Utility of ultrasound-based scoring system in post-pyeloplasty recovery.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Differentiation of uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) from non-obstructive dilatation (NOD) is a major challenge. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine whether pyeloplasty prediction score (PPS) could predict the need for surgery and resolution after surgery. METHODS: Among patients with antenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis, those who were stable during post-natal follow-up were considered NOD. The UPJO group were the ones who worsened and underwent pyeloplasty based on conventional indications. All patients with UPJO underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. PPS was determined based on three ultrasound parameters obtained retrospectively: Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) grade of hydronephrosis, transverse anteroposterior (APD), and the absolute percentage difference of ipsilateral and contralateral renal lengths. RESULTS: Among 137 patients included (R:L = 59:73; M:F 102:35), 96 were conservatively managed (NOD), while 41 patients (29%) needed pyeloplasty (UPJO). Mean PPS was 4.2 (1.2) in the NOD group and it was significantly higher at 10.8 (1.63) in the UPJO group (p = 0.001). All patients with PPS > 8 needed a pyeloplasty, while two patients with PPS of 7 needed pyeloplasty due to drop in renal function. PPS cutoff value of >8 had a sensitivity 95%, specificity 100% and a likelihood ratio of 20. Post-pyeloplasty PPS resolution was proportional to the duration of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A PPS cutoff value of 8 or above is associated with the presence of significant UPJO. PPS is also useful in the assessment of hydronephrosis recovery post-pyeloplasty. The limitation of PPS: it can only be applied in the presence of contralateral normal kidney.

Preoperative topical estrogen application in the management of hypospadias: a systematic review.

Local estrogen therapy has been explored as an alternative to conventional testosterone therapy in children requiring urethroplasty for hypospadias. Our objective is to evaluate if preoperative estrogen stimulation reduces post-urethroplasty complications and enhances penile dimensions. A systematic search was conducted on various databases, selecting only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that tested estrogen on hypospadias patients under 18 years. Articles underwent sorting following PRISMA guidelines and bias risk was assessed using the JBI clinical appraisal tool for RCTs. Out of 607 screened records, 10 underwent full-text review, and 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected for analysis. The total patient cohort across studies was 387 with 174 in the estrogen group. All studies utilized topical estrogen, but in different formulations and timings. Prudence is necessary for interpreting results due to variations in formulation, timing, and hypospadias type across studies. Limited by a small number of studies and outcome presentation non-uniformity, the review suggests no change in penile dimensions or postoperative complications with topical estrogen. Further research is needed to explore wound-healing properties of estrogen in hypospadias through animal and human studies.Registration and protocol: Registered in Prospero CRD42024502183.

How effective is nephrectomy in curing hypertension in children with unilateral poorly functioning kidney? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Some children with hypertension (HTN) have unilateral poorly functional kidney (PFK). This provides an opportunity for the clinician to cure the HTN by removal of the PFK, thereby avoiding the problems of long-term medication. However, there is sparse data in children regarding the effect of PFK nephrectomy on curing HTN. In this review, we analysed the etiology of PFK causing HTN and the effectiveness of nephrectomy in curing HTN in children. METHODS: We searched the databases to identify papers between January 2000 to December 2020 pertaining to children with PFK and HTN who underwent nephrectomy. Outcome analyzed was the resolution of HTN following nephrectomy. Duplicate publications, review articles and incomplete articles were excluded. Meta-analysis of heterogeneity was reported with I2statistics. Forest plot was constructed to compare the pooled prevalence of HTN resolution. RESULTS: Five articles with 88 patients were included. Majority (43%) of PFK were due to the unilateral atrophic kidney with or without vesicoureteral reflux (VUR); ureteropelvic junction obstruction and multicystic dysplastic kidney together accounted for 35% of cases and renovascular pathology for 22% of cases. With a follow-up of 1.5 to 3.3 years, nephrectomy was effective to cure HTN in 65.9% (95% CI 55-75%) children. CONCLUSIONS: In children with HTN and a unilateral PFK, nephrectomy cured the HTN in two-thirds of children. Unilateral atrophic kidney due to VUR was the most common cause of PFK. An increase in the utilisation of laparoscopy was observed in recent publications, hence laparoscopic nephrectomy may be considered a first choice of treatment in these children.

