Surgeon, and Institution Characteristics Associated Surgical Preferences in the Pediatric KIDney Stone Care Improvement Network.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal barriers and opportunities to implement evidence for the management of pediatric kidney stone disease, we determined surgeon and institutional factors associated with preferences for the type of surgical intervention for kidney and ureteral stones. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of urologists participating in the Pediatric KIDney Stone Care Improvement Network (PKIDS) trial. Questionnaires ascertained strengths of urologists' preferences for types of surgery as well as characteristics of participating urologists and institutions. The outcome was the strength of preferences for ureteroscopy, shockwave lithotripsy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for four scenarios for which two alternative procedures are recommended by the AUA guidelines: (1) 2 cm kidney stone, (2) 9 mm proximal ureteral stone, (3) 1.5 cm lower pole kidney stone, (4) 1 cm nonlower pole kidney stone. Principal component analysis was performed to identify unique clusters of factors that explain surgical preferences. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight urologists at 29 sites completed surveys. Stated preferences were highly skewed except for the choice between ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for a 1.5 cm kidney stone. Shockwave lithotripsy ownership and local practice patterns most frequently associated with the strength of surgeons' preferences for the type of surgery. Principal component analysis revealed that three clusters of stone, patient, and heterogenous characteristics explained 30% of the variance in preferences. CONCLUSION: There is wide variation in the strengths of preferences for surgical interventions supported by current guidelines that are partially explained by surgeon and institutional characteristics. These results reveal opportunities to develop strategies for guidelines that consider real-world drivers of care.

A Systematic Scoping Review of Comparative Effectiveness Studies in Kidney Stone Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To review the status of comparative effectiveness studies for kidney stone disease with focus on study outcome, type, population, time trends, and patient-centered approaches. METHODS: A systematic scoping review was performed for articles published between January 1, 2005, and March 30, 2021, using keywords relevant to kidney stone disease. Studies published in English that compared two or more alternative methods for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, or care delivery were included. Two reviewers independently reviewed abstracts and an arbitrator resolved discrepancies. Nine reviewers abstracted information from full-length studies. Descriptive statistics were summarized, and linear regression was performed to evaluate temporal trends of study characteristics. RESULTS: We reviewed 1773 abstracts and 707 full-length manuscripts focused on surgical intervention (440); medical expulsive therapy (MET) (152); analgesic control (80); and homeopathic, diagnostics, and/or prophylaxis (84). Randomized controlled trials were common across all outcome categories, including surgery (41.6%), MET (60.2%), analgesic control (81.3%), homeopathic (41.2%), diagnostic (47.6%), and prophylaxis (49.1%). Patient-reported outcomes were utilized in 71.7% and 95% of MET and analgesic control studies, respectively, but in the minority of all other study themes. Over time, meta-analyses and multicenter studies increased [P < .001]. CONCLUSION: Surgical and MET themes dominate published comparative literature in kidney stone disease. There is substantial variation in use of patient-reported outcomes across surgical themes. Multicentered studies and those generating higher level evidence have increased over time but opportunities exist to improve collaborative, high-quality, and patient-centered research in kidney stone disease.

How Effective Was the 2014 AUA Cryptorchidism Guideline? A Multi-institutional Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: In 2014, the AUA published guidelines regarding the evaluation of cryptorchidism. This multi-institutional study aims to determine if these guidelines reduced the age of referral and the utilization of ultrasound in boys with cryptorchidism. We hypothesize that delayed referral continues, and utilization of ultrasound remains unchanged. METHODS: A retrospective review of boys referred for the evaluation of cryptorchidism was performed at 4 academic institutions, collecting data for 1 year prior (2013) and 2 nonconsecutive years following guideline creation (2015 and 2019). Across these time frames, we compared median ages at evaluation and surgery, and rates of patient comorbidities, orchiopexy, and preevaluation ultrasound. RESULTS: A total of 3,293 patients were included. The median age at initial pediatric urology evaluation in all cohorts was 39 months (IQR: 14-92 months). Following publication of the AUA Guidelines, there was no difference (P = .08) in the median age at first evaluation by a pediatric urologist between 2013 and 2015, and an increase (P = .03) between 2013 and 2019. Overall, 21.2% of patients received an ultrasound evaluation prior to referral, with no significant difference between 2013 and 2015 (P = .9) or 2019 (P = .5) cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that, despite publication of the AUA Guidelines on evaluation and treatment of cryptorchidism, there has been no reduction in the age of urological evaluation or the utilization of imaging in boys with undescended testis. Finding alternative avenues to disseminate these evidence-based recommendations to referring providers and exploring barriers to guideline adherence is necessary to improve care for patients with cryptorchidism.

