Pediatric urologists are surgeons who can diagnose, treat, and manage children’s urinary and genital problems.
If your child has an illness or disease of the genitals or urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder), a pediatric urologist has the experience and qualifications to treat your child.
What kind of training do pediatric urologists have?
at least 4 years of medical school
one to 2 years of surgical residency
at least 4 additional years of residency training in general urology
one to 3 years of additional fellowship training in pediatric urology
A pediatric urologist must devote a minimum of 75% of his or her practice to the urologic problems of infants, children, and adolescents.
The American Board of Urology has identified urologists that meet these criteria with a certification of added qualification in Pediatric Urology.
What types of treatments do pediatric urologists provide?
Evaluation and management of voiding disorders, vesicoureteral reflux, and urinary tract infections that require surgery
Surgical reconstruction of the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, and bladder) including genital abnormalities, hypospadias, and disorders of sex development
Surgery for groin conditions in childhood and adolescence (undescended testes, hydrocele/hernia, varicocele).
Evaluation and surgical management of kidney stone disease
Surgical management of tumors and malignancies of the kidney, bladder, and testis
Evaluation and management of urological tract problems identified before birth
Evaluation and management of urinary tract problems associated with neurological conditions such as spina bifida.
Where to find a pediatric urologist:
Today, pediatric urologists can be found in almost every state and in virtually all of the major cities in the United States.
Why a pediatric urologist:
Children are not just small adults. They cannot always say what is bothering them. They cannot always answer medical questions, and are not always able to be patient and cooperative during a medical examination.
Pediatric urologists are trained to focus care on the special needs of children and their parents – even on potentially sensitive and embarrassing subjects related to genitalia and voiding problems. They know how to examine and treat children in a way that makes them relaxed and cooperative. In addition, pediatric urologists often use equipment specially designed for children. This helps create a comfortable and non-threatening environment for your child.
If your pediatrician suggests that your child see a pediatric urologist, you can be assured that he or she has the widest range of treatment options, the most extensive and comprehensive training, and the greatest expertise in dealing with children and in treating children’s urinary tract disorders.
Additional Information: