The protean aspects of posterior urethral valves

Thirty-six patients were evaluated and treated for posterior urethral valves. Of these patients 16 were mild valvular obstruction presented with voiding dysfunction, including 14 (88 per cent) whose symptoms resolved following transurethral valve fulguration. The excretory urograms were normal. The 10 patients with moderate sized valves had symptoms of urinary retention or urinary tract infections. Ureteral surgery was necessary in 4 patients. Following valve resection 6 of the 10 patients with severe valves were managed by diverting loop cutaneous ureterostomies. They did well clinically but dense urethral strictures developed in 3 patients. No other complications of valve resection were seen. Posterior urethral valves have protean aspects requiring individualized treatment.