Pediatric Programs | Urologic Surgery | UC Davis Health

Disorders of sexual development affect the growth and development of internal reproductive organs and external genitalia. Most cases are caused by differences in chromosomes, hormone production or hormone response.

At our clinic, a multidisciplinary team — including surgeons, endocrinologists, geneticists, child psychologists and specialized nurses — works together to provide children and families with comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to each child’s needs.

For questions about our clinic and team, please call our clinic coordinator at 916-734-8482.

Clinic Coordinator: Paula J. Wagner, R.N., F.N.P.-C, M.S.N

Disorders of bladder and bowel development can affect a child’s ability to urinate and have bowel movements. These conditions are often linked with other developmental differences, including those affecting the spinal cord, reproductive organs and external genitalia.

Our clinic brings together a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, endocrinologists, geneticists, child psychologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, fetal care specialists and nurses who collaborate to support children and their families.

For questions about our clinic and team, please call our clinic coordinator at 916-734-8482.

Clinic Coordinator: Paula J. Wagner, R.N., F.N.P.-C, M.S.N

Wagner is an active contributor and speaker at the California Bladder Exstrophy Support Team (California B.E.S.T.) Annual Campout, which features organized activities, crafts, speaker sessions, meals and support for patients and families. Families are invited to join this event, which is typically held in Toiyabe National Forest near South Lake Tahoe.

Survival rates among young cancer patients have improved dramatically over the past few decades thanks to advances in treatment. Unfortunately, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery can sometimes affect a young man’s ability to produce sperm or a young woman’s ability to produce or mature eggs. As a result, many cancer survivors face challenges in having biological children.

We provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for children and young adults facing a cancer diagnosis with treatment that may impact fertility. Our team includes pediatric and adult urologic surgeons, pediatric oncologists, reproductive endocrinologists, andrology lab staff and specialized nurses.

Our team offers guidance on:

• How cancer treatment may affect future fertility
• Options for sperm or egg retrieval and cryopreservation
• Long-term fertility planning as patients transition into adulthood

Urinary stones in children are uncommon and require specialized care. Pediatric stone disease differs from adult kidney stones because children often have identifiable chemical imbalances, higher recurrence rates, increased sensitivity to imaging radiation and smaller organ sizes that make surgery more challenging.

We provide comprehensive, family-centered care with attention to these unique considerations. Our multidisciplinary team includes urologic surgeons, pediatric nephrologists, nurses, registered dietitians and a social worker. We offer the latest minimally invasive treatments along with prevention programs tailored to each child.

For questions about our clinic and team, please call our clinic coordinator at 916-734-8482.

Clinic Coordinator: Paula J. Wagner, R.N., F.N.P.-C, M.S.N

Care Clinic Locations

Pediatric KIDney Stone Clinic – Lawrence J. Ellison Ambulatory Care Center (ACC)
This clinic evaluates children living with kidney stones to identify any associated urologic abnormalities and determine whether surgery is needed or observation is appropriate. First-time stone formers and new UC Davis Health patients are seen here.

Multidisciplinary Pediatric Stone Clinic – Glassrock Building
This clinic provides comprehensive care for children at high risk of recurrent kidney stones. A team of pediatric nephrologists, endourologists, a dietitian and a social worker collaborate to manage ongoing care, focusing on imaging surveillance, dietary guidance and medical prevention to reduce recurrence.

We work closely with the pediatric nephrology team to provide comprehensive care for children living with kidney and urinary tract conditions. Our specialists hold regular joint conferences to review complex cases and ensure the highest quality care.

Most children living with urinary tract disease do not require nephrology care, but for those who do, a strong multidisciplinary team is essential. Our program provides coordinated care for conditions such as renal failure, renal insufficiency, posterior urethral valves, reflux nephropathy and recurrent kidney stones through our Pediatric Kidney Stone Clinic.

Our nationally recognized nephrology and transplant teams lead advances in treatment and research for children living with chronic kidney disease. By bringing together nephrologists, urologic and transplant surgeons, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians and clinical nurses, we provide collaborative, patient-focused care designed to address even the most complex kidney and urinary tract conditions.

We work closely with the pediatric radiology team to ensure your child receives the most appropriate imaging for diagnosis and treatment planning. We hold regular joint conferences to review complex cases and maintain the highest quality of care.

