Correction Of Reflux Research Articles

Endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux after chemodenervation of the detrusor with botulinum toxin in a child with a neurogenic bladder and myelodysplasia. Case report

Correction of vesicoureteral reflux in children with neurogenic bladder (NB) and myelodysplasia is rather challenging due to the presence of two aggravating factors. The first is the trabecularity of the bladder due to chronic ischemia and dysfunction of the closing contraction of the ureteral orifice up to complete deconfiguration of the ureterovesical junction, and the second is the neurogenic hyperactivity of the detrusor with hypertonicity, intravesical hypertension, and a significant decrease in the effective volume of the bladder. These pathophysiological mechanisms reduce to zero the effectiveness of open reimplantation of the ureter to create an anti-reflux mechanism, becoming, on the contrary, the cause of reflux aggravation and the development of ureterohydronephrosis. As a result, the correction of reflux in NB becomes impossible without stabilization of detrusor contractility, elimination of intravesical hypertension, and correction of spastic changes in the bladder. Clinical follow-up of a patient with this disorder for 10 years convincingly proves the effectiveness of step-by-step correction of NB and vesicoureteral reflux while adhering to the order of treatment methods.

Possibilities of surgical correction of complicated forms of chronic venous insufficiency in patients after coronavirus infection

Introduction. COVID-19 causes generalized endothelitis and impaired arthriolo-venular circulation leading to a slowdown in blood flow and venous hypervolemia. This leads to decompensation of the drainage function of perforated veins and the occurrence of horizontal venous reflux. Aim. To determine the possibilities of surgical correction of decompensated forms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in patients after COVID-19, when determining the localization of pathological venous reflux by ultrasound duplex scanning of the lower extremity veins. To determine the character of microcirculatorydisorders in the examined patients. Material and methods. Ultrasound duplex scanning with a 7.5-10 MHz linear sensor was performed in 59 patients aged 40-78 years, 34 women and 25 men who had suffered from COVID-19 in a moderate form that did not require hospitalization. Patients had not previously noted manifestations of CVI and did not use diosmin drugs. The reason for treatment was the manifestation of complicated forms of CVI, which first appeared after COVID-19. 39 patients of group I underwent surgical correction of horizontal venous reflux, 20 patients of group II received conservative treatment. The microcirculatory bed was examined using a high-frequency ultrasound Dopplerograph on the nail bed of the 1st finger of the upper limb with a 25 MHz sensor. Results. The revealed microcirculatory disorders were characterized by a depletion of the Doppler spectrum, which corresponds to parietal stasis. Isolated horizontal venous reflux was recorded in the area of trophic disorders: pigmentation, induration and trophic ulcers (TU) of the shin. In group I patients, as compared to group II, pain syndrome, edema, induration and inflammation significantly decreased after treatment when assessed by the VCSS scale. More rapid and complete healing of TU was observed. Conclusions. COVID-19 provokes accelerated progression of isolated horizontal venous reflux, due to generalized microcirculatory disorders reported in patients in the post-COVID period. The surgical intervention for its elimination in the nearest future after applying undoubtedly surpasses conservative methods of treatment and allows achieving a good cosmetic and clinical result.

Possible complications associated with the use of cyanoacrylate obliteration in patients with varicose veins

The problem of finding an ideal method for the correction of vertical venous reflux in lower extremity varicose disease is highly relevant due to the rapid development of technologies and the opening of new treatment methods, including minimally invasive ones. According to many researchers, the main parameters for choosing the optimal surgical technique should be low invasiveness, compliance with the anatomical, including ultrasound, picture, the possibility of using local anesthesia, taking into account concomitant pathology and individual intolerance of various drugs by patients, effectiveness of venous vessel obliteration, and minimal risk of possible complications. The review considers a comparative characterization of endovascular treatment methods for varicose disease, as well as lists the main possible complications of each of them. In terms of obliteration effectiveness and the least pronounced complications, the leading position is occupied by the method of cyanoacrylate obliteration. There is an increasing amount of information in the literature about the use of cyanoacrylate composite in the treatment of lower extremity varicose disease. Since this method is relatively new, the number of publications describing complications of this procedure is increasing. We describe a number of specific adverse events that occur during this surgery (extravasation of cyanoacrylate composite with the formation of aseptic granulomas and, in some cases, phlebitis-like phenomena, formation of rigid subcutaneous bands limiting mobility in the knee joint, migration of cyanoacrylate into the deep venous system of the lower extremities), possible mechanisms of their occurrence, and various approaches to treatment. Special attention is paid to proximal migration of cyanoacrylate composite into the area of the saphenofemoral junction, with a description of a specific clinical case and a discussion of further management tactics for this category of patients.

