Ureteropelvic junction obstruction with polyps in children: clinical manifestations and supranormal preoperative differential renal function.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze the clinical manifestation and pre-DRF of UPJO children with polyps and explore the possible influencing factors of supranormal pre-DRF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing primary Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty for UPJO due to polyp were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' characteristics, parameters of ultrasound and dynamic renograms (DR) were recorded in elaborate. Pre-DRF in groups of different age, weight, gender, pain, grade of hydronephrosis, anterio-posterior pelvic diameter (APD), length of kidney and postoperative ultrasonic parameters were compared. RESULTS: A total of 18 UPJO children with polyps were included. Five (27.78%) patients had SFU III grade of hydronephrosis. Seven (38.89%) patients were supranormal pre-DRF. All patients had pre-DRF > 40%. Drainage curve was delayed excretion in 12 (66.67%) patients and T1/2 < 20 min was in 4 (22.22%) patients. Among the 16 patients who underwent preoperative IVP examination, 15 (93.75%) patients had concentration of intrarenal pelvis contrast agent within 10 min. No significant difference in post-APD reduction rate and post-minPT increased was found between supranormal pre-DRF and non-supranormal pre-DRF groups. The supranormal pre-DRF was more likely to occur in young and low-weight children. CONCLUSION: The preoperative renal function of UPJO patients with polyps was well preserved, and 38.89% of them had supranormal pre-DRF. Patients with supranormal pre-DRF can be managed with the same strategies as those with normal renal function.

Double J stent combined with pyelostomy tube in pediatric laparoscopic pyeloplasty: a 5-year clinical experience in a single center.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of using a double J (DJ) stent combined with pyelostomy tube with a DJ stent alone in laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) for pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with UPJO treated with LP between January 2017 and November 2021 was conducted in our center. According to different postoperative drainage methods patients were divided into a DJ stent group (52 cases) and a DJ stent combined with pyelostomy tube group (combination group, 41 cases). Operative time, bleeding volume, perirenal drainage stent removal time, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, and renal function recovery were compared between the two groups. Renal ultrasound and diuretic renogram (DR) were used for preoperative and postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients were in the DJ stent group and 41 patients in the combination group. The mean hospital stay was 6.46 ± 2.66 days in the DJ stent group and 5.22 ± 1.63 days in the combination group (p < 0.05). Postoperative complications developed in 14 out of 52 patients in the DJ stent group (26.9%), while complications developed in 8 out of 41 patients in the combination group (19.5%) (p > 0.05). Non-catheter-related complications developed in 10/52 patients in the DJ stent group (19.2%) and only 1/41 patients in the combination group (2.4%) (p < 0.05). The renal function and renal cortex thickness in both groups were improved. CONCLUSION: Both the DJ stent drainage and the DJ stent combined with pyelostomy drainage are safe and effective. We should fully consider the patient's preoperative and intraoperative conditions and choose appropriate drainage methods. A DJ stent combined with pyelostomy tube can reduce non-catheter related complications, facilitate postoperative recovery, and the hospital stay was significantly shorter than the DJ stent group. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the nursing treatment of the pyelostomy tube and guard against the occurrence of pyelostomy tube shedding.

Transurethral Retrograde Fishing the Double J Urethral Stent: A Tertiary Children Hospital's Experience With a New Technical Strategy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide a new strategy for non-cystoscopic double J urethral stent (JJS) removal, the transurethral retrograde fishing the double J urethral stent (TURFJJS), that avoids general anesthesia in pediatric populations. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the JJS removal records of patients having ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). We analyzed differences in the removal success rates, operation-related severe complications, total cost, duration, and parental satisfaction between TURFJJS and traditional cystoscopic double J urethral stent removal (CJJSR) procedures. Results: A total of 324 patients with UPJO were included in this study. CJJSR yielded a success rate of 100%. TURFJJS achieved a success rate of 94.3%. The TURFJJS was just an outpatient procedure, and its total cost was about 800 Chinese yuan (US$ 124). There were no severe JJS removal-related complications using TURFJJS. Parental satisfaction was 98.2 and 92.5% for the CJJSR and TURFJJS protocols, respectively. Conclusion: TURFJJS is safe, effective, cost-effective, and well-tolerated in pediatric patients, minimizing or eliminating the need for general anesthesia, additional hospitalization, and waste of time. TURFJJS should be widely used in pediatric urology.

