Novel minimally invasive abdominoplasty for selected cases of prune belly syndrome: Step-by-step technique description and clinical indications.

BACKGROUND: Prune belly syndrome (PBS) is characterized by the triad of abdominal flaccidity, bilateral undescended testicles and genitourinary tract anomalies. A variable spectrum of abdominal wall laxity is observed in PBS. We present the first case of a novel technique using a minimally invasive abdominoplasty to specifically address patients with localized abdominal wall weakness in PBS. CASE PRESENTATION: A two-years-old child with PBS presented with recurrent febrile urinary tract infections. Ultrasonography demonstrated a dysplastic right kidney associated with significant ipsilateral ureterohydronephrosis. Voiding urethrocystogram did not show vesicoureteral reflux and DMSA scan depicted a non-functioning right kidney. During laparoscopic right nephroureterectomy and first stage Fowler-Stephens bilateral orchiopexies, a significant right-sided lateral abdominal wall bulging was observed. A minimally invasive laparoscopic abdominoplasty was performed with a one-way running suture using an unabsorbable 2.0 prolene approximating the edges of the musculofascial defect. While undergoing the second-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy, no bulging was observed. CONCLUSION: A minimally invasive abdominoplasty to improve abdominal wall lateral bulging in PBS was feasible and presented good cosmetic result. We anticipate that this technique can be applied for children with PBS with primary lateral abdominal wall bulging, employing one or more suture lines depending on the fascial defect size.

Evaluating TIMP-2 and IGFBP-7 as a predictive tool for kidney injury in ureteropelvic junction obstruction

ABSTRACT A major challenge in the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the selection of patients who would benefit from surgical treatment. Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) indicate renal cell stress and are associated with cell cycle arrest. The [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] ratio (Nephrocheck®) has been recently applied in patients in intensive care units patients to predict the development of acute kidney injury. In this study, we evaluated the performance of these biomarkers performance to distinguishing obstructive hydronephrosis (HN) from non-obstructive HN. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with UPJO were enrolled in this study. Urinary [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] and clinical characteristics (hydronephrosis grade, differential renal function, and drainage half-time) were measured in the following groups: 26 children with obstructive HN at initial diagnosis (group 1A) and after six months of dismembered pyeloplasty (group 1B); 22 children with non-obstructive HN (group 2), and 26 children without any urinary tract condition, as the control group (group 3). Results: Comparing the initial samples, [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] had higher levels in the HN groups and lower levels in the control group; however, no difference was observed between the HN groups (obstructive vs. non-obstructive). After six months of follow-up, patients who underwent dismembered pyeloplasty showed stability in the urinary concentration of [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7]. All patients with [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] higher than 1.0 (ng/mL)2/1000 had diffuse cortical atrophy on ultrasonography. Conclusions: We showed that urinary levels of urinary [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] are higher in children with HN than controls. Nephrocheck® is not reliable in predicting the need for surgical intervention for pediatric patients with UPJO.

Use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in pediatrics / Utilização da ultrassonografia com contraste de microbolhas na pediatria

Abstract Although contrast-enhanced ultrasound has been shown to provide considerable benefits, particularly in pediatric patients, it is still used relatively rarely in Brazil. It has proven to be a safe technique, and adverse effects are rare. In this review, we address the technique and main applications of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the pediatric population, including the evaluation of focal liver lesions, abdominal trauma, kidney grafts, liver grafts, bowel loops, and vesicoureteral reflux. It is important for pediatric radiologists to be acquainted with this promising tool, understanding its applications and limitations.

Resumo A ultrassonografia com contraste de microbolhas é um método ainda pouco utilizado no Brasil, mas que tem grandes vantagens, ainda mais na faixa pediátrica, como ausência de radiação e dispensa de sedação/anestesia. O contraste de microbolhas tem se mostrado bastante seguro e com raríssimas reações adversas graves. Apresentaremos nesta revisão a técnica para o uso desse contraste na ultrassonografia, bem como as principais aplicações na faixa pediátrica, como avaliação das lesões hepáticas focais, do trauma abdominal, do enxerto hepático e renal nos transplantes, das alças intestinais e da pesquisa de refluxo vesicoureteral. É importante que radiologistas que exerçam funções em centros pediátricos conheçam essa ferramenta promissora.

