Zero-echo time MRI: an alternative method for the diagnosis of urinary stones in children.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential of zero-echo time-magnetic resonance imaging (ZTE-MRI) in the assessment of urolithiasis and compare ZTE-MRI with computed tomography (CT) in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective cross-sectional study conducted between April 2023 and December 2023. 23 patients (12 girls, 11 boys; mean age: 12.3, range 1-18) with urinary tract stones detected on non-enhanced abdominal CT were enrolled. The images were evaluated independently by two radiologists for the presence, and number of stones in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. In the second session, two radiologists evaluated whether urinary tract stones could be detected by MRI compared to CT, and the maximum diameter of the stones was measured. The CT and MRI results were compared with the Wilcoxon test. The agreement between the results of the observers was examined using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 58 urinary tract stones were detected by CT and 39 of these were detected by MRI. Most of the stones that MRI could not detect were < 5 mm and the detection sensitivity of MRI increased in correlation with stone size (p < 0.001). There was poor intermodality agreement for stones < 5 mm, substantial agreement for stones 5-10 mm, and almost perfect agreement for stones > 10 mm. Interobserver agreement for stone detection on MRI was almost perfect for stones > 10 mm and 5-10 mm and was substantial for stones < 5 mm. CONCLUSION: ZTE-MRI is a promising modality for detecting urinary stones without radiation exposure in children. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Zero-echo time-magnetic resonance imaging is a potential method for identifying urinary stones in children and other populations who are particularly sensitive to radiation. KEY POINTS: Urinary system stone disease in children is increasing and imaging is needed for managing urolithiasis. Zero-echo time-magnetic resonance imaging (ZTE-MRI) had an accuracy of 81.8% and 93.7% for stones larger than 5 mm and 10 mm, respectively. ZTE-MRI is a potential non-irradiating method for the diagnosis and management of urolithiasis.

Fish: A Promising Screening Tool for Malignancy After Augmentation Cystoplasty?

INTRODUCTION: Malignancy after augmentation cystoplasty (AC) is reported up to 5.5 %. We assessed the use of urine fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) screening for bladder malignancy after AC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 36/98 patients under follow-up who have completed tenth year after ileal AC were included prospectively. Twenty-four (66.7 %) patients were tested with FISH initially and overall 28 (77.8 %) patients with conventional cytology (CC). Twenty-four (66.7 %) patients with FISH analysis also had cytology analysis. Blinded from the cytology results, 32 (88.9 %) patients who were consented underwent cystoscopy with random biopsy (native bladder, ileal segment, ileovesical junction). Two patients those were tested with FISH did not consented cystoscopy. This study was registred to the government registry (No: 71146310). RESULTS: Mean follow-up time after AC was 15.4 ± 4.8 years. 2/32 (5.6 %) patients were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in cyctoscopic biopsy. FISH analysis of 3/24 (12.5 %) patients demonstrated abnormal findings consistent with malignancy. Two FISH malignant patients were patients who had adenocarcinoma. The third patient's biopsy was benign and the third year control cystoscopy was normal. 2/4 patients with malignant CC had adenocarcinoma and 2/4 patients had benign biopsy. The sensitivity and specificity of FISH in our series were 100 % and 95 % respectively. Whereas the sensitivity and specificity of CC was 100 % and 91.6 % respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite limited number of patients in this study, FISH showed higher specificity than CC in this series. FISH is a promising tool for malignancy screening after AC. TYPE OF STUDY: Diagnostic Studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Factors affecting the postoperative quality of life and psychological well-being in pediatric urology patients.

