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Biomedical subjects

David A Diamond

Publications and source records attributed to David A Diamond.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A review of failures of endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux with dextranomer microspheres.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the appearance of the mound of failed endoscopic dextranomer microsphere injections at the time of reinjection or open ureteral reimplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a multi-institutional study of 80 patients (97 ureters) who were diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux and had failed endoscopic treatment with dextranomer microspheres. Observations of injected mound characteristics were made during the time of reinjection or at open ureteral reimplantation. Correlations were made with the pre-injection grade of reflux, volume of initial injection, number of punctures used for the initial injection and presence of symptoms of dysfunctional voiding. RESULTS: Examination of the failed injection sites before subsequent injections or open surgery revealed mound abnormalities in all but 13 of the 97 ureters. Of the cases 49% demonstrated a shifted mound, 22% an absent mound and 10% a loss of volume in the mound. Of the 13 patients with normal appearing mounds 7 had improved reflux grade, 3 had worsened grade and 3 had no change. Patients with dysfunctional voiding symptoms had a second injection failure rate of 44%, compared to a 13% rate in those without symptoms of voiding dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Most failures of endoscopic correction are associated with mound shifting. The presence of a perfect mound does not predict success. Dysfunctional voiding predicts a lower success rate after a second injection.

Adolescent↗

Applying the ALARA concept to the evaluation of vesicoureteric reflux.

The voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a widely used study to define lower urinary tract anatomy and to diagnose vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) in children. We examine the technical advances in the VCUG and other examinations for reflux that have reduced radiation exposure of children, and we give recommendations for the use of imaging studies in four groups of children: (1) children with urinary tract infection, (2) siblings of patients with VUR, (3) infants with antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH), and (4) children with a solitary functioning kidney. By performing examinations with little to no radiation, carefully selecting only the children who need imaging studies and judiciously timing follow-up examinations, we can reduce the radiation exposure of children being studied for reflux.

Body Burden↗

Sex assignment for newborns with ambiguous genitalia and exposure to fetal testosterone: attitudes and practices of pediatric urologists.

OBJECTIVE: Sex assignment to newborns with ambiguous genitalia is controversial. Our objective was to determine the attitudes and practices of pediatric urologists on this subject. STUDY DESIGN: A survey of fellows in the Urology Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics was completed by 185/228 (81%). The survey referred to two cases, masculinized 46XX congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and 46XY cloacal exstrophy. Questions referred to sex assignment, timing of surgery, decision making process, and respondent demographics. RESULTS: For masculinized 46XX CAH, virtually all respondents favored female sex assignment. The most important factor was potential fertility. For 46XY cloacal exstrophy, two thirds favored the male sex. The most important factor was potential androgen brain imprinting, whereas in selecting female assignment, it was difficulty creating a functional phallus. Respondent characteristics associated with assigning female sex were longer duration in practice (>15 years) and affiliation with training programs. Most respondents advocated a team approach to decision making with parental involvement and early surgery (<18 months). CONCLUSION: Pediatric urologists are in strong consensus about sex assignment for newborns with ambiguous genitalia from CAH, a team approach with parental involvement, and early reconstruction. Yet, there is striking variability in attitudes toward sex assignment for newborns with 46XY cloacal exstrophy, which should be incorporated into the decision-making process with parents.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital↗

Recent advances in external genitalia.

In the last decade, significant progress in the knowledge and management of external genital anomalies has been achieved, including an improved understanding of epidemiology and pathophysiology of these anomalies, the identification of etiologic genetic defects, and significant improvements in surgical approaches that have decreased complications and improved cosmetic outcomes. We highlight the most clinically important advances of the commonly encountered external genital anomalies.

Bladder Exstrophy↗

Pediatric penile tumors of mesenchymal origin.

