Redo surgery to improve urinary function, sexual function and cosmesis in male patients with exstrophy-epispadias complex complications. Technical principles and pearls based on case scenarios.

The bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex includes some of the most challenging conditions treated by pediatric urologists. They are associated with the need for multiple intricate reconstructive procedures, aimed at restoring the anatomy and function of the bladder, urethra and external genitalia. These patients often endure multiple redo reconstructive procedures to improve urinary function, sexual function and cosmesis throughout the first two decades of life. In this article, we present the 30-year experience of a single surgeon performing redo surgery for males born with epispadias and bladder exstrophy. Through detailed documentation of 6 clinical cases, we highlight technical aspects that may contribute to a successful surgical reconstruction in these patients. The article is focused specifically on patients undergoing redo epispadias repair with or without concomitant continence procedures. We make the case for complete penile disassembly with external rotation of the corpora to correct recurrent dorsal curvature; this approach also allows the surgeon to have access to the proximal urethra and bladder neck after opening the intersymphiseal scar/band. This is useful when additional procedures on the bladder, such as bladder neck tailoring, are necessary. We also highlight the importance of avoiding reverse Byars' flaps when performing skin closure, due to the resulting midline scar. Besides being associated with a poor cosmetic outcome, it can also contribute to recurrent dorsal curvature. The authors advocate for rotational skin flaps to cover the penile shaft. Correction of dorsal curvature and improved cosmesis obtained with complete penile disassembly sometimes comes at the expense of the urethra being left as a hypospadias (figure). This will require further surgeries (usually a 2-stage buccal mucosa graft), much like the treatment of proximal hypospadias. Redo epispadias surgery in males remains a challenge. The systematic approach offered by the case scenarios may help guide surgeons dealing with this difficult condition. Patient with complications after repair of classic bladder exstrophy. A) Stone retrieved from posterior urethra after complete penile disassembly. B) After opening the inter-symphiseal scar, the bladder has been opened and the bladder neck tailored. C) Complete penile disassembly has been completed with corporal bodies and urethra individualized. D,E,F) Final appearance of the repair; abdominal wall was closed with anterior rectus sheath flaps, penile skin was closed with rotational flaps and urethra ended up as a hypospadias.

Digital Pattern Recognition for the Identification and Classification of Hypospadias Using Artificial Intelligence vs Experienced Pediatric Urologist.

OBJECTIVE: To improve hypospadias classification system, we hereby, show the use of machine learning/image recognition to increase objectivity of hypospadias recognition and classification. Hypospadias anatomical variables such as meatal location, quality of urethral plate, glans size, and ventral curvature have been identified as predictors for postoperative outcomes but there is still significant subjectivity between evaluators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hypospadias image database with 1169 anonymized images (837 distal and 332 proximal) was used. Images were standardized (ventral aspect of the penis including the glans, shaft, and scrotum) and classified into distal or proximal and uploaded for training with TensorFlow. Data from the training were outputted to TensorBoard, to assess for the loss function. The model was then run on a set of 29 "Test" images randomly selected. Same set of images were distributed among expert clinicians in pediatric urology. Inter- and intrarater analyses were performed using Fleiss Kappa statistical analysis using the same 29 images shown to the algorithm. RESULTS: After training with 627 images, detection accuracy was 60%. With1169 images, accuracy increased to 90%. Inter-rater analysis among expert pediatric urologists was k= 0.86 and intrarater 0.74. Image recognition model emulates the almost perfect inter-rater agreement between experts. CONCLUSION: Our model emulates expert human classification of patients with distal/proximal hypospadias. Future applicability will be on standardizing the use of these technologies and their clinical applicability. The ability of using variables different than only anatomical will feed deep learning algorithms and possibly better assessments and predictions for surgical outcomes.

Update on the surgical approach for reconstruction of the male genitalia.

