Early administration of oxybutynin improves bladder function and clinical outcomes in newborns with posterior urethral valves.

PURPOSE: Abnormal bladder function following posterior urethral valve ablation can lead to deleterious effects on renal function and urinary continence. We performed a pilot study to determine if bladder dysfunction could be ameliorated by the early administration of oxybutynin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled infants who underwent primary posterior urethral valve ablation by the age of 12 months. On initial urodynamics patients demonstrating high voiding pressures (greater than 60 cm H(2)O) and/or small bladder capacity (less than 70% expected) were started on oxybutynin. Urodynamics and ultrasound were performed every 6 months until completion of toilet training, at which time oxybutynin was discontinued. RESULTS: Oxybutynin was started in 18 patients at a mean age of 3.4 months and was continued for a mean of 2.2 years. Urodynamics revealed that initial high voiding pressures improved from a mean of 148.5 to 49.9 cm H(2)O in 15 of 17 patients. All 8 patients with initially poor bladder compliance demonstrated improvement on oxybutynin. All 7 patients with initially low bladder capacity (mean 47.7% expected bladder capacity) demonstrated improvement while on oxybutynin (mean 216% expected bladder capacity). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates that early use of anticholinergic therapy in infants with high voiding pressures and/or small bladder capacity after primary posterior urethral valve ablation has beneficial effects on bladder function.

Hemiscrotal agenesis: new variation in a rare anomaly.

Scrotal agenesis is a rarely encountered developmental anomaly of the scrotum, with only 6 cases of complete agenesis reported in published studies. We report, to our knowledge, the first case of hemiscrotal agenesis. The specific embryologic basis of scrotal agenesis is unknown but is likely multifactorial, involving localized androgen insensitivity, localized 5α-reductase deficiency, and/or failure of labioscrotal fold formation.

Pseudodistal ureteral stone resulting from calcified Deflux implantation.

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common clinical problem affecting 1% of pediatric patients. Subureteral endoscopic injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Deflux) is a minimally invasive treatment option for VUR that is rapidly gaining popularity. Histologic studies have demonstrated that in a minority of patients, the Deflux injection site can be associated with microcalcification. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with a history of VUR who had previously been treated with Deflux and presented with abdominal pain and was noted to have a small hyperdense mass in the bladder wall on imaging. The presumptive diagnosis of a distal ureteral stone was ultimately ruled out by cystoscopy and retrograde pyelography, which revealed that the lesion seen on imaging represented the intramural Deflux deposit. This is the second reported case in which a calcified Deflux implant was mistaken for a distal ureteral stone in a patient presenting with abdominal pain.

Bulbar urethral ligation for managing persistent urinary incontinence in young men with myelomeningocele.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with ligation of the bulbar urethra for treating refractory stress incontinence in a selected group of young men with neuropathic bladders secondary to myelomeningocele (MM), in whom primary anti-incontinence procedures had failed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Persistent urethral incontinence leading to chronic perineal skin ulceration can occur in these patients, despite aggressive medical and surgical efforts to decrease wetting by increasing bladder capacity, compliance and outlet resistance. Four young men with MM had bulbar urethral ligation; all had undergone a previous ileocystoplasty and functioning continent catheterizable channels (CCC, three appendicovesicostomies, one Monti procedure). Three patients had primary bladder neck procedures using rectus fascia slings, and secondary attempts were made at urethral bulking in two patients. All patients had persistent incontinence through their native urethra, with dry intervals of <2 h. RESULTS: The bulbar urethra was ligated through a small midline perineal incision at 1 year after augmentation, and successfully resolved incontinence in all four patients. All reported satisfaction with their bladder regimen at a mean (range) follow-up of 49 (20-93) months. There were no perineal wound infections. While one patient developed bladder calculi, no patient developed urethral stones, febrile urinary tract infections, fistulae or bladder perforations. CONCLUSIONS: We report the results of bulbar urethral ligation for resolution of incontinence in patients with MM in whom anti-incontinence bladder neck procedures had failed. Ligation of the urethra is effective, and can be considered an alternative treatment for refractory urinary incontinence in patients with a functional CCC in whom previous bladder neck-supporting procedures have failed.

Sustainability of remission of pediatric primary nocturnal enuresis--comparison of remission using Try for Dry vs. non-Try for Dry treatment plans.

This study examined the sustainability of remission of primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) using an algorithm-based multimodal treatment plan, Try for Dry. Remission of PNE using the Try for Dry treatment method was retained longer and more often than using a non-Try for Dry plan.

Ultrasound fails to delineate significant renal pathology in children with urinary tract infections: a case for dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy.

