Kelly's VV-plasty for catheterising channels; first reported case series.

Anastomosis of catheterising channels (Mitrofanoff and ACE) to the skin can be a challenge. The Kelly VV plasty is a straightforward solution but has been described only as a point of technique. We used the previously described method with minor modification. The technique has been used in 14 patients, including 9 children and 5 adults for Mitrofanoff,ACE and Monti channels. At a median follow-up of 25 months all patients continue to catheterise; none have required revision surgery. The Kelly VV plasty is a potentially robust solution to the problem of skin anastomosis; technique merits wider adoption and evaluation.

Are there anatomical limiting factors to foreskin reconstruction at the time of single-stage hypospadias repair?

INTRODUCTION: Foreskin reconstruction (FR) at the time of primary hypospadias repair is a truly anatomically complete reconstruction of the hypospadic penis. We prospectively collected penile and preputial measurement of children undergoing single-stage hypospadias repair and FR with the aim to identify possible relations between penile and preputial anatomy and the likelihood to develop complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied children who underwent single stage hypospadias repair associated with FR from 2016 to 2019. We recorded intra-operative foreskin and penile measurements and post-operative outcomes. Logistic Regression analysis was performed to explore independent factors affecting urethroplasty and skin complications. Chi square test was used to compare outcomes in different groups based on ventral foreskin defect (VFD) width, Glans size, age at surgery and meatal location. RESULTS: From a total of 181 consecutive patients, 86 boys who underwent a single stage hypospadias repair combined with FR were included in the study. Patients were excluded because they were either lost at follow up (n = 10), required a 2-stage repair (n = 2), were circumcised at birth (n = 3) or parents requested a circumcision (n = 78); in 2 patients, a decision to perform circumcision was made intraoperatively due to aesthetic reasons (monk-hood deformity of the prepuce). Median age at surgery was 17 months. Mean glans width was 14.4 mm. Mean unstretched and stretched foreskin circumference were 29.5 mm and 40.9 mm, respectively. Mean VFD (the distance between the proximal insertion of the foreskin hood on either side of the midline at the level of the coronal sulcus) was 7.2 mm (Fig. 1). At median follow-up of 8 months (6-23), 9 complications were recorded (10.4%): foreskin dehiscence occurred in 1% (1/86), a foreskin fistula was noted in 4.6% (4/86), tight, non-retractile, foreskin in 1% (1/86); urethrocutaneous fistula in 2.3% (2/86) and complete dehiscence of the glans and foreskin in 1 (1.2%). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that none of the measurements obtained was an independent risk factor for developing urethroplasty or skin complications. There was no significant difference in complications between wide VFD (>7 mm) vs. narrow VFD (≤7 mm), large glans (>14 mm) vs. small glans (≤14 mm), age at surgery ≤24 months vs. > 24 month and meatal location distal (glanular, coronal, subcoronal and distal penile) vs. proximal (midpenile, proximal penile and penoscrotal). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting a prospective and objective assessment of the foreskin in the context of single stage hypospadias repair. Individual anatomical differences in preputial and penile anatomy do not seem to affect the likelihood of skin and urethroplasty complications. FR can, therefore, be offered to all boys undergoing primary single stage hypospadias repair . Further studies on larger numbers and external validation of these measurements is necessary.

Morbidity following suprapubic line insertion for videourodynamics in children.

