ESPU-Nurses Meeting on Wednesday 17, June 2026, 15:50 - 16:40
15:50 - 16:00
SN02-1 (NP)
Ruiz Albarran RUIZ ALBARRAN 1, Isabel CASAL BELOY 2, Rosa Maria ROMERO RUIZ 2, Ana ACEMEL 2 and Ana FERNANDEZ GOMEZ 2
1) Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Pediatric Surgery, Seville, SPAIN - 2) Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Pediatric Surgery Department, Pediatric Urology Unit,, Sevilla, SPAIN
PURPOSE
Giggle incontinence (GI) is an uncommon clinical entity within lower urinary tract dysfunctions, characterized by a complete involuntary voiding triggered by intense laughter. It is a poorly understood condition with no established standard treatment. Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of methylphenidate (M group, M-G) or biofeedback (BFB group, BFB-G) as therapeutic options. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of both approaches in patients with GI.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Prospective study of patients with GI treated between 2023 and 2025. Two cohorts were compared based on the treatment received: M-G or BFB-G. Methylphenidate was administered in an extended-release formulation (18 mg/24 h), with dose adjustments according to clinical response, for an average of 6 months. BFB (pelvic floor strengthening) was delivered over 6-7 sessions lasting 30-40 minutes each, spaced 1-3 weeks apart, and supplemented with home exercises. Response was classified as complete (resolution or ≤1 episode/month), partial (50-99% reduction), or absent (<50%), according to the definitions proposed by the International Children's Continence Society (ICCS). Relapse was defined as >1 weekly episode after initial improvement.
RESULTS
We included 20 patients (65% girls): 11 in BFB-G and 9 in M-G. Mean age was 11.8 years. Twenty-five percent had a family history of GI. Therapeutic adherence was higher with BFB-G (90.9% vs. 66.7%, p=0.28). The overall response rate (complete + partial) was significantly higher in BFB-G (100% vs. 50%; p=0.02), as was the complete response rate (60% BFB vs. 0%). Adverse effects were more frequent in the M-G(22.2% vs. 0%, p<0.05). At mid-term follow-up, 50% of patients treated with BFB discontinued home exercises, and relapse occurred in two of them.
CONCLUSIONS
BFB is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric GI and should be considered first-line therapy. Relapses occurred exclusively in patients who discontinued home exercises, underscoring the importance of long-term adherence.
16:00 - 16:10
SN02-2 (NP)
Tinne RUSTICUS 1, Eline VAN DE WETERING 2, Martine KOOIJ-VAN GENT 3 and Anka NIEUWHOF-LEPPINK 4
1) Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Health and Life Sciences, Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS - 2) Radboud University Medical Center, Urology, Nijmegen, NETHERLANDS - 3) University Medical Center Utrecht, Urotherapy, Psychology and Urology, Utrecht, NETHERLANDS - 4) Wilhelmina Children's Hospital (Part of UMCU), Urotherapy, psychology & urology, Utrecht, NETHERLANDS
PURPOSE
Daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) is a common condition in children that is caused by lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). The first-line treatment is standard urotherapy, but at a third-line referral center children can receive a more intensive 10-day inpatient treatment. A SENS-U bladder sensor was developed to help children recognize a full bladder and there is still a trial ongoing to test this device. Although standard urotherapy and the SENS-U have shown promising results, some children still require intensive inpatient treatment. This study aimed to identify which clinical and demographic characteristics are associated with failure of the SENS-U trial and the subsequent need for a 10-day inpatient training program.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study used the baseline data from the multicenter randomized controlled SENS-U trial. Children aged 6-16 years with functional DUI who were enrolled in a third-line referral center were included. Baseline variables were age, sex, behavioral problems or developmental disorders, LUTD (sub)diagnosis, constipation, number of wetting accidents per week and the use of the SENS-U device. Univariable analyses, t-tests and chi-square, were done and variables with p<0.15 were entered into the multivariable forward logistic regression.
RESULTS
A total of 49 children were included and 22 achieved success with just outpatient urotherapy combined with the SENS-U device. The other 27 needed inpatient training. Multivariable logistic regression identified two statistically significant characteristics: Sex and the number of wetting accidents per week. Being female was associated with lower odds of treatment failure (OR=0.229, 95% CI=0.055-0.958, p=0.043) and additional wetting accidents were associated with higher odds of failure (OR=1.204, 95% CI=1.012-1.432, p=0.036).
CONCLUSIONS
Children who experience more frequent wetting accidents, especially boys, are more likely to need an intensive urotherapy program. These findings highlight the need for larger studies to identify additional predictors and determine the most appropriate type of urotherapy in order to treat DUI effectively.
16:10 - 16:20
SN02-3 (NP)
Carmine CREAZZO and Marina GRISSINO
Ospedale Infantile Regina Margherita, Urology, Torino, ITALY
PURPOSE
Clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC) is an essential self-care or caregiver-assisted skill for children and adolescents withneurogenic bladder or chronic urinary retention. Inadequate training, poor adherence, and anxiety frequently lead to complicationsand reduced quality of life. The aim of this project is to design, implement and evaluate a structured nurse-led home training protocolfor paediatric CIC, targeting both caregivers and older children capable of self-catheterisation, to enhance competence, safety, andconfidence in the home setting.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A multi-component training protocol was developed including: (1) an educational booklet and step-by-step checklist; (2) a practicalsession using paediatric simulation manikins; (3) access to brief video tutorials for home reference; (4) a take-home kit with materialsfor practice; and (5) structured follow-up (telephone call within 72 h, clinic review after 2 weeks, and tele-consultation at 3 months).
