Parenchymal echo texture predicts testicular salvage after torsion: potential impact on the need for emergent exploration.

PURPOSE: In the setting of signs and symptoms of testicular torsion the absence of diastolic flow and/or color flow on Doppler ultrasound has traditionally prompted emergent scrotal exploration. This practice emanates largely from the difficulty on ultrasound of distinguishing salvageable torsed testes from those that are not salvageable. We identified ultrasound findings predictive of testicular viability or the lack thereof. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all boys who underwent scrotal exploration for signs and symptoms of torsion during a 4-year period. In those who underwent preoperative Doppler ultrasound of the scrotum ultrasound findings were reviewed, as were the operative dictations. In patients who underwent orchiectomy the pathology reports were also reviewed. In patients in whom the torsed testis appeared viable and who underwent orchiopexy followup data were reviewed when available. Emergency room charts were also reviewed to ascertain, when documented, the duration of pain before presentation to the emergency room and the interval between ultrasound and operating room. RESULTS: During this period 55 boys underwent exploration after preoperative scrotal Doppler ultrasound revealed absent diastolic flow and/or color flow Doppler in the symptomatic testis. Assessment of parenchymal echogenicity revealed heterogeneity in 37 testes (67%), of which none were deemed viable at exploration. Orchiectomy was performed in 34 of 37 cases. Pathological examination revealed necrosis in all 34 cases, a finding consistent with late torsion. The remaining 3 testes underwent orchiopexy by parental directive despite nonviability, as confirmed by biopsy and subsequent atrophy. Thus, heterogeneity on preoperative ultrasound was universally predictive of organ loss (chi-square p <0.001). Of the 18 symptomatic testes (33%) demonstrating homogeneity and isoechogenicity on ultrasound 16 (89%) were deemed viable at exploration. Boys in whom the torsed testicle was nonviable on exploration experienced an average of 27.5 hours of pain preoperatively (range 5 to 72), whereas boys in whom the torsed testis was salvaged experienced an average of 20.5 hours of pain (range 2 to 96) (p = 0.073). The nonviable group underwent surgery an average of 49 minutes after ultrasound, whereas the viable group underwent surgery 52 minutes after ultrasound (p = 0.92). None of the 55 patients experienced any surgical or anesthetic complications and no pathological condition was noted intraoperatively in the contralateral asymptomatic testis. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of Doppler proven testicular torsion heterogeneous parenchymal echo texture indicates late torsion and testicular nonviability. Therefore, the case may not require emergent scrotal exploration. On the other hand, homogeneous echo texture portends extremely well for testicular viability. Thus, such testes should be explored emergently.

Neonatal torsion: a 14-year experience and proposed algorithm for management.

PURPOSE: Management of neonatal torsion is controversial, since the likelihood of testicular salvage and metachronous contralateral torsion must be weighed against the risk of neonatal anesthesia. We reviewed a large series of such cases and stratified neonatal torsion based on time of presentation to determine the potential for testicular salvage. To our knowledge this is the largest series of its kind in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All cases of neonatal torsion were classified as either prenatal (noted at the time of delivery) or postnatal (noted after birth and before age 1 month). The charts of all patients were reviewed and data were collected on demographic information, pregnancy and birth history, laterality, physical examination findings, radiological imaging, intraoperative findings, anesthetic morbidities, perioperative complications and pathological diagnoses. Followup data were also collected for patients who underwent detorsion and orchiopexy. RESULTS: A total of 16 neonatal torsions (right side 8, left side 6, bilateral 1) were diagnosed in 15 patients at our institution between 1993 and 2007. A total of 13 torsions (81%) were prenatal and 3 (19%) were postnatal. All 13 prenatal torsions (100%) resulted in infarction (right 7, left 4, bilateral 2) confirmed by pathological examination. All patients underwent testicular exploration via an inguinal approach. A total of 11 cases were managed by orchiectomy at an average of 7.6 days (range 0 to 37) following birth. One of the bilaterally torsed testes showed infarction and necrosis on biopsy, and was detorsed and fixed in place. A second prenatally torsed testis was detorsed and pexed but atrophied on followup. Among the 3 postnatal torsions 1 (33%) was deemed viable on exploration and, therefore, salvaged. Of the 10 prenatal torsions with known prenatal history 5 (50%) were associated with at least 1 significant prenatal complication. Nine of the 10 patients with prenatal torsion (90%) were delivered vaginally, and 1 by cesarean section after prolonged failure of descent. CONCLUSIONS: Complicated pregnancies and vaginal deliveries seem to predispose patients to testicular torsion. Contrary to previous series, neonatal torsions do not appear to favor one side or the other. Prenatal torsions are never salvageable, and, therefore, do not warrant emergent intervention. Postnatal torsions are sometimes salvaged, and a judicious approach to surgical exploration should be taken.

