Randomized clinical trial between polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) and dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA) as bulking agents for endoscopic treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of endoscopic treatment of primary VUR using polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer (PPC-Vantris®) or dextranomer-hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA-Deflux®). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2014 to April 2017, patients with primary VUR grade III to V that needed endoscopic treatment (ET) were eligible for this randomized clinical trial. We excluded toilet-trained patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Patients were randomized and allocated into two groups: PPC group and Dx/HA group. After endoscopic treatment a voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed at 6 months; if VUR was still present a second ET was performed. Radiological success was considered if postoperative VUR grade was 0 and clinical success rate was considered if no more fUTI appeared during follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were eligible but 2 did not accept the trial. Forty-four patients with 73 refluxing ureters were included. PPC: 34 refluxing ureters; and Dx/HA: 39 refluxing ureters. Both groups were statistically homogeneous and comparable. Mean follow-up was 27.6 months. Radiological success rate (82.2%) and clinical success rate (92.3%) were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). The volume of bulking agent used in those successfully treated was greater in Dx/HA group (p < 0.05). Distal ureter was excise in all cases of ureteral reimplantation after PPC treatment; however, distal ureter was preserved in all ureters reimplanted after Dx/HA injection. CONCLUSION: PPC and Dx/HA had similar outcomes, but we must warn that ureteral reimplantation after endoscopic treatment with PPC is difficult because of the periureteral fibrosis.

Fetoscopic laser surgery to decompress distal urethral obstruction caused by prolapsed ureterocele.

We report on the successful use of fetoscopic surgery to treat a case of prolapsed ureterocele in a female fetus. At 21 weeks' gestation, a double renal system with an intravesical ureterocele obstructing the bladder outlet was diagnosed, causing severe megacystis, bilateral hydronephrosis and progressive oligohydramnios. Ultrasound evaluation following referral to our center confirmed severe bilateral hydronephrosis with pelvic and calyceal dilatation, but amniotic fluid volume was normal and the ureterocele was not visualized in the bladder. Instead, a cystic mass within the external genitalia was observed, suggestive of a prolapsed ureterocele, causing intermittently severe obstruction of the urethra. The parents were counseled about the uncertain prognosis and fetal surgery to decompress the urinary system was proposed. The procedure involved firing a contact diode laser until perforation of the ureterocele was achieved. Following laser surgery, resolution of megacystis, reduction of hydronephrosis and normalization of amniotic fluid volume were observed. Our report demonstrates that fetoscopic decompression of a distal urethral obstruction is feasible in the rare event of congenital prolapsed ureterocele.

[Kidney transplantation in children weighing 11 kg or less]. / Trasplante renal en el paciente con peso igual o menor a 11 kg.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the outcome of kidney transplantation in children with low weight. METHODS: Retrospective review of the medical records of patients weighing 11 kg or less that received kidney transplantation between 2001 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-nine kidney transplantations were performed in pediatric patients in our center, 12 of them were performed in patients weighing 11 kg or less (20%). The mean age of the recipient at the time of transplantation was 2 years (1-3.5); the mean weight was 9.4 ± 1.1 kg (8.3-11). The etiology of kidney failure was malformative in 42% of patients, inherited in 33%, glomerular in 8% and oiler etiologies in 17% of the patients. Two patients did not receive replacement therapy before transplantation (16.7%), nine received peritoneal dialysis (75%) and one of them hemodialysis (8.3%). Eleven of the grafts were from cadaveric donor (91.7%) and one of them from a living donor (8.3%). The mean donor age was 10 years (0.5-29). There was one case of acute graft thrombosis (8.3%) and one case of eventration requiring reoperation; there were no other major complications. Mean follow-up was 59 months (4-130). Overall survival (OS) was 100% at 1 year and 91.7% at 5 years. There was one death in a patient with mitochondrial disease with a functioning graft. Graft survival (GS) was 92% at 1 year and 75% at 5 years. CONCLUSION: Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage kidney failure in the young child. It provides good results in terms of patient and graft survival.

Characterization and treatment of enuresis in overactive bladder patients. / Caracterización y tratamiento de la enuresis en pacientes con vejiga hiperactiva.