The majority of patients with DSD will be found to carry an XY karyotype and be assigned male gender. From a phenotypical standpoint, most will present with proximal hypospadias ± cryptorchidism. In this review article, the authors present the current status of reconstruction of the male genitalia in this setting. The report addresses the following topics: surgical input in the evaluation of the newborn with an undervirilized external genitalia, including gender assignment considerations; controversies surrounding timing and indication for hypospadias surgery in proximal cases as well as use of testosterone; surgical techniques and decision-making process for one- vs. two-stage repairs; complications of hypospadias surgery based on technique used for repair; and long-term follow-up. The high complication rates observed in the treatment of proximal hypospadias attest to its challenging nature. Concentration of experience, tracking carefully identified patient-centered outcomes and long-term follow-up of this patient population are recommended.

Application of the STROBE statement to the hypospadias literature: Report of the international pediatric urology task force on hypospadias.

INTRODUCTION: Observational studies, particularly case series, represent the majority of the current hypospadias research. As a result, this literature lacks standardization of surgical techniques, uniform definitions of hypospadias complications, and consistency of outcome reporting, which may make it difficult to compare results across studies. A modified version of the STROBE statement, containing 20 items, was presented at the International Pediatric Urology Task Force on Hypospadias meeting to assist with clear and transparent reporting of hypospadias studies. The adoption and implementation of this modified tool will allow investigators and health care providers to critically evaluate quality and identify bias within the literature. In addition this instrument will ensure consistency of reporting, improving objective comparisons between studies, unification of results, and development of evidence-based clinical guidelines. METHODS: In this article, we have applied the modified STROBE statement to the hypospadias literature, aiming to create a guide on study reporting for pediatric urologists, and ultimately improve the quality of research in our field. We present itemized recommendations for adequate reporting of hypospadias studies and case series, ranging from drafting the abstract to addressing biases and potential sources of confounding. Included with each item is a brief explanation of its importance and potential effect on the study, as well as pertinent examples of hypospadias articles. RESULTS: A modified STROBE summary table containing 20 items is presented in (Supplementary Table 1). CONCLUSIONS: If properly conducted and reported, hypospadias studies have the potential to provide useful information to clinicians and surgeons. However, authors should recognize the inherent limitations of these observational studies, especially in the form of bias, which may introduce invalid data or limit generalizability. Thus, we expect that the use of this guiding tool will not only improve transparency of hypospadias reporting, but also improve its methodological quality, allowing proper comparison and interpretation of data across different institutions.

Impact of drainage technique on pediatric pyeloplasty: Comparative analysis of externalized uretero-pyelostomy versus double-J internal stents.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric pyeloplasty with double J (DJ) stent drainage requires manipulation of the uretero-vesical junction (UVJ) and a second anesthetic for removal. Externalized uretero-pyelostomy (EUP) stents avoid these issues. We report outcomes of laparoscopic and open pyeloplasty with EUP compared to DJ stents in children. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 76 consecutive children who underwent pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction over a 1-year period by 5 pediatric urologists at a single institution. The exclusion criteria included patients with concomitant urological procedures, other urinary drainage strategies, "stentless" pyeloplasty or patients without follow-up data. Based on surgeon preference, 24 patients had a EUP stent and 38 had a DJ stent placed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 23.8 ± 10.9 months and 21.1 ± 11.1 months for the EUP and DJ stent groups, respectively (p = 0.32). The mean age was 40 ± 54 months and 80 ± 78 months for the EUP and DJ groups, respectively (p = 0.04). The EUP group had a greater proportion of open pyeloplasties (n = 17, 71%) versus the DJ group (n = 16, 42%; p = 0.04). There were no statistically significant differences in operative time, length of stay, and overall complication rate between groups. Complications were divided by timing of complication (intraoperative, before and after 3 months) and according to the Clavien Classification system. There were no statistically significant differences between these subgroups. The limitations of this study include small sample size, potential selection bias, and heterogeneity between both study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pyeloplasty using EUP stents does not incur prolonged operative time, longer length of stay or higher complication rate when compared to DJ stents. Within the limitations of this study, EUP stents may be a safe alternative to DJ stents.

