Tunica vaginalis flap for salvaging testicular torsion: A matched cohort analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In testicular torsion, ischemia time from pain onset impacts testicular salvage. A tunica albuginea fasciotomy to relieve compartment pressure followed by a tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) may enhance salvage. OBJECTIVE: To define the optimal window of ischemia time during which TVF may be most beneficial to avoid orchiectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of males presenting with testicular torsion at a single tertiary-care institution from January, 2003 to March, 2017. Ischemia time was defined as duration of pain from onset to surgery. Because TVF would be an option to orchiectomy, and it was found that ischemia time was longer in testicles that underwent orchiectomy, matching was performed. Cases of torsion treated with TVF were matched 1:1 with cases treated with orchiectomy on age at surgery, and ischemia time. Outcomes included postoperative viability, defined as palpable testicular tissue with normal consistency, and atrophy, defined as palpable decrease in size relative to contralateral testicle. Sensitivity analyses were performed restricting to the subgroups with postoperative ultrasound, >6 months' follow-up, and additionally matching for degrees of twist. RESULTS: A total of 182 patients met eligibility criteria, of whom 49, 36, and 97 underwent orchiectomy, TVF, and septopexy alone, respectively. Median follow-up was 2.7 months; 26% of patients had postoperative ultrasound (61% of TVF group). In the orchiectomy, TVF, and septopexy groups, respectively, median ischemia times were 51, 11, and 8 h, postoperative viability rates were 0, 86, and 95%, and postoperative atrophy rates were 0, 68, and 24%. After matching, 32 patients with TVF were matched to 32 patients who underwent orchiectomy. In the TVF group, postoperative viability occurred in 95% (19/20) vs 67% (8/12) of patients with ischemia times ≤24 and >24 h, respectively. Atrophy occurred in 67% (12/18) vs 83% (10/12) of these same respective patients. Sensitivity analysis by ultrasound and longer follow-up found similar viability results, although atrophy rates were higher. Additional matching for degrees of twist showed lower viability and higher atrophy rates for increasing ischemia times. DISCUSSION: Patients who presented with testicular torsion with ischemia times ≤24 h and who were being considered for orchiectomy may have benefitted most from TVF, albeit at high risk of atrophy. However, for ischemia times >24 h, TVF may still have preserved testicular viability in two-thirds of cases. A limitation was short follow-up. CONCLUSION: A TVF was a valid alternative to orchiectomy for torsed testicles, albeit with high testicular atrophy rates.

Dermal patch graft correction of severe chordee secondary to penile corporal body disproportion without urethral division in boys without hypospadias.

Historically, significant ventral penile curvature secondary to corporal body disproportion has been corrected either by dorsal plication or division of the urethral plate. In the rare situations where there is severe chordee in the face of an intact urethra with an orthotopic meatus, division of the urethral plate is commonly performed at the time of grafting the ventral defect created by incising the tunica albuginea. Subsequently, a staged procedure is necessary to reconnect the urethra at a later date. Herein the authors present a novel technique that shows it is possible to perform successful dermal patch orthoplasty without division of the urethra in patients with a normal orthotopic meatus and urethra via urethral mobilization. Three patients over the past 3 years with severe ventral chordee, orthotopic meati and normal urethral anatomy presented for correction. Two patients were 18 years old and one was 10 years old. All three boys were circumcised. The two older boys insisted on dorsal plication as a first approach which worked only temporarily for about 6 months while the younger boy had no prior surgery performed. Each boy underwent a circumcising incision, degloving of the shaft skin, extensive urethral mobilization and dermal patch graft orthoplasty to correct chordee. All surgeries were performed in an outpatient setting. No urinary drainage was used in any patient and a simple bio-occlusive dressing was employed in each case. Follow-up ranged from 11 months to 2 years (mean 1.5 years). All three boys have strong straight erections, full well directed urinary streams and no complications noted to date. Our conclusion based on this experience is that extensive urethral mobilization can allow for correction of severe ventral chordee without urethral division in a single operative setting in boys without hypospadias and a normal urethra. The accompanying movie herein describes the surgical technique.

Kidney transplantation in children with urinary diversion or bladder augmentation.

