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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Surgical Management of Meatal Stenosis with Meatoplasty
Published on: November 30, 2010
Investigation and initial management of ambiguous genitalia
S Faisal Ahmed1, Martina Rodie
1Department of Child Health, Royal Hospital For Sick Children, University of Glasgow, Yorkhill, Glasgow G3 8SJ, United Kingdom. s.f.ahmed@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
Insights
Infants rarely have ambiguous genitalia; expert multidisciplinary evaluation is crucial for disorders of sex development (DSD). Paediatric endocrinologists lead systematic clinical assessment, requiring deep knowledge of pathophysiology and diagnostic tools.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Paediatrics
Background:
- Ambiguous genitalia in infants is rare, necessitating specialized care.
- Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) require a coordinated, expert approach.
- Multidisciplinary teams are essential for managing complex DSD cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of expert evaluation for infants with ambiguous genitalia.
- To highlight the central role of paediatric endocrinologists in DSD management.
- To underscore the need for comprehensive knowledge in diagnosing DSD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic clinical evaluation of infants with suspected DSD.
- Utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach for diagnosis and management.
- Leveraging knowledge of underlying pathophysiology and diagnostic tools.
Main Results:
- Expert-led, multidisciplinary teams are vital for evaluating and managing DSD.
- Paediatric endocrinologists play a key role in leading clinical assessments.
- Thorough understanding of pathophysiology and investigative tools is critical for accurate diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Infants with ambiguous genitalia require expert, multidisciplinary care.
- Paediatric endocrinologists are central to the systematic evaluation of DSD.
- Accurate diagnosis hinges on deep knowledge of disease mechanisms and available tests.
Abstract:
Infants rarely present with truly ambiguous genitalia and such children should be evaluated by experts who work within a multidisciplinary team that is dedicated for evaluation and management of children and adults with suspected and confirmed disorders of sex development. The paediatric endocrinologist who is a vital and often the central member of this clinical team not only needs to lead the clinical evaluation of the infant systematically but also needs to be sensitive to the needs of the infant, the parents and the rest of the team. A thorough knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology and the strengths and weaknesses of the investigative tools that are available for reaching a diagnosis is crucial.
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