Prevalence of previously undiagnosed psychiatric symptom groupings in pediatric patients with bladder and bowel dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The incidence of concomitant psychiatric disorders in conjunction with bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) is thought to be higher than the general population. The identification of these disorders with validated tools followed by management may improve urological outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed psychiatric symptom groupings in children presenting with BBD. METHODS: Consecutive patients 6-18 yrs with a clinical diagnosis of BBD, a score ≥11 on the Vancouver Symptom Score (VSS) and no prior psychiatric diagnoses were recruited. Two validated questionnaires (Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 6-18 (CBCL) and Autism Spectrum Quotient 10 (AQ-10)) were used to screen for psychiatric comorbidities. Descriptive statistics for demographic variables were presented. Distribution of VSS for normal & abnormal categories (borderline/clinical) of CBCL scores were compared by Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between VSS domain scores and CBCL. RESULTS: From Sept 2017-May 2022, 50 (17 male) of 110 eligible patients completed the study. Median VSS was 18 (11-33), indicating significant BBD. In 36 patients (72 %), at least one of the CBCL subscales scored as borderline/clinical. Thirty-two patients (64 %) scored in the abnormal range for Internalizing symptoms, 21 (42 %) for Externalizing symptoms, and 31 (62 %) for Total problem scores. Four patients of 48(8 %) scored ≥6 on the AQ-10. The only significant correlation found between CBCL and VSS sub scores was with the Bowel Habit Domain of VSS and Internalizing CBCL T-scores (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study identified a high prevalence of previously undiagnosed psychiatric symptom groupings in patients presenting with BBD, with a higher prevalence of internalizing and externalizing symptoms and autism traits than reported in the general population. These findings should encourage urologists to use validated tools to screen for psychiatric comorbidities with referral for further assessment as appropriate. This may prevent unnecessary urological testing, save valuable health resources and potentially improve treatment outcomes of BBD in this population.

Aspiration and sclerotherapy versus hydrocelectomy for treating hydroceles: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: In this meta-analysis, we aimed to compare the hydrocelectomy versus aspiration and sclerotherapy for treating primary hydrocele. METHODS: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that compared aspiration and sclerotherapy with any type of sclerosants versus hydrocelectomy for primary hydrocele. Studies were identified via a systematic search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Citation tracking of related articles was performed. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors. The primary and secondary outcome measures were compared and analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3.5 software. RESULTS: Five small RCTs were included in the present study. These 5 RCTs included 335 patients with 342 hydroceles, randomized to aspiration and sclerotherapy (185 patients; 189 hydroceles) and surgery (150 patients; 153 hydroceles). There was no significant difference in clinical cure between sclerotherapy and hydrocelectomy (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.10). Meta-analysis revealed a significant increase in recurrence in the sclerotherapy group compared with the surgical group (RR 9.43, 95% CI 1.82 to 48.77). There were no significant differences between the two groups in assessing fever, infection, and hematoma. CONCLUSION: Aspiration and sclerotherapy is an efficient technique with a higher recurrent rate; therefore, we recommend aspiration and sclerotherapy for patients at high risk for surgery or avoiding surgery. In addition, included RCTs had low methodological quality, low sample size, and invalidated instruments for outcome assessment. Therefore, there is a great need for further methodologically rigorous RCTs with the registered protocol.

Effect of the CAD-CAM and lost-wax framework fabrication techniques on the fracture strength of porcelain in metal-ceramic restorations.

