Summary Paper of the Updated 2023 European Association of Urology Guidelines on Urological Trauma.

CONTEXT: The European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines Panel for Urological Trauma has produced guidelines in order to assist medical professionals in the management of urological trauma in adults for the past 20 yr. It must be emphasised that clinical guidelines present the best evidence available to the experts, but following guideline recommendations will not necessarily result in the best outcome. Guidelines can never replace clinical expertise when making treatment decisions for individual patients regarding other parameters such as experience and available facilities. Guidelines are not mandates and do not purport to be a legal standard of care. OBJECTIVE: To present a summary of the 2023 version of the EAU guidelines on the management of urological trauma. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic literature search was conducted from 1966 to 2022, and articles with the highest certainty evidence were selected. It is important to note that due to its nature, genitourinary trauma literature still relies heavily on expert opinion and retrospective series. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Databases searched included Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Libraries, covering a time frame between May 1, 2021 and April 29, 2022. A total of 1236 unique records were identified, retrieved, and screened for relevance. CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines provide an evidence-based approach for the management of urological trauma. PATIENT SUMMARY: Trauma is a serious public health problem with significant social and economic costs. Urological trauma is common; traffic accidents, falls, intrapersonal violence, and iatrogenic injuries are the main causes. Developments in technology, continuous training of medical professionals, and improved care of polytrauma patients reduce morbidity and maximise the opportunity for quick recovery.

[THE USE OF BOTULINUM TOXIN IN UROLOGY].

INTRODUCTION: Botulinum toxin is an accepted therapy for several urologic diseases involving the lower urinary tract system. Intravesical injection of the toxin emerged in recent decades as an evidenced-based approach for the treatment of patients with medication refractory neurogenic or idiopathic detrusor over-activity. The use of the toxin for other urologic disease such as benign prostate enlargement, detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia or premature ejaculation - still requires further research.

[TEST FOR NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODIES IN UROLOGIC PATIENTS WITH NO RESPONSE TO INTRAVESICAL BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTIONS].

INTRODUCTION: Botulinum toxin has been at the center of attention in the last decades as a treatment option in several urologic diseases related to lower urinary tract function. Intravesical injection of the toxin is recommended for two main indications: neurogenic detrusor over-activity and idiopathic detrusor over-activity, resistant to oral therapy. In certain cases, clinical response to treatment is less than ideal, despite previous response. Defining the cause for a partial or no response is sometimes a challenge. In some patients, lack of response may be due to neutralizing antibodies against the toxin. The need for antibodies investigation in urologic patients is not well defined, as the management of a patient antibodies with further intra-vesical botulinum injections.

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.

Is Nonoperative Management the Best First-line Option for High-grade Renal trauma? A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: The management of high-grade (Grade IV-V) renal injuries remains controversial. There has been an increase in the use of (NOM) but limited data exists comparing outcomes with open surgical exploration. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review to determine if NOM is the best first-line option for high-grade renal trauma in terms of safety and effectiveness. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for all relevant publications, without time or language limitations. The primary harm outcome was overall mortality and the primary benefit outcome was renal preservation rate. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay and complication rate. Single-arm studies were included as there were few comparative studies. Only studies with more than 50 patients were included. Data were narratively synthesised in light of methodological and clinical heterogeneity. The risk of bias of each included study was assessed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Seven nonrandomised comparative and four single-arm studies were selected for data extraction. Seven hundred and eighty-seven patients were included from the comparative studies with 535 patients in the NOM group and 252 in the open surgical exploration group. A further 825 patients were included from single-arm studies. Results from comparative studies: overall mortality: NOM (0-3%), open surgical exploration (0-29%); renal preservation rate: NOM (84-100%), open surgical exploration (0-82%); complication rate: NOM (5-32%), open surgical exploration (10-76%). Overall mortality and renal preservation rate were significantly better in the NOM group whereas there was no statistical difference with regard to complication rate. Length of hospital stay was found be significantly reduced in the NOM group. Patients in the open surgical exploration group were more likely to have Grade V injuries, have a lower systolic blood pressure, and higher injury severity score on admission. CONCLUSIONS: No randomised controlled trials were identified and significant heterogeneity existed with regard to outcome reporting. However, NOM appeared to be safe and effective in a stable patient with a higher renal preservation rate, a shorter length of stay, and a comparable complication rate to open surgical exploration. Overall mortality was higher in the open surgical exploration group, though this was likely due to selection bias. PATIENT SUMMARY: The data of this systematic review suggest nonoperative management continues to be favoured to surgical exploration in the management of high-grade renal trauma whenever possible. However, comparisons between both interventions are difficult as patients who have surgery are often more seriously injured than those managed nonoperatively, and existing studies do not report on outcomes consistently.

