Biomedical subjects

Andrew J Kirsch

Publications and source records attributed to Andrew J Kirsch.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Long-term preservation of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer implants after endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children: a sonographic volumetric analysis.

PURPOSE: We compared injected volume of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid with sonographic volumes obtained 2 weeks to 36 months postoperatively to evaluate the amount of volume retention with time and to correlate volume retention with voiding cystourethrogram results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed sonographic volume measurements of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid implants in children at 2 weeks to 36 months postoperatively. Hydronephrosis and percentage of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid retained at each interval were recorded. Average change in volume at each interval was used to compare volume retention with time. The fraction of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid retained was compared to voiding cystourethrogram at 3 months. RESULTS: No patient had new or worsened hydronephrosis. Volumetric data were available for 296, 150, 42, 23 and 20 ureters at 2, 3, 6 and 12 weeks, and 24 to 36 months postoperatively, respectively. Percentage of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid retained was 79% at 2, 74% at 3, 70% at 6 and 78% at 12 weeks, and 65% at 24 to 36 months (p >0.05). While there was no significant difference in mean volume retained between cures (74%) and treatment failures (67%), the 94% cure rate with mega-implants (greater than anticipated volume retention) was higher than that with micro-implants (75%) or nonvisualized implants (70%). CONCLUSIONS: After the initial volume reduction at 2 weeks dextranomer/hyaluronic acid implants remained durable with insignificant volume reduction for up to 36 months postoperatively. Although overall mean volume retention did not correlate with cure, mega-implants were associated with high cure rates and may justify elimination of postoperative voiding cystourethrography.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Magnetic resonance urography for evaluating outcomes after pediatric pyeloplasty.

PURPOSE: We report the role of magnetic resonance urography in children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Differential renal function, the single kidney glomerular filtration rate index, renal transit time, renal length and renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter were compared before and after pyeloplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Magnetic resonance urography was performed before and after pyeloplasty in 24 patients with a mean age of 1.9 years (range 3 months to 10 years). Renal length, renal transit time and renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter were determined by the radiologist. The volume of functioning renal tissue and descending aorta were segmented and the ratio of the volumes of functioning kidney tissue was used to calculate differential renal function. Rutland-Patlak plots were used to calculate single kidney glomerular filtration rate index, that is the Patlak score. RESULTS: Mean renal pelvis renal pelvis anteroposterior diameter was 3.3 cm preoperatively and 2.5 cm postoperatively (p = 0.0003). There was no difference in average renal length (p = 0.22). Of the 24 cases 22 (92%) showed stable or improved differential renal function. Improvement in renal transit time was seen in 20 of 23 cases (87%). Of 15 patients with complete Patlak scores 14 (93%) showed postoperative improvement. Mean preoperative and postoperative differential renal function, renal transit time and Patlak score were 36% and 41% (p = 0.003), 16.2 and 8.6 minutes (p = 0.0005), and 6.6 and 11.9 ml per minute (p = 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance urography provides superior anatomical and unprecedented functional information to fully define the preoperatively and postoperative status of corrected ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Magnetic resonance urography has the potential to become the imaging study of choice for evaluating pediatric hydronephrosis and obstructive uropathy.

Child↗

PubMed2006

Salvage extravesical ureteral reimplantation after failed endoscopic surgery for vesicoureteral reflux.

