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Background: The psychological and cardiovascular health impacts on family members of patients who have been diagnosed with cancer have not been well characterized. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a family member's cancer diagnosis influences the risk of psychological illness and cardiovascular disease in first-degree relatives and spouses of patients affected by cancer., Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis evaluated the risk of psychological illness and cardiovascular disease in first-degree relatives and spouses of patients diagnosed with a genitourinary cancer between 1990 and 2015 compared to relatives of those not diagnosed with a genitourinary cancer. The Utah Population Database was used and familial linkage was determined. Follow-up included 1-, 3-, and 5-year intervals. Patients residing outside of Utah and first-degree relatives and spouses with psychological or cardiovascular disease diagnosed before a family member's cancer diagnosis were excluded., Results: A total of 49,284 patients with a genitourinary cancer were identified with 77,938 first-degree relatives and spouses. A matched control group included 246,775 patients with 81,022 first-degree relatives and spouses. Via Cox proportional hazards models, a 10% increased risk of developing a psychological illness (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00-1.20) and a 28% increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.17-1.41) at 1 year after a family member's cancer diagnosis were found., Conclusions: This study provides population-level evidence to support the hypothesis that cancer diagnoses will lead to adverse health outcomes for family members of patients with cancer. Increased clinical attention and support are needed to reduce the harm to families caused by cancer., (© 2024 The Author(s). Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Cancer Society.)

Introduction: Enterocystoplasty (EC), appendico- or ileovesicostomy (APV), and appendicocecostomy (APC) can facilitate continence and prevent renal damage for patients with congenital urologic or bowel disease. Bowel obstruction is a well-documented complication of these procedures, and the etiology of obstruction is variable. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence and describe the presentation, surgical findings, and outcomes of bowel obstruction from internal herniation due to these reconstructions., Methods: In this single institution retrospective cohort study patients who underwent EC, APV, and/or an APC between 1/2011 and 4/2022 were identified via CPT codes within the institutional billing database. Records for any subsequent exploratory laparotomy during this same timeframe were reviewed. The primary outcome was an internal hernia of bowel into the potential space between the reconstruction and the posterior or anterior abdominal wall., Results: Two hundred fifty seven index procedures were performed in 139 patients. These patients were followed for a median of 60 months (IQR 35-104 months). Nineteen patients underwent a subsequent exploratory laparotomy. The primary outcome occurred in 4 patients (including one patient who received their index procedure elsewhere) for a complication rate of 1% (3/257). The complications occurred between 19 months and 9 years after their index procedure (median 5 years). Patients presented with bowel obstruction; two patients also had sudden pain following an ACE flush. One complication was caused by small bowel and cecum passing around the APC and subsequently volvulizing. A second was caused by bowel herniating behind the EC's mesentery and the posterior abdominal wall. A third was caused by bowel herniating behind the APV mesentery and subsequently volvulizing. The exact etiology of fourth internal herniation is unknown. Of the three surviving patients, all required resection of ischemic bowel and 2 required resection of the involved reconstruction. One patient died intraoperatively from cardiac arrest. Only 1 patient required a subsequent procedure to regain lost function., Conclusion: Internal herniation caused by small or large bowel passing through a defect between the mesentery and abdominal wall or twisting around a channel occurred in 1% of 257 reconstructions performed over 11 years. This complication can arise many years after abdominal reconstruction, resulting in bowel resection and possibly takedown of the reconstruction. When anatomically possible and technically feasible, the surgeon should close any potential spaces created during the initial abdominal reconstruction., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Academic institutions have increasingly focused on educating physicians and surgeons in concepts of value-based care, including quality improvement (QI). The extent to which QI curricular competencies are addressed in specialty surgical residency training is unclear., Methods: A survey instrument was developed by content experts and sent to Vascular Surgery and Urology residents electronically. Descriptive statistics and bivariate associations were calculated using StataMP 13.1., Results: Vascular Surgery and Urology residents reported exposure to similar types of QI curriculum. Fewer than half of residents reported achieving targets for graduation (Vascular 31%, Urology 42%) related to QI, and few residents in either group felt very well-prepared to lead a QI initiative (Vascular 13%, Urology 8%)., Conclusion: QI education in surgical specialty training amongst Vascular Surgery and Urology residencies is similar and insufficient. Surgical specialties may benefit from collaborative efforts to improve the quality of QI education., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

INTRODUCTION Urethrocutaneous fistulae are the most common complication after hypospadias repair. We sought to compare outcomes of proximal versus distal urethrocutaneous fistula repair and hypothesized that patients with proximal fistulae would have lower rates of success than those with distal fistulae. We also aimed to evaluate factors that affected these outcomes., Material and Methods: Current procedural terminology codes were used to identify patients undergoing urethrocutaneous fistula repair after hypospadias surgery between 2014 and 2017 at an academic, pediatric urology referral center. Characteristics for each initial hypospadias repair and each fistula repair were noted, including location of meatus, location of fistula, type of magnification, suture type, interposition layer and post-operative stenting. The primary outcome was successful fistula repair. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed., Results: During the study period, 416 hypospadias repairs were performed. Thirty-one of these later presented with a fistula (8% fistula rate). Sixty-eight percent of fistulae were successfully closed with a single repair. There were 17 distal fistulae and 14 proximal fistulae. There was no difference in success between distal (71%) and proximal (64%) fistulae (p = 0.73). There was no statistically significant association between the primary outcome (successful fistula repair) and fistula location (p = 0.71), magnification (p = 0.38), suture type (p = 0.49), interposition coverage layer (0.43), or postoperative stenting (p = 0.92) on univariate or multivariate analysis., Conclusion: There is no difference in success when repairing distal versus proximal urethrocutaneous fistulae. Neither fistula location, type of magnification, suture type, interposition layer nor stenting affected outcomes.