The past, present and future of ACS NSQIP-Pediatric: Evolution from a quality registry to a comparative quality performance platform.

Quality and process improvement (QI/PI) in children's surgical care require reliable data across the care continuum. Since 2012, the American College of Surgeons' (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-Pediatric) has supported QI/PI by providing participating hospitals with risk-adjusted, comparative data regarding postoperative outcomes for multiple surgical specialties. To advance this goal over the past decade, iterative changes have been introduced to case inclusion and data collection, analysis and reporting. New datasets for specific procedures, such as appendectomy, spinal fusion for scoliosis, vesicoureteral reflux procedures, and tracheostomy in children less than 2 years old, have incorporated additional risk factors and outcomes to enhance the clinical relevance of data, and resource utilization to consider healthcare value. Recently, process measures for urgent surgical diagnoses and surgical antibiotic prophylaxis variables have been developed to promote timely and appropriate care. While a mature program, NSQIP-Pediatric remains dynamic and responsive to meet the needs of the surgical community. Future directions include introduction of variables and analyses to address patient-centered care and healthcare equity.

Ureteral Stent Placement Prior to Definitive Stone Treatment Is Associated With Higher Postoperative Emergency Department Visits and Opioid Prescriptions for Youth Having Ureteroscopy or Shock Wave Lithotripsy.

PURPOSE: Little is known about the impact of ureteral stents on youth having stone surgery. We evaluated the association of ureteral stent placement before or concurrent with ureteroscopy and shock wave lithotripsy with emergency department visits and opioid prescriptions among pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of individuals aged 0-24 years who underwent ureteroscopy or shock wave lithotripsy from 2009-2021 at 6 hospitals in PEDSnet, a research network that aggregates electronic health record data from children's health systems in the United States. The exposure, primary ureteral stent placement, was defined as a stent placed concurrent with or within 60 days before ureteroscopy or shock wave lithotripsy. Associations between primary stent placement and stone-related ED visits and opioid prescriptions within 120 days of the index procedure were evaluated with mixed-effects Poisson regression. RESULTS: Two-thousand ninety-three patients (60% female; median age 15 years, IQR 11-17) had 2,477 surgical episodes; 2,144 were ureteroscopy and 333 were shock wave lithotripsy. Primary stents were placed in 1,698 (79%) ureteroscopy episodes and 33 (10%) shock wave lithotripsy episodes. Ureteral stents were associated with a 33% higher rate of emergency department visits (IRR 1.33; 95% CI 1.02-1.73) and a 30% higher rate of opioid prescriptions (IRR 1.30; 95% CI 1.10-1.53). The magnitudes of both associations were greater for shock wave lithotripsy. Results were similar for age <18 and were lost when restricted to concurrent stent placement. CONCLUSIONS: Primary ureteral stent placement was associated with more frequent emergency department visits and opioid prescriptions, driven by pre-stenting. These results support elucidating situations where stents are not necessary for youth with nephrolithiasis.

Correlation Between Postoperative Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Use and Surgical Site Infection in Children Undergoing Nonemergent Surgery.

