Local host response of commercially available dural patches for fetal repair of spina bifida aperta in rabbit model.

OBJECTIVE: Fetal surgery for spina bifida aperta (SBA) by open hysterotomy typically repairs anatomical native tissue in layers. Increasingly, fetoscopic repair is performed using a dural patch followed by skin closure. We studied the host response to selected commercially available patches currently being used in a fetal rabbit model for spina bifida repair. METHODS: SBA was surgically induced at 23-24 days of gestation (term = 31 days). Fetal rabbits were assigned to unrepaired (SBA group), or immediate repair with Duragen™ or Durepair™. Non-operated littermates served as normal controls. At term, spinal cords underwent immunohistochemical staining including Nissl and glial fibrillary acidic protein. We hypothesized that spinal cord coverage with a dural patch and skin closure would preserve motor neuron density within the non-inferiority limit of 201.65 cells/mm2 and reduce inflammation compared to unrepaired SBA fetuses. RESULTS: Motor neuron density assessed by Nissl staining was conserved both by Duragen (n = 6, 89.5; 95% CI -158.3 to -20.6) and Durepair (n = 6, 37.0; 95% CI -132.6 to -58.5), whereas density of GFAP-positive cells to quantify inflammation was lower than in unrepaired SBA-fetuses (SBA 2366.0 ± 669.7 cells/mm2 vs. Duragen 1274.0 ± 157.2 cells/mm2 ; p = 0.0002, Durepair 1069.0 ± 270.7 cells/mm2 ; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Covering the rabbit spinal cord with either Duragen or Durepair followed by skin closure preserves motor neuron density and reduces the inflammatory response.

Could urinary nerve growth factor and bladder wall thickness predict the treatment outcome of children with overactive bladder?

OBJECTIVE: Bladder wall thickness (BWTh) measurements and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) /creatinine (Cr) values, as noninvasive tools, were found to predict daytime voiding problems in children with overactive bladder (OAB). The goal of this research was to examine if bladder wall thickness together with urine NGF/Cr could be a clinical utility in treatment outcome of OAB in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 children with OAB, (Group 1; n=40) and healthy normal controls (Group 2; n=20), aged 6-14 years old were involved in this prospective study. Children were evaluated with detailed history and physical examination, including neurologic examination, and were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire and a 3-day bladder diary with the aid of their parents. Uroflowmetry was performed in all cases. Urinary nerve growth factor levels were measured by the ELISA and BWTh was measured trans-abdominally by one uro-radiologist specialized in pediatric ultrasonography. Urinary NGF levels were normalized by urinary creatinine levels and compared among all subgroups. Children with OAB received urotherapy as first line treatment at least for three months. 18 children refractory to urotherapy received anticholinergic therapy defined as group 3. RESULTS: The median age of the study group was 10 (range 6 to 16). After urotherapy, 22 children had similar BWTh and NGF/Cr values compared to controls. (2.75 ± 1.15; 2.40 ± 1.00 mm; p=0.86 and 1.02 ± 0.10; 0.78 ± 0.15; p=0.12, respectively). After anticholinergic treatment, BWTh levels (2.25 ± 0.90; 2.40 ± 1.00 mm; p=0.94) and NGF/Cr values (0.95 ± 0.10; 0.78 ± 0.15; p=0.42, respectively) had no significantly difference compared to controls (Group 2). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, bladder wall thickness was found to have sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 84.2% (3,20 AUC ,913; 95 %) and NGF/Cr had sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 92.1% (1,595; AUC ,947; 95 %) in predicting treatment outcome in children with OAB. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder wall thickness measurements and NGF/Cr values, as noninvasive tools, could guide outcomes in the treatment of children with overactive bladder.

What happens to asymptomatic lower pole kidney stones smaller than 10 mm in children during watchful waiting?

