[Posterior urethral valves in the very young infant: rupture by balloon catheter]

A simple treatment of valves obstructing the posterior urethra in male neonates consists of breaking them by pulling a balloon catheter. This technique is preferable to instrumental manoeuvres, always delicate in such small urethras. In the case reported here a 28-months follow-up showed satisfactory results with regard to both renal function and urinary continence.