Jessica M. Ming

“Zero-Ischemia” Laparoscopic-assisted Partial Nephrectomy for the Management of Selected Children With Wilms Tumor Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE To describe the experience and technique of zero-ischemia laparoscopic-assisted partial nephrectomy at The Hospital for Sick Children, as an alternative to the traditional open approach for nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) in selected children with Wilms tumor (WT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with diagnosis of WT treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and who underwent laparoscopic-assisted NSS at the Hospital for Sick Children from 2012 to 2016 were identified and their charts were reviewed retrospectively. Patients underwent laparoscopic exploration, lymph node sampling, kidney mobilization, vascular control, and adrenal sparing. This was followed by open NSS through a small flank incision; no clamping of the hilum or major renal branches was performed. RESULTS Six patients were identified; all patients underwent successful resection. One patient required radical nephrectomy due to inability to safely define negative margins. Tumors ranged in size from 0.9 to 5.6 cm in diameter. Mean operating time was 293 ± 50.2 minutes, with an average duration of pneumoperitoneum of 216 ± 27 minutes. Intraoperative blood loss was negligible. No tumor spillages occurred. Postoperative pathology revealed negative margins in all resected specimens. One case of urine leak occurred postoperatively, which resolved spontaneously. Renal function was preserved in all children. At a mean follow up of 11.5 months, all patients have been recurrence free. CONCLUSION The herein presented strategy allows for safe nephron-sparing resection of selected WT with acceptable morbidity, good short-term disease-free survival, and potentially better cosmesis and recovery than traditional open surgery. This preliminary experience suggests that minimally invasive options for NSS in children merit further evaluation.

Neurostimulation Therapy for Non-neurogenic Overactive Bladder in Children: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of neurostimulation for non-neurogenic overactive bladder in children, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on August 2016. RCTs were evaluated according to the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias assessment. Number of patients with post-treatment partial response (PR) (50%-89%), complete response (CR) (≥90%), and full response (FR) (100%) were extracted for relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Effect estimates were pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel method with random effect model if significant inter-study heterogeneity (P <.1) was noted. Subgroup analysis was performed according to each treatment setting (PROSPERO CRD42016043502). RESULTS Five eligible studies (245 patients) were included. Overall effect estimates showed that compared with standard urotherapy, neurostimulation demonstrated significantly better ≥50% (PR + CR + FR) response (RR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.1-7.2), but not ≥90% (CR + FR) response (RR = 8.28, 95% CI 0.65-105.92). Clinic-based neurostimulation had significantly better treatment outcomes for both ≥50% (PR + CR + FR) and ≥90% (CR + FR) responses (RR = 3.24, 95% CI 1.89-5.57; RR = 20.81, 95% CI 2.97-145.59, respectively), whereas a self-administered regimen showed no differences for both ≥50% (PR + CR + FR) and ≥90% (CR + FR) response rates between treatment groups (RR = 2.61, 95% CI 0.48-14.15; RR = 3.55, 95% CI 0.19-67.82, respectively). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION Neurostimulation therapy may lead to better partial improvement of non-neurogenic overactive bladder; however, it may not render a definitive complete response. Office-based neurostimulation seems more efficacious than self-administered neurostimulation. Further RCTs are needed to compare outcomes of the 2 regimens.

Impact of Adjuvant Urinary Diversion versus Valve Ablation Alone on Progression from Chronic to End Stage Renal Disease in Posterior Urethral Valves: A Single Institution 15-Year Time-to-Event Analysis

Purpose Long‐term progression to end stage renal disease of valve ablation alone vs ablation followed by additional urinary diversion were compared among children with stage 3 chronic kidney disease due to posterior urethral valves. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective study of children with posterior urethral valves and stage 3 chronic kidney disease treated at a single institution between 1986 and 2011. The 3 treatment groups were classified as group 1—valve ablation alone, group 2—ablation plus subsequent vesicostomy and group 3—ablation followed by ureterostomies and/or pyelostomies. Baseline demographic characteristics were analyzed. Statistical analyses compared the incidence of time to end stage renal disease among the intervention groups using the Fisher‐Freeman‐Halton exact test and Kaplan‐Meier analysis with the log rank test. Cox regression was used to determine predictors of end stage renal disease progression. Results A total of 40 eligible patients were included in the study (group 1—14 patients, group 2—13 patients, group 3—13 patients). Baseline characteristics and post‐intervention estimated glomerular filtration rate revealed no significant between‐group differences. A statistically significant difference in progression to end stage renal disease was noted within 1 year after diagnosis of stage 3 chronic kidney disease among the treatment groups (log rank test p=0.02). However, cumulative end stage renal disease incidence at 15‐year followup showed no statistical difference (log rank test p=0.628). Cox regression analysis determined that bilateral renal dysplasia (HR 2.76, 95% CI 1.21–6.30) and estimated glomerular filtration rate 60 ml/minute/1.73 m2 or greater after intervention (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09–0.61) were predictive of the likelihood of progression to end stage renal disease. Conclusions Urinary diversion following valve ablation in children with stage 3 chronic kidney disease associated with posterior urethral valves may temporarily delay progression to end stage renal disease. However, no long‐term benefit was noted from diversion in the ultimate incidence of end stage renal disease, suggesting that these interventions should be seen as a temporizing measure. Bilateral renal dysplasia and post‐intervention estimated glomerular filtration rate are independent variables predicting overall chronic kidney disease progression.

