Can factors affecting complication rates for ureteric re-implantation be predicted? Use of the modified Clavien classification system in a paediatric population

Ureteroneocystostomy without ureteral remodeling for grade III-V vesicoureteral reflux treatment

BACKGROUND

Ureteral remodeling (tapering or tailoring) is often performed alongside ureteroneocystostomy (ureteric reimplantation) procedures despite limited evidence on its role in promoting reflux resolution.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacy of ureteroneocystostomy in the absence of adjuvant ureteral remodeling for promoting reflux resolution in grade III-V vesicoureteral reflux.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective analysis identified pediatric patients who underwent open or robotic assisted ureteroneocystostomy (OUN and RAUN, respectively) without ureteral remodeling (tailoring or tapering) at a single tertiary care center. The primary endpoint of reflux resolution was defined as no reflux on latest follow up postoperative voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). Ureteral dilation was analyzed using the ureteral diameter ratio (UDR), which normalized for image characteristics. Inclusion criteria was as follows: grade III-V reflux, accessible postoperative VCUG scan, RAUN after June 2013 following technique optimization, and no other structural urologic abnormality or associated neurogenic bladder.

RESULTS

A total of 68 ureters were analyzed (Grade III = 28, Grade IV = 27, Grade V = 13, OUN = 23, RAUN = 45). Complete reflux resolution was achieved postoperatively in 96% (27/28) of grade III, 100% (27/27) of grade IV and 100% (13/13) grade V cases, for a combined resolution rate of 99%. In the one failed case, the preoperative UDR was in the second quartile and postoperatively, reflux diminished from grade III to grade I. Notably, no cases with UDRs in the largest quartile required tapering/tailoring for complete reflux resolution.

DISCUSSION

Ureteral tapering and tailoring were unnecessary to achieve reflux resolution in grade III-V VUR by both OUN and RAUN. Additionally, the unsuccessful case was classified as grade III with a UDR value in the second quartile, suggesting that high grade reflux (IV-V) can be repaired without tapering with equal success rates to that of grade III VUR repair, which is classically not tapered. Tapering was unnecessary for complete reflux resolution in the cases with the largest ureteral diameter ratios (UDR). These findings are limited by the single center retrospective nature of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that vesicoureteral reimplantation for resolution of grade III-V reflux is successful in the absence of ureteral remodeling techniques.

Minimally Invasive Dismembered Extravesical Cross-Trigonal Ureteral Reimplantation for Obstructed Megaureter: A Multi-Institutional Study Comparing Robotic and Laparoscopic Approaches

OBJECTIVE

To compare 2 minimally invasive surgical options for the treatment of obstructed megaureter: robot assisted dismembered extravesical cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation (RADECUR) and laparoscopic dismembered extravesical cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation (LDECUR).

METHODS

A 2 arm retrospective comparative study, including all pediatric patients who underwent ureteral reimplantation of unilateral obstructed megaureter, either by RADECUR or LDECUR. Patient demographics, perioperative surgical data, complications, and results are described. The surgical technique in both arms was similar: dismembering of the ureter, performing an extravesical cross-trigonal detrusorotomy, and intracorporeal tailoring of the ureter when indicated, were the pivotal maneuvers utilized.

RESULTS

The study included 95 patients (48 and 47 in the RADECUR and LDECUR arms, respectively) operated between the years 2016 and 2019. Overall, median age at surgery was 24 months (IQR 12-48) and median weight was 14 kg (IQR 11-21). Median operative time was 93 minutes (IQR 90-120) for RADECUR and 130 minutes (IQR 105-160) for LDECUR (P< 0.001). Intracorporeal excisional tapering was performed in 11 of the RADECUR patients and 19 LDECUR patients. Grade 1-2 Clavien-Dindo complications occurred in 7 patients, and grade 3 complication in 1 patient in the RADECUR arm. In the LDECUR arm, grade 1-2 complications occurred in 2 patients, and 2 had a grade 3 complications. Surgical success was achieved in 97% and 94% in the RADECUR and LDECUR groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Unilateral robotic extravesical cross-trigonal ureteral re-implantation for treatment of obstructed megaureter in the pediatric population is safe and effective both for RADECUR and LDECUR. Operative time is significantly shorter for RADECUR.

Lessons learned from a single-surgeon series of paediatric robot-assisted laparoscopic urological procedures: predictors of high-grade postoperative complications

OBJECTIVES

To describe postoperative complications after robot-assisted laparoscopic urological surgery in children, and identify potential predictors of these complications by analysing the outcomes of a large-volume single-surgeon experience.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed our institutional database to identify all robot-assisted laparoscopy (RAL) cases performed between December 2007 and December 2017. Patients were grouped into three cohorts based on the anatomical location of the procedure: upper urinary tract (kidney and renal pelvis); lower urinary tract (ureter); and lower urinary tract reconstruction with bowel (bladder reconstruction). A descriptive analysis of baseline characteristics, intra-operative variables and postoperative outcomes was carried out. All complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo scale, and grouped based on type and time of occurrence (<30, 30-90, >90 days). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of high-grade complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III). We also measured complication rates based on year of surgery and surgical caseload.

