Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients with Congenital Genitourinary Anomalies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review synthesizes the recent literature on lower urinary tract symptoms in pediatric patients with congenital conditions. We will discuss emerging insights from multiple studies on pathophysiology, prevalence, clinical impact, management strategies, and long-term outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS: Surgical advancements have increased early continence rates to 80% in exstrophy-epispadias complex (EEC), but attrition of continence remains a challenge. Studies have shown 40% of males with PUV and 80% of patients with EEC report moderate or severe LUTS which significantly impact quality of life. LUTS in patients with congenital anomalies remains a challenge in pediatric urology. Patients require individualized, lifelong management strategies. Future research should include standardizing continence definitions and assessing comparative effectiveness of treatments to enhance patient-centered outcome metrics. A multidisciplinary approach is critical to promoting sustained improvements in quality of life for individuals living with congenital genitourinary anomalies.