Management of traumatic urethral disruption in children: Oman experience, 1988-2000

Background: Traumatic urethral disruptions in children differ anatomically from those of adults. In children, the posterior urethra is not protected by the prostate and may be injured at any level. The management of traumatic rupture of the urethra still a matter of debate, and there is no agreement as to which is the best of 3 options. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis. Over a 12-year period the authors dealt with 21 urethral disruptions. The authors had detailed follow-up of 20 patients (14 posterior and 6 anterior). Trans-symphyseal urethroplasty (6 early primary repairs and 3 delayed repairs) for complete posterior urethral disruptions was performed. The early repairs were carried out within 7 days of the injury. Primary alignment was performed for 3 of the 4 partial ruptures of the posterior urethra and for all 6 anterior urethral disruptions. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated for incontinence, penile erectile dysfunction, and stricture formation. Results: In one of the early repairs a stricture developed that responded to dilatations. A second patient with bladder neck injury had incontinence after the repair. She underwent a urethral lengthening procedure and still has stress incontinence. Erections were observed in all 4 boys. One of the delayed repairs developed a stricture postoperatively. Of the 9 partial ruptures (6 anterior and 3 posterior) that underwent primary alignment, 4 had strictures. Some of these strictures required up to 5 dilatations or internal urethrotomy for cure. One patient with complete rupture underwent primary alignment, which broke down, and a long stricture developed. This patient is still awaiting a delayed repair. One posterior partial rupture, repaired primarily at another hospital, had a stricture and an urethrocutaneous fistula that responded to curettage and dilatations. Conclusions: Primary repairs required less hopitalization and a shorter duration of indwelling catheters. In light of this experience the authors recommend a primary repair in patients with complete posterior urethral disruptions. J Pediatr Surg 37:1451-1455.     

Guide wire-assisted urethral dilatation for urethral strictures in pediatric urology

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report the results of 32 cases of dilatation of urethral stricture using a guide wire and sheath dilator technique supplemented by clean intermittent catheterization if further stabilization of the urethral stricture was felt warranted.Methods: The procedure involves insertion of a straight flexi-tip lubricated guide wire through the urethral stricture under cystoscopic guidance followed by insertion of a series of sheath dilators. Dilatation was followed by insertion of a Foley catheter, which was left in situ for 1 to 3 days. Patients underwent repeat cystoscopy to evaluate the urethra for recurrent stricture and those with a recalcitrant stricture were commenced on clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) to stabilize the narrowing.Results: Thirty-two patients were included. They have been followed up for up to 2 years after their last cystoscopy (mean, 16 months). Thirteen of 32 patients had more than 4 dilatations under anesthesia. Twelve patients had undergone CIC postoperatively. Complications included a urinary tract infection in 3 boys and bladder spasms in one. No false passage or sepsis occurred with this approach.Conclusions: Guide wire-assisted urethral dilatation helps avoid risks associated with blind dilatation techniques and appears to be a safe and simple alternative for management of urethral strictures in pediatric urology.     

The use of pedicled appendix graft for substitution of urethra in recurrent urethral stricture

Background: Recurrent posterior urethral strictures after failed urethroplasty may need urethral substitution. Skin or mucosal grafts, currently used for this purpose, have a high complication rate. The authors describe the use of pedicled appendix for posterior urethral substitution. Methods: Two boys with pelvic fracture urethral distraction injuries were treated for recurrent posterior urethral strictures after a failed perineal anastomotic urethroplasty. Through a perineal-transpubic approach the stricture tissue was excised, which resulted in a gap of 5 to 7 cm between the healthy ends. The vermiform appendix was mobilised on its own pedicle and transposed to the perineum; the proximal end of appendix was anastomosed to the prostatic urethra and the distal end (tip discarded) to the bulbar/penile urethra. Omentum was transposed to wrap the anastomosis and fill the dead space. Results: Normal micturition was restored in both patients. No further treatment was required after 1 dilatation in the first case. Both patients are continent. Potency status remains unchanged from the preoperative period with normal erections in 1 case. Follow-up (1 to 3 years) has been satisfactory with no complications. Conclusions: The appendix is a promising organ for posterior urethral replacement. It can be brought to the perineum on its own vascular pedicle.     