Preoperative three-dimensional modelling and virtual reality planning aids nephron sparing surgery in a child with bilateral Wilms tumour.

Bilateral Wilms tumour (BWT) is a surgically challenging condition. Virtual reality (VR) reconstruction aids surgeons to foresee the anatomy ahead of Nephron Sparing Surgery (NSS). Three-dimensional (3D) visualisation improves the anatomical orientation of surgeons performing NSS. We herewith report a case of BWT where VR planning and 3D printing were used to aid NSS. Conventional imaging is often found to be inadequate while assessing the tumour-organ-vascular anatomy. Advances like VR and 3D printing help surgeons plan better for complex surgeries like bilateral NSS. Next-generation extended reality tools will likely aid robotic-assisted precision NSS and improve patient outcomes.

Over Active Bladder Index (OABI): A New Objective Tool Based on Uroflow Parameters for Diagnosis of Overactive Bladder in Children.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to propose an objective uroflow based index for diagnosing over active bladder (OAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with OAB and 30 controls were used in the pilot study. Three uroflow parameters: Uroflow index (UI = Qave/Qmax), voided volume ratio (VVR = voided volume/expected bladder capacity) and time to Q max (TQmax) were studied. Linear regression was performed for the three parameters with controls/OAB patients. Further 28 patients & 32 controls were recruited in a second validation study. RESULTS: Mean (s.d) UI was 0.7 (0.1) in control while 0.4 (0.1) in OAB (p = 0.001). Mean (s.d) VVR was 0.7 (0.1) in control while 0.5 (0.1) in OAB (p = 0.01). Mean (s.d) TQmax was 5.2 (1.2) in control while 2.1 (1.8) in OAB (p = 0.001). Good correlation was noted with all parameters UI (r = 0.89); VVR (r = 0.87) and TQmax (r = 0.76); when all three were combined as an index the correlation was better (r = 0.95). Based on the beta coefficients an OAB Index [OABI = 8(UI)+9(VVR)+0.5(TQmax)] was proposed; ROC analysis revealed a cutoff of 12 (AUC 0.96). An OABI of <12 was proposed for diagnosing OAB, 12-15 for equivocal and >15 for normal children. In the validation study OABI had 93 % sensitivity; 100 % specificity; 100 % positive predictive value & 94 % negative predictive value. The overall accuracy was 97 %. CONCLUSION: While current diagnosis of OAB is mainly subjective, the proposed OABI is an objective way of diagnosing OAB using uroflow parameters. OABI may also help to assess treatment response. Further larger studies are warranted.

