Antenatally detected ureterocele: Associated anomalies and postnatal prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: We purposed to review prenatal diagnoses of ureterocele, to determine the sonographic findings and additional abnormalities, and to illustrate the pregnancy outcomes of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 24 patients with the diagnosis of ureterocele in our referral center between January 2010-March 2017. Prenatal sonographic findings, antenatal course, and postnatal follow-up were obtained. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at first US diagnosis was 24.5 ± 2.9 weeks. 13 (54.1%) of fetuses were female, and 11 (45.9%) were male. Ureterocele was associated with the duplex kidney in 17 (70.8%), MCDK in 5 (20.8%) and hydronephrosis with a single system in 1 (4.2%) and pelvic kidney in 1 (4.2%) fetuses. Postnatal follow-up was achieved in 22 of 24 (91.6%) cases, and mean follow-up interval was 56 ± 14.2. Months. The diagnosis of ureterocele was confirmed in 22 (91.6%) cases postnatally. 15 of 22 (68%) cases were classified as extravesical ureterocele, and 7 (32%) cases were intravesical ureterocele. Postnatal confirmation of duplex kidney achieved in 16 of 17 (94.1%) patients. 17 (77.2%) patients were required surgical intervention, and 5 (22.8%) cases were managed conservatively. 15 of 16 (93.7%) cases who were diagnosed duplex kidney underwent surgery however 2 of 5 (40%) cases which were confirmed MCDK required an operation. Cystoscopic ureterocele incision was the initial approach for the surgical management and performed all of the cases which required surgery. It was curative in 10 of 17 (58.8%) patients and 7 (41.2%) cases needed to further operations. Ureteroselectomy and common-sheath ureteroneocystostomy was performed in 5 (29.1%) cases and. 2 (%11.7%) cases underwent partial nephrectomy. CONCLUSION: Ureterocele can be accurately diagnosed by prenatal sonography, and it is a significant clue for the diagnosis of a duplex kidney. Postnatal prognosis depends on associated anomaly and presence of reflux and upper pole function.

Clinical evolution of vesicoureteral reflux following endoscopic puncture in children with duplex system ureteroceles.

PURPOSE: We studied the clinical evolution of vesicoureteral reflux after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele in pediatric duplex systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts of children with duplex system ureteroceles treated between 1992 and 2007. We analyzed patient age, prenatal diagnosis, urinary tract infection at presentation, differential renal function and preoperative vesicoureteral reflux. The fate of associated vesicoureteral reflux after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele was specifically addressed. RESULTS: We analyzed 60 patients with a mean age of 12 months, of whom 32 (52%) were diagnosed prenatally and 40 (66%) presented with a urinary tract infection. The majority of ureteroceles were ectopic, and pre-puncture vesicoureteral reflux was seen in 40 patients (67%). Postoperative voiding cystourethrogram was performed in 50 cases. New onset of vesicoureteral reflux occurred postoperatively in 24 patients (40%), mainly ipsilateral to the lower pole or contralaterally. Spontaneous vesicoureteral reflux resolution or improvement occurred in 16 of 22 patients (72%) observed after primary endoscopic puncture of ureterocele. Surgical intervention after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele was performed in 25 patients (42%), of whom 9 underwent more than 1 reparative procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Vesicoureteral reflux after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele may occur in the ipsilateral upper or lower poles, or in the contralateral renal segments. Therefore, the reflux is not necessarily related to the puncture itself. Vesicoureteral reflux after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele can resolve spontaneously in a significant number of patients. Therefore, initial management by close surveillance is warranted. Considering the simplicity of the procedure, our findings support that endoscopic puncture of ureterocele is an attractive alternative for the initial management of pediatric duplex system ureteroceles.

Neonatal osteomyelitis and complex nephro-ureteral duplication.