Long-Term Follow-Up after Ureteral Reimplantation in Children: A 12-Year Analysis

Abstract Background Ureteral reimplantation (UR) is a well-established procedure, yet there exists a notable absence of evidence-based guidelines for postoperative follow-up. Existing literature suggests that routine follow-up extending beyond one year may not yield significant advantages, particularly for asymptomatic children. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that many studies supporting this assertion rely on relatively short observation periods. Aims This study seeks to address the potential emergence of late-presenting complications post UR. Our objective is to comprehensively evaluate our patient cohort for the incidence of conditions warranting the establishment of standardized, long-term follow-up practices after UR. Methods Retrospective review of 137 medical records from children who underwent UR at our institution between January 2006 and June 2013. Inclusion criteria required a minimum 10-year postoperative follow-up. Results Fifty-three renal units in 34 children met inclusion criteria. Ureterovesical junction (UVJ) obstruction occurred in 7.5% of the units and was diagnosed within eight months after UR. Obstruction occurred exclusively after Politano-Leadbetter reimplantation and was silent in all cases. Postoperative UTIs occurred in 9 children. Notably, these were all singular events without signs for recurrent reflux. A decade after surgery, one child developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to preexisting reflux nephropathy (RN), while one child was newly diagnosed with RN during follow-up despite the timely surgical correction of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). or hypertension linked to RN were recorded. Conclusion Children with uncomplicated postoperative recoveries within the first-year, devoid of evident UVJ obstruction, exhibit a low subsequent risk, suggesting limited benefit from repeated scheduled long-term follow-up. Nevertheless, we recommend that general practitioners conduct regular monitoring, considering individual risk factors, to enhance the detection of late-onset hypertension or proteinuria as potential indicators of RN during adolescence.

Does Autologous Blood Injection Following Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer Implantation in Treating Vesicoureteral Reflux Affect the Microsphere Particle Leakage?

Objectives: It has been shown that concomitant autologous blood and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Deflux®) injection, hydrodistension autologous blood injection technique (HABIT), had a better mound preservation and treatment success compared to the hydrodistension injection technique (HIT) in vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) correction. In this study, we aimed to show microscopically whether the concomitant injection of autologous blood decreases the leakage of Deflux® particles. Methods: Children with VUR who underwent HIT or HABIT between March 2020 and January 2023 were enrolled. Following the completion of the procedure on each ureter, the bladder was irrigated for 3 to 5 min, and the retrieved sample of irrigation fluid was evaluated for dextranomer particle count as “immediate leakage”. A Foley catheter was placed, and a urine sample after 12 h was collected as “early leakage”. Results: A total of 86 children with a median age of 3.0 years (interquartile range = 4.6) were included. Overall, 66 patients underwent HABIT, and 20 children underwent HIT. Rupture was observed in five patients during the procedure, and re-injection was conducted successfully in these cases. Immediate, early, and total particle leakage in the first 12 h of the injection were significantly less in the HABIT group compared to the HIT group. In the regression analysis, only the injection technique (HIT/HABIT) and rupture were significantly associated with the total particle leakage in the first 12 h. Conclusions: Immediate injection of autologous blood into the mound following an endoscopic correction of VUR in children is associated with significantly less Deflux® particle leakage from the injection site regardless of the VUR grade. We hypothesize that a concomitant blood injection into the Deflux® mound will create a blood clot while the needle is kept in situ and help to stabilize the mound and decrease treatment failure by minimizing particle leakage from the injection site.

