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What is Pediatric Urology?

Pediatric urologists specialise in diagnosing and treating urologic abnormalities in infants and children, including prenatal and genital issues for females, with a primary focus on patients under 18 years old. For expert care, consult the best pediatric urologist In Hyderabad at AINU.

Types of Pediatric Urology Conditions

Hypospadias

Symptoms:

  • Urinary opening (meatus) situated on the underside of the penis
  • Urination occurs from the underside of the penis
  • Abnormal appearance of the penis and scrotum
  • Sometimes accompanied by undescended testes

Cause:

  • Complex interplay of genetic predisposition
  • Environmental factors
  • Maternal influences during pregnancy

Treatment:

  • Corrective surgery to reposition the urethral opening to the tip of the penis
  • Current guidelines recommend surgery between 6 to 18 months of age
  • If associated with undescended testes, corrective surgery for testicular descent is also recommended before the earliest possible time

Antenatal Hydronephrosis

Symptoms:

It shows up as kidney swelling on prenatal scans, indicating the need for post-birth follow-up.

Cause:

  • Transient hydronephrosis
  • PUJO (Pelviureteric Junction Obstruction)
  • VUR (Vesicoureteric Reflux)
  • PUV (Posterior Urethral Valves)

Treatment:

  • Most cases (approximately 85%) resolve on their own by birth or within a year
  • Surgery might be needed for some, depending on the specific condition

Cause:

  • Transient hydronephrosis
  • PUJO (Pelviureteric Junction Obstruction)
  • VUR (Vesicoureteric Reflux)
  • PUV (Posterior Urethral Valves)

Treatment:

  • Most cases (approximately 85%) resolve on their own by birth or within a year
  • Surgery might be needed for some, depending on the specific condition

Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism)

Symptoms:

Absence of one or both testes in the scrotum, with the possibility of finding them in the lower abdomen instead

Can be associated with

  • Abnormal foreskin and penis appearance
  • Misplaced urinary tube, and ambiguous genitalia

Cause:

  • A combination of genetic factors
  • Environmental influences
  • Maternal lifestyle choices during pregnancy

Treatment:

Treatment approaches may vary:

  • In some cases, surgery may not be necessary
  • Surgical intervention, known as orchiopexy, is typically performed to relocate the undescended testis to the scrotum, usually between 6 and 12 months of age
  • Treatment decisions consider associated conditions and the nature of the testis

Hydrocele/Hernia

Symptoms:

  • Swelling in the groin or inguinal region
  • Occasional pain along with swelling can be associated, this is almost the same for both hernia and hydrocele

Cause:

Inguinal hernias occur when the sac responsible for bringing the testis into the scrotum fails to close properly, allowing fluid or bowel from the abdomen to enter, resulting in herniation

Treatment:

  • Surgery is the standard treatment for all cases of hernia, regardless of age
  • Hydrocele can be observed till the age of 18 months to 2 years and thereafter would need surgery
  • Treatment typically involves closing the open sac, which can be done through open surgery or laparoscopically

Cause:

Inguinal hernias occur when the sac responsible for bringing the testis into the scrotum fails to close properly, allowing fluid or bowel from the abdomen to enter, resulting in herniation.

Treatment:

  • Surgery is the standard treatment for all cases of hernia, regardless of age
  • Hydrocele can be observed till the age of 18 months to 2 years and thereafter would need surgery
  • Treatment typically involves closing the open sac, which can be done through open surgery or laparoscopically

Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)

Symptoms:

  • Often incidentally discovered during evaluations for abdominal pain or urinary tract issues
  • Commonly present with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Potential impact on the child's growth rate

Cause:

  • VUR can stem from primary factors of unknown origin
  • Or from secondary factors such as constipation, abnormal urine voiding, posterior urethral valves, and other underlying conditions

Treatment:

  • Mild cases of reflux may require no intervention or occasional low-dose antibiotic therapy
  • Severe cases may necessitate either endoscopic or surgical intervention

Bed Wetting

Symptoms:

  • Any child (male or female) bedwetting after the age of 5 to 6 years
  • Child who was previously dry in bed, but there is reappearance of bedwetting later in life
  • Genetic predisposition (family history)
  • Wetting undergarments during the daytime
  • Frequent urination during the day (in some cases)

Cause:

  • Children taking longer in learning to control over the bladder
  • Neurological and anatomical problems of the urinary tract

Treatment:

  • Most cases resolve on their own
  • Techniques such as bedwetting alarms, urotherapy, and bladder training exercises
  • Prescription medications, such as desmopressin or anticholinergics, as advised by a healthcare provider
  • Some cases might require further evaluation, such as MCU (micturating cystourethrogram) and urodynamic studies

Cause:

  • Children taking longer in learning to control over the bladder
  • Neurological and anatomical problems of the urinary tract

Treatment:

  • Most cases resolve on their own
  • Techniques such as bedwetting alarms, urotherapy, and bladder training exercises
  • Prescription medications, such as desmopressin or anticholinergics, as advised by a healthcare provider
  • Some cases might require further evaluation, such as MCU (micturating cystourethrogram) and urodynamic studies

Our Experts

Dr. Ashwin Shekar P
MS, M.Ch(Urology)

Consultant Pediatric & Transitional Urologist

Banjara-hills, Hyderabad

Our Presence

Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

6-3-562/A, Irram Manzil Colony, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082

FAQs

Pediatric urology addresses a range of conditions including hypospadias, undescended testes, urinary tract infections (UTIs), vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and more.

It's advisable to seek evaluation if you notice any abnormalities or concerns with your child's urinary or genital health, typically soon after birth or if symptoms arise later on.

Treatment options vary depending on the specific condition but may include observation, medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery, tailored to each child's needs.

Not necessarily. While some conditions may require surgical intervention, others can be managed with observation, lifestyle changes, or medication. Your pediatric urologist will guide you on the most suitable approach for your child.

Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery performed and the individual child's response. Your child's pediatric urologist will provide specific post-operative care instructions, including any necessary follow-up appointments and activity restrictions.