Long-term Urological Outcomes in Pelvic Genitourinary Rhabdomyosarcoma: A 48-Year Single-center Experience.

PURPOSE: Multimodal therapy has improved survival in genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare pediatric cancer. However, little is reported regarding postoperative complications and long-term urinary and sexual function and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed records from 1970-2018 to identify patients with genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma of the bladder, prostate, pelvis, vagina, and uterus. We assessed modes of therapy, and if surgical, the type of resection, reconstruction, and reoperation. Primary outcomes included urinary continence, urinary tract infection occurrence, and stone formation. We also surveyed patients older than 18 years for urinary and sexual function. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were identified for the post-treatment outcomes cohort. All received chemotherapy, 46 (90.2%) underwent surgery, and 34 (67%) received radiation. Twenty-nine patients (56.9%) received trimodal therapy, 17 (33.3%) received chemotherapy/surgery, and 5 (9.8%) received chemotherapy/radiation. Twenty-six had up-front radical surgery (with staged continence mechanism creation); these patients had higher rates of continence, similar rates of urinary tract infection, and higher rates of stone formation compared to those who were organ-spared. A third (4/12) of organ-spared patients underwent additional corrective surgery. Thirty patients with genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma were surveyed and 14 responded to questionnaires. Overall, urinary complaints were mild, but both male and female respondents reported significant sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Organ-sparing treatment was more likely to predispose patients to high rates of additional reconstructive surgery due to compromised urological function. In survey results, both men and women reported poor sexual function, but the majority of patients remained satisfied with their urinary function.

Management of Proximal Hypospadias with 2-Stage Repair: 20-Year Experience.

PURPOSE: We describe our experience with 2-stage proximal hypospadias repair. We report outcomes, and patient and procedure characteristics associated with surgical complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients with proximal hypospadias who underwent staged repair between January 1993 and December 2012. Demographics, preoperative management and operative technique were reviewed. Complications included glans dehiscence, fistula, meatal stenosis, nonmeatal stricture, urethrocele/diverticula and residual chordee. Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the associations between time to surgery for complications and patient and procedure level factors. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients were included. Median patient age was 8.8 months at first stage surgery and 17.1 months at second stage surgery, and median time between surgeries was 8 months. Median followup was 3.8 years. Complications were seen in 71 patients (53%), with the most common being fistula (39 patients, 29.1%). Reoperation was performed in 66 patients (49%). Median time from urethroplasty to surgery for complication was 14.9 months. Use of preoperative testosterone decreased risk of undergoing surgery for complication by 27% (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55-0.98, p = 0.04). In addition, patients identified as Hispanic were at increased risk for undergoing surgery for complications (HR 2.40, 95% CI 1.28-4.53, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We review the largest cohort of patients undergoing 2-stage hypospadias repair at a single institution. Complications and reoperation rates were approximately 50% in the setting of complex genital reconstruction.

Use of buccal mucosa grafts for urethral reconstruction in children: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The use of buccal mucosa grafts (BMG) for urethral reconstruction has increased in popularity over the last several decades. Our aim was to describe our institutional experience with and outcomes after BMG urethroplasty. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of boys undergoing BMG urethral reconstruction. Preoperative and perioperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (median age 8.2 years) underwent BMG urethroplasty from 1995-2012. Of the 10 patients undergoing 1-stage repairs, 6 had tubularized grafts, the last of which was performed in 2000 due to an unacceptably high revision rate (100%). A 2-stage approach was elected for 19 patients (median follow-up 21.3 months). Complications including stricture, fistula, or chordee were seen in 60% of patients completing both stages and 32% required ≥1 revision. However, 71% of 2-stage patients were free of significant problems at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We found BMG to be a reasonable option for use in complex pediatric urethral reconstruction. Tubularized grafts had poor results, and we no longer use them. We favor a 2-stage approach for all patients except those with "simple" non-hypospadiac strictures. Although revision procedures were not uncommon, the majority of patients were ultimately free of long-term problems.

