Ureteric stents in pyeloplasty: a help or a hindrance?

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether routine ureteric stenting influences outcome of pyeloplasty for pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 10-year review was conducted of 105 consecutive open Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasties performed for PUJO, covering two periods: (1) pyeloplasties performed without ureteric stents (1994-1998) and (2) pyeloplasties performed with ureteric stents (1999-2003). Outcomes (expressed as means+/-SEM) of unstented patients (UPs; n=47) and stented patients (SPs; n=58) were compared and results analysed using ANOVA and chi-square tests. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (53.9%) presented with antenatal hydronephrosis, whilst 47 (46.1%) presented postnatally (at mean age 88.4+/-7.1 months) with one or more of the following: pain (n=30, 63.8%), urinary tract infection (n=16; 34.0%), haematuria (n=3, 6.4%), abdominal mass (n=3, 6.4%), acute renal failure (n=2, 4.3%), incidental finding (n=4, 8.5%). Pyeloplasty was performed (at mean age 58.9+/-5.3 months) for one or more of the following: pain (n=40, 38.1%), haematuria (n=6, 5.7%), urinary tract infection (n=18, 17.1%), poor initial or deteriorating function (n=29, 27.6%), severe or deteriorating hydronephrosis (n=41, 39.0%), calculus (n=1, 0.95%). Recognised complications of surgery were significantly higher in UPs (5 of 47; 10.6%) than SPs (0 of 58); P=0.016. These were leakage (n=4, 8.5%) and obstruction by blood clot (n=1, 2.1%). Nine SPs (15.5%) developed stent-related complications, including stent migration (n=5, 8.6%), infection (n=3, 5.2%) and calculus (n=1, 1.7%). SPs had significantly shorter hospital stay (2.71+/-0.25 days) than UPs (4.30+/-0.38 days); P<0.01. Preoperative renal pelvis antero-posterior diameter in SPs (3.24+/-0.25 cm) and UPs (3.21+/-0.28 cm) was comparable (P=0.80). Following pyeloplasty, a significant improvement from these preoperative baselines occurred earlier in SPs (at 3.10+/-0.46 months) than UPs (at 15.71+/-3.05 months); P<0.01. CONCLUSION: Stented pyeloplasty significantly reduces complications from surgery, particularly leakage, and results in shorter hospital stay and earlier resolution of hydronephrosis, but at the expense of stent-related complications which could be avoided in future by the use of external stents.

Malrotation volvulus in a neonate: a novel surgical approach.

A newborn presented with bilious vomiting secondary to a malrotation and presumed perinatal-onset volvulus. Laparotomy was performed at 20 h of age at which the volvulus was derotated. Nevertheless the small but not the large bowel appeared to be completely ischaemic and non-viable. A second-look laparotomy was performed 24 h later with no significant improvement. In a new approach to the problem, nothing further was done and the child was left alone on parenteral nutrition and naso-gastric aspiration for 11 weeks. Further exploration showed that 40 cm of small bowel had survived intact and restorative surgery was carried out. Parenteral nutrition was discontinued after 9 months and the child, now aged 3.5 years, is thriving.

Distal hypospadias: which repair?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the function, complications and cosmesis after a modified Thiersch-Duplay and Mathieu unstented urethroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 5-year period 381 consecutive patients (not randomized) with distal hypospadias were evaluated. A modified Thiersch-Duplay with dorsal incised urethral plate tubularization (group A) was undertaken in 170 (45%) and a parameatal based flip-flap Mathieu hypospadias repair (group B) in 211 (55%). No urinary diversion or stent was used in any of the 381 patients. RESULTS: In both groups the mean (sd) follow-up was 3.1 (1.4) years. All 381 patients voided spontaneously after surgery and none developed urinary retention needing catheterization. In groups A and B, respectively, the overall late complications were 12 (7.1%) and 32 (15.2%) (P=0.001), with urethrocutaneous fistula in six (3.5%) and 26 (12.3%; P=0.001); secondary surgery for fistula repair was successful in all boys in A and 89% in B. The glanular meatus was a vertical slit in all in group A and 86% in B (P=0.02). In both groups, 71% of the children who are now toilet-trained and standing to void have a good calibre, single and straight urinary stream in a forward direction. CONCLUSIONS: Stenting or urinary diversion is unnecessary after distal hypospadias surgery. The functional results were good in those standing to void. A more natural vertical slit-like glanular meatus was easily created using the modified Thiersch-Duplay urethroplasty, with a lower fistula rate.