OBJECTIVE: This report presents a case of femoral osteomyelitis secondary to urinary tract infection in a female neonate with bilateral urinary duplication and right ectopic ureterocele. METHODS: A female neonate with a history of late perinatal sepsis presented to the emergency department and was found to have left distal femoral osteomyelitis. A complex urological malformation was diagnosed (bilateral renal duplication with right ectopic ureterocele associated with nonfunctional superior pole of the ipsilateral kidney). The baby was submitted to prolonged antibiotic therapy and upper pole nephrectomy of the right kidney. RESULTS: The pathology report confirmed chronic pyelonephritis and dysplasia in the resected specimen. After 1.5 years the patient is asymptomatic and developing normally, with no apparent deformity, but manifests asymptomatic vesicoureteral reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary tract infections must always be excluded as the primary infection focus in neonates with sepsis. Perinatal osteomyelitis is almost always a complication of neonatal sepsis and is associated with orthopedic sequelae. This is the first report in literature of a case of osteomyelitis complicating complex urinary duplication and urinary tract infection.

Long-term follow up of antenatally diagnosed megaureters.

AIM: We have retrospectively evaluated our 17 years of experience with antenatal diagnosis of hydronephrosis that led to postnatal diagnosis of megaureter, and tried to determine criteria for surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-nine children (64 boys and 15 girls) with antenatal diagnosis of hydronephrosis that led to postnatal diagnosis of megaureter were followed conservatively over a period of 18 years (1988-2006). Right ureterohydronephrosis was seen in 23 children, left in 30 and 26 had bilateral ureterohydronephrosis comprising a total of 105 renal units (RU). According to SFU (Society for Fetal Urology) classification, 8 RU were grade 1, 57 grade 2, 29 grade 3 and 11 grade 4 postnatal hydronephrosis. Mean ureteral diameter was 1.2 cm. Relative renal function was in 82 RU more than 40%, in 18 RU 30-40% and in 5 RU less than 30%. Functional deterioration of the hydronephrotic kidney of more than 5%, worsening of hydronephrosis (SFU upgrade) and a persistent obstructive curve on radionuclide scans were the main indications for surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-five (31%) children required surgical correction. Mean age at surgery was 14.3 months (range 3-60). Univariate analysis revealed that gender and side of obstruction are not significant predictive factors for surgery SFU grade 3-4 of postnatal hydronephrosis, Relative renal function less than 30% and ureteral diameter more than 1.33 cm were significant independent risk factors leading to reimplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Only 30% of children with antenatal diagnosis of megaureter required surgical correction. Renal function less than 30%, grades 3 and 4 hydronephrosis, and ureteric diameter more than 1.33 cm are statistically significant and independent predictive factors for surgery.

[Ureter triplex with non-functioning upper pole due to ectopic ureterocele and refluxive third ureter bud : case report and review of the literature]. / Ureter triplex mit afunktionellem Oberpol bei ektoper Ureterozele und refluxiver dritter Ureterknospe : Fallbericht und Literaturübersicht.

We present the case of an 8-month-old boy with ureter triplication on the left side with non-functional upper pole due to ectopic ureterocele and a refluxive third ureter bud. We performed an upper pole heminephroureterectomy with resection of the ureterocele and of the refluxive third ureter bud and reimplantation of the lower pole ureter using the psoas hitch technique.

Radiographic changes following excisional tapering and reimplantation of megaureters in childhood: long-term outcome in 46 renal units.

