Ahmedabad and Philadelphia— A groundbreaking new surgical guide has emerged from a remarkable 17-year partnership between India's Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, bringing world-class treatment protocols for pediatric bladder exstrophy to emerging surgeons globally.
Released on January 25, 2026, the book titled “A Guide for Emerging Surgeons” documents comprehensive insights from the US-India Bladder Exstrophy Collaborative, a pioneering program that has transformed care for one of pediatric urology's most complex conditions.
Bladder exstrophy is a rare congenital disorder where the abdominal wall fails to form completely during fetal development, leaving the bladder exposed and unable to store urine. The collaborative began in 2009 when Dr. Aseem Shukla from CHOP and Dr. Rakesh Joshi from Civil Hospital joined forces with an ambitious vision.
Since inception, they've performed comprehensive repairs and provided follow-up care to over 140 families from across South Asia and Africa.
Key Facts
• The collaborative has conducted 18 new bladder exstrophy repairs and redo procedures annually, with over 150 patient follow-ups during intensive two-week workshops since 2009
• The book release coincides with the program's expansion to include five pediatric urologists from four major academic children's hospitals and surgeons representing Brazil, Belgium, Ghana, Uzbekistan, Sudan, and Russia
• Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad now serves as an international Center of Excellence and primary referral destination for pediatric urological anomalies across South Asia and Africa
The annual workshops at Civil Hospital have evolved into what Dr. Shukla and Dr. Joshi describe as a "pilgrimage" for pediatric surgeons worldwide. Over 40 international specialists now gather each year to immerse themselves in intensive training, surgical observation, and knowledge exchange.
The book captures decades of surgical expertise, case studies, and best practices developed through this unique collaboration.
What makes this model exceptional is the commitment to long-term patient care and continuity that extends far beyond the two-week workshop. Families travel from across Asia and Africa specifically because they know they'll receive world-class care and consistent follow-up year after year.
The high patient retention rates demonstrate the trust communities place in this collaborative effort.
The publication addresses a critical gap in pediatric urology literature, as bladder exstrophy remains one of the most challenging and emotionally devastating conditions families encounter. Many children face complications including inability to control urination and increased risk of infection.
This guide provides emerging surgeons with evidence-based protocols and real-world experience documentation.
Dr. Aseem Shukla emphasized the collaborative's philosophy:
The initiative carries special significance following the passing of Dr. Doug Canning in May 2022, CHOP's Division of Urology chief for 25 years who pioneered the collaborative's early expansion. Dr. Canning's legacy continues through improved patient outcomes, with families expressing deep gratitude for transformative surgical care that has granted their children normal voiding and continence.
The book's release marks a pivotal moment in democratizing access to specialized surgical knowledge, enabling pediatric surgeons in resource-limited settings to adopt proven techniques. This publication ensures that expertise developed through the collaborative's international partnership can now reach a global audience of medical professionals seeking to advance pediatric urology care in their own countries.
Do You Know?
The collaborative started with just two patients in 2009 and has now expanded to serve over 140 families, with plans to add 50 more patients annually. This exponential growth demonstrates how sustained international medical partnerships can bridge geographical healthcare disparities and transform surgical outcomes for rare pediatric conditions.
Key Terms
• Bladder Exstrophy: A rare congenital condition where the abdominal wall doesn't fully form during fetal development, leaving the bladder exposed and unable to store urine properly
• Pediatric Urology: Medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating urinary and reproductive system disorders in children
• Urinary Reconstruction: Surgical procedures that repair or rebuild the urinary system to restore normal function and continence
• Center of Excellence: A hospital or medical institution recognized internationally for specialized expertise, advanced technology, and superior patient outcomes in specific medical areas
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