BACKGROUND: While most studies in pediatric urology investigate the clinical results, very few explore the relationship between surgery and quality of life and psychosocial well-being in pediatric urology practice. The determination of the effects of the surgical method on the quality of life (QoL) is of increasing importance. INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the effect of surgery type on the postoperative QoL and psychological well-being of pediatric urological surgery patients. METHODS: A total of 151 children and adolescents (4-18 years old) undergoing elective urological surgery between September 2020 and July 2021 were evaluated preoperatively; those who currently had psychiatric disorders were excluded. Of the 98 patients undergoing subsequent detailed preoperative assessment using standardized instruments to evaluate QoL and depression and anxiety symptom levels, only 63 could be re-evaluated postoperatively at a 6-month follow-up. Additionally, preoperative parental psychiatric symptom load was assessed using standardized self-report forms. RESULTS: The patients were classified into two categories for analysis-open versus endourological surgery and major versus minor surgery. In the latter category, there was a significant increase in the postoperative QoL in children undergoing minor urological surgery (p = 0.037). Furthermore, the table depicted the regression analysis indicating the predictors for lower postoperative QoL. Those predictors were higher parental preoperative psychiatric symptom load, a greater number of previous surgeries, and female gender (p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.304). CONCLUSION: Postoperative QoL of children/adolescents undergoing pediatric urology surgery is affected more by the patient's preoperative medical condition and the psychological status of the patient's parents, rather than the surgical method opted for.

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in Children: Evolution, Current Status, and Future Trends.

Introduction: Incidence of urolithiasis in children has increased in recent years and with technological advancements and miniaturization of surgical instruments, pediatric urologists have acquired an impressive arsenal for their treatment. Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has gained widespread popularity as it is a natural extension of semirigid ureteroscopy and can be done through natural orifice minimizing the morbidity of percutaneous access. The aim of this narrative review is to describe how RIRS has evolved over the decades in children and if the age-related anatomical difference impacts reported outcomes especially stone-free rate (SFR) and complications. Materials and Methods: An electronic literature search from inception to October 15, 2021 was performed using Medical Subject Heading terms in several combinations on PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science without language restrictions. A total of 2022 articles were founded and 165 articles were full-text screening. Finally, 2 pediatric urologists included 51 articles that summarize the available literature regarding the development and use of RIRS in children. Results: RIRS as of today is well established as a superior modality for all stones in all locations compared with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy both in children and adults. The passive dilation has decreased the need of active ureteral dilation, but the need to perform prestenting is not defined yet. Regarding the use of the ureteral access sheath, the literature tends to lean toward its placement in most cases, but we do not know its long-term effects over the growth of children. Finally, the SFR has increased as the experience of pediatric urologists increases, as well as the number of complications has decreased. Conclusion: RIRS in pediatrics has crossed many milestones, yet many areas need further research and larger data are required to make RIRS the procedure of choice for renal stone management in children across all age groups.

European Association of Urology and European Society for Paediatric Urology Guidelines on Paediatric Urinary Stone Disease.

CONTEXT: Paediatric stone disease is an important clinically entity and management is often challenging. Although it is known that the condition is endemic in some geographic regions of the world, the global incidence is also increasing. Patient age and sex; the number, size, location, and composition of the stone; and the anatomy of the urinary tract are factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a treatment modality. OBJECTIVE: To provide a general insight into the evaluation and management of urolithiasis in the paediatric population in the era of minimally invasive surgery. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A nonsystematic review of the literature on management of paediatric urolithiasis was conducted with the aim of presenting the most suitable treatment modality for different scenarios. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Because of high recurrence rates, open surgical intervention is not the first option for paediatric stone disease, except for very young patients with very large stones in association with congenital abnormalities. Minimally invasive surgeries have become the first option with the availability of appropriately sized instruments and accumulating experience. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is noninvasive and can be carried out as an outpatient procedure under sedation, and is the initial choice for management of smaller stones. However, for larger stones, SWL has lower stone-free rates and higher retreatment rates, so minimally invasive endourology procedures such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retrograde intrarenal surgery are preferred treatment options. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary surgical treatment for paediatric urolithiasis typically uses minimally invasive modalities. Open surgery is very rarely indicated. PATIENT SUMMARY: Cases of urinary stones in children are increasing. Minimally invasive surgery can achieve high stone-free rates with low complication rates. After stone removal, metabolic evaluation is strongly recommended so that medical treatment for any underlying metabolic abnormality can be given. Regular follow-up with imaging such as ultrasound is required because of the high recurrence rates.

