Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and its affiliated physicians have a long history of excellence in pediatric urology. We were the first in Texas to perform robotic urological surgery for children and remain one of the few hospitals in Houston offering single-incision surgery for congenital urologic abnormalities. Additionally, we utilize advanced 3D deflectable tip laparoscopy, providing state-of-the-art care. We perform minimally invasive surgeries for common and complex pediatric urological conditions, including Mitrofanoff creation, bladder neck reconstruction and bladder augmentation—all with a focus on personalized care and improved patient outcomes.
A key differentiator of our program is our expertise in robotic surgery for spina bifida cases. We offer advanced, minimally invasive robotic procedures for conditions such as neurogenic bladder associated with spina bifida, and we work closely with The Fetal Center to provide the highest level of multidisciplinary care.
In collaboration with UTHealth Houston, we are actively involved in clinical trials and run an outcomes research program focused on the results of our fetal surgery patients and others. This collaborative, team-based approach ensures our patients receive the most comprehensive and advanced care available.
At Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, our highly skilled surgeons use the latest robotic surgical technology to perform complex procedures through incisions as small as a keyhole. This advanced, minimally invasive approach offers enhanced visual clarity and precision, enabling surgeons to navigate the delicate operations required in pediatric care, including complex kidney and bladder reconstructions. As a result, patients often experience better outcomes and faster recovery times, as well as less discomfort, minimal scarring and a lowered risk of postoperative infections.
We also integrate cutting-edge fluorescence imaging with the robotic surgery system to enhance surgical precision. Using this fluorescence imaging, which pairs with near-infrared technology, surgeons can navigate in real-time with image-guided identification of critical anatomical landmarks. When activated at the surgeon’s console, the robotic endoscope triggers an injected dye to fluoresce, allowing surgeons to visualize vascular structures as they "light up," aiding real-time decision-making and improving outcomes.
In addition to fluorescence imaging, we utilize advanced reconstructive modalities, including CT and MRI scans with 3D reconstruction capabilities. These technologies are especially valuable for patients with complex anatomies, such as those with cloacal malformations. Radiologists generate detailed 3D images that help guide surgical planning, providing a comprehensive roadmap for surgeons before they operate. This collaborative approach between pediatric surgeons, urologists and radiologists enables better preparation, enhanced precision and optimal patient outcomes, particularly in complex cases. With our high volume of cases and expertise in this area, we are a leading program for treating cloacal malformations, underscoring our commitment to multidisciplinary care and advanced technology.
The Memorial Hermann Surgical Innovation & Robotics Institute is one of the largest robotic surgery training centers in the nation. As the only facility of its kind in the southwest, it draws pediatric urologists internationally and offers training in the advanced robotic surgical techniques regularly utilized at Memorial Hermann.
With a focus on minimally invasive procedures, the Institute empowers surgeons to deliver optimal patient outcomes by providing enhanced anatomical precision, reduced recovery times, smaller incisions, improved cosmetic results and less postoperative pain.
At the heart of the Institute is its cutting-edge Innovation Center, a premier training lab where residents and fellows receive hands-on experience under the mentorship of our own pediatric urology specialists. The Institute’s commitment to education and innovation ensures that the next generation of surgeons is prepared to lead in the rapidly evolving field of robotic surgery.
The unique collaboration between Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston provides patients with high-quality urologic care, leveraging cutting-edge technology and offering minimally invasive surgical techniques that are not available at other hospitals. Our family-centered approach to care enhances patient satisfaction by prioritizing the needs and well-being of both patients and their families.
Collaboration across multiple specialties allows us to deliver the most advanced, comprehensive and multidisciplinary care possible. In our Spina Bifida Program, we routinely partner with neurosurgeons and collaborate closely with The Fetal Center at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. Additionally, we work with specialists in developmental pediatrics, orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation and genetics to provide the highest standard of spina bifida care.
Our Comprehensive Congenital Colorectal Program provides highly specialized care for pediatric patients who are living with congenital colorectal conditions like anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung’s disease, cloacal malformation and other bowel function disorders. With a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, our team creates personalized treatment plans that focus on delivering optimal medical outcomes while also enhancing the patient's independence and overall quality of life.
We also handle complex urologic oncology cases, including patients with bladder or prostate tumors and kidney tumors, including Wilms’ tumors in horseshoe kidneys, where our priority is preserving kidney function. By collaborating with both medical and surgical oncology teams, our urology specialists tackle some of the most intricate cases and are often called on for second opinions by other hospitals and specialty cancer centers across the region.
Additionally, our urology team works hand-in-hand with our affiliated nephrology specialists to manage medically complex cases, particularly those involving dialysis and bladder management. We also actively participate in clinical trials, furthering innovations in treatment and care in the field of pediatric nephrology.
As part of our commitment to advancing the field of pediatric urology, we are deeply involved in resident education. Our mission to educate the next generation of surgeons is supported by close collaboration with residents, fellows and nurse practitioners, ensuring they gain hands-on experience in the most advanced surgical techniques available.
We offer a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures to assess both common and complex urological conditions. Blood tests help detect signs of infection, kidney disease or other concerns. Imaging options include CT scans and ultrasounds, which provide detailed pictures of the urinary tract to identify kidney stones, blockages or other issues. Advanced techniques such as MRI and spinal MRI give insight into soft tissues and spine-related problems like spina bifida, while X-ray-based tests focus on the urinary tract and reproductive structures. We can also perform specialized scans to assess kidney function, blockages and scarring. For bladder function, we perform urodynamics studies to measure various aspects of urination, including bladder pressure, urine flow and post-void residual volume. These comprehensive tools help enhance diagnosis and treatment.
We provide a wide range of advanced treatments and surgical solutions for both common and rare urological conditions, including those that intersect with other complex medical challenges:
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UT Pediatric Urology
UT Physicians Professional Building
6410 Fannin St. Suite 950
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone: (832) 325-7234
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