Pediatric Urology in Norman, Oklahoma (OK)
Pediatric urologists specialize in treating urological conditions of
the bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs in infants and
children. By definition, many pediatric urological issues are
congenital, and involve the development of the urinary and reproductive
systems.
Pediatric urologists treat a wide range of pediatric and congenital conditions, including hypospadias, prune belly syndrome, undescended testes, posterior urethra valve, non-neurogenic-voiding-dysfunction, and even childhood bedwetting.
Surgical Treatments for Bladder Exstophy-Epispadias and Cloacal Exstrophy
Bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex and cloacal exstrophy is a group of related developmental disorders that affects a child’s bladder, urethra, and intestines. Sometimes, this complex can affect a newborn’s genitals, pelvis and abdominal structure.Treatment for these conditions involves reconstructive surgery, which can be done all at once (total reconstruction) or in stages (staged reconstruction).
This complex includes a number of related developmental conditions. Exstrophy is a developmental disorder which affects the bladder and urethra. Corrective surgery will attempt to close the bladder, pelvis and/or urethra, and possibly rebuild the bladder to enable the child to hold and void urine (continence).
Exstrophy is referred to as Epispadias when the genitals are affected. In boys with epispadias, the opening of the urethra is not located on the tip of the penis, but rather on the upper surface of the penis. Espispadias is one of the most common congenital conditions in boys, and a pediatric urologist can surgically reconstruct the genitals to allow for proper sexual function and cosmetic appearance. Hypospadias is a similar condition where the opening of the urethra is located on the underside of the penis. Very rarely, girls exhibit exstrophy when the urethral opening appears on the wall of the vagina or as a tear in the urethra.
Cloacal exstrophy is a development disorder that affects the intestines and sometimes the spinal cord. Extensive surgery may be required to separate the intestines from the urinary and genital tracts, to restore bowel function, to close the bladder, and to repair the genitals.
exstrophy/epispadias complex
Other Urological Conditions Affecting Children
Pediatric urologists treat a wide range of urological issues in children and infants. Following is a sample of a few disorders pediatric urologists treat:Prune Belly Syndrome (Eagle-Barrett syndrome) is a group of birth defects most commonly identified by the stomach appearing wrinkled (like a prune). This group of birth defects can include underdeveloped abdominal muscles (creating a prune-like appearance), an enlarged bladder or other urinary tract abnormalities.
Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) is one well known condition which falls under the heading of Eagle-Barrett Syndrome. Undescended testicles occur when a male infant’s testicles don’t drop out of the abdomen and into the scrotum before birth. Sometimes doctors will employ watchful waiting (waiting with careful monitoring) to see if the condition corrects itself over time. If the condition does not correct itself, surgery or medicine therapy can correct the position of the testicles.
Posterior urethra valve (PUV) is a congenital disorder where the urethra becomes overdeveloped and forms a flap that obstructs the child’s ability to void urine. A pediatric urologist will be concerned with alleviating pressure on the urinary tract through the use of catheters (flexible tubes for removing bodily fluids), shunts (diverting the flow of fluid), or correcting the defect through surgery.
Bedwetting and loss of urine control in children
There are many reasons why a child may experience loss of urine control, either during the day or at night. Childhood bedwetting (enuresis) can be addressed through behavior modification, fluid management (not drinking too much before bed) and just by giving the child time to mature. Sometimes, problems with urination can stem from a more severe problem. Your urologist can help diagnose and treat a more serious problem, such as non-neurogenic-voiding-dysfunction (not related to neurological disease). Many child urological problems can be treated with behavioral therapies, medicines, or in more severe conditions, surgery.If your infant or child is experiencing a urological problem, talk to a qualified pediatric urologist. A pediatric urologist can help your child regain normal urological function.
About Clifton L. Whitesell, MD
Dr. Whitesell is a board certified urologist committed to the detection, treatment and prevention of urological diseases. Through the use of the latest diagnostic testing and up-to-date treatment techniques, he can effectively identify and treat such conditions as urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, infertility, kidney stones and prostate cancer.
Featured Specialist for Pediatric Urology in Norman, OK
Call Now: (405) 334-5582 500 East Robinson StreetSuite 1300Norman, OK 73071
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