The target population includes caregivers and patients aged 0-18 years prescribed CIC at discharge from the urodynamics clinic.Evaluation will combine quantitative and qualitative data: objective skills assessment (competency checklist), self-efficacyquestionnaires (for caregivers and self-catheterising adolescents), adherence monitoring (missed catheterisations), and catheter-related complications (UTIs, urethral trauma). Data will be collected prospectively and analysed descriptively, with pre/postcomparisons.
RESULTS
This abstract presents the design and evaluation framework of the project. A pilot implementation is underway to assess feasibility,acceptability, and short-term outcomes. Results will include participant competence, self-efficacy scores, adherence rates, and earlycomplication data.
CONCLUSIONS
A structured, nurse-led home training programme for caregivers and patients can enhance confidence, safety, and adherence inpaediatric CIC management. The protocol is designed to be replicable in other paediatric urology settings and promotes theadvancement of nurse-led education and family-centred care in continence management.
16:20 - 16:30
SN02-4 (NP)
Bieke SAMIJN 1, Lynn BAR-ON 2 and Ellen VANDAMME 3
1) Ghent University - Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, BELGIUM - 2) Ghent University, Ghent, BELGIUM - 3) Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, BELGIUM
PURPOSE
Both bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are common in school-aged children and may influence daily functioning and quality of life (De Roubaix et al., 2025). This study explored the well-being of fourth- to sixth-grade children to determine whether the presence of BBD, probable DCD or the combination of both affects their overall well-being.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in twelve regular elementary schools. Children completed the validated Dutch School-wellbeing questionnaire and parents completed the validated Dutch Vancouver Symptom Score for Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome (VSSDES) and the Dutch Developmental Coordination Disorder questionnaire (DCD-Q) in regard to their child. Children were divided into four groups (No BBD or probable DCD; BBD present; probable DCD present; BBD and probable DCD present). Overall well-being as well as subcategories (engagement, satisfaction, academic self-concept, social relations and academic climate) were analysed across groups using Krusal-Wallis Tests.
RESULTS
Data from 171 children (49 % male, 9-12 years old) were included in the present study. The presence of BBD or probable DCD demonstrated a significant impact on overall well-being (p = 0.006), with lowest scores seen in children with both BBD and probable DCD. This impact on well-being was also seen in almost all subcategories, with lowest scores for children with both conditions for engagement, satisfaction, academic self-concept and academic climate. No significant differences were seen between children with only one condition (BBD or probable DCD), both on overall well-being and subcategories, nor were there significant differences between children with one condition and children with no condition present.
CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights that comorbidity between BBD and DCD negatively impacts children's well-being. Teachers should be aware of these conditions to better support affected students. Clinicians are encouraged to assess for comorbidities and provide individualized treatment addressing both bladder and bowel symptoms and associated developmental challenges.
16:30 - 16:40
SN02-5 (NP)
Bieke SAMIJN 1, Fleur VANDER VENNET 2, Justine DESMYTTER 2, Stephanie VAN BIERVLIET 3, Barbara DE MUYNCK 4 and Saskia VANDE VELDE 3
1) Ghent University - Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, BELGIUM - 2) Ghent University, Ghent, BELGIUM - 3) Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, BELGIUM - 4) AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, BELGIUM
PURPOSE
Functional constipation (FC) is a prevalent condition in paediatric populations. While standard therapies, including laxatives and toilet training, are commonly used, a substantial proportion of children exhibit an inadequate response. This study investigated the effectiveness of an at home sacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment in children with functional constipation unresponsive to standard therapy.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Children diagnosed with FC according to the Rome IV criteria and treated with TENS for 24 weeks were included in this retrospective cohort study. Data were collected in two tertiary hospitals between 2018 and 2024. Primary outcome measures included stool frequency, stool retention behaviour, faecal incontinence, and stool size. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon signed rank and McNemar tests, incorporating post hoc comparison with Bonferroni correction.
RESULTS
A total of 36 children were included (median age 7.5 years; 61% male) of whom approximately one-third had a concomitant diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD). 80 % of children presented with severe constipation, demonstrating ≥ 3 ROME IV criteria. Improvements were observed in faecal incontinence (p = 0.016; 75% pre vs 52 % post), retentive behaviour (p = 0.001; 53 % pre vs 19 % post), stool frequency (<2 bowel movements/week) (p = 0.035; 50 % pre vs 14 % post), and abdominal pain (p = 0.006; 56 % pre vs 19 % post). Retentive behaviour showed already an improvement after six weeks, with the most pronounced effect at six months. The other Rome IV criteria took more than six weeks to be influenced.
CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms that sacral Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is an effective and safe treatment option for children with functional constipation. The beneficial effects seemed to be present in both children with less severe and severe constipation. In addition, TENS may also offer a feasible alternative for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. These findings support the consideration of integrating TENS earlier in the therapeutic pathway for functional constipation, rather than limiting its use to refractory cases.