Decisional regret after distal hypospadias repair: single institution prospective analysis of factors associated with subsequent parental remorse or distress.

PURPOSE: Hypospadias repair is a commonly performed procedure. Little is known about decisional regret in parents who agree to proceed with this surgical reconstruction. We present data on this previously underexplored issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed followup analysis of 100 couples prospectively evaluated after counseling for surgical correction of distal hypospadias in their son with assessment of complications and decisional regret 1 year after surgery. Findings were contrasted with baseline demographics, hypospadias knowledge and decisional conflict at the time of counseling. RESULTS: Decisional regret was found in 116 parents, including mild regret in 41.4% and moderate to severe regret in 8.6%. There was no statistically significant difference in paired regret analysis between mothers and fathers. Complications were strongly associated with decisional regret (p <0.001). On regression analysis postoperative complications (OR 14.7, 95% CI 1.6-131.6), parental desire to avoid circumcision (OR 7.4, 95% CI 1.1-49.4) and initial decisional conflict level (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.09) were statistically significant predictors of moderate to strong decisional regret. These findings remained robust after imputation strategies to address missing data. The impact of decisional conflict and preference for circumcision were significant even after excluding families who experienced complications. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this is the first study demonstrating parental decisional regret after providing consent for surgical correction of distal hypospadias in their son. Based on the described risk factors efforts aimed at minimizing complications and counseling about foreskin preservation techniques may be prudent to ameliorate decisional regret. The novel association between decisional conflict and regret suggests that conflict assessment during counseling may help screen families at risk for postoperative regret.

Reduced flow after tubularized incised plate urethroplasty--increased fibrogenesis, elastin fiber loss or neither?

PURPOSE: Low urinary flow rates are common after tubularized incised plate urethroplasty but the etiology remains unclear and may be related to low urethral compliance due to abnormal collagen concentrations and/or fewer elastic fibers in the healed urethral plate. We hypothesized that inserting a preputial mucosal graft over the dorsal raw area after the midline incision may avoid scarring and improve urethral compliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult rabbits were submitted to tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with or without inlay preputial graft according to a previously described protocol. Tissular concentrations of collagens I, III, IV, VI, VIII and XIII were measured. Histomorphometric analysis was used to quantify elastic fibers in the urethra. Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with and without inlay preputial graft was compared to normal rabbit urethras (controls). RESULTS: mRNA concentrations for collagens I, II and XIII were similar between controls and operated rabbits. The proportions between collagens I and III were 1.05, 0.87 and 1.21, respectively, in controls and animals undergoing tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with and without inlay preputial graft. mRNA concentrations for collagen IV and collagens VI/VIII tended to be higher and lower, respectively, in the operated urethras, despite showing statistical significance only for collagen VIII in animals undergoing tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with inlay preputial graft vs controls (p=0.02). The operated animals did not demonstrate a reduced number of elastic fibers in the urethral tissues compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Elastic fiber number and distribution were similar between tubularized incised plate urethroplasty cases and controls, suggesting that decreased concentrations of elastic fibers do not explain the reduced urethral compliance after tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. The raw area determined by the dorsal urethral incision regenerated after standard tubularized incised plate urethroplasty, while cicatrization with fibrosis occurred in correspondence to the grafted areas after tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with inlay preputial graft.

Redo surgery to improve urinary function, sexual function and cosmesis in male patients with exstrophy-epispadias complex complications. Technical principles and pearls based on case scenarios.

The bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex includes some of the most challenging conditions treated by pediatric urologists. They are associated with the need for multiple intricate reconstructive procedures, aimed at restoring the anatomy and function of the bladder, urethra and external genitalia. These patients often endure multiple redo reconstructive procedures to improve urinary function, sexual function and cosmesis throughout the first two decades of life. In this article, we present the 30-year experience of a single surgeon performing redo surgery for males born with epispadias and bladder exstrophy. Through detailed documentation of 6 clinical cases, we highlight technical aspects that may contribute to a successful surgical reconstruction in these patients. The article is focused specifically on patients undergoing redo epispadias repair with or without concomitant continence procedures. We make the case for complete penile disassembly with external rotation of the corpora to correct recurrent dorsal curvature; this approach also allows the surgeon to have access to the proximal urethra and bladder neck after opening the intersymphiseal scar/band. This is useful when additional procedures on the bladder, such as bladder neck tailoring, are necessary. We also highlight the importance of avoiding reverse Byars' flaps when performing skin closure, due to the resulting midline scar. Besides being associated with a poor cosmetic outcome, it can also contribute to recurrent dorsal curvature. The authors advocate for rotational skin flaps to cover the penile shaft. Correction of dorsal curvature and improved cosmesis obtained with complete penile disassembly sometimes comes at the expense of the urethra being left as a hypospadias (figure). This will require further surgeries (usually a 2-stage buccal mucosa graft), much like the treatment of proximal hypospadias. Redo epispadias surgery in males remains a challenge. The systematic approach offered by the case scenarios may help guide surgeons dealing with this difficult condition. Patient with complications after repair of classic bladder exstrophy. A) Stone retrieved from posterior urethra after complete penile disassembly. B) After opening the inter-symphiseal scar, the bladder has been opened and the bladder neck tailored. C) Complete penile disassembly has been completed with corporal bodies and urethra individualized. D,E,F) Final appearance of the repair; abdominal wall was closed with anterior rectus sheath flaps, penile skin was closed with rotational flaps and urethra ended up as a hypospadias.

Do infants with mild prenatal hydronephrosis benefit from screening for vesicoureteral reflux?

PURPOSE: Screening for vesicoureteral reflux in asymptomatic infants with low grade hydronephrosis is unjustified if this condition is benign. We present a cohort with prenatally detected hydronephrosis, some observed without voiding cystourethrography, and compare outcomes to a classic, screened group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 206 consecutive children presenting with postnatally confirmed prenatally detected hydronephrosis (47% bilateral) were included in the study. Cases with associated renal or bladder anomalies were excluded. Children with low grade hydronephrosis either underwent screening voiding cystourethrography or did not, largely based on whether care was managed by a urologist or a nephrologist. Patients with high grade hydronephrosis routinely underwent voiding cystourethrography. Primary outcome was a symptomatic or febrile urinary tract infection. We used Mantel-Haenszel analysis to determine urinary tract infection risk factors during the first 2 years of life. RESULTS: No urinary tract infection was observed in patients with grade I hydronephrosis. Urinary tract infections in low grade hydronephrosis were only seen in the voiding cystourethrogram group (7 patients), including 1 infection following voiding cystourethrogram. Urinary tract infection rate was 3.52 infections per 100 patient-years in children with low grade hydronephrosis and 11.1 infections per 100 patient-years in those with high grade hydronephrosis (p = 0.02). This increased risk of urinary tract infection in high grade hydronephrosis persisted after correcting for gender and circumcision status (IRR 3.17, p = 0.01). The association remained strong (IRR 2.48, 95% CI 0.96-6.44) but was not statistically significant (p = 0.053) after additionally correcting for vesicoureteral reflux status. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that children with low grade hydronephrosis and otherwise normal kidneys and bladder do not benefit from voiding cystourethrographic screening. Interestingly high grade hydronephrosis appears to carry a threefold greater risk of urinary tract infection compared to low grade hydronephrosis.

Analysis of decisional conflict among parents who consent to hypospadias repair: single institution prospective study of 100 couples.

PURPOSE: Although obtaining informed consent for distal hypospadias repair is common practice, little is known about the uncertainty or conflict between consenting parents faced with this decision. We systematically evaluated decisional conflict between parents who elected to have their child undergo hypospadias surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 couples who were counseled about treatment options agreed to participate. Using a validated questionnaire, the Decisional Conflict Scale, we prospectively collected data on decisional conflict demographics, preference for circumcision, education level and prior knowledge about hypospadias. RESULTS: All parents elected surgical repair. Evidence of decisional conflict was encountered in 28% of participants (score less than 25 in 72%, 25 to 37.5 in 23.5%, greater than 37.5 in 4.5%). No statistically significant differences among parents were noted for total score (mean ± SD 16.1 ± 12 in mothers and 18.3 ± 12.6 in fathers) or subscales, except the informed subscale (mean ± SD 16.7 ± 14.3 in mothers and 21.1 ± 16.6 in fathers). Parental self-report of prior knowledge about hypospadias and preference for neonatal circumcision correlated with lower Decisional Conflict Scale scores (p = 0.02 and p <0.01, respectively). No statistical association was found between score and parental education level (p = 0.7) or expertise of the counselor (staff vs pediatric urology fellow, p = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: These data describe the level of decisional conflict in couples agreeing to proceed with hypospadias repair, with no evidence of significant discrepancy between them. The novel description of factors related to decreased decisional conflict might help focus efforts aimed at minimizing difficulties encountered during the decision making process.

