Pediatric Bladder & Urinary Conditions

At Conrad Pearson, Dr. Joe Gleason is an expert in pediatric bladder and urinary conditions. He specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of urinary tract issues in children. He treats congenital anomalies such as vesicoureteral reflux and bladder exstrophy, as well as acquired conditions like urinary tract infections and bladder dysfunction. Utilizing advanced diagnostic tools, including imaging studies and urodynamic testing, we thoroughly assess bladder function and detect abnormalities. Our treatment options are tailored to each child’s needs and may involve medical management, minimally invasive procedures, or more complex surgical interventions. We also provide ongoing care and support, addressing both physical and psychological aspects to enhance the child’s overall quality of life. Our comprehensive approach ensures that each child receives specialized care that meets their unique needs and fosters long-term well-being.

Pediatric Bladder & Urinary Conditions We Treat

• Neurogenic Bladder: A condition where the bladder’s ability to store and release urine is affected by nerve damage. This can result in problems with bladder control, including urinary incontinence, retention and frequent or painful urination.
• Bladder exstrophy: A developmental disorder where the bladder is exposed and protrudes through an opening in the abdominal wall. This condition impacts not only the bladder but also nearby structures such as the urethra, pelvic bones, and the external genitalia. These patients require long term management by urology.
• Nocturnal Enuresis (Bedwetting): The involuntary release of urine during the night, often occurring while the individual is asleep. It is a condition that can affect children, adolescents, and even adults. Causes can vary but may include genetic factors, delayed bladder development, hormonal imbalances, deep sleep patterns, and stress or anxiety.
• Pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs): Infections caused by bacteria that impact any part of the urinary system including the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. UTIs are prevalent among children and can lead to considerable discomfort and complications if not treated effectively. Symptoms may vary but often include fever, irritability, poor feeding, painful or frequent urination, a sense of urgency, abdominal pain, and urine that is cloudy or has a foul odor.
• Daytime urinary accidents (incontinence):  Children may have difficulty controlling their urine, leading to accidents during the daytime.  We assess these children to determine which of the many different causes might be leading to these outcomes in order to come to a quick resolution.
• Hematuria: The presence of blood in the urine. Urine that is pink, red, or brown in color can be a cause for concern and may signal a variety of underlying health issues. These could range from benign causes like certain medications or genetic factors to more serious conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, tumors, or injury.
• Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV): A congenital condition affecting the male urinary tract involving abnormal folds of tissue in the posterior urethra that can obstruct urine flow.
• Urethral stricture: A condition marked by a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This constriction may lead to difficulties with urination, painful or frequent urination, incontinence, urinary tract infections, and blood in the urine.
• Ureterocele: A ureterocele is an abnormal balloon-like swelling that occurs at the end of the ureter as it connects to the bladder. This condition can cause partial or complete blockage of urine flow from the ureter into the bladder, leading to potential urinary tract issues and kidney problems.
• Prune Belly (Eagle Barrett Syndrome): A rare congenital disorder primarily affecting males, characterized by a combination of abdominal wall weakness, urinary tract anomalies, and sometimes other organ issues. The condition often involves a distinctive appearance of the abdomen due to the lack of muscle tone. Severity can vary widely, from mild to life-threatening, depending on the extent of the associated abnormalities.
• Spina Bifida: A congenital condition in fetal development where the spine and spinal cord do not form properly, leading to various complications, including a range of urinary issues. The severity of urinary problems such as neurogenic bladder, hydronephrosis, urinary tract infections, bladder exstrophy, and vesicoureteral reflux in individuals with spina bifida can vary based on the location and extent of the spinal defect.
• Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR): A condition in which urine flows backward from the bladder into one or both of the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. This backward flow can potentially cause urine to reach the kidneys, potentially causing inflammation or infection.
• MACE (Malone Antegrade Continence Enema) Procedure and Mitrofanoff Procedure: A specialized surgical techniques designed to improve the quality of life for patients with complex urinary and bowel conditions. These procedures offer solutions for managing urinary incontinence, constipation, and other related issues by creating alternative methods for urine and stool management. The MACE Procedure is a surgical technique designed to facilitate the administration of enemas directly into the colon to manage constipation and fecal incontinence. It is commonly used in patients with conditions that impair bowel function, such as spina bifida or neurogenic bowel. The Mitrofanoff Procedure is a surgical technique used to create a continent catheterizable channel for urinary drainage. It is particularly beneficial for patients with neurogenic bladder or other conditions that impair normal urination.
• Cloacal Anomalies: Rare congenital conditions where the normal separation of the urinary, reproductive, and gastrointestinal tracts is impaired during fetal development. This results in a single common channel or “cloaca” that connects to the external environment, leading to various complications.

At Conrad Pearson, our urologists provide expert care for children with complex and often sensitive, urinary and bladder conditions. They use advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to address complex issues while supporting long-term health. Their dedication and compassionate approaches ensure top-quality care, leading to improved outcomes and helping young patients overcome challenges with confidence and resilience.