Lymphatic-sparing laparoscopic varicocelectomy versus microscopic varicocelectomy: is there a difference?

OBJECTIVES: The ideal operation for the adolescent varicoceles has been debated for many years as new techniques or advances in existing technology develop. It is well acknowledged that the Palomo procedure has a negligible recurrence rate but a very high postoperative hydrocele rate compared with a microscopic varicocelectomy (MV). We sought to determine whether lymphatic-sparing laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LSLV) could provide similar negligible recurrence rates as the Palomo approach with the negligible postoperative hydrocele rate seen with MV. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent either an MV (n = 31) or LSLV (n = 28). In the MV group, the artery and the lymphatics were spared, whereas in the LSLV group, the artery and veins were taken en masse. Statistical analysis included paired Student t-test and Chi-square test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. RESULTS: Preoperative testis volumes were not different nor were the postoperative testis volumes between groups. Mean operating time was significantly longer in the MV than the LSLV group (140 minutes versus 51 minutes, P <0.01). With a mean time since surgery of 2 years, we observed only one patient with a recurrent varicocele (MV group); only one patient developed a hydrocele requiring hydrocelectomy (LSLV group). CONCLUSIONS: Our early data indicate that LSLV and MV are comparable in preventing varicocele recurrence and formation of hydroceles. The primary difference between the procedures is the surgical time, with the LSLV being much faster to perform.

Endoscopic injection of bulking agents in children with incontinence: dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer versus polytetrafluoroethylene.

PURPOSE: Treating pediatric incontinence can be challenging. Many surgical procedures are available with variable success and complications. Endoscopic injection of bulking agents into an incompetent bladder neck was first described using Teflon and most currently using Deflux. We compared the results of bladder neck injection using Deflux and Teflon to manage urinary incontinence in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in children who underwent primary endoscopic injection of Teflon or Deflux to the bladder neck. Patients with prior bladder neck surgery were excluded. Data were collected on underlying anatomical pathology, preoperative bladder capacity, endoscopic approach, quantity of bulking agent and outcome. Dry was defined as 3 hours or greater awake without wetting. Wet was defined as the need for a pad or diaper. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients underwent primary injection of bulking agents, including 32 via a retrograde approach and 2 via a combined antegrade-retrograde approach. A total of 20 children with a mean age of 2.7 years were injected with Teflon and 11 were injected with Deflux. One of the 20 Teflon injected patients was dry more than 6 months. One of the 14 Deflux injected patients was dry at 3 months in the daytime, another 2 improved at 3 months (antegrade/retrograde in 1) but worsened at 6 months and another was dry after a second injection. All 4 improved children had age appropriate bladder capacity. The volume of injected agent was 1 to 10 cc. No complications were seen. Five children per group underwent subsequent open continence surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder neck injection of bulking agents is a generally ineffective therapy for incontinence. While neither the number of injections nor the bulking agent used affected the results, adequate bladder capacity and antegrade injection with Deflux heralded short-term improvement. Patients with exstrophy consistently did poorly.

Bladder function associated with posterior urethral valves after primary valve ablation or proximal urinary diversion in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE: We retrospectively reviewed 2 series of patients with posterior urethral valves treated initially with valve ablation preceded by bilateral cutaneous ureterostomies or valve ablation alone to evaluate and compare bladder function behavior of each treatment group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1970 to 1983, 19 males 22 days to 21 months old with posterior urethral valves were treated with 1 of 2 initial surgical approaches, including upper tract diversion, delayed undiversion and ablation in 11 (group 1), and primary valve ablation only in 8 (group 2). Median patient age at the time of cutaneous urinary diversion and primary valve ablation for groups 1 and 2 was 7 and 9 months, respectively. Median duration of bladder defunctionalization was 48 months. All patients were evaluated urodynamically after initial ablation or re-functionalization of the bladder using standard rapid fill cystometry. Median patient age for groups 1 and 2 was 14 and 9.5 years, respectively, at the time of urodynamic testing 16 and 12.6 years, respectively, at followup. RESULTS: Urodynamic assessment revealed detrusor instability in 5 group 1 patients but in only group 2 1 patient. Group 2 patients had significantly lower median end filling pressure (4 versus 15 cm. water, p <0.03) and higher maximum bladder capacity (1.4 versus 0.8, p <0.005) than those in group 1. Group 1 patients had lower compliance than those in group 2 (median 15 versus 82 cm. water, p <0.05). Further analysis showed no difference between groups 1 and 2 in overall median voiding detrusor pressure at maximum flow (51 versus 52.6 cm. water, respectively). Cystometric detrusor under activity patterns were noted in 5 group 1 and 2 group 2 patients. Residual urine volumes were 17%, 31%, 19% and 8% of bladder capacity, respectively, in 2 group 1 and 2 group 2 patients. At final followup 5 group 1 and 2 group 2 patients had renal function deterioration. Two other group 1 patients and group 2 had progression to end stage renal failure. A higher ureteral reimplantation rate was noted in group 1 (63%) than group 2 (6%). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study revealed that long-term bladder function of patients with posterior urethral valves treated with temporary supravesical diversion is affected more adversely than those treated with valve ablation alone.

