Overview of Congenital Genitourinary Anomalies

Congenital anatomic anomalies of the genitourinary tract are more common than those of other organ systems.

Urinary tract anomalies predispose patients to many complications, including urinary tract infection, obstruction, stasis, calculus formation, and impaired renal function. Congenital urinary tract anomalies discussed here are

• Bladder anomalies

• Prune-belly syndrome

• Renal anomalies

• Ureteral anomalies

• Vesicoureteral reflux

Genital anomalies may cause voiding or sexual dysfunction, impaired fertility, psychosocial difficulties, or a combination. Congenital genital anomalies discussed here are

• Cryptorchidism

• Urethral anomalies

• Penile anomalies

• Testicular and scrotal anomalies

• Vaginal anomalies

Genitourinary anomalies frequently require surgical intervention.

Many anomalies are diagnosed in utero via routine prenatal ultrasound. Some congenital renal anomalies (eg, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, medullary sponge kidney, hereditary nephritis) typically do not manifest until adulthood.