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

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and advantages of utilizing an external drainage tube in pneumovesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation using the Politano–Leadbetter technique (PVUR-PL) in children. Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 90 pediatric patients who underwent PVUR-PL at our institution from March 2024 to September 2025 was conducted. Based on the method of stent placement, the patients were randomly divided into Group A (external drainage) or Group B (internal drainage). The two groups were compared regarding postoperative parameters, including incidence of leukocyturia, hematuria, febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI), and positive urine culture; hospitalization costs; stent indwelling duration; and length of hospital stay. Results Statistically significant differences ( p  < 0.05) were observed between Groups A and B regarding the incidence of postoperative leukocyturia, fUTI, and positive urine culture; hospitalization costs; stent indwelling duration; and length of hospital stay. Conclusion The application of external stent drainage in PVUR-PL is reliable and effective. Compared with internal drainage, it can reduce the postoperative incidence of urinary tract infections, shorten the length of hospital stay, decrease hospitalization costs, and alleviate patient discomfort. This approach demonstrates significant advantages and is suitable for clinical application.