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Pediatric Prune Belly Syndrome

Key Points About Prune Belly Syndrome in Children

  • Prune belly syndrome is a rare type of birth defect.
  • It includes three main problems. A child will have missing muscles or severely weak muscles in the belly. One or both testicles are not in the scrotal sac (undescended testicles). And the bladder is large, and there are problems with the kidneys and ureters.
  • A child with this syndrome often can't fully empty their bladder. This can cause serious bladder, ureter and kidney problems.
  • If your child has a mild case, they may take antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infections. But some children may need surgery.
  • Even with treatment, some children may develop kidney failure.
Children's Team

Children's Team

Providers

Hans Pohl

Hans Pohl

Division Chief, Urology
Urologist
Co-director, Spina Bifida Program
Daniel Casella

Daniel Casella

Director, Urology Fellowship
Medical Director, Informatics for Surgery
Urologist
Nadia Kalloo

Naida Kalloo

Medical Unit Director, Prince George's County
Urologist
Our Stories

Our Stories

Messiah in the car wearing sunglasses.

Messiah's Story

In October 2009, Tenia of Washington, D.C., gave birth to her son, Messiah. Thirteen years later, she gave him a chance at life again through living kidney donation.

Departments

Departments

Nephrology

Learn how our highly skilled team works across divisions to manage the full range of kidney diseases in children, including dialysis and kidney transplantation.

Urology

At Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., our pediatric urologists provide comprehensive care for disorders affecting reproductive and urinary organs.