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PubMed2026

The future of pediatric vesicoureteral reflux management.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common condition in pediatric urology, yet important uncertainties persist regarding risk stratification, imaging strategies, and prevention of long-term renal damage. Emerging technologies may help address these challenges. This review provides a forward-looking overview of recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and immunomodulation that may influence future management of pediatric VUR. METHODS: A forward-looking literature review was performed using the PubMed database (January 2000-March 2025), focusing on studies addressing AI, immunomodulation, or vaccination in the context of VUR and urinary tract infections. Criteria of inclusion were the relevance to pediatric VUR, the novelty of the proposed concept, the potential clinical implications and, for the AI literature, the existence of a clinical evaluation of the algorithm on a dataset from patients. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: AI-based models show promising performance in supporting clinical decision-making, including prediction of the need for voiding cystourethrography, automated grading of VUR, estimation of recurrent urinary tract infection risk and prediction of chemoprophylaxis. These tools may facilitate more individualized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, although current evidence is largely retrospective and requires prospective validation. Immunization and immunomodulatory approaches aim to reduce infection burden and modulate inflammatory pathways associated with renal scarring. While early experimental and adult clinical data are encouraging, pediatric-specific evidence remains limited, and clinical applicability in children with VUR is not yet established. CONCLUSION: Artificial intelligence and immunologically targeted strategies represent complementary, emerging approaches that may contribute to more personalized management of pediatric VUR. At present, both should be regarded as exploratory tools whose clinical impact will depend on further validation and appropriately designed pediatric studies.

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PubMed2026

Exploring precision risk in pediatric vesicoureteral reflux: Innate immune gene variations and reflux outcomes in the RIVUR cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) are at increased risk for morbidity from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), yet the factors influencing spontaneous VUR resolution remain poorly defined. This study evaluates whether genetic variations in key urinary innate immune effectors (DEFA1A3, DMBT1, and RNASE7) influences VUR resolution and interacts with prophylaxis to alter clinical response. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of 303 RIVUR participants with available DEFA1A3 and DMBT1 copy number variation (CNV) data and RNASE7 rs1263872 genotype. Primary outcomes were (1) VUR improvement (decrease in grade) and (2) VUR resolution at study exit. Multivariable logistic regression models included genotype, treatment, and their interactions, adjusting for age, sex, baseline grade (high vs low), laterality, bowel/bladder dysfunction, and any UTI. Internal validation used 2000-sample bootstrap with bias-corrected and accelerated confidence intervals and influence diagnostics. RESULTS: Clinical covariates did not significantly predict VUR improvement. Children with DEFA1A3 CNV >5 had higher odds of improvement (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.12-4.96, p = 0.023), an effect that remained significant in bootstrap analyses. High-grade VUR was associated with lower odds of resolution (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12-0.94, p = 0.038). A significant interaction was observed between prophylaxis and high DMBT1 copy number for VUR resolution (interaction OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.11-8.04, p = 0.031); no interaction was seen for improvement. RNASE7 rs1263872 was not associated with either outcome. CONCLUSION: Innate immune gene variation may contribute to heterogeneity in VUR outcomes. High DEFA1A3 copy number was associated with reflux improvement and a DMBT1-prophylaxis interaction was associated with reflux resolution. The results of this study is hypothesis-generating and prompt further evaluation to assess whether a subset of children may experience structural benefit from prophylaxis or have a more favorable natural history based on their innate immune genotype.

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PubMed2026

Vesicoureteral reflux and anorectal malformations.

