European Association of Urology/European Society for Paediatric Urology Guidelines on Paediatric Urology: Summary of the 2024 Updates.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We present an overview of the 2024 updates for the European Association of Urology (EAU)/European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU) guidelines on paediatric urology to offer evidence-based standards for perioperative management, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), hydrocele, congenital lower urinary tract obstruction (CLUTO), trauma/emergencies, and fertility preservation. METHODS: A broad literature search was performed for each condition. Recommendations were developed and rated as strong or weak on the basis of the quality of the evidence, the benefit/harm ratio, and potential patient preferences. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: Recommendations for perioperative management include points related to fasting, premedication, antibiotic prophylaxis, pain control, and thromboprophylaxis in patients requiring general anaesthesia. MIS use is increasing in paediatric urology, with no major differences observed among different MIS approaches. For hydrocele, observation is the initial approach recommended. For persistent cases, treatment varies according to the type of hydrocele. CLUTO cases should be managed in tertiary centres with multidisciplinary expertise in prenatal and postnatal management. Neonatal valve ablation remains the mainstay of treatment, but associated bladder dysfunction requires continuous treatment. Among urological traumas and emergencies, renal trauma is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Conservative management has become the standard approach in haemodynamically stable children. Ischaemic priapism is a medical emergency and requires stepwise management. Initial management of nonischaemic priapism is conservative. Fertility preservation in prepubertal children and adolescents has become an increasingly relevant issue owing to the ever-increasing number of cancer survivors receiving gonadotoxic therapies. A major limitation is the scarcity of relevant literature. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This summary of the 2024 EAU/ESPU guidelines provides updated guidance for evidence-based management of some paediatric urological conditions. PATIENT SUMMARY: We provide a summary of the updated European Association of Urology/European Society for Paediatric Urology guidelines on paediatric urology. There are recommendations on steps to take before and immediately after surgery, management of hydrocele, congenital lower urinary tract obstruction, and urological trauma/emergencies, as well as preservation of fertility. Recommendations are based on a comprehensive review of recent studies.

Update and Summary of the European Association of Urology/European Society of Paediatric Urology Paediatric Guidelines on Vesicoureteral Reflux in Children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The prescriptive literature on vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is still limited and thus the level of evidence is generally low. The aim of these guidelines is to provide a practical approach to the treatment of VUR that is based on risk analysis and selective indications for both diagnostic tests and interventions. We provide a 2023 update on the chapter on VUR in children from the European Association of Urology (EAU) and European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU) guidelines. METHODS: A structured literature review was performed for all relevant publications published from the last update up to March 2022. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: The most important updates are as follows. Bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) is common in toilet-trained children presenting with urinary tract infection (UTI) with or without primary VUR and increases the risk of febrile UTI and focal uptake defects on a radionuclide scan. Continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) may not be required in every VUR patient. Although the literature does not provide any reliable information on CAP duration in VUR patients, a practical approach would be to consider CAP until there is no further BBD. Recommendations for children with febrile UTI and high-grade VUR include initial medical treatment, with surgical care reserved for CAP noncompliance, breakthrough febrile UTIs despite CAP, and symptomatic VUR that persists during long-term follow-up. Comparison of laparoscopic extravesical versus transvesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation demonstrated that both are good option in terms of resolution and complication rates. Extravesical surgery is the most common approach used for robotic reimplantation, with a wide range of variations and success rates. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This summary of the updated 2023 EAU/ESPU guidelines provides practical considerations for the management and diagnostic evaluation of VUR in children. ADVANCING PRACTICE: For children with VUR, it is important to treat BBD if present. A practical approach regarding the duration of CAP is to consider administration until BBD resolution. PATIENT SUMMARY: We provide a summary and update of guidelines on the diagnosis and management of urinary reflux (where urine flows back up through the urinary tract) in children. Treatment of bladder and bowel dysfunction is critical, as this is common in toilet-trained children presenting with urinary tract infection.

Endoscopic dilatation/incision of primary obstructive megaureter. A systematic review. On behalf of the EAU paediatric urology guidelines panel.