Development of the prediction model for negative outcomes after primary laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children: a retrospective study of 535 patients.

Background: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) has been widely accepted as an effective method to treat ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in pediatric patients. Limited studies focused on the relationship between risk factors and negative outcomes. Our study aimed to seek independent risk factors for negative outcomes and construct a prognostic nomogram to assist clinical decision-making and improve outcomes. Methods: A total of 535 patients with UPJO treated with primary LP between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Negative outcomes were defined as restenosis requiring reoperation and grade III and IV complications based on the Clavien-Dindo grading system. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to select risk factors for negative outcomes after LP and developed the prediction model. The model was internally validated by the parametric bootstrapping method. Results: Among the 535 patients, 33 (6.2%) developed negative outcomes. Ten patients developed ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) restenosis and underwent secondary surgery. UPJ leakage (two cases), difficulty of urinating after the removal of the Double-J (DJ) stent (two cases), and ileus (two cases) were the most common grade IIIa complications, while distal ureteral stricture (five cases), hernia formation (three cases), and delayed wound healing around the fistula (two cases) were the most common grade IIIb complications. After univariate and multivariate logistic analyses, the patient's weight, preoperative anteroposterior pelvic diameter (APD), and difficulty of DJ stent insertion were independent risk factors for negative outcomes, and they were used to fit the prediction model. The Brier score was 0.048. The model was relatively well-calibrated. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.831 (95% CI: 0.756-0.906). Decision curve analysis illustrated good clinical utility. Conclusions: Primary LP is a safe and effective method for pediatric patients with UPJO. The patient's weight, preoperative APD, and difficulty of DJ stent insertion were independent risk factors for negative outcomes after LP. We established and validated a predictive model for negative outcomes after LP. With the help of this model, clinicians can make better decisions and improve patient outcomes.

Application of three-dimensional visualization technology in laparoscopic pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction caused by crossing vessels: a retrospective comparative cohort study.

Background: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) caused by crossing vessels is a common upper urinary tract abnormal development in which the vessels compress the upper segment of the ureter leading to different grades of hydronephrosis. Compared with routine computed tomography (CT) examination, three-dimensional visualization technology (3DVT) can help surgeons better understand the anatomical structure of the target surgical area. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical value of 3DVT for the diagnosis, preoperative surgical planning, perioperative outcomes, and patient education of UPJO caused by crossing vessels. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 28 patients who were admitted to the Department of Urology in Xiangya Hospital between January 2016 and December 2021 presenting with UPJO caused by crossing vessel compression. Among the 28 patients included, 13 patients underwent preoperative 3DVT and 15 patients underwent routine computed tomography (CT) scans. After the initial evaluation, all patients received standardized dismembered LP. The 2 groups of patients were compared in terms of demographic parameters, intraoperative data, and perioperative results. After surgery, all patients were asked to complete a Likert scale questionnaire to gain insight into their understanding of the disease and surgery, as well as their satisfaction with the use of different imaging techniques. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), side of obstruction, blood vessel compressing the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), mean duration of hospitalization, and surgical efficacy between the 2 groups. However, the 3DVT group experienced a significant reduction in operation duration (120.8±7.0 versus 144.0±7.9 min, P=0.039), time required for dismemberment of the UPJ (14.8±1.7 versus 24.0±2.2 min, P=0.004), and the amount of intraoperative blood loss (60.8±10.5 versus 95.3±11.9 mL, P=0.041). The 3DVT group was also notably superior to the conventional CT group in terms of the overall levels of patient satisfaction and understanding of the disease and surgery. Conclusions: 3DVT is a helpful preoperative examination tool which can clearly show the anatomical relationship between crossing vessels and the UPJ. In addition, 3DVT can also help patients better understand their conditions and surgical plans, thereby improving patient satisfaction.

Hsa_circRNA_0045861 promotes renal injury in ureteropelvic junction obstruction via the microRNA-181d-5p/sirtuin 1 signaling axis.

