Abstract
Background: The available endoscopic techniques for ureterocele decompression include laser puncture (LP), electrosurgical incision (ES), and cold-knife incision. This systematic review was performed to compare the efficacy of LP versus ES techniques with special emphasis on de novo VUR. Methods: Four databases were systematically searched by the authors. The inclusion criteria were all comparative studies in which ureterocele decompression was performed by either LP or ES endoscopic techniques. Outcomes including the incidence of de novo VUR, the need for endoscopic retreatment of the ureterocele, and the need for secondary surgical procedures were studied. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated for all outcomes and the Mantel-Haenszel method was utilized for the estimation of pooled RR. The methodological quality was assessed by the Downs and Black scale. Results: Five studies were considered for systematic review, while four of them were included in the meta-analysis. Out of 202 children, 67 developed de novo VUR. Significantly lower rates of reflux were observed in the LP group vis-a-vis ES group (RR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.32, p < 0.00001). Endoscopic retreatment rates (n = 20) demonstrated no significant difference among the two patient groups (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.26–1.68, p = 0.38). A total of 46 secondary procedures were performed in 170 children, mostly ureteral re-implantations, with a significantly lower need of secondary surgeries following LP versus ES (RR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.13–0.49, p < 0.0001). The risk of bias in the included studies was low-to-moderate. Conclusions: When compared to the ES technique, the LP technique is associated with a significantly low incidence of de novo VUR and requirement for secondary surgeries (particularly anti-reflux surgeries). Endoscopic retreatment rates showed no significant difference between the two techniques. However, due to the moderate risk of bias in two out of four included studies, randomized controlled trials are needed in the future.
Highlights
A ureterocele is an abnormal cystic dilatation of the submucosal intravesical portion of the ureter [1]
Five studies were considered for systematic review [7,8,9,10,11], while four were included in the final meta-analysis [8,9,10,11]
The results of the present meta-analysis highlighted the superiority of the laser puncture (LP) technique over the electrosurgical incision (ES) technique for ureterocele decompression
Summary
A ureterocele is an abnormal cystic dilatation of the submucosal intravesical portion of the ureter [1]. The incidence of ureterocele is highly variable as per historical reports ranging from 1:5000 to 1:12,000 [2,3] It occurs predominantly in children younger than 2 years of age and shows a female gender preponderance (M:F = 1:5) [1]. This systematic review was performed to compare the efficacy of LP versus ES techniques with special emphasis on de novo VUR. The inclusion criteria were all comparative studies in which ureterocele decompression was performed by either LP or ES endoscopic techniques. Outcomes including the incidence of de novo VUR, the need for endoscopic retreatment of the ureterocele, and the need for secondary surgical procedures were studied. Conclusions: When compared to the ES technique, the LP technique is associated with a significantly low incidence of de novo VUR and requirement for secondary surgeries ( anti-reflux surgeries). Due to the moderate risk of bias in two out of four included studies, randomized controlled trials are needed in the future
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