New minimally invasive technique for cystoscopic laser treatment of fetal ureterocele.

Prenatal ultrasound detection of fetal ureterocele with bilateral hydroureteronephrosis, obstruction of the bladder outlet and progressive amniotic fluid reduction have been associated with a significant risk of end-stage chronic renal disease after birth. Fetal cystoscopic laser incision of the ureterocele, using standard 3.5-mm fetoscopic access to the amniotic cavity and the fetal bladder with the aim of relieving the bladder outflow obstruction to preserve renal function, has been reported previously in a case with a favorable outcome. We report on two additional cases of fetal ureterocele treated by cystoscopic laser decompression. In the first case, a standard 3.3-mm uterine entry was used. In the second case, a new approach was adopted using an 'all-seeing needle' 1.6-mm endoscope. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Surgical and functional outcomes of Dorsal Inlay Graft urethroplasty in revision vs primary hypospadias repair in the pediatric age.

INTRODUCTION: Over the years, Dorsal Inlay Graft (DIG) urethroplasty has gained worldwide acceptance for primary hypospadias repair. However, its safety and effectiveness for revision surgery are yet to be proven. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to assess and compare complication rates and functional outcomes of DIG surgery in revision versus primary hypospadias repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective analysis of data collected from 53 consecutive DIG urethroplasties performed by a single surgeon at our institution. Patients were stratified in two groups - primary repair and redo-urethroplasty. For each group, we recorded standard pre-operative characteristics, surgical technicalities, complication rates and uroflowmetry parameters. RESULTS: Out of 53 DIG urethroplasties, 21 (39.6 %) where primary and 32 (60.4 %) were re-do. As expected, the two groups differed for median age at surgery: 20 months for primary and 68.5 months for revision surgery (p < 0.001). Additionally, all 21 (100 %) primary interventions were performed with a preputial graft, whereas among revision DIG urethroplasties only 2 (6.3 %) where preputial and 30 (93.8 %) were buccal (p < 0.001). Catheterization time (7 vs 8 days, p = 0.155) and postoperative complication rates (14.3 % vs 9.4 %, p = 0.581) were comparable between the primary and revision surgery group, respectively (all p > .05). Forty-two of the 53 patients underwent uroflowmetry during follow-up. Of these, 19 (63 %) patients presented with abnormal uroflowmetry and 11 (37 %) had equivocal parameters with no difference between the two groups. DISCUSSION: Dorsal Inlay Graft urethroplasty has long been known to be safe and effective for primary hypospadias repair. On the other hand, data on dorsal inlay graft urethroplasty as a salvage surgery after primary hypospadias repair failure is scarce. Surprisingly, according to our findings, surgical outcomes and complication rates are comparable between primary and revision hypospadias cases. Additionally, our results in the redo group are absolutely encouraging if compared to those reported in the literature for the same subset of patients. CONCLUSIONS: According to our findings, DIG urethroplasty is a safe and effective option to treat revision hypospadias repair.

Endoscopic incision of ureterocele.

Ureterocele is a cystic dilatation of the intravesical submucosal ureter, with an obstructed orifice. Endoscopic treatment is one of the most common option for surgical treatment. In intravesical ureterocele, the punctures must be made just above the junction between the ureterocele and the bladder floor. We commonly use a 8-9.8 Fr cystoscope, with a 5 Fr working channel, a metallic needle for bulking agent injection 3.7 Fr. In selected cases we also use electric or laser probes to decompress the ureterocele. When evidence of decompression is verified and vesicoureteral reflux is excluded, antibiotic prophylaxis is stopped. If, despite decompression, a large ureterocele is subsequently obstructing the bladder neck a surgical excision is necessary. Forty-four patients (92%) were treated endoscopically. Ureterocele puncture was performed with a metallic needle for bulking agent injection in 30 cases (63%), with a laser fiber in 7 cases (15%), with an electrified ureteral catheter in 4 cases (8%), and with Bugbee in 3 cases (6%). A success rate after one procedure was achieved in 40 children (83%). Adequate opening of the ureterocele with complete decompression of the reno-ureteral system is the goal of endoscopic treatment. An overaggressive incision or puncture could result in an increased chance of secondary vesicoureteral reflux.

Laparoscopic robotic-assisted "keel" bladder neck construction.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic technology has gained popularity allowing performance of several complex and difficult reconstructive procedures. This video demonstrates the advantages of the robotic approach for a "keel" bladder neck construction in an obese patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 13 year-old-girl (BMI = 28) already treated elsewhere for a uro-genital sinus (Total Urogenital Mobilization) has been evaluated for disturbing persistent total urinary incontinence. Cisto-colposcopy revealed an extremely short and tortuous urethra. Bladder neck was wide open and incompetent. Video-Urodynamic evaluation showed a bladder with a capacity of 280 mL with low voiding pressures (14-16 cmH20) and continuous urinary leakage. MAG3 scan confirmed normal renal function. Thus, the girl underwent a laparoscopic robotic-assisted "keel" bladder neck construction. RESULTS: The patient was discharged on 5th post-operative day without complications. After 4 years she is voiding spontaneously (300 cc) without post-void residuals. She has presented a persistent mild stress incontinence successfully treated with subsequent endoscopic bulking agent injection. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic access to the bladder neck region is an excellent option with ideal anatomical exposure compared to conventional open surgery, especially in obese patients. The "keel" procedure allows to reconfigure and tubularize a wide and incompetent bladder neck creating a continent funnel without the absolute need of concomitant ureteric reimplantation.

