Children with refractory neurogenic bladder (NGB) who have failed maximal medical management are presented with options for bladder reconstruction. It is critical to understand the long-term sequela of bladder augmentation and bladder neck reconstruction to properly counsel families regarding these procedures. Benefits may include preservation of renal function, continence, reduced risk of renal-related mortality and potential improvements in quality of life (QOL). However, these advantages must be balanced with the risks of bladder calculi, perforation, need for additional surgery, acid/base disturbances, vitamin B12 deficiency and malignancy. Therefore, careful patient selection and preoperative counseling are paramount for those undergoing bladder reconstruction which includes intestinal bladder augmentation, as these patients require lifelong vigilant follow-up.
IntroductionChildren with neurogenic bladders (NGB) are initially managed with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and anticholinergic medications in order to maintain a sizable, continent, and compliant urinary reservoir. Despite early and aggressive intervention, some patients undergo lower urinary tract reconstruction (bladder augmentation, catheterizable channel and/or bladder neck reconstruction) to protect their upper tracts and achieve continence. In a few select patients with favorable urodynamics (UDS) and low outlet resistance, a bladder neck procedure (BNP) can be performed without bladder augmentation to achieve continence. Myelodysplasia, specifically spina bifida (SB), remains the most common etiology of NGB in the pediatric population. Due to medical advances, particularly in the realm of Urology, more SB patients with bladder reconstruction are surviving into adulthood. We review current literature regarding long-term sequela of bladder reconstruction in pediatric patients with neurogenic bladder, with a primary focus on bladder augmentations for refractory NGB secondary to SB.