Practice patterns in classic bladder exstrophy: A global perspective

Mohammad H. Zaman, Ezekiel E. Young, Mahir Maruf, Christopher A. Hesh, Kelly T. Harris, Roni Manyevitch, Rachel Davis, Wayland J. Wu, Saran A. Hall, Heather DiCarlo, John Gearhart

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: While evaluation and management options for classic bladder exstrophy (CBE) patients are numerous and varied, little is known regarding the relative utilization of these different methods throughout the world. A large group of exstrophy surgeons practicing globally was surveyed, seeking to document their methods of care. Methods: A list of international exstrophy surgeons' email addresses was compiled using professional contacts and referral networking. An online survey was sent to each email address. Surgeons who had not performed a CBE closure within the previous 5 years were excluded. Survey questions queried the respondents’ surgical practice type, years since training, and their preferred methods of preoperative evaluation, operative management, and postoperative management. Survey invitations were sent out starting in December 2014 and responses were collected for approximately 6 months. Results: A total of 1152 valid email addresses were invited, resulting in 293 respondents (25%) from 39 countries and every American Urological Association (AUA) section. Seventy-six were excluded, leaving 217 respondents (Table). Respondents reported a median of 17 years since finishing their surgical training (IQR 8–25 years). Practice types included pediatric urology (n = 209), general urology (n = 9), pediatric surgery (n = 59), and other practice makeup (n = 3). On subgroup analyses, there were no significant regional practice differences, with the exception of complete primary repair of exstrophy (CPRE) and oral opioid prescribing being significantly higher in North America compared to other regions. Discussion: Findings indicate that there may be diversity in CBE practice patterns globally. While most responding surgeons from regions outside of North America indicated modern staged repair of exstrophy (MSRE) as their preferred closure technique, a relatively equal distribution of respondents from North America selected CPRE and MSRE. A majority of North American surgeons chose performing osteotomies for both newborn and delayed closures, while an appreciable number of respondents from other regions selected never using osteotomies in their closures. Limitations to this study include a low survey response rate, particularly from surgeons outside of the United States, which may have significantly impacted the ability to draw meaningful global comparisons. Conclusions: Global variation among practices of surgeons performing CBE closures may exist. The wide range of methods demonstrated by this survey suggests the need for more conclusive comparative studies to elucidate whether an optimal standard exists. Local social factors, access to surgical expertise and transportation to referral centers, and finances play a role in what constitutes the best operative approach.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)425-432
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Pediatric Urology
Volume16
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2020
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company

Keywords

  • Classic bladder exstrophy
  • Delayed closure
  • International
  • Osteotomy
  • Pediatric urology
  • Practice patterns

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Practice patterns in classic bladder exstrophy: A global perspective'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this