Can extended upper pole ureterectomy prevent ureteral stump syndrome after proximal approach for duplex kidneys?

ABSTRACT Introduction: Symptomatic duplex kidneys usually present with recurrent urinary tract infection due to ureteral obstruction (megaureter, ureterocele or ectopic ureter) and/or vesicoureteral reflux. Upper-pole nephrectomy is a widely accepted procedure to correct symptomatic duplex systems with poor functioning moieties, also known as upper or proximal approach. The distal ureteral stump syndrome (DUSS) can be a late complication of this approach. There is no consensus upon the length of ureteral dissection and the better approach to symptomatic disease in duplex systems, so we aim to identify if extended ureteral dissection can prevent DUSS in top-down approach. Materials and Methods: Forty-four consecutive patients with symptomatic duplex system were retrospectively classified into two groups: those with limited ureteral excision after heminephrectomy (HN) (group-1) and those with extended ureterectomy after HN (group-2). Patients were followed-up for at least 36 months regarding outcomes of distal ureteral stump. Results: Overall complication was 20%. A total of 8 patients required unplanned further surgery in Group-1 (30%) whereas only 1 patient required unplanned surgery in group 2 (6%) (p=0.07). Subgroup analysis showed that Group-1 presented more DUSS requiring surgery during follow-up than group-2 (p=0.04). Factors possibly affecting complications incidence (such as ureterocele or ectopic ureter) did not differ between groups (p=0.72 and p=0.78). Conclusion: Upper pole nephrectomy should be performed with extended distal ureteral dissection to prevent ureteral stump complications.

Can extended upper pole ureterectomy prevent ureteral stump syndrome after proximal approach for duplex kidneys?

INTRODUCTION: Symptomatic duplex kidneys usually present with recurrent urinary tract infection due to ureteral obstruction (megaureter, ureterocele or ectopic ureter) and/or vesicoureteral reflux. Upper-pole nephrectomy is a widely accepted procedure to correct symptomatic duplex systems with poor functioning moieties, also known as upper or proximal approach. The distal ureteral stump syndrome (DUSS) can be a late complication of this approach. There is no consensus upon the length of ureteral dissection and the better approach to symptomatic disease in duplex systems, so we aim to identify if extended ureteral dissection can prevent DUSS in top-down approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four consecutive patients with symptomatic duplex system were retrospectively classified into two groups: those with limited ureteral excision after heminephrectomy (HN) (group-1) and those with extended ureterectomy after HN (group-2). Patients were followed-up for at least 36 months regarding outcomes of distal ureteral stump. RESULTS: Overall complication was 20%. A total of 8 patients required unplanned further surgery in Group-1 (30%) whereas only 1 patient required unplanned surgery in group 2 (6%) (p=0.07). Subgroup analysis showed that Group-1 presented more DUSS requiring surgery during follow-up than group-2 (p=0.04). Factors possibly affecting complications incidence (such as ureterocele or ectopic ureter) did not differ between groups (p=0.72 and p=0.78). CONCLUSION: Upper pole nephrectomy should be performed with extended distal ureteral dissection to prevent ureteral stump complications.

Previously unseen 80L giant hydronephrosis.

Here we describe the case of a patient who was referred to our institution with an immense abdominal volume of unknown origin. The patient was unable to stand up and therefore was bedridden. A giant hydronephrotic kidney was diagnosed and total volume of urine removed was 80L. Nephrectomy was uneventful and, despite his acquired thoracic and abdominal deformities, he was able to recover completely. This is the largest reported hydroneprosis in the literature.

Single-stage Abdominoplasty Using Groin Flaps Without Osteotomies: Management of Exstrophy-epispadias Complex.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The optimal treatment for children born with exstrophy-epispadia complex is still a matter of debate.1,2,3 We demonstrate the Single-Stage Abdominoplasty using Groin Flap technique to close the abdominal wall of children with classic bladder exstrophy (CBE) without osteotomy neither radical soft tissue mobilization. Advantages over current techniques are less risk of penile tissue loss and avoidance of osteotomies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Abdominal wall repair consists in using the hypogastric skin, rectus, and obliquus externus abdominalis muscle fascial flaps. These groin flaps are rotated medially resulting in a very strong abdominal wall support. Groin flaps are made of rectus anterior fascia rotated medially, flipped over, and sutured with Prolene sutures to close the defect. By rotating the fascial flaps medially, complete reinforcement of the abdominal wall to the level of the pubic bone is achieved. This permits abdominal closure maintenance without tension. RESULTS: Groin flap was applied to 128 patients with CBE referenced from all over the country. Most of these patients returned to their home areas making difficult their follow up. However, we have 44 cases that have regular clinical visits. Mean follow-up was 10.3 ± 4.5 years (2 years 8 months-16 years). Successful closure was achieved in 43 patients (97.7%) as a single procedure; one patient had a complete wound dehiscence and needed another reconstruction (2.2%). Four patients (9.1%) presented abdominal hernias that needed surgical management. When continence is evaluated, we present similar literature rates (60%).4 CONCLUSION: Abdominal reconstruction using Groin flaps has advantages over the traditional approaches to CBE. It reduces the surgical steps and facilitates the closure of the abdominal wall without the need of osteotomies and consequent immobilization during the postoperative period. It is feasible at any age and can be also very useful as a salvage technique even after previous failed procedures. Finally, it minimizes the number of surgeries.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children: does upper urinary tract anomalies affect surgical outcomes?