New contralateral vesicoureteral reflux after unilateral ureteral reimplantation: predictive factors and clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: Although unilateral ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux is highly successful, new contralateral reflux will develop postoperatively in some patients. We examined predictors and clinical outcomes of postoperative contralateral vesicoureteral reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent nontapered unilateral reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux graded on a 3-point scale at our institution from January 1990 to December 2002, and identified those with subsequent contralateral vesicoureteral reflux. We analyzed the association of patient/procedure characteristics with incidence, and time to resolution of contralateral reflux and postoperative urinary tract infection. Multivariable models controlled for variables associated with incidence and time to resolution of contralateral reflux. RESULTS: A total of 395 patients (77.2% female, median age 5.3 years) underwent ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux. Preoperative reflux was grade 1 in 2.8% of patients, grade 2 in 56.6% and grade 3 in 40.6%. Technical success was 95.4%. After reimplantation 39 patients (9.9%) had new contralateral reflux (grade 1 in 7, grade 2 in 27 and grade 3 in 5). Median followup was 51.8 months. On multivariate analysis younger age (less than 6 years, OR 3.7, p = 0.006) and low observed bladder capacity as percent of predicted bladder capacity (less than 50% of predicted capacity, OR 6.3, p = 0.02) were significant predictors of contralateral reflux. Contralateral reflux resolved in 21 of 27 patients (77.8%) on subsequent cystography at a median of 21.5 months. Two patients underwent reimplantation for persistent contralateral reflux. Four of 39 patients (10.3%) with contralateral reflux had postoperative febrile urinary tract infections at a median of 26 months, with spontaneous resolution of contralateral reflux in all. CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients and those with low observed vs predicted bladder capacity may be at increased risk for postoperative contralateral vesicoureteral reflux. A majority of contralateral reflux will resolve spontaneously, and the clinical course is typically benign.

B7-h1 as a biomarker for therapy failure in patients with favorable histology Wilms tumor.

PURPOSE: A minority of children with Wilms tumor will experience tumor recurrence. In a previous pilot study we found an association between expression of an immune costimulatory molecule, B7-H1, and tumor recurrence in favorable histology Wilms tumor. We sought to verify the prognostic value of B7-H1 as a biomarker in favorable histology Wilms tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a nested case-control study of tumors from the Fifth National Wilms Tumor Study. We randomly selected 44 children unsuccessfully treated (cases) and 49 who were successfully treated for favorable histology Wilms tumor (controls). Cases and controls were matched based on tumor stage, and the analysis was restricted to children who underwent initial resection. We excluded patients with stage IV or V disease and those treated with chemotherapy or radiation. Tumor specimens were stained for B7-H1 expression. RESULTS: Of the 93 total samples analyzed 60 (65%) demonstrated B7-H1 staining, with staining diffusely present in 13 (22%) and blastema predominant in 34 (57%). B7-H1 expression was associated with failure of initial therapy (p = 0.006). Patients with tumors showing less than 20% B7-H1 positive cells were at lower risk for treatment failure, while those with tumors exhibiting greater than 60% B7-H1 positive cells were at greater risk for treatment failure. This association appeared to be independent of tumor stage. CONCLUSIONS: B7-H1 expression by favorable histology Wilms tumor is associated with an increased risk of failure of initial therapy.

Postnatal longitudinal evaluation of children diagnosed with prenatal hydronephrosis: insights in natural history and referral pattern.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical significance and management of prenatal hydronephrosis (PNH) are sources of debate. Existing studies are flawed with biased cohorts or inconsistent follow-up. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of pathology in a large cohort of PNH and assess the biases and outcomes of this population. METHODS: We reviewed 1034 charts of fetuses with PNH. Records of delivered offspring were reviewed at a pediatric center and analyzed with respect to prenatal and postnatal pathology and management. RESULTS: Prenatal resolution of hydronephrosis occurred in 24.7% of pregnancies. On first postnatal ultrasound, some degree of dilatation was present in 80%, 88% and 95% of mild, moderate and severe PNH cases, respectively. At the end of follow-up, hydronephrosis persisted in 10%, 25% and 72% of children, respectively. Incidence of vesicoureteral reflux did not correlate with severity of PNH. Children with postnatal workup had more severe PNH than those without. CONCLUSIONS: Despite prenatal resolution totalizing 25%, pelvic dilatation persisted on first postnatal imaging in most cases, thus justifying postnatal ultrasound evaluation. Whereas most mild cases resolved spontaneously, a quarter of moderate and more than half of severe cases required surgery. Patients with postnatal imaging and referral had more severe PNH, which could result in overestimation of pathology.