Decisional regret after distal hypospadias repair: single institution prospective analysis of factors associated with subsequent parental remorse or distress.

PURPOSE: Hypospadias repair is a commonly performed procedure. Little is known about decisional regret in parents who agree to proceed with this surgical reconstruction. We present data on this previously underexplored issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed followup analysis of 100 couples prospectively evaluated after counseling for surgical correction of distal hypospadias in their son with assessment of complications and decisional regret 1 year after surgery. Findings were contrasted with baseline demographics, hypospadias knowledge and decisional conflict at the time of counseling. RESULTS: Decisional regret was found in 116 parents, including mild regret in 41.4% and moderate to severe regret in 8.6%. There was no statistically significant difference in paired regret analysis between mothers and fathers. Complications were strongly associated with decisional regret (p <0.001). On regression analysis postoperative complications (OR 14.7, 95% CI 1.6-131.6), parental desire to avoid circumcision (OR 7.4, 95% CI 1.1-49.4) and initial decisional conflict level (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.09) were statistically significant predictors of moderate to strong decisional regret. These findings remained robust after imputation strategies to address missing data. The impact of decisional conflict and preference for circumcision were significant even after excluding families who experienced complications. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this is the first study demonstrating parental decisional regret after providing consent for surgical correction of distal hypospadias in their son. Based on the described risk factors efforts aimed at minimizing complications and counseling about foreskin preservation techniques may be prudent to ameliorate decisional regret. The novel association between decisional conflict and regret suggests that conflict assessment during counseling may help screen families at risk for postoperative regret.

Single center experience with oxybutynin transdermal system (patch) for management of symptoms related to non-neuropathic overactive bladder in children: an attractive, well tolerated alternative form of administration.

OBJECTIVE: Oxybutynin is the current gold standard drug for management of overactive bladder (OAB) in children, but can have significant side effects or be difficult to administer in multiple daily doses. Herein, we report our experience with transdermal oxybutynin patch (TOP) as an alternative in a selected patient population without neuropathic compromise. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients assessed in a pediatric urology clinic over a 1-year period, diagnosed with OAB with minimum follow-up of 3 months, were included. TOP starting dose was 3.9 mg/day based on product design (Oxytrol). Demographics and outcomes data were retrospectively collected. Symptomatic response was defined as improvement or resolution of lower urinary tract symptoms. RESULTS: 35 children met inclusion criteria (mean age 8 years, range 4-16). Overall, 97% reported good symptom response. The main side effect was skin irritation at TOP site (35%), leading to discontinuation in 20%. There were no reports of other significant side effects. Mean bladder capacity increased from 104 ml to 148 ml at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that TOP is a viable alternative for children with non-neuropathic OAB who do not tolerate other formulations of oxybutynin. These findings highlight the potential benefit of transdermal drug delivery in the pediatric setting.

Reduced flow after tubularized incised plate urethroplasty--increased fibrogenesis, elastin fiber loss or neither?

PURPOSE: Low urinary flow rates are common after tubularized incised plate urethroplasty but the etiology remains unclear and may be related to low urethral compliance due to abnormal collagen concentrations and/or fewer elastic fibers in the healed urethral plate. We hypothesized that inserting a preputial mucosal graft over the dorsal raw area after the midline incision may avoid scarring and improve urethral compliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult rabbits were submitted to tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with or without inlay preputial graft according to a previously described protocol. Tissular concentrations of collagens I, III, IV, VI, VIII and XIII were measured. Histomorphometric analysis was used to quantify elastic fibers in the urethra. Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with and without inlay preputial graft was compared to normal rabbit urethras (controls). RESULTS: mRNA concentrations for collagens I, II and XIII were similar between controls and operated rabbits. The proportions between collagens I and III were 1.05, 0.87 and 1.21, respectively, in controls and animals undergoing tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with and without inlay preputial graft. mRNA concentrations for collagen IV and collagens VI/VIII tended to be higher and lower, respectively, in the operated urethras, despite showing statistical significance only for collagen VIII in animals undergoing tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with inlay preputial graft vs controls (p=0.02). The operated animals did not demonstrate a reduced number of elastic fibers in the urethral tissues compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Elastic fiber number and distribution were similar between tubularized incised plate urethroplasty cases and controls, suggesting that decreased concentrations of elastic fibers do not explain the reduced urethral compliance after tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. The raw area determined by the dorsal urethral incision regenerated after standard tubularized incised plate urethroplasty, while cicatrization with fibrosis occurred in correspondence to the grafted areas after tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with inlay preputial graft.

