Early Post-Operative Events After Urethroplasty in Obese Patients: A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Series.

OBJECTIVE: To compare early urethroplasty outcomes in non-obese, obese and morbidly obese patients undergoing urethroplasty for urethral stricture disease. The impact of obesity on outcomes is poorly understood but will be increasingly important as obesity continues to rise. METHODS: Patients underwent urethroplasty at one of the 5 institutions between January 2016 and December 2020. Obese (BMI 30-39.9, n = 72) and morbidly obese (BMI >40, n = 49) patients were compared to normal weight (BMI <25, n = 29) and overweight (BMI 25-29.9, n = 51) patients. Demographics, comorbidities, and stricture characteristics were collected. Outcomes including complications, recurrence, and secondary interventions were compared using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and one patients (Mean BMI 34.1, Range 18.4-65.2) with mean age 52.2 years (SD=17.2) were analyzed. Median follow-up time was 3.71 months. Obese patients were younger (P = .008), had more anterior (P <.001), iatrogenic and LS-associated strictures (P = .036). Sixty-day complication rate was 26.3% with no differences between cohorts (P = .788). Around 9.5% of patients had extravasation at catheter removal, 18.9% reported stricture recurrence, and 7.4% required additional interventions. Obese patients had greater estimated blood loss (P = .001) and length of stay (P = .001). On multivariate analysis, smoking associated with contrast leak (OR 7.176, 95% CI 1.13-45.5) but not recurrence or need for intervention (P = .155, .927). CONCLUSION: Obese patients in our cohort had more anterior, iatrogenic, and LS-related strictures. However, obesity is not associated with complications, contrast leak, secondary interventions, or recurrence. Obese had higher blood loss and length of stay. Urethroplasty is safe and effective in obese patients.

PROPOSED REVISION OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR SURGERY OF TRAUMA RENAL TRAUMA ORGAN INJURY SCALE: SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF THE MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL GENITOURINARY TRAUMA STUDY.

BACKGROUND: This study updates the American Association for Surgery of Trauma (AAST) Organ Injury Scale (OIS) for renal trauma using evidence-based criteria for bleeding control intervention. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a multi-center retrospective study including patients with high grade renal trauma from 7 Level-1 trauma centers from 2013-2018. All eligible patients were assigned new renal trauma grades based on revised criteria. The primary outcome used to measure injury severity was intervention for renal bleeding. Secondary outcomes included intervention for urinary extravasation, units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused within 24 hours, and mortality. To test the revised grading system, we performed mixed effect logistic regression adjusted for multiple baseline demographic and trauma covariates. We determined the area under the receiver-operator curve (AUC) to assess accuracy of predicting bleeding interventions from the revised grading system and compared this to 2018 AAST organ injury scale. RESULTS: based on the 2018 OIS grading system, we included 549 patients with AAST Grade III-V injuries and CT scans (III: 52% (n = 284), IV: 45% (n = 249), and V: 3% (n = 16)). Among these patients, 89% experienced blunt injury (n = 491) and 12% (n = 64) underwent intervention for bleeding. After applying the revised grading criteria, 60% (n = 329) of patients were downgraded and 4% (n = 23) were upgraded; 2.8% (n = 7) downgraded from grade V to IV, and 69.5% (n = 173) downgraded from IV to III. The revised renal trauma grading system demonstrated improved predictive ability for bleeding interventions (2018 AUC = 0.805, revised AUC = 0.883; p = 0.001) and number of units of PRBCs transfused. When we removed urinary injury from the revised system, there was no difference in its predictive ability for renal hemorrhage intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A revised renal trauma grading system better delineates the need for hemostatic interventions than the current AAST OIS renal trauma grading system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Patient Characteristics Associated with Sexual Interest and Activity Among Adults with Spina Bifida.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with sexual interest and activity among adults with spina bifida and to describe the sexual profile of those who were sexually active. Sexual health of adults with spina bifida is often neglected and current knowledge on the topic is limited. METHODS: An anonymous web-based survey was advertised and administered between March 2018 and September 2018 and participants 16 years and older with spina bifida were included in this study. Respondents were asked about sexual interest, activity, and function using the validated Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sexual Function Profile. Bivariate and multivariable models with ordinal logistic regression were fitted to evaluate predictors of sexual interest and sexual function. RESULTS: Of the 261 respondents with a self-reported diagnosis of spina bifida (mean age of 38.5 years), 73.2% noted at least a little bit of interest in sexual activity. In multivariate analysis, women were less likely to report higher sexual interest than men (odds ratio (OR) = 0.53, 95% CI 0.31-0.92, P = .03) whereas those with higher physical functioning were more likely to have higher sexual interest (OR = 1.04, confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.07, P = .03). Just less than half of respondents (46.4%) were sexually active in the past 30 days, and those with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt were less likely to engage in sexual activity compared to those without (OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.19-0.68; P <.01). CONCLUSION: The mismatch between sexual interest and sexual activity highlights the importance of exploring issues related to sexual health when counseling adult patients with spina bifida.