Importance: Use of postoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis is common in pediatric surgery despite consensus guidelines recommending discontinuation following incision closure. The association between postoperative prophylaxis use and surgical site infection (SSI) in children undergoing surgical procedures remains poorly characterized. Objective: To evaluate whether use of postoperative surgical prophylaxis is correlated with SSI rates in children undergoing nonemergent surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants: This is a multicenter cohort study using 30-day postoperative SSI data from the American College of Surgeons' Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP-Pediatric) augmented with antibiotic-use data obtained through supplemental medical record review from June 2019 to June 2021. This study took place at 93 hospitals participating in the ACS NSQIP-Pediatric Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis Stewardship Collaborative. Participants were children (<18 years of age) undergoing nonemergent surgical procedures. Exclusion criteria included antibiotic allergies, conditions associated with impaired immune function, and preexisting infections requiring intravenous antibiotics at time of surgery. Exposures: Continuation of antimicrobial prophylaxis beyond time of incision closure. Main Outcomes and Measures: Thirty-day postoperative rate of incisional or organ space SSI. Hierarchical regression was used to estimate hospital-level odds ratios (ORs) for SSI rates and postoperative prophylaxis use. SSI measures were adjusted for differences in procedure mix, patient characteristics, and comorbidity profiles, while use measures were adjusted for clinically related procedure groups. Pearson correlations were used to examine the associations between hospital-level postoperative prophylaxis use and SSI measures. Results: Forty thousand six hundred eleven patients (47.3% female; median age, 7 years) were included, of which 41.6% received postoperative prophylaxis (hospital range, 0%-71.2%). Odds ratios (ORs) for postoperative prophylaxis use ranged 190-fold across hospitals (OR, 0.10-19.30) and ORs for SSI rates ranged 4-fold (OR, 0.55-1.90). No correlation was found between use of postoperative prophylaxis and SSI rates overall (r = 0.13; P = .20), and when stratified by SSI type (incisional SSI, r = 0.08; P = .43 and organ space SSI, r = 0.13; P = .23), and surgical specialty (general surgery, r = 0.02; P = .83; urology, r = 0.05; P = .64; plastic surgery, r = 0.11; P = .35; otolaryngology, r = -0.13; P = .25; orthopedic surgery, r = 0.05; P = .61; and neurosurgery, r = 0.02; P = .85). Conclusions and Relevance: Use of postoperative surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis was not correlated with SSI rates at the hospital level after adjusting for differences in procedure mix and patient characteristics.

Variation in care between pediatric and adult patients presenting with nephrolithiasis to tertiary care pediatric emergency departments in the United States (2009-2020).

BACKGROUND: Individuals with nephrolithiasis frequently present to the Emergency Department (ED). Safety and quality principles are often applied in pediatric EDs to children presenting with nephrolithiasis, such as limiting ionizing radiation exposure and opioid analgesics. However, it is unknown whether pediatric EDs apply these same principles to adult patients who present with nephrolithiasis. We hypothesized that adult patients would be associated with higher use of radiation-based imaging and opioid analgesics. OBJECTIVE: To assess variations in diagnostic and treatment interventions and hospital utilization between pediatric and adult patients presenting to the pediatric ED with nephrolithiasis. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, examining outcomes for pediatric (<18-years-old) versus adult (≥18-years-old) patients in 42 pediatric EDs from 2009 to 2020 using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database. Patients with an ICD-9/10 principal diagnosis code of nephrolithiasis with no nephrolithiasis-related visits within the prior 6 months were included. Primary outcomes were imaging, medications, and surgical interventions. Secondary outcomes were hospital admissions, 90-day ED revisits, and 90-day readmissions. Generalized linear mixed models with random effects were used to adjust for confounding and clustering. RESULTS: In total, 16,117 patients with 17,837 encounters were included. Most hospitals were academic (95.2%), and a plurality were located in the South (38.1%). Most patients were <18-years-old (84.4%, median (interquartile range): 15 (12-17)-years-old), female (57.9%), and White (76.3%), and 17.1% were Hispanic/Latino. Most had no complex chronic conditions (89.2%) and no chronic disease per pediatric medical complexity algorithm (51.5%). For the primary outcome, adults, relative to pediatric patients, who presented to the pediatric ED with nephrolithiasis had higher adjusted odds of receiving computerized tomography (CT) scans (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.43 [95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.29-1.59]) and opioid analgesics (OR 1.45 [95%CI 1.33-1.58]) (Summary Figure). Secondary outcomes showed that adults, relative to pediatric patients, had lower adjusted odds of hospital admissions, 90-day ED revisits, and 90-day readmissions. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that certain pediatric safety and quality principles, such as limiting ionizing radiation exposure and opioid analgesic prescriptions, are not being equally applied to pediatric and adult patients who present to pediatric EDs with nephrolithiasis. The mechanism of these findings remains to be elucidated. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in care for individuals with nephrolithiasis reflect an opportunity for quality improvement in pediatric EDs and inform work exploring optimal care pathways for all patients presenting to the pediatric ED with nephrolithiasis.

