Pediatric Urologic Surgery Research Articles

Prevalence and Extent of Industry Funding to Program Directors Across Pediatric Surgical Specialties

IntroductionIndustry funding in surgical education offers benefits but presents conflicts of interest. This study defines the prevalence and extent of industry funding to fellowship program directors (FPDs) across pediatric surgical specialties. Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of FPDs in pediatric surgical specialties. Data were amalgamated from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Characteristics of FPDs were obtained from academic websites and medical licensing boards. Personal industry payments from 2016 to 2022 were analyzed, and temporal trends were elucidated. Comparisons were made by year, surgical specialty, and control groups with nonparametric tests. ResultsA total of 241 FPDs were identified, with 206 (85%) receiving industry payments over the study period. The specialties with the highest prevalence of industry funding to FPDs were pediatric orthopedic surgery (100%), pediatric urology (96%), and pediatric surgery (85%). Total industry payments aggregated to $7.3 million dollars with the majority awarded to pediatric orthopedic surgery (91%). Most industry payments were for royalties or licensing (57%) and consulting fees (31%). Median total industry payments per FPD differed between subspecialties (P < 0.001) and was highest in pediatric orthopedic surgery ($7009, interquartile range [IQR], $1771-$50,239) and lowest in pediatric otolaryngology ($116, IQR, $75-$1626). Male FPDs had higher median total industry payments than female FPDs ($1643, IQR, $172-$8731 versus $193, IQR, $84-$712, P < 0.001). ConclusionsIndustry payments to FPDs in pediatric surgical specialties are highly prevalent, but the magnitude varies by specialty. Future work is needed to establish mechanisms that promote equitable partnerships between academia and industry for pediatric surgery training.

Artificial Intelligence Tools in Pediatric Urology: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advances.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is providing novel answers to long-standing clinical problems, and it is quickly changing pediatric urology. This thorough analysis focuses on current developments in AI technologies that improve pediatric urology diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgery results. Deep learning algorithms help detect problems with previously unheard-of precision in disorders including hydronephrosis, pyeloplasty, and vesicoureteral reflux, where AI-powered prediction models have demonstrated promising outcomes in boosting diagnostic accuracy. AI-enhanced image processing methods have significantly improved the quality and interpretation of medical images. Examples of these methods are deep-learning-based segmentation and contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE). These methods guarantee higher precision in the identification and classification of pediatric urological disorders, and AI-driven ground truth construction approaches aid in the standardization of and improvement in training data, resulting in more resilient and consistent segmentation models. AI is being used for surgical support as well. AI-assisted navigation devices help with difficult operations like pyeloplasty by decreasing complications and increasing surgical accuracy. AI also helps with long-term patient monitoring, predictive analytics, and customized treatment strategies, all of which improve results for younger patients. However, there are practical, ethical, and legal issues with AI integration in pediatric urology that need to be carefully navigated. To close knowledge gaps, more investigation is required, especially in the areas of AI-driven surgical methods and standardized ground truth datasets for pediatric radiologic image segmentation. In the end, AI has the potential to completely transform pediatric urology by enhancing patient care, increasing the effectiveness of treatments, and spurring more advancements in this exciting area.

Intraoperative ultrasound-guided paediatric urological surgery: a pictorial review.

Intraoperative ultrasound is described widely in multiple pathological scenarios in adult practice and in image-guided interventions in children. We aim to describe the technique and range of potential uses of intraoperative ultrasound in paediatric urological surgery, from outlining the process of case selection, preparation, and logistics to demonstrating the ranging benefits of real-time, high spatial resolution ultrasound during resection. At our centre, we use intraoperative ultrasound to assist in a variety of operations. These include guiding excision margins in nephron-sparing surgery, assessing for vascular infiltration in renal tumours, and identifying salvageable testicular tissue in orchidectomy. By exhibiting these scenarios, we hope to display the unique value that intraoperative ultrasound can have to the paediatric surgeon and inspire additional uses further afield.