Left Ureterocalycostomy With Ileal Interposition for Retroperitoneal Fibrosis in Patient With Erdheim-Chester Disease.

BACKGROUND: Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare progressive non-Langerhans' cell histiocytic multisystem disorder with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, including infiltrative perinephric with ureteral involvement resulting in hydronephrosis, renal atrophy, and eventual renal failure. OBJECTIVE: To present a patient with ECD with bilateral renal/ureteral involvement managed with bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy tubes (PCNT) and trametinib who underwent bilateral robotic upper tract reconstruction, the first such published report. The video demonstrates only the left-sided repair, which posed specific challenges and demonstrates reconstructive techniques useful in complex upper tract repairs with limited tissue availability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 35-year-old male initially presented with baseline creatinine of 1.62 and split renal function; 30% right and 70% left by Lasix renogram. Extra-genitourinary manifestations of disease included cardiac hypertrophy and skin ulcers/lesions. Bilateral retrograde pyeloureterography showed proximal ureteral obliteration ∼4 cm bilaterally. Multiple management options were discussed including PCNTs, but patient elected for definitive repair. He was seen by Cardiology and Anesthesia and deemed to be optimized. He held his trametinib for 1week before surgery. We demonstrate a difficult ureteral dissection with fibrotic hilum preventing separation. Simultaneous ureteroscopy identified the distal extent of stricture which was excised, leaving a ∼15 cm gap. Downward nephropexy was performed with ultrasound guidance to identify an inferior calyx. Partial nephrectomy was then performed without vascular control due to hilar fibrosis. Ileal interposition was chosen to bridge the remaining ∼8 cm gap. Proximal ileo-calyceal and distal ileo-ureteral anastomoses were performed. We then placed a 30 cm × 7 Fr double-J ureteral stent in standard fashion. The ileum was secured to the renal pelvis to maintain a straight lie and an omental flap was secured in place. RESULTS: Immediate postoperative course was complicated by partial small bowel obstruction leading to a negative exploratory laparotomy and a subsequent episode of urosepsis. The patient is now voiding well without stents or PCNTs, without infections and with improving renal function, now with GFR (glomerular filtration rate) of 62 from 43 preoperatively. With aggressive hydration, patient has had no obstruction of the distal ureter with mucus. MRI Abdomen/Pelvis 6months later showed irregularity of the calyces with stable mild hydronephrosis. The patient continues to be medically managed on trametinib for his underlying disease, with surveillance for recurrent fibrosis and obstruction which has not yet occurred. CONCLUSION: Robotic ureterolysis and ureterocalycostomy with possible bowel interposition is a reasonable option for upper tract reconstruction in select patients with ECD.

Access and Utilization of Health Care by Adults with Spina Bifida.

OBJECTIVE: To contextualize the challenges that persons with congenital genitourinary conditions (CGC) may encounter in adulthood, we examined health care access, readiness for self-management, and health care utilization of adults with spina bifida (SB). METHODS: Through surveys distributed via social media, persons with SB were asked about access and barriers to care, readiness for self-management, and health care utilization (ie, medical visits, missed visits, emergency room [ER] visits, hospital admissions) within the past year. Multivariable models were fitted to examine determinants of utilization. RESULTS: Of the 270 eligible respondents (mean age 39), 24.5% had not received care from a urologist in the past year. The odds of missing any medical visits were increased among those with more prior urologic surgeries (odds ratio (OR) 1.35, 95%confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.78) and those with ER visits for urologic condition within the past year (OR 2.65, 95%CI 1.22-6.01). Those with private insurance had lower odds of having ER visits for urologic condition (OR 0.46, 95%CI 0.22-0.84). The odds of hospital admission related to urologic condition were increased among female (OR 2.35, 95%CI 1.01-6.64), those with more prior urologic surgeries (OR 1.18, 95%CI 1.09-1.51), and those with a urologist (OR 2.98, 95%CI 1.15-14.47). CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of adults with CGC lack routine urologic care. Considering the significant barriers to care and lapses in care, efforts to improve access and optimize health care services utilization for this population with high medical complexity are warranted.

