Paediatric urology
Paediatric urology is a branch in urology that focuses specifically on children. Children are often unable to say what is bothering them and cannot always answer medical questions. They are also not always able to be patient and cooperative during a medical examination.
If your child has an illness or disease related to the genitals or urinary tract, Dr Pluke has the experience and qualifications required to accurately diagnose and treat your child in a comfortable and safe environment.
Common paediatric urology conditions
- Antenatal hydronephrosis: An enlarged kidney that is generally diagnosed in babies before birth
- Hydrocele: Fluid accumulation in the scrotum that causes swelling.
- Hydronephrosis: A blockage in the kidneys that causes the kidneys to swell.
- Neurogenic bladder: When a child lacks bladder control due to the brain, spinal cord or nerve problems
- Spina bifida. This condition occurs when the spinal cord doesn't close properly during a baby's development
- Undescended testes. One or both of the testicles cannot move down into the scrotum during a baby's development
- Vesicoureteral reflux: This condition causes urine to go in the wrong direction- back up the urethra
- Phimosis: This refers to a tight foreskin.
When to seek medical attention
Seek medical attention immediately if your child:
- Has urine that is red, brown or pink, brown, or foul-smelling
- Experiences a burning sensation when urinating
- Has a frequent urge to urinate but passes very little urine
- Has an unexplained fever
- Is vomiting
- Experience pain below the rib cage and above the waist on one or both sides of the back.
- Has vaginal discharge with urinary symptoms
Circumcisions
Circumcisions are most commonly performed before a baby is one month old, under local anaesthetic.
At his practice, Dr Pluke performs circumcisions on both newborns, infants and older children. His highest priority is to provide comfort for the child during the procedure.