BACKGROUND: Ceramic fracture is a common problem in metal-ceramic restorations (MCRs). The advent of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology eliminated the lost-wax technique, which was responsible for many of the problems associated with framework fabrication. However, the role of the CAD-CAM technology in decreasing porcelain fracture is not yet known. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the fracture strength of porcelain in MCRs with metal frameworks fabricated with the use of the lost-wax and CAD-CAM techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty metal dies were prepared with a deep chamfer finish line, with a depth of 1.2 mm and the occlusal taper of the walls of 8°, a 2-millimeter occlusal reduction of the functional cusp, a 1.5-millimeter occlusal reduction of the nonfunctional cusp, and the functional cusp bevel. Ten frameworks were fabricated using the CAD-CAM system and 10 with the lost-wax technique. After porcelain veneering, the specimens underwent thermocycling and cyclic loading to simulate the aging process. The load test was then performed. The fracture strength of porcelain was compared between the 2 groups, and the mode of failure was also determined using a stereomicroscope. RESULTS: Two specimens were excluded from the CAD-CAM group. Thus, 18 specimens were statistically analyzed. The results revealed no significant difference in fracture strength between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). The mode of failure was mixed in all specimens from both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that the fracture strength of porcelain and the mode of failure did not depend on the metal framework fabrication technique (lost-wax or CAD-CAM).

Major morbidity and mortality associated with delays to emergent surgery in children: a risk-adjusted analysis.

BACKGROUND: Delay of emergency surgery contributes to morbidity and mortality, and physiologic status affects outcomes of patients requiring emergent surgery. Our purpose was to determine whether delays to emergent surgery in children were associated with increased major morbidity or mortality in a risk-adjusted population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of class 1 (≤ 60 min to operating room) surgical procedures from July 11, 2011, to July 30, 2016, at BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver. Data sources included the operating room database, patient charts, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP II) and Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM III) scores, time from booking to operating room and outcome. Patients were classified as being at low or high risk for death. We defined major morbidity as unintended loss of an organ, limb or function related to surgery, and delay to surgery as more than 60 minutes from booking to in room. We used the χ2 test for univariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: There were 384 cases (367 patients), 223 high-risk and 161 low-risk. The median age was 4 years (range 0 d-18 yr). Overall, 184 cases (47.9%) were delayed. Major morbidity occurred in 94 cases (24.5%), and 28 patients (7.6%) (all in the high-risk group) died. The mean time to the operating room was 1.46 hours for patients with major morbidity/mortality and 1.17 hours for those without. After adjustment for risk level, multivariate analysis showed delay to surgery to be associated with 85% increased odds of morbidity and/or mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.20-2.94) compared to no delay. CONCLUSION: Delay to emergent surgery was associated with a significant increase in major morbidity and/or mortality. Children who require emergency surgery need their care prioritized by not only operating room teams but also hospitals and government; otherwise, they will continue to experience unintended consequences.

Effect of CAD-CAM Framework Design Fabricated from Sintered Cobalt-Chromium Alloy on Fracture Resistance of Metal-Ceramic Restorations.

Introduction: Porcelain fracture is a common problem of metal-ceramic restorations (MCRs). One suggested strategy to prevent it is to modify the metal framework design; however, the available information regarding the effect of framework design on porcelain fracture is scarce. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) framework design fabricated from sintered cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy on fracture resistance of MCRs. Materials and Methods: Twenty premolar metal dies were fabricated for this in vitro study. Ten standard frameworks were designed with 0.5 mm thickness, and 10 customized frameworks were designed with 1 mm thickness at the lingual margin and 0.5 mm thickness in all other areas. All specimens were fabricated from sintered Co-Cr alloy (Ceramill Sintron) using soft metal milling technology. After porcelain application, the specimens underwent thermocycling and cyclic loading for 3,000 cycles between 5 and 55°C. The fracture resistance was measured by a universal testing machine. The failure mode was also determined. Data were statistically analyzed by independent t-test (α = 0.05). Results: The mean fracture resistance of porcelain was 2,379 ± 531 N in the standard and 2,557 ± 448 N in the customized group. No significant difference was found in fracture resistance of the two groups (P > 0.05). All specimens in both groups showed mixed failure. Conclusion: The fracture resistance of porcelain and the failure mode were not affected by the framework design of MCRs fabricated from sintered Co-Cr alloy (Ceramill Sintron).

