Office-based pediatric urology procedures.

Introduction: Office-based procedures under local anesthesia are not a popular and well-accepted concept in pediatric urology except for newborn circumcision. There is limited literature on the utilization of office-based procedures under local anesthesia in pediatric urology. In this study, we present our experience of office-based procedures under local anesthesia from a tertiary center. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of the patients who underwent meatotomy and penile adhesion release in the clinic under local anesthesia between January 2017 and August 2022 by a single surgeon in a tertiary center. A total of 92 patients were included in this study. Results: There were 65 patients diagnosed with meatal stenosis and 27 patients diagnosed with penile adhesion. The overall incidence of recurrence was noted in four patients. Only one patient had minimal complications. The overall average follow-up was 5.39 months (1-10 months). Conclusion: Selective office-based procedure (meatotomy and penile adhesion release) under topical local anesthesia is a simple, safe, and effective method to treat such conditions with a high success rate, especially with financial and time constraints on health care nowadays.

Meatotomy and meatoplasty on meatal stenosis due to balanitis xerotica obliterans.

Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the male genitalia that is mostly underdiagnosed and undertreatment. We presented a 40-year-old man with meatal stenosis and an inability to urinate. Discoloration at the tip of the penis was found, and he said it got wider as he grew up. We conducted meatotomy and meatoplasty to release obstruction. Early diagnosis is essential to avoid complications.

Treatment algorithm for the comprehensive management of severe lichen sclerosus in boys based on the pathophysiology of the disease.

INTRODUCTION: It is estimated that approximately one out of 200 boys has the diagnosis of lichen sclerosus (LS), previously referred to as BXO (balanitis xerotica obliterans). Severe progressive disease is rare however, mismanagement of urethral tissues may contribute to progression of LS. STUDY DESIGN: The current literature regarding the management of severe lichen sclerosus was reviewed alongside our management of seven patients with ages ranging from six to ten years of age with severe lichen sclerosus who required surgical intervention. These patients were identified out of a busy pediatric practice that saw 5507 patients during the four-year span. Based on the pathophysiology of lichen sclerosus, urethral anatomy, and our management an algorithm was developed for medical and surgical management. RESULTS: All patients received initial medical treatment with topical steroids. Three patients underwent urethral mobilization and serial biopsy. One of these patients with severe disease required a second distal urethral mobilization. Three patients were treated with circumcision, and one is responding well to topical steroids after complex reconstruction. None developed postoperative urethral disease. DISCUSSION: Lichen sclerosus affects squamous epithelium but can extend to unaffected tissue if traumatized via the Koebner phenomenon. There are no randomized control trials for the management of the disease. Thus, appropriate early management with avoidance of urethral dilation or incision may prevent extension down the urethra that can lead to severe stricture disease. Several authors identified this as one of the worst forms of stricture diseases to manage. Based on the pathophysiology of the disease and our 4-year experience treating patients, we propose an algorithm for management of severe lichen sclerosus in boys. The diagnosis of lichen sclerosus in boys requires a high level of suspicion, and early biopsies should be obtained if suspected. If identified before circumcision or meatotomy, initial treatment should be medical. If the patient fails topical steroid therapy, circumcision and biopsy are the initial recommended surgical approach. Optimally, a biopsy with the first meatotomy establishes the diagnosis. If the disease persists, urethral mobilization may represent a curative treatment as it advances healthy urethra and allows complete removal of distal squamous epithelium instead of traumatic repeated dilations or incisions. CONCLUSION: This paper summarizes the available literature on the management of severe LS and provides a flow diagram based on the pathophysiology of the disease and our experience sever cases.