INTRODUCTION: Previously in our unit, urodynamics were delayed after insertion of suprapubic (SP) lines. We postulated that performing urodynamics on the same day as SP line insertion would not result in increased morbidity. We retrospectively compared complications in those having urodynamics on the same day against those who had delayed urodynamics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Notes were reviewed for patients undergoing urodynamics via SP lines from May 2009 until December 2018. In 2014 we modified our practice to allow urodynamics on the same day as SP line insertion in some patients. Patients undergoing videourodynamics would have two 5 Fr (mini Paed) SP lines inserted under general anaesthesia. Patients were divided into two groups: those that had urodynamics on the same day as SP line insertion and those that had urodynamics after an interval of more than one day. The outcome measure was the number of problems affecting those in each group. The two groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests and Fisher's Exact tests. RESULTS: There were a total of 211 patients with a median age of 6.5 years (range three months to 15.9 years). Urodynamics were performed on the same day in 86. Delayed Urodynamics were performed at an interval of more than one day in 125. Adverse events included pain or difficulty with voiding, increased urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, leak from catheter site, extravasation, extension of in-patient stay, visible haematuria, urethral catheterisation, and urinary tract infection. Problems affected 43 (20.4%) children. In the same day group, 11 (13.3%) patients had problems, in the delayed group 32 (25.6%) had problems; this was statistically significant (p = 0.03). The difference in combined incidence of important problems (requiring urethral catheterisation, extended admission or abandonment of urodynamics) was not statistically significant between the two groups. CONCLUSION: When using suprapubic catheters for urodynamics there is no additional morbidity when catheters are inserted on the same day as the urodynamics study compared to when urodynamic are delayed.

Long-term urology outcomes of anorectal malformation.

INTRODUCTION: Urological problems are a recognised feature of anorectal malformation (ARM). Previous assumptions of favourable long-term urinary outcomes are being challenged. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesised that urinary tract problems are common in ARM and frequently persist into adulthood. We retrospectively reviewed long-term renal and bladder outcomes in ARM patients. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with ARM born between 1984-2005 were identified from electronic hospital databases. Their case notes were reviewed. Renal outcomes included serum creatinine and the need for renal replacement therapy. Bladder outcomes included symptom review, bladder medication, need for intermittent catheterisation, videourodynamics and whether the patient had undergone augmentation cystoplasty. RESULT (TABLE 1): The case notes of 50 patients were reviewed. The median age at last follow up was 18 years (range 12-34 years). The level of fistula was noted to be high in 17 patients, intermediate in eight, and low in 10. Four had cloaca. Congenital urological abnormalities were present in 25 (50%). An abnormal spinal cord was present in 22 (44%) patients. VACTERL association occurred in 27 (54%). Chronic kidney disease stage II or above was found in 14 (28%) patients, of whom four required a renal transplant. Abnormal bladder outcomes were found in 39 (78%) patients. Augmentation cystoplasty with Mitrofanoff had been performed in 12. Of those who had not undergone cystoplasty, 17 had urinary symptoms, including urinary incontinence in 12. Of the 39 patients with abnormal bladder outcome, 19 (49%) did not have a spinal cord abnormality. There was no significant statistical association between level of ARM and abnormal renal outcome or presence of bladder abnormality. DISCUSSION: Adverse renal and bladder outcomes are common in our cohort of young people with ARM with a significantly higher incidence compared with current literature. We did not demonstrate an association between level of ARM or presence of spinal cord anomaly with persistent bladder problems. Congenital urological anomalies are more common in those who later have an abnormal renal outcome. Although this difference is statistically significant, one fifth of patients born with anatomically normal upper tracts develop reduced renal function, implying an important acquired component. CONCLUSION: Bladder problems and reduced renal function affect a significant proportion of young adults with ARM. Neither adverse outcome is reliably predicted from ARM level, congenital urological anomaly or spinal cord anomaly. We advise continued long-term bladder and kidney follow-up for all patients with ARM.

Pediatric Nephrectomy: Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes of Three Different Minimally Invasive and Open Approaches.

Background: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is now the gold standard for nephrectomy in pediatric patients. Retroperitoneoscopic (using either one or two instruments) and transperitoneal (TP) approaches are described. We compared the perioperative outcomes of different techniques [single-instrument retroperitoneoscopic (SIRP), two-instrument retroperitoneoscopic (TIRP), TP, and open approach]. Patients and Methods: Retrospective review of patients who underwent nephrectomy surgery in the period from January 2009 to January 2020 at a single center was carried out. We excluded patients who underwent other procedures under the same anesthetic, underwent heminephrectomy, and those with incomplete records. The primary outcome measures were operative time, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to analyze continuous variables. Chi square test was used to compare categorical variables. Results: A total of 213 nephrectomies were analyzed; SIRP (n = 35), TIRP (n = 50), TP (n = 74), and open (n = 54). Median age (months) was 71 for SIRP, 113 for TIRP, 67 for TP, and 21 for open. No statistical difference was identified for mean operative time (P = .067) or mean hospital stay (P = .69). Intraoperative complications were significantly more in the open group (P = .03). Postoperative complications were rare and only noted in the open group. There was no conversion to open surgery in the SIRP and TIRP groups. Conversion rate was 5.4% (4/74) in the TP group. Conclusion: MIS nephrectomy is safe, and no difference among techniques (SIRP, TIRP and TP) has been demonstrated. They are comparable to open surgery in terms of operative time and hospital stay, but are associated with significantly less complications.