Commentary to “The correlation between ureteric orifice morphology and primary vesicoureteral reflux grade and the impact on the effectiveness of endoscopic reflux correction”

Commentary to “The correlation between ureteric orifice morphology and primary vesicoureteral reflux grade and the impact on the effectiveness of endoscopic reflux correction”

The correlation between ureteric orifice morphology and primary vesicoureteral reflux grade and the impact on the effectiveness of endoscopic reflux correction

Early diagnosis and treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) are essential for preserving renal function. The study explored whether preoperative cystoscopic grading of refluxing ureteric orifices (UO) correlated with their shape in an institution with non-performance of hydrodistention of the UO in the diagnosis and grading of VUR. We also assessed the relationship between the UO shape and VUR grade with the effectiveness of endoscopic correction of primary VUR in children. This retrospective study included consecutive patients ≤15 years treated for primary VUR. The reflux grade was based on the results of preoperative voiding cystourethrography as mild, moderate, or severe. Fifty-one patients with 77 renal refluxing units (RRU) underwent endoscopic treatment with Deflux®. VUR was bilateral in 51% of patients. VUR was mild in 13%, moderate in 53%, and severe in 34% of cases. The patients with mild and moderate VUR had stadium-shaped UOs in 60% and 54% RRUs, respectively. Horseshoe-shaped UOs constituted 42% of UOs in patients with severe VUR, followed by 31% of golf-hole UOs. The reflux resolution rate after the first endoscopic injection was 84%. The preoperative VUR grade correlated with UOs shape (p<0.001). No significant correlation between UOs configuration and the outcome of endoscopic treatment was seen (p=0.452). The preoperative VUR grade negatively correlated with a favorable endoscopic treatment (p=0.043). Our data indicate ureteral orifice shapes are closely related to preoperative VUR grade. There was no correlation between the UO configuration and the success rate of endoscopic treatment of VUR, in contrast to the significant negative correlation between the VUR grade and the success rate of endoscopic treatment.

Our experience with management of congenital urological pathologies in adulthood: What pediatric urologists should know and adult urologists adopt in pediatric practice experience.

To summarize our experience in the management of congenital anomalies in the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) in adults. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all adult patients who underwent primary surgical intervention for CAKUT between 1998 and 2021. The study included 102 patients with a median age of 25 (interquartile range, 23-36.5). Of these, 85 (83.3%) patients reported normal prenatal ultrasound, and the remaining 17 (16.7%) patients were diagnosed with antenatal hydronephrosis. These patients were followed-up conservatively postnatally and were discharged from follow-up because of the absence of indications for surgical intervention or because they decided to leave medical care. All studied adult patients presented with the following pathologies: 67 ureteropelvic junction obstructions, 14 ectopic ureters, 9 ureteroceles, and 6 primary obstructive megaureters, and the remaining 6 patients were diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux. Forty-three percent of the patients had poorly functioning moieties associated with ectopic ureters or ureteroceles. Notably, 67% of patients underwent pyeloplasty, 9% underwent endoscopic puncture of ureterocele, 3% underwent ureteral reimplantation, 6% underwent endoscopic correction of reflux, 7% underwent partial nephrectomy of non-functioning moiety, and the remaining 9% underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy. The median follow-up period after surgery was 33 months (interquartile range, 12-54). Post-operative complications occurred in 5 patients (Clavien-Dindo 1-2). Patients with CAKUT present clinical symptoms later in life. Parents of patients diagnosed during fetal screening and treated conservatively should be aware of this possibility, and children should be appropriately counseled when they enter adolescence. Similar surgical skills and operative techniques used in the pediatric population may be applied to adults.

Vesicoscopic vs. Open Ureteral Reimplantation According to Cohen and Leadbetter-Politano for Vesicoureteral Reflux.

The minimally invasive implementations of the established open methods for the correction of primary vesicoureteral reflux have proven to be successful in terms of feasibility and safety. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent pediatric patients benefit from vesicoscopic operations. Between 2010 and 2022, 224 children (359 ureters) underwent ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux in our clinic. Children, operated on according to the COHEN technique, underwent an open approach in 39 cases, whereas 151 patients were operated on vesicoscopically. A total of thirty-four children have received a ureteral reimplantation according to the LEADBETTER-POLITANO technique: twenty-nine openly and five vesicoscopically. The open and vesicoscopic groups were compared with regards to perioperative data and postoperative course. The mean operating time was significantly shorter for open than for the vesicoscopic procedures in the COHEN group (99 vs. 149 min, p < 0.001). Similarly, a comparison of ureteral reimplantations, according to LEADBETTER-POLITANO, favored the open procedure, although this was not significant (161 vs. 196 min, p = 0.135). There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate of all the groups. All procedures remained within the accepted range with a success rate of at least 96%. In the postoperative course, a significantly shorter hospital stay (4.1 vs. 7.9 days, p < 0.001 for COHEN-patients; 5.6 vs. 9.2 days for LEADBETTER-POLITANO-patients), as well as a significantly lower need for continuous analgesic administration, was observed for the vesicoscopic approaches of both methods (0.8 days in both vesicoscopic groups vs. 3.7 resp. 3.8 days in open groups, p < 0.001). In addition, the time of bladder drainage was significantly shorter in open techniques (7.2 vs. 1.9 days, p < 0.001 for COHEN-patients; 3 vs. 8.7 days for LEADBETTER-POLITANO-patients). For almost all underlying causes, the surgical treatment of vesicoureteral reflux can be performed vesicoscopically, even if bilateral, in one session. Patients benefit significantly from the use of minimally invasive surgery in the postoperative course with faster mobilization, less need for analgesics, a shorter bladder drainage and a reduced hospital stay, compared with its open counterparts.

