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Summary Objective In principle, the prepuce can be reconstructed during hypospadias repair, but the procedure has not gained wide acceptance and preputial reconstruction (PR) is surrounded by several controversies. Material and methods A review is provided of the technique for PR, how PR combines with the other steps of hypospadias repair, the risks of complications related to the urethroplasty and specific to PR, and the results of PR with particular regard to the relevance for the patient and his family. Results PR can be important for patients requiring hypospadias repair and their parents. It can be performed in almost all patients with distal hypospadias except perhaps those with the most asymmetrical prepuces or severe ventral skin deficiency. PR does not seem to increase urethroplasty complications, but combination of PR with tubularisation of the urethral plate urethroplasty seems to offer the best chance of success. Specific complications occur in around 8% of patients and include partial or complete dehiscence of the prepuce and secondary phimosis. To prevent the latter, the reconstructed prepuce should be easily retractile at the end of surgery. Technical modifications can help to achieve this goal. Cosmetically, reconstructed prepuces are not fully normal, but the abnormality could be less important for a patient and his parents that the complete absence of the prepuce. Conclusion On the basis of the evidence summarised above, an algorithm for PR in patients with distal hypospadias is proposed. PR can be offered to the vast majority of distal hypospadias patients, although some modification of the technique for hypospadias repair can be required. Retractility of the reconstructed prepuce at the end of surgery seems paramount for final success.

Introduction: We performed a systematic review of the literature on preputial reconstruction (PR) during hypospadias repair to determine the cumulative risk of preputial skin complications and the influence of PR on urethroplasty complications, namely fistula formation and overall reoperation rate of the repair. Material and Methods: A systematic search of the literature published after 06/1995 was performed in 06/2015 using the keyword “hypospadias”. Only studies on the outcome of PR in children, defined as dehiscence of the reconstructed prepuce or secondary phimosis needing circumcision, were selected. A meta-analysis of studies comparing PR vs. circumcision was performed for the outcomes “hypospadias fistula formation” and “reoperation rate”. Results: Twenty studies were identified. Nineteen reported the outcome of PR in 2115 patients. Overall, 95% (2016/2115) of patients undergoing PR had distal hypospadias. The cumulative rate of PR complications was 7.7% (163/2115 patients), including 5.7% (121/2115 patients) preputial dehiscences and 1.5% (35/2117 reported patients) secondary phimoses needing circumcision. A meta-analysis of 7 studies comparing patients undergoing PR vs. circumcision, showed no increased risk of urethral fistula formation associated with PR, Odds Ratio (Mantel-Haenszel, Fixed effect, 95% CI), 1.25 (0.80-1.97). Likewise, two studies comparing the overall reoperation rate did not show an increased risk of reoperation associated with PR, Odds Ratio (Mantel-Haenszel, Random effect, 95% CI), 1.27 (0.45-3.58). Conclusions: Preputial reconstruction carries an 8% risk of specific complications (dehiscence of reconstructed prepuce or secondary phimosis needing circumcision), but does not seem to increase the risk of urethroplasty complications, and the overall reoperation rate of hypospadias repair.