Renal trauma: the current best practice.

The kidneys are the most vulnerable genitourinary organ in trauma, as they are involved in up to 3.25% of trauma patients. The most common mechanism for renal injury is blunt trauma (predominantly by motor vehicle accidents and falls), while penetrating trauma (mainly caused by firearms and stab wound) comprise the rest. High-velocity weapons impose specifically problematic damage because of the high energy and collateral effect. The mainstay of renal trauma diagnosis is based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), which is indicated in all stable patients with gross hematuria and in patients presenting with microscopic hematuria and hypotension. Additionally, CT should be performed when the mechanism of injury or physical examination findings are suggestive of renal injury (e.g. rapid deceleration, rib fractures, flank ecchymosis, and every penetrating injury of the abdomen, flank or lower chest). Renal trauma management has evolved during the last decades, with a distinct evolution toward a nonoperative approach. The lion's share of renal trauma patients are managed nonoperatively with careful monitoring, reimaging when there is any deterioration, and the use of minimally invasive procedures. These procedures include angioembolization in cases of active bleeding and endourological stenting in cases of urine extravasation.

Secondary enuresis and urological manifestations in children with ataxia telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND: Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is a neurodegenerative cerebellar disorder, caused by mutations in the ATM gene, involved in DNA repair. Radiosensitivity, progressive ataxia, immune deficiency and malignancies, are well known symptoms, but urological manifestations are scarcely described. OBJECTIVE: To characterize urologic manifestations in a large cohort of AT patients. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional chart study comprising 52 AT patients followed at a National AT Center. RESULTS: 25% of the cohort (13 patients/8 males) had urologic symptoms, which presented at 11 ± 4.3 years. The most common symptom was secondary enuresis affecting 15% of the patients (8 children/4 males). Incontinence appeared at 8 ± 6.2 years of age, and resolved spontaneously within 15 ± 8.3 months in 6 patients. It preceded loss of ambulatory capacity by 1-2 years in 7 patients. Lumbosacral MRI were normal (4 children) and urine cultures (all) were negative. Urodynamic evaluation that was performed in only one patient revealed overactive bladder. Additional manifestations were macroscopic hematuria due to bladder telangiectasia in a 12-year-old, and renal cell carcinoma in a 22-year-old. Other manifestations unrelated to AT were neprolithiasis, vesico-ureteral reflux and scrotal pain, each in 1 patient. DISCUSSION: Transient secondary enuresis is a frequent finding in AT patients, heralding loss of ambulatory capacity, tough it's pathophysiological mechanism is largely no understood.

Low Intensity Shock Wave Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction-How Long Does the Effect Last?

PURPOSE: We studied the long-term efficacy of penile low intensity shock wave treatment 2 years after an initially successful outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Men with a successful outcome of low intensity shock wave treatment according to the minimal clinically important difference on the IIEF-EF (International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function) questionnaire were followed at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Efficacy was assessed by the IIEF-EF. Failure during followup was defined as a decrease in the IIEF-EF below the minimal clinically important difference. RESULTS: We screened a total of 156 patients who underwent the same treatment protocol but participated in different clinical studies. At 1 month treatment was successful in 99 patients (63.5%). During followup a gradual decrease in efficacy was observed. The beneficial effect was maintained after 2 years in only 53 of the 99 patients (53.5%) in whom success was initially achieved. Patients with severe erectile dysfunction were prone to earlier failure than those with nonsevere erectile dysfunction. During the 2-year followup the effect of low intensity shock wave treatment was lost in all patients with diabetes who had severe erectile dysfunction at baseline. On the other hand, patients with milder forms of erectile dysfunction without diabetes had a 76% chance that the beneficial effect of low intensity shock wave treatment would be preserved after 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Low intensity shock wave treatment is effective in the short term but treatment efficacy was maintained after 2 years in only half of the patients. In patients with milder forms of erectile dysfunction the beneficial effect is more likely to be preserved.

Clinical Problem Solving: A Tobacco Merchant Who Can't Spit.