PURPOSE: Open intravesical ureteral reimplantation has been reported to be uncomplicated following dextranomer/hyaluronic acid implantation. However, there are no known reports regarding extravesical ureteral reimplantation following dextranomer/hyaluronic acid failure. We reviewed our experience with extravesical ureteral reimplantation after dextranomer/hyaluronic acid failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 30 patients who underwent extravesical ureteral reimplantation after dextranomer/hyaluronic acid failure. If reflux was initially bilateral and only a unilateral cure was achieved, the cured ureter was not reimplanted. Intraoperative complications, need for stenting or prolonged bladder catheterization, length of hospitalization and radiographic results were noted. RESULTS: At cystoscopy the dextranomer/hyaluronic acid implants were not seen in half of the patients. In the remaining 15 patients the blebs had moved caudally and/or were seen extravesically at the ureteral hiatus or along Waldeyer's sheath. Unilateral extravesical ureteral reimplantation was performed without difficulty in all patients and there were no intraoperative complications. Stents were left indwelling only in those patients who had undergone dismembered ureteral reimplantation. No patient required prolonged bladder drainage. All patients except 2 who had undergone additional procedures were discharged home within 24 hours postoperatively. There was no evidence of obstruction on postoperative renal sonography, and extravesical ureteral reimplantation was confirmed to be successful in all 24 patients with postoperative voiding cystourethrograms. CONCLUSIONS: Extravesical ureteral reimplantation can be performed without difficulty following dextranomer/hyaluronic acid implantation. Since extravesical ureteral reimplantation is less morbid and better tolerated than intravesical reimplantation, it is an excellent treatment option for patients with persistent unilateral vesicoureteral reflux following dextranomer/hyaluronic acid implantation. Furthermore, in cases in which vesicoureteral reflux is initially bilateral our data suggest that reimplantation of the successfully treated contralateral ureter can be avoided.

Child↗

PubMed2006

Magnetic resonance urography in the evaluation of prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis and renal dysgenesis.

PURPOSE: We present our experience with dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance urography for evaluation and treatment in infants born with prenatally recognized hydronephrosis. We determined the characteristics of renal dysgenesis in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed magnetic resonance urography images done within the first 6 months of life in 67 infants born with prenatally recognized hydronephrosis. High resolution imaging was used to establish a morphological diagnosis. Functional evaluation was used to assess obstruction and individual renal function. Voiding cystourethrography was performed in 62 patients. RESULTS: Our study included 67 infants (87 renal units). There were 54 boys and 13 girls with a mean age of 2.8 months (range 0.9 to 4.6). Of these 87 renal units 30 (35%) had ureteropelvic junction obstruction, 18 (21%) had primary megaureters, 10 (11%) had nondilating vesicoureteral reflux, 10 (11%) had fetal folds, 8 (9%) had posterior urethral valves, 6 (7%) had ectopic ureters, 4 (5%) had multicystic dysplastic kidneys and 1 (1%) had a normal study. Magnetic resonance urography revealed renal dysgenesis in 24 renal units (28%), consisting of loss of corticomedullary differentiation, renal cystic changes distinct from multicystic dysplastic kidneys, solid renal dysplasia, hypoplasia and dysmorphic calyces. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance urography is an excellent addition to our armamentarium for evaluating neonatal hydronephrosis and renal dysgenesis. Due to its comprehensiveness magnetic resonance urography has the potential to become the study of choice for evaluating infants with significant prenatally recognized hydronephrosis. However, further prospective, comparative studies in larger patient populations are needed to justify the cost and the need for sedation in infants.

Female↗

PubMed2006

Postoperative ureteral obstruction after subureteral injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic Acid copolymer.

PURPOSE: Subureteral injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer is widely accepted for the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux. Few studies document the incidence of surgically relevant postoperative obstruction or the characteristics of patients at risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four institutions had reported surgically relevant postoperative obstruction to representatives of Q-Med Scandinavia, the manufacturers of Deflux (dextranomer/hyaluronic acid). All children undergoing dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection at these institutions were evaluated in this study. Patients requiring postoperative stenting were retrospectively reviewed for pertinent history, volume injected, technique of injection, duration of symptoms before intervention, duration of intervention and final outcome. RESULTS: A total of 745 patients (1,155 ureters) underwent injection. Five patients (6 renal units, 7 ureters) required stenting for obstructive symptoms and hydronephrosis, of whom 4 immediately became symptomatic. All patients had been injected with up to 1 ml dextranomer/hyaluronic acid. Four patients (80%) had either a neurogenic bladder or dysfunctional voiding. All stents were placed and removed without complications, with complete resolution of symptoms in all patients. Length of stenting ranged from 2 to 6 weeks. No patient required open surgery. One of 2 patients undergoing postoperative voiding studies had development of recurrent vesicoureteral reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection is associated with a small risk of postoperative ureteral obstruction requiring endoscopic intervention, with an overall incidence of less than 0.7% of patients injected. Patients with voiding dysfunction or neurogenic bladder may be at increased risk. Intervention with temporary ureteral stenting is effective, technically simple and curative.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Multi-institutional experience with PIC cystography--incidence of occult vesicoureteral reflux in children with febrile urinary tract infections.

