A predictive scoring system for small diaphragmatic defects in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

PURPOSE: To develop a predictive score for small diaphragmatic defects in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) for determining thoracoscopic surgery indication. METHODS: The Japanese CDH Study Group cohort was randomly divided into derivation (n = 397) and validation (n = 396) datasets. Using logistic regression, a prediction model and weighted scoring system for small diaphragmatic defects were created from derivation dataset and validated with validation dataset. RESULTS: Six weighted variables were selected: no hydramnios, 1 point; 1 min Apgar score of 5-10, 1 point; apex type of the lung (left lung is detected radiographically in apex area), 1 point; oxygenation index < 8, 1 point; abdominal nasogastric tube (tip of the nasogastric tube is detected radiographically in the abdominal area), 2 points; no right-to-left flow of ductus arteriosus, 1 point. In validation dataset, rates of small diaphragmatic defects for Possible (0-3 points), Probable (4-5 points), and Definite (6-7 points) groups were 36%, 81%, and 94%, respectively (p < 0.001). Additionally, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and C statistics were 0.78, 0.79, 0.88, 0.76, and 0.45, 0.94, 0.94, 0.70 for Probable and Definite groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our scoring system effectively predicted small diaphragmatic defects in infants with CDH.

Thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in neonates: findings of a multicenter study in Japan.

PURPOSE: We compared the efficacy of thoracoscopic repair (TR) with that of open repair (OR) for neonatal congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). METHODS: The subjects of this multicenter retrospective cohort study were 524 infants with left-sided isolated CDH, diagnosed prenatally, and treated at one of 15 participating hospitals in Japan between 2006 and 2018. The outcomes of infants who underwent TR and those who underwent OR were compared, applying propensity score matching. RESULTS: During the study period, 57 infants underwent TR and 467 underwent OR. Ten of the infants who underwent TR required conversion to OR for technical difficulties and these patients were excluded from the analysis. The survival rate at 180 days was similar in both groups (TR 98%; OR 93%). Recurrence developed after TR in 3 patients and after OR in 15 patients (TR 7%, OR 3%, p = 0.40). The propensity score was calculated using the following factors related to relevance of the surgical procedure: prematurity (p = 0.1), liver up (p < 0.01), stomach position (p < 0.01), and RL shunt (p = 0.045). After propensity score matching, the multivariate analysis adjusted for severity classification and age at surgical treatment revealed a significantly shorter hospital stay (odds ratio 0.50) and a lower incidence of chronic lung disease (odds ratio 0.39) in the TR group than in the OR group. CONCLUSIONS: TR can be performed safely for selected CDH neonates with potentially better outcomes than OR.

Optimal timing of surgery in infants with prenatally diagnosed isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a multicenter, cohort study in Japan.

PURPOSE: To date, there is no compelling evidence of the optimal timing of surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). This study aimed to establish the optimal timing of surgery in neonates with isolated left-sided CDH. METHODS: This multicenter cohort study enrolled 276 patients with isolated left-sided CDH at 15 institutions. Based on the timing of surgery, the patients were classified into four groups [< 24 h (G1), 24-47 h (G2), 48-71 h (G3), and ≥ 72 h (G4)]. The clinical outcomes were compared among the groups using a logistic regression model, after adjusting for potential confounders, such as disease severity. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses showed that G2 also had a lower mortality rate than the other groups. In mild and severe cases, there were no significant differences in mortality across the four groups. In moderate cases, G2 resulted in significantly increased survival rates, compared with G1. CONCLUSION: The study results suggest that surgery within 24 h of birth is not recommended for patients with moderate severity CDH, that there is no benefit in the delay of surgery for more than 72 h in mild severity CDH patients, and that there is no definite optimal time to perform surgery in severe cases of CDH.

Best pre-ductal PaO2 prior to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as predictor of mortality in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a retrospective analysis of a Japanese database.