BACKGROUND: Renal and urinary tract anomalies are frequently associated with anorectal malformations (ARMs) and may adversely affect long-term renal outcomes, if not detected early. However, reliable clinical predictors for significant urologic abnormalities across different ARM phenotypes remain poorly defined. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and grade distribution of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) in neonates with ARMs, and to explore its association with renal and urinary tract anomalies, the complexity of the ARM phenotype, and other factors are associated with high-grade VUR. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, medical records of 64 neonates diagnosed with ARMs and managed at a tertiary children's hospital between 2018 and 2025 were reviewed. All patients underwent renal and urinary tract ultrasonography. Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed for all neonates according to our institutional protocol, regardless of ultrasound findings or ARM phenotype. Demographic characteristics, ARM phenotype (less-complex vs. complex), urologic findings, urinary tract infection (UTI) history, and associated anomalies were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of complex ARM phenotype and high-grade VUR. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 64 neonates (75% male) with a mean gestational age of 37.36 ± 1.83 weeks and a mean birth weight of 2940 ± 601 g. Renal and urinary tract anomalies were common, with hydronephrosis observed in 48.4%, VUR of any grade in 39.1% and hydroureter in 35.9%,of patients. High-grade VUR was identified in 21.9% of patients, and a documented history of UTI was present in 18.8% of the entire cohort. In multivariable analyses, birth weight, presence of VUR, and UTI history were not independently associated with complex ARM phenotype. Additionally, no demographic or clinical variables reliably predicted high-grade VUR. The predictive performance of the regression model for high-grade VUR was limited (AUC = 0.60). CONCLUSION: Renal and urinary tract anomalies are highly prevalent among neonates with ARMs, with VUR representing a prominent finding. The lack of robust clinical predictors for complex ARM phenotype or high-grade VUR underscores the limitations of selective screening strategies and supports the role of comprehensive urologic evaluation in neonates with ARM, regardless of anatomic subtype.

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PubMed2026

Efficacy of Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy for Nocturnal GERD Symptoms and Associated Sleep Disturbances: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

GOALS: A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in relieving nocturnal reflux symptoms and sleep disturbances. BACKGROUND: Nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly associated with sleep disturbances. The benefits of PPI therapy for GERD-related nocturnal reflux and sleep disturbance remain unclear. STUDY: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases from inception to March 1, 2026, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults with GERD and sleep disturbances that compared any PPI to placebo or an alternative therapy. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients experiencing relief from nighttime heartburn. Secondary outcomes included relief from GERD-related sleep disturbances, changes in subjective sleep quality, work productivity, and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). RESULTS: Five RCTs involving 1495 patients met the inclusion criteria. Three placebo-controlled trials consistently showed that PPI therapy improved nighttime heartburn relief and GERD-related sleep disturbances compared with placebo. Subjective sleep quality and sleep-related daytime functioning also generally improved with PPI therapy. However, the findings were more heterogeneous across trials because of differences in study populations, comparators, and outcome measures. Across the placebo-controlled studies, TEAEs were generally similar between the PPI and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS: PPI therapy was associated with improvement in nighttime heartburn and reflux-related sleep disturbances, especially in patients with reflux-driven nocturnal symptoms. The available evidence also suggests potential improvement in subjective sleep quality and sleep-related daytime functioning.

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PubMed2026

Chinese herbal medicine Xiangsu Hewei Granules in treating non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease with liver stomach stagnation heat syndrome: A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Xiangsu Hewei Granules are an herbal preparation that has shown potential for controlling symptoms of nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD) in preliminary studies. However, high-quality randomized controlled evidence for its use in NERD remains lacking. AIM: To verify the efficacy and safety of Xiangsu Hewei Granules in treating NERD with liver stomach stagnation heat syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre phase III trial included 480 patients (aged 18-65 years) with confirmed NERD (GerdQ≥8; negative H. pylori) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) liver stomach stagnation heat syndrome. Patients were randomized 3:1 to receive either Xiangsu Hewei Granules or placebo, thrice daily for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes were the effective rate of the response based on visual analog scale (VAS) scores for heartburn and acid regurgitation at week 8. The secondary outcomes included reductions in the TCM syndrome score, etc. RESULTS: 479 participants (mean age 48.5 years, SD10.2; 54.3% female) entered the full analysis set and safety set (360 tests group; 119 control group, 1 participant in the control group withdrawing before medication). At week 8, compared with the control group, the test group demonstrated significantly better effective rate of VAS score response for heartburn(76.39% vs 21.01%, 95% CI 55.38 (45.98, 62.94) %, p < 0.01),acid regurgitation (79.72% vs 23.53%, 95% CI56.39 (46.90, 64.12) %, p < 0.01), and TCM syndrome score (69.23% vs 30.13%, p < 0.01) at week 8. CONCLUSION: In this selected population of NERD patients with liver-stomach stagnation heat syndrome (e.g., negative H. pylori, no pH-impedance phenotype, and low anxiety/depression scores), Xiangsu Hewei Granules demonstrated efficacy and safety in improving heartburn, acid regurgitation, and TCM syndrome scores. However, generalizability to the broader NERD population and its comparative effectiveness against standard proton pump inhibitor therapy require further investigation.

