Angie's LIST Guide to
Pediatric urology

Diagnosis and treatment may also involve surgery to reconstruct portions of the urinary tract and correct genital abnormalities. Medical procedures done by pediatric urologists to treat genitourinary tract disorders include ultrasound, urinalysis, urethral catheterization and circumcision procedures for newborns.

Your doctor may arrange for a commonly used diagnostic test known as a cystoscopy, a medical procedure that involves closely examining the interior of the bladder and urethra. The test can help the doctor identify what's causing the underlying symptoms experienced by your child.

A special instrument called a cystoscope is a thin, lighted tool that the doctor inserts through the urethra into the bladder. The doctor can examine the inside of the bladder as well as remove small growths and bladder stones that may be present. The specialist performs this procedure to help diagnose both bladder and urinary tract conditions and diseases. Cystoscopy can be performed in a hospital or as an outpatient procedure. Local or general anesthesia is used depending on your situation and underlying diagnosis. A patient must take important preparatory steps prior to having a cystoscopy, so make sure that the pediatric urologist thoroughly explains what your child needs to do prior to the procedure to avoid any potential complications and reduce any anxiety.