Surgical Outcome Analysis of Pneumovesicoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation and Endoscopic Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children: A Multicenter 12-Year Review

Endoscopic injection vs anti-reflux surgery for moderate- and high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in children: a cost-effectiveness international study

Even if vesicoureteral reflux is a common condition in children, there are no guidelines about the best therapeutic approach. This study aims to compare the results of endoscopic injection and ureteral reimplantation in children with grade III, IV and V VUR. A multicenter retrospective study included children with grade III, IV and V VUR treated from 2003 to 2018 at three Departments of Pediatric Surgery. Patients were divided into Group A (endoscopic injections) and Group B (anti-reflux surgery), B1 (open, OUR), B2 (laparoscopic, LUR) and B3 (robot-assisted laparoscopic RALUR). Follow-up was at least 5 years. 400 patients were included, 232 (58%) in group A and 168 (42%) in group B. Mean age at surgery was 38.6 months [3.1-218.7]. Mean follow-up was 177.8 months [60-240]. Group A had shorter operative time than group B (P < 0.01); lower analgesic requirement (p < 0.05), shorter hospital stay (P < 0.05) and lower overall costs (p < 0.05), but higher postoperative PNPs (p < 0.01), lower success rate (p < 0.01) and higher redo-surgery percentage (p < 0.01). No differences in terms of postoperative complications, success rate and mean radiation exposure between the two groups. Endoscopy is associated with shorter operative time, shorter hospitalization and lower cost, also in case of multiple injections. Recurrence rate after surgery is lower meaning lower rate of re-hospitalization and radiation exposure for children.

Advancements in Surgical Management of Megaureters

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review and describe the recent evolution of surgery for the various types of pediatric megaureter.

RECENT FINDINGS

Megaureter management first relies on determining the underlying cause, whether by obstruction, reflux, or a combination, and then setting appropriate surgical indications because many cases do not require surgery as shown by observation studies. Endoscopic balloon dilation has been on the rise as a major treatment option for obstructive megaureter, while refluxing megaureters can also be treated by laparoscopic and robotic techniques, whether extravesically or transvesicoscopically. During ureteral reimplantation, tapering is sometimes necessary to address the enlarged ureter, but there are also considerations for not tapering or for tapering alternatives. Endoscopic and minimally invasive surgeries for megaureter have been the predominant focus of recent megaureter literature. These techniques still need collaborative prospective studies to better define which surgeries are best for patients needing megaureter interventions.

Successful rescue pneumovesicoscopic surgery for post-Deflux® vesicoureteral junction obstruction

BACKGROUND

Vesicoureteral junction (VUJ) obstruction after Deflux® subureteral injection for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is rare and minimally invasive management has not been reported. This work investigated the patients who underwent Deflux® injection for VUR and identified those with subsequent VUJ obstruction.

METHODS

Medical records of matched patients from October 2003 to March 2022 were reviewed, and parameters were retrospectively studied. All patients underwent Deflux® injection. The injection was performed under general anesthesia using the same manner. For patients complicated with VUJ obstruction, the symptoms, signs, management, images, renal ultrasounds, Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy, histology of VUJ region, and outcomes were documented and reported. VUJ stenosis was diagnosed by performing renal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

Totally 407 patients (554 ureterorenal units) received Dx/HA injections for VUR. VUJ obstruction was found in three patients (four ureterorenal units). Originally, three were grade V VUR, and one was grade IV. The repeated injection was not a risk factor for VUJ obstruction. The overall incidence of VUJ obstruction post-Dx/HA injection was 0.7% by ureter. The incidences were 0%, 0.75%, and 2.25% for grade I-III, IV, and V VUR, respectively. After the initial conversion case of pneumovesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation, the procedure was performed smoothly and successfully in the two following cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Pneumovesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation offers an alternative for VUJ obstruction following Dx/HA injection for VUR. Fibrosis and foreign-body reaction may influence the feasibility. High-grade VUR and young age of injection were related to VUJ obstruction.

