The effect of temporary cutaneous diversion on ultimate bladder function

We evaluated the effect of temporary cutaneous diversion on bladder function in cases of various congenital uropathies. The clinical courses of patients who underwent reversal of vesicostomy or pyelostomy/ureterostomy in a 7-year period were reviewed. Indications for diversion included azotemia, massive hydronephrosis, high grade reflux and/or incomplete bladder emptying. Mean age at diversion was 15 weeks. Overall 75 cases were evaluated (posterior urethral valves in 31, neurogenic bladder in 16, reflux in 14, the syndrome of vertebral defects, anal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia, and radial and renal anomalies in 8 and other in 6). Of 55 patients who underwent undiversion by direct closure only 2 required later augmentation for bladder/renal deterioration. Excluding the myelomeningocele patients on clean intermittent catheterization 45 of 46 who underwent direct closure were able to void spontaneously with acceptable post-void residuals. Urodynamics in 22 cases revealed normal bladder capacity at pressures below 30 cm. water in 19 (86%) after direct closure. We conclude that after a period of defunctionalization approximately 75% of children will have essentially normal bladder function. The frequency of bladder augmentation varied from 54% in patients with myelomeningocele to 14% in those with vesicoureteral reflux. This observation suggests that the need for bladder augmentation in the remaining patients is more related to the effect of the primary pathological condition on the detrusor rather than the diversion itself.

Concomitant bladder neck closure and Mitrofanoff diversion for the management of intractable urinary incontinence

In a 7-year period 28 patients 1 to 20 years old have undergone bladder neck closure in conjunction with Mitrofanoff diversion for the management of severe incontinence. Surgery was performed as a salvage procedure in 19 patients and as a primary anti-incontinence procedure in 9. At a mean followup of 29 months 27 of 28 patients (96%) were totally continent, requiring no pads. Bladder neck closure was primarily successful in 24 of 28 patients (86%) and 25 (89%) had stable upper tracts. Five patients had bladder calculi and 5 required stomal revisions. One child had a bladder perforation associated with blunt trauma. Bladder neck closure and Mitrofanoff diversion were done without bladder augmentation in 11 cases and augmentation was performed previously or concurrently in the remainder. Four patients who did not initially undergo augmentation required later augmentation (2 for hydronephrosis and 2 for persistent incontinence). We conclude that bladder neck closure in conjunction with Mitrofanoff diversion is highly efficacious in achieving continence in a highly complex subgroup of patients with intractable urinary leakage. With careful patient selection and diligent followup total continence can be achieved in this most difficult patient population.

Voiding efficiency after ureteral reimplantation: a comparison of extravesical and intravesical techniques

The purpose of our study was to examine postoperative changes and recovery in voiding efficiency after intravesical and extravesical ureteral reimplantation. Retrospective review was performed of 188 cases. Inclusion criteria were the presence of primary vesicoureteral reflux and the absence of previous lower urinary tract surgery. Voiding efficiency after ureteral reimplantation was assessed based on post-void residual volume measurements. It was found that postoperative voiding efficiency of patients in the extravesical unilateral group was similar to that in the intravesical group, while the extravesical bilateral group had a statistically significantly higher proportion of patients with transient voiding inefficiency. A statistically higher proportion of those in the extravesical bilateral group also required some form of urinary catheter drainage for a longer period. However, on more prolonged followup all evaluable patients in the 3 groups fully regained voiding efficiency.