Shattered Kidney After Renal Trauma: Should It Be Classified As an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Grade V Injury?

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence and management of shattered kidney and to evaluate if the new description of "loss of identifiable renal anatomy" in the 2018 American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) organ injury scale (OIS) would improve the ability to predict bleeding control interventions. METHODS: We used high-grade renal trauma data from 21 Level-1 trauma centers from 2013 to 2018. Initial CT scans were reviewed to identify shattered kidneys, defined as a kidney having ≥3 parenchymal fragments displaced by blood or fluid on cross-sectional imaging. We further categorized patients with shattered kidney in two models based on loss of identifiable renal parenchymal anatomy and presence or absence of vascular contrast extravasation (VCE). Bleeding interventions were compared between the groups. RESULTS: From 861 high-grade renal trauma patients, 41 (4.8%) had shattered kidney injury. 25 (61%) underwent a bleeding control intervention including 18 (43.9%) nephrectomies and 11 (26.8%) angioembolizations. 18 (41%) had shattered kidney with "loss of identifiable parenchymal renal anatomy" per 2018 AAST OIS (model-1). 28 (68.3%) had concurrent VCE (model-2). Model-2 had a statistically significant improvement in area under the curve over model-1 in predicting bleeding interventions (0.75 vs 0.72; P = .01). CONCLUSION: Shattered kidney is associated with high rates of active bleeding, urinary extravasation, and interventions including nephrectomy. The definition of shattered kidney is vague and subjective and our definition might be simpler and more reproducible. Loss of identifiable renal anatomy per the 2018 AAST OIS did not provide better distinction for bleeding control interventions over presence of VCE.

Grade V renal trauma management: results from the multi-institutional genito-urinary trauma study.

PURPOSE: To investigate management trends for American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade V renal trauma with focus on non-operative management. METHODS: We used prospectively collected data as part of the Multi-institutional Genito-Urinary Trauma Study (MiGUTS). We included patients with grade V renal trauma according to the AAST Injury Scoring Scale 2018 update. All cases submitted by participating centers with radiology images available were independently reviewed to confirm renal trauma grade. Management was classified as expectant, conservative (minimally invasive, endoscopic or percutaneous procedures), or operative (renal-related surgery). RESULTS: Eighty patients were included, 25 of whom had complete imaging and had independent confirmation of AAST grade V renal trauma. Median age was 35 years (Interquartile range (IQR) 25-50) and 23 (92%) had blunt trauma. Ten patients (40%) were managed operatively with nephrectomy. Conservative management was used in nine patients (36%) of which six received angioembolization and three had a stent or drainage tube placed. Expectant management was followed in six (24%) patients. Transfusion requirements were progressively higher with groups requiring more aggressive treatment, and injury characteristics differed significantly across management groups in terms of hematoma size and laceration size. Vascular contrast extravasation was more likely in operatively managed patients though a statistically significant association was not found. CONCLUSION: Successful use of nonoperative management for grade V injuries is used for a substantial subset of patients. Lower transfusion requirement and less severe injury radiologic phenotype appear to be important characteristics delineating this group.

Functional outcomes of Fournier's gangrene: a multi-institutional experience.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's gangrene (FG), is a progressive, necrotizing soft tissue infection of the external genitalia, perineum, and/or anorectal region. How treatment and recovery from FG impacts quality of life related to sexual and general health is poorly characterized. Our purpose is to evaluate the long term impact of FG on overall and sexual quality of life using standardized questionnaires through a multi-institutional observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multi-institutional retrospective data were collected by standardized questionnaires on patient-reported outcome measures including the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ) and the Veterans RAND 36 (VR-36) survey of general health-related quality of life. Data were collected via telephone call, email, and certified mail, with a 10% response rate. There was no incentive for patient participation. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients responded to the survey, with 9 female and 26 male patients. All patients in the study underwent surgical debridement between 2007-2018 at three tertiary care centers. Further reconstructions were performed for 57% of respondents. Values for respondents with overall lower sexual function were reduced in all component categories (pleasure, desire/ frequency, desire/interest, arousal/excitement, orgasm/ completion), and trended toward male sex, older age, longer time from initial debridement to reconstruction, and poorer self-reported general health-related quality of life metrics. CONCLUSION: FG is associated with high morbidity and significant decreases in quality of life across general and sexual functional domains.