Autoaugmentation: A Feasible Option before Ileal Augmentation in Selected Cases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of autoaugmentation (AA) in pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 59 patients (32 females and 27 males) who underwent AA between 1993 and 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. During postoperative follow-up, deterioration on renal scan and/or nonimproved hydronephrosis (HN) were described as upper urinary tract (UUT) impairment. Incontinence was described as use of diaper or pad. Preoperative urodynamic volume was divided into two as less than 50 and more than or equal to 50% expected bladder capacity (EBC). The effect of preoperative clinical factors on reaugmentation, incontinence, and UUT impairment was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age and the median follow-up were 8.9 ± 3.6 years and 64 (12-218) months, respectively. Ten (16.9%) patients underwent reaugmentation (ureteral or ileal). UUT impairment and incontinence rates were 13.6% (8/59) and 30.5% (18/59), respectively. On multivariate analysis, less than 50% EBC was the only predictor of reaugmentation and incontinence (p = 0.013, odds ratio [OR]: 17.546 and p = 0.035, OR: 3.750, respectively). Preoperative HN was predictor of UUT impairment (p = 0.041, OR: 10.168). After AA, 51 patients used clean intermittent catheter and 27 (45.8%) patients discontinued the use of anticholinergic medication. At follow-up, eight (13.5%) patients underwent surgery after AA due to long-term complications, dissatisfaction, or poor functional results (bladder neck injection, cystolithotripsy, Mitrofanoff revision, dilatation, and injection). CONCLUSION: AA is a viable option in selected cases with high pressure and low compliant bladders. Preoperative bladder capacity is significant for reaugmentation rate and continence. UUT impairment is related to preoperative HN.

Factors associated with the stone-free status after retrograde intrarenal surgery in children.

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric urolithiasis has a recurrent nature because it is frequently associated with metabolic or anatomical disorders or infectious conditions. The rising incidence of the disease with its recurrent nature emphasises the need for minimally invasive therapeutic options. In this study, we aimed to evaluate efficacy and factors affecting the success of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent RIRS were evaluated retrospectively. Two different flexible ureteroscopes (F-URS) were used (7.5F F-URS and 7.95F with a 4.9F bullet-shaped tip). Irrespective of size, all residual fragments were considered as failure. Age, stone size, stone localisation, Hounsfield Unit (HU), stone-free rate (SFR) and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-six patients (29 boys and 17 girls) with a median age of 70.5 months (6-214 months) were treated with RIRS between August 2014 and November 2019. The median operative time was 60 minutes (45-120 minutes). The median follow-up was 26 months (3-65 months). Fourteen patients had lower pole and 10 patients had multiple stones. Ureteral access sheath (UAS) was used in 16 (35%) patients. SFR was 61%. The median number of general anaesthesia was 2 (min 1, max 5). Auxiliary semirigid URS, PCNL and repeat RIRS were required in 4, 6 and 5 patients, respectively. Two patients had postoperative febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) as a complication. Age was associated with post-operative febrile UTI. Presence of stones with HU lower than 700, being operated 4.9F F-URS and without UAS were associated with better SFR. CONCLUSIONS: RIRS is a minimally invasive method with low complication rates in the treatment of childhood stone disease. Higher stone-free rates are obtained in low HU stones and cases in which we used 4.9 F tip F-URS.

Clinical practice in vesicoureteral reflux with respect to EAU guidelines: A multicenter study.

