Questions parents often ask
Who is a pediatric urologist, and how is this different from a urologist or a pediatric surgeon?
Pediatric urology is a subspecialty gained through separate training after a specialty in urology or pediatric surgery. An adult urologist mainly treats stones, prostate disease and tumors, while in children most conditions are congenital, surgery is done in infants and the child's growth must be taken into account. A pediatric surgeon operates on the whole body (abdomen, bowel, chest, injuries), and urology is only one part of that work. A pediatric urologist works only on the kidneys, urinary tract and genitals: performs complex reconstructive surgery for hypospadias and reflux, pyeloplasty, laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures and urodynamic studies, and follows the child into adolescence.
When should a child see a pediatric urologist?
Widening of the kidney found during pregnancy or after birth, an undescended testicle, swelling in the scrotum or groin, doubts about where the urethral opening is, a urinary tract infection with fever, wetting after age 5, problems with the foreskin and complaints after circumcision. Sudden testicular pain is an emergency.
How do I book an appointment?
Write on WhatsApp (+994 50 444 30 35) with the child's age and a short note on the problem. The appointment time will be chosen together. Appointments take place in Baku, at the Pediatric Urology Center (Badam Medical Center).
What should I bring to the appointment?
All previous ultrasound reports (with images if possible), urine and blood test results, other doctors' reports and a list of current medications. For wetting, a completed bladder diary is very helpful.
Does my child need to fast before the appointment?
A regular appointment does not require fasting. In fact, the child's bladder should be full for a kidney and bladder ultrasound, so it helps to drink water before coming.
Where is surgery performed?
Surgery is performed together with a pediatric anesthesiologist, in an operating room equipped for children. After most minor operations, the child goes home the same day.
What is the information on this site based on?
The articles are based on the European Association of Urology (EAU) clinical guidelines on pediatric urology, the recommendations of the European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU) and the medical literature. Sources are listed at the end of each page.
What is the best age for circumcision?
There is no single age that is best from a medical point of view. The main requirement is that the child is examined before circumcision: if there is hypospadias, a buried penis or curvature, the foreskin may be needed for the repair.
Is anesthesia dangerous for a child?
Modern pediatric anesthesia is very safe. Large studies have shown that a short, single anesthetic at a young age does not harm a child's development.