Clinical indicators of slow graft function and outcome after pediatric kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Lesser degrees of perioperative ischemia-reperfusion injury that does not require dialysis may nonetheless influence allograft outcomes, necessitating evaluation of suitable surrogate indicators of perioperative allograft injury. METHODS: This retrospective analysis of pediatric kidney transplants evaluated two indicators representing pace and completeness of recovery, for association with 12-month estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and first-year rate of eGFR decline: time to creatinine nadir (TTN) and ratio of recipient/donor unadjusted GFR (uGFRR/D ) at 1-month post-transplant. Donor, recipient, and perioperative risk factors were tested further for association with these 2 indicators. RESULTS: 179 patients (190 transplants) aged 13 (IQR 7-17) years and 56% male were included. Twelve-month eGFR was strongly associated with unadjusted GFR at 1 month (uGFR1M , p < .001) and uGFRR/D (p = .003), but not with TTN. None of the indicators was associated with the rate of subsequent eGFR decline after 1-month post-transplant. As a potential surrogate indicator, uGFR1M is effectively modeled by TTN and uGFRR/D (adjusted R2  = 0.57) and is associated with 12-month eGFR (ß = 0.81 ± 0.08; p < .001). Clinical factors associated with uGFRR/D included donor uGFR (p < .001), BSA (p = .026), age (p = .074), and recipient BSA (p < .001). Factors associated with pace of recovery (TTN) included donor uGFR (p = .018), type (p = .019), and recipient BSA (p = .022). CONCLUSIONS: The uGFRR/D ratio, but not TTN, is a useful indicator of perioperative allograft damage that is associated with one-year functional outcome; and uGFR1M is a potential early surrogate outcome. Donor, recipient, and perioperative factors that are associated with slow allograft function are identified.

Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction Is Associated with Psychiatric Comorbidities and Functional Impairment in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Objective: Neuropsychiatric disorders are common in children with bowel and bladder dysfunction (BBD), a syndrome associated with urinary frequency, urgency, holding, incontinence, and constipation. We evaluated BBD symptom severity in children and youth attending a tertiary care obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) clinic. Methods: Consecutive patients attending initial OCD assessments between 2016 and 2020 were invited to participate in a registry study. Diagnosis of OCD and comorbidities was established by structured clinical interview. OCD severity and impact were assessed with the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) and the Child Obsessive Compulsive Impact Scale (COIS-R; self-report), respectively. BBD symptoms were quantified with the Vancouver Symptom Score (VSS), a validated self-report measure. Results: One hundred twelve participants completed the VSS (mean age 13.5 ± 3.3, range 7-20). Based on a cutoff score of 11 corresponding to pediatric urologist-diagnosed BBD, 30.4% of participants screened positive, including more females than males (39.3% vs. 21.4%; p = 0.04). Daytime urinary incontinence was present in a greater proportion of participants with OCD forbidden thoughts (34.8% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.002), major depressive disorder (MDD; 38.5% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.001), and somatization disorder (60% vs. 9%, p = 0.001) compared with those without. A regression model including CY-BOCS, COIS-R, psychiatric comorbidities, medications, age, and gender explained 52.2% of the variance in VSS; COIS-R, tic disorder, and MDD were significant predictors. Conclusion: BBD symptoms are common and associated with high OCD-related impairment and psychiatric comorbidities. Standardized assessment may facilitate identification of BBD symptoms in this population and is critical to mitigating long-term physical and mental health impacts. Further studies are required to assess the relationship between BBD and OCD treatment outcomes.

Optimizing skin antisepsis for neonatal surgery: A quality improvement initiative.

PURPOSE: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant determinant of morbidity in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Chlorhexidine gluconate/isopropyl alcohol (CHG-IPA) skin prep has demonstrated superiority over Povidone-Iodine (PI) in preventing SSIs in adults, however FDA labeling discourages CHG use in infants <2 months. This project aimed to i) create evidence for safe CHG skin antisepsis in neonates; and ii) evaluate the safety and effectiveness of CHG skin prep for neonatal surgery. METHODS: A literature review was conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of neonatal CHG skin antisepsis. Following stakeholder engagement, a CHG surgical skin prep protocol and validated neonatal skin integrity tool to assess prep-associated skin injury were implemented in 50 consecutive, eligible neonates ≥1500 g and ≥34 weeks post conceptual age undergoing abdominal or thoracic surgery. SSI rates were compared to a matched, historical PI skin prep cohort. RESULTS: 2%CHG-70%IPA or 0.5%CHG-70%IPA were used based on gestational age cutoffs. None of the CHG patients experienced adverse skin prep outcomes while 8% developed SSIs, compared to 14% in the historical PI cohort. CONCLUSION: This project engaged NICU stakeholders in quality improvement work and informed the implementation of a safe and effective CHG skin prep protocol for neonatal surgery. LOE: IV.

