Minki Baek

Efficacy of Desmopressin and Enuresis Alarm as First and Second Line Treatment for Primary Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis: Prospective Randomized Crossover Study

PURPOSE We compared the efficacy of desmopressin and enuresis alarm as first and second line treatment options for monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 104 children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis were randomly assigned to either desmopressin (54) or enuresis alarm (50) as first line treatment. Following 12 weeks of first line treatment children with a full response were evaluated for relapse 12 weeks after withdrawal of treatment. Children with partial or no response were switched to the alternative treatment and then evaluated after 12 weeks of crossover treatment. Relapse was defined as more than 1 episode of bedwetting monthly. RESULTS Following first line treatment 77.8% of the desmopressin group and 82% of the enuresis alarm group achieved a successful result, including full response in 37% and 50% of the groups, respectively (p=0.433). Of the children with a full response 50% in the desmopressin group and 12% in the enuresis alarm group experienced a relapse when treatment stopped (p=0.005). Following second line crossover treatment 71.4% of the enuresis alarm-desmopressin group and 67.8% of the desmopressin-enuresis alarm group achieved a successful result, including full response in 47.6% and 45.2% of the groups, respectively (p=0.961). CONCLUSIONS There was no difference between desmopressin and enuresis alarm during treatment for achieving dryness, but the chance of relapse after treatment stopped was higher following desmopressin. Switching to the alternative treatment following partial or no response provided an additional benefit.

Efficacy and Safety of a Novel, Double-Layered, Coated, Self-Expandable Metallic Mesh Stent (Uventa™) in Malignant Ureteral Obstructions

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is a common condition and an intractable situation for patients with advanced cancer. There is currently no ideal ureteral stent to release the obstruction. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a novel, double-layered, coated, self-expandable metallic mesh stent (Uventa(™)) in MUO. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a retrospective design, a total of 71 ureter units (54 patients) were included from December 2009 to March 2012. Indications were those who had MUO with a polymeric Double-J stent malfunction, severe polymeric stent irritation, or severe pain during periodic stent change. Patients underwent Uventa placement using a retrograde approach. RESULTS All stents were positioned at the proper site without procedure-related complications. The overall success (no obstruction and no additional intervention except supplementary Uventa placement) and primary success (no obstruction and no additional intervention) rates were 81.7% (58/71 ureter units) and 64.8% (46/71 ureter units) during the follow-up period, which had a median of 308 (35-802) days. The most common reason for primary failure was tumor progression beyond the stent segment (75.0%), followed by reactive hyperplasia at the stent tips (12.5%), bladder invasion of the primary tumor (8.0%), and stent-related pain (8.0%). Twelve patients had overall success after secondary Uventa placement. There were no severe complications. The complications included persistent flank pain (15.5%), lower urinary tract symptoms (7.0%), acute pyelonephritis (2.8%), stent migration (2.8%), and persistent hematuria (2.8%). CONCLUSIONS These data show that Uventa can be an effective and safe option for palliative treatment of patients with MUO in a large series of patients.

Nationwide survey to evaluate the prevalence of varicoceles in South Korean middle school boys: A population based study

Objective:  We carried out a nationwide epidemiological study to evaluate the prevalence and effect of varicoceles on testicular volume in South Korean adolescents. We also investigated the correlation between varicoceles and body mass index (BMI).

Long-term Outcomes of Dismembered Pyeloplasty for Midline-crossing Giant Hydronephrosis Caused by Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Children

OBJECTIVES To assess the long-term surgical outcomes of dismembered pyeloplasty for congenital midline-crossing giant hydronephrosis (GH) caused by ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). METHODS From June 1986 to September 2005, 167 unilateral UPJO pediatric patients who underwent dismembered pyeloplasty performed by a single surgeon were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were followed up for more than 5 years. Differential renal function (DRF) assessed by DTPA renal scan more than 3 years postoperatively was compared between GH and non-GH children. Improvement in renal parenchymal thickness (RPT) on ultrasonography at 5 years postsurgery was also compared. In GH children, surgical outcomes were compared based on the age at operation and whether preoperative nephrostomy was performed. RESULTS DRF measured more than 3 years postoperatively was 33 ± 14% versus 48 ± 12% (P < .05), and the improvement of RPT was 4 ± 2 mm (181%) versus 5 ± 4 mm (168%) in GH (n = 25) and non-GH (n = 142) children, respectively (P = .305). GH patients who underwent pyeloplasty before 12 months of age (n = 13) experienced more improvement in RPT (192% vs 102%) compared with GH patients who underwent surgery after 12 months of age (n = 12) (P < .05). The surgical outcomes for RPT improvement or long-term DRF were not different based on whether preoperative nephrostomy was performed. No children developed hypertension or elevated serum creatinine. CONCLUSIONS Long-term surgical outcomes after dismembered pyeloplasty for GH were satisfactory. In children with GH caused by UPJO, early relief of obstruction allows comparable nephron sparing.