PURPOSE: Predicting lethal pulmonary hypoplasia in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) initiation is difficult. This study aimed to predict lethal pulmonary hypoplasia in patients with CDH prior to ECMO. METHODS: This was a multicenter cohort study involving neonates prenatally diagnosed with isolated unilateral CDH (born 2006-2020). Patients who required ECMO due to respiratory insufficiency were included in this study. Patients who underwent ECMO due to transient disorders were excluded from analysis. Blood gas analysis data within 24 h of birth were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Predictive abilities were assessed for factors with significant differences. RESULTS: Overall, 34 patients were included (18 survivors and 16 non-survivors). The best pre-ductal PaO2 was significantly lower in non-survivors than in survivors (50.4 [IQR 30.3-64.5] vs. 67.5 [IQR 52.4-103.2] mmHg, respectively; p = 0.047). A cutoff PaO2 of 42.9 mmHg had a sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of 50.0%, 94.4%, and 88.9%, respectively, to predict mortality. CONCLUSION: The best PaO2 within 24 h after birth predicted mortality following ECMO initiation. This should be shared to families and caregivers to optimize the best interests of the infants with CDH.

Guidelines for the medical management of pediatric vesicoureteral reflux.

Urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that commonly occurs in children. Vesicoureteral reflux is a major underlying precursor condition of urinary tract infection, and an important disorder in the field of pediatric urology. Vesicoureteral reflux is sometimes diagnosed postnatally in infants with fetal hydronephrosis diagnosed antenatally. Opinions vary regarding the diagnosis and treatment of vesicoureteral reflux, and diagnostic procedures remain debatable. In terms of medical interventions, options include either follow-up observation in the hope of possible spontaneous resolution of vesicoureteral reflux with growth/development or provision of continuous antibiotic prophylaxis based on patient characteristics (age, presence/absence of febrile urinary tract infection, lower urinary tract dysfunction and constipation). Furthermore, there are various surgical procedures with different indications and rationales. These guidelines, formulated and issued by the Japanese Society of Pediatric Urology to assist medical management of pediatric vesicoureteral reflux, cover the following: epidemiology, clinical practice algorithm for vesicoureteral reflux, syndromes (dysuria with vesicoureteral reflux, and bladder and rectal dysfunction with vesicoureteral reflux), diagnosis, treatment (medical and surgical), secondary vesicoureteral reflux, long-term prognosis and reflux nephropathy. They also provide the definition of bladder and bowel dysfunction, previously unavailable despite their close association with vesicoureteral reflux, and show the usefulness of diagnostic tests, continuous antibiotic prophylaxis and surgical intervention using site markings.

Risk factors for pneumothorax associated with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia: results of a Japanese multicenter study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) associated with pneumothorax and evaluate the risk factors for the development of pneumothorax. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the 15 institutions participating in the Japanese CDH Study Group. A total of 495 neonates with isolated CDH who were born between 2011 and 2018 were analyzed in this study. RESULTS: Among the 495 neonates with isolated CDH, 52 (10.5%) developed pneumothorax. Eighteen (34.6%) patients developed pneumothorax before surgery, while 34 (65.4%) developed pneumothorax after surgery. The log-rank test showed that the cumulative survival rate was significantly lower in patients with pneumothorax than in those without pneumothorax. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between patients with pneumothorax and those without pneumothorax with regard to the best oxygenation index within 24 h after birth, mean airway pressure (MAP) higher than 16 cmH2O, diaphragmatic defect size, and need for patch closure. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that only the MAP was associated with an increased risk of pneumothorax. CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative survival rate was significantly lower in isolated CDH patients with pneumothorax than in those without pneumothorax. A higher MAP was a risk factor for pneumothorax in CDH patients.

A Comparison of Laparoscopic Redo Fundoplications for Failed Toupet and Nissen Fundoplications in Children.

PURPOSE: We compared laparoscopic redo fundoplications performed for failed laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) and failed laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications (LNFs). METHODS: Redo LTF (R-LTF; n = 4) and redo LNF (R-LNF; n = 6) performed between 2007 and 2014 were assessed retrospectively for severity of intraperitoneal adhesions on a scale of 0-3, identification/preservation of the anterior/posterior/hepatic branches of the vagus nerve (VN), complications, and outcome. RESULTS: Redos were performed after a mean of 34 months in R-LTF and 32 months in R-LNF (P = ns) indicated for sliding hernia (n = 3; 2 with partial wrap dehiscence) and partial wrap dehiscence (n = 1) in R-LTF and sliding hernia (n = 6; 4 with partial wrap dehiscence) in R-LNF. The mean adhesion severity score was 1.5 in R-LTF and 2.5 in R-LNF (P < 0.05). The mean number of VN branches identified/preserved was 2.0 in R-LTF and 0.8 in R-LNF (P < 0.05). Mean operative times and mean blood loss were similar. Intraoperative complications were accidental local trauma (n = 1 in R-LTF and n = 3 in R-LNF, one requiring conversion to open repair) (P = ns). Gastric outlet obstruction developed in two R-LNF cases; both were managed conservatively. There have been no further recurrences to date. CONCLUSION: Although our series is small, adhesions were less, and identification/preservation of VN was easier during R-LTF.