Comparative analysis of detorsion alone versus detorsion and tunica albuginea decompression (fasciotomy) with tunica vaginalis flap coverage in the surgical management of prolonged testicular ischemia.

PURPOSE: Recent data suggest that testicular torsion may include an element of the compartment syndrome that improves with decompression. In 2009 we instituted tunica albuginea incision with tunica vaginalis flap coverage as an alternative in cases in which the torsed testis continued to appear ischemic after detorsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 65 boys who underwent scrotal exploration for testicular torsion between 2000 and 2010 were reviewed. There were 6 patients excluded from study due to lack of followup. Of the remaining 59 patients 31 (52.5%) showed improvement in testicular appearance after detorsion and underwent orchiopexy, whereas 28 (47.5%) did not show evidence of recovery after detorsion. Of these patients 11 underwent tunica albuginea incision with tunica vaginalis flap coverage and 17 underwent orchiectomy. Demographic data, duration of symptoms and rate of testicular salvage were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 11.8 years (detorsion plus orchiopexy), 10.1 years (tunica albuginea incision plus tunica vaginalis flap coverage) and 10.1 years (detorsion plus orchiectomy). Average followup was greater than 6 months in all groups. Mean duration of torsion was 13.4 hours (detorsion plus orchiopexy), 31.2 hours (tunica albuginea incision plus tunica vaginalis flap coverage) and 67.5 hours (detorsion plus orchiectomy). Before tunica albuginea incision with tunica vaginalis flap coverage was offered, the rate of orchiectomy was 35.9% (14 of 39) vs 15% (3 of 20) after this technique was introduced (p <0.05). The rates of testicular salvage were 62.5% (detorsion plus orchiopexy), 54.6% (tunica albuginea incision plus tunica vaginalis flap coverage) and 0% (detorsion plus orchiectomy). Although the numbers are limited, it is likely that without tunica albuginea incision with tunica vaginalis flap coverage 6 of 11 testes would have been removed. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience suggests that tunica albuginea incision with tunica vaginalis flap coverage is a promising option for the management of clinically marginal torsed testes, enhancing salvageability after prolonged ischemia. We recommend considering this maneuver before performing orchiectomy in selected cases of testicular torsion.

Nephron sparing surgery for unilateral Wilms tumor in children with predisposing syndromes: single center experience over 10 years.

PURPOSE: Unilateral Wilms tumors associated with predisposing syndromes are treated with preoperative chemotherapy followed by surgical resection. We describe our experience with nephron sparing surgery for Wilms tumor in this population at risk for metachronous lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all children with a predisposing syndrome who underwent nephrectomy for malignancy during a 10-year period (2000 to 2010). Data collected included age, mode of detection, tumor size, treatment, pathology results, followup time and recurrence episodes. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2010, 13 of 75 (19%) patients treated for Wilms tumor were diagnosed with predisposing syndrome(s). Eight patients with unilateral tumors were treated and had a mean age at diagnosis of 27 months (range 7 months to 9 years). Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, isolated hemihyperplasia, WAGR (Wilms tumor, Aniridia, Genitourinary abnormalities, mental Retardation) syndrome and isolated 11p13 deletion were the underlying diagnoses in 3, 2, 2 and 1 patient, respectively. All but 2 patients were diagnosed by screening ultrasound and 5 underwent preoperative chemotherapy. Median tumor size at surgery was 2.5 cm (range 1 to 13). Nephron sparing surgery was performed in 6 of 8 patients. Pathological study showed favorable histology Wilms tumor and nephrogenic rests in 6 and 2 patients, respectively. After a mean followup of 36 months (range 6 to 72) no recurrences were documented and all children had normal creatinine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Nephron sparing surgery appears safe for patients with unilateral Wilms tumor associated with predisposing syndrome(s), allowing for the preservation of renal function and good oncologic outcomes for the available followup time. If more studies confirm our observation, current recommendations for the surgical treatment of Wilms tumor may need to reemphasize the value of attempting nephron sparing surgery in this patient population.

Early postoperative ultrasound after open pyeloplasty in children with prenatal hydronephrosis helps identify low risk of recurrent obstruction.