OBJECTIVE: To define the types of overactive bladder (OAB) patient enuresis and study daytime bladder treatment response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, multi-center study of OAB patients with enuresis treated with anticholinergics or neuromodulation over 3 months from 2019 to 2021 was carried out. Variables achieved from the voiding calendar and PLUTSS (Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Score System), as well as enuresis-related variables, were collected. Two study groups were created -primary enuresis (PE) and secondary enuresis (SE). Partial enuretic response (PER) was defined as a > 50% reduction in baseline enuresis, and complete enuretic response (CER) as a 100% reduction. A multivariate analysis was eventually conducted to detect CER independent predictive factors. RESULTS: 152 OAB patients were included. 109 of them (71.7%) had enuresis -29 (26.7%) SE and 80 (73.3%) PE. PLUTSS score was higher in PE patients than in SE patients (20.8 vs. 17.2; p= 0.001). PER and CER were significantly higher in the SE group (55.2% vs. 15%; p= 0.000 in PER, and 48.3% vs. 5%; p= 0.000 in CER). In the multivariate analysis, SE patients demonstrated to have a 50-fold increased probability of responding to daytime bladder treatment than PE patients (OR: 49.79; 95%CI: 6.73-36.8). CONCLUSIONS: Most OAB children have PE and not SE, which explains why enuresis does not typically respond to daytime bladder treatment. Characterizing the type of enuresis in OAB children is important to adequately approach treatment.

OBJETIVOS: Definir los tipos de enuresis de los pacientes con vejiga hiperactiva (VH) y estudiar su respuesta al tratamiento vesical diurno. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio prospectivo y multicéntrico: pacientes con VH y enuresis, tratados con anticolinérgicos o neuromodulación durante 3 meses (2019-2021). Recogimos variables obtenidas del calendario miccional, cuestionario PLUTSS (Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Score System), y relacionadas con la enuresis. Generamos 2 grupos de estudio: enuresis primaria (EP) y enuresis secundaria (ES). Consideramos respuesta parcial enurética (RPE) a la reducción del valor de enuresis inicial en más de un 50% y respuesta completa (RCE) el 100%. Finalmente realizamos un análisis multivariante para detectar factores predictivos independientes de RCE. RESULTADOS: Incluimos 152 pacientes con VH, 109 de los cuales presentaban enuresis (71,7%): 29 ES (26,7%) y 80 EP (73,3%). El valor PLUTSS fue mayor en pacientes con EP que en ES (20,8 vs. 17,2, p= 0,001.) La RPE y la RCE fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo de ES (55,2% vs. 15%, p= 0,000 en RPE y 48,3% vs. 5%, p= 0,000 en RCE). En el análisis multivariante se identificó que los pacientes con ES tienen una probabilidad de responder al tratamiento vesical diurno 50 veces superior que los pacientes con EP (OR 49,79, IC95% 6,73-36,8). CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de niños con VH tienen una EP y no secundaria, por lo que generalmente la enuresis de estos pacientes no responde al tratamiento vesical diurno. Es importante caracterizar el tipo de enuresis de los niños con VH para plantear su tratamiento de forma adecuada.

Efficacy of sacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with overactive bladder refractory to anticholinergic treatment: a prospective multi-center study. / Eficacia de la electroestimulación transcutánea sacra en pacientes con vejiga hiperactiva refractarios a fármacos anticolinérgicos. Estudio prospectivo y multicéntrico.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (S-TENS) is an effective treatment in patients refractory to anticholinergic drugs (Achs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective multi-center study of patients with overactive bladder (OB) refractory to Achs treated with S-TENS from 2018 to 2021 was carried out. S-TENS was applied over 3 months. Symptom progression was assessed using the voiding calendar and the Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Score (PLUTSS), excluding questions 3 and 4 -referring to enuresis- so that progression of daytime symptoms only (LUTS variable) was analyzed. RESULTS: 66 patients -50% of whom were female- were included, with a mean age of 9.5 years (range: 5-15). S-TENS significantly lowered PLUTSS (19.1 baseline vs. 9.5 final, p< 0.001) and LUTS (13.1 baseline vs. 4.8 final, p< 0.001). It also reduced the number of mictions (8.5 baseline vs. 6.4 final, p< 0.001), while increasing urine volume in the voiding records (214 ml baseline vs. 258 ml final, p< 0.001). Enuresis was the only variable refractory to S-TENS. Complication rate was 3% (2 patients with dermatitis in the S-TENS application area). CONCLUSIONS: S-TENS is effective and safe in the short-term in patients with OB refractory to Achs. Further studies assessing long-term efficacy and potential relapses are required.

