Extravesical (modified Gregoir Lich) versus intravesical (Cohen's) ureteric reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux in children: A single center experience

Extravesical vs. intravesical ureteric reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study aims to compare the outcomes of extravesical (EVUR) and intravesical (IVUR) ureteric reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) via systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Literature review from Medline, Embase, and Cochrane since inception to March 2022 was performed. Meta-analysis was conducted on eligible randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational cohort studies (OCS) comparing outcomes between EVUR and IVUR.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included, comprising 577 patients (778 ureters) operated by EVUR and 395 patients (635 ureters) by IVUR. Pre-operative VUR grade, postoperative VUR persistence and hydronephrosis was not statistically significant. EVUR had shorter operative time [mean differences (MD) -22.91 min; 95% confidence interval (CI), -44.53 to -1.30, P = 0.04] and hospital stay (MD -2.09 days; 95% CI, -2.82 to -1.36, P < 0.00001) compared to IVUR. Bilateral EVUR had higher risk of postoperative acute urinary retention (ARU) (8.1%) compared to bilateral IVUR (1.7%) (OR = 4.40; 95% CI, 1.33-14.58, P = 0.02). No patient undergoing unilateral EVUR or IVUR experienced ARU.

CONCLUSION

Both EVUR and IVUR are equally effective in correcting primary VUR. Operative time and hospital stay are shorter after EVUR compared to IVUR. However, bilateral EVUR is associated with higher risk of postoperative ARU.

'Mini' extravesical reimplant with 'mini' tapering for infants younger than 6 months

INTRODUCTION

Some infants with obstructed megaureters or ectopic ureters requiring surgery undergo a cutaneous ureterostomy followed by definitive repair after 12 months of age. Since 2013, a 'mini' extravesical reimplant with or without 'mini' tapering (MER) was performed instead of cutaneous ureterostomy in such infants.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the technique and outcomes for MER.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective review of infants younger than 6 months who underwent MER. MER consists of a 2- to 3-cm extravesical tunnel, regardless of the ureter diameter. 'Mini' tapering consisted of an adventitial sparing technique involving only the distal 2-3 cm of the ureter. Details of the technique are included in the video. The main outcomes were postoperative symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTI's) and reoperations. Voiding function was assessed at the last contact with the family.

RESULTS

Nine consecutive infants underwent MER from July 2013 to March 2018. Four patients had ectopic ureters and five had primary obstructed megaureters. The median ureteral diameter was 1.5 cm. Indications for surgery were as per the British Association of Pediatric Urologists guidelines on megaureters. All patients had 3-month postoperative renal ultrasound, and seven of the nine patients had postoperative voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). One patient with a normal postoperative VCUG and MAG 3, as well as resolved hydroureteronephrosis had a few postoperative febrile UTIs but no more for >1 year at the last follow-up. At a median time from surgery of 44 months, there have been no reoperations (except cystoscopy with stent removal). With regard to voiding function, six patients were successfully potty trained, one has bowel and bladder incontinence at the age of 4 years - with stable renal ulstraound -, and two are younger than 2 years.

DISCUSSION

MER has been the only surgery needed for the cohort of nine infants younger than 6 months with distal ureteral obstruction at a median time from surgery of 44 months. Voiding function does not appear to be affected by the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

For babies younger than 6 months of age in need of surgery for obstructed distal ureter, MER appears to be a feasible and effective option, associated with reduced morbidity and reoperation rate compared to the alternatives.