Follow-up Voiding Cystourethrography Research Articles

Radiation exposure in vesicoureteral reflux diagnostics: a comparative study of direct radionuclide cystography and voiding cystourethrogram.

Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is the standard method for diagnosing vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) but has been criticized for radiation exposure. Direct radionuclide cystography (DRC) was developed to reduce this risk. We aimed to assess DRC's efficacy as a screening tool and compare its radiation burden to VCUG. We retrospectively analyzed patient records encompassing children who underwent VCUG or DRC to diagnose VUR from 2011 to 2020 at our hospital. A total of 156 children were included (median age: 0.75 years, 53.8% females). Indications included urinary tract infection in 71.2% of patients and antenatal hydronephrosis in 26.9%. DRC was performed on 122 patients (78.2%) and VCUG on 96 patients (61.5%), with solitary use in 38.5 and 21.8% of cases, respectively, and combined application in 39.7%. DRC detected VUR in 35.3% (43/122) and VCUG in 61.5% (59/96) of patients. Bladder-filling rates differed significantly between DRC (37%) and VCUG (67%) (P < 0.0001). Median radiation doses were lower in VCUG (0.023 mSv) than in DRC (0.073 mSv). For patients requiring complementary VCUG after DRC, the median radiation dose for DRC was 0.063 mSv (P < 0.0001), resulting in a total median dose of 0.098 mSv. Cost analysis revealed VCUG as more cost-effective, with an additional expenditure of approximately 345 euros per patient undergoing DRC in our cohort. DRC imposed a higher radiation burden on patients than VCUG and often necessitated follow-up VCUG for positive cases. This challenges the utility of DRC as a low-radiation alternative in VUR screening. Level 4: cohort study without a control group.

The embedded nipple: An optimal technique for re-implantation of primary obstructed megaureter in children

ObjectivesTo present a novel ureteric re-implantation technique for primary obstructed megaureter (POM) that ensures success in the short- and long-term, as conventional techniques are not ideal for megaureters especially in children, with ureteric stenosis and reflux being common complications after re-implantation. Patients and methodsBetween 2009 and 2012, 22 paediatric patients with POM were enrolled. We performed a new technique for re-implantation of these ureters to ensure minimal incidence of ureteric strictures and easy subsequent endoscopic access. We performed follow-up voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) at 6months postoperatively. ResultsThe cohort comprised 14 boys and eight girls, with a median age of 22months. Six patients underwent bilateral re-implantation. The mean (range) duration of indwelling ureteric catheterisation was 7.8 (4–14) days. There were no complications in the perioperative and postoperative periods. There was no reflux on follow-up VCUG in any of the patients. One patient developed Grade I reflux after 1year and presented with a urinary tract infection. Diagnostic cystoscopy was performed in 13 patients showing that the nipple was directed similarly to the native ureteric orifice. ConclusionThe embedded-nipple technique for re-implantation of POM guarantees successful results and permits easy subsequent ureteroscopic access when needed.

Laparoscopic extravesical detrusorraphy, a minimally invasive treatment option for vesicoureteral reflux: A single centre experience

