Pediatric Urology

The Muma Children’s Hospital at Tampa General Hospital provides urology services specialized for infants, children and adolescents. Our pediatric urology program is built on an academic medicine model that combines advanced surgical expertise with compassionate, family-centered care.

Our program is led by a pediatric urologist who has additional subspecialty training in endourology. This rare dual background allows our team to treat a broad range of urologic conditions using minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible. From congenital abnormalities identified at birth to complex stone disease in adolescents, we focus on delivering precise, individualized treatment plans designed around each child’s unique needs.

At TGH, we understand that caring for a child means caring for the entire family. Parents and caregivers are active partners in decision-making, so we prioritize clear communication, education and shared planning throughout every stage of care.

About Us

About Pediatric Urology

Pediatric urology is a specialized medical and surgical field focused on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract in infants, children and adolescents. Pediatric urologists and surgeons care for a wide range of congenital and acquired conditions, including structural abnormalities present at birth, urinary reflux disorders, and kidney and bladder concerns. Because children’s bodies are still developing, pediatric urology requires expertise in age-specific evaluation, minimally invasive surgical techniques and family-centered care to support healthy growth and long-term well-being.

Our Team

Our Team

The pediatric urology team is led by a pediatric urologist with advanced training in both pediatric urology and endourology. This dual expertise supports comprehensive, minimally invasive treatment of urologic conditions in children. We also have a nurse practitioner as part of the clinical care team and a patient navigator who serves as a personal concierge and healthcare advocate. Experienced specialists play a vital role in coordinating care across multiple specialties; coordinating the scheduling of surgeries and pre-surgical workups; arranging follow-up appointments and maintaining clear, consistent communication to ensure a seamless patient experience.

 

   
 Michael Ost, MD  Abigail Teasley
 

Medical Director, Pediatric Urology, Muma Children's Hospital at TGH

Chief and Professor of Urology, USF Health Division of Pediatric Urology

Nurse Practitioner, Muma Children's Hospital at TGH and USF Health Division of Pediatric Urology

 

Conditions Treated

Conditions Treated

TGH’s pediatric urology program evaluates and treats the full range of urologic conditions affecting children from birth through age 18. Conditions treated include:

  • Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Ureter

    • Ureteral Pelvic Junction Obstruction (UPJO)

    • Ureteral Duplication

    • Ureterocele

    • Megaureter

    • Hydronephrosis

  • Kidney Masses and Cysts

  • Complex Stone Disease

  • Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)

  • Urachal Anomalies

  • Hernia and Hydrocele

  • Undescended Testis

We are committed to early diagnosis and timely intervention to support healthy growth and development. 

Surgical Options

Surgical Options

Treatment plans are personalized based on the child’s age, condition and overall health. Whenever appropriate, we emphasize minimally invasive approaches designed to promote faster recovery and excellent outcomes.

  • Robotic and Laparoscopic Kidney and Ureteral Surgery

    • Pyeloplasty

    • Ureteroureterostomy

    • Ureteral Reimplant

    • Nephrectomy

    • Cyst Decortication

  • Robotic Excision of Urachal Remnants

  • Incision of Ureterocele

  • Hernia and Hydrocele Repair

  • Orchiopexy

  • Percutaneous Renal Surgery and Ureteroscopy for Complex Stone Disease

Our surgical expertise in robotic and minimally invasive techniques allows us to treat complex urologic conditions with precision while prioritizing patient comfort and safety.

 

Why Choose Muma Children's Hospital

Why Choose Muma Children's Hospital

As part of an academic health system, the Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH’s pediatric urology program delivers access to research-driven care, advanced technology and multidisciplinary collaboration. Our approach integrates surgical innovation with comprehensive support services to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and their families.

Minimally Invasive Urologic Procedures

A defining feature of our program is expertise in minimally invasive surgery, including robotic, laparoscopic and endourologic techniques. These approaches typically allow for smaller incisions, reduced discomfort and shorter recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.