Summary Introduction The bladder exstrophy–epispadias complex (BEEC) represents a spectrum of malformations that affect the anatomical and functional structure of the urogenital system. The parents of patients affected by this condition are subject to particularly stressful situations, such as worrying about their child's health, long hospital stays, concerns about the health and constant need for personal care for their children, that can profoundly compromise the quality of family life. Objective The objective of this explorative qualitative study is to evaluate the social situation and the psychological strategies implemented by the mothers of children between 6 and 10 years of age who are affected by BEEC. Study design Fourteen mothers of children aged 6–10 years and affected by BEEC (9 boys and 5 girls) were interviewed. Data on the mothers' experiences were collected through semi-structured interviews (Table). Results The qualitative analysis of the interviews showed that participants described experiences that were characterised by emotions such as fear and anger. Each mother had implemented a different and, sometimes, dysfunctional strategy in order to cope with the complex situation of the son/daughter. The aspects that most clearly emerged from mothers' descriptions were (1) the traumatic situation at the birth of the baby, (2) the sense of embarrassment concerning the pathological condition as the child was growing and the consequent sense of isolation of the mother, and (3) the fluctuation of feelings towards the multidisciplinary staff, which was sometimes seen as an important source of help and some other times as too destabilising and not helpful at all. Discussion The study provided some insight into the psychological and social conditions experienced by mothers of children with BEEC, which could serve as a basis for developing multidisciplinary teams with greater awareness about families living with this condition and better timing in addressing their needs. Conclusions Mothers of children with BEEC show emotional and social difficulties. This is a crucial aspect to consider when planning a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment/therapy, especially considering that children examined in this study are approaching adolescence. Table . Semi-structured interview topic. Number of questions 1 Impact of the diagnosis 4 2 Relationship with the medical team 2 3 Relationship with the partner 4 4 Social life: relationship with colleagues at work, relatives and friends 4

An 18-year-old boy, followed up after seminal-sparing cystectomy for bladder rhabdomyosarcoma, presented complaining of recurrent episodes of left scrotal/inguinal pain arising after orgasms. Full work-up ruled out disease recurrence, but showed enlarged seminal vesicles. Ligation of the vas deferens was unsuccessful. The patient was started on α-blockers to reduce vas contractions with improvement of symptoms. The possible pathophysiology and treatments of this symptom are discussed.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 24 consecutive patients undergoing treatment for ureteral complications after RTx in the period 2001-2012 to determine the timing of presentation of the complications, and their open or endoscopic management. Three patients (12%) had a necrosis of the transplanted ureter soon after RTx. All required open urinary diversion in a native ureter. Ten cases (42%) developed ureteral obstruction. Time of presentation was variable mainly in relation to the underlying cause. Endoscopic treatment was successful in two cases with urinary stones and open surgery in two with mid-ureteral obstruction. Six patients had VUJ stenosis, three underwent open reimplantation, whereas temporary double-J stent placement was successfully performed in the remainder. Eleven patients (46%) had VUR. It seldom presented in the first year after RTx. Endoscopic treatment was attempted in all and was successful in all the six cases without vs. only one of the five with lower urinary tract pathology (p = 0.01). Endoscopic treatment is an option in patients with VUR in the absence of lower urinary tract pathology. It is an option also for the treatment of stones and can be attempted in case of VUJ stenosis. Ureteral necrosis always requires open treatment.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed outcomes and need for secondary surgery after primary trans-urethral puncture (TUP) or upper pole partial nephrectomy (UPPN) in duplex system ureterocele (DSU) patients undergoing management that disregards vesicoureteral reflux and upper pole function. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between 2003 and 2010, 41 DSU

Observation is a conservative management option in infants with nonrefluxing hydronephrosis, primary nonrefluxing megaureter and ureterocele diagnosed postnatally following antenatal detection of hydronephrosis. Antibiotic prophylaxis might be a sensible regimen under these circumstances to prevent UTI in this population who are potentially at increased risk. However, studies examining the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics are sparse in this setting. For each condition, prophylactic policies seem extremely variable, and UTI rates vary widely with comparable rates reported between patients followed on and off antibiotics. Overall, antibiotic prophylaxis seems unnecessary in patients with isolated low-grade hydronephrosis. Patients with high-grade nonrefluxing hydronephrosis seem at increased risk of UTI, with risk further increasing in patients with associated ureteral dilatation (hydroureteronephrosis) irrespective of the presence of a ureterocele. Obstruction might be an additional independent risk factor, but the diagnosis of obstruction is often possible only in retrospect. The data available suggest that infants are the most at risk of UTI during the first 6 months of life, particularly if they undergo catheterization during workup examinations. Thus, antibiotic prophylaxis might be prudent during the first 6-12 months of life in patients with high-grade hydronephrosis and hydroureteronephrosis with or without ureterocele, and particularly before completion of the diagnostic workup. Paediatric urologists are urged to embark on controlled trials to compare patients followed with and without antibiotic prophylaxis.