Clinical tolerance of untreated reflux after iliac vein stent placement

Background We have recently demonstrated in a large patient cohort that the prevalence and severity of reflux will improve in most limbs after stenting and that most limbs will not develop new-onset reflux. In the present report, we have focused on the long-term clinical outcomes associated with untreated reflux in the same patient cohort who had undergone iliofemoral venous stenting without correction of residual reflux.

GERD surgery in non-neurologic patients: Modified Laparoscopic Hill-Snow Repair is a valid alternative to Nissen fundoplication. Results of a 20 years of follow-up

Nowadays laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication represents the gold standard in surgical treatment of complicated Gastro-Esophageal-Reflux Disease (GERD), above all in cerebral palsy patients. In non-neurological patients without gastrostomy Nissen fundoplication can create some problems (gas bloat syndrome, dysphagia). Laparoscopic Hill-Snow repair is an established surgical alternative, but it is reported only in adult population. We describe our modification of Hill-Snow technique and our experience in a large series of non-neurological children in order to report its effectiveness and applicability in pediatric patients affected by complicated GERD. Between 2000 and 2022, 319 children underwent surgical correction of gastro-esophageal reflux at our Department. All were affected by complicated gastro-esophageal reflux unresponsive to PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors). 251 underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication; 68 non-neurological patients underwent laparoscopic Hill-Snow repair. Of these 68 children 48 were males (71%) and 20 females (29%); median age was 5years (3 months-11 years). Weight range was 4-37kg. 52 patients (76.5%) presented the following symptoms: retrosternal pain, dysphagia, regurgitation, coughing, failure to thrive, persisting reflux esophagitis. 16 (23.5%) had chronic respiratory problems (aspiration, apneic-spells, dysphagia, coughing, choking, gagging). For 8 (11.8%) symptoms were expression of chronic recurrent gastric volvulus. All underwent modified-laparoscopic-Hill-Snow repair. Contrast study showed sliding hiatal hernia in 55 patients (81%), while endoscopy demonstrated 16 cases of histologically severe esophagitis (23.5%) and 52 of mild esophagitis (76.5%). No intraoperative/postoperative complications were recorded. 60patients had a complete follow-up (range 1-20 years). 60/68 patients were evaluated with barium-swallow-study at 6-12 months; 40/68 patients with upper-gastrointestinal-endoscopy at 12months. No relapse was reported. 50 patients (73.7%) were symptom-free. 18 (26.3%) referred occasional epigastric pain, associated with vomit in 2 cases. 64 (94.1%) referred ability to vomit; 4 temporary difficulty to swallow (average 30 days). All patients reported being able to burp. 3(4.5%) presented episodes of gas-air-bloat during the first 2 months with spontaneous resolution. No case of dumping syndrome was recorded. This technique's modification yields excellent results in term of relapse and side effects at long-term follow-up. We reported the first and largest pediatric series in non-neurological children with encouraging results.

Validation of a hands-on porcine bladder model for endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux with bulking agents

Validation of a hands-on porcine bladder model for endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux with bulking agents

Teflon Injections (STING) Mimicking Distal Ureteric Stones

This case report highlights the potential diagnostic pitfalls associated with subureteral transurethral injection (STING) of non-biodegradable materials like Teflon, which has been utilised for endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). A 27-year-old female with a history of VUR presented with left-sided loin pain, vomiting, and dysuria, which were initially thought to be due to distal ureteric stones. However, noncontrast computed tomography (CT) revealed the presence of calcific densities in the region of the distal ureter and vesicoureteric junction (VUJ) bilaterally, likely as a sequelae of previous Teflon injection treatment. A conservative management approach was undertaken, and follow-up evaluations, including MAG3 renograms, showed normal drainage and stable split renal function. This case emphasises the importance of a comprehensive medical history and vigilance in avoiding unnecessary imaging or surgical interventions for patients with a previous history of STING.

