Reoperative Anorectal Procedures in Patients with Anorectal Malformations - Is Bladder Function Affected?

BACKGROUND: Anorectal malformations (ARM) are associated with neurogenic bladder. The traditional surgical ARM repair is a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP), which is believed to have a minimal effect on bladder dynamics. However, little is known about the effects of reoperative PSARP (rPSARP) on bladder function. We hypothesized that a high rate of bladder dysfunction existed in this cohort. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of ARM patients undergoing rPSARP at a single institution from 2008 to 2015. Only patients with Urology follow-up were included in our analysis. Data was collected regarding original level of ARM, coexisting spinal anomalies and indications for reoperation. We assessed urodynamic variables and bladder management (voiding, CIC or diverted) before and after rPSARP. RESULTS: A total of 172 patients were identified, of which 85 met inclusion criteria with a median follow-up of 23.9 months (IQR, 5.9-43.8 months). Thirty-six patients had spinal cord anomalies. Indications for rPSARP included mislocation (n = 42), posterior urethral diverticulum (PUD; n = 16), stricture (n = 19) and rectal prolapse (n = 8). Within 1 year following rPSARP, 11 patients (12.9%) had a negative change in bladder management, defined as need for beginning intermittent catheterization or undergoing urinary diversion, which increased to 16 patients (18.8%) at last follow-up. Postoperative bladder management changed in rPSARP patients with mislocation (p < 0.0001) and stricture (p 0.005) but not for rectal prolapse (p 0.143). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who undergo rPSARP warrant especially close attention for bladder dysfunction as we observed a negative postoperative change in bladder management in 18.8% of our series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Outcomes according to channel type for continent catheterizable channels in patients undergoing simultaneous urinary and fecal reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: When creating a continent catheterizable channel (CCC) the choice of bowel segment used as the conduit should be tempered with the morbidity associated with it. The split-appendix technique allows the creation of both a urinary and fecal CCC without the need for a bowel anastomosis. However, there is concern that by splitting the appendix there is compromise to its blood supply and may affect outcomes. We aim to compare what affect the bowel segment used for urinary and fecal CCCs has on perioperative and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing simultaneous urinary and fecal reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed analyzing all patients that underwent simultaneous continent catheterizable urinary and fecal CCC between the years 2010-2016. Patient demographics, channel characteristics, perioperative complications and clinical success rate were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were identified that had simultaneous fecal and urinary CCC created at time of reconstruction. For urinary CCC, there were 64 patients (60.4%) that underwent a split-appendix technique, 27 patients (25.4%) underwent a Monti, and 15 patients (14.2%) had the appendix used only for the urinary channel. Those patients undergoing a split-appendix technique had median operative time of 447 min compared to 619 min when a Monti channel was created. The median length of hospital stay was 9 days for the split-appendix technique compared to 12 and 13 day median hospital stay when the appendix was used only for the urinary channel or a Monti was created, respectively. There was no difference seen in revision free survival of the channel following surgery of any of the channels with median follow-up of 44.5 months. However, there were more subfascial revisions of urinary CCC in those that underwent a Monti (5 patients, 18.5%) compared to other bowel segments (0 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing a split-appendix approach for creation of urinary and fecal CCCs does not affect 30-day complications or long-term revision rates compared to other established techniques. This technique minimizes the potential surgical morbidity of a bowel anastomosis and provide shorter operative times, when feasible, at time of simultaneous creation of fecal and urinary CCC.

