Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV)

Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV) are congenital membranes in the male urethra that obstruct the flow of urine from the bladder, potentially causing urinary retention and progressive kidney damage. This rare anomaly occurs during fetal development and exclusively affects boys, with a prevalence of about 1 in 8,000 live male births.

The severity of obstruction may range from mild to severe, influencing how early the condition presents—some cases are identified in utero via prenatal ultrasound due to hydronephrosis, while others may appear later with symptoms like weak urine stream, urinary tract infections, or difficulties urinating.

PUV is the most common cause of bladder outlet obstruction in male children, with risks including chronic kidney disease, incontinence, and urinary tract infections. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging, and definitive management typically involves surgical valve ablation to relieve the obstruction and preserve kidney function.