Congenital urogenital anomalies are birth defects and inherited conditions that affect the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, and bladder) or the genital tract (reproductive organs) also called the genitourinary system. Depending on the condition, these anomalies can be diagnosed during development in the womb, infancy, or childhood, while others can go unnoticed until symptoms develop in adolescence or adulthood.
Congenital urogenital anomalies can affect urine flow and cause kidney damage that may lead to nephrotic syndrome, acute kidney failure, or chronic kidney failure. Types of congenital urogenital anomalies that affect babies, children, and adults include:
- Bladder duplication anomalies: an extra kidney or another part of the urinogenital tract
- Cystic kidneys: fluid-filled growths on the kidney caused by polycystic kidney disease, multicystic dysplastic kidney, medullary cystic disease, or medullary sponge
- Fusion anomalies: joined kidneys (horseshoe kidney or crossed-fused renal ectopia)
- Kidney (renal) agenesis: absence of one or both kidneys
- Kidney (renal) dysplasia: abnormal formation of the structures inside your kidneys or tubules
- Kidney (renal) ectopia: abnormal kidney location
- Kidney (renal) hypoplasia: abnormal kidney size
- Neurogenic bladder: a bladder-control problem caused by a nervous system disorder
- Posterior urethral valve (PUV): an abnormality in the urethra, which causes urine to flow backward into your body, leading to swelling and tissue damage in the urinary tract and kidneys
- Urethral meatal stenosis (urethral stricture): narrowing of the opening of the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the body)
- Urinary tract infections: bacterial infections in your urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis), or kidneys (pyelonephritis) that cause swelling and blockages
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR): backward flow of urine to your kidneys, caused by blockages, neurogenic bladder, or ureter malformations
University of Miami Health System kidney specialists (nephrologists) work with urologists and other specialists to offer comprehensive care for people of all ages. We develop a customized treatment plan that offers you or your child the best possible results.
Why Choose UHealth?
Nationally recognized kidney care. Our kidney care program has been ranked among the nation’s best programs by U.S. News & World Report for the past nine years. We use preventive approaches to help avoid kidney injury and disease, along with advanced therapies to improve kidney health and function. We offer some of the most advanced kidney therapies, including continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE).
Comprehensive care in a compassionate, supportive environment. Kidney health impacts vital functions throughout your body. The kidneys can also be impacted by autoimmune or genetic disorders, which can lead to additional complications. That’s why our nephrologists work as part of a team to address the whole person. This group can include general physicians and specialists, nurses, social workers, dietitians, psychologists, and teachers.
World-class care in an academic health system. We’re recognized by the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases as a Center of Excellence and a leader in treating kidney conditions. Backed by one of the nation’s top universities, our team uses the latest technologies and research-driven expertise to provide you with superior, personalized care and the latest treatment options.
Focus on preventive treatment. We concentrate on preventative treatment to decrease the risk of further health impacts, slow the progress of the disease, and help your child reach their full developmental potential when necessary.