Birth defects, also known as congenital anomalies, are structural or functional abnormalities that develop during pregnancy and are present at birth. These may affect the heart, limbs, brain, or the urinary and reproductive systems. Among these, congenital urological defects are quite common and can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and growth issues if not treated on time.
With early detection and specialized intervention, many of these conditions can be effectively managed or fully corrected. At the forefront of this care in Central India is Dr. Sadashiv Bhole, a trusted pediatric urologist in Nagpur known for handling complex birth-related urinary tract issues with precision and compassion.
What Are Birth Defects?
- Structural or functional problems that occur during fetal development
- May involve one or multiple organ systems
- Can range from mild conditions requiring monitoring to severe anomalies needing surgical correction
- May be diagnosed before birth (antenatal scan) or after delivery
Common Urological Birth Defects
Hydronephrosis
- Swelling of the kidneys due to urine buildup
- May be caused by urinary tract obstruction or vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)
- Symptoms include abdominal mass, UTI, or poor growth
- Requires monitoring or pyeloplasty surgery if severe
Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV)
- Occurs in boys when extra flaps of tissue block urine flow from the bladder
- Can cause urinary retention, infection, or kidney failure
- Early diagnosis and endoscopic surgery are critical
Hypospadias
- The urethral opening is not at the tip of the penis but on the underside
- May affect urination, sexual function, and cosmetic appearance
- Requires surgical correction, ideally between 6–18 months of age
Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism)
- One or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum
- May lead to infertility or testicular cancer later in life
- Treated via orchidopexy surgery typically by 1 year of age
Spina Bifida with Neurogenic Bladder
- A spinal defect that can impair bladder control
- Leads to urinary incontinence, bedwetting, and kidney problems
- Managed through bladder training, medications, and sometimes surgical reconstruction
Epispadias, Bladder Exstrophy & Other Complex Defects
- Rare but serious congenital urological anomalies
- Require multi-stage surgical reconstruction and long-term follow-up
Symptoms That May Indicate a Congenital Urological Defect
- Foul-smelling urine, painful urination, or frequent UTIs
- Swelling in the abdomen or flank pain
- Urinary incontinence, daytime wetting, or bedwetting after toilet training
- Abnormal appearance of penis, scrotum, or urinary stream
- Poor weight gain or failure to thrive in infants
Diagnosis of Birth Defects
- Prenatal ultrasound – detects hydronephrosis, bladder anomalies, or absent kidney
- Postnatal ultrasound and VCUG – check for reflux, obstruction, or kidney damage
- MRI/CT urography – for detailed anatomical mapping
- Blood and urine tests – assess kidney function and infection
- Nuclear scans – help evaluate urinary drainage and split renal function
Treatment of Congenital Urological Anomalies
Early treatment helps avoid complications like kidney failure, bladder dysfunction, or infertility. Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics to prevent infections
- Catheterization or stenting for urine drainage
- Minimally invasive pediatric urology surgery
- Reconstructive surgeries such as hypospadias repair, PUV ablation, or bladder augmentation
- Long-term follow-up with pediatric nephrologists for kidney support
Birth defects, though concerning, are manageable with modern medicine and early intervention. Conditions like hydronephrosis, hypospadias, undescended testicles, and PUV are correctable with safe pediatric surgery. If your child has signs of a congenital urinary issue, trust only the best.
Consult Dr. Sadashiv Bhole, Nagpur’s most respected pediatric urologist, for complete evaluation and expert treatment tailored to your child’s needs.
