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Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Department of Urology

Congenital Genitourinary Disorders

A congenital anomaly is an anatomic variation present at birth that can cause health problems or affect how the body works.

Northwestern Medicine Urology provides comprehensive and continuous care for  congenital conditions of the genitourinary system.

Our goal is to provide effective and streamlined care for all complex congenital conditions of the genitourinary system, including

  • Spina Bifida
  • Exstrophy and Epispadias
  • Cloacal Anomalies
  • Neurogenic Bladder and Bowel
  • Ureteral Anomalies (Ureterocele, Duplicated Kidneys, Ectopic Ureter)
  • Vesicoureteral Reflux
  • Posterior Urethral Valves
  • Prune Belly Syndrome (Eagle Barrett Syndrome)
  • Hypospadias
  • Differences of Sexual Development

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 312.695.9694.

 Research

Dr. Diana Bowen is conducting research on the needs and outcomes of patients with congenital disorders in adulthood. Proper care of these patients requires vigilant follow-up throughout the patient's life, including longitudinal care as they transition from childhood to adolescence and then to adulthood. Dr. Bowen aim to identify the long-term needs of this population in order to improve care and quality of life for these patients.

Selected Media

In this podcast, Dr. Bowen discusses Northwestern's adult multidisciplinary Transitional Urology Program. They discuss a study that summarized perceptions and best practices for the care of adult spina bifida patients. They also share top recommendations for physicians or healthcare providers to consider when creating a successful transition experience and monitoring adults with these conditions, and how best to serve these populations most effectively. Listen here

In this Better Edge podcast episode, Mara Markzon, LCSW, clinical social worker in the Department of Urology, discuss their unique approach to discharge planning for patients undergoing complex urologic procedures. They also talk about how this approach has improved clinical outcomes and patient flow, and how it has reduced hospital length of stay and time to discharge. Listen here

Selected Publications

Long-term Kidney Outcomes in Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex: How Patients Present as Adults. Handa N, Bowen DK, Guo J, Chu DI, Kielb SJ. Urology. 2021 Aug. 

Complications in adulthood for patients with paediatric genitourinary reconstruction. Nettey OS, Bowen DK, Santiago-Lastra Y, Metcalfe P, Kielb SJ. World J Urol. 2020 Jun 11.

 Patient Care

Our approach to care will be tailored to your specific condition. We work with our network of providers in nephrology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, colorectal surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics and neurosurgery to develop a care plan that focuses on quality of life and independence. This multidisciplinary and collaborative approach helps to provide comprehensive and uninterrupted care for patients.

To learn more or make an appointment, please call (312) 695-9694 or visit the Congenital Urology Clinic of Northwestern Medicine.

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