Critically Evaluating the Role for Postoperative Antibiotics in Patients Undergoing Urethroplasty With Buccal Mucosa Graft: A Claims Database Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes among patients undergoing first-time urethroplasty with buccal mucosa graft (BMG) who receive postoperative antibiotics vs those who do not. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX claims database between 2008-2022. Using CPT, ICD10, and LOINC codes, patients >18 years old undergoing primary urethroplasty with BMG who received an outpatient prescription for antibiotics between postoperative day 0-30 or did not were queried. Patients with positive preoperative urine culture or urinary tract infection (UTI) within 30days preoperatively were excluded. Surgical outcomes included 5-year revision rates and revision-free survival. Safety outcomes included new UTI within 30days, surgical site infection within 90days, or Clostridium difficile infection within 30days of urethroplasty. RESULTS: We identified 884 patients (81% antibiotic cohort, 19% nonantibiotic cohort) that met inclusion criteria. Age at time of urethroplasty, suprapubic tube presence, and pre-existing medical comorbidities were comparable between cohorts (Table 1A). There was no difference in 5-year rates and revision-free survival for endoscopic revision (11.5% vs 9.5%, relative risk (RR) 1.2, 95% CI [0.7, 2.0], recurrence-free survival (RFS) log-rank P = .6), re-do urethroplasty (12.9% vs 13.7%, RR 0.9, 95% CI [0.6, 1.5], RFS log-rank P = .7), or all-cause revision (19.8% vs 17.7%, RR 1.1, 95% CI [0.8, 1.6], P = .5) between groups. Postoperative rates of UTI, surgical site infection, and C difficile infection were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: In this large retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing urethroplasty with BMG, we observed no significant benefit from use of postoperative antibiotics on long-term revision rates or perioperative infectious complications.

The Impact of Hypogonadism on Surgical Outcomes Following Primary Urethroplasty: Analysis of a Large Multi-institutional Database.

OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical outcomes among a cohort of eugonadal and hypogonadal patients undergoing primary urethroplasty (UP). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using TriNetX between 2008-2023. Patients who were eugonadal and hypogonadal (symptoms plus testosterone <300 ng/dL) prior to UP were compared. A subgroup analysis of hypogonadal patients was performed to compare those with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) vs TRT-naïve prior to UP. Propensity-score matching was used to adjust for differences in comorbidities. Outcomes were 5-year revision rates and revision-free survival for endoscopic revision and redo UP following primary UP. RESULTS: We identified 12,556 eugonadal and 488 hypogonadal patients (153 TRT+, 335 TRT-) undergoing UP. Median age at UP and follow-up was 55years and 5years, respectively. After propensity-score matching, we compared 477 eugonadal and 477 hypogonadal patients. Hypogonadal patients had a statistically significantly higher 5-year redo UP rate (11% vs 6%, relative risk [RR] 1.5 [95%CI, 1.2-2.2]; P = .01) when compared to eugonadal patients however there was no difference in 5-year rates of endoscopic revision (11% vs 11%, RR 1.0 [95%CI, 0.7-1.5]; P = 1.0). We observed no difference in 5-year revision-free survival time for endoscopic revision or redo UP between groups. Hypogonadal patients treated with TRT had a significantly higher 5-year redo UP rate (15% vs 7%, RR 1.8 [95%CI, 1.1-3.3]; P = .02) compared to hypogonadal patients that were TRT-naïve prior to UP. There was no difference in rates of endoscopic revision (14% vs 10%, RR 1.3 [95%CI, 0.7-2.4]; P = .2) between subgroups. CONCLUSION: Pre-existing hypogonadism may modestly adversely affect surgical outcomes following primary UP based on data from a large, retrospective cohort study.

Long-Term Management of Problems in Cloacal Exstrophy: A Single-Institution Review.

