Katherine W. Herbst

Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty: Multi-institutional experience in infants

INTRODUCTION Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) has been gaining acceptance among pediatric urologists. Over 300 have been described in the literature, but few studies have evaluated the role of RALP in infants alone. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine the operative experience and outcomes of RALP in a cohort of infants treated at multiple institutions across the United States. Our primary aim was to describe the safety and efficacy of RALP within this cohort. We recognize the challenges of performing minimally invasive surgery in small patients. In our paper, we address some technical considerations for the infant population. STUDY DESIGN This multi-centered observational study collected data on subjects one year of age or less who underwent RALP between April 2006 and July 2012 at five institutions. The primary outcome was resolution of hydronephrosis, and secondary outcomes included surgical time and complications. RESULTS A total of 60 patients (62 procedures) underwent RALP by six surgeons during the study period. All surgeons had > 5 years of experience beyond fellowship training. Mean surgical age was 7.3 months (SD ± 1.7 mo), 56 patients (95%) were diagnosed prenatally, and 59 patients (95%) had follow up imaging. Of these patients, 91% showed resolution or improvement of hydronephrosis. Two patients had recurrent obstruction and required additional surgery. Mean surgical time was 3 hours 52 minutes (SD ± 43 minutes). Seven (11%) patients reported intra-operative or immediate post-operative complications. DISCUSSION This series found a 91% success rate for reduction or resolution of hydronephrosis, and an 11% complication rate. This is equivalent to modern series comparing open pyeloplasty to pure laparoscopic and robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty, which report success rates ranging from 70-96%, and complication rates ranging from 0-24% for open pyeloplasty. We lacked a standardized technique amongst institutions. This was not surprising since there are not established technical benchmarks for this surgery. However, we specified multiple technical considerations for this unique patient population. CONCLUSION The advantages of using robot-assistance to perform pyeloplasty in infants remain to be defined. This study cannot make that assessment due to small sample size. Nonetheless, this cohort is the largest robotic pyeloplasty series in infants to date. Seeing an excellent success rate and a low complication rate in this infant cohort is encouraging.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic extravesical ureteral reimplantation: An initial experience

OBJECTIVE There are many emerging techniques using robotic-assisted laparoscopy (RAL) in pediatrics. We performed a retrospective review of our first patients who underwent RAL extravesical ureteral reimplantation. MATERIALS/METHODS Between October 2007 and May 2010, a single surgeon performed RAL extravesical ureteral reimplantation in 17 patients. Six patients underwent bilateral reimplantation, resulting in a total of 23 ureters repaired. There were 16 females and 1 male (mean age 6.23 years). Four patients had prior Deflux injection. Postoperative reflux status was assessed by voiding cystourethrogram. RESULTS 16 patients (22 ureters) were compliant with follow up. Mean follow up was 11.5 months. Mean anesthetic time was 3 h, 57 min for unilateral and 4 h, 45 min for bilateral repair. Complete vesicoureteral reflux resolution was seen in 20 ureters (90.9%), downgrading in one ureter, and unchanged persistent reflux in one ureter. Average hospital stay was 1.3 days. No patients required postoperative catheterization at discharge. CONCLUSIONS Outcomes for new procedures can be variable and unpredictable as the technique evolves. Given the high success rates of open reimplantation, a minimally invasive technique must show comparable results if it is to play a continuing role. Our initial results are encouraging, but prospective analyses are required to outline the future role of RAL ureteral reimplantation.

Objective pain assessment after ureteral reimplantation: Comparison of open versus robotic approach