Clinical urologic and urodynamic outcomes in patients with anorectal malformation and absent vagina after vaginal replacement.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Anorectal malformations (ARMs) represent a complex spectrum of anorectal and genitourinary anomalies and a paucity of evidence is available on long-term urologic outcomes in all ARM subtypes. It was our subjective bias from being a referral center for ARM patients that the subtype of rectovestibular fistula and absent vagina had higher risk of renal and bladder abnormalities than typical rectovestibular fistula patients. Therefore, to confirm or refute our clinical suspicions, the purpose of this study was to review this specific cohort of ARM patients and describe both the clinical urological and urodynamic outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed for 120 patients who were treated for ARM and vaginal replacement at our institution between 1991 and 2017. Fifteen patients with rectovestibular fistula and absent vagina were included in our review. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from their medical records, including urodynamic findings, need for clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), urinary continence, and renal function. RESULTS: Vaginal replacement surgery was undertaken concomitantly with ARM repair in 10 of the 15 patients (67%). One patient was lost to follow up, and mean follow up postoperatively was 39 months. In all but one patient, rectum or colon was used as the substrate for vaginal replacement. Of the 15 patients, 13 had continence data available. A total of 10 patients (77%) were able to achieve social continence. Overall six patients used CIC to manage their bladder and 40% of continent patients used CIC. Urinary continence outcomes in patients who had partial vaginal replacement compared to those with total vaginal replacement did not reveal a clinically significant difference. Continence was achieved in 3/4 patients (75%) with a history of tethered cord compared to 7/9 patients (78%) without a history of tethered cord release. Urodynamics were performed postoperatively in 7 of the 157 patients (47%). Uninhibited detrusor contractions (UDCs) were present in 3 out of 7 patients, and a cystometric capacity greater than expected was noted in 4 patients. Additionally, 2 patients had end filling detrusor pressure greater than 40 cm H2O. GFR data were available for 13 of the 15 patients and (85%) were classified as chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage I or not having any significant loss of renal function. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of rectovestibular fistula and absent vagina, 77% reported achieving urinary continence. However CIC was employed in 40% of the patients which is higher than prior published noncloaca female ARM patient population. Urodynamic abnormalities were noted when performed and led to change in bladder management. Renal function measured with GFR was normal in 85%. Patients with rectovestibular fistula and absent vagina benefit from urologic screening given higher rates of lower urinary tract dysfunction that can require CIC to protect the upper urinary tract and achieve urinary continence. TYPE OF STUDY: Case series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Is anuria prior to pediatric renal transplantation associated with poor allograft outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: Anuria from end-stage renal disease leads to a defunctionalized bladder and may pose technical challenges at the time of renal transplantation. Anuria's effect on bladder function after renal transplantation is considered to be minimal in adults, although a paucity of evidence is available in children. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of anuria prior to pediatric renal transplantation for ESRD due to medical renal disease on allograft outcome. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent renal transplantation for medical renal disease at our institution between 2005 and 2016. Demographics and clinical data were assessed. We also compared GFR at 1 year post-transplant for medical renal patients with history of anuria and those without. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria with median duration of anuria was 10 months. Preoperative VCUG was available in five patients and their bladder capacity was 29% of expected bladder capacity for age (range 8%-41%). Anticholinergic therapy was prescribed in six patients (28%) for a mean duration of 5 months (range 1-16 months). Comparison of GFR at 1 year post-transplant in anuria group and those without anuria showed no difference (69 vs 75 mL/min, P = 0.37). No correlation was observed between duration of anuria and post-transplant GFR. CONCLUSION: The majority of children in our pretransplant anuria cohort did not develop bladder dysfunction after renal transplantation. No difference was observed between GFR at 1 year when comparing anuric to non-anuric transplant recipients of medical renal disease etiology.

Chronic Kidney Disease Stage Progression in Patients Undergoing Repair of Persistent Cloaca.

