pediatrician holding little baby

Pediatric Urology

Whether your child needs help with a common issue like a urinary tract infection or a complex condition, our pediatric urology team is here with the experience and technology to help.

We offer some of the most specialized care in the country, including pediatric OB/GYN, minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery, a nationally recognized Spina Bifida Clinic and a dedicated Differences in Sexual Development (DSD) Clinic. With multiple specialists working together, your child receives personalized, coordinated care.

What is pediatric urology?

Pediatric urology focuses on diagnosing and treating urological and genital conditions in children, from infancy through young adulthood. Pediatric urologists have additional training in treating children beyond that of urologists that treat adults. Our providers use kid-friendly approaches tailored to growing bodies, and can treat the kidneys, bladder, urethra and reproductive organs.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you visit OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois pediatric urology, our goal is to make you and your child feel as comfortable and informed as possible. Whether it’s your first visit or a follow-up, our team takes time to listen, answer questions and create a care plan that fits your child’s unique needs.

During your appointment, you can expect:

  • A thorough review of your child’s medical history
  • A physical exam focused on urinary or genital health
  • Discussion of symptoms, diagnosis and next steps
  • Additional testing if needed

For certain conditions, your visit may also include consultations with other specialists. Our multidisciplinary clinics, such as the Spina Bifida Clinic or DSD Clinic, give your child access to coordinated care all in one place.

You’ll leave your visit with a clear plan and a team who is here to support you and your child every step of the way. If questions or concerns come up after hours, you’ll have access to a team of expert providers who are on call for 24/7 support.

digital-tablet-collaboration-team-doctors-analyzing-2267533135.jpg

Meet Your Care Team

Your child will receive expert, compassionate care from a team who understands the unique needs of children. Our board-certified pediatric urologists, nurse practitioners and support staff at OSF Children’s Hospital work closely with families to create personalized care plans for everything from common concerns to complex conditions.

See Our Providers

Urological Conditions We Treat

Our pediatric urology team cares for children, teens and young adults with a wide range of urinary and genital conditions. Conditions we treat include:

  • Bladder exstrophy
  • Bladder stones
  • Buried penis
  • Chordee
  • Cloacal anomalies
  • Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
  • Differences in sexual development (DSD)
  • Duplicated kidney or collecting system
  • Ectopic ureter
  • Epididymitis/orchitis
  • Epispadias
  • Hematuria (blood in urine)
  • Hydrocele
  • Hydronephrosis
  • Hypospadias
  • Inguinal hernia
  • Kidney stones
  • Labial adhesions
  • Meatal stenosis
  • Megameatus
  • Megaureter
  • Micropenis
  • Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney (MCDK)
  • Neurogenic Bladder
  • Neurogenic bowel
  • Nocturnal enuresis (nighttime wetting)
  • Pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma
  • Penile adhesions/skin bridge
  • Posterior urethral valves (PUV)
  • Prune belly syndrome
  • Prenatal urinary tract conditions
  • Prostate tumors
  • Renal (kidney) stones
  • Renal failure
  • Renal tumors
  • Spina bifida
  • Testicular torsion
  • Undescended testicles
  • Ureteral duplications
  • Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction
  • Urethral prolapse
  • Urinary frequency/urgency
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Urogenital sinus
  • Varicocele
  • Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)
  • Voiding dysfunction

If your child has been diagnosed with any of these conditions or others and you’re seeking answers, our team is here to provide expert care and guidance.

Urological Services We Provide

We care for children with a wide range of urologic conditions and provide the full spectrum of diagnostic testing and treatment options to meet each child’s unique needs. Depending on your child’s condition, treatment may include medication, physical therapy, catheterization, surgery or a combination of these approaches.

Our pediatric urologists are specially trained to manage even the most complex cases. They work closely with experts in endocrinology, gynecology, oncology, nephrology and maternal-fetal medicine to ensure your child receives coordinated, comprehensive care.

Specialized Clinics in Children’s Urology

Our pediatric urology clinics bring together experts from multiple specialties to provide comprehensive treatment tailored to your child's unique needs.

Why Choose Us for Your Child’s Care

Choosing the right care for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. our pediatric urology team combines advanced treatments, rigorous quality standards and family-centered services to provide the best care experience for your child and your family.

Advanced Robotic Surgery

When surgery is needed, your child benefits from the latest technology with our da Vinci Surgical System. This advanced, minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery technique offers enhanced 3D visualization, allowing for greater precision, smaller incisions, less pain and a faster recovery. This helps your child heal and get back to being a kid sooner.

Committed to Safer Surgeries with Quality Tracking

We participate in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for Pediatrics (ACS NSQIP-P), a national effort to track and improve surgical outcomes. By using this data, we continually evaluate and enhance our care, so your child benefits from the highest standards of safety and quality.

Compassionate Child Life Services

Our child life specialists provide emotional support for your child and help them understand what to expect. They use age-appropriate techniques to reduce any fear and anxiety your child may have during urology procedures. Whether it’s through play, education or distraction, child life is here to make your family’s experience as comfortable as possible.

Explore the Services

Expert Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consultations

When a concern about your baby’s kidneys, bladder or urinary tract is detected before birth, our pediatric urology team partners closely with maternal-fetal medicine specialists to provide prenatal consultations.

Learn about Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Take a Tour

Help your child feel more comfortable with a tour of our facility before surgery. This experience helps your child become familiar with the environment and better understand what to expect on the day of their procedure.

Watch a Virtual Tour

father and son playing doctor

Pediatric Urology Patient Education

Whether you’re looking for guidance on a specific procedure or just want to better understand what’s ahead, we’ve compiled some information to help you and your child feel more confident and informed.

Explore Pediatric Urology Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a urology appointment take?

Most urology appointments are brief, but some more complex issues may take between 30 and 60 minutes. The length can vary depending on your child’s condition and whether any tests or procedures are needed during the visit.

Is a urology exam uncomfortable?

Urology exams are usually not painful. Some parts of the exam may feel a little uncomfortable for your child, but our team is specially trained to work with children. We take time to explain what’s happening and help your child feel safe and calm.

Do urologists treat kidneys?

Yes, pediatric urologists treat conditions that affect the structural and mechanical aspects of the kidneys, especially when they involve the urinary tract. This includes surgical interventions. If specialized kidney care is needed, our pediatric urology team can consult with our pediatric nephrology team.

Pediatric nephrologists are doctors who specialize in caring for kidney function. They are medical specialists that manage kidney related issues with medication and dialysis.

Do you need a referral for a urologist?

A referral from your primary care provider is not required, but is preferred for timely and appropriate scheduling. Also, some insurance companies require a referral for specialty care. If you're unsure, it's best to check with your insurance or contact our office for help.