TREATMENT OF PAEDIATRIC UROLOGICAL CONDITIONS



 
 
 

Paediatric urology is a branch of paediatrics that focuses on diseases or conditions of the urinary tract of children.

 

 

Paediatric urological conditions and procedures can include:

  • Urinary tract infections, when bacteria get into the urine, travel up the urethra into the bladder. When this happens, the bacteria multiply and cause infection. This can be treated with antibiotics.
  • Vesicoureteral reflux is when urine flows backwards from the bladder up the ureters to the kidneys. This can be diagnosed using an MCUG (Micturating Cystourethrogram). This is a special type of X-ray test that looks inside a child's body while he or she is passing urine.
  • Fluid hernia and scrotal swelling and pain or Hydrocele
    A hydrocele is a fluid-like sac that can form around a boy's testicle and cause swelling in his scrotum. A Hydrocelectomy is the surgical removal of the Hydrocele.
  • Undescended testes will be managed with an orchidopexy. This is surgery to move the testicle that has not descended down to its proper place in the scrotum and fix it there.
  • Circumcision is the surgical resection of the foreskin of the penis. The foreskin is the piece of skin that, when gently pulled back, uncovers the head of the penis. In healthy newborns, there is no urgent need for circumcision. However, families may decide to have their sons circumcised for religious, traditional or personal reasons. Additionally, older children and adults may need circumcision to resolve certain medical conditions. Circumcision is medically indicated to treat a narrow (phimosis) or inflamed (posthitis) foreskin. Anaesthesia is always used for children, but it can be done under general or local anaesthesia for adults.

  • Enuresis or bedwetting (nocturnal or daytime wetting) is the unintentional release of urine, and many factors may be involved. First, history and detailed physical exam and urine tests will exclude a medical problem like an infection. Then several behavioural approaches can be used for treatment.
  • Hypospadias repair is surgery to correct the opening of the penis where the meatus or hole is under the penis instead of at its tip. Hypospadias surgery aims to straighten the child's penis and create a urinary opening that ends at the penis tip. Surgery is done in four steps: first, straightening the penis, creating a urinary channel, repositioning the meatus at the penis entrance, and rebuilding the foreskin.
  • Testicular torsion is also known as a twisted testicle. When a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord that brings blood to the scrotum occurs. Immediate, severe pain and swelling in the testicle are symptoms that require immediate medical attention. The treatment of testicular torsion consists of surgery. The testicle can often be saved, whereas a long delay may affect the child's fertility.