PURPOSE: Children born with persistent cloaca undergo complex pelvic reconstruction early in life. Long-term risks of bladder dysfunction and chronic kidney disease are well described. We report upper urinary tract outcomes and the risk of chronic kidney disease stage progression in this patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied a cohort of patients undergoing posterior sagittal anorecto-vagino-urethroplasty at a single institution from 2006 to 2013. Inclusion criteria consisted of complete urological care at our institution. Chronic kidney disease stage was calculated from cystatin C or nuclear medicine glomerular filtration rate. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients met inclusion criteria. Of the patients 12 had undergone vesicostomy or ureterostomy. A total of 19 patients had hydronephrosis, 19 had vesicoureteral reflux and 15 had a tethered spinal cord. Median length of the common channel was 3.5 cm. Median age at posterior sagittal anorecto-vagino-urethroplasty was 7.3 months. Median followup was 5.3 years. A total of 30 patients had neurogenic bladder, of whom 27 required clean intermittent catheterization and 3 had undergone vesicostomy. Of the patients 38 had stage I or II, 5 had stage III and 1 had stage IV chronic kidney disease. During followup no patient with initial stage I to III chronic kidney disease had stage progression. The patient with stage IV chronic kidney disease had a renal allograft placed at age 34 months before needing dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Early outcomes in patients with stage I to III chronic kidney disease demonstrate that renal function can be maintained despite a high rate of lower urinary tract dysfunction. Aggressive bladder management may help prevent progressive renal injury in this population.

Endoscopic treatment with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid for persistent incontinence after continent urinary reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To determine the applicability and long-term outcome of endoscopic injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA) to correct incontinence in patients who had previously undergone continent urinary reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of all patients who underwent Dx/HA injection at our institution from January 2001 to June 2011. All patients had adequate bladder capacity and compliance on maximized medical therapy before injection. "Success" was defined as either "continence" (daytime dry interval >3 hours) or "improvement" (daytime dry interval >2 hours). RESULTS: A total of 22 children (16 females and 6 males) had Dx/HA injections for persistent incontinence from either bladder neck (7), Mitrofanoff (10), or both (5). Median age at injection was 13 years (range 4-21). Children underwent an average of 1.6 injection sessions per patient with an average of 2.6 mL of Dx/HA per session. At a median follow-up of 72 months (range 4-104), 19 (86.4%) patients had successful results (16 continent, 3 improved). For those incontinent from bladder neck, 42% became continent after 1, 75% after 2, and 83% after 3 injections, with a success rate of 91% (10 continent, 1 improved). For those incontinent from Mitrofanoff, 20% became continent after 1, and 73% after 2 injections, with a success rate of 86% (11 continent, 2 improved). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic injection of Dx/HA to correct residual incontinence in selected children after urinary reconstruction appears to be safe and effective, achieving a dry interval in more than two-thirds of patients.

Epididymitis in patients with anorectal malformations: a cause for urologic concern.

INTRODUCTION: Epididymitis in patients with anorectal malformation (ARM) represents a unique problem because unlike the general population, an underlying urinary tract problem is frequently identified. We review our experience with epididymitis in ARM population with an emphasis on examining urologic outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of male patients with ARM cared for from 1980 to 2010. Clinical and pathologic variables recorded included age at presentation, recurrence, associated urologic anomalies, incidence of ureteral fusion with mesonephric ductal structures, glomerular filtration rate and urodynamic parameters. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were identified with documented episodes of epididymitis. Renal injury was noted in five patients (19%), all of whom were diagnosed with neurogenic bladder (NGB) several years after anorectoplasty. NGB was found in ten patients (38%) in our series. Ectopic insertion of ureter into a mesonephric ductal structure was discovered in five patients (19%). Twelve patients (46%) had recurrent episodes of epididymitis, with seven of these patients (58%) being diagnosed with NGB. Two patients in the pubertal group presented with a history of epididymitis and complained of ejaculatory pain. CONCLUSION: Epididymitis in a patient with ARM warrants a comprehensive urologic investigation, particularly in recurrent episodes. Attempts at surgical intervention (e.g. vasectomy) should be avoided until functional assessment of the urinary tract has occurred. Failure to recognize this association may lead to potentially avoidable complications and morbidity. Long term urological follow up of these patients is warranted to identify at risk patients and minimize renal deterioration.