Objective: To determine the quality improvement (QI) experiences of urology residents in the United States., Materials and Methods: An Institutional Review Board approved national survey of Urology residents was administered in June 2019. The survey instrument sought to understand QI curricular methods and experiences of urology residents as well as their knowledge of QI fundamentals., Results: Of 465 invited residents, 159 (34%) responded. Respondents represented all 8 AUA sections. The majority of respondents self-identified as white (66%). Females made up 30% of respondents. Less than 1/3 of residents (32%) report use of online modules, whereas nearly 2/3 (63%) report lecture-based didactics. Fifteen percent of residents report no QI curriculum. While nearly 2/3 of residents report receiving training in QI principles (64%), far less report receiving training in how to apply QI methodology (44%). Only 29% of residents report being required to lead a QI project. No differences were seen by training level. Only 3 respondents had heard of the Institute of Medicine's aims for quality improvement. Respondents had better knowledge of process, balancing and outcome measures, but less than half of respondents (49%) were able to correctly identify all 3. Having any QI curriculum is associated with correctly answering knowledge questions (P = .03)., Conclusion: From a resident perspective, urology residency programs currently provide QI curricula that are inadequate to ensure residents achieve Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education milestones. It is imperative the urology community as a whole address these curricular gaps to ensure graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, cost-conscious care to their patients once in practice., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Many surgical procedures have been developed to improve continence in myelomeningocele patients. Our modification of the Mitchell bladder neck reconstruction involves removal of a diamond-shaped wedge of the anterior bladder neck, tubularization of the bladder neck and urethra to increase outlet resistance, and addition of a bladder neck autologous fascial sling., Objective: We aimed to evaluate rates of continence and re-operation in children with myelomeningocele undergoing this Modified Mitchell bladder neck reconstruction., Study Design: We retrospectively identified children with myelomeningocele having undergone bladder neck reconstruction at our tertiary care referral center from 2012 to 2016., Results: We identified twelve patients with myelomeningocele undergoing this modified bladder neck reconstruction with sling, four female and eight male, median age at the time of surgery was 7 years old. After initial bladder neck reconstruction with sling only 33% were dry. All patients with bothersome leakage after reconstruction underwent bladder neck bulking. Two patients of twelve (17%) ultimately underwent bladder neck closure and achieved dryness. 58% of patients ultimately achieved continence (Summary Figure)., Discussion: Our modification of the bladder neck reconstruction with autologous fascial sling showed midterm rates of incontinence near 60%, with initial post-operative continence at 33%. Our patients, however, required higher rates of reoperation (43%) than previous results would suggest (27%). The first line of re-treatment was bladder neck bulking, but this showed low success. While this procedure is minimally invasive and safe, reasonable expectations of efficacy should be established with families when offering this option. Two patients (17%) required bladder neck closure to achieve dryness. While bladder neck closure is often considered a procedure of last resort, both of these patients were immediately dry. Perhaps bladder neck closure should be considered earlier in our algorithm of surgical continence., Conclusion: Our rates of continence with the Modified Mitchell bladder neck reconstruction with a fascial sling were similar to prior bladder neck reconstructions. We did find higher rates of reoperation, and further modifications are warranted to continue to improve continence after surgical procedures in the myelomeningocele population. Select cases may warrant early consideration of bladder neck closure., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors have no financial disclosures or conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The workup and surveillance strategies for infant hydronephrosis (HN) vary, although this could be due to grade-dependent differences in imaging intensity. We aimed to describe the frequency of imaging studies for HN within the first year of life, stratified by initial HN grade, within a large regional healthcare system. Study Design and Data Source . Retrospective cohort using Intermountain Healthcare Data Warehouse. Inclusion criteria: (1) birth between 1/1/2005 and 12/31/2013, (2) CPT code for HN, and (3) ultrasound (U/S) confirmed HN within four months of birth. Data Collection . Grade of HN on initial postnatal U/S; number of HN-associated radiologic studies (renal U/Ss, voiding cystourethrograms (VCUGs), and diuretic renal scans); demographic and medical variables. Primary Outcome . Sum of radiologic studies within the first year of life or prior to pyeloplasty. Statistical Analysis . Multivariate poisson regression to analyze association between the primary outcome and the initial HN grade., Results: Of 1,380 subjects (993 males and 387 females), 990 (72%), 230 (17%), and 160 (12%) had mild, moderate, and severe HN, respectively. Compared with those with mild HN, patients with moderate (RR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.42-1.73) and severe (RR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.88-2.32) HN had a significantly higher rate of imaging use over 12 months (or prior to surgery) after controlling for potential confounders., Conclusions: In a large regional healthcare system, imaging use for HN is proportional to its initial grade. This suggests that within our system, clinicians treating this condition are using a risk-stratified approach to imaging., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Anthony J. Schaeffer et al.)

Introduction: Debris within the bladder is commonly seen on ultrasound. The etiology of bladder debris is varied and the likelihood that urinary debris represents positive urine culture is under investigation. We hypothesize that bladder debris will increase the likelihood that a urine culture is positive compared to those without bladder debris., Methods: We performed a retrospective review on children aged 0-17 years who had a voiding cystourethrogram with a catheterized urinalysis or urine culture, and who also had a renal and bladder ultrasound up to 1 week prior, the day of, or up to 2 days after their urine studies. Presence of bladder debris and debris severity was recorded. Positive urine culture was defined as a single bacterial strain ≥50,000 cfu/mL. Demographic information, including findings of reflux and hydronephrosis were compared. Sensitivity, specificity, and risk ratios were calculated for predicting positive urine culture in patients with urinary debris on ultrasound., Results: A total of 445 patients met inclusion criteria between January and December 2014. The positive urine culture rate was 20%, and the rate of bladder debris was 22%. The mean age for those with and without bladder debris was 6.6 and 5.5 years, respectively (p = 0.02). 23% of girls had bladder debris, compared to 12% of boys (p = 0.04, see results table). The sensitivity and specificity for bladder debris in detecting positive urine cultures was 52% and 86%, respectively. Forty-seven percent of those with bladder debris had positive cultures, compared with 12% of those without debris (p < 0.01). The relative risk of positive urine culture if debris is present is 3.90 (95% CI 2.73-5.55). Hydronephrosis or vesicoureteral reflux did not affect the relationship between bladder debris and positive urine cultures., Conclusions: Nearly half of pediatric patients undergoing urological evaluation found to have bladder debris on ultrasound will have a positive urine culture. Debris is noted more commonly in girls and at a slightly higher age. The presence of debris is associated with a fourfold increase in detecting a positive urine culture, regardless of debris severity, hydronephrosis, or vesicoureteral reflux. Given this, it is of value to routinely document and look for the presence of any amount of bladder debris seen on ultrasound, as this finding can be used to augment clinical decision-making and warrants strong consideration for obtaining urine culture., (Copyright © 2018 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Enterocystoplasty is an important procedure in the management of children with difficult neurogenic bladder. We report on short-term complications as captured by National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Pediatric., Methods: We analyzed NSQIP Pediatric 30-day perioperative data on 114 patients who underwent enterocystoplasty in 2012 and compared those with and without complications., Results: Neurogenic bladder was the most common diagnosis. The proportion of the children who underwent two or more procedures was 71.9%, in addition to enterocystoplasty, most commonly appendicovesicostomy. Median length of hospital stay was 8 days (mean 9.7 days, range 2 to 46 days). Thirty-day complication rate was 33.3%, and the most common complications were urinary tract infections (9.6%), wound complications (8.7%), blood transfusions (6.1%), and sepsis (3.5%). Reoperation rate and readmission rate were 9.6% and 13.2%, respectively. No statistically significant differences in perioperative characteristics were found between children with and without postoperative complications. Addition of appendicovesicostomy or bladder neck continence procedures was not associated with significantly increased complications., Conclusion: Enterocystoplasty is associated with significant perioperative morbidity, and reasonable expectations should be set during preoperative counseling., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To investigate intrafascicular pudendal nerve stimulation in felines as a means to restore urinary function in acute models of urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and underactive bladder., Materials and Methods: Felines were anesthetized, and high-electrode-count (48 electrodes; 25 electrodes/mm(2) ) electrode arrays were implanted intrafascicularly into the pudendal nerve trunk. Electrodes were mapped for their ability to selectively or nonselectively excite the external anal sphincter, external urethral sphincter, and the detrusor bladder muscle. Statistical analysis was carried out to quantify reflexive voiding efficiencies, mean impedances of the microelectrodes used in this study, and to determine what differences, if any, in bladder contraction amplitudes were evoked by different electrode configurations., Results: Multielectrode arrays implanted into the pudendal nerve trunk were able to selectively and nonselectively excite genitourinary muscles. After inducing urinary incontinence with bilateral pudendal nerve transections (proximal to the implants), electrical stimulation delivered through certain microelectrodes was able to significantly reduce leaking (p = 0.008). Electrical stimulation delivered through detrusor selective electrodes was able to inhibit reflexive bladder contractions and excite bladder contractions, depending on the stimulation frequency. Specific electrode configurations were able to drive significantly (p < 0.001) larger bladder contractions than other electrode configurations, depending on the preparation. Successful reflexively or electrically driven bladder contractions were achieved in 46% and 38% of the preparations, respectively, an observation that has not been noted in previously published feline pudendal stimulation studies., Conclusions: Multielectrode arrays implanted intrafascicularly into the pudendal nerve trunk may provide a promising new clinical neuromodulation therapy for the restoration of urinary function., (© 2014 International Neuromodulation Society.)