PURPOSE: Routine radiological evaluation in children with urinary tract infections includes ultrasound. Additional dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy in this setting is a common but not routine practice to determine whether there is parenchymal injury. Because dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy involves further time, expense and radiation, we determined whether ultrasound findings could substitute for dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy. Therefore, in children with urinary tract infections we researched the incidence of discordant findings between dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy and normal ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of children with a history of urinary tract infections who had normal ultrasound and dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy within 6 weeks of each other was performed through a chart review. Children with pyelonephritis within 4 months of the radiological tests were excluded. Dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy was considered abnormal if there was less than 40% differential function, global atrophy or focal defects. RESULTS: From January 2005 to December 2006, 100 children met inclusion criteria. Median patient age was 4.5 years (range 4 months to 19 years) and 84% were female. Of the 100 children 74 (74%) demonstrated vesicoureteral reflux and 18 (18%) showed abnormal dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy despite normal ultrasound. Children with vesicoureteral reflux showed an increased incidence of abnormal dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy compared to those without vesicoureteral reflux (20.3% vs 11.5%), although this did not attain statistical significance (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Although dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy is not part of routine practice in all children with urinary tract infections and/or vesicoureteral reflux, it is frequently abnormal despite normal ultrasound. Therefore, dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy should be considered in these patients to evaluate cortical defects and possibly guide further management.

A new computer enhanced visual learning method to train urology residents in pediatric orchiopexy: a prototype for Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education documentation.

PURPOSE: Residency programs must continue to restructure teaching and assessment of surgical skills to improve the documentation of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competencies. To improve teaching and documenting resident performance we developed a computer enhanced visual learning method that includes a curriculum and administrative reports. The curriculum consists of 1) study of a step-by-step surgical tutorial of computer enhanced visuals that show specific surgical skills, 2) a checklist tool to objectively assess resident performance and 3) a log of postoperative feedback that is used to structure deliberate practice. All elements of the method are repeated with each case performed. We used the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education index case of orchiopexy to pilot this project. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All urology residents who trained at our institution from January 2006 to October 2007 performed orchiopexy using the computer enhanced visual learning method. The computer enhanced visual learning tutorial for orchiopexy consisted of customized computer visuals that demonstrate 11 steps or skills involved in routine inguinal orchiopexy, eg ligate hernia. The attending urologist rated resident competence with each skill using a 5-point Likert scale and provided specific feedback to the resident suggesting ways to improve performance. These ratings were weighted by case difficulty. The computer enhanced visual learning weighted score at entry into the clinical rotation was compared to the best performance during the rotation in each resident. RESULTS: Seven attending surgeons and 24 urology residents (resident training postgraduate years 1 to 8) performed a total of 166 orchiopexies. Overall the residents at each postgraduate year performed an average of 7 cases each with complexity ratings that were not significantly different among postgraduate year groups (average 2.4, 1-way ANOVA p not significant). The 7 attending surgeons did not differ significantly in assessment of skill performance or case difficulty (1-way ANOVA p not significant). Of the 24 residents 23 (96%) showed improvement in computer enhanced visual learning score/skill performance. In the entire group the average computer enhanced visual learning weighted score increased more than 50% from entry to best performance (137 to 234 orchiopexy units, paired t test p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Computer enhanced visual learning is a novel method that enhances resident learning by breaking a core procedure into discrete steps and providing a platform for constructive feedback. Computer enhanced visual learning, which is a checklist tool, complies with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education documentation requirements. Computer enhanced visual learning has wide applicability among surgical specialties.

A review of pediatric glans malformations: a handy clinical reference.

PURPOSE: Lesions of the pediatric glans penis are an uncommon but important aspect of pediatric urological care. We reviewed the available literature on this topic and did not identify a comprehensive reference resource. We compiled our multi-institutional experience with such conditions to prepare a handy clinical reference source. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diversity of pediatric glans penis lesions was documented by searching the English and nonEnglish literature as well as the archives at our institutions. Cases were included in the study if the patient(s) identified were younger than 18 years at initial presentation or documented to have first had a glans penis lesion when younger than 18 years. Hypospadiac-epispadiac anomalies of the glans were excluded. RESULTS: From our institutions we identified 6 new cases of various pediatric glans lesions. Altogether the literature describes 137 distinct nondiphallia glans lesions and more than 100 cases of diphallia, including glans duplication. The nondiphallia reports consist of a total of 61 cystic lesions (44%), 33 vascular malformations (24%), 20 dermatological lesions (15%), 20 infectious lesions (15%) and 3 neurogenic lesions (2%). We did not identify a compact resource to compare these anomalies. Visual comparison permits structuring a differential diagnosis and determining urological treatment, which is typically excisional biopsy, laser treatment, sclerotherapy or topical steroid administration. CONCLUSIONS: We present a visual reference of varied lesions of the pediatric glans penis, including 6 new cases, with urological significance. These lesions are always benign but they typically require surgical excision for a definitive pathological diagnosis.