BACKGROUND: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is one of the most common causes of hydronephrosis in children. This study explored the effects and the regulatory mechanisms of the circular RNA (circRNA) hsa_circRNA_0045861 (circRNA_0045861) in UPJO. METHODS: RNA sequencing was used to identify the differentially expressed circRNAs in UPJO. The effects of circRNA_0045861 on renal cell apoptosis was investigated by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, we used bioinformatics methods to predict the possible target genes of circRNA_0045861. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to validate the target genes of circRNA_0045861. Finally, we evaluated the effects of circRNA_0045861 target gene miR-181d-5p on UPJO-induced renal fibrosis in vivo. RESULTS: RNA sequencing identified 63 upregulated and 64 downregulated circRNAs in UPJO patients. The expression of circRNA_0045861 was significantly elevated in kidney damage both in vivo and in vitro. Silencing circ_0045861 inhibited transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1-induced apoptosis in vitro in human kidney 2 (HK-2) cells. Furthermore, circ_0045861 was shown to directly interact with the microRNA miR-181d-5p and regulate the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), thereby promoting the progression of apoptosis and renal injury. In addition, overexpression of miR-181d-5p inhibited cell apoptosis and renal fibrosis in a mouse model through downregulating the SIRT1/p53 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Circ_0045861 may be a novel candidate circRNA in the pathogenesis of UPJO by acting as a pro-apoptotic factor via the miR-181d-5p/SIRT1 axis.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of ureteral stent for risk factors of restenosis after laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) has been widely used to treat ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO); however, no previous series of reports has focused on analyzing the factors that influence the complications and outcomes of LP. In this study, we analyzed the risk factors related to complications of LP, especially that of restenosis. The aim of this study is to perform meta-analysis of relevant comparative studies to analyze the risk factors of restenosis after LP treatment with ureteral stent as of 30 April 2021. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in April 2021. The evaluation results included operation time (OT), intraoperative blood loss (IBL), anastomotic tension (AT), postoperative drainage (PD), and ectopic blood vessels (EBV). Relative risk (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were extrapolated with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis was performed based on research design and technology. RESULTS: After screening, 7 studies were included, incorporating a total of 979 patients with PUJO treated by LP. Analysis revealed the likelihood of risk factors as follows: OT [mean difference (MD) -3.16, 95% CI: -7.18 to 0.85; P=0.12], IBL (MD -3.16, 95% CI: -7.18 to 0.85; P=0.12), AT (RR 3.86, 95% CI: 2.96 to 5.02; P<0.00001), PD (MD 303.97, 95% CI: 219.49 to 388.44; P<0.00001), and EBV (RR 1.15, 95% CI: 0.78 to 1.68; P=0.49). The results indicated that high AT and increased PD are risk factors for postoperative ureteral restenosis. DISCUSSION: The results of the meta-analysis showed that among the factors related to the efficacy of LP in the treatment of ureteral stenosis, OT, IBL, AT, and EBV were not significantly correlated with postoperative restenosis. However, AT and PD are independent risk factors for postoperative restenosis of the ureter. Therefore, during the operation, the AT should be reduced, and the local injury is reduced to reduce the PD, thereby reducing the risk of restenosis.

Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction.

For ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), the standard of surgical care is dismembered pyeloplasty. This applies both for intrinsic but also for extrinsic etiology of the UPJO. When in 1995, Peters described for the first time laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children, the era of laparoscopic pediatric urological surgery began. Nowadays, laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in children has evolved to become the gold standard. In this article, we report a standardized technique of laparoscopic transperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasty for infants and children. The described single steps of the procedure are reproducible regardless of age and weight and thus offer a high surgical success rate.

The roles of protein load test in quantitatively evaluating renal function after severe unilateral ureteral obstruction in adult rabbits.