OBJETIVOS: Determinar si la electroterapia nerviosa transcutánea a nivel sacro (TENS-S) es un tratamiento efectivo en pacientes refractarios a fármacos anticolinérgicos (Ach). MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio prospectivo y multicéntrico: pacientes con VH refractaria a Ach tratados con TENS-S entre 2018-2021. El TENS-S se aplicó durante 3 meses. La evolución sintomática fue evaluada utilizando el calendario miccional y el cuestionario PLUTSS (Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Score), pero excluyendo sus preguntas 3 y 4 (referidas a la enuresis) para analizar solamente la evolución de la sintomatología diurna (variable LUTS). RESULTADOS: Fueron incluidos 66 pacientes (50% niñas), con una edad media de 9,5 años (rango: 5-15). El TENS-S disminuyó significativamente el PLUTSS (19,1 inicial vs 9,5 final, p< 0,001) y el LUTS (13,1 inicial vs 4,8 final, p< 0,001). Además, redujo el número de micciones (8,5 inicial vs 6,4 final, p< 0,001) y aumentó el volumen de orina en los registros miccionales (214 ml inicial vs 258 ml final, p< 0,001). La enuresis fue la única variable refractaria al TENS-S. La tasa de complicaciones fue del 3% (2 pacientes, dermatitis en el área de aplicación del TENS-S). CONCLUSIONES: El TENS-S es efectivo y seguro a corto plazo en pacientes con VH refractarios a los Ach. Deben realizarse estudios para evaluar la eficacia a largo plazo y posibles recaídas.

High pressure balloon dilation of the ureterovesical junction--first line approach to treat primary obstructive megaureter?

PURPOSE: We describe the efficacy of dilation of the ureterovesical junction to treat primary obstructive megaureter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 13 patients with primary obstructive megaureter were treated from May 2008 to December 2010. Of these patients 8 were diagnosed prenatally and the others were diagnosed after a urinary tract infection. Preoperative studies included ultrasonography, voiding cystourethrography despite vesicoureteral reflux and diuretic isotopic renogram (mercaptoacetyltriglycine). With the patient under general anesthesia, high pressure balloon dilation of the ureterovesical junction was performed under direct and fluoroscopic vision until the disappearance of the narrowed ring. A Double-J(®) catheter was positioned, and 2 months later it was withdrawn and the ureterovesical junction was reviewed. A secondary treatment was performed in those in whom the ureterovesical junction was still narrow. Followup was performed with ultrasonography, cystourethrography and isotopic diuretic renography. RESULTS: A total of 18 procedures were performed in 13 patients (median age 7 months, range 4 to 24). Median diameter of the distal ureter was 14 mm (range 10 to 26), and median diameter of the renal pelvis and calyx was 27 mm (range 10 to 47) and 12 mm (range 9 to 26), respectively. Significant postoperative improvement of hydroureteronephrosis was observed in 11 of 13 patients and vesicoureteral reflux was found in 2. Only 3 patients needed ureteral reimplantation after endoscopic treatment due to hydroureteronephrosis in 2 and high grade vesicoureteral reflux in 1. CONCLUSIONS: High pressure balloon dilation of the ureterovesical junction is effective in treating primary obstructive megaureter, but long-term followup is needed.

[Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty in children under 2 years. Is the laparoscopy the technique of choice?]. / Pieloplastia Anderson-Hynes en menores de 2 años. ¿Es la laparoscopia la técnica de elección?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze if the laparoscopic pyeloplasty is as effective as the open procedure in the ureteropelvic junction obstruction in patients under 2 years of age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pyeloplasties performed in children under 2 years of age between 2007 and 2010. Weight, pre and postoperative renal pelvis and calices diameter, operating time, hospital stay and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: We found no statistic differences in weight, complications, or pre and postoperative renal pelvis and calices diameter. However, we found differences in hospital stay and operating time (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children under 2 years of age is a good alternative technique for ureteropelvic junction obstruction, although operating time are still long.