INTRODUCTION: Historically, ureteral reimplantation (UR) has been the gold standard for treatment of primary obstructive megaureter (POM) with declining renal function, worsening obstruction, or recurrent urinary tract infections. In infants, open surgery with reimplantation of a grossly dilated ureter into a small bladder, can be technically challenging with significant morbidity. Therefore, less invasive endoscopic management such as dilatation or incision of the ureter-vesical junction, has emerged as an alternative to reimplantation during the last decades. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effectivity, safety, and potential benefits of endoscopic treatment (dilatation with or without balloon or incision) of POM in comparison to UR. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review was conducted. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized comparative studies (NRSs), and single-arm case series including a minimum of 20 participants and a mean follow-up more than 12 months were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: Of 504 articles identified, 8 articles including 338 patients were eligible for inclusion (0 RCTs, 1 NRSs, and 7 case series). Age at time of surgery was minimum 15 days to a maximum of 192 months. Indications for endoscopic treatment (ET) included patients with loss of split renal function (>10%) and worsening of hydroureteronephrosis. The studies analysed reported a success rate ranging from 35% to 97%. Success was defined as stabilization of differential renal function without further procedures. A post-operative complication rate of 23-60% was reported (mostly transient haematuria, urinary tract infections and stent migration or intolerance). In 14% of the cases salvage UR following initial ET, was performed due to relapse of symptomatic POM. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment for persistent or progressive POM in children is a minimally invasive alternative to UR with a long-term modest success rate. Additionally, it can be performed within a wide age span, with equal success rate and complication rates.

Radiological features characterising indeterminate testes masses: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: The use of scrotal ultrasonography (SUS) has increased the detection rate of indeterminate testicular masses. Defining radiological characteristics that identify malignancy may reduce the number of men undergoing unnecessary radical orchidectomy. OBJECTIVE: To define which SUS or scrotal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics can predict benign or malignant disease in pre- or post-pubertal males with indeterminate testicular masses. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration guidance. Medline, Embase, Cochrane controlled trials and systematic reviews databases were searched from (1970 to 26 March 2021). Benign and malignant masses were classified using the reported reference test: i.e., histopathology, or 12 months progression-free radiological surveillance. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool (QUADAS-2). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 32 studies were identified, including 1692 masses of which 28 studies and 1550 masses reported SUS features, four studies and 142 masses reported MRI features. Meta-analysis of different SUS (B-mode) values in post-pubertal men demonstrated that a size of ≤0.5 cm had a significantly lower odds ratio (OR) of malignancy compared to masses of >0.5 cm (P < 0.001). Comparison of masses of 0.6-1.0 cm and masses of >1.5 cm also demonstrated a significantly lower OR of malignancy (P = 0.04). There was no significant difference between masses of 0.6-1.0 and 1.1-1.5 cm. SUS in post-pubertal men also had a statistically significantly lower OR of malignancy for heterogenous masses vs homogenous masses (P = 0.04), hyperechogenic vs hypoechogenic masses (P < 0.01), normal vs increased enhancement (P < 0.01), and peripheral vs central vascularity (P < 0.01), respectively. There were limited data on pre-pubertal SUS, pre-pubertal MRI and post-pubertal MRI. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis identifies radiological characteristics that have a lower OR of malignancy and may be of value in the management of the indeterminate testis mass.

Do we need repeated CT imaging in uncomplicated blunt renal injuries? Experiences of a high-volume urological trauma centre.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend repeat computed tomography (CT) imaging in high-grade blunt renal injury within 48-96 h, yet diagnostic value and clinical significance remain controversial. The aim of this work was to determine the possible gain of CT re-imaging in uncomplicated patients with blunt renal trauma at 48 h after injury, presenting one of the largest case series. METHODS: A retrospective database of patients admitted to our centre with isolated blunt renal trauma due to sporting injuries was analysed for a period of 20 years (2000-2020). We included only patients who underwent repeat imaging at 48 h after trauma irrespective of AAST renal injury grading (grade 1-5) and initial management. The primary outcome was intervention rates after CT imaging at 48 h in uncomplicated patients versus CT scan at the time of clinical symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 280 patients (mean age: 37.8 years; 244 (87.1%) male) with repeat CT after 48 h were included. 150 (53.6%) patients were classified as low-grade (grade 1-3) and 130 (46.4%) as high-grade (grade 4-5) trauma. Immediate intervention at trauma was necessary in 59 (21.1%) patients with high-grade injuries: minimally invasive therapy in 48 (81.4%) and open surgery in 11 (18.6%) patients, respectively. In only 16 (5.7%) cases, intervention was performed based on CT re-imaging at 48 h (low-grade vs. high-grade: 3.3% vs. 8.5%; p = 0.075). On the contrary, intervention rate due to clinical symptoms was 12.5% (n = 35). Onset of clinical progress was on average (range) 5.3 (1-17) days post trauma. High-grade trauma (odds ratio [OR]grade 4 vs. grade 3, 14.62; p < 0.001; ORgrade 5 vs. grade 3, 22.88, p = 0.004) and intervention performed at the day of trauma (OR 3.22; p = 0.014) were powerful predictors of occurrence of clinical progress. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that routine CT imaging 48 h post trauma can be safely omitted for patients with low- and high-grade blunt renal injury as long as they remain clinically stable. Patients with high-grade renal injury have the highest risk for clinical progress; thus, close surveillance should be considered especially in this group.