Staged proximal hypospadias repair: Modified thiersch duplay with midline incision in urethral plate followed by Mathieu urethroplasty.

PURPOSE: Functional results, complications, cosmesis, operating time, and hospital stay were analyzed after staged urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias. METHODS: Seventeen consecutive boys, mean age 17.7 +/- 1.6 months underwent a staged urethroplasty in the past 5 years. Urethral plate was tubularized and proximal hypospadias converted to distal. Hooded dorsal prepuce was buttonholed and transposed ventrally to cover the neo-urethra. Subsequently, a parameatal based flip flap urethroplasty completed the urethral reconstruction at mean age of 26.7 +/- 4.1 months. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 2.8 +/- 1.7 years. Eighty-eight percent of boys who are now toilet trained and standing to void have a good caliber straight single stream of urine in a forward direction. Urethrocutaneous fistula was seen in 1 child (6%), and a simple fistulectomy with double layered closure was successful at first attempt of fistula closure. Cosmetic appearance of a natural vertical slit glanular meatus situated at normal position on the glans was achieved in all patients. Total mean operating time was 193.5 +/- 42.9 minutes and total mean duration of hospital stay was 3.4 +/- 0.6 days. CONCLUSION: Staged urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias results in a normal penis with good function, minimal complications, and excellent cosmesis.

Minimal 10-year results of a tapered cementless femoral component in total hip arthroplasty.

A series of 120 primary total hip arthroplasties with minimal 10-year follow-up, in which a cementless, proximal-to-distal, dual-tapered geometry femoral component was used, was reviewed. At a mean follow-up interval of 12.20 years, a mean Harris hip score improvement of 38 points was calculated. Three (2.5%) femoral components were revised secondary to aseptic loosening, yielding a 97.5% survivorship. Thigh pain was mild or absent in 96.6% of the cases. Distal femoral osteolysis was observed in <2% of cases. The Harris hip score improvement, low incidence of severe thigh pain, high survivorship, and low incidences of significant stress shielding and distal osteolysis suggest excellent long-term results with the use of this uncemented tapered design, adding credence to the design rationale and justifying its continued use.

Short-term results of the M2a-taper metal-on-metal articulation.

A polyethylene-free, metal-on-metal acetabular system (M2a-taper [Biomet, Inc., Warsaw, IN]) was designed in an effort to improve total hip arthroplasty (THA) longevity. Minimum 2-year follow-up results involving 72 polyethylene liner THAs and 78 metal liner THAs from a multicenter, randomized, controlled, investigational device exemption study are reported. Mean Harris hip scores of 95.54 (polyethylene liner group) and 95.23 (metal liner group) were reported at mean follow-up intervals of 3.29 and 3.23 years. Radiographic evaluation revealed no evidence of early failure. No acetabular components have been revised or are pending revision. No statistically significant differences in the data were calculated between liner types except for the immediate postoperative (P=.0415) and minimum 2-year follow-up (P=.0341) angles of inclination. The M2a-taper metal-on-metal articulation may represent a viable alternative for THA in younger, higher demand patients.

Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasties: who decides?

The purpose of the current retrospective review was to compare the results of 1498 patients having 1090 simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasties and 958 unilateral total knee arthroplasties in a 3-year period, focusing on perioperative complications, length of hospital stay, and discharge disposition. Gender, age, diagnosis, and weight were similar between the groups. Patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasties had statistically significant higher amounts of intraoperative blood loss, with more patients requiring blood transfusion, and a higher average number of units of blood transfused compared with patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Overall, a significantly higher incidence of gastrointestinal complications was reported in patients who had simultaneous bilateral knee arthroplasties compared with patients who had unilateral knee arthroplasty. Comparing age subgroups within the unilateral group revealed significantly higher incidences of pulmonary, neurologic, cardiac, and genitourinary complications among patients 80 years or older versus patients younger than 80 years. Patients having simultaneous bilateral arthroplasties who were 80 years or older had significantly higher incidences of pulmonary, neurologic, and cardiac complications than patients younger than 80 years in that same group. These results suggest that age, not procedure, has a more significant role in the perioperative morbidity of total knee arthroplasty. Based on the results from the current study and previous literature documenting patient preference, patient satisfaction, efficacy, and outcomes comparable with those of patients having unilateral total knee arthroplasty, the authors continue to offer patients the option of simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasties.