INTRODUCTION: Cloacal exstrophy (CE) is the most severe malformation of the exstrophy-epispadias complex. This study aims to discuss long-term sequela in a single major institution with a high volume of CE patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of 1490 patients on the exstrophy epispadias spectrum (145 cloacal exstrophy) from 1974 to 2023. The patient database was reviewed for CE patients >10 years of age for genitourinary, gastrointestinal, orthopedic, and psychosocial outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients (43.4%) with ≥10 years of follow up were included for analysis. Thirty-nine (61.9%) patients were 18 years or older. Twenty-two (34.9%) patients were female and 39 (61.9%) male, 14 of whom were gender converted at birth. Two female patients conceived naturally and delivered via cesarean section. No male born CE patients had biological children. Catheterizable channels were common (45/63, 71.4%) and most (88.9%) were continent. Gastrointestinal diversion was managed mostly by colostomy (37/63, 58.7%). Three out of five (60.0%) patients who underwent PSARP were continent of stool. Twenty-two (34.9%) patients were wheelchair-bound. Psychosocial diagnoses included 52.4% (33/63) patients with anxiety/depression and 27.0% with chronic pain. Out of 56 patients evaluated by physical therapy, 75% were independent in ADL performance. Of patients older than 18, 79.5% (31/39) had attended college and 82.1% (32/39) were gainfully employed. CONCLUSION: Advances in critical care, nutrition, gastrointestinal, orthopedic, and urologic management have resulted in survival rates approaching 100% among patients with CE. While these children face long-term sequela spanning various organ systems, many lead independent and fully-functional lives. TYPE OF STUDY: Prognosis Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Effectiveness of Liposomal Bupivacaine With Bupivacaine Hydrochloride vs Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Alone as a Local Anesthetic for Children Undergoing Ambulatory Urologic Surgery: The Baby ORIOLES Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: We sought to determine if the addition of liposomal bupivacaine to bupivacaine hydrochloride improves opioid-free rate and postoperative pain scores among children undergoing ambulatory urologic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, phase 3, single-blinded, single-center randomized trial with superiority design was conducted in children 6 to 18 years undergoing ambulatory urologic procedures between October 2021 and April 2023. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive dorsal penile nerve block (penile procedures) or incisional infiltration with spermatic cord block (inguinal/scrotal procedures) with weight-based liposomal bupivacaine plus bupivacaine hydrochloride or bupivacaine hydrochloride alone. The primary outcome was opioid-free rate at 48 hours. Secondary outcomes included parents' postoperative pain measure scores, numerical pain scale scores, and weight-based opioid utilization at 48 hours and 10 to 14 days. RESULTS: We randomized 104 participants, with > 98% (102/104) with complete follow-up data at 48 hours and 10 to 14 days. At interim analysis, there was no significant difference in opioid-free rate at 48 hours between arms (60% in the intervention vs 62% in the control group; estimated difference in proportion -1.9% [95% CI, -20%-16%]; P = .8). We observed no increased odds of patients being opioid-free at 48 hours with the intervention compared to the control group (OR 0.96 [95% CI 0.41-2.3]; P = .9). The trial met the predetermined futility threshold for early stopping. There was no difference in parents' postoperative pain measure scores, numerical pain scale scores, or opioid utilization at 48 hours or 10 to 14 days. No difference in adverse events was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of liposomal bupivacaine to bupivacaine hydrochloride did not significantly improve opioid-sparing effect or postoperative pain compared with bupivacaine hydrochloride alone among children ≥ 6 years undergoing ambulatory urologic surgery.

Postoperative Opioid Prescribing in Adolescents and Young Adults After Urologic Procedures Is Associated With New Persistent Opioid Use Disorder: A Large Claims Database Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of persistent opioid use following various urologic procedures in adolescents and young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The TriNetX LLC Diamond Network was queried for patients aged 13-21years who underwent pyeloplasty, hypospadias repair, inguinal hernia repair, inguinal orchiopexy, hydrocelectomy, or circumcision. Cohorts of patients prescribed and not prescribed postoperative opioids were created and propensity-matched for age, race/ethnicity, psychiatric diagnoses, and preoperative pain diagnoses. The primary outcome was new persistent opioid use, defined as new opioid use 3-9months after index procedure without another surgery requiring anesthesia during the postoperative timeframe. RESULTS: Of 32,789 patients identified, 66.0% received a postoperative opioid prescription. After propensity score matching for each procedure, 18,416 patients were included: 197 for pyeloplasty, 469 for hypospadias repair, 1818 for inguinal hernia repair, 2664 for inguinal orchiopexy, 534 for hydrocelectomy, and 3526 for circumcision. Overall, 0.41% of patients who did not receive postoperative opioids developed new persistent opioid use, whereas 1.69% of patients who received postoperative opioids developed new persistent opioid use (P < .05). Patients prescribed postoperative opioids had statistically higher odds of developing new persistent opioid use for hypospadias repair (RR: 17.0; 95% CI: 2.27-127.2), inguinal orchiopexy (RR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.87-6.4), inguinal hernia repair (RR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.07-4.44), and circumcision (RR: 4.83; 95% CI: 2.60-8.98). CONCLUSION: The use of postoperative opioids after urological procedures in adolescents and young adults is associated with a significant risk of developing new persistent opioid use.