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children with complex ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and compare to children with iso-lated UPJO without associated urinary tract abnormalities. Material and Methods Medical records of 82 consecutive children submitted to transperi-toneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a 12-year period were reviewed. Eleven cases were con-sidered complex, consisting of atypical anatomy including horseshoe kidneys in 6 patients, pelvic kidneys in 3 patients, and a duplex collecting system in 2 patients. Patients were di-vided into 2 groups: normal anatomy (group 1) and complex cases (group 2). Demographics, perioperative data, outcomes and complications were recorded and analyzed. Results Mean age was 8.9 years (0.5-17.9) for group 1 and 5.9 years (0.5-17.2) for group 2, p=0.08. The median operative time was 200 minutes (180-230) for group 1 and 203 minutes (120-300) for group 2, p=0.15. Major complications (Clavien ≥3) were 4 (5.6%) in group 1 and 1 (6.3%) in group 2, p=0.52. No deaths or early postoperative complications such as: urinoma or urinary leakage or bleeding, occurred. The success rate for radiologic improvement and flank pain improvement was comparable between the two groups. Re-garding hydronephrosis, significant improvement was present in 62 patients (93.4%) of group 1 and 10 cases (90.9%) of group 2, p=0.99. The median hospital stay was 4 days (IQR 3-4) for group 1 and 4.8 days (IQR 3-6) for group 2, p=0.27. Conclusions Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty is feasible and effective for the management of UPJO associated with renal or urinary tract anomalies.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children: does upper urinary tract anomalies affect surgical outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children with complex ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and compare to children with iso-lated UPJO without associated urinary tract abnormalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of 82 consecutive children submitted to transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty in a 12-year period were reviewed. Eleven cases were con-sidered complex, consisting of atypical anatomy including horseshoe kidneys in 6 patients, pelvic kidneys in 3 patients, and a duplex collecting system in 2 patients. Patients were di-vided into 2 groups: normal anatomy (group 1) and complex cases (group 2). Demographics, perioperative data, outcomes and complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age was 8.9 years (0.5-17.9) for group 1 and 5.9 years (0.5-17.2) for group 2, p=0.08. The median operative time was 200 minutes (180-230) for group 1 and 203 minutes (120-300) for group 2, p=0.15. Major complications (Clavien ≥3) were 4 (5.6%) in group 1 and 1 (6.3%) in group 2, p=0.52. No deaths or early postoperative complications such as: urinoma or urinary leakage or bleeding, occurred. The success rate for radiologic improvement and flank pain improvement was comparable between the two groups. Re-garding hydronephrosis, significant improvement was present in 62 patients (93.4%) of group 1 and 10 cases (90.9%) of group 2, p=0.99. The median hospital stay was 4 days (IQR 3-4) for group 1 and 4.8 days (IQR 3-6) for group 2, p=0.27. CONCLUSIONS: Transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty is feasible and effective for the management of UPJO associated with renal or urinary tract anomalies.

Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in children with Horseshoe Kidney.

INTRODUCTION: Horseshoe kidney occurs in 1 per 400-800 live births and are more frequently observed in males (M:F 2:1). Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is commonly associated with horseshoe kidneys. The variable blood supply, presence of the isthmus and high insertion of the ureter contribute to this problem. CASE REPORT: An asymptomatic 6 year-old boy presented with antenatal hydronephrosis. Ultrasonography and CT scan demonstrated left UPJO associated with a horseshoe kidney. DMSA showed 33% of function on the left side. DTPA showed a flat curve and lack of washout. A left dismembered laparoscopic pyeloplasty was performed after identification of crossing vessels and abnormal implantation of the ureter. After one year, the child is asymptomatic. DTPA demonstrated a good washout curve. RESULTS: Our cohort consisted of six patients, five males and one female, with a mean age of 6 years (range 6m-17 years) and a mean follow-up of 3 years. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction was more common on the left side. Symptoms appeared only in 34% of the cases. Mean operative time was 198 minutes (range 120-270 minutes). Crossing vessels were common (observed in 50% patients). High implantation of ureter was seen in 67% patients and intrinsic obstruction in 83%. Surgical difficulties were found in two cases. Hospital stay was 4.3 days (3 to 6 days), with only one patient having a mild complication (pyelonephritis). All cases had clinical and radiologic improvement. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is safe and feasible in children with UPJO in horseshoe kidneys, with good results and minimal morbidity.