Can extended upper pole ureterectomy prevent ureteral stump syndrome after proximal approach for duplex kidneys?

ABSTRACT Introduction: Symptomatic duplex kidneys usually present with recurrent urinary tract infection due to ureteral obstruction (megaureter, ureterocele or ectopic ureter) and/or vesicoureteral reflux. Upper-pole nephrectomy is a widely accepted procedure to correct symptomatic duplex systems with poor functioning moieties, also known as upper or proximal approach. The distal ureteral stump syndrome (DUSS) can be a late complication of this approach. There is no consensus upon the length of ureteral dissection and the better approach to symptomatic disease in duplex systems, so we aim to identify if extended ureteral dissection can prevent DUSS in top-down approach. Materials and Methods: Forty-four consecutive patients with symptomatic duplex system were retrospectively classified into two groups: those with limited ureteral excision after heminephrectomy (HN) (group-1) and those with extended ureterectomy after HN (group-2). Patients were followed-up for at least 36 months regarding outcomes of distal ureteral stump. Results: Overall complication was 20%. A total of 8 patients required unplanned further surgery in Group-1 (30%) whereas only 1 patient required unplanned surgery in group 2 (6%) (p=0.07). Subgroup analysis showed that Group-1 presented more DUSS requiring surgery during follow-up than group-2 (p=0.04). Factors possibly affecting complications incidence (such as ureterocele or ectopic ureter) did not differ between groups (p=0.72 and p=0.78). Conclusion: Upper pole nephrectomy should be performed with extended distal ureteral dissection to prevent ureteral stump complications.

Patients with encrusted ureteral stents can be treated by a single session combined endourological approach

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe our experience in the management of retained encrusted ureteral stents using a single session combined endourological approach. Materials and Methods: Patients with retained encrusted ureteral stents who had been submitted to a single session combined endourological approach from June 2010 to June 2018 were prospectively evaluated. Patients were divided according to the Forgotten-Encrusted-Calcified (FECal) classification. The stone burden, surgical intervention, number of interventions until stone free status, operation time, hospital stay, complications, stone analysis, and stone-free rate were compared between groups. ANOVA was used to compare numerical variables, and the Mann-Whitney or Chi-square test to compare categorical variables between groups. Results: We evaluated 50 patients with a mean follow-up of 2.9±1.4 years (mean±SD). The groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, laterality, BMI, comorbidities, ASA, reason for stent passage, and indwelling time. The stone burden was higher for grades IV and V (p=0.027). Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was the most common procedure (p=0.004) for grades IV and V. The number of procedures until the patients were stone-free was 1.92±1.40, and the hospital stay (4.2±2.5 days), complications (22%), and stone analysis (66% calcium oxalate) were similar between groups. The stone-free rate was lower in grades III to V (60%, 54.5%, and 50%). Conclusions: The endoscopic combined approach in the supine position is a safe and feasible technique that allows removal of retained and encrusted stents in a single procedure. The FECal classification seems to be useful for surgical planning.

Can extended upper pole ureterectomy prevent ureteral stump syndrome after proximal approach for duplex kidneys?

