|
Salisbury District Hospital offers treatment to children with minor urological disorders, such as foreskin problems, undescended testicles and lumps in the scrotum. These conditions can be worrying but they often do not require immediate treatment. If they do, emergency treatment is available at Salisbury.
Children who need to come into hospital in Salisbury are treated by general urology specialists in the Children's Unit. If a child needs complex urology surgery, they are referred to the Paediatric Urology surgeons in Southampton. |
 |
Some common minor childhood urological procedures carried out in Salisbury
1. Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves partial or complete removal of the foreskin of the penis. In some boys, the foreskin will not retract by up to the age of 10. For most boys, it will loosen naturally, and circumcision is only required for medical reasons in about 1 in 100 (1%) of cases. Only occasionally does the problem continue into adulthood. For parents who are concerned about this problem a simple examination by a specialist can tell you whether surgery is required or not.
NB. Circumcision for religious reasons is not covered by the NHS.
2. Orchidopexy (Correction of undescended testicle).
Undescended testicles occur when a testicle has not descended into the scrotum before birth. This is usually seen during a routine examination that is carried out on all newborn babies. But occasionally it can be missed until later check-ups in infancy or childhood. Occasionally, the testicle will descend after birth, but otherwise an operation will be needed ideally before the boy's second or third birthday. It is a minor procedure performed in the groin under general anaesthetic.
3. Lumps in the scrotum are quite common in newborn babies. They can be due to a number of causes such as a fluid-filled sac (hydrocele) or a groin protrusion (inguinal hernia). They require specialist assessment and some may need minor surgery whereas others may resolve on their own.
Emergency Treatment
The procedures described above are generally carried out routinely. Occasionally a child will need emergency treatment and the most common reason for this is testicular torsion (twisting of the spermatic cord, which cuts off the blood supply to the testicle and surrounding structures within the scrotum). Surgery is usually needed and should be carried out as soon as possible after symptoms begin. If surgery is done within 6 hours, most testicles can be saved.
When in childhood is this likely to occur?
It is more common during infancy (first year of life) and at the beginning of adolescence (puberty).
What to look out for?
The procedures described above are generally carried out routinely. Occasionally a child will need emergency treatment and the most common reason for this is testicular torsion (twisting of the spermatic cord, which cuts off the blood supply to the testicle and surrounding structures within the scrotum). Surgery is usually needed and should be carried out as soon as possible after symptoms begin. If surgery is done within 6 hours, most testicles can be saved.
When in childhood is this likely to occur?
It is more common during infancy (first year of life) and at the beginning of adolescence (puberty).
What to look out for?
- Sudden, severe pain in one testicle, with or without previous trauma or infection. In older children it can occur as a result of strenuous exercise.
- Enlarged testicle
- Testicle on the affected side is usually higher
- Nausea and vomiting
- Distress
 |
If you suspect torsion seek medical advice immediately |
Other childhood urological problems
Urinary incontinence, particularly at night (eneuresis), is a problem for some children and parents often seek help. One of our urologists specializes in childhood incontinence. If you are worried about your child being incontinent, your GP may refer your child for specialist assessment and treatment.
In summary: On this website page we have covered the common urological disorders children may have. Your family doctor is there to advise you if you are concerned. If a specialist urological assessment is required, a referral will be made and you and your child will be seen in the paediatric out-patient clinic at Salisbury District Hospital.