What Does A Pediatric Urologist Do?
Pediatric urology conditions range from routine to complex. Your child鈥檚 pediatrician or family care provider can treat many minor urology issues such as urinary tract infections without fevers, adhesions of the foreskin or labia/vagina, or circumcisions for newborn boys.
You should see a pediatric urologist for ongoing, urgent, and non-routine urology issues involving your child's kidneys, ureters (urine ducts), bladder, urethra, testicles, and genitalia. Some of the common conditions that a pediatric urologist can treat include:
- Undescended testicles
- Hernias (bulging in the groin or scrotum)
- Hydroceles (swelling around a testicle)
- Varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
- Vesicoureteral reflux (reflux of urine from the bladder back into the kidneys)
- Hypospadias (abnormal development of the opening of the urethra in boys)
- Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (blockage of the kidney outflow)
- Neurologic disorders of the bladder
- Recurrent pyelonephritis (urinary tract infections with high fevers)
- Kidney or bladder stones
- Hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidneys, often noticed before the baby is born)
Pediatric Urologists Near You
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Some urologic conditions are uncomfortable, but most do not require immediate specialist intervention. You can schedule an urgent appointment if your child experiences the following symptoms:
- Mass in the testicle.
- Development of a hernia that is painful or gets 鈥渟tuck,鈥 but can be pushed back inside the body.
When to Seek Emergency Care for Your Child
Our physicians are on call to treat emergency urology cases. Please visit an emergency room immediately if your child shows any of these symptoms:
- Sudden testicular pain or swelling, especially if it is accompanied by vomiting or a change in testicular position.
- Development of a hernia that cannot be pushed back inside the body.
What to Expect at a Pediatric Urology Appointment
We do our best to provide a comfortable, relaxed environment for your child. Our medical assistants, nurses, and doctors use appropriate names for body parts and explain procedures in simple language to help children and caregivers feel at ease.
Front Desk Check-In
Our clinic is proud to run on time. Please arrive 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time to complete necessary paperwork so that we can dedicate as much time as possible to your visit.
Vital Signs, Height, and Weight Assessment
One of our skilled medical assistants will take your child鈥檚 blood pressure and measure their height and weight. 星空传媒y children come in all shapes and sizes, but some medications are administered based on these measurements, so it鈥檚 important to gather this information at each visit.
Medical History Discussion with the Medical Assistant
Our medical assistants are trained to gather information about your child鈥檚 complete medical history, including problems that may seem unrelated or may run in your family. This ensures we can provide the most comprehensive care.
Meet With Your Specialist
Each visit allows time for you, your child, and your surgical specialist to consult as a team. Your doctor is here to listen to your concerns and gather all of the information they need to provide excellent care.
Physical Examination
Your specialist will conduct a physical examination on your child to thoroughly evaluate their condition and provide informed care. Our surgeons are qualified to perform an examination focused mainly on the problem area. Most examinations include:
- Pressing on your child鈥檚 belly and back to check for abdominal pain or back pain.
- Examining your child鈥檚 genital area.
- Examining the area immediately above the buttocks to check the spine.
Discuss Recommendations With Your Specialist
Your specialist will provide information regarding your child鈥檚 diagnosis, and answer any questions you may have. If surgery is recommended, our specialist will discuss why they are recommending surgery, along with the risks of surgery, expectations for the day of surgery, and any possible alternatives. At the end of the appointment you will have a plan of action in place for your next steps.
Next Steps
Your specialist may recommend additional tests or imaging studies depending on your child鈥檚 condition. This may include:
- Ultrasound of the kidneys and/or bladder to ensure there is not a blockage.
- X-ray imaging of the internal urinary tract to ensure that there is not a blockage of urine outflow or reflux of urine back into the kidneys.
- Low-dose radiation imaging of the kidneys to ensure they are functioning well
- Testing to measure the speed of the urine stream, the amount of urine in the bladder after using the bathroom, or the pressures inside the bladder.
- A visit with our specialized nurse practitioners to learn strategies for improving your child鈥檚 urination.
Schedule an Appointment
Our clinic welcomes new patients. You may want to consult with your child鈥檚 pediatrician to determine whether or not to seek specialty care, but a referral is not required. Call 801-213鈥2700.