INTRODUCTION: Symptomatic duplex kidneys usually present with recurrent urinary tract infection due to ureteral obstruction (megaureter, ureterocele or ectopic ureter) and/or vesicoureteral reflux. Upper-pole nephrectomy is a widely accepted procedure to correct symptomatic duplex systems with poor functioning moieties, also known as upper or proximal approach. The distal ureteral stump syndrome (DUSS) can be a late complication of this approach. There is no consensus upon the length of ureteral dissection and the better approach to symptomatic disease in duplex systems, so we aim to identify if extended ureteral dissection can prevent DUSS in top-down approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four consecutive patients with symptomatic duplex system were retrospectively classified into two groups: those with limited ureteral excision after heminephrectomy (HN) (group-1) and those with extended ureterectomy after HN (group-2). Patients were followed-up for at least 36 months regarding outcomes of distal ureteral stump. RESULTS: Overall complication was 20%. A total of 8 patients required unplanned further surgery in Group-1 (30%) whereas only 1 patient required unplanned surgery in group 2 (6%) (p=0.07). Subgroup analysis showed that Group-1 presented more DUSS requiring surgery during follow-up than group-2 (p=0.04). Factors possibly affecting complications incidence (such as ureterocele or ectopic ureter) did not differ between groups (p=0.72 and p=0.78). CONCLUSION: Upper pole nephrectomy should be performed with extended distal ureteral dissection to prevent ureteral stump complications.

Laparoscopic hidden incision endoscopic surgery (hides) nephrectomy VS. Traditional laparoscopic nephrectomy: Non-inferior surgical outcomes and better cosmetic results.

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of laparoscopic total nephrectomy in pediatric patients are well established. Traditional Ports placement (TPP) still follows Clayman's classic description: except for the umbilical scar, the other laparoscopic scars are exposed in the abdomen. Advances in robotic surgery permitted the development of HidES (hidden incision endoscopic surgery) technique, to obtain a better final cosmetic aspect with the scars located intraumbilically and in the hypogastric region, in an area easily hidden by underwear. As robotic surgery is related to higher costs and lacks availability, a pure laparoscopic HidES technique was developed. OBJECTIVES: 1.Evaluate safety and efficacy of pure laparoscopic HidES.2. Compare HidES with TPP nephrectomy series to assess non-inferiority and cosmetic outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-one pediatric patients with symptomatic poor functioning kidneys (DMSA<10%) underwent HidES nephrectomy. Their intra and post-operative outcomes were recorded prospectively. HidES group was compared to an equivalent group of thirty-two patients who underwent TPP nephrectomy. RESULTS: There were no conversions to open surgery in the TPP or HidES groups. There was a significant difference in operative time between HidES (53.4min) and TPP (109.4 min), with p = 0.004 and the mean bleeding volume was 65.5 ml. There was no significant difference in bleeding between HidES (71 ml) and TPP (120 ml) (p = 0.06), no intraoperative complications and no complications above Clavien-Dindo II during the 6-week follow-up. Satisfaction reached 100% in HidES group, whereas in TPP satisfaction was 63% (p = 0.004). DISCUSSION: HidES benefit over TPP is to conceal visible scars above underwear, improving cosmetical outcome. A prospective HidES group was compared to a retrospective TPP database due to decreasing number of nephrectomies being performed, which is a limitation of our study. HidES surgeries were performed by pediatric urologists (associate staff) while TPP group surgeries were performed by PGY-5 urological residents assisted by the associate staff, which is a clear limitation and can explain shorter operative times for HidES. During HidES surgeries an improved visualization of the operative field by the inferior trocar positioning was noted, which helps the posterior dissection of renal pedicle. Previous published study comparing robotic TPP and HidES pyeloplasty showed equal results for both groups with cosmetic advantages. Objective satisfaction was assessed with statistically advantage in favor of HidES procedure, consonant with other evidence that supports the benefit of scar location in patient and parental satisfaction. CONCLUSION: HidES nephrectomy proved to be safe, feasible and not inferior to the traditional nephrectomy in experienced hands, with better cosmesis.

Management of functioning pediatric adrenal tumors.

AIM: The aim of this study is to present our experience in the management of hormonally active adrenal tumors in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We did a retrospective chart review of all children with hormonally active adrenal tumors evaluated at the endocrinology clinic and operated at our institution between 1983 and 2019. RESULTS: There were 75 patients included in the study, 58 with adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) and 17 with pheochromocytomas (PCCs). Within the group of patients with ACTs, there were 41 females and 17 males. The mean age was 58.3 (SD: 87.9; range: 9-211) months. The clinical manifestation of the tumor's hormonal activity was virilization in 37 cases, Cushing syndrome in 5, and mixed in 16. A positive family history was present in 11 patients (18.9%). The mean tumor size was 48.2 (SD: 22.4; range: 7-120) mm. The pathological diagnosis was adenoma in 42 cases, carcinoma in 15 cases, and macronodular hyperplasia in 1. Median follow-up was 192 (range: 50-290) months. Tumor recurrence occurred in 6 patients (10.3%), and there were three disease-related deaths (5%). Within the group of patients with PCCs, there were 11 males and 6 females. The mean age was 146.7 (SD: 71.2; range: 60-216) months. A positive family history was present in 7 patients (41.2%). The mean tumor size was 36.6 (SD: 16.7; range: 7-120) mm. The pheochromocytoma was classified as benign in 15 cases and as malignant in 2. During a median follow-up of 180 (range: 127-300) months, recurrence was observed in 6 cases (35.3%) and disease-related death in 1 case (5.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Proper diagnosis and management at our referral center were associated with a high cure rate, even in cases of malignant tumors. Familial surveillance is highly recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Prune perineum surgical correction - Treatment of a rare syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Prune Perineum Syndrome (PPS) is rare, with only three cases described in the literature. Treatment requires abdominal and pelvic surgeries. Our goal is to provide a video with steps of the surgical corrections of this syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a case of an 8 months-old boy with PPS. At our first evaluation, he had already been submitted to a colostomy with mucous fistula and a vesicostomy. RESULTS: By the time of this publication, he had been submitted to six surgical procedures. First, osteotomy, followed by colostomy, cystoscopic evaluation, cystoplasty, perineal and abdominal correction with a dual mesh, bilateral orchidopexy, treatment of the vesicocolonic fistula, sigmoidectomy and appendicectomy. He is 6 years old, walks with no assistance, has satisfactory abdominal tonus which allows him to void with Valsalva Maneuver. Clean intermittent catheterization is also performed. He had no UTI since his first surgery. Although submitted to several procedures, treatment is not yet concluded. A future urethral dilation together with a genitoplasty might improve his quality of life. CONCLUSION: PPS is a very rare condition, with scarce literature concerning its treatment. Multiple procedures might be necessary to correct malformations and improve patient's quality of life.

Recent advances in pediatric bladder malignancies.

Urothelial pediatric neoplasms are relatively rare. Papillary urothelial neoplasms of low malignant potential (PUNLMPs) and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) are the most common bladder malignancies in the pediatric population. Clinical presentation encompasses macroscopic hematuria or lower urinary tract symptoms (or both) or is detected incidentally at imaging. Tumors arising from the bladder can originate from any of its four histological layers (urothelium, lamina propria, detrusor, and adventitia) and are divided into tumors that have an epithelial origin (arising from the urothelium) and those that have a non-epithelial origin (mesenchymal neoplasms). RMS is the most common malignant tumor of the urinary bladder in children younger than 10 years. Deriving from the embryonic mesenchymal cell, the histopathologic subtypes of RMS are embryonal RMS (>90%) and alveolar histology (<10%). Pre-treatment imaging should be carried out by computed tomography (CT) or at present is more likely with magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis. Chest CT and bone scintigraphy are used to screen for metastases. In selected cases, a positron emission tomography scan may be recommended to evaluate suspicious lesions. The current prognostic classification considers age, histologic subtype, tumor site, size, and extent (nodal or distant metastases). Staging is based on pre-operative findings, group is based on intra-operative findings and pathology, and risk stratification is derived from both stage and group data. Pre-operative chemotherapy is the most common first-line intervention for bladder/prostate RMS, before surgery or radiation therapy. Collaborative groups such as the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee of the Children's Oncology Group and the European Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Study Group endorse this therapy. PUNLMPs are generally solitary, small (1-2 cm), non-invasive lesions that do not metastasize. Therapy is usually limited to a transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. About 35% are recurrent and around 10% of them increase in size if they are not treated.

