Long-term outcomes of catheterizable continent urinary channels: What do you use, where you put it, and does it matter?

INTRODUCTION: Appendicovesicostomy (APV) and Monti ileovesicostomy (Monti) are commonly used catheterizable channels with similar outcomes on short-term follow-up. Their relative long-term results have not been previously published. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to assess long-term durability of APV and Monti channels in a large patient cohort. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective cohort study, we retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients ≤21 years old undergoing APV and Monti surgery at our institution (1990-2013). We collected data on demographics, channel type, location, continence and stomal and subfascial revisions. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazards analysis were used. RESULTS: Of 510 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 214 patients had an APV and 296 had a Monti (50.5% spiral Monti). Median age at surgery was 7.4 years for APV (median follow-up: 5.7 years) and 8.7 years for Monti (follow-up: 7.7 years). Stomal stenosis, overall stomal revisions and channel continence were similar for APV and Monti (p ≥ 0.26). Fourteen APVs (6.5%) had subfascial revisions compared to 49 Montis (16.6%, p = 0.001). On survival analysis, subfascial revision risk at 10 years for APV was 8.6%, Monti channels excluding spiral umbilical Monti: 15.5% and spiral umbilical Monti: 32.3% (p < 0.0001, Figure). On multivariate regression, Monti was 2.09 times more likely than APV to undergo revision (p = 0.03). The spiral Monti to the umbilicus, in particular, was 4.23 times more likely than APV to undergo revision (p < 0.001). Concomitant surgery, gender, age and surgery date were not significant predictors of subfascial revision (p ≥ 0.17). Stomal location was significant only for spiral Montis. DISCUSSION: Our study has several limitations. Although controlling for surgery date was a limited way of adjusting for changing surgical techniques, residual confounding by surgical technique is unlikely, as channel implantation technique was typically unrelated to channel type. We did not include complications managed conservatively or endoscopically. In addition, while we did not capture patients who were lost to follow-up, we attempted to control for this through survival analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate, durable long-term results with the APV and Monti techniques. The risk of channel complications continues over the channel's lifetime, with no difference in stomal complications between channels. At 10 years after initial surgery, Monti channels were twice as likely to undergo a subfascial revision (1 in 6) than APV (1 in 12). The risk is even higher in for the spiral umbilical Monti (1 in 3).

Urinary incontinence in spina bifida: Initial instrument validation.

The purpose of this study was to perform a psychometric assessment of the Incontinence Symptom Index-Pediatric (ISI-P) in a cohort of adolescents with spina bifida (SB) and neuropathic urinary incontinence (UI) to test its validity and reliability. The ISI-P, an 11-item instrument with domains for symptom severity and impairment, was self-administered by subjects 11-17 years old with SB and UI. Controls were 11-17 years old, with nephrolithiasis and no history of UI. Formal psychometric assessment included an evaluation of internal consistency, test re-test reliability and factor analysis. Of 78 study-eligible subjects we attempted to contact, 33 (66.7% female) with a median age of 13.1 years completed the ISI-P (42.3% response rate). 21 control patients also completed the ISI-P. Cronbach's alpha was 0.936 and 0.792 for the severity and bother factors respectively. The delta Chi-square test for the two-factor (vs. one-factor) model was significantly [χ(2)(89) = 107.823, p < 0.05] in favor of the former model with descriptive fit indices being excellent (e.g., comparative fit index = 0.969). Furthermore, category information analysis showed that all categories were associated with different threshold values, namely that each category contributed unique information for the measurement of the latent trait. In conclusion, the ISI-P has desirable psychometric properties for the measurement of UI symptom severity and impairment in adolescents with SB.

Long-term renal functional outcomes after primary gastrocystoplasty.