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PubMed2026

Feasibility of implementation, diagnostic accuracy, and end-user impact of an electronic health record (EHR)-based ureteral stent tracking tool in a pediatric population.

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Ureteral stent tracking systems have reduced stent retention in adults, but their accuracy and impact in pediatrics have been minimally explored. With low event rates in children, such tools may yield high false positives, raising questions on balancing event prevention with provider burden. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, diagnostic accuracy, and end-user impact of an Electronic Surveillance Tool for Evaluating Nephroureteral stent Tracking (eSTENT) at our institution. STUDY DESIGN: eSTENT, implemented in 1/2024, flags ureteral stents at risk for retention based on implant documentation, expected explant date, and explant documentation. Monthly reports are generated for stents missing explant documentation. We retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic performance of eSTENT from 1/2024-8/2025 at our pediatric hospital. A usability survey including a validated 1-7 implementation score (higher = easier implementation) was distributed to pediatric urologists and operating room nurses. RESULTS: Of 172 cases with ureteral stent placement, eSTENT flagged 28 events (16%) in 24 patients. Of these, 26 represented documentation gaps where explant had been appropriate. Two flags had no documentation of explant, representing near miss events that were identified. No retained stents occurred, consistent with high sensitivity and modest specificity. There were no flags in the last 6 months of the study period. Survey response rate was 100% for surgeons and 55% for nurses. Before eSTENT, stents were not routinely tracked. All surgeons and 93% of nurses reported no added burden, despite occasional misidentification of retained stents. Three surgeons found eSTENT beneficial, four were neutral, and free-text responses generally cited eSTENT's "fail safe" nature as positive. Nurses suggested improvements, including user support and integrated documentation reminders. The average implementation score among both groups was 6/7, indicating easy adoption. DISCUSSION: While the impact of stent tracking tools in adult literature has been positive, our study emphasizes the feasibility of broader adoption at a pediatric hospital. Integration of eSTENT may avoid the potentially devastating consequences of a retained stent. Prioritizing sensitivity over specificity appears acceptable for a "never event" in patient safety. Our study is limited by the retrospective nature of data collection and survey bias. CONCLUSIONS: Though no stents were retained in the study period, eSTENT appropriately flagged two cases without added burden to most end-users. Further optimization is warranted, but adoption in pediatric centers may enhance care reliability.

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PubMed2026

F-URS with FANS versus mPCNL for 2-3 cm UUTS: a RCT with a subgroup analysis of 2-2.5 cm stones.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) with a flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath (FANS) compared with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) in the treatment of 2-3 cm upper urinary tract stones (UUTS), with a prespecified subgroup analysis for stones ≥2 to <2.5 cm. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 326 patients with 2-3 cm UUTS between June 2023 and December 2025. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either f-URS with FANS or mPCNL. A prespecified subgroup analysis was conducted for stones measuring ≥2 to <2.5 cm. The primary outcomes were the immediate and 1-month stone-free rate (SFR). Secondary outcomes included the operative duration, decrease in haemoglobin, hospital stay, and complication rate. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. In the overall 2-3 cm cohort, the FANS group achieved immediate and 1-month SFRs comparable to those of the mPCNL group. Although the operative time was longer in the FANS group, it was associated with significantly less haemoglobin loss and a shorter hospital stay, with no significant difference in infection-related complications. Notably, in the subgroup of stones ≥2 to <2.5 cm, the FANS group demonstrated a non-inferior SFR at both time points, and the operative time was not significantly longer than that of the mPCNL group. CONCLUSION: For 2-3 cm UUTS, f-URS with FANS offers a SFR comparable to that of mPCNL, along with the advantages of reduced blood loss and shorter hospitalization. In the ≥2 to <2.5 cm subgroup, FANS shows comprehensive benefits over mPCNL. These findings support FANS as an effective alternative to mPCNL for 2-3 cm stones and a potentially preferred option for stones measuring 2-2.5 cm.