European Association of Urology and European Society for Paediatric Urology Guidelines on Paediatric Urinary Stone Disease.

CONTEXT: Paediatric stone disease is an important clinically entity and management is often challenging. Although it is known that the condition is endemic in some geographic regions of the world, the global incidence is also increasing. Patient age and sex; the number, size, location, and composition of the stone; and the anatomy of the urinary tract are factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a treatment modality. OBJECTIVE: To provide a general insight into the evaluation and management of urolithiasis in the paediatric population in the era of minimally invasive surgery. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A nonsystematic review of the literature on management of paediatric urolithiasis was conducted with the aim of presenting the most suitable treatment modality for different scenarios. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Because of high recurrence rates, open surgical intervention is not the first option for paediatric stone disease, except for very young patients with very large stones in association with congenital abnormalities. Minimally invasive surgeries have become the first option with the availability of appropriately sized instruments and accumulating experience. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is noninvasive and can be carried out as an outpatient procedure under sedation, and is the initial choice for management of smaller stones. However, for larger stones, SWL has lower stone-free rates and higher retreatment rates, so minimally invasive endourology procedures such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retrograde intrarenal surgery are preferred treatment options. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary surgical treatment for paediatric urolithiasis typically uses minimally invasive modalities. Open surgery is very rarely indicated. PATIENT SUMMARY: Cases of urinary stones in children are increasing. Minimally invasive surgery can achieve high stone-free rates with low complication rates. After stone removal, metabolic evaluation is strongly recommended so that medical treatment for any underlying metabolic abnormality can be given. Regular follow-up with imaging such as ultrasound is required because of the high recurrence rates.

Multiparametric ultrasound in torsion of the testicular appendages: a reliable diagnostic tool?

AIM: Torsion of the testicular appendages represents the most common cause of an acute scrotum in prepubertal boys. Its sonographic appearances on gray-scale US and color Doppler US have already been presented in several studies. The aim of this analysis was to expand those already established techniques with strain elastography and thus present typical features of this entity on multiparametric US. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all patients presented to the urological department with an acute scrotum between January 2018 and July 2020 identified eleven patients 6-17 years old (mean, 11.1 years), discharged with the diagnosis torsion of the testicular appendages that were examined with a high-end ultrasound device. Results: On gray-scale US all patients showed a round lesion with heterogenous echotexture adjacent to the upper pole of the testis/epididymis with a diameter of 4 to 11.1 mm (mean, 7.7 mm). Scrotal skin thickening and a concomitant hydrocele were found in 9 (81.8%) and 7 (63.6%) cases, respectively. On color Doppler images, all torsed appendages were avascular and in 9 (81.8%) patients we observed hyperemia of the adjacent epididymis. Strain elastography showed increased tissue stiffness in all documented images. CONCLUSION: Torsion of the testicular appendages has a set of features on multiparametric US. Awareness of this features can facilitate diagnosis of torsion of the testicular appendages and reduce unnecessary surgicalscrotal exploration or unwarranted antibiotic treatment.

The prognostic value of testicular microlithiasis as an incidental finding for the risk of testicular malignancy in children and the adult population: A systematic review. On behalf of the EAU pediatric urology guidelines panel.