PURPOSE: We assessed long-term renal function, morbidities and mortality in 50 patients who had undergone primary gastrocystoplasty at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients 21 years or younger who had undergone primary gastrocystoplasty between 1984 and 2004. Patients who underwent secondary gastrocystoplasty or primary composite augmentation or had cloacal exstrophy were excluded. Primary outcome was progression to end-stage renal disease. Secondary outcomes included mortality, bladder malignancy, hematuria-dysuria syndrome, electrolyte abnormalities and surgical revisions. RESULTS: Of 50 patients who had undergone gastrocystoplasty 35 met inclusion criteria. Median age was 9.4 years and 60% of the patients were male. Median followup was 19 years (IQR 11 to 25). Of the 35 patients 15 (43%) had normal preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate and 5 (14%) had stage 2, 10 (29%) stage 3 and 5 (14%) stage 4 chronic kidney disease. Five of the 15 patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease improved to normal estimated glomerular filtration rate, 1 remained with stage 3 disease and 9 progressed to end-stage renal disease. In 1 patient with normal estimated glomerular filtration rate end-stage renal disease developed following an episode of septic shock due to osteomyelitis. Seven patients in the cohort (20%) died, with 1 each dying of ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection, pneumonia, end-stage renal disease, complications of pregnancy and unknown cause, and 2 patients dying of septic shock due to urinary tract infection. There were no bladder malignancies. Hematuria-dysuria syndrome developed in 9 patients (24%). Eight patients (23%) underwent surgical revision. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients had preserved or improved renal function after gastrocystoplasty. There were no deaths attributable to gastric augmentation and no bladder malignancies. Approximately a fourth of patients required surgical revision.

New contralateral vesicoureteral reflux after unilateral ureteral reimplantation: predictive factors and clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: Although unilateral ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux is highly successful, new contralateral reflux will develop postoperatively in some patients. We examined predictors and clinical outcomes of postoperative contralateral vesicoureteral reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent nontapered unilateral reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux graded on a 3-point scale at our institution from January 1990 to December 2002, and identified those with subsequent contralateral vesicoureteral reflux. We analyzed the association of patient/procedure characteristics with incidence, and time to resolution of contralateral reflux and postoperative urinary tract infection. Multivariable models controlled for variables associated with incidence and time to resolution of contralateral reflux. RESULTS: A total of 395 patients (77.2% female, median age 5.3 years) underwent ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux. Preoperative reflux was grade 1 in 2.8% of patients, grade 2 in 56.6% and grade 3 in 40.6%. Technical success was 95.4%. After reimplantation 39 patients (9.9%) had new contralateral reflux (grade 1 in 7, grade 2 in 27 and grade 3 in 5). Median followup was 51.8 months. On multivariate analysis younger age (less than 6 years, OR 3.7, p = 0.006) and low observed bladder capacity as percent of predicted bladder capacity (less than 50% of predicted capacity, OR 6.3, p = 0.02) were significant predictors of contralateral reflux. Contralateral reflux resolved in 21 of 27 patients (77.8%) on subsequent cystography at a median of 21.5 months. Two patients underwent reimplantation for persistent contralateral reflux. Four of 39 patients (10.3%) with contralateral reflux had postoperative febrile urinary tract infections at a median of 26 months, with spontaneous resolution of contralateral reflux in all. CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients and those with low observed vs predicted bladder capacity may be at increased risk for postoperative contralateral vesicoureteral reflux. A majority of contralateral reflux will resolve spontaneously, and the clinical course is typically benign.

Long-term incidence of urinary tract infection after ureteral reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) after ureteral reimplantation (UR) for primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective review, the pyelonephritis-free survival of patients with primary VUR who underwent open UR from January 1990 to December 2002 was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards analysis. RESULTS: 1076 patients underwent open UR for primary VUR. 73.0% were female; median age was 4.7 years. 80.1% presented with UTI. Clinical success rate for non-tapered UR was 96.5%. Median follow-up was 2.9 years. 21.8% had at least one postoperative UTI. 6.5% had postoperative pyelonephritis (POP) at a median of 21 months postoperatively. On multivariate survival analysis female gender (OR 9.97, 95% CI 3.07-32.34), preoperative VUR grade ≥ 3 (2.14, 1.25-3.69), breakthrough preoperative UTI (2.00, 1.22-3.25), and preoperative renal scarring (1.86, 1.15-2.99) were associated with POP. CONCLUSION: POP is rare on long-term follow-up, suggesting that UR is effective in reducing pyelonephritis in this population.