RESULTS

Our database included a total of 326 patients, of whom 57% (n = 186) underwent upper urinary tract procedures, 30% (n = 97) ureteric procedures, and 13% bladder reconstruction. The median follow-up for each procedure was 13, 11 and 57 months, respectively. Of the total, 10 cases were converted to an open approach and excluded from further analysis. The most common types of complication in all groups were infections (urinary tract infections) and urinary complications (urine leaks and urolithiasis). Bladder reconstructive procedures, which require the use of bowel, presented the highest rate of high-grade complications (32%). Length of hospital stay (LOS; odds ratio [OR] 1.33, confidence interval [CI] 1.16-1.53), estimated blood loss (EBL) in surgery (OR 1.01, CI 1.002-1.019) and operating time (OR 1.004, CI 1.002-1.006) were all associated with increased odds of high-grade complications on multivariate analysis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-surgeon series, we have described the most commonly encountered complications after RAL in paediatric urology, finding rates similar to the complication rates reported in the current literature on other surgical approaches. In addition, LOS, operating time and EBL, which are probable surrogates of case complexity, were associated with increased odds of high-grade complications.

Intravesical ureteric reimplantation for primary obstructed megaureter in infants under 1 year of age

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the outcome of intravesical ureteric reimplantation for primary obstructed megaureter (POM) performed in infants under 1 year of age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was carried out of all infants undergoing intravesical ureteric reimplantation surgery for POM at two pediatric centers in the 12 years between 2003 and 2014. Outcomes were compared with those of children aged over 1 year undergoing intravesical reimplantation for POM during this period. Follow-up was until November 2015.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven megaureters in 34 infants were reimplanted, at median age 5.2 months (Table). Operative success was 97%, with one out of 34 patients (3%) requiring reoperation for recurrent ureteric obstruction. Renal preservation was high. One patient of 34 (3%), who had bilateral congenital renal dysplasia, showed evidence of decline in renal function. Five patients of 34 (15%) had postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs). Four (13%) of those toilet trained had some symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). Three patients (9%) who had congenitally dysplastic kidneys developed hypertension. Comparatively, 14 children with POM underwent reimplantation over 1 year of age. Operative success was 86%, with two children requiring reoperation for recurrent stenosis. Both had evidence of bladder dysfunction before surgery, and thickened bladder walls noted during surgery. One of 14 (7%) had a decline in ipsilateral renal function after recurrent stenosis. Two (14%) had postoperative UTI. Three (25%) had evidence of LUTD.

DISCUSSION

There are few data about feasibility and long-term outcomes specifically of ureteric reimplantation for POM in infancy. This is the first study to document long-term outcomes of intravesical ureteric reimplantation in infancy for POM. The recently published British Association of Paediatric Urologists consensus statement supports delaying definitive reimplantation surgery for POM that requires intervention until after 1 year of age. There is little evidence presented for this recommendation. Our study confirms the safety and feasibility of intravesical ureteric reimplantation for POM in infants under age 1, with an operative success rate of 97%, and high renal function preservation rate. UTI risk improved after surgery in children >6 months old and remained stably low in those <6 months of age. Postoperative rates of LUTD were low. Hypertension occurred in only three cases with congenital renal dysplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

Ureteric reimplantation in infants under 1 year of age is a safe and effective option for managing POM that requires intervention, and compares favorably with those undergoing reimplantation over 1 year of age.

Preoperative Risk Factors Predicting Complication Rates of Augmentation Cystoplasty Using the Modified Clavien Classification System in Pediatric Population

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate preoperative predictive factors for postoperative complications of augmentation cystoplasty in children by using the modified Clavien classification system (MCCS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records between 1994 and 2014 identified 117 children (64 males and 53 females) who underwent augmentation cystoplasty. Complications were evaluated according to the MCCS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine predictive factors affecting complication rates.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age was 9.3 (1.9) years and the mean (SD) hospitalization time was 9.7 (3.6) days. Patients with an adverse or unexpected event within 30 days of surgery were identified. Complications occurred in 29 (24.7%) children; 13 (11.1%) were MCCS grade I, 8 (5.1%) were grade II, 5 (4.2%) were grade III, and 3 (2.5%) were grade IV. Antireflux surgery, outlet resistance increasing procedures, Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) grades 3-4 hydronephrosis, posterior urethral valves, scoliosis, and serum creatinine greater than 1.0 mg/dL were statistically significant predictors of complications on univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, SFU grades 3-4 hydronephrosis, bladder neck reconstruction, and serum creatinine greater than 1.0 mg/dL were statistically significant independent predictors of complications.

CONCLUSION

Augmentation cystoplasty remains a valid method of treating severe bladder dysfunction in children. SFU grades 3-4 hydronephrosis, outlet resistance increasing procedures, and serum creatinine greater than 1.0 mg/dL were the main predictive factors for postoperative complications. Use of a standardized complication grading system, such as the MCCS, should be encouraged to allow the valid comparison of complication rates between series.