Pop-off mechanisms as protective factors against chronic renal disease in children with posterior urethral valves. / Los fenómenos pop-off como factores protectores de enfermedad renal crónica en niños con válvulas de uretra posterior.

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether pop-off mechanisms act as protective factors against chronic or end-stage renal disease in patients with posterior urethral valves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients with posterior urethral valves treated at a tertiary care children's hospital was carried out. Demographic, clinical, analytical, and radiological variables were collected. Considered as pop-off mechanisms were: unilateral high-grade vesicoureteral reflux with ipsilateral renal dysplasia and without involvement of the contralateral kidney, urinoma, prenatal urinary ascites, large bladder diverticulum, and persistent urachus. Multiple logistic regression and multivariate Cox regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 70 patients undergoing posterior urethral valve surgery in our institution from 2010 to August 2020 were included. 14 (20%) had pop-off mechanisms and 56 (80%) did not. Pop-off mechanisms protected against developing chronic renal disease (0% vs. 27%; p = 0.03) and could protect against the need for renal replacement therapy (0% vs. 9%; p = 0.58). Nadir creatinine values (mg/dl) were predictors for the development of chronic renal disease (0.37 vs. 0.53; p < 0.0001) and the need for renal replacement therapy (0.38 vs. 1.21; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pop-off mechanisms act as a protective factor against chronic renal disease in patients with posterior urethral valves. Nadir creatinine is a predictor of chronic renal disease and the need for renal replacement therapy. A larger sample size is needed to determine whether pop-off mechanisms protect against the need for renal replacement therapy.

OBJETIVOS: Identificar si los fenómenos pop-off actúan como factores protectores de enfermedad renal crónica o terminal en pacientes con válvulas de uretra posterior. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo de los pacientes con válvulas de uretra posterior tratados en un hospital infantil de tercer nivel. Se recogieron variables demográficas, clínicas, analíticas y radiológicas. Se consideraron fenómenos pop-off: reflujo vesicoureteral de alto grado unilateral con displasia renal ipsilateral y sin afectación del riñón contralateral, urinoma, ascitis urinaria prenatal, divertículo vesical grande y uraco persistente. Para el análisis estadístico se han utilizado regresiones logísticas múltiples y regresión de Cox multivariante. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 70 pacientes intervenidos de válvulas de uretra posterior y visitados en nuestro centro desde 2010 hasta agosto de 2020. Catorce (20%) presentaban fenómenos pop-off y 56 (80%) no. Los fenómenos pop-off fueron protectores para el desarrollo de enfermedad renal crónica (0 vs. 27%; p = 0,03) y podrían proteger de la necesidad de terapia renal sustitutiva (0 vs. 9%; p = 0,58). Los valores de creatinina nadir (mg/dl) fueron predictores de desarrollo de enfermedad renal crónica (0,37 vs. 0,53; p < 0,0001) y de necesidad de terapia renal sustitutiva (0,38 vs. 1,21; p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: Los fenómenos pop-off actúan como factor protector de enfermedad renal crónica en los pacientes con válvulas de uretra posterior. La creatinina nadir es un factor predictor de enfermedad renal crónica y de necesidad de terapia renal sustitutiva. Se necesita un tamaño de muestra mayor para determinar si los fenómenos pop-off protegen de la necesidad de terapia renal sustitutiva.

