The Recommendations of the 2015 American Urological Association Working Group on Genitourinary Congenitalism

Outcomes of a newly established transitional urology outpatient clinic: a real-world experience

PURPOSE

To evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who visited our transitional urology (TU) outpatient clinic formed by pediatric urologists with urology background within the first year upon its establishment.

METHODS

Files of 130 consecutive patients who visited our TU outpatient clinic, which was established in 01 March 2021, between 01 March 2021 and 01 March 2022 were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into two groups: those with a previous follow-up in our pediatric urology department (Group I, n: 81, 62.3%) and those who were followed up in other clinics during childhood (Group II, n: 49, 37.7%) afterwards. Demographic characteristics, complaints at admission, previous medical history, and management plans at the recent clinical visit were noted. We defined a successful and smooth transition from childhood to adult care as not being without follow-up within the first year after the age of 18 years and not requiring extraordinary medical assistance (e.g., emergency room visits, hospitalization, intensive care unit admissions) from the last urological control to the TU outpatient clinic visits.

RESULTS

The most common diagnoses were vesicoureteral reflux (n: 32, 24.6%), neuropathic bladder accompanied by spina bifida (n: 31, 23.8%), obstructive uropathy (n: 25, 19.2%), hypospadias (n: 20, 15.3%), non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (n: 19, 14.6%), and bladder exstrophy (n: 8, 6.1%). The distribution of primary diagnosis in the two patient groups was similar. The median time from the last pediatric urology visit to the current TU clinical visit was significantly longer in Group II (12 vs. 60 months, p < 0.001),consequently, the median patient age at admission was significantly higher in Group II (21 vs. 23 years, p = 0.020). The rate of a successful and smooth transition was 86.4% in Group I, whereas Group II had a completely unsuccessful transition period. Upon admission to TU outpatient clinic, the requirement of a surgical intervention was lower in Group I (21% vs. 38.8%, p = 0.028).Also,the need for medical treatment changes was higher in Group II (9.9% vs. 53.1%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings emphasize the importance of patient referral to a TU clinic that deal with lifelong problems of congenital genitourinary diseases. Delays in receiving medical or surgical treatments during transition from childhood to adulthood may be associated with higher need for subsequent surgical interventions in this vulnerable patient population.

Unmet needs in the management of neurourological disorders within the last 50 years

PURPOSE

This abstract aims to assess the evolution of neurogenic patient management over the past century, with a focus on persistent unmet needs in the field. We reflect on the history of neurourology and its key principles, highlighting urgent needs for research and progress.

METHODS

This review is based on a non-systematic search of MEDLINE databases. We explore the historical context, innovations, and challenges in neurological patient care, using keywords such as "Neurourology", "history" and "future", as well as specific treatment modalities.

RESULT

Several unmet needs in the field of neurourology have been identified. These include the need to strike a balance between spontaneous micturition and continence, the search for solutions to restore spontaneous micturition in patients with acontractile bladders, the imperative to improve and personalize renal and bladder function monitoring, mitigation of the side effects of long-term treatments, strategies to manage recurrent urinary tract infections, and efforts to overcome organizational barriers in patient care.

CONCLUSION

The care of neurological patients has made remarkable progress over the past 50 years. However, persistent unmet needs underline the need for ongoing research and collaboration to improve the quality of care in this field.

9-Year Evaluation of a Transitional Care Program for Congenital Neurogenic Bladder Patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate short and long-term adherence and nonadherence patterns within a staged transition clinic developed in 2014 to assist congenital neurogenic bladder patients transfer from pediatric to adult urologic care.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of all congenital neurogenic bladder patients who had been prospectively identified in the transition clinic and adult urology clinic since 2014. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed to determine patient adherence with transfer of care, to study long-term compliance with follow-up, and to identify factors that positively and negatively influenced transition clinic success.

RESULTS

157 patients participated in the transition clinic. 76/79 (96.2%) patients ready to transition successfully transferred to adult care. 55/76 (72.4%) remain active. Greater number of visits between transition stages was significant among patients who maintained active follow-up after transition (P = .006). 171 patients initiated care in our adult urology clinic without transition. Irrespective of nontransitioned patients longer follow-up, formally transitioned adult patients had higher yearly participation rates, with 55 (72.4%) transitioned patients compared to 63 (36.8%) nontransitioned patients remaining active (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Congenital neurogenic bladder patients who participated in a transition clinic were successful transferring from pediatric to adult care, with improved clinic adherence in adulthood, compared to patients who initiated adult care without structured transition. Early introduction to adult providers and increased number of visits positively impacted adherence upon transition to adult care. Noncompliance with pediatric provider visits negatively impacted transition adherence.