Multi-staged vs Single-staged Pelvic Osteotomy in the Modern Treatment of Cloacal Exstrophy: Bridging the Gap.

PURPOSE: Staged pelvic osteotomy has been shown in the past to be an effective tool in the closure of the extreme pubic diastasis of cloacal exstrophy. The authors sought to compare orthopedic complications between non-staged pelvic osteotomies and staged pelvic osteotomies in cloacal exstrophy. METHODS: A prospectively maintained exstrophy-epispadias complex database of 1510 patients was reviewed for cloacal exstrophy bladder closure events performed with osteotomy at the authors' institution. Bladder closure failure was defined as any fascial dehiscence, bladder prolapse, or vesicocutaneous fistula within one year of closure. There was a total of 172 cloacal exstrophy and cloacal exstrophy variant patients within the database and only closures at the authors' institution were included. RESULTS: 64 closure events fitting the inclusion criteria were identified in 61 unique patients. Staged osteotomy was performed in 42 closure events and non-staged in 22 closures. Complications occurred in 46/64 closure events, with 16 grade III/IV complications. There were no associations between staged osteotomy and overall complication or grade III/IV complications (p = 0.6344 and p = 0.1286, respectively). Of the 46 total complications, 12 were orthopedic complications with 6 complications being grade III/IV. Staged osteotomy closure events experienced 10/42 orthopedic complications while non-staged osteotomy closures experienced 2/22 orthopedic complications, however this did not reach significance (p = 0.1519). Of the 64 closure events, 57 resulted in successful closure with 6 failures and one closure with planned cystectomy. CONCLUSION: This study confirms, in a larger series, superior outcomes when using staged pelvic osteotomy in cloacal exstrophy bladder closure. Staged osteotomy was shown to be a safe alternative to non-staged osteotomy that can decrease the risk of closure failure in this group. Staged pelvic osteotomy should be considered in all patients undergoing cloacal exstrophy bladder closure. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Infantile versus childhood posterior urethral valve diagnosis: management patterns and clinical outcomes at opposite ends of the spectrum.

BACKGROUND: Management patterns and outcomes are poorly defined in cases of late PUV diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To compare post-ablation management and clinical outcomes of patients with infantile (<1 year) versus childhood (>5 year) PUV diagnosis to gain insight into the pathologies at opposite ends of the PUV spectrum. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX research network between 2006 and 2022. TriNetX synthesizes insurance claims and electronic medical record data for over 110 million patients from 92 healthcare organizations. We defined two cohorts: 1) The <1 year arm had an index diagnosis of PUV and cystoscopy with valve ablation within 1 year of life, 2) the >5 year arm had an index diagnosis of PUV and valve ablation after age 5. We report rates and time-to-first use of antispasmodics, alpha-blockers, CIC, bladder botox, enterocystoplasty or Mitrofanoff or secondary cutaneous vesicostomy, and CKD. RESULTS: We identified 569 patients (323 <1 year; 246 >5 year). Median age at diagnosis was 1 month (median follow-up 8 years) and 9 years (median follow-up 10 years) for the <1 year and >5 year cohorts, respectively. Following ablation, both arms were primarily managed with antispasmodics, with no difference between groups. The >5 year arm was significantly more likely to receive alpha-blockers or bladder botox. The <1 year arm was significantly more likely to be started on CIC, undergo enterocystoplasty, Mitrofanoff or secondary cutaneous vesicostomy, or renal transplantation. The <1 year arm had significantly higher rates and shorter time-to-progression to all stages of CKD. DISCUSSION: Despite higher utilization of conservative strategies among patients with a late PUV diagnosis, these patients had superior renal outcomes and low rates of progression to invasive treatments. Limitations include potential inaccuracies in medical coding as well as variations in thresholds to initiate CIC, perform surgical reconstruction, or proceed with renal transplantation at participating centers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide evidence that a late PUV diagnosis reflects an overall milder disease process.