Our experience with laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes ureteropyeloplasty. / Ureteropieloplastia Anderson-Hynes laparoscópica en niños. Nuestra experiencia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether the application of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of pyeloureteral junction obstruction (PUJO) has been beneficial for pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of all patients undergoing PUJO surgery from January 1997 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with <6-month follow-up and patients undergoing video-assisted surgery were excluded. Open surgery was compared with laparoscopic surgery. The following data were collected: surgical approach, need for and type of urinary diversion, operating time, mean hospital stay, complications, and restenosis rate. Ultrasound and diuretic renogram parameters were also retrieved. RESULTS: 328 Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasties were analyzed, 142 of which had been performed laparoscopically. Overall success rate was 96.6%, and complication rate was 11.9%. No significant differences were noted between open and laparoscopic surgery. In 97.5% of surgeries, urine was diverted using an external nephroureteral catheter, a double J stent, or a Salle stent, with significant differences between open and laparoscopic surgery. Mean operating time was significantly longer in laparoscopic surgery. Mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic surgery group. CONCLUSION: Surgical approach does not play a role in PUJO surgery success. Therefore, in our view, laparoscopic surgery should be the technique of choice in pediatric patients.

OBJETIVO: Analizar si la aplicación de la cirugía laparoscópica en el tratamiento de la estenosis pieloureteral (EPU) han sido beneficiosos para el paciente pediátrico. MATERIAL Y METODO: Hemos revisado de forma retrospectiva las historias clínicas de todos aquellos pacientes intervenidos de EPU desde enero 1997 hasta diciembre 2017. Se excluyeron las que tuvieron seguimiento menor a 6 meses, y las cirugías videoasistidas. Se han comparado la cirugía abierta con la cirugía laparoscópica. Se han recogido los siguientes datos: abordaje quirúrgico, necesidad y tipo de derivación urinaria, tiempo quirúrgico, estancia media, complicaciones, tasa de reestenosis. Los parámetros ecográficos y del renograma diurético también han sido recogidos. RESULTADOS: Se han analizado 328 pieloplastias, 142 se realizaron laparoscópicamente. La tasa de éxito global ha sido del 96,6%, existiendo un 11,9% de complicaciones; sin existir diferencias significativas entre la cirugía abierta y la laparoscópica. En el 97,5% de las cirugías, la orina se derivó mediante catéter nefroureteral externo, catéter doble J o catéter tipo Salle; existiendo diferencias entre cirugía abierta y laparoscópica. El tiempo quirúrgico medio fue significativamente superior en la cirugía laparoscópica. La estancia media fue menor en el grupo de cirugía laparoscópica de forma significativa. CONCLUSION: La vía de abordaje no es un factor que influya en el éxito de la cirugía de la EPU, por ello pensamos que la cirugía laparoscópica es la técnica de elección en pacientes pediátricos.

[Single-repair for primary proximal hypospadias. Lessons learned after 196 primary repairs]. / Hipospadias proximales reparados en un único tiempo. Lecciones aprendidas tras 196 intervenciones primarias.

PURPOSE: Proximal, scrotal and perineal hypospadias challenge the surgeon. After 40 years devoted to hypospadias surgery, the senior author summarizes her experience, share her tricks and shows that almost any hypospadias can be fully repaired in one surgery. METHODS: Retrospective review and discussions of a large series of consecutive proximal hypospadias treated in one surgery by the same team from 1999 to 2016. RESULTS: 196 patients were operated. 68% of all patients were successfully repaired after the surgery. All hypospadias were treated using one of the following techniques: onlay double flap, tubularized preputial flap or mucosal grafts (only until 2005). Urethrocutaneous fistula was present in 25% of cases, but only 13% of patients needed other further surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous incisions design is fundamental in hypospadias repair. When the incisions follow the natural folds that appear in penile and scrotal skin, it's possible to obtain optimal flaps for both urethroplasty and skin coverage (even avoiding the need for mucosal grafts). Consequently, almost all kinds of hypospadias can be repaired in one surgery with very good long-term results.