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of dynamic renal scintigraphy in evaluating the function of hydronephrotic kidneys is controversial. This study sought to investigate the effects of ureteral obstruction on renal function and the role of the protein load test (PLT) in evaluating hydronephrotic kidneys' function. METHODS: A ureteral obstruction model was generated with New Zealand white rabbits. The baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the GFR during the PLT were measured by dynamic renal scintigraphy at weeks 6, 9, and 12 after obstruction and the renal reserve GFRs were calculated. The renal GFR differences between different time points and between the PLT and baseline status were compared. RESULTS: (I) Both the baseline GFRs (t=11.287, P=0.000) and the GFRs during the PLTs (t=16.235, P=0.000) of the hydronephrotic kidneys were significantly lower than those of the contralateral kidneys. (II) The baseline GFRs of the obstructed kidneys were not significantly different 6, 9, and 12 weeks after obstruction (F=0.122, P=0.887), but their net reserve GFRs (F=8.419, P=0.004) and relative reserve GFRs (F=3.770, P=0.049) gradually decreased over time. (III) There was no significant correlation between the net reserve GFRs (r=-0.006, P=0.977) or the relative reserve functions (r=-0.022, P=0.920) of the obstructed kidneys and their baseline GFRs. However, there was a significant negative correlation between the net reserve GFRs (r=-0.590, P=0.002) or the relative reserve functions (r=-0.546, P=0.006) of the obstructed kidneys and the duration of obstruction. (IV) The reserve GFRs of the obstructed kidneys were not proportional to their baseline GFRs. CONCLUSIONS: The functional changes in hydronephrotic kidneys are not sensitively reflected by baseline GFRs. GFRs during the PLTs and the reserve GFRs play important roles in the early and accurate evaluation of the function of obstructed kidneys.

Asymptomatic obstructive hydronephrosis associated with diabetes insipidus: a case report and review.

The treatment of asymptomatic hydronephrosis due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), as well as the timing and indications for surgical intervention, remain controversial. Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disease in infants that is known to cause non-obstructive hydronephrosis, while its association with obstructive hydronephrosis has not been reported. Some studies have found that increased water intake is a predisposing risk factor of developing hydronephrosis. However, there are no studies or guidelines that indicate the specific follow-up intervals and surgical indications for mild hydronephrosis if predisposing risk factors persist. A 46-month-old boy was admitted to our Urology Department with a history of Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) Grade 2 prenatal left hydronephrosis, which was stable at SFU Grade 1-2 at regular postnatal follow-ups. The patient developed polydipsia and polyuria three months prior to admission, then he was considered as primary polydipsia by endocrinology and was treated with fluid restriction while the examination was negative. Renal ultrasound at follow-up demonstrated severe left hydronephrosis with an anterior-posterior diameter (APD) of 6.25 cm three months after symptom onset. Diuretic renography (DR) revealed a renal function of 13.7% with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 11.25 mL/min. The patient was otherwise asymptomatic without any abdominal pain or vomiting. He underwent left pyelostomy immediately as well as laparoscopic left dismembered ureteropelvioplasty after three months, and a diagnosis of UPJO was confirmed. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative recovery and the result of follow-up renal ultrasound was stable. However, the symptoms of polydipsia and polyuria did not improve significantly. He underwent pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathological examination, the results of which were consistent with central DI caused by Langerhans cell hyperplasia four months postoperatively. This case indicates the need to pay attention to children with mild hydronephrosis undergoing regular observation and conservative treatment, as a sudden aggravation of the hydronephrosis and a rapid decline of renal function may occur if DI persists.

Outcomes and costs analysis of Externalized PyeloUreteral versus internal Double-J ureteral stents after paediatric laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard treatment for Uretero-Pelvic Junction Obstruction (UPJO) is laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty according to the Anderson-Hynes technique. The internal Double-J ureteral (DJ) and the Externalized PyeloUreteral (EPU) stents are usually the drainage of choice. Only a few articles have compared the clinical impact of the different drainage techniques on the perioperative morbidity and none presented a cost analysis of the incurred hospital stay. OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical outcome and financial analysis of a cohort of children who underwent a laparoscopic pyeloplasty comparing the use of the DJ versus EPU stent. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of consecutives children who underwent laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty in a single tertiary paediatric referral centre from January 2017 to March 2020. Patients were grouped according to the type of stent used: DJ stent vs EPU stent. RESULTS: Fifty-three laparoscopic pyeloplasties were performed on 51 patients: 27 (50.9%) had an EPU stent and 26 (49.1%) a DJ stent. There was no statistically significant difference between the two patient groups with regards to surgical time, hospital stay, stent-related complications or the need for re-do surgery. All the EPU stents were removed with an outpatient admission 8.1 days ± 3.1 after surgery while the DJ stents were removed with a cystoscopy 61.6 days ± 30.2 after surgery (p value < 0.001). On a financial analysis (Figure), the hospital costs for stent removal were significantly lower for the EPU stent group (£ 686.7 ± 263.4 vs £ 1425 ± 299.5, p value < 0.01). DISCUSSION: Both drainage methods have some disadvantages. Possible complications associated with DJ stents include migration and artificial vesicoureteral reflux which may lead to higher incidence of Urinary Tract Infections. Possible disadvantages of the EPU stent insertion are related to the damage of the renal parenchyma and to the risk of developing skin site infections and urinary leaks. However, in our series the EPU stent has not been associated with a higher incidence of bleeding, leakage or discomfort. In addition to clinical considerations, there is a financial implication to be considered. With this regard, the EPU stent was associated with a significant reduction in the incurred hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS: The use of DJ and EPU stents is equivalent in regards of overall complications and success rates. DJ and EPU stents provided comparable success and complication rates, however the latter avoids the need of an additional general anaesthesia and reduces the overall incurred hospital costs.

