Factors effecting the success of retrograde intrarenal surgery in pediatric patients with renal stones: The experience of two tertiary centres with 368 renal units.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Currently, in the field of pediatric urology, the primary aim of surgical approaches for the treatment of renal stone disease is to provide a stoneless state through minimally invasive methods, and to prevent the damage that such stones may cause in the urinary system and stone recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RIRS and the factors affecting its success in the surgical treatment of renal stones in pediatric patients. METHODS: Data from 357 pediatric and 368 renal units were collected retrospectively. The recorded parameters were age, gender, location and burden of the stone, and presence of postoperative residual stones. RESULTS: The stone location was the upper pole in 28 (7.6 %) patients, the middle pole in 44 (12 %), the pelvis in 98 (26.6 %), the lower pole in 139 (37.8 %), and multiple locations in 59 (16 %) patients. A stoneless state was achieved in 277 (75.3 %) units, while 91 units (24.7 %) had residual stones at the end of the first month. In the multivariate analysis, the development of residual stones was found to be significantly associated with age (odds ratio [OR], 1.123; p = 0.012) and stone location (OR, 3.142; p = 0.018). DISCUSSION: RIRS is an endourological procedure with a high success rate in the achievement of a stoneless state in both pediatric and adult age groups, with an 82-100 % success rate reported in various studies. A full stoneless state was achieved in 277 (75.3 %) units after the initial RIRS in the present study, and full stone clearance was achieved in 304 units after the second RIRS session, with a success rate of 82.6 %. A limitation of our study is that it was not performed by a single surgeon, and stone samples could not be taken from all patients for stone analysis. CONCLUSION: RIRS has also been associated with a high success rate in the endoscopic treatment of renal stones and is an efficient and safe method with a minimal rate of complications, especially in the pediatric age group.

Mobility and Sporting Activity After Renal Trauma: A Survey Regarding Best Clinical Practice During the Recovery Stage.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate strategies that are followed after pediatric renal trauma during the recovery stage, with an emphasis on mobility and involvement in subsequent sporting activities. Renal trauma is the most common urogenital trauma in children. The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) scale is most commonly used to stratify the severity of injury. There is no consensus in the existing literature with respect to the recovery stage following renal trauma. METHODS: A survey was constructed by the European Association of Urology (EAU) - Young Academic Urologists (YAU) Pediatric Urology Working Group and then made digitally available on SurveyMonkey. The survey consists of 15 questions exploring relevant factors and timing to start again with mobility and activity. RESULTS: In total 153 people responded, of whom 107 completed the entire survey. The presence of pain and severity of trauma were acknowledged as most important factors to commence mobilization, whereas presence of hematuria was identified as an additional factor for sporting activity. Regardless of severity of trauma a minimum of 90% of respondents recommend return to noncontact sports within 12weeks. For contact sports, a minimum of 33% of respondents advised >12weeks minimum before starting again. A small number of respondents would never allow sporting activities again. CONCLUSION: The time to allow sporting activity shows high variation among the respondents, some even restricting sporting activities completely. This survey highlights the need for a standardized protocol based on multicenter follow-up data.

A multi-institutional European comparative study of open versus robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation in children with high grade (IV-V) vesicoureteral reflux.