PURPOSE: We designed a multicenter, retrospective study to investigate the current trends in initial management of reflux with respect to European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines in Urology clinics of our country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 1988 renal units (RU) of 1345 patients treated surgically due to vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) (between years 2003 and 2017) in nine different institutions. Patients were divided into two groups according to time of initial treatment and also grouped according to risk factors by "EAU guidelines on VUR." RESULTS: In this series, 1426 RUs were treated initially conservatively and 562 RUs were initially treated with surgery. In initially surgically treated group, success rates of surgery decreased significantly in low and moderate risk groups after 2013 (P = .046, P = .0001, respectively), while success rates were not significantly different in high risk group (P = .46). While 26.6% of patients in low risk group were initially surgically treated before 2013, this rate has increased to 34.6% after 2013, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .096). However, performing surgery as the initial treatment approach increased significantly in both moderate and high risk groups (P = .000 and P = .0001, respectively) after 2013. Overall success rates of endoscopic treatments and ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) operations were 65% and 92.9% before 2013 and 60% and 78.5% after 2013, respectively. Thus, the overall success rate for surgery was 72.6%. There was significant difference between success rates of UNC operations before and after 2013 (P = .000), while the difference was not significant in the injection group (P = .076). CONCLUSION: Current trends in management of reflux in our country do not yet follow the EAU guidelines on VUR in low and moderate risk groups despite these reliable and accepted guidelines were expected to influence our daily approach.

Changes in percutaneous approach to kidney stones in children: A single institute experience over 500 cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to identify the changes in patient age and stone sizes with technological advancement over time. METHODS: This study was conducted retrospectively with 404 patients (504 renal units) who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) between January 1997 and June 2020. Patient characteristics and trends on instrument preferences were investigated. RESULTS: Median age was 7 (1-18) years. Male to female ratio was 1.48:1 (301/203). Median stone burden was 2 cm2 (0.20-25) and median operative time was 90 minutes (20-240). The stone-free rate was 74.6%. Patients were divided into four groups according to the size of the instrument. It was found that the size of sheath used increased significantly with increasing age and stone burden. The micro-PCNL group had the shortest hospitalisation and lowest blood transfusion rate. Chronologically categorised four equal groups were compared to analyse changing patient profiles and trends. Median patient age, stone burden, operation time, sheath size, blood transfusion and complication rates decreased significantly with time. However, the use of tracts smaller than 20F and the number of patients with previous intervention increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that the patient's age and stone size at the time of initial diagnosis decrease over time while miniaturisation techniques increase in paediatric urology.

Are there any benefits of using an inlay graft in the treatment of primary hypospadias in children? A systematic review and metanalysis.

INTRODUCTION: Dorsal inlay graft urethroplasty (DIGU) has been described as an effective method for hypospadias repair with the proposed advantage of reducing the risk of complications. We aimed to systematically assess whether DIGU has any additional advantages over standard tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) repair in children with primary hypospadias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. The a priori protocol is available at the PROSPERO database (CRD42020168305). A literature search was conducted for relevant publications from 1946 until January 10, 2020 in seven different databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparative studies (TIPU vs DIGU) and single arm case series (>20 cases) of DIGU were eligible for inclusion. Secondary hypospadias, two-stage repairs, disorders of sex development, significant curvature of >30°, and a mean or median follow-up of less than 12 months were excluded. DISCUSSION: A total of 499 articles were screened and 14 studies (3 RCTs, 5 non-randomized studies (NRSs), and 6 case series) with a total of 1753 children (distal: 1334 (76%) and proximal: 419 (24%)) were found eligible. Mean follow-up of the studies was between 16 and 77 months. DIGU was found superior to TIPU in decreasing meatal/neourethral stenosis (p = 0.02, 95% CI 0.02-0.78). All other parameters were found comparable including overall complications, fistula and glans dehiscence rates. Success rates were similar among the groups ranging between 48% and 96% for DIGU and 43-96% in the TIPU group. The lack of standardization in the definition of complications and success was the major limitation of this study. CONCLUSIONS: Using an inlay graft during primary hypospadias repair decreases the risk of meatal/neourethral stenosis. However, current evidence does not demonstrate superiority of DIGU over TIPU in terms of treatment success and overall complication rates.