Impact of penile degloving and proximal ventral dissection on curvature correction in children with proximal hypospadias.

INTRODUCTION: Penile degloving is an important step in orthoplasty. Although its role in correcting mild curvature in distal and midshaft hypospadias has been previously reported, its impact on ventral curvature (VC) correction in proximal defects warrants further investigation. Therefore, we sought to document the effect of degloving and proximal urethral dissection on VC correction in children with proximal hypospadias. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 137 patients who underwent proximal hypospadias repair between 1998 and 2006. VC, defined as mild (<30%), moderate (30%-45%), and severe (>45%), was recorded before penile degloving and after erection test. Percent improvement in VC and need for further treatment (beyond degloving and proximal dissection) based on preoperative degree of curvature were assessed. ANOVA test was used to compare improvement among the 3 groups. RESULTS: Mean age at repair was 14 months (range: 6-24). Penile degloving associated with proximal urethral dissection when necessary was responsible for the improvement in the degree of curvature in 7 of 9 (77%) patients with mild VC, 23 of 44 (52%) with moderate and 35 of 84 (40%) with severe VC. Additionally, degloving alone was sufficient for VC correction in 7 of 9 (77%) mild cases, 14 of 44 (30%) moderate and only 2 of 84 (2%) severe cases. The difference among these 3 groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Penile degloving alone can correct VC. The percentage of improvement depends on the preoperative degree of curvature, with severe VC cases showing the least improvement.

Failed pyeloplasty in children: revisiting the unknown.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a critical analysis of the management of the pediatric failed pyeloplasty in a large tertiary center. The ideal approach to this rare entity is not well established. METHODS: Retrospective record review of children undergoing pyeloplasty from 2000 to 2010. All cases that required any type of reintervention, excluding stent removal, were analyzed. Data collected included: demographics, indication for and modality of the initial surgery, presence of crossing vessels, mode of diagnosis of failure, and type(s) of reintervention with the correspondent success rate(s). RESULTS: Overall, pyeloplasty failure rate was 27 per 455 patients (5.9%). Age, initial indication for pyeloplasty, and modality of surgery (open vs laparoscopic) yielded similar failure rates. Indications for reintervention were as follows: worsening asymptomatic hydronephrosis 16 of 27 (59%), pain 7 of 27 (26%), urosepsis 2 of 27 (7.5%), and others 2 of 27 (7.5%). Eight of 27 (30%) improved with 1, 14 of 27 (52%) had 2, and 5 of 27 (18%) required 3 reinterventions, respectively. Mean interval between the first operation and subsequent interventions was 19.3, 24.9, and 27 months for the first, second, and third reinterventions, respectively. Modalities of reintervention with respective success rates were as follows: double J stent insertion 16% (6%), endopyelotomy 18% (50%), redo pyeloplasty 12% (92%), and ureterocalicostomy 4% (100%). Only 1 patient (7%) was documented to have a missed crossing vessel. All patients were stable and doing well after a mean follow-up of 56 months after the first operation. CONCLUSION: According to this series, more invasive and definitive techniques, such as redo pyeloplasty and ureterocalicostomy, are more successful than minimally invasive ones to treat failed pyeloplasty and should probably be offered sooner rather than later.