Effect of pneumovesicoscopic cohen surgery with adjustable suspension technique through the urethra on the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux disease in infants

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pneumovesicoscopic Cohen surgery with an adjustable suspension technique through the urethra for the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux disease in infants.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 31 infants who underwent pneumovesicoscopic Cohen surgery with an adjustable suspension technique through the urethra in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. We also collected the clinical data of 29 infants who underwent open Cohen surgery in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2018 as a control variable. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared.

RESULT

All pneumovesicoscopic Cohen surgeries were successfully completed and no patients were converted to open surgery. The amount of bleeding, duration of postoperative analgesia, duration of postoperative haematuria, incision size and length of hospital stay in the pneumovesicoscopic surgery group were significantly lower than those in the open surgery group (P < 0.05). The operation time of the pneumovesicoscopic surgery group was significantly longer than that of the open surgery group (P < 0.05). Both groups were followed for six months after surgery. At the 6-month follow-up time, there were no significant differences in the degree of hydronephrosis, renal scarring, renal atrophy, glomerular filtration rate, or KIM-1 and MCP-1 expression between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pneumovesicoscopic Cohen surgery with an adjustable suspension technique through the urethra for the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux disease in infants was safe and effective. This procedure had the advantages of less trauma, quick recovery and good cosmetic effects.

Transvesicoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation for Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children: Does Prior Failed Endoscopic Injection Impact Outcome?

Purpose: Transvesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation (TVUR) for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a technically demanding operation. The technical difficulty is further increased by previous failed endoscopic injection, which causes intense fibrosis around the ureter. In this study, we compared primary TVUR with TVUR after previous failed endoscopic injection for VUR. Materials and Methods: The records of all children undergoing TVUR by a single surgeon over a 4-year period were analyzed. The children were divided into group 1 (primary TVUR, n = 50) and group 2 (TVUR after previous failed endoscopic treatment of Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid, n = 7). Demographic, clinical, radiologic, operative and follow-up data were compared between the two groups. The results were analyzed by statistical software; Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's exact test were used where appropriate, and P < .05 was considered significant. Results: Both the groups were comparable with respect to age and mean VUR grade. The mean VUR grade was significantly higher in group 1 and mean operative time per ureter was significantly more for group 2 than group 1. The postoperative hospital stay, success of TVUR, and complications were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of its kind. TVUR after previous failed endoscopic injection could be done safely with good success, but with longer operative time than primary TVUR even in expert hands. Hence, previous failed endoscopic injection is not a contraindication to TVUR.

Pneumovesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation with intravesical tailoring of obstructive megaureter in pediatric patient

INTRODUCTION

According to available data, there are only few articles describing pneumovesicoscopic (PNV) ureteral reimplantation (UR) for obstructive megaureter without tailoring and with ex vivo tailoring in children.

AN OBJECTIVE

To present our experience of the PNV UR using intravesical ureteral tailoring for symptomatic primary obstructive megaureter in children.

STUDY DESIGN

Between 2014 and 2020, 42 patients (mean age: 3.1 years) underwent a correction of primary obstructive megaureter (POM) via a vesicoscopic approach. Nine of them with the megaureter (diameter > 25 mm) underwent the intravesical ureteral tailoring. The analysis included only 9 patients who underwent intravesical tailoring of the ureter using the original technique. The dilated ureter is fixed intravesical by the loop in extended position. This simplifies the tailoring step of the ureter. The tailoring is performed by continuous suture (Star).

RESULTS

43 UR were analyzed (1 bilateral, 1 with diverticulum, 1 with ureterocele). The mean operative time was 142 min (83-235 min). The mean manipulation time for intravesical tailoring of the megaureter was 18 min. After the surgery, the average kidney function doesn't reduce. We observed an increase in renal function by an average of 7% in three patients after the surgery. One patient required a conversion. It was in the early stages of mastering the technique. All patients underwent US 1-3 weeks 3-6-12 months after the operation, the size of the pelvic system and ureter decreased. Eight patients are asymptomatic, and only one has the clinical changes (a persistent leukocyturia, the size of the pelvic-ureteric segment, and the ureter remain unchanged or increased). According to the VCUG vesicoureteral reflux was detected in this case. An endoscopic correction used successful.