Comparative effectiveness of paediatric kidney stone surgery (the PKIDS trial): study protocol for a patient-centred pragmatic clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The strength of the evidence base for the comparative effectiveness of three common surgical modalities for paediatric nephrolithiasis (ureteroscopy, shockwave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy) and its relevance to patients and caregivers are insufficient. We describe the methods and rationale for the Pediatric KIDney Stone (PKIDS) Care Improvement Network Trial with the aim to compare effectiveness of surgical modalities in paediatric nephrolithiasis based on stone clearance and lived patient experiences. This protocol serves as a patient-centred alternative to randomised controlled trials for interventions where clinical equipoise is lacking. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The PKIDS is a collaborative learning organisation composed of 26 hospitals that is conducting a prospective pragmatic clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of ureteroscopy, shockwave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for youth aged 8-21 years with kidney and/or ureteral stones. Embedded within clinical care, the PKIDS trial will collect granular patient-level, surgeon-level and institution-level data, with a goal enrolment of 1290 participants over a 21-month period. The primary study outcome is stone clearance, defined as absence of a residual calculus of >4 mm on postoperative ultrasound. Secondary outcomes include patient-reported physical, emotional and social health outcomes (primarily using the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System), analgesic use and healthcare resource use. Timing and content of secondary outcomes assessments were set based on feedback from patient partners. Heterogeneity of treatment effect for stone clearance and patient-reported outcomes by participant and stone characteristics will be assessed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study is approved by the central institutional review board with reliance across participating sites. Participating stakeholders will review results and contribute to development dissemination at regional, national and international meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04285658; Pre-results.

Discharge Opioid Prescription Patterns After Kidney Cancer Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To describe opioid prescribing patterns for patients undergoing kidney cancer surgery and evaluate associations with medical resource utilization in the postoperative setting. METHODS: Linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results - Medicare data were used to identify patients with kidney cancer who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy (open vs. minimally invasive) from 2007 to 2015. Total dose of discharge opioid prescriptions was quantified into 3 exposure groups based on observed tertiles: 1-199 (low), 200-300 (moderate), and >300 (high) oral morphine milligram equivalents. Associations between exposure groups and patient demographics, clinical factors, and hospital volumes were measured using multivariate logistic regression. Additionally, we identified associations with prior opioid exposure and postoperative medical resource utilization. RESULTS: Of 4538 patients meeting inclusion criteria, exposure group distributions were 35% (low), 43.5% (moderate) and 21.6% (high). Over one-third of patients (39.5%) received an opioid prescription within 6 months preceding surgery. High opioid prescriptions were associated with prior exposure, younger age, rural residence and open surgery (P < .001). High opioid prescriptions had increased risk of 90-day readmissions (OR 1.21; CI 1.01-1.45) and long-term opioid exposure (OR 1.34; CI 1.17-1.53). CONCLUSION: Prescribing patterns after kidney cancer surgery vary widely. Higher prescribed dose of post-surgical opioids is associated with 90-day hospital readmissions and long-term exposure. Prior opioid exposure conveys a higher risk of medical resource utilization. More judicious opioid prescribing may limit medical resource utilization and help combat the opioid epidemic.

Antireflux Surgery at National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric Hospitals.

PURPOSE: This study aims to examine contemporary practice patterns and compare short-term outcomes for vesicoureteral reflux procedures (ureteral reimplant/endoscopic injection) using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Procedure-specific variables for antireflux surgery were developed to capture data not typically collected in National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (eg vesicoureteral reflux grade, urine cultures, 31-60-day followup). Descriptive statistics were performed, and logistic regression assessed associations between patient/procedural factors and outcomes (urinary tract infection, readmissions, unplanned procedures). RESULTS: In total, 2,842 patients (median age 4 years; 76% female; 68% open reimplant, 6% minimally invasive reimplant, 25% endoscopic injection) had procedure-specific variables collected from July 2016 through June 2018. Among 88 hospitals, a median of 24.5 procedures/study period were performed (range 1-148); 95% performed ≥1 open reimplant, 30% ≥1 minimally invasive reimplant, and 70% ≥1 endoscopic injection, with variability by hospital. Two-thirds of patients had urine cultures sent preoperatively, and 76% were discharged on antibiotics. Outcomes at 30 days included emergency department visits (10%), readmissions (4%), urinary tract infections (3%), and unplanned procedures (2%). Over half of patients (55%) had optional 31-60-day followup, with additional outcomes (particularly urinary tract infections) noted. Patients undergoing reimplant were younger, had higher reflux grades, and more postoperative occurrences than patients undergoing endoscopic injections. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary data indicate that open reimplant is still the most common antireflux procedure, but procedure distribution varies by hospital. Emergency department visits are common, but unplanned procedures are rare, particularly for endoscopic injection. These data provide basis for comparing short-term complications and developing standardized perioperative pathways for antireflux surgery.