Meatal Surgery at the Time of Circumcision for Lichen Sclerosus (LS/BXO) Does Not Reduce the Need for Later Meatal Intervention: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: We describe meatal outcomes for boys undergoing circumcision to treat Lichen Sclerosus (LS/BXO) with a focus on those who underwent meatotomy/meatoplasty at circumcision and factors associated with post-circumcision meatal intervention. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients undergoing circumcision for histologically confirmed LS between 2011 and 2020. Statistical testing was by Chi2 and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 382 patients underwent circumcision at a mean of 9.1 years (SD 2.9). At circumcision, LS on the glans was documented in 213/365 (58%). Meatal involvement was documented in 74/382 (19%); 25/382 (6.5%) had a meatotomy, 94/382 (25%) had meatal calibration/dilatation and 234/367 (64%) were prescribed post-operative topical steroids. Patients with LS glans or meatal involvement were more likely to have a meatotomy (p = 0.0013) and to receive post-operative steroids (OR 5, p = 0.0001). Post circumcision, 40/382 (10%) required a median of 1 subsequent procedure (range 1-5), 10 (2.6%) underwent dilatation, 30 (7.4%) had a meatotomy. Patients undergoing meatotomy at circumcision had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.2 for subsequent meatotomy (p = 0.027). Analysis based on requirement for any subsequent procedure identified an OR of 3.1 for having had a meatotomy at circumcision (p = 0.022) and an OR of 6.0 of receiving post-operative steroids (p=<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Meatal stenosis following circumcision for LS requiring meatal intervention affected 10% of boys. Meatotomy at circumcision increased the likelihood of subsequent meatal intervention and is therefore not recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Reducing fistula rate in hypospadias repair: A comparative study between standard tubularized incised plate repair and incorporation of a layer of spongiosum tissue.

INTRODUCTION: The most prevalent complication in hypospadias repair is fistula formation. Adhering to the principle of providing urethroplasty coverage to mitigate fistula occurrence, we implemented a modification by integrating a spongiosum layer between the urethroplasty and the dartos flap. Our hypothesis posited that this approach would result in a reduced fistula formation rate. METHODS: This study is a comparative analysis involving patients under 18 years of age who underwent primary hypospadias repair. The cases were allocated into two groups. In the study group, in addition to performing tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair, a spongiosum layer harvested from both sides of the urethra was used to cover the urethroplasty (modification of the Y-to-I urethroplasty). The control group underwent a standard TIP repair. The primary outcome was to assess urethrocutaneous fistula formation. Secondary outcomes included evaluating the development of meatal stenosis and glans dehiscence, along with assessing cosmetic results by the Hypospadias Objective Penile Evaluation (HOPE) score. RESULTS: Overall, 154 hypospadias cases were included in the study. Eighty-seven patients (56%) were allocated to the study group, and 67 (44%) were allocated to the control group. Urethrocutaneous fistula developed in 3 (3.4%) and 11 (16.4%) patients in the study and control group, respectively (p = 0.006). Glans dehiscence occurred in 2 (2.3%) patients in the study group and 4 (6%) patients in the control group (p = 0.198). Meatal stenosis was observed in 4 (4.6%) patients in the study group and 5 (7.5%) patients in the control (p = 0.452). The mean HOPE score was 59 in both groups (p = 0.36). DISCUSSION: This study details our encounters with the novel modification and compares the results with standard TIP. Our data suggest that adding a layer of spongiosum tissue over the urethroplasty reduces the complication of urethrocutaneous fistula without increasing the occurrence of dehiscence, significant meatal stenosis, or compromising cosmetic outcomes. CONCLUSION: We advocate for implementing the described surgical modification as a viable option for hypospadias repair.

Comparison the Diameter of the Urethral Meatus Before and After Circumcision and Evaluation of Urethral Stenosis.

Objectives. This study focused on assessing the diameter of the meatus before and after circumcision to evaluate meatal stenosis. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, boys who met the inclusion criteria, their demographic parameters, and meatus diameter were recorded. Thirty days after circumcision, complications were evaluated meatus diameter was measured again and their information was analyzed by SPSS 26 software. Results. Four hundred boys were studied, and it was found that 41 cases (10.3%) developed meatal stenosis after circumcision, with 85% having a pre-circumcision meatus diameter of 4 mm or less. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation (P < .05) between smaller pre-circumcision meatus diameter and postoperative meatal stenosis. Conclusions. The study concludes that a smaller meatus diameter before circumcision significantly increases the risk of postoperative tightness. It suggests prophylactic measures like meatus dilatation or applying topical ointment for those at high risk (meatus diameter ≤ 4 mm) to prevent or mitigate postoperative meatal stenosis.

