Does preoperative screening VCUG affect the outcomes and complications of pyeloplasty in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction?

INTRODUCTION: The role of voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) in evaluating vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in patients with known ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) remains unclear. While VCUG is frequently performed, the incidence of concomitant VUR and UPJO is low, and VUR is often low-grade with high rates of spontaneous regression. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical relevance of VCUG in patients with UPJO by determining its incidence and studying the difference in clinical outcomes between patients with known, unknown, and negative VUR. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients with UPJO who underwent pyeloplasty from 2012 to 2020 with <18 years-old, unilateral UPJO, postoperative follow-up of ≥2 months and had at least 1 renal ultrasound (US) after pyeloplasty. Results were compared among 3 groups: patients who underwent VCUG before pyeloplasty and were found to have VUR (group 1), patients who underwent VCUG before pyeloplasty without VUR (group 2), and patients who did not have a VCUG before pyeloplasty (group 3). RESULTS: A total of 275 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 21 patients were classified in group 1, 166 patients in group 2, and 88 patients in group 3 (Table). The age at preoperative VCUG was 14.7 ± 32.9 months in group 1 and 15.17 ± 35.8 months in group 2 (p = 0.960). Overall, the incidence of concomitant UPJO and VUR was 11.2%. In group 1 the initial VUR grade was 5 in 2 patients, 4 in 3, 3 in 5, 2 in 7, and 1 in 4 patients. Of these, only 1 patient required ureteral reimplantation after pyeloplasty. Post-pyeloplasty, no significant differences were observed in complications (p = 0.7436), length of follow up (p = 0.3212), SFU grade 4 hydronephrosis (p = 0.2247), postoperative UTIs (p = 0.1047) and pyeloplasty success rate (p = 0.4206) among the 3 groups. Despite the use of antibiotic prophylaxis being significantly different amongst the three groups (p < 0.001), it was not associated with a lower incidence of postoperative UTIs (group 1 p = 0.068, group 2 p = 0.486, group 3 p = 1). In patients with reflux, an increase in age was associated with a decrease in the rates of complications (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: We found no significant difference in the outcomes in patients who had a preoperative VCUG as compared to those who did not. The preoperative diagnosis of VUR by VCUG changed the management in less than 1% of the study population and thus its role in patients with UPJO should be reevaluated.

Long-Term Bowel Vaginoplasty With a Single Yang-Monti Tube.

INTRODUCTION: The bowel remains the favored tissue for neo-vaginoplasty (NeoVP) in pediatric patients with vaginal agenesis. In 2001, the first description of NeoVP using the Yang-Monti technique with a sigmoid double tubular flap was published. We present our experience of NeoVP with a single Yang-Monti tube (SYMT) flap and report on the use of different segments of colon. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent NeoVP using a bowel SYMT between 2009 and 2021. The procedure was performed under open abdominal surgery by isolating 8 to 12 cm from the rectosigmoid, cecum, or ascending colon. Subsequently, this segment was detubularized near the mesenteric border, folded, and retubularized transversally, leaving the mesentery in a cephalic position. A channel was dissected in the pelvis to accommodate the NeoVP. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were identified. The median age was 16 years old. The principal diagnosis was Mayer-Rokitansky's syndrome (47.1%). The median follow-up was 50 months. The mean harvested bowel length was 9 cm, and the sigmoid was the preferred site (65%). The cecum-ascending colon was used in 3 (17.6%) patients. Complications were recorded in 6 patients (35%). Of these 6 patients, 4 had introital stenosis. There was 1 case of urethrovaginal fistula and another of left hematometrocolpos. Satisfactory sexual function has been reported in sexually active individuals. CONCLUSIONS: We described our experience in NeoVP using a large bowel SYMT as a safe and effective technique. It allows decreased tension on the vascular pedicle and the use of shorter colon segments.