Objectives To describe a modified onlay preputial island flap (OIF) urethroplasty to also be used in patients requiring urethral plate transection for penile straightening. Methods A total of 14 cases with primary severe hypospadias underwent the modified OIF urethroplasty as follows. After skin degloving, the corpora cavernosa were dissected ventrally. The urethral plate was mobilized and, if curvature >30° persisted, transected just proximally to the coronal sulcus. A pedicled preputial island flap was elevated and placed as an onlay to create the neourethra. It was sewn to the margins of the urethral plate proximally and distally. In contrast, in the portion of the shaft without a plate, it was sewn directly to the albuginea of the corpora cavernosa with 2 parallel suture lines. Glanuloplasty and skin closure followed as in standard onlay repairs. Results After a median follow-up of 7 months (range 5 to 27), 3 patients (21%) developed complications requiring additional surgery (1 simple fistula, 1 partial urethroplasty breakdown, and 1 ballooning of the neourethra). None of the remaining patients presented with residual curvature or voiding problems, according to the parental report. Conclusions The results of the present preliminary experience suggest that OIF urethroplasty can also be performed in cases requiring urethral plate transection. It can be accomplished by suturing the preputial flap directly to the albuginea of the corpora cavernosa. Although we acknowledge that a larger number of cases and longer follow-up are necessary, we believe this technique should be incorporated into the armamentarium of hypospadiologists.

Study Objective To report our experience with surgical management of gynecological issues in postpubertal female patients born with classic bladder exstrophy (BE). Design Retrospective review of clinical charts. Setting Tertiary pediatric urology unit. Participants 16 postpubertal female BE patients. Interventions Cosmetic surgery to the external genitalia, widening of vaginal introitus, and treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. Main Outcome Measures patient satisfaction and additional gynecological problems during follow-up. Results Eight cases (14–43 years old) underwent cosmetic procedures. All resulted in improved cosmesis, but one case complained of reduced erogenous sensitivity after clitoridoplasty. Five cases (17–20 years old) underwent widening of the vaginal introitus. The modification was as short as possible to avoid any foreshortening of the dorsal vaginal wall. Three cases 33-45 years old presented with pelvic organ prolapse. All were sexually active. One had already given birth. All the three had previously been submitted elsewhere to a posterior vaginal cutback and one to hysterectomy. Two are still awaiting further treatment due to recurrent prolapse. Conclusion Female BE patients can seek advice to improve the appearance of the external genitalia at any ages. Clidoridoplasty should be considered carefully, because it may harm erogenous sensitivity. Problems with the vaginal introitus typically present at around 20 years of age, probably when BE patients become sexually active. Opening too widely the introitus can cause a foreshortening of the posterior vaginal wall, predisposing to pelvic organ prolapse. Treatment of pelvic organ prolapse is difficult.

We evaluated the association between MCP-1, CCR2, RANTES, and CCR5 gene polymorphisms and upper urinary tract infection in 273 children recruited in Northeast Italy. Statistical analysis of RANTES-403 G>A genotype frequencies showed that children carrying the RANTES-403 G allele are at higher risk for urinary tract infection, irrespective of vesicoureteral reflux.