Hirschsprung's disease in the laparoscopic transanal pull-through era: implications of age at surgery and technical aspects.

AIM: Detailed implications of age at laparoscopic transanal pull-through (LTAPT) on postoperative bowel function (POBF) in Hirschsprung's disease (HD) are somewhat obscure because of a spectrum of factors. METHODS: Age at surgery was used to categorize 106 consecutive postoperative HD cases treated by our modified LTAPT (JLTPAT) between 1997 and 2015; group A: < 3 months old (n = 31); group B: 3-11 months old (n = 44); group C: 1-3 years old (n = 19); and group D: ≥ 4 years old (n = 12). POBF was assessed by reviewing outpatient records 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years after JLTAPT prospectively and scoring each of 5 criteria on a scale of 0-2; best score = 10. RESULTS: Only operative time was statistically longer in group D versus groups A, B, and C. Differences in gender ratios, blood loss, duration of follow-up, and POBF scores were not statistically significant. Mean POBF scores over time were: group A: 6.8, 7.6, 8.4, 8.6, and 8.4; group B: 7.1, 7.8, 8.3, 8.5, and 9.0; group C: 6.9, 7.9, 8.1, 8.3, and 8.6; group D: 7.0, 7.4, 8.2, 8.1, and 8.5, respectively. CONCLUSION: Age at JLTAPT was not correlated with POBF in HD.

Semaphorin 3A expression following intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in Sox10-Venus mice.

PURPOSE: Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) is a protein secreted during development of the nervous system that plays an important role in neuronal pathophysiology. However, there is no known correlation between Sema3A and intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We assessed Sema3A expression and distribution in relation to enteric nervous system (ENS) damage seen after intestinal I/R injury in Sox10-Venus mice. METHODS: Intestinal I/R injury was induced by vascular occlusion for 3 h. Ileal specimens were harvested 0, 3, 12, 24, 48, and 96 h after reperfusion. Stereoscopic microscopy and fluorescence microscopy were used to assess sox10-Venus+ cells and PGP9.5+ cells. RESULTS: By 3 h after reperfusion, Sema3A expression had increased to a maximum and Sox10-Venus+ cells had faded to a minimum in harvested ileal segments. Both differences were statistically significant. By 96 h after reperfusion, both Sema3A and Sox10-Venus+ cell fluorescence had reverted to original levels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining identified histologic damage mimicking Sema3A expression, while PGP9.5+ cell response was minimal. CONCLUSION: We are the first to demonstrate a correlation between Sema3A expression and ENS damage following intestinal I/R in Sox10-Venus mice.

Changes in quality of life from infancy to school age after esophagoesophagostomy for tracheoesophageal fistula: thoracotomy versus thoracoscopy.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the quality of life (QOL) of postoperative esophageal atresia (EA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) cases, comparing open with thoracoscopic repair. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive EA/TEF repairs (2001-2014) was performed, excluding cases with birth weight less than 2000 g and severe cardiac/chromosomal anomalies. Of 37 cases, 13 had thoracoscopic repair (TR) and 24 had open repair (OR) according to the operating surgeon's preference. QOL was determined regularly by scoring responses to a standard questionnaire about oral intake, vomiting, bougienage, coughing, growth retardation, learning ability, and thoracic deformity. Lower scores reflected poorer outcome. QOL after TR and OR was compared 1 year postoperatively (POQ) and after starting school (ScQ). RESULTS: Subject demographics were similar. Apart from two anastomotic leaks that resolved spontaneously after TR, there were no intraoperative complications or recurrence of TEF. Laparoscopic fundoplication was required for gastroesophageal reflux in four cases (OR 1; TR 3) (p = ns). QOL scores went from 6.5 â†’ 11.5 in OR and 4.6 â†’ 11.3 in TR, respectively. Final ScQ scores were similar, but POQ was significantly higher after OR (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Initial QOL scores were significantly lower after TR, but by school age QOL scores were similar.

