Impact of a Novel Social Work Program on Access to Tertiary Care.

Background: In the movement for global health equity, increased research and funding have not yet addressed a shortage of evidence on effectively implementing context-specific interventions; one unmet need is facilitating access to specialty care within the public health sector in Mexico. Compañeros en Salud has been piloting a novel program, called Right to Healthcare (RTHC), to increase access to specialty care for the rural poor in Chiapas, Mexico. The RTHC program incorporates social work, patient navigation, referrals, direct economic support, and accompaniment for patients. Objectives: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the RTHC program. Primary outcomes analyzed included acceptance of any referral and attendance of any appointment. Secondary outcomes included acceptance of the first referral and rate of appointment attendance for patients with an accepted referral. Methods: Using referral process data for the years 2014 to 2019 from a public tertiary care hospital in Chiapas, 91 RTHC patients were matched using 2:1 optimal pair matching with a control cohort balancing covariates of patient age, sex, specialty referred to, level of referring hospital, and municipality. Findings: RTHC patients were more likely to have had an accepted referral (OR 17.42, 95% CI 3.68 to 414.16) and to have attended an appointment (OR 5.49, 95% CI 2.93 to 11.60) compared to the matched control group. RTHC patients were also more likely to have had their first referral accepted (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.29 to 6.73). Among patients with an accepted referral, RTHC patients were more likely to have attended an appointment (OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.90 to 8.57). Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the RTHC model is successful in increasing access to specialty care by both increasing referral acceptance and appointment attendance.

Unusual presentation of a Leydig Cell Tumor.

SUMMARY: Leydig Cell Tumors (LCT) in children are very rare, with an incidence of 1-3% for all testicular tumors in children. Clinical presentation is testicular mass, pain and hormone alteration such as precocious puberty and gynecomastia. We present one case of LCT and his conservative management after an incidental finding. Literature is reviewed.

Urethral diverticulum after laparoscopically-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) for anorectal malformation: is resection of the diverticulum always necessary?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: With the increased use of minimally invasive surgery, the urethral diverticulum after anorectal surgery has become an issue. The few cases reported have been managed by surgical excision. We hereby report a case of urethral diverticulum after a laparoscopically-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP)procedure with a successful outcome after a period of active surveillance. METHODS: A full-term boy who displayed a high anorectal malformation (ARM) and a rectoprostatic fistula underwent colostomy on the first day. He also showed associated malformations: bilateral low-grade reflux, horseshoe kidney and thoracic hemivertebrae; however, there were no signs of spinal cord tethering. Antimicrobial prophylaxis was started. RESULTS: At the age of 3 months, he underwent a LAARP with a 3 abdominal-port approach. After complete dissection of the distal bowel, the recto-prostatic fistula was identified and tied with metallic clips. A 10 mm trocar was inserted through the centre of the sphincteric complex, which had been previously identified under laparoscopic view during perineal electrical stimulation. The anorectal pull-through was accomplished without tension. The bladder remained stented for 14 days. On the 18th postoperative day, a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) showed a 15 X 5 mm image of the diverticulum at the level of the membranous urethra. After 6 months, a new VCUG showed a normal urethra with neither signs of the diverticulum nor strictures; persistence of grade 2 reflux on the right side and resolution of the reflux on the left. When the boy was one year old his colostomy was closed uneventfully. Six months later he had not come into the emergency since the operation and voided with a normal flow. CONCLUSION: This report suggests that LAARP is a feasible approach for ARM, although urethral diverticulum is a major concern. It may evolve without complications, and eventually resolve spontaneously. Active surveillance might be an option in selected asymptomatic patients; however a longer follow-up is advised to constitute better evidence supporting that policy.

Divertículo uretral luego de descenso anorectal asistido por laparoscopia (DARAL) en malformación anorectal: Es siempre necesario resecar el divertículo? / Urethral diverticulum after laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through (laarp) for anorectal malformation: is resecting the diverticulum always necessary?