Prospective cost analysis of laparoscopic vs. open pyeloplasty in children: Single centre contemporary evaluation comparing two procedures over a 1-year period.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopy in pediatric urological surgery continues to gradually gain acceptance. Since economic implications are of increasing importance in our cost-containment environment, few studies have compared the expense associated with open to laparoscopic approaches. We present a prospective comparative cost-analysis between the laparoscopic (LP) and open pediatric pyeloplasty (OP). METHODS: Over a period of a year (2007-2008), 54 consecutives pyeloplasties were performed. The "traditional" OP was performed in 33 patients and the remaining 21 children underwent LP. Costs were prospectively collected for each group and divided based on amounts incurred by all different departments involved: nursing, laboratory, diagnostic imaging, pharmacy and operative room. RESULTS: Overall, the average cost for a LP was CDN$6240 compared to CDN$5079 for an OP with a median hospital stay of 2 days (range OP: 1-18, LP: 1-7). The main difference was found in operative room expenses (OP: $2508 vs. LP: $3925). The higher cost could not be solely explained by the use of disposable items, which only subtracts $335 per procedure (23.6% of the cost difference between OP and LP). Length of time spent in the operating room was 1.2 hours longer for the LP and appears to be the main factor explaining the cost difference. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that at our institution, pediatric LP is more expensive than OP. This cost difference is mainly due to operating room time. For cost-containment purposes, efforts aimed at increasing efficiency in the operating room may help equalize both approaches.

A rare case of inguinolabial lipoblastoma in a 13-month-old female.

Lipoblastoma is a rare, rapidly growing, benign mesenchymal tumor composed of various stages of maturing adipocytes that most often occurs in children under the age of 3. The common locations are the extremities and the trunk. Presentation in the genitoinguinal area is rare. We report a case of a 13-month-old female infant with a 4-month history of a progressively enlarging left labial mass that encompassed her left labium majora and inguinal region. Pelvic MRI confirmed growth from previous ultrasound size of 3 × 2 × 1 cm to 7 × 2 × 2 cm. Composition was suggestive of adipose tissue. The mass was excised through a left inguinal incision. The final pathology results described a lipoblastoma. Six year follow-up has not revealed any signs or symptoms of recurrence. Circumscribed lipoblastomas should be distinguished from their infiltrative counterpart, diffuse lipoblastoma or lipoblastomatosis, which can be more difficult to excise and thus, more likely to recur. Lipoblastoma should also be distinguished from myxoid liposarcoma, which has malignant features, carries a high risk of recurrence, and requires a more aggressive management protocol. Although rare, lipoblastoma should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of a rapidly growing vulvar mass in prepubertal children.

Glans amputation during routine neonatal circumcision: mechanism of injury and strategy for prevention.

OBJECTIVE: Glans injury during circumcision is an uncommon yet potentially devastating complication. Its mechanism remains poorly understood. Herein we critically evaluate a case series and, based on common characteristics, hypothesize the mechanism of injury as well as means to prevent it. METHODS: Retrospective review of circumcision-related glans amputation cases referred for evaluation and management, focusing on detection of common history and presentation patterns in order to evaluate possible underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: A neonatal elective circumcision was conducted using a Mogen clamp and an oblique injury to the ventro-lateral aspect of the glans was noted in 6 cases referred over a 5-year period, suggesting a similar trauma pattern. The urethra was consistently involved. The amputated segments were reattached as free composite grafts in 2/6 cases. Three patients underwent delayed glansplasty months after the trauma in an attempt to restore natural symmetry and cosmesis. In one case a buccal mucosa graft was employed to rebuild the ventral coronal sulcus. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma pattern suggests that the ventral glans is at high risk for injury by traction on incompletely released ventral preputial adhesions with subsequent glans entrapment. Practitioners performing neonatal circumcisions, particularly with a Mogen clamp, should exercise adequate release of ventral adhesions to prevent this complication.

Early postoperative ultrasound after open pyeloplasty in children with prenatal hydronephrosis helps identify low risk of recurrent obstruction.

