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Summary Introduction Minimally invasive (robotic and pure laparoscopic) pyeloplasty has been increasingly used for treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). However, few large-scale studies have compared these two modalities directly. Methods We performed a retrospective single-center review of all patients who underwent pure laparoscopic (LP) or robotic pyeloplasty (RALP) between 2007 and 2018. Patients were excluded if the initial surgery at our institution was a redo pyeloplasty or if they lacked follow-up information. Outcomes of interest included operative time, length of stay, and complication rates, including rates of secondary procedures. We compared these outcomes between groups using Student's t test for continuous variables and a Chi-square for categorical variables. Results A total of 282 patients were identified. Forty-eight were excluded based on study criteria; therefore, our total study cohort was 234 patients: 119 RALP and 115 LP cases. Overall mean postoperative follow-up time was 20.8 months, with no significant differences between groups. Mean operative time was shorter in the LP group when compared the RALP group (3 h 7 min vs. 3 h 41 min, p Conclusion We demonstrated no significant differences between RALP and LP in regards to complication rates. Surgeons performing RALP and LP have the potential to offer the same level of care for the surgical management of UPJO, especially in countries where robotic technology may not be readily available. Median time from surgery to complication in days (range) Overall (n = 234) Robotic (n = 119) Laparoscopic (n = 115) p value Clavien I 9 (3–26) 9 (3.8%) 5 (4.2%) 4 (3.5%) p = 1.0 Clavien II 12 (3–37) 17 (7.3%) 8 (6.7%) 9 (7.8%) p = 0.75 Clavien III 33 (4–1316) 25 (10.7%) 14 (11.8%) 11 (9.6%) p = 0.59 All complications 17 (3–1316) 52 (22.2%) 28 (23.5%) 24 (20.9%) p = 0.63

Cicatrix formation, which can form after neonatal circumcision to entrap the glans penis, presents a therapeutic challenge. Previous studies in the literature have described either using a topical steroid cream or stretching of the scar tissue with an instrument but not a combination of both modalities. In our experience, monotherapy has resulted in significant recurrence and/or need for further treatment. We present our successful experience that combines cicatrix stretching with a hemostat using local anesthesia in the office followed by several weeks of topical steroids with a minority of patients needing any additional therapy.

Summary Background Spinal anesthesia (SA) is an established anesthetic technique for short outpatient pediatric urological cases. To avoid general anesthesia (GA) and expand regional anesthetics to longer and more complex pediatric surgeries, the authors began a program using a combined spinal/caudal catheter (SCC) technique. Study design The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients scheduled for surgery under SCC between December 2016 and April 2018 and recorded age, gender, diagnosis, procedure, conversion to GA/airway intervention, operative time, neuraxial and intravenous medications administered, complications, and outcomes. The SCC technique typically involved an initial intrathecal injection of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine followed by placement of a caudal epidural catheter. At the discretion of the anesthesiologist, patients received 0.5 mg per kilogram of oral midazolam approximately 30 min prior to entering the operating room. One hour after the intrathecal injection, 3% chloroprocaine was administered via the caudal catheter to prolong the duration of surgical block. Intra-operative management included either continuous infusion or bolus dosing of dexmedetomidine, as needed, for patient comfort and to optimize surgical conditions. Prior to removal of caudal catheter in the post-anesthesia care unit, a supplemental bolus dose of local anesthesia was given through the catheter to provide prolonged post-operative analgesia. Results Overall, 23 children underwent attempted SCC. SA was unsuccessful in three patients, and surgery was performed under GA. The remaining 20 children all had successful SCC placement. There were 11 girls and nine boys, with a mean age of 16.5 months (3.3–43.8). Surgeries performed under SCC included seven ureteral reimplantations, two ureterocele excisions/reimplantations, two megaureter repairs, four first-stage hypospadias repairs, one distal hypospadias repair, one second-stage hypospadias repair, two feminizing genitoplasties, and one open pyeloplasty. Average length of surgery was 109 min (range 63–172 min). Pre-operative midazolam was given in 13/20 (65%). All SCC patients were spontaneously breathing room air during the operation, and there were no airway interventions. Only one SCC patient received opioids intra-operatively. There were no intra-operative or perioperative complications. Discussion This pilot study shows that the technique of SCC allows one to do more complex urologic surgery under regional anesthesia than what would be possible under pure SA alone. The main limitations of the study include the relatively small number of patients and the small median length of the operative procedures. As a proof of concept, however, this does show that complex genital surgery bladder level procedures such as ureteral reimplantation can be performed under regional anesthesia. Conclusion SCC allows for more complex surgeries to be performed exclusively under regional anesthesia, thus obviating the need for airway intervention, minimizing or eliminating the use of opioids, and thus avoiding known and potential risks associated with GA. The latter is of particular importance given current concerns regarding hypothetical neurocognitive effects of GA on children aged below 3 years. Download : Download high-res image (389KB) Download : Download full-size image Summary Figure .