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of lower pole kidney (LPK) stones in children is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of children with asymptomatic isolated LPK stones smaller than 10 mm during follow-up. METHODS: A total of 242 patients with 284 stones presenting at our institution between June 2004 and December 2014 with an asymptomatic, single LPK stone with a diameter of <10 mm were enrolled in the study. All children were assigned to receive first-line therapy and then categorized according to the need for medical intervention. Age, gender, stone laterality, stone size and type, associated urinary tract problems, and uncontrolled metabolic status were assessed as predictive factors of medical treatment for small (<10 mm) asymptomatic LPK stones. Stone-free rates were compared between interventions. RESULTS: The mean age and mean stone size were 9.4 ± 1.9 years and 7.4 ± 0.6 mm at admission, respectively. Stone progression rate was 61.2%, and the mean time for intervention was 19.2 ± 4.6 months. Flexible ureterorenoscopy (n = 68) or micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (n = 4) were performed for 72 stones (25.4%; group 1), and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was performed for 102 stones (35.9%; group 2). The stone-free rates were 81.8 and 79.3% in group 1 and 2, respectively (p > 0.05). The remaining asymptomatic stones (110, 38.8%; group 3) were managed by continued observation, and at the end of the observation time (mean 40.8 ± 20.8 months) the spontaneous passage rate was 9.1% in this group. In the multivariate analysis, stone size of >7 mm, concurrent renal anomalies, and stones composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) and cystine were statistically significant predictors of the need for intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Children with stones larger than 7 mm, renal anomalies, or stones composed of metabolically active cystine or struvite are more likely to require intervention, and those with asymptomatic LPK stones smaller than 10 mm can be managed by continued observation.

Can the success of structured therapy for giggle incontinence be predicted?

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate possible factors that can guide the clinician to predict potential cases refractoriness to medical treatment for giggle incontinence (GI) and to examine the effectiveness of different treatment modalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 48 children referred to pediatric urology outpatient clinic between 2000 and 2013 diagnosed as GI were reviewed. Mean age, follow-up, GI frequency, associated symptoms, medical and family history were noted. Incontinence frequency differed between several per day to less than once weekly. Children were evaluated with uroflowmetry-electromyography and post-void residual urine. Clinical success was characterized as a full or partial response, or nonresponse as defined by the International Children's Continence Society. Univariate analysis was used to find potential factors including age, sex, familial history, GI frequency, treatment modality and dysfunctional voiding to predict children who would possibly not respond to treatment. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 8.4 years (range 5 to 16). Mean follow-up time and mean duration of asymptomatic period were noted as 6.7±1.4 years and 14.2±2.3 months respectively. While 12 patients were treated with only behavioral urotherapy (Group-1), 11 patients were treated with alpha-adrenergic blockers and behavioral urotherapy (Group-2) and 18 patients with methylphenidate and behavioral urotherapy (Group-3). Giggle incontinence was refractory to eight children in-group 1; six children in-group 2 and eight children in-group 3. Daily GI frequency and dysfunctional voiding diagnosed on uroflowmetry-EMG were found as outstanding predictive factors for resistance to treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS: A variety of therapies for GI have more than 50% failure rate and a standard treatment for GI has not been established. The use of medications to treat these patients would not be recommended, as they appear to add no benefit to symptoms and may introduce severe adverse effects.

Is top-down vs bottom-up radiological evaluation after febrile urinary tract infection really less stressful for the child and family? Challenging the dogma.

PURPOSE: We evaluated whether stress levels in children and parents during radiological evaluation after febrile urinary tract infection are really lower using the top-down approach, where (99m)technetium dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy is used initially, than the bottom-up approach, where voiding cystourethrography is initially performed and repeated examinations are easier for all. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 120 children 3 to 8 years old. Pain ratings were obtained using the Faces Pain Scale-Revised, and conversation during the procedure was evaluated using the Child-Adult Medical Procedure Interaction Scale-Revised by 2 independent observers. To evaluate parental anxiety, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form was also completed. Following a documented febrile urinary tract infection children were randomized to the top-down or bottom-up group. A third group of 44 children undergoing repeat voiding cystourethrography and their parents were also evaluated. RESULTS: Child ratings of pain using the Faces Pain Scale-Revised were not significantly different between the top-down group following (99m)technetium dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy (2.99 on a scale of 10) and the bottom-up group following voiding cystourethrography (3.21). Also the Faces Pain Scale-Revised was not significantly different in the repeat voiding cystourethrography group (3.35). On the Child-Adult Medical Procedure Interaction Scale-Revised there was negative correlation between child coping and child distress, as well as rate of child distress and adult coping promoting behavior. Parental state anxiety scores were significantly less in the top-down and repeat voiding cystourethrography groups than in the bottom-up group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the top-down approach and repeat voiding cystourethrography cause less anxiety for caregivers, these values do not correlate to pain scale in children. This finding might be due to lack of appropriate evaluation tools of pediatric pain and anxiety. However, the theory that the top-down approach is less invasive, and thus less stressful, requires further research. The Child-Adult Medical Procedure Interaction Scale-Revised data indicate that influences in adult-child interaction are bidirectional.