OBJETIVO: Con el uso cada vez mayor de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva, el divertículo uretral tras la cirugía anorectal se ha convertido en un problema. Los pocos casos descritos se han manejado con extirpación quirúrgica. Nosotros describimos un caso de divertículo uretral tras descenso anorectal asistido por laparoscopía (DARAL) con un resultado exitoso despues de un período de vigilancia activa.MÉTODO: Se trata de un paciente de sexo masculino, nacido a término, portador de una malformación anorectal (MAR) alta con fístula recto-prostática fue sometido a una colostomía el primer día de vida. También portador de malformaciones asociadas; reflujo bilateral de bajo grado, riñón en herradura y una hemi-vértebra torácica; sin embargo, sin signos de médula anclada. Se inició profilaxis antibiótica.RESULTADOS: A los 3 meses de edad, fue sometido a un DARAL con un abordaje abdominal de 3 puertos. Despues de la completa disección del intestino distal, la fístula recto-prostática fue identificada y ligada con clips metálicos. Un trocar de 10mm fue insertado a través del centro del complejo esfinteriano, que fue previamente identificado bajo visión laparoscópica durante la estimulación eléctrica perineal. El descenso anorectal se llevó a cabo sin tensión. La vejiga permaneció drenada con catéter uretral por 14 días. En el 18º día post-operatorio, una cistografía miccional mostró una imagen diverticular de 15 x 5mm a nivel de la uretra membranosa. Despues de 6 meses, una nueva cistografía miccional mostró una uretra normal sin signos de divertículo ni estenosis; persistencia de reflujo grado 2 a derecha y resolución de reflujo a izquierda. Al año de vida la colostomía fue cerrada sin problemas. Seis meses después, se ha mantenido libre de infección urinaria y su micción es con flujo normal(AU)

CONCLUSIÓN: Este artículo sugiere que el DARAL es un abordaje factible para MAR, aunque el divertículo uretral es una de las principales preocupaciones. Puede evolucionar sin complicaciones, y eventualmente resolverse en forma espontánea. La vigilancia activa puede ser una opción en pacientes asintomáticos seleccionados, sin embargo se recomienda un mayor seguimiento para constituir una mejor evidencia que apoye esta medida(AU)

OBJECTIVES: With the increased use of minimally invasive surgery, the urethral diverticulum after anorectal surgery has become an issue. The few cases reported have been managed by surgical excision. We hereby report a case of urethral diverticulum after a laparoscopically-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP)procedure with a successful outcome after a period of active surveillance.METHODS: A full-term boy who displayed a high anorectal malformation (ARM) and a recto-prostatic fistula underwent colostomy on the first day. He also showed associated malformations: bilateral low-grade reflux, horseshoe kidney and thoracic hemivertebrae; however, there were no signs of spinal cord tethering. Antimicrobial prophylaxis was started.RESULTS: At the age of 3 months, he underwent a LAARP with a 3 abdominal-port approach. After complete dissection of the distal bowel, the recto-prostatic fistula was identified and tied with metallic clips. A 10 mm trocar was inserted through the centre of the sphincteric complex, which had been previously identified under laparoscopic view during perineal electrical stimulation. The anorectal pull-through was accomplished without tension. The bladder remained stented for 14 days. On the 18th postoperative day, a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) showed a 15 X 5 mm image of the diverticulum at the level of the membranous urethra. After 6 months, a new VCUG showed a normal urethra with neither signs of the diverticulum nor strictures; persistence of grade 2 reflux on the right side and resolution of the reflux on the left. When the boy was one year old his colostomy was closed uneventfully. Six months later he had not come into the emergency since the operation and voided with a normal flow(AU)

CONCLUSION: This report suggests that LAARP is a feasible approach for ARM, although urethral diverticulum is a major concern. It may evolve without complications, and eventually resolve spontaneously. Active surveillance might be an option in selected asymptomatic patients; however a longer follow-up is advised to constitute better evidence supporting that policy(AU)

Tumor de células de Leydig. Presentación inusual / Unusual presentation for a leydig cell tumour

Los tumores de células de Leydig (TCL) en niños son escasos, con una incidencia de 1-3% de todos los tumores testiculares en niños. Su presentación clínica es masa testicular, dolor y alteraciones hormonales como pubertad precoz o ginecomastia. Presentamos un caso de TCL y su manejo conservador luego de su hallazgo incidental. Se revisó la literatura (AU)

Leydig Cell Tumors (LCT) in children are very rare, with an incidence of 1-3% for all testicular tumors in children. Clinical presentation is testicular mass, pain and hormone alteration such as precocious puberty and gynecomastia. We present one case of LCT and his conservative management after an incidental finding. Literature is reviewed (AU)