Objective: To investigate the use of a microelectrode array with a high spatial density of penetrating intrafascicular electrodes for selective recording of pudendal nerve activity evoked by a variety of genitourinary stimuli., Materials and Methods: Felines were anesthetized with alpha-chloralose and high-density Utah slanted electrode arrays (48 microelectrodes; 200-μm spacing) were implanted into the pudendal nerve for acute experimentation. Neural activity was recorded during bladder filling, spontaneous reflexive distention-evoked bladder contractions, and tactile somatosensory stimulation., Results: The intrafascicularly implanted pudendal nerve electrodes were able to selectively record neural activity that corresponded to various genitourinary stimuli. Across all seven experimental animals, a total of 10 microelectrodes recorded neural units that were selectively driven by bladder filling or distention-evoked bladder contractions. Twenty-two electrodes were selectively driven by tactile stimulation., Conclusion: Microelectrode arrays implanted intrafascicularly into the pudendal nerve can be used to selectively record the neural responses that reflect bladder status and urogenital tactile stimulation. This work sets the stage for developing future implantable closed-loop neuroprosthetic devices for restoration of bladder function., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a commonly employed radiographic test used in the management of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Recently, the reliability of VCUG to accurately grade VUR has been questioned. The purpose of this study is to examine reliability of the VCUG for the grading of VUR in a setting mimicking daily practice in a busy pediatric hospital., Materials and Methods: Two-hundred consecutive VCUGs were independently graded by two pediatric urologists and two pediatric radiologists according to the International Classification of Vesicoureteral Reflux. A weighted kappa coefficient was calculated to determine inter-rater agreement and a modified McNemar test was performed to assess rater bias. Further assessment for impact on clinical and research decision-making was made for disagreement between grades II and III., Results: Weighted kappa values reflect strong reliability of VCUG for grading VUR between and among urologists and radiologists ranging from 0.95 to 0.97. There was statistically significant bias with radiologists reporting higher grades. Despite high kappa values, disagreement between raters was not infrequent and most common for grades II-IV., Conclusions: VCUG is reliable for grading VUR, but small differences in grading between raters were detected and may play an important role in clinical decision-making and research outcomes., (Copyright © 2013 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Several methods have been described for immobilization of the pelvis following bladder exstrophy closure, which can be challenging to manage. We hypothesized that immobilization can be significantly simplified using a modified mermaid wrap with padded Velcro® straps around the thigh and lower leg., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent bladder exstrophy closure in the newborn period at our institution from 1990 through 2010. Patients with cloacal exstrophy and those who underwent delayed closure due to other medical conditions were excluded. We collected data on closure technique, length of stay and complications of the primary closure as outcomes., Results: A total of 20 boys and 7 girls underwent closure of classic bladder exstrophy. Followup ranged from 2 to 22 years. Seven boys underwent complete primary repair and 13 underwent staged repair. All patients had the legs stabilized with a modified wrap technique using 2 lengths of Velcro straps lined with self-adhering open cell foam pads for 3 weeks. Complications of exstrophy closure included bladder dehiscence in 1 patient (4%) and incisional hernia in 2 (7%). Following complete primary repair urethrocutaneous fistula developed in 2 patients and urethral stricture in 2. Average length of stay for patients without significant prematurity was 15 days., Conclusions: Padded Velcro strap immobilization simplifies postoperative care, provides secure fixation, decreases length of stay, and enables parents to hold and bond with the child shortly after repair. We advocate this simplified technique, which can be applied with a rate of complications that is comparable to other procedures., (Copyright © 2013 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Parameatal urethral cyst in boys is an uncommon and often poorly understood condition. We describe the largest known series of 18 prepubertal boys with parameatal cysts., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all pediatric patients at our institution diagnosed with a penile cyst according to our office database between 1992 and 2010. Charts were reviewed to determine patient demographics, symptomatology, pathology, cyst characteristics and treatment., Results: We identified 18 patients during the last 18 years who were diagnosed with a parameatal cyst. Most patients (66%) were asymptomatic. All cysts were less than 1 cm in diameter. Of the patients 50% were circumcised before presentation and 78% underwent surgical excision. There have been no recurrences in patients who underwent excision. One patient had spontaneous resolution of the cyst during the first few weeks of life. Pathology results were available for 6 patients. Three specimens contained a single type of epithelium and 3 contained a combination of transitional, cuboidal and/or columnar epithelia. The transitional and cuboidal epithelia were the most common components. There was no evidence of malignancy in any of the specimens and only 1 specimen contained an inflammatory infiltrate., Conclusions: Parameatal cysts are a benign, usually asymptomatic condition that may contain a variety of epithelial types. The cysts may resolve spontaneously in neonates but are also easily excised with minimal risk of recurrence., (Copyright © 2011 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Unilateral extravesical ureteral reimplantation is comparable to intravesical procedures and more effective than subureteral injection to resolve vesicoureteral reflux. Initial reports showed that the procedure could be feasibly done on an outpatient basis. We present further data on a large series of consecutive, planned, outpatient unilateral extravesical ureteral reimplantations., Materials and Methods: A total of 250 consecutive patients underwent scheduled outpatient unilateral extravesical ureteral reimplantation. We retrospectively reviewed their records. Patient data were collected on reflux laterality and grade, operative time, hospital stay, complications, need for rehospitalization and resolution rate on radiography 1 month postoperatively., Results: A total of 209 females (84%) and 41 males (16%) underwent planned outpatient extravesical ureteral reimplantation, including on the left side in 158 (63%) and on the right side in 92 (37%). Mean reflux grade was 3.2 with grades II to V in 64 (26%), 96 (38%), 74 (30%) and 16 cases (7%), respectively. Average operative time was 63 minutes and average length of stay, defined as time from initial admission in to discharge home, was 6.2 hours (range 3 to 10 hours). Short-term and late complications occurred in 9 (3.6%) and 8 patients (3.2%), respectively., Conclusions: Extravesical ureteral reimplantation for unilateral vesicoureteral reflux may be consistently done on an outpatient basis with a reasonable complication rate and a low postoperative hospital admission rate., (Copyright (c) 2010 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To answer the question: 'Is there a learning curve associated with a subureteric injection of Deflux(®)?', Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients who received subureteric injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Deflux(®){AQ2}) (225 procedures) for treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) by four surgeons. The study included 55 patients, 82 ureters, who had postoperative follow-up with a voiding cystogram or nuclear medicine cystogram. Exclusion criteria were prior anti-refluxing procedures, duplicated collecting systems, and non-achievement of a negative intraoperative cystogram. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they received an intraoperative cystogram after the injection. The two groups were compared for VUR resolution rates on follow-up imaging., Results: Twenty patients underwent an intraoperative cystogram (Group 1, 33 ureters) and 35 did not (Group 2, 49 ureters). The two groups were similar in age, preoperative reflux grade, amount of Deflux injected into each ureter, and time to postoperative studies. In Group 1, 11 ureters (33.3%) and also, in Group 2, 11 ureters (22.4%) had reflux on follow-up imaging., Conclusions: There was no improvement in VUR resolution rate following subureteric injection of Deflux(®) when an intraoperative cystogram demonstrated no reflux to be present immediately after injection. Of ureters that did not reflux on intraoperative cystograms, one-third displayed return of reflux on follow-up imaging, which suggests no learning curve and that failures are not likely to be caused by poor surgical technique., (Copyright © 2009 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of transdermal and oral oxybutynin in children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity., Materials and Methods: Children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity 6 to 15 years old and previously receiving oxybutynin were assigned randomly at a 3:1 ratio to treatment with transdermal or oral oxybutynin. Initial dosages (transdermal 1.3, 2.9 or 3.9 mg daily; oral 5, 10 or 15 mg daily), based on pre-study dosages, were adjusted after 2 weeks and then maintained for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was change from baseline to last observation in average urine volume collected by clean intermittent catheterization., Results: A total of 57 patients were randomized to receive transdermal (41) or oral (16) oxybutynin. Safety data were available for 55 patients and efficacy data were available for 52. Mean +/- SD urine volume increased from 95 +/- 64 ml to 125 +/- 74 ml (p <0.001) with transdermal oxybutynin and from 114 +/- 75 ml to 166 +/- 92 ml (p = 0.002) with oral oxybutynin. Transdermal oxybutynin resulted in significant improvement in all measured urodynamic parameters. Similar trends and a significant increase in maximal cystometric bladder capacity were observed in the smaller oral oxybutynin group. There were 12 treatment related adverse events noted with transdermal oxybutynin (mild skin reaction) and 1 with oral oxybutynin (vasodilatation). The ratio of N-desethyloxybutynin-to-oxybutynin plasma concentrations was substantially lower with transdermal (1.4) than with oral (6.7) oxybutynin., Conclusions: Transdermal oxybutynin was a well tolerated and effective alternative to oral oxybutynin in treating neurogenic detrusor overactivity in children who previously tolerated oxybutynin.