Safety and Efficacy of Long-Acting Liposomal Bupivacaine Plus Bupivacaine Hydrochloride for Dorsal Penile Block During Ambulatory Pediatric Urologic Surgery.

This study evaluates the tolerability and efficacy of preoperative dorsal penile nerve block with Exparel plus bupivacaine hydrochloride in children>6 years old undergoing ambulatory urologic surgery. We demonstrate that the drug combination is well-tolerated, with appropriate analgesic efficacy in the recovery room as well as at 48-hour and 10-14 day follow-up periods. These preliminary data justify the need to perform a prospective, randomized trial comparing Exparel plus bupivacaine hydrochloride to other common local anesthetic regimens used in pediatric urologic surgery.

Testosterone and Male Sexual Function.

This article reviews the role of testosterone in normal male sexual anatomic development and function, the consequences of low testosterone on sexual function, and clinical standards for health care providers treating hypogonadal men with sexual dysfunction.

Infant Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty: Outcomes at a Single Institution, and Tips for Safety and Success.

BACKGROUND: Since its first description, multiple reports proved efficacy and safety of the robotic platform. Further progress has been made allowing for the application of robotic surgery to smaller patients, including infants. Despite the early favorable results, the use of robot surgery in infants is still controversial and more studies are needed to confirm its benefits. OBJECTIVE: To our knowledge, we present the largest single-institution case series of robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RAL-P) in infants, aiming to contribute to the current literature with a guide for key technical steps and safety tips for infant RAL-P. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database. The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Only infants (≤12 mo of age) with a diagnosis of congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) undergoing primary robotic dismembered pyeloplasty were included in the study. MEASUREMENTS: We critically reviewed the clinical outcomes, described the main steps of the operation, and shared tips for a safe approach. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: From January 2012 to August 2019, 44 infants underwent RAL-P for UPJO--33 (75%) males and 11 (25%) females. All robotic cases were completed successfully, with no laparotomic conversions. The median age and weight were 4 (1-12) mo and 6.8 (3.8-10.5) kg, respectively. The mean operative time was 142 (±25) min. The mean estimated blood loss was 7 (±3.6) ml, and no intraoperative complications occurred. The mean length of hospital stay (LOS) was 1.4 (±0.7) d. Seven (15.6%) patients had postoperative complications-one (2%) ileus (Clavien-Dindo grade [CDG] I), four (9%) urinary tract infections (CDG II), and two (4.5%) port-site hernias (CDG III). At a median follow-up of 19 mo, the success rate was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Given the successful outcomes, benefits of decreased LOS, and improved cosmesis, RAL-P is an appealing management option for UPJO in infants. Market release of new systems, further miniaturization of instruments, and more affordable costs will hopefully be shedding light on more complex applications. PATIENT SUMMARY: Infants (≤12 mo of age) diagnosed with ureteropelvic junction obstruction undergoing primary robotic dismembered pyeloplasty were selected and included in this study. No intraoperative complications or conversion to an open approach occurred. Seven patients (16%) developed postoperative complications-one (2%) postoperative ileus, four (9%) urinary tract infections, and two (4.5%) port-site hernias. At a median follow-up of 19 (7-66) mo, the success rate was 100%.

Long term renal function following selective angioembolization for iatrogenic vascular lesions after partial nephrectomy: A matched case-control study.