A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Opioid Disposal Instructions with Parental Education on Proper Opioid Disposal Rates Following Ambulatory Pediatric Urologic Surgery

ObjectivesTo determine if the administration of standardized opioid disposal instructions with focused parental education improves proper disposal of leftover opioid medication among families of children undergoing ambulatory urologic surgery compared to routine postoperative instructions. MethodsA prospective, double-blinded, single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted in children 6-18y undergoing ambulatory urology procedures between October 2021-April 2023. Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opioid disposal best practices worksheet plus nursing parental education or routine postoperative instructions alone. All patients were prescribed acetaminophen and ibuprofen and a per-protocol rescue opioid prescription. The primary outcome was rate of proper opioid disposal at 10-14d post-procedure. Secondary outcomes included parents postoperative pain measure (PPPM) scores, numerical pain scale (NPS) scores, and weight-based opioid utilization at 48h and 10-14d. ResultsWe randomized 104 participants (53 intervention, 51 control) with 97% (101/104) complete follow-up data at 10-14d. Patient demographics, procedural characteristics, and analgesia use were similar between groups. We observed no significant difference in proper opioid disposal rates between arms (31% intervention vs. 18% control; estimated difference in proportion 13% [95% CI, -4–29%]; p=0.1). There was no increased odds of proper disposal of leftover opioid medication at 10-14d with the intervention compared to the control (OR 2.0 [95% CI 0.8–5.1]; p=0.1). We observed no differences in PPPM scores, NPS scores, or opioid utilization at 48h or 10-14d. ConclusionsProviding formal opioid disposal instructions with parental education did not improve proper disposal of leftover opioid medication nor did it alter post-discharge opioid utilization after pediatric urologic surgery.

Robotic Pediatric Urologic Surgery-Clinical Anesthetic Considerations: A Comprehensive Review.

Minimally invasive robotic approaches have become standard in many institutions over the last decade for various pediatric urological procedures. The anesthetic considerations for common laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries are similar since both require the insufflation of CO2 to adequately visualize the operative area. However, few studies exist regarding anesthesia for robotic procedures in children. We hypothesized that pediatric patients undergoing robotic urologic surgeries would require specific anesthetic strategies, especially given the inherently longer durations of these procedures. This study aimed to evaluate anesthetic considerations, current robotic procedures, optimal patient positioning, and port placement for robotic-assisted surgery in pediatric patients. A comprehensive literature review of all published manuscripts from PubMed, EMBASE database, and Google Scholar was performed, focusing on robotic procedures involving pediatric patients, anesthesia for pediatric urology patients, and related topics from 1996 to 2023. Forty published manuscripts were identified and reviewed in depth. In pediatric cases, insufflation pressures and volumes are lower due to the laxity of the abdominal wall. However, the increase in intra-abdominal pressure and absorption of CO2 may result in disproportionate changes in cardiopulmonary function. Specific patient positioning for robotic approaches may further compound these physiological changes. Correct patient positioning is essential to facilitate surgery optimally and safely. Understanding the physiological changes that can occur during a pediatric patient's robotic urologic surgery allows for safer anesthesia management.

Application of the ERAS guidelines in pediatric urological surgery: a systematic review.

Consensus for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in pediatrics has been achieved in neonatal intestinal surgery, yet it is not widely utilized in pediatric urology. We investigated the application of ERAS guidelines in pediatric urology, and determined its effects given the available level of evidence supporting the ERAS protocol in children. A systematic literature review including series providing adoption of fast-track recovery protocols for pediatric urology procedures was carried out. Main outcome measures were study characteristics, adherence to the 19 ERAS items, complication rates and length of hospital stay. Sub-group analysis by surgery type (hypospadias versus major surgery) was performed. Nine series with data from 1272 surgical pediatric cases were included. An enhanced recovery pathway was applied in 67.3% of the reports. Two series included patients undergoing hypospadias repair and ERAS items were insufficiently reported. Studies including children undergoing major procedures mentioned a median of 15 ERAS items, yet applied a median of 11 items. Median compliance rate was 88.9% (range 50-100). More ERAS guideline items were reported (applied or mentioned) in the most recently published studies. There is limited reporting and use of the ERAS guidelines in urologic surgery particularly in hypospadias repair; whilst in major surgery in children, adherence and compliance rates vary widely. In more recent series there was an increase in ERAS items that have been mentioned and applied. Future research is needed to identify barriers and to overcome them in order to fully adopt and benefit from the ERAS pathway.