Management of the Transitional Urology Patient: the Role of the Adult Reconstructive Urologist

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with congenital urologic conditions present unique challenges as adults. Herein, we review the literature relevant to the adult reconstructive urologist confronted with complex surgical concerns affecting their patients with a history of hypospadias, spina bifida, and other syndromes affecting the genitourinary tract.

RECENT FINDINGS

Urethral stricture disease related to hypospadias is complex, but successful urethroplasty and penile curvature correction can be achieved with an anatomically minded approach. Multiple urinary diversion techniques can be considered in a patient-centered approach to bladder management in the adult spina bifida patient, but complications are common and revision surgeries are frequently required. Strong evidence is lacking for most surgical techniques in this population, but experiences reported by pediatric and adult urologists with genitourinary reconstruction training can help foster consensus in decision-making. Urologists trained in genitourinary reconstruction may be uniquely positioned to care for the transitional urology patient as they enter adolescence and adulthood.

Opportunities for augmentation cystoplasty revision without additional bowel harvest: "Hourglass" deformity or non-detubularized augment

INTRODUCTION

We describe our experience performing bladder augmentation revision without additional bowel harvest for certain suboptimal cystoplasty configurations.

METHODS

We identified patients with prior bladder augmentation who underwent augmentation revision without additional bowel harvest at our institution. These patients were identified to have either "hourglass" deformity or non-detubularized augment previously. Revision was performed using an open technique by detaching the prior augment and performing detubularization and/or completion cystotomy as needed. Baseline characteristics, perioperative courses, and followup information were reviewed. Preand postoperative cystography and urodynamics were assessed.

RESULTS

Seven patients underwent bladder augmentation revision without the use of additional bowel. Three patients were found to have a non-detubularized augment, while the other four had a narrow connection from the native bladder to augment. Cystography demonstrated correction of "hourglass" deformity for the four patients, and urodynamics revealed resolution of phasic contractions after detubularization. Six of seven patients reported significant improvements in symptoms, such as frequency, urgency, and incontinence. One patient ultimately required Indiana pouch urinary diversion. All patients are performing intermittent catheterization at last followup.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a prior bladder augmentation with inadequate urine storage should have testing to identify the possibility of a non-detubularized augment or "hourglass" deformity. These patients can be safely offered a revision without the need for additional bowel harvest.

Caring for urologic transition patients: Current practice patterns and opinions

INTRODUCTION

Congenitalism is an emerging field that recognizes the complex needs of adult patients with congenital urologic issues. Despite the onset of transitional care clinics, these patients remain difficult to care for due to resource availability, insurance coverage, and multi-disciplinary needs.

OBJECTIVE

The current study sought to characterize practice patterns and opinions regarding care for urologic transition patients.

DESIGN

An anonymous 20-question survey was sent to members of the Society of Pediatric Urology listserv. Questions pertained to physician background, practice demographics, clinic structure, and quality. Five-point Likert scales were used to assess quality markers (5 = most/best). Data were analyzed in R, and subgroup analyses were performed. Subgroups included presence of formal transition clinic, city size, and practice type.

RESULTS

The response rate was 53%, with 124 respondents. A formal transition clinic was reported by 32%. Those with formal clinics reported higher enthusiasm (3.9 vs 3.4, P < 0.01) for care of these patients and believed they provided better care compared to other institutions (P < 0.001) Summart Table. There was no significant difference in perceived quality between respondents in academic vs other practices. There was a small trend towards higher-quality ratings in smaller cities (3.8 vs 3.5, P = 0.13). The majority (64%) felt that transition patients are best cared for by specialized adult providers; however, these formalized clinics found to be staffed primarily by pediatric providers (54%).

DISCUSSION

This study supported the general consensus in the literature that transition clinics improve care for urologic transition patients, while underlining discordance between current practice patterns and recommendations for optimal care.

CONCLUSION

The majority of practices appeared to lack a formal transition clinic, and there was variation in their structure. Those with formal clinics tended to rate themselves as providing higher-quality care. The majority of respondents believed that adult specialists in either reconstructive or neuro-urology are best suited to care for these complex patients.