A simulated model for fluid and tissue heating during pediatric laser lithotripsy.

BACKGROUND: Laser lithotripsy (LL) is a common modality for treatment of children and adolescents with nephrolithiasis. Recent introduction of higher-powered lasers may result in more efficacious "dusting" of urinary calculi. However, in vivo animal studies and computational simulations have demonstrated rapid and sustained rise of fluid temperatures with LL, possibly resulting in irreversible tissue damage. How fluid and tissue heating during LL vary with pediatric urinary tract development, however, is unknown. We hypothesize that kidneys of younger children will be more susceptible to changes in fluid temperature and therefore tissue damage than those of older children. METHODS: Computational simulations were developed for LL in children utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics finite-element modeling software. Simulation parameters were varied, including the child's age (3, 8, and 12 years), flow of irrigation fluid (gravity - 5 mL/min or continuous pressure flow - 40 mL/min), treatment location (renal pelvis, ureter, calyx), and power settings (5 W - 40 W). Using a simplified axisymmetric geometry to represent the collecting space, the model accounted for heat transfer via diffusion, convection, perfusion, and heat sourcing as well as tissue properties and blood flow of the urothelium and renal parenchyma. Laminar and heat-induced convection flow were simulated, assuming room-temperature ureteroscopic irrigation. Renal size was varied by age, based on normative values. The maximum fluid temperature after 60 s of simulated LL was captured. Thermal dose was calculated using the t43 equivalence of 240 min as a threshold for tissue damage, as was tissue volume at risk for irreversible cellular damage. RESULTS: Simulation with gravity flow irrigation revealed generation of thermal doses sufficient to cause tissue injury for all ages at 20 W and 40 W power settings. Higher temperatures were seen in younger ages across all power settings. Temperature increases were dampened with intermittent laser activity and continuous pressure flow irrigation. CONCLUSIONS: Smaller renal size is more susceptible to thermal changes induced by LL. However, power settings equal to or greater than 20 W can result in temperatures high enough for tissue damage at any age. Continuous pressure flow and intermittent laser activity may mitigate the potential thermal damage from high power LL.

Pediatric blunt renal trauma practice management guidelines: Collaboration between the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma and the Pediatric Trauma Society.

BACKGROUND: Injury to the kidney from either blunt or penetrating trauma is the most common urinary tract injury. Children are at higher risk of renal injury from blunt trauma than adults, but no pediatric renal trauma guidelines have been established. The authors reviewed the literature to guide clinicians in the appropriate methods of management of pediatric renal trauma. METHODS: Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was used to aid with the development of these evidence-based practice management guidelines. A systematic review of the literature including citations published between 1990 and 2016 was performed. Fifty-one articles were used to inform the statements presented in the guidelines. When possible, a meta-analysis with forest plots was created, and the evidence was graded. RESULTS: When comparing nonoperative management versus operative management in hemodynamically stable pediatric patient with blunt renal trauma, evidence suggests that there is a reduced rate of renal loss and blood transfusion in patients managed nonoperatively. We found that in pediatric patients with high-grade American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade III-V (AAST III-V) renal injuries and ongoing bleeding or delayed bleeding, angioembolization has a decreased rate of renal loss compared with surgical intervention. We found the rate of posttraumatic renal hypertension to be 4.2%. CONCLUSION: Based on the completed meta-analyses and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation profile, we are making the following recommendations: (1) In pediatric patients with blunt renal trauma of all grades, we strongly recommend nonoperative management versus operative management in hemodynamically stable patients. (2) In hemodynamically stable pediatric patients with high-grade (AAST grade III-V) renal injuries, we strongly recommend angioembolization versus surgical intervention for ongoing or delayed bleeding. (3) In pediatric patients with renal trauma, we strongly recommend routine blood pressure checks to diagnose hypertension. This review of the literature reveals limitations and the need for additional research on diagnosis and management of pediatric renal trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Guidelines study, level III.