Reoperative Laparoscopic Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction Repair in Children: Safety and Efficacy of the Technique.

PURPOSE: Failure after pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children may occur in up to 10% of cases. Therapeutic options include Double-J® stent placement, endoscopic treatment and reoperation. Laparoscopic and robotic reoperative modalities seem safe and efficacious, although pediatric series are limited in the literature. We report the largest known series of reoperative laparoscopic ureteropelvic junction obstruction repair in children and compare this approach to primary laparoscopic pyeloplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed all children undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty at a single institution from 2004 to 2015. Reoperative laparoscopic ureteropelvic junction obstruction repair was compared to primary pyeloplasty. Groups were analyzed regarding demographics, operative time, complications, length of hospital stay and success, defined by improvement of symptoms, ultrasound and renogram. RESULTS: We identified 11 cases of reoperation (8 redo pyeloplasties and 3 ureterocalycostomies) and 71 primary pyeloplasties. Groups were not different in age, gender or weight. Median followup was 37 months. Median time between primary pyeloplasty and reoperation was 34 months. Median operative time was 205 minutes for the reoperative group and 200 for primary pyeloplasty (p = 0.98). Length of stay was longer in the reoperative group (p = 0.049), although no major complications were recorded in this group. All reoperative cases and 96% of primary pyeloplasty cases remained asymptomatic following surgery (p = 0.99). Postoperative improvement was similar for both groups on ultrasound (90% for reoperation vs 92% for primary pyeloplasty, p = 0.99) and renogram (80% vs 88%, p = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy seems to be safe and effective for management of failed pyeloplasty in children. Based on our data, reoperation is as safe and effective as primary pyeloplasty.

Retroperitoneoscopic pyelolithotomy: a good alternative treatment for renal pelvic calculi in children.

INTRODUCTION: Nephrolitiasis, once considered an adult disease, has become increasingly prevalent in children, with na increase from 6% to 10 % annually in past 25 years. Kidney stones in pediatric population can result from metabolic diseases in up to 50% of children affected. Other factors associated with litiasis are infection, dietary factors, and anatomic malformations of urinary tract. Standard treatment procedures for pediatric population are similar to adult population. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureterorenoscopy (URS), percutaneous nepfrolithotomy (PCNL), as well as laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic approaches can be indicated in selected cases. The advantages of laparoscopic or retroperitoneoscopic approaches are shorter mean operation time, no trauma of renal parenchyma, lower bleeding risk, and higher stone-free rates, especially in pelvic calculi with extrarenal pelvis, where the stone is removed intact. PATIENT AND METHODS: A 10 year-old girl presented with right abdominal flank pain, macroscopic hematuria,with previous history of urinary infections.. Further investigation showed an 1,5 centimeter calculi in right kidney pelvis. A previous ureterorenoscopy was tried with no success, and a double J catheter was placed. After discussing options, a retroperitoneoscopic pielolithotomy was performed. RESULTS: The procedure occurred with no complications, and the calculi was completely removed. The foley catheter was removed in first postoperative day and she was discharged 2 days after surgery. Double J stent was removed after 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneoscopic pielolithotomy is a feasible and safe procedure in children, with same outcomes of the procedure for adult population.

Diagnosis of neonatal group B Streptococcus sepsis by nested-PCR of residual urine samples

Group B streptococcus (GBS) remains the most common cause of early-onset sepsis in newborns. Laboratory gold-standard, broth culture methods are highly specific, but lack sensitivity. The aim of this study was to validate a nested-PCR and to determine whether residue volumes of urine samples obtained by non invasive, non sterile methods could be used to confirm neonatal GBS sepsis. The nested-PCR was performed with primers of the major GBS surface antigen. Unavailability of biological samples to perform life supporting exams, as well as others to elucidate the etiology of infections is a frequent problem concerning newborn patients. Nevertheless, we decided to include cases according to strict criteria: newborns had to present with signs and symptoms compatible with GBS infection; at least one of the following biological samples had to be sent for culture: blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid; availability of residue volumes of the samples sent for cultures, or of others collected on the day of hospitalization, prior to antibiotic therapy prescription, to be analyzed by PCR; favorable outcome after GBS empiric treatment. In only one newborn GBS infection was confirmed by cultures, while infection was only presumptive in the other three patients (they fulfilled inclusion criteria but were GBS-culture negative). From a total of 12 biological samples (5 blood, 3 CSF and 4 urine specimen), eight were tested by culture methods (2/8 were positive), and 8 were tested by PCR (7/8 were positive), and only 4 samples were simultaneously tested by both methods (1 positive by culture and 3 by PCR). In conclusion, although based on a restricted number of neonates and samples, our results suggest that the proposed nested-PCR might be used to diagnose GBS sepsis as it has successfully amplified the three types of biological samples analyzed (blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid), and was more sensitive than culture methods as PCR in urine confirmed diagnosis...

