A prospective randomized controlled trial measuring satisfaction and parents stress after Gomco and Plastibell infant circumcision.

PURPOSE: To compare the physician and parental satisfactions between the two types of circumcision maneuvers used in our units, Gomco and Plastibell circumcision. METHODOLOGY: This study was performed from 2019 to 2021. A total of 190 children were circumcised either by Gomco or Plastibell procedure. Each child was evaluated during the procedure, immediately after the operation, and 1, 2, and 3 weeks after the procedure. Data were collected, statistically analyzed using SPSS version 25. RESULTS: A total of 190 children underwent circumcision from 2019 to 2021. Of the total 190, 98 children (51.6%) underwent circumcision by Gomco, while 92 (48.4%) underwent circumcision by Plastibell. Bleeding was significantly higher in Plastibell method, while excess skin was significantly higher in Gomco method (p value 0.048). Physician evaluation results show no significant difference between both methods in late physician evaluation. 23/92 (28%) of parents were not satisfied after Plastibell circumcision, compared to 8/98 (8.2%) of parents who were not satisfied with the results of Gomco circumcision (p value 0.002). CONCLUSION: Gomco needs a longer operative time, and Plastibell circumcision is less preferable by parents. There is no significant difference in physician satisfaction between the two procedures, but parents are less satisfied with Plastibell circumcision.

Separation of the glanular part of the urethral plate, mobilization of the distal part of the neourethra, and creation of the glanular groove: a new modification of second-stage Thiersch-Duplay urethroplasty in proximal hypospadias repair.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of separation of the glanular part of the urethral plate from the underlying glans penis with creation of a glanular groove for free accommodation of the neourethra as a new modification of Thiersch-Duplay urethroplasty in proximal hypospadias repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and January 2022, 35 patients with proximal hypospadias underwent a modified Thiersch-Duplay two-stage procedure. The glanular portion of the urethral plate was either separated from the underlying glanular tissue or discarded if found scared with mobilization of the distal portion of the neourethra to reach the tip of the glans penis. In all patients, a few millimeter of glanular tissue is excised to create a glanular groove in which the neourethra is embedded freely. RESULTS: 35 patients were involved in this study. The patient's age at the time of operation ranged from 18 months to 10 years (median 3.7 years). The mean follow-up period was 15.7 months (ranging from 12 to 18 months). Two patients developed urethrocutaneous fistula; while, none of the patients had meatal stenosis, urethral stricture, or meatal retraction. All patients have a slit-like meatus at the tip of the penis and a good cosmetic conical shape glans appearance. CONCLUSION: We believe that in Thiersch-Duplay urethroplasty, separation of the urethral plat from the underlying glanular tissue and creation of good glandular groove to accommodate the neourethra is associated with adequate glanular closure and minimization of post-operative meatal stenosis, glanular dehiscence, and meatal retraction.

Evaluating the construct validity of UroLift simulator through a virtual learning experience of urology residents.

Introduction: Simulations are useful and can mirror the situations needed for skills development. They can have significant impacts on patient safety and help physicians gain proficiency in complex procedures with a short learning curve. They have been validated as an assessment tool and can utilize innovative machines or platforms. Here, we evaluate the construct validity and the performance of residents with different levels using UroLift (NeoTract) simulation. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Two groups of trainees were distributed according to their training level: junior residents and senior residents. Each had to finish three cases of varying difficulties. The data were first tested with the Shapiro-Wilk normality test. Construct validity used an independent sample t-test; P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Significant differences were seen in performance among junior residents and senior residents in the following skills: proximal centering, mucosal abrasion, and implants in proximal zones. However, insignificant results were seen for number of deployments, successful deployments, lateral suture centering, and implants in the distal zones. Conclusion: UroLift simulations are useful for training as a practicing tool. Nevertheless, objective performance evaluation using UroLift simulations requires further steps and frameworks as a source of validity before further result interpretation.

Validity of the Rezum Simulator for Trainees.

Background: Simulations have revolutionized surgical training and are an invaluable adjunct tool for augmenting the proficiency of surgeon and patient safety. Before being included in a practical assessment process, simulators need to be using various validity inference frameworks. Objective: We examine the construct validity and reliability of the Rezum simulator. Methods: Seventeen candidates of different professions voluntarily participated in the Rezum simulation workshop. The simulator provides a variety of variable metrics and challenges. Each candidate performed three cases of different difficulty levels with three trials of each case. Validity was measured statistically through a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Additional reliability tests were provided, including intraclass correlation coefficients, a Cronbach test (0.7 is considered acceptable), and standard error of measurement. Results: The ANOVA of total scores among candidates was significant (p = 0.029). Senior registrars and consultants had the highest total scores. Procedure times did not differ significantly among candidates (p = 0.169). The reliability test for the total score was 0.899 (0.831-0.942), with a standard error value of 2.75, a standard deviation of 8.67, and a Cronbach alpha value of 0.915. Conclusion: We confer the primer evidence of Rezum simulation as a valid, reliable simulator of most of its metrics.