OBJECTIVES: It has been reported that all children with febrile urinary tract infections (FUTIs) and normal voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) findings show occult reflux (vesicoureteral reflux [VUR]) when examined by cystography performed with positioning of the instillation of contrast at the ureteral orifice (PIC cystography). In this study, we evaluated the reproducibility of this finding using a prospective multi-institutional collaborative examination to determine whether PIC-VUR is as common in such cases as previously shown. METHODS: From March 2002 to October 2003, four institutions performed PIC cystography consecutively and prospectively in pediatric cases of FUTI (greater than 101 degrees F) who had not shown VUR by conventional VCUG. We correlated the ureteral orifice (UO) configuration and position with the status of PIC-VUR. RESULTS: PIC cystography was performed in 39 children (31 girls and 8 boys; 75 FUTIs). We identified PIC-VUR in 32 (82%) of 39 children, involving 58 (74%) of 78 ureters. The likelihood of demonstrating PIC-VUR was increased 37-fold if the UO showed a patulous configuration and was increased 9-fold if the UO showed a lateral configuration. PIC-VUR was noted uniformly in UOs showing hydrodistension. CONCLUSIONS: This multi-institutional registry showed that the incidence of PIC-VUR (82%) in children with FUTI and normal standard VCUG findings is similar to that previously reported. We consider that PIC-VUR likely accounts for the FUTIs.

Administration, Intravesical↗

PubMed2006

The treatment of catheterizable stomal incontinence with endoscopic implantation of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid.

PURPOSE: The creation of a catheterizable stoma has revolutionized the management of complex bladder reconstruction. Unfortunately, urinary incontinence per catheterizable stoma is seen in some patients. We present our experience with the use of submucosal implantation of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid in patients with catheterizable stomas with urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 14 patients 9 to 49 years old (mean age 17.8) underwent submucosal implantation of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid for incontinence of catheterizable stoma at our institutions between October 2001 and March 2004. RESULTS: There were 9 males and 5 females. Type of bowel for stoma creation included 12 appendixes and 2 small bowels. All patients had significant leak per stoma and were candidates for revision. The dextranomer/hyaluronic acid volume injected ranged from 2 to 6 cc (mean 3.7). A total of 10 patients were dry after 1 injection, 1 was dry after 2 injections and 3 remained incontinent after the procedure. Our success rate was 79%. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience with the endoscopic treatment of incontinence of catheterizable stoma is encouraging, with a 79% success rate. We believe that this minimally invasive approach is warranted as an initial step in the management of urinary incontinence of catheterizable stoma before undertaking more challenging procedures.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid for vesicoureteral reflux: success rates after initial treatment failure.

PURPOSE: Following Food and Drug Administration approval of Dx/HA there has been increasing interest in the endoscopic management of VUR. Currently, there are few data regarding the success rates of repeat injection. We recently published our success rates for a group of children following initial Dx/HA treatment, and herein report the success rate of a subgroup of children undergoing repeat injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We queried our database to identify all children undergoing a second Dx/HA injection for the treatment of VUR at our institution. VUR grades as determined by VCUG before and after the second treatment were specifically noted. Success was defined as the complete absence of VUR by VCUG. RESULTS: A total of 42 children (37 girls and 5 boys) with a mean age of 5 years underwent a second Dx/HA treatment for VUR after initial treatment failure. Complete followup was available for 39 patients (53 ureters). Before the second injection 14 patients had bilateral and 25 had unilateral VUR, with a mean grade of 2.2. A second Dx/HA injection resolved VUR in 35 of 39 patients (90%) and in 47 of 53 ureters (89%). A second injection resolved reflux in 7 of 8 ureters (88%) with grade I, 24 of 26 (92%) with grade II and 16 of 19 (84%) with grade III VUR. CONCLUSIONS: A second Dx/HA injection for the treatment of VUR persisting after initial endoscopic treatment has a high success rate. This information is useful when counseling parents after initial treatment failure.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

New contralateral vesicoureteral reflux following dextranomer/hyaluronic Acid implantation: incidence and identification of a high risk group.