INTRODUCCION Y OBJETIVO: Los hipospadias peneanos proximales, escrotales y perineales son un reto para el cirujano. Tras toda una carrera dedicada a los hipospadias, la autora principal del trabajo resume su experiencia y demuestra que prácticamente cualquier tipo de hipospadias puede ser resuelto completamente en un único tiempo. METODO: Se trata de una revisión retrospectiva y la discusión de una serie de hipospadias proximales consecutivos tratados en una única intervención por el mismo equipo quirúrgico entre 1999 y 2016. RESULTADOS: 196 pacientes fueron intervenidos. El 68% de los casos quedaron satisfactoriamente resueltos tras la operación. Todos los hipospadias fueron reparados con una de las siguientes técnicas: onlay, colgajo prepucial tubularizado (Duckett) o injertos de mucosa. Los injertos se utilizaron solo hasta 2005; posteriormente, el refinamiento de las técnicas quirúrgicas expuestas permitió que cualquier hipospadias fuera reparado con las técnicas de onlay o Duckett. Solo un 13% de los casos necesitó algún tipo de procedimiento quirúrgico adicional, más allá del cierre de una fístula uretral puntiforme (presente en el 25% de los pacientes). CONCLUSION: El diseño de las incisiones cutáneas es fundamental en la reparación de los hipospadias. Cuando las incisiones siguen las líneas que de forma natural se forman en la piel del pene y escroto se obtiene como resultado un colgajo óptimo para realizar una neouretra y recubrirla con piel, evitando incluso los injertos de mucosa. Estas modificaciones permiten que cualquier tipo de hipospadias sea reparado en un único tiempo con muy buenos resultados a largo plazo.

Anesthetic management for thoracic surgery in Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome.

Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS) is a chromosomopathy associated to molecular mutations or microdeletions of chromosome 16. It has an incidence of 1:125,000-700,000 live births. RTS patients present craniofacial and thoracic anomalies that lead to a probable difficult-to-manage airway and ventilation. They also present mental retardation and comorbidity, such as congenital cardiac defects, pulmonary structural anomalies and recurrent respiratory infections, which increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Cardiac arrhythmias have been reported after the use of certain drugs such as succinylcholine and atropine, in a higher incidence than in general population. There is an increased risk of postoperative apnea-hypopnea in these patients. We report the anesthetic management in a RTS patient undergoing emergent thoracic surgery due to oesophageal perforation and mediastinitis. Lung isolation was achieved with a bronchial blocker guided with a fiberoptic bronchoscope and one-lung ventilation was performed successfully.

Routine delayed voiding cystourethography after initial successful endoscopic treatment with Dextranomer/Hialuronic Acid Copolimer (Dx/HA) of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Is it necessary? / ¿Es necesario realizar una cistouretrografía miccional seriada (CUMS) tardía tras el tratamiento endoscópico exitoso inicial con copolímero de dextranómreo/ácido hialurónico (Dx/HA) para el reflujo vesicoureteral (RVU)?

INTRODUCTION: Some guidelines recommend an early voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) after endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), but there's no consensus if it's necessary a long-term follow-up in these patients. The aim of our study is analyze if it's necessary a delayed VCUG after initial successful treatment with Dx/HA. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We have reviewed all medical charts of patients that underwent Dx/HA treatment from 2006 to 2010. We have selected patients with initial successful treatment and more than 3 years of radiological and clinical follow-up. We have analyzed late clinical and radiological outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty children with 228 refluxing ureters underwent Dx/HA endoscopic treatment with a mean follow-up of 52.13 months. Early VCUG was performed in 215 ureters with an initial successful rate of 84.1%. The group of study was 94/215 ureters with more than 3 years of follow-up with a delayed VCUG. VUR was still resolved in 79,8% of the ureters. Clinical success rate was 91.7%. The incidence of febrile urinary tract infection in those patients with cured VUR and those with a relapsed VUR was 8 and 15%, respectively; but there were no significant differences. We have not found any variable related with relapsed VUR except those ureters that initially received 2 injections (P<.05). CONCLUSION: If our objective in the treatment of VUR is to reduce the incidence of febrile urinary tract infection it is not necessary to perform a delayed VCUG even though the long-term radiological outcomes is worse than clinical outcome.

