Our Summary

This study examined how surgical scars in children from urologic surgeries change over time, and how satisfied patients and their families are with the appearance of these scars. The study involved 82 children who previously had surgeries such as pyeloplasty (a procedure to correct a blockage between the kidney and the ureter) and ureteral reimplantation (a procedure to fix the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). The researchers found that most families (84%) were not bothered by the scar.

The study also found that the size of the scar increased over time, regardless of whether the surgery was done using open surgery or minimally invasive techniques. However, the size increase was less in children of Asian descent and in cases where the incision was made on the side of the body. The satisfaction with the scar’s appearance did not vary based on the type of surgery, the surgical technique used, or the child’s race.

In simple terms, the study showed that while surgical scars from these procedures do get bigger as the child grows, most families are not bothered by them. Additionally, the type of surgery and the child’s race can affect how much the scar grows.

FAQs

  1. What types of surgeries were examined in this study on pediatric urologic reconstruction?
  2. Did the type of surgery or surgical technique used affect the satisfaction with the scar’s appearance?
  3. Does the size of the surgical scar increase over time, and does the child’s race affect this growth?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient that while surgical scars from pediatric urologic reconstruction procedures may increase in size over time, most families are not bothered by them. It is important to keep the scar clean and moisturized to help it heal properly. If there are any concerns about the scar’s appearance or healing process, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended pediatric urologic reconstruction are those who have conditions such as congenital anomalies of the kidneys, ureters, or bladder, bladder exstrophy, vesicoureteral reflux, hypospadias, and other urologic issues that require surgical intervention. These patients may experience urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, kidney damage, and other complications that can be improved or corrected through urologic reconstruction surgery.

Timeline

Before pediatric urologic reconstruction:

  1. Child is diagnosed with a urologic condition that requires surgical intervention.
  2. Consultation with a pediatric urologist to discuss treatment options and potential surgical procedures.
  3. Pre-operative assessments and tests to ensure the child is healthy enough for surgery.
  4. Surgery is scheduled and the child undergoes the procedure, which may involve open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
  5. Post-operative care and monitoring to ensure proper healing and recovery.

After pediatric urologic reconstruction:

  1. Child experiences discomfort and pain in the immediate post-operative period.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the pediatric urologist to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  3. Scars from the surgery begin to form and evolve over time.
  4. Scar size may increase as the child grows, but most families are not bothered by the appearance of the scar.
  5. Long-term follow-up to monitor the child’s urologic health and address any potential complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about pediatric urologic reconstruction include:

  1. What specific urologic surgeries may be recommended for my child’s condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with pediatric urologic reconstruction surgeries?
  3. How long is the recovery period after surgery, and what can we expect during this time?
  4. Will my child have visible scars after the surgery, and how will they change over time?
  5. Are there any non-surgical treatment options available for my child’s condition?
  6. How often will follow-up appointments be necessary after surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing pediatric urologic reconstruction surgeries?
  8. Can you provide information on the success rates of these procedures in children?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions my child will need to follow after surgery?
  10. What support services or resources are available for families going through pediatric urologic reconstruction?

Reference

Authors: Wang MK, Li Y, Selekman RE, Gaither T, Arnhym A, Baskin LS. Journal: J Pediatr Urol. 2018 Apr;14(2):175.e1-175.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2017.11.018. Epub 2018 Jan 9. PMID: 29433993