Purpose: Studies to improve patient access to care have generally involved office based primary care practices or highly managed systems. Surgical practices differ in their referral nature, the common need for imaging at the first appointment and the need to schedule subsequent surgical procedures. We determined whether new patient access to care can be improved in a surgical practice., Materials and Methods: To reduce new patient appointment wait times to a goal of 5 working days (1 week), a 12-week transition period into a new scheduling approach was designed. At the next clinic with open slots (9 weeks away) 10% of the appointments were held open until the week before for new patient visits. For each of the following 4 weeks 10% additional appointments were held open each week until 50% were being reserved. These slots were not available until 1 week before the clinic date and then were only open for new patients calling to make an appointment., Results: Appointment delay times improved significantly and this improvement has been durable for 2 years. Interestingly our no show rate did not change., Conclusions: A surgical office with long new patient appointment wait times can improve access to clinic consultations by implementing this system.

Purpose: To discover the incidence of postoperative surgical site infections in non-immunocompromised pediatric patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) < or = 1,000 preoperatively., Methods: Office and hospital charts of consecutive patients with preoperative ANC < or = 1,000 undergoing elective surgery over a three-year period were reviewed for evidence of postoperative surgical site infection., Results: Six of 200 patients with preoperative ANCs < or = 1,000 developed a postoperative surgical site infection, an infection rate of 3.0%. One of 35 patients with preoperative ANCs < or = 500 developed a surgical site infection. The mean ANC of the study population was 800 (range 200 to 1,000); the mean ANC of the group with postoperative infection likewise was 800 (range 500 to 1,000)., Conclusions: There was a postoperative surgical site infection rate of 3.0% in non-immunocompromised children who had a preoperative ANC < or = 1,000, similar to the overall surgical site infection rate in children. Cancellation of elective procedures in non-immunocompromised children with ANC < or = 1,000 is not warranted on the grounds of concern about postoperative infection.

Purpose: Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid and mercaptoacetyltriglycine renal scans are commonly used to evaluate infants and children with hydronephrosis to assess for changes in kidney function and drainage. We evaluate the certified nuclear medicine technologist intraobserver and interobserver variability of data processing in diuretic renal scan interpretation of the percent differential function of the right kidney so that true physiological changes can be understood by the clinician., Materials and Methods: A total of 30 renal scans (diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid in 20 patients and mercaptoacetyltriglycine in 10) were randomly selected for evaluation by 3 technologists who processed the scan data for each patient on 5 different occasions at least 1 week apart. Regions of interest were drawn and background areas were subtracted, and percent differential function of the right kidney was calculated. Technologists were blinded to patient identification and previous interpretation results. The data were then statistically analyzed., Results: The data focused on percent differential function of the right kidney. Confidence limits for the single scan interpretation at the 95% level showed +/-5.8% differential function variation, although this scan was the same renal scan processed 1 week later., Conclusions: For differential function determined on diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid or mercaptoacetyltriglycine diuretic renal scan the single scan 95% confidence limits were +/-5.8% differential function. From one renal scan to the next the differential percent of kidney function must change +/-11.6% differential function for a clinician to be 95% confident that a real change in kidney function has occurred. This uncertainty is substantial and is likely larger than is currently allowed for in clinical practice.