Comparison of Efficiency and Safety of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery and Micropercutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Pediatric Kidney Stones Smaller than 2 cm: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of two minimally invasive surgical techniques used for pediatric stone disease: retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (micro-PCNL). Materials and Methods: A prospective study was designed to include children aged <15 years with a single stone <20 mm. Sixty-four patients were assigned to undergo either an RIRS or a micro-PCNL (1:1 ratio). Demographic parameters, stone size, location, operative data, complications, stone-free status, and efficacy quotient were compared. Results: Due to anatomic considerations, seven patients were shifted to the micro-PCNL arm, thus resulting in 39 micro-PCNLs performed vs 25 RIRS in the end. Because of the deviation from planned surgery that was significantly higher in the RIRS group (p = 0.011), the analysis was done in a prospective cohort comparison. Stone-free rates were similar for micro-PCNL and RIRS groups (80% vs 82.2%). The operative (median 60 vs 90 minutes, p < 0.001), fluoroscopy (median 15 vs 30 seconds, p = 0.004), and lithotripsy times (median 15 vs 25 minutes, p = 0.007) were shorter in the RIRS group. However, despite the larger stone size, the efficiency quotient was significantly higher in the micro-PCNL group (82.1% vs 54.1%; p = 0.009). None of the patients experienced significant hematuria requiring blood transfusion, as well as no ureteral orifice obstructive complication was detected within the follow-up period. Conclusion: RIRS and micro-PCNL techniques in children have similar stone-free and complication rates. The operative, fluoroscopy, and lithotripsy times were shorter, deviation from the planned surgery, and the number of sessions under anesthesia was higher in the RIRS group. Despite the larger stone size, efficacy quotient was significantly higher in the micro-PCNL group.

Donor Nephrectomy May Compromise the Cardiovascular System: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study.

OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to determine the short-term effects of donor nephrectomy on the cardiovascular system and to gain a better understanding of the recently recognized long-term increased risk of end-stage renal disease and cardiovascular mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Living kidney donors who underwent donor nephrectomy between January 2010 and January 2015 at the Hacettepe University Transplantation Unit were retrospectively screened. Echocardiographic parameters, kidney volumes, and renal functions before nephrectomy were compared with measurements after nephrectomy. Flow-mediated dilatation values of living kidney donors were compared with healthy individuals. RESULTS: The study included 73 female and 31 male living kidney donors with a mean age of 46.1 ± 10.8 years. In the comparative analysis of donors versus 35 healthy individuals, the changes in flow-mediated dilatation were 12.3 ± 5.7% and 15.4 ± 6.3%, respectively (P = .016). In the comparative analysis of preoperative versus the last visit transthoracic echocardiographic results, left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters decreased and left ventricular posterior wall thickness and septum thickness increased (P = .025, P = .002, P = .026, and P = .019, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Nephrectomy may cause several hemodynamic changes in living kidney donors, which may exacerbate cardiovascular risks in this population.

An Important Risk Factor Affecting Hypercalciuria in Children: Vesicoureteral Reflux.