INTRODUCTION: The exact correlation of testicular microlithiasis (TM) with benign and malignant conditions remains unknown, especially in the paediatric population. The potential association of TM with testicular malignancy in adulthood has led to controversy regarding management and follow-up. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prognostic importance of TM in children in correlation to the risk of testicular malignancy or infertility and compare the differences between the paediatric and adult population. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a literature review of the Medline, Embase and Cochrane controlled trials databases until November 2020 according to the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. Twenty-six publications were included in the analysis. RESULTS: During the follow-up of 595 children with TM only one patient with TM developed a testicular malignancy during puberty. In the other 594 no testicular malignancy was found, even in the presence of risk factors. In the adult population, an increased risk for testicular malignancy in the presence of TM was found in patients with history of cryptorchidism (6% vs 0%), testicular malignancy (22% vs 2%) or sub/infertility (11-23% vs 1.7%) compared to TM-free. The difference between paediatric and adult population might be explained by the short duration of follow-up, varying between six months and three years. With an average age at inclusion of 10 years and testicular malignancies are expected to develop from puberty on, testicular malignancies might not yet have developed. CONCLUSION: TM is a common incidental finding that does not seem to be associated with testicular malignancy during childhood, but in the presence of risk factors is associated with testicular malignancy in the adult population. Routine monthly self-examination of the testes is recommended in children with contributing risk factors from puberty onwards. When TM is still present during transition to adulthood a more intensive follow-up could be considered.

EAU-ESPU pediatric urology guidelines on testicular tumors in prepubertal boys.

BACKGROUND: Testicular tumors in prepubertal boys account for 1-2% of all solid pediatric tumors. They have a lower incidence, a different histologic distribution and are more often benign compared to testicular tumors in the adolescent and adult group. This fundamental difference should also lead to a different approach and treatment. OBJECTIVE: To provide a guideline for diagnosis and treatment options in prepubertal boys with a testicular mass. METHOD: A structured literature search and review for testicular tumors in prepubertal boys was performed. All English abstracts up to the end of 2019 were screened, and relevant papers were obtained to create the guideline. RESULTS: A painless scrotal mass is the most common clinical presentation. For evaluation, high resolution ultrasound has a detection rate of almost 100%, alpha-fetoprotein is a tumor marker, however, is age dependent. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was not a tumor marker for testis tumors in prepubertal boys. CONCLUSION: Based on a summary of the literature on prepubertal testis tumors, the 2021 EAU guidelines on Pediatric Urology recommend a partial orchiectomy as the primary approach in tumors with a favorable preoperative ultrasound diagnosis.

The "COVID-19 Pandemic Gap" and Its Influence on Oncologic Outcomes of Bladder Cancer.

Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19)-induced effects on deferred diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer (BC) patients are currently not clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic by considering its effects on tumor stage and grade, and to create feasible clinical triage decisions. A retrospective single-center analysis of all patients who underwent diagnostic and surgical procedures due to BC, during January 2019 and December 2020, was performed. Due to COVID-19 lockdowns, significantly fewer (diagnostic and therapeutic) endoscopic procedures were performed in the first 6 months of 2020 compared to 2019 (p = 0.002). In patients with a primary diagnosis of BC, a significant increase of high-grade tumors (p < 0.001), as well as advanced tumor stages (p = 0.014), were noticed during 2020 in comparison to 2019. On the contrary, patients with recurrent BC undergoing risk-adapted surveillance, depending on previous tumor histology, showed no adverse outcomes regarding tumor stage and grade when comparing the pre COVID-19 era with 2020. Thus, more awareness in clinical urologic practice is mandatory to avoid adverse consequences, with increased rates of advanced and aggressive tumors in patients with primary BC. In recurrent BC, an individual risk stratification in order to avoid worse outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be justified.

Are there any benefits of using an inlay graft in the treatment of primary hypospadias in children? A systematic review and metanalysis.

INTRODUCTION: Dorsal inlay graft urethroplasty (DIGU) has been described as an effective method for hypospadias repair with the proposed advantage of reducing the risk of complications. We aimed to systematically assess whether DIGU has any additional advantages over standard tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) repair in children with primary hypospadias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. The a priori protocol is available at the PROSPERO database (CRD42020168305). A literature search was conducted for relevant publications from 1946 until January 10, 2020 in seven different databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparative studies (TIPU vs DIGU) and single arm case series (>20 cases) of DIGU were eligible for inclusion. Secondary hypospadias, two-stage repairs, disorders of sex development, significant curvature of >30°, and a mean or median follow-up of less than 12 months were excluded. DISCUSSION: A total of 499 articles were screened and 14 studies (3 RCTs, 5 non-randomized studies (NRSs), and 6 case series) with a total of 1753 children (distal: 1334 (76%) and proximal: 419 (24%)) were found eligible. Mean follow-up of the studies was between 16 and 77 months. DIGU was found superior to TIPU in decreasing meatal/neourethral stenosis (p = 0.02, 95% CI 0.02-0.78). All other parameters were found comparable including overall complications, fistula and glans dehiscence rates. Success rates were similar among the groups ranging between 48% and 96% for DIGU and 43-96% in the TIPU group. The lack of standardization in the definition of complications and success was the major limitation of this study. CONCLUSIONS: Using an inlay graft during primary hypospadias repair decreases the risk of meatal/neourethral stenosis. However, current evidence does not demonstrate superiority of DIGU over TIPU in terms of treatment success and overall complication rates.

