Sanjoy Kumar Sureka

Transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation in pediatric overactive bladder: A preliminary report

BACKGROUND Non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB) is a common problem in children that may affect their quality of life. Various methods of neuromodulation have been reported to treat refractory lower urinary tract dysfunction. Since most of these techniques are invasive, they are less applicable in children. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous PTNS in treatment of OAB in children, in a randomized clinical setting. STUDY DESIGN This study was single-blinded, prospective, sham controlled randomized trial. 40 children with non-neurogenic OAB refractory to behavioural and anticholinergic therapy were randomized either to test group or sham group. Neuromodulation was performed using two self-adhesive electrodes cephalad to medial malleolus. In test group the stimulation was given with voltage pulse intensity of 0 to 10 mA, pulse width of 200 μs and frequency of 20 Hz. In sham group patch electrodes were applied to simulate the test group but no stimulation was given. In both groups, weekly session of 30 min was given for a period of 12 weeks. The OAB symptoms, severity of incontinence, number of voids daily (NV), average voided volume (AVV) and maximum voided volume (MVV) were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS On assessment of subjective improvement of OAB symptoms, 66.66% patients reported cure and 23.81% patients reported significant improvement of symptoms in test group whereas in sham group only 6.25% patients reported significant improvement. In test group 71.42% patients reported complete improvement in incontinence whereas in sham group only 12.5% patient reported complete improvement. The AVV, MVV and NV improved significantly in test group (p <0.001) as compared to sham group (Table). DISCUSSION The present study is unique as none of the earlier studies in children were sham controlled. It is also first PTNS study in which patch electrodes were used; therefore it is completely noninvasive. This technique provides better patient acceptability and compliance. This study proved that, there is a definite effect of PTNS as compared to placebo because when patients from sham group were treated actively, they responded well. The present study has few limitations as it has relatively short follow-up period of 12 weeks. Relapse of OAB symptoms and maintenance schedule of PTNS need to be assessed further. CONCLUSION Transcutaneous PTNS is superior to placebo in treatment of non-neurogenic overactive bladder in children. In view of its effectiveness and acceptability we believe that transcutaneous PTNS should be part of pediatric urology armamentarium for treatment of OAB.

Is en-bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumor for non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma better than conventional technique in terms of recurrence and progression?: A prospective study

Purpose: Conventional, transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) involves piecemeal resection of the tumor and has a very high recurrence rate. We evaluated the outcome of en-bloc TURBT (ET) in comparison with conventional TURBT (CT) in non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma in terms of recurrencew and progression. Materials and Methods: From September 2007 to June 2011, in a prospective non-randomized interventional setting, ET was compared with CT in patients with solitary tumor of 2-4 cm size in terms of recurrence and progression. Pedunculated tumors, size >4 cm, tumors with associated hydroureteronephrosis and biopsy specimen with absent detrusor muscles were excluded. Fishers exact test and survival analyses were used to compare the demography and the outcome. Results: A total of 21 patients of ET were compared with 24 patients of CT. Mean tumor size was 2.8 cm in ET and 3.3 cm in CT group. Location of tumor, stage and grade were comparable in both groups. Recurrence rate was 28.6% versus 62.5% (P = 0.03) and progression rate was 19% versus 33.3% (P = 0.32) in ET versus CT group respectively. Recurrence free survival was 45.1 (95% CI: 19.0-38 months) and 28.5 (95% CI: 35.4-54.7 months) in ET and CT group (P = 0.018). Progression free survival in ET and CT was 48.32 (95% CI: 35.5-53.0 months) and 44.26 (95% CI: 39.0-57.5 months), P = 0.46. Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in the recurrence rate and time to recurrence with ET. Rate of progression was also relatively less with ET, though not statistically significant.