Multicenter comparative study of open, laparoscopic, and robotic pyeloplasty in the pediatric population for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Dismembered open pyeloplasty described by Anderson and Hynes is the "gold standard" for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The aim of our study was to compare the results of open (OP) vs laparoscopic (LP) vs robotic (RALP) pyeloplasty. Material and Methods: A multicenter prospective review was conducted of pyeloplasty surgeries performed at five high-volume centers between 2014 and 2018. Demographic data, history of prenatal hydronephrosis, access type, MAG3 renogram and differential renal function, surgery time, length of hospital stay, and complication rate (Clavien-Dindo) were recorded. Access type was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, or Fisher's exact tests. Results: A total of 322 patients were included: 62 OP, 86 LP, and 174 RALP. The mean age was 8.13 (r: 1-16) years, with a statistically significant lower age (mean 5 years) in OP (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the distribution of the side affected. Operative time was 110.5 min for OP, 140 min for LP, and 179 min for RALP (p < 0.0001). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RALP group than in the other groups (p < 0.0001). There were no differences in postoperative complications and reoperations between the three groups. Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery for the management of UPJO in children is gaining more acceptance, even in patients younger than 1-year-old. Operative time continues to be significantly shorter in OP than in LP and RALP. Hospital stay was shorter in RALP compared to the other techniques. No differences were found in complication rates, type of complications, and reoperation rate.

Multicenter comparative study of open, laparoscopic, and robotic pyeloplasty in the pediatric population for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).

INTRODUCTION: Dismembered open pyeloplasty described by Anderson and Hynes is the "gold standard" for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The aim of our study was to compare the results of open (OP) vs laparoscopic (LP) vs robotic (RALP) pyeloplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicenter prospective review was conducted of pyeloplasty surgeries performed at five high-volume centers between 2014 and 2018. Demographic data, history of prenatal hydronephrosis, access type, MAG3 renogram and differential renal function, surgery time, length of hospital stay, and complication rate (Clavien-Dindo) were recorded. Access type was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, or Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: A total of 322 patients were included: 62 OP, 86 LP, and 174 RALP. The mean age was 8.13 (r: 1-16) years, with a statistically significant lower age (mean 5 years) in OP (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the distribution of the side affected. Operative time was 110.5 min for OP, 140 min for LP, and 179 min for RALP (p < 0.0001). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RALP group than in the other groups (p < 0.0001). There were no differences in postoperative complications and reoperations between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgery for the management of UPJO in children is gaining more acceptance, even in patients younger than 1-year-old. Operative time continues to be significantly shorter in OP than in LP and RALP. Hospital stay was shorter in RALP compared to the other techniques. No differences were found in complication rates, type of complications, and reoperation rate.

Ultrasonographic stabilization of hydronephrosis after pyeloplasty: Key determinant of postoperative follow-up?

INTRODUCTION: Although more than 1500 pediatric pyeloplasties are performed in the United States per year, there is a lack of consensus on the adequate imaging modality and timing of follow-up after surgery. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate if ultrasonographic stabilization in the grade of hydronephrosis after pyeloplasty is an adequate parameter to define the optimal length of follow-up after surgery and to detect failed procedures. Secondarily, we want to analyze clinical variables that could impact ultrasonographic stabilization. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent pyeloplasty between 2012 and 2020. Patients were included if they were ≤21 years-old at the time of surgery, had pre and postoperative renal-ultrasounds, had ≥3 months of postoperative follow-up, and had met the criteria for ultrasonographic stabilization after surgery. Ultrasonographic stabilization was defined as 2 consecutive ultrasounds after pyeloplasty, a minimum of 1-month apart, with the same degree of hydronephrosis according to the Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) grading system. Data concerning clinical, surgical, and postoperative variables were collected. RESULTS: A total of 143 pyeloplasties met the inclusion criteria. Median age at surgery was 10.5 months with a median post-operative follow-up time of 29 months. Ultrasonographic stabilization was achieved in a mean time of 14.5 months post-operatively. Compared to the preoperative US SFU grade, at ultrasonographic stabilization 127 (88.9%) patients had an improvement of ≥1 grades of hydronephrosis. There were 9 pyeloplasty failures that were diagnosed and surgically corrected in a median of 7.5 months after the initial surgery. No clinical or surgical variables were associated with time to achieve ultrasonographic stabilization. DISCUSSION: There is great variability in the length of follow-up after pyeloplasty, ranging from 3-months to 7-years. In our cohort, the bast majority of patients had achieved ultrasonographic stabilization and displayed improvement in their initial grade of hydronephrosis by 14.5 months after surgery. Timeframe in which surgical failures were diagnosed and corrected. There were not clinical or surgical variables associated to time to achieve stabilization. Similar results have been reported in the literature; however, most of them have evaluated as their main outcome resolution and not stabilization of hydronephrosis. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographic stabilization is a suitable and non-invasive parameter for determining the length of follow-up after unilateral pyeloplasty, as it is an adequate timeframe for identifying failed pyeloplasties, observing improvement or stabilization of hydronephrosis, and performing any additional procedure required after the primary repair.

Simultaneous placement of fecal and urinary continent channel stomas in the umbilicus: Single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with urinary continent channel (UCC) and Malone Antegrade Continent Enema (MACE) procedures, two separate abdominal stomas are needed. The umbilicus is a preferred site for single channel stomas given the ability to conceal the stoma. However, there are no studies describing outcomes of both stomas being created in the umbilicus. We aimed to describe our experience in patients who underwent UCC and MACE stomas both placed in the umbilicus. METHODS: A retrospective review from 2009 to 2020 was performed in our institution for patients who underwent the creation of UCC and MACE stomas simultaneously in the umbilicus. The variation in the technique involves two V-skin shaped flaps in the umbilicus; the MACE and UCC stomas are delivered from both flaps and placed at the right and left side respectively. Patients with greater than 3 months of follow-up were included in the study. RESULTS: There were 17 patients identified with the median age of 13.5 years and a median follow-up of 32.8 months. The mean BMI percentile was 89.5%. Monti technique and split appendix with cecal extension were utilized in 8 (47.1%) and 7 (41.2%) patients respectively and 13 (76.5%) patients required concurrent urological procedures. All channel-related complications occurred within a mean time of 15.7 months. Skin-level stenosis in the MACE occurred in 5 (29.4%) events, and all were successfully managed by placing an indwelling catheter for up to two weeks. There were 2 (11.8%) complications related to UCC, which required subfascial minor surgical revision. The rate of patients with symptomatic UTI decreased 35.3% postoperatively, and no new onset of UTI occurred in patients without a prior history of UTI. During follow-up, all patients remained dry between CIC, however one had occasional leakage related to delay in catheterization. Total fecal continence was achieved in 14 (82.3%) patients. Additionally, 3 (16.6%) patients experienced improvement in fecal continence with sporadic soiling episodes. COMMENTS: Placement of UCC and MACE stomas in the umbilicus demonstrate a percentage of complication of 7/34 (20.6%) with only 2 patients requiring surgical intervention, comparable to the standard. UTI rate decreased in patients with a prior history of UTI. We believe the patients' perspective and degree of satisfaction will fully determine the benefits of this technique. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous UCC and MACE stomas placed at the umbilicus showed good functional outcomes and similar complication rates to traditional approach where stomas were placed separately in the abdominal wall.

Totally robotic intracorporeal Monti-Yang continent ileovesicostomy in patient with previous robotic surgery-Technique description.

We present a video case report of a pediatric patient with previous robotic abdominal surgery who underwent robotic assisted Monti-Yang continent ileovesicostomy. This 10-year-old female had a history of spina bifida, with previous myelomeningocele repair and ventriculoperitoneal shunt as an infant and robotic-assisted Malone procedure and artificial urethral sphincter placed 4 years ago. After undergoing bilateral hip surgery, she presented with difficult urethral catheterization due to reduced leg mobility. A Monti-Yang ileovesicostomy procedure was planned. A 5 mm laparoscopic port placed through the umbilicus followed by four additional DaVinci XI working ports. Twenty centimeters proximal the ileocecal valve, a 3 cm segment of ileum was dissected, then transected, detubularized, and retubularized around a 10 Fr catheter. This conduit was reimplanted to the anterior bladder wall. The other edge was fixed to the umbilicus. A 10 Fr Foley catheter was left clamped in the conduit, and a urethral Foley was left to gravity. Total operative time was 3 h 56 min. The patient did well post-operatively. She was discharged home on POD 6. Starting three weeks after surgery, the patient began catheterizing through the umbilical stoma. At 3 month follow-up, the patient catheterizes through her stoma every 3 h without leakage between catheterizations.