Summary Introduction Increasing concerns regarding potential negative effects of early use of inhalational and intravenous anesthetics on neurocognitive development have led to a growing interest in alternative forms of anesthesia in infants. The study institution's outcomes with spinal anesthesia (SA) for urologic surgery in infants aged less than 90 days are reported and their outcomes with a matched cohort of patients who underwent general anesthesia (GA) are compared. Methods This is a retrospective single-center analysis. Patients aged less than 90 days who underwent SA for four urologic surgeries (inguinal hernia repair, scrotal exploration, posterior urethral valve ablation, and ureterocele puncture) were identified from the study institution's SA database. An age- and procedure-matched control cohort was identified from a list of patients who underwent the aforementioned four procedures under GA since 2013. Outcomes of interest included success rate of SA, complications from spinal placement, narcotic use, need for supplemental medications and oxygen, and length of hospital stay. Results Forty patients were identified; 20 in the SA and 20 in the GA group. Mean patient age was 54 (standard deviation, 35) days. There were no significant differences between the groups in age, gender, weight, history of prematurity, or presence of comorbidities. Eighty percent of SA patients had successful SA; reasons for conversion to GA included failure of spinal needle placement (75%) and agitation during operative procedure (25%). Ninety-six percent of patients who received GA (primarily or converted) had an endotracheal tube (ETT) placed. No patient in the SA group had a complication from spinal needle placement. Patients in the SA group were less likely to receive narcotics during the operative procedure (P = 0.001) and also had a lower mean morphine equivalent dose/kilogram (P = 0.002). Patients in the SA group were also less likely to receive any supplemental medications during the operative procedure (P = 0.001), particularly intravenous corticosteroids (P Conclusions The use of SA has clear advantages for this medically vulnerable population. For the majority of patients, it obviates the need for ETT placement and airway management and avoids the potential negative effects of GA on neurocognitive development. It also decreases the use of narcotics and other supplemental medications. In scenarios in which the benefit of surgery must be weighed against the risk of GA, such as neonatal torsion, SA may allow a paradigm shift in the timing of surgery. SA group, n = 20 GA group, n = 20 Significance Received general anesthesia 4 (20%) 20 (100%) P Intubated with an endotracheal tube 4 (20%) 19 (95%) P Narcotics administered 2 (10%) 12 (60%) P = 0.002 Mean morphine equivalent dose (MED) mg/kg 0.92 (STD 2.8) 8.1 (STD 9.3) P = 0.002 Other supplemental medications administered 8 (40%) 18 (90%) P = 0.002 Bronchodilators 0 (0%) 1 (5%) P = 1.0 Corticosteroids 2 (10%) 16 (80%) P Acetaminophen 2 (10%) 3 (15%) P = 1.0 Dexmedetomidine 1 (5%) 0 (0%) P = 1.0 Glycopyrrolate 1 (5%) 3 (15%) P = 0.61 Median postoperative day of discharge 1 (range 0–28) 1 (range 0–4) P = 0.31 GA, general anesthesia; SA, spinal anesthesia; STD, standard deviation.

