Pediatric Urology Conditions We Treat

Find help for urological conditions from simple to the most complex, including:

• Voiding dysfunctions, including daytime wetting and bedwetting
• Constipation
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Urinary reflux (vesicoureteral reflux) – Backward flow of urine from the bladder to the kidney, causing kidney damage
• Obstructed urine flow, including hydronephrosis
• Hernias – Internal organs or tissues bulging through a week area of muscle
• Hydroceles – Fluid-filled sacks in the scrotum
• Congenital anomalies – Conditions present at birth
  • Bladder exstrophy – Flattened bladder that sticks out of the abdomen
  • Disorders of sex development (DSD) – A group of conditions in which there is a discrepancy between the external and internal genitals; also called intersex
  • Hypospadias – Opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis
  • Posterior urethral valves – Extra flaps of tissue in a boy’s urethra block the flow of urine
  • Prune belly syndrome – Weak abdominal muscles, undescended testicles and urinary tract problems
  • Undescended testes (cryptorchidism) – Testicles that haven’t naturally descended into the scrotum

Urological Services and Treatments

Take advantage of UNC Children’s full range of pediatric diagnostic and treatment services, including:

• Consultations for fetal urological conditions detected during ultrasounds
• Diagnostic procedures
  
  • DMSA scan – Examines kidney size, shape and function using a safe radiopharmaceutical and a gamma camera
  • Mag 3 lasix renal scan – Evaluates kidney function and drainage using a safe radiopharmaceutical and a gamma camera
  • Renal ultrasound – Assesses the size and shape of the kidneys and/or bladder by gliding an ultrasound wand over the lower back and lower abdomen
  • Urodynamic testing – Show how well the bladder stores and releases urine
  • Voiding cystourethogram (VCUG) – Detects urinary reflux by taking X-rays after injecting a contrast material into the bladder
• Behavior modification
• Medication
• Minimally invasive urological surgery
• Genital reconstruction surgery
• Orchiopexy surgery – Moves an undescended testicle
• Urinary tract reconstruction surgery
• Surgical care for a variety of conditions, including kidney stone disease, spina bifida, and neoplasms (new, abnormal growths) of the genitourinary tract

We also provide consultation services for fetal uropathies, a disease of the urinary system where urine flow is hindered or completely obstructed.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Our pediatric urologists are experts in performing minimally invasive, state-of-the-art procedures to evaluate and treat children. If a minimally invasive procedure is the best treatment option for your child, s/he will benefit from fewer complications, less pain and scarring, a quicker recovery, and the ability to return home more quickly.

Minimally invasive procedures we offer include:

• Endoscopy – A tiny camera attached to a long, thin tube is guided into the body through a natural opening so doctors can see and diagnose conditions of the bladder, ureter and kidneys
• Cystoscopy – An endoscopic procedure is used to view the bladder and urethra, which is the tube that carries urine away from the bladder
• Laparoscopy – A needle or tube is inserted through a small cut just below the below the belly button; surgeons can then use a tiny camera (laparoscope) to see inside the abdomen or pelvis, or use tiny tools to perform surgery