INTRODUCTION: A large number of genes and environmental factors, like dietary habits, play a role in the development of hypercalciuria in children. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of the presence and grade of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) on hypercalciuria status in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for 165 patients who admitted to the Pediatric Urology Department were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were composed of following four different groups: (1) urinary stone patients, (2) VUR patients under follow-up, (3) corrected VUR patients, and (4) control. The demographic features, clinical data, and laboratory tests for the groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 100.6 ± 54.69 months and the female/male ratio was 79:86. The mean urinary calcium/creatinine (UCa/Cr) excretion and the frequency of high UCa/Cr ratios in the corrected VUR group were similar to those in the control group (p = 0.375 and 0.965, respectively). In contrast, the mean UCa/Cr excretion and frequency of high UCa/Cr ratios in the urinary stone and follow-up VUR groups were significantly higher than those in the corrected VUR group (p < 0.001, < 0.001, 0.003, and 0.029, respectively). The mean UCa/Cr excretion and frequency of high UCa/Cr ratios in the follow-up VUR group were similar to those in the urinary stone group (p = 0.323 and 0.425, respectively). In the follow-up VUR group, although reflux laterality had no effect on the UCa/Cr ratios (p = 0.180 and 0.108, respectively), the mean and frequency of high UCa/Cr ratios were higher in high-grade reflux cases (p < 0.001 and p = 0.042, respectively). CONCLUSION: Both the mean UCa/Cr ratio and the rate of hypercalciuria in the corrected reflux group were significantly lower than the corresponding values in the follow-up VUR and urinary stone groups. Further, the follow-up VUR patients had similar urinary calcium excretion levels as the stone patients. VUR treatment is associated with a decrease in urinary calcium excretion to the normal population level. A positive correlation between reflux degree and calcium excretion was observed.

Outcomes of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Preschool Age Group: A Single-Center Study.

Objective: To determine the factors affecting the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients in infantile/toddler and preschool age group. Materials and Methods: The data of 186 renal units from 152 patients who underwent PCNL were retrospectively analyzed. Patients under ≤72 months of age were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to their age: infantile/toddler and preschool group. Demographics and stone features were compared between infantile/toddler and preschool age groups. Effects of different factors on complications and stone-free rates were investigated. Comparisons in the study were done using SPSS 24.0 software for Windows. Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.5 ± 16.5 months, and the female/male ratio was 87/99. The median stone burden was 1.92 cm2 (0.12-20). Stone-free rates were 75.3% and 84.4% when cases with Clinically Insignificant Residual Fragments were also included. The numbers of patients with Clavien grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3b complications were 7 (3.8%), 39 (21%), and 9 (4.8%), respectively. There was no difference between infantile/toddler and preschool children in terms of stone-free and complication rates (p = 0.082, p = 0.088, respectively). Mini PCNL and tubeless-totally tubeless- urinary diversion techniques were more frequently performed in the infantile/toddler group compared to the preschool group (p = 0.001, p = 0.028, respectively). Presence of staghorn stone was the only significant factor for complications, while the number of stones was significant for stone-free rates for patients ≤72 months (p = 0.012, p = 0.001, respectively). Stone burden was the only predictive factor for complications in patients aged ≤36 months, while number of stones was predictive for success in patients aged between 37 and 72 months (p = 0.034, p = 0.006, respectively). Conclusion: PCNL is a feasible and effective method in preschool age group with acceptable complications and high success rates. Presence of staghorn stone is predictive for complications, while number of stones is predictive for success in the preschool age group.

A single center's experience in pediatric cystine stone disease management: what changed over time?

The authors aimed to evaluate the factors affecting clinical outcomes of cystine stone disease in children and to understand the change in disease management over time. Between January 1991 and September 2017, the demographic and clinical data of pediatric patients with documented cystine stone disease were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with at least 12-month follow-up were included. Disease management and clinical outcomes were compared between the first and second 35 patients managed during the study's time frame. A total of 70 patients were included. The female to male ratio was 30/40. The mean age and follow-up period was 29.8 ± 40.1 months and 106.5 ± 56 months, respectively. The mean initial procedure number to treat the first stone episode was 2.4 ± 1.6. Single stone and single affected site were significant predictors for stone clearance. Overall, patients underwent a mean of 5.5 procedure during their follow-up. Recurrence was detected in 71.4% (50/70) of patients. Residual fragments and non-compliance to medical treatment after the initial intervention were significant predictors for recurrence within shorter interval period. 31.4% (22/70) of patients had renal atrophy during follow-up. They were older at the initial diagnosis and had average urine pH lower than 7.5. The first 35 patients had more open procedures. Still, they had more recurrence rate and tend to have more renal atrophy. As a conclusion, cystine stone disease has a recurrent course in children. Stone and fragments entirely removed (SaFER) concept with all minimally invasive methods available and strict follow-up should be the basis for any management plan.