Modified PATIO technique for urethrocutaneous fistula after hypospadias repair: Experience from a tertiary referral hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) is a common complication after hypospadias repair with an incidence of 5-10%. Several techniques are described for its repair: small UCFs are frequently corrected by isolation, excision, and closure with apposition of a protective second layer. In 2008 Malone described the PATIO technique: the fistula tract is turned inside out in the urethral lumen preventing contact with passing urine without direct urethral sutures. OBJECTIVE: Aim of our study is to present our outcomes using a modified version of the PATIO technique, with a more reproducible isolation of the tract and without its fixation at the urethral meatus. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of UCFs corrected with a modified PATIO technique at our center between 2016 and 2020. Data collected from electronical clinical notes were age at UCF closure, location of UCF, presence of meatal stenosis and clinical outcomes. Data are presented as median and IQR. RESULTS: In the study period we performed 425 urethroplasties for distal and mid penile hypospadias. The incidence of UCFs was 7% (30/425) and 25 patients underwent UCF correction with modified PATIO. Median age at repair was 4.5 years (IQR: 2.5-6.2). At a median follow-up of 3 years (IQR: 2-4) recurrence was observed in 5 cases out of 24 with one patient who was lost at follow-up (20.8%). One case was corrected successfully with re-do modified PATIO technique, while 4 are awaiting repair. One cases was lost at follow-up. UFC-recurrence was homogeneously distributed along the study period. DISCUSSION: Risk factors for UCF recurrence are mostly the type of hypospadias, neo-urethral length, and quality of the urethral plate. Among the many existing techniques, we propose a modified version of Malone's PATIO repair. We believe that the use of four stay-suture to isolate the fistula allows a well-defined dissection of the tract along its surface, compared to the use of a single stay-suture. In our experience, there is no need to keep and fix the traction on the fistula tract to the urethral meatus, probably reflecting the efficacy of the fistula closure during the introflection, which is then maintained without traction. Limitations to our study include the retrospective nature of the review, the small sample size of the cohort and the absence of control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results appear consistent with literature regarding the efficacy of PATIO principles in treating UCF. Modified PATIO seem to be particularly reproducible, showing encouraging results.

Factors Affecting Parental Satisfaction after Male Circumcision.

Background: The safety of the male circumcision depends on many factors, including the surgeon, type of anesthesia, and associated complications. The scientific knowledge regarding safe MC is not so prevalent among masses. Aims and Objectives: To study the level of awareness regarding circumcision amongst parents and highlight factors linked to parental satisfaction. Materials and Methods: Information regarding various factors was gathered with the help of structured questionnaire-based evaluation of parental knowledge and experience. This was followed by clinical examination by a pediatric surgeon for assessment of cosmetic outcome, complications and need for additional surgical procedure. Results: Most circumcisions were performed by non-surgeons beyond neonatal period. Majority of the procedures were done under local anesthesia and around 17% procedures were done by quacks without anesthesia. More than 20% parents were dissatisfied with the procedure. Around 80% parents considered perioperative period mildly to moderately stressful. The overall complication rates were higher than usual with need for surgical correction in more than 40% patients. Conclusion: There is lack of awareness regarding safe MC practices in general public. MC by inexperienced people contributes to higher complication rates and need for redo, which in turn is related to parental dissatisfaction.

The association of meatal stenosis and infant circumcision.

BACKGROUND: The association of meatal stenosis with age at circumcision is controversial. We noticed a high rate of meatal stenosis in a region where early circumcision is traditional. The aim of this study is to compare the age at circumcision between boys with or without meatal stenosis. METHODS: After ethical approval, families of children with meatal stenosis were questioned about age at circumcision and reason for circumcision. Control group consisted of patients with diagnoses other than penile abnormalities, a normal urethral meatus, and having no symptoms about urination. Patients with a history of therapeutic circumcision were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Between November 2016 and November 2020, 115 patients with meatal stenosis were admitted. All were corrected with ventral meatotomy under general anesthesia. Median age at circumcision was 3 (min:0-max:111) monthsand age at admission was 74 (min:22-max:194) months. Control group consisted of 205 boys. Median age at circumcision was 5 (min:0-max:122) months and age at admission was 96 (13-202) months. There was a statistically significant difference between groups in terms of age at circumcision (p=0.024) but none for age at admission (p=0.356). There was a twofold increase in the meatal stenosis rate (39% vs. 23%) if circumcision was performed before age one (p=0.018). There was no difference between the patients circumcised in the newborn period and later (38% vs 36%, p=0.778). CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the previous reports suggesting a relation of risk for meatal stenosis and age at circumcision and presents data that age one might be a cutoff for this risk.