Renal function in pediatric urologic surgical patients: Insight from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program—Pediatric cohort

Abstract Background Renal protection is a frequent indication for urological surgery in pediatric patients; however, preoperative assessment is not routinely performed. We assessed the rates of preoperative renal function testing and stratified outcomes after major pediatric urological surgery. Pediatric urology patients, specifically high-risk patients undergoing genitourinary surgeries, are likely to have an underdiagnosis of renal dysfunction after surgery. Materials and methods Cases were identified from the 2012 to 2019 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program—Pediatric database. Patients who underwent major urological surgery on an inpatient basis were included in this study. Abnormal renal function was defined as a creatinine (Cr) level of ≥0.5 mg/dL (younger than 2 years) and a glomerular filtration rate of &lt;90 mL/min (2 years or older). Glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the bedside Schwartz equation (2 years or older): estimated glomerular filtration rate = 0.413 × (height/Cr). Results A total of 17,315 patients were included, of whom 3792 (21.9%) had documented Cr values. Based on the defined criteria, abnormal renal function was found in 7.3% of infants (younger than 2 years), 33.6% of children (2–9 years), and 52.5% of adolescents (10–18 years). Patients with abnormal preoperative renal function values were significantly (p &lt; 0.001) more likely to experience readmission (10.2% vs. 5.8%), reoperation (3.7% vs. 1.6%), surgical organ/space infection (0.9% vs. 0.4%), transfusion (1.5% vs. 0.6%), renal insufficiency (1.6% vs. 0.4%), or urinary tract infection (5.1% vs. 3.6%). Conclusions In this pediatric population, 21.9% of the patients had documented preoperative Cr values before major urological surgery. Patients with documented abnormal preoperative renal function tests experienced higher complication rates. These patients have higher rates of progressive renal insufficiency and acute renal failure than those with normal renal function. The introduction of a standardized and unbiased risk assessment tool has the potential to offer patients benefits by pinpointing individuals with a heightened risk of complications. Further investigation is necessary to enhance the precise categorization of at-risk patients.

Opioid prescription usage and disposal after provider education and SMS-based parent education

Adequate pain control after outpatient pediatric urologic surgery is important for both providers and caregivers; however, opioid pain medications are often prescribed in excess of utilization. The resultant excess opioid medication has potential to be diverted or misused. While families are instructed to dispose of leftover opioids, a significant proportion may not dispose of leftover medication. We performed a quality improvement (QI) initiative within a tertiary academic care center to examine opioid excess, opioid disposal, and whether a two-component QI intervention of provider education and family education via automated SMS messages on opioid disposal could improve excess opioid prescribing and leftover opioid disposal. Prospective parent surveys were performed on a baseline cohort of 73 patients undergoing outpatient pediatric urologic surgery between July 27 and September 4, 2020. Based on baseline data, a two-component quality improvement initiative was implemented. The first component was non-binding surgeon education regarding opioid prescribing versus opioid utilization. The second component was initiation of automated SMS messages to families after surgery with information on expected postoperative course and hyperlinked instructions for opioid disposal with GPS search for opioid disposal sites nearby. We then repeated the survey for a second cohort of patients between September 14 and October 29, 2021, including additional questions regarding SMS message utility. Of 73 patients in the baseline group, 46% were prescribed opioids (Summary Table). Of patients prescribed opioids, a median of 3 doses were used and 96% had leftover opioid medication. Seventeen percent of parents in the baseline group disposed of unused opioids prior to survey completion (1-4 weeks postop). After the intervention, 19 of 74 (26%) patients were prescribed opioids. In the group that received opioids, a median of 2 doses were used and 63% reported disposing of opioids. Ninety-six percent of parents reported satisfaction with SMS messages. Many competing priorities exist for surgical providers and parents of children undergoing outpatient pediatric urologic surgery. A passive program that delivers just-in-time information in the postoperative period has high utility for both parents and providers. Automated SMS messages and provider education about opioid utilization are associated with decreased excess opioid after outpatient pediatric urologic surgery and improved opioid disposal rates by parents. These interventions are easily implemented without significant manpower and should be considered by organizations interested in decreasing excess community opioids after outpatient pediatric urologic surgery.