Testis-sparing Surgery for Pediatric Leydig Cell Tumors: Evidence of Favorable Outcomes Irrespective of Surgical Margins.

OBJECTIVE: To review our single institution experience, exploring the role of testis-sparing surgical resection in a cohort of children with Testicular Leydig cell tumors (LCTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed all consecutive children presenting with testicular tumors between 2003 and 2017 (n = 66), excluding patients with alternative pathologies (n = 57). Subsequently data were collected on age at surgery, laterality, type of surgery, operative time, presenting symptoms, serum markers, imaging findings, frozen section, final pathology, and follow-up. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 9 (9/66; 14%) children were treated for LCT of the testis. Age at surgery was 8.4 ± 1.7 years and the majority (7/9; 77%) had unilateral disease. Most presented with a testicular mass, and 3 (33%) complained of testicular pain. None of the patients had elevated tumor markers. The primary method of management was ultrasound-guided testis-sparing surgery, with an operative time of 98.5 ± 58.7 minutes. Mean tumor size was 15 ± 10.8 mm (range 5-40 mm). In 2 of 6 patients with positive margins radical orchidectomy was performed without residual disease encountered. At a mean follow-up of 31.8 ± 26.3 months (range 2-87) none of the patients demonstrated disease recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that LCT in children is associated with a good prognosis, and that TSS is a reasonable surgical approach without detrimental perioperative morbidity or negative long-term outcomes. Moreover, positive margins should not prompt a reflex decision for completion of orchidectomy.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children: does upper urinary tract anomalies affect surgical outcomes?

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children with complex ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and compare to children with iso-lated UPJO without associated urinary tract abnormalities. Material and Methods Medical records of 82 consecutive children submitted to transperi-toneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a 12-year period were reviewed. Eleven cases were con-sidered complex, consisting of atypical anatomy including horseshoe kidneys in 6 patients, pelvic kidneys in 3 patients, and a duplex collecting system in 2 patients. Patients were di-vided into 2 groups: normal anatomy (group 1) and complex cases (group 2). Demographics, perioperative data, outcomes and complications were recorded and analyzed. Results Mean age was 8.9 years (0.5-17.9) for group 1 and 5.9 years (0.5-17.2) for group 2, p=0.08. The median operative time was 200 minutes (180-230) for group 1 and 203 minutes (120-300) for group 2, p=0.15. Major complications (Clavien ≥3) were 4 (5.6%) in group 1 and 1 (6.3%) in group 2, p=0.52. No deaths or early postoperative complications such as: urinoma or urinary leakage or bleeding, occurred. The success rate for radiologic improvement and flank pain improvement was comparable between the two groups. Re-garding hydronephrosis, significant improvement was present in 62 patients (93.4%) of group 1 and 10 cases (90.9%) of group 2, p=0.99. The median hospital stay was 4 days (IQR 3-4) for group 1 and 4.8 days (IQR 3-6) for group 2, p=0.27. Conclusions Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty is feasible and effective for the management of UPJO associated with renal or urinary tract anomalies.