[Feminizing genitoplasty in adrenal congenital hyperplasia: one or two surgical steps?]. / Genitoplastia feminizante en hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita; una o dos etapas quirúrgicas?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: The best time to perform a genitoplasty in a Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) girl is an issue that has been discussed extensively. The purpose of this study is to find criteria that may help in the decision. METHODS: Charts of all patients with diagnosis of CAH with 21 Hydroxylase deficit who underwent genitoplasty in our institution were reviewed (Jan 1996-Dec 2006). Demographic data, surgery performed and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: In the 10 year-period, 25 patients fit the inclusion criteria; 22 had complete data. All patients were classified based on Prader's criteria; Prader 2 (n=3), Pra der 3 (n=13) and Prader 4 (n=6). Mean age at first surgery was 13.5 months (range 2-89 m). In Prader 2 patients, a reduction clitoroplasty with a "cut back" vaginoplasty was performed with no complications. All patients in the Prader 3 group underwent a reduction clitoroplasty. A vaginoplasty was done in 9/13; 5/9 at the same surgery session (4 stenotic) and the other 4 in a 2nd stage with good results; vaginoplasty is still pending for the other 4 girls. In the Prader 4 group, a vaginoplasty pull-through was performed in 4/6 using the posterior sagital approach; one at the reduction clitoroplasty stage which ended stenotic and need dilatations, and the other 3 in a 2nd surgery with a good outcome. The other 2/6 girls are awaiting a vaginoplasty. 22/22 had acceptable results after a mean follow-up of 63 months (range 12-144). CONCLUSIONS: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) shows different approaches may be used for different degrees of virilization. For less severe cases (Prader 3) a cut-back may be the surgery of choice for vaginoplasty, while in the more complex cases a flap with pull-through or a posterior sagital procedure could be useful. Based on this series, we recommend performing vaginoplasty in a 2nd stage surgery, avoiding complications and further procedures such as di lactations.

Genitoplastia feminizante en hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita; ¿una o dos etapas quirúrgicas? / Feminizing genitoplasty in adrenal congenital hiperplasia: One or two surgical steps?

OBJETIVO: El mejor momento para realizar una genitoplastia en una niña con Hiperplasia Suprarrenal Congénita (HSRC) es un tema que ha sido debatido ampliamente. El objetivo de este estudio es encontrar un criterio que pueda ayudar en esta decisión.MÉTODO: Se revisaron los datos de todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de HSRC con déficit de 21 Hidroxilasa que se sometieron a genitoplastia en nuestra institución (Enero 1996-Diciembre 2006). Se analizaron datos demográficos, cirugía realizada y resultados.RESULTADOS: En el periodo de 10 años, 25 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión; 22 tenían datos completos. Todos los pacientes fueron clasificados basándose en los criterios de Prader; Prader 2 (n=3), Prader 3 (n=13) y Prader 4 (n=6). El promedio de edad al momento de la primera cirugía fue 13.5 meses (rango 2-89m). En los pacientes Prader 2, una clitoroplastia de reducción con una vaginoplastia “cut back” fue realizada sin complicaciones. Todos los pacientes del grupo Prader 3 se sometieron a una clitoroplastia de reducción. Una vaginoplastia fue hecha en 9/13; 5/9 en la misma sesión quirúrgica (4 estenóticas) y los otros 4 en un segundo tiempo, con buenos resultados; en las otras 4 niñas la vaginoplastia está aún pendiente. En el grupo Prader 4, una vaginoplastia “pull-through” fue realizada en 4/6 usando un abordaje sagital posterior; uno al momento de la clitoroplastia de reducción, con resultados estenóticos y necesidad de dilataciones, y los otros 3 en una segunda cirugía con buenos resultados. Las otras 2/6 niñas están esperando una vaginoplastia. 22/22 tiene resultados aceptables luego de un periodo de seguimiento de 63 meses (rango 12-144m)(AU)

CONCLUSIONES: La Hiperplasia Suprarrenal Congénita (HSRC) muestra diferentes grados de virilización, por lo tanto distintos abordajes pueden ser utilizados. Para los casos menos severos (Prader <3) un “cut-back” puede ser la cirugía de elección para una vaginoplastia, mientras en los casos más complejos un colgajo con “pull-through” o un procedimiento sagital posterior puede ser útil. Basado en esta serie, nosotros recomendamos realizar una vaginoplastia en un segundo tiempo quirúrgico, evitando complicaciones y procedimientos adicionales como las dilataciones(AU)

OBJECTIVES: The best time to perform a genitoplasty in a Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) girl is an issue that has been discussed extensively. The purpose of this study is to find criteria that may help in the decision.METHODS: Charts of all patients with diagnosis of CAH with 21 Hydroxylase deficit who underwent genitoplasty in our institution were reviewed (Jan 1996-Dec 2006). Demographic data, surgery performed and outcomes were analyzed.RESULTS: In the 10 year-period, 25 patients fit the inclu sion criteria; 22 had complete data. All patients were classified based on Prader’s criteria; Prader 2 (n=3), Pra der 3 (n=13) and Prader 4 (n=6). Mean age at first surgery was 13.5 months (range 2-89m). In Prader 2 patients, a reduction clitoroplasty with a “cut back” vaginoplasty was performed with no complications. All patients in the Prader 3 group underwent a reduction clitoroplasty. A vaginoplasty was done in 9/13; 5/9 at the same surgery session (4 stenotic) and the other 4 in a 2nd stage with good results; vaginoplasty is still pending for the other 4 girls. In the Prader 4 group, a vaginoplas ty pull-through was performed in 4/6 using the poste rior sagital approach; one at the reduction clitoroplasty stage which ended stenotic and need dilatations, and the other 3 in a 2nd surgery with a good outcome. The other 2/6 girls are awaiting a vaginoplasty. 22/22 had acceptable results after a mean follow-up of 63 months (range 12-144).CONCLUSIONS: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) shows di fferent approaches may be used for different degrees of virilization. For less severe cases (Prader <3) a cut-back may be the surgery of choice for vaginoplasty, while in the more complex cases a flap with pull-through or a posterior sagital procedure could be useful. Based on this series, we recommend performing vaginoplasty in a 2nd stage surgery, avoi ding complications and further procedures such as dilatations(AU)

Será seguro ampliar la vejiga en relación al trasplante renal? / Is bladder augmentation safe in the setting of renal transplant?