Congenital Meatal Urethral Stenosis in a Female Patient: A Case Report.

We present the case of a 6-year-old girl who presented with alterations in the voiding stream. On physical examination, a very small urethral meatus was identified at the expense of a membrane. The renovesical ultrasound showed no alterations. An uroflowmetric study was performed, showing a bladder outlet obstruction pattern. The urethral meatus was calibrated and a ventral meatotomy was performed. The histological study of the resected membrane showed a transitional urethral mucosa with chronic focal inflammation and discrete hyperplasia. The patient evolved favorably, with resolution of the symptoms and no notable complications. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first reported case with a histological study of a congenital meatal urethral stenosis. In the presence of lower urinary tract obstruction, this entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Surgical treatment is curative.

Patient Perspectives and Outcomes in Adult Hypospadias Repair.

Background Hypospadias is a common congenital anomaly that needs repair at an early age (six months to one year). Ironically, many cases in India present late due to a lack of healthcare facilities, poverty, and illiteracy. Adult patients are different from children as they are aware of their genitalia. They are concerned with the aesthetics and, predominantly, the potency. In this study, we present the perspectives and outcomes of 111 adult cases of hypospadias. Methodology In this retrospective study conducted between January 2010 and December 2020, 111 patients aged more than 14 years who were diagnosed with hypospadias of any level with or without mild-to-moderate chordee were included. Hypospadias repair using a tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty technique was performed, and patients after surgery were followed up at three months, six months, and 12 months for any complications with physical examination, uroflowmetry, and patient-related outcomes (PROs). Results Age varied from 14 years to 32 years (mean = 19.88 years, SD = 5.93). The most frequent meatus positions after chordee adjustment were distal (n = 64, 57.65%), middle (n = 25, 22.52%), and proximal (n = 22, 19.82%). Among these, four patients had penoscrotal transposition. Chordee was present in 65.7% (n = 73) of the cases. (<30° in 38.7%, n = 43; 30°-60° in 23.4%, n = 26, and >60° in 3.6%, n = 4). Chordee was corrected using many techniques, including ventral corporotomies. Urethroplasty was done using TIP and spongioplasty in 89% (n = 99), and one patient underwent inner preputial onlay flap urethroplasty. Snodgraft was used to augment the urethral plate in 10 cases. The success rate of one-stage surgery was 74.77% in our series, which significantly correlated with PROs. Uroflow varied from 12 mL/second to 18 mL/second, and in the majority of the cases, the flow rate improved over time. The most common complication was urethrocutaneous fistula in 11 (11.8%) patients, followed by glanular dehiscence in nine (8.1%) patients. Conclusions Adult patients undergoing primary hypospadias repair generally show good outcomes. Patients can have an acceptable mild degree of residual chordee and torsion, which correlate well with PROs. In our series, hypospadias fistula was the most common complication of hypospadias surgery, followed by glanular dehiscence.

Comparative Analysis of Cartilage Conduction Hearing Aid Users and Non-Users: An Investigative Study.

Clinical findings on cartilage conduction hearing aids (CCHAs) have gradually become clear; however, few reports include a large number of cases. This study included 91 ears from 69 patients who underwent CCHA fitting in our hospital. Their ears were divided into six groups (i.e., bilateral aural atresia or severe canal stenosis, unilateral aural atresia or severe canal stenosis, chronic otitis media or chronic otitis externa with otorrhea, sensorineural hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, and conductive hearing loss) according to their clinical diagnosis and type of hearing loss. Most clinical diagnoses were aural atresia or meatal stenosis (bilateral, 21.8%; unilateral, 39.6%). The purchase rate of CCHAs was higher in the closed-ear group (bilateral, 77.3%; unilateral, 62.5%). In the bilateral closed-ear group, air conduction thresholds at 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz and aided thresholds with CCHAs at 4000 Hz were significantly lower in the purchase group than the non-purchase group. No significant difference was observed between the purchase and non-purchase groups in the unilateral closed-ear group. In the bilateral closed-ear group, air conduction thresholds and aided thresholds were associated with the purchase rate of CCHAs. In the unilateral closed-ear group, factors other than hearing might have affected the purchase rate of CCHAs.