The Relationship between Acidic Urinary pH and Overactive Bladder; Alkalization of Urine Improves the Symptoms of Overactive Bladder.

BACKGROUND: To determine association between urine pH and OAB symptoms and to determine if urinary alkalization improves overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. METHODS: 659 patients with OAB were enrolled in this study between June 2012 and May 2014. 329 patients (group 1) were included in the final analysis. 201 adults were used as a control group (group 2). 24-hour urinary pH and the validated Turkish version of the OAB-V8 questionnaire were performed in patients. A 24-hour urine pH <6.2 was considered acidic urine. In the second part, a diet program was performed for 4 weeks in 30 participants. Urine pH values and OAB-V8 scoring results were recorded before the diet program and 2 and 4 weeks after the diet program. RESULTS: Acidic urinary pH was determined in 61.4% of patients with OAB. There was a significant association between the presence of acidic urine and OAB. Also, the OAB-V8 scores of patients were significantly higher in patients with acidic urine than nonacidic urine. OAB-V8 scores of patients showed statistically significant improvement after diet therapy (17.87 ± 6.52 vs. 10.43 ± 7.17; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found that acidic urinary pH was closely associated with OAB, and alkalization of urine improved lower urinary tract symptoms. We suggest that urinary pH should be considered as a parameter in treatment planning of patients with OAB.

Does varicocelectomy affect DNA fragmentation in infertile patients?

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of varicocelectomy on DNA fragmentation index and semen parameters in infertile patients before and after surgical repair of varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 72 men with at least 1-year history of infertility, varicocele and oligospermia were examined. Varicocele sperm samples were classified as normal or pathological according to the 2010 World Health Organization guidelines. The acridine orange test was used to assess the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: DFI decreased significantly after varicocelectomy from 34.5% to 28.2% (P = 0.024). In addition all sperm parameters such as mean sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility and sperm morphology significantly increased from 19.5 × 10(6) to 30.7 × 10(6), 5.4 × 10(6)/ml to 14.3 × 10(6)/ml, and 19.9% to 31.2% (P < 0.001) and 2.6% to 3.1% (P = 0.017). The study was limited by the loss to follow-up of some patients and unrecorded pregnancy outcome due to short follow-up. CONCLUSION: Varicocele causes DNA-damage in spermatozoa. We suggest that varicocelectomy improves sperm parameters and decreases DFI.

The effect of sildenafil and udenafil on testicular damage following ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