PURPOSE: Prediction of successful pyeloplasty can be challenging, particularly in asymptomatic children treated for worsening prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis. We evaluated early noninvasive objective predictors of success in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent pyeloplasty for asymptomatic, prenatally detected, worsening hydronephrosis treated between 2000 and 2010 with followup greater than 1 year. For all patients renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter in a mid transverse view and Society for Fetal Urology hydronephrosis grade were evaluated preoperatively and 3 to 4 months postoperatively. Aside from subjective evaluation based on change in hydronephrosis grade, we estimated the percentage of improvement in anteroposterior diameter (preoperative diameter--postoperative diameter/preoperative diameter). Repeat intervention after pyeloplasty arbitrarily defined failure. Patients were categorized into 3 groups, ie no failure on followup ultrasound (group 1), no failure with postoperative nuclear scan to document success (group 2) and failed pyeloplasty (group 3). ROC curves were plotted to correlate 4 variables with failure, namely preoperative anteroposterior diameter, postoperative anteroposterior diameter, percent improvement in anteroposterior diameter and subjective change in grade. RESULTS: Of 229 patients 192 (84%) who met inclusion criteria had ultrasound at 3 to 4 months postoperatively available. Mean age at surgery was 19 months and mean ± SD followup was 49.9 ± 27.7 months. Percent improvement in anteroposterior diameter and postoperative anteroposterior diameter measure were the most reliable variables to predict failure (AUC 0.88 and 0.86, respectively, p <0.0001), whereas preoperative anteroposterior diameter and subjective changes in grade were not good predictors (AUC 0.52, p >0.05). A percent improvement in anteroposterior diameter of 38% or greater or postoperative anteroposterior diameter of 11.5 mm or less was associated with success, with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 61% and 55%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Percent improvement in anteroposterior diameter and postoperative pelvic anteroposterior diameter measure can provide objective guidance as to which patients need closer monitoring during followup, and can help select children at low risk for repeat intervention after pyeloplasty.

Long-term followup and time to event outcome analysis of continent catheterizable channels.

PURPOSE: Creation of a continent catheterizable channel has facilitated the treatment of patients undergoing lower urinary tract reconstruction. We present outcomes and complications of a single center series of continent catheterizable channels followed out to 15 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all children who underwent continent catheterizable channel (Mitrofanoff and Monti) between 1992 and 2007. Collected data included age, underlying diagnosis, associated procedures, stoma site, conduit type (appendix or reconfigured bowel), time to complications and need for subsequent surgical revisions. RESULTS: We identified 71 girls and 98 boys who underwent surgery at a mean age of 7.5 years (range 6 months to 22 years) and were subsequently followed for a mean of 5.8 years (8 months to 15 years). Underlying diagnoses included neurogenic bladder (36% of patients), bladder exstrophy (25%), epispadias (6%) and posterior urethral valves (6%). Concurrent procedures were conducted in 71% of cases, including augmentation (35%) and bladder neck plasty (22%) or closure (8%). Surgical revision was performed in 39% of patients, including stomal revision (18%), redo operation (8%), bulking agent injection (8%) and prolapse correction (4%). Although an initial peak was followed by a relatively stable complication-free period, delayed problems were detected on long-term followup. No statistically significant differences in complication rates were noted when comparing use of appendix and reconfigured bowel or different stoma locations. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an initial decrease in complications soon after continent catheterizable channel creation, late problems appeared on long-term evaluation. In our experience no specific factor predicted the likelihood of complications. Nevertheless, despite the need for surgical revision, good functional outcomes were evidenced in this series.

Critical outcome analysis of staged buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty for prior failed hypospadias repair in children.

PURPOSE: Although staged buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty is a well accepted technique for salvage urethroplasty, there are few reports on this procedure for redo hypospadias repair in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent staged buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty for redo hypospadias repair. Age, quality of graft before tubularization, meatal position, presence of balanitis xerotica obliterans and complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients underwent 32 repairs during a 5-year period. Mean age at first stage was 7 years (range 1 to 17) and mean interval between stages was 9.3 months (5 to 13). Mean followup after second stage was 25 months (range 10 to 46). Meatal position before first stage was proximal in 44% of patients, mid shaft in 39% and distal in 16%. Nine patients had biopsy proved balanitis xerotica obliterans. There were no donor site complications. Four patients underwent a redo grafting procedure. Complications after second stage occurred in 11 of 32 repairs (34%), consisting of urethral stenosis in 5, glanular dehiscence in 3 and urethrocutaneous fistula in 3. A third of the patients had some degree of graft fibrosis/induration after the first stage. These patients were prone to more complications at second stage (9 of 11, 82%), compared to patients without these unfavorable findings (4 of 21, 19%; p<0.001). Presence of balanitis xerotica obliterans and meatal position were not significant factors associated with adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Staged buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty is a suitable technique for salvage urethroplasty. Complications after second stage were seen in approximately a third of patients, mainly those with fibrotic/indurated grafts.