Primary laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children: A single-center experience of 279 patients and analysis of possible factors affecting complications.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) has been widely used in the treatment of pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). However, no prior reports with a large pediatric series have focused on the analysis of complications and impact factors of the outcomes. We hypothesized there were risk factors of higher Clavien grade postoperative complications. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of complications and risk factors of high Clavien grade postoperative complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All children with UPJO treated with primary transperitoneal LP between July 2016 and July 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The Clavien complication grades in groups with different weight, intraoperative complication (drainage methods), anteroposterior pelvic diameters (APPD), side, gender, title of surgeon, preoperative presentation and obstruction reason were compared. RESULTS: Of the 279 children, intraoperative complications in which the placement of double-J stents was not accomplished and conversion to open surgery (Satava grade II) occurred in 17 (6.09%) and 2 (0.72%) patients, respectively. A total of 270 patients (277 kidneys) were included in the analysis of postoperative complications. Postoperative complications occurred in 51 (18.89%) patients. The most frequent postoperative incident was febrile UTI in 27 patients. Of the 13 patients who required reoperations, 6 patients had kidney restenosis and were considered as failure of surgery. All complications with an exact onset time occurred within 10 months after surgery. In the univariate and multivariate analysis, weight <10 kg and having intraoperative complication with nephrostomy tube were risk factors of higher Clavien postoperative complication grade (P＜0.05). DISCUSSION: Patients who were <10 kg in weight and having intraoperative complication with nephrostomy tube had a greater risk of a higher Clavien grade postoperative complication. To reduce high Clavien grade postoperative complications, asymptomatic patients under 10 kg in weight and having intraoperative complication with nephrostomy tube need close monitoring. In the 26 patients who had an exact time of the postoperative complications, the longest time we found was 10 months. Thus, we recommend the follow-up time required to observe postoperative complications in patients should be at least 10 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: LP has been proven to be safe and effective in children with a low rate of complications. Weight <10 kg and having intraoperative complications with nephrostomy tube were risk factors of higher Clavien grade postoperative complications. Children with low weight and intraoperative complications need more attention in terms of the occurrence of complications.

Pyeloplasty vs. nephrectomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in poorly functioning kidneys (differential renal function <20%): a multicentric study.

INTRODUCTION: Management of poorly functioning kidneys with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is controversial, with some recommending direct nephrectomy and others direct pyeloplasty, and others temporary diversion. This study aimed to determine whether pyeloplasty is associated with higher complication rate than nephrectomy under these circumstances and whether it allows for functional recovery. METHODS: A retrospective review of 77 patients undergoing surgery for UPJO associated with a differential renal function (DRF) < 20% at 4 centres between January 2000 and December 2015 was conducted. Short- and long-term complications between pyeloplasties (n = 47) and nephrectomies (n = 16) and the changes in the DRF after pyeloplasty were compared. RESULTS: Patients undergoing nephrectomy had significantly lower median pre-operative DRF (p < 0.001) and were significantly more likely to undergo a minimally invasive approach (p = 0.002) than those undergoing pyeloplasty. No postoperative variable was statistically different between groups. After a mean follow-up of 63 (10-248) months, no statistically significant difference was found in intra-operative, early, late, and overall complications between pyeloplasty and nephrectomy. Pyeloplasty failed in 3% (2/62) of cases. Of the patients undergoing successful pyeloplasty, 36 had a pre-operative and a postoperative renogram, and functional recovery >5% was observed in 13 (36%), whereas the DRF remained unchanged in 16 (45%). Only postnatal diagnosis was associated with a significantly higher chance of functional recovery (odds ratio [OR] = 4.13, p = 0.047). DISCUSSION: Nephrectomy was more commonly performed using a minimally invasive approach and required less-intense follow-up than pyeloplasty. Moreover, complications after pyeloplasty, although occasional, required additional surgery which was never required after nephrectomy. Moreover, it should be considered that conservative treatment might be a third option in some of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: In the study patients, pyeloplasty was not associated with significantly higher morbidity than nephrectomy. Need for deferred nephrectomy seems exceptional in decompressed kidneys even though renal function remains poor. Of the pyeloplasty cases not requiring additional surgery, one-third showed an improvement in DRF and a postnatal diagnosis was the only predictive factor for renal functional recovery.