Surveying unmet pediatric urological needs in low- and middle-income countries.

INTRODUCTION: Access to pediatric urological surgery is low in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). Pediatric Urological missions have often been undertaken without best practice guidelines. Many strides have been made in pediatric general surgery and other surgery but little in pediatric urology as a component of global surgery. STUDY AIMS: The purpose of this study was to identify challenges to delivery of pediatric urological care in LMICs and make recommendations for its advancement. STUDY DESIGN: An internet search for reports and websites was undertaken. Published surveys from Global Initiative for Children Surgery (GICS) and American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) were evaluated. We developed and administered an additional questionnaire. Respondents included LMIC pediatric surgeons, HIC pediatric surgeons and HIC pediatric urologists and LMIC urologists and general surgeons. RESULTS: Most global surgical visits were short one-time visit, and respondents citing complex pediatric urologic patients as most neglected in LMICs with the main challenge reported as a lack of specialist surgeons, poor communication between groups and poor infrastructure. Local specialist training was universally recommended as the most effective way to address unmet needs, although the form of training was not clear. DISCUSSION: Most published work has looked at global general surgery or pediatric general surgery [1][2][3][6][8][11][13] but little on pediatric urology. Most of the information provided was blog posts of social engagements but rarely did these websites provide information on the surgical experience, challenges and solutions gleaned overtime[41][43][44][45][56] It is recognised by pediatric urologists, general urologists and pediatric surgeons that complex urologic anomalies are the most neglected among children's surgical conditions with a higher disability weight attributed to urologic conditions compared to anorectal conditions. [6][8][14][27][31][36][46], yet there's little expertise on ground and many challenges to its advancement. This study was limited by the number of questions we could explore due to the need to make questions fewer and more concise. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric urological conditions remain among the most neglected in global surgery. Current missions face significant challenges that may result in suboptimal outcomes. A comprehensive effort to establish guidelines for these missions is imperative.

Improving the paediatric surgery patient experience: an 8-year analysis of narrative quality data.

BACKGROUND: Narrative data about the patient experience of surgery can help healthcare professionals and administrators better understand the needs of patients and their families as well as provide a foundation for improvement of procedures, processes and services. However, units often lack a methodological framework to analyse these data empirically and derive key areas for improvement. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) is aimed at improving the quality of surgical care by collecting patient data and reporting risk-adjusted surgical outcomes for each participant hospital in the programme. Though qualitative data about patient experience are captured as part of the NSQIP database, to date no framework or methodology has been proposed, or reported on, to analyse these data for the purposes of quality improvement. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of using content analysis to empirically derive key areas for quality improvement from a sample of 3601 narrative comments about paediatric surgery from patients and families at British Columbia Children's Hospital. STUDY DESIGN: Thematic content analysis conducted on a total of 3601 patient and family narratives received between 2011 and 2018. RESULTS: Overall satisfaction with care was high and experiences with healthcare providers at the hospital were positive. Areas for improvement were identified in the themes of health outcomes, communication and surgery timelines. Results informed follow-up interprofessional quality improvement initiatives. CONCLUSIONS: Recording and analysing patient experience data as part of validated quality improvement programmes such as ACS NSQIP can provide valuable and actionable information to improve quality of care.

The effects of antimuscarinic agents on the activity of the cardiac autonomic nervous system in children with functional overactive bladder.