Hydronephrosis in children with abdominal and pelvic neoplasms: outcome and survival analysis of a single center pediatric oncology series.

PURPOSE: We ascertained the incidence and outcome of hydronephrosis related to abdominal or pelvic neoplasms and survival in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our institutional oncology database between January 1995 and November 2009. We reviewed the charts of all children with intra-abdominal (nonrenal) and pelvic neoplasms. RESULTS: Of the 366 patients whose charts were reviewed 66 (18%) had hydronephrosis at some point during treatment, including 12 with hydronephrosis that was not caused by the neoplasm and 1 who was lost to followup, leaving 53 with malignant obstruction. Of the remaining patients hydronephrosis resolved in 34 (64%) with treatment for the primary neoplasm alone while in 19 (36%) hydronephrosis persisted after primary oncological treatment. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with persistent hydronephrosis (p = 0.025), those with urological intervention (p = 0.05) and those with high stage disease (p <0.001) had statistically significantly worse overall survival. On Cox multivariate analysis only disease stage remained statistically significant (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of this group revealed that pediatric nonrenal abdominal and pelvic tumors are associated with hydronephrosis in about 20% of cases. Approximately 60% of these cases resolved with treatment for the primary tumor alone while 13% required specific urological intervention for urinary tract involvement or compression. Patients with pediatric malignant ureteral obstruction had a 20% 5-year mortality rate. The main predictive factor was primary disease stage.

Physiological changes in transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopy in children: a prospective analysis.

PURPOSE: The choice of minimally invasive surgical approaches in pediatric urology is largely influenced by surgeon preference and experience. Little is known about the differences in physiological variables that might objectively influence the choice of surgical approach. We compared the cerebral and systemic hemodynamic effects of transperitoneal vs retroperitoneal CO(2) insufflation in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After receiving ethical review board approval and written parental consent 36 pediatric patients undergoing transperitoneal (18) or retroperitoneal (18) laparoscopic surgery were enrolled in this study. A standardized anesthetic technique of isoflurane 1 MAC and remifentanil 0.2 mcg/kg per minute was used. Measured parameters included end tidal CO(2), middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity, heart rate and noninvasive mean arterial blood pressure. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to measure middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity. Data were collected before, during and after CO(2) insufflation to 12 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum at regular intervals, including every minute for 10 minutes and every 2 minutes thereafter. Within group analysis was done using repeated measures ANOVA. Nonlinear regression analysis was used to determine the best fit and the relationship of each variable with time with p <0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Patient age and weight were comparable in the 2 groups. Transperitoneal CO(2) insufflation resulted in a rapid parallel increase in middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity, mean arterial pressure and end tidal CO(2) during the first 8 minutes of pneumoperitoneum (p <0.05). Despite a continued increase in end tidal CO(2) thereafter middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity and mean arterial pressure attained a plateau within the first 8 minutes (p <0.05). In contrast, middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity and end tidal CO(2) increased progressively throughout the retroperitoneal CO(2) insufflation period (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral blood flow velocity and end tidal CO(2) seem to increase progressively and gradually during retroperitoneal laparoscopy, in contrast to the more rapid increase and plateau effect during transperitoneal laparoscopy. Presumably the smaller absorptive surface in the retroperitoneal space explains this physiological difference.

