A group of malformations that are very common but easily overlooked in children.

(Chinhphu.vn) - Genitourinary malformations are one of the three most common groups of congenital malformations in children, along with neurological and cardiovascular malformations. However, this is a group of malformations that are easily overlooked even though the rate of children with this malformation fluctuates around 10%.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Viet Hoa examines children - Photo: VGP/HM

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Viet Hoa, Head of the Department of Pediatric and Neonatal Surgery, Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, announced this information during the free screening, ultrasound and surgery consultation program for pediatric pathology held on May 24 at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Viet Hoa, on May 24, about 200 children came to the hospital for examination. The children were brought by their parents from many provinces, cities and schools in the surrounding areas.

Most of the children who came for a general health check-up were usually between the ages of 5 and 10. However, in just one hour of morning examination, the doctors recorded 10 cases requiring surgical intervention related to genitourinary malformations and abnormalities in the legs and arms.

Statistics at the Department of Pediatric and Neonatal Surgery, Viet Duc Friendship Hospital also show that each year this unit performs about 2,000 surgeries for malformations, of which more than 2/3 are related to the genitourinary system. In the world , the number of children with congenital urinary malformations also fluctuates around 10%.

"This figure shows that the rate of children with genitourinary malformations is not small and if not detected early, it can seriously affect the child's physiological and reproductive functions later on," Associate Professor Nguyen Viet Hoa affirmed.

Common genitourinary tract abnormalities in children are mainly abnormalities in the external genitalia. However, the signs of the disease are not clear, so many parents do not pay attention. Some parents even notice abnormalities in their children but think it is simple and do not need to go to the hospital.

There are also children who have abnormalities from a very young age, parents are suspicious but often hesitate. When taking the child to the hospital for examination, the abnormalities are discovered. Mainly abnormalities in the child's external genitalia.

More than 200 children visited Viet Duc Friendship Hospital on May 24 - Photo: VGP/HM

Incorrect concept when children have genitourinary malformations

Previously, many people believed that when a child was found to have genitourinary abnormalities, they could wait until the child was older to undergo surgery. However, experts have confirmed that this belief is incorrect.

Nowadays, through the application of advanced and modern surgical techniques and the increasingly improved level of pediatric anesthesiologists, we can completely perform surgery on children from a very young age.

Previously, the average age for surgery was around 6 years old, then lowered to 3 years old, but now, with some malformations, we can operate on children as early as 1 year old. Even congenital malformations of the urinary tract are detected very early, even in the fetus, we can operate when the child is about 1-2 months old without affecting the function of the organs.

Associate Professor Nguyen Viet Hoa cited evidence of hydronephrosis, causing renal pelvis dilation. Currently, doctors can perform surgery on children from 1-2 months old to preserve the child's kidney function.

"Early intervention will bring very good results. Therefore, early detection of genitourinary abnormalities is important to bring complete function to children, especially genitourinary function later on," said Dr. Hoa.

Congenital genitourinary malformations in children such as: phimosis, penile retraction, low urethral meatus, penile curvature, micropenis, inguinal hernia, cryptorchidism, hydronephrosis, renal dilatation, ureteral dilatation, vesicoureteral reflux...

To detect early signs of genitourinary abnormalities in children, Associate Professor Nguyen Viet Hoa recommends that parents should take their children for annual health check-ups, even if there are no obvious abnormalities in the genitals.

When detecting any abnormal signs on the outside of the child, the child should be taken to a pediatric hospital for examination by a doctor, timely detection and early treatment of the disease. This is the best form of primary health care for children.

Thuy Ha

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/nhom-di-tat-rat-thuong-gap-nhung-de-bi-bo-qua-o-tre-102250524142324627.htm