Variations in management of mild prenatal hydronephrosis among maternal-fetal medicine obstetricians, and pediatric urologists and radiologists.

PURPOSE: There are no current guidelines for diagnosing and managing mild prenatal hydronephrosis. Variations in physician approach make it difficult to analyze outcomes and establish optimal management. We determined the variability of diagnostic approach and management regarding prenatal hydronephrosis among maternal-fetal medicine obstetricians, pediatric urologists and pediatric radiologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Online surveys were sent to mailing lists for national societies for each specialty. Participants were surveyed regarding criteria for diagnosing mild prenatal hydronephrosis and recommendations for postnatal management, including use of antibiotic prophylaxis, followup scheduling and type of followup imaging. RESULTS: A total of 308 maternal-fetal medicine obstetricians, 126 pediatric urologists and 112 pediatric radiologists responded. Pediatric urologists and radiologists were divided between Society for Fetal Urology criteria and use of anteroposterior pelvic diameter for diagnosis, while maternal-fetal medicine obstetricians preferred using the latter. For postnatal evaluation radiologists preferred using personal criteria, while urologists preferred using anteroposterior pelvic diameter or Society for Fetal Urology grading system. There was wide variation in the use of antibiotic prophylaxis among pediatric urologists. Regarding the use of voiding cystourethrography/radionuclide cystography in patients with prenatal hydronephrosis, neither urologists nor radiologists were consistent in their recommendations. Finally, there was no agreement on length of followup for mild prenatal hydronephrosis. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a lack of uniformity regarding grading criteria in diagnosing hydronephrosis prenatally and postnatally among maternal-fetal medicine obstetricians, pediatric urologists and pediatric radiologists. There was also a lack of agreement on the management of mild intermittent prenatal hydronephrosis, resulting in these cases being managed inconsistently. A unified set of guidelines for diagnosis, evaluation and management of mild intermittent prenatal hydronephrosis would allow more effective evaluation of outcomes.

Clinical outcomes and long-term resolution in patients with persistent vesicoureteral reflux after open ureteral reimplantation.

PURPOSE: Success rates of ureteral reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux are high. Few studies document the natural history of children with persistent vesicoureteral reflux. We reviewed their clinical outcomes and long-term resolution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all children with persistent vesicoureteral reflux (grade 1 or greater) into the reimplanted ureter(s) on initial cystogram after reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux at our institution from January 1990 to December 2002. We evaluated subsequent cystograms (graded on the 3-point radionuclide cystogram scale), surgery and urinary tract infection. We performed survival analyses of time to resolution of persistent (grade 1 or greater) and clinically significant (grade 2 or greater) vesicoureteral reflux in patients with more than 1 postoperative cystogram. RESULTS: Of 965 patients 59 (94 ureters) had persistent vesicoureteral reflux (6.1%), including 19 grade 1/3, 29 grade 2/3 and 11 grade 3/3. Median patient age at reimplantation was 1.9 years (range 0.8 to 5.1) and 62.7% were female. Preoperative vesicoureteral reflux grade was 2/3 in 42.4% and 3/3 in 57.6%, and 30.5% of patients had ureteral tapering. Median followup was 47.1 months (IQR 19.3-650.3). Reflux was resolved in 26 of 36 (72.2%) patients and median time to resolution was 20.4 months. Grade 2 or greater reflux on postoperative cystogram resolved in 21 of 32 (65.6%) patients and median time to resolution was 20.4 months. There were 10 patients with persistent vesicoureteral reflux at last cystogram, grade 1 or 2 in 9 and 3/3 in 1 patient. One patient underwent repeat reimplantation for persistent vesicoureteral reflux and 7 (13%) had postoperative febrile urinary tract infection at a median of 37 months postoperatively (IQR 1.7-64.4). CONCLUSIONS: Persistent vesicoureteral reflux after reimplantation resolves spontaneously in most children and can be managed nonoperatively with good long-term outcomes.

Development and initial validation of a disease specific quality of life survey for children with vesicoureteral reflux.