PURPOSE: Despite the routine use of renal ultrasonography to document progressive improvement in hydronephrosis following ureteral tailoring and reimplantation of megaureters, there have been few reports characterizing the serial radiographic changes to be expected following this procedure. We evaluated the radiographic outcomes following surgical repair of megaureters at single institution, and assessed potential preoperative factors for predicting outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent surgical correction of clinically significant megaureters at our center between 1996 and 2003. Demographic data, indications for surgery, and preoperative and postoperative radiographic imaging data were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 46 megaureters (39 patients) were tapered and reimplanted. Average patient age at surgery was 4.0 years (range 5 months to 19 years). Indications for surgery included recurrent or breakthrough urinary tract infections, decreased renal function and increased hydroureteronephrosis. Mean followup was 3.9 years (range 4 months to 7 years). Postoperative voiding studies showed vesicoureteral reflux in 3 reimplanted ureters (7%). There was no evidence of obstruction on postoperative nuclear renal scans in any patient. Renal ultrasonography revealed improvement or resolution of hydroureteronephrosis in 29 reimplanted units (63%). In general, male patients, those operated on at a younger age and those with a lower preoperative grade of hydronephrosis were most likely to demonstrate improvement or resolution of hydronephrosis. The best results were seen in ectopic megaureters, followed in decreasing order by refluxing megaureters, megaureters associated with ureteroceles and primary obstructive megaureters. CONCLUSIONS: Despite functional improvement on postoperative radiographic imaging, it is not uncommon to see persistent hydroureteronephrosis following excisional tapering and reimplantation of megaureters in childhood.

Ectopic ureterocele: long-term results of open surgical therapy in 54 patients.

PURPOSE: We assessed the long-term results of total reconstructive bladder surgery as initial treatment of ectopic ureteroceles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Long-term followup was evaluated in 54 children treated for ectopic ureteroceles with total upper and lower urinary tract reconstructive surgery between 1988 and 2003, with special focus on the primary outcome factors continence and urinary tract infections. RESULTS: Patient age at surgery was 0 to 8.8 years old (median 1.0), including 34 patients younger than 1 year. Followup was 2.3 to 15.6 years (median 9.6). Of the patients 94% became continent. During the last 2 years 17% of the patients experienced 1 or 2 uncomplicated episodes of urinary tract infection. One of the patients with incontinence received chemoprophylaxis due to frequent urinary tract infections. Secondary endoscopic procedures were necessary in 10 patients due to persistent reflux, and in 7 patients due to obstructive voiding. Reflux was present preoperatively in 33 patients, and low grade reflux was present postoperatively in 7, all of whom were treated conservatively. A total of 11 children presenting with dysfunctional voiding will be or have been trained in biofeedback. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of patients treated with total reconstructive bladder surgery become continent and do not suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms during the long term. The reoperation rate is low compared to series beginning with endoscopic surgery. Based on the results of this study, we suggest that total reconstructive upper and lower urinary tract surgery be the treatment of choice for ectopic ureteroceles.

Holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser puncture of ureteroceles in neonatal period.

OBJECTIVES: The use of the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser to incise a ureterocele in children has been reported. However, its use to puncture ureteroceles in neonates has not. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of ureterocele puncture using a holmium-YAG laser in neonatal patients. METHODS: We reviewed our experience of all neonates (ie, children younger than 28 days old) who underwent transurethral puncture of a ureterocele. The preoperative data collected included age at presentation, mode of presentation, ureterocele location, and weight and age at the procedure. A holmium:YAG laser was used to incise the ureterocele, and a 200, 365, or 550-microm laser fiber was passed through a 6F or 7.5F cystoscope. RESULTS: A total of 4 neonates (2 boys and 2 girls) underwent transurethral holmium laser puncture of five ureteroceles. All patients were initially diagnosed with prenatal ultrasound findings confirmed after birth with additional imaging. The mean age at the initial puncture was 13.8 days, with a mean patient weight of 3.9 kg. The mean follow-up was 2.8 years (range 1.7 to 3.4). Four (80%) of five ureteroceles were adequately decompressed after one attempt. One patient required a second puncture of the ureterocele at 46 days of age because of incomplete decompression. None of the patients experienced an intraoperative or postoperative complication, including new vesicoureteral reflux after laser puncture. CONCLUSIONS: Holmium:YAG laser puncture of ureterocele is a safe, efficacious, and viable option for children in the neonatal period. However, this technique in these young children requires additional evaluation.

Lower urinary tract reconstruction for duplicated renal units with ureterocele. Is excision of the ureterocele with reconstruction of the bladder base necessary?