Postoperative Imaging Patterns of Pediatric Nephrolithiasis: Opportunities for Improvement.

PURPOSE: Imaging following surgical intervention for nephrolithiasis is important to define operative success and ensure the absence of silent obstruction. We assessed nationwide postoperative imaging patterns in children undergoing ureteroscopy and shock wave lithotripsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Encounters database from 2007 to 2013 for patients 1 to 18 years old undergoing ureteroscopy or shock wave lithotripsy. We assessed imaging exposure following index procedure within 90 days as a primary analysis and 180 days as a secondary analysis of the index procedure. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to assess factors associated with undergoing postoperative imaging. RESULTS: A total of 4,251 children met inclusion criteria, of whom 1,647 had undergone shock wave lithotripsy and 2,604 had undergone ureteroscopy. Postoperative imaging was performed in 57.5% of the cohort, with a higher proportion of children undergong imaging following shock wave lithotripsy compared to ureteroscopy (73% vs 47.8%, p <0.001). Noncomputerized tomographic imaging modalities were most common following ureteroscopy (70.8%) and shock wave lithotripsy (84.6%). Younger children and those with complex medical conditions or complicated postoperative courses were more likely to undergo followup imaging. Computerized tomography was more commonly used in older children and females. At 180-day followup 63% of the cohort had undergone any imaging, again more frequently following shock wave lithotripsy (77.0%) vs ureteroscopy (45.0%). CONCLUSIONS: A large percentage of children with nephrolithiasis do not undergo followup imaging after shock wave lithotripsy, and even fewer undergo imaging after ureteroscopy. Most followup imaging is done within 90 days of surgery. Further work is needed to define appropriate postoperative imaging practices in this population.

Laparoscopic heminephrectomy for duplex system: observed difference in outcomes between upper and lower pole resections.

INTRODUCTION: Renal duplication is a relatively common congenital abnormality of the urinary tract, but symptomatic duplex kidney is a rare presentation in adults. Traditionally, the treatment of choice for poorly functioning moiety has been heminephrectomy. There is extensive literature detailing the outcomes of minimally invasive upper pole heminephrectomy, but comparatively little published regarding lower pole resection, especially in adult patients. We present a series of 13 patients who underwent minimally invasive heminephrectomy for duplex kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 6 year period (2011-2017) 13 patients at a single center underwent laparoscopic heminephrectomy for symptomatic duplex kidney with a poorly functioning moiety. A retrospective review of case notes and imaging was undertaken. RESULTS: Eight and 5 patients underwent upper and lower pole heminephrectomies, respectively. Laparoscopic transperitoneal approach was utilized in all cases. Median length of stay was 2 days (range 1 to 16 days). In the upper pole cohort, one patient had a postoperative infection requiring IV antibiotics. In the lower pole cohort by contrast, there were three major complications (60%). Conversion to complete nephrectomy was necessary in one case; one patient had urinary leakage requiring selective embolization and one patient required a second operation to resect remnant calyces. Furthermore, two patients (40%) developed late recurrence of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic duplex kidney is a rare presentation in adults. In our experience, heminephrectomy for non-functioning renal unit is safe and reproducible in experienced hands with no major complications and resolution of symptoms in the majority of patients. We have, however, observed a higher complication rate in those undergoing resection of a lower pole moiety. Alternative management such as uretero-ureterostomy should be considered in these cases.