РОБОТ-АССИСТИРОВАННАЯ ХИРУРГИЯ В ДЕТСКОЙ УРОЛОГИИ - ПЕРВЫЙ ОПЫТ

Robot-assisted surgery in pediatric urology is developing most intensively among other surgical disciplines in the direction from simple to complex reconstructive interventions. The purpose of the Article is to summarize the current state of the problem of robotic surgery in pediatric urology and evaluate its future possibilities. The scientific study was carried out at the Irkutsk Oblast Regional Children's Clinical Hospital (Irkutsk, Russia) in Dec. 2022-May 2023. 19 robot-assisted procedures were performed over the entire period. Robotic surgeries were performed using the new Versius robotic platform by Cambridge Medical Robotics (UK). All surgical procedures were performed according to the same principles as well as the pattern Authors have previously adopted from the very beginning of their own experience with the Versius system. In all cases, three robotic ports were used: a single 12 mm trocar for optics (openly inserted at the level of the umbilicus) and two 5 mm trocars for robotic manipulators. Additionally, a 5-mm laparoport was installed for the assistant to work during the robotic operation. The study recorded patients' perioperative parameters related to demographics, surgical details and both early- and long-term outcomes. Results: 19 patients were included in the study (11 (58 [34; 80]%) boys/8 (42 [20; 66]%) girls) with the age the surgery was performed in 10.4±4.2 years old (median - 10.0 [7.0; 14.5] y/o) and the weight at the surgery 41.0±16.2 kg (median - 41.0 [27.0; 54.3] kg). Robot-assisted operations in pediatric urology were represented by the following procedures: pyeloplasty in 6 (32 [13; 57]%); removal of a kidney cyst in 5 (26 [9; 51]%); nephrectomy in 4 (21 [6; 46]%); Hellström-Chapman in 1 (5 [0; 26]%) and resection of the bladder diverticulum in 1 (5 [0; 26]%) patient. The mean duration of surgical intervention was 142.2±49.7 min (median - 140.0 [110.0; 160.0] min). Interventions were not accompanied by intraoperative complications. No significant complications were noted in both early and late postoperative periods. Conclusion: initial experience with robotic-assisted surgery confirmed that robotics can be safely and effectively used in children with urological pathology.

Effectiveness of perioperative low-dose esketamine infusion for postoperative pain management in pediatric urological surgery: a prospective clinical trial