Epididymitis in Patients with Anorectal Malformations: A Cause for Urologic Concern

Introduction Epididymitis in patients with anorectal malformation (ARM) represents a unique problem because unlike the general population, an underlying urinary tract problem is frequently identified. We review our experience with epididymitis in ARM population with an emphasis on examining urologic outcomes. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective review of male patients with ARM cared for from 1980 to 2010. Clinical and pathologic variables recorded included age at presentation, recurrence, associated urologic anomalies, incidence of ureteral fusion with mesonephric ductal structures, glomerular filtration rate and urodynamic parameters. Results Twenty-six patients were identified with documented episodes of epididymitis. Renal injury was noted in five patients (19%), all of whom were diagnosed with neurogenic bladder (NGB) several years after anorectoplasty. NGB was found in ten patients (38%) in our series. Ectopic insertion of ureter into a mesonephric ductal structure was discovered in five patients (19%). Twelve patients (46%) had recurrent episodes of epididymitis, with seven of these patients (58%) being diagnosed with NGB. Two patients in the pubertal group presented with a history of epididymitis and complained of ejaculatory pain. Conclusion Epididymitis in a patient with ARM warrants a comprehensive urologic investigation, particularly in recurrent episodes. Attempts at surgical intervention (e.g. vasectomy) should be avoided until functional assessment of the urinary tract has occurred. Failure to recognize this association may lead to potentially avoidable complications and morbidity. Long term urological follow up of these patients is warranted to identify at risk patients and minimize renal deterioration .

Acquired posterior urethral diverticulum following surgery for anorectal malformations.

PURPOSE: Despite significant advances in the surgical management of anorectal malformations (ARMs), many children still experience significant debilities from potentially avoidable complications. One complication, the posterior urethral diverticulum, may have untoward consequences if not recognized and treated. METHODS: A retrospective cohort review was undertaken of male patients who presented to us with persistent problems after being operated on elsewhere for ARM. Twenty-nine patients presented with a urethral diverticulum. Their charts were reviewed for the type of malformation, prior repair, presentation, treatment, and postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were identified that fit the criteria for this study. To date, 28 patients have been managed with reoperation. Urinary complaints were the most common presenting symptoms. All patients were repaired using a posterior sagittal approach. Pathology of the diverticulum in one patient revealed a well-differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: The incidence of acquired posterior urethral diverticulum has decreased with the popularization of the posterior sagittal incision. There is a theoretical concern that the incidence may increase with the use of laparoscopy for the treatment of ARMs especially those where the fistula is below the peritoneal reflection. Once detected, the diverticulum should be excised.

Low incidence of urinary tract infections following renal transplantation in children with bladder augmentation.

PURPOSE: Children with end-stage renal disease and bladder dysfunction may require augmentation cystoplasty before kidney transplantation. Previous reports have suggested unacceptable urinary tract infection rates in these immunosuppressed patients. We reviewed our experience in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients undergoing augmentation cystoplasty and subsequent renal transplantation by a single surgeon between 1989 and 2007. This cohort was compared with a control group on clean intermittent catheterization who had undergone transplantation without augmentation. Patient demographics, etiology of renal failure, surgical details, surgical/allograft outcomes and occurrence of urinary tract infection were analyzed. RESULTS: The augmented group included 17 patients with a median age at reconstruction of 6.4 years. Stomach was used in 15 patients and colon in 2. Median time between reconstruction and transplantation was 1.2 years. Median followup after transplantation was 7.7 years. The control group included 17 patients with a median age at transplantation of 10.9 years. Median followup in the controls was 6.1 years. All ureteral reimplantations were antirefluxing. Patients on clean intermittent catheterization were maintained on oral antibiotic suppression and/or gentamicin bladder irrigations. In the augmented group 35 episodes of urinary tract infection were noted, and the number of documented infections per patient-year of followup was 0.22, compared to 32 episodes of urinary tract infection and 0.28 infections per patient-year of followup in the controls. No allograft was lost to infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: In our series there was no increase in urinary tract infection rate following renal transplantation in patients with augmented bladders compared to controls. This finding may be due to the use of gastric augmentation, antirefluxing reimplantation and gentamicin irrigations.