Predictive factors for early discharge (≤24 hours) and re-admission following robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive pyeloplasty (MIP) for correction of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children has significantly improved the postoperative management of these patients. In this study, we sought to examine the factors associated with early discharge (≤24 hours) in children who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP). METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all children who underwent RALP from 2012-2018 in our center. Descriptive statistics and a non-adjusted risk analysis were performed to evaluate the factors associated with early discharge (≤24h), re-admission, and complications within the first 30 days after the procedure. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients out of 124 total pyeloplasties (72%) stayed ≤24 hours post-surgery. Of the variables analyzed, later cases were statistically associated with length of stay (LOS); the first 55 patients had a lower probability of being hospitalized for ≤24 hours (odds ratio [OR] 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09-0.64, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: RALP for children is associated with a high rate of early recovery, short hospital stay, and low re-admission and complication rates. Although not statistically significant, patients with shorter operative room time also had a shorter LOS. An increased LOS was observed in the initial patients of our series, and this is most likely explained by the initial learning curve of the team for the procedure itself and the more conservative postoperative management.

The pediatric patient and future fertility: optimizing long-term male reproductive health outcomes.

Globally, male factor infertility accounts for 20%-70% of couples struggling to conceive. Certain male pediatric developmental conditions, such as cryptorchidism, hypospadias, testicular and other childhood cancers, infections, and pediatric varicocele have been associated with future infertility. Early fertility preservation, especially in those with pending chemotherapy or genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome, should be strongly considered in patients expected to experience testicular loss. Although optimal treatment timing may be unknown owing to a paucity of long-term prospective studies, early diagnosis and targeted treatment may optimize fertility potential in adulthood.

Voiding Cystourethrogram in Children With Unilateral Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney: Is It Still necessary?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of the voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) in children with multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) who have a normal versus abnormal contralateral kidney and bladder ultrasound (US), and assess the risk of having vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) or urinary tract infection (UTI) based on the US results. METHODS: A retrospective chart review including children with unilateral MCDK with postnatal US and VCUG available at our institution between January 2008 and September 2017 was performed. Analysis was done to find association between abnormal contralateral US and contralateral VUR and UTI. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-six children were analyzed; 118(75.6%) patients had a normal contralateral kidney US, while 38(24.4%) had abnormal US. The rate of severe contralateral VUR (grade IV and V) was 2 (1.7%) and 5 (13.2%) in children with normal and abnormal contralateral US, respectively. The risk analysis demonstrated a significant association between severe VUR on the contralateral kidney and an abnormal contralateral US (odds ratio = 7.73; 95%CI: 1.43-41.81; P = 0.018) and no significant association with UTI (odds ratio = 1.58; 95%CI: 0.50-4.94; P = 0.435). CONCLUSION: Our data suggests, the rate of severe contralateral VUR in children with unilateral MCDK and normal contralateral kidney is low. VCUG should be considered for infants with proven MCKD and alterations on the contralateral kidney on US. Following patients with MCDK and normal contralateral kidney without the use of VCUG is a reasonable approach, unless there is development of signs and symptoms of recurrent UTI or deterioration of the renal function. We found that abnormal contralateral kidney US was associated with severe VUR.

Robotic Management of Urolithiasis in the Pediatric Population.

A variety of surgical techniques exist for the management of urolithiasis. Minimally invasive techniques have replaced open surgery in the last few decades. For complex stone management, robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) has emerged as a safe and feasible alternative in adults. The literature for RALS for urolithiasis (RALS-UL) in the pediatric population is scarce. Herein, we present a review of the literature in both adult and pediatric patients as well as our experience using RALS-UL at our institutions. Special attention is given to the synchronous management of urolithiasis when surgery is performed for other conditions such as ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), and a supplemental video is provided.

Risk Assessment of Severe Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT): A Birth Cohort.

