The development of pediatric urology — a subspecialty that deals with urinary tract and reproductive system problems in children — is inseparable from advances in the medical field throughout the 20th century, especially in the field of anesthesia. These advances made surgical procedures that previously could not be performed on infants and young children possible.
Prof. Dr. dr. Irfan Wahyudi, Sp.U(K), conveyed this in his professorial inauguration speech titled “Evolusi Urologi Pediatrik di Indonesia: Belajar dari Sejarah, Menghadapi Masa Kini, dan Menyongsong Tantangan Masa Depan” (The Evolution of Pediatric Urology in Indonesia: Learning from History, Facing the Present, and Welcoming Future Challenges). He was inaugurated as a professor in the field of Urology at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia (FKUI) at a ceremony held at the IMERI Hall, UI Salemba Campus, Jakarta, Saturday, September 28.
In his speech, Prof. Irfan explained that pediatric urology procedures at FKUI-Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) have been going on since the 1990s. However, special interest in this field only began in the year 2000, when dr. Arry Rodjani, Sp.U(K) was sent to study at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Australia.
“Since then, the pediatric urology team at FKUI—RSCM has continued to grow. Currently, the treatment of abnormalities such as undescended testis (UDT), hypospadias, and disorders of sex development (DSD) has become the main focus. In addition, congenital anomaly of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) also requires intensive treatment, especially in early detection and proper management,” said Prof. Irfan.
The spectrum of pediatric urology diseases treated by FKUI-RSCM is very broad, including urinary disorders, incontinence, urinary tract stones, urogenital trauma, and Wilms tumor. “This shows that pediatric urology is one of the most surgical fields at FKUI—RSCM,” he continued.
“However, the number of pediatric urology specialists in Indonesia is still lacking and not evenly distributed. Therefore, increasing competence through training, providing diagnostic facilities, and supporting financing through the National Health Insurance (JKN) is very important to ensure wider access to services,” said Prof. Irfan.
In addition, the use of technology is also his main concern. He explained that artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic surgery will play an increasingly important role in improving the accuracy and efficiency of pediatric urology treatment. One important innovation is the Aplikasi Skrining Kesehatan Organ Kelamin Anak (ASHOKA), or the Child Genital Health Screening Application, which has been developed to detect genital abnormalities in boys. “In 2024, Indonesia also successfully carried out the first telerobotic surgery in Southeast Asia,” he said.
Prof. Irfan emphasized the importance of national and international collaboration to support the development of this technology. In addition, the development of subspecialty education and broader training is needed to meet the increasing needs.
Specific Focus and Challenges in Indonesia
According to Prof. Irfan, the challenges faced by pediatric urology specialists in Indonesia are different from other countries due to the complexity and heterogeneity of the health system. “Currently, there are no urology specialists who only treat pediatric urology patients. Because the number of specialists is still limited, we are also needed to handle adult urology patients,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus in handling pediatric urology. “We need to continue to deepen, expand, and look further in handling pediatric urology patients,” said Prof. Irfan.
Before ending his speech, Prof. Irfan reminded the importance of ethics and empathy for prospective doctors and participants of the Specialist I Doctor Education Program. “This nation is in dire need of doctors who not only have the best abilities and competencies, but are also ethical and have empathy. Uphold and always apply the 9 Basic Values of the Universitas Indonesia in education, research, and service,” he said.
This professor actively publishes various scientific works. Some of his latest publications are “Hypospadias Risk Associated with Chronic Hypertension During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis,” “End-to-End Anastomotic Urethroplasty Outcome in Anterior and Posterior Traumatic Urethral Stricture: A Single-Center Experience,” and “Cystostomy Diversion Reduced Complications Following Hypospadias Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.”
The inauguration ceremony of the professor was led by the UI Rector, Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D. Also present was the President Director of PIK Hospital, dr. Silvanus Chakra Puspita, MARS; Director of Management of Siloam ASRI, dr. Grace Frelita, MM; and a number of professors from leading universities in Indonesia.