OBJECTIVES: To describe 2 cases of mesenchymal pediatric penile tumors in a 13-year-old boy and an 11-month-old infant. Mesenchymal tumors are rare in the male external genitalia. METHODS: Two patients, one aged 13 years and one 11 months, presented with painless penile masses at the penoscrotal junction. The evaluation included serial clinical examinations and ultrasonography. Both lesions were surgically excised after increasing in size. Because of malignancy, the first patient underwent wide reexcision of the tumor site. RESULTS: The pathologic findings of the first case were combined dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, giant cell fibroblastoma, and fibrosarcoma, a malignant tumor. Immunohistochemical staining showed strong and diffuse CD34 cytoplasmic positivity in the giant cell fibroblastoma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans components; the dedifferentiated fibrosarcoma tumor cells were negative for this antibody. The second case was myofibroma, a benign fibroblastic tumor with a prominent myofibroblastic component that is congenital and tends to occur within the first few months after birth. Neither patient had recurrence at 16 months and 3 years of follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of combined dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, giant cell fibroblastoma, and fibrosarcoma of the penis and the second reported case of isolated penile myofibroma. CONCLUSIONS: Penile tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis of pediatric penile masses. Surgical resection is often curative, but patients with malignant tumors should receive careful follow-up to monitor for recurrence.

Adolescent↗

Solid extratesticular masses in children: radiographic and pathologic correlation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the sonographic and pathologic appearances of the most common solid and complex extratesticular masses in children. CONCLUSION: Solid or complex extratesticular masses, especially those that are rapidly growing and are painless, raise concerns regarding malignant rhabdomyosarcoma. Mimickers of rhabdomyosarcoma include inflammatory processes such as pseudotumor, chronic epididymitis, or meconium periorchitis. Because sonography cannot distinguish benign from malignant, worrisome extratesticular masses should be biopsied or removed.

Biopsy↗

Pediatric retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: comparison with an age matched cohort of open surgery.

PURPOSE: We assessed the clinical usefulness of laparoscopic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy (LRPN) in children by comparing an age matched cohort of pediatric patients undergoing open partial nephrectomy (OPN) to those undergoing LRPN for safety, efficacy, operative time, blood loss, inpatient narcotic use and length of hospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed of 1 group undergoing LRPN (treatment arm) and 1 undergoing OPN (controls) between 1997 and 2003. The 14 patients in each group were matched by age (mean 1.9 years in LRPN group vs 2.2 years in OPN group, p = 0.98) and gender. RESULTS: All patients had duplication anomalies. Mean operative time was 194 minutes in the LRPN group and 193 minutes in the OPN group (p = 0.83). The single complication in the LRPN group was a urinoma that did not require intervention. There were no complications in OPN group. LRPN patients had a mean hospitalization of 1.7 days compared to 4.7 days in OPN patients (p = 0.001). Intraoperative narcotic requirements were higher in the LRPN group (0.59 vs 0.22 mg/kg, p = 0.04). Postoperative narcotic requirements were significantly less in the LRPN group (0.44 vs 1.53 mg/kg, p = 0.04). Similar findings were noted in a subanalysis of patients younger than 2 years. All patients had documented postoperative ipsilateral renal growth. Mean followups in the treatment and control groups were 26 and 25 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in small children was shown to be safe and effective. It had equivalent operative times, and decreased postoperative narcotics and hospitalization relative to the open approach, and, therefore, is a potentially advantageous technique.

Case-Control Studies↗

Balanitis xerotica obliterans in boys.

PURPOSE: Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is a chronic dermatitis of unknown etiology most often involving the glans and prepuce but sometimes extending into the urethra. We report our 10-year experience with BXO in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our pathology database was queried for all tissue diagnoses of BXO from 1992 to 2002. Available charts were reviewed and patient presentation, clinical and referral history, operative procedure(s) and postoperative course were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients had a tissue confirmed diagnosis of BXO. Median patient age was 10.6 years. Of the patients 85% were 8 to 13 years old and all had referrals available for review. The most common referral diagnoses were phimosis (52%), balanitis (13%) and buried penis (10%). No patient had the diagnosis of BXO at referral. Of the patients 19 (46%) underwent curative circumcision or redo circumcision and had no recurrence at a mean followup of 12.5 months (range 1 to 57). A total of 11 patients (27%) had BXO involvement of the meatus and underwent circumcision combined with meatotomy or meatoplasty. Nine patients (22%) required extensive plastic operation(s) of the penis, including buccal mucosa grafts in 2. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of BXO in pediatric patients may be higher than previously reported, with the diagnosis rarely made by pediatricians. Our study demonstrates that older patients, those with BXO involvement of the meatus and those with a history of surgery for BXO tend to have a more severe and morbid clinical course.