An algorithm for the posterior cruciate ligament in total knee arthroplasty.

The fate of the posterior cruciate ligament in primary total knee arthroplasty is controversial. An algorithmic approach is presented that is based on pathologic criteria for evaluating and treating patients with primary total knee arthroplasty that will aid in the posterior cruciate ligament decision-making process, producing more predictable procedures and outcomes. A consecutive series of the first 120 patients (171 knees) who had primary posterior cruciate-retaining arthroplasty and the first 120 patients (180 knees) who had primary posterior-stabilized arthroplasty with a minimum 5-year followup in which the Maxim Complete Total Knee System and the algorithmic approach were used were compared. No statistically significant differences in outcome between the groups were observed. Among the patients who had posterior cruciate-retaining arthroplasty, no revisions attributable to aseptic loosening have been reported at an average followup of 6.39 years. The average followup Knee Society total score was 162.16 points, with 91 (54.8%) knees having excellent outcome ratings. No revisions attributable to aseptic loosening have been reported among the patients who had posterior-stabilized arthroplasty at an average followup of 5.98 years. The average followup Knee Society total score was 158.05 points, with excellent outcome ratings reported in 96 (54.9%) knees. The use of a standardized algorithm has streamlined the treatment of patients having primary total knee arthroplasty, consistently providing excellent clinical results when either retaining or sacrificing the posterior cruciate ligament.

Proximal hypospadias. Comparative evaluation of staged urethroplasty (modified Thiersch Duplay followed by Mathieu) and single stage on-lay island flap repair.

OBJECTIVES: Comparative analysis of functional results, complications, cosmesis, operative time and hospital stay between staged urethroplasty and single-stage on-lay island flap for proximal hypospadias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Non-randomised single observer study of two groups of patients over a 5-year period with proximal hypospadias. Group 1 had 17 patients (mean age 17.7+/-1.6 months) who underwent a staged urethroplasty. Urethral plate was tubularised and proximal hypospadias converted to a distal hypospadias. Hooded dorsal prepuce was buttonholed and transposed ventrally to cover the neo-urethra. Subsequently a parameatal based flip flap urethroplasty completed urethral reconstruction. Group 2 had 17 patients (mean age 18.2+/-2.2 months) with a single stage inner preputial on-lay island flap based on superficial dorsal vessels. RESULTS: Mean period of follow-up has been 2.8+/-1.7 years in group 1 vs. 3.2+/-1.6 years in group 2 (p = 0.2). In both groups (34), 79% of the children who are now toilet trained and standing to void have a good calibre straight single stream of urine in a forward direction (p = 1.00). Main complication seen in both groups was urethrocutaneous fistulae: 6% (1/17) in group 1 vs. 59% (10/17) in group 2 (p = 0.0002). In both groups (34) cosmetic appearance of a natural vertical slit glanular meatus situated at the normal position on the glans was achieved (p = 1.00). Total mean duration of operative time in group 1 was 193.5+/-42.9 vs. 203+/-27.6 min in group 2 (p = 0.24). Total mean duration of hospital stay in group 1 was 3.4+/-0.6 vs. 9.2+/-2.9 days in group 2 (p = 0.0001). Total mean cost of the procedure in group 1 was 2,347.3 pounds +/- 220 vs. 3,753.5 pounds +/- 75 in group 2 (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Staged urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias results in a normal penis with good function, minimal complications and excellent cosmesis. Hospital stay was shorter and overall cost lower than a single stage on-lay island flap urethroplasty.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in childhood.