Progression of renal insufficiency in children and adolescents with neuropathic bladder is not accelerated by lower urinary tract reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Children with chronic renal insufficiency and neuropathic bladder resistant to medical management may require lower urinary tract reconstruction before renal transplantation. A low pressure urinary reservoir optimizes the chance of graft survival and may slow native kidney death. We evaluated whether the renal deterioration rate is affected by augmentation cystoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study in children who presented to our institution with chronic renal insufficiency and neuropathic bladders from 2005 to 2009. Chronic renal insufficiency was defined as a glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 ml per minute. As a surrogate for renal function change, we used the inverse creatinine trend with respect to time to determine the progression rate of renal insufficiency before and after augmentation. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients with a mean glomerular filtration rate of 34 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2), mean bladder capacity 168 ml and mean compliance 3.5 ml/cm H(2)O met study inclusion criteria. Bladder augmentation or replacement was done at a mean age of 9.7 years with a resultant mean capacity of 486 ml and compliance of 14.7 ml/cm H(2)O. Mean followup was 4 years before and 1.9 years after augmentation. There was no statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative slopes of inverse creatinine in 8 of 11 patients (73%). Two of the 3 patients (18%) with different preoperative and postoperative slopes had improving renal function after surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in slopes across all patients. CONCLUSIONS: In our series bladder augmentation did not appear to hasten progression to end stage renal disease in patients with severe chronic renal insufficiency and neuropathic bladder.

Risk factors for urinary tract infection after dextranomer/hyaluronic acid endoscopic injection.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid is an option for primary vesicoureteral reflux. Few groups have assessed the rate of urinary tract infection after dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection. We reviewed our experience with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection, and determined the incidence of and risk factors for postoperative urinary tract infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of all children with primary vesicoureteral reflux treated with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid from 2002 to 2007 at a single institution. Patient demographics and clinical outcomes were abstracted from the medical record. Risk factors for postoperative urinary tract infection, including female gender, preoperative vesicoureteral reflux grade, recurrent urinary tract infection, bladder dysfunction, nephropathy and persistent vesicoureteral reflux after surgery, were analyzed in a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: We treated 311 children, of whom 87% were female and 13% were male (464 renal units), during the study period. Mode of presentation was urinary tract infection in 85% of cases. Mean followup was 2.6 years. Postoperatively urinary tract infection developed in 40 patients (13%) and febrile urinary tract infection developed in 11 (3.5%). Of patients with urinary tract infection 26 had initially negative postoperative voiding cystourethrogram, of whom 16 underwent repeat voiding cystourethrogram and 9 showed recurrent vesicoureteral reflux. Five of these 9 patients had clinical pyelonephritis. Of assessed risk factors only preoperative recurrent urinary tract infection (OR 2.2, p = 0.03) and bladder dysfunction (OR 3.3, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of post-injection urinary tract infection. CONCLUSIONS: In our series urinary tract infection after dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection was rare. Patients with recurrent urinary tract infections and bladder dysfunction preoperatively are at increased risk for urinary tract infection after treatment. Patients with febrile urinary tract infection after dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection are at high risk for recurrent vesicoureteral reflux.

Long-term outcomes of the neobladder in pediatric continent urinary reconstruction.

PURPOSE: In rare instances when native bladder tissue is either unsuitable or unavailable a continent neobladder may be an option for pediatric lower urinary tract reconstruction. We report our long-term outcomes and experience in this challenging patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of all patients who underwent creation of a neobladder at 2 pediatric institutions. Patient demographics, surgical details and clinical outcomes were abstracted from the medical records. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients were identified with a median age of 8.9 years at surgery. Median followup was 8.0 years. Most procedures used a composite of gastric and ileal tissue. All patients were continent of urine and had a stable upper urinary tract. Median bladder capacity was 400 ml. Postoperative complications included reservoir stones (8 patients), febrile urinary tract infection (8), metabolic acidosis (6), small bowel obstruction (4), bladder perforation (4) and pelvic lymphocele (1). Five patients had difficulty with catheterization due to stomal stenosis. Gross hematuria with clots developed in 1 patient with anuria who had a gastroileal neobladder and was awaiting renal transplantation. No other patient with a gastric component had the hematuria-dysuria syndrome. Five patients had end stage renal disease and subsequently underwent successful renal transplantation. No upper urinary tract deterioration was observed, and no malignant transformation has occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Creation of a continent neobladder is a reconstruction option in children when bladder augmentation is not feasible. However, complication rates are not insignificant, underscoring the need for careful long-term followup.