Snodgrass Hypospadias Repair At Ayub Teaching Hospital: An Audit Of Complications And Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: There are many reported techniques for the repair of hypospadias, and new ones are being reported, which suggests that none is perfect. This study reports the anatomical success rate when using Snodgrass Technique. METHODS: In this descriptive case series, 296 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, by being treated by Snodgrass urethroplasty, were enrolled. The study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Unit-C, MTI, Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad between May 2008 and June 2021. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 2.4±.8 years, 79.7% (n=236) had anterior (glanular, coronal, sub coronal) meatal location and 20.3 % (n=60) had middle urethral meatus (distal & mid-shaft). The mean operative time was 52 min. 5.1% of patients developed neo-meatal stenosis (n=15), 7.1% (n=21) patients develop a urethral cutaneous fistula (compared to 5% in larger centers, 16% from smaller centers), 11.8% (n=35) developed wound infection, 2% (n=6) had complete disruption. The cosmetic appearance of the penis was "excellent"/good (shape of meatus was slit-like and vertically oriented) in 60.1% (n=178) patients, "acceptable" in 30.1% (n=89), and "not acceptable" in 9.8% (n=29). CONCLUSIONS: Snodgrass technique has a low complication rate, offers an acceptable cosmetic outcome and can be successfully applied to a wide range of defects from distal to mid-shaft hypospadias. Common complications include urethral-cutaneous fistula and meatal stenosis; both occur in a low and acceptable number of patients.

Meatal stenosis following three types of circumcision with frenular artery preservation (FAP), the Plastibell device (PD), and frenular artery ligation (FAL): a long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Despite the simplicity of male circumcision, complications occur frequently. Post-circumcision meatal stenosis is a concerning complication that might require several interventions. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the incidence of meatal stenosis in long-term follow-up, following three common circumcision methods: frenular artery preservation, frenular ligation, and the Plastibell device. METHODS: This study is the continuation of the previous randomized clinical trial, the preliminary abstract of which has been accepted in the annual meeting of the American Urological Association in 2011. However, in this paper, we only included the patients with results of long-term follow-up. Patients were followed for a median of 11 years (range, 7-17). Follow-ups were recorded by evaluation of meatus and signs and symptoms of meatal stenosis. RESULTS: Two hundred six boys (80 neonates and 126 non-neonates) at the time of procedure were included in this study. The circumcision was conducted on 23.3% (48/206) of boys with the Plastibell device (PD) and 39.3% (81/206) of cases with frenular artery preservation (FAP) and 37.4% (77/206) of cases with frenular artery ligation (FAL). Meatal stenosis presented in 13 children during follow-up. Considering the three methods of circumcision, a significant difference in the incidence of meatal stenosis among the types of circumcisions was observed (6.3% in PD and 1.2% in FAP, 11.7% in FAL, P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that the technique preserving the frenular artery is associated with a significantly lower incidence of meatal stenosis. Hence, the FAP is the recommended technique for circumcision as compared to two other methods.

A comprehensive comparison of the early and late complications of surgical circumcision in neonates and children: A cohort study.

Background and Aims: Major circumcision complications are rare; however, circumcision arouses distress in some special cases. The present study aimed to compare infancy and childhood regarding the frequency and relative risk of early and late complications of circumcision. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort data analysis including 240 neonates and 240 children referred for circumcision from 2015 to 2021. All circumcisions were performed using the surgical dorsal-ventral slits method. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the relative risk (RR) of complications at a confidence Interval of 95%. Results: The mean age was 19.32 ± 6.5 days for the neonates and 46.1 ± 8.8 months for the children. In general, complications occurred in 61 boys (12.7%), 40 neonates (8.3%), and 21 children (4.4%) (p˂0.001). Bleeding was the most common early complication in six neonates (2.5%) and three children (1.3%), and meatal stenosis was the most common late complication in 10 neonates (4.2%) and four children (1.6%). Meatal web was observed in 11 neonates (4.6%) and four children (1.6%), and the incomplete removal of the prepuce, as "not very satisfactory", was also noticed in nine neonates (3.75%) and three children (1.3%). The circumcision complications were significantly more frequent in neonates than in children (RR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.46-4.71, p<0.001). The neonatal circumcisions had a significant risk of the incomplete removal of the prepuce, meatal web, and meatal stenosis compared to children (RR = 3, 95% CI 5.83-10.81, p<0.04; RR = 2.75, 95% CI 0.9-8.3, p˂0.03; RR = 2.5, 95% CI 0.8-7.75, p<0.04, respectively). Conclusion: The risk of complications is higher in neonates than children. The incomplete removal of prepuce, meatal web, and meatal stenosis are significantly higher in neonates than in children. Before prohibiting or recommending this procedure, practitioners should provide comprehensive information about its risks and benefits. Parents should weigh up the risks and benefits and make the best decision regarding their personal beliefs and customs.