Our experience on management of failed pediatric pyeloplasty.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess the outcomes of salvage procedures after failed pediatric pyeloplasty. Recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction treatment is a difficult course. The salvage surgery is more challenging in the pediatric population. We aimed to assess the outcomes of salvage procedures after failed pediatric pyeloplasty to determine the most efficient surgical intervention. METHODS: 40 children with 41 renal units who have been treated for recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction after pyeloplasty were analyzed retrospectively. The outcomes of all initial and sequent interventions were assessed including redo pyeloplasty, endopyelotomy and balloon dilatation. RESULTS: Children's mean age at initial intervention for failed pyeloplasty was 45.9 (± 46.4) months. Our mean follow-up time after the initial intervention was 46.9 (± 46.6) months. The success rate of our initial treatment methods was 48.7% (20/41). Although redo pyeloplasty was the most successful intervention (83.3%) than DJS placement (45.5%), endopyelotomy (50%) and balloon dilatation (30.8%), the statistical difference was not significant in the initial operations. The overall success rates of redo pyeloplasty, double-J stent placement, endopyelotomy and balloon dilatation were 78.9%, 46.1%, 38.8% and 29.4%, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Redo pyeloplasty provides the best improvement in recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. In selected patients, minimal invasive methods such as endopyelotomy and balloon dilatation offer alternative treatment.

EAU-ESPU guidelines recommendations for daytime lower urinary tract conditions in children.

The objective is to review the literature related to lower urinary tract (LUT) conditions in children to conceptualize general practice guidelines for the general practitioner, pediatrician, pediatric urologist, and urologist. PubMed was searched for the last 15-year literature by the committee. All articles in peer-review journal-related LUT conditions (343) have been retrieved and 76 have been reviewed extensively. Prospective trials were few and the level of evidence was low. Most of the recommendations have been done by committee consensus after extensive discussion of literature reports. History taking is an integral part of evaluation assessing day- and nighttime urine and bowel control, urgency, and frequency symptoms. Exclusion of any neurogenic and organic cause is essential. Uroflowmetry and residual urine determination are recommended in all patients to evaluate bladder emptying. Urodynamic studies are reserved for refractory or complicated cases. Urotherapy that aims to educate the child and family about bladder and bowel function and guides them to achieve normal voiding and bowel habits should initially be employed in all cases except those who have urinary tract infections (UTI) and constipation. Specific medical treatment is added in the case of refractory overactive bladder symptoms and recurrent UTIs.Conclusion: Producing recommendations for managing LUTS in children based on high-quality studies is not possible. LUTS in children should be evaluated in a multimodal way by minimal invasive diagnostic procedures. Urotherapy is the mainstay of treatment and specific medical treatment is added in refractory cases.What is Known:• Symptoms of the lower urinary tract may have significant social consequences and sometimes clinical morbidities like urinary tract infections and vesicoureteral reflux. In many children, however, there is no such obvious cause for the incontinence, and they are referred to as having functional bladder problems.What is New:• This review aims to construct a practical recommendation strategy for the general practitioner, pediatrician, pediatric urologist, and urologist for LUTS in children. Producing recommendations for managing LUTS in children based on high-quality studies is not possible. LUTS in children should be evaluated in a multimodal way by minimal invasive diagnostic procedures. Urotherapy is the mainstay of treatment and specific medical treatment is added in refractory cases.

Clinical and surgical consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for patients with pediatric urological problems: Statement of the EAU guidelines panel for paediatric urology, March 30 2020.