PURPOSE: Current practice in reconstruction of the lower urinary tract for duplicated renal systems with an associated ureterocele is excision of the ureterocele with reconstruction of the bladder and a common sheath ureteroneocystostomy. For a nonfunctioning upper pole treatment is partial nephroureterectomy. We postulate that lower urinary tract reconstruction can be performed successfully through an extravesical approach without excision of the ureterocele or reconstruction of the bladder base. We present our experience with that approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1996 and 2001, 60 patients presented with the diagnosis of ureterocele and obstruction of the upper pole ureter. Partial nephrectomy was performed in 12 cases of which 4 had reflux to the lower pole moiety. Upper pole only dismembered ureteroneocystostomy was performed in 7 of 15 cases reconstructed using the extravesical approach. RESULTS: Average postoperative stay was 3.7 days. The Foley catheter was removed within 24 to 48 hours. Postoperative ultrasound showed decompression of the obstructed system and the ureterocele. Reflux was corrected in all patients. Flow rate with measurement of post-void residual 6 weeks postoperatively in toilet trained children showed complete bladder emptying. CONCLUSIONS: Lower urinary tract reconstruction for duplicated renal systems with obstruction of the upper pole can be accomplished safely with decreased morbidity through the extravesical approach without excision of the ureterocele or reconstruction of the bladder base. Moreover, in instances when there is no reflux to the lower pole moiety, upper pole only extravesical ureteroneocystostomy can be performed.

Histology of upper pole is unaffected by prenatal diagnosis in duplex system ureteroceles.

PURPOSE: We determined whether the histology of upper pole nephrectomy specimens vary with prenatal detection or ureterocele position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1992 and 2000, 95 patients with ureteroceles associated with a duplex system underwent surgical interventions, including upper pole nephrectomy in 60. A total of 55 specimens, of which 25 and 30 involved a prenatal and postnatal diagnosis, and 18 and 37 involved an intravesical and extravesical location, respectively, were available for independent review by a single pathologist. Histological lesions were classified into the 5 categories of chronic interstitial inflammation, fibrosis, tubular atrophy, glomerulosclerosis and dysplasia. Each category was divided into moderate/severe histological lesions (greater than 25% involvement) and minimal/mild lesions (25% or less involvement). RESULTS: A moderate/severe histological lesion was identified in 38 patients (69%) and a minimal/mild lesion was detected in 17 (31%), while dysplasia was present in 35 (64%). There was no significant difference in histological lesions and mode of presentation. In contrast to intravesical ureteroceles, extravesical ureteroceles were associated with severe fibrosis and tubular atrophy (p <0.05). Chronic interstitial inflammation, fibrosis, tubular atrophy and glomerulosclerosis in each specimen were graded moderate/severe (greater than 25% involved) in 55%, 67%, 66% and 53%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatally diagnosed ureteroceles were not associated with less severe upper pole histological lesions. We noted pathological differences when comparing specimens according to ureterocele position, but chronic inflammation and dysplasia were similar in intravesical and extravesical ureterocele cases. It appears that the histological lesions observed are not progressive or reversible. Therefore, the goals of clinical management should focus on providing adequate drainage, antibiotic prophylaxis coverage and followup of reflux rather than the preservation or enhancement of upper pole function.

Impact of prenatal diagnosis on the morbidity associated with ureterocele management.

