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Pediatric Urology

UTMB Health has set the standard for excellence in urologic care

Pediatric Urology

If your child needs urologic care, world-class services are nearby and quickly available at UTMB Health. We diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, urethra or genital tract.

UTMB Health has expanded services and offers a complete range of pediatric surgical specialties from two hospital locations, in Galveston and the Clear Lake area (near NASA). Both locations have specialized children’s inpatient areas and pediatric-focused physicians and hospital staff. The Clear Lake campus also features a pediatric emergency room, in addition to the Level 1 trauma center in Galveston.

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  Conditions We Treat

Conditions / Procedures

  • Bedwetting (Nocturnal enuresis)

    Overview:

    Children who leak urine when most of their classmates are dry may have a bladder control problem. Both daytime wetting and bedwetting are common—and tend to fade away as children mature. In some cases, health conditions can lead to wetting.

  • Bladder Infection (UTI) in Children

    Overview:

    A bladder infection is an illness that is usually caused by bacteria. Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children. A UTI can develop in any part of your child’s urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys.

  • Hydronephrosis in Newborns

    Overview:

    Hydronephrosis in newborns is enlargement, or dilation, of the renal pelvis—the basin in the central part of the kidney where urine collects. Hydronephrosis can occur in one or both kidneys. This condition is often diagnosed before birth during a prenatal ultrasound.

    Symptoms may include:

    Newborns with hydronephrosis often do not show signs. In some newborns, the abdomen may be swollen due to severe blockage of the urinary tract. In other cases, newborns with hydronephrosis may develop a urinary tract infection, which may cause signs or symptoms.

  • Kidney Stones in Children

    Overview:

    A kidney stone is a solid, pebble-like piece of material that can form in a child’s kidney when minerals in the urine are too high. Kidney stones rarely cause permanent damage if treated by a health care professional.

    Symptoms may include:

    • sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin
    • may have blood in the urine
    • A small kidney stone that easily passes through the urinary tract may cause no symptoms at all.

    Treatment/Procedure Options:

    Extra fluids may help a child’s kidney stone pass. When there’s strong pain or a larger stone, health care professionals may remove the kidney stone or break it into pieces. Children may be able to prevent stones by drinking enough water, eating differently, or taking medicine.

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What is a Family Physician?

Family physicians deliver a range of acute, chronic and preventive medical care services. In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, they also provide preventive care, including routine checkups, health-risk assessments, immunization and more.