PURPOSE: Partial nephrectomy is associated with a 1%-2% risk of renal iatrogenic vascular lesion (IVL) that are commonly treated with selective angioembolization (SAE). The theoretical advantage of SAE is preservation of renal parenchyma by targeting only the bleeding portion of the kidney. Our study aims to assess the long-term effect of SAE on renal function, especially that this intervention requires potentially nephrotoxic contrast load injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing partial nephrectomy between 2002 and 2018 was performed, and patients who developed IVL were identified. A 1:4 matched case-control analysis was performed. Paired t-test and χ² test were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to identify risk factors and confounders for SAE and postoperative renal function. RESULTS: Eighteen patients found to have an IVL after partial nephrectomy were matched with 72 control patients. IVL's were more common in patients after minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (89% vs. 70%, p=0.008) and in those with higher RENAL nephrometry scores (8.8±2.0 vs. 6.5±1.8, p<0.001). On multivariable analysis, lower RENAL scores proved to decrease the odds of requiring postoperative SAE. No significant difference in renal function outcomes was seen at 24 months of follow-up after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: SAE for the management of IVL following partial nephrectomy is a safe and efficient procedure with no significant impact on short or long-term renal function. Less complex renal tumors with lower RENAL scores are less likely to require postoperative SAE.

Continent Cutaneous Catheterizable Channels in Pediatric Patients: A Decade of Experience with Open and Robotic Approaches in a Single Center.

BACKGROUND: To allow patients with bladder and bowel dysfunctions to achieve social continence, continent catheterizable channels (CCCs) are effective alternatives to intermittent self-catheterization and enema. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe our progressive advancement from open to robotic construction of CCCs, reporting outcomes and comparing the two approaches. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of pediatric patients who underwent construction of CCCs between 2008 and 2019. The inclusion criteria were age ≤18 yr, and CCCs with or without bladder augmentation or bladder neck surgery. We compared open versus robotic approaches for demographics, and intra- and postoperative outcomes; operative time was calculated as incision-to-closure time. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Channels performed were appendicovesicostomy (APV), Monti with tapered ileum, and antegrade colonic enema (ACE). A Monti channel with tapered ileum was preferred to a spiral Monti or double Monti, as it has more robust blood supply and it was performed only with an open approach. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was success rate, defined as postoperative stomal continence. Stomal incontinence was defined as the presence of urine leakage noted by caregivers or patients and confirmed by the surgeon. Secondary outcomes were stomal stenosis (supra- and subfascial), incontinence, need for surgical revision, and surgical site infection. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 69 patients were included in the study, with 35 open and 34 robotic procedures. The robotic approach showed a significant decrease in length of hospital stay (LOS) compared with the open approach. Six primary subfascial revisions were performed in five patients--three Monti, two ACE, and one APV. Continence rates were 91.4% and 91.2% for open and robotic approaches, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery for CCCs showed acceptable postoperative functional outcomes and complication rates, which are comparable with those of the traditional open approach. Additionally, due to its minimally invasive nature, it offers advantages such as decreased postoperative pain, LOS, and time to full diet, and better cosmesis. PATIENT SUMMARY: Robotic surgery for continent catheterizable channels showed acceptable postoperative functional outcomes and complication rates, which are comparable with those of the traditional open approach.

National management trends in clinical stage IIA nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) and opportunities to avoid dual therapy.

INTRODUCTION: For marker-negative clinical stage (CS) IIA nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT), National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Urological Association guidelines recommend either retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) or induction chemotherapy. The goal is cure with one form of therapy. We evaluated national practice patterns in the management of CSIIA NSGCT and utilization of secondary therapies. METHODS: The National Cancer Data Base was used to identify 400 men diagnosed with marker negative CSIIA NSGCT between 2004 and 2014 treated with RPLND or chemotherapy. Trends in the utilization of initial and adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy only, RPLND only, RPLND with adjuvant chemotherapy, and postchemotherapy RPLND) were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 400 cases, 233 (58%) underwent induction chemotherapy with surveillance, 51 (20%) underwent RPLND with surveillance, 89 (22%) underwent RPLND followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, and 14 (4%) underwent induction chemotherapy followed by RPLND. Thirty percent of patients received dual therapy. After RPLND with pN1 staging, 43 (61%) underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. The pN0 rate after primary RPLND was 22%. Five year overall survival ranged from 95% to 100% based on initial treatment choice. CONCLUSIONS: For marker negative CS IIA nonseminoma, dual, therapy, and treatment with chemotherapy is common. With low volume retroperitoneal disease resected at RPLND, adjuvant chemotherapy was frequently administered but has debatable therapeutic value. These data highlight opportunities to decrease treatment burden in patients with CS IIA nonseminoma.