Novel Surgical Approach to Giant Abdominoscrotal Hydrocele - Video.

Repair of abdominoscrotal hydrocele is surgically demanding and may be associated with complications. Herein we describe a surgical technique with laparoscopic assisted approach. A 6-month boy with right hydrocele and left absent testis was surgically treated with scrotal approach using one laparoscopic port. In the presence of abdominoscrotal hydrocele and contralateral absent testis, we opted to correct the hydrocele while minimally mobilizing the solitary testis cord and blood vessels. The patient had minimal drainage-postoperatively, he developed fever and was treated with antibiotics. Abdominoscrotal hydrocele in infancy may simply and successfully be treated via scrotal approach with the assistance of one-port laparoscopy (Video).

A critical review of recent clinical practice guidelines for pediatric urinary tract infection

INTRODUCTION Concerns regarding the quality, credibility, and applicability of recently published pediatric urinary tract infection (UTI) clinical practice guidelines have been raised due to the inconsistencies of recommendations between them. We aimed to determine the quality of the recent clinical practice guidelines on pediatric UTI by using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument, and summarize the standard of care in diagnosis and management of pediatric UTI from the top three clinical practice guidelines. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on medical literature electronic databases and international guideline repository websites. English language-based clinical practice guidelines from 2007-2016 endorsed by any international society or government organization providing recommendations for the management of pediatric UTI were considered. Eligible clinical practice guidelines were independently appraised by six reviewers using the AGREE II tool. Clinical practice guidelines were assessed for standardized domains and summarized for overall quality. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using inter-class coefficient (ICC). RESULTS Thirteen clinical practice guidelines were critically reviewed. The Spanish clinical practice guidelines, American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence clinical practice guidelines consistently scored high on all AGREE domains (total averaged domain scores 90, 88, and 88, respectively). Among the six reviewers, there was a high degree of inter-rater reliability (average measure ICC 0.938; p<0.0001). There is reasonable consensus among the top three clinical practice guidelines in their major recommendations. CONCLUSIONS The clinical practice guidelines from Spain, American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, with their major recommendations being similar, have scored highly on the AGREE II indicators of quality for the clinical practice guidelines development process.

Impact of smartphone digital photography, email, and media communication on emergency room visits post-hypospadias repair

INTRODUCTION Advances in communication technology are shaping our medical practice. To date, there is no clear evidence that this mode of communication will have any effect on unnecessary postoperative emergency room (ER) visits. We aim to evaluate the effect of email and media communication with application of smartphone digital photography on post-hypospadias repair ER visit rates. METHODS This prospective cohort study included all patients who underwent hypospadias repair performed by a single surgeon from October 2014 to November 2015. Patients were categorized into two groups: Group A consented for smartphone photography and email communication and Group B declined. Reason for ER visits within 30 days postoperatively was assessed by another physician, who was blinded of patient group assignment. The reasons were categorized as: unnecessary ER visit, indicated ER visit, or visit unrelated to hypospadias surgery. Chi-square test and T-test were used for statistical analysis. Relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were also calculated. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS Over a 14-month period, 96 patients underwent hypospadias repair (81 in Group A, 15 in Group B 5). No significant difference was noted between groups for overall ER return rate (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.21, 1.0). However, the number of ER visits for wound check not requiring intervention was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.035, 0.56); likewise, a higher number of ER visits requiring intervention was noted in Group A compared with Group B, although statistically this was not significant (RR 1.67, 95% CI 0.23, 12.21). CONCLUSIONS Email communication with the use of smartphone digital photography significantly reduced the number of unnecessary ER visits for post-hypospadias wound checks.

Magnetic resonance urography in the pediatric population: a clinical perspective

Diagnostic imaging in pediatric urology has traditionally relied upon multiple modalities based on availability, use of ionizing radiation, and invasiveness to evaluate urological anomalies. These modalities include ultrasonography, voiding cystourethrography, fluoroscopy and radionuclide scintigraphy. Magnetic resonance urography (MRU) has become increasingly useful in depicting more detailed abdominal and pelvic anatomy, specifically in duplex collecting systems, ectopic ureter, ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, megaureter and congenital pelvic anomalies. Here we discuss the clinical role of MRU in the pediatric population and its future direction.