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PubMed2026

How I do it: 3-Suture robotic pyeloplasty: Step-by-step technique.

Robot-assisted pyeloplasty is now a gold standard in the treatment of pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction. We describe a standardized "3-suture" technique designed to facilitate the pyelo-ureteral anastomosis. We used this technique in 65 paediatric patients aged 3-17 years. Early major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III) occurred in 3 patients (4.6%). The median operative time was 150 min. Surgical success was achieved in 96% of cases at a median follow-up of 9.5 months. This 3-suture approach offers a highly reproducible method for robotic pyeloplasty, facilitating accurate anatomical reconstruction with excellent surgical outcomes.

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PubMed2026

Comparison of clinical outcomes of robotic versus open pyeloplasty in infants under 6 months.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic pyeloplasties have become the popular approach for surgical repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in the pediatric population. In infants less than 6 months old, there is concern for lack of intra-abdominal working space and lack of benefit compared to an open approach. Our aim was to compare the peri-operative and post-operative outcomes of patients undergoing open versus robotic pyeloplasty under six months of age. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients less than six months of age undergoing robotic or open pyeloplasty between 2020 and 2024 at a single institution. Patient demographics and clinical outcomes were collected and compared. Surgical success was defined as a >50% reduction in the antero-pelvic diameter (APD) of the affected kidney at one year post pyeloplasty. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were identified (16 robotic and 16 open), median age at surgery was 4 months old. There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay or narcotic usage between the two groups. The robotic cohort had a significantly longer operative time (209.5 min vs 142.5 min, p < 0.001) compared to the open cohort. There was no significant difference between post-operative complication or surgical success rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In this small series, robotic and open pyeloplasty both remain viable options for infants less than 6 months of age with equivalent surgical outcomes and lengths of hospital stay.

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PubMed2026

A retrospective population-based cohort study to assess outcomes, time to complications and cost of follow-up care following pediatric pyeloplasty in Ontario, Canada (2002-2016).

PURPOSE: Pediatric dismembered pyeloplasty (PP) is the gold standard surgery for uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in children. However, there is no consensus regarding the duration and methods of providing follow-up care after PP. This study aims to assess the rate of redo-interventions following PP and to define the ideal follow-up care following PP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective population-based cohort study including all PP patients in Ontario between April 2002 and March 2016 using routinely collected data, with a minimum 5-year follow-up. Baseline variables included demographics, surgical approach, laterality and surgeon experience. The primary outcome was time to secondary surgical intervention, including redo PP. Secondary outcomes included costs of follow-up care and rates of early ER visits. Regression analyses were preformed to predict need for secondary intervention 2-years post PP, including independent variables: age, sex, surgical approach and early complication. RESULTS: The study included 1049 patients with a median age of 2 (IQR 0-7) years. Of the 13.6% of patients who had at least one secondary intervention following PP (including 3.8% who underwent a redo PP), 90.2% occurred within 3-years of PP. The median cost/patient of follow up care was $1472 CAD (IQR $292-$31,133). Regression analysis did not reveal any predictors of delayed secondary intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that over 86% of PP are completed successfully, with a 3.8% rate of redo-PP. The majority of secondary interventions for post-PP complications occur within 3 years post-PP. Variability in duration and cost of follow-up care post- PP should be addressed to minimize costs, and a minimum 3-years follow-up after PP is recommended.