Myogenic bladder dysfunction and ureteral obstruction discovered in an adult patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: A case report.

We present a case of a 44-year-old male with cutaneous manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1 presenting with long-standing urologic symptoms of uncertain etiology including urinary retention from myogenic bladder failure, chronic kidney disease with evidence of bilateral ureteral obstruction and presenting signs of an obstructing left ureterocele. This patient had a complete urologic evaluation and underwent ileocecocystoplasty with a continent catheterizable channel and bilateral ureteral reimplantation. Surgical excision of a left ureteral mound of tissue demonstrated the presence of a neurofibroma involving the bladder that led to obstruction. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such a presentation.

Bladder Management With Chronic Indwelling Catheter is Associated with Elevated Mortality in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of bladder management method, specifically chronic indwelling catheter (IndC), on survival in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Spinal Cord Injury Model System database. METHODS: Spinal Cord Injury Model System is a multicenter longitudinal database since 1970 with >40,000 patients with SCI. Adult patients (>18 at the time of injury) were screened. Patients who died within 1 year of injury and had 2 or more changes in method of bladder management, or reported normal volitional void were excluded. Outcome of interest was death from nonpulmonary, nonwound related sepsis (NPNWS). Left truncation cox regression method using age as the time-scale was used to calculate hazard ratios. RESULTS: A total of 13,616 patients were included. Comparison was performed between "IndC" group (n = 4872; 36.1%) vs "Other" (n = 8744; 63.9%). After adjusting for age and change in bladder management method, "IndC" is associated with elevated NPNWS mortality (2.10; 95% confidence interval 1.72-2.56, P < .001). Multivariable analysis, adjusting for age at injury, gender, race, education, insurance status, etiology of SCI, injury level, neurologic impairment level, and change in bladder management method, showed IndC was associated with significantly higher risk of death from NPNWS compared to other methods of bladder management. CONCLUSION: In a large cohort of SCI patients, bladder management with IndC is predictive of significantly propagated NPNWS related mortality compared to other methods of bladder management. While identifying IndC is an independent mortality risk factor, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms could inform strategies to improve neurourological care and survival after SCI.

Penile Fractures: Evaluation and Management.

Penile fracture is a urologic injury with an etiology that varies based on the cultural milieu. Diagnosis can be made based on history and physical examination alone. Patients should be evaluated with RUG or cystoscopy when urethral injury is suspected. Ultrasound or MRI is a helpful adjunct when the diagnosis is unclear, and can assist in identifying the location of the rupture. Surgical management is favored over conservative measures to improve outcomes. Delayed surgical repair may not be inferior to immediate intervention.

Nephrectomy After High-Grade Renal Trauma is Associated With Higher Mortality: Results From the Multi-Institutional Genitourinary Trauma Study (MiGUTS).

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that undergoing nephrectomy after high-grade renal trauma is associated with higher mortality rates. METHODS: We gathered data from 21 Level-1 trauma centers through the Multi-institutional Genito-Urinary Trauma Study. Patients with high-grade renal trauma were included. We assessed the association between nephrectomy and mortality in all patients and in subgroups of patients after excluding those who died within 24 hours of hospital arrival and those with GCS≤8. We controlled for age, injury severity score (ISS), shock (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg), and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). RESULTS: A total of 1181 high-grade renal trauma patients were included. Median age was 31 and trauma mechanism was blunt in 78%. Injuries were graded as III, IV, and V in 55%, 34%, and 11%, respectively. There were 96 (8%) mortalities and 129 (11%) nephrectomies. Mortality was higher in the nephrectomy group (21.7% vs 6.5%, P <.001). Those who died were older, had higher ISS, lower GCS, and higher rates of shock. After adjusting for patient and injury characteristics nephrectomy was still associated with higher risk of death (RR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.26-2.55). CONCLUSION: Nephrectomy was associated with higher mortality in the acute trauma setting even when controlling for shock, overall injury severity, and head injury. These results may have implications in decision making in acute trauma management for patients not in extremis from renal hemorrhage.