Imaging decisions for children can be more complex than for adults. Children may have difficulty cooperating, are more sensitive to radiation and sometimes require anesthesia. Our team carefully balances the diagnostic value of each study with your child’s comfort, radiation exposure and safety.

All imaging is performed in a child- and parent-friendly environment by experienced, caring staff. Pediatric anesthesiologists and nurses are available to provide sedation when needed, ensuring your child’s experience is as safe and comfortable as possible.

UC Davis Children's Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children of Northern California offer one of the largest and most recognized spina bifida programs in the nation. Our multidisciplinary team of renowned physicians and surgeons has dedicated their careers to caring for children living with spinal cord disorders. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for families from the prenatal period through adulthood.

We bring together specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation, pediatric urology, pediatric orthopaedics and pediatric neurosurgery in a single, coordinated clinic at Shriners Hospital. Each specialty also offers individual clinics at both health care locations. Clinics are supported by social workers and nurses with expertise in spina bifida to ensure families receive holistic, coordinated care.

We provide on-site imaging and urodynamic testing, including X-rays, ultrasounds and urodynamics, so patients can receive multiple services in a single visit. We are national leaders in reconstructive bladder and bowel surgery for children with neurogenic disorders, offering the latest minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery.

Contact Information

• For health care professionals: To refer a patient, call 800-482-3284.
• For patients and families: For information about the clinic, call 916-734-2222, option 1.
• Shriners Hospital Spina Bifida Program: Call 916-453-2190 for details.

The Transitional Care Urology Program for Young Adults provides seamless care for young adults with congenital urologic conditions who require long-term follow-up. The program is a collaborative effort between UC Davis Health pediatric and adult urology teams, together with Shriners Hospital for Children of Northern California.

The combined multidisciplinary team includes specialists in voiding dysfunction, sexual medicine, infertility, men’s health, urogenital reconstruction, urinary stone disease and general and pediatric urology. We work closely with experts in physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurosurgery, internal medicine, gynecology, psychology and social work to ensure that the transition from pediatric to adult care is smooth, coordinated and fosters independence.

Comprehensive, Whole-Person Care

Our program addresses the full spectrum of care, including advanced surgical and medical treatments, nutrition, physical therapy, occupational therapy and strategies for maintaining a healthy, independent life. We focus on effective transition planning for adolescents moving from pediatric to adult urology care.

Common Conditions We Treat:

• Spina bifida and neurogenic bladder/bowel
• Bladder exstrophy or epispadias
• Cloacal anomalies
• Intersex or disorders of sex development
• Vesicoureteral reflux
• Hypospadias
• Prune belly syndrome
• Posterior urethral valves
• Urologic cancers diagnosed in childhood
• Other long-term urologic conditions diagnosed in childhood

Why Transitional Care Matters

Congenital defects affect the urinary tract more frequently than other organ systems and are often accompanied by long-standing bladder and bowel issues. These conditions can impact social life and overall quality of life. Our program ensures continuity of care through coordinated communication between pediatric and adult providers, helping patients achieve maximum independence and quality of life.

Coordination of Care

All new patients are reviewed in a transitional care case conference, which includes pediatric and adult urologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians and prior care providers from Shriners Hospital. Follow-up is led by an adult urologist with pediatric support as needed. Care is coordinated with specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurosurgery and other disciplines to ensure seamless management.

Program Leadership

• Jennifer Rothschild, M.D., M.A., M.P.H. – Adult genitourinary reconstructive urologist
• Eric A. Kurzrock, M.D., F.A.A.P. – Pediatric genitourinary reconstructive urologist

Daytime and nighttime wetting are common in school-age children and can be stressful for both children and their families. These issues, sometimes accompanied by constipation or recurrent urinary tract infections, require specialized care from a dedicated team of pediatric urologists and nurse practitioners.

Our clinic provides a comprehensive approach to voiding dysfunction. Your child’s care begins with an initial evaluation by a pediatric urologist or nurse practitioner, followed by a personalized plan that may include:

• Family education and behavior modification
• Timed voiding schedules and healthy stool elimination routines
• Stepwise evaluation for underlying conditions, such as vesicoureteral reflux or bladder dysfunction
• Advanced therapies, including biofeedback and pelvic floor rehabilitation

We emphasize ongoing communication with families and collaboration with your child’s pediatrician to ensure long-term success and help your child achieve confidence and dryness.