Histologic studies of intravesical oxybutynin in the rabbit

Intravesically applied oxybutynin has been reported to have no significant systemic anticholinergic side effects, with excellent efficacy in the treatment of neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Currently, the morphologic effects of intravesical oxybutynin on the local bladder tissue are not well established. It is the purpose of this study to address this issue in an animal model. Thirty-nine New Zealand White female rabbits were catheterized daily and intravesical solutions instilled for as long as 30 days. In part A of the study, the overall histologic effects of intravesical oxybutynin were examined by comparing oxybutynin with saline administration. Part B of this study compared the relative effects of crushed oxybutynin tablets and pure oxybutynin powder. The bladder histology and urine microbiological studies were analyzed in a blinded fashion. We found that the crushed oxybutynin tablets and saline administered intravesically produced similarly mild inflammation in the bladders (p < 0.05). When we compared the crushed oxybutynin tablets and pure oxybutynin powder, however, the crushed tablet group was found to have a mild eosinophilic infiltrate seen in 5 of 9 animals, which was not observed in any of the animals in the other groups (p = 0.029). Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the microbiological findings were not different among the different groups (p > 0.05). Our findings support the clinical use of intravesical oxybutynin as being safe for local tissue. However, consideration should be given to the use of the pure powdered form of oxybutynin, since the crushed oxybutynin tablets may lead to allergic reactions.

Voiding efficiency after ureteral reimplantation: a comparison of extravesical and intravesical techniques

The purpose of our study was to examine postoperative changes and recovery in voiding efficiency after intravesical and extravesical ureteral reimplantation. Retrospective review was performed of 188 cases. Inclusion criteria were the presence of primary vesicoureteral reflux and the absence of previous lower urinary tract surgery. Voiding efficiency after ureteral reimplantation was assessed based on post-void residual volume measurements. It was found that postoperative voiding efficiency of patients in the extravesical unilateral group was similar to that in the intravesical group, while the extravesical bilateral group had a statistically significantly higher proportion of patients with transient voiding inefficiency. A statistically higher proportion of those in the extravesical bilateral group also required some form of urinary catheter drainage for a longer period. However, on more prolonged followup all evaluable patients in the 3 groups fully regained voiding efficiency.

Functional characteristics of the reconstructed neourethra after island flap urethroplasty

To test the neourethra objectively in cases judged to be clinical successes after transverse island flap hypospadias repair, we analyzed uroflowmetry data (peak flow, voided volume and ultrasonically determined post-void residuals) after repair. Patients were included if they were old enough to void volitionally and flow data were available after fistula or stricture repair. Flow data were then plotted on previously published age-dependent nomograms from normal controls. Of 80 boys available for study 51 required no secondary procedures, 16 subsequently underwent fistula repair and 13 had strictures opened. After all primary and secondary procedures 55 patients (69%) had peak flows within the normal range and 25 (31%) had peak flows below the normal range. Of the 51 boys who never had fistulas and/or strictures 37 (73%) had normal flows while 18 of 29 (62%) who underwent fistula and/or stricture repairs had normal flows (p < 0.05). Residual volume was less than 10% of voided volume in 44 of the 51 boys who clinically had no problems postoperatively, in 8 of the 13 who had strictures opened and in 15 of the 16 who underwent fistula repairs. We conclude that the neourethra is functionally equivalent to a normal urethra in most boys after transverse flap urethroplasty. A majority of boys will have normal flow even after stricture or fistula repair.

Extravesical detrusorrhaphy for refluxing ureters associated with paraureteral diverticula

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate the effectiveness of an extravesical approach to refluxing ureters associated with paraureteral diverticula.

METHODS

Over a 39-month period, 23 children underwent repair of Hutch diverticula with refluxing ureters using an extravesical approach. Seventeen had unilateral reflux with an ipsilateral diverticulum, 4 had bilateral reflux with a unilateral diverticulum, and 2 had bilateral reflux with bilateral diverticula. Overall, 25 ureters with associated diverticula were repaired.

RESULTS

Twenty ureters were repaired with a nondismembered technique and 5 with a dismembered technique. Twenty-two of the 23 patients (96%) were successfully repaired with this approach. Three patients had transient reflux postoperatively, which resolved spontaneously within 6 months. One patient who underwent bilateral dismembered procedures for bilateral diverticula has persistent unilateral grade II reflux postoperatively. No patient developed ureteral obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

The major advantage of this technique is seen in the minimal postoperative morbidity. The extravesical approach is a safe, simple, and effective method for the management of a refluxing ureter with an associated diverticulum.