Multicenter urethroplasty outcomes for urethral stricture disease for patients with neurogenic bladder or bladder dysfunction requiring clean intermittent catheterization.

BACKGROUND: Our objective is to better comprehend treatment considerations for urethral stricture disease (USD) in patients requiring long-term clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). Patient characteristics, surgical outcomes and complications are unknown in this population. METHODS: Six members of the Trauma and Urologic Reconstruction Network of Surgeons (TURNS) participated in a prospective (2009 to present) and retrospective (prior to 2009) database recording patient demographics, surgical approach and outcomes. We included all patients undergoing urethroplasty who perform CIC. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients with 39 strictures were included. Bladder dysfunction was characterized as detrusor failure in 35% and neurogenic etiology in 65%. Median stricture length was 3 cm (IQR: 1.5-5.5) with 28% repaired with dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft, 26% excision and primary anastomosis, 8% dorsal inlay, 8% ventral and dorsal, 8% flap based 8% non-transecting and 15% other. Functional success was 90%: 4 patients required DVIU or dilation due to recurrence, with 2 of those ultimately requiring repeat urethroplasty. 86% of patients returned to CIC; no patients reported new pad use for urinary leakage after urethroplasty. During a median follow-up period of 3.1 years (IQR: 1.0-5.3), no patients underwent urinary diversion. CONCLUSIONS: Urethroplasty is suitable, safe and effective for patients dependent on CIC suffering from USD. The effect of continual CIC on long-term outcomes remains uncertain.

Recurrent Anterior Urethral Stricture: Challenges and Solutions.

Recurrent male anterior urethral stricture disease is a complex surgical challenge that should be managed by reconstructive urologists with experience in stricture management. Diagnosis of recurrence requires both anatomic narrowing and patient symptoms identified on validated questionnaires, with limited role for intervention in asymptomatic treatment "failures". Endoscopic management has a very specific role in recurrence, and the choice of technique for urethroplasty depends on pre-operative urethrography and cystoscopy. Surgical success depends on addressing patient concerns, complete stricture excision, tissue quality optimization, and the use of multi-stage repair when indicated. Augmentation with genital skin flaps and/or grafts is often required, with buccal mucosa as the ideal graft source if local tissue is compromised. Salvage options including urinary diversion and perineal urethrostomy must also be considered in debilitated patients with severe disease or repeated treatment failures. Unique patient populations including patients with hypospadias and lichen sclerosis are among the highest risk for repeated recurrence and require special care in surgical technique, graft selection, and post-operative management.

Caregiver Burden Among Those Caring for Patients With Spina Bifida.

OBJECTIVE: 1) To identify baseline characteristics of caregivers of school-aged children with spina bifida; 2) To identify independent predictors of caregiver burden in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was distributed via Facebook advertising to caregivers of patients with congenital genitourinary anomalies from May to September 2018. Eligible participants (n = 408) entailed English-speaking adults who are involved in the patient's care and attend ≥50% of their medical appointments. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), where higher scores indicate higher burden. CBI ≥24 indicates need for respite and CBI ≥36 indicates high risk of burnout. Bivariate analyses (t-tests and chi-square tests) were conducted using STATA software. RESULTS: Our analysis includes 408 caregivers caring for patients with spina bifida. In our study population, 59.3% of caregivers were in need of respite due to caregiver burden and 26.7% of caregivers were so burdened that they are at risk of burning out (CBI score ≥36). Bivariate analysis showed that caregiver gender and number of tasks performed by the caregiver were significantly associated with risk of burnout (CBI ≥ 36). Multivariable analysis of overall caregiver burden showed increased risk of burnout (CBI ≥ 36) among older caregivers, female caregivers, and those performing more caregiving tasks. CONCLUSION: Caregiver burden is common among caregivers of patients with spina bifida, and further research is needed to identify strategies and resources for mitigating caregiver burden.

Fournier's Gangrene in Females: Presentation and Management at a Tertiary Center.

