Prenatal intervention for urinary obstruction and myelomeningocele

Widespread use of ultrasonography has resulted in an increase in the recognition of fetal hydronephrosis. The enthusiasm that accompanied early interventions has been tempered by the experience and results obtained over the past 2 decades. The goal has remained the same: to identify patients with serious prenatal obstruction and to identify those which may benefit from intervention. Myelomeningocele remains a devastating congenital anomaly. Fetal and experimental studies suggested that patients with myelomeningocele could benefit from prenatal intervention. Advances in technology and perinatal management have made intervention for more complex malformations such as myelomeningocele possible. This article will review current knowledge and will detail rational management for the management of prenatal hydronephrosis. The current state of antenatal myelomeningocele repair and the urologic implications will be described as well

Transurethral neo-orifice (TUNO) a novel technique for management of upper pole obstruction in infancy

Introduction and Objective: Ureteral duplication is the most common urologic abnormality. The upper pole ureter can sometimes be associated with a ureterocele. In rare cases the ureteral insertion is extravesical and can result in significant hydroureteronephrosis. Patients can present with urinary tract infection, abdominal mass or urinary obstruction. Traditional procedures include ureteral reimplantation, ureteroureterostomy or heminephroureterectomy. These reconstructive procedures are technically challenging in small infants, especially when the hydroureteronephrosis is severe. In some cases a distal cutaneous ureterostomy is performed for immediate drainage followed by definitive surgery when the child is older. We describe our initial experience with a novel cystoscopic technique which provides drainage of the upper pole ureter and avoids the need for an incision or stoma. Materials and Methods: A 3 month-old boy presented with urinary tract infections and failure to thrive. Ultrasound revealed severe upper pole hydroureteronephrosis. Voiding cystourethrography did not reveal vesicoureteral reflux or the presence of a ureterocele. The patient underwent cytoscopy. The ectopic ureteral orifice was not identified. A transurethral, transvesical needle puncture and confirmatory ureteropyelography was used to access the dilated upper pole ureter. Guidewire passage, followed catheter dilation then allowed creation of a new ureteral orifice using a holmium laser. Results: The patient tolerated the procedure well. He was discharged after overnight observation. The hydronephrosis improved, urinary tract infections have not recurred and the patient rapidly improved feeding and weight gain. Conclusion: Trans-Urethral Neo-Orifice creation is a minimally invasive option for initial decompression for patients with obstructive ureteral ectopia

Torsion of the Appendix Testis in a Neonate

Torsion of the appendix testis is a rare cause of scrotal swelling in the neonatal period. We present a case of torsion of the appendix testis in a one-day-old male. We discuss the physical examination and radiologic studies used to make the diagnosis. Nonoperative therapy was recommended and the patient has done well. Recognition of this condition in the neonatal period can prevent surgical intervention and its associated risks