PURPOSE: Urinary tract anomalies or dysfunction leaves the bladder unsuitable for urine drainage in a significant proportion of children presenting for kidney transplantation. We reviewed a multi-institutional experience to determine the ramifications of kidney transplantation in children with bladder augmentation or urinary diversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 28-year period 18 boys and 12 girls 1.7 to 18 years old (mean age 12.1) received 31 kidney transplants. Cause of end stage renal disease was renal dysplasia in 8 cases, posterior urethral valves in 5, obstructive uropathy in 5, neurogenic bladder/chronic pyelonephritis in 4, spina bifida/chronic pyelonephritis in 3, prune belly syndrome in 3 and reflux in 2. RESULTS: Of the patients 17 had augmented bladder (ileum 9, ureter 5, sigmoid 2 and stomach 1), 12 had incontinent urinary conduits (8 ileum, 6 colon) and 1 had a continent urinary reservoir. Surgical complications included 1 case each of stomal stenosis, stomal prolapse, renal artery stenosis, urine leak, enterovesical fistula and wound dehiscence. Medical complications included urinary tract infection in 21 cases and metabolic acidosis in 5. A bladder stone developed in 1 patient. There was no correlation between the incidence of symptomatic urinary tract infections and type of urinary drainage. Acidosis was more common in patients with augmented bladder (4 of 17 versus 1 of 14) but there was no correlation between the bowel segment used and the occurrence of acidosis. Graft survival was 90% at 1 year, 78% at 5 years and 60% at 10 years. Etiology of graft loss included chronic rejection in 6 cases, noncompliance in 4 and acute rejection in 1. There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Drainage of transplanted kidneys into an augmented bladder or urinary conduit is an appropriate management strategy when the native bladder is unsuitable or absent. Patients with kidney transplants drained into augmented bladder or urinary conduit are at increased risk for urine infection. Graft survival is not adversely affected compared to historical controls when a kidney transplant is drained into a urinary conduit or augmented bladder.

Chordee repair utilizing a novel technique ensuring neurovascular bundle preservation.

Penile chordee, with and without hypospadias, is amenable to surgical correction. The Nesbit technique of dorsal plication of the ventral tunica albuginea is effective in correcting most cases of corporal disproportion. A hazard with this approach is the potential inclusion of the dorsal neurovascular bundle, with resultant erectile and sensory dysfunction. We developed a simple technique using the Freer elevator to isolate the neurovascular bundle prior to plication. This ensures that no injury occurs to the neurovascular bundle during plication. Since 1994, 37 boys with chordee have been repaired using this approach. Their ages at the time of operation ranged from 5 months to 28 years (mean 9 months). Following standard degloving of the penis, an incision through Buck's fascia is made lateral and parallel to the neurovascular bundle at the maximum level of the chordee. A similar incision is carried out on the contralateral side. A 4-mm-wide Freer elevator is positioned under Buck's fascia while hugging the tunica albuginea. The Freer elevator slides across the midline to the contralateral side, separating Buck's fascia and underlying layers from the tunica albuginea. Following isolation of the bundle, each corporal body is plicated by creating a longitudinal incision through the tunica albuginea, which then is closed transversely with a 5-0 polydioxanone suture. Buck's fascia subsequently is closed with an absorbable suture following confirmation of chordee correction. No complications have been encountered during a mean follow-up of 21 months (range 5-51 months). No patients have required reoperation for persistent chordee. We developed a technique that elevates the neurovascular bundle prior to plication, thereby ensuring no injury to this structure. We have successfully used this modified Nesbit technique since 1994 and have had no complications. Utilization of the Freer elevator adds an estimated 5 minutes to chordee correction compared to a standard plication lateral to the neurovascular bundles. Although long-term follow-up needs to be performed to confirm any erectile or sensory advantage, this approach should be considered whenever plication is to be performed.

Lessons learned about contralateral reflux after unilateral extravesical ureteral advancement in children.

PURPOSE: The development of contralateral reflux after unilateral antireflux surgery has spawned interest and controversy regarding etiology and management issues. We evaluate our experience to understand better the issues surrounding contralateral reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all children seen in a 7-year period who underwent unilateral extravesical ureteral advancement performed by one of us (M. R. Z.) at our institution. RESULTS: A total of 43 children a mean of 50.5 months old underwent unilateral reimplantation. The male-to-female ratio was 12:31. In 12 children contralateral reflux had resolved preoperatively. Overall contralateral reflux developed in 5 patients (11.6%) after unilateral extravesical ureteral advancement. In 1 child in whom new onset contralateral reflux developed on 1 side reflux resolved by 10 months with observation. In 8 of the 12 children (66%) with a history of resolved contralateral reflux there was no recurrence. In 4 of the 12 children recurrent contralateral reflux completely resolved by 14 months postoperatively with only observation. In these 4 patients initial reflux had been grades II and IV in 2 each. To date all fully evaluable reflux in children with previous contralateral reflux recurred has resolved. CONCLUSIONS: The recurrence of contralateral reflux after unilateral reimplantation that is expected in a small number of children resolves in the majority, if not in all, with conservative management. We believe that children should not be offered bilateral reimplantation for unilateral reflux and a history of resolved contralateral reflux. If contralateral reflux recurs, it will most likely resolve with time.

