prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing in the United States, we tested the timely hypothesis that obesity hinders physical examination based localization of the cryptorchid testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Body mass index and percentiles of weight for height and body mass index for age were calculated for boys undergoing surgery for cryptorchidism at the University of California San Francisco Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital of Oakland. Two definitions of obesity were examined, ie greater than 85% or greater than 95% for either percentile. Patients were examined in the office and under general anesthesia before the skin incision. Intraoperative testicular location was recorded for each patient. The numbers of correct and incorrect preoperative determinations of testicular location were stratified by weight classification. Results were analyzed using contingency tables and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: A total of 161 boys were recruited, accounting for 171 testes. The predictive value of palpating a suspected testis preoperatively with patients under anesthesia was greater than 95% for all weight classifications (p <0.0001). The predictive value of not palpating a testis preoperatively under anesthesia was greater than 56% for obese boys and greater than 42% for nonobese boys (p <0.0001). The concordance rates between examinations in the office and those performed under anesthesia were 90.9% and 82.7% for obese and nonobese boys, respectively (p = 0.51). The predictive value of not palpating a suspected cryptorchid testis in the office was higher in nonobese boys than in obese boys (81% vs 22%, p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In our series childhood obesity did not make preoperative testicular examinations under anesthesia less accurate. However, office examinations may be more accurate in nonobese boys.

New concepts in feminizing genitoplasty--is the Fortunoff flap obsolete?

PURPOSE: We retrospectively evaluated the results of an original technique that combines mobilization of the urogenital sinus with the creation of urogenital flaps to enlarge the vaginal introitus for 1-stage feminizing genitoplasty in children with urogenital sinus anomalies, thus, avoiding the use of posteriorly based perineal flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 11 patients with urogenital sinus anomalies have undergone a modified Fortunoff technique combining total urogenital mobilization with the creation of urogenital sinus flaps by a single surgeon (RG) since 1998. Patient age at surgery ranged from 3 months to 13 years (mean 3.8 years). Diagnoses included congenital adrenal hyperplasia in 7 patients, cloacal malformation in 2 and urogenital sinus malformation in 2. Eight patients underwent a perineal approach and 3 underwent a posterior sagittal approach. RESULTS: Followup ranged from 3 months to 5 years (mean 2.5 years). The cosmetic appearance was considered superior to that achieved with previous techniques. The vagina had a more physiological position in all patients except 1, and no patient had development of vaginal stenosis. One patient had development of a mild mid urethral stricture that required a single dilation using anesthesia. In this patient cystourethroscopy performed 3 years later was normal. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the redundant urogenital sinus tissue must not be discarded, but rather incorporated into the reconstruction of the posterior vaginal wall, thus, avoiding the use of perineal skin flaps. This modification allows placement of the vaginal opening in a more physiological position with a better cosmetic appearance than previous techniques.

Outcomes of continent catheterizable stomas for urinary and fecal incontinence: comparison among different tissue options.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively review the outcome of appendix, transverse tubularized intestine segments, caecal flap, gastric tube and others tissue options used as a continent stoma for urinary and fecal incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1993 and January 2003 we created 179 continent stomas to treat urinary and fecal incontinence in 135 patients (81 females and 54 males; mean age at surgery 13 years, 118, 87%, aged <17 years). We used either appendix (112), a short segment of bowel following the Yang-Monti technique (49), gastric augment single pedicle tube (eight), caecal flap (seven), Casale continent vesicostomy (two) and Meckel's diverticulum (one). Thirty-six patients had both urinary and fecal continent stomas created. RESULTS: The mean follow-up for the appendix group was 46 months for the urinary stoma and 23 months for the Malone antegrade continent enema (MACE) stoma. Stoma-related complications occurred in 24 of 112 (21%) patients; there was complete channel fibrosis in five (4%). The mean follow-up for the Yang-Monti group was 38 months for the urinary and 59.2 months for the MACE stoma. There were stoma-related problems in 11 of 49 (22%) patients, with complete channel fibrosis in three (6%). Overall, in the long-term follow-up, there were stoma-related complications in 42 of 179 (23.5%) procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Continent catheterizable stomas are a feasible and reliable method for treating urinary and fecal incontinence. Long-term success can be accomplished with appendix, transverse tubularized intestinal segments and caecal flaps, with similar complication rates in all groups. Surgeon preference and individual patient status should determine the surgical technique to be used.