INTRODUCTION While open ureteral reimplantation is the gold standard of surgical intervention for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), minimally invasive approaches offer the potential benefits of decreased postoperative pain, improved cosmesis, and shorter hospital stay and convalescence. Studies comparing open and minimally invasive surgery with respect to postoperative pain in children have been inconclusive. OBJECTIVE We sought to compare postoperative pain in children undergoing open versus robotic ureteral reimplantation by using age-appropriate, validated pain assessment scales. METHODS A prospective cohort of all patients enrolled in an Institutional Review Board-approved VUR surgery registry between July 2010 and February 2013 was analyzed. Patients who underwent endoscopic treatment or who received caudal or epidural anesthesia were excluded. Age-appropriate, validated pain scales ranging from 0 to 10 were utilized for pain assessment. Pain scores and narcotic doses administered on the first postoperative day were analyzed. RESULTS Of the 34 subjects included, 11 underwent open intravesical reimplantation, while 23 patients underwent robotic extravesical reimplantation. Table 1 displays patient characteristics and results of pain assessment. Robotic surgery was associated with lower narcotic requirement compared to open surgery (P < 0.05). The difference in pain scores between the two cohorts approached, but did not reach, statistical significance (P = 0.12). However, the percentage of patients with mild or no pain (57% robotic, 27% open) versus severe pain (9% robotic, 45% open) was notably different between the two cohorts. DISCUSSION Previous studies addressing the effect of surgical modality on pediatric postoperative pain are limited by their reliance on narcotic administration as an indirect surrogate for measuring pain. In the present study, postoperative pain was assessed with narcotic requirements and consistently collected validated pain scores, which more accurately reflect a patients perceived pain. Although there was no significant difference in subjective pain scores between patients undergoing open versus robotic reimplantation, the percentage of patients with mild or no pain (57% robotic, 27% open) versus severe pain (9% robotic, 45% open) was notably different between the two cohorts. This study was limited by a lack of randomization as well as small sample size, which did not allow for age sub-group analysis or small differences to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, robotic ureteral reimplantation was associated with lower narcotic requirement compared to open surgery, and lower intensity of postoperative pain according to a direct pain assessment tool. Larger sample sizes are necessary to strengthen statistical comparisons.

Image Based Feasibility of Renal Sparing Surgery for Very Low Risk Unilateral Wilms Tumors: A Report from the Children’s Oncology Group

PURPOSE Nephrectomy with lymph node sampling is the recommended treatment for children with unilateral Wilms tumor under the Childrens Oncology Group protocols. Using radiological assessment, we determined the feasibility of performing partial nephrectomy in a select group of patients with very low risk unilateral Wilms tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed imaging studies of 60 patients with a mean age of less than 2 years with very low risk unilateral Wilms tumor (mean weight less than 550 gm) to assess the feasibility of partial nephrectomy. We evaluated percentage of salvageable parenchyma, tumor location and anatomical features preventing a nephron sparing approach. RESULTS A linear relationship exists between tumor weight and computerized tomography estimated tumor volume. Mean tumor weight in the study population was 315 gm. Partial nephrectomy was deemed feasible in only 5 of 60 patients (8%). CONCLUSIONS When considering a select population with very low risk unilateral Wilms tumor (lower volume tumor), only a small percentage of nonpretreated patients are candidates for nephron sparing surgery.

Recent trends in the surgical management of primary vesicoureteral reflux in the era of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid.

PURPOSE Since its inception as a technology in the United States, endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux has become a popular treatment option in children with vesicoureteral reflux with reported wide use. We determined whether the increasing trend in use in the United States after the introduction of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid has been sustained. MATERIALS AND METHODS We abstracted data on pediatric patients treated with ureteral reimplantation or dextranomer/hyaluronic acid intervention for vesicoureteral reflux from 2004 to 2011 from the PHIS (Pediatric Health Information System) database. Patients with coding data indicating diagnoses other than primary vesicoureteral reflux and hospitals reporting less than 80% of ambulatory surgery cases by CPT code were excluded from study. RESULTS We identified 14,430 patients (17,826 procedures), of whom 49% underwent reimplantation and 51% underwent dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection. Of the patients 83% were female with a median age at surgery of 4.7 years (IQR 2.5-7.2). Linear regression showed a significant downward trend in the average total number of antireflux operations per institution during the study period. This was attributable to a decrease in the average rate of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid interventions because the average reimplantation rate remained stable during this time. CONCLUSIONS At freestanding pediatric hospitals enrolled in the PHIS database there is a trend toward decreasing intervention for primary vesicoureteral reflux, which appears to be due to decreased use of injection therapy. This may reflect a philosophical change in reflux management by injection therapy.

