Effects of posterior urethral valves on long-term bladder and sexual function

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Seppo Taskinen1, Jukka Heikkilä, Risto Rintala

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Stenbäckinkatu 11, 00290 Helsinki, Finland. seppo.taskinen@hus.fi

Nature Reviews. Urology
|November 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Children with posterior urethral valves (PUV) often have bladder issues, leading to delayed toilet training. While adults treated for PUV experience more lower urinary tract symptoms, sexual function and fertility are typically normal.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Urologic Oncology

Background:

  • Posterior urethral valves (PUV) significantly impact bladder function from infancy through adulthood.
  • Abnormalities include poor bladder compliance, overactivity, urinary retention, and polyuria, often leading to renal issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term effects of posterior urethral valves (PUV) on bladder function, lower urinary tract symptoms, and sexual/fertility outcomes in adulthood.

Main Methods:

  • Review of patient history and clinical outcomes for individuals treated for PUV.
  • Analysis of bladder function, renal status, and urogenital development.

Main Results:

  • Patients treated for PUV exhibit a two-to-threefold higher incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms compared to healthy individuals.
  • Despite risk factors like cryptorchidism and renal failure, sexual function and fertility appear largely unaffected in most adult survivors.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term bladder dysfunction and increased lower urinary tract symptoms are common sequelae of PUV.
  • While risk factors for sexual and fertility issues exist, these complications are infrequent in the adult population treated for PUV.

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