Posterior Urethral Valves
Access exceptional care for posterior urethral valves at Montefiore Einstein Urology at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM). As a leader in Urology, we are an academic-based referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For more than a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for genitourinary (GU) conditions.
Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists is passionate about uncovering diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate research-based treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. We are committed to ensuring your child will receive the best patient- and family-centered care in a supportive and nurturing environment.
When you want only the best for your child, turn to our dedicated providers who will develop a highly personalized treatment plan.
Montefiore Einstein offers the following content from Healthwise’s health information library.
What Are Posterior Urethral Valves
Posterior urethral valves are a rare congenital disorder of the male urinary tract, characterized by excessive tissue in the urethra. The extra tissue blocks the flow of urine and if left untreated, can result in a swollen bladder, ureter, and/or kidneys, which may lead to serious damage to the renal and urinary organs.
Causes of Posterior Urethral Valves
The cause of posterior urethral valves is unknown. This condition affects only male newborns.
Signs & Symptoms of Posterior Urethral Valves
Posterior urethral valves may be detected in the developing fetus, while some patients may not experience symptoms until many years after birth.
Symptoms vary widely according to the severity of the condition. They can include:
- Bladder dysfunction
- Difficulty urinating
- Enlarged bladder
- Hydronephrosis (fluid buildup in the kidneys)
- Impaired kidney function and kidney damage
- Painful urination
- New onset of bed-wetting
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Vesicoureteral reflux (backflow of urine into the kidneys)
Diagnosing Posterior Urethral Valves
Posterior urethral valves may be detected by ultrasound scans of the fetus and monitored until birth. Newborns and patients who experience symptoms later in childhood may require additional diagnostic tests, including:
- Bladder and kidney ultrasound scans
- Blood tests and urinalysis
- Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)—specialized X-rays of the urinary tract and bladder
- Endoscopic visualization of the urethra
- Urodynamics testing, which uses catheters to measure the pressures inside the bladder
Treating Posterior Urethral Valves
Treatment for posterior urethral valves typically involves a multidisciplinary team of pediatric urologists, pediatric nephrologists and pediatricians. Initial treatment is focused on allowing the urine to drain from the bladder. This may be accomplished with:
- Urethral valve ablation is performed to remove the excess tissue in the urethra and relieve the obstruction.
- Vesicostomy (performed on newborn patients who are too small for valve ablation). During a vesicostomy, the surgeon creates a temporary opening in the bladder to drain the urine, followed by continued monitoring post-surgery and well into childhood.
Following this initial procedure, children are then monitored closely by pediatric urology and nephrology to continually assess their kidney and bladder function. Care is individualized based on each patient’s needs and may involve a combination of medications, surgical treatments, or observation alone in order to ensure that your child’s kidney function and bladder function are optimized.