Systematic review and practice policy statements on urinary tract infection prevention in adults with spina bifida

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a source of morbidity and healthcare costs in adults with spina bifida (ASB). UTI prevention strategies are often recommended, but the evidence of various approaches remains unclear. We performed a systematic review to inform a best practice policy statement for UTI prevention in ASB. On behalf of the Neurogenic Bladder Research Group (NBRG.org), we developed an a priori protocol and searched the published English literature for 30 outcomes questions addressing UTI prevention in ASB. The questions spanned the categories of antibiotics, oral supplements, bladder management factors and social support. Where there was little literature in ASB, we included literature from similar populations with neurogenic bladder (NB). Data was abstracted and then reviewed with recommendations made by consensus of all authors. Level of Evidence (LoE) and Grade of Recommendation (GoR) were according to the Oxford grading system. Of 6,433 articles identified by our search, we included 99 publications. There was sufficient evidence to support use of the following: saline bladder irrigation (LoE 1, GoR B), gentamicin bladder instillation (LoE 3, GoR C), single-use intermittent catheterization (IC) (LoE 2, GoR B), hydrophilic catheters for IC (LoE 2, GoR C), intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injection (LoE 3, GoR C), hyaluronic acid (HA) instillation (LoE 1, GoR B), and care coordination (LoE 3, GoR C). There was sufficient evidence to recommend against use of the following: sterile IC (LoE 1, GoR B), oral antibiotic prophylaxis (LoE 2, GoR B), treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (LoE 2, GoR B), cranberry (LoE 2, GoR B), methenamine salts (LoE 1, GoR B), and ascorbic acid (LoE1, GoR B). There was insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for other outcomes. Overall, there are few studies in UTI prevention in the specific population of ASB. Research in populations similar to ASB helps to guide recommendations for UTI prevention in the challenging patient group of ASB. Future studies in UTI prevention specific to ASB are needed and should focus on areas shown to be of benefit in similar populations.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Pregnancy in the Female Bladder Exstrophy Patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Classic bladder exstrophy (BE) remains one of the most demanding reconstructive challenges encountered in urology. In female BE patients, the long-term sequela of both primary and revision genitoplasty, as well as intrinsic pelvic floor deficits, predispose adult women to significant issues with sexual function, pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and complexities with reproductive health.

RECENT FINDINGS

Contemporary data suggest 30-50% of women with BE develop prolapse at a mean age of 16 years. Most women will require revision genitoplasty for successful sexual function, although in some series over 40% report dyspareunia. Current management for pregnancy includes elective cesarean section with involvement of high-risk obstetrics and urologic surgery. This review encapsulates contemporary concepts of etiology, prevalence, and management of POP and pregnancy in the adult female BE patient.

Needs Assessment in Care of Adults With Anorectal Malformations and Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex in Germany

Introduction: Medical needs of adults with anorectal malformations (ARM) and the exstrophy-epispadias complex (EEC) are not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate how affected individuals get along with the current national medical care and what their medical or social long-term requirements are. Patients and Methods: Between 11/2014-07/2016 all adult members (≥18 years, ARM n = 113, EEC n = 126) of the German self-help organizations SoMA e.V. and Blasenekstrophie/Epispadie e.V. were contacted via email or post and asked to fill out an anonymous online questionnaire regarding medical requirements, treatment satisfaction, daily life impairment and expectations regarding physicians soft skills. The results were compared between both groups and male and female participants. Results: 56 participants with ARM (median age 26 years, IQR 19-38) and 52 participants with EEC (median age 31 years, IQR 22-37) filled in the questionnaire completely. Forty-five percent of the ARM and 67% of the EEC participants contacted an urologist. A general surgeon was visited by 23% of the ARM individuals, a peadiatric surgeon by 20%. Although 60% of the females with ARM and 82% of the females with EEC assessed gynecological counseling as helpful or neutral, a small subgroup of ARM females (n = 6, 16%; 70% non-isolated ARM or ARM with Hirschsprung disease and additional associated anomalies) were not satisfied. The majority of both groups reported no or only minor daily life impairment (p = 0.38). Professional knowledge, paying attention to patients' concerns, having empathy and taking enough time was important for over 90% of all participants. Thirty-eight percent of the ARM and 27% of the EEC individuals needed psychological support. Most medical consultations were judged to be helpful. Conclusion: Although adults with ARM and EEC being a self-help organization member and thus well informed and generally cope well, participants expressed their wish for expert counseling regarding family planning, reconstructive procedures, continence management, urological care and social welfare issues. Furthermore, specific expert consultations for gynecological issues in a subgroup of ARM females, mainly non-isolated, might be required. Actual needs of adults with rare conditions must be better clarified to improve medical care beyond childhood and adolescence.

Transitional Urology for Male Adolescents: What Adult Urologists Should Know

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in transitional urology, or how to best prepare patients with major congenital urologic diseases, such as bladder exstrophy and neuropathic bladder, to manage their own health care with adult urologists. However, common pediatric urologic conditions may be encountered by the adult urologist with more regularity. This review focuses on three relatively common conditions which may be identified in childhood, the consequences from which a patient may seek help from an adult urologist: cryptorchidism, varicocele, and Klinefelter syndrome.