Congenital and Acquired Conditions

At Henry Ford Health, we blend surgical expertise with the latest technology to offer innovative procedures for congenital (present at birth) and acquired urogenital conditions. A multispecialty team is by your side throughout treatment, tailoring your care plan to your unique and changing needs.

Surgery for congenital and acquired urinary tract problems: Why choose Henry Ford?

At the Henry Ford Vattikuti Urology Institute’s reconstructive urology program, you’ll find:

• Skilled surgeons: Our urologic surgeons have fellowship training in the latest procedures for urogenital anomalies, including single-port robotic urologic surgery. You have access to the latest treatment that may not be available elsewhere.
• Transitional care: Adult and pediatric urologists specialize in helping people with congenital anomalies of the urinary tract and genitals transition into adolescence and adulthood. Even if you’ve been treated in childhood, our experts evaluate your changing health needs at every stage of life.
• Focus on rehabilitation: Urologic surgeons work with experts in rehabilitation medicine, pelvic floor physical therapy and penile rehabilitation to plan your treatment. This collaboration means you have expert care at every stage of treatment and recovery. We can help you regain as much urinary and genital function as possible after surgery.

Congenital urogenital anomalies

Many congenital conditions of the kidneys, urinary tract and genitals are diagnosed and treated at birth. However, some people have persistent symptoms or develop new complications as they age. The reconstructive urologic surgeons at Henry Ford treat a wide range of urogenital anomalies using a combination of traditional and robotic surgical techniques.

Hypospadias repair

Hypospadias is where the opening of the urethra is located on the underside of the penis instead of the tip. It’s often accompanied by chordee, or congenital penile curvature.

Complications in adulthood from a previous hypospadias surgery may include:

• Urethral stricture: Scar tissue in the urethra can make it difficult to urinate or empty your bladder.
• Urethrocutaneous fistula: An abnormal opening between your urethra and the skin of your groin can cause urine leakage.

We offer a variety of minimally invasive techniques to treat symptoms of persistent hypospadias. Our surgeons use single-port robot assisted surgery to close fistulas and remove scar tissue from the urethra. Learn more about our innovative treatments for urinary strictures.

Duplicated urethra

A duplicated, or extra, urethra is a rare congenital condition. It may cause a range of symptoms ranging from incontinence or difficulty urinating to frequent infections.

Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to fix a duplicated urethra in adults. They can also correct complications from a past surgery. This minimally invasive approach reduces the potential for post-surgical complications such as fistulas, scar tissue or a urethral diverticulum (pouch that forms along the urethra).

Vaginal agenesis

Vaginal agenesis is the incomplete formation of the vagina during fetal development. Also called Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, the condition might not be diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood.

Urologic reconstructive surgeons collaborate with female pelvic medicine and reconstructive specialists to create the right treatment plan for your needs. In some cases, we can use robotic techniques and skin grafting to perform vaginoplasty (repair or reconstruction of the vagina).

Acquired urogenital anomalies

Urologic reconstructive surgeons, plastic surgeons and other experts work together to repair genital or urinary tract problems that develop over time.

Buried penis

Buried penis occurs when the penis and scrotum are hidden under skin folds. It might be the result of obesity, major weight loss or other health conditions. It can lead to frequent infections, skin lesions, sexual dysfunction and urinary problems.

Buried penis surgery may include:

• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery)
• Scrotoplasty (scrotum repair or creation)
• Phalloplasty (penis repair or creation)

Urologic reconstruction surgeons and plastic surgeons perform these complex procedures using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.

Genital hidradenitis suppurativa (GHS)

Genital hidradenitis suppurativa can cause painful boils or open sores on the skin around the genitals in men and women. Urologic reconstructive surgeons, plastic surgeons, gynecologic surgeons and dermatologists work together to determine if skin grafting is the right treatment for you.