OBJECTIVE: To report and compare presentation and management of Fournier's Gangrene (FG) in female vs male patients at a single tertiary care center. METHODS: Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, treatments and outcomes were summarized and compared between males and females who were treated for FG from 2011 to 2018 at a single institution. RESULTS: Of the 143 patients treated for FG at our institution, 33 (23%) were female. Female patients were predominantly white (82%), with a median (IQR) age of 55 (46, 59). Median female boby mass index (BMI) was 42.1 (32, 50.4). Female patients' wound cultures were polymicrobial mix of gram positive and gram negative organisms. Median number of debridements for females was 2 (1,3). The most common anatomic region of gangrene involvement in females was labia (76%) followed by perineum (55%) and gluteus/buttocks (42%). Mortality rate during initial admission was 6% for females. Female patients had a higher median BMI than males (42.1 vs 33.7 respectively; P = .003). FG severity index, length of hospital stay, number of debridements, and wound cultures were comparable to males. The surgical team managing initial debridements differed with females managed primarily by general surgery and males primarily by urology. Mortality rate was comparable to men (6% vs 7%, P >.05). CONCLUSION: Female patients with FG have greater BMI but similar clinical presentation, microbiologic characteristics and mortality rate compared to men. Urologists have little involvement during initial management for females at our institution.

Does Timing of Diagnosis and Management of Iatrogenic Ureter Injuries Affect Outcomes? Experience From a Tertiary Center.

OBJECTIVE: To report urologic outcomes from a series of IUIs, sustained during nonurologic procedures, with regards to timing of diagnosis and management of the injury. Iatrogenic ureteral injury (IUI) is the most common mechanism of ureteral trauma. Injuries can be intraoperatively diagnosed (IOD) or postoperatively diagnosed (POD). METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of adult patients at a single institution who sustained an IUI from a non-urologic procedure between 2008 and 2019. Primary outcome was tube-dependence (ureter stent or nephrostomy tube) and nephrectomy rates at last follow-up. Secondary outcome was the number of additional urologic procedures required to manage subsequent complications of IUI. RESULTS: There were 30 patients with IOD and 57 patients with POD. In the IOD group, at mean follow up of 6.3 months, 4 patients (14.3%) were tube dependent. In the POD group, at mean follow up of 13.1 months, 5 patients (10%) were tube dependent (P = .570). Rate of nephrectomy was higher in POD group compared to IOD, but the difference was not statistically significant (12.3% vs 6% respectively, P = .414). Additionally, in the POD group, 56% and 19.3% required a secondary and tertiary procedure to manage IUI complications, respectively. These rates were 16.7% (P < .001) and 3.3% (P = .002) in the IOD group. CONCLUSION: Delayed diagnosis of IUI was significantly associated with increased number of procedures needed to manage the injury. The rate of nephrectomy and tube dependence in this group was higher but not statistically significant. Delayed diagnosis of IUI is associated with higher treatment burden.

Characteristics Associated With Depression, Anxiety, and Social Isolation in Adults With Spina Bifida.

OBJECTIVE: To identify demographic and clinical characteristics associated with depression, anxiety, and social isolation among adults with spina bifida. We hypothesize that lower urinary tract dysfunction is associated with poor psychosocial outcomes. METHODS: An anonymous survey was distributed via Facebook advertising to individuals with congenital urologic conditions. Adults with spina bifida were included in our analysis. Lower urinary tract dysfunction was assessed with the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score. Depression, anxiety, and social isolation T-scores were measured using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Information System instruments. A composite depression-anxiety score was calculated. Separate adjusted linear models assessed the association between lower urinary tract dysfunction and depression, anxiety, composite depression-anxiety, and social isolation. RESULTS: Around 195 participants were included. Rates of depression, anxiety, and social isolation were 48%, 47%, and 43%, respectively. Comorbid depression and anxiety occurred in 39% of subjects. On adjusted regression analysis, lower urinary tract dysfunction was associated with depression (P < 001), anxiety (P <.001), composite depression-anxiety (P <.001), and social isolation (P = .010). CONCLUSION: Depression, anxiety, and social isolation are common in individuals with spina bifida relative to the general population, and associated with lower urinary tract dysfunction. Interventions focused on optimizing lower urinary tract symptoms and function, transition-age adults, group psychotherapy, and comorbid depression and anxiety may be of particular value in this population.

Needle in a haystack: Robotic removal of a retroperitoneal wire.

Retroperitoneal foreign bodies are rare indications for exploratory surgery. We present a case of a 19-year-old male with abdominal pain after a fall who was found to have a linear metallic object adjacent to the right ureter and inferior vena cava. Given the patient's pain and discomfort, he elected for robotic exploration of the retroperitoneum, which was carried out successfully with the Da Vinci Si® robot. This case demonstrates the feasibility of robotic retroperitoneal exploration and foreign body retrieval for a very small object.