Emerging Concepts in Transitional Care of Congenital Genitourinary Reconstructions

Abstract

Patients with congenital urogenital abnormalities represent a unique population with health care needs that often exceed the average urologic patient. Congenital uropathic patients, especially those with prior genitourinary reconstructions, display a range of bladder management strategies which must be meticulously managed by their urologist. The time encompassing the transition of care from the pediatric to the adult setting is a critical milestone that if left uncoordinated may result in the interruption of care and missed opportunities for disease prevention. During transition, the adult urologist should carefully assess the patient's voiding habits, renal function and bladder function as well as new or worsening complaints. These complex patients require careful lifelong surveillance for evidence of almost inevitable changes in urinary function.