Posterior Urethral Valves

Posterior Urethral Valves is a condition that affects the urinary system in male infants. It involves abnormal flaps of tissue in the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. These flaps block or slow down the flow of urine, causing problems with urination. This blockage can lead to bladder swelling, kidney damage, and urinary tract infections. The condition is present at birth and can cause serious health issues if not diagnosed and treated early. It mainly affects boys because the valves occur in the male urethra. The main health impact is difficulty emptying the bladder properly, which can harm the kidneys over time.

Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV) is a congenital obstructive anomaly characterized by the presence of abnormal valvular folds in the posterior urethra, typically arising from the prostatic urethra. These valves cause bladder outlet obstruction leading to increased intravesical pressure, urinary stasis, and subsequent hydronephrosis and renal dysplasia. The pathogenesis involves incomplete regression of the embryologic urogenital membrane. PUV is the most common cause of lower urinary tract obstruction in male neonates and can result in chronic kidney disease if untreated. Clinically, it presents with poor urinary stream, urinary tract infections, and signs of renal impairment. Early diagnosis and management are critical to prevent irreversible renal damage.