Pediatric urology surgical practice in the time of COVID-19: Results from tertiary Saudi Arabia hospitals.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on pediatric urology practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS: Data of 10 tertiary hospitals in KSA were retrospectively analyzed. Data of outpatient department (OPD) visits and pediatric urology surgical procedures from January 1, 2019, to April 30, 2019, and from January 1, 2020, to April 30, 2020, were extracted. The primary outcome was to compare OPD visits and pediatric urology workload in the first third of 2020 versus 2019, where there was no curfew. The secondary outcome was to compare the same variables during the full curfew time, i.e., April 2020 versus April 2019. RESULTS: The number of OPD visits was lower in the first third of 2020 (7390 vs. 10,379 in 2019 P < 0.001). OPD visits in April 2020 were 78.6% lower than in April 2019, and teleclinics represented 850 (94.3%). Elective procedures in the first third of 2020 were 688, with a reduction rate of 34.3% compared to the same period of 2019 (P < 0.001). In April 2020, there were 18 elective surgeries, with a 91.4% decrease than in April 2019. Ureteric reimplantation, hypospadias, cryptorchidism, and circumcision stopped, while pyeloplasty (n = 14) and urolithiasis (n = 4) procedures had declined by 50% and 76.5%, respectively. Most of the procedures (71.8%) were day surgery. Emergency procedures were similar in the first third of 2020 (65 vs. 64 in 2019, P = 0.994) and declined in April 2020 by 6.7% versus April 2019. During the full curfew, the most common emergency intervention were cases with obstructive uropathy (42.8%), followed by torsion testis (28.6%), posterior urethral valve (14.3%), and urological trauma (14.3%). CONCLUSIONS: In KSA, the number of elective pediatric surgical procedures were reduced by >90%, while the number of emergency pediatric surgical procdures were similar during COVID-19 pandemic compared with non-COVID-19 time. Ureteric reimplantation, hypospadias repair, cryptorchidism, and circumcision procedures were postponed. Pyeloplasty and urolithiasis-related procedures were performed to prevent irreversible disease progression or organ damage. There was an increase in rate of teleclinic and day surgery to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection.

Impact of COVID-19 on endourology surgical practice in Saudi Arabia: A national multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the impact of COVID-19 on endourology surgical practice in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective study of seven tertiary hospitals from January 2019 to April 2019, and from January 2020 to April 2020 was performed. Records of urology outpatient department (OPD) visits and endourology procedures in the first third of 2020 were analyzed and compared with those in the first third of 2019, as well as, during the full curfew time, i.e. April 2020 versus April 2019. RESULTS: Number of OPD visits in the first third of 2020 and 2019 were 19 499 and 26 594, respectively (p<0.001). Number of OPD visits in April 2020 was 1512, with a 78.6% decrease compared to that in April 2019, and among them 1373 (90.8%) were teleclinics. Number of elective procedures in the first third of 2020 has decreased by 34.3% (from 3025 to 1988) compared to that in the first third of 2019 (p<0.001). There were 120 elective procedures in April 2020, 84.1% lower than that in April 2019. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, shockwave lithotripsy, and transurethral resection of prostate procedures declined by 94.2%, 98.5%, and 93.8%, respectively. Most procedures were performed as day surgery (85.0%). Number of emergency procedures in 2020 have fallen by 9.3% compared to 2019 (p=0.286). Urolithiasis was the commonest pathology (52.6%) presented to the emergency room (52.6%). CONCLUSION: During COVID-19 pandemic, urology services slashed by >75%, including OPD visits and elective endourology procedures. Most hospitals have changed their strategic preventive measures by increasing the rate of teleclinics and day surgeries.

A Rare Presentation of Lisegang Rings in Adrenal Cavernous Hemangioma : Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Adrenal cavernous hemangiomas (AH) are benign nonfunctional vascular tumors rarely discovered as incidental findings on imaging studies or autopsies. This study presents a single case report of AH with another rare finding of the Liesegang ring. Also, we reviewed 73 case reports of cavernous adrenal hemangioma to provide an overview of AH's clinical characteristics. Case Report. A nonfunctional AH was incidentally discovered in a 59-year-old morbidly obese female patient with a 10-year history of hypertension and thyroidectomy. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a left suprarenal mass of ∼16 cm in diameter. While the patient had no clinical manifestations from the hemangioma, all laboratory tests were within the normal values with no indication of a functional adrenal tumor. The mass was removed by open left adrenalectomy. The microscopic histological examination revealed a laminated structure with wide blood-filled spaces with a central core of necrotic and hemorrhagic changes, characteristic of a cavernous AH with the presence of a rare Liesegang ring. CONCLUSION: Although rare, AH should be considered as a differential diagnosis for adrenal masses. This is the first reported case of a cavernous AH with rare microscopic findings of the Liesegang ring.