Comparative study between isolated intestinal perforation and necrotizing enterocolitis.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal perforations in the neonatal period are usually related to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or intestinal occlusion. Intestinal perforation in the absence of these conditions is called isolated perforation (IP). Several risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms have been suggested, and most of them are common to those classically attributed to NEC. AIM: To identify and compare the clinical and pathological features of IP and NEC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed all cases of neonatal intestinal perforation and NEC in the last five years. Thirty-three patients were retrospectively classified into Group NEC: 24 cases, and Group IP: 9 cases. We collected multiple data as study variables: 1) General features; 2) Obstetric history; 3) Neonatal treatment; 4) Comorbidity; 5) Perforation features; 6) Treatment and outcome. RESULTS: Comparing the groups, we found statistical significant differences in isolated perforation cases with these risk factors: extreme prematurity, very low birth weight, abruptio placenta, intubation and neonatal mechanical ventilation, umbilical catheterization, precocious sepsis, and indomethacin therapy. A more precocious operation and a good prognosis also reached statistical significance. In the other hand, we found statistically significant differences in NEC with congenital cardiopathy (excluding isolated patent ductus arteriosus), with intestinal pneumatosis, with diffuse bowel involvement and a worse prognosis. Risk factors and pathologic findings seem to support an ischaemic pathogenesis in both diseases.

[Continent urinary diversion: the Mitrofanoff principle]. / Derivación urinaria continente: principio de Mitrofanoff.

INTRODUCTION: Continent urinary diversion (based on Mitrofanoff's principle), despite its complexity, is the gold standard in the treatment of those vesicourethral disfunctions that need clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) to achieve complete vesical voiding, in patients with non easily catheterizable native urethra. AIM: To analize our experience in continent urinary diversion at our centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have reviewed the records of the 14 cases of continent urinary diversion in the last 8 years. They were grouped in order to the underliying condition: 1-Bladder exstrophy group (n=5): Mean age at diversion time was 5.5 years (range 3-7). In all patients the original Mitrofanoff s technique was performed (continent cutaneous appendicovesicostomy). Associated procedures were: ureterovesical reimplantation in all 5 cases; bladder neck reconstruction also in all 5 (3 of them needed vesicourethral transection); and bladder augmentation in two cases, using ileum and sigmoid respectively. 2- Myelomeningocele group (n=9, 10 procedures): Mean age was 11.5 years (range 6-16). Appendicovesicostomy was performed in 7 cases and a reconfigured ileum with the Casale technique was used in 3 cases (primarily in 2 and as an alternative in one). Associated procedures were: ureterovesical reimplantetion in 5 cases and bladder augmentation in 7 (using sigmoid in 4, ileum in 2 and urether in one case). RESULTS: In all patients complete continence was achieved. Complications found were: one appendicostomy prolapse, one appendix necrosis (that was then diverted with Casale's technique), one appendicular conduit stenosis and one case with catheterization difficulties that needed a tappering of the ileum conduit. Nowadays, 13 out of 14 pacients follow the CIC program each 3-4 hours without complication. CONCLUSION: Continent urinary diversion improves autonomy and life quality in those patients that need a definitive urinary diversion and have a long life expectancy. We have used these procedure with good results in patients with severe vesicourethral disfunction (of an intrinsic or neuropathic origin) in which clean intermittent catheterization was not possible through native urethra, or in patients with refractary incontinence in which vesicourethral transection was the only effective treatment.

Bacterial characteristics and clinical significance of ureteral double-J stents in children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of urinary tract infection in those patients that we have used an ureteral double-J stent as internal diversion after urological procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed all the medical records of patients who had a ureteral double-J stent after a urological procedure from August 2007 to May 2013. We have analyzed the following data: age, gender, type of prophylaxis, incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI), days of internal diversion with double-J stent, surgical procedure, bacterial characteristics, bacterial sensibility to antibiotics and UTI treatment. RESULTS: We have used 73 double-J stents as ureteral internal diversion in 67 patients with a mean age of 44.73±57.23. Surgical procedures were 50 laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasties in 49 patients, and 20 high-pressure balloon dilatation of the ureterovesical junction to treat primary obstructive megaureter in 15 patients; and 3 patients with ureterovesical obstruction after endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux. Forty three stents showed a bacterial colonization in cultures. Pseudomona aeruginosa was present in 9 (20.9%) stents. Only in 12 stents, bacterial colonization was sensible to antibiotic prophylaxis. Stent colonization was higher in boys and younger patients. Four patients had a febrile UTI. Incidence of UTI in younger patients that underwent HBPD of UVJ is higher. CONCLUSION: Bacterial colonization is frequent in double-J stents but the incidence of UTI is low. Double-J colonization is higher in younger patients. Patients that underwent HPBD have a higher risk of UTI related with ureteral double J stent.