Biofeedback therapy expedites the resolution of reflux in older children.

PURPOSE: In older children the spontaneous resolution rate of low grade vesicoureteral reflux is low and currently its management is controversial in regard to surgery versus prophylaxis versus observation alone. Bladder dysfunction in children with neurogenic bladders and to a less declarative degree in neurologically intact children has a role in the etiology or persistence of reflux. We determine the impact of biofeedback therapy on neurologically intact children with vesicoureteral reflux and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vesicoureteral reflux was detected by voiding cystourethrography in children evaluated for urinary tract infections. Children with breakthrough infections or dysfunctional voiding based on history underwent uroflowmetry with concomitant patch electromyography of the external sphincter. Dyssynergia was defined as increased or steady electromyography activity during micturition. Biofeedback was initially performed weekly and the interval increased as indicated. The goals were to eliminate dyssynergia and reduce or eliminate post-void residual urine. Voiding cystourethrography was performed 1 year later to determine the status of the reflux. Ureteral reimplantation was performed during the period of biofeedback when indicated. RESULTS: From February 1997 to March 2001, 25 children 6 to 10 years old (mean age 9) with vesicoureteral reflux and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia were treated with biofeedback therapy. There were 31 units (5 bilateral) with reflux, which was grade I in 10, II in 15, III in 5 and IV in 1. Children underwent an average of 7 sessions of biofeedback (range 2 to 20). On followup voiding cystourethrography, vesicoureteral reflux resolved in 17 units (55%), grade improved in 5 (16%) and reflux remained unchanged in 9 (29%). All cured vesicoureteral reflux was grade I (8 cases) or II (9). Four children (5 renal units) underwent reimplantation. In cured children there were no breakthrough infections during or since therapy and post-void residual urine decreased from an average of 40% before to 10% after therapy. Symptoms of urgency, daytime wetting and hoarding of urine improved or were eliminated in all children with resolved vesicoureteral reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Treating external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in older children with low grade vesicoureteral reflux, with biofeedback results in 1-year resolution rates that are considerably greater than historical resolution rates. External detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia should be screened for in children when surgery or discontinuation of chemoprophylaxis is considered so that biofeedback can be started.

The "long Snodgrass": applying the tubularized incised plate urethroplasty to penoscrotal hypospadias in 1-stage or 2-stage repairs.

PURPOSE: The technique of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (Snodgrass modification) has gained wide acceptance for hypospadias repair. The reported experience with this surgical modification has been primarily in cases of distal hypospadias. We applied this technique to cases of penoscrotal hypospadias and incised the urethral plate for its entire distance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the last 24 months 21 boys 7 months to 8 years old with penoscrotal hypospadias were treated with a Thiersch-Duplay urethroplasty using the Snodgrass modification. The procedure was performed in 7 patients as a primary repair and in 14 at stage 2 of the 2-stage repair. The entire length of the urethral plate was incised along the midline in primary repairs, and the skin flaps and residual urethral plate were incised in the 2-stage repairs. The neourethra was tubularized over a 5 or 8Fr catheter. A layer of de-epithelialized tissue from the dorsal prepuce was used to cover the neourethra. No patient required skin flap to complete the urethroplasty. The urethral stent was removed in 7 to 10 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Of the 21 patients 19 (90%) required no other surgery as the repair provided a normal appearing penis (straight, terminal meatus, cosmetics) without complications such as meatal stenosis, fistula and diverticula, and voiding with a well directed full stream. One child had dehiscence of the glanular portion of the repair and 1 child had a pinpoint fistula, both of which were repaired successfully at a later date. Followup ranges from 5 to 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The "long Snodgrass" modification to a Thiersch-Duplay repair is an effective technique for penoscrotal hypospadias as a single and 2-stage procedure. The success and complication rates are excellent in the short term. Longer term complications, such as strictures and diverticula, need to be assessed in the future.