Pediatric Urology

We offer diagnostic testing and treatments for urologic conditions ranging from bedwetting and recurring urinary tract infections to complex urinary tract issues. We treat children from birth through young adulthood, and in some cases, we begin working with families before their baby is born, when urologic issues are identified on prenatal ultrasounds.

Children's care begins with an accurate diagnosis based on comprehensive anatomy, symptoms, and function assessments. We then speak with the parents or caregiver of each child about treatment options and the most appropriate option for the child. Our specialized services include:

Minimally invasive robotic surgery

Currently, we perform many urologic surgeries using minimally invasive techniques that require only a few small incisions rather than one large incision. Our surgeons are experts in robotic surgery in children, providing an enhanced view of the surgical area and better skill with surgical instruments. Minimally invasive surgical approaches are associated with less pain and blood loss, more minor scars, and a quicker return of children to regular activities, such as school and sports.

Evaluating and treating urinary tract infections

Children with recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) with a fever should be seen by a pediatric urologist to find out the reason for the infections. In children, particularly those under age 6, UTIs can cause kidney damage and require treatment to avoid complications. We provide all the care needed to diagnose the infection, treat it, and prevent it from happening again.

Testing for urination issues (urodynamics)

We offer specialized testing for urination issues, including tests to assess bladder filling and emptying, video imaging to look for abnormalities in the bladder and urethra, and real-time ultrasound. Based on the results, we may recommend treatments such as biofeedback, medication, injections, or surgery.

Pediatric kidney stone care

Kidney stones can be painful and debilitating. Our goal is to treat kidney stones as quickly and with as little discomfort as possible. We also provide education about how to reduce the chances of kidney stones developing again. Depending on the cause, type, and size of the stones, we offer nonsurgical and surgical treatments. Treatments we offer for kidney stones in children include lithotripsy (shock wave treatment), laser therapy, stone removal performed through a catheter, and minimally invasive surgery.

Complex urologic reconstructive surgery

Pediatric urologists perform complex reconstructive surgery for congenital (present at birth) issues, including abnormalities of the bladder and urethra. We also perform surgery when patients who have already had urologic surgery require a surgical repair.

Circumcision of newborns

Both NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley offer dedicated programs for the circumcision of newborns in the first months of life when the procedure could not have been performed shortly after birth, due to prematurity or other issues.

Prenatal assessment

It is often possible to see issues in the urinary system of a baby before birth on a prenatal ultrasound. The pediatric urology teams at the Children's Hospital of New York work closely with our prenatal, pediatric centers, and maternal-fetal medicine divisions to identify and assess abnormalities on prenatal scans and develop a plan of care for the baby. Our centers offer all the prenatal tests needed to diagnose urologic disorders, including ultrasound, voiding cystourethrography (a way to assess urine flow), nuclear renal (kidney) scans, and MRI.

Optimizing kidney transplantation

One in four children who need a kidney transplant or dialysis due to end-stage renal disease needs surgery to correct urologic issues. We work with the pediatric kidney transplant team, performing surgery before and after transplant to improve the kidney’s survival chances, reduce the risk of infections, and improve urinary function.