Paediatric Urology: Treatment in Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for its highly developed medicine, including paediatrics. Paediatric urologists in Switzerland have extensive experience in treating urinary tract conditions in children, using the most advanced methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Paediatric urology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of conditions of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra and external genitalia in children.

01 Paediatric urology covers

• developmental anomalies of the bladder and urethra
• inflammatory conditions of the urinary system
• neurogenic conditions
• conditions of the external genitalia (phimosis, hydrocele, varicocele, cryptorchidism)

Which urinary tract conditions in children are treated in Switzerland?

Switzerland successfully treats a wide range of urinary tract conditions in children, including:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs are the most common urinary tract condition in children. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.
• Pyelonephritis: an inflammation of the kidneys that can be caused by a UTI.
• Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR): a condition in which urine flows back from the bladder into the ureters and kidneys.
• Urinary tract obstruction: a condition in which the flow of urine is blocked.
• Urinary incontinence: a condition in which the child is unable to control urination.
• Hypospadias: a congenital defect in which the opening of the urethra is located away from the tip of the penis.
• Cryptorchidism: a congenital defect in which one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum.

02 Symptoms of urological conditions in children

• difficulty urinating
• discomfort or pain when urinating
• urinary incontinence (at night or during the day)
• unexplained fever
• change in the colour of the urine

03 The most common urological conditions in children

• Parents often overlook urination problems (incontinence) up to the age of 2, or regard them as normal. If the problem continues beyond the age of two, however, a medical condition may be suspected. The age from which incontinence is considered a condition is 4 years for girls and 5 years for boys.
• Cryptorchidism is the failure of a testicle to descend into the scrotum. It occurs in 2–4% of full-term babies and is simple to diagnose: palpation and ultrasound are used to locate the undescended testicle. If the testicle has not descended by the age of 2, surgical correction is required. In 50% of cases a normal testicle is found and is brought down into the scrotum surgically. In the remaining 50% of cases, an abnormal, severely altered testicle is found and removed.
• In Switzerland, cryptorchidism is treated by highly qualified specialists, which makes it possible to achieve good results.

Paediatric urology in Switzerland makes it possible to carry out diagnostics in comfortable surroundings, establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment – the key to successfully treating urological conditions in children.

04 Diagnosis

• At the first appointment, the paediatric nephrologist examines the child in person and carries out a physical examination. Particular attention is paid to the child’s general condition, consciousness, posture, physical development, speech development, facial expression and gait. Some kidney conditions are accompanied by skeletal deformities.
• Laboratory tests and instrumental examinations play a major role in diagnosing kidney conditions in children. To assess the urinary system, the paediatric nephrologist orders laboratory tests. Blood is taken for a full blood count and biochemical analysis, and a urinalysis, urine culture, urea and creatinine tests and histological examination of a biopsy sample are carried out. In some cases, the doctor may order a kidney biopsy.

Instrumental diagnostic methods in paediatric nephrology:

• ultrasound of the kidneys and genitourinary system;
• Doppler ultrasound of the renal vessels;
• CT of the kidneys;
• intravenous and plain urography;
• renal angiography;
• voiding cystography;
• scintigraphy;
• thermography;
• urodynamic studies of the lower urinary tract;
• radionuclide renography, among others.

It is very important to carry out only those examinations that are needed to make the diagnosis and to distinguish it from other conditions. A correct assessment of all the data obtained from examining the child is the foundation for an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment.

The paediatric nephrologist may recommend consultations with a paediatric urologist, gastroenterologist, cardiologist, surgeon, endocrinologist, neurologist, psychologist and other specialists.

05 Treatment

How urinary tract conditions in children are treated at Swiss clinics depends on the specific condition and its severity.

In some cases, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs or other medicines may be prescribed.

More complex cases may require surgery.

Switzerland uses the most advanced surgical methods, such as minimally invasive surgery, in which operations are performed through small incisions, resulting in less scarring and faster recovery.

Swiss clinics offer modern blood purification methods

• haemodialysis for newborns with metabolic disorders;
• haemofiltration;
• plasmapheresis;
• immunoadsorption;
• albumin dialysis.

Kidney conditions in children are treated with antibacterial therapy and herbal medicine, together with detoxification of the body and the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, antioxidants, interferons, membrane stabilisers, stimulants and other agents. During kidney treatment, it is important to follow the prescribed routine and diet, and to keep to the recommended fluid intake.

06 The advantages of treatment in Switzerland

Children’s health always calls for particular attention and care. Paediatric urology in particular is an important field of medicine dealing with conditions of the genitourinary system in children. When problems arise in this area, parents and guardians look for the best medical institutions and qualified specialists to treat their children. CorSwiss is a company specialising in medical travel to Switzerland. It offers a wide range of services related to arranging treatment at the country’s leading clinics. We will help you choose the right clinic, taking into account the specifics of your child’s condition, your budget and your other preferences. We work exclusively with accredited, trusted medical institutions, guaranteeing high-quality care.

Switzerland is known for its high standard of medical care and innovative treatment methods. When it comes to our children’s health, we want the best. In Switzerland, parents can be confident that their children will have access to advanced technology and professional medical care.

• Highly qualified doctors with extensive experience in treating urinary tract conditions in children
• Modern methods of diagnosis and treatment
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Comfortable hospital accommodation
• An individual approach to every child

Treatment in paediatric urology is a serious process that calls for a professional approach and attention to detail. The choice of clinic and specialists plays a key role. CorSwiss will be your reliable partner in arranging your child’s treatment in Switzerland, ensuring high-quality care and looking after your whole family.