The Whitaker hook in the treatment of posterior urethral valves

To assess the efficacy of the Whitaker diathermy hook in the treatment of posterior urethral valves (PUV).

Seventeen patients with PUV underwent primary treatment under general anaesthesia using a diathermy hook. The results were assessed by the clinical course of the patient, serial measurements of serum creatinine level and repeat cystography 6 weeks and 6 months after treatment.

There were no complications in 12 patients and they required no further treatment of the valves. Three patients required a repeat procedure which resolved the urethral obstruction. Two patients continued to show incomplete disruption of the valves and required endoscopic treatment. Two patients developed ureteric obstruction after disruption of the valves, which was treated by supravesical diversion and later reversed with no further treatment of the valves.

The Whitaker diathermy hook is a safe and effective instrument which has not gained its rightful place in the treatment of patients with PUV.