Hypopigmented penile fixed drug eruption.

Fixed drug eruptions (FDE) are typically associated with residual hyperpigmentation or non-pigmenting lesions. There is no distinctive histopathological feature; though, drug provocation tests (DPT) can be confirmatory within 7 days. We describe a patient with penile FDE associated with residual hypopigmentation, a prolonged refractory period to DPT and recurrent meatal stenosis.

A Comparative Study on the Outcomes of Hypospadias Surgery Following Early Versus Late Bladder Catheter Removal.

Background Hypospadias is the most common penile malformation affecting up to one in 300 live male births. In general, a urinary diversion (urethral stent or bladder catheter) is maintained in situ for two to seven days or more after hypospadias repair. Because of the low level of evidence, the latest guidelines of the European Association of Urology and the European Society of Paediatric Urology provide no recommendations concerning the timing of catheter removal after hypospadias surgery. In this study, we aimed to compare the outcomes of hypospadias surgery (tubularized incised plate urethroplasty, TIPU) following early versus late bladder catheter removal. Methodology In total, 62 patients were included in this study. All patients underwent TIPU by the same team of surgeons. All patients were divided into the following two groups: group A (32 patients) had their catheter removed on or before the fifth postoperative day, and group B (30 patients) had their catheter removed after the fifth postoperative day. All patients were scheduled for an outpatient assessment after two weeks, at one month, after three months, and at six months if necessary. Results The mean age of patients in group A was five years (three to seven years) and in group B was five years (four to 7.25 years) with a p-value of 0.378. Among the early complications of the surgery, the occurrence of wound infections, urinary tract infections, and urinary retention was comparable among the two groups. The rate of bladder spasms (0% versus 13.3%, p = 0.033) was significantly higher in group B than in group A. The rate of urinary retention (12.5% versus 0%, p = 0.045) was significantly higher in group A than in group B. Superficial wound infection occurred in two out of 32 patients in group A (6.3%) and two out of 30 patients in group B (6.7%) (p = 0.94). Both groups had similar incidences of wound complications. Urinary tract infections also had a similar incidence in both early and late catheter removal groups, i.e., one out of 32 patients in group A (3.1%) and three out of 30 patients (10%) in group B (p = 0.271). Urinary extravasation following hypospadias repair occurred in two out of 32 patients (6.3%). No extravasation was noted in the late catheter removal group. However, the difference was not clinically significant (p = 0.164). Two patients in both groups developed urethrocutaneous fistula (6.3% in group A versus 6.7% in group B). However, the difference was not clinically significant. Meatal stenosis developed in three out of 32 patients in group A and two out of 30 patients in group B (9.4% versus 6.7%; p = 0.696). One patient in the early catheter removal group developed urethral stricture as a late complication. None of the patients in the late catheter removal group developed this complication. Conclusions The occurrence of long-term complications of TIP hypospadias repair was not affected by the early removal of the bladder catheter. The shortcomings of our study were its descriptive nature and the small sample size. Further prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to ascertain the safety of early catheter removal and improvement in quality of life in the immediate postoperative period.

Urological Manifestations of Kindler Syndrome: A Case Report.

