Pediatric Voiding Improvement Program

What is the Pediatric Voiding Improvement Program?

This is a comprehensive program for children and teens with bladder control problems (also known as voiding dysfunction). The Department of Pediatric Urology at Stony Brook offers effective and innovative solutions for improving voiding dysfunction. Our experts understand that such conditions are sensitive to a child's psychosocial as well as medical impact.

Our Approach:

The visit will start with a thorough evaluation by our pediatric urologist and nurse practitioner. Treatment plans follow a multidisciplinary approach and involve input from urologists as well as from other pediatric specialists as needed, including pediatric behavioral psychologists. If constipation is a factor, bowel issues also are addressed. As part of Stony Brook Children’s, the scope of expertise available to voiding improvement program (VIP) patients is unparalleled in the region.

Address: Technology Park, 24 Research Way, East Setauket, NY 11733
To schedule an appointment call (631) 444-6270, option 2


Conditions We Treat

  • Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)
  • Daytime wetting (urinary incontinence)
  • Urinary frequency
  • Prolonged urine-holding
  • Recurrent urinary tract infection
  • Various other voiding issues

To learn more about specific conditions - Click Here


Treatment Options

  • Behavior therapy
  • Biofeedback with Laborie Urostym® technology
  • Constipation relief strategies
  • Education on appropriate voiding routines
  • Medication management 
  • Noninvasive measurement of urine flow rates
  • Nutrition education
  • Treatment adherence and relapse prevention strategies
  • Ultrasound measurements of bladder size before and after emptying
  • Urinalysis and urine culture

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why did you develop the Voiding Improvement Program (VIP) center?

In our experience, voiding problems are most successfully approached from a perspective that addresses the full range of potential causes – behavioral as well as medical. Our program was designed to meet this need.

What age patients are referred to the VIP center?

Most of our patients are elementary school students but we also serve younger children as well as many teenagers.

What’s involved in biofeedback?

The physician’s assistant explains how to control the targeted muscles and the patient watches an age-appropriate, interactive, animated visual display, which provides feedback on his or her progress. Muscle movement is measured through electrodes placed under the clothing on the abdomen and buttocks. Urine flow rate (using a self–measuring receptacle) and an ultrasound bladder scan before and after voiding also may offer helpful information. All parts of the process are noninvasive and child-friendly. Motivation and willingness to participate are key factors in success. Practicing the exercises at home is important, too.

What’s the Laborie Urostym® system?

It’s the technology we use for biofeedback – the latest-generation system that can be customized to the age and gender of the patient. Urostym® is a state-of-the-art, center-based, noninvasive pelvic floor biofeedback system that provides effective treatment for lower urinary tract dysfunctions such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, constipation, urinary retention and voiding dysfunctions.

Why is constipation relief part of the treatment plan?

Many patients with bladder control issues also experience constipation. Treatment of constipation has been clinically proven to improve resolution of voiding dysfunction.


Our Experts

Wasnick Davis Ernst Ernst
Robert J. Wasnick, MD, FAAP, FACS Rachel Davis, MD Michael Ernst, MD Meagan Hartough, NP
Last Updated
07/31/2023