Pediatric Reconstructive Urology Treatment in India

Olivia Singh is a bright and...

Olivia Singh is a bright and active 6-year-old who loves dancing and painting. She was born with a complex condition called bladder exstrophy, where her bladder formed outside her abdomen. Since birth, she has undergone multiple surgeries to close her abdominal wall and reconstruct her pelvis. Despite these efforts, Olivia continued to experience chronic urinary incontinence, needing to wear diapers full-time, which made her increasingly self-conscious as she started school. Her pediatric urologist, Dr. Chen, recommended a major reconstructive procedure called a bladder neck reconstruction combined with a Mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomy. This would create a new, continent valve for her bladder and a small, discreet channel to her belly button for clean intermittent catheterization. The 8-hour surgery was successful but required a 10-day hospital stay. Recovery was challenging, with pain managed carefully and Olivia learning the new catheterization routine with her parents. Six months post-op, Olivia is now completely dry during the day. She catheterizes herself every 4 hours through her belly button, a routine she calls her 'special button check.' Emotionally, the journey was grueling for Olivia and her family. Before, she felt different and isolated from her peers. Now, with her diaper gone and a manageable routine, her confidence has soared. She proudly wears leotards to dance class and feels like a 'regular kid,' with her family celebrating this monumental step toward a normal childhood.