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Information for Parents

Posterior Urethral Valve (PUV)

  • What is this disease?

    • PUV is an abnormality of the urethra, which is the tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body for elimination. The abnormality occurs when the urethral valves, which are small leaflets of tissue, have a narrow, slit-like opening that partially impedes urine outflow. Reverse flow occurs and can affect all of the urinary tract organs including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. The organs of the urinary tract become engorged with urine and swell, causing tissue and cell damage. The degree of urinary outflow obstruction will determine the severity of the urinary tract problems.

  • How it is diagnosed?

    • The antenatal diagnosis is done by USG. Post natal diagnosis is confirmed by USG, MCU. The child needs nuclear scan in terms of DTPA and DMSA scans also, apart from blood tests.

  • How it is treated? 

    • Cystoscopy and fulguration of valves is done to manage these cases. These children need lifelong follow up to prevent renal failure.

  • When it should be operated?

    • The surgery for obstruction (cystoscopic fulguration of valves) should be done as early as possible, depending upon medical condition of the child. However, urinary catheter is a simple way of relieving obstruction in the period before cystoscopy.

  • Are there other alternative methods of treatment?

    • Medical management is not successful in relieving obstruction. Children may need urinary diversion.

  • What all I need to know before my child surgery?

    • Read “All you need to know before your child's surgery” information booklet in website

  • How is the surgery done?

    • In cystoscopy, a small pediatric cystoscope is passed through urinary orifice and the obstructing valve is fulgurated. Circumcision may be done at the same time, as it is known to reduce incidence of UTI.

  • Remarks

    • For more details of surgery, contact your surgeon

  • Related Photographs and videos

    • Few photographs of steps done by me and video link is given here for learning purposes

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