Recent advances in the early diagnosis of fetal CAKUT with an increase in fetal surgical interventions have led to a growing number of neonatal survivors born with severe renal dysfunction. This, in turn, has required the development of multi-disciplinary treatment paradigms in the individualized management of these infants with advanced stage kidney disease from birth. Early multi-modal management includes neonatal surgical interventions directed toward establishing adequate urine flow, respiratory support with the assessment of pulmonary hypoplasia, and establishing metabolic control to avoid the need for dialysis intervention. The development of specialized imaging to assess for residual renal mass with non-invasive 3-dimensional techniques are rapidly evolving. The use of non-radioactive imaging offers improved safety and allows for early prognostic-based planning including anticipatory guidance for progression to end stage renal disease (ESRD). The trajectory of kidney function during the neonatal period as determined by peak and nadir serum creatinine (SCr) and cystatin C (CysC) during the first months of life provides a guide toward individualized prospective management. This is a single center experience based on a birth cohort of 42 subjects followed prospectively from birth for an average of 6.1 ± 2.8 years at the University of Miami/Holtz Children's Hospital during the past decade. There was an 8:1 male: female ratio. The birth cohort was divided into 3 subgroups according to CKD Stages at the current age: CKD 1-2 (Group 1) (eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) (N = 15), CKD stage 3-5 (Group 2) (eGFR ≤ 59 ml/min/1.73 m2) (N = 12), and ESRD-Dialysis and/or Transplantation (Group 3) (N = 15). A neonatal CysC >3.0 mg/L predicted progression to ESRD while a nadir SCr >0.6 mg/dL predicted progression to CKD 3-5 with the highest specificity and sensitivity by ROC-AUC analysis (P < 0.0001). Medical management was directed toward nutritional support with novel formula designs, early introduction of growth hormone and strict control of mineral bone disorder. One of the central aspects of the management was to avoid dialysis for as long as feasible with a primary goal toward pre-emptive transplantation.

The urological management of children with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: The urologic management of children with spinal cord injury (SCI) differs from that of the adult insofar as the care involves a developing organ system and will be ongoing for years. Preservation of renal function as well as prevention of urinary tract infection in concert with both bladder and bowel continence are the essential guiding principles. METHODS: This is a non-systematic review of the literature and represents expert opinion where data are non-existent. This review focuses on special considerations in children with spinal cord injuries. RESULTS: SCI in children is less frequent than in adults and affects mainly older children and teenagers. The etiology of SCI in children is usually motor vehicle accidents. The cervical spine is often injured. The urologic evaluation is similar to that for adults but may involve more frequent radiologic and urodynamic assessment to monitor renal function as the child grows. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment may be divided into medical vs. surgical and mirrors the approach to children who have a neurogenic bladder due to spina bifida. Bladder management should be associated with bowel management to achieve the goals of continence and social acceptability.

Prenatal renal parenchymal area as a predictor of early end-stage renal disease in children with vesicoamniotic shunting for lower urinary tract obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Vesicoamniotic shunting (VAS) and other bladder drainage techniques for fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) have been proven to ameliorate pulmonary hypoplasia and increase survival in patients with an initial poor prognosis. Currently there are limited prognostic tools available during gestation to evaluate and predict postnatal renal function. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to describe the prenatal growth of the renal parenchymal area (RPA) in patients with LUTO and determine its application as a predictor of renal function at one year of life. STUDY DESIGN: The study population comprised a retrospective cohort of all infants who survived the fetal VAS to birth. Renal growth and size were measured using imageJ software to calculate the RPA in sequential prenatal ultrasounds. The parenchymal area was measured from the image of each kidney with the greatest longitudinal length. These measurements were further correlated and analyzed as a predictor of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) within the first year of life. RESULTS: Etiologies of LUTO in the 15 male fetuses included eight posterior urethral valves, four Eagle-Barrett/prune belly syndrome, two urethral atresia, and one megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome. All patients had patent shunts, in place, at birth. Furthermore, ultrasonographic parameters such as oligohydramnios, keyhole sign, and bladder wall thickness showed no statistical difference between groups. Renal parenchymal growth correlated with postnatal renal function in both the ESRD (r = 0.409, p = 0.018) and the non-ESRD (r = 0.657, p < 0.001) groups. Most notably, RPA during the 3rd trimester predicted ESRD with the best cut-off point determined to be 8 cm2 (sensitivity, 0.714; specificity, 0.882; and positive likelihood ratio, 6.071) (Table). DISCUSSION: Despite definitive VAS for LUTO, postnatal morbidity and mortality remain high, emphasizing the role of renal dysplasia in postnatal renal failure, in spite of urinary diversion. Renal growth statistically differs between groups in the 3rd trimester of gestation; RPA development appears stagnant in patients that developed ESRD within the first year of life. In contrast, patients that did not develop ESRD continued to have renal parenchymal growth in a linear fashion. This suggests that prenatal RPA may be predictive of postnatal ESRD. CONCLUSIONS: RPA measurement during the prenatal period could play an important role as a non-invasive tool to predict postnatal renal function and to anticipate postnatal clinical interventions.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic artificial urinary sphincter and MACE procedure on a pediatric patient.