Summary Introduction Open ureteral reimplantation (UR) is the gold standard for the surgical management of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). There have been increasing reports on robot-assisted UR, but this approach remains controversial due to reports suggesting increased complications and reduced success compared with open repair. This study presented extensive experience with vesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation (VR) for primary reflux. In this procedure, cross-trigonal reimplantation was performed in a manner analogous to open repair under carbon dioxide ‘pneumovesicum’. Objective To review outcomes of vesicoscopic cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation and compare them with other minimally invasive approaches for the correction of reflux. Study design All patients who underwent VR at the current institution were retrospectively reviewed. The following were recorded for each patient: age, sex, grade of reflux, operative time, outcome, and complications. Results The series consisted of 182 consecutive patients who underwent VR. There were 165 girls and 17 boys. Mean age was 7.03 years (range 16 months–38.2 years). Fifteen had failed prior injection therapy. Of the 182 patients, 135 underwent bilateral repairs and 47 unilateral. Mean operative time for bilateral repairs was 197 (112–284) minutes and 169 (99–288) for unilateral. Major complications included two ureteral obstructions: one resolved with stent placement and the other underwent re-operative reimplantation. Postoperative voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) was obtained in 100 patients and was normal in 93 (93%). Four of these failures occurred in the first 30 patients. Of the last 49 patients tested, 48 were normal, suggesting a 98% effective success rate after the learning curve. Discussion Vesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation is an approach that completely recreates all aspects of open cross-trigonal repair. Complications were uncommon and success rates were very high in the current study. Conclusions Vesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation is a minimally invasive procedure for the definitive repair of primary reflux. After the learning curve at the current institution, success rates were found to be equivalent to open repair and were higher than published reports of robot-assisted procedures. Download : Download high-res image (334KB) Download : Download full-size image

Summary Introduction/objective Proximal hypospadias is one of the most challenging conditions that pediatric urologists have to deal with. Many procedures have been devised over the years, but nothing has been proven to be the best option. Although there have been some attempts at correcting severe hypospadias in one procedure, most have advocated a staged approach. The classic approach – laying penile skin or a graft within a split glans followed by glanuloplasty at the second stage – by definition requires two operations on the glans. In the Ulaanbaatar procedure the distal glanular urethra is constructed at the first stage, allowing for a single glans procedure and thus potentially better cosmetic outcomes. The present study discusses experience with the Ulaanbaatar procedure for severe hypospadias. Study design The study retrospectively reviewed every child who underwent both stages of this procedure at the present institution. It reviewed age, associated diagnoses, surgical technique and outcomes. Surgical technique The first stage was analogous to a classic first-stage procedure with regard to division of the urethral plate and correction of penile curvature. However, an island flap of preputial skin was mobilized and tubularized to create the glanular urethra. No attempt was made to bridge the native meatus and this reconstructed urethra, and the remaining penile skin was placed between the two. The second stage was performed 6 months later by tubularizing the penile skin between the two meatuses. Results The series consisted of 34 boys. Mean age at surgery was 18.3 months (range 6–118). Nineteen underwent evaluation for genital ambiguity at birth (56%). Thirty (88%) received pre-operative testosterone or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). After urethral plate transection, persistent curvature was addressed during the first stage, with dorsal plication in 12 (35%), urethral plate transection alone in six (18%) or ventral grafting with small intestinal submucosa in 16 (47%). Twenty-three boys (67%) had the neourethra tunneled through the glans, and 11 (33%) had the glans split followed by glanuloplasty. Average time between the two stages was 7 months (range 4.0–13.9). Four patients (12%) developed urethral diverticula that required repair. One developed recurrent epididymitis related to an abnormal ejaculatory duct (no stricture) and underwent vasectomy. No patient developed a fistula. Mean length of follow-up was 15.2 months (range 0.3–55.5). Discussion This modification of the classic staged hypospadias repair may allow for better cosmetic outcome, since the majority of boys required no formal glanuloplasty. There were reduced complications, perhaps because the urethral defect acted like a controlled fistula, allowing for better tissue healing prior to final urethral reconstruction. Download : Download high-res image (262KB) Download : Download full-size image Summary Figure: . Preputial island flap is tubularized as part of first stage. Distal neourethra stays patent allowing for simple proximal tubularization for second stage.