A virtuous diagnostic and therapeutic roadmap triggered by a motivated and skilful urinary sediment examination.

In this paper we describe how an accurate urinary sediment examination, which revealed the presence of a severe 2,8-dihydroxyadenine crystalluria, opened the way to an articulate and successful diagnostic and therapeutic roadmap for a rare and potentially severe renal disease.

Pyeloplasty vs. nephrectomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in poorly functioning kidneys (differential renal function <20%): a multicentric study.

INTRODUCTION: Management of poorly functioning kidneys with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is controversial, with some recommending direct nephrectomy and others direct pyeloplasty, and others temporary diversion. This study aimed to determine whether pyeloplasty is associated with higher complication rate than nephrectomy under these circumstances and whether it allows for functional recovery. METHODS: A retrospective review of 77 patients undergoing surgery for UPJO associated with a differential renal function (DRF) < 20% at 4 centres between January 2000 and December 2015 was conducted. Short- and long-term complications between pyeloplasties (n = 47) and nephrectomies (n = 16) and the changes in the DRF after pyeloplasty were compared. RESULTS: Patients undergoing nephrectomy had significantly lower median pre-operative DRF (p < 0.001) and were significantly more likely to undergo a minimally invasive approach (p = 0.002) than those undergoing pyeloplasty. No postoperative variable was statistically different between groups. After a mean follow-up of 63 (10-248) months, no statistically significant difference was found in intra-operative, early, late, and overall complications between pyeloplasty and nephrectomy. Pyeloplasty failed in 3% (2/62) of cases. Of the patients undergoing successful pyeloplasty, 36 had a pre-operative and a postoperative renogram, and functional recovery >5% was observed in 13 (36%), whereas the DRF remained unchanged in 16 (45%). Only postnatal diagnosis was associated with a significantly higher chance of functional recovery (odds ratio [OR] = 4.13, p = 0.047). DISCUSSION: Nephrectomy was more commonly performed using a minimally invasive approach and required less-intense follow-up than pyeloplasty. Moreover, complications after pyeloplasty, although occasional, required additional surgery which was never required after nephrectomy. Moreover, it should be considered that conservative treatment might be a third option in some of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: In the study patients, pyeloplasty was not associated with significantly higher morbidity than nephrectomy. Need for deferred nephrectomy seems exceptional in decompressed kidneys even though renal function remains poor. Of the pyeloplasty cases not requiring additional surgery, one-third showed an improvement in DRF and a postnatal diagnosis was the only predictive factor for renal functional recovery.

Voiding cystourethrography and 99MTC-MAG3 renal scintigraphy in pediatric vesicoureteral reflux: what is the role of indirect cystography?

BACKGROUND: Primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the most common urological anomaly in children. Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is considered the reference standard for the diagnosis of VUR. Even if it is a secure and standardized technique, it is still an invasive method, hence, the effort to find an alternative method to diagnose VUR. The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 99mTC-MAG3 scintigraphy with indirect cystography in detecting VUR and to estimate any interobserver variability in 99mTC-MAG3 scintigraphy interpretation. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed all the pediatric patients who underwent both a VCUG and a 99mTC-MAG3 renal scintigraphy at the study institution between 2012 and 2016. RESULTS: A total of 86 children (and 168 renal units) were included. MAG3 scan revealed a sensitivity of 54% and a specificity of 90% with positive predictive value of 79% and negative predictive value of 73%. Each MAG3 scintigraphy was then independently and blindly evaluated by a pediatric urologist and two nuclear physicians. After revision, the concordance between VCUG and MAG3 in reflux cases dropped from 54% to 27% (on average), and the reviewers reclassified most examinations as non-conclusive. CONCLUSIONS: 99mTC-MAG3 renal scintigraphy with indirect cystography showed low sensitivity in detecting VUR of any grade and cannot, therefore, be proposed as completely alternative to VCUG in the diagnosis of VUR. Moreover, MAG3 scintigraphy interpretation for the diagnosis of VUR has a very high interobserver variability, mostly because of the lack of a correct and complete voiding phase.

Bladder urothelial neoplasms in pediatric age: experience at three tertiary centers.