Intraoperative ventilation during thoracoscopic repair of neonatal congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the optimal ventilation mode during thoracoscopic repair (TR) of neonatal congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), we compared high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) with conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV). METHODS: Twenty-three neonatal CDH cases who underwent TR without intraoperative inhalation of nitric oxide at our institution between 2007 and 2016 were reviewed. Patients were initially ventilated with HFOV, which was converted to CMV if the HFOV settings were decreased to FiO2 <0.4, stroke volume <4 mL/kg and mean airway pressure <12 cmH2O. Arterial blood gases in the perioperative period were compared between HFOV and CMV. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were ventilated with HFOV (group I), and six patients were ventilated with CMV (group II). Preoperative PaCO2 was significantly higher and pH was significantly lower in group I compared with group II. In both groups I and II, intraoperative PaCO2 increased significantly and pH decreased significantly compared with preoperation. Although intraoperative PaCO2 and pH were not different between the groups, group II showed greater worsening of intraoperative PaCO2 and pH as compared to their respective preoperative values. CONCLUSIONS: HFOV seems to prevent deterioration of hypercapnia and acidosis to a greater extent than CMV during TR in neonatal cases of CDH, although patients can also be ventilated with CMV.

Intestinal microbiota in neonates requiring urgent surgery: assessing the role of probiotics using fecal DNA sequencing.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of urgent surgery on neonates and the value of an orally administered probiotic preparation of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis LKM512 (LKM) using fecal DNA sequencing to analyze intestinal microbiota. METHODS: Subjects for this study were 13 neonates born at our institution. Surgical cases required surgery within 3 days of birth. Groups studied were surgical cases administered LKM (n = 4; LKM+), surgical cases not administered have surgery and were not administered LKM (n = 2; CS), and normal healthy neonates (n = 3; CN). Stool specimens (20 mg) were collected five times (after birth, and on days 3, 7, 10, and 14 after surgery in surgical cases, and after birth, and on days 4, 8, 11, and 15 of life in controls). RESULTS: Clinical data were similar for LKM+ and LKM-. Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae were identified in the descending order of abundance in CS stool. Streptococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Enterococcaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae were identified in the descending order of abundance in LKM+ stool. Bifidobacteriaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcaceae and Streptococcaceae were identified in the descending order of abundance in LKM- stool. Unexpectedly, Bifidobacteriaceae was significantly more abundant in LKM- than LKM+ (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Surgical stress appears to affect intestinal microbiota considerably. Probiotic administration in neonates requires clarification.

Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system prevents acute and immunologically relevant colitis in murine models.

BACKGROUND: Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been shown to alleviate inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to determine if blockade of the RAS would be effective in an immunologically relevant colitis model, and to compare outcome with an acute colitis model. METHODS: A losartan analog, CCG-203025 (C23H26ClN3O5S) containing a highly polar sulfonic acid moiety that we expected would allow localized mucosal antagonism with minimal systemic absorption was selected as an angiotensin II type 1a receptor antagonist (AT1aR-A). Two colitis models were studied: (1) Acute colitis was induced in 8- to 10-week-old C57BL/6J mice by 2.5 % dextran sodium sulfate (DSS, in drinking water) for 7 days. (2) IL10-/-colitis Piroxicam (200 ppm) was administered orally in feed to 5-week-old IL-10-/-mice (C57BL/6J background) for 14 days followed by enalaprilat (ACE-I), CCG-203025 or PBS administered transanally for 14 days. RESULTS: In the DSS model, weight loss and histologic score for CCG-203025 were better than with placebo. In the IL10-/-model, ACE-I suppressed histologic damage better than CCG-203025. Both ACE-I and CCG-203025 reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of both ACE-I and AT1aR-A for preventing the development of both acute and immunologically relevant colitis.

Surgical intervention for congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) patients with preoperative pneumonia and abscess formation: "open versus thoracoscopic lobectomy".