Prospective multicenter study on robot-assisted laparoscopic extravesical ureteral reimplantation (RALUR-EV): Outcomes and complications.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted laparoscopic extravesical ureteral reimplantation (RALUR-EV) is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. We have previously reported retrospective outcomes from our study group, and herein provide an updated prospective analysis with a focus on success rate, surgical technique, and complications among surgeons who have overcome the initial learning curve. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of RALUR-EV in children, among experienced surgeons. DESIGN AND METHODS: We reviewed our prospective database of children undergoing RALUR-EV by pediatric urologists at eight academic centers from 2015 to 2017. Radiographic success was defined as absence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) on postoperative voiding cystourethrogram. Complications were graded using the Clavien scale. Univariate regression analysis was performed to assess for association among various patient and technical factors and radiographic failure. RESULTS: In total, 143 patients were treated with RALUR-EV for primary VUR (87 unilateral, 56 bilateral; 199 ureters). The majority of ureters (73.4%) had grade III or higher VUR preoperatively. Radiographic resolution was present in 93.8% of ureters, as shown in the summary table. Ureteral complications occurred in five ureters (2.5%) with mean follow-up of 7.4 months (SD 4.0). Transient urinary retention occurred in four patients following bilateral procedure (7.1%) and in no patients after unilateral. On univariate analysis, there were no patient or technical factors associated with increased odds of radiographic failure. DISCUSSION: We report a radiographic success rate of 93.8% overall, and 94.1% among children with grades III-V VUR. In contemporary series, alternate management options such as endoscopic injection and open UR have reported radiographic success rates of 90% and 93.5% respectively. We were unable to identify specific patient or technical factors that influenced outcomes, although immeasurable factors such as tissue handling and intraoperative decision-making could not be assessed. Ureteral complications requiring operative intervention were rare and occurred with the same incidence reported in a large open series. Limitations include lack of long-term follow-up and absence of radiographic follow-up on a subset of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic resolution of VUR following RALUR is on par with contemporary open series, and the incidence of ureteral complications is low. RALUR should be considered as one of several viable options for management of VUR in children.

Risk factors for repeat surgical intervention in pediatric nephrolithiasis: A Pediatric Health Information System database study.

INTRODUCTION: Successful surgical therapy for pediatric upper urinary tract calculi (UUTC) minimizes the need for repeat surgical interventions. However, staged procedures, whether planned or unplanned, are sometimes necessary. We assessed predictors of repeat intervention for children with UUTC using a nationwide administrative dataset. METHODS: Using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) dataset, we assessed children with UUTC undergoing shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or ureteroscopy (URS) for an index stone from January 2010 to June 2015. Primary outcome was additional treatment for nephrolithiasis within 90 days. Patient and procedural variables were assessed as potential risks for retreatment. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare the risk of retreatment adjusting for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: A total of 2788 patients undergoing URS (2,216, 79.5%) and SWL (572, 20.5%) were identified. SWL, stenting at the index operation without pre-index stenting, chronic comorbidities, renal calculi, and age <5 years were independent risk factors for retreatment. Use of ureteral stenting, most commonly employed in URS, was also a strong predictor of retreatment. Odds for reintervention, adjusted by multivariate modeling, are shown in the Figure. CONCLUSIONS: Adjusting for measured confounders, SWL is associated with a 2.6-fold higher risk of repeat stone-related interventions. Additional patient-related factors also increase likelihood of retreatment. Intra-operative stent placement is a strong predictor of retreatment, perhaps serving as a marker for complex cases or planned staged procedures. Prospective studies are needed to assess comparative effectiveness of SWL and URS and improve mono-therapeutic success for children with UUTC.

Update on Urinary Stones in Children: Current and Future Concepts in Surgical Treatment and Shockwave Lithotripsy.

CONTEXT: Miniaturized instrumentation used for endoscopic treatment of urinary stone disease in children has been readily adopted in clinical practice. However, there is a need to optimize and individualize the surgical approach according to the patient's age, body habitus, and stone characteristics. Promising novel equipment and techniques will continue to advance the surgical care of these children. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding surgical and shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) treatment of urinary stone disease in children and provide an overview on future treatment innovations. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted a nonsystematic review of the literature using the PubMed database. The search focused on the most recent two decades to provide a contemporary overview of surgical outcomes. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Although SWL use has proportionally decreased over time, it remains an important treatment option for kidney stones <2cm and upper ureteral calculi, with success rates between 49% and 97%. Rigid/semirigid ureteroscopy is the first-line therapy for distal ureteral stones and has success rates comparable to SWL for upper ureteral stones. Success rates between 80% and 100% are achieved with retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones <2cm but may require pre-stenting in smaller children. Mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the most efficient technique for treating kidney stones in children. Micro-PNL and ultramini-PNL are valuable alternatives, especially for smaller renal stones. CONCLUSIONS: Modern endoscopic treatment options together with SWL allow personalized management of stone disease in the pediatric population. Future technical improvements on the horizon offer the promise of increasing the efficiency of current procedures while minimizing complications. PATIENT SUMMARY: Miniaturization of the instruments used for treatment of stone disease in children provides a variety of options for clinical practice. Rather than routinely using a single technique, personalized treatment is recommended to increase the success of each procedure.