Laparoscopy in pediatric patients offers more benefits than was earlier presumed and these widely reported benefits significantly outweigh any concerns regarding the technical difficulties. Laparoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux aims to duplicate the excellent results of open surgery while at the same time reducing perioperative morbidity and analgesic requirements, improving cosmesis and shortening hospital stay. To share our experience of laparoscopic extravesical detrusorraphy, highlight our technical modification of intraoperative minimal "atraumatic" ureteric handling of the ureter, which we hypothesize may decrease ureteral complications, and report our results. This was a retrospective chart review of 76 toilet-trained children (98 refluxing units), in the age group of 3-16 years, with Grade I-IV reflux, who underwent laparoscopic detrusorraphy from June 2006 to January 2014. A ureteric catheter is inserted into the refluxing ureter and is tied to the Foleys to drain into a common bag. A three port technique is used. During ureteral dissection, a vascular sling in the form of a Rumel loop is used for atraumatic handling of the ureter. A detrusor tunnel is created with hook electrocautery. A stay suture is later passed through the abdominal wall and slings around the dissected ureter, which helps in holding the ureter approximated against the mucosal trough during detrusorraphy. Detrusor fibers are approximated with 5-0 Vicryl. No drain is placed and the Foley and ureteric catheter(s) are removed after 24 h. Intravenous ketorolac is given every 6 h for the first 24 h. Oral paracetamol is used for analgesia after the first 24 h. Adequate bladder emptying is ensured by assessment of post void residual urine before discharge. Renal USG alone is performed 2 weeks post operatively and repeated after 3 months along with a VCUG (voiding cystourethrography). Success was defined as absence of reflux in the follow-up VCUG done at 3 months. Mean operative time was 102 ± 26.5 min for unilateral detrusorraphy and 165 ± 18 min for bilateral extravesical detrusorraphy. The mean duration of hospital stay was 1.5 ± 1.7 days. There was one case of urinary retention that was managed with temporary recatheterization. There were no cases of ureteral ischemia, obstruction, hematuria or bladder spasms. Surgery was successful in 97.9% of the refluxing units (96/98). In two patients with grade IV reflux, there was downgrading to grade II on VCUG done at 3 months' follow-up. The reflux resolved at 8 and 14 months' follow-up, respectively. Our technique of atraumatic handling of the ureter, initially with the help of a vascular sling and later with the help of a stay suture passed percutaneously through the abdominal wall, resulted in no ureteric injuries. The postoperative morbidity of this procedure is low because the bladder is not opened, the ureter is not transected, no new UVJ is created and there is no need for placement of a drain. The risk of postoperative bowel adhesions is low as the ureter is dissected out through a narrow peritoneal window, which is again extraperitonealized at the end of the procedure (see figure). The postoperative complications of gross hematuria and bladder spasms, which may be especially encountered in patients undergoing laparoscopic Cohen's, were not seen in our case series. Laparoscopic extravesical detrusorraphy provides a minimally invasive treatment option for treatment of unilateral/bilateral grade I-IV vesicoureteral reflux. The postoperative morbidity is low and the success rate is favorable. Our technical modification of a "vascular sling" around the ureter facilitates atraumatic ureteric handling, which may reduce distal ureteral complications like ureteral ischemia and obstruction.

Concomitant Endoureterotomy and Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Subureteral Injection for Management of Obstructive Refluxing Megaureter

To present the results of our experience with combined endoureterotomy and endoscopic injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Deflux) for the treatment of primary obstructive refluxing megaureter (PORM). Eighteen children (12 female, 6 male; mean age-14 months) with 20 PORM units underwent concomitant endoureterotomy and endoscopic subureteral Deflux injection. All patients underwent endoureterotomy at the 6-o'clock position with insertion of a 3F Double-J ureteral stent into the obstructed segment of ureter and subureteral injection of Deflux at the 5-o'clock and 7-o'clock positions. The Double-J stent was left in place with its distal tip fixed with a single knot to the external genitalia for easy removal after 1 week. Patients with refluxing nonobstructive ureter on the contralateral side of the PORM unit (seven children) underwent simultaneous endoscopic subureteral injection of Deflux. Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed at 6 months, and ultrasonography was performed at 1 week 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. With a mean follow-up of 30 months, the procedure was uneventful in all patients. Follow-up VCUG showed no evidence of reflux in 15 ureterorenal (75%), significant decrease in reflux grade in 2 (10%), and no change in 3 (15%) in the endoscopic treated PORM units. No evidence of reflux was observed in the treated contralateral refluxing nonobstructive ureters. Ultrasonography revealed no ureterovesical junction obstruction. In 19 ureterorenal (95%) units, there was a complete resolution or decrease in hydroureteronephrosis. The results of this study demonstrate that combined endoureterotomy and subureteral injection of Deflux is safe and effective in the treatment of PORM in selected patients.

Abnormal Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Scan May Be Related to Persistence of Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children with Febrile Urinary Tract Infection

PurposeThis study assessed whether 99mtechnetium dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy used for the assessment of renal sequelae after febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) has any prognostic value for outcome measurement of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) by retrospectively evaluating the correlation between abnormal DMSA scintigraphy results and persistence of VUR in children with febrile UTI.Materials and MethodsThe medical records of 142 children (57 boys, 85 girls) admitted with febrile UTI from January 2004 to December 2006 and who were followed up for more than 1 year were retrospectively reviewed. At the initial and follow-up visits, renal ultrasound and DMSA scans were performed within 7 days from the diagnosis and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed within 1 month in all case and follow-up evaluations.ResultsThe children's mean age was 4.8±3.6 years (range, 0.3 to 14 years). The mean follow-up was 28.2±4.8 months. At the initial examination, VUR was more often associated with an abnormal DMSA scan result (83.3%) than with a normal DMSA scan result (16.7%, p=0.02). The frequency of VUR with an abnormal DMSA scan during acute UTI was significantly higher than the frequency of VUR with a normal DMSA scan (38.8% vs, 25.8%, respectively, p=0.004). Also, high-grade VUR was associated with an abnormal DMSA scan result (32.5%) more often than with a normal DMSA scan result (0%, p=0.01). Children with an abnormal DMSA scan had a lower resolution rate of VUR (17.5%) than did children with a normal DMSA scan (75.0%) at the follow-up VCUG (p=0.02).ConclusionsAn abnormal result on a DMSA scan during febrile UTI is associated with high-grade and persistent VUR. DMSA scans performed during febrile UTI are useful in reflux resolution in childhood.