PURPOSE: We postulated that prenatal detection of ureteroceles has a positive impact on the natural history and clinical outcome of ureteroceles in duplex system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1992 and 2000, 95 children underwent surgery for a ureterocele in a duplex system. We evaluated the impact of prenatal diagnosis in 40 cases versus postnatal diagnosis in 55 on morbidity, as measured by postoperative urinary tract infection and secondary procedures, while controlling for ureterocele type and the initial surgical approach. RESULTS: Mean followup in the 2 groups was 3.9 years. Preoperatively the reflux rate was 51% in the prenatal and 66% in the postnatal groups. Preoperatively urinary tract infections were less common in the prenatal group (12% versus 84%). Mean age at initial intervention in prenatally and postnatally diagnosed patients was 6 and 31 months, respectively. Postoperatively the urinary tract infection rate was double in postnatally diagnosed patients. Overall postoperatively reflux was similar in the 2 groups and grades III to V reflux with urinary tract infection accounted for 14 of the 21 secondary bladder procedures (67%). After initial endoscopic decompression none of the prenatally diagnosed patients with intravesical ureteroceles required reoperation, whereas 6 (50%) with extravesical ureteroceles required reoperation. All 10 prenatally diagnosed extravesical ureteroceles treated with partial nephrectomy were cured. Overall the secondary procedure rate in the postnatal group was higher than in the prenatal group (46% versus 20%, p = 0.02). Also, there was a difference in the reoperation rate in the endoscopic decompression group according to mode of presentation (p = 0.03) and a difference when comparing endoscopic treatment with partial nephrectomy in all patients (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal diagnosis decreases morbidity and potential adverse outcomes related to infection. Overall prenatal diagnosis is associated with a decreased rate of secondary procedures independent of the type of ureterocele. Prenatally diagnosed intravesical ureteroceles may be cured by endoscopic incision alone but for extravesical ureteroceles partial nephrectomy appears to be more definitive.

In-utero treatment of fetal bladder-outlet obstruction by a ureterocele.

Fetal bladder-outlet obstruction by ureteroceles is usually treated at birth. However, such obstruction may be detrimental to the health of the fetus and so in-utero correction is preferable. We describe the successful cytoscopy guided laser incision, with no complications, of a uterocele that was causing bladder-outlet obstruction in a fetus of 19 weeks and 6 days gestation.

Management of the neonatal ureterocele.

Ureteroceles are potentially complex anomalies that have historically been managed with open reconstructive operations. In the last decade, endoscopic management has been proposed as an initial approach in patients with ureteroceles. With antenatal diagnosis, intervention can be performed on an outpatient basis prior to the development of any infections. Recent peer-reviewed studies help to define the appropriate technique, the patient population best managed with incision, and long-term outcomes.

Unusual anatomic presentation of ectopic ureteroceles.

The authors describe four patients with unusual anatomic presentation of ectopic ureteroceles and their surgical treatment. Over a 3-year period, four cases of unusual ectopic ureteroceles were encountered. A 6-month-old girl had a complex cloacal anomaly with an ectopic ureterocele within the cloaca. A 10-year-old boy had two large diverticuli within an ectopic ureterocele combined with a blind-ending ipsilateral ureter. A 3-year-old girl had an ectopic ureterocele combined with a periureteral diverticulum and a completely duplicated ipsilateral kidney. A 4-year-old girl was found to have a vaginal ectopic ureterocele. Despite thorough radiological investigation in all patients, a correct assessment of the anatomic defect was achieved only by surgical exploration or endoscopic evaluation. If preoperative radiological evaluation is equivocal, a high index of suspicion and intraoperative recognition of an unusual anatomic presentation of the ectopic ureterocele are essential for appropriate management and a successful outcome.

Sonographic appearance of the bladder after endoscopic incision of ureteroceles.

OBJECTIVE: Our intent was to describe the range of postoperative sonographic appearances of the bladder after endoscopic incision of ureteroceles. CONCLUSION: Preoperative and postoperative sonographic examinations of the bladder were reviewed in 14 patients (15 ureteroceles) who underwent endoscopic ureterocele incision. Five different appearances of the ureterovesical junction after endoscopic incision were found: a pseudomass (5/15), focal mucosal thickening (3/15), residual ureterocele with decrease in size (3/15), persistent unchanged ureterocele (1/15), and no residual abnormality (3/15). The most common postoperative sonographic appearance associated with development of vesicoureteral reflux was a mucosal pseudomass (4/6). The other bladder sonographic appearances had no correlation with development of reflux, degree of hydronephrosis, or success of the surgery.