PURPOSE: To our knowledge the incidence of NCVUR following the endoscopic treatment of VUR with Dx/HA has not been reported previously. We evaluated the outcomes in a group of patients to determine the incidence, and to attempt to identify risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 126 children with primary unilateral VUR underwent unilateral Dx/HA implantation at our institutions. The incidence of NCVUR was determined by postoperative VCUG. Indications for surgery, patient age and gender, preoperative grade of VUR and volume of Dx/HA injected were assessed as possible risk factors for NCVUR. RESULTS: Of the patients 96 (76.2%) were female, and mean age was 4.8 years. The principal indications for Dx/HA implantation were persistent reflux in 56 patients (44.4%) and primary therapy in 51 (40.5%). At followup VCUG 17 patients (13.5%) had NCVUR. No variable independently appeared to influence the incidence of NCVUR. Statistical analysis suggests that females younger than 5 years have an increased incidence of NCVUR (13 of 62, or 21% vs 4 of 64, or 6.3% of the remaining patients, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: NCVUR occurred in approximately 13% of our patients. Patients with higher preoperative VUR grade or a lower number of preoperative VCUGs and those undergoing treatment as primary therapy did not have an increased incidence. Girls younger than 5 years had the highest incidence of NCVUR, and initial bilateral injection may be a consideration for this group. Further effort directed at identifying the etiology and risk factors for NCVUR is needed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric urology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as a powerful diagnostic tool for the imaging of the pediatric genitourinary tract. The aim of this review is to familiarize the reader with the current applications and basic techniques utilizing magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric uroradiology. RECENT FINDINGS: Magnetic resonance imaging can provide both a detailed anatomic and functional assessment of the pediatric genitourinary tract in a single study without the use of ionizing radiation. Magnetic resonance urography combines static and dynamic evaluation of the urinary tract following contrast administration and has been most often applied to the evaluation of hydronephrosis. In addition to unparalleled anatomic assessment, it allows for the evaluation of glomerular filtration rate, renal transit time, and differential renal function. It also provides unique insights into a wide range of obstructive uropathies and has been demonstrated to be useful in the evaluation of complex genitourinary anomalies. Magnetic resonance voiding cystourethrography has been used to rule out vesicoureteral reflux. Magnetic resonance imaging has also been demonstrated to be superior to nuclear scintigraphy for the diagnosis of pyelonephritis and renal scarring. SUMMARY: Magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as a powerful tool for the diagnosis of pediatric genitourinary anomalies. It provides functional and anatomic assessment with a single procedure that in most cases is superior to conventional procedures. Magnetic resonance imaging will probably become the modality of choice for the imaging of pediatric genitourinary tract anomalies.

Child↗

PubMed2005

Adolescent urology.

The area of adolescent urology encompasses a period of development that coincides with puberty. Disorders seen during this time either carry over from childhood (eg, hydronephrosis, enuresis, voiding dysfunction) or are early manifestations of urologic problems seen more commonly in adulthood (eg, urolithiasis, varicoceles). This article focuses on several areas of urology common to the adolescent.

Enuresis↗

PubMed2005

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR urography in the evaluation of pediatric hydronephrosis: Part 1, functional assessment.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to derive time-intensity curves for the renal cortex and medulla from 3D dynamic MR urography and to assess whether these curves are predictive of obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine examinations were performed in 53 pediatric patients and the degree of obstruction assessed using the renal transit time. The cortex and medulla were segmented using a semiautomatic method, and mean time-intensity curves were derived for the segmented volumes. The basic parameters of the curves (amplitude, washout) were assessed, as was the presence of certain characteristic features of the curves. RESULTS: The images allowed clear visualization of three phases of the uptake of contrast material in the cortex, the medulla, and the collecting system. Both the amplitude of the curves and the washout of the contrast material were predictive of obstruction. The distal tubular peak was reliably detected in the cortex of nonobstructed kidneys. CONCLUSION: Combining signal-intensity-versus-time-curve analysis with the other parameters that can be derived from the same MR urography data set provides a powerful tool for the diagnosis of obstruction.