Rectovaginal fistula: a common diagnostic error with significant consequences in girls with anorectal malformations

Background/Purpose: Rectovaginal fistula is a term that continues to be used frequently to describe girls with anorectal malformations. This study attempts to evaluate the true frequency of this anomaly and the consequences of its misdiagnosis. Methods: A retrospective review of all girls with anorectal malformations treated by the senior author from 1980 through September 2000 was performed, and the pertinent literature was reviewed. Results: Of the 617 patients identified, only 6 were found to have a true rectovaginal fistula, an incidence of 1%. A total of 139 of the 617 patients were referred after a previous repair. Of these, 42 had a diagnosis of recto-vaginal fistula originally. The diagnosis was incorrect in all 42. Twelve patients had a rectovestibular fistula, and 30 had a cloaca. The 30 cloaca patients, because of the misconception that they had a rectovaginal fistula, underwent an initial repair of only the rectal component of the malformation, leaving all patients with a urogenital sinus necessitating a second complete repair. Conclusions: The use of the term rectovaginal fistula is common, despite a true incidence of 1% in girls with anorectal malformations. The majority of girls will have either a rectovestibular fistula or a cloaca. Such diagnostic errors may lead to the use of inappropriate surgical techniques, incomplete repair, and unnecessary morbidity. J Pediatr Surg 37:961-965.     

Urologic injuries associated with repair of anorectal malformations in male patients

Background/Purpose: Serious injuries to the urinary tract may occur during the repair of an anorectal malformation, especially in boys. This review of a large series of patients characterizes factors that may either lead to, or prevent, those injuries. Methods: A retrospective review of 1,003 boys with anorectal malformations was performed. Results: A total of 129 injuries in 1,003 patients were identified. Five hundred seventy-two of the 1,003 patients (group A) underwent definitive repair at the authors' institution. In this group, there were 19 urologic injuries; 1 bladder perforation, 1 divided ureter, 2 divided vas defera, 1 prostatic injury, 7 seminal vesicles were opened and closed, and in 7 cases, the urethra was opened and closed during the repair. Follow-up ranges from 15 years to 1 month and no late sequelae have been observed. The second group (B) consisted of 431 patients who underwent various operations at other institutions. In this group, 110 urologic injuries in 97 patients were noted. These included neurogenic bladder (n = 27), persistent, recurrent or acquired recto-urethral fistulae (n = 30), posterior urethral diverticulae that required reoperation (n = 23), urethral injuries leading to stenosis or aquired atresia (n = 19), pull-through of major urinary structures (n = 2), injured ureter (n = 1), opened seminal vesicle (n = 1), divided vas defera (n = 4), impotence (n = 1), and loss of ejaculation (n = 2). Several significant associations were noted. The most significant was that all 27 patients with neurogenic bladder and all 19 of those in group B with urethral injuries did not undergo a distal colostogram to define the level of the fistula before repair. Posterior urethral diverticulae were seen only in cases of recto-bulbar urethral fistulae repaired via an abdominal-perineal approach. Conclusions: Significant urologic injuries are associated with the repair of anorectal malformations. The risk of injury is increased in those patients who undergo repair without a distal colostogram.     

The management of urethral stricture after kidney transplantation

Objective

To investigate the incidence and causes of urethral stricture after kidney transplantation, as well as analyze its diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Methods

Clinical data of patients who developed urethral stricture after living-donor kidney transplantation in our center between January 2007 and June 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Urethral stricture occurred in 8 of the 677 eligible kidney recipients (1.18 %) during the study period; the complication occurred at a mean of 4.4 months (range 2–7 months) after transplantation. Cystoscope-related iatrogenic injury and urinary tract infection seemed to be the most likely causes. In addition to frequency and dysuria, three patients had hydronephrosis and four had elevated serum creatinine levels. Urethrography showed that the urethral stricture was anterior in two patients and posterior in the remaining six. Two patients were treated by urethral dilation, four by internal urethrotomy and two by urethra reconstruction surgery. All patients urinated readily after treatment and four patients with impaired renal function recovered.

Conclusion

Urethral strictures after kidney transplantation are rare, and they can be safely and effectively treated by urethral dilation, internal urethrotomy or urethra reconstruction. Avoiding iatrogenic injury and shortening catheterization time may help reduce the risk of this complication.     

