Transitional outcomes of adults who underwent Cohen ureteroneocystostomy for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux as children

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the transitional outcomes of children who underwent Cohen ureteroneocystostomy(UNC) due to vesicoureteral reflux(VUR).

Methods: Files of patients who underwent UNC between January 2003 and December 2013 and had >10 years of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical data before surgery were noted. Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) status was assessed via ICIQ M/F-LUTS, voiding diary and uroflowmetry in all patients. Renal functions, hypertension, proteinuria, febrile/afebrile urinary tract infections(UTIs), and complications associated with pregnancy were noted.

Results: Two hundred and forty-one patients (140 girls, 58.1%) underwent UNC at a median age of 6.5 years (3-14), and 57.7% underwent bilateral surgery. After a median follow-up of 15 years (10-20), median patient age at the last clinic visit was 21 years (18-31). LUTD was detected in 69 (28.6%) patients. Bilateral disease, female gender, history of childhood bladder bowel dysfunction(BBD), presence of renal scar, and older age (≥7 years) at the time of surgery were significantly associated with LUTD in adulthood. Febrile UTI was detected in 7.9% (19/241) following UNC, whereas 6 needed subureteral injection due to persistent low-grade VUR. No patient developed stage 3 or greater chronic kidney disease, but 11(4.6%) patients developed hypertension and 7(2.9%) had proteinuria. Of 67 sexually active female patients,10(14.9%) had febrile UTIs. Of 49 women in whom pregnancy was observed,4(8.1%) had febrile UTIs, 7(14.2%) had afebrile UTIs and 2(4.1%) had pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, but none had a miscarriage or early labor.

Conclusion: Despite VUR control, the incidence of febrile UTI and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy should not be underestimated. In addition, a quarter of patients face LUTD when they reach adulthood. Female patients with bilateral disease, renal scar, and previous childhood BBD have higher risks for these transitional clinical problems.