Osama Sarhan

Effect of Suturing Technique and Urethral Plate Characteristics on Complication Rate Following Hypospadias Repair: A Prospective Randomized Study

PURPOSE We studied the effect of suturing technique and the impact of urethral plate characteristics on the complication rate following tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS We prospectively studied 80 boys (mean age 4.5 years, range 3 to 7) with primary hypospadias in a randomized fashion between January 2004 and May 2005. Of the patients 64 had anterior and 16 had mid penile hypospadias. Patients were allocated into 2 groups according to suture technique, with continuous sutures used in 40 boys and interrupted sutures in 40. We evaluated urethral plate depth, length and width before and after incision. Correlation between suture technique, plate type, width and length, and complication rate was performed. RESULTS Mean followup was 3 years. Success rates were 90% and 69% for anterior and mid penile hypospadias, respectively (p = 0.037). Complications developed in 11 patients (13.8%) and consisted of fistula (8), dehiscence (2) and meatal stenosis (3). On univariate analysis the suture technique, depth and length of urethral plate, width after incision and presence of hypoplasia had no impact on complication occurrence. However, urethral plate width before incision was significantly related to complication occurrence (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS Suture technique has no influence on the outcome of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. Urethral plate characteristics do not affect the complication rate except for plate width, which significantly affects the outcome. Adequate urethral plate width (8 mm or greater) is essential for successful tubularized incised plate repair.

Posterior Urethral Valves: Multivariate Analysis of Factors Affecting the Final Renal Outcome

PURPOSE Posterior urethral valves represent the most common obstructive uropathy in children with a broad spectrum of clinical severity. We evaluated prognostic variables affecting the outcome of renal function in such children. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 1987 and 2004, 120 patients with a mean age of 2 years with posterior urethral valves were treated initially with valve ablation at our center. We studied certain parameters, including age at presentation, serum creatinine (initial and nadir), initial creatinine clearance, renal ultrasound findings (hydronephrosis and renal parenchymal echogenicity), vesicoureteral reflux on initial voiding cystourethrogram, bladder dysfunction and popoff mechanisms such as the syndrome of large vesical diverticulum, urinoma and ascites. Long-term renal outcome was assessed. RESULTS Followup was 2 to 16 years (median 3.6). Renal insufficiency developed at the end of followup in 44 patients (36.5%). Serum creatinine at hospital admission, nadir serum creatinine, initial creatinine clearance and renal parenchymal echogenicity were significant predictors of the final renal outcome (p < 0.05). Patient age at diagnosis (2 or less vs greater than 2 years), upper tract dilatation, the presence or absence of vesicoureteral reflux, popoff mechanisms and bladder dysfunction had no significant impact on future renal function. On multivariate analysis nadir serum creatinine was the only independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS Our data confirm the high prognostic value of nadir creatinine after primary valve ablation. Also, initial serum creatinine, creatinine clearance and renal parenchymal echogenicity on initial renal ultrasound correlate significantly with long-term renal function in children with posterior urethral valves.

Factors affecting outcome of tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty: Single-center experience with 500 cases

PURPOSE To review our experience of tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty in children with hypospadias defects. METHODS Of 500 children (mean age 6 years) who received a TIP urethroplasty, 439 (87.8%) had primary hypospadias and 61 had one failed previous repair. The hypospadias defects were coronal in 110 (22%), distal penile in 261 (52.2%), midpenile in 78 (15.6%) and proximal in 51 (10.2%). Chordee was present in 98 (19.6%) patients. Presence of complications requiring re-operation and overall general appearance was recorded. RESULTS The mean (SD, range) follow-up was 34 (18, 7-77) months. Overall success rate was 81.4%. Re-operation was required in 93 patients (18.6%); for urethrocutaneous fistula in 47 (9.4%), complete disruption of the repair in 32 (6.4%) and meatal stenosis in 14 (2.8%). In univariate analysis, complications were significantly higher in stented repairs, posterior hypospadias, those with no neourethral coverage (spongioplasty), and repairs early in the study. The last three factors were the only significant independent risk factors in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS TIP is a reliable method for treating both distal and proximal hypospadias and is suitable for both primary and re-operative cases with a low rate of complications. A significantly better outcome is achieved with distal hypospadias, covering the neourethra with the mobilized corpus spongiosum (spongioplasty) or a flap, and experience. Stenting of the repair, patient age, or previous failed repair has no statistically significant impact on outcome.