Clinical, Radiological and Histological Features and Their Association with Extranodal Extension in Buccoalveolar Complex Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Jeyashanth RijuObjectives The study was aimed to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of clinical examination, intraoperative finding, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) to detect extranodal extension (ENE) in buccoalveolar complex squamous cell carcinoma (BAOSCC), (2) to know various factors influencing ENE, and (3) to evaluate survival outcome in patients with ENE. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective cohort study, which included 137 patients with BAOSCC who underwent curative treatment between May 2019 and April 2021. Collaborative findings suggestive of ENE were noted during preoperative clinical examination, CECT, and intraoperatively, and their efficacy was compared with postoperative histopathology. Also, the various factors associated with ENE were evaluated and compared. Statistical Analysis Univariate and multivariate analysis of parameters was done using multiple logistic regression analysis and significant correlation was determined using chi-square test between ENE positive and negative categories. Analysis of prognosis and survival was done by Kaplan-Meier curve plotting using regression analysis and its significance was compared. Results The overall prevalence of ENE was 18.98% and that of lymph node involvement was 40.88%. CECT (73.1%) was found to be more sensitive in detecting ENE compared to intraoperative examination (46.2%) and clinical examination (34.6%).In comparison with clinical examination (91.9%) or CECT (78.38%), intraoperative examination (93.7%) showed the highest specificity in detecting ENE. Clinical nodal size ≥ 3 cm ( p ≤ 0.001), fixity ( p ≤ 0.001), and clinical number of nodes ( p ≤ 0.001) had significant association with ENE. The presence of thick nodal walls on CECT increased the probability of predicting ENE 15 times ( p = 0.180, confidence interval: 0.3-765.4). After a mean follow-up of 18 months, subjects without nodal positivity had a survival advantage over patients with positive lymph nodes (86.4% vs. 53.3%) and those with ENE (86.4% vs. 23.2%), respectively. Conclusion The results demonstrated that clinical examination can be used as an adjuvant to radiological imaging for prediction of ENE preoperatively. Clinical finding suggesting size of node ≥ 3 cm and ≥ 2 nodes are strong predictor of ENE, in addition to other known predictors. Patients with ENE had an unfavorable prognosis when compared with subjects with metastatic nodes without ENE. Presence of ENE remains one of the strongest factors predicting recurrence and thus poor prognosis.

Reasons Behind Patients Defaulting from Elective Pediatric Urology Procedures at a Tertiary Private Teaching Hospital in South India.

Aim: The aims of the study are to audit the default rate of the provisional date of elective surgery in pediatric urology private practice and to study the factors involved in the postponement of elective operation dates by patients. Patients and Methods: The audit involved analysis of reasons behind patients defaulting from elective pediatric urology procedures between January 2019 and December 2019 at a tertiary private teaching hospital in South India. The details were obtained from the outpatient register kept for elective booking. The details of actual procedures performed were obtained from OT records. From the defaulters, the reasons for postponement were obtained through personal/telephonic interview. Results: A total of 289 patients were given dates for elective procedures. Among this, 72 (24.9%) defaulted, leaving 217 patients who underwent elective surgery. Among those who underwent surgery, 90 (41%) were elective day case (DC) procedures, whereas 127 (59%) were inpatient (IP) procedures. The default rate was 26/116 (22.4%) for DC procedures, whereas 46/173 (26.6%) for IP procedures, with no significant difference between them (P = 0.64). Among the 72 defaulters, the reasons for cancellation were as follows: financial factors (FFs) 22 (30.6%), lack of family support 19 (26.4%), function/grievance in house 10 (13.9%), respiratory illness 14 (19.4%), and treatment at a different center 7 (9.7%). FF (insurance denial) was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in crucial IP procedures at 19/46 (41%) compared to DC procedures at 3/26 (12%). The various diagnoses denied insurance were UPJO (7), VUR (6), hypospadias (4), UDT (3), and PUV (2). Conclusions: FFs were mainly responsible for parents postponing their children's elective pediatric urology procedures in India. Universal insurance coverage for congenital anomalies might help overcome this most important cause of cancellations.

Unaided visual assessment of ventral curvature during hypospadias repair is inferior to objective measurement using app goniometry.

OBJECTIVE: Failure to perform artificial erection or objectively assess ventral curvature (VC) during primary hypospadias repair is an important reason for residual/ recurrent chordee. The present study compares the accuracy of unaided visual inspection (UVI) with objective VC assessment using smartphone application (app) goniometry. METHODS: All patients who underwent primary hypospadias repair between January 2021 and September 2022 were included. Assistant surgeons were asked to grade the degree of VC on UVI (after degloving and an artificial erection test) into: none, mild (<30 degree), severe(>30 degree). Lateral profile photograph was taken and angle measurement was performed on an android mobile application (Angulus). Correlation was performed with both methods of assessment. RESULTS: During this period a total of 210 patients were analyzed; VC was noted in 40/138 (29%) cases of distal and in 62/72 (86%) cases of proximal hypospadias. Erroneous visual inspection was noted in 41/210 (20%; 95% CI 14-25%) on UVI (15 erroneously marked none while 26 marked mild). Among those found to have chordee, UVI assessed 39/82 (47%) as severe while app goniometry assessed 65/97 (67%) as severe. There was significant relative risk of labelling severe chordee as a mild one by UVI: 1.4 (95%CI 1-1.8; p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: UVI was erroneous in 20% of cases. UVI was less accurate in differentiating severe chordee from mild one. In 60% patients UVI alone could have led to erroneous VC assessment and thus wrong selection of technique. Further studies are required to validate our findings and standardize VC measurement using an app goniometry.

