Anne G. Dudley

Orchiopexy After Prior Inguinal Surgery: A Distal Approach

PURPOSE Undescended testicle after groin surgery is a condition traditionally approached through an inguinal incision with en bloc mobilization of the spermatic cord and external oblique fascia, and extensive dissection of the proximal spermatic vessels. We report on a single surgeon series of orchiopexies after prior inguinal surgery approached through a single scrotal incision. MATERIALS AND METHODS From November 2001 to February 2007, 24 patients with a mean age of 6.4 years (range 1.3 to 16.2) presented with 27 undescended testicles. All patients had undergone previous groin surgery including 13 inguinal hernia repairs, 3 orchiopexies and 3 hernia repairs with orchiopexy. Of the 27 testicles 24 (21 patients) were successfully approached through a single scrotal incision (89%). If the scrotum could not be manipulated over or near the relatively fixed testicle, an inguinal incision was made (11%). Charts were retrospectively reviewed for technique and operative outcomes. RESULTS A mean followup of 12 months was available for 20 of 21 patients. A patent processus vaginalis was found in 3 (12.5%) patients and hernia repair was performed through the scrotal incision in these patients. There were no intraoperative complications. In 1 (4.2%) patient the testicular position was unacceptable and subsequently successful repeat scrotal orchiopexy was performed. At last followup all testes were in a satisfactory scrotal position without hydrocele, hernia or testicular atrophy. CONCLUSIONS The majority of orchiopexies after prior inguinal surgery can be approached through a single scrotal incision. Retrograde serial dissection of adhesions to the distal cord usually reveals adequate vessel length, thus avoiding extensive inguinal and/or retroperitoneal dissection.

Cystatin C as a marker of early renal insufficiency in children with congenital neuropathic bladder.

PURPOSE Due to decreased muscle mass in children with congenital neuropathic bladder there may be significant inaccuracy when using the creatinine based estimated glomerular filtration rate. Cystatin C is highly sensitive and specific for measuring changes in the glomerular filtration rate in children and in patients with muscle wasting conditions. We hypothesized that a cystatin C calculated glomerular filtration rate would be more sensitive than the standard creatinine based modified Schwartz equation to detect renal insufficiency in children with congenital neuropathic bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS We prospectively identified children with congenital neuropathic bladder at a multidisciplinary spina bifida clinic who underwent serum creatinine and serum cystatin C testing. Clinical history and anthropomorphic variables at the time of laboratory testing were catalogued. The creatinine based glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the modified (bedside) Schwartz formula and the cystatin C based rate was calculated using the Zappitelli cystatin C formula. RESULTS Dual estimated glomerular filtration rate calculation was done in 69 children at a total of 74 patient encounters. Absolute creatinine was within age range normal limits in each patient, including 1 with chronic kidney disease stage 3A. The median creatinine based estimated glomerular filtration rate was 123 ml per minute/1.73 m(2) (range 58 to 229). The median cystatin C based estimated rate was 103 ml per minute/1.73 m(2) (range 47 to 144) for an absolute median rate reduction of 15.4%. Using cystatin C estimates chronic kidney disease stage was upgraded from stage 1 to 2 in 13 patients (18.8%). CONCLUSIONS In children with neuropathic bladder the cystatin C estimated glomerular filtration rate is a better screening test for early renal insufficiency that is not detected by creatinine based rate calculations. To our knowledge it remains to be determined whether the cystatin C estimated glomerular filtration rate can ultimately improve the clinical outcome in this population.

Radiation Practice Patterns and Exposure in the High-volume Endourologist

OBJECTIVE To define radiation exposure among high-volume endourologists and characterize surgeon exposure patterns as previous literature has focused primarily on patient exposure. METHODS Surveys were obtained from the Research on Calculus Kinetics Society members from 14 different institutions across North America. All surgeons practice at high-volume academic institutions as surgical stone specialists. Protective equipment, fluoroscopy variables, and practice patterns were recorded. Dosimeter readings from the past year were analyzed when available. RESULTS Fifteen surveys were returned, with a response rate of 94%. Fluoroscopic procedures comprised 87% of surgeon cases. Surgeon mean experience was 12.4 years (range, 1-32 years). Lead aprons were worn in 99.3% of cases, thyroid shields in 98.7%, radiation glasses in 52.7%, and lead gloves in 9.7%. Only 33.3% of surgeons regularly wore dosimeters. Of these surgeons, average deep-dose equivalent was 816.6 mrem/y. Lens dose equivalent was 1303.4 mrem/y. Shallow-dose equivalent was 1286 mrem/y. CONCLUSION Endourologists receive moderate radiation exposure, and dosimetry use remains low. As Low As Reasonably Achievable principles should be in place and judiciously followed. Improved monitoring and education should assist with reduction of radiation exposure to both the patient and the endourologist.

Penoscrotal edema and purpura in a 12-year-old boy: A case report and review of causes

We report the case of a 12-year-old patient with previously diagnosed Crohn disease who presented with penile edema and purpura, with extension into the scrotum. Subsequent work-up including biopsy led to the diagnosis of extraintestinal Crohn disease, a rare manifestation in the genital region. Prompt treatment with steroids led to complete resolution of both penoscrotal edema and purpura. We describe our case, followed by a discussion of etiologies of penoscrotal edema and purpura as a review for the practicing pediatric urologist.

Incidentally discovered osseous metaplasia within high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

A 66-year-old male presented with gross hematuria and acute renal failure secondary to bilateral ureteral obstruction. Further work-up revealed muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma. Pathologic examination following radical cystoprostatectomy revealed high grade urothelial carcinoma with focal tumor-associated stromal osseous metaplasia. Reactive bone formation within urothelial carcinoma is a very rare clinical entity. Although typically benign, the presence of mature bone elements warrants thorough examination for sarcomatoid components.

Overcoming Obesity and a Short Appendix in the Creation of Continent Catheterizable Stomas. Preliminary Outcomes of the "Casella-Ost Procedure".

OBJECTIVE To describe a novel method of using a bladder flap to partially span the distance between the bladder and abdominal wall when creating a concealed catheterizable channel. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively identified 3 patients in whom we performed this reconstruction and report our surgical technique and their outcomes at 23, 27, and 32 months. RESULTS There were no immediate operative complications and all patients continue to catheterize without difficulty. Two patients reported mild stomal stress incontinence, which resolved with Ditropan in one case, and was not bothersome enough to desire additional treatment in the second. CONCLUSION Incorporation of the bladder flap allows for a shorter proximal limb (appendix or tubularized ileum), improving ease of catheterization in addition to providing a surface where a tunneled, nonrefluxing anastomosis between the proximal limb and bladder can be easily performed. Long-term follow-up and greater patient numbers are needed, nonetheless, we have not seen this approach described in the literature and feel that it is an important reconstructive option to be considered when creating a continent catheterizable diversion.