Clinical outcomes and long-term resolution in patients with persistent vesicoureteral reflux after open ureteral reimplantation.

PURPOSE: Success rates of ureteral reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux are high. Few studies document the natural history of children with persistent vesicoureteral reflux. We reviewed their clinical outcomes and long-term resolution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all children with persistent vesicoureteral reflux (grade 1 or greater) into the reimplanted ureter(s) on initial cystogram after reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux at our institution from January 1990 to December 2002. We evaluated subsequent cystograms (graded on the 3-point radionuclide cystogram scale), surgery and urinary tract infection. We performed survival analyses of time to resolution of persistent (grade 1 or greater) and clinically significant (grade 2 or greater) vesicoureteral reflux in patients with more than 1 postoperative cystogram. RESULTS: Of 965 patients 59 (94 ureters) had persistent vesicoureteral reflux (6.1%), including 19 grade 1/3, 29 grade 2/3 and 11 grade 3/3. Median patient age at reimplantation was 1.9 years (range 0.8 to 5.1) and 62.7% were female. Preoperative vesicoureteral reflux grade was 2/3 in 42.4% and 3/3 in 57.6%, and 30.5% of patients had ureteral tapering. Median followup was 47.1 months (IQR 19.3-650.3). Reflux was resolved in 26 of 36 (72.2%) patients and median time to resolution was 20.4 months. Grade 2 or greater reflux on postoperative cystogram resolved in 21 of 32 (65.6%) patients and median time to resolution was 20.4 months. There were 10 patients with persistent vesicoureteral reflux at last cystogram, grade 1 or 2 in 9 and 3/3 in 1 patient. One patient underwent repeat reimplantation for persistent vesicoureteral reflux and 7 (13%) had postoperative febrile urinary tract infection at a median of 37 months postoperatively (IQR 1.7-64.4). CONCLUSIONS: Persistent vesicoureteral reflux after reimplantation resolves spontaneously in most children and can be managed nonoperatively with good long-term outcomes.

Association of urolithiasis with systemic conditions among pediatric patients at children's hospitals.

PURPOSE: Urolithiasis is associated with systemic medical conditions in adults but associations have not been well studied in children. We investigated the association of urolithiasis with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity among children with and without urolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a matched case-control study using the PHIS (Pediatric Health Information System) database. ICD-9 codes identified urolithiasis cases from 2004 to 2009. Four randomly selected controls were matched by age, hospital, patient care setting and year of treatment. Diagnoses from all hospital encounters were ascertained for comorbid conditions. Univariate and multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to assess the associations of urolithiasis with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity. RESULTS: We identified 9,843 urolithiasis cases and 39,047 controls. On univariate analysis stone formers had significantly higher odds of obesity (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.27-1.64) and hypertension (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.88-2.40) compared to controls. The odds of type I diabetes mellitus was lower among cases compared to controls (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.30-0.48). After adjusting for gender, race, insurance type and number of visits using logistic regression, children with urolithiasis still had higher odds of obesity (AOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.12-1.51) and hypertension (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.40-1.86) as well as lower odds of type I diabetes mellitus (AOR 0.32, 95% CI 0.25-0.41) compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Among pediatric patients at freestanding children's hospitals, urolithiasis is associated with higher odds of obesity and hypertension and lower odds of type I diabetes mellitus. These findings may be helpful in further elucidating the etiology of pediatric urolithiasis.