PURPOSE: Ischemia-reperfusion injury can cause testicular damage and phosphodiesterase inhibitors are reported to regulate antioxidant activity. We investigated the prevention of ipsilateral and contralateral testicular damage using 2 phosphodiesterase inhibitors after testicular detorsion in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 adult male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 7 each, including group 1-sham operation, group 2-testicular torsion and detorsion, group 3- testicular torsion and detorsion with sildenafil administration before detorsion and group 4- testicular torsion and detorsion with udenafil administration before detorsion. Tissue levels of malondialdehyde, total sulfhydryl and nitrite were evaluated, and histopathological changes in the groups were examined. RESULTS: Compared to group 1 significantly increased tissue malondialdehyde (p = 0.001), significantly decreased total sulfhydryl (p = 0.038) and insignificantly increased nitrite were found in group 2. Compared to group 2 malondialdehyde decreased significantly and total sulfhydryl increased significantly in groups 3 and 4. The decrease in nitrite was insignificant in the latter 2 groups. Histopathology revealed increased hemorrhage, congestion and edema in group 2 rats. The testicular injury score was lower in groups 3 and 4. In group 2 grades II to IV injury was detected while most specimens in treated groups showed grade II injury. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that intraperitoneal administration of sildenafil and udenafil efficiently suppresses radical production while decreasing histological changes after testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Can factors affecting complication rates for ureteric re-implantation be predicted? Use of the modified Clavien classification system in a paediatric population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine preoperative predictive factors of postoperative complications of ureteric re-implantation in children by using the modified Clavien classification system (MCCS), which has been widely used for complication rating of surgical procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 383 children who underwent ureteric re-implantation for vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) and obstructing megaureters between 2002 and 2011 were included in the study. Intravesical and extravesical ureteric re-implantations were performed in 338 and 45 children, respectively. Complications were evaluated according to the MCCS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine predictive factors affecting complication rates. RESULTS: In all, 247 girls and 136 boys were studied. The mean (sd) age was 46 (25) months and the mean (sd) follow-up was 49.4 (27.8) months. The mean (sd) hospitalisation time was 4.7 (1.6) days. Complications occurred in 76 (19.8%) children; 34 (8.9%) were MCCS grade I, 22 (5.7%) were grade II and 20 (5.2%) were grade III. Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) grade 3-4 hydronephrosis, obstructing megaureters, a tailoring-tapering and folding procedure, refractory voiding dysfunction and a duplex system were statistically significant predictors of complications on univariate analysis. Prior injection history, paraureteric diverticula, stenting, gender, age, operation technique (intra vs extravesical) were not significant predictors of complications. In the multivariate analysis refractory voiding dysfunction, a tailoring-tapering and folding procedure, obstructing megaureters (diameter of >9 mm) and a duplex system were statistically significant predictors of complications. CONCLUSION: Ureteric re-implantation remains a valid option for the treatment of certain patients with VUR. Refractory voiding dysfunction, a tailoring-tapering and folding procedure, obstructing megaureters (diameter of >9 mm) and associated duplex systems were the main predictive factors for postoperative complications. Use of a standardised complication grading system, such as the MCCS, should be encouraged to allow the valid comparison of complication rates between series.

Is Triple D Score Effective to Predict the Stone-Free Rate After Shockwave Lithotripsy in Pediatric Population?

Introduction: Triple D score was developed using skin-to-stone distance (SSD), stone density (SD), and stone volume (SV) for prediction of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) outcomes in adults. SWL is the first-line treatment method for kidney stones <2 cm in children, however, it was not validated in the pediatric population. This article aims to validate Triple D score in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: Of the 269 children treated with SWL between 2007 and 2021, a total of 147 children who had adequate follow-up data and evaluated with noncontrast CT before SWL were included in the study. Parameters were calculated for each of the SV, SSD, and SD variables. Receiver operator characteristic analysis was used to set cutoff values. Triple D scores were calculated, and success rates were determined for each score. Stone-free status was determined as complete clearance after 3 months of final SWL. Results: The median age of the study group was 7 years (range 1-16). Ninety-three of the 147 (63%) children had stone-free status. Mean SV, SSD, and SD values were significantly higher in the SWL-failed group than in the stone-free group after detecting cutoff values of 155 mm3, 6.5 cm, and 550 HU, respectively. Stone-free rates were detected as 23.8%, 35.1%, 74.0%, and 92.0% with the Triple D scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3 points. Conclusions: Our study confirms that Triple D scores support the SWL outcomes in the pediatric population. We believe that our research on Triple D score validation in children is of great clinical importance although various factors may affect to predict the success of SWL. IRB Approval: 2021/514/194/14.

Does previous endoscopic subureteric injection (STING) effect the outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation surgery (RALUR) in children?