Purpose: The FG syndrome, also known as Opitz-Kaveggia syndrome, is an X-linked disorder characterized by developmental delay, congenital hypotonia, characteristic facial appearance, relative macrocephaly and anomalies affecting the genitourinary, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems. Genitourinary abnormalities in the FG syndrome include cryptorchidism, hypospadias, inguinal hernia, hydrocele and occasional anomalies of renal or ureteral development. To our knowledge no previous study has systematically evaluated the genitourinary aspects of the disorder. We describe the genitourinary anomalies seen in children with the FG syndrome. This report may help elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for the disorder. Also, we provide a simple checklist for urologists that will help guide referrals for genetics and other specialty consultations., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 228 patients with the FG syndrome to identify the frequency of characteristic historical and physical findings. These patients were diagnosed on the basis of a firsthand history and physical examination, or by a careful outside evaluation including detailed records and photographs., Results: Of the patients 90% were male. The overall incidence of any genitourinary anomaly was 48.5% in boys, 13.6% in girls and 44.7% overall. In boys the most common abnormalities were cryptorchidism (24%), hypospadias (14%) and hernia or hydrocele (13%)., Conclusions: The FG syndrome is a disorder with a greater prevalence than previously thought, yet is rarely suspected by urologists. The manifestations may be complex. Identification of patients with syndromal genitourinary anomalies by urologists will enhance the quality of care based on referral of patients for additional evaluation.

Aim: The presentation, and medical and surgical management of all new onset non-congenital hydroceles in boys older than 1 year of age were examined. Of particular interest was the outcome of those patients who presented with a non-communicating hydrocele that developed after the first year of life and was managed conservatively., Methods: All patients older than 12 months of age who were evaluated as outpatients with the diagnosis of hydrocele from January 1994 to January 2001 were identified. Possible risk factors and predisposing conditions were determined. For the patients who had surgical correction, surgical indications were identified. For non-surgical patients, long-term outcomes were recorded., Results: A total of 302 patients older than 12 months of age with the diagnosis of new onset hydrocele were identified. Of these, 35% were non-communicating, 59% were communicating, and 6% were hydroceles of the spermatic cord. In terms of surgery, 97% of communicating hydroceles, 71% of hydroceles of the spermatic cord, and 34% of non-communicating hydroceles had operative management. Seventy patients with non-communicating hydroceles did not receive surgery and 51 (73%) were contacted for long term follow-up. In these 51 patients, 76% of non-communicating hydroceles resolved completely, 6% decreased in size but were still present, 14% remained the same size, and 4% had an unknown status. The average time to resolution was 5.6 months with a median time of 3 months. The time range to resolution was from 1 day to 24 months. Follow-up averaged 73.7 months with a range of 33 to 120 months., Conclusions: Approximately 75% of new onset, non-congenital, non-communicating hydroceles resolve spontaneously irrespective of size. An observation period of 6-12 months would be appropriate prior to repair.

Purpose: We describe the design and use of our preferred penile bandage., Materials and Methods: A simple bandage composed of Reston foam (3M, St. Paul, Minnesota), Telfa (Tyco Adhesives, Franklin, Kentucky), gum mastic and tape was used in more than 500 penile procedures in children., Results: The bandage proved to be well tolerated, easily removed by parents and quite effective., Conclusions: The foam friend is the most useful and problem-free penile bandage that we have used.

Purpose: Pneumothorax is a rare but known complication of adult urological laparoscopic surgery and has been described occasionally in children as well. The etiologies for pneumothorax during such procedures are discussed as is the management of pneumothorax in this setting. We investigate the occurrence of pneumothorax during laparoscopic pediatric urological procedures in children., Materials and Methods: Pneumothorax developed during urological laparoscopic procedures in 4 pediatric patients (3 females, 1 male). Patient age ranged from 8 months to 11 years (mean 5.4 years). Laparoscopic surgical procedures performed included right upper pole partial nephrectomy, left upper pole partial nephroureterectomy, removal of left multicystic dysplastic kidney and bilateral Cohen reimplantation of ureters. Procedures were performed with a maximum insufflation pressure of 15 mm Hg. During the same time period as these four cases, a total of 285 laparoscopic urologic procedures were performed at our institution., Results: Pneumothorax was suspected due to decreased oxygen saturations, subcutaneous emphysema, increased respiratory effort and decreased chest lung sounds unilaterally. Pneumothorax was confirmed with chest x-rays. Operative time ranged from 171 to 249 minutes (mean 199.5). Duration of surgery before pneumothorax developed ranged from 75 to 239 minutes (mean 176, median 168). Conservative management of pneumothorax was used in 3 patients and a pigtail chest tube was used in 1. In all cases the estimated blood loss was minimal., Conclusions: Urologists performing laparoscopy in children should be aware of the possibility of a pneumothorax developing during the procedure. Evaluation for decrease in O2 saturation should include a search for pneumothorax in these patients. Close observation generally suffices for management.

Purpose: Recent advances in laparoscopic surgery as well as increasing experience with these techniques have led to the selection of laparoscopic surgery for many urological procedures. A lesser number of pediatric laparoscopic surgical studies have been reported. Few pediatric comparative laparoscopic versus open surgical procedure studies have been published. We compared 2 groups of similar pediatric patients who underwent partial nephrectomy via the laparoscopic or open technique., Materials and Methods: A total of 22 consecutive partial nephrectomies were performed in pediatric patients 3 months to 15 years old. Of these procedures 11 chosen according to surgeon preference were performed laparoscopically and 11 were done by the open technique. Clinical data were obtained by chart review and compared retrospectively in the 2 groups. Demographic data, operative time and blood loss, the perioperative complication rate, hospital stay and costs, postoperative analgesic use and followup findings were compared., Results: Mean operative time in the laparoscopic and open groups was 200.4 and 113.5 minutes, respectively (p <0.0005). Blood loss was less than 50 cc in all patients. In the laparoscopic and open groups mean hospital stay was 25.5 and 32.6 hours (p = 0.068), and mean cost was $6,125 and $4,244 (p = 0.016), respectively. Patients in the laparoscopic group required fewer doses of analgesics than those who underwent open surgery (mean 10.9 versus 21, p = 0.041)., Conclusions: Our findings show that increased operative time and costs are disadvantages of pediatric laparoscopic nephrectomy compared with open techniques. Conversely decreased hospital stay, lower analgesic requirements and cosmesis support the use of laparoscopy for pediatric partial nephrectomy. These differences must be considered when deciding which technique is best for overall patient care.