We assess the effect of the prune-belly syndrome (PBS) on renal transplantation outcome. Six renal transplantations were performed in five boys affected by PBS (median age 5.8+/-2.1 years, median weight 13.6+/-2.4kg). Renal graft survival, graft function, lower urinary tract dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTIs), associated complications and patients' survival after 1 and 5 years of follow-up were analysed. The rate for 1-5-year graft survival was 66.7% (mean serum creatinine 98-103 micromol/l). The surgical treatment of the documented bladder obstruction (two patients) and the severe abdominal wall deficit (one patient) led to a reduction of UTI: the patients maintained their native urinary tract and none received prophylactic antibiotics. The lack of abdominal wall musculature led to severe mechanical complication in one patient, but Monfort's abdominal wall reconstruction was able to restore the graft's function. The outcome of patients with PBS who undergo renal transplantation is good. Before the transplant, an accurate assessment of urinary tract anomalies and deficiency of the abdominal wall musculature is mandatory, to program the appropriate treatment and obtain a good long-term prognosis for the renal graft.

There is some controversy about the safety of renal transplantation in patients with an augmentation cystoplasty because of the possibility of urinary tract infection in immunosuppressed patients leading to pyelonephritis and graft loss. Nevertheless, it is now well known that in patients with a small volume and poorly compliant bladder, reconstructive bladder surgery (augmentation cystoplasty or continent reservoir) creates a low-pressure and compliant reservoir, which protects the upper urinary tract and restores a functional lower urinary tract. Graft survival is not adversely affected when a kidney transplant is drained into a reconstructed bladder. When bowel segments are used for augmentation, a voiding modality with clean intermittent self-catheterization does not increase the risk of urinary tract infections, even in immunosuppressed patients.

A growing body of evidence identifies the renin-angiotensin system as a key factor in the onset and progression of renal damage in chronic partial obstruction, which often represents a complex diagnostic challenge. A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the role of captopril mercaptoacetyltriglycine-3 (MAG-3) renography as an early diagnostic test of obstruction. We report the results in a subgroup of children who underwent surgical correction for pyeloureteral obstruction.Pyeloplasty was performed in 12 patients, including 10 males, 2 to 72 months old (median age 7) with unilateral hydronephrosis, including normal renal function and blood pressure. Basal and captopril enhanced diuretic renography with 99mtechnetium MAG-3 was performed within 24 hours using the same hydration and diuretic stimulus (0.75 mg./kg. furosemide), and 0.75 mg./kg. captopril was administered orally 60 to 90 minutes before scintigraphy.No adverse effects or modifications of the blood pressure were observed after captopril administration. The diuretic response was deeply worsened by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition in each hydronephrotic kidney even when the basal study was only slightly abnormal (15-minute washout basal -27 +/- 16%, after captopril -9 +/- 13, p0.005). After surgical correction the diuretic washout during angiotensin inhibition appeared normal in all patients (15-minute washout -56 +/- 14%). Separate renal function and parenchymal transit of MAG-3 were not modified by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, preoperatively or postoperatively.Our data confirm the influence of angiotensin on the kidney excretory system in human hydronephrosis and suggest a role for captopril enhanced diuretic renography in the early diagnosis of pyeloureteral obstruction. Further work is needed to evaluate angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition as a protective agent in obstructive nephropathy.

Highlights • There are no clear guidelines in the treatment of a perforated appendicitis associated with localized abscess. • Our team’s therapeutic choice, also with presence of coprolith, is the initial conservative case management followed by a routine interval appendectomy. • Interval appendectomy should be performed not later than 4 months after discharge., Introduction There are no clear guidelines in the treatment of a perforated appendicitis associated with periappendiceal abscess without generalized peritonitis. Presentation of cases We retrospectively studied six examples of treated children in order to discuss the reasons of our team’s therapeutic approach. Some children were treated with a conservative antibiotic therapy to solve acute abdomen pain, planning a routine interval appendectomy after some months. Others, instead, underwent an immediate appendectomy. Discussion By examining these examples we wanted to highlight how the first approach may be associated with shorter surgery time, fewer overall hospital days, faster refeeding and minor complications. Conclusion Our team’s therapeutic choice, in the case of a perforated appendicitis with an abscess and coprolith is an initial conservative case management followed by a routine interval appendectomy performed not later than 4 months after discharge.