Retroperitoneoscopic single-instrument horseshoe nephrectomy for dilated non-functioning right moiety.

Retroperitoneoscopic horseshoe nephrectomy is an uncommon procedure, in particular in the paediatric practice. We present a procedure carried out via a posterior approach with a single working port in a 20 months old boy. The video goes through the technical aspect, from the positioning of the patient and the port insertion, to the end of procedure. Highlighted are the critical steps of directing the initial fascial dissection more caudal and medial compared to a standard approach for nephrectomy, as well as tips to safely ligate and divide the very short right renal vein. The operative time was 90 min. The postoperative course was uneventful. The retroperitoneal access provides a good visualisation of the hylum (including the IVC in case of right side approach), the ureter and the isthmus and has the advantage to preserve the abdominal cavity. The retroperitoneal approach is safe also in horseshoe kidney.

Perioperative morbidity of paediatric laparoscopic nephrectomy by transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches- any difference?

AIM: Minimal invasive approaches for paediatric nephrectomy include transperitoneal (TP) and retroperitoneal (RP); both having advantages and disadvantages. We aimed to ascertain if there was any difference in perioperative morbidities between these two approaches. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of laparoscopic TP and RP nephrectomies performed in our institution over 10 years from May 2009 till May 2019. Outcome measures included intraoperative complications, prolonged requirement of opioid analgesics (more than 24 h), hospital stay, incidence of wound infection and urinary tract infections. Data were analysed using Fisher's exact test and Mann Whitney test. RESULTS: A total of 152 nephrectomies were performed in 139 patients; 81 were TP and 71 were RP. Age ranged from 8 months to 16 years. Median hospital stay was 2 days in both groups. There were no intraoperative complications. Outcome measures were sub-categorised as follows. Requirement of opioid analgesia for more than 24 h was documented in 2 patients in each group, leading to longer hospital stay of 3 days. A febrile urinary tract infection requiring antibiotics was detected in 4; 1 in TP and 3 in RP. Wound infection requiring antibiotics occurred in 1 patient (in RP group). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in any of the subcategories. CONCLUSION: TP and RP nephrectomy have similar perioperative morbidity. The decision to utilise either approach should be dependent on the surgeon's skills and experience and appropriately tailored to individual patient needs.

Native nephrectomy in the management of hypertension in children with kidney disease: a tool to improve blood pressure control.

AIM: Hypertension in children with abnormal kidneys often requires multiple antihypertensive agents (complex), or could present with complications (e.g. hypertensive encephalopathy). Our objective in this report is to evaluate blood pressure control following unilateral or bilateral laparoscopic native nephrectomy in children with renal hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-centre retrospective review of all children who underwent nephrectomy for management of hypertension over a recent study period (2008-2017) with post-operative follow-up of at least 3 years. We describe the association of age, primary kidney disease and blood pressure and its management including time to resolution following unilateral or bilateral nephrectomy. RESULTS: During the 9-year study period, 21 of 215 (9.8%) children underwent nephrectomy for management of hypertension. We included 19 children [6 with unilateral native nephrectomy (UNN) and 13 with bilateral native nephrectomy (BNN)] in this study as they continued with their follow-up at our centre. Out of the 19 children, 15 had laparoscopic retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomies and 4 had laparoscopic transperitoneal nephrectomies. Six children had unilateral nephrectomy and 13 children had bilateral nephrectomies [7 were pre-transplant (haemodialysis-6, peritoneal dialysis-1) and 6 were post-kidney transplant]. Fifteen of 19 children (79%) had complete resolution [5 UNN and 10 BNN] and 3 (16%) partial resolution [1 UNN and 2 BNN]. One patient with BNN was observed to have no change in blood pressure control. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate improved management of hypertension in 95% of the children. Nephrectomy could offer a reasonable treatment option for selected group of complex and complicated renal hypertension.