Summary Introduction Testicular torsion threatens testicular viability with increased risk of loss with delayed management. Still, healthy adolescents continue to be transferred from community hospitals to tertiary hospitals for surgical management for torsion even though adult urologists may be available. We sought to determine reasons behind patient transfer and to evaluate whether transfer to tertiary centers for testicular torsion leads to increased rates of testicular loss. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review was performed for patients presenting to our free-standing pediatric tertiary care facility with surgically confirmed testicular torsion during the 5-year period between January 2011 and January 2016. Data was collected regarding transfer status, patient demographics, time of presentation to our facility, duration of symptoms, patient workup, and surgical outcomes. Patients with perinatal or intermittent torsion were excluded. Results One-hundred and twenty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-six of those were transferred from outside facilities while 89 presented directly to our hospital. A greater proportion of the transferred patients presented during nights or weekends than those presenting directly to our facility (77.8% versus 51.7%, p = 0.009). Eighty-nine patients presented with symptom duration of less than 24 h and had potentially viable testicles. Of those, 23 were transferred and 66 presented directly to our hospital. Differences are shown in the Table. Transferred patients had twice the rate of testicular loss as those not transferred, although the results were not significant (30.4% versus 15.2%, p = 0.129). Patients undergoing ultrasound prior to transfer had prolonged symptom duration and faced higher rates of testicular loss when compared with patients not transferred, although the latter was not significant (mean duration 8.0 versus 4.9 h, p = 0.025, and testicular loss 40.0% versus 15.2%, p = 0.065, respectively). Patients transferred over 30 miles had over 2.5 times the rate of testicular loss than those not transferred (42.8% versus 15.2%, p = 0.029). Discussion This study is unique in its examination of motivations for transfer of patients presenting with testicular torsion and in its evaluation of the impact of transfer on testicular salvage rates for potentially viable testicles (those with less than 24 h since symptom onset). Conclusion Patients are more likely to be transferred to our tertiary pediatric facility for management of testicular torsion during the night or weekend. Transferring patients for management of testicular torsion delays definitive management and threatens testicular viability, especially in those transferred greater distances. Urologists at the facility of initial patient presentation should correct testicular torsion when able. Table . Comparison of patients presenting with symptom duration Transferred Not transferred p -value Ultrasound prior to transfer Not transferred p -value Transferred >30 miles Not transferred p -value n = 23 n = 66 n = 15 n = 66 n = 14 n = 66 Duration of symptoms, hours Mean 12.8 range 0.4–17.9 SD 4.3 Mean 14.1 range 3.6–21.7 SD 3.0 0.116 Mean 8.0 range 3.1–18.2 SD 5.1 Mean 4.9 range 0.5–23.3 SD 4.6 0.025 Mean 7.1 range 2.6–18.2 SD 5.1 Mean 4.9 range 0.5–23.3 SD 4.6 0.121 Testicular loss 30.4% 15.2% 0.129 40.0% 15.2% 0.065 42.8% 15.2% 0.029

Summary Short introduction/Background Children affected by differences/disorders of sex development (DSDs) and their families are vulnerable to significant risks across developmental stages that threaten quality of life and psychosocial functioning. Accordingly, both experts in DSD treatment and patient advocacy groups have endorsed the incorporation of psychosocial care into interdisciplinary management of DSD conditions. Objective This study assessed psychosocial needs and received services reported by parents of children with DSD treated at two large US academic medical centers. Specifically, differences in parents' perceptions of psychosocial service needs were compared between those who received or did not receive interdisciplinary care that included psychology/social work professionals. Study design In a cross-sectional study, sixty-four parents of children with DSD aged 0–19 years attending