The Efficacy of Enuresis Alarm Treatment in Pharmacotherapy-Resistant Nocturnal Enuresis

OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of enuresis alarm (EA) treatment in pharmacotherapy-resistant nocturnal enuresis (PRNE). MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective study was performed in children who received EA treatment as a form of combination treatment for PRNE from June 1999 to December 2007. The children included 54 monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) children who had partial response or nonresponse to desmopressin (group 1), 25 nonmonosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (NMNE) children who had partial response or nonresponse to extended release oxybutynin plus desmopressin (group 2), and 21 MNE or NMNE children who relapsed after responding fully to first-line pharmacotherapy (group 3). EA treatment outcomes were determined as outlined by the International Childrens Continence Society Standardisation Committee. RESULTS Overall, 50% and 53.7%, 40%, and 52.4% of children in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, responded fully to EA treatment (no significant differences). In groups 1 and 2, 54.4% (31/57) of the partial responders and 36.4% (8/22) of the nonresponders showed full response (FR) after EA treatment was initiated. Of the children with small bladder capacities, 56.7% showed FR. Of the full responders in each group, 60.7%, 88.9%, and 54.5% of groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, did not have relapse 6 months after cessation of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Overall, half of the total population achieved FR, and continued success was observed in more than half of full responders irrespective of the groups. Thus, adding EA treatment to pharmacotherapy is an effective second-line therapeutic strategy for children with PRNE.

A Nationwide Epidemiological Study of Nocturnal Enuresis in Korean Adolescents and Adults: Population Based Cross Sectional Study

We performed a nationwide epidemiological study to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of nocturnal enuresis (NE) in Korean adolescents and adults. A questionnaire was sent via e-mail to 51,073 people aged 16-40 yr by stratified sampling according to age, sex, and region among a 200,000 internet survey panel pool. The questionnaire included following information; presence or absence of NE, frequency of NE, possible risk factors for NE, self-esteem scale score and depression score results, and measures for the treatment of NE. Among the 2,117 responders, 54 (2.6%) had NE (≥1 enuretic episode within 6 months). Of 54 bedwetters, 9.3% wet ≥1 night per week and 20.5% wet ≥1 per month. The prevalence rates remained relatively stable with no apparent trend of reduction with age. The presence of sleep disturbance, family history, urgency, or urge incontinence increased the probability of NE episode significantly. The self-esteem score was lower (P=0.053) and the depression scale score was higher (P=0.003) in bedwetters compared with non-bedwetters. Overall 2.6% of Korean aged 16-40 yr have NE. The higher rate of urgency and urge incontinence in adolescent and adult enuretics suggests that bladder function has an important role in adolescent and adult NE.

Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Pyeloplasty Using Additional 2 mm Instruments: A Comparison with Conventional Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty

Purpose Despite a recent surge in the performance of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), concerns remain about performing LESS pyeloplasty (LESS-P) because of the technical difficulty in suturing. We report our techniques and initial experiences with LESS-P using additional needlescopic instruments and compare the results with conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty (CL-P). Materials and Methods Nine patients undergoing LESS-P were matched 2:1 with regard to age and side of surgery to a previous cohort of 18 patients who underwent CL-P. In both groups, the operating procedures were performed equally except for the number of access points. In the LESS-P group, we made a single 2 cm incision at the umbilicus and used a homemade port. We also used additional 2 mm needlescopic instruments at the subcostal area to facilitate suturing and the ureteral stenting. Results The preoperative characteristics were comparable in both groups. Postoperatively, no significant differences were noted between the LESS-P and CL-P cases in regard to length of stay, estimated blood loss, analgesics required, and complications. But, LESS-P was associated with a shorter operative time (252.2 vs. 309.7 minutes, p=0.044) and less pain on postoperative day one (numeric rating scale 3.7 vs. 5.6, p=0.024). The success rate was 94% with CL-P (median, 23 months) and 100% with LESS-P (median, 14 months). Conclusions Our initial experiences suggest that LESS-P is a feasible and safe procedure. The use of additional 2 mm instruments can help to overcome the difficulties associated with LESS surgery.