INTRODUCTION: Urothelial bladder neoplasms (UBN) typically occur in patients in their sixth or seventh decade of life while they are infrequent in children and young adults. They occur in 0.1-0.4% of the population in the first two decades of life. Their management is controversial and paediatric guidelines are currently unavailable. OBJECTIVE: To further expound the available data on the outcome of patients younger than 18 year old diagnosed with UBN. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed the files of all the consecutive paediatric patients with UBN treated in three tertiary paediatric urology units from January 1999 to July 2013. Lesions were classified according to the 2004 WHO/ISUP criteria as urothelial papillomas (UP), papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential (PUNLMP), low-grade urothelial carcinoma (LGUC), and high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC). RESULTS: The table shows the results. Management after TURB varied among centres. One centre recommended only follow-up US at increasing intervals whereas another follow-up US plus urine cytologies and endoscopies, every three months in the first year, and at increasing intervals thereafter. After a median follow-up of 5 years (range 9 months-14.5 years), none of the patients showed disease recurrence or progression. DISCUSSION: UBN is an uncommon condition in children and adolescents and, unlike in adults, its incidence, follow-up and outcome still controversial. Paediatric guidelines are currently lacking and management varies among centres. Gross painless haematuria is the most common presenting symptom. Therefore, this symptom should never be underestimated. US is generally the first investigation and additional imaging seems unnecessary. TURB often allows for complete resection. Lesions are generally solitary, non-muscle invasive, and low-grade (mainly UP and PUNLMP). Ideal follow-up protocol is the most controversial point. Reportedly, recurrence or progression during follow-up is uncommon in patients under 20 years, recurrence rate 7% and a single case of progression reported so far. Accordingly, a follow-up mainly based on serial US might be considered in this age group compared to adults where also serial endoscopies and urine cytologies are recommended. In the selection of the follow-up investigations, it should also be taken into consideration that urine cytology has a low sensibility in the detection of low-grade lesions while cystoscopy in young patients requires a general anaesthesia and hospitalization, and carries an increased risk of urethral manipulation. CONCLUSION: UBN is a rare condition in children. Ultrasound is generally accurate in order to visualize the lesion, and TURB can treat the condition. Lesions are generally low-grade and non-muscle invasive, but high-grade lesions can also be detected. In present series, after TURB, follow-up US monitoring at increasing intervals was used at all centres, follow-up cystoscopies were added in two centres, but with different schedules. Urine cytologies were considered only at one centre. After a median follow-up of 5 years (range 9 months-14.5 years), none of the patients showed recurrence or progression of the disease.

Observational retrospective study on acquired megalourethra after primary proximal hypospadias repair and its recurrence after tapering.

INTRODUCTION: Acquired megalourethra (AMU) after repair of proximal hypospadias can be a serious complication. An observational retrospective study of its incidence among different types of repair was performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical charts of patients operated on for proximal hypospadias were reviewed. INCLUSION CRITERIA: all primary hypospadias operated in 1991-2004, with the meatus positioned in proximal penile, scrotal or perineal position. RESULTS: Of 770 hypospadias cases treated, 130 (16%) were proximal. Seventy-two patients (55%) were treated using preputial flaps: 36 with a tubularized preputial island flap (TIF) and 36 an onlay island flap (OIF). Fifty-eight patients (45%) underwent staged repairs: Belt-Fuquà (BF) in 18 and Bracka procedure in 40 cases. After a mean follow up of 16 years (range 6-19) the overall incidence of complications for each technique was: TIF 36%; OIF 33%; BF 25%; two-stage Bracka 7.5%. The most common complication encountered was neo-urethral fistula. AMU occurred in only 5 cases, none with associated distal urethral stenosis, all in the TIF and OIF groups, and all successfully treated by reduction re-do urethroplasty. CONCLUSION: A very small number of the patients operated using preputial island flaps techniques developed AMU. None of the staged repairs developed AMU, and this is the preferred choice in proximal hypospadias when the urethral plate requires division and/or substitution. All cases of AMU resolved after urethral tapering.

A comparative study on the value of FDG-PET and sentinel node biopsy to identify occult axillary metastases.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) has become a standard treatment in staging axillary lymph nodes in early breast cancer. SNB, however, is an invasive procedure and is time-consuming when the sentinel node is analysed intra-operatively. Breast cancer is frequently characterised by increased 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake and many studies have shown encouraging results in detecting axillary lymph node metastases. The aim of this study was to compare SNB and -positron emission tomography (-PET) imaging, to assess their values in detecting occult axillary metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 236 patients with breast cancer and clinically negative axilla were enrolled in the study. 18-FDG-PET was carried out before surgery, using a positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography scanner. In all patients, SNB was carried out after identification through lymphoscintigraphy. Patients underwent axillary lymph nodes dissection (ALND) in cases of positive FDG-PET or positive SNB. The results of PET scan were compared with histopathology of SNB and ALND. RESULTS: In all, 103 out of the 236 patients (44%) had metastases in axillary nodes. Sensitivity of FDG-PET scan for detection of axillary lymph node metastases in this series was low (37%); however, specificity and positive predictive values were acceptable (96% and 88%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The high specificity of PET imaging indicates that patients who have a PET-positive axilla should have an ALND rather than an SNB for axillary staging. In contrast, FDG-PET showed poor sensitivity in the detection of axillary metastases, confirming the need for SNB in cases where PET is negative in the axilla.