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PubMed2026

Risk factors and management strategies for needle disengagement from the visual field in pediatric robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify risk factors for suture needle disengagement from the visual field during pediatric robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) and propose effective strategies for prevention and management. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study analyzed clinical data from 339 pediatric patients who underwent RALP for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) at a single institution between August 2017 and December 2020. Patients were categorized based on the occurrence of needle disengagement from the visual field. Various patient demographics and surgical procedural factors were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression, along with LASSO regression, identified independent risk and protective factors. RESULTS: Needle disengagement occurred in 38 (11.21%) of 339 cases. Multivariate logistic regression identified five independent risk factors for needle disengagement: use of a 3-mm auxiliary trocar (OR = 4.69, 95% CI: 1.98-12.53, P < 0.001), non-standard needle holder use (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.04-5.18, P = 0.038), unshaped suture needles (OR = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.44-7.19, P = 0.005), simultaneous use of ≥2 intra-abdominal sutures (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.15-5.48, P = 0.023), and clamping the needle shank during withdrawal (OR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.40-8.21, P = 0.006). Conversely, sufficient assistant experience (>10 cases) was identified as a protective factor (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.18-0.88, P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Suture needle disengagement from the visual field during pediatric RALP is associated with specific technical and instrumental factors. Implementing targeted strategies-such as mandating specialized needle holders, preoperative needle shaping, a single-needle workflow, prioritizing clamping the suture thread over the needle shank during withdrawal, and ensuring adequate assistant training-has the potential to significantly reduce significantly mitigate the risk of needle loss and enhance overall surgical safety in pediatric RALP.

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PubMed2026

Characteristics of children with ureteroceles presenting for urological evaluation in the modern medical era.

INTRODUCTION: Historically, children with ureteroceles presented symptomatically and were managed surgically. It is unclear if this changed in the modern medical era of prenatal imaging and shared decision making. We aimed to describe the presentation and management of ureteroceles during initial urological evaluation of children in the era of widespread prenatal ultrasonography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of children (<18 years old [yo]) initially evaluated at our center with a ureterocele (2011-2020). We analyzed demographics, renal anatomy, initial presentation for evaluation, and initial management with non-parametric statistics. Febrile urinary tract infections (fUTIs, ≥ 38 °C) were classified as 1) urosepsis (positive urine culture admitted to pediatric intensive care), 2) documented (positive urine culture) or 3) family-reported. RESULTS: We identified 188 children (65% female). Median age at presentation was 1.2 months old (mo) (IQR 18 days-4.4 mo). Antenatally-detected congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (aCAKUT) were noted in 143 (76%) children with a confirmed postnatal diagnosis of ureterocele. Overall, 129/188 (69%) children presented without symptoms and 59 (31%) presented with symptoms. fUTI was the most common symptomatic presentation (46/188, 24%): urosepsis (6 children), documented (30), and family-reported (10). Children with aCAKUT presented earlier than those without aCAKUT (27 days vs. 1.6 yo, p < 0.0001). They were also less likely to present with symptoms (11% vs. 96%, p < 0.0001), including fUTIs (7% vs. 78%, p < 0.0001). In total, 108 children (57%) were initially managed with transurethral incision, 73 (39%) were observed, and 7 (4%) had reconstructive surgery. Asymptomatic children with aCAKUT (42%) and symptomatic children without aCAKUT (37%) were more likely to be observed than symptomatic children with aCAKUT (7%, p = 0.02). Among 143 children with aCAKUT, those on antibiotic prophylaxis were less likely to present with a history of a fUTI compared to those not on prophylaxis (4/106 vs. 6/37, 4% vs. 16%, p = 0.02). COMMENT: We present a large observational study describing clinical and anatomical characteristics of children presenting with ureteroceles in a medical era of ubiquitous prenatal ultrasonography. Our retrospective study was limited by incomplete documentation of all antenatal ultrasonography and adherence with antibiotic prophylaxis. Long-term clinical outcomes will be the focus of future work. CONCLUSION: In contrast to historical cohorts, most children presented to urologists with asymptomatic ureteroceles diagnosed with aCAKUT. Most children without aCAKUT presented with a fUTI. Overall, 39% of children were initially observed, indicating an increased use of observation in the modern medical era.

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PubMed2026

Persistent cloaca without vaginal-common channel fistula: A Case series characterizing a rare phenotype.