Kindler syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive skin disorder. It results from mutation of the FERM domain containing kindlin-1 (FERMT1) that leads to loss of function of kindlin-1, which plays a role in keratinocyte adhesion, polarization, proliferation, and migration. It is characterized by skin blistering, photosensitivity, progressive poikiloderma, and skin atrophy. The mucosae genitourinary system is commonly affected. The urological manifestations include meatal stenosis, urethral stricture, phimosis, and scarring of the glans penis. Skin biopsy with genetic analysis is the gold standard for diagnosis. Genetic counseling and a multidisciplinary approach are the mainstays of treatment.

Is there a correlation between meatal stenosis severity, lower urinary tract symptoms and uroflowmetry?

INTRODUCTION: We have recently validated a meatal Stenosis (MS) severity grading system that is based on physical examination. OBJECTIVES: The study objective was to examine the correlation between this grading system, patients' urinary symptoms, uroflowmetry and postvoid residual parameters. STUDY DESIGN: Patients referred for our clinic for urinary and non-urinary complaints, were prospectively enrolled. Urinary symptoms questionnaire, uroflowmetry parameters and post-voiding residuals (PVR) were assessed, and photographs of the urethral meatus were taken for each patient. The photographs were graded blindly according to the previously validated grading system and correlated with urinary symptoms, uroflowmetry parameters and PVR. RESULTS: Overall, 75 patients were assessed (20 grade 0, 23 grade 1 and 32 grade 2). When using grade 0 as a reference, the odds ratio (OR) for reporting narrow stream was 6.4 (95%CI 1.65-24.77) and 4 (95%CI 1.18-14.16) for grade 1 and 2 respectively. OR for prolonged urination was 6 (95% CI 1.47-24.89) for Grade 1 and 2; OR for upward stream deviation was10.08 (95%CI -2.43-41.82) for grade 1 and 15.12 (95%CI - 3.74-61.17) for grade 2. Uroflowmetry results showed lower Qmax from 16.8(SD ± 8.0) ml/sec in grade 0-9.6 ml/s on grade 1 and 2 (p < 0.001) (Figure 1). PVR was not statistically different in the three groups. DISCUSSION: Our main findings were that meatal stenosis severity grade is associated with narrow stream as reported by parent, prolonged urination, and upward deviation of urinary stream, with increasing severity with worsening stenosis. MS grade was also associated with significant worsening of uroflow measures: a lower Qmax, Qmean and a longer time-to-Qmax. Post-void residual volume was not significantly different between the different severity grades. This study showed the clinical significance of the grading system. With subjective and objective measures. The implementation of this grading system in clinics, may aid in decision making regarding surgical intervention in the appropriate patients, and avoid unnecessary procedures. CONCLUSION: The Severity of MS seen on physical examination correlates well with obstructive symptoms and decrease of urine stream seen on uroflowmetry. These findings confirm the importance of the grading system in the evaluation of patients with MS and may be additional measure that assist in consulting parents on the indications to meatotomy.

Hybrid Mathieu Urethroplasty vs. Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty for the Management of Distal Penile Hypospadias With a Small Glans.

Introduction: Distal hypospadias is a common anomaly. Different surgical techniques have evolved through the years to manage this anomaly. Several factors may affect the prognosis. One of them is glans size. We compared the hybrid Mathieu urethroplasty (HMU) and the tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) for the management of distal hypospadias with a small glans. Methods: Sixty-eight patients with distal hypospadias were included and categorized into two groups. Group A (n = 33) and group B (n = 35) patients were treated by HMU and TIPU, respectively. All patients had a small glans. In group A, the patients underwent Mathieu urethroplasty plus a deep incision of the urethral plate. In group B, the patients underwent TIPU. Urethral stents were used in all cases. Hypospadias objective score evaluation (HOSE) was used to assess the results. Results: Urethrocutaneous fistulae developed in two cases in group A and six cases in group B. Meatal stenosis was significantly lower (one case in group A vs. eight cases in group B). Glanular dehiscence occurred in two cases in group A and five cases in group B. The small glans strongly correlated with the development of both urethrocutaneous fistulae and meatal stenosis where the odd ratios were 3.500 (1.383-7.879) and 9.481 (1.114-12.669), respectively. Conclusion: Both techniques showed efficacy during management of patients with a small glans. HMU had better outcomes, shorter duration of stent and lesser incidence of complications than TIPU. Small glans was significantly related to urethrocutaneous fistulae and meatal stenosis in group B.