Can concomitant bladder neck incision and primary valve ablation reduce early re-admission rate and secondary intervention?

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the effect of bladder neck morphology and its incision (BNI) in patients with posterior urethral valve (PUV) on early reintervention rate. Patients and methods: Infants undergoing PUV ablation (PVA) before 24 months of age and had at least 18 months of follow-up, were categorized into three groups according to the bladder neck appearance on baseline radiological and endoscopic examination: group 1; normal bladder neck underwent PVA, group 2; high bladder neck underwent PVA plus BNI, group 3; high bladder neck underwent PVA only. Early reintervention was defined as the need for check cystoscopy because of persistent renal function deterioration, worsening hydronephrosis and/or unsatisfactory VCUG improvement during the 1st six months post primary PVA. Results: Between 2000 and 2017, a total of 114 patients underwent PVA and met the study criteria with a median follow-up of 58 (18-230) months. For group 1, 16 (22.9%) patients needed readmission. Check cystoscopy was free and no further intervention was performed in 5(7.5%) and re-ablation was performed in 11(15.7%) patients. For group 2, 3(14.3%) patients needed reintervention. Re-ablation and re-ablation plus BNI were performed in 1(4.8%) and 2(9.5%), respectively. For group 3, cystoscopy was free in 1(4.3%), re-ablation and re-ablation plus BNI were performed 2(8.7%) and 1(4.3%), respectively. There were no significant differences in the re-admission and re-intervention rates among the three study groups (p=0.65 and p=0.50, respectively). Conclusion: In morphologically high bladder neck associated PUV, concomitant BNI with PVA doesn't reduce early re-intervention rate.

Can Concomitant Bladder Neck Incision and Primary Valve Ablation Reduce Early Re-admission Rate and Secondary Intervention?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of bladder neck morphology and its incision (BNI) in patients with posterior urethral valve (PUV) on early reintervention rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Infants undergoing PUV ablation (PVA) before 24 months of age and had at least 18 months of follow-up, were categorized into three groups according to the bladder neck appearance on baseline radiological and endoscopic examination: group 1; normal bladder neck underwent PVA, group 2; high bladder neck underwent PVA plus BNI, group 3; high bladder neck underwent PVA only. Early reintervention was defined as the need for check cystoscopy because of persistent renal function deterioration, worsening hydronephrosis and/or unsatisfactory VCUG improvement during the 1st six months post primary PVA. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2017, a total of 114 patients underwent PVA and met the study criteria with a median follow-up of 58 (18-230) months. For group 1, 16 (22.9%) patients needed readmission. Check cystoscopy was free and no further intervention was performed in 5(7.5%) and re-ablation was performed in 11(15.7%) patients. For group 2, 3(14.3%) patients needed reintervention. Re-ablation and re-ablation plus BNI were performed in 1(4.8%) and 2(9.5%), respectively. For group 3, cystoscopy was free in 1(4.3%), re-ablation and re-ablation plus BNI were performed 2(8.7%) and 1(4.3%), respectively. There were no significant differences in the re-admission and re-intervention rates among the three study groups (p=0.65 and p=0.50, respectively). CONCLUSION: In morphologically high bladder neck associated PUV, concomitant BNI with PVA doesn't reduce early re-intervention rate.

