The Reconstructive Pediatric Urology Program handles complicated congenital anomalies related to the kidney, bladder or genitalia. The conditions we treat include:
- Bladder exstrophy
- Epispadias
- Cloacal anomalies
- Urogenital sinus
- Vaginal anomalies
- Neurogenic bladder
- Ambiguous genitalia
- Prune belly syndrome
- Complex congenital anomalies of the kidney, bladder and genitalia
The program performs special reconstructive surgery procedures including:
- Bladder augmentation
- Bladder neck reconstruction
- Bladder neck sling
- Urogenital sinus mobilization
- Complex genital surgery
- Vaginal reconstruction and replacement surgery
- Artificial urinary sphincter
- Mitrofanoff procedure
- MACE procedure
- Robotic-assisted bladder reconstruction
In our multidisciplinary program, surgeons from the nationally-ranked Division of Urology collaborate with experts from pediatric surgery and plastic surgery to meet the specific needs of certain cases.
Readiness of the patient and family is a priority in our program. Consultation with Child Psychology is also available through our program as needed.
Why Choose Lurie Children's?
Complicated urologic cases require specialized surgical approaches. Elizabeth Yerkes, MD, and Earl Cheng, MD, are world-class, highly-experienced surgeons that provide excellent clinical care for the most complex cases. The program brings the specialists together to review and discuss each patient’s case, allowing two of the best pediatric urologic surgeons in the country to weigh in on your child’s condition. At times, the two even operate together on a single case.
A Reconstructive Pediatric Urology clinic is held with Dr. Yerkes and Dr. Cheng every two weeks. Appointments during the clinic are longer than a typical appointment, which allows for in-depth discussion of complex cases with families. We take the time to review the case and ensure you have all your questions answered. Each treatment plan is customized for the specific needs of the child and their condition.
Our Specialists
The Reconstructive Pediatric Urology Program is managed by Dr. Yerkes and Dr. Cheng. Both surgeons are board-certified in urology and pediatric urology. Dr. Yerkes and Dr. Cheng are on the faculty of the Department of Urology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Dr. Yerkes is an author of many articles and chapters on various topics in pediatric urology. She gives lectures and seminars for primary care providers and affected patients and families regionally and nationally on these subjects. Dr. Yerkes is also the current fellowship director for pediatric urology at Lurie Children’s and Northwestern University, a program with a long tradition of excellence.
Dr. Cheng is the author of over 100 papers, invited articles, and book chapters. Dr. Cheng's basic science research is in the areas of tissue engineering and bladder physiology. He is currently collaborating with Samuel Stupp, PhD, a leader in the field of nanotechnology and Arun Sharma, PhD, who heads the Basic Science Laboratory for Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine. Together, they are investigating different methods of promoting tissue specific regeneration in the urinary tract with an emphasis on bladder regeneration.
Make an Appointment
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