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Updated: Oct 15, 2025

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
A case of posterior urethral valve identified in an older child by straining to void
Hidenori Nishio1, Kentaro Mizuno1, Taiki Kato2
1Department of Pediatric Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.
Insights
Posterior urethral valves (PUVs) can be difficult to diagnose. Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is crucial for identifying PUVs, even in cases with subtle symptoms, leading to improved voiding function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Posterior urethral valves (PUVs) represent the most frequent congenital urethral obstruction in children.
- Accurate diagnosis of PUVs can present challenges, particularly in milder cases.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old male presented with straining during urination, despite lacking overt complaints.
- Uroflowmetry demonstrated a plateau-shaped curve, suggestive of obstruction.
- Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) definitively identified the presence of a PUV.
Findings:
- Transurethral incision of the identified PUV was performed.
- The patient experienced significant improvement in voiding status post-procedure.
Implications:
- Mild PUVs may not manifest with obvious urinary symptoms, potentially delaying diagnosis.
- VCUG should be considered a primary diagnostic tool when urethral lesions are suspected in pediatric patients.
- Early and accurate diagnosis through VCUG can prevent long-term voiding dysfunction.
Abstract:
Posterior urethral valves (PUVs) are the most common cause of congenital urethral obstruction. However, the diagnosis of a PUV is sometimes difficult. A 13-year-old Japanese boy and his mother visited our hospital, and his mother complained that he frequently strained to void although he had no complaint. Uroflowmetry revealed a plateau-shaped curve and a voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) revealed a PUV. Thus, we performed a transurethral incision of the PUV, and his voiding status improved. Because some patients with mild PUV may not notice their dysuria, we believe that VCUG should be performed without hesitation when a urethral lesion is suspected.
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