Application of an external drainage tube in pneumovesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation using the Politano-Leadbetter technique in children.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and advantages of enlisting an external drainage tube in pneumovesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation using the Politano-Leadbetter technique (PVUR-PL) in children.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 90 pediatric patients who had undergone PVUR-PL at our institution from March 2024 to September 2025. Based on the stent placement method, the patients were divided into Group A (external drainage) or Group B (internal drainage). The two groups were compared in terms of postoperative parameters, including the incidence of leukocyturia, hematuria, febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI), and positive urine culture; hospitalization costs; duration of stent indwelling; and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between Groups A and B in terms of the incidence of postoperative leukocyturia, fUTI, and positive urine culture; hospitalization costs; duration of stent indwelling; and length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

The application of external stent drainage in PVUR-PL is reliable and effective. Compared with internal drainage, it may offer potential benefits in terms of reducing the need for additional anesthesia, hospital stay, and costs. Furthermore, shortening the duration of stent indwelling may reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections. This method possesses significant potential for clinical application.