A Rare Case of Pyonephrosis in an Infant Induced by Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Pyonephrosis is a rare condition in both adult and pediatric population. Here, the author presents a rare case of pyonephrosis induced by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a 12-month-old girl presenting with a picture of urosepsis. The patient presented with febrile urinary tract infection and was unresponsive to intravenous meropenem. Physical examination revealed huge, firm and irregular right renal swelling. Ultrasound and computed tomography imaging revealed severely hydronephrotic right kidney, and laboratory investigations showed elevated C-reactive protein level (22.9 mg/dl). Emergency percutaneous nephrostomy tube was inserted, pus was drained (20 ml) and intravenous vancomycin and amikacin were started. Her general condition improved, and urine culture was negative. Functional assessment with dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan revealed that the split renal function was 5% on the right and 95% on the left side, and the bladder outline was smooth with no reflux in voiding cystourethrogram. A right nephrectomy was done a week later using the anterior subcostal approach. The postoperative course was smooth. Histopathological examination was diagnostic for xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. No adverse events were reported in the follow-up over 12 months. It can be concluded that a high degree of suspicion, rapid initiation of appropriate antibiotics and drainage of pus are crucial in the management of pyonephrosis.

Management of hypospadias in Saudi Arabia: A national survey.

INTRODUCTION: Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital anomalies of the penis. Different methods of hypospadias management are described in the literature. We try in this study to evaluate the national trends and to compare them with international practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multiple choice survey was distributed among a sample of national practitioners using a weblink between September and December 2017. It included questions about participants demographics, number of cases operated on per year, perioperative care and preferences, long-term follow-up, and complications. Data were analyzed and compared with international practices. RESULTS: Results of 47 practitioners were evaluated and analyzed in this study. The majority of the participants were pediatric urologists (48.9%) and from the central province (44.7%). Most of the participants prefer to operate on patients between the ages of 1 and 2 years (48.9%) and operate at ≥20 cases per year (76.6%). Tubularized incised plate (TIP) is the preferred technique for distal penile hypospadias repair whereas staged repair is preferred for proximal cases. All participants use a form of a second layer and a stent for their repairs. The majority reported an overall complication rate of ≤10% for distal penile hypospadias (76.1%) and >10% for proximal penile cases (59.6%). CONCLUSION: This study helped us identify national trends in hypospadias management, which were comparable to the international trends. TIP repair is the preferred technique for distal penile hypospadias repair whereas staged repair is preferred for more complex proximal variants. Although data in this study come from reports of personal experience, it can serve as a backbone for the future prospective studies on this topic.