INTRODUCTION: Traditionally, open ureteral reimplantation (OUR) has been the standard treatment for primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) requiring reimplantation. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (RALUR) is gaining popularity and high success rates have been reported. OBJECTIVE: In this multi-institutional study, we aimed to compare the perioperative and postoperative outcomes of OUR and RALUR for high-grade (IV + V) VUR in children. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective evaluation was performed collecting data from 135 children (0-18 years) who underwent high grade VUR surgical correction at nine European institutions between 01/01/2009 and 01/12/2020, involving either open or robotic approaches. Institutional review board approval was obtained. Patients with lower grades of VUR (≤III), previous history of open or endoscopic ureteral surgery, neurogenic bladder, or refluxing megaureter in need of ureteral tapering were excluded. Pre-, peri- and post-operative data were statistically compared. RESULTS: Overall, 135 children who underwent either OUR (n = 68), or RALUR (n = 67) were included, and their clinic and demographic features were collected. The mean age of the open group was 11 months (interquartile range [IQR] 9.9-16.6 months), in the RALUR group it was 59 months (IQR 29-78mo) (p < 0.01); the open cohort had a weight of 11 kg (IQR 9.9-16.6 kg) while the RALUR group had 19 kg (IQR 13-25 kg) (p < 0.01). No significant differences were found for intraoperative (1.5 % vs 7.5 %, p = 0.09) or for postoperative complication rates (7.4 % vs 9 %, p = 0.15). Favorable outcomes were reported in the RALUR group: shorter time to stooling (1 vs 2 days), fewer indwelling urethral catheter days (1 vs 5 days), perioperative drain insertion time (1 vs 5 days) and a shorter length of hospital stay (2 vs 5 days) (p < 0.01). The success rate was 94.0 % and 98.5 % in the open and RALUR groups, respectively. The long-term clinical success rates from both groups was comparable:42 vs 23 months for open and RALUR, respectively. DISCUSSION: This study reported a large multicentric experience focusing on high grade VUR. Furthermore, this study compares favorably to OUR in a safety analysis. There was also a trend towards higher success rates with RALUR utilizing an extravesical approach which has not been previously reported. CONCLUSION: RALUR is an efficacious and safe platform to use during ureteral reimplantation for high grade VUR. The overall peri-operative and post-operative complication rates are at least equivalent to OUR, but it is associated with a faster functional recovery and time to discharge. Medium to long term success rates are also equivalent to OUR.

Undescended testis: A roundtable discussion based on clinical scenarios - Part 1.

Undescended testis (UDT, cryptorchidism) is the most common congenital anomaly of the genital tract. Despite its high incidence, the management of UDT varies between specialties (urology, pediatric surgery, pediatric urology, pediatric endocrinology). Therefore, as the European Association of Urology - Young Academic Urologists Pediatric Urology Working Group, we requested experts around the world to express their own personal approaches against various case scenarios of UDT in order to explore their individual reasoning. We intended to broaden the perspectives of our colleagues who deal with the treatment of this frequent genital malformation.

Evaluation of chromosomal abnormalities in the postnatal cohort: A single-center study on 14,242 patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Chromosomal analysis is a laboratory technique used to examine the chromosomes of an individual, offering insights into chromosome numbers, structures, and arrangements to diagnose and comprehend genetic diseases. This retrospective study provides a comprehensive understanding of the distribution by indications in a large cohort of 14,242 patients and the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in different clinical populations. METHOD: The study examined various indications for karyotype evaluation, with recurrent pregnancy loss being the most common indication, followed by intellectual disability, dysmorphic features, congenital anomalies, and developmental delay. RESULTS: The overall chromosomal abnormality rate was found to be 5.4%, with numerical abnormalities accounting for the majority of cases (61.7%). Trisomies, particularly trisomy 21, were the most frequent numerical abnormalities. In terms of structural abnormalities, inversions and translocations were the most commonly identified. The rates of chromosomal anomalies varied in specific indications such as amenorrhea, disorders of sex development, and Turner syndrome. The study also highlighted significant differences between males and females in the presence of chromosomal abnormalities across certain indications. Males exhibited a higher incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in cases of Down syndrome and infertility, whereas females showed higher abnormalities in terms of recurrent pregnancy loss. CONCLUSION: While this study provides valuable insights into the frequency and distribution of chromosomal abnormalities, it has limitations, including its retrospective design and reliance on data from a single medical genetics department. Nevertheless, the findings emphasize the importance of karyotype analysis in diagnosing chromosomal disorders and providing appropriate management, while also pointing to potential gender-related variations in chromosomal abnormalities that warrant further investigation.