INTRODUCTION: Persistent cloaca occurs in approximately 1 in 25,000 live births. Among patients with cloaca, the absence of a vaginal connection to the common channel represents a rare phenotype with distinct anatomic and management considerations. We describe the urologic, gynecologic, and surgical characteristics of this patient subset. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a single-institution cohort of patients with persistent cloaca managed at a quaternary-care children's hospital between 2019 and 2025. Patients were eligible if they underwent primary cloacal repair by our multidisciplinary team and met all three diagnostic criteria for absent vaginal-common channel fistula: no hydrocolpos on imaging, no identified vaginal opening on cystoscopy or cloacagram, and no visible lumen between müllerian and cloacal structures identified intraoperatively. RESULTS: Of 51 patients who underwent primary repair, 6 (12%) met criteria for absent vaginal-common channel fistula. All met criteria for VACTEGRLS association. Common channel length ranged from 1.1 to 7.0 cm and urethral length from 0.5 to 2.2 cm. Urologic anomalies were nearly universal: five patients (83%) had a solitary functional kidney and four (67%) had vesicoureteral reflux. All underwent posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) for rectal repair with the common channel repurposed as the neourethra. Five (83%) underwent diagnostic laparoscopy during which the müllerian structures were examined but left in situ. At last follow-up (median 17.5 months, range 4-35 months), three patients (50%) had volitional voiding and three (50%) required assisted bladder emptying via vesicostomy or Mitrofanoff. CONCLUSION: Persistent cloaca without a vaginal-common channel fistula represents a rare but clinically distinct phenotype characterized by severe urologic anomalies. Recognition of this phenotype is essential for surgical planning and long-term urologic and gynecologic surveillance. Because there was no connection between the vagina and the urinary tract, delaying management of the müllerian structures did not adversely affect the urinary tract.

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PubMed2026

Hot vs cold knife for endoscopic ablation of posterior urethral valves: a systematic review by the EAU-YAU paediatric urology working group.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are the most frequent cause of congenital lower urinary tract obstruction in males. Despite early surgical ablation, up to 22% of patients develop chronic kidney disease and 11% progress to end-stage renal disease. Multiple endoscopic modalities have been described for valve ablation but the optimal technique remains uncertain. This systematic review aims to determine whether cold or hot knife ablation provides superior effectiveness for primary endoscopic treatment of PUV in a single surgical session. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify studies comparing cold and hot knife techniques for endoscopic ablation of PUV in children, covering all publications up to December 2025. The review was performed in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (ID CRD420251180556). Original studies including patients <18 years who underwent primary valve ablation with postoperative cystoscopy or VCUG and ≥6 months of follow-up were included. Quality assessment was done using RoB 2.0 for randomized trials and MINORS for observational studies. RESULTS: A total of 1581 studies were identified, of which 26 met the inclusion criteria, comprising one randomized controlled trial, five prospective, and 20 retrospective studies constituting a sum of 1725 paediatric patients. The overall methodological quality of included studies was moderate, with marked heterogeneity in design, follow-up duration, and outcome reporting, limiting direct comparisons across series. Thus statistical analysis was not possible. Of these, 829 (48.1%) underwent cold valve ablation and 896 (51.9%) underwent hot ablation techniques. Within the cold group, most patients were treated with a cold knife (80.2%), followed by balloon dilatation (7%), the Mohan valvotome (6.5%), cold hook (5%), and, rarely, a modified venous valvulotome (1.3%). Among hot techniques, 32.8% of procedures were performed by electro-fulguration with a resectoscope, 29.4% using a Bugbee electrode, 23.8% with a hook electrode and 14% with laser-based systems. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 22 years across studies. Single-session success rates for valve ablation ranged from 22% to 100% in the cold resection group and from 71.4% to 100% in the hot resection group. Reintervention for residual valves was reported in 0%-78% of cold cases and in 0%-28.6% of hot resections. Urethral stricture rates ranged from 0% to 11.1% after cold incision and from 0% to 23.8% after hot techniques. Reporting of postoperative outcomes such as urinary tract infection, incontinence, bladder dysfunction, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) resolution, hydronephrosis improvement, and renal function varied widely among studies and was assessed using different methodologies. CONCLUSIONS: Both cold and hot ablation techniques for PUV achieved high single-session success rates and low complication rates. Cold resection appeared slightly safer, although this finding should be interpreted cautiously given the heterogeneity and observational nature of the available data.

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