Purpose: Enterocystoplasty provides needed improvement in bladder storage parameters in many patients but it also generates significant morbidity. We evaluated the unusual potential alternative of using the capsule that forms around a standard silicone tissue expander placed perivesically to augment the bladder in dogs., Materials and Methods: Six mongrel dogs underwent baseline videourodynamics and assessment of serum electrolytes, followed by placement of a 250 to 500 cc perivesical silicone tissue expander. Four months after implantation the tissue expander was removed and the fibrous capsule around the expander was biopsied. The capsule was opened and anastomosed to the bladder to augment storage. Serum electrolytes were determined 2 and 4 weeks after augmentation. Videourodynamics were repeated after 3 to 5 months, that is at sacrifice. The harvested bladders underwent histological evaluation., Results: Five dogs underwent augmentation as described, while in an additional dog that underwent intraperitoneal placement of the tissue expander a fibrous capsule failed to form. Of the 5 augmented dogs 4 underwent repeat urodynamic and electrolyte evaluation with harvesting of the lower urinary tract, while 1 died of undetermined causes 3 weeks after augmentation. A distinct capsule formed in all dogs and augmentation was technically achievable. Anastomosis calcification in 3 dogs limited filling the augmenting capsule for cystography. Bladder capacity and compliance improved in all animals but it varied in degree. Histological examination of the capsule biopsies showed collagen rich connective tissue without epithelium or smooth muscle. After augmentation the capsular segment revealed urothelium in all cases with squamous metaplasia in 1. The subepithelial region had dense fibrosis and a thin band of osseous metaplasia occupied the lamina propria in all cases. Disorganized smooth muscle bundles were noted in all augmented bladders within the collagen of the capsule wall., Conclusions: Bladder augmentation with the collagenous capsule formed over a perivesical tissue expander is technically feasible. There was evidence of epithelial and smooth muscle ingrowth from the native bladder with improved bladder capacity and compliance in all dogs. Osseous metaplasia of the luminal surface of the collagen based capsule that developed in all animals may have been responsible for anastomotic narrowing and limited filling on cystography.

Purpose: We evaluate variables affecting the success of repairs of urethrocutaneous fistula after hypospadias surgery., Materials and Methods: The records of 123 boys who underwent fistula repair at Primary Children's Medical Center were reviewed. Of these patients 100 underwent initial fistula repair at our center (surgery was performed at our center in 82 and elsewhere in 18) and 23 were referred from elsewhere after unsuccessful fistula repairs. Patient age was 6 months to 34 years (median 3.21 years) and interval between surgeries was 3.7 months to 12 years (median 12.6 months). Several variables potentially affecting the success of fistula closure were retrospectively assessed., Results: Including those patients referred from outside hospitals, fistulas were successfully closed in 71%, 72%, 77%, 100% and 100% of these patients after fistula repairs 1 to 5, respectively. Variables studied yielded stent 67.7% (36 of 54 cases) versus no stent 76.1% (35 of 46) and operating microscope 70.4% (59 of 71) versus loupes 72.4% (21 of 29) in terms of success. Success based on patient age yielded 65.5% for younger than 2 years (n = 29 patients), 71.7% for 2 to 5 (46), 64.7% for 6 to 12 (17) and 87.5% for older than 12 (8). When considering the type of original hypospadias repair and its affect on fistula closure success, a significantly lower success was noted with Yoke and King procedures (p = 0.007 and 0.037, respectively). In patients who underwent hypospadias surgery and all subsequent fistula closure attempts at our center, fistulas were successfully repaired in 72%, 67% and 100% of patients after attempts 1 to 3, respectively. Initial fistula repair was successful in 72% (59 of 82) of patients who underwent original hypospadias surgery at our center and in 67% (12 of 18) of those referred after hypospadias surgery at an outside hospital., Conclusions: Regarding urethrocutaneous fistula closure, the data from this study suggest that there is no clear difference in stent versus no stent and microscope versus loupes, age at fistula closure does not affect success, type of original hypospadias procedure may influence success (King and Yoke procedures were least successful), success rate is not negatively impacted in recurrent fistula cases, given a diverse group of fistulas, success of fistula repair for attempts 1 to 5 was 71%, 72%, 77%, 100% and 100%, respectively, and success rate in a tertiary pediatric urology setting is not influenced by whether the original hypospadias procedure or initial fistula closure was performed in the pediatric urology setting versus outside hospital.

Purpose: We describe the presenting symptoms, evaluation and natural history of urethrorrhagia in boys., Materials and Methods: The records of 27 consecutive toilet trained boys with idiopathic urethrorrhagia were retrospectively reviewed for information regarding age, symptoms, symptom duration, physical examination, and radiographic, endoscopic and laboratory data. Patient interviews were performed, and the resolution rate, symptom duration and associated urological abnormalities were evaluated., Results: Mean age at presentation was 10.1 years. Symptoms included urethrorrhagia in 100% and dysuria in 29.6% of cases. Radiographic and laboratory evaluations were normal in all patients except for microscopic hematuria in 57%. Cystourethroscopy in 4 patients revealed bulbar urethral inflammation without stricture in 2. A total of 24 patients (89%) were followed an average of 37 months (range 10 to 106). Complete resolution developed in 46% of cases at 6 months, in 71% at 1 year and in 91.7% overall. The average duration of symptoms was 9.9 months (range 2 weeks to 38 months). In 2 boys (8.3%) urethrorrhagia persisted for 22 and 28 months, and in 1 cystoscopy revealed urethral stricture. Self-limiting urethrorrhagia recurred in 2 patients (8.3%) after initial resolution. Treatment consisted of watchful waiting in all patients except 1 with urethral stricture, who underwent urethral dilation. After urethrorrhagia resolved epididymo-orchitis recurred in 1 case., Conclusions: Routine radiographic, laboratory and endoscopic evaluation is unnecessary for evaluating urethrorrhagia. Watchful waiting is indicated because the condition resolves in 71% and 91.7% of patients at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Evaluation should be considered in patients with prolonged urethrorrhagia because urethral stricture may be identified.

We report a case of invasive group A streptococcus infection of the scrotum that presented as epididymoorchitis and rapidly progressed to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The presentation, pathophysiology, and management of invasive group A streptococcus and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome are reviewed. Rapid recognition is necessary to avoid the significant morbidity and mortality associated with these invasive infections.