Venous leg ulcers and prevalence of surgically correctable reflux disease in a national registry

BackgroundChronic venous disorders are common, with varicose veins occurring in ∼40% of the population. Venous leg ulcers affect 1% to 2% of the population, with the prevalence increasing ≤4% for those aged >65 years. Both conditions are expensive and together are responsible for ≤2% of the annual healthcare budget expenditure of Western societies. The ESCHAR (effect of surgery and compression on healing and recurrence) and EVRA (early venous reflux ablation) trials demonstrated that surgical correction of superficial venous reflux reduced ulcer recurrence, resulted in faster healing times (EVRA), and was proved cost-effective. Largescale data regarding patients with chronic venous leg ulcers presenting to venous centers with treatable superficial venous insufficiency has not been previously reported. Our study was designed to evaluate the percentage of patients with leg ulcers presenting to dedicated vein centers who were found to have surgically correctable superficial venous insufficiency. MethodsThe American Vein & Lymphatic Society Patient Reported Outcome Venous Registry began collecting data in 2014 and is one of two national registries focused on chronic venous disorders. The database was queried first for the presence of an ulcer using the CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) classification (C6 status). These de-identified data were further correlated by crossing the number of ulcers for the same limb using the revised venous clinical severity score (rVCSS). The demographics, index duplex ultrasound details, and rVCSS features for ulcer duration and compression use were analyzed. Once the presence of an ulcer had been validated by CEAP and rVCSS, the population was divided into groups according to the ultrasound-reported anatomic pathology (eg, normal, reflux, obstruction, reflux plus obstruction). The query was directed toward all patients seeking a venous evaluation at participating centers from January 2018 through January 2022. ResultsMore than 270,000 unique patient records were reviewed. Of the 270,000 records, 163,027 (60%) had had duplex ultrasound scans available, for 1794 unique patients (1879 limbs), representing 1.1% with a leg wound. Of these patients, 55.4% were men and 44.6% were women. Group S included patients with isolated superficial pathology (n = 1291; 68.7%). Group M included patients with mixed superficial and deep pathology (n = 238; 12.7%). Group D included patients with isolated deep vein pathology (n = 58; 3.1%). Finally, group N included patients with leg wounds but no venous pathology (n = 292; 15.5%). The rVCSSs for groups S and M were significantly higher than those for group N. In group S, the dominant patterns involved the great saphenous vein (GSV) above the knee (54.8%), the small saphenous vein (30.7%), and the anterior accessory GSV (14.4%). The frequency of single, double, and triple axial vein reflux identified 1.45 vessels eligible for ablation treatment per limb. In group M, the dominant patterns involved the GSV above the knee (61.7%), the small saphenous vein (26.2%), and the anterior accessory GSV (12.1%), for 1.52 axial segments per limb. Of the 84.4% of venous ulcer patients, duplex ultrasound analysis revealed that 97% of this large subset had had surgically correctable disease. ConclusionsThe American Vein & Lymphatic Society Patient Reported Outcome Venous Registry demonstrated that 85% of the leg wounds in the present study were venous in origin and 97% possessed surgically correctable disease. Our findings support early referral to dedicated vein centers with appropriate venous reflux management as a part of the multidisciplinary team caring for patients with venous leg ulcers.

Pharmacological Correction of Venous Reflux before Surgical Treatment of Varicose Veins

Pharmacological Correction of Venous Reflux before Surgical Treatment of Varicose Veins