Ninety-day perioperative complications of pediatric robotic urological surgery: A multi-institutional study.

BACKGROUND Robotic technology is the newest tool in the armamentarium for minimally invasive surgery. Individual centers have reported on both the outcomes and complications associated with this technology, but the numbers in these studies remain small, and it has been difficult to extrapolate meaningful information. OBJECTIVES The intention was to evaluate a large cohort of pediatric robotic patients through a multi-center database in order to determine the frequency and types of complications associated with robotic surgery for pediatric reconstructive and ablative procedures in the United States. STUDY DESIGN After institutional review board approvals at the participating centers, data were retrospectively collected (2007-2011) by each institute and entered into a RedCap(®) database. Available demographic and complication data that were assigned Clavien grading scores were analyzed. RESULTS From a cohort of 858 patients (880 RAL procedures), Grade IIIa and Grade IIIb complications were seen in 41 (4.8%); and one patient (0.1%) had a grade IVa complication. Intraoperative visceral injuries secondary to robotic instrument exchange and traction injury were seen in four (0.5%) patients, with subsequent conversion to an open procedure. Grade I and II complications were seen in 59 (6.9%) and 70 (8.2%) patients, respectively; they were all managed conservatively. A total of 14 (1.6%) were converted to an open or pure laparoscopic procedure, of which, 12 (86%) were secondary to mechanical challenges. DISCUSSION It is believed that this study represents the largest and most comprehensive description of pediatric RAL urological complications to date. The results demonstrate a 4.7% rate of Clavien Grade IIIa and Grade IIIb complications in a total of 880 cases. While small numbers make it difficult to draw conclusions regarding the most complex reconstructive cases (bladder diverticulectomy, bladder neck revision, etc.), the data on the more commonly performed procedures, such as the RAL pyeloplasty and ureteral reimplantation, are robust and more likely represent the true complication rate for these procedures when performed by highly experienced robotic surgeons. CONCLUSION Pediatric robotic urologic procedures are technically feasible and safe. The overall 90-day complication rate is similar to reports of laparoscopic and open surgical procedures. COMPLICATIONS n (%) Life threatening (IVa): 1 (0.1%) Requiring radiologic and or surgical intervention (IIIa and IIIb): 41 (4.8%) Secondary to robotic system: 4 (0.5%) Mechanical failure leading to conversion: 14 (1.6%).

Fetal Hydronephrosis as a Predictor of Neonatal Urologic Outcomes

The ability to predict surgically relevant fetal renal hydronephrosis is limited. We sought to determine the most efficacious second‐ and third‐trimester fetal renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter cutoffs to predict the need for postnatal surgery.

Laparoscopic percutaneous inguinal hernia repair in children: Review of technique and comparison with open surgery

INTRODUCTION Minimally-invasive approaches for inguinal hernia repair have evolved from conventional laparoscopy requiring placement of three ports and intracorporeal suturing to simple, one and two port extraperitoneal closure techniques. We utilize a single port laparoscopic percutaneous repair (LPHR) technique for selected children requiring operative intervention for inguinal hernia. We suspect that compared to open surgery, LPHR offers shorter operative duration with comparable safety and efficacy. Our objectives are to (1) illustrate this technique and (2) compare operative times and surgical outcomes in patients undergoing LPHR versus traditional open repair. METHODS We reviewed operative times, complications, and recurrence rates in 38 patients (49 hernias) who underwent LPHR at our institution between January 2010 and September 2013. These data were compared with an age-, gender-, weight-, and laterality-matched cohort undergoing open repair during the same 3 year period. All cases were performed by a pediatric urologist or pediatric surgeon. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients with a median age of 21.5 months underwent LPHR, and 38 patients with a median age of 23 months underwent open repair. In both groups, 27/38 patients (71%) had unilateral repairs, and 11/38 patients (29%) had bilateral repairs. For unilateral procedures, average operative duration was 25 min for LPHR and 59 min for OHR (p < 0.001). For bilateral procedures, average operative duration was 31 min for LPHR and 79 min for OHR (p < 0.001). There were no intraabdominal injuries in either group. In the LPHR group, there were no vascular or cord structure injuries and no conversions to open technique. Median follow-up was 51 days for the LPHR group and 47 days for the OHR group (p = 0.346). No hernia recurrence was observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS In select patients, LPHR is an efficient, safe, and effective minimally invasive alternative to OHR, with reduced operative times but without increased rates of complications or recurrences. The technique has a short learning curve and is a practical alternative to OHR for pediatric urologists who infrequently utilize pure laparoscopic technique.

