Pediatric Urology

For compassionate, age-appropriate urological care, come to UNM Children’s Hospital. Our board-certified pediatric urologists are experts in care related to the bladder, genitals and urinary tract. We treat children from birth up to the age of 21.

Specialized Care for a Wide Range of Conditions

Urology conditions can sometimes affect other parts of the body. Our team works closely with many other specialists such as kidney doctors, digestive system doctors, dieticians, psychologists and physical therapists. This team-approach ensures we’re providing a comprehensive treatment plan for your child.

Conditions We Treat

  • Bedwetting
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Disorders of sex development
  • Genital abnormalities
  • Genital pain or inflammation
  • Genitourinary cancers
  • Hernias
  • Kidney stones
  • Overactive bladder
  • Prune belly syndrome
  • Undescended testicles
  • Urinary tract infection

Personalized Treatment Plans

Your child’s first appointment will include an exam by a board-certified urologist. The doctor might need to schedule imaging tests or other diagnostic procedures. Our team then puts together a personalized treatment plan that could include medications and if necessary, surgery.

Procedures we perform include:

  • Nephrectomy to remove a damaged or diseased kidney
  • Orchiopexy to move an undescended testicle
  • Partial nephrectomy to remove diseased tissue from the kidney
  • Percutaneous kidney stone removal to remove a hard, painful mass
  • Pyeloplasty to relieve a blockage between the kidney and ureter (the duct connecting the kidney and bladder)
  • Ureteral reimplantation to move a ureter that doesn't properly connect to the bladder
  • Varicocelectomy to treat male infertility

Minimally Invasive Approaches

Whenever possible, our care team will use a minimally invasive technique. These are techniques that reduce pain, scarring and recovery time. Common minimally invasive techniques include:

  • Endoscopy which guides a tiny camera attached to a thin tube into the urinary tract so surgeons can see inside to diagnose or treat a condition without making large incisions.
  • Laparoscopy requires inserting a tiny camera and miniature surgical tools into the abdomen through small incisions.
  • Robot-assisted surgery uses robotic arms that can bend and rotate further and is more precise and steadier than human hands.