PURPOSE: Prediction of successful pyeloplasty can be challenging, particularly in asymptomatic children treated for worsening prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis. We evaluated early noninvasive objective predictors of success in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent pyeloplasty for asymptomatic, prenatally detected, worsening hydronephrosis treated between 2000 and 2010 with followup greater than 1 year. For all patients renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter in a mid transverse view and Society for Fetal Urology hydronephrosis grade were evaluated preoperatively and 3 to 4 months postoperatively. Aside from subjective evaluation based on change in hydronephrosis grade, we estimated the percentage of improvement in anteroposterior diameter (preoperative diameter--postoperative diameter/preoperative diameter). Repeat intervention after pyeloplasty arbitrarily defined failure. Patients were categorized into 3 groups, ie no failure on followup ultrasound (group 1), no failure with postoperative nuclear scan to document success (group 2) and failed pyeloplasty (group 3). ROC curves were plotted to correlate 4 variables with failure, namely preoperative anteroposterior diameter, postoperative anteroposterior diameter, percent improvement in anteroposterior diameter and subjective change in grade. RESULTS: Of 229 patients 192 (84%) who met inclusion criteria had ultrasound at 3 to 4 months postoperatively available. Mean age at surgery was 19 months and mean ± SD followup was 49.9 ± 27.7 months. Percent improvement in anteroposterior diameter and postoperative anteroposterior diameter measure were the most reliable variables to predict failure (AUC 0.88 and 0.86, respectively, p <0.0001), whereas preoperative anteroposterior diameter and subjective changes in grade were not good predictors (AUC 0.52, p >0.05). A percent improvement in anteroposterior diameter of 38% or greater or postoperative anteroposterior diameter of 11.5 mm or less was associated with success, with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 61% and 55%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Percent improvement in anteroposterior diameter and postoperative pelvic anteroposterior diameter measure can provide objective guidance as to which patients need closer monitoring during followup, and can help select children at low risk for repeat intervention after pyeloplasty.

Nephron sparing surgery for unilateral Wilms tumor in children with predisposing syndromes: single center experience over 10 years.

PURPOSE: Unilateral Wilms tumors associated with predisposing syndromes are treated with preoperative chemotherapy followed by surgical resection. We describe our experience with nephron sparing surgery for Wilms tumor in this population at risk for metachronous lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all children with a predisposing syndrome who underwent nephrectomy for malignancy during a 10-year period (2000 to 2010). Data collected included age, mode of detection, tumor size, treatment, pathology results, followup time and recurrence episodes. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2010, 13 of 75 (19%) patients treated for Wilms tumor were diagnosed with predisposing syndrome(s). Eight patients with unilateral tumors were treated and had a mean age at diagnosis of 27 months (range 7 months to 9 years). Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, isolated hemihyperplasia, WAGR (Wilms tumor, Aniridia, Genitourinary abnormalities, mental Retardation) syndrome and isolated 11p13 deletion were the underlying diagnoses in 3, 2, 2 and 1 patient, respectively. All but 2 patients were diagnosed by screening ultrasound and 5 underwent preoperative chemotherapy. Median tumor size at surgery was 2.5 cm (range 1 to 13). Nephron sparing surgery was performed in 6 of 8 patients. Pathological study showed favorable histology Wilms tumor and nephrogenic rests in 6 and 2 patients, respectively. After a mean followup of 36 months (range 6 to 72) no recurrences were documented and all children had normal creatinine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Nephron sparing surgery appears safe for patients with unilateral Wilms tumor associated with predisposing syndrome(s), allowing for the preservation of renal function and good oncologic outcomes for the available followup time. If more studies confirm our observation, current recommendations for the surgical treatment of Wilms tumor may need to reemphasize the value of attempting nephron sparing surgery in this patient population.

Comparative analysis of detorsion alone versus detorsion and tunica albuginea decompression (fasciotomy) with tunica vaginalis flap coverage in the surgical management of prolonged testicular ischemia.