Durability of antireflux effect of ureteral reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux: findings on long-term cystography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term durability of successful ureteral reimplantation (UR) for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) through a review of late cystography (LC) findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all children with primary VUR who underwent successful open UR (grade 0 VUR into the reimplanted ureter[s] on initial cystogram) at our institution from January 1990 to December 2002. We identified successful UR patients who underwent LC ≥ 1 year after UR and reviewed the results for the presence of recurrent VUR into the reimplanted ureter(s). RESULTS: Seven-hundred ninety-four patients underwent successful open UR for primary VUR, of whom 60 (7.6%) had a subsequent LC. Preoperative VUR grade was ≤ II in 20 (34.5%) and ≥ III in 38 (65.5%). Median age at UR was 3.5 years (IQR 1.3-6.2 years); 51 (85%) were female. UR was intravesical in 45 (75%) and bilateral in 19 (32%). LC was performed at a median of 38.7 months after UR (IQR 19.6-66.1 months). Indication for LC was febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in 16 (27%), nonfebrile UTIs in 15 (25%), follow-up of contralateral VUR in 16 (27%), and other clinical indications in 13 (21%). The recurrence rate was 0%; of the 79 reimplanted ureters, 100% (95% CI 95.4-100) had no VUR (grade 0). CONCLUSION: Among children who underwent successful open UR for primary VUR, there was no VUR recurrence on extended follow-up. This suggests that the late durability of open antireflux surgery is excellent.

Racial variation in timing of pyeloplasty: prenatal versus postnatal diagnosis.

PURPOSE: We have previously shown that nonwhite patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction undergo pyeloplasty at a younger age than white patients. The mechanisms behind this finding are unclear, since there is no known racial variation in the natural history of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. We used a detailed clinical database to explain this phenomenon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing primary pyeloplasty at our institution between 1992 and 2008. More than 360 data points were abstracted for each patient, including self-reported race, socioeconomic status, symptom duration and presentation. RESULTS: Of 847 patients undergoing pyeloplasty during the study period 741 met inclusion criteria. Nonwhite patients underwent surgery at a younger age (0.6 years) than whites (2.6 years, p <0.0001). When stratified by timing of clinical presentation (prenatal vs postnatal), there was no significant difference in race among patients presenting prenatally (0.37 vs 0.36 years, p = 0.22). Nonwhite patients presenting postnatally were significantly younger than white patients (6.3 vs 8.2 years, p = 0.03). This finding appeared to be due to differences in age at initial clinical presentation (5.4 vs 7.0 years, p = 0.03) and in time from initial clinical presentation to urological evaluation (0.6 vs 3.2 months, p = 0.03). These differences persisted after correcting for other factors, including markers of socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with previous studies, we found that nonwhite patients underwent primary pyeloplasty at a younger age than whites. This difference is limited to patients presenting after birth. Prenatally diagnosed patients underwent surgery at similar ages regardless of race.

Retrograde ureteral access after cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation: A straightforward technique.

PURPOSE: Retrograde ureteral access after cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation can be challenging. We present our experience with percutaneous retrograde ureteral catheterization, status post cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated all patients who underwent attempted percutaneous retrograde ureteral catheterization after cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation. All clinical data, radiographic images and operative reports were reviewed. Ureteral access was obtained by percutaneously entering the bladder with an intravenous needle/catheter under cystoscopic guidance. The needle was then removed leaving the catheter in place. The ureteral orifice was then accessed through the intravenous catheter by a ureteral access wire and/or ureteral catheter under cystoscopic guidance. RESULTS: From 1978 to 2008, 13 patients (11 boys and 2 girls) with a history of cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation underwent percutaneous retrograde ureteral catheterization. The procedure was unilateral in 12 patients and bilateral in one. Indications for the procedure included: retrograde pyelography and double-J stent insertion for ureteropelvic junction or ureterovesical junction obstruction (10); removal of migrated stent (2); and treatment of a ureteral stone (1). The procedure was performed successfully in all patients and without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous retrograde ureteral catheterization is a safe, straightforward, and effective modality for obtaining retrograde ureteral access in children, status post cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation.

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of vaginal and paraurethral leiomyomas: can they be diagnosed before surgery?