Transurethral puncture of ureterocele associated with single collecting system in neonates.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: It is believed by some investigators that transurethral puncture (TUP) of single-system intravesical ureterocele (SSU) is the treatment of choice in totally asymptomatic patients who receive this diagnosis in utero, but its success depends on the incision technique and type of the uroterocele incised. METHODS: Experience with 20 SSU in 17 asymptomatic newborns detected by prenatal ultrasound scan is reviewed. TUP of the SSU was performed as treatment of choice in 12 (60%) renal units (RU). RESULTS: Decompression of the ureterocele was achieved in 100% of cases, and a vesicoureteral reflux was created in three (25%) RU. Surgery was performed in only 30% of patients who underwent TUP of the ureterocele. Our experience confirms that short (2 to 3 mm) TUP achieves decompression of the affected renal unit and that this procedure can be performed in neonates as outpatient procedure. In addition, it is often the only procedure to perform. CONCLUSION: The authors believe that TUP should be considered the treatment of choice in the management of single-system ureteroceles.

Treatment of the neonatal and infant megaureter in reflux, obstruction and complex congenital anomalies.

Controversy exists about the timing of surgery in neonates and infants with congenital anomalies such as refluxing and/or obstructing megaureters and ectopic ureteroceles. Discussion acuminates to the fact whether or not early reconstruction causes irreversible damage to the urodynamic properties of the bladder. Between 1986 and 1992, 49 neonates and infants with obstructing or refluxing megaureters and 23 neonates and infants with ectopic ureteroceles have been operated in our hospital with a mean follow-up of 7.3 years. Reimplant surgery consisted of a modified Politano Leadbetter procedure, ureterocele surgery consisted of complete excision of the ureterocele, including the urethral part, with reconstruction of the urethra, bladder neck and bladder base combined with ureteral reimplants. Urodynamically no unexpected changes or deteriorisation have been seen in any of the patients. Bladder capacity for age, especially in the reflux group, averages 200%. Two of the ureterocele patients needed clean intermittent catheterisation for several years. Results of reflux cure in megaureter surgery were disappointing in ureters with a flat diameter between 6 and 9 mm's that were not recalibrated leading to the conclusion that in young children recalibration of the distal ureter should be done from 6 mm's upwards. No post-operative ureteral obstruction was observed in any of the cases. The conclusion is that early major reconstructions of the lower urinary tract causes no specific harm to the urodynamic properties of the bladder and pelvic floor, provided that the surgery is performed by specialised pediatric urological surgeons. The reported urodynamic problems in this patient group are probably related to lack of experience to deal with dysfunctional voiding habits that are quite common in these children, also after successful surgery. These micturation problems are not related to the surgical procedures, they are the result of pre-existing urodynamic changes of bladder function in these children.

Endoscopic management of ureteroceles in children.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of ureteroceles in children varies according to the anatomicopathological form and the choice of the surgical team. This study tries to determine the exact value of the endoscopic management of ureteroceles in children. METHODS: Between 1987 and 1993, 11 ureteroceles in 10 children were treated by endoscopic incision: 7 intravesical ureteroceles (4 single system and 3 duplex system) and 4 duplex-system ectopic ureteroceles. The procedure consists of a tiny transversal incision at the lower and median aspects of the ureterocele. RESULTS: The dilation of the upper urinary tract disappeared or decreased in all cases of intravesical ureteroceles and in half the cases of ectopic ureteroceles. Endoscopic incision of the ureterocele led to a vesicoureteral reflux in the associated ureter in 6 cases: 54.5% (43% of the intravesical ureteroceles, 75% of the ectopic ureteroceles). Following endoscopic treatment, no further surgery was required in 5 of the 7 cases with intravesical ureteroceles (71.5%), while every case of ectopic ureterocele needed a further operation (lower tract surgery in 3 cases, upper tract surgery in 1 case). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic incision of ureteroceles is a simple and quick procedure which allows obstruction to be removed and the dilation of the upper urinary tract and its corresponding kidney function to be improved, particularly in the neonate. The endoscopic management of ureteroceles may in itself suffice, without necessity of further surgery. These favorable results can more readily be seen in cases of intravesical ureterocele than in those of ectopic ureterocele.