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Introduction and Objective: Ureteral reimplantation of the dilated ureter in infants is challenging; however, some patients with primary obstructive megaureter (POM) in this age group require intervention due to clinical or radiological progression. We sought to determine if high pressure balloon dilation (HPBD) can serve as a definitive treatment for POM in children under one year of age, or as a temporizing measure until later reimplantation., Materials and Methods: All patients from a single institution who underwent HPBD between October 2009 and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were excluded if older than 12 months or diagnosed with neurogenic bladder, posterior urethral valves, or obstructed refluxing megaureter. Patients with prior surgical intervention at the ureterovesical junction were excluded. Indications for surgery included progressive hydroureteronephrosis or urinary tract infection (UTI). Balloon dilation was performed via cystoscopy with fluoroscopic guidance, followed by placement of two temporary ureteral stents. Primary outcomes were improvement or resolution of megaureter and rates of subsequent reimplantation. Secondary outcomes included total number of anesthetics and postoperative UTIs., Results: Fifteen infants with median age of 7.6 months (IQR 3.8-9.7) underwent HPBD. Twelve (80%) patients were detected prenatally and 3 (20%) after a UTI. Indication for surgery was progressive hydroureteronephrosis in 10 patients (67%) and UTI in five (33%). All had SFU grade 3 or 4 hydronephrosis on preoperative ultrasound and median distal ureteral diameter was 13 mm. Median follow up was 2.9 years. Twelve (80%) succeeded with endoscopic treatment: 7 patients had an undetectable distal ureter on ultrasound at last follow-up, 5 were improved with median distal ureteral diameter of 7 mm. Three patients (20%) required ureteral reimplantation due to progressive dilation, all with grade 4 hydronephrosis and distal ureteral diameters were 11, 15, and 21 mm. Six patients (40%) required two anesthetics to complete endoscopic treatment. Among those, 4 patients required initial stent placement for passive dilation followed by a second anesthetic for HPBD weeks later. Two patients underwent repeat HPBD following postoperative proximal migration of the ureteral stents. All 15 patients had an additional anesthetic for removal of stents. Five patients (33%) were treated for a symptomatic UTI (4 febrile, 1 afebrile) with the stents indwelling but there were no UTIs in the group following stent removal., Conclusion: Balloon dilation is a practical option for treatment of POM in infants, and in most cases (80%) avoids subsequent open surgery (over median 2.9 years of follow-up)., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients with high grade hydronephrosis (HN) and non-obstructive drainage on mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG-3) diuretic renography (renal scans) can pose a dilemma for clinicians. Some patients may progress and require pyeloplasty; however, more clarity is needed on outcomes among these patients., Objective: Our primary objective was to predict which patients with high-grade HN and non-obstructive renal scan, (defined as T ½ time <20 min) would experience resolution of HN. Our secondary objective was to determine predictors for surgical intervention., Study Design: Patients with prenatally detected HN were prospectively enrolled from 7 centers from 2007 to 2022. Included patients had a renal scan with T ½<20 min and Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) grade 3 or 4 at last ultrasound (RBUS) prior to renal scan. Primary outcome was resolution of HN defined as SFU grade 1 and anterior posterior diameter of the renal pelvis (APD) < 10 mm on follow-up RBUS. Secondary outcome was pyeloplasty, comparing patients undergoing pyeloplasty with patients followed with serial imaging without resolution. Multivariable logistic regression was used for analysis., Results: Of the total 2228 patients, 1311 had isolated HN, 338 patients had a renal scan and 129 met inclusion criteria. Median age at renal scan was 3.1 months, 77% were male and median follow-up was 35 months (IQR 20-49). We found that 22% (29/129) resolved, 42% of patients had pyeloplasty (54/129) and 36% had persistent HN that required follow-up (46/129). Univariate predictors of resolution were age≥3 months at time of renal scan (p = 0.05), T ½ time≤5 min (p = 0.09), SFU grade 3 (p = 0.0009), and APD<20 mm (p = 0.005). Upon multivariable analysis, SFU grade 3 (OR = 4.14, 95% CI: 1.30-13.4, p = 0.02) and APD<20 mm (OR = 6.62, 95% CI: 1.41-31.0, p = 0.02) were significant predictors of resolution. In the analysis of decision for pyeloplasty, SFU grade 4 (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.01-5.71, p = 0.04) and T ½ time on subsequent renal scan of ≥20 min (OR = 5.14, 95% CI: 1.54-17.1, p = 0.008) were the significant predictors., Conclusions: Patients with high grade HN and reassuring renal scan can pose a significant challenge to clinical management. Our results help identify a specific candidate for observation with little risk for progression: the patient with SFU grade 3, APD under 20 mm, T ½ of 5 min or less who was 3 months or older at the time of renal scan. However, many patients may progress to surgery or do not fully resolve and require continued follow-up., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest There is no financial or perceived conflict of interest for those involved in this work., (Copyright © 2024 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients with spina bifida are at risk for developing bladder and renal deterioration secondary to increased bladder storage pressures., Objectives: To determine the association of home bladder volume and pressure measurements (home manometry) to: 1) detrusor storage pressures on urodynamics (UDS); and 2) the presence of Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) grades 3-4 hydronephrosis on renal bladder ultrasound in patients with spina bifida., Methods: Data were prospectively collected on patients with spina bifida and neurogenic bladder requiring clean intermittent catheterization. Patients used a ruler and typical catheterization equipment to measure bladder pressures and volumes at home. Home measurements were compared to UDS detrusor pressures and SFU hydronephrosis grade. Detrusor pressure <20 cm H 2 O at 50% maximal cystometric capacity (MCC) on UDS was used as a measure of safe storage pressures on UDS; conversely, detrusor pressure >20 cm H 2 O was used a measure to capture both unsafe storage pressures and those with potential for unsafe storage pressures. Receiver-operator characteristic curves and area under curve (AUC) were calculated to depict the association between home manometry variables with detrusor pressures on UDS and SFU grades 3-4 hydronephrosis., Results: Included were 52 patients with a median age of 10.3 years (interquartile range 6.3-14.4 years). Three home manometry measurements (maximum bladder pressure, bladder pressure at maximum catheterized volume, and mean bladder pressure) > 20 cm H 2 O were sensitive for Pdet >20 cm H 2 O at 50% MCC. Maximal bladder pressure >20 cm H 2 O was the most sensitive among home manometry measures (sensitivity 100%, specificity 70%, AUC 0.92 for Pdet >20 cm H 2 O at 50% MCC on UDS; sensitivity 100%, specificity 62%, AUC 0.89 for SFU grade 3-4 hydronephrosis). None of the patients who had maximum home bladder pressure <20 cm H 2 O had SFU grades 3-4 hydronephrosis; conversely, individuals with maximal home bladder pressure >20 cm had a wide range of hydronephrosis grades., Conclusion: None of the patients with maximal home bladder pressure <20 cm H 2 O had grade 3-4 hydronephrosis. Home measurements of maximal bladder pressure, bladder pressure at maximum catheterized volume and mean bladder pressure of >20 cm H 2 O were all sensitive for Pdet >20 cm H 2 O at 50% MCC on UDS. Home manometry is an inexpensive and simple technique to identify patients at risk for and to monitor individuals at high risk of upper tract dilation, without incurring significant cost or morbidity., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Prenatal hydronephrosis (PNH) is one of the most common congenital anomalies and can increase the risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the first two years of life. Continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) has been recommended empirically to prevent UTI in children with PNH, but its use has been controversial., Objective: We describe the incidence of UTI in children with isolated PNH of the renal pelvis without ureteral dilation. Our objective was to compare patients receiving and not receiving CAP and determine whether CAP is beneficial at preventing UTI in children with isolated PNH., Study Design: Children with confirmed PNH were enrolled between 2008 and 2020 into the Society for Fetal Urology Hydronephrosis Registry. Children with isolated dilation of the renal pelvis without ureteral or bladder abnormality were included. The primary outcome was development of a UTI, comparing patients who were prescribed and not prescribed CAP., Results: In this cohort of 801 children, 76% were male, and 35% had high grade hydronephrosis (SFU grades 3-4). CAP was prescribed in 34% of children. The UTI rate among all children with isolated PNH was 4.2%. Independent predictors of UTI were female sex (HR = 13, 95% CI: 3.8-40, p = 0.0001), intact prepuce (HR = 5.1, 95% CI: 1.4-18, p = 0.01) and high grade hydronephrosis (HR = 2.0, 95% CI: 0.99-4.0, p = 0.05; Table) on multivariable analysis. For patients on CAP, the UTI rate was 4.0% compared to 4.3% without CAP (p = 0.76). The risk of UTI during follow-up was not significantly different between patients who received CAP and patients who were not exposed to CAP; adjusting for sex, circumcision status and hydronephrosis grade (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.34-1.5, p = 0.38). In sub-group analysis of patients at higher risk of UTI (uncircumcised males, females and high grade hydronephrosis), CAP use was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in UTI., Conclusions: The overall UTI rate in children with isolated PNH is very low at 4.2%. In the overall population of patients with isolated PNH, CAP was not associated with reduction in UTI risk, although the limitations in our study make characterizing CAP effectiveness difficult. Clinicians should consider risk factors prior to placing all patients with isolated PNH on CAP., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Prenatal hydronephrosis is one of the most common anomalies detected on prenatal ultrasonography. Patients with prenatal hydronephrosis and ureteral dilation are at increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) is recommended. However, current guidelines do not define the minimum ureteral diameter that would be considered a dilated ureter in these patients., Objective: We evaluate the definition of clinically relevant hydroureter, its association with UTI, and the impact of CAP., Study Design: Patients with prenatal hydronephrosis from seven centers were enrolled into the