Cryopreservation of testicular tissue in pre-pubertal and adolescent boys at risk for infertility: A low risk procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Cryopreservation of testicular tissue (TT) has become an increasingly attractive option for fertility preservation (FP), particularly for pre-pubertal boys at risk for gonadotoxicity from cancer therapy. At our institution, all at-risk families undergo counseling regarding infertility risk and available FP strategies, including this vulnerable patient population. As the technology required to use the acquired tissue is, as yet, unproven, it is paramount to document minimal morbidity and complications from this procedure. Herein, we report these outcomes for all pre-pubertal patients who have undergone TT biopsies for FP. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent unilateral open TT biopsies between January 2014 and December 2016. Patient diagnosis, age, concomitant procedures, anesthetic type, complications, procedure times, planned therapy, and bleeding were evaluated. RESULTS: Of a total of 34 patients, mean age at biopsy was 6.9 ± 4.4years. Diagnoses included: leukemia/lymphoma (n = 12), solid tumors (n = 15) and non-neoplastic disorders (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, aplastic anemia; n = 7). Twenty-two patients (64.7%) were scheduled for stem cell transplantation. Eleven (32.4%) patients had not received any chemotherapy prior to TT biopsy, while all others had exposure preceding the biopsy. Biopsies were performed in conjunction with other procedures (central line placement, bone marrow biopsy, lumbar puncture, lymph node biopsy) in 29 cases (85.3%), with stand-alone procedures performed in the remainder (n = 5). In stand-alone cases, mean anesthetic time was 22 ± 8.7 min. Overall, two (5.9%) patients had complications after biopsy: 1) ipsilateral epididymo-orchitis (resolved with antibiotics) and 2) ipsilateral torsed appendix testis (managed conservatively) (Table). CONCLUSION: In this series, pre-pubertal TT biopsy for cryopreservation was safely performed, and was most often coordinated concomitantly with other medically necessary procedures. The safety profile reported herein supports performing this procedure while technological advances fulfill the requirements to make it a viable option for future fertility.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children: does upper urinary tract anomalies affect surgical outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children with complex ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and compare to children with iso-lated UPJO without associated urinary tract abnormalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of 82 consecutive children submitted to transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a 12-year period were reviewed. Eleven cases were con-sidered complex, consisting of atypical anatomy including horseshoe kidneys in 6 patients, pelvic kidneys in 3 patients, and a duplex collecting system in 2 patients. Patients were di-vided into 2 groups: normal anatomy (group 1) and complex cases (group 2). Demographics, perioperative data, outcomes and complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age was 8.9 years (0.5-17.9) for group 1 and 5.9 years (0.5-17.2) for group 2, p=0.08. The median operative time was 200 minutes (180-230) for group 1 and 203 minutes (120-300) for group 2, p=0.15. Major complications (Clavien ≥3) were 4 (5.6%) in group 1 and 1 (6.3%) in group 2, p=0.52. No deaths or early postoperative complications such as: urinoma or urinary leakage or bleeding, occurred. The success rate for radiologic improvement and flank pain improvement was comparable between the two groups. Re-garding hydronephrosis, significant improvement was present in 62 patients (93.4%) of group 1 and 10 cases (90.9%) of group 2, p=0.99. The median hospital stay was 4 days (IQR 3-4) for group 1 and 4.8 days (IQR 3-6) for group 2, p=0.27. CONCLUSIONS: Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty is feasible and effective for the management of UPJO associated with renal or urinary tract anomalies.

Clinical Outcomes of the Upper Urinary Tract after Ureteral Clipping for Treatment of Low Functioning or Nonfunctioning Renal Moieties.

PURPOSE: A growing body of evidence suggests that it is safe to ligate the ureter of poorly functioning renal moieties during renal transplantation. We present clinical outcomes and data on hydronephrosis progression in pediatric cases associated with ectopic ureters and obstructive ureteroceles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively collected data for 35 consecutive patients (23 females and 12 males) who underwent ureteral clipping between February 2011 and August 2016. Patients were divided into 4 groups consisting of 1) duplex system with ectopic ureter (45.7%), 2) duplex system with a large ureterocele (11.4%), 3) other duplex system (8.6%) and 4) single system kidneys (34.3%). Patients were followed for clinical outcomes and hydronephrosis trends. Comparisons included preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior diameter, maximal ureteral diameter and ureterocele size. RESULTS: Median age at surgery was 59 months (IQR 11 to 120, range 5 to 216). Median ± SD operative time was 108.9 ± 31.1 minutes (range 20 to 180) and median length of stay was 7.5 hours (IQR 6 to 19, range 5 to 336). Immediate resolution of urinary incontinence was observed in all 16 ectopic ureter cases. After a median ± SD followup of 20.8 ± 13.8 months (IQR 8.5 to 30, range 6 to 50) 97.2% of the patients remained asymptomatic. No significant differences were observed between initial and last anteroposterior diameter measurements except in group 1 (p = 0.001). All ureteroceles demonstrated a significant decrease in median ± SD size after clipping (from 2.7 ± 0.41 to 0.53 ± 0.92 cm, p = 0.003). Pyonephrosis developed in 1 patient, who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral clipping appears to be a reasonable, safe and effective option for pediatric patients in the reported settings, with the potential to be simpler and quicker than extirpative or reconstructive procedures.