Age at presentation of undescended testicles: a single-center study in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The undescended testis (UDT) is the most common genital anomaly encountered in pediatrics with an estimated incidence of 1% to 4% in full-term and 1% to 45% in preterm newborn boys. Over the years, studies on progressive histological deterioration and cancer risk has led to a change in recommendations for when orchidopexy should be done. OBJECTIVES: Determine age at presentation of patients for UDT to a specialist in Saudi Arabia, age of operation and whether the recommended targeted time frame has been met. DESIGN: Descriptive retrospective medical record review. SETTINGS: University hospital setting in urban location. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The records of patients presenting to our center with UDT between the years 1996-2015 were reviewed for data on the age at presentation and age of operation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age at time of evaluation and at time of surgical intervention compared with the international standard. SAMPLE SIZE: 331 cases. RESULTS: Out of the cases included, 195 met the inclusion criteria. The median age of presentation was 13.7 (range: 0-123.2) months. The median age at time of orchiopexy was 25 (range: 7.5-130.2) months. The median waiting time for elective surgery was 4.8 months ( less than 1 day to 49.4 months). CONCLUSION: Despite the international recommendation of carrying out orchidopexy between the ages of 6-12 months, the targeted recommended time frame is not met in Saudi Arabia. This is mainly related to late referral age and the long waiting time for elective surgery. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and retrospective design. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Total endoscopic and anal irrigation management approach to noncompliant neuropathic bladder and bowel in children: A long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and durability of combined intradetrusor botulinum-A toxin (BTX-A), endoscopic treatment of vesicouerteral reflux and anal irrigation for stool incontinence (SI) via a total endoscopic and anal irrigation management (TEAM®) approach in patients with myelomeningocele and neuropathic bladder and bowel who did not respond to conservative measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen myelomeningocele patients with at least 3 years follow-up were included in the study. All patients have urinary and SI not responded to conservative management. All patients received a cystoscopic intradetrusor injection of 12 U/kg (maximum 300 U) BTX-A. There was vesicoureteral reflux in 22 ureters, and a Deflux® injection was completed during the same procedure. SI was managed using trans-anal irrigation, either with a fleet enema or Peristeen® system regularly. RESULTS: After at least 3 years of follow-up, mean maximum bladder capacity increased significantly from 78 ± 36 ml to 200 ± 76 ml (P < 0.0001) and the maximum detrusor pressure decreased from 56 ± 12 cm H2O to 29 ± 7 cm H2O (P < 0.001). Twenty-one refluxing ureters (95%) showed complete resolution and one persisted. Ten patients (72%) achieved complete dryness between catheterizations. Four patients (28%) went for augmentation cystoplasty, due to progressive hydronephrosis and/or persistent urinary incontinence. Thirteen patients achieved complete stool continence. CONCLUSIONS: Over long-term follow-up, major reconstruction surgery can be avoidable or delayable; the TEAM® approach is a minimally invasive, safe, simple, and effective way to achieve upper urinary tract protection and provide urinary and stool continence.

Long-term functional outcomes after bladder exstrophy repair: A single, low-volume centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we present our experience managing bladder exstrophy (BE) in a low-volume centre over 24 years. METHODS: Charts of patients with BE between 1990 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with BE closure and ≥5 years followup were included. BE closure was carried out in the first two days of life using either complete primary repair (CPRE) or modern-staged repair (MSRE). Daytime urinary continence (UC) was evaluated by the age of five years. Patients were considered continent if completely dry for ≥3 hours using no or one pad/day. Incontinent patients with bladder capacity (BC) ≥100 ml underwent bladder neck reconstruction (BNR) and bilateral ureteric reimplantation (BUR), while patients with BC <100ml underwent simultaneous augmentation cystoplasty (ACP). RESULTS: Sixteen (16) patients met our inclusion criteria with a mean followup time of 18±5 years. Ten (10) underwent CPRE, while six underwent MSRE. Four surgeons were involved in patients' management. Two surgeons had previous experience in BE surgery while working in other institutions. Complications included dehiscence in five patients, vesicocutanous fistula in three and breakthrough UTI in eight. Continence was achieved in 15/16 patients: two after BE closure only, seven with BNR, and six who required ACP and BNR. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small number of patients and the reterospective nature of the study, some observations are noteworthy. Although continence rate post-primary BE closure was initially low, it rose to 93.8% after auxiliary continence procedures. This might be at the cost of urethral voiding, which was achieved in 60% of patients. Our small cohort did not show clear advantage of CPRE vs. MSRE. Our outcomes may not be different from high-volume centres due to the fact that two exstrophy-experienced surgeons performed most primary or subsequent surgeries. For this reason, we recommend assigning designated centres for BE repair for both new and repeat cases.

Comprehensive analysis of the clinical and urodynamic outcomes of secondary tethered spinal cord before and after spinal cord untethering.

OBJECTIVE: Secondary tethering of the spinal cord (TSC) occurs in 3-30% of patients with history of spinal cord dysraphism repair. As many patients with spinal cord dysraphism already have symptoms, it might be difficult to diagnose secondary TSC. Regular clinical/urodynamic (UDS) evaluation is therefore advised to pick-up changes early before they progress. This study aimed at presenting clinical/UDS outcomes for patients with secondary TSC who underwent spinal cord untethering (SCU). STUDY DESIGN: Charts of patients with secondary TSC between 1998 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who underwent pre/post SCU clinical/UDS evaluation were included. All patients were followed-up for a minimum of 5 years for proper clinical outcomes assessment. Urologic, neuro-orthopedic, and UDS outcomes were collected and studied. Continence status was assessed in children aged ≥5 years. Patients were considered continent if they were dry for ≥4 h or socially continent if they stayed dry most of the day using maximum 1-2 pads/day. Categorical data were compared using the Fisher-Exact test and continuous variables were compared using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients met our inclusion criteria. The median age at time of SCU was 8.8 (range 2.3-16.2) years. The median age at time of UDS follow-up after SCU was 8.8 (range 2.9-17) years. The median follow-up time was 5 (range 5-13.4) years. Urological symptoms were reported in 56.5% of patients before SCU and improved in 61.5% post SCU. Neuro-orthopedic symptoms were reported in 87% of patients before SCU and improved in 65% post SCU. Continence was achieved in 73.9% of the entire cohort on long-term follow-up, while 26.1% had socially acceptable continence. UDS outcomes are summarized in the Table. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with secondary TSC are expected to have progression of their symptoms over time if not untethered. From here comes the importance of closely performing clinical/UDS evaluation to pick-up changes early before they progress. Surprisingly, clinical outcomes after SCU with detailed description of the auxiliary management are sparse in the literature. Most studies focus on UDS outcomes. We provided in the current study a detailed discussion of the clinical outcomes, auxiliary-managements used to achieve continence, and the UDS outcomes. Careful periodic clinical/UDS evaluation is recommended for early pick-up of changes suggestive of TSC. SCU could improve existing symptoms, and prevent worsening or development of new symptoms. UDS parameters that showed most improvement were intravesical pressure at TCBC and bladder compliance.