two major academic centers with interdisciplinary teams completed a questionnaire about their receipt and perception of 12 individual psychosocial services throughout their child's DSD treatment. Results Receipt of individual psychosocial services ranged from 27 to 81%. Most commonly, parents reported having a psychosocial provider explain medical terms and answer questions after talking with a doctor (81%), assist with words and terms to describe the condition and treatment (69%), and help navigate the hospital system (63%). Families positively endorsed psychosocial services, with 91–100% of services received rated as helpful. Parents of children who received care as part of an interdisciplinary team were significantly more likely to receive psychosocial services than those treated by single providers (e.g., urologists). Specific gaps in psychosocial care were noted in regard to access to mental health providers familiar with DSD, fertility counseling, and support with community advocacy (e.g., arranging for accommodations at the school or advocating on patient's behalf with the insurance company). Among families who had not received them, services most desired were assistance with words and terms to describe condition or treatment; explanation of medical terms and answering questions after meeting with a doctor; connection to resources such as books, pamphlets, websites, and support groups; and a central care coordinator for the medical team. Discussion and Conclusion Families value psychosocial services but are far less likely to receive services if they are not seen in an interdisciplinary clinic visit that includes a psychosocial provider. Families desire but often lack mental health, advocacy, and fertility-related support. This study highlights the need for sustained psychosocial follow-up across development, even in the absence of pressing medical concerns, to provide support and anticipatory guidance as needs and issues evolve. Extended Summary Table . Psychosocial services received by DSD interdisciplinary clinic visit (yes/no). Psychosocial service received Interdisciplinary DSD clinic visit p-value Yes No n % n % Emotional support for the family at diagnosis 24 63.2 4 15.4 0.0002 Strategies for talking with others about diagnosis 22 57.9 6 23.1 0.006 Ways to help the family talk with the child about diagnosis 26 68.4 6 23.1 0.0004 Central contact person or care coordinator 21 55.3 7 26.9 0.03 Emotional support as the child aged 26 68.4 4 16.0 Patient and family advocacy to the community (e.g., school, insurance company) 15 39.5 2 7.7 0.005 Connection to resources (e.g., books, support groups) 26 68.4 7 26.9 0.001 Mental health services with a provider who is knowledgeable about the condition 22 57.9 2 7.7 Individual to talk with the child about fertility 15 39.5 2 7.7 0.005 DSD, difference or disorder of sex development.

Objective We report our initial experience, and describe our technique, in performing laparoscopic ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy (IUU) in the pediatric population. Materials and methods An IRB-approved, retrospective review of all patients undergoing laparoscopic IUU at our institution between 2006 and 2009 was performed. Demographic data, mode of presentation, underlying diagnosis, operative parameters, complications and follow-up data were analyzed. Cystoscopy, retrograde pyelograms and ureteral stent placement into the lower pole ureter were performed at the beginning of all cases. All were performed via a transperitoneal approach. An end-to-side ureteral anastamosis was carried out along the proximal lower pole ureter. No drains were left in place. Urethral catheters were left for 48 h. Results There were seven patients in the series. All were female with a mean age of 84 months (11舐190). Diagnosis was an ectopic ureter in six patients and a ureterocele in one patient. No patient required conversion to an open approach. Mean total operative time was 187 min (140舐252). Mean hospital stay was 2 days (1舐4) with a mean follow up of 8 months (1舐15). No complications occurred postoperatively. Follow-up studies demonstrate decreased or resolved hydronephrosis in all cases. Conclusions In our initial experience, laparoscopic IUU can be accomplished in a safe and effective manner with minimal complication.