BACKGROUND: A 47 year old man presented with a combination of dry mouth and lightheadedness while standing. His medical background was unremarkable except for cigarette smoking and hyperlipidemia. Sjögren's syndrome was ruled out, and he was referred for evaluation of orthostatic hypotension, which by then included syncopal episodes and injuries. Additional symptoms included dry eyes, constipation, reduced sweating, and erectile dysfunction. After excluding medications and structural cardiac abnormalities as causes of orthostatic hypotension, a clinical autonomic evaluation was performed. The pattern of beat-to-beat blood pressure associated with performance of the Valsalva maneuver, and a low plasma norepinephrine level that did not increase in response to standing, established that the orthostatic hypotension was neurogenic. Treatment with an alpha-adrenoceptor agonist and fludrocortisone yielded partial improvement. After systemic diseases involving autonomic failure were excluded, cardiac sympathetic neuroimaging was performed by 123I-metaliodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scanning. The normal uptake seen in the heart indicated intact post ganglionic sympathetic innervation. There were no signs of central neurodegeneration or peripheral neuropathy. Because of symptoms and signs of both parasympathetic and sympathetic failure without denervation, an autonomic ganglionopathy was considered. A high titer of antibody to the neuronal nicotinic receptor, which mediates ganglionic neurotransmission, was obtained. The diagnosis of autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) was made, and the management strategy shifted to first lowering the antibody burden by plasma exchanges and then instituting chronic anti-autoimmune treatment with rituximab and a low dose of cortiosteroid. The patient showed remarkable improvement.

Outcomes of Early Endoscopic Realignment Versus Suprapubic Cystostomy and Delayed Urethroplasty for Pelvic Fracture-related Posterior Urethral Injuries: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: The evidence base for optimal acute management of pelvic fracture-related posterior urethral injuries needs to be reviewed because of evolving endoscopic techniques. The current standard of care is suprapubic cystostomy followed by delayed urethroplasty. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the evidence base comparing early endoscopic realignment with cystostomy and delayed urethroplasty regarding stricture rate, the need for subsequent procedures, and functional outcomes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, and www.clinicaltrials.gov without time or language limitations. Both medical subject heading and free text terms as well as variations of root word were searched. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomised comparative studies and single-arm case series were included, as long as ≥10 patients were enrolled. Data were narratively synthesised in light of methodological and clinical heterogeneity. The risk of bias of each included study was assessed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: No RCTs were found. Six nonrandomised comparative studies and met inclusion criteria and were selected for data extraction. Noncomparative studies with more than 10 participants were included resulting in seven eligible studies. From the comparative papers the results of 219 patients were reported: 142 in the realignment group and 77 in the group undergoing cystostomy with delayed repair. The noncomparative studies reported on a further 150 cases. An overall stricture rate of 49% was evident in the endoscopic realignment group. Of these patients, 50% (28.1% overall) could be managed by endoscopic procedures and 40.3% (18.5% of intervention group) required anastomotic repair. CONCLUSIONS: No RCTs were found and the included nonrandomised studies have heterogeneous populations and a high degree of bias. About half of the patients were free of stricture and thus did not undergo delayed urethroplasty in case early endoscopic realignment had been performed. PATIENT SUMMARY: This systematic review of literature of urethral trauma revealed there are no well conducted comparative studies of newer endoscopic treatments versus standard treatments which include more extensive surgery. The results of the reports we selected based on specific characteristics are often influenced by variable factors. After careful analysis of these results we can conclude that the newer endoscopic techniques might resolve the risk of urethral injury due to pubic fractures in about half of the patients. Because of various confounders we cannot identify those patients who would benefit from this procedure or who might be possibly harmed.

Penile Low Intensity Shock Wave Treatment is Able to Shift PDE5i Nonresponders to Responders: A Double-Blind, Sham Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: We performed sham controlled evaluation of penile low intensity shock wave treatment effect in patients unable to achieve sexual intercourse using PDE5i (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham controlled study was done in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction who stopped using PDE5i due to no efficacy. All patients had an erection hardness score of 2 or less with PDE5i. A total of 58 patients were randomized, including 37 treated with low intensity shock waves (12 sessions of 1,500 pulses of 0.09 mJ/mm(2) at 120 shock waves per minute) and 18 treated with a sham probe. In the sham group 16 patients underwent low intensity shock wave treatment 1 month after sham treatment. All patients were evaluated at baseline and 1 month after the end of treatment using validated erectile dysfunction questionnaires and the flow mediated dilatation technique for penile endothelial function. Erectile function was evaluated while patients were receiving PDE5i. RESULTS: In the low intensity shock wave treatment group and the sham group 54.1% and 0% of patients, respectively, achieved erection hard enough for vaginal penetration, that is an EHS (Erection Hardness Score) of 3 (p <0.0001). According to changes in the IIEF-EF (International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function) score treatment was effective in 40.5% of men who received low intensity shock wave treatment but in none in the sham group (p = 0.001). Of patients treated with shock waves after sham treatment 56.3% achieved erection hard enough for penetration (p <0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Low intensity shock wave treatment is effective even in patients with severe erectile dysfunction who are PDE5i nonresponders. After treatment about half of them were able to achieve erection hard enough for penetration with PDE5i. Longer followup is needed to establish the place of low intensity shock wave treatment in these challenging cases.