PURPOSE: Demographic data, clinical presentation, associated abnormalities, and radiologic findings were evaluated to outline diagnostic criteria that may lead to the diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in children. METHODS: Eleven boys and 8 girls with a mean age of 3.4 +/- 1.7 years were classified into obstructive xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (n = 13), which was associated with nephrolithiasis and nonobstructive (n = 6), which mimicked Wilms' tumor. RESULTS: Twelve children with obstructive diffuse involvement of the renal parenchyma, 1 with left-sided obstructive focal involvement in a horseshoe kidney (group 1), and 6 with nonobstructive diffuse xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (group 2) showed a male to female ratio of 1.2:1 and 2:1, respectively. Mean age was 4.1 +/- 1.2 years in group 1 versus 1.8 +/- 1.5 years in group 2; P =.001. The common features were renal mass, hematuria, and anemia (100%; P =.07) and leucocytosis (77% v 83%; P =.097). Main differences between the 2 groups were acute inflammatory syndrome (0 v 33%; P =.01), recurrent urinary infection (54% v 17%; P =.05), isolation of Proteus mirabilis as a pathogen (69% v 0; P =.001), and renal stones (100% v 0; P =.001). Preoperative diagnosis was accurate in all 13 (100%) children with obstructive xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. Radiologic features that were not consistent with Wilms' tumor in group 2 were absence of sharp definition and encapsulation of the mass, ill-defined margins with inflammatory infiltration of the perinephric fat and focal inflammatory tissue destruction. Nephrectomy was technically difficult because of extensive adhesions to the retroperitoneum, psoas muscle, and surrounding structures in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a child presenting with a renal mass, anemia, and elevated inflammatory markers. Treatment by nephrectomy is curative. J Pediatr Surg 36:598-601.

Humoral immune response to allograft valve tissue pretreated with an antigen reduction process.

The humoral immune response to allograft heart valves as measured by PRA was absent in 52 of 57 (91%) patients at 1 month and was absent in 43 of 49 (88%) at 3 months in allograft valves treated with the SynerGraft process for antigen reduction. Short-term valve function is satisfactory. This may be associated with improved durability and long-term function.

Volvulus of the transverse and sigmoid colon.

A case of transverse and sigmoid-colon volvulus and a discussion of the probable mechanism of large-bowel volvulus (LBV) in children and its management is presented. A 5-year-old male with cerebral palsy presented with transverse-colon and subsequently sigmoid volvulus. The child underwent resection of the involved segments with primary colocolic and colorectal anastomosis, respectively. The recovery was uneventful. LBV in children is due to congenital anomalous or absent ligamentous fixation of the colon. Constipation is probably the result of the volvulus. Resection of the involved segment and primary anastomosis is the definitive treatment.

Body surface area as a predictor of aortic and pulmonary valve diameter.

BACKGROUND: Predicting cardiac valve size from noncardiac anatomic measurements would benefit pediatric cardiologists, adult cardiologists, and cardiac surgeons in a number of decision-making situations. Previous studies correlating valve size with body size have been generated with the use of fixed autopsy specimens, angiography, and echocardiography, but primarily in the young. This study examines the relation of body surface area to measurements of the left ventricular-aortic junction (aortic valve anulus diameter) and the right ventricular-pulmonary trunk junction (pulmonary valve anulus diameter) in 6801 hearts across a wide spectrum of ages. METHODS: From June 1985 to October 1998, cardiac valves from 6801 donated hearts were analyzed morphologically. Donor age was newborn to 59 years (mean 31 +/- 17 years; median 32 years). Calculated body surface areas ranged from 0.18 to 3.55 m(2). Aortic (n = 4636) and pulmonary valve diameters (n = 5480) were measured from enucleated valves suitable for allograft transplantation. Mean valve sizes were computed for ranges in body surface area in 0.1-m(2) increments. RESULTS: For adult men (age >/= 17 years), the mean aortic valve diameter was 23.1 +/- 2.0 mm (n = 2214) and the mean pulmonary valve diameter was 26.2 +/- 2.3 mm (n = 2589). For adult women, the mean aortic valve diameter was 21.0 +/- 1.8 mm (n = 1156) and the mean pulmonary valve diameter was 23.9 +/- 2.2 mm (n = 1408). The mean indexed aortic valve area was 2.02 +/- 0.52 cm(2)/m(2) and the pulmonary valve area 2.65 +/- 0.52 cm(2)/m(2). Between 82% and 85% of the variability was explained by the size of the patient. Regression equations were developed both overall and separately for men and women, although the additional contribution of sex above that of body size was less than 1%. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic and pulmonary valve diameters are closely related to body size. Thus, body surface area, when used in conjunction with other clinically accepted evaluations, is a useful tool for estimating normal aortic and pulmonary valve size.

Large bowel volvulus in childhood.