OBJECTIVE: To describe robotic-assisted laparoscopic artificial urinary sphincter (RAL-AUS) placement and a Malone antegrade continent enema (MACE) procedure on a 6-year-old girl. PATIENTS AND RESULTS: Our patient is a 6-year-old girl with myelomeningocele. She was totally incontinent of urine and chronic constipated despite aggressive bowel regimen. Preoperative workup included renal and bladder ultrasound showing normal findings. Video-urodynamics was also obtained showing low leak point pressure (25 cm H2O) with no reflux. RAL-AUS was performed totally intra-corporally with no complications. The total operative time was 5 h 42 min. Estimated blood loss was minimal. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4 with the AUS deactivated. Follow-up cystoscopy and activation of the AUS was done 6 weeks later. At 3-month follow-up, the patient was fully recovered and remained completely dry between voids. Also her bowel movements improved significantly with the MACE. Both patient and family appeared comfortable in using the AUS. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first case described of RAL-AUS placement in the pediatric population. We believe this can be safely accomplished with good outcomes. The robotic approach provides an advantage in performing deep pelvic surgeries and facilitates concomitant intra-abdominal procedures.

Staged Fowler-Stephens and Single-stage Laparoscopic Orchiopexy for Intra-abdominal Testes: Is There a Difference? A Single Institution Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To compare single-stage laparoscopic orchiopexy (SSLO) and staged Fowler-Stephens (SFS) procedures in the management of intra-abdominal undescended testes, and to analyze postoperative atrophy and malpositioning as end points. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified laparoscopic orchiopexy patients with intra-abdominal testes between November 2006 and November 2014. Of 167 patients who had laparoscopic orchiopexy, 73 (85 testes) were identified as having laparoscopic orchiopexy. Baseline characteristics, as well as testicular scrotal position and size at follow-up, were recorded. Regression analysis was performed to compare outcomes between patients who underwent SFS and SSLO. RESULTS: Of the 85 laparoscopic orchiopexies, 35 underwent SFS and 50 had SSLO. Patient demographics were comparable in both groups. The median age at surgery was 12 months (5-151 months), and the average follow-up was 17.3 months. On follow-up, there were 0 recorded cases of SFS patients with abnormally positioned testes postoperatively, whereas there were 10 (20.0%) SSLO patients who had abnormally positioned testes (odds ratio: 0.05, 95% confidence interval: 0.01-0.44). Differences in atrophy rates were not significant. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that there may be no difference between the 2 approaches in terms of postoperative atrophy. However, the SFS appears to be more successful in securing a favorable scrotal position. Atrophy does not seem to be associated with other patient factors. Prospective, randomized studies are indicated to further explore outcome differences between the 2 approaches.

Testicular Mass in Late Adolescence: Not Always Malignant.

We present a rare case of cystic dysplasia of the testes in an adolescent boy who presented with testicular pain and found to have a palpable intratesticular mass. Ultrasound revealed an avascular cystic dilation of the testicle. Usually, a palpable intratesticular mass is malignant unless proven otherwise. However, on computed tomography scan, he was found to have agenesis of the ipsilateral kidney and dilation of the ipsilateral seminal vesicle. These findings were consistent with a congenital abnormality, suggesting that the testicular finding was likely cystic dysplasia of the testes, with low malignant potential. Thus, the patient did not undergo radical orchiectomy.

Laparoscopy and transseptal orchiopexy in the management of transverse testicular ectopia.

Transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) is a rare congenital anomaly in which both testes descend through the same inguinal canal. The most frequent clinical presentation is undescended testis (UDT) with ipsilateral inguinal hernia and contralateral non-palpable testis. This condition is often diagnosed during surgery and is frequently associated with other anomalies. There is controversy in the surgical management of TTE. Considerations for TTE repair include avoiding damage to the testes or vas deferens and detection of other congenital anomalies. Frequently, the vas deferens and testicular tissues are joined, and dissection of these structures can cause damage. In this article, we report four patients with TTE, describe the surgical approach made in each case, and provide a review of the literature.