PURPOSE: Vesicoureteral reflux is believed to be a largely asymptomatic condition. However, previous studies have failed to assess the precise impact of vesicoureteral reflux on quality of life. We created and validated a survey for assessment of quality of life in children with vesicoureteral reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two surveys were created by a team of pediatric urologists and survey design specialists, 1 for general assessment and 1 for postoperative assessment in patients undergoing surgical treatment for vesicoureteral reflux. Cronbach alpha test was used to assess internal consistency reliability and the correlation coefficient for test-retest analysis. Surveys were distributed from November 2008 to January 2010 during routine office visits for vesicoureteral reflux. The postoperative survey was distributed 8 to 20 weeks following surgery. RESULTS: The general survey yielded a Cronbach alpha of 0.64 and a correlation coefficient of 0.78, while the postoperative survey results were 0.58 and 0.84, respectively, for the same parameters. Complete general surveys were obtained from 216 patients. All but 4 categories, related to repeat testing, office visits and medicine intake, reached greater than 80% positive quality of life responses. The postoperative survey was completed by 104 patients. Bladder spasm was the only category with less than 86% rate of positive quality of life response. CONCLUSIONS: Vesicoureteral reflux is shown to have little effect on quality of life in pediatric patients. These validated surveys should be applied to compare the effect of different management options on quality of life.

Durability of antireflux effect of ureteral reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux: findings on long-term cystography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term durability of successful ureteral reimplantation (UR) for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) through a review of late cystography (LC) findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all children with primary VUR who underwent successful open UR (grade 0 VUR into the reimplanted ureter[s] on initial cystogram) at our institution from January 1990 to December 2002. We identified successful UR patients who underwent LC ≥ 1 year after UR and reviewed the results for the presence of recurrent VUR into the reimplanted ureter(s). RESULTS: Seven-hundred ninety-four patients underwent successful open UR for primary VUR, of whom 60 (7.6%) had a subsequent LC. Preoperative VUR grade was ≤ II in 20 (34.5%) and ≥ III in 38 (65.5%). Median age at UR was 3.5 years (IQR 1.3-6.2 years); 51 (85%) were female. UR was intravesical in 45 (75%) and bilateral in 19 (32%). LC was performed at a median of 38.7 months after UR (IQR 19.6-66.1 months). Indication for LC was febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in 16 (27%), nonfebrile UTIs in 15 (25%), follow-up of contralateral VUR in 16 (27%), and other clinical indications in 13 (21%). The recurrence rate was 0%; of the 79 reimplanted ureters, 100% (95% CI 95.4-100) had no VUR (grade 0). CONCLUSION: Among children who underwent successful open UR for primary VUR, there was no VUR recurrence on extended follow-up. This suggests that the late durability of open antireflux surgery is excellent.

Vesicoureteral reflux: current trends in diagnosis, screening, and treatment.

CONTEXT: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is present in approximately 1% of children in North America and Europe and is associated with an increased risk of pyelonephritis and renal scarring. Despite its prevalence and potential morbidity, however, many aspects of VUR management are controversial. OBJECTIVE: Review the evidence surrounding current controversies in VUR diagnosis, screening, and treatment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review was performed of Medline, Embase, Prospero, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, clinicaltrials.gov, and the most recent guidelines of relevant medical specialty organizations. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We objectively assessed and summarized the published data, focusing on recent areas of controversy relating to VUR screening, diagnosis, and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence base for many current management patterns in VUR is limited. Areas that could significantly benefit from additional future research include improved identification of children who are at risk for VUR-related renal morbidity, improved stratification tools for determining which children would benefit most from which VUR treatment option, and improved reporting of long-term outcomes of VUR treatments.

