Urology mythbusters: do we need to surgically correct vesicoureteral reflux in older girls to prevent problems in future pregnancy? (revision 1).

In this edition of Mythbusters we critically examine the premise that, because women with history of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) are at higher risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and other morbidity during pregnancy, persistent VUR in older girls should be considered an indication for surgical correction. The literature is very limited in that there are essentially no methodologically robust comparisons of pregnancy outcomes among women whose childhood VUR was or was not surgically repaired. Most of the case series and cohorts find relatively high incidence of UTI and pyelonephritis among pregnant women with a history of VUR, but there is very little to suggest that persistent VUR is itself a risk factor for infection during pregnancy. Indeed, some studies suggest that UTI risk is actually higher among women who previously underwent anti-reflux surgery compared to those who did not, although these data are compromised by significant selection bias. In contrast, there is relatively strong evidence that maternal and fetal morbidity is higher when the mother is known to have renal scarring; such women probably merit close surveillance during pregnancy for infection, hypertension and pre-eclampsia, and other problems. Overall, current evidence is insufficient to support routine anti-reflux surgery in girls with the sole purpose of decreasing complications during future pregnancy, particularly for girls with lower-grades of VUR and no renal scarring. The verdict for this urolegend: it contains a a "teeny, tiny nugget of truth."

Concurrent management of bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children using robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Bilateral ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction occurs infrequently. When surgical management is deemed necessary, staged pyeloplasties traditionally have been recommended to minimize the morbidity associated with performing procedures concurrently. With the advent of robotic-assistance, concurrent surgical management can more readily be performed laparoscopically. In this report, we evaluated the safety and outcome of managing patients with bilateral UPJ obstruction with concurrent robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of five patients with bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction who underwent concurrent bilateral robotic-assisted pyeloplasties at our institution between October 2003 and April 2007. Technical consideration for patient positioning, robotic set-up, port placement, and the use of a hitch stitches was assessed. The operative time, complications, analgesic needs, length of hospitalization, and overall success of the procedure were evaluated. RESULTS: Operative time ranged from 235 to 541 minutes (mean = 384). Estimated blood loss was 5-100 cc (mean = 48.0). Length of hospitalization ranged from 1.3 to 3.6 days (mean = 2.4). Ureteral stents were removed 3-8 weeks postoperatively. There were no complications. All kidneys demonstrated decreased hydronephrosis on postoperative ultrasound or improved drainage parameters on diuretic renography or IVP. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous bilateral robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasties utilizing 4-port access is feasible and safe. It provides an effective method of managing patients with bilateral UPJ obstruction, avoiding the burden and morbidity of performing staged surgeries.

Concurrent management of bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children using robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery

INTRODUCTION: Bilateral ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction occurs infrequently. When surgical management is deemed necessary, staged pyeloplasties traditionally have been recommended to minimize the morbidity associated with performing procedures concurrently. With the advent of robotic-assistance, concurrent surgical management can more readily be performed laparoscopically. In this report, we evaluated the safety and outcome of managing patients with bilateral UPJ obstruction with concurrent robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of five patients with bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction who underwent concurrent bilateral robotic-assisted pyeloplasties at our institution between October 2003 and April 2007. Technical consideration for patient positioning, robotic set-up, port placement, and the use of a hitch stitches was assessed. The operative time, complications, analgesic needs, length of hospitalization, and overall success of the procedure were evaluated. RESULTS: Operative time ranged from 235 to 541 minutes (mean = 384). Estimated blood loss was 5-100 cc (mean = 48.0). Length of hospitalization ranged from 1.3 to 3.6 days (mean = 2.4). Ureteral stents were removed 3-8 weeks postoperatively. There were no complications. All kidneys demonstrated decreased hydronephrosis on postoperative ultrasound or improved drainage parameters on diuretic renography or IVP. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous bilateral robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasties utilizing 4-port access is feasible and safe. It provides an effective method of managing patients with bilateral UPJ obstruction, avoiding the burden and morbidity of performing staged surgeries.