Balanitis↗

Early outcome following complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy in the newborn.

PURPOSE: Complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy (CPRE) represents a paradigm shift from the staged approach for surgical management. We present early clinical outcomes in our patients following CPRE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1996 to 2004 all newborns with bladder exstrophy were treated with CPRE within 48 hours of birth. We reviewed parameters including transfusions (packed red blood cells), urethral meatal position, complications, findings on renal ultrasound and renal scan, and post-CPRE procedures and infections. RESULTS: A total of 16 boys and 7 girls were treated with CPRE. Followup ranged from 8 to 96 months. Twelve boys (75%) and 2 girls (29%) received packed red blood cells at CPRE (p = 0.066). The tubularized urethral plate could not be brought to the penile tip, resulting in hypospadias in 9 of 11 boys (82%) with the running suture technique and only 1 of 5 boys (20%) with the interrupted technique (p = 0.036). Of the 23 patients 6 had a total of 8 complications after CPRE. Vesicoureteral reflux was present in 17 of 23 patients. After CPRE a total of 93 endoscopic/surgical procedures (median 4, range 0 to 16 per patient) were performed. Five patients had 1 to 4 episodes of pyelonephritis, 16 of 23 had 1 or more episodes of asymptomatic bacteriuria and 5 had cortical defects on renal scan. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that urethral closure during CPRE be performed with interrupted suture technique to prevent hypospadias. An aggressive approach should be taken toward reflux in the setting of urinary infection. Consideration should be given for repair of all aspects of the defect during CPRE, including bilateral ureteral reimplantation.

Bladder Exstrophy↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of pelvic musculoskeletal and genitourinary anatomy in patients before and after complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy.

PURPOSE: We characterize pelvic soft tissue and bony anatomy of patients before and after complete primary repair of exstrophy (CPRE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 15 measurements on pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients who underwent CPRE without osteotomy at our institution from 1996 to 2004. MRI protocols included axial, sagittal and coronal fast spin echo proton density sequences. Measurements were compared before and after CPRE using a paired t test, and between patients after CPRE, and age and gender matched controls using linear regression adjusting for the matched case-control groups. Patients older than 3 years with continent intervals longer than 3 hours after CPRE were compared to age and gender matched controls using linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 29 MRIs in 18 patients with exstrophy were available for analysis. Median patient age at postoperative MRI was 25 months (range 4 to 36). The configuration of the post-CPRE pelvis was significantly different from that of controls in all parameters measured including wider symphyseal diastasis (34.5 mm vs less than 1 mm) and more obtuse iliac wing (121 degrees vs 98 degrees), puborectalis (94 degrees vs 49 degrees) and ileococcygeus angles (111 degrees vs 98 degrees ). The anatomy of continent patients after CPRE was not significantly different from that of controls in most parameters measured. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of the pelvic anatomy in patients before and after CPRE suggests that after CPRE patients have parameters that more closely approximate, but are still significantly different, from those of control patients. Patients with greater than 3-hour continent intervals after CPRE have anatomic parameters most similar to those of age matched controls.

Bladder Exstrophy↗

Bladder growth and development after complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy in the newborn with comparison to staged approach.

