Effect of gastrocystoplasty on height and bone density in children

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal tissue in the urinary tract results in numerous metabolic changes. This study investigates the effects of augmentation gastrocystoplasty on the height and bone mineralization in bladder exstrophy patients. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To analyze the long-term outcome following gastrocystoplasty in terms of height, bone mineral density, acid base changes, and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study was done after obtaining institutional ethics committee clearance. Inclusion criteria included retrospective analysis of all cases who had undergone gastrocystoplasty since 1992 and prospective analysis of all cases who are undergoing gastrocystoplasty during the study period from June 2008 to December 2010. Exclusion criteria included follow up period of less than 2 years and cases lost to follow up. Indian standard charts were used for anthropometric measurement, and bone density scan of lumbar vertebrae and upper end of femur were done for bone matrix and mineral density. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were included in the study. Out of 23 patients, 16 were males and 7 were females. Mean age at gastrocystoplasty was 8.28 years, and mean follow up period was 60 months. The median pre-augmentation and post-augmentation percentile height and weight were 56, 59 and 59, 61 respectively. Mean bone density value was 0.654. CONCLUSION: Augmentation gastrocystoplasty is a safe and viable option without any adverse effect on height or bone mineral density without altering metabolic or acid base homeostasis.