Child↗

PubMed2005

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR urography in the evaluation of pediatric hydronephrosis: Part 2, anatomic and functional assessment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction [corrected].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to retrospectively review our experience using MR urography in the diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one studies were performed in 50 children with hydronephrosis but without hydroureter. Anatomic criteria assessed included degree of hydronephrosis, morphology of the renal pelvis, atrophy of medulla, swirling contrast material, fluid levels, and the presence of fetal folds and crossing vessels. Functional criteria included renal transit time, differential renal function, and time-intensity curves when available. RESULTS: Thirty-one kidneys were classified as obstructed, 15 as equivocal, and 15 as nonobstructed. Obstructed systems had more marked hydronephrosis, more extensive medullary atrophy, more fluid levels, and more swirling contrast material. Fetal folds were seen in only the equivocal and nonobstructed groups. Crossing vessels were seen in all groups. Obstructed systems also showed greater functional derangement, decreased split renal function, and abnormal time-intensity curves. CONCLUSION: MR urography provides both excellent anatomic and functional information in children with UPJ obstruction in a single test that does not use ionizing radiation. MR urography may lead to greater understanding of the pathophysiology of UPJ obstruction.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Renal transit time with MR urography in children.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate use of dynamic contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) urography for measurement of renal transit time (RTT) of a contrast agent through the kidney and collecting system so as to identify obstructive uropathy in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-six children suspected of having hydronephrosis were hydrated prior to undergoing both conventional and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR urography of the kidneys and urinary tract. A three-dimensional sequence was used to track passage of contrast agent through the kidneys. Time between the appearance of contrast material in the kidney and its appearance in the ureter at or below the level of the lower pole of the kidney was defined as RTT. Bland-Altman plots were used to quantify intra- and interobserver performance. In 30 children, a nuclear medicine renogram was also obtained, and the half-life of renal signal decay after furosemide administration was derived and compared with the MR imaging RTT by using receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: On the basis of RTT, kidneys were classified as normal (RTT </= 245 seconds), equivocal (245 seconds > RTT </= 490 seconds), or obstructed (RTT > 490 seconds). Inter- and intraobserver agreement indicated that the technique is both robust and reproducible. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for comparison of results of MR imaging and diuretic renal scintigraphy showed good agreement between the modalities, with a mean area under the curve of 0.90. CONCLUSION: When used in conjunction with morphologic images obtained in the same examination, RTT generally allowed normal kidneys to be differentiated from obstructed and partially obstructed kidneys.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Monoamniotic twin discordant for bilateral renal agenesis with normal pulmonary function.

A 22-year-old G4P3 woman with a twin pregnancy underwent an uncomplicated delivery at 35 weeks of gestation of normal-appearing twin boys. One of the boys returned 24 hours later with no voiding since birth. He was doing well with no respiratory difficulties and normal physical examination findings. Renal/bladder ultrasonography and computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed no evidence of kidneys. The admission laboratory values were consistent with renal failure. A peritoneal dialysis catheter was inserted and peritoneal dialysis started. Our patient died at 2 months old secondary to complications from the peritoneal dialysis. We describe the unusual case of a monoamniotic twin discordant for bilateral renal agenesis with normal pulmonary function. This case shows the importance of normal renal function in the production of amniotic fluid and its relationship to the proper development of the pulmonary system.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Urological manifestations of Down syndrome.

PURPOSE: We identified the urological anomalies seen in patients with Down syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the literature on Down syndrome and its associated genitourinary pathology. RESULTS: Associated defects have been reported throughout the genitourinary tract. The most common renal anomalies seen are renal hypoplasia, obstructive uropathy and glomerular microcysts. Decreased creatinine clearance has also been noted. Developmental anomalies, such as megaureter and vesicoureteral reflux, have been reported. Dysfunctional voiding and urinary retention have been found in these patients. Posterior urethral valves and hypospadias have also been seen. The testicular abnormalities most frequently reported are cryptorchidism, testicular cancer and infertility. CONCLUSIONS: Improved understanding and identification of the various urological anomalies associated with Down syndrome will aid in the care of these patients. In addition, an awareness of perioperative issues will further facilitate a smooth clinical course.

Child↗

PubMed2004

The modified sting procedure to correct vesicoureteral reflux: improved results with submucosal implantation within the intramural ureter.