BACKGROUND: There is lack of evidence on the success of robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (RALUR) for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) who had prior intervention. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of previous unsuccessful STING on the outcomes of RALUR in children. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 67 children treated with RALUR by a single surgeon for the treatment of VUR were scanned between February 2018 and April 2022. Two patients were excluded from the final data analysis due to the presence of a megaureter. Patients were divided into two groups: those with a history of STING (Group A - n:14) and those without STING (Group B - n:51). Patient characteristics, previous numbers of injections, console time, total operative time, perioperative and postoperative complications and clinical success data were collected. Clavien Dindo and Satava complication scales were used as the standard record of peri and postoperative complications. Radiographic success was defined as absence of reflux detected on postoperative voiding cystourethrography, whereas clinical success was defined as the absence of a febrile urinary tract infection during the follow-up. Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests and Fisher exact test were used where appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 36 (55.3%) female versus 29 (44.6%) male patients were operated for 96 refluxive ureters. Nearly half of the patients were with bilateral VUR (n = 31). The mean follow-up was 20.2 ± 15.4 months. The median age of patients was 59 ± 31 (range: 28-132 months) versus 46 ± 33.1 (range: 7-206 months) for groups A and B respectively (p = 0.22). Gender, age, peri- and postoperative complication rates, and clinical success were comparable between the two groups. The median operative time and the console time was significantly higher in children with history of STING (op time: 142.5 ± 27.4 versus 120 ± 24.9 min (p = 0.008), console time: 117.5 ± 28.2 versus 100 ± 24.5 min (p = 0.011) for groups A and B, respectively. A total of six complications (9.2%) occurred with none of them were greater than Clavien grade 3b. The overall clinical success rate was 97%, with 2 cases of clinical failure. In both cases, VCUG demonstrated absence of VUR. DISCUSSION: The outcomes of our study provided that RALUR is effective with more than 95% success rates despite failed endoscopic injection procedures. CONCLUSION: The previous history of STING neither changes the success nor the complication rates of RALUR. However, this can lead to more challenging surgery by increasing the total operative times.

Hypospadias and the Use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire to Evaluate Neurodevelopmental Status of Boys with Hypospadias.

INTRODUCTION: Placental insufficiency is one of the reasons for the reduction of hormone production. Thus, if one of the suspected causes of hypospadias is placental insufficiency, then the neurodevelopmental status of boys with hypospadias may be impaired. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neurodevelopmental status of boys with hypospadias and guide the parents of those who need support to related departments for early intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Boys were divided into two groups, those with hypospadias (group H) and healthy children undergoing traditional circumcision (group C). The parents of the boys completed the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and ASQ-Social Emotional (SE), both of which are screening instruments for the early identification of developmental and social-emotional problems, respectively. RESULTS: Seventy-eight boys had hypospadias and 59 were admitted for traditional circumcision. The group H had statistically significant more impaired scores than group C in communication, gross motor, and personal-social skill sections. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that hypospadias was the independent predictive factor for communication and personal-social skills. CONCLUSION: Hypospadias and neurologic impairment may share common etiologic factors. Accordingly, physicians should keep in mind that if a boy presents with hypospadias, the possibility of having neurologic impairment is higher than normal population and early intervention has crucial importance. Every boy with hypospadias should be evaluated for neurodevelopmental status.

An unusual cause of infantile gynecomastia: sertoli cell tumor.

Prepubertal testicular masses are relatively rare. Sertoli cell tumors account for 2% of prepubertal testicular tumors and very few have occurred in the first decade of life. Gynecomastia can be seen in approximately 5% of patients with testicular mass. We present an 8-month-old boy admitted with bilateral gynecomastia and unilateral testicular mass.

Abnormal DMSA renal scan findings and associated factors in older children with vesicoureteral reflux.

AIM: There are scanty data on the rate of abnormal Tc-99 m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scintigraphy and associated factors in children older than 5 years with diagnosis of VUR. We do not have knowledge about which older children should undergo DMSA after VUR diagnosis. This study aims to assess the rate of abnormal DMSA findings and associated factors in children older than 5 years of age diagnosed with VUR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 258 children with VUR diagnosed at or older than 5 year age. 179 children [42 (23.5%) males and 137 (76.5%) females] with complete data were included. 268 reflux units were compared according to gender, bilaterality, grade, reflux phase at voiding cystourethrography, febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI), lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD), and DMSA findings with uni- and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The median age was 110 (60-216) months. VUR grades were I, II, and III in 197 (73.6%) units and IV-V in 71 (26.4%). 138 (51.5%) renal units had abnormal DMSA. VUR grade (p < 0.01), unilaterality (p = 0.048), and fUTI (p = 0.031) in univariate but only grade and unilaterality in multivariate analysis are significantly associated with abnormal DMSA. Although reflux at filling phase was predominant in high-grade VUR group, reflux at voiding phase (p = 0.006) in low-medium-grade (1-3) VUR was associated with abnormal DMSA. CONCLUSION: Children older than 5 years of age diagnosed with VUR should be regarded as a high-risk group for abnormal DMSA regardless of gender, unilaterality, grade, reflux phase, fUTI, and LUTD.