Comparative histological and functional controlled analysis of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with and without dorsal inlay graft: a preliminary experimental study in rabbits.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the histological and functional characteristics of the tubularized incised plate vs dorsal inlay graft urethroplasty in an experimental rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 New Zealand male rabbits were randomly allocated into 4 groups, including sham operation, urethroplasty, tubularized incised plate urethroplasty and dorsal inlay graft urethroplasty. In the urethroplasty group the anterior urethral wall was half excised and the dorsal aspect was tubularized. In the tubularized incised plate group the same steps were followed but tubularization followed a longitudinal midline incision in the dorsal wall. In the dorsal inlay graft group the defect created by the dorsal incision was covered with an inner preputial graft. The animals were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. The penis was immediately harvested for standardized passive flowmetry and subsequently fixed for histological staining. RESULTS: The grafts took in all animals. The tubularized incised plate defect was bridged by urothelium while in the dorsal inlay graft group the preputial graft kept its original histological characteristics. There was a significant decrease in average flow in the urethroplasty group (1.6 ml per second) compared to that in the sham operated group (3.4 ml per second) and to the other groups (p <0.05). However, no significant difference in average flow was found for the tubularized incised plate and dorsal inlay graft groups (2.4 and 2.2 ml per second, respectively, p = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: In this short-term rabbit model dorsal inlay graft urethroplasty was feasible with good graft take and integration. Simple tubularization of a reduced urethral plate led to significantly decreased flow. Incision of the reduced plate with or without grafting improved the average flow. Findings in this experimental model do not support the superiority of dorsal inlay graft urethroplasty over tubularized incised plate urethroplasty in terms of urethral flow dynamics.

Clinical evolution of vesicoureteral reflux following endoscopic puncture in children with duplex system ureteroceles.

PURPOSE: We studied the clinical evolution of vesicoureteral reflux after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele in pediatric duplex systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts of children with duplex system ureteroceles treated between 1992 and 2007. We analyzed patient age, prenatal diagnosis, urinary tract infection at presentation, differential renal function and preoperative vesicoureteral reflux. The fate of associated vesicoureteral reflux after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele was specifically addressed. RESULTS: We analyzed 60 patients with a mean age of 12 months, of whom 32 (52%) were diagnosed prenatally and 40 (66%) presented with a urinary tract infection. The majority of ureteroceles were ectopic, and pre-puncture vesicoureteral reflux was seen in 40 patients (67%). Postoperative voiding cystourethrogram was performed in 50 cases. New onset of vesicoureteral reflux occurred postoperatively in 24 patients (40%), mainly ipsilateral to the lower pole or contralaterally. Spontaneous vesicoureteral reflux resolution or improvement occurred in 16 of 22 patients (72%) observed after primary endoscopic puncture of ureterocele. Surgical intervention after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele was performed in 25 patients (42%), of whom 9 underwent more than 1 reparative procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Vesicoureteral reflux after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele may occur in the ipsilateral upper or lower poles, or in the contralateral renal segments. Therefore, the reflux is not necessarily related to the puncture itself. Vesicoureteral reflux after endoscopic puncture of ureterocele can resolve spontaneously in a significant number of patients. Therefore, initial management by close surveillance is warranted. Considering the simplicity of the procedure, our findings support that endoscopic puncture of ureterocele is an attractive alternative for the initial management of pediatric duplex system ureteroceles.

Digital Pattern Recognition for the Identification and Classification of Hypospadias Using Artificial Intelligence vs Experienced Pediatric Urologist.

OBJECTIVE: To improve hypospadias classification system, we hereby, show the use of machine learning/image recognition to increase objectivity of hypospadias recognition and classification. Hypospadias anatomical variables such as meatal location, quality of urethral plate, glans size, and ventral curvature have been identified as predictors for postoperative outcomes but there is still significant subjectivity between evaluators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hypospadias image database with 1169 anonymized images (837 distal and 332 proximal) was used. Images were standardized (ventral aspect of the penis including the glans, shaft, and scrotum) and classified into distal or proximal and uploaded for training with TensorFlow. Data from the training were outputted to TensorBoard, to assess for the loss function. The model was then run on a set of 29 "Test" images randomly selected. Same set of images were distributed among expert clinicians in pediatric urology. Inter- and intrarater analyses were performed using Fleiss Kappa statistical analysis using the same 29 images shown to the algorithm. RESULTS: After training with 627 images, detection accuracy was 60%. With1169 images, accuracy increased to 90%. Inter-rater analysis among expert pediatric urologists was k= 0.86 and intrarater 0.74. Image recognition model emulates the almost perfect inter-rater agreement between experts. CONCLUSION: Our model emulates expert human classification of patients with distal/proximal hypospadias. Future applicability will be on standardizing the use of these technologies and their clinical applicability. The ability of using variables different than only anatomical will feed deep learning algorithms and possibly better assessments and predictions for surgical outcomes.