Bilateral congenital midureteral adynamic segments

Two cases of congenital midureteral adynamic segments are presented. Both children were successfully managed with excision of the lesions and primary reanastomosis. Pathologic examination revealed probe-patent ureters with muscular disarray, suggesting functional obstruction. Appropriate management of the anomaly was dependent on precise radiographic localization of the area of narrowing, and for this retrograde urography was essential. Primary ureteroureterostomy was successful in both cases. In this report we discuss the diagnosis, embryology, radiographic evaluation, and management of this rate situation.

A modified extravesical technique for megaureter repair

OBJECTIVE

To report on the use of extravesical detrusorraphy for megaureter repair.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-three children underwent an extravesical megaureter repair over a 25 month period. There were 17 boys and 6 girls with an average age of 4.4 years. Three children had bilateral megaureters for a total of 26 repairs. Ureters were defined as megaureters if the ureteric diameter exceeded 1.0 cm on pre-operative imaging. There were 14 obstructing and 12 refluxing ureters. Three of the refluxing ureters were tapered while five of the obstructing megaureters were tapered.

RESULTS

Twenty-one of the 23 patients were successfully repaired using this method. Complications were minimal.

CONCLUSION

The extravesical approach can be used to correct reflux or obstruction in dilated ureters with efficacy equivalent to transvesical repairs.

The sensitivity of pressure specific bladder volume versus total bladder capacity as a measure of bladder storage dysfunction

Assessment of bladder storage function requires an accurate measure of bladder capacity and pressure. Pressure specific bladder volume is the volume that a bladder can accommodate at a specific pressure. A total of 21 consecutive children with neurogenic bladders who were candidates for bladder augmentation based on standard clinical criteria (upper urinary tract deterioration, incontinence and infection) was studied to determine the efficacy of pressure specific bladder volume as a measure of bladder dysfunction. Urodynamic indexes were compared to previously established nomograms. All 21 patients had bladder volumes at pressures of 30 cm. water or less, which decreased below the 5th percentile as determined by the nomogram. In 7 patients (33%) normal total bladder capacity was achieved at the expense of elevated storage pressures. Pressure specific bladder volume provides a better measure of bladder storage function than total bladder capacity because it relates volume to intravesical pressure, does not rely on a subjective end point to bladder filling, and is objective and reproducible.

Bladder augmentation: ureterocystoplasty versus ileocystoplasty

The primary advantages of augmentation ureterocystoplasty include the absence of mucus, lack of electrolyte absorption from the augmenting segment and the avoidance of gastrointestinal complications. We tested whether the ureteral patch offers sufficient biomaterial to increase adequately the storage efficiency of dysfunctional bladders. Between April 1989 and November 1992, 8 children with unilaterally dilated and tortuous ureters underwent bladder augmentation using detubularized reconfigured megaureter. Clinical and urodynamic outcomes were compared between these patients and a control group of 8 children matched in age and diagnosis who had undergone ileocystoplasty during the same time. Total bladder capacity, pressure specific bladder volume at pressure less than 30 cm. water, dynamic analysis of bladder compliance, continence and upper tract status were compared between the 2 groups before and after augmentation. Preoperatively, all 16 patients were incontinent with high pressure, small capacity bladders, and all had upper tract changes. Postoperatively, the mean total bladder capacity was 417 ml. in the ureterocystoplasty group and 381 ml. in the ileocystoplasty group (p > 0.05), while the mean pressure specific bladder volume was 413 and 380 ml. (p > 0.05), respectively. Pressure specific bladder volume and dynamic bladder compliance were normal in 7 of 8 patients (87.5%) in the ureterocystoplasty group. All patients in the ileocystoplasty group had normal postoperative urodynamics. We conclude that megaureters subtending effete kidneys may be used to improve the storage function of dysfunctional bladders to the same extent as that achieved with ileum without the complications pursuant to ileocystoplasty, and that the improvement is maintained long term.