Tradicionalmente se evitaba arriesgar un transplante renal en niños con mal funcionamiento de su vía urinaria. Nuestro centro fue pionero en la región en promover el concepto que la ampliación vesical permitiría un transplante renal exitoso. Para evaluar la veracidad de aquel concepto, revisamos todos aquellos niños tranplantados renales (TX) que tuvieron ampliación vesical (AV). Método: Se realizó revisión retrospectiva de fichas clínicas e imágenes radiológicas de todos los pacientes del programa de transplante renal de nuestro hospital en los últimos 22 años. Los criterios de inclusión fueron haber sido transplantado y haber sido operado de AV previo al 31 de diciembre de 2005. Resultados: Entre 1983- 2005 se realizaron 93 TX. De los 80 casos en que se recuperó todos los datos, 16 (20 por ciento) niños recibieron AV; 7 niñas y 9 niños. Edad y peso promedio al momento del TX fue 12 años (rango 6-17a) y 26 kilos (rango 14-41kg) respectivamente. Los diagnósticos urológicos eran vejiga neurogénica (n =8), uropatía obstructiva (n =5) y RVU (n =3). El segmento utilizado para AV fue ureter (n =7), sigmoide sin desmucosar (n =5), sigmoide desmucosado (n =2) e ileon (n =2). 5 pacientes fueron ampliados post TX. Después de un tiempo promedio de seguimiento de 71 meses (rango 12-144m), las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron ITU (n =13), RVU (n =6), litiasis (n =2) y acidosis metabólica (n =1). Se pudo recuperar información urodinamica previo a la ampliación vesical en 9/16 niños y post ampliación en 16/16. La capacidad vesical pre y post- ampliación presentó una mediana de 108 cc (rango 20-250 cc) y 450cc (rango 130-800cc) respectivamente. La acomodación previo a la AV estaba disminuida en 9/9 (<10 ml/cmH2O) y fue buena en 16/16 (>25 ml/cmH2O). La creatinina post-cirugía en promedio era de 1,28 mg/dl (rango 0,4- 2,39 mg/dl). No hubo pérdida del injerto en esta serie, siendo comparable la sobrevida a 5 años con aquellos niños trasplantados sin ampliación...

The traditional thought was that to relate a kidney transplant (KT) and a bladder augmentation (BA) could be risky. Our centre was one of the first in the region to promote the concept that a bladder augmentation would allow a successful KT. The aim of this study is to evaluate the veracity of that concept. Methods: Case note review of all the patients of the Kidney Transplant Programme from our hospital in the last 22 years. Inclusion criteria were to have received a KT and also a BA before december 31st 2005. Results: There were 93 KT between 1983 and 2005. From the 80 cases where data could be recovered, 16(20 percent) had a BA; 7 girls and 9 boys. Age and weight at the transplant time was 12 years (range 6-17 y) and 26 kg (range 14-41 kg) respectively. Urological diagnoses were neurogenic bladder (n =8), obstructive uropathy (n =5) and VUR (n =3). The segment used for BA was ureter (n =7), sigmoid without demucosalized(n =5), demucosalized sigmoid (n =2) and ileum (n =2). 5 patients were augmented after KT. The mean follow-up was 71 months (range 12-144m) and the most frequent complications were UTI (n =13), VUR (n=6), lithiasis (n=2) and metabolic acidosis (n =1). Pre transplant urodynamic data could be recovered in 9/16 cases and post KD in 16/16. Median bladder capacity pre and post transplantation was 108 cc (range 20-250cc) and 450cc (range 130-800cc) respectively. Bladder compliance pre transplant was reduce in 9/9 (<10 ml/cmH2O) and was good in 16/16 (>25 ml/cmH2O). The mean post KT creatinine was1.28 mg/dl (range 0.4-2.39 mg/dl). There was no graft lost in this series, presenting comparable graft survival at 5 years with those cases of KT without BA. Conclusión: Considering that graft survival is similar between those children with and without bladder augmentation, the authors confirm that BA is not a risky procedure for a KT. On the other hand, if 20 percent of the patient of our Kidney Transplant Programme required...