Incidence based fetal urological counseling using the virtual pediatric urology registry: importance of insignificant fetal pyelectasis (sonographically evident renal pelvis).

PURPOSE: Since 1985, counseling for fetal renal pelvic dilatation has been done to determine whether there is need for newborn urological evaluation. This is likely if the anteroposterior width of the renal pelvis exceeds categorical cutoffs, ie 4 mm or greater before gestational age 33 weeks, or 7 mm or greater after 33 weeks. Cases below these categorical cutoffs are deemed not to merit newborn testing. We examined our fetal registry to determine the incidence of urological pathology in cases deemed not to merit newborn testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since 1980, we have prospectively input fetal ultrasound and postnatal followup data into customized Virtual Pediatric Urology Registry software. The Virtual Pediatric Urology Registry compares index case findings against those archived in the registry and then outputs the incidence of newborn diagnoses. Diagnoses are grouped as having limited or extensive urological care. RESULTS: The Virtual Pediatric Urology Registry has 1,128 cases registered and data on 2,292 fetal ultrasound studies that were done between gestational ages 12 and 43 weeks (average +/- SD 29.3 +/- 7). There are measurements of anteroposterior pelvic width for 1,712 cases. Pediatric data include ultrasound for 2,596 cases, diuretic renal scan for 449 and voiding cystourethrogram for 574. Surgery was done for renal/bladder obstruction or vesicoureteral reflux in 358 cases (32%). Mean followup was 9.8 months old (range 1 day to 14 years). Of the total of 1,128 fetal cases 148 (13%) showed anteroposterior pelvic width below categorical cutoffs, so that they were deemed not to merit newborn testing. However, the Virtual Pediatric Urology Registry incidence based method identified that extensive urological care extended to 30 of these 148 cases (20%). There were 31 cases identified at less than gestational age 33 weeks, which showed newborn urological pathology in 11 (35%), including hydronephrosis in 4, surgery in 3, vesicoureteral reflux in 2, solitary kidney in 1 and death in 1. There were 117 cases identified at gestational age 33 weeks or greater, which showed newborn urological pathology in 19 (16%), including vesicoureteral reflux in 8, hydronephrosis in 7 and surgery in 4. CONCLUSIONS: We found that about 13% of cases of fetal renal pelvic dilatation were insignificant because the measurement was below currently accepted cutoffs that merit postnatal followup. However, 20% of these cases in fact showed extensive urological care needs. The Virtual Pediatric Urology Registry provides an array of likely newborn diagnoses in neonates. Counseling by the incidence based method is more effective than by the current cutoff method.

Office management of pediatric primary nocturnal enuresis: a comparison of physician advised and parent chosen alternative treatment outcomes.

PURPOSE: We compared the remission of pediatric primary nocturnal enuresis in groups of children who used a physician advised practice plan vs a parent chosen alternative. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2004 and January 2006 there were 119 patients with primary nocturnal enuresis enrolled in this prospective, nonrandomized study. For this study primary nocturnal enuresis was defined as wetting at night during sleep during any 6-month interval without any known causative problem. A total of 76 children received the physician advised treatment plan and used an alarm, oxybutynin, desmopressin, an elimination diet and a bowel program, as indicated. A total of 43 children received a parent chosen alternative treatment plan, which consisted of any single or combination of treatments involving an alarm, oxybutynin, desmopressin and an elimination diet or bowel program. Parents from each group completed an intake survey that measured functional bladder capacity using a 3-day home diary and they identified demographic variables. Followup occurred at 2 weeks and then monthly for 12 weeks to study end. RESULTS: We found that the probability of remission by the end of the study for the physician advised treatment group was significantly higher than that of the parent choice group (88% vs 29%, Kaplan-Meier curve p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The group of children who followed physician advised treatment for primary nocturnal enuresis showed significantly earlier remission of primary nocturnal enuresis than children who followed the parent choice treatment (25th percentile 2 vs 10 weeks).

Newborn society of fetal urology grade 3 hydronephrosis is equivalent to preserved percentage differential function.