BackgroundPostoperative pain is common in pediatric urological surgery. The study assess the impact of perioperative intravenous infusion of low-dose esketamine on postoperative pain in pediatric urological surgery.MethodsPediatric patients (n = 80) undergoing urological surgery were randomized into four groups. Patients in the control group were administered an analgesic pump containing only hydromorphone at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg (Hydromorphone Group 1, H1) or 0.15 mg/kg (Hydromorphone Group 2, H2). Patients in the experimental group were injected intravenously with 0.3 mg/kg of esketamine (Esketamine group 1, ES1) or equal volume of saline (Esketamine Group 2, ES2) during anesthesia induction. Esketamine 1.0 mg/kg and hydromorphone 0.1 mg/kg were added to the analgesic pump. Face, Leg, Activity, Crying, and Comfort (FLACC) scale or the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and adverse effects were recorded at 2, 6, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. Additionally, total and effective PCA button presses were recorded.ResultsIn comparison to the H1 group, the pain scores were notably reduced at all postoperative time points in both the ES1 and H2 groups. The ES2 group exhibited lower pain scores only at 24 and 48 h postoperatively. When compared to the H2 group, there were no significant differences in pain scores at various postoperative time points in the ES2 group. However, the ES1 group demonstrated significantly lower pain scores at 6, 24 and 48 h postoperatively, and these scores were also significantly lower than those observed in the ES2 group. The total and effective number of PCA button presses in the ES1, ES2 and H2 group were lower than that in the H1 group (P < 0.001). The incidence of adverse effects within 48 h after surgery was 15% in ES1, 22% in ES2, 58% in H1, and 42% in H2, respectively (P = 0.021).ConclusionsThe use of low-dose esketamine infusion in analgesia pump can effectively alleviates postoperative pain in pediatric urological patients, leading to a significant reduction in the number of analgesic pump button press. The combined approach of perioperative anesthesia induction and analgesia pump administration is recommended for optimal pain management in these patients.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry- ChiCTR2300073879 (24/07/2023).

Robotic Surgery in Pediatric Urology

Robotic Surgery in Pediatric Urology

Regional Anesthesia for Pediatric Urologic Surgery – What’s New?

Regional Anesthesia for Pediatric Urologic Surgery – What’s New?

Utility of Postoperative Phone Calls in Reducing Unplanned Health Care Utilization

IntroductionPostoperative phone calls ideally proactively identify concerns. This study aimed to determine whether postoperative phone calls after elective outpatient pediatric urology surgery were associated with differences in postoperative healthcare utilization. MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study included patients undergoing elective outpatient pediatric urologic surgery in selected months of 2019-2021. Data were abstracted on patient demographics, postoperative call completion, number and timing of parent-initiated calls within 30 d, concerns for parent-initiated calls, and timing and indication for emergency department visits within 30 d. Patients with and without completed postoperative calls were compared. ResultsOf 1494 patients, 416 (38.6%) had completed postoperative phone calls; 1078 (61.4%) did not. Calls were more likely to be completed in more disadvantaged areas (Area Deprivation Index deciles 9-10; odds ratio [OR] = 3.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.70-5.54, P < 0.0001). Overall, the proportions of patients seeking emergency care within 30 d (3.6% versus 4.0%, OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.49-1.64, P = 0.73) and with parent-initiated phone calls (31.7% versus 31.3%, OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.80-1.20, P = 0.86) were similar in patients with and without postop calls completed. For children in less disadvantaged areas (Area Deprivation Index decile 1-2), the likelihood of a parent-initiated call was higher when postop calls were completed (47.8% versus 33.6%, OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.15-2.79, P = 0.01). ConclusionsRoutine postoperative phone calls within 72 h of outpatient pediatric urologic surgery are not associated with decreased overall postoperative health care utilization, and in some cases are associated with an increase in calls to clinic. Defining patient and provider expectations for postoperative contact may make postoperative calls more useful.

National Postoperative Opioid Prescribing Rates Following Pediatric Urology Procedures Before and After the 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics Challenge to Reduce Opioid Prescribing: A Claims Database Analysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate trends in opioid prescribing rates following pediatric urologic surgery. MethodsWe queried the TriNetX Research database for patients under age 18 who underwent one of seven common pediatric urology procedures. We identified the proportion of patients that received an oral opioid prescription within 5 days of surgery. The primary analysis evaluated the trend inpostoperative opioid prescriptions using 3-month intervals from January 2010 to December 2022. We performed an interrupted time series analysis assessing trends in opioid prescribing patterns both before and after the AAP challenge. ResultsOf the 81,644 pediatric urology procedures, 29,595 (36.2%) received a postoperative opioid prescription, including 29.8% of circumcisions, 25.8% of hydrocelectomies, 39.6% of hypospadias repairs, 42.7% of pyeloplasties, 42.8% of ureteral reimplants. For all procedures we observed rising rates of opioid prescribing, increasing by 0.9% per 3-month interval prior to the challenge statement release from 2010-2018. We observed an overall significant decrease in opioid prescribing by 2.2% per 3-month interval following the challenge statement release. Additionally, since 2018, there was a significant decrease in opioid prescribing in all of the race, ethnicity, and age cohorts. ConclusionsOpioid prescribing following pediatric urology procedures has sharply decreased following the 2018 AAP challenge statement which underscores the value of cross-specialty quality improvement initiatives. Nonetheless, opioid prescribing remains high with potential racial or age disparities that warrant further investigation.