A comparative direct cost analysis of pediatric urologic robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery versus open surgery: could robot-assisted surgery be less expensive?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cost in healthcare is an increasing and justifiable concern that impacts decisions about the introduction of new devices such as the da Vinci(®) surgical robot. Because equipment expenses represent only a portion of overall medical costs, we set out to make more specific cost comparisons between open and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective, observational, matched cohort study of 146 pediatric patients undergoing either open or robot-assisted laparoscopic urologic surgery from October 2004 to September 2009 at a single institution. Patients were matched based on surgery type, age, and fiscal year. Direct internal costs from the institution were used to compare the two surgery types across several procedures. RESULTS: Robot-assisted surgery direct costs were 11.9% (P=0.03) lower than open surgery. This cost difference was primarily because of the difference in hospital length of stay between patients undergoing open vs robot-assisted surgery (3.8 vs 1.6 days, P<0.001). Maintenance fees and equipment expenses were the primary contributors to robotic surgery costs, while open surgery costs were affected most by room and board expenses. When estimates of the indirect costs of robot purchase and maintenance were included, open surgery had a lower total cost. There were no differences in follow-up times or complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: Direct costs for robot-assisted surgery were significantly lower than equivalent open surgery. Factors reducing robot-assisted surgery costs included: A consistent and trained robotic surgery team, an extensive history of performing urologic robotic surgery, selection of patients for robotic surgery who otherwise would have had longer hospital stays after open surgery, and selection of procedures without a laparoscopic alternative. The high indirect costs of robot purchase and maintenance remain major factors, but could be overcome by high surgical volume and reduced prices as competitors enter the market.

Development and implementation of a photographic atlas for parental instruction and guidance after outpatient penile surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate a visual tool to assist parents in assessing healing after surgical circumcision or revision circumcision (SCRC). METHODS: Among children undergoing SCRC, photographs were taken on postoperative days 0-1-2-3-5-7-10-14-21, and compiled into an atlas. Atlas utility was assessed during two 1-month periods. During the first period (M1) families received routine postoperative instructions only; during the second period (M2), families received the atlas in addition to routine instructions. Families were surveyed by phone and calls/contacts were tracked. RESULTS: 33 families (among 83 SCRCs) were surveyed during M1, vs 39 families (among 77 SCRCs) during M2 (p = 0.17). Nearly all reported the atlas helpful (59% very helpful, 27% moderately helpful, 9% somewhat helpful). All but one family used the atlas. There was a trend toward families receiving the atlas being more comfortable (64% vs 82% very comfortable, p = 0.12). Survey scores were similar between M1 and M2 for total score, satisfaction, and the number whose expectations were met (58% vs 55%, p = 0.21). Phone contacts decreased between M1 and M2, both in absolute number (M1 = 24 calls vs M2 = 12 calls), and as a proportion of total cases performed (29% vs 16%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The circumcision atlas was well received by families and was associated with a significant decrease in post-surgical telephone calls. The atlas has been put into routine clinical use with excellent response.

Hydronephrosis following ureteral reimplantation: when is it concerning?

OBJECTIVES: Hydronephrosis without obstruction is common prior to ureteral reimplant, especially in patients with high-grade VUR. Consequently, when hydronephrosis is present post-operatively, it is unclear when it should be concerning. We evaluated the finding of hydronephrosis in children undergoing reimplantation and its evolution following surgery. METHODS: After obtaining IRB approval, we identified 938 children who underwent reimplantation at our institution from 1998 to 2006. Their pre- and post-operative US and clinical course were analyzed. RESULTS: Hydronephrosis was observed in 24% pre-operatively and 21% post-operatively. 52% with pre-operative hydronephrosis had it post-operatively, while 12% without pre-operative hydronephrosis had it post-operatively. 71% of post-operative hydronephrosis resolved on average in 1.36 years. 19% didn't resolve and 0.1% had ureteral obstruction. Risk factors for post-operative hydronephrosis included increasing severity of VUR, and high degree of pre-operative hydronephrosis. CONCLUSION: Hydronephrosis following ureteral reimplantation is not rare, and correlated to pre-operative evaluations. Post-operative hydronephrosis is frequently transient and benign, and usually resolves within the first 2 years. These patients do not require follow-up ultrasounds or further imaging, and can be followed clinically. Patients with high-grade VUR and hydronephrosis pre-operatively, however, are at risk for developing worsened hydronephrosis and should be followed with a 3-month post-operative ultrasound.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic excision of symptomatic retrovesical cysts in boys and young adults.

