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Objective To report our experience with the diagnosis and management of coexisting ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and ureterovesical junction obstruction (UVJO). Materials and Methods Among the pediatric patients who underwent pyeloplasty or ureteroneocystostomy from 2003-2012, 15 patients were diagnosed with coexisting UPJO and UVJO. We retrospectively analyzed their medical records. Results Of the 15 patients with coexisting UPJO and UVJO, the correct diagnosis was made preoperatively in 10 patients (66.7%). In 4 other patients, only UPJO was diagnosed, and in 1 patient, only UVJO was diagnosed. The decision of where to initially operate was determined from the combined results of the preoperative antegrade evaluation and retrograde ureteropyelography. Pyeloplasty was the initial surgical management choice for 9 patients, and ureteroneocystostomy was the initial surgical approach in 5 patients. In 1 patient, both pyeloplasty and ureteroneocystostomy were performed simultaneously. Of the 9 patients who underwent initial pyeloplasty, additional ureteroneocystostomy was required in 2. Additional pyeloplasty was required in 2 of the 5 patients who initially underwent ureteroneocystostomy. Conclusion It is often difficult to correctly diagnose coexisting UPJO and UVJO. In patients with UPJO, it is highly recommended that retrograde ureteropyelography be performed before pyeloplasty to evaluate the distal ureter–ureterovesical junction. Initial pyeloplasty is not always recommended as a first-line therapy.

Objectives To review our initial experience with transvesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation (TVUR) in children with vesicoureteral reflux and to evaluate the learning curve for the feasibility and reproducibility of TVUR. Methods TVUR was performed in 28 consecutive patients with a mean age of 6.0 years. Cohen's classic technique was reproduced using a laparoscopic technique with two 3-mm working ports and a 5-mm camera port. Results TVUR was successfully completed in 26 patients. In 2 patients, TVUR was converted to open intravesical reimplantation. The postoperative vesicoureteral reflux resolution rate was 94.6% (35 of 37 ureters). The mean operative time for TVUR was 166 minutes for unilateral reimplantation and 189 minutes for bilateral reimplantation. When the operation times of the first 13 and the last 13 patients were compared, the mean operative time had decreased significantly for the last 13 patients compared to that for the first 13 patients (140 vs 220 minutes). The mean postoperative hospital stay was also significantly shorter for the last 13 patients than for the first 13 patients (1.08 vs 1.69 days). Conclusions TVUR is currently performed at only at a few centers because of the technical difficulties and the potentially steep learning curve. However, our results have indicated rapid improvement in the operative time within a short period, suggesting a shorter learning curve for TVUR than expected. TVUR is a reproducible procedure and is a reasonable option for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux.

Objectives To assess the clinical utility and safety of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy in children by analyzing 6 consecutive cases performed by a single surgeon. Methods Since March 2009, we have been performing LESS nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy in children. The indications have been recurrent pyelonephritis related to vesicoureteral reflux with an atrophic kidney and continuous urinary incontinence related to an ectopic ureter. A homemade port was placed through an umbilical incision, and the laparoscopic transperitoneal nephrectomy procedures were performed using various combinations of standard and articulating laparoscopic instruments. The patients undergoing a LESS procedure were evaluated prospectively, and the data were collected during and after surgery. Results A total of 6 procedures, including nephrectomy (4 cases) and nephroureterectomy (2 cases), were completed without intraoperative or postoperative complications. The median operation time was 112 minutes (range 90-148), and the median blood loss was 0 mL (range 0-50). All patients received only oral ibuprofen syrup for pain control and were discharged on postoperative day 2. As the surgeon gained experience, the length of the umbilical incision was decreased from 2.0 to 1.0 cm. Conclusions Pediatric LESS nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy can be performed safely with a very small incision. LESS performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon has the potential to become an alternative first-line therapy for ablative procedures in children.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of primary non-refluxing megaureter with ectopic insertion and its effects on renal function. Methods Of 118 patients diagnosed with primary non-refluxing megaureter, we retrospectively studied 33 patients who underwent surgical treatment. Depending on the position of ureteral insertion, patients were classified as having either an ectopic or orthotopic megaureter; clinical characteristics and renal function, were analyzed. Results Among the 36 primary non-refluxing megaureters, 7 (19.4%) had ectopic megaureter. A total of 34.5% of the orthotopic megaureter and all ectopic megaureter cases were women (P = .003). The mean value of maximum ureteral diameter was significantly wider for ectopic than for orthotopic megaureter (16.3 vs 12.1 mm, respectively, P = .029). Mean preoperative differential renal function (DRF) were 36.4% and 43.0% for ectopic and orthotopic megaureters, respectively (P = .164). After surgery, the mean DRF of ectopic megaureter had decreased from 50% to 18.8%, whereas the mean DRF of orthotopic megaureter was 42.9% (P

Objective To establish prognostic data regarding fetal hydronephrosis using the anteroposterior diameter (APD) and the need for interventional surgery in the Korean population. Methods A total of 187 children with an APD of ≥4 mm on obstetric ultrasound scans at any gestational age were retrospectively reviewed. The affected renal units were divided into 2 groups: surgical and nonsurgical. The ultrasound findings were compared at 3 gestational ages: second trimester (15-26 weeks' gestation), early third trimester (27-33 weeks' gestation), and late third trimester (34-40 weeks' gestation). Results The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.770, 0.828, and 0.812 at the second, early third, and late third trimesters, respectively. A 100% sensitivity for predicting postnatal surgery could be achieved at a cutoff APD of 5 mm during the second trimester, 8 mm during the early third trimester, and 10 mm during the late third trimester if scheduled antenatal ultrasound scans were performed. A cutoff APD of 11 mm during the second trimester was of diagnostic value in selecting children at risk of postnatal surgery with an odds ratio of 5.13 (95% confidence interval 1.62-16.25), with relatively high sensitivity and specificity. With a cutoff of 15 mm during the early third and late third trimesters, the odds ratio was 11.51 (95% confidence interval 5.05-26.23) and 6.94 (95% confidence interval 3.30-14.57), respectively. Conclusion Compared with an APD of 10 mm, the most commonly used standard cutoff value in predicting postnatal hydronephrosis and its outcome, an APD cutoff of 5, 8, and 10 mm during the second, early third, and late third trimesters, respectively, is more specific in predicting the need for postnatal surgical intervention in the Korean population.