Does intraoperative penile tourniquet application during hypospadias repair affect the patients and surgeons reported outcomes? A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hemostasis aimed to maintain the bloodless surgical field for better exposure for the surgeon. There are no trials regarding the impact of hemostasis techniques for hypospadias surgery on surgeon satisfaction and patients' reported outcomes. Application of penile tourniquet is a common practice in hypospadias surgery that aims at reducing blood loss and improving visualization. Yet, scarce data exist on the effect of penile tourniquet on hypospadias repair outcomes. PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of restraining penile perfusion using a tourniquet in hypospadias repair on the surgical outcome, also surgeons and patients reported outcomes. To evaluate the effect of penile tourniquet application on hypospadias repair outcome and surgeon's satisfaction with intraoperative hemostasis. STUDY DESIGN: In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, a total of 110 children with distal hypospadias amenable for TIP repair were assigned to hypospadias repair with or without intraoperative application of a penile tourniquet. Surgeries were performed by a junior (2-5 years of experience in TIP repair) or a senior pediatric urologist (with >5 years of experience). Intraoperative blood loss, the number of times bipolar diathermy was used, hemoglobin deficit, and operative time were compared. Surgeon's satisfaction with intraoperative hemostasis was evaluated using a 4-tiered questionnaire. Patients were followed up for a minimum of one year. Complications and readmission rates were compared. The patient-reported outcome of hypospadias repair was assessed using the hypospadias objective scoring evaluation (HOSE). RESULTS: Baseline patient demographics and hypospadias characteristics were comparable between the study groups. Bipolar diathermy was more often used in the non-tourniquet group (mean ± SD = 5.7 ± 1.8 times vs. 6.7 ± 1.9 for the tourniquet group; p = 0.007). Also, the operative time was longer in non-tourniquet group [mean = 54.7 ± 14.9 vs. 60.8 ± 12.5 min (p = 0.028)]. Junior surgeons were more likely to be satisfied with hemostasis when a tourniquet was used (97.4% vs. 79.5%, p = 0.02). Postoperative complications, readmission rates, and patient-reported outcomes were similar between both groups. CONCLUSION: The application of penile tourniquet during hypospadias repair can reduce operative time and the need for diathermy use; and also improves junior surgeon's satisfaction with intraoperative hemostasis without adversely affecting success rates or patient-reported outcomes.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus open surgery for treatment of staghorn stones in pediatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: We compare percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and open surgery in the treatment of staghorn stones in children. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic records of children who underwent treatment for staghorn stones between September 2000 and August 2013. They were divided between Group 1 (patients who underwent PCNL) and Group 2 (patients who underwent open surgery). We compared stone-free and complications rates, need for multiple procedures, and hospital stay. RESULTS: The study included 41 patients (35 boys and 6 girls), with mean age 7.4 ± 3.1 years (range: 2-15). Of these 41 patients, 26 had unilateral renal stone and 15 had bilateral renal stones. The total number of treated renal units was 56: 28 underwent PCNL and 28 underwent open surgery. The complication rate was comparable for both groups (32% for open surgery vs. 28.6%, p = 0.771). Multiple procedures were more needed in PCNL group (60.7% vs. 32% in open surgery, p = 0.032). The stone-free rate was 71.4% after PCNL and 78.6% after open surgery (p = 0.537). A significant difference was observed in shorter hospital stay after PCNL (5 vs. 8.8 days, p < 0.001). Our study's limitations include its retrospective design and relatively small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of staghorn stones in children, PCNL was comparable to open surgery in complication and stone-free rates. PCNL had the advantage of a shorter hospital stay and open surgery showed a decreased need for multiple procedures.

Posterior urethral valves: multivariate analysis of factors affecting the final renal outcome.

PURPOSE: Posterior urethral valves represent the most common obstructive uropathy in children with a broad spectrum of clinical severity. We evaluated prognostic variables affecting the outcome of renal function in such children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1987 and 2004, 120 patients with a mean age of 2 years with posterior urethral valves were treated initially with valve ablation at our center. We studied certain parameters, including age at presentation, serum creatinine (initial and nadir), initial creatinine clearance, renal ultrasound findings (hydronephrosis and renal parenchymal echogenicity), vesicoureteral reflux on initial voiding cystourethrogram, bladder dysfunction and popoff mechanisms such as the syndrome of large vesical diverticulum, urinoma and ascites. Long-term renal outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Followup was 2 to 16 years (median 3.6). Renal insufficiency developed at the end of followup in 44 patients (36.5%). Serum creatinine at hospital admission, nadir serum creatinine, initial creatinine clearance and renal parenchymal echogenicity were significant predictors of the final renal outcome (p < 0.05). Patient age at diagnosis (2 or less vs greater than 2 years), upper tract dilatation, the presence or absence of vesicoureteral reflux, popoff mechanisms and bladder dysfunction had no significant impact on future renal function. On multivariate analysis nadir serum creatinine was the only independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm the high prognostic value of nadir creatinine after primary valve ablation. Also, initial serum creatinine, creatinine clearance and renal parenchymal echogenicity on initial renal ultrasound correlate significantly with long-term renal function in children with posterior urethral valves.

Management of bladder exstrophy epispadias complex in adults: is abdominal closure possible without osteotomy?

