The fate of transitional urology patients referred to a tertiary transitional care center

Abstract

Objective: To determine the changes in management of children with neurogenic bladder (NGB) or genitourinary congenital anomalies as they moved to our transitional care clinic at the Center for Restorative Pelvic Medicine, a multidisciplinary center led by an adult urologic team dedicated to the long-term care of these patients.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients with NGB or genitourinary congenital abnormalities referred between 2010 and 2013. Analysis included patient characteristics, causes of NGB, bladder management, recurrent urinary tract infection, stones, renal function, upper tract studies, video urodynamics, and change in management.

Results: Twenty-four patients with an average age of 22.0 ± 2.7 years were included in analysis. Management was altered in 70.8% of patients (n = 17). Surgical management was instituted in 58.3% (n = 14 of 24) of patients and included bladder augmentation or urinary diversion (n = 7), intravesical botulinum toxin A injections (n = 5), cystolitholapaxy, or cystolithotomy (n = 2). Conservative management was changed in 12.5% (n = 3) of patients and included initiating anticholinergic medication (n = 2) or self-catheterization (n = 1). Follow-up was 8.9 ± 12.1 months.

Conclusion: There is an immense need for transitional care of patients with NGB or genitourinary congenital abnormalities as they grow into adulthood. Nearly 71% of our patients had a change in their bladder management with 38% undergoing a major surgery. This study emphasizes the necessity for a dedicated adult urologic team in conjunction with a comprehensive team to care for these complex patients because their urologic care and needs may vary significantly from their childhood.