Update of the EAU/ESPU guidelines on urinary tract infections in children.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children and require appropriate diagnostic evaluation, management and follow-up. OBJECTIVE: To provide a summary of the updated European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on Pediatric Urology, which were first published in 2015 in European Urology. STUDY DESIGN: A structured literature review was performed of new publications between 2015 and 2020 for UTIs in children. The guideline was updated accordingly with relevant new literature. RESULTS: The occurrence of a UTI can be the first indication of anatomical abnormalities in the urinary tract, especially in patients with a febrile UTI. The basic diagnostic evaluation should include sufficient investigations to exclude urinary tract abnormalities, but should also be as minimally invasive as possible. In recent years, more risk factors have been identified to predict the presence of these anatomical anomalies, such as a non-E. Coli infection, high grade fever and ultrasound abnormalities. When these risk factors are factored into the diagnostic work-up, some invasive investigations can be omitted in a larger group of children. In addition to the treatment of active UTIs, it is also essential to prevent recurrent UTIs and consequent renal scarring. With the increase of antimicrobial resistance good antibiotic stewardship is needed. In addition, alternative preventative measures such as dietary supplements, bladder and bowel management and antibiotic prophylaxis could decrease the incidence of recurrent UTI. CONCLUSION: This paper is a summary of the updated 2021 EAU guidelines on Pediatric Urology. It provides practical considerations and flowcharts for the management and diagnostic evaluation of UTIs in children.

European Association of Urology Guidelines Office Rapid Reaction Group: An Organisation-wide Collaborative Effort to Adapt the European Association of Urology Guidelines Recommendations to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Era.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is unlike anything seen before by modern science-based medicine. Health systems across the world are struggling to manage it. Added to this struggle are the effects of social confinement and isolation. This brings into question whether the latest guidelines are relevant in this crisis. We aim to support urologists in this difficult situation by providing tools that can facilitate decision making, and to minimise the impact and risks for both patients and health professionals delivering urological care, whenever possible. We hope that the revised recommendations will assist urologist surgeons across the globe to guide the management of urological conditions during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

EAU-ESPU guidelines recommendations for daytime lower urinary tract conditions in children.

The objective is to review the literature related to lower urinary tract (LUT) conditions in children to conceptualize general practice guidelines for the general practitioner, pediatrician, pediatric urologist, and urologist. PubMed was searched for the last 15-year literature by the committee. All articles in peer-review journal-related LUT conditions (343) have been retrieved and 76 have been reviewed extensively. Prospective trials were few and the level of evidence was low. Most of the recommendations have been done by committee consensus after extensive discussion of literature reports. History taking is an integral part of evaluation assessing day- and nighttime urine and bowel control, urgency, and frequency symptoms. Exclusion of any neurogenic and organic cause is essential. Uroflowmetry and residual urine determination are recommended in all patients to evaluate bladder emptying. Urodynamic studies are reserved for refractory or complicated cases. Urotherapy that aims to educate the child and family about bladder and bowel function and guides them to achieve normal voiding and bowel habits should initially be employed in all cases except those who have urinary tract infections (UTI) and constipation. Specific medical treatment is added in the case of refractory overactive bladder symptoms and recurrent UTIs.Conclusion: Producing recommendations for managing LUTS in children based on high-quality studies is not possible. LUTS in children should be evaluated in a multimodal way by minimal invasive diagnostic procedures. Urotherapy is the mainstay of treatment and specific medical treatment is added in refractory cases.What is Known:• Symptoms of the lower urinary tract may have significant social consequences and sometimes clinical morbidities like urinary tract infections and vesicoureteral reflux. In many children, however, there is no such obvious cause for the incontinence, and they are referred to as having functional bladder problems.What is New:• This review aims to construct a practical recommendation strategy for the general practitioner, pediatrician, pediatric urologist, and urologist for LUTS in children. Producing recommendations for managing LUTS in children based on high-quality studies is not possible. LUTS in children should be evaluated in a multimodal way by minimal invasive diagnostic procedures. Urotherapy is the mainstay of treatment and specific medical treatment is added in refractory cases.

