Congenital Uropathies

Bladder catheterization

Your doctor may use a catheter (thin, flexible tube) to drain excess urine and prevent further damage.

Dialysis

Dialysis mechanically performs the function of your kidneys. It’s not a cure for kidney disease, but it can make you feel better and live longer. There are different types of dialysis, which can take place at one of our facilities or at home. Types of dialysis include:

• Hemodialysis: This form of dialysis uses a machine, called a dialyzer, to clean your blood outside of your body. Your doctor will do a minor surgery (called dialysis access) to prepare a vein in your arm for removing and returning blood. During dialysis, blood is taken out of the access point with a needle, passed through the dialyzer, and returned to your body through a different needle. Hemodialysis treatments take a few hours and are performed a few times a week.

• Peritoneal dialysis: This form of dialysis uses your own body to filter blood using a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) placed in your navel. In a process called an exchange, a solution is passed through the catheter into your abdomen either by hand or a machine. The solution soaks up waste and excess body fluids and returns it to a collection bag. The procedure is usually performed four or more times a day, and each exchange takes a few hours.

Hormone therapy

Kidney disease can be associated with hyper or hypothyroidism, which impacts weight, heart rate, and body temperature, and may cause fatigue. Your doctor may recommend thyroid hormone therapy to restore a healthy balance. Doctors also use adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to treat nephrotic syndrome. ACTH releases cortisol, which helps regulate your metabolism and blood pressure.

Kidney transplant

If dialysis or other therapies no longer work, your doctor may recommend a kidney transplant.

Surgery

In some instances, doctors perform surgery to repair damage to the urinary tract. Our surgeons use the least-invasive techniques to help you recovery more quickly. Your doctor will discuss if surgery is right for you or your child.

24-hour volume test

This test measures the amount of urine you produce in 24 hours. Much like a standard urinalysis, this test also looks for red blood cells, white blood cells, infections, or excessive protein in your urine.

Cystography

Bladder cystography, also called voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) or micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG), helps doctors diagnose urethra abnormalities or urinary dysfunction, such as bladder-control problems, blockages, or urinary tract infections (UTIs). During the procedure, your bladder is filled with contrast dye and an imaging technologist takes X-rays while you urinate.

Duplex scan

This ultrasound exam uses sound waves to allow your doctor to check the arteries in your kidney (renal arteries) and look for blockages or narrowing.

Imaging exams

Diagnostic imaging shows kidney size and function, as well as obstructions or structural problems in your kidney or urinary tract. Doctors use ultrasound, X-ray, CT (computed tomography), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Renal scan (radionuclide scan)

This nuclear imaging exam uses a small amount of radiotracer chemical that’s injected into your veins to assess your kidney’s urine production and blood flow. The imaging technologist uses a special camera (called a gamma camera or scanner) to detect the radiotracer from outside your body. Renal scans can identify reduced kidney function that’s caused by injuries, diseases, structural defects, or obstructions.

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)

An IVP is an X-ray that shows the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract (ureters and urethra). It can show the size, shape, and position of your urinary tract, and help your doctor evaluate kidney function.