PURPOSE: Presentation of bladder exstrophy epispadias complex (BEEC) during adulthood is rare. A major surgical challenge encountered in adults with BEEC is the closure of the anterior abdominal wall defect. In this case series we report our experience with the abdominal closure without osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five adult male patients with BEEC were managed at our center. None of the patients had any prior attempts of surgical correction. A right renal tumor was incidentally discovered in one patient and a right partial nephrectomy was performed. All patients underwent urinary diversion and abdominal wall closure at the same operative setting except one. Cystectomy was performed in two patients while the vesical plate muscular coat was utilized for providing support to the anterior abdominal wall in the other three patients. One patient underwent an ileal conduit, while the other patients underwent continent cutaneous diversion. None of our patients underwent osteotomy. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 6 to 52 months (mean = 31). Patients who underwent continent cutaneous diversion were continent by day and night. One patient had wound infection and partial disruption and secondary sutures were performed. One patient developed stomal stenosis and was managed by stomal dilatation. All patients showed marked satisfaction with their body image following surgery. CONCLUSION: Management of BEEC in adults is challenging. Utilization of the vesical plate muscular coat for supporting the anterior abdominal wall is a reliable method for abdominal reconstruction. Urinary diversion and abdominal wall closure in one surgical procedure without osteotomy is feasible.

Long-term outcome of visual internal urethrotomy for the management of pediatric urethral strictures.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the long-term results of visual internal urethrotomy for pediatric urethral strictures to evaluate the efficacy and final outcome of this procedure in children and to evaluate the risk factors for stricture recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The computerized surgical records of our hospital were reviewed to identify children who underwent visual internal urethrotomy between 1980 and 2001. Hospital and followup clinical charts were then reviewed. Many variables were analyzed, including age, etiology, length and site of the strictures, and catheter duration. Only patients with a minimum followup of 2 years were included. Regular self-catheterization was not used by any child. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients (mean age 11.2 years, range 2 to 18) were identified. Followup ranged from 2 to 20 years, with a mean of 6.6 years. The most common etiology for stricture formation was failed previous urethroplasty and post instrumentation (35.5% and 32.3%, respectively). The success rate after initial urethrotomy was 35.5% (11 of 31 patients). Mean interval to first recurrence was 26 months. A second urethrotomy improved the success rate of 58.1%. Eight patients required 2 or more urethrotomies, of whom half required open urethroplasty. Among the evaluated variables only stricture length shorter than 1 cm was associated with good results. CONCLUSIONS: Visual internal urethrotomy provides a safe first line therapeutic option for pediatric urethral strictures shorter than 1 cm, independent of etiology and location. For patients with more than 1 recurrence or with strictures longer than 1 cm, who are at high risk for recurrence after internal urethrotomy, open urethroplasty remains the treatment of choice.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children: early and late anatomical and functional results.

PURPOSE: We report our experience with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in children, and evaluate its early and late anatomical and functional results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 65 children with renal calculi were treated with PCNL. Patient age at operation ranged from 9 months to 16 years (mean +/- SD of 5.9 +/- 0.9 years), and 27 (41.5%) were younger than 5 years. Seven patients had bilateral renal stones and, therefore, the number of kidneys treated by PCNL was 72. The patients were followed regularly every 3 months during year 1 and every 6 months thereafter. Renal scans using technetium dimercapto-succinic acid for detection of renal scarring and technetium diethylenetetramine-pentaacetic acid for determination of selective glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were performed in all patients at least once during followup, which ranged from 6 to 72 months (mean +/- SD 40 +/- 10). RESULTS: Early complications included significant intraoperative bleeding in 1 case, renal pelvis perforation in 1 and transient fever in 2. Mean hospital stay +/- SD was 3 +/- 1.2 days (range 2 to 21). Of the renal units 62 (86%) were stone-free after a single PCNL, and the remaining 10 with residual stones were treated with a second look PCNL (4) and shock wave lithotripsy (6). Stone-free rates at hospital discharge and at 3 months were 93% and 100%, respectively. During followup 6 patients (9%) had recurrence of small renal stones and were successfully treated with shock wave lithotripsy. None of the kidneys had scarring on dimercapto-succinic acid renal scan. All of the kidneys except 1 showed improvement or stabilization of the corresponding GFR determined by diethylenetetraminepentaacetic acid renal scan. Comparison of the mean preoperative GFR of the corresponding kidney (28.8 +/- 11.2 ml per minute) with mean value at followup (36.1 +/- 9.9) showed an increase of statistical significance (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PCNL is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of children with renal calculi. At long-term followup the procedure improves renal function without renal scarring.