Pediatric Urologist — Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özbey

What is pediatric urology?

Pediatric urology is the subspecialty of pediatric surgery dealing with congenital and acquired conditions of the kidneys, urinary tract and external genitalia in children. Most of these conditions are congenital, and many can be detected on antenatal ultrasound. Early diagnosis and correct timing are decisive for preserving kidney function.

Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özbey served as Chair of the Division of Pediatric Urology at Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (2017–2020). He developed the GFC (Glanular-Frenular Collar) technique for hypospadias repair, which has entered the international literature.

Which conditions does pediatric urology cover?

External genitalia

• Hypospadias
• Epispadias
• Undescended testis
• Testicular torsion
• Varicocele

Bladder and urinary tract

• Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)
• Posterior urethral valve
• Ureterocele
• Bladder exstrophy
• Cloacal exstrophy
• Prostatic utricle
• Voiding dysfunction and bedwetting

Kidney

• Hydronephrosis – UPJ obstruction
• Hydroureteronephrosis – UVJ obstruction
• Duplex collecting system
• Horseshoe kidney
• Wilms tumour

Differences of Sex Development (DSD)

• Diagnosis, family counselling and advanced surgical reconstruction

For inguinal hernia, circumcision and other general surgical conditions, see our Pediatric Surgery page.

Common pediatric urology conditions

Hypospadias

A condition in which the external opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis but on its underside or further back. It is commonly described as being “born circumcised” and occurs in approximately 1 in 150–200 male births. Treatment is surgical; the most suitable period is generally between 6 months and 2 years of age.

More detail: What is hypospadias? · GFC Technique

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)

Urine in the bladder flows backwards towards the ureters and kidney. An abnormal configuration at the bladder–ureter junction, or high pressure inside the bladder, may be responsible.

Symptoms: in newborns, lethargy, restlessness, poor feeding and vomiting; in older children, abdominal pain, fever, foul-smelling or cloudy urine, pain on passing urine, frequency, bedwetting and flank pain.

Why does early diagnosis matter? Delay may lead to recurrent urinary infection, pyelonephritis, kidney damage, hypertension and chronic renal failure. Low-grade reflux may be followed medically; where there is a structural defect or high-grade reflux, surgery (open or endoscopic injection) is preferred.

Hydronephrosis and UPJ obstruction

Dilatation of the renal pelvis and the collecting parts inside the kidney. Narrowing at the pelvi-ureteric junction or external compression by a vessel are the most common causes. Rising pressure inside the pelvis can damage kidney tissue.

It is often detected before birth. Newborns may show lethargy and restlessness; older children may have flank pain and fever. The decision to treat depends on the degree and cause; surgery is performed where kidney damage may result.

Posterior urethral valve

A membrane obstructing the urethra from within, just beyond the prostatic region. The obstruction first dilates the urethra and then deforms the bladder and ureters. It occurs only in boys and requires urgent assessment.

Symptoms: in infants, inability to pass urine (a dry nappy), dribbling or leaking, blood in the urine; in older children, frequency, difficulty passing urine and bedwetting. Treatment is endoscopic incision of the membrane.

Epispadias and bladder exstrophy

In epispadias the urethral opening lies as a groove on the upper surface of the penis, and urinary control is often absent. In bladder exstrophy the bladder lies outside the abdominal wall in the newborn. Both are treated surgically; the aims are reconstruction of the urinary tract, repair of the abdominal wall and achieving urinary continence.

Undescended testis

The testis remains in the groin or abdomen rather than the scrotum. Irreversible damage may develop from the 6th month in testes kept at body temperature. More detail is on our Pediatric Surgery page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a pediatric urologist and a urologist?

A pediatric urologist is trained in the congenital urinary tract and genital conditions specific to childhood, coming from either a pediatric surgery or a urology background. Most conditions in children are congenital and must be assessed alongside growth, which requires a different approach from adult urology.

Kidney dilatation was found before birth — what should I do?

Dilatation of the kidney (hydronephrosis) found antenatally is common and resolves on its own in most cases. However, assessment by a pediatric urologist and follow-up ultrasound after birth are necessary; depending on the degree, further investigation or surgery may be required.

Can my baby with hypospadias be circumcised?

No. Babies with suspected hypospadias must not be circumcised. The foreskin is a valuable source of tissue for the repair, and removing it makes later surgery more difficult.

Are recurrent urinary tract infections serious?

Recurrent urinary infection in children may point to an underlying structural problem such as vesicoureteral reflux or an obstruction. Because it can lead to permanent kidney damage if not investigated, assessment by a pediatric urologist is recommended.

How can I book a pediatric urology appointment in Istanbul?

Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özbey sees patients at his private practice in Bakırköy, Istanbul. You can use the telephone number or the contact form on our contact page.

Appointment and contact

If you suspect a problem with your child’s urinary tract or genital development, you can reach us through our contact page.