The need for additional procedures in patients undergoing proximal hypospadias repairs as reported in the pediatric health information system database.

PURPOSE Using administrative data from freestanding pediatric hospitals in the United States, we characterized the frequency and type of additional procedures required in patients undergoing proximal hypospadias repair in a larger cohort than in published case series across multiple surgeons and institutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS A search of the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database by CPT code between January 1, 2005 and June 30, 2010 identified patients undergoing 1 or 2-stage repair for proximal hypospadias. Patient records with inconsistent coding or the suggestion of an alternate pathological condition were excluded from study. A forward query to June 30, 2011 identified additional hypospadias related interventions by CPT codes. RESULTS We identified 1,679 patients from a total of 37 hospitals. Potential followup was 1 to 6.5 years. One-stage repair was performed in 85.7% of patients at a median age of 10 months. In patients undergoing 2-stage repair the median age at initial repair was 10 months and the median interval between stages was 6 months. Of all patients 26.2% required 1 or more additional interventions beyond definitive repair. Of all additional interventions 84.0% were open, 7.2% were endoscopic treatment for stricture, 0.4% were combined endoscopic and open interventions, and 8.4% were endoscopic evaluation. The median interval from definitive repair to the first intervention was 9 months. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that more than a quarter of patients who underwent proximal hypospadias repair at pediatric hospitals required additional intervention(s) after what was thought to be definitive repair. These data help create a broader context in a contemporary cohort of patients treated with proximal hypospadias repair.

The transition from open to laparoscopic pediatric pyeloplasty: A single-surgeon experience

INTRODUCTION We present outcomes from a single-surgeon experience in a practice that transitioned away from an open towards a strictly laparoscopic approach to the surgical correction of congenital ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients undergoing a dismembered pyeloplasty for UPJ obstruction by one surgeon in 2004-2010. A total of 75 (49 open group (OG), 26 laparoscopic group (LG)) procedures (4 bilateral, 4 re-operative (1 outside institution)) in 67 (66% male, and 73% white) patients were available for review. Median age was 10 months (<1-132) for the OG and 72 months (2-204) for the LG (p < 0.001). The UPJ obstruction was left in 55%, right 34% and bilateral in 11%. A crossing vessel was present in 32% of procedures. None of these values were statistically different in comparing the two cohorts. Patients either had SFU grade IV hydronephrosis, worsening SFU Grade III with tension, or were symptomatic. A total of 36 patients presented symptomatically. Co-morbidities were present in 9%. All patients in the LG were stented post-op compared to 35% in the OG (p < 0.001). Outcome variables assessed included learning curve, post-op result (worse, improved, same), complications, need for intervention and length of stay. The surgeon had some exposure in residency to hand-assisted laparoscopy. In pediatric urology fellowship, all complex procedures were performed open. RESULTS Mean operative time was significantly longer in the LG: 387 min vs 281 min in the OG (p < 0.001). The learning curve trend line for both cohorts demonstrated slight improvement over time, but confidence intervals were wide in both and this trend was not significant. Following surgical intervention, the length of stay was comparable between the two groups with 96% discharged post-op day 1 in LG and 87% in OG (p = 0.2). With a minimal follow-up of 6 months, most patients demonstrated improvement in hydronephrosis (LG 96% vs OG 96%). Re-operation was successfully performed in 3 patients (2 OG, 1 LG) for persistent obstruction. Complications were present in both groups: 14% OG and 8% LG (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS In summary, it is feasible to successfully transition from an open surgical practice towards a strictly laparoscopic approach to the surgical correction of UPJ obstruction. Even in the absence of laparoscopic training in fellowship, the learning curve should be relatively flat with the laparoscopic repair but will always take longer than the open procedure.