Laparoscopic nipple invagination combined extravesical (NICE) reimplantation technique in the management of primary obstructed megaureter.

AIMS: Villanueva challenged Paquin's 5:1 tunnel length and showed in a computer simulation model that UVJ competence was more sensitive to a 2-mm protrusion of ureteric orifice into the bladder compared to an increase in the intravesical tunnel. Thompson later successfully applied the Shanfield technique of invaginating the spatulated primary obstructed megaureter (POM) laparoscopically, causing a nipple antireflux mechanism. In this study we have reported the outcomes of our modification: Nipple Invagination Combined Extravesical (NICE) reimplantation, in the management of POM. METHODS: Patients with POM who underwent NICE reimplantation (summary figure) were followed up and outcomes were analysed. There were three modifications in this compared to Shanfield technique: 1. Detrusor myotomy was performed before opening the bladder mucosa. The detrusor edges were closed later over the invaginated ureter as an extravesical reimplantation. 2. The ureter was held invaginated inside the bladder mucosal opening by two sutures at 6 & 12 O' clock positions instead of a single suture, 3. The dilated ureter was not spatulated inferiorly, as it automatically opens out later inside the bladder to form a nipple. RESULTS: Eleven patients underwent laparoscopic NICE reimplantation; median age: 6 months (5-24); demographics (R: L = 5:6; M:F = 7:4). The mean duration of surgery was 133 min (110-180) and the mean length of hospital stay was 3.6 days (3-5). There were no immediate post-operative complications in the form of leak in any patient. The median follow-up duration was 20 months (18-29). DRF improved in 7 patients while in 4 it remained static; no patient had deterioration. On follow-up VCUG, none had vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR). The nipple effect could be noticed later at follow-up ultrasonograms and at cystoscopy during stent removal. DISCUSSION: Paquin emphasised on 5:1 ureteral re-implant tunnel length while Lyon felt that the shape of the ureteral orifice was more important. Shanfield introduced a technique of creating a nipple valve effect by invaginating the ureter intravesically. However it was held by a single suture and had no detrusor backing. NICE reimpantation incorporates a short extra vesical reimplant to the Shanfield technique and literally eliminates post-operative VUR. It is simple and could easily be performed laparoscopically even in small infant bladders. The ureteric orifice kept in line enables future upper-tract access. Our preliminary data suggests that the NICE reimplantation for POM is very successful. Limitations are small numbers and short follow-up. Further larger studies are warranted to authenticate this novel technique.

Usefulness of ultrasonography guided femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve blocks in providing analgesia before giving spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing surgery for intertrochanteric fracture of femur: A randomized clinical trial.