Ureterocalicostomy for Reconstruction of Complicated Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Adults: Long-Term Outcome and Factors Predicting Failure in a Contemporary Cohort

Purpose: Ureterocalicostomy is a well established treatment option in patients who have recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction with postoperative fibrosis and a relatively inaccessible renal pelvis. We evaluated the long‐term outcome of ureterocalicostomy and factors predicting its failure. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data on 72 patients who underwent open or laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy from 2000 to 2014. Variables that may affect the outcomes of ureterocalicostomy were assessed with regard to primary pathology findings, patient age, serum creatinine, preoperative renal size (less than and greater than 15 cm), renal cortical thickness (less than and greater than 5 mm), hydronephrosis grade and preoperative renal function (glomerular filtration rate less than and greater than 20 ml/minute/1.73 m2). The surgery outcome was calculated in terms of success or failure. Factors predicting failure were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Failure was defined as an additional procedure required postoperatively due to persistent symptoms and/or followup renal scan showing persistent significant obstruction with deterioration of renal function on at least 2 occasions 3 months apart. Patients with less than 2‐year followup were excluded from study. Results: We analyzed data on 72 patients who underwent ureterocalicostomy during this period. Mean ± SD age of the study group was 28.9 ± 12.3 years and mean baseline serum creatinine was 1.1 ± 0.3 mg/dl. The mean glomerular filtration rate was 27.8 ± 11.6 ml/minute/1.73 m2 and mean cortical thickness of the operated kidney was 7 ± 3.86 mm. Common indications for ureterocalicostomy were failed previous pyeloplasty and/or endopyelotomy in 35 patients (48.6%) and secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction after pyelolithotomy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 24 (33.3%). The most common complication was urinary tract infection, which was seen in 22 patients (30.6%). At a mean followup of 60.3 ± 13.6 months 50 patients (69.5%) had a successful outcome. Treatment failed in 22 patients (30.5%), including 6 who required nephrectomy, while 13 were treated with frequent changes of Double‐J® stents or with balloon dilation. In 3 patients ureterocalicostomy was repeated. The rate of failed ureterocalicostomy was higher in patients with a low preoperative glomerular filtration rate (less than 20 ml/minute/1.73 m2), attenuated cortical thickness (less than 5 mm) and higher creatinine (greater than 1.7 mg/dl) on univariate analysis. However, on multivariate analysis poor cortical thickness and a low glomerular filtration rate were independent predictors of failure. Conclusions: Ureterocalicostomy is an acceptable salvage option with a satisfactory long‐term outcome. Patients with a low preoperative glomerular filtration rate (less than 20 ml/minute/1.73 m2) and a thinned out cortex (less than 5 mm) showed a poor outcome after ureterocalicostomy.

Spiral laminar flow, the earliest predictor for maturation of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis access.

Introduction: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the gold standard vascular access for hemodialysis (HD). A thrill or murmur immediately after creation of AVF is considered a predictive sign of success. However, this does not ensure final maturation for successful HD. Our objective was to determine different clinical and duplex parameters within AVF to predict maturation and subsequent successful HD. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 187 patients who had AVF formation from July 2012 to May 2013. Following surgery, all patients had Doppler ultrasound (DU) on Days 0 and 7. Doppler parameters noted in the outflow vein were: Thrill, broadening of spectral waveform with increased peak systolic velocity (PSV) and spiral laminar flow (SLF). Patients with at least one positive parameter at Day 0 were followed-up serially and underwent repeat Doppler imaging on Day 7. Patients with the absence of all three parameters on Day 0 were excluded from the study. Endpoint was maturation of AVF, i.e. successful HD. Statistical analysis was performed with binary logistic regression, to find out the strongest and earliest predictor for maturation of AVF using SPSS version 20. Results: SLF and broadening of spectral waveform with increased PSV were found to have a significant association with maturation (P = 0.0001). Presence of SLF on Day 0 most strongly predicted maturation. Presence of thrill or murmur could not predict the maturation. Conclusions: SLF pattern in AVF is the most important and the earliest predictor of maturation.

Predictors for recurrence after urethroplasty in pediatric and adolescent stricture urethra.