ПРЕДИКТОРЫ УСПЕХА ЭНДОСКОПИЧЕСКОЙ КОРРЕКЦИИ ПУЗЫРНО-МОЧЕТОЧНИКОВОГО РЕФЛЮКСА У ДЕТЕЙ

Predicting the outcome of endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is an urgent problem in pediatric urology because the identification of predictors for the effectiveness of endoscopic treatment of VUR will optimize the strategy for examination and treatment of the disease. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the statistical impact of various predictors on the success of endoscopic correction of VUR; to predict the clinical outcome by creating a mathematical model. Materials and methods used: a single-center experimental uncontrolled study was conducted in Sept. 2017 - Feb. 2022. The results of treatment of 150 pediatric patients (240 renal units) aged from 1 month till 7 years old who underwent endoscopic correction of VUR are presented. The following indicators were evaluated as predictors: gender, age of the disease manifestation, bilateral/unilateral VUR, grade of VUR, ureteral diameter ratio (UDR), cystography initial confirmation of VUR, expansion of the pelvicalyceal system and ureter according to ultrasound, the presence of urinary tract infection. Results: according to the data obtained, when comparing the grade of VUR, cystography initial confirmation of VUR, UDR, expansion of the pelvis and ureter depending on the result of treatment, the statistically significant differences have been found (p&lt;0.001). A prognostic model has been developed to determine the probability of the outcome of endoscopic correction of VUR using the binary logistic regression method. The area under the ROC curve was 0.985±0.007 with 95% CI: 0.967-1.000. The resulting regression model was statistically significant (p&lt;0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 96.4% and 95.3%, respectively. Conclusion: the results of the research show that UDR and the initial confirmation of VUR have greater predictive power for the success of the endoscopic urethroplasty compared to the grade of VUR alone. The use of the predictors and predictive modeling can help improving the selection of candidates for the endoscopic correction of VUR and developing personalized treatment tactics.

Long-term results of minimally invasive deep reflux correction in patients with post-thrombotic disease

The OBJECTIVE was to trace the long-term results of the operation of a dosed narrowing of the femoral vein in the lower third of the thigh proposed by Professor P. G. Shvalb.METHODS AND MATERIALS. The study included 30 patients (20 men and 10 women) with post-thrombotic disease of the veins of the lower extremities of the recanalized form, C4–C6, who underwent surgical correction of deep reflux in the period from 2012 to 2013. In 23 patients, additional phlebectomy of superficial and perforating veins was performed. The research method was duplex scanning (DS). The ratio of antegrade and retrograde blood velocities was used to quantitatively characterize deep reflux. Additionally, the state of the popliteal-tibial segment of the deep veins was determined using the Psatakis reflux index.RESULTS. The positive effect of the operation was noted in 96.7 % of patients at a follow-up period of 4 years. During follow-up periods of up to 8 years, the numbers decreased to 60.7 %. Relapse of trophic ulcers occurred in 39.3 % of patients. However, all patients noted that ulcers were much smaller in size than before surgery. According to DS data, incompetent perforator veins were detected in 16 patients: in all nine patients with recurrent ulcers and in seven patients without worsening. Vein diameter, maximum and average velocities of retrograde blood flow were greater in patients with worsening: diameter – 4.2±0.5 mm, υ (m) 91.2±19.8 cm/s, υ (average) 90.5±18.5 cm/s versus a diameter of 2.9±0.5 mm, υ (m) 39±15.6 cm/s, υ (average) 35±9 cm/s (p&lt;0.05).CONCLUSIONS. Operation of dosed narrowing of the femoral vein had good clinical results in 96.7 % of follow-up periods up to 4 years, 60.7 % – after 8 years. Isolated correction of deep reflux with the preservation of insufficient perforator veins can lead to recurrence of trophic ulcers.

Clinical tolerance of untreated reflux after iliac vein stent placement

BackgroundWe have recently demonstrated in a large patient cohort that the prevalence and severity of reflux will improve in most limbs after stenting and that most limbs will not develop new-onset reflux. In the present report, we have focused on the long-term clinical outcomes associated with untreated reflux in the same patient cohort who had undergone iliofemoral venous stenting without correction of residual reflux. MethodsThe clinical outcomes data from 1379 limbs treated with only iliac vein stenting without correction of superficial or deep reflux from 1997 to 2018 were analyzed (23-year follow-up period). Of the 1379 limbs, 632 (46%) had had preexisting reflux before stenting and 747 (54%) had did not. The reflux data (reflux segmental score, air plethysmography, ambulatory venous pressure) for these patients have been previously reported in detail. The subsets were compared perioperatively with each other using the following variables: grade of swelling, visual analog scale for pain score, venous clinical severity score, venous stasis dermatitis, ulceration, and quality of life measures. ResultsBoth groups demonstrated improvements in the venous clinical severity score, grade of swelling, visual analog scale score, and quality of life. No differences were found in ulcer healing (5% vs 3% for limbs with and without prestent reflux, respectively) and resolution of dermatitis (6% vs 5% for limbs with and without prestent reflux, respectively) between the two groups. Of the 632 limbs with preexisting reflux, 218 (34%) had had axial reflux and 414 had had nonaxial reflux (66%). The clinical outcomes were similar between the two groups. Using a multisegment reflux score, the limbs with prestent reflux (n = 632) were divided into two groups. A segmental score of ≥3 indicated severe reflux and a score of <3 indicated moderate reflux. Of these 632 limbs, 161 (25%) had severe reflux and 471 (75%) had moderate reflux. The two groups demonstrated similar outcomes for most clinical parameters. The post-thrombotic limbs and nonthrombotic limbs also showed similar outcomes. ConclusionsThe long-term follow-up of patients after iliac vein stenting showed that uncorrected reflux is well tolerated by most patients across most clinical measures.