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Extravesical Ureteral Reimplantation in Children: Top-Down Suturing Technique Without Stent Placement

Extravesical robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation in children is a challenging procedure. Our top-down suturing technique facilitates this reconstructive surgery. After mobilization of the ureter without the use of ureteral stent placement, the detrusor muscle is divided. Once adequate muscle flaps are raised, the ureter is placed into its new muscle tunnel. Unlike previously described techniques, the top-down suturing approach involves placement of the first detrusor stitch at the superior aspect. This allows the ureter to be elevated out of harms way and in a tension-free manner. The rest of the detrusor reapproximation is performed in a top-down approach with interrupted sutures without the need for ureteral elevation or manipulation. This technique facilitates the suturing process and decreases trauma to the ureter with less instrument contact. This helps to prevent potential complications and improve success rates associated with this procedure.

Efficacy and Safety of Propiverine in Children with Overactive Bladder

Purpose Antimuscarinic therapy remains one of the most common forms of therapy for overactive bladder (OAB) in children. However, few clinical studies on the outcomes of antimuscarinics in children with OAB have been published. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of propiverine, which is frequently prescribed for the treatment of pediatric OAB. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed children with OAB treated with propiverine within the past 5 years. The response rates were compared between the non-urge incontinence (non-UI) and urge incontinence (UI groups). The cumulative response rate by treatment duration was also compared between the two groups. Results Among a total of 68 children, 50 children (73.5%) experienced UI. The overall response rate was 86.8%. Functional bladder capacity after treatment was 150 ml, which represented an increase compared with the value (140 ml) before treatment. The voiding frequency per day decreased from 14.0 to 8.5 times. The overall response rate (88.0%) in the non-UI group was not significantly different from that seen in the UI group (83.3%; p>0.05). In non-UI children, the cumulative response rates were 36.0%, 54.0%, 68.0%, 74.0%, 76.0%, and 78.0% at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks, respectively. The cumulative response rates in the UI children were 11.1%, 33.3%, 44.4%, 50.0%, 50.0%, and 55.6%, respectively during the same respective time periods. Adverse effects were identified in only two (2.9%) patients, and neither case was severe. Conclusions Propiverine is effective and well tolerated as a treatment for children suffering from OAB with or without UI.

Preventive effects of cyclosporine a combined with prednisolone and melatonin on contralateral testicular damage after ipsilateral torsion-detorsion in pubertal and adult rats.

PURPOSE We compared the preventive effects of cyclosporine A combined with prednisolone and melatonin (Sigma-Aldrich) on damage to the contralateral testis after ipsilateral testicular torsion-detorsion between pubertal and adult rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS We divided pubertal and adult Sprague-Dawley rats into groups 1-sham operation, 2-detorsion, 3-detorsion plus cyclosporine A with prednisolone and 4-detorsion plus melatonin. After 4 hours of ipsilateral testicular torsion we treated the rats with detorsion only or with detorsion plus drug depending on the group. RESULTS Seminiferous tubule diameter and germ cell layer thickness were greater in pubertal group 3 and adult group 4 than at each age in group 2 (each p <0.05). The number of spermatids per tubule was greater in pubertal groups 3 and 4, and in adult group 4 than at each age in group 2 (each p <0.05). Of pubertal rats those in groups 3 and 4 had fewer TUNEL positive cells than group 2 (p = 0.061 and 0.057, respectively). Of adult rats the number of TUNEL positive cells was greater in group 3 and significantly lower in group 4 vs that in group 2 (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS The preventive effects of cyclosporine A combined with prednisolone on contralateral testicular damage were noted only in pubertal rats while the preventive effects of melatonin were noted in pubertal and adult rats. Results suggest that damage to the contralateral testis induced by an immunological mechanism may be more significant during puberty than during adulthood.