Urethral duplication type influences on the complications rate and number of surgical procedures

ABSTRACT Introduction: Urethral duplication is rare. Characterized by the presence of two urethral channels. This anomaly presents a great variety of clinical findings that depend on the type of duplication that often is associated with other anomalies. Material and Methods: We report thirteen boys with urethral duplication managed in our institution between 1988-2015. Clinical findings, associated anomalies, treatment of urethral duplication and our results are described. Patients were classified according to Effmann classification. Results: Mean patient's age was 38.3±34.7 months (3-136 months). Mean follow-up was 7.7±3.4 years (3y8m-14y2m). Type II A2 was the most common pattern (8/13 patients, 61.5%), followed by type IA (3/13 patients, 23%) and IIA1 (2/13 patients, 15.3%). The most frequent clinical manifestations were urinary tract infections (UTI) observed in 11/13 patients (84.6%) and anal urinary leakage, found in 7/13 patients (53.8%). Associated anomalies were found in 9/13 patients (69.2%). Required surgeries were 3.53±2.84 procedures per patient. Considering groups: Type IIA2 4.25±3.28, type IIA1 4±1.41 and type IA 1.33±0.57 needed procedures per patient. Complications rate were 0% for type IA, 50% for type IIA1 and 75% for type IIA2. Conclusions: Patients with incomplete duplication (type I A or I B) can totally be asymptomatic, with no need of surgical correction. Type IIA2 is the most complex form of duplication to correct and multiple procedures might be required because of the very hypoplastic orthotopic dorsal urethral tissue. Surgical treatment should be individualized and parents should be advised on complications and need of multiple surgeries according to urethral duplication type.

Single penile incision for combined hypospadias and inguinal surgery: A comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to compare the surgical outcomes of hypospadias repair with correction of inguinal pathology using a single penile incision vs. conventional approach using two incisions. METHODS: This is a retrospective study that reviewed all patients who underwent concurrent surgical repair for both hypospadias and inguinal pathologies between January 2003 and November 2015. Patients were classified into Group A, conventional (inguinal or scrotal and penile incision) approach; or Group B, single penile incision approach. Baseline characteristics, including age, degree of hypospadias, type and laterality of inguinal pathology, operative time, and surgical outcomes, were collected. Between groups, variable comparisons were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U-Test and Fisher-exact test. Statistical significant set at <0.05. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients (Group A: 40; Group B: 36) were eligible for study. Baseline characteristics of both groups were comparable, with no significant statistical difference. Overall mean operative time for Group A was 139.3 ± 56.2 minutes, while Group B was 107.8 ± 46.7 minutes (Z=2.6; U=470.5; p=0.009). Two patients in Group A and two patients in Group B had testicular ascension, all of which also had hypospadias-related complications (p=1.0). Hypospadias-related complications in Group A included seven urethrocutaneous fistulae and two repair dehiscence. Eight urethrocutaneous fistulae, one urethral stricture, and two repair dehiscence occurred in Group B (p=0.448). Surgical outcome appearance in both groups were comparable, with no statistically significant difference (p=0.466). CONCLUSIONS: Single penile incision for both hypospadias repair and correction of inguinal pathology is a feasible technique and comparable to the conventional approach, with similar surgical outcomes and shorter overall operative time.

Impact of smartphone digital photography, email, and media communication on emergency room visits post-hypospadias repair.