Urological issues in pediatric renal transplantation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The pediatric patient with end-stage renal disease provides a great opportunity for the involvement of the pediatric urologist because of the high incidence of associated urologic anomalies. RECENT FINDINGS: Renal transplant remains the procedure of choice in the child with end-stage renal disease. The durability of survival of the graft is impacted by successful management of the genitourinary tract. SUMMARY: Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative evaluation is critical for the child with associated urologic disease and end-stage renal disease. Early and appropriate management may stabilize renal function and prolong the time to transplant. Due to the relatively long life expectancy of children compared with adults with end-stage renal disease, appropriate management may be of benefit to avoid the morbidity associated with renal replacement therapy. In certain children, the appropriate management and reconstruction of the genitourinary tract may allow for a planned and preemptive renal transplant, thus avoiding dialysis.

The posterior sagittal approach for recurrent genitourinary pathology.

PURPOSE: The posterior sagittal transanorectal approach offers the surgeon excellent exposure to the lower genitourinary system. The approach has been successfully used for revisional surgery involving the urinary tract and rectum. We have used this approach to treat müllerian remnants, acquired or congenital fistulas and acquired urethral strictures. In the setting of revisional surgery abdominal or perineal approaches may not provide the same level of exposure to the lower urinary tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 911 males who underwent a posterior sagittal approach 12 were identified in whom this approach was used to manage lower urinary tract problems without associated anorectal malformation (group 1). An additional 58 patients with associated anorectal malformations were included in analysis (group 2). RESULTS: All cases were approached with a posterior sagittal incision to facilitate exposure after failed prior surgical attempts to treat traumatic strictures of the proximal urethra in 4 and müllerian remnants in 8 (group 1). In group 2 there were 19 urethral diverticula, 8 strictures and 31 persistent rectourethral fistulas. Followup was 6 months to 15 years. There were no recurrences identified in group 1. In group 2 there were 5 postoperative urethrocutaneous fistulas. Data on potency were available on 4 patients in group 1 and 14 in group 2. All 14 patients in group 2 reported intact potency after surgery. One patient in group 1 was impotent before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior sagittal approach is helpful for addressing lower urinary tract pathology when exposure is inadequate from a perineal or abdominal approach. We propose that better exposure with this approach may limit inadvertent injury to nerves and result in more complete treatment of the presenting pathological condition. This approach provides an alternative that warrants careful consideration when dealing with the lower genitourinary tract in pediatric patients, especially in the setting of revisional surgery.

End cutaneous ureterostomy for the management of severe hydronephrosis.

PURPOSE: Although rarely indicated, surgical treatment of severe megaureter can pose a formidable technical challenge, especially in the small infant. We present our experience and outcomes with end cutaneous ureterostomy as a temporizing adjunct to future ureteral reimplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent end cutaneous ureterostomy between 1993 and 2005. Patient demographics, surgical details and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients (22 males, 7 females) underwent diversion of 34 renal units. Primary megaureter was diagnosed in 15 patients (17 renal units). Secondary megaureter was found in 10 patients (12 renal units). Postoperative megaureter was diagnosed in 4 patients (5 renal units). Mean patient age at time of diversion was 3.2 months for those with primary megaureter and 1.4 years overall. Bilateral diversion or diversion of a solitary functioning kidney was performed in 14 patients (48%), of whom 4 had renal insufficiency. Nine patients (31%) had a febrile urinary tract infection while awaiting undiversion, with no evidence of renal scarring on followup. Undiversion was performed in 12 patients (13 renal units) with primary megaureter at a mean age of 18 months. Overall, undiversion was performed in 21 patients (23 renal units), and ureteral tailoring was required in only 5 renal units (22%). Mean followup after undiversion was 4.2 years for primary megaureter and 3.9 years overall. CONCLUSIONS: End cutaneous ureterostomy is a safe and effective procedure to temporize massive hydronephrosis while awaiting definitive ureteral reimplantation.

