Dr. Katie Willihnganz-Lawson, MD

Media Releases

Get to know Pediatric Urologist Dr. Katie Willihnganz-Lawson, who serves patients throughout the State of Minnesota. 

Dr. Willihnganz-Lawson brings her talents and skills as a pediatric urologist and reconstructive surgeon to the Twin Cities at Pediatric Surgical Associates, Ltd. She is available at the following clinic locations: Children’s Hospital and Clinics – Minneapolis, Children’s Hospital and Clinics – West, and Children’s Hospital and Clinics – St. Paul.

Enjoying all aspects of pediatric urology, she is especially interested in genitourinary reconstruction, sex development, neurogenic bladder and congenital anomalies of the urinary tract. She is also trained in minimally invasive robotic surgery, and uses a family-centered care model to engage her pediatric patients in both education and treatment. 

Growing up in Rochester, Minnesota, Dr. Willihnganz-Lawson attended and graduated with her medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2008. She completed her residency in urology at the University of Minnesota, and her fellowship in pediatric urology at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital. 

During her training, she researched surgical outcomes for patients with bladder exstrophy, vascular anomalies, and disorders of sex development. She has performed quality improvement projects and improved standardization of care and quality of life for pediatric urology patients. 

Recognized by Minnesota Monthly Magazine as a Top Doctor for 2019, Dr. Willihnganz-Lawson is board-certified in urology and pediatric urology by the American Board of Urology (ABU). The mission of the ABU is to act for the benefit of the public by establishing and maintaining standards of certification for urologists, and working with certified urologists to achieve lifelong learning to ensure the delivery of high quality, safe, and ethical urologic care. 

Among her professional affiliations, she is a member of the American Urological Association, a Candidate member of the Society for Pediatric Urology, and a Resident member of the Minnesota Urological Society. 

Additionally, she works in hospitals and clinics around the metro and surrounding suburbs, including Fairview Ridges Hospital and Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, and offers telemedicine consultations to reach families from all over the state.

Pediatric urology is a surgical subspecialty of medicine dealing with the disorders of children’s genitourinary systems. Pediatric urologists provide care for both boys and girls ranging from birth to early adult age. The most common problems are those involving disorders of urination, reproductive organs, and testes.

Recommended Articles

• Causes and Helpful Tips for Enuresis (Bedwetting)

  What is enuresis?Enuresis, also called nocturnal enuresis, is the medical term for bedwetting or urinating during sleep. Bedwetting is usually part of a child’s development. It is fairly common among children and is slightly more common in boys.Most children outgrow bedwetting without any...

• What Is Hydrocele Repair?

  Hydrocele repair is a surgical process that aims to correct the swelling of the scrotum that occurs as a result of hydroceles. A hydrocele is a painless buildup of fluid around the testicles. Fluid buildup causes the scrotum and the groin area to swell. This swelling can make you uncomfortable even...

• How to Prepare for Hydrocelectomy

  Hydrocelectomy refers to a surgical procedure done for the purpose of repairing or removing a hydrocele, a buildup of watery fluid around one or both testicles. This sac swells as fluid accumulates, causing discomfort but usually no pain. Since hydrocelectomy involves a sensitive part of the...

• What Are the Risks of Hydrocelectomy

  Hydrocelectomy, also called hydrocele repair, is a surgical procedure that aims to remove or repair a hydrocele, a sac of fluid that forms around a testicle, causing swelling and pain.Hydrocelectomy is like all other surgeries—risky, and one may get hurt during the procedure, react to the...

• What to Expect After a Hydrocelectomy

  Hydrocelectomy is a type of surgery that aims to correct the swelling that occurs in the scrotum. This procedure is done to repair a hydrocele.What is a hydrocele?A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac that is located around the testicles. The accumulation of fluid in the testicles is common, especially...

• What Is The Point of a Circumcision?

  What Is The Point of a Circumcision?Circumcision is one of the oldest social and cultural practices of man. Its origin is not known, but centuries of the removal of the foreskin has been practiced by many communities. Different communities hold various beliefs concerning circumcision.Some consider...