Editorial

Abstract

“We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appears, discovering that we have the strength to stare it down.”Eleanor Roosevelt quoted in the American Interest Cited by The Week, April 24, 2020, 20 (9): 17. We find ourselves in an uncertain era. While pandemics are inevitable, their timing and severity are unpredictable, and an event of this magnitude is certainly unprecedented in our lifetimes. The Journal of Pediatric Urology Company and Editorial Board hope that you and your families remain safe and protected during these times. What the outcome of this COVID-19 pandemic will be is unclear, but what is certain is that it will have a yet to be determined effect on how we practice pediatric urology and how we care for our patients. It will likely also have an effect on the dissemination of scientific information, both in terms of our large format meetings as well as medical publishing. Attempting to keep positive about the outcomes, we must realize that some of this change will be good. It has given us the opportunity to reassess learning, teaching, and the dissemination of information among colleagues with the goal of continuing to advance our knowledge in pediatric urology for the betterment of our patients. Please watch for upcoming Journal articles related to the impact of COVID-19 on pediatric urology. This issue is densely packed with rich information. There are several review articles. An article by Quin et al. is a systematic review on testicular-epididymal fusion anomalies in children with cryptorchidism and the implications of these anomalies regarding testicular function. Kim et al. report a systematic review of genitourinary injuries resulting from rugby and football. This is always helpful information to have when counseling parents and patients. A systematic review of the technique of complete bladder exstrophy repair is reported by Ring and associates. Finally, a meta-analysis by Alshafei and co-authors compares the outcomes of the Tubularized Incised Plate urethroplasty with a dorsal inlay graft urethroplasty in children with hypospadias. The pediatric urology survey entitled “What the Editors are Reading”, focuses on basic science and global health. This report was coordinated by the Basic Science Co-Editors Magdalena Fossum and Hsi-Yang Wu. Myth Busters this month attacks the efficacy of topical steroids for treatment of preputial post circumcision penile adhesions. This is commented on by Elizabeth Yerkes as well. In the education section, part one of what will be a series of articles on management of disorders of sexual development written by Lee and co-authors advocates for an individualized multidisciplinary care plan for patients with DSD. It was recently announced that the Society for Pediatric Urology, one of our affiliated societies of the JPU, will be holding a virtual meeting in conjunction with the AUA online meeting. The SPU Scientific Program will be on June 27 and the Plenary Session of the AUA which will have a pediatric section will be on June 28. Details can be found on the SPU website. We are certain that you will find these and other articles in this issue interesting and informative. Finally, the Journal of Pediatric Urology Company and Editorial Board hope that you and your families stay safe, stay protected, and stay connected.