Incontinence following bladder neck reconstruction--is there a role for endoscopic management?

PURPOSE: Little has been reported concerning the efficacy of endoscopic injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid for the treatment of residual incontinence following bladder neck reconstruction. We present the experience of 2 institutions using endoscopic submucosal injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid to correct incontinence in patients who had previously undergone bladder neck reconstruction with or without concomitant enterocystoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed with patient demographics, indications for treatment and outcomes recorded. All patients had adequate bladder capacity and compliance on maximized medical therapy before injection. Continence was defined as at least a 3-hour daytime dry interval, while improvement was defined as an increase in the daytime dry interval to at least 2 hours. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients (10 females and 4 males) underwent 21 injections. At a median followup of 17 months 10 patients had successful results (6 continent, 4 improved). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid to correct incontinence following bladder neck reconstruction appears safe and can increase the daytime dry interval in more than 70% of carefully selected patients. Continued followup is necessary to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this treatment.

The role of ureteroscopy in pediatric urology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Endoscopic evaluation and management of the diverse conditions involving the upper urinary tract using rigid or flexible endoscopes is now readily feasible and has been shown to be safe and efficacious even in the smallest children. RECENT FINDINGS: Reduction in the size of the endoscopes, improvements in electronic imaging systems, proliferation of ancillary equipment, and improvement in endourologic skills among pediatric urologists make endoscopic treatment of pediatric urolithiasis the treatment of choice. The safety and efficacy of holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy make it the intracorporeal lithotriptor of choice. Successful outcomes can be obtained for ureteral and renal calculi that are similar to the adult population. Endoscopic treatment can be effective in highly selected children with intraluminal ureteral obstruction in the hands of a very experienced endoscopic pediatric urologist. These conditions include renal hemangiomas or arteriovenous malformations, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, ureteral strictures, or ureteral polyps. SUMMARY: Pediatric ureteroscopic procedures are similar to their adult counterparts, in that basic endoscopic principles should be observed. Nevertheless, children pose specific technical challenges that require planning before endoscopy and that affect the risks and outcomes of these procedures. Future improvements in ureteroscopy will rely on the continued application of the new technology.

Perforation of Malone antegrade continence enema: diagnosis and management.

PURPOSE: Severe bowel dysfunction often accompanies neurogenic bladder, and Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) procedures can lead to improvement in the quality of life of these patients. However, complications such as catheter false passage with subsequent intraperitoneal instillation of irrigation can lead to significant morbidity. We present our experience with the diagnosis and management of this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of all patients undergoing MACE procedures at pediatric institutions from 1989 to 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. The records of patients diagnosed with a perforation were assessed for presentation, initial imaging studies, management and outcomes. RESULTS: Of 187 consecutive patients treated with MACE procedures we identified 6 females and 1 male (3.7%). Mean patient age at initial surgery was 11.3 years. Of the 7 patients presented within 3 months of the initial surgery, 6 presented with abdominal pain after irrigation and 4 reported traumatic catheterization. Six patients had extravasation of contrast material on imaging studies. Two patients presented with peritonitis and underwent immediate laparotomy. In 5 patients endoscopy was performed with catheter placement which was then maintained for 6 weeks. After a mean followup of 4.7 years 4 patients have complete continence, 2 have a MACE button in place and 1 has mild fecal leakage. CONCLUSIONS: MACE procedures have a low incidence of conduit false passage and perforation. Prompt diagnosis and early intervention are crucial to management. Endoscopic evaluation with catheter placement can be helpful in preserving continence and decreasing morbidity.