PURPOSE: Recent data suggest that testicular torsion may include an element of the compartment syndrome that improves with decompression. In 2009 we instituted tunica albuginea incision with tunica vaginalis flap coverage as an alternative in cases in which the torsed testis continued to appear ischemic after detorsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 65 boys who underwent scrotal exploration for testicular torsion between 2000 and 2010 were reviewed. There were 6 patients excluded from study due to lack of followup. Of the remaining 59 patients 31 (52.5%) showed improvement in testicular appearance after detorsion and underwent orchiopexy, whereas 28 (47.5%) did not show evidence of recovery after detorsion. Of these patients 11 underwent tunica albuginea incision with tunica vaginalis flap coverage and 17 underwent orchiectomy. Demographic data, duration of symptoms and rate of testicular salvage were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 11.8 years (detorsion plus orchiopexy), 10.1 years (tunica albuginea incision plus tunica vaginalis flap coverage) and 10.1 years (detorsion plus orchiectomy). Average followup was greater than 6 months in all groups. Mean duration of torsion was 13.4 hours (detorsion plus orchiopexy), 31.2 hours (tunica albuginea incision plus tunica vaginalis flap coverage) and 67.5 hours (detorsion plus orchiectomy). Before tunica albuginea incision with tunica vaginalis flap coverage was offered, the rate of orchiectomy was 35.9% (14 of 39) vs 15% (3 of 20) after this technique was introduced (p <0.05). The rates of testicular salvage were 62.5% (detorsion plus orchiopexy), 54.6% (tunica albuginea incision plus tunica vaginalis flap coverage) and 0% (detorsion plus orchiectomy). Although the numbers are limited, it is likely that without tunica albuginea incision with tunica vaginalis flap coverage 6 of 11 testes would have been removed. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience suggests that tunica albuginea incision with tunica vaginalis flap coverage is a promising option for the management of clinically marginal torsed testes, enhancing salvageability after prolonged ischemia. We recommend considering this maneuver before performing orchiectomy in selected cases of testicular torsion.

Do infants with mild prenatal hydronephrosis benefit from screening for vesicoureteral reflux?

PURPOSE: Screening for vesicoureteral reflux in asymptomatic infants with low grade hydronephrosis is unjustified if this condition is benign. We present a cohort with prenatally detected hydronephrosis, some observed without voiding cystourethrography, and compare outcomes to a classic, screened group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 206 consecutive children presenting with postnatally confirmed prenatally detected hydronephrosis (47% bilateral) were included in the study. Cases with associated renal or bladder anomalies were excluded. Children with low grade hydronephrosis either underwent screening voiding cystourethrography or did not, largely based on whether care was managed by a urologist or a nephrologist. Patients with high grade hydronephrosis routinely underwent voiding cystourethrography. Primary outcome was a symptomatic or febrile urinary tract infection. We used Mantel-Haenszel analysis to determine urinary tract infection risk factors during the first 2 years of life. RESULTS: No urinary tract infection was observed in patients with grade I hydronephrosis. Urinary tract infections in low grade hydronephrosis were only seen in the voiding cystourethrogram group (7 patients), including 1 infection following voiding cystourethrogram. Urinary tract infection rate was 3.52 infections per 100 patient-years in children with low grade hydronephrosis and 11.1 infections per 100 patient-years in those with high grade hydronephrosis (p = 0.02). This increased risk of urinary tract infection in high grade hydronephrosis persisted after correcting for gender and circumcision status (IRR 3.17, p = 0.01). The association remained strong (IRR 2.48, 95% CI 0.96-6.44) but was not statistically significant (p = 0.053) after additionally correcting for vesicoureteral reflux status. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that children with low grade hydronephrosis and otherwise normal kidneys and bladder do not benefit from voiding cystourethrographic screening. Interestingly high grade hydronephrosis appears to carry a threefold greater risk of urinary tract infection compared to low grade hydronephrosis.