Continuity of Care Through Adulthood

TGH also offers a unique advantage in continuity of care. Because our pediatric urology team also offers services integrated within TGH’s Urology Institute, patients with complex or lifelong conditions—such as kidney cancer and renal and ureteral reconstruction needs—can remain within the same health system as they transition into adulthood. This is particularly important for patients who may not follow a traditional pediatric-to-adult care pathway.

Research & Clinical Trials

Research & Clinical Trials

TGH’s partnership with USF Health grounds the pediatric urology program in a research-driven, academic health system. Our leadership brings experience from advanced subspecialty training environments where innovation and evidence-based practice guide treatment decisions.

Through our connection to the TGH Urology Institute and academic partnerships, we remain focused on advancing surgical techniques, refining minimally invasive approaches and contributing to the future of pediatric urologic care.

Common Diagnoses & Procedures FAQs

Common Diagnoses

What is an undescended testicle?
An undescended testicle occurs when one or both testicles do not move into the scrotum before birth. Surgery (orchiopexy) may be recommended if it does not descend on its own.
What is a hydrocele?
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle that causes scrotal swelling. Many hydroceles resolve on their own, while others may require surgery.
What is vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)?
VUR occurs when urine flows backward from the bladder toward the kidneys, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
What is hydronephrosis?
Hydronephrosis is swelling of the kidney caused by urine backup. It is often detected before birth and may require monitoring or treatment.
What are recurrent urinary tract infections?
Repeated UTIs may indicate an underlying urinary tract condition that requires further evaluation.
What is phimosis?
Phimosis occurs when the foreskin cannot be retracted over the head of the penis. Most cases improve naturally, while some may require treatment.
What are penile adhesions?
Penile adhesions occur when the skin of the penis attaches to the glans (head of the penis), often after circumcision.
What is meatal stenosis?
Meatal stenosis is a narrowing of the urinary opening that can cause a deflected urine stream, spraying, or difficulty urinating.
What is a hernia?
An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall and may require surgical repair.
What is a varicocele?
A varicocele is an enlargement of veins around the testicle, typically seen in adolescents.

Common Procedures

What is an orchiopexy?
A surgical procedure to move an undescended testicle into the scrotum and secure it in place.
What is a hydrocele or hernia repair?
A procedure to correct fluid-filled swelling around the testicle or repair an inguinal hernia.
What is a circumcision?
Circumcision is a procedure to remove the foreskin, the skin that covers the tip of the penis. Circumcision may be performed for medical reasons.
What is a meatotomy or meatoplasty?
A minor procedure that widens the urinary opening to improve urine flow.
What are Deflux® injections?
A minimally invasive treatment for some children with VUR that can help prevent urine from refluxing into the kidneys.
What is ureteral reimplantation?
Surgery used to correct VUR by repositioning the ureter where it enters the bladder.
What is a pyeloplasty?
A surgical procedure to correct a blockage between the kidney and ureter and improve urine drainage.
What is a cystoscopy and/or ureteral stent removal?
A cystoscopy is a procedure that uses a small camera to examine the urethra and bladder without external incisions. During cystoscopy, a ureteral stent (a temporary tube placed between the kidney and bladder) can also be removed if one was placed during a previous procedure.
Will my child need anesthesia?
Most pediatric urology procedures are performed under general anesthesia to keep children comfortable and safe.
Can my child go home the same day?
Most pediatric urology procedures are outpatient surgeries, allowing children to return home the same day.
How long is recovery? 
Recovery varies by procedure, but most children return to school and normal activities within a few days to a few weeks.
When should I call the office after surgery? 

Please contact us if your child experiences:

  •     Fever

  •     Difficulty urinating

  •     Increasing redness or swelling

  •     Significant bleeding

  •     Severe pain not controlled by medication

Still Have Questions?

Our Pediatric Urology team is committed to providing expert, family-centered care. Contact us at (813) 821-8035 with any questions before or after your child's visit.