OBJECTIVE This study aims at evaluating factors predicting recurrence of urethral stricture following urethroplasty in pediatric patients at a tertiary care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-two patients of up to 18 years of age, who underwent urethroplasty, were reviewed. Duration of symptoms, etiology, previous intervention, and site of stricture, surgical modality, stricture length, and spongiofibrosis at stricture site, recurrence, and ancillary procedures required were recorded. RESULTS Forty-two (82.76%) patients (Group I) had recurrence-free course on follow-up. Of the 10 patients with recurrence (Group II), 9 had PTS and 1 had IS (p = 0.04). Most of the factors evaluated did not differ statistically between the groups; however, length of stricture (1.8 vs. 4.3 cm, p < 0.001) and degree of spongiofibrosis (61% vs. 90%, p = 0.003) were significantly different. Seven patients with recurrence were managed with single procedures, but three required multiple procedures because of multiple recurrences. History of incision and drainage for paraurethral abscess was significantly higher (28.6% vs. 100%, p = 0.002) in patients who had multiple recurrences. CONCLUSIONS Etiology, fibrosis at local site, and stricture length have significant impact on recurrence of pediatric urethral stricture disease. Associated paraurethral abscess may further compromise the outcome of urethroplasty.

Impact of changing trends in technique and learning curve on outcome of hypospadias repair: An experience from tertiary care center

Introduction: Apart from numerous clinical factors, surgical experience and technique are important determinants of hypospadias repair outcome. This study was aimed to evaluate the learning curve of hypospadias repair and the impact of changing trends in surgical techniques on the success of primary hypospadias repair. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed of data of 324 patients who underwent primary repair of hypospadias between January 1997 and December 2013 at our center. During the initial 8 years, repairs were performed by multiple 5 different urologists. From 2005 onwards, all procedures were performed by a single urologist. The study cohorts was categorized into three groups; Group I, surgeries performed between 1997–2004 by multiple surgeons, Group II, between 2005–2006 during the initial learning curve of a single surgeon, and Group III, from 2007 onwards after completion of the learning curve of the single surgeon. The groups were compared in respect to surgical techniques, overall success and complications. Results: Overall 296 patients fulfilled the inclusion criterion, 93 (31.4%), 50 (16.9%), and 153 (51.7%) in Group I, II, and III, respectively. Overall success was achieved in 60 (64.5%), 32 (64%), and 128 (83.7%) patients among the three groups respectively (P < 0.01). Nineteen (20.4%), 20 (40%), and 96 (62.7%) patients underwent tubularized incised plate repair in Group I, II, and III, with successful outcome in 12 (63.2%), 15 (75%), and 91 (94.8%) patients, respectively (P < 0.01). The most common complication among all groups was urethrocutaneous fistula, 20 (21.5%) in Group I, 11 (22%) in Group II, and 17 (11.1%) in Group III. Conclusion: There is a learning curve for attaining surgical skills in hypospadias surgery. Surgeons dedicated for this surgery provide better results. Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty appear promising in both distal and proximal type hypospadias.

Is frozen section analysis of the urethra at the time of radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder urinary diversion mandatory

Introduction: This study was aimed at analyzing the need for routine use of frozen section analysis (FSA) before performing orthotopic neobladder (ONB) after radical cystectomy for carcinoma urinary bladder. Materials and Methods: A total of 233 patients underwent radical cystectomy from January 2000 to June 2013. Of these, 151 (65.6%) patients were planned for ONB. In the initial 109 (72%) patients, FSA of urethral margin was performed, but, in the subsequent 42 (28%) patients, frozen section of urethral margin was not sent. Impact of hydroureteronephrosis, tumor size and location of tumor in relation to the bladder neck on the status of the urethral margin was analyzed. Results: Only three of the 109 (2.7%) patients had a positive urethral margin. Two of them had ileal conduit and one, after negative re-resection, had ONB. Although none of the factors was found to be significant, all three patients with a positive urethral margin had growth at the bladder neck and died of cancer at a mean follow up of 29.33 ± 18.3 months, without urethral recurrence. Among the negative FSA (106), two patients had recurrence in the penile urethra. The mean follow-up was 46.3 ± 25.1 months. None of the patients without FSA (42) had urethral recurrence at the mean follow-up of 36 ± 9.3 months. Of the 28 patients who had their growth located at the bladder neck, three had positive FSA, while none with growth away from the bladder neck had positive FSA. Conclusion: Routine FSA of the urethra before performing ONB can be avoided in those patients where the tumor does not reach the bladder neck.