Bladder dysfunction in children with bilateral single ectopic ureters

Background: Single ectopic ureters are a rare malformation in children. Therapy consists of ureteral reimplantation. However, in case of bilateral single ectopic ureters, subsequent malformation of the bladder trigone and bladder neck may result in additional voiding dysfunction, and ureteral reimplantation alone may not solve the urologic problems. Methods: The authors report their experience with 2 girls, in whom bilateral single ectopic ureters were treated by ureteral reimplantation in early childhood and who did not gain adequate bladder control during following years. Results: Videourodynamic evaluation was done in both girls. No bladder overactivity was found during the urodynamic studies. However, cystography showed a widely open bladder neck during filling with no sufficient bladder neck closure shown by urethral pressure profile studies. When blocking the bladder outlet by balloon catheters, adequate bladder filling volume was achieved. Incontinence was cured by implantation of an AMS 800 artificial sphincter system in a 10-year-old girl. A 7-year-old girl was regarded to be too young for sphincter implantation and is waiting for surgery within the next years. Conclusion: Insufficient development of trigone and bladder neck with subsequent urinary incontinence has to be kept in mind when deciding on surgical procedures in children with bilateral single ectopic ureters.     

HIV-positive African children with rectal fistulae

Background/Purpose: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease is an increasingly common infection in children in sub-Sahara Africa. Rectal fistulation is one such condition with which these patients present to the paediatric surgeon. This appeared to be an exclusively female condition until 2 male patients were treated recently. Methods: A 6-year (1996 through 2001) retrospective study found 39 children presenting with HIV-related rectal fistulae. Thirty-seven girls were seen with rectovaginal fistulae (RVF), and there is supportive documentation showing an increase in this condition throughout Southern Africa. Until now, boys have not been described with this condition. The author presents 2 boys who complete this spectrum of HIV-related acquired rectal fistulae. Results: All patients were found to have rectal fistula at the dentate line. In girls it varied in size from pin-point to 5 mm diameter, tracking anteriorly into the vagina. When closure of the fistula was attempted, it broke down. The 2 boys had a large fistula, which tracked to the prostatic urethra on the right of the verumontanum. The first patient underwent a successful repair. The second patient had a [ldquo ]Y[rdquo ]-shaped fistula based at the dentate line, with the second limb passing into the bladder. The parents refused further treatment and took the child home. Conclusions: HIV disease affects increasing numbers of children. A spectrum of rectal fistulae now has been seen in both girls and boys. These acquired rectal fistulae arise at the dentate line in both genders. Girls with these fistulae are seen more commonly, presenting with RVF. The closure of a fistula has only been successful in one boy. J Pediatr Surg 38:62-64.     

The morbidity of urethral stricture disease among male Medicare beneficiaries

Background

To date, the morbidity of urethral stricture disease among American men has not been analyzed using national datasets. We sought to analyze the morbidity of urethral stricture disease by measuring the rates of urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence among men with a diagnosis of urethral stricture.

Methods

We analyzed Medicare claims data for 1992, 1995, 1998, and 2001 to estimate the rate of dual diagnoses of urethral stricture with urinary tract infection and with urinary incontinence occurring in the same year among a 5% sample of beneficiaries. Male Medicare beneficiaries receiving co-incident ICD-9 codes indicating diagnoses of urethral stricture and either urinary tract infection or urinary incontinence within the same year were counted.

Results

The percentage of male patients with a diagnosis of urethral stricture who also were diagnosed with a urinary tract infection was 42% in 2001, an increase from 35% in 1992. Eleven percent of male Medicare beneficiaries with urethral stricture disease in 2001 were diagnosed with urinary incontinence in the same year. This represents an increase from 8% in 1992.

Conclusions

Among male Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with urethral stricture disease in 2001, 42% were also diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, and 11% with incontinence. Although the overall incidence of stricture disease decreased over this time period, these rates of dual diagnoses increased from 1992 to 2001. Our findings shed light into the health burden of stricture disease on American men. In order to decrease the morbidity of stricture disease, early definitive management of strictures is warranted.     

女童陈旧性尿道外伤的治疗

目的 提高女童陈旧性尿道外伤的疗效。方法 总结44例女童尿道外伤病例资料。其中陈旧性43例,尿道阴道瘘40例,阴道闭锁积脓2例,阴道结石1例,膀胱结石1例。28例带膀胱造瘘,15例为尿失禁。平均年龄8岁。手术分3类：尿道贯通7例,其中3例再经阴道修瘘;经阴道修瘘1例;经耻骨联合切除入路修复尿道及瘘35例。结果 40例随访6个月－16年,排尿正常29例,发生不全尿失禁11例。结论 除短段病例可用尿道贯通及大女孩阴道修瘘外,多需经耻骨入路、栽剪膀胱三角区瓣修复尿道狭窄及尿道阴道瘘。     