PURPOSE: We review our surgical experience with the management of retrovesical cystic anomalies using robot-assisted laparoscopic techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of 6 patients 28 months to 22 years old with retrovesical cystic anomalies who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic excision at our hospital between January 2006 and November 2010. RESULTS: Presenting signs and symptoms included urinary retention, lower urinary tract symptoms, abdominal pain and repeated epididymitis. Associated anomalies consisted of hypospadias, vesicoureteral reflux, renal agenesis, 5alpha-reductase deficiency, premature adrenarche and cryptorchidism. Cystic anomalies ranged from 3 to 6 cm long. The final diagnoses were prostatic utricular cyst, müllerian duct cyst and seminal vesicle cyst. Ectopic insertion of vas into the cyst was found in 4 cases, requiring ligation of the affected vas in 3. Mean ± SD operative time including cystoscopy was 198 ± 23.8 minutes, and estimated blood loss ranged from 5 to 10 ml. Mean ± SD hospital stay was 1.33 ± 0.52 days. All patients had resumed their regular activities within 2 weeks postoperatively. De novo contralateral epididymitis developed 2 months postoperatively in 1 patient. Otherwise, there was no recurrence of cystic mass or presenting signs or symptoms during followup of 3 to 56 months. CONCLUSIONS: In the management of retrovesical cystic anomalies robot-assisted laparoscopic excision affords a natural extension of conventional laparoscopy with the additional advantages of 3-dimensional vision and ease of instrument control.

Gender assignment for newborns with 46XY cloacal exstrophy: a 6-year followup survey of pediatric urologists.

PURPOSE: Gender assignment for newborns with ambiguous genitalia remains a challenge. An initial survey of colleagues on this subject was performed in 2004. Our objective was to understand the basis for the attitudes and practices of pediatric urologists in regard to gender assignment for 46XY cloacal exstrophy in a 6-year followup survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey on a case of 46XY cloacal exstrophy was completed by 191 of the 263 fellows (73%) in the Urology Section, American Academy of Pediatrics. Questions referred to gender assignment, surgery timing, clinical outcomes and respondent demographics. RESULTS: Of the fellows 79% favored male gender assignment. The most important factor in male assignment remained androgen brain imprinting (97%) while in female assignment it was surgical success in creating functional genitalia (96%). Respondent characteristics associated with assigning female gender were longer practice duration (greater than 15 years) (p <0.03), having trained in programs where female gender was always or usually assigned (p <0.02) and not being a fellowship program director (0 of 27 respondents, p <0.03). There was an evolution among respondents from female gender assignment earlier in the career to male assignment currently (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Most pediatric urologists favor male gender assignment for 46XY cloacal exstrophy, which is a significant increase in 6 years. This change represents an evolution from female to male gender assignment and virtual unanimity among fellowship directors to gender assign male. Longer practicing clinicians perceived better outcomes for female gender assignment. If this reflects true clinical outcomes, the trend toward the eventual disappearance of female gender assignment for 46XY cloacal exstrophy is concerning.

Analysis of indications for ureteral reimplantation in 3738 children with vesicoureteral reflux: a single institutional cohort.

PURPOSE: No method exists for predicting which child with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) will have surgery. Our goals were to analyze practice patterns at a major pediatric center and to identify factors predisposing children to surgery for specific indications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed a cohort of 3738 children presenting with primary VUR (1996-2005). Surgical indications included: 1) breakthrough urinary tract infection (UTI), 2) non-resolution over 3 years, 3) renal scan abnormality and 4) parent/surgeon preference. Logistic regression was applied to a random 60% subset of children. Validation in the remaining 40% was done using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. RESULTS: Independent predictors of surgery included higher age at presentation, antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH), bilateral VUR and VUR grade. Predictors of surgery for a breakthrough UTI included female gender, increasing age, and bilateral and high-grade VUR. Girls were less likely than boys to be operated for renal scan abnormality or parent/surgeon preference. ANH was a predictor of surgery for decreased function and parent/surgeon preference. The model had fair discrimination (c-statistic = 0.68-0.76) and high calibration (p ≥ 0.24). Probabilities of surgery were calculated. CONCLUSIONS: Higher age at presentation, being followed for ANH, and bilateral and high-grade VUR are independent predictors of VUR-corrective surgery. Predictors of surgery vary with indication. Our methods allow comparison of urological practice patterns and outcomes between institutions by taking into account indications for surgery.

Bladder neck reconstruction is often necessary after complete primary repair of exstrophy.