Efficacy of botulinum toxin in a patient with neurogenic detrusor overactivity

Neurogenic detrusor overactivity is a dangerin terms of the formation of vesicoureteralreflux, pyelonephritis, and chronic kidney disease. The standard treatment for neurogenic detrusor overactivity is intermittent catheterization of the bladder in combination with M-cholinoblockers, which is not always sufficient. In the article, the authors briefly outlined the physiological basis of intradetrusor injections of botulinum toxin in neurogenic detrusor overactivity in patients with myelodysplasia who underwent surgery for spinal hernias, tumors of the spinal canal, as well as patients with spinal trauma. The technology of intradetrusor injections of botulinum toxin is shown, possible complications are described. The effectiveness of intradetrusor injections of botulinum toxin is shown by a specific clinical example — a description of the medical history of a child who has a history of surgical treatment for a spinal hernia in the newborn period. After the operation, neurogenic detrusor overactivity was revealed, insensitive to treatment with M-cholinoblockers. Complications were vesicoureteral reflux and recurrent pyelonephritis. The results of cystometry before and after double administration of botulinum toxin are shown. Detrusor hypertension was stopped, pyelonephritis remission was achieved, trabecularity of the bladder mucosa was stopped. Simultaneously with the introduction of botulinum toxin, endoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux was performed.

Clostridium difficile: What is the risk?

Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) are rising among pediatric patients in the community and hospital setting. Children undergoing transplants and bowel surgery are at a higher risk, while renal surgery has a lower risk. We hypothesize children undergoing pediatric urologic procedures are uncommonly diagnosed with postoperative CDI. To study CDI in pediatric patients undergoing urologic surgery and identify associated perioperative factors. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric data file was queried for children undergoing surgery with pediatric urology or urology between 2015 and 2017. Data points included patient demographics (age, gender, race, ASA classification), surgery performed, and perioperative outcomes (operative time, admission status, length of stay, complications, readmission, and reoperation). Students T-test and Chi-square analyses were applied to detect differences between those with CDI and those without CDI. Of the 27,193 patients undergoing urologic surgery, 36 (0.13%) were diagnosed with CDI. The surgeries are presented in the Summary Figure. Patients with CDI were more likely to be female (50% vs 28%, p=0.003) than those without. There was no difference in mean age or race. Children with CDI had higher ASA classifications (p<0.001). Their mean operative times were longer (156.1±19.6 vs 105.2±0.6min, p<0.001), as were their mean lengths of stay (4.6±0.8 vs 1.3±0.0 days, p<0.001). CDI patients were more likely to have other complications (29% vs 6%, p<0.001). Among patients with CDI, 19.4% experienced concomitant infectious complications. There was no difference in reoperation rate, but more patients with CDI required readmission (56% vs 4%, p<0.001). A third of children with CDI had undergone vesicoureteral reflux correction, comprising 0.3% of the included procedures. Over 11% of children with CDI had undergone nephrectomy, comprising 1.1% of the included procedures for the highest rate. CDI are uncommon following pediatric urologic procedures. No patients undergoing inguinal or scrotal cases developed CDI, while only one patient developed CDI after penile surgery. Our study does have several important limitations: we are unable to provide clinical information about the exact diagnoses, CDI risk factors such as antibiotic usage or comorbid conditions, and the number of patients who were tested for CDI. While pediatric urologists are unlikely to encounter postoperative CDI, when they occur, they are associated with longer lengths of stay, increased readmission rates, and an increased rate of non-CDI complications.