Piet Hoebekea

Department of Urology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

Finally, in this issue of The Journal the results of the study by Peters et al (page 702) are the first to challenge the excellent, previously published results of nerve rerouting that showed up to 85% success.8 Despite proof that nerve rerouting can create a novel reflex arc generating a detrusor contraction, this group learned that after 1 year no patient became continent and only 2 of 9 were able to stop catheterization. Effects on bladder compliance and cystometric bladder capacity were remarkable despite stopping antimuscarinic treatment. Persistent foot drop cannot be considered a minor complication in children who are already motor disabled. Although promising, this study cautions us that further controlled studies are needed before this nerve rerouting procedure can be used more routinely.