[Anaesthetic management in a paediatric patient with a difficult airway due to epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica]. / Manejo anestésico en paciente pediátrico con vía aérea difícil afectado de epidermólisis ampollosa distrófica.

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by blistering after minimal trauma. These blisters tend to form dystrophic scars, leading to limiting and life-threatening sequelae. The anaesthetic management of patients with DEB is a challenge, even for the most experienced anaesthesiologists, but basic principles can help us prepare the plan of care. The main goals are to prevent trauma/infection of skin/mucous, and to establish a secure airway without causing bullae. Patient positioning and the instruments used to monitor vital signs and administering anaesthetic agents can cause new lesions. It is advisable to lubricate the instruments and to avoid adhesive material and shearing forces on the skin. Besides the implications of the comorbidities, there is a potential difficult intubation and difficult vascular access. Acute airway obstruction can occur due to airway instrumentation. We report the case of a patient diagnosed with EBD difficult airway and undergoing correction of syndactylyl and dental extractions.

[Utility of octyl 2-cyanoacrylate in pediatric surgery]. / Utilidad del adhesivo tisular 2-octil cianoacrilato en cirugía pediátrica.

OBJECTIVE: The aim this study was to demonstrate the utility and suitability of octyl-2-cianocrylate in cutaneus repair of different conditions in the pediatric population. Octyl-2-cianocrylate is a topical tissular adhesive which can be used on skin and which has been tested in surgical practice as a wound sealant, avoiding the use of conventional sutures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We applied octyl-2-cianocrylate in 100 patients with skin wounds smaller than 5 cm. The patients were distributed as follows: Emergency department: simple sharp wounds in the face and extremities (20 patients); surgical block: surgical wounds in 80 patients with the following conditions: inguinal hernia (20 patients), cryptorchidism (20 patients), umbilical hernia (10 patients), hypospadias (17 patients), post-hypospadias fistula repair (8 patients) and cleft lip (5 patients). The results were analyzed in terms of efficacy, cosmetic result, procedure time, material used, and patient comfort. CONCLUSIONS: Octyl-2-cianocrylate was easier to use than conventional sutures in all its applications, requiring less time than conventional sutures and therefore lowering the cost per procedure.

[Temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMA) in children]. / Anquilosis de la articulación temporomandibular (ATM) en la edad pediátrica.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a degenerative disease that produces a limitation of mouth opening. In children, TMJ ankylosis usually presents with facial asymmetry, difficulty in feeding and rarely upper way obstruction. Ankylosis is commonly associated with trauma, infections, systemic and congenital diseases. Diagnosis must be clinical, being CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the most important methods to evaluate this disease. The treatment of TMJ ankylosis requires excision of the involved structures and reconstruction. We present our experience in treatment of the temporomandibular joint ankylosis. We have analysed the following parameters: age, sex, etiology, surgical technique, pre and postoperative oral opening.

[Is laparoscopic surgery the technique of choice in nephrectomy?]. / Es la laparoscopia la técnica de elección en la nefrectomía?

Laparoscopic is performed in adults for the treatment of benign renal diseases. It is widely accepted that laparoscopic surgery has more advantages than open surgery in many procedures such as nephrectomy, but there is no further experience in this technique. In pediatric urology laparoscopy has become an accepted approach for varicocele, non palpable testis, bladder augmentation, adrenalectomy and urinary diversion. We report our experience with 25 laparoscopic nephrectomies in children.

[Laparoscopic splenectomy in the treatment of hematologic diseases]. / Esplenectomía laparoscópica en el tratamiento de las enfermedades hematológicas.

Laparoscopic approach to surgical procedures in children is used in different diseases, but there are some controversies for using this technique in the splenectomy. Laparoscopic surgery decreased pain, postoperative ileus and the hospital stay; and improve cosmetics, the most important disadvantage is the longer operating time. Splenectomy is indicated more in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (PTI) and hereditary espherocytosis (HE). We review our experience in laparoscopic spelenectomy.