One-stage correction of imperforate anus and rectovestibular fistula in girls: Preliminary results

Background/Purpose: This prospective study was designed to assess the safety, cost effectiveness, and advantages of performing posterior sagittal anorectoplasty without colostomy on girls with imperforate anus and rectovestibular fistula. Methods: Four girls with imperforate anus and rectovestibular fistula were entered into the study. Chest x-ray, renal ultrasound scan, and lateral fistulogram were done. Rectal pouches were washed through the fistula with NaCl and aqueous povidone-iodine solutions. Pe[ntilde]a's posterior sagittal anorectoplasties were done in the prone positions. Cephalosporin and metronidazole were given as perioperative antibiotics. Results: All patients had intermediate anomalies. There were no other major associated congenital anomalies. Washout through the fistula was easy. There were no particular problems with posterior sagittal anorectoplasty in the prone positions. Two patients had perianal skin excoriations; one had superficial infection of the posterior sagittal wound. Two patients have undergone follow-up for a year. All are having monthly dilatations. All patients pass stool without need of stool softeners or enemas. Conclusions: This preliminary study shows that it is feasible for girls with imperforate anus and rectovestibular fistula to have safe posterior sagittal anorectoplasty without colostomy. The advantages of one, instead of 3 major operations, are many, especially in developing countries. J Pediatr Surg 37:E16.     

Reconstruction of Membranous Urethral Strictures

Purpose of Review

Due to the proximity of the rhabdosphincter and cavernous nerves to the membranous urethra, reconstruction of membranous urethral stricture implies a risk of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. To avoid these complications, endoscopic management of membranous urethral strictures is traditionally favored, and bulboprostatic anastomosis is reserved as the main classical approach for open reconstruction of recalcitrant membranous urethral stricture. The preference for the anastomotic urethroplasty among reconstructive urologists is likely influenced by the familiarity and experience with trauma-related injuries. We review the literature focusing on the anatomy of membranous urethra and on the evolution of treatments for membranous urethral strictures.

Recent Findings

Non-traumatic strictures affecting bulbomembranous urethra are typically sequelae of instrumentation, transurethral resection of the prostate, prostate cancer treatment, and pelvic irradiation. Being a different entity from trauma-related injuries where urethra is not in continuity, a new understanding of membranous urethral anatomy is necessary for the development of novel reconstruction techniques. Although efficacious and durable to achieve urethral patency, classical bulboprostatic anastomosis carries a risk of de-novo incontinence and impotence. Newer and relatively less invasive reconstructive alternatives include bulbar vessel-sparing intra-sphincteric bulboprostatic anastomosis and buccal mucosa graft augmented membranous urethroplasty techniques. The accumulated experience with these techniques is relatively scarce, but several published series present promising results. These approaches are especially indicated in patients with previous transurethral resection of the prostate in which sparing of rhabdosphincter and the cavernous nerves is important in attempt to preserve continence and potency. Additionally, introduction of buccal mucosa onlay grafts could be especially beneficial in radiation-induced strictures to avoid transection of the sphincter in continent patients, and to preserve the blood supply to the urethra for incontinent patients who will require artificial urinary sphincter placement. The evidence regarding erectile functional outcomes is less solid and this item should be furtherly investigated.

     

SURGICAL REPAIR OF URETHRAL CIRCUMCISION INJURIES

Purpose

The 2 types of urethral injury that can occur during circumcision are urethrocutaneous fistula and urethral distortion secondary to partial glans amputation. We report the surgical repair of these rare injuries.

Materials and Methods

In 8 patients urethrocutaneous fistulas located on the distal penile shaft or at the coronal margin were managed by splitting the glans and using a Mathieu style skin flap in 4 or vascularized penile skin flap in 4 to bridge the urethral defect. Three patients underwent repair of a hypospadiac deviated urethra secondary to partial glans amputation by 1 cm. of urethral mobilization and repositioning the meatus into a terminal position within the remaining glans tissue.

Results

The 8 patients with urethrocutaneous fistulas voided via a terminal meatus without fistula recurrence at a mean followup of 3.2 years (range 1 to 6). The 3 patients with partial glans amputation and urethral deviation repaired by short urethral advancement had functionally acceptable results, defined as a normal urinary stream, although 1 required meatal dilation postoperatively.

Conclusions

The 2 types of urethral injuries that can occur during circumcision are a subcoronal urethrocutaneous fistula and scarred abnormal urethra from partial glans amputation. The urethrocutaneous fistula can be successfully repaired by splitting the glans and forming a neourethra from a vascularized pedicle flap of penile skin. The abnormal urethra after partial glans amputation is more difficult to repair but repositioning the urethra in a more cosmetic location has restored function.     

