Pediatric Urological Conditions Treated in (SSMC)
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) is a renowned healthcare institution specializing in advanced pediatric surgical and urological care. Among the most common conditions managed by the Division of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology are
posterior urethral valves (PUV),
ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, and
vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Let’s delve into these conditions, their implications, and the specialized care provided at SSMC.
Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV)
What Are Posterior Urethral Valves?
Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are abnormal folds of tissue in the urethra that can block the flow of urine from the bladder. This condition is a rare congenital anomaly that predominantly affects male infants and can lead to significant complications if left untreated.
Symptoms of PUV
- Difficulty urinating
- Poor urinary stream
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Swelling in the abdomen due to bladder distension
PUV Treatment at SSMC
The expert pediatric urologists at SSMC provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for PUV. The treatment typically includes minimally invasive procedures such as valve ablation using endoscopic techniques, ensuring the best outcomes with minimal discomfort for young patients.
Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) Obstruction
What Is UPJ Obstruction?
UPJ obstruction occurs when there is a blockage at the junction where the ureter connects to the kidney, impairing the drainage of urine. This condition can lead to hydronephrosis, which is the swelling of the kidney due to urine buildup.
Symptoms of UPJ Obstruction
- Pain in the abdomen or flank (often after drinking fluids)
- Recurrent UTIs
- Nausea or vomiting
- Visible swelling in the kidney (detected through imaging)
UPJ Obstruction Treatment at SSMC
At SSMC, pediatric urologists perform precise diagnostic imaging such as ultrasounds and MAG3 scans to confirm UPJ obstruction. Surgical interventions, including minimally invasive pyeloplasty, are carried out to relieve the obstruction and restore normal urine flow.
Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
What Is Vesicoureteral Reflux?
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition where urine flows backward from the bladder to the ureters or kidneys. This reflux increases the risk of UTIs and, if untreated, can lead to kidney damage over time.
Symptoms of VUR
- Frequent UTIs
- Fever and chills
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Bedwetting (in older children)
VUR Treatment at SSMC
The Division of Pediatric Urology at SSMC employs a tailored approach to treating VUR, depending on the severity of the condition. Non-surgical treatments may include antibiotics to prevent infections. For severe cases, advanced surgical techniques such as ureteral reimplantation or endoscopic correction with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid gel (Deflux) are utilized.
Why Choose SSMC for Pediatric Urological Care?
- Multidisciplinary Expertise: Collaboration between pediatric surgeons, nephrologists, and urologists ensures comprehensive care.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Advanced diagnostic tools and minimally invasive surgical techniques minimize patient recovery time.
- Family-Centered Care: The team provides compassionate support, educating families about their child’s condition and treatment options.
Contact Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)
If your child exhibits symptoms of PUV, UPJ obstruction, or VUR, the pediatric specialists at SSMC are here to provide expert care. Book an appointment today to ensure your child receives the best treatment tailored to their unique needs.
Why choose SSMC?
The Division of Paediatric Surgery & Paediatric Urology at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, hosts a multidisciplinary team comprising American and British board-certified surgeons equipped with the expertise to treat and manage a broad spectrum of paediatric surgical and urological conditions. State-of-the-art paediatric operating rooms, alongside advanced minimally invasive suites, provide the perfect atmosphere for optimal surgical care of our paediatric and neonatal patients. They are equipped with highly advanced, high-definition imaging technology, advanced image capture and routing capabilities in an ergonomically efficient environment. SSMC offers one of the region’s most advanced Neonatal & Paediatric Intensive Care units, with a highly qualified team of health professionals capable of providing premium quality care. Our paediatrics surgeons provide a range of surgical and urological services using minimally invasive approaches, including:
- General paediatric surgery
- Hepatobiliary paediatric surgery
- Pancreatic surgery
- Hernia repair
- Paediatric thoracic surgery, including video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)
- Neonatal surgery
- Paediatric urology
- Diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies (procedure to view the body internally)
- Diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopies (inspection of the lungs and air passages)
- Paediatric vascular access
- Appendectomy (removal of the appendix)
- Fundoplication (surgery to treat stomach acid reflux)
- Ureteric reimplantation (surgery of the ureters)
- Lung resections (partial or full removal of the lung)
- Pyeloplasty (surgical reconstruction of the kidney)
- Endourology (inspection and surgery of the urinary tract)
As we continue to strive to provide the best of care to our patients, our paediatric surgical team works closely in a multidisciplinary approach with other divisions, including Paediatrics, Neonatology, Radiology, and other relevant departments, to provide nationally and regionally renowned care in the management of complex paediatrics surgical conditions.