Outcomes and costs analysis of Externalized PyeloUreteral versus internal Double-J ureteral stents after paediatric laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard treatment for Uretero-Pelvic Junction Obstruction (UPJO) is laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty according to the Anderson-Hynes technique. The internal Double-J ureteral (DJ) and the Externalized PyeloUreteral (EPU) stents are usually the drainage of choice. Only a few articles have compared the clinical impact of the different drainage techniques on the perioperative morbidity and none presented a cost analysis of the incurred hospital stay. OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical outcome and financial analysis of a cohort of children who underwent a laparoscopic pyeloplasty comparing the use of the DJ versus EPU stent. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of consecutives children who underwent laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty in a single tertiary paediatric referral centre from January 2017 to March 2020. Patients were grouped according to the type of stent used: DJ stent vs EPU stent. RESULTS: Fifty-three laparoscopic pyeloplasties were performed on 51 patients: 27 (50.9%) had an EPU stent and 26 (49.1%) a DJ stent. There was no statistically significant difference between the two patient groups with regards to surgical time, hospital stay, stent-related complications or the need for re-do surgery. All the EPU stents were removed with an outpatient admission 8.1 days ± 3.1 after surgery while the DJ stents were removed with a cystoscopy 61.6 days ± 30.2 after surgery (p value < 0.001). On a financial analysis (Figure), the hospital costs for stent removal were significantly lower for the EPU stent group (£ 686.7 ± 263.4 vs £ 1425 ± 299.5, p value < 0.01). DISCUSSION: Both drainage methods have some disadvantages. Possible complications associated with DJ stents include migration and artificial vesicoureteral reflux which may lead to higher incidence of Urinary Tract Infections. Possible disadvantages of the EPU stent insertion are related to the damage of the renal parenchyma and to the risk of developing skin site infections and urinary leaks. However, in our series the EPU stent has not been associated with a higher incidence of bleeding, leakage or discomfort. In addition to clinical considerations, there is a financial implication to be considered. With this regard, the EPU stent was associated with a significant reduction in the incurred hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS: The use of DJ and EPU stents is equivalent in regards of overall complications and success rates. DJ and EPU stents provided comparable success and complication rates, however the latter avoids the need of an additional general anaesthesia and reduces the overall incurred hospital costs.

Flexible ureterorenoscopy to treat upper urinary tract stones in children.

Development of surgical expertise and technology has affected the way renal tract stones are treated. Our hypothesis was that flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) for upper tract stones in children produces good results. Our outcomes were reviewed. A retrospective case note review was performed for children with upper tract calculi who were treated by FURS. There were 56 stone episodes in 36 patients. Median age was 10.6 years. Stones were 3-23 mm (median 8 mm); 64.3% had multiple calculi. Median follow-up was for 17.1 months. After the first FURS there was stone clearance in 42/56 (75%). Although there were no immediate complications, two required re-admission; one with stent symptoms, the other with urinary infection. A second FURS was performed in 11, bringing the cumulative clearance to 89%, although this was often done as "another look" before stent removal. There was no statistically significant difference in stone clearance after first FURS for those with single stones (81.0%) compared to those with multiple stones (72.2%). Clearance rates of more than 70% after first FURS were achieved with stones of up to 17 mm. Unexpected disease was found and treated during FURS in 9 (16.1%) children. FURS is safe in children and good clearance rates are achieved. Multiple stones at different sites may be treated during the same treatment. In addition, FURS allows diagnosis and treatment of unexpected problems.

Foreskin reconstruction at the time of single-stage hypospadias repair: is it a safe procedure?