INTRODUCTION: Advances in communication technology are shaping our medical practice. To date, there is no clear evidence that this mode of communication will have any effect on unnecessary postoperative emergency room (ER) visits. We aim to evaluate the effect of email and media communication with application of smartphone digital photography on post-hypospadias repair ER visit rates. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included all patients who underwent hypospadias repair performed by a single surgeon from October 2014 to November 2015. Patients were categorized into two groups: Group A consented for smartphone photography and email communication and Group B declined. Reason for ER visits within 30 days postoperatively was assessed by another physician, who was blinded of patient group assignment. The reasons were categorized as: unnecessary ER visit, indicated ER visit, or visit unrelated to hypospadias surgery. Chi-square test and T-test were used for statistical analysis. Relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were also calculated. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Over a 14-month period, 96 patients underwent hypospadias repair (81 in Group A, 15 in Group B 5). No significant difference was noted between groups for overall ER return rate (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.21, 1.0). However, the number of ER visits for wound check not requiring intervention was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.035, 0.56); likewise, a higher number of ER visits requiring intervention was noted in Group A compared with Group B, although statistically this was not significant (RR 1.67, 95% CI 0.23, 12.21). CONCLUSIONS: Email communication with the use of smartphone digital photography significantly reduced the number of unnecessary ER visits for post-hypospadias wound checks.

Urethral duplication type influences on the complications rate and number of surgical procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Urethral duplication is rare. Characterized by the presence of two urethral channels. This anomaly presents a great variety of clinical findings that depend on the type of duplication that often is associated with other anomalies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report thirteen boys with urethral duplication managed in our institution between 1988-2015. Clinical findings, associated anomalies, treatment of urethral duplication and our results are described. Patients were classified according to Effmann classification. RESULTS: Mean patient's age was 38.3±34.7 months (3-136 months). Mean follow-up was 7.7±3.4 years (3y8m-14y2m). Type II A2 was the most common pattern (8/13 patients, 61.5%), followed by type IA (3/13 patients, 23%) and IIA1 (2/13 patients, 15.3%). The most frequent clinical manifestations were urinary tract infections (UTI) observed in 11/13 patients (84.6%) and anal urinary leakage, found in 7/13 patients (53.8%). Associated anomalies were found in 9/13 patients (69.2%). Required surgeries were 3.53±2.84 procedures per patient. Considering groups: Type IIA2 4.25±3.28, type IIA1 4±1.41 and type IA 1.33±0.57 needed procedures per patient. Complications rate were 0% for type IA, 50% for type IIA1 and 75% for type IIA2. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with incomplete duplication (type I A or I B) can totally be asymptomatic, with no need of surgical correction. Type IIA2 is the most complex form of duplication to correct and multiple procedures might be required because of the very hypoplastic orthotopic dorsal urethral tissue. Surgical treatment should be individualized and parents should be advised on complications and need of multiple surgeries according to urethral duplication type.

One - staged reconstruction of bladder exstrophy in male patients: long - term follow-up outcomes

ABSTRACT Introduction The surgical correction of bladder exstrophy remains challenging. In our institution, the repair has evolved from a staged repair to one-stage reconstruction. The one-stage reconstruction includes; bladder closure, Cantwell-Ransley neourethroplasty and abdominoplasty using groin flaps, without the need of pelvic ostheotomies. Repair of urinary continence (UC) and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is done after development of the infant. Objective To present our experience of our modified one-stage reconstruction of bladder exstrophy in male patients. Materials and Methods Medical records of male patients submitted to one-stage reconstruction of bladder exstrophy were analyzed retrospectively. Fifteen exstrophy bladder patients with mean age 4.2±7 years were treated at our institution between 1999-2013. Results 2 5 Conclusions One-stage reconstruction minimizes the number of surgical procedures required to achieve UC and potentiates bladder-neck function. The advantages of using groin flaps over current techniques for complete repair are the small risk for penile tissue loss and the avoidance of ostheotomies.