AIM: Thoracoscopic lobectomy (TL) and open lobectomy (OL) were compared for treating congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) with preoperative complications, specifically pneumonia/abscess formation (PA). METHODS: The medical records of 46 CPAM patients treated by lobectomy at our institution from 1990 to 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Four groups, TL for patients without PA (n = 17; TL-), TL for patients with PA (n = 8; TL+), OL for patients without PA (n = 16; OL-), and OL for patients with PA (n = 5; OL+) were compared for operative time, intra/postoperative complications, blood loss, duration of chest tube insertion, postoperative analgesia, pre: postoperative white blood cell (WBC) ratio, and duration of hospitalization. RESULTS: Operative time for TL+ was longest, but not statistically significant. Incidences of intra/postoperative complications were similar in all groups. Blood loss was significantly less for TL+ versus OL+ (p < .05). WBC ratio was significantly lower in TL+ versus OL+ (p < .05), similar for TL+ and TL-, and significantly higher in OL+ versus OL- (p < .01). Chest tube insertion was significantly longer in OL- versus TL- (p < .01). CONCLUSION: PA would not appear to be a contraindication to perform TL in CPAM. TL is associated with less surgical stress than OL despite longer operative time.

Surgical management of recto-prostatic and recto-bulbar anorectal malformations.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopically assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) was compared to posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in the treatment of male imperforate anus associated with either recto-prostatic fistula (RPF) or recto-bulbar fistula (RBF). METHOD: 19 RPF patients (12 treated by LAARP and 7 by PSARP) and 26 RBF patients (14 treated by LAARP and 12 by PSARP) between 1995 and 2014 were retrospectively assessed using a fecal continence evaluation questionnaire (FCE) (with a maximum score of 10), an FCE score coefficient variation, as well patients' MRI scores, anorectal angle values (AA), and incidence of postoperative complications. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in mean age and mean weight at repair, as well as sacral status. Postoperatively, mean MRI scores, mean AA, and biochemistry were also similar (p = NS). All cases treated with LAARP showed consistently higher and less variable FCES values, fewer wound infection incidence, but greater rectal mucosal prolapse unrelated with sacrum status. Significantly lower doses of postoperative analgesia were needed in all LAARP cases (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Technical outcomes appear to be similar based on imaging studies, but FCES-assessed functional outcomes appear to favor LAARP for treatment of both RPF and RBF.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in neonates: factors related to failure of thoracoscopic repair.

PURPOSE: To evaluate factors related to conversion to open repair (OR) during thoracoscopic repair (TR) in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). METHODS: CDH subjects who were diagnosed prenatally or within 6 h of birth and underwent TR at our institution from 2007 to 2015 were reviewed. Two groups were defined: Group A, subjects who tolerated TR; and Group B, subjects who required conversion to OR. RESULTS: Twenty-nine subjects (Group A, 20; Group B, 9) underwent TR. Patients' demographics were not significantly different between the two groups. In Group A, pre-operative arterial blood gas analysis showed mean PaCO2 37.4 mmHg, mean pH 7.45, and mean PaO2 201.6 mmHg, which were not significantly different from those of Group B (PaCO2 40.6 mmHg, pH 7.43, and PaO2 251.1 mmHg). Two Group B cases required conversion due to cardiopulmonary instability. The remaining seven cases were converted for technical reasons (large defect in two, anterior location of the defect in two, bleeding from short gastric vessels or spleen in two, and insufficient operative view in one). CONCLUSIONS: TR can be performed safely in selected cases of CDH. CDH with a large defect and/or an unusual location of the defect remains a challenge for pediatric surgeons.

Rectal mucosal/submucosal biopsy under general anesthesia ensures optimum diagnosis of bowel motility disorders.

PURPOSE: We reviewed all rectal mucosal/submucosal biopsies (RMSBx) performed between 1986 and 2015 focusing on specimen quality, incidence of complications during and after biopsy, and parental satisfaction. METHODS: From 1986 to 2004, RMSBx were performed without general anesthesia (GA) (N-GA; n = 98) and from 1995 to 2015 were performed under GA (GA; n = 525). In GA cases, some sections were stained intraoperatively and examined by a pathologist and pediatric surgeon immediately to identify ganglion cells. RESULTS: Mean ages at RMSBx were similar (2.7 vs. 2.5 years; p = NS). There were significantly more inadequate specimens in N-GA [18/98 (18.4 %) vs. 0/525 (0 %); p < 0.0001]. Incidence of rectal bleeding requiring transfusion was significantly lower in GA [0/525 (0 %) versus 2/98 (2.0 %); p = 0.024]. Parents of GA subjects willingly consented to RMSBx when told GA would facilitate diagnosis. Incidentally, RMSBx was more expensive in GA (US$1320 versus US$294; using ¥120 = US$1). CONCLUSION: RMSBx performed under GA are safe and all specimens obtained included submucosa appropriate for optimum diagnosis in all the cases.