Review of the current management of lower urinary tract injuries by the EAU Trauma Guidelines Panel.

CONTEXT: The most recent European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on urologic trauma were published in 2014. OBJECTIVE: To present a summary of the 2014 version of the EAU guidelines on urologic trauma of the lower urinary tract with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The EAU Trauma Panel reviewed the English-language literature via a Medline search for lower urinary tract injury (LUTI) up to November 2013. The focus was on newer publications and reviews, although older key references could be included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A full version of the guidelines is available in print (EAU Guidelines 2014 edition, ISBN/EAN 978-90-79754-65-6) and online (www.uroweb.org). Blunt trauma is the main cause of LUTI. The preferred diagnostic modality for bladder and urethral injury is cystography and urethrography, respectively. In the treatment of bladder injuries, it is important to distinguish between extra- and intraperitoneal ruptures. Treatment of male anterior urethral injuries depends on the cause (blunt vs penetrating vs penile-fracture-related injury). Blunt posterior urethral injuries can be corrected by immediate/early endoscopic realignment. If this is not possible, such injuries are managed by suprapubic urinary diversion and deferred (>3 mo) urethroplasty. Treatment of female urethral injuries depends on the location of the injury and is usually surgical. CONCLUSIONS: Correct treatment of LUTIs is important to minimise long-term urinary symptoms and sexual dysfunction. This review performed by the EAU trauma panel summarises the current management of LUTIs. PATIENT SUMMARY: Patients with trauma to the lower urinary tract benefit from accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment according to the nature and severity of their injury.

Review of the current management of upper urinary tract injuries by the EAU Trauma Guidelines Panel.

CONTEXT: The most recent European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on urological trauma were published in 2014. OBJECTIVE: To present a summary of the 2014 version of the EAU guidelines on upper urinary tract injuries with the emphasis upon diagnosis and treatment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The EAU trauma guidelines panel reviewed literature by a Medline search on upper urinary tract injuries; publication dates up to December 2013 were accepted. The focus was on newer publications and reviews, although older key references could be included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A full version of the guidelines is available in print and online. Blunt trauma is the main cause of renal injuries. The preferred diagnostic modality of renal trauma is computed tomography (CT) scan. Conservative management is the best approach in stable patients. Angiography and selective embolisation are the first-line treatments. Surgical exploration is primarily for the control of haemorrhage (which may necessitate nephrectomy) and renal salvage. Urinary extravasation is managed with endourologic or percutaneous techniques. Complications may require additional imaging or interventions. Follow-up is focused on renal function and blood pressure. Penetrating trauma is the main cause of noniatrogenic ureteral injuries. The diagnosis is often made by CT scanning or at laparotomy, and the mainstay of treatment is open repair. The type of repair depends upon the severity and location of the injury. CONCLUSIONS: Renal injuries are best managed conservatively or with minimally invasive techniques. Preservation of renal units is feasible in most cases. This review, performed by the EAU trauma guidelines panel, summarises the current management of upper urinary tract injuries. PATIENT SUMMARY: Patients with trauma benefit from being accurately diagnosed and treated appropriately, according to the nature and severity of their injury.

Penile low-intensity shock wave therapy: a promising novel modality for erectile dysfunction.

Penile extracorporeal low-intensity shock wave therapy (LIST) to the penis has recently emerged as a novel and promising modality in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). LIST has angiogenic properties and stimulates neovascularization. If applied to the corpora cavernosa, LIST can improve penile blood flow and endothelial function. In a series of clinical trials, including randomized double-blind sham-controlled studies, LIST has been shown to have a substantial effect on penile hemodynamics and erectile function in patients with vasculogenic ED. LIST is effective in patients who are responsive to phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) and can also convert PDE5i nonresponders to responders. The response to LIST wanes gradually over time, and after 2 years, about half of the patients maintain their function. Extensive research is needed to understand the effect of LIST on erectile tissue, to modify the treatment protocol to maximize its outcomes, and to identify the patients who will benefit the most from this treatment.

Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Vascular Disease and Erectile Dysfunction: Theory and Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) to the penis has recently emerged as a new and promising modality in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). AIM: To review the published literature on the mechanism of action of LI-ESWT; and to report our clinical data on its efficacy in men with vasculogenic ED. METHODS: A Medline search using the relevant keywords on this topic has been done. RESULTS: From the results of numerous preclinical and animal studies that have been done to date, sufficient evidence shows that the underlying mechanism of action of LI-ESWT is probably neovascularization. Therefore, local application of LI-ESWT to the corpora cavernosa may potentially act in the same mechanism and increase corporal blood flow. We found that the application of LI-ESWT to patients who responded to oral therapy (PDE5i) eliminated their dependence on PDE5i and they were able to successfully achieve erections and vaginal penetration (60-75%). Furthermore, PDE5i non-responders became responders and capable of vaginal penetration (72%). Additionally, LI-ESWT resulted in long-term improvement of the erectile mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: LI-ESWT has the potential to improve and permanently restore erectile function by reinstating the penile blood flow. Although these results on LI-ESWT are promising, further multi- centered studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings. Gruenwald I, Kitrey ND, Appel B, and Vardi Y. Stem low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy in vascular disease and erectile dysfunction: Theory and outcomes. Sex Med Rev 2013;1:83-90.

Shockwave treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) is a novel modality that has recently been developed for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Unlike other current treatment options for ED, all of which are palliative in nature, LI-ESWT is unique in that it aims to restore the erectile mechanism in order to enable natural or spontaneous erections. Results from basic science experiments have provided evidence that LI-ESWT induces cellular microtrauma, which in turn stimulates the release of angiogenic factors and the subsequent neovascularization of the treated tissue. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been clinically investigated and applied in several medical fields with various degrees of success. High-intensity shock wave therapy is used for lithotripsy because of its focused mechanical destructive nature, and medium-intensity shock waves have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and are used for treating a wide array of orthopedic conditions, such as non-union fractures, tendonitis, and bursitis. In contrast, LI-ESWT has angiogenetic properties and is therefore used in the management of chronic wounds, peripheral neuropathy, and in cardiac neovascularization. As a result of these characteristics we initiated a series of experiments evaluating the effect of LI-ESWT on the cavernosal tissue of patients with vasculogenic ED. The results of our studies, which also included a double-blind randomized control trial, confirm that LI-ESWT generates a significant clinical improvement of erectile function and a significant improvement in penile hemodynamics without any adverse effects. Although further extensive research is needed, LI-ESWT may create a new standard of care for men with vasculogenic ED.

EAU guidelines on iatrogenic trauma.

CONTEXT: The European Association of Urology (EAU) Trauma Guidelines Panel presents an updated iatrogenic trauma section of their guidelines. Iatrogenic injuries are known complications of surgery to the urinary tract. Timely and adequate intervention is key to their management. OBJECTIVE: To assess the optimal evaluation and management of iatrogenic injuries and present an update of the iatrogenic section of the EAU Trauma Guidelines. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search of the literature was conducted, consulting Medline and the Cochrane Register of Systematic reviews. No time limitations were applied, although the focus was on more recent publications. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The expert panel developed statements and recommendations. Statements were rated according to their level of evidence, and recommendations received a grade following a rating system modified from the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine. Currently, only limited high-powered studies are available addressing iatrogenic injuries. Because the reporting of complications or sequelae of interventions is now increasingly becoming a standard requirement, this situation will likely change in the future. CONCLUSIONS: This section of the trauma guidelines presents an updated overview of the treatment of iatrogenic trauma that will be incorporated in the trauma guidelines available at the EAU Web site (http://www. uroweb.org/guidelines/online-guidelines/).

Long-term urinary bladder function following unilateral refluxing low loop cutaneous ureterostomy.

PURPOSE: Unilateral low loop cutaneous ureterostomy (LLCU) has been offered as the preferred method of temporary urinary diversion in cases of massively dilated and refluxing ureters. We sought to explore whether LLCU is effective in preserving urinary bladder function in the long term. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts of all patients who had undergone temporary unilateral LLCU as newborns in the presence of massive vesico-ureteric reflux were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, follow-up length, and presence of incontinence were recorded. Patients were interviewed regarding lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and their urination patterns were recorded by using uroflow and post-void residual (PVR) measurements. RESULTS: Between 1972 and 2003, a total of 24 patients underwent unilateral LLCU in the presence of massively refluxing ureters. Eight patients were included in the final analysis. The median age at diversion was 12 days, the median time to closure was 22.5 months, and the median follow-up was 12.5 years. Urinary bladders showed normal contour, normal capacities, and minimal PVRs in most cases. None of the patients required augmentation cystoplasty. One patient suffered from urinary leakage and few demonstrated minimal LUTS. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral refluxing LLCU is an effective method of urinary diversion that preserves urinary bladder function for the long term. Larger studies are required to confirm this finding.