BACKGROUND: Functional overactive bladder disorder is one of the most prevalent presentations of bladder and bowel dysfunction in children, and it is associated with lower overall cardiac autonomic and parasympathetic activity. Antimuscarinics are the most frequently used pharmacological agents for treatment of children with functional overactive bladder disorder; however, there is a gap in the literature in describing the effect of antimuscarinics on the autonomic profile of this population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the cardiac parasympathetic activity before and after 12 weeks of oxybutynin treatment in children with overactive bladder. METHODS: This was a single-institution prospective cohort study. Cardiac autonomic activity was assessed during storage and voiding phases of the bladder function via spectral analysis of heart rate variability and impedance cardiography. The primary outcome measure was high frequency, a proxy for parasympathetic nervous system activity. Parameters of uroflow study, severity of symptoms, and quality of life outcomes were also assessed. RESULTS: Ten children (7 females) diagnosed with overactive bladder with a median age of 10 years (range = 6-14) were followed up for a median treatment duration of 11.8 weeks (range = 6-19.4). After treatment, there was a significant reduction in high frequency during the storage phase (median change = -24.17%, p = 0.047). No change was observed in the other outcome measures except for the overall Symptom Score for Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome after treatment (5-point decrease, p = 0.034) (Summary Table). DISCUSSION: The findings of the present follow-up study suggest that the use of oxybutynin in children with overactive bladder is associated with a significant reduction in the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. The clinical implications of this finding are important because similar autonomic profiles (as markers of chronic stress) have been shown to be associated with increased inflammation and are found in major chronic diseases. The authors caution making a clinical connection between the heart rate variability profile of the patients in this study and patients with chronic diseases because oxybutynin is usually not administered as long-term treatment for overactive bladder. CONCLUSION: Use of oxybutynin was associated with reduction in cardiac parasympathetic activity of children with functional overactive bladder. Further investigation into the role of the autonomic nervous system as a treatment target in the management of these children is warranted.

Integrating intraoperative physiology data into outcome analysis for the ACS Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND: The Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (P-NSQIP) samples surgical procedures for benchmarking and quality improvement. While generally comprehensive, P-NSQIP does not collect intraoperative physiologic data, despite potential impact on outcomes. AIMS: The aims of this study were (a) to describe a methodology to augment P-NSQIP with vital signs data and (b) demonstrate its utility by exploring relationships that intraoperative hypothermia and hypotension have with P-NSQIP outcomes. METHODS: Vital signs from 2012 to 2016 were available in a research databank. Episodes of hypotension and hypothermia were extracted and recorded alongside local P-NSQIP data. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to explore associations with undesired outcomes, including: surgical site infection, wound disruption, unplanned return to the operating room, and blood transfusion. Model variables were selected with the Akaike information criterion using 2012-2014 as the training set and validated with receiver operating characteristics analysis using 2015-2016 as the testing set. RESULTS: Data from 6737 patients were analyzed, with 43.9% female, median [interquartile range] age 5.8 [1.3-12.4] years, undergoing procedures lasting 118 [75-193] minutes. Hypothermia, observed in 45% of cases, was associated with wound disruption (odds ratio 1.75, 95% CI 1.1-2.83). Hypotension, observed in 60% of cases, was associated with unplanned returns (odds ratio 1.58, 95% CI 1.02-2.51), and transfusions (odds ratio 1.95, 95% CI 1.14-3.52). Surgical site infection, wound disruption, unplanned return, and transfusion models had areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.69/0.67, 0.59/0.63, 0.78/0.79, and 0.92/0.93 for validation models including hypothermia/hypotension respectively. CONCLUSION: Adding intraoperative vital signs to P-NSQIP data allowed identification of two modifiable risk factors: hypothermia was associated with increased wound disruption, and hypotension with increased blood transfusions and unplanned returns to the operating room. These findings may motivate prospective studies and prompt other centers and P-NSQIP to augment outcome data with intraoperative physiological data.