Minimally invasive surgical approach to treat posterior urethral diverticulum.

Urethral diverticulum is a localized saccular or fusiform out-pouching of the urethra. It may occur at any point along the urethra in both male and females. Male urethral diverticulum is rare, and could be either congenital or acquired, anterior or posterior. The mainstay treatment of posterior urethral diverticulum (PUD) is the open surgical approach. Here we discuss our minimally invasive surgical approach (MIS) in managing posterior urethral diverticulum.

Outcomes of a minimally invasive surgical approach to manage persistent high-grade vesicoureteric reflux post successful augmentation cystoplasty of patients with non-compliant bladder.

INTRODUCTION: Secondary vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) is a common problem associated with non-compliant bladders. Management of this disorder is debatable in literature. Many authors reported high resolution rate of VUR with augmentation cystoplasty (ACP) alone. Others showed significant residual VUR after ACP and recommend ureteric re-implantation (UR) at time of augmentation. OBJECTIVE: Studying efficacy of endoscopic correction of persistent high-grade VUR (ECVUR) post successful ACP. DESIGN: Patients with non-compliant bladders and high-grade VUR are enrolled in the program of our institute, where they are initially managed conservatively. Those not responding are managed endoscopically using intravesical botulinum toxin A and ECVUR. Patients who are not candidates or failed this approach undergo ACP without UR. A total of 82 patients with non-compliant bladder underwent ACP between 2001 and 2011. Of those, 24 patients had high-grade VUR with 44 refluxing units (RU), 20 bilateral and 4 unilateral. The mean age at intervention was 7.62 years with a mean follow-up of 5.6 years. Patients with persistent high-grade VUR and recurrent breakthrough febrile UTI despite antibiotic prophylaxis following ACP were identified and enrolled in our prospective trial of interval ECVUR. Statistical analyses was performed to identify predictors of high-grade VUR resolution after ACP and ECVUR. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant (Table 1). RESULTS: Of the 24 patients, 17 underwent ileocystoplasty and 7 underwent ureterocystoplasty. One of the patients that underwent ileocystoplasty found to have a blind ending RU that was excised. Of the 36 remaining RU, 21/36 (58.3%) showed complete resolution in the first follow-up cystogram, and 1 showed complete resolution after 1 year. Two patients, each with single RU, received repeat ACP because of poor compliance and/or inadequate bladder capacity post ureterocystoplasty and showed complete resolution of reflux post-operatively, which increased the resolution rate post ACP to 66.6% (24/36) (Table 2). Of the remaining 12 RU in 7 patients, 10 underwent trial of ECVUR. VUR resolved in 8 RU after the first trial and in another 2 after the second trial (Table 3). Parents of 1 patient with the remaining 2 RU preferred to continue with conservative management (Table 2). DISCUSSION: VUR in patients with non-compliant bladder is usually secondary to high detrusor pressure, low compliance and small capacity. Whereas some investigators showed high resolution rate of VUR post augmentation without UR, claiming that by successfully augmenting the bladder, compliance will increase, detrusor pressure will decrease, and as a result, VUR will spontaneously resolve. Others showed high incidence of persistent VUR (47-57%) and recommend UR at time of ACP. In our study, the incidence of spontaneous resolution was 66.6% (24/36). In cases where VUR persists, ECVUR was performed. With this approach, VUR resolution increased to 94% (34/36). This study is limited by the small number of patients, lack of randomization and lack of comparison group in which patients undergo ACP with UR. CONCLUSION: ACP without UR with interval endoscopic management seems to be an effective and adequate treatment for high pressure, non-compliant bladder as well as high-grade VUR when conservative management fails.