PURPOSE: In newborn hydronephrosis (HN), the level of differential function (%df) measured by diuretic renography (DR) is used to judge the need for pyeloplasty. As DR testing is complex, we sought to determine if grading the level of HN (Society of Fetal Urology grade, SFU Gr) by a simple ultrasound correlates with percentage differential function (%df) and thereby obviates the need to perform DR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 2003 our institution prospectively enrolled all cases of fetal HN who showed unilateral newborn SFU Gr HN > or =3. The cases underwent standardized testing. DR was done using the method of Well-Tempered Renography which was then followed by ultrasound (US). The US studies were performed while the hydration induced by DR was in effect. The level of %df was categorized as preserved (> or =40%) or reduced (<40%). Cases were excluded if there was an additional urological abnormality (e.g. ureterocele). RESULTS: There were 71 cases that met our study criteria. The SFU Gr HN was 3 (n=33) or 4 (n=38). Kidneys with SFU Gr 3 HN showed preserved %df (33/33,100%) (mean=50.1+/-3.6) significantly more often than kidneys with SFU Gr 4 HN (27/38, 71%) (mean=42.2+/-13.9) (RR=1.41, 95% CI (1.15-1.72), p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In newborns with a history of fetal HN, the postnatal finding of SFU Gr 3 HN uniformly correlates with preserved %df. Standardized hydration prior to US study is done to assure consistency in measurement of the SFU Gr HN. Determining the duration of the relationship between SFU Gr 3 HN and preserved %df will require prospective, longitudinal studies.

Continent urinary diversion: 10-year experience of Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago.

PURPOSE: To review long-term functional results, complications, and patient satisfaction in patients with a continent catheterizable urinary diversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review and telephone satisfaction interviews were conducted. Bladder dysfunction was attributed to neurogenic bladder (n = 48: 23 spinal cord injury, 18 myelomeningocele, 4 sacral agenesis, 3 cerebral palsy), bladder exstrophy (n = 2), posterior urethral valves (n = 1), and other (n = 3). Patients underwent continent urinary diversion with either the Mitrofanoff principle (appendicovesicostomy, n = 47) or a Monti tube (ileovesicostomy, n = 8). Outcomes were assessed by chart review. Patient satisfaction was assessed by telephone interview and scored from 1 to 10 on a Likert-type scale. RESULTS: Between 1992 and 2003, 54 continent urinary diversions were performed on 17 boys and 37 girls. Mean age was 15.3 years (range, 7-21 years). An umbilical stoma was created in all patients. Seventy-three percent (40/54) and 47% (26/54) underwent concomitant bladder augmentation and urethral sling procedure, respectively. Mean follow-up was 2.5 years (range, 3 months to 10 years). Ninety-five percent (51/54) of patients were continent, and 5% (3/54) were incontinent from the umbilical stoma after one operation. All were compliant with intermittent catheterization. Complications included bladder calculi (15%; 8/54), stomal stenosis (9%; 5/54), stomal bleeding (5%; 3/54), small bowel obstruction (2%; 1/54), and superficial wound dehiscence (2%; 1/54). Seventy-three percent (40/54) of patients were available for telephone interview. Of these, 90% (36/40) reported satisfaction, and 10% (4/40) reported dissatisfaction; 93% (37/40) reported that they would recommend the procedure to others, whereas 7% (3/40) would not. CONCLUSION: In our series, continent urinary diversion with the Mitrofanoff principle or Monti tube is associated with high continence, compliance, and satisfaction rates and a low complication rate. An umbilical stoma was achievable in all patients. Our 10-year experience is consistent with other reported series and underscores the successful long-term outcome and durability of continent urinary diversions.

Susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection of human foreskin and cervical tissue grown in explant culture.

Numerous studies have indicated a protective effect of male circumcision against acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1. We investigated mechanisms responsible for the possible increased HIV-1 susceptibility of human foreskin. Foreskins from eight pediatric and six adult patients with (n = 3) and without (n = 11) histories of sexually transmitted disease were evaluated. Six cervical biopsies from HIV-1-seronegative women were included as controls. CD4(+) T cells, macrophages, and Langerhans' cells (LCs) were quantified using image analysis. Cells expressing HIV-1 co-receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 were quantified using immunofluorescence and image analysis. Foreskin biopsies were infected ex vivo in organotypic culture with HIV-1. HIV-1 DNA copies in foreskin and cervical mucosal tissue were compared and the infected cell phenotype was determined. Foreskin mucosa contained higher mean proportions of CD4(+) T cells (22.4%), macrophages (2.4%), and LCs (11.5%) in adults than in children (4.9%, 0.3%, and 6.2%, respectively) or in cervical mucosa (6.2%, 1.4%, and 1.5%, respectively). The highest proportions of CD4(+) T cells and LCs occurred in patients with a history of infection. Foreskin immune cells expressed predominantly the CCR5 HIV-1 co-receptor. Adult foreskin mucosa had greater susceptibility to infection with HIV(bal) than cervical mucosa or the external surface of foreskin tissue. Circumcision likely reduces risk of HIV-1 acquisition in men by decreasing HIV-1 target cells.