Abstract

Prem Puri is an internationally acclaimed paediatric surgeon whose clinical insight, scientic rigor, and academic leadership have profoundly inAuenced modern paediatric surgery. As Newman Clinical Research Professor of Paediatric Surgery at University College Dublin and long-serving Director of Ireland’s National Children’s Research Centre, Professor Puri established one of Europe’s most productive and inAuential translational research programs dedicated to congenital surgical disorders. A defining focus of his career has been Hirschsprung disease, where his laboratory conducted landmark investigations into enteric neuromuscular pathobiology. Moving beyond the classical concept of aganglionosis confned to the distal bowel, his group demonstrated abnormalities in neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression and dysfunction of interstitial cells of Cajal extending into ganglionated segments. These �ndings reshaped understanding of postoperative dysmotility and provided a biological basis for persistent bowel dysfunction after pull-through surgery. His work has been widely cited and continues to inform both surgical decision-making and emerging therapeutic strategies. Equally transformative have been Professor Puri’s clinical innovations in vesicoureteral reAux. He was a pioneer and global advocate of minimally invasive endoscopic correction using dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (DeAux). By rigorously evaluating outcomes, safety pro�les, and long-term ef�cacy, he helped establish this technique as a�rst-line intervention worldwide, signi�cantly reducing the need for open ureteral reimplantation and shortening hospital stays for children. Beyond the operating theatre and laboratory, Professor Puri has exerted enormous inAuence through editorial leadership of major paediatric surgical journals, authorship of authoritative textbooks, and mentorship of generations of surgeons and scientists across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. His trainees now occupy leadership positions globally, reAecting his enduring commitment to education and capacity building. Through sustained promotion of evidence-based practice, methodological rigor, and translational science, Professor Prem Puri’s contributions have not only transformed patient care but have also set enduring standards for excellence in international paediatric surgery. Key Message: ProfessorPremPuri’scareerexempli�eshowinnovativeresearch and minimally invasive surgical advances can transform the care of congenital disorders, making him a global leader whose work continues to shape modern paediatric surgery.

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• 6.   Puri P., Chertin B., Velayudham M., Dass L. Endoscopiccorrectionofvesicoureteralre aux: experience with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer. J Urol. 2003; 170: 1541-4.
• 7.   Chertin B., Kocherov S., Puri P. Longterm results of endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reAux with DeAux. J Pediatr Urol. 2012; 8: 373-7.
• 8.   Puri P., Menezes M. Vesicoureteral reAux: endoscopic management and evolving concepts. Pediatr Surg Int. 2013; 29: 707-14.
• 9.   Puri P., Hollwarth M., editors. Pediatric surgery: diagnosis and management. Berlin: Springer; 2009.
• 10.   Puri P. Editorial: Translational research in pediatric surgery bridging bench and bedside. Pediatr Surg Int. 2010; 26: 1-2.

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