Hypertension in children with poorly functioning unilateral kidneys: predictors of resolution after nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the outcome of nephrectomy and predictors of hypertension (HTN) resolution in children with poorly functioning unilateral kidneys (differential renal function, DRF of < 15%), as concurrent HTN is often an indication for nephrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 7.5-year period, a single centre retrospective analysis of 89 children with unilateral nonfunctioning/poorly functioning kidney who underwent nephrectomy was conducted. Preoperative HTN was present in 18 children (20.2%). The childrens' characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, pathology, side), cause of nonfunction, diagnostics including preoperative proteinuria (dipstick) and DRF (nuclear scan), pathological features of specimen and follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: The mean (median; range) age at nephrectomy was 6.8 (5; 0.333-14) years with a mean (median; range) follow-up of 2.4 (3; 0.083-5.5) years. The mean (median; range) DRF was 6.5 (1; 0-15)%. Twelve of 18 children (67%) resolved their HTN. Age at nephrectomy, sex, side of nonfunctioning kidney and surgical approach (78% laparoscopic nephrectomy) did not correlate with HTN resolution. Persistence of HTN seemed to correlate with residual function of more than a DRF threshold of 5% (P = 0.05), the presence of preoperative qualitative proteinuria by dipstick (P = 0.03) and inflammation on pathology. CONCLUSIONS: HTN resolved after nephrectomy for poorly functioning unilateral kidney in most of the children. Persistence of HTN is probably multifactorial. Ipsilateral residual function before nephrectomy, preoperative proteinuria and pathological features of nephrectomy specimen may serve as clinically useful markers for outcome prediction.

Single center experience with application of the ALARA concept to serial imaging studies after blunt renal trauma in children--is ultrasound enough?

PURPOSE: After properly staged renal injury many children will undergo radiological reevaluation with computerized tomography, the modality frequently favored for its widespread availability and anatomical detail. The ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) concept attempts to balance the potential future risk of radiation induced malignancy with the added information obtained by the study. At our institution ultrasound has been increasingly adopted as the followup imaging technique of choice. We sought to evaluate this practice in pediatric blunt renal trauma management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the trauma database of a pediatric referral center for patients treated between 1997 and 2007. A total of 73 children with blunt renal trauma were identified. Associated injuries, mechanism of trauma, type of management, imaging studies, complications and delayed/missed injuries were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 10.5 years and the male-to-female ratio was 3:2. In all patients the mechanism was blunt trauma. Average grade of injury at hospitalization was 2.4, with high grade injury observed in 32% of patients. Repeat computerized tomography was obtained in 11 patients (9 for nonurological injuries). Three nephrectomies were done in the setting of hemodynamic instability and 1 pseudoaneurysm was embolized. Four enlarging symptomatic urinomas were suspected by ultrasound. No clinically important injuries or complications due to delayed diagnosis were detected in patients followed with ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that after initial computerized tomography for accurate staging of pediatric blunt renal trauma monitoring can be performed with ultrasound in most patients (excluding those with hemodynamic instability or deemed to require computerized tomography for associated injuries). Selective reevaluation with computerized tomography can be reserved for those with serial or ambiguous abnormalities detected on ultrasound, thus decreasing exposure to radiation.

Risk assessment of incidentally detected complex renal cysts in children: potential role for a modification of the Bosniak classification.

PURPOSE: Incidentally detected complex renal cysts in children are a rare but worrisome occurrence due to the perceived potential risk of malignancy. We examined the natural history of such cysts in a cohort of children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained access to a database containing all radiology reports generated at a single institution from 1996 to 2004. We used key words to limit our search, subsequently reviewing charts and images to confirm the diagnosis of a complex renal cyst and to collect clinical data. Cases were categorized according to a modification of the Bosniak classification, using ultrasound in most patients and computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging when available. RESULTS: Complex renal cysts were identified in 39 children. Mean patient age at presentation was 7 years. Mean cyst size was 1.6 cm. A total of 18 cases diagnosed by ultrasound only were observed with serial imaging. Additional contrast enhanced computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 21 of 39 patients (54%). Surgical resection was performed in 5 patients and pathological evaluation revealed benign cyst in 3 (modified Bosniak class II in 2 patients and class III in 1) and renal cell carcinoma in 2 (III in 1 and IV in 1). All other patients had modified Bosniak class II cysts, which remained essentially unchanged during a mean followup of 26.8 months (range 9 to 70). CONCLUSIONS: While not validated in children, our data suggest the modified Bosniak classification appears useful as a guideline to direct the management of complex renal cysts in the pediatric population.