Dr. Antony Robert Charles is the Director & Chief Consultant at KinderSurge, Bengaluru, and a highly respected pediatric surgeon and pediatric urologist with over 25 years of experience. He specialises in pediatric laparoscopy, urological reconstructive surgeries, and neonatal surgical emergencies, delivering advanced, child-focused surgical care.
Internationally trained and deeply committed to ethical medical practice, Dr. Robert is known for combining clinical excellence with compassion. Beyond surgery, he is a TEDx speaker, medical ethicist, and the founder of the ChildFirst Foundation, working to ensure humane, ethical, and world-class healthcare for children.
Dr. Antony Robert Charles – Experienced Best Pediatric Surgeon in Bangalore providing expert surgical care for newborns, children, and adolescents with a compassionate, child-focused approach.
PUJ (Pelvi-Ureteric Junction) obstruction is one of the most common causes of kidney swelling in children and can be safely treated with a surgery called pyeloplasty. If your child has been found to have a swollen kidney, is not passing urine properly, or was diagnosed with hydronephrosis on an antenatal scan, Dr Antony Robert Charles — a specialist pediatric surgeon in Bangalore — offers expert, minimally invasive care with excellent outcomes. Parents across Whitefield, Marathahalli, Koramangala, Hebbal, and Sarjapur Road trust Dr Antony for their child’s urological health.
The pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) is the point where the kidney’s collecting area (the renal pelvis) connects to the ureter — the tube that carries urine to the bladder. When this junction is narrowed or blocked, urine builds up inside the kidney, causing it to swell. This condition is called PUJ obstruction or ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, and it leads to a condition called hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney with fluid).
PUJ obstruction is the most common cause of hydronephrosis in children. It can be detected before birth (antenatally) on an ultrasound scan, or it may become apparent after birth through symptoms. The good news: when treated in time by an experienced pediatric surgeon, children make a full recovery.
PUJ obstruction in children is a blockage at the junction between the kidney and the ureter. It causes the kidney to swell with urine (hydronephrosis) and is treated by a surgery called pyeloplasty. It is the most common surgical cause of kidney swelling in children.
Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are abnormal tissue folds inside the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) that occur only in boys. These folds act like a valve, obstructing urine flow from the bladder. This can cause:
Posterior urethral valves are a serious but treatable condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to protecting kidney function for life.
Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are abnormal tissue flaps in the urethra of baby boys that block urine flow. They can cause kidney damage if untreated. Treatment involves a minor endoscopic procedure to remove the valves.
Take your child to an emergency pediatric unit immediately if you notice:
Early intervention in these situations can prevent permanent kidney damage.
PUJ Obstruction:
Posterior Urethral Valves:
Other Causes of Urinary Blockage in Children:
If your child has been diagnosed with hydronephrosis, PUJ obstruction, posterior urethral valves, or is showing signs of urinary problems — the most important thing you can do right now is speak to a specialist.
Early evaluation protects kidney function and prevents complications. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
✅ Available for consultations across Bangalore ✅ Experienced in newborns, infants, and older children ✅ Minimally invasive surgical options ✅ Plain-language explanations for parents ✅ Structured long-term follow-up care
Emergency Contact — For urgent urological concerns
PUJ obstruction (pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction) is a blockage where the kidney meets the ureter. It prevents urine from draining freely, causing the kidney to swell (hydronephrosis). It is the most common cause of kidney swelling in children and is usually treated with a surgery called pyeloplasty.
Mild kidney swelling detected on antenatal scans is common and often resolves on its own after birth. However, it does need proper monitoring. A postnatal ultrasound and possibly a renogram will determine whether your baby's kidney is functioning normally and whether treatment is needed. Early detection is actually reassuring — it means the condition can be managed before it causes problems.
Signs include not passing urine for several hours, a weak or dribbling urine stream in boys, straining or crying while urinating, passing urine very frequently in small amounts, or a grossly swollen abdomen. These symptoms should be assessed by a pediatric specialist promptly.
Laparoscopic (keyhole) pyeloplasty is a well-established, safe surgery with a success rate above 95%. The hospital stay is typically 2–4 days. Most children recover quickly and return to normal activity within 2–3 weeks. It is performed routinely by Dr Antony Robert Charles in Bangalore.
Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are abnormal tissue flaps in the urethra of baby boys that block urine flow. They are treated with a quick endoscopic procedure (no skin incisions) in which the valves are precisely destroyed through a small telescope passed through the urethra. The procedure is available in Bangalore under the expert care of Dr Antony Robert Charles.
Yes — in most cases, kidney function either improves or stabilizes significantly after pyeloplasty. The earlier the surgery is performed, the greater the chance of kidney recovery. Long-term follow-up is important to monitor kidney health.
Surgery is recommended when kidney function on the affected side is reduced or declining, the hydronephrosis is severe or worsening, the child has repeated kidney infections, or there is significant pain. A specialist paediatric urologist will assess this using ultrasound and a renogram (nuclear medicine scan).
Yes. Dr Antony Robert Charles is a specialist pediatric surgeon in Bangalore with extensive experience in treating PUJ obstruction, posterior urethral valves, hydronephrosis, and all urological conditions in children. He serves families from across Bangalore, including Whitefield, Marathahalli, Koramangala, Hebbal, and Sarjapur Road.
Pyeloplasty can be performed at any age — including in newborns and infants when there is significant kidney damage or dysfunction. In less urgent cases detected antenatally, surgery may be planned at 3–6 months of age. Dr Antony tailors the timing and surgical approach to each child's specific situation.
Untreated PUJ obstruction can lead to progressive kidney damage, recurrent infections, kidney stones, high blood pressure, and in severe cases, loss of kidney function. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent these complications.