Intrarenal resistive index correlates with renal pelvis pressure

Elevation in the intrarenal resistive index has been suggested by many to be a physiological parameter useful for detecting functionally significant hydronephrosis. It is currently unknown whether the intrarenal resistive index changes truly reflect the changes in collecting system pressure or whether they are simply a coincidental epiphenomenon. The purpose of this study is to establish the relationship between intrarenal resistive index and collecting system pressure. Between August 1992 and October 1993, 9 patients younger than 1 year underwent a percutaneous pressure-flow study as part of hydronephrosis evaluation. During the pressure-flow study intrarenal resistive index was measured serially with simultaneous renal pelvis pressure readings. In all patients the index increased as the renal pelvis pressure increased. Furthermore, using the experimentally derived proximal tubular pressure of 14 cm. water as the probable threshold for functionally normal collecting system pressure, it was found that all intrarenal indexes of 82% or less corresponded to renal pelvis pressures of less than 14 cm. water, while all of those greater than 82% corresponded to renal pelvis pressures greater than 14 cm. water. By combining several lines of evidence, it appears probable that as maximal diuresis induced by physiological and pharmacological means leads to acute transient elevation in renal pelvis pressure in a functionally obstructed collecting system, the intrarenal resistive index is capable of reflecting this dynamic elevation in renal pelvis pressure and potentially able to distinguish physiologically significant upper urinary tract obstruction from nonobstructive dilatation.

The role of retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in localized paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma

Between 1985 and 1990, 10 cases of embryonal paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma were treated at our institution. Patient age ranged from 5 months to 16 years at presentation (mean 8.7 years). Chest and abdominal computerized tomography (CT) was performed on all patients. Lymphangiography was performed on 2 patients, and 6 underwent retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy, due to suspicious CT (2) and a positive lymphangiogram (1). All 6 patients had pathologically negative nodes, and they received vincristine, actinomycin D and cyclophosphamide for 8 to 13 months (mean 10.6 months). Four patients also received doxorubicin. The 10 patients are alive and the disease is in complete remission for a mean 6.02-year disease-free survival. These data support the hypothesis that retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy can be avoided for paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma after radical inguinal orchiectomy when CT is negative for nodal involvement.

Contradictory supranormal differential renal function during nuclear renographic investigation of hydroureteronephrosis

We selected a group of children with unilateral hydroureteronephrosis to assess the significance of the differential renal function as determined by nuclear renography as a factor in defining obstructive dilatation. All children who presented to our institution during a 21-month period with unilateral hydroureteronephrosis and a normal contralateral kidney were reviewed. Patients with reflux or bladder pathology were excluded, resulting in 13 evaluable patients younger than age 2 years. Diuretic renography was performed using 99mtechnetium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid in accordance with the well tempered renogram. Ancillary studies included voiding cystourethrography, ultrasonography and/or excretory urography. Of the 13 patients 5 had a differential function greater than 55% in the hydronephrotic kidney. Ten of the 13 patients, including the 5 with supranormal function, underwent surgical correction in the form of ureteral reimplantation for recurrent infections, increasing hydronephrosis, decreasing or decreased function and loss of parenchyma. Stenotic distal adynamic ureteral segments with proximal dilatation were confirmed in all cases. The implication by nuclear renography that a dilated kidney has better function than its morphologically normal counterpart is at variance with any available clinical or experimental data. The etiology of this apparently elevated function is unclear and its presence on a renographic study should not be interpreted as suggestive that the kidney is free of risk of nephron loss. Management decisions should not be based solely on the differential function as determined by nuclear renography.

Can previously relocated penile skin be successfully used for salvage hypospadias repair?