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of vaginal and paraurethral leiomyomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with pathologically confirmed paraurethral and vaginal wall leiomyomas from January 2006 to August 2007 were reviewed. Patients with no preoperative MRI of the pelvis were excluded. RESULTS: Five patients were identified; all had a firm, smooth, non-tender, non-fluctuant mass. MRI showed a well-circumscribed shape, a homogeneous signal that was hypointense or isointense to muscle on T1- and hyperintense or isointense to muscle on T2-weighted images, and uniform enhancement. In all cases, MRI excluded urethral diverticulae, and pathology showed leiomyoma, of which one had atypical features. CONCLUSION: Paraurethral and vaginal wall leiomyomas can be identified before surgery with a reasonable degree of certainty, based on their clinical and MRI characteristics.

Charlson comorbidity index and success of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: We examined the potential correlation between Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and stone free rate after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred twenty-six adult patients were treated with 241 ESWL procedures for a renal or ureteral stone(s) over a 3 year period. Age, race, comorbidities, CCI, stone size and location, number of shocks and power level were determined. Treatment efficacies were evaluated at a mean of 56.1 days after each ESWL with computed tomography, abdominal x-ray, intravenous pyleography and/or renal ultrasound. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: There was no correlation between CCI and any of the following: stone burden, number of shocks, or power level. There was no difference in stone burden, number of shocks or power level between those who were and were not stone free. Stone free rates for patients with CCI of zero, one, and two or greater were 44.7% (71/159), 27% (13/48) and 41.2% (14/34) respectively. Patients with an index of one were 2.1 times more likely to have a residual stone burden than patients with an index of zero (95% CI 0.99-4.42, p = 0.05). Patients with one comorbidity were 2.4 times more likely to have a residual stone burden than patients with none (95% CI 1.04-5.72, p = 0.04). Patients with upper ureteral stones were less likely to have a residual stone burden than patients with renal stones (RR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.27-0.98, p = 0.04). Those with lower ureteral stones were less likely to have a residual stone burden than those with renal stones (RR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.09-0.43, p <0.0001). The only significant predictors of the stone free rate were stone location and number of comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Stone location and number of comorbidities were significant predictors of ESWL outcome. The CCI may underestimate the magnitude of comorbidities and their effect on stone treatment efficacy.

Current diagnosis and management of fetal genitourinary abnormalities.

Prenatal assessment with ultrasonography provides excellent imaging of fluid-filled structures (eg, hydronephrosis, renal cysts, and dilated bladder) and renal parenchyma. This information allows for the generation of a differential diagnosis, identification of associated anomalies, and assessment of the prenatal and postnatal risks of a given anomaly. This enhances parental education and prenatal and postnatal planning. This article discusses the current methods of diagnosis and management of fetal genitourinary anomalies, and also the postnatal evaluation and treatment of these conditions.

Urologic manifestations of genetic diseases.

Many genetic disorders have genitourinary manifestations in childhood. In order to care for these children, the physician should be aware of such potential manifestations. A succinct overview of the pediatric genetic disorders that have urologic manifestations is presented to assist in the evaluation of patients, counseling of parents and treatment of urologic manifestations of childhood genetic diseases.

Passive dilation by ureteral stenting before ureteroscopy: eliminating the need for active dilation.

PURPOSE: We sought to evaluate the use of passive dilation by stenting of ureteral orifices that were inaccessible at initial cystoscopic evaluation in children before a ureteroscopic procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated all patients younger than 18 years undergoing a ureteroscopic procedure in whom the ureteral orifice could not be accessed endoscopically by a ureteroscope. RESULTS: A total of 26 children (14 boys and 12 girls) 7.3 to 14.1 years old (median age 10.3 years) underwent 28 passive dilations of initially inaccessible ureters. Stents remained indwelling for 2 to 8 weeks (median 3). All patients underwent successful ureteroscopy with a semirigid and/or flexible ureteroscope after preoperative stent placement. No patient required active dilation of the ureteral orifice at ureteroscopy. There were no complications from stent placement before the ureteroscopic procedures. No patient had a urinary tract infection or bladder spasms requiring anticholinergic therapy from stent insertion and/or early stent removal. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that passive dilation of the ureteral orifice in preparation for ureteroscopy is a straightforward, successful and beneficial technique in children, with no associated complications.