The COVID-19-pandemic forces hospitals to reorganize into a dual patient flow system. Healthcare professionals are forced to make decisions in patient prioritization throughout specialties. Most pediatric urology pathologies do not require immediate or urgent care, however, delay may compromise future renal function or fertility. Contact with patients and parents, either physical in safe conditions or by (video)telephone must continue. The Paediatric-Urology-Guidelines-panel of the EAU proposes recommendations on prioritization of care. Pediatric-Urology program directors must ensure education, safety and attention for mental health of staff. Upon resumption of care, adequate prioritization must ensure minimal impact on outcome.

Shockwave lithotripsy for kidney stones as a first-line therapy in children younger than 2 years.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of urolithiasis in children has risen worldwide over the last decades with geographical varieties. As pediatric patients begin forming stones earlier in life, they have high risk of recurrence. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is a non-invasive treatment modality that is preferred in the management of pediatric stones. Reports about the safety and efficacy of SWL in patients younger than 24 months are scarce in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SWL in patients younger than 24 months. The authors also aimed to assess the validity of the Dogan nomogram in predicting stone-free rates. STUDY DESIGN: Between January 2009 and March 2019, data of 247 patients younger than 24 months at the time of SWL were retrospectively collected. Analysis was performed on 260 renal units. Success was considered in patients who were completely free of stones after the first session. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The female/male ratio was 103/157, with a median age of 15 (5-24) months, a median stone size of 8 (3-30) mm and a median follow-up period of 7 (3-20) months. Multiple stones and lower calyx stones were observed in 19.6% (51/260) and 23.4% (61/260) of patients, respectively. Complications were detected in 5.8% (15/260) of patients (9 with steinstrasse, 3 with UTI, 2 with vomiting, 1 with hematuria). After the first session, 56.9% (148/260) of patients were stone-free. Forty-six of the failed 112 first sessions underwent second session. A total of 5 patients had a third session. The efficacy quotient was 57%. On univariate analysis, younger age (≤16 months), single stone, small stone size (<10 mm), and non-lower pole location were significant predictors of stone clearance. On multivariate analysis, younger age (=<16 months) and single stone remained significant. The Dogan nomogram score lower than 150 was found to be a good cutoff point to predict better stone clearance (Table). CONCLUSION: Shockwave lithotripsy is a safe and effective treatment modality in patients younger than 24 months and could be the first option in this particular age-group in whom the other endourological modalities are not always applicable. The Dogan nomogram is reliable in predicting the stone-free rate in this age-group.

Practical recommendations of the EAU-ESPU guidelines committee for monosymptomatic enuresis-Bedwetting.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The objective of this update of the EAU-ESPU guidelines recommendations for nocturnal enuresis was to review the recent published literature of studies, reviews, guidelines regarding the etiology, diagnosis and treatment options of nocturnal enuresis and transform the information into a practical recommendation strategy for the general practitioner, pediatrician, pediatric urologist and urologist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since 2012 a monthly literature search using Scopus® was performed and the relevant literature was reviewed and prospectively registered on the European Urology bedwetting enuresis resource center (http://bedwetting.europeanurology.com/). In addition, guideline papers and statements of the European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU), the European Association of Urology (EAU), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the International Children Continence Society (ICCS) were used to update the knowledge and evidence resulting in this practical recommendation strategy. Recommendations have been discussed and agreed within the working group of the EAU-ESPU guidelines committee members. RESULTS: The recommendations focus to place the child and his family in a control position. Pragmatic analysis is made of the bedwetting problem by collecting voiding and drinking habits during the day, measuring nighttime urine production and identification of possible risk factors such as high-volume evening drinking, nighttime overactive bladder, behavioral or psychological problems or sleep disordered breathing. A questionnaire will help to identify those risk factors. CONCLUSION: Motivation of the child is important for success. Continuous involvement of the child and the family in the treatment will improve treatment compliance, success and patient satisfaction.