Impact of Multidisciplinary Standardization of Care for Gastroschisis: Treatment, Outcomes, and Cost.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Elimination of unnecessary practice variation through standardization creates opportunities for improved outcomes and cost-effectiveness. A quality improvement (QI) initiative at our institution used evidence and consensus to standardize management of gastroschisis (GS) from birth to discharge. METHODS: An interdisciplinary team utilized best practice evidence and expert opinion to standardize GS care. Following stakeholder engagement and education, care standardization was implemented in September 2014. A comparative cohort study was conducted on consecutive patients treated before (n=33) and after (n=24) standardization. Demographic, treatment, and outcome measures were collected from a prospective GS registry. Direct costs were estimated, and protocol compliance was audited. RESULTS: BW, GA, and bowel injury severity were comparable between groups. Key practice changes were: closure technique (pre-88% primary fascial, post-83% umbilical cord flap; p<0.001), closure location (pre-97% OR, post-67% NICU; p<0.001), and GA avoidance (pre-0%, post-48%; p<0.001). Median post-closure ventilation days were shorter (pre-4, post-1; p<0.001), and SSI rates trended lower (pre-21%, post-8%; p=0.3) in the post-implementation group with no differences in TPN days or LOS. No significant difference was seen in average per-patient costs: pre-$85,725 ($29,974-221,061), post-$76,329 ($14,205-176,856). CONCLUSION: Care standardization for GS enables practice transformation, cost-effective outcome improvement, and supports an organizational culture dedicated to continuous improvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The relationship between preoperative nutritional state and adverse outcome following abdominal and thoracic surgery in children: Results from the NSQIP database.

INTRODUCTION: Anthropometric measurements can be used to define pediatric malnutrition. Our study aims to: (1) characterize the preoperative nutritional status of children undergoing abdominal or thoracic surgery, and (2) describe the associations between WHO-defined acute (stunting) and chronic (wasting) undernutrition (Z-scores <-2) and obesity (BMI Z-scores >+2) with 30-day postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We queried the Pediatric NSQIP Participant Use File and extracted data on patients' age 29days to 18years who underwent abdominal or thoracic procedures. Normalized anthropometric measures were calculated, including weight-for-height for <2years, BMI for ages ≥2years, and height for age. Logistic regression models were developed to assess nutritional outlier status as an independent predictor of postoperative outcome. RESULTS: 23,714 children (88% ≥2y) were evaluated. 4272 (18%) were obese, while 2640 (11.1%) and 904 (3.8%) were stunted and wasted, respectively, after controlling for gender, ASA/procedure/wound classification, preoperative steroid use, need for preoperative nutritional support, and obese children had higher odds of SSIs (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.1-1.5, p=0.001), while stunted children were at increased risk of any 30-day postoperative complication (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.0-1.3, p=0.036). CONCLUSION: Children who are stunted or obese are at increased risk of adverse outcome after abdominal or thoracic surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Treatment of varicocele in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of varicoceles is as high as 15% in children and adolescents. Optimal management of varicoceles has not been consolidated. Options include observation, radiological intervention, or surgical varicocelectomy. OBJECTIVE: Herein, we aim to assess the outcomes of radiological and surgical interventions for varicocele in children and adolescents evaluated by RCTs. STUDY DESIGN: The study subjects were children and adolescents up to 21 years old, diagnosed with varicocele and allocated to receive either "surgical or radiological intervention" or "no treatment". MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE (Ovid platform), Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for RCTs reporting on varicocele treatment in children and adolescents up to June 23, 2016. Only RCTs with patients aged under 21 years were included. Main outcomes of interest included changes in testicular size, semen analysis parameters, surgical adverse events and failures. RESULTS: Nine eligible studies were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis based on available outcomes data demonstrated an improvement in testicular volume (mean difference 3.18 mL, 95% CI 1.94-4.42) and in sperm count (mean difference 25.54 × 106/mL, 95% CI 12.84-38.25) in patients who underwent radiological or surgical treatment compared with conservative management. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current available randomized controlled trials, there is low to moderate level of evidence that radiological or surgical treatment of adolescent varicocele is associated with improved testicular size/growth and sperm concentration. The ultimate effects on fertility and paternity rates are not known.