Transvaginal repair of a urethrovaginal fistula using the Latzko technique with a bulbocavernosus (Martius) flap

Introduction and hypothesis

Urethrovaginal fistula is a rare disorder that may occur following sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence, excision of a urethral diverticulum, anterior vaginal wall repair, radiation therapy, and prolonged indwelling urethral catheter. The most common clinical manifestation is continuous urinary leakage through the vagina, aggravated by an increase in the intra-abdominal pressure. Appropriate management, including timing of the surgical intervention and the preferred technique, remains controversial.

Methods

This video presentation describes the transvaginal repair of a urethrovaginal fistula using the Latzko technique and a bulbocavernosus (Martius) flap.

Results

The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. At her follow-up visit 2 months later, she was free of urinary leakage, and a pelvic examination revealed excellent healing, with complete closure of the fistula.

Conclusions

Transvaginal repair using the Latzko technique with a vascular bulbocavernosus (Martius) flap is an effective and safe mode of treatment.

     

Endoscopic Management of Urethral Stricture: Review and Practice Algorithm for Management of Male Urethral Stricture Disease

Purpose of Review

Male urethral stricture disease is characterized by the formation of scar tissue within the urethra resulting in lower urinary tract symptoms, infection, and potentially kidney dysfunction. There is significant variability in clinical practice for the treatment of urethral stricture. We sought to summarize the known data on endoscopic management of urethral stricture disease as part of this larger edition on urethral stricture management.

Recent Findings

Older studies quoted high rates of success with endoscopic management of urethral stricture, including repeated DVIU. There is now evidence to support a limited role of endoscopic intervention in the management of urethral stricture, and especially strong evidence that repeated endoscopic procedures are not effective.

Summary

There is poor evidence to support the long-term efficacy of endoscopic urethral stricture management. Furthermore, novel advances in adjunctive therapies have not yet demonstrated durable patency. We discuss the limited role of endoscopic management and suggest an algorithm for its use in stricture management.

     

Surgical management of chronic unremitting constipation and fecal incontinence associated with megarectum: A preliminary report

Background/Purpose: Functional constipation with associated fecal incontinence responds poorly to medical management once megarectum has developed. The authors describe resecting the dilated rectum and inserting a cecostomy button for antegrade enemas in this difficult condition. Methods: Four children, ages 9 to 15 years, with a history of unremitting constipation and fecal incontinence were referred for evaluation after not responding to medical management. All patients had exhibited normal lumbosacral magnetic resonance images (MRI) and open rectal biopsies; however, all 4 patients had a megarectum on contrast enema. In addition, anorectal manometry was consistent with functional fecal retention. The dilated rectum was resected by anastamosing the nondilated sigmoid colon to the distal rectum, and a standard gastrostomy button was inserted into the cecum for antegrade enemas. Mean follow-up was 35 months (range, 8 to 60 months). Results: Constipation and incontinence resolved within 6 months in all patients, and all children remained continent without the aid of cathartic agents. There were no postoperative episodes of fecal impaction. The only complication was antibiotic-associated diarrhea in 1 patient. Cecostomy buttons were removed at 1 year postplacement in all 4 patients with continued success. Three patients underwent repeat anorectal manometry; all 3 had normal rectal sensory threshold volumes and anorectal inhibitory reflexes. Barium studies also were obtained in the 3 patients without evidence of recurrent rectal dilation. Conclusions: Refractory constipation and incontinence associated with megarectum may be amenable to surgical intervention in selected patients. The authors' limited experience suggests that proctectomy and button cecostomy is an effective treatment option that improves the quality of life in these patients. Furthermore, proctectomy alone may be curative. J Pediatr Surg 37:76-79. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.     

Optimal timing of prenatal treatment of obstructive uropathy in the fetal lamb

Purpose: It was still unclear how urinary tract obstruction alters normal nephrogenesis and leads to renal dysplasia. The authors created an obstructive uropathy model in fetal lambs and reviewed the pathology of the obstructed kidney to determine the optimal timing for decompression of the obstruction.Methods: Obstructive uropathy was created in fetal lambs at 60 days’ gestation by ligating the urethra and urachus. They were delivered 20 to 31 days later by cesarian section. The kidneys were processed for histologic examination.Results: Thirty-four 60-day lambs were operated on. Dysplastic changes were noted in 25 fetuses, and 24 fetuses had cysts in the nephrogenic zone. The cystic components in multicystic dysplastic kidneys (MCDK) are mainly in the proximal tubules.Conclusions: In utero urinary tract obstruction causes reduction of numbers of functioning nephrons and produces cysts in the nephrogenic zone and in the deeper cortex. These cysts and dilated proximal tubules suppress new nephron formation. Twenty days after obstruction, there were early features of dysplasia, but the nephrogenic zones still were present. Early shunting may salvage renal function.     