PURPOSE: With the advent of tissue bulking agents, in particular dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA), for endoscopic implantation for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), there has been a major shift in the surgical paradigm throughout Europe, and more recently, in the United States. We describe a modification of the technique used for implantation that has significantly improved our results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2001 and October 2003, 285 children 7 months to 15 years old (mean age 4.6 years) underwent endoscopic implantation of Dx/HA for VUR at our institutions. A modified STING (subureteral transurethral injection) procedure (implantation submucosally within the intramural ureter) was introduced during the last year of the study. The average volume of injected material was measured for each ureter. Renal sonography was performed to determine if hydronephrosis was present. At 3 months flouroscopic voiding cystourethrograms were used to evaluate for the presence of VUR. A subset of 122 patients treated with STING (52) were compared to those treated with modified STING (70). RESULTS: A total of 459 ureters in 231 girls and 54 boys were treated (174 bilateral cases). Mean maximum grade per patient was 2.5/5. Mean injected volume was 0.9 cc ureter. There were 181 patients with at least 3 months of followup. After 1 treatment 76% (137 of 181) of cases were cured (grade 0 reflux), while 54% (24 of 44) of the failures were improved. The overall cure rate was 94% for grade I, 85% for grade II, 78% for grade III and 71% for grade IV reflux. The patients treated with STING had a mean age of 4.8 years, mean maximum reflux grade was 2.5 and success rate was 71% (37 of 52; 86% grade I, 89% grade II, 70% grade III and 63% grade IV reflux). The patients treated with a modified STING had a mean age of 5.5 years, mean maximum grade was 2.8 and a success rate was 89% (62 of 70; 100% grade I, 92% grade II, 91% grade III and 90% grade IV reflux). Ureteral success rates were significantly (p <0.01) greater for the modified STING (92%) vs the standard STING (79%). There were no cases of hydronephrosis at 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients undergoing minimally invasive therapy for VUR with Dx/HA are cured after 1 treatment. The modified STING is our preferred method of implant injection for the correction of VUR and in our hands produces a resolution rate of 89% (92% of ureters). The technique optimizes ureteral coaptation, is easy to perform and is not associated with any significant short-term complications. Persistence of VUR in a minority of patients continues to be the only significant adverse effect of endoscopic implantation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Endoscopic treatment with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid for complex cases of vesicoureteral reflux.

PURPOSE: The surgical correction of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is highly successful. This success decreases in more complex cases and often involves reoperation and increased morbidity. We present our experience with the use of subureteral injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Dx/HA) in complex cases of vesicoureteral reflux in which open surgery would have been indicated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2001 and July 2003, 72 patients 9 months to 31 years old (mean age 5.6 years) underwent subureteral injection of Dx/HA for complex VUR at our institutions. Dx/HA was injected submucosally within the intramural ureter (modified STING) in most cases. A guidewire was used to manipulate the ureteral orifice and a retrograde ureterogram was used to delineate the anatomy in selected cases. The average volume of injected material was measured for each ureter. Renal sonography was performed to determine if hydronephrosis was present. At 3 months fluoroscopic voiding cystourethrograms were used to evaluate for the presence of VUR. RESULTS: A total of 93 ureters were treated in 55 girls and 17 boys. All cases were considered to be complex as 17 had persistent reflux after open surgery (7 megaureters repairs, 2 extravesical repairs, 7 intravesical reimplants and 1 blind ureter), 11 had persistent reflux and neurogenic bladder, 7 had ectopic ureters to bladder neck, 6 had bilateral Hutch diverticulum, 6 had persistent stump reflux, 5 had ureterocele after puncture or incision, 15 had duplications, 1 had the prune belly syndrome, 2 had posterior urethral valve following resection, 1 had epispadias and 1 had urogenital sinus. The average maximum reflux grade was IV. An average of 1.1 cc (range 0.4 to 2) was injected per ureter. Of the patients 69 had 3-month followup results. The overall success rate was 68% after 1 implantation (47 of 69). CONCLUSIONS: Submucosal intraureteral implantation with Dx/HA corrected complex vesicoureteral reflux in 68% of patients. In all of these patients open surgery would have potentially been difficult. The use of fluoroscopy and/or guidewires is a useful adjunct in these cases. We believe that this minimally invasive approach is warranted as an initial step in the management of complex cases of VUR before resorting to more difficult open surgical procedures.

Adolescent↗