Paediatric Urology
Reviewed by Mr Neil Haldar – August 2026
Children’s urological conditions and surgery
Paediatric urology covers conditions affecting the urinary tract, foreskin, penis, testes and scrotum in children and adolescents. I see children of all ages for assessment of common urological problems including foreskin concerns, undescended or retractile testes, hydrocoele, scrotal swelling, bedwetting and urinary tract infections. Surgery is recommended only when genuinely necessary.
I see children of all ages with urological conditions for consultations at various locations. Surgical procedures for children over the age of 3 are performed at The Clementine Churchill Hospital or Buckinghamshire NHS Trust. Children under 3 who require surgery, and children with complex paediatric urological conditions, are referred to specialist tertiary paediatric urology centres. I understand that a child’s diagnosis is often more anxiety-provoking for parents than for the child themselves — my approach is to explain everything clearly, answer every question, and ensure families feel fully informed and supported throughout.
For appointments, age criteria, procedures, hospital locations and what to expect, see my Private Paediatric Urology Clinic.
GMC: 3683914 | BUPA Platinum Consultant | MBBS MD FRCS (Eng) FRCS (Urol)
Conditions I treat in children
Undescended testes (cryptorchidism)
If a testis has not descended by 6 months of age, corrected for prematurity, referral is recommended. Orchidopexy is ideally performed between 6 and 12 months and by 18 months at the latest.
Circumcision
A non-retractile foreskin is usually normal in younger boys and does not require treatment unless it causes symptoms or develops scarring. Pathological phimosis may be treated initially with topical steroid treatment; circumcision or preputioplasty may be considered when symptoms persist, when there is recurrent inflammation, or where BXO is suspected.
Preputial adhesions
Preputial adhesions are usually a normal developmental finding and commonly resolve spontaneously. Treatment is generally only considered when persistent adhesions are genuinely symptomatic or associated with another foreskin problem.
Frenuloplasty
The frenulum is the small band of tissue on the underside of the penis connecting the foreskin to the glans. In some boys and young men, it can be abnormally short or tight — a condition called frenulum breve — causing pain, tearing, or restriction during normal activity. Frenuloplasty is a minor surgical procedure to lengthen the frenulum, performed under general anaesthetic as a day case. It is highly effective, and recovery is straightforward.
Hydrocoele
A fluid-filled sac around the testicle causes painless swelling of the scrotum. Most hydrocoeles in infants can initially be observed because many resolve spontaneously during the first year. Earlier assessment or treatment may be required if an associated hernia or testicular abnormality is suspected, while persistent hydrocoeles may eventually require surgical repair.
Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis)
A common and often distressing condition for children and families. Most children with bedwetting do not have a surgical problem. Management depends on the symptom pattern and may include advice on bladder and bowel habits, a bedwetting alarm, and medication such as desmopressin where appropriate. Children with daytime urinary symptoms, recurrent infections or other atypical features may need additional assessment.
Urinary Tract Infections in children
Children with recurrent, febrile or atypical urinary infections may require further assessment for underlying urinary-tract abnormalities or bladder and bowel dysfunction. The investigations needed depend on the child’s age, infection pattern and previous scan findings.
Varicocoele in adolescents
Abnormal dilation of the veins draining the testicle, most commonly occurring on the left side. Most adolescent varicocoeles can initially be monitored. Treatment may be considered where there is persistent testicular size discrepancy, significant symptoms or other concerns about future testicular function. In adolescents, treatment may be recommended if there is evidence of testicular growth discrepancy or discomfort. Options include surgical ligation or radiological embolisation.
When I refer to specialist paediatric urology centres
I manage common paediatric urological conditions within my defined scope. Children under 3 requiring surgery, and children with complex congenital urological conditions or suspected paediatric tumours, are referred to specialist tertiary paediatric urology centres.
A note for parents
I know that bringing your child to see a surgeon can be daunting. In most cases, the conditions I see children for are straightforward, well-understood, and highly treatable — many without any surgery at all. At every consultation, I take time to explain your child’s condition in plain language, discuss all options (including non-surgical management), and answer every question you have. There is never any pressure.
If surgery is recommended, I will explain exactly what it involves, what to expect on the day, and what recovery looks like. Most paediatric urological procedures are performed as day cases under general anaesthesia, meaning your child comes home the same day
My son’s testes haven’t descended — when should he be seen?
Orchidopexy (surgical correction of undescended testes) is recommended before the age of 18 months to protect fertility and reduce the small increased risk of testicular cancer. If your son’s testes have not descended by 6 months of age, please request a referral — the earlier the better.
Does my child need a GP referral to see Mr Neil Haldar privately?
No — you can self-refer for a private paediatric consultation by calling 07841 048975. Please mention at the time of booking that your enquiry is for a child
Will my child need a general anaesthetic for circumcision?
Yes — circumcision in children is always performed under general anaesthesia to ensure the procedure is pain-free and the child is unaware. It is a day case operation, and your child will go home the same day.
My son has a hydrocele — does it need treating?
In infants, most hydroceles resolve spontaneously in the first year of life and simply need monitoring. In older boys where the hydrocele persists or is causing symptoms, a simple day case surgical procedure under general anaesthesia is very effective.
Is paediatric urological surgery covered by health insurance?
Yes — I am recognised by the major private health insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Cigna and Vitality Health. Please contact your insurer for a pre-authorisation number before the consultation
Useful Resources:
The Pelvic Specialists – Please read my patient information articles on common urological conditions affecting children:
British Association of Paediatric Urologists (BAPU)
Why choose Mr Neil Haldar for paediatric urology?
- Experienced consultant urological surgeon with 20 years paediatric urology expertise
- Day case surgery — children go home the same day in most cases
- Clear, calm communication with children and their families
- Recognised by major private health insurers
- Urgent appointments available where clinically indicated
- 5-star patient and parent reviews
I am recognised by all major private health insurers. Please contact your insurer for an authorisation number before your consultation.
