Pre- and postoperative urographic findings in posterior urethral valves

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Radiology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are a common cause of bladder outflow obstruction in male infants.
• PUV can lead to upper urinary tract dilatation and impaired kidney function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review pre- and postoperative urographic findings in male infants with posterior urethral valves.
• To assess the impact of vesicoureteral reflux on kidney function and upper urinary tract changes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of urographic findings in 65 male infants diagnosed with posterior urethral valves.
• Assessment of bladder changes and vesicoureteral reflux implications.

Main Results:

• Preoperative kidney function impairment and upper urinary tract dilatation generally remained unchanged postoperatively.
• Marked vesicoureteral reflux was significantly associated with permanent kidney function loss compared to slight or no reflux.
• While upper urinary tract and bladder are typically affected, some PUV cases present with a normal bladder.

Conclusions:

• Vesicoureteral reflux is a critical factor in the long-term kidney function prognosis for patients with posterior urethral valves.
• Intravenous urography alone cannot exclude urethral abnormalities.
• Voiding cystourethrography should be a primary radiological investigation for suspected posterior urethral valves and bladder outflow obstruction.