Multicenter experience with the Mitchell technique for epispadias repair.

PURPOSE: We present a multicenter experience using the Mitchell epispadias technique to determine if satisfactory results could be obtained by various pediatric urologists at multiple centers using the same technique to repair epispadias. This particular technique involves complete disassembly of the penis into 2 separate hemicorporeal glandular bodies and a separate urethral plate, and relies on the unique blood supply to the epispadiac phallus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 17 boys 11 months to 21 years old underwent the Mitchell procedure for epispadias at 4 institutions by 6 different surgeons between 1994 and 1996. One patient in this group had undergone prior epispadias repair, which had failed. RESULTS: At followup (mean 13.5 months) 3 boys had pinpoint penopubic fistulas, which resolved spontaneously in 2. The 21-year-old patient had a complete wound dehiscence. All boys with intact repairs have straight erections, orthotopic meatus and satisfactory appearances. There were 15 boys with a conical glans appearance and 1 exhibiting glandular disproportion. There was 1 episode of postoperative pyelonephritis. CONCLUSIONS: The Mitchell technique for repair of epispadias is reproducible and successful in the hands of pediatric urologists from different centers. Chordee is reliably corrected, erectile function preserved, the urethra ventrally situated in an anatomically precise fashion and satisfactory cosmesis achieved.

Epidermolysis bullosa: a review of the associated urological complications.

PURPOSE: Epidermolysis bullosa is a devastating rare disorder that rarely presents with urological complications. We report our experience with and review the literature on this disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two brothers with epidermolysis bullosa presented to our center with severe dysuria and urinary tract obstruction caused by meatal stenosis. The obstruction was temporarily relieved by meatotomy but recurrent obstructive skin blistering with severe dysuria required ureterosigmoidostomy for palliation of symptoms. RESULTS: Both children tolerated ureterosigmoidostomy well with 1 requiring bicarbonate supplementation for metabolic acidosis. Ureterosigmoidostomy greatly improved quality of life, and both children have complete symptom relief. CONCLUSIONS: Epidermolysis bullosa is usually a severe illness associated with a poor prognosis. Crippling urological symptoms may develop due to recurrent skin blistering causing severe dysuria and secondary obstruction. Ureterosigmoidostomy, despite its complications, provides significant palliation for patients with recalcitrant symptoms.

Abnormalities of the external genitalia.

This article discusses the general nuances of hypospadias, exstrophy/epispadias, and ambiguous genitalia. Embryologic considerations, etiologic factors, anatomy, associated anomalies, and timing of referrals and surgery are discussed.

Stent-free Thiersch-Duplay hypospadias repair with the Snodgrass modification.

PURPOSE: Incision of the glanular urethral plate (the Snodgrass modification) permits tubularization of the neourethra in the Thiersch-Duplay fashion when anatomy would otherwise preclude a tension-free anastomosis and necessitate another operative technique for hypospadias repair. To take advantage of these cosmetic benefits without the potential morbidity associated with indwelling catheters, we performed a stent-free Thiersch-Duplay repair incorporating the Snodgrass modification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Thiersch-Duplay hypospadias repair was combined with the Snodgrass modification. Hinging the urethral plate was necessary when the glanular groove was too shallow to perform a standard Thiersch-Duplay repair. RESULTS: Stent-free repairs were performed in 33 children 0.47 to 2.66 years old (mean age plus of minus standard deviation 0.98 +/- 0.47). Followup was obtained in 31 children. There was no postoperative urinary retention, fistulas or meatal stenosis. No unusual or prolonged discomfort distinguished these children from those who underwent a standard Thiersch-Duplay repair. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent cosmetic results can be anticipated irrespective of the preoperative glans configuration. Incision of the glanular urethral plate can be performed safely as an adjunct to a modified Thiersch-Duplay hypospadias repair without postoperative indwelling catheters.

Cryptorchidism, pediatricians, and family practitioners: patterns of practice and referral.