Clinical course of vesicoureteral reflux in patients with hypospadias

The prevalence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in hypospadic patients is reportedly higher than in healthy children. We investigated the prevalence and the clinical course of VUR in hypospadic patients. We carried out intraoperative cystography to detect VUR in 338 patients who underwent hypospadias repair. Age, severity of hypospadias and the presence of VUR were investigated. A dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan and follow-up voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) were carried out if VUR was detected. VUR was detected in 41 patients (12.1%). Of 156 patients who were younger than 1 year-of-age, 34 (21.8%) were found to have VUR. The prevalence of VUR was significantly higher in patients younger than 1year (P<0.001), but was not associated with hypospadias type (P=0.212). The reflux grades were I, II and III in 6, 52 and 1 renal units, respectively. Renal scarring was shown in one of 36 patients. Follow-up VCUG was carried out in 30 patients at a mean of 14.28±3.89months, and reflux resolved in 27 and improved from grade II to grade I in three patients. Although its prevalence is higher in hypospadic children than in healthy children, it is not necessary to screen for VUR in hypospadic patients, because it is likely to be low-grade and to resolve in most cases.

Durability of a Single Successful Endoscopic Polytetrafluoroethylene Injection for Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux: 14-Year Followup Results

We reviewed our 14-year experience with successful single endoscopic subureteral polytetrafluoroethylene injection for the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 42 patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux who were treated with a single successful subureteral polytetrafluoroethylene injection between 1989 and 1993 and followed with routine 1, 3 and 10-year voiding cystourethrography. The study included 30 girls and 12 boys 2 to 14 years old (median age 6 years). Four patients were lost to followup. Of the 38 remaining patients 28 had unilateral and 10 had bilateral primary vesicoureteral reflux. Endoscopic treatment with subureteral polytetrafluoroethylene injection was performed in 48 ureters. Followup ranged from 10 to 14 years (mean 12.5+/-2.1). Voiding cystourethrography in 38 patients and 48 ureters revealed that 35 ureters (73%) remained free of reflux, whereas reflux recurred in 13 (27%) at a median of 2 years. Of these 13 ureters recurring reflux was grade I to II in 5 and grade III to V in 8. Reflux recurred in 11 of 24 ureters with grade IV to V reflux. Of the 13 recurrences 10 presented as febrile urinary tract infections and only 3 grade I recurrences were detected on voiding cystourethrography alone. No untoward effects were seen in any of these patients with injection of polytetrafluoroethylene. Long-term followup may be warranted after a single successful endoscopic injection for vesicoureteral reflux, particularly high grade reflux. However, followup voiding cystourethrography is unnecessary in patients presenting with febrile urinary tract infection.

Evaluation of imaging studies for vesicoureteral reflux in infants with first urinary tract infection.

Routine imaging studies following first urinary tract infection(UTI) in infancy are clinically used to identify who has vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and acute pyelonephritis or renal scars. The potential value of these images in avoiding children acquiring renal complication and whether the children benefited from these examinations were not well justified. Analysis was undertaken of 114 infants (228 renal units) at the time of first documented UTI. All underwent renal ultrasound, voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan on admission and repeated follow-up VCUG, DMSA or both after 4-6 months if initial examinations showed abnormal at first time. The VUR on VCUG when UTI and its statistical correlations with both acute and follow-up DMSA renal scan revealing renal scar were calculated. Seventeen children (14.9%) had VUR detected by VCUG. Forty-six patients (40.4%) had abnormal findings on acute DMSA renal scans (acute pyelonephritis or renal scars). The sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction rate and negative prediction rates of DMSA for VUR were 63%, 82.6%, 32.7% and 94.3%, respectively. The initial identified VUR versus renal scarring on follow-up DMSA showed little correlation. There is limited effectiveness of routine investigation by VCUG in infants with first confirmed UTI. VCUG may be withheld in a child who presents with first UTI before the age of one year if there has been no demonstrable abnormal DMSA scan.

