Research Driving Better Lifelong Outcomes for Patients with Congenital Urologic Conditions

Recent studies from Riley's pediatric urology team provide new insights into how childhood interventions influence adult experiences, how reconstructive procedures perform over time, and how urinary and bowel symptoms affect daily life. Together, this work informs clinical decision-making, advances patient-centered care, and helps shape the future of lifelong management for patients with spina bifida and related conditions.

Evaluating decisional regret in adults with spina bifida regarding childhood surgeries for neurogenic bladder and bowel

Riley Children's urologists examined long-term patient-reported outcomes to better understand how childhood surgical decisions impact adult satisfaction and quality of life. The study directly informs shared decision-making and counseling for families considering complex reconstructive interventions.

Use and disuse of catheterizable channels as the primary method of emptying the neuropathic bladder: A single institutional cohort study

Researchers at Riley Children's examined the real-world utilization and durability of catheterizable channels. The study offers valuable insight into long-term success and patient adherence, helping guide surgical planning and set realistic expectations for patients and families.

Day-to-day variations and effects of urinary and fecal incontinence among adults with spina bifida: An ecological momentary assessment diary pilot study

Using innovative real-time data capture, this study reveals the daily burden and variability of incontinence in adults with spina bifida. It advances how outcomes are measured and supports more patient-centered approaches to symptom management.

More about pediatric urology at Riley Children’s

Specialists within the pediatric urology department at Riley Children’s are renowned for treating children with complex urologic conditions. Key distinctions include:

• One of the largest-volume centers for pediatric robotic urologic surgeries in the U.S.
• Among the U.S. Centers with the highest volume of complex reconstructive urologic surgeries
• One of nine Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Comprehensive Care Centers in the U.S. (designated by the CARES Foundation)
• One of 10 bladder exstrophy centers of excellence in the nation (designated by the Association for the Bladder Exstrophy Community)

Learn more about Riley Children’s pediatric urology program, research and clinical breakthroughs in the annual report.