BACKGROUND: Large bowel volvulus is extremely uncommon in children. The probable pathogenesis, predisposing factors and management of large bowel volvulus in children are debatable. METHODS: Seven consecutive cases of large bowel volvulus occurring over a 6-year period are reported. RESULTS: Two patients with caecal volvulus, one with transverse and subsequent sigmoid volvulus, one with transverse colon volvulus and three children with sigmoid volvulus are reported. Four girls and one boy with cerebral palsy, one female with Moya Moya disease and spastic paraplegia and an otherwise healthy boy presented at a mean age of 8.3 years (range: 3-15 years). The common presentation was abdominal distension (n = 6), tenderness (n = 6), constipation (n = 7) and bloody mucoid discharge per rectum (n = 6). Plain abdominal X-ray and barium enema were diagnostic. Resection with primary ileocolic, colocolic or colorectal anastomosis was performed in all cases. The mean follow-up was 3.4 years (range: 1-6 years) and there was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Large bowel volvulus in children may be due to congenital anomalous or absent ligamentous fixation of the large bowel, and abnormal mesocolon or a common ileocolo-mesentery. Large bowel obstruction due to volvulus must be considered in the differential diagnosis in a child presenting with constipation associated with bloody mucoid discharge per rectum. Resection of the involved segment and primary anastomosis is the definitive treatment for large bowel volvulus in children.

Preputial intussusception or acquired megaprepuce.

Preputial intussusception, or acquired megaprepuce, is a clinical condition whose incidence is increasing. It results from infolding of the outer preputial skin, obstruction of urinary flow, and the development of a phimosis. With time the process continues, resulting in a distinctive clinical picture. Treatment by early circumcision cures the problem and allows resolution of the sequelae.

Effect of tibial dyschondroplasia on broiler growth and cancellous bone mechanical properties.

The increased incidence of leg abnormalities, particularly tibial dyschondroplasia, in chickens could be related to changes in tibiotarsal cancellous bone properties. To explore this hypothesis, the relationship between lesion occurrence and various tibiotarsal growth parameters, and subchondral bone strength characteristics was investigated. A higher elastic modulus, meaning the cancellous bone was more rigid, was seen for tibiotarsal cancellous bone with lesions. Microfractures in cancellous bone, particularly in the medial growth plate region, may lead to overall bone conformation changes and therefore to lameness.

Confocal microscopy of corneal penetration by tarantula hairs.

In vivo identification of foreign bodies in the cornea may be impossible if the size and/or location precludes visualization by slit lamp biomicroscopy, which has an upper limit of magnification of 50x. These limitations became obvious when we attempted to identify the offending material in the inflamed eye of a patient who complained of foreign body sensation after contact with a pet tarantula. As a model of this clinical situation, we used a newly developed tandem scanning confocal microscope to observe and to photograph tarantula hairs as they penetrated the corneal stroma and endothelium and entered the anterior chamber in rabbit eyes. We found that, experimentally, the hairs penetrated the ocular tissues apparently without inciting inflammation or causing fibrosis. The instrument we used--a prototype with a Nipkow disk from Noran, Inc. (Middleton, Wis.) and a 25/0.8 na glycerin immersion lens (Plan-Neofluor, Zeiss)--provides magnifications of 100-500x, real-time viewing in vivo, optical sectioning, contrast control, high resolution, processing through image analysis systems, and video and hard copy output. We believe that confocal microscopy offers a new approach to the identification and localization of foreign bodies in the anterior segment, as well as to the visualization and diagnosis of ocular diseases, including bacterial, fungal, and other parasitic invasions, in the human eye.

Follow-up after inguinal herniotomy or surgery for hydrocele in boys.

A retrospective review of 556 boys who had undergone inguinal herniotomy or surgery for hydrocele was carried out to assess the value of early routine postoperative follow-up. Of 386 children given an appointment, 319 (82.6 per cent) attended. The testis was no longer palpable in the normal scrotal position in 12 boys; eight were normal on further review and four required orchidopexy. Six hydroceles, all of which resolved, and four contralateral hernias were detected. Nineteen boys (4.9 per cent) were referred later with recurrent hernia (two patients), ipsilateral high testis (two), or contralateral hernia or hydrocele (15). Of 170 children not given a routine appointment, ten (5.9 per cent) were subsequently referred back with a transient hydrocele (two) or a contralateral hernia (eight). After a total of 440 appointments, eight boys (1.8 per cent) were found to have a significant abnormality. The rate of referral back to hospital was similar in both groups. Early discharge would make more efficient use of outpatient resources without significantly affecting overall outcome.