Comparison of Endourological and Open Cystolithotomy in the Management of Bladder Stones in Children

PURPOSE Vesical stones are common in children in developing countries. Cystolithotomy is the traditional treatment but a percutaneous approach has been advocated. The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively our experience with percutaneous cystolithotomy, cystolitholapaxy and open cystolithotomy in children with bladder stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 107 children (96 boys and 11 girls) with vesical stones were treated at our center between January 1992 and March 2008. Mean patient age at the time of diagnosis was 5 years (range 2 to 15). The patients were stratified retrospectively into 2 groups according to the procedure of stone removal. Group 1 (53 patients) underwent open cystolithotomy, and group 2 (54) underwent endourological treatment via the transurethral route (27) or the suprapubic approach (27). Stone size ranged from 0.7 to 5 cm (mean 2.8). RESULTS In all cases the stones were removed successfully. Operative time was comparable in both groups. The hospital stay was significantly shorter after endourological procedures compared to open surgery (2.6 vs 4.8 days, p <0.05). In the open surgery group 1 patient had a small intestinal injury that necessitated repair, while in the endourological group 2 patients had urinary extravasation (1 urethral and 1 vesical). There were no early or late complications in group 1. In comparison, 4 patients (7.4%) in group 2 had early complications in the form of persistent urinary leakage from the suprapubic site and 1 patient had a bulbous urethral stricture 1 year after transurethral stone disintegration. CONCLUSIONS Open and endourological management of vesical stones in children is efficient, with a low incidence of complications. Endourological management offers a shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery. However, open cystolithotomy seems to be safer.

Perineal anastomotic urethroplasty for managing post-traumatic urethral strictures in children: the long-term outcome

To evaluate the long‐term results of one‐stage perineal anastomotic urethroplasty for post‐traumatic paediatric urethral strictures.

Prognostic value of serum creatinine levels in children with posterior urethral valves treated by primary valve ablation

PURPOSE We evaluated the prognostic value of serum creatinine level at presentation and nadir creatinine during follow up for future renal function (RF) in children with posterior urethral valves (PUV). MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 1987 and 2004, 120 cases of PUV were treated initially at our hospital with valve ablation. Initial assessment included serum creatinine measurement, urine analysis and culture, renal ultrasonography and voiding cystourethrography. After valve ablation, renal ultrasound and serum creatinine measurement were repeated and thereafter during visits until the end of follow up. RESULTS Follow up ranged from 2 to 12 years (mean=4.4). Renal insufficiency (RI) developed at the end of follow up in 44 patients (36.5%). The mean initial and nadir serum creatinine in the RI group was higher than in the normal RF group (P<0.05). With a cut-off value of 1mg/dl for initial and nadir serum creatinine, the incidence of RI was significantly different (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Our data confirm the high prognostic value of nadir serum creatinine after relief of valvular obstruction. Further, the serum creatinine level before valve ablation correlates significantly with long-term RF in children with PUV.

Surgical management of failed pyeloplasty in children: Single-center experience

PURPOSE To evaluate the outcome of secondary surgical procedures for the management of failed pyeloplasty in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 1996 and 2007, 590 cases of primary ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction underwent open dismembered pyeloplasty at our center. Of these patients, 18 (3%) with recurrent UPJ obstruction (14 males, 4 females; age range: 2-15 years) have undergone management of failed pyeloplasty. Secondary intervention was by open operative procedure in all cases. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed. Success was defined as both symptomatic relief and radiographic resolution of obstruction at last follow up. RESULTS Follow up ranged from 8 to 41 months (mean 28). The overall salvage rate was 89%. Secondary reoperative surgery was successful in 16 patients: dismembered pyeloplasty in 14 patients (78%) and ureterocalyceal anastomosis in 2 (11%). Nephrectomy was necessitated in 2 patients (11%). No perioperative complications were encountered. All patients showed stability of renal function on radiological follow up without evidence of obstruction and with no further symptoms. CONCLUSION Persistent UPJ obstruction after pyeloplasty is an uncommon complication. Secondary procedures have a very high success rate with excellent functional results. Nephrectomy is indicated in rare cases of severely deteriorated renal function.

Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rats: The Protective Effect of Arjunolic Acid

In the present study, the effect of arjunolic acid on testicular damage induced by intraperitoneal injection of rats with 7 mg/kg cisplatin was studied. Cisplatin induced a significant reduction in testicular weights, plasma testosterone, and testicular reduced glutathione levels in addition to a significant elevation of testicular malondialdehyde levels and testicular gene expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Lower tubular diameters and depletion of germ cells and irregular small seminiferous tubules with Sertoli cells only were observed in the cisplatin group. Arjunolic acid administration significantly corrected the changes in both biochemical and histopathological parameters. Arjunolic acid plays a significant protective role against cisplatin‐induced testicular injury by attenuating oxidative stress parameters along with downregulation of iNOS, TNF‐α, and p38‐MAPK testicular expressions.

Surgical complications of posterior urethral valve ablation: 20 years experience

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to report the surgical complications that may occur during or after primary ablation of posterior urethral valve (PUV) in a large number of cases treated using different modalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a database of 291 patients with PUV treated by primary valve ablation from 2 separate centers between 1987 and 2006. Primary valve ablation was performed in all patients regardless of serum creatinine level or upper tract configuration. A hot loop resectoscope was used in 122 patients, cold knife urethrotome in 108, a hook diathermy electrode in 18, a diathermy coagulation bugbee electrode in 20, whereas stripping using a Fogarty catheter was performed in 23. RESULTS The follow-up duration ranged from 1.5 to 20 years (median, 6.5). Early postoperative complications occurred in 22 patients (7.5%). The most common complication was urinary retention in 16 patients (5.5%). Urinary extravasations occurred in 3 cases, significant hematuria from urethral bleeding occurred in 2, and obstructive anuria developed in 1 patient. Most of cases were treated conservatively. Urethral strictures developed in 6 patients (2%) mainly after endoscopic loop resection (4/6). All were treated by visual internal urethrotomy and urethral dilatation with successful results without the need of open urethroplasty. CONCLUSIONS Primary valve ablation seems to be safe and is associated with low rate of postoperative complications. All the complications could be treated conservatively. Urethral stricture may occur after valve ablation in a minority of cases and can be successfully treated endoscopically. Loop resection is associated with more strictures.

Multicystic dysplastic kidney: Impact of imaging modality selection on the initial management and prognosis

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of imaging modalities on the evaluation and prognosis of children with multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of all children with MCDK diagnosed from 2004 until 2012 was performed. The study included 63 patients for whom all postnatal imaging modalities were available: renal bladder ultrasound (RBUS), dimercaptosuccinic acid scan (DMSA) and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). Cases with major congenital abnormalities or incomplete data were excluded. Abnormalities in the contralateral kidney and the fate of MCDK were also addressed. RESULTS At diagnosis, the average age was four-and-a-half months. The majority of cases were detected antenatally (87%). Postnatal RBUS and DMSA scans established the diagnosis of MCDK in 92% and 98% of patients, respectively. DMSA showed photopenic areas in the contralateral kidneys in 10% of patients; all of them had hydronephrosis and were confirmed to have vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Contralateral VUR was detected in 16 patients; 63% of them had hydronephrosis. After a mean follow-up of three-and-a-half years, involution occurred in 62% of patients and the involution rate was inversely proportional to the initial size. CONCLUSIONS The classical appearance of MCDK on RBUS was sufficient to establish the diagnosis in most patients. DMSA scan was more accurate in confirming the diagnosis and evaluating the contralateral kidney. Selective screening for VUR in patients with contralateral hydronephrotic kidney should be considered.