Biofeedback therapy expedites the resolution of reflux in older children.

In older children the spontaneous resolution rate of low grade vesicoureteral reflux is low and currently its management is controversial in regard to surgery versus prophylaxis versus observation alone. Bladder dysfunction in children with neurogenic bladders and to a less declarative degree in neurologically intact children has a role in the etiology or persistence of reflux. We determine the impact of biofeedback therapy on neurologically intact children with vesicoureteral reflux and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Vesicoureteral reflux was detected by voiding cystourethrography in children evaluated for urinary tract infections. Children with breakthrough infections or dysfunctional voiding based on history underwent uroflowmetry with concomitant patch electromyography of the external sphincter. Dyssynergia was defined as increased or steady electromyography activity during micturition. Biofeedback was initially performed weekly and the interval increased as indicated. The goals were to eliminate dyssynergia and reduce or eliminate post-void residual urine. Voiding cystourethrography was performed 1 year later to determine the status of the reflux. Ureteral reimplantation was performed during the period of biofeedback when indicated. From February 1997 to March 2001, 25 children 6 to 10 years old (mean age 9) with vesicoureteral reflux and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia were treated with biofeedback therapy. There were 31 units (5 bilateral) with reflux, which was grade I in 10, II in 15, III in 5 and IV in 1. Children underwent an average of 7 sessions of biofeedback (range 2 to 20). On followup voiding cystourethrography, vesicoureteral reflux resolved in 17 units (55%), grade improved in 5 (16%) and reflux remained unchanged in 9 (29%). All cured vesicoureteral reflux was grade I (8 cases) or II (9). Four children (5 renal units) underwent reimplantation. In cured children there were no breakthrough infections during or since therapy and post-void residual urine decreased from an average of 40% before to 10% after therapy. Symptoms of urgency, daytime wetting and hoarding of urine improved or were eliminated in all children with resolved vesicoureteral reflux. Treating external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in older children with low grade vesicoureteral reflux, with biofeedback results in 1-year resolution rates that are considerably greater than historical resolution rates. External detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia should be screened for in children when surgery or discontinuation of chemoprophylaxis is considered so that biofeedback can be started.

The role of indirect radionuclide cystography during the acute phase of pyelonephritis in young women

To review our experience using dynamic 99mTc-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid renal scintigraphy combined with indirect radionuclide cystography (IRC) in the acute phase of pyelonephritis, as a possible alternative to the conventional imaging, as investigating acute pyelonephritis usually includes imaging the upper urinary tract during the acute phase, to exclude obstruction, and delayed voiding cysto-urethrography (VCUG) when underlying vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) is suspected. Between 1997 and 1999, 47 young women (median age 22 years, range 18-37) were hospitalized for acute pyelonephritis. The combined study was used during the acute phase of the disease, usually within 24 h of hospitalization. The principle of IRC is based on the reappearance of radioactivity in the ureters or kidneys after previously detecting renal clearance of an intravenously injected radioisotope. The increase in radioactivity over the ureters or kidneys indicates VUR. The subsequent follow-up included VCUG, after recovery and at least 6 weeks after discharge. Overall, 47 patients had early IRC studies; obstruction of the urinary tract during the acute phase of the disease was excluded in all. In 13 (28%) of the patients early IRC studies showed VUR involving 21 upper tract units. The renal parenchymal scan was impaired in 17 (36%) patients, and six of these 17 also had detectable concomitant reflux on IRC. Overall, 24 IRC studies (51%) were considered positive, showing VUR, renal parenchymal pathology or both; 23 (49%) were normal. Follow-up VCUG was used in 32 patients (68%); only three (9%) detected VUR. All of the patients with VUR on follow-up VCUG had also had an abnormal early IRC study, showing either reflux (two) or findings suggestive of pathological renal parenchyma (one). In addition to the well-established role of renal scintigraphy in excluding obstruction of the collecting system, early IRC is characterized by high sensitivity and accurate negative predictive value for detecting VUR. It can therefore be used to screen adults presenting with acute pyelonephritis for the presence of VUR. Patients with an abnormal IRC require follow-up VCUG after complete recovery, while those with a negative study may be managed expectantly, with no further radiological evaluation. This proposed strategy may avoid up to half of the delayed VCUG studies, preclude the related inconvenience, and substantially reduce the costs.