Management of Priapism: Results of a Nationwide Survey and Comparison with International Guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate current urologic practice regarding the management of priapism in Turkey and compare with international guidelines. METHODS: Urologists and urology residents were invited to an online survey consisting of 30 multiple-choice questions on priapism-related clinical practices that were consid- ered most important and relevant to practices by using Google Forms. RESULTS: Total number of responses was 340. Respondents reported that they recorded a detailed patient's medical history and physical examination findings (n = 340, 100%) and laboratory testing, which includes corporal blood gas analysis (n=323, 95%). Participants announced that they performed Doppler ultrasound for 1/4 cases (n = 106, 31%), but 22% of the participants (n=75) replied that they performed in >75% of cases. Participants (n=311, 91%) responded that the first-line treatment of ischemic priapism is decompression of the corpus cavernosum. Moreover, most respondents (n = 320, 94%) stated that sympathomimetic injection drugs should be applied as the second step. About three-quarters of respondents (n = 247, 73%) indicated adrenaline as their drug of choice. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors seems to be the most pre- ferred drug for stuttering priapism (n=141, 41%). Participants (n=284, 84%) replied that corpora-glanular shunts should be preferred as the first. A large number of par- ticipants (n = 239, 70%) declared that magnetic resonance imaging can be performed in cases with delayed (>24 hours) priapism to diagnose corporal necrosis. Most of the participants (84%) responded that penile prosthesis should be preferred to shunts in cases with delayed (>48 hours) priapism. CONCLUSION: It would be appropriate to improve the training offered by professional associations and to give more training time to the management of priapism during residency.

Primum Non Discernere: Glass Ceilings and Female Representation at the European Association of Urology and European Society for Paediatric Urology Annual Meetings, 2012-2022.

Background: The term glass ceiling coined by Loden in 1978 is commonly used to describe difficulties faced by minorities and women when trying to move into senior roles. Objective: To analyse trends and patterns for female representation at the European Association of Urology (EAU) and European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU) annual general meetings over the past decade. Design setting and participants: We used objective data on female representation in the roles of chairs, moderators, and lecture speakers at the EAU and ESPU meetings from 2012 to 2022. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: We evaluated gender based representation in paediatric urology sessions at the EAU and ESPU meetings, collecting data on the overall number of sessions, lectures, symposiums, abstract/poster sessions, and courses, and analysed the male/female ratio. Data were derived from printed and digital programmes for the relevant meetings. Results and limitations: During the period from 2012 to 2022, the percentage female representation varied from 0% (2012) to a maximum of 35% (2022) at EUA paediatric urology sessions, and from 13.5% (2014) to a maximum of 32% (2022) at ESPU meetings. Both associations show clear progression towards equality. Conclusions: Female representation at EAU and ESPU meetings has risen over the years, reaching 35% and 32%, respectively, in 2022, which is in line with the number of female members. We hope that this motivates a move towards the equality objectives for 2030. A clear and fundamental societal change is needed, with fair and more consistent institutional policies and framework commitments in the areas of science, medicine, and global health. Gender equality and diversity taskforces are essential to achieve these goals. Patient summary: We analysed the male/female ratio for participants in annual meetings held by the European Association of Urology and the European Society for Paediatric Urology. From a low level in 2012, the ratio increased to over 30% in 2022, in line with the female membership of the societies. Focus on fair and consistent policies is needed to ensure that women are well represented in medicine.

A Novel Modification of Ureteral Reimplantation (Combined Technique) in Pediatric Patients: A Preliminary Case Series.

BACKGROUND: In this video, we present a new open ureteral reimplantation approach (combined technique) with preliminary results from 32 renal units. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Written informed consent was obtained from the parents of the patients. We used a suprapubic Pfannenstiel incision to reach the bladder. After preparation of the ureters with the guidance of the vesicoureteral reflux surgery principle, they were moved from the bladder to the extravesical area. A submucosal tunnel was created above and below the old hiatus with reference to the old hiatus site. The required submucosal tunnel length is adjusted to be 2/3 above the old hiatus and 1/3 below the old hiatus. The ureters were carried down through the submucosal tunnel using a right-angle clamp and fixed to the bladder with 5/0 polyglactin sutures, step by step, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients (9 females/13 males) with a median age of 7 (min: 2and max: 15) years were operated on using the combined technique. There were 16 cases with vesicoureteral reflux and 6 cases with unilateral obstructive megaureter. The success rate was found to be 100% for vesicoureteral reflux and 83.3% for primer obstructed megaureter. When we focus on the number of ureters, the overall success rate was found to be 97%. CONCLUSION: The vertical angulation or kinking of the ureter at the entrance to the bladder can be prevented in this modification. New orifice localization is close to the normal position. Short tunnel length is out of the question in this modification. We think that with potential surgical advantages, a novel combined technique can be used in ureteral reimplantation.