Association between YouTube® videos and health literacy with postoperative healthcare utilization following pediatric urologic surgery: A randomized trial

Limited caregiver health literacy has been associated with poorer health outcomes in pediatric patients and may limit caregiver understanding of printed education resources. Postoperative healthcare utilization may be related to confusion about instructions or complications. To correlate caregiver health literacy and educational video intervention with postoperative healthcare utilization following ambulatory pediatric urologic surgery. From July through December 2021, a randomized double-blinded trial assessed postoperative healthcare utilization following pediatric urologic surgery. Caregivers were randomized to receive standardized postoperative counseling and printed instructions (control) or access to English-language educational YouTube® videos with standardized postoperative counseling and printed instructions (intervention). Medical record abstraction was completed 30 days following surgery to identify postoperative healthcare utilization with calls, messages, add-on clinic visits, or presentation for urgent or emergent care, and postoperative complications. Target enrollment was achieved with 400 caregivers with 204 in the intervention and 196 in the control groups. There was a 32.5% overall rate of postoperative healthcare utilization. Health literacy was inversely associated with total postoperative healthcare utilization (p<0.001). There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative healthcare utilization between the control and intervention groups (p=0.623). However, on sub-analysis of caregivers with postoperative healthcare utilization (Summary Figure), there were fewer total occurrences in the intervention group (intervention median 1, IQR 1,2.3; control median 2, IQR 1,3; p<0.001). For caregivers with limited health literacy, there was a greater associated reduction in median calls from 2 (IQR 0,2) to 0 (IQR 0,0.5) with video intervention (p=0.016). On multivariate analysis, total postoperative healthcare utilization was significantly associated with limited caregiver health literacy (OR 1.08; p=0.004), English as preferred language (OR 0.68; p=0.018), and older patient age (OR 0.95; p=0.001). Current resources for postoperative education are limited as resources can be written above recommended reading levels and families can have difficulty recalling information discussed during postoperative counseling. Video intervention is an underutilized resource that can provide an additional resource to families with visual and auditory aids and be accessed as needed. Caregiver health literacy was inversely associated with postoperative healthcare utilization. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative healthcare utilization with video intervention. However, on subgroup analysis, supplemental videos were associated with fewer occurrences of postoperative healthcare utilization, especially in caregivers with limited health literacy. On multivariate regression, health literacy, preferred language, and patient age were significantly associated with total postoperative healthcare utilization.

Comparison of a Valveless Trocar System and Conventional Insufflation in Pediatric Urologic Surgery.

Background: Conventional operative insufflation uses a one-way trocar to handle instruments while maintaining pneumoperitoneum. In 2007, the AirSeal® valveless trocar insufflation system was introduced, which maintains stable pneumoperitoneum while continuously evacuating smoke. Although this device has been validated in adult patients, it has not been extensively validated in the pediatric population. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of pediatric urology patients aged 0 to 21 who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty between March 2016 and October 2021 was performed. Intraoperative physiologic parameters, procedure characteristics, postoperative outcomes, and demographics of each patient in whom either AirSeal insufflation system (AIS) or conventional insufflation system (CIS) was utilized were obtained from hospital records. Data were compared across the AIS and CIS cohorts. The primary outcomes were intraoperative anesthetic and physiologic parameters, including end tidal carbon dioxide, oxygen saturation, body temperature, positive inspiratory pressure, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate. Results: There were no significant differences in the anesthetic and physiologic parameters in the AIS and CIS groups. In addition, no differences in demographics, procedural characteristics, or complication rates were found between the cohorts. Conclusion: The AirSeal valveless trocar insufflation system demonstrates comparable intraoperative anesthetic and physiologic outcomes compared to conventional one-way valve insufflation in pediatric laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Certain surgeon-related qualitative metrics are underappreciated in this study, however, including improved visualization with vigorous suctioning and pressure maintenance with frequent instrument exchanges. Surgeon experience may mask the benefits of these characteristics as it pertains to quantitative surgical outcomes such as estimated blood loss, operative time, and perioperative complications.