DISCUSSION

This possibility of applying our technique is confirmed according to folow-up data and should be used in other researches. The drainage of the ureter with an external stent for 1 month helps to form properly the neo-ureterovesical anastomosis and to prevent episodes of ureteral obstruction as a result the incidence of urinary tract infections reduces in the postoperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the Tuohy needle with the loop simplifies the fixation of the ureter. This helps to make the intravesical tailoring of the megaureter easier and faster. It is original and less traumatic for the ureter than existing methods.

Factors affecting endoscopic treatment’s failure for primary vesicoureteral reflux in the paediatric population

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to identify which factors could determine endoscopic therapy’s failure in the paediatric patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

Methods:

We reviewed data from patients who underwent endoscopic surgery for primary reflux. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis considering factors conditioning therapeutic failure. All the tests were performed considering significant values of p < 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS 19.0 program. Study sample was homogenised by just including patients with primary reflux and excluding both patients with secondary reflux and patients with functional lower urinary conditions.

Results:

A total of 96 patients were included for review. Median age at surgery was 28 months. The overall success rate of endoscopic surgery for vesicoureteral reflux was 57%. Female sex, age under 24 months at the time of surgical intervention and having suffered a urinary tract infection (UTI) despite antibiotic prophylaxis are statistically significant risk factors for therapy failure.

Conclusions:

Nonetheless, differences between series could explain these differences in success rates. The lack of standardisation of the definition of ‘success’, the heterogeneity of patients included, and variables such as the degree of reflux, the presence of dysfunctional voiding, age or follow-up make it difficult to compare the success rate between series. Therefore, homogenisation of study samples assessing the evolution of primary reflux and response to endoscopic therapy is warranted.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable

Ureteral reimplantation aligned laparoscopically: Pneumovesicoscopic Politano-Leadbetter reimplantation in children

INTRODUCTION

Ureteroneocsytostomy is a well-established procedure for correction of certain ureterovesical conditions like vesicoureteral reflux and ureterevesical obstruction. Amazing developments in technology paved the way for minimally invasive surgery and conventional procedures are increasingly being performed minimal invasively during the recent decades. Although Politano-Leadbetter ureteroneocystostomy is an anatomical repair, lost its popularity against Cohen's technique as it is more challenging to perform and requires extravesical dissection which may increase the complication rates.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we evaluated our results and feasibility of laparoscopic intravesical (pneumovesicoscopic) repair of certain ureterovesical conditions by Politano-Leadbetter principle in children.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty one children who underwent pneumovesicoscopic uretero-neocystostomy are enrolled in the study. Surgical procedure is described and surgical duration, complications, conversion rate and success rates are evaluated.

RESULTS

Fourteen (67%) of the patients were girls and 7 were boys (33%). Median age at operation was 6 years (1.5-15 years). Main indications for surgery were vesicoureteral reflux, megaureter and bladder diverticulum. Fourteen of the patients underwent bilateral (67%) intervention while the 5 left (24%) and 2 right (9%). Four patients were converted to open surgery (16%; 4/25). Median surgical duration was 265 min (190-320 min) for bilateral and 180 min (115-260 min) for unilateral procedures. Success rates confirmed by a contrast study were 92% for VUR.

DISCUSSION

It appears that minimally invasive intravesical surgery fails to keep up with the other minimally invasive procedures secondary to restricted working field in the bladder, technically demanding procedures and well-documented high succes rates of open counterpart techniques. Although developing relatively slower, minimally invasive technology offers better vision, better cosmesis, lesser pain and lesser tissue disturbance. Although cross-trigonal reimplantation is the most popular technique, Politano-Leadbetter technique provides an anatomical alignment of ureters and is a good option for caudally located ectopic ureters. In our study, pneumovesicoscopic approach provided anatomical reimplantation, identification and sparing of vas deferens and better cosmesis. Major limitations of our study are the limited number of cases, longer operation times, higher complication rates and short follow up duration which we hope to improve with increasing experience.

