Duplication anomalies of the urinary tract
Rarely, a child is born with extra, duplicative parts of the urinary tract. This could mean an additional kidney, bladder, penis, ureter (tube that connects the kidney and bladder), urethra (tube that connects the bladder with the outside of the body), or other part.
What causes a duplication anomaly?
While there is some research on the individual varieties of duplication anomalies, overall there is no known cause for the duplications that can occur.
How is it treated?
Sometimes, the “extra part” is nonfunctional and harmless but in many cases the duplicate part interferes with the normal flow of urine and/or semen. In these cases, surgery is necessary.
About surgery for a duplication anomaly of the urinary tract at Children’s
The pediatric urology surgery team at Children’s provides next-generation care to neonatal infants, newborns, children, and adolescents from throughout the Upper Midwest. The team consistently performs some of the most cutting-edge surgical procedures available, including newborn surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and robotic surgery, when appropriate. Urologic surgery is performed at Children’s – Minneapolis, Children’s – St. Paul and Children’s – Minnetonka.
- If you are a family member looking for a Children’s specialist in urology surgery, please call the Center for Pediatric Urology at 1-800-992-6983.
- If you are a health professional looking for a consultation or referral information, please call Children’s Physician Access at 1-866-755-2121 (toll-free).