Prevention of Orchialgia After Left-Sided Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy—A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Etiology of orchialgia or testicular pain after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) has been found to be related to injury of the spermatic plexus during gonadal (testicular) vein (GV) or ureteral ligation. This study aimed to evaluate and validate the impact of the level of ligation of GV and ureter in relation to the crossing of iliac vessels (CIV) on incidence of orchialgia. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective study was conducted on 70 males who underwent left LDN from January 2008 to December 2010 (group A) to determine the correlation between orchialgia and level of ligation of the GV and ureter with respect to CIV; this revealed that the ligation of the GV and/or ureter above the level of the CIV (level 1, n=40) is less likely to cause orchialgia than ligating them at or below (level 2, n=30). Subsequently, in 45 male patients (group B) for left LDN from January 2011 to June 2013, we ensured that clipping of the ureter and GV be performed above the CIV to validate the above findings. Patients with a history of scrotal pathology or surgical procedure were excluded. One-sided Z-test with pooled variance was used to calculate the sample size. RESULTS In group A, orchialgia was seen in 10 (14.3%) patients. The clipping of the ureter and GV at level 2 (orchialgia, n=9) was associated with a significantly higher incidence of orchialgia than clipping them at level 1 (orchialgia, n=1) (P=0.001,95% confidence interval=0.0707 to 0.2471). In group B, 43 patients were finally analyzed, and none had orchialgia. CONCLUSION The level of ligation of the GV and ureter has significant impact on the incidence of orchialgia. Ipsilateral testicular pain in patients with left-sided LDN is preventable, if the ureter and GV are ligated or clipped above the level of iliac vessels bifurcation.

Management of venous hypertension following arteriovenous fistula creation for hemodialysis access

Introduction: Venous hypertension (VH) is a distressing complication following the creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The aim of management is to relieve edema with preservation of AVF. Extensive edema increases surgical morbidity with the loss of hemodialysis access. We present our experience in management of VH. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 37 patients with VH managed between July 2005 to May 2014. Patient demographics, evaluation, and procedures performed were noted. A successful outcome of management with surgical ligation (SL), angioembolization (AE), balloon dilatation (BD) or endovascular stent (EVS) was defined by immediate disappearance of thrill and murmur with resolution of edema in the next 48-72 h, no demonstrable flow during check angiogram and resolution of edema with preservation of AVF respectively. Results: All 8 distal AVF had peripheral venous stenosis and were managed with SL in 7 and BD in one patient. In 29 proximal AVF, central and peripheral venous stenosis was present in 16 and 13 patients respectively. SL, AE, BD, and BD with EVS were done in 18, 5, 4, and 3 patients, respectively. All patients had a successful outcome. SL was associated with wound related complications in 11 (29.73 %) patients. A total of 7 AVF were salvaged. One had restenosis after BD and was managed with AE. BD, EVS, and AE had no associated morbidity. Conclusions: Management of central and peripheral venous stenosis with VH should be individualized and in selected cases it seems preferable to secure a new access in another limb and close the native AVF in edematous limb for better overall outcome.

An audit of early complications of radical cystectomy using Clavien-Dindo classification

Introduction: Despite the major improvements in surgical technique and perioperative care, radical cystectomy (RC) remains a major operative procedure with a significant morbidity and mortality. The present study analyzes the early complications of RC and urinary diversion using a standardized reporting system. Materials and Methods: Modified Clavien-Dindo classification was used to retrospectively assess the peri-operative course of 212 patients who had RC with urinary diversion between October 2003 and October 2014 at a single institution. The indications for surgery were muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma, high-grade nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (BC), and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-resistant nonmuscle invasive BCs. Data on age, sex, comorbidities, smoking history, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, and peri-operative complications (up to 90 days) were captured. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software (Chicago, USA). Results: The mean age was 56.15 ΁ 10.82. Orthotopic neobladder was created in 113 patients, ileal conduit in 88 patients, and cutaneous ureterostomy in 11 patients. A total of 292 complications were recorded in 136/212 patients. 242 complications (81.16%) occurred in the first 30 days, with the remaining 50 complications (18.83%) occurring thereafter. The rates for overall complication were 64.1%. The most common complications were hematologic (21.6%). Most of the complications were of Grade I and II (22.9% and 48.9%, respectively). Grade IIIa, IIIb, IVa, IVb, and V complications were observed in 10.2%, 8.9%, 3.4%, 2.7%, and 2.7% of the patients, respectively. Conclusions: RC and urinary diversion are associated with significant morbidity. This audit would help in setting a benchmark for further improvement in the outcome.