CONCLUSION

Although not brilliant as its open counterpart yet, initial results of pneumovesicoscopic reimplantation with Politano-Leadbetter technique is promising and growing experience would further improve the results and lower the complication and conversion rates.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing outcomes of laparoscopic extravesical versus trans vesicoscopic ureteric reimplantation

OBJECTIVE

When considering treatment for vesico ureteric reflux via inimally invasive surgery there is a dilemma to choose between laparoscopic extravesical (LEVUR) and transvesicoscopic (TVUR) ureteric reimplantation. In this systematic review and meta-analysis we have analyzed the articles on LEVUR and TVUR and compared the outcomes.

METHODS

We searched the databases to identify all papers pertaining to TVUR and LEVUR in the pediatric population. Duplicate publications, review articles, incomplete articles and robotic assistance were excluded. Systematic review was performed to identify patient data, reflux grades, laterality, duration of surgery, time to discharge, success rate and complications. Meta-analysis of heterogeneity was reported with I 2 statistics. Once heterogeneity was found low, the pooled outcomes were compared with students t test and Fishers exact test, wherever appropriate.

RESULTS

After screening a total of 45 articles, 23 articles were included (13 articles on TVUR and 10 articles on LEVUR). The I 2 statistics for TVUR and LEVUR showed low heterogeneity with I 2 of 0% (95% C.I 0-37%) and 25% (95% C.I 0-64%) respectively. With low heterogeneity both were suitable to be considered to have been conducted under similar conditions with possibility of using fixed effect model. The percentage of Grade 5 VUR was significantly higher (p = 0.001; X 2) in TVUR (11.9%) compared to LEVUR (2.2%). The proportion of bilateral reimplantation was significantly higher (p = 0.001; X 2) in TVUR compared to LEVUR (summary table). The success rate of LEVUR was significantly higher at 96.7% compared to TVUR at 93.7% (p = 0.007 X 2). Unilateral/Bilateral TVUR took significantly longer duration of surgery (155/194 min vs 107/161 min) compared to LEVUR (p = 0.001; Fishers). The mean (s.d) time to discharge was longer at 3.2 (1.6) days for TVUR compared to 1.6 (0.4) days for LEVUR (p = 0.001; Fishers). The complication rate was comparable, 7.35% for TVUR and 5.35% for LEVUR (p = 0.167; X 2).

DISCUSSION

In this meta-analysis we found that LEVUR had shorter operating time, higher success, and shorter hospital stay compared to TVUR. A probable explanation could be higher number unilateral VURs and lower number of grade 5 VUR cases in LEVUR group. Both the techniques had comparable overall complication rate: LEVUR had more post-operative urinary retention while TVUR had more port-related problems.

A Novel Technique for Bladder Wall Fixation in Pneumovesicoscopic Surgery: T-Bar

Background: As a relatively new approach, popularity of pneumovesicoscopic surgery is increasing, but slower than expected due to complex nature of the procedure with efforts to overcome the difficult steps of the procedure. Bladder fixation is one of the crucial steps of the procedure. In this study, we present a novel and simple T-bar technique to overcome this difficulty. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 24 consecutive patients (39 ureters) who underwent pneumovesicoscopic surgery with fixation of the bladder wall between December 2017 and September 2019. Results: Fixation by transabdominal suture (TS) was performed in 3 patients, while fixation by thread loops with needle in 3 and T-bar device in 18. Tearing of the bladder wall was encountered in 2 patients in TS, in 2 patients with thread loop groups, but none in the T-bar group. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 3 patients in the T-bar group, but only 1 was related with the fixation technique. Conclusions: T-bar technique is an inexpensive and simple solution providing stable and reliable bladder wall and working port fixation during pneumovesicoscopy.