Between 1986 and 1992, 39 boys underwent 44 pedicle flap urethroplasties as a salvage procedure using penile skin that had been relocated during prior hypospadias repair(s). All previous operations had resulted in a meatus in an unacceptable position. The salvage pedicle flap procedure used for these boys was either a Mathieu urethroplasty or an island flap repair. Of 28 patients who underwent salvage Mathieu urethroplasty 20 (71%) required no further surgery, 4 had strictures or fistulas repaired and 4 (14%) required further urethral reconstruction, including 1 island flap and 2 Mathieu operations. Of 16 boys who underwent salvage island flap procedures 7 (43%) required no further treatment, 4 had fistulas, 2 had had urethral strictures and 4 had a subcoronal meatus, of whom 3 underwent further urethral reconstruction, including 2 Mathieu and 1 Thiersch-Duplay operations. We defined overall success as ultimately having a functional urethra without persistent fistulas or strictures and a cosmetically acceptable glanular meatus. Excluding 2 patients who are awaiting fistula repair, 34 of 37 evaluable cases (92%) were successfully repaired. We conclude that relocated penile skin can be used successfully to base a pedicle flap for salvage hypospadias repair.

Loss of elasticity in dysfunctional bladders: urodynamic and histochemical correlation

To store adequate volumes of urine at low safe pressures an elastic bladder wall is required. We developed 2 new techniques to measure this ability in our urodynamic laboratory: pressure specific bladder volume, which measures the bladder capacity at a given pressure, and dynamic analysis of bladder compliance. Recently, morphometric and histochemical techniques have been used to determine the relative volume of connective tissue in the bladder wall and to measure the 2 major types (I and III) of collagen within the bladder wall. These methods quantitate 3 parameters of bladder ultrastructure: 1) relative volume of per cent connective tissue, 2) ratio of connective tissue to smooth muscle and 3) ratio of type III to type I collagen. These parameters have been shown to be abnormally elevated in patients with dysfunctional bladders compared to normals. The purpose of the study was to describe the ultrastructural changes that occur in the wall of dysfunctional bladders and to determine the ability of these new urodynamic techniques to detect reliably the clinical effect of these histological changes. The study included 29 consecutive patients with dysfunctional bladders necessitating bladder augmentation. All patients had upper tract changes and/or were incontinent despite treatment with clean intermittent catheterization and pharmacotherapy. Preoperative urodynamic evaluation included measurement of the total bladder capacity, pressure specific bladder volume and dynamic analysis of bladder compliance. Full thickness bladder biopsies were obtained from the dome of the bladders during augmentation. The per cent connective tissue and the ratio of connective tissue to smooth muscle were determined for all patients, and 4 unselected patients from this group had the ratio of type III to type I collagen determined. These histological results were compared to previously established normal values. All 29 patients had a decreased pressure specific bladder volume and dynamic analysis of bladder compliance, whereas 9 had a normal total bladder capacity. The per cent connective tissue was 35.19 +/- 2.84 and ratio of connective tissue to smooth muscle was 0.60 +/- 0.08 compared to normal values of 10.6 +/- 0.020 and 0.131 +/- 0.021, respectively (p < 0.05). Ratio of type III to type I collagen was also significantly elevated in the 4 samples analyzed (30.53 +/- 1.37 versus 24.00 +/- 2.50, p < 0.05). We conclude that poor storage function of poorly compliant bladders is secondary to an alteration in the connective tissue content of the bladder wall. Furthermore, these pathological ultrastructural changes are universally reflected by an abnormally low pressure specific bladder volume and dynamic analysis of bladder compliance. This strong association validates the use of these parameters and suggests that they are urodynamic indicators of a loss of elasticity in bladder wall.