Necrotizing fasciitis after high-dose rate brachytherapy and external beam radiation for prostate cancer: a case report

Background

In recent years, the delayed side effects associated with radiotherapy for prostate cancer have drawn the interest of urologists. Although urosymphyseal fistula is one of these delayed side effects, this serious complication is rarely described in literature and is poorly recognized.

Case presentation

We report our experience in treating a 77-year-old male patient with necrotizing fasciitis after high-dose rate brachytherapy plus external beam radiation for prostate cancer. The patient was referred to our hospital with complaints of inguinal swelling and fever. He had a past history of radiotherapy for prostate cancer and subsequent transurethral operation for a stricture of the urethra. Computed tomography showed extensive gas within the femoral and retroperitoneal tissues and pubic bone fracture. Surgical exploration suggested that necrotizing fasciitis was caused by urosymphyseal fistula.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of necrotizing fasciitis caused by urosymphyseal fistula after radiotherapy for prostate cancer. There is a strong association between urosymphyseal fistula and prostate radiotherapy with subsequent surgical intervention for bladder neck contracture or urethral stricture. Therefore, surgical treatment for bladder neck contracture or urethral stricture after radiotherapy for prostate cancer should be performed with care.The present case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis of urosymphyseal fistula. Immediate removal of necrotic tissues and subsequent urinary diversion in the present case may have led to good patient outcome.

     

Left-colon antegrade continence enema (LACE) procedure for fecal incontinence

Purpose: Antegrade continence enemas (ACE) are an efficacious therapeutic option for patients with fecal incontinence. The authors review their institution’s experience with a variation of the Monti-Malone ACE procedure using the left colon as a source of an intestinal conduit and enema reservoir.Methods: From 2000 to 2002, 18 patients with fecal incontinence or intractable constipation underwent left-colon ACE (LACE) procedure. Concomitant Mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomy was performed in 15 patients and bladder augmentation in 9. The majority of patients had neural tube defects. A segment of left colon was tubularized, tunneled into the muscular wall of the distal colon, and exteriorized through the left upper quadrant or midabdomen. Stomal catherization and enema installation were started one month postoperatively.Results: Fifteen patients (83%) achieved fecal continence, 2 remain incontinent of stool, and 1 experienced stomal closure (mean follow-up was 24 ± 9 months). Two patients had stomal stenosis that required revision. The mean enema volume in patient’s achieving continence was 360 ± 216 mL, and the mean transit time was 18 ± 12 minutes.Conclusions: LACE is an efficacious procedure for fecal incontinence that can be performed safely at the time of major urologic reconstruction. Administration of enemas into the left colon has several physiologic advantages that result in predictable bowel evacuation.     

Outcomes in esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula

Background/Purpose: The purpose of this analysis was to investigate outcomes in newborns with esophageal atresia (EA) or tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) with respect to prognostic classifications and complications.Methods: Charts of all 144 infants with EA/TEF treated at British Columbia Children’s Hospital (BCCH) from 1984 to 2000 were reviewed. Patient demographics, frequency of associated anomalies, and details of management and outcomes were examined.Results: Applying the Waterston prognostic classification to our patient population, survival rate was 100% for class A, 100% for class B, and 80% for class C. The Montreal classification survival rate was 92% for class I and 71% for class II (P = .08). Using the Spitz classification, survival rate was 99% for type I, 84% for type II, and 43% for type III (P < .05). The Bremen classification survival rate was 95% “without complications” and 71% “with complications.” Complications included stricture (52%), gastroesophageal reflux (31%), anastomotic leakage (8%), recurrent fistula (8%), and pneumonia (6%). Seventeen patients underwent fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux, 16 pre-1992 and one post-1992.Conclusions: Comparing the major prognostic classifications, the Spitz classification scheme was found to be most applicable. In our institution, the trend in management of gastroesophageal reflux after repair of EA/TEF has moved away from fundoplication toward medical management.