Purpose: Laparoscopic renal surgery has become an accepted approach for benign disease in adults. We compare our experience with laparoscopic and open nephrectomy in a pediatric population., Materials and Methods: A total of 10 pediatric patients underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy and an additional 10 consecutive children underwent similar open procedures. All patients had benign disease and were treated at a single institution. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for relevant clinical data., Results: Planned surgery was completed in all cases. There were no conversions to open surgery in the laparoscopic group. Mean operative time was 175.6 versus 120.2 minutes (p = 0.01) and mean hospital stay was 22.5 versus 41.3 hours (p = 0.03) in the laparoscopic and open nephrectomy groups, respectively. Blood loss was not statistically different. Analgesic use was qualitatively less in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group., Conclusions: Laparoscopic nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy may be performed safely in children. While operative time was somewhat longer in our initial laparoscopic series, postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter than for open surgery. Further experience with this technique is warranted.

Purpose: We present the etiology, histological evaluation and management of all cystic lesions of the pediatric testis., Materials and Methods: Illustrative cases from our experience are reported with a literature review of all possible diagnoses., Results: Included in the differential diagnosis of cystic testis lesions in children are epidermoid cyst, dermoid cyst, prepubertal teratoma, juvenile granulosa cell tumor, cystic dysplasia of the rete testis, testicular cystic lymphangioma, simple cyst and cystic degeneration after torsion. Testis sparing surgery is feasible in many circumstances., Conclusions: Cystic lesions of the pediatric testis are rare but represent an interesting group of diagnoses. Patient age at presentation, examination features, tumor markers and sonographic appearance may assist in making a presumptive and occasionally definitive diagnosis preoperatively. Based on the likely diagnosis enucleation or partial orchiectomy may be considered when performed with frozen section histological assessment. A thorough understanding of potentially cystic testis lesions in children leads to the best management choices and often to preservation of a substantial portion of the affected testis.

Purpose: Long-term outcomes of a minimally invasive method of correcting vesicoureteral reflux are presented with a discussion of the modification in our original technique., Patients and Methods: A total of 29 children (46 refluxing ureters), 14 months to 18 years old, underwent percutaneous endoscopic trigonoplasty (PET) between December 1994 and June 1996. Follow-up ranged from 19 to 37 months. Reflux was grade 1 in 2, grade 2 in 16, grade 3 in 19, grade 4 in 8, and grade 5 in 1. The technique was a Gil-Vernet method in the first 23 patients and Cohen reimplantation in the last 6 patients., Results: Resolution of reflux was observed to decrease from 63% to 47% with long-term (30-37 months') follow-up using the Gil-Vernet technique. Resolution was greater with unilateral reflux than bilateral reflux (83% v. 27%, respectively). The Cohen technique resulted in resolution of reflux in 83%; however, the operating time nearly doubled when compared with the Gil-Vernet group. In both groups, failure was unrelated to grade of reflux, age, operative sequence, or bladder instability., Conclusions: Although showing an improvement in resolution of reflux over the Gil-Vernet PET procedure, the Cohen PET reimplant has a lower success rate than traditional open operative reimplants. The PET also requires more operating time and two operating surgeons. Despite some advantages in the promptness of recovery, we do not recommend PET by either technique at this time. Future modifications may make this approach more tenable.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a reactive proliferation of myofibroblasts that rarely involves the urinary bladder. The cause of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is unknown but may represent an initial reactive process to an infectious agent or trauma that transforms into neoplastic growth. Cases reported in children, however, often lack any preexisting bladder pathology. The authors present a case in a young child that presented as acute abdominal pain. In general, these tumors follow a benign clinical course after resection, although close monitoring is essential given the rarity of this bladder lesion.

Purpose: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with prenatal hydronephrosis to characterize those in whom it was more likely to resolve with conservative management., Materials and Methods: We studied 51 patients in a 4-year period who presented with nonspecific unilateral hydronephrosis diagnosed by prenatal and confirmed by postnatal sonography. Patients were followed with sequential nuclear renograms with furosemide washout to evaluate function and drainage. In all cases a nonoperative approach was attempted. Pyeloplasty was performed only for poor or decreasing kidney function and/or drainage., Results: Four of the 51 patients were lost to followup, 21 of the remaining 47 (45%) eventually underwent surgery, and 26 (55%) had complete normalization of renal function and washout pattern without surgery. There was no statistically significant correlation between hydronephrosis grade on initial postnatal sonography and the likelihood of nonsurgical resolution. However, the shape of the washout curve on nuclear renography was informative for predicting outcome, since 86% of the cases with a nonobstructive drainage pattern normalized without surgery, while 62% with indeterminate and only 18% with obstructive curves resolved with conservative management (p <0.01). Notably in 83% of the cases of normalization without surgery resolution occurred before age 18 months. Also, an initial obstructed washout pattern was more likely to be associated with a poor outcome. Of the 6 patients with less than 40% final differential function 5 had an obstructed washout pattern on the initial nuclear renogram., Conclusions: Patients diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound with apparent unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction generally do well with conservative treatment. However, those who present with an obstructed washout pattern are less likely to have resolution without surgery and more likely to have poor final differential function.

Purpose: The Society for Fetal Urology has undertaken the first multicenter prospective randomized study of high grade obstructive unilateral hydronephrosis to evaluate the natural history of untreated obstruction and compare it to the benefits of pyeloplasty., Materials and Methods: Since 1991, infants with isolated unilateral Society for Fetal Urology grade 3 hydronephrosis and ipsilateral obstruction with greater than 40% differential renal function on well tempered renography were studied. Patients were randomly assigned to observation or pyeloplasty groups. Renal ultrasound and well tempered renography were performed biannually for 1 year and yearly thereafter. Crossover criteria for surgery included concurrent worsening of isotope washout and increasing grade of hydronephrosis or a greater than 10% point loss in percent differential renal function that was noted between studies. The end point of the study was the 3-year anniversary of randomization., Results: A total of 32 infants from 10 centers were randomized equally to 2 groups. The starting grade of hydronephrosis and percent differential renal function were similar between the 2 groups. At 6 months and 1 year the grade of hydronephrosis was significantly reduced (p < 0.02) and well tempered renography was significantly more likely to demonstrate no obstruction (p < 0.03) in the surgical group compared with the observation group. The mean percent differential renal function remained stable and similar in both groups. Reduced hydronephrosis and resolution of obstruction in the surgery group persisted as a trend at the 2 and 3-year anniversaries. In the observation group 4 patients (25%) showed enough renal deterioration to qualify for crossover to surgery., Conclusions: Infant pyeloplasty significantly improved the grade of hydronephrosis and drainage pattern at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, when compared with observation. Renal function stabilization was similar for either management approach. However, 25% of the patients satisfied objective criteria of status deterioration requiring pyeloplasty.