Comparison of mini flank incision and laparoscopy in the treatment of infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective Comparison of the efficacy of mini flank incision and laparoscopy in the treatment of infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 85 cases of infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction in our hospital from Jan.2016 to Jan.2018,all the patients underwent dismembered pyeloplasty.According to the surgical approach,they were divided into two groups:There were 45 cases in the mini flank incision group,including 39 males and 6 females,aged from 1 month to 3 years,with a median age of 4 months,and 40 patients in the laparoscopy group,including 33 males and 7 females,aged from 2 months to 3 years,with a median age of 9 months.The clinical effects of the two groups were compared.Results The patients were followed up for 12-24 months.The operation time[(68.0 ± 15.3) min vs.(79.6 ± 18.8) min],fasting time [(5 ± 1) h vs.(14 ± 8) h] and indwelling time of peri-renal drainage tube [(3.1 ± 1.4) d vs.(4.3 ± 2.2) d] in the mini flank incision group were shorter than those in the laparoscopy group (P ＜ 0.01),but there was no significant difference in the amount of blood loss[(2.1 ± 0.9) ml vs.(2.2 ± 0.6) ml] during the operation (P ＞ 0.05).The recurrence rate [0 vs.5 ％ (2/40)]and the incidence of complications[11.1％ (5/45) vs.17.5％ (7/40)] in the mini flank incision group were lower than those in the laparoscopy group,but there was no statistical difference (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Pyeloplasty via mini flank incision or laparoscopy are both safe,effective and cosmetic.Mini flank incision surgery has the advantage of short operation time,easy to master and less disturbance of physiological function.Pyeloplasty via mini flank incision it is one of the reasonable options for the treatment of infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Analysis of long-term follow-up results of conservative treatment of children with unilateral UPJO / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective This study was a retrospective analysis of the efficacy of conservative treatment of unilateral renal pelvic ureteral junction obstruction with good renal function at the time of initial diagnosis.Methods The clinical data of 101 children with unilateral pelvic ureteral junction obstruction from January 2008 to December 2017 was analyzed retrospectively.All the patients underwent non-surgical treatment.There were 67 males and 34 females.The age range is from 10 days to 10 years old,with an average age of 3.4 years.52 cases got left side obstruction and 49 cases got the right side obstrction.14 children had abdominal pain symptoms.Among the 37 neonates:21 male,16 female.15 were left,22 were right.10 cases were found during prenatal pregnancy,and 27 were dignosed postpartum.The indication for conservative treatment is no hydronephrosis-related symptoms or normal renal function at the initial diagnosis.The hydronephrosis did not affect the child's breathing,growth and development.The B-ultrasound was done every 1 to 6 months which depended on the different grades of hydronephrosis during a conservative observation period.The diuretic radionuclide imaging was done every 6 to 12 months.The end point of follow-up was surgery or disappear of the hydronephrosis in the affected side.Surgical indications are symptoms of hydronephrosis during follow-up which affecting growth and development,renal function reduction ＞ 10％,hydronephrosis SFU,UTDP grade progressive increase.Among them,3 cases were raised from SFU2 to SFU3,17 cases were raised from SFU3 to SFU4;4 cases of neonatal UTDP2 progressed to grade 3 hydronephrosis and UTDP3 increased in 5 cases.Regression of hydronephrosis test three consecutive urinary renal ultrasound was defined as no hydronephrosis in.Results Continuous follow-up ranged from 1 year to 5 years,a median follow-up is 37 months.Of the 101 patients,41 (40.5％) required surgery,and 60 (59.5％) kept conservative follow up.2 cases of SFU1 children with hydronephrosis spontaneously disappeared.Of the 26 SFU class 2 children,15 (69.2％) spontaneously resolved,7 (30.7％) improved,and 4 underwent surgery.Of the 50 children with SFU grade 3 hydronephrosis,11 (22.0％) spontaneously resolved,19 improved or remained unchanged,and 20 patients eventually underwent surgery.Of the 23 patients with SFU grade 4 hydronephrosis,6 (26.0％) improved (to SFU 2) and 17 (73.9％) underwent surgery.37 of the 101 children were enrolled in the neonatal group for SFU grading while performing UTDP grading.Twenty-seven (70.2％) of the 37 neonates underwent conservative treat ment,including 8 (100.0％) UTDP grade 1 hydronephrosis,8(66.7％) UTDP grade 2 hydronephrosis,and UTDP grade 3 10 cases (58.8％) of hydronephrosis were effective for conservative treatment.There was a statistically significant difference between the level of hydronephrosis at the time of initial diagnosis of hydronephrosis and the efficacy of conservative treatment.Conclusion Conservative treatment of unilateral ureteral pelvic and ureteral junction obstruction is safe and effective.Severe hydronephrosis is unlikely to spontaneously resolve,often accompanied by early loss of renal function,and should be followed closely by ultrasound.