A multicenter study was undertaken to study cryptorchidism and the timing of orchidopexy. A total of 329 children underwent surgery at a mean age of 4.2 years; 17% of the surgery was performed between 6 and 12 months of age, 25% between 5 and 10 years of age, and 9% during or after puberty. Only 30% of the pediatricians and 14% of the family practitioners recommended orchidopexy between 6 and 12 months of age, and 17% of these referring physicians recommended waiting until 3 to 10 years of age. Improved education is needed if current recommendations for early orchidopexy are to be achieved.

Hypospadias hidden by a complete prepuce.

Nine boys were found to have hypospadias despite the presence of a complete prepuce. The urethral meatus was in the subcoronal position in six boys, the distal shaft position in one boy and on the corona glandis in two boys. Although it is generally thought that boys with hypospadias have a dorsal hooded prepuce resulting from incomplete development of the ventral phallus, we have found hypospadias in boys with complete preputial development. Thus, physicians who perform circumcision should fully retract the prepuce to detect occult hypospadias before completing the procedure. Parents of newborns with hypospadias and a complete prepuce should be told, before circumcision, that preputial tissues may be needed to repair the hypospadias.

Surgery for duplex kidneys with ectopic ureters: ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy versus polar nephrectomy.

Conventional surgery for the ectopic ureter stresses polar nephrectomy, while preserving a functioning upper pole by ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy is performed less commonly. During the last 15 years we operated on 35 children for ectopic ureter. High ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy (15 patients) was performed when the upper pole cortex appeared to be smooth and pink, and the anastomosis was surgically feasible. Upper pole nephrectomy and upper ureterectomy (21 patients) were performed when the involved segment appeared grossly to be pale, cystic or otherwise abnormal. One low ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy was performed concomitant with contralateral ureteral reimplantation. Complications after ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy and partial nephrectomy were similar. Histological evidence of dysplasia of the polar nephrectomy specimens was focal in 7 patients (33 per cent), marked in 2 (10 per cent) and not detected in 12 (57 per cent). Ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy is an appropriate means to manage the ectopic ureter in selected cases because dysplasia in these upper pole renal units seldom is significant, and because ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy and polar nephrectomy have similar postoperative morbidity rates.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the penis in children.

A rare case of a young boy with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the penis is presented and the literature is reviewed.

Silicone foam dressing for penis after reconstructive pediatric surgery.

Although silicone foam has been used abroad as an effective means to dress the penis after hypospadias surgery, its use has not been widespread in the United States. We have modified the method to apply the foam in order to facilitate its use. We used this method to dress the penis with silicone foam in 50 boys after reconstructive surgery. The dressing appeared to be effective in restricting edema and hematoma formation. Also, the dressing stabilized the indwelling urethral catheter thereby preventing disruption of the glansplasty. The urethrocutaneous fistula rate (10%) was not reduced by use of the foam. The dressings uncommonly fell off prematurely. The boys appeared to experience little discomfort while the foam was in place and during its removal.

Radiographic evaluation of subureteric injection of teflon to correct vesicoureteral reflux.

The imaging studies of 83 children (115 ureters) with vesicoureteral reflux who were treated by subureteric injection of Teflon (STING) were reviewed. On plain films, the Teflon rarely may be seen as faintly radiodense. On sonography, it is echogenic and has variable acoustic shadowing. On CT it is dense (160-466 H). Postsurgical cystography showed cessation of reflux in 83 ureters (72%). Complications of STING were uncommon. No granulomatous masses were identified in the region adjacent to the STING. Transient, free peritoneal fluid developed in three children and ureteral dilatation in six, three of whom required intervention. In one child, most of the Teflon disappeared from the original site of injection, as noted on a follow-up CT scan; possibly it had been extruded into the bladder. The STING procedure probably will become more popular. Knowledge of its radiologic appearance is important for the radiologist in order to effectively evaluate these children postoperatively.

Ultrasonography and diagnosis of pediatric genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common tumor of the lower genitourinary tract in children during their first two decades of life. Four patients with genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma are presented, with ultrasonographic and radiographic findings. The utility of ultrasound in the diagnosis of this pediatric tumor is emphasized.

Urological complications in pediatric renal transplantation: management and prevention.

From 1973 through 1986, 166 consecutive renal transplants were performed in 143 patients. Urological complications included ureteral leakage/obstruction/necrosis, urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis, pelvic lymphocele, pelvic abscess, pelvic hematoma, infected hydrocele, bladder calculus, labial edema, renal artery/segmental stenosis, hydronephrosis, urinary incontinence, renal allograft malrotation and kidney rupture. Management options and preventive measures to avoid some of these dilemmas are highlighted.