Objective Postoperative hydrocele development is a frustrating complication of varicocele surgical repair. To avoid this complication, we began to offer percutaneous embolization as a treatment option. We present our initial experience with this technique. Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent percutaneous embolization and sclerotherapy of a varicocele at our institution was performed. Results There were 27 patients with a mean age of 16 years (range 13–19 years). Indications included pain (48%), varicocele size (30%) and persistent testicular asymmetry (22%). Four patients had experienced failure of a previous surgical repair. Follow-up data were available for 21 patients (mean 9 months). The varicocele resolved in 19 patients (91%) with no evidence of hydrocele formation in any of the boys. There was resolution of pain in all patients for whom this was the indication for the procedure. In the two failures, access to the lower spermatic vein was not possible owing to the number and tortuosity of the vessels. Conclusions Percutaneous embolization and sclerotherapy represent a truly minimally invasive treatment with low morbidity, minimal pain and rapid recovery. In our early experience, since lymphatic channels are completely avoided, there appears to be no risk of hydrocele formation.

Summary Introduction Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have historically been evaluated for their role in protecting against uropathogens. However, there is mounting evidence to support their expression in noninfectious injury, with unclear meaning as to their function. It is possible that AMPs represent urothelial injury. Urinary tract obstruction is known to alter the urothelium; however, AMPs have not been evaluated for expression in this noninfectious injury. Objective A pilot study to compare urinary AMP expression in children undergoing surgical intervention for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) with nonobstructed controls. Study design Bladder urine was collected from consenting/assenting pediatric patients with UPJO at intervention. Control bladder urines were obtained from age-matched and sex-matched healthy children without known obstruction or infection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were run for the following AMPs: β defense 1 (BD-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), cathelicidin (LL-37), hepatocarcinoma-intestine-pancreas/pancreatitis-associated protein (HIP/PAP), and human α defensin 5 (HD-5); and normalized to urine creatinine. Results were analyzed with Student's t-test or Mann–Whitney U test, when appropriate, and receiver operating characteristic curves. A P-value of Results Thirty bladder urine samples were obtained from children with UPJO at the time of decompressive intervention. Mean patient age was 4.7 years (range 0.3–18.4); 20 (67%) patients were male. Fifteen bladder urine samples were obtained from age-matched and sex-matched controls. Urinary AMP levels were significantly higher in UPJO patients than controls for BD-1 (P = 0.015), NGAL (P Discussion Certain urinary AMPs are altered even in noninfectious urinary tract pathology. This represents a novel induction of AMP expression, as the current study is the first to report elevations in BD-1 and HIP/PAP in urinary tract obstruction. This suggests other roles for these AMPs outside of their antimicrobial properties, and likely is a reflection of the urothelial and tubular stress resulting from obstructive uropathy. Conclusions Induction of AMPs BD-1, NGAL, LL-37, and HIP/PAP was found to occur in urinary tract obstruction. Further evaluation of AMP expression as a biomarker of uroepithelial injury outside of infection is indicated. Download : Download high-res image (183KB) Download : Download full-size image Summary Fig . Urinary antimicrobial peptide expression of Control Group compared with Obstructed Group patients when run upon enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. * = statistical significance. ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Summary Introduction Patients with gonadal dysgenesis (GD) with a Y chromosome have an increased risk of gonadal neoplasm. Few data exist on the ability of imaging to detect malignancy in intra-abdominal gonads in these patients. Objective We aimed to determine the correlation between preoperative imaging findings and gonadal pathology in GD patients with Y chromosome material. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients with XY or XO/XY GD who underwent gonadectomy at our institution from 2003 to 2017. Patients were assessed preoperatively with ultrasonography; some additionally underwent MRI. Results The series consisted of 10 patients, all with female gender and non-palpable gonads. Median age was 13.1 years (range 2.4–18.3 years). Overall, four of the ten patients (40%) had a tumor (gonadoblastoma or dysgerminoma) on final pathology. Four patients had a gonad or gonads that were definitively seen on ultrasonography. All visualized gonads were described as “normal” or “small” with the exception of one patient, who had a normal MRI. Three of the four patients in this group had a tumor on final pathology. The remaining six patients had a gonad or gonads that were not definitively visualized on ultrasound; one patient in this group had a tumor on final pathology. Overall, five of seven gonads (71%) definitively visualized on ultrasound had tumor on final pathology, and two of thirteen gonads (15%) not visualized on ultrasound had tumor on final pathology; this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.012). Three patients were imaged with MRI. Of the gonads that could be visualized on MRI, no definitive abnormalities were seen. All patients imaged with MRI had tumors on final pathology. Discussion Both ultrasound and MRI are relatively poor at identifying and characterizing intra-abdominal gonads in GD patients. The majority of patients who had a neoplasm had normal imaging findings. Gonads that were definitively visualized on ultrasound were more likely to contain neoplasms that could not be visualized, which perhaps because of tumor growth. No other consistent imaging findings of malignancy were found. Our study included ultrasound evaluations that were completed over 10 years ago and not performed by pediatric ultrasonographers, which may have biased the results. However, results suggest that when discussing gonadectomy with GD patients, one should not be reassured by “normal” imaging findings. Neither ultrasound nor MRI should be relied on for surveillance in GD patients who decide against gonadectomy. Conclusion A normal ultrasound or MRI does not rule out neoplasm in GD patients with intra-abdominal gonads.

Summary Purpose The metabolic evaluation of children with nephrolithiasis begins with a 24-h urine collection. For adults, the diagnostic yield increases with consecutive collections; however, little is known regarding the variability of multiple 24-h studies in the pediatric population. We sought to evaluate the variability of consecutive 24-h urine collection in children through a multi-institutional study hypothesizing that compared with a single collection, consecutive 24-h urine collections would reveal a greater degree of clinically useful information in the evaluation of children at risk for nephrolithiasis. Materials and methods Including data from six institutions, we identified children less than 18 years of age considered at risk for recurrent nephrolithiasis, undergoing metabolic evaluation. We evaluated a subset of patients performing two collections with urine creatinine varying by 10% or less during a 7-day period. Discordance between repeat collections based on normative urine chemistry values was evaluated. Results A total of 733 children met inclusion criteria, and in over a third both urine calcium and urine volume differed by 30% or more between samples. Urine oxalate demonstrated greater variation between collections in children p = 0.030) while variation in other parameters did not differ by age. Discordance between repeat samples based on normative values was most common for urine oxalate (22.5%) and the derived relative supersaturation ratios for both calcium phosphate (25.1%) and calcium oxalate (20.5%). The proportion of discordant samples, based on normative thresholds, as well as variability greater ≥30% and 50%, respectively, are shown in the table. Conclusions Our analysis indicates that stone risk in as many as one in four children may be misclassified if normative values of only a single 24-h urine are used. In light of these findings, repeat 24-h urine collections prior to targeted intervention to modify stone risk are advised to increase diagnostic yield in children at risk for nephrolithiasis. Table . Percent variability and discordant samples (based on normative thresholds) for urinary parameters in consecutive 24-h urine studies in children. Parameter Percent variability Discordant samples ≥30% ≥50% Calcium ( N , %) 219 (34.2) 102 (15.9) 88 (13.1) Oxalate ( N , %) 94 (23.3) 28 (6.9) 104 (22.5) Citrate ( N , %) 92 (16.6) 22 (4.0) 42 (8.2) SS CaOx ( N , %) N/A N/A 138 (20.5) SS CaPhos ( N , %) N/A N/A 169 (25.1) Volume 269 (36.8) 89 (12.2) N/A

