Drew A. Freilich

Concurrent management of bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children using robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery

INTRODUCTION Bilateral ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction occurs infrequently. When surgical management is deemed necessary, staged pyeloplasties traditionally have been recommended to minimize the morbidity associated with performing procedures concurrently. With the advent of robotic-assistance, concurrent surgical management can more readily be performed laparoscopically. In this report, we evaluated the safety and outcome of managing patients with bilateral UPJ obstruction with concurrent robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of five patients with bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction who underwent concurrent bilateral robotic-assisted pyeloplasties at our institution between October 2003 and April 2007. Technical consideration for patient positioning, robotic set-up, port placement, and the use of a hitch stitches was assessed. The operative time, complications, analgesic needs, length of hospitalization, and overall success of the procedure were evaluated. RESULTS Operative time ranged from 235 to 541 minutes (mean = 384). Estimated blood loss was 5-100 cc (mean = 48.0). Length of hospitalization ranged from 1.3 to 3.6 days (mean = 2.4). Ureteral stents were removed 3-8 weeks postoperatively. There were no complications. All kidneys demonstrated decreased hydronephrosis on postoperative ultrasound or improved drainage parameters on diuretic renography or IVP. CONCLUSIONS Simultaneous bilateral robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasties utilizing 4-port access is feasible and safe. It provides an effective method of managing patients with bilateral UPJ obstruction, avoiding the burden and morbidity of performing staged surgeries.

The effectiveness of aerosolized intraperitoneal bupivacaine in reducing postoperative pain in children undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty

OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of aerosolized intraperitoneal bupivacaine in reducing postoperative pain in children. Laparoscopic surgery has decreased the severity of postoperative pain in children. However, children often experience abdominal and shoulder pain requiring significant amounts of opioids, potentially prolonging their hospitalization. METHODS Forty-one consecutive patients undergoing unilateral robotic-assisted pyeloplasty between December 2005 and December 2007 were retrospectively reviewed to assess perioperative opioid requirements and length of hospitalization. RESULTS In addition to standard-of-care perioperative analgesia, five patients received intraperitoneal aerosolized bupivacaine just prior to trocar removal, 17 patients received aerosolized bupivacaine just prior to incising the perirenal fascia, and 19 patients received no intervention. There was a significant reduction in postoperative opioid utilization when bupivacaine was administered at the beginning of the surgery (0.1mg/kg vs 0.4mg/kg, P=0.04), but not at the end (0.3mg/kg, P=0.25), as compared to controls. All patients receiving aerosolized bupivacaine had a significantly shorter time in hospital (2.4 vs 1.4 days, P=<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The administration of intraperitoneal aerosolized bupivacaine just prior to incising the perirenal fascia appears to be a simple, effective and low-cost method to reduce postoperative pain in children undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

Identifying Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction by Fluorescence Imaging: A Comparative Study of Imaging Modalities to Assess Renal Function and Degree of Obstruction in a Mouse Model

PURPOSE Radiological imaging is the mainstay of diagnosing ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Current established radiological modalities can potentially differentiate the varying degrees of obstruction but they are limited in functionality, applicability and/or comprehensiveness. Of particular concern is that some tests require radiation, which has long-term consequences, especially in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated the novel use of Genhance™ 680 dynamic fluorescence imaging to assess ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 20 mice that underwent partial or complete unilateral ureteral obstruction. Ultrasound, mercaptoacetyltriglycine renography, magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence imaging were performed. RESULTS Our model of partial and complete obstruction could be distinguished by ultrasound, mercaptoacetyltriglycine renography and magnetic resonance imaging, and was confirmed by histological analysis. Using fluorescence imaging distinct vascular and urinary parameters were identified in the partial and complete obstruction groups compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS Fluorescence imaging is a feasible alternative radiological imaging modality to diagnose ureteropelvic junction obstruction. It provides continuous, detailed imaging without the risk of radiation exposure.

Cohen Cross-Trigonal Ureteral Reimplantation: Is a One-Year Postoperative Renal Ultrasound Scan Necessary After Normal Initial Postoperative Ultrasound Findings?

OBJECTIVES To determine the utility of the 1-year postoperative renal ultrasound scan in children undergoing uncomplicated Cohen cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation. METHODS A retrospective review of 108 patients (233 ureters) who had undergone uncomplicated Cohen cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation during a 6.5-year period with a postoperative follow-up of 1 year was performed. Renal ultrasound scans were obtained at 1 month and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS Of the 108 patients who had undergone ureteral reimplantation, 26 patients (24%) had mild to moderate hydronephrosis at 1 month postoperatively. Of these 26 patients, 20 had preexisting hydronephrosis and 6 had new hydronephrosis. Of the 20 patients with preoperative hydronephrosis, 19 (95%) had similar hydronephrosis on the 1-month postoperative ultrasound scan and in 1 (5%), the hydronephrosis had resolved. At 1 year, 13 (69%) of the 20 patients with preoperative hydronephrosis had stable hydronephrosis, and it resolved in 6 (31%). In the 6 patients with new-onset hydronephrosis at 1 month postoperatively, the hydronephrosis had resolved by 1 year in 4 patients (67%) and was mild in 2 (33%). Three patients developed transient obstruction requiring stent placement. CONCLUSIONS It has been recommended that a renal ultrasound scan be obtained in children 1 year after open ureteral reimplantation to rule out delayed obstruction. Our results suggest this is of low yield in patients with uncomplicated open ureteral reimplantation.