Comparison of mini flank incision and laparoscopy in the treatment of infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective@#Comparison of the efficacy of mini flank incision and laparoscopy in the treatment of infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction.@*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed 85 cases of infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction in our hospital from Jan. 2016 to Jan. 2018, all the patients underwent dismembered pyeloplasty. According to the surgical approach, they were divided into two groups: There were 45 cases in the mini flank incision group, including 39 males and 6 females, aged from 1 month to 3 years, with a median age of 4 months, and 40 patients in the laparoscopy group, including 33 males and 7 females, aged from 2 months to 3 years, with a median age of 9 months. The clinical effects of the two groups were compared.@*Results@#The patients were followed up for 12-24 months. The operation time[(68.0±15.3)min vs.(79.6±18.8)min], fasting time[(5±1)h vs.(14±8)h] and indwelling time of peri-renal drainage tube[(3.1±1.4)d vs.(4.3±2.2)d] in the mini flank incision group were shorter than those in the laparoscopy group (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in the amount of blood loss[(2.1±0.9)ml vs.(2.2±0.6)ml] during the operation (P>0.05). The recurrence rate[0 vs.5%(2/40)] and the incidence of complications[11.1%(5/45)vs. 17.5%(7/40)] in the mini flank incision group were lower than those in the laparoscopy group, but there was no statistical difference (P>0.05).@*Conclusions@#Pyeloplasty via mini flank incision or laparoscopy are both safe, effective and cosmetic.Mini flank incision surgery has the advantage of short operation time, easy to master and less disturbance of physiological function. Pyeloplasty via mini flank incision it is one of the reasonable options for the treatment of infants with ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