Concealed Penis after Circumcision: Is It Beneficial in Lowering Uropathogenic Colonization in Penile Skin and Preventing Recurrence of Febrile Urinary Tract Infections?

PURPOSE: To  discuss  whether  concealed  penis  after  circumcision  lowers  perimeatal  urethral  and  glanular  sulcus  uropathogenic  bacterial  colonization  in  healthy  boys  with  no  urinary  tract  problems  and  prevents  attacks  of  febrile  urinary  tract  infections  in  non-healthy  boys  with  defined  urinary  tract  abnormalities.  Materials and Methods:  This  case-control  study  was  conducted  in  Ibn-i  Sina  Hospital  and  retrospectively  collected  data  of   471 boys  were  analyzed.  All  patients  were  scanned  for  any  urinary  tract  abnormality  and  those  with  any  defined  abnormalities  were  classified  as  non-healthy  group. (123 patients)  Non-healthy  patients  were  divided  into  two  subgroups  as  concealed  (n:31)  and  non-concealed  (n:92)  penis  after  circumcision.  Healthy  patients  with  no  urinary  problems  were  divided  into  three  groups  as  circumcised  without  concealed  penis  (n:144),  with  concealed  penis  after  circumcision  (n:104)  and  uncircumcised  control  group  (n:100).  Bacterial  cultures  were  obtained  from  both  periurethral  meatal  and  glanular  sulcus  areas  by  adhering  strictly  to  the  rules  of  obtaining  bacterial  culture  to  avoid  false-positive  or  negative  culture  results.  Also  only  uropathogenic  bacterias  were  evaluated,  irrelevant  results  were  excluded.     Results:  Mean  age  was  similar  in  healthy  population.  Comparison  of  three  groups  showed  that  there  was  a  significant  difference  in  both  cultures.(P = .026 for periurethral meatal region, P = .039 for glanular sulcus region)  In  post  hoc  analysis,  non-concealed  group  had  a  lower  rate  of  culture  positivity  in  both  areas  compared  to  other  groups.    Mean  age  was  also  similar  in  non-healthy  population.  Mean  follow-up  period  was  18.2  months.  Patients  with  concealed  penis  after  circumcision  had  a  significantly  higher  number  of  febrile  UTI  attacks  (20 attacks in 8 patients vs 7 attacks in 5 patients)  compared  to  non-concealed  group. (P = .019)  All  febrile  UTI  attacks  except  one  in  this  group  occurred  below  the  age  of  12  months. A  total  of  10 patients  in  both  healthy  and  non-healthy  groups  had  postoperative  hemorrhage  after  circumcision  and  only  1  patient  had  a  wound  infection.          Conclusion:  Concealed  penis  after  circumcision  does  not  lower  perimeatal  urethral  and  glanular  sulcus  uropathogenic  bacterial  colonization  in  healthy  patients  and does not  protect  unhealthy  patients  from  febrile  urinary  tract  infection  attacks.  If  circumcision  is  planned,  concealed  penis  should  be  avoided  and  also  parents  should  be  informed  about  the  possible  risks  due  to  concealed  penis  before  the  procedure,  particularly  in  patients  with  urinary  tract  abnormalities.

Could urinary nerve growth factor and bladder wall thickness predict the treatment outcome of children with overactive bladder?