Quality of life in children with vesicoureteral reflux as perceived by children and parents

PURPOSE Significant research has been dedicated to the management of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). However, few studies have been published to evaluate the impact of this disease on quality of life. The aim of this study was a prospective examination of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with VUR who have either been treated medically (antibiotics or surveillance) or by ureteral reimplant (UR) using a validated patient satisfaction survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted using a validated HRQoL questionnaire, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core). 353 children or parents of children with VUR, age 2-18 years, completed the survey. Statistical analysis was performed with significance set at p-value ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Children and parents of children with VUR did not score lower on total or subscale domains of HRQoL when compared to a historical healthy control. On univariate analysis, patients who underwent UR scored lower on total as well as physical, social, and school subscale HRQoL domains, compared to patients managed medically. When controlling for gender, ethnicity, age, reflux grade, and antibiotic use, there was no difference in total HRQoL between patients who underwent UR compared to those managed medically. CONCLUSIONS In terms of HRQoL, VUR is a benign clinical entity and neither antibiotic use nor UR is associated with lower HRQoL. Disease-specific quality of life surveys are needed to accurately evaluate patient and parent satisfaction in the management of VUR.

Improving Lymph Node Yield in Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection Using Fluorescent Molecular Imaging: A Novel Method of Localizing Lymph Nodes in Guinea Pig Model

OBJECTIVES To propose that fluorescent molecular imaging has utility in specifically identifying the lymph nodes, thereby enabling more definitive lymph node visualization and dissection. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is an invasive procedure with significant morbidity. A minimally invasive approach would be of great clinical benefit but has been limited by the extensive perivascular dissection required to remove all lymphatic tissue. Directed lymph node visualization would allow a limited dissection, making a laparoscopic approach more feasible. METHODS Ten male Hartley guinea pigs underwent nonsurvival RPLND, 5 with the protease activatable in vivo fluorescent molecular imaging agent, ProSense and 5 without image guidance (control). ProSense was administered 24 hours before surgery and detected 24 hours later using a photodynamic detector. In group 1, RPLND was first performed without molecular imaging followed by image-guided lymph node dissection for residual nodes. In group 2, the near infrared detector was used initially for lymph node excision followed by traditionally unassisted extraction of the residual lymph nodes. The lymph nodes were extracted, counted, and sent for histopathologic analysis. RESULTS With the assistance of molecular imaging, no additional lymph nodes were identified after complete dissection, and all tissue identified by ProSense was confirmed by histopathologic analysis to be lymph nodes. Without molecular imaging, all lymph nodes were not identified, and in 2 instances, the tissue was incorrectly thought to be lymphatic tissue. CONCLUSIONS Molecular image-guided RPLND is a promising technique to improve in vivo, live visualization and dissection of lymph nodes and has the potential for application in improving the diagnosis and treatment of other urologic malignancies.

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Heminephrectomy

Ehrlich et al.1 first reported the use of laparoscopic nephrectomy in children, and Jordon and Winslow 2 reported the first laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in a 14-year-old girl with bilateral duplicated systems. Since these reports, there has been a boom in the utilization of laparoscopy in pediatric urology, where it has been aggressively pursued as an alternative to traditional open surgery given its association with decreased postoperative pain, length of stay, and improved cosmesis. The recent advent of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) allows for most heminephrectomy to be performed without needing to fully mobilize the kidney, a distinct contrast to open surgery. This helps minimize trauma and vascular compromise to the remnant pole 3–5.

Outcomes of treatment of stress urinary incontinence associated with female urethral diverticula: A selective approach

To assess surgical outcomes of concomitant treatment of SUI at time of transvaginal urethral diverticulectomy (TVUD) based on a selective approach.

MP40-16 OUTCOMES OF TREATMENT OF STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE ASSOCIATED WITH FEMALE URETHRAL DIVERTICULA: A SELECTIVE APPROACH

CONCLUSIONS: Use of third line therapy for OAB has been reported to be less than 5%. This rate is higher at our institution, likely due to access to multiple FPMRS providers. The authors also use a care pathway that emphasizes early patient education on available options should they fail first and second line treatments. Even in a tertiary referral center it is likely that third line therapy is not being offered to many patients who would benefit from it. Our data demonstrate an opportunity for urologists to improve the quality of care and treatment success rates for OAB patients.

PERI-OPERATIVE RISK FACTORS FOR SURGICAL COMPLICATIONS IN PEDIATRIC UROLOGY

that correlate with postoperative outcomes in adults. However, there is a paucity of similar data in the pediatric surgery population. The goal of this study was to elucidate which peri-operative patient characteristics are associated with an increased risk of surgical complications in children undergoing urological surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric urological surgeries performed between April 2003-September 2006 at our institution. Patients who had an adverse or unexpected event within