Summary Introduction Control of bacteriuria is problematic in patients who perform clean intermittent catheterization for management of neurogenic bladder. This population is often burdened with multiple urinary tract infections (UTIs), placing them at increased risk of end-stage renal disease. Hydrophilic catheters are a potential way to improve smooth and clean insertion, reduce disruption of the urothelium, and reduce bacterial colonization. Objective The goal of the study was to compare the type and virulence of microorganisms recovered from the urine of patients that use either a hydrophilic or conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) catheter. Methods Fifty patients with an underlying diagnosis of myelomeningocele were recruited for a 12-month prospective, randomized, investigator-blinded study. Twenty-five patients were allocated to the hydrophilic catheter intervention, and 25 continued use of a PVC catheter. Cultures were performed on urine obtained by catheterization at enrollment, and 3, 6, and 12 months. Bacterial species were assigned a designation as either potentially pathogenic or non-pathogenic. Escherichia coli isolates were the most predominant and were serotyped to further stratify the pathogenicity of the strains. Lastly, patients were surveyed at enrollment, and at the two later time points evaluating their current catheter for satisfaction. Results A total of 232 different bacterial isolates were obtained from the 182 collected urine cultures. In addition, seven species were recovered from the two UTI reported during the study period. Bacterial growth was not detected in 29 of the samples (16%). Although not statistically significant, collectively there was a 40% decrease in the average number of potentially pathogenic species recovered from those patients using hydrophilic catheters (0.81 per urine sample) compared with PVC catheter use (1.24 per urine sample). Since E. coli species can be either pathogenic or non-pathogenic, we examined 14 of the most commonly implicated serotypes associated with uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). We identified the serotype of 57% of E. coli strains recovered. There was a trend for the recovery of fewer UPEC serotypes from the hydrophilic group (54% hydrophilic verses 64% PVC), further suggesting that the catheter type may influence the microbiological milieu. Although no significant differences were reported in patient satisfaction, almost half of the patients from the hydrophilic catheter cohort continue use of this type of catheter. Conclusions There was a trend for reduced recovery of potentially pathogenic bacteria with the use of hydrophilic catheters. The reduction in potentially pathogenic species will reduce antibiotic exposures and some patients may prefer the comfort hydrophilic catheters provide. Download : Download high-res image (535KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure . Overview of the study. Fifty myelomeningocele patients were randomized to either the intervention of using a hydrophilic catheter for 12 months or to continue their PCV catheter; urine cultures were examined at 3-month intervals. At the end of the study, hydrophilic catheter users had fewer potential pathogenic species recovered from their cultures. Some individuals preferred the new catheters so much so they switched indefinitely.

Although ureteroureterostomy (UU) is an established procedure for the treatment of duplex anomalies, there may be a reluctance to apply this approach to patients with poor upper pole function and/or marked degrees of ureteral dilation.An institutional review board (IRB)-approved retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing UU between 2006 and present was performed. All patients underwent an end-to-side anastomosis with a double-J stent left in the lower pole ureter. Laparoscopic repairs were done 'high' and open repairs were done 'low'. If the upper pole ureter remained massively dilated after transection, the ureter was partially closed to reduce the length of the anastomosis. Data collected included demographics, diagnosis, surgical interventions, imaging studies and outcomes.A total of 41 patients (43 renal units) were identified. There were 35 females and six males with an average age at surgery of 2.3 years (range 55 days to 15.9 years) and an average follow up of 2.8 years. Diagnosis included ureterocele (17), ectopic duplex ureter (25) and ureteral triplication (1). Thirty-six patients underwent UU only and five underwent UU with simultaneous lower pole reimplantation. Twelve of the 41 patients (29%) underwent laparoscopic repair. Twelve of the 43 renal units (28%) required ureteral tapering, of which three were performed laparoscopically. Preoperative median upper pole function was 17% (0-35%). Six patients had no measurable function and ten had15%. No patient developed lower pole hydronephrosis in the follow-up period. There were two complications: one patient was found to have a post-operative ureterovesical junction (UVJ) stricture and the second had an anastomotic stricture.Ureteroureterostomy is a safe and effective technique for the reconstruction of duplex anomalies, even with a massively dilated and poorly functioning upper pole moiety. With no identifiable negative effect on the lower pole system, the concept of automatically removing 'dysplastic' upper pole segments can be challenged.