Biofeedback Therapy Expedites the Resolution of Reflux In Older Children

In older children the spontaneous resolution rate of low grade vesicoureteral reflux is low and currently its management is controversial in regard to surgery versus prophylaxis versus observation alone. Bladder dysfunction in children with neurogenic bladders and to a less declarative degree in neurologically intact children has a role in the etiology or persistence of reflux. We determine the impact of biofeedback therapy on neurologically intact children with vesicoureteral reflux and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia.Vesicoureteral reflux was detected by voiding cystourethrography in children evaluated for urinary tract infections. Children with breakthrough infections or dysfunctional voiding based on history underwent uroflowmetry with concomitant patch electromyography of the external sphincter. Dyssynergia was defined as increased or steady electromyography activity during micturition. Biofeedback was initially performed weekly and the interval increased as indicated. The goals were to eliminate dyssynergia and reduce or eliminate post-void residual urine. Voiding cystourethrography was performed 1 year later to determine the status of the reflux. Ureteral reimplantation was performed during the period of biofeedback when indicated.From February 1997 to March 2001, 25 children 6 to 10 years old (mean age 9) with vesicoureteral reflux and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia were treated with biofeedback therapy. There were 31 units (5 bilateral) with reflux, which was grade I in 10, II in 15, III in 5 and IV in 1. Children underwent an average of 7 sessions of biofeedback (range 2 to 20). On followup voiding cystourethrography, vesicoureteral reflux resolved in 17 units (55%), grade improved in 5 (16%) and reflux remained unchanged in 9 (29%). All cured vesicoureteral reflux was grade I (8 cases) or II (9). Four children (5 renal units) underwent reimplantation. In cured children there were no breakthrough infections during or since therapy and post-void residual urine decreased from an average of 40% before to 10% after therapy. Symptoms of urgency, daytime wetting and hoarding of urine improved or were eliminated in all children with resolved vesicoureteral reflux.Treating external detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in older children with low grade vesicoureteral reflux, with biofeedback results in 1-year resolution rates that are considerably greater than historical resolution rates. External detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia should be screened for in children when surgery or discontinuation of chemoprophylaxis is considered so that biofeedback can be started.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Trigonoplasty: A Minimally Invasive Approach to Correct Vesicoureteral Reflux

Purpose A procedure was designed to correct vesicoureteral reflux with minimally invasive technology. Materials and Methods A total of 22 children 14 months to 18 years old underwent percutaneous endoscopic trigonoplasty between January and June 1995. Followup ranges from 4 to 11 months. In 32 ureters reflux was grade 2 in 13, grade 3 in 13, grade 4 in 5 and grade 5 in 1. Results All patients had normal sonography of the kidneys after surgery. On followup voiding cystourethrography at 2 or 6 months there was resolution of reflux in 20 of the 32 ureters (62.5 percent). The probability of resolution was unrelated to patient age, laterality of reflux, initial grade, operative sequence or preoperative bladder instability. The 3 major complications were vesicovaginal fistula, hypnotremia and perivesical fluid collection. Conclusions Percutaneous endoscopic trigonoplasty is technically feasible but it involves a distinct learning curve. It offers significant advantages related to more rapid recovery with less discomfort. The success rate is modest at present. If it were to be improved with technical modifications, percutaneous endoscopic trigonoplasty may change the basic approach to treating children with vesicoureteral reflux.

Contralateral Reflux after Unilateral Ureteral Reimplantation

Purpose We analyzed the incidence and outcome of postoperative contralateral reflux after unilateral ureteral reimplantation by the Cohen and Glenn-Anderson techniques. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 120 patients 3 months to 21 years old in whom unilateral vesicoureteral reflux was treated by unilateral reimplantation. The incidence of postoperative contralateral reflux was documented by followup voiding cystourethrography. Results Overall 19 percent of patients who underwent unilateral reimplantation had contralateral vesicoureteral reflux postoperatively, including 21 percent after the Cohen and 17 percent after the Glenn-Anderson procedure. Of the cases 61 percent spontaneously resolved, 13 percent were surgically corrected and 26 percent continue to be followed. Conclusions The rates of postoperative contralateral vesicoureteral reflux are not significantly different after Cohen and Glenn-Anderson repair. A majority of cases will resolve spontaneously within 2 years. The likelihood of trigonal distortion as the etiology of contralateral reflux is low given the similar incidence in cross-trigonal and ureteral advancement reimplantation.