Is social media reliable as a source of information on Peyronie's disease treatment?

Although YouTube video is one of the most widely used and easily accessible information sharing sources, its widespread use can carry the risk of spreading misleading and unreliable information. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, quality, and content of the most viewed YouTube videos related to Peyronie's disease treatment. The keywords of "penile curvature", "penile deformity", "bent penis" "curved penis", and "Peyronie's disease" were searched on YouTube. Among 700 YouTube videos, 267 videos were included in the study. They were categorized by two independent urologists with board certification as accurate information (n = 138, 51.7%) or inaccurate information (n = 129, 48.3%). Accurate videos contained information about the treatment of Peyronie's disease with proven scientific accuracy according to the current guidelines, whereas inaccurate videos contained scientifically unproven or incorrect information and recommendations not in the guidelines. A 5-point modified DISCERN scale and Global Quality Score were used for reliability and quality assessment. Although the accurate information group had a significantly higher DISCERN Score (3, IQR = 3-4 vs. 1, IQR = 1-2, p < .001) and Global Quality Score (5, IQR = 4-5 vs. 2, IQR = 1-3 p < 0.001); the number of views per day (10.37, IQR = 3.01-28.12 vs. 6.65, IQR = 1.55-27.87) and likes (36, IQR = 6-145 vs. 19.5, IQR = 4-121.7) were higher but not significant in the inaccurate information group. The majority of the videos in the inaccurate information group were uploaded by medical advertisement/for profit companies (51.2%) and individual users/patients (38.8%), whereas universities/professional organizations/nonprofit physician/physician groups constituted the majority in the accurate information group (60.9%). According to our findings, videos containing inaccurate information are more popular. People should be made aware that they should not immediately believe the videos containing medical advertisements without consulting nonprofit physicians.

Which children are at risk of developing overactive bladder in early adulthood even if lower urinary tract symptoms improve during childhood?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate more comprehensively the presence of an association between childhood lower urinary tract symptoms and development of adulthood overactive bladder, to determine the group at most risk of overactive bladder in adulthood, and to assess its effects on daily life. METHODS: A total of 264 patients who were followed up for lower urinary tract symptoms in childhood between 2000 and 2005 were included in this retrospective, cohort study. After a median period of 20 years, these patients with a median current age of 29 (27-35) years were re-evaluated and divided into two groups: those currently with overactive bladder (n = 102, 23.0%), and those without overactive bladder (n = 162, 36.5%). In addition, 180 age-matched overactive bladder patients without a history of childhood lower urinary tract symptoms (n = 180, 40.5%) were included. The primary endpoint was to determine which children are at higher risk of adulthood overactive bladder. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the effect of history of childhood lower urinary tract symptoms on quality of life in adulthood. The eight-item Overactive Bladder questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Short-Form 36-item Health Survey were administered to all participants. Voiding Dysfunction Symptom Score was evaluated according to childhood medical records. RESULTS: Overactive bladder in adulthood was observed in 38.6% of patients recovering from childhood lower urinary tract symptoms. They had worse overactive bladder symptom scores and quality of life than those without childhood lower urinary tract symptoms (P < 0.001). Voiding Dysfunction Symptom Score ≥13 (odds ratio 2.54), daytime incontinence (odds ratio 2.01), holding maneuvers (odds ratio 1.82), nocturnal enuresis (odds ratio 1.75) in the pediatric period, and recovery age from all these symptoms of ≥12 years (odds ratio 1.95) were the most unfavorable determinants of development of adulthood overactive bladder. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that children with the above characteristics are at risk of developing overactive bladder later in their lives even if their symptoms improve in childhood.