PURPOSE: We assessed bladder growth and dynamics following complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy (CPRE) compared to the staged approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 16 boys and 7 girls who underwent CPRE within 3 days of life from 1996 to 2004 and compared them to the records of 8 boys and 6 girls treated with a staged repair from 1979 to 1996. Screening methods included voiding cystourethrogram, radionuclide cystogram and urodynamic study. We estimated growth curves for bladder capacity following repair in each group, and compared percent predicted bladder capacity (PPBC), compliance and detrusor overactivity between the CPRE and staged repair groups following bladder neck reconstruction. RESULTS: Bladder capacity in the staged repair group was 69.8 ml (95% CI 46.7-104.4) immediately after bladder neck reconstruction and increased by 15.0% per year thereafter (95% CI 6.2-24.5, p = 0.002). In the CPRE group bladder capacity was 29.0 ml (95% CI 21.3-39.5) initially and increased by 28.9% per year thereafter (95% CI 17.4-41.5, p <0.001). PPBC started at 45.6% (95% CI 35.7-55.5) and increased 1.2% per year (95% CI -1.1-3.5, p = 0.29) following repair for all genders and surgery groups. Compliance was 124.4% (95% CI 22.6-310.7, p = 0.01) greater in the CPRE group at all times following repair. Detrusor overactivity was present in 0 of 19 patients in the CPRE group and 6 of 13 (46%) in the staged group (exact p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Within the CPRE group bladder stability was universal, and sphincter electromyography was normal suggesting no neuromuscular compromise of the pelvic floor. At early followup, our results suggest that PPBC is equivalent irrespective of gender or management. Further objective evaluation is needed in both groups.

Bladder Exstrophy↗

Intermittent testicular torsion: diagnostic features and management outcomes.

PURPOSE: Intermittent testicular torsion (ITT) is a poorly characterized condition but harbors potentially serious implications with regard to testicular viability. We report better characterization of the diagnostic features of ITT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients 1 to 18 years old seen from 1997 to 2003 at our institution diagnosed with ITT. Patients with acute scrotal pain and spontaneous resolution who underwent bilateral testicular fixation were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were identified with mean age at presentation of 12.2 years (range 4 to 17). The mean number of painful episodes before surgery was 4.3 (range 1 to 30). The most common presenting features were severe pain of rapid onset and resolution. Nausea and/or vomiting was reported in a quarter of the patients. Finding of a horizontal lie of the testes on examination was significantly associated (p <0.05) with the existence of the bell-clapper deformity. All patients underwent surgical fixation of the testes. There were no postoperative complications. Of 38 patients (97%) for whom followup was available 37 had complete resolution of symptoms (mean followup 7.9 months). CONCLUSIONS: ITT should be a diagnostic consideration in patients who present with recurrent acute scrotal pain with rapid spontaneous resolution. Recurrent severe pain with rapid onset and resolution seems to be highly characteristic. Horizontal lie on examination is highly correlated with the bell-clapper deformity at surgical exploration. Surgery may be recommended in these patients as it appears to result in pain relief in the majority, is likely to prevent future testicular infarction and is associated with low morbidity.

Adolescent↗

Testicular hypotrophy does not correlate with grade of adolescent varicocele.

PURPOSE: Testicular hypotrophy is the most widely accepted indication for correcting adolescent varicocele. Previous studies in adolescents have shown a relationship between increasing grade of varicocele and the likelihood of testicular hypotrophy. As this relationship has significant clinical implications, we studied the correlation between grade and testicular volume disproportion in our adolescent varicocele population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the adolescent varicocele database at our institution. A total of 168 patients 8 to 21 years old were studied. We routinely calculated testis volumes using scrotal ultrasound. Testicular disproportion was calculated using the equation [(size of unaffected testis) - (size of affected testis)]/(size of unaffected testis) x 100%. Disproportion was categorized as less than 10%, 10% to 20% and more than 20%. Varicoceles were graded by an attending urologist with the patient standing, using the system of Dubin and Amelar. Analysis of variance and Pearson chi-square indicated no significant differences in volume differential between varicocele grades. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD volume differential was 18% +/- 15% for grade I, 25% +/- 20% for grade II and 19% +/- 14% for grade III. ANOVA revealed no significant difference in mean volume differential between the 3 varicocele grades (p = 0.10). When categorizing patients into 3 levels of volume differential (less than 10%, 10% to 20%, more than 20%) no significant correlation was observed between varicocele and volume differential (p = 0.48, chi-square test). CONCLUSIONS: Grade of varicocele does not correlate with presence or severity of testicular disproportion in adolescent boys with varicocele as measured by scrotal ultrasound.