INTRODUCTION: Foreskin reconstruction (FR) is a recognised, yet debated, option for patients undergoing single-stage hypospadias repair (HR). METHODS: We evaluated the incidence of complications after single-stage HR in our institution. This is a retrospective review of all single-stage HR. Patients were classified into group 1 (circumcision) and group 2 foreskin reconstruction (FR). Urethroplasty and foreskin complications were recorded. Statistics used are as follows: Mann-Whitney test to compare age at operation and length of follow-up (FU); Chi-Square test to analyse the incidence of urethral complications and need for reoperation; Log rank test to compare the survival curves; p statistically significant < 0.05. Data are presented as median (range). RESULTS: 304 patients were identified, operated between January 2010 and December 2016, and 20 were excluded: 6 already circumcised at the time of the surgery, 3 with megameatus intact prepuce, 11 lost at FU. 284 patients were included: 161 circumcised and 123 FR. Median age at the operation was 17 months (8-179) (group 1) and 17 months (8-148) (group 2) (p = 0.71). Length of FU was 19 months (8-91) (group 1) and 17 months (4-87) (group 2) (p = 0.45). The survival curve was homogeneous (p = 0.28). Urethroplasty complications occurred in 32/161 (20%) (group 1) and in 21/123 (17%) (group 2) (p = 0.55). Foreskin complications occurred in 18/123 (15%). A second operation was required in 33 boys in each group, (20% group 1 and 27% group 2) (p = 0.21). CONCLUSION: FR does not increase the complication rate or the need for a reoperation after single-stage HR. Parents should be offered the option between the two procedures according to their personal preference.

Ureterocystoplasty is safe and effective in patients awaiting renal transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical outcomes and bladder function were assessed in a group of patients who had undergone ureterocystoplasty while awaiting renal transplantation. METHODS: An observational cohort study was performed. A chart review was performed of 16 patients who had undergone ureterocystoplasty between 1997 and 2006. The postoperative assessment included measurement of bladder capacity and voiding cystourethrography findings. RESULTS: The median patient age at operation was 17 years (range, 3 to 44 years). The median follow-up was 38 months (range, 3 to 60 months). All patients achieved continence. The median increase in bladder capacity was 162 mL (range, 65 to 265 mL), representing a median proportional increase of 226% (range, 167% to 340%) of the original bladder capacity. None of the patients developed vesicoureteral reflux. Only 4 patients required subsequent intermittent catheterization to fully empty their bladders. Seven patients underwent renal transplantation within 3 to 7 months of ureterocystoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Ureterocystoplasty in patients awaiting renal transplantation is safe and effective. Good results can be achieved when care is taken to preserve the blood supply of the ureter. The results of this study have confirmed the desirability of preserving the ureters in patients awaiting transplantation who might require bladder augmentation.

A posterior sagittal approach for revision vaginoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with revision vaginoplasty without using bowel, by the posterior sagittal approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The notes of eight patients (median age 12.3 years, range 9.0-15.6) were retrospectively reviewed; all had had revision vaginoplasty using a posterior sagittal approach. Their original diagnosis was cloacal anomaly in three, urogenital sinus in two, cloacal exstrophy in two, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia in one patient. RESULTS: Indications for re-operation included: haematocolpos in four patients, absent vaginal opening in two, hydrocolpos in one, and vesico-vaginal fistula in one. The vagina was reconstructed by total urogenital mobilization in seven patients and in one by anastomosing anterior and posterior aspects of a duplicated vagina. The vagina was mobilized by up to 6 cm in this manner. Bowel was not required for any of the vaginoplasties. The median (range) inpatient stay was 6 (4-17) days after surgery and the median follow-up was 35.3 (4.5-50) months. One patient developed a vesico-vaginal fistula and vaginal stenosis, and had further surgery. Two patients required subsequent use of vaginal dilators. The remainder have had a satisfactory outcome. CONCLUSIONS: For revisional vaginal surgery the posterior approach provides excellent exposure, and can be useful in dealing with a variety of pathologies. Combined with total urogenital mobilization, vaginoplasty can be successful despite long common channels. However, there were still several complications.