Society for Fetal Urology Prenatal Hydronephrosis Registry from 2008 to 2020. Patients with ureteral measurement on ultrasound were included. Patients with ureterocele, ectopic ureter, neurogenic bladder, posterior urethral valves, horseshoe or solitary kidney, known ureteropelvic junction obstruction, or follow-up less than one month were excluded. Primary outcome was UTI. Analyses were performed using Cox regression., Results: Of the 1406 patients enrolled in the registry, 237 were included. Seventy-six percent were male, ureteral diameter ranged from 1 to 34 mm, and median follow-up was 2.2 years. Patients with ureters 7 mm or greater had nearly three times the risk of UTI adjusting for sex, circumcision status, antibiotic prophylaxis and hydronephrosis grade (HR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1-6.5, p = 0.03; Figure). In patients who underwent voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG; 200/237), ureteral dilation of 7 mm or more identified patients at increased UTI risk controlling for sex, circumcision status, vesicoureteral reflux and hydronephrosis grade (HR = 2.3, 95% CI: 0.97-5.6, p = 0.06). CAP was significantly protective against UTI (HR = 0.50 (95% CI: 0.28-0.87), p = 0.01). Among patients who underwent VCUG and did not have vesicoureteral reflux, ureteral dilation 7 mm or greater corresponded with higher UTI risk compared to ureteral diameter less than 7 mm on multivariable analysis (HR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.1-19.5, p = 0.04)., Conclusions: This is the first prospectively collected, multicenter study to demonstrate that hydroureter 7 mm or greater identifies a high-risk group for UTI who benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis. In contrast, patients with prenatal hydronephrosis and non-refluxing hydroureter less than 7 mm may be managed more conservatively., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to report., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Ileovesicostomy is a reconstructive option in complex urological cases but pediatric specific outcomes are lacking. We report our results with pediatric ileovesicostomy. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients younger than 18 years undergoing incontinent ileovesicostomy at Vanderbilt University. History, urinary tract management and operative course were reviewed in the electronic medical record. Particular attention was given to immediate and long-term postoperative complications. Results: Nine patients underwent incontinent ileovesicostomy between 2000 and 2013 at a mean age of 10.3 years (range 1.4 to 15.5). Surgical indication was sequelae of neurogenic or nonneurogenic neurogenic bladder (such as infection or worsening hydronephrosis) in 5 patients, reversal of vesicostomy in 3 and closure of cloacal exstrophy in 1. All 9 patients were thought incapable of reliable clean intermittent catheterization due to family unwillingness, poor social support or patient refusal. Median followup was 11.5 months (mean 48.2, range 1.3 to 144.8). Immediate postoperative complications included ileus requiring total parenteral nutrition and a wound infection in 1 patient. Long-term complications included urinary tract infection in 2 patients (febrile in 1 and positive culture for foul smelling urine in 1), stomal issues in 2 and temporary urethral leakage in 1. Constipation affected 3 children in long-term followup (all with neurogenic bowel preoperatively). Postoperative creatinine was stable or improved in all patients. Conclusions: Ileovesicostomy is a viable approach in children left with few other options, particularly those who are noncompliant or physically/socially unable to handle catheterization. This operation can help keep such patients out of diapers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the individual patient-related risk factors in those undergoing open corrective vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) surgery in a contemporary series. The management of VUR remains controversial, and the indications for open surgery has evolved from that of surgeon and patient preference to criteria involving breakthrough urinary tract infections and grade of VUR.Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed, and patients undergoing open surgical repair for dilating VUR (grade III-V) from 2005 to 2014 were included. Characteristics of patients were determined to identify predictors of operative intervention. Statistical analysis including Fisher's exact test and multivariable logistic regression of patient demographics and independent predictors of surgery was performed using the Stata (College Station, TX) version 13 software package.Results: Of the 469 patients, 351 (74.8%) underwent open intravesical ureteroneocystostomy and 118 (25.2%) were managed conservatively. Based on the multivariable analysis, age, female sex, number of febrile urinary tract infections, maximum grade of reflux, prenatal hydronephrosis, ureteral dilatation, and persistence of VUR on voiding phase of voiding cystourethrogram were strong predictors of eventual surgery. Female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 19.8), ureteral dilatation (OR: 6.2), and persistence of VUR on voiding phase (OR: 5.03) were among the strongest predictors of surgical intervention.Conclusion: Female sex and higher grades of VUR were the strongest predictors of eventual surgical intervention. VCUG characteristics of ureteral dilatation >7 mm and persistence of VUR on the voiding phase were also very strong predictors of eventual surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]