Adolescent↗

Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux with autologous chondrocytes: postoperative sonographic features.

PURPOSE: To analyze sonographic imaging features of renal collecting systems, ureters, and bladder in 32 children after endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux with autologous chondrocytes and to determine whether any features are associated with persistent reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sonograms obtained at mean intervals of 1.4 and 12 months after treatment were compared with cystograms obtained at mean intervals of 2.7 and 12 months. Sonograms were analyzed for chondrocyte mound contour and volume, changes in mound volume over time, and presence of hydroureteronephrosis. Mean differences in mound volume were detected with paired t tests in 14 patients with early and late sonograms available for review. RESULTS: Early cystograms and sonograms were available for 25 of 32 patients (45 of 56 treated ureters). Reflux occurred in 16 of 45 ureters. In 16 ureters, chondrocyte mounds were absent in six, unilobed in seven, and multilobed in three. In 29 treated ureters without reflux, mounds were unilobed in 28 and multilobed in one. Three patients had mild hydronephrosis and one had distal hydroureter; these conditions resolved. Late cystograms and sonograms were available in 18 of 22 patients (30 of 38 treated ureters). Reflux occurred in seven of 30 ureters. In seven ureters, mounds were unilobed in five and multilobed in two. In 23 treated ureters without reflux, mounds were unilobed in 21 and multilobed in two. One patient had mild hydronephrosis that resolved. In 14 patients with early and late sonograms available for review, mean mound volume in late group (0.37 cm3 +/- 0.25 [standard deviation]) was significantly smaller than that in early group (0.56 cm3 +/- 0.39; P =.004, paired t test). CONCLUSION: Absence of chondrocyte mound or presence of multilobed mound contour was associated with persistent reflux. Mean mound volume decreased over time. Treatment-induced hydroureteronephrosis was uncommon and self-limited.

Adolescent↗

Intratesticular varicocele in adolescents: a reversible anechoic lesion of the testis.

PURPOSE: We describe ultrasonographic and clinical findings in adolescents with intratesticular varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three adolescent boys 12 to 16 years old each had a large intratesticular multicystic lesion on scrotal Doppler ultrasound for a large extratesticular varicocele. The presence of active Doppler flow within the anechoic lesions supported the diagnosis of intratesticular varicocele. RESULTS: All 3 boys underwent spermatic vein ligation for varicocele. In each case scrotal Doppler ultrasound at 3 months postoperatively demonstrated resolution of the intratesticular anechoic lesions and Doppler flow, confirming the diagnoses of intratesticular varicocele. CONCLUSIONS: Intratesticular varicocele is a clinically occult lesion that may occur in conjunction with extratesticular varicocele. This entity is apparent on scrotal Doppler ultrasound as an intratesticular anechoic lesion with active Doppler flow, and has been shown to resolve following spermatic vein ligation. Its clinical significance has not yet been defined.

Adolescent↗

Is adolescent varicocele a progressive disease process?

PURPOSE: We determined whether there was evidence of progression in either varicocele grade or testicular volume differentials over time in our adolescent varicocele population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 41 boys 7.3 to 19 years old (mean age 13.7, SD 2.5) were seen at sequential visits. At each visit varicocele grade was determined by the attending urologist and ultrasound calculated testicular volume differential was determined by an attending ultrasonographer. A senior staff statistician performed statistical analysis of the sequential data. RESULTS: The varicocele grade data were analyzed using the nonparametric Wilcoxon test and no significant evidence of progression on sequential visits was demonstrated. Similarly, the serial volume differential data were assessed using the paired t test and no significant evidence for progression of testicular volume differentials was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: In our study population neither varicocele grade nor change in testicular volume differentials increased over time in a statistically significant manner. These results argue against the concept that adolescent varicocele is a progressive disease process.

Adolescent↗