Children may experience urinary or genital problems that require specialized medical intervention. Some conditions are simple and can be treated by a pediatrician, but others need a pediatric urology surgeon to ensure accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
In this article, we review the most common urinary and genital disorders in children, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Pediatric urology surgery is a highly specialized branch of pediatric surgery focused on diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating congenital and acquired disorders of the urinary and genital systems in children and adolescents.
Statistics indicate that urinary tract diseases in children account for 10% to 20% of all urological conditions, and approximately 75% of pediatric surgeries are urological, highlighting the importance of having an expert team and advanced techniques for optimal outcomes.
Children may suffer from urinary or genital issues, some requiring immediate medical attention or even surgery. Parents should pay attention to symptoms, especially in infants who cannot express pain.
The first step is usually visiting a pediatrician, but in complex cases or those unresponsive to treatment, the doctor may refer you to a pediatric urology specialist for a more accurate evaluation and tailored treatment plan.
Symptoms That Require a Pediatric Urology Consultation
Swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum
Pain or difficulty during urination
Persistent bedwetting after age five
Recurrent urinary tract infections, especially with fever
Blood in urine
Delayed testicular descent or abnormal genital appearance
Common Urinary and Genital Problems in Children
Children may face various urinary tract and genital issues affecting normal urination or genital development. These problems fall into two main categories: urinary system disorders and genital system disorders.
Urinary System Disorders in Children
Congenital Urinary Tract Anomalies
Hydronephrosis (Kidney Swelling):
A dilation of the kidney’s collecting system due to urine buildup, often caused by obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction, affecting kidney function.
Ureteral Dilatation:
Usually results from congenital narrowing at the ureter-bladder junction or severe vesicoureteral reflux.
Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
A condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys instead of exiting normally, due to a malfunctioning one-way valve.
Common Symptoms of VUR:
High fever
Pain or burning during urination
Foul-smelling urine or blood in urine
Abdominal or flank pain
This condition increases the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections and may lead to kidney damage or failure if untreated.
Treatment for VUR:
Mild cases: Monitoring and follow-up
Severe cases: Surgical intervention to repair the valve between bladder and ureter
Kidney and Bladder Stones
Although rare in children, stones can occur due to dehydration or genetic factors, causing severe pain and difficulty urinating, sometimes requiring surgery.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Bacterial infections affecting the bladder or kidneys, presenting with fever and painful urination. Treatment may involve antibiotics or surgery if an underlying structural issue exists.
Common Genital System Disorders in Children
Hydrocele
A fluid-filled swelling in the scrotum due to incomplete closure of the abdominal-scrotal connection. Surgical correction is often required.
Undescended Testes (Cryptorchidism)
Undescended Testes occurs because of the Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum. If not corrected by 6–18 months, surgery is recommended to prevent infertility or cancer risk.
Hypospadias
A common congenital anomaly in boys where the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis instead of the tip, often accompanied by penile curvature and abnormal foreskin.
Treatment for Hypospadias:
Surgical repair between 6–12 months to reposition the urethral opening and correct curvature.
Pediatric Urology Surgery at Al Mouwasat Hospital
Al Mouwasat Hospital is among the leading centers for pediatric urology surgery, offering comprehensive care for complex and critical cases according to international standards. Our services include:
Repair of congenital urinary and genital anomalies
Hypospadias correction
Vesicoureteral reflux treatment
Kidney and bladder stone removal
Management of bladder disorders and incontinence
Why Choose Al Mouwasat Hospital for Pediatric Surgery?
Our Pediatric Surgery Department provides integrated surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on the highest safety and quality standards. Key features include:
Board-certified pediatric surgeons for optimal outcomes
Advanced minimally invasive techniques to reduce pain and speed recovery
Child-specific anesthesia protocols for maximum safety
Child-friendly environment with psychological support programs
Postoperative care in dedicated PICU and NICU units
Therapeutic nutrition plans to promote recovery and healthy growth
Choosing Al Mouwasat Hospital means ensuring your child receives specialized, safe, and efficient care, making us the ideal destination for pediatric urology surgeries in the Kingdom
In a remarkable medical achievement, the team at Al Mouwasat Hospital – Dammam successfully saved the life of a newborn suffering from a left-sided diaphragmatic hernia, a rare and critical condition. In this case, the intestines and spleen had migrated into the chest cavity, causing severe compression of the left lung and significantly reducing its size—posing an immediate threat to the baby’s life.
Swift and Professional Intervention
The newborn was admitted as an emergency case and managed with the highest level of professionalism under the supervision of Dr. Weam Al Sidawi – Consultant Neonatologist. Urgent diagnostic tests were performed, and the baby’s condition was stabilized in preparation for surgery.
On the following day, a successful surgical procedure was carried out by Dr. Mohamed Al Jalouli – Consultant Pediatric Surgeon, in full coordination between the pediatric surgery team and the neonatology team to ensure optimal outcomes.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Remarkably,in The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the baby was weaned off mechanical ventilation within just two days and gradually started oral feeding without complications. After ten days of hospitalization, the newborn was discharged in stable condition.
This case represents one of the highest-risk neonatal conditions, requiring advanced expertise and a fully integrated medical team to save lives under the most delicate circumstances. It reflects the exceptional competence of the medical staff at Al Mouwasat Hospital – Dammam and their commitment to delivering world-class care according to the highest international standards.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Al Mouwasat Hospital – Dammam has achieved remarkable medical success by managing a rare and complex case of a newborn diagnosed prenatally with a large abdominal mass. The case was handled under the supervision of Dr. Weam Al Sidawi – Consultant Neonatologist, through a multidisciplinary approach involving neonatology, pediatric surgery, and obstetrics teams to ensure accurate planning and family reassurance.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Postnatal Challenges
Fetal MRI revealed a massive abdominal mass on the right side, requiring comprehensive postnatal evaluation to rule out associated anomalies. Immediately after birth, the baby suffered from severe respiratory distress, significant abdominal distension, and inability to tolerate feeding or discontinue oxygen support.
Advanced Diagnostic Evaluation
Ultrasound scans confirmed bilateral hydronephrosis, more pronounced on the right side. A VCUG test, performed under the supervision of Dr. Mohamed Al Jalouli – Consultant Pediatric Surgeon, ruled out posterior urethral valve obstruction. Kidney function and urine output were within normal limits.
Further MRI imaging revealed a multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) on the right side measuring an extraordinary 11 cm, along with an additional cyst on the left side measuring 4.5 cm. Such an unusually large size is extremely rare and often requires surgical removal due to pressure on adjacent organs.
Minimally Invasive Intervention
After thorough discussion among the multidisciplinary team and consultation with the family, the decision was made to perform ultrasound-guided cyst drainage under general anesthesia, with readiness for nephrostomy tube placement if required.
The procedure, expertly carried out by Dr. Ahmed Taher – Consultant Interventional Radiologist, was completed with exceptional precision and without complications. The intervention immediately relieved intra-abdominal pressure, resulting in significant improvement in the baby’s condition and stabilization of vital signs—without the need for kidney removal at this stage.
This case demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis, multidisciplinary collaboration, and advanced interventional techniques in saving the lives of newborns with critical conditions. It reflects the high level of care and medical excellence provided by the teams at Al Mouwasat Hospital – Dammam, in line with international standards.
