Kidney Conditions
At CHKD, our expert pediatric urologists treat many
pediatric kidney conditions, including hydronephrosis and multicystic
dysplastic kidneys.
Children’s kidneys filter out toxins from the blood, turning
them into urine that flows down tubes (ureters) to the bladder where urine is
stored until they go to the bathroom. Sometimes when children are developing
before birth, the kidneys, urethra or bladder can develop congenital kidney
conditions (kidney birth defects) that keep them from working normally.
If the ureter is blocked, urine may build up in the child’s
kidney in a condition called hydronephrosis. Hydronephrosis in infants is often
caused by a birth defect that blocks the ureter or allows urine to flow
backward from the bladder or kidney. Older children may develop hydronephrosis
if they have a kidney stone.
Sometimes hydronephrosis clears up on its own, but in other
cases your child may need surgery to help their kidney, ureter and bladder work
properly. At CHKD, we perform pediatric urology surgery to repair
hydronephrosis and improve your child’s kidney health.
Another kidney birth defect, called multicystic dysplastic kidney,
happens when one kidney does not form correctly. In most cases, the other
healthy kidney can function normally and do all the work necessary to keep the
child well. Though multicystic dysplastic kidneys have no symptoms, they can be
diagnosed during an ultrasound before your child is even born.
Usually children need no treatment for a multicystic
dysplastic kidney. However, since about half of children with multicystic
dysplastic kidneys have another kidney problem, your child should have regular
visits with pediatric urologists to keep an eye on his kidney health.
CHKD pediatric urologists offer comprehensive medical and
surgical care for kidney conditions. From routine office visits to advanced pediatric
kidney surgery, we offer the treatments your child needs to have a healthy,
active childhood.
Learn more about pediatric urology services at CHKD online
or by calling (757) 668-7878.