Analysis of long-term follow-up results of conservative treatment of children with unilateral UPJO / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective@#This study was a retrospective analysis of the efficacy of conservative treatment of unilateral renal pelvic ureteral junction obstruction with good renal function at the time of initial diagnosis.@*Methods@#The clinical data of 101 children with unilateral pelvic ureteral junction obstruction from January 2008 to December 2017 was analyzed retrospectively. All the patients underwent non-surgical treatment. There were 67 males and 34 females. The age range is from 10 days to 10 years old, with an average age of 3.4 years. 52 cases got left side obstruction and 49 cases got the right side obstrction. 14 children had abdominal pain symptoms. Among the 37 neonates: 21 male, 16 female. 15 were left, 22 were right. 10 cases were found during prenatal pregnancy, and 27 were dignosed postpartum. The indication for conservative treatment is no hydronephrosis-related symptoms or normal renal function at the initial diagnosis. The hydronephrosis did not affect the child's breathing, growth and development. The B-ultrasound was done every 1 to 6 months which depended on the different grades of hydronephrosis during a conservative observation period. The diuretic radionuclide imaging was done every 6 to 12 months. The end point of follow-up was surgery or disappear of the hydronephrosis in the affected side. Surgical indications are symptoms of hydronephrosis during follow-up which affecting growth and development, renal function reduction >10%, hydronephrosis SFU, UTDP grade progressive increase. Among them, 3 cases were raised from SFU2 to SFU3, 17 cases were raised from SFU3 to SFU4; 4 cases of neonatal UTDP2 progressed to grade 3 hydronephrosis and UTDP3 increased in 5 cases. Regression of hydronephrosis test three consecutive urinary renal ultrasound was defined as no hydronephrosis in.@*Results@#Continuous follow-up ranged from 1 year to 5 years, a median follow-up is 37 months. Of the 101 patients, 41 (40.5%) required surgery, and 60 (59.5%) kept conservative follow up. 2 cases of SFU1 children with hydronephrosis spontaneously disappeared. Of the 26 SFU class 2 children, 15 (69.2%) spontaneously resolved, 7(30.7%) improved, and 4 underwent surgery. Of the 50 children with SFU grade 3 hydronephrosis, 11(22.0%) spontaneously resolved, 19 improved or remained unchanged, and 20 patients eventually underwent surgery. Of the 23 patients with SFU grade 4 hydronephrosis, 6(26.0%) improved (to SFU 2) and 17(73.9%) underwent surgery. 37 of the 101 children were enrolled in the neonatal group for SFU grading while performing UTDP grading. Twenty-seven (70.2%) of the 37 neonates underwent conservative treat ment, including 8(100.0%) UTDP grade 1 hydronephrosis, 8(66.7%) UTDP grade 2 hydronephrosis, and UTDP grade 3 10 cases (58.8%) of hydronephrosis were effective for conservative treatment. There was a statistically significant difference between the level of hydronephrosis at the time of initial diagnosis of hydronephrosis and the efficacy of conservative treatment.@*Conclusion@#Conservative treatment of unilateral ureteral pelvic and ureteral junction obstruction is safe and effective. Severe hydronephrosis is unlikely to spontaneously resolve, often accompanied by early loss of renal function, and should be followed closely by ultrasound.

Hydronephrosis and crossing vessels in children: Optimization of diagnostic-therapeutic pathway and analysis of color Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance urography diagnostic accuracy.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is one of the most frequent urological diseases affecting the pediatric population. It can be due to both intrinsic stenosis of the junction and extrinsic causes such as the presence of crossing vessels (CVs), which can be detected by color Doppler ultrasound (CD-US). Magnetic resonance urography (MRU) is a good alternative, but sedation and infusion of a contrast agent are required. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of CD-US and MRU in visualizing CVs in pediatric hydronephrosis, in order to decide the correct diagnostic pathway in the pre-operative phase. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of medical records for all patients who underwent surgical treatment for hydronephrosis from August 2006 to February 2016. Ultrasound and scintigraphy had been performed on all patients. Data about CD-US and MRU were collected. A high-level technology ultrasound scanner and a 1.5 T MR scanner were used. The presence of CVs at surgery was considered the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated and reported for both of the imaging techniques. RESULTS: A total of 220 clinical charts were reviewed. Seventy-three CVs were identified at surgery (33.2% of UPJO). The median age was statistically higher in the group with CVs compared to the group without CVs (P < 0.001). The sensitivity and NPV of CD-US in detecting CVs were higher than MRU (sensitivity 93.3% vs. 71.7%, NPV 95.7% vs. 77.6%, respectively). DISCUSSION: According to the data, CD-US had higher sensitivity and NPV than MRU, resulting in superior detection of CVs. It is important for a surgeon to know that a child has a CV, especially in older children in which the incidence of extrinsic UPJO is higher. The main limitation of this study was the presence of incomplete data, due to the retrospectivity. CONCLUSIONS: In the pre-operative phase, the CD-US should be considered as the investigation of choice to detect CVs in children with hydronephrosis (Summary Fig). Moreover, CD-US has lower costs than MRU, and sedation with infusion of contrast agent is unnecessary. For the future, it could be useful to lead a prospective comparison between the two imaging techniques.