Clinical and surgical consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for patients with pediatric urological problems: Statement of the EAU guidelines panel for paediatric urology, March 30 2020.

The COVID-19-pandemic forces hospitals to reorganize into a dual patient flow system. Healthcare professionals are forced to make decisions in patient prioritization throughout specialties. Most pediatric urology pathologies do not require immediate or urgent care, however, delay may compromise future renal function or fertility. Contact with patients and parents, either physical in safe conditions or by (video)telephone must continue. The Paediatric-Urology-Guidelines-panel of the EAU proposes recommendations on prioritization of care. Pediatric-Urology program directors must ensure education, safety and attention for mental health of staff. Upon resumption of care, adequate prioritization must ensure minimal impact on outcome.

EAU/ESPU guidelines on the management of neurogenic bladder in children and adolescent part I diagnostics and conservative treatment.

BACKGROUND: In childhood, the most common reason for a neurogenic bladder is related to spinal dysraphism, mostly myelodysplasia. AIMS: Herein, we present the EAU/ESPU guidelines in respect to the diagnostics, timetable for investigations and conservative management including clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: After a systematic literature review covering the period 2000 to 2017, the ESPU/EUAU guideline for neurogenic bladder underwent an update. RESULTS: The EAU/ESPU guideline panel advocates a proactive approach. In newborns with spina bifida, CIC should be started as soon as possible after birth. In those with intrauterine closure of the defect, urodynamic studies are recommended be performed before the patient leaves the hospital. In those with closure after birth urodynamics should be done within the next 3 months. Anticholinergic medication (oxybutynin is the only well-investigated drug in this age group-dosage 0.2-0.4 mg/kg weight per day) should be applied, if the urodynamic study confirmed detrusor overactivity. Close follow-up including ultrasound, bladder diary, urinalysis, and urodynamics are necessary within the first 6 years and after that the time intervals can be prolonged, depending on the individual risk and clinical course. In all other children with the suspicion of a neurogenic bladder due to various reasons as tethered cord, inflammation, tumors, trauma, or other reasons as well as those with anorectal malformations, urodynamics-preferable video-urodynamics, should be carried out as soon as there is a suspicion of a neurogenic bladder and conservative treatment should be started soon after confirmation of the diagnosis of neurogenic bladder. With conservative treatment the upper urinary tract is preserved in up to 90%, urinary tract infections are common, but not severe, complications of CIC are quite rare and continence can be achieved at adolescence in up to 80% without further treatment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The transition into adulthood is a complicated time for both patients, their caregivers and doctors, as the patient wants to become independent from caregivers and treatment compliance is reduced. Also, transition to adult clinics for patients with neurogenic bladders is often not well-established.

EAU/ESPU guidelines on the management of neurogenic bladder in children and adolescent part II operative management.

BACKGROUND: Treatment in children and adolescents with a neurogenic bladder is primarily conservative with the goal of preserving the upper urinary tract combined with a good reservoir function of the bladder. However, sometimes-even in childhood-conservative management does not prevent the development of a low-compliant bladder or overactive detrusor. MATERIAL & METHODS: After a systematic literature review covering the period 2000-2017, the ESPU/EUAU guideline for neurogenic bladder underwent an update. RESULTS: In these patients, surgical interventions such as botulinum toxin A injections into the detrusor muscle, bladder augmentation, and even urinary diversion may become necessary to preserve the function of the upper (and lower) urinary tracts. The creation of a continent catheterizable channel should be offered to patients with difficulties performing transurethral clean intermittent catheterization. However, a revision rate of up to 50% needs to be considered. With increasing age continence of urine and stool becomes progressively more important. In patients with persistent weak bladder outlets, complete continence can be achieved only by surgical interventions creating a higher resistance/obstruction at the level of the bladder outlet with a success rate of up to 80%. In some patients, bladder neck closure and the creation of a continent catheterizable stoma is an option. CONCLUSION: In all these patients close follow-up is mandatory to detect surgical complications and metabolic consequences early.