PURPOSE: A major goal of bladder exstrophy management is urinary continence, often using bladder neck reconstruction. We report our experience with bladder neck reconstruction after complete primary repair of exstrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient history, ultrasound, voiding cystourethrogram, examination using anesthesia and urodynamics were performed during a prospective evaluation. Continence was assessed using the International Children's Continence Society classification and the dry interval. Bladder capacity was measured by examination using anesthesia, voiding cystourethrogram and/or urodynamics. Urodynamics were also done to assess bladder compliance and detrusor muscle function. RESULTS: From 1994 to 2010 we treated 31 male and 15 female patients with bladder exstrophy after complete primary repair of exstrophy. Of patients 5 years old or older bladder neck reconstruction was performed after complete primary repair in 9 of 21 males (43%) and in 3 of 11 females (27%) at a mean age of 6.3 and 8.1 years, respectively. By the International Children's Continence Society classification 6 of 12 patients (50%) were continent less than 1.5 years after bladder neck reconstruction and 2 of 9 (23%) were evaluable 1.5 years or greater after reconstruction. Median bladder capacity was 100 ml before, 50 ml less than 1.5 years after and 123 ml 1.5 years or greater after bladder neck reconstruction. Three males and 2 females emptied via an appendicovesicostomy. Two boys underwent augmentation. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience most patients with bladder exstrophy require bladder neck reconstruction after complete primary repair of exstrophy. The need for reconstruction is more common in males. Our rates of bladder neck reconstruction after complete primary repair of exstrophy and of continence after bladder neck reconstruction are similar to those in other reports.

Perioperative risk factors for major complications in pediatric surgery: a study in surgical risk assessment for children.

BACKGROUND: There are numerous studies in the adult literature correlating comorbidities and pre- and intraoperative parameters with postoperative outcomes. However, there is a paucity of similar data in the pediatric population. Our goal was to elucidate which pre- and intraoperative patient characteristics in children undergoing surgery are associated with an increased risk of major complication within 30 days. STUDY DESIGN: We identified 108 children who underwent surgery at our institution between June 2005 and May 2007 and had major complication or death within 30 days of surgery. Forty-two preoperative patient characteristics and 22 intraoperative variables were evaluated. The severity of the complications was graded based on the Clavien classification system, with major complications grade III or greater. We randomly selected 723 controls who had undergone surgery within a 3-month date range of the original cohort, but did not develop complications. Statistical significance was assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Most complications were cardiovascular, occurred 1 to 3 days after surgery, and were classified as grade IIIB. We identified 5 independent risk factors on multivariate analysis: ≤36 weeks of gestation, American Society of Anesthesiologists score >3, undergoing a cardiovascular or neurosurgical procedure, and receiving an intraoperative albumin transfusion. Three scoring systems (overall, preoperative, and intraoperative complication score) were developed to provide objective risk stratification. CONCLUSIONS: We found 5 patient-specific parameters that were independent risk factors for major complications or death after pediatric surgery. Future prospective studies will help to fully stratify risk and guide interventions to improve postoperative outcomes.

Robotic assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation in children: case matched comparative study with open surgical approach.

PURPOSE: Surgical treatment may be required in some patients with vesicoureteral reflux. With the recent development of robotic assistance, laparoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux has gained popularity. We sought to evaluate our initial experience with pediatric robotic assisted laparoscopic intravesical and extravesical ureteral reimplantation, and to compare outcomes with the open technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation between 2007 and 2010. Comparisons were made with a case matched cohort of patients who underwent the open technique. The groups were compared using t tests for numerical variables and chi-square comparisons or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. A Kaplan-Meier model was used to compare success rates. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients underwent intravesical and 20 underwent extravesical robotic assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation during the study period. They were compared to 22 patients undergoing intravesical and 17 undergoing extravesical open ureteral reimplantation. Although the robotic assisted approach was associated with a longer operative time (p <0.001), children undergoing intravesical robotic assisted reimplantation had a shorter duration of urinary catheter drainage, fewer bladder spasms and a shorter hospital stay compared to those undergoing the intravesical open technique (p <0.01). There were no significant differences in these parameters when comparing extravesical robotic assisted reimplantation to the extravesical open technique. Overall success rates were similar among patients who underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation and open reimplantation (p >0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation offers similar success rates to the gold standard, open ureteral reimplantation. Future large scale studies will be required to define further the costs and benefits of robotic assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation in the surgical treatment of vesicoureteral reflux.