ABSTRACT Objective: Bladder wall thickness (BWTh) measurements and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) /creatinine (Cr) values, as noninvasive tools, were found to predict daytime voiding problems in children with overactive bladder (OAB). The goal of this research was to examine if bladder wall thickness together with urine NGF/Cr could be a clinical utility in treatment outcome of OAB in children. Patients and Methods: A total of 60 children with OAB, (Group 1; n=40) and healthy normal controls (Group 2; n=20), aged 6-14 years old were involved in this prospective study. Children were evaluated with detailed history and physical examination, including neurologic examination, and were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire and a 3-day bladder diary with the aid of their parents. Uroflowmetry was performed in all cases. Urinary nerve growth factor levels were measured by the ELISA and BWTh was measured trans-abdominally by one uro-radiologist specialized in pediatric ultrasonography. Urinary NGF levels were normalized by urinary creatinine levels and compared among all subgroups. Children with OAB received urotherapy as first line treatment at least for three months. 18 children refractory to urotherapy received anticholinergic therapy defined as group 3. Results: The median age of the study group was 10 (range 6 to 16). After urotherapy, 22 children had similar BWTh and NGF/Cr values compared to controls. (2.75 ± 1.15; 2.40 ± 1.00 mm; p=0.86 and 1.02 ± 0.10; 0.78 ± 0.15; p=0.12, respectively). After anticholinergic treatment, BWTh levels (2.25 ± 0.90; 2.40 ± 1.00 mm; p=0.94) and NGF/Cr values (0.95 ± 0.10; 0.78 ± 0.15; p=0.42, respectively) had no significantly difference compared to controls (Group 2). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, bladder wall thickness was found to have sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 84.2% (3,20 AUC, 913; 95 %) and NGF/Cr had sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 92.1% (1,595; AUC, 947; 95 %) in predicting treatment outcome in children with OAB. Conclusions: Bladder wall thickness measurements and NGF/Cr values, as noninvasive tools, could guide outcomes in the treatment of children with overactive bladder.

Hormone therapy in hypospadias surgery: a survey on the current practice in Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Nowadays surgical intervention is possible in smaller phalluses and younger children with hypospadias disease. Different hormone treatments with different doses, modalities, indications, and treatment times come along with some disputes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the management approaches in hypospadias surgery of surgeons in regards to hormone preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaires were sent via e-mail to 110 actively working pediatric surgeons and urologists. The answers of 99 surgeons were evaluated (90%). Two surgeons declared that they did not perform hypospadias surgery. RESULTS: When testosterone usage in penile surgery was questioned, 44.4% of participants (n = 44) answered positively. Small-short penis glans, narrow urethral plate, chordee, disorders of sexual development, buccal mucosa-graft operations, slight tissue, and defective ventral skin were the indications for usage. Forty of forty-four surgeons stated usage in proximal hypospadias, 18 of them in penile hypospadias, and 15 of them in distal hypospadias. The most common form was dihydrotestosterone (62%). According to the respondents, fistulas (83%), infections (78%), and wound dehiscence (77%) were reduced. Fifty-six percent of the surgeons stated that bleeding was increased and 39% stated easier dissection. CONCLUSION: As a result of this questionnaire we can understand that there is no standard usage of testosterone in Turkey. Optimal points of usage can be introduced by increasing prospective randomized trials and education programs can ensure similar effective usage.

Preoperative Risk Factors Predicting Complication Rates of Augmentation Cystoplasty Using the Modified Clavien Classification System in Pediatric Population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate preoperative predictive factors for postoperative complications of augmentation cystoplasty in children by using the modified Clavien classification system (MCCS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records between 1994 and 2014 identified 117 children (64 males and 53 females) who underwent augmentation cystoplasty. Complications were evaluated according to the MCCS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine predictive factors affecting complication rates. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 9.3 (1.9) years and the mean (SD) hospitalization time was 9.7 (3.6) days. Patients with an adverse or unexpected event within 30 days of surgery were identified. Complications occurred in 29 (24.7%) children; 13 (11.1%) were MCCS grade I, 8 (5.1%) were grade II, 5 (4.2%) were grade III, and 3 (2.5%) were grade IV. Antireflux surgery, outlet resistance increasing procedures, Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) grades 3-4 hydronephrosis, posterior urethral valves, scoliosis, and serum creatinine greater than 1.0 mg/dL were statistically significant predictors of complications on univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, SFU grades 3-4 hydronephrosis, bladder neck reconstruction, and serum creatinine greater than 1.0 mg/dL were statistically significant independent predictors of complications. CONCLUSION: Augmentation cystoplasty remains a valid method of treating severe bladder dysfunction in children. SFU grades 3-4 hydronephrosis, outlet resistance increasing procedures, and serum creatinine greater than 1.0 mg/dL were the main predictive factors for postoperative complications. Use of a standardized complication grading system, such as the MCCS, should be encouraged to allow the valid comparison of complication rates between series.