O estreptococo do grupo B (GBS) constitui a causa mais freqüente de sepse neonatal precoce. O teste de referência continua sendo o isolamento em cultura, apesar de apresentar problemas de sensibilidade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi validar uma técnica de dupla amplificação e determinar a possibilidade do uso de amostras residuais de urina colhidas por método não invasivo, não estéril, para a confirmação da sepse por GBS em recém-nascidos. As amostras foram amplificadas com primers do principal gene de superfície do GBS. A insuficiência de volume de material biológico para a realização de exames para suporte de vida, além de outros necessários à identificação do agente etiológico de infecções é muito freqüente em recém-nascidos. Mesmo assim, decidimos definir critérios bastante rigorosos para a inclusão de pacientes na casuística: os recém-nascidos deveriam apresentar sinais e sintomas compatíveis com infecção pelo GBS; deveriam ter tido ao menos uma amostra enviada para cultura, podendo ser sangue, urina ou líquor; disponibilidade de volumes residuais dessas amostras, ou de outras colhidas no dia da hospitalização, antes da introdução da antibioticoterapia, de forma a possibilitar a análise por PCR, e evolução favorável com a antibioticoterapia empírica. Em apenas um dos quatro recém-nascidos a infecção foi confirmada por cultura, enquanto nos outros três casos a infecção foi considerada presuntiva (pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão, mas o GBS não foi isolado). De um total de 12 amostras dos quatro pacientes (5 de sangue, 3 de líquor e 4 de urina), 8 foram testadas por cultura (2 foram positivas), 8 foram testadas por PCR (7 foram positivas), e apenas 4 pelos dois métodos simultaneamente (1 positiva por cultura e 3 por PCR). Concluímos que apesar do número restrito de pacientes e de amostras testadas, os resultados apresentados sugerem que a amplificação proposta poderia ser usada para o diagnóstico...

Diagnosis of neonatal group B Streptococcus sepsis by nested-PCR of residual urine samples.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) remains the most common cause of early-onset sepsis in newborns. Laboratory gold-standard, broth culture methods are highly specific, but lack sensitivity. The aim of this study was to validate a nested-PCR and to determine whether residue volumes of urine samples obtained by non invasive, non sterile methods could be used to confirm neonatal GBS sepsis. The nested-PCR was performed with primers of the major GBS surface antigen. Unavailability of biological samples to perform life supporting exams, as well as others to elucidate the etiology of infections is a frequent problem concerning newborn patients. Nevertheless, we decided to include cases according to strict criteria: newborns had to present with signs and symptoms compatible with GBS infection; at least one of the following biological samples had to be sent for culture: blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid; availability of residue volumes of the samples sent for cultures, or of others collected on the day of hospitalization, prior to antibiotic therapy prescription, to be analyzed by PCR; favorable outcome after GBS empiric treatment. In only one newborn GBS infection was confirmed by cultures, while infection was only presumptive in the other three patients (they fulfilled inclusion criteria but were GBS-culture negative). From a total of 12 biological samples (5 blood, 3 CSF and 4 urine specimen), eight were tested by culture methods (2/8 were positive), and 8 were tested by PCR (7/8 were positive), and only 4 samples were simultaneously tested by both methods (1 positive by culture and 3 by PCR). In conclusion, although based on a restricted number of neonates and samples, our results suggest that the proposed nested-PCR might be used to diagnose GBS sepsis as it has successfully amplified the three types of biological samples analyzed (blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid), and was more sensitive than culture methods as PCR in urine confirmed diagnosis in all four patients. Moreover, PCR has enabled us to use residue volumes of urine samples collected by non invasive, non sterile methods, what is technically adequate as GBS is not part of the normal urine flora, thus avoiding invasive procedures such as suprapubic bladder punction or transurethral catheterization. At the same time, the use of urine instead of blood samples could help preventing newborns blood spoliation.