Transperitoneal Versus Retroperitoneal Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Children. A Multicentre, Prospective Study.

Background: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) has been gaining acceptance among paediatric urologists. Objective: To compare surgical variables and clinical outcomes, including complications and success rate, with RALP using the transperitoneal (T-RALP) and retroperitoneal (R-RALP) approaches. Design setting and participants: We performed a multicentre, prospective, cohort study (NCT03274050) between November 2016 and October 2021 in three paediatric urology teaching centres (transperitoneal approach, n = 2; retroperitoneal approach, n = 1). The diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) was confirmed by renal ultrasound and mercaptoacetyltriglycine-3 renal scan or uro-magnetic resonance imaging with functional evaluation. The exclusion criteria were children <2 yr old, persistent UPJO after failed pyeloplasty, and horseshoe and ectopic kidney. Intervention: We performed dismembered pyeloplasty using running monofilament 6-0 absorbable suture. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: We assessed intra- and postoperative morbidity (primary outcome) and success (secondary outcome). Data were expressed as medians and interquartile range (25th and 75th percentiles) for quantitative variables, and analysed comparatively. Results and limitations: We operated on 106 children (T-RALP, n = 53; R-RALP, n = 53). Preoperative data were comparable between groups (median age 9.1 [6.2-11.2] yr; median weight 26.8 [21-40] kg). Set-up time (10 vs 31 min), anastomotic time (49 vs 73 min), and console time (97 vs 153 min) were significantly shorter with T-RALP than with R-RALP (p < 0.001). No intraoperative complications occurred. No conversion to open surgery was necessary. The median hospital stay was longer after T-RALP (2 d) than after R-RALP (1 d; p < 0.001). Overall, postoperative complication rates were similar. No failure had occurred at the mean follow-up of 25.4 (15.1-34.7) mo. Conclusions: In selected children, RALP is safe and effective using either the transperitoneal or the retroperitoneal approach, with a shorter hospital stay after R-RALP. Patient summary: In our multicentre, prospective study, we compared the results and complications of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) using the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches. We found that RALP is safe and effective using either approach, with a shorter hospital stay after R-RALP.

Preservation of native sigmoid colon for secondary continent cystostomy after multivisceral transplantation for chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is characterized by severe digestive +/- urinary dysmotility. If the conservative management fails, multivisceral transplantation (MVT) may be needed. However, urinary dysmotility remains after MVT and requires to continue urinary catheterizations and/or drainage. We report on a boy with severe CIPO complicated by (1) chronic intestinal obstruction requiring total parenteral nutrition, decompression gastrostomy, and ileostomy; (2) recurrent line infections; (3) hepatic fibrosis; and (4) distension of the bladder and upper urinary tract, and recurrent urinary infections, leading to non-continent cystostomy for urinary drainage. He underwent MVT at the age of 5 years. The transplant included the liver, stomach, duodenum and pancreas, small bowel, and right colon. The distal native sigmoid colon was preserved. Fifteen months later, he underwent a pull through of the transplanted right colon (Duhamel's procedure), together with a tube continent cystostomy (Monti's procedure) using the native sigmoid. Postoperative course was uneventful, and the remaining ileostomy was closed 3 months later. Five years post-transplant, he is alive and well. He is fed by mouth with complementary gastrostomy feeding at night. He has 3-6 stools per day, with occasional soiling. The cystostomy is used for intermittent urinary catheterization 4 times/day and continuous drainage at night. He is dry, with rare afebrile urinary infections, normal renal function, and un-dilated upper urinary tract. Conclusion: in severe CIPO with urinary involvement, preservation of the distal native sigmoid colon during MVT allows secondary creation of a continent tube cystostomy, which is useful to manage persistent urinary disease.

A Rare Case of Internal Gastroduodenal Hernia Through the Fundoplication Wrap Two Years Following Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that may be refractory to medical treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the recommended surgical treatment for GERD and is safe and effective. This report is of a rare case of internal gastroduodenal hernia as a late complication of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for the management of GERD in a 19-year-old woman. CASE REPORT A 19-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department with a three-day history of epigastric pain, anorexia, and altered bowel habit. She had a history of GERD that was treated two years previously by laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. On the most recent hospital admission, abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed an internal hernia of the gastroduodenal junction through the tissues used as a fundoplication wrap of the abdominal esophagus. The imaging findings were confirmed at exploratory laparoscopy, at which time surgical takedown of the fundoplication was performed. CONCLUSIONS This report is of a rare case of gastroduodenal hernia through a fundoplication wrap two years after a Nissen fundoplication. However, clinicians should be aware of this rare diagnosis in patients with a history of Nissen fundoplication who present with acute upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

Clinical impact of 68 Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients with prostate cancer with rising prostate-specific antigen after treatment with curative intent: preliminary analysis of a multidisciplinary approach.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a novel molecular imaging technique, 68 Ga-(HBED-CC)-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), in the clinical management of patients with prostate cancer with rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after treatment with curative intent. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 131 consecutive patients were referred to our centre for a 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT in the setting of recurring prostate cancer. Of these patients, 11/131(8%) presented with persistent PSA after radical prostatectomy, while 120/131 (92%) were referred for biochemical recurrence after surgery, radiotherapy or both. The images where taken 1 h after injection of 2 MBq/kg of the 68 Ga-(HBED-CC)-PSMA ligand. All examinations were interpreted by two experienced nuclear medicine specialists. Using the results of the examination, a multidisciplinary oncology committee (MOC) reported on the treatment strategy. A positive impact on clinical management was considered if the examination determined a modification in the treatment strategy compared to the MOC decision before PSMA imaging. RESULTS: All patients completed the examination with no adverse reactions. The median (interquartile range) PSA level at the time of the examination was 2.2 (0.72-6.7) ng/mL. Overall, 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT detected at least one lesion suspicious for prostate cancer in 98/131 (75%) patients. There was an impact on subsequent management in 99/131 patients (76%). The main modifications included continuing surveillance (withholding hormonal therapy), hormonal manipulations, stereotaxic radiotherapy, salvage radiotherapy, salvage node dissection or salvage local treatment (prostatectomy, high-intensity focussed ultrasound). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary experience suggests that performing 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT in patients with prostate cancer with rising PSA after treatment with curative intent can be clinically useful as it changes the treatment strategy in a significant proportion of patients. However, larger prospective trials are needed to validate our present findings.