Comprehensive assessment of prognosis after laparoscopic portoenterostomy for biliary atresia.

PURPOSE: Total bilirubin (T-bil) is used universally for monitoring post-portoenterostomy (PE) biliary atresia (BA) patients although other biochemical markers [BM; AST/ALT and platelet count (PC)] are also prognostic. We compared open PE (OPE) with laparoscopic PE (LPE) using T-bil, AST/ALT, and PC (3BM) as more comprehensive indicators of postoperative clinical status. METHODS: Subjects were 31 PE cases (LPE: n = 17; OPE: n = 14). BA classification was type III (n = 16), type II (n = 1) in LPE and type III (n = 12), type I (n = 1), type II (n = 1) in OPE. RESULTS: Mean ages and weights at PE were similar: 65.5 days, 4.4 kg (LPE) versus 69.3 days, 4.1 kg (OPE); and mean follow-up was 2.5 years for both LPE and OPE. Jaundice clearance (T-bil ≤1.2 mg/dL) was achieved in 16/17 (94.1 %) after LPE versus 10/14 (71.4 %) after OPE (p = NS), but 3BM were closer to normal after OPE. At the time of review, 13/17 LPE cases (76.5 %) were alive with native livers and 4/17 had received LTx (23.5 %) and 10/14 OPE cases (71.4 %) were alive with native livers and 4/14 had received LTx (28.6 %). CONCLUSIONS: Although JC was better after LPE, 3BM were better after OPE. Further follow-up will prove the comprehensive prognostic value of 3BM.

Staged segmental urethroplasty for scrotal/perineal hypospadias: a new concept.

PURPOSE: We report the efficacy of staged segmental urethroplasty (SSUP) versus non-staged urethroplasty (NSUP) for treating scrotal/perineal hypospadias (SPH). METHODS: Between 1997 and 2015, 29 SPH patients underwent UP (SSUP: n = 15; NSUP: n = 14). Incidences of urethrocutaneous fistula (UF), stenosis of the neourethra (SNU), diverticula formation, and residual chordee (RC) were compared. Differences were statistically significant if p < 0.05. RESULTS: The difference in mean age at NSUP (3.2 ± 1.3 years) and at the final stage of SSUP (5.5 ± 2.4 years) was significant (p < 0.05). Mean operative times for NSUP and SSUP (total for all stages) were not significantly different (231.5 ± 117.5 versus 272.5 ± 99.4 min); however, the incidence of postoperative complications was significantly less in SSUP (n = 1; UF) compared with NSUP (n = 6; 2 cases of UF, 3 cases of SNU, and 1 case of RC; (p < 0.05). Mean follow-up was significantly shorter in SSUP; 1.4 ± 1.2 years versus 7.0 ± 4.5 years in NSUP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SSUP would appear to be effective for treating SPH because of a significantly lower incidence of UF, SNU and RC during the first postoperative year, the period when complications have been reported to arise most frequently.

Correction of penile ventral curvature in patients with minor or no hypospadias: a single surgeon's experience of 43 cases.

PURPOSE: To report our experience of correcting penile ventral curvature associated with minor or no hypospadias. METHODS: We reviewed 43 penile ventral curvature patients treated by a single surgeon from 1997 to 2015. Of these, 23 had minor hypospadias. Curvature was corrected using degloving, chordectomy, dorsal plication (DP), tunica albuginea incision (TAI), or a combination of these. Outcome was confirmed by induced artificial erection and post-operative appearance. RESULTS: Mean age at curvature correction was 3.2 ± 2.6 years. 17/43 had degloving and chordectomy (DC), 16/43 had DP after DC, and 10/43 had TAI after DC, because of ventral shortening and severe curvature caused by a short hypoplastic urethra. Other procedures required were primary meatoplasty (n = 4) and urethroplasty (UP; n = 1) at the time of curvature correction, and UP after correction of curvature (n = 11). Complications included recurrence of curvature after DP (n = 3/16; 18.8 %) and urethral stenosis after UP with tubed peritoneum (n = 1/10; 10 %). There were no recurrences of curvature in TAI cases. Parents reported penile cosmesis as good (n = 38; 88.4 %), acceptable (n = 4; 9.3 %), or poor (n = 1; 2.3 %). CONCLUSION: We recommend TAI followed by UP for correcting penile ventral curvature with short hypoplastic urethra. Tubed peritoneum is not recommended for UP.