Laparoscopic-assisted Versus Open Appendicovesicostomy Procedure in Patients With Prior Abdominal Surgeries: A Comparative Study

OBJECTIVE To determine the differences in perioperative and postoperative outcomes between laparoscopic-assisted approach and open approach for appendicovesicostomy operations without concomitant procedures, among patients with prior abdominal surgeries. METHODS A Research Ethics Board-approved retrospective cohort study was performed to review all laparoscopic-assisted vs open appendicovesicostomy procedures performed without concomitant procedure in patient with prior abdominal surgeries from January 2000 to January 2015 in our institution. We evaluated the baseline characteristics, perioperative and postoperative outcomes such as operative time, hospital stay, estimated blood loss, complications, and long-term continence. Fisher exact test and Mann-Whitney U test were performed to compare the 2 surgical groups. RESULTS A total of 23 patients (11 open and 12 laparoscopic-assisted) were included. Baseline characteristics between the groups were not significantly different. Procedure time was comparable (Open median 289 [interquartile range {IQR} 230-335] vs laparoscopic-assisted median 231 [IQR 170.5-284]; P = .090). Significantly lower estimated blood loss and shorter hospital stay were noted among the laparoscopic-assisted group (median 100 [IQR 75-200] vs 50 [IQR 25-100], P = .048; median 6 [IQR 5-8] vs 3.5 [IQR 3-5], P = .029; respectively). Complication rates of Clavien-Dindo class 3 in both groups were not significantly different (6 of 11 vs 8 of 12, P = .68). Stomal stenosis and continence rates were also not significantly different between the groups (36.4% vs 25%, P = .667 and 63.3% vs 83.3%, P = .371). CONCLUSION Laparoscopic-assisted approach to create catheterizable stomas among patients with prior abdominal surgeries seems to be comparable to the open technique with the advantage of lower blood loss and shorter hospital stay.

Non-stented versus stented urethroplasty for distal hypospadias repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION Studies have shown that non-stented distal hypospadias repair eliminates stent-related bladder spasm and stent removal discomfort without increasing complications; however, results are inconsistent. We performed a systematic review to assess the complication rates of non-stented compared to the stented distal hypospadias repair. METHODS The literature search included randomized control trials (RCTs) and cohort studies published prior to October 2016 in all languages (PROSPERO CRD42016047563). All included studies were assessed according to Cochrane Collaborative recommendations and included for meta-analysis. Surgical outcomes from each treatment group were classified according to early complications and later final outcomes. Outcomes were expressed as relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Interstudy heterogeneity was assessed using chi-square and I2. Effect estimates were pooled using the inverse variant method with random effect model. Subgroup analysis was performed according to surgical technique (Mathieu versus tubularized incised plate) and study design. RESULTS A total of 20 studies (14 cohorts, 6 RCTs) with 2466 hypospadias repairs (1290 non-stented, 1176 stented) were included for the meta-analysis. Serious risk of bias was noted among the cohort studies with publication bias likely present, while the included RCTs were of moderate methodological quality. The overall pooled effect estimates comparing non-stented versus stented distal hypospadias repair showed no between-group difference for outcomes of early and late complications (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.46-1.50; RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92, 1.48; respectively) CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence of low to moderate quality suggests that there is likely no outcome difference between non-stented and stented distal hypospadias repair.

Modified staged repair of bladder exstrophy: a strategy to prevent penile ischemia while maintaining advantage of the complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy

INTRODUCTION Penile ischemic injury is a reported catastrophic complication after complete primary repair of exstrophy (CPRE). Aiming to improve the bladder exstrophy-epispadias repair outcomes, the study institution adopted a modified staged exstrophy repair to incorporate the advantages of CPRE by avoiding concurrent epispadias repair and adding bilateral ureteral re-implantation and bladder neck tailoring (staged repair of bladder exstrophy with bilateral ureteral re-implantation [SRBE-BUR]) at the initial repair. It was hypothesized that such modifications minimize penile complications and prevent upper tract deterioration while enhancing bladder resistance and consequent capacity. Here, a comparative series of outcomes between CPRE and SRBE-BUR is reported. METHODS A retrospective cohort study including all exstrophy-epispadias male neonates managed in the study institution from January 2000 to December 2014 was performed. Patients were divided into those who underwent CPRE-BUR (group 1) and SRBE-BUR (group 2) (Figure). Baseline characteristics, peri-operative data, and long-term surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed for between-group comparison. Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 21 eligible patients were included: 10 in group 1 and 11 in group 2. Baseline characteristics were comparable. Two patients in group 1 had intra-operative penile ischemic injury (one with subsequent penile tissue loss), whereas none of the group 2 patients had intra-operative complications. No significant difference between the groups was noted for operative time; however, significantly lesser blood loss was noted in group 2. Comparable long-term surgical outcomes such as additional surgical intervention, urinary continence, bladder capacity, vesicoureteral reflux, hydronephrosis and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) were noted. In addition, although subjective, better penile length and cosmesis were achieved by staging the repair (Figure). CONCLUSION The SRBE with bilateral ureteral re-implantation is a safe alternative for the repair of the exstrophy-epispadias repair as it prevents the catastrophic complication of penile tissue loss, while having comparable long-term outcomes with the CPRE. Delaying epispadias repair avoids penile injury besides possible improvement of its overall cosmesis.