The number of genital problems that pediatricians encounter is substantial. The most common ones have been reviewed in this article. Perhaps the most important point to reinforce is the appropriateness of nonintervention in uncircumcised boys whose foreskins have not become retractile during early school years. Without infections or pathologic phimosis, these boys do well, and most foreskins become retractile as they approach puberty. Abnormalities beyond those discussed or those not fitting the anticipated pattern probably warrant specialty referral.

Purpose: We determined the effectiveness of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA) topical cream for anesthesia during urethral meatotomy performed in an office setting., Materials and Methods: Meatotomy was performed in 58 patients 1 hour after topical application of EMLA cream to the glans., Results: Of the 58 patients 55 had no pain, while early in our experience 3 had limited discomfort because EMLA cream was applied in too small a volume or it became dislodged. Results have been good in 57 patients, while partial restenosis developed in 1., Conclusions: Urethral meatotomy in an office setting with EMLA cream for anesthesia is generally painless, well tolerated, successful and cost-effective versus operative meatotomy.

Purpose: A procedure was designed to correct vesicoureteral reflux with minimally invasive technology., Materials and Methods: A total of 22 children 14 months to 18 years old underwent percutaneous endoscopic trigonoplasty between January and June 1995. Followup ranges from 4 to 11 months. In 32 ureters reflux was grade 2 in 13, grade 3 in 13, grade 4 in 5 and grade 5 in 1., Results: All patients had normal sonography of the kidneys after surgery. On followup voiding cystourethrography at 2 or 6 months there was resolution of reflux in 20 of the 32 ureters (62.5%). The probability of resolution was unrelated to patient age, laterality of reflux, initial grade, operative sequence or preoperative bladder instability. The 3 major complications were vesicovaginal fistula, hyponatremia and perivesical fluid collection., Conclusions: Percutaneous endoscopic trigonoplasty is technically feasible but it involves a distinct learning curve. It offers significant advantages related to more rapid recovery with less discomfort. The success rate is modest at present. If it were to be improved with technical modifications, percutaneous endoscopic trigonoplasty may change the basic approach to treating children with vesicoureteral reflux.

Purpose: We investigated whether measurement of contralateral renal length in newborns with unilateral hydronephrosis may help to assess clinically significant hydronephrosis in the affected kidney., Materials and Methods: We reviewed our experience with 53 newborns who had unilateral hydronephrosis presumed secondary to ureteropelvic junction obstruction. We divided the patients according to the presence of mild hydronephrosis and no obstruction on a furosemide renogram, severe hydronephrosis and obstruction on a furosemide renogram or a unilateral multicystic kidney., Results: We found no significant correlation between findings on the affected and opposite normal sides. Contralateral hypertrophy, hypotrophy and normal sized kidneys were frequent findings., Conclusions: We conclude that measurement of contralateral renal length is not helpful in the evaluation of newborns with unilateral hydronephrosis.

Autoaugmentation has proved effective in many patients in lowering bladder pressures, increasing bladder capacity, and improving their related symptoms. Patients with sever bladder hyperreflexia, uncontrolled with medications, have also benefited greatly from autoaugmentation procedures. Only patients who failed conventional medical management have undergone autoaugmentation at the authors' institution.

Surgery for the correction of vesicoureteral reflux has been performed routinely since the early 1960s. In 1986 a large group of women who underwent childhood ureteral reimplantation surgery was contacted and surveyed concerning infections, pregnancies and other complications. A notably high rate of cystitis and pyelonephritis was found during pregnancy. Because 9 years have passed and many more pregnancies have occurred, we contacted this cohort again as well as a new cohort of historical controls to reassess long-term complications of childhood ureteral reimplantation in children. Of 67 women who underwent reimplantation with an average followup of 25 years 62 were contacted of whom 75% had urinary tract infections after becoming sexually active and 65% had urinary tract infections with pregnancies. Of 141 pregnancies 57 (40%) were complicated by urinary tract infections and 21 (15%) terminated in spontaneous abortion. Of 37 women with primary vesicoureteral reflux and no surgery with an average followup of 25.5 years there was a 15% prevalence of urinary tract infections with pregnancy in 21. Of 75 pregnancies in this group 14 (18%) terminated in spontaneous abortion. Women with urinary tract infections and reflux as children have high rates of cystitis with the onset of sexual activity whether or not they underwent reimplantation as children. Those who underwent reimplantation as children are at significant risk of urinary tract infection in pregnancy but not at a higher risk of miscarriage than the general population. Education, screening and antibiotic prophylaxis during pregnancy should be considered.

Objectives: To assess the usefulness of color Doppler ultrasound in evaluating the newborn with suspected antenatal testis torsion., Methods: Nine newborns with 10 antenatally torsed testes were examined using color Doppler and gray-scale ultrasound., Results: Each examination revealed lack of intratesticular blood flow on the affected side and normal flow within the contralateral testis. In addition, gray-scale sonographic architecture of the affected testes appeared to reflect the duration of in utero torsion., Conclusions: Color Doppler sonography accurately assesses intratesticular blood flow in newborns with antenatal testis torsion and offers interesting details.

Teratoma ranks second in frequency to yolk sac carcinoma among testicular germ cell tumors in infants, accounting for 25% of cases. Testicular teratomas are uniformly benign in children younger than 24 months old. Epidermoid cysts are tumor-like lesions of unknown etiology, probably monodermal teratomas, comprising 3% of all pediatric testis tumors. Bilaterality is rare for both tumors. We report a case of a synchronous left testis teratoma and a right testis epidermoid cyst. Appropriate therapy is discussed.

An 8-year review of hypospadias repair in patients with a meatus proximal to the coronal margin is reported. Fistula rates were compared among 4 groups: 1) loupe magnification, 2) tunica vaginalis blanket wrap tissue interposition with loupe magnification, 3) operating microscope magnification and 4) tunica vaginalis blanket wrap tissue interposition in conjunction with operating microscope magnification. Rate of fistula formation with loupe magnification alone was 20%, microscope magnification alone was 12% and tunica vaginalis blanket wrap interposition with loupes was 9%. When tunica vaginalis blanket wrap tissue interposition was used in conjunction with intraoperative microscopy no fistulas resulted.

Objectives: To develop a new technique to repair congenital and acquired megaurethra without opening the enlarged urethra., Methods: A urethral plication similar to the Starr ureteral plication was developed, which allows the urethra to be plicated without opening into the lumen. This technique also allows the operation to be done in conjunction with hypospadias repairs., Results: Eight of 10 patients had uneventful recoveries. One had obstruction and infection that resolved with drainage and antibiotics. A coronal margin fistula developed in a patient who had urethral plication as well as urethral advancement., Conclusions: This new urethral plication eliminates the need for opening the urethra and its associated complications while preserving urethral blood supply and allowing associated hypospadias repairs to be simultaneously performed.