Management of urachal anomalies in pediatric patients: A comparison of treatment strategies between pediatric urology and general surgery

Persistence of embryonic urachal structures due to a failure of the urachus to involute into the median umbilical ligament is known as a urachal anomaly (UA). UAs may remain asymptomatic or lead to abdominal pain and recurrent infections. Management of UAs in pediatric patients has historically lacked a clear consensus between conservative and surgical management. While both urologists and general surgeons manage this pathology, a comparison of management style and outcomes between these specialties has not been published to our knowledge. To (1) evaluate trends in management of UAs among pediatric urologists and general surgeons across three tertiary care children's hospitals and (2) identify factors that place patients at higher risk for requiring surgery. All patients diagnosed with a UA from 2016 to 2020at our multi-site institution were identified by ICD-10 code Q64.4 "malformation of the urachus" and retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, treatment specialty, remnant subtype, and management strategy were recorded. Data was dichotomized between both urology and general surgery as well as between surgical and nonsurgical intervention to identify and compare management strategies. Overall, 143 patients diagnosed with UAs were identified. Of these patients, 74 were treated by urology and 69 were treated by general surgery. Patients who were treated by urology were significantly more likely to receive conservative treatment (66.2% treated conservatively vs. 33.8% treated surgically), while patients treated by general surgery were significantly more likely to undergo surgery (84.1% treated surgically vs. 15.9% treated conservatively, p<.0001). Though, urology was more likely to treat patients who presented incidentally (p<.01), and general surgery was more likely to treat patients who presented with an infected remnant (p<.01). Patients of male sex were more likely overall to receive surgery compared to female patients (p<.01). Management of UAs by urologists was more conservative than general surgeons. However, both specialties treat distinctly different patient presentations, with urology managing more incidental remnants and general surgery operating on more emergent, infected urachi. Limitations of the study included its retrospective nature and the insufficient reporting of urachal remnant subtypes and presence of infection among patients. Management strategies of UAs differ among urology and general surgery, but surgical and conservative treatments are necessary to appropriately treat their distinct patient populations. This study provides valuable insight into current practices of UA management and may help to inform future treatment.

Pyeloplasty in Children with Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction and Associated Kidney Anomalies: Can a Robotic Approach Make Surgery Easier?

Robot-assisted pyeloplasty is widely used in pediatric surgery because of its well-known advantages over open or laparoscopic surgery. The aim is to explore our experience and evaluate the achievements we have made. We evaluated patients undergoing robotic pyeloplasty from January 2016 to November 2021, including those who presented with a ureteropelvic junction obstruction associated with other anomalies of the kidney. The parameters examined were: age, weight, associated renal malformations, conversion rate, operative time, and intra- and postoperative complications. Of 39 patients, 7 (20%) were included, of whom 5 (71%) were male and 2 (29%) were female. The mean age at surgery was 84 months (range 36-180 months), and the mean weight at surgery was 24.4 kg (range 11-40 kg). In five (71%) patients the ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) was left-sided and in two (29%) it was right-sided. In four (57%) cases, UPJO was associated with a horseshoe kidney, right-sided in one (25%) patient, and left-sided in the other three (75%). A 180° rotation of the kidney was present in one (14%) patient. Nephrolithiasis was present in two (29%) patients. The mean operative time was 160 min (range 140-240 min). The average bladder catheter dwell time was 1 day (range 2-3 days), while the average abdominal drainage dwell time was 2 days (range 2-4 days). The mean hospitalization time was 4 days (range 3-9 days). On average, after 45 days (range 30-65) the JJ ureteral stent was removed cystoscopically. No intraoperative complications were reported, while one case of persistent macrohematuria with anemia requiring blood transfusion occurred postoperatively. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction might be associated with other congenital urinary tract anomalies such as a duplicated collecting system, horseshoe kidney, or pelvic kidney. These kinds of malformations can complicate surgery and require more attention and accuracy from the surgeon. Our experience shows that, with regards to the robotic learning curve required for pyeloplasty, the treatment of the ureteropelvic junction in these situations does not present insurmountable difficulties nor is burdened by complications. The application of robot-assisted surgery in pediatric urology makes difficult pyeloplasties easier.

