Pediatric Urologist

A pediatric urologist is surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect an infant’s or child’s urinary system and genitals (genitourinary tract). Another name for a pediatric urologist is a children’s urologist.

Why would a child need to see one?

Some conditions that pediatric urologists may treat in an infant, child or teenager include:

• Abnormalities that are present before or at birth, like kidney swelling or hypospadias
• Penis abnormalities
• Kidney stones
• Bladder dysfunction
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Undescended testicles
• Swollen testicles
• Inguinal hernias
• Vaginal irregularities
• Kidney, bladder and testicular cancer
• Blood in pee
• Urinary accidents, including bedwetting and daytime leakage

What does a pediatric urologist do?

During an appointment, they’ll review your child’s health history and ask about any symptoms. They’ll also perform a physical exam. They may recommend other tests to help them make a diagnosis. These may include:

• Imaging tests, including X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs or CT scans, to get a detailed look at your child’s urinary system and surrounding areas
• Pee (urine) tests to look for signs of infection, kidney disease and other conditions
• Urodynamic testing to measure how your child’s bladder can hold and release pee

Once they determine what’s causing your child’s symptoms, they’ll recommend a treatment plan. Treatment may include close follow-up appointments with specific therapy, medications, surgery or a combination of these. Pediatric urologists do many surgeries, including:

• Laparoscopic/robotic surgery
• Bladder and kidney scoping procedures
• Laser surgery or shockwave therapy for kidney stones
• Reconstructive surgery for the urinary system or genitals
• Surgery for cancer

Where do they work?

Pediatric urologists may treat children in:

• Hospitals
• Health centers
• Surgery centers
• Outpatient centers
• Office buildings

Do I need a referral to see one?

Yes. Your child’s pediatrician or primary care physician can treat some urinary system issues. But some symptoms and conditions are beyond their expertise. In these cases, they’ll refer your child to a pediatric urologist for more specialized care.

What training does a pediatric urologist receive?

Pediatric urologists in the U.S. must complete:

• Four years of college
• Four years of medical school
• Five or more years of urology residency training, which is specialized training to become a urologist
• Two or more years of a fellowship, which is additional training specifically for pediatric urology
• Board certification from the American Board of Urology as a general urologist
• A separate board certification for specialization as a pediatric urologist

What is the difference between a pediatric urologist and a urologist?

Urologists treat adults, while pediatric urologists complete extra training to treat children of all ages. Your urinary system and genitals change a lot as you age. Pediatric urologists have specialized experience to care for developmental abnormalities, small organs and young patients.

Pediatric urologists often have more expertise in conditions that are present at birth. They also know how to communicate with kids in a way that’s supportive and easy to understand. This helps kids feel comfortable talking about potentially embarrassing topics, like peeing and their genitals.

Pediatric urologists often work with other children’s specialists to make sure your child is getting the best care possible. These can include:

• Other pediatric surgeons
• Specialists
• Anesthesiologists
• Specially trained pediatric nurses
• Child life experts