Iliac osteotomy: a model to compare the options in bladder and cloacal exstrophy reconstruction

Bladder exstrophy and cloacal exstrophy present challenging reconstructive problems. Traditionally, bilateral posterior iliac osteotomy has been performed in the majority of patients undergoing primary closure for these abnormalities. Recently, 2 anterior osteotomy approaches have been proposed: 1) incision of the ilium transversely above the acetabulum (transverse osteotomy) and 2) incision of the superior ramus of the pubis (superior ramus osteotomy). We devised a new anterior mid-iliac diagonal osteotomy that provides a more functional pelvic closure. To provide a fair comparison of the procedures we developed a pelvic exstrophy model based on data from a 3-dimensional computerized tomogram of a 3-year-old patient with classical bladder exstrophy. The different osteotomies were then performed on the model and the results were compared. Our new anterior mid-iliac diagonal osteotomy correction allowed the best surgical approach, provided the best correction of the flattened ilia bony deformities, was performed in the thinnest area of marrow bone and resulted in the best pelvic symmetry.

A new technique for dynamic analysis of bladder compliance

We propose an alternative method of measuring compliance that takes into account the multiple phases of bladder filling. We describe our new technique, dynamic compliance analysis, and evaluate its clinical applicability. To perform the analysis we digitized a cystometrogram curve at a sampling rate of 2 samples per second using an MS-DOS computer system. A program designed to retrieve the stored data was used to analyze the subtracted bladder pressure. The result yielded a value of compliance every half second that was then plotted on an x-y graph, with instantaneous compliance as the dependent variable and per cent of total volume infused as the independent variable. To determine the clinical applicability of this technique we chose 63 curves from clinically normal patients. The results of the dynamic compliance analyses were predictable. The dynamic compliance values for the normal group had a minimum that was always greater than 10 ml./cm. water throughout the tonus limb (phase 2) of the cystometrogram. We conclude that dynamic compliance analysis yields more information about bladder response during filling, similar to the stress-strain curve used in the study of solid mechanics.

Effectiveness of preoperative chemotherapy in the treatment of Wilms tumor with vena caval and intracardiac extension

Surgical treatment of Wilms tumor with vena caval and intracardiac extension is challenging, often requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. We report the response to preoperative chemotherapy in 3 patients following a protocol at our hospital. The tumor thrombus was limited to the inferior vena cava in 2 patients and extended to the right atrium in 1. All 3 patients had marked reduction or complete eradication of the venous thrombus, facilitating the final surgical procedure. The patients are disease-free 18 months to 7 years after the initial treatment. Our protocol involves initial radiographic staging followed by needle biopsy, chemotherapy, repeat radiographic staging, definitive resection and additional chemotherapy. Our results confirm the effectiveness of this approach, which appears to decrease morbidity associated with intracaval and intra-atrial tumor extension.

Ureteral bladder augmentation

Virtually all segments of the gastrointestinal tract have been used successfully in augmentation cystoplasty. The complications inherent in enterocystoplasty are well described. Megaureters subtending effete kidneys (poorly or nonfunctioning) provide a novel and excellent source of augmentation material with urothelium and muscular backing, free of the electrolyte and acid base disturbances, and mucus production that plague enterocystoplasty. Augmentation cystoplasty using detubularized, reconfigured, otherwise disposable megaureter, with or without ipsilateral total or partial nephrectomy, was performed in 16 patients (mean age 8.8 years, range 1 to 25) with inadequate and dysfunctional bladders. Postoperative followup varied between 8 and 38 months (mean 22). The overall renal function and radiographic appearance of the remaining upper tracts have remained stable or improved in all patients. Of the 16 patients 15 require intermittent catheterization and 1 voids spontaneously. Ten patients are continent day and night, 5 have improved continence (4 damp at night and 1 stress incontinence) and 1 has failed to gain continence despite good capacity and compliance. Complete postoperative urodynamic evaluations in 12 of 13 patients show good capacity, low pressure bladders with no instability. Complications occurred in 5 patients, including transient urine extravasation in 2, contralateral ureterovesical obstruction in 2 and Mitrofanoff stomal stenosis in 1. Augmentation ureterocystoplasty combines the benefits common to all enterocystoplasties without adding any of the untoward complications or risks associated with nonurothelial augmentations.

What volume can a child normally store in the bladder at a safe pressure?

To determine what volume a child can normally store in the bladder at a safe pressure 923 pediatric urodynamic studies were reviewed, and 69 examinations done on 17 boys and 52 girls were considered normal. Patient ages were recorded and body surface areas were calculated. A continuous intermediate flow water cystometrogram had been performed. Total bladder capacity in milliliters, full resting pressures (cm. water), and the volumes (milliliters) and percentages of the total bladder capacity stored at detrusor pressures of less than 10, 20, 30 and 35 cm. water were measured. We found that 98.1% of the total bladder capacity could be stored at a detrusor pressure of less than 20 cm. water in more than 95% of the children independently of age or body surface area and 99.9% could be stored at a detrusor pressure of less than 30 cm. water. An approximation of the minimal acceptable total bladder capacity for age can be calculated by 16(age) + 70 in ml. According to our results, we proposed criteria for good storage characteristics of the bladder in children.

Hypertension following primary bladder closure for vesical exstrophy

Since the initiation of staged reconstruction for bladder exstrophy, hypertension has been a known complication of the procedure. The etiology of the elevation in blood pressure was presumably secondary to ureteral dysfunction caused by edema at the ureterovesical junction and secondary renal obstruction. This report details the clinical course of three patients who developed significant hypertension following primary bladder closure with posterior iliac osteotomies and bony immobilization by skin traction. None of the patients had urinary obstruction and all had their hypertension alleviated by removal of the traction. The presumed etiology of the elevated blood pressure within these patients is similar to that experimentally produce by inappropriately applied traction resulting in tension on the sciatic nerve and reflex induced vasoconstriction. The need to maintain appropriately applied traction and the necessity of monitoring the postoperative blood pressure is stressed.

Radiographic and serologic correlates of azotemia in patients with posterior urethral valves

A retrospective statistical analysis with a minimum followup of 10 years was done on 102 patients who presented in early childhood with posterior urethral valves. All patients were treated with initial bladder drainage. Factors correlating with the development of renal failure were evaluated. No patient with a normal kidney on 1 side had renal failure. Calculated glomerular filtration rate was significantly higher in patients who retained adequate renal function (80.7 +/- 17.8 ml. per minute per 1.73 m.2), as compared with those who had renal failure (18.6 +/- 9.6 ml. per minute per 1.73 m.2). Patients with renal failure also had a significantly higher serum creatinine level at stabilization (2.0 +/- 0.8 mg./dl.) than those who had adequate renal function (0.5 +/- 0.2 mg./dl.). The presence of bilateral high grade vesicoureteral reflux, hydronephrosis and nonfunction was significantly higher in patients with renal failure. Patient age at presentation was not a significant factor. These data represent a guideline for the prognosis and management protocols of infants with dilated upper urinary tracts and posterior urethral valves.

The efficiency of bladder emptying in the prune belly syndrome

From 1956 to 1991, 49 cases of the prune belly syndrome were seen at our institution. Voiding information and/or 1 or more urodynamic studies were available in 30 male and 4 female patients. Analysis of multiple urodynamic studies during long-term followup periods ranging from 6 months to 19 years, with particular regard to any reconstructive procedures performed, revealed that voiding in the prune belly syndrome is variable, with 44% of the patients achieving spontaneous voiding and 56% requiring clean intermittent catheterization. The ability to void or need for clean intermittent catheterization was by no means permanent, indicating the need for meticulous followup. The 3 distinct voiding patterns observed included an approximately normal pattern, prolonged voiding with a low peak and an intermittent pattern. These 3 voiding patterns did not correlate with residual volumes. Comparison of urodynamic voiding parameters between reconstructed voiding patients and nonreconstructed voiding patients did not show significant differences.