Factors affecting the postoperative quality of life and psychological well-being in pediatric urology patients

While most studies in pediatric urology investigate the clinical results, very few explore the relationship between surgery and quality of life and psychosocial well-being in pediatric urology practice. The determination of the effects of the surgical method on the quality of life (QoL) is of increasing importance. This study investigated the effect of surgery type on the postoperative QoL and psychological well-being of pediatric urological surgery patients. A total of 151 children and adolescents (4-18 years old) undergoing elective urological surgery between September 2020 and July 2021 were evaluated preoperatively; those who currently had psychiatric disorders were excluded. Of the 98 patients undergoing subsequent detailed preoperative assessment using standardized instruments to evaluate QoL and depression and anxiety symptom levels, only 63 could be re-evaluated postoperatively at a 6-month follow-up. Additionally, preoperative parental psychiatric symptom load was assessed using standardized self-report forms. The patients were classified into two categories for analysis-open versus endourological surgery and major versus minor surgery. In the latter category, there was a significant increase in the postoperative QoL in children undergoing minor urological surgery (p=0.037). Furthermore, the table depicted the regression analysis indicating the predictors for lower postoperative QoL. Those predictors were higher parental preoperative psychiatric symptom load, a greater number of previous surgeries, and female gender (p<0.001, adjusted R2=0.304). Postoperative QoL of children/adolescents undergoing pediatric urology surgery is affected more by the patient's preoperative medical condition and the psychological status of the patient's parents, rather than the surgical method opted for.

Pediatric robotic urologic procedures: Indications and outcomes.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) has revolutionized minimally invasive surgery in pediatric urology. The robotic platform allows surgeons to maintain the benefits of laparoscopic surgery while having enhanced three-dimensional view, dexterity, range of motion, and control of high-resolution cameras. In this review, we summarize the indications and recent outcomes for various pediatric urologic RALS procedures to illustrate the current state of robotics in pediatric urology. We systematically searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases. We extrapolated and summarized recent evidence on RALS in pediatric urology patients, with an emphasis on indications and outcomes, with regard to the following procedures and search terms: pyeloplasty, kidney stone surgery, partial nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy, ureteral reimplantation, appendico-vesicostomy, augmentation cystoplasty, bladder neck reconstruction, and Malone antegrade continence enema. Additional Medical Subject Headings terms used to augment the search included "Treatment Outcome" and "Robotic Surgical Procedures." Increasing usage of RALS has shown many benefits in perioperative and postoperative outcomes. In addition, there is growing evidence that robotic procedures in pediatric urology result in similar or better surgical outcomes when compared to the standard of care. RALS has shown considerable effectiveness in pediatric urologic procedures and may achieve surgical outcomes comparable to the standard approaches of open or laparoscopic surgery. However, larger case series and prospective randomized controlled trials are still necessary to validate the reported outcomes, in addition to cost analyses and studies on the surgical learning curve. We believe that the continuous evolution of robotic platforms will allow for enhanced care and quality of life for pediatric urology patients.