Urology | Seattle Children's Hospital

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Urology

Overview

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Urology is the diagnosis and treatment of problems with the urinary tract and bladder - the organs involved in reproduction and in making and emptying urine. These organs make up the urogenital system. At Seattle Children's, we understand that problems with the urogenital system can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for your child. Our team is always careful to take your child's privacy, feelings and needs into account during testing and treatment.

We offer a wide range of treatments. These include training your child's senses (biofeedback) to help with bladder control and the latest robotic surgical techniques for flow problems (reflux). Our clinic is a world leader in the treatment of complex genital and bladder malformations. We lead and take part in research to learn more about serious urologic conditions in children. As a result, your child receives care that is both up-to-date and grounded in clinical experience.

Conditions We Treat


We see children with many conditions affecting the genitals, urinary tract and bladder, including:


Bedwetting

Many children wet the bed. Most outgrow bedwetting by the time they are about 7 years old. You may want to talk with your child's primary care doctor if your child is older and wets the bed more than once in a while. The doctor may check for signs of a urinary tract infection, diabetes or nerve problems. Daytime wetting refers to children who have wetting accidents after going through toilet training....read more

Daytime Incontinence

Daytime wetting refers to children who have wetting accidents after going through toilet training....Daytime Wetting(PDF), (Spanish)

Bladder Exstrophy 

Bladder exstrophy is a bladder that is not formed right. The bladder and genitals are split in half, turned inside out and sit outside the body....Bladder Exstrophy(PDF), (Spanish)(PDF)

Epispadias

Epispadias is a rare birth defect that involves the location of the opening of the tube that drains urine (urethra). The malformation varies from child to child. In boys with epispadias, the urethra opening usually is on the top or side of the penis rather than the tip. In girls, the opening is usually between the clitoris and the labia or in the belly.

Hypospadias

Hypospadias occurs when the opening of the penis is not at the very tip, but somewhere along the underside....read more (PDF)

Hydrocele

A hydrocele occurs when fluid collects in the tissue surrounding the testicles. Hydroceles may cause swelling in the scrotum around the testicle. Hydroceles usually cause no pain, but in some cases, surgery may be needed to correct the condition.

Hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis is when one or both kidneys get bigger because urine backs up or is blocked. The condition can make it more likely your child will get urinary tract infections. As a result, doctors sometimes prescribe low doses of antibiotics to prevent infection.

Intersex problems

The medical term "intersex" refers to a group of conditions that affect how the genitals form. In these conditions, a baby's genitals may not look typical of a boy or a girl. The baby's external genitals (penis or vagina) may not match with their internal genitals (testes or ovaries). This makes it difficult to determine the baby's sex.

Neurogenic bladder

Neurogenic bladder is a condition in which your child's bladder does not empty properly due to damage to part of their nervous system. Depending on the cause of the problem, your child may not be able to control urination (incontinence) or may have trouble emptying their bladder completely.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections are common in children. They occur when bacteria get into the urinary tract and infect the bladder, urethra, kidneys or the tubes that connect the bladder to the kidneys (ureters).Some signs of UTI are fever, pain when urinating or in the belly or pelvic area, nausea and vomiting, frequent urination and changes in the look or smell of urine....read more (PDF)

Undescended testes

When one or both testicles do not move down into the scrotum before a boy's birth, the condition is called undescended testes. Most undescended testes move down on their own by the time a baby is 9 months old. If they do not move by the time your child is 1 year old, he should be seen by a doctor with training in urogenital problems (urologist).

Vesicouretral reflux (VUR)

Vesicouretral reflux is a condition in which urine travels backward: from the bladder to the kidney instead of from the kidney to the bladder. Children with VUR are more likely to get kidney infections.

Voiding dysfunction

Voiding dysfunction is a medical term that means your child is not emptying their bladder normally. There are many voiding dysfunctions. For example, children may wait too long to urinate, urinate too often, dribble urine or have wetting accidents during the day or the night.

Services We Offer

Urodynamics studies (UDS)  

Urodynamics studies provide detailed information about pressure in your child's bladder while urine is being stored and emptied. The test helps doctors study many conditions, including neurogenic bladders, urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence. Our team is trained in helping children through urodynamics studies. We keep your child's feelings and physical comfort in mind before, during and after the test. (Spanish)...read more (PDF)

Urinary tract reconstruction

The urinary tract is made up of the organs that produce and get rid of urine, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. We provide treatment for children who are born with urinary tracts that have not formed properly or whose urinary tracts have been damaged by illness or injury.