Background and Aims: It is challenging to give the patient position for subarachnoid block (SAB) as intertrochanteric (IT) fracture of the femur produces intolerable pain. In this study, we have analyzed the usefulness of combined ultrasonography (USG)-guided femoral nerve block (FNB) and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block (LFCNB) to reduce the fracture pain before performing SAB. Material and Methods: A prospective, randomized, comparative study was conducted on 60 American society of anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and II patients (18-80 years) scheduled for elective IT fracture surgery. Group A (n = 30) patients received USG-guided FNB and LFCNB using 0.75% ropivacaine before SAB. Group B patients (n = 30) received SAB only. All the patients received SAB (3 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine) by an anesthesiologist blinded to the patient groups. The patients were observed for quality of patient positioning for SAB, perioperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, time to administration of SAB, and duration of analgesia and motor blockade. Statistical analysis was done by Student's t-test and Chi-square test. Results: Baseline VAS score (T1) was similar in both the groups. Mean T2 (VAS score just before SAB) in group-A (3.2 ± 0.98) was lower compared to group-B (8.23 ± 0.7) with P < 0.0001. The quality of patient positioning in group-A was good to optimal but in group-B, it was satisfactory to not satisfactory. Group-A had longer mean duration of analgesia 804 ± 114.28 minutes with P value < 0.0001 than group-B in which it was 200 ± 28.77 min. Backache was significant in group-B with P value of 0.038 compared to group-A. Conclusion: USG-guided FNB and LFCNB can be used as an effective supplementation to SAB in patients undergoing surgery for IT fracture of the femur as it reduces fracture site pain, provides good patient positioning during SAB, and prolongs postoperative analgesia.

A systematic review and metaanalysis of open, conventional laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic techniques for re-do pyeloplasty for recurrent uretero pelvic junction obstruction in children.

OBJECTIVE: About 3% of primary pyeloplasties may require a re-do pyeloplasty for recurrent uretero pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) making it an uncommon operation even in large volume centers. In this MA we have compared the outcomes of open (OP), laparoscopic (LP) and robot assisted LP (RALP) approaches in managing recurrent UPJO. METHODS: Pubmed/Index medicus etc. were searched for re-do pyeloplasty (Open OR Laparoscopic OR Robot-assisted) AND (Redo OR Reoperative OR failed) AND (child OR pediatric OR paediatric), for articles published between 2001 and 2021. Duplicate publications were identified and removed. Articles with grossly incomplete data and errors in reporting were excluded, as were articles reporting <5 cases. The systematic review was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines and meta-analysis of proportions was carried out using MetaXL 5.3. RESULTS: A total of 18 articles on re-do pyeloplasty were included in the analysis. In total, there were 87, 77 and 123 redo pyeloplasties in OP, LP and RALP groups respectively. The I2 statistics for OP, LP and RALP showed low heterogeneity with I2 of 24%, 0% and 20% respectively. LFK index was 0.88, 0.30 and 1.62 for OP, LP and RALP respectively, suggesting no or minor publication bias. The overall success rates of OP, LP and RALP re-do pyeloplasty were 93.1% (95% CI 86-98), 92.1% (95% CI 83-96) and 89.4% (95% CI 83-96) respectively (summary table). The success rate between the techniques was not significantly different, with p values (x2) of 1 (OP vs LP), 0.5 (OP vs RALP) and 0.6 (LP vs RALP). Overall, redo RALP took significantly longer time than redo LP (p < 0.001, Fisher's). Overall, RALP had significantly shorter hospital stay than LP (p < 0.001) and LP had significantly shorter hospital stay than OP (p < 0.001). The complication rate was 9% in OP and LP and 16% in RALP, the difference being not statistically significant (p value 1, 0.26 and 0.27 for OP vs LP, OP vs RALP and LP vs RALP respectively, x2). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion MIS techniques (LP and RALP) seem to be good alternatives to OP for redo pyeloplasty in children, with comparable success and complications. Redo RALP had longer duration of surgery but shorter hospital stay than redo LP. With comparable success & complication rate between RALP and LP, this MA could not favor one over the other for redo pyeloplasty.

Bladder height width ratio on voiding cystourethrogram as a predictor of future valve bladder in children with posterior urethral valve.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Prompt and early treatment of valve bladder is known to improve renal outcome in patients with PUV. We hypothesized that bladder height width ratio (HWR) measurement on voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) could predict development of valve bladder. METHODS: All patients who underwent primary PUV ablation and evaluated later with urodynamics were included. Valve bladder was suspected when there were daytime wetting, persistent hydroureteronephrosis, and elevated detrusor pressures on urodynamics. VCUGs were analysed for HWR: maximum height/width of bladder. ROC curve analysis was performed to identify HWR that could predict development of urodynamic abnormality. RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2017, 102 patients were studied: median age at valve ablation 25 days (3-125 days); follow-up 5 years (3-7 years). The ROC curve comparing post-ablation HWR with occurrence of valve bladder showed a cut-off of 1.45 (AUC 0.93). HWR cut-off of 1.45 had a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 84% in predicting future valve bladder. Detrusor overactivity was noticed on urodynamics in 41/55 (74%) of those with HWR > 1.45 compared 5/47 (11%) in those with HWR < 1.45 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Bladder height width ratio on VCUG is a useful parameter to predict development of future valve bladder in children with PUV.

Comparing accuracy of urinary biomarkers in differentiation of ureteropelvic junction obstruction from nonobstructive dilatation in children.

Multiple urinary biomarkers have been reported in differentiation of nonobstructive dilatation (NOD) from ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). In this meta-analysis, we compared the accuracy of common urinary biomarkers applicable to UPJO. A systematic literature review of electronic databases was conducted for: (UPJO) OR (NOD) AND (urinary biomarkers) AND (children) for articles published in the last decade. PRISMA guidelines were used to exclude duplicate and erroneous articles. Meta-analysis involved risk of bias analysis, heterogeneity assessment, and comparison of sensitivity/specificity by forest plot analysis using MetaXL 5.3. Among the 264 articles analyzed, 19 articles met the inclusion criteria and reported the following: neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), kidney injury molecule (KIM1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and interferon gamma induced protein-10 (IP10). There was substantial heterogeneity among articles. There was wide variation in applied cut-offs among studies. Overall sensitivity was highest at 87% for CA 19-9 while overall specificity was highest at 76% for NGAL. Overall accuracy was highest at 78% for CA 19-9 followed by 77% for NGAL and 75% for KIM1. In this meta-analysis, the overall accuracy was highest for CA 19-9 followed by NGAL and KIM1. The small number of studies for CA 19-9 and considerable heterogeneity for all should be considered while interpreting these findings. Based on the current meta-analysis, we support a panel of biomarkers combining NGAL, KIM, and CA 19-9 for the best diagnostic accuracy of UPJO in children.

A systematic review & meta-analysis comparing outcomes of endoscopic treatment of primary vesico ureteric reflux in children with polyacrylate poly alcohol copolymer versus dextranomer hyaluranic acid.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There are conflicting reports on the efficacy of bulking agents for vesico ureteric reflux (VUR). In this meta-analysis we have compared the outcomes of endoscopic treatment with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (PPC) and dextranomer hyaluronic acid (DxHA). METHODS: A systematic review of publications between 2010 and 2020 was conducted covering databases like PUBMED, MEDLINE etc. for (endoscopic treatment) AND (VUR) AND (PPC OR DxHA) AND (recurrence OR complications). PRISMA guidelines were followed and only comparative studies were included. Outcomes were early success defined as absence of VUR in voiding cystourethrogram at 3-months followup, urinary tract infections (UTI) and occurrence of vesico-ureteric-junction obstruction (VUJO). Risk of bias was analysed with Robvis tool and odds-ratios were compared with Revman-3.0. RESULTS: Among nine studies (heterogeneity; I 2 69-79%) all cleared the risk of bias assessment. There was no significant difference in high grade VUR (p = 0.94) between PPC (40%) and DxHA (43%). Success rate after single injection was significantly higher (p = 0.0001) at 86% (477/555) for PPC vs 69% (474/685) for DxHA. UTI rate between PPC (12%) and DxHA (14.6%) was not statistically significant (p = 0.54). VUJO rate between PPC (3.9%) and DxHA (0.8%) was also not significantly different (p = 0.47). Significantly lesser volume (p = 0.02) was used for PPC (0.7 ml) compared to DxHA (0.9 ml). CONCLUSION: Reflux resolution was significantly higher with PPC than DxHA. Postinjection UTI/VUJO incidence was not significantly different between them. Limitation of this meta-analysis was heterogeneity & small number of articles. Further studies should focus on long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness.